Isolation and Characterization of Dromedary Camel Coronavirus UAE-HKU23 from Dromedaries of the Middle East: Minimal Serological Cross-Reactivity between MERS Coronavirus and Dromedary Camel Coronavirus UAE-HKU23

PubMed Central

Woo, Patrick C. Y.; Lau, Susanna K. P.; Fan, Rachel Y. Y.; Lau, Candy C. Y.; Wong, Emily Y. M.; Joseph, Sunitha; Tsang, Alan K. L.; Wernery, Renate; Yip, Cyril C. Y.; Tsang, Chi-Ching; Wernery, Ulrich; Yuen, Kwok-Yung

2016-01-01

Recently, we reported the discovery of a dromedary camel coronavirus UAE-HKU23 (DcCoV UAE-HKU23) from dromedaries in the Middle East. In this study, DcCoV UAE-HKU23 was successfully isolated in two of the 14 dromedary fecal samples using HRT-18G cells, with cytopathic effects observed five days after inoculation. Northern blot analysis revealed at least seven distinct RNA species, corresponding to predicted subgenomic mRNAs and confirming the core sequence of transcription regulatory sequence motifs as 5′-UCUAAAC-3′ as we predicted previously. Antibodies against DcCoV UAE-HKU23 were detected in 58 (98.3%) and 59 (100%) of the 59 dromedary sera by immunofluorescence and neutralization antibody tests, respectively. There was significant correlation between the antibody titers determined by immunofluorescence and neutralization assays (Pearson coefficient = 0.525, p < 0.0001). Immunization of mice using recombinant N proteins of DcCoV UAE-HKU23 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), respectively, and heat-inactivated DcCoV UAE-HKU23 showed minimal cross-antigenicity between DcCoV UAE-HKU23 and MERS-CoV by Western blot and neutralization antibody assays. Codon usage and genetic distance analysis of RdRp, S and N genes showed that the 14 strains of DcCoV UAE-HKU23 formed a distinct cluster, separated from those of other closely related members of Betacoronavirus 1, including alpaca CoV, confirming that DcCoV UAE-HKU23 is a novel member of Betacoronavirus 1. PMID:27164099

Fertility after uterine artery embolization: a review.

PubMed

McLucas, Bruce; Voorhees, William D; Elliott, Stephanie

2016-01-01

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) research has largely been focused on women over 40 years, yet women of reproductive age undergo UAE without any increased morbidity. Some physicians refrain from recommending UAE to women in this age group because of some research findings showing a negative effect on fertility. This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the fertility potential of women undergoing UAE, in terms of pregnancy rates and complications as well as ovarian function and reserve. Findings indicate many benefits for women desiring fertility who undergo UAE over traditional myomectomy.

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

Worthington-Kirsch, Robert L., E-mail: rkirsch@vascularcenters.com; Siskin, Gary P.; Hegener, Paul

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of acrylamido polyvinyl alcohol microspheres (a-PVAM) as an embolic agent for uterine artery embolization (UAE) compared with Tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (TAGM).Design, Setting, ParticipantsProspective randomized double-blind noninferiority trial. Conducted at two sites both with regional UAE practices. Forty-six women with symptomatic leiomyomas.InterventionUAE procedure was performed with either of the two embolic agents. Either 700-900-{mu}m a-PVAM or 500-700-{mu}m TAGM was used.Main Outcome MeasuresChanges in leiomyoma perfusion, overall uterine volume, and dominant leiomyomas volume measured by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after UAE by a reader blinded to the embolic agentmore » used. Changes in Uterine Fibroid Symptoms and Quality of Life questionnaire scores were measured at 3, 6, and 12 months after UAE. Results: Forty-six patients were randomized and treated under the study protocol (a-PVAM n = 22, TAGM n = 24). There were no procedure-related complications. Two patients were excluded from analysis (one technical failure of the procedure, one withdrawal from study). Successful (>90%) leiomyoma devascularization was observed in 81% of subjects at 1 week after UAE, 97% at 3 months after UAE, and 95% at 6 months after UAE. No significant differences were observed in 14 of 15 outcome measurements, consistent with noninferiority. TAGM was slightly superior to a-PVAM on one comparison (overall quality of life at 3 months after UAE).« less

Nursing in the United Arab Emirates: an historical background.

PubMed

El-Haddad, M

2006-12-01

To gain a better understanding of some of the factors that may be contributing to the shortage of national nurses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Approximately 3% of the UAE nursing workforce are currently nationals, which explains the UAE dependency on transient expatriate nurses. Even though Emirati women have been recently empowered to join the national workforce, not many have joined the nursing profession. Several factors may be contributing, in varying degrees, to this predicament. The socio-economic factors as well as the cultural and religious customs that have shaped the country and its people are examined. Hence, the historical background to the establishment of the UAE, women in Islam, the first nurse in Islam, the development of nursing in the UAE and the Emirates Nursing Association are considered. Factors contributing to the limited number of UAE nationals in the nursing profession include, but are not limited to: the low status of nursing in the UAE; the variations in basic nursing programmes in the country; the lack of Arabic educational resources; the affluent life style of UAE nationals as well as the strict cultural norms and religious values by which they live. As the need to nationalize the nursing workforce in the UAE is paramount, these issues and other perceived barriers from the perspective of Emirati nurses need to be explored and addressed.

Coherent and incoherent phase stabilities of thermoelectric rocksalt IV-VI semiconductor alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doak, Jeff W.; Wolverton, C.

2012-10-01

Nanostructures formed by phase separation improve the thermoelectric figure of merit in lead chalcogenide semiconductor alloys, with coherent nanostructures giving larger improvements than incoherent nanostructures. However, large coherency strains in these alloys drastically alter the thermodynamics of phase stability. Incoherent phase stability can be easily inferred from an equilibrium phase diagram, but coherent phase stability is more difficult to assess experimentally. Therefore, we use density functional theory calculations to investigate the coherent and incoherent phase stability of the IV-VI rocksalt semiconductor alloy systems Pb(S,Te), Pb(Te,Se), Pb(Se,S), (Pb,Sn)Te, (Sn,Ge)Te, and (Ge,Pb)Te. Here we use the term coherent to indicate that there is a common and unbroken lattice between the phases under consideration, and we use the term incoherent to indicate that the lattices of coexisting phases are unconstrained and allowed to take on equilibrium volumes. We find that the thermodynamic ground state of all of the IV-VI pseudobinary systems studied is incoherent phase separation. We also find that the coherency strain energy, previously neglected in studies of these IV-VI alloys, is lowest along [111] (in contrast to most fcc metals) and is a large fraction of the thermodynamic driving force for incoherent phase separation in all systems. The driving force for coherent phase separation is significantly reduced, and we find that coherent nanostructures can only form at low temperatures where kinetics may prohibit their precipitation. Furthermore, by calculating the energies of ordered structures for these systems we find that the coherent phase stability of most IV-VI systems favors ordering over spinodal decomposition. Our results suggest that experimental reports of spinodal decomposition in the IV-VI rocksalt alloys should be re-examined.

Fertility after uterine artery embolization: investigation using a sheep model.

PubMed

Yamagami, Takuji; Yoshimatsu, Rika; Matsumoto, Tomohiro; Anzai, Hiroshi; Yoshizawa, Masahiro; Fukui, Yutaka; Nishimura, Tsunehiko

2010-04-01

To investigate the influence of uterine artery embolization (UAE) on fertility after bilateral UAE with either tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (TAGM) or gelatin particles (GP). Six ewes that underwent UAE with TAGM, 6 ewes that underwent UAE with GP, and 6 control ewes were compared. After hormonal synchronization of the menstrual cycle, artificial insemination (AI) was performed. When pregnancy did not result, ewes were naturally inseminated. After AI, progesterone concentrations in blood increased and were maintained at >1.0 ng/mL in 9 ewes (3 per group). Three ewes became pregnant after AI. The abortion rate was higher in the UAE group. The remaining 15 sheep were naturally inseminated, with 14 delivering 15 lambs. Mean period of term gestation in UAE group ewes was 155.7 versus 158.6 days in control group ewes. Lambs' body weight, body length, and withers height after birth did not differ between those from UAE group and control group. Lambs from ewes embolized with GP tended to be smaller and had lower body weight than those from other groups. Uterine artery embolization influenced reproductive ability in sheep and UAE with GP could lead to intrauterine growth retardation.

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

Hehenkamp, Wouter J.K.; Volkers, Nicole A.; Birnie, Erwin

Purpose. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) and hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids by means of a randomized controlled trial. The present paper analyses short-term outcomes, i.e., pain and return to daily activities. Methods. Patients were randomized (1:1) to UAE or hysterectomy. Pain was assessed during admission and after discharge, both quantitatively and qualitatively, using a numerical rating scale and questionnaires. Time to return to daily activities was assessed by questionnaire. Results. Seventy-five patients underwent hysterectomy and 81 patients underwent UAE. UAE patients experienced significantly less pain during the first 24 hr after treatment (pmore » = 0.012). Non-white patients had significantly higher pain scores. UAE patients returned significantly sooner to daily activities than hysterectomy patients (for paid work: 28.1 versus 63.4 days; p < 0.001). In conclusion, pain appears to be less after UAE during hospital stay. Return to several daily activities was in favor of UAE in comparison with hysterectomy.« less

Blood pressure control is similar in treated hypertensive patients with optimal or with high-normal albuminuria.

PubMed

Oliveras, Anna; Armario, Pedro; Lucas, Silvia; de la Sierra, Alejandro

2014-09-01

Although elevated urinary albumin excretion (UAE) is associated with cardiovascular prognosis and high blood pressure (BP), it is unknown whether differences in BP control could also exist between patients with different grades of UAE, even in the normal range. We sought to explore the association between different levels of UAE and BP control in treated hypertensive patients. A cohort of 1,200 treated hypertensive patients was evaluated. Clinical data, including 2 office BP measurements and UAE averaged from 2 samples, were recorded. Albuminuria was categorized into 4 groups: G0 (UAE <10mg/g), G1 (UAE 10-29 mg/g), G2 (UAE 30-299 mg/g), and G3 (UAE ≥300 mg/g). Forty-three percent of patients had systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg. Median UAE was significantly higher (20.3 vs. 11.7 mg/g; P < 0.001) in these patients than in controlled hypertensive patients (BP<140/90 mm Hg). When UAE was categorized into the 4 groups, there were differences in BP control among groups (P < 0.001).The proportion of noncontrolled patients in G2 (52.3%) was significantly higher than in G0 (36.8%) and G1 (41.5%) (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Importantly, no significant differences were observed between G0 and G1 (P = 0.18) or between G2 and G3 (P = 0.48). With G0 as the reference group, the odds ratio of lack of BP control for the G2 group after adjustment for confounders was 1.40 (95% confidence interval =1.16-1.68; P < 0.001). Lack of BP control is more prevalent among patients with microalbuminuria than in patients with normoalbuminuria. No significant difference was seen between patients with optimal or high-normal UAE. © American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2014. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Ovarian function after uterine artery embolization and hysterectomy.

PubMed

Healey, Sarah; Buzaglo, Karen; Seti, Laurent; Valenti, David; Tulandi, Togas

2004-08-01

To evaluate the effect of uterine artery embolization (UAE) and hysterectomy on ovarian function. Prospective case control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). University teaching hospital. Eighty-four healthy premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine myoma(s) undergoing UAE or hysterectomy. Patients had blood drawn to measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) levels and underwent transvaginal ultrasound to measure volume of the myoma(s) and uterus on cycle day 3 before the procedures. These measurements were repeated 3 and 6 months after treatment. The main outcome was the differences in serum FSH, LH, E2, and ultrasound findings before and after UAE or hysterectomy. Of the 68 patients who underwent UAE and 16 who underwent hysterectomy, 48 and 13 respectively, completed 6-month follow-up. The mean age of the patients in the UAE group was 44.9 +/- 3.8 years and 43.7 +/- 5.6 years in the hysterectomy group. There was no significant difference in serum FSH before (8.9 +/- 0.7 IU/L) and 6 months after UAE (9.9 +/- 1.0 lU/L), and between the baseline (10.4 +/- 1.8 lU/L) and 6 months posthysterectomy (7.8 +/- 1.8 lU/L). The uterine volume 6 months after UAE (361 +/- 50 mL) was significantly smaller than before UAE(538 +/- 38mL; p =.005, 95% CI 44-241). Compared with baseline (154 +/- 20 mL), the dominant myoma volume was smaller at 6 months after UAE (97 +/- 16 mL; p <.05, 95% CI 1.57-62). Uterine artery embolization is associated with a significant reduction in myoma and uterine volume. Ovarian function at 6 months, as indicated by day 3 FSH levels, is not affected by UAE or hysterectomy.

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

Froeling, V., E-mail: Vera.Froeling@charite.de; Scheurig-Muenkler, C., E-mail: Christian.Scheurig@charite.de; Hamm, B., E-mail: Bernd.Hamm@charite.de

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcome for uterine adenomyosis with or without uterine leiomyomata 40 months after uterine artery embolization (UAE). Methods: Forty women aged 39-56 years (median 46 years) with symptomatic uterine adenomyosis and magnetic resonance imaging findings of uterine adenomyosis with or without combined uterine leiomyomata underwent UAE. Self-perceived changes in clinical symptoms were assessed, and residual symptom severity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after UAE were evaluated. Clinical failure was defined as no symptomatic improvement or second invasive therapy after UAE. Results were stratified by the extent of uterine adenomyosis at baseline magnetic resonance imaging. Results:more » Patients were followed for a median of 40 months (range 5-102 months). UAE led to symptomatic control after UAE in 29 (72.5%) of 40 patients while 11 women underwent hysterectomy (n = 10) or dilatation and curettage (n = 1) for therapy failure. No significant difference between women with pure uterine adenoymosis and women with uterine adenomyosis combined with uterine leiomyomata was observed. Best results were shown for UAE in uterine adenomyosis with uterine leiomyomata predominance as opposed to predominant uterine adenomyosis with minor fibroid disease (clinical failure 0% vs. 31.5%, P = 0.058). Throughout the study group, HRQOL score values increased and symptom severity scores decreased after UAE. Least improvement was noted for women with pure adenomyosis. Conclusions: UAE is clinically effective in the long term in most women with uterine adenomyosis. Symptomatic control and HRQOL were highest in patients with combined disease of uterine adenomyosis but leiomyomata predominance.« less

Instrument development in the measurement of unsupported arm exercise endurance in normal adult subjects.

PubMed

Breslin, E H; Adams, E; Lutz, A; Roy, C

1993-06-01

Many daily activities, from basic grooming to employment tasks, require adequate unsupported arm endurance (UAE). We developed an electromechanical device to measure UAE endurance. The purpose of this study was to standardize the instrument for two rates of arm motion, moderate and slow, in 18 normal adult subjects (FEVI = 3.7L +/- .78, FVC = 4.2L +/- .74, FEV1/FVC = 1.1 +/- .08). Exercise endurance limits, and the following metabolic, ventilatory, and sensation responses were determined at rest prior to exercise and at end-exercise limits for both rates of UAE:minute ventilation (Ve), tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), duty cycle (Ti/Ttot), oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), inspiratory flow (VT/Ti), heart rate (HR), and visual analog scale measurements (VAS) of dyspnea (D), respiratory effort (RE), and arm fatigue (AF). Significance increases from baseline rest were shown at the endurance limits for both rates of UAE in: VO2, VCO2, Ve, VT, RR, VT/Ti, HR, VAS-D, VAS-RE, and VAS-AF. There were no changes in Ti/Ttot and SaO2 with UAE. Peak VO2, RR, Ve, VT/Ti, and VAS-D with moderate exercise were significantly greater than slow UAE; and there was a trend increase in peak HR for moderate as opposed to slow rate UAE. Despite these differences, the endurance time between the two rates of UAE were similar. These data provide standards against which UAE in COPD can be evaluated.

The redox chemistry of neptunium in γ-irradiated aqueous nitric acid in the presence of an organic phase

DOE PAGES

Mincher, Bruce J.; Precek, Martin; Paulenova, Alena

2015-10-17

The radiolytic changes in oxidation state for solutions of initially Np(V) and/or Np(VI) were investigated by gamma-irradiation in conjunction with UV/Vis spectroscopy of the aqueous phase. Samples were irradiated in varying concentrations of nitric acid, and with or without the presence of 30% TBP in dodecane. At short irradiation times Np(V) was oxidized to Np(VI), even in the presence of the organic phase. Upon the radiolytic production of sufficient amounts of nitrous acid, reduction of Np(VI) to Np(V) occurred in both phases. This was accompanied by stripping of the previously extracted Np(VI). Nitric acid concentrations of 6 M mitigated thismore » reduction.« less

The redox chemistry of neptunium in γ-irradiated aqueous nitric acid in the presence of an organic phase

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

Mincher, Bruce J.; Precek, Martin; Paulenova, Alena

The radiolytic changes in oxidation state for solutions of initially Np(V) and/or Np(VI) were investigated by gamma-irradiation in conjunction with UV/Vis spectroscopy of the aqueous phase. Samples were irradiated in varying concentrations of nitric acid, and with or without the presence of 30% TBP in dodecane. At short irradiation times Np(V) was oxidized to Np(VI), even in the presence of the organic phase. Upon the radiolytic production of sufficient amounts of nitrous acid, reduction of Np(VI) to Np(V) occurred in both phases. This was accompanied by stripping of the previously extracted Np(VI). Nitric acid concentrations of 6 M mitigated thismore » reduction.« less

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction May Not Be a Better Alternative Approach than Conventional Boiling for Extracting Polysaccharides from Herbal Medicines.

PubMed

Yip, Ka-Man; Xu, Jun; Tong, Wing-Sum; Zhou, Shan-Shan; Yi, Tao; Zhao, Zhong-Zhen; Chen, Hu-Biao

2016-11-18

In clinical practice polysaccharides from herbal medicines are conventionally prepared by boiling water extraction (BWE), while ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has often been used instead employed in laboratory research due to its strong extraction ability and efficiency. However, if and how the polysaccharides obtained by UAE and BWE are comparable, and hence whether the UAE-based research is instructive for the actual usage of herbal polysaccharides still requires further evaluation. To address this issue, here we chemically analyzed and compared the UAE- and BWE-obtained polysaccharides from three herbal medicines, i.e., Ginseng Radix, Astragali Radix and Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis. Then, the spike recovery of two series of standard dextran and pullulan by UAE and BWE was tested. The results showed that the polysaccharides from the herbal medicines by UAE were quantitatively and qualitatively different with those by BWE. The powerful extraction ability and polysaccharide degradation caused by ultrasound collectively contributed to these differences. It was then revealed that not only the UAE conditions but also the polysaccharide structures could affect the extraction ability and polysaccharide degradation. Given these, we highly recommended that the effects of UAE on polysaccharides from herbal medicines should be first carefully considered before employing it in relevant chemical and pharmacological analysis.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-25

political participation, entrepreneurship , legal reform, civil society, independent media, and international trade law compliance—funded largely by State...divorce cases and other family law issues. As of December 2011, UAE women are allowed to pass on their citizenship to their children —the first GCC state to...used to rebuild hospitals and provide medical treatment to Iraqi children in the UAE. Bilateral trade was estimated at about $5 billion, and UAE

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

Martin, Jason, E-mail: Jason.martin@medportal.ca; Bhanot, Kunal, E-mail: Kunal.Bhanot@medportal.ca; Athreya, Sriharsha, E-mail: harshavbs@yahoo.com

To perform a literature review of the spectrum of complications associated with UAE relative to surgery and compare the risk of reintervention as well as minor, major, and overall complications. Literature review was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases, and meta-analysis was performed. In randomized clinical trials, common complications were discharge and fever (4.00 %), bilateral uterine artery embolization (UAE) failure (4.00 %), and postembolization syndrome (2.86 %). Two trials showed a significantly decreased risk in major complications with UAE, with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.07143 (0.009426-0.5413) and 0.5196 (0.279-0.9678). None of the trials showed a significant differencemore » in OR for minor complications of UAE. None of the trials showed a significant difference in risk for overall complications of UAE. Three trials showed a significantly increased risk for reintervention with UAE with ORs of 10.45 (2.654-41.14), 2.679 (1.289-5.564), and 9.096 (1.269-65.18). In 76 nonrandomized studies, common complications were amenorrhea (4.26 %), pain (3.59 %), and discharge and fever (3.37 %). In 41 case studies, common complications were discharge and fever (n = 22 cases), repeat UAE (n = 6 cases), and fibroid expulsion (n = 5 cases). Overall, UAE has a significantly lower rate of major complications relative to surgery, but it comes at the cost of increased risk of reintervention in the future. Educating patients about the rate and types of complications of UAE versus surgery, as well as the potential for reintervention, should help the patient and clinician come to a reasoned decision.« less

MISR UAE Products

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2016-11-25

United Arab Emirates - Unified Aerosol Experiment (UAE 2 ) 2004 The United Arab Emirates-Unified Aerosol Experiment (UAE2) 2004 field campaign scheduled ... 2004 targets the coastal and desert regions of the United Arab Emirates. The main scientific goal is to evaluate and improve satellite ...

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

Katsumori, Tetsuya, E-mail: katsumo@eurus.dti.ne.jp; Kasahara, Toshiyuki; Kin, Yoko

Purpose. To assess uterine artery recanalization, together with tumor devascularization, after embolization using gelatin sponge particles alone for fibroids. Methods. Twenty-seven patients underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) for fibroids using only gelatin sponge particles. The angiographic endpoint of embolization was defined as near stasis of contrast medium in the ascending segment of the uterine artery. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) before and 4 months after UAE, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) before, 1 week after, and 4 months after UAE. The visualization of the uterine arteries before and 4 months after UAE was assessed using MRA.more » The infarction rates of the largest tumor were assessed using CE-MRI 1 week after UAE. Results. MRA 4 months after UAE showed 100% (53/53) of the descending and transverse segments, and 88% (43/49) of the ascending segments that had been noted on baseline MRA. The visualization of the ascending segments on MRA 4 months after UAE was identical to that on baseline MRA in 20 of 27 patients (74%). CE-MRI showed complete infarction of the largest tumor in 22 of 27 patients (81%), and 90-99% infarction of the largest tumor in the remaining 5 of 27 patients (19%). Conclusion. Based on the MR study, in most cases uterine artery recanalization occurred, together with sufficient devascularization of fibroids, after UAE using gelatin sponge particles alone.« less

Uterine artery embolization, hysterectomy, or myomectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids: a cost-utility analysis.

PubMed

You, Joyce H S; Sahota, Daljit Singh; Yuen, Pong Mo

2009-02-01

To compare the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of hysterectomy, myomectomy, and uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic control of uterine fibroids. A cost-utility analysis conducted by using Markov modeling. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of Hong Kong society. A hypothetical cohort of patients presenting with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Hysterectomy, myomectomy, or UAE. Health-care resource use and QALYs over 5 years. The base-case analysis showed that hysterectomy was the most effective treatment (4.368 QALYs), followed by myomectomy (4.273 QALYs) and UAE (4.245 QALYs) over 5 years. Hysterectomy was less costly (USD8418) (1USD = 7.8HKD) than UAE (USD8847) and myomectomy (USD9036). Monte Carlo 10,000 simulations showed that the hysterectomy group was less costly than the UAE and myomectomy groups 84.1% and 79.1% of the time, and it also gained higher number of QALYs than the UAE and myomectomy groups over 97% of the time. Hysterectomy appears to be more cost-effective than myomectomy and UAE for management of symptomatic uterine fibroids over a 5-year period among patients who do not have a preference for uterus-conserving interventions.

Decreased endometrial vascularity and receptivity in unexplained recurrent miscarriage patients during midluteal and early pregnancy phases.

PubMed

Tan, Shu-Yin; Hang, Fu; Purvarshi, Gowreesunkur; Li, Min-Qing; Meng, Da-Hua; Huang, Ling-Ling

2015-10-01

To evaluate the predictive value of three-dimensional (3D)-power Doppler sonography on recurrent miscarriage. The study patients were divided into a recurrent miscarriage group (30 cases) and a normal pregnancy group (21 cases). Measurement of endometrial thickness was performed using two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound in the midluteal phase. The endometrial volume, vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization-flow index (VFI) in midluteal and placenta volume, as well as the VI, FI, and VFI of early pregnancy were measured using Virtual Organ Computer-aided Analysis of 3D-power Doppler ultrasound. Endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, endometrial vascular data, VI, FI, and VFI of the midluteal phase were lower in the recurrent miscarriage group compared with the normal pregnancy group (p < 0.05). Placental volume, VI, and VFI during early pregnancy were lower in the miscarriage group compared with the normal pregnancy group (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in FI between the recurrent miscarriage and control groups during early pregnancy (p > 0.05). The predictive accuracy of endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, VI, FI, and VFI in the midluteal phase, and placenta volume, VI, FI, and VFI in early pregnancy as measured by the receiver operating characteristic curve to predict miscarriage before 12 gestational weeks in participants was 0.681, 0.876, 0.770, 0.720, 0.879, 0.771, 0.907, 0.592, respectively. The 3D-power Doppler ultrasound is a more comprehensive and sensitive method for evaluating endometrial receptivity. Endometrial volume, VI, FI, and VFI in the midluteal phase, as well as VI in early pregnancy, can be considered as predictive factors for recurrent miscarriage. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-23

operations and is expanding service. Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai bills itself as “world’s only 7-star hotel.” UAE participating in Gulf country-wide...CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy Kenneth...DATES COVERED 00-00-2010 to 00-00-2010 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b

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

Katsumori, Tetsuya, E-mail: katsumo@eurus.dti.ne.jp; Kasahara, Toshiyuki; Oda, Minori

The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the safety and effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) using porous gelatin particle (PGP; Gelpart; Asuterasu, Tokyo, Japan) for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Twenty-five consecutive premenopausal women underwent UAE with PGP. The angiographic end point of embolization was near stasis of the ascending uterine artery. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained before and after the procedure. Complications were assessed. The outcomes of technique, infarction rates of all fibroid tissue after UAE with contrast-enhanced MRI, change in symptoms and quality of life using serial Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QOL)more » questionnaires, and additional interventions were evaluated. Bilateral UAE was successfully performed in all patients. Enhanced MRI 1 week after UAE showed that 100% infarction of all fibroid tissue was achieved in 65% (15 of 23) of patients; 90-99% infarction was achieved in 35% (8 of 23) of patients. Mean follow-up was 12 months (range 1-20). Symptom and QOL scores at baseline were 47.2 and 61.7, respectively. Both scores significantly improved to 26.3 (P < 0.001) and 82.4 (P < 0.001) at 4 months and to 20.4 (P < 0.001) and 77.6 (P < 0.001) at 1 year, respectively. No additional gynecologic interventions were performed in any patient. There were no major complications. Minor complications occurred in two patients. UAE using PGP is a safe and effective procedure and shows that outcomes after UAE, as measured with enhanced MRI and UFS-QOL questionnaires, seem comparable with those of UAE using other embolic agents. PGP is a promising embolic agent used for UAE to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids. Further comparative study between PGP and other established embolic agents is required.« less

Fertility after uterine artery embolization for symptomatic multiple fibroids with no other infertility factors.

PubMed

Torre, Antoine; Fauconnier, Arnaud; Kahn, Vanessa; Limot, Olivier; Bussierres, Laurence; Pelage, Jean Pierre

2017-07-01

To evaluate the fertility of women eligible for surgical multiple myomectomy, but who carefully elected a fertility-sparing uterine artery embolization (UAE). Non-comparative open-label trial, on women ≤40 years, presenting with multiple symptomatic fibroids (at least 3, ≥3 cm), immediate pregnancy wish, and no associated infertility factor. Women had a bilateral limited UAE using tris-acryl gelatin microspheres ≥500 μm. Fertility, ovarian reserve, uterus and fibroid sizes, and quality of life questionnaires (UFS-QoL) were prospectively followed. Fifteen patients, aged 34.8 years (95%CI 32.2-37.5, median 36.0, q1-q3 29.4-39.5) were included from November 2008 to May 2012. During the year following UAE, 9 women actively attempting to conceive experienced 5 live-births (intention-to-treat fertility rate 33.3%, 95%CI 11.8%-61.6%). Markers of ovarian reserve remained stable. The symptoms score was reduced by 66% (95%CI 48%-85%) and the quality of life score was improved by 112% (95%CI 21%-204%). Uterine volume was reduced by 38% (95%CI 24%-52%). Women were followed for 43.1 months (95%CI 32.4-53.9), 10 live-births occurred in 8 patients, and 5 patients required secondary surgeries for fibroids. Women without associated infertility factors demonstrated an encouraging capacity to deliver after UAE. Further randomized controlled trials comparing UAE and myomectomy are warranted. • Women without infertility factors showed an encouraging delivery rate after UAE. • For women choosing UAE over abdominal myomectomy, childbearing may not be impaired. • Data are insufficient to definitively recommend UAE as comparable to myomectomy. • Further randomized trials comparing fertility after UAE or myomectomy are warranted.

Effect of phosphate on U(VI) sorption to montmorillonite: Ternary complexation and precipitation barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Troyer, Lyndsay D.; Maillot, Fabien; Wang, Zheming; Wang, Zimeng; Mehta, Vrajesh S.; Giammar, Daniel E.; Catalano, Jeffrey G.

2016-02-01

Phosphate addition is a potential treatment method to lower the solubility of U(VI) in soil and groundwater systems by causing U(VI) phosphate precipitation as well as enhancing adsorption. Previous work has shown that iron oxide surfaces may facilitate the nucleation of U(VI) phosphate minerals and, that under weakly acidic conditions, phosphate also enhances U(VI) adsorption to such phases. Like iron oxides, clays are important reactive phases in the subsurface but little is known about the interaction of U(VI) and phosphate with these minerals. The effect of aqueous phosphate on U(VI) binding to Wyoming montmorillonite (SWy-2) in air-equilibrated systems was investigated. Equilibrium U(VI) uptake to montmorillonite was determined at pH 4, 6 and 8 at discrete initial phosphate concentrations between 0 and 100 μM. The observed behavior of U(VI) indicates a transition from adsorption to precipitation with increasing total uranium and phosphate concentrations at all pH values. At the highest phosphate concentration examined at each pH value, a barrier to U(VI) phosphate nucleation is observed. At lower concentrations, phosphate has no effect on macroscopic U(VI) adsorption. To assess the mechanisms of U(VI)-phosphate interactions on smectite surfaces, U(VI) speciation was investigated under selected conditions using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Samples above the precipitation threshold display EXAFS and LIFS spectral signatures consistent with the autunite family of U(VI) phosphate minerals. However, at lower U(VI) concentrations, changes in LIFS spectra upon phosphate addition suggest that U(VI)-phosphate ternary surface complexes form on the montmorillonite surface at pH 4 and 6 despite the lack of a macroscopic effect on adsorption. The speciation of solid-associated U(VI) below the precipitation threshold at pH 8 is dominated by U(VI)-carbonate surface complexes. This work reveals that ternary complexation may occur without a macroscopic signature, which is attributed to phosphate not appreciably binding to smectite in the absence of U(VI), with U(VI) surface complexes serving as the sole reactive surface sites for phosphate. This study shows that phosphate does not enhance U(VI) adsorption to smectite clay minerals, unlike oxide phases, and that a barrier to homogeneous nucleation of U(VI) phosphates was not affected by the presence of the smectite surface.

Safety and immunogenicity of a Vi-DT typhoid conjugate vaccine: Phase I trial in Healthy Filipino adults and children.

PubMed

Capeding, Maria Rosario; Teshome, Samuel; Saluja, Tarun; Syed, Khalid Ali; Kim, Deok Ryun; Park, Ju Yeon; Yang, Jae Seung; Kim, Yang Hee; Park, Jiwook; Jo, Sue-Kyoung; Chon, Yun; Kothari, Sudeep; Yang, Seon-Young; Ham, Dong Soo; Ryu, Ji Hwa; Hwang, Hee-Seong; Mun, Ju-Hwan; Lynch, Julia A; Kim, Jerome H; Kim, Hun; Excler, Jean-Louis; Sahastrabuddhe, Sushant

2018-06-18

Typhoid fever remains a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries where children aged 2-14 years bear the greatest burden. Vi polysaccharide is poorly immunogenic in children <2 years of age, and protection in adults is modest. The limitations of Vi polysaccharide vaccines can be overcome by conjugation of the Vi to a carrier protein. A typhoid conjugate vaccine composed of Vi polysaccharide conjugated to diphtheria toxoid (Vi-DT) has been developed. The Phase I study results are presented here. This was a randomized, observer-blinded Phase I study to assess the safety and immunogenicity of Vi-DT compared to Vi polysaccharide vaccine, conducted in Manila, Philippines. Participants enrolled in an age de-escalation manner (18-45, 6-17 and 2-5 years) were randomized between Test (Vi-DT, 25 µg) administered at 0 and 4 weeks and Comparator (Vi polysaccharide, Typhim Vi® and Vaxigrip®, Sanofi Pasteur) vaccines. A total of 144 participants were enrolled (48 by age strata, 24 in Test and Comparator groups each). No serious adverse event was reported in either group. Solicited and unsolicited adverse events were mild or moderate in both groups with the exception of a 4-year old girl in Test group with grade 3 fever which resolved without sequelae. All participants in Test group seroconverted after first and second doses of Vi-DT while the proportions in the Comparator group were 97.1% and 97.2%, after first dose of Typhim Vi® and second dose of Vaxigrip®, respectively. Vi-DT showed 4-fold higher Geometric Mean Titers (GMT) compared to Typhim Vi® (adjusted for age strata, p < 0.001). No further increase of GMT was detected after the second dose of Vi-DT. Anti-DT IgG seroresponse rates were 81.2% and 84.5% post first and second Vi-DT doses, respectively. Vi-DT vaccine was safe, well-tolerated and immunogenic in participants aged 2-45 years. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT02645032. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Recovery Of Chromium Metal (VI) Using Supported Liquid Membrane (SLM) Method, A study of Influence of NaCl and pH in Receiving Phase on Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cholid Djunaidi, Muhammad; Lusiana, Retno A.; Rahayu, Maya D.

2017-06-01

Chromium metal(VI) is a valuable metal but in contrary has high toxicity, so the separation and recovery from waste are very important. One method that can be used for the separation and recovery of chromium (VI) is a Supported Liquid Membrane (SLM). SLM system contains of three main components: a supporting membrane, organic solvents and carrier compounds. The supported Membrane used in this research is Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), organic solvent is kerosene, and the carrier compound used is aliquat 336. The supported liquid membrane is placed between two phases, namely, feed phase as the source of analyte (Cr(VI)) and the receiving phase as the result of separation. Feed phase is the electroplating waste which contains of chromium metal with pH variation about 4, 6 and 9. Whereas the receiving phase are the solution of HCl, NaOH, HCl-NaCl and NaOH-NaCl with pH variation about 1, 3, 5 and 7. The efficiency separation is determined by measurement of chromium in the feed and the receiving phase using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). The experiment results show that transport of Chrom (VI) by Supported Liquid membrane (SLM) is influenced by pH solution in feed phase and receiving phase as well as NaCl in receiving phase. The highest chromium metal is transported from feed phase about 97,78%, whereas in receiving phase shows about 58,09%. The highest chromium metal transport happens on pH 6 in feed phase, pH 7 in receiving phase with the mixture of NaOH and NaCl using carrier compound aliquat 336.

Rheology of water ices V and VI

USGS Publications Warehouse

Durham, W.B.; Stern, L.A.; Kirby, S.H.

1996-01-01

We have measured the mechanical strength (??) of pure water ices V and VI under steady state deformation conditions. Constant displacement rate compressional tests were conducted in a gas apparatus at confining pressures from 400 250 K. Ices V and VI are thus Theologically distinct but by coincidence have approximately the same strength under the conditions chosen for these experiments. To avoid misidentification, these tests are therefore accompanied by careful observations of the occurrences and characteristics of phase changes. One sample each of ice V and VI was quenched at pressure to metastably retain the high-pressure phase and the acquired deformation microstructures; X ray diffraction analysis of these samples confirmed the phase identification. Surface replicas of the deformed and quenched samples suggest that ice V probably deforms largely by dislocation creep, while ice VI deforms by a more complicated process involving substantial grain size reduction through recrystallization.

Sexuality and Body Image After Uterine Artery Embolization and Hysterectomy in the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: A Randomized Comparison

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

Hehenkamp, Wouter J. K.; Volkers, Nicole A.; Bartholomeus, Wouter

In this paper the effect of uterine artery embolization (UAE) on sexual functioning and body image is investigated in a randomized comparison to hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids. The EMbolization versus hysterectoMY (EMMY) trial is a randomized controlled study, conducted at 28 Dutch hospitals. Patients were allocated hysterectomy (n = 89) or UAE (n 88). Two validated questionnaires (the Sexual Activity Questionnaire [SAQ] and the Body Image Scale [BIS]) were completed by all patients at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after treatment. Repeated measurements on SAQ scores revealed no differences between the groups. There wasmore » a trend toward improved sexual function in both groups at 2 years, although this failed to reach statistical significance except for the dimensions discomfort and habit in the UAE arm. Overall quality of sexual life deteriorated in a minority of cases at all time points, with no significant differences between the groups (at 24 months: UAE, 29.3%, versus hysterectomy, 23.5%; p = 0.32). At 24 months the BIS score had improved in both groups compared to baseline, but the change was only significant in the UAE group (p = 0.009). In conclusion, at 24 months no differences in sexuality and body image were observed between the UAE and the hysterectomy group. On average, both after UAE and hysterectomy sexual functioning and body image scores improved, but significantly so only after UAE.« less

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

Zhuang Wenquan; Tan Guosheng; Guo Wenbo, E-mail: patrickguo2008@163.com

Objective: This study was designed to establish guinea pigs as an animal model for uterine artery embolization (UAE) with tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (TAGM). Methods: Twenty-five female adult guinea pigs were randomly divided into two groups, including a uterine artery casting mould group (n = 10) and a UAE group (n = 15). Pelvic angiography and vascular casting mould were performed in the first group. The anatomical characters of the pelvic cavity in guinea pigs were described. In the second group, the technical feasibility of performing UAE with TAGM in guinea pigs was investigated. The histopathological slides of the uterus ofmore » guinea pigs after UAE were examined to inspect the outcomes of UAE. Results: The uterine artery springs from the internal iliac artery, ascends tortuously along the cervix, and gives off vertically 8-10 branches to the cervix uteri and uterine horns. The diameters of the trunk of the uterine artery and its first branch were 0.32 {+-} 0.027 mm and 0.14 {+-} 0.01 mm, respectively. For UAE animals, the dosages of 40-120 and 100-300 {mu}m TAGM were 0.033 {+-} 0.003 ml and 0.015 {+-} 0.002 ml, respectively. On histopathological slides, embosphere particles were found in the first branches of the uterine artery, the subserous arteries, and the intramural arteries. Inflammatory reactions in the uterus were common in guinea pigs after UAE. Local or dispersed areas of necrosis in uterus also were observed in a few guinea pigs. Conclusions: Guinea pigs are an appropriate and feasible model for UAE with TAGM.« less

Efficacy of Prophylactic Uterine Artery Embolization before Obstetrical Procedures with High Risk for Massive Bleeding

PubMed Central

Ko, Heung Kyu; Ko, Gi Young; Gwon, Dong Il; Kim, Jin Hyung; Han, Kichang; Lee, Shin-Wha

2017-01-01

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic uterine artery embolization (UAE) before obstetrical procedures with high risk for massive bleeding. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of 29 female patients who underwent prophylactic UAE from June 2009 to February 2014 was performed. Indications for prophylactic UAE were as follows: dilatation and curettage (D&C) associated with ectopic pregnancy (cesarean scar pregnancy, n = 9; cervical pregnancy, n = 6), termination of pregnancy with abnormal placentation (placenta previa, n = 8), D&C for retained placenta with vascularity (n = 5), and D&C for suspected gestational trophoblastic disease (n = 1). Their medical records were reviewed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of UAE. Results All women received successful bilateral prophylactic UAE followed by D&C with preservation of the uterus. In all patients, UAE followed by obstetrical procedure prevented significant vaginal bleeding on gynecologic examination. There was no major complication related to UAE. Vaginal spotting continued for 3 months in three cases. Although oligomenorrhea continued for six months in one patient, normal menstruation resumed in all patients afterwards. During follow-up, four had subsequent successful natural pregnancies. Spontaneous abortion occurred in one of them during the first trimester. Conclusion Prophylactic UAE before an obstetrical procedure in patients with high risk of bleeding or symptomatic bleeding may be a safe and effective way to manage or prevent serious bleeding, especially for women who wish to preserve their fertility. PMID:28246515

Experiments indicating a second hydrogen ordered phase of ice VI

PubMed Central

Gasser, Tobias M.; Thoeny, Alexander V.; Plaga, Lucie J.; Köster, Karsten W.; Etter, Martin; Böhmer, Roland

2018-01-01

In the last twelve years five new ice phases were experimentally prepared. Two of them are empty clathrate hydrates and three of them represent hydrogen ordered counterparts of previously known disordered ice phases. Here, we report on hydrogen ordering in ice VI samples produced by cooling at pressures up to 2.00 GPa. Based on results from calorimetry, dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction the existence of a second hydrogen ordered polymorph related to ice VI is suggested. Powder X-ray data show the oxygen network to be the one of ice VI. For the 1.80 GPa sample the activation energy from dielectric spectroscopy is 45 kJ mol–1, which is much larger than for the known hydrogen ordered proxy of ice VI, ice XV. Raman spectroscopy indicates the 1.80 GPa sample to be more ordered than ice XV. It is further distinct from ice XV in that it experiences hydrogen disordering above ≈103 K which is 26 K below the ice XV to ice VI disordering transition. Consequently, below 103 K it is thermodynamically more stable than ice XV, adding a stability region to the phase diagram of water. For the time being we suggest to call this new phase ice β-XV and to relabel it ice XVIII once its crystal structure is known. PMID:29780552

Experiments indicating a second hydrogen ordered phase of ice VI.

PubMed

Gasser, Tobias M; Thoeny, Alexander V; Plaga, Lucie J; Köster, Karsten W; Etter, Martin; Böhmer, Roland; Loerting, Thomas

2018-05-14

In the last twelve years five new ice phases were experimentally prepared. Two of them are empty clathrate hydrates and three of them represent hydrogen ordered counterparts of previously known disordered ice phases. Here, we report on hydrogen ordering in ice VI samples produced by cooling at pressures up to 2.00 GPa. Based on results from calorimetry, dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction the existence of a second hydrogen ordered polymorph related to ice VI is suggested. Powder X-ray data show the oxygen network to be the one of ice VI. For the 1.80 GPa sample the activation energy from dielectric spectroscopy is 45 kJ mol -1 , which is much larger than for the known hydrogen ordered proxy of ice VI, ice XV. Raman spectroscopy indicates the 1.80 GPa sample to be more ordered than ice XV. It is further distinct from ice XV in that it experiences hydrogen disordering above ≈103 K which is 26 K below the ice XV to ice VI disordering transition. Consequently, below 103 K it is thermodynamically more stable than ice XV, adding a stability region to the phase diagram of water. For the time being we suggest to call this new phase ice β-XV and to relabel it ice XVIII once its crystal structure is known.

Precursor preparation for Ca-Al layered double hydroxide to remove hexavalent chromium coexisting with calcium and magnesium chlorides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Lihua; He, Xiaoman; Qu, Jun; Li, Xuewei; Lei, Zhiwu; Zhang, Qiwu; Liu, Xinzhong

2017-01-01

Al(OH)3 and Ca(OH)2 powders are co-ground to prepare a precursor which hydrates into a layered double hydroxide (LDH) phase by agitation in aqueous solution with target hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) at room temperature, to achieve an obvious improvement in removal efficiency of Cr(VI) through an easy incorporation into the structure. Although the prepared precursor transforms into LDH phases also when agitated in the solutions of calcium and magnesium chlorides, it incorporates Cr(VI) preferentially to the chloride salts when they coexist. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies show that the phenomena occurring on the Al-Ca precursor fit a pseudo-second-order kinetics with a Langmuir adsorption capacity of 59.45 mg/g. Besides, characterizations of the prepared precursor and the samples after adsorption are also performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) to understand the reason of the preferential incorporation of Cr(VI) to the coexisting chloride salts during the LDH phase formation. Ca-Al precursor (C3A) was agitated in a hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) solution to form Al-Ca-CrO4 LDH product. Ca-Al-CrO4 LDH phase occurred preferentially to Ca-Al-MCl2 LDH phases in the solutions of calcium and magnesium chlorides, it incorporates Cr(VI) preferentially to the chloride salts when they coexist.

Organic and Aqueous Redox Speciation of Cu(III) Periodate Oxidized Transuranium Actinides

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

McCann, Kevin; Sinkov, Sergey I.; Lumetta, Gregg J.

A hexavalent group actinide separation process could streamline used nuclear fuel recycle and waste management. The limiting factor to such a process compatible with current fuel dissolution practices is obtaining and maintaining hexavalent Am, in molar nitric acid due to the high reduction potential of the Am(VI)/Am(III) couple (1.68 V vs SCE). Two strong oxidants, sodium bismuthate and Cu(III) periodate, have demonstrated quantitative oxidation of Am under molar acid conditions and better than 50% recovery by diamyl amylphosphonate (DAAP) is possible under these same conditions. This work considers the use of Cu(III) periodate to oxidize Np(V) to Np(VI) and Pu(IV)more » to Pu(VI) and recover these elements by extraction with DAAP. A metal:oxidant ratio of 1:1.2 and 1:3 was necessary to quantitatively oxidize Np(V) and Pu(IV), respectively, to the hexavalent state. Extraction of hexavalent Np, Pu, and Am by 1 M DAAP in n-dodecane was measured using UV-Vis [Pu(VI), Am (VI)] and NIR [Np(VI)]. Distribution values of Am(VI) were found to match previous tracer level studies. The organic phase spectra of Np, Pu, and Am are presented and molar absorptivities are calculated for characteristic peaks. Hexavalent Pu was found to be stable in the organic phase while Np(VI) showed some reduction to Np(V) and Am was present as Am(III), Am(V), and Am(VI) species in aqueous and organic phases during the extraction experiments. These results demonstrate, for the first time, the ability to recover macroscopic amounts of americium that would be present during fuel reprocessing and are the first characterization of Am organic phase oxidation state speciation relevant to a hexavalent group actinide separation process under acidic conditions.« less

Enhanced abiotic reduction of Cr(VI) in a soil slurry system by natural biomaterial addition.

PubMed

Park, Donghee; Ahn, Chi Kyu; Kim, Young Mi; Yun, Yeoung-Sang; Park, Jong Moon

2008-12-30

Among various plant-based natural biomaterials, pine bark was chosen as an efficient biomaterial capable of removing toxic Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. XPS spectra indicated that Cr(VI) was abiotically reduced to Cr(III) in both liquid and solid phases. The Cr(VI)-reducing capacity of pine bark was determined as 545 (+/-1.3)mg-Cr(VI)g(-1) of it, which was 8.7 times higher than that of a common chemical Cr(VI)-reductant, FeSO4 x 7H2O. Because pine bark could completely reduce toxic Cr(VI) to less toxic or nontoxic Cr(III) even at neutral pH, it was used as an organic reductant to remediate Cr(VI)-contaminated soil in this study. Soil slurry system using a bottle roller was applied to ex situ slurry-phase remediation experiments. In the soil slurry system, pine bark completely reduced Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and adsorbed the reduced-Cr(III) on its surface. Abiotic remediation rate of Cr(VI)-contaminated soil increased with the increase of pine bark dosage and with the decreases of Cr(VI) and water contents. In conclusion, pine bark can be used to remediate Cr(VI)-contaminated soil efficiently and environmentally friendly.

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

Smeets, Albert J.; Lohle, Paul N. M.; Vervest, Harry A. M.

Purpose. To evaluate the mid-term clinical results and patient satisfaction following uterine artery embolization (UAE) in women with symptomatic fibroids. Methods. Between August 1998 and December 2002, 135 patients had UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids. All patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire. Questions were aimed at changes in bleeding, pain, and bulk-related symptoms. Symptoms after UAE were scored as disappeared, improved, unchanged or worsened. Adverse events were noted, such as vaginal dryness and discharge, menopausal complaints or fibroid expulsion. Patient satisfaction after UAE was assessed. Patient satisfaction of women embolized with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles was compared withmore » satisfaction of women embolized with calibrated microspheres. Results. The questionnaire was returned by 110 of 135 women (81%) at a median time interval of 14 months following UAE. In 10 women additional embolization or hysterectomy had been performed. Of the 110 responders, 86 (78%) were satisfied with the result of UAE. The proportion of satisfied women was higher in the group embolized with calibrated microspheres than in women embolized with PVA, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.053). Conclusion. UAE in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids leads to improvement of symptoms and patient satisfaction is good in the vast majority after a median follow-up period of 14 months.« less

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

Mara, Michal; Kubinova, Kristyna, E-mail: kristyna.kubinova@gmail.com; Maskova, Jana

Purpose: To compare outcomes of two different types of occlusive therapy of uterine fibroids. Methods: Women with fibroid(s) unsuitable for laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) were treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) or laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion (LUAO). Results: Before the procedure, patients treated with UAE (n = 100) had a dominant fibroid greater in size (68 vs. 48 mm) and a mean age lower (33.1 vs. 34.9 years) than surgically treated patients (n = 100). After 6 months, mean shrinkage of fibroid volume was 53 % after UAE and 39 % after LUAO (p = 0.063); 82 % of women aftermore » UAE, but only 23 % after LUAO, had complete myoma infarction (p = 0.001). Women treated with UAE had more complications (31 vs. 11 cases, p = 0.006) and greater incidence of hysteroscopically verified intrauterine necrosis (31 vs. 3 %, p = 0.001). Both groups were comparable in markers of ovarian functions and number of nonelective reinterventions. The groups did not differ in pregnancy (69 % after UAE vs. 67 % after LUAO), delivery (50 vs. 46 %), or abortion (34 vs. 33 %) rates. The mean birth weight of neonates was greater (3270 vs. 2768 g, p = 0.013) and the incidence of intrauterine growth restriction lower (13 vs. 38 %, p = 0.046) in post-UAE patients. Conclusion: Both methods are effective in the treatment of women with future reproductive plans and fibroids not suitable for LM. UAE is more effective in causing complete ischemia of fibroids, but it is associated with greater risk of intrauterine necrosis. Both methods have low rate of serious complications (except for a high abortion rate).« less

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

Dorenberg, Eric J., E-mail: eric.dorenberg@rikshospitalet.no; Jakobsen, Jarl A.; Brabrand, Knut

Purpose. To evaluate the feasibility of using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) during uterine artery embolization (UAE) in order to define the correct end-point of embolization with complete devascularization of all fibroids. Methods. In this prospective study of 10 consecutive women undergoing UAE, CEUS was performed in the angiographic suite during embolization. When the angiographic end-point, defined as the 'pruned-tree' appearance of the uterine arteries was reached, CEUS was performed while the angiographic catheters to both uterine arteries were kept in place. The decision whether or not to continue the embolization was based on the findings at CEUS. The results of CEUSmore » were compared with those of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1 day as well as 3 months following UAE. Results. CEUS was successfully performed in all women. In 4 cases injection of particles was continued based on the findings at CEUS despite angiographically complete embolization. CEUS imaging at completion of UAE correlated well with the findings at MRI. Conclusion. The use of CEUS during UAE is feasible and may increase the quality of UAE.« less

Oil recovery from petroleum sludge through ultrasonic assisted solvent extraction.

PubMed

Hu, Guangji; Li, Jianbing; Huang, Shuhui; Li, Yubao

2016-09-18

The effect of ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) process on oil recovery from refinery oily sludge was examined in this study. Two types of UAE treatment including UAE probe (UAEP) system and UAE bath (UAEB) system were investigated. Their oil recovery efficiencies were compared to that of mechanical shaking extraction (MSE). Three solvents including cyclohexane (CHX), ethyl acetate (EA), and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) were examined as the extraction solvents. The influence of experimental factors on oil and solvent recovery was investigated using an orthogonal experimental design. Results indicated that solvent type, solvent-to-sludge (S/S) ratio, and treatment duration could have significant effects on oil recovery in UAE treatment. Under the optimum conditions, UAEP treatment can obtain an oil recovery of 68.8% within 20 s, which was higher than that (i.e., 62.0%) by MSE treatment after 60 min' extraction. UAEB treatment can also obtain a promising oil recovery within shorter extraction duration (i.e., 15 min) than MSE. UAE was thus illustrated as an effective and improved approach for oily sludge recycling.

Uterine Fibroid Embolisation – Potential Impact on Fertility and Pregnancy Outcome

PubMed Central

David, M.; Kröncke, T.

2013-01-01

The current standard therapy to treat myomas in women wishing to have children consists of minimally invasive surgical myomectomy. Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) has also been discussed as another minimally invasive treatment option to treat myomas. This review evaluates the literature of the past 10 years on fibroid embolisation and its impact on fertility and pregnancy. Potential problems associated with UAE such as radiation exposure of the ovaries, impairment of ovarian function and the impact on pregnancy and child birth are discussed in detail. Previously published reports of at least 337 pregnancies after UAE were evaluated. The review concludes that UAE to treat myomas can only be recommended in women with fertility problems due to myomas who refuse surgery or women with an unacceptably high surgical risk, because the evaluated case reports and studies show that UAE significantly increases the risk of spontaneous abortion; there is also evidence of pathologically increased levels for other obstetric outcome parameters. There are still very few prospective studies which provide sufficient evidence for a definitive statement on the impact of UAE therapy on fertility rates and pregnancy outcomes. PMID:26633901

Effect of Phosphate on U(VI) Sorption to Montmorillonite: Ternary Complexation and Precipitation Barriers

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

Troyer, Lyndsay D.; Maillot, Fabien; Wang, Zheming

Phosphate addition is a potential treatment method to lower the solubility of U(VI) in soil and groundwater systems by causing U(VI) phosphate precipitation as well as enhancing adsorption. Previous work has shown that iron oxide surfaces may facilitate the nucleation of U(VI) phosphate minerals and, that under weakly acidic conditions, phosphate also enhances U(VI) adsorption to such phases. Like iron oxides, clays are important reactive phases in the subsurface but little is known about the interaction of U(VI) and phosphate with these minerals. The effect of aqueous phosphate on U(VI) binding to Wyoming montmorillonite (SWy-2) in air-equilibrated systems was investigated.more » Equilibrium U(VI) uptake to montmorillonite was determined at pH 4, 6 and 8 at discrete initial phosphate concentrations between 0 and 100 μM. The observed behavior of U(VI) indicates a transition from adsorption to precipitation with increasing total uranium and phosphate concentrations at all pH values. At the highest phosphate concentration examined at each pH value, a barrier to U(VI) phosphate nucleation is observed. At lower concentrations, phosphate has no effect on macroscopic U(VI) adsorption. To assess the mechanisms of U(VI)-phosphate interactions on smectite surfaces, U(VI) speciation was investigated under selected conditions using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Samples above the precipitation threshold display EXAFS and LIFS spectral signatures consistent with the autunite family of U(VI) phosphate minerals. However, at lower U(VI) concentrations, changes in LIFS spectra upon phosphate addition suggest that U(VI)-phosphate ternary surface complexes form on the montmorillonite surface at pH 4 and 6 despite the lack of a macroscopic effect on adsorption. The speciation of solid-associated U(VI) below the precipitation threshold at pH 8 is dominated by U(VI)-carbonate surface complexes. This work reveals that ternary complexation may occur without a macroscopic signature, which is attributed to phosphate not appreciably binding to smectite in the absence of U(VI), with U(VI) surface complexes serving as the sole reactive surface sites for phosphate. This study shows that phosphate does not enhance U(VI) adsorption to smectite clay minerals, unlike oxide phases, and that a barrier to homogeneous nucleation of U(VI) phosphates was not affected by the presence of the smectite surface« less

Mechanisms of uranium interactions with hydroxyapatite: Implications for groundwater remediation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fuller, C.C.; Bargar, J.R.; Davis, J.A.; Piana, M.J.

2002-01-01

The speciation of U(VI) sorbed to synthetic hydroxyapatite was investigated using a combination of U LIII-edge XAS, synchrotron XRD, batch uptake measurements, and SEM-EDS. The mechanisms of U(VI) removal by apatite were determined in order to evaluate the feasibility of apatitebased in-situ permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). In batch U(VI) uptake experiments with synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA), near complete removal of dissolved uranium (>99.5%) to <0.05 ??M was observed over a range of total U(VI) concentrations up to equimolar of the total P in the suspension. XRD and XAS analyses of U(VI)-reacted HA at sorbed concentrations ???4700 ppm U(VI) suggested that uranium(VI) phosphate, hydroxide, and carbonate solids were not present at these concentrations. Fits to EXAFS spectra indicate the presence of Ca neighbors at 3.81 A??. U-Ca separation, suggesting that U(VI) adsorbs to the HA surfaces as an inner-sphere complex. Uranium(VI) phosphate solid phases were not detected in HA with 4700 ppm sorbed U(VI) by backscatter SEM or EDS, in agreement with the surface complexation process. In contrast, U(VI) speciation in samples that exceeded 7000 ppm sorbed U(VI) included a crystalline uranium(VI) phosphate solid phase, identified as chernikovite by XRD. At these higher concentrations, a secondary, uranium(VI) phosphate solid was detected by SEM-EDS, consistent with chernikovite precipitation. Autunite formation occurred at total U:P molar ratios ???0.2. Our findings provide a basis for evaluating U(VI) sorption mechanisms by commercially available natural apatites for use in development of PRBs for groundwater U(VI) remediation.

Economic evaluation of uterine artery embolization versus hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: results from the randomized EMMY trial.

PubMed

Volkers, Nicole A; Hehenkamp, Wouter J K; Smit, Patrick; Ankum, Willem M; Reekers, Jim A; Birnie, Erwin

2008-07-01

To investigate whether uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a cost-effective alternative to hysterectomy for patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids, the authors performed an economic evaluation alongside the multicenter randomized EMMY (EMbolization versus hysterectoMY) trial. Between February 2002 and February 2004, 177 patients were randomized to undergo UAE (n = 88) or hysterectomy (n = 89) and followed up until 24 months after initial treatment allocation. Conditional on the equivalence of clinical outcome, a cost minimization analysis was performed according to the intention to treat principle. Costs included health care costs inside and outside the hospital as well as costs related to absence from work (societal perspective). Cumulative standardized costs were estimated as volumes multiplied with prices. The nonparametric bootstrap method was used to quantify differences in mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) costs between the strategies. In total, 81 patients underwent UAE and 75 underwent hysterectomy. In the UAE group, 19 patients (23%) underwent secondary hysterectomies. The mean total costs per patient in the UAE group were significantly lower than those in the hysterectomy group ($11,626 vs $18,563; mean difference, -$6,936 [-37%], 95% CI: -$9,548, $4,281). The direct medical in-hospital costs were significantly lower in the UAE group: $6,688 vs $8,313 (mean difference, -$1,624 [-20%], 95% CI: -$2,605, -$586). Direct medical out-of-hospital and direct nonmedical costs were low in both groups (mean cost difference, $156 in favor of hysterectomy). The costs related to absence from work differed significantly between the treatment strategies in favor of UAE (mean difference, -$5,453; 95% CI: -$7,718, -$3,107). The costs of absence from work accounted for 79% of the difference in total costs. The 24-month cumulative cost of UAE is lower than that of hysterectomy. From a societal economic perspective, UAE is the superior treatment strategy in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Learning Orientations of IT Higher Education Students in UAE University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Qirim, Nabeel; Tarhini, Ali; Rouibah, Kamel; Mohamd, Serhani; Yammahi, Aishah Rashid; Yammahi, Maraim Ahmed

2018-01-01

This research examines the learning preferences of students in UAE University (UAEU). The uniqueness of this research emanates from the fact that no prior research examined this area from the UAE's perspective. Thus, this research embarks on the fact that student learning strategies vary from one country to another due to many factors. This…

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

Tan Guosheng; Xiang Xianhong; Guo Wenbo

PurposeTo investigate the influence of uterine artery embolization (UAE) on endometrial microvessel density (MVD) and angiogenesis.MethodsSixty female guinea pigs were divided into two groups, the control group (n = 15) and the UAE treatment group (n = 45). In the UAE group, tris-acryl gelatin microspheres were used to generate embolization. Animals were further divided into three subgroups, A1, A2, and A3 (n = 15 for each subgroup), with uterine specimens collected at 7-15, 16-30, and 31-45 days after UAE, respectively. Immunostaining for factor VIII and CD105 was performed to identify total endometrial MVD (MVD{sub FVIII}) and CD105-positive angiogenesis (MVD{sub CD105})more » at the indicated time points after UAE.ResultsQuantitative analysis revealed that MVD{sub FVIII} significantly decreased in the A1 (11.40 {+-} 2.76, p < 0.05) and A2 (15.37 {+-} 3.06, p < 0.05) groups compared to the control group (19.40 {+-} 2.50), and was restored to normal in the A3 group (18.77 {+-} 2.69). UAE caused a temporal up-regulation of MVD{sub CD105}-positive angiogenesis in the A1 group (9.33 {+-} 2.37, p < 0.05) and the A2 group (11.63 {+-} 1.56, p < 0.05) compared to the control group (7.12 {+-} 1.67), and the MVD{sub CD105} value returned to normal in the A3 group (8.07 {+-} 1.97).ConclusionUAE caused a temporal decrease in endometrial MVD that reversed over time as a result of the increase of CD105-positive angiogenesis. Although the UAE-induced reduction of endometrial MVD was reversible, its long-term effect on endometrial receptivity still needs further study.« less

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

Macnaught, Gillian, E-mail: gillian.macnaught@ed.ac.uk; Ananthakrishnan, G., E-mail: a.radiology@gmail.com; Hinksman, L., E-mail: laurahinksman@nhs.net

PurposeAbsence of contrast on contrast enhanced MRI (CEMRI) and reduction in uterine volume at 6 months post-uterine artery embolisation (UAE) currently indicate the successful disruption of the fibroid blood supply by UAE. This study assesses whether {sup 1}H MR spectroscopy ({sup 1}H MRS) can also indicate the success of UAE.Method20 patients with symptomatic fibroids were randomised 1:1 to undergo UAE with either Gelfoam or Embospheres. CEMRI and spectra (1.5 T) were acquired pre-, 24-h and 6 months post-UAE. LCModel was used to detect significant levels of choline, creatine and lactate in fibroid spectra. Uterine volumes were measured and paired t tests (p < 0.05) assessedmore » volume reduction over time. Qualitative assessments of CEMRI were performed.ResultsCholine was detected in 17/18 spectra pre-UAE, 12/14 at 24-h and 6/16 at 6 months post-UAE. Choline was not detected in the 7/7 spectra available for the Embospheres group at 6 months. These fibroids were non-enhancing on CEMRI and associated with a significant reduction in mean uterine volume at 6 months (mean/min/max 396.5/84.1/997.5 cm{sup 3}, p = 0.003). Choline was detected in 6/9 fibroid spectra available for the Gelfoam group at 6 months. Of these fibroids, four demonstrated persistent enhancement on CEMRI and two were non-enhancing. This group did not demonstrate significant uterine volume reduction (mean/min/max 117.2/−230.6/382.6 cm{sup 3}, p = 0.15). The negative minimum value indicates fibroid growth.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated the potential of {sup 1}H MRS to provide an additional marker of the success of UAE.« less

Expression of estrogen receptors-alpha and -beta in the pregnant ovine uterine artery endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro.

PubMed

Liao, Wu Xiang; Magness, Ronald R; Chen, Dong-Bao

2005-03-01

Estrogen is recognized to be one of the driving forces in increases in uterine blood flow through both rapid and delayed actions via binding to its receptors, ER alpha and ER beta at the uterine artery (UA) wall, and especially in UA endothelium (UAE). However, information regarding estrogen receptor (ER) expression in UAE is limited. This study was designed to test whether ERs are expressed in UAE in vivo, and if they are, whether these receptors are maintained in cultured UA endothelial cells (UAECs) in vitro. By using immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses, we clearly demonstrated ER alpha and ER beta protein expression in pregnant (Days 120-130) sheep UA and UAE in vivo and as well as cultured UAECs in vitro. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplified both ER alpha and ER beta mRNAs in UA, UAE, and UAECs. Of interest, a truncated ER beta (ER beta2) variant due to a splicing deletion of exon 5 of the ER beta gene was detected in these cells. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that ER alpha mRNA levels are approximately 8-fold (P < 0.01) higher than that of ER beta in UAECs, indicating that ER alpha may play a more important role than ER beta in the UAEC responses to estrogen. Fluorescence immunolabeling analysis showed that ER alpha is present in both nuclei and plasma membranes in UAECs, and the latter is also colocalized with caveolin-1. The membrane and nuclear ER alpha presumably participate in rapid and delayed responses, respectively, to estrogen on UAE. Taken together, our data demonstrated that UAE is a direct target of estrogen actions and that the UAEC culture model we established is suitable for dissecting estrogen actions on UAE.

Pathologic features of uteri and leiomyomas following uterine artery embolization for leiomyomas.

PubMed

Colgan, Terence J; Pron, Gaylene; Mocarski, Eva J M; Bennett, John D; Asch, Murray R; Common, Andrew

2003-02-01

The objectives of this study were to identify the presence/absence and location of any embolic material and to describe the morphologic appearance of the leiomyoma and adjacent tissues of cases undergoing surgical intervention following uterine artery embolization (UAE) for leiomyomas. A total of 555 women underwent UAE using polyvinyl alcohol particles (PVA) in a multicenter clinical trial. The histopathologic slides from 17 of 18 women who subsequently underwent myomectomy or hysterectomy in the follow-up period (median 8.2 months) were reviewed without knowledge of the indication for surgery or time elapsed since UAE. The presence/absence and distribution of PVA emboli, associated inflammatory response, and necrosis were noted. Necrosis of leiomyoma(s) was classified as hyaline-type, coagulative tumor cell necrosis, and/or acute suppurative necrosis. In all cases PVA emboli were identified within smooth muscle tumors of the uterine body, its periphery, cervix, uterine body, myometrium, and/or the adnexa. A florid foreign body giant cell type of chronic inflammatory reaction was seen within 1 week of UAE and persisted with visible PVA for up to 14 months post-UAE. Typically, post-UAE leiomyomas showed hyaline-type, but rarely coagulative tumor cell necrosis and acute suppurative necrosis could be seen as well. Five of eight cases coming to surgery for complications showed necrotizing endomyometritis with tissue infarction. PVA particles are recognizable in post-UAE specimens. Leiomyoma necrosis is typically of the hyaline type; coagulative tumor cell necrosis was rarely seen. In some cases with complications, uterine and/or cervical necrosis occurred. The applicability of these findings for UAE patients who have been successfully treated and not resected is uncertain.

A possible general mechanism for ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) suggested from the results of UAE of chlorogenic acid from Cynara scolymus L. (artichoke) leaves.

PubMed

Saleh, I A; Vinatoru, M; Mason, T J; Abdel-Azim, N S; Aboutabl, E A; Hammouda, F M

2016-07-01

The use of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for the extraction of chlorogenic acid (CA) from Cynara scolymus L., (artichoke) leaves using 80% methanol at room temperature over 15 min gave a significant increase in yield (up to a 50%) compared with maceration at room temperature and close to that obtained by boiling over the same time period. A note of caution is introduced when comparing UAE with Soxhlet extraction because, in the latter case, the liquid entering the Soxhlet extractor is more concentrated in methanol (nearly 100%) that the solvent in the reservoir (80% methanol) due to fractionation during distillation. The mechanism of UAE is discussed in terms of the effects of cavitation on the swelling index, solvent diffusion and the removal of a stagnant layer of solvent surrounding the plant material. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of surface Cr (VI)-imprinted magnetic nanoparticles for selective dispersive solid-phase extraction and determination of Cr (VI) in water samples.

PubMed

Qi, Xue; Gao, Shuang; Ding, Guosheng; Tang, An-Na

2017-01-01

A facile, rapid and selective magnetic dispersed solid-phase extraction (dSPE) method for the extraction and enrichment of Cr (VI) prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was introduced. For highly selective and efficient extraction, magnetic Cr (VI)-imprinted nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 @ Cr (VI) IIPs) were prepared by hyphenating surface ion-imprinted with sol-gel techniques. In the preparation process, chromate (Cr(VI)) was used as the template ion; vinylimidazole and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane were selected as organic functional monomer and co-monomer respectively. Another reagent, methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane was adopted as coupling agent to form the stable covalent bonding between organic and inorganic phases. The effects of various parameters on the extraction efficiency, such as pH of sample solution, the amount of adsorbent, extraction time, the type and concentration of eluent were systematically investigated. Furthermore, the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the adsorption process were studied to explore the internal adsorption mechanism. Under optimized conditions, the preconcentration factor, limit of detection and linear range of the established dSPE-AAS method for Cr (VI) were found to be 98, 0.29μgL -1 and 4-140μgL -1 , respectively. The developed method was also successfully applied to the analysis of Cr (VI) in different water samples with satisfactory results, proving its reliability and feasibility in real sample analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The United Arab Emirates Nuclear Program and Proposed U.S. Nuclear Cooperation

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-23

reactors deployed” in the UAE. Some Members of Congress had welcomed the UAE government’s stated commitments not to pursue proliferation-sensitive...for the planned nuclear reactor or on handling spent reactor fuel. (...continued) May...firms and the UAE related to the UAE’s proposed nuclear program has already taken place. In August 2008, Virginia’s Thorium Power Ltd. signed two

Propensity-Weighted Comparison of Long-Term Risk of Urinary Adverse Events in Elderly Women Treated For Cervical Cancer

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

Elliott, Sean P., E-mail: selliott@umn.edu; Fan, Yunhua; Jarosek, Stephanie

Purpose: Cervical cancer treatment is associated with a risk of urinary adverse events (UAEs) such as ureteral stricture and vesicovaginal fistula. We sought to measure the long-term UAE risk after surgery and radiation therapy (RT), with confounding controlled through propensity-weighted models. Methods and Materials: From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, we identified women ≥66 years old with nonmetastatic cervical cancer treated with simple surgery (SS), radical hysterectomy (RH), external beam RT plus brachytherapy (EBRT+BT), or RT+surgery. We matched them to noncancer controls 1:3. Differences in demographic and cancer characteristics were balanced by propensity weighting. Grade 3 tomore » 4 UAEs were identified by diagnosis codes plus treatment codes. Cumulative incidence was measured using Kaplan-Meier methods. The hazard associated with different cancer treatments was compared using Cox models. Results: UAEs occurred in 272 of 1808 cases (17%) and 222 of 5424 (4%) controls; most (62%) were ureteral strictures. The raw cumulative incidence of UAEs was highest in advanced cancers. UAEs occurred in 31% of patients after EBRT+BT, 25% of patients after RT+surgery, and 15% of patients after RH; however, after propensity weighting, the incidence was similar. In adjusted Cox models (reference = controls), the UAE risk was highest after RT+surgery (hazard ratio [HR], 5.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.32-11.07), followed by EBRT+BT (HR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.45-7.65), RH (HR, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.41-9.46) and SS (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.32-3.01). The higher risk after RT+surgery versus EBRT+BT was statistically significant, whereas, EBRT+BT and RH were not significantly different from each other. Conclusions: UAEs are common after cervical cancer treatment, particularly in patients with advanced cancers. UAEs are more common after RT, but these women tend to have the advanced cancers. After propensity weighting, the risk after RT was similar to that after surgery.« less

Characterization of U(VI) reduction in contaminated sediments with slow-degrading electron donor source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, W.; Watson, D. B.; Zhang, G.; Mehlhorn, T.; Lowe, K.; Earles, J.; Phillips, J.; Kelly, S. D.; Boyanov, M.; Kemner, K. M.; Schadt, C.; Criddle, C. S.; Jardine, P. M.; Brooks, S. C.

2011-12-01

In order to select sustainable, high efficiency and cost effective electron donor source, oleate and emulsified vegetable oil (EVO) were tested uranium (VI) reduction in comparison with ethanol in microcosms using uranium contaminated sediments and groundwater from the US DOE Oak Ridge Integrated Field Research Challenge (ORIFRC) site. The effect of initial sulfate concentration on U(VI) reduction was also tested. Both oleate and EVO were effective electron donor sources for U(VI) reduction. Accumulation of acetate as a major product and the removal of aqueous U(VI) were observed and were associated with sulfate reduction. Both oleate and EVO supported U(VI) reduction but at slower rates with a comparable but slightly lower extent of reduction than ethanol. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) analysis confirmed reduction of U(VI) to U(IV). The extent of U(VI) reduction in solid phase was negatively influenced by aqueous calcium concentration. The majority of electrons of the three substrates were consumed by sulfate reduction, Fe(III) reduction, and methanogenesis. Initial U(VI) concentration in the aqueous phase increased with increased sulfate concentration (1 versus 5 mM), likely due to U(VI) desorption from the solid phase. At the higher initial sulfate concentration more U(VI) was reduced and fewer electrons were used in methanogenesis. Analysis of bacterial and archeal populations using 16S rRNA gene libraries showed a significant increase in Deltaproteobacteria after biostimulation. The microbial community structures developed with oleate and EVO were significantly distinct from those developed with ethanol. Bacteria similar to Desulforegula spp. was predominant for oleate and EVO degradation but were not observed in ethanol-amended microcosms. Known U(VI)-reducing bacteria in the microcosms amended with the three electron donor sources included iron(III) reducing Geobacter spp. but in lower abundances than sulfate-reducing Desulfovibrio spp. The test results were used for the design a field test by one-time injection of EVO to the subsurface for U(VI) reduction in Area 2 of the ORIFRC site.

Precursor preparation for Ca-Al layered double hydroxide to remove hexavalent chromium coexisting with calcium and magnesium chlorides

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

Zhong, Lihua; He, Xiaoman; Qu, Jun

Al(OH){sub 3} and Ca(OH){sub 2} powders are co-ground to prepare a precursor which hydrates into a layered double hydroxide (LDH) phase by agitation in aqueous solution with target hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) at room temperature, to achieve an obvious improvement in removal efficiency of Cr(VI) through an easy incorporation into the structure. Although the prepared precursor transforms into LDH phases also when agitated in the solutions of calcium and magnesium chlorides, it incorporates Cr(VI) preferentially to the chloride salts when they coexist. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies show that the phenomena occurring on the Al-Ca precursor fit a pseudo-second-order kineticsmore » with a Langmuir adsorption capacity of 59.45 mg/g. Besides, characterizations of the prepared precursor and the samples after adsorption are also performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) to understand the reason of the preferential incorporation of Cr(VI) to the coexisting chloride salts during the LDH phase formation. - Graphical abstract: Activated Ca-Al hydroxides (C{sub 3}A) transformed into Ca-Al-OH compound when agitated in water. Ca-Al precursor (C{sub 3}A) was agitated in a hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) solution to form Al-Ca-CrO{sub 4} LDH product. Ca-Al-CrO{sub 4} LDH phase occurred preferentially to Ca-Al-MCl{sub 2} LDH phases in the solutions of calcium and magnesium chlorides, it incorporates Cr(VI) preferentially to the chloride salts when they coexist. - Highlights: • Activated Ca-Al hydroxides transformed into LDH when agitated in water with some inorganic substances. • Hexavalent Cr was incorporated in the LDH structure at high adsorption capacity. • Ca-Al-Cr LDH phase occurred preferentially to Ca-Al-MCl{sub 2} LDH phases with coexistence. • The prepared Ca-Al hydroxides had high performance as adsorbent even with high salinity of the solution.« less

Polysaccharide extraction from Sphallerocarpus gracilis roots by response surface methodology.

PubMed

Ma, Tingting; Sun, Xiangyu; Tian, Chengrui; Luo, Jiyang; Zheng, Cuiping; Zhan, Jicheng

2016-07-01

The extraction process of Sphallerocarpus gracilis root polysaccharides (SGRP) was optimized using response surface methodology with two methods [hot-water extraction (HWE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE)]. The antioxidant activities of SGRP were determined, and the structural features of the untreated materials (HWE residue and UAE residue) and the extracted polysaccharides were compared by scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that the optimal UAE conditions were extraction temperature of 81°C, extraction time of 1.7h, liquid-solid ratio of 17ml/g, ultrasonic power of 300W and three extraction cycles. The optimal HWE conditions were 93°C extraction temperature, 3.6h extraction time, 21ml/g liquid-solid ratio and three extraction cycles. UAE offered a higher extraction yield with a shorter time, lower temperature and a lower solvent consumption compared with HWE, and the extracted polysaccharides possessed a higher antioxidant capacity. Therefore, UAE could be used as an alternative to conventional HWE for SGRP extraction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ranking of priorities in employees' reward and recognition schemes: from the perspective of UAE health care employees.

PubMed

Younies, Hassan; Barhem, Belal; Younis, Mustafa Z

2008-01-01

A reward and recognition (RR) system is a tool widely applied by organizations to motivate their employees. Outstanding employees expect their effort to be acknowledged by the organization. However, the variety of rewards and recognitions systems used by organizations may be perceived differently by different employees. The diverse workforce structure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) poses various challenges for organization managers. Managers need to implement the shrewd RR system which best fits their diverse workforce. This research studied how medical sector employees in the private and public health sector view the RR systems in the UAE. Two lists, comprising 26 major approaches to RR, were prepared and its items prioritized by taking inputs from 250 employees working in more than 30 varied public and private health care organizations in the UAE. The findings of the research are expected to provide guidelines for developing appropriate RR systems for organizations in general, and UAE health care organizations in particular.

Conventional, ultrasound-assisted, and accelerated-solvent extractions of anthocyanins from purple sweet potatoes.

PubMed

Cai, Zhan; Qu, Ziqian; Lan, Yu; Zhao, Shujuan; Ma, Xiaohua; Wan, Qiang; Jing, Pu; Li, Pingfan

2016-04-15

Purple sweet potatoes (PSPs) are rich in anthocyanins. In this study, we investigated the extraction efficiency of anthocyanins from PSPs using conventional extraction (CE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and accelerated-solvent extraction (ASE). Additionally, the effects of these extraction methods on antioxidant activity and anthocyanin composition of PSP extracts were evaluated. In order of decreasing extraction efficiency, the extraction methods were ASE>UAE>CE for anthocyanins (218-244 mg/100 g DW) and CE>UAE>ASE for total phenolics (631-955 mg/100 g DW) and flavonoids (28-40 mg/100 g DW). Antioxidant activities of PSP extracts were CE≈UAE>ASE for ORAC (766-1091 mg TE/100 g DW) and ASE>CE≈UAE for FRAP (1299-1705 mg TE/100 g DW). Twelve anthocyanins were identified. ASE extracts contained more diacyl anthocyanins and less nonacyl and monoacyl anthocyanins than CE and ASE extracts (P<0.05). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Acharya, Jyotsna, E-mail: jyoacharya@yahoo.com; Bancroft, Karen; Lay, James

We report a case of a 43-year-old woman who underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) for a symptomatic large fibroid uterus and had spontaneous perforation of the transverse colon 3 months after embolisation with near-fatal consequences. We believe this is the first reported case in the literature of this serious complication of UAE. We briefly review the literature on bowel complications after UAE and discuss lessons to be learned regarding patient selection and postprocedure follow-up.

Serum bilirubin concentration is associated with eGFR and urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Nishimura, Takeshi; Tanaka, Masami; Sekioka, Risa; Itoh, Hiroshi

2015-01-01

Although relationships of serum bilirubin concentration with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin excretion (UAE) in patients with type 2 diabetes have been reported, whether such relationships exist in patients with type 1 diabetes is unknown. A total of 123 patients with type 1 diabetes were investigated in this cross-sectional study. The relationship between bilirubin (total and indirect) concentrations and log(UAE) as well as eGFR was examined by Pearson's correlation analyses. Multivariate regression analyses were used to assess the association of bilirubin (total and indirect) with eGFR as well as log(UAE). A positive correlation was found between serum bilirubin concentration and eGFR; total bilirubin (r=0.223, p=0.013), indirect bilirubin (r=0.244, p=0.007). A negative correlation was found between serum bilirubin concentration and log(UAE); total bilirubin (r=-0.258, p=0.005), indirect bilirubin (r=-0.271, p=0.003). Multivariate regression analyses showed that indirect bilirubin concentration was an independent determinant of eGFR and log(UAE). Bilirubin concentration is associated with both eGFR and log(UAE) in patients with type 1 diabetes. Bilirubin might have a protective role in the progression of type 1 diabetic nephropathy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

IN SITU CR(VI) TREATMENT USING A FERROUS IRON-BASED REDUCTANT

EPA Science Inventory

Laboratory and field studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of a ferrous sulfate/ sodium hydrosulfite (dithionite) reductant blend in treating a hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) source area and Cr(VI) dissolved phase plume at a former industrial site in Charleston, South ...

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

Froeling, V., E-mail: vera.froeling@charite.de; Meckelburg, K., E-mail: katrin.meckelburg@charite.de; Scheurig-Muenkler, C., E-mail: christian.scheurig-muenkler@charite.de

Purpose: To compare the rate of reintervention and midterm changes in symptom severity (SS) and Total health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores after uterine artery embolization (UAE) and magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-g HIFU) for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Methods: Eighty women (median age 38.3 years), equally eligible for MR-g HIFU and UAE who underwent one of both treatments between 2002 and 2009 at our institution, were included. The primary end point of the study was defined as the rate of reintervention after both therapies. The secondary outcome was defined as changes in SS and Total HRQoL scores after treatment.more » SS and Total HRQoL scores before treatment and at midterm follow-up (median 13.3 months) were assessed by the uterine fibroid symptom and quality-of-life questionnaire (UFS-QoL) and compared. Results: The rate of reintervention was significantly lower after UAE than after MR-g HIFU (p = 0.002). After both treatments, SS and Total HRQoL scores improved significantly from baseline to follow-up (UAE: p < 0.001, p < 0.001; MR-g HIFU: p = 0.002, p < 0.001). Total HRQoL scores were significantly higher after UAE than after MR-g HIFU (p = 0.032). Changes in the SS scores did not differ significantly for both treatments (p = 0.061). Conclusion: UAE and MR-g HIFU significantly improved the health-related quality of life of women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. After UAE, the change in Total HRQoL score improvement was significantly better, and a significantly lower rate of reintervention was observed.« less

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

Smeets, Albert J., E-mail: radiol@eztilburg.nl; Nijenhuis, Robbert J.; Rooij, Willem Jan van

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) in patients with a large fibroid burden is controversial. Anecdotal reports describe serious complications and limited clinical results. We report the long-term clinical and magnetic resonance (MR) results in a large series of women with a dominant fibroid of >10 cm and/or an uterine volume of >700 cm{sup 3}. Seventy-one consecutive patients (mean age, 42.5 years; median, 40 years; range, 25-52 years) with a large fibroid burden were treated by UAE between August 2000 and April 2005. Volume reduction and infarction rate of dominant fibroid and uterus were assessed by comparing the baseline and latest follow-upmore » MRIs. Patients were clinically followed at various time intervals after UAE with standardized questionnaires. There were no serious complications of UAE. During a mean follow-up of 48 months (median, 59 months; range, 6-106 months), 10 of 71 patients (14%) had a hysterectomy. Mean volume reduction of the fibroid and uterus was 44 and 43%. Mean infarction rate of the fibroid and overall fibroid infarction rate was 86 and 87%. In the vast majority of patients there was a substantial improvement of symptoms. Clinical results were similar in patients with a dominant fibroid >10 cm and in patients with large uterine volumes by diffuse fibroid disease. In conclusion, our results indicate that the risk of serious complications after UAE in patients with a large fibroid burden is not increased. Moreover, clinical long-term results are as good as in other patients who are treated with UAE. Therefore, a large fibroid burden should not be considered a contraindication for UAE.« less

Optical determination of crystal phase in semiconductor nanocrystals

PubMed Central

Lim, Sung Jun; Schleife, André; Smith, Andrew M.

2017-01-01

Optical, electronic and structural properties of nanocrystals fundamentally derive from crystal phase. This is especially important for polymorphic II–VI, III–V and I-III-VI2 semiconductor materials such as cadmium selenide, which exist as two stable phases, cubic and hexagonal, each with distinct properties. However, standard crystallographic characterization through diffraction yields ambiguous phase signatures when nanocrystals are small or polytypic. Moreover, diffraction methods are low-throughput, incompatible with solution samples and require large sample quantities. Here we report the identification of unambiguous optical signatures of cubic and hexagonal phases in II–VI nanocrystals using absorption spectroscopy and first-principles electronic-structure theory. High-energy spectral features allow rapid identification of phase, even in small nanocrystals (∼2 nm), and may help predict polytypic nanocrystals from differential phase contributions. These theoretical and experimental insights provide simple and accurate optical crystallographic analysis for liquid-dispersed nanomaterials, to improve the precision of nanocrystal engineering and improve our understanding of nanocrystal reactions. PMID:28513577

Urinary albumin excretion is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus in men, independently of initial metabolic profile and development of insulin resistance. The DESIR Study.

PubMed

Halimi, Jean-Michel; Bonnet, Fabrice; Lange, Céline; Balkau, Beverley; Tichet, Jean; Marre, Michel

2008-11-01

Elevated urinary albumin excretion (UAE) is more frequent in patients with the metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance. Whether UAE predicts the development of diabetes mellitus, independently of the presence or the development of the metabolic syndrome, is unclear, in particular, in women. We prospectively assessed the association between baseline UAE and subsequent diabetes mellitus in participants selected from the general population. Four thousand and seventy-four nondiabetic patients (aged 30-64 years) included in the Data from an Epidemiological Study on the Insulin Resistance syndrome Study had a baseline UAE. Among them, 3851 patients had complete data regarding diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus occurred in 171 out of 3851 patients during the 9-year follow-up (132/2056 men and 39/1795 women). UAE was associated with diabetes mellitus in a dose-dependent manner in men [as compared to men with UAE<9 mg/l, hazard ratios were 1.81 (P=0.0160), 1.83 (P=0.0134), 2.31 (P=0.0008) and 4.43 (P=0.0005) for men with UAE: 9-12 mg/l, 12-19 mg/l, 20-200 mg/l and >200 mg/l, respectively] but not in women; the association was more marked after exclusion of men with baseline impaired fasting glucose [hazard ratios were 3.28 (P=0.0007), 3.08 (P=0.0012), 3.27 (P=0.0022), 9.23 (P<0.0001), respectively]. The association remained significant after adjustments on BMI, sporting activity, diet, smoking, waist circumference, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, lipids, C-reactive protein and family of history of diabetes mellitus. Adjustment on the first 3-year change in weight, glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance did not modify the results. Elevated UAE predicts the 9-year risk of diabetes mellitus in men, independent of baseline or early development of metabolic abnormalities or insulin resistance.

Influence of Urine Creatinine on the Relationship between the Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio and Cardiovascular Events

PubMed Central

Carter, Caitlin E.; Gansevoort, Ronald T.; Scheven, Lieneke; Heerspink, Hiddo J. Lambers; Shlipak, Michael G.; de Jong, Paul E.

2012-01-01

Summary Background and objectives In the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (spot-ACR), urine creatinine corrects for tonicity but also reflects muscle mass. Low muscle mass is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We hypothesized that the spot-ACR would be higher in women, lower-weight persons, and older individuals, independent of timed urine albumin excretion (24hr-UAE), and accordingly, that spot-ACR would be more strongly associated with CVD events than 24hr-UAE in these subgroups. Design, setting, participants, & methods 2627 PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease) participants with 24hr-UAE <30 mg/d were followed for CVD events for 11 years. Cox regression evaluated associations of spot-ACR and 24hr-UAE with CVD events by sex, weight, and age. Results Female sex (26%), lower weight (2% per 5 kg), and older age (4% per 5 years) were associated with higher spot-ACR independent of 24hr-UAE (P<0.001). Spot urine albumin concentration (hazard ratio [HR], 1.26 per ln-SD higher) and 1/spot urine creatinine concentration (HR, 1.16 per ln-SD higher) were associated with CVD events. Spot-ACR was more strongly associated with CVD events than either component of the ratio (HR, 1.41 per ln-SD higher). Associations of spot-ACR ≥10 mg/g versus less (HR, 2.33) and 24hr-UAE ≥10 mg/d versus less (HR, 2.09) with CVD events were similar, and there were no significant differences across subgroups (P for interactions >0.06). Conclusions In community-living individuals with 24hr-UAE <30 mg/d, spot-ACR is higher in women, older persons, and lower-weight persons, independent of 24hr-UAE. Low spot urine creatinine is associated with CVD risk, but high urine albumin is a stronger determinant of the association of spot-ACR with CVD than is low urine creatinine. PMID:22383750

Influence of urine creatinine on the relationship between the albumin-to-creatinine ratio and cardiovascular events.

PubMed

Carter, Caitlin E; Gansevoort, Ronald T; Scheven, Lieneke; Heerspink, Hiddo J Lambers; Shlipak, Michael G; de Jong, Paul E; Ix, Joachim H

2012-04-01

In the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (spot-ACR), urine creatinine corrects for tonicity but also reflects muscle mass. Low muscle mass is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We hypothesized that the spot-ACR would be higher in women, lower-weight persons, and older individuals, independent of timed urine albumin excretion (24hr-UAE), and accordingly, that spot-ACR would be more strongly associated with CVD events than 24hr-UAE in these subgroups. 2627 PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease) participants with 24hr-UAE <30 mg/d were followed for CVD events for 11 years. Cox regression evaluated associations of spot-ACR and 24hr-UAE with CVD events by sex, weight, and age. Female sex (26%), lower weight (2% per 5 kg), and older age (4% per 5 years) were associated with higher spot-ACR independent of 24hr-UAE (P<0.001). Spot urine albumin concentration (hazard ratio [HR], 1.26 per ln-SD higher) and 1/spot urine creatinine concentration (HR, 1.16 per ln-SD higher) were associated with CVD events. Spot-ACR was more strongly associated with CVD events than either component of the ratio (HR, 1.41 per ln-SD higher). Associations of spot-ACR ≥10 mg/g versus less (HR, 2.33) and 24hr-UAE ≥10 mg/d versus less (HR, 2.09) with CVD events were similar, and there were no significant differences across subgroups (P for interactions >0.06). In community-living individuals with 24hr-UAE <30 mg/d, spot-ACR is higher in women, older persons, and lower-weight persons, independent of 24hr-UAE. Low spot urine creatinine is associated with CVD risk, but high urine albumin is a stronger determinant of the association of spot-ACR with CVD than is low urine creatinine.

Novel approach to systematic random sampling in population surveys: Lessons from the United Arab Emirates National Diabetes Study (UAEDIAB).

PubMed

Sulaiman, Nabil; Albadawi, Salah; Abusnana, Salah; Fikri, Mahmoud; Madani, Abdulrazzag; Mairghani, Maisoon; Alawadi, Fatheya; Zimmet, Paul; Shaw, Jonathan

2015-09-01

The prevalence of diabetes has risen rapidly in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Region. However, some prevalence estimates have not fully accounted for large migrant worker populations and have focused on minority indigenous populations. The objectives of the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study are to: (i) define the prevalence of, and risk factors for, T2DM; (ii) describe the distribution and determinants of T2DM risk factors; (iii) study health knowledge, attitudes, and (iv) identify gene-environment interactions; and (v) develop baseline data for evaluation of future intervention programs. Given the high burden of diabetes in the region and the absence of accurate data on non-UAE nationals in the UAE, a representative sample of the non-UAE nationals was essential. We used an innovative methodology in which non-UAE nationals were sampled when attending the mandatory biannual health check that is required for visa renewal. Such an approach could also be used in other countries in the region. Complete data were available for 2719 eligible non-UAE nationals (25.9% Arabs, 70.7% Asian non-Arabs, 1.1% African non-Arabs, and 2.3% Westerners). Most were men < 65 years of age. The response rate was 68%, and the non-response was greater among women than men; 26.9% earned less than UAE Dirham (AED) 24 000 (US$6500) and the most common areas of employment were as managers or professionals, in service and sales, and unskilled occupations. Most (37.4%) had completed high school and 4.1% had a postgraduate degree. This novel methodology could provide insights for epidemiological studies in the UAE and other Gulf States, particularly for expatriates. © 2015 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Modulation of Medium pH by Caulobacter crescentus Facilitates Recovery from Uranium-Induced Growth Arrest

PubMed Central

Park, Dan M.

2014-01-01

The oxidized form of uranium [U(VI)] predominates in oxic environments and poses a major threat to ecosystems. Due to its ability to mineralize U(VI), the oligotroph Caulobacter crescentus is an attractive candidate for U(VI) bioremediation. However, the physiological basis for U(VI) tolerance is unclear. Here we demonstrated that U(VI) caused a temporary growth arrest in C. crescentus and three other bacterial species, although the duration of growth arrest was significantly shorter for C. crescentus. During the majority of the growth arrest period, cell morphology was unaltered and DNA replication initiation was inhibited. However, during the transition from growth arrest to exponential phase, cells with shorter stalks were observed, suggesting a decoupling between stalk development and the cell cycle. Upon recovery from growth arrest, C. crescentus proliferated with a growth rate comparable to that of a control without U(VI), although a fraction of these cells appeared filamentous with multiple replication start sites. Normal cell morphology was restored by the end of exponential phase. Cells did not accumulate U(VI) resistance mutations during the prolonged growth arrest, but rather, a reduction in U(VI) toxicity occurred concomitantly with an increase in medium pH. Together, these data suggest that C. crescentus recovers from U(VI)-induced growth arrest by reducing U(VI) toxicity through pH modulation. Our finding represents a unique U(VI) detoxification strategy and provides insight into how microbes cope with U(VI) under nongrowing conditions, a metabolic state that is prevalent in natural environments. PMID:25002429

Gene 33/Mig6 inhibits hexavalent chromium-induced DNA damage and cell transformation in human lung epithelial cells

PubMed Central

Park, Soyoung; Li, Cen; Zhao, Hong; Darzynkiewicz, Zbigniew; Xu, Dazhong

2016-01-01

Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)] compounds are human lung carcinogens and environmental/occupational hazards. The molecular mechanisms of Cr(VI) carcinogenesis appear to be complex and are poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the potential role of Gene 33 (ERRFI1, Mig6), a multifunctional adaptor protein, in Cr(VI)-mediated lung carcinogenesis. We show that the level of Gene 33 protein is suppressed by both acute and chronic Cr(VI) treatments in a dose- and time-dependent fashion in BEAS-2B lung epithelial cells. The inhibition also occurs in A549 lung bronchial carcinoma cells. Cr(VI) suppresses Gene 33 expression mainly through post-transcriptional mechanisms, although the mRNA level of gene 33 also tends to be lower upon Cr(VI) treatments. Cr(VI)-induced DNA damage appears primarily in the S phases of the cell cycle despite the high basal DNA damage signals at the G2M phase. Knockdown of Gene 33 with siRNA significantly elevates Cr(VI)-induced DNA damage in both BEAS-2B and A549 cells. Depletion of Gene 33 also promotes Cr(VI)-induced micronucleus (MN) formation and cell transformation in BEAS-2B cells. Our results reveal a novel function of Gene 33 in Cr(VI)-induced DNA damage and lung epithelial cell transformation. We propose that in addition to its role in the canonical EGFR signaling pathway and other signaling pathways, Gene 33 may also inhibit Cr(VI)-induced lung carcinogenesis by reducing DNA damage triggered by Cr(VI). PMID:26760771

HST/COS detection of a Ne VIII absorber towards PG 1407+265: an unambiguous tracer of collisionally ionized hot gas?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, T.; Muzahid, S.; Narayanan, A.; Srianand, R.; Wakker, B. P.; Charlton, J. C.; Pathak, A.

2015-01-01

We report the detection of Ne VIII in a zabs = 0.599 61 absorber towards the QSO PG1407+265 (zem= 0.94). Besides Ne VIII, absorption from H I Lyman series lines (H I λ1025-λ915), several other low (C II, N II, O II and S II), intermediate (C III, N III, N IV, O III, S IV and S V) and high (S VI, O VI and Ne VIII) ionization metal lines are detected. Disparity in the absorption line kinematics between different ions implies that the absorbing gas comprises of multiple ionization phases. The low and the intermediate ions (except S V) trace a compact (˜410 pc), metal-rich (Z ˜ Z⊙) and overdense (log nH ˜ -2.6) photoionized region that sustained star formation for a prolonged period. The high ions, Ne VIII and O VI, can be explained as arising in a low density (-5.3 ≤ log nH ≤ -5.0), metal-rich (Z ≳ Z⊙) and diffuse (˜180 kpc) photoionized gas. The S V, S VI and C IV [detected in the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) spectrum] require an intermediate photoionization phase with -4.2 < log nH < -3.5. Alternatively, a pure collisional ionization model, as used to explain the previous known Ne VIII absorbers, with 5.65 < log T < 5.72, can reproduce the S VI, O VI and Ne VIII column densities simultaneously in a single phase. However, even such models require an intermediate phase to reproduce any observable S V and/or C IV. Therefore, we conclude that when multiple phases are present, the presence of Ne VIII is not necessarily an unambiguous indication of collisionally ionized hot gas.

Puffed cereals with added chamomile - quantitative analysis of polyphenols and optimization of their extraction method.

PubMed

Blicharski, Tomasz; Oniszczuk, Anna; Olech, Marta; Oniszczuk, Tomasz; Wójtowicz, Agnieszka; Krawczyk, Wojciech; Nowak, Renata

2017-05-11

[b]Abstract Introduction[/b]. Functional food plays an important role in the prevention, management and treatment of chronic diseases. One of the most interesting techniques of functional food production is extrusion-cooking. Functional foods may include such items as puffed cereals, breads and beverages that are fortified with vitamins, some nutraceuticals and herbs. Due to its pharmacological activity, chamomile flowers are the most popular components added to functional food. Quantitative analysis of polyphenolic antioxidants, as well as comparison of various methods for the extraction of phenolic compounds from corn puffed cereals, puffed cereals with an addition of chamomile (3, 5, 10 and 20%) and from [i]Chamomillae anthodium. [/i] [b]Materials and Methods[/b]. Two modern extraction methods - ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) at 40 °C and 60 °C, as well as accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) at 100 °C and 120 °C were used for the isolation of polyphenols from functional food. Analysis of flavonoids and phenolic acids was carried out using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). [b]Results and Conclusions[/b]. For most of the analyzed compounds, the highest yields were obtained by ultrasound assisted extraction. The highest temperature during the ultrasonification process (60 °C) increased the efficiency of extraction, without degradation of polyphenols. UAE easily arrives at extraction equilibrium and therefore permits shorter periods of time, reducing the energy input. Furthermore, UAE meets the requirements of 'Green Chemistry'.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-15

entrepreneurship , legal reform, civil society, independent media, and international trade law compliance—funded largely by the State Department’s Middle East...their citizenship to their children —the first GCC state to allow this. Many domestic service jobs are performed by migrant women, and they are denied...Iraq and to provide medical treatment to Iraqi children in the UAE. Bilateral trade is estimated at about $5 billion, and UAE companies reportedly are

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

Hamoda, Haitham, E-mail: haithamhamoda@hotmail.co; Tait, P.; Edmonds, D. K.

We report a 44-year-old woman who developed a fatal pulmonary embolus after uterine artery fibroid embolisation (UAE). Bilateral UAE was carried out through a single right-femoral artery puncture. The largest fibroid in the anterior fundal wall measured 4.5 cm, and the largest fibroid in the posterior fundal wall measured 6 cm. The appearances after UAE were satisfactory, and the procedure was apparently uneventful. No immediate complications were noted. The patient developed sudden-onset shortness of breath and went into cardiac arrest 19 h after the procedure. Postmortem autopsy confirmed that the cause of a death was a pulmonary embolism. To ourmore » knowledge this is the first reported case in the United Kingdom in which death occurred from a pulmonary embolus after UAE.« less

Quantitative Analysis of Uranium Accumulation on Sediments during Field-scale Biostimulation under Variable Bicarbonate Concentrations at the Rifle IFRC Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fox, P. M.; Davis, J. A.; Bargar, J.; Williams, K. H.; Singer, D. M.; Long, P.

2011-12-01

Bioremediation of uranium in subsurface environments is an approach that has been used at numerous field sites throughout the U.S in an attempt to lower dissolved U(VI) concentrations in groundwater. At the Rifle IFRC research site in Colorado, biostimulation of the native microbial population through acetate amendment for various periods of time has been tested in order to immobilize uranium through reduction U(VI) to U(IV). While this approach has successfully decreased U(VI) concentrations in the dissolved phase, often to levels below the EPA's maximum contaminant level of 0.13 μM, little work has examined the solid-phase accumulation of U during field-scale biostimulation. The lack of information on solid-phase U accumulation is due in large part to the difficulty of obtaining comparable pre- and post-biostimulation field sediment samples. In addition, the relatively low (<10 ppm) U concentrations present in most sediments preclude the use of spectroscopic techniques such as XAS for examining solid-phase U speciation. However, a recently developed technique of performing column experiments in situ has allowed us to overcome both of these problems, obtaining sediment samples which were exposed to the same biogeochemical conditions as subsurface sediments during the course of biostimulation. During the 2010 Rifle IFRC field experiment (dubbed "Super 8"), a number of in situ columns were deployed in various wells representing regions of the aquifer affected by acetate amendment (ambient bicarbonate) and concomitant acetate and bicarbonate amendment (elevated bicarbonate). Elevated levels of bicarbonate have been shown to cause desorption of U(VI) from the solid phase at the Rifle site under non-stimulated conditions, resulting in higher dissolved U(VI) concentrations in the aquifer. The Super 8 field experiment was designed in part to test the effect of elevated bicarbonate concentrations on U sequestration during biostimulation. Results from this experiment provide a comparison of temporal aqueous and solid-phase U concentrations under ambient and elevated bicarbonate conditions during field-scale biostimulation. Additionally, a subset of in situ columns amended with 20 μM U(VI) were analyzed by XANES in order to determine the relative importance of U(VI) and U(IV) in the solid phase. While the elevated bicarbonate concentrations did not impede reduction and sequestration of U, differences in the behavior of dissolved U(VI) after acetate amendment was stopped demonstrate the importance of U adsorption-desorption reactions in controlling dissolved U concentrations post-biostimulation.

Dynamics of microbial community composition and function during in-situ bioremediation of a uranium-contaminated aquifer

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

Nostrand, J.D. Van; Wu, L.; Wu, W.M.

2010-08-15

A pilot-scale system was established to examine the feasibility of in situ U(VI) immobilization at a highly contaminated aquifer (U.S. DOE Integrated Field Research Challenge site, Oak Ridge, TN). Ethanol was injected intermittently as an electron donor to stimulate microbial U(VI) reduction, and U(VI) concentrations fell to below the Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standard (0.03 mg liter{sup -1}). Microbial communities from three monitoring wells were examined during active U(VI) reduction and maintenance phases with GeoChip, a high-density, comprehensive functional gene array. The overall microbial community structure exhibited a considerable shift over the remediation phases examined. GeoChip-based analysis revealed thatmore » Fe(III)-reducing bacterial (FeRB), nitrate-reducing bacterial (NRB), and sulfate-reducing bacterial (SRB) functional populations reached their highest levels during the active U(VI) reduction phase (days 137 to 370), in which denitrification and Fe(III) and sulfate reduction occurred sequentially. A gradual decrease in these functional populations occurred when reduction reactions stabilized, suggesting that these functional populations could play an important role in both active U(VI) reduction and maintenance of the stability of reduced U(IV). These results suggest that addition of electron donors stimulated the microbial community to create biogeochemical conditions favorable to U(VI) reduction and prevent the reduced U(IV) from reoxidation and that functional FeRB, SRB, and NRB populations within this system played key roles in this process.« less

Dynamics of Microbial Community Composition and Function during In Situ Bioremediation of a Uranium-Contaminated Aquifer▿‡

PubMed Central

Van Nostrand, Joy D.; Wu, Liyou; Wu, Wei-Min; Huang, Zhijian; Gentry, Terry J.; Deng, Ye; Carley, Jack; Carroll, Sue; He, Zhili; Gu, Baohua; Luo, Jian; Criddle, Craig S.; Watson, David B.; Jardine, Philip M.; Marsh, Terence L.; Tiedje, James M.; Hazen, Terry C.; Zhou, Jizhong

2011-01-01

A pilot-scale system was established to examine the feasibility of in situ U(VI) immobilization at a highly contaminated aquifer (U.S. DOE Integrated Field Research Challenge site, Oak Ridge, TN). Ethanol was injected intermittently as an electron donor to stimulate microbial U(VI) reduction, and U(VI) concentrations fell to below the Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standard (0.03 mg liter−1). Microbial communities from three monitoring wells were examined during active U(VI) reduction and maintenance phases with GeoChip, a high-density, comprehensive functional gene array. The overall microbial community structure exhibited a considerable shift over the remediation phases examined. GeoChip-based analysis revealed that Fe(III)-reducing bacterial (FeRB), nitrate-reducing bacterial (NRB), and sulfate-reducing bacterial (SRB) functional populations reached their highest levels during the active U(VI) reduction phase (days 137 to 370), in which denitrification and Fe(III) and sulfate reduction occurred sequentially. A gradual decrease in these functional populations occurred when reduction reactions stabilized, suggesting that these functional populations could play an important role in both active U(VI) reduction and maintenance of the stability of reduced U(IV). These results suggest that addition of electron donors stimulated the microbial community to create biogeochemical conditions favorable to U(VI) reduction and prevent the reduced U(IV) from reoxidation and that functional FeRB, SRB, and NRB populations within this system played key roles in this process. PMID:21498771

A procedure for quantitation of total oxidized uranium for bioremediation studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Elias, Dwayne A.; Senko, John M.; Krumholz, Lee R.

2003-01-01

A procedure was developed for the quantitation of complexed U(VI) during studies on U(VI) bioremediation. These studies typically involve conversion of soluble or complexed U(VI) (oxidized) to U(IV) (the reduced form which is much less soluble). Since U(VI) freely exchanges between material adsorbed to the solid phase and the dissolved phase, uranium bioremediation experiments require a mass balance of U in both its soluble and adsorbed forms as well as in the reduced sediment bound phase. We set out to optimize a procedure for extraction and quantitation of sediment bound U(VI). Various extractant volumes to sediment ratios were tested and it was found that between 1:1 to 8:1 ratios (v/w) there was a steady increase in U(VI) recovered, but no change with further increases in v/w ratio.Various strengths of NaHCO3, Na-EDTA, and Na-citrate were used to evaluate complexed U(VI) recovery, while the efficiency of a single versus repeated extraction steps was compared with synthesized uranyl-phosphate and uranyl-hydroxide. Total recovery with 1 M NaHCO3 was 95.7% and 97.9% from uranyl-phosphate and uranyl-hydroxide, respectively, compared to 80.7% and 89.9% using 450 mM NaHCO3. Performing the procedure once yielded an efficiency of 81.1% and 92.3% for uranyl-phosphate and uranyl-hydroxide, respectively, as compared to three times. All other extractants yielded 7.9–82.0% in both experiments.

Osmium(VI) complexes as a new class of potential anti-cancer agents.

PubMed

Ni, Wen-Xiu; Man, Wai-Lun; Cheung, Myra Ting-Wai; Sun, Raymond Wai-Yin; Shu, Yuan-Lan; Lam, Yun-Wah; Che, Chi-Ming; Lau, Tai-Chu

2011-02-21

A nitridoosmium(VI) complex [Os(VI)(N)(sap)(OH(2))Cl] (H(2)sap = N-salicylidene-2-aminophenol) displays prominent in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer properties, induces S- and G2/M-phase arrest and forms a stable adduct with dianionic 5'-guanosine monophosphate.

Field method for the determination of hexavalent chromium by ultrasonication and strong anion-exchange solid-phase extraction.

PubMed

Wang, J; Ashley, K; Marlow, D; England, E C; Carlton, G

1999-03-01

A simple, fast, sensitive, and economical field method was developed and evaluated for the determination of hexavalent chromium (CrVI) in environmental and workplace air samples. By means of ultrasonic extraction in combination with a strong anion-exchange solid-phase extraction (SAE-SPE) technique, the filtration, isolation, and determination of CrVI in the presence of trivalent chromium (CrIII) and potential interferents was achieved. The method entails (1) ultrasonication in basic ammonium buffer solution to extract CrVI from environmental matrixes; (2) SAE-SPE to separate CrVI from CrIII and interferences; (3) elution/acidification of the eluate; (4) complexation of chromium with 1,5-diphenylcarbazide; and (5) spectrophotometric determination of the colored chromium-diphenylcarbazone complex. Several critical parameters were optimized in order to effect the extraction of both soluble (K2CrO4) and insoluble (PbCrO4) forms of CrVI without inducing CrIII oxidation or CrVI reduction. The method allowed for the dissolution and purification of CrVI from environmental and workplace air sample matrixes for up to 24 samples simultaneously in less than 90 min (including ultrasonication). The results demonstrated that the method was simple, fast, quantitative, and sufficiently sensitive for the determination of occupational exposures of CrVI. The method is applicable for on-site monitoring of CrVI in environmental and industrial hygiene samples.

Time Course and Accumulated Risk of Severe Urinary Adverse Events After High- Versus Low-Dose-Rate Prostate Brachytherapy With or Without External Beam Radiation Therapy

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

Tward, Jonathan D., E-mail: Jonathan.Tward@hci.utah.edu; Jarosek, Stephanie; Chu, Haitao

Purpose: Severe urinary adverse events (UAEs) include surgical treatment of urethral stricture, urinary incontinence, and radiation cystitis. We compared the incidence of grade 3 UAEs, according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, after low-dose-rate (LDR) and high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, as well as after LDR plus external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and HDR plus EBRT. Methods and Materials: Men aged >65 years with nonmetastatic prostate cancer were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database who were treated with LDR (n=12,801), HDR (n=685), LDR plus EBRT (n=8518), or HDR plus EBRT (n=2392). The populations were balanced by propensity weighting, andmore » the Kaplan-Meier incidence of severe UAEs was compared. Propensity-weighted Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the adjusted hazard of UAEs. These UAEs were compared with those in a cohort of men not treated for prostate cancer. Results: Median follow-up was 4.3 years. At 8 years, the propensity-weighted cumulative UAE incidence was highest after HDR plus EBRT (26.6% [95% confidence interval, 23.8%-29.7%]) and lowest after LDR (15.7% [95% confidence interval, 14.8%-16.6%]). The absolute excess risk over nontreated controls at 8 years was 1.9%, 3.8%, 8.4%, and 12.9% for LDR, HDR, LDR plus EBRT, and HDR plus EBRT, respectively. These represent numbers needed to harm of 53, 26, 12, and 8 persons, respectively. The additional risk of development of a UAE related to treatment for LDR, LDR plus EBRT, and HDR plus EBRT was greatest within the 2 years after treatment and then continued to decline over time. Beyond 4 years, the risk of development of a new severe UAE matched the baseline risk of the control population for all treatments. Conclusions: Toxicity differences were observed between LDR and HDR, but the differences did not meet statistical significance. However, combination radiation therapy (either HDR plus EBRT or LDR plus EBRT) increases the risk of severe UAEs compared with HDR alone or LDR alone. The highest increased risk of urinary toxicity occurs within the 2 years after therapy and then declines to an approximately 1% increase in incidence per year.« less

Time Course and Accumulated Risk of Severe Urinary Adverse Events After High- Versus Low-Dose-Rate Prostate Brachytherapy With or Without External Beam Radiation Therapy.

PubMed

Tward, Jonathan D; Jarosek, Stephanie; Chu, Haitao; Thorpe, Cameron; Shrieve, Dennis C; Elliott, Sean

2016-08-01

Severe urinary adverse events (UAEs) include surgical treatment of urethral stricture, urinary incontinence, and radiation cystitis. We compared the incidence of grade 3 UAEs, according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, after low-dose-rate (LDR) and high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, as well as after LDR plus external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and HDR plus EBRT. Men aged >65 years with nonmetastatic prostate cancer were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database who were treated with LDR (n=12,801), HDR (n=685), LDR plus EBRT (n=8518), or HDR plus EBRT (n=2392). The populations were balanced by propensity weighting, and the Kaplan-Meier incidence of severe UAEs was compared. Propensity-weighted Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the adjusted hazard of UAEs. These UAEs were compared with those in a cohort of men not treated for prostate cancer. Median follow-up was 4.3 years. At 8 years, the propensity-weighted cumulative UAE incidence was highest after HDR plus EBRT (26.6% [95% confidence interval, 23.8%-29.7%]) and lowest after LDR (15.7% [95% confidence interval, 14.8%-16.6%]). The absolute excess risk over nontreated controls at 8 years was 1.9%, 3.8%, 8.4%, and 12.9% for LDR, HDR, LDR plus EBRT, and HDR plus EBRT, respectively. These represent numbers needed to harm of 53, 26, 12, and 8 persons, respectively. The additional risk of development of a UAE related to treatment for LDR, LDR plus EBRT, and HDR plus EBRT was greatest within the 2 years after treatment and then continued to decline over time. Beyond 4 years, the risk of development of a new severe UAE matched the baseline risk of the control population for all treatments. Toxicity differences were observed between LDR and HDR, but the differences did not meet statistical significance. However, combination radiation therapy (either HDR plus EBRT or LDR plus EBRT) increases the risk of severe UAEs compared with HDR alone or LDR alone. The highest increased risk of urinary toxicity occurs within the 2 years after therapy and then declines to an approximately 1% increase in incidence per year. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Risk of mortality associated to chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a 13-year follow-up.

PubMed

Gimeno-Orna, José Antonio; Blasco-Lamarca, Yolanda; Campos-Gutierrez, Belén; Molinero-Herguedas, Edmundo; Lou-Arnal, Luis Miguel; García-García, Blanca

2015-01-01

Our aim was to assess the usefulness of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary albumin excretion (UAE) to predict the risk of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is a prospective cohort study in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinical end-point was mortality rate. GFR was measured in ml/min/1.73 m2 and stratified in 3 categories (≥60; 45-59; <45); UAE was measured in mg/24hours and was also stratified in 3 categories (<30; 30-300; >300). Mortality rates were reported per 1000 patient-years. Cox regression models were used to predict mortality risk associated with combined GFR and UAE. The predictive power was estimated with C-Harrell statistic. A total of 453 patients (39.3% males), aged 64.9 (SD 9.3) years were included; mean diabetes duration was 10.4 (SD 7.5) years. Median follow-up was 13 years. Total mortality rate was 39.5/1000. The progressive increase in mortality in the successive categories of GFR and UAE was statistically significant (P<.001). In a multivariable analysis, UAE (HR30-300=1.02 and HR>300=2.83; X2=11.6; P =.003) and GFR (HR45-59=1.34 and HR<45=1.84; X2=6.4; P =.041) were independent predictors for mortality, with no significant interaction. Simultaneous inclusion of GFR and UAE improved the predictive power of models (C-Harrell 0.741 vs. 0.726; P =.045). GFR and UAE are independent predictors for mortality in type 2 diabetic patients and do not show a statistically significant interaction. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-07

tallest building, on January 4, 2010. Dubai metro has begun operations and is expanding service. Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai bills itself as “world’s...CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy Kenneth...3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2010 to 00-00-2010 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER

EKG analysis skills of family practice residents in the United Arab Emirates: a comparison with US data.

PubMed

Margolis, S; Reed, R

2001-06-01

Concern has been raised about the electrocardiogram (EKG) analysis skills of family practice residents in the United States. This study examined EKG analysis skills of family practice residents, medical students, interns, and general practitioners (GPs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a different environment. The measurement instrument was a set of 10 EKGs, used in a study of US family practice residents. Two of the EKGs were normal, and there were 14 clinical abnormalities in the remainder. There was no significant difference in the correct diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction between US family practice residents and UAE family practice residents, medical students, or GPs. Interns' diagnoses were significantly poorer. The mean score for correctly identifying acute myocardial infarction and both normal EKGs was not significantly different between groups: 2.50 medical students, 2.35 interns, 2.58 UAE family practice residents, 2.67 FD, and 2.55 US family practice residents. However, the US family practice resident mean score of 11.26 for all 16 clinical findings was significantly higher than any group in the UAE: 5.35 medical students, 5.87 interns, 6.08 UAE family practice residents, 5.69 family physicians. Difficulty in EKG interpretation transcends geographic boundaries, suggesting that new approaches to teaching these skills need to be explored. Improved EKG reading skills by family physicians are generally needed in both the United States and the UAE.

Study of sorption-retarded U(VI) diffusion in Hanford silt/clay material.

PubMed

Bai, Jing; Liu, Chongxuan; Ball, William P

2009-10-15

A diffusion cell method was applied to measure the effective pore diffusion coefficient (Dp) for U(VI) under strictly controlled chemical conditions in a silt/clay sediment from the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford site, WA. "Inward-flux" diffusion studies were conducted in which [U(VI)] in both aqueous and solid phases was measured as a function of distance in the diffusion cell under conditions of constant concentration at the cell boundaries. A sequential extraction method was developed to measure sorbed contaminant U(VI) in the solid phase containing extractable background U(VI). The effect of sorption kinetics on U(VI) interparticle diffusion was evaluated by comparing sorption-retarded diffusion models with sorption described either as equilibrium or intraparticle diffusion-limited processes. Both experimental and modeling results indicated that (1) a single pore diffusion coefficient can simulate the diffusion of total aqueous U(VI), and (2) the local equilibrium assumption (LEA) is appropriate for modeling sorption-retarded diffusion under the given experimental conditions. Dp of 1.6-1.7 x 10(-6) cm2/s was estimated in aqueous solution at pH 8.0 and saturated with respect to calcite, as relevant to some subsurface regions of the Hanford site.

Comparative evaluation of maceration and ultrasonic-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from fresh olives.

PubMed

Deng, Junlin; Xu, Zhou; Xiang, Chunrong; Liu, Jing; Zhou, Lijun; Li, Tian; Yang, Zeshen; Ding, Chunbang

2017-07-01

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and maceration extraction (ME) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) for total phenolic compounds (TPC) from fresh olives. The main phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of TPC were also investigated. The optimized result for UAE was 22mL/g of liquid-solid ratio, 47°C of extraction temperature and 30min of extraction time, 7.01mg/g of yielding, and for ME was 24mL/g of liquid-solid ratio, 50°C of extraction temperature and 4.7h of extraction time, 5.18mg/g of yielding. The HPLC analysis revealed that the extracts by UAE and ME possessed 14 main phenolic compounds, and UAE exhibited more amounts of all phenols than ME. The most abundant phenolic compounds in olive extracts were hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein and rutin. Both extracts showed excellent antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, UAE could effectively increase the yield of phenolic compounds from olives. In addition these phenolic compounds could be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of a Ferrous Sulfate - Sodium Dithionite Blend to Treat a Dissolved Phase Cr(VI) Plume

EPA Science Inventory

A field study was conducted to evaluate the use of a combination of sodium dithionite and ferrous sulfate in creating an in situ redox zone for treatment of a dissolved phase Cr(VI) plume at a former industrial site. The reductant blend was injected into the path of a dissolved ...

Methods for synthesizing semiconductor quality chalcopyrite crystals for nonlinear optical and radiation detection applications and the like

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley; Burger, Arnold

2016-05-10

A method for synthesizing I-III-VI.sub.2 compounds, including: melting a Group III element; adding a Group I element to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Group I and Group III elements to react thereby providing a single phase I-III compound; and adding a Group VI element to the single phase I-III compound under heat, with mixing, and/or via vapor transport. The Group III element is melted at a temperature of between about 200 degrees C. and about 700 degrees C. Preferably, the Group I element consists of a neutron absorber and the group III element consists of In or Ga. The Group VI element and the single phase I-III compound are heated to a temperature of between about 700 degrees C. and about 1000 degrees C. Preferably, the Group VI element consists of S, Se, or Te. Optionally, the method also includes doping with a Group IV element activator.

THE ATM-SMC1 PATHWAY IS ESSENTIAL FOR ACTIVATION OF THE CHROMIUM[VI]-INDUCED S-PHASE CHECKPOINT

EPA Science Inventory

Hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI] is a common industrial waste product, an environmental pollutant, and a recognized human carcinogen. Following cellular uptake, Cr[VI] can cause DNA damage, however, the mechanisims by which mammalian cells respond to Cr-induced DNA damage remain to b...

Incineration of tannery sludge under oxic and anoxic conditions: study of chromium speciation.

PubMed

Kavouras, P; Pantazopoulou, E; Varitis, S; Vourlias, G; Chrissafis, K; Dimitrakopulos, G P; Mitrakas, M; Zouboulis, A I; Karakostas, Th; Xenidis, A

2015-01-01

A tannery sludge, produced from physico-chemical treatment of tannery wastewaters, was incinerated without any pre-treatment process under oxic and anoxic conditions, by controlling the abundance of oxygen. Incineration in oxic conditions was performed at the temperature range from 300°C to 1200°C for duration of 2h, while in anoxic conditions at the temperature range from 400°C to 600°C and varying durations. Incineration under oxic conditions at 500°C resulted in almost total oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI), with CaCrO4 to be the crystalline phase containing Cr(VI). At higher temperatures a part of Cr(VI) was reduced, mainly due to the formation of MgCr2O4. At 1200°C approximately 30% of Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III). Incineration under anoxic conditions substantially reduced the extent of oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI). Increase of temperature and duration of incineration lead to increase of Cr(VI) content, while no chromium containing crystalline phase was detected. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perforation of transverse colon: a catastrophic complication of uterine artery embolization for fibroids.

PubMed

Acharya, Jyotsna; Bancroft, Karen; Lay, James

2012-12-01

We report a case of a 43-year-old woman who underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) for a symptomatic large fibroid uterus and had spontaneous perforation of the transverse colon 3 months after embolisation with near-fatal consequences. We believe this is the first reported case in the literature of this serious complication of UAE. We briefly review the literature on bowel complications after UAE and discuss lessons to be learned regarding patient selection and postprocedure follow-up.

Gas-Phase Coordination Complexes of UVIO{2/2+}, NpVIO{2/2+}, and PuVIO{2/2+} with Dimethylformamide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutkowski, Philip X.; Rios, Daniel; Gibson, John K.; van Stipdonk, Michael J.

2011-11-01

Electrospray ionization of actinyl perchlorate solutions in H2O with 5% by volume of dimethylformamide (DMF) produced the isolatable gas-phase complexes, [AnVIO2(DMF)3(H2O)]2+ and [AnVIO2(DMF)4]2+, where An = U, Np, and Pu. Collision-induced dissociation confirmed the composition of the dipositive coordination complexes, and produced doubly- and singly-charged fragment ions. The fragmentation products reveal differences in underlying chemistries of uranyl, neptunyl, and plutonyl, including the lower stability of Np(VI) and Pu(VI) compared with U(VI).

Neutron imaging systems utilizing lithium-containing semiconductor crystals

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley C.; Burger, Arnold

2017-04-25

A neutron imaging system, including: a plurality of Li-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor crystals arranged in an array, wherein III represents a Group III element and VI represents a Group VI element; and electronics operable for detecting and a charge in each of the plurality of crystals in the presence of neutrons and for imaging the neutrons. Each of the crystals is formed by: melting the Group III element; adding the Li to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Li and Group III element to react, thereby providing a single phase Li-III compound; and adding the Group VI element to the single phase Li-III compound and heating. Optionally, each of the crystals is also formed by doping with a Group IV element activator.

Kinetics and mechanisms of the oxidation of iodide and bromide in aqueous solutions by a trans-dioxoruthenium(VI) complex.

PubMed

Lam, William W Y; Man, Wai-Lun; Wang, Yi-Ning; Lau, Tai-Chu

2008-08-04

The kinetics and mechanisms of the oxidation of I (-) and Br (-) by trans-[Ru (VI)(N 2O 2)(O) 2] (2+) have been investigated in aqueous solutions. The reactions have the following stoichiometry: trans-[Ru (VI)(N 2O 2)(O) 2] (2+) + 3X (-) + 2H (+) --> trans-[Ru (IV)(N 2O 2)(O)(OH 2)] (2+) + X 3 (-) (X = Br, I). In the oxidation of I (-) the I 3 (-)is produced in two distinct phases. The first phase produces 45% of I 3 (-) with the rate law d[I 3 (-)]/dt = ( k a + k b[H (+)])[Ru (VI)][I (-)]. The remaining I 3 (-) is produced in the second phase which is much slower, and it follows first-order kinetics but the rate constant is independent of [I (-)], [H (+)], and ionic strength. In the proposed mechanism the first phase involves formation of a charge-transfer complex between Ru (VI) and I (-), which then undergoes a parallel acid-catalyzed oxygen atom transfer to produce [Ru (IV)(N 2O 2)(O)(OHI)] (2+), and a one electron transfer to give [Ru (V)(N 2O 2)(O)(OH)] (2+) and I (*). [Ru (V)(N 2O 2)(O)(OH)] (2+) is a stronger oxidant than [Ru (VI)(N 2O 2)(O) 2] (2+) and will rapidly oxidize another I (-) to I (*). In the second phase the [Ru (IV)(N 2O 2)(O)(OHI)] (2+) undergoes rate-limiting aquation to produce HOI which reacts rapidly with I (-) to produce I 2. In the oxidation of Br (-) the rate law is -d[Ru (VI)]/d t = {( k a2 + k b2[H (+)]) + ( k a3 + k b3[H (+)]) [Br (-)]}[Ru (VI)][Br (-)]. At 298.0 K and I = 0.1 M, k a2 = (2.03 +/- 0.03) x 10 (-2) M (-1) s (-1), k b2 = (1.50 +/- 0.07) x 10 (-1) M (-2) s (-1), k a3 = (7.22 +/- 2.19) x 10 (-1) M (-2) s (-1) and k b3 = (4.85 +/- 0.04) x 10 (2) M (-3) s (-1). The proposed mechanism involves initial oxygen atom transfer from trans-[Ru (VI)(N 2O 2)(O) 2] (2+) to Br (-) to give trans-[Ru (IV)(N 2O 2)(O)(OBr)] (+), which then undergoes parallel aquation and oxidation of Br (-), and both reactions are acid-catalyzed.

Controls on rheology of peridotite at a palaeosubduction interface: a transect across the base of the Oman-UAE ophiolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambrose, T. K.; Wallis, D.; Hansen, L. N.; Waters, D. J.; Searle, M. P.

2017-12-01

Studies of experimentally deformed rocks and small-scale natural shear zones have demonstrated that volumetrically minor phases can control strain localisation by limiting grain growth and promoting grain-size sensitive deformation mechanisms. Such studies are often used to infer a critical role for minor phases in the development of plate boundaries. However, the role of of minor phases in strain localisation at plate boundaries remains to be tested by direct observation. To test the hypothesis that minor phases control strain localisation at plate boundaries, we conducted microstructural analyses of peridotite samples collected across the base of the Oman-UAE ophiolite. The base of the ophiolite is marked by the Semail thrust, which represents the now exhumed contact between subducted oceanic crust and the overlying mantle wedge. As such, the base of the ophiolite provides the opportunity to directly examine a former plate boundary. Our results demonstrate that the mean olivine grain size is inversely proportional to the abundance of minor phases (primarily pyroxene), consistent with suppression of grain growth by grain-boundary pinning. Our results also reveal that mean olivine grain size is proportional to CPO strength, suggesting that the fraction of strain accommodated by different deformation mechanisms varied spatially. Experimentally-derived flow laws indicate that under the inferred deformation conditions the viscosity of olivine was grain-size sensitive. As such, grain size, and thereby the abundance of minor phases, influenced viscosity during subduction-related deformation along the base of the mantle wedge. We calculate that viscosity and strain rate respectively decrease and increase by approximately an order of magnitude towards the base of the ophiolite. Our data indicate that this rheological weakening was primarily the result of more abundant secondary phases near the base of the ophiolite. Our interpretations are consistent with those of previous studies on experimentally deformed rocks and smaller-scale natural shear zones that indicate minor phases can strongly influence strain localisation. However, our study demonstrates for the first time that minor phases can control strain localisation at the scale of a major plate boundary.

Technology-derived storage solutions for stabilizing insulin in extreme weather conditions I: the ViViCap-1 device.

PubMed

Pfützner, Andreas; Pesach, Gidi; Nagar, Ron

2017-06-01

Injectable life-saving drugs should not be exposed to temperatures <4°C/39°F or >30°C/86°F. Frequently, weather conditions exceed these temperature thresholds in many countries. Insulin is to be kept at 4-8°C/~ 39-47°F until use and once opened, is supposed to be stable for up to 31 days at room temperature (exception: 42 days for insulin levemir). Extremely hot or cold external temperature can lead to insulin degradation in a very short time with loss of its glucose-lowering efficacy. Combined chemical and engineering solutions for heat protection are employed in ViViCap-1 for disposable insulin pens. The device works based on vacuum insulation and heat consumption by phase-change material. Laboratory studies with exposure of ViViCap-1 to hot outside conditions were performed to evaluate the device performance. ViViCap-1 keeps insulin at an internal temperature < 29°C/84.2°F for a minimum of 12 h without external power requirement, even when constantly exposed to an outside temperature of 37.8°C/100°F. Bringing the device into an ambient temperature < 26°C/78.8°F reverses the phase-change process and 'recharges' the device for further use. ViViCap-1 performed within its specifications. The small and convenient device maintains the efficacy and safety of using insulin even when carried under hot weather conditions.

Safety, immunogenicity and dose ranging of a new Vi-CRM₁₉₇ conjugate vaccine against typhoid fever: randomized clinical testing in healthy adults.

PubMed

van Damme, Pierre; Kafeja, Froukje; Anemona, Alessandra; Basile, Venere; Hilbert, Anne Katrin; De Coster, Ilse; Rondini, Simona; Micoli, Francesca; Qasim Khan, Rana M; Marchetti, Elisa; Di Cioccio, Vito; Saul, Allan; Martin, Laura B; Podda, Audino

2011-01-01

Typhoid fever causes more than 21 million cases of disease and 200,000 deaths yearly worldwide, with more than 90% of the disease burden being reported from Asia. Epidemiological data show high disease incidence in young children and suggest that immunization programs should target children below two years of age: this is not possible with available vaccines. The Novartis Vaccines Institute for Global Health developed a conjugate vaccine (Vi-CRM₁₉₇) for infant vaccination concomitantly with EPI vaccines, either starting at 6 weeks with DTP or at 9 months with measles vaccine. We report the results from a Phase 1 and a Phase 2 dose ranging trial with Vi-CRM₁₉₇ in European adults. Following randomized blinded comparison of single vaccination with either Vi-CRM₁₉₇ or licensed polysaccharide vaccines (both containing 25·0 µg of Vi antigen), a randomised observer blinded dose ranging trial was performed in the same center to compare three concentrations of Vi-CRM₁₉₇ (1·25 µg, 5·0 µg and 12·5 µg of Vi antigen) with the polysaccharide vaccine. All vaccines were well tolerated. Compared to the polysaccharide vaccine, Vi-CRM₁₉₇ induced a higher incidence of mild to moderate short lasting local pain. All Vi-CRM₁₉₇ formulations induced higher Vi antibody levels compared to licensed control, with clear dose response relationship. Vi-CRM₁₉₇ did not elicit safety concerns, was highly immunogenic and is therefore suitable for further clinical testing in endemic populations of South Asia. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01123941 NCT01193907.

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

Suzuki, Satoshi, E-mail: sansansan33@hotmail.com; Tanigawa, Noboru; Kariya, Syuji

This case report describes posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) occurring after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine myoma. This is the first report of PRES occurring after uterine vascular radiologic intervention. The mechanism by which UAE induced PRES is unclear.

Estimation of fluoride concentration in drinking water and common beverages in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

PubMed

Walia, Tarun; Abu Fanas, Salem; Akbar, Madiha; Eddin, Jamal; Adnan, Mohamad

2017-07-01

To assess fluoride concentration in drinking water which include tap water of 4 emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman plus bottled water, commonly available soft drinks & juices in United Arab Emirates. Five different samples of tap water collected from each of the four emirates of UAE: Ajman, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai; twenty-two brands of bottled water and fifteen brands of popular cold beverages, purchased from different supermarkets in U.A.E were tested using ion selective electrode method and the fluoride concentration was determined. The mean fluoride content of tap water samples was 0.14 mg F/L with a range of 0.04-0.3 mg F/L; with Ajman tap water samples showing the highest mean fluoride content of 0.3 mg F/L. The mean fluoride content for both bottled drinking water and beverages was 0.07 mg F/L with a range of 0.02-0.50 mg F/L and 0.04-0.1 mg F/L respectively. Majority (68.2%) of the bottled water are produced locally within U.A.E while a few (31.8%) are imported. The tap water, bottled water and beverages available in U.A.E show varying concentrations of fluoride, however none showed the optimal level necessary to prevent dental caries. Dental professionals in U.A.E should be aware of the fluoride concentrations before prescribing fluoride supplements to children.

High pressure–low temperature phase diagram of barium: Simplicity versus complexity

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

Desgreniers, Serge; Tse, John S., E-mail: John.Tse@usask.ca; State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, 130012 Changchun

2015-11-30

Barium holds a distinctive position among all elements studied upon densification. Indeed, it was the first example shown to violate the long-standing notion that high compression of simple metals should preserve or yield close-packed structures. From modest pressure conditions at room temperature, barium transforms at higher pressures from its simple structures to the extraordinarily complex atomic arrangements of the incommensurate and self-hosting Ba-IV phases. By a detailed mapping of the pressure/temperature structures of barium, we demonstrate the existence of another crystalline arrangement of barium, Ba-VI, at low temperature and high pressure. The simple structure of Ba-VI is unlike that ofmore » complex Ba-IV, the phase encountered in a similar pressure range at room temperature. First-principles calculations predict Ba-VI to be stable at high pressure and superconductive. The results illustrate the complexity of the low temperature-high pressure phase diagram of barium and the significant effect of temperature on structural phase transformations.« less

Understanding the strong intervening O VI absorber at zabs ˜ 0.93 towards PG1206+459

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenwasser, B.; Muzahid, S.; Charlton, J. C.; Kacprzak, G. G.; Wakker, B. P.; Churchill, C. W.

2018-05-01

We have obtained new observations of the partial Lyman limit absorber at zabs=0.93 towards quasar PG 1206+459, and revisit its chemical and physical conditions. The absorber, with N({H I})˜ 10^{17.0} cm-2 and absorption lines spread over ≳1000 km s-1 in velocity, is one of the strongest known O VI absorbers at \\log N({{O VI}})= 15.54 ± 0.17. Our analysis makes use of the previously known low- (e.g. Mg II), intermediate- (e.g. Si IV), and high-ionization (e.g. C IV, N V, Ne VIII) metal lines along with new Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) observations that cover O VI and an HST/ACS image of the quasar field. Consistent with previous studies, we find that the absorber has a multiphase structure. The low-ionization phase arises from gas with a density of \\log (n_H/cm^{-3})˜ -2.5 and a solar to supersolar metallicity. The high-ionization phase stems from gas with a significantly lower density, i.e. \\log (n_H/cm^{-3}) ˜ -3.8, and a near-solar to solar metallicity. The high-ionization phase accounts for all of the absorption seen in C IV, N V, and O VI. We find the the detected Ne VIII, reported by Tripp et al. (2011), is best explained as originating in a stand-alone collisionally ionized phase at T˜ 10^{5.85} K, except in one component in which both O VI and Ne VIII can be produced via photoionization. We demonstrate that such strong O VI absorption can easily arise from photoionization at z ≳ 1, but that, due to the decreasing extragalactic UV background radiation, only collisional ionization can produce large O VI features at z ˜ 0. The azimuthal angle of ˜88° of the disc of the nearest (68 kpc) luminous (1.3L*) galaxy at zgal = 0.9289, which shows signatures of recent merger, suggests that the bulk of the absorption arises from metal enriched outflows.

Method for the determination of chromium in feed matrix by HPLC.

PubMed

Umesh, Balakrishnan; Rajendran, Rajendra Moorthy; Manoharan, Muthu Tamizh

2015-11-01

An improved method for the chromatographic separation and determination of chromium (III) and (VI) [ CRIII AND CRVI: ] in mineral mixtures and feed samples has been developed. The method uses precolumn derivatization using ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate ( APD: ) followed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography to separate the chromium ions. Both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species are chelated with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate prior to separation by mixing with acetonitrile and 0.5 mmol acetate buffer (pH 4.5). Optimum chromatographic separations were obtained with a polymer-based reversed-phase column (Kinetex, 5 μ, 250 × 4.5 mm, Phenomenex, Torrance, CA) and a mobile phase containing acetonitrile and water (7:3). Both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ion concentrations were directly determined from the corresponding areas in the chromatogram. The effect of analytical parameters, including pH, concentration of ligand, incubation temperature, and mobile phase, was optimized for both chromium complexes. The range of the procedure was found to be linear for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) concentrations between 0.125 and 4 μg/mL (r² = 0.9926) and 0.1 and 3.0 μg/mL (r² = 0.9983), respectively. Precision was evaluated by replicate analysis in which the percentage relative standard deviation values for chromium complex were found to be below 4.0. The recoveries obtained (85-115%) for both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) complexes indicated the accuracy of the developed method. The degradation products, as well as the excipients, were well resolved from the chromium complex peak in the chromatogram. Finally, the new method proved to be suitable for routine analysis of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species in raw materials, mineral mixtures, and feed samples. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Green ultrasound-assisted extraction of carotenoids based on the bio-refinery concept using sunflower oil as an alternative solvent.

PubMed

Li, Ying; Fabiano-Tixier, Anne Sylvie; Tomao, Valérie; Cravotto, Giancarlo; Chemat, Farid

2013-01-01

A green, inexpensive and easy-to-use method for carotenoids extraction from fresh carrots assisted by ultrasound was designed in this work. Sunflower oil was applied as a substitute to organic solvents in this green ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE): a process which is in line with green extraction and bio-refinery concepts. The processing procedure of this original UAE was first compared with conventional solvent extraction (CSE) using hexane as solvent. Moreover, the UAE optimal conditions for the subsequent comparison were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and ultra performance liquid chromatography--diode array detector--mass spectroscopy (UPLC-DAD-MS). The results showed that the UAE using sunflower as solvent has obtained its highest β-carotene yield (334.75 mg/l) in 20 min only, while CSE using hexane as solvent obtained a similar yield (321.35 mg/l) in 60 min. The green UAE performed under optimal extraction conditions (carrot to oil ratio of 2:10, ultrasonic intensity of 22.5 W cm(-2), temperature of 40 °C and sonication time of 20 min) gave the best yield of β-carotene. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of charantin from Momordica charantia fruits using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Ahamad, Javed; Amin, Saima; Mir, Showkat R

2015-01-01

Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) fruits are well known for their beneficial effects in diabetes that are often attributed to its bioactive component charantin. The aim of the present study is to develop and optimize an efficient protocol for the extraction of charantin from M. charantia fruits. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions. RSM was based on a three-level, three-variable Box-Behnken design (BBD), and the studied variables included solid to solvent ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction time. The optimal conditions predicted by the BBD were: UAE with methanol: Water (80:20, v/v) at 46°C for 120 min with solid to solvent ratio of 1:26 w/v, under which the yield of charantin was 3.18 mg/g. Confirmation trials under slightly adjusted conditions yielded 3.12 ± 0.14 mg/g of charantin on dry weight basis of fruits. The result of UAE was also compared with Soxhlet extraction method and UAE was found 2.74-fold more efficient than the Soxhlet extraction for extracting charantin. A facile UAE protocol for a high extraction yield of charantin was developed and validated.

Health of dentists in United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Hashim, Raghad; Al-Ali, Khalid

2013-02-01

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and nature of some health and lifestyle problems among dentists in United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional study with a one-stage complex sampling technique using a self-reported questionnaire distributed to all 844 dentists, working in three cities (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) in UAE. Seven hundred and thirty-three (87%) dentists, aged 22-70 years, responded. More than half (n = 442, 61%) of dentists do not exercise regularly. Around one-seventh of the dentists are smokers. One hundred and eighteen dentists (16%) reported having some known systemic problem. The most common systemic health problems were cardiovascular diseases (n = 56, 8%). The present study indicates that the prevalence of exercise among dentists in UAE is relatively low and some systemic health problems, especially cardiovascular diseases, are present among dentists practicing in UAE. Cigarette consumption is relatively high in this population of dentist. Further continuing education and investigation of the appropriate intervention to improve rates of exercise and reduce the level of smoking among dentists in UAE is needed, and this may help reduce the level of systemic disease. © 2013 FDI World Dental Federation.

77 FR 49430 - 36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-16

... Arab Emirates (UAE) (ii) Total Estimated Value: Major Defense Equipment $35 million Other $0 million... JUSTIFICATION United Arab Emirates--F117-PW-100 Engines The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has...

Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharaf, Omran; Amiri, Sarah; AlMheiri, Suhail; Alrais, Adnan; Wali, Mohammad; AlShamsi, Zakareyya; AlQasim, Ibrahim; AlHarmoodi, Khuloud; AlTeneiji, Nour; Almatroushi, Hessa; AlShamsi, Maryam; AlAwadhi, Mohsen; McGrath, Michael; Withnell, Pete; Ferrington, Nicolas; Reed, Heather; Landin, Brett; Ryan, Sean; Pramann, Brian

2017-04-01

United Arab Emirates (UAE) has entered the space exploration race with the announcement of Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), the first Arab Islamic mission to another planet, in 2014. Through this mission, UAE is to send an unmanned probe, called Hope probe, to be launched in summer 2020 and reach Mars by 2021 to coincide with UAE's 50th anniversary. Through a sequence of subsequent maneuvers, the spacecraft will enter a large science orbit that has a periapsis altitude of 20,000 km, an apoapsis altitude of 43,000 km, and an inclination of 25 degrees. The mission is designed to (1) characterize the state of the Martian lower atmosphere on global scales and its geographic, diurnal and seasonal variability, (2) correlate rates of thermal and photochemical atmospheric escape with conditions in the collisional Martian atmosphere, and (3) characterize the spatial structure and variability of key constituents in the Martian exosphere. These objectives will be met by four investigations with diurnal variability on sub-seasonal timescales which are (1) determining the three-dimensional thermal state of the lower atmosphere, (2) determining the geographic and diurnal distribution of key constituents in the lower atmosphere, (3) determining the abundance and spatial variability of key neutral species in the thermosphere, and (4) determining the three-dimensional structure and variability of key species in the exosphere. EMM will collect these information about the Mars atmospheric circulation and connections through a combination of three distinct instruments that image Mars in the visible, thermal infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths and they are the Emirates eXploration Imager (EXI), the Emirates Mars InfraRed Spectrometer (EMIRS), and the EMM Mars Ultraviolet Spectrometer (EMUS). EMM has passed its Mission Concept Review (MCR), System Requirements Review (SRR), System Design Review (SDR), and Preliminary Design Review (PDR) phases. The mission is led by Emiratis from Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, and it will expand the nation's human capital through knowledge transfer programs set with international partners from the University of Colorado Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of California Berkeley Space Sciences Lab (SSL), and Arizona State University (ASU) School of Earth and Space Exploration.

Determinants of urinary albumin excretion reduction in essential hypertension: A long-term follow-up study.

PubMed

Pascual, Jose Maria; Rodilla, Enrique; Miralles, Amparo; Gonzalez, Carmen; Redon, Josep

2006-11-01

The objective of the present study was to assess factors related to long-term changes in urinary albumin excretion (UAE) of nondiabetic microalbuminuric (n = 252) or proteinuric hypertensive individuals (n = 58) in a prospective follow-up. After enrollment, patients were placed on usual care including nonpharmacological treatment and/or treatment with an antihypertensive drug regime to achieve blood pressure < 135/85 mmHg. Periodic UAE measurements were performed until regression or significant reduction (defined when UAE dropped > 50% from the initial values, plus reduction of UAE to < 30 mg/24 h for microalbuminuric patients and < 300 mg/24 h for proteinuric patients). Among the microalbuminuric patients, 113 (44.8%) significantly reduced UAE after a mean follow-up of 18 months (range 12-69 months), 20.3/100 patients per year. Among the proteinuric patients, 29 (50%) significantly reduced UAE after a mean follow-up of 25 months (range 12-51 months), 20.2/100 patients per year. The baseline glomerular filtration rate, diastolic blood pressure and fasting glucose during follow-up were independent factors related to the regression or significant reduction in a Cox proportional hazard model. Regression of UAE was independently related to initial estimated glomerular filtration rate < or = 60 ml/min per 1.73 m (hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.86; P = 0.001) and DBP > or = 90 mmHg achieved during the follow-up (hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.86; P = 0.001), even when adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, fasting glucose, presence of treatment at the beginning of the study and treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers during the follow-up. The reduction of urinary albumin excretion was linked to the preserved glomerular filtration rate and to adequate blood pressure control.

Development of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire for use in United Arab Emirates and Kuwait based on local foods.

PubMed

Dehghan, Mahshid; Al Hamad, Nawal; Yusufali, AfzalHussein; Nusrath, Fathimunissa; Yusuf, Salim; Merchant, Anwar T

2005-05-27

The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) is one of the most commonly used tools in epidemiologic studies to assess long-term nutritional exposure. The purpose of this study is to describe the development of a culture specific FFQ for Arab populations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait. We interviewed samples of Arab populations over 18 years old in UAE and Kuwait assessing their dietary intakes using 24-hour dietary recall. Based on the most commonly reported foods and portion sizes, we constructed a food list with the units of measurement. The food list was converted to a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ) format following the basic pattern of SFFQ using usual reported portions. The long SFFQ was field-tested, shortened and developed into the final SFFQ. To estimate nutrients from mixed dishes we collected recipes of those mixed dishes that were commonly eaten, and estimated their nutritional content by using nutrient values of the ingredients that took into account method of preparation from the US Department of Agriculture's Food Composition Database. The SFFQs consist of 153 and 152 items for UAE and Kuwait, respectively. The participants reported average intakes over the past year. On average the participants reported eating 3.4 servings/d of fruits and 3.1 servings/d of vegetables in UAE versus 2.8 servings/d of fruits and 3.2 servings/d of vegetables in Kuwait. Participants reported eating cereals 4.8 times/d in UAE and 5.3 times/d in Kuwait. The mean intake of dairy products was 2.2/d in UAE and 3.4 among Kuwaiti. We have developed SFFQs to measure diet in UAE and Kuwait that will serve the needs of public health researchers and clinicians and are currently validating those instruments.

Epidemiology of dental caries in children in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Al-Bluwi, Ghada S M

2014-08-01

Dental caries has a significant impact on the general health and development of children. Understanding caries epidemiology is an essential task for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) policymakers to evaluate preventive programmes and to improve oral health. The purpose of this review is to collect and summarise all data available in the published literature on the epidemiology of dental caries in the UAE in children aged under 13 years. This will provide dental health planners with a comprehensive data summary, which will help in the planning for and evaluation of dental caries prevention programmes. Data were collected from the various published studies in PubMed, Academic Search Complete, Google, and the reference lists in relevant articles. Four keywords were used in the search: 'dental caries,' 'epidemiology,' 'prevalence,' and 'UAE'. All studies conducted in the UAE in general or any single emirate that sheds light on the prevalence of dental caries of children under 13 years were included in this literature review. Studies on early childhood caries and factors associated with dental caries were also included. The review comprises 11 published surveys of childhood caries in UAE. The earliest study was published in 1991 and the most recent was published in 2011. The range of decayed, missing and filled primary teeth (dmft) in UAE children (age between 4 years and 6 years) was 5.1-8.4. For the 12-year-old group the decayed missing and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) ranged from 1.6 to 3.24. Baseline data on oral health and a good understanding of dental caries determinants are necessary for setting appropriate goals and planning for preventive oral health programmes. The current data available on the dmft and DMFT indicate that childhood dental caries is still a serious dental public health problem in the UAE that warrants immediate attention by the government and policy makers. © 2014 FDI World Dental Federation.

Tolerance, hospital stay, and recovery after uterine artery embolization for fibroids: the Ontario Uterine Fibroid Embolization Trial.

PubMed

Pron, Gaylene; Mocarski, Eva; Bennett, John; Vilos, George; Common, Andrew; Zaidi, Mukarram; Sniderman, Kenneth; Asch, Murray; Kozak, Roman; Simons, Martin; Tran, Cuong; Kachura, John

2003-10-01

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is gaining popularity as an alternative to hysterectomy for the treatment of fibroids. Although minimally invasive treatments such as UAE offer the potential of fewer complications, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery than surgery, there have been few published data on tolerance and recovery in patients undergoing UAE. This was a multicenter prospective single-arm clinical treatment trial involving the practices of 11 interventional radiologists in eight Ontario university-affiliated and community hospitals. Between November 1998 and November 2000, 555 women underwent UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Follow-up included ultrasound examinations and telephone interviews. UAE was performed under conscious sedation. Polyvinyl alcohol particles (355-500 micro m) were the primary embolic agent, and the procedural endpoint involved stasis in the uterine arteries. Pain protocols included antiinflammatory medications and narcotics and a planned overnight hospital admission. Tolerance and recovery were measured by patient-reported pain intensity (10-point numeric rating and five-point descriptor scale), hospital length of stay (LOS), and time until return to work. Intraprocedural pain was reported by 30% of patients and postprocedural pain was reported by 92% of patients (mean pain rating +/- SD, 7.0 +/- 2.47). The mean hospital LOS was 1.3 nights. Postprocedural pain was the most common indication for an LOS greater than 1 night (18%) or 2 nights (5%). Return visits to the hospital (10%) and readmissions (3%) were primarily for pain. The overall postprocedural complication rate was 8.0% (95% CI: 5.9%-10.6%). Of the 44 complications, 32 (73%) were pain-related. The mean recovery time after UAE was 13.1 days (median, 10.0 d). The majority of patients had a 1-night LOS after UAE and recovered within 2 weeks. Postprocedural pain varied considerably and was the major indication for extended hospital stay and recovery.

Deaths and medical visits attributable to environmental pollution in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

MacDonald Gibson, Jacqueline; Thomsen, Jens; Launay, Frederic; Harder, Elizabeth; DeFelice, Nicholas

2013-01-01

This study estimates the potential health gains achievable in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with improved controls on environmental pollution. The UAE is an emerging economy in which population health risks have shifted rapidly from infectious diseases to chronic conditions observed in developed nations. The UAE government commissioned this work as part of an environmental health strategic planning project intended to address this shift in the nature of the country's disease burden. We assessed the burden of disease attributable to six environmental exposure routes outdoor air, indoor air, drinking water, coastal water, occupational environments, and climate change. For every exposure route, we integrated UAE environmental monitoring and public health data in a spatially resolved Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate the annual disease burden attributable to selected pollutants. The assessment included the entire UAE population (4.5 million for the year of analysis). The study found that outdoor air pollution was the leading contributor to mortality, with 651 attributable deaths (95% confidence interval [CI] 143-1,440), or 7.3% of all deaths. Indoor air pollution and occupational exposures were the second and third leading contributors to mortality, with 153 (95% CI 85-216) and 46 attributable deaths (95% CI 26-72), respectively. The leading contributor to health-care facility visits was drinking water pollution, to which 46,600 (95% CI 15,300-61,400) health-care facility visits were attributed (about 15% of the visits for all the diseases considered in this study). Major study limitations included (1) a lack of information needed to translate health-care facility visits to quality-adjusted-life-year estimates and (2) insufficient spatial coverage of environmental data. Based on international comparisons, the UAE's environmental disease burden is low for all factors except outdoor air pollution. From a public health perspective, reducing pollutant emissions to outdoor air should be a high priority for the UAE's environmental agencies.

MISR UAE2 Aerosol Versioning

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2013-03-21

... The "Beta" designation means particle microphysical property validation is in progress, uncertainty envelopes on particle size distribution, ... UAE-2 campaign activities are part of the validation process, so two versions of the MISR aerosol products are included in this ...

Body image, health, and modernity: women's perspectives and experiences in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Trainer, Sarah S

2010-07-01

The countries of the Arab Gulf have experienced accelerated development and urbanization over the last 50 years. Changes in health have likewise been dramatic: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE now have some of the highest proportions of obese/overweight people in the world, with correspondingly high rates of chronic disease. In the UAE, particularly high rates of obesity/overweight have been reported among middle-aged Emirati women, but other problems relating to health and nutrition are starting to be identified in younger age groups as well. This article describes preliminary data from a project among young Emirati women in the UAE. This study examines how these women cope with the increased availability of fast food, changing work patterns, and evolving ideas about body image, "risk," and health within a larger context of increasing chronic disease and weight gain throughout the UAE.

Comparison of different strategies for soybean antioxidant extraction.

PubMed

Chung, Hyun; Ji, Xiangming; Canning, Corene; Sun, Shi; Zhou, Kequan

2010-04-14

Three extraction strategies including Soxhlet extraction, conventional solid-liquid extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) were compared for their efficiency to extract phenolic antioxidants from Virginia-grown soybean seeds. Five extraction solvents were evaluated in UAE and the conventional extraction. The soybean extracts were compared for their total phenolic contents (TPC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH(*)) scavenging activities. The results showed that UAE improved the extraction of soybean phenolic compounds by >54% compared to the conventional and Soxhlet extractions. Among the tested solvents, 50% acetone was the most efficient for extracting soybean phenolic compounds. There was no significant correlation between the TPC and antioxidant activities of the soybean extracts. The extracts prepared by 70% ethanol had the highest ORAC values. Overall, UAE with 50% acetone or 70% ethanol is recommended for extracting soybean antioxidants on the basis of the TPC and ORAC results.

Challenges and strategies for quantitative and qualitative field research in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Aw, Tar-Ching; Zoubeidi, Taoufik; Al-Maskari, Fatma; Blair, Iain

2011-01-01

Clinical and public health research depends on factors including national systems, socio-cultural influences, and access to organisations and individuals. As a 'new' country, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has yet to develop strong support for population research. However, there is interest in research. The challenges for quantitative and qualitative research include the varied composition and mobility of the UAE population, with limited health records and disease registries. Long-term follow-up of patients, and tracing foreign workers who may only be in the UAE for a few years, are two major obstacles for longitudinal studies. There can also be a reluctance shown by parts of the population to participate in studies, especially those that require responding to what is perceived as sensitive questions. Successful execution of population research in the UAE requires an understanding of socio-cultural aspects of the study population, and good communication between researchers and participants.

Room-temperature NaI/H2O compression icing: solute-solute interactions.

PubMed

Zeng, Qingxin; Yao, Chuang; Wang, Kai; Sun, Chang Q; Zou, Bo

2017-10-11

In situ Raman spectroscopy revealed that transiting the concentrated NaI/H 2 O solutions to an ice VI phase and then into an ice VII phase at 298 K proceeds in a way different from that activated by the solute type. Unlike the solute type that raises both the critical pressures P C1 and P C2 , for the liquid-VI, the VI-VII transition simultaneously occurs in the Hofmeister series order: I > Br > Cl > F ∼ 0; concentration increase raises the P C1 faster than the P C2 that remains almost constant at higher NaI/H 2 O molecular number ratios. Concentration increase moves the P C1 along the liquid-VI phase boundary and it finally merges with P C2 at the triple-phase junction featured at 350 K and 3.05 GPa. The highly-deformed H-O bond is less sensitive to the concentration because of the involvement of anion-anion repulsion that weakens the electric field in the hydration shells. Observations confirm that the salt solvation lengthens the O:H nonbond and softens its phonon but relaxes the H-O bond contrastingly. Compression, however, has the opposite effect from that of salt solvation. Therefore, compression recovers the polarization-deformed O:H-O bond first and then proceeds to the phase transitions. The anion-anion interaction discriminates the effect of NaI/H 2 O concentration from that of the solute type at an identical concentration on the phase transitions.

Phase I clinical trial of O-Acetylated pectin conjugate, a plant polysaccharide based typhoid vaccine

PubMed Central

Szu, Shousun C.; Lin, Kimi F-Y; Hunt, Steven; Chu, Chiayung; Thinh, Nguyen Duc

2014-01-01

Background Typhoid fever remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing countries. Vi capsular polysaccharide conjugate vaccine demonstrated safety and efficacy in young children in high endemic regions. A novel typhoid conjugate vaccine based on plant polysaccharide pectin was studied in a phase I trial. Methods Fruit pectin, having the same carbohydrate backbone structure as Vi, was purified from citrus peel and used as the polysaccharide source to prepare a semi-synthetic typhoid conjugate vaccine. Pectin was chemically O-acetylated (OAcPec) to antigenically resemble Vi and conjugated to carrier protein rEPA, a recombinant exoprotein A from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 25 healthy volunteers, 18–45 years old, were injected once with OAcPec-rEPA. Safety and IgG antibodies reactive with Vi and pectin were analyzed. Results No vaccine associated serious adverse reaction was reported. Six weeks after the injection of OAcPec-rEPA, 64% of the volunteers elicited >4 fold rise of anti-Vi IgG. At 26 weeks the level declined, but the difference between the levels at 6 and 26 weeks are not statistically significant. There is a direct correlation between the level of anti-Vi IgG before and after the injection (R2 = 0.96). The anti-Vi IgG can be absorbed by Vi, but not by pectin. There was no corresponding increase of anti-pectin after the injection, indicating the antibody response to OAcPec-rEPA was specific to Vi. There is no Vi-rEPA data in US adults for comparison of immune responses. The OAcPec-rEPA elicited significantly less IgG anti-Vi in US adults than those by Vi-rEPA in Vietnamese adults. Conclusion The O-acetylated pectin conjugate, a plant based typhoid vaccine, is safe and immunogenic in adult volunteers. PMID:24657719

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

Ananthakrishnan, Ganapathy, E-mail: ganapathy.ananthakrishnan@nhs.net; Murray, Lilian, E-mail: Lilian.murray@glasgow.ac.uk; Ritchie, Moira, E-mail: moira.ritchie@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Purpose. To report 5-year contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging findings of the REST trial recruits who underwent either uterine artery embolization (UAE) or myomectomy. Methods. A total of 157 patients were randomized to UAE or surgery (hysterectomy or myomectomy). Ninety-nine patients who had UAE and eight patients who had myomectomy were analyzed. MRI scans at baseline, 6 months, and 5 years were independently interpreted by two radiologists. Dominant fibroid diameter, uterine volume, total fibroid infarction (complete 100 %, almost complete 90-99 %, partial <90 %), and new fibroid formation were the main parameters assessed and related to the need for reintervention.more » Results. In the UAE group, mean {+-} standard deviation uterine volume was 670 {+-} 503, 422 {+-} 353, and 292 {+-} 287 mL at baseline, 6 months, and 5 years, respectively. Mean dominant fibroid diameter was 7.6 {+-} 3.0, 5.8 {+-} 2.9, and 5 {+-} 2.9 cm at baseline, 6 months, and 5 years. Fibroid infarction at 6 months was complete in 35 % of women, almost complete in 29 %, and partial in 36 %. Need for reintervention was 19, 10, and 33 % in these groups, respectively (p = 0.123). No myomectomy cases had further intervention. At 5 years, the prevalence of new fibroid was 60 % in the myomectomy group and 7 % in the UAE group (p = 0.008). Conclusion. There is a further significant reduction in both uterine volume and dominant fibroid diameter between 6 months and 5 years after UAE. Complete fibroid infarction does not translate into total freedom from a subsequent reintervention. New fibroid formation is significantly higher after myomectomy.« less

Diabetes risk score in the United Arab Emirates: a screening tool for the early detection of type 2 diabetes mellitus

PubMed Central

Sulaiman, Nabil; Hussein, Amal; Elbadawi, Salah; Abusnana, Salah; Zimmet, Paul

2018-01-01

Objective The objective of this study was to develop a simple non-invasive risk score, specific to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens, to identify individuals at increased risk of having undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Research design and methods A retrospective analysis of the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle data was conducted. The data included demographic and anthropometric measurements, and fasting blood glucose. Univariate analyses were used to identify the risk factors for diabetes. The risk score was developed for UAE citizens using a stepwise forward regression model. Results A total of 872 UAE citizens were studied. The overall prevalence of diabetes in the UAE adult citizens in the Northern Emirates was 25.1%. The significant risk factors identified for diabetes were age (≥35 years), a family history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, body mass index ≥30.0 and waist-to-hip ratio ≥0.90 for males and ≥0.85 for females. The performance of the model was moderate in terms of sensitivity (75.4%, 95% CI 68.3 to 81.7) and specificity (70%, 95% CI 65.8 to 73.9). The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve was 0.82 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.86). Conclusions A simple, non-invasive risk score model was developed to help to identify those at high risk of having diabetes among UAE citizens. This score could contribute to the efficient and less expensive earlier detection of diabetes in this high-risk population. PMID:29629178

An analysis of the health status of the United Arab Emirates: the 'Big 4' public health issues.

PubMed

Loney, Tom; Aw, Tar-Ching; Handysides, Daniel G; Ali, Raghib; Blair, Iain; Grivna, Michal; Shah, Syed M; Sheek-Hussein, Mohamud; El-Sadig, Mohamed; Sharif, Amer A; El-Obaid, Yusra

2013-02-05

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a rapidly developing country composed of a multinational population with varying educational backgrounds, religious beliefs, and cultural practices, which pose a challenge for population-based public health strategies. A number of public health issues significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in the UAE. This article summarises the findings of a panel of medical and public health specialists from UAE University and various government health agencies commissioned to report on the health status of the UAE population. A systematic literature search was conducted to retrieve peer-reviewed articles on health in the UAE, and unpublished data were provided by government health authorities and local hospitals. The panel reviewed and evaluated all available evidence to list and rank (1=highest priority) the top four main public health issues: 1) Cardiovascular disease accounted for more than 25% of deaths in 2010; 2) Injury caused 17% of mortality for all age groups in 2010; 3) Cancer accounted for 10% of all deaths in 2010, and the incidence of all cancers is projected to double by 2020; and 4) Respiratory disorders were the second most common non-fatal condition in 2010. The major public health challenges posed by certain personal (e.g. ethnicity, family history), lifestyle, occupational, and environmental factors associated with the development of chronic disease are not isolated to the UAE; rather, they form part of a global health problem, which requires international collaboration and action. Future research should focus on population-based public health interventions that target the factors associated with the development of various chronic diseases.

Epidural Analgesia Versus Patient-Controlled Analgesia for Pain Relief in Uterine Artery Embolization for Uterine Fibroids: A Decision Analysis

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

Kooij, Sanne M. van der, E-mail: s.m.vanderkooij@amc.uva.nl; Moolenaar, Lobke M.; Ankum, Willem M.

Purpose: This study was designed to compare the costs and effects of epidural analgesia (EDA) to those of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCA) for postintervention pain relief in women having uterine artery embolization (UAE) for systematic uterine fibroids. Methods: Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) based on data from the literature by constructing a decision tree to model the clinical pathways for estimating the effects and costs of treatment with EDA and PCA. Literature on EDA for pain-relief after UAE was missing, and therefore, data on EDA for abdominal surgery were used. Outcome measures were compared costs to reduce one point in visual analoguemore » score (VAS) or numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain 6 and 24 h after UAE and risk for complications. Results: Six hours after the intervention, the VAS was 3.56 when using PCA and 2.0 when using EDA. The costs for pain relief in women undergoing UAE with PCA and EDA were Euro-Sign 191 and Euro-Sign 355, respectively. The costs for EDA to reduce the VAS score 6 h after the intervention with one point compared with PCA were Euro-Sign 105 and Euro-Sign 179 after 24 h. The risk of having a complication was 2.45 times higher when using EDA. Conclusions: The results of this indirect comparison of EDA for abdominal surgery with PCA for UAE show that EDA would provide superior analgesia for post UAE pain at 6 and 24 h but with higher costs and an increased risk of complications.« less

Determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids in raw propolis by silica-supported ionic liquid-based matrix solid phase dispersion extraction high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection.

PubMed

Wang, Zhibing; Sun, Rui; Wang, Yuanpeng; Li, Na; Lei, Lei; Yang, Xiao; Yu, Aimin; Qiu, Fangping; Zhang, Hanqi

2014-10-15

The silica-supported ionic liquid (S-SIL) was prepared by impregnation and used as the dispersion adsorbent of matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) for the simultaneous extraction of eight phenolic acids and flavonoids, including caffeic acid, ferulic acid, morin, luteolin, quercetin, apigenin, chrysin, and kaempferide in raw propolis. High performance liquid chromatography with a Zorbax SB-C18 column (150mm×4.6mm, 3.5μm) was used for separation of the analytes. The mobile phase consisted of 0.2% phosphoric acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile and the flow rate of the mobile phase was 0.5mL/min. The experimental conditions for silica-supported ionic liquid-based matrix solid phase dispersion (S-SIL-based MSPD) were optimized. S-SIL containing 10% [C6MIM]Cl was used as dispersant, 20mL of n-hexane as washing solvent and 15mL of methanol as elution solvent. The ratio of S-SIL to sample was selected to be 4:1. The standard curves showed good linear relationship (r>0.9995). The limits of detection and quantification were in the range of 5.8-22.2ngmL(-1) and 19.2-74.0ngmL(-1), respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of intra-day and inter-day determination were lower than 8.80% and 11.19%, respectively. The recoveries were between 65.51% and 92.32% with RSDs lower than 8.95%. Compared with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and soxhlet extraction, the present method consumed less sample, organic solvent, and extraction time, although the extraction yields obtained by S-SIL-based MSPD are slightly lower than those obtained by UAE. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Molecular-scale characterization of uranium sorption by bone apatite materials for a permeable reactive barrier demonstration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fuller, C.C.; Bargar, J.R.; Davis, J.A.

2003-01-01

Uranium binding to bone charcoal and bone meal apatite materials was investigated using U LIII-edge EXAFS spectroscopy and synchrotron source XRD measurements of laboratory batch preparations in the absence and presence of dissolved carbonate. Pelletized bone char apatite recovered from a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) at Fry Canyon, UT, was also studied. EXAFS analyses indicate that U(VI) sorption in the absence of dissolved carbonate occurred by surface complexation of U(VI) for sorbed concentrations ??? 5500 ??g U(VI)/g for all materials with the exception of crushed bone char pellets. Either a split or a disordered equatorial oxygen shell was observed, consistent with complexation of uranyl by the apatite surface. A second shell of atoms at a distance of 2.9 A?? was required to fit the spectra of samples prepared in the presence of dissolved carbonate (4.8 mM total) and is interpreted as formation of ternary carbonate complexes with sorbed U(VI). A U-P distance at 3.5-3.6 A?? was found for most samples under conditions where uranyl phosphate phases did not form, which is consistent with monodentate coordination of uranyl by phosphate groups in the apatite surface. At sorbed concentrations ??? 5500 ??g U(VI)/g in the absence of dissolved carbonate, formation of the uranyl phosphate solid phase, chernikovite, was observed. The presence of dissolved carbonate (4.8 mM total) suppressed the formation of chernikovite, which was not detected even with sorbed U(VI) up to 12 300 ??g U(VI)/g in batch samples of bone meal, bone charcoal, and reagent-grade hydroxyapatite. EXAFS spectra of bone char samples recovered from the Fry Canyon PRB were comparable to laboratory samples in the presence of dissolved carbonate where U(VI) sorption occurred by surface complexation. Our findings demonstrate that uranium uptake by bone apatite will probably occur by surface complexation instead of precipitation of uranyl phosphate phases under the groundwater conditions found at many U-contaminated sites.

Water Budget in the UAE for Applications in Food Security.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez Sanchez, R.; Ouarda, T.; Marpu, P. R.; Pearson, S.

2014-12-01

The current rate of population growth combined with climate change, have increased the impact on natural resources globally, especially water, land and energy, and therefore the food availability. Arid and semi-arid countries are highly vulnerable to these threats being already aware of the scarcity of resources depending mainly on imports. This study focuses on the UAE, with a very low rainfall, high temperatures and a very high rate of growth. It represents the perfect scenario to study the adaptive strategies that would allow to alleviate the effects of changing climate conditions and increase of population. Water is a key factor to food security especially in dry regions like the UAE, therefore, the first step of this approach is to analyze the water budget, first at a global scale (UAE), and after at smaller scales where particular and in-depth studies can be performed. The water budget is represented by the following equation: total precipitation and desalinated water minus the evapotranspiration equals the change in the terrestrial water storage. The UAE is highly dependent on desalinated water, therefore, this factor is included as a water input in the water budget. The procedure adopted in this study is applicable to other Gulf countries where desalination represents a large component of the water budget. Remotely sensed data will be used to obtain the components of the water budget equation performing a preliminary study of the suitability of TRMM data to estimate the precipitation in the UAE by comparison with six ground stations in the country. GRACE and TRMM data will then be used to obtain the terrestrial water storage and the precipitation respectively. The evapotranspiration will be estimated from the water budget equation and maps of these three variables will be obtained. This spatial analysis of the water resources will help to determine the best areas for cultivation and whether it can be planned in a way that increases the agricultural productivity. Subsequent studies on land and energy resources combined with legal aspects in the UAE, will be used to obtain a food security atlas. These results will lead to a more efficient management of the resources not only on a national scale but also on a regional scale that can aid in sustainable development and a better resource use in the UAE and ultimately, in the gulf region.

A Content Analysis of Arabic and English Newspapers before, during, and after the Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Campaign in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Elbarazi, Iffat; Raheel, Hina; Cummings, Kim; Loney, Tom

2016-01-01

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among females in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with an estimated incidence of 7.4 per 100,000 persons per year. In March 2008, the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi launched a free school-based campaign to provide all female Emirati students aged 15-17 years in the emirate of Abu Dhabi with the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPVV). Despite the proven efficacy of the HPVV in clinical trials, there has been limited research exploring the acceptance of this vaccine within a conservative Islamic society. The media plays a key role in changing beliefs and attitudes toward specific public health initiatives, such as vaccination programs. The primary aim of this study was to explore the content and communication style of the UAE newspapers (both Arabic and English) before, during, and after the HPV vaccination program. A systematic literature search was conducted on six national newspapers with the highest circulation figures in the UAE (Arabic: Al Ittihad, Al Khaleej, and Emarat El Youm; English: Khaleej Times, The National, and Gulf News) to retrieve articles related to cervical cancer prevention from January 2000 to May 2013. One bilingual researcher (Arabic-English) utilized content analysis to study the subject matter of communication in each article. A total of 79 newspaper articles (N = 31 Arabic) were included in the study. Content analysis coding revealed five main themes: (i) "HPV Screening or Vaccination Programmes in the UAE" (N = 30); (ii) "Cervical Cancer Statistics in the UAE" (N = 22); (iii) "Aetiology of Cervical Cancer and HPVV Efficacy" (N = 12); (iv) "Cultural Sensitivity and Misconceptions Surrounding HPVV in School-Aged Females" (e.g., promoting promiscuity) (N = 8); and (v) "Cost-Effectiveness, Efficacy, and Safety" (N = 7). The UAE media is playing an important role in raising public awareness about cervical cancer and specific governmental health initiatives such as the HPVV program. Governmental health authorities may want to consider collaborating with the UAE media to develop a communication strategy to reduce the fears and misconceptions surrounding HPVV. Improved parental and adolescent knowledge on the HPVV may lead to increased acceptance and uptake in the UAE society.

Propensity-weighted long-term risk of urinary adverse events after prostate cancer surgery, radiation, or both.

PubMed

Jarosek, Stephanie L; Virnig, Beth A; Chu, Haitao; Elliott, Sean P

2015-02-01

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and has high survivorship, yet little is known about the long-term risk of urinary adverse events (UAEs) after treatment. To compare the long-term UAE incidence across treatment and control groups. Using a matched-cohort design, we identified elderly men treated with external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT; n=44 318), brachytherapy (BT; n=14 259), EBRT+BT (n=11 835), radical prostatectomy (RP; n=26 970), RP+EBRT (n=1557), or cryotherapy (n=2115) for non-metastatic prostate cancer and 144 816 non-cancer control individuals from the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked data from 1992-2007 with follow-up through 2009. The incidence of treated UAEs and time from cancer treatment to first UAE were analyzed in terms of propensity-weighted survival. Median follow-up was 4.14 yr. At 10 yr, all treatment groups experienced higher propensity-weighted cumulative UAE incidence than the control group (16.1%; hazard risk [HR] 1.0), with the highest incidence for RP+EBRT (37.8%; HR 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.79-3.66), followed by BT+EBRT (28.4%; HR 1.97, CI 1.85-2.10), RP (26.6%; HR 2.44, CI 2.34-2.55), cryotherapy (23.4%; HR 1.56, CI 1.30-1.87), BT (19.8%; HR 1.43, CI 1.33-1.53), and EBRT (19.7%; HR 1.11, CI 1.07-1.16). Bladder outlet obstruction was the most common event. Men undergoing RP, RP+EBRT, and BT+EBRT experienced the highest UAE risk at 10 yr, although UAEs accrued differently over extended follow-up. The significant background UAE rate among non-cancer control individuals yields a risk attributable to prostate cancer treatment that is 17% lower than prior estimates. We show that treatment for prostate cancer, especially combinations of two treatments such as radiation and surgery, carries a significant risk of urinary adverse events such as urethral stricture. This risk increases with time since treatment, emphasizing that treatments have long-term effects. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

Hawkins, Cory A.; Bustillos, Christian G.; May, Iain

Conventional solvent extraction of selected f-element cations by bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) yields increased extraction from aqueous to organic solution along the series Np(V) < Cm(III) < Eu(III) < U(VI), with distribution ratios all within two orders of magnitude. However, in the presence of the water-soluble tetradentate Schiff base (N,N'-bis(5-sulfonatosalicylidene)-ethylenediamine or H 2salenSO 3), selective complexation of the two actinyl cations (Np(V) and U(VI)) resulted in an extraction order of Np(V) < U(VI) << Eu(III) < Cm(III). The extraction of neither Cm(III) or Eu(III) by HDEHP are significantly impacted by the presence of the aqueous phase Schiff base. Despite observed hydrolyticmore » decomposition of H 2salenSO 3 in aqueous solutions, the calculated high conditional stability constant (β 11 = 26) for the complex [UO 2(salenSO 3)] 2- demonstrates its capacity for aqueous hold-back of U(VI). UV-visible-NIR spectroscopy of solutions prepared with a Np(VI) stock and H 2salenSO 3 suggest that reduction of Np(VI) to Np(V) by the ligand was rapid, resulting in a pentavalent Np complex that was substantially retained in the aqueous phase. Lastly, results from 1H NMR of aqueous solutions of H 2salenSO 3 with U(VI) and La(III), Eu(III), and Lu(III) provides additional evidence that the ligand readily chelates U(VI), but has only weak interactions with trivalent lanthanide ions.« less

High-pressure compressibility and vibrational properties of (Ca,Mn)CO 3

DOE PAGES

Liu, Jin; Caracas, Razvan; Fan, Dawei; ...

2016-12-01

Knowledge of potential carbon carriers such as carbonates is critical for our understanding of the deep-carbon cycle and related geological processes within the planet. Here we investigated the high-pressure behavior of (Ca,Mn)CO 3 up to 75 GPa by synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction, laser Raman spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. MnCO 3-rich carbonate underwent a structural phase transition from the CaCO 3-I structure into the CaCO 3-VI structure at 45–48 GPa, while CaCO 3-rich carbonate transformed into CaCO 3-III and CaCO 3-VI at approximately 2 and 15 GPa, respectively. The equation of state and vibrational properties of MnCO 3-rich and CaCO 3-richmore » carbonates changed dramatically across the phase transition. The CaCO 3-VI-structured CaCO 3-rich and MnCO 3-rich carbonates were stable at room temperature up to at least 53 and 75 GPa, respectively. In conclusion, the addition of smaller cations (e.g., Mn 2+, Mg 2+, and Fe 2+) can enlarge the stability field of the CaCO 3-I phase as well as increase the pressure of the structural transition into the CaCO 3-VI phase.« less

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

Bros, Sebastien, E-mail: sebbros@wanadoo.fr; Chabrot, Pascal, E-mail: pchabrot@chu-clermontferrand.fr; Kastler, Adrian, E-mail: a_kastler@chu-clermontferrand.fr

Purpose: To retrospectively identify predictive factors of recurrent bleeding within 24 h after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Materials and Methods: A total of 194 patients underwent UAE for PPH between August 1999 and April 2009 at our institution. Twelve patients experienced recurrent bleeding within the next 24 h; a second attempt at UAE was thus necessary, which was successful in 10 cases. In two cases, hemostatic hysterectomy was performed. Epidemiological, gynecological-obstetrical, anatomic, and biological data were analyzed. Results: Complete data were available for 148 of the 194 (76%) included patients. Sixty-four (43%) were primiparous, 18 (12.2%)more » had a placenta accreta, 21 (14%) had a coagulopathy, and 28 (18.9%) had an anatomic variant of the uterine arterial vasculature. Mean age and pregnancy term were similar in both recurring and nonrecurrent bleeding groups. After multivariate analysis, three criteria emerged as risk factors of recurrent bleeding: primiparity (10 patients, 83%; odds ratio [OR] = 18.84; P = 0.014), coagulation disorders (6 patients, 50%; OR = 12.08; P = 0.006), and anatomic variant of the uterine arterial vasculature (28 patients; OR = 9.83; P = 0.003). Conclusions: earch for uterine collaterals must be performed before UAE for PPH. Primiparity and coagulation disorders increase the risk of recurrent bleeding after UAE for PPH.« less

Low vascularity predicts favourable outcomes in leiomyoma patients treated with uterine artery embolization.

PubMed

Tang, Yixin; Chen, Chunlin; Duan, Hui; Ma, Ben; Liu, Ping

2016-10-01

To investigate the clinical factors predicting outcomes of leiomyoma treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE). A total of 183 uterine leiomyoma patients undergoing UAE were retrospectively analyzed. Patient age, characteristics of vascular supply in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/digital subtraction angiography (DSA), number, size and location of leiomyoma were recorded. Leiomyoma regrowth, new leiomyoma appearance and recurrence of any previously reported symptoms were carefully monitored over a mean follow-up of 30 months (median 32 months, range 12-80). Potential recurrence risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis. Twenty-three recurrences were recorded. The difference in the vascularity classification systems between MRI and DSA was not statistically significant (P = 0.059). High vascularity in MRI, high vascularity in DSA and multiple leiomyoma showed a significant risk of recurrence using univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.004, P < 0.001 and P = 0.023, respectively). The other factors were not significantly associated with leiomyoma recurrence (P > 0.05). Low vascularity and solitary leiomyoma indicated favourable outcomes in patients treated with UAE. • Low vascularity and solitary mass predicted favourable outcomes in UAE-treated patients. • MRI might provide information on vascularity in leiomyoma before UAE. • Variations in vascular supply, age, size, location were not associated with recurrence.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and solvent extraction of papaya seed oil: yield, fatty acid composition and triacylglycerol profile.

PubMed

Samaram, Shadi; Mirhosseini, Hamed; Tan, Chin Ping; Ghazali, Hasanah Mohd

2013-10-10

The main objective of the current work was to evaluate the suitability of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for the recovery of oil from papaya seed as compared to conventional extraction techniques (i.e., Soxhlet extraction (SXE) and solvent extraction (SE)). In the present study, the recovery yield, fatty acid composition and triacylglycerol profile of papaya seed oil obtained from different extraction methods and conditions were compared. Results indicated that both solvent extraction (SE, 12 h/25 °C) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods recovered relatively high yields (79.1% and 76.1% of total oil content, respectively). Analysis of fatty acid composition revealed that the predominant fatty acids in papaya seed oil were oleic (18:1, 70.5%-74.7%), palmitic (16:0, 14.9%-17.9%), stearic (18:0, 4.50%-5.25%), and linoleic acid (18:2, 3.63%-4.6%). Moreover, the most abundant triacylglycerols of papaya seed oil were triolein (OOO), palmitoyl diolein (POO) and stearoyl oleoyl linolein (SOL). In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the triacylglycerol profile of papaya seed oil, but no significant differences were observed in the fatty acid composition of papaya seed oil extracted by different extraction methods (SXE, SE and UAE) and conditions.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of charantin from Momordica charantia fruits using response surface methodology

PubMed Central

Ahamad, Javed; Amin, Saima; Mir, Showkat R.

2015-01-01

Background: Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) fruits are well known for their beneficial effects in diabetes that are often attributed to its bioactive component charantin. Objective: The aim of the present study is to develop and optimize an efficient protocol for the extraction of charantin from M. charantia fruits. Materials and Methods: Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions. RSM was based on a three-level, three-variable Box-Behnken design (BBD), and the studied variables included solid to solvent ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction time. Results: The optimal conditions predicted by the BBD were: UAE with methanol: Water (80:20, v/v) at 46°C for 120 min with solid to solvent ratio of 1:26 w/v, under which the yield of charantin was 3.18 mg/g. Confirmation trials under slightly adjusted conditions yielded 3.12 ± 0.14 mg/g of charantin on dry weight basis of fruits. The result of UAE was also compared with Soxhlet extraction method and UAE was found 2.74-fold more efficient than the Soxhlet extraction for extracting charantin. Conclusions: A facile UAE protocol for a high extraction yield of charantin was developed and validated. PMID:26681889

The effectiveness of student team-achievement division (STAD) for teaching high school chemistry in the United Arab Emirates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balfakih, Nagib M. A.

2003-05-01

Education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) faces major problems which may hinder its future development. These include low achievement in science and a negative attitude toward science subjects, which have resulted in a high number of student dropouts from the science track in high school. It is believed among UAE educators that the main reason is the way science that has been taught in its schools. A solution to this problem depends on finding effective teaching methods, which maintain student achievement, improve students' attitude and provide opportunities to develop essential scientific skills. The effectiveness of Student Team-Achievement Division (STAD) for teaching science to high school classes in the UAE was investigated. The sample was selected randomly. A representative group of UAE high school students was chosen from the northern province, which includes urban areas, and from the eastern province, which includes rural areas. The study involved sixteen tenth grade classes. During the second semester of the academic year 1998/1999, three units in the chemistry curriculum were covered. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of STAD in teaching high school chemistry in the UAE and to find out which groups, gender, area, and ability benefitted most.

The Ontario Uterine Fibroid Embolization Trial. Part 1. Baseline patient characteristics, fibroid burden, and impact on life.

PubMed

Pron, Gaylene; Cohen, Marsha; Soucie, Jennifer; Garvin, Greg; Vanderburgh, Leslie; Bell, Stuart

2003-01-01

To determine baseline characteristics of women undergoing uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic fibroids. Multicenter, prospective, single-arm clinical treatment trial. Eight Ontario university and community hospitals. Five hundred fifty-five women undergoing UAE for fibroids. Baseline questionnaires completed before UAE. Questionnaires were analyzed for demographic, medical, and gynecologic histories. Fibroid symptoms, impact of symptoms, previous consultations, and treatments were also analyzed. The Ontario cohort (66% white, 23% black, 11% other races) had an average age of 43. Thirty-one percent were under age 40. Most women were university educated (68%) and working outside the home (85%). Women reported heavy menstrual bleeding (80%), urinary urgency/frequency (73%), pain during intercourse (41%), and work absences (40%). They experienced fibroid-related symptoms for an average of 5 years and consulted with on average of three gynecologists before UAE. High fibroid life-impact scores were reported by 58%. Black women were significantly younger (40.7 vs. 44.0 years), more likely to experience symptoms longer (7 vs. 5 years), and more likely to undergo myomectomy before UAE (24% vs. 9%) than white women. Our study illustrates that large numbers of women with highly symptomatic fibroid disease are averse to surgery despite their burden of suffering and are actively seeking alternatives to hysterectomy.

The application of N,N-dimethyl-3-oxa-glutaramic acid (DOGA) in the PUREX process

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

Jianchen, Wang; Jing, Chen

2007-07-01

The new salt-free complexant, DOGA for separating trace Pu(IV) and Np(IV) from U(VI) nitric acid solution was studied. DOGA has stronger complexing abilities to Pu(IV) and Np(IV), but complexing ability of DOGA to U(VI) was weaker. The DOGA can be used in the PUREX process to separate Pu(IV) and Np(IV) from U(VI) nitric solution. On one hand, U(IV) in the nitric acid solution containing trace Pu(IV) and Np(IV) was extracted by 30%TBP - kerosene(v/v) in the presence of DOGA, but Pu(IV) and Np(IV) were kept in the aqueous phase. On the other hand, Pu(IV) and Np(IV) loading in 30% TBPmore » - kerosene were effectively stripped by DOGA into the aqueous phase, but U(VI) loading in 30% TBP - kerosene was remained in 30% TBP - kerosene. DOGA is a promising complexant to separate Pu(IV) and Np(IV) from U(VI) solution in the U-cycle of the PUREX process. (authors)« less

Ferrrate(VI) and freeze-thaw treatment for oxidation of hormones and inactivation of fecal coliforms in sludge.

PubMed

Diak, James; Örmeci, Banu

2017-04-01

This study examined the individual and combined effects of potassium ferrate(VI) additions and freeze-thaw conditioning for the treatment and dewatering of wastewater sludge in cold climates, with particular focus on the inactivation of fecal coliforms and oxidation of estrogens, androgens, and progestogens. The first phase of the study evaluated the effects of potassium ferrate(VI) pre-treatment followed by freeze-thaw at -20 °C using a low (0.5 g/L) and high (5.0 g/L) dose of potassium ferrate(VI). The results showed that pre-treatment of anaerobically digested sludge with 5 g/L of potassium ferrate(VI) reduced the concentration of fecal coliforms in the sludge cake to below 100 MPN/g DS. The second phase evaluated the ability of ferrate(VI) to oxidise selected hormones in sludge. Anaerobically digested sludge samples were spiked with 10 different hormones: estrone (E1), 17α-estradiol, 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), equilin, mestranol, testosterone, norethindrone and norgestrel in two groups of low (3-75 ng/mL) and high (12-300 ng/L) concentration ranges of hormones. The samples were treated with either 0.5 or 1.0 g/L of potassium ferrate(VI), and hormone concentrations were measured again after treatment. Potassium ferrate(VI) additions as low as 1.0 g/L reduced the concentration of estrogens in sludge. Potassium ferrate(VI) additions of 0.5 and 1.0 g/L were less effective at reducing the concentrations of androgens and progestogens. Increasing ferrate(VI) dose would likely result in more substantial decreases in the concentrations of fecal coliforms and hormones. The results of this study indicate that the combined use of freeze-thaw and ferrate(VI) has the potential to provide a complete sludge treatment solution in cold regions.

Resistance, bioaccumulation and solid phase extraction of uranium (VI) by Bacillus vallismortis and its UV-vis spectrophotometric determination.

PubMed

Ozdemir, Sadin; Oduncu, M Kadir; Kilinc, Ersin; Soylak, Mustafa

2017-05-01

Bioaccumulation, resistance and preconcentration of uranium(VI) by thermotolerant Bacillus vallismortis were investigated in details. The minimum inhibition concentration of (MIC) value of U(VI) was found as 85 mg/L and 15 mg/L in liquid and solid medium, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of various U(VI) concentrations on the growth of bacteria and bioaccumulation on B. vallismortis was examined in the liquid culture media. The growth was not significantly affected in the presence of 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/L U(VI) up to 72 h. The highest bioaccumulation value at 1 mg/L U(VI) concentration was detected at the 72nd hour (10 mg/g metal/dry bacteria), while the maximum bioaccumulation value at 5 mg/L U(VI) concentration was determined at the 48th hour (50 mg metal/dry bacteria). In addition to these, various concentration of U(VI) on α-amylase production was studied. The α-amylase activities at 0, 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/L U(VI) were found as 3313.2, 3845.2, 3687.1 and 3060.8 U/mg, respectively at 48th. Besides, uranium (VI) ions were preconcentrated with immobilized B. vallismortis onto multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and were determined by UV-vis spectrophotometry. The surface macro structure and functionalities of B. vallismortis immobilized onto multiwalled carbon nanotube with and without U(VI) were examined by FT-IR and SEM. The optimum pH and flow rate for the biosorption of U(VI) were 4.0-5.0 and 1.0 mL/min, respectively. The quantitative elution occurred with 5.0 mL of 1 mol/L HCl. The loading capacity of immobilized B. vallismortis was determined as 23.6 mg/g. The certified reference sample was employed for the validation of developed solid phase extraction method. The new validated method was applied to the determination of U(VI) in water samples from Van Lake-Turkey. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of acoustic frequency and power density on the aqueous ultrasonic-assisted extraction of grape pomace (Vitis vinifera L.) - a response surface approach.

PubMed

González-Centeno, María Reyes; Knoerzer, Kai; Sabarez, Henry; Simal, Susana; Rosselló, Carmen; Femenia, Antoni

2014-11-01

Aqueous ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of grape pomace was investigated by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to evaluate the effect of acoustic frequency (40, 80, 120kHz), ultrasonic power density (50, 100, 150W/L) and extraction time (5, 15, 25min) on total phenolics, total flavonols and antioxidant capacity. All the process variables showed a significant effect on the aqueous UAE of grape pomace (p<0.05). The Box-Behnken Design (BBD) generated satisfactory mathematical models which accurately explain the behavior of the system; allowing to predict both the extraction yield of phenolic and flavonol compounds, and also the antioxidant capacity of the grape pomace extracts. The optimal UAE conditions for all response factors were a frequency of 40kHz, a power density of 150W/L and 25min of extraction time. Under these conditions, the aqueous UAE would achieve a maximum of 32.31mg GA/100g fw for total phenolics and 2.04mg quercetin/100g fw for total flavonols. Regarding the antioxidant capacity, the maximum predicted values were 53.47 and 43.66mg Trolox/100g fw for CUPRAC and FRAP assays, respectively. When comparing with organic UAE, in the present research, from 12% to 38% of total phenolic bibliographic values were obtained, but using only water as the extraction solvent, and applying lower temperatures and shorter extraction times. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies specifically addressing the optimization of both acoustic frequency and power density during aqueous-UAE of plant materials have been previously published. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Uterine Artery Embolization for Retained Products of Conception with Marked Vascularity: A Safe and Efficient First-Line Treatment

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

Bazeries, Paul, E-mail: paul.bazeries@chu-angers.fr; Paisant-Thouveny, Francine; Yahya, Sultan

ObjectiveTo report our clinical practice regarding a case series of retained products of conception (RPOC) with marked vascularity (MV) managed with selective uterine artery embolization (UAE) as first-line treatment.MethodsThis was a monocentric, retrospective study of 31 consecutive cases of RPOC with MV diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound in the context of postpartum/postabortal bleeding. The primary outcome was the absence of rebleeding following embolization.ResultsRPOC with MV occurred after abortion in 27 out of 31 patients (87%). The time elapsed between delivery/abortion and UAE ranged from 1 to 210 days (mean 55.7 ± 45 days). Primary clinical success was achieved in 23 women (74.2%) following a singlemore » embolization. In total, 27 out of 31 women (87%) had been exclusively managed by UAE with conservative success. Although procedural success was achieved in this number, six women had a further procedure to evacuate RPOC despite procedural success. Large uterine arteriovenous (AV) shunts associated with RPOC were observed in five cases (16.1%), among which two were successfully treated after a single UAE and one after two UAEs, while hysterectomy was performed in the last two cases despite two and three UAE procedures respectively. RPOC was histologically proven in ten cases (32.2%) including four out of five cases of uterine AV shunt.ConclusionRPOC with MV can present with large uterine AV shunt, particularly in case of late management. Uterine artery embolization is an effective and safe first-line treatment, and should be evaluated for this indication in larger prospective trials.« less

Descriptive study of relationship between cardio-ankle vascular index and biomarkers in vascular-related diseases.

PubMed

Liu, Jinbo; Liu, Huan; Zhao, Hongwei; Shang, Guangyun; Zhou, Yingyan; Li, Lihong; Wang, Hongyu

2017-01-01

Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was supposed to be an independent predictor for vascular-related events. Biomarkers such as homocysteine (Hcy), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and urine albumin(microalbumin) (UAE) have involved the pathophysiological development of arteriosclerosis. The present study was to investigate relationship between CAVI and biomarkers in vascular-related diseases. A total of 656 subjects (M/F 272/384) from department of Vascular Medicine were enrolled into our study. They were divided into four groups according to the numbers of suffered diseases, healthy group (group 0: subjects without diseases of hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary heart disease (CHD); n = 186), group 1 (with one of diseases of hypertension, CHD, DM; n = 237), group 2 (with two of diseases of hypertension, CHD, DM; n = 174), and group 3 (with all diseases of hypertension, CHD, DM; n = 59). CAVI was measured by VS-1000 apparatus. CAVI was increasing with increasing numbers of suffered vascular-related diseases. Similar results were found in the parameters of biomarkers such as Hcy, log NT-ProBNP, and log UAE. There were positive correlation between log NT-proBNP, Hcy, log UAE, and CAVI in the entire study group and nonhealthy group. Positive correlation between log UAE and CAVI were found in the entire study group after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, uric acid, and lipids. Multivariate analysis showed that log UAE was an independent associating factor of CAVI in all subjects. CAVI was significantly higher in subjects with hypertension, CHD, and DM. There was correlation between arterial stiffness and biomarkers such as NT-proBNP, Hcy, and UAE.

MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery for Uterine Fibroid Treatment: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

PubMed Central

Kong, Chung Y.; Omer, Zehra B.; Pandharipande, Pari V.; Swan, J. Shannon; Srouji, Serene; Gazelle, G. Scott; Fennessy, Fiona M.

2015-01-01

Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a treatment strategy for symptomatic uterine fibroids that employs Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) as a first-line therapy relative to uterine artery embolization (UAE) or abdominal hysterectomy (HYST). Materials and Methods We developed a decision-analytic model to compare the cost-effectiveness of three treatment strategies: MRgFUS, UAE and HYST. Short and long-term utilities specific to each treatment were incorporated, allowing us to account for differences in quality of life across the strategies considered. Lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were calculated for each strategy. An incremental cost-effectiveness analysis was performed, using a societal willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $50,000 per QALY to designate a strategy as cost-effective. Sensitivity analysis was performed on all key model parameters. Results In the base-case analysis, in which treatment for symptomatic fibroids started at age 40, UAE was the most effective and expensive strategy (22.81 QALYs, $22,164), followed by MRgFUS (22.80 QALYs, $19,796) and HYST (22.60 QALYs, $13,291). MRgFUS was cost-effective relative to HYST, with an associated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $33,110/QALY. MRgFUS was also cost-effective relative to UAE – the ICER of UAE relative to MRgFUS ($270,057) far exceeded the WTP threshold of $50,000/QALY. In sensitivity analysis, results were robust to changes in most parameters, but were sensitive to changes in probabilities of recurrence and symptom relief following certain procedures, and quality of life associated with symptomatic fibroids. Conclusions MRgFUS is cost-effective relative to both UAE and hysterectomy for the treatment of women with symptomatic fibroids. PMID:25055272

An analysis of the health status of the United Arab Emirates: the ‘Big 4’ public health issues

PubMed Central

Loney, Tom; Aw, Tar-Ching; Handysides, Daniel G.; Ali, Raghib; Blair, Iain; Grivna, Michal; Shah, Syed M.; Sheek-Hussein, Mohamud; El-Sadig, Mohamed; Sharif, Amer A.; El-Obaid, Yusra

2013-01-01

Background The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a rapidly developing country composed of a multinational population with varying educational backgrounds, religious beliefs, and cultural practices, which pose a challenge for population-based public health strategies. A number of public health issues significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in the UAE. This article summarises the findings of a panel of medical and public health specialists from UAE University and various government health agencies commissioned to report on the health status of the UAE population. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted to retrieve peer-reviewed articles on health in the UAE, and unpublished data were provided by government health authorities and local hospitals. Results The panel reviewed and evaluated all available evidence to list and rank (1=highest priority) the top four main public health issues: 1) Cardiovascular disease accounted for more than 25% of deaths in 2010; 2) Injury caused 17% of mortality for all age groups in 2010; 3) Cancer accounted for 10% of all deaths in 2010, and the incidence of all cancers is projected to double by 2020; and 4) Respiratory disorders were the second most common non-fatal condition in 2010. Conclusion The major public health challenges posed by certain personal (e.g. ethnicity, family history), lifestyle, occupational, and environmental factors associated with the development of chronic disease are not isolated to the UAE; rather, they form part of a global health problem, which requires international collaboration and action. Future research should focus on population-based public health interventions that target the factors associated with the development of various chronic diseases. PMID:23394856

Unenhanced MR Angiography of Uterine and Ovarian Arteries after Uterine Artery Embolization: Differences between Patients with Incomplete and Complete Fibroid Infarction

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

Mori, Kensaku, E-mail: moriken@md.tsukuba.ac.jp; Saida, Tsukasa; Shibuya, Yoko

Purpose: To compare the status of uterine and ovarian arteries after uterine artery embolization (UAE) in patients with incomplete and complete fibroid infarction via unenhanced 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five consecutive women (mean age 43 years; range 26-52 years) with symptomatic uterine fibroids underwent UAE and MR imaging before and within 2 months after UAE. The patients were divided into incomplete and complete fibroid infarction groups on the basis of the postprocedural gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging findings. Two independent observers reviewed unenhanced MR angiography before and after UAE to determine bilateral uterine and ovarian arterial flowmore » scores. The total arterial flow scores were calculated by summing the scores of the 4 arteries. All scores were compared with the Mann-Whitney test. Results: Fourteen and 21 patients were assigned to the incomplete and complete fibroid infarction groups, respectively. The total arterial flow score in the incomplete fibroid infarction group was significantly greater than that in the complete fibroid infarction group (P = 0.019 and P = 0.038 for observers 1 and 2, respectively). In 3 patients, additional therapy was recommended for insufficient fibroid infarction. In 1 of the 3 patients, bilateral ovarian arteries were invisible before UAE but seemed enlarged after UAE. Conclusion: The total arterial flow from bilateral uterine and ovarian arteries in patients with incomplete fibroid infarction is less well reduced than in those with complete fibroid infarction. Postprocedural MR angiography provides useful information to estimate the cause of insufficient fibroid infarction in individual cases.« less

Reducing the physician workforce crisis: Career choice and graduate medical education reform in an emerging Arab country.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Halah; Nair, Satish Chandrasekhar; Shaban, Sami; El-Zubeir, Margaret

2016-01-01

In today's interdependent world, issues of physician shortages, skill imbalances and maldistribution affect all countries. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a nation that has historically imported its physician manpower, there is sustained investment in educational infrastructure to meet the population's healthcare needs. However, policy development and workforce planning are often hampered by limited data regarding the career choice of physicians-in-training. The purpose of this study was to determine the specialty career choice of applicants to postgraduate training programs in the UAE and factors that influence their decisions, in an effort to inform educational and health policy reform. To our knowledge, this is the first study of career preferences for UAE residency applicants. All applicants to residency programs in the UAE in 2013 were given an electronic questionnaire, which collected demographic data, specialty preference, and factors that affected their choice. Differences were calculated using the t-test statistic. Of 512 applicants, 378 participated (74%). The most preferred residency programs included internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine and family medicine. A variety of clinical experience, academic reputation of the hospital, and international accreditation were leading determinants of career choice. Potential future income was not a significant contributing factor. Applicants to UAE residency programs predominantly selected primary care careers, with the exception of obstetrics. The results of this study can serve as a springboard for curricular and policy changes throughout the continuum of medical education, with the ultimate goal of training future generations of primary care clinicians who can meet the country's healthcare needs. As 65% of respondents trained in medical schools outside of the UAE, our results may be indicative of medical student career choice in countries throughout the Arab world.

Experimental Monitoring of Cr(VI) Bio-reduction Using Electrochemical Geophysics

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

Birsen Canan; Gary R. Olhoeft; William A. Smith

2007-09-01

Many Department of Energy (DOE) sites are contaminated with highly carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). In this research, we explore the feasibility of applying complex resistivity to the detection and monitoring of microbially-induced reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) to a less toxic form (Cr(III)). We hope to measure the change in ionic concentration that occurs during this reduction reaction. This form of reduction promises to be an attractive alternative to more expensive remedial treatment methods. The specific goal of this research is to define the minimum and maximum concentration of the chemical and biological compounds in contaminated samples for which themore » Cr(VI) - Cr(III) reduction processes could be detected via complex resistivity. There are three sets of experiments, each comprised of three sample columns. The first experiment compares three concentrations of Cr(VI) at the same bacterial cell concentration. The second experiment establishes background samples with, and without, Cr(VI) and bacterial cells. The third experiment examines the influence of three different bacterial cell counts on the same concentration of Cr(VI). A polarization relaxation mechanism was observed between 10 and 50 Hz. The polarization mechanism, unfortunately, was not unique to bio-chemically active samples. Spectral analysis of complex resistivity data, however, showed that the frequency where the phase minimum occurred was not constant for bio-chemically active samples throughout the experiment. A significant shifts in phase minima occurred between 10 to 20 Hz from the initiation to completion of Cr(VI) reduction. This phenomena was quantified using the Cole-Cole model and the Marquardt-Levenberg nonlinear least square minimization method. The data suggests that the relaxation time and the time constant of this relaxation are the Cole-Cole parameters most sensitive to changes in biologically-induced reduction of Cr(VI).« less

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

Pirrung, Georg; Madsen, Helge; Schreck, Scott

Current fast aeroelastic wind turbine codes suitable for certification lack an induction model for standstill conditions. A trailed vorticity model previously used as addition to a blade element momentum theory based aerodynamic model in normal operation has been extended to allow computing the induced velocities in standstill. The model is validated against analytical results for an elliptical wing in constant inflow and against stand still measurements from the NREL/NASA Phase VI unsteady experiment. The extended model obtains good results in case of the elliptical wing, but underpredicts the steady loading for the Phase VI blade in attached flow. The predictionmore » of the dynamic force coefficient loops from the Phase VI experiment is improved by the trailed vorticity modeling in both attached flow and stall in most cases. The exception is the tangential force coefficient in stall, where the codes and measurements deviate and no clear improvement is visible.« less

Trailed vorticity modeling for aeroelastic wind turbine simulations in stand still

DOE PAGES

Pirrung, Georg; Madsen, Helge; Schreck, Scott

2016-10-03

Current fast aeroelastic wind turbine codes suitable for certification lack an induction model for standstill conditions. A trailed vorticity model previously used as addition to a blade element momentum theory based aerodynamic model in normal operation has been extended to allow computing the induced velocities in standstill. The model is validated against analytical results for an elliptical wing in constant inflow and against stand still measurements from the NREL/NASA Phase VI unsteady experiment. The extended model obtains good results in case of the elliptical wing, but underpredicts the steady loading for the Phase VI blade in attached flow. The predictionmore » of the dynamic force coefficient loops from the Phase VI experiment is improved by the trailed vorticity modeling in both attached flow and stall in most cases. The exception is the tangential force coefficient in stall, where the codes and measurements deviate and no clear improvement is visible.« less

Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) 2020 Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amiri, S.; Sharaf, O.; AlMheiri, S.; AlRais, A.; Wali, M.; Al Shamsi, Z.; Al Qasim, I.; Al Harmoodi, K.; Al Teneiji, N.; Almatroushi, H. R.; Al Shamsi, M. R.; Altunaiji, E. S.; Lootah, F. H.; Badri, K. M.; McGrath, M.; Withnell, P.; Ferrington, N.; Reed, H.; Landin, B.; Ryan, S.; Pramann, B.; Brain, D.; Deighan, J.; Chaffin, M.; Holsclaw, G.; Drake, G.; Wolff, M. J.; Edwards, C. S.; Lillis, R. J.; Smith, M. D.; Forget, F.; Fillingim, M. O.; England, S.; Christensen, P. R.; Osterloo, M. M.; Jones, A. R.

2017-12-01

United Arab Emirates (UAE) has entered the space exploration race with the announcement of Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), the first Emirati mission to another planet, in 2014. Through this mission, UAE is to send an unmanned probe, called Hope probe, to be launched in summer 2020 and reach Mars by 2021 to coincide with UAE's 50th anniversary. The mission should be unique, and should aim for novel and significant discoveries that contributed to the ongoing work of the global space science community. EMM has passed its Mission Concept Review (MCR), System Requirements Review (SRR), System Design Review (SDR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and Critical Design Review (CDR) phases. The mission is led by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), in partnership with the University of Colorado Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of California Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL), and Arizona State University (ASU) School of Earth and Space Exploration. The mission is designed to answer the following three science questions: (1) How does the Martian lower atmosphere respond globally, diurnally, and seasonally to solar forcing? (2) How do conditions throughout the Martian atmosphere affect rates of atmospheric escape? (3) How does the Martian exosphere behave temporally and spatially?. Each question is aligned with three mission objectives and four investigations that study the Martian atmospheric circulation and connections through measurements done using three instruments that image Mars in the visible, thermal infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths. Data will be collected around Mars for a period of an entire Martian year to provide scientists with valuable understanding of the changes to the Martian atmosphere today. The presentation will focus on the overviews of the mission and science objectives, instruments and spacecraft, as well as the ground and launch segments.

Dynamics of Chromium(VI) Removal from Drinking Water by Iron Electrocoagulation.

PubMed

Pan, Chao; Troyer, Lyndsay D; Catalano, Jeffrey G; Giammar, Daniel E

2016-12-20

The potential for new U.S. regulations for Cr(VI) in drinking water have spurred strong interests in improving technologies for Cr(VI) removal. This study examined iron electrocoagulation for Cr(VI) removal at conditions directly relevant to drinking water treatment. Cr(VI) is chemically reduced to less soluble Cr(III) species by the Fe(II) produced from an iron anode, and XANES spectra indicate that the Cr is entirely Cr(III) in solid-phases produced in electrocoagulation. The dynamics of Cr(VI) removal in electrocoagulation at pH 6 and pH 8 at both oxic and anoxic conditions can be described by a new model that incorporates Fe(II) release from the anode and heterogeneous and homogeneous reduction of Cr(VI) by Fe(II). Heterogeneous Cr(VI) reduction by adsorbed Fe(II) was critical to interpreting Cr(VI) removal at pH 6, and the Fe- and Cr-containing EC product was found to catalyze the redox reaction. Dissolved oxygen (DO) did not observably inhibit Cr(VI) removal because Fe(II) reacts with DO more slowly than it does with Cr(VI), and Cr(VI) removal was faster at higher pH. Even in the presence of common groundwater solutes, iron electrocoagulation lowered Cr(VI) concentrations to levels well below California's 10 μg/L.

Kinetic improvement of olive leaves' bioactive compounds extraction by using power ultrasound in a wide temperature range.

PubMed

Khemakhem, Ibtihel; Ahmad-Qasem, Margarita Hussam; Catalán, Enrique Barrajón; Micol, Vicente; García-Pérez, Jose Vicente; Ayadi, Mohamed Ali; Bouaziz, Mohamed

2017-01-01

In this study, the effect of temperature and ultrasonic application on extraction kinetics of polyphenols from dried olive leaf was investigated. Conventional (CVE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) were performed at 10, 20, 30, 50 and 70°C using water as solvent. Extracts were characterized by measuring the total phenolic content, the antioxidant capacity and the oleuropein content (HPLC-DAD/MS-MS). Moreover, Naik's model was used to mathematically describe the extraction kinetics. The experimental results showed that phenolic extraction was faster in UAE (ultrasonic-assisted extraction) than in CVE (conventional extraction), being extraction kinetics satisfactorily described using Naik model (include VAR>98%). Besides, the total phenolic content, the antioxidant capacity and the oleuropein content were significantly (p<0.05) improved by increasing the temperature in both CVE and UAE. Oleuropein content reached 6.57±0.18 being extracted approximately 88% in the first minute for UAE experiments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seed oil.

PubMed

Tian, Yuting; Xu, Zhenbo; Zheng, Baodong; Martin Lo, Y

2013-01-01

The effectiveness of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) was evaluated using a variety of solvents. Petroleum ether was the most effective for oil extraction, followed by n-hexane, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, acetone, and isopropanol. Several variables, such as ultrasonic power, extraction temperature, extraction time, and the ratio of solvent volume and seed weight (S/S ratio) were studied for optimization using response surface methodology (RSM). The highest oil yield, 25.11% (w/w), was obtained using petroleum ether under optimal conditions for ultrasonic power, extraction temperature, extraction time, and S/S ratio at 140 W, 40 °C, 36 min, and 10 ml/g, respectively. The PSO yield extracted by UAE was significantly higher than by using Soxhlet extraction (SE; 20.50%) and supercriti cal fluid extraction (SFE; 15.72%). The fatty acid compositions were significantly different among the PSO extracted by Soxhlet extraction, SFE, and UAE, with punicic acid (>65%) being the most dominant using UAE. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Risk of disordered eating attitudes among male adolescents in five Emirates of the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Musaiger, Abdulrahman O; Al-Mannai, Mariam; Al-Lalla, Osama

2014-12-01

The aim of this study was to highlight the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among male adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A multistage stratified sampling method was used to select 731 male students aged 15-18 years from five Emirates of the UAE. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used to determine the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes in students. The findings revealed that the proportion of disordered eating attitudes in the UAE was relatively high compared with many developing and developed countries and ranged from 33.1% to 49.1%. Moreover, students living in the Emirates of Dubai and Al-Fujairah have double the risk of having disordered eating attitudes compared with students living in the other Emirates. The results suggest the need for screening adolescents for eating disorders, as well as for increased awareness and understanding of eating disorders and their associated risk factors in all male adolescents in the UAE. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of four kinds of extraction techniques and kinetics of microwave-assisted extraction of vanillin from Vanilla planifolia Andrews.

PubMed

Dong, Zhizhe; Gu, Fenglin; Xu, Fei; Wang, Qinghuang

2014-04-15

Vanillin yield, microscopic structure, antioxidant activity and overall odour of vanilla extracts obtained by different treatments were investigated. MAE showed the strongest extraction power, shortest time and highest antioxidant activity. Maceration gave higher vanillin yields than UAE and PAE, similar antioxidant activity with UAE, but longer times than UAE and PAE. Overall odour intensity of different vanilla extracts obtained by UAE, PAE and MAE were similar, while higher than maceration extracts. Then, powered vanilla bean with a sample/solvent ratio of 4 g/100 mL was selected as the optimum condition for MAE. Next, compared with other three equations, two-site kinetic equation with lowest RMSD and highest R²(adj) was shown to be more suitable in describing the kinetics of vanillin extraction. By fitting the parameters C(eq), k₁, k₂, and f, a kinetics model was constructed to describe vanillin extraction in terms of irradiation power, ethanol concentration, and extraction time. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in henna in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Al-Suwaidi, Ayesha; Ahmed, Hafiz

2010-04-01

Henna is very popular in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); it is part of the culture and traditions. Allergy to natural henna is not usual; however the addition of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) to the natural henna increases the risk of allergic contact dermatitis. The objectives of the study were to identify the presence and concentration of PPD in henna available in UAE. Fifteen henna salons were selected randomly from three cities in UAE. Twenty five henna samples were acquired from these selected salons. The presence of PPD in henna samples was determined qualitatively and quantitatively using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The study showed that PPD was present in all of the black henna samples at concentrations ranging between 0.4% and 29.5% and higher than that recommended for hair dyes in most of the black henna samples. The presence of PPD in the black henna increases the risk of allergic contact dermatitis among users of black henna and a number of cases have already been reported in UAE.

Chromium sorption and Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) by grape stalks and yohimbe bark.

PubMed

Fiol, Núria; Escudero, Carlos; Villaescusa, Isabel

2008-07-01

In this work, two low cost sorbents, grape stalks and yohimbe bark wastes were used to remove Cr(VI) and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were designed to obtain Cr(VI) and Cr(III) sorption data. The mechanism of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) removal and Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) by the two vegetable wastes, has been investigated. Fourier transform infrared rays (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis on solid phase were performed to determine the main functional groups that might be involved in metal uptake and to confirm the presence of Cr(III) on the sorbent, respectively. Results put into evidence that both sorbents are able to reduce Cr(VI) to its trivalent form.

Cr(VI) removal by FeS-coated alumina, silica, and natural sand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, M.; Lee, S.; Jeong, H. Y.

2014-12-01

Removal of Cr(VI) was investigated using mackinawite (FeS)-coated mineral sorbents under anoxic conditions. The sorbents included alumina (Al), silica (WS), and natural sand (NS). By analysis of both solution and solid phases, all FeS-coated sorbents were found to reduce Cr(VI) into Cr(III). The sorption extent and mechanism of Cr(VI) strongly depended on the pH conditions. Only at pH 4.5, significant amounts of the dissolved Cr remained in the solution. Titration of dissolved Cr(III) and Fe(III) by NaOH solutions indicated that no bulk-phase precipitation occurred at pH 4.5. Also, the removal of Cr(VI) at pH 4.5 was the greatest by FeS-coated NS. Consistent with these, Cr-K edge EXAFS revealed that Cr was removed by FeS-coated NS via surface precipitation, and that it was immobilized by FeS-coated WS and Al by forming surface clusters. Regardless of FeS-coated sorbents, at pH 7.0 and pH 9.5, the initially added Cr(VI) was quantitatively removed from the solution phase. By EXAFS analysis, the Cr sorption by FeS-coated Al was mainly due to the bulk-phase precipitation of Cr(OH)3(s) or [Cr, Fe](OH)3(s). In case of FeS-coated WS and NS, the short Cr-Cr distance (~2.6 Å) at pH 7.0 and pH 9.5 was not simply accounted for by the bulk precipitation as either hydroxide (rCr-Cr ~ 3.0 Å), and it would rather result from the surface precipitation. Such a difference in the coordination structure among FeS-coated sorbents was likely due to in the lower surface area of the former available for the surface precipitation.

Water-soluble Schiff base-actinyl complexes and their effect on the solvent extraction of f-elements

DOE PAGES

Hawkins, Cory A.; Bustillos, Christian G.; May, Iain; ...

2016-09-07

Conventional solvent extraction of selected f-element cations by bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) yields increased extraction from aqueous to organic solution along the series Np(V) < Cm(III) < Eu(III) < U(VI), with distribution ratios all within two orders of magnitude. However, in the presence of the water-soluble tetradentate Schiff base (N,N'-bis(5-sulfonatosalicylidene)-ethylenediamine or H 2salenSO 3), selective complexation of the two actinyl cations (Np(V) and U(VI)) resulted in an extraction order of Np(V) < U(VI) << Eu(III) < Cm(III). The extraction of neither Cm(III) or Eu(III) by HDEHP are significantly impacted by the presence of the aqueous phase Schiff base. Despite observed hydrolyticmore » decomposition of H 2salenSO 3 in aqueous solutions, the calculated high conditional stability constant (β 11 = 26) for the complex [UO 2(salenSO 3)] 2- demonstrates its capacity for aqueous hold-back of U(VI). UV-visible-NIR spectroscopy of solutions prepared with a Np(VI) stock and H 2salenSO 3 suggest that reduction of Np(VI) to Np(V) by the ligand was rapid, resulting in a pentavalent Np complex that was substantially retained in the aqueous phase. Lastly, results from 1H NMR of aqueous solutions of H 2salenSO 3 with U(VI) and La(III), Eu(III), and Lu(III) provides additional evidence that the ligand readily chelates U(VI), but has only weak interactions with trivalent lanthanide ions.« less

Exploratory study into awareness of heart disease and health care seeking behavior among Emirati women (UAE) - Cross sectional descriptive study.

PubMed

Khan, Sarah; Ali, Syed Adnan

2017-09-26

Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2010. Heart attacks usually happen in older women thus symptoms of heart disease may be masked by symptoms of chronic diseases, which could explain the delay in seeking health care and higher mortality following an ischaemic episode among women. This study seeks to a) highlight the awareness of heart diseases among Emirati women and b) to understand Emirati women's health care seeking behaviour in UAE. A cross sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a survey instrument adapted from the American Heart Association National survey. A convenience sample of 676 Emirati women between the ages of 18-55 years completed the questionnaire. The study showed low levels of awareness of heart disease and associated risk factors in Emirati women; only 19.4% participants were found to be aware of heart diseases. Awareness levels were highest in Dubai (OR 2.18, p < 0.05) among all the other emirates and in the 18-45 years age group (OR 2.74, p < 0.05). Despite low awareness levels, women paradoxically perceived themselves to be self-efficacious in seeking health care. Interestingly, just 49.1% Emirati women believed that good quality and affordable health care was available in the UAE. Only 28.8% of the participants believed there were sufficient female doctors to respond to health needs of women in UAE. Furthermore, only 36.7% Emirati women chose to be treated in the UAE over treatment in other countries. Emirati women clearly lack the knowledge on severity and vulnerability to heart disease in the region that is essential to improve cardiovascular related health outcomes. This study has identified the need for wider outreach that focuses on gender and age specific awareness on heart disease risks and symptoms. The study has also highlighted potential modifiable barriers in seeking health care that should be overcome to reduce morbidity and mortality due to heart disease among national women of UAE.

Basement structure of the United Arab Emirates derived from an analysis of regional gravity and aeromagnetic database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, M. Y.; Fairhead, J. D.; Green, C. M.; Noufal, A.

2017-08-01

Gravity and aeromagnetic data covering the whole territory of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been used to evaluate both shallow and deep geological structures, in particular the depth to basement since it is not imaged by seismic data anywhere within the UAE. Thus, the aim has been to map the basement so that its structure can help to assess its control on the distribution of hydrocarbons within the UAE. Power spectrum analysis reveals gravity and magnetic signatures to have some similarities, in having two main density/susceptibility interfaces widely separated in depth such that regional-residual anomaly separation could effectively be undertaken. The upper density/susceptibility interface occurs at a depth of about 1.0 km while the deeper interface varies in depth throughout the UAE. For gravity, this deeper interface is assumed to be due to the combined effect of lateral changes in density structures within the sediments and in depth of basement while for magnetics it is assumed the sediments have negligible susceptibility and the anomalies unrelated to the volcanic/magmatic bodies result from only changes in depth to basement. The power spectrum analysis over the suspect volcanic/magmatic bodies indicates they occur at 5 km depth. The finite tilt-depth and finite local wavenumber methods were used to estimate depth to source and only depths that agree to within 10% of each other were used to generate the depth to basement map. This depth to basement map, to the west of the UAE-Oman Mountains, varies in depth from 5 km to in excess of 15 km depth and is able to structurally account for the location of the shear structures, seen in the residual magnetic data, and the location of the volcanic/magmatic centres relative to a set of elongate N-S to NE-SW trending basement highs. The majority of oilfields in the UAE are located within these basement highs. Therefore, the hydrocarbon distribution in the UAE basin appears to be controlled by the location of the basement ridges.

US-UAE Relations: A Partnership Threatened by Differences Regarding Human Rights

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

Furthermore, UAE‟s approach to opening its markets to foreign companies continues to attract US investors and businesses alike. Over 750 US...companies to include Microsoft, Exxon Mobil, Lockeed Martin, United Airlines, and Starbucks currently maintain a presence in the UAE. 19 An additional

Assessing plant hydraulic architecture with ultrasonic acoustic emission techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meinzer, F. C.; Johnson, D.; McCulloh, K.; Woodruff, D.

2012-12-01

Water is transported through the xylem of plants under tension (negative pressure). If the tension within a xylem conduit exceeds a critical value, cavitation can occur, which if followed by embolism leads to blockage of water transport through the conduit. Plant species and different organs within the plant such as roots, stems and leaves vary widely in the xylem tension thresholds at which cavitation events begin to occur. Massive cavitation and embolism can lead to catastrophic hydraulic failure and plant death from dehydration. Ultrasonic acoustic emission (UAE) transducers provide a non-invasive means of detecting cavitation events in plants and recording the accumulation of these events through time. When used in combination with other techniques, recording of UAEs can be a powerful tool for characterizing and understanding plant hydraulic architecture; the collection of properties that determine the efficiency and vulnerability of water transport from roots to leaves. The hydraulic architecture of leaves is particularly complex because water must traverse the dead cells of the xylem plus an extra-xylary pathway consisting of living cells and intercellular spaces before it arrives at the internal evaporating surfaces. We used UAE, imaging and other techniques to determine the extent to which dehydration-induced declines in leaf hydraulic conductance were associated with xylem cavitation and embolism versus changes in the conductance of the extra-xylary pathway. In most of the evergreen and deciduous tree species studied there was a close correspondence between the trajectories of cumulative UAEs and loss of whole-leaf hydraulic conductance during dehydration. The mean amplitude of UAEs was positively correlated with mean conduit diameter indicating that in addition to detecting cavitation events, analysis of UAE features can provide information about relative changes in xylem hydraulic conductivity because conductivity is a function of conduit radius to the fourth power. We were unable to detect UAEs from conduits smaller than about 4 micrometers in diameter. The occurrence of embolism in leaf xylem was confirmed independently with cryo-SEM and light microscopy imaging. As expected, there was considerable variation among species in the leaf water potential thresholds at which xylem cavitation and loss of hydraulic conductance began to occur. Contrary to suggestions from some published studies, we saw no evidence of reversible partial xylem conduit collapse instead of cavitation during dehydration. Results from our field studies indicate that dehydration-induced embolism in leaf xylem is completely reversible over a 24-hour cycle, but the mechanism for refilling xylem conduits is unknown. We discuss constraints on the application of UAE techniques for studying plant hydraulics.

Controls on the rheological properties of peridotite at a palaeosubduction interface: A transect across the base of the Oman-UAE ophiolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambrose, Tyler K.; Wallis, David; Hansen, Lars N.; Waters, Dave J.; Searle, Michael P.

2018-06-01

Studies of experimentally deformed rocks and small-scale natural shear zones have demonstrated that volumetrically minor phases can control strain localisation by limiting grain growth and promoting grain-size sensitive deformation mechanisms. These small-scale studies are often used to infer a critical role for minor phases in the development of plate boundaries. However, the role of minor phases in strain localisation at an actual plate boundary remains to be tested by direct observation. In order to test the hypothesis that minor phases control strain localisation at plate boundaries, we conducted microstructural analyses of peridotite samples collected along a ∼1 km transect across the base of the Oman-United Arab Emirates (UAE) ophiolite. The base of the ophiolite is marked by the Semail thrust, which represents the now exhumed contact between subducted oceanic crust and the overlying mantle wedge. As such, the base of the ophiolite provides the opportunity to directly examine a former plate boundary. Our results demonstrate that the mean olivine grain size is inversely proportional to the abundance of minor phases (primarily orthopyroxene, as well as clinopyroxene, hornblende, and spinel), consistent with suppression of grain growth by grain-boundary pinning. Our results also reveal that mean olivine grain size is proportional to CPO strength (both of which generally decrease towards the metamorphic sole), suggesting that the fraction of strain produced by different deformation mechanisms varied spatially. Experimentally-derived flow laws indicate that under the inferred deformation conditions, the viscosity of olivine was grain-size sensitive. As such, grain size, and thereby the abundance of minor phases, influenced viscosity during subduction-related deformation along the base of the mantle wedge. We calculate an order of magnitude decrease in the viscosity of olivine towards the base of the ophiolite, which suggests strain was localised near the subduction interface. Our data indicate that this rheological weakening was primarily the result of more abundant minor phases near the base of the ophiolite. Our interpretations are consistent with those of previous studies on experimentally deformed rocks and smaller-scale natural shear zones that indicate minor phases can exert the primary control on strain localisation. However, our study demonstrates for the first time that minor phases can control strain localisation at the scales relevant to a major plate boundary.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in United Arab Emirates Expatriates: the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study.

PubMed

Sulaiman, Nabil; Elbadawi, Salah; Hussein, Amal; Abusnana, Salah; Madani, Abdulrazzag; Mairghani, Maisoon; Alawadi, Fatheya; Sulaiman, Ahmad; Zimmet, Paul; Huse, Oliver; Shaw, Jonathan; Peeters, Anna

2017-01-01

To describe current prevalence of obesity and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We used data from the cross-sectional UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study (UAEDIAB), which surveyed adult expatriates living in the UAE for at least 4 years. We report crude prevalence of overweight and obesity, indicated by gender and ethnicity-specific body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) cut-offs, by lifestyle and biomedical characteristics, as well as age and sex-adjusted odds ratios. Out of a total of 3064 recruited expatriates (response rate 68%), 2724 had completed all stages of the UAEDIAB study. Expatriates were; 81% men, mean age 38 years (range 18-80), 71% South East Asians, and 36% university graduates. In this sample, the prevalence of overweight and obesity, by BMI, were 43.0 and 32.3%, respectively. 52.4 and 56.5% of participants were at a substantially increased risk according to WC and WHR, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were 15.5, 31.8, and 51.7%, respectively, with the prevalence of each being higher in those with obesity. Prevalence of obesity and associated NCDs are extremely high in UAE expatriates. Without comprehensive prevention and management, levels of disease will continue to increase and productivity will fall.

Comparisons between conventional, ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted methods for extraction of anthraquinones from Heterophyllaea pustulata Hook f. (Rubiaceae).

PubMed

Barrera Vázquez, M F; Comini, L R; Martini, R E; Núñez Montoya, S C; Bottini, S; Cabrera, J L

2014-03-01

This work reports a comparative study about extraction methods used to obtain anthraquinones (AQs) from stems and leaves of Heterophyllae pustulata Hook (Rubiáceae). One of the conventional procedures used to extract these metabolites from a vegetable matrix is by successive Soxhlet extractions with solvents of increasing polarity: starting with hexane to eliminate chlorophylls and fatty components, following by benzene and finally ethyl acetate. However, this technique shows a low extraction yield of total AQs, and consumes large quantities of solvent and time. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) have been investigated as alternative methods to extract these compounds, using the same sequence of solvents. It was found that UAE increases the extraction yield of total AQs and reduces the time and amount of solvent used. Nevertheless, the combination UAE with benzene, plus MAE with ethyl acetate at a constant power of 900 W showed the best results. A higher yield of total AQs was obtained in less time and using the same amount of solvent that UAE. The optimal conditions for this latter procedure were UAE with benzene at 50 °C during 60 min, followed by MAE at 900 W during 15 min using ethyl acetate as extraction solvent. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inverse probability of treatment-weighted competing risks analysis: an application on long-term risk of urinary adverse events after prostate cancer treatments.

PubMed

Bolch, Charlotte A; Chu, Haitao; Jarosek, Stephanie; Cole, Stephen R; Elliott, Sean; Virnig, Beth

2017-07-10

To illustrate the 10-year risks of urinary adverse events (UAEs) among men diagnosed with prostate cancer and treated with different types of therapy, accounting for the competing risk of death. Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy among adult males in the United States. Few studies have reported the long-term post-treatment risk of UAEs and those that have, have not appropriately accounted for competing deaths. This paper conducts an inverse probability of treatment (IPT) weighted competing risks analysis to estimate the effects of different prostate cancer treatments on the risk of UAE, using a matched-cohort of prostate cancer/non-cancer control patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Medicare database. Study dataset included men age 66 years or older that are 83% white and had a median follow-up time of 4.14 years. Patients that underwent combination radical prostatectomy and external beam radiotherapy experienced the highest risk of UAE (IPT-weighted competing risks: HR 3.65 with 95% CI (3.28, 4.07); 10-yr. cumulative incidence = 36.5%). Findings suggest that IPT-weighted competing risks analysis provides an accurate estimator of the cumulative incidence of UAE taking into account the competing deaths as well as measured confounding bias.

In situ observations of a high-pressure phase of H2O ice

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chou, I.-Ming; Blank, J.G.; Goncharov, A.F.; Mao, Ho-kwang; Hemley, R.J.

1998-01-01

A previously unknown solid phase of H2O has been identified by its peculiar growth patterns, distinct pressure-temperature melting relations, and vibrational Raman spectra. Morphologies of ice crystals and their pressure-temperature melting relations were directly observed in a hydrothermal diamond-anvil cell for H2O bulk densities between 1203 and 1257 kilograms per cubic meter at temperatures between -10??and 50??C. Under these conditions, four different ice forms were observed to melt: two stable phases, ice V and ice VI, and two metastable phases, ice IV and the new ice phase. The Raman spectra and crystal morphology are consistent with a disordered anisotropic structure with some similarities to ice VI.

Bis(tetra­methyl­ammonium) tetra­chlorido­zincate(II), phase VI

PubMed Central

Curtiss, Ashley B. S.; Musie, Ghezai T.; Powell, Douglas R.

2008-01-01

Phase VI of bis­(tetra­methyl­ammonium) tetra­chloro­zincate(II), (C4H12N)2[ZnCl4], contains three formula units per asymmetric unit. Several short C—H⋯Cl contacts [2.70 (3) and 2.72 (4) Å] are observed, but they are believed to participate only in van der Waals inter­actions. The crystal studied exhibited inversion twinning. PMID:21200531

Analysis and characterization of the vertical wind profile in UAE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, W.; Ghedira, H.; Ouarda, T.; Gherboudj, I.

2011-12-01

In this study, temporal and spatial analysis of the vertical wind profiles in the UAE has been performed to estimate wind resource potential. Due to the very limited number of wind masts (only two wind masts in the UAE, operational for less than three years), the wind potential analysis will be mainly derived from numerical-based models. Additional wind data will be derived from the UAE met stations network (at 10 m elevation) managed by the UAE National Center of Meteorology and Seismology. However, since wind turbines are generally installed at elevations higher than 80 m, it is vital to extrapolate wind speed correctly from low heights to wind turbine hub heights to predict potential wind energy properly. To do so, firstly two boundary layer based models, power law and logarithmic law, were tested to find the best fitting model. Power law is expressed as v/v0 =(H/H0)^α and logarithmic law is represented as v/v0 =[ln(H/Z0))/(ln(H0/Z0)], where V is the wind speed [m/s] at height H [m] and V0 is the known wind speed at a reference height H0. The exponent (α) coefficient is an empirically derived value depending on the atmospheric stability and z0 is the roughness coefficient length [m] that depends on topography, land roughness and spacing. After testing the two models, spatial and temporal analysis for wind profile was performed. Many studies about wind in different regions have shown that wind profile parameters have hourly, monthly and seasonal variations. Therefore, it can be examined whether UAE wind characteristics follow general wind characteristics observed in other regions or have specific wind features due to its regional condition. About 3 years data from August 2008 to February 2011 with 10-minutes resolution were used to derive monthly variation. The preliminary results(Fig.1) show that during that period, wind profile parameters like alpha from power law and roughness length from logarithmic law have monthly variation. Both alpha and roughness have low values during summer and high values during winter. This variation is mainly explained by the direct effect of air temperature on atmospheric stability. When the surface temperature becomes high, air is mixed well in atmospheric boundary layer. This phenomenon leads to vertically low wind speed change indicating low wind profile parameter. On the contrary, cold surface temperature prevents air from being mixed well in the boundary layer. This analysis is applied to different regions to see the spatial characteristics of wind in UAE. As a next step, a mesoscale model coupled with UAE roughness maps will be used to predict elevated wind speed. A micro-scale modeling approach will be also used to capture small-scale wind speed variability. This data will be combined with the NCMS data and tailored to the UAE by modeling the effects due to local changes in terrain elevation and local surface roughness changes and obstacles.

Speciation and preservation of CrVI and CrIII in finished drinking water matrices using collision cell ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

EPA Science Inventory

The polyatomic background at the major isotope of Cr was evaluated as a function of collision cell gas flow rate using three different mobile phases. The stability of CrVI was evaluated as a function of solution pH using an enriched 53CrVI. The recovery was ≥ 95% at pH 7.8 but...

A survey with Copernicus of interstellar O VI absorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, E. B.; Meloy, D. A.

1974-01-01

The presence of broad, shallow absorptions caused by O VI ions were revealed from UV spectra observations recorded by the Copernicus satellite for thirty-two stars. A table lists survey data on the stars observed for which values of the O VI column densities or their upper limits are extracted. Interstellar rather than circumstellar origin is evident from observation of the lack of correspondence between radical velocities of the stars and those of the O VI profiles. The presence of a low-density high-temperature phase of interstellar gas produced by supernova explosions is suggested.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: OGLE II. VI photometry of Galactic Bulge (Udalski+, 2002)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Udalski, A.; Szymanski, M.; Kubiak, M.; Pietrzynski, G.; Soszynski, I.; Wozniak, P.; Zebrun, K.; Szewczyk, O.; Wyrzykowski, L.

2003-09-01

We present the VI photometric maps of the Galactic bulge. They contain VI photometry and astrometry of about 30 million stars from 49 fields of 0.225 square degree each in the Galactic center region. The data were collected during the second phase of the OGLE microlensing project. We discuss the accuracy of data and present color-magnitude diagrams of selected fields observed by OGLE in the Galactic bulge. The VI maps of the Galactic bulge are accessible electronically for the astronomical community from the OGLE Internet archive (2 data files).

Gifted Education in the United Arab Emirates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

AlGhawi, Mariam A.

2017-01-01

Gifted education, defined as the schooling of students demonstrating some exceptional abilities, is relatively new in the education system of the United Arab Emirates (UAE); hence, research on gifted education in the UAE is limited. This study is the first to investigate the implementation of gifted education programmes at seven primary government…

The short-term reduction of uranium by nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI): role of oxide shell, reduction mechanism and the formation of U( v )-carbonate phases

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

Tsarev, Sergey; Collins, Richard N.; Ilton, Eugene S.

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) is a potential remediation agent for uranium-contaminated groundwaters, however, a complete mechanistic understanding of the processes that lead to uranium immobilization has yet to be achieved. In this study, the short-term anoxic reaction of U(VI) with fresh, (anoxic) aged and corroded nZVI particles was investigated under aqueous conditions conducive to the formation of thermodynamically stable U(VI)-Ca-CO3 ternary aqueous complexes. The first stage of the reaction between U(VI) and nZVI was assigned to sorption processes with the formation of surface U(VI)-carbonate complexes. Aged nZVI removed U(VI) faster than either fresh or corroded nZVI and it is hypothesizedmore » that U reduction initially occurs through the transfer of one electron from Fe(II) in the nZVI surface oxide layer. Evidence for reduction to U(V) was obtained through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and by determination of U-O bond distances of ~2.05 Å and 2.27 Å by U LIII-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy detection of U-O bond distances at ~2.05 Å and 2.27 Å with these distances , similar to thoseat observed for the U(V) site in the mixed U(V)/U(VI) carbonate mineral wyartite. Scanning transmission electron microscopy also demonstrated that U was present as a nanoparticulate phase after one day of reaction, rather than a surface complex. Further reduction to U(IV), as observed in previous studies, would appear to be rate-limiting and coincident with the transformation of this meta-stable U-carbonate phase to uraninite (UO2).« less

Temporary vs. Permanent Sub-slab Ports: A Comparative Performance Study

EPA Science Inventory

Vapor intrusion (VI) is the migration of subsurface vapors, including radon and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from the subsurface to indoor air. The VI exposure pathway extends from the contaminant source, which can be impacted soil, non-aqueous phase liquid, or contaminated...

Chemical state of chromium in sewage sludge ash based phosphorus-fertilisers.

PubMed

Vogel, Christian; Adam, Christian; Kappen, Peter; Schiller, Tara; Lipiec, Ewelina; McNaughton, Don

2014-05-01

Sewage sludge ash (SSA) based P-fertilisers were produced by thermochemical treatment of SSA with Cl-donors at approximately 1000°C. During this thermochemical process heavy metals are separated as heavy metal chlorides via the gas phase. Chromium cannot be separated under normal conditions. The risk of the development of toxic Cr(VI) during the thermochemical process was investigated. X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy measurements showed that SSA and thermochemically treated SSA with CaCl2, MgCl2 and NaCl contain Cr(III) compounds only. In contrast, treating SSA with elevated quantities of Na2CO3, to enhance the plant-availability of the phosphate phases of the fertiliser, developed approximately 10-15% Cr(VI). Furthermore, Raman microspectroscopy showed that using Mg-carbonate reduces the risk of a Cr(VI) development during thermochemical treatment. Additionally, leaching tests showed that only a Cr-water solubility>10% is an indicator for Cr(VI) in SSA based P-fertilisers. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical processes for the extreme enrichment of tellurium into marine ferromanganese oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashiwabara, Teruhiko; Oishi, Yasuko; Sakaguchi, Aya; Sugiyama, Toshiki; Usui, Akira; Takahashi, Yoshio

2014-04-01

Tellurium, an element of growing economic importance, is extremely enriched in marine ferromanganese oxides. We investigated the mechanism of this enrichment using a combination of spectroscopic analysis and adsorption/coprecipitation experiments. X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) analysis showed that in adsorption/coprecipitation systems, Te(IV) was oxidized on δ-MnO2 and not oxidized on ferrihydrite. Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) analysis showed that both Te(IV) and Te(VI) were adsorbed on the surface of δ-MnO2 and ferrihydrite via formation of inner-sphere complexes. In addition, Te(VI) can be structurally incorporated into the linkage of Fe octahedra through a coprecipitation process because of its molecular geometry that is similar to the Fe octahedron. The largest distribution coefficient obtained in the adsorption/coprecipitation experiments was for the Te(VI)/ferrihydrite coprecipitation system, and it was comparable to those calculated from the distribution between natural ferromanganese oxides and seawater. Our XAFS and micro-focused X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) mapping of natural ferromanganese oxides showed that Te was structurally incorporated as Te(VI) in Fe (oxyhydr)oxide phases. We conclude that the main process for the enrichment of Te in ferromanganese oxides is structural incorporation of Te(VI) into Fe (oxyhydr)oxide phases through coprecipitation. This mechanism can explain the unique degree of enrichment of Te compared with other oxyanions, which are mainly enriched via adsorption on the surface of the solid structures. In particular, the great contrast in the distributions of Te and Se is caused by their oxidized species: (i) the similar geometry of the Te(VI) molecule to Fe octahedron, and (ii) quite soluble nature of Se(VI). Coexisting Mn oxide phases may promote structural incorporation of Te(VI) by oxidation of Te(IV), although the surface oxidation itself may not work as the critical enrichment process as in the case of some cations. This enrichment mechanism also means that ferromanganese oxides mainly scavenge dominant Te(VI) species from seawater and do not affect its species distribution in seawater, as described in a previous model. The variation in Te abundances and the correlation of Te concentration with the growth rate of natural ferromanganese oxides are consistent with the coprecipitation mechanism.

The AGE-RAGE axis in an Arab population: The United Arab Emirates Healthy Futures (UAEHFS) pilot study.

PubMed

Inman, Claire K; Aljunaibi, Abdullah; Koh, Hyunwook; Abdulle, Abdishakur; Ali, Raghib; Alnaeemi, Abdullah; Al Zaabi, Eiman; Oumeziane, Naima; Al Bastaki, Marina; Al-Houqani, Mohammed; Al-Maskari, Fatma; Al Dhaheri, Ayesha; Shah, Syed M; Abdel Wareth, Laila; Al Mahmeed, Wael; Alsafar, Habiba; Al Anouti, Fatme; Al Hosani, Ayesha; Haji, Muna; Galani, Divya; O'Connor, Matthew J; Ahn, Jiyoung; Kirchhoff, Tomas; Sherman, Scott; Hayes, Richard B; Li, Huilin; Ramasamy, Ravichandran; Schmidt, Ann Marie

2017-12-01

The transformation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from a semi-nomadic to a high income society has been accompanied by increasing rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. We examined if the AGE-RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation endproducts) axis is associated with obesity and diabetes mellitus in the pilot phase of the UAE Healthy Futures Study (UAEHFS). 517 Emirati subjects were enrolled and plasma/serum levels of AGE, carboxy methyl lysine (CML)-AGE, soluble (s)RAGE and endogenous secretory (es)RAGE were measured along with weight, height, waist and hip circumference (WC/HC), blood pressure, HbA1c, Vitamin D levels and routine chemistries. The relationship between the AGE-RAGE axis and obesity and diabetes mellitus was tested using proportional odds models and linear regression. After covariate adjustment, AGE levels were significantly associated with diabetes status. Levels of sRAGE and esRAGE were associated with BMI and levels of sRAGE were associated with WC/HC. The AGE-RAGE axis is associated with diabetes status and obesity in this Arab population. Prospective serial analysis of this axis may identify predictive biomarkers of obesity and cardiometabolic dysfunction in the UAEHFS.

[Career opportunities for anesthetists: to work and live in Abu Dhabi--a report].

PubMed

Hornung, Michael

2008-11-01

This article describes an anaesthetist's experience working in a tertiary care hospital in the UAE. The health care system, with both private and government facilities, is subject to rapid development and diversification like the country as a whole. The staffing system in the hospital is based on the Anglo-American consultant model and provides a pleasant, informal work environment. Compared to a routine work day in Germany, work in the UAE is exciting and varied because of cultural differences and the nature of the cases being treated. Life in the UAE is characterized by its multinational, multicultural society which provides for absorbing encounters and great recreational opportunities including plenty of sun and sea.

Simultaneous speciation analysis of inorganic arsenic, chromium and selenium in environmental waters by 3-(2-aminoethylamino) propyltrimethoxysilane modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes packed microcolumn solid phase extraction and ICP-MS.

PubMed

Peng, Hanyong; Zhang, Nan; He, Man; Chen, Beibei; Hu, Bin

2015-01-01

Speciation analysis of inorganic arsenic, chromium and selenium in environmental waters is of great significance for the monitoring of environmental pollution. In this work, 3-(2-aminoethylamino) propyltrimethoxysilane (AAPTS) functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized and employed as the adsorbent for simultaneous speciation analysis of inorganic arsenic, chromium and selenium in environmental waters by microcolumn solid-phase extraction (SPE)-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was found that As(V), Cr(VI) and Se(VI) could be selectively adsorbed on the microcolumn packed with AAPTS-MWCNTs adsorbent at pH around 2.2, while As(III), Cr(III) and Se(IV) could not be retained at this pH and passed through the microcolumn directly. Total inorganic arsenic, chromium and selenium was determined after the oxidation of As(III), Cr(III) and Se(IV) to As(V), Cr(VI) and Se(VI) with 10.0 μmol L(-1) KMnO4. The assay of As(III), Cr(III) and Se(IV) was based on subtracting As(V), Cr(VI) and Se(VI) from the total As, Cr and Se, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of 15, 38 and 16 ng L(-1) with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 7.4, 2.4 and 6.2% (c=1 µg L(-1), n=7) were obtained for As(V), Cr(VI) and Se(VI), respectively. The developed method was validated by analyzing four Certified Reference Materials, rainwater, Yangtze River and East Lake waters. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Job Samples as Tank Gunnery Performance Predictors

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

previously been obtained ( Maitland , Eaton, and Neff, 1980). Table VI-M. The Table VI-M order of firing and engagement techniques used in Phase III were the... Maitland , Eaton, and Neff (1980) *** <.001 22 Sen 21 ’ )a. datz obtained from ch4 sensing cask was quanti:ied. as in Phase It, by Coti.purtirg the vie.i...of four test weighting methods in multiple regression. Educational and Psychological Measure- ment, 1959, 19, 103-114. Maitland , A. J., Eaton, N. K

Efficacy and immunogenicity of a Vi-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine in the prevention of typhoid fever using a controlled human infection model of Salmonella Typhi: a randomised controlled, phase 2b trial.

PubMed

Jin, Celina; Gibani, Malick M; Moore, Maria; Juel, Helene B; Jones, Elizabeth; Meiring, James; Harris, Victoria; Gardner, Jonathan; Nebykova, Anna; Kerridge, Simon A; Hill, Jennifer; Thomaides-Brears, Helena; Blohmke, Christoph J; Yu, Ly-Mee; Angus, Brian; Pollard, Andrew J

2017-12-02

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S Typhi) is responsible for an estimated 20 million infections and 200 000 deaths each year in resource poor regions of the world. Capsular Vi-polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines (Vi-conjugate vaccines) are immunogenic and can be used from infancy but there are no efficacy data for the leading candidate vaccine being considered for widespread use. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the efficacy of a Vi-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine using an established human infection model of S Typhi. In this single-centre, randomised controlled, phase 2b study, using an established outpatient-based human typhoid infection model, we recruited healthy adult volunteers aged between 18 and 60 years, with no previous history of typhoid vaccination, infection, or prolonged residency in a typhoid-endemic region. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive a single dose of Vi-conjugate (Vi-TT), Vi-polysaccharide (Vi-PS), or control meningococcal vaccine with a computer-generated randomisation schedule (block size 6). Investigators and participants were masked to treatment allocation, and an unmasked team of nurses administered the vaccines. Following oral ingestion of S Typhi, participants were assessed with daily blood culture over a 2-week period and diagnosed with typhoid infection when meeting pre-defined criteria. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants diagnosed with typhoid infection (ie, attack rate), defined as persistent fever of 38°C or higher for 12 h or longer or S Typhi bacteraemia, following oral challenge administered 1 month after Vi-vaccination (Vi-TT or Vi-PS) compared with control vaccination. Analysis was per protocol. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02324751, and is ongoing. Between Aug 18, 2015, and Nov 4, 2016, 112 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned; 34 to the control group, 37 to the Vi-PS group, and 41 to the Vi-TT group. 103 participants completed challenge (31 in the control group, 35 in the Vi-PS group, and 37 in the Vi-TT group) and were included in the per-protocol population. The composite criteria for typhoid diagnosis was met in 24 (77%) of 31 participants in the control group, 13 (35%) of 37 participants in the Vi-TT group, and 13 (35%) of 35 participants in the Vi-PS group to give vaccine efficacies of 54·6% (95% CI 26·8-71·8) for Vi-TT and 52·0% (23·2-70·0) for Vi-PS. Seroconversion was 100% in Vi-TT and 88·6% in Vi-PS participants, with significantly higher geometric mean titres detected 1-month post-vaccination in Vi-TT vaccinees. Four serious adverse events were reported during the conduct of the study, none of which were related to vaccination (one in the Vi-TT group and three in the Vi-PS group). Vi-TT is a highly immunogenic vaccine that significantly reduces typhoid fever cases when assessed using a stringent controlled model of typhoid infection. Vi-TT use has the potential to reduce both the burden of typhoid fever and associated health inequality. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the European Commission FP7 grant, Advanced Immunization Technologies (ADITEC). Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Bibliography of Soviet Laser Developments, Number 76, March - April 1985.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-06-01

515. Andreyeva, O.V.; Sukhanov , V.I.; Khazova, M.V. 0 * Experimental study on the optical characteristics of * developed layers for three-dimensional...holograms. ZNPFA, no. 6, 1985, 435-438. (RZFZA, 85/3L814). 516. Andreyeva, O.V.; Sukhanov , V.I.; Rhazova, M.V. 0 Relationship of the refractive index... Sukhanov , V.I.; Ashcheulov, Yu.V.; Petnikov, A.Ye. (GOI). Method of measuring values of the diffraction * efficiency of 3D phase holograms. OPMPA, no. 4

Methods for forming particles

DOEpatents

Fox, Robert V.; Zhang, Fengyan; Rodriguez, Rene G.; Pak, Joshua J.; Sun, Chivin

2016-06-21

Single source precursors or pre-copolymers of single source precursors are subjected to microwave radiation to form particles of a I-III-VI.sub.2 material. Such particles may be formed in a wurtzite phase and may be converted to a chalcopyrite phase by, for example, exposure to heat. The particles in the wurtzite phase may have a substantially hexagonal shape that enables stacking into ordered layers. The particles in the wurtzite phase may be mixed with particles in the chalcopyrite phase (i.e., chalcopyrite nanoparticles) that may fill voids within the ordered layers of the particles in the wurtzite phase thus produce films with good coverage. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form layers of semiconductor materials comprising a I-III-VI.sub.2 material. Devices such as, for example, thin-film solar cells may be fabricated using such methods.

77 FR 25055 - Addition of Certain Persons to the Entity List

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-27

... under the countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). The Entity List... Entity List consist of twelve entries in Afghanistan, three in Pakistan, and three in the U.A.E. Two of...; and --Haji Khalil. Shahreno, Kabul, Afghanistan (See alternate address in Pakistan); (4) Heim German...

Teaching Journalism in a Changing Islamic Nation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quinn, Stephen

2001-01-01

Describes the structure of the government, education system and media in one of the most technologically-advanced Islamic nations, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Discusses UAE news values relative to Western news values in the context of issues of freedom of expression. Considers the possibility of applying Western notions to the practice or the…

Leadership Development in Governments of the United Arab Emirates: Re-Framing a Wicked Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mathias, Megan

2017-01-01

Developing the next generation of leaders in government is seen as a strategic challenge of national importance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This article examines the wicked nature of the UAE's leadership development challenge, identifying patterns of complexity, uncertainty, and divergence in the strategic intentions underlying current…

Building a Sustainable Higher Education Sector in the UAE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jose, Saju; Chacko, Jacob

2017-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the relevant economic aspects that could affect the sustainability of the HE sector in the UAE. Design/methodology/approach: Data are collected mainly through secondary sources and based on the relevant information. Two constructs, namely, market factors and educational governance are identified…

The Path to Development: Expatriate Faculty Retention in the UAE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schoepp, Kevin W.

2011-01-01

Given the rapid development and large expatriate majority within the United Arab Emirates, the country is extremely reliant upon expatriate faculty to educate its people. Through the lens provided by Social Exchange Theory, this study examined the motivations of expatriate faculty to remain or leave their positions at institutions within the UAE.…

An Empirical Investigation of Smart Board Innovations in Teaching in UAE University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Qirim, Nabeel

2016-01-01

This research investigates Teaching Faculty's (TF) adoption and usage of the Interactive or Smart White Board Technology (SB) in UAE University (UAEU). The developed theoretical framework is based on the technological innovation theories and is made of different socio-technical factors. Using survey research targeting UAEU's TF, the research…

In-House Career Coaching: An International Partnership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDermott, Debra; Neault, Roberta A.

2011-01-01

This article describes a project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to develop an in-house career coaching program to support and develop young employees recruited on an affirmative action initiative. The project involved the international partnership of a financial services organization in the UAE and a training provider in Canada to train human…

Optimum returns from greenhouse vegetables under water quality and risk constraints in the United Arab Emirates

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Greenhouses have been used in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to produce vegetables that contribute toward UAE food security, including offering fresh vegetable produce in the off-season. However, to manage such greenhouses farmers face both technical and environmental limitations (i.e., high water s...

Novel Betacoronavirus in Dromedaries of the Middle East, 2013

PubMed Central

Lau, Susanna K.P.; Wernery, Ulrich; Wong, Emily Y.M.; Tsang, Alan K.L.; Johnson, Bobby; Yip, Cyril C.Y.; Lau, Candy C.Y.; Sivakumar, Saritha; Cai, Jian-Piao; Fan, Rachel Y.Y.; Chan, Kwok-Hung; Mareena, Ringu; Yuen, Kwok-Yung

2014-01-01

In 2013, a novel betacoronavirus was identified in fecal samples from dromedaries in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Antibodies against the recombinant nucleocapsid protein of the virus, which we named dromedary camel coronavirus (DcCoV) UAE-HKU23, were detected in 52% of 59 dromedary serum samples tested. In an analysis of 3 complete DcCoV UAE-HKU23 genomes, we identified the virus as a betacoronavirus in lineage A1. The DcCoV UAE-HKU23 genome has G+C contents; a general preference for G/C in the third position of codons; a cleavage site for spike protein; and a membrane protein of similar length to that of other betacoronavirus A1 members, to which DcCoV UAE-HKU23 is phylogenetically closely related. Along with this coronavirus, viruses of at least 8 other families have been found to infect camels. Because camels have a close association with humans, continuous surveillance should be conducted to understand the potential for virus emergence in camels and for virus transmission to humans. PMID:24655427

Prevalence and predictors of over-the-counter medication use among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Barakat-Haddad, Caroline; Siddiqua, Ayesha

2018-01-02

The patterns of over-the-counter medication (OTC) usage among adolescents living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains largely understudied. The objectives of this study are: (1) to determine the profile of OTC use among UAE adolescents; and (2) to determine the biological or physical, psychological or behavioural, and social predictors of OTC use among the UAE adolescent population. Using a cross-sectional study design, data were collected on the prevalence of OTC use for a sample of 6363 adolescents. Overall, 51% of participants in this study reported OTC use. The most common form of OTC used was acetaminophen. Significant predictors of OTC use were: nationality (UAE, GCC, Arab / Middle East, Arab / Africa, Western, other); needed health care but did not receive it; sex (female); age (15-18 years); any medical diagnosis; unconventional drug use; spending more than 5 hours using TV and computer daily; and using prescription medicines. Thus, there is a need to develop public health policies and strategies that promote appropriate use of OTC in the population.

Hysterectomy for complications after uterine artery embolization for leiomyoma: results of a Canadian multicenter clinical trial.

PubMed

Pron, Gaylene; Mocarski, Eva; Cohen, Marsha; Colgan, Terence; Bennett, John; Common, Andrew; Vilos, George; Kung, Rose

2003-02-01

To determine the complication-related hysterectomy rate after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized, single-arm clinical trial (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Eight Ontario University-affiliated teaching and community hospitals. Five hundred fifty-five women. Polyvinyl alcohol particles were delivered through a catheter into uterine arteries under fluoroscopic guidance. Prospective follow-up investigations consisted of telephone interviews, ultrasound examinations, and reviews of pathology and surgery reports. Median follow-up was 8.1 months, and all but five patients had complete 3-month follow-up. At 3 months, eight women (1.5%, 95% CI 0.6-2.8) underwent complication-related hysterectomy. Half of the surgeries were performed at institutions other than where UAE had been performed. Indications for hysterectomies were infections (2), postembolization pain (4), vaginal bleeding (1), and prolapsed leiomyoma (1). The 3-month complication rate resulting in hysterectomy after UAE in a large cohort of women was low. Hysterectomy after UAE is an important measure of safety and a key outcome measure of this new therapy.

Specialty preferences and motivating factors: A national survey on medical students from five uae medical schools.

PubMed

Abdulrahman, Mahera; Makki, Maryam; Shaaban, Sami; Al Shamsi, Maryam; Venkatramana, Manda; Sulaiman, Nabil; Sami, Manal M; Abdelmannan, Dima K; Salih, AbdulJabbar M A; AlShaer, Laila

2016-01-01

Workforce planning is critical for being able to deliver appropriate health service and thus is relevant to medical education. It is, therefore, important to understand medical students' future specialty choices and the factors that influence them. This study was conducted to identify, explore, and analyze the factors influencing specialty preferences among medical students of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A multiyear, multicenter survey of medical student career choice was conducted with all five UAE medical schools. The questionnaire consisted of five sections. Chi-squared tests, regression analysis, and stepwise logistic regression were performed. The overall response rate was 46% (956/2079). Factors that students reported to be extremely important when considering their future career preferences were intellectual satisfaction (87%), work-life balance (71%), having the required talent (70%), and having a stable and secure future (69%). The majority of students (60%) preferred internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, or family Medicine. The most common reason given for choosing a particular specialty was personal interest (21%), followed by flexibility of working hours (17%). The data show that a variety of factors inspires medical students in the UAE in their choice of a future medical specialty. These factors can be used by health policymakers, university mentors, and directors of residency training programs to motivate students to choose specialties that are scarce in the UAE and therefore better serve the health-care system and the national community.

Preliminary experience in uterine artery embolization for second trimester pregnancy induced labor with complete placenta previa, placenta implantation, and pernicious placenta previa.

PubMed

Xie, L; Wang, Y; Man, Y C; Luo, F Y

2017-01-01

To explore the application of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in complete placenta previa, placenta implantation, and pernicious placenta previa during second trimester pregnancy induced labor. From April 2013 to April 2014, the present hospital admitted 12 cases of second-trimester complete placenta previa, placenta implantation, and pernicious placenta previa. Six of 12 cases at first were given UAE before cesarean section or labor induction. The other six cases, which were introduced into the present hospital after a failed embolization, underwent UAE, followed by hysteroscopy or curettage or laparotomy. None of the 12 patients underwent hysterectomy. The average blood loss of six patients with UAE was 383 ml and the average hospitalization was 8.66 days. While the remaining six patients without embolization in advance experienced 1,533 ml mean blood loss and 18 days in average stay. Among 12 patients, seven reported abdominal pain following embolization, four had a fever, and two had nausea and vomiting. Nine patients were followed-up and the menstrual cycles of seven returned to normal in one+ month, one in two+ months, and one suffered amenorrhea. Among the same nine patients, six menstruated regularly, two had menstrual disorders, and one had amenorrhea. No serious short- and long-term complications were observed. UAE is the safe method to avoid serious bleeding due to complete placenta previa, placenta implantation, and pernicious placenta previa with second-trimester pregnancy termination.

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

Mirsadraee, Saeed; Tuite, David; Nicholson, Anthony, E-mail: Tony.Nicholson@leedsth.nhs.u

This case series examines the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in the treatment of obstructive nephropathy caused by large fibroids. Between 2004 and 2007, 10 patients referred with symptomatic uterine fibroids that were found to be causing either unilateral (7 patients) or bilateral (3 patients) hydronephrosis were treated by UAE. Presenting complaints included menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, bulk symptoms, loin pain, postobstructive atrophy, and mild renal impairment. All had posterior intramural dominant fibroids >11 cm in maximum sagittal diameter and uterine volumes between 3776 and 15,625 ml. Outcome measures at between 12 and 36 months included procedural success, repeatmore » intervention, relief of symptoms, resolution of hydronephrosis, stable renal function and size, and avoidance of hysterectomy. In all cases the cause of renal obstruction was confirmed to be a giant fibroid compressing the ureter at the pelvic brim. In all cases UAE was technically successful, though two patients required a repeat procedure. In eight patients hydronephrosis resolved and the obstruction was relieved, though two still had some bulk symptoms not requiring further treatment. Renal function improved or was stable in all cases. Renal size was stable in all cases. Where menorrhagia was part of the symptom complex it was relieved in all cases. Two patients diagnosed as having postobstructive atrophy of one kidney underwent retrograde ureteric stenting on the nonatrophied side prior to UAE. This was unsuccessful in one of the cases due to the distortion caused by the fibroid. Despite improvement in hydronephrosis this patient underwent hysterectomy at 7 months after a renogram demonstrated persistent obstruction at the pelvic brim. In the second patient a double pigtail stent was inserted with difficulty and eventually removed at 8 months. This patient has had stable renal function and size for 3 years post-UAE. We conclude that UAE is safe and effective in treating patients with obstructive hydronephrosis caused by large fibroids.« less

Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio Versus Albumin Excretion for Albuminuria Staging: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study.

PubMed

Vart, Priya; Scheven, Lieneke; Lambers Heerspink, Hiddo J; de Jong, Paul E; de Zeeuw, Dick; Gansevoort, Ron T

2016-01-01

New guidelines advocate the use of albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) in a urine sample instead of 24-hour urinary albumin excretion (UAE) for staging albuminuria. Concern has been expressed that this may result in misclassification for reasons including interindividual differences in urinary creatinine excretion. Prospective longitudinal cohort study. We examined 7,623 participants of the PREVEND and RENAAL studies for reclassified when using ACR instead of 24-hour UAE, the characteristics of reclassified participants, and their outcomes. Albuminuria was categorized into 3 ACR and UAE categories: <30, 30 to 300, and >300mg/g or mg/24 h, respectively. Baseline ACR and 24-hour UAE. Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality and all-cause mortality. When using ACR in the early morning void instead of 24-hour UAE, 88% of participants were classified in corresponding albuminuria categories. 307 (4.0%) participants were reclassified to a higher, and 603 (7.9%), to a lower category. Participants who were reclassified to a higher ACR category in general had a worse CV risk profile compared with nonreclassified participants, whereas the reverse was true for participants reclassified to a lower ACR category. Similarly, Cox proportional hazards regression analyses showed that reclassification to a higher ACR category was associated with a tendency for increased risk for CV morbidity and mortality and all-cause mortality, whereas reclassification to a lower ACR category was associated with a tendency for lower risk. Net reclassification improvement, adjusted for age, sex, and duration of follow-up, was 0.107 (P=0.002) for CV events and 0.089 (P<0.001) for all-cause mortality. Early morning void urine collection instead of spot urine collection. Our results indicate that there is high agreement between early morning void ACR and 24-hour UAE categories. Reclassification is therefore limited, but when present, is generally indicative of the presence of CV risk factors and prognosis. Copyright © 2016 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of Diabetes among Migrant Women and Duration of Residence in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross Sectional Study.

PubMed

Shah, Syed M; Ali, Raghib; Loney, Tom; Aziz, Faisal; ElBarazi, Iffat; Al Dhaheri, Salma; Farooqi, M Hamed; Blair, Iain

2017-01-01

The prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the highest in United Arab Emirates (UAE), however data for the expatriate population is limited. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of T2DM amongst migrant women and test the hypothesis that acculturation (measured by years of residency) is associated with an increased risk of T2DM. This was a cross-sectional study and we recruited a representative sample (n = 599, 75% participation rate) of migrant women aged 18 years and over in Al Ain, UAE. The American Diabetes Association criteria were used to diagnose T2DM. An adapted WHO STEPS questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify correlates of T2DM including length of UAE residence. The mean age of participants was 34.1 (± 9.5) years. Of the study participants, based on HbA1C levels, 18.6% (95% CI: 13.9-24.4) had prediabetes and 10.7% (95% CI: 7.2-15.6) had T2DM. Prevalence of prediabetes was 8.5% for Filipinos, 16.7% for Arabs and 30.3% for South Asians. Similarly the prevalence of T2DM was 1.7% for Filipinos, 12.2% for Arabs and 16.7% for South Asians. Significant correlates of overall T2DM (measured and known diabetes) included length of UAE residence for more than 10 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 2.74, 95% CI: 1.21-6.20), age ≥40 years (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.53-7.87) and South Asian nationality (AOR 2.10, 95% CI: 0.94-4.70). Diabetes is a significant public health problem among migrant women in the UAE, particularly for South Asians. Longer length of residence in the UAE is associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes.

The UAE healthy future study: a pilot for a prospective cohort study of 20,000 United Arab Emirates nationals.

PubMed

Abdulle, Abdishakur; Alnaeemi, Abdullah; Aljunaibi, Abdullah; Al Ali, Abdulrahman; Al Saedi, Khaled; Al Zaabi, Eiman; Oumeziane, Naima; Al Bastaki, Marina; Al-Houqani, Mohammed; Al Maskari, Fatma; Al Dhaheri, Ayesha; Shah, Syed M; Loney, Tom; El-Sadig, Mohamed; Oulhaj, Abderrahim; Wareth, Leila Abdel; Al Mahmeed, Wael; Alsafar, Habiba; Hirsch, Benjamin; Al Anouti, Fatme; Yaaqoub, Jamila; Inman, Claire K; Al Hamiz, Aisha; Al Hosani, Ayesha; Haji, Muna; Alsharid, Teeb; Al Zaabi, Thekra; Al Maisary, Fatima; Galani, Divya; Sprosen, Tim; El Shahawy, Omar; Ahn, Jiyoung; Kirchhoff, Tomas; Ramasamy, Ravichandran; Schmidt, Ann Marie; Hayes, Richard; Sherman, Scott; Ali, Raghib

2018-01-05

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is faced with a rapidly increasing burden of non-communicable diseases including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The UAE Healthy Future study is a prospective cohort designed to identify associations between risk factors and these diseases amongst Emiratis. The study will enroll 20,000 UAE nationals aged ≥18 years. Environmental and genetic risk factors will be characterized and participants will be followed for future disease events. As this was the first time a prospective cohort study was being planned in the UAE, a pilot study was conducted in 2015 with the primary aim of establishing the feasibility of conducting the study. Other objectives were to evaluate the implementation of the main study protocols, and to build adequate capacity to conduct advanced clinical laboratory analyses. Seven hundred sixty nine UAE nationals aged ≥18 years were invited to participate voluntarily in the pilot study. Participants signed an informed consent, completed a detailed questionnaire, provided random blood, urine, and mouthwash samples and were assessed for a series of clinical measures. All specimens were transported to the New York University Abu Dhabi laboratories where samples were processed and analyzed for routine chemistry and hematology. Plasma, serum, and a small whole blood sample for DNA extraction were aliquoted and stored at -80 °C for future analyses. Overall, 517 Emirati men and women agreed to participate (68% response rate). Of the total participants, 495 (95.0%), 430 (82.2%), and 492 (94.4%), completed the questionnaire, physical measurements, and provided biological samples, respectively. The pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of recruitment and completion of the study protocols for the first large-scale cohort study designed to identify emerging risk factors for the major non-communicable diseases in the region.

The UAE Rainfall Enhancement Assessment Program: Implications of Thermodynamic Profiles on the Development of Precipitation in Convective Clouds over the Oman Mountains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breed, D.; Bruintjes, R.; Jensen, T.; Salazar, V.; Fowler, T.

2005-12-01

During the winter and summer seasons of 2001 and 2002, data were collected to assess the efficacy of cloud seeding to enhance precipitation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The results of the feasibility study concluded: 1) that winter clouds in the UAE rarely produced conditions amenable to hygroscopic cloud seeding; 2) that summer convective clouds developed often enough, particularly over the Oman Mountains (e.g., the Hajar Mountains along the eastern UAE border and into Oman) to justify a randomized seeding experiment; 3) that collecting quantitative radar observations continues to be a complex but essential part of evaluating a cloud seeding experiment; 4) that successful flight operations would require solving several logistical issues; and 5) that several scientific questions would need to be studied in order to fully evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of hygroscopic cloud seeding, including cloud physical responses, radar-derived rainfall estimates as related to rainfall at the ground, and hydrological impacts. Based on these results, the UAE program proceeded through the design and implemention of a randomized hygroscopic cloud seeding experiment during the summer seasons to statistically quantify the potential for cloud seeding to enhance rainfall, specifically over the UAE and Oman Mountains, while collecting concurrent and separate physical measurements to support the statistical results and provide substantiation for the physical hypothesis. The randomized seeding experiment was carried out over the summers of 2003 and 2004, and a total of 134 cases were treated over the two summer seasons, of which 96 met the analysis criteria established in the experimental design of the program. The statistical evaluation of these cases yielded largely inconclusive results. Evidence will show that the thermodynamic profile had a large influence on storm characteristics and on precipitation development. This in turn provided a confounding factor in the conduct of the seeding experiment, particularly in the lateness of treatment in the storm cycle. The prevalence of capping inversions and the sensitivity of clouds to the level of the inversions as well as to wind shear will be shown using several data sets (soundings, aircraft, radar, numerical models). Concurrent physical measurements with the randomized experiment provided new insights into the physical processes of precipitation that developed in summertime convective clouds over the UAE that in turn helped in the interpretation of the statistical results.

United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

1985-02-01

This discussion of the United Arab Emirates focuses on the following: the people; geography; history; government; political conditions; defense; the economy; foreign relations; and relations between the US and the United Arab Emirates. In 1983 the population was estimated at 1,194,000. In 1984 the annual growth rate was negative. Life expectancy is about 60 years. Fewer than 20% of the population are UAE citizens. Indigenous Emiris are Arab; the rest of the population includes significant numbers of other Arabs -- Palestinians, Egyptians, Jordanians, Yemenis, Omanis, as well as many Iranians, Pakistanis, Indians, and West Europeans, especially in Dubai. The UAE is in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, bounded on the north by the Persian Gulf. European and Arab pirates roamed the Trucial Coast area from the 17th century into the 19th century. Early British expeditions against the pirates led to further campaigns against their headquarters. Piracy continued intermittently until 1835, when the shaikhs agreed not to engage in hostilities at sea. Primarily in reaction to the ambitions of other European countries, the UK and the Trucial States established closer bonds in an 1892 treaty. In 1968 the British government announced its decision, reaffirmed in March 1971, to end the treaty relationship with the gulf shaikhdoms. When the British protective treaty with the Trucial Shaikhdoms ended on December 1, they became fully independent. On December 2, 1971, 6 of them entered into a union called the United Arab Emirates. The 7th, Ras al-Khaimah, joined in early 1972. Administratively, the UAE is a loose federation of 7 emirates, each with its own ruler. The pace at which local government in each emirate is evolving, from traditional to modern, is set primarily by the ruler. Under the provisional constitution of 1971, each emirate reserves considerable powers, including control over mineral rights, taxation, and police powers. In this milieu, the growth of federal powers has developed slowly. Since achieving independence in 1971, the UAE has begun to strengthen its federal institutions. The UAE has no political parties. Prior to oil production, the UAE economy was dominated by fishing, agriculture, and herding. Since the rise of oil prices in 1973, petroleum has dominated the economy, accounting for almost all of its export earnings and providing significant opportunities for productive investment. The UAE has huge proven oil reserves estimated at 32.4 billion barrels and gas reserves of 810 million cubic meters. As in most of the oil-rich Persian Gulf, the 1974-77 boom in the UAE has ended. For some years the US has enjoyed friend, informal relations with the Trucial Shaikhdoms, a relationship built on important and mutually advantageous private US contacts in the area.

Tolerance and bioaccumulation of U(VI) by Bacillus mojavensis and its solid phase preconcentration by Bacillus mojavensis immobilized multiwalled carbon nanotube.

PubMed

Özdemir, Sadin; Oduncu, M Kadir; Kilinc, Ersin; Soylak, Mustafa

2017-02-01

In this study, uranium(VI) tolerance and bioaccumulation were investigated by using thermo -tolerant Bacillus mojavensis. The level of U(VI) was measured by UV-VIS spectrophotometry. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value of U(VI) was experimented. Bacterial growth was not affected in the presence of 1.0 and 2.5 mg/L U(VI) at 36 h and the growth was partially affected in the presence of 5 mg/L U(VI) at 24 h. What was obtained from this study is that there was diversity in the various periods of the growth phases of metal bioaccumulation capacity, which was shown by B. mojavensis. The maximum bioaccumulation capacities were found to be 12.8, 22.7, and 48.2 mg/g dried bacteria, at 24th hours at concentration of 1.0, 2.5 and 5 mg/L U(VI), respectively. In addition to these, U(VI) has been preconcentrated on B. mojavensis immobilized MWCNT. Several factors such as pH, flow rate of solution, amount of biosorbent and support materials, eluent type, concentration and volume, the matrix interference effect on retention have been studied, and extraction conditions were optimized. Preconcentration factor was achieved as 60. Under the optimized conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were calculated as 0.74 and 2.47 μg/L. The biosorption capacity of immobilized B. mojavensis was calculated for U(VI) as 25.8 mg/g. The results demonstrated that the immobilized biosorbent column could be reused at least 30 cycles of biosorption and desorption with the higher than 95% recovery. FT-IR and SEM analysis were performed to understand the surface properties of B. mojavensis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Digital Gender Divides and E-Empowerment in the UAE: A Critical Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ben Moussa, Mohamed; Seraphim, Joanna

2017-01-01

The phenomenal diffusion and adoption of ICTs in the UAE is widely viewed as a game changer in the country's struggle to address continuous significant gender gaps in the country. The small body of research on this topic has been, however, inconclusive, overtly optimistic, and insufficiently theorized. Addressing these lacuna, the article uses a…

Localising Content for an XMOOC in the UAE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eppard, Jenny; Reddy, Preeya

2017-01-01

Universities in the UAE are entering the age of virtual and open access education. This paper describes the evolution of a MOOC at a state-funded university in Dubai. We will describe the challenges as well as a reflection of our experiences as creating virtual learning spaces in this culture differs somewhat from Western models. [For the complete…

UAE University Male Students' Interests Impact on Reading and Writing Performance and Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al Murshidi, Ghadah

2014-01-01

The study examined the impact of the conjunction of structured journal writing and reading for pleasure on students' reading and writing skills. Forty male students from UAE University participated in the study. The participants are of different academic abilities, majors and nationalities. Many of them have little experience with reading for…

Criminal Acts against Civil Aviation, 1986

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

AS/Auckland, NZ I M AA Knife & Alleged UnknownPol Explosive Asylu 06-11-79 Delta L-1011 New York/Ft. Lauder . 1 M S Knife & Alleged Cuba Gun 06-20-79...India Lahore/Prisoner Release/ Money 07-21-84 MEA B-707 Abu Dhabi, UAE/Beirut, Lebanon Abu Dhabi, UAE 07-29-84 Aeropostal DC-9 Caracas/Curacao

Unveiling Third Space: A Case Study of International Educators in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saudelli, Mary Gene

2012-01-01

This article highlights one aspect of a case study of international educators at Dubai Women's College (DWC), United Arab Emirates (UAE). It examines perceptions of international educators in third space teaching female Emirati, higher-education students in the UAE. Drawing on third space theory (Bhabha, 1994), this study explored the nature of…

Smart Board Technology Success in Tertiary Institutions: The Case of the UAE University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Qirim, Nabeel

2016-01-01

This research explores teaching-faculty's adoption and usage of the Interactive White Board Technology (IWBT) in UAE University (UAEU). The research findings suggested two perspectives concerning IWBT usage by teaching-faculty in UAEU. The first theme is concerned with IWBT's basic features where the IWBT proved its superiority when compared to…

What Makes the UAE a Knowledge Society?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Assaf, Mohammad Ahmad

2011-01-01

This paper starts with the idea that knowledge has become one of the most important factors to determine human development and explore the different requirements that need to be met by the government and the citizens of the UAE to succeed in building a knowledge society (KS). An explanation and examination of the five pillars of establishing a KS…

Using Mobile Technology in the Classroom: A Reflection Based on Teaching Experience in UAE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Halaweh, Mohanad

2017-01-01

Smartphones are developing rapidly and continually with new features that make them widely used in many contexts. This paper is to reflect on students' behaviours of using smartphones spontaneously (unplanned use) in the classroom, in a university in Dubai city in UAE. This reflection shall address the following questions: How can the instructors…

Towards a Personality Understanding of Information Technology Students and Their IT Learning in UAE University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Qirim, Nabeel; Rouibah, Kamel; Tarhini, Ali; Serhani, Mohamed Adel; Yammahi, Aishah Rashid; Yammahi, Maraim Ahmed

2018-01-01

This research investigates the personality characteristics of Information Technology students (CIT) in UAE University (UAEU) and how such features impact their IT learning. To achieve this objective, this research attempts to explain the impact of the Big-5 factors on learning using survey research. Results from 179 respondents suggested that…

Toxoplasmosis in sand cats (Felis margarita) and other animals in the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife in the United Arab Emirates

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Sand cat (Felis margarita) is a small-sized felid occurring in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Sand cat captive breeding program at the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW), Sharjah, UAE, has experienced high newborn mortality rates, and congenital toxoplasmosis was recent...

Effect of an Arabic Program of Direct Instruction for Phonological Awareness on Phonological Awareness Abilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elhoweris, Hala; Alsheikh, Negmeldin; Al Mekhlafi, Abdurrahman; Alhosani, Najwa; Alzyoudi, Mohammad

2017-01-01

Reading in Arabic is a vital skill for academic success and progress in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) elementary schools and beyond. However, there is substantial evidence to suggest that a significant number of UAE children in lower elementary grades experience difficulties in reading school-related materials. Research in reading has clearly…

Seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Gordon's wild cat (Felis silvestris gordoni) in the Middle East

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Sand cat (Felis margarita) is a small-sized felid occurring in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Sand cat captive breeding program at the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW), Sharjah, UAE, has until recently been severely compromised by very high newborn mortality rates. Tw...

Economic risk and efficiency assessment of fisheries in Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE): A stochastic approach

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The fishing industry in Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) plays an important role in diversifying food sources in order to enhance national food security. The fishing industry is facing increasing risk that may impact the sustainability (i.e., quantity and quality) of the fish caught and consume...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-17

foot section of the Zayid Port for use by the French navy ; (2) an installation at Dhafra Air Base to be used by France’s air force; and (3) a barracks...York Times report that the UAE had hired the firm, which is run by Eric Prince, who founded the Blackwater security contractor, to a $529 million

Predictors of Academic Performance for Finance Students: Women at Higher Education in the UAE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

El Massah, Suzanna Sobhy; Fadly, Dalia

2017-01-01

Purpose: The study uses data drawn from a senior finance major cohort of 78 female undergraduates at Zayed University (ZU)-UAE to investigate factors, which increase the likelihood of achieving better academic performance in an Islamic finance course based on information about socioeconomic background of female students. The paper aims to discuss…

Beyond Antagonism? The Discursive Construction of "New" Teachers in the United Arab Emirates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarke, Matthew

2006-01-01

The UAE, which celebrated independence in 1971, is a rapidly changing environment where aspects of traditional Bedouin culture co-exist with the immense changes being wrought by the forces of globalization and the wealth brought about by the development of the oil industry. Emirati nationals are a minority within the UAE, comprising approximately…

Understanding Student Satisfaction and Loyalty in the UAE HE Sector

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fernandes, Cedwyn; Ross, Kieran; Meraj, Mohammad

2013-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to verify and estimate the impact of the antecedents of Programme satisfaction and to explore its link with student loyalty in the higher education (HE) sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach: A Programme Experience Questionnaire (PEQ) was developed, based on the National Student…

Factors Favouring or Impeding Building a Stronger Higher Education System in the United Arab Emirates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ashour, Sanaa; Fatima, Syeda Kauser

2016-01-01

The paper examines the inherent strengths and weaknesses of the higher education system in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Using a literature review, three elements were examined: its development and structure, quality, and research capacity. The findings reveal that the UAE's higher education sector has witnessed remarkable growth since 1997,…

Sport practice among private secondary-school students in Dubai in 2004.

PubMed

Wasfi, A S; El-Sherbiny, A A M; Gurashi, E; Al Sayegh, F U

2008-01-01

A study was made of sport practice and of knowledge, attitude and practice towards sport among 1475 private secondary-school students in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2004. UAE students practised sport more than non-UAE students (33.9% versus 18.7% had good levels of activity) but there was no significant difference in positive attitudes towards sport practice (87.1% and 86.2% respectively). A good level of sport (vigorous exercise > or = 3 times per week for 20 min) was higher among males (26.0%) than females (14.7%). There was a significant association between overweight and obesity as well as tobacco smoking and low levels of sport practice. Health education intervention is needed to improve sport practice among young people.

Focal myometrial defect and partial placenta accreta in a pregnancy following bilateral uterine artery embolization.

PubMed

El-Miligy, Magdy; Gordon, Adam; Houston, Graeme

2007-06-01

A 29-year-old nulliparous patient was treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) for a large symptomatic uterine fibroid, resulting in a marked reduction of the tumor volume. She subsequently conceived and progressed through pregnancy uneventfully. At cesarean section for breech presentation at term, a large fundal myometrial defect was encountered. In addition, the patient presented with unexpected partial placenta accreta, which resulted in massive atonic uterine bleeding. It is suggested that UAE was implicated in the pathogenesis of myometrial damage and abnormal placentation. It is proposed that the antenatal care of pregnancies after UAE include careful imaging of the placenta, its vasculature, and the thickness of overlying uterine wall so peripartum management can be appropriately planned.

Uterine Artery Embolization for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

PubMed Central

Moss, Jonathan; Christie, Andrew

2016-01-01

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) as a treatment option for fibroids was first reported by Ravina in 1995. Although rapidly adopted by enthusiasts, many were skeptical and its introduction varied widely across the globe. It was not until randomized controlled trials and registries were published and national guidance statements issued that UAE was accepted as a safe and proven treatment for fibroids. The technique is now established as one of the treatment options to be discussed with patients as an alternative to surgery for fibroid-associated heavy menstrual bleeding. Research is on-going to evaluate the relative merits of UAE compared with other medical and surgical treatment options for heavy menstrual bleeding, particularly for women wishing to maintain their fertility. PMID:26756068

Site specific probabilistic seismic hazard analysis at Dubai Creek on the west coast of UAE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shama, Ayman A.

2011-03-01

A probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) was conducted to establish the hazard spectra for a site located at Dubai Creek on the west coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The PSHA considered all the seismogenic sources that affect the site, including plate boundaries such as the Makran subduction zone, the Zagros fold-thrust region and the transition fault system between them; and local crustal faults in UAE. PSHA indicated that local faults dominate the hazard. The peak ground acceleration (PGA) for the 475-year return period spectrum is 0.17 g and 0.33 g for the 2,475-year return period spectrum. The hazard spectra are then employed to establish rock ground motions using the spectral matching technique.

Continued Development and Improvement of Pneumatic Heavy Vehicles

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

Robert J. Englar

2005-07-15

The objective of this applied research effort led by Georgia Tech Research Institute is the application of pneumatic aerodynamic technology previously developed and patented by us to the design of an appropriate Heavy Vehicle (HV) tractor-trailer configuration, and experimental confirmation of this pneumatic configuration's improved aerodynamic characteristics. In Phases I to IV of our previous DOE program (Reference 1), GTRI has developed, patented, wind-tunnel tested and road-tested blown aerodynamic devices for Pneumatic Heavy Vehicles (PHVs) and Pneumatic Sports Utility Vehicles (PSUVs). To further advance these pneumatic technologies towards HV and SUV applications, additional Phase V tasks were included in themore » first year of a continuing DOE program (Reference 2). Based on the results of the Phase IV full-scale test programs, these Phase V tasks extended the application of pneumatic aerodynamics to include: further economy and performance improvements; increased aerodynamic stability and control; and safety of operation of Pneumatic HVs. Continued development of a Pneumatic SUV was also conducted during the Phase V program. Phase V was completed in July, 2003; its positive results towards development and confirmation of this pneumatic technology are reported in References 3 and 4. The current Phase VI of this program was incrementally funded by DOE in order to continue this technology development towards a second fuel economy test on the Pneumatic Heavy Vehicle. The objectives of this current Phase VI research and development effort (Ref. 5) fall into two categories: (1) develop improved pneumatic aerodynamic technology and configurations on smaller-scale models of the advanced Pneumatic Heavy Vehicle (PHV); and based on these findings, (2) redesign, modify, and re-test the modified full-scale PHV test vehicle. This second objective includes conduct of an on-road preliminary road test of this configuration to prepare it for a second series of SAE Type-U fuel economy evaluations, as described in Ref. 5. Both objectives are based on the pneumatic technology already developed and confirmed for DOE OHVT/OAAT in Phases I-V. This new Phase VI effort was initiated by contract amendment to the Phase V effort using carryover FY02 funds. This were conducted under a new and distinct project number, GTRI Project A-6935, separate from the Phase I-IV program. However, the two programs are closely integrated, and thus Phase VI continues with the previous program and goals.« less

Removal of hexavalent chromium in carbonic acid solution by oxidizing slag discharged from steelmaking process in electric arc furnace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoyama, Seiji; Okazaki, Kohei; Sasano, Junji; Izaki, Masanobu

2014-02-01

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is well-known to be a strong oxidizer, and is recognized as a carcinogen. Therefore, it is regulated for drinking water, soil, groundwater and sea by the environmental quality standards all over the world. In this study, it was attempted to remove Cr(VI) ion in a carbonic acid solution by the oxidizing slag that was discharged from the normal steelmaking process in an electric arc furnace. After the addition of the slag into the aqueous solution contained Cr(VI) ion, concentrations of Cr(VI) ion and total chromium (Cr(VI) + trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) ions decreased to lower detection limit of them. Therefore, the used slag could reduce Cr(VI) and fix Cr(III) ion on the slag. While Cr(VI) ion existed in the solution, iron did not dissolve from the slag. From the relation between predicted dissolution amount of iron(II) ion and amount of decrease in Cr(VI) ion, the Cr(VI) ion did not react with iron(II) ion dissolved from the slag. Therefore, Cr(VI) ion was removed by the reductive reaction between Cr(VI) ion and the iron(II) oxide (FeO) in the slag. This reaction progressed on the newly appeared surface of iron(II) oxide due to the dissolution of phase composed of calcium etc., which existed around iron(II) oxide grain in the slag.

Heptavalent Neptunium in a Gas-Phase Complex: (Np VIIO 3 +)(NO 3 –) 2

DOE PAGES

Dau, Phuong D.; Maurice, Remi; Renault, Eric; ...

2016-09-15

A central goal of chemistry is to achieve ultimate oxidation states, including in gas-phase complexes with no condensed phase perturbations. In the case of the actinide elements, the highest established oxidation states are labile Pu(VII) and somewhat more stable Np(VII). We have synthesized and characterized gas-phase AnO 3(NO 3) 2- complexes for An = U, Np, and Pu by endothermic NO 2 elimination from AnO 2(NO 3) 3-. It was previously demonstrated that the PuO 3+ core of PuO 3(NO 3) 2- has a Pu—O• radical bond such that the oxidation state is Pu(VI); it follows that in UO 3(NOmore » 3) 2- it is the stable U(VI) oxidation state. On the basis of the relatively more facile synthesis of NpO 3(NO 3) 2-, a Np(VII) oxidation state is inferred. This interpretation is substantiated by reactivity of the three complexes: NO 2 spontaneously adds to UO 3(NO 3) 2- and PuO 3(NO 3) 2- but not to NpO 3(NO 3) 2-. This unreactive character is attributed to a Np(VII)O 3+ core with three stable Np=O bonds, this in contrast to reactive U—O• and Pu—O• radical bonds. The computed structures and reaction energies for the three AnO 3(NO 3) 2- support the conclusion that the oxidation states are U(VI), Np(VII), and Pu(VI). These results establish the extreme Np(VII) oxidation state in a gas-phase complex, and demonstrate the inherently greater stability of Np(VII) versus Pu(VII).« less

Combined abiotic and biotic in-situ reduction of hexavalent chromium in groundwater using nZVI and whey: A remedial pilot test.

PubMed

Němeček, Jan; Pokorný, Petr; Lacinová, Lenka; Černík, Miroslav; Masopustová, Zuzana; Lhotský, Ondřej; Filipová, Alena; Cajthaml, Tomáš

2015-12-30

The paper describes a pilot remediation test combining two Cr(VI) geofixation methods - chemical reduction by nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and subsequent biotic reduction supported by whey. Combination of the methods exploited the advantages of both - a rapid decrease in Cr(VI) concentrations by nZVI, which prevented further spreading of the contamination and facilitated subsequent use of the cheaper biological method. Successive application of whey as an organic substrate to promote biotic reduction of Cr(VI) after application of nZVI resulted in a further and long-term decrease in the Cr(VI) contents in the groundwater. The effect of biotic reduction was observed even in a monitoring well located at a distance of 22 m from the substrate injection wells after 10 months. The results indicated a reciprocal effect of both the phases - nZVI oxidized to Fe(III) during the abiotic phase was microbially reduced back to Fe(II) and acted as a reducing agent for Cr(VI) even when the microbial density was already low due to the consumed substrate. Community analysis with pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA genes further confirmed partial recycling of nZVI in the form of Fe(II), where the results showed that the Cr(VI) reducing process was mediated mainly by iron-reducing and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

IMS study of climate, altitude, temperature and vasomotor symptoms in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Stefanopoulou, E; Gupta, P; Mostafa, R Mohamed; Nosair, N; Mirghani, Z; Moustafa, K; Al Kusayer, G; Sturdee, D W; Hunter, M S

2014-08-01

To examine the relationships between temperature, season (summer versus winter), lifestyle, health, mood, beliefs, and experience of hot flushes and night sweats (HFNS), amongst mid-aged women living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE climate is hyper-arid, being a hot desert climate, with warm winters and hot summers. A total of 372 peri- and postmenopausal women, aged from 45 to 55 years, from urban UAE regions were included. Data were collected during both summer and winter months. Participants completed questionnaires eliciting information about sociodemographics, HFNS (prevalence, frequency and problem-rating), health and lifestyle (body mass index (BMI), diet, exercise), mood (Women's Health Questionnaire) and menopause attributions and beliefs (Menopause Representations Questionnaire). HFNS were currently being experienced by 46.5% of women, with an average weekly frequency of five and problem-rating of 5.7/10. Seasonal variation in temperature was not associated with prevalence, frequency or problem-rating. Hot flush prevalence was associated with poor health, life satisfaction, mood, employment, lower BMI and diet. Higher frequency was associated with higher BMI and more years since the last period. HFNS were more problematic mainly for women who reported lower life satisfaction and held more negative beliefs about the menopause. In this UAE study, temperature and seasonal temperature variation did not appear to influence HFNS-reporting, but health, life satisfaction, BMI, beliefs and lifestyle factors partially explained women's experiences of menopausal symptoms. A qualitative study might provide further information about the meanings of HFNS and menopause amongst UAE women.

Remote sensing of mineral dust aerosol using AERI during the UAE2: A modeling and sensitivity study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansell, R. A.; Liou, K. N.; Ou, S. C.; Tsay, S. C.; Ji, Q.; Reid, J. S.

2008-09-01

Numerical simulations and sensitivity studies have been performed to assess the potential for using brightness temperature spectra from a ground-based Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) during the United Arab Emirates Unified Aerosol Experiment (UAE2) for detecting/retrieving mineral dust aerosol. A methodology for separating dust from clouds and retrieving the dust IR optical depths was developed by exploiting differences between their spectral absorptive powers in prescribed thermal IR window subbands. Dust microphysical models were constructed using in situ data from the UAE2 and prior field studies while composition was modeled using refractive index data sets for minerals commonly observed around the UAE region including quartz, kaolinite, and calcium carbonate. The T-matrix, finite difference time domain (FDTD), and Lorenz-Mie light scattering programs were employed to calculate the single scattering properties for three dust shapes: oblate spheroids, hexagonal plates, and spheres. We used the Code for High-resolution Accelerated Radiative Transfer with Scattering (CHARTS) radiative transfer program to investigate sensitivity of the modeled AERI spectra to key dust and atmospheric parameters. Sensitivity studies show that characterization of the thermodynamic boundary layer is crucial for accurate AERI dust detection/retrieval. Furthermore, AERI sensitivity to dust optical depth is manifested in the strong subband slope dependence of the window region. Two daytime UAE2 cases were examined to demonstrate the present detection/retrieval technique, and we show that the results compare reasonably well to collocated AERONET Sun photometer/MPLNET micropulse lidar measurements. Finally, sensitivity of the developed methodology to the AERI's estimated MgCdTe detector nonlinearity was evaluated.

In situ Bioreduction of Uranium (VI) in Groundwater and Sediments with Edible Oil as the Electron Donor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, W.; Watson, D. B.; Mehlhorn, T.; Zhang, G.; Earles, J.; Lowe, K.; Phillips, J.; Boyanov, M.; Kemner, K. M.; Schadt, C. W.; Brooks, S. C.; Criddle, C.; Jardine, P.

2009-12-01

In situ bioremediation of a uranium-contaminated aquifer was conducted at the US DOE Environmental Remediation Sciences Program (ERSP) Integrated Field Research Challenge (IFRC) site, in Oak Ridge, TN. Edible oil was tested as a slow-release electron donor for microbially mediated U (VI) reduction. Uranium contaminated sediments from the site were used in laboratory microcosm tests to study the feasibility of using this electron donor under anaerobic, ambient temperature conditions. Parallel microcosms were established using ethanol as electron donor for comparison. The tests also examined the impact of sulfate concentrations on U (VI) reduction. The oil was degraded by indigenous microorganisms with acetate as a major product but at a much slower rate than ethanol. The rapid removal of U (VI) from the aqueous phase occurred concurrently with acetate production and sulfate reduction. Initial U(VI) concentration in the aqueous phase increased with increased sulfate concentration (1 vs. 5 mM), likely due to U(VI) desorption from the solid phase, but more U(VI) was reduced with higher initial sulfate level. Finally, the bioreaction in microcosms progressed to methanogenesis. Subsequently, a field test with the edible oil was conducted in a highly permeable gravelly layer (hydraulic conductivity 0.076 cm/sec). Groundwater at the site contained 5-6 μM U; 1.0-1.2 mM sulfate; 3-4 mM Ca; pH 6.8. Diluted emulsified oil (20% solution) was injected into three injection wells within 2 hrs. Geochemical analysis of site groundwater demonstrated the sequential reduction of nitrate, Mn, Fe(III) and sulfate. Transient accumulation of acetate was observed as an intermediate in the oil degradation. Reduction and removal of uranium from groundwater was observed in all wells connected to the injection wells after 2-4 weeks. Uranium concentrations in groundwater were reduced to below 0.126 μM (EPA drinking water standard), at some well locations. Rebound of U in groundwater was observed together with the rebound of sulfate concentrations as the oil was consumed. Uranium (VI) reduction to U (IV) in the microcosm and in situ field tests was confirmed by X-ray near-edge absorption spectroscopy analysis. Bacterial populations in microcosms and field samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene libraries and Geochip analysis.

Incorporation of zero valent iron nanoparticles in the matrix of cationic resin beads for the remediation of Cr(VI) contaminated waters.

PubMed

Toli, Aikaterini; Chalastara, Konstantina; Mystrioti, Christiana; Xenidis, Anthimos; Papassiopi, Nymphodora

2016-07-01

The objective of present study was to obtain the fixation of nano zero valent iron (nZVI) particles on a permeable matrix and evaluate the performance of this composite material for the removal of Cr(VI) from contaminated waters. The experiments were carried out using the cationic resin Dowex 50WX2 as porous support of the iron nanoparticles. The work was carried out in two phases. The first phase involved the fixation of nZVI on the resin matrix. The resin granules were initially mixed with a FeCl3 solution to obtain the adsorption of Fe(III). Then the Fe(III) loaded resin (RFe) was treated with polyphenol solutions to obtain the reduction of Fe(III) to the elemental state. Two polyphenol solutions were tested as reductants, i.e. green tea extract and gallic acid. Green tea was found to be inefficient, probably due to the relatively big size of the contained polyphenol molecules, but gallic acid molecules were able to reach adsorbed Fe(III) and reduce the cations to the elemental state. The second phase was focused on the investigation of Cr(VI) reduction kinetics using the nanoiron loaded resins (R-nFe). It was found that the reduction follows a kinetic law of first order with respect to Cr(VI) and to the embedded nanoiron. Compared to other similar products, this composite material was found to have comparable performance regarding reaction rates and higher degree of iron utilization. Namely the rate constant for the reduction of Cr(VI), in the presence of 1 mM nZVI, was equivalent to 1.4 h of half-life time at pH 3.2 and increased to 24 h at pH 8.5. The degree of iron utilization was as high as 0.8 mol of reduced Cr(VI) per mole of iron. It was also found that this composite material can be easily regenerated and reused for Cr(VI) reduction without significant loss of efficiency. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Student Teaching Experience on Preservice Elementary Teachers' Self-Efficacy Beliefs for Technology Integration in the UAE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Awidi, Hamed Mubarak; Alghazo, Iman Mohammad

2012-01-01

This study examines the effect of the student teaching experience on preservice elementary teachers' self-efficacy beliefs and the sources of their beliefs about technology integration in teaching in the UAE. The participants were 62 pre-service elementary teachers at the United Arab Emirates University. Pre- and post-survey was administered to…

Shaping Pedagogical Approaches to Learning through Play: A Pathway to Enriching Culture and Heritage in Abu Dhabi Kindergartens

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Fiona S.

2018-01-01

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Social Affairs has launched an initiative to revive traditional play so as to increase children's knowledge of the UAE's rich culture, traditions and heritage. Inspired by the initiative, this qualitative study is a synthesis of locally written historical accounts interlaced with 52 Emirati kindergarten…

Temporary Anorgasmia Following Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids.

PubMed

Speir, Ethan; Shekhani, Haris; Peters, Gail

2017-11-01

We report a rare case of temporary anorgasmia following uterine artery embolization (UAE) performed for symptomatic uterine fibroids. To our knowledge, this is only the second time that this complication has been reported in the literature. We briefly explore the possible pathophysiologic explanations for this complication and review the effects of UAE compared to hysterectomy on sexual functioning in women.

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

Williams, Petra L., E-mail: Petra.Williams@phnt.swest.nhs.uk; Coote, Jacky M.; Watkinson, Anthony F.

Uterine leiomyomata, or fibroids, although benign, cause debilitating symptoms in many women. Symptoms are often nonspecific and may be the presenting complaint in a number of other conditions. Furthermore, because the presence of fibroids may be coincident with other symptomatic conditions that result in similar complaints, there may be diagnostic difficulty and consequent difficulty in planning therapeutic strategy. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic fibroids and is increasingly being performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation before and after treatment is routine practice with the potential to significantly alter management in up to a fifthmore » of patients. It is well recognized that significant incidental findings may be demonstrated during imaging investigations, and in particular that abnormalities that are not directly related to the clinical question may be overlooked. Radiologists evaluating pre-UAE MRI studies must be aware of the MRI appearances of gynecological pathologies that may cause similar symptoms or that may affect the success or complication rates of UAE, and they must also be wary of 'satisfaction of search,' reviewing imaging thoroughly so that relevant other pathologies are not missed. We demonstrate the appearances of coincidental pathologies found on pre-UAE MRI, with the potential to change patient management.« less

International Heliophysical Year and Astronomy and Space Science Activities in Arab States: Concentration on United Arab Emirates and Iraq

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Naimiy, Hamid M. K.; Al-Douri, Ala A. J.

2008-12-01

This paper summarizes International Heliophysical Year (IHY), astronomy and space sciences (ASS) activities in many Arab countries with the concentration on Iraq and UAE. The level and type of these activities differ in each country. -The paper shows also the current activities on topics related to IHY in different countries, following are suggested future Astronomy and Space Science (ASS) plans in some of these countries: -UAE Research Centre for Solar Physics, Astronomy and Space Sciences: A proposal under consideration for building a Solar Physics and Space Research Centre that may contain: Solar, radio and optical observatories, and Very Low Frequency (VLF) Receiver for remote sensing the Ionosphere on UAE region. The proposed research project will facilitate the establishment and conduct of VLF observations in the United Arab Emirate (UAE) as a part of Asia sector, thus providing a basis for comparison to facilitate global extrapolations and conclusions. -Iraqi National Astronomical Observatory (INAO): The Kurdistan Government/Universities planning to rebuilt INAO which has been destroyed during the two wars. Proposed suggestion is to build a 5-6 meters optical telescope and small solar telescope on the tope of Korek Mountain, which has excellent observing conditions.

Administration of goserelin acetate after uterine artery embolization does not change the reduction rate and volume of uterine myomas.

PubMed

Vilos, George A; Vilos, Angelos G; Abu-Rafea, Basim; Pron, Gaylene; Kozak, Roman; Garvin, Greg

2006-05-01

To determine if goserelin immediately after uterine artery embolization (UAE) affected myoma reduction. Randomized pilot study (level 1). Teaching hospital. Twenty-six women. All patients underwent UAE, and then 12 patients received 10.8 mg of goserelin 24 hours later. The treatment group was 5 years older: 43 versus 37.7 years. Uterine and myoma volumes were measured by ultrasound 2 weeks before UAE and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Uterine and fibroid volumes. Pretreatment uterine volume was 477 versus 556 cm3, and dominant fibroid volume was 257 versus 225 cm3 in the control versus goserelin groups. Analysis of variance measurements indicated that the change over time did not significantly differ between the two groups. By 12 months, the control group had a mean uterine volume reduction of 58%, while the goserelin group had a reduction of 45%. Dominant fibroid changes over time did not differ between the two groups. At 12 months, the mean fibroid volume had decreased by 86% and 58% in the control and goserelin groups, respectively. The addition of goserelin therapy to UAE did not alter the reduction rate or volume of uterine myomas.

Health policies and intervention strategies: a description of current issues and approaches to care of the public health and health care system in the United Arab emirates.

PubMed

Mosaad, Aliye T; Younis, Mustafa Z

2014-01-01

The demographic factors of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have changed drastically within one generation. This is evident in how quickly it has moved from a developing nation, where fishing was once the main source of income, to a country that is quite developed, competing on a global level. From one perspective, socio-economic progress has brought many benefits to the population. These include improved education, better access to health care, and safe drinking water. However, on the other hand, economic development has been the cause for changes in lifestyles, eating habits, and traditional societal and family structures. Over time, these changes have added up, creating an unprecedented impact on the population's health. This impact has crept up onto the society until suddenly a notable epidemic has become recognized in the country. According to the UAE Ministry of Health, 19.5 percent of the UAE population has diabetes, making it the second highest rate in the world. The structure and responsibilities of the current UAE health care systems along with other cultural factors were investigated in order to determine their impact on the growing epidemic.

Enzyme replacement therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis VI: Growth and pubertal development in patients treated with recombinant human N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfatase

PubMed Central

Decker, Celeste; Yu, Zi-Fan; Giugliani, Roberto; Schwartz, Ida Vanessa D.; Guffon, Nathalie; Teles, Elisa Leão; Miranda, M. Clara Sá; Wraith, J. Edmond; Beck, Michael; Arash, Laila; Scarpa, Maurizio; Ketteridge, David; Hopwood, John J.; Plecko, Barbara; Steiner, Robert; Whitley, Chester B.; Kaplan, Paige; Swiedler, Stuart J.; Conrad, Susan; Harmatz, Paul

2010-01-01

Background and Methods Growth failure is characteristic of untreated mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI: Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome). Growth was studied in fifty-six MPS VI patients (5 to 29 years old) prior to and for up to 240 weeks of weekly infusions of recombinant human arylsulfatase B (rhASB) at 1 mg/kg during Phase 1/2, Phase 2, Phase 3 or Phase 3 Extension clinical trials. Height, weight, and Tanner stage data were collected. Pooled data were analyzed to determine mean height increase by treatment week, growth impacts of pubertal status, baseline urinary GAG, and age at treatment initiation. Growth rate for approximately 2 years prior to and following treatment initiation was analyzed using longitudinal modeling. Results Mean height increased by 2.9 cm after 48 weeks and 4.3 cm after 96 weeks on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Growth on ERT was not correlated with baseline urinary GAG. Patients under 16 years of age showed greatest increases in height on treatment. Model results based on pooled data showed significant improvement in growth rate during 96 weeks of ERT when compared to the equivalent pretreatment time period. Delayed pubertal onset or progression was noted in 10 patients entering the clinical trials; all of whom showed progression of at least one Tanner stage during 2 years on ERT, and 6 of whom (60%) completed puberty. Conclusion Analysis of mean height by treatment week and longitudinal modeling demonstrate significant increase in height and growth rate in MPS VI patients receiving long-term ERT. This impact was greatest in patients aged below 16 years. Height increase may result from bone growth and/or reduction in joint contractures. Bone growth and resolution of delayed puberty may be related to improvements in general health, bone cell health, nutrition, endocrine gland function and reduced inflammation. PMID:20634905

Polyethylene glycol-based ultrasound-assisted extraction of magnolol and honokiol from Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis.

PubMed

He, Lei; Fan, Tao; Hu, Jianguo; Zhang, Lijin

2015-01-01

In this study, a kind of green solvent named polyethylene glycol (PEG) was developed for the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of magnolol and honokiol from Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis. The effects of PEG molecular weight, PEG concentration, sample size, pH, ultrasonic power and extraction time on the extraction of magnolol and honokiol were investigated to optimise the extraction conditions. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the PEG-based UAE supplied higher extraction efficiencies of magnolol and honokiol than the ethanol-based UAE and traditional ethanol-reflux extraction. Furthermore, the correlation coefficient (R(2)), repeatability (relative standard deviation, n = 6) and recovery confirmed the validation of the proposed extraction method, which were 0.9993-0.9996, 3.1-4.6% and 92.3-106.8%, respectively.

Prevalence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in dromedary camels in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Yusof, Mohammed F; Eltahir, Yassir M; Serhan, Wissam S; Hashem, Farouk M; Elsayed, Elsaeid A; Marzoug, Bahaaeldin A; Abdelazim, Assem Si; Bensalah, Oum Keltoum A; Al Muhairi, Salama S

2015-06-01

High seroprevalence of Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) in dromedary camels has been previously reported in United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the molecular detection of the virus has never been reported before in UAE. Of the 7,803 nasal swabs tested in the epidemiological survey, MERS-CoV nucleic acid was detected by real-time PCR in a total of 126 (1.6 %) camels. Positive camels were detected at the borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman and in camels' slaughter houses. MERS-CoV partial sequences obtained from UAE camels were clustering with human- and camel-derived MERS-CoV sequences in the same geographic area. Results provide further evidence of MERS-CoV zoonosis.

Bioreduction of U(VI) and stability of immobilized uranium under suboxic conditions.

PubMed

Hu, Nan; Ding, De-xin; Li, Shi-mi; Tan, Xiang; Li, Guang-yue; Wang, Yong-dong; Xu, Fei

2016-04-01

In order to study the bioreduction of U(VI) and stability of immobilized uranium under suboxic conditions, microcosm were amended with ethanol, lactate and glucose, and incubated under suboxic conditions. During the incubation, total dissolved U in amended microcosms decreased from 0.95 mg/L to 0.03 mg/L. Pyrosequencing results showed that, the proportion of anaerobic microorganisms capable of reducing U(VI) under suboxic conditions was small compared with that under anoxic conditions; the proportion of aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms capable of consuming the dissolved oxygen was large; and some of the facultative anaerobic microorganisms could reduce U(VI). These results indicated that different microbial communities were responsible for the bioreduction of U(VI) under suboxic and anoxic conditions. After the electron donors were exhausted, total dissolved U in the amended microcosms remained unchanged, while the U(VI)/U(IV) ratio in the solid phase of sediments increased obviously. This implied that the performance of bioreduction of the U(VI) can be maintained under suboxic condition. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of Cr(VI) adsorption onto magnetite nanoparticles using synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yen-Hua; Liu, Dian-Yu; Lee, Jyh-Fu

2018-04-01

In this study, the efficiency of Cr(VI) adsorption onto nano-magnetite was examined by batch experiments, and the Cr(VI) adsorption mechanism was investigated using synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Magnetite nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 10 nm were synthesized using an inexpensive and simple co-precipitation method. It shows a saturation magnetization of 54.3 emu/g, which can be recovered with an external magnetic field. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir adsorption isotherm well, implying a monolayer adsorption behavior of Cr(VI) onto nano-magnetite. X-ray absorption spectroscopy results indicate that the adsorption mechanism involves electron transfer between Fe(II) in nano-magnetite (Fe2+OFe3+ 2O3) and Cr(VI) to transform into Cr(III), which may exist as an Fe(III)-Cr(III) mixed solid phase. Moreover, the Cr(III)/Cr(VI) ratio in the final products can be determined by the characteristic pre-edge peak area of Cr(VI) in the Cr K-edge spectrum. These findings suggest that nano-magnetite is effective for Cr(VI) removal from wastewater because it can transform highly poisonous Cr(VI) species into nontoxic Cr(III) compounds, which are highly insoluble and immobile under environmental conditions.

Phase VI Glove Durability Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, Kathryn

2011-01-01

The current state-of-the-art space suit gloves, the Phase VI gloves, have an operational life of 25 -- 8 hour Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) in a dust free, manufactured microgravity EVA environment. Future planetary outpost missions create the need for space suit gloves which can endure up to 90 -- 8 hour traditional EVAs or 576 -- 45 minute suit port-based EVAs in a dirty, uncontrolled planetary environment. Prior to developing improved space suit gloves for use in planetary environments, it is necessary to understand how the current state-of-the-art performs in these environments. The Phase VI glove operational life has traditionally been certified through cycle testing consisting of International Space Station (ISS)-based EVA tasks in a clean environment, and glove durability while performing planetary EVA tasks in a dirty environment has not previously been characterized. Testing was performed in the spring of 2010 by the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Crew and Thermal Systems Division (CTSD) to characterize the durability of the Phase VI Glove and identify areas of the glove design which need improvement to meet the requirements of future NASA missions. Lunar simulant was used in this test to help replicate the dirty lunar environment, and generic planetary surface EVA tasks were performed during testing. A total of 50 manned, pressurized test sessions were completed in the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) using one pair of Phase VI gloves as the test article. The 50 test sessions were designed to mimic the total amount of pressurized cycling the gloves would experience over a 6 month planetary outpost mission. The gloves were inspected periodically throughout testing, to assess their condition at various stages in the test and to monitor the gloves for failures. Additionally, motion capture and force data were collected during 18 of the 50 test sessions to assess the accuracy of the cycle model predictions used in testing and to feed into the development of improved cycle model tables. This paper provides a detailed description of the test hardware and methodology, shares the results of the testing, and provides recommendations for future work.

Stability of Cr Remediation Products Linked to Duration of Bioremediation.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, L. G.; Bobb, C.; Bennett, S.; Izbicki, J. A.

2017-12-01

Groundwater and alluvium beneath Hinkley Valley, Mojave Desert, California contain elevated levels of anthropogenic Cr(VI). In-situ remediation (ISR) using ethanol as an electron donor is employed at the site to reduce soluble, toxic, Cr(VI) to insoluble and non-hazardous Cr(III). We conducted year-long experiments to determine the fate of isotopically-labeled 50Cr tracer within microcosms consisting of sealed batch reactors containing aquifer material and groundwater from within and near the mapped Cr(VI) plume. Ethanol was added periodically to the reactors to drive biologically mediated reduction of Cr(VI). Reduction and sorption of 50Cr tracer on the solid matrix was examined by selective extractions designed to monitor operationally-defined weakly sorbed, specifically sorbed, amorphous, and well-crystalized strong-acid extractable phases. Recovery of the 50Cr tracer by ICP-MS analysis of each extract revealed the degree of mineralization of the added 50Cr. Initially, the tracer was distributed evenly between the aqueous and weakly sorbed phases, with little present in the strongly sorbed, amorphous or crystalline phases. After several months, most 50Cr was incorporated within the amorphous fraction and by one year increasing amounts were associated with the crystalline phase. Artificial substrates also were prepared as experimental controls. Artificial substrates showed similar trends; however less 50Cr was associated with amorphous Fe in acid-washed Ottowa sand coated with 2-line ferrihydrite than in aquifer sediments. Washed sand without ferrihydrite reacted with site water sorbed very little 50Cr, and no 50Cr was found in the amorphous fraction; however some was converted to the crystalline form with time. This suggests that groundwater-borne organisms alone were capable of reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III) with ethanol in the absence of Fe(II). A planned metagenomics study of materials from these experiments is expected to highlight changes in microbial community composition and diversity as ISR progresses. Our experimental results bode well for the permanency of Cr sequestration by ISR; that is, Cr solubilization by re-oxidation may be less likely if reduced Cr is bound in more recalcitrant phases via extended reduction.

A novel electro-driven membrane for removal of chromium ions using polymer inclusion membrane under constant D.C. electric current.

PubMed

Kaya, Ahmet; Onac, Canan; Alpoguz, H Korkmaz

2016-11-05

In this study, the use of polymer inclusion membrane under constant electric current for the removal of Cr(VI) from water has investigated for the first time. Transport of Cr(VI) is performed by an electric current from the donor phase to the acceptor phase with a constant electric current of 0.5A. The optimized membrane includes of 12.1% 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (2-NPOE), 77.6% cellulose triacetate (CTA), 10.3% tricapryl-methylammonium chloride (Aliquat 336) as a carrier. We tested the applicability of the selected membrane for Cr(VI) removal in real environmental water samples and evaluated its reusability. Electro membrane experiments were carried out under various parameters, such as the effect of electro membrane voltage at constant DC electric current; electro membrane current at constant voltage, acceptor phase pH, and stable electro membrane; and a comparison of polymer inclusion membrane and electro membrane transport studies. The Cr(VI) transport was achieved 98.33% after 40min under optimized conditions. An alternative method has been employed that eliminates the changing of electrical current by the application of constant electric current for higher reproducibility of electro membrane extraction experiments by combining the excellent selective and long-term use features of polymer inclusion membrane. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chromium(VI) Removal from Aqueous Solution by Magnetite Coated by a Polymeric Ionic Liquid-Based Adsorbent

PubMed Central

Ferreira, Thania Alexandra; Rodriguez, Jose Antonio; Paez-Hernandez, María Elena; Guevara-Lara, Alfredo; Barrado, Enrique; Hernandez, Prisciliano

2017-01-01

An evaluation of the chromium(VI) adsorption capacity of four magnetite sorbents coated with a polymer phase containing polymethacrylic acid or polyallyl-3-methylimidazolium is presented. Factors that influence the chromium(VI) removal such as solution pH and contact time were investigated in batch experiments and in stirred tank reactor mode. Affinity and rate constants increased with the molar ratio of the imidazolium. The highest adsorption was obtained at pH 2.0 due to the contribution of electrostatic interactions. PMID:28772865

The Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment. BVI Maps of Dense Stellar Regions. III. The Galactic Bulge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Udalski, A.; Szymanski, M.; Kubiak, M.; Pietrzynski, G.; Soszynski, I.; Wozniak, P.; Zebrun, K.; Szewczyk, O.; Wyrzykowski, L.

2002-09-01

We present the VI photometric maps of the Galactic bulge. They contain VI photometry and astrometry of about 30 million stars from 49 fields of 0.225 square degree each in the Galactic center region. The data were collected during the second phase of the OGLE microlensing project. We discuss the accuracy of data and present color-magnitude diagrams of selected fields observed by OGLE in the Galactic bulge. The VI maps of the Galactic bulge are accessible electronically for the astronomical community from the OGLE Internet archive.

The adsorption behavior of U(VI) on granite.

PubMed

Fan, Q H; Hao, L M; Wang, C L; Zheng, Z; Liu, C L; Wu, W S

2014-03-01

The effects of pH, counter ions and temperature on the adsorption of U(VI) on Beishan granite (BsG) were investigated in the presence and absence of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA). The adsorption edge of U(VI) on BsG suggested that U(VI) adsorption was mainly controlled by ion exchange and outer-sphere complexation at low pH, whereas inner-sphere complex was the dominant adsorption species in the pH range of 4.0-9.0. Above pH 9.0, Na2U2O7 might play an important role in the rise of U(VI) adsorption again. Counter ions such as Cl(-), SO4(2-) and PO4(3-) can provoke U(VI) adsorption on BsG to some extent, which was directly correlated to the complexing ability of U(VI)-ligand. More noticeably, the large enhancement of U(VI) adsorption in the presence of phosphate can be attributed to the ternary complex formation (BsG-PO4-UO2), precipitation ((UO2)3(PO4)2(s)) and secondary phase (Na-autunite). Both FA and HA can slightly increase U(VI) adsorption at low pH, whereas they strongly inhibited U(VI) adsorption at high pH range. Artificial synthesized granite (AsG) prepared in the laboratory is impossible to use as an analogue of natural granite because of the large difference in the adsorption and surface properties.

Speciation of chromium using reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to different spectrometric detection methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrle, C. M.; Jakubowski, N.; Broekaert, J. A. C.

1997-02-01

Speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) based on the formation of different complexes with ammonium-pyrrolidinedithioate (APDC) in a continuous flow technique and their preconcentration using solid phase extraction (SPE) have been elaborated and applied to the analysis of waste waters from the galvanic industry. The Cr complexes were separated and determined using reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to different detection methods, namely UV-detection, graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with hydraulic high pressure nebulization (HHPN/ICP-MS). After optimization the detection limits for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) of all methods are at the μg 1 -1 level and the precision in terms of RSD is 5% ( cCr = 100 μg 1 -1, N = 10). The procedure was applied to the determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) at the μg 1 -1 level in galvanic waste waters, and its accuracy was approved by comparing the results with those of independent methods.

40 CFR 258.42 - Approval of site-specific flexibility requests in Indian country.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... VI. (2) The owner and/or operator may operate Phase VI as a bioreactor by recirculating leachate and... IVA by recirculating leachate and landfill gas condensate, and by adding storm water and groundwater... than a 30-cm depth of leachate on the liner. (5) The owner and/or operator shall submit reports to the...

40 CFR 258.42 - Approval of site-specific flexibility requests in Indian country.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... VI. (2) The owner and/or operator may operate Phase VI as a bioreactor by recirculating leachate and... IVA by recirculating leachate and landfill gas condensate, and by adding storm water and groundwater... than a 30-cm depth of leachate on the liner. (5) The owner and/or operator shall submit reports to the...

40 CFR 258.42 - Approval of site-specific flexibility requests in Indian country.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... VI. (2) The owner and/or operator may operate Phase VI as a bioreactor by recirculating leachate and... IVA by recirculating leachate and landfill gas condensate, and by adding storm water and groundwater... than a 30-cm depth of leachate on the liner. (5) The owner and/or operator shall submit reports to the...

78 FR 18808 - Addition of Certain Persons to the Entity List; Removal of Person From the Entity List Based on...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-28

...) David Khayam, Apt 1811 Manchester Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai, U.A.E.; and PO Box 111831, Al Daghaya... Rashed, Apt 1811 Manchester Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai, U.A.E.; and PO Box 111831, Al Daghaya, Dubai, U.A... following two aliases: --Baet Alhoreya Electronics Trading; and --Baet Alhoreya, Apt 1811 Manchester Tower...

76 FR 50173 - Drill Pipe From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Anti-circumvention Inquiry

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-12

... that the friction welding of the pipe to the tool joint occurs in the UAE instead of the PRC. The... merchandise before the assembly performed by Almansoori/Hilong in the UAE, which consists of friction welding... Petitioners argue that for the purposes of section 781(b)(1)(C) of the Act, the process of friction welding...

Reflections on the Reggio Emilia Approach as Inspiration for Early Childhood Teacher Education in Abu Dhabi, UAE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Fiona S.

2015-01-01

This article discusses a teacher educator's reflections on her participation in an international study group and visits to the infant-toddler and pre-schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, as inspiration for early childhood teacher education in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The following five themes are reflected on, for teacher education in the context of Abu Dhabi:…

Attitude towards, and Awareness of Using ICT in Classrooms: A Case of Expatriate Indian Teachers in UAE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bindu, C. N.

2017-01-01

It is a widely accepted fact that ICT integration in education offers a wider opportunity for both teachers and students to fulfill the increasing demand of the contemporary world. The current paper explores the awareness of, and attitude towards, using ICT in teaching by the Indian teachers in UAE based on their gender and age. The data were…

Higher Education and Development in Arab Oil Exporters: The UAE [United Arab Emirates] in Comparative Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vandewalle, Diederik

As exporters of oil in the Middle East and throughout the world, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must address the following challenges in the area of development and economic growth: (1) an increasingly integrated world economy in which technology and knowledge will be paramount; (2) the need to diversify its economy from a natural resource-based…

Peat and coconut fiber as biofilters for chromium adsorption from contaminated wastewaters.

PubMed

Henryk, Kołoczek; Jarosław, Chwastowski; Witold, Żukowski

2016-01-01

Batch adsorption experiments were performed for the removal of chromium (III) and chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions using Canadian peat and coconut fiber. The Langmuir model was used to describe the adsorption isotherm. The maximum adsorption for peat reached 18.75 mg/g for Cr(III) and 8.02 mg/g for Cr(VI), whereas the value for fiber was slightly higher and reached 19.21 mg/g for Cr(III) and 9.54 mg/g for Cr(VI). Both chromium forms could be easily eluted from the materials. The adsorption of chromium forms to organic matter could be explained in terms of formation of donor-acceptor chemical covalent bound with hydroxyl groups as ligands and chromium as the central atom in the formed complex. The chromate-reducing activities were monitored with the use of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results showed that both adsorption and reduction occurred simultaneously and the maximum adsorption capacity of hexavalent chromium being equal to 95% for fiber and 92% for peat was obtained at pH 1.5. The reduction of Cr(VI) in wastewaters began immediately and disappeared after 20 h. Both materials contained yeast and fungi species which can be responsible for reduction of chromium compounds, due to their enzymatic activity (Chwastowski and Koloczek (Acta Biochim Pol 60: 829-834, 2013)). The reduction of Cr(VI) is a two-phase process, the first phase being rapid and based on chemical reaction and the second phase having biological features. After the recovery step, both types of organic materials can be used again for chromium adsorption without any loss in the metal uptake. Both of the materials could be used as biofilters in the wastewater treatment plants.

Evaluation of land capability and suitability for irrigated agriculture in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE, using an integrated AHP-GIS model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldababseh, A.; Temimi, M.; Maghelal, P.; Branch, O.; Wulfmeyer, V.

2017-12-01

The rapid economic development and high population growth in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have impacted utilization and management of agricultural land. The development of large-scale agriculture in unsuitable areas can severely impact groundwater resources in the UAE. More than 60% of UAE's water resources are being utilized by the agriculture, forestry, and urban greenery sectors. However, the contribution of the agricultural sector to the national GDP is negligible. Several programs have been introduced by the government aimed at achieving sustainable agriculture whilst preserving valuable water resources. Local subsistence farming has declined considerably during the past few years, due to low soil moisture content, sandy soil texture, lack of arable land, natural climatic disruptions, water shortages, and declined rainfall. The limited production of food and the continuing rise in the food prices on a global and local level are expected to increase low-income households' vulnerability to food insecurity. This research aims at developing a suitability index for the evaluation and prioritization of areas in the UAE for large-scale agriculture. The AHP-GIS integrated model developed in this study facilitates a step by step aggregation of a large number of datasets representing the most important criteria, and the generation of agricultural suitability and land capability maps. To provide the necessary criteria to run the model, a comprehensive geospatial database was built, including climate conditions, water potential, soil capabilities, topography, and land management. A hieratical structure is built as a decomposition structure that includes all criteria and sub-criteria used to define land suitability based on literature review and experts' opinions. Pairwise comparisons matrix are used to calculate criteria' weights. The GIS Model Builder function is used to integrate all spatial processes to model land suitability. In order to preserve some flexibility for future agricultural pathways, different types of crops are considered. This process helped in recommending a set of findings that will determine whether large-scale plantations are recommended for the UAE. It also identifies the kind of crops that have the highest potential to adapt to the hot and dry weather without affecting the crops yield.

Optimization of simultaneous ultrasonic-assisted extraction of water-soluble and fat-soluble characteristic constituents from Forsythiae Fructus Using response surface methodology and high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Xia, Yong-Gang; Yang, Bing-You; Liang, Jun; Wang, Di; Yang, Qi; Kuang, Hai-Xue

2014-07-01

The compounds (+)-pinoresinol-β-glucoside (1) forsythiaside, (2) phillyrin (3) and phillygenin (4) were elucidated to be the characteristic constituents for quality control of Forsythiae Fructus extract by chromatographic fingerprint in 2010 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia due to their numerous important pharmacological actions. It is of great interest to extract these medicinally active constituents from Forsythiae Fructus simultaneously. In this study, a new ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method was developed for the simultaneous extraction of biological components 1-4 in Forsythiae Fructus. The quantitative effects of extraction time, ratio of liquid to solid, extraction temperature, and methanol concentration on yield of these four important biological constituents from Forsythiae Fructus were investigated using response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design. The compounds 1-4 extracted by UAE were quantitative analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detect (HPLC-PAD), and overall desirability (OD), the geometric mean of the contents of four major biological components, was used as a marker to evaluate the extraction efficiency. By solving the regression equation and analyzing 3-D plots, the optimum condition was at extraction temperature 70°C, time 60 min, ratio of liquid to solid 20, and methanol concentration 76.6%. Under these conditions, extraction yields of compounds 1-4 were 2.92 mg/g, 52.10 mg/g, 0.90 mg/g and 0.57 mg/g, respectively, which were in good agreement with the predicted OD values. In order to achieve a similar yield as UAE, soxhlet extraction required at least 6 h and maceration extraction required much longer time of 24 h. Established UAE method has been successfully applied to sample preparation for the quality control of Forsythiae Fructus. Additionally, a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was applied to the structural confirmation of analytes from the complex matrices acquired by UAE. The results indicated that UAE is an effective alternative method for extracting bioactive constituents, which may facilitate a deeper understanding of the extract of active constituents in Forsythiae Fructus from the raw material to its extract for providing the theoretical references.

Radiation Exposure During Uterine Artery Embolization: Effective Measures to Minimize Dose to the Patient

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

Scheurig-Muenkler, Christian, E-mail: christian.scheurig@charite.de; Powerski, Maciej J., E-mail: maciej.powerski@med.ovgu.de; Mueller, Johann-Christoph, E-mail: johann-christoph.mueller@charite.de

PurposeEvaluation of patient radiation exposure during uterine artery embolization (UAE) and literature review to identify techniques minimizing required dose.MethodsA total of 224 of all included 286 (78 %) women underwent UAE according to a standard UAE-protocol (bilateral UAE from unilateral approach using a Rösch inferior mesenteric and a microcatheter, no aortography, no ovarian artery catheterization or embolization) and were analyzed for radiation exposure. Treatment was performed on three different generations of angiography systems: (I) new generation flat-panel detector (N = 108/151); (II) classical image amplifier and pulsed fluoroscopy (N = 79/98); (III) classical image amplifier and continuous fluoroscopy (N = 37/37). Fluoroscopy time (FT) and dose-area productmore » (DAP) were documented. Whenever possible, the following dose-saving measures were applied: optimized source-object, source-image, and object-image distances, pulsed fluoroscopy, angiographic runs in posterior-anterior direction with 0.5 frames per second, no magnification, tight collimation, no additional aortography.ResultsIn a standard bilateral UAE, the use of the new generation flat-panel detector in group I led to a significantly lower DAP of 3,156 cGy × cm{sup 2} (544–45,980) compared with 4,000 cGy × cm{sup 2} (1,400–13,000) in group II (P = 0.033). Both doses were significantly lower than those of group III with 8,547 cGy × cm{sup 2} (3,324–35,729; P < 0.001). Other reasons for dose escalation were longer FT due to difficult anatomy or a large leiomyoma load, additional angiographic runs, supplementary ovarian artery embolization, and obesity.ConclusionsThe use of modern angiographic units with flat panel detectors and strict application of methods of radiation reduction lead to a significantly lower radiation exposure. Target DAP for UAE should be kept below 5,000 cGy × cm{sup 2}.« less

Cost and Distribution of Hysterectomy and Uterine Artery Embolization in the United States: Regional/Rural/Urban Disparities.

PubMed

Glass Lewis, Marquisette; Ekúndayò, Olúgbémiga T

2017-05-16

Hysterectomy, the driving force for symptomatic uterine fibroids since 1895, has decreased over the years, but it is still the number one choice for many women. Since 1995, uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been proven by many researchers to be an effective treatment for uterine fibroids while allowing women to keep their uteri. The preponderance of data collection and research has focused on care quality in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, with little on location and viability related to care utilization, accessibility and physical availability. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the cost of UAE and classical abdominal hysterectomy with regard to race/ethnicity, region, and location. Data from National Hospital Discharge for 2004 through 2008 were accessed and analyzed for uterine artery embolization and hysterectomy. Frequency analyses were performed to determine distribution of variables by race/ethnicity, location, region, insurance coverage, cost and procedure. Based on frequency distributions of cost and length of stay, outliers were trimmed and categorized. Crosstabs were used to determine cost distributions by region, place/location, procedure, race, and primary payer. For abdominal hysterectomy, 9.8% of the sample were performed in rural locations accross the country. However, for UAE, only seven procedures were performed nationally in the same period. Therefore, all inferential analyses and associations for UAE were assumed for urban locations only. The pattern differed from region to region, regarding the volume of care (numbers of cases by location) and care cost. Comparing hysterectomy and UAE, the patterns indicate generally higher costs for UAE with a mean cost difference of $4223.52. Of the hysterectomies performed for fibroids on Black women in the rural setting, 92.08% were in the south. Overall, data analyzed in this examination indicated a significant disparity between rural and urban residence in both data collection and number of procedures conducted. Further research should determine the background to cost and care location differentials between races and between rural and urban settings. Further, factors driving racial differences in the proportions of hysterectomies in the rural south should be identified to eliminate disparities. Data are needed on the prevalence of uterine fibroids in rural settings.

Progress and outcomes of health systems reform in the United Arab Emirates: a systematic review.

PubMed

Koornneef, Erik; Robben, Paul; Blair, Iain

2017-09-20

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government aspires to build a world class health system to improve the quality of healthcare and the health outcomes for its population. To achieve this it has implemented extensive health system reforms in the past 10 years. The nature, extent and success of these reforms has not recently been comprehensively reviewed. In this paper we review the progress and outcomes of health systems reform in the UAE. We searched relevant databases and other sources to identify published and unpublished studies and other data available between 01 January 2002 and 31 March 2016. Eligible studies were appraised and data were descriptively and narratively synthesized. Seventeen studies were included covering the following themes: the UAE health system, population health, the burden of disease, healthcare financing, healthcare workforce and the impact of reforms. Few, if any, studies prospectively set out to define and measure outcomes. A central part of the reforms has been the introduction of mandatory private health insurance, the development of the private sector and the separation of planning and regulatory responsibilities from provider functions. The review confirmed the commitment of the UAE to build a world class health system but amongst researchers and commentators opinion is divided on whether the reforms have been successful although patient satisfaction with services appears high and there are some positive indications including increasing coverage of hospital accreditation. The UAE has a rapidly growing population with a unique age and sex distribution, there have been notable successes in improving child and maternal mortality and extending life expectancy but there are high levels of chronic diseases. The relevance of the reforms for public health and their impact on the determinants of chronic diseases have been questioned. From the existing research literature it is not possible to conclude whether UAE health system reforms are working. We recommend that research should continue in this area but that research questions should be more clearly defined, focusing whenever possible on outcomes rather than processes.

A thorough analysis of a severe dust storm in the Arabian Peninsula using WRF-CHEM, satellite imagery, and ground observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karagulian, F.; Ghebreyesus, D. T.; Weston, M.; Krishnan, V.; Temimi, M.; Al Hammadi, F.; Al Abdooli, A.

2017-12-01

A strong dust event occurred over the Arabian Peninsula from 1 to 3 April 2015. The event impacted the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 2 April 2015 in the form of a dust storm. The origin and synopsis of the event is investigated in this study together with its impact on Air Quality in the UAE. The Weather Research Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem) was run for the dates of the dust event. Outputs of the model were assessed against ground measurements of Particulate Matter (PM10) from monitoring stations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), meteorological data, and the Aerosol Optical Depth from the new 1 km Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) algorithm for MODIS Terra and Aqua at 0.55 mm. Data from the geo-stationary satellite MSG SEVIRI was used to track the extent and the trajectory of the dust event across the Arabian Peninsula. This was supported by HYSPLIT back trajectory analysis simulated on hourly basis. The modeled results favorably agreed with ground observations of meteorological parameters at several monitoring stations in the UAE. On 2 and 3 April 2015, measurements and WRF-Chem simulations over the UAE showed northwest wind blowing within the range of 11-14 m s-1. Average surface temperature decreased from 33 to 26 ºC and the average radiance dropped by 50% during the peak time of the dust event with consequent reduction of the observed visibility down to 200 m in some UAE's cities. At local level, comparisons between modeled and estimated PM10 concentrations from monitoring stations and satellite data were somewhat biased by the saturated values recorded during the peak time of the dust event on 2 April 2015 with modeled lower limit average PM10 concentrations of 432 mg/m3 that were 25% lower than the ones from monitoring stations. On regional scale, the WRF-Chem model was able to estimate an upper limit values of PM10 concentrations during the dust event.

Evaluation of land capability and suitability for irrigated agriculture in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE, using an integrated AHP-GIS model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldababseh, Amal; Temimi, Marouane; Maghelal, Praveen; Branch, Oliver; Wulfmeyer, Volker

2017-12-01

The rapid economic development and high population growth in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have impacted utilization and management of agricultural land. The development of large-scale agriculture in unsuitable areas can severely impact groundwater resources in the UAE. More than 60% of UAE's water resources are being utilized by the agriculture, forestry, and urban greenery sectors. However, the contribution of the agricultural sector to the national GDP is negligible. Several programs have been introduced by the government aimed at achieving sustainable agriculture whilst preserving valuable water resources. Local subsistence farming has declined considerably during the past few years, due to low soil moisture content, sandy soil texture, lack of arable land, natural climatic disruptions, water shortages, and declined rainfall. The limited production of food and the continuing rise in the food prices on a global and local level are expected to increase low-income households' vulnerability to food insecurity. This research aims at developing a suitability index for the evaluation and prioritization of areas in the UAE for large-scale agriculture. The AHP-GIS integrated model developed in this study facilitates a step by step aggregation of a large number of datasets representing the most important criteria, and the generation of agricultural suitability and land capability maps. To provide the necessary criteria to run the model, a comprehensive geospatial database was built, including climate conditions, water potential, soil capabilities, topography, and land management. A hierarchical structure is built as a decomposition structure that includes all criteria and sub-criteria used to define land suitability based on literature review and experts' opinions. Pairwise comparisons matrix are used to calculate criteria' weights. The GIS Model Builder function is used to integrate all spatial processes to model land suitability. In order to preserve some flexibility for future agricultural pathways, different types of crops are considered. This process helped in recommending a set of findings that will determine whether large-scale plantations are recommended for the UAE. It also identifies the kind of crops that have the highest potential to adapt to the hot and dry weather without affecting the crops yield.

Prevalence of Diabetes among Migrant Women and Duration of Residence in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross Sectional Study

PubMed Central

Shah, Syed M.; Ali, Raghib; Loney, Tom; Aziz, Faisal; ElBarazi, Iffat; Al Dhaheri, Salma; Farooqi, M. Hamed

2017-01-01

Background The prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the highest in United Arab Emirates (UAE), however data for the expatriate population is limited. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of T2DM amongst migrant women and test the hypothesis that acculturation (measured by years of residency) is associated with an increased risk of T2DM. Methods This was a cross-sectional study and we recruited a representative sample (n = 599, 75% participation rate) of migrant women aged 18 years and over in Al Ain, UAE. The American Diabetes Association criteria were used to diagnose T2DM. An adapted WHO STEPS questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify correlates of T2DM including length of UAE residence. Results The mean age of participants was 34.1 (± 9.5) years. Of the study participants, based on HbA1C levels, 18.6% (95% CI: 13.9–24.4) had prediabetes and 10.7% (95% CI: 7.2–15.6) had T2DM. Prevalence of prediabetes was 8.5% for Filipinos, 16.7% for Arabs and 30.3% for South Asians. Similarly the prevalence of T2DM was 1.7% for Filipinos, 12.2% for Arabs and 16.7% for South Asians. Significant correlates of overall T2DM (measured and known diabetes) included length of UAE residence for more than 10 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 2.74, 95% CI: 1.21–6.20), age ≥40 years (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.53–7.87) and South Asian nationality (AOR 2.10, 95% CI: 0.94–4.70). Conclusion Diabetes is a significant public health problem among migrant women in the UAE, particularly for South Asians. Longer length of residence in the UAE is associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes. PMID:28099445

Cost-effectiveness of uterine-preserving procedures for the treatment of uterine fibroid symptoms in the USA.

PubMed

Cain-Nielsen, Anne H; Moriarty, James P; Stewart, Elizabeth A; Borah, Bijan J

2014-09-01

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the following three treatments of uterine fibroids in a population of premenopausal women who wish to preserve their uteri: myomectomy, magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) and uterine artery embolization (UAE). A decision analytic Markov model was constructed. Cost-effectiveness was calculated in terms of US$ per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) over 5 years. Two types of costs were calculated: direct costs only, and the sum of direct and indirect (productivity) costs. Women in the hypothetical cohort were assessed for treatment type eligibility, were treated based on eligibility, and experienced adequate or inadequate symptom relief. Additional treatment (myomectomy) occurred for inadequate symptom relief or recurrence. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate uncertainty in the model parameters.  In the base case, myomectomy, MRgFUS and UAE had the following combinations of mean cost and mean QALYs, respectively: US$15,459, 3.957; US$15,274, 3.953; and US$18,653, 3.943. When incorporating productivity costs, MRgFUS incurred a mean cost of US$21,232; myomectomy US$22,599; and UAE US$22,819. Using probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) and excluding productivity costs, myomectomy was cost effective at almost every decision threshold. Using PSA and incorporating productivity costs, myomectomy was cost effective at decision thresholds above US$105,000/QALY; MRgFUS was cost effective between US$30,000 and US$105,000/QALY; and UAE was cost effective below US$30,000/QALY. Myomectomy, MRgFUS, and UAE were similarly effective in terms of QALYs gained. Depending on assumptions about costs and willingness to pay for additional QALYs, all three treatments can be deemed cost effective in a 5-year time frame.

Uterine Artery Embolization Combined with Local Methotrexate and Systemic Methotrexate for Treatment of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy with Different Ultrasonographic Pattern

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

Lian Fan; Wang Yu, E-mail: wyfishking@hotmail.com; Chen Wei

Purpose: This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of systemic methotrexate (MTX) with uterine artery embolization (UAE) combined with local MTX for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) with different ultrasonographic pattern, and to indicate the preferable therapy in CSP patients. Methods: The results of 21 CSP cases were reviewed. All subjects were initially administrated with systemic MTX (50 mg/m{sup 2} body surface area). UAE combined with local MTX was added to the patients who had failed systemic MTX. The transvaginal ultrasonography data were retrospectively assessed, and two different ultrasonographic patterns were found: surface implantation and deep implantationmore » of amniotic sac. The management and its effectiveness for patients with the two ultrasonographic patterns were studied retrospectively. Ultrasound scan and serum {beta}-hCG were monitored during follow-up. Data were analyzed with the Student's t test. Results: Nine patients were successfully treated with systemic MTX. The remaining 12 cases were successfully treated with additional UAE combined with local MTX. According to the classification by Vial et al. of CSP on ultrasonography, most surface implanted CSPs (8/11, 72.7%) could be successfully treated with systemic MTX, whereas most deeply implanted CSPs (9/10, 90%) had failed systemic MTX but still could be successfully treated with additional UAE combined with local MTX. All patients recovered without severe side effects. Most patients with a future desire for reproduction achieved subsequent pregnancy. Conclusions: For CSP patients suitable for nonsurgical treatment, UAE combined with local MTX would be the superior option compared with systemic MTX in the cases with deep implantation of amniotic sac.« less

Effect of acidic and enzymatic pretreatment on the analysis of mountain tea (Sideritis spp.) volatiles via distillation and ultrasound-assisted extraction.

PubMed

Dimaki, Virginia D; Iatrou, Gregoris; Lamari, Fotini N

2017-11-17

A number of beneficial medicinal properties are attributed to the extract and essential oil of the aerial parts of Sideritis species (Lamiaceae). Hydrodistillation of the aerial parts of wild Sideritis clandestina ssp. peloponnesiaca (an endemic taxon in northern Peloponnesus, Greece) gave a low essential oil yield (<0.12%); about 65 components, mainly α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, β-pinene, globulol, caryophyllene oxide, were identified via GC-MS. Internal and external standards were used for quantification. For miniaturization of the procedure, we studied side-by-side maceration (MAC) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods, as well as the effect of preincubation in acidic medium (pH 4.8) for 75min at 37°C with or without a mixture of cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase. Maceration and UAE provide consistent chemoprofiling of the main volatile compounds (about 20); UAE has lower demands on time, solvent, plant material (3g) and results in higher yields. Pretreatment with enzymes can increase the respective yields of hydrodistillation and UAE, but this effect is definitely attributed to the concurrent acidic pretreatment. In conclusion, incubation of plant material prior to hydrodistillation or UAE in citrate buffer, pH 4.8, significantly enhances the overall yield and number of components obtained and is recommended for the analysis of Sideritis volatiles. The acidic pre-treatment method was also successfully applied to analysis of cultivated Sideritis raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. in Boiss. ssp. raeseri; α-pinene, α- and γ-terpinene and β-thujene were predominant albeit in different percentages in flowers and leaves. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Human rights and health disparities for migrant workers in the UAE.

PubMed

Sönmez, Sevil; Apostolopoulos, Yorghos; Tran, Diane; Rentrope, Shantyana

2011-12-15

Systematic violations of migrant workers' human rights and striking health disparities among these populations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are the norm in member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Migrant laborers comprise about 90 percent of the UAE workforce and include approximately 500,000 construction workers and 450,000 domestic workers. Like many other GCC members countries, the UAE witnessed an unprecedented construction boom during the early 2000s, attracting large numbers of Western expatriates and increasing demand for cheap migrant labor. Elite Emiratis' and Western expatriates' dependence on household staff further promoted labor migration. This paper offers a summary of existing literature on migrant workers and human rights in the UAE, focusing on their impact on related health ramifications and disparities, with specific attention to construction workers, domestic workers, and trafficked women and children. Construction workers and domestic laborers are victims of debt bondage and face severe wage exploitation, and experience serious health and safety problems resulting from inhumane work and living conditions. High rates of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse impact the health of domestic workers. Through a review of available literature, including official reports, scientific papers, and media reports, the paper discusses the responsibility of employers, governments, and the global community in mitigating these problems and reveals the paucity of systematic data on the health of migrant workers in the Gulf. Copyright © 2011 Sonmez, Apostolopoulos, Tran, and Rentrope. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/), which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

National Growth Charts for United Arab Emirates Children With Down Syndrome From Birth to 15 Years of Age

PubMed Central

H Aburawi, Elhadi; Nagelkerke, Nicolas; Deeb, Asma; Abdulla, Shahrban; Abdulrazzaq, Yousef M.

2015-01-01

Background Specific centile growth charts for children with Down syndrome (DS) have been produced in many countries and are known to differ from those of normal children. Since growth assessment depends on the growth pattern characteristic for these conditions, disorder-specific charts are desirable for various ethnic groups. Aims To provide cross-sectional weight, height, and head circumference (HC) references for healthy United Arab Emirates (UAE) children with DS. Methods A retrospective and cross-sectional growth study of Emirati children with DS, aged 0 to 18 years old, was conducted. Height, weight, and HC were measured in each child. Cole’s LMS statistical method was applied to estimate age-specific percentiles, and measurements were compared to UAE reference values for normal children. Results Incidence of DS in the UAE population is 1 in 374 live births (267 in 10 000 live births). We analyzed 1263 growth examinations of 182 children with DS born between 1994 and 2012. The male-to-female ratio was 1.6:1. Height, weight, and HC centile charts were constructed for ages 0 to 13 years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in DS children aged 10 to 13 years of age was 32% and 19%, respectively. The DS children were significantly shorter and heavier than normal children in the UAE. Conclusions Weight, height, and HC growth charts were created for children with DS. These can be used as a reference standard for the UAE children with DS. Overweight and obesity are quite common in DS children ≥10 years of age, as DS children tend to be shorter and heavier than non-DS children. PMID:25196167

Assessment of the knowledge of United Arab Emirates dentists of Child Maltreatment, protection and safeguarding.

PubMed

Al Hajeri, H; Al Halabi, M; Kowash, M; Khamis, A H; Welbury, R; Hussein, I

2018-06-01

Child safeguarding is society's responsibility. Dentists are uniquely positioned to recognise Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) in dental practice and the wider society. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced a child protection law in 2016. We aimed to assess the awareness of UAE dentists of child maltreatment, protection and safeguarding. Study Design A cross-sectional survey. We surveyed 381 UAE dentists about the knowledge and practice of CAN and safeguarding issues using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation test and statistical significance was set as p <0.05. Over 39 % (n=152) of the responders suspected CAN; male dentists suspected more CAN than females (p=0.015). Orthodontists, paediatric dentists (p<0.001) and female dentists (p=0.001) were more knowledgeable about diagnosing CAN. Paediatric dentists attended more CAN-related postgraduate training (p<0.001) than other specialties. Over 90% (n=346) believed that CAN should be addressed, 58.1% (n=224) and 54.1% (n=206) had CAN undergraduate and postgraduate training respectively but 53.5% (n=204) were unaware of local child protection guidelines. Dentists barriers to child protection reporting were; fear of family violence (59.6%, n=227), lack of knowledge of referral process (60.2%, n=228) and lack of diagnosis certainty (54.9%, n=206). UAE dentists qualified in Western and Asian countries had fewer barriers for child protection reporting (p=0.022) than the Arab and Gulf Cooperation Council qualified dentists. A large minority of UAE dentists suspected CAN. Factors influencing child protection reporting were identified. Dentists' gender, specialty, and country of qualification affected their knowledge of CAN and practice of safeguarding. Child protection training is recommended.

Readability assessment of internet-based patient education materials related to uterine artery embolization.

PubMed

Shukla, Pratik; Sanghvi, Saurin P; Lelkes, Valdis M; Kumar, Abhishek; Contractor, Sohail

2013-04-01

To determine the readability of Internet-based patient education materials (IPEMs) created by United States hospitals and universities and clinical practices and miscellaneous health care-associated Web sites regarding uterine artery embolization (UAE) as a marker for IPEMs in general. Two hundred unique Web sites were evaluated for patient-related articles on UAE. Web sites produced by US hospitals and universities and clinical practices, as well as miscellaneous health care-associated Web sites meeting the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct criteria were included in the database. By using mathematical regression algorithms based on word and sentence length to quantitatively analyze reading materials for language intricacy, readability of 40 UAE-related IPEMs was assessed with four indices: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook (GFOG). Scores were evaluated against national recommendations, and intergroup analysis was performed. None of the IPEMs were written at or below the sixth-grade reading level, based on FKGL. The mean readability scores were as follows: FRES, 43.98; FKGL, 10.76; SMOG, 13.63; and GFOG, 14.55. These scores indicate that the readability of UAE IPEMs is written at an advanced level, significantly above the recommended 6th grade reading level (P<.05) determined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. IPEMs related to UAE generated by hospitals, clinical practices, and miscellaneous health care-associated Web sites are written above the recommended sixth grade level. IPEMs for other disease entities may also reflect similar results. Copyright © 2013 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Technical results and effects of operator experience on uterine artery embolization for fibroids: the Ontario Uterine Fibroid Embolization Trial.

PubMed

Pron, Gaylene; Bennett, John; Common, Andrew; Sniderman, Kenneth; Asch, Murray; Bell, Stuart; Kozak, Roman; Vanderburgh, Leslie; Garvin, Greg; Simons, Martin; Tran, Cuong; Kachura, John

2003-05-01

To document the technical results and spectrum of practice of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for fibroids in the health care setting in Canada. The effects of interventional radiologist's (IR's) experience with UAE on procedure and fluoroscopy time were also investigated. The study involved a multicenter prospective single-arm clinical treatment trial and included the practices of 11 IRs at eight university-affiliated teaching and community hospitals. Vascular access with percutaneous femoral artery approach was followed by transcatheter delivery of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles into uterine arteries with fluoroscopic guidance. Technical success, complications, procedural time, fluoroscopy time, and effects of operator experience were outcomes analyzed. Between November 1998 and November 2000, 570 embolization procedures were performed in 555 patients. UAE was bilaterally successful in 97% (95% CI: 95%-98%). Variant anatomy was the most common reason for failure to embolize bilaterally. The procedural complication rate was 5.3% (95% CI: 3.6%-7.4%). Of the 30 events, three involved major complications (one seizure and two allergic reactions) that resulted in additional care or extended hospital stay. Procedure time and fluoroscopy time averaged 61 minutes (95% CI; 58-63 minutes) and 18.9 minutes (95% CI; 18-19.8) and varied significantly among IRs (P <.001; P <.001). The average 27% reduction in procedure time (20 minutes; P <.001) and 24% reduction in fluoroscopy time (5.1 minutes; P <.001) with increasing UAE experience were significant. A high level of technical success with few complications was obtained with a variety of operators in diverse practice settings. Increased experience in UAE significantly reduced procedure and fluoroscopy time.

Incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus among the native Arab population in UAE.

PubMed

Al Dhanhani, A M; Agarwal, M; Othman, Y S; Bakoush, O

2017-05-01

Background and objectives There is a paucity of information about the epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) amongst Arabs. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and prevalence of SLE among the native Arab population of United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods Patients with SLE were identified from three sources: medical records of two local tertiary hospitals (four years; 2009 to 2012), laboratory requests for serum double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and serum anti-nuclear antibody and confirmed histopathologic diagnosis of SLE (skin and kidney biopsy specimens). All the patients identified with SLE met the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Incidence and prevalence were calculated using the state records of the UAE native population as the denominator. The age-adjusted incidence was calculated by direct standardization using the World Health Organization world standard population 2000-2025. Results Sixteen new cases (13 females and three males) fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology SLE criteria. The mean (±SD) age at time of diagnosis was 28.6 ± 12.4 years. The crude incidence ratio (per 100,000 population) was 3.5, 1.1, 2.1 and 2.1 in years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, respectively. The age-standardized incidence per 100,000 population for the four years was 8.6 (95% confidence interval 4.2-15.9). The age-standardized prevalence of SLE among the native population according to the 2012 population consensus was 103/100,000 population (95% confidence interval 84.5-124.4). Conclusion The age-adjusted incidence and prevalence among UAE Arabs is higher than has been reported among most other Caucasian populations. Furthermore, the prevalence of SLE in UAE seems much higher than other similar Arab countries in the Gulf region.

Instant controlled pressure drop technology and ultrasound assisted extraction for sequential extraction of essential oil and antioxidants.

PubMed

Allaf, Tamara; Tomao, Valérie; Ruiz, Karine; Chemat, Farid

2013-01-01

The instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) technology enabled both the extraction of essential oil and the expansion of the matrix itself which improved solvent extraction. The sequential use of DIC and Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE) triggered complementary actions materialized by supplementary effects. We visualized these combination impacts by comparing them to standard techniques: Hydrodistillation (HD) and Solvent Extraction (SE). First, the extraction of orange peel Essential Oils (EO) was achieved by HD during 4h and DIC process (after optimization) during 2 min; EO yields was 1.97 mg/g dry material (dm) with HD compared to 16.57 mg/g d m with DIC. Second, the solid residue was recovered to extract antioxidant compounds (naringin and hesperidin) by SE and UAE. Scanning electron microscope showed that after HD the recovered solid shriveled as opposite to DIC treatment which expanded the product structure. HPLC analyses showed that the best kinetics and yields of naringin and hesperidin extraction was when DIC and UAE are combined. Indeed, after 1h of extraction, DIC treated orange peels with UAE were 0.825 ± 1.6 × 10(-2)g/g of dry material (dm) for hesperidin and 6.45 × 10(-2) ± 2.3 × 10(-4)g/g d m for naringin compared to 0.64 ± 2.7 × 10(-2)g/g of dry material (dm) and 5.7 × 10(-2) ± 1.6 × 10(-3)g/g d m, respectively with SE. By combining DIC to UAE, it was possible to enhance kinetics and yields of antioxidant extraction. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microbial Reduction of Chromate in the Presence of Nitrate by Three Nitrate Respiring Organisms

PubMed Central

Chovanec, Peter; Sparacino-Watkins, Courtney; Zhang, Ning; Basu, Partha; Stolz, John F.

2012-01-01

A major challenge for the bioremediation of toxic metals is the co-occurrence of nitrate, as it can inhibit metal transformation. Geobacter metallireducens, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, and Sulfurospirillum barnesii are three soil bacteria that can reduce chromate [Cr(VI)] and nitrate, and may be beneficial for developing bioremediation strategies. All three organisms respire through dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (DNRA), employing different nitrate reductases but similar nitrite reductase (Nrf). G. metallireducens reduces nitrate to nitrite via the membrane bound nitrate reductase (Nar), while S. barnesii and D. desulfuricans strain 27774 have slightly different forms of periplasmic nitrate reductase (Nap). We investigated the effect of DNRA growth in the presence of Cr(VI) in these three organisms and the ability of each to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and found that each organisms responded differently. Growth of G. metallireducens on nitrate was completely inhibited by Cr(VI). Cultures of D. desulfuricans on nitrate media was initially delayed (48 h) in the presence of Cr(VI), but ultimately reached comparable cell yields to the non-treated control. This prolonged lag phase accompanied the transformation of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Viable G. metallireducens cells could reduce Cr(VI), whereas Cr(VI) reduction by D. desulfuricans during growth, was mediated by a filterable and heat stable extracellular metabolite. S. barnesii growth on nitrate was not affected by Cr(VI), and Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III). However, Cr(VI) reduction activity in S. barnesii, was detected in both the cell free spent medium and cells, indicating both extracellular and cell associated mechanisms. Taken together, these results have demonstrated that Cr(VI) affects DNRA in the three organisms differently, and that each have a unique mechanism for Cr(VI) reduction. PMID:23251135

Microbial reduction of U(VI) under alkaline conditions: implications for radioactive waste geodisposal.

PubMed

Williamson, Adam J; Morris, Katherine; Law, Gareth T W; Rizoulis, Athanasios; Charnock, John M; Lloyd, Jonathan R

2014-11-18

Although there is consensus that microorganisms significantly influence uranium speciation and mobility in the subsurface under circumneutral conditions, microbiologically mediated U(VI) redox cycling under alkaline conditions relevant to the geological disposal of cementitious intermediate level radioactive waste, remains unexplored. Here, we describe microcosm experiments that investigate the biogeochemical fate of U(VI) at pH 10-10.5, using sediments from a legacy lime working site, stimulated with an added electron donor, and incubated in the presence and absence of added Fe(III) as ferrihydrite. In systems without added Fe(III), partial U(VI) reduction occurred, forming a U(IV)-bearing non-uraninite phase which underwent reoxidation in the presence of air (O2) and to some extent nitrate. By contrast, in the presence of added Fe(III), U(VI) was first removed from solution by sorption to the Fe(III) mineral, followed by bioreduction and (bio)magnetite formation coupled to formation of a complex U(IV)-bearing phase with uraninite present, which also underwent air (O2) and partial nitrate reoxidation. 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing showed that Gram-positive bacteria affiliated with the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes dominated in the post-reduction sediments. These data provide the first insights into uranium biogeochemistry at high pH and have significant implications for the long-term fate of uranium in geological disposal in both engineered barrier systems and the alkaline, chemically disturbed geosphere.

Cr(VI) transport via a supported ionic liquid membrane containing CYPHOS IL101 as carrier: system analysis and optimization through experimental design strategies.

PubMed

Rodríguez de San Miguel, Eduardo; Vital, Xóchitl; de Gyves, Josefina

2014-05-30

Chromium(VI) transport through a supported liquid membrane (SLM) system containing the commercial ionic liquid CYPHOS IL101 as carrier was studied. A reducing stripping phase was used as a mean to increase recovery and to simultaneously transform Cr(VI) into a less toxic residue for disposal or reuse. General functions which describe the time-depending evolution of the metal fractions in the cell compartments were defined and used in data evaluation. An experimental design strategy, using factorial and central-composite design matrices, was applied to assess the influence of the extractant, NaOH and citrate concentrations in the different phases, while a desirability function scheme allowed the synchronized optimization of depletion and recovery of the analyte. The mechanism for chromium permeation was analyzed and discussed to contribute to the understanding of the transfer process. The influence of metal concentration was evaluated as well. The presence of different interfering ions (Ca(2+), Al(3+), NO3(-), SO4(2-), and Cl(-)) at several Cr(VI): interfering ion ratios was studied through the use of a Plackett and Burman experimental design matrix. Under optimized conditions 90% of recovery was obtained from a feed solution containing 7mgL(-1) of Cr(VI) in 0.01moldm(-3) HCl medium after 5h of pertraction. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of a surfactant-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method along with central composite design for micro-volume based spectrophotometric determination of low level of Cr(VI) ions in aquatic samples.

PubMed

Sobhi, Hamid Reza; Azadikhah, Efat; Behbahani, Mohammad; Esrafili, Ali; Ghambarian, Mahnaz

2018-05-09

A fast, simple, low cost surfactant-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method along with central composite design for the determination of low level of Cr(VI) ions in several aquatic samples has been developed. Initially, Cr(VI) ions present in the aqueous sample were readily reacted with 1,5‑diphenylcarbazide (DPC) in acidic medium through complexation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), as an anionic surfactant, was then employed as an ion-pair agent to convert the cationic complex into the neutral one. Following on, the whole aqueous phase underwent a dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) leading to the transfer of the neutral complex into the fine droplet of organic extraction phase. A micro-volume spectrophotometer was used to determine Cr(VI) concentrations. Under the optimized conditions predicted by the statistical design, the limit of quantification (LOQ) obtained was reported to be 5.0 μg/L, and the calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 5-100 μg/L. Finally, the method was successfully implemented for the determination of low levels of Cr(VI) ions in various real aquatic samples and the accuracies fell within the range of 83-102%, while the precision varied in the span of 1.7-5.2%. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Solid phase extraction of uranium(VI) onto benzoylthiourea-anchored activated carbon.

PubMed

Zhao, Yongsheng; Liu, Chunxia; Feng, Miao; Chen, Zhen; Li, Shuqiong; Tian, Gan; Wang, Li; Huang, Jingbo; Li, Shoujian

2010-04-15

A new solid phase extractant selective for uranium(VI) based on benzoylthiourea anchored to activated carbon was developed via hydroxylation, amidation and reaction with benzoyl isothiocyanate in sequence. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and total element analysis proved that benzoylthiourea had been successfully grafted to the surface of the activated carbon, with a loading capacity of 1.2 mmol benzoylthiourea per gram of activated carbon. The parameters that affect the uranium(VI) sorption, such as contact time, solution pH, initial uranium(VI) concentration, adsorbent dose and temperature, have been investigated. Results have been analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm; the former was more suitable to describe the sorption process. The maximum sorption capacity (82 mg/g) for uranium(VI) was obtained at experimental conditions. The rate constant for the uranium sorption by the as-synthesized extractant was 0.441 min(-1) from the first order rate equation. Thermodynamic parameters (DeltaH(0)=-46.2 kJ/mol; DeltaS(0)=-98.0 J/mol K; DeltaG(0)=-17.5 kJ/mol) showed the adsorption of an exothermic process and spontaneous nature, respectively. Additional studies indicated that the benzoylthiourea-anchored activated carbon (BT-AC) selectively sorbed uranyl ions in the presence of competing ions, Na(+), Co(2+), Sr(2+), Cs(+) and La(3+). 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Consanguineous marriages in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

al-Gazali, L I; Bener, A; Abdulrazzaq, Y M; Micallef, R; al-Khayat, A I; Gaber, T

1997-10-01

This study examines the frequency of consanguineous marriage and the coefficient of inbreeding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study was conducted in Al Ain and Dubai cities between October 1994 and March 1995. A sample of 2033 married UAE females aged 15 years and over participated. The degree of consanguinity between each female and her spouse, and the degree of consanguinity between their parents were recorded. The rate of consanguinity in the present generation was high (50.5%) with a coefficient of inbreeding of 0.0222. The commonest type of consanguineous marriage was between first cousins (26.2%). Double first cousin marriages were common (3.5%) compared to other populations. The consanguinity rate in the UAE has increased from 39% to 50.5% in one generation. The level of consanguinity was higher in Al Ain (54.2%) than in Dubai (40%).

Using projective techniques to consider the societal dimension of healthy practices: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Cherrier, Hélène

2012-01-01

A photo-elicitation and a collage construction technique provide insights into citizens of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) awareness of the negative effects of fast-food consumption, the relationship between awareness and UAE fast-food consumption, and the discourses used by the UAE when resisting fast-food consumption. The study draws on two disciplinary backdrops: risk awareness and resistance to behavioral change. The findings show that risk awareness campaigns should not solely be linked to bodily concerns but need to develop messages that relate to the target audience within its social, political, and economic context. What this means conceptually is that health is no longer restricted to the individual microlevel dimension but rather emerges from the dialectical interplay between taking care of one's self and taking care of one's society.

Establishing Policy Foundations and Regulatory Systems to Enhance Nursing Practice in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Brownie, Sharon M; Hunter, Lyndal H; Aqtash, Salah; Day, Gary E

2015-01-01

In 2009, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established a Nursing and Midwifery Council with a mandate to develop standards for the registration and regulation of nursing and midwifery and to strengthen the nursing and midwifery workforce. Priorities included workforce Emiratization and the development of regulatory standards to support advanced and speciality nursing practice and new models of care-particularly for the management of noncommunicable diseases. This article provides background, context for, and best practice inputs to the effort to provide one unified framework of nursing regulation and licensure across the whole of the UAE. This article is intended for nurse leaders, policy makers, and regulators who are reviewing or developing nursing regulatory processes and advancing nursing workforce capacity building activities; and nurse educators and nurses wishing to work in the UAE. © The Author(s) 2015.

Establishing Policy Foundations and Regulatory Systems to Enhance Nursing Practice in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Hunter, Lyndal H.; Aqtash, Salah; Day, Gary E.

2015-01-01

In 2009, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established a Nursing and Midwifery Council with a mandate to develop standards for the registration and regulation of nursing and midwifery and to strengthen the nursing and midwifery workforce. Priorities included workforce Emiratization and the development of regulatory standards to support advanced and speciality nursing practice and new models of care—particularly for the management of noncommunicable diseases. This article provides background, context for, and best practice inputs to the effort to provide one unified framework of nursing regulation and licensure across the whole of the UAE. This article is intended for nurse leaders, policy makers, and regulators who are reviewing or developing nursing regulatory processes and advancing nursing workforce capacity building activities; and nurse educators and nurses wishing to work in the UAE. PMID:25944674

One Corner at a Time: Collaborating for Educational Change in the UAE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sowa, Patience A.; De La Vega, Esperanza

2008-01-01

Education has been one of the highest priorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since it became a country in 1971 under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In 1962, when oil production started in Abu Dhabi, the country had just 20 schools for less than 4,000 students, most of them boys. The discovery of oil became the…

Reforming English Curriculum in United Arab Emirates: An Examination of Emirate Teachers' Beliefs and Practices Regarding the Adoption of "English Continous Assessment Rich Task" (ECART)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

AlAlili, Sara

2014-01-01

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently undergoing massive educational reform, especially in the teaching and assessment methods of all subject-matter areas. In Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) has mandated the revamping of English language teaching and assessment in grades 6-12 through the introduction of…

"That's Not the Way I Was Taught Science at School!" How Preservice Primary Teachers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Are Affected by Their Own Schooling Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dickson, M.; Kadbey, H.

2014-01-01

Government schools in Abu Dhabi, as part of widescale educational reforms undertaken in the whole of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have undergone significant change since 2007 across cycles and across subjects including science. Science had been taught historically in the UAE using fairly traditional "chalk and talk", teacher-centered…

Population structure and the burden of disease in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Blair, Iain; Sharif, Amer Ahmad

2012-06-01

To carry out their duties more effectively, health care professionals in the UAE often ask about the population structure and the main causes of mortality and morbidity in the country. This paper summarizes what is known about these topics drawing on secondary data sources that are available in the public domain, including census data, population estimates, births and deaths, proportionate mortality, age-standardized mortality rates and disability adjusted life-years. There are inconsistencies and flaws in some of this data which this paper will highlight and attempt to explain. Since 2005, the UAE population has grown substantially owing to high natural growth and high net inward migration and is currently estimated to be about 8.2million. In 2008, injuries, heart disease, neoplasms and cerebrovascular disease accounted for 57% of deaths, and this is well known. Less is reported about the risk of death, disease, injury and disability. The population of the UAE is diverse, and there are variations in mortality and morbidity risk by age-group, sex and nationality. The authors recommend improvements in the timeliness, completeness and consistency of data. They conclude that better data will encourage more analysis which will generate health intelligence leading to health improvement for the UAE population. Copyright © 2012 Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prioritizing lean management practices in public and private hospitals.

PubMed

Hussain, Matloub; Malik, Mohsin

2016-05-16

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to prioritize 21 healthcare wastes in public and private hospitals of United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach - Seven healthcare wastes linked with lean management are further decomposed in to sub-criteria and to deal with this complexity of multi criteria decision-making process, analytical hierarchical process (AHP) method is used in this research. Findings - AHP framework for this study resulted in a ranking of 21 healthcare wastes in public and private hospitals of UAE. It has been found that management in private healthcare systems of UAE is putting more emphasis on the inventory waste. On the other hand, over processing waste has got highest weight in public hospitals of UAE. Research limitations/implications - The future directions of this research would be to apply a lean set of tools for the value stream optimization of the prioritized key improvement areas. Practical implications - This is a contribution to the continuing research into lean management, giving practitioners and designers a practical way for measuring and implementing lean practices across health organizations. Originality/value - The contribution of this research, through successive stages of data collection, measurement analysis and refinement, is a set of reliable and valid framework that can be subsequently used in conceptualization, prioritization of the waste reduction strategies in healthcare management.

Emergency medicine in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

It has been a decade since emergency medicine was recognized as a specialty in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this short time, emergency medicine has established itself and developed rapidly in the UAE. Large, well-equipped emergency departments (EDs) are usually located in government hospitals, some of which function as regional trauma centers. Most of the larger EDs are staffed with medically or surgically trained physicians, with board-certified emergency medicine physicians serving as consultants overseeing care. Prehospital care and emergency medical services (EMS) operate under the auspices of the police department. Standardized protocols have been established for paramedic certification, triage, and destination decisions. The majority of ambulances offer basic life support (BLS/Type 2) with a growing minority offering advanced life support (ALS/Type 3). Medicine residency programs were established 5 years ago and form the foundation for training emergency medicine specialists for UAE. This article describes the full spectrum of emergency medicine in the UAE: prehospital care, EMS, hospital-based emergency care, training in emergency medicine, and disaster preparedness. We hope that our experience, our understanding of the challenges faced by the specialty, and the anticipated future directions will be of importance to others advancing emergency medicine in their region and across the globe. PMID:24401695

Inhibition of nitrate reduction by chromium (VI) in anaerobic soil microcosms

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

Kourtev, P. S.; Nakatsu, C. H.; Konopka, Allan

2009-10-01

Chromium (VI) is often found as a co-contaminant at sites polluted with organic compounds. We used microcosms amended with glucose or protein, nitrate and increasing concentrations of chromium to study nitrate reduction in Cr(VI) polluted soils. Organic carbon stimulated bacterial activity, but the addition of Cr(VI) caused a lag and then slower rates 5 of CO2 accumulation. Nitrate reduction only occurred after Cr(VI) had been reduced. Bacterial activity was again inhibited when Cr(VI) was added a second time; thus not all Cr-sensitive bacteria were removed in the first phase. Glucose and protein selected for relatively similar bacterial communities, as assayedmore » by PCR-DGGE of the 16S rRNA gene; this selection was modified by the addition of 10 Cr(VI). Cr-resistant bacteria isolated from microcosms were closely related to members of Bacillus, Enterococcus and Propionibacterium sp. Our results indicate that carbon utilization and nitrate reduction in these soils in the presence of Cr(VI) are contingent upon the reduction of the added heavy metal by a limited subset of the bacterial community. The amount of Cr(VI) required to inhibit nitrate reduction was 10-fold less than for aerobic catabolism of the same 15 substrate. We hypothesize that the resistance level of a microbial process is directly related to the diversity of microbes capable of conducting it.« less

Differential determination of chromium(VI) and total chromium in natural waters using flow injection on-line separation and preconcentration electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Sperling, M; Yin, X; Welz, B

1992-03-01

A rapid, sensitive and selective method for the differential determination of CrIII and CrVI in natural waters is described. Chromium(vi) can be determined directly by flow injection on-line sorbent extraction preconcentration coupled with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using sodium diethyldithiocarbamate as the complexing agent and C18 bonded silica reversed-phase sorbent as the column material. Total Cr can be determined after oxidation of CrIII to CrVI by potassium peroxydisulfate. Chromium(III) can be calculated by difference. The optimum conditions for sorbent extraction of CrVI and oxidation of CrIII to CrVI are evaluated. A 12-fold enhancement in sensitivity compared with direct introduction of 40 microliters samples was achieved after preconcentration for 60 s, giving detection limits of 16 ng l-1 for CrVI and 18 ng l-1 for total Cr (based on 3 sigma). Results obtained for sea-water and river water reference materials were all within the certified range for total Cr with a precision of better than 10% relative standard deviation in the range 100-200 ng l-1. The selectivity of the determination of CrVI was evaluated by analysing spiked reference materials in the presence of CrIII, resulting in quantitative recovery of CrVI.

A MIXED CHEMICAL REDUCTANT FOR TREATING HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM IN A CHROMITE ORE PROCESSING SOLID WASTE

EPA Science Inventory

We evaluated a method for delivering ferrous iron into the subsurface to enhance chemical reduction of Cr(VI) in a chromite ore processing solid waste (COPSW). The COPSW is characterized by high pH (8.5 -11.5), high Cr(VI) concentrations in the solid phase (up to 550 mg kg-1) and...

Multistage bioassociation of uranium onto an extremely halophilic archaeon revealed by a unique combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques

DOE PAGES

Bader, Miriam; Müller, Katharina; Foerstendorf, Harald; ...

2016-12-27

The interactions of two extremely halophilic archaea with uranium were investigated in this paper at high ionic strength as a function of time, pH and uranium concentration. Halobacterium noricense DSM-15987 and Halobacterium sp. putatively noricense, isolated from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant repository, were used for these investigations. The kinetics of U(VI) bioassociation with both strains showed an atypical multistage behavior, meaning that after an initial phase of U(VI) sorption, an unexpected interim period of U(VI) release was observed, followed by a slow reassociation of uranium with the cells. By applying in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, themore » involvement of phosphoryl and carboxylate groups in U(VI) complexation during the first biosorption phase was shown. Differences in cell morphology and uranium localization become visible at different stages of the bioassociation process, as shown with scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Finally, our results demonstrate for the first time that association of uranium with the extremely halophilic archaeon is a multistage process, beginning with sorption and followed by another process, probably biomineralization.« less

Multistage bioassociation of uranium onto an extremely halophilic archaeon revealed by a unique combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques

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

Bader, Miriam; Müller, Katharina; Foerstendorf, Harald

The interactions of two extremely halophilic archaea with uranium were investigated in this paper at high ionic strength as a function of time, pH and uranium concentration. Halobacterium noricense DSM-15987 and Halobacterium sp. putatively noricense, isolated from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant repository, were used for these investigations. The kinetics of U(VI) bioassociation with both strains showed an atypical multistage behavior, meaning that after an initial phase of U(VI) sorption, an unexpected interim period of U(VI) release was observed, followed by a slow reassociation of uranium with the cells. By applying in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, themore » involvement of phosphoryl and carboxylate groups in U(VI) complexation during the first biosorption phase was shown. Differences in cell morphology and uranium localization become visible at different stages of the bioassociation process, as shown with scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Finally, our results demonstrate for the first time that association of uranium with the extremely halophilic archaeon is a multistage process, beginning with sorption and followed by another process, probably biomineralization.« less

Multistage bioassociation of uranium onto an extremely halophilic archaeon revealed by a unique combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.

PubMed

Bader, Miriam; Müller, Katharina; Foerstendorf, Harald; Drobot, Björn; Schmidt, Matthias; Musat, Niculina; Swanson, Juliet S; Reed, Donald T; Stumpf, Thorsten; Cherkouk, Andrea

2017-04-05

The interactions of two extremely halophilic archaea with uranium were investigated at high ionic strength as a function of time, pH and uranium concentration. Halobacterium noricense DSM-15987 and Halobacterium sp. putatively noricense, isolated from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant repository, were used for these investigations. The kinetics of U(VI) bioassociation with both strains showed an atypical multistage behavior, meaning that after an initial phase of U(VI) sorption, an unexpected interim period of U(VI) release was observed, followed by a slow reassociation of uranium with the cells. By applying in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the involvement of phosphoryl and carboxylate groups in U(VI) complexation during the first biosorption phase was shown. Differences in cell morphology and uranium localization become visible at different stages of the bioassociation process, as shown with scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Our results demonstrate for the first time that association of uranium with the extremely halophilic archaeon is a multistage process, beginning with sorption and followed by another process, probably biomineralization. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

β-Ga2O3 versus ε-Ga2O3: Control of the crystal phase composition of gallium oxide thin film prepared by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuo, Yi; Chen, Zimin; Tu, Wenbin; Ma, Xuejin; Pei, Yanli; Wang, Gang

2017-10-01

Gallium oxide thin films of β and ε phase were grown on c-plane sapphire using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition and the phase compositions were analyzed using X-ray diffraction. The epitaxial phase diagram was constructed as a function of the growth temperature and VI/III ratio. A low growth temperature and low VI/III ratio were beneficial for the formation of hexagonal-type ε-Ga2O3. Further structure analysis revealed that the epitaxial relationship between ε-Ga2O3 and c-plane sapphire is ε-Ga2O3 (0001) || Al2O3 (0001) and ε-Ga2O3 || Al2O3 . The structural evolution of the mixed-phase sample during film thickening was investigated. By reducing the growth rate, the film evolved from a mixed phase to the energetically favored ε phase. Based on these results, a Ga2O3 thin film with a phase-pure ε-Ga2O3 upper layer was successfully obtained.

Improved Atmospheric Sampling of Hexavalent Chromium

PubMed Central

Torkmahalleh, Mehdi Amouei; Yu, Chang-Ho; Lin, Lin; Fan, Zhihua (Tina); Swift, Julie L.; Bonanno, Linda; Rasmussen, Don H.; Holsen, Thomas M.; Hopke, Philip K.

2015-01-01

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) are the primary chromium oxidation states found in ambient atmospheric particulate matter. While Cr(III) is relatively nontoxic, Cr(VI) is toxic and exposure to Cr(VI) may lead to cancer, nasal damage, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonitis. Accurate measurement of the ambient Cr(VI) concentrations is an environmental challenge since Cr(VI) can be reduced to Cr(III) and vice versa during sampling. In the present study, a new Cr(VI) sampler (Clarkson sampler) was designed, constructed, and field tested to improve the sampling of Cr(VI) in ambient air. The new Clarkson Cr(VI) sampler was based on the concept that deliquescence during sampling leads to aqueous phase reactions. Thus, the relative humidity of the sampled air was reduced below the deliquescence relative humidity (DRH) of the ambient particles. The new sampler was operated to collect Total Suspended Particles (TSP), and compared side-by-side with the current National Air Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS) Cr(VI) sampler that is utilized in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) air toxics monitoring program. Side-by-side field testing of the samplers occurred in Elizabeth, NJ during the winter and summer of 2012. The average recovery values of Cr(VI) spikes after 24 hour sampling intervals during summer and winter sampling were 57 and 72%, respectively, for the Clarkson sampler, while the corresponding average values for NATTS samplers were 46% for both summer and winter sampling, respectively. Preventing the ambient aerosol collected on the filters from deliquescing is a key to improving the sampling of Cr(VI). PMID:24344574

30 CFR 250.916 - What are the CVA's primary duties during the design phase?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... the design phase? (a) The CVA must use good engineering judgment and practices in conducting an...; (iv) Load determinations; (v) Stress analyses; (vi) Material designations; (vii) Soil and foundation...

30 CFR 250.916 - What are the CVA's primary duties during the design phase?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... the design phase? (a) The CVA must use good engineering judgment and practices in conducting an...; (iv) Load determinations; (v) Stress analyses; (vi) Material designations; (vii) Soil and foundation...

30 CFR 250.916 - What are the CVA's primary duties during the design phase?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... the design phase? (a) The CVA must use good engineering judgment and practices in conducting an...; (iv) Load determinations; (v) Stress analyses; (vi) Material designations; (vii) Soil and foundation...

Simultaneous determination of asperosaponin VI and its active metabolite hederagenin in rat plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with positive/negative ion-switching electrospray ionization and its application in pharmacokinetic study.

PubMed

Zhu, He; Ding, Li; Shakya, Shailendra; Qi, Xiemin; Hu, Linlin; Yang, Xiaolin; Yang, Zhonglin

2011-11-15

A new liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method operated in the positive/negative electrospray ionization (ESI) switching mode has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of asperosaponin VI and its active metabolite hederagenin in rat plasma. After addition of internal standards diazepam (for asperosaponin VI) and glycyrrhetic acid (for hederagenin), the plasma sample was deproteinized with acetonitrile, and separated on a reversed phase C18 column with a mobile phase of methanol (solvent A)-0.05% glacial acetic acid containing 10 mM ammonium acetate and 30 μM sodium acetate (solvent B) using gradient elution. The detection of target compounds was done in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using a tandem mass spectrometry equipped with positive/negative ion-switching ESI source. At the first segment, the MRM detection was operated in the positive ESI mode using the transitions of m/z 951.5 ([M+Na](+))→347.1 for asperosaponin VI and m/z 285.1 ([M+H](+))→193.1 for diazepam for 4 min, then switched to the negative ESI mode using the transitions of m/z 471.3 ([M-H](-))→471.3 for hederagenin and m/z 469.4 ([M-H](-))→425.4 for glycyrrhetic acid, respectively. The sodiated molecular ion [M+Na](+) at m/z 951.5 was selected as the precursor ion for asperosaponin VI, since it provided better sensitivity compared to the deprotonated and protonated molecular ions. Sodium acetate was added to the mobile phase to make sure that abundant amount of the sodiated molecular ion of asperosaponin VI could be produced, and more stable and intensive mass response of the product ion could be obtained. For the detection of hederagenin, since all of the mass responses of the fragment ions were very weak, the deprotonated molecular ion [M-H](-)m/z 471.3 was employed as both the precursor ion and the product ion. But the collision energy was still used for the MRM, in order to eliminate the influences induced by the interference substances from the rat plasma. The validated method was successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetics of asperosaponin VI and its active metabolite hederagenin in rat plasma after oral administration of asperosaponin VI at a dose of 90 mg/kg. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gas Phase Reactions of Ions Derived from Anionic Uranyl Formate and Uranyl Acetate Complexes.

PubMed

Perez, Evan; Hanley, Cassandra; Koehler, Stephen; Pestok, Jordan; Polonsky, Nevo; Van Stipdonk, Michael

2016-12-01

The speciation and reactivity of uranium are topics of sustained interest because of their importance to the development of nuclear fuel processing methods, and a more complete understanding of the factors that govern the mobility and fate of the element in the environment. Tandem mass spectrometry can be used to examine the intrinsic reactivity (i.e., free from influence of solvent and other condensed phase effects) of a wide range of metal ion complexes in a species-specific fashion. Here, electrospray ionization, collision-induced dissociation, and gas-phase ion-molecule reactions were used to create and characterize ions derived from precursors composed of uranyl cation (U VI O 2 2+ ) coordinated by formate or acetate ligands. Anionic complexes containing U VI O 2 2+ and formate ligands fragment by decarboxylation and elimination of CH 2 =O, ultimately to produce an oxo-hydride species [U VI O 2 (O)(H)] - . Cationic species ultimately dissociate to make [U VI O 2 (OH)] + . Anionic complexes containing acetate ligands exhibit an initial loss of acetyloxyl radical, CH 3 CO 2 •, with associated reduction of uranyl to U V O 2 + . Subsequent CID steps cause elimination of CO 2 and CH 4 , ultimately to produce [U V O 2 (O)] - . Loss of CH 4 occurs by an intra-complex H + transfer process that leaves U V O 2 + coordinated by acetate and acetate enolate ligands. A subsequent dissociation step causes elimination of CH 2 =C=O to leave [U V O 2 (O)] - . Elimination of CH 4 is also observed as a result of hydrolysis caused by ion-molecule reaction with H 2 O. The reactions of other anionic species with gas-phase H 2 O create hydroxyl products, presumably through the elimination of H 2 . Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Effect of natural uranium on the UMR-106 osteoblastic cell line: impairment of the autophagic process as an underlying mechanism of uranium toxicity.

PubMed

Pierrefite-Carle, Valérie; Santucci-Darmanin, Sabine; Breuil, Véronique; Gritsaenko, Tatiana; Vidaud, Claude; Creff, Gaelle; Solari, Pier Lorenzo; Pagnotta, Sophie; Al-Sahlanee, Rasha; Auwer, Christophe Den; Carle, Georges F

2017-04-01

Natural uranium (U), which is present in our environment, exerts a chemical toxicity, particularly in bone where it accumulates. Generally, U is found at oxidation state +VI in its oxocationic form [Formula: see text] in aqueous media. Although U(VI) has been reported to induce cell death in osteoblasts, the cells in charge of bone formation, the molecular mechanism for U(VI) effects in these cells remains poorly understood. The objective of our study was to explore U(VI) effect at doses ranging from 5 to 600 µM, on mineralization and autophagy induction in the UMR-106 model osteoblastic cell line and to determine U(VI) speciation after cellular uptake. Our results indicate that U(VI) affects mineralization function, even at subtoxic concentrations (<100 µM). The combination of thermodynamic modeling of U with EXAFS data in the culture medium and in the cells clearly indicates the biotransformation of U(VI) carbonate species into a meta-autunite phase upon uptake by osteoblasts. We next assessed U(VI) effect at 100 and 300 µM on autophagy, a survival process triggered by various stresses such as metal exposure. We observed that U(VI) was able to rapidly activate autophagy but an inhibition of the autophagic flux was observed after 24 h. Thus, our results indicate that U(VI) perturbs osteoblastic functions by reducing mineralization capacity. Our study identifies for the first time U(VI) in the form of meta-autunite in mammalian cells. In addition, U(VI)-mediated inhibition of the autophagic flux may be one of the underlying mechanisms leading to the decreased mineralization and the toxicity observed in osteoblasts.

Detection of low-metallicity warm plasma in a galaxy overdensity environment at z ˜ 0.2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narayanan, Anand; Savage, Blair D.; Mishra, Preetish K.; Wakker, Bart P.; Khaire, Vikram; Wadadekar, Yogesh

2018-04-01

We present results from the analysis of a multiphase O VI-broad Ly α (BLA) absorber at z = 0.19236 in the HubbleSpaceTelescope/Cosmic Origins Spectrograph spectrum of PG 1121 + 422. The low and intermediate ionization metal lines in this absorber have a single narrow component, whereas the Ly α has a possible broad component with b({H {I}}) ˜ 71 km s-1. Ionization models favour the low and intermediate ions coming from a T ˜ 8500 K, moderately dense (n H ˜ 10 - 3 cm-3) photoionized gas with near solar metallicities. The weak O VI requires a separate gas phase that is collisionally ionized. The O VI coupled with BLA suggests T ˜ 3.2 × 105 K, with significantly lower metal abundance and ˜1.8 orders of magnitude higher total hydrogen column density compared to the photoionized phase. Sloan Digitial Sky Survey (SDSS) shows 12 luminous (>L*) galaxies in the ρ ≤ 5 Mpc, |Δv| ≤ 800 km s-1 region surrounding the absorber, with the absorber outside the virial bounds of the nearest galaxy. The warm phase of this absorber is consistent with being transition temperature plasma either at the interface regions between the hot intragroup gas and cooler photoionized clouds within the group, or associated with high velocity gas in the halo of a ≲L* galaxy. The absorber highlights the advantage of O VI-BLA absorbers as ionization model independent probes of warm baryon reserves.

Chromium isotope fractionation in ferruginous sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Kohen W.; Gueguen, Bleuenn; Cole, Devon B.; Francois, Roger; Kallmeyer, Jens; Planavsky, Noah; Crowe, Sean A.

2018-02-01

Ferrous Fe is a potent reductant of Cr(VI), and while a number of laboratory studies have characterized Cr isotope fractionation associated with Cr(VI) reduction by ferrous iron, the expression of this fractionation in real-world ferrous Fe-rich environments remains unconstrained. Here we determine the isotope fractionation associated with Cr(VI) reduction in modern ferrous Fe-rich sediments obtained from the previously well studied Lake Matano, Indonesia. Whole core incubations demonstrate that reduction of Cr(VI) within ferruginous sediments provides a sink for Cr(VI) leading to Cr(VI) concentration gradients and diffusive Cr(VI) fluxes across the sediment water interface. As reduction proceeded, Cr(VI) remaining in the overlying lake water became progressively enriched in the heavy isotope (53Cr), increasing δ53Cr by 2.0 ± 0.1‰ at the end of the incubation. Rayleigh distillation modelling of the evolution of Cr isotope ratios and Cr(VI) concentrations in the overlying water yields an effective isotope fractionation of εeff = 1.1 ± 0.2‰ (53Cr/52Cr), whereas more detailed diagenetic modelling implies an intrinsic isotope fractionation of εint = 1.80 ± 0.04‰. Parallel slurry experiments performed using anoxic ferruginous sediment yield an intrinsic isotope fractionation of εint = 2.2 ± 0.1‰. These modelled isotope fractionations are corroborated by direct measurement of the δ53Cr composition on the upper 0.5 cm of Lake Matano sediment, revealing an isotopic offset from the lake water of Δ53Cr = 0.21-1.81‰. The data and models reveal that effective isotope fractionations depend on the depth at which Cr(VI) reduction takes place below the sediment water interface-the deeper the oxic non-reactive zone, the smaller the effective fractionation relative to the intrinsic fractionation. Based on the geochemistry of the sediment we suggest the electron donors responsible for reduction are a combination of dissolved Fe(II) and 0.5 M HCl extractable (solid phase) Fe(II). Our results are in line with the range of intrinsic fractionation factors observed for such phases in previous laboratory studies. We suggest that intrinsic isotope fractionations of around 1.8‰, may be broadly characteristic of ferruginous environments, but we note that the partitioning of ferrous Fe between dissolved and solid phases may modulate this value. These results indicate that seawater δ53Cr is only captured with high-fidelity by ferruginous sediments when oxygen penetration, and therefore the upper boundary of the zone of Cr(VI) reduction, extends to more than 10 cm below the sediment-water-interface, as can be the case in sediments deposited below oligotrophic waters. In more productive regions, with thinner oxic zones, ferruginous sediments would record δ53Cr as much as 1.8‰ lower than seawater δ53Cr. This implies that a range of sediment δ53Cr compositions, that include that of the igneous silicate earth (ISE), are possible even when seawater is isotopically heavier than the ISE.

Replication profile of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome VI.

PubMed

Friedman, K L; Brewer, B J; Fangman, W L

1997-11-01

An understanding of the replication programme at the genome level will require the identification and characterization of origins of replication through large, contiguous regions of DNA. As a step toward this goal, origin efficiencies and replication times were determined for 10 ARSs spanning most of the 270 kilobase (kb) chromosome VI of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Chromosome VI shows a wide variation in the percentage of cell cycles in which different replication origins are utilized. Most of the origins are activated in only a fraction of cells, suggesting that the pattern of origin usage on chromosome VI varies greatly within the cell population. The replication times of fragments containing chromosome VI origins show a temporal pattern that has been recognized on other chromosomes--the telomeres replicate late in S phase, while the central region of the chromosome replicates early. As demonstrated here for chromosome VI, analysis of the direction of replication fork movement along a chromosome and determination of replication time by measuring a period of hemimethylation may provide an efficient means of surveying origin activity over large regions of the genome.

Somebody better find some rigs

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

NONE

1997-08-01

The paper discusses the outlook for the gas and oil industries of the Middle East. Field development projects abound, as the larger exporting nations pursue ambitious policies of production expansion. However, their plans may be hampered by the growing worldwide shortage of rigs. Separate evaluations are given for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Neutral Zone, Abu Dhabi, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Yemen, Syria, Dubai, Turkey, Sharjah, and briefly for Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, UAE-Ajman, and UAE-Ras al-Khaimah.

Near East/South Asia Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-23

the absence of Israeli recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination." 20 4. PLO official spokesman Ahmad ’Abd-al-Rahman...sooner or later." Because UAE Ambassador Ahmad al-Muqarrab was abroad, UAE charge d’affaires Mahum ’Abd al-Rahman received especially amiable attention...Oman it was signed by Minister of Petroleum Sa’id Ahmad al- Shanfari. Under this agreement, geological and mineral works will be carried out in

Investigation of Polyhenolic Content of Rose Hip (Rosa canina L.) Tea Extracts: A Comparative Study

PubMed Central

İlbay, Zeynep; Şahin, Selin; Kırbaşlar, Ş. İsmail

2013-01-01

Three different brands of Rose hip (Rosa canina L.) tea were extracted with water, ethanol (EtOH), methanol (MeOH), and aqueous mixtures (50%, v/v) by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and Soxhlet methods. Total phenolic content was determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The results were presented by means of the extract yields and total phenolic contents, expressed in gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per g of dried matter (DM). The greatest amount of extract observed in tea samples was obtained by UAE through water with the value of 619.37 ± 0.58 mg/g DM. Regarding the phenolic content, the best result was achieved by the Soxhlet method through 50% MeOH mixture (59.69 ± 0.89 mg GAE/g DM), followed by the UAE method with water (48.59 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g DM). PMID:28239095

Lost in Translation? Challenges and Opportunities for Raising Health and Safety Awareness among a Multinational Workforce in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Cooling, Robert Fletcher; Aw, Tar-Ching

2012-01-01

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced tremendous economic and industrial growth in the petroleum, airline, maritime and construction sectors, especially since the discovery of oil reserves. Mass recruitment of low skilled or unskilled laborers from less-developed countries has been utilized to satisfy the manpower demands of these fast paced industrial developments. Such workforce recruitment has created an unusual populace demographic, with the total UAE population estimated at 8.3 million, composed of 950,000 Emiratis, with the remainder being multinational expatriate workers, with varying educational qualifications, work experience, religious beliefs, cultural practices, and native languages. These unique characteristics pose a challenge for health and safety professionals tasked with ensuring the UAE workforce adheres to specific occupational health and safety procedures. The paper discusses two case studies that employ a novel multimedia approach to raising health and safety awareness among a multinational workforce. PMID:23251846

[Microcytomorphometric video-image detection of nuclear chromatin in ovarian cancer].

PubMed

Grzonka, Dariusz; Kamiński, Kazimierz; Kaźmierczak, Wojciech

2003-09-01

Technology of detection of tissue preparates precisious evaluates contents of nuclear chromatine, largeness and shape of cellular nucleus, indicators of mitosis, DNA index, ploidy, phase-S fraction and other parameters. Methods of detection of picture are: microcytomorphometry video-image (MCMM-VI), flow, double flow and activated by fluorescence. Diagnostic methods of malignant neoplasm of ovary are still nonspecific and not precise, that is a reason of unsatisfied results of treatment. Evaluation of microcytomorphometric measurements of nuclear chromatine histopathologic tissue preparates (HP) of ovarian cancer and comparison to normal ovarian tissue. Estimated 10 paraffin embedded tissue preparates of serous ovarian cancer, 4 preparates mucinous cancer and 2 cases of tumor Kruckenberg patients operated in Clinic of Perinatology and Gynaecology Silesian Medical Academy in Zabrze in period 2001-2002, MCMM-VI estimation based on computer aided analysis system: microscope Axioscop 20, camera tv JVCTK-C 1380, CarlZeiss KS Vision 400 rel.3.0 software. Following MCMM-VI parameters assessed: count of pathologic nucleus, diameter of nucleus, area, min/max diameter ratio, equivalent circle diameter (Dcircle), mean of brightness (mean D), integrated optical density (IOD = area x mean D), DNA index and 2.5 c exceeding rate percentage (2.5 c ER%). MCMM-VI performed on the 160 areas of 16 preparates of cancer and 100 areas of normal ovarian tissue. Statistical analysis was performed by used t-Student test. We obtained stastistically significant higher values parameters of nuclear chromatine, DI, 2.5 c ER of mucinous cancer and tumor Kruckenberg comparison to serous cancer. MCMM-VI parameters of chromatine malignant ovarian neoplasm were statistically significantly higher than normal ovarian tissue. Cytometric and karyometric parametres of nuclear chromatine estimated MCMM-VI are useful in the diagnostics and prognosis of ovarian cancer.

Electro-enhanced hollow fiber membrane liquid phase microextraction of Cr(VI) oxoanions in drinking water samples.

PubMed

Chanthasakda, Nattaporn; Nitiyanontakit, Sira; Varanusupakul, Pakorn

2016-02-01

Hollow fiber membrane liquid phase microextraction (HF-LPME) of metal oxoanions was studied using an ionic carrier enhanced by the application of an electric field (electro-enhanced HF-LPME). The Cr(VI) oxoanion was used as the model. The transportation of Cr(VI) oxoanions across the supported liquid membrane (SLM) was explored via the ion-exchange process and electrokinetic migration. The type of SLM, type of acceptor solution, extraction time, electric potential, and stirring rate were investigated and optimized using MilliQ water. Electro-enhanced HF-LPME provided a much higher enrichment factor compared to conventional HF-LPME (no electric potential) for the same extraction time. A mixture of an anion exchange carrier (methyltrialkyl-ammonium chloride, Aliquat 336) in the SLM facilitated the transportation of Cr(VI) oxoanions. The SLM that gave the best performance was 1-heptanol mixed with 5% Aliquat 336 with 1M NaOH as the acceptor. Linearity was obtained in the working range of 3-15 µg L(-1) Cr(VI) (R(2)>0.99) at 30 V with a 5 min extraction time. The limit of detection was below 5 µg L(-1). The relative standard deviation was less than 12%. The method was applied to drinking water samples. The recoveries of spiked Cr(VI) in drinking water samples were in the range of 96-101% based on the matrix-matched calibration curves. The method was limited to samples containing low levels of ions due to the occurrence of electrolysis. The type of SLM, particularly regarding its resistance, should be tuned to control this problematic phenomenon. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coronal O VI emission observed with UVCS/SOHO during solar flares: Comparison with soft X-ray observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mancuso, S.; Giordano, S.; Raymond, J. C.

2016-06-01

In this work, we derive the O VI 1032 Å luminosity profiles of 58 flares, during their impulsive phase, based on off-limb measurements by the Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS) aboard the SOlar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). The O VI luminosities from the transition region plasma (here defined as the region with temperatures 5.0 ≤ log T (K) ≤ 6.0) were inferred from the analysis of the resonantly scattered radiation of the O VI coronal ions. The temperature of maximum ionization for O VI is log Tmax (K) = 5.47. By comparison with simultaneous soft X-ray measurements, we investigate the likely source (chromospheric evaporation, footpoint emission, or heated prominence ejecta) for the transition region emission observed during the impulsive phase. In our study, we find evidence of the main characteristics predicted by the evaporation scenario. Specifically, most O VI flares precede the X-ray peaks typically by several minutes with a mean of 3.2 ± 0.1 min, and clear correlations are found between the soft X-ray and transition region luminosities following power laws with indices ~ 0.7 ± 0.3. Overall, the results are consistent with transition region emission originating from chromospheric evaporation; the thermal X-ray emission peaks after the emission from the evaporation flow as the loops fill with hot plasma. Finally, we were able to infer flow speeds in the range ~20-100 km s-1 for one-third of the events, 14 of which showed speeds between 60 and 80 km s-1. These values are compatible with those found through direct spectroscopic observations at transition region temperatures by the EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) on board Hinode.

Anion Exchange in II-VI Semiconducting Nanostructures via Atomic Templating.

PubMed

Agarwal, Rahul; Krook, Nadia M; Ren, Ming-Liang; Tan, Liang Z; Liu, Wenjing; Rappe, Andrew M; Agarwal, Ritesh

2018-03-14

Controlled chemical transformation of nanostructures is a promising technique to obtain precisely designed novel materials, which are difficult to synthesize otherwise. We report high-temperature vapor-phase anion-exchange reactions to chemically transform II-VI semiconductor nanostructures (100-300 nm length scale) while retaining the single crystallinity, crystal structure, morphology, and even defect distribution of the parent material via atomic templating. The concept of atomic templating is employed to obtain kinetically controlled, thermodynamically metastable structural phases such as zincblende CdSe and CdS from zincblende CdTe upon complete chemical replacement of Te with Se or S. The underlying transformation mechanisms are explained through first-principles density functional theory calculations. Atomic templating is a unique path to independently tune materials' phase and composition at the nanoscale, allowing the synthesis of novel materials.

IN SITU SOURCE TREATMENT OF CR(VI) USING A FE(II)-BASED REDUCTANT BLEND: LONG-TERM MONITORING AND EVALUATION

EPA Science Inventory

The long-term effectiveness of a FeSO4 + Na2S2O4 reductant solution blend for in situ saturated zone treatment of dissolved and solid phase Cr(VI) in a high pH chromite ore processing solid waste (COPSW) fill material was investigated. Two field pilot injection studies were cond...

Uranium fate in Hanford sediment altered by simulated acid waste solutions

DOE PAGES

Gartman, Brandy N.; Qafoku, Nikolla P.; Szecsody, James E.; ...

2015-07-31

Many aspects of U(VI) behavior in sediments that are previously exposed to acidic waste fluids for sufficiently long times to induce significant changes in pH and other physical, mineralogical and chemical properties, are not well documented in the literature. For this reason, we conducted a series of macroscopic batch experiments combined with a variety of bulk characterization studies (Mössbauer and laser spectroscopy), micro-scale inspections (µ-XRF), and molecular scale interrogations (XANES) with the objectives to: i) determine the extent of U(VI) partitioning to Hanford sediments previously exposed to acidic waste simulants (pH = 2 and pH = 5) and under neutralmore » conditions (pH = 8) at varying background solution concentrations (i.e., NaNO 3); ii) determine micron-scale solid phase associated U valence state and phase identity; and iii) provide information for a plausible conceptual model of U(VI) attenuation under waste plume acidic conditions. The results of the batch experiments showed that the acid pre-treated sediment had high affinity for aqueous U(VI), which was removed from solution via two pH dependent and apparently different mechanisms (adsorption at pH = 2 and precipitation at pH = 5). The micro-scale inspections and XANES analyses confirmed that high concentration areas were rich mainly in U(VI), demonstrating that most of the added U(VI) was not reduced to U(IV). The laser spectroscopy data showed that uranyl phosphates {e.g. metaautunite [Ca(UO 2) 2(PO 4) 2•10-12H 2O] and phosphuranylite [KCa(H 3O) 3(UO 2) 7(PO 4) 4O 4•8(H 2O)]} were present in the sediments. They also showed clear differences between the U bearing phases in the experiments conducted in the presence or absence of air. As a result, the data generated from these experiments will help in a better understanding of the reactions and processes that have a significant effect and/or control U mobility.« less

Magnetic solid-phase extraction combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in environmental waters.

PubMed

Jiang, Hong-mei; Yang, Ting; Wang, Yan-hong; Lian, Hong-zhen; Hu, Xin

2013-11-15

A new approach of magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) coupled with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) has been developed for the speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) using zincon-immobilized silica-coated magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Zincon-Si-MNPs) as the MSPE absorbent. Cr(III) was quantitatively reserved on the absorbent at pH 9.1 while total Cr was reserved at pH 6.5. The absorbed Cr species were eluted by using 2 mol/L HCl and detected by GFAAS. The concentration of Cr(VI) could be calculated by subtracting Cr(III) from total Cr. All the parameters affecting the separation and extraction efficiency of Cr species such as pH, extraction time, concentration and volume of eluent, sample volume and influence of co-existing ions were systematically examined and the optimized conditions were established accordingly. The detection limit (LOD) of the method was 0.016 and 0.011 ng mL(-1) for Cr(III) and Cr(VI), respectively, with the enrichment factor of 100 and 150. The precisions of this method (Relative standard deviation, RSD, n=7) for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) at 0.1 ng mL(-1) were 6.0% and 6.2%, respectively. In order to validate the proposed method, a certified reference material of environmental water was analyzed, and the result of Cr speciation was in good agreement with the certified value. This MSPE-GFAAS method has been successfully applied for the speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in lake and tap waters with the recoveries of 88-109% for the spiked samples. Moreover, the MSPE separation mechanism of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) based on their adsorption-desorption on Zincon-Si-MNPs has been explained through various spectroscopic characterization. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural and phase transformation of A{sup III}B{sup V}(100) semiconductor surface in interaction with selenium

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

Bezryadin, N. N.; Kotov, G. I., E-mail: giktv@mail.ru; Kuzubov, S. V., E-mail: kuzub@land.ru

2015-03-15

Surfaces of GaAs(100), InAs(100), and GaP(100) substrates thermally treated in selenium vapor have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Some specific features and regularities of the formation of A{sub 3}{sup III}B{sub 4}{sup VI} (100)c(2 × 2) surface phases and thin layers of gallium or indium selenides A{sub 2}{sup III}B{sub 3}{sup VI} (100) on surfaces of different A{sup III}B{sup V}(100) semiconductors are discussed within the vacancy model of surface atomic structure.

Results From Phase-1 and Phase-2 GOLD Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, K.; Jeganathan, M.; Lesh, J. R.; James, J.; Xu, G.

1997-01-01

The Ground/Orbiter Lasercomm Demonstration conducted between the Japanese Engineering Test Satellite (ETS-VI) and the ground station at JPL's Table Mountain Facility, Wrightwood, California, was the rst ground-to-space two-way optical communications experiment. Experiment objectives included validating the performance predictions of the optical link. Atmospheric attenuation and seeing measurements were made during the experiment, and data were analyzed. Downlink telemetry data recovered over the course of the experiment provided information on in-orbit performance of the ETS-VI's laser communications equipment. Biterror rates as low as 10 4 were measured on the uplink and 10 5 on the downlink. Measured signal powers agreed well with theoretical predictions.

Biological Control of Mango Dieback Disease Caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae Using Streptomycete and Non-streptomycete Actinobacteria in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Kamil, Fatima H.; Saeed, Esam E.; El-Tarabily, Khaled A.; AbuQamar, Synan F.

2018-01-01

Dieback caused by the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae is an important disease on mango plantations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, 53 actinobacterial isolates were obtained from mango rhizosphere soil in the UAE, of which 35 (66%) were classified as streptomycetes (SA) and 18 (34%) as non-streptomycetes (NSA). Among these isolates, 19 (12 SA and 7 NSA) showed antagonistic activities against L. theobromae associated with either the production of diffusible antifungal metabolites, extracellular cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs), or both. Using a “novel” mango fruit bioassay, all isolates were screened in vivo for their abilities to reduce lesion severity on fruits inoculated with L. theobromae. Three isolates, two belonging to Streptomyces and one to Micromonospora spp., showed the strongest inhibitory effect against this pathogen in vitro and were therefore selected for tests on mango seedlings. Our results revealed that the antifungal action of S. samsunensis UAE1 was related to antibiosis, and the production of CWDEs (i.e., chitinase) and siderophores; whilst S. cavourensis UAE1 and M. tulbaghiae UAE1 were considered to be associated with antibiotic- and CWDE-production, respectively. Pre-inoculation in greenhouse experiments with the most promising actinobacterial isolates resulted in very high levels of disease protection in mango seedlings subsequently inoculated with the pathogen. This was evident by the dramatic reduction in the estimated disease severity indices of the mango dieback of individual biocontrol agent (BCA) applications compared with the pathogen alone, confirming their potential in the management of mango dieback disease. L. theobromae-infected mango seedlings treated with S. samsunensis showed significantly reduced number of defoliated leaves and conidia counts of L. theobromae by 2- and 4-fold, respectively, in comparison to the other two BCA applications. This indicates that the synergistic antifungal effects of S. samsunensis using multiple modes of action retarded the in planta invasion of L. theobromae. This is the first report of BCA effects against L. theobromae on mango seedlings by microbial antagonists. It is also the first report of actinobacteria naturally existing in the soils of the UAE or elsewhere that show the ability to suppress the mango dieback disease.

Cost and Distribution of Hysterectomy and Uterine Artery Embolization in the United States: Regional/Rural/Urban Disparities

PubMed Central

Glass Lewis, Marquisette; Ekúndayò, Olúgbémiga T.

2017-01-01

Hysterectomy, the driving force for symptomatic uterine fibroids since 1895, has decreased over the years, but it is still the number one choice for many women. Since 1995, uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been proven by many researchers to be an effective treatment for uterine fibroids while allowing women to keep their uteri. The preponderance of data collection and research has focused on care quality in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, with little on location and viability related to care utilization, accessibility and physical availability. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the cost of UAE and classical abdominal hysterectomy with regard to race/ethnicity, region, and location. Data from National Hospital Discharge for 2004 through 2008 were accessed and analyzed for uterine artery embolization and hysterectomy. Frequency analyses were performed to determine distribution of variables by race/ethnicity, location, region, insurance coverage, cost and procedure. Based on frequency distributions of cost and length of stay, outliers were trimmed and categorized. Crosstabs were used to determine cost distributions by region, place/location, procedure, race, and primary payer. For abdominal hysterectomy, 9.8% of the sample were performed in rural locations accross the country. However, for UAE, only seven procedures were performed nationally in the same period. Therefore, all inferential analyses and associations for UAE were assumed for urban locations only. The pattern differed from region to region, regarding the volume of care (numbers of cases by location) and care cost. Comparing hysterectomy and UAE, the patterns indicate generally higher costs for UAE with a mean cost difference of $4223.52. Of the hysterectomies performed for fibroids on Black women in the rural setting, 92.08% were in the south. Overall, data analyzed in this examination indicated a significant disparity between rural and urban residence in both data collection and number of procedures conducted. Further research should determine the background to cost and care location differentials between races and between rural and urban settings. Further, factors driving racial differences in the proportions of hysterectomies in the rural south should be identified to eliminate disparities. Data are needed on the prevalence of uterine fibroids in rural settings. PMID:29099026

Association between acculturation, obesity and cardiovascular risk factors among male South Asian migrants in the United Arab Emirates--a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Shah, Syed M; Loney, Tom; Dhaheri, Salma Al; Vatanparast, Hassan; Elbarazi, Iffat; Agarwal, Mukesh; Blair, Iain; Ali, Raghib

2015-02-28

Approximately 65% of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population are economic migrants from the low- and middle-income countries of South Asia. Emerging evidence suggests that expatriate populations from low or middle-income countries that migrate to high-income countries acculturate their lifestyle with the obesogenic behaviours of the host country. Previous research has focussed on migrant populations in the United States. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of obesity and explore the relationship between years of residency (surrogate measure for acculturation) and obesity among South Asian (from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) male immigrants residing in the UAE. A random sample of 1375 males was recruited from a mandatory residency visa health screening centre in Abu Dhabi (UAE). Employing a cross-sectional design, participants completed an interviewer-led adapted version of the World Health Organisation STEPS questionnaire, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were collected. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured in a random sub-sample (n = 100). Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for being classified as obese, and to assess the relationship between years of residency and adiposity. The overall prevalence of body mass index-derived overweight and obesity estimates and waist-to-hip-derived central obesity rates was 615 (44.7%) and 917 (66.7%) males, respectively. Hypertension was present in 419 (30.5%) of the sample and diabetes in 9 (9.0%) of the sub-sample. Living in the UAE for six to 10 years or more than 10 years was independently associated with being classified with central obesity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.63 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.13 - 2.35, p < 0.008; AOR 1.95 95% CI 1.26 - 3.01, p < 0.002; respectively) compared to residing in the UAE for one to five years. Our study revealed a high prevalence of overweight, central obesity and hypertension amongst a young South Asian male migrant population in the UAE. Study findings suggest a diminished 'Healthy Migrant Effect' with increased years of residency possibly due to greater acculturation and a transition in lifestyle behaviours. Health initiatives targeting the maintenance of a healthy body size, coupled with regular assessments of glucose control and blood pressure are urgently required in this population.

Optimization of simultaneous ultrasonic-assisted extraction of water-soluble and fat-soluble characteristic constituents from Forsythiae Fructus Using response surface methodology and high-performance liquid chromatography

PubMed Central

Xia, Yong-Gang; Yang, Bing-You; Liang, Jun; Wang, Di; Yang, Qi; Kuang, Hai-Xue

2014-01-01

Background: The compounds (+)-pinoresinol-β-glucoside (1) forsythiaside, (2) phillyrin (3) and phillygenin (4) were elucidated to be the characteristic constituents for quality control of Forsythiae Fructus extract by chromatographic fingerprint in 2010 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia due to their numerous important pharmacological actions. It is of great interest to extract these medicinally active constituents from Forsythiae Fructus simultaneously. Materials and Methods: In this study, a new ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method was developed for the simultaneous extraction of biological components 1-4 in Forsythiae Fructus. The quantitative effects of extraction time, ratio of liquid to solid, extraction temperature, and methanol concentration on yield of these four important biological constituents from Forsythiae Fructus were investigated using response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design. The compounds 1-4 extracted by UAE were quantitative analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detect (HPLC-PAD), and overall desirability (OD), the geometric mean of the contents of four major biological components, was used as a marker to evaluate the extraction efficiency. Results: By solving the regression equation and analyzing 3-D plots, the optimum condition was at extraction temperature 70°C, time 60 min, ratio of liquid to solid 20, and methanol concentration 76.6%. Under these conditions, extraction yields of compounds 1-4 were 2.92 mg/g, 52.10 mg/g, 0.90 mg/g and 0.57 mg/g, respectively, which were in good agreement with the predicted OD values. In order to achieve a similar yield as UAE, soxhlet extraction required at least 6 h and maceration extraction required much longer time of 24 h. Established UAE method has been successfully applied to sample preparation for the quality control of Forsythiae Fructus. Additionally, a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was applied to the structural confirmation of analytes from the complex matrices acquired by UAE. Conclusion: The results indicated that UAE is an effective alternative method for extracting bioactive constituents, which may facilitate a deeper understanding of the extract of active constituents in Forsythiae Fructus from the raw material to its extract for providing the theoretical references. PMID:25210317

Reduction and Simultaneous Removal of 99 Tc and Cr by Fe(OH) 2 (s) Mineral Transformation

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

Saslow, Sarah A.; Um, Wooyong; Pearce, Carolyn I.

Technetium (Tc) remains a priority remediation concern due to persistent challenges, including rapid re-oxidation of immobilized Tc, and competing contaminants, e.g. Cr(VI), that inhibit targeted Tc reduction and incorporation into stable mineral phases. Here Fe(OH) 2(s) is investigated as a comprehensive solution for overcoming these challenges, by serving as both the reductant, (Fe(II)), and immobilization agent to form Tc-incorporated magnetite (Fe 3O 4). Trace metal analysis suggests removal of Tc(VII) and Cr(VI) from solution occurs simultaneously; however, complete removal and reduction of Cr(VI) is achieved earlier than the removal/reduction of co-mingled Tc(VII). Bulk oxidation state analysis of the magnetite solidmore » phase by XANES confirms that the majority of Tc is Tc(IV), which is corroborated by XPS. Furthermore, EXAFS results show successful Tc(IV) incorporation into magnetite octahedral sites without additional substitution of Cr or Tc into neighboring Fe octahedral sites. XPS analysis of Cr confirms reduction to Cr(III) and the formation of a Cr-incorporated spinel, Cr2O 3, and Cr(OH)3 phases. Spinel (modeled as Fe 3O 4), goethite, and feroxyhyte are detected in all reacted solid phase samples analyzed by XRD, where Tc(IV) incorporation has little effect on the spinel lattice structure. In the presence of Cr(III) a spinel phase along the magnetite-chromite (Fe 3O 4-FeCr 2O 4) solid-solution line is formed.« less

The effect of calcium on aqueous uranium(VI) speciation and adsorption to ferrihydrite and quartz

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fox, P.M.; Davis, J.A.; Zachara, J.M.

2006-01-01

Recent studies of uranium(VI) geochemistry have focused on the potentially important role of the aqueous species, CaUO2 (CO3)32- and Ca2 UO2(CO3)30(aq), on inhibition of microbial reduction and uranium(VI) aqueous speciation in contaminated groundwater. However, to our knowledge, there have been no direct studies of the effects of these species on U(VI) adsorption by mineral phases. The sorption of U(VI) on quartz and ferrihydrite was investigated in NaNO3 solutions equilibrated with either ambient air (430 ppm CO2) or 2% CO2 in the presence of 0, 1.8, or 8.9 mM Ca2+. Under conditions where the Ca2UO2(CO3)30 (aq) species predominates U(VI) aqueous speciation, the presence of Ca in solution lowered U(VI) adsorption on quartz from 77% in the absence of Ca to 42% and 10% at Ca concentrations of 1.8 and 8.9 mM, respectively. U(VI) adsorption to ferrihydrite decreased from 83% in the absence of Ca to 57% in the presence of 1.8 mM Ca. Surface complexation model predictions that included the formation constant for aqueous Ca2UO2(CO3)30(aq) accurately simulated the effect of Ca2+ on U(VI) sorption onto quartz and ferrihydrite within the thermodynamic uncertainty of the stability constant value. This study confirms that Ca2+ can have a significant impact on the aqueous speciation of U(VI), and consequently, on the sorption and mobility of U(VI) in aquifers. ?? 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of activated carbon fiber supported nanoscale zero-valent iron for chromium (VI) removal from groundwater in a permeable reactive column.

PubMed

Qu, Guangzhou; Kou, Liqing; Wang, Tiecheng; Liang, Dongli; Hu, Shibin

2017-10-01

An activated carbon fiber supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (ACF-nZVI) composite for Cr(VI) removal from groundwater was synthesized according to the liquid phase reduction method. The techniques of N 2 adsorption/desorption, FESEM, EDX, XRD and XPS were used to characterize the ACF-nZVI composite and the interaction between the ACF-nZVI composite and Cr(VI) ions. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of several factors, including the amount of nZVI on activated carbon fiber (ACF), pH value, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and co-existing ions on Cr(VI) removal. The results indicate that presence of ACF can inhibit the aggregation of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles and increase its reactivity, and the Cr(VI) removal efficiency increases with increasing amounts of nZVI on ACF and a decrease in the initial Cr(VI) concentration. In acidic conditions, almost 100% of Cr(VI) in solution can be removed after 60 min of reaction, and the removal efficiency decreases with increasing initial pH values. The Cr(VI) removal is also dependent on the co-existing ions. Reusability experiments on ACF-nZVI demonstrate that the ACF-nZVI composite can keep a high reactivity after five successive reduction cycles. The removal mechanisms are proposed as a two-step interaction including the physical adsorption of Cr(VI) on the surface or inner layers of the ACF-nZVI composite and the subsequent reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by nZVI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of sub-ng g-1 levels of total inorganic arsenic and selenium in foods by hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry after pre-concentration.

PubMed

Altunay, Nail; Gürkan, Ramazan

2017-03-01

A new and simple ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) procedure was developed for the determination of inorganic arsenic and selenium in foods by hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS). The various analytical variables affecting complex formation and extraction efficiency were investigated and optimised. The method is based on selective complex formation of As(III) and Se(IV) in the presence of excess As(V) and Se(VI) with toluidine red in the presence of tartaric acid at pH 4.5, and then extraction of the resulting condensation products into the micellar phase of non-ionic surfactant, polyethylene glycol dodecyl ether, Brij 35. Under optimised conditions, good linear relationships were obtained in the ranges of 4-225 and 12-400 ng l - 1 with limits of detection of 1.1 and 3.5 ng l - 1 for As(III) and Se(IV), respectively. The repeatability was better than 3.9% for both analytes (n = 10, 25 ng l - 1 ) while reproducibility ranged from 4.2% to 4.8%. The recoveries of As(III) and Se(IV) spiked at 25-100 ng l - 1 were in the range of 94.2-104.8%. After pre-concentration of a 5.0 ml sample, the sensitivity enhancement factors for As(III) and Se(IV) were 185 and 140, respectively. Accuracy was assessed by analysis of two standard reference materials (SRMs) and spiked recovery experiments. The method was successfully applied to the accurate and reliable determination of total As and total Se by HG-AAS after pre-reduction with a mixture of L-cysteine and tartaric acid. Finally, the method was shown to be rapid and sensitive, with good results for extraction, pre-concentration and determination of total As and Se contents (as As(III) and Se(IV)) from food samples.

Information Transfer Ion Wireless Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

conferences with proceed- ings to be made available online in the IEEE Xplore database, namely IFIP Wireless Days (WD 2008) at Dubai, UAE, and the...Poland, May 2008, pp. 61-64, IEEE Xplore , DOI = 10.1109/INFTECH. 2008.4621591. 2. J. Konorski, IEEE 802.11 LAN Capacity: Incentives and Incentive...2008, Dubai, UAE, Nov. 2008, IEEE Xplore DOI = 10.1109/WD.2008.4812857. 4. J. Konorski, QoS Provision in an Ad Hoc IEEE 802.11 WLAN: A Bayesian War

Information Transfer in Wireless Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

conferences with proceed- ings to be made available online in the IEEE Xplore database, namely IFIP Wireless Days (WD 2008) at Dubai, UAE, and the...Poland, May 2008, pp. 61-64, IEEE Xplore , DOI = 10.1109/INFTECH. 2008.4621591. 2. J. Konorski, IEEE 802.11 LAN Capacity: Incentives and Incentive...2008, Dubai, UAE, Nov. 2008, IEEE Xplore DOI = 10.1109/WD.2008.4812857. 4. J. Konorski, QoS Provision in an Ad Hoc IEEE 802.11 WLAN: A Bayesian War

Redox behavior of uranium at the nanoporous aluminum oxide-water interface: implications for uranium remediation.

PubMed

Jung, Hun Bok; Boyanov, Maxim I; Konishi, Hiromi; Sun, Yubing; Mishra, Bhoopesh; Kemner, Kenneth M; Roden, Eric E; Xu, Huifang

2012-07-03

Sorption-desorption experiments show that the majority (ca. 80-90%) of U(VI) presorbed to mesoporous and nanoporous alumina could not be released by extended (2 week) extraction with 50 mM NaHCO(3) in contrast with non-nanoporous α alumina. The extent of reduction of U(VI) presorbed to aluminum oxides was semiquantitatively estimated by comparing the percentages of uranium desorbed by anoxic sodium bicarbonate between AH(2)DS-reacted and unreacted control samples. X-ray absorption spectroscopy confirmed that U(VI) presorbed to non-nanoporous alumina was rapidly and completely reduced to nanoparticulate uraninite by AH(2)DS, whereas reduction of U(VI) presorbed to nanoporous alumina was slow and incomplete (<5% reduction after 1 week). The observed nanopore size-dependent redox behavior of U has important implications in developing efficient remediation techniques for the subsurface uranium contamination because the efficiency of in situ bioremediation depends on how effectively and rapidly U(VI) bound to sediment or soil can be converted to an immobile phase.

[Cystatin C and other cardiovascular markers in hypertension].

PubMed

Rodilla, Enrique; Costa, José A; Pérez Lahiguera, Francisco; González, Carmen; Miralles, Amparo; Pascual, José M

2008-01-19

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of cystatine C to other cardiovascular risk factors in hypertension. Cross-sectional study in hypertensive outpatients with normal creatinine values (< 1.6 mg/dl for males and < 1.4 mg/dl for women). Cystatin C was analyzed by immunonephelometry. 283 patients (47% male) were evaluated. Cystatin C values were 0.65 (0.27) mg/l (median, intercuartile range, percentile 70 = 0.76 mg/l), and were correlated to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (ml/min/1.73 m(2)), C reactive protein, and urinary albumin excretion (UAE). In multiple regression analysis the GFR was the most significant factor and explained 38% of cystatine C variability. GFR, (odds ratio [OR] = 5.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.27-15.03; p < 0.001), age (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08; p < 0.001), and CRP (OR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.07-3.84; p = 0.03), but not UAE > or = 30 mg/24 h, were independent factors related to the presence of high levels (> 0.76 mg/l) of cystatine C in a logistic regression analysis. 58% of patients with UAE > or = 30 mg/24h had cystatin C values < 0,76 mg/l. In hypertensive patients, the GFR is the most important factor related to cystatine C values. Increased levels of cystatine C do not correspond to UAE augmentation.

Novel Approaches to Extraction Methods in Recovery of Capsaicin from Habanero Pepper (CNPH 15.192).

PubMed

Martins, Frederico S; Borges, Leonardo L; Ribeiro, Claudia S C; Reifschneider, Francisco J B; Conceição, Edemilson C

2017-07-01

The objective of this study was to compare three capsaicin extraction methods: Shoxlet, Ultrasound-assisted Extraction (UAE), and Shaker-assisted Extraction (SAE) from Habanero pepper, CNPH 15.192. The different parameters evaluated were alcohol degree, time extraction, and solid-solvent ratio using response surface methodology (RSM). The three parameters found significant ( p < 0.05) were for UAE and solvent concentration and extraction time for SAE. The optimum conditions for the capsaicin UAE and SAE were similar 95% alcohol degree, 30 minutes and solid-liquid ratio 2 mg/mL. The Soxhlet increased the extraction in 10-25%; however, long extraction times (45 minutes) degraded 2% capsaicin. The extraction of capsaicin was influenced by extraction method and by the operating conditions chosen. The optimized conditions provided savings of time, solvent, and herbal material. Prudent choice of the extraction method is essential to ensure optimal yield of extract, thereby making the study relevant and the knowledge gained useful for further exploitation and application of this resource. Habanero pepper , line CNPH 15.192, possess capsaicin in higher levels when compared with others speciesHigher levels of ethanolic strength are more suitable to obtain a higher levels of capsaicinBox-Behnken design indicates to be useful to explore the best conditions of ultrasound assisted extraction of capsaicin. Abbreviations used: Nomenclature UAE: Ultrasound-assisted Extraction; SAE: Shaker-assisted Extraction.

Reporting child abuse cases by dentists working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

PubMed

Al-Amad, Suhail H; Awad, Manal A; Al-Farsi, Laila H; Elkhaled, Rawan H

2016-05-01

Reporting of suspicious cases of child abuse is a sensitive issue that is often hindered by uncertainty of diagnosis. This cross sectional study aimed to assess the UAE dentists' experiences in child abuse recognition, the factors that prevent them from reporting suspicious cases to authorities and their perceived training needs. A closed-ended, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 350 dentists working in the UAE. Chi Square test was used to determine association between training needs on child abuse and its reporting rate. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between perceived training needs and other covariates. One hundred and ninety three respondents satisfied the inclusion criteria. Forty seven (25%) dentists reported encountering a suspicious child abuse case at least once in their career, but only 15 (32%) of those reported their suspicion. Fear of making the wrong diagnosis was the most frequent challenge hindering reporting and dentists who demonstrated a need for specialized training were more likely to express this fear (OR = 5.88, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.45; P = 0.00). The majority of UAE dentists do not report their suspicion to authorities and specialized training should be offered to build dentists' capacity in diagnosing and appropriately reporting suspicious child abuse cases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

High prevalence of diabetes among migrants in the United Arab Emirates using a cross-sectional survey.

PubMed

Sulaiman, Nabil; Albadawi, Salah; Abusnana, Salah; Mairghani, Maisoon; Hussein, Amal; Al Awadi, Fatheya; Madani, Abdulrazak; Zimmet, Paul; Shaw, Jonathan

2018-05-01

In 2011, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had the 10th highest diabetes prevalence globally, but this was based on data that excluded migrants who comprise 80% of the population. This study assessed diabetes prevalence across the UAE population. A random sample of migrants was recruited from the visa renewal centers. Data were collected using interviews, anthropometric measurements and fasting blood for glucose, lipids and genetic analyses. 2724 adults completed the questionnaires and blood tests. Of these, 81% were males, 65% were ≤40 years old and 3% were above 60 years. Diabetes, based on self-report or fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/l, showed a crude prevalence of 15.5%, of whom 64.2% were newly diagnosed. Overall age- and sex-adjusted diabetes prevalence, according to the world mid-year population of 2013, was 19.1%. The highest prevalence was in Asians (16.4%) and non-Emirati Arabs (15.2%) and lowest in Africans and Europeans (11.9%). It increased with age: 6.3% in 18-30 years and 39.7% in 51 to 60 years. Lower education, obesity, positive family history, hypertension, dyslipidemia, snoring, and low HDL levels, all showed significant associations with diabetes. The high diabetes prevalence among migrants in the UAE, 64% of which was undiagnosed, necessitates urgent diabetes prevention and control programs for the entire UAE population.

Microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extraction of vanillin and its quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography in Vanilla planifolia.

PubMed

Sharma, Anuj; Verma, Subash Chandra; Saxena, Nisha; Chadda, Neetu; Singh, Narendra Pratap; Sinha, Arun Kumar

2006-03-01

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional extraction of vanillin and its quantification by HPLC in pods of Vanilla planifolia is described. A range of nonpolar to polar solvents were used for the extraction of vanillin employing MAE, UAE and conventional methods. Various extraction parameters such as nature of the solvent, solvent volume, time of irradiation, microwave and ultrasound energy inputs were optimized. HPLC was performed on RP ODS column (4.6 mm ID x 250 mm, 5 microm, Waters), a photodiode array detector (Waters 2996) using gradient solvent system of ACN and ortho-phosphoric acid in water (0.001:99.999 v/v) at 25 degrees C. Regression equation revealed a linear relationship (r2 > 0.9998) between the mass of vanillin injected and the peak areas. The detection limit (S/N = 3) and limit of quantification (S/N = 10) were 0.65 and 1.2 microg/g, respectively. Recovery was achieved in the range 98.5-99.6% for vanillin. Maximum yield of vanilla extract (29.81, 29.068 and 14.31% by conventional extraction, MAE and UAE, respectively) was found in a mixture of ethanol/water (40:60 v/v). Dehydrated ethanolic extract showed the highest amount of vanillin (1.8, 1.25 and 0.99% by MAE, conventional extraction and UAE, respectively).

Public Perception on Disaster Management Using Volunteered Geographic Information (vgi): Case of Uae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yagoub, M. M.

2015-10-01

The number of smart phones that are supported by location facility like Global Positioning System (GPS), Camera and connected to the internet has increased sharply in UAE during the last five years. This increase offers a chance to capitalize on using these devices as resources for data collection, therefore reducing cost. In many cases specific events may happen in areas or at time where there may be no governmental departments to collect such unrepeated events. The current research will showcase various studies that had been conducted on Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) debating various aspects such as accuracy, legal issues, and privacy. This research will also integrate Geographic Information System (GIS), VGI, social media tools, data mining, and mobile technology to design a conceptual framework for promoting public participation in UAE. The data gathered through survey will be helpful in correlating various aspects of VGI. Since there are diverse views about these aspects, policy makers are left undecided in many countries about how to deal with VGI. The assessment of the UAE case will contribute to the age-long debate by examining the willingness of the public to participate. The result will show the public perception to be as sensors for data collection. Additionally, the potential of citizen involvement in the risk and disaster management process by providing voluntary data collected for VGI applications will also be explored in the paper.

Phytosynthesis of Iron Nanoparticle from Averrhoa Bilimbi Linn.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosli, I. R.; Zulhaimi, H. I.; Ibrahim, S. K. M.; Gopinath, S. C. B.; Kasim, K. F.; Akmal, H. M.; Nuradibah, M. A.; Sam, T. S.

2018-03-01

This paper demonstrates iron nanoparticles (FeNP) was synthesized from natural sources of Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. The plant extracts act as natural reducing agent in producing FeNP. There is no addition of any surfactants during the nanoparticles formation. Gravimetric analysis is used to calculate the percentage yield of plant extracts. TPC and DPPH assay method were used to evaluate antioxidant activity in different A. bilimbi extracts and synthesized FeNP. Based on the analyses, it showed that fruit has the highest percentage yield and antioxidant activity followed by leaf, twig and bark. Analysis from TPC, fruit contains 27.26 mg GAE/g and 39.46 mg GAE/g for FeNP. DPPH assay showed fruit extract has the highest free radical antioxidant activity with 61.93% in A. bilimbi and 80.00% in FeNP. Phytosynthesis of FeNP were examine by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Based on the spectra, it showed that FeNP recorded peak absorbance at 465 nm, 450 nm, 460 nm and 440 nm for UAE-F, UAE-L, UAE-T and UAE-B, respectively. FTIR analysis shows the presence of strong alcoholic bond, aldehyde, stretch amine and alkene that was responsible in reduction process to form FeNP. The result of UV-Vis and FTIR showed that the existance of FeNP and involvement of functional group that were responsible on the formation of nanoparticles.

Reduction of Cr(VI) under acidic conditions by the facultative Fe(III)-reducing bacterium Acidiphilium cryptum

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

David E. Cummings; Scott Fendorf; Rajesh K. Sani

2007-01-01

The potential for biological reduction of Cr(VI) under acidic conditions was evaluated with the acidophilic, facultatively metal-reducing bacterium Acidiphilium cryptum strain JF-5 to explore the role of acidophilic microorganisms in the Cr cycle in low-pH environments. An anaerobic suspension of washed A. cryptum cells rapidly reduced 50 M Cr(VI) at pH 3.2; biological reduction was detected from pH 1.7-4.7. The reduction product, confirmed by XANES analysis, was entirely Cr(III) that was associated predominantly with the cell biomass (70-80%) with the residual residing in the aqueous phase. Reduction of Cr(VI) showed a pH optimum similar to that for growth and wasmore » inhibited by 5 mM HgCl2, suggesting that the reaction was enzyme-mediated. Introduction of O2 into the reaction medium slowed the reduction rate only slightly, whereas soluble Fe(III) (as ferric sulfate) increased the rate dramatically, presumably by the shuttling of electrons from bioreduced Fe(II) to Cr(VI) in a coupled biotic-abiotic cycle. Starved cells could not reduce Cr(VI) when provided as sole electron acceptor, indicating that Cr(VI) reduction is not an energy-conserving process in A. cryptum. We speculate, rather, that Cr(VI) reduction is used here as a detoxification mechanism.« less

Tellurium Distribution and Speciation in Contaminated Soils from Abandoned Mine Tailings: Comparison with Selenium.

PubMed

Qin, Hai-Bo; Takeichi, Yasuo; Nitani, Hiroaki; Terada, Yasuko; Takahashi, Yoshio

2017-06-06

The distribution and chemical species of tellurium (Te) in contaminated soil were determined by a combination of microfocused X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF), X-ray diffraction (μ-XRD), and X-ray absorption fine structure (μ-XAFS) techniques. Results showed that Te was present as a mixture of Te(VI) and Te(IV) species, while selenium (Se) was predominantly present in the form of Se(IV) in the soil contaminated by abandoned mine tailings. In the contaminated soil, Fe(III) hydroxides were the host phases for Se(IV), Te(IV), and Te(VI), but Te(IV) could be also retained by illite. The difference in speciation and solubility of Se and Te in soil can result from different structures of surface complexes for Se and Te onto Fe(III) hydroxides. Furthermore, our results suggest that the retention of Te(IV) in soil could be relatively weaker than that of Te(VI) due to structural incorporation of Te(VI) into Fe(III) hydroxides. These findings are of geochemical and environmental significance for better understanding the solubility, mobility, and bioavailability of Te in the surface environment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the speciation and host phases of Te in field soil by the μ-XRF-XRD-XAFS techniques.

Evaluation of a photographic food atlas as a tool for quantifying food portion size in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Platat, Carine; El Mesmoudi, Najoua; El Sadig, Mohamed; Tewfik, Ihab

2018-01-01

Although, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has one of the highest prevalence of overweight, obesity and type 2 diabetes in the world, however, validated dietary assessment aids to estimate food intake of individuals and populations in the UAE are currently lacking. We conducted two observational studies to evaluate the accuracy of a photographic food atlas which was developed as a tool for food portion size estimation in the UAE. The UAE Food Atlas presents eight portion sizes for each food. Study 1 involved portion size estimations of 13 food items consumed during the previous day. Study 2 involved portion size estimations of nine food items immediately after consumption. Differences between the food portion sizes estimated from the photographs and the weighed food portions (estimation error), as well as the percentage differences relative to the weighed food portion for each tested food item were calculated. Four of the evaluated food items were underestimated (by -8.9% to -18.4%), while nine were overestimated (by 9.5% to 90.9%) in Study 1. Moreover, there were significant differences between estimated and eaten food portions for eight food items (P<0.05). In Study 2, one food item was underestimated (-8.1%) while eight were overestimated (range 2.52% to 82.1%). Furthermore, there were significant differences between estimated and eaten food portions (P<0.05) for six food items. The limits of agreement between the estimated and consumed food portion size were wide indicating a large variability in food portion estimation errors. These reported findings highlight the need for further developments of the UAE Food Atlas to improve the accuracy of food portion size intake estimations in dietary assessments. Additionally, recalling food portions from the previous day did not seem to increase food portion estimation errors in this study. PMID:29698434

Serum metabolites predict response to angiotensin II receptor blockers in patients with diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Pena, Michelle J; Heinzel, Andreas; Rossing, Peter; Parving, Hans-Henrik; Dallmann, Guido; Rossing, Kasper; Andersen, Steen; Mayer, Bernd; Heerspink, Hiddo J L

2016-07-05

Individual patients show a large variability in albuminuria response to angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). Identifying novel biomarkers that predict ARB response may help tailor therapy. We aimed to discover and validate a serum metabolite classifier that predicts albuminuria response to ARBs in patients with diabetes mellitus and micro- or macroalbuminuria. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics was performed on serum samples. Data from patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria (n = 49) treated with irbesartan 300 mg/day were used for discovery. LASSO and ridge regression were performed to develop the classifier. Improvement in albuminuria response prediction was assessed by calculating differences in R(2) between a reference model of clinical parameters and a model with clinical parameters and the classifier. The classifier was externally validated in patients with type 1 diabetes and macroalbuminuria (n = 50) treated with losartan 100 mg/day. Molecular process analysis was performed to link metabolites to molecular mechanisms contributing to ARB response. In discovery, median change in urinary albumin excretion (UAE) was -42 % [Q1-Q3: -69 to -8]. The classifier, consisting of 21 metabolites, was significantly associated with UAE response to irbesartan (p < 0.001) and improved prediction of UAE response on top of the clinical reference model (R(2) increase from 0.10 to 0.70; p < 0.001). In external validation, median change in UAE was -43 % [Q1-Q35: -63 to -23]. The classifier improved prediction of UAE response to losartan (R(2) increase from 0.20 to 0.59; p < 0.001). Specifically ADMA impacting eNOS activity appears to be a relevant factor in ARB response. A serum metabolite classifier was discovered and externally validated to significantly improve prediction of albuminuria response to ARBs in diabetes mellitus.

Deaths and Medical Visits Attributable to Environmental Pollution in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

MacDonald Gibson, Jacqueline; Thomsen, Jens; Launay, Frederic; Harder, Elizabeth; DeFelice, Nicholas

2013-01-01

Background This study estimates the potential health gains achievable in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with improved controls on environmental pollution. The UAE is an emerging economy in which population health risks have shifted rapidly from infectious diseases to chronic conditions observed in developed nations. The UAE government commissioned this work as part of an environmental health strategic planning project intended to address this shift in the nature of the country’s disease burden. Methods and Findings We assessed the burden of disease attributable to six environmental exposure routes outdoor air, indoor air, drinking water, coastal water, occupational environments, and climate change. For every exposure route, we integrated UAE environmental monitoring and public health data in a spatially resolved Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate the annual disease burden attributable to selected pollutants. The assessment included the entire UAE population (4.5 million for the year of analysis). The study found that outdoor air pollution was the leading contributor to mortality, with 651 attributable deaths (95% confidence interval [CI] 143–1,440), or 7.3% of all deaths. Indoor air pollution and occupational exposures were the second and third leading contributors to mortality, with 153 (95% CI 85–216) and 46 attributable deaths (95% CI 26–72), respectively. The leading contributor to health-care facility visits was drinking water pollution, to which 46,600 (95% CI 15,300–61,400) health-care facility visits were attributed (about 15% of the visits for all the diseases considered in this study). Major study limitations included (1) a lack of information needed to translate health-care facility visits to quality-adjusted-life-year estimates and (2) insufficient spatial coverage of environmental data. Conclusions Based on international comparisons, the UAE’s environmental disease burden is low for all factors except outdoor air pollution. From a public health perspective, reducing pollutant emissions to outdoor air should be a high priority for the UAE’s environmental agencies. PMID:23469200

Exploratory study into the awareness of heart diseases among Emirati women (UAE) and their health seeking behaviour- a qualitative study.

PubMed

Khan, Sarah; Khoory, Ayesha; Al Zaffin, Dhabia; Al Suwaidi, Meera

2016-11-07

Cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death in women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2010. The UAE is expected to experience a tripling of heart diseases in the next two decades as risk factors for heart diseases increase. Research shows that first year survival rates of younger women suffering from a heart attack are lower than in men. Women present with a wider range of symptoms for heart diseases than men; non-recognition of atypical symptoms may explain the delay in seeking treatment and poor prognosis following heart diseases in women. No known study on awareness of heart diseases among women has been carried out in the Middle Eastern region. Social constructionist and interpretivist epistemological approaches have been considered in this qualitative study to explore the awareness of heart diseases and the health seeking behavior of Emirati women. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 41 Emirati women. Three focus groups and six in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain data. Thematic content analysis was applied to the data following transcription and translation of recordings. Emirati women had limited knowledge on heart diseases. Women were generally unaware of the atypical symptoms, commonly experienced by women however they identified most risk factors associated with heart diseases. Lack of awareness of disease severity and symptoms, sociocultural influences and distrust in the healthcare system were considered the main barriers to seeking prompt treatment. This study clearly identified gaps and inaccuracies in knowledge of heart diseases, which could contribute to delayed health seeking action and possibly poorer prognosis among Emirati women. Absence of initiatives to educate women on cardiovascular diseases in UAE has erroneously deemed it a less serious concern among Emirati women. The findings from this study provide clear indications of the need to increase accountability of the healthcare system and to develop culturally relevant, gender specific, age focused, heart diseases related public health awareness campaigns in UAE.

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

Kwon, Joon Ho; Kim, Man Deuk, E-mail: mdkim@yuhs.ac; Lee, Kwang-hun

We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic multiple uterine fibroids with collateral aberrant right ovarian artery that originated from the right external iliac artery. We believe that this is the first reported case in the literature of this collateral uterine flow by the right ovarian artery originated from the right external iliac artery. We briefly present the details of the case and review the literature on variations of ovarian artery origin that might be encountered during UAE.

World Shale Resource Assessments

EIA Publications

2015-01-01

Four countries: Chad, Kazakhstan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been added to report “Technically Recoverable Shale Oil and Shale Gas Resources.” The report provides an estimate of shale resources in selected basins around the world. The new chapters cover shale basins from the Sub-Saharan Africa region, represented by Chad; the Caspian region, represented by Kazakhstan; and the Middle East region, represented by Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are available as supplemental chapters to the 2013 report.

Field Application of 238U/235U Measurements To Detect Reoxidation and Mobilization of U(IV).

PubMed

Jemison, Noah E; Shiel, Alyssa E; Johnson, Thomas M; Lundstrom, Craig C; Long, Philip E; Williams, Kenneth H

2018-03-20

Biostimulation to induce reduction of soluble U(VI) to relatively immobile U(IV) is an effective strategy for decreasing aqueous U(VI) concentrations in contaminated groundwater systems. If oxidation of U(IV) occurs following the biostimulation phase, U(VI) concentrations increase, challenging the long-term effectiveness of this technique. However, detecting U(IV) oxidation through dissolved U concentrations alone can prove difficult in locations with few groundwater wells to track the addition of U to a mass of groundwater. We propose the 238 U/ 235 U ratio of aqueous U as an independent, reliable tracer of U(IV) remobilization via oxidation or mobilization of colloids. Reduction of U(VI) produces 238 U-enriched U(IV), whereas remobilization of solid U(IV) should not induce isotopic fractionation. The incorporation of remobilized U(IV) with a high 238 U/ 235 U ratio into the aqueous U(VI) pool produces an increase in 238 U/ 235 U of aqueous U(VI). During several injections of nitrate to induce U(IV) oxidation, 238 U/ 235 U consistently increased, suggesting 238 U/ 235 U is broadly applicable for detecting mobilization of U(IV).

Advective removal of intraparticle uranium from contaminated vadose zone sediments, Hanford, U.S.

PubMed

Ilton, Eugene S; Qafoku, Nikolla P; Liu, Chongxuan; Moore, Dean A; Zachara, John M

2008-03-01

A column study on U(VI)-contaminated vadose zone sediments from the Hanford Site, WA, was performed to investigate U(VI) release kinetics with water advection and variable geochemical conditions. The sediments were collected from an area adjacent to and below tank BX-102 that was contaminated as a result of a radioactive tank waste overfill event. The primary reservoir for U(VI) in the sediments are micrometer-size precipitates composed of nanocrystallite aggregates of a Na-U-Silicate phase, most likely Na-boltwoodite, that nucleated and grew within microfractures of the plagioclase component of sand-sized granitic clasts. Two sediment samples, with different U(VI) concentrations and intraparticle mass transfer properties, were leached with advective flows of three different solutions. The influent solutions were all calcite-saturated and in equilibrium with atmospheric CO2. One solution was prepared from DI water, the second was a synthetic groundwater (SGW) with elevated Na that mimicked groundwater at the Hanford site, and the third was the same SGW but with both elevated Na and Si. The latter two solutions were employed, in part, to test the effect of saturation state on U(VI) release. For both sediments, and all three electrolytes, there was an initial rapid release of U(VI) to the advecting solution followed by slower near steady-state release. U(VI)aq concentrations increased during subsequent stop-flow events. The electrolytes with elevated Na and Si depressed U(VL)aq concentrations in effluent solutions. Effluent U(VI)aq concentrations for both sediments and all three electrolytes were simulated reasonably well by a three domain model (the advecting fluid, fractures, and matrix) that coupled U(VI) dissolution, intraparticle U(VI)aq diffusion, and interparticle advection, where diffusion and dissolution properties were parameterized in a previous batch study.

Mobilization of Cr(VI) from chromite ore processing residue through acid treatment.

PubMed

Tinjum, James M; Benson, Craig H; Edil, Tuncer B

2008-02-25

Batch leaching studies on chromite ore processing residue (COPR) were performed using acids to investigate leaching of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), with respect to particle size, reaction time, and type of acid (HNO(3) and H(2)SO(4)). Aqueous Cr(VI) is maximized at approximately 0.04 mol Cr(VI) per kg of dry COPR at pH 7.6-8.1. Cr(VI) mobilized more slowly for larger particles, and the pH increased with time and increased more rapidly for smaller particles, suggesting that rate limitations occur in the solid phase. With H(2)SO(4), the pH stabilized at a higher value (8.8 for H(2)SO(4) vs. 8.0 for HNO(3)) and more rapidly (16 h vs. 30 h), and the differences in pH for different particle sizes were smaller. The acid neutralization capacity (ANC) of COPR is very large (8 mol HNO(3) per kg of dry COPR for a stable eluate pH of 7.5). Changes to the elemental and mineralogical composition and distribution in COPR particles after mixing with acid indicate that Cr(VI)-bearing solids dissolved. However, concentrations of Cr(VI) >2800 mg kg(-1) (>50% of the pre-treatment concentration) were still found after mixing with acid, regardless of the particle size, reaction time, or type of acid used. The residual Cr(VI) appears to be partially associated with poorly-ordered Fe and Al oxyhydroxides that precipitated in the interstitial areas of COPR particles. Remediation strategies that use HNO(3) or H(2)SO(4) to neutralize COPR or to maximize Cr(VI) in solution are likely to require extensive amounts of acid, may not mobilize all of the Cr(VI), and may require extended contact time, even under well-mixed conditions.

Preparation and application of sustained release microcapsules of potassium ferrate(VI) for dinitro butyl phenol (DNBP) wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Wang, Hui-Long; Liu, Shu-Qin; Zhang, Xiu-Yan

2009-09-30

The encapsulated potassium ferrate(VI) (K(2)FeO(4)) samples were successfully prepared by phase separation method in organic solvents. The ethyl cellulose and paraffin were selected for the microcapsule wall materials (WM). The as prepared microcapsules were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The stability can be enhanced greatly when ferrate(VI) was encapsulated in the microcapsules with a mass ratio of Fe(VI):WM in the range of 1:1-1:3 for the same conserved time in air compared for pure K(2)FeO(4). The sustained release behavior of the microcapsules with different Fe(VI):WM mass ratios in 8.0M KOH solution was also investigated. The results indicated that the Fe(VI) release was reduced with increase of Fe(VI):WM mass ratios from 1:1 to 1:3. The release kinetics of the microcapsules is found to obey Ritger-Peppas equation. The prepared Fe(VI) microcapsules has been used for the removal of a typical alkyl dinitro phenol compound, 2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol (DNBP), from aqueous solution. The effect of pH, microcapsule concentration and reaction time was studied thoroughly. The optimal pH for DNBP degradation was 6.5, and at this pH and a microcapsule concentration of 1.2g/L, approximately 93% of the DNBP was degraded after 80 min. The encapsulated ferrate(VI) samples were found to be very effective in the decolorization and COD reduction of real wastewater from DNBP manufacturing. Thus, this study showed the feasible and potential use of encapsulated Fe(VI) samples in degradation of various toxic organic contaminants and industrial effluents.

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

Catalano, Jeffrey G.; Giammar, Daniel E.; Wang, Zheming

Phosphate addition is an in situ remediation approach that may enhance the sequestration of uranium without requiring sustained reducing conditions. However, the geochemical factors that determine the dominant immobilization mechanisms upon phosphate addition are insufficiently understood to design efficient remediation strategies or accurately predict U(VI) transport. The overall objective of our project is to determine the dominant mechanisms of U(VI)-phosphate reactions in subsurface environments. Our research approach seeks to determine the U(VI)-phosphate solid that form in the presence of different groundwater cations, characterize the effects of phosphate on U(VI) adsorption and precipitation on smectite and iron oxide minerals, examples ofmore » two major reactive mineral phases in contaminated sediments, and investigate how phosphate affects U(VI) speciation and fate during water flow through sediments from contaminated sites. The research activities conducted for this project have generated a series of major findings. U(VI) phosphate solids from the autunite mineral family are the sole phases to form during precipitation, with uranyl orthophosphate not occurring despite its predicted greater stability. Calcium phosphates may take up substantial quantities of U(VI) through three different removal processes (adsorption, coprecipitation, and precipitation) but the dominance of each process varies with the pathway of reaction. Phosphate co-adsorbs with U(VI) onto smectite mineral surfaces, forming a mixed uranium-phosphate surface complex over a wide range of conditions. However, this molecular-scale association of uranium and phosphate has not effect on the overall extent of uptake. In contrast, phosphate enhanced U(VI) adsorption to iron oxide minerals at acidic pH conditions but suppresses such adsorption at neutral and alkaline pH, despite forming mixed uranium-phosphate surface complexes during adsorption. Nucleation barriers exist that inhibit U(VI) phosphate solids from precipitating in the presence of smectite and iron oxide minerals as well as sediments from contaminated sites. Phosphate addition enhances retention of U(VI) by sediments from the Rifle, CO and Hanford, WA field research sites, areas containing substantial uranium contamination of groundwater. This enhanced retention is through adsorption processes. Both fast and slow uptake and release behavior is observed, indicating that diffusion of uranium between sediment grains has a substantial effect of U(VI) fate in flowing groundwater systems. This project has revealed the complexity of U(VI)-phosphate reactions in subsurface systems. Distinct chemical processes occur in acidic and alkaline groundwater systems. For the latter, calcium phosphate formation, solution complexation, and competition between phosphate and uranium for adsorption sites may serve to either enhance or inhibit U(VI) removal from groundwater. Under the groundwater conditions present at many contaminated sites in the U.S., phosphate appears to general enhance U(VI) retention and limit transport. However, formation of low-solubility uranium phosphate solids does not occur under field-relevant conditions, despite this being the desired product of phosphate-based remediation approaches. In addition, simple equilibrium approaches fail to well-predict uranium fate in contaminated sediments amended with phosphate, with reactive transport models that include reaction rates and mass transport through occluded domains needed to properly describe the system. Phosphate addition faces challenges to being effective as a stand-alone groundwater treatment approach but would prove beneficial as an add-on to other treatment methods that will further limit uranium migration in the subsurface.« less

Troubled minds in the Gulf: mental health research in the United Arab Emirates (1989-2008).

PubMed

Osman, Ossama T; Afifi, M

2010-07-01

This article aims to describe the characteristics of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mental health research published from 1989 to 2008 in PubMed indexed journals to identify gaps and to suggest recommendations. Our sensitive PubMed search for general and mental health publications in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the UAE revealed a total of 192 mental health studies published in GCC countries over the past 20 years, which constituted less than 1% of the GCC total biomedical research. Most of the studies were from the UAE University and were either epidemiologic (48.98%) or psychometric (24.49%) with no studies addressing mental health systems research. Underrepresented were studies on health promotion and interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, ethnic, and gender research. There is a need for more international collaboration and for policies that link research conducted to services provided with longitudinal studies to test the long-term impact of early preventive interventions.

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins from blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) wine pomace.

PubMed

He, Bo; Zhang, Ling-Li; Yue, Xue-Yang; Liang, Jin; Jiang, Jun; Gao, Xue-Ling; Yue, Peng-Xiang

2016-08-01

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) of total anthocyanins (TA) and phenolics (TP) from Blueberry Wine Pomace (BWP) was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken design was used to predict that the optimized conditions were an extraction temperature of 61.03°C, a liquid-solid ratio of 21.70mL/g and a sonication time of 23.67min. Using the modeled optimized conditions, the predicted and experimental yields of TA and TP were within a 2% difference. The yields of TA and TP obtained through the optimized UAE method were higher than those using a Conventional Solvent Extraction (CSE) method. Seven anthocyanins, namely delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, delphindin-3-O-arabinoside, petunidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, malvidin-3-O-glucoside and malvidin-3-O-arabinoside, were found in the BWP extract from both the UAE and CSE methods. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of bait quantity and trap color on the trapping efficacy of the pheromone trap for the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.

PubMed

Abuagla, Abdullah Mohamed; Al-Deeb, Mohammad Ali

2012-01-01

The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Curculionidae: Coleoptera), is not native to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Since its arrival in 1985, it has been causing major damage to date palm trees. A primary control strategy has been the use of pheromone baited traps. The objectives of this study were to determine the quantity of bait, and the best trap color, to obtain the maximum catch of R. ferrugineus under field conditions in the UAE. Traps with 100, 300, or 500 g of dates as bait collected the same number of R. ferrugineus adults. Captures in black traps were significantly higher than captures in red, yellow, or white traps. Thus, using a black pheromone trap containing 100 g of dates can significantly enhance R. ferrugineus control efforts, and can help considerably in reducing the red palm weevil's deleterious impact on date palm production in UAE.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Raspberry Seed Oil and Evaluation of Its Physicochemical Properties, Fatty Acid Compositions and Antioxidant Activities

PubMed Central

Huang, Qun; Wang, Jinli; Lin, Qiyang; Liu, Mingxin; Lee, Won Young; Song, Hongbo

2016-01-01

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction was employed for highly efficient separation of aroma oil from raspberry seeds. A central composite design with two variables and five levels was employed and effects of process variables of sonication time and extraction temperature on oil recovery and quality were investigated. Optimal conditions predicted by response surface methodology were sonication time of 37 min and extraction temperature of 54°C. Specifically, ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) was able to provide a higher content of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, whereas conventional Soxhlet extraction (SE) resulted in a higher amount of saturated fatty acids. Moreover, raspberry seed oil contained abundant amounts of edible linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which suggest raspberry seeds could be valuable edible sources of natural γ-linolenic acid products. In comparison with SE, UAE exerted higher free radical scavenging capacities. In addition, UAE significantly blocked H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. PMID:27120053

Optimal dental age estimation practice in United Arab Emirates' children.

PubMed

Altalie, Salem; Thevissen, Patrick; Fieuws, Steffen; Willems, Guy

2014-03-01

The aim of the study was to detect whether the Willems model, developed on a Belgian reference sample, can be used for age estimations in United Arab Emirates (UAE) children. Furthermore, it was verified that if added third molars development information in children provided more accurate age predictions. On 1900 panoramic radiographs, the development of left mandibular permanent teeth (PT) and third molars (TM) was registered according the Demirjian and the Kohler technique, respectively. The PT data were used to verify the Willems model and to develop a UAE model and to verify it. Multiple regression models with PT, TM, and PT + TM scores as independent and age as dependent factor were developed. Comparing the verified Willems- and the UAE model revealed differences in mean error of -0.01 year, mean absolute error of 0.01 year and root mean squared error of 0.90 year. Neglectable overall decrease in RMSE was detected combining PM and TM developmental information. © 2013 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Misdescription of packaged foods: a case study from the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Premanandh, J; Sabbagh, Aman; Maruthamuthu, M

2013-01-01

Food misdescription has become of paramount importance as consumers come into contact daily with a great variety of foods. The controversies surrounding genetically modified organism (GMO) labelling and malpractices in the food chain have forced regulatory authorities to authenticate food from production to consumption. This paper reports the results of a surveillance programme conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market to assess the status of food misdescription and authenticity. A DNA test was used to screen random samples of processed meat products bought from supermarkets in the UAE. A total of 246 samples were analysed from different geographical locations. The majority of samples showed a high standard of legal compliance, with over 95% confirmed for authenticity. However, 5% of samples were found to contain undeclared species. In conclusion, this study confirms the presence of undeclared food in the UAE market. Regular surveillance and monitoring programmes along with strict implementation of the Food and Adulteration Act may alleviate misdescription issues to a greater extent.

Design and test of voltage and current probes for EAST ICRF antenna impedance measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jianhua, WANG; Gen, CHEN; Yanping, ZHAO; Yuzhou, MAO; Shuai, YUAN; Xinjun, ZHANG; Hua, YANG; Chengming, QIN; Yan, CHENG; Yuqing, YANG; Guillaume, URBANCZYK; Lunan, LIU; Jian, CHENG

2018-04-01

On the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST), a pair of voltage and current probes (V/I probes) is installed on the ion cyclotron radio frequency transmission lines to measure the antenna input impedance, and supplement the conventional measurement technique based on voltage probe arrays. The coupling coefficients of V/I probes are sensitive to their sizes and installing locations, thus they should be determined properly to match the measurement range of data acquisition card. The V/I probes are tested in a testing platform at low power with various artificial loads. The testing results show that the deviation of coupling resistance is small for loads R L > 2.5 Ω, while the resistance deviations appear large for loads R L < 1.5 Ω, which implies that the power loss cannot be neglected at high VSWR. As the factors that give rise to the deviation of coupling resistance calculation, the phase measurement error is the more significant factor leads to deleterious results rather than the amplitude measurement error. To exclude the possible ingredients that may lead to phase measurement error, the phase detector can be calibrated in steady L-mode scenario and then use the calibrated data for calculation under H-mode cases in EAST experiments.

A clinical study of airborne allergens in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Lestringant, G G; Bener, A; Frossard, P M; Abdulkhalik, S; Bouix, G

1999-10-01

In the past 25 years the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have experienced a socioeconomic boom. The once nomadic Bedouin population of Al Ain, in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, now lives in modern air-conditioned accommodation, and huge desalination plants have allowed afforestation and farming. To evidence responsible airborne allergens in an UAE population. 263 UAE Nationals who attended Tawam Hospital (Al Ain, UAE) with a respiratory disease suspected of being of allergic origin, were submitted to SPT and RAST. The choice of pollinic allergens was made in accordance with the local flora and market availability. All patients were SPTed with at least the same battery of 15 pollinic and indoor allergens. Most patients were submitted to at least 4 RAST, viz Cynodon dactylon, Salsola kali, Prosopis juliflora and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. 71.8% patients were positive for at least one allergen. Pollen accounted for 61.6% of positive patients, with 45.2% positive to chenopodiaceae, 33% to gramineae and 23.5% to P. juliflora. Indoor allergens were positive in 30.4% of patients with 17.9% positive to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, 11% to Blatella germanica, 8.3% to Cat fur, 4.9% to Goat hair, 0.7% to Rat hair and Mouse hair and 1.5% to Candida albicans. Pollen was the prominent allergen. There is room, however, for further epidemiological studies possibly with new extracts and RAST specifically designed after the species of the Gulf region.

Creating a Framework for Medical Professionalism: An Initial Consensus Statement From an Arab Nation.

PubMed

Abdel-Razig, Sawsan; Ibrahim, Halah; Alameri, Hatem; Hamdy, Hossam; Haleeqa, Khaled Abu; Qayed, Khalil I; Obaid, Laila O; Al Fahim, Maha; Ezimokhai, Mutairu; Sulaiman, Nabil D; Fares, Saleh; Al Darei, Maitha Mohammed; Shahin, Nhayan Qassim; Al Shamsi, Noora Abdulla Omran; Alnooryani, Rashed Arif; Al Falahi, Salama Zayed

2016-05-01

Background Medical professionalism has received increased worldwide attention, yet there is limited information on the applicability and utility of established Western professionalism frameworks in non-Western nations. Objective We developed a locally derived consensus definition of medical professionalism for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which reflects the cultural and social constructs of the UAE and the Middle East. Methods We used a purposive sample of 14 physicians working in the UAE as clinical and education leaders. This expert panel used qualitative methods, including the world café, nominal group technique, the Delphi method, and an interpretive thematic analysis to develop the consensus statement. Results The expert panel defined 9 attributes of medical professionalism. There was considerable overlap with accepted Western definitions, along with important differences in 3 aspects: (1) the primacy of social justice and societal rights; (2) the role of the physician's personal faith and spirituality in guiding professional practices; and (3) societal expectations for professional attributes of physicians that extend beyond the practice of medicine. Conclusions Professionalism is a social construct influenced by cultural and religious contexts. It is imperative that definitions of professionalism used in the education of physicians in training and in the assessment of practicing physicians be formulated locally and encompass specific competencies relevant to the local, social, and cultural context for medical practice. Our goal was to develop a secular consensus statement that encompasses culture and values relevant to professionalism for the UAE and the Arab region.

Acute coronary syndrome registry from four large centres in United Arab Emirates (UAE-ACS Registry)

PubMed Central

Yusufali, Afzalhussein M; AlMahmeed, Wael; Tabatabai, Sadeq; Rao, Kabad; Binbrek, Azan

2010-01-01

Objective To identify the characteristics, treatments and hospital outcomes of patients diagnosed as having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design A 3-year prospective registry. Setting Four tertiary care hospitals in three major cities of UAE from December 2003 to December 2006. Patients 1842 eligible consecutive patients with suspected ACS. Interventions None. Main outcome measures Characteristics, treatments and in-hospital outcomes were recorded. Results The mean age was 50.8±10.0 years, and 93.1% were male. More than half (51%) had ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The smoking rate was 46.4%, and diabetes was present in 38.9%. Only a minority (17.3%) used the ambulance services. For patients with STEMI, the median symptom to hospital time was 127 (IQR 60–256) min, and the median diagnostic ECG to thrombolysis time was 28 (IQR 16–50) min. Reperfusion in STEMI was in 81.4% (64.8% thrombolysis and 16.6% primary percutaneous coronary intervention). During hospitalisation, only a minority of the patients did not receive antiplatelets, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and statin therapy. In-hospital complications were not common in our registry cohort. In-hospital mortality was 1.68%. Conclusions ACS patients in UAE are young but have higher risk factors such as smoking and diabetes. Almost half present as STEMI. Only a minority use ambulance services. PMID:27325958

[Hematopoietic stem cell exhaustion and advanced glycation end-products in the unexplained anemia of the elderly].

PubMed

Sestier, Bernard

2015-01-01

More than 10% of the aged 65 years and over in the western world suffers anemia and in one third of them the cause of the anemia remains obscure. The unexplained anemia of the elderly (UAE) is considered an exclusion diagnosis, without the existence of a clear consensus to its clinical or experimental approach. There is an association between aging and anemia in studies performed in animals and in humans. To determine if there is evidence in the literature that supports hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) exhaustion and the advanced glycation end-products (AGE's) as a cause of UAE. A total of 32 combined texts (28 for HSC exhaustion and 4 for AGEs) were selected after an intensive review. Conclusions were associated with causes and effects of the HSC exhaustion and circulating AGE's over aging and anemia. Only three works try to establish an association between UAE and HSC exhaustion, two of them disagreed in their conclusions, with the third one differing in the type of study. There is a relationship between anemia and AGEs increase and accumulation. There is evidence in the literature that links the aging molecular and cellular mechanisms with the HSC exhaustion and the increase of AGE's. Furthermore; there is some evidence that both conditions determine the emergence of anemia associated with age in animals and in humans. There is little evidence in the literature to clarify the relationship between aging and UAE. Copyright © 2014 SEGG. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Novel Approaches to Extraction Methods in Recovery of Capsaicin from Habanero Pepper (CNPH 15.192)

PubMed Central

Martins, Frederico S.; Borges, Leonardo L.; Ribeiro, Claudia S. C.; Reifschneider, Francisco J. B.; Conceição, Edemilson C.

2017-01-01

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare three capsaicin extraction methods: Shoxlet, Ultrasound-assisted Extraction (UAE), and Shaker-assisted Extraction (SAE) from Habanero pepper, CNPH 15.192. Materials and Methods: The different parameters evaluated were alcohol degree, time extraction, and solid–solvent ratio using response surface methodology (RSM). Results: The three parameters found significant (p < 0.05) were for UAE and solvent concentration and extraction time for SAE. The optimum conditions for the capsaicin UAE and SAE were similar 95% alcohol degree, 30 minutes and solid–liquid ratio 2 mg/mL. The Soxhlet increased the extraction in 10–25%; however, long extraction times (45 minutes) degraded 2% capsaicin. Conclusion: The extraction of capsaicin was influenced by extraction method and by the operating conditions chosen. The optimized conditions provided savings of time, solvent, and herbal material. Prudent choice of the extraction method is essential to ensure optimal yield of extract, thereby making the study relevant and the knowledge gained useful for further exploitation and application of this resource. SUMMARY Habanero pepper, line CNPH 15.192, possess capsaicin in higher levels when compared with others speciesHigher levels of ethanolic strength are more suitable to obtain a higher levels of capsaicinBox-Behnken design indicates to be useful to explore the best conditions of ultrasound assisted extraction of capsaicin. Abbreviations used: Nomenclature UAE: Ultrasound-assisted Extraction; SAE: Shaker-assisted Extraction. PMID:28808409

Conservative management of cesarean scar pregnancies: a prospective randomized controlled trial at a single center.

PubMed

Wang, Mingyi; Yang, Zhiling; Li, Yunming; Chen, Biliang; Wang, Jian; Ma, Xiangdong; Wang, Yu

2015-01-01

To assess clinical outcomes related to conservative management of women with cesarean scar pregnancies (CSPs), specifically through uterine artery embolization (UAE) with local and systemic methotrexate (MTX) treatment (UAE-MTX), or ultrasound-guided local and systemic MTX treatment (USG-MTX). Forty-five patients with CSP were randomly allocated to receive UAE-MTX (n = 24) or USG-MTX (n = 21). Participants' clinical outcomes were compared, and clinical characteristics of failed cases were evaluated relative to successful cases. The 2 groups were similar in clinical characteristics, success rate (83.3% cf. 80.9%), time to normalization of serum beta (β) human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), and percentage of patients receiving multiple doses of systemic MTX. However, within the failed cases, the percentages of patients with gestational sac > 5 cm (87.5%), or type II CSP (75.0%) was significantly higher than in the successful cases (13.5% and 18.9%, respectively; P < 0.001, both), without regard to treatment group. According to the logistic regression model, a gestational sac diameter > 5 cm or type II CSP were independent risk factors for failed CSP management (gestational sac > 5 cm: OR 51.87, 95% CI 3.48-775.91, P < 0.01; type II CSP: OR 15.54, 95% CI 1.25-193.36, P < 0.05). The conservative treatments UAE-MTX and USG-MTX were similarly effective in treating CSP patients. Either treatment was likely to fail for CSP patients with gestational sac > 5 cm or type II CSP.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Diabetic Patients in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Al-Maskari, Fatma; El-Sadig, Mohamed; Al-Kaabi, Juma M.; Afandi, Bachar; Nagelkerke, Nicolas; Yeatts, Karin B.

2013-01-01

Introduction Diabetes self-management education is a cornerstone of diabetes care. However, many diabetics in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lack sufficient knowledge about their disease due to illiteracy. Thus, before considering any possible intervention it was imperative to assess present knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients towards the management of diabetes. Methods A random sample of 575 DM patients was selected from diabetes outpatient's clinics of Tawam and Al-Ain hospitals in Al-Ain city (UAE) during 2006–2007, and their knowledge attitude and practice assessed using a questionnaire modified from the Michigan Diabetes Research Training Center instrument. Results Thirty-one percent of patients had poor knowledge of diabetes. Seventy-two had negative attitudes towards having the disease and 57% had HbA1c levels reflecting poor glycemic control. Only seventeen percent reported having adequate blood sugar control, while 10% admitted non-compliance with their medications. Knowledge, practice and attitude scores were all statistically significantly positively, but rather weakly, associated, but none of these scores was significantly correlated with HbA1c. Conclusions The study showed low levels of diabetes awareness but positive attitudes towards the importance of DM care and satisfactory diabetes practices in the UAE. Programs to increase patients' awareness about DM are essential for all diabetics in the UAE in order to improve their understanding, compliance and management and, thereby, their ability to cope with the disease. PMID:23341913

Creating a Framework for Medical Professionalism: An Initial Consensus Statement From an Arab Nation

PubMed Central

Abdel-Razig, Sawsan; Ibrahim, Halah; Alameri, Hatem; Hamdy, Hossam; Haleeqa, Khaled Abu; Qayed, Khalil I.; Obaid, Laila O.; Al Fahim, Maha; Ezimokhai, Mutairu; Sulaiman, Nabil D.; Fares, Saleh; Al Darei, Maitha Mohammed; Shahin, Nhayan Qassim; Al Shamsi, Noora Abdulla Omran; Alnooryani, Rashed Arif; Al Falahi, Salama Zayed

2016-01-01

Background Medical professionalism has received increased worldwide attention, yet there is limited information on the applicability and utility of established Western professionalism frameworks in non-Western nations. Objective We developed a locally derived consensus definition of medical professionalism for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which reflects the cultural and social constructs of the UAE and the Middle East. Methods We used a purposive sample of 14 physicians working in the UAE as clinical and education leaders. This expert panel used qualitative methods, including the world café, nominal group technique, the Delphi method, and an interpretive thematic analysis to develop the consensus statement. Results The expert panel defined 9 attributes of medical professionalism. There was considerable overlap with accepted Western definitions, along with important differences in 3 aspects: (1) the primacy of social justice and societal rights; (2) the role of the physician's personal faith and spirituality in guiding professional practices; and (3) societal expectations for professional attributes of physicians that extend beyond the practice of medicine. Conclusions Professionalism is a social construct influenced by cultural and religious contexts. It is imperative that definitions of professionalism used in the education of physicians in training and in the assessment of practicing physicians be formulated locally and encompass specific competencies relevant to the local, social, and cultural context for medical practice. Our goal was to develop a secular consensus statement that encompasses culture and values relevant to professionalism for the UAE and the Arab region. PMID:27168882

Tropospheric Enhancement of Ozone over the UAE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi, Naveed Ali; Majeed, Tariq; Iqbal, Mazhar; Kaminski, Jacek; Struzewska, Joanna; Durka, Pawel; Tarasick, David; Davies, Jonathan

2015-04-01

We use the Global Environmental Multiscale - Air Quality (GEM-AQ) model to interpret the vertical profiles of ozone acquired with ozone sounding experiments at the meteorological site located at the Abu Dhabi airport. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the chemical and dynamical structures in the atmosphere of this unique subtropical location (latitude 24.45N; longitude 54.22E). Ozone observations for years 2012 - 2013 reveal elevated ozone abundances in the range from 70 ppbv to 120 ppbv near 500-400 hPa during summer. The ozone abundances in other seasons are much lower than these values. The preliminary results indicate that summertime enhancement in ozone is associated with the Arabian anticyclones centered over the Zagros Mountains in Iran and the Asir and Hijaz Mountain ranges in Saudi Arabia, and is consistent with TES observations of deuterated water. The model also shows considerable seasonal variation in the tropospheric ozone which is transported from the stratosphere by dynamical processes. The domestic production of ozone in the middle troposphere is estimated and compared GEM-AQ model. It is estimated that about 40-50% of ozone in the UAE is transported from the neighbouring petrochemical industries in the Gulf region. We will present ozone sounding data and GEM-AQ results including a discussion on the high levels of the tropospheric ozone responsible for contaminating the air quality in the UAE. This work is supported by National Research Foundation, UAE.

Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control, in male South Asian immigrants in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Shah, Syed M; Loney, Tom; Sheek-Hussein, Mohamud; El Sadig, Mohamed; Al Dhaheri, Salma; El Barazi, Iffat; Al Marzouqi, Layla; Aw, Tar-Ching; Ali, Raghib

2015-05-07

South Asian males constitute the largest proportion of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population. Minimal data is available on the prevalence of hypertension among South Asian immigrants in the UAE. We determined the prevalence, associated factors, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among male South Asian immigrants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh residing in the UAE. We recruited a representative sample (n = 1375; 76.4 % participation rate) of South Asian adult (≥18 years) immigrant males, including Indian (n = 433), Pakistani (n = 383) and Bangladeshi (n = 559) nationalities in Al Ain, UAE (January-June 2012). Blood pressure, height, body mass, waist and hip circumference data were obtained using standard protocols. Information related to socio-demographics, lifestyle factors, history of diagnosis and treatment of hypertension was collected through a pilot-tested adapted version of the STEPS instrument, developed by the World Health Organization for the measurement of non-communicable disease risk factors at the country level . Mean age of participants was 34.0 years (95 % confidence interval (CI): 33.4, 34.5 years) and the overall prevalence of hypertension was 30.5 % (95 % CI 28.0, 32.8). In this study, 62 % of study participants had never had their blood pressure measured. Over three quarters (76 %) of the sample classified as hypertensive were not aware of their condition. Less than half (48.5 %) of the sample that were aware of their hypertension reported using antihypertensive medication and only 8.3 % had their hypertension under control (<140/90 mmHg). Hypertensive participants were more likely to be overweight (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.43; 95 % CI 1.01, 2.01); obese (AOR = 2.49; 95 % CI: 1.51, 4.10); have central obesity (AOR = 2.01; 95 % CI 1.37, 2.92); have a family history of hypertension (AOR = 1.51; 95 % CI 1.05, 2.17); and were less likely to walk 30 minutes daily (AOR = 1.79; 95 % CI 1.24, 2.60). The prevalence of hypertension in a representative sample of young male South Asian immigrants living in the UAE was relatively high. However, the awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension within this population were very low. Strategies are urgently needed to improve the awareness and control of hypertension in this large population of migrant workers in the UAE.

Cast Aluminum Structures Technology (CAST) Phase VI. Technology Transfer.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-04-01

and other aspects of the program was provided as follows: o Phase I--Preliminary Design Richard C. Jones o Phase il--Manufacturing Methods Richard G...Christner o Phase Ill--Detailed Design Richard C. Jones o Phase IV--Fabrication of Demonstration Richard G. Christner Articles and Production... Richard C. Jones, assisted by Carlos J. Romero, Christian K. Gunther, Cecil E. Parsons, and Donald D. Goehler; and by Walter Hyler of Battelle Columbus

Phase transitions in the system CaCO3 at high P and T determined by in situ vibrational spectroscopy in diamond anvil cells and first-principles simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koch-Müller, Monika; Jahn, Sandro; Birkholz, Natalie; Ritter, Eglof; Schade, Ulrich

2016-09-01

The stability of the high-pressure CaCO3 calcite (cc)-related polymorphs was studied in experiments that were performed in conventional diamond anvil cells (DAC) at room temperature as a function of pressure up to 30 GPa as well as in internally heated diamond anvil cells (DAC-HT) at pressures and temperatures up to 20 GPa and 800 K. To probe structural changes, we used Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. For the latter, we applied conventional and synchrotron mid-infrared as well as synchrotron far-infrared radiation. Within the cc-III stability field (2.2-15 GPa at room temperature, e.g., Catalli and Williams in Phys Chem Miner 32(5-6):412-417, 2005), we observed in the Raman spectra consistently three different spectral patterns: Two patterns at pressures below and above 3.3 GPa were already described in Pippinger et al. (Phys Chem Miner 42(1):29-43, 2015) and assigned to the phase transition of cc-IIIb to cc-III at 3.3 GPa. In addition, we observed a clear change between 5 and 6 GPa that is independent of the starting material and the pressure path and time path of the experiments. This apparent change in the spectral pattern is only visible in the low-frequency range of the Raman spectra—not in the infrared spectra. Complementary electronic structure calculations confirm the existence of three distinct stability regions of cc-III-type phases at pressures up to about 15 GPa. By combining experimental and simulation data, we interpret the transition at 5-6 GPa as a re-appearance of the cc-IIIb phase. In all types of experiments, we confirmed the transition from cc-IIIb to cc-VI at about 15 GPa at room temperature. We found that temperature stabilizes cc-VI to lower pressure. The reaction cc-IIIb to cc-VI has a negative slope of -7.0 × 10-3 GPa K-1. Finally, we discuss the possibility of the dense cc-VI phase being more stable than aragonite at certain pressure and temperature conditions relevant to the Earth's mantle.

Rare-earth element fractionation in uranium ore and its U(VI) alteration minerals

DOE PAGES

Balboni, Enrica; Spano, T; Cook, N; ...

2017-10-20

We developed a cation exchange chromatography method employing sulfonated polysterene cation resin (DOWEX AG50-X8) in order to separate rare-earth elements (REEs) from uranium-rich materials. The chemical separation scheme is designed to reduce matrix effects and consequently yield enhanced ionization efficiencies for concentration determinations of REEs without significant fractionation using solution mode-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. This method was then applied to determine REE abundances in four uraninite (ideally UO 2) samples and their associated U(VI) alteration minerals. In three of the samples analyzed, the concentration of REEs for primary uraninite are higher than those for their corresponding secondarymore » uranium alteration phases. The results for U(VI) alteration minerals of two samples indicate enrichment of the light REEs (LREEs) over the heavy REEs (HREEs). This differential mobilization is attributed to differences in the mineralogical composition of the U(VI) alteration. There is a lack of fractionation of the LREEs in the uraninite alteration rind that is composed of U(VI) minerals containing Ca 2+ as the interlayer cation (uranophane and bequerelite); contrarily, U(VI) alteration minerals containing K + and Pb 2+ as interlayer cations (fourmarierite, dumontite) indicate fractionation (enrichment) of the LREEs. Our results have implications for nuclear forensic analyses since a comparison is reported between the REE abundances for the CUP-2 (processed uranium ore) certified reference material and previously determined values for uranium ore concentrate (UOC) produced from the same U deposit (Blind River/Elliott Lake, Canada). UOCs represent the most common form of interdicted nuclear material and consequently is material frequently targeted for forensic analysis. The comparison reveals similar chondrite normalized REE signatures but variable absolute abundances. Based on the results reported here, the latter may be attributed to the differing REE abundances between primary ore and associated alteration phases, and/or is related to varying fabrication processes adopted during production of UOC.« less

Graphene oxide-TiO2 composite solid phase extraction combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for the speciation of inorganic selenium in water samples.

PubMed

Zhang, Yanan; Chen, Beibei; Wu, Shaowei; He, Man; Hu, Bin

2016-07-01

In this paper, a method of graphene oxide (GO)-TiO2 composite solid phase extraction followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) detection was proposed for the speciation of inorganic selenium in environmental waters. The adsorption behavior of inorganic Se(IV) and Se(VI) on the GO-TiO2(1:1) composite was investigated. It was found that Se(IV) was quantitatively retained on the GO-TiO2 composites within a wide pH range of 0.5-10, while Se(VI) was quantitatively adsorbed on GO-TiO2(1:1) composite at pH 0.5-2, and no obvious adsorption of Se(VI) within the pH range of 4-10 was found. By selecting pH 6.0, Se(IV) could be easily determined. After reduction of Se(VI), total Se was determined by the proposed method, and Se(VI) was calculated as the difference between the total Se and Se(IV). The factors affecting the separation/preconcentration of Se(IV) and Se(VI) were studied. Under the optimum conditions, the isothermal adsorption of Se(IV) on the GO-TiO2(1:1) composite fitted Langmuir model; a linear range over 0.1-12ngmL(-1) was obtained. The limit of detection (LOD) and precision of the method for Se(IV) was 0.04ngmL(-1) and 9.4% (cSe(IV)=0.5ngmL(-1), n=7), respectively. In order to verify the accuracy of the method, a standard water sample (GSBZ50031-94) was analyzed, and the determined value was in a good agreement to the certified value. The established method was applied to inorganic Se speciation in environmental water samples and the recovery of 87.4-102% was obtained for the spiked samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rare-earth element fractionation in uranium ore and its U(VI) alteration minerals

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

Balboni, Enrica; Spano, T; Cook, N

We developed a cation exchange chromatography method employing sulfonated polysterene cation resin (DOWEX AG50-X8) in order to separate rare-earth elements (REEs) from uranium-rich materials. The chemical separation scheme is designed to reduce matrix effects and consequently yield enhanced ionization efficiencies for concentration determinations of REEs without significant fractionation using solution mode-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. This method was then applied to determine REE abundances in four uraninite (ideally UO 2) samples and their associated U(VI) alteration minerals. In three of the samples analyzed, the concentration of REEs for primary uraninite are higher than those for their corresponding secondarymore » uranium alteration phases. The results for U(VI) alteration minerals of two samples indicate enrichment of the light REEs (LREEs) over the heavy REEs (HREEs). This differential mobilization is attributed to differences in the mineralogical composition of the U(VI) alteration. There is a lack of fractionation of the LREEs in the uraninite alteration rind that is composed of U(VI) minerals containing Ca 2+ as the interlayer cation (uranophane and bequerelite); contrarily, U(VI) alteration minerals containing K + and Pb 2+ as interlayer cations (fourmarierite, dumontite) indicate fractionation (enrichment) of the LREEs. Our results have implications for nuclear forensic analyses since a comparison is reported between the REE abundances for the CUP-2 (processed uranium ore) certified reference material and previously determined values for uranium ore concentrate (UOC) produced from the same U deposit (Blind River/Elliott Lake, Canada). UOCs represent the most common form of interdicted nuclear material and consequently is material frequently targeted for forensic analysis. The comparison reveals similar chondrite normalized REE signatures but variable absolute abundances. Based on the results reported here, the latter may be attributed to the differing REE abundances between primary ore and associated alteration phases, and/or is related to varying fabrication processes adopted during production of UOC.« less

An approach to compute the C factor for universal soil loss equation using EOS-MODIS vegetation index (VI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hui; He, Huizhong; Chen, Xiaoling; Zhang, Lihua

2008-12-01

C factor, known as cover and management factor in USLE, is one of the most important factors since it represents the combined effects of plant, soil cover and management on erosion, whereas it also most easily changed variables by men for it itself is time-variant and the uncertainty nature. So it's vital to compute C factor properly in order to model erosion effectively. In this paper we attempt to present a new method for calculating C value using Vegetation Index (VI) derived from multi-temporal MODIS imagery, which can estimate C factor in a more scientific way. Based on the theory that C factor is strongly correlated with VI, the average annual C value is estimated by adding the VI value of three growth phases within a year with different weights. Modified Fournier Index (MFI) is employed to determine the weight of each growth phase for the vegetation growth and agricultural activities are significantly influenced by precipitation. The C values generated by the proposed method were compared with that of other method, and the results showed that the results of our method is highly correlated with the others. This study is helpful to extract C value from satellite data in a scientific and efficient way, which in turn could be used to facilitate the prediction of erosion.

Plasmonic Structures for CMOS Photonics and Control of Spontaneous Emission

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

structures; v) developed CMOS Si photonic switching device based on the vanadium dioxide ( VO2 ) phase transition. vi) also engaged in a partnership with...CMOS Si photonic switching device based on the vanadium dioxide ( VO2 ) phase transition. vii. exploring approaches to enhance spontaneous emission in...size and bandwidth, we are exploring phase-change materials and, in particular, vanadium dioxide. VO2 undergoes an insulator-to-metal phase transition

Synthesis, characterization and application of Lagerstroemia speciosa embedded magnetic nanoparticle for Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solution.

PubMed

Srivastava, Shalini; Agrawal, Shashi Bhushan; Mondal, Monoj Kumar

2017-05-01

Lagerstroemia speciosa bark (LB) embedded magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation of Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ salt solution with ammonia and LB for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solution. The native LB, magnetic nanoparticle (MNP), L. speciosa embedded magnetic nanoparticle (MNPLB) and Cr(VI) adsorbed MNPLB particles were characterized by SEM-EDX, TEM, BET-surface area, FT-IR, XRD and TGA methods. TEM analysis confirmed nearly spherical shape of MNP with an average diameter of 8.76nm and the surface modification did not result in the phase change of MNP as established by XRD analysis, while led to the formation of secondary particles of MNPLB with diameter of 18.54nm. Characterization results revealed covalent binding between the hydroxyl group of MNP and carboxyl group of LB particles and further confirmed its physico-chemical nature favorable for Cr(VI) adsorption. The Cr(VI) adsorption on to MNPLB particle as an adsorbent was tested under different contact time, initial Cr(VI) concentration, adsorbent dose, initial pH, temperature and agitation speed. The results of the equilibrium and kinetics of adsorption were well described by Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order model, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters suggest spontaneous and endothermic nature of Cr(VI) adsorption onto MNPLB. The maximum adsorption capacity for MNPLB was calculated to be 434.78mg/g and these particles even after Cr(VI) adsorption were collected effortlessly from the aqueous solution by a magnet. The desorption of Cr(VI)-adsorbed MNPLB was found to be more than 93.72% with spent MNPLB depicting eleven successive adsorption-desorption cycles. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Equilibrium of molybdenum in selected extraction systems

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

Tkac, Peter; Paulenova, Alena

2007-07-01

The concentration of molybdenum(VI) in dissolved irradiated nuclear fuel is comparable with the concentrations of Tc, Am and Np. Therefore it is of big interest to understand its behavior under conditions related to the UREX/TRUEX process. The effect of the poly-speciation of molybdenum in aqueous solution on its extraction by neutral solvents TBP and CMPO/TBP was studied. Extraction yields of molybdenum decreased significantly when AHA was added to aqueous phase. Our investigation confirmed a strong ability of the aceto-hydroxamic acid to form complexes with Mo in high acidic solutions. Spectroscopic data (UV-Vis) confirmed that a fraction of the Mo(VI)-AHA complexmore » is present in the organic phase after extraction. (authors)« less

RANS Simulation (Actuator Disk Model[ADM]) of the NREL Phase VI wind turbine modeled as MHK Turbine

DOE Data Explorer

Javaherchi, Teymour

2016-06-08

Attached are the .cas and .dat files for the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulation of a single lab-scaled DOE RM1 turbine implemented in ANSYS FLUENT CFD-package. In this case study the flow field around and in the wake of the NREL Phase VI wind turbine, modeled is MHK turbine, is simulated using Actuator Disk Model (a.k.a Porous Media) by solving RANS equations coupled with a turbulence closure model. It should be highlighted that in this simulation the actual geometry of the rotor blade is not modeled. The effect of turbine rotating blades are modeled using the Actuator Disk Theory (see the stated section of attached M.Sc. thesis for more details).

Effect of uranium(VI) speciation on simultaneous microbial reduction of uranium(VI) and iron(III).

PubMed

Stewart, Brandy D; Amos, Richard T; Fendorf, Scott

2011-01-01

Uranium is a pollutant of concern to both human and ecosystem health. Uranium's redox state often dictates whether it will reside in the aqueous or solid phase and thus plays an integral role in the mobility of uranium within the environment. In anaerobic environments, the more oxidized and mobile form of uranium (UO2(2+) and associated species) may be reduced, directly or indirectly, by microorganisms to U(IV) with subsequent precipitation of UO. However, various factors within soils and sediments, such as U(VI) speciation and the presence of competitive electron acceptors, may limit biological reduction of U(VI). Here we examine simultaneous dissimilatory reduction of Fe(III) and U(VI) in batch systems containing dissolved uranyl acetate and ferrihydrite-coated sand. Varying amounts of calcium were added to induce changes in aqueous U(VI) speciation. The amount of uranium removed from solution during 100 h of incubation with S. putrefaciens was 77% in absence of Ca or ferrihydrite, but only 24% (with ferrihydrite) and 14% (without ferrihydrite) were removed for systems with 0.8 mM Ca. Dissimilatory reduction of Fe(III) and U(VI) proceed through different enzyme pathways within one type of organism. We quantified the rate coefficients for simultaneous dissimilatory reduction of Fe(III) and U(VI) in systems varying in Ca concecentration (0-0.8 mM). The mathematical construct, implemented with the reactive transport code MIN3P, reveals predominant factors controlling rates and extent of uranium reduction in complex geochemical systems.

Non-enzymatic U(VI) interactions with biogenic mackinawite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veeramani, H.; Qafoku, N. P.; Kukkadapu, R. K.; Murayama, M.; Hochella, M. F.

2011-12-01

Reductive immobilization of hexavalent uranium [U(VI)] by stimulation of dissimilatory metal and/or sulfate reducing bacteria (DMRB or DSRB) has been extensively researched as a remediation strategy for subsurface U(VI) contamination. These bacteria derive energy by reducing oxidized metals as terminal electron acceptors, often utilizing organic substrates as electron donors. Thus, when evaluating the potential for in-situ uranium remediation in heterogeneous subsurface media, it is important to understand how the presence of alternative electron acceptors such as Fe(III) and sulfate affect U(VI) remediation and the long term behavior and reactivity of reduced uranium. Iron, an abundant subsurface element, represents a substantial sink for electrons from DMRB, and the reduction of Fe(III) leads to the formation of dissolved Fe(II) or to reactive biogenic Fe(II)- and mixed Fe(II)/Fe(III)- mineral phases. Consequently, abiotic U(VI) reduction by reactive forms of biogenic Fe(II) minerals could be a potentially important process for uranium immobilization. In our study, the DMRB Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 was used to synthesize a biogenic Fe(II)-bearing sulfide mineral: mackinawite, that has been characterized by XRD, SEM, HRTEM and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Batch experiments involving treated biogenic mackinawite and uranium (50:1 molar ratio) were carried out at room temperature under strict anoxic conditions. Following complete removal of uranium from solution, the biogenic mackinawite was analyzed by a suite of analytical techniques including XAS, HRTEM and Mössbauer spectroscopy to determine the speciation of uranium and investigate concomitant Fe(II)-phase transformation. Determining the speciation of uranium is critical to success of a remediation strategy. The present work elucidates non-enzymatic/abiotic molecular scale redox interactions between biogenic mackinawite and uranium.

The effect of Si and Al concentrations on the removal of U(VI) in the alkaline conditions created by NH3 gas

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

Katsenovich, Yelena P.; Cardona, Claudia; Lapierre, Robert

2016-10-01

Remediation of uranium in the deep unsaturated zone is a challenging task, especially in the presence of oxygenated, high-carbonate alkalinity soil and pore water composition typical for arid and semi-arid environments of the western regions of the U.S. This study evaluates the effect of various pore water constituencies on changes of uranium concentrations in alkaline conditions, created in the presence of reactive gases such as NH3 to effectively mitigate uranium contamination in the vadose zone sediments. This contaminant is a potential source for groundwater pollution through slow infiltration of soluble and highly mobile uranium species towards the water table. Themore » objective of this research was to evaluate uranium sequestration efficiencies in the alkaline synthetic pore water solutions prepared in a broad range of Si, Al, and bicarbonate concentrations typically present in field systems of the western U.S. regions and identify solid uranium-bearing phases that result from ammonia gas treatment. In previous studies (Szecsody et al. 2012; Zhong et al. 2015), although uranium mobility was greatly decreased, solid phases could not be identified at the low uranium concentrations in field-contaminated sediments. The chemical composition of the synthetic pore water used in the experiments varied for silica (5–250 mM), Al3+ (2.8 or 5 mM), HCO3- (0–100 mM) and U(VI) (0.0021–0.0084 mM) in the solution mixture. Experiment results suggested that solutions with Si concentrations higher than 50 mM exhibited greater removal efficiencies of U(VI). Solutions with higher concentrations of bicarbonate also exhibited greater removal efficiencies for Si, Al, and U(VI). Overall, the silica polymerization reaction leading to the formation of Si gel correlated with the removal of U(VI), Si, and Al from the solution. If no Si polymerization was observed, there was no U removal from the supernatant solution. Speciation modeling indicated that the dominant uranium species in the presence of bicarbonate were anionic uranyl carbonate complexes (UO2(CO3)2-2 and UO2(CO3)3-4) and in the absence of bicarbonate in the solution, U(VI) major species appeared as uranyl-hydroxide (UO2(OH)3- and UO2(OH)4-2) species. The model also predicted the formation of uranium solid phases. Uranyl carbonates as rutherfordine [UO2CO3], cejkaite [Na4(UO2)(CO3)3] and hydrated uranyl silicate phases as Na-boltwoodite [Na(UO2)(SiO4)·1.5H2O] were anticipated for most of the synthetic pore water compositions amended from medium (2.9 mM) to high (100 mM) bicarbonate concentrations.« less

Streptomyces globosus UAE1, a Potential Effective Biocontrol Agent for Black Scorch Disease in Date Palm Plantations.

PubMed

Saeed, Esam E; Sham, Arjun; Salmin, Zeinab; Abdelmowla, Yasmeen; Iratni, Rabah; El-Tarabily, Khaled; AbuQamar, Synan

2017-01-01

Many fungal diseases affect date palm causing considerable losses in date production worldwide. We found that the fungicide Cidely ® Top inhibited the mycelial growth of the soil-borne pathogenic fungus Thielaviopsis punctulata , the causal agent of black scorch disease of date palm, both in vitro and in vivo . Because the use of biocontrol agents (BCAs) can minimize the impact of pathogen control on economic and environmental concerns related to chemical control, we aimed at testing local actinomycete strains isolated from the rhizosphere soil of healthy date palm cultivated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against T. punctulata . The selected isolate can thus be used as a potential agent for integrated disease management programs. In general, the BCA showed antagonism in vitro and in greenhouse experiments against this pathogen. The most promising actinomycete isolate screened showed the highest efficacy against the black scorch disease when applied before or at the same time of inoculation with T. punctulata , compared with BCA or fungicide application after inoculation. The nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analyses using the 16 S ribosomal RNA gene with other Streptomyces spp. in addition to morphological and cultural characteristics revealed that the isolated UAE strain belongs to Streptomyces globosus UAE1. The antagonistic activity of S. globosus against T. punctulata , was associated with the production by this strain of diffusible antifungal metabolites i.e., metabolites that can inhibit mycelial growth of the pathogen. This was evident in the responses of the vegetative growth of pure cultures of the pathogen when exposed to the culture filtrates of the BCA. Altogether, the pathogenicity tests, disease severity indices and mode of action tests confirmed that the BCA was not only capable of suppressing black scorch disease symptoms, but also could prevent the spread of the pathogen, as a potential practical method to improve disease management in the palm plantations. This is the first report of an actinomycete, naturally occurring in the UAE with the potential for use as a BCA in the management of the black scorch disease of date palms in the region.

Real-time observation of morphological transformations in II-VI semiconducting nanobelts via environmental transmission electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Agarwal, Rahul; Zakharov, Dmitri N.; Krook, Nadia M.; ...

2015-05-01

It has been observed that wurtzite II–VI semiconducting nanobelts transform into single-crystal, periodically branched nanostructures upon heating. The mechanism of this novel transformation has been elucidated by heating II–VI nanobelts in an environmental transmission electron microscope (ETEM) in oxidizing, reducing and inert atmospheres while observing their structural changes with high spatial resolution. The interplay of surface reconstruction of high-energy surfaces of the wurtzite phase and environment-dependent anisotropic chemical etching of certain crystal surfaces in the branching mechanism of nanobelts has been observed. Understanding of structural and chemical transformations of materials via in situ microscopy techniques and their role in designingmore » new nanostructured materials is discussed.« less

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

Mara, Michal; Maskova, Jana; Fucikova, Zuzana

The purpose of this study was to compare the midterm results of a radiological and surgical approach to uterine fibroids. One hundred twenty-one women with reproductive plans who presented with an intramural fibroid(s) larger than 4 cm were randomly selected for either uterine artery embolization (UAE) or myomectomy. We compared the efficacy and safety of the two procedures and their impact on patient fertility. Fifty-eight embolizations and 63 myomectomies (42 laparoscopic, 21 open) were performed. One hundred eighteen patients have finished at least a 12-month follow-up; the mean follow-up in the entire study population was 24.9 months. Embolized patients underwentmore » a significantly shorter procedure and required a shorter hospital stay and recovery period. They also presented with a lower CRP concentration on the second day after the procedure (p < 0.0001 for all parameters). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the rate of technical success, symptomatic effectiveness, postprocedural follicle stimulating hormone levels, number of reinterventions for fibroid recurrence or regrowth, or complication rates. Forty women after myomectomy and 26 after UAE have tried to conceive, and of these we registered 50 gestations in 45 women. There were more pregnancies (33) and labors (19) and fewer abortions (6) after surgery than after embolization (17 pregnancies, 5 labors, 9 abortions) (p < 0.05). Obstetrical and perinatal results were similar in both groups, possibly due to the low number of labors after UAE to date. We conclude that UAE is less invasive and as symptomatically effective and safe as myomectomy, but myomectomy appears to have superior reproductive outcomes in the first 2 years after treatment.« less

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

Das, Raj, E-mail: rajdas@nhs.net, E-mail: raj.das@stgeorges.nhs.uk; Lucatelli, Pierleone, E-mail: pierleone.lucatelli@gmail.com; Wang, Haofan, E-mail: wwhhff123@gmail.com

AimA clear understanding of operator experience is important in improving technical success whilst minimising patient risk undergoing endovascular procedures, and there is the need to ensure that trainees have the appropriate skills as primary operators. The aim of the study is to retrospectively analyse uterine artery embolisation (UAE) procedures performed by interventional radiology (IR) trainees at an IR training unit analysing fluoroscopy times and radiation dose as surrogate markers of technical skill.MethodsTen IR fellows were primary operator in 200 UAE procedures over a 5-year period. We compared fluoroscopy times, radiation dose and complications, after having them categorised according to threemore » groups: Group 1, initial five, Group 2, >5 procedures and Group 3, penultimate five UAE procedures. We documented factors that may affect screening time (number of vials employed and use of microcatheters).ResultsMean fluoroscopy time was 18.4 (±8.1), 17.3 (±9.0), 16.3 (±8.4) min in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups (p > 0.05) with respect to fluoroscopy time or radiation dose. Analysis after correction for confounding factors showed no statistical significance (p > 0.05). All procedures were technically successful, and total complication rate was 4 %.ConclusionUAE was chosen as a highly standardised procedure followed by IR practitioners. Although there is a non-significant trend for shorter screening times with experience, technical success and safety were not compromised with appropriate Consultant supervision, which illustrates a safe construct for IR training. This is important and reassuring information for patients undergoing a procedure in a training unit.« less

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

Smeets, A. J., E-mail: radiol@eztilburg.nl; Nijenhuis, R. J.; Boekkooi, P. F.

Introduction: Long-term results of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for adenomyosis are largely unknown. We assess long-term outcome of UAE in 40 women with adenomyosis. Materials and methods: Between March 1999 and October 2006, 40 consecutive women with adenomyosis (22 in combination with fibroids) were treated with UAE. Changes in junction zone thickness were assessed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and again at 3 months. After a mean clinical follow-up of 65 months (median 58 [range 38-129]), women filled out the uterine fibroid symptom and quality of life (UFS-QoL) questionnaire, which had additional questions on the long-term evolution ofmore » baseline symptoms and adverse events. Results: During follow-up, 7 of 40 women (18%) underwent hysterectomy. Among these 7 women, the junction zones were significantly thicker, both at baseline (mean 23 vs. 16 mm, P = 0.028) and at 3-month follow-up (mean 15 vs. 9 mm, P = 0.034). Of 33 women with preserved uterus, 29 were asymptomatic. Four patients had symptom severity scores of 50 to 85 and overall QoL scores of 60 to 66, indicating substantial clinical symptoms. There was no relation between clinical outcome and the initial presence of fibroids in addition to adenomyosis. Conclusion: In women with therapy-resistant adenomyosis, UAE resulted in long-term preservation of the uterus in the majority. Most patients with preserved uterus were asymptomatic. The only predictor for hysterectomy during follow-up was initial thickness of the junction zone. The presence or absence of fibroids in addition to adenomyosis had no relation with the need for hysterectomy or clinical outcome.« less

Extraction of Natural Antioxidants from the Thelephora ganbajun Mushroom by an Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Technique and Evaluation of Antiproliferative Activity of the Extract against Human Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Xu, Dong-Ping; Zheng, Jie; Zhou, Yue; Li, Ya; Li, Sha; Li, Hua-Bin

2016-10-01

The Thelephora ganbajun mushroom has been found to be a potential rich source of natural antioxidants. In this study, an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique together with GRAS (generally recognized as safe) solvents (ethanol and water) was used to maximize the extraction of antioxidants from Thelephora ganbajun . Five extraction parameters (ethanol concentration, solvent to solid ratio, extraction time, temperature and ultrasound power) were investigated by single-factor experiments, and then a central composite rotatable design was employed to study interaction of three key extraction parameters. The optimum conditions were as follows: 57.38% ethanol, 70.15 mL/g solvent to solid ratio, 10.58 min extraction time, 40 °C extraction temperature and 500 W ultrasound power. Under the optimum conditions, the antioxidant activity obtained was 346.98 ± 12.19 µmol Trolox/g DW, in accordance with the predicted value of 344.67 µmol Trolox/g DW. Comparison of UAE with conventional maceration and Soxhlet extraction, the UAE method showed stronger extract efficiency in a shorter extraction time. These results showed that UAE was an effective technique to extract antioxidants from Thelephora ganbajun . Furthermore, the extracts obtained under the optimized conditions exhibited antiproliferative activities toward human lung (A549), breast (MCF-7), liver (HepG2) and colon (HT-29) cancer cells, especially for liver and lung cancer cells. In addition, rutin, 2-hydrocinnamic acid and epicatechin were identified in the extract, which might contribute to antioxidant and antiproliferative activities.

Extraction of Natural Antioxidants from the Thelephora ganbajun Mushroom by an Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Technique and Evaluation of Antiproliferative Activity of the Extract against Human Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Xu, Dong-Ping; Zheng, Jie; Zhou, Yue; Li, Ya; Li, Sha; Li, Hua-Bin

2016-01-01

The Thelephora ganbajun mushroom has been found to be a potential rich source of natural antioxidants. In this study, an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique together with GRAS (generally recognized as safe) solvents (ethanol and water) was used to maximize the extraction of antioxidants from Thelephora ganbajun. Five extraction parameters (ethanol concentration, solvent to solid ratio, extraction time, temperature and ultrasound power) were investigated by single-factor experiments, and then a central composite rotatable design was employed to study interaction of three key extraction parameters. The optimum conditions were as follows: 57.38% ethanol, 70.15 mL/g solvent to solid ratio, 10.58 min extraction time, 40 °C extraction temperature and 500 W ultrasound power. Under the optimum conditions, the antioxidant activity obtained was 346.98 ± 12.19 µmol Trolox/g DW, in accordance with the predicted value of 344.67 µmol Trolox/g DW. Comparison of UAE with conventional maceration and Soxhlet extraction, the UAE method showed stronger extract efficiency in a shorter extraction time. These results showed that UAE was an effective technique to extract antioxidants from Thelephora ganbajun. Furthermore, the extracts obtained under the optimized conditions exhibited antiproliferative activities toward human lung (A549), breast (MCF-7), liver (HepG2) and colon (HT-29) cancer cells, especially for liver and lung cancer cells. In addition, rutin, 2-hydrocinnamic acid and epicatechin were identified in the extract, which might contribute to antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. PMID:27706082

Which Measurement of Blood Pressure Is More Associated With Albuminuria in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Central Blood Pressure or Peripheral Blood Pressure?

PubMed

Kitagawa, Noriyuki; Okada, Hiroshi; Tanaka, Muhei; Hashimoto, Yoshitaka; Kimura, Toshihiro; Nakano, Koji; Yamazaki, Masahiro; Hasegawa, Goji; Nakamura, Naoto; Fukui, Michiaki

2016-08-01

The aim of this study was to investigate whether central systolic blood pressure (SBP) was associated with albuminuria, defined as urinary albumin excretion (UAE) ≥30 mg/g creatinine, and, if so, whether the relationship of central SBP with albuminuria was stronger than that of peripheral SBP in patients with type 2 diabetes. The authors performed a cross-sectional study in 294 outpatients with type 2 diabetes. The relationship between peripheral SBP or central SBP and UAE using regression analysis was evaluated, and the odds ratios of peripheral SBP or central SBP were calculated to identify albuminuria using logistic regression model. Moreover, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of central SBP was compared with that of peripheral SBP to identify albuminuria. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that peripheral SBP (β=0.255, P<.0001) or central SBP (r=0.227, P<.0001) was associated with UAE. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that peripheral SBP (odds ratio, 1.029; 95% confidence interval, 1.016-1.043) or central SBP (odds ratio, 1.022; 95% confidence interval, 1.011-1.034) was associated with an increased odds of albuminuria. In addition, AUC of peripheral SBP was significantly greater than that of central SBP to identify albuminuria (P=0.035). Peripheral SBP is superior to central SBP in identifying albuminuria, although both peripheral and central SBP are associated with UAE in patients with type 2 diabetes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of fluoride levels in bottled water and their contribution to health and teeth problems in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Abouleish, Mohamed Yehia Z

2016-10-01

Fluoride is needed for better health, yet if ingested at higher levels it may lead to health problems. Fluoride can be obtained from different sources, with drinking water being a major contributor. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bottled water is the major source for drinking. The aim of this research is to measure fluoride levels in different bottled water brands sold in UAE, to determine whether fluoride contributes to better health or health problems. The results were compared to international and local standards. Fluoride was present in seven out of 23 brands. One brand exhibited high fluoride levels, which exceeded all standards, suggesting it may pose health problems. Other brands were either below or above standards, suggesting either contribution to better health or health problems, depending on ingested amount. A risk assessment suggested a potential for non-cancer effects from some brands. The results were compared to fluoride levels in bottled water sold in UAE and neighboring countries (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain), over 24 years, to reflect on changes in fluoride levels in bottled water in this region. The research presents the need for creating, stricter regulations that require careful fluoride monitoring and new regulations that require listing fluoride level on the bottled water label, internationally and regionally. The research will have local and global health impact, as bottled water sold in UAE and neighboring countries, is produced locally and imported from international countries, e.g. Switzerland, the USA, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Fiji.

Prevalence of GJB2 Mutations in Affected Individuals from United Arab Emirates with Autosomal Recessive Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss.

PubMed

Tlili, Abdelaziz; Al Mutery, Abdullah; Kamal Eddine Ahmad Mohamed, Walaa; Mahfood, Mona; Hadj Kacem, Hassen

2017-11-01

Mutations in the gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2) gene are responsible for more cases of nonsyndromic recessive hearing loss than any other gene. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of GJB2 mutations among affected individuals from United Arab Emirates (UAE). There were 50 individuals diagnosed with hereditary hearing loss and 120 healthy individuals enrolled in the study. The Sanger sequencing method was used to screen the GJB2 coding region in all affected individuals. The c.-1G>A variant was determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in normal individuals. Nine cases with bi-allelic mutations and three cases with mono-allelic mutations were detected in 12 out of 50 patients (24%). The homozygous mutation c.35delG was identified as the cause of hearing loss in six participants (12%). The mutation c.506G>A was identified in three affected individuals (6%). The allelic frequency (14%) and low percentage of individuals that were homozygous (2%) for the c.35delG mutation suggest that there are other genes responsible for nonsyndromic deafness in the UAE population. The results reported here are a preliminary step in collecting epidemiological data regarding autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss related to GJB2 gene mutations among the UAE population. The c.35delG mutation of the GJB2 gene is the most frequently seen causative mutation in the UAE and is followed by the p.Cys169Tyr mutation.

Study the impact of rainfall on the United Arab Emirates dams using remote sensing and image processing techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al Marzouqi, Fatima A.; Al Besher, Shaikha A.; Al Mansoori, Saeed H.

2017-10-01

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has given great attention to the environment and sustainable development through applications of best practices of global standards that ensure optimal investment in natural resources. Since the UAE is located in an arid region which is known as dry, sandy and get a small amount of rainfall, thus the water resources are limited and accordingly, the government has initiated an integrated water resources management (IWRM) strategy to meet the increasing demands of water. Dams are considered as one of the important strategies that are suitable for this arid region. An event of rainfall if between heavy to severe in a short duration could cause flash floods and damages to population centers and areas of agriculture nearby. To prevent that from happening, several dams and barriers were built to protect human life and infrastructure. Besides contribution to enhance the water resources and use them optimally to irrigate the growing agricultural areas across the country. Geographically, most of the dams were located in the northern and eastern part of the UAE, around mountainous areas. This study aims to monitor the changes that occurred to five dams of the north-eastern region of the UAE during 2015 and 2016 through the use of remote sensing technology of optical images captured by "DubaiSat-2". The segmentation approach utilized in this study is based on a band ratio technique called Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI). The experimental results revealed that the proposed approach is efficient in detecting dams from multispectral satellite images.

Overall Assessment of Human Research and Ethics Committees in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Abdulrahman, Mahera; Nair, Satish Chandrasekhar

2017-04-01

Growing demand for human health research in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has prompted the need to develop a robust research ethics oversight. Examination of the structure, function, and practices of the human research ethics committees (HRECs), followed by evaluation of standards for measuring research output, was conducted. Results indicate that among the HRECs, 90% followed International Council for Harmonization-Good Clinical Practice guidelines, 66.6% have been in operation for more than 5 years, 95% reviewed proposals within 8 weeks, and 56% reviewed for scientific merit apart from ethics. However, systems to recognize accomplishments of researchers, funding transparency, and adverse event reporting were deployed in less than 30% of all HRECs. Research was incorporated into the vision and mission statements of many (65%) organizations. Research publications, collaborations, and recognitions were used to measure research output and report key performance indicators. In spite, resources to generate research output such as dedicated budget (20%), support staff (20%), and continuous training and mentoring program for medical residents (15%) and HREC members (25%) were somehow lacking. HREC structure and operations in the UAE are similar to other regions of the world. Systems to conduct research and report outcomes are defined in the UAE. Regulatory legislation and allocation of resources to support the clinical research enterprise will not only help to meet growing demand for clinical trials but also transform the quality of patient care in the UAE. It is anticipated that the results of this study will benefit investigators, regulators, pharmaceutical sponsors, and the policy makers in the region.

High-Pressure Viewports for Infrared Systems. Phase 2. Chalcogenide Glass

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-28

radiation. the permanent microcopic dipole domain undergoes spontaneous polarization, which results in the buildup of charge on the opposite surface of the...are quantified in table 3. Materials that have been useful in the 8-12 prm region are all II-VI compounds , ie prepared from elements of group II and...Polycrystalline II-VI compounds . 18 ’T 6" ý4 04 MELT-FORMED GLASS The properties of the melt-formed glasses are quantified in table 4. Only glasses that have been

Microbial Community Phylogenetic and Functional Succession in Chromium-Reducing Aquifer-Derived Microcosms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brodie, E. L.; Beller, H. R.; Goldfarb, K. C.; Han, R.; Santee, C. A.

2009-12-01

In situ reductive immobilization, whereby highly soluble Cr(VI) species are reduced to poorly soluble Cr(III) species, is a favored approach for remediating Cr-contaminated groundwater. How microbial populations respond phylogenetically and functionally to the injection of an organic electron donor to stimulate Cr(VI) reduction is unclear, as are the relative contributions of direct enzymatic Cr(VI) reduction versus indirect (e.g. sulfide-mediated) reduction. In this study, we inoculated anaerobic microcosms with groundwater from the Cr-contaminated Hanford 100H site (WA) and supplemented them with lactate and the electron acceptors nitrate, sulfate, and amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide. The microcosms progressed successively through nitrate-reducing, sulfate-reducing, and Fe(III)-reducing conditions, and after a second nitrate amendment, nitrate-dependent Fe(II)-oxidizing conditions. Cr(VI) reduction occurred during both the denitrification and the sulfate/iron reduction phases. DNA and RNA were harvested during each major biogeochemical phase and were subjected to PhyloChip analysis, qPCR, and transcript sequencing. Bacterial community succession followed a trajectory related to the sequential use of electron acceptors. During denitrification, bacterial communities were enriched in known denitrifiers within the Beta- and Gamma-proteobacteria and became phylogenetically clustered. Fermenters became enriched following nitrate reduction, preceding both iron and sulfate reduction. Iron reduction was stoichiometrically related to the formation of hydrogen sulfide and, although iron reducers were detected during this phase, their iron-reducing activity was not confirmed. Following the depletion of lactate and sulfate, iron reduction rates decreased and acetate and propionate concentrations stabilized, indicating a marginal contribution of acetate-coupled iron reduction. Rapid Fe(II) oxidation occurred following the nitrate amendment with a concomitant reduction of nitrate to nitrite and an increased abundance of Beta-proteobacterial species related to known anaerobic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria. To uncover the microbial mechanisms contributing to the biogeochemical complexity encountered, even under controlled laboratory incubations, requires alternatives to standard phylogenetic analyses. Our ongoing efforts in analyzing the community transcriptomes (mRNA) should provide valuable insight into the relative rates of direct versus indirect mechanisms of Cr(VI) immobilization in contaminated aquifers.

Iron Corrosion Observations: Pu(VI)-Fe Reduction Studies

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

Reed, Donald T.; Swanson, Juliet S.; Richmann, Michael K.

Iron and Pu Reduction: (1) Very different appearances in iron reaction products were noted depending on pH, brine and initial iron phase; (2) Plutonium was associated with the Fe phases; (3) Green rust was often noted at the higher pH; (4) XANES established the green rust to be an Fe2/3 phase with a bromide center; and (5) This green rust phase was linked to Pu as Pu(IV).

Resistance to change and resurgence in humans engaging in a computer task.

PubMed

Kuroda, Toshikazu; Cançado, Carlos R X; Podlesnik, Christopher A

2016-04-01

The relation between persistence, as measured by resistance to change, and resurgence has been examined with nonhuman animals but not systematically with humans. The present study examined persistence and resurgence with undergraduate students engaging in a computer task for points exchangeable for money. In Phase 1, a target response was maintained on a multiple variable-interval (VI) 15-s (Rich) VI 60-s (Lean) schedule of reinforcement. In Phase 2, the target response was extinguished while an alternative response was reinforced at equal rates in both schedule components. In Phase 3, the target and the alternative responses were extinguished. In an additional test of persistence (Phase 4), target responding was reestablished as in Phase 1 and then disrupted by access to videos in both schedule components. In Phases 2 and 4, target responding was more persistent in the Rich than in the Lean component. Also, resurgence generally was greater in the Rich than in the Lean component in Phase 3. The present findings with humans extend the generality of those obtained with nonhuman animals showing that higher reinforcement rates produce both greater persistence and resurgence, and suggest that common processes underlie response persistence and relapse. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, HPLC and UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS Analysis of Main Macamides and Macaenes from Maca (Cultivars of Lepidium meyenii Walp).

PubMed

Chen, Shu-Xiao; Li, Ke-Ke; Pubu, Duoji; Jiang, Si-Ping; Chen, Bin; Chen, Li-Rong; Yang, Zhen; Ma, Chao; Gong, Xiao-Jie

2017-12-10

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), using petroleum ether as the solvent, was systematically applied to extract main macamides and macaenes from Maca hypocotyls. Extraction yield was related with four variables, including ratio of solution to solid, extraction temperature, extraction time, and extraction power. On the basis of response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal conditions were determined to be the ratio of solution to solid as 10:1 (mL/g), the extraction temperature of 40 °C, the extraction time of 30 min, and the extraction power of 200 W. Based on the optimal extraction method of UAE, the total contents of ten main macamides and two main macaenes of Maca cultivated in twenty different areas of Tibet were analyzed by HPLC and UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS. This study indicated that UAE was able to effectively extract macamides alkaloids from Maca hypocotyls. Quantitative analysis showed that geographical origins, not ecotypes, played a more important role on the accumulation of active macamides in Maca.

Analysis of the essential oils of Alpiniae Officinarum Hance in different extraction methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Y.; Lin, L. J.; Huang, X. B.; Li, J. H.

2017-09-01

It was developed for the analysis of the essential oils of Alpiniae Officinarum Hance extracted by steam distillation (SD), ultrasonic assisted solvent extraction (UAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) via gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combined with retention index (RI) method. There were multiple volatile components of the oils extracted by the three above-mention methods respectively identified; meanwhile, each one was quantified by area normalization method. The results indicated that the content of 1,8-Cineole, the index constituent, by SD was similar as SFE, and higher than UAE. Although UAE was less time consuming and consumed less energy, the oil quality was poorer due to the use of organic solvents was hard to degrade. In addition, some constituents could be obtained by SFE but could not by SD. In conclusion, essential oil of different extraction methods from the same batch of materials had been proved broadly similarly, however, there were some differences in composition and component ratio. Therefore, development and utilization of different extraction methods must be selected according to the functional requirements of products.

Ultrasonic extraction of pectin from Opuntia ficus indica cladodes after mucilage removal: Optimization of experimental conditions and evaluation of chemical and functional properties.

PubMed

Bayar, Nadia; Bouallegue, Tahani; Achour, Mabrouka; Kriaa, Mouna; Bougatef, Ali; Kammoun, Radhouane

2017-11-15

Ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) of pectin from Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) cladodes after mucilage removal was attempted using the response surface methodology. The process variables were optimized by the isovariant central composite design in order to improve the pectin extraction yield. The optimum condition obtained was: sonication time 70min, temperature 70°C, pH 1.5 and the water-material ratio 30ml/g. This condition was validated and the performance of experimental extraction was 18.14%±1.41%, which was closely linked to the predicted value (19.06%). Thus, UAE present a promising alternative to conventional extraction process thanks to its high efficiency which was achieved in less time and at lower temperatures. The pectin extracted by UAE from OFI cladodes (UAEPC) has a low degree of esterification, high uronic acid content, important functional properties and good anti-radical activity. These results are in favor of the use of UAEPC as potential additive in food industry. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Extraction kinetic modelling of total polyphenols and total anthocyanins from saffron floral bio-residues: Comparison of extraction methods.

PubMed

Da Porto, Carla; Natolino, Andrea

2018-08-30

Analysis of the extraction kinetic modelling for natural compounds is essential for industrial application. The second order rate model was applied to estimate the extraction kinetics of conventional solid-liquid extraction (CSLE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of total polyphenols (TPC) from saffron floral bio-residues at different solid-to-liquid ratios (R S/L )(1:10, 1:20, 1:30, 1:50 g ml -1 ), ethanol 59% as solvent and 66 °C temperature. The optimum solid-to-liquid ratios for TPC kinetics were 1:20 for CLSE, 1:30 for UAE and 1:50 for MAE. The kinetics of total anthocyanins (TA) and antioxidant activity (AA) were investigated for the optimum R S/L for each method. The results showed a good prediction of the model for extraction kinetics in all experiments (R 2  > 0.99; NRMS 0.65-3.35%). The kinetic parameters were calculated and discussed. UAE, compared with the other methods, had the greater efficiency for TPC, TA and AA. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extraction of triterpenoids and phenolic compounds from Ganoderma lucidum: optimization study using the response surface methodology.

PubMed

Oludemi, Taofiq; Barros, Lillian; Prieto, M A; Heleno, Sandrina A; Barreiro, Maria F; Ferreira, Isabel C F R

2018-01-24

The extraction of triterpenoids and phenolic compounds from Ganoderma lucidum was optimized by using the response surface methodology (RSM), using heat and ultrasound assisted extraction techniques (HAE and UAE). The obtained results were compared with that of the standard Soxhlet procedure. RSM was applied using a circumscribed central composite design with three variables (time, ethanol content, and temperature or ultrasonic power) and five levels. The conditions that maximize the responses (extraction yield, triterpenoids and total phenolics) were: 78.9 min, 90.0 °C and 62.5% ethanol and 40 min, 100.0 W and 89.5% ethanol for HAE and UAE, respectively. The latter was the most effective, resulting in an extraction yield of 4.9 ± 0.6% comprising a content of 435.6 ± 21.1 mg g -1 of triterpenes and 106.6 ± 16.2 mg g -1 of total phenolics. The optimized extracts were fully characterized in terms of individual phenolic compounds and triterpenoids by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. The recovery of the above-mentioned bioactive compounds was markedly enhanced using the UAE technique.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of natural antioxidants from the flower of Limonium sinuatum: Optimization and comparison with conventional methods.

PubMed

Xu, Dong-Ping; Zheng, Jie; Zhou, Yue; Li, Ya; Li, Sha; Li, Hua-Bin

2017-02-15

Natural antioxidants are widely used as dietary supplements or food additives. An optimized method of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was proposed for the effective extraction of antioxidants from the flowers of Limonium sinuatum and evaluated by response surface methodology. In this study, ethanol concentration, ratio of solvent to solid, ultrasonication time and temperature were investigated and optimized using a central composite rotatable design. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration, 60%; ratio of solvent to solid, 56.9:1mL/g; ultrasonication time, 9.8min; and temperature, 40°C. Under the optimal UAE conditions, the experimental values (483.01±15.39μmolTrolox/gDW) matched with those predicted (494.13μmolTrolox/gDW) within a 95% confidence level. In addition, the antioxidant activities of UAE were compared with those of conventional maceration and Soxhlet extraction methods, and the ultrasound-assisted extraction could give higher yield of antioxidants and markedly reduce the extraction time. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of Mutations Underlying 20 Inborn Errors of Metabolism in the United Arab Emirates Population

PubMed Central

Ben-Rebeh, Imen; Hertecant, Jozef L.; Al-Jasmi, Fatma A.; Aburawi, Hanan E.; Al-Yahyaee, Said A.; Al-Gazali, Lihadh

2012-01-01

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are frequently encountered by physicians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the mutations underlying a large number of these disorders have not yet been determined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the mutations underlying a number of IEM disorders among UAE residents from both national and expatriate families. A case series of patients from 34 families attending the metabolic clinic at Tawam Hospital were clinically evaluated, and molecular testing was carried out to determine their causative mutations. The mutation analysis was carried out at molecular genetics diagnostic laboratories. Thirty-eight mutations have been identified as responsible for twenty IEM disorders, including in the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, steroids, metal transport and mitochondrial energy metabolism, and lysosomal storage disorders. Nine of the identified mutations are novel, including two missense mutations, three premature stop codons and four splice site mutations. Mutation analysis of IEM disorders in the UAE population has an important impact on molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling for families affected by these disorders. PMID:22106832

Sero-efficacy of Vi-polysaccharide tetanus-toxoid typhoid conjugate vaccine (Typbar-TCV).

PubMed

Voysey, Merryn; Pollard, Andrew J

2018-01-17

Salmonella Typhi is the major cause of enteric fever in lower income countries. New conjugate vaccines show promise as public health interventions, however there are no efficacy data available from endemic areas. Data were obtained from a previously published phase 3 randomised controlled trial comparing Vi-polysaccharide tetanus-toxoid conjugate vaccine (Typbar-TCV; Bharat Biotech Intl Ltd, India): (Vi-TT) with Vi-polysaccharide (Typbar; Bharat Biotech Intl Ltd, India): (Vi-PS) in participants aged 2- 45 years. An additional open-label arm administered Vi-TT to children aged 6 months to 23 months. The proportion of participants with presumed clinical or subclinical infection ('seroincidence'), was determined using mixture models and compared using relative risks. 81/387 (21%) participants were classified as having presumed typhoid infection during the 2 year period post-vaccination. Seroincidence was lower in those randomised to Vi-TT than Vi-PS in those aged 2-45 years; 21/155 (13.5%) vs 47/129 (36.4%); RR 0.372 (95%CI 0.235-0.588), p<0.0001 and in those aged 2-15 years RR 0.424 (95%CI 0.231-0.778), p=0.0039. There was no difference in seroincidence in those receiving Vi-TT aged 2-45 years and those aged 6-23 months; 21/155 (13.5%) vs 13/103 (12.6%); RR 1.073 (0.563, 2.046), p=0.8293. Vaccine seroefficacy was 85% (95%CI 80-88%). This is the first field estimate of the seroefficacy of a Vi-TT vaccine and shows that Typbar TCV substantially reduces the number of serologically defined (sub)clinical infections in infants, children and adults. These results support the recent World Health Organisation recommendations for deployment of typhoid conjugate vaccines in high burden areas. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Role of an organic carbon-rich soil and Fe(III) reduction in reducing the toxicity and environmental mobility of chromium(VI) at a COPR disposal site.

PubMed

Ding, Weixuan; Stewart, Douglas I; Humphreys, Paul N; Rout, Simon P; Burke, Ian T

2016-01-15

Cr(VI) is an important contaminant found at sites where chromium ore processing residue (COPR) is deposited. No low cost treatment exists for Cr(VI) leaching from such sites. This study investigated the mechanism of interaction of alkaline Cr(VI)-containing leachate with an Fe(II)-containing organic matter rich soil beneath the waste. The soil currently contains 0.8% Cr, shown to be present as Cr(III)(OH)3 in EXAFS analysis. Lab tests confirmed that the reaction of Cr(VI) in site leachate with Fe(II) present in the soil was stoichiometrically correct for a reductive mechanism of Cr accumulation. However, the amount of Fe(II) present in the soil was insufficient to maintain long term Cr(VI) reduction at historic infiltration rates. The soil contains a population of bacteria dominated by a Mangroviflexus-like species, that is closely related to known fermentative bacteria, and a community capable of sustaining Fe(III) reduction in alkaline culture. It is therefore likely that in situ fermentative metabolism supported by organic matter in the soil produces more labile organic substrates (lactate was detected) that support microbial Fe(III) reduction. It is therefore suggested that addition of solid phase organic matter to soils adjacent to COPR may reduce the long term spread of Cr(VI) in the environment. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hexavalent Chromium Generation within Naturally Structured Soils and Sediments

DOE PAGES

Hausladen, Debra M.; Fendorf, Scott

2017-01-13

Chromium(VI) produced from the oxidation of indigenous Cr(III) minerals is increasingly being recognized as a threat to groundwater quality. A critical determinant of Cr(VI) generation within soils and sediments is the necessary interaction of two low-solubility phases$-$Cr(III) silicates or (hydr)oxides and Mn(III/IV) oxides—that lead to its production. Here in this paper, we investigate the potential for Cr(III) oxidation by Mn oxides within fixed solid matrices common to soils and sediments. Artificial aggregates were constructed from Cr(OH) 3- and Cr 0.25Fe 0.75(OH) 3-coated quartz grains and either mixed with synthetic birnessite or inoculated with the Mn(II)-oxidizing bacterium Leptothrix cholodnii. In aggregatesmore » simulating low organic carbon environments, we observe Cr(VI) concentrations within advecting solutes at levels more than twenty-times the California drinking water standard. Chromium(VI) production is highly dependent on Cr-mineral solubility; increasing Fe-substitution (x = 0 to x = 0.75) decreases the solubility of the solid and concomitantly decreases total Cr(VI) generation by 37%. In environments with high organic carbon, reducing conditions within aggregate cores (microbially) generate sufficient Fe(II) to suppress Cr(VI) efflux. Our results illustrate Cr(VI) generation from reaction with Mn oxides within structured media simulating soils and sediments and provide insight into how fluctuating hydrologic and redox conditions impact coupled processes controlling Cr and Mn cycling.« less

Hexavalent Chromium Generation within Naturally Structured Soils and Sediments

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

Hausladen, Debra M.; Fendorf, Scott

Chromium(VI) produced from the oxidation of indigenous Cr(III) minerals is increasingly being recognized as a threat to groundwater quality. A critical determinant of Cr(VI) generation within soils and sediments is the necessary interaction of two low-solubility phases$-$Cr(III) silicates or (hydr)oxides and Mn(III/IV) oxides—that lead to its production. Here in this paper, we investigate the potential for Cr(III) oxidation by Mn oxides within fixed solid matrices common to soils and sediments. Artificial aggregates were constructed from Cr(OH) 3- and Cr 0.25Fe 0.75(OH) 3-coated quartz grains and either mixed with synthetic birnessite or inoculated with the Mn(II)-oxidizing bacterium Leptothrix cholodnii. In aggregatesmore » simulating low organic carbon environments, we observe Cr(VI) concentrations within advecting solutes at levels more than twenty-times the California drinking water standard. Chromium(VI) production is highly dependent on Cr-mineral solubility; increasing Fe-substitution (x = 0 to x = 0.75) decreases the solubility of the solid and concomitantly decreases total Cr(VI) generation by 37%. In environments with high organic carbon, reducing conditions within aggregate cores (microbially) generate sufficient Fe(II) to suppress Cr(VI) efflux. Our results illustrate Cr(VI) generation from reaction with Mn oxides within structured media simulating soils and sediments and provide insight into how fluctuating hydrologic and redox conditions impact coupled processes controlling Cr and Mn cycling.« less

A whole-cell bioreporter assay for quantitative genotoxicity evaluation of environmental samples.

PubMed

Jiang, Bo; Li, Guanghe; Xing, Yi; Zhang, Dayi; Jia, Jianli; Cui, Zhisong; Luan, Xiao; Tang, Hui

2017-10-01

Whole-cell bioreporters have emerged as promising tools for genotoxicity evaluation, due to their rapidity, cost-effectiveness, sensitivity and selectivity. In this study, a method for detecting genotoxicity in environmental samples was developed using the bioluminescent whole-cell bioreporter Escherichia coli recA::luxCDABE. To further test its performance in a real world scenario, the E. coli bioreporter was applied in two cases: i) soil samples collected from chromium(VI) contaminated sites; ii) crude oil contaminated seawater collected after the Jiaozhou Bay oil spill which occurred in 2013. The chromium(VI) contaminated soils were pretreated by water extraction, and directly exposed to the bioreporter in two phases: aqueous soil extraction (water phase) and soil supernatant (solid phase). The results indicated that both extractable and soil particle fixed chromium(VI) were bioavailable to the bioreporter, and the solid-phase contact bioreporter assay provided a more precise evaluation of soil genotoxicity. For crude oil contaminated seawater, the response of the bioreporter clearly illustrated the spatial and time change in genotoxicity surrounding the spill site, suggesting that the crude oil degradation process decreased the genotoxic risk to ecosystem. In addition, the performance of the bioreporter was simulated by a modified cross-regulation gene expression model, which quantitatively described the DNA damage response of the E. coli bioreporter. Accordingly, the bioluminescent response of the bioreporter was calculated as the mitomycin C equivalent, enabling quantitative comparison of genotoxicities between different environmental samples. This bioreporter assay provides a rapid and sensitive screening tool for direct genotoxicity assessment of environmental samples. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The role of pharmacists in developing countries: The current scenario in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Rayes, Ibrahim Khalid; Hassali, Mohamed Azmi; Abduelkarem, Abduelmula R

2015-10-01

Pharmacy practice has passed several rounds of advancements over the past few years. It had changed the traditional positioning criteria of pharmacists as business people into patient-centered healthcare professionals. This worldwide shift is increasingly accumulating pressure on UAE pharmacists to turn up into better level of service providing accompanied with higher demand of inter-personal skills and intellectual capabilities. This can be accomplished through stressing the significance of continuing pharmacy education in basic sciences as well as social and administrative pharmacy techniques and its collaboration in elevating the quality of pharmacy practice in the UAE.

United Arab Emirates Country Analysis Brief

EIA Publications

2017-01-01

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is among the world's 10 largest oil producers and is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). The UAE is currently the seventh-largest petroleum producer in the world, and hydrocarbon export revenues are projected to account for $65 billion in 2017, roughly 20% of all export revenue. The share of hydrocarbon export revenues, which amounted to $129 billion (35% of total export revenue), has fallen since 2013 according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a result of the decline in oil prices

Simultaneous reduction of arsenic(V) and uranium(VI) by mackinawite: role of uranyl arsenate precipitate formation.

PubMed

Troyer, Lyndsay D; Tang, Yuanzhi; Borch, Thomas

2014-12-16

Uranium (U) and arsenic (As) often occur together naturally and, as a result, can be co-contaminants at sites of uranium mining and processing, yet few studies have examined the simultaneous redox dynamics of U and As. This study examines the influence of arsenate (As(V)) on the reduction of uranyl (U(VI)) by the redox-active mineral mackinawite (FeS). As(V) was added to systems containing 47 or 470 μM U(VI) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 640 μM. In the absence of As(V), U was completely removed from solution and fully reduced to nano-uraninite (nano-UO2). While the addition of As(V) did not reduce U uptake, at As(V) concentrations above 320 μM, the reduction of U(VI) was limited due to the formation of a trögerite-like uranyl arsenate precipitate. The presence of U also significantly inhibited As(V) reduction. While less U(VI) reduction to nano-UO2 may take place in systems with high As(V) concentrations, formation of trögerite-like mineral phases may be an acceptable reclamation end point due to their high stability under oxic conditions.

Cr(VI) removal on visible light active TiO2 nanotube arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bashirom, Nurulhuda; Zulkifli, Muhammad Afiq; Subagja, Subagja; Kian, Tan Wai; Matsuda, Atsunori; Lockman, Zainovia

2018-05-01

Self-organized TiO2 nanotube (TNT) arrays were fabricated by anodic oxidation of titanium foil in three different fluoride electrolytes: ethylene glycol (EG), glycerol, and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) at different voltage and anodization time. In these electrolytes, the TNTs were produced in ˜ 2 µm long, but at the different diameter. The size of inner diameter can be arranged from the largest to the smallest value in the order of glycerol > EG > Na2SO4. Crystallization of the TNTs by annealing was led to the formation of anatase-TiO2. The sample can be activated under natural sunlight for reduction of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI) into trivalent chromium, Cr(III). The reduction was thought to occur via synergistic reactions between adsorption and photoreduction. The result demonstrates 100 % of Cr(VI) removal efficiency over the TNTs grown in EG after 120 min. Whereas, only 48 % and 45 % of Cr(VI) can be removed over the TNTs fabricated in glycerol and Na2SO4, respectively. High photocatalytic activity of the TNTs-EG can be attributed to high crystallinity of anatase phase, enhanced Cr(VI) adsorption, and less electron-hole recombination due to smoother tube walls.

Specific extraction of chromium as tetrabutylammonium-chromate and spectrophotometric determination by diphenylcarbazide: speciation of chromium in effluent streams.

PubMed

Noroozifar, M; Khorasani-Motlagh, M

2003-05-01

A very specific, selective, simple, and inexpensive procedure was developed for the speciation of CrVI and CrIII. This method is based on the quantitative extraction of chromate and CrIII (previously oxidized to CrVI) as a tetrabutylammonium-chromate ion-pair in methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), and then back extraction and preconcentration with an acidic diphenylcarbazide (DPC) solution. Back extraction was applied to achieve further preconcentration by a final factor of 20. The CrVI-DPC complex was determined in back-extract by a spectrophotometer at 548 nm. Under these extraction conditions, most of the probable concomitant cations and anions remained in the first inorganic phase. The calibration curve was linear up to 0.14 microg L(-1) of CrVI with a detection limit of 2.22 ng L(-1). The developed procedure was found to be suitable for the determination of the CrVI and CrIII species in various natural water samples with a relative standard deviation of better than 1.6%. The method was successfully applied to the speciation of chromium in spiked natural water samples, and also samples of effluent from a leather treatment plant.

Speciation of inorganic selenium and selenoamino acids by an HPLC-UV-HG-AFS system.

PubMed

Ipolyi, I; Corns, W; Stockwell, P; Fodor, P

2001-01-01

For the on-line speciation of selenocystine (SeCys), selenomethionine (SeMet), selenoethionine (SeEt), selenite (Se(IV)) and selenate (Se(VI)), a high-performance liquid chromatography-UV irradiation-hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectro- metric method is described. Separation was carried out on a conventional reversed-phase C18 column modified with didodecyl- dimethylammonium bromide with gradient elution applying two concentrations of ammonium acetate as the mobile phase. UV irradiation and hydride generation parameters were optimized. The obtained detection limits for SeCys, SeMet, SeEt, Se(IV) and Se(VI) were 0.31, 0.43, 0.7, 0.44 and 0.32 ng ml(-1), respectively, using a 100-microl loop. The method was tested with spiked mineral water and two volunteers' urine samples.

Speciation of inorganic selenium and selenoamino acids by an HPLC-UV-HG-AFS system

PubMed Central

Ipolyi, I.; Corns, W.; Stockwell, P.; Fodor, P.

2001-01-01

For the on-line speciation of selenocystine (SeCys), selenomethionine (SeMet), selenoethionine (SeEt), selenite (Se(IV)) and selenate (Se(VI)), a high-performance liquid chromatography-UV irradiation-hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectro- metric method is described. Separation was carried out on a conventional reversed-phase C18 column modified with didodecyl- dimethylammonium bromide with gradient elution applying two concentrations of ammonium acetate as the mobile phase. UV irradiation and hydride generation parameters were optimized. The obtained detection limits for SeCys, SeMet, SeEt, Se(IV) and Se(VI) were 0.31, 0.43, 0.7, 0.44 and 0.32 ng ml−1, respectively, using a 100-wl loop. The method was tested with spiked mineral water and two volunteers' urine samples. PMID:18924707

Nonisovalent Si-III-V and Si-II-VI alloys: Covalent, ionic, and mixed phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Joongoo; Park, Ji-Sang; Stradins, Pauls; Wei, Su-Huai

2017-07-01

Nonequilibrium growth of Si-III-V or Si-II-VI alloys is a promising approach to obtaining optically more active Si-based materials. We propose a new class of nonisovalent S i2AlP (or S i2ZnS ) alloys in which the Al-P (or Zn-S) atomic chains are as densely packed as possible in the host Si matrix. As a hybrid of the lattice-matched parent phases, S i2AlP (or S i2ZnS ) provides an ideal material system with tunable local chemical orders around Si atoms within the same composition and structural motif. Here, using first-principles hybrid functional calculations, we discuss how the local chemical orders affect the electronic and optical properties of the nonisovalent alloys.

Atmospheric Turbulence Statistics from GOLD Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeganathan, Muthu; Wilson, Keith; Lesh, Jim

1996-01-01

Ground-Orbiter Lasercomm Demonstration (GOLD) includes the following: (1) Optical communication experiments between Table Mountain Observatory (TMF) and Japanese Engineering Test Satellite (ETS-VI); (2) International cooperative effort between NASA, NASDA, CRL and JPL; and (3) Phase 1 transmissions from October 1995 to January 1996 and Phase 2 transmissions from March 1996 to May 1996.

30 CFR 250.916 - What are the CVA's primary duties during the design phase?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false What are the CVA's primary duties during the design phase? 250.916 Section 250.916 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, REGULATION... data; (iv) Load determinations; (v) Stress analyses; (vi) Material designations; (vii) Soil and...

Catalytic conversion of light alkanes. Final report, January 1, 1990--October 31, 1994

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

NONE

During the course of the first three years of the Cooperative Agreement (Phase I-III), we uncovered a family of metal perhaloporphyrin complexes which had unprecedented activity for the selective air-oxidation of fight alkanes to alcohols. The reactivity of fight hydrocarbon substrates with air or oxygen was in the order: isobutane>propane>ethane>methane, in accord with their homolytic bond dissociation energies. Isobutane was so reactive that the proof-of concept stage of a process for producing tert-butyl alcohol from isobutane was begun (Phase V). It was proposed that as more active catalytic systems were developed (Phases IV, VI), propane, then ethane and finally methanemore » oxidations will move into this stage (Phases VII through IX). As of this writing, however, the program has been terminated during the later stages of Phases V and VI so that further work is not anticipated. We made excellent progress during 1994 in generating a class of less costly new materials which have the potential for high catalytic activity. New routes were developed for replacing costly perfluorophenyl groups in the meso-position of metalloporphyrin catalysts with far less expensive and lower molecular weight perfluoromethyl groups.« less

Spectroscopic studies of U(VI) sorption at the kaolinite-water interface. Final report

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

Thompson, H.A.; Parks, G.A.; Brown, G.E. Jr.

Efficient use of U as a resource and safe handling, recycling and disposal of U-containing wastes require an understanding of the factors controlling the fate of U, where fate refers to the destination of U, typically expressed as an environmental medium or a process phase. The sorption process constitutes a change in elemental fate. Partitioning of an element from solution to a solid phase, or sorption, can be divided into three broad categories: adsorption, surface precipitation, and absorption. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), a type of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), offers the possibility for distinguishing among different modes ofmore » sorption by characterizing the atomic environment of the sorbing element. In this study, the authors use EXAFS to determine the structure of U(VI) sorption complexes at the kaolinite-water interface. In Chapter One, they present an overview of selected aspects of U structural chemistry as a basis for considering the structural environment of U at the solid-water interface. To evaluate the utility of XAS for characterization of the structural environment of U(VI) at the solid-water interface, they have carried out an in-depth analysis of XAS data from U(VI)-containing solid and solution model compounds, which they describe in Chapter Two. In Chapter three, they consider sorption of U by kaolinite as a means of effecting the removal of U from surface collection pond waters on the Rocky Flats Plant site in northern Colorado.« less

U(VI) Reduction by Biogenic and Abiotic Hydroxycarbonate Green Rusts: Impacts on U(IV) Speciation and Stability Over Time

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

Yan, Sen; Boyanov, Maxim I.; Mishra, Bhoopesh

Green rusts (GRs) are redox active Fe II-Fe III minerals that form in the environment via various biotic and abiotic processes. Although both biogenic (BioGR) and abiotic (ChemGR) GRs have been shown to reduce U VI, the dynamics of the transformations and the speciation and stability of the resulting U IV phases are poorly understood. We used carbonate extraction and XAFS spectroscopy to investigate the products of U VI reduction by BioGR and ChemGR. The results show that both GRs can rapidly remove U VI from synthetic groundwater via reduction to U IV. The initial products in the ChemGR systemmore » are solids-associated U IV-carbonate complexes that gradually transform to nanocrystalline uraninite over time, leading to a decrease in the proportion of carbonate-extractable U from ~95% to ~10%. In contrast, solid-phase U IV atoms in the BioGR system remain relatively extractable, non-uraninite U IV species over the same reaction period. The presence of calcium and carbonate in groundwater significantly increase the extractability of U IV in the BioGR system. Furthermore, these data provide new insights into the transformations of U under anoxic conditions in groundwater that contains calcium and carbonate, and have major implications for predicting uranium stability within redox dynamic environments and designing approaches for the remediation of uranium-contaminated groundwater.« less

U(VI) Reduction by Biogenic and Abiotic Hydroxycarbonate Green Rusts: Impacts on U(IV) Speciation and Stability Over Time

DOE PAGES

Yan, Sen; Boyanov, Maxim I.; Mishra, Bhoopesh; ...

2018-04-09

Green rusts (GRs) are redox active Fe II-Fe III minerals that form in the environment via various biotic and abiotic processes. Although both biogenic (BioGR) and abiotic (ChemGR) GRs have been shown to reduce U VI, the dynamics of the transformations and the speciation and stability of the resulting U IV phases are poorly understood. We used carbonate extraction and XAFS spectroscopy to investigate the products of U VI reduction by BioGR and ChemGR. The results show that both GRs can rapidly remove U VI from synthetic groundwater via reduction to U IV. The initial products in the ChemGR systemmore » are solids-associated U IV-carbonate complexes that gradually transform to nanocrystalline uraninite over time, leading to a decrease in the proportion of carbonate-extractable U from ~95% to ~10%. In contrast, solid-phase U IV atoms in the BioGR system remain relatively extractable, non-uraninite U IV species over the same reaction period. The presence of calcium and carbonate in groundwater significantly increase the extractability of U IV in the BioGR system. Furthermore, these data provide new insights into the transformations of U under anoxic conditions in groundwater that contains calcium and carbonate, and have major implications for predicting uranium stability within redox dynamic environments and designing approaches for the remediation of uranium-contaminated groundwater.« less

Cisplatin plus gemcitabine versus a cisplatin-based triplet versus nonplatinum sequential doublets in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a Spanish Lung Cancer Group phase III randomized trial.

PubMed

Alberola, V; Camps, C; Provencio, M; Isla, D; Rosell, R; Vadell, C; Bover, I; Ruiz-Casado, A; Azagra, P; Jiménez, U; González-Larriba, J L; Diz, P; Cardenal, F; Artal, A; Carrato, A; Morales, S; Sanchez, J J; de las Peñas, R; Felip, E; López-Vivanco, G

2003-09-01

To compare the survival benefit obtained with cisplatin plus gemcitabine, a cisplatin-based triplet, and nonplatinum sequential doublets in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Stage IIIB to IV NSCLC patients were randomly assigned to receive cisplatin 100 mg/m2 day 1 plus gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m2 days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks for six cycles (CG); cisplatin 100 mg/m2 day 1 plus gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 and vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks for six cycles (CGV); or gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 plus vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks for three cycles, followed by vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 days 1 and 8 plus ifosfamide 3 g/m2 day 1, every 3 weeks for three cycles (GV-VI). Five hundred fifty-seven patients were assigned to treatment (182 CG, 188 CGV, 187 GV-VI). Response rates were significantly inferior for the nonplatinum sequential doublet (CG, 42%; CGV, 41%; GV-VI, 27%; CG v GV-VI, P =.003). No differences in median survival or time to progression were observed. Toxicity was higher for the triplet: grade 3 to 4 neutropenia (GC, 32%; CGV, 57%; GV-VI, 27%; P <.05); neutropenic fever (CG, 4%; CGV, 19%; GV-VI, 5%; P <.0001); grade 3 to 4 thrombocytopenia (CG, 19%; CGV, 23%; GV-VI, 3%; P =.0001); and grade 3 to 4 emesis (GC, 22%; GCV, 32%; GV-VI, 6%; P <.0001). On the basis of these results, CG remains a standard regimen for first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC.

Neptunium(V) and neptunium(VI) solubilities in synthetic brines of interest to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)

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

Novak, C.F.; Nitsche, H.; Silber, H.B.

1996-12-31

The solubility of Np(V) and Np(VI) has been measured in three synthetic Na-K-Mg-Cl brines in the presence of CO{sub 2}(g). Experiments were prepared from oversaturation by adding an excess of NpO{sub 2}{sup +} or NpO{sub 2}{sup 2+} to the brines and allowing the neptunium solids to precipitate. Vessels were maintained in contact with fixed CO{sub 2}(g) partial pressures at constant pH and 24 {+-} 1 C. Dissolved Np(V) concentrations decreased several orders of magnitude within the first 100 days of the experiment, while dissolved Np(VI) concentrations decreased initially but then remained relatively constant for more than 400 days. The solidmore » phases formed in all experiments were identified by X-ray powder diffraction as KNpO{sub 2}CO{sub 3}{center_dot}xH{sub 2}O(s). Steady state concentrations for Np(V) are similar to those observed for Pu(V) in the same brines under the same conditions, where Pu occurs predominantly as Pu(V). Similarly, steady state concentrations for Np(VI), which was not reduced over a two year period, compare well with measured Pu(VI) concentrations in the same brines before the Pu(VI) was reduced to Pu(V).« less

Effects of gamma-sterilization on the physico-chemical properties of natural sediments

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

Bank, Tracy L.; Kukkadapu, Ravi K.; Madden, Andrew S.

2008-06-30

A series of experiments were completed to determine the effects of soil sterilization on various soil chemical properties including U(VI) sorption, soil pH, natural organic matter (NOM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and iron oxidation state. Soils under investigation were a saprolitic sequence of interbedded weathered shale and limestone collected from the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR). Sediments were sterilized by either steam sterilization at 121oC or by γ-irradiation using a cobalt-60 source. Subsamples of sediments were pretreated with dithionate-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB) and/or H2O2 to remove reducible Fe(III) oxides and NOM. Results from aerobic U(VI) sorption experiments indicated that γ-sterilized sediments sorbed moremore » U(VI) compared to non-sterile sediments. Results from sorption experiments completed using DCB and H2O2-treated samples indicated that the iron oxide and NOM fractions of the sediment accounted for the majority of U(VI) sorption and that γ-irradiation of these phases resulted in increased sorption of U(VI). Mössbauer spectra of γ-sterilized sedimentsdisplayed a decrease in the amount of ferric iron associated with goethite and a small increase in the amount of reduced iron in silicate minerals compared to spectra from non-sterile samples. Our results suggest that sterilization by γ-irradiation induced iron reduction that may have increased sorption of U(VI) on these sediments.« less

Cal/Val activities for DubaiSat-2 performance assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bushahab, A.; Al-Mansoori, S.; Al-Suwaidi, K.; Al Matroushi, Hessa; Al-Tunaiji, E.; Al Shamsi, Meera

2014-10-01

Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) was established by the Dubai Government in 2006. After three years of working together with Satrec Initiative (South Korea), EIAST was able to launch DubaiSat-1 on the 29th of July 2009. Building on the success of DubaiSat-1 and the roll out of the knowledge transfer program, UAE engineers were involved in almost 70% of the total build and design of DubaiSat-2. Targeting the commercial market, DubaiSat-2 was launched on the 21st of November 2013 for capturing 1-meter resolution images. The 1st Cal/Val phase was the most critical phase in the satellite life-time, where most of the initial measurements took place. This phase extended over the period of 25/11/2013 till 12/12/2013. Moreover, this phase included most of the relative calibration tasks, color balancing and band matching. 2nd Cal/Val phase included most of the debugging and the pointing accuracy calibration tests. This phase extended over the period of 11/02/2014 till 09/03/2014. This phase emphasized on the calibration of the pointing accuracy. The 3rd Cal/Val phase included fine tuning for the Gyro system to further increase the stability of the satellite and thus improve the pointing accuracy. Moreover, new techniques were implemented to the Pan-Sharpening and to the MTF compensation procedures to enhance the final product. This phase extended over the period of 04/05/2014 till 21/05/2014.

Porous Gelatin Particles for Uterine Artery Embolization: An Experimental Study of Intra-Arterial Distribution, Uterine Necrosis, and Inflammation in a Porcine Model

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

Sone, Miyuki, E-mail: msone@athena.ocn.ne.j; Osuga, Keigo; Shimazu, Kohki

PurposeWe evaluated the location of porous gelatin particles (GP; Gelpart; Nippon Kayaku/Astellas, Tokyo, Japan) within the arterial vasculature and their acute effects on uterine necrosis and inflammation after uterine artery embolization (UAE) in swine.Materials and MethodsAdult nonpregnant pigs (n = 6) were allocated to either 1- (n = 3) or 2-mm GP (n = 3). Superselective and bilateral embolization of the uterine arteries was performed. All animals were killed 1 week after UAE. Macroscopic and microscopic findings, including the level of arterial occlusion and their effect on uterine necrosis and inflammation, were analyzed.ResultsAll UAE procedures were completed without severe complications.more » The macroscopic necrosis was seen in two animals in the 2-mm group with an extent of <50%. The location of the occluded arteries did not differ significantly between groups. The median diameters of the occluded arteries were 449 {mu}m (95% confidence interval [CI] 417-538 {mu}m) in the 1-mm GP group and 484 {mu}m (95% CI 370-560 {mu}m) in the 2-mm GP group. As for microscopic necrosis, no statistically significant difference was observed. The qualitative inflammatory reaction was significantly greater in the 2-mm GP group than in the 1-mm group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsBoth 1- and 2-mm GP occluded the arteries relevant to the target diameter for UAE in porcine uterus, presumably due to the plastic deformity. Both sizes of GP were associated with limited areas of necrosis; however, evaluation of inflammatory reaction was preliminary. Further study with adequate evaluation of inflammatory reactions is suggested.« less

Profile of mental disorders among the elderly United Arab Emirates population: sociodemographic correlates.

PubMed

Ghubash, Rafia; El-Rufaie, Omer; Zoubeidi, Taoufik; Al-Shboul, Qasim M; Sabri, Sufyan M

2004-04-01

To investigate the prevalence, nature and sociodemographic correlates of mental disorders among the elderly United Arab Emirates (UAE) population. STUDY SUBJECTS AND SAMPLE: UAE nationals aged 60 years or more, were recruited from within a random sample of households representing the UAE national population, irrespective of the age of individuals in each household. RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS: (i) Geriatric Mental State Interview (GMS-A3): an Arabic version, using the AGECAT for analysis; (ii) A short questionnaire for relevant sociodemographic data. Purposely trained, Arabic speaking interviewers visited the targeted sample households to interview study subjects at their homes. The total number of screened subjects was 610: 166 (27.2%) in Al-Ain; 286 (46.9%) in Dubai and 158 (25.9%) in Ras Al-Khaimah. There were 347 (56.9%) male subjects and 263 (43.1%) female subjects. The mean age of the interviewed subjects was 68.6 (SD 8.3). The commonest diagnostic entities at the AGECAT syndrome case level were depression (20.2%), anxiety (5.6%), hypochondriasis (4.4%) and organic, mostly cognitive impairment with or without dementia (3.6%). Organic syndrome caseness, as an independent entity, showed significant correlation only to older age, while the rest of the mental disorders showed significant correlation with female gender, insufficient income and being single, separated, divorced or widowed. The GMS-AGECAT package proved to be a useful tool for psychiatric assessment among the elderly in this Arabian culture. The prevalence rates of mental disorders among the elderly UAE population were, more or less, within the same range reported by other comparable worldwide studies. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

MRI Assessment of Uterine Artery Patency and Fibroid Infarction Rates 6 Months after Uterine Artery Embolization with Nonspherical Polyvinyl Alcohol

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

Das, Raj, E-mail: rajdas@nhs.net; Gonsalves, Michael; Vlahos, Ioannis

Purpose: We have observed significant rates of uterine artery patency after uterine artery embolization (UAE) with nonspherical polyvinyl alcohol (nsPVA) on 6 month follow-up MR scanning. The study aim was to quantitatively assess uterine artery patency after UAE with nsPVA and to assess the effect of continued uterine artery patency on outcomes. Methods: A single centre, retrospective study of 50 patients undergoing bilateral UAE for uterine leiomyomata was undertaken. Pelvic MRI was performed before and 6 months after UAE. All embolizations were performed with nsPVA. Outcome measures included uterine artery patency, uterine and dominant fibroid volume, dominant fibroid percentage infarction,more » presence of ovarian arterial collaterals, and symptom scores assessed by the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire (UFS-QOL). Results: Magnetic resonance angiographic evidence of uterine artery recanalization was demonstrated in 90 % of the patients (64 % bilateral, 26 % unilateral) at 6 months. Eighty percent of all dominant fibroids demonstrated >90 % infarction. The mean percentage reduction in dominant fibroid volume was 35 %. No significant difference was identified between nonpatent, unilateral, and bilateral recanalization of the uterine arteries with regard to percentage dominant fibroid infarction or dominant fibroid volume reduction. The presence of bilaterally or unilaterally patent uterine arteries was not associated with inferior clinical outcomes (symptom score or UFS-QOL scores) at 6 months. Conclusion: The high rates of uterine artery patency challenge the current paradigm that nsPVA is a permanent embolic agent and that permanent uterine artery occlusion is necessary to optimally treat uterine fibroids. Despite high rates of uterine artery recanalization in this cohort, satisfactory fibroid infarction rates and UFS-QOL scores were achieved.« less

Results from the Survey of Antibiotic Resistance (SOAR) 2011–13 in the Gulf States

PubMed Central

Jamsheer, A.; Rafay, A. M.; Daoud, Z.; Morrissey, I.; Torumkuney, D.

2016-01-01

Objectives To provide surveillance data on the susceptibility of community-acquired respiratory tract isolates from four Gulf and Near East countries from 2011 to 2013. Methods MICs were determined using Etests® for all antibiotics evaluated except erythromycin, where testing was by disc diffusion. Susceptibility was assessed using CLSI, EUCAST and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) breakpoints. Results Seven hundred and twenty-six respiratory isolates comprising 265 isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 125 isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes and 336 isolates of Haemophilus influenzae were collected from Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Among S. pneumoniae, susceptibility to penicillin was low in the UAE and Bahrain. Macrolide susceptibility was ∼45%–60% in the UAE and Oman but higher in Lebanon (73.7%) and Bahrain (84%–85%). Penicillin susceptibility using CLSI intravenous breakpoints was >85% in all countries. Antibiotic susceptibility of S. pneumoniae was lower in UAE and Oman. Among S. pyogenes isolates, resistance to erythromycin was highest in Oman (31.6%) but <20% in the other countries. In H. influenzae, susceptibility to most antibiotics was high, except for ampicillin in Lebanon (70.2%) and amoxicillin in Oman (95.4%). Lebanon also had a high percentage (14.9%) of β-lactamase-positive isolates with non-susceptibility to ampicillin. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid susceptibility was >95% in all countries. Use of EUCAST versus CLSI breakpoints demonstrated profound differences for cefaclor and cefuroxime in S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae, with EUCAST showing lower susceptibility. Conclusions There was considerable variability in susceptibility among countries in the same region. Thus, continued surveillance is necessary to track future changes in antibiotic resistance. PMID:27048582

Association of A1538G and C2437T single nucleotide polymorphisms in heat shock protein-70 genes with diabetic nephropathy among South Indian population

PubMed Central

Dhamodharan, Umapathy; Ezhilarasi, Krishnamoorthy; Ponjayanthi, Balashanmugam; Sireesh, Dornadula

2017-01-01

Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, characterized by progressive albuminuria and conferring additional risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. The crucial role of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) on renal function in patients with DN has been well documented. The present study was aimed to understand the association of HSP-70 gene variants on the susceptibility of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and DN. A total of 946 subjects (549 Males; 397 Females) were recruited and divided into four groups according to the levels of urinary albumin excretion (UAE): those with normoalbuminuria (UAE <30 mg/24 h; n=230), those with microalbuminuria (30≤ UAE ≤300 mg/24 h; n=230), and those with macroalbuminuria (UAE> 300 mg/24 h; n=230). The control group randomly enrolled a consecutive population of 256 healthy subjects who had a routine medical check-up in our hospital. Those subjects had no history or clinical symptoms of diabetes. Subjects were genotyped for HSP70-2 (+1538 A/G; rs2763979) and HSP70-hom (+2437 C/T; rs2227956) by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The ‘G’ allele of HSP70-2 (+1538 A/G) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) showed relative risk for normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria subjects whereas the ‘T’ allele of HSP70-hom (+2437 C/T) SNP showed significant protection against macroalbuminuria subjects. In conclusion, our results indicate that the HSP70-2 (+1538 A/G) and HSP70-hom (+2437 C/T) SNPs are highly associated with renal complications in T2DM among the South Indian population. PMID:28246355

Beneficial Effects of Pentoxifylline Plus Losartan Dual Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes with Nephropathy.

PubMed

Rabizadeh, Soghra; Dehghani Firouzabadi, Fatemeh; Noshad, Sina; Esteghamati, Sadaf; Afarideh, Mohsen; Ghajar, Alireza; Ganji, Morsaleh; Saadat, Mohammad; Heidari, Behnam; Najafi, Mohammad Taghi; Nakhjavani, Manouchehr; Esteghamati, Alireza

2018-05-01

This study was designed to comparatively assess the effects of add-on pentoxifylline to losartan versus increasing the dose of losartan on serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), serum highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the urinary albumin excretion (UAE) rate in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. In an open-label, single-center, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial (NCT03006952), 30 patients received b.i.d. dose of pentoxifylline 400mg plus daily dose of losartan 50mg (pentoxifylline arm) and 29 patients received b.i.d. dose of losartan 50mg (losartan arm) during a 12-week follow-up period. Serum NT-proBNP, serum hsCRP and UAE levels all significantly decreased from baseline in both trial arms. The pentoxifylline and losartan trial arms were equally effective in reducing serum NT-proBNP levels during the course of trial (multivariable adjusted model P value = 0.864, effect size = 0.2%). There was a greater decrease in UAE and serum hsCRP levels in the pentoxifylline arm (P = 0.034, effect size = 7.8%; P = 0.009, effect size = 11.7%, respectively). Conversely, patients in the losartan arm achieved better systolic and diastolic blood pressure control (P < 0.001, effect size = 25.4%; P = 0.010, effect size = 11.3%, respectively). Circulating NT-proBNP levels equally and significantly reduced from baseline in the pentoxifylline and losartan treatment arms, in parallel with comparatively superior decreases of UAE and serum hsCRP in the pentoxifylline arm, and larger decreases of systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the losartan arm. Copyright © 2018 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Uterine Artery Embolization: An Analysis of Online Patient Information Quality and Readability with Historical Comparison.

PubMed

Murray, Timothy E; Mansoor, Tayyaub; Bowden, Dermot J; O'Neill, Damien C; Lee, Michael J

2018-05-01

Investigators aimed to assess online information describing uterine artery embolization (UAE) to examine the quality and readability of websites patients are accessing. A list of applicable, commonly used searchable terms was generated, including "Uterine Artery Embolization," "Fibroid Embolization," "Uterine Fibroid Embolization," and "Uterine Artery Embolisation." Each possible term was assessed across the five most-used English language search engines to determine the most commonly used term. The most common term was then investigated across each search engine, with the first 25 pages returned by each engine included for analysis. Duplicate pages, nontext content such as video or audio, and pages behind paywalls were excluded. Pages were analyzed for quality and readability using validated tools including DISCERN score, JAMA Benchmark Criteria, HONcode Certification, Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and Gunning-Fog Index. Secondary features such as age, rank, author, and publisher were recorded. The most common applicable term was "Uterine Artery Embolization" (492,900 results). Mean DISCERN quality of information provided by UAE websites is "fair"; however, it has declined since comparative 2012 studies. Adherence to JAMA Benchmark Criteria has reduced to 6.7%. UAE website readability remains more difficult than the World Health Organization-recommended 7-8th grade reading levels. HONcode-certified websites (35.6%) demonstrated significantly higher quality than noncertified websites. Quality of online UAE information remains "fair." Adherence to JAMA benchmark criteria is poor. Readability is above recommended 7-8th grade levels. HONcode certification was predictive of higher website quality, a useful guide to patients requesting additional information. Copyright © 2018 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation, prediction and optimization the ultrasound-assisted extraction method using response surface methodology: antioxidant and biological properties of Stachys parviflora L.

PubMed

Bashi, Davoud Salar; Dowom, Samaneh Attaran; Bazzaz, Bibi Sedigheh Fazly; Khanzadeh, Farhad; Soheili, Vahid; Mohammadpour, Ali

2016-05-01

To optimize the extraction method using response surface methodology, extract the phenolic compounds, and identify the antioxidant and biological properties of Stachys parviflora L. extracts. Maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) (4, 7, 10 min treatment time, 40, 70, 100 % high-intensity and 60, 80, 100 % (v v-1) methanol purity) were applied to obtain the extracts. SEM was conducted to provide the microstructure of the extracted plant. MICs (colorimetric assay), MFCs (colony diameter), total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, radical scavenging capacity and extraction efficiency were determined. HPLC analysis was applied to measure the existent phenolic compounds. A quadratic model (4 min treatment time, 74.5 % high-intensity and 74.2 % solvent purity) was suggested as the best (TPC: 20.89 mg GAE g-1 d.m., TFC: 6.22 mg QEs g-1 d.m., DPPH IC50: 21.86 µg ml-1 and EE: 113.65 mg g-1 d.m.) UAE extraction model. The optimized UAE extract was generally more effective against Gram-positive microorganisms (MIC: 10-20; MBC: 10-40 (mg ml-1)) than Gram-negative ones (MIC: 40; MBC: >40 (mg ml-1)). Moreover, it (MGI: 2.32-100 %) revealed more anti-mold activity than maceration (MGI: <28.77 %). Explosive disruption of the cell walls, therefore, enhanced extraction yield by acoustic cavitation, was elucidated using SEM. Caffeic acid, tannic acid, quercetin, trans ferulic acid and rosmarinic acid were determined as the phenolic compounds in the optimized extract. RSM optimization was successfully applied for UAE from S. parviflora. The considerable antioxidant and biological properties were attributed to the phenolic compounds.

Evaluation, prediction and optimization the ultrasound-assisted extraction method using response surface methodology: antioxidant and biological properties of Stachys parviflora L.

PubMed Central

Bashi, Davoud Salar; Dowom, Samaneh Attaran; Bazzaz, Bibi Sedigheh Fazly; Khanzadeh, Farhad; Soheili, Vahid; Mohammadpour, Ali

2016-01-01

Objective(s): To optimize the extraction method using response surface methodology, extract the phenolic compounds, and identify the antioxidant and biological properties of Stachys parviflora L. extracts. Materials and Methods: Maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) (4, 7, 10 min treatment time, 40, 70, 100 % high-intensity and 60, 80, 100 % (v v-1) methanol purity) were applied to obtain the extracts. SEM was conducted to provide the microstructure of the extracted plant. MICs (colorimetric assay), MFCs (colony diameter), total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, radical scavenging capacity and extraction efficiency were determined. HPLC analysis was applied to measure the existent phenolic compounds. Results: A quadratic model (4 min treatment time, 74.5 % high-intensity and 74.2 % solvent purity) was suggested as the best (TPC: 20.89 mg GAE g-1 d.m., TFC: 6.22 mg QEs g-1 d.m., DPPH IC50: 21.86 µg ml-1 and EE: 113.65 mg g-1 d.m.) UAE extraction model. The optimized UAE extract was generally more effective against Gram-positive microorganisms (MIC: 10-20; MBC: 10-40 (mg ml-1)) than Gram-negative ones (MIC: 40; MBC: >40 (mg ml-1)). Moreover, it (MGI: 2.32-100 %) revealed more anti-mold activity than maceration (MGI: <28.77 %). Explosive disruption of the cell walls, therefore, enhanced extraction yield by acoustic cavitation, was elucidated using SEM. Caffeic acid, tannic acid, quercetin, trans ferulic acid and rosmarinic acid were determined as the phenolic compounds in the optimized extract. Conclusion: RSM optimization was successfully applied for UAE from S. parviflora. The considerable antioxidant and biological properties were attributed to the phenolic compounds. PMID:27403260

Influence of microalbuminuria on left ventricular geometry and function in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Picca, Maurizio; Agozzino, Francesco; Pelosi, Giancarlo

2003-01-01

An increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE) is associated with an augmented risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients and in non-diabetic subjects. Left ventricular hypertrophy has been demonstrated to be a powerful predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in arterial hypertension and when the ventricular geometry is concentric the relation is even stronger. This echocardiographic and Doppler study was designed to evaluate the influence of microalbuminuria on the left ventricular geometry and function in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes melitus. Forty-two patients (16 males, 26 females, mean age 59.6 +/- 6.7 years) with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the study. Twenty-one patients had an elevated UAE (group 1) and 21 a normal UAE (group 2). M-mode (under two-dimensional control) and Doppler echocardiography were performed after a 4-week washout period off antihypertensive therapy. The left ventricular mass index was found to be greater than the partition value of 51 g/m2.7 in both groups but was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in group 1. The midwall fractional shortening was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in group 1 in comparison with group 2. The E/A ratio was impaired in both groups but was more significantly reduced (p < 0.02) in group 1. There was a significantly higher prevalence of a left ventricular concentric hypertrophy pattern (19/21 patients, p < 0.001) in group 1. In hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, an elevated UAE is associated with an increased left ventricular mass index, a higher prevalence of a concentric left ventricular hypertrophy pattern, a depressed midwall systolic performance and a markedly impaired diastolic function...

International telemedicine consultations for neurodevelopmental disabilities.

PubMed

Pearl, Phillip L; Sable, Craig; Evans, Sarah; Knight, Joseph; Cunningham, Parker; Lotrecchiano, Gaetano R; Gropman, Andrea; Stuart, Sheela; Glass, Penny; Conway, Anne; Ramadan, Issam; Paiva, Tania; Batshaw, Mark L; Packer, Roger J

2014-06-01

A telemedicine program was developed between the Children's National Medical Center (CNMC) in Washington, DC, and the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Foundation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A needs assessment and a curriculum of on-site training conferences were devised preparatory to an ongoing telemedicine consultation program for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in the underserved eastern region of the UAE. Weekly telemedicine consultations are provided by a multidisciplinary faculty. Patients are presented in the UAE with their therapists and families. Real-time (video over Internet protocol; average connection, 768 kilobits/s) telemedicine conferences are held weekly following previews of medical records. A full consultation report follows each telemedicine session. Between February 29, 2012 and June 26, 2013, 48 weekly 1-h live interactive telemedicine consultations were conducted on 48 patients (28 males, 20 females; age range, 8 months-22 years; median age, 5.4 years). The primary diagnoses were cerebral palsy, neurogenetic disorders, autism, neuromuscular disorders, congenital anomalies, global developmental delay, systemic disease, and epilepsy. Common comorbidities were cognitive impairment, communication disorders, and behavioral disorders. Specific recommendations included imaging and DNA studies, antiseizure management, spasticity management including botulinum toxin protocols, and specific therapy modalities including taping techniques, customized body vests, and speech/language and behavioral therapy. Improved outcomes reported were in clinician satisfaction, achievement of therapy goals for patients, and requests for ongoing sessions. Weekly telemedicine sessions coupled with triannual training conferences were successfully implemented in a clinical program dedicated to patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities by the Center for Neuroscience at CNMC and the UAE government. International consultations in neurodevelopmental disabilities utilizing telemedicine services offer a reliable and productive method for joint clinical programs.

Formation of stable uranium(VI) colloidal nanoparticles in conditions relevant to radioactive waste disposal.

PubMed

Bots, Pieter; Morris, Katherine; Hibberd, Rosemary; Law, Gareth T W; Mosselmans, J Frederick W; Brown, Andy P; Doutch, James; Smith, Andrew J; Shaw, Samuel

2014-12-09

The favored pathway for disposal of higher activity radioactive wastes is via deep geological disposal. Many geological disposal facility designs include cement in their engineering design. Over the long term, interaction of groundwater with the cement and waste will form a plume of a hyperalkaline leachate (pH 10-13), and the behavior of radionuclides needs to be constrained under these extreme conditions to minimize the environmental hazard from the wastes. For uranium, a key component of many radioactive wastes, thermodynamic modeling predicts that, at high pH, U(VI) solubility will be very low (nM or lower) and controlled by equilibrium with solid phase alkali and alkaline-earth uranates. However, the formation of U(VI) colloids could potentially enhance the mobility of U(VI) under these conditions, and characterizing the potential for formation and medium-term stability of U(VI) colloids is important in underpinning our understanding of U behavior in waste disposal. Reflecting this, we applied conventional geochemical and microscopy techniques combined with synchrotron based in situ and ex situ X-ray techniques (small-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray adsorption spectroscopy (XAS)) to characterize colloidal U(VI) nanoparticles in a synthetic cement leachate (pH > 13) containing 4.2-252 μM U(VI). The results show that in cement leachates with 42 μM U(VI), colloids formed within hours and remained stable for several years. The colloids consisted of 1.5-1.8 nm nanoparticles with a proportion forming 20-60 nm aggregates. Using XAS and electron microscopy, we were able to determine that the colloidal nanoparticles had a clarkeite (sodium-uranate)-type crystallographic structure. The presented results have clear and hitherto unrecognized implications for the mobility of U(VI) in cementitious environments, in particular those associated with the geological disposal of nuclear waste.

O VI ABSORBERS TRACING HOT GAS ASSOCIATED WITH A PAIR OF GALAXIES AT z = 0.167

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

Savage, B. D.; Narayanan, A.; Wakker, B. P.

2010-08-20

High signal-to-noise observations of the QSO PKS 0405-123 (z {sub em} = 0.572) with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph from 1134 to 1796 A with a resolution of {approx}17 km s{sup -1} are used to study the multi-phase partial Lyman limit system (LLS) at z = 0.16716, which has previously been studied using relatively low signal-to-noise spectra from STIS and FUSE. The LLS and an associated H I-free broad O VI absorber likely originate in the circumgalactic gas associated with a pair of galaxies at z = 0.1688 and 0.1670 with impact parameters of 116 h {sup -1} {sub 70} andmore » 99 h {sup -1} {sub 70}. The broad and symmetric O VI absorption is detected in the z = 0.16716 rest frame with v = -278 {+-} 3 km s{sup -1}, log N(O VI) = 13.90 {+-} 0.03, and b = 52 {+-} 2 km s{sup -1}. This absorber is not detected in H I or other species with the possible exception of N V. The broad, symmetric O VI profile and the absence of corresponding H I absorption indicate that the circumgalactic gas in which the collisionally ionized O VI arises is hot (log T {approx} 5.8-6.2). The absorber may represent a rare but important new class of low-z intergalactic medium absorbers. The LLS has strong asymmetrical O VI absorption with log N(O VI) = 14.72 {+-} 0.02 spanning a velocity range from -200 to +100 km s{sup -1}. The high and low ions in the LLS have properties resembling those found for Galactic highly ionized high-velocity clouds where the O VI is likely produced in the conductive and turbulent interfaces between cool and hot gas.« less

Application of high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) for determination of chromium compounds in the air at the workplace.

PubMed

Stanislawska, Magdalena; Janasik, Beata; Wasowicz, Wojciech

2013-12-15

The toxicity and bioavailability of chromium species are highly dependable on the form or species, therefore determination of total chromium is insufficient for a complete toxicological evaluation and risk assessment. An analytical method for determination of soluble and insoluble Cr (III) and Cr (VI) compounds in welding fume at workplace air has been developed. The total chromium (Cr) was determined by using quadruple inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) equipped with a dynamic reaction cell (DRC(®)). Soluble trivalent and hexavalent chromium compounds were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). A high-speed, reversed-phase CR C8 column (PerkinElmer, Inc., Shelton, CT, USA) was used for the speciation of soluble Cr (III) and soluble Cr (VI). The separation was accomplished by interaction of the chromium species with the different components of the mobile phase. Cr (III) formed a complex with EDTA, i.e. retained on the column, while Cr (VI) existed in the solutions as dichromate. Alkaline extraction (2% KOH and 3% Na2CO3) and anion exchange column (PRP-X100, PEEK, Hamilton) were used for the separation of the total Cr (VI). The results of the determination of Cr (VI) were confirmed by the analysis of the certified reference material BCR CRM 545 (Cr (VI) in welding dust). The results obtained for the certified material (40.2±0.6 g kg(-1)) and the values recorded in the examined samples (40.7±0.6 g kg(-1)) were highly consistent. This analytical method was applied for the determination of chromium in the samples in the workplace air collected onto glass (Whatman, Ø 37 mm) and membrane filters (Sartorius, 0.8 μm, Ø 37 mm). High performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is a remarkably powerful and versatile technique for determination of chromium species in welding fume at workplace air. Crown Copyright © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Energy Efficient Florida Educational Facilities: Phase VI. Progress Report: Phase I and II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Callahan, Michael P.; Parker, Danny S.

A Florida study examined differences in energy uses in two adjacent portable classrooms to determine if these types of facilities can be made more energy efficient through retrofitting. Retrofitting included an efficient lighting system, new air conditioners, and reflective white metal roofs. Data show the white metal roofing reduced roof,…

Two-way multi-band optical/IR transmission measurements in the Persian Gulf coastal region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Jong, Arie N.; Fritz, Peter J.

2005-10-01

The atmospheric conditions in the Persian Gulf region are significantly different from other places in the world. The particle size distribution may vary daily and during the day. The aerosols can contribute to the amount of rainfall over land, important for the nations around the Gulf. In 2004 NASNGSFC and NRL (Naval Research Laboratory) introduced a proposal to improve the modelling of aerosol transport for the Persian Gulf area. The proposal included a measurement campaign in the UAE (United Arabian Emirates), held in the summer/fall of 2004, sponsored by the DWRS (Department of Water Resources Studies) in Abu Dhabi: UAEz (Unified Aerosol Experiment in the UAE). In this campaign NASA installed a number of multi-spectral sun-photometers at various locations in the UAE (http://aeronet.gsfc.nasa.gov). NRL installed ground based and airborne particle samplers. In addition, TNO (the Netherlands) installed its multi-band opticaUIR transmissometer, in order to collect horizontal, path-integrated transmission data. This device provides additional information on the scattering behaviour of the aerosols compared to the other instruments, which either integrate scattering over the full vertical path (the NASA sun-photometers, providing the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD)) or sample the particles in-situ (the NRL particle samplers, providing size distribution and composition). This paper deals with our transmission measurement set-up, which was located in a coastal area near Abu Dhabi. This location allowed the investigation of the local variability of the atmospheric conditions: from desert dust to pollution, such as fossil fuel and biomass burning, depending on the wind direction. For logistic reasons a set-up was chosen with a retro-reflector. This choice implies consequences for the calibration procedure and measurement accuracy, which are discussed in detail. Also the effects of path-inhomogeneity and scintillation for such a two-way set-up are considered. Results are presented for the measurement period of two weeks in September, showing interesting transmission effects due to temporal changes in aerosol particle composition. These phenomena cannot be explained by scattering theory for spherical particles. More knowledge is required on the shape and composition of the particles. Comparison of the transmission data with the data from other instruments will be done in a next phase.

A simple one-step ultrasonic-assisted extraction and derivatization method coupling to high-performance liquid chromatographyfor the determination of ε-aminocaproic acid and amino acids in cosmetics.

PubMed

Du, Yuanqi; Xia, Ling; Xiao, Xiaohua; Li, Gongke; Chen, Xiaoguang

2018-06-15

Nowadays, the safety of cosmetics is a widespread concern. Amines are common cosmetic additives. Some of them such as amino acids are beneficial. Another kind of amines, however, ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) is prohibited to add into cosmetics for its adverse reactions. In this study, a simple, rapid, sensitive and eco-friendly one-step ultrasonic-assisted extraction and derivatization (UAE-D) method was developed for determination of EACA and amino acids in cosmetics by coupling with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). By using this sample preparation method, extraction and derivatization of EACA and amino acids were finished in one step in ultrasound field. During this procedure, 4-fluoro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD-F)was applied as derivatization reagent. The extraction conditions including the amount of NBD-F, extraction and derivatization temperature, the ultrasonic vibration time and pH value of the aqueous phase were evaluated. Meanwhile, the extraction mechanism was investigated. Under optimized conditions, the method detection limits were 0.086-0.15 μg/L, and method quantitation limits were 0.29-0.47 μg/L with RSDs less than 3.7% (n = 3). The recoveries of EACA and amino acids obtained from cosmetic samples were in range from 76.9% to 122.3%. Amino acids were found in all selected samples and quantified in range from 1.9 ± 0.9 to 677.2 ± 17.9 μg/kg. And EACA was found and quantified with the contents of 1284.3 ± 22.1 μg/kg in a toner sample. This UAE-D-HPLC method shortened and simplified the sample pretreatment as well as enhanced the sensitivity of analytical method. In our record, only 10 min was needed for the total sample preparation process. And the method detection limits were two orders of magnitude less than literature reports. Furthermore, we reduced the consumption of solvent and minimized the usage of organic solvents, which made our method moving towards green analytical chemistry. In brief, our UAE-D-HPLC method is a simple, rapid, sensitive and eco-friendly analytical method for the determination of EACA and amino acids in cosmetics. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The role of pharmacists in developing countries: The current scenario in the United Arab Emirates

PubMed Central

Rayes, Ibrahim Khalid; Hassali, Mohamed Azmi; Abduelkarem, Abduelmula R.

2014-01-01

Pharmacy practice has passed several rounds of advancements over the past few years. It had changed the traditional positioning criteria of pharmacists as business people into patient-centered healthcare professionals. This worldwide shift is increasingly accumulating pressure on UAE pharmacists to turn up into better level of service providing accompanied with higher demand of inter-personal skills and intellectual capabilities. This can be accomplished through stressing the significance of continuing pharmacy education in basic sciences as well as social and administrative pharmacy techniques and its collaboration in elevating the quality of pharmacy practice in the UAE. PMID:26594111

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

Reggio, R.; Haun, R.

This paper reviews the engineering and design work along with the installation procedures for a Persian Gulf natural gas pipeline. OPMI Ltd., a joint venture of Offshore Pipelines, Inc., Houston, and Maritime Industrial Services Co., Ltd., United Arab Emirates (UAE), successfully completed this 57.4 mile, 16-inch gas export pipeline for Consolidated Transmissions Inc. The pipeline begins at a platform in the Mubarek field offshore Sharjah, UAE, and runs to a beach termination at the Dugas treatment plant, Jebel Ali, Dubai. The paper describes the site preparation required for installation of the pipeline along with the specific design of the pipelinemore » itself to deal with corrosion, welding processes, condensate dropout, and temperature gradients.« less

Electromagnetic mapping of buried paleochannels in eastern Abu Dhabi Emirate, U.A.E.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fitterman, D.V.; Menges, C.M.; Al Kamali, A.M.; Essa, Jama F.

1991-01-01

Transient electromagnetic soundings and terrain conductivity meter measurements were used to map paleochannel geometry in the Al Jaww Plain of eastern Abu Dhabi Emirate, U.A.E. as part of an integrated hydrogeologic study of the Quaternary alluvial aquifer system. Initial interpretation of the data without benefit of well log information was able to map the depth to a conductive clay layer of Tertiary age that forms the base of the aquifer. Comparison of the results with induction logs reveals that a resistive zone exists that was incorporated into the interpretation and its lateral extent mapped with the transient electromagnetic sounding data. ?? 1991.

Design of a new concentrated photovoltaic system under UAE conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hachicha, Ahmed Amine; Tawalbeh, Muahammad

2017-06-01

Concentrated Photovoltaic Systems (CPVs) are considered one of the innovative designs for concentrated solar power applications. By concentrating the incident radiation, the solar cells will be able to produce much more electricity compared to conventional PV systems. However, the temperature of the solar cells increases significantly with concentration. Therefore, cooling of the solar cells will be needed to maintain high conversion efficiency. In this work, a novel design of CPV system is proposed and implemented under UAE conditions for electricity generation and hot water production. The proposed design integrates a water cooling system and PV system to optimize both the electrical and thermal performances of the CPV system.

Population genetic analysis reveals a low level of genetic diversity of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia' causing witches' broom disease in lime.

PubMed

Al-Abadi, Shaikha Y; Al-Sadi, Abdullah M; Dickinson, Matthew; Al-Hammadi, Mohammed S; Al-Shariqi, Rashid; Al-Yahyai, Rashid A; Kazerooni, Elham A; Bertaccini, Assunta

2016-01-01

Witches' broom disease of lime (WBDL) is a serious phytoplasma disease of acid lime in Oman, the UAE and Iran. Despite efforts to study it, no systemic study attempted to characterize the relationship among the associated phytoplasma, ' Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia', from the three countries. This study utilized sequences of the 16S rRNA, imp and secA genes to characterize 57 strains collected from Oman (38), the UAE (9) and Iran (10). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that the 57 strains shared 98.5-100 % nucleotide similarity to each other and to strains of ' Ca . P. aurantifolia' available in GenBank. The level of genetic diversity was low based on the 16S rRNA (0-0.011), imp (0-0.002) and secA genes (0-0.015). The presence of low level of diversity among phytoplasma strains from Oman, the UAE and Iran can be explained by the movement of infected lime seedlings from one country to another through trading and exchange of infected plants. The study discusses implication of the findings on WBDL spread and management.

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

Radhi, Hassan

Developments in the design and manufacture of photovoltaic cells have recently been a growing concern in the UAE. At present, the embodied energy pay-back time (EPBT) is the criterion used for comparing the viability of such technology against other forms. However, the impact of PV technology on the thermal performance of buildings is not considered at the time of EPBT estimation. If additional energy savings gained over the PV system life are also included, the total EPBT could be shorter. This paper explores the variation of the total energy of building integrated photovoltaic systems (BiPV) as a wall cladding systemmore » applied to the UAE commercial sector and shows that the ratio between PV output and saving in energy due to PV panels is within the range of 1:3-1:4. The result indicates that for the southern and western facades in the UAE, the embodied energy pay-back time for photovoltaic system is within the range of 12-13 years. When reductions in operational energy are considered, the pay-back time is reduced to 3.0-3.2 years. This study comes to the conclusion that the reduction in operational energy due to PV panels represents an important factor in the estimation of EPBT. (author)« less

Modeling of the UAE Wind Turbine for Refinement of FAST{_}AD

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

Jonkman, J. M.

The Unsteady Aerodynamics Experiment (UAE) research wind turbine was modeled both aerodynamically and structurally in the FAST{_}AD wind turbine design code, and its response to wind inflows was simulated for a sample of test cases. A study was conducted to determine why wind turbine load magnitude discrepancies-inconsistencies in aerodynamic force coefficients, rotor shaft torque, and out-of-plane bending moments at the blade root across a range of operating conditions-exist between load predictions made by FAST{_}AD and other modeling tools and measured loads taken from the actual UAE wind turbine during the NASA-Ames wind tunnel tests. The acquired experimental test data representmore » the finest, most accurate set of wind turbine aerodynamic and induced flow field data available today. A sample of the FAST{_}AD model input parameters most critical to the aerodynamics computations was also systematically perturbed to determine their effect on load and performance predictions. Attention was focused on the simpler upwind rotor configuration, zero yaw error test cases. Inconsistencies in input file parameters, such as aerodynamic performance characteristics, explain a noteworthy fraction of the load prediction discrepancies of the various modeling tools.« less

Prevalence of the tobacco product dokha among high school students in Dubai.

PubMed

Crookes, Annie; Wolff, Kim

2014-08-01

Dokha is a mixed tobacco product, smoked through a pipe, traditional in Arabic culture and popular in the UAE. User forums suggest this product may contain higher levels of nicotine and potentially psychoactive properties. However, there have been few published studies on dokha prevalence and health effects. The present study provides initial data on prevalence of use among high school students resident in Dubai, UAE. 416 students were recruited from five English curriculum schools. Respondents completed a questionnaire measuring current and lifetime use of tobacco in the form of cigarettes, water-pipes and dokha. Current tobacco users completed the 'Hooked on Nicotine Checklist for signs of dependency. Data from 394 subjects were analyzed with mean age 16.9 years. Regular use (weekly or daily) of tobacco had relatively high prevalence (23.4%) compared to international data and was driven by use of the local tobacco, dokha. Dokha forms a commonly used tobacco product among young people in the UAE from both Arab and Western national groups. Little is currently known about the health and dependence risks of this product. The paper adds to the few studies calling for timely research into this and other emerging tobacco products.

Cervical Infection with Herpes simplex Virus, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among Symptomatic Women, Dubai, UAE: A Molecular Approach

PubMed Central

Behzadi, Mohammad Amin; Azizi, Saeed; Payombarnia, Hamid; Vahdani, Ali; Namayandeh, Mandana; Ziyaeyan, Mazyar

2014-01-01

Tragically, genital tract infections are still a major public health problem in many regions. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of cervical infection with Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) among married women referring to Iranian Hospital, Dubai, UAE. In a retrospective cross-sectional survey, 201 female patients aged 16–80 years who referred to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Iranian Hospital, Dubai, UAE, in 2010 were enrolled. The patients were categorized into three age groups: 15–30 (group I), 31–40 (group II), and ≥41 years old (group III). A cervical swab sample was collected from each woman and the prevalence of cervical infection with HSV, CT, and NG was determined by PCR method. HSV, CT, and NG were detected in 6.5%, 10.4%, and 5.5% of swab samples, respectively. Regarding age, a significant difference was noticed for prevalence of NG and HSV between groups I and III. Because of public health importance of sexual transmitted diseases (STDs), their long-lasting impact on quality of life, and their economic burden, preventing measures and education of women seem necessary. PMID:24982675

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of three bufadienolides from Chinese medicine ChanSu.

PubMed

Sun, Yinshi; Bi, Jianjie; Zhang, Li; Ye, Baoxing

2012-11-01

In this study, the application of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method was shown to be more efficient in extracting anti-tumor bufadienolides (bufalin, cinobufagin and resibufogenin) from important animal medicine of ChanSu than the maceration extraction (ME) and soxhlet extraction (SE) method. The effects of ultrasonic variables including extraction solvent, solvent concentration, solvent to solid ratio, ultrasound power, temperature, extraction time and particle size on the yields of three bufadienolides were investigated. The optimum extraction conditions found were: 70% (v/v) methanol solution, solvent to solid ratio of 10ml/g, ultrasound power of 125W, temperature of 20°C, extraction time of 20min and particle size of 60-80 mesh. The extraction yields of bufalin, cinobufagin and resibufogenin were 43.17±0.85, 52.58±1.12, 137.70±2.65mg/g, respectively. In order to achieve a similar yield as UAE, soxhlet extraction required 6h and maceration extraction required much longer time of 18h. The results indicated that UAE is an alternative method for extracting bufadienolides from ChanSu. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the Analysis of the Climatology of Cloudiness of the Arabian Peninsula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yousef, L. A.; Temimi, M.

2015-12-01

This study aims to determine the climatology of cloudiness over the Arabian Peninsula. The determined climatology will assist solar energy resource assessment in the region. The seasonality of cloudiness and its spatial variability will also help guide several cloud seeding operational experiments in the region. Cloud properties from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) database covering the time period from 1983 through 2009 are analyzed. Time series of low, medium, high, and total cloud amounts are investigated, in addition to cloud optical depth and total column water vapor. Initial results show significant decreasing trends in the total and middle cloud amounts, both annually and seasonally, at a 95% confidence interval. The relationship between cloud amounts and climate oscillations known to affect the region is explored. Climate indices exhibiting significant correlations with the total cloud amounts include the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) index. The study also includes a focus on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), comparing the inferred cloudiness data to in situ rainfall measurements taken from rain gauges across the UAE. To assess the impact of cloudiness on solar power resources in the country, time series of cloud amounts and Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI), obtained from the UAE Solar Atlas, are compared.

Application of ultrasound for enhanced extraction of prebiotic oligosaccharides from selected fruits and vegetables.

PubMed

Jovanovic-Malinovska, Ruzica; Kuzmanova, Slobodanka; Winkelhausen, Eleonora

2015-01-01

Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) was used to extract oligosaccharides from selected fruits (blueberry, nectarine, raspberry, watermelon) and vegetables (garlic, Jerusalem artichoke, leek, scallion, spring garlic and white onion). The individual fractions of the oligosaccharides were analyzed: 1-kestose (GF2), nystose (GF3) and 1F-β-fructofuranosylnystose (GF4) from the fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and raffinose and stachyose from the raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO). Extraction parameters including solvent concentration (35-85% v/v), extraction temperature (25-50°C) and sonication time (5-15min) were examined using response surface methodology (RSM). Ethanol concentration of 63% v/v, temperature of 40°C and extraction time of 10min gave maximal concentration of the extracted oligosaccharides. The experimental values under optimal conditions were consistent with the predicted values. UAE increased the concentration of extracted oligosaccharides in all fruits and vegetables from 2 to 4-fold compared to conventional extraction. The highest increase of total oligosaccharides extracted by UAE was detected in Jerusalem artichoke, 7.17±0.348g/100gFW, compared to 1.62±0.094g/100gFW with conventional method. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the determination of nitrophenols in soils by microvial insert large volume injection-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Cacho, J I; Campillo, N; Viñas, P; Hernández-Córdoba, M

2016-07-22

A rapid and sensitive procedure for the determination of six NPs in soils by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is proposed. Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) is used for NP extraction from soil matrices to an organic solvent, while the environmentally friendly technique dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) is used for the preconcentration of the resulting UAE extracts. NPs were derivatized by applying an "in-situ" acetylation procedure, before being injected into the GC-MS system using microvial insert large volume injection (LVI). Several parameters affecting UAE, DLLME, derivatization and injection steps were investigated. The optimized procedure provided recoveries of 86-111% from spiked samples. Precision values of the procedure (expressed as relative standard deviation, RSD) lower than 12%, and limits of quantification ranging from 1.3 to 2.6ngg(-1), depending on the compound, were obtained. Twenty soil samples, obtained from military, industrial and agricultural areas, were analyzed by the proposed method. Two of the analytes were quantified in two of the samples obtained from industrial areas, at concentrations in the 4.8-9.6ngg(-1) range. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Obesity and Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Middle East and UAE.

PubMed

Vats, Mayank G; Mahboub, Bassam H; Al Hariri, Hassan; Al Zaabi, Ashraf; Vats, Deepa

2016-01-01

A pandemic of obesity is sweeping all across the globe and the Middle East region also does not remain untouched by this prevailing pandemic. In fact, as per WHO report, Kuwait has the second highest obesity prevalence followed closely by other Middle East (ME) countries, namely, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Apart from direct medical, psychological, and quality of life related adverse effects of obesity, many indirect medical comorbidities, namely, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and metabolic syndrome, imposes a significant health burden on the individual and community with consequent morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the very high prevalence of obesity, undiagnosed sleep apnea, and other obesity related disorders with discussion of the contributing factors specific to the region including the fair insight into the current status of sleep medicine services in Middle East and UAE despite huge number of patients having undiagnosed sleep disorders. We will also suggest to control this epidemic of obesity and OSA so that the corrective measure could be taken at health ministry level to help people of this region to fight against obesity and related disorders, primarily OSA.

The March 11, 2002 Masafi, United Arab Emirates Earthquake: Insights into the Seismotectonics of the Northern Oman Mountains

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

Rodgers, A; Fowler, A; Al-Amri, A

2005-04-26

A moderate (M{approx}5) earthquake struck the northeastern United Arab Emirates (UAE) and northern Oman on March 11, 2002. The event was felt over a wide area of the northern Emirates and was accompanied by smaller (felt) events before and after the March 11 main shock. The event was large enough to be detected and located by global networks at teleseismic distances. We estimated focal mechanism and depth from broadband complete regional waveform modeling. We report a normal mechanism with a slight right-lateral strike-slip component consistent with the large-scale tectonics. The normal component suggests relaxation of obducted crust of the Semailmore » Ophilite (specifically, the Khor Fakkan Block) while the right-lateral strike-slip component of the mechanism is consistent with shear across the Oman Line. Felt earthquakes are rare in the region, however no regional seismic network exists in the UAE to determine local seismicity. This event offers a unique opportunity to study the active tectonics of the region as well as inform future studies of seismic hazard in the UAE and northern Oman.« less

Seismic Monitoring for the United Arab Emirates

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

Rodgers, A; Nakanishi, K

2005-04-11

There is potential for earthquakes in the United Arab Emirates and in the Zagros mountains to cause structural damage and pose a threat to safety of people. Damaging effects from earthquakes can be mitigated by knowledge of the location and size of earthquakes, effects on construction, and monitoring these effects over time. Although a general idea of seismicity in the UAE may be determined with data from global seismic networks, these global networks do not have the sensitivity to record smaller seismic events and do not have the necessary accuracy to locate the events. A National Seismic Monitoring Observatory ismore » needed for the UAE that consists of a modern seismic network and a multidisciplinary staff that can analyze and interpret the data from the network. A seismic network is essential to locate earthquakes, determine event magnitudes, identify active faults and measure ground motions from earthquakes. Such a network can provide the data necessary for a reliable seismic hazard assessment in the UAE. The National Seismic Monitoring Observatory would ideally be situated at a university that would provide access to the wide range of disciplines needed in operating the network and providing expertise in analysis and interpretation.« less

30 CFR 250.917 - What are the CVA's primary duties during the fabrication phase?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... adherence to such procedures; (v) Welder and welding procedure qualification and identification; (vi... requirements, and evaluation results of the specified examinations; (viii) Destructive testing requirements and...

The fujairah united arab emirates (uae) (ml = 5.1) earthquake of march 11, 2002 a reminder for the immediate need to develop and implement a national hazard mitigation strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Homoud, A.

2003-04-01

On March 11, 2002, at mid nigh, the Fujairah Masafi region in the UAE was shaken by an earthquake of shallow depth and local magnitude m = 5.1 on Richter Scale. The earthquake occurred on Dibba fault in the UAE with epicenter of the earthquake at 20 km NW of Fujairha city. The focal depth was just 10 km. The earthquake was felt in most parts of the northern emirates: Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaima, and Um-Qwain. The "main shock" was followed in the following weeks by more than twenty five earthquakes with local magnitude ranging from m = 4 to m = 4.8. The location of those earthquakes was along Zagros Reverse Faulting System in the Iranian side the Arabian Gulf, opposite to the Shores of the UAE. Most of these earthquakes were shallow too and were actually felt by the people. However, there was another strong earthquake in early April 2002 in the same Masafi region with local magnitude m = 5.1 and focal depth 30 km, therefore it was not felt by the northern emirates residents. No major structural damages to buildings and lifeline systems were reported in the several cities located in the vicinity of the earthquake epicenter. The very small values of ground accelerations were not enough to test the structural integrity of tall building and major infrastructures. Future major earthquakes anticipated in the region in close vicinity of northern emirates, once they occur, and considering the noticeable local site effect of the emirates sandy soils of high water table levels, will surely put these newly constructed building into the real test. Even though there were no casualties in the March 11th event, but there was major fear as a result of the loud sound of rock rupture heard in the mountains close to Maafi, the noticeable disturbance of animals and birds minutes before the earthquake incident and during the incident, cracks in the a good number of Masafi buildings and major damages that occurred in "old" buildings of Fujairah Masafi area, the closest city to the epicenter of the earthquake. Indeed, the March 11, 2002 and "aftershocks" scared the citizens of Masafi and surrounding regions and ignited the attention of the public and government to the subject matter of earthquake hazard, specialty this earthquake came one year after the near by Indian m = 6.5 destructive Earthquake. Indeed the recent m = 6.2 June 22 destructive earthquake too that hit north west Iran, has again reminded the UAE public and government with the need to take quick and concrete measures to dtake the necessary steps to mitigate any anticipated earthquake hazard. This study reflects in some details on the following aspects related to the region and vicinity: geological and tectonic setting, seismicity, earthquake activity data base and seismic hazard assessment. Moreover, it documents the following aspects of the March 11, 2002 earthquake: tectonic, seismological, instrumental seismic data, aftershocks, strong motion recordings and response spectral and local site effect analysis, geotechnical effects and structural observations in the region affected by the earthquake. The study identifies local site ground amplification effects and liquefaction hazard potential in some parts of the UAE. Moreover, the study reflects on the coverage of the incident in the media, public and government response, state of earthquake engineering practice in the construction industry in the UAE, and the national preparedness and public awareness issues. However, it is concluded for this event that the mild damages that occurred in Masafi region were due to poor quality of construction, and lack of underestimating of the design base shear. Practical recommendations are suggested for the authorities to avoid damages in newly constructed buildings and lifelines as a result of future stronger earthquakes, in addition to recommendations on a national strategy for earthquake hazard mitigation in the UAE, which is still missing. The recommendations include the development and implementation of a design code for earthquake loading in the UAE, development of macro and micro seismic hazard maps, development of local site effect and liquefaction hazard maps, installation of a national earthquake monitoring network, assessment of the vulnerability of critical structures and life line facilities, public awareness, training of rescue teams in civil defense, etc.

Nonisovalent Si-III-V and Si-II-VI alloys: Covalent, ionic, and mixed phases

DOE PAGES

Kang, Joongoo; Park, Ji -Sang; Stradins, Pauls; ...

2017-07-13

In this paper, nonequilibrium growth of Si-III-V or Si-II-VI alloys is a promising approach to obtaining optically more active Si-based materials. We propose a new class of nonisovalent Si 2AlP (or Si 2ZnS) alloys in which the Al-P (or Zn-S) atomic chains are as densely packed as possible in the host Si matrix. As a hybrid of the lattice-matched parent phases, Si2AlP (or Si2ZnS) provides an ideal material system with tunable local chemical orders around Si atoms within the same composition and structural motif. Here, using first-principles hybrid functional calculations, we discuss how the local chemical orders affect the electronicmore » and optical properties of the nonisovalent alloys.« less

Removal of hexavalent chromium by biosorption process in rotating packed bed.

PubMed

Panda, M; Bhowal, A; Datta, S

2011-10-01

Removal of hexavalent chromium ions from an aqueous solution by crude tamarind (Tamarindus indica) fruit shell was examined in a rotating packed bed contactor by continuously recirculating a given volume of solution through the bed. Reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) within the biosorbent appeared to be the removal mechanism. Depletion rate of Cr(VI) from, and release of reduced Cr(III) ions into the aqueous phase, was influenced by mass transfer resistance besides pH and packing depth. A mathematical model considering the reduction reaction to be irreversible and incorporating intraparticle and external phase mass transfer resistances represented the experimental data adequately. The study indicated that the limitations of fixed bed contactor operating under terrestrial gravity in intensifying mass transfer rates for this system can be overcome with rotating packed bed due to liquid flow under centrifugal acceleration.

Phase transitions in Group III-V and II-VI semiconductors at high pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu, S. C.; Liu, C. Y.; Spain, I. L.; Skelton, E. F.

1979-01-01

The structures and transition pressures of Group III-V and II-VI semiconductors and of a pseudobinary system (Ga/x/In/1-x/Sb) have been investigated. Results indicate that GaP, InSb, GaSb, GaAs and possible AlP assume Metallic structures at high pressures; a tetragonal, beta-Sn-like structure is adopted by only InSb and GaSb. The rocksalt phase is preferred in InP, InAs, AlSb, ZnO and ZnS. The model of Van Vechten (1973) gives transition pressures which are in good agreement with measured values, but must be refined to account for the occurrence of the ionic rocksalt structure in some compounds. In addition, discrepancies between the theoretical scaling values for volume changes at the semiconductor-to-metal transitions are observed.

Army Enlisted Personnel Competency Assessment Program: Phase 2 Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

benefit analysis of a notional Army program will be conducted. v Findings: The prototype Army core assessment was successfully administered to over 600...about competency assessment. They will also be incorporated into a cost and benefit analysis to be conducted in Phase III. vi CONTENTS Page Chapter 1...Conduct a Cost- Benefit Analysis, and Make System Recommendations Phase I of PerformM21 resulted in program design recommendations that included such

AHA classification of coronary and carotid atherosclerotic plaques by grating-based phase-contrast computed tomography.

PubMed

Hetterich, Holger; Webber, Nicole; Willner, Marian; Herzen, Julia; Birnbacher, Lorenz; Hipp, Alexander; Marschner, Mathias; Auweter, Sigrid D; Habbel, Christopher; Schüller, Ulrich; Bamberg, Fabian; Ertl-Wagner, Birgit; Pfeiffer, Franz; Saam, Tobias

2016-09-01

To evaluate the potential of grating-based phase-contrast computed-tomography (gb-PCCT) to classify human carotid and coronary atherosclerotic plaques according to modified American Heart Association (AHA) criteria. Experiments were carried out at a laboratory-based set-up consisting of X-ray tube (40 kVp), grating-interferometer and detector. Eighteen human carotid and coronary artery specimens were examined. Histopathology served as the standard of reference. Vessel cross-sections were classified as AHA lesion type I/II, III, IV/V, VI, VII or VIII plaques by two independent reviewers blinded to histopathology. Conservative measurements of diagnostic accuracies for the detection and differentiation of plaque types were evaluated. A total of 127 corresponding gb-PCCT/histopathology sections were analyzed. Based on histopathology, lesion type I/II was present in 12 (9.5 %), III in 18 (14.2 %), IV/V in 38 (29.9 %), VI in 16 (12.6 %), VII in 34 (26.8 %) and VIII in 9 (7.0 %) cross-sections. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value were ≥0.88 for most analyzed plaque types with a good level of agreement (Cohen's kappa = 0.90). Overall, results were better in carotid (kappa = 0.97) than in coronary arteries (kappa = 0.85). Inter-observer agreement was high with kappa = 0.85, p < 0.0001. These results indicate that gb-PCCT can reliably classify atherosclerotic plaques according to modified AHA criteria with excellent agreement to histopathology. • Different atherosclerotic plaque types display distinct morphological features in phase-contrast CT. • Phase-contrast CT can detect and differentiate AHA plaque types. • Calcifications caused streak artefacts and reduced sensitivity in type VI lesions. • Overall agreement was higher in carotid than in coronary arteries.

Negotiating weight and body image in the UAE: strategies among young Emirati women.

PubMed

Trainer, Sarah

2012-01-01

The goal of this study was to evaluate weight, nutritional status, and attitudes toward weight and health among a cohort of young women drawn from local populations in the United Arab Emirates. This sample was composed of 103 female Emiratis, aged 18-30. Eighty of the women were students at Zayed University (ZU) in Dubai and 23 were students at UAE University (UAEU) in Al Ain. Research was divided into two phases. Methods included the collection of weight and height measurements (to analyze BMIs) and body fat percentages; 24-h food and activity recalls; semistructured, structured, and unstructured interviews; and participant observation. The distribution of BMIs in this sample was skewed toward underweight and normal weight in the ZU sample and split evenly between underweight-to-normal and overweight-to-obese in the UAEU sample, a finding that stands in contrast to the high rates of overweight and obesity reported in other age cohorts in local populations. This lower distribution of BMIs was correlated with widely expressed concern over body image, whereas reported interest in nutrition was much lower. Dietary patterns reflected attempts to manage weight. There was a marked trend toward nutritionally poor diets and sedentary living. Obesity and overweight among young women in the Emirati population do not appear to be as significant a problem as they are in older populations. However, several other health-related causes for concern emerged in this study, including extreme dieting strategies, insufficient micronutrient and protein intake, and widespread inactivity. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prevalence and etiological factors related to dental injuries amongst 18-22-year-olds in United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Fakhruddin, Kausar Sadia; Kawas, Sausan Al

2010-10-01

Dental injuries in children and adolescents living across the globe are a serious public health problem. There are no data on dental injuries in United Arab Emirates (UAE). For the development of effective preventive measures, the present study was conducted to investigate the etiology and environment where dental injuries occurred, and to assess the relationship between traumatic dental injuries and socioeconomic status. This study was undertaken in different colleges of University of Sharjah, UAE. 412 participants aged 18-22 years were screened using Dental Trauma Index (DTI), following the questionnaire phase of the study. Prevalence of dental injury was 25.9%, mostly (46.9%) with restored teeth; followed by 42.3% of minor injury (untreated enamel fracture), affecting one upper central incisor (53%). The mean age at the time of dental injury was 10.5 years (SD = 1.52; range 8-13 years) in females vs 14 years (SD = 1.71; range 12-16 years) in males. Dental injuries among males mostly occurred at public places such as on streets (27%) with (19%) of injuries were related to motor bike/micro scooters followed by bicycles (17%) and traffic accidents (9%). Socioeconomic indicators chosen were not statistically significant with the exception of family income (P = 0.01). The findings of this study show that dental traumas are prevalent among middle and high socioeconomic groups. There is a need for potential interventions like educating parents, caretakers, and older siblings on how to reduce the risk factors related to dental injuries. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Restaurant-associated outbreak of typhoid fever in Maryland: identification of carrier facilitated by measurement of serum Vi antibodies.

PubMed Central

Lin, F Y; Becke, J M; Groves, C; Lim, B P; Israel, E; Becker, E F; Helfrich, R M; Swetter, D S; Cramton, T; Robbins, J B

1988-01-01

Ten cases of typhoid fever occurred between 24 August and 1 September 1986 in the vicinity of Silver Spring, Md. Shrimp salad served in a fast-food restaurant was implicated as the source of infection. Stool cultures were obtained from 104 employees, and serum Vi antibodies were assayed in 97 of the employees. Salmonella typhi was isolated from stool cultures of an 18-year-old asymptomatic female employee, who was a food handler. A high level of Vi antibodies (79.0 micrograms/ml), measured by radioimmunoassay, was found in her serum. She had emigrated from an endemic area at the age of 14 years and had visited that endemic area 2 years previously. The causal relation between the carrier and the 10 cases of typhoid fever was confirmed by a common bacteriophage type, denoted "degraded Vi resembling O," in the S. typhi isolates. This phage type is rare in the western hemisphere but common in the endemic area from which the carrier had emigrated. The high level of Vi antibody in the asymptomatic carrier, in contrast to the lower levels in the convalescent- and postimmunization-phase sera, facilitated the identification of the source infection in this outbreak. This radioimmunoassay offers a rapid and standardized method for identifying carriers of S. typhi. PMID:3384930

[Determination of trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium in dried edible fungi by microwave ashing-liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Ni, Zhanglin; Tang, Fubin; Qu, Minghua; Mo, Runhong

2014-02-01

An analytical method using liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) for the determination of trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in dried edible fungi was established. Edible fungi sample was ashed by a microwave ashing system and Na2 EDTA was added to the ashing sample to stabilize the Cr(III). An anion exchange column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 10 microm) with a 60 mmol/L nitric acid (pH 9.3) solution as mobile phase was used for the separation and using ICP-MS as a detector for the determination of trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.5-50 microg/L and the correlation coefficients were 0. 999 9 for Cr(III) and Cr(VI). The average recoveries of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ranged from 78.0% to 90.7% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs, n = 6) less than 4%. The limits of quantification (LOQ) of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were 0.5 microg/L. The method is efficient, reliable and sensitive, and can meet the requirement for the determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in dried edible fungi.

Comparison of tissue viability imaging and colorimetry: skin blanching.

PubMed

Zhai, Hongbo; Chan, Heidi P; Farahmand, Sara; Nilsson, Gert E; Maibach, Howard I

2009-02-01

Operator-independent assessment of skin blanching is important in the development and evaluation of topically applied steroids. Spectroscopic instruments based on hand-held probes, however, include elements of operator dependence such as difference in applied pressure and probe misalignment, while laser Doppler-based methods are better suited for demonstration of skin vasodilatation than for vasoconstriction. To demonstrate the potential of the emerging technology of Tissue Viability Imaging (TiVi) in the objective and operator-independent assessment of skin blanching. The WheelsBridge TiVi600 Tissue Viability Imager was used for quantification of human skin blanching with the Minolta chromameter CR 200 as an independent colorimeter reference method. Desoximetasone gel 0.05% was applied topically on the volar side of the forearm under occlusion for 6 h in four healthy adults. In a separate study, the induction of blanching in the occlusion phase was mapped using a transparent occlusion cover. The relative uncertainty in the blanching estimate produced by the Tissue Viability Imager was about 5% and similar to that of the chromameter operated by a single user and taking the a(*) parameter as a measure of blanching. Estimation of skin blanching could also be performed in the presence of a transient paradoxical erythema, using the integrated TiVi software. The successive induction of skin blanching during the occlusion phase could readily be mapped by the Tissue Viability Imager. TiVi seems to be suitable for operator-independent and remote mapping of human skin blanching, eliminating the main disadvantages of methods based on hand-held probes.

GeoChip-based analysis of functional microbial communities in a bioreduced uranium-contaminated aquifer during reoxidation by oxygen

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

Van Nostrand, J.D.; Wu, W.-M.; Wu, L.

2009-07-15

A pilot-scale system was established for in situ biostimulation of U(VI) reduction by ethanol addition at the US Department of Energy's (DOE's) Field Research Center (Oak Ridge, TN). After achieving U(VI) reduction, stability of the bioreduced U(IV) was evaluated under conditions of (i) resting (no ethanol injection), (ii) reoxidation by introducing dissolved oxygen (DO), and (iii) reinjection of ethanol. GeoChip, a functional gene array with probes for N, S and C cycling, metal resistance and contaminant degradation genes, was used for monitoring groundwater microbial communities. High diversity of all major functional groups was observed during all experimental phases. The microbialmore » community was extremely responsive to ethanol, showing a substantial change in community structure with increased gene number and diversity after ethanol injections resumed. While gene numbers showed considerable variations, the relative abundance (i.e. percentage of each gene category) of most gene groups changed little. During the reoxidation period, U(VI) increased, suggesting reoxidation of reduced U(IV). However, when introduction of DO was stopped, U(VI) reduction resumed and returned to pre-reoxidation levels. These findings suggest that the community in this system can be stimulated and that the ability to reduce U(VI) can be maintained by the addition of electron donors. This biostimulation approach may potentially offer an effective means for the bioremediation of U(VI)-contaminated sites.« less

Incorporation of oxidized uranium into Fe (hydr)oxides during Fe(II) catalyzed remineralization

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

Nico, Peter S.; Stewart, Brandy D.; Fendorf, Scott

2009-07-01

The form of solid phase U after Fe(II) induced anaerobic remineralization of ferrihydrite in the presence of aqueous and absorbed U(VI) was investigated under both abiotic batch and biotic flow conditions. Experiments were conducted with synthetic ground waters containing 0.168 mM U(VI), 3.8 mM carbonate, and 3.0 mM Ca{sup 2+}. In spite of the high solubility of U(VI) under these conditions, appreciable removal of U(VI) from solution was observed in both the abiotic and biotic systems. The majority of the removed U was determined to be substituted as oxidized U (U(VI) or U(V)) into the octahedral position of the goethitemore » and magnetite formed during ferrihydrite remineralization. It is estimated that between 3% and 6% of octahedral Fe(III) centers in the new Fe minerals were occupied by U(VI). This site specific substitution is distinct from the non-specific U co-precipitation processes in which uranyl compounds, e.g. uranyl hydroxide or carbonate, are entrapped with newly formed Fe oxides. The prevalence of site specific U incorporation under both abiotic and biotic conditions and the fact that the produced solids were shown to be resistant to both extraction (30 mM KHCO{sub 3}) and oxidation (air for 5 days) suggest the potential importance of sequestration in Fe oxides as a stable and immobile form of U in the environment.« less

Tissue viability imaging: microvascular response to vasoactive drugs induced by iontophoresis.

PubMed

Henricson, Joakim; Nilsson, Anders; Tesselaar, Erik; Nilsson, Gert; Sjöberg, Folke

2009-09-01

When one is studying the physiology of the cutaneous microcirculation there is a need for relevant non-invasive and versatile techniques. In this study we used a new optical device, the tissue viability imager (TiVi), to map changes in cutaneous microvascular concentrations of red blood cells during iontophoresis of vasoactive substances (noradrenaline (NA) and phenylephrine (Phe) for vasoconstriction and acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) for vasodilatation). We aimed to present data both individually and pooled, using a four-variable logistic dose response model that is commonly used in similar in vitro vascular studies. The accuracy of the TiVi was also investigated by calculating the coefficient of variation and comparing it with similar tests previously done using laser Doppler imaging. Tests were also performed using the TiVi and LDPI simultaneously to further compare the two methods. Results showed that the TiVi is capable of quantifying vascular responses to iontophorised noradrenaline and phenylephrine without the need to increase background flow first. Fitting the TiVi data to the dose response model resulted in ED(50)-values with narrow confidence intervals and acceptable r(2) values. Mean ED(50)-values for the TiVi did not differ significantly from similar values obtained using laser Doppler. Results further seem to suggest that when the blood perfusion increases during vasodilatation in skin the initial phase relies mainly on an increase in red blood cell concentration whereas the further perfusion increase is due to an increase in red blood cell velocity.