Exploring the Relationship Between Parental Satisfaction with CTARS and Improving Child\u27s School Performance and to Identity the Resilient Attributes in These Children

The purpose of this research was to explore parental satisfaction with CTARS, an early intervention program, housed in an elementary in South East Minneapolis. The study also examined whether there was a. Relationship between parental satisfaction and improved child’s school performance. Finally, the study identified resilient attributes in children within this program. The research focused on parents of 5th grade students who participated in CTARS during the 1994-95 academic school year. The research design included both qualitative and quantitative methods. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to 24 parents. Findings indicate that, parental participation and satisfaction with CTARS does positively influence their child’s overall school performance. Findings also identified eight resilient attributes identified in 72% of the children. Implication for social work practice in the areas of education, program planning and development are discussed

Breast-Lesion Characterization using Textural Features of Quantitative Ultrasound Parametric Maps

© 2017 The Author(s). This study evaluated, for the first time, the efficacy of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) spectral parametric maps in conjunction with texture-analysis techniques to differentiate non-invasively benign versus malignant breast lesions. Ultrasound B-mode images and radiofrequency data were acquired from 78 patients with suspicious breast lesions. QUS spectral-analysis techniques were performed on radiofrequency data to generate parametric maps of mid-band fit, spectral slope, spectral intercept, spacing among scatterers, average scatterer diameter, and average acoustic concentration. Texture-analysis techniques were applied to determine imaging biomarkers consisting of mean, contrast, correlation, energy and homogeneity features of parametric maps. These biomarkers were utilized to classify benign versus malignant lesions with leave-one-patient-out cross-validation. Results were compared to histopathology findings from biopsy specimens and radiology reports on MR images to evaluate the accuracy of technique. Among the biomarkers investigated, one mean-value parameter and 14 textural features demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two lesion types. A hybrid biomarker developed using a stepwise feature selection method could classify the legions with a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 84%, and an AUC of 0.97. Findings from this study pave the way towards adapting novel QUS-based frameworks for breast cancer screening and rapid diagnosis in clinic

BREM-SAT Attitude Control at Low Altitudes

The German University satellite BREM-SAT (scheduled for launch in early 1993) carries two experiments which require attitude control down to 150 km altitude and aerodynamic stabilization between 150 and 100 km altitude. These contradicting requirements and new ways to change the satellite\u27s attitude and to keep it stable and controlled at very high disturbance torque levels. Complex numerical attitude simulation has shown the feasibility to maintain the required attitude with a momentum wheel and a single torque coil down to 150 km when optimized algorithms are used. To achieve the aerodynamic stabilization, the momentum wheel has to be ejected and flaps must be deployed just before loosing attitude control

Pyrite chemistry records a multistage ore forming system at the Proterozoic George Fisher massive sulfide Zn-Pb-Ag deposit, Mount Isa, Australia

Trace element (TE) analysis of pyrite via LA-ICP-MS can be used to reconstruct the conditions of pyrite formation in complex mineral systems. The Carpentaria province in northern Australia is host to some of the world’s highest value Zn-Pb (+Ag, Cu) deposits. The genesis of many of these deposits is controversial, with competing models of single-vs. multi-stage ore formation. In this study, LA-ICP-MS data of paragenetically constrained pyrite from the George Fisher Zn-Pb-Ag deposit has been analysed to investigate the chemistry of different stages of ore formation. Pyrite from correlative unmineralized host rocks has also been analysed to investigate evidence of distal hydrothermal anomalism. All LA-ICP-MS data have been statistically evaluated (principal component analysis) and interpreted together with whole rock lithogeochemical data of the same samples. Pre-ore diagenetic pyrite is compositionally similar to other Proterozoic diagenetic pyrite, with some evidence of minor hydrothermal anomalism that with further analysis could help define distal alteration. Pyrite from the different ore stages are compositionally distinct, consistent with a multi-stage system. Ore stage 1 pyrite exceeds background contents of Co, Cu, Zn, As, Ag, Sb, Tl, and Pb and has elevated Co/Ni ratios, whereas only Ni and Co are above background abundances in ore stage 2 and 3 pyrite, of which only ore stage 3 pyrite has high Co/Ni ratios. Ore stage 1 pyrite has a similar composition to hydrothermal pyrite in the undeformed northern Carpentaria CD-type deposits and was likely syn-diagenesis. Ore stage 2 was syn-deformation, and resulted in replacement and recrystallization of pre-existing pyrite, and the expulsion of incompatible TEs. Ore stage 3 formed via a later Cu-Zn-Pb mineralizing event that resulted in a new geochemically distinct generation of Co-rich pyrite. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of paragenetically-constrained pyrite TE data for refining genetic models in complex sediment hosted mineral systems

Discovery of new therapeutic redox targets for cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion injury and heart failure

Global epidemiological studies reported a shift from maternal/infectious communicable diseases to chronic non-communicable diseases and a major part is attributable to atherosclerosis and metabolic disorders. Accordingly, ischemic heart disease was identified as a leading risk factor for global mortality and morbidity with a prevalence of 128 million people. Almost 9 million premature deaths can be attributed to ischemic heart disease and subsequent acute myocardial infarction and heart failure, also representing a substantial socioeconomic burden. As evidenced by typical oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation products or oxidized DNA/RNA bases, the formation of reactive oxygen species by various sources (NADPH oxidases, xanthine oxidase and mitochondrial resperatory chain) plays a central role for the severity of ischemia/reperfusion damage. The underlying mechanisms comprise direct oxidative damage but also adverse redox-regulation of kinase and calcium signaling, inflammation and cardiac remodeling among others. These processes and the role of reactive oxygen species are discussed in the present review. We also present and discuss potential targets for redox-based therapies that are either already established in the clinics (e.g. guanylyl cyclase activators and stimulators) or at least successfully tested in preclinical models of myocardial infarction and heart failure (mitochondria-targeted antioxidants). However, reactive oxygen species have not only detrimental effects but are also involved in essential cellular signaling and may even act protective as seen by ischemic pre- and post-conditioning or eustress – which makes redox therapy quite challenging

Pyrite chemistry records a multistage ore forming system at the Proterozoic George Fisher massive sulfide Zn-Pb-Ag deposit, Mount Isa, Australia

Trace element (TE) analysis of pyrite via LA-ICP-MS can be used to reconstruct the conditions of pyrite formation in complex mineral systems. The Carpentaria province in northern Australia is host to some of the world’s highest value Zn-Pb (+Ag, Cu) deposits. The genesis of many of these deposits is controversial, with competing models of single-vs. multi-stage ore formation. In this study, LA-ICP-MS data of paragenetically constrained pyrite from the George Fisher Zn-Pb-Ag deposit has been analysed to investigate the chemistry of different stages of ore formation. Pyrite from correlative unmineralized host rocks has also been analysed to investigate evidence of distal hydrothermal anomalism. All LA-ICP-MS data have been statistically evaluated (principal component analysis) and interpreted together with whole rock lithogeochemical data of the same samples. Pre-ore diagenetic pyrite is compositionally similar to other Proterozoic diagenetic pyrite, with some evidence of minor hydrothermal anomalism that with further analysis could help define distal alteration. Pyrite from the different ore stages are compositionally distinct, consistent with a multi-stage system. Ore stage 1 pyrite exceeds background contents of Co, Cu, Zn, As, Ag, Sb, Tl, and Pb and has elevated Co/Ni ratios, whereas only Ni and Co are above background abundances in ore stage 2 and 3 pyrite, of which only ore stage 3 pyrite has high Co/Ni ratios. Ore stage 1 pyrite has a similar composition to hydrothermal pyrite in the undeformed northern Carpentaria CD-type deposits and was likely syn-diagenesis. Ore stage 2 was syn-deformation, and resulted in replacement and recrystallization of pre-existing pyrite, and the expulsion of incompatible TEs. Ore stage 3 formed via a later Cu-Zn-Pb mineralizing event that resulted in a new geochemically distinct generation of Co-rich pyrite. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of paragenetically-constrained pyrite TE data for refining genetic models in complex sediment hosted mineral systems

Using whole rock and in situ pyrite chemistry to evaluate authigenic and hydrothermal controls on trace element variability in a Zn mineralized Proterozoic subbasin

The mid-Proterozoic stratigraphy of the McArthur Basin (Australia) contains some of the most well-preserved sedimentary rocks of Precambrian age, which are also host to giant, clastic dominant (CD-type) massive sulfide Zn deposits. The most recently discovered CD-type deposit (the Teena deposit) is located in the Teena subbasin and hosted by the 1.64 Ga Barney Creek Formation. The Teena subbasin, therefore, provides the perfect natural laboratory for evaluating authigenic and hydrothermal controls on trace element (TE) variability, both of which contribute to paleoenvironmental reconstructions and ore deposit models. As the Teena deposit formed beneath the paleoseafloor, this also provides the opportunity to evaluate TE zonation around a fossilized subseafloor replacement hydrothermal system. In situ laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has been used to define compositional end members in diagenetic and hydrothermal pyrite. The overgrowth of hydrothermal sulfides on diagenetic pyrite is associated with TE anomalism (Tl, Pb, As, Zn) that extends > 100 meters above the main high grade sulfide mineralization the Teena subbasin. The vertical zonation in TEs is consistent with the infiltration of hydrothermal fluids into overlying hangingwall sediments that were undergoing diagenesis. Bulk rock lithogeochemical data record covariation between total organic carbon (TOC) and a suite of TEs (Mo, Co, Ni, V). We suggest this was caused by local hydrographic factors during deposition of the Barney Creek Formation. High TOC/P molar ratios, resulting from regeneration of P in a euxinic water column, are associated with an interval overlying the main maximum flooding surface in the subbasin. The relationships between TOC, P and TEs resemble the redox architecture of a silled basin rather than an open marine margin. Sulfidic conditions developed during periods of high productivity, which were linked to nutrient supply that was enhanced by connectivity with surrounding water masses. The evidence of redox bistability, involving a delicate balance between ferruginous (anoxic, non-sulfidic) and euxinic (sulfidic) conditions, is consistent with recent models for other mid-Proterozoic sedimentary units. Nevertheless, there was a strong localised (101 km2) control on the authigenic and hydrothermal TE chemistry of the Barney Creek Formation in the Teena subbasin, which highlights a key challenge when extrapolating from data collected in partially restricted intracontinental marine settings

Scattering by single physically large and weak scatterers in the beam of a single-element transducer

Quantitative ultrasound techniques are generally applied to characterize media whose scattering sites are considered to be small compared to a wavelength. In this study, the backscattered response of single weakly scattering spheres and cylinders with diameters comparable to the beam width of a 2.25 MHz single-element transducer were simulated and measured in the transducer focal plane to investigate the impact of physically large scatterers. The responses from large single spherical scatterers at the focus were found to closely match the plane-wave response. The responses from large cylindrical scatterers at the focus were found to differ from the plane-wave response by a factor of f(−1). Normalized spectra from simulations and measurements were in close agreement: the fall-off of the responses as a function of lateral position agreed to within 2 dB for spherical scatterers and to within 3.5 dB for cylindrical scatterers. In both measurement and simulation, single scatterer diameter estimates were biased by less than 3% for a more highly focused transducer compared to estimates for a more weakly focused transducer. The results suggest that quantitative ultrasound techniques may produce physically meaningful size estimates for media whose response is dominated by scatterers comparable in size to the transducer beam

Pyrite chemistry records a multistage ore forming system at the Proterozoic George Fisher massive sulfide Zn-Pb-Ag deposit, Mount Isa, Australia

Trace element (TE) analysis of pyrite via LA-ICP-MS can be used to reconstruct the conditions of pyrite formation in complex mineral systems. The Carpentaria province in northern Australia is host to some of the world’s highest value Zn-Pb (+Ag, Cu) deposits. The genesis of many of these deposits is controversial, with competing models of single-vs. multi-stage ore formation. In this study, LA-ICP-MS data of paragenetically constrained pyrite from the George Fisher Zn-Pb-Ag deposit has been analysed to investigate the chemistry of different stages of ore formation. Pyrite from correlative unmineralized host rocks has also been analysed to investigate evidence of distal hydrothermal anomalism. All LA-ICP-MS data have been statistically evaluated (principal component analysis) and interpreted together with whole rock lithogeochemical data of the same samples. Pre-ore diagenetic pyrite is compositionally similar to other Proterozoic diagenetic pyrite, with some evidence of minor hydrothermal anomalism that with further analysis could help define distal alteration. Pyrite from the different ore stages are compositionally distinct, consistent with a multi-stage system. Ore stage 1 pyrite exceeds background contents of Co, Cu, Zn, As, Ag, Sb, Tl, and Pb and has elevated Co/Ni ratios, whereas only Ni and Co are above background abundances in ore stage 2 and 3 pyrite, of which only ore stage 3 pyrite has high Co/Ni ratios. Ore stage 1 pyrite has a similar composition to hydrothermal pyrite in the undeformed northern Carpentaria CD-type deposits and was likely syn-diagenesis. Ore stage 2 was syn-deformation, and resulted in replacement and recrystallization of pre-existing pyrite, and the expulsion of incompatible TEs. Ore stage 3 formed via a later Cu-Zn-Pb mineralizing event that resulted in a new geochemically distinct generation of Co-rich pyrite. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of paragenetically-constrained pyrite TE data for refining genetic models in complex sediment hosted mineral systems

Differentiating between hydrothermal and diagenetic carbonate using rare earth element and yttrium (REE+Y) geochemistry: a case study from the Paleoproterozoic George Fisher massive sulfide Zn deposit, Mount Isa, Australia

Carbonate minerals are ubiquitous in most sediment-hosted mineral deposits. These deposits can contain a variety of carbonate types with complex paragenetic relationships. When normalized to chondritic values (CN), rare-earth elements and yttrium (REE+YCN) can be used to constrain fluid chemistry and fluid-rock interaction processes in both low- and high-temperature settings. Unlike other phases (e.g., pyrite), the application of in situ laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) data to the differentiation of pre-ore and hydrothermal carbonates remains relatively untested. To assess the potential applicability of carbonate in situ REE+Y data, we combined transmitted light and cathodoluminescence (CL) petrography with LA-ICP-MS analysis of carbonate mineral phases from (1) the Proterozoic George Fisher clastic dominated (CD-type) massive sulfide deposit and from (2) correlative, barren host rock lithologies (Urquhart Shale Formation). The REE+YCN composition of pre-ore calcite suggests it formed during diagenesis from diagenetic pore fluids derived from ferruginous, anoxic seawater. Hydrothermal and hydrothermally altered calcite and dolomite from George Fisher is generally more LREE depleted than the pre-ore calcite, whole-rock REE concentrations, and shale reference values. We suggest this is the result of hydrothermal alteration by saline Cl--rich mineralizing fluids. Furthermore, the presence of both positive and negative Eu/Eu* values in calcite and dolomite indicates that the mineralizing fluids were relatively hot (>250°C) and cooled below 200–250°C during ore formation. This study confirms the hypothesis that in situ REE+Y data can be used to differentiate between pre-ore and hydrothermal carbonate and provide important constraints on the conditions of ore formation