Differences between NMRI and DBA/2J mice in the development of somites and susceptibility to methylnitrosourea-induced skeleton anomalies

The development of DBA/2J mouse strain embryos is nearly 12 h - or 6 somite pairs - delayed as compared to the outbred NMRI mouse embryos of the same age on gestation days (GD) 8-12. To evaluate inter-strain differences in susceptibility to teratogens, dams were treated with methylnitrosourea (MNU, 5 mg/kg body weight i.p.) on defined gestation days (NMRI: GD 9, 91/2 or 10; DBA/2J: GD 10 or 101/2). Skeletal anomalies produced by MNU on both mouse strains varied with the GD of treatment. The pattern of anomalies produced by MNU on a given GD markedly differed between the two mouse strains, yet they were similar -with a few exceptions- when exposures at equivalent embryonic stages are compared. Findings from this study indicated that strain-dependent differences in the developmental stage of mouse embryos of the same gestational age occur, a possibility that has been often neglected when inter- strain differences in susceptibility to developmental toxicants are interpreted

Magnetrecycling bei Pedelecs: Rahmenbedingungen und Akteure - Status Quo und Perspektiven

Dieses Arbeitspapier untersucht die Möglichkeiten der Etablierung eines Recyclingsystems für NdFeB-Magnete aus Elektromotoren am Beispiel von Pedelecs. Die Ergebnisse basieren neben Literaturrecherchen auf Interviews mit Akteuren, die in den Pedelec Life-Cycle direkt oder indirekt involviert sind. In diesem Papier werden zunächst sowohl die Marktentwicklung wie auch die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen eingeführt. In diesem Zusammenhang werden auch Einflussfaktoren auf die Lebensdauer von Pedelecs diskutiert. Anschließend werden zunächst die im Pedelec Life-Cycle involvierten Akteure sowie ihre Beziehungen dargestellt. Anschließend wird der aktuelle Status-Quo der Kreislaufführung zusammengefasst und erwartete Entwicklungen diskutiert. Es stellt sich heraus, dass die Akteure aktuell relativ unvorbereitet bzgl. des Recyclings von Pedelecs bzw. der entsprechenden Motoren sind. Weiter stellen Fragen der korrekten Akku-Entsorgung oder -Revitalisierung aktuell noch ein dringenderes Problem im Vergleich zur Pedelec-Entsorgung dar. Es ist aber zu erwarten, dass Fragen zur Rücknahme mit steigender Anzahl von Alt-Pedelecs erhöht auftreten werden. Bzgl. der Rücknahme-Verpflichtung wurde festgestellt, dass nur ein sehr kleiner Anteil der Fahrradhändler tatsächlich einer Rücknahme-Verpflichtung unterliegt. Dies begründet sich in der Branchenstruktur des Fahrradhandels, die weiterhin durch verhältnismäßig kleine Händler geprägt ist

Globale Verwendungsstrukturen der Magnetwerkstoffe Neodym und Dysprosium: Eine szenariobasierte Analyse der Auswirkung der Diffusion der Elektromobilität auf den Bedarf an Seltenen Erden

Neodym-Eisen-Bor-Magnete (NdFeB) haben als die derzeit stärksten Permanentmegnete in den vergangenen Jahren einen erheblichen Nachfrageschub erlebt, insbesondere für die Herstellung kompakter elektrischer Servomotoren mit hohem Wirkungsgrad und hoher Leistungsdichte, was vor allem für mobile Anwendungen in den Traktionsmotoren von Hybrid- und Elektrofahrzeugen oder für E-Bikes entscheidende Vorteile bietet. Aber auch im allgemeinen Maschinenbau (Förder- und Pumpsysteme, Werkzeuge, Klimaanlagen, Liftmotoren etc.), in den elektrischen Kleinmotoren konventioneller Pkw oder in den Generatoren großer Windkraftanlagen mit permanentmagnetischem Direktantrieb werden vermehrt NdFeB-Magnete verbaut. Dennoch besteht nach wie vor hohe Unsicherheit in den Verwendungsstrukturen von NdFeBMagneten bzw. den enthaltenen Seltenerd-Elementen Neodym und Dysprosium. Ein wirkungsvolles Instrument zur Erhöhung der Markttransparenz und des Verständnisses von komplexen anthropogenen Stoffkreisläufen ist die dynamische Stoffflussmodellierung. Im vorliegenden Arbeitspapier wird dieses Instrument zur eingehenden Analyse der Verwendungsstrukturen von NdFeB-Magneten und den enthaltenen Seltenen Erden auf globaler Ebene eingesetzt. Über die dynamische Modellierung von Produkt-Verwendungszyklen werden heutige Verwendungsstrukturen offengelegt und zukünftige Magnetmengen in obsoleten Produktströmen quantifiziert. Dabei konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Magnete im heutigen Schrottaufkommen hauptsächlich in obsoleten Elektronikanwendungen wie Festplatten (HDD), CD- und DVD-Laufwerken enthalten sind, woraus das Recycling auf Grund der kleinen Magnete und der hohen Materialstreuung kaum wirtschaftlich erscheint, in absehbarer Zukunft aber mit größeren Magnetmengen aus elektrischen Synchron-Servomotoren und Generatoren zu rechnen ist, was das Recyclingpotenzial erheblich steigert. In einem weiteren Schritt wird unter Verwendung eines systemdynamischen Modells die Auswirkung der Diffusion alternativer Antriebe im Automobilmarkt auf den Dysprosiumbedarf analysiert und es werden mögliche Anpassungsmechanismen in Form verschiedener Substitutionseffekte am Markt für NdFeB-Magnete simuliert. Dysprosium ist für die Temperaturbeständigkeit der NdFeB-Magnete in Traktionsmotoren für Elektromobile ein entscheidender Bestandteil und gilt derzeit als besonders kritischer Rohstoff für die Elektromobilität

Model independent analysis of polarization effects in elastic electron deuteron scattering in presence of two--photon exchange

The general spin structure of the matrix element, taking into account the two--photon exchange contribution, for the elastic electron (positron) --deuteron scattering has been derived using general symmetry properties of the hadron electromagnetic interaction, such as P--, C-- and T--invariances as well as lepton helicity conservation in QED at high energy. Taking into account also crossing symmetry, the amplitudes of $e^{\mp}d-$scattering can be parametrized in terms of fifteen real functions. The expressions for the differential cross section and for all polarization observables are given in terms of these functions. We consider the case of an arbitrary polarized deuteron target and polarized electron beam (both longitudinal and transverse). The transverse polarization of the electron beam induces a single--spin asymmetry which is non--zero in presence of two--photon exchange. It is shown that elastic deuteron electromagnetic form factors can still be extracted in presence of two photon exchange, from the measurements of the differential cross section and of one polarization observable (for example, the tensor asymmetry) for electron and positron deuteron elastic scattering, in the same kinematical conditions.Comment: 28 page

Parabolic dish collector for domestic purposes with novel receiver design

Two parabolic dish collectors with differentproperties referring to the reflective material, the receiverdesign and the tracking mechanism are tested in this workin order to examine their thermal performance as part of aresidential solar water heater. In both cases, a parabolicdish manufactured originally for satellite television receivinghas been used as a carrier for the reflective material whichconsists of aluminum strips in the first collector and glassmirrors in the second one. Novel receiver construction hasbeen tested for each collector. Using the new construction itis possible to renounce the automatically trackingmechanism in the north –south direction in order tominimize the installation costs. Efficiency measurements ofthe collector with aluminum strips yielded 0.59 for theintercept efficiency and 2.9 W/m2K for the first ordercoefficient; whereas the values for the collector with glassmirrors are 0.71 and 2.1 W/m2K respectively.Published test reports of flat-plate and evacuated tubecollectors are studied in order to assess the thermalperformance of the designed collectors in this work. Theefficiency curve of the collector with the glass mirrors lieshigher than the average efficiency curve of flat-platecollectors and evacuated tube collectors

Rural to Urban Migration and Changes in Cardiovascular risk Factors in Tanzania: A Prospective Cohort Study.

High levels of rural to urban migration are a feature of most African countries. Our aim was to investigate changes, and their determinants, in cardiovascular risk factors on rural to urban migration in Tanzania. Men and women (15 to 59 years) intending to migrate from Morogoro rural region to Dar es Salaam for at least 6 months were identified. Measurements were made at least one week but no more than one month prior to migration, and 1 to 3 monthly after migration. Outcome measures included body mass index, blood pressure, fasting lipids, and self reported physical activity and diet. One hundred and three men, 106 women, mean age 29 years, were recruited and 132 (63.2%) followed to 12 months. All the figures presented here refer to the difference between baseline and 12 months in these 132 individuals. Vigorous physical activity declined (79.4% to 26.5% in men, 37.8% to 15.6% in women, p < 0.001), and weight increased (2.30 kg men, 2.35 kg women, p < 0.001). Intake of red meat increased, but so did the intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. HDL cholesterol increased in men and women (0.24, 0.25 mmoll-1 respectively, p < 0.001); and in men, not women, total cholesterol increased (0.42 mmoll-1, p = 0.01), and triglycerides fell (0.31 mmoll-1, p = 0.034). Blood pressure appeared to fall in both men and women. For example, in men systolic blood pressure fell by 5.4 mmHg, p = 0.007, and in women by 8.6 mmHg, p = 0.001. The lower level of physical activity and increasing weight will increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, changes in diet were mixed, and may have contributed to mixed changes in lipid profiles and a lack of rise in blood pressure. A better understanding of the changes occurring on rural to urban migration is needed to guide preventive measures

Performance Investigation of a Solar Desalination Unit Based on a Parabolic Dish Collector

In this paper a solar desalination unit with aparabolic dish collector has been designed andcharacterized. Efficiency measurements of the collectorprovided 0.69 for the intercept efficiency and 1.9 W/m2K forthe first order coefficient. The effect of the feed flow rate onthe distillate output flow rate has been studied. The thermalefficiency of the total distillation process includingevaporation and condensation has been also determined fordifferent feed flow rates. The maximal measured efficiencyfor five in series connected collectors achieved 50.2 %. Thedesigned unit can be combined with a solar still for directsolar desalination. It can also be used as the first stage of a(MEB) or (MSF) desalination plant

Ineffectiveness of mitoTEMPO on Cardiomyocyte S-phase Activity in TNNI3K-expressing Mice

Background and Hypothesis: The limited regenerative capacity of the mammalian adult myocardium is a significant roadblock for therapeutic approaches in cardiovascular disease. Cell cycle arrest following S-phase is widely considered a primary contributor to the reduced proliferative capacity of adult cardiomyocytes. Recently, expression of troponin I-interacting kinase (Tnni3k) was shown to increase cardiomyocyte S-phase activity in mice. Tnni3k was previously shown to enhance ROS formation and adverse cardiac remodeling following injury. Our primary hypothesis was that TNNI3K-induced cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis resulted from enhanced ROS signaling. To test this, cardiomyocyte S-phase activity in TNNI3K-expressing mice was compared between those treated with the ROS scavenging agent mitoTEMPO and untreated mice. Project Methods: Transgenic mice expressing TNNI3K were subjected to 14 days infusion with mitoTEMPO (experimental group) or vehicle (control group). The mice were also subjected to 14 days infusion with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to identify DNA synthesis during S-phase (all mice carried a cardiomyocyte-restricted nuclear-localized transgenic reporter to aid in cardiomyocyte nuclei identification). The proportion of cardiomyocytes in S-phase was determined and mean S-phase activity was compared between treatment groups. Ploidy analysis was also conducted to determine if cardiomyocytes completing S-phase progressed through karyokinesis. Results: The percentage of cardiomyocytes in S-phase in the control and mitoTEMPO treated group were 0.819% ± 0.163% and 0.855% ± 0.138%, respectively (mean ± SEM, p=0.873). Ploidy analysis revealed no overt difference in DNA content in S-phase-positive cardiomyocyte nuclei between the groups. Hence, we have shown that there is no appreciable difference in cell cycle induction or progression in cardiomyocytes from control vs. mitoTEMPO treated mice expressing TNNI3K. Conclusion and Potential Impact: These data suggest that (a) TNNI3K-induced cardiomyocyte S-phase activity is not secondary to elevated ROS activity, and (b) reduction of ROS activity does not relax the cell cycle block between S-phase and karyokinesis in adultcardiomyocytes

Association Between β-Genus Human Papillomavirus and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Immunocompetent Individuals—A Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE Existing epidemiological evidence remains controversial regarding the association between β-genus human papillomavirus (β-HPV) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in immunocompetent individuals. OBJECTIVE We aimed to clarify this association and evaluate type-specific β-HPV involvement. DATA SOURCES We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies in humans through June 18, 2014, with no restriction on publication date or language. The following search terms were used: “human papillomavirus” and “cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or skin squamous cell carcinoma or cSCC or nonmelanoma skin neoplasms.” STUDY SELECTION Articles were independently assessed by 2 reviewers. We only included case-control or cohort studies, in immunocompetent individuals, that calculated the odds ratio (OR) for cSCC associated with overall and type-specific β-HPV. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS We first assessed the heterogeneity among study-specific ORs using the Q statistic and I 2 statistic. Then, we used the random-effects model to obtain the overall OR and its 95% CI for all studies as well as for each type of HPV. We also tested and corrected for publication bias by 3 funnel plot–based methods. The quality of each study was assessed with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Pooled ORs and 95% CIs for overall β-HPV and HPV types 5, 8, 15, 17, 20, 24, 36, and 38 association with skin biopsy proven cSCC. RESULTS Seventy-nine articles were assessed for eligibility; 14 studies met inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis and included 3112 adult immunocompetent study participants with cSCC and 6020 controls. For all detection methods, the overall association between β-HPV and cSCC was significant with an adjusted pooled OR (95% CI) of 1.42 (1.18-1.72). As for the type-specific analysis, types 5, 8, 15, 17, 20, 24, 36, and 38 showed a significant association with adjusted pooled ORs (95% CIs) of 1.4 (1.18-1.66), 1.39 (1.16-1.66), 1.25 (1.04-1.50), 1.34 (1.19-1.52), 1.38 (1.21-1.59), 1.26 (1.09-1.44), 1.23 (1.01-1.50), and 1.37 (1.13-1.67) respectively. Our subgroup analysis in studies using only serology for HPV detection showed a significant association between overall β-HPV and HPV subtypes 5, 8, 17, 20, 24, and 38 with an increased risk of cSCC development. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study serves as added evidence supporting β-HPV as a risk factor for cSCC in healthy individuals. The subgroup analysis highlights this significant association for HPV 5, 8, 17, 20, and 38, which may help to direct future prevention effort

Determining Effects of Delayed Discharges and Pain Medication Administration on Patient Satisfaction

Studies have shown that there has been significant increases in Emergency Department visits throughout the United States over the past decade. Increased healthcare demands have precipitated increased wait times in the ED and increased turnaround time for physicians to provide care. We sought to determine the effects of actual versus perceived delays in discharge and pain medication administration on patient satisfaction after their visits to the ED. In regards to patient perception of a delay in discharge and the effect on their satisfaction scores, it was determined that the perception of a delay in discharge by the patient does indeed affect their satisfaction score on a post-discharge survey. The subjective data for this study were obtained during the 8-month period from April through November 2017, as part of an ongoing quality improvement project. There was roughly a 400-500 population size that met the inclusion criteria for each month. Research assistants were asked to contact patients by telephone and elicit answers to specific questions. Two measurements of actual time delay were used in the study: delay in pain medication administration, defined as time greater than 30 minutes, and delay in discharge, defined as the difference between length of stay (LOS) and ‘arrival to disposition’ time. In other words, the difference between the time that the patient was ordered to be discharged and the time that they left the ED. The patients who perceived a delay had a mean satisfaction score of 2.89 when the delay time was in excess of 30 minutes and it was concluded that the satisfaction score drops by 1.8 points on a scale of 1 to 5 when patients simply perceive a delay in discharge. It was also concluded that the perceived delay of pain medication administration negatively impacted patient satisfaction in this study with the average score dropping by 1.92 points.https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/merf2019qi/1002/thumbnail.jp