Comparison of automated versus traditional methods of RGP lens verification

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, it will be demonstrated that there is no mean offset between base curve verification measurements obtained using a hand-held autokeratometer as opposed to the traditional verification method using a radiuscope. Secondly, the clinical perspective will be explored by presenting the likelihood of any significant difference which may be expected by a practitioner when measuring RGP base curves by automated means. METHODS Ninety-six RGP lens base curves were measured by two clinicians five times each by traditional radiuscope method and by use of an autokeratometer. RESULTS A statistical significant difference between the mean values of the traditional and automated methods of 0.007 mm existed. Clinically, this value is insignificant due to the +1- 0.02 mm error allowed by the ANSI standard for rigid gas permeable lenses. CONCLUSIONS Automated RGP base curve parameter verification using an Alcon Renaissance autokeratometer was found to be as clinically accurate as that done with the use of a radiuscope. Autokeratometer base curve verification also proved to be time efficient and cost effective

Guidelines for Aspen Restoration on the National Forests in Utah

These guidelines are a working document and will be tested within the Utah National Forests on dif- ferent aspen types

Evaluation of the ability of a novel miconazole formulation to penetrate nail by using three in vitro nail models

This document is the Accepted Manuscript of the following article: Luisa Christensen, Rob Turner, Sean Weaver, Francesco Caserta, Lisa Long, Mahmoud Ghannoum, and Marc Brown, ‘Evaluation of the Ability of a Novel Miconazole Formulation To Penetrate Nail by Using Three In Vitro Nail Models’, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Vol. 61 (7): e02554-16, July 2017. The final, published version is available online at DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.02554-16.In an effort to increase the efficacy of topical medications for treating onychomycosis, several new nail penetration enhancers were recently developed. In this study, the ability of 10% (wt/wt) miconazole nitrate combined with a penetration enhancer formulation to permeate the nail is demonstrated by the use of a selection of in vitro nail penetration assays. These assays included the bovine hoof, TurChub zone of inhibition, and infected-nail models.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Plasmodium falciparum associated with severe childhood malaria preferentially expresses PfEMP1 encoded by group A var genes.

Parasite-encoded variant surface antigens (VSAs) like the var gene-encoded Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family are responsible for antigenic variation and infected red blood cell (RBC) cytoadhesion in P. falciparum malaria. Parasites causing severe malaria in nonimmune patients tend to express a restricted subset of VSA (VSA(SM)) that differs from VSA associated with uncomplicated malaria and asymptomatic infection (VSA(UM)). We compared var gene transcription in unselected P. falciparum clone 3D7 expressing VSA(UM) to in vitro-selected sublines expressing VSA(SM) to identify PfEMP1 responsible for the VSA(SM) phenotype. Expression of VSA(SM) was accompanied by up-regulation of Group A var genes. The most prominently up-regulated Group A gene (PFD1235w/MAL7P1.1) was translated into a protein expressed on the infected RBC surface. The proteins encoded by Group A var genes, such as PFD1235w/MAL7P1.1, appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of severe disease and are thus attractive candidates for a vaccine against life-threatening P. falciparum malaria

TESS Discovery of a Transiting Super-Earth in the π\pi Mensae System

We report the detection of a transiting planet around $\pi$ Mensae (HD 39091), using data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The solar-type host star is unusually bright (V=5.7) and was already known to host a Jovian planet on a highly eccentric, 5.7-year orbit. The newly discovered planet has a size of $2.04\pm 0.05$ $R_\oplus$ and an orbital period of 6.27 days. Radial-velocity data from the HARPS and AAT/UCLES archives also displays a 6.27-day periodicity, confirming the existence of the planet and leading to a mass determination of $4.82\pm 0.85$ $M_\oplus$. The star's proximity and brightness will facilitate further investigations, such as atmospheric spectroscopy, asteroseismology, the Rossiter--McLaughlin effect, astrometry, and direct imaging.Comment: Accepted for publication ApJ Letters. This letter makes use of the TESS Alert data, which is currently in a beta test phase. The discovery light curve is included in a table inside the arxiv submissio