Service life evaluation of rigid explosive transfer lines

This paper describes a joint Army/NASA-sponsored research program on the service life evaluation of rigid explosive transfer lines. These transfer lines are used to initiate emergency crew escape functions on a wide variety of military and NASA aircraft. The purpose of this program was to determine quantitatively the effects of service, age, and degradation on rigid explosive transfer lines to allow responsible, conservative, service life determination. More than 800 transfer lines were removed from the U.S. Army AH-1G and AH-1S, the U.S. Air Force B-1 and F-111, and the U.S. Navy F-14 aircraft for testing. The results indicated that the lines were not adversely affected by age, service, or a repeat of the thermal qualification tests on full-service lines. Extension of the service life of rigid explosive transfer lines should be considered, since considerable cost savings could be realized with no measurable decrease in system reliability

Measuring Group Velocity in Seismic Noise Correlation Studies Based on Phase Coherence and Resampling Strategies

Seismic noise cross correlation studies are of increasing importance in the seismological research community due to the ubiquity of noise sources and advances on how to use the seismic noise wave field for structural imaging and monitoring purposes. Stacks of noise cross correlations are now routinely used to extract empirical Green's functions between station pairs. In regional and global scale studies, mostly surface waves are extracted due to their dominance in seismic noise wave fields. Group arrival times measured from the time-frequency representation of frequency dispersive surface waves are further used in tomographic inversions to image seismic structure. Often, the group arrivals are not clearly identified or ambiguous depending on the signal and noise characteristics. Here, we present a procedure to robustly measure group velocities using the time-frequency domain phase-weighted stack (PWS) combined with data resampling and decision strategies. The time-frequency PWS improves signal extraction through incoherent signal attenuation during the stack of the noise cross correlations. Resampling strategies help to identify signals robust against data variations and to assess their errors. We have gathered these ingredients in an algorithm where the decision strategies and tuning parameters are reduced for semiautomated processing schemes. Our numerical and field data examples show a robust assignment of surface-wave group arrivals. The method is computational efficient thanks to an implementation based on pseudoanalytic frames of wavelets and enables processing large amounts of data.This work was supported in part by the Project MISTERIOS under Grant CGL2013-48601-C2-1-R, in part by the MIMOSA under Grant ANR-14-CE01-0012, in part by the COST Action ES1401 TIDES, in part by AGAUR, and in part by the FP7 Marie Curie Project through SV's Beatriu de Pinos Fellowship under Contract 600385. This is IPGP contribution 3814.Peer reviewe

Pre-selectable integer quantum conductance of electrochemically fabricated silver point contacts

The controlled fabrication of well-ordered atomic-scale metallic contacts is of great interest: it is expected that the experimentally observed high percentage of point contacts with a conductance at non-integer multiples of the conductance quantum G_0 = 2e^2/h in simple metals is correlated to defects resulting from the fabrication process. Here we demonstrate a combined electrochemical deposition and annealing method which allows the controlled fabrication of point contacts with pre-selectable integer quantum conductance. The resulting conductance measurements on silver point contacts are compared with tight-binding-like conductance calculations of modeled idealized junction geometries between two silver crystals with a predefined number of contact atoms

Detection of microseismic compressional (P) body waves aided by numerical modeling of oceanic noise sources

Among the different types of waves embedded in seismic noise, body waves present appealing properties but are still challenging to extract. Here we first validate recent improvements in numerical modeling of microseismic compressional (P) body waves and then show how this tool allows fast detection and location of their sources. We compute sources at ~0.2 Hz within typical P teleseismic distances (30-90°) from the Southern California Seismic Network and analyze the most significant discrete sources. The locations and relative strengths of the computed sources are validated by the good agreement with beam-forming analysis. These 54 noise sources exhibit a highly heterogeneous distribution, and cluster along the usual storm tracks in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. They are mostly induced in the open ocean, at or near water depths of 2800 and 5600 km, most likely within storms or where ocean waves propagating as swell meet another swell or wind sea. We then emphasize two particularly strong storms to describe how they generate noise sources in their wake. We also use these two specific noise bursts to illustrate the differences between microseismic body and surface waves in terms of source distribution and resulting recordable ground motion. The different patterns between body and surface waves result from distinctive amplification of ocean wave-induced pressure perturbation and different seismic attenuation. Our study demonstrates the potential of numerical modeling to provide fast and accurate constraints on where and when to expect microseismic body waves, with implications for seismic imaging and climate studies. © 2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.This work was supported by the European Research Council (IOWAGA project), the Program >Investment for the future” Labex Mer (grant ANR-10-LABX-19-01), and the Consolider-Ingeno (Topo-Iberia). M.O. performed the data analysis while visiting the Domaines Océanique laboratorPeer Reviewe

How much averaging is necessary to cancel out cross-terms in noise correlation studies?

We present an analytical approach to jointly estimate the correlation window length and number of correlograms to stack in ambient noise correlation studies to statistically ensure that noise cross-terms cancel out to within a chosen threshold. These estimates provide the minimum amount of data necessary to extract coherent signals in ambient noise studies using noise sequences filtered in a given frequency bandwidth. The inputs for the estimation process are (1) the variance of the cross-correlation energy density calculated over an elementary time length equal to the largest period present in the filtered data and (2) the threshold below which the noise cross-terms will be in the final stacked correlograms. The presented theory explains how to adjust the required correlation window length and number of stacks when changing from one frequency bandwidth to another. In addition, this theory provides a simple way to monitor stationarity in the noise. The validity of the deduced expressions have been confirmed with numerical cross-correlation tests using both synthetic and field data.Peer Reviewe

Mistranslation and its control by tRNA synthetases

Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases are ancient proteins that interpret the genetic material in all life forms. They are thought to have appeared during the transition from the RNA world to the theatre of proteins. During translation, they establish the rules of the genetic code, whereby each amino acid is attached to a tRNA that is cognate to the amino acid. Mistranslation occurs when an amino acid is attached to the wrong tRNA and subsequently is misplaced in a nascent protein. Mistranslation can be toxic to bacteria and mammalian cells, and can lead to heritable mutations. The great challenge for nature appears to be serine-for-alanine mistranslation, where even small amounts of this mistranslation cause severe neuropathologies in the mouse. To minimize serine-for-alanine mistranslation, powerful selective pressures developed to prevent mistranslation through a special editing activity imbedded within alanyl-tRNA synthetases (AlaRSs). However, serine-for-alanine mistranslation is so challenging that a separate, genome-encoded fragment of the editing domain of AlaRS is distributed throughout the Tree of Life to redundantly prevent serine-to-alanine mistranslation. Detailed X-ray structural and functional analysis shed light on why serine-for-alanine mistranslation is a universal problem, and on the selective pressures that engendered the appearance of AlaXps at the base of the Tree of Life

Standardization of autoimmune testing - is it feasible?

Correct measurement of autoantibodies is essential for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. However, due to the variability of autoantibody results and the heterogeneity of testing, wrong diagnosis is a reality. For this and more reasons, harmonization of testing is of the outmost importance. In this review we have summarized the factors contributing to this variability. The ways with which the working group on harmonization of autoantibody testing of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) has been trying to tackle the issue with the production and correct use of certified reference materials (CRMs), is discussed. Finally the advantages and the limitations of the use of CRMs are presented

Development of a Certified Reference Material for myeloperoxidase-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (MPO-ANCA).

A serum Certified Reference Material (CRM) for supporting reliable autoimmune diagnostics was recently released by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. It was produced in collaboration with a Working Group on the Harmonisation of Autoimmune Tests of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC WG-HAT). This material is aimed at facilitating the standardisation of measurements of anti-myeloperoxidase immunoglobulin G antibodies. The CRM could be used as a common calibrant by clinicians and manufacturers thereby significantly improving the comparability of results from commercial immunoassays used for IgG anti-MPO measurements. This paper provides information on the new CRM and its intended use

Group and individual change in cognitive functioning in patients with 1 to 10 brain metastases following Gamma Knife radiosurgery

Aims:  Stereotactic radiosurgery is increasingly used to treat multiple (four or more) brain metastases. Preserving cognitive functions is a highly relevant treatment goal because cognitive deteriorations may negatively affect a patient's quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess cognitive change, at the group and individual level, in patients with 1 to 10 brain metastases up to 9 months after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). Materials and methods:  Ninety-two patients with 1 to 10 newly diagnosed brain metastases, expected survival >3 months and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥70 and 104 non-cancer controls were included. A neuropsychological test battery was administered before GKRS (n = 92) and at 3 (n = 66), 6 (n = 52) and 9 (n = 41) months after GKRS. The course of test performances, while taking into account practice effects, was analysed using linear mixed models. Pre-GKRS predictors of cognitive trajectories were analysed. To determine proportions of individuals with cognitive changes, reliable change indices, with correction for practice effects, were calculated. Results:  At the group level, immediate memory, working memory and information processing speed significantly improved over 9 months after GKRS. There were no cognitive declines. Neither number nor volume of brain metastases influenced cognitive change over time. At the individual level, proportions of patients with stable, improved or declined performances were comparable with controls, except for information processing speed (more individuals with improvements in patients) and motor dexterity (more improvements and declines in patients). Conclusions:  Cognitive functioning in patients with 1 to 10 brain metastases was preserved, or improved, up to 9 months after GKRS. Neither number nor volume of brain metastases influenced cognitive performance

Tuberculose in Nederland 2012

Op de gedrukte exemplaren van het rapport is het nummer 15000204. Het rapportnummer heeft een 0 te weinig; na versturing van de rapporten is dit pas opgemerktIn 2012 werden 958 patiënten met tuberculose gemeld aan het Nederlands Tuberculose Register (NTR). Dit komt overeen met een incidentie van tuberculose van 5,7 per 100.000 inwoners. Ten opzichte van 2011 en 2010 is de incidentie met respectievelijk vier procent en tien procent afgenomen. Sinds 2002 is het aantal tbc-patiënten in Nederland met 32% gedaald. In 2012 werd bij 53 procent van de gemelde patiënten longtuberculose geconstateerd. Het aantal patiënten met longtuberculose (pulmonale tbc) daalt sneller dan het aantal met extrapulmonale tbc (tuberculose buiten de longen). Het percentage extrapulmonale gevallen was het hoogste onder tbc-patiënten die in het buitenland zijn geboren. De meest voorkomende vorm van extrapulmonale tuberculose was tuberculose van de perifere lymfklieren. Achttien procent (177) van de tbc-patiënten in 2012 had sputumpositieve longtuberculose, de meest besmettelijke vorm van tuberculose. De incidentie van sputumpositieve longtuberculose in 2012 was 1,1 per 100.000 inwoners. Tuberculose komt in Nederland vaker voor bij personen geboren in het buitenland (eerstegeneratieallochtonen) en tweedegeneratieallochtonen. Bijna drie kwart van het aantal tbc-patiënten in 2012 was geboren in het buitenland (73%). Van de groep eerstegeneratieallochtonen met tuberculose in Nederland was de groep Somaliërs net als voorgaande jaren het grootste (170). Het percentage tbc-patiënten afkomstig uit Somalië was daarmee even groot als het percentage autochtone Nederlanders met tuberculose (18 procent), maar de incidentie onder Somaliërs in Nederland is bijna 500 maal hoger dan onder autochtone Nederlanders (respectievelijk 1,3 en 691 per 100.000 inwoners). Multiresistente tuberculose Het aantal patiënten met multiresistente tuberculose (MDR-tbc) in Nederland schommelt de laatste vijf jaar tussen tien en twintig patiënten; dat is 1-2% van het totaal aantal patiënten. In 2012 werden elf patiënten met multiresistente tuberculose gediagnosticeerd. Eén van de elf patiënten met mulitresistente tuberculose was afkomstig uit Nederland, de tien andere patiënten uit het buitenland. Resultaat van de behandeling Van alle in 2011 geregistreerde tbc-patiënten voltooide 87% de tbc-behandeling met succes. Bij nieuwe patiënten met longtuberculose was dit percentage iets lager (85%). Patiënten met multiresistente tuberculose voltooiden minder vaak de behandeling. Van de elf MDR-tbc-patiënten gediagnosticeerd in 2010 voltooiden zeven (64%) de behandeling met succes, één patiënt (9%) brak de behandeling voortijdig af, één patiënt zette de behandeling in het buitenland voort, één patiënt is overleden aan een andere oorzaak dan tuberculose en van één patiënt is het behandelresultaat (nog) niet bekend. Sterfte aan tuberculose Van de tbc-patiënten geregistreerd in het NTR in 2011 en 2012 overleden respectievelijk achttien (1,8%) en zes personen (0,6%) aan tuberculose. Patiënten met ernstige comorbiditeit hebben grotere kans op sterfte aan tuberculose. In 2012 overleed één persoon met diabetes, twee personen met een maligniteit en één persoon met nierinsufficiëntie aan tuberculose. Latente tbc-infectie (LTBI) In 2012 zijn 1.293 nieuwe gevallen van LTBI geregistreerd. Bij 855 personen werd de diagnose bij bron- en contactonderzoek vastgesteld. In 2011 startten in totaal 1.027 van de 1.297 personen (79%) een preventieve behandeling. Van hen voltooide 84% de LTBI-behandeling met succes. Delay Op grond van de gegevens in het NTR is de gemiddelde duur van het diagnostisch delay in de periode 2005-2012 niet toegenomen, hoewel bij illegalen, dak- en thuislozen, en drugs- en alcoholverslaafden wel aanwijzingen zijn voor een langer patient delay. Bij ruim een kwart van de patiënten die passief worden gevonden is wel sprake van een 'te lang' of 'ongunstig delay'. Voor doctor delay geldt hetzelfde: er is bij ruim een kwart van de patiënten die passief worden gevonden sprake van een 'te lang' of 'ongunstig delay'. Case finding In totaal 15% van alle tbc-patiënten werd in 2012 gevonden door actieve opsporing door de afdeling tbc-bestrijding van de GGD. Het percentage tbc-patiënten dat gevonden wordt door screening van risicogroepen zoals nieuwe immigranten, asielzoekers, drugsverslaafden en dak- en thuislozen neemt al langere tijd af. In de jaren 1993-1998 werd 14% van de tbc-patiënten gevonden door screening, maar in 2012 was dit nog maar 8%. Het percentage patiënten gevonden via bron- en contactonderzoek was in 2012 hetzelfde als in voorgaande jaren (7%). Tbc-patiënten met verminderde weerstand Het percentage tbc-patiënten met een co-infectie met hiv was 3% in 2012. Het percentage tbc-patiënten die op co-infectie met hiv werden getest nam toe van 28% in 2008 naar 49% in 2011, maar is in 2012gestagneerd (47%). Van patiënten uit risicogebieden zoals sub-Sahara Afrika was in 59% van de gevallen de hiv-status bekend. Het aantal tbc-patiënten die behandeld worden met TNF-alfaremmers neemt toe. In 2012 betrof het achttien (1,9%) patiënten. Transmissie en clustersurveillance Van de patiënten met kweekpositieve tuberculose clusterde de helft met een voorgaande patiënt. Bij een derde van de clusterende patiënten was sprake van recente clustering, een mogelijk gevolg van recente transmissie in Nederland. In 2012 vertoonden vier van de clusters een groei van meer dan vijf patiënten. De laatste jaren zijn er minder snelgroeiende clusters, een teken dat transmissie van M. tuberculosis in Nederland afneemt of dat de bestrijdingsmaatregelen effectief zijn.In 2012 958 cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported to the Netherlands Tuberculosis Register (NTR). The incidence rate was 5.7 per 100,000 population. Since 2002 the number of TB patients in the Netherlands declined with 32%. In 2012 53% of the notified cases was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. Over the years the number of patients with extrapulmonary TB declined less than the number with pulmonary TB. The percentage extrapulmonary cases is highest among foreign-born TB patients. Tuberculosis of the extra thoracic lymph nodes is the most common site of disease in extrapulmonary cases. 18% (177) of all TB cases in 2012 was sputum-smear positive. The incidence rate of smear-positive pulmonary TB was 1.1 per 100,000 population. The majority of TB patients in the Netherlands was foreign-born (73%). As in previous years the largest population group with TB in 2012 was Somalian (170). The percentage of TB patients born in Somalia is in 2012 the same as the percentage native Dutch TB patients (18%). The incidence rate among people coming from Somalia is almost 500 times higher than the incidence rate of the native Dutch population (respectively 691 and 1.3 per 100,000 population). Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis In the last five years the number of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the Netherlands varies between ten and twenty patients, 1-2% of the total number of TB patients. In 2012 eleven patients with MDR-TB were registered; ten were foreign-born. Treatment Outcome In 2011 87% of all TB patients completed treatment successfully. Of new cases with pulmonary TB 85% completed treatment successfully. Patients with MDR-TB completed treatment less often. Seven (64%) out of eleven MDR-TB-patients diagnosed in 2010 completed treatment successfully, one patient (9%) interrupted treatment, one patient continued treatment abroad, one patient died due to another cause than tuberculosis and of one patient treatment outcome is (still) unknown. TB-patients with co-morbidity or immune disorders The percentage of hiv-infected TB patients was 3% in 2012. The percentage TB patients tested for hiv increased from 28% in 2008 to 49% in 2011, but did not increase in 2012 (47%). Hiv-status was known in 59% of TB patients coming from sub-Saharan Africa, a hiv endemic area. The number of TB patients associated with TNF-alfa inhibitors treatment increases. In 2012 18 patients were registered (1.9%). Tuberculosis deaths Respectively 18 (1.8%) and 6 (0.6%) TB patients in 2011 and 2012 died due to tuberculosis. TB patients with serious co-morbidity have a higher risk of dying. In 2012 one person with diabetes, two persons with cancer and one person with renal insufficiency died due to tuberculosis. Respectively 20 (2.0%) and 20 (2.1%) TB patients in 2011 and 2012 died of other causes. Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) In 2012 1,293 new cases of LTBI were reported. 855 of these cases were detected through contact investigation. In 2011 1,027 of 1,297 cases (79%) started preventive treatment. Eighty-four percent of all persons with LTBI who received preventive treatment completed treatment successfully. Delay The mean length of the diagnostic delay over the years 2005-2012 did not increase, although undocumented TB patients, homeless TB patients, and drug and alcohol addicts with TB are associated with a longer patient delay. In more than a quarter of the passively detected cases a too long or 'unfavorable' patient delay was registered. This also applies to doctor delay; in more than a quarter of the passively detected cases a too long or 'unfavorable' delay was registered. Case finding Fifteen percent of all TB patients was detected by active case finding by the TB department of the Municipal Health Services. The percentage TB patients detected through screening of risk groups such as new immigrants, asylum seekers, drug addicts and homeless people has been decreasing for some time; in the years 1993-1998 14% of all TB patients was detected through screening, in 2012 only 8%. The number and percentage of cases found through contact investigation stayed more or less the same (7%). Transmission and cluster surveillance In 2012 50% of the cases with a positive culture belonged to a cluster. In one third of these cases recent clustering was registered, possibly as a result of recent transmission in the Netherlands. In 2012 four existing clusters showed growth of more than five patients. In the last few years there were no large outbreaks registered in the Netherlands