Superior venous drainage in the "LifeBox": a portable extracorporeal oxygenator with a self-expanding venous cannula.

BACKGROUND: In an experimental setting, the performance of the LifeBox, a new portable extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) system suitable for patient transport, is presented. Standard rectilinear percutaneous cannulae are normally employed for this purpose, but have limited flow and pressure delivery due to their rigid structure. Therefore, we aimed to determine the potential for flow increase by using self-expanding venous cannulae. METHODS: Veno-arterial bypass was established in three pigs (40.6+/-5.1 kg). The venous line of the cardiopulmonary bypass was established by cannulation of the external jugular vein. The arterial side of the circulation was secured by cannulation of the common carotid artery. Two different venous cannulae (SmartCanula 18/36F 430mm and Biomedicus 19F) were examined for their functional integrity when used in conjunction with the centrifugal pump (500-3000 RPM) of the LifeBox system. RESULTS: At 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 RPM, the blood flow increased steadily for each cannula, but remained higher in the self-expanding cannula. That is, the 19F rectilinear cannula achieved a blood flow of 0.93+/-0.14, 1.47+/-0.37, 1.9+/-0.68, and 1.5+/-0.9 l/min, respectively, and the 18/36F self-expanding cannula achieved 1.1+/-0.1, 1.9+/-0.33, 2.8+/-0.39 and 3.66+/-0.52 l/min. However, when tested for venous line pressure, the standard venous cannula achieved -29+/-10.7mmHg while the self-expanding cannula achieved -13.6 +/-4.3mmHg at 1500 RMP. As the RPM increased from 2500 to 3000, the venous line pressure accounted for -141.9+/-20 and -98+/-7.3mmHg for the 19F rectilinear cannula and -30.6+/-6.4 and -45+/-11.6mmHg for the self-expanding cannula. CONCLUSION: The self-expanding cannula exhibited superior venous drainage ability when compared to the performance of the standard rectilinear cannula with the use of the LifeBox. The flow rate achieved was approximately 40% greater than the standard drainage device, with a maximal pump flow recorded at 4.3l/min.

Scale-specific sex-biased dispersal in the Valais shrew unveiled by genetic variation on the Y chromosome, autosomes, and mitochondrial DNA.

We investigated sex specificities in the evolutionary processes shaping Y chromosome, autosomes, and mitochondrial DNA patterns of genetic structure in the Valais shrew (Sorex antinorii), a mountain dwelling species with a hierarchical distribution. Both hierarchical analyses of variance and isolation-by-distance analyses revealed patterns of population structure that were not consistent across maternal, paternal, and biparentally inherited markers. Differentiation on a Y microsatellite was lower than expected from the comparison with autosomal microsatellites and mtDNA, and it was mostly due to genetic variance among populations within valleys, whereas the opposite was observed on other markers. In addition, there was no pattern of isolation by distance for the Y, whereas there was strong isolation by distance on mtDNA and autosomes. We use a hierarchical island model of coancestry dynamics to discuss the relative roles of the microevolutionary forces that may induce such patterns. We conclude that sex-biased dispersal is the most important driver of the observed genetic structure, but with an intriguing twist: it seems that dispersal is strongly male biased at large spatial scale, whereas it is mildly biased in favor of females at local scale. These results add to recent reports of scale-specific sex-biased dispersal patterns, and emphasize the usefulness of the Y chromosome in conjunction with mtDNA and autosomes to infer sex specificities.

ICER induced by hyperglycemia represses the expression of genes essential for insulin exocytosis.

The GTPases Rab3a and Rab27a and their effectors Granuphilin/Slp4 and Noc2 are essential regulators of neuroendocrine secretion. Chronic exposure of pancreatic beta-cells to supraphysiological glucose levels decreased selectively the expression of these proteins. This glucotoxic effect was mimicked by cAMP-raising agents and blocked by PKA inhibitors. We demonstrate that the transcriptional repressor ICER, which is induced in a PKA-dependent manner by chronic hyperglycemia and cAMP-raising agents, is responsible for the decline of the four genes. ICER overexpression diminished the level of Granuphilin, Noc2, Rab3a and Rab27a by binding to cAMP responsive elements located in the promoters of these genes and inhibited exocytosis of beta-cells in response to secretagogues. Moreover, the loss in the expression of the genes of the secretory machinery caused by glucose and cAMP-raising agents was prevented by an antisense construct that reduces ICER levels. We propose that induction of inappropriate ICER levels lead to defects in the secretory process of pancreatic beta-cells possibly contributing, in conjunction with other known deleterious effects of hyperglycemia, to defective insulin release in type 2 diabetes.

Beneficial Effects of Selected Additives on Asphalt Cement Mixes, HR-278, 1987

Effects of polyolefins, neoprene, styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymers, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex, and hydrated lime on two asphalt cements were evaluated. Physical and chemical tests were performed on a total of 16 binder blends. Asphalt concrete mixes were prepared and tested with these modified binders and two aggregates (crushed limestone and gravel), each at three asphalt content levels. Properties evaluated on the modified binders (original and thin-film oven aged) included: viscosity at 25 deg C, 60 deg C and 135 deg C with capillary tube and cone-plate viscometer, penetration at 5 deg C and 25 deg C, softening point, force ductility, and elastic recovery at 10 deg C, dropping ball test, tensile strength, and toughness and tenacity tests at 25 deg C. From these the penetration index, the viscosity-temperature susceptibility, the penetration-viscosity number, the critical low-temperature, long loading-time stiffness, and the cracking temperature were calculated. In addition, the binders were studied with x-ray diffraction, reflected fluorescence microscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques. Engineering properties evaluated on the 72 asphalt concrete mixes containing additives included: Marshall stability and flow, Marshall stiffness, voids properties, resilient modulus, indirect tensile strength, permanent deformation (creep), and effects of moisture by vacuum-saturation and Lottman treatments. Pavement sections of varied asphalt concrete thicknesses and containing different additives were compared to control mixes in terms of structural responses and pavement lives for different subgrades. Although all of the additives tested improved at least one aspect of the binder/mixture properties, no additive was found to improve all the relevant binder/mixture properties at the same time. On the basis of overall considerations, the optimum beneficial effects can be expected when the additives are used in conjunction with softer grade asphalts.

Laboratory Study of Slurry Seal Coats, HR-185, Revised, 1978

Extensive programmed laboratory tests involving some 400 asphalt emulsion slurry seals (AESS) were conducted. Thirteen aggregates including nine Iowa sources, a quartzite, a synthetic aggregate (Haydite), a limestone stone from Nebraska, and a Chat aggregate from Kansas were tested in combination with four emulsions and two mineral fillers, resulting in a total of 40 material combinations. A number of meetings were held with the Iowa DOT engineers and 12 state highway departments that have had successful slurry seal experiences and records, and several slurry seal contractors and material and equipment suppliers were contacted. Asphalt emulsion slurry seal development, uses, characteristics, tests, and design methods were thoroughly reviewed in conjunction with Iowa's experiences through these meetings and discussions and through a literature search (covering some 140 articles and 12 state highway department specifications). It was found that, while asphalt emulsion slurry seals (when properly designed and constructed) can economically improve the quality and extend the life of existing pavement surface, experiences with them had been mixed due to the many material, slurry, and construction variables that affect their design, construction, and performance. The report discusses those variables identified during the course of the project and makes recommendations concerning design procedures, design criteria, specifications and the means of evaluating them.

Hypothyroid myopathy as a complication of interferon alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy is associated with a number of immunological side-effects, including autoimmune diseases and a 10% prevalence of thyroiditis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection itself predisposes to autoimmune phenomena including hypothyroidism and myositis. The development of clinical hypothyroidism in the presence of positive thyroid antibodies in patients infected with HCV and treated with IFN-alpha suggests a possible association between the viral disease and the therapy. HCV infection may predispose to autoimmune thyroid disease and IFN-alpha therapy may secondarily lead to the development of thyroid dysfunctions. We report the single case of a female patient who developed a severe proximal myopathy in conjunction with primary hypothyroidism (Hoffmann's syndrome) secondarily to IFN-alpha therapy for HCV infection. This case highlights the need for careful clinical and biological monitoring for potential side-effects in such patients.

Rearing the southern green stink bug using an artificial dry diet and an artificial plant

Laboratory and greenhouse studies were conducted with an artificial dry diet to rear nymphs, and with an artificial plant as substrate for egg laying by the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.). The artificial diet was composed of: soybean protein (15 g); potato starch (7.5 g); dextrose (7.5 g); sucrose (2.5 g); cellulose (12.5 g); vitamin mixture (niacinamide 1 g, calcium pantothenate 1 g, thiamine 0.25 g, riboflavin 0.5 g, pyridoxine 0.25 g, folic acid 0.25 g, biotin 0.02 mL, vitamin B12 1 g - added to 1,000 mL of distilled water) (5.0 mL); soybean oil (20 mL); wheat germ (17.9 g); and water (30 mL). Nymphs showed normal feeding behavior when fed on the artificial diet. Nymphal development time was longer than or similar to that of nymphs fed on soybean pods. Total nymphal mortality was low (ca. 30%), both for nymphs reared on the artificial diet, and for nymphs fed on soybean pods. At adult emergence, fresh body weights were significantly (P<0.01) less on the artificial diet than on soybean pods. Despite the lower adult survivorship and fecundity on artificial plants than on soybean plants, it was demonstrated for the first time that a model simulating a natural plant, can be used as a substrate for egg mass laying, in conjunction with the artificial diet.

Development of Benchmark Data for the Iowa Department of Transportation Construction Offices, HR-381, 1996

This report describes the development of performance measures for the Iowa DOT Construction Offices. The offices are responsible for administering all transportation construction projects for the Iowa DOT. In conjunction with a steering team composed of representatives of the Construction Offices, the research team developed a list of eight key processes and a set of measures for each. Two kinds of data were gathered: baseline data and benchmark data. Baseline data is used to characterize current performance. Benchmark data is gathered to find organizations that have excellent performance records for one or more key functions. This report discusses the methodology used and the results obtained. The data obtained represents the first set of data points. Subsequent years will establish trends for each of the measures, showing improvement or lack of it.

Treating Iowa's Marginal Aggregates and Soils by Foamix Process, HR-212, 1980

Quality granular materials suitable for building all-weather roads are not uniformly distributed throughout the state of Iowa. For this reason the Iowa Highway Research Board has sponsored a number of research programs for the purpose of developing new and effective methods for making use of whatever materials are locally available. This need is ever more pressing today due to the decreasing availability of road funds and quality materials, and the increasing costs of energy and all types of binder materials. In the 1950s, Professor L. H. Csanyi of Iowa State University had demonstrated both in the laboratory and in the field, in Iowa and in a number of foreign countries, the effectiveness of preparing low cost mixes by stabilizing ungraded local aggregates such as gravel, sand and loess with asphalt cements using the foamed asphalt process. In this process controlled foam was produced by introducing saturated steam at about 40 psi into heated asphalt cement at about 25 psi through a specially designed and properly adjusted nozzle. The reduced viscosity and the increased volume and surface energy in the foamed asphalt allowed intimate coating and mixing of cold, wet aggregates or soils. Through the use of asphalt cements in a foamed state, materials normally considered unsuitable could be used in the preparation of mixes for stabilized bases and surfaces for low traffic road construction. By attaching the desired number of foam nozzles, the foamed asphalt can be used in conjunction with any type of mixing plant, either stationary or mobile, batch or continuous, central plant or in-place soil stabilization.

Road Map Math, 1976

Road Map Math is an instructional program for low-achieving students in grades four to twelve. It is helpful in teaching language arts, place geography, map reading and mathematics. This booklet was made in conjunction with Department of Public Instruction, Price Laboratory School at the University of Northern Iowa and the Planning and Research Division of the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Pathway databases and tools for their exploitation: benefits, current limitations and challenges

In past years, comprehensive representations of cell signalling pathways have been developed by manual curation from literature, which requires huge effort and would benefit from information stored in databases and from automatic retrieval and integration methods. Once a reconstruction of the network of interactions is achieved, analysis of its structural features and its dynamic behaviour can take place. Mathematical modelling techniques are used to simulate the complex behaviour of cell signalling networks, which ultimately sheds light on the mechanisms leading to complex diseases or helps in the identification of drug targets. A variety of databases containing information on cell signalling pathways have been developed in conjunction with methodologies to access and analyse the data. In principle, the scenario is prepared to make the most of this information for the analysis of the dynamics of signalling pathways. However, are the knowledge repositories of signalling pathways ready to realize the systems biology promise? In this article we aim to initiate this discussion and to provide some insights on this issue.

Safety and Mobility Impacts of Winter Weather --Phase 3, SPR RB01-012, 2014

Highway agencies spend millions of dollars to ensure safe and efficient winter travel. However, the effectiveness of winter-weather maintenance practices on safety and mobility are somewhat difficult to quantify. Safety and Mobility Impacts of Winter Weather - Phase 1 investigated opportunities for improving traffic safety on state-maintained roads in Iowa during winter-weather conditions. In Phase 2, three Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) high-priority sites were evaluated and realistic maintenance and operations mitigation strategies were also identified. In this project, site prioritization techniques for identifying roadway segments with the potential for safety improvements related to winter-weather crashes, were developed through traditional naïve statistical methods by using raw crash data for seven winter seasons and previously developed metrics. Additionally, crash frequency models were developed using integrated crash data for four winter seasons, with the objective of identifying factors that affect crash frequency during winter seasons and screening roadway segments using the empirical Bayes technique. Based on these prioritization techniques, 11 sites were identified and analyzed in conjunction with input from Iowa DOT district maintenance managers and snowplow operators and the Iowa DOT Road Weather Information System (RWIS) coordinator.

Pharmacotherapeutic management of locally advanced prostate cancer: current status.

Locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPC) is a heterogeneous entity usually embracing T3-4 and/or pelvic lymph-node-positive disease in the absence of established metastases. Outcomes for LAPC with single therapies have traditionally been poor, leading to the investigation of adjuvant therapies. Prostate cancer is a hormonally sensitive tumour, which usually responds to pharmacological manipulation of the androgen receptor or its testosterone-related ligands. As such, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has become an important adjuvant strategy for the treatment of LAPC, particularly for patients managed primarily with radiotherapy. Such results have generally not been replicated in surgical patients. With increased use of ADT has come improved awareness of the numerous toxicities associated with long-term use of these agents, as well as the development of strategies for minimizing ADT exposure and actively managing adverse effects. Several trials are exploring agents to enhance radiation cell sensitivity as well as the application of adjuvant docetaxel, an agent with proven efficacy in the metastatic, castrate-resistant setting. The recent work showing activity of cabazitaxel, sipuleucel-T and abiraterone for castrate-resistant disease in the post-docetaxel setting will see these agents investigated in conjunction with definitive surgery and radiotherapy.

Location-independent and location-linked representations of sound objects.

For the recognition of sounds to benefit perception and action, their neural representations should also encode their current spatial position and their changes in position over time. The dual-stream model of auditory processing postulates separate (albeit interacting) processing streams for sound meaning and for sound location. Using a repetition priming paradigm in conjunction with distributed source modeling of auditory evoked potentials, we determined how individual sound objects are represented within these streams. Changes in perceived location were induced by interaural intensity differences, and sound location was either held constant or shifted across initial and repeated presentations (from one hemispace to the other in the main experiment or between locations within the right hemispace in a follow-up experiment). Location-linked representations were characterized by differences in priming effects between pairs presented to the same vs. different simulated lateralizations. These effects were significant at 20-39 ms post-stimulus onset within a cluster on the posterior part of the left superior and middle temporal gyri; and at 143-162 ms within a cluster on the left inferior and middle frontal gyri. Location-independent representations were characterized by a difference between initial and repeated presentations, independently of whether or not their simulated lateralization was held constant across repetitions. This effect was significant at 42-63 ms within three clusters on the right temporo-frontal region; and at 165-215 ms in a large cluster on the left temporo-parietal convexity. Our results reveal two varieties of representations of sound objects within the ventral/What stream: one location-independent, as initially postulated in the dual-stream model, and the other location-linked.

Investigation of Rapid Thermal Analysis Procedures for Prediction of the Service Life of PCCP Carbonate Coarse Aggregate, HR-337, 1993

The major objective of this research project was to use thermal analysis techniques in conjunction with x-ray analysis methods to identify and explain chemical reactions that promote aggregate related deterioration in portland cement concrete. Twenty-two different carbonate aggregate samples were subjected to a chemical testing scheme that included: • bulk chemistry (major, minor and selected trace elements) • bulk mineralogy (minor phases concentrated by acid extraction) • solid-solution in the major carbonate phases • crystallite size determinations for the major carbonate phases • a salt treatment study to evaluate the impact of deicer salts Test results from these different studies were then compared to information that had been obtained using thermogravimetric analysis techniques. Since many of the limestones and dolomites that were used in the study had extensive field service records it was possible to correlate many of the variables with service life. The results of this study have indicated that thermogravimetric analysis can play an important role in categorizing carbonate aggregates. In fact, with modern automated thermal analysis systems it should be possible to utilize such methods on a quality control basis. Strong correlations were found between several of the variables that were monitored in this study. In fact, several of the variables exhibited significant correlations to concrete service life. When the full data set was utilized (n = 18), the significant correlations to service life can be summarized as follows ( a = 5% level): • Correlation coefficient, r, = -0.73 for premature TG loss versus service life. • Correlation coefficient, r, = 0.74 for relative crystallite size versus service life. • Correlation coefficient, r, = 0.53 for ASTM C666 durability factor versus service life. • Correlation coefficient, r, = -0.52 for acid-insoluble residue versus service life. Separation of the carbonate aggregates into their mineralogical categories (i.e., calcites and dolomites) tended to increase the correlation coefficients for some specific variables (r sometimes approached 0.90); however, the reliability of such correlations was questionable because of the small number of samples that were present in this study.