A heuristic algorithm to generate test program sequences for moving probe electronic test equipment

The electronics industry, is experiencing two trends one of which is the drive towards miniaturization of electronic products. The in-circuit testing predominantly used for continuity testing of printed circuit boards (PCB) can no longer meet the demands of smaller size circuits. This has lead to the development of moving probe testing equipment. Moving Probe Test opens up the opportunity to test PCBs where the test points are on a small pitch (distance between points). However, since the test uses probes that move sequentially to perform the test, the total test time is much greater than traditional in-circuit test. While significant effort has concentrated on the equipment design and development, little work has examined algorithms for efficient test sequencing. The test sequence has the greatest impact on total test time, which will determine the production cycle time of the product. Minimizing total test time is a NP-hard problem similar to the traveling salesman problem, except with two traveling salesmen that must coordinate their movements. The main goal of this thesis was to develop a heuristic algorithm to minimize the Flying Probe test time and evaluate the algorithm against a "Nearest Neighbor" algorithm. The algorithm was implemented with Visual Basic and MS Access database. The algorithm was evaluated with actual PCB test data taken from Industry. A statistical analysis with 95% C.C. was performed to test the hypothesis that the proposed algorithm finds a sequence which has a total test time less than the total test time found by the "Nearest Neighbor" approach. Findings demonstrated that the proposed heuristic algorithm reduces the total test time of the test and, therefore, production cycle time can be reduced through proper sequencing.

Exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds and reproductive toxicity in women

The overall objective of the research presented in this dissertation was to assess exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalates, and bisphenol A (BPA) in the general population and evaluate their associations with adverse reproductive health effects, including cancers, in women. Given the proven contribution of unopposed estrogens to the risk for endometrial neoplasia or breast cancer, renewed health concerns have aroused about estrogen mimicking EDCs found in food, personal care products or as environmental contaminants. Our meta-analysis showed that exposure to estrogen mimicking PCBs increased summary risk of breast cancer and endometriosis. We further evaluated the relationship between endometriosis and breast cancer, and EDCs using a bioinformatics method. Our bioinformatics approach was able to identify genes with the potential to be involved in interaction with PCB, phthalates and BPA that may be important to the development of breast cancer and endometriosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that exposure to EDCs such as PCBs, phthalates, and BPA, results in adverse reproductive health effects in women. Using subject data and biomarkers available from the Center for Disease Controls National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database we conducted a cross-sectional study of EDCs in relation to self-reported history of endometriosis, uterine leiomyomas, breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. Significantly higher body burdens of PCBs were found in women diagnosed with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer compared to women without cancer. PCB 138 was significantly associated with breast cancer, cervical cancer, and uterine cancer, while PCBs 74 and 118 were significantly associated with ovarian cancer. The sum of dioxin-like PCBs were significantly associated with ovarian cancer (OR of 2.02, 95% CI: 1.06-3.85) and the sum of non-dioxin-like PCBs were significantly associated with uterine cancer (OR of 1.12, 95%CI: 1.03-1.23). Significantly higher body burdens of PCBs were also found in women diagnosed with endometriosis and uterine leiomyomas. Documenting the exposure to EDCs among the general U.S. population, and identifying agents associated with reproductive toxicity have the potential to fill research gaps and facilitate our understanding of the complex role environmental chemicals play in producing toxicity in reproductive organs.^

Preliminary identification of dehalogenation specificities exhibited by dehalorespiring bacteria from a marine microbial community

The ability of a previously PCB-enriched microbial culture from Venice Lagoon marine sediments to dechlorinate pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 2,3,5-trichlorophenol (2,3,5-TCP) was confirmed under anaerobic conditions in microcosms consisting of site water and sediment. Dechlorination activities against Aroclor 1254 PCB mixture were also confirmed as control. Pentachlorophenol was degraded to 2,4,6-TCP (75.92±0.85 mol%), 3,5-DCP (6.40±0.75 mol%), and phenol (15.40±0.87 mol%). From the distribution of the different dechlorination products accumulated in the PCP-spiked cultures over time, two dechlorination pathways for PCP were proposed: (i) PCP to 2,3,4,6-TeCP, then to 2,4,6-TCP through the removal of both meta double-flanked chlorine substituents (main pathway); (ii) alternately, PCP to 2,3,5,6-TeCP, 2,3,5-TCP, 3,5-DCP, then phenol, through the removal of the para double-flanked chlorine, followed by ortho single-flanked chlorines, and finally meta unflanked chlorines (minor pathway). Removal of meta double-flanked chlorines is thus preferred over all other substituents. 2,3,5-TCP, that completely lacks double-flanked chlorines, was degraded to 3,5-DCP through removal of the ortho single-flanked chlorine, with a 99.6% reduction in initial concentration of 2,3,5-TCP by week 14. 16S rRNA PCR-DGGE using Chloroflexi-specific primers revealed a different role of the two microorganisms VLD-1 and VLD-2, previously identified as dechlorinators in the Aroclor 1254 PCB-enriched community, in the dehalogenation of chlorophenols. VLD-1 was observed both in PCP- and TCP-dechlorinating communities, whereas VLD-2 only in TCP-dechlorinating communities. This indicates that VLD-1 and VLD-2 may both dechlorinate ortho single-flanked chlorines, but only VLD-1 is able to remove double-flanked meta or para chlorines.

Development of an instrumented customizable total knee prosthesis for experimental tests.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has revolutionized the life of millions of patients and it is the most efficient treatment in cases of osteoarthritis. The increase in life expectancy has lowered the average age of the patient, which requires a more enduring and performing prosthesis. To improve the design of implants and satisfying the patient's needs, a deep understanding of the knee Biomechanics is needed. To overcome the uncertainties of numerical models, recently instrumented knee prostheses are spreading. The aim of the thesis was to design and manifacture a new prototype of instrumented implant, able to measure kinetics and kinematics (in terms of medial and lateral forces and patellofemoral forces) of different interchangeable designs of prosthesis during experiments tests within a research laboratory, on robotic knee simulator. Unlike previous prototypes it was not aimed for industrial applications, but purely focusing on research. After a careful study of the literature, and a preliminary analytic study, the device was created modifying the structure of a commercial prosthesis and transforming it in a load cell. For monitoring the kinematics of the femoral component a three-layers, piezoelettric position sensor was manifactured using a Velostat foil. This sensor has responded well to pilot test. Once completed, such device can be used to validate existing numerical models of the knee and of TKA and create new ones, more accurate.It can lead to refinement of surgical techniques, to enhancement of prosthetic designs and, once validated, and if properly modified, it can be used also intraoperatively.

Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Compounds and Reproductive Toxicity in Women

The overall objective of the research presented in this dissertation was to assess exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalates, and bisphenol A (BPA) in the general population and evaluate their associations with adverse reproductive health effects, including cancers, in women. Given the proven contribution of unopposed estrogens to the risk for endometrial neoplasia or breast cancer, renewed health concerns have aroused about estrogen mimicking EDCs found in food, personal care products or as environmental contaminants. Our meta-analysis showed that exposure to estrogen mimicking PCBs increased summary risk of breast cancer and endometriosis. We further evaluated the relationship between endometriosis and breast cancer, and EDCs using a bioinformatics method. Our bioinformatics approach was able to identify genes with the potential to be involved in interaction with PCB, phthalates and BPA that may be important to the development of breast cancer and endometriosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that exposure to EDCs such as PCBs, phthalates, and BPA, results in adverse reproductive health effects in women. Using subject data and biomarkers available from the Center for Disease Controls National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database we conducted a cross-sectional study of EDCs in relation to self-reported history of endometriosis, uterine leiomyomas, breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. Significantly higher body burdens of PCBs were found in women diagnosed with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer compared to women without cancer. PCB 138 was significantly associated with breast cancer, cervical cancer, and uterine cancer, while PCBs 74 and 118 were significantly associated with ovarian cancer. The sum of dioxin-like PCBs were significantly associated with ovarian cancer (OR of 2.02, 95% CI: 1.06-3.85) and the sum of non-dioxin-like PCBs were significantly associated with uterine cancer (OR of 1.12, 95%CI: 1.03-1.23). Significantly higher body burdens of PCBs were also found in women diagnosed with endometriosis and uterine leiomyomas. Documenting the exposure to EDCs among the general U.S. population, and identifying agents associated with reproductive toxicity have the potential to fill research gaps and facilitate our understanding of the complex role environmental chemicals play in producing toxicity in reproductive organs.

Stable isotopes, PCBs and pesticide concentrations in zooplankton, seawater and POM from Kongsfjorden and Liefdefjorden, Svalbard

Differences in bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) between fjords characterized by different water masses were investigated by comparing POP concentrations, patterns and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) in seven species of zooplankton from Liefdefjorden (Arctic water mass) and Kongsfjorden (Atlantic water mass), Svalbard, Norway. No difference in concentrations and patterns of POPs was observed in seawater and POM; however higher concentrations and BAFs for certain POPs were found in species of zooplankton from Kongsfjorden. The same species were sampled in both fjords and the differences in concentrations of POPs and BAFs were most likely due to fjord specific characteristics, such as ice cover and timing of snow/glacier melt. These confounding factors make it difficult to conclude on water mass (Arctic vs. Atlantic) specific differences and further to extrapolate these results to possible climate change effects on accumulation of POPs in zooplankton. The present study suggests that zooplankton do biomagnify POPs, which is important for understanding contaminant uptake and flux in zooplankton, though consciousness regarding the method of evaluation is important.

Concentrations of brominated and chlorinated contaminants in adipose tissue of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) between 1991-2007

Adipose tissue was sampled from the western Hudson Bay (WHB) subpopulation of polar bears at intervals from 1991 to 2007 to examine temporal trends of PCB and OCP levels both on an individual and sum-contaminant basis. We also determined levels and temporal trends of emerging polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and other current-use brominated flame retardants. Over the 17-year period, sum DDT (and p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT) decreased (-8.4%/year); alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane (alpha-HCH) decreased (-11%/year); beta-HCH increased ( + 8.3%/year); and sum PCB and sum chlordane (CHL), both contaminants at highest concentrations in all years (>1 ppm), showed no distinct trends even when compared to previous data for this subpopulation dating back to 1968. Some of the less persistent PCB congeners decreased significantly (-1.6%/year to -6.3%/year), whereas CB153 levels tended to increase (+ 3.3%/year). Parent CHLs (c-nonachlor, t-nonachlor) declined, whereas non-monotonic trends were detected for metabolites (heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane). sum chlorobenzene, octachlorostyrene, sum mirex, sum MeSO2-PCB and dieldrin did not significantly change. Increasing sum PBDE levels (+13%/year) matched increases in the four consistently detected congeners, BDE47, BDE99, BDE100 and BDE153. Although no trend was observed, total-(alpha)-HBCD was only detected post-2000. Levels of the highest concentration brominated contaminant, BB153, showed no temporal change. As long-term ecosystem changes affecting contaminant levels may also affect contaminant patterns, we examined the influence of year (i.e., aging or "weathering" of the contaminant pattern), dietary tracers (carbon stable isotope ratios, fatty acid patterns) and biological (age/sex) group on congener/metabolite profiles. Patterns of PCBs, CHLs and PBDEs were correlated with dietary tracers and biological group, but only PCB and CHL patterns were correlated with year. DDT patterns were not associated with any explanatory variables, possibly related to local DDT sources. Contaminant pattern trends may be useful in distinguishing the possible role of ecological/diet changes on contaminant burdens from expected dynamics due to atmospheric sources and weathering.

Molecular and isotopic compositions of hydrocarbons at DSDP Site 76-533

In an investigation of gas hydrates in deep ocean sediments, gas samples from Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 533 on the Blake Outer Ridge in the northwest Atlantic were obtained for molecular and isotopic analyses. Gas samples were collected from the first successful deployment of a pressure core barrel (PCB) in a hydrate region. The pressure decline curves from two of the four PCB retrievals at in situ pressures suggested the presence of small amounts of gas hydrates. Compositional and isotopic measurements of gases from several points along the pressure decline curve indicated that (1) biogenic methane (d13C = -68 per mil; C1/C2 = 5000) was the dominant gas (>90%); (2) little fractionation in the C1/C2 ratio or the C carbon isotopic composition occurred as gas hydrates decomposed during pressure decline experiments; (3) the percent of C3, i-C4, and CO2 degassed increased as the pressure declined, indicating that these molecules may help stabilize the hydrate structure; (4) excess nitrogen was present during initial degassing; and (5) C1/C2 ratios and isotopic ratios of C gases were similar to those obtained from conventional core sampling. The PCB gas also contained trace amounts of saturated, acyclic, cyclic, and aromatic C5-C14 hydrocarbons, as well as alkenes and tetrahydrothiophenes. Gas from a decomposed specimen of gas hydrate had similar molecular and isotopic ratios to the PCB gas (d13C of -68 per mil for methane and a C1/C2 ratio of about 6000). Regular trends in the d13C of methane (about -95 to -60 per mil) and C1/C2 ratios (about 25000 to 2000) were observed with depth. Capillary gas chromatography (GC) and total scanning fluorescence measurements of extracted organic material were characteristic of hydrocarbons dominated by a marine source, though significant amounts of perylene were also present.

(Tables S1,2) Stable isotopes in muscle tissue of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from various regions of the Arctic

The relative contribution of regional contamination versus dietary differences to geographic variation in polar bear (Ursus maritimus) contaminant levels is unknown. Dietary variation between Alaska, Canada, East Greenland, and Svalbard subpopulations was assessed by muscle nitrogen and carbon stable isotope (d15N, d13C) and adipose fatty acid (FA) signatures relative to their main prey (ringed seals). Western and southern Hudson Bay signatures were characterized by depleted d15N and d13C, lower proportions of C20 and C22 monounsaturated FAs and higher proportions of C18 and longer chain polyunsaturated FAs. East Greenland and Svalbard signatures were reversed relative to Hudson Bay. Alaskan and Canadian Arctic signatures were intermediate. Between-subpopulation dietary differences predominated over interannual, seasonal, sex, or age variation. Among various brominated and chlorinated contaminants, diet signatures significantly explained variation in adipose levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants (14-15%) and legacy PCBs (18-21%). However, dietary influence was contaminant class-specific, since only low or nonsignificant proportions of variation in organochlorine pesticide (e.g., chlordane) levels were explained by diet. Hudson Bay diet signatures were associated with lower PCB and PBDE levels, whereas East Greenland and Svalbard signatures were associated with higher levels. Understanding diet/food web factors is important to accurately interpret contaminant trends, particularly in a changing Arctic.

Thyroid hormone and gland status of Greenland sledge dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) exposed to contaminated blubber

As a model of high trophic level carnivores, sledge dogs were fed from 2 to 18 months of age with minke whale blubber containing organohalogen compounds (OHC) corresponding to 128 µg PCB/day. Controls were fed uncontaminated porcine fat. Thyroid hormone levels were assessed in 7 exposed and 7 control sister bitches (sampled at age 6-18 months) and 4 exposed and 4 control pups, fed the same diet as their mothers (sampled age 3-12 months). Lower free and total T3 and T4 were seen in exposed vs. control bitches beyond 10 months of age, and total T3 was lower through 3-12 months of age in exposed pups. A negative correlation with thyroid gland weight was significant for SumDDT, as was a positive association with total T3 for dieldrin. This study therefore supports observational data that OHCs may adversely affect thyroid functions, and it suggests that OHC exposure duration of 10 months or more may be required for current OHC contamination levels to result in detectable adverse effects on thyroid hormone dynamics.

Stepped-bend Substrate Integrated Waveguide to Rectangular Waveguide Transition

A new wideband transition between substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) and rectangular waveguide (RWG) that resembles a right angle waveguide E-bend at Ku/K band is presented. The transition has removable but stable mounting, requires only PCB fabrication and has adaptable quality and bandwidth characteristics depending on the number of substrate layers used.

Paradigms in health care and its relationship to the nursing theories: an analytical test

DANTAS, Rodrigo Assis Neves; NÓBREGA, Walkíria Gomes da; MORAIS FILHO, Luiz Alves; MACÊDO, Eurides Araújo Bezerra de ; FONSECA , Patrícia de Cássia Bezerra; ENDERS, Bertha Cruz; MENEZES, Rejane Maria Paiva de; TORRES , Gilson de Vasconcelos. Paradigms in health care and its relationship to the nursing theories: an analytical test . Revista de Enfermagem UFPE on line. v.4,n.2, p.16-24.abr/jun. 2010. Disponível em < http://www.ufpe.br/revistaenfermagem/index.php/revista>.

AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE ADDITION OF BEVACIZUMAB TO STANDARD CHEMOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-08

Paradigms in health care and its relationship to the nursing theories: an analytical test

DANTAS, Rodrigo Assis Neves; NÓBREGA, Walkíria Gomes da; MORAIS FILHO, Luiz Alves; MACÊDO, Eurides Araújo Bezerra de ; FONSECA , Patrícia de Cássia Bezerra; ENDERS, Bertha Cruz; MENEZES, Rejane Maria Paiva de; TORRES , Gilson de Vasconcelos. Paradigms in health care and its relationship to the nursing theories: an analytical test . Revista de Enfermagem UFPE on line. v.4,n.2, p.16-24.abr/jun. 2010. Disponível em < http://www.ufpe.br/revistaenfermagem/index.php/revista>.

The bioaccumulation of persistent contaminants by zebra mussels and their effects on state-endangered common terns

Common terns currently are listed as endangered or threatened in many states, including Illinois, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York, and a species of special concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS, 2002). The sole remaining nesting colony in Illinois is located at the Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) in Lake County where intensive management by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has reduced nest predation and increased the number of eggs that hatch. However, the overall reproductive success (the number of young successfully reaching independence) has not improved. Observations of gross deformities in hatchlings (i.e. compromised feather development and cross-bill), lethargic behavior of young birds, and lesions, suggested the influence of environmental contaminants (Jablonski et al., 2005). I investigated if there were significant levels of environmental contaminants in eggs and nestlings of common terns. While there were minimal concentration of selenium, mercury, lead, and cadmium, there were large concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in both the eggs and nestlings. The greater amounts of PCBs in older chicks than younger chicks suggest local contamination. In order to potentially manage the factors responsible for exposing the terns to PCBs I investigated the pathway by which PCBs were exposed to terns. The two most likely biological pathways as determined by research on Great Lake fishes were investigated. The first pathway is through atmospheric deposition of PCBs and resuspension of PCB-ladel sediment which are subsequently acquired by filter-feeding fish (e.g. alewives, Alosa pseudoharengus) and then pelagic fish (e.g. lake trout, Salvelinus namaychus) or in this case terns. The second pathway explored was via the biodeposits of zebra mussels which are consumed by round gobies (Neogobius melanostromus) and ultimately littoral fish (e.g. small-mouthed bass, Micropterus dolomieui) or terns. Because common terns breed in near-shore sites where concentrations of zebra mussels are found, as well as forage in more pelagic environments it is possible that either or both pathways may be contributing to their PCB exposure. Field experiments and stable isotope analyses demonstrated that the most likely pathway by which terns are exposed to PCBs is via alewives, similar to how apex predators such as lake trout acquire PCBs. Biodeposits from zebra mussels do not appear to be a significant factor in PCB accumulation in terns. The impact of PCB exposure on birds can vary widely, however in this situation we choise to investigate one specific behavior often affected by PCB exposure, parental attentiveness. PCBs are known to cause endocrine disruption which ultimately results in reduced brooding of young and incubation of eggs. I used temperature sensors to quantify nest temperatures and parental attentiveness during incubation. High concentrations of PCBs in our study population appear to be leading to poor parental attentiveness, and extended periods of absence during incubation and brooding, ultimately leading to poor reproductive success. Common terns are perilously close to being extirpated in Illinois and management of PCB exposure will be difficult. I propose that additional testing should be conducted to locate a site with less PCB contamination and then to move the tern colony to this location, possibly using social cues as has been done with other tern species in Illinois. PCBs are having a profound impact on common tern populations in Illinois and without moving the colony it is likely that the population will continue to decline.