Low scatter and ultra-low reflectivity measured in a fused silica window.

We investigate the reflectivity and optical scattering characteristics at 1064 nm of an antireflection coated fused silica window of the type being used in the Advanced LIGO gravitational-wave detectors. Reflectivity is measured in the ultra-low range of 5-10 ppm (by vendor) and 14-30 ppm (by us). Using an angle-resolved scatterometer we measure the sample's bidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF) and use this to estimate its transmitted and reflected scatter at roughly 20-40 and 1 ppm, respectively, over the range of angles measured. We further inspect the sample's low backscatter using an imaging scatterometer, measuring an angle resolved BSDF below 10(-6) sr-1 for large angles (10°-80° from incidence in the plane of the beam). We use the associated images to (partially) isolate scatter from different regions of the sample and find that scattering from the bulk fused silica is on par with backscatter from the antireflection coated optical surfaces. To confirm that the bulk scattering is caused by Rayleigh scattering, we perform a separate experiment measuring the scattering intensity versus input polarization angle. We estimate that 0.9-1.3 ppm of the backscatter can be accounted for by Rayleigh scattering of the bulk fused silica. These results indicate that modern antireflection coatings have low enough scatter to not limit the total backscattering of thick fused silica optics.

Results of phase II levetiracetam trial following acute head injury in children at risk for posttraumatic epilepsy.

Posttraumatic seizures develop in up to 20% of children following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Children ages 6-17 years with one or more risk factors for the development of posttraumatic epilepsy, including presence of intracranial hemorrhage, depressed skull fracture, penetrating injury, or occurrence of posttraumatic seizure were recruited into this phase II study. Treatment subjects received levetiracetam 55 mg/kg/day, b.i.d., for 30 days, starting within 8 h postinjury. The recruitment goal was 20 treated patients. Twenty patients who presented within 8-24 h post-TBI and otherwise met eligibility criteria were recruited for observation. Follow-up was for 2 years. Forty-five patients screened within 8 h of head injury met eligibility criteria and 20 were recruited into the treatment arm. The most common risk factor present for pediatric inclusion following TBI was an immediate seizure. Medication compliance was 95%. No patients died; 19 of 20 treatment patients were retained and one observation patient was lost to follow-up. The most common severe adverse events in treatment subjects were headache, fatigue, drowsiness, and irritability. There was no higher incidence of infection, mood changes, or behavior problems among treatment subjects compared to observation subjects. Only 1 (2.5%) of 40 subjects developed posttraumatic epilepsy (defined as seizures >7 days after trauma). This study demonstrates the feasibility of a pediatric posttraumatic epilepsy prevention study in an at-risk traumatic brain injury population. Levetiracetam was safe and well tolerated in this population. This study sets the stage for implementation of a prospective study to prevent posttraumatic epilepsy in an at-risk population.

Results of phase II pharmacokinetic study of levetiracetam for prevention of post-traumatic epilepsy.

Levetiracetam (LEV) has antiepileptogenic effects in animals and is a candidate for prevention of epilepsy after traumatic brain injury. Pharmacokinetics of LEV in TBI patients was unknown. We report pharmacokinetics of TBI subjects≥6years with high PTE risk treated with LEV 55mg/kg/day orally, nasogastrically or intravenously for 30days starting ≤8h after injury in a phase II safety and pharmacokinetic study. Forty-one subjects (26 adults and 15 children) were randomized to PK studies on treatment days 3 and 30. Thirty-six out of forty-one randomized subjects underwent PK study on treatment day 3, and 24/41 subjects underwent PK study on day 30. On day 3, mean T(max) was 2.2h, C(max) was 60.2µg/ml and AUC was 403.7µg/h/ml. T(max) was longer in the elderly than in children and non-elderly adults (5.96h vs. 1.5h and 1.8h; p=0.0001). AUC was non-significantly lower in children compared with adults and the elderly (317.4µg/h/ml vs. 461.4µg/h/ml and 450.2µg/h/ml; p=0.08). C(max) trended higher in i.v.- versus tablet- or n.g.-treated subjects (78.4µg/ml vs. 59µg/ml and 48.2µg/ml; p=0.07). AUC of n.g. and i.v. administrations was 79% and 88% of AUC of oral administration. There were no significant PK differences between days 3 and 30. Treatment of TBI patients with high PTE risk with 55mg/kg/day LEV, a dose with antiepileptogenic effect in animals, results in plasma LEV levels comparable to those in animal studies.

Large-angle scattered light measurements for quantum-noise filter cavity design studies.

Optical loss from scattered light could limit the performance of quantum-noise filter cavities being considered for an upgrade to the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) gravitational-wave detectors. This paper describes imaging scatterometer measurements of the large-angle scattered light from two high-quality sample optics, a high reflector and a beamsplitter. These optics are each superpolished fused silica substrates with silica:tantala dielectric coatings. They represent the current state-of-the art optical technology for use in filter cavities. We present angle-resolved scatter values and integrate these to estimate the total scatter over the measured angles. We find that the total integrated light scattered into larger angles can be as small as 4 ppm.

Advancing Inclusive Research: Establishing Collaborative Strategies to Improve Diversity in Clinical Trials.

Well-characterized disparities in clinical research have disproportionately affected patients of color, particularly in underserved communities. To tackle these barriers, Genentech formed the External Council for Advancing Inclusive Research, a 14-person committee dedicated to developing strategies to increase clinical research participation. To help improve the recruitment and retention of patients of color, this article chronicles our efforts to tangibly address the clinical research barriers at the system, study, and patient levels over the last four years. These efforts are one of the initial steps to fully realize the promise of personalized health care and provide increased patient benefit at less cost to society. Instead of simply acknowledging the problem, here we illuminate the collaborative and multilevel strategies that have been effective in delivering meaningful progress for patients.

Riesgo por exposición a agentes químicos y atmósferas explosivas en minas de carbón de Tópaga, Colombia / Risk due to exposure to chemical agents and explosive atmospheres in the coal mines of Tópaga, Colombia / Risco de exposição a agentes químicos e atmosferas explosivas em minas de carvão em Topaga, Colômbia

RESUMEN Se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal con enfoque descriptivo con el objetivo de determinar el riesgo por exposición a agentes químicos, atmósferas peligrosas y definir recomendaciones para mejorar las condiciones de trabajo en las minas de carbón de Tópaga (Boyacá). Para recopilar la información se utilizó el cuestionario para la identificación y prevención del riesgo en espacios confinados, del Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, y se realizaron mediciones de gases en las minas. Los resultados muestran que el 25% de las minas tienen niveles de oxígeno inferiores a 19,5% y ninguna supera el límite de explosividad. El 15% supera el Valor Límite Permisible (VLP) de monóxido de carbono y el 20% supera el VLP de sulfuro de hidrógeno y dióxido de azufre. Entre las recomendaciones propuestas se encuentra favorecer la ventilación natural, aplicar ventilación forzada cuando la natural resulte insuficiente y el empleo de calzado y herramientas antichispa. Se concluye que, en general, las condiciones de trabajo en las minas son inadecuadas para la seguridad y salud de los mineros.

ABSTRACT An observational cross-sectional study with a descriptive approach was carried out with the objective of determining the risk due to exposure to chemical agents, dangerous atmospheres and defining recommendations to improve working conditions in the coal mines of Tópaga (Boyacá). During the data collection process was used the questionnaire for the identification and prevention of risk in confined spaces, of the National Institute of Safety and Hygiene at Work. Moreover gas measurements were made in the mines. The results show that 25% of the mines have oxygen levels below 19.5% and none exceed the explosive limit. 15% exceed the Permissible Limit Value (VLP) for carbon monoxide and 20% exceed the VLP for hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. The proposed recommendations include favoring natural ventilation, applying forced ventilation when the natural one is insufficient and the use of non-sparking shoes and tools. It is concluded that, in general, the working conditions in the mines are inadequate for the safety and health of the miners.

RESUMO Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal com abordagem descritiva com o objetivo de determinar o risco devido à exposição a agentes químicos, atmosferas perigosas e definir recomendações para melhorar as condições de trabalho nas minas de carvão de Tópaga em Boyacá. Para colher as informações, foi utilizado o questionário de identificação e prevenção de riscos em espaços confinados, do Instituto Nacional de Segurança e Higiene no Trabalho, e realizaram medidas do nível dos gases nas minas visitadas. Os resultados mostram que 25% das minas apresentam níveis de oxigênio abaixo de 19,5% e nenhuma excede o limite explosivo. 15% excedem o valor limite permitido (VLP) para o monóxido de carbono e 20% excedem o VLP para o sulfeto de hidrogênio e dióxido de enxofre. Entre as recomendações propostas estão favorecer a ventilação natural, aplicar ventilação forçada quando a ventilação natural for insuficiente e o uso de calçados e ferramentas anti-faísca. Conclui-se que, em geral, as condições de trabalho nas minas são inadequadas para a segurança e a saúde dos mineiros.

Evaluación de carga física en los procesos de empacado de fruta en empresas de la provincia de río negro en la patagonia, argentina

Introducción. Este estudio observacional de corte transversal describió el análisis realizado con una población de ocho operarios, para valorar la exposición a carga física de los trabajadores de la actividad de empaque de fruta en la provincia de Río Negro, Argentina. Métodos. El análisis que se efectuó con los métodos manuales RULA y Check List OCRA, favoreció la evaluación de la exposición a factores de riesgo que pueden ocasionar trastornos en miembros superiores. Resultados. La carga física en las actividades de selección y empaque de fruta alcanzan niveles críticos en movimientos y esfuerzos, están relacionados con más de 15 enfermedades de acuerdo con la OIT y la legislación argentina. Para disminuir el nivel de riesgo, se recomendaron tiempos de descanso, rotación de personal, apoyos corporales adecuados, entre otros. Conclusión. Se recomienda evaluar el proceso de manera sistémica para proponer una intervención integral que mejore el bienestar de los operarios.

Introduction. This cross-sectional observational study described the analysis carried out with a population of eight operators to assess the exposure of fruit packing workers to a physical load in the Rio Negro province, Argentina. Materials and methods. The analysis carried out with the RULA and OCRA Checklist manual methods favored assessing exposure to risk factors that can cause upper limb disorders. Results. According to the ILO and Argentine legislation, the physical load in the fruit selection and packing activities reaches critical levels in movements and efforts; they are related to more than 15 diseases. Breaks, staff rotation, adequate body support, among others, are recommended to reduce the level of risk. Conclusion. It is advisable to assess the process systemically to propose a comprehensive intervention that improves the operators' well-being.

Evaluación de carga física en los procesos de empacado de fruta en empresas de la Provincia de Rio Negro en la Patagonia Argentina / Evaluation of physical load in fruit packing processes in companies of the Province of Rio Negro in Patagonia, Argentina / Avaliação da carga física nos processos de embalagem de frutas em empresas da Província de Rio Negro, na Patagônia Argentina

Introducción. Este estudio observacional de corte transversal, describió el análisis realizado con una población de 8 operarios, para valorar la exposición a carga física de los trabajadores de la actividad de empaque de fruta en la provincia de en Rio Negro­Argentina. Métodos. El análisis que se efectúo con los métodos manuales RULA y Check List OCRA, favoreció la evaluación de la exposición a factores de riesgo que pueden ocasionar trastornos en miembros superiores. Resultados. La carga física en las actividades de selección y empaque de fruta alcanzan niveles críticos en movimientos y esfuerzos, están relacionados con más de 15 enfermedades de acuerdo con la OIT y legislación argentina. Para disminuir el nivel de riesgo se recomendaron tiempos de descanso, rotación de personal, apoyos corporales adecuados entre otros. Conclusión. Se recomienda evaluar el proceso de manera sistémica, para proponer una intervención integral que mejore el bienestar de los operarios

Introduction. This cross-sectional observational study described the analysis carried out with a population of 8 workers, to assess the exposure to physical load of workers in the fruit packing activity in the province of Rio Negro-Argentina. Methods. The analysis carried out with the manual methods RULA and Check List OCRA, favored the evaluation of the exposure to risk factors that can cause upper limb disorders. Results. The physical load in fruit sorting and packing activities reaches critical levels in movements and efforts, which are related to more than 15 diseases according to ILO and Argentinean legislation. In order to reduce the level of risk, rest times, personnel rotation, adequate body support, among others, were recommended. Conclusion. It is recommended to evaluate the process in a systemic way, in order to propose an integral intervention to improve the well-being of the workers.

Introdução. Este estudo observacional transversal descreveu a análise realizada com uma população de 8 trabalhadores, para avaliar a exposição à carga física de trabalhadores na atividade de embalagem de frutas na província de Rio Negro-Argentina. Métodos. A análise realizada com os métodos manuais RULA e Check List OCRA, favoreceu a avaliação da exposição a fatores de risco que podem causar distúrbios nos membros superiores. Resultados. A carga física nas atividades de seleção e embalagem de frutas atinge níveis críticos em movimentos e esforços, que estão relacionados a mais de 15 doenças segundo a OIT e a legislação argentina. Para reduzir o nível de risco, foram recomendados tempos de descanso, rotação de pessoal, apoio corporal adequado, entre outros. Conclusões. Recomenda-se avaliar o processo de forma sistémica, a fim de propor uma intervenção integral para melhorar o bem-estar dos trabalhadores.

Results of phase 2 safety and feasibility study of treatment with levetiracetam for prevention of posttraumatic epilepsy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and tolerability of treatment with levetiracetam and determine the trough levels of levetiracetam in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are at high risk for posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE). DESIGN: Open-label, nonrandomized phase 2 study with 2 arms comparing levetiracetam treatment vs observation. SETTING: Two level 1 trauma centers. PATIENTS: A total of 422 participants 6 years or older with TBI who have a 20% risk for PTE were screened. Of these participants, 205 (48.6%) were eligible. A total of 126 participants were enrolled: 86 adults and 40 children. A total of 66 participants were in the treatment group (46 adults and 20 children), and a total of 60 participants were in the observation group (40 adults and 20 children). Participants presenting within 8 hours after TBI received treatment, and those presenting more than 8 to 24 hours after TBI did not. INTERVENTION: Treatment with levetiracetam (55 mg/kg/d) for 30 days starting within 8 hours after injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of adverse events, mood score, number of infections, trough level of levetiracetam, and PTE. RESULTS: Of the 66 participants treated with levetiracetam, 2 (3%) stopped treatment owing to toxicity (somnolence). The most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, and somnolence. Mood scores and number of infections did not differ between the treatment and observation groups. Mean trough levels of levetiracetam on days 2 to 30 ranged from 19.6 to 26.7 µg/mL. At 2 years, 13 of 86 adults (15.1%) and 1 of 40 children (2.5%) developed PTE. At 2 years, 5 of 46 treated adults (10.9%) and 8 of 40 untreated adults (20.0%) developed PTE (relative risk, 0.47; P=.18). CONCLUSION: Treatment with 55 mg/kg/d of levetiracetam (a dose with an antiepileptogenic effect on animals) for patients with TBI at risk for PTE is safe and well tolerated, with plasma levels similar to those in animal studies. The findings support further evaluation of levetiracetam treatment for the prevention of PTE. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01463033.

HLA-DQ3 is associated with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, whereas HLA-DR8 is not, in a group of renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) remains uncertain; however, solar exposure and heredity have been proposed as causative factors. OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic predisposition to the development of IGH. METHODS: A comparative case-control study was performed at a dermatology department at a university hospital. Forty-seven subjects (22 renal transplant patients and 25 controls) were enrolled. Clinical examination and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) determination were performed. RESULTS: In the group of subjects with HLA-DQ3 (10/13, P = 0.025), there was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) positive association for the presence of IGH; in the group of subjects with HLA-DR8 (6/6, P = 0.023), there was a statistically significant negative association for the presence of IGH. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of HLA-DQ3 in patients with IGH suggests a genetic basis in a group of renal transplant subjects. HLA-DR8 was found in patients without IGH, and it could play a role as a "protective factor" preventing subjects from developing IGH.