Green Propulsion Technologies for Advanced Air Transports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Del Rosario, Ruben

2015-01-01

Air transportation is critical to U.S. and Global economic vitality. However, energy and climate issues challenge aviation's ability to be sustainable in the long term. Aviation must dramatically reduce fuel use and related emissions. Energy costs to U.S. airlines nearly tripled between 1995 and 2011, and continue to be the highest percentage of operating costs. The NASA Advanced Air Transports Technology Project addresses the comprehensive challenge of enabling revolutionary energy efficiency improvements in subsonic transport aircraft combined with dramatic reductions in harmful emissions and perceived noise to facilitate sustained growth of the air transportation system. Advanced technologies and the development of unconventional aircraft systems offer the potential to achieve these improvements. The presentation will highlight the NASA vision of revolutionary systems and propulsion technologies needed to achieve these challenging goals. Specifically, the primary focus is on the N+3 generation; that is, vehicles that are three generations beyond the current state of the art, requiring mature technology solutions in the 2025-30 timeframe.

Hydrodynamically Lubricated Rotary Shaft Having Twist Resistant Geometry

DOEpatents

Dietle, Lannie; Gobeli, Jeffrey D.

1993-07-27

A hydrodynamically lubricated squeeze packing type rotary shaft with a cross-sectional geometry suitable for pressurized lubricant retention is provided which, in the preferred embodiment, incorporates a protuberant static sealing interface that, compared to prior art, dramatically improves the exclusionary action of the dynamic sealing interface in low pressure and unpressurized applications by achieving symmetrical deformation of the seal at the static and dynamic sealing interfaces. In abrasive environments, the improved exclusionary action results in a dramatic reduction of seal and shaft wear, compared to prior art, and provides a significant increase in seal life. The invention also increases seal life by making higher levels of initial compression possible, compared to prior art, without compromising hydrodynamic lubrication; this added compression makes the seal more tolerant of compression set, abrasive wear, mechanical misalignment, dynamic runout, and manufacturing tolerances, and also makes hydrodynamic seals with smaller cross-sections more practical. In alternate embodiments, the benefits enumerated above are achieved by cooperative configurations of the seal and the gland which achieve symmetrical deformation of the seal at the static and dynamic sealing interfaces. The seal may also be configured such that predetermined radial compression deforms it to a desired operative configuration, even through symmetrical deformation is lacking.

Philadelphia's Renaissance Schools Initiative after Four Years

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stratos, Kati; Wolford, Tonya; Reitano, Adrienne

2015-01-01

In 2010-2011, the School District of Philadelphia (the District) launched its Renaissance Schools Initiative, a program designed to dramatically improve student achievement in the District's lowest performing schools. Some schools became Promise Academies, based on the federal turnaround model, and remained District-operated neighborhood schools.…

Achieving Their Potential

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prouty, Sally T.

2009-01-01

Seventy-five years ago, Franklin D. Roosevelt took two crises--a decayed environment and wide unemployment--and combined them to form a single success: the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). In the CCC three million young unemployed men dramatically improved the nation's infrastructure. The CCC gave young Americans living in poverty hope. This…

Support for comprehensive reuse

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Basili, V. R.; Rombach, H. D.

1991-01-01

Reuse of products, processes, and other knowledge will be the key to enable the software industry to achieve the dramatic improvement in productivity and quality required to satisfy the anticipated growing demands. Although experience shows that certain kinds of reuse can be successful, general success has been elusive. A software life-cycle technology which allows comprehensive reuse of all kinds of software-related experience could provide the means to achieving the desired order-of-magnitude improvements. A comprehensive framework of models, model-based characterization schemes, and support mechanisms for better understanding, evaluating, planning, and supporting all aspects of reuse are introduced.

Achieving performance breakthroughs in an HMO business process through quality planning.

PubMed

Hanan, K B

1993-01-01

Kaiser Permanente's Georgia Region commissioned a quality planning team to design a new process to improve payments to its suppliers and vendors. The result of the team's effort was a 73 percent reduction in cycle time. This team's experiences point to the advantages of process redesign as a quality planning model, as well as some general guidelines for its most effective use in teams. If quality planning project teams are carefully configured, sufficiently expert in the existing process, and properly supported by management, organizations can achieve potentially dramatic improvements in process performance using this approach.

Designing Alkaline Exchange Membranes from Scratch

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-10

convenient liquid fuels. While there have been some dramatic early achievements, there is still a need for a fundamental study of 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM...inexpensive metal catalysts and the oxidation of a variety of convenient liquid fuels. While there have been some dramatic early achievements, there is...use of inexpensive metal catalysts and the oxidation of a variety of convenient liquid fuels. While there have been some dramatic early achievements

Can We Pay for Current Education Reform?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Odden, Allan

2012-01-01

For more than 30 years, the United States has been engaged in education reform efforts designed to dramatically boost student performance and close achievement gaps linked to poverty and ethnicity. Can schools afford those education ambitions? Most educators have their doubts. The author believes educators can improve student learning even when…

The Impact of Rosenwald Schools on Black Achievement. WP 2009-26

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aaronson, Daniel; Mazumder, Bhashkar

2009-01-01

The Black-White gap in completed schooling among Southern born men narrowed sharply between the World Wars after being stagnant from 1880 to 1910. We examine a large scale school construction project, the Rosenwald Rural Schools Initiative, which was designed to dramatically improve the educational opportunities for Southern rural Blacks. From…

Money, Choice, and Equity in Kansas City. Major Investments with Modest Returns.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morantz, Alison

This report presents a case study concerning the accomplishments of the Kansas City (Missouri) specialized magnet schools that were created to cure the low academic achievement of minority students and eliminate the racial isolation that existed. The plan sought to dramatically improve the facilities and programming of the city schools, the…

The Third Wave of Longitudinal Data Systems: Data Partnerships

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Armstrong, Jane; Bergner, Terry; Smith, Nancy

2008-01-01

States have made dramatic progress in the past few years in implementing longitudinal data systems (LDS) to improve student achievement. These systems collect and house student educational data that make it easy for policymakers and practitioners to access and use it for reporting, policymaking and decision making. So much has happened in states…

Principals' Perceptions of the Influence of Central Office

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Russell, Barbara A.

2013-01-01

In response to the No Child Left Behind legislation (NCLB, 2001), there has been a dramatic shift in schools toward improving student outcomes in the areas of reading and math. NCLB mandates that states establish specified levels of achievement for all students in these content areas and holds them accountable yearly via state assessments…

Towards Universal Primary Education: Investments, Incentives, and Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birdsall, Nancy; Levine, Ruth; Ibrahim, Amina

2005-01-01

The UN Millennium Project Task Force on Education and Gender Equality, an expert advisory group commissioned by the UN Secretary-General, was asked to examine how dramatic improvements in education can be achieved in the developing world. The task force investigated the problems of low enrolment, early drop-out and poor learning outcomes that so…

Dramatic improvement in genome assembly achieved using doubled-haploid genomes.

PubMed

Zhang, Hong; Tan, Engkong; Suzuki, Yutaka; Hirose, Yusuke; Kinoshita, Shigeharu; Okano, Hideyuki; Kudoh, Jun; Shimizu, Atsushi; Saito, Kazuyoshi; Watabe, Shugo; Asakawa, Shuichi

2014-10-27

Improvement in de novo assembly of large genomes is still to be desired. Here, we improved draft genome sequence quality by employing doubled-haploid individuals. We sequenced wildtype and doubled-haploid Takifugu rubripes genomes, under the same conditions, using the Illumina platform and assembled contigs with SOAPdenovo2. We observed 5.4-fold and 2.6-fold improvement in the sizes of the N50 contig and scaffold of doubled-haploid individuals, respectively, compared to the wildtype, indicating that the use of a doubled-haploid genome aids in accurate genome analysis.

The New York City Urban Search and Rescue Team (NY-TF1): A Case Study of Interagency Effectiveness

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

seismic shift in relationships required to leverage shared awareness to foster self -synchronization and achieve dramatic improvements in mission...conceptual evolutionary scale used to evaluate an entity; be it an individual or collective. Edge entities are said to be self -synchronized when they are...Information sharing improves both the quality of information and shared awareness. Shared awareness 34 enables self -synchronization [ADR] and

What Lies Ahead for America's Children and Their Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finn, Chester E., Jr., Ed.; Sousa, Richard, Ed.

2014-01-01

The coming decade holds immense potential for dramatic improvement in US education and in the achievement of American children--provided that people seize the opportunities at hand and are not deterred by the obstacles to change. In this volume, members of the Hoover Institution's Koret Task Force on K-12 Education examine both the potential gains…

Rigor in Your School: A Toolkit for Leaders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williamson, Ronald; Blackburn, Barbara R.

2011-01-01

Raise the level of rigor in your school and dramatically improve student learning with the tools in this book. Each illuminating exercise is tailored to educators looking to spread the word on rigor and beat the obstacles to achieving it schoolwide. Formatted for duplication and repeated use, these tools are perfect for those who currently hold a…

Chartering Turnaround: Leveraging Public Charter School Autonomy to Address Failure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corbett, Julie

2015-01-01

Persistently low-achieving public schools around the country have received $5.8 billion from the federal School Improvement Grant (SIG) program, in addition to districts and state funds, and other supplementary federal funds. Despite all of these sources of funding, most of the schools receiving them have failed to make a dramatic difference in…

Air Force Materiel Command Reorganization Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

proper leadership, training, force development, and execution of the sustainment processes 5. a culture of collaboration whereby each of the many...organization and the pattern of organizational communication. The “principles of organization” have been relativized by a stream of criticism, and...how dramatic perfor- mance improvements can be achieved by redesigning business processes, organization, and culture . The authors define reengineering

Public Support for Successful Instructional Practices for At-Risk Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hilliard, Asa G., III

It is possible for at-risk students to perform at demanding academic levels, and their achievement can be improved dramatically in a relatively short time. Effective ways to teach at-risk children have already been identified; no new research is needed. This report covers the following specific issues related to educating high-risk students. It…

Organizing Schools to Improve Student Achievement: Start Times, Grade Configurations, and Teacher Assignments. Discussion Paper 2011-08

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacob, Brian A.; Rockoff, Jonah E.

2011-01-01

Education reform proposals are often based on high-profile or dramatic policy changes, many of which are expensive, politically controversial, or both. In this paper, we argue that the debates over these "flashy" policies have obscured a potentially important direction for raising student performance--namely, reforms to the management or…

Performance Steel Castings

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-30

Development of Sand Properties 103 Advanced Modeling Dataset.. 105 High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Steels 107 Steel Casting and Engineering Support...to achieve the performance goals required for new systems. The dramatic reduction in weight and increase in capability will require high performance...for improved weapon system reliability. SFSA developed innovative casting design and manufacturing processes for high performance parts. SFSA is

NASA Fixed Wing Project: Green Technologies for Future Aircraft Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DelRosario, Ruben

2014-01-01

The NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Fixed Wing (FW) Project addresses the comprehensive challenge of enabling revolutionary energy efficiency improvements in subsonic transport aircraft combined with dramatic reductions in harmful emissions and perceived noise to facilitate sustained growth of the air transportation system. Advances in multidisciplinary technologies and the development of unconventional aircraft systems offer the potential to achieve these improvements. The presentation will highlight the FW Project vision of revolutionary systems and technologies needed to achieve the challenging goals of aviation. Specifically, the primary focus of the FW Project is on the N+3 generation that is, vehicles that are three generations beyond the current state of the art, requiring mature technology solutions in the 2025-30 timeframe.

The Turnaround Challenge: Why America's Best Opportunity to Dramatically Improve Student Achievement Lies in Our Worst-Performing Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calkins, Andrew; Guenther, William; Belfiore, Grace; Lash, Dave

2007-01-01

The goal of this study was to produce recommendations for states and school districts seeking a flexible, systematic approach to swift and significant transformation in schools (particularly high schools) deemed chronically under-performing under No Child Left Behind or state accountability systems. This research leads the authors to believe that…

The Last Millimeter: Interfacing the New Public Radio Satellite System. Info. Packets No. 14.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pizzi, Skip

Public radio is about to achieve a new technological level as the new Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS) is deployed. The network will dramatically improve the capacity and quality of its interconnection system, but proper interfacing at member stations will be required to realize the full benefits of the new system. The new system uses digital…

Bandwidth efficient coding: Theoretical limits and real achievements. Error control techniques for satellite and space communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Costello, Daniel J., Jr.; Courturier, Servanne; Levy, Yannick; Mills, Diane G.; Perez, Lance C.; Wang, Fu-Quan

1993-01-01

In his seminal 1948 paper 'The Mathematical Theory of Communication,' Claude E. Shannon derived the 'channel coding theorem' which has an explicit upper bound, called the channel capacity, on the rate at which 'information' could be transmitted reliably on a given communication channel. Shannon's result was an existence theorem and did not give specific codes to achieve the bound. Some skeptics have claimed that the dramatic performance improvements predicted by Shannon are not achievable in practice. The advances made in the area of coded modulation in the past decade have made communications engineers optimistic about the possibility of achieving or at least coming close to channel capacity. Here we consider the possibility in the light of current research results.

The Turnaround Challenge: Why America's Best Opportunity to Dramatically Improve Student Achievement Lies in Our Worst-Performing Schools. Supplement to the Main Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calkins, Andrew; Guenther, William; Belfiore, Grace; Lash, Dave

2007-01-01

The turnaround recommendations and framework in "The Turnaround Challenge" grew out of both new research and synthesis of extensive existing research, as carried out by Mass Insight Education & Research Institute and its partners since September 2005. If the main report is the tip of the proverbial iceberg, this supplement represents…

A Sacrificial Lam: A Divided School Board, a Beleaguered Superintendent, and an Urgent Need to Improve Student Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fossey, Richard

2011-01-01

This case describes the confrontational relationship between four trustees on the San Antonio School Board and the San Antonio School District's superintendent Diana Lam, a nationally recognized school reformer, who came to San Antonio in 1994. The case includes a dramatic board meeting where a closely divided board meets to buy out Lam's…

Five Years of Enhanced "HSTW" in Texas: Raising Achievement and Preparing Students for College and Careers through Dedicated Implementation of the "HSTW" Key Practices.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), 2011

2011-01-01

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) joined hands in 2005 to enhance dramatically implementation of the "High Schools That Work" ("HSTW") improvement design in the state. Between 2005 and 2010, nearly 50 high schools in five cohorts joined the Texas Enhanced "HSTW" Network…

Hole-Accepting-Ligand-Modified CdSe QDs for Dramatic Enhancement of Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution by Solar Energy.

PubMed

Li, Xu-Bing; Liu, Bin; Wen, Min; Gao, Yu-Ji; Wu, Hao-Lin; Huang, Mao-Yong; Li, Zhi-Jun; Chen, Bin; Tung, Chen-Ho; Wu, Li-Zhu

2016-04-01

Solar H 2 evolution of CdSe QDs can be significantly enhanced simply by introducing a suitable hole-accepting-ligand for achieving efficient hole extraction and transfer at the nanoscale interfaces, which opens an effective pathway for dissociation of excitons to generate long-lived charge separation, thus improving the solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency.

Coding for spread spectrum packet radios

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Omura, J. K.

1980-01-01

Packet radios are often expected to operate in a radio communication network environment where there tends to be man made interference signals. To combat such interference, spread spectrum waveforms are being considered for some applications. The use of convolutional coding with Viterbi decoding to further improve the performance of spread spectrum packet radios is examined. At 0.00001 bit error rates, improvements in performance of 4 db to 5 db can easily be achieved with such coding without any change in data rate nor spread spectrum bandwidth. This coding gain is more dramatic in an interference environment.

Challenged Schools, Remarkable Results: Three Lessons from California's Highest Achieving High Schools. A Report on Findings from Year Two of the California Best Practices Study Conducted by Springboard Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oberman, Ida

2005-01-01

In the year 1998, California began a massive experiment that focused on testing students and holding teachers and administrators accountable for results. The goal: dramatic, system-wide improvement. Schools' performance began to be measured using California's Academic Performance Index (API). In 2001, with passage of No Child Left Behind (NCLB),…

[Role of endo-osseus implant in odonto-oral rehabilitation].

PubMed

Vanhakendover, S

2003-01-01

Dental implants have critically changed the restorative procedures available to edentulous patients. Biocompatible materials, precise surgical techniques and improved instrumentation give well trained practicioners various opportunities to achieve successful treatments. The necessity of combining full expertise in surgery and rational prosthetic planning with comprehensive occlusal management is emphasized. Recent advances in periodontal treatment of osseous and soft tissue defects, new grafting techniques and surgical approaches have dramatically enlarged the scope of oral implantology.

Dramatic change in a young woman's perception of her diabetes and remarkable reduction in HbA1c after an individual course of Guided Self-Determination

PubMed Central

Zoffmann, Vibeke; Prip, Anne; Christiansen, Anette Wendelboe

2015-01-01

A 24-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes participated in a randomised controlled trial proving effectiveness of a flexible Guided Self-Determination (GSD) intervention. She had for 10 years been living with a complex situation of eating disorder, poor glycaemic control, non-attendance and psychosocial distress. She managed to change her perception of diabetes dramatically and improved her glycaemic control. Considering the complexity of her case, we explored how she achieved these changes. A GSD-trained nurse delivered the intervention, which involves reflection sheets and advanced professional communication. Glycated hemoglobin was reported in the patient's record and an interview conducted by external interviewers was analysed thematically, indicating that a four-stage process of empowerment had taken place: ‘focusing on life prior to numbers’, ‘unpacking a heavy burden’, ‘breaking out of isolation through communication’ and ‘finding strength within oneself’. The article emphasises that GSD works by breaking isolation through communication as an appropriate way to achieve good diabetes control. PMID:26150632

The Effectiveness of Creative Dramatics and Storytelling in a Library Setting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amato, Anthony; And Others

1973-01-01

This 2-year study involving 298 grade school pupils investigates the comparative effectiveness of creative dramatics and storytelling. While the results indicate neither had an effect on children's interests and reading achievement, there is indication that storytelling may have more influence than creative dramatics on self-image and empathy.…

Towards a comprehensive framework for reuse: A reuse-enabling software evolution environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Basili, V. R.; Rombach, H. D.

1988-01-01

Reuse of products, processes and knowledge will be the key to enable the software industry to achieve the dramatic improvement in productivity and quality required to satisfy the anticipated growing demand. Although experience shows that certain kinds of reuse can be successful, general success has been elusive. A software life-cycle technology which allows broad and extensive reuse could provide the means to achieving the desired order-of-magnitude improvements. The scope of a comprehensive framework for understanding, planning, evaluating and motivating reuse practices and the necessary research activities is outlined. As a first step towards such a framework, a reuse-enabling software evolution environment model is introduced which provides a basis for the effective recording of experience, the generalization and tailoring of experience, the formalization of experience, and the (re-)use of experience.

High-yielding continuous-flow synthesis of antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine

PubMed Central

Telang, Nakul S; Kong, Caleb J; Verghese, Jenson; Gilliland III, Stanley E; Ahmad, Saeed; Dominey, Raymond N

2018-01-01

Numerous synthetic methods for the continuous preparation of fine chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API’s) have been reported in recent years resulting in a dramatic improvement in process efficiencies. Herein we report a highly efficient continuous synthesis of the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Key improvements in the new process include the elimination of protecting groups with an overall yield improvement of 52% over the current commercial process. The continuous process employs a combination of packed bed reactors with continuous stirred tank reactors for the direct conversion of the starting materials to the product. This high-yielding, multigram-scale continuous synthesis provides an opportunity to achieve increase global access to hydroxychloroquine for treatment of malaria. PMID:29623120

Quick and continuous improvement through kaizen blitz.

PubMed

McNichols, T; Hassinger, R; Bapst, G W

1999-05-01

It is our objective to provide you with a step-by-step approach to conducting a kaizen blitz within two days and describe how to achieve dramatic performance improvement with employee buy-in through this process. Kaizen blitz has been used dozens of times by the authors, and in some instances the same area has been blitzed as many as four times, with significant improvements each and every time. Employees have even taken it on themselves to conduct informal blitzes as a continuing improvement effort after a formal blitz has been conducted in their area. Blitzes can succeed in a variety of environments. The morning after the employees of one company attended this presentation, they self initiated a mini-blitz and discovered opportunities for improvement that they enthusiastically presented to management.

Improving multi-GNSS ultra-rapid orbit determination for real-time precise point positioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xingxing; Chen, Xinghan; Ge, Maorong; Schuh, Harald

2018-03-01

Currently, with the rapid development of multi-constellation Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), the real-time positioning and navigation are undergoing dramatic changes with potential for a better performance. To provide more precise and reliable ultra-rapid orbits is critical for multi-GNSS real-time positioning, especially for the three merging constellations Beidou, Galileo and QZSS which are still under construction. In this contribution, we present a five-system precise orbit determination (POD) strategy to fully exploit the GPS + GLONASS + BDS + Galileo + QZSS observations from CDDIS + IGN + BKG archives for the realization of hourly five-constellation ultra-rapid orbit update. After adopting the optimized 2-day POD solution (updated every hour), the predicted orbit accuracy can be obviously improved for all the five satellite systems in comparison to the conventional 1-day POD solution (updated every 3 h). The orbit accuracy for the BDS IGSO satellites can be improved by about 80, 45 and 50% in the radial, cross and along directions, respectively, while the corresponding accuracy improvement for the BDS MEO satellites reaches about 50, 20 and 50% in the three directions, respectively. Furthermore, the multi-GNSS real-time precise point positioning (PPP) ambiguity resolution has been performed by using the improved precise satellite orbits. Numerous results indicate that combined GPS + BDS + GLONASS + Galileo (GCRE) kinematic PPP ambiguity resolution (AR) solutions can achieve the shortest time to first fix (TTFF) and highest positioning accuracy in all coordinate components. With the addition of the BDS, GLONASS and Galileo observations to the GPS-only processing, the GCRE PPP AR solution achieves the shortest average TTFF of 11 min with 7{°} cutoff elevation, while the TTFF of GPS-only, GR, GE and GC PPP AR solution is 28, 15, 20 and 17 min, respectively. As the cutoff elevation increases, the reliability and accuracy of GPS-only PPP AR solutions decrease dramatically, but there is no evident decrease for the accuracy of GCRE fixed solutions which can still achieve an accuracy of a few centimeters in the east and north components.

Local site preference rationalizes disentangling by DNA topoisomerases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhirong; Zechiedrich, Lynn; Chan, Hue Sun

2010-03-01

To rationalize the disentangling action of type II topoisomerases, an improved wormlike DNA model was used to delineate the degree of unknotting and decatenating achievable by selective segment passage at specific juxtaposition geometries and to determine how these activities were affected by DNA circle size and solution ionic strength. We found that segment passage at hooked geometries can reduce knot populations as dramatically as seen in experiments. Selective segment passage also provided theoretical underpinning for an intriguing empirical scaling relation between unknotting and decatenating potentials.

High-Valent Organometallic Copper and Palladium in Catalysis

PubMed Central

Hickman, Amanda J.; Sanford, Melanie S.

2015-01-01

Preface Copper and palladium catalysts are critically important for numerous commercial chemical processes. Improvements in the activity, selectivity, and scope of these catalysts have the potential to dramatically reduce the environmental impact and increase the sustainability of chemical reactions. One rapidly emerging strategy to achieve these goals is to exploit “high-valent” copper and palladium intermediates in catalysis. This review describes exciting recent advances involving both the fundamental chemistry and the applications of these high-valent metal complexes in numerous synthetically useful catalytic transformations. PMID:22498623

Optimization of the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process using thermotolerant yeasts.

PubMed

Ballesteros, I; Oliva, J M; Ballesteros, M; Carrasco, J

1993-01-01

Different treatments to improve the thermotolerance of fermenting yeasts for simultaneous ethanol saccharification and fermentation process of cellulosic materials have been examined. Yeasts of the genera Saccharomyces and Kluyveromyces were tested for growth and fermentation at progressively higher temperatures in the range of 42-47 degrees C. The best results were obtained with K. marxianus LG, which was then submitted to different treatments in order to achieve thermotolerant clones. A total of 35 new clones were obtained that dramatically improved the SSF of 10% Solka-floc substrate at 45 degrees C when compared to the original strain, some with ethanol concentrations as high as 33 g/L.

Analysis of Technological Innovation and Environmental Performance Improvement in Aviation Sector

PubMed Central

Lee, Joosung; Mo, Jeonghoon

2011-01-01

The past oil crises have caused dramatic improvements in fuel efficiency in all industrial sectors. The aviation sector—aircraft manufacturers and airlines—has also made significant efforts to improve the fuel efficiency through more advanced jet engines, high-lift wing designs, and lighter airframe materials. However, the innovations in energy-saving aircraft technologies do not coincide with the oil crisis periods. The largest improvement in aircraft fuel efficiency took place in the 1960s while the high oil prices in the 1970s and on did not induce manufacturers or airlines to achieve a faster rate of innovation. In this paper, we employ a historical analysis to examine the socio-economic reasons behind the relatively slow technological innovation in aircraft fuel efficiency over the last 40 years. Based on the industry and passenger behaviors studied and prospects for alternative fuel options, this paper offers insights for the aviation sector to shift toward more sustainable technological options in the medium term. Second-generation biofuels could be the feasible option with a meaningful reduction in aviation’s lifecycle environmental impact if they can achieve sufficient economies of scale. PMID:22016716

Analysis of technological innovation and environmental performance improvement in aviation sector.

PubMed

Lee, Joosung; Mo, Jeonghoon

2011-09-01

The past oil crises have caused dramatic improvements in fuel efficiency in all industrial sectors. The aviation sector-aircraft manufacturers and airlines-has also made significant efforts to improve the fuel efficiency through more advanced jet engines, high-lift wing designs, and lighter airframe materials. However, the innovations in energy-saving aircraft technologies do not coincide with the oil crisis periods. The largest improvement in aircraft fuel efficiency took place in the 1960s while the high oil prices in the 1970s and on did not induce manufacturers or airlines to achieve a faster rate of innovation. In this paper, we employ a historical analysis to examine the socio-economic reasons behind the relatively slow technological innovation in aircraft fuel efficiency over the last 40 years. Based on the industry and passenger behaviors studied and prospects for alternative fuel options, this paper offers insights for the aviation sector to shift toward more sustainable technological options in the medium term. Second-generation biofuels could be the feasible option with a meaningful reduction in aviation's lifecycle environmental impact if they can achieve sufficient economies of scale.

New improvements in methane detection using a Helmholtz resonant photoacoustic laser sensor: a comparison between near-IR diode lasers and mid-IR quantum cascade lasers.

PubMed

Grossel, Agnès; Zeninari, Virginie; Joly, Lilian; Parvitte, Bertrand; Courtois, Daniel; Durry, Georges

2006-04-01

Atmospheric methane was detected by combining a photoacoustic (PA) sensor with several lasers emitting in both the near- and mid-infrared spectral ranges to check the achievable detection limits. The PA spectrometer is based on differential Helmholtz resonance. Near-infrared telecommunication-type laser diodes of increasing power, from Sensors Unlimited Inc. and Anritsu, were first used to scan the 2 nu(3) band of CH(4) near 1.65 microm. The best achieved detection limit is 0.15 ppm of methane at atmospheric pressure and with a 1s integration time. The PA sensor was then operated in conjunction with a quantum cascade laser from Alpes Lasers emitting near 7.9 microm on the nu(4) band of CH(4). The achieved detection limit is then of 3 ppb. The dramatic improvement in the detection limit obtained with the QC laser is due to the stronger optical power as well as to the capability of reaching the fundamental bands of methane lying in the mid-infrared spectral range.

Fast time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy: Achieving sub-cycle time resolution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karatay, Durmus U.; Harrison, Jeffrey S.; Glaz, Micah S.

The ability to measure microsecond- and nanosecond-scale local dynamics below the diffraction limit with widely available atomic force microscopy hardware would enable new scientific studies in fields ranging from biology to semiconductor physics. However, commercially available scanning-probe instruments typically offer the ability to measure dynamics only on time scales of milliseconds to seconds. Here, we describe in detail the implementation of fast time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy using an oscillating cantilever as a means to measure fast local dynamics following a perturbation to a sample. We show how the phase of the oscillating cantilever relative to the perturbation event is criticalmore » to achieving reliable sub-cycle time resolution. We explore how noise affects the achievable time resolution and present empirical guidelines for reducing noise and optimizing experimental parameters. Specifically, we show that reducing the noise on the cantilever by using photothermal excitation instead of piezoacoustic excitation further improves time resolution. We demonstrate the discrimination of signal rise times with time constants as fast as 10 ns, and simultaneous data acquisition and analysis for dramatically improved image acquisition times.« less

Effects and safety of 99Tc-MDP in patients with refractory ankylosing spondylitis: a 2-stage (30-week follow-up) clinical trial.

PubMed

Xu, Yunyun; Zhong, Yi; Zhao, Minjing; Tu, Liudan; Fan, Meida; Zhang, Pingping; Wei, Qiujing; Cao, Shuangyan; Li, Qiuxia; Liao, Zetao; Lin, Zhiming; Pan, Yunfeng; Jin, Ou; Gu, Jieruo

2018-01-01

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety in patients with refractory ankylosing spondylitis (AS) initiating 99Tc-MDP therapy and explore the mechanisms. Refractory AS patients were enrolled in the clinical trial and received 99Tc-MDP treatments for 3 or 5 courses according to ASAS improvement. Efficacy and safety evaluations were conducted during the follow-up. 37 cytokines were quantified by Luminex at baseline and week 30. p-values<0.05 were considered statistically significant. 51 refractory AS patients were included, with 20 healthy people serving as the control group. The patients were in an active disease state (mean (SD) ASDAS 3.66 (0.83), BASDAI 4.53 (1.92)), 42(82.35%) patients had syndesmophytes. Their cytokines were significantly higher than that in the control group. After 3 courses of 99Tc-MDP treatment, 32 (62.75%) patients achieved ASAS20 improvement, 24 (47.06%) patients achieved a clinically significant improvement (ΔASDAS-CRP≥1.1). 27 patients entered the second stage to complete 5 courses of the treatment, all of whom achieved ASAS20 improvement, 18 (66.67%) patients achieved a clinically significant improvement. All clinical parameters including ASAS and ASDAS significantly improved as the treatment was continued. Cytokines also had significant down-regulation after the treatment, and the reductions had positive correlations with the improvements of disease activity. No serious adverse event was observed. This investigation confirmed the remarkable efficacy of 99Tc-MDP in a large number of refractory AS patients, and highlighted the mechanism by dramatic regulation on cytokines. 99Tc-MDP was safe in clinical application.

Real-Time Closed Loop Modulated Turbine Cooling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shyam, Vikram; Culley, Dennis E.; Eldridge, Jeffrey; Jones, Scott; Woike, Mark; Cuy, Michael

2014-01-01

It has been noted by industry that in addition to dramatic variations of temperature over a given blade surface, blade-to-blade variations also exist despite identical design. These variations result from manufacturing variations, uneven wear and deposition over the life of the part as well as limitations in the uniformity of coolant distribution in the baseline cooling design. It is proposed to combine recent advances in optical sensing, actuation, and film cooling concepts to develop a workable active, closed-loop modulated turbine cooling system to improve by 10 to 20 the turbine thermal state over the flight mission, to improve engine life and to dramatically reduce turbine cooling air usage and aircraft fuel burn. A reduction in oxides of nitrogen (NOx) can also be achieved by using the excess coolant to improve mixing in the combustor especially for rotorcraft engines. Recent patents filed by industry and universities relate to modulating endwall cooling using valves. These schemes are complex, add weight and are limited to the endwalls. The novelty of the proposed approach is twofold 1) Fluidic diverters that have no moving parts are used to modulate cooling and can operate under a wide range of conditions and environments. 2) Real-time optical sensing to map the thermal state of the turbine has never been attempted in realistic engine conditions.

High Intensity Interval Training Improves Physical Performance and Frailty in Aged Mice.

PubMed

Seldeen, Kenneth Ladd; Lasky, Ginger; Leiker, Merced Marie; Pang, Manhui; Personius, Kirkwood Ely; Troen, Bruce Robert

2018-03-14

Sarcopenia and frailty are highly prevalent in older individuals, increasing the risk of disability and loss of independence. High intensity interval training (HIIT) may provide a robust intervention for both sarcopenia and frailty by achieving both strength and endurance benefits with lower time commitments than other exercise regimens. To better understand the impacts of HIIT during aging, we compared 24-month-old C57BL/6J sedentary mice with those that were administered 10-minute uphill treadmill HIIT sessions three times per week over 16 weeks. Baseline and end point assessments included body composition, physical performance, and frailty based on criteria from the Fried physical frailty scale. HIIT-trained mice demonstrated dramatic improvement in grip strength (HIIT 10.9% vs -3.9% in sedentary mice), treadmill endurance (32.6% vs -2.0%), and gait speed (107.0% vs 39.0%). Muscles from HIIT mice also exhibited greater mass, larger fiber size, and an increase in mitochondrial biomass. Furthermore, HIIT exercise led to a dramatic reduction in frailty scores in five of six mice that were frail or prefrail at baseline, with four ultimately becoming nonfrail. The uphill treadmill HIIT exercise sessions were well tolerated by aged mice and led to performance gains, improvement in underlying muscle physiology, and reduction in frailty.

Achieving effective staffing through a shared decision-making approach to open-shift management.

PubMed

Valentine, Nancy M; Nash, Jan; Hughes, Douglas; Douglas, Kathy

2008-01-01

Managing costs while retaining qualified nurses and finding workforce solutions that ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care is of primary importance to nurse leaders and executive management. Leading healthcare organizations are using open-shift management technology as a strategy to improve staffing effectiveness and the work environment. In many hospitals, open-shift management technology has become an essential workforce management tool, nursing benefit, and recruitment and retention incentive. In this article, the authors discuss how a successful nursing initiative to apply automation to open-shift scheduling and fulfillment across a 3-hospital system had a broad enterprise-wide impact resulting in dramatic improvements in nurse satisfaction, retention, recruitment, and the bottom line.

GPS common-view time transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewandowski, W.

1994-01-01

The introduction of the GPS common-view method at the beginning of the 1980's led to an immediate and dramatic improvement of international time comparisons. Since then, further progress brought the precision and accuracy of GPS common-view intercontinental time transfer from tens of nanoseconds to a few nanoseconds, even with SA activated. This achievement was made possible by the use of the following: ultra-precise ground antenna coordinates, post-processed precise ephemerides, double-frequency measurements of ionosphere, and appropriate international coordination and standardization. This paper reviews developments and applications of the GPS common-view method during the last decade and comments on possible future improvements whose objective is to attain sub-nanosecond uncertainty.

Hybrid electro-optics and chipscale integration of electronics and photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalton, L. R.; Robinson, B. H.; Elder, D. L.; Tillack, A. F.; Johnson, L. E.

2017-08-01

Taken together, theory-guided nano-engineering of organic electro-optic materials and hybrid device architectures have permitted dramatic improvement of the performance of electro-optic devices. For example, the voltage-length product has been improved by nearly a factor of 104 , bandwidths have been extended to nearly 200 GHz, device footprints reduced to less than 200 μm2 , and femtojoule energy efficiency achieved. This presentation discusses the utilization of new coarse-grained theoretical methods and advanced quantum mechanical methods to quantitatively simulate the physical properties of new classes of organic electro-optic materials and to evaluate their performance in nanoscopic device architectures, accounting for the effect on chromophore ordering at interfaces in nanoscopic waveguides.

Microalloying Boron Carbide with Silicon to Achieve Dramatically Improved Ductility

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-18

measuring XPS, XANES, NMR, Raman, and IR for Figure 2. Stress−strain relation of various structures shearing along the (011 ̅1 ̅)/ə ̅101> amorphous slip...Philos. Mag. 1954, 45, 823− 843. (35) Becke, A. D.; Edgecombe, K. E. A Simple Measure of Electron Localization in Atomic and Molecular Systems. J. Chem...10.1021/jz5022697 | J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2014, 5, 4169−41744173 (46) Roundy, D.; Krenn, C. R.; Cohen, M. L.; Morris, J. W., Jr. Ideal Shear Strengths of fcc

Picomolar detection limits with current-polarized Pb2+ ion-selective membranes.

PubMed

Pergel, E; Gyurcsányi, R E; Tóth, K; Lindner, E

2001-09-01

Minor ion fluxes across ion-selective membranes bias submicromolar activity measurements with conventional ion-selective electrodes. When ion fluxes are balanced, the lower limit of detection is expected to be dramatically improved. As proof of principle, the flux of lead ions across an ETH 5435 ionophore-based lead-selective membrane was gradually compensated by applying a few nanoamperes of galvanostatic current. When the opposite ion fluxes were matched, and the undesirable leaching of primary ions was eliminated, Nernstian response down to 3 x 10(-12) M was achieved.

Multiple-mouse MRI with multiple arrays of receive coils.

PubMed

Ramirez, Marc S; Esparza-Coss, Emilio; Bankson, James A

2010-03-01

Compared to traditional single-animal imaging methods, multiple-mouse MRI has been shown to dramatically improve imaging throughput and reduce the potentially prohibitive cost for instrument access. To date, up to a single radiofrequency coil has been dedicated to each animal being simultaneously scanned, thus limiting the sensitivity, flexibility, and ultimate throughput. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of multiple-mouse MRI with a phased-array coil dedicated to each animal. A dual-mouse imaging system, consisting of a pair of two-element phased-array coils, was developed and used to achieve acceleration factors greater than the number of animals scanned at once. By simultaneously scanning two mice with a retrospectively gated cardiac cine MRI sequence, a 3-fold acceleration was achieved with signal-to-noise ratio in the heart that is equivalent to that achieved with an unaccelerated scan using a commercial mouse birdcage coil. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Creating a high-value delivery system for health care.

PubMed

Teisberg, Elizabeth O; Wallace, Scott

2009-01-01

Health care reform that focuses on improving value enhances both the well-being of patients and the professional satisfaction of physicians. Value in health care is the improvement in health outcomes achieved for patients relative to the money spent. Dramatic and ongoing improvement in the value of health care delivered will require fundamental restructuring of the system. Current efforts to improve safety and reduce waste are truly important but not sufficient. The following three structural changes will drive simultaneous improvement in outcomes and efficiency: (1) reorganizing care delivery into clinically integrated teams defined by patient needs over the full cycle of care; (2) measuring and reporting patient outcomes by clinical teams, across the cycle of care and for identified clusters of medical circumstances; and (3) enabling reimbursement tied to value rather than to quantity of services. Many of these changes require physician leadership. We discuss steps on the journey to value-based care delivery.

A Study of the Effects of Creative Dramatics on the Progress in Use of the Library, Reading Interests, Reading Achievement, Self-Concept, Creativity, and Empathy of Fourth and Fifth Grade Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ziegler, Elsie Mae

To appraise the value of a creative dramatics program in a public library setting was the purpose of this study. Nine public library branches comprised the setting for the experiment. At each branch there were three units: (1) creative dramatics, (2) storytelling, and (3) library usage. Storytelling and library usage were the control group. Pre…

The Current Status of Islet Transplantation and its Perspectives

PubMed Central

Kobayashi, Naoya

2008-01-01

Transplantation of human pancreatic isolated islets can restore beta-cell function but it requires chronic immunosuppression. The outcome of islet transplantation mainly depends on both the quality of islet preparations, and the survival of the graft. The quality of islet preparations can be evaluated by the results of isolation, which determines the chance to achieve insulin independence. The survival of islet grafts is reflected by the amount of engrafted functional tissue that maintains metabolic control. Immunosuppressive therapy prevents the immunological rejection of grafts, but impairs their function and impedes their regenerative capacity. Therefore, the selection of high quality islet preparations and the reduction of toxic effects of immunosuppressive regimens might dramatically improve the outcomes. The application of stem cell therapy in islet transplantation may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for tissue homeostasis and immune tolerance. Xenogeneic islets may serve as an unlimited source if immune tolerance can be achieved. This may be a strategy to enable a substantial improvement in function while overcoming potentially deleterious risks. PMID:19099085

Comparison of implosion core metrics: A 10 ps dilation X-ray imager vs a 100 ps gated microchannel plate [Comparison of implosion core shape observations, 10 ps dilation X-ray imager vs 100 ps gated microchannel plate

DOE PAGES

Nagel, S. R.; Benedetti, L. R.; Bradley, D. K.; ...

2016-08-05

The dilation x-ray imager (DIXI) is a high-speed x-ray framing camera that uses the pulse-dilation technique to achieve a temporal resolution of less than 10 ps. This is a 10× improvement over conventional framing cameras currently employed on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) (100 ps resolution), and otherwise only achievable with 1D streaked imaging. A side effect of the dramatically reduced gate width is the comparatively lower detected signal level. Therefore we implement a Poisson noise reduction with non-local principal component analysis method to improve the robustness of the DIXI data analysis. Furthermore, we present results on ignition-relevant experiments atmore » the NIF using DIXI. In particular we focus on establishing that/when DIXI gives reliable shape metrics (P 0, P 2 and P 4 Legendre modes, and their temporal evolution/swings).« less

Fixed Wing Project: Technologies for Advanced Air Transports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Del Rosario, Ruben; Koudelka, John M.; Wahls, Richard A.; Madavan, Nateri

2014-01-01

The NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Fixed Wing (FW) Project addresses the comprehensive challenge of enabling revolutionary energy efficiency improvements in subsonic transport aircraft combined with dramatic reductions in harmful emissions and perceived noise to facilitate sustained growth of the air transportation system. Advanced technologies and the development of unconventional aircraft systems offer the potential to achieve these improvements. Multidisciplinary advances are required in aerodynamic efficiency to reduce drag, structural efficiency to reduce aircraft empty weight, and propulsive and thermal efficiency to reduce thrust-specific energy consumption (TSEC) for overall system benefit. Additionally, advances are required to reduce perceived noise without adversely affecting drag, weight, or TSEC, and to reduce harmful emissions without adversely affecting energy efficiency or noise.The presentation will highlight the Fixed Wing project vision of revolutionary systems and technologies needed to achieve these challenging goals. Specifically, the primary focus of the FW Project is on the N+3 generation; that is, vehicles that are three generations beyond the current state of the art, requiring mature technology solutions in the 2025-30 timeframe.

Comparison of implosion core metrics: A 10 ps dilation X-ray imager vs a 100 ps gated microchannel plate [Comparison of implosion core shape observations, 10 ps dilation X-ray imager vs 100 ps gated microchannel plate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nagel, S. R.; Benedetti, L. R.; Bradley, D. K.

The dilation x-ray imager (DIXI) is a high-speed x-ray framing camera that uses the pulse-dilation technique to achieve a temporal resolution of less than 10 ps. This is a 10× improvement over conventional framing cameras currently employed on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) (100 ps resolution), and otherwise only achievable with 1D streaked imaging. A side effect of the dramatically reduced gate width is the comparatively lower detected signal level. Therefore we implement a Poisson noise reduction with non-local principal component analysis method to improve the robustness of the DIXI data analysis. Furthermore, we present results on ignition-relevant experiments atmore » the NIF using DIXI. In particular we focus on establishing that/when DIXI gives reliable shape metrics (P 0, P 2 and P 4 Legendre modes, and their temporal evolution/swings).« less

Nanotechnology-supported THz medical imaging

PubMed Central

Stylianou, Andreas; Talias, Michael A

2013-01-01

Over the last few decades, the achievements and progress in the field of medical imaging have dramatically enhanced the early detection and treatment of many pathological conditions. The development of new imaging modalities, especially non-ionising ones, which will improve prognosis, is of crucial importance. A number of novel imaging modalities have been developed but they are still in the initial stages of development and serious drawbacks obstruct them from offering their benefits to the medical field. In the 21 st century, it is believed that nanotechnology will highly influence our everyday life and dramatically change the world of medicine, including medical imaging. Here we discuss how nanotechnology, which is still in its infancy, can improve Terahertz (THz) imaging, an emerging imaging modality, and how it may find its way into real clinical applications. THz imaging is characterised by the use of non-ionising radiation and although it has the potential to be used in many biomedical fields, it remains in the field of basic research. An extensive review of the recent available literature shows how the current state of this emerging imaging modality can be transformed by nanotechnology. Innovative scientific concepts that use nanotechnology-based techniques to overcome some of the limitations of the use of THz imaging are discussed. We review a number of drawbacks, such as a low contrast mechanism, poor source performance and bulky THz systems, which characterise present THz medical imaging and suggest how they can be overcome through nanotechnology. Better resolution and higher detection sensitivity can also be achieved using nanotechnology techniques. PMID:24555052

Transverse charge and magnetization densities: Improved chiral predictions down to b=1 fms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alarcon, Jose Manuel; Hiller Blin, Astrid N.; Vicente Vacas, Manuel J.

The transverse charge and magnetization densities provide insight into the nucleon’s inner structure. In the periphery, the isovector components are clearly dominant, and can be computed in a model-independent way by means of a combination of chiral effective field theory (cEFT) and dispersion analysis. With a novel N=D method, we incorporate the pion electromagnetic formfactor data into the cEFT calculation, thus taking into account the pion-rescattering effects and r-meson pole. As a consequence, we are able to reliably compute the densities down to distances b1 fm, therefore achieving a dramatic improvement of the results compared to traditional cEFT calculations, whilemore » remaining predictive and having controlled uncertainties.« less

Coherent Raman Scattering Microscopy in Biology and Medicine.

PubMed

Zhang, Chi; Zhang, Delong; Cheng, Ji-Xin

2015-01-01

Advancements in coherent Raman scattering (CRS) microscopy have enabled label-free visualization and analysis of functional, endogenous biomolecules in living systems. When compared with spontaneous Raman microscopy, a key advantage of CRS microscopy is the dramatic improvement in imaging speed, which gives rise to real-time vibrational imaging of live biological samples. Using molecular vibrational signatures, recently developed hyperspectral CRS microscopy has improved the readout of chemical information available from CRS images. In this article, we review recent achievements in CRS microscopy, focusing on the theory of the CRS signal-to-noise ratio, imaging speed, technical developments, and applications of CRS imaging in bioscience and clinical settings. In addition, we present possible future directions that the use of this technology may take.

Coherent Raman Scattering Microscopy in Biology and Medicine

PubMed Central

Zhang, Chi; Zhang, Delong; Cheng, Ji-Xin

2016-01-01

Advancements in coherent Raman scattering (CRS) microscopy have enabled label-free visualization and analysis of functional, endogenous biomolecules in living systems. When compared with spontaneous Raman microscopy, a key advantage of CRS microscopy is the dramatic improvement in imaging speed, which gives rise to real-time vibrational imaging of live biological samples. Using molecular vibrational signatures, recently developed hyperspectral CRS microscopy has improved the readout of chemical information available from CRS images. In this article, we review recent achievements in CRS microscopy, focusing on the theory of the CRS signal-to-noise ratio, imaging speed, technical developments, and applications of CRS imaging in bioscience and clinical settings. In addition, we present possible future directions that the use of this technology may take. PMID:26514285

Tearing down the barriers to daily home hemodialysis and achieving the highest value renal therapy through holistic product design.

PubMed

Kenley, R S

1996-04-01

Renal therapy value can be defined as the ratio of outcomes achieved by a dialytic therapy to the total cost of providing that therapy. One desirable goal of any dialysis modality would be the achievement of maximum value. Unfortunately, with conventional hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis modalities, improving outcomes has always been linked to a simultaneous increase in costs, thereby leaving value relatively unchanged. However, a new modality, daily home hemodialysis, finally may allow this linkage to be broken. The outcomes are dramatically improved as a result of a higher quantity and quality of dialysis dose resulting from the greater frequency of treatments. The costs can be reduced by minimizing the consumed items, avoiding the labor and overhead of dialysis clinics, and reducing the costs associated with morbidity. Provision of this therapy is, however, predicated on the availability of instrumentation designed specifically for it because conventional equipment designed for in-center use is not suitable. By starting with a clean sheet of paper and incorporating such features as insitu reuse of the entire extracorporeal circuit, remote telemonitoring, automated system disinfection, and integrated water purification, most of the impediments to performing this modality can be overcome.

Fluctuating local field method probed for a description of small classical correlated lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubtsov, Alexey N.

2018-05-01

Thermal-equilibrated finite classical lattices are considered as a minimal model of the systems showing an interplay between low-energy collective fluctuations and single-site degrees of freedom. Standard local field approach, as well as classical limit of the bosonic DMFT method, do not provide a satisfactory description of Ising and Heisenberg small lattices subjected to an external polarizing field. We show that a dramatic improvement can be achieved within a simple approach, in which the local field appears to be a fluctuating quantity related to the low-energy degree(s) of freedom.

A conservative approach to parallelizing the Sharks World simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicol, David M.; Riffe, Scott E.

1990-01-01

Parallelizing a benchmark problem for parallel simulation, the Sharks World, is described. The described solution is conservative, in the sense that no state information is saved, and no 'rollbacks' occur. The used approach illustrates both the principal advantage and principal disadvantage of conservative parallel simulation. The advantage is that by exploiting lookahead an approach was found that dramatically improves the serial execution time, and also achieves excellent speedups. The disadvantage is that if the model rules are changed in such a way that the lookahead is destroyed, it is difficult to modify the solution to accommodate the changes.

Dramatic pretend play games uniquely improve emotional control in young children.

PubMed

Goldstein, Thalia R; Lerner, Matthew D

2017-09-15

Pretense is a naturally occurring, apparently universal activity for typically developing children. Yet its function and effects remain unclear. One theorized possibility is that pretense activities, such as dramatic pretend play games, are a possible causal path to improve children's emotional development. Social and emotional skills, particularly emotional control, are critically important for social development, as well as academic performance and later life success. However, the study of such approaches has been criticized for potential bias and lack of rigor, precluding the ability to make strong causal claims. We conducted a randomized, component control (dismantling) trial of dramatic pretend play games with a low-SES group of 4-year-old children (N = 97) to test whether such practice yields generalized improvements in multiple social and emotional outcomes. We found specific effects of dramatic play games only on emotional self-control. Results suggest that dramatic pretend play games involving physicalizing emotional states and traits, pretending to be animals and human characters, and engaging in pretend scenarios in a small group may improve children's emotional control. These findings have implications for the function of pretense and design of interventions to improve emotional control in typical and atypical populations. Further, they provide support for the unique role of dramatic pretend play games for young children, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/2GVNcWKRHPk. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Plasma-sprayed titanium coating to polyetheretherketone improves the bone-implant interface.

PubMed

Walsh, William R; Bertollo, Nicky; Christou, Chrisopher; Schaffner, Dominik; Mobbs, Ralph J

2015-05-01

Rapid and stable fixation at the bone-implant interface would be regarded as one of the primary goals to achieve clinical efficacy, regardless of the surgical site. Although mechanical and physical properties of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) provide advantages for implant devices, the hydrophobic nature and the lack of direct bone contact remains a limitation. To examine the effects of a plasma-sprayed titanium coated PEEK on the mechanical and histologic properties at the bone-implant interface. A preclinical laboratory study. Polyetheretherketone and plasma-sprayed titanium coated PEEK implants (Ti-bond; Spinal Elements, Carlsbad, CA, USA) were placed in a line-to-line manner in cortical bone and in a press-fit manner in cancellous bone of adult sheep using an established ovine model. Shear strength was assessed in the cortical sites at 4 and 12 weeks, whereas histology was performed in cortical and cancellous sites at both time points. The titanium coating dramatically improved the shear strength at the bone-implant interface at 4 weeks and continued to improve with time compared with PEEK. Direct bone ongrowth in cancellous and cortical sites can be achieved using a plasma-sprayed titanium coating on PEEK. Direct bone to implant bonding can be achieved on PEEK in spite of its hydrophobic nature using a plasma-sprayed titanium coating. The plasma-sprayed titanium coating improved mechanical properties in the cortical sites and the histology in cortical and cancellous sites. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gender Issues in Gifted Achievement: Are Girls Making Inroads While Boys Fall Behind?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rimm, Sylvia B.

2015-01-01

School and life achievement patterns for girls and women differ from those of boys and men. While girls have made dramatic progress in school, they need to be inspired to connect to lifelong achievement. Both research and clinical work at the Ohio-based Family Achievement Clinic find that more boys than girls underachieve in school. There is much…

Analyzing Vehicle Fuel Saving Opportunities through Intelligent Driver Feedback

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gonder, J.; Earleywine, M.; Sparks, W.

2012-06-01

Driving style changes, e.g., improving driver efficiency and motivating driver behavior changes, could deliver significant petroleum savings. This project examines eliminating stop-and-go driving and unnecessary idling, and also adjusting acceleration rates and cruising speeds to ideal levels to quantify fuel savings. Such extreme adjustments can result in dramatic fuel savings of over 30%, but would in reality only be achievable through automated control of vehicles and traffic flow. In real-world driving, efficient driving behaviors could reduce fuel use by 20% on aggressively driven cycles and by 5-10% on more moderately driven trips. A literature survey was conducted of driver behaviormore » influences, and pertinent factors from on-road experiments with different driving styles were observed. This effort highlighted important driver influences such as surrounding vehicle behavior, anxiety over trying to get somewhere quickly, and the power/torque available from the vehicle. Existing feedback approaches often deliver efficiency information and instruction. Three recommendations for maximizing fuel savings from potential drive cycle improvement are: (1) leveraging applications with enhanced incentives, (2) using an approach that is easy and widely deployable to motivate drivers, and (3) utilizing connected vehicle and automation technologies to achieve large and widespread efficiency improvements.« less

Advancements in text-to-speech technology and implications for AAC applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syrdal, Ann K.

2003-10-01

Intelligibility was the initial focus in text-to-speech (TTS) research, since it is clearly a necessary condition for the application of the technology. Sufficiently high intelligibility (approximating human speech) has been achieved in the last decade by the better formant-based and concatenative TTS systems. This led to commercially available TTS systems for highly motivated users, particularly the blind and vocally impaired. Some unnatural qualities of TTS were exploited by these users, such as very fast speaking rates and altered pitch ranges for flagging relevant information. Recently, the focus in TTS research has turned to improving naturalness, so that synthetic speech sounds more human and less robotic. Unit selection approaches to concatenative synthesis have dramatically improved TTS quality, although at the cost of larger and more complex systems. This advancement in naturalness has made TTS technology more acceptable to the general public. The vocally impaired appreciate a more natural voice with which to represent themselves when communicating with others. Unit selection TTS does not achieve such high speaking rates as the earlier TTS systems, however, which is a disadvantage to some AAC device users. An important new research emphasis is to improve and increase the range of emotional expressiveness of TTS.

Performing History: The Effects of a Dramatic Art-Based History Program on Student Achievement and Enjoyment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Otten, Mark; Stigler, James W.; Woodward, J. Arthur; Staley, Lisle

2004-01-01

This study examines the influence of a dramatic art-based history program for fifth-grade students on both their learning and enjoyment of history. The program, called "Performing History," reflects theories of effective use of drama in the classroom as well as successful ways to teach history. The program presents historical information as part…

Misconceptions of Electric Propulsion Aircraft and Their Emergent Aviation Markets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Mark D.; Fredericks, Bill

2014-01-01

Over the past several years there have been aircraft conceptual design and system studies that have reached conflicting conclusions relating to the feasibility of full and hybrid electric aircraft. Some studies and propulsion discipline experts have claimed that battery technologies will need to improve by 10 to 20 times before electric aircraft can effectively compete with reciprocating or turbine engines. However, such studies have approached comparative assessments without understanding the compelling differences that electric propulsion offers, how these technologies will fundamentally alter the way propulsion integration is approached, or how these new technologies can not only compete but far exceed existing propulsion solutions in many ways at battery specific energy densities of only 400 watt hours per kilogram. Electric propulsion characteristics offer the opportunity to achieve 4 to 8 time improvements in energy costs with dramatically lower total operating costs, while dramatically improving efficiency, community noise, propulsion system reliability and safety through redundancy, as well as life cycle Green House Gas emissions. Integration of electric propulsion will involve far greater degrees of distribution than existing propulsion solutions due to their compact and scale-free nature to achieve multi-disciplinary coupling and synergistic integration with the aerodynamics, highlift system, acoustics, vehicle control, balance, and aeroelasticity. Appropriate metrics of comparison and differences in analysis/design tools are discussed while comparing electric propulsion to other disruptive technologies. For several initial applications, battery energy density is already sufficient for competitive products, and for many additional markets energy densities will likely be adequate within the next 7 years for vibrant introduction. Market evolution and early adopter markets are discussed, along with the investment areas that will fill technology gaps and create opportunities for the effective, near-term electric aircraft products. Without understanding both the context of how electric propulsion will integrate into the vehicle system, and evolve into the market place it is likely that electric propulsion will continue to be misunderstood.

Novel Electrochemical Raman Spectroscopy Enabled by Water Immersion Objective.

PubMed

Zeng, Zhi-Cong; Hu, Shu; Huang, Sheng-Chao; Zhang, Yue-Jiao; Zhao, Wei-Xing; Li, Jian-Feng; Jiang, Chaoyang; Ren, Bin

2016-10-04

Electrochemical Raman spectroscopy is a powerful molecular level diagnostic technique for in situ investigation of adsorption and reactions on various material surfaces. However, there is still a big room to improve the optical path to meet the increasing request of higher detection sensitivity and spatial resolution. Herein, we proposed a novel electrochemical Raman setup based on a water immersion objective. It dramatically reduces mismatch of the refractive index in the light path. Consequently, significant improvement in detection sensitivity and spatial resolution has been achieved from both Zemax simulation and the experimental results. Furthermore, the thickness of electrolyte layer could be expanded to 2 mm without any influence on the signal collection. Such a thick electrolyte layer allows a much normal electrochemical response during the spectroelectrochemical investigations of the methanol oxidation.

The receiving simplification partnership: a win-win approach to better service and higher profitability.

PubMed

Beech, W D; Berg, R C

1999-02-01

To achieve competitive advantage, customers and suppliers are increasingly forming logistics partnerships to improve supply chain performance and reduce costs. The partnerships are typically motivated by the need to solve a particular problem, but with attention and open communication, new program ideas can develop, sometimes even breakthrough concepts. During the course of their partnership, Avery Dennison and United Stationers created a program that dramatically simplifies and speeds receiving and put-away of shipments with the aim of reducing workloads, improving service, and increasing profitability. The program involves optimizing order quantity increments to full-pallet, layer, and case volumes based on demand and warehouse configurations. Within six weeks, the results included a 50 percent reduction in shipment line items and 92 percent fewer put-away pieces, despite unchanged inventory levels.

Improving Obesity Prevention and Management in Primary Care in Canada.

PubMed

Campbell-Scherer, Denise; Sharma, Arya Mitra

2016-09-01

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases with significant morbidity, mortality and health care cost. There is concern due to the dramatic increase in overweight and obesity in Canada in the last 20 years. The causes of obesity are multifactorial, with underestimation by patients and healthcare providers of the long-term nature of the condition, and its complexity. Solutions related to prevention and management will require multifaceted strategies involving education, health policy, public health and health systems across the care continuum. We believe that to support such strategies we need to have a strong primary care workforce equipped with appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes to support persons at risk for, or with, obesity. To achieve this end, significant skills building is required to improve primary care obesity prevention and management efforts. This review will first examine the current state, and then will outline how we can improve.

Improving Education in the Developing World: What Have We Learned from Randomized Evaluations?

PubMed Central

Kremer, Michael; Holla, Alaka

2013-01-01

Across a range of contexts, reductions in education costs and provision of subsidies can boost school participation, often dramatically. Decisions to attend school seem subject to peer effects and time-inconsistent preferences. Merit scholarships, school health programs, and information about returns to education can all cost-effectively spur school participation. However, distortions in education systems, such as weak teacher incentives and elite-oriented curricula, undermine learning in school and much of the impact of increasing existing educational spending. Pedagogical innovations designed to address these distortions (such as technology-assisted instruction, remedial education, and tracking by achievement) can raise test scores at a low cost. Merely informing parents about school conditions seems insufficient to improve teacher incentives, and evidence on merit pay is mixed, but hiring teachers locally on short-term contracts can save money and improve educational outcomes. School vouchers can cost-effectively increase both school participation and learning. PMID:23946865

Genomic prediction unifies animal and plant breeding programs to form platforms for biological discovery.

PubMed

Hickey, John M; Chiurugwi, Tinashe; Mackay, Ian; Powell, Wayne

2017-08-30

The rate of annual yield increases for major staple crops must more than double relative to current levels in order to feed a predicted global population of 9 billion by 2050. Controlled hybridization and selective breeding have been used for centuries to adapt plant and animal species for human use. However, achieving higher, sustainable rates of improvement in yields in various species will require renewed genetic interventions and dramatic improvement of agricultural practices. Genomic prediction of breeding values has the potential to improve selection, reduce costs and provide a platform that unifies breeding approaches, biological discovery, and tools and methods. Here we compare and contrast some animal and plant breeding approaches to make a case for bringing the two together through the application of genomic selection. We propose a strategy for the use of genomic selection as a unifying approach to deliver innovative 'step changes' in the rate of genetic gain at scale.

Investigation of enzyme formulation on pretreated switchgrass.

PubMed

Falls, Matthew; Shi, Jian; Ebrik, Mirvat A; Redmond, Tim; Yang, Bin; Wyman, Charles E; Garlock, Rebecca; Balan, Venkatesh; Dale, Bruce E; Pallapolu, V Ramesh; Lee, Y Y; Kim, Youngmi; Mosier, Nathan S; Ladisch, Michael R; Hames, Bonnie; Thomas, Steve; Donohoe, Bryon S; Vinzant, Todd B; Elander, Richard T; Warner, Ryan E; Sierra-Ramirez, Rocio; Holtzapple, Mark T

2011-12-01

This work studied the benefits of adding different enzyme cocktails (cellulase, xylanase, β-glucosidase) to pretreated switchgrass. Pretreatment methods included ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX), dilute-acid (DA), liquid hot water (LHW), lime, lime+ball-milling, soaking in aqueous ammonia (SAA), and sulfur dioxide (SO(2)). The compositions of the pretreated materials were analyzed and showed a strong correlation between initial xylan composition and the benefits of xylanase addition. Adding xylanase dramatically improved xylan yields for SAA (+8.4%) and AFEX (+6.3%), and showed negligible improvement (0-2%) for the pretreatments with low xylan content (dilute-acid, SO(2)). Xylanase addition also improved overall yields with lime+ball-milling and SO(2) achieving the highest overall yields from pretreated biomass (98.3% and 93.2%, respectively). Lime+ball-milling obtained an enzymatic yield of 92.3kg of sugar digested/kg of protein loaded. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Macro vs micro level surgical quality improvement: a regional collaborative demonstrates the case for a national NSQIP initiative.

PubMed

Tepas, Joseph J; Kerwin, Andrew J; deVilla, Jhun; Nussbaum, Michael S

2014-04-01

The Florida Surgical Care Initiative (FSCI) is a quality improvement collaborative of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) and the Florida Hospital Association. In the wake of a dramatic decrease in complications and cost documented over 15 months, we analyzed the semiannual measures reports (SAR) to determine whether this improvement was driven by specific institutions or was a global accomplishment by all participants. Reports from NSQIP were analyzed to determine rank change of participants. Odds ratio (OR) of observed-to-expected incidence of the 4 FSCI outcomes (catheter-associated urinary tract infection [CAUTI], surgical site infection [SSI], colorectal, and surgery in patients older than 65 years) were used to assess individual and group performance. Data from SAR 2 (October 2011 to April 2012) were compared with data from SAR 3 (May to July 2012). Poorly performing hospitals were tracked to determine evidence of improvement. Individual facility performance was evaluated by determining proportion of hospitals showing improved rank across all measures. Fifty-four hospitals were evaluated. SAR 2 reported 28,112 general and vascular surgical cases; SAR 3 added 10,784 more. The proportion of institutions with OR < 1 for each measure did not change significantly. Only urinary tract infection and colorectal measures demonstrated increased number of hospitals with OR < 1. Each institution that was a significant negative outlier in SAR 2 demonstrated improvement. Three of 54 hospitals demonstrated improvement across all 4 measures. Of 15 hospitals with improved performance across 3 measures, all included elderly surgery. The increase in quality achieved across this population of surgical patients was the result of a quality assessment process driven by NSQIP rather than disproportionate improvement of some raising the bar for all. The NSQIP process, applied collaboratively across a population by committed institutions, produces dramatic results. Copyright © 2014 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Phantom Collapse of Student Achievement in New York

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cronin, John; Jensen, Nate

2014-01-01

When New York state released the first results of the exams under the Common Core State Standards, many wrongly believed that the results showed dramatic declines in student achievement. A closer look at the results showed that student achievement may have increased. Another lesson from the exams is that states need to closely coordinate new data…

Diabetes mellitus disease management in a safety net hospital system: translating evidence into practice.

PubMed

Butler, Michael K; Kaiser, Michael; Johnson, Jolene; Besse, Jay; Horswell, Ronald

2010-12-01

The Louisiana State University Health Care Services Division system assessed the effectiveness of implementing a multisite disease management program targeting diabetes mellitus in an indigent patient population. A population-based disease management program centered on evidence-based clinical care guidelines was applied from the system level. Specific clinic modifications and models were used, as well as ancillary services such as medication assistance and equipment subsidies. Marked improvement in process goals led to improved clinical outcomes. From 2001 to 2008, the percentage of patients with a hemoglobin A1c < 7.0 increased from 45% to 55% on the system level, with some sites experiencing a more dramatic shift. Results were similar across sites, which included both small provider groups and academic health centers. In order to achieve these results, the clinical environment changed to promote those evidence-based interventions. Even in complex environments such as academic health centers with several provider levels, or those environments with limited care resources, disease management programs can be successfully implemented and achieve statistically significant results.

Dramatic Developments in the Neurosciences Challenge Educators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sylwester, Robert

1986-01-01

Recent dramatic developments in brain research and technology suggest that a comprehensive understanding of how the human brain works may soon be within reach. Just as the ability of the medical profession to treat patients improved dramatically with the advent of effective research skills and technology concerning the structure, biochemistry, and…

Creating Lithium-Ion Electrolytes with Biomimetic Ionic Channels in Metal-Organic Frameworks.

PubMed

Shen, Li; Wu, Hao Bin; Liu, Fang; Brosmer, Jonathan L; Shen, Gurong; Wang, Xiaofeng; Zink, Jeffrey I; Xiao, Qiangfeng; Cai, Mei; Wang, Ge; Lu, Yunfeng; Dunn, Bruce

2018-06-01

Solid-state electrolytes are the key to the development of lithium-based batteries with dramatically improved energy density and safety. Inspired by ionic channels in biological systems, a novel class of pseudo solid-state electrolytes with biomimetic ionic channels is reported herein. This is achieved by complexing the anions of an electrolyte to the open metal sites of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which transforms the MOF scaffolds into ionic-channel analogs with lithium-ion conduction and low activation energy. This work suggests the emergence of a new class of pseudo solid-state lithium-ion conducting electrolytes. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Generation of Homogeneous and Patterned Electron Beams using a Microlens Array Laser-Shaping Technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Halavanau, Aliaksei; Edstrom, Dean; Gai, Wei

2016-06-01

In photocathodes the achievable electron-beam parameters are controlled by the laser used to trigger the photoemission process. Non-ideal laser distribution hampers the final beam quality. Laser inhomogeneities, for instance, can be "amplified" by space-charge force and result in fragmented electron beams. To overcome this limitation laser shaping methods are routinely employed. In the present paper we demonstrate the use of simple microlens arrays to dramatically improve the transverse uniformity. We also show that this arrangement can be used to produce transversely-patterned electron beams. Our experiments are carried out at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility.

The right strategy and perseverance can make an IDS profitable.

PubMed

Coddington, D C; Moore, K D

2001-12-01

Results of a recent study of 11 leading integrated delivery systems (IDSs) belie the common perception that IDSs are incapable of turning a profit. The study determined that the primary factors driving the poor financial performance of IDSs are organizational complexity, payment reductions mandated by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, and a general lack of foresight regarding financial problems when embarking on an integration strategy. By implementing a wide range of initiatives to stem losses and improve financial performance, several of the case-study IDSs have accomplished dramatic financial turnarounds over the past three years, and all have achieved consistently stronger financial performance.

Stabilizing hybrid perovskites against moisture and temperature via non-hydrolytic atomic layer deposited overlayers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, In Soo; Martinson, Alex B. F.

2015-09-14

We utilized a novel non-hydrolytic (nh) surface chemistry to allow the direct synthesis of pinhole-fee oxide overlayers directly on conventional hybrid perovskite halide absorbers without damage. By utilizing water- free ALD Al 2O 3 passivation, a minimum of ten-fold increase in stability against relative humidity (RH) 85% was achieved along with a dramatically improved thermal resistance (up to 250 °C). We extend this approach to synthesize nh-TiO 2 directly on hybrid perovskites to establish its potential in inverted photovoltaic devices as a dual stabilizing and electron accepting layer, as evidenced by photoluminescence (PL) quenching.

Enabling high areal capacitance in electrochemical double layer capacitors by means of the environmentally friendly starch binder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varzi, Alberto; Passerini, Stefano

2015-12-01

Potatoes starch (PS), a natural polymer obtainable from non-edible sources, is for the first time evaluated as alternative water-processable binder for Electrochemical Double-Layer Capacitor (EDLC) electrodes. Morphological and electrochemical properties of activated carbon (AC)-based electrodes are investigated and compared to those achieved with the state-of-the-art aqueous binder (CMC, i.e. Na-carboxymethyl cellulose). The obtained results suggest substantial benefits of PS, in particular regarding the electrode fabrication process. As a matter of fact, owing to its amylopectin content (moderately branched polysaccharide), PS displays only minimal shrinkage upon drying, resulting on rather homogeneous electrodes not presenting the dramatic surface cracking observed with CMC. Furthermore, owing to the smaller volume of water required for the processing, much higher active material loading per area unit can be achieved. This is reflected on improvements of up to 60% in terms of areal capacitance.

Highly ductile UV-shielding polymer composites with boron nitride nanospheres as fillers.

PubMed

Fu, Yuqiao; Huang, Yan; Meng, Wenjun; Wang, Zifeng; Bando, Yoshio; Golberg, Dmitri; Tang, Chengchun; Zhi, Chunyi

2015-03-20

Polymer composites with enhanced mechanical, thermal or optical performance usually suffer from poor ductility induced by confined mobility of polymer chains. Herein, highly ductile UV-shielding polymer composites are successfully fabricated. Boron nitride (BN) materials, with a wide band gap of around ∼6.0 eV, are used as fillers to achieve the remarkably improved UV-shielding performance of a polymer matrix. In addition, it is found that spherical morphology BN as a filler can keep the excellent ductility of the composites. For a comparison, it is demonstrated that traditional fillers, including conventional BN powders can achieve the similar UV-shielding performance but dramatically decrease the composite ductility. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is believed to be lubricant effects of BN nanospheres for sliding of polymer chains, which is in consistent with the thermal analyses. This study provides a new design to fabricate UV-shielding composite films with well-preserved ductility.

Low-energy hydraulic fracturing wastewater treatment via AC powered electrocoagulation with biochar.

PubMed

Lobo, Fernanda Leite; Wang, Heming; Huggins, Tyler; Rosenblum, James; Linden, Karl G; Ren, Zhiyong Jason

2016-05-15

Produced and flowback waters are the largest byproducts associated with unconventional oil and gas exploration and production. Sustainable and low cost technologies are needed to treat and reuse this wastewater to avoid the environmental problems associated with current management practices (i.e., deep well injection). This study presents a new process to integrate AC-powered electrocoagulation (EC) with granular biochar to dramatically reduce energy use and electrode passivation while achieving high treatment efficiency. Results show achieving a 99% turbidity and TSS removal for the AC-EC-biochar system only used 0.079 kWh/m(3) or 0.15 kWh/kg TSS, which is 70% lower than traditional DC-EC systems and orders of magnitude lower than previous studies. The amount of biochar added positively correlates with energy saving, and further studies are needed to improve organic carbon and salt removal through system integration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The foreign body response: at the interface of surgery and bioengineering.

PubMed

Major, Melanie R; Wong, Victor W; Nelson, Emily R; Longaker, Michael T; Gurtner, Geoffrey C

2015-05-01

The surgical implantation of materials and devices has dramatically increased over the past decade. This trend is expected to continue with the broadening application of biomaterials and rapid expansion of aging populations. One major factor that limits the potential of implantable materials and devices is the foreign body response, an immunologic reaction characterized by chronic inflammation, foreign body giant cell formation, and fibrotic capsule formation. The English literature on the foreign body response to implanted materials and devices is reviewed. Fibrotic encapsulation can cause device malfunction and dramatically limit the function of an implanted medical device or material. Basic science studies suggest a role for immune and inflammatory pathways at the implant-host interface that drive the foreign body response. Current strategies that aim to modulate the host response and improve construct biocompatibility appear promising. This review article summarizes recent basic science, preclinical, and clinicopathologic studies examining the mechanisms driving the foreign body response, with particular focus on breast implants and synthetic meshes. Understanding these molecular and cellular mechanisms will be critical for achieving the full potential of implanted biomaterials to restore human tissues and organs.

[What can medicine expect from health economics?].

PubMed

Bismarck, E; Schmitz-Dräger, B J; Schöffski, O

2012-04-01

Medicine has changed dramatically in the past ten decades thanks to the introduction of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. However, besides the unmistakable advances achieved in medicine, the costs of all health care systems have risen dramatically. In contrast to the escalation in expenditures, only moderate gains in proceeds have been accomplished. This situation requires that future financial resources be judiciously expended. The field of health economics has set as its goal the analysis of medical measures in terms of costs and benefits to be able to provide information on these parameters to those involved in the public health sector. The emerging problems are diverse and extend from assessment of effects and side effects to difficulties in standardizing analytical procedures and comparing results between different health care systems.In the context of this manuscript an attempt has been made to illustrate the methodological approaches to health economics based on current issues in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. This contribution intends to motivate stakeholders to view health economics as a tool to promote improvements in medical care and not as a means to regulating and rationing medical measures.

The break-even point: when medical advances are less important than improving the fidelity with which they are delivered.

PubMed

Woolf, Steven H; Johnson, Robert E

2005-01-01

Society invests billions of dollars in the development of new drugs and technologies but comparatively little in the fidelity of health care, that is, improving systems to ensure the delivery of care to all patients in need. Using mathematical arguments and a nomogram, we demonstrate that technological advances must yield dramatic, often unrealistic increases in efficacy to do more good than could be accomplished by improving fidelity. In 2 examples (the development of anti-platelet agents and statins), we show that enhanced efficacy failed to achieve the health gains that would have occurred by delivering older agents to all eligible patients. Society's huge investment in technological innovations that only modestly improve efficacy, by consuming resources needed for improved delivery of care, may cost more lives than it saves. The misalignment of priorities is driven partly by the commercial interests of industry and by the public's appetite for technological breakthroughs, but health outcomes ultimately suffer. Health, economic, and moral arguments make the case for spending less on technological advances and more on improving systems for delivering care.

Transformational change in health care systems: an organizational model.

PubMed

Lukas, Carol VanDeusen; Holmes, Sally K; Cohen, Alan B; Restuccia, Joseph; Cramer, Irene E; Shwartz, Michael; Charns, Martin P

2007-01-01

The Institute of Medicine's 2001 report Crossing the Quality Chasm argued for fundamental redesign of the U.S. health care system. Six years later, many health care organizations have embraced the report's goals, but few have succeeded in making the substantial transformations needed to achieve those aims. This article offers a model for moving organizations from short-term, isolated performance improvements to sustained, reliable, organization-wide, and evidence-based improvements in patient care. Longitudinal comparative case studies were conducted in 12 health care systems using a mixed-methods evaluation design based on semistructured interviews and document review. Participating health care systems included seven systems funded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Pursuing Perfection Program and five systems with long-standing commitments to improvement and high-quality care. Five interactive elements appear critical to successful transformation of patient care: (1) Impetus to transform; (2) Leadership commitment to quality; (3) Improvement initiatives that actively engage staff in meaningful problem solving; (4) Alignment to achieve consistency of organization goals with resource allocation and actions at all levels of the organization; and (5) Integration to bridge traditional intra-organizational boundaries among individual components. These elements drive change by affecting the components of the complex health care organization in which they operate: (1) Mission, vision, and strategies that set its direction and priorities; (2) Culture that reflects its informal values and norms; (3) Operational functions and processes that embody the work done in patient care; and (4) Infrastructure such as information technology and human resources that support the delivery of patient care. Transformation occurs over time with iterative changes being sustained and spread across the organization. The conceptual model holds promise for guiding health care organizations in their efforts to pursue the Institute of Medicine aims of fundamental system redesign to achieve dramatically improved patient care.

Working towards Excellence: Results from Schools Implementing New American Schools Designs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New American Schools Development Corp.

This report presents eight different approaches adapted by schools to dramatically raise student achievement. The schools combine comprehensive, whole-school change with systems-level restructuring to help a large proportion of schools around the country achieve excellence. The eight programs include (1) ATLAS (Authentic Teaching, Learning, and…

Toyota's tips drive dramatic ED improvements.

PubMed

2002-11-01

The Toyota Motor Corp.'s key concepts of allowing workers to make changes, putting the customer first, and reducing waste can have a dramatic impact when implemented in emergency departments. Staff should be empowered to make changes to improve quality. A chain of events should be set in motion for each customer request. Identify and eliminate roadblocks that cause delays.

Toward an Effective Long-Term Strategy for Preventing Motor Vehicle Crashes and Injuries

PubMed Central

Mawson, Anthony R.; Walley, E. Kenneth

2014-01-01

Casualties due to motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) include some 40,000 deaths each year in the United States and one million deaths worldwide. One strategy that has been recommended for improving automobile safety is to lower speed limits and enforce them with speed cameras. However, motor vehicles can be hazardous even at low speeds whereas properly protected human beings can survive high-speed crashes without injury. Emphasis on changing driver behavior as the focus for road safety improvements has been largely unsuccessful; moreover, drivers today are increasingly distracted by secondary tasks such as cell phone use and texting. Indeed, the true limiting factor in vehicular safety is the capacity of human beings to sense and process information and to make rapid decisions. Given that dramatic reductions in injuries and deaths from MVCs have occurred over the past century due to improvements in safety technology, despite increases in the number of vehicles on the road and miles driven per vehicle, we propose that an effective long-term strategy for reducing MVC-related injury would be continued technological innovation in vehicle design, aimed at progressively removing the driver from routine operational decision-making. Once this is achieved, high rates of speed could be achieved on open highways, with minimal risk of crashes and injury to occupants and pedestrians. PMID:25116634

Toward an effective long-term strategy for preventing motor vehicle crashes and injuries.

PubMed

Mawson, Anthony R; Walley, E Kenneth

2014-08-11

Casualties due to motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) include some 40,000 deaths each year in the United States and one million deaths worldwide. One strategy that has been recommended for improving automobile safety is to lower speed limits and enforce them with speed cameras. However, motor vehicles can be hazardous even at low speeds whereas properly protected human beings can survive high-speed crashes without injury. Emphasis on changing driver behavior as the focus for road safety improvements has been largely unsuccessful; moreover, drivers today are increasingly distracted by secondary tasks such as cell phone use and texting. Indeed, the true limiting factor in vehicular safety is the capacity of human beings to sense and process information and to make rapid decisions. Given that dramatic reductions in injuries and deaths from MVCs have occurred over the past century due to improvements in safety technology, despite increases in the number of vehicles on the road and miles driven per vehicle, we propose that an effective long-term strategy for reducing MVC-related injury would be continued technological innovation in vehicle design, aimed at progressively removing the driver from routine operational decision-making. Once this is achieved, high rates of speed could be achieved on open highways, with minimal risk of crashes and injury to occupants and pedestrians.

How advances in immunology provide insight into improving vaccine efficacy

PubMed Central

Slifka, Mark K.; Amanna, Ian

2014-01-01

Vaccines represent one of the most compelling examples of how biomedical research has improved society by saving lives and dramatically reducing the burden of infectious disease. Despite the importance of vaccinology, we are still in the early stages of understanding how the best vaccines work and how we can achieve better protective efficacy through improved vaccine design. Most successful vaccines have been developed empirically, but recent advances in immunology are beginning to shed new light on the mechanisms of vaccine-mediated protection and development of long-term immunity. Although natural infection will often elicit lifelong immunity, almost all current vaccines require booster vaccination in order to achieve durable protective humoral immune responses, regardless of whether the vaccine is based on infection with replicating live-attenuated vaccine strains of the specific pathogen or whether they are derived from immunization with inactivated, non-replicating vaccines or subunit vaccines. The form of the vaccine antigen (e.g., soluble or particulate/aggregate) appears to play an important role in determining immunogenicity and the interactions between dendritic cells, B cells and T cells in the germinal center are likely to dictate the magnitude and duration of protective immunity. By learning how to optimize these interactions, we may be able to elicit more effective and long-lived immunity with fewer vaccinations. PMID:24709587

Trends of Science Ability in the National Assessment of Educational Achievement (NAEA) of Korean Ninth Graders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Hyun-Kyung; Lee, Dong-Heon; Kim, Soojin

2016-01-01

The results of the National Assessment of Educational Achievement from 2010 to 2013 have shown a downward trend in ninth graders' science average achievement scores from 2011 to 2013. The percentage of students in the Advanced level decreased dramatically from 19.95% in 2010 to 11.48% in 2013, while the percentage of students in the Basic level…

Factors influencing uptake and retention of amino-containing drugs in large unilamellar vesicles exhibiting transmembrane pH gradients.

PubMed

Maurer-Spurej, E; Wong, K F; Maurer, N; Fenske, D B; Cullis, P R

1999-01-12

The level of uptake and retention of amino-containing drugs in large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) following uptake in response to a transmembrane pH gradient (DeltapH) can vary dramatically depending on the drug. For example, the anticancer drugs doxorubicin and epirubicin can be readily retained, whereas the anticancer drug vincristine and the antibiotic ciprofloxacin tend to leak out rapidly. In this investigation, we examine the influence of the hydrophobicity of the entrapped amines (that induce the DeltapH) and the anionic lipid content of the LUV on drug retention. It is shown that entrapment of increasingly hydrophobic monoamines (methylamine to amylamine) all lead to an induced DeltapH of 3 units and essentially complete drug uptake under the conditions employed, but do not lead to improved retention of vincristine and ciprofloxacin. However, significantly improved retention could be achieved by substitution of the anionic lipid distearoylphosphatidylglycerol (DSPG) for distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) in the LUV bilayer. Further, it is shown that if the induced DeltapH is reduced to 1.4 units (driven by entrapped diamine) nearly 100% accumulation of doxorubicin and epirubicin could be achieved, whereas only 25% loading for vincristine and ciprofloxacin was observed. Taken together these results provide methodology for improving (weak base) drug retention in liposomes and indicate that drugs that can partition into the lipid bilayer exhibit improved uptake and retention characteristics.

Improving Survival and Promoting Respiratory Motor Function After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

ventilator in order to survive. Use of the ventilator severely limits the quality of life of those injured and dramatically increases the demand for health...care for cervical SCI patients so as to lead to an improved quality of life , better-quality health care management, and improved functional outcomes...mechanical ventilator in order to survive. Use of the ventilator severely limits the quality of life of those injured and dramatically increases the

Low Reynolds number airfoil survey, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carmichael, B. H.

1981-01-01

The differences in flow behavior two dimensional airfoils in the critical chordlength Reynolds number compared with lower and higher Reynolds number are discussed. The large laminar separation bubble is discussed in view of its important influence on critical Reynolds number airfoil behavior. The shortcomings of application of theoretical boundary layer computations which are successful at higher Reynolds numbers to the critical regime are discussed. The large variation in experimental aerodynamic characteristic measurement due to small changes in ambient turbulence, vibration, and sound level is illustrated. The difficulties in obtaining accurate detailed measurements in free flight and dramatic performance improvements at critical Reynolds number, achieved with various types of boundary layer tripping devices are discussed.

ZnO buffer layer for metal films on silicon substrates

DOEpatents

Ihlefeld, Jon

2014-09-16

Dramatic improvements in metallization integrity and electroceramic thin film performance can be achieved by the use of the ZnO buffer layer to minimize interfacial energy between metallization and adhesion layers. In particular, the invention provides a substrate metallization method utilizing a ZnO adhesion layer that has a high work of adhesion, which in turn enables processing under thermal budgets typically reserved for more exotic ceramic, single-crystal, or metal foil substrates. Embodiments of the present invention can be used in a broad range of applications beyond ferroelectric capacitors, including microelectromechanical systems, micro-printed heaters and sensors, and electrochemical energy storage, where integrity of metallized silicon to high temperatures is necessary.

Combined algorithmic and GPU acceleration for ultra-fast circular conebeam backprojection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brokish, Jeffrey; Sack, Paul; Bresler, Yoram

2010-04-01

In this paper, we describe the first implementation and performance of a fast O(N3logN) hierarchical backprojection algorithm for cone beam CT with a circular trajectory1,developed on a modern Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The resulting tomographic backprojection system for 3D cone beam geometry combines speedup through algorithmic improvements provided by the hierarchical backprojection algorithm with speedup from a massively parallel hardware accelerator. For data parameters typical in diagnostic CT and using a mid-range GPU card, we report reconstruction speeds of up to 360 frames per second, and relative speedup of almost 6x compared to conventional backprojection on the same hardware. The significance of these results is twofold. First, they demonstrate that the reduction in operation counts demonstrated previously for the FHBP algorithm can be translated to a comparable run-time improvement in a massively parallel hardware implementation, while preserving stringent diagnostic image quality. Second, the dramatic speedup and throughput numbers achieved indicate the feasibility of systems based on this technology, which achieve real-time 3D reconstruction for state-of-the art diagnostic CT scanners with small footprint, high-reliability, and affordable cost.

Damage resistant optics for a mega-joule solid-state laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, J. H.; Rainer, F.; Kozlowski, M. R.; Wolfe, C. R.; Thomas, I.; Milanovich, F.

1990-12-01

Research on Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) has progressed rapidly in the past several years. As a consequence, LLNL is developing plans to upgrade the current 120 kJ solid state (Nd3+ phosphate glass) Nova laser to a 1.5 to 2 megajoule system with the goal of achieving fusion ignition. The design of the planned Nova Upgrade is briefly discussed. Because of recent improvements in the damage resistance of optical materials it is now technically and economically feasible to build a megajoule-class solid state laser. Specifically, the damage threshold of Nd(+3)-doped phosphate laser glass, multilayer dielectric coatings, and non-linear optical crystals (e.g., KDP) have been dramatically improved. These materials now meet the fluence requirements for a 1.5 to 2 MJ Nd(+3)-glass laser operating at 1054 and 351 nm and at a pulse length of 3 ns. The recent improvements in damage thresholds are reviewed; threshold data at both 1064 and 355 nm and the measured pulse length scaling are presented.

Damage resistant optics for a megajoule solid state laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, Jack H.; Rainer, Frank; Kozlowski, Mark R.; Wolfe, C. Robert; Thomas, Ian M.; Milanovich, Fred P.

1991-06-01

Research on Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) has progressed rapidly in the past several years. As a consequence LLNL is developing plans to upgrade the current 120 kJ solid state (Nd3-phosphate glass) Nova laser to a 1 . 5 to 2 megajoule system with the goal of achieving fusion ignition. The design of the planned Nova Upgrade is briefly discussed. Because of recent improvements in the damage resistance of optical materials it is now technically and economically feasible to build a megajoule-class solid state laser. Specifically the damage threshold of Nd3- doped phosphate laser glass muliilayer dielectric coatings and non-linear optical crystals (e. g. KDP) have been dramatically improved. These materials now meet the fluence requirements for a 1. 5-2 MJ Nd3-glass laser operating at 1054 and 351 nm and at a pulse length of 3 ns. The recent improvements in damage thresholds are reviewed threshold data at both 1064 and 355 nm and the measured pulse length scaling are presented. 1.

MicroRNA-based biotechnology for plant improvement.

PubMed

Zhang, Baohong; Wang, Qinglian

2015-01-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an extensive class of newly discovered endogenous small RNAs, which negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcription levels. As the application of next-generation deep sequencing and advanced bioinformatics, the miRNA-related study has been expended to non-model plant species and the number of identified miRNAs has dramatically increased in the past years. miRNAs play a critical role in almost all biological and metabolic processes, and provide a unique strategy for plant improvement. Here, we first briefly review the discovery, history, and biogenesis of miRNAs, then focus more on the application of miRNAs on plant breeding and the future directions. Increased plant biomass through controlling plant development and phase change has been one achievement for miRNA-based biotechnology; plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress was also significantly enhanced by regulating the expression of an individual miRNA. Both endogenous and artificial miRNAs may serve as important tools for plant improvement. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Care initiation area yields dramatic results.

PubMed

2009-03-01

The ED at Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia, NC, has achieved dramatic results in key department metrics with a Care Initiation Area (CIA) and a physician in triage. Here's how the ED arrived at this winning solution: Leadership was trained in and implemented the Kaizen method, which eliminates redundant or inefficient process steps. Simulation software helped determine additional space needed by analyzing arrival patterns and other key data. After only two days of meetings, new ideas were implemented and tested.

Dramatic inversion of charge polarity in diketopyrrolopyrrole-based organic field-effect transistors via a simple nitrile group substitution.

PubMed

Yun, Hui-Jun; Kang, Seok-Ju; Xu, Yong; Kim, Seul Ong; Kim, Yun-Hi; Noh, Yong-Young; Kwon, Soon-Ki

2014-11-19

A record-breaking high electron mobility of 7.0 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) for n-channel polymer OFETs is reported. By the incorporation of only one nitrile group as an electron-withdrawing function in the vinyl linkage of the DPP-based copolymer, a dramatic inversion of majority charge-carriers from holes to electrons is achieved. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A combined pre-clinical meta-analysis and randomized confirmatory trial approach to improve data validity for therapeutic target validation.

PubMed

Kleikers, Pamela W M; Hooijmans, Carlijn; Göb, Eva; Langhauser, Friederike; Rewell, Sarah S J; Radermacher, Kim; Ritskes-Hoitinga, Merel; Howells, David W; Kleinschnitz, Christoph; Schmidt, Harald H H W

2015-08-27

Biomedical research suffers from a dramatically poor translational success. For example, in ischemic stroke, a condition with a high medical need, over a thousand experimental drug targets were unsuccessful. Here, we adopt methods from clinical research for a late-stage pre-clinical meta-analysis (MA) and randomized confirmatory trial (pRCT) approach. A profound body of literature suggests NOX2 to be a major therapeutic target in stroke. Systematic review and MA of all available NOX2(-/y) studies revealed a positive publication bias and lack of statistical power to detect a relevant reduction in infarct size. A fully powered multi-center pRCT rejects NOX2 as a target to improve neurofunctional outcomes or achieve a translationally relevant infarct size reduction. Thus stringent statistical thresholds, reporting negative data and a MA-pRCT approach can ensure biomedical data validity and overcome risks of bias.

Large-scale structure perturbation theory without losing stream crossing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, Patrick; Vlah, Zvonimir

2018-01-01

We suggest an approach to perturbative calculations of large-scale clustering in the Universe that includes from the start the stream crossing (multiple velocities for mass elements at a single position) that is lost in traditional calculations. Starting from a functional integral over displacement, the perturbative series expansion is in deviations from (truncated) Zel'dovich evolution, with terms that can be computed exactly even for stream-crossed displacements. We evaluate the one-loop formulas for displacement and density power spectra numerically in 1D, finding dramatic improvement in agreement with N-body simulations compared to the Zel'dovich power spectrum (which is exact in 1D up to stream crossing). Beyond 1D, our approach could represent an improvement over previous expansions even aside from the inclusion of stream crossing, but we have not investigated this numerically. In the process we show how to achieve effective-theory-like regulation of small-scale fluctuations without free parameters.

Building high reliability teams: progress and some reflections on teamwork training.

PubMed

Salas, Eduardo; Rosen, Michael A

2013-05-01

The science of team training in healthcare has progressed dramatically in recent years. Methodologies have been refined and adapted for the unique and varied needs within healthcare, where once team training approaches were borrowed from other industries with little modification. Evidence continues to emerge and bolster the case that team training is an effective strategy for improving patient safety. Research is also elucidating the conditions under which teamwork training is most likely to have an impact, and what determines whether improvements achieved will be maintained over time. The articles in this special issue are a strong representation of the state of the science, the diversity of applications, and the growing sophistication of teamwork training research and practice in healthcare. In this article, we attempt to situate the findings in this issue within the broader context of healthcare team training, identify high level themes in the current state of the field, and discuss existing needs.

Innovative Trajectory Designs to meet Exploration Challenges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Folta, David C.

2006-01-01

This document is a viewgraph presentation of the conference paper. Missions incorporated into NASA's Vision for Space Exploration include many different destinations and regions; are challenging to plan; and need new and innovative trajectory design methods to enable them. By combining proven methods with chaos dynamics, exploration goals that require maximum payload mass or minimum duration can be achieved. The implementation of these innovative methods, such as weak stability boundaries, has altered NASA's approach to meet exploration challenges and is described to show how exploration goals may be met in the next decade. With knowledge that various perturbations play a significant role, the mission designer must rely on both traditional design strategies as well as these innovative methods. Over the past decades, improvements have been made that would at first glance seem dramatic. This paper provides a brief narrative on how a fundamental shift has occurred and how chaos dynamics improve the design of exploration missions with complex constraints.

Effect of an Electronic Health Record on the Culture of an Outpatient Medical Oncology Practice in a Four-Hospital Integrated Health Care System: 5-Year Experience

PubMed Central

Brockstein, Bruce; Hensing, Thomas; Carro, George W.; Obel, Jennifer; Khandekar, Janardan; Kaminer, Lynne; Van De Wege, Christine; de Wilton Marsh, Robert

2011-01-01

The electronic health record (EHR) was adopted into the NorthShore University HealthSystem, a four-hospital integrated health system located in suburban Chicago, in 2003. By 2005, all chemotherapy and medicine order entry was conducted through the EHR, completing the incorporation of a fully paperless EHR in our hospital-based oncology practice in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The use of the EHR has dramatically changed our practice environment by improving efficiency, patient safety, research productivity, and operations, while allowing evaluation of adherence to established quality measures and incorporation of new quality improvement initiatives. The reach of the EHR has been substantial and has influenced every aspect of care at our institution over the short period since its implementation. In this article, we describe subjective and objective measures, outcomes, and achievements of our 5-year EHR experience. PMID:22043197

The history of the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy: a medical adventure.

PubMed

Lurie, S

1992-01-09

From its indirect reference by Abulcasis (936-1013) and until the 19th century the ectopic pregnancy was known as a universally fatal accident. By reporting successful treatment of tubal pregnancy with salpingectomy in 1884 Robert Lawson Tait (1845-1899) started an era of almost 70 years of exclusively extirpative treatment of ectopic pregnancy. The technologic revolution of the 20th century improved diagnostic capabilities so that diagnosis of unruptured ectopic pregnancy becomes feasible and even mandatory. Side by side our understanding of the natural history of ectopic pregnancy improved. Many patients with early-resolving ectopic pregnancies escape surgical treatment. Preservation of future fertility became possible with the introduction of conservative surgical procedures and with the use of methotrexate. The main achievement in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy over the past 110 years is the dramatic decrease in mortality rate: from 72-90% in 1880 to 0.14% in 1990.

Survival Pattern of Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients in the Last 25 Years in Lebanon.

PubMed

Massoud, Marcel; Kerbage, Fouad; Nehme, Joseph; Sakr, Riwa; Rached, Layale; Zeghondy, Jean; Nasr, Fady; Chahine, Georges

2017-07-01

After the emergence of combination chemotherapy in 1960s, survival of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has dramatically improved worldwide. We lack studies that document the favorable evolution of survival regarding this disease in Lebanon. To compare the overall survival in HL over 3 different decades in Lebanon. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 196 patients diagnosed with HL, treated and followed from 1990 to 2015 in our center. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to period of analysis: group A (1990-1999), group B (2000-2009), and group C (2010-2015). We studied the characteristics and survival patterns of patients in each group. The male-to-female sex ratio was 1.06. The median age at diagnosis was 33 years in group A, 30.4 in group B, and 33.12 in group C (P = .6). Results showed variations in the subtypes of the disease according to the following: nodular-sclerosis HL 59.5% in group A, 76.2% in group B, and 85.4% in group C. Mixed cellularity HL 21.6% in group A, 2.4% in group B, and 73.7% in group C (P = .0001). Patients presented with localized disease in 58.6%, 73.7%, and 56.4% in groups A, B, and C, respectively (P = .173). Complete remission was achieved in 76.5% in group A, 85.3% in group B, and 69.5% in group C (P = .007). The survival rate at 5 years in group A was 91%, 94% in group B, and 100% in group C. The survival of patients with HL has dramatically improved over the past 25 years in Lebanon. These results resemble those achieved in Western countries due to the fast adoption of new molecular imaging technologies at diagnosis and follow-up and the rapid approval of new drugs for relapse in the Lebanese market. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effects of a Video-Based Economics Unit on the Learning Outcomes of Third Graders.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sweeney, Jo Ann Cutler; Baines, Lawrence

1993-01-01

Reports on a study of learning achievement in economics among five groups of third-grade students using the videotape instructional program, "Econ and Me." Finds that, although students achieved some level of content mastery, the overall results were not as dramatic as had been expected. Calls for further research into transfer of…

Gamed by the System: Adequate Yearly Progress as an Indicator of Persistently Low-Achieving School Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hochbein, Craig; Mitchell, Amanda M.; Pollio, Martin

2013-01-01

The recent policy focus on the turnaround of persistently low-achieving schools has generated considerable debate about the reforms needed to dramatically and quickly increase school performance. The purpose of this article is not to focus on specific turnaround interventions, but rather on the identification of schools slated to receive these…

Highly stable field emission from ZnO nanowire field emitters controlled by an amorphous indium–gallium–zinc-oxide thin film transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaojie; Wang, Ying; Zhang, Zhipeng; Ou, Hai; She, Juncong; Deng, Shaozhi; Xu, Ningsheng; Chen, Jun

2018-04-01

Lowering the driving voltage and improving the stability of nanowire field emitters are essential for them to be applied in devices. In this study the characteristics of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire field emitter arrays (FEAs) controlled by an amorphous indium–gallium–zinc-oxide thin film transistor (a-IGZO TFT) were studied. A low driving voltage along with stabilization of the field emission current were achieved. Modulation of field emission currents up to three orders of magnitude was achieved at a gate voltage of 0–32 V for a constant anode voltage. Additionally, a-IGZO TFT control can dramatically reduce the emission current fluctuation (i.e., from 46.11 to 1.79% at an emission current of ∼3.7 µA). Both the a-IGZO TFT and ZnO nanowire FEAs were prepared on glass substrates in our research, demonstrating the feasibility of realizing large area a-IGZO TFT-controlled ZnO nanowire FEAs.

Extreme Light Management in Mesoporous Wood Cellulose Paper for Optoelectronics.

PubMed

Zhu, Hongli; Fang, Zhiqiang; Wang, Zhu; Dai, Jiaqi; Yao, Yonggang; Shen, Fei; Preston, Colin; Wu, Wenxin; Peng, Peng; Jang, Nathaniel; Yu, Qingkai; Yu, Zongfu; Hu, Liangbing

2016-01-26

Wood fibers possess natural unique hierarchical and mesoporous structures that enable a variety of new applications beyond their traditional use. We dramatically modulate the propagation of light through random network of wood fibers. A highly transparent and clear paper with transmittance >90% and haze <1.0% applicable for high-definition displays is achieved. By altering the morphology of the same wood fibers that form the paper, highly transparent and hazy paper targeted for other applications such as solar cell and antiglare coating with transmittance >90% and haze >90% is also achieved. A thorough investigation of the relation between the mesoporous structure and the optical properties in transparent paper was conducted, including full-spectrum optical simulations. We demonstrate commercially competitive multitouch touch screen with clear paper as a replacement for plastic substrates, which shows excellent process compatibility and comparable device performance for commercial applications. Transparent cellulose paper with tunable optical properties is an emerging photonic material that will realize a range of much improved flexible electronics, photonics, and optoelectronics.

Development of the Advanced Energetic Pair Telescope (AdEPT) for Medium-Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunter, Stanley D.; Bloser, Peter F.; Dion, Michael P.; McConnell, Mark L.; deNolfo, Georgia A.; Son, Seunghee; Ryan, James M.; Stecker, Floyd W.

2011-01-01

Progress in high-energy gamma-ray science has been dramatic since the launch of INTEGRAL, AGILE and FERMI. These instruments, however, are not optimized for observations in the medium-energy (approx.0.3< E(sub gamma)< approx.200 MeV) regime where many astrophysical objects exhibit unique, transitory behavior, such as spectral breaks, bursts, and flares. We outline some of the major science goals of a medium-energy mission. These science goals are best achieved with a combination of two telescopes, a Compton telescope and a pair telescope, optimized to provide significant improvements in angular resolution and sensitivity. In this paper we describe the design of the Advanced Energetic Pair Telescope (AdEPT) based on the Three-Dimensional Track Imager (3-DTI) detector. This technology achieves excellent, medium-energy sensitivity, angular resolution near the kinematic limit, and gamma-ray polarization sensitivity, by high resolution 3-D electron tracking. We describe the performance of a 30x30x30 cm3 prototype of the AdEPT instrument.

Increasing magnetite contents of polymeric magnetic particles dramatically improves labeling of neural stem cell transplant populations.

PubMed

Adams, Christopher F; Rai, Ahmad; Sneddon, Gregor; Yiu, Humphrey H P; Polyak, Boris; Chari, Divya M

2015-01-01

Safe and efficient delivery of therapeutic cells to sites of injury/disease in the central nervous system is a key goal for the translation of clinical cell transplantation therapies. Recently, 'magnetic cell localization strategies' have emerged as a promising and safe approach for targeted delivery of magnetic particle (MP) labeled stem cells to pathology sites. For neuroregenerative applications, this approach is limited by the lack of available neurocompatible MPs, and low cell labeling achieved in neural stem/precursor populations. We demonstrate that high magnetite content, self-sedimenting polymeric MPs [unfunctionalized poly(lactic acid) coated, without a transfecting component] achieve efficient labeling (≥90%) of primary neural stem cells (NSCs)-a 'hard-to-label' transplant population of major clinical relevance. Our protocols showed high safety with respect to key stem cell regenerative parameters. Critically, labeled cells were effectively localized in an in vitro flow system by magnetic force highlighting the translational potential of the methods used. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A new cooperative MIMO scheme based on SM for energy-efficiency improvement in wireless sensor network.

PubMed

Peng, Yuyang; Choi, Jaeho

2014-01-01

Improving the energy efficiency in wireless sensor networks (WSN) has attracted considerable attention nowadays. The multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technique has been proved as a good candidate for improving the energy efficiency, but it may not be feasible in WSN which is due to the size limitation of the sensor node. As a solution, the cooperative multiple-input multiple-output (CMIMO) technique overcomes this constraint and shows a dramatically good performance. In this paper, a new CMIMO scheme based on the spatial modulation (SM) technique named CMIMO-SM is proposed for energy-efficiency improvement. We first establish the system model of CMIMO-SM. Based on this model, the transmission approach is introduced graphically. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme, a detailed analysis in terms of energy consumption per bit of the proposed scheme compared with the conventional CMIMO is presented. Later, under the guide of this new scheme we extend our proposed CMIMO-SM to a multihop clustered WSN for further achieving energy efficiency by finding an optimal hop-length. Equidistant hop as the traditional scheme will be compared in this paper. Results from the simulations and numerical experiments indicate that by the use of the proposed scheme, significant savings in terms of total energy consumption can be achieved. Combining the proposed scheme with monitoring sensor node will provide a good performance in arbitrary deployed WSN such as forest fire detection system.

Balance training using an interactive game to enhance the use of the affected side after stroke.

PubMed

Ciou, Shih-Hsiang; Hwang, Yuh-Shyan; Chen, Chih-Chen; Chen, Shih-Ching; Chou, Shih-Wei; Chen, Yu-Luen

2015-12-01

[Purpose] Stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases are major causes of adult mobility problems. Because stroke immobilizes the affected body part, balance training uses the healthy body part to complete the target movement. The muscle utilization rate on the stroke affected side is often reduced which further hinders affected side functional recovery in rehabilitation. [Subjects and Methods] This study tested a newly-developed interactive device with two force plates to measuring right and left side centers of pressure, to establish its efficacy in the improvement of the static standing ability of patients with hemiplegia. An interactive virtual reality game with different side reaction ratios was used to improve patient balance. The feasibility of the proposed approach was experimentally demonstrated. [Results] Although the non-affected-side is usually used to support the body weight in the standing position, under certain circumstances the patients could switch to using the affected side. A dramatic improvement in static standing balance control was achieved in the eyes open condition. [Conclusion] The proposed dual force plate technique used in this study separately measured the affected and non-affected-side centers of pressure. Based on this approach, different side ratio integration was achieved using an interactive game that helped stroke patients improve balance on the affected side. Only the patient who had suffered stroke relatively recently benefited significantly. The proposed technique is of little benefit for patients whose mobility has stagnated to a certain level.

Vendor management: a model for collaboration and quality improvement.

PubMed

Friedman, M D; Bailit, M H; Michel, J O

1995-11-01

The Massachusetts Medicaid agency, also known as the Division of Medical Assistance, has developed a quality-driven approach for managing its managed care suppliers. Such an approach has, as its foundation, principles of continuous quality improvement (CQI). Suppliers participate in an annual process whereby CQI goals are negotiated between the division and its suppliers. The division then works with suppliers to achieve such goals. A cornerstone of the division's approach is the notion that data can highlight an unlimited number of opportunities for improvement and that pursuit of such opportunities will ultimately result in meaningful improvements in the health status of recipients who are served by the division. The agency's approach involves five key steps: 1) the development of contractual terms and purchasing specifications; 2) the identification of improvement priorities; 3) the negotiation of improvement goals; 4) efforts directed at meeting improvement goals and measurement of success; and 5) collaboration to achieve mutual objectives. Overall, suppliers report many benefits of collaborative participation in CQI activities with the division. Suppliers have enhanced their understanding of the importance of meeting the needs of the customer and have further accrued benefits resulting from discussions with managed care vendors throughout the site regarding benchmarking of efforts and CQI efforts. Conversely, suppliers are challenged by the need to balance and allocate resources to meet increasing demands, which are not always consistent, from various purchasers, including the division. The division has been challenged in the evolution of its contract management strategy by an uneven level of knowledge among managed care vendors regarding CQI; goal setting and measurement issues; the length of time and level of effort required to develop good relationships with suppliers; and the critical importance of comparable, valid, and timely submission of data. Over the last three years, the division has seen a dramatic increase in the responsiveness of managed care suppliers to meet its needs as a purchaser. Specifically, this has been expressed through supplier ability to meet mutually negotiated improvement goals. The division is also pleased that it is beginning to achieve some measurable improvements in outcomes of care.

Strengthening of accountability systems to create healthy food environments and reduce global obesity.

PubMed

Swinburn, Boyd; Kraak, Vivica; Rutter, Harry; Vandevijvere, Stefanie; Lobstein, Tim; Sacks, Gary; Gomes, Fabio; Marsh, Tim; Magnusson, Roger

2015-06-20

To achieve WHO's target to halt the rise in obesity and diabetes, dramatic actions are needed to improve the healthiness of food environments. Substantial debate surrounds who is responsible for delivering effective actions and what, specifically, these actions should entail. Arguments are often reduced to a debate between individual and collective responsibilities, and between hard regulatory or fiscal interventions and soft voluntary, education-based approaches. Genuine progress lies beyond the impasse of these entrenched dichotomies. We argue for a strengthening of accountability systems across all actors to substantially improve performance on obesity reduction. In view of the industry opposition and government reluctance to regulate for healthier food environments, quasiregulatory approaches might achieve progress. A four step accountability framework (take the account, share the account, hold to account, and respond to the account) is proposed. The framework identifies multiple levers for change, including quasiregulatory and other approaches that involve government-specified and government-monitored progress of private sector performance, government procurement mechanisms, improved transparency, monitoring of actions, and management of conflicts of interest. Strengthened accountability systems would support government leadership and stewardship, constrain the influence of private sector actors with major conflicts of interest on public policy development, and reinforce the engagement of civil society in creating demand for healthy food environments and in monitoring progress towards obesity action objectives. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NASA Fixed Wing Project: Green Technologies for Future Aircraft Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Del Rosario, Ruben; Koudelka, John M.; Wahls, Rich; Madavan, Nateri

2014-01-01

Commercial aviation relies almost entirely on subsonic fixed wing aircraft to constantly move people and goods from one place to another across the globe. While air travel is an effective means of transportation providing an unmatched combination of speed and range, future subsonic aircraft must improve substantially to meet efficiency and environmental targets.The NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Fixed Wing (FW) Project addresses the comprehensive challenge of enabling revolutionary energy efficiency improvements in subsonic transport aircraft combined with dramatic reductions in harmful emissions and perceived noise to facilitate sustained growth of the air transportation system. Advanced technologies and the development of unconventional aircraft systems offer the potential to achieve these improvements. Multidisciplinary advances are required in aerodynamic efficiency to reduce drag, structural efficiency to reduce aircraft empty weight, and propulsive and thermal efficiency to reduce thrust-specific energy consumption (TSEC) for overall system benefit. Additionally, advances are required to reduce perceived noise without adversely affecting drag, weight, or TSEC, and to reduce harmful emissions without adversely affecting energy efficiency or noise.The paper will highlight the Fixed Wing project vision of revolutionary systems and technologies needed to achieve these challenging goals. Specifically, the primary focus of the FW Project is on the N+3 generation; that is, vehicles that are three generations beyond the current state of the art, requiring mature technology solutions in the 2025-30 timeframe

Ultrasensitive aptamer-based protein detection via a dual amplified biocatalytic strategy

PubMed Central

Xiang, Yun; Zhang, Yuyong; Qian, Xiaoqing; Chai, Yaqin; Wang, Joseph; Yuan, Ruo

2010-01-01

We present an ultrasensitive aptasensor for electronic monitoring of proteins through a dual amplified strategy in this paper. The target protein thrombin is sandwiched between an electrode surface confined aptamer and an aptamer-enzyme-carbon nanotube bioconjugate. The analytical signal amplification is achieved by coupling the signal amplification nature of multiple enzymes with the biocatalytic signal enhancement of redox-recycling. Our novel dramatic signal amplification strategy, with a detection limit of 8.3 fM, shows about 4 orders of magnitude improvement in sensitivity for thrombin detection compared to other universal single enzyme-based assay. This makes our approach an attractive alternative to other common PCR-based signal amplification in ultralow level of protein detection. PMID:20452761

Coherent Pound-Drever-Hall technique for high resolution fiber optic strain sensor at very low light power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Mengxin; Liu, Qingwen; Chen, Jiageng; He, Zuyuan

2017-04-01

Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) technique has been widely adopted for ultrahigh resolution fiber-optic sensors, but its performance degenerates seriously as the light power drops. To solve this problem, we developed a coherent PDH technique for weak optical signal detection, with which the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of demodulated PDH signal is dramatically improved. In the demonstrational experiments, a high resolution fiber-optic sensor using the proposed technique is realized, and n"-order strain resolution at a low light power down to -43 dBm is achieved, which is about 15 dB lower compared with classical PDH technique. The proposed coherent PDH technique has great potentials in longer distance and larger scale sensor networks.

Enhanced Charge Extraction of Li-Doped TiO₂ for Efficient Thermal-Evaporated Sb₂S₃ Thin Film Solar Cells.

PubMed

Lan, Chunfeng; Luo, Jingting; Lan, Huabin; Fan, Bo; Peng, Huanxin; Zhao, Jun; Sun, Huibin; Zheng, Zhuanghao; Liang, Guangxing; Fan, Ping

2018-02-28

We provided a new method to improve the efficiency of Sb₂S₃ thin film solar cells. The TiO₂ electron transport layers were doped by lithium to improve their charge extraction properties for the thermal-evaporated Sb₂S₃ solar cells. The Mott-Schottky curves suggested a change of energy band and faster charge transport in the Li-doped TiO₂ films. Compared with the undoped TiO₂, Li-doped mesoporous TiO₂ dramatically improved the photo-voltaic performance of the thermal-evaporated Sb₂S₃ thin film solar cells, with the average power conversion efficiency ( PCE ) increasing from 1.79% to 4.03%, as well as the improved open-voltage ( V oc ), short-circuit current ( J sc ) and fill factors. The best device based on Li-doped TiO₂ achieved a power conversion efficiency up to 4.42% as well as a V oc of 0.645 V, which are the highest values among the reported thermal-evaporated Sb₂S₃ solar cells. This study showed that Li-doping on TiO₂ can effectively enhance the charge extraction properties of electron transport layers, offering a new strategy to improve the efficiency of Sb₂S₃-based solar cells.

BROCCOLI: Software for fast fMRI analysis on many-core CPUs and GPUs

PubMed Central

Eklund, Anders; Dufort, Paul; Villani, Mattias; LaConte, Stephen

2014-01-01

Analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data is becoming ever more computationally demanding as temporal and spatial resolutions improve, and large, publicly available data sets proliferate. Moreover, methodological improvements in the neuroimaging pipeline, such as non-linear spatial normalization, non-parametric permutation tests and Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo approaches, can dramatically increase the computational burden. Despite these challenges, there do not yet exist any fMRI software packages which leverage inexpensive and powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) to perform these analyses. Here, we therefore present BROCCOLI, a free software package written in OpenCL (Open Computing Language) that can be used for parallel analysis of fMRI data on a large variety of hardware configurations. BROCCOLI has, for example, been tested with an Intel CPU, an Nvidia GPU, and an AMD GPU. These tests show that parallel processing of fMRI data can lead to significantly faster analysis pipelines. This speedup can be achieved on relatively standard hardware, but further, dramatic speed improvements require only a modest investment in GPU hardware. BROCCOLI (running on a GPU) can perform non-linear spatial normalization to a 1 mm3 brain template in 4–6 s, and run a second level permutation test with 10,000 permutations in about a minute. These non-parametric tests are generally more robust than their parametric counterparts, and can also enable more sophisticated analyses by estimating complicated null distributions. Additionally, BROCCOLI includes support for Bayesian first-level fMRI analysis using a Gibbs sampler. The new software is freely available under GNU GPL3 and can be downloaded from github (https://github.com/wanderine/BROCCOLI/). PMID:24672471

Dramatic response to levetiracetam in post-ischaemic Holmes’ tremor

PubMed Central

Striano, P; Elefante, Andrea; Coppola, Antonietta; Tortora, Fabio; Zara, Federico; Minetti, Carlo

2009-01-01

Holmes’ tremor refers to an unusual combination of rest, postural and kinetic tremor of extremities. Common causes of Holmes’ tremor include stroke, trauma, vascular malformations and multiple sclerosis, with lesions involving the thalamus, brain stem or cerebellum. Although some drugs (eg, levodopa and dopaminergic drugs, clonazepam and propranolol) have been occasionally reported to give some benefit, medical treatment of Holmes’ tremor is unsatisfactory, and many patients require thalamic surgery to achieve satisfactory control. We report a patient in whom post-ischaemic Holmes’ tremor dramatically responded to levetiracetam treatment. PMID:21686707

The future of spine surgery: New horizons in the treatment of spinal disorders

PubMed Central

Kazemi, Noojan; Crew, Laura K.; Tredway, Trent L.

2013-01-01

Background and Methods: As with any evolving surgical discipline, it is difficult to predict the future of the practice and science of spine surgery. In the last decade, there have been dramatic developments in both the techniques as well as the tools employed in the delivery of better outcomes to patients undergoing such surgery. In this article, we explore four specific areas in spine surgery: namely the role of minimally invasive spine surgery; motion preservation; robotic-aided surgery and neuro-navigation; and the use of biological substances to reduce the number of traditional and revision spine surgeries. Results: Minimally invasive spine surgery has flourished in the last decade with an increasing amount of surgeries being performed for a wide variety of degenerative, traumatic, and neoplastic processes. Particular progress in the development of a direct lateral approach as well as improvement of tubular retractors has been achieved. Improvements in motion preservation techniques have led to a significant number of patients achieving arthroplasty where fusion was the only option previously. Important caveats to the indications for arthroplasty are discussed. Both robotics and neuro-navigation have become further refined as tools to assist in spine surgery and have been demonstrated to increase accuracy in spinal instrumentation placement. There has much debate and refinement in the use of biologically active agents to aid and augment function in spine surgery. Biological agents targeted to the intervertebral disc space could increase function and halt degeneration in this anatomical region. Conclusions: Great improvements have been achieved in developing better techniques and tools in spine surgery. It is envisaged that progress in the four focus areas discussed will lead to better outcomes and reduced burdens on the future of both our patients and the health care system. PMID:23653885

Sensor-Based Vibration Signal Feature Extraction Using an Improved Composite Dictionary Matching Pursuit Algorithm

PubMed Central

Cui, Lingli; Wu, Na; Wang, Wenjing; Kang, Chenhui

2014-01-01

This paper presents a new method for a composite dictionary matching pursuit algorithm, which is applied to vibration sensor signal feature extraction and fault diagnosis of a gearbox. Three advantages are highlighted in the new method. First, the composite dictionary in the algorithm has been changed from multi-atom matching to single-atom matching. Compared to non-composite dictionary single-atom matching, the original composite dictionary multi-atom matching pursuit (CD-MaMP) algorithm can achieve noise reduction in the reconstruction stage, but it cannot dramatically reduce the computational cost and improve the efficiency in the decomposition stage. Therefore, the optimized composite dictionary single-atom matching algorithm (CD-SaMP) is proposed. Second, the termination condition of iteration based on the attenuation coefficient is put forward to improve the sparsity and efficiency of the algorithm, which adjusts the parameters of the termination condition constantly in the process of decomposition to avoid noise. Third, composite dictionaries are enriched with the modulation dictionary, which is one of the important structural characteristics of gear fault signals. Meanwhile, the termination condition of iteration settings, sub-feature dictionary selections and operation efficiency between CD-MaMP and CD-SaMP are discussed, aiming at gear simulation vibration signals with noise. The simulation sensor-based vibration signal results show that the termination condition of iteration based on the attenuation coefficient enhances decomposition sparsity greatly and achieves a good effect of noise reduction. Furthermore, the modulation dictionary achieves a better matching effect compared to the Fourier dictionary, and CD-SaMP has a great advantage of sparsity and efficiency compared with the CD-MaMP. The sensor-based vibration signals measured from practical engineering gearbox analyses have further shown that the CD-SaMP decomposition and reconstruction algorithm is feasible and effective. PMID:25207870

Sensor-based vibration signal feature extraction using an improved composite dictionary matching pursuit algorithm.

PubMed

Cui, Lingli; Wu, Na; Wang, Wenjing; Kang, Chenhui

2014-09-09

This paper presents a new method for a composite dictionary matching pursuit algorithm, which is applied to vibration sensor signal feature extraction and fault diagnosis of a gearbox. Three advantages are highlighted in the new method. First, the composite dictionary in the algorithm has been changed from multi-atom matching to single-atom matching. Compared to non-composite dictionary single-atom matching, the original composite dictionary multi-atom matching pursuit (CD-MaMP) algorithm can achieve noise reduction in the reconstruction stage, but it cannot dramatically reduce the computational cost and improve the efficiency in the decomposition stage. Therefore, the optimized composite dictionary single-atom matching algorithm (CD-SaMP) is proposed. Second, the termination condition of iteration based on the attenuation coefficient is put forward to improve the sparsity and efficiency of the algorithm, which adjusts the parameters of the termination condition constantly in the process of decomposition to avoid noise. Third, composite dictionaries are enriched with the modulation dictionary, which is one of the important structural characteristics of gear fault signals. Meanwhile, the termination condition of iteration settings, sub-feature dictionary selections and operation efficiency between CD-MaMP and CD-SaMP are discussed, aiming at gear simulation vibration signals with noise. The simulation sensor-based vibration signal results show that the termination condition of iteration based on the attenuation coefficient enhances decomposition sparsity greatly and achieves a good effect of noise reduction. Furthermore, the modulation dictionary achieves a better matching effect compared to the Fourier dictionary, and CD-SaMP has a great advantage of sparsity and efficiency compared with the CD-MaMP. The sensor-based vibration signals measured from practical engineering gearbox analyses have further shown that the CD-SaMP decomposition and reconstruction algorithm is feasible and effective.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis: An update on disease burden, diagnosis and treatment.

PubMed

Lange, Christoph; Chesov, Dumitru; Heyckendorf, Jan; Leung, Chi C; Udwadia, Zarir; Dheda, Keertan

2018-04-11

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the leading cause of mortality due to a single microbial pathogen worldwide, represents a growing threat to public health and economic growth. The global burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has recently increased by an annual rate of more than 20%. According to the World Health Organization approximately only half of all patients treated for MDR-TB achieved a successful outcome. For many years, patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) have received standardized treatment regimens, thereby accelerating the development of MDR-TB through drug-specific resistance amplification. Comprehensive drug susceptibility testing (phenotypic and/or genotypic) is necessary to inform physicians about the best drugs to treat individual patients with tailor-made treatment regimens. Phenotypic drug resistance can now often, but with variable sensitivity, be predicted by molecular drug susceptibility testing based on whole genome sequencing, which in the future could become an affordable method for the guidance of treatment decisions, especially in high-burden/resource-limited settings. More recently, MDR-TB treatment outcomes have dramatically improved with the use of bedaquiline-based regimens. Ongoing clinical trials with novel and repurposed drugs will potentially further improve cure-rates, and may substantially decrease the duration of MDR-TB treatment necessary to achieve relapse-free cure. © 2018 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted cyclic acetals based polymer networks with non-water-swellable, biodegradable and surface hydrophilic properties.

PubMed

Yin, Ruixue; Zhang, Nan; Wu, Wentao; Wang, Kemin

2016-05-01

Cyclic acetals based biomaterial without acidic products during hydrolytic degradation is a promising candidate for tissue engineering applications; however, low hydrophilicity is still one limitation for its biomedical application. In this work, we aim to achieve non-water-swellable cyclic acetal networks with improved hydrophilicity and surface wettability by copolymerization of cyclic acetal units based monomer, 5-ethyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-β,β-dimethyl-1, 3-dioxane-2-ethanol diacrylate (EHD) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) monoacrylate (mPEGA) under UV irradiation, to avoid swelling of conventional hydrogels which could limit their applicability in particular of the mechanical properties and geometry integrity. Various EHD/mPEGA networks were fabricated with different concentrations of mPEGA from 0 to 30%, and the results showed photopolymerization behavior, mechanical property and thermal stability could not be significantly affected by addition of mPEGA, while the surface hydrophilicity was dramatically improved with the increase of mPEGA and could achieve a water contact angle of 37° with 30% mPEGA concentration. The obtained EHD/mPEGA network had comparative degradation rate to the PECA hydrogels reported previously, and MTT assay indicated it was biocompatible to L929 cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Graphene-Reinforced Metal and Polymer Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasar, Ashish K.; Xiong, Guoping; Menezes, Pradeep L.

2018-03-01

Composites have tremendous applicability due to their excellent capabilities. The performance of composites mainly depends on the reinforcing material applied. Graphene is successful as an efficient reinforcing material due to its versatile as well as superior properties. Even at very low content, graphene can dramatically improve the properties of polymer and metal matrix composites. This article reviews the fabrication followed by mechanical and tribological properties of metal and polymer matrix composites filled with different kinds of graphene, including single-layer, multilayer, and functionalized graphene. Results reported to date in literature indicate that functionalized graphene or graphene oxide-polymer composites are promising materials offering significantly improved strength and frictional properties. A similar trend of improved properties has been observed in case of graphene-metal matrix composites. However, achieving higher graphene loading with uniform dispersion in metal matrix composites remains a challenge. Although graphene-reinforced composites face some challenges, such as understanding the graphene-matrix interaction or fabrication techniques, graphene-reinforced polymer and metal matrix composites have great potential for application in various fields due to their outstanding properties.

Graphene-Reinforced Metal and Polymer Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasar, Ashish K.; Xiong, Guoping; Menezes, Pradeep L.

2018-06-01

Composites have tremendous applicability due to their excellent capabilities. The performance of composites mainly depends on the reinforcing material applied. Graphene is successful as an efficient reinforcing material due to its versatile as well as superior properties. Even at very low content, graphene can dramatically improve the properties of polymer and metal matrix composites. This article reviews the fabrication followed by mechanical and tribological properties of metal and polymer matrix composites filled with different kinds of graphene, including single-layer, multilayer, and functionalized graphene. Results reported to date in literature indicate that functionalized graphene or graphene oxide-polymer composites are promising materials offering significantly improved strength and frictional properties. A similar trend of improved properties has been observed in case of graphene-metal matrix composites. However, achieving higher graphene loading with uniform dispersion in metal matrix composites remains a challenge. Although graphene-reinforced composites face some challenges, such as understanding the graphene-matrix interaction or fabrication techniques, graphene-reinforced polymer and metal matrix composites have great potential for application in various fields due to their outstanding properties.

High-Performance Ultrathin Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Silicon Solar Cells via Solution-Processed Interface Modification.

PubMed

Zhang, Jie; Zhang, Yinan; Song, Tao; Shen, Xinlei; Yu, Xuegong; Lee, Shuit-Tong; Sun, Baoquan; Jia, Baohua

2017-07-05

Organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells based on n-type crystalline silicon and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) exhibited promising efficiency along with a low-cost fabrication process. In this work, ultrathin flexible silicon substrates, with a thickness as low as tens of micrometers, were employed to fabricate hybrid solar cells to reduce the use of silicon materials. To improve the light-trapping ability, nanostructures were built on the thin silicon substrates by a metal-assisted chemical etching method (MACE). However, nanostructured silicon resulted in a large amount of surface-defect states, causing detrimental charge recombination. Here, the surface was smoothed by solution-processed chemical treatment to reduce the surface/volume ratio of nanostructured silicon. Surface-charge recombination was dramatically suppressed after surface modification with a chemical, associated with improved minority charge-carrier lifetime. As a result, a power conversion efficiency of 9.1% was achieved in the flexible hybrid silicon solar cells, with a substrate thickness as low as ∼14 μm, indicating that interface engineering was essential to improve the hybrid junction quality and photovoltaic characteristics of the hybrid devices.

Leveraging remote behavioral health interventions to improve medical outcomes and reduce costs.

PubMed

Pande, Reena L; Morris, Michael; Peters, Aimee; Spettell, Claire M; Feifer, Richard; Gillis, William

2015-02-01

The dramatic rise in healthcare expenditures calls for innovative and scalable strategies to achieve measurable, near-term improvements in health. Our objective was to determine whether a remotely delivered behavioral health intervention could improve medical health, reduce hospital admissions, and lower cost of care for individuals with a recent cardiovascular event. This retrospective observational cohort study included members of a commercial health plan referred to participate in AbilTo’s Cardiac Health Program. AbilTo is a national provider of telehealth, behavioral change programs for high risk medical populations. The program is an 8-week behavioral health intervention delivered by a licensed clinical social worker and a behavioral coach via phone or secure video. Among the 201 intervention and 180 comparison subjects, the study found that program participants had significantly fewer all-cause hospital admissions in 6 months (293 per 1000 persons/year vs 493 per 1000 persons/year in the comparison group) resulting in an adjusted percent reduction of 31% (P = .03), and significantly fewer total hospital days (1455 days per 1000 persons/year vs 3933 per 1000 persons/year) with an adjusted percent decline of 48% (P = .01). This resulted in an overall savings in the cost of care even after accounting for total program costs. Successful patient engagement in a national, remotely delivered behavioral health intervention can reduce medical utilization in a targeted cardiac population. A restored focus on tackling barriers to behavior change in order to improve medical health is an effective, achievable population health strategy for reducing health costs in the United States.

Comparison of Detection Limits of 4th Generation Combination HIV Antigen/Antibody, p24 Antigen and Viral Load Assays on Diverse HIV Isolates.

PubMed

Stone, Mars; Bainbridge, John; Sanchez, Ana M; Keating, Sheila M; Pappas, Andrea; Rountree, Wes; Todd, Chris; Bakkour, Sonia; Manak, Mark; Peel, Sheila A; Coombs, Robert W; Ramos, Eric M; Shriver, M Kathleen; Contestable, Paul; Nair, Sangeetha Vijaysri; Wilson, David H; Stengelin, Martin; Murphy, Gary; Hewlett, Indira; Denny, Thomas N; Busch, Michael P

2018-05-23

Detection of acute HIV infection is critical for HIV public health and diagnostics. Clinical 4 th generation antigen-antibody (Ag/Ab) combination (combo) and p24 Ag immunoassays have enhanced detection of acute infection compared to Ab alone assays, but require ongoing evaluation with currently circulating diverse subtypes. Genetically and geographically diverse HIV clinical isolates were used to assess clinical HIV diagnostic, blood screening and next generation assays. Blinded 300 member panels of 20 serially diluted well-characterized antibody negative HIV isolates were distributed to manufacturers and end-user labs to assess relative analytic sensitivity of currently approved and pre-approved clinical HIV 4 th generation Ag/Ab combo or p24 Ag alone immunoassays across diverse subtypes. The limits of virus detection (LODs) were estimated for different subtypes relative to confirmed viral loads. Analysis of immunoassay sensitivity was benchmarked against confirmed viral load measurements on the blinded panel. Based on the proportion of positive results on 300 observations all Ag/Ab combo and standard sensitivity p24 Ag assays performed similarly and within half log LODs, illustrating similar breadth of reactivity and diagnostic utility. Ultrasensitive p24 Ag assays achieved dramatically increased sensitivities, while the rapid combo-assays performed poorly. Similar performance of the different commercially available 4 th gen assays on diverse subtypes supports their use in broad geographic settings with locally circulating HIV clades and recombinant strains. Next generation pre-clinical ultrasensitive p24 Ag assays achieved dramatically improved sensitivity, while p24 Ag detection by rapid 4 th gen assays performed poorly. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Nonlinear pulse propagation in one-dimensional metal-dielectric multilayer stacks: ultrawide bandwidth optical limiting.

PubMed

Scalora, Michael; Mattiucci, Nadia; D'Aguanno, Giuseppe; Larciprete, MariaCristina; Bloemer, Mark J

2006-01-01

We numerically study the nonlinear optical properties of metal-dielectric photonic band gap structures in the pulsed regime. We exploit the high chi3 of copper metal to induce nonlinear effects such as broadband optical limiting, self-phase modulation, and unusual spectral narrowing of high intensity pulses. We show that in a single pass through a typical, chirped multilayer stack nonlinear transmittance and peak powers can be reduced by nearly two orders of magnitude compared to low light intensity levels across the entire visible range. Chirping dielectric layer thickness dramatically improves the linear transmittance through the stack and achieves large fields inside the copper to access the large nonlinearity. At the same time, the linear properties of the stack block most of the remaining electromagnetic spectrum.

Child accident prevention as a health promotion issue--how extensive is the problem and how far have A & E departments responded to the recommendations made?

PubMed

Ferguson, A

1994-10-01

Accidents to children are always a source of concern to any health care professional. Despite the wealth of evidence that suggests many of these accidents are preventable, the numbers of deaths and long-term disability have remained fairly constant. It would appear that only if all agencies and authorities who have a responsibility for the health and safety of children work closely together, to educate those caring for children, enforce legislation and pressure governments to improve the child's environment, will a dramatic reduction in accidents be achieved. Despite this, the Health of the Nation document looks solely towards an educational approach aimed at the general public with no apparent thought as to the effectiveness of this strategy.

FY 2007 Progress Report for Advanced Combustion Engine Technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None, None

2007-12-01

Advanced combustion engines have great potential for achieving dramatic energy efficiency improvements in light-duty vehicle applications, where it is suited to both conventional and hybrid- electric powertrain configurations. Light-duty vehicles with advanced combustion engines can compete directly with gasoline engine hybrid vehicles in terms of fuel economy and consumer-friendly driving characteristics; also, they are projected to have energy efficiencies that are competitive with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles when used in hybrid applications.Advanced engine technologies being researched and developed by the Advanced Combustion Engine R&D Sub-Program will also allow the use of hydrogen as a fuel in ICEs and will providemore » an energy-efficient interim hydrogen-based powertrain technology during the transition to hydrogen/fuelcell-powered transportation vehicles.« less

Enhanced Electrical Activation in In-Implanted Si 0.35Ge 0.65 by C Co-Doping

DOE PAGES

Feng, Ruixing; Kremer, Felipe; Sprouster, David J.; ...

2016-04-21

In this report, we have achieved a significant increase in the electrically active dopant fraction in Indium (In)-implanted Si 0.35Ge 0.65, by co-doping with the isovalent element Carbon (C). Electrical measurements have been correlated with X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine the electrical properties and the In atom lattice location. With C+In co-doping, the solid solubility of In in Si 0.35Ge 0.65 was at least tripled from between 0.02 and 0.06 at% to between 0.2 and 0.6 at% as a result of C–In pair formation, which suppressed In metal precipitation. A dramatic improvement of electrical properties was thus attained in themore » co-doped samples.« less

Emerging model systems for functional genomics analysis of Crassulacean acid metabolism

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hartwell, James; Dever, Louisa V.; Boxall, Susanna F.

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is one of three main pathways of photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation found in higher plants. It stands out for its ability to underpin dramatic improvements in plant water use efficiency, which in turn has led to a recent renaissance in CAM research. The current ease with which candidate CAM-associated genes and proteins can be identified through high-throughput sequencing has opened up a new horizon for the development of diverse model CAM species that are amenable to genetic manipulations. The adoption of these model CAM species is underpinning rapid advances in our understanding of the complete genemore » set for CAM. Here, we highlight recent breakthroughs in the functional characterisation of CAM genes that have been achieved through transgenic approaches.« less

Emerging model systems for functional genomics analysis of Crassulacean acid metabolism

DOE PAGES

Hartwell, James; Dever, Louisa V.; Boxall, Susanna F.

2016-04-12

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is one of three main pathways of photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation found in higher plants. It stands out for its ability to underpin dramatic improvements in plant water use efficiency, which in turn has led to a recent renaissance in CAM research. The current ease with which candidate CAM-associated genes and proteins can be identified through high-throughput sequencing has opened up a new horizon for the development of diverse model CAM species that are amenable to genetic manipulations. The adoption of these model CAM species is underpinning rapid advances in our understanding of the complete genemore » set for CAM. Here, we highlight recent breakthroughs in the functional characterisation of CAM genes that have been achieved through transgenic approaches.« less

Development of pixellated Ir-TESs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zen, Nobuyuki; Takahashi, Hiroyuki; Kunieda, Yuichi; Damayanthi, Rathnayaka M. T.; Mori, Fumiakira; Fujita, Kaoru; Nakazawa, Masaharu; Fukuda, Daiji; Ohkubo, Masataka

2006-04-01

We have been developing Ir-based pixellated superconducting transition edge sensors (TESs). In the area of material or astronomical applications, the sensor with few eV energy resolution and over 1000 pixels imaging property is desired. In order to achieve this goal, we have been analyzing signals from pixellated TESs. In the case of a 20 pixel array of Ir-TESs, with 45 μm×45 μm pixel sizes, the incident X-ray signals have been classified into 16 groups. We have applied numerical signal analysis. On the one hand, the energy resolution of our pixellated TES is strongly degraded. However, using pulse shape analysis, we can dramatically improve the resolution. Thus, we consider that the pulse signal analysis will lead this device to be used as a practical photon incident position identifying TES.

Driving out errors through tight integration between software and automation.

PubMed

Reifsteck, Mark; Swanson, Thomas; Dallas, Mary

2006-01-01

A clear case has been made for using clinical IT to improve medication safety, particularly bar-code point-of-care medication administration and computerized practitioner order entry (CPOE) with clinical decision support. The equally important role of automation has been overlooked. When the two are tightly integrated, with pharmacy information serving as a hub, the distinctions between software and automation become blurred. A true end-to-end medication management system drives out errors from the dockside to the bedside. Presbyterian Healthcare Services in Albuquerque has been building such a system since 1999, beginning by automating pharmacy operations to support bar-coded medication administration. Encouraged by those results, it then began layering on software to further support clinician workflow and improve communication, culminating with the deployment of CPOE and clinical decision support. This combination, plus a hard-wired culture of safety, has resulted in a dramatically lower mortality and harm rate that could not have been achieved with a partial solution.

Efficient Suppression of Electron–Hole Recombination in Oxygen-Deficient Hydrogen-Treated TiO2 Nanowires for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

There is an increasing level of interest in the use of black TiO2 prepared by thermal hydrogen treatments (H:TiO2) due to the potential to enhance both the photocatalytic and the light-harvesting properties of TiO2. Here, we examine oxygen-deficient H:TiO2 nanotube arrays that have previously achieved very high solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiencies due to incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) values of >90% for photoelectrochemical water splitting at only 0.4 V vs RHE under UV illumination. Our transient absorption (TA) mechanistic study provides strong evidence that the improved electrical properties of oxygen-deficient TiO2 enables remarkably efficient spatial separation of electron–hole pairs on the submicrosecond time scale at moderate applied bias, and this coupled to effective suppression of microsecond to seconds charge carrier recombination is the primary factor behind the dramatically improved photoelectrochemical activity. PMID:24376902

A high performance field-reversed configuration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Binderbauer, M. W.; Tajima, T.; Steinhauer, L. C.

2015-05-15

Conventional field-reversed configurations (FRCs), high-beta, prolate compact toroids embedded in poloidal magnetic fields, face notable stability and confinement concerns. These can be ameliorated by various control techniques, such as introducing a significant fast ion population. Indeed, adding neutral beam injection into the FRC over the past half-decade has contributed to striking improvements in confinement and stability. Further, the addition of electrically biased plasma guns at the ends, magnetic end plugs, and advanced surface conditioning led to dramatic reductions in turbulence-driven losses and greatly improved stability. Together, these enabled the build-up of a well-confined and dominant fast-ion population. Under such conditions,more » highly reproducible, macroscopically stable hot FRCs (with total plasma temperature of ∼1 keV) with record lifetimes were achieved. These accomplishments point to the prospect of advanced, beam-driven FRCs as an intriguing path toward fusion reactors. This paper reviews key results and presents context for further interpretation.« less

RXIO: Design and implementation of high performance RDMA-capable GridFTP

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tian, Yuan; Yu, Weikuan; Vetter, Jeffrey S.

2011-12-21

For its low-latency, high bandwidth, and low CPU utilization, Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) has established itself as an effective data movement technology in many networking environments. However, the transport protocols of grid run-time systems, such as GridFTP in Globus, are not yet capable of utilizing RDMA. In this study, we examine the architecture of GridFTP for the feasibility of enabling RDMA. An RDMA-capable XIO (RXIO) framework is designed and implemented to extend its XIO system and match the characteristics of RDMA. Our experimental results demonstrate that RDMA can significantly improve the performance of GridFTP, reducing the latency by 32%more » and increasing the bandwidth by more than three times. In achieving such performance improvements, RDMA dramatically cuts down CPU utilization of GridFTP clients and servers. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that RXIO can effectively exploit the benefits of RDMA for GridFTP. It offers a good prototype to further leverage GridFTP on wide-area RDMA networks.« less

Multiscale Modeling of Plasmon-Enhanced Power Conversion Efficiency in Nanostructured Solar Cells.

PubMed

Meng, Lingyi; Yam, ChiYung; Zhang, Yu; Wang, Rulin; Chen, GuanHua

2015-11-05

The unique optical properties of nanometallic structures can be exploited to confine light at subwavelength scales. This excellent light trapping is critical to improve light absorption efficiency in nanoscale photovoltaic devices. Here, we apply a multiscale quantum mechanics/electromagnetics (QM/EM) method to model the current-voltage characteristics and optical properties of plasmonic nanowire-based solar cells. The QM/EM method features a combination of first-principles quantum mechanical treatment of the photoactive component and classical description of electromagnetic environment. The coupled optical-electrical QM/EM simulations demonstrate a dramatic enhancement for power conversion efficiency of nanowire solar cells due to the surface plasmon effect of nanometallic structures. The improvement is attributed to the enhanced scattering of light into the photoactive layer. We further investigate the optimal configuration of the nanostructured solar cell. Our QM/EM simulation result demonstrates that a further increase of internal quantum efficiency can be achieved by scattering light into the n-doped region of the device.

High-efficiency and air-stable P3HT-based polymer solar cells with a new non-fullerene acceptor

PubMed Central

Holliday, Sarah; Ashraf, Raja Shahid; Wadsworth, Andrew; Baran, Derya; Yousaf, Syeda Amber; Nielsen, Christian B.; Tan, Ching-Hong; Dimitrov, Stoichko D.; Shang, Zhengrong; Gasparini, Nicola; Alamoudi, Maha; Laquai, Frédéric; Brabec, Christoph J.; Salleo, Alberto; Durrant, James R.; McCulloch, Iain

2016-01-01

Solution-processed organic photovoltaics (OPV) offer the attractive prospect of low-cost, light-weight and environmentally benign solar energy production. The highest efficiency OPV at present use low-bandgap donor polymers, many of which suffer from problems with stability and synthetic scalability. They also rely on fullerene-based acceptors, which themselves have issues with cost, stability and limited spectral absorption. Here we present a new non-fullerene acceptor that has been specifically designed to give improved performance alongside the wide bandgap donor poly(3-hexylthiophene), a polymer with significantly better prospects for commercial OPV due to its relative scalability and stability. Thanks to the well-matched optoelectronic and morphological properties of these materials, efficiencies of 6.4% are achieved which is the highest reported for fullerene-free P3HT devices. In addition, dramatically improved air stability is demonstrated relative to other high-efficiency OPV, showing the excellent potential of this new material combination for future technological applications. PMID:27279376

A study on improvement of discharge characteristic by using a transformer in a capacitively coupled plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Young-Cheol; Kim, Hyun-Jun; Lee, Hyo-Chang

In a plasma discharge system, the power loss at powered line, matching network, and other transmission line can affect the discharge characteristics such as the power transfer efficiency, voltage and current at powered electrode, and plasma density. In this paper, we propose a method to reduce power loss by using a step down transformer mounted between the matching network and the powered electrode in a capacitively coupled argon plasma. This step down transformer decreases the power loss by reducing the current flowing through the matching network and transmission line. As a result, the power transfer efficiency was increased about 5%–10%more » by using a step down transformer. However, the plasma density was dramatically increased compared to no transformer. This can be understood by the increase in ohmic heating and the decrease in dc-self bias. By simply mounting a transformer, improvement of discharge efficiency can be achieved in capacitively coupled plasmas.« less

Development and Processing Improvement of Aerospace Aluminum Alloys-Development of AL-Cu-Mg-Ag Alloy (2139)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cho, Alex; Lisagor, W. Barry; Bales, Thomas T.

2007-01-01

This final report supplement in presentation format describes a comprehensive multi-tasked contract study to continue the development of the silver bearing alloy now registered as aluminum alloy 2139 by the Aluminum Association. Two commercial scale ingots were processed into nominal plate gauges of two, four and six inches, and were extensively characterized in terms of metallurgical and crystallographic structure, and resulting mechanical properties. This report includes comparisons of the property combinations for this alloy and 2XXX and 7XXX alloys more widely used in high performance applications. Alloy 2139 shows dramatic improvement in all combinations of properties, moreover, the properties of this alloy are retained in all gauge thicknesses, contrary to typical reductions observed in thicker gauges of the other alloys in the comparison. The advancements achieved in this study are expected to result in rapid, widespread use of this alloy in a broad range of ground based, aircraft, and spacecraft applications.

Development of Thin-Walled Magnesium Alloy Extrusions for Improved Crash Performance Based Upon Texture Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Bruce W.; Agnew, Sean R.; Klein, Robert W.; McKinley, Jonathan

Recent investigations suggest that it is possible to achieve dramatic modifications to both strength and ductility of magnesium alloys through a combination of alloying, grain refinement, and texture control. The current work explores the possibility of altering the texture in extruded thin-walled magnesium alloy tubes for improved ductility during axial crush in which energy is absorbed through progressive buckling. The texture evolution was predicted using the viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) crystal plasticity model, with strain path input from continuum-based finite element simulations of extrusion. A limited diversity of textures can be induced by altering the strain path through the extrusion die design. In some cases, such as for simple bar extrusion, the textures predicted can be connected with simple shape change. In other cases, a subtle influence of strain path involving shear-reverse-shear is predicted. The most promising textures predicted for a variety of strain paths are selected for subsequent experimental study.

Large-scale structure perturbation theory without losing stream crossing

DOE PAGES

McDonald, Patrick; Vlah, Zvonimir

2018-01-10

Here, we suggest an approach to perturbative calculations of large-scale clustering in the Universe that includes from the start the stream crossing (multiple velocities for mass elements at a single position) that is lost in traditional calculations. Starting from a functional integral over displacement, the perturbative series expansion is in deviations from (truncated) Zel’dovich evolution, with terms that can be computed exactly even for stream-crossed displacements. We evaluate the one-loop formulas for displacement and density power spectra numerically in 1D, finding dramatic improvement in agreement with N-body simulations compared to the Zel’dovich power spectrum (which is exact in 1D upmore » to stream crossing). Beyond 1D, our approach could represent an improvement over previous expansions even aside from the inclusion of stream crossing, but we have not investigated this numerically. In the process we show how to achieve effective-theory-like regulation of small-scale fluctuations without free parameters.« less

Large-scale structure perturbation theory without losing stream crossing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McDonald, Patrick; Vlah, Zvonimir

Here, we suggest an approach to perturbative calculations of large-scale clustering in the Universe that includes from the start the stream crossing (multiple velocities for mass elements at a single position) that is lost in traditional calculations. Starting from a functional integral over displacement, the perturbative series expansion is in deviations from (truncated) Zel’dovich evolution, with terms that can be computed exactly even for stream-crossed displacements. We evaluate the one-loop formulas for displacement and density power spectra numerically in 1D, finding dramatic improvement in agreement with N-body simulations compared to the Zel’dovich power spectrum (which is exact in 1D upmore » to stream crossing). Beyond 1D, our approach could represent an improvement over previous expansions even aside from the inclusion of stream crossing, but we have not investigated this numerically. In the process we show how to achieve effective-theory-like regulation of small-scale fluctuations without free parameters.« less

Cryogenic sample exchange NMR probe for magic angle spinning dynamic nuclear polarization

PubMed Central

Barnes, Alexander B.; Mak-Jurkauskas, Melody L.; Matsuki, Yoh; Bajaj, Vikram S.; van der Wel, Patrick C. A.; DeRocher, Ronald; Bryant, Jeffrey; Sirigiri, Jagadishwar R.; Temkin, Richard J.; Lugtenburg, Johan; Herzfeld, Judith; Griffin, Robert G.

2009-01-01

We describe a cryogenic sample exchange system that dramatically improves the efficiency of magic angle spinning (MAS) dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiments by reducing the time required to change samples and by improving long-term instrument stability. Changing samples in conventional cryogenic MAS DNP/NMR experiments involves warming the probe to room temperature, detaching all cryogenic, RF, and microwave connections, removing the probe from the magnet, replacing the sample, and reversing all the previous steps, with the entire cycle requiring a few hours. The sample exchange system described here — which relies on an eject pipe attached to the front of the MAS stator and a vacuum jacketed dewar with a bellowed hole — circumvents these procedures. To demonstrate the excellent sensitivity, resolution, and stability achieved with this quadruple resonance sample exchange probe, we have performed high precision distance measurements on the active site of the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin. We also include a spectrum of the tripeptide N-f-MLF-OH at 100 K which shows 30 Hz linewidths. PMID:19356957

Target Tracking Using SePDAF under Ambiguous Angles for Distributed Array Radar.

PubMed

Long, Teng; Zhang, Honggang; Zeng, Tao; Chen, Xinliang; Liu, Quanhua; Zheng, Le

2016-09-09

Distributed array radar can improve radar detection capability and measurement accuracy. However, it will suffer cyclic ambiguity in its angle estimates according to the spatial Nyquist sampling theorem since the large sparse array is undersampling. Consequently, the state estimation accuracy and track validity probability degrades when the ambiguous angles are directly used for target tracking. This paper proposes a second probability data association filter (SePDAF)-based tracking method for distributed array radar. Firstly, the target motion model and radar measurement model is built. Secondly, the fusion result of each radar's estimation is employed to the extended Kalman filter (EKF) to finish the first filtering. Thirdly, taking this result as prior knowledge, and associating with the array-processed ambiguous angles, the SePDAF is applied to accomplish the second filtering, and then achieving a high accuracy and stable trajectory with relatively low computational complexity. Moreover, the azimuth filtering accuracy will be promoted dramatically and the position filtering accuracy will also improve. Finally, simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Group 1: General Education Teachers with Individual Value-Added Student Achievement Data. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2013

2013-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

The CRISPR-Cas9 technology: Closer to the ultimate toolkit for targeted genome editing.

PubMed

Quétier, Francis

2016-01-01

The first period of plant genome editing was based on Agrobacterium; chemical mutagenesis by EMS (ethyl methanesulfonate) and ionizing radiations; each of these technologies led to randomly distributed genome modifications. The second period is associated with the discoveries of homing and meganuclease enzymes during the 80s and 90s, which were then engineered to provide efficient tools for targeted editing. From 2006 to 2012, a few crop plants were successfully and precisely modified using zinc-finger nucleases. A third wave of improvement in genome editing, which led to a dramatic decrease in off-target events, was achieved in 2009-2011 with the TALEN technology. The latest revolution surfaced in 2013 with the CRISPR-Cas9 system, whose high efficiency and technical ease of use is really impressive; scientists can use in-house kits or commercially available kits; the only two requirements are to carefully choose the location of the DNA double strand breaks to be induced and then to order an oligonucleotide. While this close-to- ultimate toolkit for targeted editing of genomes represents dramatic scientific progress which allows the development of more complex useful agronomic traits through synthetic biology, the social acceptance of genome editing remains regularly questioned by anti-GMO citizens and organizations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measuring Recent Apparent Declines In Longevity: The Role Of Increasing Educational Attainment.

PubMed

Bound, John; Geronimus, Arline T; Rodriguez, Javier M; Waidmann, Timothy A

2015-12-01

Independent researchers have reported an alarming decline in life expectancy after 1990 among US non-Hispanic whites with less than a high school education. However, US educational attainment rose dramatically during the twentieth century; thus, focusing on changes in mortality rates of those not completing high school means looking at a different, shrinking, and increasingly vulnerable segment of the population in each year. We analyzed US data to examine the robustness of earlier findings categorizing education in terms of relative rank in the overall distribution of each birth cohort, instead of by credentials such as high school graduation. Estimating trends in mortality for the bottom quartile, we found little evidence that survival probabilities declined dramatically. We conclude that widely publicized estimates of worsening mortality rates among non-Hispanic whites with low socioeconomic position are highly sensitive to how educational attainment is classified. However, non-Hispanic whites with low socioeconomic position, especially women, are not sharing in improving life expectancy, and disparities between US blacks and whites are entrenched. Findings underscore the urgency of an agenda to equitably disseminate new medical technologies and to deepen knowledge of social determinants of health and how that knowledge can be applied, to promote the objective of achieving population health equity. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

Limiting technologies for particle beams and high energy physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panofsky, W. K. H.

1985-07-01

Since 1930 the energy of accelerators had grown by an order of magnitude roughly every 7 years. Like all exponential growths, be they human population, the size of computers, or anything else, this eventually will have to come to an end. When will this happen to the growth of the energy of particle accelerators and colliders? Fortunately, as the energy of accelerators has grown the cost per unit energy has decreased almost as fast as has the increase in energy. The result is that while the energy has increased so dramatically the cost per new installation has increased only by roughly an order of magnitude since the 1930's (corrected for inflation), while the number of accelerators operating at the frontier of the field has shrunk. As is shown in the by now familiar Livingston chart this dramatic decrease in cost has been achieved largely by a succession of new technologies, in addition to the more moderate gains in efficiency due to improved design, economies of scale, etc. We are therefore facing two questions: (1) Is there good reason scientifically to maintain the exponential growth, and (2) Are there new technologies in sight which promise continued decreases in unit costs. The answer to the first question is definitely yes; the answer to the second question is maybe.

Silica sol-gel encapsulation of cyanobacteria: lessons for academic and applied research.

PubMed

Dickson, David J; Ely, Roger L

2013-03-01

Cyanobacteria inhabit nearly every ecosystem on earth, play a vital role in nutrient cycling, and are useful as model organisms for fundamental research in photosynthesis and carbon and nitrogen fixation. In addition, they are important for several established biotechnologies for producing food additives, nutritional and pharmaceutical compounds, and pigments, as well as emerging biotechnologies for biofuels and other products. Encapsulation of living cyanobacteria into a porous silica gel matrix is a recent approach that may dramatically improve the efficiency of certain production processes by retaining the biomass within the reactor and modifying cellular metabolism in helpful ways. Although encapsulation has been explored empirically in the last two decades for a variety of cell types, many challenges remain to achieving optimal encapsulation of cyanobacteria in silica gel. Recent evidence with Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, for example, suggests that several unknown or uncharacterized proteins are dramatically upregulated as a result of encapsulation. Also, additives commonly used to ease stresses of encapsulating living cells, such as glycerol, have detrimental impacts on photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. This mini-review is intended to address the current status of research on silica sol-gel encapsulation of cyanobacteria and research areas that may further the development of this approach for biotechnology applications.

Real-time feedback can improve infant manikin cardiopulmonary resuscitation by up to 79%--a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Martin, Philip; Theobald, Peter; Kemp, Alison; Maguire, Sabine; Maconochie, Ian; Jones, Michael

2013-08-01

European and Advanced Paediatric Life Support training courses. Sixty-nine certified CPR providers. CPR providers were randomly allocated to a 'no-feedback' or 'feedback' group, performing two-thumb and two-finger chest compressions on a "physiological", instrumented resuscitation manikin. Baseline data was recorded without feedback, before chest compressions were repeated with one group receiving feedback. Indices were calculated that defined chest compression quality, based upon comparison of the chest wall displacement to the targets of four, internationally recommended parameters: chest compression depth, release force, chest compression rate and compression duty cycle. Baseline data were consistent with other studies, with <1% of chest compressions performed by providers simultaneously achieving the target of the four internationally recommended parameters. During the 'experimental' phase, 34 CPR providers benefitted from the provision of 'real-time' feedback which, on analysis, coincided with a statistical improvement in compression rate, depth and duty cycle quality across both compression techniques (all measures: p<0.001). Feedback enabled providers to simultaneously achieve the four targets in 75% (two-finger) and 80% (two-thumb) of chest compressions. Real-time feedback produced a dramatic increase in the quality of chest compression (i.e. from <1% to 75-80%). If these results transfer to a clinical scenario this technology could, for the first time, support providers in consistently performing accurate chest compressions during infant CPR and thus potentially improving clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fulcrum of Change: Leveraging 50 States to Turn around 5000 Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rhim, Lauren Morando; Redding, Sam

2011-01-01

In 2010, unprecedented levels of resources began to flow through state education agencies (SEAs) to support dramatic change in persistently low-performing schools under the expanded federal School Improvement Grant (SIG) program. The challenge for states is to leverage the federal investment to drive dramatic and sustainable change efforts in…

Review of cell performance in anion exchange membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dekel, Dario R.

2018-01-01

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have recently received increasing attention since in principle they allow for the use of non-precious metal catalysts, which dramatically reduces the cost per kilowatt of power in fuel cell devices. Until not long ago, the main barrier in the development of AEMFCs was the availability of highly conductive anion exchange membranes (AEMs); however, improvements on this front in the past decade show that newly developed AEMs have already reached high levels of conductivity, leading to satisfactory cell performance. In recent years, a growing number of research studies have reported AEMFC performance results. In the last three years, new records in performance were achieved. Most of the literature reporting cell performance is based on hydrogen-AEMFCs, although an increasing number of studies have also reported the use of fuels others than hydrogen - such as alcohols, non-alcohol C-based fuels, as well as N-based fuels. This article reviews the cell performance and performance stability achieved in AEMFCs through the years since the first reports in the early 2000s.

Improved performance of anodic titanium oxide nanotube arrays synthesized by sonoelectrochemical anodization method for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peighambardoust, Naeimeh-Sadat; Khameneh-Asl, Shahin; Azimi, Hamid

2017-05-01

With rising demand for using solar cell systems for energy and environmental applications, considerable interest in anode materials of these cells has dramatically emerged. In this work, TiO2 nanotubular electrodes of varying thicknesses as anode were fabricated using effective process in a short time by sonoelectrochemical anodizing of Ti using an organic electrolyte, containing Na2[H2EDTA]. Long TiO2 nanotubes about 30-40 μm thick containing ordered hexagonal TiO2 were achieved through manipulating anodization parameters. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with different TiO2 electrode morphologies of varying thicknesses were compared to DSSCs based on TiO2 Nanoparticle electrodes. The effect of controlling parameters of the sonoelectrochemical process including surface preparation and anodizing time was investigated. This report brings to attention the desirable properties of the structurally oriented TiO2 for dye-sensitized solar cell applications. It found that the best cell performance was achieved about 3.14% in the case of using TiO2 NT layers that were treated by TiCl4 treatment.

Energy-level alignment and open-circuit voltage at graphene/polymer interfaces: theory and experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noori, Keian; Konios, Dimitrios; Stylianakis, Minas M.; Kymakis, Emmanuel; Giustino, Feliciano

2016-03-01

Functionalized graphene promises to become a key component of novel solar cell architectures, owing to its versatile ability to act either as transparent conductor, electron acceptor, or buffer layer. In spite of this promise, the solar energy conversion efficiency of graphene-based devices falls short of the performance of competing solution-processable photovoltaic technologies. Here we address the question of the maximum achievable open-circuit voltage of all-organic graphene: polymer solar cells using a combined theoretical/experimental approach, going from the atomic scale level to the device level. Our calculations on very large atomistic models of the graphene/polymer interface indicate that the ideal open-circuit voltage approaches one volt, and that epoxide functional groups can have a dramatic effect on the photovoltage. Our predictions are confirmed by direct measurements on complete devices where we control the concentration of functional groups via chemical reduction. Our findings indicate that the selective removal of epoxide groups and the use of ultradisperse polymers are key to achieving graphene solar cells with improved energy conversion efficiency.

How to improve essential skills in introductory physics through brief, spaced, online practice.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heckler, Andrew; Mikula, Brendon

2017-01-01

We developed and implemented a set of online ``essential skills'' tasks to help students achieve and retain a core level of mastery and fluency in basic skills necessary for their coursework. The task design is based on our research on student understanding and difficulties as well as three well-established cognitive principles: 1) spaced practice, to promote retention, 2) interleaved practice, to promote the ability to recognize when the learned skill is needed, and 3) mastery practice mastery practice, to promote a base level of performance. We report on training on a variety of skills with vector math. Students spent a relatively small amount of time, 10-20 minutes in practice each week, answering relevant questions online until a mastery level was achieved. Results indicate significant and often dramatic gains, often with average gains of over one standard deviation. Notably, these large gains are retained at least several months after the final practice session, including for less-prepared students. Funding for this research was provided by the Center for Emergent Materials: an NSF MRSEC under Award Number DMR-1420451.

Recalcitrant eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of Ofuji with palmoplantar pustulosis: dramatic response to narrowband UVB phototherapy.

PubMed

Lim, Hua Liang; Chong, Wei-Sheng

2012-08-01

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of Ofuji is a recalcitrant disease typified by non-infective eosinophilic spongiosis involving the infundibular region of the hair follicle. We present a case of a 49-year-old Chinese man with known palmoplantar pustulosis and acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau which was promptly resolved with methotrexate therapy. He returned with an erythematous papulopustular eruption with coalescence to annular plaques, occurring over the face, chest and back with active palmoplantar pustulation. Histology from skin biopsy of the palmar lesion was in keeping with palmoplantar psoriasis, while biopsy of the facial and truncal lesions revealed florid perifollicular eosinophilic congregation diagnostic of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of Ofuji. Indomethacin was initiated with partial improvement of lesions with cyclical flares. A trial of narrowband ultraviolet-B phototherapy at a frequency of thrice weekly achieved sustained clearance of both eosinophilic pustular folliculitis and palmoplantar lesions. Indomethacin was tailed down and eventually discontinued with maintenance of narrowband ultraviolet-B therapy; this achieved successful control of the disease. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Fibrillar Adhesive for Climbing Robots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pamess, Aaron; White, Victor E.

2013-01-01

A climbing robot needs to use its adhesive patches over and over again as it scales a slope. Replacing the adhesive at each step is generally impractical. If the adhesive or attachment mechanism cannot be used repeatedly, then the robot must carry an extra load of this adhesive to apply a fresh layer with each move. Common failure modes include tearing, contamination by dirt, plastic deformation of fibers, and damage from loading/ unloading. A gecko-like fibrillar adhesive has been developed that has been shown useful for climbing robots, and may later prove useful for grasping, anchoring, and medical applications. The material consists of a hierarchical fibrillar structure that currently contains two levels, but may be extended to three or four levels in continuing work. The contacting level has tens of thousands of microscopic fibers made from a rubberlike material that bend over and create intimate contact with a surface to achieve maximum van der Waals forces. By maximizing the real area of contact that these fibers make and minimizing the bending energy necessary to achieve that contact, the net amount of adhesion has been improved dramatically.

Enhanced Charge Extraction of Li-Doped TiO2 for Efficient Thermal-Evaporated Sb2S3 Thin Film Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Lan, Chunfeng; Luo, Jingting; Lan, Huabin; Fan, Bo; Peng, Huanxin; Zhao, Jun; Sun, Huibin; Zheng, Zhuanghao; Liang, Guangxing; Fan, Ping

2018-01-01

We provided a new method to improve the efficiency of Sb2S3 thin film solar cells. The TiO2 electron transport layers were doped by lithium to improve their charge extraction properties for the thermal-evaporated Sb2S3 solar cells. The Mott-Schottky curves suggested a change of energy band and faster charge transport in the Li-doped TiO2 films. Compared with the undoped TiO2, Li-doped mesoporous TiO2 dramatically improved the photo-voltaic performance of the thermal-evaporated Sb2S3 thin film solar cells, with the average power conversion efficiency (PCE) increasing from 1.79% to 4.03%, as well as the improved open-voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Jsc) and fill factors. The best device based on Li-doped TiO2 achieved a power conversion efficiency up to 4.42% as well as a Voc of 0.645 V, which are the highest values among the reported thermal-evaporated Sb2S3 solar cells. This study showed that Li-doping on TiO2 can effectively enhance the charge extraction properties of electron transport layers, offering a new strategy to improve the efficiency of Sb2S3-based solar cells. PMID:29495612

Group 2: Grades 1-12 General Education Teachers without Individual Value-Added Student Achievement Data. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2013

2013-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Metal coordination polymer derived mesoporous Co3O4 nanorods with uniform TiO2 coating as advanced anodes for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, Hongbo; Ang, Huixiang; Ding, Xianguang; Tan, Huiteng; Guo, Guile; Qu, Genlong; Yang, Yonggang; Zheng, Junwei; Yan, Qingyu; Gu, Hongwei

2016-01-01

In this work, a one-dimensional Co3O4@TiO2 core-shell electrode material with superior electrochemical performance is fabricated by a convenient and controllable route. The approach involves two main steps: the homogeneous deposition of polydopamine and TiO2 layers in sequence on the cobalt coordination polymer and the thermal decomposition of the polymer matrix. The as-prepared electrode material can achieve excellent electrochemical properties and stability as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, such as a high specific capacity of 1279 mA h g-1, good cycling stability (around 803 mA h g-1 at a current density of 200 mA g-1 after 100 cycles), and stable rate performance (around 520 mA h g-1 at a current density of 1000 mA g-1). This dramatic electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the excellent structural characteristics, which could improve the electrical conductivity and lithium ion mobility, as well as electrolyte permeability and architectural stability during cycling.In this work, a one-dimensional Co3O4@TiO2 core-shell electrode material with superior electrochemical performance is fabricated by a convenient and controllable route. The approach involves two main steps: the homogeneous deposition of polydopamine and TiO2 layers in sequence on the cobalt coordination polymer and the thermal decomposition of the polymer matrix. The as-prepared electrode material can achieve excellent electrochemical properties and stability as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, such as a high specific capacity of 1279 mA h g-1, good cycling stability (around 803 mA h g-1 at a current density of 200 mA g-1 after 100 cycles), and stable rate performance (around 520 mA h g-1 at a current density of 1000 mA g-1). This dramatic electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the excellent structural characteristics, which could improve the electrical conductivity and lithium ion mobility, as well as electrolyte permeability and architectural stability during cycling. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08570e

Light and Shadows of the Korean Healthcare System

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

This article reviewed achievements and challenges of the National Health Insurance of the Republic of Korea and shared thoughts on its future directions. Starting with large workplaces of 500 or more employees in 1977, Korea's National Health Insurance successfully achieved universal coverage within just 12 yr in 1989. This amazing pace of growth was possible due to a positive combination of strong political will and rapid economic growth. Key features of Korea's experience in achieving universal coverage include 1) gradual expansion of coverage, 2) careful consideration to maintain sound insurance finances, and 3) introducing multiple health insurance societies (multiple payer system) at the initial stage. Introduction of the health insurance has dramatically improved Korea's health indicators and has fueled the rapid growth of basic medical infrastructure including medical institutions and professionals. On the other hand, the successful expansion was not free from side-effects. Although coverage has gradually expanded, benefits are still relatively low. The current situation warrants concern because coverage expansion is driven by welfare populism asserted by irresponsible political slogans and lacks a social consensus on basic principles and philosophy regarding the expansion. Concentration of patients to a few large prestigious hospitals as well as the inefficiencies resulting from a colossal single-payer system should also be pointed out. PMID:22661868

Light and shadows of the Korean healthcare system.

PubMed

Moon, Tai Joon

2012-05-01

This article reviewed achievements and challenges of the National Health Insurance of the Republic of Korea and shared thoughts on its future directions. Starting with large workplaces of 500 or more employees in 1977, Korea's National Health Insurance successfully achieved universal coverage within just 12 yr in 1989. This amazing pace of growth was possible due to a positive combination of strong political will and rapid economic growth. Key features of Korea's experience in achieving universal coverage include 1) gradual expansion of coverage, 2) careful consideration to maintain sound insurance finances, and 3) introducing multiple health insurance societies (multiple payer system) at the initial stage. Introduction of the health insurance has dramatically improved Korea's health indicators and has fueled the rapid growth of basic medical infrastructure including medical institutions and professionals. On the other hand, the successful expansion was not free from side-effects. Although coverage has gradually expanded, benefits are still relatively low. The current situation warrants concern because coverage expansion is driven by welfare populism asserted by irresponsible political slogans and lacks a social consensus on basic principles and philosophy regarding the expansion. Concentration of patients to a few large prestigious hospitals as well as the inefficiencies resulting from a colossal single-payer system should also be pointed out.

Dasatinib rapidly induces deep molecular response in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients who achieved major molecular response with detectable levels of BCR-ABL1 transcripts by imatinib therapy.

PubMed

Shiseki, Masayuki; Yoshida, Chikashi; Takezako, Naoki; Ohwada, Akira; Kumagai, Takashi; Nishiwaki, Kaichi; Horikoshi, Akira; Fukuda, Tetsuya; Takano, Hina; Kouzai, Yasuji; Tanaka, Junji; Morita, Satoshi; Sakamoto, Junichi; Sakamaki, Hisashi; Inokuchi, Koiti

2017-10-01

With the introduction of imatinib, a first-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) to inhibit BCR-ABL1 kinase, the outcome of chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) has improved dramatically. However, only a small proportion of CP-CML patients subsequently achieve a deep molecular response (DMR) with imatinib. Dasatinib, a second-generation TKI, is more potent than imatinib in the inhibition of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase in vitro and more effective in CP-CML patients who do not achieve an optimal response with imatinib treatment. In the present study, we attempted to investigate whether switching the treatment from imatinib to dasatinib can induce DMR in 16 CP-CML patients treated with imatinib for at least two years who achieved a major molecular response (MMR) with detectable levels of BCR-ABL1 transcripts. The rates of achievement of DMR at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after switching to dasatinib treatment in the 16 patients were 44% (7/16), 56% (9/16), 63% (10/16) and 75% (12/16), respectively. The cumulative rate of achieving DMR at 12 months from initiation of dasatinib therapy was 93.8% (15/16). The proportion of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells in peripheral lymphocytes increased after switching to dasatinib. In contrast, the proportion of regulatory T cells decreased during treatment. The safety profile of dasatinib was consistent with previous studies. Switching to dasatinib would be a therapeutic option for CP-CML patients who achieved MMR but not DMR by imatinib, especially for patients who wish to discontinue TKI therapy.

Childhood vaccination: achievements and challenges.

PubMed

Ndumbe, P

1996-09-01

As the goal of eradicating smallpox was being met, the World Health Organization created its Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in 1974 and reached its initial goal of achieving full vaccination of 80% of the world's children by 1990. This effort was aided by the creation of "cold chain" delivery systems and resulted in the annual saving of 3.5 million children in less-developed countries. Current EPI vaccination goals include 1) eradication of poliomyelitis by the year 2000, 2) elimination of neonatal tetanus by the year 1995, 3) control of measles and hepatitis B, and 4) immunization of 90% of the world's children 1 year or younger by the year 2000. Goals of the Children's Vaccine Initiative (formed in 1991) include 1) provision of an adequate supply of affordable, safe, and effective vaccines; 2) production of improved and new vaccines; and 3) simplification of the logistics of vaccine delivery. Future challenges are to sustain high vaccination coverage, reach the unreached, achieve proper storage of vaccines and reduce waste, integrate new vaccines into national programs, and achieve vaccine self-sufficiency. The fact that these challenges will be difficult to achieve is illustrated by the situation in Africa where the high immunization levels achieved in 1990 have dropped dramatically. Those who must act to implement immunization programs are health personnel, families, governments, and development partners. In order to achieve equity in health, every child must be reached, governments must be made accountable for programs, health workers must convince families of the importance of vaccination, delivery systems must be in place to take advantage of the new vaccines being delivered, and a multisectoral approach must be taken to assure sustainability.

A three-dimensional microelectrode array composed of vertically aligned ultra-dense carbon nanotube networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nick, C.; Yadav, S.; Joshi, R.; Schneider, J. J.; Thielemann, C.

2015-07-01

Electrodes based on carbon nanotubes are a promising approach to manufacture highly sensitive sensors with a low limit of signal detection and a high signal-to-noise ratio. This is achieved by dramatically increasing the electrochemical active surface area without increasing the overall geometrical dimensions. Typically, carbon nanotube electrodes are nearly planar and composed of randomly distributed carbon nanotube networks having a limited surface gain for a specific geometrical surface area. To overcome this limitation, we have introduced vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) networks as electrodes, which are arranged in a microelectrode pattern of 60 single electrodes. Each microelectrode features a very high aspect ratio of more than 300 and thus a dramatically increased surface area. These microelectrodes composed of VACNT networks display dramatically decreased impedance over the entire frequency range compared to planar microelectrodes caused by the enormous capacity increase. This is experimentally verified by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.

The Big Glamorous Monster (or Lady Gaga's Adventures at Sea): Improving Student Writing through Dramatic Approaches in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Bridget Kiger; Enciso, Patricia

2017-01-01

Drawing on assets-oriented, sociocultural theories of imagination and learning, the authors argue that the improvisational qualities and expanded resources of dramatic approaches to teaching make a positive difference in the quality of and persistence in students' story writing. The authors describe findings from a controlled quasi-experimental…

Daring to Dream

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward, Jane

2008-01-01

Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Somali women are among the most disadvantaged adults in British society. Research consistently shows that their participation and achievement in organised learning is dramatically lower than for the population at large. "Dare to Dream: Learning journeys of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Somali women" is the report…

Socio-dramatic affective-relational intervention for adolescents with asperger syndrome & high functioning autism: pilot study.

PubMed

Lerner, Matthew D; Mikami, Amori Yee; Levine, Karen

2011-01-01

This study examined the effectiveness of a novel intervention called 'socio-dramatic affective-relational intervention' (SDARI), intended to improve social skills among adolescents with Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism diagnoses. SDARI adapts dramatic training activities to focus on in vivo practice of areas of social skill deficit among this population. SDARI was administered as a six-week summer program in a community human service agency. Nine SDARI participants and eight age- and diagnosis-group matched adolescents not receiving SDARI were compared on child- and parent-report of social functioning at three week intervals beginning six weeks prior to intervention and ending six weeks post-intervention. Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) was used to estimate growth trends between groups to assess treatment outcomes and post-treatment maintenance. Results indicated significant improvement and post-treatment maintenance among SDARI participants on several measures of child social functioning. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Emerging model systems for functional genomics analysis of Crassulacean acid metabolism.

PubMed

Hartwell, James; Dever, Louisa V; Boxall, Susanna F

2016-06-01

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is one of three main pathways of photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation found in higher plants. It stands out for its ability to underpin dramatic improvements in plant water use efficiency, which in turn has led to a recent renaissance in CAM research. The current ease with which candidate CAM-associated genes and proteins can be identified through high-throughput sequencing has opened up a new horizon for the development of diverse model CAM species that are amenable to genetic manipulations. The adoption of these model CAM species is underpinning rapid advances in our understanding of the complete gene set for CAM. We highlight recent breakthroughs in the functional characterisation of CAM genes that have been achieved through transgenic approaches. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Prospects for GLAST

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McEnery, Julie

2006-01-01

The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST), scheduled for launch in late 007, is a satellite based observatory to study the high energy gamma-ray sky. There are two instruments on GLAST: the Large Area Telescope (LAT) which provides coverage from 20 MeV to over 300 GeV, and the GLAST Burst Monitor (GBM) which provides supportive observations of transients from 8 keV to 30 MeV. GLAST will provide well beyond those achieved by the highly successful EGRET instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory, with dramatic improvements in sensitivity, angular resolution and energy range. The very large field of view will make it possible to observe approx. 20% of the sky at any instant, and the entire sky on timescale of a few hours. This talk includes a description of the instruments, the opportunities for guest investigators, and the mission status.

Building electronic data infrastructure for comparative effectiveness research: accomplishments, lessons learned and future steps.

PubMed

Randhawa, Gurvaneet S

2014-11-01

There are large gaps in our knowledge on the potential impact of diagnostics and therapeutics on outcomes of patients treated in the real world. Comparative effectiveness research aims to fill these gaps to maximize effectiveness of these interventions. Health information technology has the potential to dramatically improve the practice of medicine and of research. This is an overview of about US$100 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment in 12 projects managed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to build an electronic clinical data infrastructure that connects research with healthcare delivery. The achievements and lessons learned from these projects provided a foundation for the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet)and will help to guide future infrastructure development needed to build an efficient, scalable and sustainable learning health system.

Consortium for Algal Biofuel Commercialization (CAB-COMM) Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mayfield, Stephen P.

The Consortium for Algal Biofuel Commercialization (CAB-Comm) was established in 2010 to conduct research to enable commercial viability of alternative liquid fuels produced from algal biomass. The main objective of CAB-Comm was to dramatically improve the viability of algae as a source of liquid fuels to meet US energy needs, by addressing several significant barriers to economic viability. To achieve this goal, CAB-Comm took a diverse set of approaches on three key aspects of the algal biofuels value chain: crop protection; nutrient utilization and recycling; and the development of genetic tools. These projects have been undertaken as collaboration between sixmore » academic institutions and two industrial partners: University of California, San Diego; Scripps Institution of Oceanography; University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Rutgers University; University of California, Davis; Johns Hopkins University; Sapphire Energy; and Life Technologies.« less

The High-Throughput Analyses Era: Are We Ready for the Data Struggle?

PubMed

D'Argenio, Valeria

2018-03-02

Recent and rapid technological advances in molecular sciences have dramatically increased the ability to carry out high-throughput studies characterized by big data production. This, in turn, led to the consequent negative effect of highlighting the presence of a gap between data yield and their analysis. Indeed, big data management is becoming an increasingly important aspect of many fields of molecular research including the study of human diseases. Now, the challenge is to identify, within the huge amount of data obtained, that which is of clinical relevance. In this context, issues related to data interpretation, sharing and storage need to be assessed and standardized. Once this is achieved, the integration of data from different -omic approaches will improve the diagnosis, monitoring and therapy of diseases by allowing the identification of novel, potentially actionably biomarkers in view of personalized medicine.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ulvestad, Andrew; Sasikumar, Kiran; Kim, Jong Woo

Multielectron transfer processes are crucially important in energy and biological science but require favorable catalysts to achieve fast kinetics. Nanostructuring catalysts can dramatically improve their properties, which can be difficult to understand due to strain- and size-dependent thermodynamics, the influence of defects, and substrate-dependent activities. Here, we report three-dimensional (3D) imaging of single gold nanoparticles during catalysis of ascorbic acid decomposition using Bragg coherent diffractive imaging (BCDI). Local strains were measured in single nanoparticles and modeled using reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulations and finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. RMD reveals the pathway for local strain generation in the gold lattice:more » chemisorption of hydroxyl ions. FEA reveals that the RMD results are transferable to the nanocrystal sizes studied in the experiment. Our study probes the strain-activity connection and opens a powerful avenue for theoretical and experimental studies of nanocrystal catalysis.« less

Biological sand filters: low-cost bioremediation technique for production of clean drinking water.

PubMed

Lea, Michael

2014-05-01

Approximately 1.1 billion people in rural and peri-urban communities of developing countries do not have access to safe drinking water. The mortality from diarrheal-related diseases amounts to ∼2.2 million people each year from the consumption of unsafe water. Most of them are children under 5 years of age--250 deaths an hour from microbiologically contaminated water. There is conclusive evidence that one low-cost household bioremediation intervention, use of biological sand filters, is capable of dramatically improving the microbiological quality of drinking water. This unit will describe this relatively new and proven bioremediation technology's ability to empower at-risk populations to use naturally occurring biological principles and readily available materials as a sustainable way to achieve the health benefits of safe drinking water. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The all electric airplane-benefits and challenges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spitzer, C. R.; Hood, R. V.

1982-01-01

The all electric aircraft considered in the present investigation is an aircraft which has digital flight crucial controls, electromechanical actuators, and electrical secondary power. There are no hydraulic or pneumatic systems. The characteristics of an all electric aircraft are related to reduced acquisition cost, reduced weight, reduced fuel consumption, increased reliability, reduced support equipment, simpler maintenance, an expanded flight envelope, and improved survivability. An additional benefit is the dramatically increased design flexibility and mission adaptability. However, the implementation of the all electric aircraft concept requires the resolution of a number of major technology issues. Issues in the digital flight controls area are related to achieving the required levels of safety and reliability in a cost effective manner. Other challenges which have to be met are concerned with electromechanical actuators, environmental control and ice protection systems, and engine technology.

Space Photovoltaic Research and Technology, 1988. High Efficiency, Space Environment, and Array Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

The 9th Space Photovoltaic Research and Technology conference was held at the NASA Lewis Research Center from April 19 to 21, 1988. The papers and workshop summaries report remarkable progress on a wide variety of approaches in space photovoltaics, for both near and far term applications. Among the former is the recently developed high efficiency GaAs/Ge cell, which formed the focus of a workshop discussion on heteroepitaxial cells. Still aimed at the long term, but with a significant payoff in a new mission capability, are InP cells, with their potentially dramatic improvement in radiation resistance. Approaches to near term, array specific powers exceeding 130 W/kg are also reported, and advanced concentrator panel technology with the potential to achieve over 250 W/sq m is beginning to take shape.

The next generation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as molecular therapeutic tools for the treatment of diseases with social and economic impacts.

PubMed

da Cunha, Nicolau B; Cobacho, Nicole B; Viana, Juliane F C; Lima, Loiane A; Sampaio, Kamila B O; Dohms, Stephan S M; Ferreira, Arthur C R; de la Fuente-Núñez, César; Costa, Fabrício F; Franco, Octávio L; Dias, Simoni C

2017-02-01

Anti-infective drugs have had a key role in the contemporary world, contributing to dramatically decrease mortality rates caused by infectious diseases worldwide. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are multifunctional effectors of the innate immune system of mucosal surfaces and present antimicrobial activity against a range of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and fungi. However, the discovery and development of new antibacterial drugs is a crucial step to overcome the great challenge posed by the emergence of antibiotic resistance. In this review, we outline recent advances in the development of novel AMPs with improved antimicrobial activities that were achieved through characteristic structural design. In addition, we describe recent progress made to overcome some of the major limitations that have hindered peptide biosynthesis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The current crisis in human resources for health in Africa: the time to adjust our focus is now.

PubMed

Dalton, Simon C

2014-09-01

The challenges as we strive towards universal health coverage are many, but the need for an improved health workforce is chief among them. Unfortunately the global deficit in skilled professionals continues to increase. Nevertheless, there are potential solutions, and success stories are well documented when the approach is on system building and sustainability. As we approach 2015 and the Millennium Development Goals, we must shift our focus to a more distant time point in order to achieve the dramatic gains in global health that are possible. However, we must understand that there can be no health without a workforce. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Biological sand filters: low-cost bioremediation technique for production of clean drinking water.

PubMed

Lea, Michael

2008-05-01

Approximately 1.1 billion people in rural and peri-urban communities of developing countries do not have access to safe drinking water. The mortality from diarrheal-related diseases amounts to approximately 2.2 million people each year from the consumption of unsafe water. Most of them are children under 5 years of age-250 deaths an hour from microbiologically contaminated water. There is conclusive evidence that one low-cost household bioremediation intervention, biological sand filters, are capable of dramatically improving the microbiological quality of drinking water. This unit will describe this relatively new and proven bioremediation technology's ability to empower at-risk populations to use naturally occurring biology and readily available materials as a sustainable way to achieve the health benefits of safe drinking water. Copyright 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Enhancement of IVR images by combining an ICA shrinkage filter with a multi-scale filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yen-Wei; Matsuo, Kiyotaka; Han, Xianhua; Shimizu, Atsumoto; Shibata, Koichi; Mishina, Yukio; Mukuta, Yoshihiro

2007-11-01

Interventional Radiology (IVR) is an important technique to visualize and diagnosis the vascular disease. In real medical application, a weak x-ray radiation source is used for imaging in order to reduce the radiation dose, resulting in a low contrast noisy image. It is important to develop a method to smooth out the noise while enhance the vascular structure. In this paper, we propose to combine an ICA Shrinkage filter with a multiscale filter for enhancement of IVR images. The ICA shrinkage filter is used for noise reduction and the multiscale filter is used for enhancement of vascular structure. Experimental results show that the quality of the image can be dramatically improved without any blurring in edge by the proposed method. Simultaneous noise reduction and vessel enhancement have been achieved.

A Regulatory Switch Alters Chromosome Motions at the Metaphase to Anaphase Transition

PubMed Central

Su, Kuan-Chung; Barry, Zachary; Schweizer, Nina; Maiato, Helder; Bathe, Mark; Cheeseman, Iain McPherson

2016-01-01

Summary To achieve chromosome segregation during mitosis, sister chromatids must undergo a dramatic change in their behavior to switch from balanced oscillations at the metaphase plate to directed poleward motion during anaphase. However, the factors that alter chromosome behavior at the metaphase-to-anaphase transition remain incompletely understood. Here, we perform time-lapse imaging to analyze anaphase chromosome dynamics in human cells. Using multiple directed biochemical, genetic, and physical perturbations, our results demonstrate that differences in the global phosphorylation states between metaphase and anaphase are the major determinant of chromosome motion dynamics. Indeed, causing a mitotic phosphorylation state to persist into anaphase produces dramatic metaphase-like oscillations. These induced oscillations depend on both kinetochore-derived and polar ejection forces that oppose poleward motion. Thus, our analysis of anaphase chromosome motion reveals that dephosphorylation of multiple mitotic substrates is required to suppress metaphase chromosome oscillatory motions and achieve directed poleward motion for successful chromosome segregation. PMID:27829144

A Rural School/Community: A Case Study of a Dramatic Turnaround & Its Implications for School Improvement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlson, Robert V.

This paper presents a case study of a rural community exhibiting a dramatic turnaround in community support for a new school bond issue. Demographic change was partly responsible for the change in community attitudes, with two waves of immigration altering the long-term conservative orientation of this community. After a series of failed…

Impact of glycemic control on healthcare resource utilization and costs of type 2 diabetes: current and future pharmacologic approaches to improving outcomes.

PubMed

Banerji, Mary Ann; Dunn, Jeffrey D

2013-09-01

The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes continue to grow in the United States and worldwide, along with the growing prevalence of obesity. Patients with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for comorbid cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD), which dramatically affects overall healthcare costs. To review the impact of glycemic control and medication adherence on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs of patients with type 2 diabetes, and to highlight the need for new drug therapies to improve outcomes in this patient population. This comprehensive literature search was conducted for the period between 2000 and 2013, using MEDLINE, to identify published articles that report the associations between glycemic control, medication adherence, CV morbidity and mortality, and healthcare utilization and costs. Search terms included "type 2 diabetes," "adherence," "compliance," "nonadherence," "drug therapy," "resource use," "cost," and "cost-effectiveness." Despite improvements in the management of CV risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes, outcomes remain poor. The costs associated with the management of type 2 diabetes are increasing dramatically as the prevalence of the disease increases. Medication adherence to long-term drug therapy remains poor in patients with type 2 diabetes and contributes to poor glycemic control in this patient population, increased healthcare resource utilization and increased costs, as well as increased rates of comorbid CVD and mortality. Furthermore, poor adherence to established evidence-based guidelines for type 2 diabetes, including underdiagnosis and undertreatment, contributes to poor outcomes. New approaches to the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes currently in development have the potential to improve medication adherence and consequently glycemic control, which in turn will help to reduce associated costs and healthcare utilization. As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and its associated comorbidities grows, healthcare costs will continue to increase, indicating a need for better approaches to achieve glycemic control and manage comorbid conditions. Drug therapies are needed that enhance patient adherence and persistence levels far above levels reported with currently available drugs. Improvements in adherence to treatment guidelines and greater rates of lifestyle modifications also are needed. A serious unmet need exists for greatly improved patient outcomes, more effective and more tolerable drugs, as well as marked improvements in adherence to treatment guidelines and drug therapy to positively impact healthcare costs and resource use.

Reprogramming towards totipotency is greatly facilitated by synergistic effects of small molecules

PubMed Central

Tajima, Yosuke; Yoshida, Koki; Oikawa, Mami; Azuma, Rika; Allen, George E.; Tsujikawa, Tomomi; Tsukaguchi, Tomomasa; Bradshaw, Charles R.; Jullien, Jerome; Yamagata, Kazuo; Matsumoto, Kazuya; Anzai, Masayuki; Imai, Hiroshi; Gurdon, John B.; Yamada, Masayasu

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Animal cloning has been achieved in many species by transplanting differentiated cell nuclei to unfertilized oocytes. However, the low efficiencies of cloning have remained an unresolved issue. Here we find that the combination of two small molecules, trichostatin A (TSA) and vitamin C (VC), under culture condition with bovine serum albumin deionized by ion-exchange resins, dramatically improves the cloning efficiency in mice and 15% of cloned embryos develop to term by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The improvement was not observed by adding the non-treated, rather than deionized, bovine serum. RNA-seq analyses of SCNT embryos at the two-cell stage revealed that the treatment with TSA and VC resulted in the upregulated expression of previously identified reprogramming-resistant genes. Moreover, the expression of early-embryo-specific retroelements was upregulated by the TSA and VC treatment. The enhanced gene expression was relevant to the VC-mediated reduction of histone H3 lysine 9 methylation in SCNT embryos. Our study thus shows a simply applicable method to greatly improve mouse cloning efficiency, and furthers our understanding of how somatic nuclei acquire totipotency. PMID:28412714

Innovative microchannel plate with reformulation of composition and modification of microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Jingsheng; Lv, Jingwen; Kesaev, S. A.; Liu, Shulin; Liu, Zhanying; Li, Junguo; Chong, Xiaoqin; Shu, Detan

2009-07-01

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and mean time to failure (MTTF) are two important attributes to describe the performance and operation life of an image intensifier. The presents of the ion barrier film (IBF) in Gen. III image intensifier, which used to suppress MCP's ion feedback, while dramatically improve the MTTF but significantly reduce the SNR, so more completely diminishing the ion poisoning source within the channels of MCP are crucial for improved Gen. III; image intensifier to thinned thickness IBF and achieving this two conflicting attributes promotion simultaneously. This research was originally initiated to develop a MCP with glass composition redesigned specially for GaAs photocathode image intensifier, proved which can be imposed an exceedingly intensive electron bombard degassing but without suffering a fatal gain degrade, and had achieved significantly improved SNR of Gen. III image intensifier but with a short distance to meet the lifetime success, so that our research work step forward to intent upon the restriction of ion poisoning source formation within the MCP substrate, we reformulated the MCP glass composition, and modified the microstructure of this MCP glass substrate though a glass-crystal phase transition during the MCP fabricate heating process, we present an innovative MCP based on a glass-ceramic substrate, with reformulated composition and close-linked network microstructure mix with many of nanometer size crystal grains, provide this MCP with sustainable high gain, lower ion feedback and less outgasing performance, this glass-ceramic MCPs are assembled to Gen. III image intensifiers which results showing promoting both the MTTF and SNR of Gen. III image intensifier.

Forward genetics by sequencing EMS variation-induced inbred lines

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The dramatic increase in throughput of sequencing techniques enables gene cloning through pre-existing forward genetics approaches. We show that it also brings with it the potential to change the crossing designs and approach of forward genetics. To achieve this for eukaryotic organisms with complex...

Scaling School Turnaround

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herman, Rebecca

2012-01-01

This article explores the research on turning around low performing schools to summarize what we know, what we don't know, and what this means for scaling school turnaround efforts. "School turnaround" is defined here as quick, dramatic gains in academic achievement for persistently low performing schools. The article first considers the…

Why Leadership Matters: One School's Journey to Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward, Cheryl James

2013-01-01

In the following study, the researcher, an experienced leadership coach and former principal, observed the leadership practices of a first-year principal over the course of one year as student achievement at his school increased dramatically. Employing participant observation, document analysis, interviewing, and administration of a teacher…

School Violent Crime and Academic Achievement in Chicago

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burdick-Will, Julia

2013-01-01

Educational outcomes vary dramatically across schools in the United States. Many underperforming schools, especially in Chicago, also deal with high levels of violent crime on school grounds. Exposure to this type of frequent violence may be an important factor shaping already disadvantaged students' educational experiences. However, estimating…

The revitalization of a business office: how one system increased its self-pay collections.

PubMed

Gardner, Doug; Tempest, Randy

2007-03-01

After undergoing a dramatic transformation in self-pay collections, the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati collected $34 million in 2006, up from $19 million in 2004. The organization was able to achieve this increase without any decrease in patient satisfaction.

A Study of Four Textbook Distribution Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graydon, Benjamin; Urbach-Buholz, Blake; Kohen, Cheryl

2011-01-01

Textbooks too often hinder rather than help students because of their prohibitively expensive prices. Colleges and universities facing intense pressure to lower education expenses while increasing access, retention, and achievement now find addressing the textbook problem more and more urgent. Used textbook sales have grown dramatically over the…

Lessons from the war on dietary fat.

PubMed

Walker, Thomas B; Parker, Mary Jo

2014-01-01

Conventional dietary guidelines put forth by health care institutions and providers for the past 40 years have stressed the importance of reducing the amount of dietary fat consumed. Such a diet is purported to mitigate metabolic risk factors and optimize the ability to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight. However, over the past 35 years obesity rates in the United States have risen dramatically though the level of dietary fat consumed by U.S. adults has fallen. This review examines the potential reasons for this paradox. Various meta-analyses, controlled trials, and cohort studies have demonstrated that reducing dietary fat intake provides for very little weight loss unless accompanied by equal or greater reductions in total energy intake. Due to both psychological (e.g., the tendency for people to eat more of what they consider low fat) and physiological (e.g., the low satiety that accompanies carbohydrate intake) factors, reducing total caloric intake while simultaneously reducing fat intake is a difficult challenge. Further, reductions in total carbohydrate intake, increases in protein intake, and adoption of a Mediterranean diet seem to be more effective in inducing weight loss than reductions in fat intake. Traditional claims that simply reducing dietary fat will improve metabolic risk factors are also not borne out by research. There is some evidence that replacing dietary saturated fat with unsaturated fat may improve metabolic risk factors, but that research is not conclusive. • Over the past 40 years, Americans have decreased the percentage of calories they get from dietary fat while rates of overweight and obesity have risen dramatically. • It appears that a decrease in total dietary fat in ad libitum diets may induce a very small decrease in body weight. • Evidence suggests that reductions in total dietary fat intake often occur in conjunction with an increase in total caloric intake. • It seems reasonable to conclude that guiding the public to simply reduce dietary fat intake is an ineffective method to mitigate the rise in obesity and improve public health.

Physics of Quantum Structures in Photovoltaic Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raffaelle, Ryne P.; Andersen, John D.

2005-01-01

There has been considerable activity recently regarding the possibilities of using various nanostructures and nanomaterials to improve photovoltaic conversion of solar energy. Recent theoretical results indicate that dramatic improvements in device efficiency may be attainable through the use of three-dimensional arrays of zero-dimensional conductors (i.e., quantum dots) in an ordinary p-i-n solar cell structure. Quantum dots and other nanostructured materials may also prove to have some benefits in terms of temperature coefficients and radiation degradation associated with space solar cells. Two-dimensional semiconductor superlattices have already demonstrated some advantages in this regard. It has also recently been demonstrated that semiconducting quantum dots can also be used to improve conversion efficiencies in polymeric thin film solar cells. Improvement in thin film cells utilizing conjugated polymers has also be achieved through the use of one-dimensional quantum structures such as carbon nanotubes. It is believed that carbon nanotubes may contribute to both the disassociation as well as the carrier transport in the conjugated polymers used in certain thin film photovoltaic cells. In this paper we will review the underlying physics governing some of the new photovoltaic nanostructures being pursued, as well as the the current methods being employed to produce III-V, II-VI, and even chalcopyrite-based nanomaterials and nanostructures for solar cells.

Substrate-specific modifications on magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as an artificial peroxidase for improving sensitivity in glucose detection.

PubMed

Liu, Yanping; Yu, Faquan

2011-04-08

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MION) were recently found to act as a peroxidase with intrinsic advantages over natural counterparts. Their limited affinity toward catalysis substrates, however, dramatically reduces their utility. In this paper, some effective groups were screened out and conjugated on MION as substrate-specific modifications for improving MION's affinity to substrates and hence utility. Nanoparticles of four different superficial structures were synthesized and characterized by TEM, size, zeta potential and SQUID, and assayed for peroxidase activity. Glucose detection was selected as an application model system to evaluate the bonus thereof. Catalysis was found to follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Sulfhydryl groups incorporated on MION (SH-MION) notably improve the affinity toward a substrate (hydrogen peroxide) and so do amino groups (NH₂-MION) toward another substrate, proved by variation in the determined kinetic parameters. A synergistically positive effect was observed and an apparently elevated detection sensitivity and a significantly lowered detection limit of glucose were achieved when integrated with both sulfhydryl and amino groups (SH-NH₂-MION). Our findings suggest that substrate-specific surface modifications are a straightforward and robust strategy to improve MION peroxidase-like activity. The high activity extends magnetic nanoparticles to wide applications other than glucose detection.

Deanol acetamidobenzoate (Deaner) in tardive dyskinesia.

PubMed

Stafford, J R; Fann, W E

1977-12-01

A total of twenty-nine patients have thus far been treated with deanol in various dosage levels for periods ranging from five to thirty days. Clinical response has been pronounced, even dramatic, in seven patients, moderate but significant in nine patients, and slight to insignificant in thirteen others. Videotape rating and quantitative accelerometry, to the extent that they constitute novel and stress-inducing experiences may not be representative of global clinical changes. Deanol did not produce the anticipated elevation in choline levels postulated to be one mechanism of its action. The failure of deanol to achieve this effect may most probably be attributed to interval after last dose, to inadequate level of deanol or to some alteration in choline metabolism in the presence of deanol. The etiology of tardive dyskinesia at biochemical and structural levels is complex. For some patients improvement has been dramatic and clearly associated with deanol. Others appear to exhibit minimal response which cannot be differentiated from placebo or environmental effects. Our present strategy, in common with that of other authors includes the administration of a "challenge" dose of rapid acting injectable cholinomimetic agents (e.g. physostigmine) and dopamine-blocking agents (e.g. haloperidol) with placebo controls. In this manner therapy may be more rationally selected for long-term use and may logically include deanol. The correlation of such predictive challenges with response to long-term treatment is an area for much more well controlled study.

Clinical Information Systems - From Yesterday to Tomorrow.

PubMed

Gardner, R M

2016-06-30

To review the history of clinical information systems over the past twenty-five years and project anticipated changes to those systems over the next twenty-five years. Over 250 Medline references about clinical information systems, quality of patient care, and patient safety were reviewed. Books, Web resources, and the author's personal experience with developing the HELP system were also used. There have been dramatic improvements in the use and acceptance of clinical computing systems and Electronic Health Records (EHRs), especially in the United States. Although there are still challenges with the implementation of such systems, the rate of progress has been remarkable. Over the next twenty-five years, there will remain many important opportunities and challenges. These opportunities include understanding complex clinical computing issues that must be studied, understood and optimized. Dramatic improvements in quality of care and patient safety must be anticipated as a result of the use of clinical information systems. These improvements will result from a closer involvement of clinical informaticians in the optimization of patient care processes. Clinical information systems and computerized clinical decision support have made contributions to medicine in the past. Therefore, by using better medical knowledge, optimized clinical information systems, and computerized clinical decision, we will enable dramatic improvements in both the quality and safety of patient care in the next twenty-five years.

The use of Electrolyte Additives to Improve the High Temperature Resilience of Li-Ion Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smart, Marshall C.; Lucht, B. L.; Ratnakumar, Bugga V.

2007-01-01

This viewgraph presentation reviews the use of electrolyte additves to improve the resillience of Lithium ion cells. The objective of this work is to identify lithium-ion electrolytes, which will lead to Li-ion cells with a wide operational temperature range (+60 to -60 C), and to develop Li-ion electrolytes which result in cells that display improved high temperature resilience. Significant improvement in the high temperature resilience of Li-ion cells containing these additives was observed, with the most dramatic benefit being displayed by addition of DMAc. When the electrochemical properties of the individual electrodes were analyzed, the degradation of the anode kinetics was slowed most dramatically by the incorporation of DMAc into the electrolytes. Whereas, the greatest retention in the cathode kinetics was observed in the cell containing the electrolyte with VC added.

Phase Transitions in a Model for Social Learning via the Internet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bordogna, Clelia M.; Albano, Ezequiel V.

Based on the concepts of educational psychology, sociology and statistical physics, a mathematical model for a new type of social learning process that takes place when individuals interact via the Internet is proposed and studied. The noise of the interaction (misunderstandings, lack of well organized participative activities, etc.) dramatically restricts the number of individuals that can be efficiently in mutual contact and drives phase transitions between ``ordered states'' such as the achievements of the individuals are satisfactory and ``disordered states'' with negligible achievements.

Fluid Mechanics of Wing Adaptation for Separation Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chandrasekhara, M. S.; Wilder, M. C.; Carr, L. W.; Davis, Sanford S. (Technical Monitor)

1997-01-01

The unsteady fluid mechanics associated with use of a dynamically deforming leading edge airfoil for achieving compressible flow separation control has been experimentally studied. Changing the leading edge curvature at rapid rates dramatically alters the flow vorticity dynamics which is responsible for the many effects observed in the flow.

Influence of shelterbelts on organic matter of chernozems in the light of global climate change

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Achieving the ambitious cellulosic biofuel production goals currently in place in the United States will require a dramatic increase in cellulosic feedstock supply. One strategy to meet this need is to utilize perennial species including short-rotation woody species on marginal agricultural lands. F...

Why Are Some Low-Income Countries Better at Providing Secondary Education?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Binder, Melissa

2009-01-01

Despite the tremendous expansion in education access worldwide, countries differ dramatically both in primary and secondary enrollment rates and in student achievement. Although per capita income explains a great deal of the difference, schooling outcomes vary sharply even among countries at similar income levels. This study asks whether…

What Effective Schools Do

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

West, Martin R.; Gabrieli, Christopher F. O.; Finn, Amy S.; Kraft, Matthew A.; Gabrieli, John D. E.

2014-01-01

Research has been showing that the most important development in K-12 education over the past decade has been the emergence of a growing number of urban schools that have been convincingly shown to have dramatic positive effects on the achievement of disadvantaged students. Those with the strongest evidence of success are oversubscribed charter…

Schoolwide Enrichment Model: Challenging All Children to Excel

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beecher, Margaret

2010-01-01

This article summarizes how the components of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model were used to dramatically reduce the achievement gap in a school with a high at-risk student population. The theories of enrichment and instructional differentiation replaced an existing remedial paradigm and a strength-based methodology was embraced by the school…

Irresistible

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Curio, Michele

2005-01-01

One of Michele Curio's favorite art lessons is creating a resist using oil pastels under black tempera paint. The process produces dramatic and creative results with a high success rate even for the most art-challenged students. The artworks have a sophisticated, painterly quality that is achieved with more control and less mess than direct…

Clinical image processing engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Wei; Yao, Jianhua; Chen, Jeremy; Summers, Ronald

2009-02-01

Our group provides clinical image processing services to various institutes at NIH. We develop or adapt image processing programs for a variety of applications. However, each program requires a human operator to select a specific set of images and execute the program, as well as store the results appropriately for later use. To improve efficiency, we design a parallelized clinical image processing engine (CIPE) to streamline and parallelize our service. The engine takes DICOM images from a PACS server, sorts and distributes the images to different applications, multithreads the execution of applications, and collects results from the applications. The engine consists of four modules: a listener, a router, a job manager and a data manager. A template filter in XML format is defined to specify the image specification for each application. A MySQL database is created to store and manage the incoming DICOM images and application results. The engine achieves two important goals: reduce the amount of time and manpower required to process medical images, and reduce the turnaround time for responding. We tested our engine on three different applications with 12 datasets and demonstrated that the engine improved the efficiency dramatically.

Pulmonary parenchyma segmentation in thin CT image sequences with spectral clustering and geodesic active contour model based on similarity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Nana; Zhang, Xiaolong; Zhao, Juanjuan; Zhao, Huilan; Qiang, Yan

2017-07-01

While the popular thin layer scanning technology of spiral CT has helped to improve diagnoses of lung diseases, the large volumes of scanning images produced by the technology also dramatically increase the load of physicians in lesion detection. Computer-aided diagnosis techniques like lesions segmentation in thin CT sequences have been developed to address this issue, but it remains a challenge to achieve high segmentation efficiency and accuracy without much involvement of human manual intervention. In this paper, we present our research on automated segmentation of lung parenchyma with an improved geodesic active contour model that is geodesic active contour model based on similarity (GACBS). Combining spectral clustering algorithm based on Nystrom (SCN) with GACBS, this algorithm first extracts key image slices, then uses these slices to generate an initial contour of pulmonary parenchyma of un-segmented slices with an interpolation algorithm, and finally segments lung parenchyma of un-segmented slices. Experimental results show that the segmentation results generated by our method are close to what manual segmentation can produce, with an average volume overlap ratio of 91.48%.

Target Tracking Using SePDAF under Ambiguous Angles for Distributed Array Radar

PubMed Central

Long, Teng; Zhang, Honggang; Zeng, Tao; Chen, Xinliang; Liu, Quanhua; Zheng, Le

2016-01-01

Distributed array radar can improve radar detection capability and measurement accuracy. However, it will suffer cyclic ambiguity in its angle estimates according to the spatial Nyquist sampling theorem since the large sparse array is undersampling. Consequently, the state estimation accuracy and track validity probability degrades when the ambiguous angles are directly used for target tracking. This paper proposes a second probability data association filter (SePDAF)-based tracking method for distributed array radar. Firstly, the target motion model and radar measurement model is built. Secondly, the fusion result of each radar’s estimation is employed to the extended Kalman filter (EKF) to finish the first filtering. Thirdly, taking this result as prior knowledge, and associating with the array-processed ambiguous angles, the SePDAF is applied to accomplish the second filtering, and then achieving a high accuracy and stable trajectory with relatively low computational complexity. Moreover, the azimuth filtering accuracy will be promoted dramatically and the position filtering accuracy will also improve. Finally, simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. PMID:27618058

Household energy use in Asian cities: Responding to development success

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyler, Stephen R.

In the past 10-15 years, gains in household income and urban development in many countries in Asia have led to significant shifts in household use of fuels away from traditional, biomass-based household fuels to modern, fossil fuels. These results suggest that, while the global atmospheric emissions implications need further analysis, the local air quality effects of urban household fuel use changes have been positive. These changes also demonstrate improvements in living conditions, particularly for poor women and children most affected by indoor air quality. However, for electricity use, where there is evidence of dramatic increases in household consumption, the longer term implications for atmospheric emissions are more troubling. Rapid demand growth in the urban household sector is contributing to huge increases in thermal electric generating capacity needs in Asia. Improving technologies of electricity use in the household sector appears to be easily achievable and could be stimulated through market and policy mechanisms which have been used elsewhere. These measures offer the prospect of real environmental and economic gains without sacrificing lifestyle advantages of electrical appliance use in households.

Achieving the HIV Prevention Impact of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision: Lessons and Challenges for Managing Programs

PubMed Central

Sgaier, Sema K.; Reed, Jason B.; Thomas, Anne; Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel

2014-01-01

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is capable of reducing the risk of sexual transmission of HIV from females to males by approximately 60%. In 2007, the WHO and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) recommended making VMMC part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package in countries with a generalized HIV epidemic and low rates of male circumcision. Modeling studies undertaken in 2009–2011 estimated that circumcising 80% of adult males in 14 priority countries in Eastern and Southern Africa within five years, and sustaining coverage levels thereafter, could avert 3.4 million HIV infections within 15 years and save US$16.5 billion in treatment costs. In response, WHO/UNAIDS launched the Joint Strategic Action Framework for accelerating the scale-up of VMMC for HIV prevention in Southern and Eastern Africa, calling for 80% coverage of adult male circumcision by 2016. While VMMC programs have grown dramatically since inception, they appear unlikely to reach this goal. This review provides an overview of findings from the PLOS Collection “Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention: Improving Quality, Efficiency, Cost Effectiveness, and Demand for Services during an Accelerated Scale-up.” The use of devices for VMMC is also explored. We propose emphasizing management solutions to help VMMC programs in the priority countries achieve the desired impact of averting the greatest possible number of HIV infections. Our recommendations include advocating for prioritization and funding of VMMC, increasing strategic targeting to achieve the goal of reducing HIV incidence, focusing on programmatic efficiency, exploring the role of new technologies, rethinking demand creation, strengthening data use for decision-making, improving governments' program management capacity, strategizing for sustainability, and maintaining a flexible scale-up strategy informed by a strong monitoring, learning, and evaluation platform. PMID:24800840

Achieving the HIV prevention impact of voluntary medical male circumcision: lessons and challenges for managing programs.

PubMed

Sgaier, Sema K; Reed, Jason B; Thomas, Anne; Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel

2014-05-01

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is capable of reducing the risk of sexual transmission of HIV from females to males by approximately 60%. In 2007, the WHO and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) recommended making VMMC part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package in countries with a generalized HIV epidemic and low rates of male circumcision. Modeling studies undertaken in 2009-2011 estimated that circumcising 80% of adult males in 14 priority countries in Eastern and Southern Africa within five years, and sustaining coverage levels thereafter, could avert 3.4 million HIV infections within 15 years and save US$16.5 billion in treatment costs. In response, WHO/UNAIDS launched the Joint Strategic Action Framework for accelerating the scale-up of VMMC for HIV prevention in Southern and Eastern Africa, calling for 80% coverage of adult male circumcision by 2016. While VMMC programs have grown dramatically since inception, they appear unlikely to reach this goal. This review provides an overview of findings from the PLOS Collection "Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention: Improving Quality, Efficiency, Cost Effectiveness, and Demand for Services during an Accelerated Scale-up." The use of devices for VMMC is also explored. We propose emphasizing management solutions to help VMMC programs in the priority countries achieve the desired impact of averting the greatest possible number of HIV infections. Our recommendations include advocating for prioritization and funding of VMMC, increasing strategic targeting to achieve the goal of reducing HIV incidence, focusing on programmatic efficiency, exploring the role of new technologies, rethinking demand creation, strengthening data use for decision-making, improving governments' program management capacity, strategizing for sustainability, and maintaining a flexible scale-up strategy informed by a strong monitoring, learning, and evaluation platform.

Rapid-fire improvement with short-cycle kaizen.

PubMed

Heard, E

1999-05-01

Continuous improvement is an attractive idea, but it is typically more myth than reality. SCK is no myth. It delivers dramatic improvements in traditional measures quickly. SCK accomplishes this via kaizens: rapid, repeated, time-compressed changes for the better in bite-sized chunks of the business.

A novel approach to leveraging electronic health record data to enhance pediatric surgical quality improvement bundle process compliance.

PubMed

Fisher, Jason C; Godfried, David H; Lighter-Fisher, Jennifer; Pratko, Joseph; Sheldon, Mary Ellen; Diago, Thelma; Kuenzler, Keith A; Tomita, Sandra S; Ginsburg, Howard B

2016-06-01

Quality improvement (QI) bundles have been widely adopted to reduce surgical site infections (SSI). Improvement science suggests when organizations achieve high-reliability to QI processes, outcomes dramatically improve. However, measuring QI process compliance is poorly supported by electronic health record (EHR) systems. We developed a custom EHR tool to facilitate capture of process data for SSI prevention with the aim of increasing bundle compliance and reducing adverse events. Ten SSI prevention bundle processes were linked to EHR data elements that were then aggregated into a snapshot display superimposed on weekly case-log reports. The data aggregation and user interface facilitated efficient review of all SSI bundle elements, providing an exact bundle compliance rate without random sampling or chart review. Nine months after implementation of our custom EHR tool, we observed centerline shifts in median SSI bundle compliance (46% to 72%). Additionally, as predicted by high reliability principles, we began to see a trend toward improvement in SSI rates (1.68 to 0.87 per 100 operations), but a discrete centerline shift was not detected. Simple informatics solutions can facilitate extraction of QI process data from the EHR without relying on adjunctive systems. Analyses of these data may drive reductions in adverse events. Pediatric surgical departments should consider leveraging the EHR to enhance bundle compliance as they implement QI strategies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Audible Pop from Thoracic Spine Thrust Manipulation and Its Relation to Short-Term Outcomes in Patients with Neck Pain

PubMed Central

Cleland, Joshua A.; Flynn, Timothy W.; Childs, John D.; Eberhart, Sarah

2007-01-01

Clinicians routinely consider the success of a thrust manipulation technique based on the presence or absence of an audible pop despite the lack of evidence suggesting that this pop is associated with improved outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the number of audible pops with thoracic spinal manipulation and improvement in pain and function in patients with mechanical neck pain. In this prospective cohort study, 78 patients referred to physical therapy with mechanical neck pain underwent a standardized examination and thoracic spine manipulation treatment protocol. All patients were treated with a total of 6 thrust manipulation techniques directed to the thoracic spine followed by a basic cervical range of motion exercise. The treating clinician recorded the presence or absence of a pop during each manipulation. Outcomes were assessed at a 2–4 day follow-up with an 11-point numeric pain rating (NPRS), the Neck Disability Index, the patient Global Rating of Change (GROC), and measurements of cervical range of motion (CROM). The relationship between the number of pops and change scores for pain, disability, and CROM was first examined using Pearson correlation coefficients. Individuals were then categorized as having received ≤3 or >3 pops. Repeated measures analyses of variance were used to examine whether achievement of >3 pops resulted in improved outcome. Seventy-eight patients with a mean age of 42 (SD 11.3) years participated in the study. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed no significant correlation existed between the number of pops and outcomes with the exception of 3 of the 6 CROM measurements, which were inversely related. There was no significant interaction for group X time for any of the dependent measures (P>0.05). The odds ratio for patients experiencing dramatic improvement was in favor of the group experiencing ≤3 pops but this was not clinically meaningful (1.3: 95% CI 0.46, 3.7). The results of this analysis provide preliminary evidence for the hypothesis that there is no relationship between the number of audible pops during thoracic spine thrust manipulation and clinically meaningful improvements in pain, disability, or CROM in patients with mechanical neck pain. Additionally, a greater number of audible pops experienced was not associated with a dramatic improvement with manipulation treatment. PMID:19066662

Minimization of Ohmic Losses for Domain Wall Motion in a Ferromagnetic Nanowire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tretiakov, O. A.; Liu, Y.; Abanov, Ar.

2010-11-01

We study current-induced domain-wall motion in a narrow ferromagnetic wire. We propose a way to move domain walls with a resonant time-dependent current which dramatically decreases the Ohmic losses in the wire and allows driving of the domain wall with higher speed without burning the wire. For any domain-wall velocity we find the time dependence of the current needed to minimize the Ohmic losses. Below a critical domain-wall velocity specified by the parameters of the wire the minimal Ohmic losses are achieved by dc current. Furthermore, we identify the wire parameters for which the losses reduction from its dc value is the most dramatic.

Dramatic reduction of void swelling by helium in ion-irradiated high purity α-iron

DOE PAGES

Bhattacharya, Arunodaya; Meslin, Estelle; Henry, Jean; ...

2018-04-11

Effect of helium on void swelling was studied in high-purity α-iron, irradiated using energetic self-ions to 157 displacements per atom (dpa) at 773 K, with and without helium co-implantation up to 17 atomic parts-per-million (appm) He/dpa. Helium is known to enhance cavity formation in metals in irradiation environments, leading to early void swelling onset. In this study, microstructure characterization by transmission electron microscopy revealed compelling evidence of dramatic swelling reduction by helium co-implantation, achieved primarily by cavity size reduction. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of helium induced cavity microstructure development is discussed using sink strength ratios of dislocations and cavities.

Optimizing quality, service, and cost through innovation.

PubMed

Walker, Kathleen; Allen, Jennifer; Andrews, Richard

2011-01-01

With dramatic increases in health care costs and growing concerns about the quality of health care services, nurse executives are seeking ways to transform their organizations to improve operational and financial performance while enhancing quality care and patient safety. Nurse leaders are challenged to meet new cost, quality and service imperatives, and change cannot be achieved by traditional approaches, it must occur through innovation. Imagine an organization that can mitigate a $56 million loss in revenue and claim the following successes: Increase admissions by a 8 day and a $5.5 million annualized increase by repurposing existing space. Decrease emergency department holding hours by an average of 174 hours a day, with a labor savings of $502,000 annually. Reduce overall inpatient length of stay by 0.5 day with total compensation running $4.2 million less than the budget for first quarter of 2010. Grow emergency department volume 272 visits greater than budgeted for first quarter of 2010. Complete admission assessments and diagnostics in 90 minutes. This article will address how these outcomes were achieved by transforming care delivery, creating a patient transition center, enhancing outreach referrals, and revising admission processes through collaboration and innovation.

Historical carbon footprinting and implications for sustainability planning: a case study of the Pittsburgh region.

PubMed

Hoesly, Rachel; Blackhurst, Mike; Matthews, H Scott; Miller, Jeffrey F; Maples, Amy; Pettit, Matthew; Izard, Catherine; Fischbeck, Paul

2012-04-17

This study estimates fossil-based CO(2) emissions and energy use from 1900-2000 for Allegheny County, PA. Total energy use and emissions increased from 1900 to 1970, reflecting the significant industrial, economic, and population growth that occurred in Allegheny County. From 1970 to 2000, Allegheny County experienced a 30% decrease in total emissions and energy use from peak values, primarily because of a decline in industrial activity (40% decrease in value added) and the loss of a quarter of its population. Despite these dramatic economic and demographic transitions, per capita emissions remained stable from 1970 to 2000, buoyed by relatively stable or slightly increasing emissions in the commercial and transportation sectors. Allegheny County's history suggests the scale of change needed to achieve local emissions reductions may be significant; given years of major technological, economic, and demographic changes, per capita emissions in 1940 were nearly the same in 2000. Most local governments are planning emissions reductions rates that exceed 1% per year, which deviate significantly from historical trends. Our results suggest additional resources and improved planning paradigms are likely necessary to achieve significant emissions reductions, especially for areas where emissions are still increasing.

Report of the Panel on Computer and Information Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lundstrom, Stephen F.; Larsen, Ronald L.

1984-01-01

Aircraft have become more and more dependent on computers (information processing) for improved performance and safety. It is clear that this activity will grow, since information processing technology has advanced by a factor of 10 every 5 years for the past 35 years and will continue to do so. Breakthroughs in device technology, from vacuum tubes through transistors to integrated circuits, contribute to this rapid pace. This progress is nearly matched by similar, though not as dramatic, advances in numerical software and algorithms. Progress has not been easy. Many technical and nontechnical challenges were surmounted. The outlook is for continued growth in capability but will require surmounting new challenges. The technology forecast presented in this report has been developed by extrapolating current trends and assessing the possibilities of several high-risk research topics. In the process, critical problem areas that require research and development emphasis have been identified. The outlook assumes a positive perspective; the projected capabilities are possible by the year 2000, and adequate resources will be made available to achieve them. Computer and information technology forecasts and the potential impacts of this technology on aeronautics are identified. Critical issues and technical challenges underlying the achievement of forecasted performance and benefits are addressed.

Moving beyond the treatment package approach to developing behavioral interventions: addressing questions that arose during an application of the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST).

PubMed

Wyrick, David L; Rulison, Kelly L; Fearnow-Kenney, Melodie; Milroy, Jeffrey J; Collins, Linda M

2014-09-01

Given current pressures to increase the public health contributions of behavioral interventions, intervention scientists may wish to consider moving beyond the classical treatment package approach that focuses primarily on achieving statistical significance. They may wish also to focus on goals directly related to optimizing public health impact. The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) is an innovative methodological framework that draws on engineering principles to achieve more potent behavioral interventions. MOST is increasingly being adopted by intervention scientists seeking a systematic framework to engineer an optimized intervention. As with any innovation, there are challenges that arise with early adoption. This article describes the solutions to several critical questions that we addressed during the first-ever iterative application of MOST. Specifically, we describe how we have applied MOST to optimize an online program (myPlaybook) for the prevention of substance use among college student-athletes. Our application of MOST can serve as a blueprint for other intervention scientists who wish to design optimized behavioral interventions. We believe using MOST is feasible and has the potential to dramatically improve program effectiveness thereby advancing the public health impact of behavioral interventions.

Ultrasound enhanced thrombolysis: Clinical evidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandrov, Andrei V.

2005-04-01

Phase II CLOTBUST randomized clinical trial (Houston, Barcelona, Edmonton, Calgary) evaluated patients with acute ischemic stroke due to intracranial occlusion and treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) within 3 h of symptom onset. Randomization: monitoring with pulsed wave 2 MHz transcranial Doppler (TCD) (Target) or placebo monitoring (Control). Safety: symptomatic bleeding to the brain (sICH). Primary end-point: complete recanalization on TCD or dramatic clinical recovery by the total NIHSS score <3, or improvement by >10 NIHSS points within 2 hours after TPA bolus. All projected 126 patients were randomized 1:1 to target (median NIHSS 16) or control (NIHSS 17). sICH: 4.8% Target, 4.8% Controls. Primary end-point was achieved by 31 (49%, Target) versus 19 (30%, Control), p<0.03. At 3 months, 22 (42% Target) and 14 (29% Control) patients achieved favorable outcomes. Continuous TCD monitoring of intracranial occlusion safely augments TPA-induced arterial recanalization, and 2 MHz diagnostic ultrasound has a positive biological activity that aids systemic thrombolytic therapy. For the first time in clinical medicine, the CLOTBUST trial provides the evidence that ultrasound enhances thrombolytic activity of a drug in humans thereby confirming intense multi-disciplinary experimental research conducted worldwide for the past 30 years.

An Overview of the Nuclear Electric Xenon Ion System (NEXIS) Activity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Randolph, Thomas M.; Polk, James E., Jr.

2004-01-01

The Nuclear Electric Xenon Ion System (NEXIS) research and development activity within NASA's Project Prometheus, was one of three proposals selected by NASA to develop thruster technologies for long life, high power, high specific impulse nuclear electric propulsion systems that would enable more robust and ambitious science exploration missions to the outer solar system. NEXIS technology represents a dramatic improvement in the state-of-the-art for ion propulsion and is designed to achieve propellant throughput capabilities >= 2000 kg and efficiencies >= 78% while increasing the thruster power to >= 20 kW and specific impulse to >= 6000 s. The NEXIS technology uses erosion resistant carbon-carbon grids, a graphite keeper, a new reservoir hollow cathode, a 65-cm diameter chamber masked to produce a 57-cm diameter ion beam, and a shared neutralizer architecture to achieve these goals. The accomplishments of the NEXIS activity so far include performance testing of a laboratory model thruster, successful completion of a proof of concept reservoir cathode 2000 hour wear test, structural and thermal analysis of a completed development model thruster design, fabrication of most of the development model piece parts, and the nearly complete vacuum facility modifications to allow long duration wear testing of high power ion thrusters.

Enhanced thermoelectric efficiency of porous silicene nanoribbons.

PubMed

Sadeghi, Hatef; Sangtarash, Sara; Lambert, Colin J

2015-03-30

There is a critical need to attain new sustainable materials for direct upgrade of waste heat to electrical energy via the thermoelectric effect. Here we demonstrate that the thermoelectric performance of silicene nanoribbons can be improved dramatically by introducing nanopores and tuning the Fermi energy. We predict that values of electronic thermoelectric figure of merit ZTe up to 160 are achievable, provided the Fermi energy is located approximately 100 meV above the charge neutrality point. Including the effect of phonons yields a value for the full figure of merit of ZT = 3.5. Furthermore the sign of the thermopower S can be varied with achievable values as high as S = +/- 500 μV/K. As a method of tuning the Fermi energy, we analyse the effect of doping the silicene with either a strong electron donor (TTF) or a strong electron acceptor (TCNQ) and demonstrate that adsorbed layers of the former increases ZTe to a value of 3.1, which is insensitive to temperature over the range 100 K - 400 K. This combination of a high, temperature-insensitive ZTe, and the ability to choose the sign of the thermopower identifies nanoporous silicene as an ideal thermoelectric material with the potential for unprecedented performance.

Reducing nitrogen export from the corn belt to the Gulf of Mexico: agricultural strategies for remediating hypoxia

USGS Publications Warehouse

McLellan, Eileen; Robertson, Dale M.; Schilling, Keith; Tomer, Mark; Kostel, Jill; Smith, Douglas G.; King, Kevin

2015-01-01

SPAtially Referenced Regression on Watershed models developed for the Upper Midwest were used to help evaluate the nitrogen-load reductions likely to be achieved by a variety of agricultural conservation practices in the Upper Mississippi-Ohio River Basin (UMORB) and to compare these reductions to the 45% nitrogen-load reduction proposed to remediate hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Our results indicate that nitrogen-management practices (improved fertilizer management and cover crops) fall short of achieving this goal, even if adopted on all cropland in the region. The goal of a 45% decrease in loads to the GoM can only be achieved through the coupling of nitrogen-management practices with innovative nitrogen-removal practices such as tile-drainage treatment wetlands, drainage–ditch enhancements, stream-channel restoration, and floodplain reconnection. Combining nitrogen-management practices with nitrogen-removal practices can dramatically reduce nutrient export from agricultural landscapes while minimizing impacts to agricultural production. With this approach, it may be possible to meet the 45% nutrient reduction goal while converting less than 1% of cropland in the UMORB to nitrogen-removal practices. Conservationists, policy makers, and agricultural producers seeking a workable strategy to reduce nitrogen export from the Corn Belt will need to consider a combination of nitrogen-management practices at the field scale and diverse nitrogen-removal practices at the landscape scale.

Optimum Landscape Allocation of Conservation Practices for Water Quality and Ecosystem Service Valuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalzell, B. J.; Pennington, D.; Nelson, E.; Mulla, D.; Polasky, S.; Taff, S.

2012-12-01

This study links a spatially-explicit biophysical model (SWAT) with an economic model (InVEST) to identify the economically optimum allocation of conservation practices on the landscape. Combining biophysical and economic analysis allows assessment of the benefits and costs of alternative policy choices through consideration of direct costs and benefits as measured by market transactions as well as non-market benefits and costs from changes in environmental conditions that lead to changes in the provision of ecosystem services. When applied to an agricultural watershed located in South-Central Minnesota, this approach showed that: (1) some modest gains (20% improvement, relative to baseline conditions) in water quality can be achieved without diminishing current economic returns, but that (2) more dramatic reductions in sediment and phosphorus required to meet water quality goals (50% reductions in loadings) will require transitioning land from row crops into perennial vegetation. This shift in land cover will result in a reduction in economic returns unless non-market ecosystem services are also valued. Further results showed that traditional best management practices such as conservation tillage and reduced fertilizer application rates are not sufficient to achieve water quality goals by themselves. Finally, if crop prices drop to pre-2007 levels or valuation of ecosystem services increases, then achieving water quality goals can occur with less of an economic impact to the watershed.

Normal peer models and autistic children's learning.

PubMed Central

Egel, A L; Richman, G S; Koegel, R L

1981-01-01

Present research and legislation regarding mainstreaming autistic children into normal classrooms have raised the importance of studying whether autistic children can benefit from observing normal peer models. The present investigation systematically assessed whether autistic children's learning of discrimination tasks could be improved if they observed normal children perform the tasks correctly. In the context of a multiple baseline design, four autistic children worked on five discrimination tasks that their teachers reported were posing difficulty. Throughout the baseline condition the children evidenced very low levels of correct responding on all five tasks. In the subsequent treatment condition, when normal peers modeled correct responses, the autistic children's correct responding increased dramatically. In each case, the peer modeling procedure produced rapid achievement of the acquisition which was maintained after the peer models were removed. These results are discussed in relation to issues concerning observational learning and in relation to the implications for mainstreaming autistic children into normal classrooms. PMID:7216930

Measurement of Work Generation and Improvement in Performance of a Pulse Tube Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamaguchi, Kazuhiro; Futagi, Hiroaki; Yazaki, Taichi; Hiratsuka, Yoshikatsu

Apart from double acting type engines, Stirling engines have either 2 pistons in 2 cylinders or 2 pistons in a single cylinder. Typically, the heater, regenerator and cooler are installed between the 2 pistons. The pulse tube engine, on the other hand, consists of a single piston in a single cylinder, a pulse tube, a heater, a regenerator, a cooler and a second cooler. For this paper, a simple prototype engine that uses air at normal atmospheric pressure as the working gas was fabricated. The oscillating velocity of the working gas in the pulse tube was measured using LDV, and the work flow emitting out of the pulse tube was observed. In addition, the effect of inserting heat storage material in the pulse tube on shaft power and indicated power was examined experimentally. A dramatic increase in the shaft power was achieved.

Toward Active X-ray Telescopes II

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Dell, Stephen L.; Aldroft, Thomas L.; Atkins, Carolyn; Button, Timothy W.; Cotroneo, Vincenzo; Davis, William N.; Doel, Peter; Feldman, Charlotte H.; Freeman, Mark D.; Gubarev, Mikhail V.;

Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A 21st Century Perspective and Review of Multiple Randomized Clinical Trials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bar Ad, Voichita; Paltiel, Ora; Glatstein, Eli

2008-12-01

The treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma has improved dramatically over the past decades. Over the last half century, Hodgkin's lymphoma has become one of the most curable cancers of adulthood. More than 90% of the patients with localized stages of the disease can be cured with modern treatment strategies. Long-term toxicities are now the major concern for survivors of early-stage disease. Contemporary therapeutic approaches for Hodgkin's lymphoma attempt to preserve the high cure rate achieved, while reducing treatment-related acute and late toxicities. The aim of this review is to re-examine the historical and the current role of radiotherapy for early-stage Hodgkin'smore » lymphoma, given the latest evidence of an increasing role of chemotherapy for the treatment of this malignancy. The literature search was performed in PubMed Plus. Studies on children were excluded.« less

Treatment of subtotal medial rectus myectomy complicating functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

PubMed

Trotter, W L; Kaw, P; Meyer, D R; Simon, J W

2000-08-01

During the past 2 decades, the introduction of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has dramatically improved the treatment of sinus disorders. However, a variety of orbital complications have been reported, including optic nerve damage, hemorrhage, infection, compromise of the lacrimal drainage apparatus, and strabismus. At least 10 cases have reported damage to the medial rectus muscle. (1-8) Treatment options for such patients have been limited, especially because most are adults at risk for anterior segment ischemia after transposition of vertical rectus muscles. We describe 2 patients whose medial rectus myectomies were repaired by using nonabsorbable "hang-back" sutures in combination with a botulinum toxin (Botox) injection of the antagonist lateral rectus muscle. Good primary position alignment was achieved in both patients, and one patient was able to regain binocular function. We recommend this surgical approach, especially in patients at increased risk for anterior segment ischemia.

Microarray Detection of Duplex and Triplex DNA Binders with DNA-Modified Gold Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Lytton-Jean, Abigail K. R.; Han, Min Su; Mirkin, Chad A.

2008-01-01

We have designed a chip-based assay, using microarray technology, for determining the relative binding affinities of duplex and triplex DNA binders. This assay combines the high discrimination capabilities afforded by DNA-modified Au nanoparticles with the high-throughput capabilities of DNA microarrays. The detection and screening of duplex DNA binders are important because these molecules, in many cases, are potential anticancer agents as well as toxins. Triplex DNA binders are also promising drug candidates. These molecules, in conjunction with triplex forming oligonucleotides, could potentially be used to achieve control of gene expression by interfering with transcription factors that bind to DNA. Therefore, the ability to screen for these molecules in a high-throughput fashion could dramatically improve the drug screening process. The assay reported here provides excellent discrimination between strong, intermediate, and weak duplex and triplex DNA binders in a high-throughput fashion. PMID:17614366

Tretinoin for the treatment of photodamaged skin.

PubMed

Ting, William

2010-07-01

Interest in and interventions for photodamaged skin have dramatically increased over the last few years. Although a number of topical therapies have been used for the treatment of photodamaged skin, many therapies remain unproven in efficacy, unapproved, or only supported with limited clinical evidence. Topical retinoids, particularly tretinoin, are the most extensively studied. They have been shown to attenuate and reverse the signs of photodamage, such as coarse wrinkling. In addition, the clinical changes achieved with tretinoin are accompanied by histologic evidence of benefit. The main drawbacks to retinoid use are local irritation and erythema that can limit utility in some patients. New retinoids and formulations specifically optimized to improve cutaneous tolerability have been introduced. Two case reports of patients using low-concentration tretinoin gel 0.05% for the treatment of photodamaged skin are discussed. Over a relatively short treatment period of 4 weeks, tretinoin gel 0.05% was shown to provide both chemoprevention and reversal of photodamage.

Ensemble brightening and enhanced quantum yield in size-purified silicon nanocrystals

DOE PAGES

Miller, Joseph B.; Van Sickle, Austin R.; Anthony, Rebecca J.; ...

2012-07-18

Here, we report on the quantum yield, photoluminescence (PL) lifetime and ensemble photoluminescent stability of highly monodisperse plasma-synthesized silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) prepared though density-gradient ultracentrifugation in mixed organic solvents. Improved size uniformity leads to a reduction in PL line width and the emergence of entropic order in dry nanocrystal films. We find excellent agreement with the anticipated trends of quantum confinement in nanocrystalline silicon, with a solution quantum yield that is independent of nanocrystal size for the larger fractions but decreases dramatically with size for the smaller fractions. We also find a significant PL enhancement in films assembled from themore » fractions, and we use a combination of measurement, simulation and modeling to link this ‘brightening’ to a temporally enhanced quantum yield arising from SiNC interactions in ordered ensembles of monodisperse nanocrystals. Using an appropriate excitation scheme, we exploit this enhancement to achieve photostable emission.« less

An Adaptive Instability Suppression Controls Method for Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Combustors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kopasakis, George; DeLaat, John C.; Chang, Clarence T.

2008-01-01

An adaptive controls method for instability suppression in gas turbine engine combustors has been developed and successfully tested with a realistic aircraft engine combustor rig. This testing was part of a program that demonstrated, for the first time, successful active combustor instability control in an aircraft gas turbine engine-like environment. The controls method is called Adaptive Sliding Phasor Averaged Control. Testing of the control method has been conducted in an experimental rig with different configurations designed to simulate combustors with instabilities of about 530 and 315 Hz. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in suppressing combustor instabilities. In addition, a dramatic improvement in suppression of the instability was achieved by focusing control on the second harmonic of the instability. This is believed to be due to a phenomena discovered and reported earlier, the so called Intra-Harmonic Coupling. These results may have implications for future research in combustor instability control.

Leveraging advances in biology to design biomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darnell, Max; Mooney, David J.

2017-12-01

Biomaterials have dramatically increased in functionality and complexity, allowing unprecedented control over the cells that interact with them. From these engineering advances arises the prospect of improved biomaterial-based therapies, yet practical constraints favour simplicity. Tools from the biology community are enabling high-resolution and high-throughput bioassays that, if incorporated into a biomaterial design framework, could help achieve unprecedented functionality while minimizing the complexity of designs by identifying the most important material parameters and biological outputs. However, to avoid data explosions and to effectively match the information content of an assay with the goal of the experiment, material screens and bioassays must be arranged in specific ways. By borrowing methods to design experiments and workflows from the bioprocess engineering community, we outline a framework for the incorporation of next-generation bioassays into biomaterials design to effectively optimize function while minimizing complexity. This framework can inspire biomaterials designs that maximize functionality and translatability.

The discovery and development of HIV therapy: the new challenges.

PubMed

Perno, Carlo Federico

2011-01-01

The therapy of HIV infection has been dramatically improved over the years, and allowed the achievement of unexpected results. The availability of many drugs, and the knowledge of HIV related pathogenesis, helped in selecting highly effective antiviral therapies, yet today a major challenge stands, that is the selection of the best regimen(s) in clinical practice. In this frame, evidence-based medicine remains a cornerstone of modern medicine, but its structure needs to be adapted to the new challenges, made by an excess of information (not always fully reliable), by highly sophisticated statistical systems that may overlook the clinical practice despite their ability to define the statistical significance, and the limited number of independent controlled studies. The revision of the criteria of evidence-based medicine, and their adaptation to the new tools available, may allow a better contribution to the definition of the best therapy for each single patient.

Translating human genetics into mouse: the impact of ultra-rapid in vivo genome editing.

PubMed

Aida, Tomomi; Imahashi, Risa; Tanaka, Kohichi

2014-01-01

Gene-targeted mutant animals, such as knockout or knockin mice, have dramatically improved our understanding of the functions of genes in vivo and the genetic diversity that characterizes health and disease. However, the generation of targeted mice relies on gene targeting in embryonic stem (ES) cells, which is a time-consuming, laborious, and expensive process. The recent groundbreaking development of several genome editing technologies has enabled the targeted alteration of almost any sequence in any cell or organism. These technologies have now been applied to mouse zygotes (in vivo genome editing), thereby providing new avenues for simple, convenient, and ultra-rapid production of knockout or knockin mice without the need for ES cells. Here, we review recent achievements in the production of gene-targeted mice by in vivo genome editing. © 2013 The Authors Development, Growth & Differentiation © 2013 Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists.

Adaptive image contrast enhancement using generalizations of histogram equalization.

PubMed

Stark, J A

2000-01-01

This paper proposes a scheme for adaptive image-contrast enhancement based on a generalization of histogram equalization (HE). HE is a useful technique for improving image contrast, but its effect is too severe for many purposes. However, dramatically different results can be obtained with relatively minor modifications. A concise description of adaptive HE is set out, and this framework is used in a discussion of past suggestions for variations on HE. A key feature of this formalism is a "cumulation function," which is used to generate a grey level mapping from the local histogram. By choosing alternative forms of cumulation function one can achieve a wide variety of effects. A specific form is proposed. Through the variation of one or two parameters, the resulting process can produce a range of degrees of contrast enhancement, at one extreme leaving the image unchanged, at another yielding full adaptive equalization.

Limb Sensing, on the Path to Better Weather Forecasting.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordley, L. L.; Marshall, B. T.; Lachance, R. L.; Fritts, D. C.; Fisher, J.

2017-12-01

Earth limb observations from orbiting sensors have a rich history. The cold space background, long optical paths, and limb geometry provide formidable advantages for calibration, sensitivity and retrieval of vertically well-resolved geophysical parameters. The measurement of limb ray refraction now provides temperature and pressure profiles unburdened by requirements of spectral calibration or gas concentration knowledge, leading to reliable long-term trends. This talk discusses those advantages and our relevant achievements with data from the SOFIE instrument on the AIM satellite. We then describe a path to advances in calibration, sensitivity, profile fidelity, and synergy between limb sensors and nadir sounders. These advances also include small-sat compatible size, elimination of on-board calibration systems and simple static designs, dramatically reducing risk, complexity and cost. Finally, we show how these advances, made possible by modern ADCS, FPA and GPS capabilities, will lead to improvements in weather forecasting and climate observation.

High response speed microfluidic ice valves with enhanced thermal conductivity and a movable refrigeration source

PubMed Central

Si, Chaorun; Hu, Songtao; Cao, Xiaobao; Wu, Weichao

2017-01-01

Due to their ease of fabrication, facile use and low cost, ice valves have great potential for use in microfluidic platforms. For this to be possible, a rapid response speed is key and hence there is still much scope for improvement in current ice valve technology. Therefore, in this study, an ice valve with enhanced thermal conductivity and a movable refrigeration source has been developed. An embedded aluminium cylinder is used to dramatically enhance the heat conduction performance of the microfluidic platform and a movable thermoelectric unit eliminates the thermal inertia, resulting in a faster cooling process. The proposed ice valve achieves very short closing times (0.37 s at 10 μL/min) and also operates at high flow rates (1150 μL/min). Furthermore, the response time of the valve decreased by a factor of 8 when compared to current state of the art technology. PMID:28084447

Directing reaction pathways by catalyst active-site selection using self-assembled monolayers.

PubMed

Pang, Simon H; Schoenbaum, Carolyn A; Schwartz, Daniel K; Medlin, J Will

2013-01-01

One key route for controlling reaction selectivity in heterogeneous catalysis is to prepare catalysts that exhibit only specific types of sites required for desired product formation. Here we show that alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayers with varying surface densities can be used to tune selectivity to desired hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation products during the reaction of furfural on supported palladium catalysts. Vibrational spectroscopic studies demonstrate that the selectivity improvement is achieved by controlling the availability of specific sites for the hydrogenation of furfural on supported palladium catalysts through the selection of an appropriate alkanethiolate. Increasing self-assembled monolayer density by controlling the steric bulk of the organic tail ligand restricts adsorption on terrace sites and dramatically increases selectivity to desired products furfuryl alcohol and methylfuran. This technique of active-site selection simultaneously serves both to enhance selectivity and provide insight into the reaction mechanism.

Insects as model systems in cell biology.

PubMed

Keil, Thomas A; Steinbrecht, R Alexander

2010-01-01

For almost 100 years, insects have been favorable "model systems" in biology. Just to mention a few examples: fruit flies in genetics and developmental biology; bugs and caterpillars in hormone research; houseflies, blowflies, and locusts in neurobiology; silk moths in pheromone research; honeybees and crickets in neuroethology. For more than 50 years the electron microscope (EM) has been a valuable tool in analyzing the structure of cells and organs of these creatures. However, progress in specimen preparation was relatively slow compared with mammalian material and, in 1970, it was taken for granted that insects were much more difficult to fix than mammals. Since then, methods have dramatically improved, and satisfactory results can now be obtained routinely with chemical as well as cryofixation. In this chapter we briefly demonstrate what can be achieved with insect material, and help the researcher to find the most appropriate method for her/his systems and scientific questions. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review of Propulsion Technologies for N+3 Subsonic Vehicle Concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ashcraft, Scott W.; Padron, Andres S.; Pascioni, Kyle A.; Stout, Gary W., Jr.; Huff, Dennis L.

2011-01-01

NASA has set aggressive fuel burn, noise, and emission reduction goals for a new generation (N+3) of aircraft targeting concepts that could be viable in the 2035 timeframe. Several N+3 concepts have been formulated, where the term "N+3" indicate aircraft three generations later than current state-of-the-art aircraft, "N". Dramatic improvements need to be made in the airframe, propulsion systems, mission design, and the air transportation system in order to meet these N+3 goals. The propulsion system is a key element to achieving these goals due to its major role with reducing emissions, fuel burn, and noise. This report provides an in-depth description and assessment of propulsion systems and technologies considered in the N+3 subsonic vehicle concepts. Recommendations for technologies that merit further research and development are presented based upon their impact on the N+3 goals and likelihood of being operational by 2035.

High response speed microfluidic ice valves with enhanced thermal conductivity and a movable refrigeration source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Si, Chaorun; Hu, Songtao; Cao, Xiaobao; Wu, Weichao

2017-01-01

Due to their ease of fabrication, facile use and low cost, ice valves have great potential for use in microfluidic platforms. For this to be possible, a rapid response speed is key and hence there is still much scope for improvement in current ice valve technology. Therefore, in this study, an ice valve with enhanced thermal conductivity and a movable refrigeration source has been developed. An embedded aluminium cylinder is used to dramatically enhance the heat conduction performance of the microfluidic platform and a movable thermoelectric unit eliminates the thermal inertia, resulting in a faster cooling process. The proposed ice valve achieves very short closing times (0.37 s at 10 μL/min) and also operates at high flow rates (1150 μL/min). Furthermore, the response time of the valve decreased by a factor of 8 when compared to current state of the art technology.

Near-unity quantum yields from chloride treated CdTe colloidal quantum dots

DOE PAGES

Page, Robert C.; Espinobarro-Velazquez, Daniel; Leontiadou, Marina A.; ...

2014-10-27

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising materials for novel light sources and solar energy conversion. However, trap states associated with the CQD surface can produce non-radiative charge recombination that significantly reduces device performance. Here a facile post-synthetic treatment of CdTe CQDs is demonstrated that uses chloride ions to achieve near-complete suppression of surface trapping, resulting in an increase of photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) from ca. 5% to up to 97.2 ± 2.5%. The effect of the treatment is characterised by absorption and PL spectroscopy, PL decay, scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We find thismore » process also dramatically improves the air-stability of the CQDs: before treatment the PL is largely quenched after 1 hour of air-exposure, whilst the treated samples showed a PL QY of nearly 50% after more than 12 hours.« less

Parental Experiences of Raising a Child With Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency.

PubMed

Piercy, Hilary; Machaczek, Katarzyna; Ali, Parveen; Yap, Sufin

2017-01-01

Newborn screening enabling early diagnosis of medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) has dramatically improved health outcomes in children with MCADD. Achieving those outcomes depends on effective management by parents. Understanding parental management strategies and associated anxieties and concerns is needed to inform provision of appropriate care and support. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of parents of children aged 2 to 12 years. Thematic analysis identified two main themes. Managing dietary intake examined how parents managed day-to-day dietary intake to ensure adequate intake and protection of safe fasting intervals. Managing and preventing illness events explored parental experiences of managing illness events and their approach to preventing these events. Management strategies were characterized by caution and vigilance and influenced by a lack of confidence in others to manage the condition. The study identifies the need for increased awareness of the condition, particularly in relation to emergency treatment.

Seizing market shaping opportunities for vaccine cold chain equipment.

PubMed

Azimi, Tara; Franzel, Lauren; Probst, Nina

2017-04-19

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, supports immunisation programmes in eligible countries to reach children with lifesaving vaccines. Dramatic improvement in the scale and performance of current cold chain systems is required to extend the reach of immunisation services - especially for children living in remote locations - to advance progress towards full vaccine coverage. Achieving these improvements will require a healthier market for cold chain equipment where the products meet user needs, are sustainably priced, and are available in sufficient quantities to meet demand. Yet evidence suggests that the cold chain market has suffered from several failures including limited demand visibility, fragmented procurement, and insufficient information exchange between manufacturers and buyers on needs and equipment performance. One of Gavi's strategic goals is to shape markets for vaccines and other immunisation products, including cold chain equipment and in 2015, Gavi created a new mechanism - the Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) Optimisation Platform - to strengthen country cold chain systems by offering financial support and incentives for higher performing CCE. The main objective of the CCE Platform is to get more equipment that is efficient, sustainable, and better performing deployed to every health facility where it is required at an affordable price. To achieve these objectives, Gavi is putting in place tested market shaping approaches and tools adapted for the CCE market: the development of market strategies or 'roadmaps'; improvement of product performance through the development of target product profiles (TPPs); strategic engagement with CCE manufacturers and countries to enhance information sharing; and tailoring procurement tactics to the CCE market. These approaches and tools will allow for increased demand and supply of higher-performing, cost-effective and quality products. By strengthening immunisation systems with improved cold chain equipment, Gavi countries can begin to address the underlying problems limiting vaccine availability and improve the coverage and equity of vaccines. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Insulin oedema and treatment-induced neuropathy occurring in a 20-year-old patient with Type 1 diabetes commenced on an insulin pump.

PubMed

Rothacker, K M; Kaye, J

2014-01-01

Oedema may occur following initiation or intensification of insulin therapy in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Mild oedema is thought to be not uncommon, but under-reported, whilst generalized oedema with involvement of serous cavities has rarely been described. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed, including insulin-induced sodium and water retention. Patients at greater risk for insulin oedema include those with poor glycaemic control. Dramatic improvement in glycaemic control is also associated with sensory and autonomic neuropathy. We describe a case of generalized oedema occurring in a 20-year-old, low body weight patient with Type 1 diabetes with poor glycaemic control 3 days following commencement of an insulin pump; blood sugars had dramatically improved with this treatment. Alternative causes for oedema were excluded. Oedema slowly improved with insulin dose reduction with higher blood sugar targets plus frusemide treatment. Subsequent to oedema resolution, the patient unfortunately developed generalized neuropathic pain, thought to be another manifestation of rapid improvement in glycaemic control. Caution should be taken when a patient with diabetes that is poorly controlled has an escalation in therapy that may dramatically improve their blood sugar levels; this includes the initiation of an insulin pump. Clinicians and patients should be aware of the potential risk of insulin oedema, treatment-induced neuropathy and worsening of diabetic retinopathy in the setting of rapid improvement in glycaemic control. © 2013 The Authors. Diabetic Medicine © 2013 Diabetes UK.

Developmental and genetic analysis of a short leaf mutant, a key resource for plant architecture modification in sorghum

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Modification in plant architecture have been demonstrated as one of the major contributing factors that ushered in the Green Revolution resulting in achieving dramatic increases in grain yield for wheat and rice. For sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench.), possible alteration in plant architecture is ...

Time Well Spent: Eight Powerful Practices of Successful, Expanded-Time Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaplan, Claire; Chan, Roy

2012-01-01

This report reshapes the field for expanded-time schools by outlining specific practices that can lead to dramatic increases in student achievement and preparation for success in college and the workforce. This report offers an in-depth examination of 30 expanded-time schools serving high-poverty populations with impressive track records of…

The Effect of Choral Music Education on Literacy Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hearnsberger, Keith Alan

2013-01-01

American education was going through dramatic change in the beginning of the 21st century. The way children were educated was constantly evolving. Public schools, private schools, parochial schools, charter schools, and many other types of educational institutions were affected by various federal and state regulations since the 1960's. The…

A Blueprint for Reform. The Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Education, 2010

2010-01-01

On Saturday, March 13, the Obama administration released its blueprint for revising the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which would ask states to adopt college- and career-ready standards and reward schools for producing dramatic gains in student achievement. The proposal challenges the nation to embrace educational standards that…

"White Port and Lemon Juice": Notes on Ritual in the New Black Theatre

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steele, Shelby

1973-01-01

The New Black Theatre dramatizes the values it seeks to reaffirm from play to play: ritual is here achieved through the repetition of patterns, symbols and values from drama to drama, using the six literary devices of allegory, symbol, characterization, recurring themes, language styles, and repetition. (Author/JM)

Bridges, Tunnels, and School Reform: It's the System, Stupid

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Thomas F.

2007-01-01

After almost three decades of school reform, student achievement nationally is about where it was when it started, and student behavior has declined dramatically. Numbers of dropouts, especially in cities and among the poor and minorities, have gotten much higher. Yet many billions of dollars have been spent; countless professionals have carried…

Fiery Passion and Relentless Commitment: The Lived Experiences of African American Women Principals in Turnaround Model Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aldaco, Adrienne L. Gratten

2016-01-01

Chronically low performing schools in the United States have required targeted support and interventions to increase student achievement. In recent years, the school turnaround model has emerged as a swift, dramatic, comprehensive approach to implementing interventions in the lowest performing schools (Calkins, Guenther, Belfiore, & Lash,…

Panel Recommends State-Level NAEP for 12th Graders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olson, Lynn

2004-01-01

A national commission formed to review the future of the 12th grade National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has recommended that the nation's primary barometer of student performance should expand dramatically to provide mandatory state results on the achievement of 12th graders and to measure their readiness for college, employment,…

Targeted enrichment strategies for next-generation plant biology

Treesearch

Richard Cronn; Brian J. Knaus; Aaron Liston; Peter J. Maughan; Matthew Parks; John V. Syring; Joshua Udall

2012-01-01

The dramatic advances offered by modem DNA sequencers continue to redefine the limits of what can be accomplished in comparative plant biology. Even with recent achievements, however, plant genomes present obstacles that can make it difficult to execute large-scale population and phylogenetic studies on next-generation sequencing platforms. Factors like large genome...

The Secret to Finland's Success: Educating Teachers. Research Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sahlberg, Pasi

2010-01-01

In the last decade, Finland has emerged as the leading OECD country in educational achievement. In examining the sources of Finland's dramatic rise to the top, research shows one key element that has impacted Finland's success above all others: excellent teachers. This policy brief details the key elements of Finland's successful system, examining…

Connecticut Graduation Rates. A ConnCAN Issue Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alexander, Jennifer; Spurrier, Alex; Sauer, Jordan

2011-01-01

For the past five years, ConnCAN (Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now) has analyzed the state's graduation rates; this Issue Brief provides a more detailed examination of the latest data. In addition to relatively flat graduation rates across the board in Connecticut, the data reveal dramatic, persistent gaps by race. These numbers point to…

The Effect of Manipulatives on Achievement Scores in the Middle School Mathematics Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doias, Elaine D.

2013-01-01

When applied to mathematics education, manipulatives help students to visualize mathematical concepts and apply them to everyday situations. Interest in mathematics instruction has increased dramatically over the past two decades with the introduction of virtual manipulatives, as opposed to the concrete manipulatives that have been employed for…

An Overview of Strategic Alliances between Universities and Corporations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elmuti, Dean; Abebe, Michael; Nicolosi, Marco

2005-01-01

Purpose: Strategic alliances generally represent inter-firm cooperative agreements aimed at achieving competitive advantage for the partners. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in strategic alliances by multinational firms. This paper aims to explore the essence of these alliances and why they have become such a growing area of…

Rapidly calculated density functional theory (DFT) relaxed Iso-potential Phi Si Maps: Beta-cellobiose

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

New cellobiose Phi-H/Si-H maps are rapidly generated using a mixed basis set DFT method, found to achieve a high level of confidence while reducing computer resources dramatically. Relaxed iso-potential maps are made for different conformational states of cellobiose, showing how glycosidic bond dihe...

Clinical Information Systems – From Yesterday to Tomorrow

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Summary Objectives To review the history of clinical information systems over the past twenty-five years and project anticipated changes to those systems over the next twenty-five years. Methods Over 250 Medline references about clinical information systems, quality of patient care, and patient safety were reviewed. Books, Web resources, and the author’s personal experience with developing the HELP system were also used. Results There have been dramatic improvements in the use and acceptance of clinical computing systems and Electronic Health Records (EHRs), especially in the United States. Although there are still challenges with the implementation of such systems, the rate of progress has been remarkable. Over the next twenty-five years, there will remain many important opportunities and challenges. These opportunities include understanding complex clinical computing issues that must be studied, understood and optimized. Dramatic improvements in quality of care and patient safety must be anticipated as a result of the use of clinical information systems. These improvements will result from a closer involvement of clinical informaticians in the optimization of patient care processes. Conclusions Clinical information systems and computerized clinical decision support have made contributions to medicine in the past. Therefore, by using better medical knowledge, optimized clinical information systems, and computerized clinical decision, we will enable dramatic improvements in both the quality and safety of patient care in the next twenty-five years. PMID:27362589

Continuous Quality Improvement: A Roadmap for Rural School Improvement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kilmer, Lloyd C.

A case study documented a continuous quality improvement approach to school improvement in a rural Nebraska high school over a 2-year period. Data gathered from surveys, portfolios, pilot results, and test scores indicated that the changes during the 2-year period were not dramatic, but significant and consistent with the Total Quality literature.…

Multi-scale theory-assisted nano-engineering of plasmonic-organic hybrid electro-optic device performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elder, Delwin L.; Johnson, Lewis E.; Tillack, Andreas F.; Robinson, Bruce H.; Haffner, Christian; Heni, Wolfgang; Hoessbacher, Claudia; Fedoryshyn, Yuriy; Salamin, Yannick; Baeuerle, Benedikt; Josten, Arne; Ayata, Masafumi; Koch, Ueli; Leuthold, Juerg; Dalton, Larry R.

2018-02-01

Multi-scale (correlated quantum and statistical mechanics) modeling methods have been advanced and employed to guide the improvement of organic electro-optic (OEO) materials, including by analyzing electric field poling induced electro-optic activity in nanoscopic plasmonic-organic hybrid (POH) waveguide devices. The analysis of in-device electro-optic activity emphasizes the importance of considering both the details of intermolecular interactions within organic electro-optic materials and interactions at interfaces between OEO materials and device architectures. Dramatic improvement in electro-optic device performance-including voltage-length performance, bandwidth, energy efficiency, and lower optical losses have been realized. These improvements are critical to applications in telecommunications, computing, sensor technology, and metrology. Multi-scale modeling methods illustrate the complexity of improving the electro-optic activity of organic materials, including the necessity of considering the trade-off between improving poling-induced acentric order through chromophore modification and the reduction of chromophore number density associated with such modification. Computational simulations also emphasize the importance of developing chromophore modifications that serve multiple purposes including matrix hardening for enhanced thermal and photochemical stability, control of matrix dimensionality, influence on material viscoelasticity, improvement of chromophore molecular hyperpolarizability, control of material dielectric permittivity and index of refraction properties, and control of material conductance. Consideration of new device architectures is critical to the implementation of chipscale integration of electronics and photonics and achieving the high bandwidths for applications such as next generation (e.g., 5G) telecommunications.

Anisotropic-Scale Junction Detection and Matching for Indoor Images.

PubMed

Xue, Nan; Xia, Gui-Song; Bai, Xiang; Zhang, Liangpei; Shen, Weiming

Junctions play an important role in characterizing local geometrical structures of images, and the detection of which is a longstanding but challenging task. Existing junction detectors usually focus on identifying the location and orientations of junction branches while ignoring their scales, which, however, contain rich geometries of images. This paper presents a novel approach for junction detection and characterization, which especially exploits the locally anisotropic geometries of a junction and estimates its scales by relying on an a-contrario model. The output junctions are with anisotropic scales, saying that a scale parameter is associated with each branch of a junction and are thus named as anisotropic-scale junctions (ASJs). We then apply the new detected ASJs for matching indoor images, where there are dramatic changes of viewpoints and the detected local visual features, e.g., key-points, are usually insufficient and lack distinctive ability. We propose to use the anisotropic geometries of our junctions to improve the matching precision of indoor images. The matching results on sets of indoor images demonstrate that our approach achieves the state-of-the-art performance on indoor image matching.Junctions play an important role in characterizing local geometrical structures of images, and the detection of which is a longstanding but challenging task. Existing junction detectors usually focus on identifying the location and orientations of junction branches while ignoring their scales, which, however, contain rich geometries of images. This paper presents a novel approach for junction detection and characterization, which especially exploits the locally anisotropic geometries of a junction and estimates its scales by relying on an a-contrario model. The output junctions are with anisotropic scales, saying that a scale parameter is associated with each branch of a junction and are thus named as anisotropic-scale junctions (ASJs). We then apply the new detected ASJs for matching indoor images, where there are dramatic changes of viewpoints and the detected local visual features, e.g., key-points, are usually insufficient and lack distinctive ability. We propose to use the anisotropic geometries of our junctions to improve the matching precision of indoor images. The matching results on sets of indoor images demonstrate that our approach achieves the state-of-the-art performance on indoor image matching.

Medical and Behavioral Approaches to Engage People Who Inject Drugs Into Care for Hepatitis C Virus Infection

PubMed Central

Gonzalez, Stevan A.; Fierer, Daniel S.

2017-01-01

Direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus infection may revolutionize treatment among persons with substance use disorders. Despite persons with substance use disorders having the highest hepatitis C virus prevalence and incidence, the vast majority have not engaged into care for the infection. Previously, interferon-based treatments, with substantial side effects and the propensity to exacerbate mental health conditions, were major disincentives to pursuit of care for the infection. Direct-acting antivirals with viral eradication rates of >90%, significantly improved side effect profiles, and shorter treatment duration are dramatic improvements over prior treatment regimens that should promote widespread hepatitis C virus care among persons with substance use disorders. The major unmet need is strategies to promote persons with substance use disorders engagement into care for hepatitis C virus. Although physical integration of treatment for substance use and co-occurring conditions has been widely advocated, it has been difficult to achieve. Telemedicine offers an opportunity for virtual integration of behavioral and medical treatments that could be supplemented by conventional interventions such as hepatitis C virus education, case management, and peer navigation. Furthermore, harm reduction and strategies to reduce viral transmission are important to cease reinfection among persons with substance use disorders. Widespread prescription of therapy for hepatitis C virus infection to substance users will be required to achieve the ultimate goal of global virus elimination. Combinations of medical and behavioral interventions should be used to promote persons with substance use disorders engagement into and adherence with direct-acting antiviral-based treatment approaches. Ultimately, either physical or virtual colocation of hepatitis C virus and substance use treatment has the potential to improve adherence and consequently treatment efficacy. PMID:28701904

Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis Based on Its Immunopathogenesis

PubMed Central

Kim, Jee Young; Park, Kee Duk

2011-01-01

The prognosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) has improved dramatically due to advances in critical-care medicine and symptomatic treatments. Its immunopathogenesis is fundamentally a T-cell-dependent autoimmune process resulting from loss of tolerance toward self-antigens in the thymus. Thymectomy is based on this immunological background. For MG patients who are inadequately controlled with sufficient symptomatic treatment or fail to achieve remission after thymectomy, remission is usually achieved through the addition of other immunotherapies. These immunotherapies can be classified into two groups: rapid induction and long-term maintenance. Rapid induction therapy includes intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PE). These produce improvement within a few days after initiation, and so are useful for acute exacerbation including myasthenic crisis or in the perioperative period. High-dose prednisone has been more universally preferred for remission induction, but it acts more slowly than IVIg and PE, commonly only after a delay of several weeks. Slow tapering of steroids after a high-dose pulse offers a method of maintaining the state of remission. However, because of significant side effects, other immunosuppressants (ISs) are frequently added as "steroid-sparing agents". The currently available ISs exert their immunosuppressive effects by three mechanisms: 1) blocking the synthesis of DNA and RNA, 2) inhibiting T-cell activation and 3) depleting the B-cell population. In addition, newer drugs including antisense molecule, tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor blocker and complement inhibitors are currently under investigation to confirm their effectiveness. Until now, the treatment of MG has been based primarily on experience rather than gold-standard evidence from randomized controlled trials. It is hoped that well-organized studies and newer experimental trials will lead to improved treatments. PMID:22259613

Adaptive glide slope control for parafoil and payload aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, Michael

Airdrop systems provide a unique capability of delivering large payloads to undeveloped and inaccessible locations. Traditionally, these systems have been unguided, requiring large landing zones and drops from low altitude. The invention of the steerable, gliding, ram-air parafoil enabled the possibility of precision aerial payload delivery. In practice, the gliding ability of the ram-air parafoil can actually create major problems for airdrop systems by making them more susceptible to winds and allowing them to achieve far greater miss distances than were previously possible. Research and development work on guided airdrop systems has focused primarily on evolutionary improvements to the guidance algorithm, while the navigation and control algorithms have changed little since the initial autnomous systems were developed. Furthermore, the control mechanisms have not changed since the invention of the ram-air canopy in the 1960’s. The primary contributions of this dissertation are: (1) the development of a reliable and robust method to identify a flight dynamic model for a parafoil and payload aircraft using minimal sensor data; (2) the first demonstration in flight test of the ability to achieve large changes in glide slope over ground using coupled incidence angle variation and trailing edge brake deflection; (3) the first development of a control law to implement glide slope control on an autonomous system; (4) the first flight tests of autonomous landing with a glide slope control mechanism demonstrating an improvement in landing accuracy by a factor of 2 or more in especially windy conditions, and (5) the first demonstrations in both simulation and flight test of the ability to perform in-flight system identification to adapt the internal control mappings to flight data and provide dramatic improvements in landing accuracy when there is a significant discrepancy between the assumed and actual flight characteristics.

Does compliance with amblyopia management improve following supervised occlusion treatment?

PubMed

El-Ghrably, I A; Longville, D; Gnanaraj, L

2007-01-01

To demonstrate improvement in compliance following supervised occlusion therapy for amblyopia in children who had failed to respond to outpatient treatment. Retrospective review of the visual outcome of 30 children who were admitted to an ophthalmology ward for 1-day intensive supervised occlusion. These children had documented poor compliance and previously failed to respond to the outpatient occlusion treatment. During their stay a trained ophthalmology nurse educated parents regarding amblyopia and the benefits of occlusion therapy. Visual acuity (VA) of the amblyopic and fellow eyes was recorded on admission, discharge, and at each subsequent visit. The compliance was recorded from parent's history and also indirectly by noticing improvement in vision. The mean supervised occlusion was 7.4 hours (range 4-12 hours). The compliance with occlusion therapy improved in 23 children (77%) after discharge. The mean duration of occlusion after discharge improved to 4 hours (range 1-12 hours). The mean follow-up was 18 months (range 4-24 months). Though there was no dramatic improvement in VA at discharge there was a statistically significant improvement in VA between admission and last recorded VA (p<0.0001). Of the 23 children who were compliant with occlusion following discharge, 21 (91%) gained at least one line of acuity in their amblyopic eye on the last assessment of their VA and five of them achieved 6/12. Of the seven children who did not comply with occlusion following discharge, only one patient gained one line improvement in his amblyopic eye. This study shows that supervised occlusion treatment and parental education was effective in children who had initially failed traditional outpatient treatment.

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy leading to dramatic improvement in a patient with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and severe pericarditis resistant to steroid pulse therapy.

PubMed

Aizawa-Yashiro, Tomomi; Oki, Eishin; Tsuruga, Kazushi; Nakahata, Tohru; Ito, Etsuro; Tanaka, Hiroshi

2012-05-01

A 7-year-old Japanese boy with a 4-month history of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (s-JIA) experienced disease flare with spiking fever, exanthema and arthralgia. He then developed progressive dyspnea due to severe pericarditis, and proinflammatory hypercytokinemia was suspected. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy was ineffective and echocardiography showed massive pericardial effusion had persisted. Alternatively, subsequent intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy resulted in dramatic resolution of the pericardial effusion, and his general condition significantly improved within a few days. This case report may lend further support the use of IVIG for selected patients with s-JIA and severe pericarditis.

Minimization of Ohmic losses for domain wall motion in ferromagnetic nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abanov, Artem; Tretiakov, Oleg; Liu, Yang

2011-03-01

We study current-induced domain-wall motion in a narrow ferromagnetic wire. We propose a way to move domain walls with a resonant time-dependent current which dramatically decreases the Ohmic losses in the wire and allows driving of the domain wall with higher speed without burning the wire. For any domain wall velocity we find the time-dependence of the current needed to minimize the Ohmic losses. Below a critical domain-wall velocity specified by the parameters of the wire the minimal Ohmic losses are achieved by dc current. Furthermore, we identify the wire parameters for which the losses reduction from its dc value is the most dramatic. This work was supported by the NSF Grant No. 0757992 and Welch Foundation (A-1678).

Improved response time of flexible microelectromechanical sensors employing eco-friendly nanomaterials.

PubMed

Fan, Shicheng; Dan, Li; Meng, Lingju; Zheng, Wei; Elias, Anastasia; Wang, Xihua

2017-11-09

Flexible force/pressure sensors are of interest for academia and industry and have applications in wearable technologies. Most of such sensors on the market or reported in journal publications are based on the operation mechanism of probing capacitance or resistance changes of the materials under pressure. Recently, we reported the microelectromechanical (MEM) sensors based on a different mechanism: mechanical switches. Multiples of such MEM sensors can be integrated to achieve the same function of regular force/pressure sensors while having the advantages of ease of fabrication and long-term stability in operation. Herein, we report the dramatically improved response time (more than one order of magnitude) of these MEM sensors by employing eco-friendly nanomaterials-cellulose nanocrystals. For instance, the incorporation of polydimethysiloxane filled with cellulose nanocrystals shortened the response time of MEM sensors from sub-seconds to several milliseconds, leading to the detection of both diastolic and systolic pressures in the radial arterial blood pressure measurement. Comprehensive mechanical and electrical characterization of the materials and the devices reveal that greatly enhanced storage modulus and loss modulus play key roles in this improved response time. The demonstrated fast-response flexible sensors enabled continuous monitoring of heart rate and complex cardiovascular signals using pressure sensors for future wearable sensing platforms.

Conceptual design study of concentrator enhanced solar arrays for space applications. 2kW Si and GaAs systems at 1 AU

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The effect of concentration level on the specific power for a deployable, thin, gallium arsenide cell array in geosynchronous orbit for 10 years in conjunction with a two dimensional flat plate trough concentrator (V trough) and also with a multiple flat plate concentrator was investigated as well as the effects for a conventional silicon cell array on a rigid substrate. For application to a thin GaAs array at 1 AU for 10 years, the V trough produces a 19% benefit in specific power and a dramatic reduction in array area, while the multiple flat plate collector design is not only of no benefit, but is a considerable detriment. The benefit it achieves by reducing array area is duplicated by the 2D design. For the silicon array on a rigid substrate, improvement in performance due to a concentrator with ordinary mirror coating is quite small: 9% increase in specific power, and 13% reduction in array area. When the concentrator mirrors are coated with an improved cold mirror coating, somewhat more significant results are obtained: 31% specific power improvement; and 27% area reduction. In both cases, a 10 year exposure reduces BOL output by 23%.

Selection is more intelligent than design: improving the affinity of a bivalent ligand through directed evolution.

PubMed

Ahmad, Kareem M; Xiao, Yi; Soh, H Tom

2012-12-01

Multivalent molecular interactions can be exploited to dramatically enhance the performance of an affinity reagent. The enhancement in affinity and specificity achieved with a multivalent construct depends critically on the effectiveness of the scaffold that joins the ligands, as this determines their positions and orientations with respect to the target molecule. Currently, no generalizable design rules exist for construction of an optimal multivalent ligand for targets with known structures, and the design challenge remains an insurmountable obstacle for the large number of proteins whose structures are not known. As an alternative to such design-based strategies, we report here a directed evolution-based method for generating optimal bivalent aptamers. To demonstrate this approach, we fused two thrombin aptamers with a randomized DNA sequence and used a microfluidic in vitro selection strategy to isolate scaffolds with exceptionally high affinities. Within five rounds of selection, we generated a bivalent aptamer that binds thrombin with an apparent dissociation constant (K(d)) <10 pM, representing a ∼200-fold improvement in binding affinity over the monomeric aptamers and a ∼15-fold improvement over the best designed bivalent construct. The process described here can be used to produce high-affinity multivalent aptamers and could potentially be adapted to other classes of biomolecules.

Improving spinning disk confocal microscopy by preventing pinhole cross-talk for intravital imaging

PubMed Central

Shimozawa, Togo; Yamagata, Kazuo; Kondo, Takefumi; Hayashi, Shigeo; Shitamukai, Atsunori; Konno, Daijiro; Matsuzaki, Fumio; Takayama, Jun; Onami, Shuichi; Nakayama, Hiroshi; Kosugi, Yasuhito; Watanabe, Tomonobu M.; Fujita, Katsumasa; Mimori-Kiyosue, Yuko

2013-01-01

A recent key requirement in life sciences is the observation of biological processes in their natural in vivo context. However, imaging techniques that allow fast imaging with higher resolution in 3D thick specimens are still limited. Spinning disk confocal microscopy using a Yokogawa Confocal Scanner Unit, which offers high-speed multipoint confocal live imaging, has been found to have wide utility among cell biologists. A conventional Confocal Scanner Unit configuration, however, is not optimized for thick specimens, for which the background noise attributed to “pinhole cross-talk,” which is unintended pinhole transmission of out-of-focus light, limits overall performance in focal discrimination and reduces confocal capability. Here, we improve spinning disk confocal microscopy by eliminating pinhole cross-talk. First, the amount of pinhole cross-talk is reduced by increasing the interpinhole distance. Second, the generation of out-of-focus light is prevented by two-photon excitation that achieves selective-plane illumination. We evaluate the effect of these modifications and test the applicability to the live imaging of green fluorescent protein-expressing model animals. As demonstrated by visualizing the fine details of the 3D cell shape and submicron-size cytoskeletal structures inside animals, these strategies dramatically improve higher-resolution intravital imaging. PMID:23401517

Improving spinning disk confocal microscopy by preventing pinhole cross-talk for intravital imaging.

PubMed

Shimozawa, Togo; Yamagata, Kazuo; Kondo, Takefumi; Hayashi, Shigeo; Shitamukai, Atsunori; Konno, Daijiro; Matsuzaki, Fumio; Takayama, Jun; Onami, Shuichi; Nakayama, Hiroshi; Kosugi, Yasuhito; Watanabe, Tomonobu M; Fujita, Katsumasa; Mimori-Kiyosue, Yuko

2013-02-26

A recent key requirement in life sciences is the observation of biological processes in their natural in vivo context. However, imaging techniques that allow fast imaging with higher resolution in 3D thick specimens are still limited. Spinning disk confocal microscopy using a Yokogawa Confocal Scanner Unit, which offers high-speed multipoint confocal live imaging, has been found to have wide utility among cell biologists. A conventional Confocal Scanner Unit configuration, however, is not optimized for thick specimens, for which the background noise attributed to "pinhole cross-talk," which is unintended pinhole transmission of out-of-focus light, limits overall performance in focal discrimination and reduces confocal capability. Here, we improve spinning disk confocal microscopy by eliminating pinhole cross-talk. First, the amount of pinhole cross-talk is reduced by increasing the interpinhole distance. Second, the generation of out-of-focus light is prevented by two-photon excitation that achieves selective-plane illumination. We evaluate the effect of these modifications and test the applicability to the live imaging of green fluorescent protein-expressing model animals. As demonstrated by visualizing the fine details of the 3D cell shape and submicron-size cytoskeletal structures inside animals, these strategies dramatically improve higher-resolution intravital imaging.

Reconstruction of magnetic resonance imaging by three-dimensional dual-dictionary learning.

PubMed

Song, Ying; Zhu, Zhen; Lu, Yang; Liu, Qiegen; Zhao, Jun

2014-03-01

To improve the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data acquisition speed while maintaining the reconstruction quality, a novel method is proposed for multislice MRI reconstruction from undersampled k-space data based on compressed-sensing theory using dictionary learning. There are two aspects to improve the reconstruction quality. One is that spatial correlation among slices is used by extending the atoms in dictionary learning from patches to blocks. The other is that the dictionary-learning scheme is used at two resolution levels; i.e., a low-resolution dictionary is used for sparse coding and a high-resolution dictionary is used for image updating. Numerical experiments are carried out on in vivo 3D MR images of brains and abdomens with a variety of undersampling schemes and ratios. The proposed method (dual-DLMRI) achieves better reconstruction quality than conventional reconstruction methods, with the peak signal-to-noise ratio being 7 dB higher. The advantages of the dual dictionaries are obvious compared with the single dictionary. Parameter variations ranging from 50% to 200% only bias the image quality within 15% in terms of the peak signal-to-noise ratio. Dual-DLMRI effectively uses the a priori information in the dual-dictionary scheme and provides dramatically improved reconstruction quality. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Teacher Evaluation: Principals' Insights and Suggestions for Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kersten, Thomas A.; Israel, Marla S.

2005-01-01

In the twenty-first century, school improvement is the focal point for educational leadership, in which the school building administrator is recognized as the catalyst for this necessary improvement. Within the area of teacher evaluation, the evaluation tools, along with the amount of time, format, and feedback, have changed dramatically from the…

Local problems, local solutions: improving tuberculosis control at the district level in Malawi.

PubMed Central

Kelly, P. M.

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To examine the causes of a low cure rate at the district level of a tuberculosis (TB) control programme and to formulate, implement, and evaluate an intervention to improve the situation. METHODS: The study setting was Mzuzu (population 60,000), where the annual smear-positive pulmonary TB incidence was 160 per 100,000 and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence was 67% among TB patients. There is one TB treatment unit, but several other organizations are involved with TB control. An examination of case-holding activities was carried out, potential areas for improvement were identified, and interventions performed. FINDINGS: In 1990-91, the cure rate was 24% among smear-positive cases (29% among survivors to end of treatment). Problems identified included a fragmented TB control programme; inadequate training and supervision; suboptimal recording of patients' addresses; and nonadherence to national TB control programme protocols. These problems were addressed, and in 1992-93 the cure rate rose to 68% (relative risk (RR) = 2.85 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.63, 4.96)) and to 92% among survivors to the end of treatment (RR = 3.12 (95% CI = 1.84, 5.29)). High cure rates are therefore achievable despite high HIV prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Simple, inexpensive, local programmatic interventions can dramatically improve TB case holding. This study demonstrates the need for evaluation, training, and supervision at all levels of the programme. PMID:11242817

Integration and manufacture of multifunctional planar lightwave circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipscomb, George F.; Ticknor, Anthony J.; Stiller, Marc A.; Chen, Wenjie; Schroeter, Paul

2001-11-01

The demands of exponentially growing Internet traffic, coupled with the advent of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) fiber optic systems to meet those demands, have triggered a revolution in the telecommunications industry. This dramatic change has been built upon, and has driven, improvements in fiber optic component technology. The next generation of systems for the all optical network will require higher performance components coupled with dramatically lower costs. One approach to achieve significantly lower costs per function is to employ Planar Lightwave Circuits (PLC) to integrate multiple optical functions in a single package. PLCs are optical circuits laid out on a silicon wafer, and are made using tools and techniques developed to extremely high levels by the semi-conductor industry. In this way multiple components can be fabricated and interconnected at once, significantly reducing both the manufacturing and the packaging/assembly costs. Currently, the predominant commercial application of PLC technology is arrayed-waveguide gratings (AWG's) for multiplexing and demultiplexing multiple wavelength channels in a DWDM system. Although this is generally perceived as a single-function device, it can be performing the function of more than 100 discrete fiber-optic components and already represents a considerable degree of integration. Furthermore, programmable functions such as variable-optical attenuators (VOAs) and switches made with compatible PLC technology are now moving into commercial production. In this paper, we present results on the integration of active and passive functions together using PLC technology, e.g. a 40 channel AWG multiplexer with 40 individually controllable VOAs.

Dramatic colour changes in a bird of paradise caused by uniquely structured breast feather barbules.

PubMed

Stavenga, Doekele G; Leertouwer, Hein L; Marshall, N Justin; Osorio, Daniel

2011-07-22

The breast-plate plumage of male Lawes' parotia (Parotia lawesii) produces dramatic colour changes when this bird of paradise displays on its forest-floor lek. We show that this effect is achieved not solely by the iridescence--that is an angular-dependent spectral shift of the reflected light--which is inherent in structural coloration, but is based on a unique anatomical modification of the breast-feather barbule. The barbules have a segmental structure, and in common with many other iridescent feathers, they contain stacked melanin rodlets surrounded by a keratin film. The unique property of the parotia barbules is their boomerang-like cross section. This allows each barbule to work as three coloured mirrors: a yellow-orange reflector in the plane of the feather, and two symmetrically positioned bluish reflectors at respective angles of about 30°. Movement during the parotia's courtship displays thereby achieves much larger and more abrupt colour changes than is possible with ordinary iridescent plumage. To our knowledge, this is the first example of multiple thin film or multi-layer reflectors incorporated in a single structure (engineered or biological). It nicely illustrates how subtle modification of the basic feather structure can achieve novel visual effects. The fact that the parotia's breast feathers seem to be specifically adapted to give much stronger colour changes than normal structural coloration implies that colour change is important in their courtship display.

Impact of Glycemic Control on Healthcare Resource Utilization and Costs of Type 2 Diabetes: Current and Future Pharmacologic Approaches to Improving Outcomes

PubMed Central

Banerji, Mary Ann; Dunn, Jeffrey D.

2013-01-01

Background The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes continue to grow in the United States and worldwide, along with the growing prevalence of obesity. Patients with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for comorbid cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD), which dramatically affects overall healthcare costs. Objectives To review the impact of glycemic control and medication adherence on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs of patients with type 2 diabetes, and to highlight the need for new drug therapies to improve outcomes in this patient population. Methods This comprehensive literature search was conducted for the period between 2000 and 2013, using MEDLINE, to identify published articles that report the associations between glycemic control, medication adherence, CV morbidity and mortality, and healthcare utilization and costs. Search terms included “type 2 diabetes,” “adherence,” “compliance,” “nonadherence,” “drug therapy,” “resource use,” “cost,” and “cost-effectiveness.” Discussion Despite improvements in the management of CV risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes, outcomes remain poor. The costs associated with the management of type 2 diabetes are increasing dramatically as the prevalence of the disease increases. Medication adherence to long-term drug therapy remains poor in patients with type 2 diabetes and contributes to poor glycemic control in this patient population, increased healthcare resource utilization and increased costs, as well as increased rates of comorbid CVD and mortality. Furthermore, poor adherence to established evidence-based guidelines for type 2 diabetes, including underdiagnosis and undertreatment, contributes to poor outcomes. New approaches to the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes currently in development have the potential to improve medication adherence and consequently glycemic control, which in turn will help to reduce associated costs and healthcare utilization. Conclusions As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and its associated comorbidities grows, healthcare costs will continue to increase, indicating a need for better approaches to achieve glycemic control and manage comorbid conditions. Drug therapies are needed that enhance patient adherence and persistence levels far above levels reported with currently available drugs. Improvements in adherence to treatment guidelines and greater rates of lifestyle modifications also are needed. A serious unmet need exists for greatly improved patient outcomes, more effective and more tolerable drugs, as well as marked improvements in adherence to treatment guidelines and drug therapy to positively impact healthcare costs and resource use. PMID:24991370

Advancing the Speaking and Listening Skills of K-2 English Language Learners through Creative Drama

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brouillette, Liane

2012-01-01

In recent decades the United States has experienced a dramatic increase in children entering school whose home language is not English. If they are to achieve to their full potential, these children need direct and frequent interaction with individuals who can provide English language learners with accurate feedback. Creative drama activities that…

From the Middle to the Top of the Heap! Excellence in Rural Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carr, John C.

Since 1975 the Contoocook Valley District, a small rural cooperative school district in southwestern New Hampshire, has developed a performance-based student competency program which has resulted in a dramatic increase in scores on the Stanford Achievement Test. The district is comprised of 9 towns, covers an area of almost 300 square miles, and…

Study Finds Charter Networks Give No Clear Edge on Results

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shah, Nirvi

2011-01-01

The author reports on a national study of middle school students in 40 charter networks which finds that, when it comes to having an impact on student achievement, results vary and, overall, charter students do not learn dramatically more than their counterparts in regular public schools. The findings from the research group Mathematica and the…

A Special Section on International Education--Education in Japan: Competing Visions for the Future

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bjork, Christopher; Tsuneyoshi, Ryoko

2005-01-01

During the last two decades of the 20th century, Japanese students' exemplary performance on international achievement tests, coupled with the nation's dramatic economic growth, made the Japanese education system a focus of attention from outside observers. Educators, scholars, and journalists all scrutinized the Japanese schools in an attempt to…

Looking Out for Eliza Doolittle: The Ethical Treatment of Education Research Subjects. Working Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pritchard, Ivor

George Bernard Shaw's play, "Pygmalion," tells the story of an educational experiment involving Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins. The characters set out to achieve a dramatic alteration in Eliza's linguistic ability, and they succeed. This paper uses "Pygmalion" as a case study in the treatment of education research subjects.…

Fidelity of Implementation in a Large-Scale, Randomized, Field Trial: Identifying the Critical Components of Values Affirmation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bradley, Dominique; Crawford, Evan; Dahill-Brown, Sara E.

2015-01-01

Several studies suggest that values-affirmation can serve as a simple, yet powerful, tool for dramatically reducing achievement gaps. Because subtle variations in implementation procedures may explain some of the variation in these findings, it is crucial for researchers to measure the fidelity with which interventions are implemented. The authors…

Compressed Speech: Potential Application for Air Force Technical Training. Final Report, August 73-November 73.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dailey, K. Anne

Time-compressed speech (also called compressed speech, speeded speech, or accelerated speech) is an extension of the normal recording procedure for reproducing the spoken word. Compressed speech can be used to achieve dramatic reductions in listening time without significant loss in comprehension. The implications of such temporal reductions in…

The Vietnamese Values System: A Blend of Oriental, Western and Socialist Values

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nguyen, Quynh Thi Nhu

2016-01-01

Values education has been discussed extensively in many parts of the world in the context of the dramatic changes associated with globalization which directly affects the set of human values. Vietnam is a developing country with an intermixture of cultural heritage and social-economic transformation. In order to achieve the goal of becoming a…

Review of "Reform with Results for New Jersey Schools"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sadovnik, Alan R.

2011-01-01

A report published by the Lexington Institute presents findings on the effectiveness of New Jersey's Abbott v. Burke court decisions from the late 1990s through 2009. The report argues that the reforms ordered by the state's supreme court failed to significantly increase student achievement despite what it terms as dramatic increases in spending.…

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

In an advance that could dramatically shrink particle accelerators for science and medicine, researchers at DOE's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory used a laser to accelerate electrons at a rate 10 times higher than conventional technology in a nanostructured glass chip smaller than a grain of rice. This technique uses ultrafast lasers to drive the accelerator. (This achievement was reported in Nature, 27 Sept 2013)

Number Sense Mediated by Mathematics Self-Concept in Impacting Middle School Mathematics Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geronime, Lara K.

2012-01-01

The purpose of the current study was to extend the research on number sense to the middle school level and to simultaneously consider socioemotional elements related to the construct at this developmental stage. Its genesis was initially rooted in an ongoing and dramatic emphasis by U.S. policymakers, researchers, and educators on improving…

District Self-Assessment Tool: For Modification of Collective Bargaining Agreements to Achieve Flexible Conditions for School Turnaround

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mass Insight Education (NJ1), 2011

2011-01-01

The District Self-Assessment Tool is designed to support districts, unions and Lead Partners, when analyzing their existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the intention of making targeted modifications to support the implementation of dramatic reform in the district's lowest-performing schools. By outlining objectives and suggested…

A Holistic Approach to Promoting Physical Activity among School-Age Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Subramaniam, Prithwi Raj

2011-01-01

A holistic approach to promote physical activity should become a high priority if society is to overcome the dramatic increase in physical inactivity and kypokinetic diseases associated with it. In order to achieve this goal, a collective effort is urgently needed if everyone is serious in combating this unhealthy and dangerous trend. Schools as a…

Education Quality in the Middle East

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chapman, David W.; Miric, Suzanne L.

2009-01-01

Some of the most dramatic growth in the provision of primary and secondary education over the last decade has occurred across countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Yet student achievement across MENA is lagging compared to many other parts of the world. Low quality of education is a primary concern and one of the greatest…

The Principal's Role in Implementation of Effective Teaching Strategies/Curriculum on the Reading Achievement of African American Middle School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Booker, Kimberley Haynes

2009-01-01

The challenges for secondary schools and principals in the United States include changing demographics, schools and curricula that are inappropriately designed for today's adolescents, principals trained to be managers rather than instructional leaders, and a dramatic shortage of qualified candidates willing to take on the principalship. The…

Contemporary Perspectives on Early Childhood Curriculum. Contemporary Perspectives in Early Childhood Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saracho, Olivia N. Ed.; Spodek, Bernard, Ed.

Noting that the curriculum in early childhood education is dramatically different from that at other levels of education, this volume seeks to clarify some of the issues related to early childhood curriculum development and its bases in both personal knowledge and knowledge from the different disciplines to achieve a "balanced curriculum."…

Multi-Year Professional Development Grounded in Educative Curriculum Focused on Integrating Technology with Reformed Science Teaching Principles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Longhurst, Max L.; Coster, Daniel C.; Wolf, Paul G.; Duffy, Aaron M.; Lee, Hyunju; Campbell, Todd

2016-01-01

Visions of science teaching and learning in the newest U.S. standards documents are dramatically different than those found in most classrooms. This research addresses these differences through closely examining one professional development (PD) project that connects teacher learning and teacher practice with student learning/achievement. This…

Leon Foucault: His Life, Times and Achievements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aczel, Amir D.

2004-01-01

Leon Foucault's dramatic demonstration of the rotation of the Earth using a freely-rotating pendulum in 1850 shocked the world of science. Scientists were stunned that such a simple proof of our planet's rotation had to wait so long to be developed. Foucault's public demonstration, which was repeated at many locations around the world, put an end…

Fabrication and Optimization of Self-Microemulsions to Improve the Oral Bioavailability of Total Flavones of Hippophaë rhamnoides L.

PubMed

Guo, Ruixue; Guo, Xinbo; Hu, Xiaodan; Abbasi, Arshad Mehmood; Zhou, Lin; Li, Tong; Fu, Xiong; Liu, Rui Hai

2017-12-01

The purpose of this work was to improve the oral bioavailability of a poorly soluble functional food ingredient, the total flavones of Hippophaë rhamnoides L. (TFH). A self-microemulsion drug delivery system (SMEDDS) was developed to overcome the problems of poor absorption of TFH in vivo. The optimal SMEDDS significantly enhanced the solubility of TFH up to 530 times compared to that in water. The mean droplet size was 61.76 nm with uniform distribution. And the loaded system was stable at 25 °C for 3 mo with transparent appearance. The in vitro release of TFH from SMEDDS was faster and more complete than that from suspension. After oral administration of TFH-SMEDDS in rats, the relative bioavailability of TFH was dramatically improved for 3.09 times compared with the unencapsulated form. The investigation indicated the potential application of SMEDDS as a vehicle to improve the oral bioavailability of TFH. The lipid-based nanotechnology, namely self-microemulsion drug delivery system (SMEDDS) was used to improve the bioavailability and oral delivery of total flavones of Hippophaë rhamnoides L. (TFH). The relevant bioavailability of TFH could be remarkably 3-fold improved by the optimized SMEDDS. The SMEDDS produced via a simple one-step process for poorly soluble TFH to achieve a significant improvement in the bioavailability, may endorse the promising utilization of TFH in functional foods as well as pharmaceutical fields with an enhanced absorption in vivo. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

National Weather Service Warning Performance Based on the WSR-88D.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polger, Paul D.; Goldsmith, Barry S.; Przywarty, Richard C.; Bocchieri, Joseph R.

1994-02-01

The National Weather Service (NWS) began operational use of the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) system in March 1991 at Norman, Oklahoma. WSR-88D data have been available to forecasters at five additional offices: Melbourne, Florida, and sterling, Virginia (since January 1992); St. Louis, Missouri, and Dodge City, Kansas (since March 1992); and Houston, Texas (since April 1992). The performance of the severe local storm and flash flood warning programs at the six offices before and after the availability of the WSR-88D was measured quantitatively. The verification procedures and statistical measures used in the quantitative evaluation were those used operationally by the NWS.The statistics show that the warnings improved dramatically when the WSR-88D was in operation. Specifically, the probability of detection of severe weather events increased and the number of false alarms decreased. There was also a marked improvement in the lead time for all severe local storm and flash flood events. These improvements were evident throughout the effective range of the radar. Stratification of severe local storm data by severe thunderstorms versus tornadoes revealed an improvement in the NWS's ability to differentiate between tornadic and nontornadic storms when the WSR-88D was in operation. Four individual cases are examined to illustrate how forecasters used the WSR-88D to achieve the improved results. These cases focus on the unique features of the WSR-88D that provide an advantage over conventional NWS radars.

Implementing Innovative Elementary Literacy Programs. Program Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schwab, R. G. Jerry; And Others

This four-document collection describes the implementation processes of dramatically improved literacy programs in elementary schools which are leading the move to restructure literacy education in the Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington). The first document in the collection, "Strategies for Improving School-Wide…

Dramatic Improvements in Beach Water Quality Following Gull Removal

EPA Science Inventory

Gulls are often cited as important contributors of fecal contamination to surface waters, and some recreational beaches have used gull control measures to improve microbial water quality. In this study, gulls were chased from a Lake Michigan beach using specially trained dogs, a...

Parallel fuzzy connected image segmentation on GPU

PubMed Central

Zhuge, Ying; Cao, Yong; Udupa, Jayaram K.; Miller, Robert W.

2011-01-01

Purpose: Image segmentation techniques using fuzzy connectedness (FC) principles have shown their effectiveness in segmenting a variety of objects in several large applications. However, one challenge in these algorithms has been their excessive computational requirements when processing large image datasets. Nowadays, commodity graphics hardware provides a highly parallel computing environment. In this paper, the authors present a parallel fuzzy connected image segmentation algorithm implementation on NVIDIA’s compute unified device Architecture (cuda) platform for segmenting medical image data sets. Methods: In the FC algorithm, there are two major computational tasks: (i) computing the fuzzy affinity relations and (ii) computing the fuzzy connectedness relations. These two tasks are implemented as cuda kernels and executed on GPU. A dramatic improvement in speed for both tasks is achieved as a result. Results: Our experiments based on three data sets of small, medium, and large data size demonstrate the efficiency of the parallel algorithm, which achieves a speed-up factor of 24.4x, 18.1x, and 10.3x, correspondingly, for the three data sets on the NVIDIA Tesla C1060 over the implementation of the algorithm on CPU, and takes 0.25, 0.72, and 15.04 s, correspondingly, for the three data sets. Conclusions: The authors developed a parallel algorithm of the widely used fuzzy connected image segmentation method on the NVIDIA GPUs, which are far more cost- and speed-effective than both cluster of workstations and multiprocessing systems. A near-interactive speed of segmentation has been achieved, even for the large data set. PMID:21859037

Parallel fuzzy connected image segmentation on GPU.

PubMed

Zhuge, Ying; Cao, Yong; Udupa, Jayaram K; Miller, Robert W

2011-07-01

Image segmentation techniques using fuzzy connectedness (FC) principles have shown their effectiveness in segmenting a variety of objects in several large applications. However, one challenge in these algorithms has been their excessive computational requirements when processing large image datasets. Nowadays, commodity graphics hardware provides a highly parallel computing environment. In this paper, the authors present a parallel fuzzy connected image segmentation algorithm implementation on NVIDIA's compute unified device Architecture (CUDA) platform for segmenting medical image data sets. In the FC algorithm, there are two major computational tasks: (i) computing the fuzzy affinity relations and (ii) computing the fuzzy connectedness relations. These two tasks are implemented as CUDA kernels and executed on GPU. A dramatic improvement in speed for both tasks is achieved as a result. Our experiments based on three data sets of small, medium, and large data size demonstrate the efficiency of the parallel algorithm, which achieves a speed-up factor of 24.4x, 18.1x, and 10.3x, correspondingly, for the three data sets on the NVIDIA Tesla C1060 over the implementation of the algorithm on CPU, and takes 0.25, 0.72, and 15.04 s, correspondingly, for the three data sets. The authors developed a parallel algorithm of the widely used fuzzy connected image segmentation method on the NVIDIA GPUs, which are far more cost- and speed-effective than both cluster of workstations and multiprocessing systems. A near-interactive speed of segmentation has been achieved, even for the large data set.

Design of Launch Vehicle Flight Control Augmentors and Resulting Flight Stability and Control (Center Director's Discretionary Fund Project 93-05, Part III)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barret, C.

1997-01-01

This publication presents the control requirements, the details of the designed Flight Control Augmentor's (FCA's), the static stability and dynamic stability wind tunnel test programs, the static stability and control analyses, the dynamic stability characteristics of the experimental Launch Vehicle (LV) with the designed FCA's, and a consideration of the elastic vehicle. Dramatic improvements in flight stability have been realized with all the FCA designs; these ranged from 41 percent to 72 percent achieved by the blunt TE design. The control analysis showed that control increased 110 percent with only 3 degrees of FCA deflection. The dynamic stability results showed improvements with all FCA designs tested at all Mach numbers tested. The blunt TE FCA's had the best overall dynamic stability results. Since the lowest elastic vehicle frequency must be well separated from that of the control system, the significant frequencies and modes of vibration have been identified, and the response spectra compared for the experimental LV in both the conventional and the aft cg configuration. Although the dynamic response was 150 percent greater in the aft cg configuration, the lowest bending mode frequency decreased by only 2.8 percent.

Symmetry Breaking in Side Chains Leading to Mixed Orientations and Improved Charge Transport in Isoindigo-alt-Bithiophene Based Polymer Thin Films.

PubMed

Xue, Guobiao; Zhao, Xikang; Qu, Ge; Xu, Tianbai; Gumyusenge, Aristide; Zhang, Zhuorui; Zhao, Yan; Diao, Ying; Li, Hanying; Mei, Jianguo

2017-08-02

The selection of side chains is important in design of conjugated polymers. It not only affects their intrinsic physical properties, but also has an impact on thin film morphologies. Recent reports suggested that a face-on/edge-on bimodal orientation observed in polymer thin films may be responsible for a three-dimensional (3D) charge transport and leads to dramatically improved mobility in donor-acceptor based conjugated polymers. To achieve a bimodal orientation in thin films has been seldom explored from the aspect of molecular design. Here, we demonstrate a design strategy involving the use of asymmetric side chains that enables an isoindigo-based polymer to adopt a distinct bimodal orientation, confirmed by the grazing incidence X-ray diffraction. As a result, the polymer presents an average high mobility of 3.8 ± 0.7 cm 2 V -1 s -1 with a maximum value of 5.1 cm 2 V -1 s -1 , in comparison with 0.47 and 0.51 cm 2 V -1 s -1 obtained from the two reference polymers. This study exemplifies a new strategy to develop the next generation polymers through understanding the property-structure relationship.

Cheating Heisenberg: Achieving certainty in wideband spectrography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fulop, Sean

2003-10-01

The spectrographic analysis of sound has been with us some 58 years, and one of the key properties of the process is the trade-off in resolution between the time and frequency dimensions in the computed graph. While spectrography has greatly advanced the development of phonetics, the uncertainty principle has always been a source of frustration to phoneticians because so many of the interesting features of speech must be observed by computing Fourier spectra over very short time frames-i.e., using a ``wideband'' spectrogram. Since the uncertainty relation between time and frequency is unbreakable, the only option for improvement is to make a new kind of spectrogram that does not graph time and frequency. An algorithm is described and demonstrated which computes a new kind of spectrogram in which Fourier transform frequency is replaced by the channelized instantaneous frequency, and time is adjusted by the local group delay. The theory behind this procedure was clarified in Nelson [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 110, 2575-2592 (2001)]. The resulting wideband spectrograms show dramatically improved resolution of speech features, which will be demonstrated with sample figures. It is thus suggested that phoneticians should be more interested in the instantaneous frequency spectrum than in the Fourier transform.

Obesity-related cardiorenal disease: the benefits of bariatric surgery.

PubMed

Fenske, Wiebke; Athanasiou, Thanos; Harling, Leanne; Drechsler, Christiane; Darzi, Ara; Ashrafian, Hutan

2013-09-01

The inexorable increase in the prevalence of obesity is a global health concern, which will result in a concomitant escalation in health-care costs. Obesity-related metabolic syndrome affects approximately 25% of adults and is associated with cardiovascular and renal disease. The heart and kidneys are physiologically interdependent, and the pathological effects of obesity can lead to cardiorenal syndrome and, ultimately, kidney and heart failure. Weight loss can prevent or ameliorate obesity-related cardiorenal syndrome, but long-term maintenance of a healthy weight has been difficult to achieve through lifestyle changes or pharmacotherapy. Bariatric surgery offers both sustained weight loss and favourable metabolic changes, including dramatic improvements in glycaemic control and symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass offer immediate multisystemic benefits, including bile flow alteration, reduced gastric size, anatomical gut rearrangement and altered flow of nutrients, vagal manipulation and enteric hormone modulation. In patients with cardiorenal syndrome, bariatric surgery also offers renoprotection and cardioprotection, and attenuates both kidney and heart failure by improving organ perfusion and reversing metabolic dysfunction. However, further research is required to understand how bariatric surgery acts on the cardiorenal axis, and its pioneering role in novel treatments and interventions for cardiorenal disease.

COPD patient education and support - Achieving patient-centredness.

PubMed

Stoilkova-Hartmann, Ana; Franssen, Frits M E; Augustin, Ingrid M L; Wouters, Emiel F M; Barnard, Katharine D

2018-06-01

The art of medicine is undergoing a dramatic shift in focus, evolving to focus on patient involvement as partners in care, transforming the traditional, prescriptive, reactive practice of healthcare into a proactive discipline. The personal and societal burden of chronic diseases is burgeoning and unsustainable in current systems, novel approaches are required to address this. Although considerable progress has been made in the development of diagnostics, therapeutics and care guidelines for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), questions remain surrounding the implementation of best practice education and support. Current educational programmes, personal limitations and preferences and patient-clinician communication in modification of coping styles and behaviour are discussed. A novel holistic model, the Kaleidoscope Model of Care is proposed to address the barriers to optimal self-care behaviours. Holistic approaches are essential for optimal self-management and improved outcomes. Guidance on personalised goals for patients to help meeting their therapy priorities is needed to aid healthcare professionals (HCPs) and funders to minimise healthcare burden and costs. The novel KALMOD approach may optimise patient empowerment, exploring whole-life factors that impact COPD care and improve interactions between patients and HCPs for optimised outcomes. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Photoelectrodes based on 2D opals assembled from Cu-delafossite double-shelled microspheres for an enhanced photoelectrochemical response.

PubMed

Oh, Yunjung; Yang, Wooseok; Tan, Jeiwan; Lee, Hyungsoo; Park, Jaemin; Moon, Jooho

2018-02-22

Although a unique light-harvesting property was recently demonstrated in a photocathode based on 2-dimensional (2D) opals of CuFeO 2 -shelled SiO 2 microspheres, the performance of a monolayer of ultra-thin CuFeO 2 -shelled microspheres is limited by ineffective charge separation. Herein, we propose an innovative design rule, in which an inner CuFeO 2 /outer CuAlO 2 double-shelled heterojunction is formed on each partially etched microsphere to obtain a hexagonally assembled 2D opal photoelectrode. Our Cu-delafossite double-shelled photocathode shows a dramatically improved charge separation capability, with a 9-fold increase in the photocurrent compared to that of the single-shelled counterpart. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy clearly confirms the reduced charge transport/transfer resistance associated with the Cu-delafossite double-shelled photocathode, while surface photovoltage spectra reveal enhanced polarization of the photogenerated carrier, indicating improved charge separation capability with the aid of the heterojunction. Our finding sheds light on the importance of heterojunction interfaces in achieving optimal charge separation in opal architectures as well as the inner-shell/electrolyte interface to expedite charge separation/transport.

Fully Solution-Processed Flexible Organic Thin Film Transistor Arrays with High Mobility and Exceptional Uniformity

PubMed Central

Fukuda, Kenjiro; Takeda, Yasunori; Mizukami, Makoto; Kumaki, Daisuke; Tokito, Shizuo

2014-01-01

Printing fully solution-processed organic electronic devices may potentially revolutionize production of flexible electronics for various applications. However, difficulties in forming thin, flat, uniform films through printing techniques have been responsible for poor device performance and low yields. Here, we report on fully solution-processed organic thin-film transistor (TFT) arrays with greatly improved performance and yields, achieved by layering solution-processable materials such as silver nanoparticle inks, organic semiconductors, and insulating polymers on thin plastic films. A treatment layer improves carrier injection between the source/drain electrodes and the semiconducting layer and dramatically reduces contact resistance. Furthermore, an organic semiconductor with large-crystal grains results in TFT devices with shorter channel lengths and higher field-effect mobilities. We obtained mobilities of over 1.2 cm2 V−1 s−1 in TFT devices with channel lengths shorter than 20 μm. By combining these fabrication techniques, we built highly uniform organic TFT arrays with average mobility levels as high as 0.80 cm2 V−1 s−1 and ideal threshold voltages of 0 V. These results represent major progress in the fabrication of fully solution-processed organic TFT device arrays. PMID:24492785

Achieving Consistent Doppler Measurements from SDO/HMI Vector Field Inversions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuck, Peter W.; Antiochos, S. K.; Leka, K. D.; Barnes, Graham

2016-01-01

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory is delivering vector magnetic field observations of the full solar disk with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution; however, the satellite is in a highly inclined geosynchronous orbit. The relative spacecraft-Sun velocity varies by +/-3 kms-1 over a day, which introduces major orbital artifacts in the Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI) data. We demonstrate that the orbital artifacts contaminate all spatial and temporal scales in the data. We describe a newly developed three-stage procedure for mitigating these artifacts in the Doppler data obtained from the Milne-Eddington inversions in the HMI pipeline. The procedure ultimately uses 32 velocity-dependent coefficients to adjust 10 million pixels-a remarkably sparse correction model given the complexity of the orbital artifacts. This procedure was applied to full-disk images of AR 11084 to produce consistent Dopplergrams. The data adjustments reduce the power in the orbital artifacts by 31 dB. Furthermore, we analyze in detail the corrected images and show that our procedure greatly improves the temporal and spectral properties of the data without adding any new artifacts. We conclude that this new procedure makes a dramatic improvement in the consistency of the HMI data and in its usefulness for precision scientific studies.

Acidity-Triggered Tumor Retention/Internalization of Chimeric Peptide for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy and Real-Time Monitoring of Therapeutic Effects.

PubMed

Han, Kai; Zhang, Wei-Yun; Ma, Zhao-Yu; Wang, Shi-Bo; Xu, Lu-Ming; Liu, Jia; Zhang, Xian-Zheng; Han, He-You

2017-05-17

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) holds great promise in tumor treatment. Nevertheless, it remains highly desirable to develop easy-to-fabricated PDT systems with improved tumor accumulation/internalization and timely therapeutic feedback. Here, we report a tumor-acidity-responsive chimeric peptide for enhanced PDT and noninvasive real-time apoptosis imaging. Both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that a tumor mildly acidic microenvironment could trigger rapid protonation of carboxylate anions in chimeric peptide, which led to increased ζ potential, improved hydrophobicity, controlled size enlargement, and precise morphology switching from sphere to spherocylinder shape of the chimeric peptide. All of these factors realized superfast accumulation and prolonged retention in the tumor region, selective cellular internalization, and enhanced PDT against the tumor. Meanwhile, this chimeric peptide could further generate reactive oxygen species and initiate cell apoptosis during PDT. The subsequent formation of caspase-3 enzyme hydrolyzed the chimeric peptide, achieving a high signal/noise ratio and timely fluorescence feedback. Importantly, direct utilization of the acidity responsiveness of a biofunctional Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-Gly (DEVDG, caspase-3 enzyme substrate) peptide sequence dramatically simplified the preparation and increased the performance of the chimeric peptide furthest.

Improving Defect-Based Quantum Emitters in Silicon Carbide via Inorganic Passivation.

PubMed

Polking, Mark J; Dibos, Alan M; de Leon, Nathalie P; Park, Hongkun

2018-01-01

Defect-based color centers in wide-bandgap crystalline solids are actively being explored for quantum information science, sensing, and imaging. Unfortunately, the luminescent properties of these emitters are frequently degraded by blinking and photobleaching that arise from poorly passivated host crystal surfaces. Here, a new method for stabilizing the photoluminescence and charge state of color centers based on epitaxial growth of an inorganic passivation layer is presented. Specifically, carbon antisite-vacancy pairs (CAV centers) in 4H-SiC, which serve as single-photon emitters at visible wavelengths, are used as a model system to demonstrate the power of this inorganic passivation scheme. Analysis of CAV centers with scanning confocal microscopy indicates a dramatic improvement in photostability and an enhancement in emission after growth of an epitaxial AlN passivation layer. Permanent, spatially selective control of the defect charge state can also be achieved by exploiting the mismatch in spontaneous polarization at the AlN/SiC interface. These results demonstrate that epitaxial inorganic passivation of defect-based quantum emitters provides a new method for enhancing photostability, emission, and charge state stability of these color centers. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Facile route to versatile nanoplatforms for drug delivery by one-pot self-assembly.

PubMed

Zhou, Xing; Che, Ling; Wei, Yanling; Dou, Yin; Chen, Sha; He, Hongmei; Gong, Hao; Li, Xiaohui; Zhang, Jianxiang

2014-06-01

There is still unmet demand for developing powerful approaches to produce polymeric nanoplatforms with versatile functions and broad applications, which are essential for the successful bench-to-bedside translation of polymeric nanotherapeutics developed in the laboratory. We have discovered a facile, convenient, cost-effective and easily scalable one-pot strategy to assemble various lipophilic therapeutics bearing carboxyl groups into nanomedicines, through which highly effective cargo loading and nanoparticle formation can be achieved simultaneously. Besides dramatically improving water solubility, the assembled nanopharmaceuticals showed significantly higher bioavailability and much better therapeutic activity. These one-pot assemblies may also serve as nanocontainers to effectively accommodate other highly hydrophobic drugs such as paclitaxel (PTX). PTX nanomedicines thus formulated display strikingly enhanced in vitro antitumor activity and can reverse the multidrug resistance of tumor cells to PTX therapy. The special surface chemistry offers these assembled entities the additional capability of efficiently packaging and efficaciously transfecting plasmid DNA, with a transfection efficiency markedly higher than that of commonly used positive controls. Consequently, this one-pot assembly approach provides a facile route to multifunctional nanoplatforms for simultaneous delivery of multiple therapeutics with improved therapeutic significance. Copyright © 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis: diagnosis and management. .

PubMed

Wang, Rena; Solish, Nowell; Murray, Christian A

2008-12-01

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a common and serious medical condition that causes considerable psychosocial morbidity. Diagnostic and effective management strategies can improve patients' quality of living dramatically.

Non-Traditional Methods of Improving the Communication Skills of Disadvantaged Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Brenda M.; Power, Marian E.

1978-01-01

Educators are encouraged to use some of the non-traditional student-centered methods for improving the communication skills of disadvantaged students, including technological aids such as books, tapes, cable T.V., video tapes, computers, etc., and devices such as role playing and dramatizations. (AM)

Cryo-EM image alignment based on nonuniform fast Fourier transform.

PubMed

Yang, Zhengfan; Penczek, Pawel A

2008-08-01

In single particle analysis, two-dimensional (2-D) alignment is a fundamental step intended to put into register various particle projections of biological macromolecules collected at the electron microscope. The efficiency and quality of three-dimensional (3-D) structure reconstruction largely depends on the computational speed and alignment accuracy of this crucial step. In order to improve the performance of alignment, we introduce a new method that takes advantage of the highly accurate interpolation scheme based on the gridding method, a version of the nonuniform fast Fourier transform, and utilizes a multi-dimensional optimization algorithm for the refinement of the orientation parameters. Using simulated data, we demonstrate that by using less than half of the sample points and taking twice the runtime, our new 2-D alignment method achieves dramatically better alignment accuracy than that based on quadratic interpolation. We also apply our method to image to volume registration, the key step in the single particle EM structure refinement protocol. We find that in this case the accuracy of the method not only surpasses the accuracy of the commonly used real-space implementation, but results are achieved in much shorter time, making gridding-based alignment a perfect candidate for efficient structure determination in single particle analysis.

A strategy for actualization of active targeting nanomedicine practically functioning in a living body.

PubMed

Lee, Kyoung Jin; Shin, Seol Hwa; Lee, Jae Hee; Ju, Eun Jin; Park, Yun-Yong; Hwang, Jung Jin; Suh, Young-Ah; Hong, Seung-Mo; Jang, Se Jin; Lee, Jung Shin; Song, Si Yeol; Jeong, Seong-Yun; Choi, Eun Kyung

2017-10-01

Designing nanocarriers with active targeting has been increasingly emphasized as for an ideal delivery mechanism of anti-cancer therapeutic agents, but the actualization has been constrained by lack of reliable strategy ultimately applicable. Here, we designed and verified a strategy to achieve active targeting nanomedicine that works in a living body, utilizing animal models bearing a patient's tumor tissue and subjected to the same treatments that would be used in the clinic. The concept for this strategy was that a novel peptide probe and its counterpart protein, which responded to a therapy, were identified, and then the inherent ability of the peptide to target the designated tumor protein was used for active targeting in vivo. An initial dose of ionizing radiation was locally delivered to the gastric cancer (GC) tumor of a patient-derived xenograft mouse model, and phage-displayed peptide library was intravenously injected. The peptides tightly bound to the tumor were recovered, and the counterpart protein was subsequently identified. Peptide-conjugated liposomal drug showed dramatically improved therapeutic efficacy and possibility of diagnostic imaging with radiation. These results strongly suggested the potential of our strategy to achieve in vivo functional active targeting and to be applied clinically for human cancer treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Current and emerging treatments for brain metastases.

PubMed

Lin, Jenny; Jandial, Rahul; Nesbit, Amanda; Badie, Behnam; Chen, Mike

2015-04-01

Brain metastasis in patients with cancer can be indicative of multisystem spread or lead to neurological demise if not locally controlled, and is associated with poor survival and high morbidity. Compared with metastasis to other areas of the body, brain metastasis possesses a unique biology that confers high resistance to systemic therapies. This phenomenon has been historically attributed to the inability of chemotherapeutic agents to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Recent studies challenge this premise, revealing other potentially targetable mechanism(s). Therapies that exploit recent advances in the understanding of brain metastasis are still in early stages of development. Encouragingly, and discovered by happenstance, some molecularly targeted drugs already appear to have efficacy against certain tumors and accompanying cerebral edema. In the meantime, conventional treatment modalities such as surgery and radiation have iteratively reached new levels of refinement. However, these achievements are somewhat muted by the emergence of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy, a minimally invasive neuroablative technique. On the horizon, MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery is similarly intriguing. Even in the absence of further advances, local control is frequently achieved with state-of-the-art therapies. Dramatic improvements will likely require sophisticated approaches that account for the particular effects of the microenvironment of the central nervous system on metastasis.

A fast scintillator Compton telescope for medium-energy gamma-ray astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bloser, Peter F.; Ryan, James M.; Legere, Jason S.; Julien, Manuel; Bancroft, Christopher M.; McConnell, Mark L.; Wallace, Mark; Kippen, R. Marc; Tornga, Shawn

2010-07-01

The field of medium-energy gamma-ray astronomy urgently needs a new mission to build on the success of the COMPTEL instrument on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. This mission must achieve sensitivity significantly greater than that of COMPTEL in order to advance the science of relativistic particle accelerators, nuclear astrophysics, and diffuse backgrounds, and bridge the gap between current and future hard X-ray missions and the high-energy Fermi mission. Such an increase in sensitivity can only come about via a dramatic decrease in the instrumental background. We are currently developing a concept for a low-background Compton telescope that employs modern scintillator technology to achieve this increase in sensitivity. Specifically, by employing LaBr3 scintillators for the calorimeter, one can take advantage of the unique speed and resolving power of this material to improve the instrument sensitivity while simultaneously enhancing its spectroscopic and imaging performance. Also, using deuterated organic scintillator in the scattering detector will reduce internal background from neutron capture. We present calibration results from a laboratory prototype of such an instrument, including time-of-flight, energy, and angular resolution, and compare them to simulation results using a detailed Monte Carlo model. We also describe the balloon payload we have built for a test flight of the instrument in the fall of 2010.

Beneficial effects on water management of simple hydraulic structures in wetland systems: the Vallevecchia case study, Italy.

PubMed

Carrer, G M; Bonato, M; Smania, D; Barausse, A; Comis, C; Palmeri, L

2011-01-01

Conflicting water uses in coastal zones demand integrated approaches to achieve sustainable water resources management, protecting water quality while allowing those human activities which rely upon aquatic ecosystem services to thrive. This case study shows that the creation and simple management of hydraulic structures within constructed wetlands can markedly reduce the non-point pollution from agriculture and, simultaneously, benefit agricultural activities, particularly during hot and dry periods. The Vallevecchia wetland system is based on a reclaimed 900 ha-large drainage basin in Northern Italy, where droughts recently impacted agriculture causing water scarcity and saltwater intrusion. Rainwater and drained water are recirculated inside the system to limit saltwater intrusion, provide irrigation water during dry periods and reduce the agricultural nutrient loads discharged into the bordering, eutrophic Adriatic Sea. Monitoring (2003-2009) of water quality and flows highlights that the construction (ended in 2005) of a gated spillway to control the outflow, and of a 200,000 m3 basin for water storage, dramatically increased the removal of nutrients within the system. Strikingly, this improvement was achieved with a minimal management effort, e.g., each year the storage basin was filled once: a simple management of the hydraulic structures would greatly enhance the system efficiency, and store more water to irrigate and limit saltwater intrusion.

Using adult mosquitoes to transfer insecticides to Aedes aegypti larval habitats

PubMed Central

Devine, Gregor J.; Perea, Elvira Zamora; Killeen, Gerry F.; Stancil, Jeffrey D.; Clark, Suzanne J.; Morrison, Amy C.

2009-01-01

Vector control is a key means of combating mosquito-borne diseases and the only tool available for tackling the transmission of dengue, a disease for which no vaccine, prophylaxis, or therapeutant currently exists. The most effective mosquito control methods include a variety of insecticidal tools that target adults or juveniles. Their successful implementation depends on impacting the largest proportion of the vector population possible. We demonstrate a control strategy that dramatically improves the efficiency with which high coverage of aquatic mosquito habitats can be achieved. The method exploits adult mosquitoes as vehicles of insecticide transfer by harnessing their fundamental behaviors to disseminate a juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) between resting and oviposition sites. A series of field trials undertaken in an Amazon city (Iquitos, Peru) showed that the placement of JHA dissemination stations in just 3–5% of the available resting area resulted in almost complete coverage of sentinel aquatic habitats. More than control mortality occurred in 95–100% of the larval cohorts of Aedes aegypti developing at those sites. Overall reductions in adult emergence of 42–98% were achieved during the trials. A deterministic simulation model predicts amplifications in coverage consistent with our observations and highlights the importance of the residual activity of the insecticide for this technique. PMID:19561295

Cryo-EM Image Alignment Based on Nonuniform Fast Fourier Transform

PubMed Central

Yang, Zhengfan; Penczek, Pawel A.

2008-01-01

In single particle analysis, two-dimensional (2-D) alignment is a fundamental step intended to put into register various particle projections of biological macromolecules collected at the electron microscope. The efficiency and quality of three-dimensional (3-D) structure reconstruction largely depends on the computational speed and alignment accuracy of this crucial step. In order to improve the performance of alignment, we introduce a new method that takes advantage of the highly accurate interpolation scheme based on the gridding method, a version of the nonuniform Fast Fourier Transform, and utilizes a multi-dimensional optimization algorithm for the refinement of the orientation parameters. Using simulated data, we demonstrate that by using less than half of the sample points and taking twice the runtime, our new 2-D alignment method achieves dramatically better alignment accuracy than that based on quadratic interpolation. We also apply our method to image to volume registration, the key step in the single particle EM structure refinement protocol. We find that in this case the accuracy of the method not only surpasses the accuracy of the commonly used real-space implementation, but results are achieved in much shorter time, making gridding-based alignment a perfect candidate for efficient structure determination in single particle analysis. PMID:18499351

Control of ion content and nitrogen species using a mixed chemistry plasma for GaN grown at extremely high growth rates >9 μm/h by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunning, Brendan P.; Clinton, Evan A.; Merola, Joseph J.; Doolittle, W. Alan; Bresnahan, Rich C.

2015-10-01

Utilizing a modified nitrogen plasma source, plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) has been used to achieve higher growth rates in GaN. A higher conductance aperture plate, combined with higher nitrogen flow and added pumping capacity, resulted in dramatically increased growth rates up to 8.4 μm/h using 34 sccm of N2 while still maintaining acceptably low operating pressure. It was further discovered that argon could be added to the plasma gas to enhance growth rates up to 9.8 μm/h, which was achieved using 20 sccm of N2 and 7.7 sccm Ar flows at 600 W radio frequency power, for which the standard deviation of thickness was just 2% over a full 2 in. diameter wafer. A remote Langmuir style probe employing the flux gauge was used to indirectly measure the relative ion content in the plasma. The use of argon dilution at low plasma pressures resulted in a dramatic reduction of the plasma ion current by more than half, while high plasma pressures suppressed ion content regardless of plasma gas chemistry. Moreover, different trends are apparent for the molecular and atomic nitrogen species generated by varying pressure and nitrogen composition in the plasma. Argon dilution resulted in nearly an order of magnitude achievable growth rate range from 1 μm/h to nearly 10 μm/h. Even for films grown at more than 6 μm/h, the surface morphology remained smooth showing clear atomic steps with root mean square roughness less than 1 nm. Due to the low vapor pressure of Si, Ge was explored as an alternative n-type dopant for high growth rate applications. Electron concentrations from 2.2 × 1016 to 3.8 × 1019 cm-3 were achieved in GaN using Ge doping, and unintentionally doped GaN films exhibited low background electron concentrations of just 1-2 × 1015 cm-3. The highest growth rates resulted in macroscopic surface features due to Ga cell spitting, which is an engineering challenge still to be addressed. Nonetheless, the dramatically enhanced growth rates demonstrate great promise for the future of III-nitride devices grown by PAMBE.

Group 16: Mentor Teachers. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Charting the Course: The AFT's Education Agenda To Reach All Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Federation of Teachers, 2007

2007-01-01

As the pressure grows for students to learn and know more, so grows the demand on schools to raise achievement. It is a huge challenge for the country---and for the schools in which teachers work. The public appetite for dramatic solutions is substantial. That appetite is being fed by a stream of unproven reform proposals that will do tremendous…

Multiple Facets of Self-Control in Arab Adolescents: Parallel Pathways to Greater Happiness and Less Physical Aggression

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gavriel-Fried, Belle; Ronen, Tammie; Agbaria, Qutaiba; Orkibi, Hod; Hamama, Liat

2018-01-01

Adolescence is a period of dramatic change that necessitates using skills and strengths to reduce physical aggression and increase happiness. This study examined the multiple facets of self-control skills in achieving both goals simultaneously, in a sample of 248 Arab adolescents in Israel. We conceptualized and tested a new multi-mediator model…

Issue No. 1: Are Parents and Students Ready for More Math and Science? Reality Check, 2006

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Jean; Arumi, Ana Maria; Ott, Amber; Remaley, Michael Hamill

2006-01-01

The American Diploma Project, an influential consortium that includes Achieve, Inc., The Education Trust, and the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation believes that expectations about what youngsters learn in high school must be raised dramatically. According to the group, "the diploma has lost its value because what it takes to earn one is disconnected…

Group 18: Office Staff. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 15: Instructional Coaches. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 19: Custodial Staff. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 17: Educational Aides. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 10: Counselors. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Small Rural School District Consolidation in Texas: An Analysis of Its Impact on Cost and Student Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooley, Dwight A.; Floyd, Koy A.

2013-01-01

Historically, the number of public school districts in the United States has decreased despite a dramatic increase in the number of students enrolled. Although public school district consolidation has impacted districts of all sizes, since the late 1930's smaller rural districts facing dwindling community resources have merged or consolidated with…

Credit-by-Exam Acceptance Policies: Advanced Study of Washington State's Public Colleges and Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burke, Rachel; Martin, Gloria

2014-01-01

Washington Student Achievement Council's 10-Year Roadmap sets a goal for 2023 of having 70 percent of Washington adults (ages 25-44) receive a postsecondary credential. At the same time, dramatic cuts in state funding for higher education, particularly since 2008, have shifted more of the cost of higher education onto students and families, making…

Study on a low complexity adaptive modulation algorithm in OFDM-ROF system with sub-carrier grouping technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chong-xin; Liu, Bo; Zhang, Li-jia; Xin, Xiang-jun; Tian, Qing-hua; Tian, Feng; Wang, Yong-jun; Rao, Lan; Mao, Yaya; Li, Deng-ao

2018-01-01

During the last decade, the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing radio-over-fiber (OFDM-ROF) system with adaptive modulation technology is of great interest due to its capability of raising the spectral efficiency dramatically, reducing the effects of fiber link or wireless channel, and improving the communication quality. In this study, according to theoretical analysis of nonlinear distortion and frequency selective fading on the transmitted signal, a low-complexity adaptive modulation algorithm is proposed in combination with sub-carrier grouping technology. This algorithm achieves the optimal performance of the system by calculating the average combined signal-to-noise ratio of each group and dynamically adjusting the origination modulation format according to the preset threshold and user's requirements. At the same time, this algorithm takes the sub-carrier group as the smallest unit in the initial bit allocation and the subsequent bit adjustment. So, the algorithm complexity is only 1 /M (M is the number of sub-carriers in each group) of Fischer algorithm, which is much smaller than many classic adaptive modulation algorithms, such as Hughes-Hartogs algorithm, Chow algorithm, and is in line with the development direction of green and high speed communication. Simulation results show that the performance of OFDM-ROF system with the improved algorithm is much better than those without adaptive modulation, and the BER of the former achieves 10e1 to 10e2 times lower than the latter when SNR values gets larger. We can obtain that this low complexity adaptive modulation algorithm is extremely useful for the OFDM-ROF system.

Preparing for the 21st century: introducing a service approach.

PubMed

He, S

1995-08-01

While China's strong population policy remains unchanged, the State Family Planning (FP) Commission is experimenting with innovations designed to improve service delivery and promote gender equity. China entered demographic transition with a large population base which obviated the luxury of achieving the transition gradually over time. Because mortality rates have dropped dramatically and there is a large cohort of people of reproductive age, China adds 14-15 million people to its population each year. Were it not for the FP program, China's current population of 1.2 billion would be about 300 million higher. Economic reform has meant that most Chinese people have their basic needs met and can strive to improve the quality of their lives. These same reforms have weakened the collective systems of financing reproductive health systems, however, and new systems of local support must be found. China's Agenda 21, which sets goals for the 21st century, cites the education of girls and women as a key step to achieving a sustainable population size. In addition to an emphasis on reproductive health, China is initiating programs in adolescent health, sex education, and AIDS prevention. China's National FP Program for 1995-2000 emphasizes these changes and identifies a strong information, education, and communication component as a priority. Innovations, such as a participatory approach to training grassroots workers in interpersonal skills and counseling, are being field tested as a preliminary step toward full implementation. Training workshops are also being held to prepare FP leaders to uphold FP laws and protest the rights of the public.

Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Refractoriness to Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Dorado, Laura; Arenillas, Juan F; López-Cancio, Elena; Hernández-Pérez, María; Pérez de la Ossa, Natalia; Gomis, Meritxell; Millán, Mònica; Granada, María Luisa; Galán, Amparo; Palomeras, Ernest; Dávalos, Antoni

2015-11-01

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with higher resistance to clot lysis at 24 hours after tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to test this hypothesis at earlier time points, when neurointerventional rescue procedures may still be indicated to achieve arterial recanalization. This is a prospective and observational study in consecutive stroke patients with MCA occlusion treated with IV tPA. MetS was diagnosed following the unified criteria of the last Joint Interim Statement 2009 participating several major organizations. The primary outcome variable was resistance to thrombolysis, defined as the absence of complete middle cerebral artery recanalization 2 hours after tPA bolus assessed by transcranial color-coded duplex or when rescue mechanical thrombectomy after IV tPA was required. Secondary outcome variables were dramatic neurological improvement (decrease in ≥10 points, or a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score of 0-1 at 24 hours), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage following European-Australasian Acute Stroke Study II criteria, infarct volume at 24 hours (calculated by using the formula for irregular volumes, ABC/2), and good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score < 3) at 3 months. A total of 234 patients (median baseline NIHSS score 16 [10-20]) were included and 146 (62.4%) fulfilled MetS criteria. After multivariate analysis, MetS emerged as an independent predictor of resistance to thrombolysis (odds ratio = 2.2 [1.3-4.2], P = .01) and absence of dramatic neurological improvement (odds ratio = .5 [.28-.97], P = .04). In addition, MetS conferred poorer functional outcome, higher symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage rate, and increased infarct volume, although these associations disappeared after adjustment for covariates. MetS predicts patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion refractory to early clot dissolution after IV tPA. This finding may help in acute clinical decision-making. Copyright © 2015 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using JournalMap to improve discovery and visualization of rangeland scientific knowledge

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Most of the ecological research conducted around the world is tied to specific places; however, that location information is locked up in the text and figures of scientific articles in myriad forms that are not easily searchable. While access to ecological literature has improved dramatically in the...

Multicenter study of combination DEP regimen as a salvage therapy for adult refractory hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

PubMed

Wang, Yini; Huang, Wenqiu; Hu, Liangding; Cen, Xinan; Li, Lihong; Wang, Jijun; Shen, Jianliang; Wei, Na; Wang, Zhao

2015-11-05

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a refractory immune disorder with a significant risk of death. Although standard therapy has dramatically improved survival in HLH patients, approximately 30%, especially adults, show no response to current treatment strategies. This prospective study aimed to investigate the efficacy of liposomal doxorubicin treatment combined with etoposide and methylprednisolone (doxorubicin-etoposide-methylprednisolone; DEP) as a salvage therapy for adult refractory HLH. Adult patients who did not achieve at least partial response 2 weeks after initial standard HLH therapy were enrolled in this study between June 2013 and June 2014. Response to salvage therapy was assessed at 2 and 4 weeks after initiation of DEP therapy and patients were followed until death or until November 2014. Sixty-three refractory HLH patients were enrolled, including 29 cases of lymphoma-associated HLH, 22 cases of Epstein-Barr virus-associated HLH, and 4 cases of familial HLH. There were 8 cases with unknown underlying diseases. Seventeen cases (27.0%) achieved complete response and 31 cases (49.2%) achieved partial response. The overall response was 76.2% (48/63). Patients who showed no response to DEP died within 4 weeks after salvage therapy. Twenty-nine of the 48 patients who achieved partial or complete response survived to subsequent chemotherapy, allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, or splenectomy. Our study suggests that DEP regimen is an effective salvage regimen for adult refractory HLH, which can prolong patient survival as we continue to understand the responsible mechanisms and bridge the gap between HLH and its underlying diseases. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry Platform (http://www.chictr.org.cn/) as ChiCTR-IPC-14005514. © 2015 by The American Society of Hematology.

Dramatic colour changes in a bird of paradise caused by uniquely structured breast feather barbules

PubMed Central

Stavenga, Doekele G.; Leertouwer, Hein L.; Marshall, N. Justin; Osorio, Daniel

2011-01-01

The breast-plate plumage of male Lawes' parotia (Parotia lawesii) produces dramatic colour changes when this bird of paradise displays on its forest-floor lek. We show that this effect is achieved not solely by the iridescence—that is an angular-dependent spectral shift of the reflected light—which is inherent in structural coloration, but is based on a unique anatomical modification of the breast-feather barbule. The barbules have a segmental structure, and in common with many other iridescent feathers, they contain stacked melanin rodlets surrounded by a keratin film. The unique property of the parotia barbules is their boomerang-like cross section. This allows each barbule to work as three coloured mirrors: a yellow-orange reflector in the plane of the feather, and two symmetrically positioned bluish reflectors at respective angles of about 30°. Movement during the parotia's courtship displays thereby achieves much larger and more abrupt colour changes than is possible with ordinary iridescent plumage. To our knowledge, this is the first example of multiple thin film or multi-layer reflectors incorporated in a single structure (engineered or biological). It nicely illustrates how subtle modification of the basic feather structure can achieve novel visual effects. The fact that the parotia's breast feathers seem to be specifically adapted to give much stronger colour changes than normal structural coloration implies that colour change is important in their courtship display. PMID:21159676

Ultrabroadband Design for Linear Polarization Conversion and Asymmetric Transmission Crossing X- and K- Band

PubMed Central

Zhang, Linbo; Zhou, Peiheng; Chen, Haiyan; Lu, Haipeng; Xie, Haiyan; Zhang, Li; Li, En; Xie, Jianliang; Deng, Longjiang

2016-01-01

In this work, a high-efficiency and broadband reflective converter using ultrathin planar metamaterial (MM) composed of single-layered SRR is firstly realized. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the cross-polarization conversion reflectance above 0.84 is achieved from 8.6 to 18.6 GHz for linearly polarized (LP) incident waves under normal incidence. Subsequently, a multi-layered MM based on SRR enables a dramatic improvement of the recently demonstrated asymmetric transmission (AT) effect. Theoretical and measured results present that strong one-way transmission of two orthogonally polarized waves crossing C- and K- band has been observed. These two separated AT pass-bands have a function of selective polarization filter, which can be switched on/off by changing the polarization state of incident waves. The physical mechanisms are elucidated by taking advantage of electric fields and current distributions. Considering the broad bandwidth and the dual band, we believe that these two structures will be beneficial for designing polarization-controlled and selective transmission converter. PMID:27658929

Driving factors of urban land growth in Guangzhou and its implications for sustainable development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Xuezhu; Li, Shaoying; Wang, Xuetong; Xue, Xiaolong

2018-04-01

Since 2000, China's urban land has expanded at a dramatic speed because of the country's rapid urbanization. The country has been experiencing unbalanced development between rural and urban areas, causing serious challenges such as agricultural security and land resources waste. Effectively evaluating the driving factors of urban land growth is essential for improving efficient land use management and sustainable urban development. This study established a principal component regression model based on eight indicators to identify their influences on urban land growth in Guangzhou. The results provided a grouping analysis of the driving factors, and found that economic growth, urban population, and transportation development are the driving forces of urban land growth of Guangzhou, while the tertiary industry has an opposite effect. The findings led to further suggestions and recommendations for urban sustainable development. Hence, local governments should design relevant policies for achieving the rational development of urban land use and strategic planning on urban sustainable development.

A brief history of antibiotics and select advances in their synthesis.

PubMed

Nicolaou, Kyriacos C; Rigol, Stephan

2018-02-01

The advent of modern antibiotics contributed enormously to the dramatic extension of human lifespan since their discovery by virtue of their lethal and selective action against pathogenic microbes. And yet despite our powerful arsenal of weapons against these pathogens, the war against them has not been won. And it may never be. Drug resistance is still menacing the society with many lives being lost due to deadly infections caused by continuously evolving strains spread beyond our means to eradicate them or prevent their spreading. Herein, the emergence and evolution of antibiotics is briefly reviewed, and a select number of total syntheses of naturally occurring antibiotics from the authors' laboratories are highlighted. The article concludes with a strong endorsement of the current efforts to intensify our fight against these dangerous pathogens with the hope that, this time, these initiatives will be sufficiently focused and serious enough so as to achieve our set goals of, at least, being prepared and ahead of them as part of our drive to improve humanity's healthcare and wellbeing.

Improving Energy Efficiency Via Optimized Charge Motion and Slurry Flow in Plant Scale Sag Mills

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raj K. Rajamani

2006-07-21

A research team from the University of Utah is working to make inroads into saving energy in these SAG mills. In 2003, Industries of the Future Program of the Department of Energy tasked the University of Utah team to build a partnership between the University and the mining industry for the specific purpose of reducing energy consumption in SAG mills. A partnership was formed with Cortez Gold Mines, Outokumpu Technology, Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation, and Process Engineering Resources Inc. At Cortez Gold Operations the shell and pulp lifters of the semiautogenous grinding mill was redesigned. The redesigned shell lifter hasmore » been in operation for over three years and the redesigned pulp lifter has been in operation for over nine months now. This report summarizes the dramatic reductions in energy consumption. Even though the energy reductions are very large, it is safe to say that a 20% minimum reduction would be achieved in any future installations of this technology.« less

Clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and tretinoin 0.025% gel for rosacea: summary of a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

PubMed

Freeman, Scott A; Moon, Summer D; Spencer, James M

2012-12-01

Rosacea is a common, chronic, and poorly understood dermatological condition characterized by an inflammatory component composed of papules and pustules and a vascular component composed of flushing and erythema. Current treatment options include topical, systemic, and light-based methods, each of which focuses on either the inflammatory or the vascular component. Retinoids are not routinely indicated as treatment because of the common conception that they would be too inflammatory for the sensitive rosacea patient. However, photodamage may play a role in rosacea and tretinoin is well-known to repair photodamage. Thirty rosacea subjects were enrolled to assess their response to the use of clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and tretinoin 0.025% gel (ZIANA; Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation, Scottsdale, AZ) for a period of 12 weeks. The results showed a dramatic decrease in pustules and papules without any significant inflammation or overall intolerance. No improvement in facial redness was achieved. Based on our results, more investigation of topical retinoids for rosacea treatment is prudent.

Use Of Adaptive Optics Element For Wavefront Error Correction In The Gemini CO2 Laser Fusion System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viswanathan, V. K.; Parker, J. V.; Nussmier, T. A.; Swigert, C. J.; King, W.; Lau, A. S.; Price, K.

1980-11-01

The Gemini two beam CO2 laser fusion system incorporates a complex optical system with nearly 100 surfaces per beam, associated with the generation, transport and focusing of CO2 laser beams for irradiating laser fusion targets. Even though the system is nominally diffraction limited, in practice the departure from the ideal situation drops the Strehl ratio to 0.24. This departure is caused mostly by the imperfections in the large (34 cm optical clear aperture diameter) state-of-the-art components like the sodium chloride windows and micromachined mirrors. While the smaller optical components also contribute to this degradation, the various possible misalignments and nonlinear effects are considered to contribute very little to it. Analysis indicates that removing the static or quasi-static errors can dramatically improve the Strehl ratio. A deformable mirror which can comfortably achieve the design goal Strehl ratio of >= 0.7 is described, along with the various system trade-offs in the design of the mirror and the control system.

Electrical contacts between cathodes and metallic interconnects in solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhenguo; Xia, Guanguang; Singh, Prabhakar; Stevenson, Jeffry W.

In this work, simulated cathode/interconnect structures were used to investigate the effects of different contact materials on the contact resistance between a strontium doped lanthanum ferrite cathode and a Crofer22 APU interconnect. Among the materials studied, Pt, which has a prohibitive cost for the application, demonstrated the best performance as a contact paste. For the relatively cost-effective perovskites, the contact ASR was found to depend on their electrical conductivity, scale growth on the metallic interconnect, and interactions between the contact material and the metallic interconnect or particularly the scale grown on the interconnect. Manganites appeared to promote manganese-containing spinel interlayer formation that helped minimize the increase of contact ASR. Chromium from the interconnects reacted with strontium in the perovskites to form SrCrO 4. An improved performance was achieved by application of a thermally grown (Mn,Co) 3O 4 spinel protection layer on Crofer22 APU that dramatically minimized the contact resistance between the cathodes and interconnects.

A 7T Spine Array Based on Electric Dipole Transmitters

PubMed Central

Duan, Qi; Nair, Govind; Gudino, Natalia; de Zwart, Jacco A.; van Gelderen, Peter; Murphy-Boesch, Joe; Reich, Daniel S.; Duyn, Jeff H.; Merkle, Hellmut

2015-01-01

Purpose In this work the feasibility of using an array of electric dipole antennas for RF transmission in spine MRI at high field is explored. Method A 2-channel transmit array based on an electric dipole design was quantitatively optimized for 7T spine imaging and integrated with a receive array combining 8 loop coils. Using B1+ mapping, the transmit efficiency of the dipole array was compared to a design using quadrature loop pairs. The radio-frequency (RF) energy deposition for each array was measured using a home-built dielectric phantom and MR thermometry. The performance of the proposed array was qualitatively demonstrated in human studies. Results The results indicate dramatically improved transmit efficiency for the dipole design as compared to the loop excitation. Up to 76% gain was achieved within the spinal region. Conclusion For imaging of the spine, electric-dipole based transmitters provided an attractive alternative to the traditional loop-based design. Easy integration with existing receive array technology facilitates practical use at high field. PMID:26190585

Polymer solar cells with enhanced open-circuit voltage and efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hsiang-Yu; Hou, Jianhui; Zhang, Shaoqing; Liang, Yongye; Yang, Guanwen; Yang, Yang; Yu, Luping; Wu, Yue; Li, Gang

2009-11-01

Following the development of the bulk heterojunction structure, recent years have seen a dramatic improvement in the efficiency of polymer solar cells. Maximizing the open-circuit voltage in a low-bandgap polymer is one of the critical factors towards enabling high-efficiency solar cells. Study of the relation between open-circuit voltage and the energy levels of the donor/acceptor in bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells has stimulated interest in modifying the open-circuit voltage by tuning the energy levels of polymers. Here, we show that the open-circuit voltage of polymer solar cells constructed based on the structure of a low-bandgap polymer, PBDTTT, can be tuned, step by step, using different functional groups, to achieve values as high as 0.76 V. This increased open-circuit voltage combined with a high short-circuit current density results in a polymer solar cell with a power conversion efficiency as high as 6.77%, as certified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Microalgal hydrogen production: prospects of an essential technology for a clean and sustainable energy economy.

PubMed

Bayro-Kaiser, Vinzenz; Nelson, Nathan

2017-09-01

Modern energy production is required to undergo a dramatic transformation. It will have to replace fossil fuel use by a sustainable and clean energy economy while meeting the growing world energy needs. This review analyzes the current energy sector, available energy sources, and energy conversion technologies. Solar energy is the only energy source with the potential to fully replace fossil fuels, and hydrogen is a crucial energy carrier for ensuring energy availability across the globe. The importance of photosynthetic hydrogen production for a solar-powered hydrogen economy is highlighted and the development and potential of this technology are discussed. Much successful research for improved photosynthetic hydrogen production under laboratory conditions has been reported, and attempts are underway to develop upscale systems. We suggest that a process of integrating these achievements into one system to strive for efficient sustainable energy conversion is already justified. Pursuing this goal may lead to a mature technology for industrial deployment.

Enhanced anaerobic degradability of highly polluted pesticides-bearing wastewater under thermophilic conditions.

PubMed

García-Mancha, N; Monsalvo, V M; Puyol, D; Rodriguez, J J; Mohedano, A F

2017-10-05

This work presents a sustainable and cost-competitive solution for hardly biodegradable pesticides-bearing wastewater treatment in an anaerobic expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor at mesophilic (35°C) and thermophilic (55°C). The reactor was operated in continuous mode during 160days, achieving an average COD removal of 33 and 44% under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, respectively. The increase of temperature improved the biomass activity and the production of methane by 35%. Around 96% of pesticides identified in raw wastewater were not detected in both mesophilic and thermophilic effluents. A dramatic selection of the microbial population in anaerobic granules was caused by the presence of pesticides, which also changed significantly when the temperature was increased. Pesticides caused a significant inhibition on methanogenesis, especially over acetoclastic methanogens. Aerobic biodegradability tests of the resulting anaerobic effluents revealed that aerobic post-treatment is also a feasible and effective option, yielding more than 60% COD reduction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Facial Transplantation Surgery Introduction

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Severely disfiguring facial injuries can have a devastating impact on the patient's quality of life. During the past decade, vascularized facial allotransplantation has progressed from an experimental possibility to a clinical reality in the fields of disease, trauma, and congenital malformations. This technique may now be considered a viable option for repairing complex craniofacial defects for which the results of autologous reconstruction remain suboptimal. Vascularized facial allotransplantation permits optimal anatomical reconstruction and provides desired functional, esthetic, and psychosocial benefits that are far superior to those achieved with conventional methods. Along with dramatic improvements in their functional statuses, patients regain the ability to make facial expressions such as smiling and to perform various functions such as smelling, eating, drinking, and speaking. The ideas in the 1997 movie "Face/Off" have now been realized in the clinical field. The objective of this article is to introduce this new surgical field, provide a basis for examining the status of the field of face transplantation, and stimulate and enhance facial transplantation studies in Korea. PMID:26028914

Facial transplantation surgery introduction.

PubMed

Eun, Seok-Chan

2015-06-01

Severely disfiguring facial injuries can have a devastating impact on the patient's quality of life. During the past decade, vascularized facial allotransplantation has progressed from an experimental possibility to a clinical reality in the fields of disease, trauma, and congenital malformations. This technique may now be considered a viable option for repairing complex craniofacial defects for which the results of autologous reconstruction remain suboptimal. Vascularized facial allotransplantation permits optimal anatomical reconstruction and provides desired functional, esthetic, and psychosocial benefits that are far superior to those achieved with conventional methods. Along with dramatic improvements in their functional statuses, patients regain the ability to make facial expressions such as smiling and to perform various functions such as smelling, eating, drinking, and speaking. The ideas in the 1997 movie "Face/Off" have now been realized in the clinical field. The objective of this article is to introduce this new surgical field, provide a basis for examining the status of the field of face transplantation, and stimulate and enhance facial transplantation studies in Korea.

Wide field imaging problems in radio astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornwell, T. J.; Golap, K.; Bhatnagar, S.

2005-03-01

The new generation of synthesis radio telescopes now being proposed, designed, and constructed face substantial problems in making images over wide fields of view. Such observations are required either to achieve the full sensitivity limit in crowded fields or for surveys. The Square Kilometre Array (SKA Consortium, Tech. Rep., 2004), now being developed by an international consortium of 15 countries, will require advances well beyond the current state of the art. We review the theory of synthesis radio telescopes for large fields of view. We describe a new algorithm, W projection, for correcting the non-coplanar baselines aberration. This algorithm has improved performance over those previously used (typically an order of magnitude in speed). Despite the advent of W projection, the computing hardware required for SKA wide field imaging is estimated to cost up to $500M (2015 dollars). This is about half the target cost of the SKA. Reconfigurable computing is one way in which the costs can be decreased dramatically.

HalX: an open-source LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) for small- to large-scale laboratories.

PubMed

Prilusky, Jaime; Oueillet, Eric; Ulryck, Nathalie; Pajon, Anne; Bernauer, Julie; Krimm, Isabelle; Quevillon-Cheruel, Sophie; Leulliot, Nicolas; Graille, Marc; Liger, Dominique; Trésaugues, Lionel; Sussman, Joel L; Janin, Joël; van Tilbeurgh, Herman; Poupon, Anne

2005-06-01

Structural genomics aims at the establishment of a universal protein-fold dictionary through systematic structure determination either by NMR or X-ray crystallography. In order to catch up with the explosive amount of protein sequence data, the structural biology laboratories are spurred to increase the speed of the structure-determination process. To achieve this goal, high-throughput robotic approaches are increasingly used in all the steps leading from cloning to data collection and even structure interpretation is becoming more and more automatic. The progress made in these areas has begun to have a significant impact on the more 'classical' structural biology laboratories, dramatically increasing the number of individual experiments. This automation creates the need for efficient data management. Here, a new piece of software, HalX, designed as an 'electronic lab book' that aims at (i) storage and (ii) easy access and use of all experimental data is presented. This should lead to much improved management and tracking of structural genomics experimental data.

Synthesis of CdS/BiOBr nanosheets composites with efficient visible-light photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Haojie; Zhou, Yawen; Mei, Jinfeng; Li, Zhongyu; Xu, Song; Yao, Chao

2018-01-01

The efficient charge separation action and visible-light responding could enhance the photocatalytic property of photocatalysts. In the present study, novel CdS/BiOBr nanosheets composites were synthesized by a three-step process. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). Under visible-light irradiation, the as-prepared CdS nanoparticles decorated BiOBr nanosheets exhibited the excellent photocatalytic activity and high stability for malachite green (MG) degradation. The photodegradation achieved maximum degradation efficiency (99%) using CdS/BiOBr-3 composites as photocatalyst. Furthermore, the possible photocatalytic mechanism upon CdS/BiOBr composites was also discussed through radical and holes trapping experiments. The heterostructure between CdS and BiOBr improved photocatalytic activity dramatically, which greatly promoted migration rate of the photoinduced electrons besides limiting the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs.

Climate Change and Health: A Position Paper of the American College of Physicians.

PubMed

Crowley, Ryan A

2016-05-03

Climate change could have a devastating effect on human and environmental health. Potential effects of climate change on human health include higher rates of respiratory and heat-related illness, increased prevalence of vector-borne and waterborne diseases, food and water insecurity, and malnutrition. Persons who are elderly, sick, or poor are especially vulnerable to these potential consequences. Addressing climate change could have substantial benefits to human health. In this position paper, the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends that physicians and the broader health care community throughout the world engage in environmentally sustainable practices that reduce carbon emissions; support efforts to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change; and educate the public, their colleagues, their community, and lawmakers about the health risks posed by climate change. Tackling climate change is an opportunity to dramatically improve human health and avert dire environmental outcomes, and ACP believes that physicians can play a role in achieving this goal.

Wearable Large-Scale Perovskite Solar-Power Source via Nanocellular Scaffold.

PubMed

Hu, Xiaotian; Huang, Zengqi; Zhou, Xue; Li, Pengwei; Wang, Yang; Huang, Zhandong; Su, Meng; Ren, Wanjie; Li, Fengyu; Li, Mingzhu; Chen, Yiwang; Song, Yanlin

2017-11-01

Dramatic advances in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and the blossoming of wearable electronics have triggered tremendous demands for flexible solar-power sources. However, the fracturing of functional crystalline films and transmittance wastage from flexible substrates are critical challenges to approaching the high-performance PSCs with flexural endurance. In this work, a nanocellular scaffold is introduced to architect a mechanics buffer layer and optics resonant cavity. The nanocellular scaffold releases mechanical stresses during flexural experiences and significantly improves the crystalline quality of the perovskite films. The nanocellular optics resonant cavity optimizes light harvesting and charge transportation of devices. More importantly, these flexible PSCs, which demonstrate excellent performance and mechanical stability, are practically fabricated in modules as a wearable solar-power source. A power conversion efficiency of 12.32% for a flexible large-scale device (polyethylene terephthalate substrate, indium tin oxide-free, 1.01 cm 2 ) is achieved. This ingenious flexible structure will enable a new approach for development of wearable electronics. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Rapid micromotor-based naked-eye immunoassay.

PubMed

de Ávila, Berta Esteban-Fernández; Zhao, Mingjiao; Campuzano, Susana; Ricci, Francesco; Pingarrón, José M; Mascini, Marcello; Wang, Joseph

2017-05-15

A dynamic micromotor-based immunoassay, exemplified by cortisol detection, based on the use of tubular micromotors functionalized with a specific antibody is described. The use of antibody-functionalized micromotors offers huge acceleration of both direct and competitive cortisol immunoassays, along with greatly enhanced sensitivity of direct and competitive immunoassays. The dramatically improved speed and sensitivity reflect the greatly increased likelihood of antibody-cortisol contacts and fluid mixing associated with the dynamic movement of these microtube motors and corresponding bubble generation that lead to a highly efficient and rapid recognition process. Rapid naked-eye detection of cortisol in the sample is achieved in connection to use of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) tag and TMB/H 2 O 2 system. Key parameters of the competitive immunoassay (e.g., incubation time and reaction volume) were optimized. This fast visual micromotor-based sensing approach enables "on the move" specific detection of the target cortisol down to 0.1μgmL -1 in just 2min, using ultrasmall (50µL) sample volumes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gadolinium-modulated 19F signals from Perfluorocarbon Nanoparticles as a New Strategy for Molecular Imaging

PubMed Central

Neubauer, Anne M.; Myerson, Jacob; Caruthers, Shelton D.; Hockett, Franklin D.; Winter, Patrick M.; Chen, Junjie; Gaffney, Patrick J.; Robertson, J. David; Lanza, Gregory M.; Wickline, Samuel A.

2008-01-01

Recent advances in the design of fluorinated nanoparticles for magnetic resonance molecular imaging have enabled specific detection of 19F nuclei, providing unique and quantifiable spectral signatures. However, a pressing need for signal enhancement exists because the total 19F in imaging voxels is often limited. By directly incorporating a relaxation agent (gadolinium) into the lipid monolayer that surrounds the perfluorocarbon, a marked augmentation of the 19F signal from 200nm nanoparticles was achieved. This design increases the magnetic relaxation rate of the 19F nuclei 4-fold at 1.5 T and effects a 125% increase in signal, an effect which is maintained when they are targeted to human plasma clots. By varying the surface concentration of gadolinium, the relaxation effect can be quantitatively modulated to tailor particle properties. This novel strategy dramatically improves the sensitivity and range of 19F MRI/MRS and forms the basis for designing contrast agents capable of sensing their surface chemistry. PMID:18956457

High speed, high performance, portable, dual-channel, optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) demodulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hongtao; Wei, Zhanxiong; Fan, Lingling; Wang, Pengfei; Zhao, Xilin; Wang, Zhenhua; Yang, Shangming; Cui, Hong-Liang

2009-10-01

A high speed, high performance, portable, dual-channel, optical Fiber Bragg Grating demodulator based on fiber Fabry- Pérot tunable filter (FFP-FT) is reported in this paper. The high speed demodulation can be achieved to detect the dynamical loads of vehicles with speed of 15 mph. However, the drifts of piezoelectric transducer (PZT) in the cavity of FFP-FT dramatically degrade the stability of system. Two schemes are implemented to improve the stability of system. Firstly, a temperature control system is installed to effectively remove the thermal drifts of PZT. Secondly, a scheme of changing the bias voltage of FFP-FT to restrain non-thermal drifts has been realized at lab and will be further developed to an automatic control system based on microcontroller. Although this demodulator is originally used in Weight-In- Motion (WIM) sensing system, it can be extended into other aspects and the schemes presented in this paper will be useful in many applications.

The application of the high throughput sequencing technology in the transposable elements.

PubMed

Liu, Zhen; Xu, Jian-hong

2015-09-01

High throughput sequencing technology has dramatically improved the efficiency of DNA sequencing, and decreased the costs to a great extent. Meanwhile, this technology usually has advantages of better specificity, higher sensitivity and accuracy. Therefore, it has been applied to the research on genetic variations, transcriptomics and epigenomics. Recently, this technology has been widely employed in the studies of transposable elements and has achieved fruitful results. In this review, we summarize the application of high throughput sequencing technology in the fields of transposable elements, including the estimation of transposon content, preference of target sites and distribution, insertion polymorphism and population frequency, identification of rare copies, transposon horizontal transfers as well as transposon tagging. We also briefly introduce the major common sequencing strategies and algorithms, their advantages and disadvantages, and the corresponding solutions. Finally, we envision the developing trends of high throughput sequencing technology, especially the third generation sequencing technology, and its application in transposon studies in the future, hopefully providing a comprehensive understanding and reference for related scientific researchers.

Adaptive variable-length coding for efficient compression of spacecraft television data.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rice, R. F.; Plaunt, J. R.

1971-01-01

An adaptive variable length coding system is presented. Although developed primarily for the proposed Grand Tour missions, many features of this system clearly indicate a much wider applicability. Using sample to sample prediction, the coding system produces output rates within 0.25 bit/picture element (pixel) of the one-dimensional difference entropy for entropy values ranging from 0 to 8 bit/pixel. This is accomplished without the necessity of storing any code words. Performance improvements of 0.5 bit/pixel can be simply achieved by utilizing previous line correlation. A Basic Compressor, using concatenated codes, adapts to rapid changes in source statistics by automatically selecting one of three codes to use for each block of 21 pixels. The system adapts to less frequent, but more dramatic, changes in source statistics by adjusting the mode in which the Basic Compressor operates on a line-to-line basis. Furthermore, the compression system is independent of the quantization requirements of the pulse-code modulation system.

DEER Sensitivity between Iron Centers and Nitroxides in Heme-Containing Proteins Improves Dramatically Using Broadband, High-Field EPR

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

This work demonstrates the feasibility of making sensitive nanometer distance measurements between Fe(III) heme centers and nitroxide spin labels in proteins using the double electron–electron resonance (DEER) pulsed EPR technique at 94 GHz. Techniques to measure accurately long distances in many classes of heme proteins using DEER are currently strongly limited by sensitivity. In this paper we demonstrate sensitivity gains of more than 30 times compared with previous lower frequency (X-band) DEER measurements on both human neuroglobin and sperm whale myoglobin. This is achieved by taking advantage of recent instrumental advances, employing wideband excitation techniques based on composite pulses and exploiting more favorable relaxation properties of low-spin Fe(III) in high magnetic fields. This gain in sensitivity potentially allows the DEER technique to be routinely used as a sensitive probe of structure and conformation in the large number of heme and many other metalloproteins. PMID:27035368

Bioconversion of paper mill sludge to bioethanol in the presence of accelerants or hydrogen peroxide pretreatment.

PubMed

Gurram, Raghu Nandan; Al-Shannag, Mohammad; Lecher, Nicholas Joshua; Duncan, Shona M; Singsaas, Eric Lawrence; Alkasrawi, Malek

2015-09-01

In this study we investigated the technical feasibility of convert paper mill sludge into fuel ethanol. This involved the removal of mineral fillers by using either chemical pretreatment or mechanical fractionation to determine their effects on cellulose hydrolysis and fermentation to ethanol. In addition, we studied the effect of cationic polyelectrolyte (as accelerant) addition and hydrogen peroxide pretreatment on enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. We present results showing that removing the fillers content (ash and calcium carbonate) from the paper mill sludge increases the enzymatic hydrolysis performance dramatically with higher cellulose conversion at faster rates. The addition of accelerant and hydrogen peroxide pretreatment further improved the hydrolysis yields by 16% and 25% (g glucose / g cellulose), respectively with the de-ashed sludge. The fermentation process of produced sugars achieved up to 95% of the maximum theoretical ethanol yield and higher ethanol productivities within 9h of fermentation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solution of nonlinear time-dependent PDEs through componentwise approximation of matrix functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cibotarica, Alexandru; Lambers, James V.; Palchak, Elisabeth M.

2016-09-01

Exponential propagation iterative (EPI) methods provide an efficient approach to the solution of large stiff systems of ODEs, compared to standard integrators. However, the bulk of the computational effort in these methods is due to products of matrix functions and vectors, which can become very costly at high resolution due to an increase in the number of Krylov projection steps needed to maintain accuracy. In this paper, it is proposed to modify EPI methods by using Krylov subspace spectral (KSS) methods, instead of standard Krylov projection methods, to compute products of matrix functions and vectors. Numerical experiments demonstrate that this modification causes the number of Krylov projection steps to become bounded independently of the grid size, thus dramatically improving efficiency and scalability. As a result, for each test problem featured, as the total number of grid points increases, the growth in computation time is just below linear, while other methods achieved this only on selected test problems or not at all.

Childhood obesity and cardiac remodeling: from cardiac structure to myocardial mechanics.

PubMed

Tadic, Marijana; Cuspidi, Cesare

2015-08-01

Epidemic of obesity, especially morbid obesity, among children and adolescents, is a key factor associated with the dramatic increase in prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and metabolic syndrome in this population. Furthermore, childhood obesity represents a very important predictor of obesity in adulthood that is related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents are associated with impairment of cardiac structure and function. The majority of studies investigated the influence of obesity on left ventricular remodeling. However, the impact of obesity on the right ventricle, both the atria, and myocardial mechanics has been insufficiently studied. The aim of this review article is to summarize all data about heart remodeling in childhood, from cardiac size, throughout systolic and diastolic function, to myocardial mechanics, using a wide range of mainly echocardiographic techniques and parameters. Additionally, we sought to present current knowledge about the influence of weight loss, achieved by various therapeutic approaches, on the improvement of cardiac geometry, structure, and function in obese children and adolescents.

Adaptation, Growth, and Resilience in Biological Distribution Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ronellenfitsch, Henrik; Katifori, Eleni

Highly optimized complex transport networks serve crucial functions in many man-made and natural systems such as power grids and plant or animal vasculature. Often, the relevant optimization functional is nonconvex and characterized by many local extrema. In general, finding the global, or nearly global optimum is difficult. In biological systems, it is believed that such an optimal state is slowly achieved through natural selection. However, general coarse grained models for flow networks with local positive feedback rules for the vessel conductivity typically get trapped in low efficiency, local minima. We show how the growth of the underlying tissue, coupled to the dynamical equations for network development, can drive the system to a dramatically improved optimal state. This general model provides a surprisingly simple explanation for the appearance of highly optimized transport networks in biology such as plant and animal vasculature. In addition, we show how the incorporation of spatially collective fluctuating sources yields a minimal model of realistic reticulation in distribution networks and thus resilience against damage.

Nanothorn electrodes for ionic polymer-metal composite artificial muscles

PubMed Central

Palmre, Viljar; Pugal, David; Kim, Kwang J.; Leang, Kam K.; Asaka, Kinji; Aabloo, Alvo

2014-01-01

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) have recently received tremendous interest as soft biomimetic actuators and sensors in various bioengineering and human affinity applications, such as artificial muscles and actuators, aquatic propulsors, robotic end-effectors, and active catheters. Main challenges in developing biomimetic actuators are the attainment of high strain and actuation force at low operating voltage. Here we first report a nanostructured electrode surface design for IPMC comprising platinum nanothorn assemblies with multiple sharp tips. The newly developed actuator with the nanostructured electrodes shows a new way to achieve highly enhanced electromechanical performance over existing flat-surfaced electrodes. We demonstrate that the formation and growth of the nanothorn assemblies at the electrode interface lead to a dramatic improvement (3- to 5-fold increase) in both actuation range and blocking force at low driving voltage (1–3 V). These advances are related to the highly capacitive properties of nanothorn assemblies, increasing significantly the charge transport during the actuation process. PMID:25146561

Economic feeder for recharging and ``topping off''

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fickett, Bryan; Mihalik, G.

2000-04-01

Increasing the size of the melt charge significantly increases yield and reduces costs. Siemens Solar Industries is optimizing a method to charge additional material after meltdown (top-off) using an external feeder system. A prototype feeder system was fabricated consisting of a hopper and feed delivery system. The low-cost feeder is designed for simple operation and maintenance. The system is capable of introducing up to 60 kg of granular silicon while under vacuum. An isolation valve permits refilling of the hopper while maintaining vacuum in the growth furnace. Using the feeder system in conjunction with Siemens Solar Industries' energy efficient hot zone dramatically reduces power and argon consumption. Throughput is also improved as faster pull speeds can be attained. The increased pull speeds have an even greater impact when the charge size is increased. Further cost reduction can be achieved by refilling the crucible after crystal growth and pulling a second ingot run. Siemens Solar Industries is presently testing the feeder in production.

Relative multiplexing for minimising switching in linear-optical quantum computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gimeno-Segovia, Mercedes; Cable, Hugo; Mendoza, Gabriel J.; Shadbolt, Pete; Silverstone, Joshua W.; Carolan, Jacques; Thompson, Mark G.; O'Brien, Jeremy L.; Rudolph, Terry

2017-06-01

Many existing schemes for linear-optical quantum computing (LOQC) depend on multiplexing (MUX), which uses dynamic routing to enable near-deterministic gates and sources to be constructed using heralded, probabilistic primitives. MUXing accounts for the overwhelming majority of active switching demands in current LOQC architectures. In this manuscript we introduce relative multiplexing (RMUX), a general-purpose optimisation which can dramatically reduce the active switching requirements for MUX in LOQC, and thereby reduce hardware complexity and energy consumption, as well as relaxing demands on performance for various photonic components. We discuss the application of RMUX to the generation of entangled states from probabilistic single-photon sources, and argue that an order of magnitude improvement in the rate of generation of Bell states can be achieved. In addition, we apply RMUX to the proposal for percolation of a 3D cluster state by Gimeno-Segovia et al (2015 Phys. Rev. Lett. 115 020502), and we find that RMUX allows an 2.4× increase in loss tolerance for this architecture.

CUDA-based acceleration of collateral filtering in brain MR images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Cheng-Yuan; Chang, Herng-Hua

2017-02-01

Image denoising is one of the fundamental and essential tasks within image processing. In medical imaging, finding an effective algorithm that can remove random noise in MR images is important. This paper proposes an effective noise reduction method for brain magnetic resonance (MR) images. Our approach is based on the collateral filter which is a more powerful method than the bilateral filter in many cases. However, the computation of the collateral filter algorithm is quite time-consuming. To solve this problem, we improved the collateral filter algorithm with parallel computing using GPU. We adopted CUDA, an application programming interface for GPU by NVIDIA, to accelerate the computation. Our experimental evaluation on an Intel Xeon CPU E5-2620 v3 2.40GHz with a NVIDIA Tesla K40c GPU indicated that the proposed implementation runs dramatically faster than the traditional collateral filter. We believe that the proposed framework has established a general blueprint for achieving fast and robust filtering in a wide variety of medical image denoising applications.

Deep Space Network information system architecture study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beswick, C. A.; Markley, R. W. (Editor); Atkinson, D. J.; Cooper, L. P.; Tausworthe, R. C.; Masline, R. C.; Jenkins, J. S.; Crowe, R. A.; Thomas, J. L.; Stoloff, M. J.

1992-01-01

The purpose of this article is to describe an architecture for the DSN information system in the years 2000-2010 and to provide guidelines for its evolution during the 1990's. The study scope is defined to be from the front-end areas at the antennas to the end users (spacecraft teams, principal investigators, archival storage systems, and non-NASA partners). The architectural vision provides guidance for major DSN implementation efforts during the next decade. A strong motivation for the study is an expected dramatic improvement in information-systems technologies--i.e., computer processing, automation technology (including knowledge-based systems), networking and data transport, software and hardware engineering, and human-interface technology. The proposed Ground Information System has the following major features: unified architecture from the front-end area to the end user; open-systems standards to achieve interoperability; DSN production of level 0 data; delivery of level 0 data from the Deep Space Communications Complex, if desired; dedicated telemetry processors for each receiver; security against unauthorized access and errors; and highly automated monitor and control.

Hybrid error correction and de novo assembly of single-molecule sequencing reads

PubMed Central

Koren, Sergey; Schatz, Michael C.; Walenz, Brian P.; Martin, Jeffrey; Howard, Jason; Ganapathy, Ganeshkumar; Wang, Zhong; Rasko, David A.; McCombie, W. Richard; Jarvis, Erich D.; Phillippy, Adam M.

2012-01-01

Emerging single-molecule sequencing instruments can generate multi-kilobase sequences with the potential to dramatically improve genome and transcriptome assembly. However, the high error rate of single-molecule reads is challenging, and has limited their use to resequencing bacteria. To address this limitation, we introduce a novel correction algorithm and assembly strategy that utilizes shorter, high-identity sequences to correct the error in single-molecule sequences. We demonstrate the utility of this approach on Pacbio RS reads of phage, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic whole genomes, including the novel genome of the parrot Melopsittacus undulatus, as well as for RNA-seq reads of the corn (Zea mays) transcriptome. Our approach achieves over 99.9% read correction accuracy and produces substantially better assemblies than current sequencing strategies: in the best example, quintupling the median contig size relative to high-coverage, second-generation assemblies. Greater gains are predicted if read lengths continue to increase, including the prospect of single-contig bacterial chromosome assembly. PMID:22750884

Ultrabroadband Design for Linear Polarization Conversion and Asymmetric Transmission Crossing X- and K- Band.

PubMed

Zhang, Linbo; Zhou, Peiheng; Chen, Haiyan; Lu, Haipeng; Xie, Haiyan; Zhang, Li; Li, En; Xie, Jianliang; Deng, Longjiang

2016-09-23

In this work, a high-efficiency and broadband reflective converter using ultrathin planar metamaterial (MM) composed of single-layered SRR is firstly realized. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the cross-polarization conversion reflectance above 0.84 is achieved from 8.6 to 18.6 GHz for linearly polarized (LP) incident waves under normal incidence. Subsequently, a multi-layered MM based on SRR enables a dramatic improvement of the recently demonstrated asymmetric transmission (AT) effect. Theoretical and measured results present that strong one-way transmission of two orthogonally polarized waves crossing C- and K- band has been observed. These two separated AT pass-bands have a function of selective polarization filter, which can be switched on/off by changing the polarization state of incident waves. The physical mechanisms are elucidated by taking advantage of electric fields and current distributions. Considering the broad bandwidth and the dual band, we believe that these two structures will be beneficial for designing polarization-controlled and selective transmission converter.

Gametic embryogenesis and haploid technology as valuable support to plant breeding.

PubMed

Germanà, Maria Antonietta

2011-05-01

Plant breeding is focused on continuously increasing crop production to meet the needs of an ever-growing world population, improving food quality to ensure a long and healthy life and address the problems of global warming and environment pollution, together with the challenges of developing novel sources of biofuels. The breeders' search for novel genetic combinations, with which to select plants with improved traits to satisfy both farmers and consumers, is endless. About half of the dramatic increase in crop yield obtained in the second half of the last century has been achieved thanks to the results of genetic improvement, while the residual advance has been due to the enhanced management techniques (pest and disease control, fertilization, and irrigation). Biotechnologies provide powerful tools for plant breeding, and among these ones, tissue culture, particularly haploid and doubled haploid technology, can effectively help to select superior plants. In fact, haploids (Hs), which are plants with gametophytic chromosome number, and doubled haploids (DHs), which are haploids that have undergone chromosome duplication, represent a particularly attractive biotechnological method to accelerate plant breeding. Currently, haploid technology, making possible through gametic embryogenesis the single-step development of complete homozygous lines from heterozygous parents, has already had a huge impact on agricultural systems of many agronomically important crops, representing an integral part in their improvement programmes. The aim of this review was to provide some background, recent advances, and future prospective on the employment of haploid technology through gametic embryogenesis as a powerful tool to support plant breeding.

Group 5: Itinerant English Language Learner (ELL) Teachers. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2013

2013-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 2a: Early Childhood Education Teachers. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2013

2013-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 7: Visiting Instruction Service (VIS) Teachers. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2013

2013-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 3: Special Education Teachers. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2013

2013-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 3a: Special Education Teachers--Autism Program. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2013

2013-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 6: Shared Special Subject Teachers. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2013

2013-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

U.S. Department of Education 2008 No Child Left Behind -- Blue Ribbon Schools Program: Statistical Summary of National Participation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Education, 2008

2008-01-01

The No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private K-12 schools that are either academically superior in their state or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. This document includes 2008 statistical information for public and private blue ribbon schools for 45 states. In addition to summarized totals,…

Group 8: Student Support Professionals. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2013

2013-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

The Development Of New Space Charge Compensation Methods For Multi-Components Ion Beam Extracted From ECR Ion Source at IMP

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ma, L.; Zhao, H.W.; Cao, Y.

2005-03-15

Two new space charge compensation methods developed in IMP are discussed in this paper. There are negative high voltage electrode method (NHVEM) and electronegative charge gas method (EGM). Some valuable experimental data have been achieved, especially using electronegative gas method in O6+ and O7+ dramatic and stable increasing of ion current was observed.

Achieving a Greater Impact: Developing the Skills of Teaching Artists to Lead Professional Development for Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duma, Amy L.; Silverstein, Lynne B.

2008-01-01

Teaching artists know that there are many more students who could benefit from learning in and through the arts, but school budgets as well as teaching artists' time and energy are limited. As years pass, teaching artists face the reality that they will reach only a fraction of the students in need. To extend their impact dramatically, some…

The Correlation between Attendance and Participation with Respect to Student Achievement in an Online Learning Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rapposelli, Joseph Anthony

2014-01-01

The recent and rapid growth of technology during the last several years has dramatically increased the number of new online degree programs and courses in the United States. As a result, enrollment into these online programs and courses has also increased. The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) estimated there was a total of 12.2…

Rereading Ventura García Calderón

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldberg, Nancy Sloan

2014-01-01

Ventura García Calderón (1886-1959) was a Peruvian man of letters and a diplomat who was at the center of the hispanophone community in Paris in the first half of the twentieth century. Known as a proponent of Spanish American literature, García Calderón achieved a global celebrity for his dramatic, colorful, and ironic short stories. These…

Implementing the Common Core State Standards: An Action Agenda for Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

King, Jacqueline E.

2011-01-01

Recent years have seen the pace of change in education accelerate at all levels as educators and policy makers instigate reforms aimed at raising academic achievement in the United States to a world-class level. Perhaps nowhere has the pace and scale of change been more dramatic than in the realm of K-12 academic standards. In 2009, 48 states, two…

Group 11: School-Based Social Workers. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 11a: School-Based Psychologists. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 14: Program Coordinators and Deans. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 20: All Other School-Based Personnel. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 9: Library Media Specialists. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 12: Related Service Providers. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 13: Special Education Coordinators. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2012

2012-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Update with 2009-10 Data and Five-Year Trends: How Many Schools Have Not Made Adequate Yearly Progress?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Usher, Alexandra

2011-01-01

Recently, much attention has focused on the number of schools in the nation failing to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) in raising student achievement under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The Obama Administration has projected a dramatic increase in this number as 2014--the year when 100% of students are expected to score proficient on…

Struggling to Overcome the State's Prescription for Practice: A Study of a Sample of Early Educators' Professional Development and Action Research Projects in a High-Stakes Teaching Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Christopher P.; Weber, Natalie Babiak

2016-01-01

Issues of standardization, student achievement, and diversity have dramatically altered teaching within early childhood programs across the United States. This has created a situation in which teacher educators need to assist practicing and preservice teachers working in these contexts with formulating instructional responses that address…

Naturally-Occurring Canine Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma: A Model for Emerging Therapies

PubMed Central

Sommer, Breann C.; Dhawan, Deepika; Ratliff, Timothy L.; Knapp, Deborah W.

2018-01-01

The development of targeted therapies and the resurgence of immunotherapy offer enormous potential to dramatically improve the outlook for patients with invasive urothelial carcinoma (InvUC). Optimization of these therapies, however, is crucial as only a minority of patients achieve dramatic remission, and toxicities are common. With the complexities of the therapies, and the growing list of possible drug combinations to test, highly relevant animal models are needed to assess and select the most promising approaches to carry forward into human trials. The animal model(s) should possess key features that dictate success or failure of cancer drugs in humans including tumor heterogeneity, genetic-epigenetic crosstalk, immune cell responsiveness, invasive and metastatic behavior, and molecular subtypes (e.g., luminal, basal). While it may not be possible to create these collective features in experimental models, these features are present in naturally-occurring InvUC in pet dogs. Naturally occurring canine InvUC closely mimics muscle-invasive bladder cancer in humans in regards to cellular and molecular features, molecular subtypes, biological behavior (sites and frequency of metastasis), and response to therapy. Clinical treatment trials in pet dogs with InvUC are considered a win-win scenario; the individual dog benefits from effective treatment, the results are expected to help other dogs, and the findings are expected to translate to better treatment outcomes in humans. This review will provide an overview of canine InvUC, the similarities to the human condition, and the potential for dogs with InvUC to serve as a model to predict the outcomes of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in humans. PMID:29732386

Naturally-Occurring Canine Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma: A Model for Emerging Therapies.

PubMed

Sommer, Breann C; Dhawan, Deepika; Ratliff, Timothy L; Knapp, Deborah W

2018-04-26

The development of targeted therapies and the resurgence of immunotherapy offer enormous potential to dramatically improve the outlook for patients with invasive urothelial carcinoma (InvUC). Optimization of these therapies, however, is crucial as only a minority of patients achieve dramatic remission, and toxicities are common. With the complexities of the therapies, and the growing list of possible drug combinations to test, highly relevant animal models are needed to assess and select the most promising approaches to carry forward into human trials. The animal model(s) should possess key features that dictate success or failure of cancer drugs in humans including tumor heterogeneity, genetic-epigenetic crosstalk, immune cell responsiveness, invasive and metastatic behavior, and molecular subtypes (e.g., luminal, basal). While it may not be possible to create these collective features in experimental models, these features are present in naturally-occurring InvUC in pet dogs. Naturally occurring canine InvUC closely mimics muscle-invasive bladder cancer in humans in regards to cellular and molecular features, molecular subtypes, biological behavior (sites and frequency of metastasis), and response to therapy. Clinical treatment trials in pet dogs with InvUC are considered a win-win scenario; the individual dog benefits from effective treatment, the results are expected to help other dogs, and the findings are expected to translate to better treatment outcomes in humans. This review will provide an overview of canine InvUC, the similarities to the human condition, and the potential for dogs with InvUC to serve as a model to predict the outcomes of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in humans.

Multisyringe flow injection analysis hyphenated with liquid core waveguides for the development of cleaner spectroscopic analytical methods: improved determination of chloride in waters.

PubMed

Maya, Fernando; Estela, José Manuel; Cerdà, Víctor

2009-07-01

In this work, the hyphenation of the multisyringe flow injection analysis technique with a 100-cm-long pathlength liquid core waveguide has been accomplished. The Cl-/Hg(SCN)2/Fe3+ reaction system for the spectrophotometric determination of chloride (Cl(-)) in waters was used as chemical model. As a result, this classic analytical methodology has been improved, minimizing dramatically the consumption of reagents, in particular, that of the highly biotoxic chemical Hg(SCN)2. The proposed method features a linear dynamic range composed of two steps between (1) 0.2-2 and (2) 2-8 mg Cl- L(-1), thus extended applicability due to on-line sample dilution (up to 400 mg Cl- L(-1)). It also presents improved limits of detection and quantification of 0.06 and 0.20 mg Cl- L(-1), respectively. The coefficient of variation and the injection throughput were 1.3% (n = 10, 2 mg Cl- L(-1)) and 21 h(-1). Furthermore, a very low consumption of reagents per Cl- determination of 0.2 microg Hg(II) and 28 microg Fe3+ has been achieved. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Cl- in different types of water samples. Finally, the proposed system is critically compared from a green analytical chemistry point of view against other flow systems for the same purpose.

Ultrahigh PEMFC performance of a thin-film, dual-electrode assembly with tailored electrode morphology.

PubMed

Jung, Chi-Young; Kim, Tae-Hyun; Yi, Sung-Chul

2014-02-01

A dual-electrode membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells with enhanced polarization under zero relative humidity (RH) is fabricated by introducing a phase-separated morphology in an agglomerated catalyst layer of Pt/C (platinum on carbon black) and Nafion. In the catalyst layer, a sufficient level of phase separation is achieved by dispersing the Pt catalyst and the Nafion dispersion in a mixed-solvent system (propane-1,2,3-triol/1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone).The high polymer chain mobility results in improved water uptake and regular pore-size distribution with small pore diameters. The electrochemical performance of the dual-film electrode assembly with different levels of phase separation is compared to conventional electrode assemblies. As a result, good performance at 0 % RH is obtained because self-humidification is dramatically improved by attaching this dense and phase-separated catalytic overlayer onto the conventional catalyst layer. A MEA prepared using the thin-film, dual-layered electrode exhibits 39-fold increased RH stability and 28-fold improved start-up recovery time during the on-off operation relative to the conventional device. We demonstrate the successful operation of the dual-layered electrode comprised of discriminatively phase-separated agglomerates with an ultrahigh zero RH fuel-cell performance reaching over 95 % performance of a fully humidified MEA. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Artificial intelligence guides system's best practices, cutting costs and improving services.

PubMed

1999-06-01

One for the history books. Clinical care improvement initiatives guided by a sophisticated artificial intelligence program have helped a major Virginia integrated health system make dramatic improvements in the cost and quality of its health care services. Find out how the technological innovation has earned Sentara Health System a place in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Countdown to 2015 country case studies: what can analysis of national health financing contribute to understanding MDG 4 and 5 progress?

PubMed

Mann, Carlyn; Ng, Courtney; Akseer, Nadia; Bhutta, Zulfiqar A; Borghi, Josephine; Colbourn, Tim; Hernández-Peña, Patricia; Huicho, Luis; Malik, Muhammad Ashar; Martinez-Alvarez, Melisa; Munthali, Spy; Salehi, Ahmad Shah; Tadesse, Mekonnen; Yassin, Mohammed; Berman, Peter

2016-09-12

Countdown to 2015 (Countdown) supported countries to produce case studies that examine how and why progress was made toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5. Analysing how health-financing data explains improvements in RMNCH outcomes was one of the components to the case studies. This paper presents a descriptive analysis on health financing from six Countdown case studies (Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Malawi, Pakistan, Peru, and Tanzania), supplemented by additional data from global databases and country reports on macroeconomic, health financing, demographic, and RMNCH outcome data as needed. It also examines the effect of other contextual factors presented in the case studies to help interpret health-financing data. Dramatic increases in health funding occurred since 2000, where the MDG agenda encouraged countries and donors to invest more resources on health. Most low-income countries relied on external support to increase health spending, with an average 20-64 % of total health spending from 2000 onwards. Middle-income countries relied more on government and household spending. RMNCH funding also increased since 2000, with an average increase of 119 % (2005-2010) for RMNH expenditures (2005-2010) and 165 % for CH expenditures (2005-2011). Progress was made, especially achieving MDG 4, even with low per capita spending; ranging from US$16 to US$44 per child under 5 years among low-income countries. Improvements in distal factors were noted during the time frame of the analysis, including rapid economic growth in Ethiopia, Peru, and Tanzania and improvements in female literacy as documented in Malawi, which are also likely to have contributed to MDG progress and achievements. Increases in health and RMNCH funding accompanied improvements in outcomes, though low-income countries are still very reliant on external financing, and out-of-pocket comprising a growing share of funds in middle-income settings. Enhancements in tracking RMNCH expenditures across countries are still needed to better understand whether domestic and global health financing initiatives lead to improved outcomes as RMNCH continues to be a priority under the Sustainable Development Goals.

Organizational Change. Symposium 11. [Concurrent Symposium Session at AHRD Annual Conference, 2000.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

2000

This packet contains three papers from a symposium on organizational change. The first paper, "Kaizen Blitz: Rapid Learning to Facilitate Immediate Organizational Improvements" (Robert B. Gudgel, Fred C. Feitler), describes rapid and dramatic improvement in the organizational performance of a manufacturing firm after use of a series of…

Using Inspections to Improve the Quality of Product Documentation and Code.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zuchero, John

1995-01-01

Describes how, by adapting software inspections to assess documentation and code, technical writers can collaborate with development personnel, editors, and customers to dramatically improve both the quality of documentation and the very process of inspecting that documentation. Notes that the five steps involved in the inspection process are:…

Improving Student Performance through Computer-Based Assessment: Insights from Recent Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ricketts, C.; Wilks, S. J.

2002-01-01

Compared student performance on computer-based assessment to machine-graded multiple choice tests. Found that performance improved dramatically on the computer-based assessment when students were not required to scroll through the question paper. Concluded that students may be disadvantaged by the introduction of online assessment unless care is…

A Perspective on Primary Prevention in the Earliest Years.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richmond, Julius B.

The decade of the 70's has seen significant improvements in child health and dramatic insights into the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing children's growth and development. Four of the six major gains in health status listed in the Surgeon General's Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention relate to improvements in…

New research and tools lead to improved earthquake alerting protocols

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wald, David J.

2009-01-01

What’s the best way to get alerted about the occurrence and potential impact of an earthquake? The answer to that question has changed dramatically of late, in part due to improvements in earthquake science, and in part by the implementation of new research in the delivery of earthquake information

Challenges in Building Usable Knowledge in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hedges, Larry V.

2018-01-01

The scientific rigor of education research has improved dramatically since the year 2000. Much of the credit for this improvement is deserved by Institute of Education Sciences (IES) policies that helped create a demand for rigorous research; increased human capital capacity to carry out such work; provided funding for the work itself; and…

A Better Blend: A Vision for Boosting Student Outcomes with Digital Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Public Impact, 2013

2013-01-01

Blended learning that combines digital instruction with live, accountable teachers holds unique promise to improve student outcomes dramatically. Schools will not realize this promise at large scale with technology improvements alone, though, or with technology and today's typical teaching roles. This brief explains how schools can use blended…

Self Assembled Dipole Monolayers on CNTs: Effect on Transport and Charge Collection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, Alexander; Lee, Bumsu; Kuznetsov, Alexander; Podzorov, Vitaly; Zakhidov, Anvar

2010-03-01

We propose a method of quickly and dramatically increasing the conductivity of carbon nanotubes via growth of a self assembled monolayer (SAM) of fluoroalkyl trichlorosilane dipoles following the method demonstrated with organic semiconductors in [1,2]. Growth of a SAM on carbon nanotubes results in a strong p-type doping which improves the conductivity by a factor of two or more. Additionally, this doping is nonvolatile and persists in high vacuum and inert atmospheres. Improvements to conductivity are most dramatic in the case of predominantly semi-conducting, single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) due to the remarkable introduction of about 1.2e14 holes/sq. cm, but this method is also an effective means to improve metallic, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). We will demonstrate improvement of transport and charge collection properties of both SWCNTs and MWCNTs by these SAM coatings in FETs and also in organic photovoltaic solar cells and in OLEDs. [1] M. F. Calhoun et al. Nature Materials 7, 84 - 89 (2008). [2] C. Y. Kao et al. Adv. Func. Mater. 19, 1 (2009).

Current state and future direction of computer systems at NASA Langley Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, James L. (Editor); Tucker, Jerry H. (Editor)

1992-01-01

Computer systems have advanced at a rate unmatched by any other area of technology. As performance has dramatically increased there has been an equally dramatic reduction in cost. This constant cost performance improvement has precipitated the pervasiveness of computer systems into virtually all areas of technology. This improvement is due primarily to advances in microelectronics. Most people are now convinced that the new generation of supercomputers will be built using a large number (possibly thousands) of high performance microprocessors. Although the spectacular improvements in computer systems have come about because of these hardware advances, there has also been a steady improvement in software techniques. In an effort to understand how these hardware and software advances will effect research at NASA LaRC, the Computer Systems Technical Committee drafted this white paper to examine the current state and possible future directions of computer systems at the Center. This paper discusses selected important areas of computer systems including real-time systems, embedded systems, high performance computing, distributed computing networks, data acquisition systems, artificial intelligence, and visualization.

Early Retirement Incentives and Student Achievement

PubMed Central

Fitzpatrick, Maria D.

2014-01-01

Early retirement incentives (ERIs) are increasingly prevalent in education as districts seek to close budget gaps by replacing expensive experienced teachers with lower-cost newer teachers. Combined with the aging of the teacher workforce, these ERIs are likely to change the composition of teachers dramatically in the coming years. We use exogenous variation from an ERI program in Illinois in the mid-1990s to provide the first evidence in the literature of the effects of large-scale teacher retirements on student achievement. We find the program did not reduce test scores; likely, it increased them, with positive effects most pronounced in lower-SES schools. PMID:25436038

Recent Advances and Achievements at The Catalina Sky Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonard, Gregory J.; Christensen, Eric J.; Fuls, Carson; Gibbs, Alex; Grauer, Al; Johnson, Jess A.; Kowalski, Richard; Larson, Stephen M.; Matheny, Rose; Seaman, Rob; Shelly, Frank

2017-10-01

The Catalina Sky Survey (CSS) is a NASA-funded project fully dedicated to discover and track near-Earth objects (NEOs). Since its founding nearly 20 years ago CSS remains at the forefront of NEO surveys, and recent improvements in both instrumentation and software have increased both survey productivity and data quality. In 2016 new large-format (10K x 10K) cameras were installed on both CSS survey telescopes, the 1.5-m reflector and the 0.7-m Schmidt, increasing the field of view, and hence nightly sky coverage by 4x and 2.4x respectively. The new cameras, coupled with improvements in the reduction and detection pipelines, and revised sky-coverage strategies have yielded a dramatic upward trend of NEO discovery rates. CSS has also developed a custom adaptive queue manager for scheduling NEO follow-up astrometry using a remotely operated and recently renovated 1-m Cassegrain reflector telescope, improvements that have increased the production of follow-up astrometry for newly discovered NEOs and arc extensions for previously discovered objects by CSS and other surveys. Additionally, reprocessing of archival CSS data (which includes some 46 million individual astrometric measurements) through the new reduction and detection pipeline will allow for improved orbit determinations and increased arc extensions for hundreds of thousands of asteroids. Reprocessed data will soon feed into a new public archive of CSS images and catalog data products made available through NASA’s Planetary Data System (PDS). For the future, CSS is working towards improved NEO follow-up capabilities through a combination of access to larger telescopes, instrument upgrades and follow-up scheduling tools.

Ganymede - Comparison of Voyager and Galileo Resolution

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-09-07

These images demonstrate the dramatic improvement in the resolution of pictures that NASA Galileo spacecraft returned compared to previous images of the Jupiter system. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00277

Argonne National Laboratory |

Science.gov Websites

for next-gen lithium batteries. Spotlight New ion source dramatically improves radioactive beams for Argonne's CARIBU facility A new Electron Beam Ion Source Charge Breeder operated with Argonne's CARIBU and

Benefits of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion to Achieve 4x Increase in Cruise Efficiency for a VTOL Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fredericks, William J.; Moore, Mark D.; Busan, Ronald C.

2013-01-01

Electric propulsion enables radical new vehicle concepts, particularly for Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft because of their significant mismatch between takeoff and cruise power conditions. However, electric propulsion does not merely provide the ability to normalize the power required across the phases of flight, in the way that automobiles also use hybrid electric technologies. The ability to distribute the thrust across the airframe, without mechanical complexity and with a scale-free propulsion system, is a new degree of freedom for aircraft designers. Electric propulsion is scale-free in terms of being able to achieve highly similar levels of motor power to weight and efficiency across a dramatic scaling range. Applying these combined principles of electric propulsion across a VTOL aircraft permits an improvement in aerodynamic efficiency that is approximately four times the state of the art of conventional helicopter configurations. Helicopters typically achieve a lift to drag ratio (L/D) of between 4 and 5, while the VTOL aircraft designed and developed in this research were designed to achieve an L/D of approximately 20. Fundamentally, the ability to eliminate the problem of advancing and retreating rotor blades is shown, without resorting to unacceptable prior solutions such as tail-sitters. This combination of concept and technology also enables a four times increase in range and endurance while maintaining the full VTOL and hover capability provided by a helicopter. Also important is the ability to achieve low disc-loading for low ground impingement velocities, low noise and hover power minimization (thus reducing energy consumption in VTOL phases). This combination of low noise and electric propulsion (i.e. zero emissions) will produce a much more community-friendly class of vehicles. This research provides a review of the concept brainstorming, configuration aerodynamic and mission analysis, as well as subscale prototype construction and flight testing that verifies transition flight control. A final down-selected vehicle is also presented.

Future technology in cochlear implants: assessing the benefit.

PubMed

Briggs, Robert J S

2011-05-01

It has been over 50 years since Djourno and Eyries first attempted electric stimulation in a patient with deafness. Over this time, the Cochlear Implant (CI) has become not only remarkably successful, but increasingly complex. Although the basic components of the system still comprise an implanted receiver stimulator and electrode, externally worn speech processor, microphone, control system, and power source, there are now several alternative designs of these components with different attributes that can be variably combined to meet the needs of specific patient groups. Development by the manufacturers has been driven both by these various patient needs, and also by the desire to achieve technological superiority, or at least differentiation, ultimately in pursuit of market share. Assessment of benefit is the responsibility of clinicians. It is incumbent on both industry and clinicians to ensure appropriate, safe, and affordable introduction of new technology. For example, experience with the totally implanted cochlear implant (TIKI) has demonstrated that quality of hearing is the over-riding consideration for CI users. To date, improved hearing outcomes have been achieved by improvements in: speech processing strategies; microphone technology; pre-processing strategies; electrode placement; bilateral implantation; use of a hearing aid in the opposite ear (bimodal stimulation); and the combination of electric and acoustic stimulation in the same ear. The resulting expansion of CI candidacy, with more residual hearing, further improves the outcomes achieved. Largely facilitated by advances in electronic capability and computerization, it can be expected that these improvements will continue. However, marked variability of results still occurs and we cannot assure any individual patient of their outcome. Realistic goals for implementation of new technology include: improved hearing in noise and music perception; effective invisible hearing (no external apparatus); automated fitting; and reduction in outcome variability. This paper provides examples of relevant potential future technologies that can be applied to reach these goals. In the quest for better outcomes, future technology must deliver improved reliability and usability for both clinicians and recipients that does not compromise safety and is affordable. One of the challenges related to the introduction of new technologies is the 'classification' of CI systems and the framework under which sufficient change and increased benefit can be demonstrated to establish a claim of 'new generation CI' and hence increased reimbursement from third-party payers. Significant improvements in hearing outcomes and quality of life associated with CI design changes are difficult to measure, particularly when there is such dramatic benefit from the intervention of cochlear implantation from the individual's perspective. Manufacturers and clinicians need to be objective and undertake appropriate safety studies and long-term and multi-centre clinical trials to ensure that the introduction of new technology is both safe and effective and supported by health systems worldwide.

Racial and Social Class Differences in How Parents Respond to Inadequate Achievement: Consequences for Children’s Future Achievement

PubMed Central

Robinson, Keith; Harris, Angel L.

2013-01-01

Objective Despite numerous studies on parental involvement in children’s academic schooling, there is a dearth of knowledge on how parents respond specifically to inadequate academic performance. This study examines whether 1) racial differences exist in parenting philosophy for addressing inadequate achievement, 2) social class has implications for parenting philosophy, and 3) parents’ philosophies are consequential for children’s academic achievement. Methods Using data from the Child Development Supplement (N=1041) to the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we sort parents into two categories—those whose parenting repertoires for addressing poor achievement include punitive responses and those whose repertoires do not. We then determine whether racial differences exist between these categories and how various responses within the aforementioned categories are related to students’ academic achievement. Results The findings show that white and black parents have markedly different philosophies on how to respond to inadequate performance, and these differences appear to impact children’s achievement in dramatically different ways. Conclusion Educators and policy makers should pay particular attention to how parents respond to inadequate achievement as imploring parents of inadequately performing students to be more involved without providing them with some guidance might exacerbate the problem. PMID:24563554

Effect of Hot Rolling Process on Microstructure and Properties of Low-Carbon Al-Killed Steels Produced Through TSCR Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paul, S. K.; Ahmed, U.; Megahed, G. M.

2011-10-01

Low-carbon Al-killed hot rolled strips for direct forming, cold rolling, and galvanizing applications are produced from the similar chemistry at Ezz Flat Steel (EFS) through thin slab casting and rolling (TSCR) technology. The desired mechanical and microstructural properties in hot bands for different applications are achieved through control of hot rolling parameters, which in turn control the precipitation and growth of AlN. Nitrogen in solid solution strongly influences the yield strength (YS), ductility, strain aging index (SAI), and other formability properties of steel. The equilibrium solubility of AlN in austenite at different temperatures and its isothermal precipitation have been studied. To achieve the formability properties for direct forming, soluble nitrogen is fixed as AlN by coiling the strip at higher temperatures. For stringent cold forming, boron was added below the stoichiometric ratio with nitrogen, which improved the formability properties dramatically. The requirements of hot band for processing into cold rolled and annealed deep drawing sheets are high SAI and fine-grain microstructure. Higher finish rolling and low coiling temperatures are used to achieve these. Fully processed cold rolled sheets from these hot strips at customer's end have shown good formability properties. Coil break marks observed in some coils during uncoiling were found to be associated with yielding phenomenon. The spike height (difference between upper and lower yield stresses) and yield point elongation (YPE) were found to be the key material parameters for the break marks. Factors affecting these parameters have been studied and the coiling temperature optimized to overcome the problem.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

This factsheet describes a project that developed and demonstrated a new manufacturing-informed design framework that utilizes advanced multi-scale, physics-based process modeling to dramatically improve manufacturing productivity and quality in machining operations while reducing the cost of machined components.

Development of Chemically Amplified Optical Sensors for Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Final Report CRADA No. TSB-1162-95

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lane, Stephen M.; Mastrototaro, John J.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects 14 million people in the U.S. and more than 110 million people worldwide. Each year in this country 27,000 diabetic patients become blind, 15,000 have kidney failure, and over 54,000 have peripheral limb amputations. In 1992, total healthcare costs in the U.S. for diabetes were more than $105 billion, approximately 15% of our healthcare budget. Conventional therapy for the most severe form of diabetes, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or Type I diabetes, is to administer one or two injections per day of various forms of insulin while monitoring blood glucose levels twice ormore » three times daily with commercial glucometers that require blood samples. Near normal blood sugar levels (glycemic control) is difficult to achieve with conventional therapy. In the fall of 1993, the results of the 10-year $165 million Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) were published which showed that intensive insulin management would lead to dramatically fewer cases of retinopathy (which leads to blindness), nephropathy (which leads to kidney failure), and neuropathy (which can lead to limb amputations) [New England Journal of Medicine, Vo1239, No.14 977-986 (1993)]. If existing commercial insulin pumps could be combined with a continuous glucose sensor, a more physiological and fine-tuned therapy could be provided - in effect, an artificial biomechanical pancreas would be available. Existing research suggested that such a development would dramatically improve glucose control, thus greatly reducing morbidity and mortality from this disease. MiniMed Technologies in Sylmar, CA, identified a number of optically based sensor strategies as well as candidate chemical reactions that could be used to implement a minimally invasive opto-chemical glucose sensor. LLNL evaluated these sensor strategies and chemical reactions. These evaluations were the first steps leading to development of a sensor of considerable importance that could maintain near normal physiological glycemic levels, thus dramatically reducing the risk of the microvascular complications mentioned above.« less

Rapid-cycle testing cuts bed turnaround by 85%.

PubMed

2004-11-01

You can use rapid-cycle testing to try out new approaches to overcrowding much more frequently than with more traditional process improvement strategies. Improving bed turnaround notification can yield dramatic improvements. Telling staff they have to try a new process only for three days makes it easier to gain buy-in. Look for old policies that are no longer needed, yet continue to keep your staff bogged down.

Group 4: Non-Itinerant English Language Learner (ELL) Teachers. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2013

2013-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Group 3b: Special Education Teachers--Early Childhood Education. IMPACT: The District of Columbia Public Schools Effectiveness Assessment System for School-Based Personnel, 2012-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

District of Columbia Public Schools, 2013

2013-01-01

The 2012-2013 school year represents a pivotal juncture for DC Public Schools. Last spring, Mayor Gray and Chancellor Kaya Henderson introduced "A Capital Commitment," their ambitious plan to dramatically accelerate student achievement in the district over the next five years by providing all of their students with a safe, academically…

Teacher's Guide for Computational Models of Animal Behavior: A Computer-Based Curriculum Unit to Accompany the Elementary Science Study Guide "Behavior of Mealworms." Artificial Intelligence Memo No. 432.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abelson, Hal; Goldenberg, Paul

This experimental curriculum unit suggests how dramatic innovations in classroom content may be achieved through use of computers. The computational perspective is viewed as one which can enrich and transform traditional curricula, act as a focus for integrating insights from diverse disciplines, and enable learning to become more active and…

Argon Laser Treatment of Strawberry Hemangioma in Infancy

PubMed Central

Achauer, Bruce M.; Vander Kam, Victoria M.

1985-01-01

Argon laser therapy is effective for removing port-wine stains and for reducing cutaneous vascular and pigmented lesions. Strawberry hemangiomas, being much thicker lesions than port-wine stains, were considered not appropriate for argon laser treatment. Using argon laser therapy in 13 cases of strawberry hemangioma, we achieved poor to dramatic results. ImagesFigure 1.Figure 2.Figure 3.Figure 4.Figure 5.Figure 6.Figure 7. PMID:4082569

60 GHz Tapered Transmission Line Resonators

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-15

and out small capacitors, using varactors for part of the capacitance, or both. However, at high frequencies the size of these lumped components...the full substrate stack is made up of many oxide layers with different EM characteristics. To speed up simulation time it is imperative to simplify...the substrate stackup dramatically. This was achieved by using only one oxide layer which encompasses all metal layers. The character- istics of this

The Academic Achievement of Limited English Proficient (LEP) Youth in New and Established Immigrant States: Lessons from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spees, Lisa P.; Potochnick, Stephanie; Perreira, Krista M.

2016-01-01

The dramatic growth and dispersal of immigrant families has changed the face of public education at a time when states are experiencing increased school accountability pressures under the No Child Left Behind Act and its recent successor, the Every Student Succeeds Act. Of particular concern is how these demographic shifts affect the academic…

Improved Operating Room Efficiency via Constraint Management: Experience of a Tertiary-Care Academic Medical Center.

PubMed

Kimbrough, Charles W; McMasters, Kelly M; Canary, Jeff; Jackson, Lisa; Farah, Ian; Boswell, Mark V; Kim, Daniel; Scoggins, Charles R

2015-07-01

Suboptimal operating room (OR) efficiency is a universal complaint among surgeons. Nonetheless, maximizing efficiency is critical to institutional success. Here, we report improvement achieved from low-cost, low-technology measures instituted within a tertiary-care academic medical center/Level I trauma center. Improvements in preadmission testing and OR scheduling, including appointing a senior nurse anesthetist to help direct OR use, were instituted in March 2012. A retrospective review of prospectively maintained OR case data was performed to evaluate time periods before and after program implementation, as well as to assess trends over time. Operating room performance metrics were compared using Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests. Changes over time were analyzed using linear regression. Data including all surgical cases were available for a 36-month period; 10 months (6,581 cases) before program implementation and 26 months afterward (17,574 cases). Dramatic improvement was seen in first-case on-time starts, which increased from 39.3% to 83.8% (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the percent utilization of available OR time demonstrated a steady increase (p < 0.001). After an initial lag, case volume also improved, evident by an increase observed in the 12-month rolling average of cases per month (p < 0.001). The increase in case volume occurred during peak OR time (7 am to 5 pm), and did not result from adding cases after hours (5 pm to 11 pm). After many years of what seemed an insoluble problem, simple changes fostering collaboration among services, including active management of the OR schedule and transparent data, have resulted in substantial improvement in OR efficiency and case volume. Copyright © 2015 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physician leadership: influence on practice-based learning and improvement.

PubMed

Prather, Stephen E; Jones, David N

2003-01-01

In response to the technology and information explosion, practice-based learning and improvement is emerging within the medical field to deliver systematic practice-linked improvements. However, its emergence has been inhibited by the slow acceptance of evidence-based medicine among physicians, who are reluctant to embrace proven high-performance leadership principles long established in other high-risk fields. This reluctance may be attributable to traditional medical training, which encourages controlling leadership styles that magnify the resistance common to all change efforts. To overcome this resistance, physicians must develop the same leadership skills that have proven to be critical to success in other service and high-performance industries. Skills such as self-awareness, shared authority, conflict resolution, and nonpunitive critique can emerge in practice only if they are taught. A dramatic shift away from control and blame has become a requirement for achieving success in other industries based on complex group process. This approach is so mainstream that the burden of proof that cooperative leadership is not a requirement for medical improvement falls to those institutions perpetuating the outmoded paradigm of the past. Cooperative leadership skills that have proven central to implementing change in the information era are suggested as a core cultural support for practice-based learning and improvement. Complex adaptive systems theory, long used as a way to understand evolutionary biology, and more recently computer science and economics, predicts that behavior emerging among some groups of providers will be selected for duplication by the competitive environment. A curriculum framework needed to teach leadership skills to expand the influence of practice-based learning and improvement is offered as a guide to accelerate change.

A Century of Children's Health and Well-Being. Child Trends Research Brief.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Brett V.; Kinkukawa, Akemi; Michelsen, Erik; Moore, Amber; Moore, Kristin Anderson; Sugland, Barbara W.

Although the last 100 years have seen dramatic improvements in the health of U.S. children, there remain racial and ethnic disparities. This research brief presents data illustrating improvements in children's health and the need for further progress. The brief also examines new morbidities among American youth, such as obesity, early sexual…

Federal School Improvement Grants (SIGs): How Capacity and Local Conditions Matter

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yatsko, Sarah; Lake, Robin; Bowen, Melissa; Cooley Nelson, Elizabeth

2015-01-01

In 2009, the federal government committed over $3 billion nationwide to help states and districts turn around their worst-performing schools. The U.S. Department of Education intended for the School Improvement Grants (SIGs) to spur dramatic change.This report looks at the results of a field study of the first-year implementation of those grants…

Tinkering toward Transformation: A Look at Federal School Improvement Grant Implementation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yatsko, Sarah; Lake, Robin; Nelson, Elizabeth Cooley; Bowen, Melissa

2012-01-01

In 2009, the federal government committed over $3 billion nationwide to help states and districts turn around their worst-performing schools. The U.S. Department of Education intended for the School Improvement Grants (SIGs) to spur dramatic change. This report looks at the results of a field study of the first-year implementation of those grants…

Changing the School Climate Is the First Step to Reform in Many Schools with Federal Improvement Grants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McMurrer, Jennifer

2012-01-01

School Improvement Grants (SIGs) financed through the economic stimulus package are intended to spur dramatic change in persistently low-performing schools. Many state and local officials charged with implementing SIGs view the creation of a safe, orderly, collegial, and productive school climate as an essential step in raising student…

Power and Leader Effectiveness in Organizations: A Literature Review

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

cinema and television as dramatic, memorable verbal reprimands for poor performance or an unaccomplished mission. However, coercive power does not...character played by Michael Keaton improved American automotive plant efficiency by improving working relations between the Japanese management and...attraction between the Japanese management and the American laborers. The relational benefits translated into happier employees that were more

Interdisciplinarity and systems science to improve population health: a view from the NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research.

PubMed

Mabry, Patricia L; Olster, Deborah H; Morgan, Glen D; Abrams, David B

2008-08-01

Fueled by the rapid pace of discovery, humankind's ability to understand the ultimate causes of preventable common disease burdens and to identify solutions is now reaching a revolutionary tipping point. Achieving optimal health and well-being for all members of society lies as much in the understanding of the factors identified by the behavioral, social, and public health sciences as by the biological ones. Accumulating advances in mathematical modeling, informatics, imaging, sensor technology, and communication tools have stimulated several converging trends in science: an emerging understanding of epigenomic regulation; dramatic successes in achieving population health-behavior changes; and improved scientific rigor in behavioral, social, and economic sciences. Fostering stronger interdisciplinary partnerships to bring together the behavioral-social-ecologic models of multilevel "causes of the causes" and the molecular, cellular, and, ultimately, physiological bases of health and disease will facilitate breakthroughs to improve the public's health. The strategic vision of the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is rooted in a collaborative approach to addressing the complex and multidimensional issues that challenge the public's health. This paper describes OBSSR's four key programmatic directions (next-generation basic science, interdisciplinary research, systems science, and a problem-based focus for population impact) to illustrate how interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives can foster the vertical integration of research among biological, behavioral, social, and population levels of analysis over the lifespan and across generations. Interdisciplinary and multilevel approaches are critical both to the OBSSR's mission of integrating behavioral and social sciences more fully into the NIH scientific enterprise and to the overall NIH mission of utilizing science in the pursuit of fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability.

DARC 2.0: Improved Docking and Virtual Screening at Protein Interaction Sites

PubMed Central

Gowthaman, Ragul; Lyskov, Sergey; Karanicolas, John

2015-01-01

Over the past decade, protein-protein interactions have emerged as attractive but challenging targets for therapeutic intervention using small molecules. Due to the relatively flat surfaces that typify protein interaction sites, modern virtual screening tools developed for optimal performance against “traditional” protein targets perform less well when applied instead at protein interaction sites. Previously, we described a docking method specifically catered to the shallow binding modes characteristic of small-molecule inhibitors of protein interaction sites. This method, called DARC (Docking Approach using Ray Casting), operates by comparing the topography of the protein surface when “viewed” from a vantage point inside the protein against the topography of a bound ligand when “viewed” from the same vantage point. Here, we present five key enhancements to DARC. First, we use multiple vantage points to more accurately determine protein-ligand surface complementarity. Second, we describe a new scheme for rapidly determining optimal weights in the DARC scoring function. Third, we incorporate sampling of ligand conformers “on-the-fly” during docking. Fourth, we move beyond simple shape complementarity and introduce a term in the scoring function to capture electrostatic complementarity. Finally, we adjust the control flow in our GPU implementation of DARC to achieve greater speedup of these calculations. At each step of this study, we evaluate the performance of DARC in a “pose recapitulation” experiment: predicting the binding mode of 25 inhibitors each solved in complex with its distinct target protein (a protein interaction site). Whereas the previous version of DARC docked only one of these inhibitors to within 2 Å RMSD of its position in the crystal structure, the newer version achieves this level of accuracy for 12 of the 25 complexes, corresponding to a statistically significant performance improvement (p < 0.001). Collectively then, we find that the five enhancements described here – which together make up DARC 2.0 – lead to dramatically improved speed and performance relative to the original DARC method. PMID:26181386

Interdisciplinarity and Systems Science to Improve Population Health

PubMed Central

Mabry, Patricia L.; Olster, Deborah H.; Morgan, Glen D.; Abrams, David B.

2008-01-01

Fueled by the rapid pace of discovery, humankind's ability to understand the ultimate causes of preventable common disease burdens and to identify solutions is now reaching a revolutionary tipping point. Achieving optimal health and well-being for all members of society lies as much in the understanding of the factors identified by the behavioral, social, and public health sciences as by the biological ones. Accumulating advances in mathematical modeling, informatics, imaging, sensor technology, and communication tools have stimulated several converging trends in science: an emerging understanding of epigenomic regulation; dramatic successes in achieving population health-behavior changes; and improved scientific rigor in behavioral, social, and economic sciences. Fostering stronger interdisciplinary partnerships to bring together the behavioral–social–ecologic models of multilevel “causes of the causes” and the molecular, cellular, and, ultimately, physiological bases of health and disease will facilitate breakthroughs to improve the public's health. The strategic vision of the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is rooted in a collaborative approach to addressing the complex and multidimensional issues that challenge the public's health. This paper describes OBSSR's four key programmatic directions (next-generation basic science, interdisciplinary research, systems science, and a problem-based focus for population impact) to illustrate how interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives can foster the vertical integration of research among biological, behavioral, social, and population levels of analysis over the lifespan and across generations. Interdisciplinary and multilevel approaches are critical both to the OBSSR's mission of integrating behavioral and social sciences more fully into the NIH scientific enterprise and to the overall NIH mission of utilizing science in the pursuit of fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. PMID:18619402

WE-DE-201-01: BEST IN PHYSICS (THERAPY): A Fast Multi-Target Inverse Treatment Planning Strategy Optimizing Dosimetric Measures for High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guthier, C; University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Purpose: Inverse treatment planning (ITP) for interstitial HDR brachytherapy of gynecologic cancers seeks to maximize coverage of the clinical target volumes (tumor and vagina) while respecting dose-volume-histogram related dosimetric measures (DMs) for organs at risk (OARs). Commercially available ITP tools do not support DM-based planning because it is computationally too expensive to solve. In this study we present a novel approach that allows fast ITP for gynecologic cancers based on DMs for the first time. Methods: This novel strategy is an optimization model based on a smooth DM-based objective function. The smooth approximation is achieved by utilizing a logistic functionmore » for the evaluation of DMs. The resulting nonconvex and constrained optimization problem is then optimized with a BFGS algorithm. The model was evaluated using the implant geometry extracted from 20 patient treatment plans under an IRB-approved retrospective study. For each plan, the final DMs were evaluated and compared to the original clinical plans. The CTVs were the contoured tumor volume and the contoured surface of the vagina. Statistical significance was evaluated with a one-sided paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: As did the clinical plans, all generated plans fulfilled the defined DMs for OARs. The proposed strategy showed a statistically significant improvement (p<0.001) in coverage of the tumor and vagina, with absolute improvements of related DMs of (6.9 +/− 7.9)% and (28.2 +/− 12.0)%, respectively. This was achieved with a statistically significant (p<0.01) decrease of the high-dose-related DM for the tumor. The runtime of the optimization was (2.3 +/− 2.0) seconds. Conclusion: We demonstrated using clinical data that our novel approach allows rapid DM-based optimization with improved coverage of CTVs with fewer hot spots. Being up to three orders of magnitude faster than the current clinical practice, the method dramatically shortens planning time.« less

Zooniverse: Combining Human and Machine Classifiers for the Big Survey Era

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fortson, Lucy; Wright, Darryl; Beck, Melanie; Lintott, Chris; Scarlata, Claudia; Dickinson, Hugh; Trouille, Laura; Willi, Marco; Laraia, Michael; Boyer, Amy; Veldhuis, Marten; Zooniverse

2018-01-01

Many analyses of astronomical data sets, ranging from morphological classification of galaxies to identification of supernova candidates, have relied on humans to classify data into distinct categories. Crowdsourced galaxy classifications via the Galaxy Zoo project provided a solution that scaled visual classification for extant surveys by harnessing the combined power of thousands of volunteers. However, the much larger data sets anticipated from upcoming surveys will require a different approach. Automated classifiers using supervised machine learning have improved considerably over the past decade but their increasing sophistication comes at the expense of needing ever more training data. Crowdsourced classification by human volunteers is a critical technique for obtaining these training data. But several improvements can be made on this zeroth order solution. Efficiency gains can be achieved by implementing a “cascade filtering” approach whereby the task structure is reduced to a set of binary questions that are more suited to simpler machines while demanding lower cognitive loads for humans.Intelligent subject retirement based on quantitative metrics of volunteer skill and subject label reliability also leads to dramatic improvements in efficiency. We note that human and machine classifiers may retire subjects differently leading to trade-offs in performance space. Drawing on work with several Zooniverse projects including Galaxy Zoo and Supernova Hunter, we will present recent findings from experiments that combine cohorts of human and machine classifiers. We show that the most efficient system results when appropriate subsets of the data are intelligently assigned to each group according to their particular capabilities.With sufficient online training, simple machines can quickly classify “easy” subjects, leaving more difficult (and discovery-oriented) tasks for volunteers. We also find humans achieve higher classification purity while samples produced by machines are typically more complete. These findings set the stage for further investigations, with the ultimate goal of efficiently and accurately labeling the wide range of data classes that will arise from the planned large astronomical surveys.

Rapid bonding enhancement by auxiliary ultrasonic actuation for the fabrication of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) microfluidic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, H.; Tor, S. B.; Loh, N. H.

2014-11-01

Thermal compression bonding is a straightforward, inexpensive and widely used method for enclosing open microchannels in thermoplastic microfluidic devices. It is advantageous over adhesive, solvent and grafting bonding methods in retaining material homogeneity. However, the trade-off between high bond strength and low microchannel deformation is always a crucial consideration in thermal compression bonding. In this study, an effective method for improving bond strength while retaining the microchannel integrity with negligible distortion is proposed and analyzed. Longitudinal ultrasonic actuation was applied to the preheated cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) substrates to achieve accelerated and enhanced bonding with an ultrasonic welding system. Intimate contact between the bonding surfaces before the ultrasonic actuation was found to be an important prior condition. With improper contact, several bonding defects would occur, such as voids, localized spot melting and edge melting. Under auxiliary ultrasonic vibration, within 10 s, the bond strength developed at the bonding interface could be dramatically improved compared with those achieved without ultrasonic actuation. The enhanced bond strength obtained at a preheating temperature of 20 °C lower than its Tg could be comparable to the strength for pure thermal compression at 5 °C higher than its Tg. It is believed that the ultrasonic energy introduced could elevate the interfacial temperature and facilitate the interdiffusion of molecular chain segments at the interface, consequently resulting in rapidly enhanced bonding. Also, the microchannel distortion after ultrasonic actuation was found to be satisfactory—another important requirement. From dynamic mechanical analysis, the glass transition temperature of COC was found to increase with increasing frequency, and the temperature of the bulk polymer under ultrasonic actuation was still well under Tg; therefore the deformation is minor under ultrasonic actuation.

Determinants of Persistence and Tolerance of Carnivores on Namibian Ranches: Implications for Conservation on Southern African Private Lands

PubMed Central

Lindsey, Peter Andrew; Havemann, Carl Peter; Lines, Robin; Palazy, Lucille; Price, Aaron Ernest; Retief, Tarryn Anne; Rhebergen, Tiemen; Van der Waal, Cornelis

2013-01-01

Changing land use patterns in southern Africa have potential to dramatically alter the prospects for carnivore conservation. Understanding these influences is essential for conservation planning. We interviewed 250 ranchers in Namibia to assess human tolerance towards and the distribution of large carnivores. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), leopards (Panthera pardus) and brown hyaenas (Hyaena brunnea) were widely distributed on Namibian farmlands, spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) had a narrower distribution, and wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and lions (Panthera leo) are largely limited to areas near source populations. Farmers were most tolerant of leopards and least tolerant of lions, wild dogs and spotted hyaenas. Several factors relating to land use correlated consistently with carnivore-presence and landowner tolerance. Carnivores were more commonly present and/or tolerated where; wildlife diversity and biomass were higher; income from wildlife was higher; income from livestock was lower; livestock biomass was lower; in conservancies; game fencing was absent; and financial losses from livestock depredation were lower. Efforts to create conditions whereby the costs associated with carnivores are lowest, and which confer financial value to them are likely to be the most effective means of promoting carnivore conservation. Such conditions are achieved where land owners pool land to create conservancies where livestock are replaced with wildlife (or where livestock husbandry is improved) and where wildlife generates a significant proportion of ranch income. Additional measures, such as promoting improved livestock husbandry and educational outreach efforts may also help achieve coexistence with carnivores. Our findings provide insights into conditions more conducive to the persistence of and tolerance towards large carnivores might be increased on private (and even communal) lands in Namibia, elsewhere in southern and East Africa and other parts of the world where carnivore conservation is being attempted on private lands. PMID:23326333

Determinants of persistence and tolerance of carnivores on Namibian ranches: implications for conservation on Southern African private lands.

PubMed

Lindsey, Peter Andrew; Havemann, Carl Peter; Lines, Robin; Palazy, Lucille; Price, Aaron Ernest; Retief, Tarryn Anne; Rhebergen, Tiemen; Van der Waal, Cornelis

2013-01-01

Changing land use patterns in southern Africa have potential to dramatically alter the prospects for carnivore conservation. Understanding these influences is essential for conservation planning. We interviewed 250 ranchers in Namibia to assess human tolerance towards and the distribution of large carnivores. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), leopards (Panthera pardus) and brown hyaenas (Hyaena brunnea) were widely distributed on Namibian farmlands, spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) had a narrower distribution, and wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and lions (Panthera leo) are largely limited to areas near source populations. Farmers were most tolerant of leopards and least tolerant of lions, wild dogs and spotted hyaenas. Several factors relating to land use correlated consistently with carnivore-presence and landowner tolerance. Carnivores were more commonly present and/or tolerated where; wildlife diversity and biomass were higher; income from wildlife was higher; income from livestock was lower; livestock biomass was lower; in conservancies; game fencing was absent; and financial losses from livestock depredation were lower. Efforts to create conditions whereby the costs associated with carnivores are lowest, and which confer financial value to them are likely to be the most effective means of promoting carnivore conservation. Such conditions are achieved where land owners pool land to create conservancies where livestock are replaced with wildlife (or where livestock husbandry is improved) and where wildlife generates a significant proportion of ranch income. Additional measures, such as promoting improved livestock husbandry and educational outreach efforts may also help achieve coexistence with carnivores. Our findings provide insights into conditions more conducive to the persistence of and tolerance towards large carnivores might be increased on private (and even communal) lands in Namibia, elsewhere in southern and East Africa and other parts of the world where carnivore conservation is being attempted on private lands.

XeCl excimer laser with new prism resonator configurations and its performance characteristics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Benerji, N. S., E-mail: nsb@rrcat.gov.in, E-mail: bsingh@rrcat.gov.in; Singh, A.; Varshnay, N.

2015-07-15

New resonator cavity configurations, namely, the prism resonator and unstable prism resonator, are demonstrated for the first time in an excimer (XeCl) laser with interesting and novel results. High misalignment tolerance ∼50 mrad is achieved with considerably reduced beam divergence of less than ∼1 mrad without reduction in output power capabilities of the laser. The misalignment tolerance of ∼50 mrad is a dramatic improvement of ∼25 times compared to ∼2 mrad normally observed in standard excimer laser with plane-plane cavity. Increase in depth of focus from 3 mm to 5.5 mm was also achieved in case of prism resonator configurationmore » with an improvement of about 60%. Unstable prism resonator configuration is demonstrated here in this paper with further reduction in beam divergence to about 0.5 mrad using plano-convex lens as output coupler. The misalignment tolerance in case of unstable prism resonator was retained at about 30 mrad which is a high value compared to standard unstable resonators. The output beam spot was completely filled with flat-top profile with prism resonator configurations, which is desired for various material processing applications. Focusing properties and beam divergence in case of prism resonator have been investigated using SEM (scanning electron microscope) images. SEM images of the focused spot size (∼20 μm holes) on metal sheet indicate beam divergence of about 0.05 mrad which is about 1.5 times diffraction limit. Energy contained in this angle is thus sufficient for micro-machining applications. Clean and sharp edges of the micro-holes show high pointing stability with multiple shot exposures. Such characteristics of the excimer laser system will be extremely useful in micro-machining and other field applications.« less

XeCl excimer laser with new prism resonator configurations and its performance characteristics.

PubMed

Benerji, N S; Singh, A; Varshnay, N; Singh, Bijendra

2015-07-01

New resonator cavity configurations, namely, the prism resonator and unstable prism resonator, are demonstrated for the first time in an excimer (XeCl) laser with interesting and novel results. High misalignment tolerance ∼50 mrad is achieved with considerably reduced beam divergence of less than ∼1 mrad without reduction in output power capabilities of the laser. The misalignment tolerance of ∼50 mrad is a dramatic improvement of ∼25 times compared to ∼2 mrad normally observed in standard excimer laser with plane-plane cavity. Increase in depth of focus from 3 mm to 5.5 mm was also achieved in case of prism resonator configuration with an improvement of about 60%. Unstable prism resonator configuration is demonstrated here in this paper with further reduction in beam divergence to about 0.5 mrad using plano-convex lens as output coupler. The misalignment tolerance in case of unstable prism resonator was retained at about 30 mrad which is a high value compared to standard unstable resonators. The output beam spot was completely filled with flat-top profile with prism resonator configurations, which is desired for various material processing applications. Focusing properties and beam divergence in case of prism resonator have been investigated using SEM (scanning electron microscope) images. SEM images of the focused spot size (∼20 μm holes) on metal sheet indicate beam divergence of about 0.05 mrad which is about 1.5 times diffraction limit. Energy contained in this angle is thus sufficient for micro-machining applications. Clean and sharp edges of the micro-holes show high pointing stability with multiple shot exposures. Such characteristics of the excimer laser system will be extremely useful in micro-machining and other field applications.

Project planning, training, measurement and sustainment: the successful implementation of voice recognition.

PubMed

Antiles, S; Couris, J; Schweitzer, A; Rosenthal, D; Da Silva, R Q

2000-01-01

Computerized voice recognition systems (VR) can reduce costs and enhance service. The capital outlay required for conversion to a VR system is significant; therefore, it is incumbent on radiology departments to provide cost and service justifications to administrators. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston implemented VR over a two-year period and achieved annual savings of $530,000 and a 50% decrease in report throughput. Those accomplishments required solid planning and implementation strategies, training and sustainment programs. This article walks through the process, step by step, in the hope of providing a tool set for future implementations. Because VR has dramatic implications for workflow, a solid operational plan is needed when assessing vendors and planning for implementation. The goals for implementation should be to minimize operational disruptions and capitalize on efficiencies of the technology. Senior leadership--the department chair or vice-chair--must select the goals to be accomplished and oversee, manage and direct the VR initiative. The importance of this point cannot be overstated, since implementation will require behavior changes from radiologists and others who may not perceive any personal benefits. Training is the pivotal factor affecting the success of voice recognition, and practice is the only way for radiologists to enhance their skills. Through practice, radiologists will discover shortcuts, and their speed and comfort will improve. Measurement and data analysis are critical to changing and improving the voice recognition application and are vital to decision-making. Some of the issues about which valuable date can be collected are technical and educational problems, VR penetration, report turnaround time and annual cost savings. Sustained effort is indispensable to the maintenance of voice recognition. Finally, all efforts made and gains achieved may prove to be futile without ongoing sustainment of the system through retraining, education and technical support.

Pre-formulation and chemical stability studies of penethamate, a benzylpenicillin ester prodrug, in aqueous vehicles.

PubMed

Jain, Rohit; Wu, Zimei; Bork, Olaf; Tucker, Ian G

2012-01-01

Penethamate (PNT) is a diethylaminoethyl ester prodrug of benzylpenicillin used to treat bovine mastitis via the intramuscular route. Because of its instability, PNT products must be reconstituted before administration and the reconstituted injection has a short shelf life (7 days at 2-8°C). The purpose of this paper was to investigate whether the stability of PNT can be improved in order to achieve a chemically stable ready-to-use aqueous-based PNT formulation or at least to extend the shelf life of the reconstituted suspension. A chemical stability study of PNT in aqueous-based solutions as a function of pH, buffer strength, solvent mixtures and temperature, supported by studies of its solubility in mixed solvents, allowed predictions of the shelf life of PNT solution and suspension formulations. PNT degraded in aqueous solutions by several pathways over the pH range 2.0-9.3 with a V-shaped pH-rate profile and a minimum pH of around 4.5. The stability of PNT solutions in mixed solvents was greater than in aqueous solutions. For example, in propylene glycol:citrate buffer (60:40, v/v, pH 4.5), the half-life of PNT was 4.3 days compared with 1.8 days in aqueous buffer. However, solubility of PNT in the mixed solvent was higher than that in aqueous solution and this had an adverse effect on the stability of suspensions. By judicious choosing of pH and mixed solvent, it is possible to achieve a storage life of a PNT suspension of 5.5 months at 5°C, not sufficient for a ready-to-use product but a dramatic improvement in the storage life of the reconstituted product.

Alleviation of carbon catabolite repression in Enterobacter aerogenes for efficient utilization of sugarcane molasses for 2,3-butanediol production.

PubMed

Jung, Moo-Young; Jung, Hwi-Min; Lee, Jinwon; Oh, Min-Kyu

2015-01-01

Due to its cost-effectiveness and rich sugar composition, sugarcane molasses is considered to be a promising carbon source for biorefinery. However, the sugar mixture in sugarcane molasses is not consumed as efficiently as glucose in microbial fermentation due to complex interactions among their utilizing pathways, such as carbon catabolite repression (CCR). In this study, 2,3-butanediol-producing Enterobacter aerogenes was engineered to alleviate CCR and improve sugar utilization by modulating its carbon preference. The gene encoding catabolite repressor/activator (Cra) was deleted in the genome of E. aerogenes to increase the fructose consumption rate. However, the deletion mutation repressed sucrose utilization, resulting in the accumulation of sucrose in the fermentation medium. Cra regulation on expression of the scrAB operon involved in sucrose catabolism was verified by reverse transcription and real-time PCR, and the efficiency of sucrose utilization was restored by disrupting the scrR gene and overexpressing the scrAB operon. In addition, overexpression of the ptsG gene involved in glucose utilization enhanced the glucose preference among mixed sugars, which relieved glucose accumulation in fed-batch fermentation. In fed-batch fermentation using sugarcane molasses, the maximum titer of 2,3-butanediol production by the mutant reached 140.0 g/L at 54 h, which was by far the highest titer of 2,3-butanediol with E. aerogenes achieved through genetic engineering. We have developed genetically engineered E. aerogenes as a 2,3-butanediol producer that efficiently utilizes sugarcane molasses. The fermentation efficiency was dramatically improved by the alleviation of CCR and modulation of carbon preference. These results offer a metabolic engineering approach for achieving highly efficient utilization of mixed sugars for the biorefinery industry.

Integrated low-intensity biofeedback therapy in fecal incontinence: evidence that "good" in-home anal sphincter exercise practice makes perfect.

PubMed

Vasant, D H; Solanki, K; Balakrishnan, S; Radhakrishnan, N V

2017-01-01

Biofeedback therapy (BFT) is an established treatment for fecal incontinence (FI), with access often being restricted to tertiary centers due to resources and the perceived requirement for high-intensity regimes. However, the optimal regime remains unknown. We evaluated outcomes from our low-intensity integrated BFT program in a secondary care center. Outcomes of our BFT service for FI were evaluated retrospectively. Response was defined by ≥50% improvement in FI frequency from baseline or complete continence. Responders were compared to non-responders for factors including symptoms, manometry data, sphincter exercise technique and duration of practice, and the number and frequency of sessions. Where patients dropped out, outcomes and the reason for dropout were obtained retrospectively. Fecal incontinence patients (n=205, median 62 years, 72% female) attended a median (IQR) 3 (2) BFT sessions with 55 (36) days between visits. Overall, 146/205 (71%) responded with 97/205 (47%) achieving continence. Fecal incontinence frequency improved dramatically in completed cases (P=0.000). While non-response was associated with males (P=0.03) and dropout (P=0.000), "good" anal sphincter exercise technique (P=0.008) and longer in-home practice (P=0.007) and more sessions (P=0.04) were associated with response. Dropout rate was 80/205 (39%), with the reason for dropout being obtained in 80%. Despite low-intensity BFT, comparable outcomes to data from tertiary centers were achieved. Our data emphasize the importance of technique and in-home practice of anal sphincter exercises. Customizing BFT intensity based on predictive factors and encouraging in-home practice may optimize outcomes, reduce dropout rates, and rationalize resources. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Research Needs and Impacts in Predictive Simulation for Internal Combustion Engines (PreSICE)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eckerle, Wayne; Rutland, Chris; Rohlfing, Eric

This report is based on a SC/EERE Workshop to Identify Research Needs and Impacts in Predictive Simulation for Internal Combustion Engines (PreSICE), held March 3, 2011, to determine strategic focus areas that will accelerate innovation in engine design to meet national goals in transportation efficiency. The U.S. has reached a pivotal moment when pressures of energy security, climate change, and economic competitiveness converge. Oil prices remain volatile and have exceeded $100 per barrel twice in five years. At these prices, the U.S. spends $1 billion per day on imported oil to meet our energy demands. Because the transportation sector accountsmore » for two-thirds of our petroleum use, energy security is deeply entangled with our transportation needs. At the same time, transportation produces one-quarter of the nation’s carbon dioxide output. Increasing the efficiency of internal combustion engines is a technologically proven and cost-effective approach to dramatically improving the fuel economy of the nation’s fleet of vehicles in the near- to mid-term, with the corresponding benefits of reducing our dependence on foreign oil and reducing carbon emissions. Because of their relatively low cost, high performance, and ability to utilize renewable fuels, internal combustion engines—including those in hybrid vehicles—will continue to be critical to our transportation infrastructure for decades. Achievable advances in engine technology can improve the fuel economy of automobiles by over 50% and trucks by over 30%. Achieving these goals will require the transportation sector to compress its product development cycle for cleaner, more efficient engine technologies by 50% while simultaneously exploring innovative design space. Concurrently, fuels will also be evolving, adding another layer of complexity and further highlighting the need for efficient product development cycles. Current design processes, using “build and test” prototype engineering, will not suffice. Current market penetration of new engine technologies is simply too slow—it must be dramatically accelerated. These challenges present a unique opportunity to marshal U.S. leadership in science-based simulation to develop predictive computational design tools for use by the transportation industry. The use of predictive simulation tools for enhancing combustion engine performance will shrink engine development timescales, accelerate time to market, and reduce development costs, while ensuring the timely achievement of energy security and emissions targets and enhancing U.S. industrial competitiveness. In 2007 Cummins achieved a milestone in engine design by bringing a diesel engine to market solely with computer modeling and analysis tools. The only testing was after the fact to confirm performance. Cummins achieved a reduction in development time and cost. As important, they realized a more robust design, improved fuel economy, and met all environmental and customer constraints. This important first step demonstrates the potential for computational engine design. But, the daunting complexity of engine combustion and the revolutionary increases in efficiency needed require the development of simulation codes and computation platforms far more advanced than those available today. Based on these needs, a Workshop to Identify Research Needs and Impacts in Predictive Simulation for Internal Combustion Engines (PreSICE) convened over 60 U.S. leaders in the engine combustion field from industry, academia, and national laboratories to focus on two critical areas of advanced simulation, as identified by the U.S. automotive and engine industries. First, modern engines require precise control of the injection of a broad variety of fuels that is far more subtle than achievable to date and that can be obtained only through predictive modeling and simulation. Second, the simulation, understanding, and control of these stochastic in-cylinder combustion processes lie on the critical path to realizing more efficient engines with greater power density. Fuel sprays set the initial conditions for combustion in essentially all future transportation engines; yet today designers primarily use empirical methods that limit the efficiency achievable. Three primary spray topics were identified as focus areas in the workshop: The fuel delivery system, which includes fuel manifolds and internal injector flow, The multi-phase fuel–air mixing in the combustion chamber of the engine, and The heat transfer and fluid interactions with cylinder walls. Current understanding and modeling capability of stochastic processes in engines remains limited and prevents designers from achieving significantly higher fuel economy. To improve this situation, the workshop participants identified three focus areas for stochastic processes: Improve fundamental understanding that will help to establish and characterize the physical causes of stochastic events, Develop physics-based simulation models that are accurate and sensitive enough to capture performance-limiting variability, and Quantify and manage uncertainty in model parameters and boundary conditions. Improved models and understanding in these areas will allow designers to develop engines with reduced design margins and that operate reliably in more efficient regimes. All of these areas require improved basic understanding, high-fidelity model development, and rigorous model validation. These advances will greatly reduce the uncertainties in current models and improve understanding of sprays and fuel–air mixture preparation that limit the investigation and development of advanced combustion technologies. The two strategic focus areas have distinctive characteristics but are inherently coupled. Coordinated activities in basic experiments, fundamental simulations, and engineering-level model development and validation can be used to successfully address all of the topics identified in the PreSICE workshop. The outcome will be: New and deeper understanding of the relevant fundamental physical and chemical processes in advanced combustion technologies, Implementation of this understanding into models and simulation tools appropriate for both exploration and design, and Sufficient validation with uncertainty quantification to provide confidence in the simulation results. These outcomes will provide the design tools for industry to reduce development time by up to 30% and improve engine efficiencies by 30% to 50%. The improved efficiencies applied to the national mix of transportation applications have the potential to save over 5 million barrels of oil per day, a current cost savings of $500 million per day.« less

Dramatic weight loss associated with commencing clozapine.

PubMed

Lally, John; McDonald, Colm

2011-11-08

The authors report the case of a 44-year-old man with a long history of chronic enduring schizophrenia who experienced dramatic weight loss after commencing treatment with clozapine, an antipsychotic medication characteristically associated with the greatest degree of weight gain among medical treatments for schizophrenia. He was obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 41.5 kg/m(2), but after commencing clozapine therapy he experienced an improvement in psychotic symptoms and 40% loss of his body weight attained through an altered diet and exercise regime, which resulted in him attaining a normal BMI of 24.8 kg/m(2).

AIDS Myths and Misunderstandings

MedlinePlus

... get infected. Reality: today’s medications have cut the death rate from AIDS by about 80%. They are also ... In the 1980s, there was a very high death rate from AIDS. However, medications have improved dramatically and ...