Morphology of methane hydrate host sediments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jones, K.W.; Feng, H.; Tomov, S.; Winters, W.J.; Eaton, M.; Mahajan, D.

2005-01-01

The morphological features including porosity and grains of methane hydrate host sediments were investigated using synchrotron computed microtomography (CMT) technique. The sediment sample was obtained during Ocean Drilling Program Leg 164 on the Blake Ridge at water depth of 2278.5 m. The CMT experiment was performed at the Brookhaven National Synchrotron Light Source facility. The analysis gave ample porosity, specific surface area, mean particle size, and tortuosity. The method was found to be highly effective for the study of methane hydrate host sediments.

Proceedings of the National Forum on Human Resources Planning (2nd) Held in McLean, Virginia on 8-9 May 1986.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-05-09

obsePrimary contributiOnS oare (1) m- day experience confirms the influence ot con- tingent consequences. For example , busy ex - recognition of the...influence each other. For ex - haviorism. A practical example of Bandura’s ample, at a societal level we are held account- position is the salesperson who...human resources management constitute an example . . . industrial engineering applications to the complex task of annually sizing an international force

Detection of Capsule Tampering by Near-Infrared Reflectance Analysis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-08-01

22b. TELEPHONE (Include Area Code) I 22c OFFICE SYM "!f Gar H. HieftJe (812) 335-2189 DO FORM 1473,84 MAR 83 APR edition may be used until exhausted...500 to S0 mg of KCN, and the KCN consisted of fairly large crystals while the analgesic was a powder of small particle size (4,12). Potassium cyanide...10) usually necessary, so NIRA instruments are relatively inexpensive. Little or no ample preparation is required in NIRA, and powders can be directly

Renewable Energy Education in India

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bajpai, Shrish; Kidwai, Naimur Rahman

2017-01-01

The issue of renewable energy sources that have great potential to give solutions to the longstanding energy problems of India has been considered. It has been stated that renewable energy sources are an important part of India's plan to increase energy security and provide new generation with ample job opportunities. India's plans to move towards…

PDB to AMPL Conversion

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

Anna Johnston, SNL 9215

2002-09-01

PDB to AMPL Conversion was written to convert protein data base files to AMPL files. The protein data bases on the internet contain a wealth of information about the structue and makeup of proteins. Each file contains information derived by one or more experiments and contains information on how the experiment waw performed, the amino acid building blocks of each chain, and often the three-dimensional structure of the protein extracted from the experiments. The way a protein folds determines much about its function. Thus, studying the three-dimensional structure of the protein is of great interest. Analysing the contact maps ismore » one way to examine the structure. A contact map is a graph which has a linear back bone of amino acids for nodes (i.e., adjacent amino acids are always connected) and vertices between non-adjacent nodes if they are close enough to be considered in contact. If the graphs are similar then the folds of the protein and their function should also be similar. This software extracts the contact maps from a protein data base file and puts in into AMPL data format. This format is designed for use in AMPL, a programming language for simplifying linear programming formulations.« less

Fusion Welding Research.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-30

rA( LA - AH) [watt cm 2] f3 ,5_ - . where " . ._.... L is the heat of evaporation of pure A and ~o ---30 3opo WA is the partial molar heat of mixing...steel; average voltage II V, current 2t atEL = rA( LA - ’-A)twatt cm 2 s], 14] 15 A; averae ample size I g. where t is time. In most cases XHA is small...B. Gates, Metrologia 17(3), 103 (1981). 7. R. D. Hudson, Jr., Infrared Engineering, Chap. 2, John Wiley, New York (1969). 8 R. Siegel and J. R

The Major Environmentally-Based Land Use Issues on the Urban Fringe.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hordon, Robert M.

Types of land-use issues which form current problems in urban areas are discussed in this paper. The majority of these environmentally based issues revolve around the management of water. The five most often encountered water-oriented issues are denoted in rank order of importance. First, an ample water supply which is free from contamination must…

Opportunities in ESSA for Improving Early Education. Education Leaders Report. Volume 2, No. 3

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dichter, Harriet

2016-01-01

For the first time, the nation's most important federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), prominently features early childhood education. State and local leaders now have ample flexibility and opportunity to focus on early education as a foundational element of ESSA while advancing their state's vision and goals for early…

The Impact of Gender on Attainment in Learning English as a Foreign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glówka, Danuta

2014-01-01

This study examined the impact of gender on students' achievement in learning English as a foreign language in secondary and higher vocational schools in Poland, as well as teachers' and students' opinions concerning the importance of this influence. The collected data provided ample evidence that girls achieved significantly better results than…

Serving on Your Local School Board: A Foundation for Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Washington State School Directors' Association (NJ1), 2011

2011-01-01

Governing public schools is one of the most important responsibilities a citizen can undertake. School board members work on behalf of all the families in their community, with fellow board members and with other community partners, to ensure that each student has equal and ample opportunities to reach his or her greatest potential. This guide…

Canalization of body size matters for lifetime reproductive success of male predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

PubMed

Walzer, Andreas; Schausberger, Peter

2014-04-01

The adaptive canalization hypothesis predicts that highly fitness-relevant traits are canalized via past selection, resulting in low phenotypic plasticity and high robustness to environmental stress. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the level of phenotypic plasticity of male body size of the predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis (low plasticity) and Neoseiulus californicus (high plasticity) reflects the effects of body size variation on fitness, especially male lifetime reproductive success (LRS). We first generated small and standard-sized males of P. persimilis and N. californicus by rearing them to adulthood under limited and ample prey supply, respectively. Then, adult small and standard-sized males were provided with surplus virgin females throughout life to assess their mating and reproductive traits. Small male body size did not affect male longevity or the number of fertilized females but reduced male LRS of P. persimilis but not N. californicus . Proximately, the lower LRS of small than standard-sized P. persimilis males correlated with shorter mating durations, probably decreasing the amount of transferred sperm. Ultimately, we suggest that male body size is more strongly canalized in P. persimilis than N. californicus because deviation from standard body size has larger detrimental fitness effects in P. persimilis than N. californicus .

Race, common genetic variation, and therapeutic response disparities in heart failure.

PubMed

Taylor, Mathew R; Sun, Albert Y; Davis, Gordon; Fiuzat, Mona; Liggett, Stephen B; Bristow, Michael R

2014-12-01

Because of its comparatively recent evolution, Homo sapiens exhibit relatively little within-species genomic diversity. However, because of genome size, a proportionately small amount of variation creates ample opportunities for both rare mutations that may cause disease as well as more common genetic variations that may be important in disease modification or pharmacogenetics. Primarily because of the East African origin of modern humans, individuals of African ancestry (AA) exhibit greater degrees of genetic diversity than more recently established populations, such as those of European ancestry (EA) or Asian ancestry. Those population effects extend to differences in frequency of common gene variants that may be important in heart failure natural history or therapy. For cell-signaling mechanisms important in heart failure, we review and present new data for genetic variation between AA and EA populations. Data indicate that: 1) neurohormonal signaling mechanisms frequently (16 of the 19 investigated polymorphisms) exhibit racial differences in the allele frequencies of variants comprising key constituents; 2) some of these differences in allele frequency may differentially affect the natural history of heart failure in AA compared with EA individuals; and 3) in many cases, these differences likely play a role in observed racial differences in drug or device response. Copyright © 2014 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interactional Processes of Handling Errors in Vocational School: Students Attending to Changes in Vocational Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jonasson, Charlotte

2015-01-01

Making errors is an inevitable part of work and learning situations. Recent research has shown that errors can provide important learning opportunities, in particular in education or training, where there may be ample time and support to learn from them. Yet, more knowledge is needed of how learning from errors is developed through interactional…

The Importance of Peer Approval in the Sartorial Purchasing Patterns of The University of Georgia Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roman, Mallory; Medvedev, Katalin

2011-01-01

There's ample evidence that peer approval and group acceptance play a role in many social phenomena. This influence can manifest itself through the bystander effect, peer pressure, social facilitation and in many other ways. However, dress as a means of social influence has been largely ignored. This study was designed to determine whether peer…

Disentangling the major source areas for an intense aerosol advection in the Central Mediterranean on the basis of Potential Source Contribution Function modeling of chemical and size distribution measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petroselli, Chiara; Crocchianti, Stefano; Moroni, Beatrice; Castellini, Silvia; Selvaggi, Roberta; Nava, Silvia; Calzolai, Giulia; Lucarelli, Franco; Cappelletti, David

2018-05-01

In this paper, we combined a Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) analysis of daily chemical aerosol composition data with hourly aerosol size distributions with the aim to disentangle the major source areas during a complex and fast modulating advection event impacting on Central Italy in 2013. Chemical data include an ample set of metals obtained by Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE), main soluble ions from ionic chromatography and elemental and organic carbon (EC, OC) obtained by thermo-optical measurements. Size distributions have been recorded with an optical particle counter for eight calibrated size classes in the 0.27-10 μm range. We demonstrated the usefulness of the approach by the positive identification of two very different source areas impacting during the transport event. In particular, biomass burning from Eastern Europe and desert dust from Sahara sources have been discriminated based on both chemistry and size distribution time evolution. Hourly BT provided the best results in comparison to 6 h or 24 h based calculations.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis alters stomatal conductance of host plants more under drought than under amply watered conditions: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Augé, Robert M; Toler, Heather D; Saxton, Arnold M

2015-01-01

Stomata regulate rates of carbon assimilation and water loss. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses often modify stomatal behavior and therefore play pivotal roles in plant productivity. The size of the AM effect on stomatal conductance to water vapor (g s ) has varied widely, has not always been apparent, and is unpredictable. We conducted a meta-analysis of 460 studies to determine the size of the AM effect under ample watering and drought and to examine how experimental conditions have influenced the AM effect. Across all host and symbiont combinations under all soil moisture conditions, AM plants have shown 24 % higher g s than nonmycorrhizal (NM) controls. The promotion of g s has been over twice as great during moderate drought than under amply watered conditions. The AM influence on g s has been even more pronounced under severe drought, with over four times the promotion observed with ample water. Members of the Claroideoglomeraceae, Glomeraceae, and other AM families stimulated g s by about the same average amount. Colonization by native AM fungi has produced the largest promotion. Among single-AM symbionts, Glomus deserticola, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, and Funneliformis mosseae have had the largest average effects on g s across studies. Dicotyledonous hosts, especially legumes, have been slightly more responsive to AM symbiosis than monocotyledonous hosts, and C3 plants have shown over twice the AM-induced promotion of C4 plants. The extent of root colonization is important, with heavily colonized plants showing ×10 the g s promotion of lightly colonized plants. AM promotion of g s has been larger in growth chambers and in the field than in greenhouse studies, almost ×3 as large when plants were grown under high light than low light, and ×2.5 as large in purely mineral soils than in soils having an organic component. When AM plants have been compared with NM controls given NM pot culture, they have shown only half the promotion of g s as NM plants not given anything at inoculation to control for associated soil organisms. The AM effect has been much greater when AM plants were larger or had more phosphorus than NM controls. These findings should assist in further investigations of predictions and mechanisms of the AM influence on host g s .

Two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC) of phenolic compounds from the shoots of Rubus idaeus 'Glen Ample' cultivar variety.

PubMed

Kula, Marta; Głód, Daniel; Krauze-Baranowska, Mirosława

2016-03-20

In this study the application of two-dimensional LC (2D LC) for qualitative analysis of polyphenols and simple phenols in the shoots of Rubus idaeus 'Glen Ample' variety is presented. In the preliminary analysis, the methanol extract of the shoots was analyzed by one-dimensional LC. One-dimensional LC separation profiles of phenolics from R. idaeus 'Glen Ample' shoots were dependent on column type, mobile phase composition and gradient program used. Two-dimensional LC system was built from connecting an octadecyl C-18 silica column in the first dimension and pentafluorophenyl column in the second dimension, coupled with DAD and MS (ESI, APCI, DUIS ionization) detectors. A total of 34 phenolic compounds belonging to the groups of phenolic acids, ellagitannins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols and ellagic acid conjugates were identified in the shoots of R. idaeus 'Glen Ample'. The established 2D LC method offers an effective tool for analysis of phenolics present in Rubus species. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Family relations and health over the life course. A Lebanese perspective.

PubMed

Ajrouch, Kristine J; Abdulrahim, Sawsan; Antonucci, Toni C

2015-01-01

The link between family relations and well-being in old age has received ample attention in the international literature, but remains least examined in the Arab region where cultural ideals assume positive intergenerational relations within families as the norm. In this paper, we employ survey data collected in Greater Beirut in 2009 to explore associations between family relations and health. over the life course. We tested (1) the extent to which age and social relation characteristics predict health; and (2) whether the association between age and health is stronger for those who report: smaller social networks and poorer relationship quality. We employed self-rated health and self-reported chronic illness as the health outcome measures and:social network size, positive quality and negative quality with family members as the social relations measures. Our findings suggest that social relations are differentially important depending on the health status indicator examined. The single dimension that influenced both self-rated health and the probability of reporting a chronic illness was positive relationship quality with spouse. Further, social relations, particularly having a negative relationship quality with spouse and adult child, exert stronger effects on both self-rated health and chronic illness for older compared to younger adults. The findings of the present study are important for clinical practitioners who often consider the role and importance of available social resources as they address the health needs of older adults.

Reduced representation approaches to interrogate genome diversity in large repetitive plant genomes.

PubMed

Hirsch, Cory D; Evans, Joseph; Buell, C Robin; Hirsch, Candice N

2014-07-01

Technology and software improvements in the last decade now provide methodologies to access the genome sequence of not only a single accession, but also multiple accessions of plant species. This provides a means to interrogate species diversity at the genome level. Ample diversity among accessions in a collection of species can be found, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions and deletions, copy number variation and presence/absence variation. For species with small, non-repetitive rich genomes, re-sequencing of query accessions is robust, highly informative, and economically feasible. However, for species with moderate to large sized repetitive-rich genomes, technical and economic barriers prevent en masse genome re-sequencing of accessions. Multiple approaches to access a focused subset of loci in species with larger genomes have been developed, including reduced representation sequencing, exome capture and transcriptome sequencing. Collectively, these approaches have enabled interrogation of diversity on a genome scale for large plant genomes, including crop species important to worldwide food security. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Description of CASCOMP Comprehensive Airship Sizing and Performance Computer Program, Volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, J.

1975-01-01

The computer program CASCOMP, which may be used in comparative design studies of lighter than air vehicles by rapidly providing airship size and mission performance data, was prepared and documented. The program can be used to define design requirements such as weight breakdown, required propulsive power, and physical dimensions of airships which are designed to meet specified mission requirements. The program is also useful in sensitivity studies involving both design trade-offs and performance trade-offs. The input to the program primarily consists of a series of single point values such as hull overall fineness ratio, number of engines, airship hull and empennage drag coefficients, description of the mission profile, and weights of fixed equipment, fixed useful load and payload. In order to minimize computation time, the program makes ample use of optional computation paths.

The immunomodulatory activities of pullulan and its derivatives in human pDC-like CAL-1 cell line.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Qiao, Linan; Chen, Liwei; Zhang, Cong; Wang, Yan; Wang, Yinsong; Liu, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Ning

2016-05-01

In this study, acidic and alkaline pullulan derivates were synthesized and their immunomodulatory activities compared to pullulan were investigated in human pDC-like CAL-1 cell line. Pullulan was reacted respectively with succinic anhydride and N-(-2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine/N,N-carbonyl diimidazole to form acidic pullulan monosuccinate (SUPL) and alkaline pullulan-g-N-(-2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine (AMPL). In CAL-1 cells, pullulan, SUPL and AMPL up-regulated the mRNA expressions of type I interferons (IFN), including IFN-α and IFN-β1, and some other proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-23 (IL-23), and also significantly enhanced the protein expressions of IFN-α and TNF-α. The activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the nuclear translocations of interferon regulation factors (IRFs), including IRF-3 and IRF-5, exhibited pivotal roles in the immune responses induced by pullulan, SUPL and AMPL. By comparison, pullulan and SUPL displayed weak effects on the activation of CAL-1 cells, but AMPL showed remarkably enhanced immunomodulatory activities, which were comparable to that induced by R848, an agonist for Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8. Our results suggested that AMPL, as an alkaline pullulan derivative, could be used as a potent immunomodulatory agent in the food and pharmacological fields. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Verification of Emmert's law in actual and virtual environments.

PubMed

Nakamizo, Sachio; Imamura, Mariko

2004-11-01

We examined Emmert's law by measuring the perceived size of an afterimage and the perceived distance of the surface on which the afterimage was projected in actual and virtual environments. The actual environment consisted of a corridor with ample cues as to distance and depth. The virtual environment was made from the CAVE of a virtual reality system. The afterimage, disc-shaped and one degree in diameter, was produced by flashing with an electric photoflash. The observers were asked to estimate the perceived distance to surfaces located at various physical distances (1 to 24 m) by the magnitude estimation method and to estimate the perceived size of the afterimage projected on the surfaces by a matching method. The results show that the perceived size of the afterimage was directly proportional to the perceived distance in both environments; thus, Emmert's law holds in virtual as well as actual environments. We suggest that Emmert's law is a specific case of a functional principle of distance scaling by the visual system.

Mass loading of the Earth's magnetosphere by micron size lunar ejecta. 1: Ejecta production and orbital dynamics in cislunar space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, W. M.; Tanner, W. G.; Anz, P. D.; Chen, A. L.

1986-01-01

Particulate matter possessing lunar escape velocity sufficient to enhance the cislunar meteroid flux was investigated. While the interplanetary flux was extensively studied, lunar ejecta created by the impact of this material on the lunar surface is only now being studied. Two recently reported flux models are employed to calculate the total mass impacting the lunar surface due to sporadic meteor flux. There is ample evidence to support the contention that the sporadic interplanetary meteoroid flux enhances the meteroid flux of cislunar space through the creation of micron and submicron lunar ejecta with lunar escape velocity.

NPS-SCAT CONOPS and Radiation Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

flexibility, as well as allows players in the space market who would otherwise not be able to enter due to budgetary limitations. Important to NPS is...commercial market . Although the time frame for completing NPS-SCAT has not been as short as possible due to the nature of the learning environment on its...Program ( STP ) seeks flight opportunities for approved experiments. The current NPS- SCAT launch date offers ample time to finish and test the

Time drawings: Spatial representation of temporal concepts.

PubMed

Leone, María Juliana; Salles, Alejo; Pulver, Alejandro; Golombek, Diego Andrés; Sigman, Mariano

2018-03-01

Time representation is a fundamental property of human cognition. Ample evidence shows that time (and numbers) are represented in space. However, how the conceptual mapping varies across individuals, scales, and temporal structures remains largely unknown. To investigate this issue, we conducted a large online study consisting in five experiments that addressed different time scales and topology: Zones of time, Seasons, Days of the week, Parts of the day and Timeline. Participants were asked to map different kinds of time events to a location in space and to determine their size and color. Results showed that time is organized in space in a hierarchical progression: some features appear to be universal (i.e. selection order), others are shaped by how time is organized in distinct cultures (i.e. location order) and, finally, some aspects vary depending on individual features such as age, gender, and chronotype (i.e. size and color). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ground-water program in Alabama

USGS Publications Warehouse

LaMoreaux, P.E.

1955-01-01

Several recent years of drought have emphasized the importance of Alabama's ground-water supplies, a matter of concern to us all.  So far we have been blessed in Alabama with ample ground-water, although a combination of increased use, waste, pollution, and drought has brought about critical local water shortages.  These problems serve as a fair warning of what lies ahead if we do not take the necessary steps to obtan adequate knowledge of our ground-water resources.

Microplastics are not important for the cycling and bioaccumulation of organic pollutants in the oceans-but should microplastics be considered POPs themselves?

PubMed

Lohmann, Rainer

2017-05-01

The role of microplastic particles in the cycling and bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is discussed. Five common concepts, sometimes misconceptions, about the role of microplastics are reviewed. While there is ample evidence that microplastics accumulate high concentrations of POPs, this does not result in microplastics being important for the global dispersion of POPs. Similarly, there is scant evidence that microplastics are an important transfer vector of POPs into animals, but possibly for plastic additives (flame retardants). Last, listing microplastics as POPs could help reduce their environmental impact. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:460-465. © 2017 SETAC. © 2017 SETAC.

Temporal Epidemiology of Sudden Oak Death in Oregon.

PubMed

Peterson, Ebba K; Hansen, Everett M; Kanaskie, Alan

2015-07-01

An effort to eradicate Phytophthora ramorum, causal agent of sudden oak death, has been underway since its discovery in Oregon forests. Using an information-theoretical approach, we sought to model yearly variation in the size of newly infested areas and dispersal distance. Maximum dispersal distances were best modeled by spring and winter precipitation 2 years before detection, and infestation size the year prior. Infestation size was best modeled by infestation size and spring precipitation the year prior. In our interpretation, there is a 2-year delay between the introduction of inoculum and onset of mortality for a majority of sites. The year-long gap in between allows ample time for the production of inoculum contributing to the spread of P. ramorum. This is supported by epidemic development following changes in eradication protocols precipitated by an outbreak in 2011, attributable to a 2009 treatment delay and an uncharacteristically wet spring in 2010. Posteradication, we have observed an increase in the total area of new outbreaks and increased frequency in dispersal distances greater than 4 km. Although the eradication program has not eliminated P. ramorum from Oregon forests, it has likely moderated this epidemic, emphasizing the need for prompt treatment of future invasive forest pathogens.

Is there a general task switching ability?

PubMed

Yehene, Einat; Meiran, Nachshon

2007-11-01

Participants were tested on two analogous task switching paradigms involving Shape/Size tasks and Vertical/Horizontal tasks, respectively, and three measures of psychometric intelligence, tapping fluid, crystallized and perceptual speed abilities. The paradigms produced similar patterns of group mean reaction times (RTs) and the vast majority of the participants showed switching cost (switch RT minus repeat RT), mixing cost (repeat RT minus single-task RT) and congruency effects. The shared intra-individual variance across paradigms and with psychometric intelligence served as criteria for general ability. Structural equations modeling indicated that switching cost with ample preparation ("residual cost") and mixing cost met these criteria. However, switching cost with little preparation and congruency effects were predominantly paradigm specific.

Schooling preferences for familiar fish vary with group size in a wild guppy population

PubMed Central

Griffiths, S. W.; Magurran, A. E.

1997-01-01

The ability of fish to recognize and preferentially associate with familiar conspecifics has been well documented in a series of laboratory experiments. In this paper we investigate the schooling preferences of wild female guppies, Poecilia reticulata, in the Upper Tunapuna River in Trinidad and confirm that they do indeed prefer to associate with familiar individuals. The guppies in this river occur in a series of pools that become isolated during the dry season. These fish interact solely with other individuals in their pool for periods of several months at a time and thus have ample opportunity to become accustomed to one another. Our study also reveals that the tendency of female guppies to school with familiar fish declines as the group size in which they naturally live increases. Preferences are strong when there are small numbers of females in a pool, but diminish thereafter. This indicates that the expression of familiarity is constrained by group size. The basis of recognition and the consequences of schooling preferences for familiar individuals are discussed.

Canalization of body size matters for lifetime reproductive success of male predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

PubMed Central

Walzer, Andreas; Schausberger, Peter

2014-01-01

The adaptive canalization hypothesis predicts that highly fitness-relevant traits are canalized via past selection, resulting in low phenotypic plasticity and high robustness to environmental stress. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the level of phenotypic plasticity of male body size of the predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis (low plasticity) and Neoseiulus californicus (high plasticity) reflects the effects of body size variation on fitness, especially male lifetime reproductive success (LRS). We first generated small and standard-sized males of P. persimilis and N. californicus by rearing them to adulthood under limited and ample prey supply, respectively. Then, adult small and standard-sized males were provided with surplus virgin females throughout life to assess their mating and reproductive traits. Small male body size did not affect male longevity or the number of fertilized females but reduced male LRS of P. persimilis but not N. californicus. Proximately, the lower LRS of small than standard-sized P. persimilis males correlated with shorter mating durations, probably decreasing the amount of transferred sperm. Ultimately, we suggest that male body size is more strongly canalized in P. persimilis than N. californicus because deviation from standard body size has larger detrimental fitness effects in P. persimilis than N. californicus. © 2014 The Authors. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 111, 889–899. PMID:25132689

Care of captive woodcocks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stickel, William H.; Sheldon, William G.; Stickel, Lucille F.

1965-01-01

Numbers of American woodcocks (Philohela minor) were held in cages for experimental work lasting several months. Injuries caused by birds attempting to flush were greatly reduced by clipping feathers from one wing, by making cage walls opaque, and by using high cages or false ceilings of fabric. Size of cage was found not to be important, to judge from weight changes, so long as ample food was unmistakably available. Birds were kept in both large and small cages without social conflicts. Cages on the ground proved too unsanitary for long-term use; small steel cages with removable floors were practical but did not solve the sanitation problem. Living earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) were provided daily in amounts roughly equal to weights of birds. Birds gained on this food when worms were offered in suitable ways. The feeding tray recommended is a large roasting pan with a snap-on metal rim that retards loss of worms. Trays contained moist peat in which birds probed for worms. Two efforts to keep woodcocks on a diet of red worms (Eisenia foetide) were unsuccessful; use of this worm was considered responsible. Woodcocks were handled and transported for short periods with least injury to them when they were rolled individually in soft bags.

The first radical-based spintronic memristors: Towards resistive RAMs made of organic magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goss, Karin; Krist, Florian; Seyfferle, Simon; Hoefel, Udo; Paretzki, Alexa; Dressel, Martin; Bogani, Lapo; Institut Fuer Anorganische Chemie, University of Stuttgart Collaboration; 1. Physikalisches Institut, University of Stuttgart Team

2014-03-01

Using molecules as building blocks for electronic devices offers ample possibilities for new device functionalities due to a chemical tunability much higher than that of standard inorganic materials, and at the same time offers a decrease in the size of the electronic component down to the single-molecule level. Purely organic molecules containing no metallic centers such as organic radicals can serve as an electronic component with magnetic properties due to the unpaired electron in the radical state. Here we present memristive logic units based on organic radicals of the nitronyl-nitroxide kind. Integrating these purely molecular units as a spin coated layer into crossbar arrays, electrically induced unipolar resistive switching is observed with a change in resistance of up to 100%. We introduce a model based on filamentary reorganization of molecules of different oxidation state revealing the importance of the molecular nature for the switching properties. The major role of the oxidation state of these paramagnetic molecules introduces a magnetic field dependence to the device functionality, which goes along with magnetoresistive charactistics observed for the material. These are the first steps towards a spintronic implementation of organic radicals in electronic devices.

Hazards of Farming

PubMed Central

Guilfoyle, John

1992-01-01

Farming is the most dangerous occupation in the industrialized world. Children, in particular, are at high risk for injury and disability. There is ample scope to improve this situation. Parents are the most important group to be educated. Emergency response services in rural areas are sometimes unable to provide optimum care for victims. Better surveillance methods need to be in place, both to gather information and to evaluate strategies aimed at prevention. Farm safety needs to be higher on the agenda for farmers, farm organizations, government, and health care professionals. PMID:21221275

Shuttle-launch triangular space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, W. C. (Inventor); Berka, R. B. (Inventor); Kavanaugh, C. (Inventor); Nagy, K. (Inventor); Parish, R. C. (Inventor); Schliesing, J. A. (Inventor); Smith, P. D. (Inventor); Stebbins, F. J. (Inventor); Wesselski, C. J. (Inventor)

1986-01-01

A triangular space station deployable in orbit is described. The framework is comprized of three trusses, formed of a pair of generally planar faces consistine of foldable struts. The struts expand and lock into rigid structural engagement forming a repetition of equilater triangles and nonfolding diagonal struts interconnecting the two faces. The struts are joined together by node fittings. The framework can be packaged into a size and configuration transportable by a space shuttle. When deployed, the framework provides a large work/construction area and ample planar surface area for solar panels and thermal radiators. A plurity of modules are secured to the framework and then joined by tunnels to make an interconnected modular display. Thruster units for the space station orientation and altitude maintenance are provided.

Models of Individual Dietary Behavior Based on Smartphone Data: The Influence of Routine, Physical Activity, Emotion, and Food Environment.

PubMed

Seto, Edmund; Hua, Jenna; Wu, Lemuel; Shia, Victor; Eom, Sue; Wang, May; Li, Yan

2016-01-01

Smartphone applications (apps) facilitate the collection of data on multiple aspects of behavior that are useful for characterizing baseline patterns and for monitoring progress in interventions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles. Individual-based models can be used to examine whether behavior, such as diet, corresponds to certain typological patterns. The objectives of this paper are to demonstrate individual-based modeling methods relevant to a person's eating behavior, and the value of such approach compared to typical regression models. Using a mobile app, 2 weeks of physical activity and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data, and 6 days of diet data were collected from 12 university students recruited from a university in Kunming, a rapidly developing city in southwest China. Phone GPS data were collected for the entire 2-week period, from which exposure to various food environments along each subject's activity space was determined. Physical activity was measured using phone accelerometry. Mobile phone EMA was used to assess self-reported emotion/feelings. The portion size of meals and food groups was determined from voice-annotated videos of meals. Individual-based regression models were used to characterize subjects as following one of 4 diet typologies: those with a routine portion sizes determined by time of day, those with portion sizes that balance physical activity (energy balance), those with portion sizes influenced by emotion, and those with portion sizes associated with food environments. Ample compliance with the phone-based behavioral assessment was observed for all participants. Across all individuals, 868 consumed food items were recorded, with fruits, grains and dairy foods dominating the portion sizes. On average, 218 hours of accelerometry and 35 EMA responses were recorded for each participant. For some subjects, the routine model was able to explain up to 47% of the variation in portion sizes, and the energy balance model was able to explain over 88% of the variation in portion sizes. Across all our subjects, the food environment was an important predictor of eating patterns. Generally, grouping all subjects into a pooled model performed worse than modeling each individual separately. A typological modeling approach was useful in understanding individual dietary behaviors in our cohort. This approach may be applicable to the study of other human behaviors, particularly those that collect repeated measures on individuals, and those involving smartphone-based behavioral measurement.

Drug testing and flow cytometry analysis on a large number of uniform sized tumor spheroids using a microfluidic device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Bishnubrata; Peng, Chien-Chung; Liao, Wei-Hao; Lee, Chau-Hwang; Tung, Yi-Chung

2016-02-01

Three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroid possesses great potential as an in vitro model to improve predictive capacity for pre-clinical drug testing. In this paper, we combine advantages of flow cytometry and microfluidics to perform drug testing and analysis on a large number (5000) of uniform sized tumor spheroids. The spheroids are formed, cultured, and treated with drugs inside a microfluidic device. The spheroids can then be harvested from the device without tedious operation. Due to the ample cell numbers, the spheroids can be dissociated into single cells for flow cytometry analysis. Flow cytometry provides statistical information in single cell resolution that makes it feasible to better investigate drug functions on the cells in more in vivo-like 3D formation. In the experiments, human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) are exploited to form tumor spheroids within the microfluidic device, and three anti-cancer drugs: Cisplatin, Resveratrol, and Tirapazamine (TPZ), and their combinations are tested on the tumor spheroids with two different sizes. The experimental results suggest the cell culture format (2D monolayer vs. 3D spheroid) and spheroid size play critical roles in drug responses, and also demonstrate the advantages of bridging the two techniques in pharmaceutical drug screening applications.

Intentional and automatic numerical processing as predictors of mathematical abilities in primary school children

PubMed Central

Pina, Violeta; Castillo, Alejandro; Cohen Kadosh, Roi; Fuentes, Luis J.

2015-01-01

Previous studies have suggested that numerical processing relates to mathematical performance, but it seems that such relationship is more evident for intentional than for automatic numerical processing. In the present study we assessed the relationship between the two types of numerical processing and specific mathematical abilities in a sample of 109 children in grades 1–6. Participants were tested in an ample range of mathematical tests and also performed both a numerical and a size comparison task. The results showed that numerical processing related to mathematical performance only when inhibitory control was involved in the comparison tasks. Concretely, we found that intentional numerical processing, as indexed by the numerical distance effect in the numerical comparison task, was related to mathematical reasoning skills only when the task-irrelevant dimension (the physical size) was incongruent; whereas automatic numerical processing, indexed by the congruency effect in the size comparison task, was related to mathematical calculation skills only when digits were separated by small distance. The observed double dissociation highlights the relevance of both intentional and automatic numerical processing in mathematical skills, but when inhibitory control is also involved. PMID:25873909

Population structure of resident, immigrant, and swimming Corophium volutator (Amphipoda) on an intertidal mudflat in the Bay of Fundy, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drolet, David; Barbeau, Myriam A.

2012-05-01

Spatial variation in biotic and abiotic conditions, and differences in dispersive behavior of different life history stages can result in the formation of zones with different demography for infaunal and epifaunal species within vast intertidal flats. In this study, we evaluated within-mudflat homogeneity of the infaunal amphipod Corophium volutator found in the mud (residents), colonizing artificially disturbed areas (immigrants), and caught in the water column (swimmers) on a large mudflat in the upper Bay of Fundy, Canada. Densities of residents, immigrants, and swimmers were well structured in space (both along and across shore). Occasionally, significant differences in size structure, sex ratio, and proportion of ovigerous females were found at different intertidal levels, but these were short-lived. Comparisons of size and sex structure of residents, immigrants, and swimmers revealed occasional marked differences, with small juveniles and large adult males moving most. However, this size-bias in movement did not translate into zones with different population dynamics, suggesting that ample dispersal, through swimming and drifting in the water column, homogenized the population and masked potential effects of variation in environmental conditions. We therefore conclude that the mudflat represents one homogeneous population.

Seven ways to increase power without increasing N.

PubMed

Hansen, W B; Collins, L M

1994-01-01

Many readers of this monograph may wonder why a chapter on statistical power was included. After all, by now the issue of statistical power is in many respects mundane. Everyone knows that statistical power is a central research consideration, and certainly most National Institute on Drug Abuse grantees or prospective grantees understand the importance of including a power analysis in research proposals. However, there is ample evidence that, in practice, prevention researchers are not paying sufficient attention to statistical power. If they were, the findings observed by Hansen (1992) in a recent review of the prevention literature would not have emerged. Hansen (1992) examined statistical power based on 46 cohorts followed longitudinally, using nonparametric assumptions given the subjects' age at posttest and the numbers of subjects. Results of this analysis indicated that, in order for a study to attain 80-percent power for detecting differences between treatment and control groups, the difference between groups at posttest would need to be at least 8 percent (in the best studies) and as much as 16 percent (in the weakest studies). In order for a study to attain 80-percent power for detecting group differences in pre-post change, 22 of the 46 cohorts would have needed relative pre-post reductions of greater than 100 percent. Thirty-three of the 46 cohorts had less than 50-percent power to detect a 50-percent relative reduction in substance use. These results are consistent with other review findings (e.g., Lipsey 1990) that have shown a similar lack of power in a broad range of research topics. Thus, it seems that, although researchers are aware of the importance of statistical power (particularly of the necessity for calculating it when proposing research), they somehow are failing to end up with adequate power in their completed studies. This chapter argues that the failure of many prevention studies to maintain adequate statistical power is due to an overemphasis on sample size (N) as the only, or even the best, way to increase statistical power. It is easy to see how this overemphasis has come about. Sample size is easy to manipulate, has the advantage of being related to power in a straight-forward way, and usually is under the direct control of the researcher, except for limitations imposed by finances or subject availability. Another option for increasing power is to increase the alpha used for hypothesis-testing but, as very few researchers seriously consider significance levels much larger than the traditional .05, this strategy seldom is used. Of course, sample size is important, and the authors of this chapter are not recommending that researchers cease choosing sample sizes carefully. Rather, they argue that researchers should not confine themselves to increasing N to enhance power. It is important to take additional measures to maintain and improve power over and above making sure the initial sample size is sufficient. The authors recommend two general strategies. One strategy involves attempting to maintain the effective initial sample size so that power is not lost needlessly. The other strategy is to take measures to maximize the third factor that determines statistical power: effect size.

Critical issues in the choice of appropriate communication technology by Third World countries.

PubMed

Sonaike, S A

1987-01-01

Recent experience suggests that the most appropriate form of technology for the Third World is an adapted, intermediate (less capital intensive) technology, founded around the needs of the people and utilizing readily available resources. When technology is used to relieve the symptoms of underdevelopment, a technologic misfit manifested in an overemphasis on prestige projects and the urban industrial sector results. Advanced communication technologies such as satellites are generally capital intensive, require high technical skills to install and maintain, and need sophisticated levels of management to function properly. These conditions are not easily met in the Third World, underscoring the need for intermediate technology as manifested in small and medium-sized business enterprises. Such an approach blends traditional technology, minimal capital, simple management structure, ample labor, and humane operation with the gains from sophisticated technology. Intermediate technology can serve as a good training ground for indigenous people in modern business methods and provide jobs for the unemployed. Most importantly, intermediate technology can function as an integral part of the larger society rather than as a loosely attached appendage grafted on by some foreign country. In the field of communication, such an approach would manifest itself in a willingness to operate professionally with simple portable cameras, an acceptance of the importance of rural radio broadcasting and village newspapers, a willingness on the part of trained media professionals to try out locally produced hardware, and an exploration of cheaper ways of producing textbooks.

Regional consequences of a biotic interchange: insights from the Lessepsian invasion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nawrot, Rafal; Albano, Paolo G.; Chattopadhyay, Devapriya; Zuschin, Martin

2016-04-01

The fossil record provides ample evidence of large-scale biotic interchanges and their pervasive effects on regional biotas, but mechanisms controlling such events are difficult to decipher in deep time. Massive invasion of Indo-Pacific species into the Mediterranean Sea triggered by the opening of the Suez Canal offers a unique opportunity to examine the ecological consequences of breaking down biogeographic barriers. We developed an extensive database of taxonomic composition, body size and ecological characteristics of the Red Sea and Mediterranean bivalve fauna in order to link biotic selectivity of the invasion process with its effects on the recipient biota. Shallow-water occurrence and presence outside the tropical zone in other regions are the strongest predictors of the successful transition through the Suez Canal. Subsequent establishment of alien species in the Mediterranean Sea correlates with early arrival and preference for hard substrates. Finally, large-bodied species and hard-bottom dwellers are over-represented among the invasive aliens that have reached the spread stage and impose a strong impact on native communities. Although body size is important only at the last invasion stage, alien species are significantly larger compared to native Mediterranean bivalves. This reflects biogeographic difference in the body-size distributions of the source and recipient species pools related to the recent geological history of the Mediterranean Sea. Contrary to the general expectations on the effects of temperature on average body size, continued warming of the Mediterranean Sea accelerates the entry of tropical aliens and thus indirectly leads to increase in the proportion of large-bodied species in local communities and the regional biota. Invasion-driven shifts in species composition are stronger in hard-substrate communities, which host a smaller pool of incumbent species and are more susceptible to the establishment of newcomers. Analogous differences between habitats and body-size classes in the invasion levels have been observed in some marine biotic interchanges documented in the fossil record. Further quantitative studies of past invasion events are necessary to test generality of these patterns.

Treeline proximity alters an alpine plant-herbivore interaction.

PubMed

Illerbrun, Kurt; Roland, Jens

2011-05-01

Rising treeline threatens the size and contiguity of alpine meadows worldwide. As trees encroach into previously open habitat, the movement and population dynamics of above-treeline alpine species may be disrupted. This process is well documented in studies of the Rocky Mountain apollo butterfly (Parnassius smintheus). However, subtler consequences of treeline rise remain poorly understood. In this study, we examine whether treeline proximity affects feeding behaviour of P. smintheus larvae, due to altered habitat affecting the distribution and availability of their host plant, lance-leaved stonecrop (Sedum lanceolatum). Understanding differential larval exploitation of food resources in relation to the treeline is an important step in predicting the consequences of continued treeline rise. Parnassius smintheus larvae feed more intensively on S. lanceolatum away from the treeline despite the relative paucity of hosts in these areas, and despite higher fitness penalties associated with the plant's herbivory-induced chemical defenses. Sedum lanceolatum growing near the treeline is less attractive, and therefore represents a less significant resource for P. smintheus larvae than its abundance might imply. If treeline rise continues, we suggest that this pattern of altered resource exploitation may represent a mechanism by which larvae are adversely affected even while adult movement among and within meadows appears sufficient for maintaining population health, and total host availability seems ample.

Quantitative genetics of immunity and life history under different photoperiods.

PubMed

Hammerschmidt, K; Deines, P; Wilson, A J; Rolff, J

2012-05-01

Insects with complex life-cycles should optimize age and size at maturity during larval development. When inhabiting seasonal environments, organisms have limited reproductive periods and face fundamental decisions: individuals that reach maturity late in season have to either reproduce at a small size or increase their growth rates. Increasing growth rates is costly in insects because of higher juvenile mortality, decreased adult survival or increased susceptibility to parasitism by bacteria and viruses via compromised immune function. Environmental changes such as seasonality can also alter the quantitative genetic architecture. Here, we explore the quantitative genetics of life history and immunity traits under two experimentally induced seasonal environments in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. Seasonality affected the life history but not the immune phenotypes. Individuals under decreasing day length developed slower and grew to a bigger size. We found ample additive genetic variance and heritability for components of immunity (haemocyte densities, proPhenoloxidase activity, resistance against Serratia marcescens), and for the life history traits, age and size at maturity. Despite genetic covariance among traits, the structure of G was inconsistent with genetically based trade-off between life history and immune traits (for example, a strong positive genetic correlation between growth rate and haemocyte density was estimated). However, conditional evolvabilities support the idea that genetic covariance structure limits the capacity of individual traits to evolve independently. We found no evidence for G × E interactions arising from the experimentally induced seasonality.

Oncogenic programmes and Notch activity: an 'organized crime'?

PubMed

Dominguez, Maria

2014-04-01

The inappropriate Notch signalling can influence virtually all aspect of cancer, including tumour-cell growth, survival, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, although it does not do this alone. Hence, elucidating the partners of Notch that are active in cancer is now the focus of much intense research activity. The genetic toolkits available, coupled to the small size and short life of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, makes this an inexpensive and effective animal model, suited to large-scale cancer gene discovery studies. The fly eye is not only a non-vital organ but its stereotyped size and disposition also means it is easy to screen for mutations that cause tumours and metastases and provides ample opportunities to test cancer theories and to unravel unanticipated nexus between Notch and other cancer genes, or to discover unforeseen Notch's partners in cancer. These studies suggest that Notch's oncogenic capacity is brought about not simply by increasing signal strength but through partnerships, whereby oncogenes gain more by cooperating than acting individually, as in a ring 'organized crime'. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New separators for nickel-zinc batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheibley, D. W.

1976-01-01

Flexible separators consisting of a substrate coated with a mixture of a polymer and organic and inorganic additives were cycle tested in nickel-zinc cells. By substituting a rubber-based resin for polyphenylene oxide in the standard inorganic-organic separator, major improvements in both cell life and flexibility were made. Substituting newsprint for asbestos as the substrate shows promise for use on the zinc electrode and reduces separator cost. The importance of ample electrolyte in the cells was noted. Cycle lives and the characteristics of these flexible, low-cost separators were compared with those of a standard microporous polypropylene separator.

A novel reduction approach to fabricate quantum-sized SnO₂-conjugated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as non-enzymatic glucose sensors.

PubMed

Ye, Yixing; Wang, Panpan; Dai, Enmei; Liu, Jun; Tian, Zhenfei; Liang, Changhao; Shao, Guosheng

2014-05-21

Quantum-sized SnO2 nanocrystals can be well dispersed on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets through a convenient one-pot in situ reduction route without using any other chemical reagent or source. Highly reactive metastable tin oxide (SnO(x)) nanoparticles (NPs) were used as reducing agents and composite precursors derived by the laser ablation in liquid (LAL) technique. Moreover, the growth and phase transition of LAL-induced SnO(x) NPs and graphene oxide (GO) were examined by optical absorption, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Highly dispersed SnO(x) NPs can also prevent rGO from being restacked into a multilayer structure during GO reduction. Given the good electron transfer ability and unsaturated dangling bonds of rGO, as well as the ample electrocatalytic active sites of quantum-sized SnO2 NPs on unfolded rGO sheets, the fabricated SnO2-rGO nanocomposite exhibited excellent performance in the non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of glucose molecules. The use of LAL-induced reactive NPs for in situ GO reduction is also expected to be a universal and environmentally friendly approach for the formation of various rGO-based nanocomposites.

Models of Individual Dietary Behavior Based on Smartphone Data: The Influence of Routine, Physical Activity, Emotion, and Food Environment

PubMed Central

Seto, Edmund; Hua, Jenna; Wu, Lemuel; Shia, Victor; Eom, Sue; Wang, May; Li, Yan

2016-01-01

Introduction Smartphone applications (apps) facilitate the collection of data on multiple aspects of behavior that are useful for characterizing baseline patterns and for monitoring progress in interventions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles. Individual-based models can be used to examine whether behavior, such as diet, corresponds to certain typological patterns. The objectives of this paper are to demonstrate individual-based modeling methods relevant to a person’s eating behavior, and the value of such approach compared to typical regression models. Method Using a mobile app, 2 weeks of physical activity and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data, and 6 days of diet data were collected from 12 university students recruited from a university in Kunming, a rapidly developing city in southwest China. Phone GPS data were collected for the entire 2-week period, from which exposure to various food environments along each subject’s activity space was determined. Physical activity was measured using phone accelerometry. Mobile phone EMA was used to assess self-reported emotion/feelings. The portion size of meals and food groups was determined from voice-annotated videos of meals. Individual-based regression models were used to characterize subjects as following one of 4 diet typologies: those with a routine portion sizes determined by time of day, those with portion sizes that balance physical activity (energy balance), those with portion sizes influenced by emotion, and those with portion sizes associated with food environments. Results Ample compliance with the phone-based behavioral assessment was observed for all participants. Across all individuals, 868 consumed food items were recorded, with fruits, grains and dairy foods dominating the portion sizes. On average, 218 hours of accelerometry and 35 EMA responses were recorded for each participant. For some subjects, the routine model was able to explain up to 47% of the variation in portion sizes, and the energy balance model was able to explain over 88% of the variation in portion sizes. Across all our subjects, the food environment was an important predictor of eating patterns. Generally, grouping all subjects into a pooled model performed worse than modeling each individual separately. Conclusion A typological modeling approach was useful in understanding individual dietary behaviors in our cohort. This approach may be applicable to the study of other human behaviors, particularly those that collect repeated measures on individuals, and those involving smartphone-based behavioral measurement. PMID:27049852

Impact of polystyrene microplastics on Daphnia magna mortality and reproduction in relation to food availability

PubMed Central

Aljaibachi, Rana

2018-01-01

Microplastics (MPs) in the environment continue to be a growing area of concern in terms of acute and chronic impacts on aquatic life. Whilst increasing numbers of studies are providing important insights into microparticle behaviour and impacts in the marine environment, a paucity of information exists regarding the freshwater environment. This study focusses on the uptake, retention and the impact of 2 µm polystyrene MPs in the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna in relation to food intake (algae Chlorella vulgaris), with MP size chosen to approximately match the cell size of the algae. Daphnia were exposed to varied concentrations of MPs and algae. When exposed to a single concentration of MPs Daphnia almost immediately ate them in large quantities. However, the presence of algae, even at low concentrations, had a significant negative impact on MP uptake that was not in proportion to relative availability. As MP concentrations increased, intake did not if algae were present, even at higher concentrations of MPs. This suggests that Daphnia are selectively avoiding eating plastics. Adult Daphnia exposed to MPs for 21 days showed mortality after seven days of exposure in all treatments compared to the control. However significant differences were all related to algal concentration rather than to MP concentration. This suggests that where ample food is present, MPs have little effect on adults. There was also no impact on their reproduction. The neonate toxicity test confirmed previous results that mortality and reproduction was linked to availability of food rather than MP concentrations. This would make sense in light of our suggestion that Daphnia are selectively avoiding eating microplastics. PMID:29686944

Understanding the individual to implement the ecosystem approach to fisheries management.

PubMed

Ward, Taylor D; Algera, Dirk A; Gallagher, Austin J; Hawkins, Emily; Horodysky, Andrij; Jørgensen, Christian; Killen, Shaun S; McKenzie, David J; Metcalfe, Julian D; Peck, Myron A; Vu, Maria; Cooke, Steven J

2016-01-01

Ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management (EAFMs) have emerged as requisite for sustainable use of fisheries resources. At the same time, however, there is a growing recognition of the degree of variation among individuals within a population, as well as the ecological consequences of this variation. Managing resources at an ecosystem level calls on practitioners to consider evolutionary processes, and ample evidence from the realm of fisheries science indicates that anthropogenic disturbance can drive changes in predominant character traits (e.g. size at maturity). Eco-evolutionary theory suggests that human-induced trait change and the modification of selective regimens might contribute to ecosystem dynamics at a similar magnitude to species extirpation, extinction and ecological dysfunction. Given the dynamic interaction between fisheries and target species via harvest and subsequent ecosystem consequences, we argue that individual diversity in genetic, physiological and behavioural traits are important considerations under EAFMs. Here, we examine the role of individual variation in a number of contexts relevant to fisheries management, including the potential ecological effects of rapid trait change. Using select examples, we highlight the extent of phenotypic diversity of individuals, as well as the ecological constraints on such diversity. We conclude that individual phenotypic diversity is a complex phenomenon that needs to be considered in EAFMs, with the ultimate realization that maintaining or increasing individual trait diversity may afford not only species, but also entire ecosystems, with enhanced resilience to environmental perturbations. Put simply, individuals are the foundation from which population- and ecosystem-level traits emerge and are therefore of central importance for the ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management.

Understanding the individual to implement the ecosystem approach to fisheries management

PubMed Central

Ward, Taylor D.; Algera, Dirk A.; Gallagher, Austin J.; Hawkins, Emily; Horodysky, Andrij; Jørgensen, Christian; Killen, Shaun S.; McKenzie, David J.; Metcalfe, Julian D.; Peck, Myron A.; Vu, Maria; Cooke, Steven J.

2016-01-01

Ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management (EAFMs) have emerged as requisite for sustainable use of fisheries resources. At the same time, however, there is a growing recognition of the degree of variation among individuals within a population, as well as the ecological consequences of this variation. Managing resources at an ecosystem level calls on practitioners to consider evolutionary processes, and ample evidence from the realm of fisheries science indicates that anthropogenic disturbance can drive changes in predominant character traits (e.g. size at maturity). Eco-evolutionary theory suggests that human-induced trait change and the modification of selective regimens might contribute to ecosystem dynamics at a similar magnitude to species extirpation, extinction and ecological dysfunction. Given the dynamic interaction between fisheries and target species via harvest and subsequent ecosystem consequences, we argue that individual diversity in genetic, physiological and behavioural traits are important considerations under EAFMs. Here, we examine the role of individual variation in a number of contexts relevant to fisheries management, including the potential ecological effects of rapid trait change. Using select examples, we highlight the extent of phenotypic diversity of individuals, as well as the ecological constraints on such diversity. We conclude that individual phenotypic diversity is a complex phenomenon that needs to be considered in EAFMs, with the ultimate realization that maintaining or increasing individual trait diversity may afford not only species, but also entire ecosystems, with enhanced resilience to environmental perturbations. Put simply, individuals are the foundation from which population- and ecosystem-level traits emerge and are therefore of central importance for the ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management. PMID:27293757

Strategies for minimizing sample size for use in airborne LiDAR-based forest inventory

USGS Publications Warehouse

Junttila, Virpi; Finley, Andrew O.; Bradford, John B.; Kauranne, Tuomo

2013-01-01

Recently airborne Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) has emerged as a highly accurate remote sensing modality to be used in operational scale forest inventories. Inventories conducted with the help of LiDAR are most often model-based, i.e. they use variables derived from LiDAR point clouds as the predictive variables that are to be calibrated using field plots. The measurement of the necessary field plots is a time-consuming and statistically sensitive process. Because of this, current practice often presumes hundreds of plots to be collected. But since these plots are only used to calibrate regression models, it should be possible to minimize the number of plots needed by carefully selecting the plots to be measured. In the current study, we compare several systematic and random methods for calibration plot selection, with the specific aim that they be used in LiDAR based regression models for forest parameters, especially above-ground biomass. The primary criteria compared are based on both spatial representativity as well as on their coverage of the variability of the forest features measured. In the former case, it is important also to take into account spatial auto-correlation between the plots. The results indicate that choosing the plots in a way that ensures ample coverage of both spatial and feature space variability improves the performance of the corresponding models, and that adequate coverage of the variability in the feature space is the most important condition that should be met by the set of plots collected.

Myrmecophagy by Yellowstone grizzly bears

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mattson, D.J.

2001-01-01

I used data collected during a study of radio-marked grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the Yellowstone region from 1977 to 1992 to investigate myrmecophagy by this population. Although generally not an important source of energy for the bears (averaging 8 mm long) nested in logs over small ants (6 mm long) nested under stones. Optimal conditions for consumption of ants occurred on the warmest sites with ample substrate suitable for ant nests. For ants in mounds, this occurred at low elevations at non-forested sites. For ants in logs, this occurred at low elevations or on southerly aspects where there was abundant, large-diameter, well-decomposed woody debris under an open forest canopy. Grizzly bears selected moderately decomposed logs 4a??5 dm in diameter at midpoint. Ants will likely become a more important food for Yellowstone's grizzly bears as currently important foods decline, owing to disease and warming of the regional climate.

Arthropods of medicoveterinary importance in zoos.

PubMed

Adler, Peter H; Tuten, Holly C; Nelder, Mark P

2011-01-01

Zoos present a unique assemblage of arthropods, captive vertebrates, free-roaming wildlife, humans, and plants, each with its own biota of symbiotic organisms. Arthropods of medicoveterinary importance are well represented in zoos, and an ample literature documents their influence in these animal-rich environments. Mosquitoes are of greatest significance because of the animal and human pathogens they transmit, followed by ectoparasites, many of which are exotic and present health risks to captive and native animals. Biting flies, cockroaches, filth flies, and triatomid bugs represent additional concerns. Integrated management programs for arthropods in zoos are commonplace. Zoos can play a role in biosurveillance, serving as an advanced guard for detecting exotic arthropods and vector-borne diseases. We provide the first review of arthropods of medicoveterinary importance in zoos. A case is made for the value of collaborations between entomologists and zoo personnel as a means of enhancing research and public education while safeguarding the health of captive animals and the public.

Supply of reactants for Redox bulk energy storage systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gahn, R. F.

1978-01-01

World resources, reserves, production, and costs of reactant materials, iron, chromium, titanium and bromine for proposed redox cell bulk energy storage systems are reviewed. Supplying required materials for multimegawatt hour systems appears to be feasible even at current production levels. Iron and chromium ores are the most abundant and lowest cost of four reactants. Chromium is not a domestic reserve, but redox system installations would represent a small fraction of U.S. imports. Vast quantities of bromine are available, but present production is low and therefore cost is high. Titanium is currently available at reasonable cost, with ample reserves available for the next fifty years.

Metallo-supramolecular modules as a paradigm for materials science

PubMed Central

Kurth, Dirk G.

2008-01-01

Metal ion coordination in discrete or extended metallo-supramolecular assemblies offers ample opportunity to fabricate and study devices and materials that are equally important for fundamental research and new technologies. Metal ions embedded in a specific ligand field offer diverse thermodynamic, kinetic, chemical, physical and structural properties that make these systems promising candidates for active components in functional materials. A key challenge is to improve and develop methodologies for placing these active modules in suitable device architectures, such as thin films or mesophases. This review highlights recent developments in extended, polymeric metallo-supramolecular systems and discrete polyoxometalates with an emphasis on materials science. PMID:27877929

Medically Inappropriate or Futile Treatment: Deliberation and Justification 1

PubMed Central

Misak, Cheryl J.; White, Douglas B.; Truog, Robert D.

2016-01-01

This paper reframes the futility debate, moving away from the question “Who decides when to end what is considered to be a medically inappropriate or futile treatment?” and toward the question “How can society make policy that will best account for the multitude of values and conflicts involved in such decision-making?” It offers a pragmatist moral epistemology that provides us with (1) a clear justification of why it is important to take best standards, norms, and physician judgment seriously and (2) a clear justification of why ample opportunity must be made for patients, families, and society to challenge those standards and norms. PMID:26681796

From metamorphosis to maturity in complex life cycles: equal performance of different juvenile life history pathways.

PubMed

Schmidt, Benedikt R; Hödl, Walter; Schaub, Michael

2012-03-01

Performance in one stage of a complex life cycle may affect performance in the subsequent stage. Animals that start a new stage at a smaller size than conspecifics may either always remain smaller or they may be able to "catch up" through plasticity, usually elevated growth rates. We study how size at and date of metamorphosis affected subsequent performance in the terrestrial juvenile stage and lifetime fitness of spadefoot toads (Pelobates fuscus). We analyzed capture-recapture data of > 3000 individuals sampled during nine years with mark-recapture models to estimate first-year juvenile survival probabilities and age-specific first-time breeding probabilities of toads, followed by model selection to assess whether these probabilities were correlated with size at and date of metamorphosis. Males attained maturity after two years, whereas females reached maturity 2-4 years after metamorphosis. Age at maturity was weakly correlated with metamorphic traits. In both sexes, first-year juvenile survival depended positively on date of metamorphosis and, in males, also negatively on size at metamorphosis. In males, toads that metamorphosed early at a small size had the highest probability to reach maturity. However, because very few toadlets metamorphosed early, the vast majority of male metamorphs had a very similar probability to reach maturity. A matrix projection model constructed for females showed that different juvenile life history pathways resulted in similar lifetime fitness. We found that the effects of date of and size at metamorphosis on different juvenile traits cancelled each other out such that toads that were small or large at metamorphosis had equal performance. Because the costs and benefits of juvenile life history pathways may also depend on population fluctuations, ample phenotypic variation in life history traits may be maintained.

Experimental evolution gone wild.

PubMed

Scheinin, M; Riebesell, U; Rynearson, T A; Lohbeck, K T; Collins, S

2015-05-06

Because of their large population sizes and rapid cell division rates, marine microbes have, or can generate, ample variation to fuel evolution over a few weeks or months, and subsequently have the potential to evolve in response to global change. Here we measure evolution in the marine diatom Skeletonema marinoi evolved in a natural plankton community in CO2-enriched mesocosms deployed in situ. Mesocosm enclosures are typically used to study how the species composition and biogeochemistry of marine communities respond to environmental shifts, but have not been used for experimental evolution to date. Using this approach, we detect a large evolutionary response to CO2 enrichment in a focal marine diatom, where population growth rate increased by 1.3-fold in high CO2-evolved lineages. This study opens an exciting new possibility of carrying out in situ evolution experiments to understand how marine microbial communities evolve in response to environmental change.

Plant centromere organization: a dynamic structure with conserved functions.

PubMed

Ma, Jianxin; Wing, Rod A; Bennetzen, Jeffrey L; Jackson, Scott A

2007-03-01

Although the structural features of centromeres from most multicellular eukaryotes remain to be characterized, recent analyses of the complete sequences of two centromeric regions of rice, together with data from Arabidopsis thaliana and maize, have illuminated the considerable size variation and sequence divergence of plant centromeres. Despite the severe suppression of meiotic chromosomal exchange in centromeric and pericentromeric regions of rice, the centromere core shows high rates of unequal homologous recombination in the absence of chromosomal exchange, resulting in frequent and extensive DNA rearrangement. Not only is the sequence of centromeric tandem and non-tandem repeats highly variable but also the copy number, spacing, order and orientation, providing ample natural variation as the basis for selection of superior centromere performance. This review article focuses on the structural and evolutionary dynamics of plant centromere organization and the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the rapid changes of centromeric components.

Biofiltration of composting gases using different municipal solid waste-pruning residue composts: monitoring by using an electronic nose.

PubMed

López, R; Cabeza, I O; Giráldez, I; Díaz, M J

2011-09-01

The concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the composting of kitchen waste and pruning residues, and the abatement of VOCs by different compost biofilters was studied. VOCs removal efficiencies greater than 90% were obtained using composts of municipal solid waste (MSW) or MSW-pruning residue as biofilter material. An electronic nose identified qualitative differences among the biofilter output gases at very low concentrations of VOCs. These differences were related to compost constituents, compost particle size (2-7 or 7-20mm), and a combination of both factors. The total concentration of VOCs determined by a photoionization analyser and inferred from electronic nose data sets were correlated over an ample range of concentrations of VOCs, showing that these techniques could be specially adapted for the monitoring of these processes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantum-Dot-Based Solar Cells: Recent Advances, Strategies, and Challenges.

PubMed

Kim, Mee Rahn; Ma, Dongling

2015-01-02

Among next-generation photovoltaic systems requiring low cost and high efficiency, quantum dot (QD)-based solar cells stand out as a very promising candidate because of the unique and versatile characteristics of QDs. The past decade has already seen rapid conceptual and technological advances on various aspects of QD solar cells, and diverse opportunities, which QDs can offer, predict that there is still ample room for further development and breakthroughs. In this Perspective, we first review the attractive advantages of QDs, such as size-tunable band gaps and multiple exciton generation (MEG), beneficial to solar cell applications. We then analyze major strategies, which have been extensively explored and have largely contributed to the most recent and significant achievements in QD solar cells. Finally, their high potential and challenges are discussed. In particular, QD solar cells are considered to hold immense potential to overcome the theoretical efficiency limit of 31% for single-junction cells.

Bioinformatics: perspectives for the future.

PubMed

Costa, Luciano da Fontoura

2004-12-30

I give here a very personal perspective of Bioinformatics and its future, starting by discussing the origin of the term (and area) of bioinformatics and proceeding by trying to foresee the development of related issues, including pattern recognition/data mining, the need to reintegrate biology, the potential of complex networks as a powerful and flexible framework for bioinformatics and the interplay between bio- and neuroinformatics. Human resource formation and market perspective are also addressed. Given the complexity and vastness of these issues and concepts, as well as the limited size of a scientific article and finite patience of the reader, these perspectives are surely incomplete and biased. However, it is expected that some of the questions and trends that are identified will motivate discussions during the IcoBiCoBi round table (with the same name as this article) and perhaps provide a more ample perspective among the participants of that conference and the readers of this text.

Predicting Production Costs for Advanced Aerospace Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bao, Han P.; Samareh, J. A.; Weston, R. P.

2002-01-01

For early design concepts, the conventional approach to cost is normally some kind of parametric weight-based cost model. There is now ample evidence that this approach can be misleading and inaccurate. By the nature of its development, a parametric cost model requires historical data and is valid only if the new design is analogous to those for which the model was derived. Advanced aerospace vehicles have no historical production data and are nowhere near the vehicles of the past. Using an existing weight-based cost model would only lead to errors and distortions of the true production cost. This paper outlines the development of a process-based cost model in which the physical elements of the vehicle are soared according to a first-order dynamics model. This theoretical cost model, first advocated by early work at MIT, has been expanded to cover the basic structures of an advanced aerospace vehicle. Elemental costs based on the geometry of the design can be summed up to provide an overall estimation of the total production cost for a design configuration. This capability to directly link any design configuration to realistic cost estimation is a key requirement for high payoff MDO problems. Another important consideration in this paper is the handling of part or product complexity. Here the concept of cost modulus is introduced to take into account variability due to different materials, sizes, shapes, precision of fabrication, and equipment requirements. The most important implication of the development of the proposed process-based cost model is that different design configurations can now be quickly related to their cost estimates in a seamless calculation process easily implemented on any spreadsheet tool.

Does scale matter? A systematic review of incorporating biological realism when predicting changes in species distributions.

PubMed

Record, Sydne; Strecker, Angela; Tuanmu, Mao-Ning; Beaudrot, Lydia; Zarnetske, Phoebe; Belmaker, Jonathan; Gerstner, Beth

2018-01-01

There is ample evidence that biotic factors, such as biotic interactions and dispersal capacity, can affect species distributions and influence species' responses to climate change. However, little is known about how these factors affect predictions from species distribution models (SDMs) with respect to spatial grain and extent of the models. Understanding how spatial scale influences the effects of biological processes in SDMs is important because SDMs are one of the primary tools used by conservation biologists to assess biodiversity impacts of climate change. We systematically reviewed SDM studies published from 2003-2015 using ISI Web of Science searches to: (1) determine the current state and key knowledge gaps of SDMs that incorporate biotic interactions and dispersal; and (2) understand how choice of spatial scale may alter the influence of biological processes on SDM predictions. We used linear mixed effects models to examine how predictions from SDMs changed in response to the effects of spatial scale, dispersal, and biotic interactions. There were important biases in studies including an emphasis on terrestrial ecosystems in northern latitudes and little representation of aquatic ecosystems. Our results suggest that neither spatial extent nor grain influence projected climate-induced changes in species ranges when SDMs include dispersal or biotic interactions. We identified several knowledge gaps and suggest that SDM studies forecasting the effects of climate change should: 1) address broader ranges of taxa and locations; and 1) report the grain size, extent, and results with and without biological complexity. The spatial scale of analysis in SDMs did not affect estimates of projected range shifts with dispersal and biotic interactions. However, the lack of reporting on results with and without biological complexity precluded many studies from our analysis.

Partial ASL extensions for stochastic programming.

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

Gay, David

2010-03-31

partially completed extensions for stochastic programming to the AMPL/solver interface library (ASL).modeling and experimenting with stochastic recourse problems. This software is not primarily for military applications

New Trends and Perspectives in the Evolution of Neurotransmitters in Microbial, Plant, and Animal Cells.

PubMed

Roshchina, Victoria V

2016-01-01

The evolutionary perspective on the universal roles of compounds known as neurotransmitters may help in the analysis of relations between all organisms in biocenosis-from microorganisms to plant and animals. This phenomenon, significant for chemosignaling and cellular endocrinology, has been important in human health and the ability to cause disease or immunity, because the "living environment" influences every organism in a biocenosis relationship (microorganism-microorganism, microorganism-plant, microorganism-animal, plant-animal, plant-plant and animal-animal). Non-nervous functions of neurotransmitters (rather "biomediators" on a cellular level) are considered in this review and ample consideration is given to similarities and differences that unite, as well as distinguish, taxonomical kingdoms.

Multi-service terminal adapter based on IP technology applications in rural area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Li; Li, Xiaobo; Yan, Juntao; Ren, Xupeng

Take advantage of ample modern existing telecom network resources to rural areas may achieve it's information society gradually. This includes the establishment of integrated rural information service platform, modern remote education center and electronic administration management platform for rural areas. The geographical and economic constraints must be overcome for structuring the rural service support system, in order to provide technical support, information products and information services to modern rural information service system. It is important that development an access platform based IP technology, which supports multi-service access in order to implement a variety of types of mobile terminal equipment adapter access and to reduce restrictions on mobile terminal equipment.

What motivates researchers in times of economic uncertainty.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bucher, G. C.; Reece, J. E.

1972-01-01

Results of a study initiated late in 1970 to obtain both a measure of on-and-around-the-job factors which were 'motivating' to engineers and scientists, and to obtain an indication of how the relative importance of these factors changes as a result of the uncertain economic environment. A questionnaire, 'The Jackman Job Satisfaction Schedule,' was used to satisfy the needs of the study. It is concluded that managers can enhance the feeling of motivation by making individual job assignments interesting and challenging, by formulating significant milestones and end points into job content, and by assigning ample rewards with corresponding responsibility. In times of economic uncertainty increased emphasis should be given to security-related aspects of employment.

Approaches to ab initio molecular replacement of α-helical transmembrane proteins.

PubMed

Thomas, Jens M H; Simkovic, Felix; Keegan, Ronan; Mayans, Olga; Zhang, Chengxin; Zhang, Yang; Rigden, Daniel J

2017-12-01

α-Helical transmembrane proteins are a ubiquitous and important class of proteins, but present difficulties for crystallographic structure solution. Here, the effectiveness of the AMPLE molecular replacement pipeline in solving α-helical transmembrane-protein structures is assessed using a small library of eight ideal helices, as well as search models derived from ab initio models generated both with and without evolutionary contact information. The ideal helices prove to be surprisingly effective at solving higher resolution structures, but ab initio-derived search models are able to solve structures that could not be solved with the ideal helices. The addition of evolutionary contact information results in a marked improvement in the modelling and makes additional solutions possible.

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

Gorton, Ian

As the sun slowly sets of this first decade of the new millenium, it seems appropriate to update the sojourn of the real programmers as they adapt to their ever changing technical and business environment. Real Programmers were perfectly characterized and differentiated from their quiche-eating, Pascal programming brethren in Ed Post’s seminal “Real Programmers Don’t Use Pascal” (Datamation, 1983). My follow-up ("Real programmers do use Delphi," Software, IEEE , vol.12, no.6, pp.8, 10, 12-, Nov 1995) charted their evolution from FORTRAN-only programmers to embracing a wider range of mainstream languages and tools that still afforded ample opportunity for creativity, game-playing,more » irregular work hours, and importantly, long-term job security.« less

Ion transport through lipid bilayers by synthetic ionophores: modulation of activity and selectivity.

PubMed

De Riccardis, Francesco; Izzo, Irene; Montesarchio, Daniela; Tecilla, Paolo

2013-12-17

The ion-coupled processes that occur in the plasma membrane regulate the cell machineries in all the living organisms. The details of the chemical events that allow ion transport in biological systems remain elusive. However, investigations of the structure and function of natural and artificial transporters has led to increasing insights about the conductance mechanisms. Since the publication of the first successful artificial system by Tabushi and co-workers in 1982, synthetic chemists have designed and constructed a variety of chemically diverse and effective low molecular weight ionophores. Despite their relative structural simplicity, ionophores must satisfy several requirements. They must partition in the membrane, interact specifically with ions, shield them from the hydrocarbon core of the phospholipid bilayer, and transport ions from one side of the membrane to the other. All these attributes require amphipathic molecules in which the polar donor set used for ion recognition (usually oxygens for cations and hydrogen bond donors for anions) is arranged on a lipophilic organic scaffold. Playing with these two structural motifs, donor atoms and scaffolds, researchers have constructed a variety of different ionophores, and we describe a subset of interesting examples in this Account. Despite the ample structural diversity, structure/activity relationships studies reveal common features. Even when they include different hydrophilic moieties (oxyethylene chains, free hydroxyl, etc.) and scaffolds (steroid derivatives, neutral or polar macrocycles, etc.), amphipathic molecules, that cannot span the entire phospholipid bilayer, generate defects in the contact zone between the ionophore and the lipids and increase the permeability in the bulk membrane. Therefore, topologically complex structures that span the entire membrane are needed to elicit channel-like and ion selective behaviors. In particular the alternate-calix[4]arene macrocycle proved to be a versatile platform to obtain 3D-structures that can form unimolecular channels in membranes. In these systems, the selection of proper donor groups allows us to control the ion selectivity of the process. We can switch from cation to anion transport by substituting protonated amines for the oxygen donors. Large and stable tubular structures with nanometric sized transmembrane nanopores that provide ample internal space represent a different approach for the preparation of synthetic ion channels. We used the metal-mediated self-assembly of porphyrin ligands with Re(I) corners as a new method for producing to robust channel-like structures. Such structures can survive in the complex membrane environment and show interesting ionophoric behavior. In addition to the development of new design principles, the selective modification of the biological membrane permeability could lead to important developments in medicine and technology.

Study of composite thin films for applications in high density data storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Hua

Granular Co-alloy + oxide thin films are currently used as the magnetic recording layer of perpendicular media in hard disk drives. The microstructure of these films is composed mainly of fine (7--10 nm) magnetic grains physically surrounded by oxide phases, which produce magnetic isolation of the grains. As a result, the magnetic switching volume is maintained as small as the physical grain size. Consequently, ample number of magnetic switching units can be obtained in one recording bit, in other words, higher signal to noise ratios (SNR) can be achieved. Therefore, a good understanding and control of the microstructure of the films is very important for high areal density magnetic recording media. Interlayers and seedlayers play important roles in controlling the microstructure in terms of grain size, grain size distribution, oxide segregation and orientation dispersion of the crystallographic texture. Developing novel interlayers or seedlayers with smaller grain size is a key approach to produce smaller grain size in the recording layer. This study focuses on how to achieve smaller grain sizes in the recording layer through novel interlayer/seedlayer materials and processes. It also discusses the resulting microstructure in smaller-grain-size thin films. Metal + oxide (e.g. Ru + SiO2) composite thin films were chosen as interlayer and seedlayer materials due to their unique segregated microstructure. Such layers can be grown epitaxially on top of fcc metal seedlayers with good orientation. It can also provide an epitaxial growth template for the subsequent magnetic layer (recording layer). The metal and oxide phases in the composite thin films are immiscible. The final microstructure of the interlayer depends on factors, such as, sputtering pressure, oxide species, oxide volume fraction, thickness, alloy composition, temperature etc. Moreover, it has been found that the microstructure of the composite thin films is affected mostly by two important factors---oxide volume fraction and sputtering pressure. The latter affects grain size and grain segregation through surface-diffusion modification and the self-shadowing effect. The composite Ru + oxide interlayers were found to have various microstructures under various sputtering conditions. Four characteristic microstructure zones can be identified as a function of oxide volume fraction and sputtering pressure---"percolated" (A), "maze" (T), "granular" (B) and "embedded" (C), based on which, a new structural zone model (SZM) is established for composite thin films. The granular microstructure of zone B is of particular interest for recording media application. The grain size of interlayers is a strong function of pressure, oxide species and oxide volume fraction. Magnetic layers grown on top of these interlayers were found to be significantly affected by the interlayer microstructure. One-to-one grain epitaxial growth is very difficult to achieve when the grain size is too small. As a result, the magnetic properties of smaller grain size magnetic layers deteriorate due to poor growth. This presents a huge challenge to high areal density magnetic recording media. A novel approach of Ar-ion etched Ru seedlayer, which can improve epitaxy between interlayer and magnetic layer is proposed. This method produces interlayer thin films of: (1) smaller grain size and higher nucleation density due to both a rougher seedlayer surface and an oxide addition in the interlayer; (2) good (00.2) texture due to the growth on top of the low pressure deposited Ru seedlayer; (3) dome-shape grain morphology due to the high pressure deposition. Therefore, a significant Ru grain size reduction with enhanced granular morphology and improved grain-to-grain epitaxy with the magnetic layer was achieved. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, such as, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), energy-filtered TEM (EFTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and mapping, and high angle annular dark field (HAADF) imaging have been utilized to investigate elemental distribution and grain morphology in composite magnetic thin films of different grain sizes. An oxygen-rich grain shell of about 0.5 ˜ 1 nm thickness is often observed for most media with different grain sizes. Reducing the grain size increases surface to volume ratio. With more surface area, smaller grains are more vulnerable to oxidization, resulting in even greater influence of the oxide on the magnetic properties of the grains.

Transcriptional reprogramming and stimulation of leaf respiration by elevated CO2 concentration is diminished, but not eliminated, under limiting nitrogen supply.

PubMed

Markelz, R J Cody; Lai, Lisa X; Vosseler, Lauren N; Leakey, Andrew D B

2014-04-01

Plant respiration responses to elevated CO2 concentration ( [CO2 ] ) have been studied for three decades without consensus about the mechanism of response. Positive effects of elevated [CO2 ] on leaf respiration have been attributed to greater substrate supply resulting from stimulated photosynthesis. Negative effects of elevated [CO2 ] on leaf respiration have been attributed to reduced demand for energy for protein turnover assumed to result from lower leaf N content. Arabidopsis thaliana was grown in ambient (370 ppm) and elevated (750 ppm) [CO2 ] with limiting and ample N availabilities. The stimulation of leaf dark respiration was attenuated in limiting N (+12%) compared with ample N supply (+30%). This response was associated with smaller stimulation of photosynthetic CO2 uptake, but not interactive effects of elevated CO2 and N supply on leaf protein, amino acids or specific leaf area. Elevated [CO2 ] also resulted in greater abundance of transcripts for many components of the respiratory pathway. A greater transcriptional response to elevated [CO2 ] was observed in ample N supply at midday versus midnight, consistent with reports that protein synthesis is greatest during the day. Greater foliar expression of respiratory genes under elevated [CO2 ] has now been observed in diverse herbaceous species, suggesting a widely conserved response. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Soil nutrients influence spatial distributions of tropical trees species

USGS Publications Warehouse

John, R.; Dalling, J.W.; Harms, K.E.; Yavitt, J.B.; Stallard, R.F.; Mirabello, M.; Hubbell, S.P.; Valencia, R.; Navarrete, H.; Vallejo, M.; Foster, R.B.

2007-01-01

The importance of niche vs. neutral assembly mechanisms in structuring tropical tree communities remains an important unsettled question in community ecology [Bell G (2005) Ecology 86:1757-1770]. There is ample evidence that species distributions are determined by soils and habitat factors at landscape (0.5 million individual trees of 1,400 species and 10 essential plant nutrients, we used Monte Carlo simulations of species distributions to test plant-soil associations against null expectations based on dispersal assembly. We found that the spatial distributions of 36-51% of tree species at these sites show strong associations to soil nutrient distributions. Neutral dispersal assembly cannot account for these plant-soil associations or the observed niche breadths of these species. These results indicate that belowground resource availability plays an important role in the assembly of tropical tree communities at local scales and provide the basis for future investigations on the mechanisms of resource competition among tropical tree species. ?? 2007 by The National Academy of Sciences of the USA.

A mathematical model of algae growth in a pelagic-benthic coupled shallow aquatic ecosystem.

PubMed

Zhang, Jimin; Shi, Junping; Chang, Xiaoyuan

2018-04-01

A coupled system of ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations is proposed to describe the interaction of pelagic algae, benthic algae and one essential nutrient in an oligotrophic shallow aquatic ecosystem with ample supply of light. The existence and uniqueness of non-negative steady states are completely determined for all possible parameter range, and these results characterize sharp threshold conditions for the regime shift from extinction to coexistence of pelagic and benthic algae. The influence of environmental parameters on algal biomass density is also considered, which is an important indicator of algal blooms. Our studies suggest that the nutrient recycling from loss of algal biomass may be an important factor in the algal blooms process; and the presence of benthic algae may limit the pelagic algal biomass density as they consume common resources even if the sediment nutrient level is high.

Skeletal Effects of Growth Hormone and Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Therapy

PubMed Central

Lindsey, Richard C.; Mohan, Subburaman

2015-01-01

The growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor (GH/IGF) axis is critically important for the regulation of bone formation, and deficiencies in this system have been shown to contribute to the development of osteoporosis and other diseases of low bone mass. The GH/IGF axis is regulated by a complex set of hormonal and local factors which can act to regulate this system at the level of the ligands, receptors, IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), or IGFBP proteases. A combination of in vitro studies, transgenic animal models, and clinical human investigations has provided ample evidence of the importance of the endocrine and local actions of both GH and IGF-I, the two major components of the GH/IGF axis, in skeletal growth and maintenance. GH- and IGF-based therapies provide a useful avenue of approach for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as osteoporosis. PMID:26408965

Seniors-on-line: introducing older people to technology.

PubMed

Irizarry, C; Downing, A; Elford, C

1997-03-01

Retired Engineers are playing an important role in ensuring that older people are not excluded from the benefits of technological advances. Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the lives of older people as it is incorporated into assistive devices, home security, access to health care, banking, communication and many other areas. However, if older people are unfamiliar with new technologies and find them daunting, they may not benefit fully from these advances. In order to minimize difficulties arising from unfamiliarity with technology, an introductory computer course was offered to people aged 55 and over. Teaching methods appropriate to the needs of older people were used: small classes, students and instructors from same age cohort, slow pace of presentation and ample opportunity to ask questions. Retired Engineers make up the majority of instructors. Three hundred and sixty nine older people have participated in the course and most plan to continue using a computer.

Effects of Gene Duplication, Positive Selection, and Shifts in Gene Expression on the Evolution of the Venom Gland Transcriptome in Widow Spiders

PubMed Central

Haney, Robert A.; Clarke, Thomas H.; Gadgil, Rujuta; Fitzpatrick, Ryan; Hayashi, Cheryl Y.; Ayoub, Nadia A.; Garb, Jessica E.

2016-01-01

Gene duplication and positive selection can be important determinants of the evolution of venom, a protein-rich secretion used in prey capture and defense. In a typical model of venom evolution, gene duplicates switch to venom gland expression and change function under the action of positive selection, which together with further duplication produces large gene families encoding diverse toxins. Although these processes have been demonstrated for individual toxin families, high-throughput multitissue sequencing of closely related venomous species can provide insights into evolutionary dynamics at the scale of the entire venom gland transcriptome. By assembling and analyzing multitissue transcriptomes from the Western black widow spider and two closely related species with distinct venom toxicity phenotypes, we do not find that gene duplication and duplicate retention is greater in gene families with venom gland biased expression in comparison with broadly expressed families. Positive selection has acted on some venom toxin families, but does not appear to be in excess for families with venom gland biased expression. Moreover, we find 309 distinct gene families that have single transcripts with venom gland biased expression, suggesting that the switching of genes to venom gland expression in numerous unrelated gene families has been a dominant mode of evolution. We also find ample variation in protein sequences of venom gland–specific transcripts, lineage-specific family sizes, and ortholog expression among species. This variation might contribute to the variable venom toxicity of these species. PMID:26733576

Challenges in early clinical development of adjuvanted vaccines.

PubMed

Della Cioppa, Giovanni; Jonsdottir, Ingileif; Lewis, David

2015-06-08

A three-step approach to the early development of adjuvanted vaccine candidates is proposed, the goal of which is to allow ample space for exploratory and hypothesis-generating human experiments and to select dose(s) and dosing schedule(s) to bring into full development. Although the proposed approach is more extensive than the traditional early development program, the authors suggest that by addressing key questions upfront the overall time, size and cost of development will be reduced and the probability of public health advancement enhanced. The immunogenicity end-points chosen for early development should be critically selected: an established immunological parameter with a well characterized assay should be selected as primary end-point for dose and schedule finding; exploratory information-rich end-points should be limited in number and based on pre-defined hypothesis generating plans, including system biology and pathway analyses. Building a pharmacodynamic profile is an important aspect of early development: to this end, multiple early (within 24h) and late (up to one year) sampling is necessary, which can be accomplished by sampling subgroups of subjects at different time points. In most cases the final target population, even if vulnerable, should be considered for inclusion in early development. In order to obtain the multiple formulations necessary for the dose and schedule finding, "bed-side mixing" of various components of the vaccine is often necessary: this is a complex and underestimated area that deserves serious research and logistical support. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Faucets Specification and Certification

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Faucets and faucet accessories—products that can be attached easily to existing faucets to save water—that obtain the WaterSense label have demonstrated both water efficiency and the ability to provide ample flow.

Your Yard Can Be Greener

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Home and business owners can look for the WaterSense label on products such as irrigation system controllers and know that the technology will provide ample water for healthy plant growth without overwatering.

9 CFR 3.126 - Facilities, indoor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., vents, fans, or air-conditioning and shall be ventilated so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation. (c) Lighting. Indoor housing facilities shall have ample lighting, by natural or artificial means...

9 CFR 354.226 - Lighting and ventilation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF RABBITS AND EDIBLE PRODUCTS THEREOF Buildings and Plant Facilities § 354.226 Lighting and ventilation. There shall be ample light, either natural or artificial or...

Ensembles generated from crystal structures of single distant homologues solve challenging molecular-replacement cases in AMPLE.

PubMed

Rigden, Daniel J; Thomas, Jens M H; Simkovic, Felix; Simpkin, Adam; Winn, Martyn D; Mayans, Olga; Keegan, Ronan M

2018-03-01

Molecular replacement (MR) is the predominant route to solution of the phase problem in macromolecular crystallography. Although routine in many cases, it becomes more effortful and often impossible when the available experimental structures typically used as search models are only distantly homologous to the target. Nevertheless, with current powerful MR software, relatively small core structures shared between the target and known structure, of 20-40% of the overall structure for example, can succeed as search models where they can be isolated. Manual sculpting of such small structural cores is rarely attempted and is dependent on the crystallographer's expertise and understanding of the protein family in question. Automated search-model editing has previously been performed on the basis of sequence alignment, in order to eliminate, for example, side chains or loops that are not present in the target, or on the basis of structural features (e.g. solvent accessibility) or crystallographic parameters (e.g. B factors). Here, based on recent work demonstrating a correlation between evolutionary conservation and protein rigidity/packing, novel automated ways to derive edited search models from a given distant homologue over a range of sizes are presented. A variety of structure-based metrics, many readily obtained from online webservers, can be fed to the MR pipeline AMPLE to produce search models that succeed with a set of test cases where expertly manually edited comparators, further processed in diverse ways with MrBUMP, fail. Further significant performance gains result when the structure-based distance geometry method CONCOORD is used to generate ensembles from the distant homologue. To our knowledge, this is the first such approach whereby a single structure is meaningfully transformed into an ensemble for the purposes of MR. Additional cases further demonstrate the advantages of the approach. CONCOORD is freely available and computationally inexpensive, so these novel methods offer readily available new routes to solve difficult MR cases.

Ensembles generated from crystal structures of single distant homologues solve challenging molecular-replacement cases in AMPLE

PubMed Central

Simpkin, Adam; Mayans, Olga; Keegan, Ronan M.

2018-01-01

Molecular replacement (MR) is the predominant route to solution of the phase problem in macromolecular crystallography. Although routine in many cases, it becomes more effortful and often impossible when the available experimental structures typically used as search models are only distantly homologous to the target. Nevertheless, with current powerful MR software, relatively small core structures shared between the target and known structure, of 20–40% of the overall structure for example, can succeed as search models where they can be isolated. Manual sculpting of such small structural cores is rarely attempted and is dependent on the crystallographer’s expertise and understanding of the protein family in question. Automated search-model editing has previously been performed on the basis of sequence alignment, in order to eliminate, for example, side chains or loops that are not present in the target, or on the basis of structural features (e.g. solvent accessibility) or crystallographic parameters (e.g. B factors). Here, based on recent work demonstrating a correlation between evolutionary conservation and protein rigidity/packing, novel automated ways to derive edited search models from a given distant homologue over a range of sizes are presented. A variety of structure-based metrics, many readily obtained from online webservers, can be fed to the MR pipeline AMPLE to produce search models that succeed with a set of test cases where expertly manually edited comparators, further processed in diverse ways with MrBUMP, fail. Further significant performance gains result when the structure-based distance geometry method CONCOORD is used to generate ensembles from the distant homologue. To our knowledge, this is the first such approach whereby a single structure is meaningfully transformed into an ensemble for the purposes of MR. Additional cases further demonstrate the advantages of the approach. CONCOORD is freely available and computationally inexpensive, so these novel methods offer readily available new routes to solve difficult MR cases. PMID:29533226

Growth and physiological responses of isohydric and anisohydric poplars to drought

DOE PAGES

Attia, Ziv; Domec, Jean-Christophe; Oren, Ram; ...

2015-05-07

Understanding how different plants prioritize carbon gain and drought vulnerability under a variable water supply is important for predicting which trees will maximize woody biomass production under different environmental conditions. Here, Populus balsamifera (BS, isohydric genotype), P. simonii (SI, previously uncharacterized stomatal behaviour), and their cross, P. balsamifera x simonii (BSxSI, anisohydric genotype) were studied to assess the physiological basis for biomass accumulation and water-use efficiency across a range of water availabilities. Under ample water, whole plant stomatal conductance (g s), transpiration (E), and growth rates were higher in anisohydric genotypes (SI and BSxSI) than in isohydric poplars (BS). Undermore » drought, all genotypes regulated the leaf to stem water potential gradient via changes in gs, synchronizing leaf hydraulic conductance (K leaf) and E: isohydric plants reduced K leaf, g s, and E, whereas anisohydric genotypes maintained high K leaf and E, which reduced both leaf and stem water potentials. Nevertheless, SI poplars reduced their plant hydraulic conductance (K plant) during water stress and, unlike, BSxSI plants, recovered rapidly from drought. Low gs of the isohydric BS under drought reduced CO 2 assimilation rates and biomass potential under moderate water stress. While anisohydric genotypes had the fastest growth under ample water and higher photosynthetic rates under increasing water stress, isohydric poplars had higher water-use efficiency. Overall, the results indicate three strategies for how closely related biomass species deal with water stress: survival-isohydric (BS), sensitive-anisohydric (BSxSI), and resilience-anisohydric (SI). Lastly, we discuss implications for woody biomass growth, water-use efficiency, and survival under variable environmental conditions.« less

Impacts of forest farm practice on small to medium-sized mammals at Kemasul forest reserve, Pahang, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razali, Nor Bazilah; Abdul-Rahim, Ahmad Rizal; Md-Nor, Shukor; Mohd-Taib, Farah Shafawati

2018-04-01

Exploitation of forest for commercial agriculture has taken toll on wildlife species worldwide. A forest farm project with the aim of compensating the forest loss has been implemented in Kemasul Forest Reserve, of Pahang State, Malaysia through plantation of fast growing and adaptable plant species. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of this practice on diversity. The study was conducted in a long strip of forest fragment, where two study sites with different landscape matrix types were chosen; oil palm plantation (JR) and Acacia mangium plantations (CM). A total of 75 individuals from 13 species and six families were collected at both sites. The result shows forest with A. mangium plantations matrix types yield higher species diversity. There are 10 shared species that can be found at both study sites including Callosciurus notatus, Hystrix brachyura, Macaca nemestrina, and Tupaia glis. However, some species only existed at selected sites such as Leopoldamys sabanus which can only be found at JR. On the other hand, Callosciurus nigrovittatus, Viverra tangalunga and Paradoxurus hermaphroditus were only recorded at CM. Out of all individuals collected, four of them are protected species as reported by IUCN. Callosciurus nigrovittatus is listed as Near Threatened while the other three species (Maxomys rajah, Maxomys whiteheadi, and Macaca nemestrina) are Vulnerable. If conservation efforts in Kemasul Forest Reserved are neglected, these four species would be exposed to critical threats that might cause them facing extinction in the future. Mann Whitney U test shows no significant difference of distribution and species richness of small to medium-sized mammals in both study sites (U=51.5, p=0.59). This study therefore reveals that although the compensatory forest plantation initiatives yield positive effect on diversity of mammal's species, it does not necessarily provide ample food resources to the wildlife, instead it serves as important buffer zones for wildlife movement.

Floaters may buffer the extinction risk of small populations: an empirical assessment

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The high extinction risk of small populations is commonly explained by reductions in fecundity and breeder survival associated with demographic and environmental stochasticity. However, ecological theory suggests that population extinctions may also arise from reductions in the number of floaters able to replace the lost breeders. This can be particularly plausible under harsh fragmentation scenarios, where species must survive as small populations subjected to severe effects of stochasticity. Using a woodpecker study in fragmented habitats (2004–2016), we provide here empirical support for the largely neglected hypothesis that floaters buffer population extirpation risks. After controlling for population size, patch size and the intrinsic quality of habitat, populations in patches with floaters had a lower extinction probability than populations in patches without floaters (0.013 versus 0.131). Floaters, which often replace the lost breeders, were less likely to occur in small and low-quality patches, showing that population extirpations may arise from unnoticed reductions in floater numbers in poor-quality habitats. We argue that adequate pools of the typically overlooked floaters may buffer extirpation risks by reducing the detrimental impacts of demographic and environmental stochasticity. However, unravelling the influence of floaters in buffering stochastic effects and promoting population stability require additional studies in an ample array of species and stochastic scenarios. PMID:28424345

Floaters may buffer the extinction risk of small populations: an empirical assessment.

PubMed

Robles, Hugo; Ciudad, Carlos

2017-04-26

The high extinction risk of small populations is commonly explained by reductions in fecundity and breeder survival associated with demographic and environmental stochasticity. However, ecological theory suggests that population extinctions may also arise from reductions in the number of floaters able to replace the lost breeders. This can be particularly plausible under harsh fragmentation scenarios, where species must survive as small populations subjected to severe effects of stochasticity. Using a woodpecker study in fragmented habitats (2004-2016), we provide here empirical support for the largely neglected hypothesis that floaters buffer population extirpation risks. After controlling for population size, patch size and the intrinsic quality of habitat, populations in patches with floaters had a lower extinction probability than populations in patches without floaters (0.013 versus 0.131). Floaters, which often replace the lost breeders, were less likely to occur in small and low-quality patches, showing that population extirpations may arise from unnoticed reductions in floater numbers in poor-quality habitats. We argue that adequate pools of the typically overlooked floaters may buffer extirpation risks by reducing the detrimental impacts of demographic and environmental stochasticity. However, unravelling the influence of floaters in buffering stochastic effects and promoting population stability require additional studies in an ample array of species and stochastic scenarios. © 2017 The Author(s).

Quantitative analysis of pre-and postsynaptic sex differences in the nucleus accumbens

PubMed Central

Forlano, Paul M.; Woolley, Catherine S.

2010-01-01

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a central role in motivation and reward. While there is ample evidence for sex differences in addiction-related behaviors, little is known about the neuroanatomical substrates that underlie these sexual dimorphisms. We investigated sex differences in synaptic connectivity of the NAc by evaluating pre- and postsynaptic measures in gonadally intact male and proestrous female rats. We used DiI labeling and confocal microscopy to measure dendritic spine density, spine head size, dendritic length and branching of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the NAc, and quantitative immunofluorescence to measure glutamatergic innervation using pre- (vesicular glutamate transporter 1 and 2) and postsynaptic (post synaptic density 95) markers, as well as dopaminergic innervation of the NAc. We also utilized electron microscopy to complement the above measures. Clear but subtle sex differences were identified, namely in distal dendritic spine density and the proportion of large spines on MSNs, both of which are greater in females. Sex differences in spine density and spine head size are evident in both the core and shell subregions, but are stronger in the core. This study is the first demonstration of neuroanatomical sex differences in the NAc and provides evidence that structural differences in synaptic connectivity and glutamatergic input may contribute to behavioral sex differences in reward and addiction. PMID:20151363

Traditional foods for health: screening of the antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of selected Black Sea area local foods.

PubMed

Danesi, Francesca; Pasini, Federica; Caboni, Maria Fiorenza; D'Antuono, Luigi Filippo; Bordoni, Alessandra

2013-11-01

The nutritional characteristics of the Black Sea area (BSA) traditional foods are almost unknown, and they could be interesting sources of antioxidant compounds. In this study, carried out within the BaSeFood project, the in vitro total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and phenolic content of 39 BSA traditional foods were determined using different assays. An ample range of TAC and phenolics content was detected in the examined foods that were ranked according to their scavenging activity expressed per weight unit and per serving size. Based on serving size, the highest TAC was in the order blueberries > nettle soup > sunflower seeds, and the fruits/fruit-based foods group was the one having the highest activity. Correlation analysis evidenced that the TAC is highly dependent on total phenolic content, while hydroxycinnamic acids and compounds having o-diphenolic structure did not show specific prominent effects. Finally, correlations between the two methods used for measuring the TAC suggest that they are both suitable in a wide range of foods. Our data represent the first contribution to further research on the health effects of BSA traditional foods. This could enhance the interest of consumers, with potential benefits to stakeholders at all levels of the production chain. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nucleosomes in the neighborhood

PubMed Central

Dorn, Elizabeth Suzanne

2011-01-01

The importance of local chromatin structure in regulating replication initiation has become increasingly apparent. Most recently, histone methylation and nucleosome positioning have been added to the list of modifications demonstrated to regulate origins. In particular, the methylation states of H3K4, H3K36 and H4K20 have been associated with establishing active, repressed or poised origins depending on the timing and extent of methylation. The stability and precise positioning of nucleosomes has also been demonstrated to affect replication efficiency. Although it is not yet clear how these modifications alter the behavior of specific replication factors, ample evidence establishes their role in maintaining coordinated replication. This review will summarize recent advances in understanding these aspects of chromatin structure in DNA replication origin control. PMID:21364325

Gender assignment in patients with disorder of sex development.

PubMed

Mendonca, Berenice B

2014-12-01

To examine the sex assignment in patients with atypical external genitalia, a particularly challenging situation, especially when the genital appearance is not compatible with the sex chromosome. The most important factors that influence sex assignment include the definite diagnosis, genital appearance, surgical options, potential for fertility, risks of gonadal malignancy and, finally, the perception of the patients and their parents. Full disclosure and complete involvement of the parents in making decisions concerning gender assignment and/or genital surgery must be part of the basic medical care for children with disorder of sex development. Patients with disorder of sex development should receive long-term care provided by multidisciplinary teams in centers of excellence with ample experience in the management of this disorder.

Understanding textbook quality in the USA: How governments distort the market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliveira, João Batista

1995-11-01

Textbooks deliver education and shape the daily routines of classrooms. Even in countries where schools enjoy ample and various instructional resources, text-books are the single most important support for teachers and students. It is not surprising, then, that textbooks are a major concern of states, schools, teachers, parents, publishers, and the research community. But textbooks often become a scapegoat for educational evils. In the USA, government regulation, special interest groups, and publishers exert pressure on textbook policies and state and local adoption processes. The result: textbooks are published to conform to a market distorted by government regulation. This paper discusses how their quality is constrained by government and special interest groups that interfere with the natural course of regulations and markets.

Oral Health and Erectile Dysfunction.

PubMed

Singh, Vijendra P; Nettemu, Sunil K; Nettem, Sowmya; Hosadurga, Rajesh; Nayak, Sangeeta U

2017-01-01

Ample evidence strongly supports the fact that periodontal disease is a major risk factor for various systemic diseases namely cardio-vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, etc. Recently, investigators focussed on exploring the link between chronic periodontitis (CP) and erectile dysfunction (ED) by contributing to the endothelial dysfunction. Both the diseases share common risk factors. Various studies conducted in different parts of the world in recent years reported the evidence linking this relationship as well as improvement in ED with periodontal treatment. Systemic exposure to the periodontal pathogen and periodontal infection-induced systemic inflammation was thought to associate with these conditions. The objective of this review was to highlight the evidence of the link between CP and ED and the importance of oral health in preventing the systemic conditions.

Oral Health and Erectile Dysfunction

PubMed Central

Singh, Vijendra P.; Nettemu, Sunil K.; Nettem, Sowmya; Hosadurga, Rajesh; Nayak, Sangeeta U.

2017-01-01

Ample evidence strongly supports the fact that periodontal disease is a major risk factor for various systemic diseases namely cardio-vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, etc. Recently, investigators focussed on exploring the link between chronic periodontitis (CP) and erectile dysfunction (ED) by contributing to the endothelial dysfunction. Both the diseases share common risk factors. Various studies conducted in different parts of the world in recent years reported the evidence linking this relationship as well as improvement in ED with periodontal treatment. Systemic exposure to the periodontal pathogen and periodontal infection-induced systemic inflammation was thought to associate with these conditions. The objective of this review was to highlight the evidence of the link between CP and ED and the importance of oral health in preventing the systemic conditions. PMID:29142443

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

Stauber, Mark; Jakoncic, Jean; Berger, Jacob

Chiral control of crystallization has ample precedent in the small-molecule world, but relatively little is known about the role of chirality in protein crystallization. In this study, lysozyme was crystallized in the presence of the chiral additive 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD) separately using the R and S enantiomers as well as with a racemic RS mixture. Crystals grown with ( R)-MPD had the most order and produced the highest resolution protein structures. This result is consistent with the observation that in the crystals grown with ( R)-MPD and ( RS)-MPD the crystal contacts are made by ( R)-MPD, demonstrating that there ismore » preferential interaction between lysozyme and this enantiomer. These findings suggest that chiral interactions are important in protein crystallization.« less

Atmospheric CO2: principal control knob governing Earth's temperature.

PubMed

Lacis, Andrew A; Schmidt, Gavin A; Rind, David; Ruedy, Reto A

2010-10-15

Ample physical evidence shows that carbon dioxide (CO(2)) is the single most important climate-relevant greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere. This is because CO(2), like ozone, N(2)O, CH(4), and chlorofluorocarbons, does not condense and precipitate from the atmosphere at current climate temperatures, whereas water vapor can and does. Noncondensing greenhouse gases, which account for 25% of the total terrestrial greenhouse effect, thus serve to provide the stable temperature structure that sustains the current levels of atmospheric water vapor and clouds via feedback processes that account for the remaining 75% of the greenhouse effect. Without the radiative forcing supplied by CO(2) and the other noncondensing greenhouse gases, the terrestrial greenhouse would collapse, plunging the global climate into an icebound Earth state.

Tank Investigation of a Powered Dynamic Model of a Large Long-Range Flying Boat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parkinson, John B; Olson, Roland E; Harr, Marvin I

1947-01-01

Principles for designing the optimum hull for a large long-range flying boat to meet the requirements of seaworthiness, minimum drag, and ability to take off and land at all operational gross loads were incorporated in a 1/12-size powered dynamic model of a four-engine transport flying boat having a design gross load of 165,000 pounds. These design principles included the selection of a moderate beam loading, ample forebody length, sufficient depth of step, and close adherence to the form of a streamline body. The aerodynamic and hydrodynamic characteristics of the model were investigated in Langley tank no. 1. Tests were made to determine the minimum allowable depth of step for adequate landing stability, the suitability of the fore-and-aft location of the step, the take-off performance, the spray characteristics, and the effects of simple spray-control devices. The application of the design criterions used and test results should be useful in the preliminary design of similar large flying boats.

The evolution of new business in health care.

PubMed

Weinberger, Stanley; Weeks, William

2004-01-01

The increasing size, growth, and complexity of the health care industry would appear to offer ample opportunity for innovation and entrepreneurship. But is entrepreneurship really on the rise in health care? We performed a sequential cross-sectional analysis of new, rapidly growing health care businesses in the Inc. 500 list to answer this question. We found that, while there appears to be increasing numbers of opportunities for new, privately held businesses, this varies widely by category. In particular, health information management appeared to be an example of emerging industry, characterized by increases in the number of businesses, as well as in the rate of growth and the average revenue. In contrast, the insurance industry seems to have transitioned to maturity. This article argues that companies that introduce disruptive innovations into health care, either through information technology, new ancillary services, or more focused services to the elderly, will likely be good areas for investors who follow the health care industry as well as entrepreneurs who are looking for a niche for market entry.

Interactions between deep convective clouds and aerosols as observed by satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, T.; Li, Z. I.; Remer, L.; Martins, V.

2008-12-01

Major uncertainties regarding interactions between deep convective clouds (DCC) exist due partly to observational difficulty and partly to the entanglement among remotely sensed properties of aerosols and clouds and entanglement between meteorology and possible aerosol signals. In this study we adopt a novel, physically sound relationship between cloud crystal effective radius(CER) and brightness temperature (BT) and utilize ample sampling opportunity provided by MODIS instrument. We reveal aerosol impacts on DCCs by analyzing an ensemble data. Through a conceptual model we demonstrate how aerosol may affect DCC properties. We outline a few scenarios where aerosol signals are best separated and pronounced. Based on our results, anthropogenic pollutions and smokes are shown to effectively decrease CER and to elevate glaciation level of DCCs. On the other hand, dust particles from local sources have the opposite effects, namely, increasing cloud ice particle size and enhancing glaciation by acting possibly as giant CCN or IN. Implications of these effects for aerosols are discussed along with feedbacks of these effects to dynamics.

Recombination and phenotype evolution dynamics of Helicobacter pylori in colonized hosts.

PubMed

Shafiee, Ahmad; Amini, Massoud; Emamirad, Hassan; Abadi, Amin Talebi Bezmin

2016-07-01

The ample genetic diversity and variability of Helicobater pylori, and therefore its phenotypic evolution, relate not only to frequent mutation and selection but also to intra-specific recombination. Webb and Blaser applied a mathematical model to distinguish the role of selection and mutation for Lewis antigen phenotype evolution during long-term gastric colonization in infected animal hosts (mice and gerbils). To investigate the role of recombination in Lewis antigen phenotype evolution, we have developed a prior population dynamic by adding recombination term to the model. We simulate and interpret the new model simulation's results with a comparative analysis of biological aspects. The main conclusions are as follows: (i) the models and consequently the hosts with higher recombination rate require a longer time for stabilization; and (ii) recombination and mutation have opposite effects on the size of H. pylori populations with phenotypes in the range of the most-fit ones (i.e. those that have a selective advantage) due to natural selection, although both can increase phenotypic diversity.

30 CFR 77.1605 - Loading and haulage equipment; installations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... passage of wheels. (h) Rocker-bottom or bottom-dump cars shall be equipped with positive locking devices, or other suitable devices. (i) Ramps and dumps shall be of solid construction, of ample width, have...

High fat diet induced atherosclerosis is accompanied with low colonic bacterial diversity and altered abundances that correlates with plaque size, plasma A-FABP and cholesterol: a pilot study of high fat diet and its intervention with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) or telmisartan in ApoE-/- mice.

PubMed

Chan, Yee Kwan; Brar, Manreetpal Singh; Kirjavainen, Pirkka V; Chen, Yan; Peng, Jiao; Li, Daxu; Leung, Frederick Chi-Ching; El-Nezami, Hani

2016-11-08

Atherosclerosis appears to have multifactorial causes - microbial component like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and other pathogen associated molecular patterns may be plausible factors. The gut microbiota is an ample source of such stimulants, and its dependent metabolites and altered gut metagenome has been an established link to atherosclerosis. In this exploratory pilot study, we aimed to elucidate whether microbial intervention with probiotics L. rhamnosus GG (LGG) or pharmaceuticals telmisartan (TLM) could improve atherosclerosis in a gut microbiota associated manner. Atherosclerotic phenotype was established by 12 weeks feeding of high fat (HF) diet as opposed to normal chow diet (ND) in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE -/- ) mice. LGG or TLM supplementation to HF diet was studied. Both LGG and TLM significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque size and improved various biomarkers including endotoxin to different extents. Colonial microbiota analysis revealed that TLM restored HF diet induced increase in Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and decrease in alpha diversity; and led to a more distinct microbial clustering closer to ND in PCoA plot. Eubacteria, Anaeroplasma, Roseburia, Oscillospira and Dehalobacteria appeared to be protective against atherosclerosis and showed significant negative correlation with atherosclerotic plaque size and plasma adipocyte - fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) and cholesterol. LGG and TLM improved atherosclerosis with TLM having a more distinct alteration in the colonic gut microbiota. Altered bacteria genera and reduced alpha diversity had significant correlations to atherosclerotic plaque size, plasma A-FABP and cholesterol. Future studies on such bacterial functional influence in lipid metabolism will be warranted.

Acid Rain: A Teaching Focus for the Intermediate Grades.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Renee B.; Adams, Neil D.

1992-01-01

The study of acid rain provides ample opportunities for active, interdisciplinary learning. This article describes 12 hands-on activities designed to expand students' understanding of acid rain. Background information on acid rain is included. (LB)

Directions & Parking | Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program

Cancer.gov

For up-to-date information on public transportation (metrorail, shuttle services, and bus routes view the Visitor Information page at NCI.  Driving Directions There are ample parking spaces in the NCI Shady Grove parking garage, and parking is free.

76 FR 7131 - Safety Zones; Eleventh Coast Guard District Annual Fireworks Events

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-09

... engaged in event activities, sightseeing and commercial fishing have ample space outside of the area...[deg]01'05'' N, 114[deg]38'20'' W. 2. Rockets over the River Sponsor Laughlin Tourism Committee. Event...

Relationships of work characteristics to job satisfaction, turnover intention, and burnout among doctors in the district public-private mixed health system of Bangladesh.

PubMed

Roy, Ashim; van der Weijden, Trudy; de Vries, Nanne

2017-06-20

Work design integrates work characteristics having organizational, social and job components which influence employees' welfare and also organizational goals. We investigated the effects of work characteristics and other predictors to job satisfaction, turnover intention, and burnout in doctors of the public primary, public secondary and private facilities of the district health system of Bangladesh. A quantitative study using a self-administered questionnaire containing mostly structured items was conducted among the public and private doctors with a sample size of 384 from 29 out of a total 64 districts of Bangladesh during October and November 2015. All variables including work characteristics and outcomes of interest were based on literature and measured on 5-point Likert scale. Multivariate analysis of variance, bivariate correlation, and multiple regression were the models operated through SPSS version-21. A total of 354 doctors responded. No significant differences were found between public primary and secondary level doctors on combined work characteristics and outcomes variables, which however differed significantly between the public and private doctors. Organizational support was the strongest predictor adversely affecting job satisfaction, turnover intention and burnout of both the public and private doctors; private doctors' experienced more support. The effects of health-professional politics on the public doctors were alarming. Work design of the Bangladesh's health system is in need of ample development. Doing so, improvement in organizational supports is crucial; however, other work characteristics components are also important for enhancing doctors' welfare and health system productivity.

Stem cell-derived organoids to model gastrointestinal facets of cystic fibrosis

PubMed Central

Hohwieler, Meike; Perkhofer, Lukas; Liebau, Stefan; Seufferlein, Thomas; Müller, Martin

2016-01-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most frequently occurring inherited human diseases caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) which lead to ample defects in anion transport and epithelial fluid secretion. Existing models lack both access to early stages of CF development and a coeval focus on the gastrointestinal CF phenotypes, which become increasingly important due increased life span of the affected individuals. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of gastrointestinal facets of CF and the opportunity to model these in various systems in an attempt to understand and treat CF. A particular focus is given on forward-leading organoid cultures, which may circumvent current limitations of existing models and thereby provide a platform for drug testing and understanding of disease pathophysiology in gastrointestinal organs. PMID:28815024

Pharmacy professionalism and the digital age.

PubMed

Rutter, Paul M; Duncan, Gregory

2011-12-01

To explore how the use of digital media could affect how people view professional behaviour. The growth in social networking sites has been phenomenal and they are now an extremely popular medium for interacting with others both commercially and privately. This as-yet-uncontrolled digital media provides ample opportunities for public and professional scrutiny for the unwary. Instances of employer screening and employee dismissal are already documented. All pharmacists who use digital media now need to be conscious that their virtual presence could be subject to regulator investigation. It is important that individuals are aware of the risks associated with using digital media and that pharmacy organisations begin to provide clear leadership to help pharmacists know what is and is not acceptable. © 2011 The Authors. IJPP © 2011 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Yogic exercises and health--a psycho-neuro immunological approach.

PubMed

Kulkarni, D D; Bera, T K

2009-01-01

Relaxation potential of yogic exercises seems to play a vital role in establishing psycho-physical health in reversing the psycho-immunology of emotions under stress based on breath and body awareness. However, mechanism of yogic exercises for restoring health and fitness components operating through psycho-neuro-immunological pathways is unknown. Therefore, a hybrid model of human information processing-psycho-neuroendocrine (HIP-PNE) network has been proposed to reveal the importance of yogic information processing. This study focuses on two major pathways of information processing involving cortical and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) interactions with a deep reach molecular action on cellular, neuro-humoral and immune system in reversing stress mediated diseases. Further, the proposed HIP-PNE model has ample of experimental potential for objective evaluation of yogic view of health and fitness.

Crystallization of lysozyme with ( R)-, ( S)- and ( RS)-2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol

DOE PAGES

Stauber, Mark; Jakoncic, Jean; Berger, Jacob; ...

2015-03-01

Chiral control of crystallization has ample precedent in the small-molecule world, but relatively little is known about the role of chirality in protein crystallization. In this study, lysozyme was crystallized in the presence of the chiral additive 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD) separately using the R and S enantiomers as well as with a racemic RS mixture. Crystals grown with ( R)-MPD had the most order and produced the highest resolution protein structures. This result is consistent with the observation that in the crystals grown with ( R)-MPD and ( RS)-MPD the crystal contacts are made by ( R)-MPD, demonstrating that there ismore » preferential interaction between lysozyme and this enantiomer. These findings suggest that chiral interactions are important in protein crystallization.« less

Sexual counseling and cardiovascular disease: practical approaches

PubMed Central

Steinke, Elaine E; Jaarsma, Tiny

2015-01-01

Patients with cardiovascular disease and their partners expect health care providers to provide sexual counseling to assist them in maintaining sexual quality of life. Evidence suggests however, that there is a gap in integrating evidence into practice and that relatively few cardiac patients receive sexual counseling. This can result in negative psychological, physical, and quality of life outcomes for couples who may needlessly decide sexual activity is too risky and cease all sexual activity. Two scientific statements now exist that provide ample guidance to health care providers in discussing this important topic. Using a team approach that includes physicians, nurses, physical therapists, rehabilitation staff, and others is important to ensure that sexual counseling occurs throughout recovery. In addition, several trials using interventional approaches for sexual counseling provide insight into successful approaches for sexual counseling in practice. This article provides practical strategies and evidence-based approaches for assessment and sexual counseling for all cardiac patients and their partners, and specific counseling for those with ischemic conditions, heart failure, and implanted devices. PMID:25219908

Sexual counseling and cardiovascular disease: practical approaches.

PubMed

Steinke, Elaine E; Jaarsma, Tiny

2015-01-01

Patients with cardiovascular disease and their partners expect health care providers to provide sexual counseling to assist them in maintaining sexual quality of life. Evidence suggests however, that there is a gap in integrating evidence into practice and that relatively few cardiac patients receive sexual counseling. This can result in negative psychological, physical, and quality of life outcomes for couples who may needlessly decide sexual activity is too risky and cease all sexual activity. Two scientific statements now exist that provide ample guidance to health care providers in discussing this important topic. Using a team approach that includes physicians, nurses, physical therapists, rehabilitation staff, and others is important to ensure that sexual counseling occurs throughout recovery. In addition, several trials using interventional approaches for sexual counseling provide insight into successful approaches for sexual counseling in practice. This article provides practical strategies and evidence-based approaches for assessment and sexual counseling for all cardiac patients and their partners, and specific counseling for those with ischemic conditions, heart failure, and implanted devices.

Early evaluation of MDIS workstations at Madigan Army Medical Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leckie, Robert G.; Goeringer, Fred; Smith, Donald V.; Bender, Gregory N.; Choi, Hyung-Sik; Haynor, David R.; Kim, Yongmin

1993-06-01

The image viewing workstation is an all-important link in the PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System) chain since it represents the interface between the system and the user. For PACS to function, the working environment and transfer of information to the user must be the same or better than the traditional film-based system. The important characteristics of a workstation from a clinical standpoint are acceptable image quality, rapid response time, a friendly user interface, and a well-integrated, highly-reliable, fault-tolerant system which provides the user ample functions to complete his tasks successfully. Since early 1992, the MDIS (Medical Diagnostic Imaging Support) system's diagnostic and clinical workstations have been installed at Madigan Army Medical Center. Various functionalities and performance characteristics of the MDIS workstations such as image display, response time, database, and ergonomics will be presented. User comments and early experience with the workstations as well as new functionality recommended for the future will be discussed.

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

Stauber, Mark; Yeshiva University, 2495 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10033-3312; Jakoncic, Jean

Crystallization of lysozyme with (R)-2-methyl-2, 4-pentanediol produces more ordered crystals and a higher resolution protein structure than crystallization with (S)-2-methyl-2, 4-pentanediol. The results suggest that chiral interactions with chiral additives are important in protein crystal formation. Chiral control of crystallization has ample precedent in the small-molecule world, but relatively little is known about the role of chirality in protein crystallization. In this study, lysozyme was crystallized in the presence of the chiral additive 2-methyl-2, 4-pentanediol (MPD) separately using the R and S enantiomers as well as with a racemic RS mixture. Crystals grown with (R)-MPD had the most order andmore » produced the highest resolution protein structures. This result is consistent with the observation that in the crystals grown with (R)-MPD and (RS)-MPD the crystal contacts are made by (R)-MPD, demonstrating that there is preferential interaction between lysozyme and this enantiomer. These findings suggest that chiral interactions are important in protein crystallization.« less

Diet shifts and population dynamics of estuarine foraminifera during ecosystem recovery after experimentally induced hypoxia crises

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brouwer, G. M.; Duijnstee, I. A. P.; Hazeleger, J. H.; Rossi, F.; Lourens, L. J.; Middelburg, J. J.; Wolthers, M.

2016-03-01

This study shows foraminiferal dynamics after experimentally induced hypoxia within the wider context of ecosystem recovery. 13C-labeled bicarbonate and glucose were added to the sediments to examine foraminiferal diet shifts during ecosystem recovery and test-size measurements were used to deduce population dynamics. Hypoxia-treated and undisturbed patches were compared to distinguish natural (seasonal) fluctuations from hypoxia-induced responses. The effect of timing of disturbance and duration of recovery were investigated. The foraminiferal diets and population dynamics showed higher fluctuations in the recovering patches compared to the controls. The foraminiferal diet and population structure of Haynesina germanica and Ammonia beccarii responded differentially and generally inversely to progressive stages of ecosystem recovery. Tracer inferred diet estimates in April and June and the two distinctly visible cohorts in the test-size distribution, discussed to reflect reproduction in June, strongly suggest that the ample availability of diatoms during the first month of ecosystem recovery after the winter hypoxia was likely profitable to A. beccarii. Enhanced reproduction itself was strongly linked to the subsequent dietary shift to bacteria. The distribution of the test dimensions of H. germanica indicated that this species had less fluctuation in population structure during ecosystem recovery but possibly reproduced in response to the induced winter hypoxia. Bacteria seemed to consistently contribute more to the diet of H. germanica than diatoms. For the diet and test-size distribution of both species, the timing of disturbance seemed to have a higher impact than the duration of the subsequent recovery period.

Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using Artemisia absinthium aqueous extract--A comprehensive study.

PubMed

Ali, Mohammad; Kim, Bosung; Belfield, Kevin D; Norman, David; Brennan, Mary; Ali, Gul Shad

2016-01-01

Unlike chemical synthesis, biological synthesis of nanoparticles is gaining tremendous interest, and plant extracts are preferred over other biological sources due to their ample availability and wide array of reducing metabolites. In this project, we investigated the reducing potential of aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium L. for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Optimal synthesis of AgNPs with desirable physical and biological properties was investigated using ultra violet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). To determine their appropriate concentrations for AgNP synthesis, two-fold dilutions of silver nitrate (20 to 0.62 mM) and aqueous plant extract (100 to 0.79 mg ml(-1)) were reacted. The results showed that silver nitrate (2mM) and plant extract (10 mg ml(-1)) mixed in different ratios significantly affected size, stability and yield of AgNPs. Extract to AgNO3 ratio of 6:4v/v resulted in the highest conversion efficiency of AgNO3 to AgNPs, with the particles in average size range of less than 100 nm. Furthermore, the direct imaging of synthesized AgNPs by TEM revealed polydispersed particles in the size range of 5 to 20 nm. Similarly, nanoparticles with the characteristic peak of silver were observed with EDX. This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the differential behavior of plant extract and AgNO3 to synthesize biologically stable AgNPs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The constitutionality of mandatory seat belt laws.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1986-01-01

Low seat belt usage rates have persisted for years despite efforts to educate people about belts' benefits. There is ample documentation of the contribution of seat belts to saving lives and reducing injury. The emotional and pecuniary toll of the fa...

The Changing Role of Women in the Armed Forces

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldman, Nancy

1973-01-01

Although there is ample reason to expect a gradual increase in numbers and a slow but steady expansion of assignment, there is little reason to believe that the all-volunteer army will be recruiting the most militant'' younger women. (Author)

DSCOVR_EPIC_L2_SO2_01

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2018-06-18

... UV and infrared sensors, offering ample opportunities for data intercomparisons and for demonstrating advanced retrievals of volcanic ash ... developed for TOMS and OMI to enable SO2 and Ash Index (AI) products from EPIC UV observations to demonstrate improved estimates of ...

Striking Phenotypic Variation yet Low Genetic Differentiation in Sympatric Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

PubMed Central

Coon, Andrew; Carson, Robert; Debes, Paul V.

2016-01-01

The study of population differentiation in the context of ecological speciation is commonly assessed using populations with obvious discreteness. Fewer studies have examined diversifying populations with occasional adaptive variation and minor reproductive isolation, so factors impeding or facilitating the progress of early stage differentiation are less understood. We detected non-random genetic structuring in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) inhabiting a large, pristine, postglacial lake (Mistassini Lake, Canada), with up to five discernible genetic clusters having distinctions in body shape, size, colouration and head shape. However, genetic differentiation was low (FST = 0.017) and genetic clustering was largely incongruent between several population- and individual-based clustering approaches. Genotype- and phenotype-environment associations with spatial habitat, depth and fish community structure (competitors and prey) were either inconsistent or weak. Striking morphological variation was often more continuous within than among defined genetic clusters. Low genetic differentiation was a consequence of relatively high contemporary gene flow despite large effective population sizes, not migration-drift disequilibrium. Our results suggest a highly plastic propensity for occupying multiple habitat niches in lake trout and a low cost of morphological plasticity, which may constrain the speed and extent of adaptive divergence. We discuss how factors relating to niche conservatism in this species may also influence how plasticity affects adaptive divergence, even where ample ecological opportunity apparently exists. PMID:27680019

Mitigation of wind-induced vibration of stay cables : numerical simulations and evaluations.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

Cable-stayed bridges have been recognized as the most efficient and cost effective structural form for medium-to-long-span bridges over the past several decades. With their widespread use, cases of serviceability problems associated : with large ampl...

Discrimination against Muslim American Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aroian, Karen J.

2012-01-01

Although there is ample evidence of discrimination toward Muslim Americans in general, there is limited information specific to Muslim American adolescents. The few existing studies specific to this age group suggest that Muslim American adolescents encounter much discrimination from teachers, school administrators, and classmates. This…

Ghrelin: much more than a hunger hormone

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ghrelin is a multifaceted gut hormone that activates its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). Ghrelin's hallmark functions are its stimulatory effects on growth hormone release, food intake and fat deposition. Ghrelin is famously known as the 'hunger hormone'. However, ample recen...

MASTER-Kislovodsk: new OT, ampl>6m

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vladimirov, V.; Lipunov, V.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Tiurina, N.; Kornilov, V.; Balanutsa, P.; Kuznetsov, A.; Chazov, V.; Gress, O.; Vlasenko, D.; Pogrosheva, T.; Zimnukhov, D.; Senik, V.; Kuvshinov, D.; Rebolo, R.; Serra-Ricart, M.; Gabovich, A.

2018-05-01

MASTER-Kislovodsk auto-detection system discovered OT source at (RA, Dec) = 03h 19m 57.28s +77d 11m 22.8s on 2018-04-29.83595 UT during Fermi trigger inspection (but this OT is not connected with GRB).

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Camps.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thurber, Christopher A.

2002-01-01

Effective camps share seven habits that are essential elements of success: internal leadership development, explicit expectations for staff, ample camper preparation, personal relationships, supervisors-in-residence, two-way communication flow, and commitment to self-improvement. Three key outcomes for directors, staff, and campers resulting from…

Wind tunnel investigations of an inclined stay cable with a helical fillet.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-09-01

Cable-stayed bridges have been recognized as the most efficient and cost effective structural form for medium-to-long-span bridges over the past several decades. With their widespread use, cases of serviceability problems associated : with large ampl...

The Effects of Pregnancy on Student Progress

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steinkamp, Sarah Hope

2017-01-01

Ample evidence exists establishing the relationship between pregnancy during high school and subsequent educational difficulties, yet little research has investigated the relationship between pregnancy during college and subsequent educational difficulties. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between pregnancy in…

AUTOMATED BIOCHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIAL FISH PATHOGENS USING THE ABBOTT QUANTUM II

EPA Science Inventory

The Quantum II, originally designed by Abbott Diagnostics for automated rapid identification of members of Enterobacteriaceae, was adapted for the identification of bacterial fish pathogens. he instrument operates as a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 492.600 nm. ample cartri...

Too Much or Too Little

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Obeng, Letitia E.

1975-01-01

All countries require an ample supply of water for agricultural and industrial uses. Most have sufficient water supplies, but availability and accessibility vary. With the development of water irrigation systems, health conditions often deteriorate. The author recommends a water management program to control quality and quantity of available…

Sports Facilities, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amelar, Sarah

2001-01-01

Highlights a new K-12 school gymnasium in Mexico that changes and reacts to weather conditions, requires no air conditioning, and, on typical days, uses sunlight filtering through its ample clerestory as the sole source of illumination. Includes numerous photographs, a section drawing, and a site plan. (GR)

Historical Examination of the Segregated School Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pellegrino, Anthony M.; Mann, Linda J.; Russell, William B., III

2013-01-01

Effective history teaching includes ample opportunities for students to develop historical thinking skills and habits of mind which encourage them to learn content beyond simple acquisition of facts. Covering the profound topic of segregation by employing multiple perspectives and encouraging investigation beyond the traditional narrative provides…

Acting Like Rain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baldwin, Kathryn; Wilson, Allison

2017-01-01

Having high-quality early childhood education programs that prepare children for success in school and later years continues to be an ever increasing national priority. While the "Next Generation Science Standards" ("NGSS") do not provide standards for preschool, there are ample opportunities to use the Standards as a guide to…

Self-Censorship in Course Diaries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jay, Timothy; Brooks, Peggy

2004-01-01

Ample evidence supports the notion that keeping a course-related diary improves students' writing, knowledge of material, and awareness of psychological processes. Scant evidence supports the authenticity and completeness of diary entries. A questionnaire was developed to assess students' perceptions of self-censorship and pedagogical value of…

Models as Relational Categories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kokkonen, Tommi

2017-01-01

Model-based learning (MBL) has an established position within science education. It has been found to enhance conceptual understanding and provide a way for engaging students in authentic scientific activity. Despite ample research, few studies have examined the cognitive processes regarding learning scientific concepts within MBL. On the other…

Film-Making as a School Activity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beal, J. David

1969-01-01

Fiction film production--begun several years ago to stimulate the participation of all students in dramatic and creative activities--has become a vital part of a school program, involving project organization and interdepartmental cooperation. The English department initiates the project, which provides ample opportunities for promoting linguistic…

Morphological Diversity and Polymorphism of Self-Assembling Collagen Peptides Controlled by Length of Hydrophobic Domains

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Synthetic collagen mimetic peptides are used to probe the role of hydrophobic forces in mediating protein self-assembly. Higher order association is an integral property of natural collagens, which assemble into fibers and meshes that comprise the extracellular matrix of connective tissues. The unique triple-helix fold fully exposes two-thirds of positions in the protein to solvent, providing ample opportunities for engineering interaction sites. Inclusion of just a few hydrophobic groups in a minimal peptide promotes a rich variety of self-assembly behaviors, resulting in hundred-nanometer to micron size nanodiscs and nanofibers. Morphology depends primarily on the length of hydrophobic domains. Peptide discs contain lipophilic domains capable of sequestering small hydrophobic dyes. Combining multiple peptide types result in composite structures of discs and fibers ranging from stars to plates-on-a-string. These systems provide valuable tools to shed insight into the fundamental principles underlying hydrophobicity-driven higher order protein association that will facilitate the design of self-assembling systems in biomaterials and nanomedical applications. PMID:25390880

A Three-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Focusing Method for Polyplex Synthesis

PubMed Central

Lu, Mengqian; Ho, Yi-Ping; Grigsby, Christopher L.; Nawaz, Ahmad Ahsan; Leong, Kam W.; Huang, Tony Jun

2014-01-01

Successful intracellular delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics relies on multi-aspect optimization, one of which is formulation. While there has been ample innovation on chemical design of polymeric gene carriers, the same cannot be said for physical processing of polymer-DNA nanocomplexes (polyplexes). Conventional synthesis of polyplexes by bulk mixing depends on the operators’ experience. The poorly controlled bulk-mixing process may also lead to batch-to-batch variation and consequent irreproducibility. Here, we synthesize polyplexes by using a three-dimensional hydrodynamic focusing (3D-HF) technique in a single-layered, planar microfluidic device. Without any additional chemical treatment or post processing, the polyplexes prepared by the 3D-HF method show smaller size, slower aggregation rate, and higher transfection efficiency, while exhibiting reduced cytotoxicity compared to the ones synthesized by conventional bulk mixing. In addition, by introducing external acoustic perturbation, mixing can be further enhanced, leading to even smaller nanocomplexes. The 3D-HF method provides a simple and reproducible process for synthesizing high-quality polyplexes, addressing a critical barrier in the eventual translation of nucleic acid therapeutics. PMID:24341632

Volcanic eruptions on Io: Heat flow, resurfacing, and lava composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blaney, Diana L.; Johnson, Torrence V.; Matson, Dennis L.; Veeder, Glenn J.

1995-01-01

We model an infrared outburst on Io as being due to a large, erupting lava flow which increased its area at a rate of 1.5 x 105/sq m and cooled from 1225 to 555 K over the 2.583-hr period of observation. The inferred effusion rate of 3 x 105 cu m/sec for this eruption is very high, but is not unprece- dented on the Earth and is similar to the high eruption rates suggested for early lunar volcanism. Eruptions occur approxi- mately 6% of the time on Io. These eruptions provide ample resurfacing to explain Io's lack of impact craters. We suggest that the large total radiometric heat flow, 1014 W, and the size and temperature distribution of the thermal anomalies (McEwen et al. 1992; Veeder et al. 1994) can be accounted for by a series of silicate lava flows in various stages of cooling. We propose that the whole suite of Io's currently observed thermal anomalies was produced by multiple, high-eruptive-rate silicate flows within the past century.

Volcanic eruptions on Io: Heat flow, resurfacing, and lava composition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blaney, Diana L.; Johnson, Torrence V.; Matson, Dennis L.; Veeder, Glenn J.

1995-01-01

We model an infrared outburst on Io as being due to a large, erupting lava flow which increased its area at a rate of 1.5 x 10(exp 5)/sq m and cooled from 1225 to 555 K over the 2.583-hr period of observation. The inferred effusion rate of 3 x 10(exp 5) cu m/sec for this eruption is very high, but is not unprece- dented on the Earth and is similar to the high eruption rates suggested for early lunar volcanism. Eruptions occur approxi- mately 6% of the time on Io. These eruptions provide ample resurfacing to explain Io's lack of impact craters. We suggest that the large total radiometric heat flow, 10(exp 14) W, and the size and temperature distribution of the thermal anomalies (McEwen et al. 1992; Veeder et al. 1994) can be accounted for by a series of silicate lava flows in various stages of cooling. We propose that the whole suite of Io's currently observed thermal anomalies was produced by multiple, high-eruptive-rate silicate flows within the past century.

M ssbauer spectroscopy

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

Hermann, Raphael P

2017-01-01

This most comprehensive and unrivaled compendium in the field provides an up-to-date account of the chemistry of solids, nanoparticles and hybrid materials. Following a valuable introductory chapter reviewing important synthesis techniques, the handbook presents a series of contributions by about 150 international leading experts -- the "Who's Who" of solid state science. Clearly structured, in six volumes it collates the knowledge available on solid state chemistry, starting from the synthesis, and modern methods of structure determination. Understanding and measuring the physical properties of bulk solids and the theoretical basis of modern computational treatments of solids are given ample space, asmore » are such modern trends as nanoparticles, surface properties and heterogeneous catalysis. Emphasis is placed throughout not only on the design and structure of solids but also on practical applications of these novel materials in real chemical situations.« less

Challenges in Conducting Qualitative Research with Persons with Dementia

PubMed Central

Beuscher, Linda; Grando, Victoria T.

2010-01-01

Qualitative research can capture the meaningful experiences and life values of persons with dementia not reported in quantitative studies. This researcher shares personal experience of the challenges faced and the lessons learned while conducting a qualitative study of 15 persons with early stage Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issues concerning determination of capacity to consent to research, consent/assent, communication challenges, and trustworthiness of data when conducting a qualitative study of persons with dementia. Understanding communication challenges due to dementia is important to develop effective communication strategies, such as simplifying the structure of questions, allowing ample time for participant’s response, using reminiscence, and redirecting the dialogue. This information will be valuable to researchers conducting future qualitative studies and the resulting contributions to the body of knowledge about Alzheimer’s PMID:20077988

Ventral pallidum roles in reward and motivation.

PubMed

Smith, Kyle S; Tindell, Amy J; Aldridge, J Wayne; Berridge, Kent C

2009-01-23

In recent years the ventral pallidum has become a focus of great research interest as a mechanism of reward and incentive motivation. As a major output for limbic signals, the ventral pallidum was once associated primarily with motor functions rather than regarded as a reward structure in its own right. However, ample evidence now suggests that ventral pallidum function is a major mechanism of reward in the brain. We review data indicating that (1) an intact ventral pallidum is necessary for normal reward and motivation, (2) stimulated activation of ventral pallidum is sufficient to cause reward and motivation enhancements, and (3) activation patterns in ventral pallidum neurons specifically encode reward and motivation signals via phasic bursts of excitation to incentive and hedonic stimuli. We conclude that the ventral pallidum may serve as an important 'limbic final common pathway' for mesocorticolimbic processing of many rewards.

Overcoming Bias: Cognitive Control Reduces Susceptibility to Framing Effects in Evaluating Musical Performance.

PubMed

Aydogan, Gökhan; Flaig, Nicole; Ravi, Srekar N; Large, Edward W; McClure, Samuel M; Margulis, Elizabeth Hellmuth

2018-04-18

Prior expectations can bias evaluative judgments of sensory information. We show that information about a performer's status can bias the evaluation of musical stimuli, reflected by differential activity of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Moreover, we demonstrate that decreased susceptibility to this confirmation bias is (a) accompanied by the recruitment of and (b) correlated with the white-matter structure of the executive control network, particularly related to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). By using long-duration musical stimuli, we were able to track the initial biasing, subsequent perception, and ultimate evaluation of the stimuli, examining the full evolution of these biases over time. Our findings confirm the persistence of confirmation bias effects even when ample opportunity exists to gather information about true stimulus quality, and underline the importance of executive control in reducing bias.

Autophagic Regulation of Lipid Homeostasis in Cardiometabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Yang, Mingjie; Zhang, Yingmei; Ren, Jun

2018-01-01

As an important protein quality control process, autophagy is essential for the degradation and removal of long-lived or injured cellular components and organelles. Autophagy is known to participate in a number of pathophysiological processes including cardiometabolic syndrome. Recent findings have shown compelling evidence for the intricate interplay between autophagy and lipid metabolism. Autophagy serves as a major regulator of lipid homeostasis while lipid can also influence autophagosome formation and autophagic signaling. Lipophagy is a unique form of selective autophagy and functions as a fundamental mechanism for clearance of lipid excess in atherosclerotic plaques. Ample of evidence has denoted a novel therapeutic potential for autophagy in deranged lipid metabolism and management of cardiometabolic diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetic cardiomyopathy. Here we will review the interplays between cardiac autophagy and lipid metabolism in an effort to seek new therapeutic options for cardiometabolic diseases.

Brothel prostitution in Columbia.

PubMed

de Gallo, M T; Alzate, H

1976-01-01

Peculiarities of Colombian brothel prostitution as well as its similarities to that practiced elsewhere are reported. Data gathered through interviews with a group of brothel residents in Manizales, and by means of participant observations in the brothels of several Colombian cities, indicate that economic factors play an important role in its etiology and maintenance. Incomplete "commercialization" of this prostitution system is described along with the negligible role played by pimps and the freedom Colombian prostitutes have to dispose of their earnings. Misconceptions about prostitutes pointed out by other authors (Pomeroy, 1965; Gebhard, 1969), such as marked infertility, irreligiousness, and homosexuality, are also contested by this study. Pomeroy's and Gebhard's findings of the prostitute's lack of regret about her trade are not confirmed. It is the authors' contention that prostitution shows ample sociocultural variations and that theoretical generalizations regarding it do not apply to different cultural milieus.

[Lifestyle medicine: the importance of considering all the causes of disease].

PubMed

Mora Ripoll, Ramón

2012-01-01

The enormous potential effects of health behavior change on mortality, morbidity, and health care costs provide ample motivation for the concept of lifestyle medicine. Lifestyle medicine involves the therapeutic use of lifestyle interventions on health and quality of life, and considers not only risk factors and markers, but also a range of antecedent factors from all levels of causality. Treatment would ultimate employ a combination of clinical (patient-centered) and public-health interventions. Examples of target patient behaviors include, but are not limited to, eliminating tobacco use, moderating alcohol consumption, increasing physical activity, improving diet, sleep, and emotional and mental well-being. The effective implementation of lifestyle medicine should be a priority within the necessary changes in current healthcare systems and public health policies. Copyright © 2010 SEP y SEPB. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Ample food for increasing population.

PubMed

1999-12-01

This article reports the results of a 4-year study conducted by the Austria-based International Institute of Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The conclusion states that China will be able to feed its people, even when the country's population soars to 1.5 billion, as is projected to happen by 2025. Such a conclusion contradicts the result of earlier research which found that China could not feed its growing population because of a shortage of arable land, and would have to import a large amount of food, pushing up world food prices and threatening the security of other nations. However, authors of the latest study say that the earlier work underestimated China's cultivated land and the larger role that scientific advances and technology could play. According to them, the country has great potential to increase its food supply if appropriate measures are adopted.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy for Label-Free Analysis of P. aeruginosa Quorum Sensing

PubMed Central

Bodelón, Gustavo; Montes-García, Verónica; Pérez-Juste, Jorge; Pastoriza-Santos, Isabel

2018-01-01

Bacterial quorum sensing systems regulate the production of an ample variety of bioactive extracellular compounds that are involved in interspecies microbial interactions and in the interplay between the microbes and their hosts. The development of new approaches for enabling chemical detection of such cellular activities is important in order to gain new insight into their function and biological significance. In recent years, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has emerged as an ultrasensitive analytical tool employing rationally designed plasmonic nanostructured substrates. This review highlights recent advances of SERS spectroscopy for label-free detection and imaging of quorum sensing-regulated processes in the human opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We also briefly describe the challenges and limitations of the technique and conclude with a summary of future prospects for the field. PMID:29868499

Algebraic Thinking through Koch Snowflake Constructions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ghosh, Jonaki B.

2016-01-01

Generalizing is a foundational mathematical practice for the algebra classroom. It entails an act of abstraction and forms the core of algebraic thinking. Kinach (2014) describes two kinds of generalization--by analogy and by extension. This article illustrates how exploration of fractals provides ample opportunity for generalizations of both…

Outdoor Recreation at Brock University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Breunig, Mary; O'Connell, Tim; Hutson, Garrett

2007-01-01

Brock University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs and is host to approximately 17,000 students. It is the only Canadian university located in a World Biosphere Reserve--the Niagara Escarpment. The Bruce Trail passes through campus, and offers ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, nature interpretation and outdoor…

Technical Education and Vocational Training in Developing Nations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Okolie, Ugochukwu Chinonso, Ed.

2017-01-01

Severe economic depression and the difficulty to acquire employment with adequate income have significant impact on a nation's social welfare. The need to provide ample educational opportunities is more imperative than ever, particularly in emerging economies. "Technical Education and Vocational Training in Developing Nations" is a…

Sustaining Students' Reading Comprehension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mariotti, Arleen P.

2010-01-01

Extensive research over the years indicates that there are at least five essential components teachers can include in their classroom to help their students comprehend and learn. These features include: (1) giving background and connecting to students' prior knowledge; (2) providing a strong vocabulary program; (3) setting aside ample opportunity…

Perceived Benefits of Human Sexuality Peer Facilitators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butler, Scott M.; Hartzell, Rose M.; Sherwood, Catherine M.

2008-01-01

Peer education, facilitation, and counseling programs are commonly utilized in primary and secondary prevention programs within colleges and universities. In addition, peer-based human sexuality discussions have been used as an adjunct to traditional human sexuality pedagogic programs over the last 20 years. Whereas ample evidence suggests that…

9 CFR 3.102 - Facilities, indoor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... be ventilated by natural or artificial means to provide a flow of fresh air for the marine mammals... housing marine mammals, including pools of water. (c) Lighting. Indoor housing facilities for marine mammals shall have ample lighting, by natural or artificial means, or both, of a quality, distribution...

9 CFR 3.102 - Facilities, indoor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... be ventilated by natural or artificial means to provide a flow of fresh air for the marine mammals... housing marine mammals, including pools of water. (c) Lighting. Indoor housing facilities for marine mammals shall have ample lighting, by natural or artificial means, or both, of a quality, distribution...

Promoting an Addiction to Reading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Preddy, Leslie B.

2007-01-01

The author has identified three kinds of readers: (1) resistive and struggling; (2) apathetic and reluctant; and (3) effective and motivated. The resistive and struggling reader is often the reader who needs help building reading competency and confidence while creating ample opportunity for practice. These readers often respond to relationships…

Interdisciplinary Lessons in Musical Acoustics: The Science-Math-Music Connection

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rogers, George L.

2004-01-01

The National Standards for Arts Education encourages teachers to help students make connections between music and other disciplines. Many state curriculum guides likewise encourage educators to integrate curricula and find common ground between different subjects. Music--particularly vocal music--offers ample opportunities to find relationships…

Identification of genes associated with low furanocoumarin content in grapefruit

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Some furanocoumarins in grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) are associated with the so-called grapefruit juice effect. Previous phytochemical quantification and genetic analysis suggested that the synthesis of these furanocoumarins may be controlled by a single gene in the pathway. In this study, cDNA-ampl...

Implantation of Louisiana Electric Cone Penetrometer System (LECOPS) for design of transportation facilities : executive summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-03-01

For several decades, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD) has been able to rely on an ample supply of labor with appropriate equipment to provide soil design data. Budget cutbacks have forced reduction in personnel and e...

Structure of an urban Christmas tree market

Treesearch

Thomas H. Pendleton; Lawrence D. Garrett; Lawrence D. Garrett

1973-01-01

The retail Christmas tree market in Winston-Salem, N.C., was studied 3 years. Types of retailers and their sales are described. Best sales were made by dealers who had lots on heavily traveled streets in business districts, had ample parking facilities, advertised, and displayed their trees well.

An Engaging, yet Failed Flip

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krahenbuhl, Kevin S.

2017-01-01

The flipped classroom is growing significantly as a model of learning in higher education. However, there are ample problems with the research on flipped classrooms, including where success is often defined by student perceptions and a lack of consistent, empirical research supporting improved academic learning. This quasi-experimental study…

Merits of Non-Invasive Rat Models of Left Ventricular Heart Failure

EPA Science Inventory

Heart failure (HF) is defined primarily by the impairment of cardiac function and consequent inability of the heart to supply tissues with ample oxygen. To study HF etiology, investigators have applied many different techniques to elicit this condition in animals, with varying de...

Snow Bank Detectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olson, Eric A.; Rule, Audrey C.; Dehm, Janet

2005-01-01

In the city where the authors live, located on the shore of Lake Ontario, children have ample opportunity to interact with snow. Water vapor rising from the relatively warm lake surface produces tremendous "lake effect" snowfalls when frigid winter winds blow. Snow piles along roadways after each passing storm, creating impressive snow…

UCD IIRG at TREC 2012 Medical Track

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-01

documents. For ex- ample, the query “shakespeare.author” would en- sure that documents matching shakespeare in the au- thor field are returned. On the...corpus side, field extents are identified using XMLlike markup, e.g. <author> shakespeare </author>. 3 System Background & Motivation This section outlines

14 CFR 23.1563 - Airspeed placards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... multiengine-powered airplanes of more than 6,000 pounds maximum weight, and turbine engine-powered airplanes, the maximum value of the minimum control speed, VMC (one-engine-inoperative) determined under § 23.149... control and the airspeed indicator has features such as low speed awareness that provide ample warning...

14 CFR 23.1563 - Airspeed placards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... multiengine-powered airplanes of more than 6,000 pounds maximum weight, and turbine engine-powered airplanes, the maximum value of the minimum control speed, VMC (one-engine-inoperative) determined under § 23.149... control and the airspeed indicator has features such as low speed awareness that provide ample warning...

Faculty Teaching Climate: Scale Construction and Initial Validation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knorek, John Kenneth

2012-01-01

The concept "academic culture" has been used as a framework to understand faculty work in higher education. Academic culture research builds on organizational psychology concepts of culture and climate to better understand employee practices and work phenomenon. Ample research has investigated faculty teaching at the disciplinary and…

USE OF MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR FOR BIODEGRADATION OF MTBE IN CONTAMINATED WATER1

EPA Science Inventory

An ultrafiltration membrane bioreactor was evaluated for biodegradation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in contaminated water. The system was fed 5 mg/L MTBE in granular activated carbon (GAC) treated Cincinnati tap water containing ample buffer and nutrients. Within 120...

Children's Emotional Expressivity and Teacher Perceptions of Social Competence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Louie, Jennifer Yu; Wang, Shu-wen; Fung, Joey; Lau, Anna

2015-01-01

Previous research suggests that adult perceptions of children's social competence may vary depending on the socialization goals in a given cultural context. There is also ample evidence of cultural differences in values concerning emotional display, with East Asian collectivistic contexts favoring restraint and Western individualistic contexts…

[Fire in the operating room].

PubMed

Koljonen, Virve; Mäkisalo, Heikki

2013-01-01

This article reviews the recent literature on operating room fires. Most of the reported cases have occurred from a spark from an ignition source in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. Fire requires the presence of three components which all are ample in the operating room: heat, flammable materials or flammable gases.

Phase diagram calculations and high pressure Raman spectroscopy studies of organic "plastic crystal" thermal energy storage materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chellappa, Raja S.

This dissertation presents the phase diagram calculations and high pressure Raman spectroscopy studies on organic "plastic crystal" thermal storage materials. The organic "plastic crystals" that were studied include pentaerythritol [PE:C(CH 2OH)4], neopentylglycol [NPG:(CH3)2C(CH 2OH)2], tris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane [TRIS:(NH2 )C(CH2OH)3], and 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol [AMPL: (NH2)(CH3)C(CH2OH)2]. Thermodynamic optimization of the experimental data of AMPL-NPG and PE-AMPL binary system was performed and the calculated phase diagrams are presented. A preliminary calculated phase diagram of the TRIS-NPG binary system is also presented. A thorough reevaluation of the existing calorimetric and x-ray diffraction data of the PE-AMPL binary system is also presented. This analysis resulted in the correct interpretation of the phase boundaries and a revised phase diagram has been drawn. The results of high pressure Raman spectroscopy experiments on neopentylglycol and pentaerythritol presented. The phase transformation pressures were determined by analyzing the frequency shifts as a function of pressure as well as the changes in the internal modes of vibration for these compounds. A simplified assignment of the vibrational modes for NPG at ambient pressure is presented. The results indicate experiments were carried out using Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC) and the pressure induced transformations were studied by Raman spectroscopy. In NPG, a phase transition occurs at ˜3.6 GPa from Phase I (Monoclinic) to Phase II (unknown structure). In PE, the proposed phase transformation pressures are ˜4.8 GPa (Phase I to Phase II), ˜6.9 GPa (Phase II to Phase III), ˜9.5 GPa (Phase III to Phase IV), and ˜15 GPa (Phase IV to Amorphous). The results of a critical assessment of the vapor pressure data of solid metal carbonyls. The vapor pressure data of Chromium Carbonyl (Cr(CO)6), Tungsten Carbonyl (W(CO)6 ), Osmium Carbonyl (Os3(CO)12), Molybdenum Carbonyl (MO(CO)6). Rhenium Carbonyl (Re2(CO)10), and Manganese Carbonyl (Mn(CO)5) were assessed using the "Oonk Methodology". The sublimation properties using the assessed data (Delta subGo,DeltasubH o and Deltasub Cop,m ) of these compounds have been evaluated and a discussion on the mutual consistency of various data sets for each compound over a wide range of temperature is also presented.

Minimum Pool and Bull Trout Prey Base Investigations at Beulah Reservoir - Final Report for 2008

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rose, Brien P.; Mesa, Matthew G.

2009-01-01

Beulah Reservoir in southeastern Oregon provides irrigation water to nearby farms and supports an adfluvial population of threatened bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). Summer drawdowns in the reservoir could affect forage fish production and overwintering bull trout. To assess the impacts of drawdown, we sampled fish, invertebrates, and water-quality variables seasonally during 2006-08. In 2006, the summer drawdown was about 68 percent of full pool, which was less than a typical drawdown of 85 percent. We detected few changes in pelagic invertebrate densities, and catch rates, abundance, and sizes of fish when comparing values from spring to values from fall. We did note that densities of benthic insects in areas that were dewatered annually were lower than those from areas that were not dewatered annually. In 2007, the drawdown was 100 percent (to run-of-river level) and resulted in decreases in abundance of invertebrates as much as 96 percent, decreases in catch rates of fish as much as 80 percent, decreases in abundance of redside shiners (Richardsonius balteatus) and northern pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis) as much as 93 percent, and decreased numbers of small fish in catches. In the fall 2007, we estimated the total biomass of forage fish to be 76 kilograms, or about one-quarter of total biomass of forage fish in 2006. Bioenergetics modeling suggested that ample forage for about 1,000 bull trout would exist after a moderate drawdown, but that forage remaining after a complete dewatering would not be sufficient for a population one-fifth the size. Our results indicate that drawdowns in Beulah Reservoir affect the aquatic community and perhaps the health and well-being of bull trout. The severity of effects depends on the extent of drawdown, population size of bull trout, and perhaps other factors.

Potentials and problems of building detailed dust records using peat archives: An example from Store Mosse (the "Great Bog"), Sweden

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kylander, Malin E.; Martínez-Cortizas, Antonio; Bindler, Richard; Greenwood, Sarah L.; Mörth, Carl-Magnus; Rauch, Sebastien

2016-10-01

Mineral dust deposition is a process often overlooked in northern mid-latitudes, despite its potential effects on ecosystems. These areas are often peat-rich, providing ample material for the reconstruction of past changes in atmospheric deposition. The highly organic (up to 99% in some cases) matrix of atmospherically fed mires, however, makes studying the actual dust particles (grain size, mineralogy) challenging. Here we explore some of the potentials and problems of using geochemical data from conservative, lithogenic elements (Al, Ga, Rb, Sc, Y, Zr, Th, Ti and REE) to build detailed dust records by using an example from the 8900-yr peat sequence from Store Mosse (the ;Great Bog;), which is the largest mire complex in the boreo-nemoral region of southern Sweden. The four dust events recorded at this site were elementally distinct, suggesting different dominant mineral hosts. The oldest and longest event (6385-5300 cal yr BP) sees a clear signal of clay input but with increasing contributions of mica, feldspar and middle-REE-rich phosphate minerals over time. These clays are likely transported from a long-distance source (<100 km). While dust deposition was reduced during the second event (5300-4370 cal yr BP), this is the most distinct in terms of its source character with [Eu/Eu∗]UCC revealing the input of plagioclase feldspar from a local source, possibly active during this stormier period. The third (2380-2200 cal yr BP) and fourth (1275-1080 cal yr BP) events are much shorter in duration and the presence of clays and heavy minerals is inferred. Elemental mass accumulation rates reflect these changes in mineralogy where the relative importance of the four dust events varies by element. The broad changes in major mineral hosts, grain size, source location and approximated net dust deposition rates observed in the earlier dust events of longer duration agree well with paleoclimatic changes observed in northern Europe. The two most recent dust events are much shorter in duration, which in combination with evidence of their local and regional character, may explain why they have not been seen elsewhere.

X-ray Computed Tomography Assessment of Air Void Distribution in Concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Haizhu

Air void size and spatial distribution have long been regarded as critical parameters in the frost resistance of concrete. In cement-based materials, entrained air void systems play an important role in performance as related to durability, permeability, and heat transfer. Many efforts have been made to measure air void parameters in a more efficient and reliable manner in the past several decades. Standardized measurement techniques based on optical microscopy and stereology on flat cut and polished surfaces are widely used in research as well as in quality assurance and quality control applications. Other more automated methods using image processing have also been utilized, but still starting from flat cut and polished surfaces. The emergence of X-ray computed tomography (CT) techniques provides the capability of capturing the inner microstructure of materials at the micrometer and nanometer scale. X-ray CT's less demanding sample preparation and capability to measure 3D distributions of air voids directly provide ample prospects for its wider use in air void characterization in cement-based materials. However, due to the huge number of air voids that can exist within a limited volume, errors can easily arise in the absence of a formalized data processing procedure. In this study, air void parameters in selected types of cement-based materials (lightweight concrete, structural concrete elements, pavements, and laboratory mortars) have been measured using micro X-ray CT. The focus of this study is to propose a unified procedure for processing the data and to provide solutions to deal with common problems that arise when measuring air void parameters: primarily the reliable segmentation of objects of interest, uncertainty estimation of measured parameters, and the comparison of competing segmentation parameters.

Evaluating the Implementation and Effectiveness of Reflection Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boutet, Isabelle; Vandette, Marie-Pier; Valiquette-Tessier, Sophie-Claire

2017-01-01

There is ample theoretical justification for incorporating reflection exercises as a tool for preparing students for life beyond university, yet the utility of such exercises needs to be documented if resources are to be devoted to their implementation. This study describes the implementation and evaluates the effectiveness of a reflection…

7 CFR 1753.27 - Bidding procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... AGRICULTURE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Construction of Buildings § 1753.27.... (b) The borrower shall determine that title to the real estate has been approved by RUS before the invitations to bid are released. (c) The borrower shall set the time for opening of bids, allowing ample time...

INTERIOR VIEW OF TANK CHARGING ROOM ON LEVEL 4; NOTE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

INTERIOR VIEW OF TANK CHARGING ROOM ON LEVEL 4; NOTE HERRINGBONE-PATTERNED BRICK FLOOR; TIMBER SUBSTRUCTURE CARRIED CRANE USED TO REMOVE HEAVY TANK COVERS; WINDOWS IN ROOFTOP MONITOR PROVIDED AMPLE NATURAL LIGHT - Rath Packing Company, Inedible Tank House, Sycamore Street between Elm & Eighteenth Streets, Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA

A Vision of Success: How Nutrient Management Will Enhance and Sustain Ecosystem Services

EPA Science Inventory

Clean air and water, ample food, renewable fuels, productive fisheries, diverse ecosystems, resilient coasts and watersheds: these are some of the benefits that depend on sustainable nitrogen use and management. Thus, in our vision of the future, uses of reactive nitrogen are suf...

Animal Well-Being in Small Poultry Flocks: Improving bird health and product quality

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Consumer interest in farm animal welfare is increasing and, while there is little legislation, voluntary welfare assurance programs exist; however, most small poultry producers do not participate in these programs. Raising birds in small flocks has some inherent welfare advantages, such as ample sp...

9 CFR 354.224 - Water supply.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Water supply. 354.224 Section 354.224....224 Water supply. The water supply shall be ample, clean, and potable with adequate facilities for its distribution in the plant and its protection against contamination and pollution. (a) Hot water at a...

Narratives of Community Garden Education: Bridging Social Capital, Ecoliteracy, and Civic Leadership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Correa, Carly K. V.

2013-01-01

Ample evidence suggests that environmental problems, and their impacts to present and future generations, require our utmost attention. Education within schools "and" communities play critical roles in shaping the perceptions and relationships people have to their natural and social environments. However, few studies have examined the…

Attention to Hierarchical Level Influences Attentional Selection of Spatial Scale

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flevaris, Anastasia V.; Bentin, Shlomo; Robertson, Lynn C.

2011-01-01

Ample evidence suggests that global perception may involve low spatial frequency (LSF) processing and that local perception may involve high spatial frequency (HSF) processing (Shulman, Sullivan, Gish, & Sakoda, 1986; Shulman & Wilson, 1987; Robertson, 1996). It is debated whether SF selection is a low-level mechanism associating global…

Tudor and Stuart Drama. Goldentree Bibliographies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ribner, Irving, Comp.

This selective bibliography, a guide to scholarship in Tudor and Stuart drama, attempts to provide ample coverage of the major topics and authors, with emphasis on work published since 1920. References excluded are most non-English studies, studies devoted exclusively to anonymous plays or those of minor authors, and unpublished dissertations.…

Web-Based versus Classroom-Based Instruction: An Empirical Comparison of Student Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thrasher, Evelyn H.; Coleman, Phillip D.; Atkinson, J. Kirk

2012-01-01

Higher education expenditures are being increasingly targeted toward distance learning, with a large portion focused specifically on web-based instruction (WBI). WBI and classroom-based instruction (CBI) tend to offer students diverse options for their education. Thus, it is imperative that colleges and universities have ample, accurate…

Exposure to concentrated coarse air pollution particles causes mild cardiopulmonary effects in young healthy adults

EPA Science Inventory

Rationale: There is ample epidemiological and toxicological evidence that exposure to fme air pollution particles (PM2.5), which are primarily derived from combustion processes, can result in increased mortality and morbidity. There is less certainty as to the contribution of coa...

A Systematic Literature Review of Faculty Development for Teacher Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phuong, Tam T.; Cole, S. Catherine; Zarestky, Jill

2018-01-01

Although ample literature exists regarding the effectiveness of faculty development (FD) activities, there is a gap in the literature synthesizing its outcomes. This review, using a predetermined review protocol, analyzed 22 publications on FD for teacher educators using Kirkpatrick's training evaluation taxonomy. We found that North American…

First-String Field Houses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Erin

1999-01-01

Discusses how to build field houses that not only cater to athletes and recreational users alike but are also designed and supplied to satisfy a wide range of interests and abilities. Tips include having good flooring; using divider curtains; and providing ample space to store equipment, supplies, and portable surfaces to aid facility personnel.…

9 CFR 354.224 - Water supply.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Water supply. 354.224 Section 354.224....224 Water supply. The water supply shall be ample, clean, and potable with adequate facilities for its distribution in the plant and its protection against contamination and pollution. (a) Hot water at a...

Transforming the Early Care and Education Workforce

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vecchiotti, Sara

2018-01-01

There is ample opportunity for state boards to improve outcomes for children by strengthening the early care and education workforce and thereby improving the quality of early care and education. Ensuring that ECE professionals have the knowledge, supports, and resources they need to support children's learning is one avenue to improving the…

Cross-coupling of alkenyl/aryl carboxylates with Grignard reagent via Fe-catalyzed C-O bond activation.

PubMed

Li, Bi-Jie; Xu, Li; Wu, Zhen-Hua; Guan, Bing-Tao; Sun, Chang-Liang; Wang, Bi-Qin; Shi, Zhang-Jie

2009-10-21

Iron-catalyzed cross-coupling of alkenyl/aryl carboxylates with primary alkyl Grignard reagent was described. This reaction brought a new family of electrophiles to iron catalysis. The combination of an inexpensive carboxylate electrophile and an iron catalyst would generate ample advantages.

Turning around Schools: A View from the Superintendent/Central Office as Policy Implementers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grandson, Charles A., IV

2014-01-01

This single case study examines how stakeholders of a local education agency (LEA) understand and implement state turnaround policy for its chronically underperforming schools. While there is ample research on how to improve chronically underperforming schools, a research gap exists specifically around addressing implementation of mandated…

Positive Workplace Dynamics: A Qualitative Exploration of Exceptional Performance in Community College Units

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stapleton, R. Michael

2013-01-01

This companion dissertation reports the findings of applied case study research on four community college organizational units that consistently meet or exceed standard performance measures. In addition, prior ample evidence confirmed that performance extended significantly beyond what might be explained by available tangible resources alone. The…

The Regional Accreditation Process at Community Colleges: A Case Study of Effectiveness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Alissa L.

2013-01-01

This companion dissertation reports the findings of applied case study research on four community college organizational units that consistently meet or exceed standard performance measures. In addition, prior ample evidence confirms that performance extended significantly beyond what might be explained by available tangible resources alone. The…

Energy Storage Laboratory | Energy Systems Integration Facility | NREL

Science.gov Websites

technologies. Key Infrastructure Energy storage system inverter, energy storage system simulators, research Plug-In Vehicles/Mobile Storage The plug-in vehicles/mobile storage hub includes connections for small integration. Key Infrastructure Ample house power, REDB access, charging stations, easy vehicle parking access

Connecting with New Social Movements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lavender, Peter

2005-01-01

In this article, the author discusses the emergence of unions and social movements which provide opportunities for adult educators in forwarding their adult literacy campaigns. The author describes the recent World Social Forum (WSF), held at the end of January in Porto Alegre, that provides ample opportunities for adult educators to make…

Delayed Cutaneous Hypersensitivity Reactions to Antibiotics: Management with Desensitization.

PubMed

McNulty, Caitlin M G; Park, Miguel A

2017-11-01

Successful desensitization to mild to moderate delayed cutaneous adverse reaction to antibiotics has been described in a limited number of antibiotics and found to be safe. However, there are ample opportunities to standardize protocols for delayed cutaneous adverse reactions to antibiotics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Directory of Accredited Private Home Study Schools, 1971.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Home Study Council, Washington, DC.

This directory of accredited private home study schools lists 152 schools which have met the following standards set by the National Home Study Council: competent faculty; educationally sound and up-to-date courses; careful screening of students for admission; satisfactory educational services; demonstration of ample student success and…

Directory of Accredited Private Home Study Schools, 1970.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Home Study Council, Washington, DC.

This directory of accredited private home study schools lists 137 schools which have met the following standards set by the National Home Study Council: competent faculty; educationally sound and up-to-date courses; careful screening of students for admission; satisfactory educational services; demonstration of ample student success and…

Choice-Driven Peer Play, Self-Regulation and Number Sense

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ivrendi, Asiye

2016-01-01

Peer play provides ample opportunities for the use and development of self-regulatory and mathematical skills. This study aimed at examining whether children's engagement in solitary low-level play, interactive play and competent play influences their self-regulatory and number sense skills. The effect of demographic variables and children's…

Bringing Reality into the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heck, Andre

2009-01-01

Technology offers ample opportunities to bring reality into the classroom. Students and teachers nowadays have many tools to work in an authentic way with real data in mathematics and science education. However, much research and development are still needed to create a consistent learning trajectory out of the many exciting single activities.…

EFL College Students' Attitudes towards Mobile Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dashti, Fatimah A.; Aldashti, Abdulmohsen A.

2015-01-01

Recently, cell phones have received much attention in the context of EFL/ESL learning. Mobile learning, in general, and distant learning, in particular, in educational contexts has been approached by educationalist all over the world (Hwang & Chang, 2011). Presently, countries pay ample attention to mobile learning in education. Despite the…

MOLECULAR METHODS USED TO ASSESS THE RISKS OF TRANSGENE FLOW; BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS

EPA Science Inventory

The US EPA WED has initiated a gene flow project to characterize ecological risks of gene flow from GM plants to native species. Development of molecular assays for risk characterization down to gene expression level is of high interest to the EPA. Phylogenetic analyses of ampl...

9 CFR 354.224 - Water supply.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Water supply. 354.224 Section 354.224....224 Water supply. The water supply shall be ample, clean, and potable with adequate facilities for its distribution in the plant and its protection against contamination and pollution. (a) Hot water at a...

9 CFR 354.224 - Water supply.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Water supply. 354.224 Section 354.224....224 Water supply. The water supply shall be ample, clean, and potable with adequate facilities for its distribution in the plant and its protection against contamination and pollution. (a) Hot water at a...

9 CFR 354.224 - Water supply.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Water supply. 354.224 Section 354.224....224 Water supply. The water supply shall be ample, clean, and potable with adequate facilities for its distribution in the plant and its protection against contamination and pollution. (a) Hot water at a...

Modeling Statistical Insensitivity: Sources of Suboptimal Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gagliardi, Annie; Feldman, Naomi H.; Lidz, Jeffrey

2017-01-01

Children acquiring languages with noun classes (grammatical gender) have ample statistical information available that characterizes the distribution of nouns into these classes, but their use of this information to classify novel nouns differs from the predictions made by an optimal Bayesian classifier. We use rational analysis to investigate the…

Reciprocity and Social Capital in Sibling Relationships of People with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kramer, John; Hall, Allison; Heller, Tamar

2013-01-01

Sibling relationships are some of the longest-lasting relationships people experience, providing ample opportunities to build connections across the life span. For siblings and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), these connections take on an increased significance as their families age and parents can no longer provide…

Drug Use Disorder (DUD) Questionnaire: Scale Development and Validation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scherer, Michael; Furr-Holden, C. Debra; Voas, Robert B.

2013-01-01

Background: Despite the ample interest in the measurement of substance abuse and dependence, obtaining biological samples from participants as a means to validate a scale is considered time and cost intensive and is, subsequently, largely overlooked. Objectives: To report the psychometric properties of the drug use disorder (DUD) questionnaire…

Teacher Beliefs Shape Learning for All Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Torff, Bruce

2011-01-01

Folk beliefs in our culture support less rigorous curriculum for disadvantaged students, and initiatives to encourage educators to rethink these beliefs are in order. But that's not so easily accomplished. There's ample evidence that all kinds of beliefs are resistant to change. Nonetheless, research shows that disadvantaged students could handle…

9 CFR 354.226 - Lighting and ventilation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Lighting and ventilation. 354.226 Section 354.226 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Facilities § 354.226 Lighting and ventilation. There shall be ample light, either natural or artificial or...

Flexibility in Statistical Word Segmentation: Finding Words in Foreign Speech

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graf Estes, Katharine; Gluck, Stephanie Chen-Wu; Bastos, Carolina

2015-01-01

The present experiments investigated the flexibility of statistical word segmentation. There is ample evidence that infants can use statistical cues (e.g., syllable transitional probabilities) to segment fluent speech. However, it is unclear how effectively infants track these patterns in unfamiliar phonological systems. We examined whether…

Structuring Opportunity after Entry: Who Has Access to High Quality Instruction during College?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roksa, Josipa

2016-01-01

Background/Context: When inequality of opportunity is discussed in higher education, it typically pertains to access to college. Ample research has examined sociodemographic inequalities in transition to higher education and enrollment in particular types of institutions. Although providing valuable insights, social stratification research does…

Assertive Classroom Management Strategies and Students' Performance: The Case of EFL Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aliakbari, Mohammad; Bozorgmanesh, Bafrin

2015-01-01

Ample research findings support the effective role that classroom management strategies play in enhancing students' learning. Drawing upon Iranian high school teachers' classroom management strategies, this article is intended to examine the extent to which these teachers follow assertive classroom management strategies and if these strategies…

Turning around Schools: A View from Teachers as Policy Implementers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chisum, Jamie B.

2014-01-01

This single case study examines how stakeholders of a local education agency (LEA) understand and implement state turnaround policy for its chronically underperforming schools. While there is ample research on how to improve chronically underperforming schools, that research becomes limited when looking at turnaround implementation actions that…

Continuous Professional Learning through School Based Strategic Planning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tytler, Russell

2007-01-01

There is ample evidence that in many countries school science is in difficulty, with declining student attitudes and uptake of science. This presentation argues that a key to addressing the problem lies in transforming teachers' classroom practice, and that pedagogical innovation is best supported within a school context. Evidence for effective…

Transformational Leadership and Organizational Commitment: A Study of UNC System Business School Department Chairs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luton, Bill

2010-01-01

Ample evidence is available citing a positive relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment (Boerner et al., 2007; Bono & Judge, 2003; Bycio, Hackett, & Allen, 1995; Chen, 2004; Emery & Barker, 2007; Walumbwa, Orwa, Wang, & Lawler, 2005). The majority of research on leadership in higher education,…

9 CFR 3.26 - Facilities, indoor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... housing facilities for guinea pigs or hamsters shall be sufficiently heated when necessary to protect the... facilities for guinea pigs or hamsters shall have ample light, by natural or artificial means, or both, of.... Primary enclosures shall be so placed as to protect the guinea pigs or hamsters from excessive...

Taming the Wild: Approaches to Nature in Japanese Early Childhood Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burke, Rachael S.

2014-01-01

The Japanese early childhood curriculum provides ample opportunities for children to interact with nature and to learn about natural phenomena. However, using Kalland (1995) and Martinez's (2008) theories about Japanese constructions of nature, this paper argues that most Japanese early childhood experiences do not constitute direct contact with…

The Future of the Image in Critical Pedagogy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, Tyson E.

2011-01-01

Although there is ample interrogation of advertising/commercial/media culture in critical pedagogy, there is little attention paid to the fine arts and to aesthetic experience. This lacuna is all the more perplexing given Paulo Freire's use of artist Francisco Brenand's illustrations ("Education for Critical Consciousness." Continuum, New York,…

Stakeholder and Process Alignment in Navy Installation Technology Transitions

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-01

ments are all deal-breakers if they are not addressed. For ex- ample, the UFC currently prohibit the use of stationary lithium - ion battery systems...inside occupied structures. A technology using lithium - ion batteries must get approval or a waiver for testing, evaluation and validation. If the

Turning around Schools: A View from School Leaders as Policy Implementers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geiser, Jill S.

2014-01-01

This single case study examines how stakeholders of a local education agency (LEA) understand and implement state turnaround policy for its chronically underperforming schools. While there is ample research on how to improve chronically underperforming schools, that research becomes limited when looking at turnaround implementation actions that…

Why Community Engagement Matters in School Turnaround

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McAlister, Sara

2013-01-01

Research shows that an authentically engaged community improves schools--not just by participating in school events, but also by helping to shape reform. Family and community engagement is a proven strategy for strengthening schools. There is also ample evidence that schools serving large populations of students of color and students living in…

A Case Study of the Development of an Early Retirement Program for University Faculty.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chronister, Jay L.; Trainer, Aileen

1985-01-01

To offset declining enrollments, financial constraints, younger faculties, and high tenure ratios, some institutions are considering early retirement programs to facilitate faculty turnover. A University of Virginia faculty committee reviewed several early retirement options and selected a cost-effective bridging program with ample incentives and…

49 CFR 230.43 - Gauge siphon.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... TRANSPORTATION STEAM LOCOMOTIVE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS Boilers and Appurtenances Steam Gauges § 230.43 Gauge siphon. The steam gauge supply pipe shall have a siphon on it of ample capacity to prevent steam from entering the gauge. The supply pipe shall directly enter the boiler and be maintained steam...

[Family Health: the challenge of a collective attention].

PubMed

Moimaz, Suzely Adas Saliba; Fadel, Cristina Berger; Yarid, Sérgio Donha; Diniz, Diego Garcia

2011-01-01

The Family Health Strategies, incorporated by the Ministry of Health in 1994, has consolidated the national policy of health care that has as its main care focus the family. In this model, this institution constitutes the first object of attention, understood from its environment and interaction. In recent decades, the Brazilian family structure is suffering profound changes that directly affect the practices of health care. This study redeem the family concepts and ideas and their social representations and still prove and present the importance and the necessity of the use of these ample instruments of collective boarding in health area: the APGAR, the genogram and eco-map, using the environment observation and family history--crucial factors to the reality of the nuclear family diagnosis - for further planning of health action strategies. It was concluded that the current structure of the family require training from the health teams, for physical, cultural, biological and social points of the family context for the correct use of the instruments cited, important tools for collective approach in the public health area.

A simulation study of gene-by-environment interactions in GWAS implies ample hidden effects

PubMed Central

Marigorta, Urko M.; Gibson, Greg

2014-01-01

The switch to a modern lifestyle in recent decades has coincided with a rapid increase in prevalence of obesity and other diseases. These shifts in prevalence could be explained by the release of genetic susceptibility for disease in the form of gene-by-environment (GxE) interactions. Yet, the detection of interaction effects requires large sample sizes, little replication has been reported, and a few studies have demonstrated environmental effects only after summing the risk of GWAS alleles into genetic risk scores (GRSxE). We performed extensive simulations of a quantitative trait controlled by 2500 causal variants to inspect the feasibility to detect gene-by-environment interactions in the context of GWAS. The simulated individuals were assigned either to an ancestral or a modern setting that alters the phenotype by increasing the effect size by 1.05–2-fold at a varying fraction of perturbed SNPs (from 1 to 20%). We report two main results. First, for a wide range of realistic scenarios, highly significant GRSxE is detected despite the absence of individual genotype GxE evidence at the contributing loci. Second, an increase in phenotypic variance after environmental perturbation reduces the power to discover susceptibility variants by GWAS in mixed cohorts with individuals from both ancestral and modern environments. We conclude that a pervasive presence of gene-by-environment effects can remain hidden even though it contributes to the genetic architecture of complex traits. PMID:25101110

CESIC: a new technology for lightweight and cost effective space instrument structures and mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devilliers, Christophe; Kroedel, Matthias R.

2005-08-01

For some years Alcatel Space has been interested in the development of a new material to produce lightweight, stiff, stable and cost effective structures and mirrors for space instrument. Cesic from ECM has been selected for its intrinsic properties (high specific modulus, high conductivity, quite low thermal expansion coefficient and high fracture toughness for a ceramic material), added to ample manufacturing capabilities. Under ESA responsibility, a flight representative optical bench of Cesic has been designed, manufactured and tested. The optical bench has been submitted with success to intensive vibration tests up to 80 g on shaker without problem and was tested down to 30 K showing very high stability. Cesic is also envisaged for large and lightweight space telescope mirrors. Coatings on the Cesic substrate have been developed and qualified for the most stringent optical needs. To prove the lightweight capability, a large Cesic mirror D=950 mm with an area mass of less than 25 kg/m2 has been designed, sized again launch loads and WFE performance, and then manufactured. Cesic is also envisaged for large future focal plane holding a large number of detectors assuring high stability thanks to its high thermal conductivity. A full size Cesic focal plane has been already successfully built and tested. Based on these successful results, Alcatel Space is now in position to propose for space projects this technology mastered in common with ECM both for mirrors and structures with new innovative concepts thanks to the manufacturing capabilities of this technology.

Demography and ecology of mangrove diamondback terrapins in a wilderness area of Everglades National Park, Florida, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hart, K.M.; McIvor, C.C.

2008-01-01

Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are distributed in brackish water habitats along the U.S. east coast from Massachusetts to Texas, but many populations may be in decline. Whereas ample morphological, behavioral, and reproductive information has been collected for terrapins living in temperate salt marsh habitats, comparatively little is known about mangrove terrapins. To understand population structure of mangrove M. terrapin living in a wilderness area, we conducted a capture-recapture study in the remote, protected Big Sable Creek complex of Everglades National Park, Florida. The goals of the study were to collect baseline demographic data and to compare population structure and growth rates of mangrove terrapins with what is known for more well studied salt marsh terrapins in locations that experience human-imposed threats. We marked 300 terrapins; the sex ratio was 1 female:1.2 males. Considerable sexual size dimorphism was apparent, with reproductively mature females three times larger (by mass) than mature males. Eighty percent of females and 94% of males were classified as mature, based on straight plastron length (SPL). For a subset of terrapins not yet at maximum size (n = 39), we measured growth as a change in straight carapace length over time of 0.3-26.4 mm/yr for females (n = 26) and 0.9-14.5 mm/yr for males (n = 13). Our study presents the first demographic data on mangrove M. terrapin in the coastal Everglades. ?? 2008 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.

A putative role for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in optimising ovarian reserve expenditure.

PubMed

Pankhurst, Michael W

2017-04-01

The mammalian ovary has a finite supply of oocytes, which are contained within primordial follicles where they are arrested in a dormant state. The number of primordial follicles in the ovary at puberty is highly variable between females of the same species. Females that enter puberty with a small ovarian reserve are at risk of a shorter reproductive lifespan, as their ovarian reserve is expected to be depleted faster. One of the roles of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is to inhibit primordial follicle activation, which slows the rate at which the ovarian reserve is depleted. A simple interpretation is that the function of AMH is to conserve ovarian reserve. However, the females with the lowest ovarian reserve and the greatest risk of early reserve depletion have the lowest levels of AMH. In contrast, AMH apparently strongly inhibits primordial follicle activation in females with ample ovarian reserve, for reasons that remain unexplained. The rate of primordial follicle activation determines the size of the developing follicle pool, which in turn, determines how many oocytes are available to be selected for ovulation. This review discusses the evidence that AMH regulates the size of the developing follicle pool by altering the rate of primordial follicle activation in a context-dependent manner. The expression patterns of AMH across life are also consistent with changing requirements for primordial follicle activation in the ageing ovary. A potential role of AMH in the fertility of ageing females is proposed herein. © 2017 Society for Endocrinology.

The Effect of Carrier Properties on the Ballistic Processing of Sn-0.7 Cu Thick Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hille, David M.

The need for metallic films has increased since the creation of electronic components. The continued miniaturization of systems and components has led to a greater demand for both thick and thin films, especially in the technology field. Computers, hand held devices, and solar cells are a few of the multitudes of uses for these films. This thesis investigates a novel additive manufacturing process known as Ballistic Manufacturing (BM), invented at the Advanced Materials Processing Lab (AMPL) at San Diego State University. Lead free solder (Tin (Sn)-0.7%Copper (Cu)) was chosen as the testing material due to its low melting temperature. The effects of varying thermal conductivity via the change in carrier material type, the effect of raising substrate temperature, and surface finish differences were investigated. An increase in thermal conductivity resulted in an increase in film thickness and decrease in cell size. As substrate temperature was raised, film thickness decreased, while cell size decreased. Surface finish provided a proof of concept to the transfer of substrate features to the resultant film surface. Evaluation of dendritic microstructures led to relative cooling rates reflective of changes in parameters. The mechanical behavior was also investigated using tensile tests to determine stress-stain relationships and measure elastic modulus. With the current work of this thesis, and previous work by Cavero and Stewart, Ballistic Manufacturing is proven to be an alternative method in the production of metallic films.

Everyday bat vocalizations contain information about emitter, addressee, context, and behavior

PubMed Central

Prat, Yosef; Taub, Mor; Yovel, Yossi

2016-01-01

Animal vocal communication is often diverse and structured. Yet, the information concealed in animal vocalizations remains elusive. Several studies have shown that animal calls convey information about their emitter and the context. Often, these studies focus on specific types of calls, as it is rarely possible to probe an entire vocal repertoire at once. In this study, we continuously monitored Egyptian fruit bats for months, recording audio and video around-the-clock. We analyzed almost 15,000 vocalizations, which accompanied the everyday interactions of the bats, and were all directed toward specific individuals, rather than broadcast. We found that bat vocalizations carry ample information about the identity of the emitter, the context of the call, the behavioral response to the call, and even the call’s addressee. Our results underline the importance of studying the mundane, pairwise, directed, vocal interactions of animals. PMID:28005079

Ventral Pallidum Roles in Reward and Motivation

PubMed Central

Smith, Kyle S.; Tindell, Amy J.; Aldridge, J. Wayne; Berridge, Kent C.

2008-01-01

In recent years the ventral pallidum has become a focus of great research interest as a mechanism of reward and incentive motivation. As a major output for limbic signals, the ventral pallidum was once associated primarily with motor functions rather than regarded as a reward structure in its own right. However, ample evidence now suggests that ventral pallidum function is a major mechanism of reward in the brain. We review data indicating that 1) an intact ventral pallidum is necessary for normal reward and motivation, 2) stimulated activation of ventral pallidum is sufficient to cause reward and motivation enhancements, and 3) activation patterns in ventral pallidum neurons specifically encode reward and motivation signals via phasic bursts of excitation to incentive and hedonic stimuli. We conclude that the ventral pallidum may serve as an important ‘limbic final common pathway’ for mesocorticolimbic processing of many rewards. PMID:18955088

Efficacy of lifestyle interventions in physical health management of patients with severe mental illness.

PubMed

Chacón, Fernando; Mora, Fernando; Gervás-Ríos, Alicia; Gilaberte, Inmaculada

2011-09-19

Awareness of the importance of maintaining physical health for patients with severe mental illnesses has recently been on the increase. Although there are several elements contributing to poor physical health among these patients as compared with the general population, risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and obesity are of particular significance due to their relationship with mortality and morbidity. These patients present higher vulnerability to cardiovascular risk factors based on several issues, such as genetic predisposition to certain pathologies, poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, high proportions of smokers and drug abusers, less access to regular health care services, and potential adverse events during pharmacological treatment. Nevertheless, there is ample scientific evidence supporting the benefits of lifestyle interventions based on diet and exercise designed to minimize and reduce the negative impact of these risk factors on the physical health of patients with severe mental illnesses.

Progressing Insights into the Role of Dietary Fats in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.

PubMed

Zock, Peter L; Blom, Wendy A M; Nettleton, Joyce A; Hornstra, Gerard

2016-11-01

Dietary fats have important effects on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Abundant evidence shows that partial replacement of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) with unsaturated fatty acids improves the blood lipid and lipoprotein profile and reduces the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Low-fat diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugar are not effective. Very long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 or omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 VLCPUFA) present in fish have multiple beneficial metabolic effects, and regular intake of fatty fish is associated with lower risks of fatal CHD and stroke. Food-based guidelines on dietary fats recommend limiting the consumption of animal fats high in SAFA, using vegetable oils high in monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and eating fatty fish. These recommendations are part of a healthy eating pattern that also includes ample intake of plant-based foods rich in fiber and limited sugar and salt.

Possibilities to improve the aircraft interior comfort experience.

PubMed

Vink, P; Bazley, C; Kamp, I; Blok, M

2012-03-01

Comfort plays an increasingly important role in the interior design of airplanes. Although ample research has been conducted on airplane design technology, only a small amount of public scientific information is available addressing the passenger's opinion. In this study, more than 10,000 internet trip reports and 153 passenger interviews were used to gather opinions about aspects which need to be improved in order to design a more comfortable aircraft interior. The results show clear relationships between comfort and legroom, hygiene, crew attention and seat/personal space. Passengers rate the newer planes significantly better than older ones, indicating that attention to design for comfort has proven effective. The study also shows that rude flight attendants and bad hygiene reduce the comfort experience drastically and that a high comfort rating is related to higher "fly again" values. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

Hawking temperature: an elementary approach based on Newtonian mechanics and quantum theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinochet, Jorge

2016-01-01

In 1974, the British physicist Stephen Hawking discovered that black holes have a characteristic temperature and are therefore capable of emitting radiation. Given the scientific importance of this discovery, there is a profuse literature on the subject. Nevertheless, the available literature ends up being either too simple, which does not convey the true physical significance of the issue, or too technical, which excludes an ample segment of the audience interested in science, such as physics teachers and their students. The present article seeks to remedy this shortcoming. It develops a simple and plausible argument that provides insight into the fundamental aspects of Hawking’s discovery, which leads to an approximate equation for the so-called Hawking temperature. The exposition is mainly intended for physics teachers and their students, and it only requires elementary algebra, as well as basic notions of Newtonian mechanics and quantum theory.

Vitamin D and the skin: Focus on a complex relationship: A review

PubMed Central

Mostafa, Wedad Z.; Hegazy, Rehab A.

2014-01-01

The “sunshine” vitamin is a hot topic that attracted ample attention over the past decades, specially that a considerable proportion of the worldwide population are deficient in this essential nutrient. Vitamin D was primarily acknowledged for its importance in bone formation, however; increasing evidence point to its interference with the proper function of nearly every tissue in our bodies including brain, heart, muscles, immune system and skin. Thereby its deficiency has been incriminated in a long panel of diseases including cancers, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Its involvement in the pathogenesis of different dermatological diseases is no exception and has been the subject of much research over the recent years. In the current review, we will throw light on this highly disputed vitamin that is creating a significant concern from a dermatological perspective. Furthermore, the consequences of its deficiency on the skin will be in focus. PMID:26644915

Cuckoos, cowbirds and hosts: adaptations, trade-offs and constraints.

PubMed

Krüger, Oliver

2007-10-29

The interactions between brood parasitic birds and their host species provide one of the best model systems for coevolution. Despite being intensively studied, the parasite-host system provides ample opportunities to test new predictions from both coevolutionary theory as well as life-history theory in general. I identify four main areas that might be especially fruitful: cuckoo female gentes as alternative reproductive strategies, non-random and nonlinear risks of brood parasitism for host individuals, host parental quality and targeted brood parasitism, and differences and similarities between predation risk and parasitism risk. Rather than being a rare and intriguing system to study coevolutionary processes, I believe that avian brood parasites and their hosts are much more important as extreme cases in the evolution of life-history strategies. They provide unique examples of trade-offs and situations where constraints are either completely removed or particularly severe.

Cerebral Microbleeds: A Field Guide to their Detection and Interpretation

PubMed Central

Greenberg, Steven M.; Vernooij, Meike W.; Cordonnier, Charlotte; Viswanathan, Anand; Salman, Rustam Al-Shahi; Warach, Steven; Launer, Lenore J.; Van Buchem, Mark A.; Breteler, Monique M.B.

2012-01-01

Summary Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are increasingly recognized neuroimaging findings, occurring with cerebrovascular disease, dementia, and normal aging. Recent years have seen substantial progress, particularly in developing newer MRI methodologies for CMB detection and applying them to population-based elderly samples. This review focuses on these recent developments and their impact on two major questions: how CMB are detected, and how they should be interpreted. There is now ample evidence that prevalence and number of detected CMB varies with MRI characteristics such as pulse sequence, sequence parameters, spatial resolution, magnetic field strength, and post-processing, underlining the importance of MRI technique in interpreting studies. Recent investigations using sensitive techniques find the prevalence of CMB detected in community-dwelling elderly to be surprisingly high. We propose procedural guidelines for identifying CMB and suggest possible future approaches for elucidating the role of these common lesions as markers for, and potential contributors to, small vessel brain disease. PMID:19161908

Detection of functionally important regions in "hypothetical proteins" of known structure.

PubMed

Nimrod, Guy; Schushan, Maya; Steinberg, David M; Ben-Tal, Nir

2008-12-10

Structural genomics initiatives provide ample structures of "hypothetical proteins" (i.e., proteins of unknown function) at an ever increasing rate. However, without function annotation, this structural goldmine is of little use to biologists who are interested in particular molecular systems. To this end, we used (an improved version of) the PatchFinder algorithm for the detection of functional regions on the protein surface, which could mediate its interactions with, e.g., substrates, ligands, and other proteins. Examination, using a data set of annotated proteins, showed that PatchFinder outperforms similar methods. We collected 757 structures of hypothetical proteins and their predicted functional regions in the N-Func database. Inspection of several of these regions demonstrated that they are useful for function prediction. For example, we suggested an interprotein interface and a putative nucleotide-binding site. A web-server implementation of PatchFinder and the N-Func database are available at http://patchfinder.tau.ac.il/.

Direct Observation in the Conduct of Training Impact Analyses

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-04-01

with the point of the pen barely extruding from the wrapper (the tight fit keeps both the pen and chemlight in place). This will put a spot of soft...recommendations for supplying that office: A-2 Snack food and beverages (your next opportunity for a meal may not be predictable) Ample supply of notepads

An Investigation of Alignment in CMC from a Sociocognitive Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uzum, Baburhan

2010-01-01

Computer technology improves the process of SLA by providing access to an ample amount of input within a communicative context in which participants can engage in synchronous and asynchronous conversations (Payne & Whitney, 2002; Sykes, 2005). This research project aims to investigate the role of alignment in learning a second language within the…

The Potential of Incorporating Computer Games in Foreign Language Curricula

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mukundan, Jayakaran; Kalajahi, Seyed Ali Rezvani; Naghdipour, Bakhtiar

2014-01-01

There is ample evidence that technology-enhanced instruction could result in students' learning. With the advancement and ever-increasing growth of technology, the use of educational electronic games or computer games in education has appealed to both educators and students. Because of their potential to enhance students' interest, motivation and…

Plumbing. Trade and Industrial Education Course of Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Erisman, Kenneth E., Comp.; Gerberich, Charles F., Comp.

Intended to be used as a teaching and learning guide, the basic course of study presented in these materials is designed to provide the essentials of the plumbing trade, insuring that students who successfully complete the course will have sufficient competencies for initial employment and ample orientation for growth and development. The course…

Hispanic Americans in the News in Two Southwestern Cities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turk, Judy VanSlyke; And Others

1989-01-01

Examines how Hispanic Americans and Hispanic issues were covered by daily newspapers in New Mexico and Texas, two states where complaints relating to media coverage were investigated by state human rights commissions. Reports that Hispanics appear to be receiving ample and fair coverage in San Antonio, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. (MM)

Teachers' Reasons for Using Peer Assessment: Positive Experience Predicts Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Panadero, Ernesto; Brown, Gavin T. L.

2017-01-01

Peer assessment (PA) is one of the central principles of formative assessment and assessment for learning (AfL) fields. There is ample empirical evidence as to the benefits for students' learning when AfL principles are implemented. However, teachers play a critical role in mediating the implementation of intended policies. Hence, their…

Cone Analysis of Southern Pines - A Guidebook

Treesearch

D.L. Bramlett; E.W. Belcher; G.L. DeBarr; G.D. Hertel; Robert P. Karrfalt; C.W. Lantz; T. Miller; K.D. Ware; H.O. Yates

1977-01-01

Southern pine tree improvement programs require an ample supply of improved seeds, but productron from southern pine seed orchards has often been disappointing. If high productron is to be malntained yields must be monitored and causes of seed losses must be identified. Techniques for determining seed efficiency were first used for red pine, Pinus resinosa...

Cognitive Tools for Successful Branding

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hernandez, Lorena Perez

2011-01-01

This article aims to fill a gap in current studies on the semantics of branding. Through the analysis of a number of well-known international brand names, we provide ample evidence supporting the claim that a finite set of cognitive operations, such as those of domain reduction and expansion, mitigation, and strengthening, among others, can…

Confucianism on the Comeback: Current Trends in Culture, Values, Politics, and Economy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Angle, Stephen C.

2010-01-01

There is ample evidence that Confucianism is undergoing a multi-faceted revival in contemporary China. This can be seen in government slogans, in a runaway best seller on the "Analects" (the compendium of Confucius's teachings), in educational experiments, and in academic activities. The twentieth century was a bad century for…

Educating for Humanity: Rethinking the Purposes of Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seymour, Mike, Ed.

2004-01-01

The promise and necessity of working toward "a world for all" is a viable aspiration for education at a time when the worldwide crises in social justice, peace, democracy and ecological integrity have become the defining issues of our times. Ample evidence from many schools today, and dating back throughout the last century, prove that…

Ethnogenesis: Settlement and Growth of a "New People" in the Great Lakes Region, 1702-1815.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Jacqueline

1982-01-01

Following the invasion of the American Indian worlds by various European nation states, four centuries of colonization, subjugation, and intermingling have produced ample opportunity for the genesis and re-creation of bold new ethnicities and identities. An example is the Metis in the Great Lakes region. (Author/ERB)

International School Director Turnover as Influenced by School Board/Director Relationship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palsha, Zakariya S.

2017-01-01

In recent years, public school superintendents have faced increased demands from rigorous federal and state accountability standards. Yet, researchers have reported that academic improvement does not happen by chance but rather through effective leaders with ample time to implement broad, sustainable reform. The purpose of this study was to…

Understanding Student Engagement during Simulations in IB Global Politics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gleek, Charles

2015-01-01

There is ample discussion in academic and policy circles, as well as amongst the general public, about the ways in which classroom instructors can provide more engaging learning experiences for students. This research examines the ways in which students engage participating in classroom simulations as it pertains to the assigned learning outcomes…

Romantic Knowledge. Research & Occasional Paper Series: CSHE.5.15

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pelfrey, Patricia A.

2015-01-01

While British Romantic literature provides ample evidence of the pleasures of knowledge, it also reveals strong counter-evidence of its power to inflict a sense of intellectual impairment and diminution. This Romantic ambivalence sprang from a complex of ideas and anxieties about the potentially corrosive effects of certain kinds of education and…

Development of a New Fear of Hypoglycemia Scale: FH-15

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anarte Ortiz, Maria Teresa; Caballero, Francisco Felix; Ruiz de Adana, Maria Soledad; Rondan, Rosa Maria; Carreira, Monica; Dominguez-Lopez, Marta; Machado, Alberto; Gonzalo-Marin, Montserrat; Tapia, Maria Jose; Valdes, Sergio; Gonzalez-Romero, Stella; Soriguer, Federico C.

2011-01-01

Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse event associated with insulin treatment in diabetes. The consequences of hypoglycemia can be quite aversive and potentially life threatening. The physical sequelae provide ample reason for patients to fear hypoglycemia and avoid episodes. For these reasons, our purpose in this study was to develop a new…

Effects of Large Impacts on Mars: Implications for River Formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Segura, T. L.; Toon, O. B.; Colaprete, A.; Zahnle, K.

2002-01-01

The Martian crater record provides ample evidence of the impacts of large (> 100 km) objects. These objects create hot global debris layers meters or more in depth, cause long term warming, and are capable of melting and precipitating a significant amount of water globally. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Co-Teaching Math Content and Math Pedagogy for Elementary Pre-Service Teachers: A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ford, Pari; Strawhecker, Jane

2011-01-01

With a national need to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education (STEM), elementary pre-service teachers must be provided with ample opportunities to increase their own knowledge and confidence in STEM disciplines. This article describes a Math Block experience developed for a special population of non-traditional…

Ceramics Art Education and Contemporary Challenges in Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kashim, Isah Bolaji; Adelabu, Oluwafemi Samuel

2013-01-01

Formal ceramics art education is becoming a fundamental requirement for professional practice in ceramics in Nigeria. Considering the ample resources available for ceramic practices in the country with a teeming population of over 140 million people, there is a promising future for the art, in spite of the effects of globalization and…

Should Master's Level Training To Provide Rural Services Survive?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keller, Peter A.

Despite recent efforts to encourage federal funding of psychological services for underserved populations such as the elderly and residents of rural areas, ample evidence suggests that rural areas are underserved by psychologists. Drawing on data from rural and urban areas in Pennsylvania, this paper argues that master's level training can provide…

75 FR 38858 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-06

... 60-day initial trial period for parties wishing to evaluate the Correlix RaceTeam offering for the..., and experience with, the Correlix RaceTeam product while simultaneously providing ample time for the... just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in...

Dropping in on the Math of Plinko

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Naresh, Nirmala; Royce, Bridget

2013-01-01

The game of Plinko offers students an exciting real-world example of the applications of probability and data analysis. The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSI 2010) and the Guidelines for Assessment in Statistics Education (GAISE) (Franklin et al. 2007) suggest that students in grades 6-8 be given ample opportunities to engage in…

Research on a Modified Framework of Implicit Personality Theories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ziegler, Albert; Stoeger, Heidrun

2010-01-01

There is ample evidence that labeled gifted students exhibit maladaptive behavior patterns. According to Carol Dweck those students who subscribe to a fixed view of their abilities are particularly at risk. In this contribution we extended Dweck's framework and distinguished two aspects of the implicit theory of one's own abilities. We…

Expressive versus Receptive Language Skills in Specific Reading Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stojanovik, Vesna; Riddell, Patricia

2008-01-01

Despite ample research into the language skills of children with specific reading disorder no studies so far have investigated whether there may be a difference between expressive and receptive language skills in this population. Yet, neuro-anatomical models would predict that children who have specific reading disorder which is not associated…

Attributes of Effective Mentoring Relationships for Novice Faculty Members: Perspectives of Mentors and Mentees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barrett, Jessica L.; Mazerolle, Stephanie M.; Nottingham, Sara L.

2017-01-01

Context: Although doctoral education provides ample opportunities for skill development, the new faculty member may still require further support and guidance. Mentorship is often the mechanism whereby continued encouragement is provided. Limited understanding exists of the mentoring relationships developed between a new faculty member and a…

Conceptualizing Routines of Practice That Support Algebraic Reasoning in Elementary Schools: A Constructivist Grounded Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Store, Jessie Chitsanzo

2012-01-01

There is ample literature documenting that, for many decades, high school students view algebra as difficult and do not demonstrate understanding of algebraic concepts. Algebraic reasoning in elementary school aims at meaningfully introducing algebra to elementary school students in preparation for higher-level mathematics. While there is research…

Work Ethics Training: Reflections of Technical College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Sandy

2017-01-01

Ample research exists on ethics in the workplace and skills college graduates should have to seek and attain long-term gainful employment. The literature has provided some insight into the understanding of ethical behavior as reported by students and employers; however a gap exists in research which documents college student experiences during…

A book review of Spatial data analysis in ecology and agriculture using R

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Spatial Data Analysis in Ecology and Agriculture Using R is a valuable resource to assist agricultural and ecological researchers with spatial data analyses using the R statistical software(www.r-project.org). Special emphasis is on spatial data sets; how-ever, the text also provides ample guidance ...

Personal and Contextual Factors Related to Internalizing Problems during Adolescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliva, Alfredo; Parra, Águeda; Reina, M. Carmen

2014-01-01

Background: Over the past decades, ample empirical evidence has been collected about the factors linked to internalizing problems during adolescence. However, there is a lack of research that use holistic approaches to study the joint analysis of a series of contextual and personal variables considered to be related to internalizing problems.…

Psychiatric Diagnoses in Historic and Contemporary Military Cohorts: Combat Deployment and the Healthy Warrior Effect

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-23

In general, the positive predictive value of screening questionnaires is quite poor when disease prevalence is modest/rare, as in the ex- ample of...of sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and predictive values with disease prevalence . Stat Med 1997;16:981–91. 26. Wolfe J, Erickson DJ

Measurement in Instructional Communication Research: A Decade in Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mazer, Joseph P.; Graham, Elizabeth E.

2015-01-01

Periodic assessment and scrutiny of the discipline's measurement practices, instruments, and research findings are necessary to provide clarity and direction by revealing what we know, how we know it, and where the knowledge gaps exist. Reflective reviews have produced ample appraisals of the theory, research, and methods employed in the conduct…

Psychologists' Clinical Practices in Assessing Dementia in Individuals with Down Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Auty, Ellen; Scior, Katrina

2008-01-01

There are now ample guidelines for the assessment and diagnosis of possible dementia in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and Down syndrome. However, little is known about their implementation in clinical practice. This study set out to examine the clinical practice of one key professional group, namely clinical psychologists. A…

Teacher Perceptions of Technology Integration Professional Development an a 1:1 Chromebook Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yankelevich, Eleonora

2017-01-01

A variety of computing devices are available in today's classrooms, but they have not guaranteed the effective integration of technology. Nationally, teachers have ample devices, applications, productivity software, and digital audio and video tools. Despite all this, the literature suggests these tools are not employed to enhance student learning…

A Classroom Labor Market Game Illustrating the Existence, and Implications of, Statistical Discrimination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Henrickson, Kevin E.

2014-01-01

Many undergraduate students report a lack of concern about facing labor market discrimination throughout their careers. However, there is ample evidence that discrimination based on race, gender, and age still persists within the labor market. The author outlines a classroom experiment demonstrating the existence of discrimination, even when the…

[Deep continuous palliative sedation in the Opinion adopted by the Italian National Bioethics Committee (Deep palliative sedation)].

PubMed

Cembrani, Fabio

2016-01-01

The Author examines the recent opinion delivered by the Italian National Committee for Bioethics on deep palliative sedation. In particular, it examines its strengths and ample shade that show its ideology, once again, in contrast with the right of every human being to die with dignity.

A STRUCTURAL COURSE FOR VOCATIONAL ENGLISH.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ERICKSON, JOHN

A COURSE, COMPLETE WITH DETAILED LESSON PLANS AND PRACTICE DRILLS, HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AT SAN DIEGO STATE COLLEGE, TO PROVIDE THE ADULT SPANISH-SPEAKING STUDENT WITH A BASIC FOUNDATION IN AMERICAN-ENGLISH GRAMMATICAL STRUCTURE, AS WELL AS AN AMPLE DAILY AND PROFESSIONAL VOCABULARY. THE IDEA OF TRANSLATING CONCEPTS AND VOCABULARY IS USED TO TEACH…

New Bedford, Studies of PCBs in the Acushnet River Estuary: Draft Working Copy

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2012-04-22

... dlii;>i::n!!iii!:ii!!i, i; ampl ii I! xl; nin:: t: i oin tliiiiit!; l;itiit: i-1 n mi na t: i-> s; iii'iLiiii.'iiwiiiiinii iiunij cliEiiiiirinij p roll 1 1!! nn si ii s !i DC li at:IM:! ... Conit roll ...

Against the Odds: Academic Resilience among High-Ability African American Adolescents Living in Rural Poverty

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellis, Wendy Taylor

2010-01-01

This qualitative study investigated the internal and external protective factors that serve to ameliorate barriers to academic achievement posed by the cultural factors of poverty, minority status, and rural residence for high-ability students, rendering them academically resilient. While there has been ample research on underachievement among…

Juvenile Offender Comprehensive Reentry Substance Abuse Treatment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watson, Donnie W.

2004-01-01

The literature provides ample evidence of the relationship of substance abuse to crime. Research over the last 20 years has established a strong correlation between substance abuse and juvenile delinquency (held, 1998). Currently, there are more than 350,000 juveniles on probation and in continuing care programs in the U.S. who have substance…

Strategies for Keeping Papers Organized.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dwyer, Edward J.

1989-01-01

The amount of paperwork in teaching often seems overwhelming. This being the case, organization is essential for effective teaching. Several ideas for dealing with paper flow are useful. Box file folders or durable plastic file cases, plus an ample supply of file folders, are excellent for storing papers. Papers used in a particular class can be…

Stereotype Threat among Schoolgirls in Quasi-Ordinary Classroom Circumstances

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huguet, Pascal; Regner, Isabelle

2007-01-01

There is ample evidence today in the stereotype threat literature that women and girls are influenced by gender-stereotyped expectations on standardized math tests. Despite its high relevance to education, this phenomenon has not received much attention in school settings. The present studies offer the 1st evidence to date indicating that middle…

75 FR 33216 - Payment or Reimbursement for Emergency Treatment Furnished by Non-VA Providers in Non-VA...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-11

... treatment of eligible veterans at non-VA facilities and expand the circumstances under which payment for..., potentially eligible veterans would be appropriately afforded ample opportunity to qualify for this expanded...; 64.010, Veterans Nursing Home Care; and 64.011, Veterans Dental Care. Signing Authority The Secretary...

Discrepancies in the Ideal Perceptions and the Current Experiences of Special Education Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrews, Amanda; Brown, Jennifer L.

2015-01-01

The field of special education continues to have lower teacher retention rates compared to general education. As a result, concerns over the quality of special education teachers' professional experiences have risen. Both general and special education teachers have their ideal views of the profession, including ample classroom facilities,…

The Global Ecology Handbook: What You Can Do about the Environmental Crisis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corson, Walter H., Ed.

There is ample evidence of the seriousness of the world's population, resource, and environmental problems--poverty and hunger, deforestation and species loss, soil erosion and desertification, air and water pollution, acid precipitation and ozone layer depletion, as well as the greenhouse effect and climate change. This handbook was prepared as a…

School Lunches in Times of Food Scarcity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Federal Aid Planner, 1973

1973-01-01

Attempts to provide the school administrator and his food service manager with information about how to best operate the cafeteria in view of food shortages and new USDA regulations. Describes foods that will be in relatively ample supply during coming months and analyzes whether food vending machines are a help or a menace to nutritious lunch…

"We Don't Recruit, We Educate": High School Program Marketing and International Baccalaureate Programmes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donovan, Martha K.; Lakes, Richard D.

2017-01-01

Public education reformers have created a widespread expectation of school choice among school consumers. School leaders adopt rigorous academic programs, like the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and Career Programme (CP), to improve their market position in the competitive landscape. While ample research has investigated…

Explicit Cloud Nucleation from Arbitrary Mixtures of Aerosol Types and Sizes Using an Ultra-Efficient In-Line Aerosol Bin Model in High-Resolution Simulations of Hurricanes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walko, R. L.; Ashby, T.; Cotton, W. R.

2017-12-01

The fundamental role of atmospheric aerosols in the process of cloud droplet nucleation is well known, and there is ample evidence that the concentration, size, and chemistry of aerosols can strongly influence microphysical, thermodynamic, and ultimately dynamic properties and evolution of clouds and convective systems. With the increasing availability of observation- and model-based environmental representations of different types of anthropogenic and natural aerosols, there is increasing need for models to be able to represent which aerosols nucleate and which do not in supersaturated conditions. However, this is a very complex process that involves competition for water vapor between multiple aerosol species (chemistries) and different aerosol sizes within each species. Attempts have been made to parameterize the nucleation properties of mixtures of different aerosol species, but it is very difficult or impossible to represent all possible mixtures that may occur in practice. As part of a modeling study of the impact of anthropogenic and natural aerosols on hurricanes, we developed an ultra-efficient aerosol bin model to represent nucleation in a high-resolution atmospheric model that explicitly represents cloud- and subcloud-scale vertical motion. The bin model is activated at any time and location in a simulation where supersaturation occurs and is potentially capable of activating new cloud droplets. The bins are populated from the aerosol species that are present at the given time and location and by multiple sizes from each aerosol species according to a characteristic size distribution, and the chemistry of each species is represented by its absorption or adsorption characteristics. The bin model is integrated in time increments that are smaller than that of the atmospheric model in order to temporally resolve the peak supersaturation, which determines the total nucleated number. Even though on the order of 100 bins are typically utilized, this leads only to a 10 or 20% increase in overall computational cost due to the efficiency of the bin model. This method is highly versatile in that it automatically accommodates any possible number and mixture of different aerosol species. Applications of this model to simulations of Typhoon Nuri will be presented.

Disembodied Creativity: The Role of Action Research in Moderating Educator Expectations of Marketing and Public Relations Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fordham, Helen

2015-01-01

Despite ample research indicating creativity is valuable in creating a competitive advantage and enabling individual success in the global knowledge economy, there are still industry concerns about how adequately individual student's creative abilities are developed for the workplace (McCorkle, Payan, Reardon & Kling, 2007). In considering how…

26 CFR 20.6011-1 - General requirement of return, statement, or list.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... prescribed by §§ 20.6018-1 and 20.6036-1 may be obtained from district directors. The fact that an executor... in ample time for the executor to have the form prepared, verified, and filed with the appropriate....6075-1). The executor shall carefully prepare the return and, if applicable, the preliminary notice so...

Assessing Soldier Individual Differences to Enable Tailored Training

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

upon effective and efficient training. However, there is ample evidence that learning-related individual differences exist ( Thorndike , 1985; Jensen...in both civilian and military settings (Schmidt, Hunter, & Outerbridge, 1986; Thorndike , 1985). Prior knowledge or knowledge of facts and...predictive power ( Thorndike , 1985; Jensen, 1998). Further, there is a good deal of evidence that general mental ability impacts performance largely

Propulsion Technologies for Future Commercial Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Follen, Gregory J.

2013-01-01

Mr. Follen has been invited talk on subject of Greening of Aerospace and Aviation Canada-Ohio Aerospace Summit 2013, February 25-26, 2013. This two-day, bi-national aerospace and aviation conference will focus on identifying business and research opportunities providing meaningful industry updates with ample opportunity to network and scheduled business-to-business and researcher-to-researcher meetings.

Cross-VM Side Channels and Their Use to Extract Private Keys

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-16

clouds such as Amazon EC2 and Rackspace, but also by other Xen use cases. For ex- 4 ample, many virtual desktop infrastructure ( VDI ) solutions (e.g...whose bit length is, for example, 337, 403, or 457 when κ is 2048 , 3072, or 4096, respectively. We note that this deviates from standard ElGamal, in

Community Alert: Using Text Messaging and Social Media to Improve Campus Emergency Planning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Connolly, Maureen

2014-01-01

This article describes emergency management and the part that social media technologies and mobile messaging have made when they are included as part of the campus emergency plan. Administrators have found that ample notification and preparedness must be built into campus communication systems. Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook…

College Students and Personal Finance: Exploring the Relationships among Financial Well-Being, Money Management Practices, and Engagement in Personal Finance Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davtyan, Arman

2010-01-01

Despite ample evidence of the relative financial illiteracy of students in college, personal finance education remains inconsistent across postsecondary institutions in the United States. Moreover, existing programs and services related to personal finance education have had modest success in attracting student interest and participation. To…

The Primacy of Perceiving: Emotion Recognition Buffers Negative Effects of Emotional Labor

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bechtoldt, Myriam N.; Rohrmann, Sonja; De Pater, Irene E.; Beersma, Bianca

2011-01-01

There is ample empirical evidence for negative effects of emotional labor (surface acting and deep acting) on workers' well-being. This study analyzed to what extent workers' ability to recognize others' emotions may buffer these effects. In a 4-week study with 85 nurses and police officers, emotion recognition moderated the relationship between…

24 CFR 266.638 - Issuance of HFA Debenture.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Debenture shall have a term of five years in order to afford the mortgagor ample time to cure the default or the HFA time to foreclose and/or resell the project. HUD may provide a written extension of the five... annually on the anniversary date of the initial claim payment. Interest is due on the full face amount of...

76 FR 65885 - Medicare Program; Changes to the Ambulatory Surgical Centers Patient Rights Conditions for Coverage

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-24

... patient travel issues. They believe the CfC should be expanded so that urgent (nonemergency) procedures... inconveniences and patient travel issues. After considering the public comments and the potential negative impact... patient prior to the start of the surgical procedure. With this new requirement, ASCs will have ample time...

Full-Tree SKidding Black Spruce: Another Way to Favor Reproduction

Treesearch

William F. Johnston

1975-01-01

An alternative to burning is needed for clearcut peatlands where only slash disposal is required to rapidly reproduce black spruce. A 2-year trial in north-central Minnesota indicates that reproduction will be rapid after full-tree skidding on nonbrushy sites taht have well-distribted sphagnum seedbeds and ample natural seeding. Broadcast burning is still recommended...

The Impact of Subject Indexes on Semantic Indeterminacy in Enterprise Document Retrieval

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schymik, Gregory

2012-01-01

Ample evidence exists to support the conclusion that enterprise search is failing its users. This failure is costing corporate America billions of dollars every year. Most enterprise search engines are built using web search engines as their foundations. These search engines are optimized for web use and are inadequate when used inside the…

Making a Literacy Plan: Developing an Integrated Curriculum That Meets Your School's Needs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schutte, Annie

2016-01-01

Literacy does not happen in a single lesson or course. There are no shortcuts to gaining mastery over a skill set, whether it is reading literacy, information literacy and research skills, online literacy and digital citizenship, or visual literacy. School librarians dream about a perfect integrated curriculum: there is ample time for…

The Effects of Group Coaching on the Homework Problems Experienced by Secondary Students with and without Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Merriman, Donald; Codding, Robin S.; Tryon, Georgiana Shick; Minami, Takuya

2016-01-01

Research on the effectiveness of homework provides ample evidence that homework has a positive effect on learning, particularly for secondary students. Unfortunately, the rate of consistent homework completion for students, with and without disabilities, is low. This study used a between-groups design to examine the differential effectiveness of…

Canopy temperature and maturity in cotton

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Heat units are a widely used indicator of maturity in cotton. It is generally assumed that it takes approximately 2200°F (1222°C) heat units for a cotton plant on the South High Plains of Texas to mature. This value is based on a typical planting date of May 15 with ample irrigation. As water for c...

A Conversation Analysis of the Function of Silence in Writing Conferences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mirzaee, Milad; Yaqubi, Baqer

2016-01-01

One of the recent issues in English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) writing instruction has been the quest for a more effective way to give feedback to L2 learners' writing drafts. Although teacher-learner writing conferences have been increasingly used for providing ample opportunity for negotiating revisions, relatively little attention…

Helping School Leaders Help New Teachers: A Tool for Transforming School-Based Induction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birkeland, Sarah; Feiman-Nemser, Sharon

2012-01-01

Ample research demonstrates the power of comprehensive induction to develop and retain new teachers. Education scholars generally agree on what powerful systems of induction include, yet few tools exist for guiding schools in creating such systems. Drawing on theory and practice, we have created such a tool. This article introduces the "Continuum…

A Case Study on the Influence of Frequent Superintendent Turnover on the Culture of a K-12 Suburban School District

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Velazquez, Victoria C.

2017-01-01

The role of school superintendents is varied and complex. Further complicating this role is the issue of frequent superintendent turnover. While there is ample research addressing the links between superintendents and student achievement, superintendents' relationships with school boards and the shortage of qualified superintendents across the…

Turf and Lawn Management: A Course in Agricultural Education. Curriculum Guide. Preliminary Draft.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mercer, R. J., Ed.

The curriculum guide (preliminary draft) is a result of the revision of the total South Carolina agricultural education curriculum; the scope of the turf and lawn management industry and its direct and indirect employment opportunities provide ample reasons for such a course offering in South Carolina high schools. The guide presents objectives,…

Ensuring that forests are adapted to future climates

Treesearch

Brad St. Clair; Glenn Howe

2010-01-01

Successful reforestation requires that planted or naturally regenerated seedlings are well suited to a site. Genetic studies of forest trees provide ample evidence of large differences among seed sources in adaptive traits--traits such as the timing of growth initiation and cessation, cold and drought hardiness, and growth rates. Much of this variation is related to...

In the Eye of the Beholder: Eye-Tracking Assessment of Social Information Processing in Aggressive Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horsley, Tako A.; de Castro, Bram Orobio; Van der Schoot, Menno

2010-01-01

According to social information processing theories, aggressive children are hypersensitive to cues of hostility and threat in other people's behavior. However, even though there is ample evidence that aggressive children over-interpret others' behaviors as hostile, it is unclear whether this hostile attribution tendency does actually result from…

The Use of a Student Group Log to Facilitate Student and Teacher Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coenders, Fer

2016-01-01

In 21st century education students should have ample opportunities to collaborate on authentic problems. Many teachers however find it difficult to make the transfer from teacher to student-centered education. Giving students autonomy can be disquieting to teachers, as they fear to lose control of student learning. Teachers in a teacher…

Towards a Dynamic Conceptual Framework for English-Medium Education in Multilingual University Settings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dafouz, Emma; Smit, Ute

2016-01-01

At a time of increasing internationalization in tertiary education, English-Medium Education in Multilingual University Settings (EMEMUS) has become a common practice. While there is already ample research describing this phenomenon at a local level (Smit and Dafouz 2012a), the theoretical side needs to be elaborated. This article thus aims to…

Not All Emotions Are Created Equal: The Negativity Bias in Social-Emotional Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vaish, Amrisha; Grossman, Tobias; Woodward, Amanda

2008-01-01

There is ample empirical evidence for an asymmetry in the way that adults use positive versus negative information to make sense of their world; specifically, across an array of psychological situations and tasks, adults display a negativity bias, or the propensity to attend to, learn from, and use negative information far more than positive…

From Early Starters to Late Finishers? A Longitudinal Study of Early Foreign Language Learning in School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jaekel, Nils; Schurig, Michael; Florian, Merle; Ritter, Markus

2017-01-01

Foreign language education has now been implemented at the elementary school level across Europe, and early foreign language education has gained traction following language policies set by the European Commission. The long-term effects of an early start, however, have not received ample scientific scrutiny. The present study assessed early…

Ensuring That Family Engagement Initiatives Are Successful, Sustainable, and Scalable

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geller, Joanna D.

2016-01-01

In 2009, the U.S. Department of Education launched the highly competitive Investing in Innovation (i3) initiative. School districts and nonprofit partners nationwide have competed for coveted funds to develop a new program, validate an existing program with some evidence of success, or scale up a program backed by ample evidence. Very quickly,…

A Role for History and Philosophy of Biology in Exploring New Questions in Biology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daggett, Melissa A. F.

2012-01-01

A number of current reports are challenging educators of undergraduate biology students to increase the role, interactions and approaches of other disciplines. The goal stated in these reports is to produce a college graduate with the skills and competencies to solve pressing global problems such as producing ample food, fuels, and making health…

The Onion Model: Myth or Reality in the Field of Individual Differences Psychology?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cools, Eva; Bellens, Kim

2012-01-01

To bring order in concepts related to individual learner differences, Curry (1983) designed the three-layered onion model. As this model provides an interesting way to distinguish related concepts--such as cognitive styles and approaches to studying--on the basis of their stability in learning situations, ample studies build further on this model.…

Geographic Variation of Eastern White Pine in the Northeast

Treesearch

Peter W. Garrett; Ernst J. Schreiner; Harry Kettlewood

1973-01-01

Eastern white pine is the most valuable conifer in the Northeast, and its large botanical range has provided ample opportunity for the development of ecotypes. Provenance plantings in nine states provided information on variability within the species and recommendations for moving seed from one region to another. Good growth was obtained on southern Appalachian sources...

Middle School Pupil Writing and the Word Processor.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ediger, Marlow

Pupils in middle schools should have ample opportunities to write with the use of word processors. Legible writing in longhand will always be necessary in selected situations but, nevertheless, much drudgery is taken care of when using a word processor. Word processors tend to be very user friendly in that few mechanical skills are needed by the…

Disentangling the Effects of Context Change and Context Familiarity on Latent Inhibition with a Conditioned Taste Aversion Procedure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De la Casa, L. G.; Mena, A.; Orgaz, A.; Fernandez, A.

2013-01-01

Contextual specificity of Latent Inhibition (LI) has been demonstrated using an ample range of experimental procedures. Context dependence has not been consistently obtained, however, when LI has been induced using a Conditioned Taste Aversion (CTA) procedure. This paper presents two experiments designed to analyze whether the context plays the…

STEM-focused High Schools as a Strategy for Enhancing Readiness for Postsecondary STEM Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Means, Barbara; Wang, Haiwen; Young, Viki; Peters, Vanessa L.; Lynch, Sharon J.

2016-01-01

The logic underlying inclusive STEM high schools (ISHSs) posits that requiring all students to take advanced college preparatory STEM courses while providing student-centered, reform-oriented instruction, ample student supports, and real-world STEM experiences and role models will prepare and inspire students admitted on the basis of STEM interest…

A Review of Challenges in Developing a National Program for Gifted Children in India's Diverse Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurup, Anitha; Maithreyi, R.

2012-01-01

Large-scale sequential research developments for identification and measurement of giftedness have received ample attention in the West, whereas India's response to this has largely been lukewarm. The wide variation in parents' abilities to provide enriched environments to nurture their children's potential makes it imperative for India to develop…

Improving Children's Life Chances: Estimates from the Social Genome Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grannis, Kerry Searle; Sawhill, Isabel

2013-01-01

There is ample evidence that children born to poorer families do not succeed at the same rate as children born to the middle class. On average, low-income children lag behind on almost every cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and health measure. These gaps start early--some of the newest research suggests that cognitive gaps are detectable in…

Getting to the Left of Sharp: Lessons Learned from West Point’s Efforts to Combat Sexual Harassment and Assault

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

the same standards to pornographic materials in those spaces that they would in other work areas. This is clearly a sensitive area, but ample...precedent exists: General Order #1 for deployed forces prohibits purchasing, producing, or displaying any pornographic or sexu- ally explicit material

The Effectiveness of Processing Instruction in L2 Grammar Acquisition: A Narrative Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dekeyser, Robert; Botana, Goretti Prieto

2015-01-01

The past two decades have seen ample debate about processing instruction (PI) and its various components. In this article, we first describe what PI consists of and then address three questions: about the role of explicit information (EI) in PI, the difference between PI and teaching that incorporates production-based (PB) practice, and various…

Environmental Education 2.0: Toward a Theory of Ecologically Minded Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morrison, Scott A.

2013-01-01

Since the 1970s, the environmental education movement has been positioned as one of the primary means to cultivate the knowledge, values, dispositions, and behavior needed to preserve and protect the planet. Ample research suggests, however, that environmental education has failed to meet its goals, and that the state of the environment is…

"We Won't Get Ahead Speaking like That!" Expressing and Managing Language Criticism in Hawai'i

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marlow, Mikaela L.; Giles, Howard

2010-01-01

Ample research has explored language attitudes and speaker evaluations, yet it has not attended to direct incidences of language criticism. This article presents evidence demonstrating that a majority of those surveyed in Hawai'i have experienced language criticism. Coded data suggest that criticism takes place during employment, educational,…

A Reflection on Plagiarism, Patchwriting, and the Engineering Master's Thesis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eckel, Edward J.

2010-01-01

Early in his career as an engineering librarian, the author saw plagiarism in completely black and white terms. However, digging into the scholarly literature, he finds ample evidence that there are other factors at work in student writing besides a lack of ethics or the intent to cheat. In this article, he briefly highlights some of these…

Well-Being and Economic Freedom: Evidence from the States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belasen, Ariel R.; Hafer, R. W.

2012-01-01

There is ample evidence that well-being, measured in various ways for a large number of countries, is positively related to the level of general intelligence. Pesta at al. (2010a) verify this close relationship between well-being and IQ across states. There also is evidence that well-being is positively related to economic freedom across…

Perceiving Permutations as Distinct Outcomes: The Accommodation of a Complex Knowledge System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kapon, Shulamit; Ron, Gila; Hershkowitz, Rina; Dreyfus, Tommy

2015-01-01

There is ample evidence that reasoning about stochastic phenomena is often subject to systematic bias even after instruction. Few studies have examined the detailed learning processes involved in learning probability. This paper examines a case study drawn from a large corpus of data collected as part of a research project that dealt with the…

Identifying Factors That Are Most Influential in Veteran Teachers Seriously Considering Leaving the Profession

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Culkin, Michaela A.

2016-01-01

This study investigated the factors most influential when veteran teachers seriously consider leaving the teaching profession. Teachers in the education profession who are in the later stages of their careers hold the experience that benefits all who teach in schools. There is ample literature discussing why new teachers leave the profession, but…

Adequacy of Advance Tree-Seedling Regeneration in Pennsylvania's Forests

Treesearch

William H. McWilliams; Susan L. Stout; Todd W. Bowersox; Larry H. McCormick

1995-01-01

Measurement of tree seedlings and herbaceous vegetation from 499 sample locations across Pennsylvania revealed that advance tree-seedling regeneration is inadequate for new stand establishment across most of the State. The samples were located in stands from 40% to 75% stocked to focus on stands with ample light and growing space for establishment of abundant advance...

The Mediating Effects of Parenting Behaviors on Maternal Affect and Reports of Children's Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karazsia, Bryan T.; Wildman, Beth G.

2009-01-01

Parenting behaviors have received ample support as a mediator of the relationship between maternal affect and child behavior problems. The majority of these research efforts were based on a uni-dimensional conceptualization of maternal mood, even though decades of theory and research suggest that mood is multidimensional. We examined the mediating…

Arts Infusion and Literacy Achievement within Underserved Communities: A Matter of Equity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carney, Charles L.; Weltsek, Gustave J.; Hall, M. Lynne; Brinn, Ginger

2016-01-01

There is ample evidence that arts added to the K-12 curriculum can have many positive learning impacts. Nevertheless, many states do not promote such instruction as an integral part of classroom plans. For particular schools with underserved populations, arts-enhanced curricula can be a powerful learning tool. Beyond arts integration, arts…

How Does Location Impact Meaning and Opportunity? Rural Schools and the NCATE Diversity Standard

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miretzky, Debra; Stevens, Sharon

2012-01-01

Background/Context: While there is ample evidence that the K-12 student population is becoming increasingly diverse and the teacher workforce is not, very little literature addresses the specific problems rural teacher education programs may experience attempting to meet the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)…

The Morphology and Syntax of Ergativity: A Typological Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rill, Justin

2017-01-01

This dissertation seeks to answer three loosely-related questions regarding ergativity. First, what is the nature of the morphological phenomena known as ERG=GEN and ERG=POSS? After providing a thorough description with ample data from a wide range of sources, a typological survey of 40 ergative languages concludes that together, they are a fairly…

Designing a Self-Contained Group Area Network for Ubiquitous Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Nian-Shing; Kinshuk; Wei, Chun-Wang; Yang, Stephen J. H.

2008-01-01

A number of studies have evidenced that handheld devices are appropriate tools to facilitate face-to-face collaborative learning effectively because of the possibility of ample social interactions. Group Area Network, or GroupNet, proposed in this paper, uses handheld devices to fill the gap between Local Area Network and Body Area Network.…

Twenty-eight years of wilderness campsite monitoring in Yosemite National Park

Treesearch

Laurel Boyers; Mark Fincher; Jan van Wagtendonk

2000-01-01

The research, resource management and wilderness staffs in Yosemite National Park recently completed the third 10-year cycle of a wilderness campsite impact monitoring program. Initial results indicate an overall improvement in conditions due to a strong restoration program, decreased use and increased visitor education. Lessons learned point to the necessity for ample...

School Organizational Contexts, Teacher Turnover, and Student Achievement: Evidence from Panel Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kraft, Matthew A.; Marinell, William H.; Yee, Darrick

2015-01-01

In education, there is ample evidence that some schools far outperform others at raising student achievement even when accounting for differences in the students they serve and the resources at their disposal. Differences in the human capital stock of teachers across schools cannot fully account for the differential productivity across schools. In…

Home Literacy Environment and Its Influence on Singaporean Children's Chinese Oral and Written Language Abilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Li; Tan, Chee Lay

2016-01-01

In a bilingual environment such as Singaporean Chinese community, the challenge of maintaining Chinese language and sustaining Chinese culture lies in promoting the daily use of Chinese language in oral and written forms among children. Ample evidence showed the effect of the home language and literacy environment (HLE), on children's language and…

Developing Pedagogical Judgment in Novice Teachers: Mediated Field Experience as a Pedagogy for Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horn, Ilana Seidel; Campbell, Sara Sunshine

2015-01-01

A common critique of teacher education centres on the gap between coursework and schools, with ample evidence that novice teachers seldom bring ambitious forms of instruction into classroom placements. We describe a 6-year design experiment conducted in a university teacher education program secondary mathematics methods course focused squarely on…

Beyond La Nina, La Pinta, and La Santa Maria: The Invention and Mental Mapping of the New World

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fernandez, Luis Martinez

2013-01-01

The topics of Columbus's voyages of exploration, the first encounters between Amerindians and Europeans, and the ensuing collision of their respective worlds provide ample opportunities for creative and stimulating pedagogical approaches that go beyond the stale memorization of dates, places, and names. This essay and accompanying classroom…

Positronium formation in Ss state in e+-Li scattering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarkar, K. P.; Basu, D.; Basu, Madhumita

1990-01-01

There are ample theoretical reasons to investigate positron-alkali atom scattering. Moreover, recent measurement on positron-alkali atom system by a Detroit group has renewed much interest in investigating these processes. Positronium (Ps) formation in excited 2s state in positron-Li scattering at intermediate and high energies were studied including second order effects following Basu and Ghosh.

Physics of chemoreception.

PubMed Central

Berg, H C; Purcell, E M

1977-01-01

Statistical fluctuations limit the precision with which a microorganism can, in a given time T, determine the concentration of a chemoattractant in the surrounding medium. The best a cell can do is to monitor continually the state of occupation of receptors distributed over its surface. For nearly optimum performance only a small fraction of the surface need be specifically adsorbing. The probability that a molecule that has collided with the cell will find a receptor is Ns/(Ns + pi a), if N receptors, each with a binding site of radius s, are evenly distributed over a cell of radius a. There is ample room for many indenpendent systems of specific receptors. The adsorption rate for molecules of moderate size cannot be significantly enhanced by motion of the cell or by stirring of the medium by the cell. The least fractional error attainable in the determination of a concentration c is approximately (TcaD) - 1/2, where D is diffusion constant of the attractant. The number of specific receptors needed to attain such precision is about a/s. Data on bacteriophage absorption, bacterial chemotaxis, and chemotaxis in a cellular slime mold are evaluated. The chemotactic sensitivity of Escherichia coli approaches that of the cell of optimum design. PMID:911982

Status and opportunities for genomics research with rainbow trout

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thorgaard, G.H.; Bailey, G.S.; Williams, D.; Buhler, D.R.; Kaattari, S.L.; Ristow, S.S.; Hansen, J.D.; Winton, J.R.; Bartholomew, J.L.; Nagler, J.J.; Walsh, P.J.; Vijayan, M.M.; Devlin, R.H.; Hardy, R.W.; Overturf, K.E.; Young, W.P.; Robison, B.D.; Rexroad, C.; Palti, Y.

2002-01-01

The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is one of the most widely studied of model fish species. Extensive basic biological information has been collected for this species, which because of their large size relative to other model fish species are particularly suitable for studies requiring ample quantities of specific cells and tissue types. Rainbow trout have been widely utilized for research in carcinogenesis, toxicology, comparative immunology, disease ecology, physiology and nutrition. They are distinctive in having evolved from a relatively recent tetraploid event, resulting in a high incidence of duplicated genes. Natural populations are available and have been well characterized for chromosomal, protein, molecular and quantitative genetic variation. Their ease of culture, and experimental and aquacultural significance has led to the development of clonal lines and the widespread application of transgenic technology to this species. Numerous microsatellites have been isolated and two relatively detailed genetic maps have been developed. Extensive sequencing of expressed sequence tags has begun and four BAC libraries have been developed. The development and analysis of additional genomic sequence data will provide distinctive opportunities to address problems in areas such as evolution of the immune system and duplicate genes. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproductive-tactic-specific variation in sperm swimming speeds in a shell-brooding cichlid.

PubMed

Fitzpatrick, J L; Desjardins, J K; Milligan, N; Montgomerie, R; Balshine, S

2007-08-01

Theory predicts that males experiencing elevated levels of sperm competition will invest more in gonads and produce faster-swimming sperm. Although there is ample evidence in support of the first prediction, few studies have examined sperm swimming speed in relation to sperm competition. In this study, we tested these predictions from sperm competition theory by examining sperm characteristics in Telmatochromis vittatus, a small shell-brooding cichlid fish endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Males exhibit four different reproductive tactics: pirate, territorial, satellite, and sneaker. Pirate males temporarily displace all other competing males from a shell nest, whereas sneaker males always release sperm in the presence of territorial and satellite males. Due to the fact that sneakers spawn in the presence of another male, sneakers face the highest levels of sperm competition and pirates the lowest, whereas satellites and territorials experience intermediate levels. In accordance with predictions, sperm from sneakers swam faster than sperm from males adopting the other reproductive tactics, whereas sperm from pirates was slowest. Interestingly, we were unable to detect any variation in sperm tail length among these reproductive tactics. Thus, sperm competition appears to have influenced sperm energetics in this species without having any influence on sperm size.

Soil nutrients influence spatial distributions of tropical tree species.

PubMed

John, Robert; Dalling, James W; Harms, Kyle E; Yavitt, Joseph B; Stallard, Robert F; Mirabello, Matthew; Hubbell, Stephen P; Valencia, Renato; Navarrete, Hugo; Vallejo, Martha; Foster, Robin B

2007-01-16

The importance of niche vs. neutral assembly mechanisms in structuring tropical tree communities remains an important unsettled question in community ecology [Bell G (2005) Ecology 86:1757-1770]. There is ample evidence that species distributions are determined by soils and habitat factors at landscape (<10(4) km(2)) and regional scales. At local scales (<1 km(2)), however, habitat factors and species distributions show comparable spatial aggregation, making it difficult to disentangle the importance of niche and dispersal processes. In this article, we test soil resource-based niche assembly at a local scale, using species and soil nutrient distributions obtained at high spatial resolution in three diverse neotropical forest plots in Colombia (La Planada), Ecuador (Yasuni), and Panama (Barro Colorado Island). Using spatial distribution maps of >0.5 million individual trees of 1,400 species and 10 essential plant nutrients, we used Monte Carlo simulations of species distributions to test plant-soil associations against null expectations based on dispersal assembly. We found that the spatial distributions of 36-51% of tree species at these sites show strong associations to soil nutrient distributions. Neutral dispersal assembly cannot account for these plant-soil associations or the observed niche breadths of these species. These results indicate that belowground resource availability plays an important role in the assembly of tropical tree communities at local scales and provide the basis for future investigations on the mechanisms of resource competition among tropical tree species.

Preconditioning, postconditioning and their application to clinical cardiology.

PubMed

Kloner, Robert A; Rezkalla, Shereif H

2006-05-01

Ischemic preconditioning is a well-established phenomenon first described in experimental preparations in which brief episodes of ischemia/reperfusion applied prior to a longer coronary artery occlusion reduce myocardial infarct size. There are ample correlates of ischemic preconditioning in the clinical realm. Preconditioning mimetic agents that stimulate the biochemical pathways of ischemic preconditioning and protect the heart without inducing ischemia have been examined in numerous experimental studies. However, despite the effectiveness of ischemic preconditioning and preconditioning mimetics for protecting ischemic myocardium, there are no preconditioning-based therapies that are routinely used in clinical medicine at the current time. Part of the problem is the need to administer therapy prior to the known ischemic event. Other issues are that percutaneous coronary intervention technology has advanced so far (with the development of stents and drug-eluting stents) that ischemic preconditioning or preconditioning mimetics have not been needed in most interventional cases. Recent clinical trials such as AMISTAD I and II (Acute Myocardial Infarction STudy of ADenosine) suggest that some preconditioning mimetics may reduce myocardial infarct size when given along with reperfusion or, as in the IONA trial, have benefit on clinical events when administered chronically in patients with known coronary artery disease. It is possible that some of the benefit described for adenosine in the AMISTAD 1 and 2 trials represents a manifestation of the recently described postconditioning phenomenon. It is probable that postconditioning--in which reperfusion is interrupted with brief coronary occlusions and reperfusion sequences--is more likely than preconditioning to be feasible as a clinical application to patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction.

Hygroscopic and phase separation properties of ammonium sulfate/organics/water ternary solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zawadowicz, M. A.; Proud, S. R.; Seppalainen, S. S.; Cziczo, D. J.

2015-08-01

Atmospheric aerosol particles are often partially or completely composed of inorganic salts, such as ammonium sulfate and sodium chloride, and therefore exhibit hygroscopic properties. Many inorganic salts have well-defined deliquescence and efflorescence points at which they take up and lose water, respectively. Field measurements have shown that atmospheric aerosols are not typically pure inorganic salt, instead, they often also contain organic species. There is ample evidence from laboratory studies that suggests that mixed particles exist in a phase-separated state, with an aqueous inorganic core and organic shell. Although phase separation has not been measured in situ, there is no reason it would not also take place in the atmosphere. Here, we investigate the deliquescence and efflorescence points, phase separation and ability to exchange gas-phase components of mixed organic and inorganic aerosol using a flow tube coupled with FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy. Ammonium sulfate aerosol mixed with organic polyols with different O : C ratios, including 1,4-butanediol, glycerol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2-hexanediol, and 1,5-pentanediol have been investigated. Those constituents correspond to materials found in the atmosphere in great abundance and, therefore, particles prepared in this study should mimic atmospheric mixed-phase aerosol particles. Some results of this study tend to be in agreement with previous microscopy experiments, but others, such as phase separation properties of 1,2,6-hexanetriol, do not agree with previous work. Because the particles studied in this experiment are of a smaller size than those used in microscopy studies, the discrepancies found could be a size-related effect.

A Didactic Sequence of Elementary Geometric Optics Informed by History and Philosophy of Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maurício, Paulo; Valente, Bianor; Chagas, Isabel

2017-01-01

The concepts and instruments required for the teaching and learning of geometric optics are introduced in the didactic process without a proper didactic transposition. This claim is secured by the ample evidence of both wide- and deep-rooted alternative concepts on the topic. Didactic transposition is a theory that comes from a reflection on the…

The Fate of a Migrant Language in Northern France (1880-1914): Flemish in Song Repertoire

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Declercq, Elien; D'hulst, Lieven

2010-01-01

New research on the history of nineteenth-century Flemish migration into the North of France shows ample evidence of a complex pattern of transfer procedures taking place between the source and target cultures, both via institutions such as newspapers, magazines and associations and via practices such as popular theatre, almanacs and songs. The…

Measuring Officer Knowledge and Experience to Enable Tailored Training

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-01

ample evidence to suggest that learning-related individual differences exist (Jensen, 1998; Thorndike , 1985) and that these individual differences...Gottfredson, 1998; Jensen, 1998; Thorndike , 1985). However, general mental ability would seem to affect performance through the acquisition of prior...Psychologist, 27 (1), 5-32. Thorndike , R. L. (1985). The central role of general ability in prediction. Multivariate Behavioral research, 20, 241

Evaluating the Effects of an Applied Learning Exercise on Students' Interest in Social Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weaver, Robert D.; Nackerud, Larry G.

2005-01-01

There is ample evidence that points out that the majority of social work students have little interest in social policy analysis. In this study, the impact a classroom-based policy construction exercise had on the interest level in policy of a differentiated sample (N = 43) of MSW students, in which participants were enrolled in either a…

Reading: Making It Personal Again--Now Serving PIE to Hungry Readers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hobbs, Nancy; Oleynik, Myra; Sacco, Kristen

2009-01-01

Something wonderful happens when children are asked to choose their own books and are given ample time to read and discuss them. They become hungry readers with an appetite for books! This simple strategy was the basis for developing the program known as PIE (Personalized Independent Enrichment) and its recipe for reading success. The goal of the…

Stable reflexive sheaves of degree zero on Calabi-Yau manifolds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakashima, Tohru

2017-11-01

We give sufficient conditions for the existence of μ-stable reflexive sheaves E on a Calabi-Yau threefold such that the first Chern classes c1(E) satisfy c1(E) ṡH2 = 0 for some ample line bundle H. We also prove a result concerning deformations to construct rank two μ-stable sheaves on arbitrary smooth projective varieties.

"Are We Doing Damage?" Choosing an Urban Public School in an Era of Parental Anxiety

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cucchiara, Maia

2013-01-01

There is an ample scholarly and popular literature describing the rise in "anxiety" among middle-class parents. This paper draws from a study of urban middle-class parents who were considering sending their children to public school. Focusing on one neighborhood and its school, it describes the impact of anxiety on the choice process. It further…

Antecedents of Chinese Parents' Autonomy Support and Psychological Control: The Interplay between Parents' Self-Development Socialization Goals and Adolescents' School Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Qian; Chan, Hoi-Wing; Lin, Li

2012-01-01

Despite ample evidence for the benefits of parental autonomy support and the harms of parental psychological control to Chinese adolescents' well-being, little is known about what foreshadows these parenting behaviors among Chinese parents. The current research addressed this gap in the literature. It tested the hypothesis that parents'…

When Neighbours Matter Most: Innovation, Diffusion and State Policy Adoption in Tertiary Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cohen-Vogel, Lora; Ingle, William Kyle

2007-01-01

We now have ample evidence that public policies diffuse across the American states; that is, policy adoption is due at least in part to the emulation of policies enacted in nearby states. But, policy adoption is the result of a complex process, a process that often takes years and sometimes decades to complete. According to the "stage"…

Role of oral care to prevent VAP in mechanically ventilated Intensive Care Unit patients.

PubMed

Gupta, A; Gupta, A; Singh, T K; Saxsena, A

2016-01-01

Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in Intensive Care Unit. One major factor causing VAP is the aspiration of oral colonization because of poor oral care practices. We feel the role of simple measure like oral care is neglected, despite the ample evidence of it being instrumental in preventing VAP.

Sex Steroid Hormones Matter for Learning and Memory: Estrogenic Regulation of Hippocampal Function Inmale and Female Rodents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frick, Karyn M.; Kim, Jaekyoon; Tuscher, Jennifer J.; Fortress, Ashley M.

2015-01-01

Ample evidence has demonstrated that sex steroid hormones, such as the potent estrogen 17ß-estradiol (E[subscript 2]), affect hippocampal morphology, plasticity, and memory in male and female rodents. Yet relatively few investigators who work with male subjects consider the effects of these hormones on learning and memory. This review describes…

9 CFR 89.3 - Feeding, watering, and resting livestock in the car.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... livestock in the car. 89.3 Section 89.3 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION... livestock in the car. (a) Livestock should be unloaded into pens of the character described in § 89.5(a) for feeding, watering, and resting, unless there is ample room in the car for all of the animals to lie down...

9 CFR 89.3 - Feeding, watering, and resting livestock in the car.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... livestock in the car. 89.3 Section 89.3 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION... livestock in the car. (a) Livestock should be unloaded into pens of the character described in § 89.5(a) for feeding, watering, and resting, unless there is ample room in the car for all of the animals to lie down...

9 CFR 89.3 - Feeding, watering, and resting livestock in the car.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... livestock in the car. 89.3 Section 89.3 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION... livestock in the car. (a) Livestock should be unloaded into pens of the character described in § 89.5(a) for feeding, watering, and resting, unless there is ample room in the car for all of the animals to lie down...

9 CFR 89.3 - Feeding, watering, and resting livestock in the car.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... livestock in the car. 89.3 Section 89.3 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION... livestock in the car. (a) Livestock should be unloaded into pens of the character described in § 89.5(a) for feeding, watering, and resting, unless there is ample room in the car for all of the animals to lie down...

Special Bohr-Sommerfeld Lagrangian submanifolds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyurin, N. A.

2016-12-01

We introduce a new notion in symplectic geometry, that of speciality for Lagrangian submanifolds satisfying the Bohr- Sommerfeld condition. We show that it enables one to construct finite-dimensional moduli spaces of special Bohr- Sommerfeld Lagrangian submanifolds with respect to any ample line bundle on an algebraic variety with a Hodge metric regarded as the symplectic form. This construction can be used to study mirror symmetry.

The Children of Mexican Immigrants in U.S. Schools: Exploring Their Parents' and Teachers' Perception and Knowledge Gaps

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Janecek, Uvaldina

2012-01-01

The influx of Mexican immigrants has posed enormous challenges to the nation's public school systems where migration is rapidly increasing. The high Hispanic dropout rate points to a failure in educating Latinos and has received ample attention from researchers, educators, and policymakers; but the achievement disparities persist. Using the lens…

77 FR 4973 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the San...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-01

... arboreal lichens and vegetation (Hall 1991, p. 616, Pyare and Longland 2001, p. 684; Smith 2007, p. 869...'s habitat seems to be related to conditions that are optimal for nesting and provide an ample supply... nonclimate conditions (e.g., habitat fragmentation). We use our expert judgment to weigh relevant information...

Height-growth response to climatic changes differs among populations of Douglas-fir: A novel analysis of historic data

Treesearch

Laura P. Leites; Andrew P. Robinson; Gerald E. Rehfeldt; John D. Marshall; Nicholas L. Crookston

2012-01-01

Projected climate change will affect existing forests, as substantial changes are predicted to occur during their life spans. Species that have ample intraspecific genetic differentiation, such as Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), are expected to display population-specific growth responses to climate change. Using a mixed-effects modeling approach,...

STEM Starts Early: Grounding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education in Early Childhood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McClure, Elisabeth R.; Guernsey, Lisa; Clements, Douglas H.; Bales, Susan Nall; Nichols, Jennifer; Kendall-Taylor, Nat; Levine, Michael H.

2017-01-01

Tomorrow's inventors and scientists are today's curious young children--as long as those children are given ample chances to explore and are guided by adults equipped to support them. "STEM Starts Early" is the culmination of a deep inquiry by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop and New America embarked on an exploratory…

Effect of Alternative and Augmentative Communication on Language and Social Behavior of Children with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lal, Rubina

2010-01-01

Teaching children with autism is a challenging task for educators and parents, as the children display marked deficits in language and social behaviors. One of the major goals of an intervention program for children with autism is to provide them a method of functional communication and ample opportunities to practice these skills. For some…

A Comparison of Product Realization Frameworks

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-10-01

software (integrated FrameMaker ). Also included are BOLD for on-line documentation delivery, printer/plotter support, and 18 network licensing support. AMPLE...are built with DSS. Documentation tools include an on-line information system (BOLD), text editing (Notepad), word processing (integrated FrameMaker ...within an application. FrameMaker is fully integrated with the Falcon Framework to provide consistent documentation capabilities within engineering

Predicting Success for College Students Enrolled in an Online, Lab-Based, Biology Course for Non-Majors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foster, Regina

2012-01-01

Online education has exploded in popularity. While there is ample research on predictors of traditional college student success, little research has been done on effective methods of predicting student success in online education. In this study, a number of demographic variables including GPA, ACT, gender, age and others were examined to determine…

STEM Starts Early: Grounding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education in Early Childhood. Executive Summary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McClure, Elisabeth R.; Guernsey, Lisa; Clements, Douglas H.; Bales, Susan Nall; Nichols, Jennifer; Kendall-Taylor, Nat; Levine, Michael H.

2017-01-01

Tomorrow's inventors and scientists are today's curious young children--as long as those children are given ample chances to explore and are guided by adults equipped to support them. "STEM Starts Early" is the culmination of a deep inquiry by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop and New America embarked on an exploratory…

It Is Still a Man's Game--Discrimination of Women in Pay and Promotion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roach, Bonnie L.

2014-01-01

There is ample evidence that there still is a pay gap amongst men and women and the situation is no different if academia. Many studies have examined various types of gender discrimination in academia and two areas in particular are problematic--salaries and representation of female faculty in upper ranks of academia. This paper examines the past…

(Some) Things Are Different Now: An Optimistic Look at Sexual Prejudice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kite, Mary E.

2011-01-01

There is ample reason to be discouraged about the prevalence of sexual prejudice. As Herek (2000) notes, the majority of adult respondents in the United States report that homosexual behavior is wrong or "unnatural." The author readily acknowledges, then, that it is overly optimistic to believe that sexual prejudice is a thing of the past or that…

Investigating Bilingual/ESL Teachers' Knowledge and Professional Development Opportunities in a Large Suburban School District in Texas

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Franco-Fuenmayor, Susana E.; Padrón, Yolanda N.; Waxman, Hersh C.

2015-01-01

Despite the fact that the population of English Language Learners (ELLs) is rapidly increasing, there is ample evidence that indicates that most teachers can benefit from training for teaching ELLs effectively. The purpose of this study is to examine teachers' knowledge of instructional practices for ELLs, research on bilingual programs,…

Program Innovation in Higher Education: An Exploratory Study of the Creation of New Degree Programs in Chilean Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zapata, Gonzalo

2013-01-01

Many researchers have studied differentiation in higher education systems, considering the multiplicity of new programs as one of its relevant features. In Chile, as well as in Latin America, there is ample literature on emerging higher education institutions and their growing differentiation, but very little or almost none devoted to emerging…

Douglas-fir Progeny Testing for Resistance to Western Spruce Budworm

Treesearch

Geral I. McDonald

1983-01-01

Ample evidence exists that inland populations of Douglas-fir suffer varying amounts of defoliation by western spruce budworm (Johnson and Denton 1975; Williams 1967; McDonald 1981). Such variation in plant insect association can be the result of the plant escaping attack in time and place to actual confrontation between plant and insect (Harris 1980). Co-evolved...

The Organization of Group Care Environments: The Infant Day Care Center.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cataldo, Michael F.; Risley, Todd R.

In designing group day care for infants, special attention has been given to efficient care practices, so that all the children's health needs can be met and so that the staff will have ample time to interact with the children. One efficient method is to assign each staff member the responsibility of a particular area rather than a particular…

On the Role of Hippocampal Protein Synthesis in the Consolidation and Reconsolidation of Object Recognition Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rossato, Janine I.; Bevilaqua, Lia R. M.; Myskiw, Jociane C.; Medina, Jorge H.; Izquierdo, Ivan; Cammarota, Martin

2007-01-01

Upon retrieval, consolidated memories are again rendered vulnerable to the action of metabolic blockers, notably protein synthesis inhibitors. This has led to the hypothesis that memories are reconsolidated at the time of retrieval, and that this depends on protein synthesis. Ample evidence indicates that the hippocampus plays a key role both in…

How Tracking Structures Attitudes towards Ethnic Out-Groups and Interethnic Interactions in the Classroom: An Ethnographic Study in Belgium

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Praag, Lore; Boone, Simon; Stevens, Peter A. J.; Van Houtte, Mieke

2015-01-01

The influence of the ethnic composition of schools on interethnic relations and attitudes has been studied extensively and has received ample interest from policy makers. However, less attention has been paid to the structures and processes inside schools that organize interethnic relations and attitudes. In Flanders (Belgium), secondary education…

School-to-Work and Inclusion in General Education Teacher Preparation Programs: Instructional Modules for Middle Childhood Subject Area Methods Courses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamill, Lee B.; Geer, Cindy H.

Six instructional modules for middle childhood subject area methods courses are designed to target students in preservice middle childhood general education programs. The modules have been developed for each of the content area methods courses to ensure all preservice teachers have ample exposure to the school-to-work (STW) philosophy and…

Methodological issues in HIV-related social research in Nigeria.

PubMed

Erinosho, Olayiwola; Joseph, Richard; Isiugo-Abanihe, Uche; Dike, Nkem; Aderinto, Adeyinka A

2013-12-01

This paper is about methodological issues in a community-wide study in Nigeria on an infectious disease, namely HIV/AIDS. The study was designed to ascertain the risk factors that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS and how that can be tackled in order to bring about behavioural change. The research team believed at the onset that a study on the interplay between HIV/AIDS and sensitive issues like sexual mores and sexuality requires much more than a straightjacket social science method, such as simply doing a cross-section study and/or using interview schedule. This paper reviews the essence of cross-disciplinary approach; team building; as well as the use of a non-participatory observational approach in data collection. It also shows why ample consideration was given to ethical issues which are often glossed over in social research in developing countries. The lessons from the study underscore the methodological imperatives in social research that focus on sensitive issues in largely non-literate context like Nigeria. Although there are formidable challenges in community-based studies in largely non-literate societies, nevertheless they could easily be surmounted if there are ample time and resources to navigate the various sticking points.

The Book of Kells: a non-invasive MOLAB investigation by complementary spectroscopic techniques.

PubMed

Doherty, B; Daveri, A; Clementi, C; Romani, A; Bioletti, S; Brunetti, B; Sgamellotti, A; Miliani, C

2013-11-01

This paper highlights the efficacy of non-invasive portable spectroscopy for assessing the execution technique and constituent materials in one of the most important medieval manuscripts, the Book of Kells. An aimed campaign of in situ measurements by the MObile LABoratory (MOLAB) has analyzed its elemental composition and vibrational and electronic molecular properties. The ample analytical toolbox has afforded complementary diagnostic information of the pigment palette permitting the characterization of both inorganic and organic materials as pigments and dyes in the white, purple, blue, red, orange, green and black areas. In particular, the novel widespread use of calcinated gypsum (anhydrite) as both a white pigment and in correlation to the organic dyes in this manuscript has been noted. The non-invasive identification of the organic dye orchil is significant considering its rare non invasive detection in medieval manuscripts. Finally the occurrence of particular alterations of the organic black areas giving rise to calcium carboxylate and calcium oxalate has been specifically highlighted. Importantly, this work elaborates complex aspects of the employed painting materials which have given rise to numerous significant points of interest for a more elaborate understanding of this Irish treasure. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Book of Kells: A non-invasive MOLAB investigation by complementary spectroscopic techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doherty, B.; Daveri, A.; Clementi, C.; Romani, A.; Bioletti, S.; Brunetti, B.; Sgamellotti, A.; Miliani, C.

2013-11-01

This paper highlights the efficacy of non-invasive portable spectroscopy for assessing the execution technique and constituent materials in one of the most important medieval manuscripts, the Book of Kells. An aimed campaign of in situ measurements by the MObile LABoratory (MOLAB) has analyzed its elemental composition and vibrational and electronic molecular properties. The ample analytical toolbox has afforded complementary diagnostic information of the pigment palette permitting the characterization of both inorganic and organic materials as pigments and dyes in the white, purple, blue, red, orange, green and black areas. In particular, the novel widespread use of calcinated gypsum (anhydrite) as both a white pigment and in correlation to the organic dyes in this manuscript has been noted. The non-invasive identification of the organic dye orchil is significant considering its rare non invasive detection in medieval manuscripts. Finally the occurrence of particular alterations of the organic black areas giving rise to calcium carboxylate and calcium oxalate has been specifically highlighted. Importantly, this work elaborates complex aspects of the employed painting materials which have given rise to numerous significant points of interest for a more elaborate understanding of this Irish treasure.

Do Riparian Buffers Protect Stream Invertebrate Communities in South American Atlantic Forest Agricultural Areas?

PubMed

Hunt, L; Marrochi, N; Bonetto, C; Liess, M; Buss, D F; Vieira da Silva, C; Chiu, M-C; Resh, V H

2017-12-01

We investigated the influence and relative importance of insecticides and other agricultural stressors in determining variability in invertebrate communities in small streams in intensive soy-production regions of Brazil and Paraguay. In Paraguay we sampled 17 sites on tributaries of the Pirapó River in the state of Itapúa and in Brazil we sampled 18 sites on tributaries of the San Francisco River in the state of Paraná. The riparian buffer zones generally contained native Atlantic forest remnants and/or introduced tree species at various stages of growth. In Brazil the stream buffer width was negatively correlated with sediment insecticide concentrations and buffer width was found to have moderate importance in mitigating effects on some sensitive taxa such as mayflies. However, in both regions insecticides had low relative importance in explaining variability in invertebrate communities, while various habitat parameters were more important. In Brazil, the percent coverage of soft depositional sediment in streams was the most important agriculture-related explanatory variable, and the overall stream-habitat score was the most important variable in Paraguay streams. Paraguay and Brazil both have laws requiring forested riparian buffers. The ample forested riparian buffer zones typical of streams in these regions are likely to have mitigated the effects of pesticides on stream invertebrate communities. This study provides evidence that riparian buffer regulations in the Atlantic Forest region are protecting stream ecosystems from pesticides and other agricultural stressors. Further studies are needed to determine the minimum buffer widths necessary to achieve optimal protection.

Bone taphonomy of the Schöningen "Spear Horizon South" and its implications for site formation and hominin meat provisioning.

PubMed

Starkovich, Britt M; Conard, Nicholas J

2015-12-01

This paper presents the faunal remains from the new excavation area at the Lower Paleolithic site of Schöningen. The focus of the study is on the southern extension of the main find horizon (Spear Horizon South), which includes the layer that yielded the famous Schöningen spears (13 II-4). Taxonomic data corroborate previous studies, that hominins primarily hunted Equus mosbachensis, a large Pleistocene horse. Equid body part representation at the site suggests that the animals were hunted and butchered locally. There is no evidence for density-mediated attrition in the assemblage. Weathering damage is uncommon, though there is ample evidence that carnivores had access to the bone. Carnivore bite sizes were measured and compared to experimental data provided by previous authors. Based on relationships between bite size and carnivore behavior and body size, we conclude that the primary modifying agents were large carnivores (i.e., wolves or saber-toothed cats). Previous studies show that carnivores often had secondary access to the remains, after hominins. Cut marks are commonly arranged haphazardly on the bones. This may indicate that multiple hominins participated in the butchery of horse skeletons, or that they were butchered over the course of hours or days. Cut marks on axial elements are more "orderly," which probably reflects the physical logistics of orienting one's body in relation to a large carcass. These data differ from sites formed by Middle and Upper Paleolithic hominins, which might suggest that in later times, a system of organized meat provisioning was already in place. Taken together, the faunal evidence from the Spear Horizon South indicates that late Lower Paleolithic hominins using the site understood the behaviors of different prey species, hunted socially to take down large game, and successfully competed with large carnivores on the landscape for primary access to ungulate remains. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Flower power: tree flowering phenology as a settlement cue for migrating birds.

PubMed

McGrath, Laura J; van Riper, Charles; Fontaine, Joseph J

2009-01-01

1. Neotropical migrant birds show a clear preference for stopover habitats with ample food supplies; yet, the proximate cues underlying these decisions remain unclear. 2. For insectivorous migrants, cues associated with vegetative phenology (e.g. flowering, leaf flush, and leaf loss) may reliably predict the availability of herbivorous arthropods. Here we examined whether migrants use the phenology of five tree species to choose stopover locations, and whether phenology accurately predicts food availability. 3. Using a combination of experimental and observational evidence, we show migrant populations closely track tree phenology, particularly the flowering phenology of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), and preferentially forage in trees with more flowers. Furthermore, the flowering phenology of honey mesquite reliably predicts overall arthropod abundance as well as the arthropods preferred by migrants for food. 4. Together, these results suggest that honey mesquite flowering phenology is an important cue used by migrants to assess food availability quickly and reliably, while in transit during spring migration.

Genomic impact of eukaryotic transposable elements

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The third international conference on the genomic impact of eukaryotic transposable elements (TEs) was held 24 to 28 February 2012 at the Asilomar Conference Center, Pacific Grove, CA, USA. Sponsored in part by the National Institutes of Health grant 5 P41 LM006252, the goal of the conference was to bring together researchers from around the world who study the impact and mechanisms of TEs using multiple computational and experimental approaches. The meeting drew close to 170 attendees and included invited floor presentations on the biology of TEs and their genomic impact, as well as numerous talks contributed by young scientists. The workshop talks were devoted to computational analysis of TEs with additional time for discussion of unresolved issues. Also, there was ample opportunity for poster presentations and informal evening discussions. The success of the meeting reflects the important role of Repbase in comparative genomic studies, and emphasizes the need for close interactions between experimental and computational biologists in the years to come. PMID:23171443

Genomic impact of eukaryotic transposable elements.

PubMed

Arkhipova, Irina R; Batzer, Mark A; Brosius, Juergen; Feschotte, Cédric; Moran, John V; Schmitz, Jürgen; Jurka, Jerzy

2012-11-21

The third international conference on the genomic impact of eukaryotic transposable elements (TEs) was held 24 to 28 February 2012 at the Asilomar Conference Center, Pacific Grove, CA, USA. Sponsored in part by the National Institutes of Health grant 5 P41 LM006252, the goal of the conference was to bring together researchers from around the world who study the impact and mechanisms of TEs using multiple computational and experimental approaches. The meeting drew close to 170 attendees and included invited floor presentations on the biology of TEs and their genomic impact, as well as numerous talks contributed by young scientists. The workshop talks were devoted to computational analysis of TEs with additional time for discussion of unresolved issues. Also, there was ample opportunity for poster presentations and informal evening discussions. The success of the meeting reflects the important role of Repbase in comparative genomic studies, and emphasizes the need for close interactions between experimental and computational biologists in the years to come.

Technical variables in high-throughput miRNA expression profiling: much work remains to be done.

PubMed

Nelson, Peter T; Wang, Wang-Xia; Wilfred, Bernard R; Tang, Guiliang

2008-11-01

MicroRNA (miRNA) gene expression profiling has provided important insights into plant and animal biology. However, there has not been ample published work about pitfalls associated with technical parameters in miRNA gene expression profiling. One source of pertinent information about technical variables in gene expression profiling is the separate and more well-established literature regarding mRNA expression profiling. However, many aspects of miRNA biochemistry are unique. For example, the cellular processing and compartmentation of miRNAs, the differential stability of specific miRNAs, and aspects of global miRNA expression regulation require specific consideration. Additional possible sources of systematic bias in miRNA expression studies include the differential impact of pre-analytical variables, substrate specificity of nucleic acid processing enzymes used in labeling and amplification, and issues regarding new miRNA discovery and annotation. We conclude that greater focus on technical parameters is required to bolster the validity, reliability, and cultural credibility of miRNA gene expression profiling studies.

Flower power: Tree flowering phenology as a settlement cue for migrating birds

USGS Publications Warehouse

McGrath, L.J.; van Riper, Charles; Fontaine, J.J.

2009-01-01

1. Neotropical migrant birds show a clear preference for stopover habitats with ample food supplies; yet, the proximate cues underlying these decisions remain unclear. 2. For insectivorous migrants, cues associated with vegetative phenology (e.g. flowering, leaf flush, and leaf loss) may reliably predict the availability of herbivorous arthropods. Here we examined whether migrants use the phenology of five tree species to choose stopover locations, and whether phenology accurately predicts food availability. 3. Using a combination of experimental and observational evidence, we show migrant populations closely track tree phenology, particularly the flowering phenology of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), and preferentially forage in trees with more flowers. Furthermore, the flowering phenology of honey mesquite reliably predicts overall arthropod abundance as well as the arthropods preferred by migrants for food. 4. Together, these results suggest that honey mesquite flowering phenology is an important cue used by migrants to assess food availability quickly and reliably, while in transit during spring migration. ?? 2008 The Authors.

Taipower`s radioactive waste management program

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

Lee, B.C.C.

1996-09-01

Nuclear safety and radioactive waste management are the two major concerns of nuclear power in Taiwan. Recognizing that it is an issue imbued with political and social-economic concerns, Taipower has established an integrated nuclear backend management system and its associated financial and mechanism. For LLW, the Orchid Island storage facility will play an important role in bridging the gap between on-site storage and final disposal of LLW. Also, on-site interim storage of spent fuel for 40 years or longer will provide Taipower with ample time and flexibility to adopt the suitable alternative of direct disposal or reprocessing. In other words,more » by so exercising interim storage option, Taipower will be in a comfortable position to safely and permanently dispose of radwaste without unduly forgoing the opportunities of adopting better technologies or alternatives. Furthermore, Taipower will spare no efforts to communicate with the general public and make her nuclear backend management activities accountable to them.« less

Cancer screening and health system resilience: keys to protecting and bolstering preventive services during a financial crisis.

PubMed

Martin-Moreno, Jose M; Anttila, Ahti; von Karsa, Lawrence; Alfonso-Sanchez, Jose L; Gorgojo, Lydia

2012-09-01

The aim of this paper is to elucidate the rationale for sustaining and expanding cost-effective, population-based screening services for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers in the context of the current financial crisis. Our objective is not only to promote optimal delivery of high-quality secondary cancer prevention services, but also to underline the importance of strengthening comprehensive cancer control, and with it, health system response to the complex care challenges posed by all chronic diseases. We focus primarily on issues surrounding planning, organisation, implementation and resources, arguing that given the growing cancer burden, policymakers have ample justification for establishing and expanding population-based programmes that are well-organised, well-resourced and well-executed. In a broader economic context of rescue packages, deficits and cutbacks to government entitlements, health professionals must intensify their advocacy for the protection of vital preventive health services by fighting for quality services with clear benefits for population health outcomes. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Biobehavioral Model of Cancer Stress and Disease Course

PubMed Central

Andersen, Barbara L.; Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K.; Glaser, Ronald

2009-01-01

Approximately 1 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year and must cope with the disease and treatments. Many studies have documented the deteriorations in quality of life that occur. These data suggest that the adjustment process is burdensome and lengthy. There is ample evidence showing that adults experiencing other long-term stressors experience not only high rates of adjustment difficulties (e.g., syndromal depression) but important biologic effects, such as persistent downregulation of elements of the immune system, and adverse health outcomes, such as higher rates of respiratory tract infections. Thus, deteriorations in quality of life with cancer are underscored if they have implications for biological processes, such as the immune system, relating to disease progression and spread. Considering these and other data, a biobehavioral model of adjustment to the stresses of cancer is offered, and mechanisms by which psychological and behavioral responses may influence biological processes and, perhaps, health outcomes are proposed. Finally, strategies for testing the model via experiments testing psychological interventions are offered. PMID:8024167

Vast geologic basins attract Indonesian oil exploration. Pt. 3

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

Soeparjadi, R.A.; Slocum, R.C.

1973-10-01

This concluding article of a 3-part series describes key geologic features that make Indonesia's S. and E. Kalimantan, Irian Jaya, and S. China Sea areas prime targets for continuing oil and gas exploration. Thick sedimentary basins in E. Kalimantan contain Indonesia'a largest offshore oilfield and other important developments. New reef discoveries in Irian Jaya highlight an extensive exploration effort. Continued drilling in the huge S. China Sea is assured by near commercial shows in recent wildcats. While many thousands of square miles still do not claim a significant discovery, proven successes such as Kalimantan's Attaka field (Indonesia's largest offshore producer)more » and Irian Jaya's new 23,600 bopd Kasim 3 well provide ample incentive for intensive oil searches. Near commercial recoveries of both gas and oil in Indonesia's huge S. China Sea and the recent testing of a 6,000 bopd oil well in nearby Malaysian waters spur interest in the area's W. Natuna and Miri-Seria sedimentary basins.« less

Cavitand-Based Polyphenols as Highly Reactive Organocatalysts for the Coupling of Carbon Dioxide and Oxiranes.

PubMed

Martínez-Rodríguez, Luis; Otalora Garmilla, Javier; Kleij, Arjan W

2016-04-07

A variety of cavitand-based polyphenols was prepared from cheap and accessible aldehyde and resorcinol/pyrogallol reagents to give the respective resorcin[4]- or pyrogallol[4]arenes. The preorganization of the phenolic units allows intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bond (HB) networks that affect both the reactivity and stability of these HB-donor catalysts. Unexpectedly, we found that the resorcin[4]arenes show cooperative catalysis behavior compared to the parent resorcinol in the catalytic coupling of epoxides and CO2 with a significantly higher turnover. At elevated reaction temperatures, the resorcin[4]arene-based catalyst 3 d displays the best catalytic performance with very high turnover numbers and frequencies, combining increased reactivity and stability compared to pyrogallol, and an ample substrate scope. This type of polyphenol structure thus illustrates the importance of a new, highly competitive organocatalyst design to devise sustainable CO2 conversion processes. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The International Efficiency of American Education: The Bad and the Not-So-Bad News

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heyneman, Stephen P.

2013-01-01

There is ample evidence to suggest that American schools perform worse than schools in many other countries. The U.S. ranks toward the bottom of the industrialized nations on international tests of academic achievement in science and mathematics. Not only may American schools perform worse but they may do so at the same time as they use more…

Naval Research Reviews, Volume 32, Number 4

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

iron while (e.g., carbon, chlorine, phosphorous, sulfur, zinc other areas are still covered by an oxide . An XPS and boron). An example of the chemical...picture. Metallic bearing components, for ex- major impact on tribology. The first is the develop- ample, usually have complex oxide films on their...the composition or thickncs. IThe optical image is m,.chanisms responsible for ion beam degradation of rotated slightly withrespecttoelectronimages

What Does It Mean to Be a Science Librarian 2.0?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harvey, Missy

2009-01-01

Science librarians, as well as other librarians, have seen ample new technologies come and go over the years. Librarians experiment and try to find ways to employ the new tools in our libraries. A driving force in our decision making about what tools to use should always be our patrons and whether the tools can help us do a better job of…

The Advent of Netwar.

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-01-01

question. For ex- ample, Zambia has, for at least the past 20 years, been a principal battleground be- tween transnational ivory poaching interests and...the Wildlife Fund, which seeks to protect the dwindling African elephant population. The poachers have sought to "capture" various political, legal...exploitation of elephants . Gibson’s (1995) examination of this case points out that the poachers have undermined the state, while the conservationists

A Simple Rearing Technique for Obtaining Eggs or Young Larvae of the Southern Pine Beetle

Treesearch

Edgar W. Clark

1965-01-01

In two earlier notes we described techniques that utilized pine bolts for rearing the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm. ) and the coarse writing engraver (Ips calligraphus Germ. ) (Clark and Osgood 1964a, 1964b). This note presents ample technique for maintaining a constant, easily accessible source of southern pine beetle eggs or larvae. It is a...

Digital Biological Converter

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-28

of cuts that each fragment should be cut into so the fragments are no greater than a specific length threshold. Additionally, vector sequences and...restriction sites are attached to each fragment while ensuring the restriction sites are unique to each sequence. The vector sequences serve as hooks...for assembly into vector for cloning purposes, and also as primer binding domains for PCR ampl ification. The restriction sites are added to

Wireless, amphibious theory for reinforcement learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jinci

2013-10-01

Cryptographers agree that heterogeneous information are an interesting new topic in the field of cryptography, and biologists concur. Given the current status of stochastic epistemologies, security experts clearly desire the construction of flip-flop gates [1, 2, 3]. Mungo, our new system for authenticated algorithms, is the solution to all of these challenges. Though such a hypothesis at first glance seems perverse, it has ample historical precedence.

The Impact of School Quality, Socioeconomic Factors, and Child Health on Students' Academic Performance: Evidence from Sri Lankan Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aturupane, Harsha; Glewwe, Paul; Wisniewski, Suzanne

2013-01-01

One of the eight Millennium Development Goals is that all children in developing countries should complete primary education. Much progress has been made toward this goal, but completing primary school does not ensure that students attain basic literacy and numeracy skills. Indeed, there is ample evidence that many children in developing countries…

HAARP 2011 Summer Student Research Campaign

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-16

in order to take advantage of a wide variety of background ionospheric conditions and to provide ample time for each student to investigate...The SSRC expands on the PARS Summer School by providing a significant increase in facility operational time. This has advantages in several areas...in several advantages for scheduling and conducting experiments: (1) Higher ionospheric density yields higher F-region critical frequency (foF2

Stable-isotope and solute-chemistry approaches to flow characterization in a forested tropical watershed, Luquillo Mountains, Puerto Rico

Treesearch

Martha A. Scholl; James B. Shanley; Sheila F. Murphy; Jane K. Willenbring; Grizelle Gonzalez

2015-01-01

The prospect of changing climate has led to uncertainty about the resilience of forested mountain watersheds in the tropics. In watersheds where frequent, high rainfall provides ample runoff, we often lack understanding of how the system will respond under conditions of decreased rainfall or drought. Factors that govern water supply, such as recharge rates and...

Disabling Discourses and Human Rights Law: A Case Study Based on the Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liasidou, Anastasia

2016-01-01

This article examines the symbolic power of language to construct and convey disabling discourses, albeit ample rhetoric, on the need to reinstate and safeguard disabled people's human rights and entitlements. The role of language and its discursive ramifications need to be explored and problematized in the light of legal mandates and…

Source Physics Experiment: Research in Support of Verification and Nonproliferation

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

designed to provide a carefully controlled seismic and strong motion data set from buried explosions at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). The...deposition partitioned into internal (heat and plastic strain) and kinetic (e.g., radiated seismic ) energy, giving more confidence in predicted free...ample information to study dry and water-saturated fractures, local lithology and topography on the radiated seismic wavefield. Spallation on

JPRS Report, Science & Technology, China.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-08

impor- tance of the computer information industry to the develop- ment of the national economy and the people’s standard of living. Forecasts call...past several years, and the application of computers has permeated every trade and industry , providing powerful SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY POLICY JPRS...system and ample human talent; market potential is large; and it has potential for low cost develop- ment. However, the scale of its industrial

Early & Often: Designing a Comprehensive System of Financial Aid Information. A Report of the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, 2008

2008-01-01

Students and parents need ample time and accurate information to prepare for the financial burden of a college education--those who lack this knowledge base face a significant access barrier to higher education. This problem can be countered by the delivery of comprehensive, integrated financial aid information, an approach identified by the…

Taking Stock: Five Years of Structural Change in Boston's Public Schools. A Boston Indicators Project Special Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McEnroe, Ted

2014-01-01

While structural reform has certainly inspired change in Boston's public schools, its true value is best measured by examining the impact those changes have had on students. Seen through the lens of student performance over the past five years there is ample suggestion that these structural changes have been more than just window dressing--they…

Early & Often: Designing a Comprehensive System of Financial Aid Information. Abridged Report of the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, 2008

2008-01-01

Students and parents need ample time and accurate information to prepare for the financial burden of a college education--those who lack this knowledge base face a significant access barrier to higher education. The early intervention community is calling for a method of delivering age-appropriate information in a timely manner as one means of…

Broadening of Graduate Practicums (An overview of how Jacksonville State University increased the practical experiences available to employed Master's level students).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frith, Greg

Educators agree that the interaction of teachers in training with exceptional children through the medium of practicums or internships is an essential component of every teacher education program. At the undergraduate level, where the student is usually pursuing a degree on a full time basis, ample opportunities exist for interaction with…

Soil nutrients influence spatial distributions of tropical tree species

PubMed Central

John, Robert; Dalling, James W.; Harms, Kyle E.; Yavitt, Joseph B.; Stallard, Robert F.; Mirabello, Matthew; Hubbell, Stephen P.; Valencia, Renato; Navarrete, Hugo; Vallejo, Martha; Foster, Robin B.

2007-01-01

The importance of niche vs. neutral assembly mechanisms in structuring tropical tree communities remains an important unsettled question in community ecology [Bell G (2005) Ecology 86:1757–1770]. There is ample evidence that species distributions are determined by soils and habitat factors at landscape (<104 km2) and regional scales. At local scales (<1 km2), however, habitat factors and species distributions show comparable spatial aggregation, making it difficult to disentangle the importance of niche and dispersal processes. In this article, we test soil resource-based niche assembly at a local scale, using species and soil nutrient distributions obtained at high spatial resolution in three diverse neotropical forest plots in Colombia (La Planada), Ecuador (Yasuni), and Panama (Barro Colorado Island). Using spatial distribution maps of >0.5 million individual trees of 1,400 species and 10 essential plant nutrients, we used Monte Carlo simulations of species distributions to test plant–soil associations against null expectations based on dispersal assembly. We found that the spatial distributions of 36–51% of tree species at these sites show strong associations to soil nutrient distributions. Neutral dispersal assembly cannot account for these plant–soil associations or the observed niche breadths of these species. These results indicate that belowground resource availability plays an important role in the assembly of tropical tree communities at local scales and provide the basis for future investigations on the mechanisms of resource competition among tropical tree species. PMID:17215353

Recent Natural Hybridization between Two Allopolyploid Wheatgrasses (Elytrigia, Poaceae): Ecological and Evolutionary Implications

PubMed Central

Mahelka, Václav; Fehrer, Judith; Krahulec, František; Jarolímová, Vlasta

2007-01-01

Background and Aims Natural hybridization was investigated between two predominantly allohexaploid wheatgrasses, weedy Elytrigia repens and steppic E. intermedia, with respect to habitats characterized by different degrees of anthropogenic disturbance. Methods Using flow cytometry (relative DNA content), 269 plants from three localities were analysed. Hybrids were further analysed using nuclear ribosomal (ITS1-5·8S-ITS2 region) and chloroplast (trnT-F region) DNA markers in addition to absolute DNA content and chromosome numbers. Key Results Weedy E. repens was rare in a steppic locality whereas E. intermedia was almost absent at two sites of agricultural land-use. Nevertheless, hybrids were common there whereas none were found at the steppic locality, underlining the importance of different ecological conditions for hybrid formation or establishment. At one highly disturbed site, > 16 % of randomly collected plants were hybrids. Hexaploid hybrids showed intermediate genome size compared with the parents and additive patterns of parental ITS copies. Some evidence of backcrosses was found. The direction of hybridization was highly asymmetric as cpDNA identified E. intermedia as the maternal parent in 61 out of 63 cases. Out of nine nonaploid cytotypes (2n = 9x = 63) which likely originated by fusion of unreduced and reduced gametes of hexaploids, eight were hybrids whereas one was a nonaploid cytotype of E. repens. The progeny of one nonaploid hybrid demonstrated gene flow between hexaploid and nonaploid cytotypes. Conclusions The results show that E. repens and E. intermedia frequently cross at places where they co-occur. Hybrid frequency is likely influenced by habitat type; sites disturbed by human influence sustain hybrid formation and/or establishment. Hexaploid and nonaploid hybrid fertility is not negligible, backcrossing is possible, and the progeny is variable. The frequent production of new at least partially fertile cyto- and genotypes provides ample raw material for evolution and adaptation. PMID:17562679

Are residents of downtown Toronto influenced by their urban neighbourhoods? Using concept mapping to examine neighbourhood characteristics and their perceived impact on self-rated mental well-being

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background There is ample evidence that residential neighbourhoods can influence mental well-being (MWB), with most studies relying on census or similar data to characterize communities. Few studies have actively investigated local residents’ perceptions. Methods Concept mapping was conducted with residents from five Toronto neighbourhoods representing low income and non-low income socio-economic groups. These residents participated in small groups and attended two sessions per neighbourhood. The first session (brainstorming) generated neighbourhood characteristics that residents felt influenced their MWB. A few weeks later, participants returned to sort these neighbourhood characteristics and rate their relative importance in affecting residents’ ‘good’ and ‘poor’ MWB. The data from the sorting and rating groups were analyzed to generate conceptual maps of neighbourhood characteristics that influence MWB. Results While agreement existed on factors influencing poor MWB (regardless of neighbourhood, income, gender and age), perceptions related to factors affecting good MWB were more varied. For example, women were more likely to rank physical beauty of their neighbourhood and range of services available as more important to good MWB, while men were more likely to cite free access to computers/internet and neighbourhood reputation as important. Low-income residents emphasized aesthetic attributes and public transportation as important to good MWB, while non-low-income residents rated crime, negative neighbourhood environment and social concerns as more important contributors to good MWB. Conclusion These findings contribute to the emerging literature on neighbourhoods and MWB, and inform urban planning in a Canadian context. PMID:22862839

Are residents of downtown Toronto influenced by their urban neighbourhoods? Using concept mapping to examine neighbourhood characteristics and their perceived impact on self-rated mental well-being.

PubMed

Sheppard, Amanda J; Salmon, Christina; Balasubramaniam, Priya; Parsons, Janet; Singh, Gita; Jabbar, Amina; Zaidi, Qamar; Scott, Allison; Nisenbaum, Rosane; Dunn, Jim; Ramsay, Jason; Haque, Nasim; O'Campo, Patricia

2012-08-03

There is ample evidence that residential neighbourhoods can influence mental well-being (MWB), with most studies relying on census or similar data to characterize communities. Few studies have actively investigated local residents' perceptions. Concept mapping was conducted with residents from five Toronto neighbourhoods representing low income and non-low income socio-economic groups. These residents participated in small groups and attended two sessions per neighbourhood. The first session (brainstorming) generated neighbourhood characteristics that residents felt influenced their MWB. A few weeks later, participants returned to sort these neighbourhood characteristics and rate their relative importance in affecting residents' 'good' and 'poor' MWB. The data from the sorting and rating groups were analyzed to generate conceptual maps of neighbourhood characteristics that influence MWB. While agreement existed on factors influencing poor MWB (regardless of neighbourhood, income, gender and age), perceptions related to factors affecting good MWB were more varied. For example, women were more likely to rank physical beauty of their neighbourhood and range of services available as more important to good MWB, while men were more likely to cite free access to computers/internet and neighbourhood reputation as important. Low-income residents emphasized aesthetic attributes and public transportation as important to good MWB, while non-low-income residents rated crime, negative neighbourhood environment and social concerns as more important contributors to good MWB. These findings contribute to the emerging literature on neighbourhoods and MWB, and inform urban planning in a Canadian context.

Gist in time: scene semantics and structure enhance recall of searched objects

PubMed Central

Wolfe, Jeremy M.; Võ, Melissa L.-H.

2016-01-01

Previous work has shown that recall of objects that are incidentally encountered as targets in visual search is better than recall of objects that have been intentionally memorized (Draschkow, Wolfe & Võ, 2014). However, this counter-intuitive result is not seen when these tasks are performed with non-scene stimuli. The goal of the current paper is to determine what features of search in a scene contribute to higher recall rates when compared to a memorization task. In each of four experiments, we compare the free recall rate for target objects following a search to the rate following a memorization task. Across the experiments, the stimuli include progressively more scene-related information. Experiment 1 provides the spatial relations between objects. Experiment 2 adds relative size and depth of objects. Experiments 3 and 4 include scene layout and semantic information. We find that search leads to better recall than explicit memorization in cases where scene layout and semantic information are present, as long as the participant has ample time (2500ms) to integrate this information with knowledge about the target object (Exp. 4). These results suggest that the integration of scene and target information not only leads to more efficient search, but can also contribute to stronger memory representations than intentional memorization. PMID:27270227

Pulmonary diseases induced by ambient ultrafine and engineered nanoparticles in twenty-first century.

PubMed

Xia, Tian; Zhu, Yifang; Mu, Lina; Zhang, Zuo-Feng; Liu, Sijin

2016-12-01

Air pollution is a severe threat to public health globally, affecting everyone in developed and developing countries alike. Among different air pollutants, particulate matter (PM), particularly combustion-produced fine PM (PM 2.5 ) has been shown to play a major role in inducing various adverse health effects. Strong associations have been demonstrated by epidemiological and toxicological studies between increases in PM 2.5 concentrations and premature mortality, cardiopulmonary diseases, asthma and allergic sensitization, and lung cancer. The mechanisms of PM-induced toxicological effects are related to their size, chemical composition, lung clearance and retention, cellular oxidative stress responses and pro-inflammatory effects locally and systemically. Particles in the ultrafine range (<100 nm), although they have the highest number counts, surface area and organic chemical content, are often overlooked due to insufficient monitoring and risk assessment. Yet, ample studies have demonstrated that ambient ultrafine particles have higher toxic potential compared with PM 2.5 . In addition, the rapid development of nanotechnology, bringing ever-increasing production of nanomaterials, has raised concerns about the potential human exposure and health impacts. All these add to the complexity of PM-induced health effects that largely remains to be determined, and mechanistic understanding on the toxicological effects of ambient ultrafine particles and nanomaterials will be the focus of studies in the near future.

No Association Between Variant N-acetyltransferase Genes, Cigarette Smoking and Prostate Cancer Susceptibility Among Men of African Descent

PubMed Central

Kidd, La Creis Renee; VanCleave, Tiva T.; Doll, Mark A.; Srivastava, Daya S.; Thacker, Brandon; Komolafe, Oyeyemi; Pihur, Vasyl; Brock, Guy N.; Hein, David W.

2011-01-01

Objective We evaluated the individual and combination effects of NAT1, NAT2 and tobacco smoking in a case-control study of 219 incident prostate cancer (PCa) cases and 555 disease-free men. Methods Allelic discriminations for 15 NAT1 and NAT2 loci were detected in germ-line DNA samples using Taqman polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Single gene, gene-gene and gene-smoking interactions were analyzed using logistic regression models and multi-factor dimensionality reduction (MDR) adjusted for age and subpopulation stratification. MDR involves a rigorous algorithm that has ample statistical power to assess and visualize gene-gene and gene-environment interactions using relatively small samples sizes (i.e., 200 cases and 200 controls). Results Despite the relatively high prevalence of NAT1*10/*10 (40.1%), NAT2 slow (30.6%), and NAT2 very slow acetylator genotypes (10.1%) among our study participants, these putative risk factors did not individually or jointly increase PCa risk among all subjects or a subset analysis restricted to tobacco smokers. Conclusion Our data do not support the use of N-acetyltransferase genetic susceptibilities as PCa risk factors among men of African descent; however, subsequent studies in larger sample populations are needed to confirm this finding. PMID:21709725

Rhodamine-WT dye losses in a mountain stream environment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bencala, Kenneth E.; Rathburn, Ronald E.; Jackman, Alan P.; Kennedy, Vance C.; Zellweger, Gary W.; Avanzino, Ronald J.

1983-01-01

A significant fraction of rhodamine WT dye was lost during a short term multitracer injection experiment in a mountain stream environment. The conservative anion chloride and the sorbing cation lithium were concurrently injected. In-stream rhodamine WT concentrations were as low as 45 percent of that expected, based on chloride data. Concentration data were available from shallow‘wells’dug near the stream course and from a seep of suspected return flow. Both rhodamine WT dye and lithium were nonconservative with respect to the conservative chloride, with rhodamine WT dye closely following the behavior of the sorbing lithium.Nonsorption and sorption mechanisms for rhodamine WT loss in a mountain stream were evaluated in laboratory experiments. Experiments evaluating nonsorption losses indicated minimal losses by such mechanisms. Laboratory experiments using sand and gravel size streambed sediments show an appreciable capacity for rhodamine WT sorption.The detection of tracers in the shallow wells and seep indicates interaction between the stream and the flow in the surrounding subsurface, intergravel water, system. The injected tracers had ample opportunity for intimate contact with materials shown in the laboratory experiments to be potentially sorptive. It is suggested that in the study stream system, interaction with streambed gravel was a significant mechanism for the attenuation of rhodamine WT dye (relative to chloride).

An electric beam trawl for the capture of larval lampreys

USGS Publications Warehouse

McLain, Alberton; Dahl, Frederick H.

1968-01-01

The chemicals used to control the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, in the Great Lakes have drastically reduced populations of larval lampreys in tributary streams. These larvicides are too costly and difficult to apply, however, in inland lakes, estuaries, and bays. Populations of sea lampreys in these areas constitute a threat to the refinement of the control. The gear available to locate, ample, and evaluate larval populations in deep water are inefficient. Electric shockers, satisfactory for collecting ammocoetes in streams, are limited to shallow water. The use of mechanical devices such as the Petersen dredge, anchor dredge, and the orange-peel dredge is time consuming, inefficient, and relatively ineffective in providing reliable quantitative evaluation of population size and composition over large areas of bottom. A device was required to sample adequately many areas in a short period of time, regardless of the depth of water. Mobility also was essential to permit operation of the unit in the various Great Lakes and in inland waters. An electrified beam trawl has been developed that most nearly meets these requirements. It has been used successfully to collect larvae of the sea lamprey, American brook lamprey (Lampetra lamottei), northern brook lamprey (Ichthyomyzon fossor), and silver lamprey (I. unicuspis). Effectiveness of the trawl did not appear to differ with species.

Gist in time: Scene semantics and structure enhance recall of searched objects.

PubMed

Josephs, Emilie L; Draschkow, Dejan; Wolfe, Jeremy M; Võ, Melissa L-H

2016-09-01

Previous work has shown that recall of objects that are incidentally encountered as targets in visual search is better than recall of objects that have been intentionally memorized (Draschkow, Wolfe, & Võ, 2014). However, this counter-intuitive result is not seen when these tasks are performed with non-scene stimuli. The goal of the current paper is to determine what features of search in a scene contribute to higher recall rates when compared to a memorization task. In each of four experiments, we compare the free recall rate for target objects following a search to the rate following a memorization task. Across the experiments, the stimuli include progressively more scene-related information. Experiment 1 provides the spatial relations between objects. Experiment 2 adds relative size and depth of objects. Experiments 3 and 4 include scene layout and semantic information. We find that search leads to better recall than explicit memorization in cases where scene layout and semantic information are present, as long as the participant has ample time (2500ms) to integrate this information with knowledge about the target object (Exp. 4). These results suggest that the integration of scene and target information not only leads to more efficient search, but can also contribute to stronger memory representations than intentional memorization. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Taxonomy of the Caribbean sponge Dragmacidon reticulatum (Ridley & Dendy, 1886) (Porifera, Demospongiae, Axinellida), with the description of a new species.

PubMed

Zea, Sven; Pulido, Alejandra

2016-05-25

Although there is a long history of taxonomic investigation in Caribbean sponges, there are still many undescribed species. Furthermore, field observations and corroborating morphological analyses are revealing that what was believed to be single, somewhat variable species, may consist of two or more species, often easier to distinguish once well characterized. This is the case for Dragmacidon reticulatum (Ridley & Dendy, 1886) (Porifera, Demospongiae, Axinellida, Axinellidae), a rather well-known sponge, with an ample distribution and presence in rocky and reef environments of the tropical and subtropical Western Atlantic, with local records in the majority of the countries of the area, from Bermuda to Brazil. Field observations and a detailed review of material from different areas, including some type specimens, led us to the distinction of two different species in terms of external morphology, size of spicules, and skeletal architecture. The distinction was confirmed in the Bahamas and Santa Marta, Colombia, where the two species coexist. One of the species is Dragmacidon reticulatum sensu stricto, but for the other there is need to erect a new name, for which we propose Dragmacidon alvarezae n. sp. The purpose of the present work is to describe, illustrate and compare these two species.

Highlighting Astyanax Species Diversity through DNA Barcoding

PubMed Central

Oliveira, Carlos Alexandre Miranda; de Melo, Filipe Augusto Gonçalves; Bertaco, Vinicius de Araújo; de Astarloa, Juan M. Díaz; Rosso, Juan J.; Foresti, Fausto; Oliveira, Claudio

2016-01-01

DNA barcoding has been used extensively to solve taxonomic questions and identify new species. Neotropical fishes are found in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with a large number of species yet to be described, many of which are very difficult to identify. Characidae is the most species-rich family of the Characiformes, and many of its genera are affected by taxonomic uncertainties, including the widely-distributed, species-rich genus Astyanax. In this study, we present an extensive analysis of Astyanax covering almost its entire area of occurrence, based on DNA barcoding. The use of different approaches (ABGD, GMYC and BIN) to the clustering of the sequences revealed ample consistency in the results obtained by the initial cutoff value of 2% divergence for putative species in the Neighbor-Joining analysis using the Kimura-2-parameter model. The results indicate the existence of five Astyanax lineages. Some groups, such as that composed by the trans-Andean forms, are mostly composed of well-defined species, and in others a number of nominal species are clustered together, hampering the delimitation of species, which in many cases proved impossible. The results confirm the extreme complexity of the systematics of the genus Astyanax and show that DNA barcoding can be an useful tool to address these complexes questions. PMID:27992537

3D-Printed ABS and PLA Scaffolds for Cartilage and Nucleus Pulposus Tissue Regeneration.

PubMed

Rosenzweig, Derek H; Carelli, Eric; Steffen, Thomas; Jarzem, Peter; Haglund, Lisbet

2015-07-03

Painful degeneration of soft tissues accounts for high socioeconomic costs. Tissue engineering aims to provide biomimetics recapitulating native tissues. Biocompatible thermoplastics for 3D printing can generate high-resolution structures resembling tissue extracellular matrix. Large-pore 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds were compared for cell ingrowth, viability, and tissue generation. Primary articular chondrocytes and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were cultured on ABS and PLA scaffolds for three weeks. Both cell types proliferated well, showed high viability, and produced ample amounts of proteoglycan and collagen type II on both scaffolds. NP generated more matrix than chondrocytes; however, no difference was observed between scaffold types. Mechanical testing revealed sustained scaffold stability. This study demonstrates that chondrocytes and NP cells can proliferate on both ABS and PLA scaffolds printed with a simplistic, inexpensive desktop 3D printer. Moreover, NP cells produced more proteoglycan than chondrocytes, irrespective of thermoplastic type, indicating that cells maintain individual phenotype over the three-week culture period. Future scaffold designs covering larger pore sizes and better mimicking native tissue structure combined with more flexible or resorbable materials may provide implantable constructs with the proper structure, function, and cellularity necessary for potential cartilage and disc tissue repair in vivo.

Crew Resource Management: An Introductory Handbook

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

the training carefully and deliberately. Some organizations have tried out new training programs on test groups, then asked for input. They have then...illustrates. ACCIDENT SUMMARY - About 1815 Pacific Standard the flight attendants ample time to prepare for the emergency, Time on December 28,1978...airport for one hour while the 8. AT 1802:44, the flight engineer advised, "We got about flightcrew coped with a landing gear malfunction ani prepared

Hyperpolarized 13C MR Markers of Renal Tumor Aggressiveness

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

production in two human glioblastoma xenograft models where the blood–brain barrier (BBB) was disrupted relative to normal brain, suggesting that HP...rodent mammary adenocarcinoma and murine lymphoma xenografts ) has shown ample conversion to leucine.98 In this preclinical study, SNR and contrast were...4 depletes stem-like glioblastoma cells and inhibits HIF transcriptional response in a lactate-independent manner, Oncogene 33 (2013) 4433–4441. Real

Changes in the Social Networks of Three Women with an Intellectual Disability: A Qualitative Follow-Up Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saarinen, Minna; Holm, Laura; Uusitalo-Malmivaara, Lotta

2018-01-01

There is ample evidence to show that people with intellectual disabilities (ID) face an increased risk of being socially excluded. The longer life expectancy of persons with ID carries new challenges. In this paper, we report on a follow-up case study of three Finnish women with ID. The women were interviewed twice (in 1995 and in 2013) and…

Virtual Prototyping: Concept to Production

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-03-01

element analysis. Meshing refers to the gen - following page. The FEA enables designers to eration of nodal coordinates and elements evaluate complex...pants. It is not acceptable to have one weapon technology. This is especially true when gen - system believe it is concealed by a terrain fea- erating...conducted by Gen - process there is ample opportunity to utilize eral Paul F Gorman, USA (Ret.), who led the virtual prototyping and simulation to en

Land Combat Systems Industry Study 2004

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-01-01

David Barnhart, Florida Air National Guard Lt Col Warren Anderson, United States Air Force Lt Col Phillip Chudoba, United States Marine Corps Mr...beginning with the current condition of GD. CURRENT CONDITION In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield. Warren ... Buffett The ICAF coursework and field trips presented the study team with ample historic data for assessing the current condition of the LCS firms

The Genera Coxiella, Wolbachia, and Rickettsiella,

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

such as sero-diag- are body lice. bedbugs, fleas. and meal -vorm nosis: and 2) biosafetv level 3 practices and a- larvae. all of which support...insects, such ported its cultivation on blood-giucose-bouillon as mosquitoes of the Aedes scuiel/aris group agar . on which colonies 0.4 to ,. mm r. di...of the meals worm. Tenebrio mlofpteivthrogutrybhir molitor, in Germany (Krieg, 1955. 1965) and ample of protective thermoregulatory behavior several

Revised fire safety system cuts emergency response time.

PubMed

Keir, D C

1979-03-01

As Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital, Hendersonville, NC. expanded, fire safety plans had to be reevaluated. With each new addition, fire safety responsibilities for hospital personnel multiplied and overlapped. Confusion resulted, and a revised, simplified, and coordinated fire safety system was devised. Seventeen false alarms within one year, caused by a faulty sprinkler system, gave hospital personnel ample opportunity to test the system and iron out unexpected problems.

Through the Lens of Operational Art: 1971 Bangladesh Campaign

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-17

rather than a formulaic process , allowing ample scope for creativity in its application. The next three sections build the narrative of the...campaign; framing the problem to provide a background to the conflict, outlining the decision-making and the planning process incorporating both the... process itself, as the official history of the campaign by the Indian authorities has not been made public, and the written orders and instructions issued

CH-47C Vulnerability Reduction Modification Program - Fly-by-Wire Backup Demonstration

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-08-01

Actuator Position for Combined Axis Input ............................. 91 4 Systems Assessment Summary................... 95 C-1 Instrumentation Parameters ...SERVO CARD jEETO FROM MIXERS SUfEV __________ HYLIC AMPL AMPLVLE SHUT-O- DOWN DC PWR LOGIC REA MIONITOR SUMMER *O:EO SWITCH- BUFFER OVER 1 NETWORK...and ranels (Figures 12 and 13). The existing DELS preflight test set, which provides access to the system parameters , was installed along with the

Ancient nursery area for the extinct giant shark megalodon from the Miocene of Panama.

PubMed

Pimiento, Catalina; Ehret, Dana J; Macfadden, Bruce J; Hubbell, Gordon

2010-05-10

As we know from modern species, nursery areas are essential shark habitats for vulnerable young. Nurseries are typically highly productive, shallow-water habitats that are characterized by the presence of juveniles and neonates. It has been suggested that in these areas, sharks can find ample food resources and protection from predators. Based on the fossil record, we know that the extinct Carcharocles megalodon was the biggest shark that ever lived. Previous proposed paleo-nursery areas for this species were based on the anecdotal presence of juvenile fossil teeth accompanied by fossil marine mammals. We now present the first definitive evidence of ancient nurseries for C. megalodon from the late Miocene of Panama, about 10 million years ago. We collected and measured fossil shark teeth of C. megalodon, within the highly productive, shallow marine Gatun Formation from the Miocene of Panama. Surprisingly, and in contrast to other fossil accumulations, the majority of the teeth from Gatun are very small. Here we compare the tooth sizes from the Gatun with specimens from different, but analogous localities. In addition we calculate the total length of the individuals found in Gatun. These comparisons and estimates suggest that the small size of Gatun's C. megalodon is neither related to a small population of this species nor the tooth position within the jaw. Thus, the individuals from Gatun were mostly juveniles and neonates, with estimated body lengths between 2 and 10.5 meters. We propose that the Miocene Gatun Formation represents the first documented paleo-nursery area for C. megalodon from the Neotropics, and one of the few recorded in the fossil record for an extinct selachian. We therefore show that sharks have used nursery areas at least for 10 millions of years as an adaptive strategy during their life histories.

Patterns of direct and indirect contact between cattle and badgers naturally infected with tuberculosis.

PubMed

Drewe, J A; O'Connor, H M; Weber, N; McDonald, R A; Delahay, R J

2013-07-01

Tuberculosis (TB) due to infection with Mycobacterium bovis is transmitted between cattle and badgers (Meles meles) in the UK and Ireland but it is unclear where or when transmission occurs. We investigated direct and indirect interactions between badgers and cattle using automated proximity loggers on animals and at badger latrines located on pasture, in an area of south-west England with a high-density badger population. Direct contacts (interactions within 1.4 m) between badgers and cattle at pasture were very rare (four out of >500000 recorded animal-to-animal contacts) despite ample opportunity for interactions to occur. Indirect interactions (visits to badger latrines by badgers and cattle) were two orders of magnitude more frequent than direct contacts: 400 visits by badgers and 1700 visits by cattle were recorded. This suggests that indirect contacts might be more important than direct contacts in terms of disease transmission at pasture. The TB infection status of individual badgers (ascribed with 93% accuracy using three diagnostic tests) did not affect the frequency or duration of their visits to latrines located on pasture grazed by cattle. Nevertheless, there was wide variation in contact behaviour between individuals, which highlights the importance of understanding heterogeneity in contact patterns when developing strategies to control disease spread in wildlife and livestock.

Dietary strategies to attenuate muscle loss during recovery from injury.

PubMed

Tipton, Kevin D

2013-01-01

Injuries are an unavoidable aspect of participation in physical activity. Nutrition is important for optimal wound healing and recovery, but little information about nutritional support for injuries exists. Immediately following injury, wound healing begins with an inflammatory response. Excessive anti-inflammatory measures may impair recovery. Many injuries result in limb immobilization. Immobilization results in muscle loss due to increased periods of negative muscle protein balance from decreased basal muscle protein synthesis and resistance to anabolic stimuli, including protein ingestion. Oxidative capacity of muscle is also decreased. Nutrient and energy deficiencies should be avoided. Energy expenditure may be reduced during immobilization, but inflammation, wound healing and the energy cost of ambulation limit the reduction of energy expenditure. There is a theoretical rationale for leucine and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to help reduce muscle atrophy. During rehabilitation and recovery from immobilization, increased activity, in particular resistance exercise will increase muscle protein synthesis and restore sensitivity to anabolic stimuli. Ample, but not excessive, protein and energy must be consumed to support muscle growth. During rehabilitation and recovery, nutritional needs are very much like those for any athlete desiring muscle growth. The most important consideration is to avoid malnutrition and to apply a risk/benefit approach. Copyright © 2013 Nestec Ltd., Vevey/S. Karger AG, Basel.

Managing the patient identification crisis in healthcare and laboratory medicine.

PubMed

Lippi, Giuseppe; Mattiuzzi, Camilla; Bovo, Chiara; Favaloro, Emmanuel J

2017-07-01

Identification errors have emerged as critical issues in health care, as testified by the ample scientific literature on this argument. Despite available evidence suggesting that the frequency of misidentification in vitro laboratory diagnostic testing may be relatively low compared to that of other laboratory errors (i.e., usually comprised between 0.01 and 0.1% of all specimens received), the potential adverse consequences remain particularly worrying, wherein 10-20% of these errors not only would translate into serious harm for the patient, but may also erode considerable human and economic resources, so that the entire healthcare system should be re-engineered to act proactively and limiting the burden of this important problem. The most important paradigms for reducing the chance of misidentification in healthcare entail the widespread use of more than two unique patient identifiers, the accurate education and training of healthcare personnel, the delivery of more resources for patient safety (i.e., implementation of safer technological tools), and the use of customized solutions according to local organization and resources. Moreover, after weighing advantages and drawbacks, labeling blood collection tubes before and not after venipuncture may be considered a safer practice for safeguarding patient safety and optimizing phlebotomist's activity. Copyright © 2017 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chances and challenges of forest scale CO2 enrichment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Körner, Christian

2016-04-01

Rising CO2 is changing the biosphere's diet. As with any dietary change, both amount and quality of food matter. Atmospheric CO2 enrichment is clearly providing a rather one-sided, C-rich diet. Hence, the reaiistic experimental simulation of its effect on the single biggest C reservoir of the biosphere, that is forest, requires experimental conditions that resemble exactly that situation. In the past, trees where most commonly exposed to elevated CO2 while provided with ample other constituents of a plant's diet (soil nutrients), yielding exaggerated growth stimulation, unlikely to reflect real world responses. So, by either selecting fertile soils, disturbing the system by fire or planting activities, offering ample soil space to isolated individuals or even adding fertilizer, almost any CO2-response can be 'designed'. The 'art' of designing future Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiments will be to avoid exactly these pitfalls. Plants can incorporate additional C only to the extent the provision of chemical elements other than C will permit, given the stoichiometry of life. Site selection (soil fertility), degree of canopy closure, recent disturbance regime or successional stage will influence CO2 effects. It is the fundamental dilemma in CO2-enrichment research that simple, homogenous, artificial test systems offer statistical power, while systems that account for 'naturalness' and species diversity do not. Any new FACE program needs to handle that tradeoff between precision and relevance. In this presentation I will advocate a pragmatic approach that will inevitably have to lean on individual tree responses, across a wide as possible range of neighborhoods, age and growth conditions, with the statistical power depending in obtaining the best possible pre-treatment traits and responses. By illustrating the results of 15 years of FACE with 30-40 m tall forest trees, I will caution against over-optimistic ecosystem scale approaches with just ONE technology, given the sheer size such test systems would require. I rather suggest combining the best choice technology at different scales, which is not necessarily the most costly FACE approach. FACE emerged from overestimating potential bias from atmospheric conditions and greatly unerestimating the key role of soil conditions and biodiversity. Reference: Körner C (2006) Plant CO2 responses: an issue of definition, time and resource supply. New Phytol 172:393-411. Bader MKF, et al. (2013) Central European hardwood trees in a high-CO2 future: synthesis of an 8-year forest canopy CO2 enrichment project. J Ecol 101:1509-1519.

Patent Retrieval in Chemistry based on Semantically Tagged Named Entities

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-01

their corresponding synonyms. An ex- ample query for TS-15 is: (" Betaine " OR "Glycine betaine " OR "Glycocol betaine " OR "Glycylbetaine" OR ...) AND...task in an automatic way based on noun- phrase detection incorporating the OpenNLP chun- 3 Informative Term Synonyms Source Betaine Glycine betaine ...Glycocol betaine , Glycylbetaine etc. ATC Peripheral Artery Disease Peripheral Artery Disorder, Peripheral Arterial Disease etc. MeSH Diels-Alder reaction

Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) at Naval Base Guam: Cost-Benefit Analysis and Acquisition Strategy

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-16

significant impact FWS Fish and Wildlife Service GEPA Guam Environmental Protection Agency GPA Guam Power Authority IPT integrated product team...utility energy service contract USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USCG U.S. Coast Guard UXO unexploded ordinance USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife ...its bases, such as wind and solar energy. However, ample room remains for new renewable technologies 3 and cost savings at shore installations

Environmental Mycobiome Modifiers of Inflammation and Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

TUBB), and ribosomal proteins), while others are considered specific to SSc despite trace level detection in controls. For ex- ample, multiple SSc...Strong re- activity was seen against all five proteins in SSc with only trace levels detected in controls (Fig. 3a), indicating widespread immune...sequences in SSc RNA-seq data was used to detect microbial sequences in human tissues in an unbiased, quantitative manner. Our studies suggest that

"If I Knew Where the Enemy, or Even Germany Was, We Could Have Fired in that Direction": Bion's Experience of War

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Likierman, Meira

2012-01-01

During the First World War, Bion fought in three major battles over a period of two years. He left ample writings both honest and soul searching. Travelling to The Front under raging pressure from his father, he enlisted in a state of mind, which fluctuated wildly between wanting to be a "hero" and sudden fears that made him join the…

A 4-year record of sitka spruce and western hemlock seed fall on the Cascade Head Experimental Forest.

Treesearch

Robert H. Ruth; Carl M. Berntsen

1955-01-01

Four years' measurement of seed fall in the spruce-hemlock type on the Cascade Head Experimental Forest indicates that an ample supply of seed is distributed over clear-cut areas under staggered-setting cutting. The largest tract sampled was 81 acres; in spite of a seed crop failure in 1950, it received an average of 243,000 viable spruce and hemlock seeds per...

Defense AT and L. Volume 43, Number 2. March-April 2014

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-16

are in the public domain and may be reprinted or posted on the Internet. When reprint- ing, please credit the author and Defense AT&L. Some photos...driven strategies. The next section describes ex - amples of programs initiated with schedule-driven constraints, while the following section discusses...get to full-rate production (FRP), because those numbers can be very high yet require significant post - production costs to repair or add capability

Chiral asymmetry of anti-symmetric coordinates studied by the Raman differential bond polarizability of S-phenylethylamine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Hong-Xia; Wu, Guo-Zhen; Wang, Pei-Jie

2012-12-01

The Raman optical activity (ROA) study on S-phenylethylamine is presented by the intensity analyses via bond polarizability and differential bond polarizability. Ample information concerning the physical picture of this chiral system is obtained, and its ROA mechanism is constructed. Especially, we propose that the asymmetric modes and/or the off-diagonal elements of the electronic polarizability tensor are the potential keys to the exploration of ROA.

Tandem Learning: A Learning Framework for Document Categorization

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-05-01

there is ample discussion and collaboration, contributing to a unique learning experience. I am particularly grateful to Ramesh Nallapati, Vanessa ...also been a companion I cannot imagine what Amherst would have been like without. Vanessa Murdock has also been a close friend as well as a valued...category and the prob- lem of associating a keyword to a document can be considered analogous to associating a class label to it. van Rijsbergen’s

Security Inference from Noisy Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-08

and RFID chips, introduce new ways of communication and sharing data. For ex- ample, the Nike +iPod Sport Kit is a new wireless accessory for the iPod...Agrawal show: • A wide variety (e.g. different keyboards of the same model, different models, different brands ) of keyboards have keys with distinct...grammar level and spelling level in this case) are built into a single model. Algorithms to maximize global joint probability may improve the

Recent results from Daya Bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chua, Ming-chung

2016-11-01

Utilizing powerful nuclear reactors as antineutrino sources, high mountains to provide ample shielding from cosmic rays in the vicinity, and functionally identical detectors with large target volume for near-far relative measurement, the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment has achieved unprecedented precision in measuring the neutrino mixing angle θ13 and the neutrino mass squared difference |Δm2ee|. I will report the latest Daya Bay results on neutrino oscillations and light sterile neutrino search.

Body Composition and Physical Performance: Applications for the Military Services

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

bin omial ins ol sinrg ant hropometric mneasureme nts tor predict irig lean mass in young womnen. M. S. thesis . Incarnate Word College, San Antonioi...t ifit for military serv ice because theN wxere overxxeight (Wel- ; aml and Behunke. 1942). [his, convenient e ’:ample illustrates thle possibi Ii...Development of a hinomnial involving anthropomnetric nmeasuremients for predicting lean niass in young \\%omen. M.S. thesis . Incarnate Word College

Aerodynamic and Kinetic Processes in Flames

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-15

Julian Tishkoff Air Force Office of Scientific Research Boiling Air Force Base Submitted by Professor Chung K. Law Department of Mechanical and...87ER13274 and the Air MILLt.ER, J. A.: Twettt-iFirst Svittpitsitli klitel.- Force Office of Scientific Research under Grant No. tational) on Comthustiont, p...thle individual effects is expected. For C\\.- of the majur heat release reactions are inulch shorter ample. whIIile Tl/, dlepenlds omi l\\ on q/. thle pit

2nd Annual DOE-ERSP PI Meeting: Abstracts

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

Hazen, Terry C.

2007-03-14

Welcome to the annual 2007 Environmental Remediation Sciences Program (ERSP) Principal Investigators (PIs) meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to bring together all of the lead PIs and key Co-PIs in the program to share and review the results of funded research from the past year. This meeting allows program managers from the Environmental Remediation Sciences Division (ERSD) within the Office of Biological and Environmental Research (OBER) to gauge the progress and significance of the funded research, and it is also an important venue to showcase ERSP research to interested parties within DOE and other invited federal agency representatives.more » Additionally, these meetings should serve as an opportunity for funded PIs to view their research in the context of the entire ERSP portfolio. Past ERSP meetings have been very important venues for detailed discussion of research results among PIs, development of new research ideas, fostering new collaborations and discussion with ERSD program managers on future research efforts and/or initiatives within the program. In short, these meetings are an important resource for both program managers and PIs. There will be only one ERSP PI meeting for 2007. In years past, ERSD has sponsored two PI meetings, one in the spring and a separate meeting in the fall that focused primarily on field research. However, this format tends to insulate laboratory-based research from the field research sponsored in the program and is incompatible with the ERSD view that laboratory-based research should progress towards understanding the relevant processes in natural environments at the field scale. Therefore the agenda for this year's PI meeting is well integrated with both lab-based and field-based projects, to allow for detailed discussion between PIs involved in each area. In the agenda, you will notice a more relaxed format than in years past. This year's meeting spans four days, but is less heavily regimented in terms of oral presentations and allows ample time for informal group discussions and poster presentations. The intent of this format is to foster informal discussion of research among PIs and ERSD program managers-discussion that is a hallmark of previous ERSD-sponsored meetings. Morning sessions will be dominated by oral presentations from PIs chosen by ERSD program managers to communicate key topics of research within the program. There is ample time during lunch and in the early afternoon for small group discussions/meetings prior to convening again in the later afternoon for oral presentations on field research conducted at the Integrated Field-Scale Subsurface Research Challenge sites (IFCs). Formal poster sessions begin after dinner. Abstracts for all poster presentations are listed within this meeting booklet. On behalf of the ERSD program managers and staff, we thank you for attending this year's PI meeting. We look forward to discussing the results of your research with you and your ideas for the future, and we hope that this meeting will continue as an important tradition for PIs in the program and serve as a valuable resource for your investigations.« less

Water-vapour variability within a convective boundary-layer assessed by large-eddy simulations and IHOP_2002 observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Couvreux, F.; Guichard, F.; Redelsperger, J. L.; Kiemle, C.; Masson, V.; Lafore, J. P.; Flamant, C.

2005-10-01

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the variability of water vapour in a growing convective boundary-layer (CBL) over land, highlighting the complex links between advection, convective activity and moisture heterogeneity in the boundary layer. A Large-eddy Simulation (LES) is designed, based on observations, and validated, using an independent data-set collected during the International H2O Project (IHOP 2002) fieldexperiment. Ample information about the moisture distribution in space and time, as well as other important CBL parameters are acquired by mesonet stations, balloon soundings, instruments on-board two aircraft and the DLR airborne water-vapour differential-absorption lidar. Because it can deliver two-dimensional cross-sections at high spatial resolution (140 m horizontal, 200 m vertical), the airborne lidar offers valuable insights of small-scale moisture-variability throughout the CBL. The LES is able to reproduce the development of the CBL in the morning and early afternoon, as assessed by comparisons of simulated mean profiles of key meteorological variables with sounding data. Simulated profiles of the variance of water-vapour mixing-ratio were found to be in good agreement with the lidar-derived counterparts. Finally, probability-density functions of potential temperature, vertical velocity and water-vapour mixing-ratio calculated from the LES show great consistency with those derived from aircraft in situ measurements in the middle of the CBL. Downdraughts entrained from above the CBL are governing the scale of moisture variability. Characteristic length-scales are found to be larger for water-vapour mixing-ratio than for temperature.The observed water-vapour variability exhibits contributions from different scales. The influence of the mesoscale (larger than LES domain size, i.e. 10 km) on the smaller-scale variability is assessed using LES and observations. The small-scale variability of water vapour is found to be important and to be driven by the dynamics of the CBL. Both lidar observations and LES evidence that dry downdraughts entrained from above the CBL are governing the scale of moisture variability. Characteristic length-scales are found to be larger for water-vapour mixing-ratio than for temperature and vertical velocity. In particular, intrusions of drier free-troposphere air from above the growing CBL impose a marked negative skewness on the water-vapour distribution within it, both as observed and in the simulation.

Bidirectional associations between valued activities and adolescent positive adjustment in a longitudinal study: positive mood as a mediator.

PubMed

DesRoches, Andrea; Willoughby, Teena

2014-02-01

Although activity involvement has been linked to positive youth development, the value that adolescents place on these activities (i.e., how much they enjoy the activities, find them important, and spend time on them) has received less attention. The purpose of the present study was to examine the bidirectional longitudinal association between engagement in valued activities and adolescent positive adjustment (optimism, purpose in life, and self-esteem), as well as investigate a possible underlying mechanism for this link. High school students (N = 2,270, 48.7% female) from Ontario, Canada completed questionnaires annually in grades 10, 11, and 12. Auto-regressive cross-lagged path analyses were conducted over time, controlling for gender, parental education, and academic grades. Greater engagement in valued activities predicted higher optimism, purpose, and self-esteem over time. Importantly, the results did not support an alternate hypothesis of selection effects, in that adolescents who were better adjusted were not more likely than their peers to engage in valued activities over time. We also found that the longitudinal associations between valued activities and positive adjustment may be due partly to an underlying effect of increased positive mood. Thus, engagement in valued activities appears to be important for adolescent positive adjustment, and may help to foster thriving. Communities, educators, and parents should actively support and encourage adolescents to develop valued activities, and seek to ensure that there are ample opportunities and resources available for them to do so.

Forensic Hair Differentiation Using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FT-IR) Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Manheim, Jeremy; Doty, Kyle C; McLaughlin, Gregory; Lednev, Igor K

2016-07-01

Hair and fibers are common forms of trace evidence found at crime scenes. The current methodology of microscopic examination of potential hair evidence is absent of statistical measures of performance, and examiner results for identification can be subjective. Here, attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to analyze synthetic fibers and natural hairs of human, cat, and dog origin. Chemometric analysis was used to differentiate hair spectra from the three different species, and to predict unknown hairs to their proper species class, with a high degree of certainty. A species-specific partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) model was constructed to discriminate human hair from cat and dog hairs. This model was successful in distinguishing between the three classes and, more importantly, all human samples were correctly predicted as human. An external validation resulted in zero false positive and false negative assignments for the human class. From a forensic perspective, this technique would be complementary to microscopic hair examination, and in no way replace it. As such, this methodology is able to provide a statistical measure of confidence to the identification of a sample of human, cat, and dog hair, which was called for in the 2009 National Academy of Sciences report. More importantly, this approach is non-destructive, rapid, can provide reliable results, and requires no sample preparation, making it of ample importance to the field of forensic science. © The Author(s) 2016.

Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) at Naval Base Guam: Cost-Beneit Analysis and Acquisition Strategy

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

Fish and Wildlife Service GEPA Guam Environmental Protection Agency GPA Guam Power Authority IPT integrated product team MILCON military...energy service contract USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USCG U.S. Coast Guard UXO unexploded ordinance USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WOD13...options for its bases, such as wind and solar energy. However, ample room remains for new renewable technologies 3 and cost savings at shore

Dialog Structure and Plan Recognition in Spontaneous Spoken Dialog

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

for performing the required task. For ex- ample, consider the following: Would you like any toppings? Brie, camembert , mushrooms and olives We don’t...have brie and camembert * *Do you have cheddar? • *Yes * *How much is pepperoni? **All toppings are 75 cents OK, mushrooms, olives, cheddar and...set of toppings, including the defaults of tomato sauce with spices and mozzarella cheese . We also encode that the pizza is an edible object as are the

Peak Power Control with an Energy Management System

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

Rectifier - Dr. Giovanna Oriti %initial conditions file for model ec3150_software_lab4.mdl ampl=29*sqrt(2); fund=60; ws=2*pi*fund; Ls =200e-6...original % Ls =2e-4; %reduced source inductance Rs=5e-3; Rload=10; Cdc=1100e-6; %-----H-Bridge Model ----- %EC3150 Software lab#5 - H-bridge...using a Simulink model and an experimental laboratory setup. The Simulink model and EMS functionality are validated with the laboratory experiments

Military Contingencies in Megacities and Sub megacities

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

character- ized by violence and disorder. In between these ex - tremes are fragile cities that can tip in either direction. This has led to some...some point become a difference in kind. A megacity, for ex - ample, could swallow up a military division in a way that a city of a million people could...seek to reclaim land that, in their view, has been illegally occupied, or, those who have occupied land demand that their de facto own- ership

[Flexible ENT endoscopy--video technic].

PubMed

Rasinger, G A; Horak, F

1985-02-01

This study discusses the solutions to the problem of documenting moving processes in the field of otolaryngology. A flexible bronchoscope and video equipment connected to it are presented as a specific solution of the problem, with ample of observations. A technical comparison is used as the basis for a discussion of the pros and cons of the video and film techniques. A successful arrangement of examination facilities illustrates the future of flexible-endoscope techniques in the field of otolaryngology.

Extending The Shelf Life Of Blood Platelets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Surgenor, Douglas M.

1988-01-01

New method of storing human blood platelets extends vitality for transfusions. Packaged as suspension in sterile liquid in plastic blood bags. Each bag placed between pair of plastic grids, and rubberbands placed around sandwich thus formed to hold together. Stored upright in open air or in container through which air pumped at rate of at least 45 L/min. Ensures that platelets receive ample oxygen and expiratory carbon dioxide form platelets removed before pH drops to harmful levels.

Technological Reform Movement in Communist China.

DTIC Science & Technology

1960-09-21

they said: "This is a campaign signal, a thermometer of the aovencntj the more we see snob , things, the more will be our seal". ’ - 4 - The vice...fied or stood still on victories already won. He appealed to us "to use revolutionary spirit in our work". His spirit is a brilliant ex- ample to...constantly appealed for close touch with the masses in order to learn from them, understand their actions, and carefully study their real

Simulation Crisis Team Training Effect on Rural Hospital Safety Climate (SIMCRITTER)

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

etc. 8. Aid Run labs, get chart, assist ICU RN Central Venous Cannulation Training S b t ti l d ti fu s an a re uc on o Related Infections Health...accurately Y Y % 100% 100% Deliver meds to bedside assistant Defibrillate/cardiovert/pace Treatment leader 0 Acquire history : AMPLE Yes 0 0 Make diagnostic...cardiac cause. Prioritize intervening in myocardial event. III. Educational Level: All levels IV. Pre-event History and Physical: See below

Molecular Evolution of Human PON to Design Enhanced Catalytic Efficiency for Hydrolysis of Nerve Agents

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

REPORT DATE: February 2010 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual Report PREPARED FOR: U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Fort...NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) US Army Medical Research and Material Command Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5012 11...that the imidazole ring is mobile , and that there is ample free space to accommodation the corresponding conformers (Fig. 6A) 2. The movement of the

Crowdsourced Geospatial Data: A Report on the Emerging Phenomena of Crowdsourced and User-Generated Geospatial Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-01

wider context for this emerging trend. Subsequent sections of this report discuss CGD in the context of geographic information systems and...authoritative data pro- duction systems , sources and examples of CGD, data quality considera- tions for CGD, evaluating fitness-for-use of CGD, significant...geographic information systems (GIS), provide ex- amples and sources of CGD, report on the data quality of CGD, demon- strate the fitness-for-use of CGD, and

Rapid Prototyping of Application Specific Signal Processors (RASSP)

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-23

Compilers 2-9 - Cadre Teamwork 2-13 - CodeCenter (Centerline) 2-15 - dbx/dbxtool (UNIXm) 2-17 - Falcon (Mentor) 2-19 - FrameMaker (Frame Tech) 2-21 - gprof...UNIXm C debuggers Falcon Mentor ECAD Framework FrameMaker Frame Tech Word Processing gcc GNU CIC++ compiler gprof GNU Software profiling tool...organization can put their own documentation on-line using the BOLD Com- poser for Framemaker . " The AMPLE programming language is a C like language used for

Hydrostatic Bearing Pad Maximum Load and Overturning Conditions for the 70-meter Antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcginness, H. D.

1985-01-01

The reflector diameters of the 64-m antennas were increased to 70-m. In order to evaluate the minimum film thickness of the hydrostatic bearing which supports the antenna weight, it is first necessary to have a good estimation of the maximum operational load on the most heavily loaded bearing pad. The maximum hydrostatic bearing load is shown to be sufficiently small and the ratios of stabilizing to over turning moments are ample.

China Report, Political, Sociological and Military Affairs, No. 431.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-06-16

the continuously growing ample supply of grain, non-staple foodstuffs, faw ans other materials, in- cluding mine and forestry products. The supply...the commodities of the cities and a rapidly growing base for the supply of raw and other materials for industry; they are an expanding world which...hand, they will prove quite fit to be selected. 39 A poem by the Qing-era poet Zheng Banqiao reads: "The new bamboo branches grow above the old

Achieving and sustaining full employment.

PubMed

Rosen, S M

1995-01-01

Human rights and public health considerations provide strong support for policies that maximize employment. Ample historical and conceptual evidence supports the feasibility of full employment policies. New factors affecting the labor force, the rate of technological change, and the globalization of economic activity require appropriate policies--international as well as national--but do not invalidate the ability of modern states to apply the measures needed. Among these the most important include: (I) systematic reduction in working time with no loss of income, (2) active labor market policies, (3) use of fiscal and monetary measures to sustain the needed level of aggregate demand, (4) restoration of equal bargaining power between labor and capital, (5) social investment in neglected and outmoded infrastructure, (6) accountability of corporations for decisions to shift or reduce capital investment, (7) major reductions in military spending, to be replaced by socially needed and economically productive expenditures, (8) direct public sector job creation, (9) reform of monetary policy to restore emphasis on minimizing unemployment and promoting full employment. None are without precedent in modern economies. The obstacles are ideological and political. To overcome them will require intellectual clarity and effective advocacy.

Rents From the Essential Health Benefits Mandate of Health Insurance Reform.

PubMed

Mendoza, Roger Lee

2015-01-01

The essential health benefits mandate constitutes one of the most controversial health care reforms introduced under the U.S. Affordable Care Act of 2010. It bears important theoretical and practical implications for health care risk and insurance management. These essential health benefits are examined in this study from a rent-seeking perspective, particularly in terms of three interrelated questions: Is there an economic rationale for standardized, minimum health care coverage? How is the scope of essential health services and treatments determined? What are the attendant and incidental costs and benefits of such determination/s? Rents offer ample incentives to business interests to expend considerable resources for health care marketing, particularly when policy processes are open to contestation. Welfare losses inevitably arise from these incentives. We rely on five case studies to illustrate why and how rents are created, assigned, extracted, and dissipated in equilibrium. We also demonstrate why rents depend on persuasive marketing and the bargained decisions of regulators and rentiers, as conditioned by the Tullock paradox. Insights on the intertwining issues of consumer choice, health care marketing, and insurance reform are offered by way of conclusion.

Environmental Toxicity and Poor Cognitive Outcomes in Children and Adults

PubMed Central

Liu, Jianghong; Lewis, Gary

2014-01-01

Extensive literature has already documented the deleterious effects of heavy metal toxins on the human brain and nervous system. These toxins, however, represent only a fraction of the environmental hazards that may pose harm to cognitive ability in humans. Lead and mercury exposure, air pollution, and organic compounds all have the potential to damage brain functioning yet remain understudied. In order to provide comprehensive and effective public health and health care initiatives for prevention and treatment, we must first fully understand the potential risks, mechanisms of action, and outcomes surrounding exposure to these elements in the context of neurocognitive ability. This article provides a review of the negative effects on cognitive ability of these lesser-studied environmental toxins, with an emphasis on delineating effects observed in child versus adult populations. Possible differential effects across sociodemographic populations (e.g., urban versus rural residents; ethnic minorities) are discussed as important contributors to risk assessment and the development of prevention measures. The public health and clinical implications are significant and offer ample opportunities for clinicians and researchers to help combat this growing problem. PMID:24645424

Electrocatalytic activity and operational stability of electrodeposited Pd-Co films towards ethanol oxidation in alkaline electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsui, Lok-kun; Zafferoni, Claudio; Lavacchi, Alessandro; Innocenti, Massimo; Vizza, Francesco; Zangari, Giovanni

2015-10-01

Direct alkaline ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) are usually run with Pd anodic catalysts, but their performance can be improved by utilizing alloys of Pd and Co. The oxyphilic Co serves to supply ample -OH to the ethanol oxidation reaction, accelerating the rate limiting step at low overpotential under alkaline conditions. Pd-Co films with compositions between 20 and 80 at% Co can be prepared by electrodeposition from a NH3 complexing electrolyte. Cyclic voltammetry studies show that the ethanol oxidation peak exhibits increasing current density with increasing Co content, reaching a maximum at 77% Co. In contrast, potentiostatic measurements under conditions closer to fuel cell operating conditions show that a 50 at% Co alloy has the highest performance. Importantly, the Co-Pd film is also found to undergo phase and morphological transformations during ethanol oxidation, resulting in a change from a compact film to high surface area flake-like structures containing Co3O4 and CoOOH; such a transformation instead is not observed when operating at a constant potential of 0.7 VRHE.

Sustaining observations in the polar oceans

PubMed Central

Abrahamsen, E. P.

2014-01-01

Polar oceans present a unique set of challenges to sustained observations. Sea ice cover restricts navigation for ships and autonomous measurement platforms alike, and icebergs present a hazard to instruments deployed in the upper ocean and in shelf seas. However, the important role of the poles in the global ocean circulation provides ample justification for sustained observations in these regions, both to monitor the rapid changes taking place, and to better understand climate processes in these traditionally poorly sampled areas. In the past, the vast majority of polar measurements took place in the summer. In recent years, novel techniques such as miniature CTD (conductivity–temperature–depth) tags carried by seals have provided an explosion in year-round measurements in areas largely inaccessible to ships, and, as ice avoidance is added to autonomous profiling floats and gliders, these promise to provide further enhancements to observing systems. In addition, remote sensing provides vital information about changes taking place in sea ice cover at both poles. To make these observations sustainable into the future, improved international coordination and collaboration is necessary to gain optimum utilization of observing networks. PMID:25157189

Solar activity simulation and forecast with a flux-transport dynamo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macario-Rojas, Alejandro; Smith, Katharine L.; Roberts, Peter C. E.

2018-06-01

We present the assessment of a diffusion-dominated mean field axisymmetric dynamo model in reproducing historical solar activity and forecast for solar cycle 25. Previous studies point to the Sun's polar magnetic field as an important proxy for solar activity prediction. Extended research using this proxy has been impeded by reduced observational data record only available from 1976. However, there is a recognised need for a solar dynamo model with ample verification over various activity scenarios to improve theoretical standards. The present study aims to explore the use of helioseismology data and reconstructed solar polar magnetic field, to foster the development of robust solar activity forecasts. The research is based on observationally inferred differential rotation morphology, as well as observed and reconstructed polar field using artificial neural network methods via the hemispheric sunspot areas record. Results show consistent reproduction of historical solar activity trends with enhanced results by introducing a precursor rise time coefficient. A weak solar cycle 25, with slow rise time and maximum activity -14.4% (±19.5%) with respect to the current cycle 24 is predicted.

Environmental toxicity and poor cognitive outcomes in children and adults.

PubMed

Liu, Jianghong; Lewis, Gary

2014-01-01

Extensive literature has already documented the deleterious effects of heavy metal toxins on the human brain and nervous system. These toxins, however, represent only a fraction of the environmental hazards that may pose harm to cognitive ability in humans. Lead and mercury exposure, air pollution, and organic compounds all have the potential to damage brain functioning yet remain understudied. In order to provide comprehensive and effective public health and health care initiatives for prevention and treatment, we must first fully understand the potential risks, mechanisms of action, and outcomes surrounding exposure to these elements in the context of neurocognitive ability. This article provides a review of the negative effects on cognitive ability of these lesser-studied environmental toxins, with an emphasis on delineating effects observed in child versus adult populations. Possible differential effects across sociodemographic populations (e.g., urban versus rural residents; ethnic minorities) are discussed as important contributors to risk assessment and the development of prevention measures. The public health and clinical implications are significant and offer ample opportunities for clinicians and researchers to help combat this growing problem.

A survey of attitudes toward two motivating factors.

PubMed

Marty, J

1977-07-01

A survey was conducted to determine the attitudes clinical laboratory workers in Utah had toward two intrinsic aspects of work, challenge or appeal of work and self-fulfillment. Questionnaires were distributed to all major hospitals in Utah. Frequency distributions were obtained and Chisquare tests were performed to determine if significant differences existed in relationship to demographic variables. Respondents indicated that work was interesting, challenging, required thinking, and enabled them to make good use of past training, skills, and abilities. Findings showed they also responded positively to statements involving ample responsibility given for the position held, contribution to patient care, enjoyment of work, and feeling of self-importance. Negative attitudes were noted toward statements dealing with advancement in medical technology, adequate opportunities for continuing education at employer expense, and participation in decision making. The Chi-square test revealed workers in the hospitals surveyed differed significantly in their opinions about having adequate opportunities to attend workshops, etc., on employer time and expense, and also that personnel with varying educational levels felt significantly different about making suggestions concerning the laboratory.

Religious ideology, a neglected variable.

PubMed

Unger, Rhoda K

2007-12-01

Comments on an article by J. T. Jost, which presented interesting data relating some personality dimensions to voting patterns in the last three U.S. presidential elections. R. K. Unger is surprised that in his extensive review of the role of ideology, Jost ignored the role of religious ideology in political attitudes and voting behavior. There is ample evidence that level of religious observance (sometimes labeled religiosity, hierarchical religious beliefs, or religious fundamentalism) played a role in 2004 and earlier presidential elections. The relationship between religious ideology and political attitudes is correlational, and one needs to look further for an explanation of their impact. A number of studies indicate relationships between religious fundamentalism and what Jost has termed "system-justifying ideologies." Unger suggests that religiosity has been largely ignored by psychologists interested in social and political behaviors. It is quite possible that religiosity is related to the various personality dimensions discussed by Jost. But we cannot learn more about these potential connections if we continue to ignore the importance of religious ideology as a psychological variable. (Copyright) 2007 APA.

Lethal endomyocarditis caused by chronic "Krokodil" intoxication.

PubMed

Sorrentino, Antonella; Trotta, Silvia; Colucci, Anna Pia; Aventaggiato, Lucia; Marzullo, Andrea; Solarino, Biagio

2018-03-19

"Krokodil" is a home-made opioid drug obtained by synthesizing desomorphine from codeine and combining it with other low-cost additives. Initially introduced in the former Soviet countries, it was then imported to Western Europe as a heroin substitute. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an Italian case of lethal krokodil abuse, that occurred in a 39-year-old man, who died suddenly after transportation to the Emergency Department (ED) for hyperthermia associated with sweating, dyspnoea and tachycardia. Post-mortem examination revealed extensive necrotic ulcerative lesions on the forearms, and autopsy showed a hypertrophic heart with ample endocardial vegetation on the aortic valve and patency of the foramen ovale. Histopathological examination of the heart showed ulcero-vegetative lesions of the aortic valve with an abscess on the annulus and extension to the periaortic adipose tissue, as well as diffuse myocardial interstitial inflammatory neutrophilic infiltrates. Toxicological analysis demonstrated a desomorphine metabolite in urine. On the basis of all these findings the cause of death was ruled to be congestive heart failure caused by endocarditis and myocarditis, correlated with chronic abuse of krokodil.