Reviewing social media use by clinicians.

PubMed

von Muhlen, Marcio; Ohno-Machado, Lucila

2012-01-01

Adoption studies of social media use by clinicians were systematically reviewed, up to July 26th, 2011, to determine the extent of adoption and highlight trends in institutional responses. This search led to 370 articles, of which 50 were selected for review, including 15 adoption surveys. The definition of social media is evolving rapidly; the authors define it broadly to include social networks and group-curated reference sites such as Wikipedia. Facebook accounts are very common among health science students (64-96%) and less so for professional clinicians (13-47%). Adoption rates have increased sharply in the past 4 years. Wikipedia is widely used as a reference tool. Attempts at incorporating social media into clinical training have met with mixed success. Posting of unprofessional content and breaches of patient confidentiality, especially by students, are not uncommon and have prompted calls for social media guidelines.

Experimental investigation of wave dispersion in hardened concrete and reference liquid media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iliopoulos, Sokratis N.; Malm, Fabian; Grosse, Christian U.; Aggelis, Dimitrios G.

2017-04-01

Nowadays, more and more, the monitoring of concrete's setting and hardening as well as concrete's condition assessment and mechanical characterization is realized with the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity technique. However, despite its increasing use, the high potential and the vast applicability over a wide range of materials and structures, the aforementioned nondestructive testing technique is only partially exploited since a) a default pulse usually not selected by the user is transmitted, b) a single frequency band dependent on the testing equipment (pulse generator and sensors) is excited and c) usually the first part of the signal is only considered. Moreover, the technique, as defined by its name, is based on pulse velocity measurements which strongly rely on a predefined threshold value for the calculation of the travel time between the transmitting and receiving sensor. To overcome all these issues, in the current experimental campaign, user-defined signals are generated, a broad range of ultrasonic frequencies is excited, while the full length of the signal is also taken into account. In addition, the pulse velocity measurements are replaced by the more advanced phase velocity calculations determined by reference phase points of the time domain signals or by phase differences of the signals transformed in the frequency domain. The experiments are mainly conducted in hardened concrete specimens but the aggregates are substituted by spherical glass beads of well-defined sizes and contents in order to better control the microstructure. Reference liquid media are also examined for comparison purposes. The results in both cases show strong dispersive trends indicated by significant changes in the phase velocity.

Defining the cortical visual systems: "what", "where", and "how"

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Creem, S. H.; Proffitt, D. R.; Kaiser, M. K. (Principal Investigator)

2001-01-01

The visual system historically has been defined as consisting of at least two broad subsystems subserving object and spatial vision. These visual processing streams have been organized both structurally as two distinct pathways in the brain, and functionally for the types of tasks that they mediate. The classic definition by Ungerleider and Mishkin labeled a ventral "what" stream to process object information and a dorsal "where" stream to process spatial information. More recently, Goodale and Milner redefined the two visual systems with a focus on the different ways in which visual information is transformed for different goals. They relabeled the dorsal stream as a "how" system for transforming visual information using an egocentric frame of reference in preparation for direct action. This paper reviews recent research from psychophysics, neurophysiology, neuropsychology and neuroimaging to define the roles of the ventral and dorsal visual processing streams. We discuss a possible solution that allows for both "where" and "how" systems that are functionally and structurally organized within the posterior parietal lobe.

Community health nursing advocacy: a concept analysis.

PubMed

Ezeonwu, Mabel C

2015-01-01

The purpose of this article is to present an in-depth analysis of the concept of community health nursing (CHN) advocacy. Walker and Avant's (2010) 8-step concept analysis methodology was used. A broad inquiry into the literature between 1994 and 2014 resulted in the identification of the uses, defining attributes, empirical referents, antecedents, and consequences, as well as the articulation of an operational definition of CHN advocacy. Model and contrary cases were identified to demonstrate the concept's application and to clarify its meaning. This analysis contributes to the advancement of knowledge of CHN advocacy and provides nurse clinicians, educators, and researchers with some conceptual clarity to help improve community health outcomes.

A Drosophila Gustatory Receptor Required for Strychnine Sensation

PubMed Central

Lee, Youngseok; Moon, Seok Jun; Wang, Yijin

2015-01-01

Strychnine is a potent, naturally occurring neurotoxin that effectively protects plants from animal pests by deterring feeding behavior. In insects, such as the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, bitter-tasting aversive compounds are detected primarily through a family of gustatory receptors (GRs), which are expressed in gustatory receptor neurons. We previously described multiple GRs that eliminate the behavioral avoidance to all bitter compounds tested, with the exception of strychnine. Here, we report the identity of a strychnine receptor, referred to as GR47a. We generated a mutation in Gr47a and found that it eliminated strychnine repulsion and strychnine-induced action potentials. GR47a was narrowly tuned, as the responses to other avoidance compounds were unaffected in the mutant animals. This analysis supports an emerging model that Drosophila GRs fall broadly into two specificity classes—one class is comprised of core receptors that are broadly required, whereas the other class, which includes GR47a, consists of narrowly tuned receptors that define chemical specificity. PMID:26187906

Anatomy of mole external genitalia: Setting the record straight

PubMed Central

Sinclair, Adriane Watkins; Glickman, Stephen; Baskin, Lawrence; Cunha, Gerald R.

2016-01-01

Anatomy of male and female external genitalia of adult mice (Mus musculus) and broad-footed moles (Scapanus latimanus) was re-examined to provide more meaningful anatomical terminology. In the past the perineal appendage of male broad-footed moles has been called the penis, while the female perineal appendage has been given several terms (e.g. clitoris, penile clitoris, peniform clitoris and others). Histological examination demonstrates that perineal appendages of male and female broad-footed moles are the prepuce, which in both sexes are covered externally with a hair-bearing epidermis and lacks erectile bodies. The inner preputial epithelium is non-hair-bearing and defines the preputial space in both sexes. The penis of broad-footed moles lies deep within the preputial space, is an “internal organ” in the resting state and contains the penile urethra, os penis, and erectile bodies. The clitoris of broad-footed moles is defined by a U-shaped clitoral epithelial lamina. Residing within clitoral stroma encompassed by the clitoral epithelial lamina is the corpus cavernosum, blood-filled spaces and the urethra. External genitalia of male and female mice are anatomically similar to that of broad-footed moles with the exception that in female mice the clitoris contains a small os clitoridis and lacks defined erectile bodies, while male mice have an os penis and a prominent distal cartilaginous structure within the male urogenital mating protuberance (MUMP). Clitori of female broad-footed moles lack an os clitoridis but contain defined erectile bodies, while male moles have an os penis similar to the mouse but lack the distal cartilaginous structure. PMID:26694958

Potential Adverse Effects of Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Exposure in the Intensive Care Unit.

PubMed

Wiens, Jenna; Snyder, Graham M; Finlayson, Samuel; Mahoney, Monica V; Celi, Leo Anthony

2018-02-01

The potential adverse effects of empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobial use among patients with suspected but subsequently excluded infection have not been fully characterized. We sought novel methods to quantify the risk of adverse effects of broad-spectrum antimicrobial exposure among patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Among all adult patients admitted to ICUs at a single institution, we selected patients with negative blood cultures who also received ≥1 broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Broad-spectrum antimicrobials were categorized in ≥1 of 5 categories based on their spectrum of activity against potential pathogens. We performed, in serial, 5 cohort studies to measure the effect of each broad-spectrum category on patient outcomes. Exposed patients were defined as those receiving a specific category of broad-spectrum antimicrobial; nonexposed were all other patients in the cohort. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital and ICU stay and nosocomial acquisition of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) or Clostridium difficile within 30 days of admission. Among the study cohort of 1918 patients, 316 (16.5%) died within 30 days, 821 (42.8%) had either a length of hospital stay >7 days or an ICU length of stay >3 days, and 106 (5.5%) acquired either a nosocomial ARB or C. difficile . The short-term use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials in any of the defined broad-spectrum categories was not significantly associated with either primary or secondary outcomes. The prompt and brief empiric use of defined categories of broad-spectrum antimicrobials could not be associated with additional patient harm.

Instruments to measure social support and related constructs in pregnant adolescents: a review.

PubMed

Perrin, K M; McDermott, R J

1997-01-01

This review examines some of the key issues related to measuring social support and identifies 28 instruments which have been used in research with pregnant adolescents. The major external and internal variables that affect social support for pregnant adolescents are defined. Relevant questions are offered to guide the researcher in the choice of a social support instrument, and the 28 social support instruments are described by author, availability, length and item type, psychometric properties, and selected references and notes. Although not an exhaustive list, these 28 instruments are representative of the broad spectrum of measurement tools available which were chosen because they have been used in a variety of social support research endeavors.

Critical appraisal of apparently evidence-based written advertising in Pakistan.

PubMed

Rohra, Dileep Kumar; Bashir, Muhammad Umair; Khwaja, Ummey Aymen; Nazir, Muhammad Ressam

2008-06-01

The objective of the study was to critically assess references cited in support of claims in drug advertisements. Drug advertising brochures were collected from privately practicing General Practitioners from different parts of Karachi. Three blinded reviewers then categorized each reference in the brochure according to the sources viz: journals (both Medline indexed and non-indexed), medical reference books, web addresses, personal communications or testimonials, abstracts presented at symposia/conferences, WHO and National Health Guidelines, 'data on file' and 'others' (which included a diverse set of references). Each reviewer then assessed and analyzed the references further into 2 broad categories: traceable and non-traceable. Traceable references were appraised and, depending upon the claim with which the reference was attached, were classified into justifiable, inaccurate/false, exaggerated and ambiguous. We collected a total of 175 different brochures. Thirty-nine (22.3%) brochures did not cite any references and were not subjected to further analysis. The remaining 136 (77.7%) contained a total of 559 references. 305 (54.6%) of these references were from Medline-indexed journals; 67 (12.0%) were from non-indexed journals; 55 (9.8%) references quoted medical reference books; 27 (4.8%) references cited web addresses; 12 (2.1%) references were personal communications/testimonials; 11 (2.0%) references referred to abstracts presented at symposia/conferences; 12 (2.1%) references were from WHO and National Health Guidelines; 8 (1.4%) references were listed as 'data on file', while the remainder that could not be defined were classified as 'others' (13.1%). Out of a total of 559 references, 249 (44.5%) could not be traced. After critically analyzing the 310 traceable references, 197 (63.5%) were adjudged justifiable, 30 (9.7%) inaccurate/false, 79 (25.5%) exaggerated and 15 (4.8%) ambiguous. Results of this study show for the first time that the claims substantiated with references in the pharmaceutical advertisements in Pakistan are highly unreliable.

"Dermatitis" defined.

PubMed

Smith, Suzanne M; Nedorost, Susan T

2010-01-01

The term "dermatitis" can be defined narrowly or broadly, clinically or histologically. A common and costly condition, dermatitis is underresourced compared to other chronic skin conditions. The lack of a collectively understood definition of dermatitis and its subcategories could be the primary barrier. To investigate how dermatologists define the term "dermatitis" and determine if a consensus on the definition of this term and other related terms exists. A seven-question survey of dermatologists nationwide was conducted. Of respondents (n  =  122), half consider dermatitis to be any inflammation of the skin. Nearly half (47.5%) use the term interchangeably with "eczema." Virtually all (> 96%) endorse the subcategory "atopic" under the terms "dermatitis" and "eczema," but the subcategories "contact," "drug hypersensitivity," and "occupational" are more highly endorsed under the term "dermatitis" than under the term "eczema." Over half (55.7%) personally consider "dermatitis" to have a broad meaning, and even more (62.3%) believe that dermatologists as a whole define the term broadly. There is a lack of consensus among experts in defining dermatitis, eczema, and their related subcategories.

Potential Adverse Effects of Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Exposure in the Intensive Care Unit

PubMed Central

Wiens, Jenna; Finlayson, Samuel; Mahoney, Monica V; Celi, Leo Anthony

2018-01-01

Abstract Background The potential adverse effects of empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobial use among patients with suspected but subsequently excluded infection have not been fully characterized. We sought novel methods to quantify the risk of adverse effects of broad-spectrum antimicrobial exposure among patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods Among all adult patients admitted to ICUs at a single institution, we selected patients with negative blood cultures who also received ≥1 broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Broad-spectrum antimicrobials were categorized in ≥1 of 5 categories based on their spectrum of activity against potential pathogens. We performed, in serial, 5 cohort studies to measure the effect of each broad-spectrum category on patient outcomes. Exposed patients were defined as those receiving a specific category of broad-spectrum antimicrobial; nonexposed were all other patients in the cohort. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital and ICU stay and nosocomial acquisition of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) or Clostridium difficile within 30 days of admission. Results Among the study cohort of 1918 patients, 316 (16.5%) died within 30 days, 821 (42.8%) had either a length of hospital stay >7 days or an ICU length of stay >3 days, and 106 (5.5%) acquired either a nosocomial ARB or C. difficile. The short-term use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials in any of the defined broad-spectrum categories was not significantly associated with either primary or secondary outcomes. Conclusions The prompt and brief empiric use of defined categories of broad-spectrum antimicrobials could not be associated with additional patient harm. PMID:29479546

Establishing Normative Reference Values for Standing Broad Jump Among Hungarian Youth.

PubMed

Saint-Maurice, Pedro F; Laurson, Kelly R; Kaj, Mónika; Csányi, Tamás

2015-06-26

The purpose of this study was to examine age and sex trends in anaerobic power assessed by a standing broad jump and to determine norm-referenced values for youth in Hungary. A sample of 2,427 Hungarian youth (1,360 boys and 1,067 girls) completed the standing broad jump twice, and the highest distance score was recorded. Quantile regression was used to fit standing broad jump trends across linear and quadratic functions of age. Statistical significance was determined with bootstrap confidence intervals and the Wald test with p < .05. Age-by-sex specific centiles were generated and the 50th percentile was used to describe the overall patterns. Standing broad jump scores increased steadily in boys from age 11 through 18 years with a discrete plateau at the end of adolescence. Girls' standing broad jump scores of those who performed above the median increased with age and plateaued later in the adolescence. Both linear and quadratic age terms were statistically significant predictors of standing broad jump trends across age (p < .05), but the relations varied depending on the percentile. The 50th percentile values resulted in 147.0 cm, 162.0 cm, 175.0 cm, 186.0 cm, 195.0 cm, 202.0 cm, 207.0 cm, and 210.0 cm for boys aged 11 to 18 years old, respectively, and 140.0 cm, 143.9 cm, 147.3 cm, 150.0 cm, 152.1 cm, 153.7 cm, 154.6 cm, and 155.0 cm for girls aged 11 to 18 years old, respectively. This study provides normative reference charts that take into account age and sex differences in standing broad jump performance. The proposed reference values can be used to interpret standing broad jump scores in Hungarian youth.

Some like it mellow: on gay men complicating pornography discourses.

PubMed

Corneau, Simon; van der Meulen, Emily

2014-01-01

Despite the proliferation of writing on pornography generally, much of the literature that focuses on gay pornography specifically conforms to either a pro- or anti-porn framework. This overly simplistic dichotomy positions pornography as a homogeneous construct, albeit one that is either "good" or "bad." Even theorists who situate pornography on a continuum, with erotica at one end and hardcore at the other, tend to reify these discourses. Further, it is not uncommon for researchers to draw conclusions about the effects of pornography consumption without defining exactly what pornography is. This ethnographic research draws on qualitative interviews with 20 consumers' of gay pornography in Toronto, Canada. By using a thematic analysis to document the ways in which gay men define, distinguish, and conceptualize gay pornography, five definitional categories were developed: Mellow; Commercial; Raunch; Amateur; and Bareback. These broad conceptualizations are discussed in reference to writing on gay pornography. Our research results emphasize the importance of clear definitions of pornography within pornography research.

A Drosophila Gustatory Receptor Required for Strychnine Sensation.

PubMed

Lee, Youngseok; Moon, Seok Jun; Wang, Yijin; Montell, Craig

2015-09-01

Strychnine is a potent, naturally occurring neurotoxin that effectively protects plants from animal pests by deterring feeding behavior. In insects, such as the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, bitter-tasting aversive compounds are detected primarily through a family of gustatory receptors (GRs), which are expressed in gustatory receptor neurons. We previously described multiple GRs that eliminate the behavioral avoidance to all bitter compounds tested, with the exception of strychnine. Here, we report the identity of a strychnine receptor, referred to as GR47a. We generated a mutation in Gr47a and found that it eliminated strychnine repulsion and strychnine-induced action potentials. GR47a was narrowly tuned, as the responses to other avoidance compounds were unaffected in the mutant animals. This analysis supports an emerging model that Drosophila GRs fall broadly into two specificity classes-one class is comprised of core receptors that are broadly required, whereas the other class, which includes GR47a, consists of narrowly tuned receptors that define chemical specificity. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

SU-F-BRD-15: Quality Correction Factors in Scanned Or Broad Proton Therapy Beams Are Indistinguishable

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

Sorriaux, J; Lee, J; ICTEAM Institute, Universite catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve

2015-06-15

Purpose: The IAEA TRS-398 code of practice details the reference conditions for reference dosimetry of proton beams using ionization chambers and the required beam quality correction factors (kQ). Pencil beam scanning (PBS) requires multiple spots to reproduce the reference conditions. The objective is to demonstrate, using Monte Carlo (MC) calculations, that kQ factors for broad beams can be used for scanned beams under the same reference conditions with no significant additional uncertainty. We consider hereafter the general Alfonso formalism (Alfonso et al, 2008) for non-standard beam. Methods: To approach the reference conditions and the associated dose distributions, PBS must combinemore » many pencil beams with range modulation and shaping techniques different than those used in passive systems (broad beams). This might lead to a different energy spectrum at the measurement point. In order to evaluate the impact of these differences on kQ factors, ion chamber responses are computed with MC (Geant4 9.6) in a dedicated scanned pencil beam (Q-pcsr) producing a 10×10cm2 composite field with a flat dose distribution from 10 to 16 cm depth. Ion chamber responses are also computed by MC in a broad beam with quality Q-ds (double scattering). The dose distribution of Q -pcsr matches the dose distribution of Q-ds. k-(Q-pcsr,Q-ds) is computed for a 2×2×0.2cm{sup 3} idealized air cavity and a realistic plane-parallel ion chamber (IC). Results: Under reference conditions, quality correction factors for a scanned composite field versus a broad beam are the same for air cavity dose response, k-(Q-pcsr,Q-ds) =1.001±0.001 and for a Roos IC, k-(Q-pcsr,Q-ds) =0.999±0.005. Conclusion: Quality correction factors for ion chamber response in scanned and broad proton therapy beams are identical under reference conditions within the calculation uncertainties. The results indicate that quality correction factors published in IAEA TRS-398 can be used for scanned beams in the SOBP of a high-energy proton beam. Jefferson Sorriaux is financed by the Walloon Region under the convention 1217662. Jefferson Sorriaux is sponsored by a public-private partnership IBA - Walloon Region.« less

Integrating nursing diagnostic concepts into the medical entities dictionary using the ISO Reference Terminology Model for Nursing Diagnosis.

PubMed

Hwang, Jee-In; Cimino, James J; Bakken, Suzanne

2003-01-01

The purposes of the study were (1) to evaluate the usefulness of the International Standards Organization (ISO) Reference Terminology Model for Nursing Diagnoses as a terminology model for defining nursing diagnostic concepts in the Medical Entities Dictionary (MED) and (2) to create the additional hierarchical structures required for integration of nursing diagnostic concepts into the MED. The authors dissected nursing diagnostic terms from two source terminologies (Home Health Care Classification and the Omaha System) into the semantic categories of the ISO model. Consistent with the ISO model, they selected Focus and Judgment as required semantic categories for creating intensional definitions of nursing diagnostic concepts in the MED. Because the MED does not include Focus and Judgment hierarchies, the authors developed them to define the nursing diagnostic concepts. The ISO model was sufficient for dissecting the source terminologies into atomic terms. The authors identified 162 unique focus concepts from the 266 nursing diagnosis terms for inclusion in the Focus hierarchy. For the Judgment hierarchy, the authors precoordinated Judgment and Potentiality instead of using Potentiality as a qualifier of Judgment as in the ISO model. Impairment and Alteration were the most frequently occurring judgments. Nursing care represents a large proportion of health care activities; thus, it is vital that terms used by nurses are integrated into concept-oriented terminologies that provide broad coverage for the domain of health care. This study supports the utility of the ISO Reference Terminology Model for Nursing Diagnoses as a facilitator for the integration process.

Integrating Nursing Diagnostic Concepts into the Medical Entities Dictionary Using the ISO Reference Terminology Model for Nursing Diagnosis

PubMed Central

Hwang, Jee-In; Cimino, James J.; Bakken, Suzanne

2003-01-01

Objective: The purposes of the study were (1) to evaluate the usefulness of the International Standards Organization (ISO) Reference Terminology Model for Nursing Diagnoses as a terminology model for defining nursing diagnostic concepts in the Medical Entities Dictionary (MED) and (2) to create the additional hierarchical structures required for integration of nursing diagnostic concepts into the MED. Design and Measurements: The authors dissected nursing diagnostic terms from two source terminologies (Home Health Care Classification and the Omaha System) into the semantic categories of the ISO model. Consistent with the ISO model, they selected Focus and Judgment as required semantic categories for creating intensional definitions of nursing diagnostic concepts in the MED. Because the MED does not include Focus and Judgment hierarchies, the authors developed them to define the nursing diagnostic concepts. Results: The ISO model was sufficient for dissecting the source terminologies into atomic terms. The authors identified 162 unique focus concepts from the 266 nursing diagnosis terms for inclusion in the Focus hierarchy. For the Judgment hierarchy, the authors precoordinated Judgment and Potentiality instead of using Potentiality as a qualifier of Judgment as in the ISO model. Impairment and Alteration were the most frequently occurring judgments. Conclusions: Nursing care represents a large proportion of health care activities; thus, it is vital that terms used by nurses are integrated into concept-oriented terminologies that provide broad coverage for the domain of health care. This study supports the utility of the ISO Reference Terminology Model for Nursing Diagnoses as a facilitator for the integration process. PMID:12668692

Spaceflight Human System Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holubec, Keith; Tillman, Barry; Connolly, Jan

2009-01-01

NASA created a new approach for human system integration and human performance standards. NASA created two documents a standard and a reference handbook. The standard is titled NASA Space Flight Human-System Standard (SFHSS) and consists of two-volumes: Volume 1- Crew Health This volume covers standards needed to support astronaut health (medical care, nutrition, sleep, exercise, etc.) Volume 2 Human Factors, Habitability and Environmental Health This volume covers the standards for system design that will maintain astronaut performance (ie., environmental factors, design of facilities, layout of workstations, and lighting requirements). It includes classic human factors requirements. The new standards document is written in terms so that it is applicable to a broad range of present and future NASA systems. The document states that all new programs prepare system-specific requirements that will meet the general standards. For example, the new standard does not specify a design should accommodate specific percentiles of a defined population. Rather, NASA-STD-3001, Volume 2 states that all programs shall prepare program-specific requirements that define the user population and their size ranges. The design shall then accommodate the full size range of those users. The companion reference handbook, Human Integration Design Handbook (HIDH), was developed to capture the design consideration information from NASA-STD-3000, and adds spaceflight lessons learned, gaps in knowledge, example solutions, and suggests research to further mature specific disciplines. The HIDH serves two major purposes: HIDH is the reference document for writing human factors requirements for specific systems. HIDH contains design guidance information that helps insure that designers create systems which safely and effectively accommodate the capabilities and limitations of space flight crews.

The National Biological Information Infrastructure as an E-Government tool

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sepic, R.; Kase, K.

2002-01-01

Coordinated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) is a Web-based system that provides access to data and information on the nation's biological resources. Although it was begun in 1993, predating any formal E-Government initiative, the NBII typifies the E-Government concepts outlined in the President's Management Agenda, as well as in the proposed E-Government Act of 2002. This article-an individual case study and not a broad survey with extensive references to the literature-explores the structure and operation of the NBII in relation to several emerging trends in E-Government: end-user focus, defined and scalable milestones, public-private partnerships, alliances with stakeholders, and interagency cooperation. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.

Autonomously acquiring declarative and procedural knowledge for ICAT systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kovarik, Vincent J., Jr.

1993-01-01

The construction of Intelligent Computer Aided Training (ICAT) systems is critically dependent on the ability to define and encode knowledge. This knowledge engineering effort can be broadly divided into two categories: domain knowledge and expert or task knowledge. Domain knowledge refers to the physical environment or system with which the expert interacts. Expert knowledge consists of the set of procedures and heuristics employed by the expert in performing their task. Both these areas are a significant bottleneck in the acquisition of knowledge for ICAT systems. This paper presents a research project in the area of autonomous knowledge acquisition using a passive observation concept. The system observes an expert and then generalizes the observations into production rules representing the domain expert's knowledge.

Potter syndrome

MedlinePlus

... Widely separated eyes with epicanthal folds , broad nasal bridge , low set ears , and receding chin Absence of ... Names Potter phenotype Images Amniotic fluid Broad nasal bridge References Copelovitch L, Kaplan BS. Developmental abnormalities of ...

Expression of the Broad Autism Phenotype in Simplex Autism Families from the Simons Simplex Collection

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davidson, Julie; Goin-Kochel, Robin P.; Green-Snyder, Lee Anne; Hundley, Rachel J.; Warren, Zachary; Peters, Sarika U.

2014-01-01

The broad autism phenotype (BAP) refers to the phenotypic expression of an underlying genetic liability to autism, manifest in non-autistic relatives. This study examined the relationship among the "Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire" (BAPQ), "Social Responsiveness Scale: Adult Research Version" (SRS:ARV), and "Family…

An application of belief-importance theory with reference to trait emotional intelligence, mood, and somatic complaints.

PubMed

Petrides, K V

2011-04-01

This article describes the basic principles of belief-importance (belimp) theory and tests them in two empirical studies. Belimp theory hypothesizes that personality traits confer a propensity to perceive convergences and divergences between our belief that we can attain goals and the importance that we place on these goals. Belief and importance are conceptualized as two coordinates, together defining the belimp plane. Four distinct quadrants can be identified within the belimp plane (Hubris, Motivation, Depression and Apathy), broadly corresponding to the personality dimensions of trait emotional intelligence, conscientiousness, neuroticism and introversion. Study 1 (N=365) defines the four quadrants in relation to goals about financial security and shows that they score differently on trait emotional intelligence, mood and somatic complaints. Study 2 (N=230) defines the quadrants in relation to goals about appearance and, separately, in relation to goals about popularity, and replicates the findings of the first study. Strategies and requirements for testing belimp theory are presented, as are a number of theoretical and practical advantages that it can potentially offer. © 2010 The Author. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology © 2010 The Scandinavian Psychological Associations.

Results for Phase I of the IAEA Coordinated Research Program on HTGR Uncertainties

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

Strydom, Gerhard; Bostelmann, Friederike; Yoon, Su Jong

2015-01-01

The quantification of uncertainties in design and safety analysis of reactors is today not only broadly accepted, but in many cases became the preferred way to replace traditional conservative analysis for safety and licensing analysis. The use of a more fundamental methodology is also consistent with the reliable high fidelity physics models and robust, efficient, and accurate codes available today. To facilitate uncertainty analysis applications a comprehensive approach and methodology must be developed and applied. High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGR) has its own peculiarities, coated particle design, large graphite quantities, different materials and high temperatures that also require other simulationmore » requirements. The IAEA has therefore launched a Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on the HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modeling (UAM) in 2013 to study uncertainty propagation specifically in the HTGR analysis chain. Two benchmark problems are defined, with the prismatic design represented by the General Atomics (GA) MHTGR-350 and a 250 MW modular pebble bed design similar to the HTR-PM (INET, China). This report summarizes the contributions of the HTGR Methods Simulation group at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) up to this point of the CRP. The activities at INL have been focused so far on creating the problem specifications for the prismatic design, as well as providing reference solutions for the exercises defined for Phase I. An overview is provided of the HTGR UAM objectives and scope, and the detailed specifications for Exercises I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4 are also included here for completeness. The main focus of the report is the compilation and discussion of reference results for Phase I (i.e. for input parameters at their nominal or best-estimate values), which is defined as the first step of the uncertainty quantification process. These reference results can be used by other CRP participants for comparison with other codes or their own reference results. The status on the Monte Carlo modeling of the experimental VHTRC facility is also discussed. Reference results were obtained for the neutronics stand-alone cases (Ex. I-1 and Ex. I-2) using the (relatively new) Monte Carlo code Serpent, and comparisons were performed with the more established Monte Carlo codes MCNP and KENO-VI. For the thermal-fluids stand-alone cases (Ex. I-3 and I-4) the commercial CFD code CFX was utilized to obtain reference results that can be compared with lower fidelity tools.« less

29 CFR 779.216 - Statutory construction of the terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...” is stated in broad general terms. This legislative intent is evidenced both by the statements in the Committee Reports and by the definition itself, particularly the broad references to the inclusion in the...

29 CFR 779.216 - Statutory construction of the terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...” is stated in broad general terms. This legislative intent is evidenced both by the statements in the Committee Reports and by the definition itself, particularly the broad references to the inclusion in the...

29 CFR 779.216 - Statutory construction of the terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...” is stated in broad general terms. This legislative intent is evidenced both by the statements in the Committee Reports and by the definition itself, particularly the broad references to the inclusion in the...

Analysis of leukotrienes in cerebrospinal fluid of a reference population and patients with inborn errors of metabolism: further evidence for a pathognomonic profile in LTC(4)-synthesis deficiency.

PubMed

Mayatepek, E; Zelezny, R; Hoffmann, G F

2000-02-25

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC(4), LTD(4), LTE(4)) are potent lipid mediators derived from arachidonate in the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. Recently, the first inborn error of leukotriene synthesis, LTC(4)-synthesis deficiency, has been identified in association with a fatal developmental syndrome. The absence of leukotrienes in cerebrospinal fluid was one of the most striking biochemical findings in this disorder. We analysed leukotrienes in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with a broad spectrum of other well-defined inborn errors of metabolism, including glutathione synthetase deficiency (n=2), Zellweger syndrome (n=3), mitochondrial disorders (n=8), fatty acid oxidation defects (n=7), organic acidurias (n=7), neurotransmitter defects (n=5) and patients with non-specific neurological symptoms, as a reference population (n=120). The concentrations of leukotrienes were not related to age. Representative percentiles were calculated as reference intervals of each leukotriene. In all patients with an inborn error of metabolism concentration of cysteinyl leukotrienes and LTB(4) did not differ from the reference group. Our results indicate that absence of cysteinyl leukotrienes (<5 pg/ml) in association with normal or increased LTB(4) (50.0-67.3 pg/ml) is pathognomonic for LTC(4)-synthesis deficiency. The unique profile of leukotrienes in cerebrospinal fluid in this new disorder is primarily related to the defect and represents a new diagnostic approach.

77 FR 39174 - Safety Zone, Temporary Change for Recurring Fifth Coast Guard District Fireworks Displays...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-02

..., Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club Independence Day Fireworks Display, Broad Bay; Virginia Beach, VA AGENCY: Coast... regulation refers to the fireworks display event that takes place on the navigable waters of Broad Bay in... Independence Day Fireworks Display, Broad Bay; Virginia Beach, Virginia in the Federal Register (76 FR 27156...

SMART-1/CLEMENTINE Study of Humorum and Procellarum Basins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carey, William; Foing, Bernard H.; Koschny, Detlef; Pio Rossi, Angelo; Josset, Jean-Luc

A study undertaken by ESA to define a European Reference Architecture for Space Exploration is due to be completed in September 2008. The development of this architecture over the past twelve months has identified a number of key capabilities, among them a lunar lander system, which could form the basis for Europe's contribution to the future exploration of space in collaboration with International Partners. The focus of this paper will be on the lunar lander system, and will present the results of an analysis of possible payloads that could be accommodated by the lander. As the industrial study is at the Phase 0 or Pre-Phase A level, the design of such a lander system is at a very early stage in its development, but an estimation of the payload capacity allows a general assessment of the types of possible payloads that could be carried, currently this capacity is estimated at 1.1 tonnes of gross payload mass to the lunar surface (assuming an Ariane 5 ECA launch). An important characteristic of the lunar lander is that it provides a versatile and flexible system for utilisation in a broad range of lunar missions which include: - Independent lunar exploration missions for science, technology demonstration and research. - Delivery of logistics and cargo to support human surface sortie missions. - Delivery of logistics to a lunar base/outpost. - Deployment of individual infrastructure elements in support of a lunar base/outpost. Based on the above different types of missions, a number of configurations of "reference payload" sets are in the process of being defined that cover specific exploration objectives related primarily to capability demonstration, exploration enabling research and enabled science. Aspects covered include: ISRU, robotics, mobility, human preparation, life science and geology. This paper will present the current status of definition of the Reference Payload sets.

Descriptive statistics.

PubMed

Nick, Todd G

2007-01-01

Statistics is defined by the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus as the science and art of collecting, summarizing, and analyzing data that are subject to random variation. The two broad categories of summarizing and analyzing data are referred to as descriptive and inferential statistics. This chapter considers the science and art of summarizing data where descriptive statistics and graphics are used to display data. In this chapter, we discuss the fundamentals of descriptive statistics, including describing qualitative and quantitative variables. For describing quantitative variables, measures of location and spread, for example the standard deviation, are presented along with graphical presentations. We also discuss distributions of statistics, for example the variance, as well as the use of transformations. The concepts in this chapter are useful for uncovering patterns within the data and for effectively presenting the results of a project.

Taking Stock of Unrealistic Optimism.

PubMed

Shepperd, James A; Klein, William M P; Waters, Erika A; Weinstein, Neil D

2013-07-01

Researchers have used terms such as unrealistic optimism and optimistic bias to refer to concepts that are similar but not synonymous. Drawing from three decades of research, we critically discuss how researchers define unrealistic optimism and we identify four types that reflect different measurement approaches: unrealistic absolute optimism at the individual and group level and unrealistic comparative optimism at the individual and group level. In addition, we discuss methodological criticisms leveled against research on unrealistic optimism and note that the criticisms are primarily relevant to only one type-the group form of unrealistic comparative optimism. We further clarify how the criticisms are not nearly as problematic even for unrealistic comparative optimism as they might seem. Finally, we note boundary conditions on the different types of unrealistic optimism and reflect on five broad questions that deserve further attention.

Research and technology goals and objectives for Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) is defined herein as the capability to efficiently perform checkout, testing, and monitoring of space transportation vehicles, subsystems, and components before, during, and after operational This includes the ability to perform timely status determination, diagnostics, and prognostics. IVHM must support fault-tolerant response including system/subsystem reconfiguration to prevent catastrophic failures; and IVHM must support the planning and scheduling of post-operational maintenance. The purpose of this document is to establish the rationale for IVHM and IVHM research and technology planning, and to develop technical goals and objectives. This document is prepared to provide a broad overview of IVHM for technology and advanced development activities and, more specifically, to provide a planning reference from an avionics viewpoint under the OAST Transportation Technology Program Strategic Plan.

Defining and understanding healthy lifestyles choices for adolescents.

PubMed

He, Ka; Kramer, Ellen; Houser, Robert F; Chomitz, Virginia R; Hacker, Karen A

2004-07-01

To: (a) establish criteria for defining positive health behaviors and lifestyle; and (b) identify characteristics of adolescents who practice a healthy lifestyle. Responses from a 1998 survey via questionnaire, of 1487 students, from a public high school, Cambridge, Massachusetts, were used to assess correlates of healthy lifestyle choices. Strict and broad assessments of healthy behaviors were defined for students: use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs; sexual behavior; attempted suicide. Whereas the "strict" criteria included only those adolescents who did not practice any of the behaviors in question, the broad criteria reflected experimentation and moderate risk-taking. The prevalence of positive behaviors was assessed by demographic and student characteristics. In addition, logistic regression models were created to predict determinants of teenagers' healthy lifestyles using both strict and broad definitions. Using strict criteria of healthy lifestyle, significant predictors were being female, born outside the United States, higher academic performance, and fewer stressful life events. Using a broad definition of a healthy lifestyle, significant predictors were being non-Caucasian, in the lower grade levels at the school, higher academic performance, and fewer stressful life events. In both models, peers' approval of risky behaviors negatively influenced teens' lifestyles, whereas parents' disapproval of risky behaviors was a positive influence. These results reinforce the importance of school, peer, and parent support of positive behaviors. It is important for public health workers and families to understand and define healthy lifestyles choices for adolescents.

An (un)clear conscience clause: the causes and consequences of statutory ambiguity in state contraceptive mandates.

PubMed

VanSickle-Ward, Rachel; Hollis-Brusky, Amanda

2013-08-01

Since 1996, twenty-eight states have adopted legislation mandating insurance coverage of prescription contraceptives for women. Most of these policies include language that allows providers to opt out of the requirement because of religious or moral beliefs-conscience clause exemptions. There is striking variation in how these exemptions are defined. This article investigates the sources and consequences of ambiguous versus precise statutory language in conscience clauses. We find that some forms of political and institutional fragmentation (party polarization and gubernatorial appointment power) are correlated with the degree of policy specificity in state contraceptive mandates. This finding reinforces previous law and policy scholarship that has shown that greater fragmentation promotes ambiguous statutory language because broad wording acts as a vehicle for compromise when actors disagree. Interestingly, it is the more precisely worded statutes that have prompted court battles. We explain this with reference to the asymmetry of incentives and mobilizing costs between those disadvantaged by broad (primarily female employees) versus precisely worded statutes (primarily Catholic organizations). Our findings suggest that the impact of statutory ambiguity on court intervention is heavily contextualized by the resources and organization of affected stakeholders.

76 FR 9777 - Recent Postings of Broadly Applicable Alternative Test Methods

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-22

... Applicable Alternative Test Methods AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: This notice announces the broadly applicable alternative test method approval decisions... technical questions about individual alternative test method decisions, refer to the contact person...

Upcoming replacements for NAD83, NAVD88 and IGLD85

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, D. A.; Snay, R.

2009-05-01

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is responsible for defining, maintaining and providing access to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) for the United States. The NSRS is the official system to which all civil federal mapping agencies should refer, and contains, amongst other things, the official geopotential (historically "vertical") datum of NAVD 88, the 3-D geometric reference system (historically "horizontal datum") of NAD 83 and great lakes datum (IGLD 85). Although part of the United States NSRS, all three of these datums have been created through international partnerships across North America. Unfortunately, time has shown both the systematic errors existent within these datums, as well as the inherent weaknesses of relying exclusively on passive monuments to define and provide access to these datums. In recognition of these issues, the National Geodetic Survey has issued a "10 year plan", available online, which outlines steps which will be taken to update NAD 83, NAVD 88 and IGLD 85 concurrently around the year 2018. The primary source of success will be in the refinement of the CORS network and the upcoming execution of the GRAV-D project (Gravity for the Re-definition of the American Vertical Datum). Conversations are ongoing with colleagues in Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean in order to coordinate all of these efforts across the entire continent. The largest changes expected to occur are the removal of over 2 meters of non-geocentricity in NAD 83; the removal of decimeters of bias and over a meter of tilt in NAVD 88; the addition of the ability to track crustal motions (subsidence, tectonics, etc) in the datums; the removal of leveling as a tool for long-line height differencing; the use of a "best" geoid as the orthometric height reference surface; the addition of datum velocities (motions of the 3-D geometric reference system origin and motions of the geoid); and the use of GNSS technology as the way to access both orthometric and dynamic heights in the vertical datum. This talk will outline the broad plan of action and invite further collaboration along these lines.

Prenatal and early life stress and risk of eating disorders in adolescent girls and young women.

PubMed

Su, Xiujuan; Liang, Hong; Yuan, Wei; Olsen, Jørn; Cnattingius, Sven; Li, Jiong

2016-11-01

Females are more likely than males to develop eating disorders (EDs) in the adolescence and youth, and the etiology remains unclear. We aimed to estimate the effect of severe early life stress following bereavement, the death of a close relative, on the risk of EDs among females aged 10-26 years. This population-based cohort study included girls born in Denmark (from 1973 to 2000) or Sweden (from 1970 to 1997). Girls were categorized as exposed if they were born to mothers who lost a close relative 1 year prior to or during pregnancy or if the girl herself lost a parent or a sibling within the first 10 years of life. All other girls were included in unexposed group. An ED case was defined by a diagnosis of EDs at ages of 10-26 years, including broadly defined bulimia nervosa, broadly defined anorexia nervosa and mixed EDs. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) between exposed group and unexposed group.A total of 64453 (3.05 %) girls were included in the exposed group. We identified 9477 girls with a diagnosis of EDs, of whom 307 (3.24 %) were from the exposed group. Both prenatal and postnatal exposure following bereavement by unexpected death was associated with an increased overall risk of EDs (IRR prenatal : 1.49, 95 % CI: 1.01-2.19 and IRR postnatal : 1.34, 95 % CI: 1.05-1.71). We observed similar results for subtypes of broadly defined bulimia nervosa (IRR: 2.47, 95 % CI: 1.67-3.65) and mixed EDs (IRR: 1.45, 95 % CI: 1.02-2.07).Our findings suggest that prenatal and early postnatal life stress due to unexpected death of a close relative is associated with an increased overall risk of eating disorders in adolescent girls and young women. The increased risk might be driven mainly by differences in broadly defined bulimia nervosa and mixed eating disorders, but not broadly defined anorexia nervosa.

Thermal and Chemical Characterization of Composite Materials. MSFC Center Director's Discretionary Fund Final Report, Project No. ED36-18

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stanley, D. C.; Huff, T. L.

2003-01-01

The purpose of this research effort was to: (1) provide a concise and well-defined property profile of current and developing composite materials using thermal and chemical characterization techniques and (2) optimize analytical testing requirements of materials. This effort applied a diverse array of methodologies to ascertain composite material properties. Often, a single method of technique will provide useful, but nonetheless incomplete, information on material composition and/or behavior. To more completely understand and predict material properties, a broad-based analytical approach is required. By developing a database of information comprised of both thermal and chemical properties, material behavior under varying conditions may be better understood. THis is even more important in the aerospace community, where new composite materials and those in the development stage have little reference data. For example, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy spectral databases available for identification of vapor phase spectra, such as those generated during experiments, generally refer to well-defined chemical compounds. Because this method renders a unique thermal decomposition spectral pattern, even larger, more diverse databases, such as those found in solid and liquid phase FTIR spectroscopy libraries, cannot be used. By combining this and other available methodologies, a database specifically for new materials and materials being developed at Marshall Space Flight Center can be generated . In addition, characterizing materials using this approach will be extremely useful in the verification of materials and identification of anomalies in NASA-wide investigations.

Establishing Normative Reference Values for Standing Broad Jump among Hungarian Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saint-Maurice, Pedro F.; Laurson, Kelly R.; Kaj, Mónika; Csányi, Tamás

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine age and sex trends in anaerobic power assessed by a standing broad jump and to determine norm-referenced values for youth in Hungary. Method: A sample of 2,427 Hungarian youth (1,360 boys and 1,067 girls) completed the standing broad jump twice, and the highest distance score was recorded. Quantile…

Evidence-Based Design and Research-Informed Design: What's the Difference? Conceptual Definitions and Comparative Analysis.

PubMed

Peavey, Erin; Vander Wyst, Kiley B

2017-10-01

This article provides critical examination and comparison of the conceptual meaning and underlying assumptions of the concepts evidence-based design (EBD) and research-informed design (RID) in order to facilitate practical use and theoretical development. In recent years, EBD has experienced broad adoption, yet it has been simultaneously critiqued for rigidity and misapplication. Many practitioners are gravitating to the term RID to describe their method of integrating knowledge into the design process. However, the term RID lacks a clear definition and the blurring of terms has the potential to weaken advances made integrating research into practice. Concept analysis methods from Walker and Avant were used to define the concepts for comparison. Conceptual definitions, process descriptions, examples (i.e., model cases), and methods of evaluation are offered for EBD and RID. Although EBD and RID share similarities in meaning, the two terms are distinct. When comparing evidence based (EB) and research informed, EB is a broad base of information types (evidence) that are narrowly applied (based), while the latter references a narrow slice of information (research) that is broadly applied (informed) to create an end product of design. Much of the confusion between the use of the concepts EBD and RID arises out of differing perspectives between the way practitioners and academics understand the underlying terms. The authors hope this article serves to generate thoughtful dialogue, which is essential to the development of a discipline, and look forward to the contribution of the readership.

Early versus late pre-intensive care unit admission broad spectrum antibiotics for severe sepsis in adults.

PubMed

Siddiqui, Shahla; Razzak, Junaid

2010-10-06

Severe sepsis and septic shock have recently emerged as particularly acute and lethal challenges amongst critically ill patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). There are no existing data on the current practices of management of patients with severe sepsis comparing early versus late administration of appropriate broad spectrum antibiotics as part of the early goal-directed therapy that is commenced in the first few hours of presentation. To assess the difference in outcomes with early compared to late administration of antibiotics in patients with severe sepsis in the pre-intensive care unit (ICU) admission period. We defined early as within one hour of presentation to the ED. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2009); MEDLINE (1990 to February 2010); EMBASE (1990 to February 2010); and ISI web of Science (February 2010). We also searched for relevant ongoing trials in specific websites such as www.controlled-trials.com; www.clinicalstudyresults.org; and www.update-software.com. We searched the reference lists of articles. There were no constraints based on language or publication status. We planned to include randomized controlled trials of early versus late broad spectrum antibiotics in adult patients with severe sepsis in the ED, prior to admission to the intensive care unit. Two authors independently assessed articles for inclusion. We found no studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Based on this review we are unable to make a recommendation on the early or late use of broad spectrum antibiotics in adult patients with severe sepsis in the ED pre-ICU admission. There is a need to do large prospective double blinded randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of early (within one hour) versus late broad spectrum antibiotics in adult severe sepsis patients. Since it makes sense to start antibiotics as soon as possible in this group of seriously ill patients, administering such antibiotics earlier as opposed to later is based on anecdotal suboptimal evidence.

The performance of non-invasive tests to rule-in and rule-out significant coronary artery stenosis in patients with stable angina: a meta-analysis focused on post-test disease probability.

PubMed

Knuuti, Juhani; Ballo, Haitham; Juarez-Orozco, Luis Eduardo; Saraste, Antti; Kolh, Philippe; Rutjes, Anne Wilhelmina Saskia; Jüni, Peter; Windecker, Stephan; Bax, Jeroen J; Wijns, William

2018-05-29

To determine the ranges of pre-test probability (PTP) of coronary artery disease (CAD) in which stress electrocardiogram (ECG), stress echocardiography, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can reclassify patients into a post-test probability that defines (>85%) or excludes (<15%) anatomically (defined by visual evaluation of invasive coronary angiography [ICA]) and functionally (defined by a fractional flow reserve [FFR] ≤0.8) significant CAD. A broad search in electronic databases until August 2017 was performed. Studies on the aforementioned techniques in >100 patients with stable CAD that utilized either ICA or ICA with FFR measurement as reference, were included. Study-level data was pooled using a hierarchical bivariate random-effects model and likelihood ratios were obtained for each technique. The PTP ranges for each technique to rule-in or rule-out significant CAD were defined. A total of 28 664 patients from 132 studies that used ICA as reference and 4131 from 23 studies using FFR, were analysed. Stress ECG can rule-in and rule-out anatomically significant CAD only when PTP is ≥80% (76-83) and ≤19% (15-25), respectively. Coronary computed tomography angiography is able to rule-in anatomic CAD at a PTP ≥58% (45-70) and rule-out at a PTP ≤80% (65-94). The corresponding PTP values for functionally significant CAD were ≥75% (67-83) and ≤57% (40-72) for CCTA, and ≥71% (59-81) and ≤27 (24-31) for ICA, demonstrating poorer performance of anatomic imaging against FFR. In contrast, functional imaging techniques (PET, stress CMR, and SPECT) are able to rule-in functionally significant CAD when PTP is ≥46-59% and rule-out when PTP is ≤34-57%. The various diagnostic modalities have different optimal performance ranges for the detection of anatomically and functionally significant CAD. Stress ECG appears to have very limited diagnostic power. The selection of a diagnostic technique for any given patient to rule-in or rule-out CAD should be based on the optimal PTP range for each test and on the assumed reference standard.

Unobtrusive Evaluation of Reference Service and Individual Responsibility: The Canadian Experience. Contemporary Studies in Information Management, Policies, and Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dilevko, Juris

Long a controversial topic in the specialized world of reference librarianship, unobtrusive evaluation is a useful tool in gauging the degree to which reference librarians are effectively performing their jobs. Based on a nationwide survey of government documents reference service in Canada, This book examines the broad philosophical implications…

Electrograms (ECG, EEG, EMG, EOG).

PubMed

Reilly, Richard B; Lee, T Clive

2010-01-01

There is a constant need in medicine to obtain objective measurements of physical and cognitive function as the basis for diagnosis and monitoring of health. The body can be considered as a chemical and electrical system supported by a mechanical structure. Measuring and quantifying such electrical activity provides a means for objective examination of heath status. The term electrogram, from the Greek electro meaning electricity and gram meaning write or record, is the broad definition given to the recording of electrical signal from the body. In order that comparisons of electrical activity can be made against normative data, certain methods and procedures have been defined for different electrograms. This paper reviews these methods and procedures for the more typical electrograms associated with some of the major organs in the body, providing a first point of reference for the reader.

II.3. Electrograms (ECG, EEG, EMG, EOG).

PubMed

Reilly, Richard B; Lee, T Clive

2010-01-01

There is a constant need in medicine to obtain objective measurements of physical and cognitive function as the basis for diagnosis and monitoring of health. The body can be considered as a chemical and electrical system supported by a mechanical structure. Measuring and quantifying such electrical activity provides a means for objective examination of heath status. The term electrogram, from the Greek electro meaning electricity and gram meaning write or record, is the broad definition given to the recording of electrical signal from the body. In order that comparisons of electrical activity can be made against normative data, certain methods and procedures have been defined for different electrograms. This paper reviews these methods and procedures for the more typical electrograms associated with some of the major organs in the body, providing a first point of reference for the reader.

Partially annotated bibliography for computer protection and related topics

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

Huskamp, J.C.

1976-07-20

References for the commonly cited technical papers in the area of computer protection are given. Great care is taken to exclude papers with no technical content or merit. For the purposes of this bibliography, computer protection is broadly defined to encompass all facets of the protection problem. The papers cover, but are not limited to, the topics of protection features in operating systems (e.g., MULTICS and HYDRA), hardware implementations of protection facilities (e.g., Honeywell 6180, System 250, BCC 5000, B6500), data base protection controls, confinement and protection models. Since computer protection is related to many other areas in computer sciencemore » and electrical engineering, a bibliography of related areas is included after the protection bibliography. These sections also include articles of general interest in the named areas which are not necessarily related to protection.« less

[Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and their relationship with child abuse: predictor and consequence].

PubMed

Cornellà Canals, J; Juárez López, J R

2014-12-01

The current literature increasingly associates the presence of symptoms of ADHD in both physical and psychological and sexual child abuse. This implies the need for greater accuracy in the differential diagnosis, as until a few years ago, post-traumatic stress disorder was considered the reference symptoms for this type of case. Thus, it is necessary to define and conceptualize an increasingly broad and detailed world of sequels and consequences, where ADHD may be related to the psychological damage suffered by child abuse. Furthermore, the particular vulnerability of children with ADHD can, in turn, become a factor of risk that needs to be considered by the professionals who care for this type of patient. Copyright © 2014 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Taking Stock of Unrealistic Optimism

PubMed Central

Shepperd, James A.; Klein, William M. P.; Waters, Erika A.; Weinstein, Neil D.

2015-01-01

Researchers have used terms such as unrealistic optimism and optimistic bias to refer to concepts that are similar but not synonymous. Drawing from three decades of research, we critically discuss how researchers define unrealistic optimism and we identify four types that reflect different measurement approaches: unrealistic absolute optimism at the individual and group level and unrealistic comparative optimism at the individual and group level. In addition, we discuss methodological criticisms leveled against research on unrealistic optimism and note that the criticisms are primarily relevant to only one type—the group form of unrealistic comparative optimism. We further clarify how the criticisms are not nearly as problematic even for unrealistic comparative optimism as they might seem. Finally, we note boundary conditions on the different types of unrealistic optimism and reflect on five broad questions that deserve further attention. PMID:26045714

Defining recovery in chronic fatigue syndrome: a critical review.

PubMed

Adamowicz, Jenna L; Caikauskaite, Indre; Friedberg, Fred

2014-11-01

In chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), the lack of consensus on how recovery should be defined or interpreted has generated controversy and confusion. The purpose of this paper was to systematically review, compare, and evaluate the definitions of recovery reported in the CFS literature and to make recommendations about the scope of recovery assessments. A search was done using the MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases for peer review papers that contained the search terms "chronic fatigue syndrome" and "recovery," "reversal," "remission," and/or "treatment response." From the 22 extracted studies, recovery was operationally defined by reference with one or more of these domains: (1) pre-morbid functioning; (2) both fatigue and function; (3) fatigue (or related symptoms) alone; (4) function alone; and/or (5) brief global assessment. Almost all of the studies measuring recovery in CFS did so differently. The brief global assessment was the most common outcome measure used to define recovery. Estimates of recovery ranged from 0 to 66 % in intervention studies and 2.6 to 62 % in naturalistic studies. Given that the term "recovery" was often based on limited assessments and less than full restoration of health, other more precise and accurate labels (e.g., clinically significant improvement) may be more appropriate and informative. In keeping with common understandings of the term recovery, we recommend a consistent definition that captures a broad-based return to health with assessments of both fatigue and function as well as the patient's perceptions of his/her recovery status.

Defining Hardwood Veneer Log Quality Attributes

Treesearch

Jan Wiedenbeck; Michael Wiemann; Delton Alderman; John Baumgras; William Luppold

2004-01-01

This publication provides a broad spectrum of information on the hardwood veneer industry in North America. Veneer manufacturers and their customers impose guidelines in specifying wood quality attributes that are very discriminating but poorly defined (e.g., exceptional color, texture, and/or figure characteristics). To better understand and begin to define the most...

20 CFR 725.493 - Employment relationship defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Employment relationship defined. 725.493... relationship defined. (a)(1) In determining the identity of a responsible operator under this part, the terms “employ” and “employment” shall be construed as broadly as possible, and shall include any relationship...

20 CFR 725.493 - Employment relationship defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Employment relationship defined. 725.493... relationship defined. (a)(1) In determining the identity of a responsible operator under this part, the terms “employ” and “employment” shall be construed as broadly as possible, and shall include any relationship...

Binaural pitch fusion: Pitch averaging and dominance in hearing-impaired listeners with broad fusion.

PubMed

Oh, Yonghee; Reiss, Lina A J

2017-08-01

Both bimodal cochlear implant and bilateral hearing aid users can exhibit broad binaural pitch fusion, the fusion of dichotically presented tones over a broad range of pitch differences between ears [Reiss, Ito, Eggleston, and Wozny. (2014). J. Assoc. Res. Otolaryngol. 15(2), 235-248; Reiss, Eggleston, Walker, and Oh. (2016). J. Assoc. Res. Otolaryngol. 17(4), 341-356; Reiss, Shayman, Walker, Bennett, Fowler, Hartling, Glickman, Lasarev, and Oh. (2017). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 143(3), 1909-1920]. Further, the fused binaural pitch is often a weighted average of the different pitches perceived in the two ears. The current study was designed to systematically measure these pitch averaging phenomena in bilateral hearing aid users with broad fusion. The fused binaural pitch of the reference-pair tone combination was initially measured by pitch-matching to monaural comparison tones presented to the pair tone ear. The averaged results for all subjects showed two distinct trends: (1) The fused binaural pitch was dominated by the lower-pitch component when the pair tone was either 0.14 octaves below or 0.78 octaves above the reference tone; (2) pitch averaging occurred when the pair tone was between the two boundaries above, with the most equal weighting at 0.38 octaves above the reference tone. Findings from two subjects suggest that randomization or alternation of the comparison ear can eliminate this asymmetry in the pitch averaging range. Overall, these pitch averaging phenomena suggest that spectral distortions and thus binaural interference may arise during binaural stimulation in hearing-impaired listeners with broad fusion.

Food Production, Management, and Services. Reference Book [and] Student Activity Book.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock. Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences.

This student activity book and reference book, which are part of a family and consumer sciences education series focusing on a broad range of employment opportunities, are intended for use in one- and two-year food production, management, and services programs for Texas high school students. The reference book provides information needed by…

Textile and Apparel Production, Management, and Services. Reference Book [and] Student Activity Book.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock. Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences.

This student activity book and reference book, which are part of a family and consumer sciences education series focusing on a broad range of employment opportunities, are intended for use in 1- and 2-year textile and apparel production, management, and services programs for Texas high school students. The reference book provides information…

Services for Older Adults. Reference Book [and] Student Activity Book.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock. Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences.

This student activity book and reference book, which are part of a family and consumer sciences education series focusing on a broad range of employment opportunities, are intended for use in 1- and 2- programs preparing Texas high school students for employment in occupations related to providing services for older adults. The reference book…

Modes of asymmetry: The application of harmonic analysis to symmetric quantum dynamics and quantum reference frames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marvian, Iman; Spekkens, Robert W.

2014-12-01

Finding the consequences of symmetry for open-system quantum dynamics is a problem with broad applications, including describing thermal relaxation, deriving quantum limits on the performance of amplifiers, and exploring quantum metrology in the presence of noise. The symmetry of the dynamics may reflect a symmetry of the fundamental laws of nature or a symmetry of a low-energy effective theory, or it may describe a practical restriction such as the lack of a reference frame. In this paper, we apply some tools of harmonic analysis together with ideas from quantum information theory to this problem. The central idea is to study the decomposition of quantum operations—in particular, states, measurements, and channels—into different modes, which we call modes of asymmetry. Under symmetric processing, a given mode of the input is mapped to the corresponding mode of the output, implying that one can only generate a given output if the input contains all of the necessary modes. By defining monotones that quantify the asymmetry in a particular mode, we also derive quantitative constraints on the resources of asymmetry that are required to simulate a given asymmetric operation. We present applications of our results for deriving bounds on the probability of success in nondeterministic state transitions, such as quantum amplification, and a simplified formalism for studying the degradation of quantum reference frames.

Critical laboratory values in hemostasis: toward consensus.

PubMed

Lippi, Giuseppe; Adcock, Dorothy; Simundic, Ana-Maria; Tripodi, Armando; Favaloro, Emmanuel J

2017-09-01

The term "critical values" can be defined to entail laboratory test results that significantly lie outside the normal (reference) range and necessitate immediate reporting to safeguard patient health, as well as those displaying a highly and clinically significant variation compared to previous data. The identification and effective communication of "highly pathological" values has engaged the minds of many clinicians, health care and laboratory professionals for decades, since these activities are vital to good laboratory practice. This is especially true in hemostasis, where a timely and efficient communication of critical values strongly impacts patient management. Due to the heterogeneity of available data, this paper is hence aimed to analyze the state of the art and provide an expert opinion about the parameters, measurement units and alert limits pertaining to critical values in hemostasis, thus providing a basic document for future consultation that assists laboratory professionals and clinicians alike. KEY MESSAGES Critical values are laboratory test results significantly lying outside the normal (reference) range and necessitating immediate reporting to safeguard patient health. A broad heterogeneity exists about critical values in hemostasis worldwide. We provide here an expert opinion about the parameters, measurement units and alert limits pertaining to critical values in hemostasis.

Immunocytochemical markers in acute leukaemias diagnosis.

PubMed

Gluzman, D F; Nadgornaya, V A; Sklyarenko, L M; Ivanovskaya, T S; Poludnenko, L Yu; Ukrainskaya, N I

2010-09-01

The study included 1742 patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemias (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemias (ALL), Kyiv city residents and patients from 20 regions of Ukraine. Bone marrow and blood smears were sent at diagnosis to Reference Center. The analysis was based on May-Grünvald-Giemza (MGG) stain and cytochemical reactions (MPO, acNSE, CAE, AP, PAS). Immunocytochemical techniques (APAAP, LSAB) and broad panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against lineage specific and differentiation antigens of leukocytes were employed for immunophenotyping of leukemic blast cells directly in blood and bone marrow smears. Different types of AML were defined by the expression of the cell surface and cytoplasmic antigens. Immunocytochemical study was required especially in diagnosing of AML with minimal differentiation, acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia, acute erythroid leukaemia and acute leukaemias of ambiguous lineage. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemias was broadly classified into B-lineage and T-lineage ALL. According to the degree of B-lymphoid differentiation of the blast cells four subtypes of B-lineage ALL were established. T-lineage ALL observed in patients were also divided into four subtypes. Immunocytochemical examination was required to diagnose AL of ambiguous lineage with no clear evidence of lineage differentiation (acute undifferentiated leukaemia) or those with blasts that express markers of more than one lineage (mixed phenotype acute leukaemias).

Architectures for paediatric palliative care: how to improve quality of life and environmental well-being.

PubMed

Gola, Marco; Francalanza, Paolo Carlo; Galloni, Giulio; Pagella, Bianca; Capolongo, Stefano

2016-01-01

The influence of the environment on wellness, not only for patients themselves but for all care-givers as well, refers to the humanisation principles of spaces of care. Commencing with an analysis of existing paediatric hospices, the paper examines design suggestions for prosthetic environments, considered as a fundamental component in the healing process. A prosthetic environment can be created only through a specific knowledge of the real needs of users. Therefore, some scholars have conducted research work for defining the best practices for healing environments, supported by an assessment and comparison of case studies. The methodology is based on two phases: the first is based on interviews with experts in hospice design and management and the second, through the application of a questionnaire to several users. Discussion and Results. The output of the work is the achievement of a logical, sequential and participatory broad-spectrum process in the design of health facilities in order to cause a sustainable awareness in paediatric hospices. Starting from the research work, it is necessary to define a scientific method for implementing knowledge on health, psychological, perceptual and behavioural needs to contribute towards proper planning for meeting the real requirements of users.

An assessment of US microbiome research.

PubMed

Stulberg, Elizabeth; Fravel, Deborah; Proctor, Lita M; Murray, David M; LoTempio, Jonathan; Chrisey, Linda; Garland, Jay; Goodwin, Kelly; Graber, Joseph; Harris, M Camille; Jackson, Scott; Mishkind, Michael; Porterfield, D Marshall; Records, Angela

2016-01-11

Genome-enabled technologies have supported a dramatic increase in our ability to study microbial communities in environments and hosts. Taking stock of previously funded microbiome research can help to identify common themes, under-represented areas and research priorities to consider moving forward. To assess the status of US microbiome research, a team of government scientists conducted an analysis of federally funded microbiome research. Microbiomes were defined as host-, ecosystem- or habitat-associated communities of microorganisms, and microbiome research was defined as those studies that emphasize community-level analyses using 'omics technologies. Single pathogen, single strain and culture-based studies were not included, except symbiosis studies that served as models for more complex communities. Fourteen governmental organizations participated in the data call. The analysis examined three broad research themes, eight environments and eight microbial categories. Human microbiome research was larger than any other environment studied, and the basic biology research theme accounted for half of the total research activities. Computational biology and bioinformatics, reference databases and biorepositories, standardized protocols and high-throughput tools were commonly identified needs. Longitudinal and functional studies and interdisciplinary research were also identified as needs. This study has implications for the funding of future microbiome research, not only in the United States but beyond.

Psychiatrists' views of compulsory psychiatric care of minors.

PubMed

Turunen, Suvi; Välimäki, Maritta; Kaltiala-Heino, Riittakerttu

2010-01-01

Commitment to psychiatric care is in Finland allowed for minors in broader terms than for adults. Minors can be committed to and detained in involuntary psychiatric treatment if they suffer from severe mental disorder and fulfil the additional commitment criteria defined in the Mental Health Act. Adults can be committed to involuntary psychiatric care only if they are mentally ill (=psychotic), and fulfil the additional criteria. Involuntary treatment of minors has been increasing steadily since the Mental Health Act was passed in 1991. This study was set up to find out whether the Finnish child and adolescent psychiatrists agree with the need for defining broader commitment criteria for minors, and why. Semi-structured, reflexive dyadic interviews were carried out with 44 psychiatrists working with children and adolescents. The data was analysed using qualitative and quantitative content analysis. The analysis showed that broader commitment criteria for minors were favoured referring to developmental needs related to childhood and adolescence, prevention of mental illnesses and inadequacy of descriptive diagnosis in childhood and adolescence. The commitment criteria were rather seen as too narrow for adults than as too broad for minors, and the medical rights of minors were preferred over self-determination. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Social-Cognition and the Broad Autism Phenotype: Identifying Genetically Meaningful Phenotypes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Losh, Molly; Piven, Joseph

2007-01-01

Background: Strong evidence from twin and family studies suggests that the genetic liability to autism may be expressed through personality and language characteristics qualitatively similar, but more subtly expressed than those defining the full syndrome. This study examined behavioral features of this "broad autism phenotype" (BAP) in relation…

Nature and Content of Contemporary Economics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brimmer, Andrew F.

Economics does not have sharply delineated boundaries, but the domain has been defined broadly, and differently, from time-to-time. Currently, the contents of economics can be divided into the following broad areas: macroeconomics, microeconomics, and development economics. Most economists specialize in one or more of the more narrowly defined…

The Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hurley, Robert S. E.; Losh, Molly; Parlier, Morgan; Reznick, J. Steven; Piven, Joseph

2007-01-01

The broad autism phenotype (BAP) is a set of personality and language characteristics that reflect the phenotypic expression of the genetic liability to autism, in non-autistic relatives of autistic individuals. These characteristics are milder but qualitatively similar to the defining features of autism. A new instrument designed to measure the…

Defining dignity and its place in human rights.

PubMed

Michael, Lucy

2014-01-01

The concept of dignity is widely used in society, particularly in reference to human rights law and bioethics. Several conceptions of dignity are identified, falling broadly within two categories: full inherent dignity (FID) and non-inherent dignity (NID). FID is a quality belonging equally to every being with full moral status, including all members of the human natural kind; it is permanent, unconditional, indivisible and inviolable. Those beings with FID ought to be treated deferentially by others by virtue of their belonging to a noble caste. FID grounds fundamental human rights, such as the rights to freedom and equality. The concept of dignity forms a network of interconnected ideas related to worth and value particularly within legal and ethical discourse; it is a rich and meaningful concept, irreducible to one or two quasi-legal principles. Fundamentally, dignity matters because it forms the foundation of civilized society; without it, serious abuse of people is more likely to occur.

Social-cognitive functioning and schizotypal characteristics.

PubMed

Meyer, Joseph; Shean, Glenn

2006-05-01

The authors examined the relationship between social cognition and a feature of schizotypal personality referred to as magical ideation, defined broadly as the presence and intensity of illogical beliefs about causality and the nature of reality. The measures of social cognition used in this study were the Character Intention Task (CIT) and the adult version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test. Regression analyses indicated that understanding of character intentions, as measured by CIT scores, and ability to identify emotions on the Eyes test were related to non-realistic beliefs. Principal components analysis of the Magical Ideation Scale generated 3 factors: Occult Beliefs, Non-Realism, and New Age Ideas. Results indicated that impaired understanding of character intentions and ability to identify emotions on the Eyes test were related to non-realistic beliefs. Understanding the cognitive impairments associated with schizotypal characteristics can facilitate development of more targeted therapeutic interventions.

Telehealth: seven strategies to successfully implement disruptive technology and transform health care.

PubMed

Schwamm, Lee H

2014-02-01

"Telehealth" refers to the use of electronic services to support a broad range of remote services, such as patient care, education, and monitoring. Telehealth must be integrated into traditional ambulatory and hospital-based practices if it is to achieve its full potential, including addressing the six domains of care quality defined by the Institute of Medicine: safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. Telehealth is a disruptive technology that appears to threaten traditional health care delivery but has the potential to reform and transform the industry by reducing costs and increasing quality and patient satisfaction. This article outlines seven strategies critical to successful telehealth implementation: understanding patients' and providers' expectations, untethering telehealth from traditional revenue expectations, deconstructing the traditional health care encounter, being open to discovery, being mindful of the importance of space, redesigning care to improve value in health care, and being bold and visionary.

The behavioral economics of substance use disorders: reinforcement pathologies and their repair.

PubMed

Bickel, Warren K; Johnson, Matthew W; Koffarnus, Mikhail N; MacKillop, James; Murphy, James G

2014-01-01

The field of behavioral economics has made important inroads into the understanding of substance use disorders through the concept of reinforcer pathology. Reinforcer pathology refers to the joint effects of (a) the persistently high valuation of a reinforcer, broadly defined to include tangible commodities and experiences, and/or (b) the excessive preference for the immediate acquisition or consumption of a commodity despite long-term negative outcomes. From this perspective, reinforcer pathology results from the recursive interactions of endogenous person-level variables and exogenous environment-level factors. The current review describes the basic principles of behavioral economics that are central to reinforcer pathology, the processes that engender reinforcer pathology, and the approaches and procedures that can repair reinforcement pathologies. The overall goal of this review is to present a new understanding of substance use disorders as viewed by recent advances in behavioral economics.

The Behavioral Economics of Substance Use Disorders: reinforcement pathologies and their repair

PubMed Central

Bickel, Warren K.; Johnson, Matthew W.; Koffarnus, Mikhail N.; MacKillop, James; Murphy, James G.

2015-01-01

The field of behavioral economics has made important inroads into the understanding of substance use disorders through the concept of reinforcer pathology. Reinforcer pathology refers to the joint effects of (a) the persistently high valuation of a reinforcer, broadly defined to include tangible commodities and experiences, and/or (b) the excessive preference for the immediate acquisition or consumption of a commodity despite long-term negative outcomes. From this perspective, reinforcer pathology results from the recursive interactions of endogenous person-level variables and exogenous environment-level factors. The current review describes the basic principles of behavioral economics that are central to reinforcer pathology, the processes that engender reinforcer pathology, and the approaches and procedures that can repair reinforcement pathologies. The overall goal of this review is to present a new understanding of substance use disorders as viewed by recent advances in behavioral economics. PMID:24679180

[The notion of occupational skin disease. Medical and legal aspects].

PubMed

Elsner, P; Schliemann, S

2015-03-01

The different definitions of skin disease in medicine and in law are frequently confusing for dermatologists. While a skin disease may be defined medically referring to the definition of health by the WHO as a pathological condition of the skin leading to a disruption of the physical, mental and social well-being of the individual, legal definitions vary depending on the field of insurance law that is referred to. In the law of private health insurance, a skin disease is defined as an anomalous condition of the skin requiring medical treatment that exists independently of the subjective judgement of the insured person and needs to be objectively confirmed by a medical evaluation. In contrast, in the law of the social health insurance, the Federal Court of Social Justice defines disease as irregular physical or mental condition, deviating from the perception of a healthy human being that requires medical treatment or leads to inability to work. Substantial bodily disfigurement may be regarded as an irregular physical condition. In the law of the statutory accident insurance, occupational skin diseases are defined under clause 5101 of the occupational disease regulation as serious or repeatedly relapsing skin diseases that have forced a person to refrain from any work activities causal for the development, the aggravation or the recurrence of the disease. The Federal Court of Social Justice interprets the term "skin disease" from the protective purpose of the law, i.e. the protection against the economic and health consequences of the exposure to harmful agents and a thereby forced change of profession. This broad interpretation of the term "skin disease" leads to the recognition of diseases of the conjunctiva of the eye or diseases of the blood vessels of the skin due to cold damage as skin diseases according to clause 5101. For the correct treatment and possibly notification of occupational skin diseases in collaboration with various insurance carriers, dermatologists should be familiar not only with the medical definition, but also with these different legal definitions of skin disease.

Epidemiological tracking and population assignment of the non-clonal bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei.

PubMed

Dale, Julia; Price, Erin P; Hornstra, Heidie; Busch, Joseph D; Mayo, Mark; Godoy, Daniel; Wuthiekanun, Vanaporn; Baker, Anthony; Foster, Jeffrey T; Wagner, David M; Tuanyok, Apichai; Warner, Jeffrey; Spratt, Brian G; Peacock, Sharon J; Currie, Bart J; Keim, Paul; Pearson, Talima

2011-12-01

Rapid assignment of bacterial pathogens into predefined populations is an important first step for epidemiological tracking. For clonal species, a single allele can theoretically define a population. For non-clonal species such as Burkholderia pseudomallei, however, shared allelic states between distantly related isolates make it more difficult to identify population defining characteristics. Two distinct B. pseudomallei populations have been previously identified using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). These populations correlate with the major foci of endemicity (Australia and Southeast Asia). Here, we use multiple Bayesian approaches to evaluate the compositional robustness of these populations, and provide assignment results for MLST sequence types (STs). Our goal was to provide a reference for assigning STs to an established population without the need for further computational analyses. We also provide allele frequency results for each population to enable estimation of population assignment even when novel STs are discovered. The ability for humans and potentially contaminated goods to move rapidly across the globe complicates the task of identifying the source of an infection or outbreak. Population genetic dynamics of B. pseudomallei are particularly complicated relative to other bacterial pathogens, but the work here provides the ability for broad scale population assignment. As there is currently no independent empirical measure of successful population assignment, we provide comprehensive analytical details of our comparisons to enable the reader to evaluate the robustness of population designations and assignments as they pertain to individual research questions. Finer scale subdivision and verification of current population compositions will likely be possible with genotyping data that more comprehensively samples the genome. The approach used here may be valuable for other non-clonal pathogens that lack simple group-defining genetic characteristics and provides a rapid reference for epidemiologists wishing to track the origin of infection without the need to compile population data and learn population assignment algorithms.

Decision support for evaluating landscape departure and prioritizing forest management activities in a changing environment

Treesearch

S. Gärtner; K.M. Reynolds; P.F. Hessburg; S.S. Hummel; M. Twery

2008-01-01

We evaluated changes (hereafter, departures) in spatial patterns of various patch types of forested landscapes in two subwatersheds ("east" and "west") in eastern Washington, USA, from the patterns of two sets of reference conditions; one representing the broad variability of pre-management era (~1900) conditions, and another representing the broad...

Science Facilities Bibliography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Science Foundation, Washington, DC.

A bibliographic collection on science buildings and facilities is cited with many different reference sources for those concerned with the design, planning, and layout of science facilities. References are given covering a broad scope of information on--(1) physical plant planning, (2) management and safety, (3) building type studies, (4) design…

11 CFR 109.21 - What is a “coordinated communication”?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 100.29. (2) A public communication, as defined in 11 CFR 100.26, that disseminates, distributes, or... public communication, as defined in 11 CFR 100.26, that expressly advocates, as defined in 11 CFR 100.22... section: (i) References to House and Senate candidates. The public communication refers to a clearly...

11 CFR 109.21 - What is a “coordinated communication”?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 100.29. (2) A public communication, as defined in 11 CFR 100.26, that disseminates, distributes, or... public communication, as defined in 11 CFR 100.26, that expressly advocates, as defined in 11 CFR 100.22... section: (i) References to House and Senate candidates. The public communication refers to a clearly...

11 CFR 109.21 - What is a “coordinated communication”?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 100.29. (2) A public communication, as defined in 11 CFR 100.26, that disseminates, distributes, or... public communication, as defined in 11 CFR 100.26, that expressly advocates, as defined in 11 CFR 100.22... section: (i) References to House and Senate candidates. The public communication refers to a clearly...

11 CFR 109.21 - What is a “coordinated communication”?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 100.29. (2) A public communication, as defined in 11 CFR 100.26, that disseminates, distributes, or... public communication, as defined in 11 CFR 100.26, that expressly advocates, as defined in 11 CFR 100.22... section: (i) References to House and Senate candidates. The public communication refers to a clearly...

Computer Applications in Reading. Third Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blanchard, Jay S.; And Others

Intended as a reference for researchers, teachers, and administrators, this book chronicles research, programs, and uses of computers in reading. Chapter 1 provides a broad view of computer applications in education, while Chapter 2 provides annotated references for computer based reading and language arts programs for children and adults in…

The Role of Contextual Restriction in Reference-Tracking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKenzie, Andrew Robert

2012-01-01

This dissertation explores the semantics and syntax of switch-reference (SR). It makes novel generalizations about the phenomenon based on two empirical sources: A broad, cross-linguistic survey of descriptive reports, and semantic fieldwork that narrowly targets the Kiowa language of Oklahoma. It shows that previous attempts at formalizing…

Personality and Psychopathology in Flemish Referred Children: Five Perspectives of Continuity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Bolle, Marleen; De Clercq, Barbara; Van Leeuwen, Karla; Decuyper, Mieke; Rosseel, Yves; De Fruyt, Filip

2009-01-01

The present study investigates five types of continuity of personality and internalizing and externalizing problems (i.e., structural, differential, mean-level, individual-level and ipsative continuity) in a sample of referred children and adolescents (N = 114) with a broad variety of psychological problems. Mothers were administered a child…

76 FR 16712 - Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-25

... are defined without reference to religion, (iii) has the effect of furthering a development objective... available to a wide range of organizations and beneficiaries which are defined without reference to religion...

Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Future Improvements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Godoy-Giménez, Marta; González-Rodríguez, Antonio; Cañadas, Fernando; Estévez, Angeles F.; Sayans-Jiménez, Pablo

2018-01-01

The Broad autism phenotype (BAP) refers to a set of subclinical behavioural characteristics qualitatively similar to those presented in Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The BAP questionnaire (BAPQ) has been widely used to assess the BAP both in relatives of ASD people and within the general population. The current study presents the first Spanish…

In-line interferometer for broadband near-field scanning optical spectroscopy.

PubMed

Brauer, Jens; Zhan, Jinxin; Chimeh, Abbas; Korte, Anke; Lienau, Christoph; Gross, Petra

2017-06-26

We present and investigate a novel approach towards broad-bandwidth near-field scanning optical spectroscopy based on an in-line interferometer for homodyne mixing of the near field and a reference field. In scattering-type scanning near-field optical spectroscopy, the near-field signal is usually obscured by a large amount of unwanted background scattering from the probe shaft and the sample. Here we increase the light reflected from the sample by a semi-transparent gold layer and use it as a broad-bandwidth, phase-stable reference field to amplify the near-field signal in the visible and near-infrared spectral range. We experimentally demonstrate that this efficiently suppresses the unwanted background signal in monochromatic near-field measurements. For rapid acquisition of complete broad-bandwidth spectra we employ a monochromator and a fast line camera. Using this fast acquisition of spectra and the in-line interferometer we demonstrate the measurement of pure near-field spectra. The experimental observations are quantitatively explained by analytical expressions for the measured optical signals, based on Fourier decomposition of background and near field. The theoretical model and in-line interferometer together form an important step towards broad-bandwidth near-field scanning optical spectroscopy.

System and method for calibrating inter-star-tracker misalignments in a stellar inertial attitude determination system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Rongsheng (Inventor); Wu, Yeong-Wei Andy (Inventor); Hein, Douglas H. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A method and apparatus for determining star tracker misalignments is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of defining a defining a reference frame for the star tracker assembly according to a boresight of the primary star tracker and a boresight of a second star tracker wherein the boresight of the primary star tracker and a plane spanned by the boresight of the primary star tracker and the boresight of the second star tracker at least partially define a datum for the reference frame for the star tracker assembly; and determining the misalignment of the at least one star tracker as a rotation of the defined reference frame.

Reference Intervals of Common Clinical Chemistry Analytes for Adults in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Lo, Y C; Armbruster, David A

2012-04-01

Defining reference intervals is a major challenge because of the difficulty in recruiting volunteers to participate and testing samples from a significant number of healthy reference individuals. Historical literature citation intervals are often suboptimal because they're be based on obsolete methods and/or only a small number of poorly defined reference samples. Blood donors in Hong Kong gave permission for additional blood to be collected for reference interval testing. The samples were tested for twenty-five routine analytes on the Abbott ARCHITECT clinical chemistry system. Results were analyzed using the Rhoads EP evaluator software program, which is based on the CLSI/IFCC C28-A guideline, and defines the reference interval as the 95% central range. Method specific reference intervals were established for twenty-five common clinical chemistry analytes for a Chinese ethnic population. The intervals were defined for each gender separately and for genders combined. Gender specific or combined gender intervals were adapted as appropriate for each analyte. A large number of healthy, apparently normal blood donors from a local ethnic population were tested to provide current reference intervals for a new clinical chemistry system. Intervals were determined following an accepted international guideline. Laboratories using the same or similar methodologies may adapt these intervals if deemed validated and deemed suitable for their patient population. Laboratories using different methodologies may be able to successfully adapt the intervals for their facilities using the reference interval transference technique based on a method comparison study.

Reach for Reference. What Did We Wear Yesterday? A New Costume Reference

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Safford, Barbara Ripp

2004-01-01

This article describes a new five-volume series, "Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the Ages" (Sara Pendergast and Tom Pendergast, Editors), that provides a broad overview of costume traditions of diverse cultures from prehistoric times to the present day. These volumes illustrate how…

Services for the Elderly. Reference Book. Revised Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock. Home Economics Curriculum Center.

This reference book, which is part of an occupational series focusing on a broad range of employment opportunities in the field of elder care services, contains 33 chapters of information on the characteristics, needs, and problems of elderly adults. The following topics are discussed: understanding the elderly in the United States; services and…

A broad scope knowledge based model for optimization of VMAT in esophageal cancer: validation and assessment of plan quality among different treatment centers.

PubMed

Fogliata, Antonella; Nicolini, Giorgia; Clivio, Alessandro; Vanetti, Eugenio; Laksar, Sarbani; Tozzi, Angelo; Scorsetti, Marta; Cozzi, Luca

2015-10-31

To evaluate the performance of a broad scope model-based optimisation process for volumetric modulated arc therapy applied to esophageal cancer. A set of 70 previously treated patients in two different institutions, were selected to train a model for the prediction of dose-volume constraints. The model was built with a broad-scope purpose, aiming to be effective for different dose prescriptions and tumour localisations. It was validated on three groups of patients from the same institution and from another clinic not providing patients for the training phase. Comparison of the automated plans was done against reference cases given by the clinically accepted plans. Quantitative improvements (statistically significant for the majority of the analysed dose-volume parameters) were observed between the benchmark and the test plans. Of 624 dose-volume objectives assessed for plan evaluation, in 21 cases (3.3 %) the reference plans failed to respect the constraints while the model-based plans succeeded. Only in 3 cases (<0.5 %) the reference plans passed the criteria while the model-based failed. In 5.3 % of the cases both groups of plans failed and in the remaining cases both passed the tests. Plans were optimised using a broad scope knowledge-based model to determine the dose-volume constraints. The results showed dosimetric improvements when compared to the benchmark data. Particularly the plans optimised for patients from the third centre, not participating to the training, resulted in superior quality. The data suggests that the new engine is reliable and could encourage its application to clinical practice.

Baraitser and Winter syndrome with growth hormone deficiency.

PubMed

Chentli, Farida; Zellagui, Hadjer

2014-01-01

Baraitser-Winter syndrome (BWS), first reported in 1988, is apparently due to genetic abnormalities that are still not well-defined, although many gene abnormalities are already discovered and de novo missense changes in the cytoplasmic actin-encoding genes (called ACTB and ACTG1) have been recently discovered. The syndrome combines facial and cerebral malformations. Facial malformations totally or partially present in the same patient are: Iris coloboma, bilateral ptosis, hypertelorism, broad nasal bridge, and prominent epicanthic folds. The various brain malformations are probably responsible for growth and mental retardation. To the best of our knowledge, the syndrome is very rare as few cases have been reported so far. Our aim was to describe a child with a phenotype that looks like BWS with proved partial growth hormone (GH) deficiency which was not reported before. A girl aged 7-year-old of consanguineous parents was referred for short stature and mental retardation. Clinical examination showed dwarfism and a delay in her mental development. Other clinical features included: Strabismus, epicanthic folds, broad nasal bridge, and brain anomalies such as lissencephaly, bilateral hygroma, and cerebral atrophy. Hormonal assessment showed partial GH deficiency without other endocrine disorders. Our case looks exactly like BWS. However, apart from facial and cerebral abnormalities, there is a partial GH deficiency which can explain the harmonious short stature. This case seems worth to be reported as it adds GH deficiency to the very rare syndrome.

Network Aggregation in Transportation Planning : Volume II : A Fixed Point Method for Treating Traffic Equilibria

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-04-01

Volume 2 defines a new algorithm for the network equilibrium model that works in the space of path flows and is based on the theory of fixed point method. The goals of the study were broadly defined as the identification of aggregation practices and ...

A Question of Evidence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Todd, Ross J.

2008-01-01

Broadly defined, evidence-based practice (EBP) is fundamentally about professional practice being informed and guided by best available evidence of what works. The EBP movement had its origins in the early 1990s in the United Kingdom in medicine and health care services. Sackett et al. defined evidence-based medicine as the "conscientious,…

On the Persistent Shape and Coherence of Pulsating Auroral Patches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Humberset, B. K.; Gjerloev, J. W.; Mann, I. R.; Michell, R. G.; Samara, M.

2018-05-01

The pulsating aurora covers a broad range of fluctuating shapes that are poorly characterized. The purpose of this paper is therefore to provide objective and quantitative measures of the extent to which pulsating auroral patches maintain their shape, drift and fluctuate in a coherent fashion. We present results from a careful analysis of pulsating auroral patches using all-sky cameras. We have identified four well-defined individual patches that we follow in the patch frame of reference. In this way we avoid the space-time ambiguity which complicates rocket and satellite measurements. We find that the shape of the patches is remarkably persistent with 85-100% of the patch being repeated for 4.5-8.5 min. Each of the three largest patches has a temporal correlation with a negative dependence on distance, and thus does not fluctuate in a coherent fashion. A time-delayed response within the patches indicates that the so-called streaming mode might explain the incoherency. The patches appear to drift differently from the SuperDARN-determined E→×B→ convection velocity. However, in a nonrotating reference frame the patches drift with 230-287 m/s in a north eastward direction, which is what typically could be expected for the convection return flow.

A Reference Field for GCR Simulation and an LET-Based Implementation at NSRL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slaba, Tony C.; Blattnig, Steve R.; Walker, Steven A.; Norbury, John W.

2015-01-01

Exposure to galactic cosmic rays (GCR) on long duration deep space missions presents a serious health risk to astronauts, with large uncertainties connected to the biological response. In order to reduce the uncertainties and gain understanding about the basic mechanisms through which space radiation initiates cancer and other endpoints, radiobiology experiments are performed. Some of the accelerator facilities supporting such experiments have matured to a point where simulating the broad range of particles and energies characteristic of the GCR environment in a single experiment is feasible from a technology, usage, and cost perspective. In this work, several aspects of simulating the GCR environment in the laboratory are discussed. First, comparisons are made between direct simulation of the external, free space GCR field and simulation of the induced tissue field behind shielding. It is found that upper energy constraints at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) limit the ability to simulate the external, free space field directly (i.e. shielding placed in the beam line in front of a biological target and exposed to a free space spectrum). Second, variation in the induced tissue field associated with shielding configuration and solar activity is addressed. It is found that the observed variation is within physical uncertainties, allowing a single reference field for deep space missions to be defined. Third, an approach for simulating the reference field at NSRL is presented. The approach allows for the linear energy transfer (LET) spectrum of the reference field to be approximately represented with discrete ion and energy beams and implicitly maintains a reasonably accurate charge spectrum (or, average quality factor). Drawbacks of the proposed methodology are discussed and weighed against alternative simulation strategies. The neutron component and track structure characteristics of the proposed strategy are discussed in this context.

Size of nesting female Broad-snouted Caimans (Caiman latirostris Daudin 1802).

PubMed

Leiva, P M L; Simoncini, M S; Portelinha, T C G; Larriera, A; Piña, C I

2018-03-12

The southern distribution of the Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris Daudin 1802) in Argentina occurs in Santa Fe Province, where its population has been under management by "Proyecto Yacaré" since 1990. From 1997 to 2016, we captured 77 nesting female Broad-snouted Caimans in Santa Fe Province. Our results suggest that previously defined size classes for Broad-snouted Caiman do not adequately describe the reproductively mature female segment of the population. Here we propose to change size ranges for general size classes for Broad-snouted Caiman. In addition, we have observed that reintroduced reproductive females by Proyecto Yacaré represent about 32% of captured females. These results indicate that reintroduced females by the management program are surviving and reproducing in the wild at least up to 20 years.

Micronutrient bioavailability: Dietary Reference Intakes and a future perspective1234

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

This article provides a review of how the challenge of bioavailability was approached in establishing the Dietary Reference Intakes, with a special focus on folic acid, vitamin B-12, β-carotene, iron, selenium, and zinc, the targeted micronutrients for this workshop. In a future perspective, the necessity of having a clear working definition of bioavailability is emphasized. The bioavailability of micronutrients should be considered, with advantage, under subheadings determined by the broad factors that affect bioavailability. Special emphasis is given to giving greater and specific attention to factors involved in the maintenance of homeostasis. These factors, it is argued, are best considered separately from even a broad definition of bioavailability and have the potential to provide new insights into some micronutrient requirements. PMID:20200261

Selected reference aids for small medical libraries.

PubMed

Duncan, H F

1970-04-01

This annotated list of 178 items is compiled as a guide to the development of the reference collection in a small medical library.Arrangement, following the pattern of the previous revision, is by broad subject groups. Titles are chiefly in English. Textbooks in subject fields have been omitted since these are covered adequately in several comprehensive guides to the literature.

A Guide to Reviews of Books, Plays, Films: A Selected Bibliography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Elaine N.

Forty reference sources for book, play, and film reviews are listed in this annotated bibliography: most of the titles cited are periodical indexes. A general section lists sources not restricted by subject or which contain references to all three kinds of reviews. Subsequent sections are the broad subject categories of humanities, science, social…

Approaches to defining reference regimes for river restoration planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beechie, T. J.

2014-12-01

Reference conditions or reference regimes can be defined using three general approaches, historical analysis, contemporary reference sites, and theoretical or empirical models. For large features (e.g., floodplain channels and ponds) historical data and maps are generally reliable. For smaller features (e.g., pools and riffles in small tributaries), field data from contemporary reference sites are a reasonable surrogate for historical data. Models are generally used for features that have no historical information or present day reference sites (e.g., beaver pond habitat). Each of these approaches contributes to a watershed-wide understanding of current biophysical conditions relative to potential conditions, which helps create not only a guiding vision for restoration, but also helps quantify and locate the largest or most important restoration opportunities. Common uses of geomorphic and biological reference conditions include identifying key areas for habitat protection or restoration, and informing the choice of restoration targets. Examples of use of each of these three approaches to define reference regimes in western USA illustrate how historical information and current research highlight key restoration opportunities, focus restoration effort in areas that can produce the largest ecological benefit, and contribute to estimating restoration potential and assessing likelihood of achieving restoration goals.

Athletic Departments' Operating Expenses as a Predictor of Their Directors' Cup Standing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Magner, Amber

2014-01-01

The NACDA Directors' Cup is a competition utilizing an unbiased scoring system that encourages a broad based athletic department as the standard for defining intercollegiate athletic success. Therefore, for NCAA DI athletic administrators the Directors' Cup should be the standard for defining intercollegiate athletic success. The purpose of this…

Why revisit your cost-accounting strategy.

PubMed

Arredondo, Ricky

2014-07-01

Healthcare entities seeking to develop effective cost-accounting systems should take six steps to avoid potential pitfalls: Secure broad executive-level support for the effort. Ensure systems are in place to analyze the disparate data. Define measurable objectives to ensure that implementation achieves desired results. Give due consideration to implementation planning. Train support staff sufficiently to avoid underutilization. Develop a sufficiently broad base of staff support for the system.

Climate and Weather Analysis of Afghanistan Thunderstorms

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

dry, continental polar (cP) air. The subtropical jet (STJ) and Extratropical storm track tend to lie south of Kabul. Mean high SFC temperatures...March-April-May (MAM). Note that AFG lies to the east of a broad trough centered over southern Europe and to the west of broad ridge centered over... Extratropical Cyclone FAR False Alarm Rate FOB Forward Operating Base FRN Forecaster Reference Notebook GFS Global Forecast System GoA

Manufacturing Work Measurement System Evaluation. Reference Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-01

discussions with users of the MTM-MEK predetermined time system. The coranents listed below are based on these discussions and, while a broad range...discussions with users of the MTM-V predeterroined time system. The coranents listed below are based on these discussions and, while a broad range of...industries were sampled, coranents should not be considered universal and therefore may not be applicable to all manufacturing environments: 0 Easy to

Large space telescope, phase A. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The Phase A study of the Large Space Telescope (LST) is reported. The study defines an LST concept based on the broad mission guidelines provided by the Office of Space Science (OSS), the scientific requirements developed by OSS with the scientific community, and an understanding of long range NASA planning current at the time the study was performed. The LST is an unmanned astronomical observatory facility, consisting of an optical telescope assembly (OTA), scientific instrument package (SIP), and a support systems module (SSM). The report consists of five volumes. The report describes the constraints and trade off analyses that were performed to arrive at a reference design for each system and for the overall LST configuration. A low cost design approach was followed in the Phase A study. This resulted in the use of standard spacecraft hardware, the provision for maintenance at the black box level, growth potential in systems designs, and the sharing of shuttle maintenance flights with other payloads.

Low Back Pain in Athletes

PubMed Central

Mortazavi, Javad; Zebardast, Jayran; Mirzashahi, Babak

2015-01-01

Context: Low Back Pain (LBP) in athletes is common and has a broad spectrum of differential diagnoses that must be taken in to account when a clinician approaches the patient with LBP. The physicians should take into account spinal and extra spinal causes of low back pain in athletes. Evidence Acquistion: A literature review was performed for the years 1951 through 2013. Keywords used were Low Back Pain and Athletes. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID, PUBMED, the Cochrane Library, ELSEVIER, and the references of reviewed articles, for English-language of Low Back Pain in Athletes. Results: The two most common causes of LBP arising from spine in athletes are degenerative disc disease and spondylolysis with or without listhesis. Although most athletes, respond well to conservative treatment, surgical treatment is indicated when conservative treatment failes. Conclusions: The major concern in athletes with LBP is return to play and previous level of their activity after treatment. There is insufficient evidence regarding this issue in literature to define the optimal time of return to play following treatment. PMID:26448841

The ARIEL mission reference sample

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zingales, Tiziano; Tinetti, Giovanna; Pillitteri, Ignazio; Leconte, Jérémy; Micela, Giuseppina; Sarkar, Subhajit

2018-02-01

The ARIEL (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Exoplanet Large-survey) mission concept is one of the three M4 mission candidates selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) for a Phase A study, competing for a launch in 2026. ARIEL has been designed to study the physical and chemical properties of a large and diverse sample of exoplanets and, through those, understand how planets form and evolve in our galaxy. Here we describe the assumptions made to estimate an optimal sample of exoplanets - including already known exoplanets and expected ones yet to be discovered - observable by ARIEL and define a realistic mission scenario. To achieve the mission objectives, the sample should include gaseous and rocky planets with a range of temperatures around stars of different spectral type and metallicity. The current ARIEL design enables the observation of ˜1000 planets, covering a broad range of planetary and stellar parameters, during its four year mission lifetime. This nominal list of planets is expected to evolve over the years depending on the new exoplanet discoveries.

A review on remote monitoring technology applied to implantable electronic cardiovascular devices.

PubMed

Costa, Paulo Dias; Rodrigues, Pedro Pereira; Reis, António Hipólito; Costa-Pereira, Altamiro

2010-12-01

Implantable electronic cardiovascular devices (IECD) include a broad spectrum of devices that have the ability to maintain rhythm, provide cardiac resynchronization therapy, and/or prevent sudden cardiac death. The incidence of bradyarrhythmias and other cardiac problems led to a broader use of IECD, which turned traditional follow-up into an extremely heavy burden for healthcare systems to support. Our aim was to assess the impact of remote monitoring on the follow-up of patients with IECD. We performed a review through PubMed using a specific query. The paper selection process included a three-step approach in which title, abstract, and cross-references were analyzed. Studies were then selected using previously defined inclusion criteria and analyzed according to the country of origin of the study, year, and journal of publication; type of study; and main issues covered. Twenty articles were included in this review. Eighty percent of the selected papers addressed clinical issues, from which 94% referred clinical events identification, clinical stability, time savings, or physician satisfaction as advantages, whereas 38% referred disadvantages that included both legal and technical issues. Forty-five percent of the papers referred patient issues, from which 89% presented advantages, focusing on patient acceptance/satisfaction, and patient time-savings. The main downsides were technical issues but patient privacy was also addressed. All the papers dealing with economic issues (20%) referred both advantages and disadvantages equally. Remote monitoring is presently a safe technology, widely accepted by patients and physicians, for its convenience, reassurance, and diagnostic potential. This review summarizes the principles of remote IECD monitoring presenting the current state-of-the-art. Patient safety and device interaction, applicability of current technology, and limitations of remote IECD monitoring are also addressed. The use of remote monitor should consider the selection of patients, the type of disease, and centers' availability to receive, interpret and respond to device alerts. Before remote IECD monitoring can be routinely used, technical, procedure, and ethical/legal issues should be addressed.

Fracture risk among older men: osteopenia and osteoporosis defined using cut-points derived from female versus male reference data.

PubMed

Pasco, J A; Lane, S E; Brennan, S L; Timney, E N; Bucki-Smith, G; Dobbins, A G; Nicholson, G C; Kotowicz, M A

2014-03-01

We explored the effect of using male and female reference data in a male sample to categorise areal bone mineral density (BMD). Using male reference data, a large proportion of fractures arose from osteopenia, whereas using female reference data shifted the fracture burden into normal BMD. The purpose of this study was to describe fracture risk associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis in older men, defined by areal BMD and using cut-points derived from male and female reference data. As part of the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, we followed 619 men aged 60-93 years after BMD assessments (performed 2001-2006) until 2010, fracture, death or emigration. Post-baseline fractures were radiologically confirmed, and proportions of fractures in each BMD category were age-standardised to national profiles. Based on World Health Organization criteria, and using male reference data, 207 men had normal BMD at the femoral neck, 357 were osteopenic and 55 were osteoporotic. Using female reference data, corresponding numbers were 361, 227 and 31. During the study, 130 men died, 15 emigrated and 63 sustained at least one fracture. Using male reference data, most (86.5 %) of the fractures occurred in men without osteoporosis on BMD criteria (18.4 % normal BMD, 68.1 % osteopenia). The pattern differed when female reference data were used; while most fractures arose from men without osteoporosis (88.2 %), the burden shifted from those with osteopenia (34.8 %) to those with normal BMD (53.4 %). Decreasing BMD categories defined increasing risk of fracture. Although men with osteoporotic BMD were at greatest risk, they made a relatively small contribution to the total burden of fractures. Using male reference data, two-thirds of the fractures arose from men with osteopenia. However, using female reference data, approximately half of the fractures arose from those with normal BMD. Using female reference data to define osteoporosis in men does not appear to be the optimal approach.

Full term viable secondary broad ligament pregnancy - A rare case.

PubMed

Sheethal, C H; Powar, Akshata

2017-01-01

Broad ligament pregnancy is also known as inter ligamentous pregnancy which is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. Very few successful live births have been reported in this condition, where such pregnancies reached term and with live birth of a baby. A case of 28 year old primigravida of 35 weeks gestation with oligoamnios was referred to our hospital. A right broad ligament pregnancy was confirmed after an ultrasound and an MRI. She was taken up for surgery and an incision was given on the anterior leaf of the broad ligament and a male live fetus was extracted. Placenta was found on the posterior leaf of the broad ligament and it was removed without any undue haemorrhage. Uterus was lying medial to the sac and was around ten weeks in size. Both mother and baby were discharged on seventh postoperative day in good health condition.

Astrophysics of Reference Frame Tie Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Kenneth J.; Boboltz, David; Fey, Alan Lee; Gaume, Ralph A.; Zacharias, Norbert

2004-01-01

The Astrophysics of Reference Frame Tie Objects Key Science program will investigate the underlying physics of SIM grid objects. Extragalactic objects in the SIM grid will be used to tie the SIM reference frame to the quasi-inertial reference frame defined by extragalactic objects and to remove any residual frame rotation with respect to the extragalactic frame. The current realization of the extragalactic frame is the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF). The ICRF is defined by the radio positions of 212 extragalactic objects and is the IAU sanctioned fundamental astronomical reference frame. This key project will advance our knowledge of the physics of the objects which will make up the SIM grid, such as quasars and chromospherically active stars, and relates directly to the stability of the SIM reference frame. The following questions concerning the physics of reference frame tie objects will be investigated.

Language Learners & Computer Games: From "Space Invaders" to "Second Life"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stanley, Graham; Mawer, Kyle

2008-01-01

The term serious game is often used to refer to "games used for training, advertising, simulation, or education." In this article, the authors use the term computer game in its broadest sense, believing it to encompass the broad spectrum of what is usually referred to now as all digital gaming (video games, console games, online games, etc.). They…

Site Effects in the City of Port au Prince (Haiti) Inferred From 2010 Earthquake Aftershocks Recordings.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ST Fleur, S.; Courboulex, F.; Bertrand, E.; Deschamps, A.; Mercier De Lepinay, B. F.; Boisson, D.; Prepetit, C.; Hough, S. E.

2014-12-01

The Haitian earthquake of 12 January 2010 (Mw=7) caused an unprecedented disaster in Port-au-Prince as well as in smaller cities close to the epicenter. The extent of damage appears to be initially attributed to the proximity of the earthquake in Port-au-Prince, the extreme vulnerability of many structures, and a high population density. However, the damage distribution for this earthquake suggests a general correlation of damage with small-scale topographical features and local geological structure. The main objective of this work is to investigate site effects in the city of Port-au-Prince. It is also to better define the response of different sites to earthquakes and establish transfer functions between each site and a particular site defined as a reference site. Specific soil columns is determined in the vicinity of each station in order to carry out 1D simulations of soil response at these sites. About 90 earthquakes (2

Microarray profile of the humoral immune response to influenza vaccination in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.

PubMed

Wumkes, M L; van der Velden, A M T; de Bruin, E; Meerveld-Eggink, A; Koopmans, M P G; Rimmelzwaan, G F; Rijkers, G T; Biesma, D H

2017-03-01

Patients treated with chemotherapy have an impaired response to influenza virus vaccination compared to healthy controls. Little is known about the broadness of the antibody response in these patients. Breast cancer patients on FEC (5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy regimens were vaccinated with influenza virus vaccine. Sera were obtained before and three weeks after vaccination. In addition to the determination of virus-specific antibody titres by hemagglutination inhibition assay, the broadness of the response was assessed by the use of a protein microarray and baseline titres were compared with an age-matched reference group. We included 38 breast cancer patients and found a wide variety in serum antibody response after vaccination. Patients with a history of influenza vaccination had higher pre-vaccination titres, which were comparable to the reference group. Increasing number of cycles of chemotherapy did not have a negative effect on influenza array antibody levels, nor on the HI antibody response. Overall there was a broad serum antibody response to the influenza virus vaccine in patients treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

49 CFR 385.321 - What failures of safety management practices disclosed by the safety audit will result in a...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... occurrence. This violation refers to a driver operating a CMV as defined under § 383.5. 9. § 387.7(a... unqualified driver Single occurrence. This violation refers to a driver operating a CMV as defined under § 390...

The Impact of Project 2061 on Science Education in Northeastern Louisiana Classrooms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, Paula Bauer; Pugh, Ava F.

Project 2061, a broad-based science reform movement, was launched by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to define the fundamental science and mathematics American students should know. A second phase of Project 2061 translated the defined learning goals…

Space station systems analysis study. Part 3: Documentation. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

The space stations systems analysis study is summarized. A cost efffective system concept capable of meeting a broad spectrum of mission requirements was developed. Candidate objectives were reviewed and implementation requirements were defined. Program options for both low earth and geosynchronous orbits were examined. Space construction concepts were analyzed and defined in detail.

A scheme for the classification of explosions in the chemical process industry.

PubMed

Abbasi, Tasneem; Pasman, H J; Abbasi, S A

2010-02-15

All process industry accidents fall under three broad categories-fire, explosion, and toxic release. Of these fire is the most common, followed by explosions. Within these broad categories occur a large number of sub-categories, each depicting a specific sub-type of a fire/explosion/toxic release. But whereas clear and self-consistent sub-classifications exist for fires and toxic releases, the situation is not as clear vis a vis explosions. In this paper the inconsistencies and/or shortcomings associated with the classification of different types of explosions, which are seen even in otherwise highly authentic and useful reference books on process safety, are reviewed. In its context a new classification is attempted which may, hopefully, provide a frame-of-reference for the future.

Broad-Enrich: functional interpretation of large sets of broad genomic regions.

PubMed

Cavalcante, Raymond G; Lee, Chee; Welch, Ryan P; Patil, Snehal; Weymouth, Terry; Scott, Laura J; Sartor, Maureen A

2014-09-01

Functional enrichment testing facilitates the interpretation of Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) data in terms of pathways and other biological contexts. Previous methods developed and used to test for key gene sets affected in ChIP-seq experiments treat peaks as points, and are based on the number of peaks associated with a gene or a binary score for each gene. These approaches work well for transcription factors, but histone modifications often occur over broad domains, and across multiple genes. To incorporate the unique properties of broad domains into functional enrichment testing, we developed Broad-Enrich, a method that uses the proportion of each gene's locus covered by a peak. We show that our method has a well-calibrated false-positive rate, performing well with ChIP-seq data having broad domains compared with alternative approaches. We illustrate Broad-Enrich with 55 ENCODE ChIP-seq datasets using different methods to define gene loci. Broad-Enrich can also be applied to other datasets consisting of broad genomic domains such as copy number variations. http://broad-enrich.med.umich.edu for Web version and R package. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press.

Genetics Home Reference: Baraitser-Winter syndrome

MedlinePlus

... eyes ( hypertelorism ), large eyelid openings, droopy eyelids ( ptosis ), high-arched eyebrows , a broad nasal bridge and tip of the nose , a long space between the nose and upper lip ( philtrum ), full ...

Nonimaging optical illumination system

DOEpatents

Winston, R.; Ries, H.

1996-12-17

A nonimaging illumination optical device for producing a selected far field illuminance over an angular range. The optical device includes a light source, a light reflecting surface, and a family of light edge rays defined along a reference line with the reflecting surface defined in terms of the reference line as a parametric function R(t) where t is a scalar parameter position and R(t)=k(t)+Du(t) where k(t) is a parameterization of the reference line, and D is a distance from a point on the reference line to the reflection surface along the desired edge ray through the point. 35 figs.

Nonimaging optical illumination system

DOEpatents

Winston, R.; Ries, H.

1998-10-06

A nonimaging illumination optical device for producing a selected far field illuminance over an angular range. The optical device includes a light source a light reflecting surface, and a family of light edge rays defined along a reference line with the reflecting surface defined in terms of the reference lines a parametric function R(t) where t is a scalar parameter position and R(t)=k(t)+Du(t) where k(t) is a parameterization of the reference line, and D is a distance from a point on the reference line to the reflection surface along the desired edge ray through the point. 35 figs.

Defining Top-of-Atmosphere Flux Reference Level for Earth Radiation Budget Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loeb, N. G.; Kato, S.; Wielicki, B. A.

2002-01-01

To estimate the earth's radiation budget at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) from satellite-measured radiances, it is necessary to account for the finite geometry of the earth and recognize that the earth is a solid body surrounded by a translucent atmosphere of finite thickness that attenuates solar radiation differently at different heights. As a result, in order to account for all of the reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation from the planet by direct integration of satellite-measured radiances, the measurement viewing geometry must be defined at a reference level well above the earth s surface (e.g., 100 km). This ensures that all radiation contributions, including radiation escaping the planet along slant paths above the earth s tangent point, are accounted for. By using a field-of- view (FOV) reference level that is too low (such as the surface reference level), TOA fluxes for most scene types are systematically underestimated by 1-2 W/sq m. In addition, since TOA flux represents a flow of radiant energy per unit area, and varies with distance from the earth according to the inverse-square law, a reference level is also needed to define satellite-based TOA fluxes. From theoretical radiative transfer calculations using a model that accounts for spherical geometry, the optimal reference level for defining TOA fluxes in radiation budget studies for the earth is estimated to be approximately 20 km. At this reference level, there is no need to explicitly account for horizontal transmission of solar radiation through the atmosphere in the earth radiation budget calculation. In this context, therefore, the 20-km reference level corresponds to the effective radiative top of atmosphere for the planet. Although the optimal flux reference level depends slightly on scene type due to differences in effective transmission of solar radiation with cloud height, the difference in flux caused by neglecting the scene-type dependence is less than 0.1%. If an inappropriate TOA flux reference level is used to define satellite TOA fluxes, and horizontal transmission of solar radiation through the planet is not accounted for in the radiation budget equation, systematic errors in net flux of up to 8 W/sq m can result. Since climate models generally use a plane-parallel model approximation to estimate TOA fluxes and the earth radiation budget, they implicitly assume zero horizontal transmission of solar radiation in the radiation budget equation, and do not need to specify a flux reference level. By defining satellite-based TOA flux estimates at a 20-km flux reference level, comparisons with plane-parallel climate model calculations are simplified since there is no need to explicitly correct plane-parallel climate model fluxes for horizontal transmission of solar radiation through a finite earth.

Broad H3K4me3 is associated with increased transcription elongation and enhancer activity at tumor suppressor genes

PubMed Central

Chen, Kaifu; Chen, Zhong; Wu, Dayong; Zhang, Lili; Lin, Xueqiu; Su, Jianzhong; Rodriguez, Benjamin; Xi, Yuanxin; Xia, Zheng; Chen, Xi; Shi, Xiaobing; Wang, Qianben; Li, Wei

2016-01-01

Tumor suppressors are mostly defined by inactivating mutations in tumors, yet little is known about their epigenetic features in normal cells. Through integrative analysis of 1,134 genome-wide epigenetic profiles, mutations from >8,200 tumor-normal pairs, and our experimental data from clinical samples, we discovered broad H3K4me3 (wider than 4 kb) as the first epigenetic signature for tumor suppressors in normal cells. Broad H3K4me3 is associated with increased transcription elongation and enhancer activity together leading to exceptionally high gene expression, and is distinct from other broad epigenetic features, such as super-enhancers. Broad H3K4me3 conserved across normal cells may represent pan-cancer tumor suppressors, such as P53 and PTEN, whereas cell-type-specific broad H3K4me3 may indicate cell-identity genes and cell-type-specific tumor suppressors. Furthermore, widespread shortening of broad H3K4me3 in cancers is associated with repression of tumor suppressors. Together, the broad H3K4me3 epigenetic signature provides mutation-independent information for the discovery and characterization of novel tumor suppressors. PMID:26301496

Binaural Pitch Fusion in Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users.

PubMed

Reiss, Lina A J; Fowler, Jennifer R; Hartling, Curtis L; Oh, Yonghee

Binaural pitch fusion is the fusion of stimuli that evoke different pitches between the ears into a single auditory image. Individuals who use hearing aids or bimodal cochlear implants (CIs) experience abnormally broad binaural pitch fusion, such that sounds differing in pitch by as much as 3-4 octaves are fused across ears, leading to spectral averaging and speech perception interference. The goal of this study was to determine if adult bilateral CI users also experience broad binaural pitch fusion. Stimuli were pulse trains delivered to individual electrodes. Fusion ranges were measured using simultaneous, dichotic presentation of reference and comparison stimuli in opposite ears, and varying the comparison stimulus to find the range that fused with the reference stimulus. Bilateral CI listeners had binaural pitch fusion ranges varying from 0 to 12 mm (average 6.1 ± 3.9 mm), where 12 mm indicates fusion over all electrodes in the array. No significant correlations of fusion range were observed with any subject factors related to age, hearing loss history, or hearing device history, or with any electrode factors including interaural electrode pitch mismatch, pitch match bandwidth, or within-ear electrode discrimination abilities. Bilateral CI listeners have abnormally broad fusion, similar to hearing aid and bimodal CI listeners. This broad fusion may explain the variability of binaural benefits for speech perception in quiet and in noise in bilateral CI users.

EIA model documentation: World oil refining logistics demand model,``WORLD`` reference manual. Version 1.1

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

Not Available

1994-04-11

This manual is intended primarily for use as a reference by analysts applying the WORLD model to regional studies. It also provides overview information on WORLD features of potential interest to managers and analysts. Broadly, the manual covers WORLD model features in progressively increasing detail. Section 2 provides an overview of the WORLD model, how it has evolved, what its design goals are, what it produces, and where it can be taken with further enhancements. Section 3 reviews model management covering data sources, managing over-optimization, calibration and seasonality, check-points for case construction and common errors. Section 4 describes in detailmore » the WORLD system, including: data and program systems in overview; details of mainframe and PC program control and files;model generation, size management, debugging and error analysis; use with different optimizers; and reporting and results analysis. Section 5 provides a detailed description of every WORLD model data table, covering model controls, case and technology data. Section 6 goes into the details of WORLD matrix structure. It provides an overview, describes how regional definitions are controlled and defines the naming conventions for-all model rows, columns, right-hand sides, and bounds. It also includes a discussion of the formulation of product blending and specifications in WORLD. Several Appendices supplement the main sections.« less

Methodological challenges in assessing the environmental status of a marine ecosystem: case study of the Baltic Sea.

PubMed

Ojaveer, Henn; Eero, Margit

2011-04-29

Assessments of the environmental status of marine ecosystems are increasingly needed to inform management decisions and regulate human pressures to meet the objectives of environmental policies. This paper addresses some generic methodological challenges and related uncertainties involved in marine ecosystem assessment, using the central Baltic Sea as a case study. The objectives of good environmental status of the Baltic Sea are largely focusing on biodiversity, eutrophication and hazardous substances. In this paper, we conduct comparative evaluations of the status of these three segments, by applying different methodological approaches. Our analyses indicate that the assessment results are sensitive to a selection of indicators for ecological quality objectives that are affected by a broad spectrum of human activities and natural processes (biodiversity), less so for objectives that are influenced by a relatively narrow array of drivers (eutrophications, hazardous substances). The choice of indicator aggregation rule appeared to be of essential importance for assessment results for all three segments, whereas the hierarchical structure of indicators had only a minor influence. Trend-based assessment was shown to be a useful supplement to reference-based evaluation, being independent of the problems related to defining reference values and indicator aggregation methodologies. Results of this study will help in setting priorities for future efforts to improve environmental assessments in the Baltic Sea and elsewhere, and to ensure the transparency of the assessment procedure.

Department of Defense Strategy to Support Multi-Agency Bat Conservation Initiative within the State of Utah

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-28

Range, and Section are entered. Datum: Geometric reference surface. Original Site Location datum is defined by user’s map datum; e.g. NAD27...Section are entered. Datum: Geometric reference surface. Original Site Location datum is defined by user’s map datum; e.g. NAD27 Conus or NAD83...Calculated and recorded automatically if the fields UTM_N and UTM_E or Township, Range, and Section are entered. 41 Datum: Geometric reference surface

Iconicity and Sign Lexical Acquisition: A Review

PubMed Central

Ortega, Gerardo

2017-01-01

The study of iconicity, defined as the direct relationship between a linguistic form and its referent, has gained momentum in recent years across a wide range of disciplines. In the spoken modality, there is abundant evidence showing that iconicity is a key factor that facilitates language acquisition. However, when we look at sign languages, which excel in the prevalence of iconic structures, there is a more mixed picture, with some studies showing a positive effect and others showing a null or negative effect. In an attempt to reconcile the existing evidence the present review presents a critical overview of the literature on the acquisition of a sign language as first (L1) and second (L2) language and points at some factor that may be the source of disagreement. Regarding sign L1 acquisition, the contradicting findings may relate to iconicity being defined in a very broad sense when a more fine-grained operationalisation might reveal an effect in sign learning. Regarding sign L2 acquisition, evidence shows that there is a clear dissociation in the effect of iconicity in that it facilitates conceptual-semantic aspects of sign learning but hinders the acquisition of the exact phonological form of signs. It will be argued that when we consider the gradient nature of iconicity and that signs consist of a phonological form attached to a meaning we can discern how iconicity impacts sign learning in positive and negative ways. PMID:28824480

Selected Readings in Genetic Engineering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mertens, Thomas R.; Robinson, Sandra K.

1973-01-01

Describes different sources of readings for understanding issues and concepts of genetic engineering. Broad categories of reading materials are: concerns about genetic engineering; its background; procedures; and social, ethical and legal issues. References are listed. (PS)

Temporary traffic control handbook, 2016 edition.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-01-01

This handbook provides a broad, easy to understand : reference for temporary traffic control in work zones, : addressing the safe and efficient accommodation of all road : users: motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and those with special : needs. Whe...

Mass spectrometer calibration standard

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, D. S.

1978-01-01

Inert perfluorinated alkane and alkyl ethers mixture is used to calibrate mass spectrometer. Noncontaminating, commercially-available liquid provides series of reproducible reference peaks over broad mass spectrum that ranges over mass numbers from 1 to 200.

Rights theory in a specific healthcare context: "speaking ill of the dead".

PubMed

Wildfire, Adrian; Stebbing, Justin; Gazzard, Brian

2007-07-01

Generally physicians have a legal and ethical obligation of keeping confidentiality regarding their communication with patients and it is clear that we all have rights. The application of rights theorem, which usually refers to the recognition of individual human rights, to the deceased offers possible answers to the problematic question of patient confidentiality after death. Philosophical considerations broadly support utilitarian ideals concerning the 'common good'. However, it may be possible to rank rights according to a hierarchy of need and thus preserve individual rights where they do not impinge upon the public's right to protection from harm and the physician's right to tell the truth. This has broad implications for confidentiality, anonymity and health care information in general for patients, their families and healthcare workers. We discuss these issues, with specific reference to an individual case.

Land-Use History and Contemporary Management Inform an Ecological Reference Model for Longleaf Pine Woodland Understory Plant Communities.

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

Brudvig, Lars A.; Orrock, John L.; Damschen, Ellen I.

Ecological restoration is frequently guided by reference conditions describing a successfully restored ecosystem; however, the causes and magnitude of ecosystem degradation vary, making simple knowledge of reference conditions insufficient for prioritizing and guiding restoration. Ecological reference models provide further guidance by quantifying reference conditions, as well as conditions at degraded states that deviate from reference conditions. Many reference models remain qualitative, however, limiting their utility. We quantified and evaluated a reference model for southeastern U.S. longleaf pine woodland understory plant communities. We used regression trees to classify 232 longleaf pine woodland sites at three locations along the Atlantic coastal plainmore » based on relationships between understory plant community composition, soils lol(which broadly structure these communities), and factors associated with understory degradation, including fire frequency, agricultural history, and tree basal area. To understand the spatial generality of this model, we classified all sites together. and for each of three study locations separately. Both the regional and location-specific models produced quantifiable degradation gradients–i.e., progressive deviation from conditions at 38 reference sites, based on understory species composition, diversity and total cover, litter depth, and other attributes. Regionally, fire suppression was the most important degrading factor, followed by agricultural history, but at individual locations, agricultural history or tree basal area was most important. At one location, the influence of a degrading factor depended on soil attributes. We suggest that our regional model can help prioritize longleaf pine woodland restoration across our study region; however, due to substantial landscape-to-landscape variation, local management decisions should take into account additional factors (e.g., soil attributes). Our study demonstrates the utility of quantifying degraded states and provides a series of hypotheses for future experimental restoration work. More broadly, our work provides a framework for developing and evaluating reference models that incorporate multiple, interactive anthropogenic drivers of ecosystem degradation.« less

A postmenopausal woman with sciatica from broad ligament leiomyoma: a case report.

PubMed

Tsai, Ya-Chu May

2016-10-31

Unilateral lower abdominal pain and/or sciatic nerve pain is a common presentation in the elderly population. The prevalence of broad ligament leiomyoma is <1 % with the prevalence declining after the menopause and it is rare for broad ligament leiomyomas to be clinically significant. Thus, we highlight a case of symptomatic broad ligament leiomyoma in a postmenopausal woman whose symptoms improved after definitive treatment. A 62-year-old postmenopausal Macedonian woman was referred to our gynecological department with unexplained pain in her left leg and left iliac fossa region on walking. There was minimal relief with increasing analgesia use prescribed by the family physician. Investigations revealed an ipsilateral adnexal mass and subsequent treatment with laparoscopic broad ligament myomectomy helped to alleviate her symptoms. Our case highlights the importance of staying mindful of alternate diagnoses when presented with a common presentation of iliac fossa pain and pain in the leg. Although broad ligament leiomyomas are benign tumors, the uncommon symptomatic presentation led us to report and focus some attention on this type of tumor.

Nonimaging optical illumination system

DOEpatents

Winston, Roland; Ries, Harald

2000-01-01

A nonimaging illumination optical device for producing a selected far field illuminance over an angular range. The optical device includes a light source 102, a light reflecting surface 108, and a family of light edge rays defined along a reference line 104 with the reflecting surface 108 defined in terms of the reference line 104 as a parametric function R(t) where t is a scalar parameter position and R(t)=k(t)+Du(t) where k(t) is a parameterization of the reference line 104, and D is a distance from a point on the reference line 104 to the reflection surface 108 along the desired edge ray through the point.

Nonimaging optical illumination system

DOEpatents

Winston, Roland; Ries, Harald

1998-01-01

A nonimaging illumination optical device for producing a selected far field illuminance over an angular range. The optical device includes a light source 102, a light reflecting surface 108, and a family of light edge rays defined along a reference line 104 with the reflecting surface 108 defined in terms of the reference line 104 as a parametric function R(t) where t is a scalar parameter position and R(t)=k(t)+Du(t) where k(t) is a parameterization of the reference line 104, and D is a distance from a point on the reference line 104 to the reflection surface 108 along the desired edge ray through the point.

Nonimaging optical illumination system

DOEpatents

Winston, Roland; Ries, Harald

1996-01-01

A nonimaging illumination optical device for producing a selected far field illuminance over an angular range. The optical device includes a light source 102, a light reflecting surface 108, and a family of light edge rays defined along a reference line 104 with the reflecting surface 108 defined in terms of the reference line 104 as a parametric function R(t) where t is a scalar parameter position and R(t)=k(t)+Du(t) where k(t) is a parameterization of the reference line 104, and D is a distance from a point on the reference line 104 to the reflection surface 108 along the desired edge ray through the point.

Recording multiple spatially-heterodyned direct to digital holograms in one digital image

DOEpatents

Hanson, Gregory R [Clinton, TN; Bingham, Philip R [Knoxville, TN

2008-03-25

Systems and methods are described for recording multiple spatially-heterodyned direct to digital holograms in one digital image. A method includes digitally recording, at a first reference beam-object beam angle, a first spatially-heterodyned hologram including spatial heterodyne fringes for Fourier analysis; Fourier analyzing the recorded first spatially-heterodyned hologram by shifting a first original origin of the recorded first spatially-heterodyned hologram to sit on top of a first spatial-heterodyne carrier frequency defined by the first reference beam-object beam angle; digitally recording, at a second reference beam-object beam angle, a second spatially-heterodyned hologram including spatial heterodyne fringes for Fourier analysis; Fourier analyzing the recorded second spatially-heterodyned hologram by shifting a second original origin of the recorded second spatially-heterodyned hologram to sit on top of a second spatial-heterodyne carrier frequency defined by the second reference beam-object beam angle; applying a first digital filter to cut off signals around the first original origin and define a first result; performing a first inverse Fourier transform on the first result; applying a second digital filter to cut off signals around the second original origin and define a second result; and performing a second inverse Fourier transform on the second result, wherein the first reference beam-object beam angle is not equal to the second reference beam-object beam angle and a single digital image includes both the first spatially-heterodyned hologram and the second spatially-heterodyned hologram.

DSM-5 AND ICD-11 DEFINITIONS OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: INVESTIGATING “NARROW” AND “BROAD” APPROACHES

PubMed Central

Stein, Dan J.; McLaughlin, Katie A.; Koenen, Karestan C.; Atwoli, Lukoye; Friedman, Matthew J.; Hill, Eric D.; Maercker, Andreas; Petukhova, Maria; Shahly, Victoria; van Ommeren, Mark; Alonso, Jordi; Borges, Guilherme; de Girolamo, Giovanni; de Jonge, Peter; Demyttenaere, Koen; Florescu, Silvia; Karam, Elie G.; Kawakami, Norito; Matschinger, Herbert; Okoliyski, Michail; Posada-Villa, Jose; Scott, Kate M.; Viana, Maria Carmen; Kessler, Ronald C.

2014-01-01

Background The development of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5) and ICD-11 has led to reconsideration of diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys allow investigation of the implications of the changing criteria compared to DSM-IV and ICD-10. Methods WMH Surveys in 13 countries asked respondents to enumerate all their lifetime traumatic events (TEs) and randomly selected one TE per respondent for PTSD assessment. DSMIV and ICD-10 PTSD were assessed for the 23,936 respondents who reported lifetime TEs in these surveys with the fully structured Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). DSM-5 and proposed ICD-11 criteria were approximated. Associations of the different criteria sets with indicators of clinical severity (distress-impairment, suicidality, comorbid fear-distress disorders, PTSD symptom duration) were examined to investigate the implications of using the different systems. Results A total of 5.6% of respondents met criteria for “broadly defined” PTSD (i.e., full criteria in at least one diagnostic system), with prevalence ranging from 3.0% with DSM-5 to 4.4% with ICD-10. Only one-third of broadly defined cases met criteria in all four systems and another one third in only one system (narrowly defined cases). Between-system differences in indicators of clinical severity suggest that ICD-10 criteria are least strict and DSM-IV criteria most strict. The more striking result, though, is that significantly elevated indicators of clinical significance were found even for narrowly defined cases for each of the four diagnostic systems. Conclusions These results argue for a broad definition of PTSD defined by any one of the different systems to capture all clinically significant cases of PTSD in future studies. PMID:24894802

Current Practices of Measuring and Reference Range Reporting of Free and Total Testosterone in the United States.

PubMed

Le, Margaret; Flores, David; May, Danica; Gourley, Eric; Nangia, Ajay K

2016-05-01

The evaluation and management of male hypogonadism should be based on symptoms and on serum testosterone levels. Diagnostically this relies on accurate testing and reference values. Our objective was to define the distribution of reference values and assays for free and total testosterone by clinical laboratories in the United States. Upper and lower reference values, assay methodology and source of published reference ranges were obtained from laboratories across the country. A standardized survey was reviewed with laboratory staff via telephone. Descriptive statistics were used to tabulate results. We surveyed a total of 120 laboratories in 47 states. Total testosterone was measured in house at 73% of laboratories. At the remaining laboratories studies were sent to larger centralized reference facilities. The mean ± SD lower reference value of total testosterone was 231 ± 46 ng/dl (range 160 to 300) and the mean upper limit was 850 ± 141 ng/dl (range 726 to 1,130). Only 9% of laboratories where in-house total testosterone testing was performed created a reference range unique to their region. Others validated the instrument recommended reference values in a small number of internal test samples. For free testosterone 82% of laboratories sent testing to larger centralized reference laboratories where equilibrium dialysis and/or liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry was done. The remaining laboratories used published algorithms to calculate serum free testosterone. Reference ranges for testosterone assays vary significantly among laboratories. The ranges are predominantly defined by limited population studies of men with unknown medical and reproductive histories. These poorly defined and variable reference values, especially the lower limit, affect how clinicians determine treatment. Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Basic reference aids for small medical libraries.

PubMed

Blair, E D

1967-04-01

Selected primarily for the small medical library, this list is compiled to serve as a practical guide for the librarian in developing and utilizing an effective reference collection. Arrangement is by broad subject groups; titles chosen are chiefly in English with geographic coverage limited to the United States and Canada. Texts in subject fields have been omitted since these are adequately covered in several comprehensive guides to the literature.

Classification of Horn of Africa School Children: Is It Appropriate for the Educational Authorities in England to Refer to Them as Refugees?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuyok, Kuyok Abol

2010-01-01

Drawing on evidence from a PhD study, this paper raises questions about the appropriateness of English educational authorities to continue to refer to the Horn of Africa children, most of them born in the UK, as refugees. The word refugee, in its broad definition, seemingly masks fundamental differences and may reinforce stereotypical perceptions…

Establishment of replacement batches for heparin low-molecular-mass for calibration CRS, and the International Standard Low Molecular Weight Heparin for Calibration.

PubMed

Mulloy, B; Heath, A; Behr-Gross, M-E

2007-12-01

An international collaborative study involving fourteen laboratories has taken place, organised by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) with National Institute for Biological Standards & Control (NIBSC) (in its capacity as a World Health Organisation (WHO) Laboratory for Biological Standardisation) to provide supporting data for the establishment of replacement batches of Heparin Low-Molecular-Mass (LMM) for Calibration Chemical Reference Substance (CRS), and of the International Reference Reagent (IRR) Low Molecular Weight Heparin for Molecular Weight Calibration. A batch of low-molecular-mass heparin was donated to the organisers and candidate preparations of freeze-dried heparin were produced at NIBSC and EDQM. The establishment study was organised in two phases: a prequalification (phase 1, performed in 3 laboratories in 2005) followed by an international collaborative study (phase 2). In phase 2, started in March 2006, molecular mass parameters were determined for seven different LMM heparin samples using the current CRS batch and two batches of candidate replacement material with a defined number average relative molecular mass (Mn) of 3,700, determined in phase 1. The values calculated using the candidates as standard were systematically different from values calculated using the current batch with its assigned number-average molecular mass (Mna) of 3,700. Using raw data supplied by participants, molecular mass parameters were recalculated using the candidates as standard with values for Mna of 3,800 and 3,900. Values for these parameters agreed more closely with those calculated using the current batch supporting the fact that the candidates, though similar to batch 1 in view of the production processes used, differ slightly in terms of molecular mass distribution. Therefore establishment of the candidates was recommended with an assigned Mna value of 3,800 that is both consistent with phase 1 results and guarantees continuity with the current CRS batch. In phase 2, participants also determined molecular weight parameters for the seven different LMM heparin samples using both the 1st IRR (90/686) and its Broad Standard Table and the candidate World Health Organization (WHO) 2nd International Standard (05/112) (2nd IS) using a Broad Standard Table established in phase 1. Mean molecular weights calculated using 2nd IS were slightly higher than with 1st IRR, and participants in the study indicated that this systematic difference precluded establishment of 2nd IS with the table supplied. A replacement Broad Standard Table has been devised on the basis of the central recalculations of raw data supplied by participants; this table gives improved agreement between values derived using the 1st IRR and the candidate 2nd IS. On the basis of this study a recommendation was made for the establishment of 2nd IS and its proposed Broad Standard Table as a replacement for the 1st International Reference Reagent Low Molecular Weight Heparin for Molecular Weight Calibration. Unlike the 1st IRR however, the candidate material 2nd IS is not suitable for use with the method of Nielsen. The candidate materials were established as heparin low-molecular-mass for calibration batches 2 and 3 by the Ph. Eur. Commission in March 2007 and as 2nd IS low-molecular-weight heparin for molecular weight calibration (05/112) by the Expert Committee on Biological Standardization in November 2007.

Program Incubation and Commercialization Best Practices Report

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

Richardson, Shannon

As a reminder, the primary task of the 4C Program is to increase the commercialization rate of cleantech companies in California. Commercialization, broadly defined, is the innovation continuum of developing and introducing a new product or service into the market. For measurability, the 4C Program defines commercialization as encompassing a startup’s: (a) preparation, (b) incubation, (c) commercial-scale pilot / demonstration, and (d) first customer.

Multiple broadly synchronous km-scale exhumation episodes on different continents: implications for controlling processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, Paul; Duddy, Ian; Japsen, Peter

2015-04-01

Numerous low temperature thermochronology studies have defined regional cooling episodes which imply removal of several km of section over areas of several 104 km2. The origin of such events has long been the subject of debate, while their reality has sometimes been questioned because of the lack of a viable mechanism. Kilometre-scale denudation at rifted margins has traditionally been interpreted as related to rifting and breakup, magnified by the flexural response to denudation of the uplifted rift flanks. But it is now clear that at many margins the post-breakup history is more complex, with km-scale uplift and erosion commonly post-dating breakup by 10s of Myr and often affecting regions many 100s of kilometres inland of the margins (Green et al., 2013; Brown et al., 2014). Numerous examples around the world of km-scale exhumation affecting regions distant from continental margins, including cratonic regions traditionally regarded as stable over Phanerozoic time (e.g. Ault et al., 2009; Flowers & Kelley, 2011), cannot be explained by margin-related mechanisms. It has also become clear that periods of exhumation are separated by episodes of burial, defining a series of positive and negative vertical movements. Previous studies have defined a broad synchroneity of Early, Middle and Late Cenozoic exhumation events in regions from Alaska to Greenland, Norway and Svalbard (Green and Duddy, 2010). New results from SE Australia define a series of exhumation episodes ranging in time from Carboniferous to Cenozoic which are broadly synchronous with similar events previously defined in Brazil and South Africa (Green et al. 2013). While estimates of the timing of exhumation in different areas are subject to some uncertainty, data across three southern hemisphere continents show a broad synchronicity in similar fashion to the northern hemisphere examples cited above. Dynamic topography has been invoked as a possible mechanism for producing uplift, the effects of which might be magnified by the isostatic response to denudation, but until recently the vertical motions expected from this mechanism were thought to be restricted to 100s of metres while expected timescales of 100s of Myr are not consistent with observations. Braun et al. (2014) showed that movement of plates over areas of areas of mantle upwelling could produce much more rapid uplift and also much larger-scale vertical movements, but the predicted diachroneity of uplift across southern Africa differs from the apparent synchroneity across three continents described here. The processes described by Braun et al. are also specific to one location and one event. Japsen et al. (2012) suggested that broadly synchronous exhumation events on divergent continents resulted from lateral resistance to plate motion driven by forces transmitted in the asthenosphere, while Colli et al. (2014) proposed that dynamic topography caused by pressure-driven mantle flow could produce synchronous uplift (and erosion) in separate continents. Such processes appear to offer more viable mechanisms for producing broadly synchronous episodes of kilometre-scale exhumation and intervening burial in regions separated by large distances. Further geodynamic modelling is needed to develop and test likely mechanisms.

Knowledge Management and Reference Services

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gandhi, Smiti

2004-01-01

Many corporations are embracing knowledge management (KM) to capture the intellectual capital of their employees. This article focuses on KM applications for reference work in libraries. It defines key concepts of KM, establishes a need for KM for reference services, and reviews various KM initiatives for reference services.

Indicators: Acidification

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Acidification is a broad term that refers to the process by which aquatic ecosystems become more acidic. Acid rain and acid mine drainage are major sources of acidifying compounds, lowering the pH below the range where most living organisms function.

Spacecraft Fire Detection and Extinguishment: A Bibliography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jason, Nora H.

1988-01-01

Pertinent fire detection and extinguishment references have been identified to further the knowledge of spacecraft fire safety. To broaden the scope of the bibliography, other unusual environments, e.g., aircraft, submarine, ship, have been included. In addition, for a more comprehensive view of the spacecraft fire safety problem, selected subjects are included, e.g., materials flammability, smoke, human behavior. The references will provide the researcher with access to state-of-the-art and historic works. Selected references from the 1960's have been included, but the emphasis is on references published from 1975 to 1987. The references are arranged by very broad categories. Often a paper will cover more than one topic, but for the purposes of this bibliography it will be cited only once.

Reference Structures: Stagnation, Progress, and Future Challenges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenberg, Jane

1997-01-01

Assesses the current state of reference structures in online public access catalogs (OPACs) in a framework defined by stagnation, progress, and future challenges. Outlines six areas for reference structure development. Twenty figures provide illustrations. (AEF)

78 FR 41132 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-09

... Exchange's principal office, and at the Public Reference Room of the Commission. \\3\\ ``Member'' is defined... the Exchange as that term is defined in Section 3(a)(3) of the Act.'' EDGX Rule 1.5(n). \\4\\ References..., then the shares are posted on the EDGX book unless the Member instructs otherwise. See Exchange Rule 11...

Broad H3K4me3 is associated with increased transcription elongation and enhancer activity at tumor-suppressor genes.

PubMed

Chen, Kaifu; Chen, Zhong; Wu, Dayong; Zhang, Lili; Lin, Xueqiu; Su, Jianzhong; Rodriguez, Benjamin; Xi, Yuanxin; Xia, Zheng; Chen, Xi; Shi, Xiaobing; Wang, Qianben; Li, Wei

2015-10-01

Tumor suppressors are mostly defined by inactivating mutations in tumors, yet little is known about their epigenetic features in normal cells. Through integrative analysis of 1,134 genome-wide epigenetic profiles, mutations from >8,200 tumor-normal pairs and our experimental data from clinical samples, we discovered broad peaks for trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3; wider than 4 kb) as the first epigenetic signature for tumor suppressors in normal cells. Broad H3K4me3 is associated with increased transcription elongation and enhancer activity, which together lead to exceptionally high gene expression, and is distinct from other broad epigenetic features, such as super-enhancers. Genes with broad H3K4me3 peaks conserved across normal cells may represent pan-cancer tumor suppressors, such as TP53 and PTEN, whereas genes with cell type-specific broad H3K4me3 peaks may represent cell identity genes and cell type-specific tumor suppressors. Furthermore, widespread shortening of broad H3K4me3 peaks in cancers is associated with repression of tumor suppressors. Thus, the broad H3K4me3 epigenetic signature provides mutation-independent information for the discovery and characterization of new tumor suppressors.

Defining dysbiosis and its influence on host immunity and disease

PubMed Central

Petersen, Charisse; Round, June L

2014-01-01

Mammalian immune system development depends on instruction from resident commensal microorganisms. Diseases associated with abnormal immune responses towards environmental and self antigens have been rapidly increasing over the last 50 years. These diseases include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), type I diabetes (T1D), allergies and asthma. The observation that people with immune mediated diseases house a different microbial community when compared to healthy individuals suggests that pathogenesis arises from improper training of the immune system by the microbiota. However, with hundreds of different microorganisms on our bodies it is hard to know which of these contribute to health and more importantly how? Microbiologists studying pathogenic organisms have long adhered to Koch's postulates to directly relate a certain disease to a specific microbe, raising the question of whether this might be true of commensal–host relationships as well. Emerging evidence supports that rather than one or two dominant organisms inducing host health, the composition of the entire community of microbial residents influences a balanced immune response. Thus, perturbations to the structure of complex commensal communities (referred to as dysbiosis) can lead to deficient education of the host immune system and subsequent development of immune mediated diseases. Here we will overview the literature that describes the causes of dysbiosis and the mechanisms evolved by the host to prevent these changes to community structure. Building off these studies, we will categorize the different types of dysbiosis and define how collections of microorganisms can influence the host response. This research has broad implications for future therapies that go beyond the introduction of a single organism to induce health. We propose that identifying mechanisms to re-establish a healthy complex microbiota after dysbiosis has occurred, a process we will refer to as rebiosis, will be fundamental to treating complex immune diseases. PMID:24798552

TERSSE: Definition of the Total Earth Resources System for the Shuttle Era. Volume 8: User's Mission and System Requirements Data (appendix A of Volume 3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

A computer printout is presented of the mission requirement for the TERSSE missions and their associated user tasks. The data included in the data base represents a broad-based attempt to define the amount, extent, and type of information needed for an earth resources management program in the era of the space shuttle. An effort was made to consider all aspects of remote sensing and resource management; because of its broad scope, it is not intended that the data be used without verification for in-depth studies of particular missions and/or users. The data base represents the quantitative structure necessary to define the TERSSE architecture and requirements, and to an overall integrated view of the earth resources technology requirements of the 1980's.

Broad phonetic class definition driven by phone confusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopes, Carla; Perdigão, Fernando

2012-12-01

Intermediate representations between the speech signal and phones may be used to improve discrimination among phones that are often confused. These representations are usually found according to broad phonetic classes, which are defined by a phonetician. This article proposes an alternative data-driven method to generate these classes. Phone confusion information from the analysis of the output of a phone recognition system is used to find clusters at high risk of mutual confusion. A metric is defined to compute the distance between phones. The results, using TIMIT data, show that the proposed confusion-driven phone clustering method is an attractive alternative to the approaches based on human knowledge. A hierarchical classification structure to improve phone recognition is also proposed using a discriminative weight training method. Experiments show improvements in phone recognition on the TIMIT database compared to a baseline system.

The Sense of Incompleteness as a Motivator of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms: An Empirical Analysis of Concepts and Correlates

PubMed Central

Taylor, Steven; McKay, Dean; Crowe, Katherine B.; Abramowitz, Jonathan S.; Conelea, Christine A.; Calamari, John E.; Sica, Claudio

2014-01-01

Contemporary models of obsessive-compulsive disorder emphasize the importance of harm avoidance (HA) and related dysfunctional beliefs as motivators of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in Janet’s (1908) concept of incompleteness (INC) as another potentially important motivator. Contemporary investigators define INC as the sense that one’s actions, intentions, or experiences have not been properly achieved. Janet defined INC more broadly to include alexithymia, depersonalization, derealization, and impaired psychological mindedness. We conducted two studies to address four issues: (a) the clinical correlates of INC; (b) whether INC and HA are distinguishable constructs; (c) whether INC predicts OC symptoms after controlling for HA; and (d) the relative merits of broad versus narrow conceptualizations of INC. Study 1 was a meta-analysis of the clinical correlates of narrowly defined INC (16 studies, N=5,940). INC was correlated with all types of OC symptoms, and was more strongly correlated with OC symptoms than with general distress. Study 2 (N=534 nonclinical participants) showed that: (a) INC and HA were strongly correlated but factor analytically distinguishable; (b) INC statistically predicted all types of OC symptoms even after controlling for HA; and (c) narrow INC was most strongly correlated with OC symptoms whereas broad INC was most strongly correlated with general distress. Although the findings are limited by being correlational in nature, they support the hypothesis that INC, especially in its narrow form, is a motivator of OC symptoms. PMID:24491200

A reference model for space data system interconnection services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pietras, John; Theis, Gerhard

1993-03-01

The widespread adoption of standard packet-based data communication protocols and services for spaceflight missions provides the foundation for other standard space data handling services. These space data handling services can be defined as increasingly sophisticated processing of data or information received from lower-level services, using a layering approach made famous in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Open System Interconnection Reference Model (OSI-RM). The Space Data System Interconnection Reference Model (SDSI-RM) incorporates the conventions of the OSIRM to provide a framework within which a complete set of space data handling services can be defined. The use of the SDSI-RM is illustrated through its application to data handling services and protocols that have been defined by, or are under consideration by, the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS).

A reference model for space data system interconnection services

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pietras, John; Theis, Gerhard

1993-01-01

The widespread adoption of standard packet-based data communication protocols and services for spaceflight missions provides the foundation for other standard space data handling services. These space data handling services can be defined as increasingly sophisticated processing of data or information received from lower-level services, using a layering approach made famous in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Open System Interconnection Reference Model (OSI-RM). The Space Data System Interconnection Reference Model (SDSI-RM) incorporates the conventions of the OSIRM to provide a framework within which a complete set of space data handling services can be defined. The use of the SDSI-RM is illustrated through its application to data handling services and protocols that have been defined by, or are under consideration by, the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS).

Four dimensional studies in earth space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mather, R. S.

1972-01-01

A system of reference which is directly related to observations, is proposed for four-dimensional studies in earth space. Global control network and polar wandering are defined. The determination of variations in the earth's gravitational field with time also forms part of such a system. Techniques are outlined for the unique definition of the motion of the geocenter, and the changes in the location of the axis of rotation of an instantaneous earth model, in relation to values at some epoch of reference. The instantaneous system referred to is directly related to a fundamental equation in geodynamics. The reference system defined would provide an unambiguous frame for long period studies in earth space, provided the scale of the space were specified.

Ocean state estimation for climate studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, T.

2002-01-01

Climate variabilities, which are of interest to CLIVAR, involve a broad range of spatial and temporal scales. Ocean state estimation (often referred to as ocean data assimilation), by optimally combining observations and models, becomes an important element of CLIVAR.

Myiasis

PubMed Central

Francesconi, Fabio

2012-01-01

Summary: Myiasis is defined as the infestation of live vertebrates (humans and/or animals) with dipterous larvae. In mammals (including humans), dipterous larvae can feed on the host's living or dead tissue, liquid body substance, or ingested food and cause a broad range of infestations depending on the body location and the relationship of the larvae with the host. In this review, we deeply discuss myiasis as a worldwide infestation with different agents and with its broad scenario of clinical manifestations as well as diagnosis techniques and treatment. PMID:22232372

Validation of Sensititre Dry-Form Broth Microdilution Panels for Susceptibility Testing of Ceftazidime-Avibactam, a Broad-Spectrum-β-Lactamase Inhibitor Combination.

PubMed

Jones, Ronald N; Holliday, Nicole M; Krause, Kevin M

2015-08-01

Ceftazidime-avibactam is a broad-spectrum-β-lactamase inhibitor combination in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of serious infections. In preparation for clinical microbiology laboratory use, a validation experiment was initiated to evaluate a commercial broth microdilution product (Sensititre dried MIC susceptibility system) compared to reference panels using 525 recent clinical isolates. Among 11 pathogen groups, all had Sensititre MIC/reference MIC ratios predominantly at 1 (47.5% to 97.5%), and automated and manual endpoint results did not differ. Enterobacteriaceae MIC comparisons showed a modest skewing of Sensititre MIC results toward an elevated MIC (33.9%), but the essential agreement was 98.9% with 100.0% reproducibility. In conclusion, Sensititre panels produced accurate ceftazidime-avibactam MIC results, allowing quality MIC guidance for therapy following regulatory approvals. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Validation of Sensititre Dry-Form Broth Microdilution Panels for Susceptibility Testing of Ceftazidime-Avibactam, a Broad-Spectrum-β-Lactamase Inhibitor Combination

PubMed Central

Holliday, Nicole M.; Krause, Kevin M.

2015-01-01

Ceftazidime-avibactam is a broad-spectrum-β-lactamase inhibitor combination in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of serious infections. In preparation for clinical microbiology laboratory use, a validation experiment was initiated to evaluate a commercial broth microdilution product (Sensititre dried MIC susceptibility system) compared to reference panels using 525 recent clinical isolates. Among 11 pathogen groups, all had Sensititre MIC/reference MIC ratios predominantly at 1 (47.5% to 97.5%), and automated and manual endpoint results did not differ. Enterobacteriaceae MIC comparisons showed a modest skewing of Sensititre MIC results toward an elevated MIC (33.9%), but the essential agreement was 98.9% with 100.0% reproducibility. In conclusion, Sensititre panels produced accurate ceftazidime-avibactam MIC results, allowing quality MIC guidance for therapy following regulatory approvals. PMID:26014937

Rights theory in a specific healthcare context: “Speaking ill of the dead”

PubMed Central

Wildfire, Adrian; Stebbing, Justin; Gazzard, Brian

2007-01-01

Generally physicians have a legal and ethical obligation of keeping confidentiality regarding their communication with patients and it is clear that we all have rights. The application of rights theorem, which usually refers to the recognition of individual human rights, to the deceased offers possible answers to the problematic question of patient confidentiality after death. Philosophical considerations broadly support utilitarian ideals concerning the ‘common good'. However, it may be possible to rank rights according to a hierarchy of need and thus preserve individual rights where they do not impinge upon the publics' right to protection from harm and the physician's right to tell the truth. This has broad implications for confidentiality, anonymity and health care information in general for patients, their families and healthcare workers. We discuss these issues, with specific reference to an individual case. PMID:17621617

A Scalable Distributed Syntactic, Semantic, and Lexical Language Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Here pa(τ) denotes the set of parent states of τ. If the recursive factorization refers to a graph , then we have a Bayesian network (Lauritzen 1996...Broadly speaking, however, the recursive factorization can refer to a representation more complicated than a graph with a fixed set of nodes and edges...factored language (FL) model (Bilmes and Kirchhoff 2003) is close to the smoothing technique we propose here, the major difference is that FL

Newspaper Reporting on a Cluster of Suicides in the UK.

PubMed

John, Ann; Hawton, Keith; Gunnell, David; Lloyd, Keith; Scourfield, Jonathan; Jones, Phillip A; Luce, Ann; Marchant, Amanda; Platt, Steve; Price, Sian; Dennis, Michael S

2017-01-01

Media reporting may influence suicide clusters through imitation or contagion. In 2008 there was extensive national and international newspaper coverage of a cluster of suicides in young people in the Bridgend area of South Wales, UK. To explore the quantity and quality of newspaper reporting during the identified cluster. Searches were conducted for articles on suicide in Bridgend for 6 months before and after the defined cluster (June 26, 2007, to September 16, 2008). Frequency, quality (using the PRINTQUAL instrument), and sensationalism were examined. In all, 577 newspaper articles were identified. One in seven articles included the suicide method in the headline, 47.3% referred to earlier suicides, and 44% used phrases that guidelines suggest should be avoided. Only 13% included sources of information or advice. A high level of poor-quality and sensationalist reporting was found during an ongoing suicide cluster at the very time when good-quality reporting could be considered important. A broad awareness of media guidelines and expansion and adherence to press codes of practice are required by journalists to ensure ethical reporting.

Globalization and social determinants of health: Introduction and methodological background (part 1 of 3)

PubMed Central

Labonté, Ronald; Schrecker, Ted

2007-01-01

Globalization is a key context for the study of social determinants of health (SDH). Broadly stated, SDH are the conditions in which people live and work, and that affect their opportunities to lead healthy lives. In this first article of a three-part series, we describe the origins of the series in work conducted for the Globalization Knowledge Network of the World Health Organization's Commission on Social Determinants of Health and in the Commission's specific concern with health equity. We explain our rationale for defining globalization with reference to the emergence of a global marketplace, and the economic and political choices that have facilitated that emergence. We identify a number of conceptual milestones in studying the relation between globalization and SDH over the period 1987–2005, and then show that because globalization comprises multiple, interacting policy dynamics, reliance on evidence from multiple disciplines (transdisciplinarity) and research methodologies is required. So, too, is explicit recognition of the uncertainties associated with linking globalization – the quintessential "upstream" variable – with changes in SDH and in health outcomes. PMID:17578568

Optoelectronics technologies for Virtual Reality systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piszczek, Marek; Maciejewski, Marcin; Pomianek, Mateusz; Szustakowski, Mieczysław

2017-08-01

Solutions in the field of virtual reality are very strongly associated with optoelectronic technologies. This applies to both process design and operation of VR applications. Technologies such as 360 cameras and 3D scanners significantly improve the design work. What is more, HMD displays with high field of view or optoelectronic Motion Capture systems and 3D cameras guarantee an extraordinary experience in immersive VR applications. This article reviews selected technologies from the perspective of their use in a broadly defined process of creating and implementing solutions for virtual reality. There is also the ability to create, modify and adapt new approaches that show team own work (SteamVR tracker). Most of the introduced examples are effectively used by authors to create different VR applications. The use of optoelectronic technology in virtual reality is presented in terms of design and operation of the system as well as referring to specific applications. Designers and users of VR systems should take a close look on new optoelectronics solutions, as they can significantly contribute to increased work efficiency and offer completely new opportunities for virtual world reception.

Synthetic biology: navigating the challenges ahead.

PubMed

Bhutkar, Arjun

2005-01-01

The emerging field of synthetic biology is broadly defined as the area of intersection of biology and engineering that focuses on the modification or creation of novel biological systems that do not have a counterpart in nature. Potential applications of this technology range from creating systems for environmental cleanup tasks, for medical diagnosis and treatment, to economical generation of hydrogen fuel. This technology is in tis nascent state and there are a number of concerns surrounding its potential applications and the nature of research being performed. With the potential to create hitherto unknown "living organisms", it raises a number of challenges along different dimensions. This article reviews the current state of the technology and analyzes synthetic biology using different lenses: patentability, ethics, and regulation. It proposes a classification system for the products of synthetic biology and provides recommendations in each of the above areas (patentability, ethics, and regulation) in the context of this classification system. These recommendations include an improved framework for patentability testing, ethical principles to guide work in this area, a controlled approval process, and reference frameworks for regulation.

Isoform switching facilitates period control in the Neurospora crassa circadian clock.

PubMed

Akman, Ozgur E; Locke, James C W; Tang, Sanyi; Carré, Isabelle; Millar, Andrew J; Rand, David A

2008-01-01

A striking and defining feature of circadian clocks is the small variation in period over a physiological range of temperatures. This is referred to as temperature compensation, although recent work has suggested that the variation observed is a specific, adaptive control of period. Moreover, given that many biological rate constants have a Q(10) of around 2, it is remarkable that such clocks remain rhythmic under significant temperature changes. We introduce a new mathematical model for the Neurospora crassa circadian network incorporating experimental work showing that temperature alters the balance of translation between a short and long form of the FREQUENCY (FRQ) protein. This is used to discuss period control and functionality for the Neurospora system. The model reproduces a broad range of key experimental data on temperature dependence and rhythmicity, both in wild-type and mutant strains. We present a simple mechanism utilising the presence of the FRQ isoforms (isoform switching) by which period control could have evolved, and argue that this regulatory structure may also increase the temperature range where the clock is robustly rhythmic.

Exploring the clean development mechanism: Malaysian case study.

PubMed

Pedersen, Anne

2008-02-01

During 2006 the CDM market in Malaysia became established and by December 2007 a total of 20 Malaysian projects had registered with the CDM Executive Board. The Kyoto Protocol defines the Annex 1 countries, as countries that are obliged to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the clean development mechanism (CDM) allows Annex 1 countries to develop projects, which contribute to emission reduction, in non-Annex 1 (developing) countries. Currently, two projects have been corrected due to request for review and there is one project for which review is requested. Two projects have been rejected by the Executive Board. The broad knowledge of CDM in Malaysia and the number of successful projects are partly due to the well-functioning CDM institutional framework in Malaysia. As an illustration this article focuses on a Malaysian-Danish project and describes the implementation of CDM in Malaysia and refers to this specific project. The project was registered with the CDM Executive Board in May 2007 and is a methane avoidance project in which methane is captured from a landfill and used to generate electricity.

A comparative analysis of exome capture.

PubMed

Parla, Jennifer S; Iossifov, Ivan; Grabill, Ian; Spector, Mona S; Kramer, Melissa; McCombie, W Richard

2011-09-29

Human exome resequencing using commercial target capture kits has been and is being used for sequencing large numbers of individuals to search for variants associated with various human diseases. We rigorously evaluated the capabilities of two solution exome capture kits. These analyses help clarify the strengths and limitations of those data as well as systematically identify variables that should be considered in the use of those data. Each exome kit performed well at capturing the targets they were designed to capture, which mainly corresponds to the consensus coding sequences (CCDS) annotations of the human genome. In addition, based on their respective targets, each capture kit coupled with high coverage Illumina sequencing produced highly accurate nucleotide calls. However, other databases, such as the Reference Sequence collection (RefSeq), define the exome more broadly, and so not surprisingly, the exome kits did not capture these additional regions. Commercial exome capture kits provide a very efficient way to sequence select areas of the genome at very high accuracy. Here we provide the data to help guide critical analyses of sequencing data derived from these products.

Examination of a Method to Determine the Reference Region for Calculating the Specific Binding Ratio in Dopamine Transporter Imaging.

PubMed

Watanabe, Ayumi; Inoue, Yusuke; Asano, Yuji; Kikuchi, Kei; Miyatake, Hiroki; Tokushige, Takanobu

2017-01-01

The specific binding ratio (SBR) was first reported by Tossici-Bolt et al. for quantitative indicators for dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging. It is defined as the ratio of the specific binding concentration of the striatum to the non-specific binding concentration of the whole brain other than the striatum. The non-specific binding concentration is calculated based on the region of interest (ROI), which is set 20 mm inside the outer contour, defined by a threshold technique. Tossici-Bolt et al. used a 50% threshold, but sometimes we couldn't define the ROI of non-specific binding concentration (reference region) and calculate SBR appropriately with a 50% threshold. Therefore, we sought a new method for determining the reference region when calculating SBR. We used data from 20 patients who had undergone DAT imaging in our hospital, to calculate the non-specific binding concentration by the following methods, the threshold to define a reference region was fixed at some specific values (the fixing method) and reference region was visually optimized by an examiner at every examination (the visual optimization method). First, we assessed the reference region of each method visually, and afterward, we quantitatively compared SBR calculated based on each method. In the visual assessment, the scores of the fixing method at 30% and visual optimization method were higher than the scores of the fixing method at other values, with or without scatter correction. In the quantitative assessment, the SBR obtained by visual optimization of the reference region, based on consensus of three radiological technologists, was used as a baseline (the standard method). The values of SBR showed good agreement between the standard method and both the fixing method at 30% and the visual optimization method, with or without scatter correction. Therefore, the fixing method at 30% and the visual optimization method were equally suitable for determining the reference region.

Primary malignant lymphoma of the uterus and broad ligament: a case report and review of literature.

PubMed

Chen, Runzhe; Yu, Zhengping; Zhang, Hongming; Ding, Jiahua; Chen, Baoan

2015-01-01

Primary malignant lymphoma of the uterus and broad ligament is rare. Here, we present a rare case of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of uterus and broad ligament in a 63-year-old female. The patient presenting with lower abdominal distention was referred to our hospital. Subsequent abdominal and pelvic ultrasound revealed the presence of a large mass, which was highly suspected as subserosal uterine leiomyoma. A large tumor was found with unclear boundary with right posterior wall, broad ligament and bilateral adnexa during surgery. Her uterus and the tumor of a broad ligament and bilateral adnexa were all excised as a result. Postoperative pathological examination showed DLBCL in uterus and broad ligament. Further examinations excluded metastatic diseases, which supported the diagnosis of primary DLBCL of the uterus and broad ligament. The patient received six cycles of R-CHOP (21 days) regimen. During the 8 months follow-up, no evidence of disease recurrence was identified. As the prevalence of primary extranodal lymphoma is increasing, the details of this rare case may highlight the importance and facilitate treatment of similar diseases. A summary focusing on the presentation and prognosis as well as a review of current management is also discussed.

Current density distributions and sputter marks in electron cyclotron resonance ion sources

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

Panitzsch, Lauri; Peleikis, Thies; Boettcher, Stephan

2013-01-15

Most electron cyclotron resonance ion sources use hexapolar magnetic fields for the radial confinement of the plasma. The geometry of this magnetic structure is then-induced by charged particles-mapped onto the inner side of the plasma electrode via sputtering and deposition. The resulting structures usually show two different patterns: a sharp triangular one in the central region which in some cases is even sputtered deep into the material (referred to as thin groove or sharp structure), and a blurred but still triangular-like one in the surroundings (referred to as broad halo). Therefore, both patterns seem to have different sources. To investigatemore » their origins we replaced the standard plasma electrode by a custom-built plasma electrode acting as a planar, multi-segment current-detector. For different biased disc voltages, detector positions, and source biases (referred to the detector) we measured the electrical current density distributions in the plane of the plasma electrode. The results show a strong and sharply confined electron population with triangular shape surrounded by less intense and spatially less confined ions. Observed sputter- and deposition marks are related to the analysis of the results. Our measurements suggest that the two different patterns (thin and broad) indeed originate from different particle populations. The thin structures seem to be caused by the hot electron population while the broad marks seem to stem from the medium to highly charged ions. In this paper we present our measurements together with theoretical considerations and substantiate the conclusions drawn above. The validity of these results is also discussed.« less

Defining pediatric traumatic brain injury using International Classification of Diseases Version 10 Codes: a systematic review.

PubMed

Chan, Vincy; Thurairajah, Pravheen; Colantonio, Angela

2015-02-04

Although healthcare administrative data are commonly used for traumatic brain injury (TBI) research, there is currently no consensus or consistency on the International Classification of Diseases Version 10 (ICD-10) codes used to define TBI among children and youth internationally. This study systematically reviewed the literature to explore the range of ICD-10 codes that are used to define TBI in this population. The identification of the range of ICD-10 codes to define this population in administrative data is crucial, as it has implications for policy, resource allocation, planning of healthcare services, and prevention strategies. The databases MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were systematically searched. Grey literature was searched using Grey Matters and Google. Reference lists of included articles were also searched for relevant studies. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A full text screen was conducted on articles that met the first screen inclusion criteria. All full text articles that met the pre-defined inclusion criteria were included for analysis in this systematic review. A total of 1,326 publications were identified through the predetermined search strategy and 32 articles/reports met all eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review. Five articles specifically examined children and youth aged 19 years or under with TBI. ICD-10 case definitions ranged from the broad injuries to the head codes (ICD-10 S00 to S09) to concussion only (S06.0). There was overwhelming consensus on the inclusion of ICD-10 code S06, intracranial injury, while codes S00 (superficial injury of the head), S03 (dislocation, sprain, and strain of joints and ligaments of head), and S05 (injury of eye and orbit) were only used by articles that examined head injury, none of which specifically examined children and youth. This review provides evidence for discussion on how best to use ICD codes for different goals. This is an important first step in reaching an appropriate definition and can inform future work on reaching consensus on the ICD-10 codes to define TBI for this vulnerable population.

Ionization chamber dosimetry of small photon fields: a Monte Carlo study on stopping-power ratios for radiosurgery and IMRT beams.

PubMed

Sánchez-Doblado, F; Andreo, P; Capote, R; Leal, A; Perucha, M; Arráns, R; Núñez, L; Mainegra, E; Lagares, J I; Carrasco, E

2003-07-21

Absolute dosimetry with ionization chambers of the narrow photon fields used in stereotactic techniques and IMRT beamlets is constrained by lack of electron equilibrium in the radiation field. It is questionable that stopping-power ratio in dosimetry protocols, obtained for broad photon beams and quasi-electron equilibrium conditions, can be used in the dosimetry of narrow fields while keeping the uncertainty at the same level as for the broad beams used in accelerator calibrations. Monte Carlo simulations have been performed for two 6 MV clinical accelerators (Elekta SL-18 and Siemens Mevatron Primus), equipped with radiosurgery applicators and MLC. Narrow circular and Z-shaped on-axis and off-axis fields, as well as broad IMRT configured beams, have been simulated together with reference 10 x 10 cm2 beams. Phase-space data have been used to generate 3D dose distributions which have been compared satisfactorily with experimental profiles (ion chamber, diodes and film). Photon and electron spectra at various depths in water have been calculated, followed by Spencer-Attix (delta = 10 keV) stopping-power ratio calculations which have been compared to those used in the IAEA TRS-398 code of practice. For water/air and PMMA/air stopping-power ratios, agreements within 0.1% have been obtained for the 10 x 10 cm2 fields. For radiosurgery applicators and narrow MLC beams, the calculated s(w,air) values agree with the reference within +/-0.3%, well within the estimated standard uncertainty of the reference stopping-power ratios (0.5%). Ionization chamber dosimetry of narrow beams at the photon qualities used in this work (6 MV) can therefore be based on stopping-power ratios data in dosimetry protocols. For a modulated 6 MV broad beam used in clinical IMRT, s(w,air) agrees within 0.1% with the value for 10 x 10 cm2, confirming that at low energies IMRT absolute dosimetry can also be based on data for open reference fields. At higher energies (24 MV) the difference in s(w,air) was up to 1.1%, indicating that the use of protocol data for narrow beams in such cases is less accurate than at low energies, and detailed calculations of the dosimetry parameters involved should be performed if similar accuracy to that of 6 MV is sought.

Phylogeny and phylogeography of Old World fruit bats in the Cynopterus brachyotis complex.

PubMed

Campbell, Polly; Schneider, Christopher J; Adnan, Adura M; Zubaid, Akbar; Kunz, Thomas H

2004-12-01

Taxonomic relationships within the Old World fruit bat genus, Cynopterus, have been equivocal for the better part of a century. While nomenclature has been revised multiple times on the basis of phenotypic characters, evolutionary relationships among taxa representing the entire geographic range of the genus have not been determined. We used mitochondrial DNA sequence data to infer phylogenetic relationships among the three most broadly distributed members of the genus: C. brachyotis, C. horsfieldi, and C. sphinx, and to assess whether C. brachyotis represents a single widespread species, or a complex of distinct lineages. Results clearly indicate that C. brachyotis is a complex of lineages. C. sphinx and C. horsfieldi haplotypes formed monophyletic groups nested within the C. brachyotis species complex. We identified six divergent mitochondrial lineages that are currently referred to C. brachyotis. Lineages from India, Myanmar, Sulawesi, and the Philippines are geographically well-defined, while in Malaysia two lineages, designated Sunda and Forest, are broadly sympatric and may be ecologically distinct. Demographic analyses of the Sunda and Forest lineages suggest strikingly different population histories, including a recent and rapid range expansion in the Sunda lineage, possibly associated with changes in sea levels during the Pleistocene. The resolution of the taxonomic issues raised in this study awaits combined analysis of morphometric characters and molecular data. However, since both the Indian and Malaysian Forest C. brachyotis lineages are apparently ecologically restricted to increasingly fragmented forest habitat, we suggest that reevaluation of the conservation status of populations in these regions should be an immediate goal.

Postnatal nutritional treatment of neurocognitive deficits in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

PubMed

Bastons-Compta, A; Astals, M; Andreu-Fernandez, V; Navarro-Tapia, E; Garcia-Algar, O

2018-04-01

Ethanol is the most important teratogen agent in humans. Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a wide range of adverse effects, which are broadly termed as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The most severe consequence of maternal alcohol abuse is the development of fetal alcohol syndrome, defined by growth retardation, facial malformations, and central nervous system impairment expressed as microcephaly and neurodevelopment abnormalities. These alterations generate a broad range of cognitive abnormalities such as learning disabilities and hyperactivity and behavioural problems. Socioeconomic status, ethnicity, differences in genetic susceptibility related to ethanol metabolism, alcohol consumption patterns, obstetric problems, and environmental influences like maternal nutrition, stress, and other co-administered drugs are all factors that may influence FASD manifestations. Recently, much attention has been paid to the role of nutrition as a protective factor against alcohol teratogenicity. There are a great number of papers related to nutritional treatment of nutritional deficits due to several factors associated with maternal consumption of alcohol and with eating and social disorders in FASD children. Although research showed the clinical benefits of nutritional interventions, most of work was in animal models, in a preclinical phase, or in the prenatal period. However, a minimum number of studies refer to postnatal nutrition treatment of neurodevelopmental deficits. Nutritional supplementation in children with FASD has a dual objective: to overcome nutritional deficiencies and to reverse or improve the cognitive deleterious effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Further research is necessary to confirm positive results, to determine optimal amounts of nutrients needed in supplementation, and to investigate the collective effects of simultaneous multiple-nutrient supplementation.

Field signatures of non-Fickian transport processes: transit time distributions, spatial correlations, reversibility and hydrogeophysical imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Borgne, T.; Kang, P. K.; Guihéneuf, N.; Shakas, A.; Bour, O.; Linde, N.; Dentz, M.

2015-12-01

Non-Fickian transport phenomena are observed in a wide range of scales across hydrological systems. They are generally manifested by a broad range of transit time distributions, as measured for instance in tracer breakthrough curves. However, similar transit time distributions may be caused by different origins, including broad velocity distributions, flow channeling or diffusive mass transfer [1,2]. The identification of these processes is critical for defining relevant transport models. How can we distinguish the different origins of non-Fickian transport in the field? In this presentation, we will review recent experimental developments to decipher the different causes of anomalous transport, based on tracer tests performed at different scales in cross borehole and push pull conditions, and time lapse hydrogeophysical imaging of tracer motion [3,4]. References:[1] de Anna-, P., T. Le Borgne, M. Dentz, A. M. Tartakovsky, D. Bolster, P. Davy (2013) Flow Intermittency, Dispersion and Correlated Continuous Time Random Walks in Porous Media, Phys. Rev. Lett., 110, 184502 [2] Le Borgne T., Dentz M., and Carrera J. (2008) Lagrangian Statistical Model for Transport in Highly Heterogeneous Velocity Fields. Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 090601 [3] Kang, P. K., T. Le Borgne, M. Dentz, O. Bour, and R. Juanes (2015), Impact of velocity correlation and distribution on transport in fractured media : Field evidence and theoretical model, Water Resour. Res., 51, 940-959 [4] Dorn C., Linde N., Le Borgne T., O. Bour and L. Baron (2011) Single-hole GPR reflection imaging of solute transport in a granitic aquifer Geophys. Res. Lett. Vol.38, L08401

Graph Theoretic Foundations of Multibody Dynamics Part I: Structural Properties

PubMed Central

Jain, Abhinandan

2011-01-01

This is the first part of two papers that use concepts from graph theory to obtain a deeper understanding of the mathematical foundations of multibody dynamics. The key contribution is the development of a unifying framework that shows that key analytical results and computational algorithms in multibody dynamics are a direct consequence of structural properties and require minimal assumptions about the specific nature of the underlying multibody system. This first part focuses on identifying the abstract graph theoretic structural properties of spatial operator techniques in multibody dynamics. The second part paper exploits these structural properties to develop a broad spectrum of analytical results and computational algorithms. Towards this, we begin with the notion of graph adjacency matrices and generalize it to define block-weighted adjacency (BWA) matrices and their 1-resolvents. Previously developed spatial operators are shown to be special cases of such BWA matrices and their 1-resolvents. These properties are shown to hold broadly for serial and tree topology multibody systems. Specializations of the BWA and 1-resolvent matrices are referred to as spatial kernel operators (SKO) and spatial propagation operators (SPO). These operators and their special properties provide the foundation for the analytical and algorithmic techniques developed in the companion paper. We also use the graph theory concepts to study the topology induced sparsity structure of these operators and the system mass matrix. Similarity transformations of these operators are also studied. While the detailed development is done for the case of rigid-link multibody systems, the extension of these techniques to a broader class of systems (e.g. deformable links) are illustrated. PMID:22102790

Device for monitoring cell voltage

DOEpatents

Doepke, Matthias [Garbsen, DE; Eisermann, Henning [Edermissen, DE

2012-08-21

A device for monitoring a rechargeable battery having a number of electrically connected cells includes at least one current interruption switch for interrupting current flowing through at least one associated cell and a plurality of monitoring units for detecting cell voltage. Each monitoring unit is associated with a single cell and includes a reference voltage unit for producing a defined reference threshold voltage and a voltage comparison unit for comparing the reference threshold voltage with a partial cell voltage of the associated cell. The reference voltage unit is electrically supplied from the cell voltage of the associated cell. The voltage comparison unit is coupled to the at least one current interruption switch for interrupting the current of at least the current flowing through the associated cell, with a defined minimum difference between the reference threshold voltage and the partial cell voltage.

[Pediatric reference intervals : retrospective study on thyroid hormone levels].

PubMed

Ladang, A; Vranken, L; Luyckx, F; Lebrethon, M-C; Cavalier, E

2017-01-01

Defining reference range is an essential tool for diagnostic. Age and sexe influences on thyroid hormone levels have been already discussed. In this study, we are defining a new pediatric reference range for TSH, FT3 and FT4 for Cobas C6000 analyzer. To do so, we have taken in account 0 to 18 year old outclinic patients. During the first year of life, thyroid hormone levels change dramatically before getting stabilized around 3 years old. We also compared our results to those obtained in a Canadian large-scale prospective study (the CALIPER initiative).

Pharmacy sales data versus ward stock accounting for the surveillance of broad-spectrum antibiotic use in hospitals

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Antibiotic consumption in hospitals is commonly measured using the accumulated amount of drugs delivered from the pharmacy to ward held stocks. The reliability of this method, particularly the impact of the length of the registration periods, has not been evaluated and such evaluation was aim of the study. Methods During 26 weeks, we performed a weekly ward stock count of use of broad-spectrum antibiotics - that is second- and third-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, and quinolones - in five hospital wards and compared the data with corresponding pharmacy sales figures during the same period. Defined daily doses (DDDs) for antibiotics were used as measurement units (WHO ATC/DDD classification). Consumption figures obtained with the two methods for different registration intervals were compared by use of intraclass correlation analysis and Bland-Altman statistics. Results Broad-spectrum antibiotics accounted for a quarter to one-fifth of all systemic antibiotics (ATC group J01) used in the hospital and varied between wards, from 12.8 DDDs per 100 bed days in a urological ward to 24.5 DDDs in a pulmonary diseases ward. For the entire study period of 26 weeks, the pharmacy and ward defined daily doses figures for all broad-spectrum antibiotics differed only by 0.2%; however, for single wards deviations varied from -4.3% to 6.9%. The intraclass correlation coefficient, pharmacy versus ward data, increased from 0.78 to 0.94 for parenteral broad-spectrum antibiotics with increasing registration periods (1-4 weeks), whereas the corresponding figures for oral broad-spectrum antibiotics (ciprofloxacin) were from 0.46 to 0.74. For all broad-spectrum antibiotics and for parenteral antibiotics, limits of agreement between the two methods showed, according to Bland-Altman statistics, a deviation of ± 5% or less from average mean DDDs at 3- and 4-weeks registration intervals. Corresponding deviation for oral antibiotics was ± 21% at a 4-weeks interval. Conclusions There is a need for caution in interpreting pharmacy sales data aggregated over short registration intervals, especially so for oral formulations. Even a one-month registration period may be too short. PMID:22166018

Pharmacy sales data versus ward stock accounting for the surveillance of broad-spectrum antibiotic use in hospitals.

PubMed

Haug, Jon B; Myhr, Randi; Reikvam, Asmund

2011-12-13

Antibiotic consumption in hospitals is commonly measured using the accumulated amount of drugs delivered from the pharmacy to ward held stocks. The reliability of this method, particularly the impact of the length of the registration periods, has not been evaluated and such evaluation was aim of the study. During 26 weeks, we performed a weekly ward stock count of use of broad-spectrum antibiotics--that is second- and third-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, and quinolones--in five hospital wards and compared the data with corresponding pharmacy sales figures during the same period. Defined daily doses (DDDs) for antibiotics were used as measurement units (WHO ATC/DDD classification). Consumption figures obtained with the two methods for different registration intervals were compared by use of intraclass correlation analysis and Bland-Altman statistics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics accounted for a quarter to one-fifth of all systemic antibiotics (ATC group J01) used in the hospital and varied between wards, from 12.8 DDDs per 100 bed days in a urological ward to 24.5 DDDs in a pulmonary diseases ward. For the entire study period of 26 weeks, the pharmacy and ward defined daily doses figures for all broad-spectrum antibiotics differed only by 0.2%; however, for single wards deviations varied from -4.3% to 6.9%. The intraclass correlation coefficient, pharmacy versus ward data, increased from 0.78 to 0.94 for parenteral broad-spectrum antibiotics with increasing registration periods (1-4 weeks), whereas the corresponding figures for oral broad-spectrum antibiotics (ciprofloxacin) were from 0.46 to 0.74. For all broad-spectrum antibiotics and for parenteral antibiotics, limits of agreement between the two methods showed, according to Bland-Altman statistics, a deviation of ± 5% or less from average mean DDDs at 3- and 4-weeks registration intervals. Corresponding deviation for oral antibiotics was ± 21% at a 4-weeks interval. There is a need for caution in interpreting pharmacy sales data aggregated over short registration intervals, especially so for oral formulations. Even a one-month registration period may be too short.

Thyroid disrupting chemicals: Mechanisms and mixtures

EPA Science Inventory

Environmental contaminants are known to act as thyroid disrupting chemicals (TDCs). Broadly defined, TDCs are xenobiotics that alter the structure or function of the thyroid gland, alter regulatory enzymes associated with thyroid hormone (TH) homeostasis, or change circulating o...

Elder Abuse: Some Questions for Policymakers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Callahan, James J. Jr.

1988-01-01

Claims elder abuse is not clearly defined, affects relatively small numbers of older persons, is an under-funded area of social service and has weak political support. Recommends a broad-based service strategy for older persons. (Author/ABL)

sscMap: an extensible Java application for connecting small-molecule drugs using gene-expression signatures.

PubMed

Zhang, Shu-Dong; Gant, Timothy W

2009-07-31

Connectivity mapping is a process to recognize novel pharmacological and toxicological properties in small molecules by comparing their gene expression signatures with others in a database. A simple and robust method for connectivity mapping with increased specificity and sensitivity was recently developed, and its utility demonstrated using experimentally derived gene signatures. This paper introduces sscMap (statistically significant connections' map), a Java application designed to undertake connectivity mapping tasks using the recently published method. The software is bundled with a default collection of reference gene-expression profiles based on the publicly available dataset from the Broad Institute Connectivity Map 02, which includes data from over 7000 Affymetrix microarrays, for over 1000 small-molecule compounds, and 6100 treatment instances in 5 human cell lines. In addition, the application allows users to add their custom collections of reference profiles and is applicable to a wide range of other 'omics technologies. The utility of sscMap is two fold. First, it serves to make statistically significant connections between a user-supplied gene signature and the 6100 core reference profiles based on the Broad Institute expanded dataset. Second, it allows users to apply the same improved method to custom-built reference profiles which can be added to the database for future referencing. The software can be freely downloaded from http://purl.oclc.org/NET/sscMap.

Readiness and motivation for change among young women with broadly defined eating disorders.

PubMed

Ålgars, Monica; Ramberg, Carin; Moszny, Josefine; Hagman, Jessica; Rintala, Hanna; Santtila, Pekka

2015-01-01

Readiness and motivation for change were examined in 32 women with broadly defined eating disorders who took part in a 10-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based group intervention. Readiness for change and eating disorder psychopathology were assessed before and after the intervention. The results revealed significant negative associations between degree of eating disorder symptoms and degree of readiness for change before the intervention started. In particular, higher levels of eating concern, shape concern, and body dissatisfaction were associated with lower motivation for change. No significant associations between degree of readiness for change before the intervention started and changes in eating disorder symptoms at the end of intervention were found. Readiness for change increased from the beginning to the end of the intervention, indicating that group CBT may be a cost-effective and time-efficient way of enhancing readiness and motivation for change in individuals with eating psychopathology.

Functional groups of ecosystem engineers: a proposed classification with comments on current issues.

PubMed

Berke, Sarah K

2010-08-01

Ecologists have long known that certain organisms fundamentally modify, create, or define habitats by altering the habitat's physical properties. In the past 15 years, these processes have been formally defined as "ecosystem engineering", reflecting a growing consensus that environmental structuring by organisms represents a fundamental class of ecological interactions occurring in most, if not all, ecosystems. Yet, the precise definition and scope of ecosystem engineering remains debated, as one should expect given the complexity, enormity, and variability of ecological systems. Here I briefly comment on a few specific current points of contention in the ecosystem engineering concept. I then suggest that ecosystem engineering can be profitably subdivided into four narrower functional categories reflecting four broad mechanisms by which ecosystem engineering occurs: structural engineers, bioturbators, chemical engineers, and light engineers. Finally, I suggest some conceptual model frameworks that could apply broadly within these functional groups.

The most important of all the organs: Darwin on the brain.

PubMed

Jacyna, Stephen

2009-12-01

This article discusses Charles Darwin's interest in topics that may broadly be defined as 'neurological' in character. Using published and manuscript materials, it examines the sources of Darwin's knowledge of neurological matters and seeks to explain why questions concerning the relation of mind and brain both in humans and other animals were relevant to his wider concerns. The paper concludes with a discussion of Darwin's impact on late 19th and early 20th century neurological thought. The 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of Species and the 200th of the birth of its author afford an opportunity to reflect on Charles Darwin's relationship to neurology. The first section of this article considers the part played by what might broadly be defined as 'neurological' materials in the shaping of Darwin's theory. The following section provides a brief review of the impact that Darwin's ideas were to have upon subsequent neurological thought.

Relations between water physico-chemistry and benthic algal communities in a northern Canadian watershed: defining reference conditions using multiple descriptors of community structure.

PubMed

Thomas, Kathryn E; Hall, Roland I; Scrimgeour, Garry J

2015-09-01

Defining reference conditions is central to identifying environmental effects of anthropogenic activities. Using a watershed approach, we quantified reference conditions for benthic algal communities and their relations to physico-chemical conditions in rivers in the South Nahanni River watershed, NWT, Canada, in 2008 and 2009. We also compared the ability of three descriptors that vary in terms of analytical costs to define algal community structure based on relative abundances of (i) all algal taxa, (ii) only diatom taxa, and (iii) photosynthetic pigments. Ordination analyses showed that variance in algal community structure was strongly related to gradients in environmental variables describing water physico-chemistry, stream habitats, and sub-watershed structure. Water physico-chemistry and local watershed-scale descriptors differed significantly between algal communities from sites in the Selwyn Mountain ecoregion compared to sites in the Nahanni-Hyland ecoregions. Distinct differences in algal community types between ecoregions were apparent irrespective of whether algal community structure was defined using all algal taxa, diatom taxa, or photosynthetic pigments. Two algal community types were highly predictable using environmental variables, a core consideration in the development of Reference Condition Approach (RCA) models. These results suggest that assessments of environmental impacts could be completed using RCA models for each ecoregion. We suggest that use of algal pigments, a high through-put analysis, is a promising alternative compared to more labor-intensive and costly taxonomic approaches for defining algal community structure.

Analysis of the impact of the use of broad specification fuels on combustors for commercial aircraft gas turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szetela, E. J.; Lehmann, R. P.; Smith, A. L.

1979-01-01

An analytical study was conducted to assess the impact of the use of broad specification fuels with reduced hydrogen content on the design, performance, durability, emissions and operational characteristics of combustors for commercial aircraft gas turbine engines. The study was directed at defining necessary design revisions to combustors designed for use of Jet A when such are operated on ERBS (Experimental Referee Broad Specification Fuel) which has a nominal hydrogen content of 12.8 percent as opposed to 13.7 percent in current Jet A. The results indicate that improvements in combustor liner cooling, and/or materials, and methods of fuel atomization will be required if the hydrogen content of aircraft gas turbine fuel is decreased.

Accurate Realization of GPS Vertical Global Reference Frame

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elosegui, Pedro

2004-01-01

The few millimeter per year level accuracy of radial global velocity estimates with the Global Positioning System (GPS) is at least an order of magnitude poorer than the accuracy of horizontal global motions. An improvement in the accuracy of radial global velocities would have a very positive impact on a number of geophysical studies of current general interest such as global sea-level and climate change, coastal hazards, glacial isostatic adjustment, atmospheric and oceanic loading, glaciology and ice mass variability, tectonic deformation and volcanic inflation, and geoid variability. The goal of this project is to improve our current understanding of GPS error sources associated with estimates of radial velocities at global scales. GPS error sources relevant to this project can be classified in two broad categories: (1) those related to the analysis of the GPS phase observable, and (2) those related to the combination of the positions and velocities of a set of globally distributed stations as determined from the analysis of GPS data important aspect in the first category include the effect on vertical rate estimates due to standard analysis choices, such as orbit modeling, network geometry, ambiguity resolution, as well as errors in models (or simply the lack of models) for clocks, multipath, phase-center variations, atmosphere, and solid-Earth tides. The second category includes the possible methods of combining and defining terrestrial reference flames for determining vertical velocities in a global scale. The latter has been the subject of our research activities during this reporting period.

Core microbial functional activities in ocean environments revealed by global metagenomic profiling analyses.

PubMed

Ferreira, Ari J S; Siam, Rania; Setubal, João C; Moustafa, Ahmed; Sayed, Ahmed; Chambergo, Felipe S; Dawe, Adam S; Ghazy, Mohamed A; Sharaf, Hazem; Ouf, Amged; Alam, Intikhab; Abdel-Haleem, Alyaa M; Lehvaslaiho, Heikki; Ramadan, Eman; Antunes, André; Stingl, Ulrich; Archer, John A C; Jankovic, Boris R; Sogin, Mitchell; Bajic, Vladimir B; El-Dorry, Hamza

2014-01-01

Metagenomics-based functional profiling analysis is an effective means of gaining deeper insight into the composition of marine microbial populations and developing a better understanding of the interplay between the functional genome content of microbial communities and abiotic factors. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of 24 datasets covering surface and depth-related environments at 11 sites around the world's oceans. The complete datasets comprises approximately 12 million sequences, totaling 5,358 Mb. Based on profiling patterns of Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs) of proteins, a core set of reference photic and aphotic depth-related COGs, and a collection of COGs that are associated with extreme oxygen limitation were defined. Their inferred functions were utilized as indicators to characterize the distribution of light- and oxygen-related biological activities in marine environments. The results reveal that, while light level in the water column is a major determinant of phenotypic adaptation in marine microorganisms, oxygen concentration in the aphotic zone has a significant impact only in extremely hypoxic waters. Phylogenetic profiling of the reference photic/aphotic gene sets revealed a greater variety of source organisms in the aphotic zone, although the majority of individual photic and aphotic depth-related COGs are assigned to the same taxa across the different sites. This increase in phylogenetic and functional diversity of the core aphotic related COGs most probably reflects selection for the utilization of a broad range of alternate energy sources in the absence of light.

Core Microbial Functional Activities in Ocean Environments Revealed by Global Metagenomic Profiling Analyses

PubMed Central

Ferreira, Ari J. S.; Siam, Rania; Setubal, João C.; Moustafa, Ahmed; Sayed, Ahmed; Chambergo, Felipe S.; Dawe, Adam S.; Ghazy, Mohamed A.; Sharaf, Hazem; Ouf, Amged; Alam, Intikhab; Abdel-Haleem, Alyaa M.; Lehvaslaiho, Heikki; Ramadan, Eman; Antunes, André; Stingl, Ulrich; Archer, John A. C.; Jankovic, Boris R.; Sogin, Mitchell; Bajic, Vladimir B.; El-Dorry, Hamza

2014-01-01

Metagenomics-based functional profiling analysis is an effective means of gaining deeper insight into the composition of marine microbial populations and developing a better understanding of the interplay between the functional genome content of microbial communities and abiotic factors. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of 24 datasets covering surface and depth-related environments at 11 sites around the world's oceans. The complete datasets comprises approximately 12 million sequences, totaling 5,358 Mb. Based on profiling patterns of Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs) of proteins, a core set of reference photic and aphotic depth-related COGs, and a collection of COGs that are associated with extreme oxygen limitation were defined. Their inferred functions were utilized as indicators to characterize the distribution of light- and oxygen-related biological activities in marine environments. The results reveal that, while light level in the water column is a major determinant of phenotypic adaptation in marine microorganisms, oxygen concentration in the aphotic zone has a significant impact only in extremely hypoxic waters. Phylogenetic profiling of the reference photic/aphotic gene sets revealed a greater variety of source organisms in the aphotic zone, although the majority of individual photic and aphotic depth-related COGs are assigned to the same taxa across the different sites. This increase in phylogenetic and functional diversity of the core aphotic related COGs most probably reflects selection for the utilization of a broad range of alternate energy sources in the absence of light. PMID:24921648

Communication and collaboration technologies.

PubMed

Cheeseman, Susan E

2012-01-01

This is the third in a series of columns exploring health information technology (HIT) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The first column provided background information on the implementation of information technology throughout the health care delivery system, as well as the requisite informatics competencies needed for nurses to fully engage in the digital era of health care. The second column focused on information and resources to master basic computer competencies described by the TIGER initiative (Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform) as learning about computers, computer networks, and the transfer of data.1 This column will provide additional information related to basic computer competencies, focusing on communication and collaboration technologies. Computers and the Internet have transformed the way we communicate and collaborate. Electronic communication is the ability to exchange information through the use of computer equipment and software.2 Broadly defined, any technology that facilitates linking one or more individuals together is a collaborative tool. Collaboration using technology encompasses an extensive range of applications that enable groups of individuals to work together including e-mail, instant messaging (IM ), and several web applications collectively referred to as Web 2.0 technologies. The term Web 2.0 refers to web applications where users interact and collaborate with each other in a collective exchange of ideas generating content in a virtual community. Examples of Web 2.0 technologies include social networking sites, blogs, wikis, video sharing sites, and mashups. Many organizations are developing collaborative strategies and tools for employees to connect and interact using web-based social media technologies.3.

Standards for reporting qualitative research: a synthesis of recommendations.

PubMed

O'Brien, Bridget C; Harris, Ilene B; Beckman, Thomas J; Reed, Darcy A; Cook, David A

2014-09-01

Standards for reporting exist for many types of quantitative research, but currently none exist for the broad spectrum of qualitative research. The purpose of the present study was to formulate and define standards for reporting qualitative research while preserving the requisite flexibility to accommodate various paradigms, approaches, and methods. The authors identified guidelines, reporting standards, and critical appraisal criteria for qualitative research by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Google through July 2013; reviewing the reference lists of retrieved sources; and contacting experts. Specifically, two authors reviewed a sample of sources to generate an initial set of items that were potentially important in reporting qualitative research. Through an iterative process of reviewing sources, modifying the set of items, and coding all sources for items, the authors prepared a near-final list of items and descriptions and sent this list to five external reviewers for feedback. The final items and descriptions included in the reporting standards reflect this feedback. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) consists of 21 items. The authors define and explain key elements of each item and provide examples from recently published articles to illustrate ways in which the standards can be met. The SRQR aims to improve the transparency of all aspects of qualitative research by providing clear standards for reporting qualitative research. These standards will assist authors during manuscript preparation, editors and reviewers in evaluating a manuscript for potential publication, and readers when critically appraising, applying, and synthesizing study findings.

Instantaneous progression reference frame for calculating pelvis rotations: Reliable and anatomically-meaningful results independent of the direction of movement.

PubMed

Kainz, Hans; Lloyd, David G; Walsh, Henry P J; Carty, Christopher P

2016-05-01

In motion analysis, pelvis angles are conventionally calculated as the rotations between the pelvis and laboratory reference frame. This approach assumes that the participant's motion is along the anterior-posterior laboratory reference frame axis. When this assumption is violated interpretation of pelvis angels become problematic. In this paper a new approach for calculating pelvis angles based on the rotations between the pelvis and an instantaneous progression reference frame was introduced. At every time-point, the tangent to the trajectory of the midpoint of the pelvis projected into the horizontal plane of the laboratory reference frame was used to define the anterior-posterior axis of the instantaneous progression reference frame. This new approach combined with the rotation-obliquity-tilt rotation sequence was compared to the conventional approach using the rotation-obliquity-tilt and tilt-obliquity-rotation sequences. Four different movement tasks performed by eight healthy adults were analysed. The instantaneous progression reference frame approach was the only approach that showed reliable and anatomically meaningful results for all analysed movement tasks (mean root-mean-square-differences below 5°, differences in pelvis angles at pre-defined gait events below 10°). Both rotation sequences combined with the conventional approach led to unreliable results as soon as the participant's motion was not along the anterior-posterior laboratory axis (mean root-mean-square-differences up to 30°, differences in pelvis angles at pre-defined gait events up to 45°). The instantaneous progression reference frame approach enables the gait analysis community to analysis pelvis angles for movements that do not follow the anterior-posterior axis of the laboratory reference frame. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

12 CFR 621.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... accepted accounting principles means that body of conventions, rules, and procedures necessary to define accepted accounting practices at a particular time, as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards... profession in the United States. Generally accepted accounting principles include not only broad guidelines...

Investment in Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jorgenson, Dale W.; Fraumeni, Barbara W.

1989-01-01

Presents two new measures of the benefits from education, based on the incremental effect that participation in formal schooling has on human wealth, which is broadly defined. The expenditures of educational institutions are very much smaller than the benefits of education. (Author/BJV)

Making ITS/CVO happen : Pennsylvania's ITS/CVO business plan

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-12-31

This business plan will be used to coordinate the deployment of CVO technologies in Pennsylvania. It provides a 'roadmap' for Pennsylvania's ITS/CVO program by defining broad goals and objectives, as well as specific projects, milestones, responsibil...

Technostress and the Reference Librarian.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kupersmith, John

1992-01-01

Defines "technostress" as the stress experienced by reference librarians who must constantly deal with the demands of new information technology and the changes they produce in the work place. Discussion includes suggested ways in which both organizations and individuals can work to reduce stress. (27 references) (LAE)

Changing Roles for References Librarians.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Julia; Robbins, Kathryn

1996-01-01

Discusses the future outlook for reference librarians, with topics including: "Technology as the Source of Change"; "Impact of the Internet"; "Defining the Virtual Library"; "Rethinking Reference"; "Out of the Library and into the Streets"; "Asking Users About Their Needs"; "Standardization and Artificial Intelligence"; "The Financial Future"; and…

Establishment of a high-resolution 2-D reference map of human spermatozoal proteins from 12 fertile sperm-bank donors.

PubMed

Li, Ling-Wei; Fan, Li-Qing; Zhu, Wen-Bing; Nien, Hong-Chuan; Sun, Bo-Lan; Luo, Ke-Li; Liao, Ting-Ting; Tang, Le; Lu, Guang-Xiu

2007-05-01

To extend the analysis of the proteome of human spermatozoa and establish a 2-D gel electrophoresis (2-DE) reference map of human spermatozoal proteins in a pH range of 3.5-9.0. In order to reveal more protein spots, immobilized pH gradient strips (24 cm) of broad range of pH 3-10 and the narrower range of pH 6-9, as well as different overlapping narrow range pH immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips, including 3.5-4.5, 4.0-5.0, 4.5-5.5, 5.0-6.0 and 5.5-6.7, were used. After 2-DE, several visually identical spots between the different pH range 2-D gel pairs were cut from the gels and confirmed by mass spectrometry and used as landmarks for computer analysis. The 2-D reference map with pH value from 3.5 to 9.0 was synthesized by using the ImageMaster analysis software. The overlapping spots were excluded, so that every spot was counted only once. A total of 3872 different protein spots were identified from the reference map, an approximately 3-fold increase compared to the broad range pH 3-10 IPG strip (1306 spots). The present 2-D pattern is a high resolution 2-D reference map for human fertile spermatozoal protein spots. A comprehensive knowledge of the protein composition of human spermatozoa is very meaningful in studying dysregulation of male fertility.

TSA - A Two Scale Approximation for Wind-Generated Ocean Surface Waves

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-30

broad-scale version of TSA, or ‘ dTSA ’. In this manner dTSA is able to respond to changing wind situations. Results were shown to compare well with ‘exact...We also implemented the revised version of TSA, denoted ‘ dTSA ’, in WW3 for tests with a storm case, hurricane Juan, which made landfall as a...manner in which the broad-scale of TSA was defined, developing ‘ dTSA ’ as described above, so that in complicated rapidly changing wave spectra cases, a

Low energy stage study. Volume 2: Requirements and candidate propulsion modes. [orbital launching of shuttle payloads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

A payload mission model covering 129 launches, was examined and compared against the space transportation system shuttle standard orbit inclinations and a shuttle launch site implementation schedule. Based on this examination and comparison, a set of six reference missions were defined in terms of spacecraft weight and velocity requirements to deliver the payload from a 296 km circular Shuttle standard orbit to the spacecraft's planned orbit. Payload characteristics and requirements representative of the model payloads included in the regime bounded by each of the six reference missions were determined. A set of launch cost envelopes were developed and defined based on the characteristics of existing/planned Shuttle upper stages and expendable launch systems in terms of launch cost and velocity delivered. These six reference missions were used to define the requirements for the candidate propulsion modes which were developed and screened to determine the propulsion approaches for conceptual design.

Long-Term Variations of the EOP and ICRF2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zharov, Vladimir; Sazhin, Mikhail; Sementsov, Valerian; Sazhina, Olga

2010-01-01

We analyzed the time series of the coordinates of the ICRF radio sources. We show that part of the radio sources, including the defining sources, shows a significant apparent motion. The stability of the celestial reference frame is provided by a no-net-rotation condition applied to the defining sources. In our case this condition leads to a rotation of the frame axes with time. We calculated the effect of this rotation on the Earth orientation parameters (EOP). In order to improve the stability of the celestial reference frame we suggest a new method for the selection of the defining sources. The method consists of two criteria: the first one we call cosmological and the second one kinematical. It is shown that a subset of the ICRF sources selected according to cosmological criteria provides the most stable reference frame for the next decade.

Mars rover/sample return mission requirements affecting space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

The possible interfaces between the Space Station and the Mars Rover/Sample Return (MRSR) mission are defined. In order to constrain the scope of the report a series of seven design reference missions divided into three major types were assumed. These missions were defined to span the probable range of Space Station-MRSR interactions. The options were reduced, the MRSR sample handling requirements and baseline assumptions about the MRSR hardware and the key design features and requirements of the Space Station are summarized. Only the aspects of the design reference missions necessary to define the interfaces, hooks and scars, and other provisions on the Space Station are considered. An analysis of each of the three major design reference missions, is reported, presenting conceptual designs of key hardware to be mounted on the Space Station, a definition of weights, interfaces, and required hooks and scars.

Thermocouple, multiple junction reference oven

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leblanc, L. P. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

An improved oven for maintaining the junctions of a plurality of reference thermocouples at a common and constant temperature is described. The oven is characterized by a cylindrical body defining a heat sink with axially extended-cylindrical cavity a singularized heating element which comprises a unitary cylindrical heating element consisting of a resistance heating coil wound about the surface of metallic spool with an axial bore defined and seated in the cavity. Other features of the oven include an annular array of radially extended bores defined in the cylindrical body and a plurality of reference thermocouple junctions seated in the bores in uniformly spaced relation with the heating element, and a temperature sensing device seated in the axial bore for detecting temperature changes as they occur in the spool and circuit to apply a voltage across the coil in response to detected drops in temperatures of the spool.

Geothermal resources: exploration and exploitation. A bibliography

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

Not Available

This comprehensive bibliography contains 5476 citations of foreign and domestic research reports, journal articles, patents, conference proceedings, and books concerned with the exploration and exploitation of geothermal resources. The coverage dates back as far as useful references could be obtained and extends through June 1976. References are arranged in broad subject categories and are made up of complete bibliographic citations. These are followed by a listing of subject descriptors used to describe the subject content of each reference. Four indexes are included: Corporate, Personal Author, Subject, and Report Number. Also included is a list of journals from which articles weremore » selected. (LBS)« less

Mast importance, production, and management

Treesearch

Harmon P., Jr. Weeks

1989-01-01

Mast is a broad term that refers to the various nuts and fruits produced by woody plants. It is usually subdivided into hard mast (nuts) and soft mast (fleshy fruits). Forest tree and shrub mast is an important seasonal food for many forest wildlife species.

Comparing Information Access Approaches.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chalmers, Matthew

1999-01-01

Presents a broad view of information access, drawing from philosophy and semiology in constructing a framework for comparative discussion that is used to examine the information representations that underlie four approaches to information access--information retrieval, workflow, collaborative filtering, and the path model. Contains 32 references.…

Problems in Defining the Field of Distance Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keegan, Desmond

1988-01-01

This discussion of definitions of distance education responds to previous articles attempting to define the field. Topics discussed include distance education versus conventional education; group-based distance education; differences between open learning and distance education; and criteria to define distance education. (13 references) (LRW)

A novel Bayesian change-point algorithm for genome-wide analysis of diverse ChIPseq data types.

PubMed

Xing, Haipeng; Liao, Willey; Mo, Yifan; Zhang, Michael Q

2012-12-10

ChIPseq is a widely used technique for investigating protein-DNA interactions. Read density profiles are generated by using next-sequencing of protein-bound DNA and aligning the short reads to a reference genome. Enriched regions are revealed as peaks, which often differ dramatically in shape, depending on the target protein(1). For example, transcription factors often bind in a site- and sequence-specific manner and tend to produce punctate peaks, while histone modifications are more pervasive and are characterized by broad, diffuse islands of enrichment(2). Reliably identifying these regions was the focus of our work. Algorithms for analyzing ChIPseq data have employed various methodologies, from heuristics(3-5) to more rigorous statistical models, e.g. Hidden Markov Models (HMMs)(6-8). We sought a solution that minimized the necessity for difficult-to-define, ad hoc parameters that often compromise resolution and lessen the intuitive usability of the tool. With respect to HMM-based methods, we aimed to curtail parameter estimation procedures and simple, finite state classifications that are often utilized. Additionally, conventional ChIPseq data analysis involves categorization of the expected read density profiles as either punctate or diffuse followed by subsequent application of the appropriate tool. We further aimed to replace the need for these two distinct models with a single, more versatile model, which can capably address the entire spectrum of data types. To meet these objectives, we first constructed a statistical framework that naturally modeled ChIPseq data structures using a cutting edge advance in HMMs(9), which utilizes only explicit formulas-an innovation crucial to its performance advantages. More sophisticated then heuristic models, our HMM accommodates infinite hidden states through a Bayesian model. We applied it to identifying reasonable change points in read density, which further define segments of enrichment. Our analysis revealed how our Bayesian Change Point (BCP) algorithm had a reduced computational complexity-evidenced by an abridged run time and memory footprint. The BCP algorithm was successfully applied to both punctate peak and diffuse island identification with robust accuracy and limited user-defined parameters. This illustrated both its versatility and ease of use. Consequently, we believe it can be implemented readily across broad ranges of data types and end users in a manner that is easily compared and contrasted, making it a great tool for ChIPseq data analysis that can aid in collaboration and corroboration between research groups. Here, we demonstrate the application of BCP to existing transcription factor(10,11) and epigenetic data(12) to illustrate its usefulness.

Biogeochemical Cycles in Degraded Lands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davidson, Eric A.; Vieira, Ima Celia G.; ReisdeCarvalho, Claudio Jose; DeanedeAbreuSa, Tatiana; deSouzaMoutinho, Paulo R.; Figueiredo, Ricardo O.; Stone, Thomas A.

2004-01-01

The objectives of this project were to define and describe the types of landscapes that fall under the broad category of "degraded lands" and to study biogeochemical cycles across this range of degradation found in secondary forests. We define degraded land as that which has lost part of its capacity of renovation of a productive ecosystem, either in the context of agroecosystems or as native communities of vegetation. This definition of degradation permits evaluation of biogeochemical constraints to future land uses.

Impact of a low intensity and broadly inclusive ED care coordination intervention on linkage to primary care and ED utilization.

PubMed

Foster, Sean D; Hart, Kim; Lindsell, Christopher J; Miller, Christopher N; Lyons, Michael S

2018-04-05

We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a broadly inclusive, comparatively low intensity intervention linking ED patients to a primary care home. This retrospective cohort study evaluated ED patients referred for primary care linkage in a large, urban, academic ED. A care coordination specialist performed a brief interview to gauge access barriers and provide a clinic referral with optional scheduling assistance. Data were abstracted from program records and the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was the proportion of referred individuals who attended at least one primary care appointment. Secondary outcomes included return ED encounters within one year, and factors associated with linkage outcomes. There were 2142 referrals made for 2064 patients; 1688/2142 accepted assistance. Linkage was successful for 1059/1688 (63%, CI95 60% to 65%). Among patients accepting assistance, those without successful linkage were younger (41 vs 45years, difference 3years, CI95 2 to 3), more often male (62% vs 55%,difference 7%, CI95 2% to 12%), and less likely to have a chronic medical condition (37% vs 45%, difference 8%; CI95 3% to 12%) or to have had an appointment scheduled within two weeks (26% vs 33%, difference 7%, CI95 2% to 12%). Insurance status and self-reported barriers to care were not associated with linkage success. Patterns of subsequent ED use were similar, regardless of referral status or linkage outcome. Low intensity, broadly inclusive, ED care coordination linked nearly 50% of patients referred for intervention, and two-thirds of willing participants, with a primary care home. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-assembly of crystalline nanotubes from monodisperse amphiphilic diblock copolypeptoid tiles

DOE PAGES

Sun, Jing; Jiang, Xi; Lund, Reidar; ...

2016-03-28

The folding and assembly of sequence-defined polymers into precisely ordered nanostructures promises a class of well-defined biomimetic architectures with specific function. Amphiphilic diblock copolymers are known to self-assemble in water to form a variety of nanostructured morphologies including spheres, disks, cylinders, and vesicles. In all of these cases, the predominant driving force for assembly is the formation of a hydrophobic core that excludes water, whereas the hydrophilic blocks are solvated and extend into the aqueous phase. However, such polymer systems typically have broad molar mass distributions and lack the purity and sequence-defined structure often associated with biologically derived polymers. Here,more » we demonstrate that purified, monodisperse amphiphilic diblock copolypeptoids, with chemically distinct domains that are congruent in size and shape, can behave like molecular tile units that spontaneously assemble into hollow, crystalline nanotubes in water. The nanotubes consist of stacked, porous crystalline rings, and are held together primarily by side-chain van der Waals interactions. The peptoid nanotubes form without a central hydrophobic core, chirality, a hydrogen bond network, and electrostatic or π-π interactions. These results demonstrate the remarkable structure-directing influence of n-alkane and ethyleneoxy side chains in polymer self-assembly. More broadly, this work suggests that flexible, low-molecular-weight sequence-defined polymers can serve as molecular tile units that can assemble into precision supramolecular architectures.« less

Self-assembly of crystalline nanotubes from monodisperse amphiphilic diblock copolypeptoid tiles

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

Sun, Jing; Jiang, Xi; Lund, Reidar

The folding and assembly of sequence-defined polymers into precisely ordered nanostructures promises a class of well-defined biomimetic architectures with specific function. Amphiphilic diblock copolymers are known to self-assemble in water to form a variety of nanostructured morphologies including spheres, disks, cylinders, and vesicles. In all of these cases, the predominant driving force for assembly is the formation of a hydrophobic core that excludes water, whereas the hydrophilic blocks are solvated and extend into the aqueous phase. However, such polymer systems typically have broad molar mass distributions and lack the purity and sequence-defined structure often associated with biologically derived polymers. Here,more » we demonstrate that purified, monodisperse amphiphilic diblock copolypeptoids, with chemically distinct domains that are congruent in size and shape, can behave like molecular tile units that spontaneously assemble into hollow, crystalline nanotubes in water. The nanotubes consist of stacked, porous crystalline rings, and are held together primarily by side-chain van der Waals interactions. The peptoid nanotubes form without a central hydrophobic core, chirality, a hydrogen bond network, and electrostatic or π-π interactions. These results demonstrate the remarkable structure-directing influence of n-alkane and ethyleneoxy side chains in polymer self-assembly. More broadly, this work suggests that flexible, low-molecular-weight sequence-defined polymers can serve as molecular tile units that can assemble into precision supramolecular architectures.« less

Productivity and accessibility : bridging project specific and macroeconomic analyses of transportation investments

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-10-01

Many studies of the local economic impacts of individual highway projects rely on overly narrow measures of economic benefits. Another type of research, focusing on economic productivity, defines benefits more broadly but is also limited by geographi...

Forensic Applications of LIBS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hark, Richard R.; East, Lucille J.

Forensic science is broadly defined as the application of science to matters of the law. Practitioners typically use multidisciplinary scientific techniques for the analysis of physical evidence in an attempt to establish or exclude an association between a suspect and the scene of a crime.

Technological Strategies and National Purpose

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilpin, Robert

1970-01-01

Discusses the international and domestic implications of technological growth. Defines three basic national strategies: a broad front approach, scientific and technological specialization and importation. Analyzes the strategies followed by form countries - France, the United States, Sweden, and Japan- to illustrate the alternatives and the…

0-6763 : accounting for electric vehicles in air quality conformity.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

Electric vehicles (EVs) are broadly defined as : vehicles that obtain at least a part of the energy : required for their propulsion from electricity. This : research focused on the three main types of EVs: : Hybrid electric vehicles. : Plug-i...

THYROID HORMONE DISRUPTION: FROM KINETICS TO DYNAMICS.

EPA Science Inventory

A wide range of chemicals with diverse structures act as thyroid disrupting chemicals (TDCs). Broadly defined, TDCs are chemicals that alter the structure or function of the thyroid gland, alter regulatory enzymes associated with thyroid hormones (THs), or change circulating or t...

A case report of a patient with high β-hCG levels after operation because of primary broad ligament pregnancy.

PubMed

Zu, M; Zhao, G Q; Liu, Z Q; Zhang, H T; Chen, L; Zhao, D H

2017-01-01

A broad ligament pregnancy is an extremely rare condition and diagnosis is frequently missed and finally made during laparotomy. This is a case of a young patient with high serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels after operation because of broad ligament pregnancy. A 31-year-old multipara complained of intermittent lower abdominal pain with vaginal bleeding for four months. A color ultrasonography revealed a cystic mass in the left attachment area, indicating an interstitial tubal pregnancy. However, trophoblastic disease could not be excluded. She accepted conservative treatment with methotrexate (MTX) at first, but observation showed that conservative treatment was slow and accompanied with liver function damage. Therefore, exploratory laparotomy was performed. Intraoperative situations and postoperative pathology confirmed broad ligament pregnancy. Her serum p- hCG was sustained at a high level for three months after operation. Her examinations of serum, CT, and ultrasonography could explain this situation. Primary broad ligament pregnancy refers to pregnancy where implantation of the fertilized ovum occurs directly between the two leaves of the broad ligament. The gravid substance was removed, however serum β-hCG could not gradually re- turn to normal levels. This case should be followed-up closely to prevent adverse outcomes.

49 CFR 385.321 - What failures of safety management practices disclosed by the safety audit will result in a...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... disqualified by a State, has lost the right to operate a CMV in a State or who is disqualified to operate a... violation refers to a driver operating a CMV as defined under § 383.5. 9. § 387.7(a)—Operating a motor... Single occurrence. This violation refers to a driver operating a CMV as defined under § 390.5. 13. § 395...

49 CFR 385.321 - What failures of safety management practices disclosed by the safety audit will result in a...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... disqualified by a State, has lost the right to operate a CMV in a State or who is disqualified to operate a... violation refers to a driver operating a CMV as defined under § 383.5. 9. § 387.7(a)—Operating a motor... Single occurrence. This violation refers to a driver operating a CMV as defined under § 390.5. 13. § 395...

49 CFR 385.321 - What failures of safety management practices disclosed by the safety audit will result in a...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... disqualified by a State, has lost the right to operate a CMV in a State or who is disqualified to operate a... violation refers to a driver operating a CMV as defined under § 383.5. 9. § 387.7(a)—Operating a motor... Single occurrence. This violation refers to a driver operating a CMV as defined under § 390.5. 13. § 395...

77 FR 45944 - Final Priorities and Definitions; State Personnel Development Grants

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-02

... designed broadly to focus on the effective and efficient delivery of professional development using... development. For example, some commenters recommended including references to universal design for learning... culturally competent, provided the project is designed to improve professional development in this area...

WATERSHED CENTRAL: AN INTEGRATED WATERSHED ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT PROJECT

EPA Science Inventory

The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that States develop and implement pollution reduction targets for impaired or threatened waters often referred to as total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). State and local governments are faced with a broad range of technical, economic and political...

A COMPARISON OF IN-SITU VITRIFICATION AND ROTARY KILN INCINERATION FOR SOILS TREATMENT

EPA Science Inventory

In the hazardous waste community, the term "thermal destruction" is a catch-all phrase that broadly refers to high temperature destruction of hazardous contaminants. ncluded in the thermal destruction category are treatment technologies such as rotary kiln incineration, fluidized...

Developing a Reference Material for Formaldehyde Emissions Testing; Final Report

EPA Science Inventory

Exposure to formaldehyde has been shown to produce broad and potentially severe adverse human health effects. With ubiquitous formaldehyde sources in the indoor environment, formaldehyde concentrations in indoor air are usually higher than outdoors, ranging from 10 to 4000 μg/m3....

Religion and Communication: A Selected, Annotated Basic Bibliography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tate, Eugene D.; McConnell, Kathleen

This annotated bibliography provides a broad perspective on the way religion and communication relate to one another. Forty-two references are listed in the areas of (1) "Religion and Communication Theory"; (2) "Religion and Language"; (3) "Televangelism and Televangelists"; (4) "Historical Roots of Religion and…

Children and Advertising: An Annotated Bibliography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meringoff, Laurene, Ed.

Containing a broad range of information that reflects the differing viewpoints of advertisers, media, government agencies, academe, and consumer groups, this bibliography provides a comprehensive look at what is currently known about children and advertising. The citations are arranged into the following sections: (1) core references, which…

77 FR 1968 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-12

... permits the Exchange to list up to seven expiration months at any one time for certain broad-based index... the European-style index options approved for trading on BOX, Section 10(a)(5)(ii) references options...

40 CFR 1502.20 - Tiering.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... review (§ 1508.28). Whenever a broad environmental impact statement has been prepared (such as a program... statement or environmental assessment need only summarize the issues discussed in the broader statement and incorporate discussions from the broader statement by reference and shall concentrate on the issues specific...

40 CFR 1502.20 - Tiering.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... review (§ 1508.28). Whenever a broad environmental impact statement has been prepared (such as a program... statement or environmental assessment need only summarize the issues discussed in the broader statement and incorporate discussions from the broader statement by reference and shall concentrate on the issues specific...

40 CFR 1502.20 - Tiering.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... review (§ 1508.28). Whenever a broad environmental impact statement has been prepared (such as a program... statement or environmental assessment need only summarize the issues discussed in the broader statement and incorporate discussions from the broader statement by reference and shall concentrate on the issues specific...

40 CFR 1502.20 - Tiering.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... review (§ 1508.28). Whenever a broad environmental impact statement has been prepared (such as a program... statement or environmental assessment need only summarize the issues discussed in the broader statement and incorporate discussions from the broader statement by reference and shall concentrate on the issues specific...

40 CFR 1502.20 - Tiering.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... review (§ 1508.28). Whenever a broad environmental impact statement has been prepared (such as a program... statement or environmental assessment need only summarize the issues discussed in the broader statement and incorporate discussions from the broader statement by reference and shall concentrate on the issues specific...

Environmental indicator principium with case references to agricultural soil, water, and air qualities and model-derived indicators

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Environmental indicators are powerful tools for tracking environmental changes, measuring environmental performance, and informing policy makers. With the ubiquitous nature of environmental assets and within the broad themes of environmental disciplines, many diverse environmental indicators, inclu...

MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY: POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON THE ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

EPA Science Inventory

Introduction

The term "molecular epidemiology" has been used to cover a broad range of scientific activities, often without specific reference to epidemiology. In fact, as noted by Foxman and Riley [1],molecular epidemiology has often been described almost exclusively in...

The therapeutic applications of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs): a patent review.

PubMed

Kang, Hee-Kyoung; Kim, Cheolmin; Seo, Chang Ho; Park, Yoonkyung

2017-01-01

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small molecules with a broad spectrum of antibiotic activities against bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and viruses and cytotoxic activity on cancer cells, in addition to anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Therefore, AMPs have garnered interest as novel therapeutic agents. Because of the rapid increase in drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms, AMPs from synthetic and natural sources have been developed using alternative antimicrobial strategies. This article presents a broad analysis of patents referring to the therapeutic applications of AMPs since 2009. The review focuses on the universal trends in the effective design, mechanism, and biological evolution of AMPs.

Protocol for Landsat-Based Monitoring of Landscape Dynamics at North Coast and Cascades Network Parks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kennedy, Robert E.; Cohen, Warren B.; Kirschbaum, Alan A.; Haunreiter, Erik

2007-01-01

Background and Objectives As part of the National Park Service's larger goal of developing long-term monitoring programs in response to the Natural Resource Challenge of 2000, the parks of the North Coast and Cascades Network (NCCN) have determined that monitoring of landscape dynamics is necessary to track ecosystem health (Weber and others, 2005). Landscape dynamics refer to a broad suite of ecological, geomorphological, and anthropogenic processes occurring across broad spatial scales. The NCCN has sought protocols that would leverage remote-sensing technologies to aid in monitoring landscape dynamics.

Perceiving beauty in all women: Psychometric evaluation of the Broad Conceptualization of Beauty Scale.

PubMed

Tylka, Tracy L; Iannantuono, Amy C

2016-06-01

Women's ability to broadly conceptualize beauty (i.e., perceive many looks, appearances, body sizes/shapes, and inner characteristics as beautiful) has been identified as a facet of positive body image in qualitative research. A scale is needed to be able to assess this construct within quantitative research. Therefore, we developed the Broad Conceptualization of Beauty Scale (BCBS), which measures the extent women define female beauty widely within external and internal characteristics, and examined its psychometric properties among four community samples totaling 1086 women. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a unidimensional structure with nine items. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct (convergent, discriminant, and incremental) validity of its scores were upheld. Researchers and clinicians can use the BCBS alone to assess women's perceptions of female beauty, or they can use the BCBS alongside women's perceptions of self-beauty to more comprehensively explore women's ability to broadly conceptualize beauty for others and themselves. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

THYROID DISRUPTING CHEMICALS: CHALLENGES IN ASSESSING NEUROTOXIC RISK FROM ENVIRONMENTAL MIXTURES.

EPA Science Inventory

Environmental contaminants are known to act as thyroid disrupting chemicals (TDCs). Broadly defined, TDCs are xenobiotics that alter the structure or function of the thyroid gland, alter regulatory enzymes associated with thyroid hormone (TH) homeostasis, or change circulating o...

Situating Preparedness Education within Public Pedagogy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kitagawa, Kaori

2017-01-01

Both "disaster preparedness" and "public pedagogy" have been broadly defined and diversely utilised. Preparedness has been dealt with in disciplines such as civil engineering, the sociology of disasters, public health and psychology, rather than education. Recently, inquiries into the learning and teaching of preparedness have…

Identification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis Isolated From Drinking Water

EPA Science Inventory

Mycobacterium avium (MA) is divided into four subspecies based primarily on host-range and consists of MA subsp. avium (birds), MA subsp. silvaticum (wood pigeons), MA subsp. paratuberculosis (broad, poorly-defined host range), and the recently described MA subsp. hominissuis (hu...

48 CFR 1352.209-71 - Limitation of future contracting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... towards solution of broadly defined problems. This may encompass research, evaluating technical feasibility, proof of design and test, or engineering of programs not yet approved for acquisition or operation. (iii) “Proprietary Information” means all information designated as proprietary in accordance...

48 CFR 1352.209-71 - Limitation of future contracting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... towards solution of broadly defined problems. This may encompass research, evaluating technical feasibility, proof of design and test, or engineering of programs not yet approved for acquisition or operation. (iii) “Proprietary Information” means all information designated as proprietary in accordance...

Uplift and Subsidence Associated with the Great Aceh-Andaman Earthquake of 2004

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-03-01

The magnitude 9.2 Indian Ocean earthquake of December 26, 2004, produced broad regions of uplift and subsidence. In order to define the lateral extent and the downdip limit of rupture. This image is from NASA Terra spacecraft.

A Theory of Categorical Terrorism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goodwin, Jeff

2006-01-01

When revolutionaries or insurgents, broadly defined, indiscriminately attack civilians, they generally attack "complicitous civilians," i.e., those categories of noncombatants which the revolutionaries see as benefiting from, supporting and/or having a substantial capacity to influence the states that the revolutionaries are attempting to displace…

Genome-wide transcription responses to synchrotron microbeam radiotherapy.

PubMed

Sprung, Carl N; Yang, Yuqing; Forrester, Helen B; Li, Jason; Zaitseva, Marina; Cann, Leonie; Restall, Tina; Anderson, Robin L; Crosbie, Jeffrey C; Rogers, Peter A W

2012-10-01

The majority of cancer patients achieve benefit from radiotherapy. A significant limitation of radiotherapy is its relatively low therapeutic index, defined as the maximum radiation dose that causes acceptable normal tissue damage to the minimum dose required to achieve tumor control. Recently, a new radiotherapy modality using synchrotron-generated X-ray microbeam radiotherapy has been demonstrated in animal models to ablate tumors with concurrent sparing of normal tissue. Very little work has been undertaken into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that differentiate microbeam radiotherapy from broad beam. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the whole genome transcriptional response of in vivo microbeam radiotherapy versus broad beam irradiated tumors. We hypothesized that gene expression changes after microbeam radiotherapy are different from those seen after broad beam. We found that in EMT6.5 tumors at 4-48 h postirradiation, microbeam radiotherapy differentially regulates a number of genes, including major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen gene family members, and other immunity-related genes including Ciita, Ifng, Cxcl1, Cxcl9, Indo and Ubd when compared to broad beam. Our findings demonstrate molecular differences in the tumor response to microbeam versus broad beam irradiation and these differences provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of microbeam radiotherapy and broad beam.

Analysis of Fatty Acid and Growth Profiles in Ten Shewanella spp. to Associate Phylogenetic Relationships

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-25

in a defined medium composed of half-strength Marine Broth adjusted to pH 6, 7, or 8 in a 50 mM phosphate buffer, both growth characteristics and...work had broad phylogenetic diversity (Fig. 1) and were isolated from mostly marine environments. S. putrefaciens was the only strain that was not...the defined medium that supported growth of most of the strains tested was marine broth diluted to half strength with 50 mM phosphate buffer (½-MB

Experimental Testing of a Generic Submarine Model in the DSTO Low Speed Wind Tunnel. Phase 2

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-01

axis, z-axis (Nm) l Model reference length (1.35 m) L Lift force (N) MRP Moment Reference Point q Dynamic pressure       2 2 1 Uρ (Pa...moment reference point ( MRP ). The moment reference point was defined as the mid-length position on the centre-line of the model. Figure 5 presents the

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MONITORING: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE USE OF NATURAL ATTENUATION FOR SUBSURFACE REMEDIATION

EPA Science Inventory

The collective processes that constitute the broadly used term Anatural attenuation,@ as it relates to subsurface remediation of contaminants, refer to the physical, chemical, and biological interactions that, without human intervention, reduce or contain contaminants in the sub...

Congratulating the Aldine Independent School District in Harris County, Texas, on winning the 2009 "Broad Prize for Urban Education".

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Green, Gene [D-TX-29

2009-10-01

House - 11/16/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Tactics for Improving Parenting Skills (TIPS).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Algozzine, Bob, Ed.; Ysseldyke, Jim, Ed.

This manual presents 99 one-sheet informational brochures designed to improve parenting skills. Each brochure is in a format suitable for duplicating, folding, and distributing. Each parenting "tactic" offers references to related brochures. Tactics are grouped under the following broad areas: (1) home/family involvement (e.g., accepting "The…

Air Pollution Publications, A Selected Bibliography With Abstracts, 1966-1968.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Air Pollution Control Administration (DHEW), Washington, DC.

Contained are over 1000 entries with abstracts spanning the literature from 1966 to 1968. The references are grouped into broad subject categories: emission sources; atmospheric interactions; measurement; control methods; biosciences and medicine; plants; materials deterioration; air quality; legal and administrative aspects; social aspects; basic…

Fostering Creativity through Personalized Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munakata, Mika; Vaidya, Ashwin

2013-01-01

This article focuses on the philosophy of creativity and its enhancement through an undergraduate research experience. In this paper we offer suggestions for infusing the undergraduate mathematics and science curriculum with research experiences as a way of fostering creativity in our students. We refer to the term "research" broadly,…

Guide to U.S. Department of Education Programs, 2001.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Department of Education, Washington, DC. Office of the Secretary.

This reference guide describes programs authorized and funded under federal law as well as individual competitions made possible by these programs. Programs are listed under broad topical headings that include: academic improvement and demonstration programs, adult education, assessment, bilingual-ESL, child care, civics, corrections education,…

The human factor in ecological research: an annotated bibliography.

Treesearch

Carol Eckhardt

1998-01-01

As a bibliography of annotated references addressing interdisciplinary environmental research, the collection reviews a broad spectrum of literature to illustrate the breadth of issues that bear on the role of humankind in environmental context. Categories of culture, environmental law, public policy, environmental valuation strategies, philosophy, interdisciplinary...

STORMWATER BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES DESIGN GUIDE VOLUME 3 - BASIN BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

EPA Science Inventory

This manual provides design guidelines for a group of stormwater management (SWM) best management practices (BMPs) broadly referred to as basin or pond BMPs. Basin BMPs are the mainstay of stormwater management. Water resources engineers have designed small and large ponds for ma...

TIPS Pamphlets for Parents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Algozzine, Bob, Ed.; Ysseldyke, Jim, Ed.

This manual presents 99 one-sheet informational brochures designed to improve parenting skills for children with and without disabilities. Each brochure is in a format suitable for duplicating, folding, and distributing. Each brochure offers references to related brochures in the collection. Brochures are grouped under the following broad areas:…

OWL references in ORM conceptual modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matula, Jiri; Belunek, Roman; Hunka, Frantisek

2017-07-01

Object Role Modelling methodology is the fact-based type of conceptual modelling. The aim of the paper is to emphasize a close connection to OWL documents and its possible mutual cooperation. The definition of entities or domain values is an indispensable part of the conceptual schema design procedure defined by the ORM methodology. Many of these entities are already defined in OWL documents. Therefore, it is not necessary to declare entities again, whereas it is possible to utilize references from OWL documents during modelling of information systems.

Population structure in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon is highly correlated with flowering differences across broad geographic areas

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

Tyler, Ludmila; Lee, Scott J.; Young, Nelson D.

The small, annual grass Brachypodium distachyon (L.) Beauv., a close relative of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) and barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.), is a powerful model system for cereals and bioenergy grasses. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of natural variation can elucidate the genetic basis of complex traits but have been so far limited in B. distachyon by the lack of large numbers of well-characterized and sufficiently diverse accessions. Here, we report on genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of 84 B. distachyon, seven B. hybridum, and three B. stacei accessions with diverse geographic origins including Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. Overmore » 90,000 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed across the Bd21 reference genome were identified. Our results confirm the hybrid nature of the B. hybridum genome, which appears as a mosaic of B. distachyon-like and B. stacei-like sequences. Analysis of more than 50,000 SNPs for the B. distachyon accessions revealed three distinct, genetically defined populations. Surprisingly, these genomic profiles are associated with differences in flowering time rather than with broad geographic origin. High levels of differentiation in loci associated with floral development support the differences in flowering phenology between B. distachyon populations. Genome-wide association studies combining genotypic and phenotypic data also suggest the presence of one or more photoperiodism, circadian clock, and vernalization genes in loci associated with flowering time variation within B. distachyon populations. As a result, our characterization elucidates genes underlying population differences, expands the germplasm resources available for Brachypodium, and illustrates the feasibility and limitations of GWAS in this model grass.« less

Systematic determination of absolute absorption cross-section of individual carbon nanotubes

PubMed Central

Liu, Kaihui; Hong, Xiaoping; Choi, Sangkook; Jin, Chenhao; Capaz, Rodrigo B.; Kim, Jihoon; Wang, Wenlong; Bai, Xuedong; Louie, Steven G.; Wang, Enge; Wang, Feng

2014-01-01

Optical absorption is the most fundamental optical property characterizing light–matter interactions in materials and can be most readily compared with theoretical predictions. However, determination of optical absorption cross-section of individual nanostructures is experimentally challenging due to the small extinction signal using conventional transmission measurements. Recently, dramatic increase of optical contrast from individual carbon nanotubes has been successfully achieved with a polarization-based homodyne microscope, where the scattered light wave from the nanostructure interferes with the optimized reference signal (the reflected/transmitted light). Here we demonstrate high-sensitivity absorption spectroscopy for individual single-walled carbon nanotubes by combining the polarization-based homodyne technique with broadband supercontinuum excitation in transmission configuration. To our knowledge, this is the first time that high-throughput and quantitative determination of nanotube absorption cross-section over broad spectral range at the single-tube level was performed for more than 50 individual chirality-defined single-walled nanotubes. Our data reveal chirality-dependent behaviors of exciton resonances in carbon nanotubes, where the exciton oscillator strength exhibits a universal scaling law with the nanotube diameter and the transition order. The exciton linewidth (characterizing the exciton lifetime) varies strongly in different nanotubes, and on average it increases linearly with the transition energy. In addition, we establish an empirical formula by extrapolating our data to predict the absorption cross-section spectrum for any given nanotube. The quantitative information of absorption cross-section in a broad spectral range and all nanotube species not only provides new insight into the unique photophysics in one-dimensional carbon nanotubes, but also enables absolute determination of optical quantum efficiencies in important photoluminescence and photovoltaic processes. PMID:24821815

Systematic determination of absolute absorption cross-section of individual carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Liu, Kaihui; Hong, Xiaoping; Choi, Sangkook; Jin, Chenhao; Capaz, Rodrigo B; Kim, Jihoon; Wang, Wenlong; Bai, Xuedong; Louie, Steven G; Wang, Enge; Wang, Feng

2014-05-27

Optical absorption is the most fundamental optical property characterizing light-matter interactions in materials and can be most readily compared with theoretical predictions. However, determination of optical absorption cross-section of individual nanostructures is experimentally challenging due to the small extinction signal using conventional transmission measurements. Recently, dramatic increase of optical contrast from individual carbon nanotubes has been successfully achieved with a polarization-based homodyne microscope, where the scattered light wave from the nanostructure interferes with the optimized reference signal (the reflected/transmitted light). Here we demonstrate high-sensitivity absorption spectroscopy for individual single-walled carbon nanotubes by combining the polarization-based homodyne technique with broadband supercontinuum excitation in transmission configuration. To our knowledge, this is the first time that high-throughput and quantitative determination of nanotube absorption cross-section over broad spectral range at the single-tube level was performed for more than 50 individual chirality-defined single-walled nanotubes. Our data reveal chirality-dependent behaviors of exciton resonances in carbon nanotubes, where the exciton oscillator strength exhibits a universal scaling law with the nanotube diameter and the transition order. The exciton linewidth (characterizing the exciton lifetime) varies strongly in different nanotubes, and on average it increases linearly with the transition energy. In addition, we establish an empirical formula by extrapolating our data to predict the absorption cross-section spectrum for any given nanotube. The quantitative information of absorption cross-section in a broad spectral range and all nanotube species not only provides new insight into the unique photophysics in one-dimensional carbon nanotubes, but also enables absolute determination of optical quantum efficiencies in important photoluminescence and photovoltaic processes.

Population structure in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon is highly correlated with flowering differences across broad geographic areas

DOE PAGES

Tyler, Ludmila; Lee, Scott J.; Young, Nelson D.; ...

2016-04-29

The small, annual grass Brachypodium distachyon (L.) Beauv., a close relative of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) and barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.), is a powerful model system for cereals and bioenergy grasses. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of natural variation can elucidate the genetic basis of complex traits but have been so far limited in B. distachyon by the lack of large numbers of well-characterized and sufficiently diverse accessions. Here, we report on genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of 84 B. distachyon, seven B. hybridum, and three B. stacei accessions with diverse geographic origins including Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. Overmore » 90,000 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed across the Bd21 reference genome were identified. Our results confirm the hybrid nature of the B. hybridum genome, which appears as a mosaic of B. distachyon-like and B. stacei-like sequences. Analysis of more than 50,000 SNPs for the B. distachyon accessions revealed three distinct, genetically defined populations. Surprisingly, these genomic profiles are associated with differences in flowering time rather than with broad geographic origin. High levels of differentiation in loci associated with floral development support the differences in flowering phenology between B. distachyon populations. Genome-wide association studies combining genotypic and phenotypic data also suggest the presence of one or more photoperiodism, circadian clock, and vernalization genes in loci associated with flowering time variation within B. distachyon populations. As a result, our characterization elucidates genes underlying population differences, expands the germplasm resources available for Brachypodium, and illustrates the feasibility and limitations of GWAS in this model grass.« less

Resonance behaviour of whole-body averaged specific energy absorption rate (SAR) in the female voxel model, NAOMI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimbylow, Peter

2005-09-01

Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations have been performed of the whole-body averaged specific energy absorption rate (SAR) in a female voxel model, NAOMI, under isolated and grounded conditions from 10 MHz to 3 GHz. The 2 mm resolution voxel model, NAOMI, was scaled to a height of 1.63 m and a mass of 60 kg, the dimensions of the ICRP reference adult female. Comparison was made with SAR values from a reference male voxel model, NORMAN. A broad SAR resonance in the NAOMI values was found around 900 MHz and a resulting enhancement, up to 25%, over the values for the male voxel model, NORMAN. This latter result confirmed previously reported higher values in a female model. The effect of differences in anatomy was investigated by comparing values for 10-, 5- and 1-year-old phantoms rescaled to the ICRP reference values of height and mass which are the same for both sexes. The broad resonance in the NAOMI child values around 1 GHz is still a strong feature. A comparison has been made with ICNIRP guidelines. The ICNIRP occupational reference level provides a conservative estimate of the whole-body averaged SAR restriction. The linear scaling of the adult phantom using different factors in longitudinal and transverse directions, in order to match the ICRP stature and weight, does not exactly reproduce the anatomy of children. However, for public exposure the calculations with scaled child models indicate that the ICNIRP reference level may not provide a conservative estimate of the whole-body averaged SAR restriction, above 1.2 GHz for scaled 5- and 1-year-old female models, although any underestimate is by less than 20%.

Resonance behaviour of whole-body averaged specific energy absorption rate (SAR) in the female voxel model, NAOMI.

PubMed

Dimbylow, Peter

2005-09-07

Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations have been performed of the whole-body averaged specific energy absorption rate (SAR) in a female voxel model, NAOMI, under isolated and grounded conditions from 10 MHz to 3 GHz. The 2 mm resolution voxel model, NAOMI, was scaled to a height of 1.63 m and a mass of 60 kg, the dimensions of the ICRP reference adult female. Comparison was made with SAR values from a reference male voxel model, NORMAN. A broad SAR resonance in the NAOMI values was found around 900 MHz and a resulting enhancement, up to 25%, over the values for the male voxel model, NORMAN. This latter result confirmed previously reported higher values in a female model. The effect of differences in anatomy was investigated by comparing values for 10-, 5- and 1-year-old phantoms rescaled to the ICRP reference values of height and mass which are the same for both sexes. The broad resonance in the NAOMI child values around 1 GHz is still a strong feature. A comparison has been made with ICNIRP guidelines. The ICNIRP occupational reference level provides a conservative estimate of the whole-body averaged SAR restriction. The linear scaling of the adult phantom using different factors in longitudinal and transverse directions, in order to match the ICRP stature and weight, does not exactly reproduce the anatomy of children. However, for public exposure the calculations with scaled child models indicate that the ICNIRP reference level may not provide a conservative estimate of the whole-body averaged SAR restriction, above 1.2 GHz for scaled 5- and 1-year-old female models, although any underestimate is by less than 20%.

The Study and Measurement of Values and Attitudes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kerlinger, Fred N.

The author defines values, attitudes, and beliefs according to their relation to referents. A referent is a construct standing for a set or category of social objects, ideas, or behaviors that is the focus of an attitude. Attitudes and values are belief systems. Beliefs are enduring cognitions about referents; beliefs reflect the value and…

Opportunities and challenges in conducting systematic reviews to support development of nutrient reference values: vitamin A as an example

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nutrient reference values have significant public health and policy implications. Given the importance of defining reliable nutrient reference values, there is a need for an explicit, objective, and transparent process to set these values. The Tufts Medical Center Evidence-based Practice Center asse...

Steady induction effects in geomagnetism. Part 1C: Geomagnetic estimation of steady surficial core motions: Application to the definitive geomagnetic reference field models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Voorhies, Coerte V.

1993-01-01

In the source-free mantle/frozen-flux core magnetic earth model, the non-linear inverse steady motional induction problem was solved using the method presented in Part 1B. How that method was applied to estimate steady, broad-scale fluid velocity fields near the top of Earth's core that induce the secular change indicated by the Definitive Geomagnetic Reference Field (DGRF) models from 1945 to 1980 are described. Special attention is given to the derivation of weight matrices for the DGRF models because the weights determine the apparent significance of the residual secular change. The derived weight matrices also enable estimation of the secular change signal-to-noise ratio characterizing the DGRF models. Two types of weights were derived in 1987-88: radial field weights for fitting the evolution of the broad-scale portion of the radial geomagnetic field component at Earth's surface implied by the DGRF's, and general weights for fitting the evolution of the broad-scale portion of the scalar potential specified by these models. The difference is non-trivial because not all the geomagnetic data represented by the DGRF's constrain the radial field component. For radial field weights (or general weights), a quantitatively acceptable explication of broad-scale secular change relative to the 1980 Magsat epoch must account for 99.94271 percent (or 99.98784 percent) of the total weighted variance accumulated therein. Tolerable normalized root-mean-square weighted residuals of 2.394 percent (or 1.103 percent) are less than the 7 percent errors expected in the source-free mantle/frozen-flux core approximation.

The Principles of Engineering Immune Cells to Treat Cancer

PubMed Central

Lim, Wendell A.; June, Carl H.

2017-01-01

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have proven that engineered immune cells can serve as a powerful new class of cancer therapeutics. Clinical experience has helped to define the major challenges that must be met to make engineered T cells a reliable, safe, and effective platform that can be deployed against a broad range of tumors. The emergence of synthetic biology approaches for cellular engineering is providing us with a broadly expanded set of tools for programming immune cells. We discuss how these tools could be used to design the next generation of smart T cell precision therapeutics. PMID:28187291

Particle and field characteristics of the high-latitude plasma sheet boundary layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parks, G. K.; Mccarthy, M.; Fitzenreiter, R. J.; Ogilvie, K. W.; Etcheto, J.; Anderson, K. A.; Lin, R. P.; Anderson, R. R.; Eastman, T. E.; Frank, L. A.

1984-01-01

Particle and field data obtained by eight ISEE spacecraft experiments are used to define more precisely the characteristics of the high-latitude boundary region of the plasma sheet. A region immediately adjacent to the high-latitude plasma sheet boundary has particle and field characteristics distinctly different from those observed in the lobe and deeper in the central plasma sheet. Electrons over a broad energy interval are 'field-aligned' and bidirectional, whereas in the plasma sheet the distributions are more isotropic. The region supports intense ion flows, large-amplitude electric fields, and enhanced broad-band electrostatic noise.

An Object-Oriented Software Architecture for the Explorer-2 Knowledge Management Environment

PubMed Central

Tarabar, David B.; Greenes, Robert A.; Slosser, Eric T.

1989-01-01

Explorer-2 is a workstation based environment to facilitate knowledge management. It provides consistent access to a broad range of knowledge on the basis of purpose, not type. We have developed a software architecture based on Object-Oriented programming for Explorer-2. We have defined three classes of program objects: Knowledge ViewFrames, Knowledge Resources, and Knowledge Bases. This results in knowledge management at three levels: the screen level, the disk level and the meta-knowledge level. We have applied this design to several knowledge bases, and believe that there is a broad applicability of this design.

Spatial Reasoning in Tenejapan Mayans

PubMed Central

Li, Peggy; Abarbanell, Linda; Gleitman, Lila; Papafragou, Anna

2011-01-01

Language communities differ in their stock of reference frames (coordinate systems for specifying locations and directions). English typically uses egocentrically defined axes (e.g., “left-right”), especially when describing small-scale relationships. Other languages such as Tseltal Mayan prefer to use geocentrically-defined axes (e.g., “north-south”) and do not use any type of projective body-defined axes. It has been argued that the availability of specific frames of reference in language determines the availability or salience of the corresponding spatial concepts. In four experiments, we explored this hypothesis by testing Tseltal speakers’ spatial reasoning skills. Whereas most prior tasks in this domain were open-ended (allowing several correct solutions), the present tasks required a unique solution that favored adopting a frame of reference that was either congruent or incongruent with what is habitually lexicalized in the participants’ language. In these tasks, Tseltal speakers easily solved the language-incongruent problems, and performance was generally more robust for these than for the language-congruent problems that favored geocentrically-defined coordinates. We suggest thatlisteners’ probabilistic inferences when instruction is open to more than one interpretation account for why there are greater cross-linguistic differences in the solutions to open-ended spatial problems than to less ambiguous ones. PMID:21481854

Advancing cellulose-based nanotechnology

Treesearch

Theodore H. Wegner; Philip E. Jones

2006-01-01

Nanotechnology has applications across most economic sectors and allows the development of new enabling science with broad commercial potential. Cellulose and lignocellulose have great potential as nanomaterials because they are abundant, renewable, have a nanofibrillar structure, can be made multifunctional, and self-assemble into well-defined architectures. To...

Integrative Learning: A Grounded Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leonard, Jeannie Brown

2012-01-01

This article reports the findings from a study of undergraduate students in an academic program focused on integrative learning rather than interdisciplinarity. One aspect of this study included how students defined integrative learning. This participant-shaped understanding of integrative learning was broad and reflected a continuum of…

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

EPA Science Inventory

Are you healthy? Is your environment healthy for you? What does it mean to be healthy? Does it mean you're not achy, or that you are not visibly sick? The World Health Organization defines health broadly as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being. This means that bei...

Spanish Language Health Materials: A Selective Bibliography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trujillo, Roberto G., Ed.; And Others

This selected bibliography, compiled from recommendations by practicing librarians providing service to Spanish-speaking communities, includes Spanish and bilingual Spanish/English materials dealing with health. The topic is broadly defined to include any conditions which affect a person's well-being, and includes alcohol and drugs, consumer…

The Mythos of the Electronic Church.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schultze, Quentin J.

1987-01-01

Considers the broad appeal of broadcast evangelism among conservative American Protestants although it is an ineffective and inefficient means of evangelization. Defines, describes, and examines the mythos as represented in the rhetoric of various well-known broadcast evangelists and their trade association, National Religious Broadcasters.…

TESTING INDICATOR GROUPS FOR RESERVE SELECTION: ARE RARE SPECIES AT RISK OF BEING LEFT OUT?

EPA Science Inventory

Indicators of biodiversity are potential tools for selecting areas for conservation when information about species' distributions is scarce. The concept involves selecting areas based on groups of conservation targets whose distributions represent more broadly defined patterns o...

Defining a Computational Framework for the Assessment of Taxonomic Applicability

EPA Science Inventory

The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework describes the effects of environmental stressors across multiple scales of biological organization and function. This includes an evaluation of the potential for each key event to occur across a broad range of species in order to determ...

User Authentication from Web Browsing Behavior

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

ourselves with a cognitive personal fingerprint. Attribution is broadly defined as the assignment of an ef- fect to a cause. We differentiate between...reusable patterns of behavior. We encode the semantic and stylistic content Figure 4: Burstiness profile below 1 min aggregated across all sessions for

Air Quality and Heart Health: Managing an Emerging Cardiovascular Risk Factor

EPA Science Inventory

Dr. Cascio will share with a broad range of federal agencies current understanding of the links between air quality and cardiovascular health. The key facts include that air pollution contributes a high attributable health burden. That certain well-defined vulnerable subpopulat...

Organizational Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beriwal, Madhu; Clegg, Stewart; Collopy, Fred; McDaniel, Reuben, Jr.; Morgan, Gareth; Sutcliffe, Kathleen; Kaufman, Roger; Marker, Anthony; Selwyn, Neil

2013-01-01

Scholars representing the field of organizational science, broadly defined as including many fields--organizational behavior and development, management, workplace performance, and so on--were asked to identify what they considered to be the most exciting and imaginative work currently being done in their field, as well as how that work might…

Ecology, Microbial

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

Konopka, Allan

2009-05-15

Microbial ecology is a relatively young discipline within the field of microbiology. Its modern history spans just the past 60 years, and the field is defined by its emphasis on understanding the interactions of microbes with their environment, rather than their behavior under artificial laboratory conditions. Because microbes are ubiquitous, microbial ecologists study a broad diversity of habitats that range from aquatic to terrestrial to plant- or animal-associated. This has made it a challenge to identify unifying principles within the field. One approach is to recognize that although the activity of microbes in nature have effects at the macroscale, theymore » interact with their physical, chemical and biological milieu at a scale of micrometers. At this scale, several different microbial ecosystems can be defined, based upon association with particles, the presence of environmental gradients and the continuous availability of water. Principles applicable to microbial ecology reflect not only their population ecology and physiological ecology, but also their broad versatility and quantitative importance in the biosphere as biogeochemical catalysts and capacity for rapid physiological and evolutionary responses.« less

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

Konopka, Allan

Microbial ecology is a relatively young discipline within the field of microbiology. Its modern history spans just the past 60 years, and the field is defined by its emphasis on understanding the interactions of microbes with their environment, rather than their behavior under artificial laboratory conditions. Because microbes are ubiquitous, microbial ecologists study a broad diversity of habitats that range from aquatic to terrestrial to plant- or animal-associated. This has made it a challenge to identify unifying principles within the field. One approach is to recognize that although the activity of microbes in nature have effects at the macroscale, theymore » interact with their physical, chemical and biological milieu at a scale of micrometers. At this scale, several different microbial ecosystems can be defined, based upon association with particles, the presence of environmental gradients and the continuous availability of water. Principles applicable to microbial ecology reflect not only their population ecology and physiological ecology, but also their broad versatility and quantitative importance in the biosphere as biogeochemical catalysts and capacity for rapid physiological and evolutionary responses.« less

Reference-based phasing using the Haplotype Reference Consortium panel.

PubMed

Loh, Po-Ru; Danecek, Petr; Palamara, Pier Francesco; Fuchsberger, Christian; A Reshef, Yakir; K Finucane, Hilary; Schoenherr, Sebastian; Forer, Lukas; McCarthy, Shane; Abecasis, Goncalo R; Durbin, Richard; L Price, Alkes

2016-11-01

Haplotype phasing is a fundamental problem in medical and population genetics. Phasing is generally performed via statistical phasing in a genotyped cohort, an approach that can yield high accuracy in very large cohorts but attains lower accuracy in smaller cohorts. Here we instead explore the paradigm of reference-based phasing. We introduce a new phasing algorithm, Eagle2, that attains high accuracy across a broad range of cohort sizes by efficiently leveraging information from large external reference panels (such as the Haplotype Reference Consortium; HRC) using a new data structure based on the positional Burrows-Wheeler transform. We demonstrate that Eagle2 attains a ∼20× speedup and ∼10% increase in accuracy compared to reference-based phasing using SHAPEIT2. On European-ancestry samples, Eagle2 with the HRC panel achieves >2× the accuracy of 1000 Genomes-based phasing. Eagle2 is open source and freely available for HRC-based phasing via the Sanger Imputation Service and the Michigan Imputation Server.

Intra- and extra-articular planes of reference for use in total hip arthroplasty: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Hausselle, Jerome; Moreau, Pierre Etienne; Wessely, Loic; de Thomasson, Emmanuel; Assi, Ayman; Parratte, Sebastien; Essig, Jerome; Skalli, Wafa

2012-08-01

Acetabular component malalignment in total hip arthroplasty can lead to potential complications such as dislocation, component impingement and excessive wear. Computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery systems generally use the anterior pelvic plane (APP). Our aim was to investigate the reliability of anatomical landmarks accessible during surgery and to define new potential planes of reference. Three types of palpations were performed: virtual, on dry bones and on two cadaveric specimens. Four landmarks were selected, the reproducibility of their positioning ranging from 0.9 to 2.3 mm. We then defined five planes and tested them during palpations on two cadaveric specimens. Two planes produced a mean orientation error of 5.0° [standard deviation (SD 3.3°)] and 5.6° (SD 2.7°). Even if further studies are needed to test the reliability of such planes on a larger scale in vivo during surgery, these results demonstrated the feasibility of defining a new plane of reference as an alternative to the APP.

Prediction and explanation in the multiverse

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

Garriga, J.; Vilenkin, A.

2008-02-15

Probabilities in the multiverse can be calculated by assuming that we are typical representatives in a given reference class. But is this class well defined? What should be included in the ensemble in which we are supposed to be typical? There is a widespread belief that this question is inherently vague, and that there are various possible choices for the types of reference objects which should be counted in. Here we argue that the 'ideal' reference class (for the purpose of making predictions) can be defined unambiguously in a rather precise way, as the set of all observers with identicalmore » information content. When the observers in a given class perform an experiment, the class branches into subclasses who learn different information from the outcome of that experiment. The probabilities for the different outcomes are defined as the relative numbers of observers in each subclass. For practical purposes, wider reference classes can be used, where we trace over all information which is uncorrelated to the outcome of the experiment, or whose correlation with it is beyond our current understanding. We argue that, once we have gathered all practically available evidence, the optimal strategy for making predictions is to consider ourselves typical in any reference class we belong to, unless we have evidence to the contrary. In the latter case, the class must be correspondingly narrowed.« less

32 CFR 542.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) at public and private secondary schools to conduct student leadership training. Also, a general term... leadership studies at any school under 10 U.S.C. 4651 and as prescribed by the Secretary of the Army. Used in a broad sense to refer to the program and related matters. (c) Leadership Development (LD) Program...

Institutions on the Edge: America's Community Colleges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vaughan, George B.

To understand the elusive nature of the community college, one must understand the process of assimilation that constantly reshapes its mission. Assimilation refers to the process of identifying educational solutions to ever-emerging, broad-based social issues and problems and incorporating these solutions into the community college's mission as…

What Does "Quality" Look like?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacoby, Barbara; Dean, Laura A.

2010-01-01

Across the broad spectrum of disciplines and departments within higher education, it sometimes feels like there is little that unites them. They talk about silos, they bemoan divergent and fragmented efforts, and they refer frequently to "them" and "they," regardless of where they are on the organizational chart. However, there is one topic that…

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOK.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CRAIG, ROBERT L., ED.; BITTEL, LESTER R., ED.

TO PROVIDE A BROAD REFERENCE SOURCE, FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF THE EMPLOYER ORGANIZATION, FOR THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING HUMAN RESOURCES IN ANY ORGANIZATION, THIS HANDBOOK INCLUDES MATERIALS FOR THE SOPHISTICATED MANAGER OF A LARGE TRAINING STAFF AS WELL AS THE FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAINING FOR THE BEGINNING OR PART-TIME TRAINER. THE LEVELS OF…

Library Bulletin, International Planned Parenthood Federation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Planned Parenthood Federation, London (England).

The current issue of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Library Bulletin combines an acquisitions list with that of special bibliographies. The broad classes follow the IPPF general organization by topics: (1) general reference, (2) IPPF, (3) family planning and maternal and child health and care, (4) bio-medical study and…

Library Bulletin, International Planned Parenthood Federation, November 1976.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Planned Parenthood Federation, London (England).

The current issue of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Library Bulletin combines an acquisitions list with that of special bibliographies. The broad classes follow the IPPF general organization by topics: (1) general reference, (2) IPPF, (3) family planning and maternal and child health and care, (4) bio-medical study and…

A Review of Characteristics and Experiences of Decentralization of Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mwinjuma, Juma Saidi; Kadir, Suhaida bte Abd.; Hamzah, Azimi; Basri, Ramli

2015-01-01

This paper scrutinizes decentralization of education with reference to some countries around the world. We consider discussion on decentralization to be complex, critical and broad question in the contemporary education planning, administration and politics of education reforms. Even though the debate on and implementation of decentralization…

Ecological benefits of reduced hydrologic connectivity in intensively developed landscapes

Treesearch

C. Rhett Jackson; Catherine M. Pringle

2010-01-01

A broad perspective on hydrologic connectivity is necessary when managing stream ecosystems and establishing conservation priorities. Hydrologic connectivity refers to the water-mediated transport of matter, energy, or organisms within or between elements of the hydrologic cycle. The potential negative consequences of enhancing hydrologic connectivity warrant careful...

National and State Writing Tests: The Writing Process Betrayed

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schuster, Edgar H.

2004-01-01

State academic standards broadly support the writing process, including the planning (prewriting), drafting, revising, editing, and publishing (sharing) stages. There is also widespread recognition that a valuable part of the process is conferencing, either between teacher and student, student and student (often referred to as peer feedback), or…

Case reports of Dipylidium caninum; a pet associated infection.

PubMed

Wijesundera, M D; Ranaweera, R L

1989-03-01

Two cases of Dipylidium caninum (dog tape worm) infection occurring in children are reported for the first time in Sri Lanka. The diagnosis and treatment with praziquantel, a new broad spectrum antiplatyhelmintic, are described. The importance of this pet associated infection is discussed with special reference to preventive measures.

Selecting, Training, and Supervising Office Personnel.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, H. Webster

Designed to be of value to supervisors, office managers, and executives, this book gives a broad introductory background to the functions of selection, training, and supervision of office personnel. Under recruitment and selection, it covers sources of future employees, use of the application blank, testing, checking references, and interviewing.…

32 CFR 542.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) at public and private secondary schools to conduct student leadership training. Also, a general term... leadership studies at any school under 10 U.S.C. 4651 and as prescribed by the Secretary of the Army. Used in a broad sense to refer to the program and related matters. (c) Leadership Development (LD) Program...

32 CFR 542.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) at public and private secondary schools to conduct student leadership training. Also, a general term... leadership studies at any school under 10 U.S.C. 4651 and as prescribed by the Secretary of the Army. Used in a broad sense to refer to the program and related matters. (c) Leadership Development (LD) Program...

Astrophysical Magnetic Fields and Topics in Galaxy Formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Field, George B.

1997-01-01

The grant was used to support theoretical research on a variety of astro-physical topics falling broadly into those described by the proposal: galaxy formation, astrophysical magnetic fields, magnetized accretion disks in AGN, new physics, and other astrophysical problems. Work accomplished; references are to work authored by project personel.

Bibliography of Research Support for K-8th Grade Inclusive Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Center on Schoolwide Inclusive School Reform: The SWIFT Center, 2014

2014-01-01

Presented here are references to books, chapters, and peer-reviewed journal articles that provide evidence for improved student outcomes through inclusive education in elementary and middle schools (K-8th grades). Not included here are the broad evidence bases for each feature in the SWIFT framework.

Characteristics of the Research Supervision of Postgraduate Teachers' Action Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cornelissen, Frank; van den Berg, Ellen

2014-01-01

Today, many institutions of higher education support students in conducting practice-oriented research. This research refers to a broad array of approaches geared toward practitioners' practice. The supervision of such research is of crucial importance, but little is known about its nature and characteristics. This study examined what research…

Quantitative profiling of oxylipins through comprehensive lc-ms/ms analysis: Application in cardiac surgery

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Oxylipins, including eicosanoids, affect a broad range of biological processes, such as the initiation and resolution of inflammation. These compounds, also referred to as lipid mediators, are (non-) enzymatically generated by oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (AA). A...

THE FUTURE OF COMPUTER-BASED TOXICITY PREDICTION: MECHANISM-BASED MODELS VS. INFORMATION MINING APPROACHES

EPA Science Inventory

The Future of Computer-Based Toxicity Prediction:
Mechanism-Based Models vs. Information Mining Approaches

When we speak of computer-based toxicity prediction, we are generally referring to a broad array of approaches which rely primarily upon chemical structure ...

A Review of Combat Support Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Montague, Ernest K.; Showel, Morris

This report presents a review of current training practices and problems as they relate to the broad spread of individual ability among soldiers, and to the increasing need for functionalization of training. Combat support training was observed at four army training centers, with particular reference to training objectives, methods, and student…

Science Policy Reviews, Volume 5 Number 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simons, Eugene M., Ed.

Presented in this final issue of a quarterly publication are reviews, highlights, and 391 annotated bibliographic references from current and international literature in the area of science and public policy. The literature reviewed includes books, reports, and periodical articles and focuses on matters of broad public policy. In addition to the…

Bibliometrics: tracking research impact by selecting the appropriate metrics.

PubMed

Agarwal, Ashok; Durairajanayagam, Damayanthi; Tatagari, Sindhuja; Esteves, Sandro C; Harlev, Avi; Henkel, Ralf; Roychoudhury, Shubhadeep; Homa, Sheryl; Puchalt, Nicolás Garrido; Ramasamy, Ranjith; Majzoub, Ahmad; Ly, Kim Dao; Tvrda, Eva; Assidi, Mourad; Kesari, Kavindra; Sharma, Reecha; Banihani, Saleem; Ko, Edmund; Abu-Elmagd, Muhammad; Gosalvez, Jaime; Bashiri, Asher

2016-01-01

Traditionally, the success of a researcher is assessed by the number of publications he or she publishes in peer-reviewed, indexed, high impact journals. This essential yardstick, often referred to as the impact of a specific researcher, is assessed through the use of various metrics. While researchers may be acquainted with such matrices, many do not know how to use them to enhance their careers. In addition to these metrics, a number of other factors should be taken into consideration to objectively evaluate a scientist's profile as a researcher and academician. Moreover, each metric has its own limitations that need to be considered when selecting an appropriate metric for evaluation. This paper provides a broad overview of the wide array of metrics currently in use in academia and research. Popular metrics are discussed and defined, including traditional metrics and article-level metrics, some of which are applied to researchers for a greater understanding of a particular concept, including varicocele that is the thematic area of this Special Issue of Asian Journal of Andrology. We recommend the combined use of quantitative and qualitative evaluation using judiciously selected metrics for a more objective assessment of scholarly output and research impact.

The aetiopathogenesis of fatigue: unpredictable, complex and persistent

PubMed Central

Clark, James E.; Fai Ng, W.; Watson, Stuart; Newton, Julia L.

2016-01-01

Background Chronic fatigue syndrome is a common condition characterized by severe fatigue with post-exertional malaise, impaired cognitive ability, poor sleep quality, muscle pain, multi-joint pain, tender lymph nodes, sore throat or headache. Its defining symptom, fatigue is common to several diseases. Areas of agreement Research has established a broad picture of impairment across autonomic, endocrine and inflammatory systems though progress seems to have reached an impasse. Areas of controversy The absence of a clear consensus view of the pathophysiology of fatigue suggests the need to switch from a focus on abnormalities in one system to an experimental and clinical approach which integrates findings across multiple systems and their constituent parts and to consider multiple environmental factors. Growing points We discuss this with reference to three key factors, non-determinism, non-reductionism and self-organization and suggest that an approach based on these principles may afford a coherent explanatory framework for much of the observed phenomena in fatigue and offers promising avenues for future research. Areas timely for developing research By adopting this approach, the field can examine issues regarding aetiopathogenesis and treatment, with relevance for future research and clinical practice. PMID:26872857

The Role of Sexual Health Professionals in Developing a Shared Concept of Risky Sexual Behavior and HIV Transmission

PubMed Central

Alexander, Kamila A.; Fannin, Ehriel F.; Baker, Jillian L.; Davis, Zupenda M.

2015-01-01

“Risky sexual behavior” accounts for the majority of new HIV infections regardless of gender, age, geographic location, or ethnicity. The phrase, however, refers to a relatively nebulous concept that hampers development of effective sexual health communication strategies. The purpose of this paper is to propose development of a shared conceptual understanding of “risky sexual behavior.” We reviewed multidisciplinary HIV/AIDS literature to identify definitions of risky sexual behavior. Both the linguistic components and the social mechanisms that contribute to the concept of risky sexual behaviors were noted. Risky sexual behavior was often defined in a subjective manner in the literature, even in the scientific research. We urge a paradigm shift to focus on explicit behaviors and the social context of those behaviors in determining HIV risk. We also propose a new definition that reduces individual biases and promotes a broader discussion of the degree of sexual risk across a diversity of behavioral contexts. Sexual health professionals can strengthen practice and research initiatives by operating from a concise working definition of risky sexual behavior that is broadly transferable and expands beyond a traditional focus on identity-based groups. PMID:26184496

Entrustable professional activities in post-licensure training in primary care pediatrics: Necessity, development and implementation of a competency-based post-graduate curriculum.

PubMed

Fehr, Folkert; Weiß-Becker, Christoph; Becker, Hera; Opladen, Thomas

2017-01-01

There is an absence of broad-based and binding curricular requirements for structured competency-based post-graduate medical training in Germany, and thus no basis for comparing the competencies of physicians undergoing training in a medical specialty ( Ärzte im Weiterbildung ). In response, the German Society of Primary Care Pediatrics' working group on post-graduate education (DGAAP) has identified realistic entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in primary care, defined their number, scope and content, selected competency domains, specified required knowledge and skills, and described appropriate assessment methods. These guidelines are referred to as PaedCompenda and can be accessed electronically by educators in pediatric medicine; the use and effectiveness of these guidelines are monitored by the German Association for Medical Education's committee on post-graduate education (GMA). Teaching and training in pediatric medicine should take EPAs into consideration. To accomplish this, phases dedicated to primary care should be integrated into formal medical specialty training. Primary care pediatrics must enhance the sites where such training takes place into learning environments that prepare physicians trainees and turn the practicing specialists into mentoring educators.

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

Thomas, J.M.; Callahan, C.A.; Cline, J.F.

Bioassays were used in a three-phase research project to assess the comparative sensitivity of test organisms to known chemicals, determine if the chemical components in field soil and water samples containing unknown contaminants could be inferred from our laboratory studies using known chemicals, and to investigate kriging (a relatively new statistical mapping technique) and bioassays as methods to define the areal extent of chemical contamination. The algal assay generally was most sensitive to samples of pure chemicals, soil elutriates and water from eight sites with known chemical contamination. Bioassays of nine samples of unknown chemical composition from the Rocky Mountainmore » Arsenal (RMA) site showed that a lettuce seed soil contact phytoassay was most sensitive. In general, our bioassays can be used to broadly identify toxic components of contaminated soil. Nearly pure compounds of insecticides and herbicides were less toxic in the sensitive bioassays than were the counterpart commercial formulations. This finding indicates that chemical analysis alone may fail to correctly rate the severity of environmental toxicity. Finally, we used the lettuce seed phytoassay and kriging techniques in a field study at RMA to demonstrate the feasibility of mapping contamination to aid in cleanup decisions. 25 references, 9 figures, 9 tables.« less

Applications of systems science in biomedical research regarding obesity and noncommunicable chronic diseases: opportunities, promise, and challenges.

PubMed

Wang, Youfa; Xue, Hong; Liu, Shiyong

2015-01-01

Interest in the application of systems science (SS) in biomedical research, particularly regarding obesity and noncommunicable chronic disease (NCD) research, has been growing rapidly over the past decade. SS is a broad term referring to a family of research approaches that include modeling. As an emerging approach being adopted in public health, SS focuses on the complex dynamic interaction between agents (e.g., people) and subsystems defined at different levels. SS provides a conceptual framework for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches that address complex problems. SS has unique advantages for studying obesity and NCD problems in comparison to the traditional analytic approaches. The application of SS in biomedical research dates back to the 1960s with the development of computing capacity and simulation software. In recent decades, SS has been applied to addressing the growing global obesity epidemic. There is growing appreciation and support for using SS in the public health field, with many promising opportunities. There are also many challenges and uncertainties, including methodologic, funding, and institutional barriers. Integrated efforts by stakeholders that address these challenges are critical for the successful application of SS in the future. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

The Role of Sexual Health Professionals in Developing a Shared Concept of Risky Sexual Behavior as it Relates to HIV Transmission.

PubMed

Brawner, Bridgette M; Alexander, Kamila A; Fannin, Ehriel F; Baker, Jillian L; Davis, Zupenda M

2016-01-01

"Risky sexual behavior" accounts for the majority of new HIV infections regardless of gender, age, geographic location, or ethnicity. The phrase, however, refers to a relatively nebulous concept that hampers development of effective sexual health communication strategies. The purpose of this paper was to propose development of a shared conceptual understanding of "risky sexual behavior." We reviewed multidisciplinary HIV/AIDS literature to identify definitions of risky sexual behavior. Both the linguistic components and the social mechanisms that contribute to the concept of risky sexual behaviors were noted. Risky sexual behavior was often defined in a subjective manner in the literature, even in the scientific research. We urge a paradigm shift to focus on explicit behaviors and the social context of those behaviors in determining HIV risk. We also propose a new definition that reduces individual biases and promotes a broader discussion of the degree of sexual risk across a diversity of behavioral contexts. Sexual health professionals can strengthen practice and research initiatives by operating from a concise working definition of risky sexual behavior that is broadly transferable and expands beyond a traditional focus on identity-based groups. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

How interdisciplinary is nanotechnology?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porter, Alan L.; Youtie, Jan

2009-07-01

Facilitating cross-disciplinary research has attracted much attention in recent years, with special concerns in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Although policy discourse has emphasized that nanotechnology is substantively integrative, some analysts have countered that it is really a loose amalgam of relatively traditional pockets of physics, chemistry, and other disciplines that interrelate only weakly. We are developing empirical measures to gauge and visualize the extent and nature of interdisciplinary interchange. Such results speak to research organization, funding, and mechanisms to bolster knowledge transfer. In this study, we address the nature of cross-disciplinary linkages using "science overlay maps" of articles, and their references, that have been categorized into subject categories. We find signs that the rate of increase in nano research is slowing, and that its composition is changing (for one, increasing chemistry-related activity). Our results suggest that nanotechnology research encompasses multiple disciplines that draw knowledge from disciplinarily diverse knowledge sources. Nano research is highly, and increasingly, integrative—but so is much of science these days. Tabulating and mapping nano research activity show a dominant core in materials sciences, broadly defined. Additional analyses and maps show that nano research draws extensively upon knowledge presented in other areas; it is not constricted within narrow silos.

Bibliometrics: tracking research impact by selecting the appropriate metrics

PubMed Central

Agarwal, Ashok; Durairajanayagam, Damayanthi; Tatagari, Sindhuja; Esteves, Sandro C; Harlev, Avi; Henkel, Ralf; Roychoudhury, Shubhadeep; Homa, Sheryl; Puchalt, Nicolás Garrido; Ramasamy, Ranjith; Majzoub, Ahmad; Ly, Kim Dao; Tvrda, Eva; Assidi, Mourad; Kesari, Kavindra; Sharma, Reecha; Banihani, Saleem; Ko, Edmund; Abu-Elmagd, Muhammad; Gosalvez, Jaime; Bashiri, Asher

2016-01-01

Traditionally, the success of a researcher is assessed by the number of publications he or she publishes in peer-reviewed, indexed, high impact journals. This essential yardstick, often referred to as the impact of a specific researcher, is assessed through the use of various metrics. While researchers may be acquainted with such matrices, many do not know how to use them to enhance their careers. In addition to these metrics, a number of other factors should be taken into consideration to objectively evaluate a scientist's profile as a researcher and academician. Moreover, each metric has its own limitations that need to be considered when selecting an appropriate metric for evaluation. This paper provides a broad overview of the wide array of metrics currently in use in academia and research. Popular metrics are discussed and defined, including traditional metrics and article-level metrics, some of which are applied to researchers for a greater understanding of a particular concept, including varicocele that is the thematic area of this Special Issue of Asian Journal of Andrology. We recommend the combined use of quantitative and qualitative evaluation using judiciously selected metrics for a more objective assessment of scholarly output and research impact. PMID:26806079

Air Pollution Forecasts: An Overview

PubMed Central

Bai, Lu; Wang, Jianzhou; Lu, Haiyan

2018-01-01

Air pollution is defined as a phenomenon harmful to the ecological system and the normal conditions of human existence and development when some substances in the atmosphere exceed a certain concentration. In the face of increasingly serious environmental pollution problems, scholars have conducted a significant quantity of related research, and in those studies, the forecasting of air pollution has been of paramount importance. As a precaution, the air pollution forecast is the basis for taking effective pollution control measures, and accurate forecasting of air pollution has become an important task. Extensive research indicates that the methods of air pollution forecasting can be broadly divided into three classical categories: statistical forecasting methods, artificial intelligence methods, and numerical forecasting methods. More recently, some hybrid models have been proposed, which can improve the forecast accuracy. To provide a clear perspective on air pollution forecasting, this study reviews the theory and application of those forecasting models. In addition, based on a comparison of different forecasting methods, the advantages and disadvantages of some methods of forecasting are also provided. This study aims to provide an overview of air pollution forecasting methods for easy access and reference by researchers, which will be helpful in further studies. PMID:29673227

THE FUTURE OF TOXICOLOGY-PREDICTIVE TOXICOLOGY ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

A chemistry approach to predictive toxicology relies on structure−activity relationship (SAR) modeling to predict biological activity from chemical structure. Such approaches have proven capabilities when applied to well-defined toxicity end points or regions of chemical space. These approaches are less well-suited, however, to the challenges of global toxicity prediction, i.e., to predicting the potential toxicity of structurally diverse chemicals across a wide range of end points of regulatory and pharmaceutical concern. New approaches that have the potential to significantly improve capabilities in predictive toxicology are elaborating the “activity” portion of the SAR paradigm. Recent advances in two areas of endeavor are particularly promising. Toxicity data informatics relies on standardized data schema, developed for particular areas of toxicological study, to facilitate data integration and enable relational exploration and mining of data across both historical and new areas of toxicological investigation. Bioassay profiling refers to large-scale high-throughput screening approaches that use chemicals as probes to broadly characterize biological response space, extending the concept of chemical “properties” to the biological activity domain. The effective capture and representation of legacy and new toxicity data into mineable form and the large-scale generation of new bioassay data in relation to chemical toxicity, both employing chemical stru

Anti–PD-1/PD-L1 therapy of human cancer: past, present, and future

PubMed Central

Chen, Lieping; Han, Xue

2015-01-01

Major progress has been made toward our understanding of the programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway (referred to as the PD pathway). mAbs are already being used to block the PD pathway to treat human cancers (anti-PD therapy), especially advanced solid tumors. This therapy is based on principles that were discovered through basic research more than a decade ago, but the great potential of this pathway to treat a broad spectrum of advanced human cancers is just now becoming apparent. In this Review, we will briefly review the history and development of anti-PD therapy, from the original benchwork to the most up-to-date clinical results. We will then focus the discussion on three basic principles that define this unique therapeutic approach and highlight how anti-PD therapy is distinct from other immunotherapeutic approaches, namely tumor site immune modulation, targeting tumor-induced immune defects, and repairing ongoing (rather than generating de novo) tumor immunity. We believe that these fundamental principles set the standard for future immunotherapies and will guide our efforts to develop more efficacious and less toxic immune therapeutics to treat human cancers. PMID:26325035

What is 'binge drinking'? Perceptions of Australian adolescents and adults, and implications for mass media campaigns.

PubMed

Jones, Sandra C; Gordon, Chloe S; Andrews, Kelly

2016-10-01

While the term 'binge drinking' has no definitive definition, it is commonly used in lay conversation and mass media communication campaigns. It is important to understand how the general population interprets the term, and their positive and negative perceptions of this behaviour. A convenience sample of 549 participants from two Australian towns completed a survey on perceptions of binge drinking; 221 adolescents, 104 parents of adolescents and 224 adult community members. Across all three groups, binge drinking was defined using broad descriptors; few respondents referred to specific consumption levels and those who did varied widely in the quantities specified. The majority of respondents described binge drinking negatively and, in most cases, more negatively for adolescents than adults. However, both adult groups perceived binge drinking to be more enjoyable and pleasant for adolescents than for adults, and more enjoyable and pleasant than adolescents did themselves. There is a need for shared understanding of terms to ensure that educational interventions and communication campaigns are using the same definitions as their target audiences. There is also a need to ensure adults are not providing young people with mixed messages about excessive alcohol consumption. © 2016 Public Health Association of Australia.

Air Pollution Forecasts: An Overview.

PubMed

Bai, Lu; Wang, Jianzhou; Ma, Xuejiao; Lu, Haiyan

2018-04-17

Air pollution is defined as a phenomenon harmful to the ecological system and the normal conditions of human existence and development when some substances in the atmosphere exceed a certain concentration. In the face of increasingly serious environmental pollution problems, scholars have conducted a significant quantity of related research, and in those studies, the forecasting of air pollution has been of paramount importance. As a precaution, the air pollution forecast is the basis for taking effective pollution control measures, and accurate forecasting of air pollution has become an important task. Extensive research indicates that the methods of air pollution forecasting can be broadly divided into three classical categories: statistical forecasting methods, artificial intelligence methods, and numerical forecasting methods. More recently, some hybrid models have been proposed, which can improve the forecast accuracy. To provide a clear perspective on air pollution forecasting, this study reviews the theory and application of those forecasting models. In addition, based on a comparison of different forecasting methods, the advantages and disadvantages of some methods of forecasting are also provided. This study aims to provide an overview of air pollution forecasting methods for easy access and reference by researchers, which will be helpful in further studies.

Print-to-print: printer-enabled out-of-cleanroom multiobject microprinting method.

PubMed

Xing, Siyuan; Zhao, Siwei; Pan, Tingrui

2014-01-01

Micropatterning techniques have gained growing interests from a broad range of engineering and biology researches as it realizes the high-throughput and highly quantitative investigations on miniature biological objects (e.g., cells and bacteria) by spatially defined micropatterns. However, most of the existing techniques rely on expensive instruments or intensive cleanroom access which may not be easy to be utilized in a regular biological laboratory. Here, we present the detailed procedures of a simple versatile microprinting process, referred to as Print-to-Print (P2P), to form multiobject micropatterns for potential biological applications. Only a solid-phase printer and custom-made superhydrophobic (SH) films are utilized for the printing and no thermal or chemical treatment is involved during the entire printing process. Moreover, the noncontact nature of droplet transferring and printing steps can be highly advantageous for sensitive biological uses. By the P2P process, a minimal feature resolution of 229 ± 17 μm has been successfully achieved. What's more, this approach has been applied to form micropatterning on various commonly used substrates in biology as well as multiobject co-patterns. In addition, the SH substrates have also been demonstrated to be reusable. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

American Journal of Ophthalmology Contributions to Ophthalmic Genetics.

PubMed

MacDonald, Ian M; Sieving, Pamela C

2018-06-01

To review the contributions to ophthalmic genetics through the American Journal of Ophthalmology (AJO). Perspective. A literature search to retrieve original articles, letters, editorials, and published lectures from 1966 to 2017, providing a 50-year review. Titles were excluded that gave no reference to genetics or that presented findings related to a nongenetic ocular condition. From a search of the Scopus database, 719 articles were ascertained. Of these, 115 were excluded because the title did not reference a genetic condition or have a focus on genetic factors; 4 were excluded because they described animal phenotypes (1966-1967); and 4 were excluded owing to having received no citations up to and including 2015. The highest number of citations was 283 times for a single article on familial aggregation in age-related macular degeneration. The Web of Science database yielded 771 articles; of these, 118 were excluded owing to not reporting human genetic studies; 55 received no citations. The highest number of citations was 307 for a single article, a 1991 paper on Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. The Journal's contributions to our understanding of the heritability of human ocular traits have been broad and deep, with international reach. The development of new techniques fostered new concepts and new approaches to rapidly expand the number of known single gene disorders with a defined molecular genetic cause. Reports on Mendelian and complex traits in the AJO abound, along with 6 Edward Jackson Memorial Lectures on retinal dystrophies, Leber congenital amaurosis, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Series: Practical guidance to qualitative research. Part 3: Sampling, data collection and analysis.

PubMed

Moser, Albine; Korstjens, Irene

2018-12-01

In the course of our supervisory work over the years, we have noticed that qualitative research tends to evoke a lot of questions and worries, so-called frequently asked questions (FAQs). This series of four articles intends to provide novice researchers with practical guidance for conducting high-quality qualitative research in primary care. By 'novice' we mean Master's students and junior researchers, as well as experienced quantitative researchers who are engaging in qualitative research for the first time. This series addresses their questions and provides researchers, readers, reviewers and editors with references to criteria and tools for judging the quality of qualitative research papers. The second article focused on context, research questions and designs, and referred to publications for further reading. This third article addresses FAQs about sampling, data collection and analysis. The data collection plan needs to be broadly defined and open at first, and become flexible during data collection. Sampling strategies should be chosen in such a way that they yield rich information and are consistent with the methodological approach used. Data saturation determines sample size and will be different for each study. The most commonly used data collection methods are participant observation, face-to-face in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Analyses in ethnographic, phenomenological, grounded theory, and content analysis studies yield different narrative findings: a detailed description of a culture, the essence of the lived experience, a theory, and a descriptive summary, respectively. The fourth and final article will focus on trustworthiness and publishing qualitative research.

Series: Practical guidance to qualitative research. Part 3: Sampling, data collection and analysis

PubMed Central

Moser, Albine; Korstjens, Irene

2018-01-01

Abstract In the course of our supervisory work over the years, we have noticed that qualitative research tends to evoke a lot of questions and worries, so-called frequently asked questions (FAQs). This series of four articles intends to provide novice researchers with practical guidance for conducting high-quality qualitative research in primary care. By ‘novice’ we mean Master’s students and junior researchers, as well as experienced quantitative researchers who are engaging in qualitative research for the first time. This series addresses their questions and provides researchers, readers, reviewers and editors with references to criteria and tools for judging the quality of qualitative research papers. The second article focused on context, research questions and designs, and referred to publications for further reading. This third article addresses FAQs about sampling, data collection and analysis. The data collection plan needs to be broadly defined and open at first, and become flexible during data collection. Sampling strategies should be chosen in such a way that they yield rich information and are consistent with the methodological approach used. Data saturation determines sample size and will be different for each study. The most commonly used data collection methods are participant observation, face-to-face in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Analyses in ethnographic, phenomenological, grounded theory, and content analysis studies yield different narrative findings: a detailed description of a culture, the essence of the lived experience, a theory, and a descriptive summary, respectively. The fourth and final article will focus on trustworthiness and publishing qualitative research. PMID:29199486

Pointing to potential reference areas to assess soil mutagenicity.

PubMed

Meyer, D D; Da Silva, F M R; Souza, J W M; Pohren, R S; Rocha, J A V; Vargas, V M F

2015-04-01

Several have been performed to evaluate the mutagenicity of soil samples in urban and industrial areas. The use of uncontaminated reference areas has been an obstacle to the study of environmental mutagenesis. The study aimed to indicate a methodology to define reference areas in studies of environmental contamination based on "Ambient Background Concentration" of metallic elements associated with the Salmonella/microsome assay. We looked at three potential reference areas, two of them close by the industrial sources of contamination (São Jerônimo reference, near the coal-fired power plant, and Triunfo reference, near the wood preservative plant), but not directly influenced by them and an area located inside a protected area (Itapuã reference). We also carried out chemical analyses of some metals to plot the metal profile of these potential reference areas and define basal levels of these metals in the soils. After examining the mutagenicity of the inorganic extracts using strains TA98, TA97a, and TA100, in the presence and absence of S9 mix, we indicated the São Jerônimo reference and the Itapuã reference as two sites that could be used in future studies of mutagenicity of soils in southern Brazil. The association between a mutagenicity bioassay and the "Ambient Background Concentration" seems to be a useful method to indicate the reference areas in studies of contamination by environmental mutagens, where these results were corroborated by canonical correspondence analysis.

Reference in human and non-human primate communication: What does it take to refer?

PubMed

Sievers, Christine; Gruber, Thibaud

2016-07-01

The concept of functional reference has been used to isolate potentially referential vocal signals in animal communication. However, its relatedness to the phenomenon of reference in human language has recently been brought into question. While some researchers have suggested abandoning the concept of functional reference altogether, others advocate a revision of its definition to include contextual cues that play a role in signal production and perception. Empirical and theoretical work on functional reference has also put much emphasis on how the receiver understands the referential signal. However, reference, as defined in the linguistic literature, is an action of the producer, and therefore, any definition describing reference in non-human animals must also focus on the producer. To successfully determine whether a signal is used to refer, we suggest an approach from the field of pragmatics, taking a closer look at specific situations of signal production, specifically at the factors that influence the production of a signal by an individual. We define the concept of signaller's reference to identify intentional acts of reference produced by a signaller independently of the communicative modality, and illustrate it with a case study of the hoo vocalizations produced by wild chimpanzees during travel. This novel framework introduces an intentional approach to referentiality. It may therefore permit a closer comparison of human and non-human animal referential behaviour and underlying cognitive processes, allowing us to identify what may have emerged solely in the human lineage.

SUPPORT FOR REFERENCE AND EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM

EPA Science Inventory

Federal Reference Methods (FRMs) and Federal Equivalent Methods (FEMs) form the backbone of the EPA's national monitoring strategy. They are the measurement methodologies that define attainment of a National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). As knowledge and technology adva...

International Geomagnetic Reference Field: the third generation.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Peddie, N.W.

1982-01-01

In August 1981 the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy revised the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF). It is the second revision since the inception of the IGRF in 1968. The revision extends the earlier series of IGRF models from 1980 to 1985, introduces a new series of definitive models for 1965-1976, and defines a provisional reference field for 1975- 1980. The revision consists of: 1) a model of the main geomagnetic field at 1980.0, not continuous with the earlier series of IGRF models together with a forecast model of the secular variation of the main field during 1980-1985; 2) definitive models of the main field at 1965.0, 1970.0, and 1975.0, with linear interpolation of the model coefficients specified for intervening dates; and 3) a provisional reference field for 1975-1980, defined as the linear interpolation of the 1975 and 1980 main-field models.-from Author

Sudden gains in the outpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa: A process-outcome study.

PubMed

Cartwright, Anna; Cheng, Yat Ping; Schmidt, Ulrike; Landau, Sabine

2017-10-01

Sudden gains (SGs), broadly defined as sudden symptom reductions occurring between two consecutive treatment sessions, have been associated with improved treatment outcomes in anxiety and depression. The present study is the first to formally define SGs in anorexia nervosa and explore the characteristics, demographic and baseline clinical predictors, and clinical impact of SGs in anorexia nervosa. This is a secondary analysis of data from 89 outpatients with broadly defined anorexia nervosa who received one of two psychotherapeutic interventions as part of the MOSAIC trial (Schmidt et al., 2015). SGs were defined using session-by-session body mass index (BMI) measures. This study investigated whether SGs were associated with changes in BMI, eating disorder symptomology, general psychopathology, and psychosocial impairment between baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up. SGs, experienced by 61.8% of patients, mostly occurred during the early and middle phases of treatment. A larger proportion of SGs predicted larger increases in BMI between baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up. Amongst those experiencing at least one SG, fewer days between baseline and a patient's first SG predicted a larger increase in BMI between baseline and both 6 and 12 months follow-up. The proportion and timing of SGs did not predict changes in other outcome measures. SGs in BMI during the outpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa are clinically useful predictors of longer-term weight outcomes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Health care consumers' experiences of information communication technology--a summary of literature.

PubMed

Akesson, Kerstin M; Saveman, Britt-Inger; Nilsson, Gunilla

2007-09-01

There is an increasing interest in reaching consumers directly through the Internet and different telecommunication systems. The most important contacts in health care will always be the face-to-face meetings, but the tools of health informatics can be seen as a means to an end, which is to provide the best possible health care. A variety of applications have been described in different references. To our knowledge there has been no review of a research-based state of the art in the field of consumers' experiences in using different applications in health informatics. According to the benefits in using information communication technology (ICT) as being cost-effective and timesaving it is of great importance to focus on and examine consumers' experiences. It is important that it is user friendly and regarded as valuable and useful. The aim of this study was to describe consumers' subjective experiences of using electronic resources with reference to health and illness. DESIGN AND/OR METHOD: A systematic literature search was performed in databases CINAHL, Medline and Cochrane, as well as a manual search. Retrieved references (n=14) were appraised according to their scientific structure and quality. A broad search was performed in order to find as many different applications as possible. Our primary intention was to identify existing references describing consumers' experiences with ICT. In spite of this broad search few references were found. Twelve references remained and three themes were identified: support and help, education and information, and telecommunication instead of on-site visiting. Consumers felt more confident and empowered, their knowledge increased and their health status improved due to the ICT resources. Lack of face-to-face meetings or privacy did not appear to be a problem. ICT can improve the nurse-patient relationship and augment well-being for consumers. More research is needed to measure consumers' experiences and factors that influence it. 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd

Defining climate change scenario characteristics with a phase space of cumulative primary energy and carbon intensity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ritchie, Justin; Dowlatabadi, Hadi

2018-02-01

Climate change modeling relies on projections of future greenhouse gas emissions and other phenomena leading to changes in planetary radiative forcing. Scenarios of socio-technical development consistent with end-of-century forcing levels are commonly produced by integrated assessment models. However, outlooks for forcing from fossil energy combustion can also be presented and defined in terms of two essential components: total energy use this century and the carbon intensity of that energy. This formulation allows a phase space diagram to succinctly describe a broad range of possible outcomes for carbon emissions from the future energy system. In the following paper, we demonstrate this phase space method with the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) as used in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5). The resulting RCP phase space is applied to map IPCC Working Group III (WGIII) reference case ‘no policy’ scenarios. Once these scenarios are described as coordinates in the phase space, data mining techniques can readily distill their core features. Accordingly, we conduct a k-means cluster analysis to distinguish the shared outlooks of these scenarios for oil, gas and coal resource use. As a whole, the AR5 database depicts a transition toward re-carbonization, where a world without climate policy inevitably leads to an energy supply with increasing carbon intensity. This orientation runs counter to the experienced ‘dynamics as usual’ of gradual decarbonization, suggesting climate change targets outlined in the Paris Accord are more readily achievable than projected to date.

Pre-Clinical Drug Prioritization via Prognosis-Guided Genetic Interaction Networks

PubMed Central

Xiong, Jianghui; Liu, Juan; Rayner, Simon; Tian, Ze; Li, Yinghui; Chen, Shanguang

2010-01-01

The high rates of failure in oncology drug clinical trials highlight the problems of using pre-clinical data to predict the clinical effects of drugs. Patient population heterogeneity and unpredictable physiology complicate pre-clinical cancer modeling efforts. We hypothesize that gene networks associated with cancer outcome in heterogeneous patient populations could serve as a reference for identifying drug effects. Here we propose a novel in vivo genetic interaction which we call ‘synergistic outcome determination’ (SOD), a concept similar to ‘Synthetic Lethality’. SOD is defined as the synergy of a gene pair with respect to cancer patients' outcome, whose correlation with outcome is due to cooperative, rather than independent, contributions of genes. The method combines microarray gene expression data with cancer prognostic information to identify synergistic gene-gene interactions that are then used to construct interaction networks based on gene modules (a group of genes which share similar function). In this way, we identified a cluster of important epigenetically regulated gene modules. By projecting drug sensitivity-associated genes on to the cancer-specific inter-module network, we defined a perturbation index for each drug based upon its characteristic perturbation pattern on the inter-module network. Finally, by calculating this index for compounds in the NCI Standard Agent Database, we significantly discriminated successful drugs from a broad set of test compounds, and further revealed the mechanisms of drug combinations. Thus, prognosis-guided synergistic gene-gene interaction networks could serve as an efficient in silico tool for pre-clinical drug prioritization and rational design of combinatorial therapies. PMID:21085674

Options for national parks and reserves for adapting to climate change.

PubMed

Baron, Jill S; Gunderson, Lance; Allen, Craig D; Fleishman, Erica; McKenzie, Donald; Meyerson, Laura A; Oropeza, Jill; Stephenson, Nate

2009-12-01

Past and present climate has shaped the valued ecosystems currently protected in parks and reserves, but future climate change will redefine these conditions. Continued conservation as climate changes will require thinking differently about resource management than we have in the past; we present some logical steps and tools for doing so. Three critical tenets underpin future management plans and activities: (1) climate patterns of the past will not be the climate patterns of the future; (2) climate defines the environment and influences future trajectories of the distributions of species and their habitats; (3) specific management actions may help increase the resilience of some natural resources, but fundamental changes in species and their environment may be inevitable. Science-based management will be necessary because past experience may not serve as a guide for novel future conditions. Identifying resources and processes at risk, defining thresholds and reference conditions, and establishing monitoring and assessment programs are among the types of scientific practices needed to support a broadened portfolio of management activities. In addition to the control and hedging management strategies commonly in use today, we recommend adaptive management wherever possible. Adaptive management increases our ability to address the multiple scales at which species and processes function, and increases the speed of knowledge transfer among scientists and managers. Scenario planning provides a broad forward-thinking framework from which the most appropriate management tools can be chosen. The scope of climate change effects will require a shared vision among regional partners. Preparing for and adapting to climate change is as much a cultural and intellectual challenge as an ecological challenge.

Persistent Identifiers as Boundary Objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parsons, M. A.; Fox, P. A.

2017-12-01

In 1989, Leigh Star and Jim Griesemer defined the seminal concept of `boundary objects'. These `objects' are what Latour calls `immutable mobiles' that enable communication and collaboration across difference by helping meaning to be understood in different contexts. As Star notes, they are a sort of arrangement that allow different groups to work together without (a priori) consensus. Part of the idea is to recognize and allow for the `interpretive flexibility' that is central to much of the `constructivist' approach in the sociology of science. Persistent Identifiers (PIDs) can clearly act as boundary objects, but people do not usually assume that they enable interpretive flexibility. After all, they are meant to be unambiguous, machine-interpretable identifiers of defined artifacts. In this paper, we argue that PIDs can fill at least two roles: 1) That of the standardized form, where there is strong agreement on what is being represented and how and 2) that of the idealized type, a more conceptual concept that allows many different representations. We further argue that these seemingly abstract conceptions actually help us implement PIDs more effectively to link data, publications, various other artifacts, and especially people. Considering PIDs as boundary objects can help us address issues such as what level of granularity is necessary for PIDs, what metadata should be directly associated with PIDs, and what purpose is the PID serving (reference, provenance, credit, etc.). In short, sociological theory can improve data sharing standards and their implementation in a way that enables broad interdisciplinary data sharing and reuse. We will illustrate this with several specific examples of Earth science data.

Options for national parks and reserves for adapting to climate change

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baron, Jill S.; Gunderson, Lance; Allen, Craig D.; Fleishman, Erica; McKenzie, Donald; Meyerson, Laura A.; Oropeza, Jill; Stephenson, Nathan L.

2009-01-01

Past and present climate has shaped the valued ecosystems currently protected in parks and reserves, but future climate change will redefine these conditions. Continued conservation as climate changes will require thinking differently about resource management than we have in the past; we present some logical steps and tools for doing so. Three critical tenets underpin future management plans and activities: (1) climate patterns of the past will not be the climate patterns of the future; (2) climate defines the environment and influences future trajectories of the distributions of species and their habitats; (3) specific management actions may help increase the resilience of some natural resources, but fundamental changes in species and their environment may be inevitable. Science-based management will be necessary because past experience may not serve as a guide for novel future conditions. Identifying resources and processes at risk, defining thresholds and reference conditions, and establishing monitoring and assessment programs are among the types of scientific practices needed to support a broadened portfolio of management activities. In addition to the control and hedging management strategies commonly in use today, we recommend adaptive management wherever possible. Adaptive management increases our ability to address the multiple scales at which species and processes function, and increases the speed of knowledge transfer among scientists and managers. Scenario planning provides a broad forward-thinking framework from which the most appropriate management tools can be chosen. The scope of climate change effects will require a shared vision among regional partners. Preparing for and adapting to climate change is as much a cultural and intellectual challenge as an ecological challenge.

GAGES: A stream gage database for evaluating natural and alteredflow conditions in the conterminous United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Falcone, James A.; Carlisle, Daren M.; Wolock, David M.; Meador, Michael R.

2010-01-01

In addition, watersheds were assessed for their reference quality within nine broad regions for use in studies intended to characterize stream flows under conditions minimally influenced by human activities. Three primary criteria were used to assess reference quality: (1) a quantitative index of anthropogenic modification within the watershed based on GIS-derived variables, (2) visual inspection of every stream gage and drainage basin from recent high-resolution imagery and topographic maps, and (3) information about man-made influences from USGS Annual Water Data Reports. From the set of 6785 sites, we identified 1512 as reference-quality stream gages. All data derived for these watersheds as well as the reference condition evaluation are provided as an online data set termed GAGES (geospatial attributes of gages for evaluating stream flow).

14 CFR Appendix J to Part 36 - Alternative Noise Certification Procedure for Helicopters Under Subpart H Having a Maximum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... produce the same advancing blade tip Mach number as associated with the reference conditions; (i) Advancing blade tip Mach number (MAT) is defined as the ratio of the arithmetic sum of blade tip rotational... the reference advancing blade tip Mach number. The adjusted reference airspeed shall be maintained...

14 CFR Appendix J to Part 36 - Alternative Noise Certification Procedure for Helicopters Under Subpart H Having a Maximum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... produce the same advancing blade tip Mach number as associated with the reference conditions; (i) Advancing blade tip Mach number (MAT) is defined as the ratio of the arithmetic sum of blade tip rotational... the reference advancing blade tip Mach number. The adjusted reference airspeed shall be maintained...

14 CFR Appendix J to Part 36 - Alternative Noise Certification Procedure for Helicopters Under Subpart H Having a Maximum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... produce the same advancing blade tip Mach number as associated with the reference conditions; (i) Advancing blade tip Mach number (MAT) is defined as the ratio of the arithmetic sum of blade tip rotational... the reference advancing blade tip Mach number. The adjusted reference airspeed shall be maintained...

14 CFR Appendix J to Part 36 - Alternative Noise Certification Procedure for Helicopters Under Subpart H Having a Maximum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... produce the same advancing blade tip Mach number as associated with the reference conditions; (i) Advancing blade tip Mach number (MAT) is defined as the ratio of the arithmetic sum of blade tip rotational... the reference advancing blade tip Mach number. The adjusted reference airspeed shall be maintained...

14 CFR Appendix J to Part 36 - Alternative Noise Certification Procedure for Helicopters Under Subpart H Having a Maximum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... produce the same advancing blade tip Mach number as associated with the reference conditions; (i) Advancing blade tip Mach number (MAT) is defined as the ratio of the arithmetic sum of blade tip rotational... the reference advancing blade tip Mach number. The adjusted reference airspeed shall be maintained...

Guidelines for Marine Biological Reference Collections. Unesco Reports in Marine Sciences, No. 22.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hureau, J. C.; Rice, A. L.

This manual provides practical advice on the appropriation, conservation, and documentation of a marine biological reference collection, in response to needs expressed by Mediterranean Arab countries. A reference collection is defined as a working museum containing a series of specimens with which biologists are able to compare their own material.…

Undergraduate Research and Academic Archives: Instruction, Learning and Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krause, Magia G.

2010-01-01

Colleges and universities are increasingly investing resources to promote undergraduate research. Undergraduate research can be broadly defined to incorporate scientific inquiry, creative expression, and scholarship with the result of producing original work. Academic archives and special collections can play a vital role in the undergraduate…

Learning Systems in Post-Statutory Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Catherall, Paul

2008-01-01

This article examines the broad scope of systemised learning (e-learning) in post-statutory education. Issues for discussion include the origins and forms of learning systems, including technical and educational concepts and approaches, such as distributed and collaborative learning. The VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) is defined as the…

Climate change impacts on terrestrial ecosystems in the multi-state region centered on Chicago

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This paper describes the potential impacts of warming temperatures and changing precipitation on plants wildlife, invasive species, pests and agricultural ecosystems across the multistate region centered on Chicago, Illinois. We define the region broadly to include several hundred kilometers. We c...

Two Linguists on Freshman English: Pressure from Below.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Francis, W. Nelson

1964-01-01

The importance of improving English instructors' attitudes toward three broadly classified forms of language expression is examined. The author notes an increased interest in languages among college freshmen and defines the differences between (1) artistic, (2) playful, and (3) intellectual expression. Pressure resulting from advanced teaching…

The Workforce Education and Development in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Lung-Sheng

2012-01-01

Workforce education and development (WED) can be broadly defined as those formal, informal and nonformal activities that prepare people for work. In Taiwan, it includes technological and vocational education (TVE), human resource development (HRD), public vocational training and adult education. In order to promote information exchanges and…

Publish or perish: authorship and peer review

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Publish or perish is defined in Wikipedia as the pressure to publish work constantly to further or sustain one’s career in academia. This is an apt description given that refereed scientific publications are the currency of science and the primary means for broad dissemination of knowledge. Professi...

"Sustaining the Shrinking City: Concepts, Dynamics and Management" (A special issue of Sustainability) (ISSN 2071-1050).

EPA Science Inventory

Sustainability can be broadly defined as the resilient outcome of the interaction among social equity, economic stability, and environmental quality factors. For example, the utilization of natural resource capitals are constrained by economic forces, and further modulated by soc...

77 FR 34129 - Heavy-Duty Highway Program: Revisions for Emergency Vehicles

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-08

... diesel vehicles, including emergency vehicles. Some control system designs and implementation strategies... broad engine families and vehicle test groups that are defined by similar emissions and performance... public safety issue related to design of engines and emission control systems on emergency vehicles that...

19 CFR 10.450 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... ARTICLES CONDITIONALLY FREE, SUBJECT TO A REDUCED RATE, ETC. United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin § 10.450 Definitions. For purposes of §§ 10.450 through 10.463 of this subpart: (a..., rules, and procedures, including both broad and specific guidelines, that define the accounting...

Vision Science and Technology at NASA: Results of a Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Andrew B. (Editor); Mulligan, Jeffrey B. (Editor)

1990-01-01

A broad review is given of vision science and technology within NASA. The subject is defined and its applications in both NASA and the nation at large are noted. A survey of current NASA efforts is given, noting strengths and weaknesses of the NASA program.

HOLISTIC APPROACH FOR ASSESSING THE PRESENCE AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF WATERBORNE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS

EPA Science Inventory

As an integral part of our continuing research in environmental quality assessment approaches, we have developed a variety of passive integrative sampling devices widely applicable for use in defining the presence and potential impacts of a broad array of contaminants. The semipe...

A Retrospective on Educational Planning in Comparative Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farrell, Joseph P.

1997-01-01

Defines and broadly traces the history of educational planning in both developing and industrialized capitalist nations. Discusses general approaches to educational planning (technical versus political planning, top-down versus bottom-up planning, and various theoretical bases); the contingency view of planning; case examples of planned,…

Development of a publicly available, comprehensive database of fiber and health outcomes: rationale and methods

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Background: Dietary fiber is a broad category of compounds historically defined as partially or completely indigestible plant-based carbohydrates and lignin with, more recently, the additional criteria that fibers incorporated into foods as additives should demonstrate functional human health outcom...

The Convergence Years

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kolodzy, Janet; Grant, August E.; DeMars, Tony R.; Wilkinson, Jeffrey S.

2014-01-01

The emergence of the Internet, social media, and digital technologies in the twenty-first century accelerated an evolution in journalism and communication that fit under the broad term of convergence. That evolution changed the relationship between news producers and consumers. It broke down the geographical boundaries in defining our communities,…

Spatial-Heterodyne Interferometry For Reflection And Transm Ission (Shirt) Measurements

DOEpatents

Hanson, Gregory R [Clinton, TN; Bingham, Philip R [Knoxville, TN; Tobin, Ken W [Harriman, TN

2006-02-14

Systems and methods are described for spatial-heterodyne interferometry for reflection and transmission (SHIRT) measurements. A method includes digitally recording a first spatially-heterodyned hologram using a first reference beam and a first object beam; digitally recording a second spatially-heterodyned hologram using a second reference beam and a second object beam; Fourier analyzing the digitally recorded first spatially-heterodyned hologram to define a first analyzed image; Fourier analyzing the digitally recorded second spatially-heterodyned hologram to define a second analyzed image; digitally filtering the first analyzed image to define a first result; and digitally filtering the second analyzed image to define a second result; performing a first inverse Fourier transform on the first result, and performing a second inverse Fourier transform on the second result. The first object beam is transmitted through an object that is at least partially translucent, and the second object beam is reflected from the object.

Impact of convenience void in a bladder diary with urinary perception grade to assess overactive bladder symptoms: a community-based study.

PubMed

Honjo, Hisashi; Kawauchi, Akihiro; Nakao, Masahiro; Ukimura, Osamu; Kitakoji, Hiroshi; Miki, Tsuneharu

2010-09-01

Bladder diaries including bladder perception grade were analyzed to assess convenience void (CV) in community-dwelling women 40 years of age or older. A total of 310 women completed a 3-day bladder diary with a grade for bladder perception. The grade was defined on scores 0-5 as follows: 0 = No bladder sensation, 1 = Sensation of bladder filling without desire to void, 2 = Desire to void, 3 = Strong desire to void, 4 = Urgency without urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and 5 = Urge incontinence episode. CV was defined as void without desire to void: when the grade was 0, CV in a narrow sense, and when 0 or 1, CV in a broad sense. The incidence of CV in the broad sense significantly decreased with age. Of the 310 women, 48 (15.5%) had overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms on the medical interview, including 37 (11.9%) without UUI (OAB-Dry) and 11 (3.5%) with UUI (OAB-Wet). Of the remaining 262 women, 111 (35.8%), who had urgency but a urinary frequency of 7 or less, and another 141 (48.7%) were classified into the Normal with Urgency and Normal without Urgency groups, respectively. The incidence of CV in a broad sense in the Normal without Urgency group was significantly greater than that in the Normal with Urgency and OAB-Wet groups. The mean voided volumes of CV in the broad sense in the OAB-Wet group were significantly smaller than those in the other three groups. The evaluation of CV may be a new tool in assessing storage condition and voiding dysfunction. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Experimental evaluation of combustor concepts for burning broad property fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kasper, J. M.; Ekstedt, E. E.; Dodds, W. J.; Shayeson, M. W.

1980-01-01

A baseline CF6-50 combustor and three advanced combustor designs were evaluated to determine the effects of combustor design on operational characteristics using broad property fuels. Three fuels were used in each test: Jet A, a broad property 13% hydrogen fuel, and a 12% hydrogen fuel blend. Testing was performed in a sector rig at true cruise and simulated takeoff conditions for the CF6-50 engine cycle. The advanced combustors (all double annular, lean dome designs) generally exhibited lower metal temperatures, exhaust emissions, and carbon buildup than the baseline CF6-50 combustor. The sensitivities of emissions and metal temperatures to fuel hydrogen content were also generally lower for the advanced designs. The most promising advanced design used premixing tubes in the main stage. This design was chosen for additional testing in which fuel/air ratio, reference velocity, and fuel flow split were varied.

Laboratory Evaluation of 3-(5-Tetrazolyl)Penam, a New Semisynthetic Beta-Lactam Antibacterial Agent with Extended Broad-Spectrum Activity

PubMed Central

English, Arthur R.; Retsema, James A.; Lynch, John E.

1976-01-01

In the new agent 3-(5-tetrazolyl)penam, hereafter referred to as CP-35,587, the carboxyl function at C3 in the penicillin nucleus has been replaced with the 5-tetrazolyl moiety. Marked changes in spectrum and resistance to gram-negative β-lactamases, particularly with regard to Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, were conferred by this modification. The anti-Klebsiella activity clearly distinguishes the antibacterial spectrum of CP-35,587 from any known broad-spectrum penicillin. Compared to orally active cephalosporins, the spectrum advantage of CP-35,587 encompasses Enterobacter, Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter, Providencia, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus faecalis, both in vitro and in murine infections produced by many of the above-named microorganisms. Thus, CP-35,587 combines and extends the antibacterial activity of broad-spectrum penicillins and orally active cephalosporins. PMID:984745

Staff and consumer perspectives on defining treatment success and failure in assertive community treatment.

PubMed

Stull, Laura G; McGrew, John H; Salyers, Michelle P

2010-09-01

Although assertive community treatment (ACT) has been consistently recognized as effective, there has been little research as to what constitutes success in ACT. The purpose of this study was to understand how ACT consumers and staff define treatment success and failure and to examine whether definitions varied between staff and consumers. Investigators conducted semistructured interviews with 25 staff and 23 consumers from four ACT teams. Across perspectives, success and failure were most clearly related to consumer factors. Other themes included having basic needs met, being socially involved, and taking medications. Reduced hospitalizations were mentioned infrequently. Consumers were more likely than staff to identify the level or type of treatment as defining success and failure, whereas staff were more likely than consumers to discuss substance abuse when defining failure and improved symptoms when defining success. Success in ACT should be viewed more broadly than reduced hospitalizations and include domains such as social involvement.

Spatial-heterodyne interferometry for transmission (SHIFT) measurements

DOEpatents

Bingham, Philip R.; Hanson, Gregory R.; Tobin, Ken W.

2006-10-10

Systems and methods are described for spatial-heterodyne interferometry for transmission (SHIFT) measurements. A method includes digitally recording a spatially-heterodyned hologram including spatial heterodyne fringes for Fourier analysis using a reference beam, and an object beam that is transmitted through an object that is at least partially translucent; Fourier analyzing the digitally recorded spatially-heterodyned hologram, by shifting an original origin of the digitally recorded spatially-heterodyned hologram to sit on top of a spatial-heterodyne carrier frequency defined by an angle between the reference beam and the object beam, to define an analyzed image; digitally filtering the analyzed image to cut off signals around the original origin to define a result; and performing an inverse Fourier transform on the result.

Spatial disaggregation of POWER-NASA air temperatures and effects on grass reference evapotranspiration in Sicily, Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Negm, Amro; Minacapilli, Mario; Provenzano, Giuseppe

2017-04-01

The accurate estimation of grass reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is important for many fields, including hydrology and irrigation water management. Being direct measure of ET0 difficult, expensive and time consuming, application of simplified approaches and web-based meteorological information are often preferred. The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource project developed by the American National Aeronautics and Space Administration (POWER-NASA) provides meteorological observations and surface energy fluxes on 1° latitude by 1° longitude grid, with a continuous daily coverage and for the entire globe. However, the broad spatial resolution of these data represents a limiting factor, for example when they have to be used for local estimations of reference ET0. In this work, a procedure for the spatial disaggregation of POWER-NASA daily average air temperature was proposed. In particular, a daily scaling factor was initially defined as the ratio between disaggregated average air temperature and the corresponding native value. This ratio was then modeled with a cosine function, characterized by three parameters depending on elevation, so to account for seasonal and regional variability. The proposed model was calibrated with three years of ground measurements (2006-2008) and then validated over six years (2009-2014). The suitability of the procedure was finally assessed by applying two simplified empirical models to estimate ET0 (Turc, 1961; Hargreaves, 1975). When compared to ET0 values obtained with FAO-56 PM equation, both simplified equations associated to downscaled meteorological observations, were characterized by RMSE ranging between 0.44 and 1.08 mm (average of 0.72-0.74 mm), and average MBE of -0.06 (Turc equation) and 0.13 mm (Hargreaves equation). These results indicated the strength of the proposed procedure to estimate ET0, even for regions characterized by the lack of detailed meteorological information.

47 CFR 64.619 - VRS Access Technology Reference Platform and administrator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Access Technology Reference Platform shall be a software product that performs consistently with the...) Compensation. The TRS Fund, as defined by § 64.604(a)(5)(iii) of this subpart, may be used to compensate the...

47 CFR 64.619 - VRS Access Technology Reference Platform and administrator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Access Technology Reference Platform shall be a software product that performs consistently with the...) Compensation. The TRS Fund, as defined by § 64.604(a)(5)(iii) of this subpart, may be used to compensate the...

29 CFR 553.224 - “Work period” defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false âWork periodâ defined. 553.224 Section 553.224 Labor... Enforcement Employees of Public Agencies Tour of Duty and Compensable Hours of Work Rules § 553.224 “Work period” defined. (a) As used in section 7(k), the term “work period” refers to any established and...

Constructivist Learning Environments and Defining the Online Learning Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Loren

2014-01-01

The online learning community is frequently referred to, but ill defined. The constructivist philosophy and approach to teaching and learning is both an effective means of constructing an online learning community and it is a tool by which to define key elements of the learning community. In order to build a nurturing, self-sustaining online…

45 CFR 506.10 - “Vietnam conflict” defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false âVietnam conflictâ defined. 506.10 Section 506.10... § 506.10 “Vietnam conflict” defined. Vietnam conflict refers to the period beginning February 28, 1961... proclaimed the date of May 7, 1975, to be the ending date of the “Vietnam era” (Presidential Proclamation No...

45 CFR 506.10 - “Vietnam conflict” defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false âVietnam conflictâ defined. 506.10 Section 506.10... § 506.10 “Vietnam conflict” defined. Vietnam conflict refers to the period beginning February 28, 1961... proclaimed the date of May 7, 1975, to be the ending date of the “Vietnam era” (Presidential Proclamation No...

45 CFR 506.10 - “Vietnam conflict” defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false âVietnam conflictâ defined. 506.10 Section 506.10... § 506.10 “Vietnam conflict” defined. Vietnam conflict refers to the period beginning February 28, 1961... proclaimed the date of May 7, 1975, to be the ending date of the “Vietnam era” (Presidential Proclamation No...

45 CFR 506.10 - “Vietnam conflict” defined.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false âVietnam conflictâ defined. 506.10 Section 506.10... § 506.10 “Vietnam conflict” defined. Vietnam conflict refers to the period beginning February 28, 1961... proclaimed the date of May 7, 1975, to be the ending date of the “Vietnam era” (Presidential Proclamation No...

2D nanomaterials assembled from sequence-defined molecules

DOE PAGES

Mu, Peng; Zhou, Guangwen; Chen, Chun-Long

2017-10-21

Two dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have attracted broad interest owing to their unique physical and chemical properties with potential applications in electronics, chemistry, biology, medicine and pharmaceutics. Due to the current limitations of traditional 2D nanomaterials (e.g., graphene and graphene oxide) in tuning surface chemistry and compositions, 2D nanomaterials assembled from sequence-defined molecules (e.g., DNAs, proteins, peptides and peptoids) have recently been developed. They represent an emerging class of 2D nanomaterials with attractive physical and chemical properties. Here, we summarize the recent progress in the synthesis and applications of this type of sequence-defined 2D nanomaterials. We also discuss the challenges andmore » opportunities in this new field.« less

2D nanomaterials assembled from sequence-defined molecules

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

Mu, Peng; Zhou, Guangwen; Chen, Chun-Long

Two dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have attracted broad interest owing to their unique physical and chemical properties with potential applications in electronics, chemistry, biology, medicine and pharmaceutics. Due to the current limitations of traditional 2D nanomaterials (e.g., graphene and graphene oxide) in tuning surface chemistry and compositions, 2D nanomaterials assembled from sequence-defined molecules (e.g., DNAs, proteins, peptides and peptoids) have recently been developed. They represent an emerging class of 2D nanomaterials with attractive physical and chemical properties. Here, we summarize the recent progress in the synthesis and applications of this type of sequence-defined 2D nanomaterials. We also discuss the challenges andmore » opportunities in this new field.« less

Reference coordinate systems: An update. Supplement 11

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Ivan I.

1988-01-01

A common requirement for all geodetic investigations is a well-defined coordinate system attached to the earth in some prescribed way, as well as a well-defined inertial coordinate system in which the motions of the terrestrial frame can be monitored. The paper deals with the problems encountered when establishing such coordinate systems and the transformations between them. In addition, problems related to the modeling of the deformable earth are discussed. This paper is an updated version of the earlier work, Reference Coordinate Systems for Earth Dynamics: A Preview, by the author.

Thermal Methods for Investigating Ground-Water Recharge

USGS Publications Warehouse

Blasch, Kyle W.; Constantz, Jim; Stonestrom, David A.

2007-01-01

Recharge of aquifers within arid and semiarid environments is defined as the downward flux of water across the regional water table. The introduction of recharging water at the land surface can occur at discreet locations, such as in stream channels, or be distributed over the landscape, such as across broad interarroyo areas within an alluvial ground-water basin. The occurrence of recharge at discreet locations is referred to as focused recharge, whereas the occurrence of recharge over broad regions is referred to as diffuse recharge. The primary interest of this appendix is focused recharge, but regardless of the type of recharge, estimation of downward fluxes is essential to its quantification. Like chemical tracers, heat can come from natural sources or be intentionally introduced to infer transport properties and aquifer recharge. The admission and redistribution of heat from natural processes such as insolation, infiltration, and geothermal activity can be used to quantify subsurface flow regimes. Heat is well suited as a ground-water tracer because it provides a naturally present dynamic signal and is relatively harmless over a useful range of induced perturbations. Thermal methods have proven valuable for recharge investigations for several reasons. First, theoretical descriptions of coupled water-and-heat transport are available for the hydrologic processes most often encountered in practice. These include land-surface mechanisms such as radiant heating from the sun, radiant cooling into space, and evapotranspiration, in addition to the advective and conductive mechanisms that usually dominate at depth. Second, temperature is theoretically well defined and readily measured. Third, thermal methods for depths ranging from the land surface to depths of hundreds of meters are based on similar physical principles. Fourth, numerical codes for simulating heat and water transport have become increasingly reliable and widely available. Direct measurement of water flux in the subsurface is difficult, prompting investigators to pursue indirect methods. Geophysical approaches that exploit the coupled relation between heat and water transport provide an attractive class of methods that have become widely used in investigations of recharge. This appendix reviews the application of heat to the problem of recharge estimation. Its objective is to provide a fairly complete account of the theoretical underpinnings together with a comprehensive review of thermal methods in practice. Investigators began using subsurface temperatures to delineate recharge areas and infer directions of ground-water flow around the turn of the 20th century. During the 1960s, analytical and numerical solutions for simplified heat- and fluid-flow problems became available. These early solutions, though one-dimensional and otherwise restricted, provided a strong impetus for applying thermal methods to problems of liquid and vapor movement in systems ranging from soils to geothermal reservoirs. Today?s combination of fast processors, massive data-storage units, and efficient matrix techniques provide numerical solutions to complex, three-dimensional transport problems. These approaches allow researchers to take advantage of the considerable information content routinely achievable in high-accuracy temperature work.

Liability.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hollander, Patricia A.

The author notes that this chapter deals generally with torts in higher education cases. A tort is usually defined broadly to cover most wrongful civil acts, except breach of contract, that may occur between individuals. The remedy sought in a civil tort action is compensation to the injured party for the damages suffered. The areas discussed here…

Leaching Test Relationships, Laboratory-to-Field Comparisons and Recommendations for Leaching Evaluation using the Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF)

EPA Science Inventory

This report presents examples of the relationships between the results of laboratory leaching tests, as defined by the Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF) or analogous international test methods, and leaching of constituents from a broad range of materials under di...

Learning Transfer and Its Intentionality in Adult and Continuing Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foley, Jeffrey M.; Kaiser, Leann M. R.

2013-01-01

Broad (1997) defined learning transfer as the "effective and continuing application by learners--to their performance of jobs or other individual, organizational, or community responsibilities--of knowledge and skills gained in the learning activities" (p. 2). This chapter offers an introduction to learning transfer and the major concepts related…

In Search of Community: Faculty Assessment of Its Presence at Three Institutions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Lloyd D.

1997-01-01

Assesses the concept of community at institutions of higher education. Compares community college, private college, and university faculty responses to a questionnaire focusing on six broad ideals that define community: disciplined, purposeful, caring, open, celebrative, and just. Concludes that faculty strongly perceive elements of community,…

Defining Antimicrobial Textile Requirements for Military Applications - A Gap Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-09

biocide that has broad spectrum antibacterial , antiviral, and antifungal activity . Copper behaves similarly to silver by binding and inactivating...urogenital health conditions in active duty Soldiers from 2002-2011...personnel in order to generate and update requirements and standards for incorporating anti-odor, antibacterial , and antifungal properties into CIE

75 FR 54117 - Building Energy Standards Program: Preliminary Determination Regarding Energy Efficiency...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-03

... Response to Comments on Previous Analysis C. Summary of the Comparative Analysis 1. Quantitative Analysis 2... preliminary quantitative analysis are specific building designs, in most cases with specific spaces defined... preliminary determination. C. Summary of the Comparative Analysis DOE carried out both a broad quantitative...

The Multi-ethnic and Multicultural City: An Asian Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laquian, Aprodicio A.

1996-01-01

Presents a broad overview of the issues, ethnic groups, and cultural interrelationships defining most large cities throughout Asia. Discusses those aspects of Western colonialism, socialism, and economic growth that have worked to limit racial tension and violence in most Asian cities. Examines municipal and legislative responses to urban…

Violence against Teachers: Prevalence and Consequences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Catherine M.; Douglas, Kevin S.; Lyon, David R.

2011-01-01

Data collected from 731 teachers were used to examine the consequences of violence directed toward teachers while in the workplace. Analyses showed that the majority of respondents (n = 585, 80.0%) had experienced school-related violence--broadly defined--at one point in their careers. Serious violence (actual, attempted, or threatened physical…

Those Important Things: What Every College President Needs to Know About Marketing and Student Recruitment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sevier, Robert A.

1996-01-01

College presidents are offered nine key suggestions for marketing and student recruitment: beginning with vision; defining marketing broadly; creating institutional image; understanding how students make decisions; creating familiarity; competitive positioning; market segmentation; choosing a marketing champion respected by the college community;…

Lifelong Education: Concept or Policy?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawson, Kenneth

1982-01-01

Suggests that lifelong education is a policy for education, and education is too broadly defined. Education should be restricted to areas of learning that produce desired effects. The place of knowledge in lifelong education is discussed, and distinction is drawn between education and training. (Availability: Falmer Press, Falmer House, Barcombe,…

SAN FRANCISCO BAY WETLANDS REGIONAL MONITORING PROGRAM

EPA Science Inventory

The geographic area to be monitored is the San Francisco Estuary and its watersheds from the Golden Gate to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta at Broad Slough. The initial focus will be the baylands of the region defined as the lands between the maximum and minimum elevations of t...

Assessment of General Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Furman, Tanya

2013-01-01

The assessment of general education is often approached through broad surveys or standardized instruments that fail to capture the learning goals most faculty members desire for this portion of the curriculum. The challenge in remedying this situation lies, first, in defining general education in meaningful ways that can be both articulated and…

Operationally Defining Work, Individualized Teacher Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Dept. of Science Education.

This publication is one of 14 modules prepared for training pre- and in-service teachers to teach Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS) materials. The organization of this publication is centered around the first unit at level I discussing the broad physics concept of "work." Various activities are suggested for teachers. This…

Agreement Reflexes of Emerging Optionality in Heritage Speaker Spanish

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pascual Cabo, Diego

2013-01-01

This study contributes to current trends of heritage speaker (HS) acquisition research by examining the syntax of psych-predicates in HS Spanish. Broadly defined, psych-predicates communicate states of emotions (e.g., to love) and have traditionally been categorized as belonging to one of three classes: class I--"temere" "to…

Anxiety and Response to Reading Intervention among First Grade Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grills, Amie E.; Fletcher, Jack M.; Vaughn, Sharon; Barth, Amy; Denton, Carolyn A.; Stuebing, Karla K.

2014-01-01

Background: For school-aged children with reading difficulties, an emerging and important area of investigation concerns determining predictors of intervention response. Previous studies have focused exclusively on cognitive and broadly defined behavioral variables. What has been missing, however, are studies examining anxiety, which is among the…

A Delineation of Epistemic Possibilities in Explanations of Cognitive Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Price, Reese E.

Several epistemic formulations have been advanced to explain cognitive development. Many writers have divided the field of psychology into three basic underlying models: the mechanistic, organismic, and dialectic models. An examination of epistemic positions reveals five broadly defined positions on how behavior develops within a given organism.…

Adult Learning Projects Related to Spiritual Growth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wickett, R.E.Y.

A study examined significant deliberate learning activities (as demonstrated in learning projects) which were related to spiritual growth. (Spiritual growth was defined in broad terms within which each interviewee interpreted his or her own concept.) Fifty persons between the ages of thirty-five and fifty-five and representing five groups (three…

Automatic Syllabification in English: A Comparison of Different Algorithms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marchand, Yannick; Adsett, Connie R.; Damper, Robert I.

2009-01-01

Automatic syllabification of words is challenging, not least because the syllable is not easy to define precisely. Consequently, no accepted standard algorithm for automatic syllabification exists. There are two broad approaches: rule-based and data-driven. The rule-based method effectively embodies some theoretical position regarding the…

Embodied Computation: An Active-Learning Approach to Mobile Robotics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riek, L. D.

2013-01-01

This paper describes a newly designed upper-level undergraduate and graduate course, Autonomous Mobile Robots. The course employs active, cooperative, problem-based learning and is grounded in the fundamental computational problems in mobile robotics defined by Dudek and Jenkin. Students receive a broad survey of robotics through lectures, weekly…

Center for School and Community Services

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Academy for Educational Development, 2004

2004-01-01

The AED Center for School and Community Services has applied decades of research to pioneering successful approaches to school reform. It has also evaluated--and helped to advance--some of the most exciting initiatives in American education. In the tradition of AED, the Center defines "education" broadly. Recognizing the interdependence of many…

International Education Programs of the U.S. Government: An Inventory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiprud, Helen R., Comp.

This publication describes 181 international education programs sponsored by the United States government. A program is considered an international education program in this inventory if it fosters understanding and/or cooperation between the United States and another country or countries through education, which is broadly defined to include…

English Exceptionalism Re-Visited: Divergent Skill Strategies across England and Scotland

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keep, Ewart

2017-01-01

This article takes as its starting point David Raffe's pioneering work on "home international" comparisons across the UK, and compares and contrasts current and emerging English and Scottish developments and policy trajectories primarily as they relate to vocational education broadly defined, but also with some observations concerning…

The national strategic plan for federal aquaculture research, specific goal #4: Improve production efficiency and well-being

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The 2014-2019 National Strategic Plan for Federal Aquaculture Research identifies a series of specific goals that identify research priorities for Federal agency and interagency research programs. Collectively, these priorities define research activities with the broad outcome of supporting aquacul...

Secondary Social Studies: Alaska Curriculum Guide. Second Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alaska State Dept. of Education, Juneau. Office of Curriculum Services.

A secondary social studies model curriculum guide for Alaska is presented. The body of the guide lists topics/concepts, learning outcomes/objectives, and sample learning activities in a 3 column format. The first column, topics/concepts, describes the content area, defining the subject broadly and listing subconcepts or associated vocabulary. The…

Collaborative Counseling: A Conceptual Framework and Approach for Counselors of Adults in Life Transitions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avis, Joan P.

1987-01-01

Proposes collaborative counseling as a comprehensive definition of adult counseling. Presents rationale for definition based on broad implications for counselors of adult development and life transitions literature. Discusses three perspectives as a conceptual framework for defining the phenomenology of the counselor of adults. Outlines elements…

The genetic basis of flecking and its relationship to disease resistance in the IBM maize mapping population

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Flecking is defined as a mild, often environmentally-dependent lesion phenotype observed on the leaves of several commonly used maize inbred lines. Anecdotal evidence suggests a link between flecking and enhanced broad-spectrum disease resistance. Neither the genetic basis underlying flecking nor ...

Defining Integrated Student Supports for Linked Learning Pathways. Knowledge Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities, 2016

2016-01-01

This document outlines how effectively integrated student supports build or scaffold student competencies in five broad domains of learning for college, career, and civic readiness. Relevant supports are not limited to "services" or "programs" but extend to enabling resources and social conditions, including, for example,…

Self-Efficacy and Academic Listening

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graham, Suzanne

2011-01-01

This paper takes as its starting point the difficulties inherent in listening in a second language. It argues that self-efficacy, broadly defined as the belief in one's ability to carry out specific tasks successfully, is crucial to the development of effective listening skills, and that listening strategy instruction has the potential to boost…

Color maps of Arp 146

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schultz, A. B.; Spight, L. D.; Colegrove, P. T.; Disanti, M. A.; Fink, U.

1990-01-01

Four color maps of Arp 146 are given. The structure and color of the ring galaxy and its companion show evidence of a bridge of material between the companion and the remnant nucleus of the original galaxy now forming the ring. Broad band spatial coverage clearly defines regions of starburst occurrence.

Government-Funded Program Completions 2014. Preliminary. Australian Vocational Education and Training Statistics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), 2015

2015-01-01

This publication provides data on Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) programs completed from 2010 to 2014 in Australia's government-funded vocational education and training (VET) system (broadly defined as all activity delivered by government providers and government-funded activity delivered by community education and other registered…

Government-Funded Students and Courses: January to June 2015

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), 2015

2015-01-01

This report provides a summary of data relating to students, programs, training providers and funding in Australia's government-funded vocational education and training (VET) system (broadly defined as all activity delivered by government providers and government-funded activity delivered by community education and private training providers). The…

What Were Willie and Xavier Thinking? A Reflection on James Gallagher's Research on Student-Teacher Interaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallagher, Shelagh A.; Courtright, Richard D.; Robinson, Linda P.

2015-01-01

James Gallagher is known for framing the broad ideas that drive the field of gifted education; he defined policy, described ideal educational infrastructure, and identified "acceleration," "enrichment," "novelty," and "sophistication" as core attributes of content differentiation (J. J. Gallagher, 1985).…

Exploring the Relationship between Undergraduate Service-Learning Experiences and Global Perspective-Taking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Engberg, Mark E.; Fox, Katherine

2011-01-01

This study examines the relationship between service-learning participation and global perspective-taking. A global perspective is broadly defined to include both the acquisition of knowledge, attitudes, and skills important to intercultural communication and the development of more complex epistemological processes, identities, and interpersonal…

Joining Hands against Bullying

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weissbourd, Richard; Jones, Stephanie

2012-01-01

Over the last 20 years, high-profile episodes of bullying have stirred up broad public alarm. This attention may appear to be merely trendy, but it's important. Bullying--commonly defined as systematic exclusion, aggression, or harassment that one child or a group of children inflicts on less powerful children--is pervasive in schools. Many…

Introduction to This Special Issue on Context-Aware Computing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moran, Thomas P.; Dourish, Paul

2001-01-01

Discusses pervasive, or ubiquitous, computing; explains the notion of context; and defines context-aware computing as the key to disperse and enmesh computation into our lives. Considers context awareness in human-computer interaction and describes the broad topic areas of the essays included in this special issue. (LRW)

Re-Orientations in Moral Education in Cambodia Since 1975

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clayton, Thomas

2005-01-01

In recent years, Cambodia has transitioned from a communist state to a liberal democracy following market economic practices. Transition in the political economy has, in turn, influenced education and, more specifically, moral education. In this article, I define moral education more broadly than many, as additionally dedicated to the preparation…

Character Education: Christian Education Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilhelm, Gretchen M.; Firmin, Michael W.

2008-01-01

Character is defined broadly by leading authorities, including concepts such as practicing apt behavior and teaching right from wrong. Virtue and moral undertones tend to pervade most experts' use of character, although in secular settings, the notion of ethics is more prominent. Overall, developing in students a desire for the good is how most…

The Lonely Consumer: Advertising and Alienation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larson, Charles U.; Denton, Robert E.

Advertising plays on the broad feelings of alienation (defined as an individual's frustrated or estranged responses to economic and sociological phenomena which affect that individual's place in society) which are endemic to the American consumer society and are, in Marxist views, symptomatic of any capitalist system. By generating anxieties and…

The Imperative of Service in the Professor's Role.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Achilles, C. M.; Achilles, Susan H.

In the professorial role's traditional triad of teaching, research, and service, research (publishing) and teaching get more attention than service. If professors are to be part of improving education in America's schools, they must define service more broadly, and they must give greater attention to the service role. Education should be…

Assessing Multidimensional Energy Literacy of Secondary Students Using Contextualized Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Kuan-Li; Liu, Shiang-Yao; Chen, Po-Hsi

2015-01-01

Energy literacy is multidimensional, comprising broad content knowledge as well as affect and behavior. Our previous study has defined four core dimensions for the assessment framework, including energy concepts, reasoning on energy issues, low-carbon lifestyle, and civic responsibility for a sustainable society. The present study compiled a…

Using Regional Distribution of Estuarine and Coastal Benthic Invertebrates to Calibrate Benthic Indices of Ecological Condition

EPA Science Inventory

The biogeography of marine benthic macroinvertebrates of the U.S. Atlantic coast from Delaware Bay north to Passamaquoddy Bay, Maine, was studied to define physical-chemical factors affecting broad taxa distributions and provide information needed to calibrate benthic indices of ...

Government-Funded Students and Courses, 2015. Australian Vocational Education and Training Statistics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), 2016

2016-01-01

This publication provides a summary of 2015 and time-series data relating to students, programs, subjects, training providers and funding in Australia's government-funded vocational education and training (VET) system (broadly defined as all activity delivered by government providers and government-funded activity delivered by community education…

Defining the Role of Academics in Accountability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

El-Khawas, Elaine

2009-01-01

The policy debate on accountability in higher education has been vigorous in many countries, but it has focused primarily on broad objectives or approaches. Limited attention has been paid to the mechanisms by which universities would implement accountability objectives and to the critical role of academics in developing ways to assess learning…

An Empirical Study of the Construct Validity of Social Creativity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mouchiroud, Christophe; Bernoussi, Aurore

2008-01-01

Creativity can be broadly defined as a combination of interacting individual and environmental resources leading to the production of valuable solutions. This paper concentrates on the type of creativity that can be expressed in solving social problems. After reviewing the potentially relevant psychological and contextual variables intervening in…

Financial Information 2015. Australian Vocational Education and Training Statistics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), 2016

2016-01-01

This publication provides information on how government-funded vocational education and training (VET) in Australia is financed and where the money is spent. Government-funded VET in the 2015 reporting year is broadly defined as all activity delivered by government providers and government-funded activity delivered by community education providers…

Camera! Action! Collaborate with Digital Moviemaking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swan, Kathleen Owings; Hofer, Mark; Levstik, Linda S.

2007-01-01

Broadly defined, digital moviemaking integrates a variety of media (images, sound, text, video, narration) to communicate with an audience. There is near-ubiquitous access to the necessary software (MovieMaker and iMovie are bundled free with their respective operating systems) and hardware (computers with Internet access, digital cameras, etc.).…

Fire intensity, fire severity and burn severity: A brief review and suggested usage

USGS Publications Warehouse

Keeley, J.E.

2009-01-01

Several recent papers have suggested replacing the terminology of fire intensity and fire severity. Part of the problem with fire intensity is that it is sometimes used incorrectly to describe fire effects, when in fact it is justifiably restricted to measures of energy output. Increasingly, the term has created confusion because some authors have restricted its usage to a single measure of energy output referred to as fireline intensity. This metric is most useful in understanding fire behavior in forests, but is too narrow to fully capture the multitude of ways fire energy affects ecosystems. Fire intensity represents the energy released during various phases of a fire, and different metrics such as reaction intensity, fireline intensity, temperature, heating duration and radiant energy are useful for different purposes. Fire severity, and the related term burn severity, have created considerable confusion because of recent changes in their usage. Some authors have justified this by contending that fire severity is defined broadly as ecosystem impacts from fire and thus is open to individual interpretation. However, empirical studies have defined fire severity operationally as the loss of or change in organic matter aboveground and belowground, although the precise metric varies with management needs. Confusion arises because fire or burn severity is sometimes defined so that it also includes ecosystem responses. Ecosystem responses include soil erosion, vegetation regeneration, restoration of community structure, faunal recolonization, and a plethora of related response variables. Although some ecosystem responses are correlated with measures of fire or burn severity, many important ecosystem processes have either not been demonstrated to be predicted by severity indices or have been shown in some vegetation types to be unrelated to severity. This is a critical issue because fire or burn severity are readily measurable parameters, both on the ground and with remote sensing, yet ecosystem responses are of most interest to resource managers.

Publication and Retrieval of Computational Chemical-Physical Data Via the Semantic Web. Final Technical Report

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

Ostlund, Neil

This research showed the feasibility of applying the concepts of the Semantic Web to Computation Chemistry. We have created the first web portal (www.chemsem.com) that allows data created in the calculations of quantum chemistry, and other such chemistry calculations to be placed on the web in a way that makes the data accessible to scientists in a semantic form never before possible. The semantic web nature of the portal allows data to be searched, found, and used as an advance over the usual approach of a relational database. The semantic data on our portal has the nature of a Giantmore » Global Graph (GGG) that can be easily merged with related data and searched globally via a SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language (SPARQL) that makes global searches for data easier than with traditional methods. Our Semantic Web Portal requires that the data be understood by a computer and hence defined by an ontology (vocabulary). This ontology is used by the computer in understanding the data. We have created such an ontology for computational chemistry (purl.org/gc) that encapsulates a broad knowledge of the field of computational chemistry. We refer to this ontology as the Gainesville Core. While it is perhaps the first ontology for computational chemistry and is used by our portal, it is only a start of what must be a long multi-partner effort to define computational chemistry. In conjunction with the above efforts we have defined a new potential file standard (Common Standard for eXchange – CSX for computational chemistry data). This CSX file is the precursor of data in the Resource Description Framework (RDF) form that the semantic web requires. Our portal translates CSX files (as well as other computational chemistry data files) into RDF files that are part of the graph database that the semantic web employs. We propose a CSX file as a convenient way to encapsulate computational chemistry data.« less

Validation of educational assessments: a primer for simulation and beyond.

PubMed

Cook, David A; Hatala, Rose

2016-01-01

Simulation plays a vital role in health professions assessment. This review provides a primer on assessment validation for educators and education researchers. We focus on simulation-based assessment of health professionals, but the principles apply broadly to other assessment approaches and topics. Validation refers to the process of collecting validity evidence to evaluate the appropriateness of the interpretations, uses, and decisions based on assessment results. Contemporary frameworks view validity as a hypothesis, and validity evidence is collected to support or refute the validity hypothesis (i.e., that the proposed interpretations and decisions are defensible). In validation, the educator or researcher defines the proposed interpretations and decisions, identifies and prioritizes the most questionable assumptions in making these interpretations and decisions (the "interpretation-use argument"), empirically tests those assumptions using existing or newly-collected evidence, and then summarizes the evidence as a coherent "validity argument." A framework proposed by Messick identifies potential evidence sources: content, response process, internal structure, relationships with other variables, and consequences. Another framework proposed by Kane identifies key inferences in generating useful interpretations: scoring, generalization, extrapolation, and implications/decision. We propose an eight-step approach to validation that applies to either framework: Define the construct and proposed interpretation, make explicit the intended decision(s), define the interpretation-use argument and prioritize needed validity evidence, identify candidate instruments and/or create/adapt a new instrument, appraise existing evidence and collect new evidence as needed, keep track of practical issues, formulate the validity argument, and make a judgment: does the evidence support the intended use? Rigorous validation first prioritizes and then empirically evaluates key assumptions in the interpretation and use of assessment scores. Validation science would be improved by more explicit articulation and prioritization of the interpretation-use argument, greater use of formal validation frameworks, and more evidence informing the consequences and implications of assessment.

Dissemination of optical-comb-based ultra-broadband frequency reference through a fiber network.

PubMed

Nagano, Shigeo; Kumagai, Motohiro; Li, Ying; Ido, Tetsuya; Ishii, Shoken; Mizutani, Kohei; Aoki, Makoto; Otsuka, Ryohei; Hanado, Yuko

2016-08-22

We disseminated an ultra-broadband optical frequency reference based on a femtosecond (fs)-laser optical comb through a kilometer-scale fiber link. Its spectrum ranged from 1160 nm to 2180 nm without additional fs-laser combs at the end of the link. By employing a fiber-induced phase noise cancellation technique, the linewidth and fractional frequency instability attained for all disseminated comb modes were of order 1 Hz and 10^-18 in a 5000 s averaging time. The ultra-broad optical frequency reference, for which absolute frequency is traceable to Japan Standard Time, was applied in the frequency stabilization of an injection-seeded Q-switched 2051 nm pulse laser for a coherent light detection and ranging LIDAR system.

[The definition of benefits: from the benefit package to the supply of services].

PubMed

Elola Somoza, J

1995-01-01

The definition of a "benefit package" of services covered by the National Health System of Spain--NHSS--raises technical and political problems. This article examines six relevant issues related with the implementation of this strategy: the instrument to define the services covered by the public system; health care expenditures; access to the services; quality; and the decision making-process. The definition of a comprehensive package of--broadly defined--services covered by the NHSS seems to be the most appropriate strategy, instead of a very detailed "catalog" of medical practices.

Population-Based Pediatric Reference Intervals in General Clinical Chemistry: A Swedish Survey.

PubMed

Ridefelt, Peter

2015-01-01

Very few high quality studies on pediatric reference intervals for general clinical chemistry and hematology analytes have been performed. Three recent prospective community-based projects utilising blood samples from healthy children in Sweden, Denmark and Canada have substantially improved the situation. The Swedish survey included 701 healthy children. Reference intervals for general clinical chemistry and hematology were defined.

The Alternative Road. The Rehabilitation of the Practical.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Layton, David, Ed.

The "alternative road" refers to a practically oriented curriculum, one which is more concerned with being able to do, rather than remembering. The book consists of an edited series of papers which were presented at a conference in England on the rehabilitation of the practical, at which a broad range of interests (academic,…

Reference Manual for the Instructional Use of Microcomputers. Volume I (Release II).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forman, Denyse; And Others

This manual is intended to provide educators with information and guidelines for locating, selecting, and purchasing commercially available courseware for the Apple II microcomputer. A courseware index is provided which lists programs in broad subject areas and grade levels. Information given for each program includes its DOS, language, cost,…

Assessing 21st Century Skills: Summary of a Workshop

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koenig, Judith Anderson

2011-01-01

The routine jobs of yesterday are being replaced by technology and/or shipped off-shore. In their place, job categories that require knowledge management, abstract reasoning, and personal services seem to be growing. The modern workplace requires workers to have broad cognitive and affective skills. Often referred to as "21st century…

Backers of "21st-Century Skills" Take Flak

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sawchuk, Stephen

2009-01-01

The phrase "21st-century skills" is everywhere in education policy discussions these days, from faculty lounges to the highest echelons of the U.S. education system. Broadly speaking, it refers to a push for schools to teach critical-thinking, analytical, and technology skills, in addition to the "soft skills" of creativity, collaboration, and…

29 CFR 776.8 - The statutory provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... between any State and any place outside thereof. 21 21 As amended by section 3(a) of the Fair Labor..., “transportation” or “commerce” between any State and any place outside its boundaries includes a movement of... least as broad as it would be under concepts of “commerce” established without reference to this...

Code-Switching and Competition: An Examination of a Situational Response

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bernstein, Eve; Herman, Ariela

2014-01-01

Code switching is primarily a linguistic term that refers to the use of two or more languages within the same conversation, or same sentence, to convey a single message. One field of linguistics, sociocultural linguistics, is broad and interdisciplinary, a mixture of language, culture, and society. In sociocultural linguistics, the code, or…

Surveying the Views of Pupils Attending Supplementary Schools in England

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strand, Steve

2007-01-01

Background: Supplementary schooling broadly refers to extra schooling organized by and for particular ethnic groups outside of mainstream provision. Purpose: This is the first study to systematically explore the attitudes of pupils attending supplementary schools in England and the largest ever UK study of supplementary schools and their pupils.…

Comparing AMSR-E soil moisture estimates to the extended record of the U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Soil moisture plays an integral role in various aspects ranging from multi-scale hydrologic modeling to agricultural decision analysis to multi-scale hydrologic modeling, from climate change assessments to drought prediction and prevention. The broad availability of soil moisture estimates has only...

Library Bulletin, International Planned Parenthood Federation. February 1977.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Planned Parenthood Federation, London (England).

This issue of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Library Bulletin combines an acquisitions list with that of special bibliographies. The broad classes follow the IPPF general organization by topics: (1) general reference, (2) IPPF, (3) family planning and maternal and child health and care, (4) bio-medical study and research on…

Technology-Mediated Advising and Student Support: An Institutional Self-Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2017

2017-01-01

The rubric aims to help community colleges and broad-access four-year colleges assess their work on technology-mediated advising and student support, sometimes referred to as Integrated Planning and Advising for Student Success (iPASS). This work involves moving from a model of advising focused on information provision or course registration to…

Financial Responsibilities of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, 1979

1979-01-01

A reference manual on financial activities of a college or university and the interactive role of the governing board is presented for board members and institutional officers who provide information to the board. Financial data related to a fictitious hybrid university are included. After identifying three broad kinds of financial information…

Directory of Human Sciences Research Organizations and Professional Associations in South Africa. Second Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Berg, Henda, Ed.; Prinsloo, Roelf, Ed.; Pienaar, Drienie, Ed.

This directory is intended to be a comprehensive reference source for identifying research organizations and institutions, and for promoting research cooperation and facilitating networking. This second edition provides a broad background to the development of the human sciences as well as an overview of existing and emerging science and…

Aggression in Sexually Abused Trafficked Girls and Efficacy of Intervention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deb, Sibnath; Mukherjee, Aparna; Mathews, Ben

2011-01-01

The broad objective of this study was to understand the incidence and severity of aggression among sexually abused girls who were trafficked and who were then further used for commercial sexual exploitation (referred to subsequently as sexually abused trafficked girls). In addition, the impact of counseling for minimizing aggression in these girls…

Chemical News Via Audio Tapes: Chemical Industry News

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanford, W. E.; And Others

1972-01-01

Tape coverage of internal R&D news now has a broader scope with improved features. A new tape series covering external news of broad interest has been initiated. The use of tape in a Continuing Education Program is discussed as the future plans for expanding the audio tape program. (1 reference) (Author)

Helping a District through a Paradigm Shift ... What Have I Gotten Myself into?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brelsford, Matthew

2010-01-01

Across the country, school psychologists are pushing for a role beyond the traditional refer-test-place model and "gatekeeper" of special education. The broad skill set of school psychologists, including knowledge of curriculum, instruction, data analysis, and intervention, can produce positive results for all students throughout the…

Same Constructs, Different Results: Examining the Consistency of Two Behavior-Rating Scales with Referred Preschoolers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Myers, Carl L.; Bour, Jennifer L.; Sidebottom, Kristina J.; Murphy, Sara B.; Hakman, Melissa

2010-01-01

Broad-band or multidimensional behavior-rating scales are common tools for evaluating children. Two popular behavior-rating scales, the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2; Reynolds & Kamphaus, 2004) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000), have undergone downward extensions so that…

32 CFR 542.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... (under 10 U.S.C 2031) at public and private secondary schools to conduct student leadership training...). Students taking part in leadership studies at any school under 10 U.S.C. 4651 and as prescribed by the Secretary of the Army. Used in a broad sense to refer to the program and related matters. (c) Leadership...

Industrial Arts Technology Bibliography; An Annotated Reference for Librarians.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Secondary Curriculum Development.

This compilation is designed to assist librarians in selecting books for supplementing the expanding program of industrial arts education. The books were selected for the major subject areas of a broad industrial arts program, on the basis of reflected interest of students, content, format, and readability. The format and coding used in the…

Education in Emergencies: The Gender Implications. Advocacy Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirk, Jackie

2006-01-01

"Education in emergencies" refers to a broad range of education activities, both formal and non-formal, which are life saving and sustaining. They are critical for children, youth and their families in times of crisis. Programmes for emergency education are often designed according to a specific environmental context and sometimes as temporary…

Toward a Methodology for Conducting Social Impact Assessments Using Quality of Social Life Indicators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olsen, Marvin E.; Merwin, Donna J.

Broadly conceived, social impacts refer to all changes in the structure and functioning of patterned social ordering that occur in conjunction with an environmental, technological, or social innovation or alteration. Departing from the usual cost-benefit analysis approach, a new methodology proposes conducting social impact assessment grounded in…

Sex Education and Ideals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Ruyter, Doret J.; Spiecker, Ben

2008-01-01

This article argues that sex education should include sexual ideals. Sexual ideals are divided into sexual ideals in the strict sense and sexual ideals in the broad sense. It is argued that ideals that refer to the context that is deemed to be most ideal for the gratification of sexual ideals in the strict sense are rightfully called sexual…

SPECIATION OF NON-PESTICIDAL ORGANOTIN COMPOUNDS USING GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA-MASS SPECTROMETRY

EPA Science Inventory

Organotins can be classified into a broad class of compounds referred to as endocrine disruptors and are presently being used in many applications such as UV stabilizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, antifoulants in marine paints, and as fungicides to name a few. The organo...

Technology survey of computer software as applicable to the MIUS project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fulbright, B. E.

1975-01-01

Existing computer software, available from either governmental or private sources, applicable to modular integrated utility system program simulation is surveyed. Several programs and subprograms are described to provide a consolidated reference, and a bibliography is included. The report covers the two broad areas of design simulation and system simulation.

Data Science for Imbalanced Data: Methods and Applications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Reid A.

2016-01-01

Data science is a broad, interdisciplinary field concerned with the extraction of knowledge or insights from data, with the classification of data as a core, fundamental task. One of the most persistent challenges faced when performing classification is the class imbalance problem. Class imbalance refers to when the frequency with which each class…

Hematopathology, 2nd Edition | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

The world's leading reference in hematopathology returns with this completely updated second edition. Authored by international experts in the field, it covers a broad range of hematologic disorders -- both benign and malignant -- with information on the pathogenesis, clinical and pathologic diagnosis, and treatment for each. Comprehensive in scope, it's a must-have resource

Caring for young forests

Treesearch

W. Keith Moser

2012-01-01

Sustaining Young Forest Communities is a good compilation of knowledge about an important forest ecosystem and belongs on the bookshelf of every natural resource practitioner tasked with managing this important resource. One of the principal benefits for anyone who reads this book is that it provides both a broad overview and a reference source for the various...

A reference model systesm of industrial yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae is needed for development of the next-generation biocatalyst toward advanced biofuels production

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Diploid industrial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has demonstrated distinct characteristics that differ from haploid laboratory model strains. However, as a workhorse for a broad range of fermentation-based industrial applications, it was poorly characterized at the genome level. Observations on the...

Mini-Digest of Education Statistics, 2008. NCES 2009-021

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snyder, Thomas D.

2009-01-01

This publication is the 14th edition of the "Mini-Digest of Education Statistics," a pocket-sized compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of American education from kindergarten through graduate school. The "Mini-Digest" is designed as an easy reference for materials found in much greater detail in the…

Legal access to surrogate motherhood in illness that does not cause infertility.

PubMed

Jordaan, Donrich W

2016-06-17

The threshold requirement for surrogate motherhood entails that a commissioning parent or parents must be permanently unable to give birth to a child. The question of whether a commissioning mother who suffers from a permanent illness that does not cause infertility as such, but that renders pregnancy a significant health risk to such mother and/or to her prospective child in utero, has arisen in practice. In this article, I propose that the inability to give birth to a child as per the threshold requirement should not be interpreted narrowly as referring only to a commissioning parent's inherent inability to give birth to a child, but should rather be interpreted broadly as referring only to a commissioning parent's effective inability to give birth to a child - allowing consideration of the medical sequelae of pregnancy for the commissioning mother and her prospective child. I argue that such a broad interpretation of the threshold requirement is compatible with legislative intent and case law, and is demanded by our country's constitutional commitment to human rights.

The role of internal reference prices in consumers' willingness to pay judgments: Thaler's Beer Pricing Task revisited.

PubMed

Ranyard, R; Charlton, J P; Williamson, J

2001-02-01

Alternative reference prices, either displayed in the environment (external) or recalled from memory (internal) are known to influence consumer judgments and decisions. In one line of previous research, internal reference prices have been defined in terms of general price expectations. However, Thaler (Marketing Science 4 (1985) 199; Journal of Behavioral Decision Making 12 (1999) 183) defined them as fair prices expected from specific types of seller. Using a Beer Pricing Task, he found that seller context had a substantial effect on willingness to pay, and concluded that this was due to specific internal reference prices evoked by specific contexts. In a think aloud study using the same task (N = 48), we found only a marginal effect of seller context. In a second study using the Beer Pricing Task and seven analogous ones (N = 144), general internal reference prices were estimated by asking people what they normally paid for various commodities. Both general internal reference prices and seller context influenced willingness to pay, although the effect of the latter was again rather small. We conclude that general internal reference prices have a greater impact in these scenarios than specific ones, because of the lower cognitive load involved in their storage and retrieval.

Analysis of a human phenomenon: self-concept.

PubMed

LeMone, P

1991-01-01

This analysis of self-concept includes an examination of definitions, historical perspectives, theoretical basis, and closely related terms. Antecedents, consequences, defining attributes, and a definition were formulated based on the analysis. The purpose of the analysis was to provide support for the use of the label "self-concept" as a broad category that encompasses the self-esteem, identity, and body-image nursing diagnoses within Taxonomy I. This classification could allow the use of a broad diagnostic label to better describe conditions that necessitate nursing care. It may also further explain the relationships between and among those diagnoses that describe human responses to disturbance of any component of the self-concept.

Alaska geology revealed

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, Frederic H.; Labay, Keith A.

2016-11-09

This map shows the generalized geology of Alaska, which helps us to understand where potential mineral deposits and energy resources might be found, define ecosystems, and ultimately, teach us about the earth history of the State. Rock units are grouped in very broad categories on the basis of age and general rock type. A much more detailed and fully referenced presentation of the geology of Alaska is available in the Geologic Map of Alaska (http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sim3340). This product represents the simplification of thousands of individual rock units into just 39 broad groups. Even with this generalization, the sheer complexity of Alaskan geology remains evident.

Diversity and dialogue in immunity to helminths.

PubMed

Allen, Judith E; Maizels, Rick M

2011-06-01

The vertebrate immune system has evolved in concert with a broad range of infectious agents, including ubiquitous helminth (worm) parasites. The constant pressure of helminth infections has been a powerful force in shaping not only how immunity is initiated and maintained, but also how the body self-regulates and controls untoward immune responses to minimize overall harm. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in defining the immune cell types and molecules that are mobilized in response to helminth infection. Finally, we more broadly consider how these immunological players are blended and regulated in order to accommodate persistent infection or to mount a vigorous protective response and achieve sterile immunity.

Classifying terrestrial surface water systems using integrated residence time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Allan; Hodges, Ben; McClelland, James; Hardison, Amber; Moffett, Kevan

2017-04-01

Linkages between ecology and hydrology in terrestrial surface water often invoke a discussion of lentic (reservoir) vs. lotic (riverine) system behaviors. However, the literature shows a wide range of thresholds separating lentic/lotic regimes and little agreement on a quantitative, repeatable classification metric that can be broadly and reliably applied across a range of systems hosting various flow regimes and suspended/benthic taxa. We propose an integrated Residence Time (iTR) metric as part of a new Freshwater Continuum Classification (FCC) to address this issue. The iTR is computed as the transit time of a water parcel across a system given observed temporal variations in discharge and volume, which creates a temporally-varying metric applicable across a defined system length. This approach avoids problems associated with instantaneous residence times or average residence times that can lead to misleading characterizations in seasonally- or episodically-dynamic systems. The iTR can be directly related to critical flow thresholds and timescales of ecology (e.g., zooplankton growth). The FCC approach considers lentic and lotic to be opposing end-members of a classification continuum and also defines intermediate regimes that blur the line between the two ends of the spectrum due to more complex hydrological system dynamics. We also discover the potential for "oscillic" behavior, where a system switches between lentic and lotic classifications either episodically or regularly (e.g., seasonally). Oscillic behavior is difficult to diagnose with prior lentic/lotic classification schemes, but can be readily identified using iTR. The FCC approach was used to analyze 15 tidally-influenced river segments along the Texas (USA) coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The results agreed with lentic/lotic designations using prior approaches, but also identified more nuanced intermediate and oscillic regimes. Within this set of systems, the oscillic nature of some of the river reaches was due to flash floods that temporarily turned the primarily lentic stream reaches into lotic systems (not dominantly due to tidal influences). Because the FCC approach is based on system volume and flow characteristics, it is broadly applicable across an entire river reach, pond, or reservoir volume, and so may provide a useful and quantitative common reference point for hydrological and ecological studies going forward. [This work was supported in part by the United States National Science Foundation under grant number 1417433.

How the Government Defines "Rural" Has Implications for Education Policies and Practices. Issues & Answers. REL 2007-010

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arnold, Michael L.; Biscoe, Belinda; Farmer, Thomas W.; Robertson, Dylan L.; Shapley, Kathy L.

2007-01-01

Clearly defining what rural means has tangible implications for public policies and practices in education, from establishing resource needs to achieving the goals of No Child Left Behind in rural areas. The word "rural" has many meanings. It has been defined in reference to population density, geographic features, and level of economic…

Satellite power system concept development and evaluation program. Volume 1: Technical assessment summary report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

Candidate satellite power system (SPS) concepts were identified and evaluated in terms of technical and cost factors. A number of alternative technically feasible approaches and system concepts were investigated. A reference system was defined to facilitate economic, environmental, and societal assessments by the Department of Energy. All elements of the reference system were defined including the satellite and all its subsystems, the orbital construction and maintenance bases, all elements of the space transportation system, the ground receiving station, and the associated industrial facilities for manufacturing the required hardware. The reference conclusions and remaining issues are stated for the following topical areas: system definition; energy conversion and power management; power transmission and reception; structures, controls, and materials; construction and operations; and space transportation.

Trends in broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing for children with acute otitis media in the United States, 1998–2004

PubMed Central

Coco, Andrew S; Horst, Michael A; Gambler, Angela S

2009-01-01

Background Overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics is associated with antibiotic resistance. Acute otitis media (AOM) is responsible for a large proportion of antibiotics prescribed for US children. Rates of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing for AOM are unknown. Methods Analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 1998 to 2004 (N = 6,878). Setting is office-based physicians, hospital outpatient departments, and emergency departments. Patients are children aged 12 years and younger prescribed antibiotics for acute otitis media. Main outcome measure is percentage of broad-spectrum antibiotics, defined as amoxicillin/clavulanate, macrolides, cephalosporins and quinolones. Results Broad-spectrum prescribing for acute otitis media increased from 34% of visits in 1998 to 45% of visits in 2004 (P < .001 for trend). The trend was primarily attributable to an increase in prescribing of amoxicillin/clavulanate (8% to 15%; P < .001 for trend) and macrolides (9% to 15%; P < .001 for trend). Prescribing remained stable for amoxicillin and cephalosporins while decreasing for narrow-spectrum agents (12% to 3%; P < .001 for trend) over the study period. Independent predictors of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing were ear pain, non-white race, public and other insurance (compared to private), hospital outpatient department setting, emergency department setting, and West region (compared to South and Midwest regions), each of which was associated with lower rates of broad-spectrum prescribing. Age and fever were not associated with prescribing choice. Conclusion Prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics for acute otitis media has steadily increased from 1998 to 2004. Associations with non-clinical factors suggest potential for improvement in prescribing practice. PMID:19552819

Recovery of a geocentric reference frame using the present-day GPS system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malla, Rajendra P.; Wu, Sien-Chong

1990-01-01

A geocentric reference frame adopts the center of mass of the earth as the origin of the coordinate axes. The center of mass of the earth is the natural and unambiguous origin of a geocentric satellite dynamical system. But in practice a kinematically obtained terrestrial reference frame may assume an origin other than the geocenter. The establishment of a geocentric reference frame, to which all relevant observations and results can be referred and in which geodynamic theories or models for the dynamic behavior of earth can be formulated, requires the ability to accurately recover a given coordinate frame origin offset from the geocenter. GPS measurements, because of their abundance and broad distribution, provide a powerful tool to obtain this origin offset in a short period of time. Two effective strategies have been devised. Data from the First Central And South America (Casa Uno) geodynamics experiment has been studied, in order to demonstrate the ability of recovering the geocenter location with present day GPS satellites and receivers.

SU-F-T-428: An Optimization-Based Commissioning Tool for Finite Size Pencil Beam Dose Calculations

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

Li, Y; Tian, Z; Song, T

Purpose: Finite size pencil beam (FSPB) algorithms are commonly used to pre-calculate the beamlet dose distribution for IMRT treatment planning. FSPB commissioning, which usually requires fine tuning of the FSPB kernel parameters, is crucial to the dose calculation accuracy and hence the plan quality. Yet due to the large number of beamlets, FSPB commissioning could be very tedious. This abstract reports an optimization-based FSPB commissioning tool we have developed in MatLab to facilitate the commissioning. Methods: A FSPB dose kernel generally contains two types of parameters: the profile parameters determining the dose kernel shape, and a 2D scaling factors accountingmore » for the longitudinal and off-axis corrections. The former were fitted using the penumbra of a reference broad beam’s dose profile with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. Since the dose distribution of a broad beam is simply a linear superposition of the dose kernel of each beamlet calculated with the fitted profile parameters and scaled using the scaling factors, these factors could be determined by solving an optimization problem which minimizes the discrepancies between the calculated dose of broad beams and the reference dose. Results: We have commissioned a FSPB algorithm for three linac photon beams (6MV, 15MV and 6MVFFF). Dose of four field sizes (6*6cm2, 10*10cm2, 15*15cm2 and 20*20cm2) were calculated and compared with the reference dose exported from Eclipse TPS system. For depth dose curves, the differences are less than 1% of maximum dose after maximum dose depth for most cases. For lateral dose profiles, the differences are less than 2% of central dose at inner-beam regions. The differences of the output factors are within 1% for all the three beams. Conclusion: We have developed an optimization-based commissioning tool for FSPB algorithms to facilitate the commissioning, providing sufficient accuracy of beamlet dose calculation for IMRT optimization.« less

Biomarker Reference Sets for Cancers in Women — EDRN Public Portal

Cancer.gov

The purpose of this study is to develop a standard reference set of specimens for use by investigators participating in the National Cancer Institutes Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) in defining false positive rates for new cancer biomarkers in women.

Fabrication and Testing of Binary-Phase Fourier Gratings for Nonuniform Array Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keys, Andrew S.; Crow, Robert W.; Ashley, Paul R.; Nelson, Tom R., Jr.; Parker, Jack H.; Beecher, Elizabeth A.

2004-01-01

This effort describes the fabrication and testing of binary-phase Fourier gratings designed to generate an incoherent array of output source points with nonuniform user-defined intensities, symmetric about the zeroth order. Like Dammann fanout gratings, these binary-phase Fourier gratings employ only two phase levels to generate a defined output array. Unlike Dammann fanout gratings, these gratings generate an array of nonuniform, user-defined intensities when projected into the far-field regime. The paper describes the process of design, fabrication, and testing for two different version of the binary-phase grating; one designed for a 12 micron wavelength, referred to as the Long-Wavelength Infrared (LWIR) grating, and one designed for a 5 micron wavelength, referred to as the Mid-Wavelength Infrared Grating (MWIR).

A variational approach to dynamics of flexible multibody systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, Shih-Chin; Haug, Edward J.; Kim, Sung-Soo

1989-01-01

This paper presents a variational formulation of constrained dynamics of flexible multibody systems, using a vector-variational calculus approach. Body reference frames are used to define global position and orientation of individual bodies in the system, located and oriented by position of its origin and Euler parameters, respectively. Small strain linear elastic deformation of individual components, relative to their body references frames, is defined by linear combinations of deformation modes that are induced by constraint reaction forces and normal modes of vibration. A library of kinematic couplings between flexible and/or rigid bodies is defined and analyzed. Variational equations of motion for multibody systems are obtained and reduced to mixed differential-algebraic equations of motion. A space structure that must deform during deployment is analyzed, to illustrate use of the methods developed.

[The evolution of related names of Bi syndrome and the theory of etiology and pathogenesis].

PubMed

Dai, Jian-hua; Shi, Ying-jie; Yin, Hai-bo; Du, Hui

2009-07-01

In the Traditional Chinese medical literature of ancient times, Bi referred to the pathogenesis, or the symptoms as well as the name of the disease. As the name of a disease, Bi has the different meanings of broad and narrow., joint-running, joint-running wind, white tiger joint-running, gout etc. referring to the narrow meaning of Bi disease. The theory of etiology and pathogenesis of the narrow meaning of Bi disease developed from damp-impediment, wind-cold-damp impediment to damp-hot impediment, stasis-hot impediment, which reflected the constant deepening of cognition.

Video Denoising via Dynamic Video Layering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Han; Vaswani, Namrata

2018-07-01

Video denoising refers to the problem of removing "noise" from a video sequence. Here the term "noise" is used in a broad sense to refer to any corruption or outlier or interference that is not the quantity of interest. In this work, we develop a novel approach to video denoising that is based on the idea that many noisy or corrupted videos can be split into three parts - the "low-rank layer", the "sparse layer", and a small residual (which is small and bounded). We show, using extensive experiments, that our denoising approach outperforms the state-of-the-art denoising algorithms.

Asian Monsoons: Variability, Predictability, and Sensitivity to External Forcing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Song; Lau, K.-M.; Kim, K.-M.

1999-01-01

In this study, we have addressed the interannual variations of Asian monsoons including both broad-scale and regional monsoon components. Particular attention is devoted to the identities of the South China Sea monsoon and Indian monsoon. We use CPC Merged Analysis of Precipitation and NCEP reanalyses to define regional monsoon indices and to depict the various monsoons. Parallel modeling studies have also been carried out to assess the potential predictability of the broad-scale and regional monsoons. Each monsoon is characterized by its unique features. While the South Asian monsoon represents a classical monsoon in which anomalous circulation is governed by Rossby-wave dynamics, the Southeast Asian monsoon symbolizes a "hybrid" monsoon that features multi-cellular meridional circulation over eastern Asia. The broad-scale Asian monsoon links to the basin-wide atmospheric circulation over the Indian-Pacific oceans. Both Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) and land surface processes are important for determining the variations of all monsoons. For the broad-scale monsoon, SST anomalies are more important than land surface processes. However, for regional monsoons, land surface processes may become equally important. Both observation and model shows that the broad-scale monsoon is potentially more predictable than regional monsoons, and that the Southeast Asian monsoon may possess higher predictability than the South Asian monsoon.

Valid analytical performance specifications for combined analytical bias and imprecision for the use of common reference intervals.

PubMed

Hyltoft Petersen, Per; Lund, Flemming; Fraser, Callum G; Sandberg, Sverre; Sölétormos, György

2018-01-01

Background Many clinical decisions are based on comparison of patient results with reference intervals. Therefore, an estimation of the analytical performance specifications for the quality that would be required to allow sharing common reference intervals is needed. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) recommended a minimum of 120 reference individuals to establish reference intervals. This number implies a certain level of quality, which could then be used for defining analytical performance specifications as the maximum combination of analytical bias and imprecision required for sharing common reference intervals, the aim of this investigation. Methods Two methods were investigated for defining the maximum combination of analytical bias and imprecision that would give the same quality of common reference intervals as the IFCC recommendation. Method 1 is based on a formula for the combination of analytical bias and imprecision and Method 2 is based on the Microsoft Excel formula NORMINV including the fractional probability of reference individuals outside each limit and the Gaussian variables of mean and standard deviation. The combinations of normalized bias and imprecision are illustrated for both methods. The formulae are identical for Gaussian and log-Gaussian distributions. Results Method 2 gives the correct results with a constant percentage of 4.4% for all combinations of bias and imprecision. Conclusion The Microsoft Excel formula NORMINV is useful for the estimation of analytical performance specifications for both Gaussian and log-Gaussian distributions of reference intervals.