SeaWiFS technical report series. Volume 13: Case studies for SeaWiFS calibration and validation, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hooker, Stanford B. (Editor); Firestone, Elaine R. (Editor); Mcclain, Charles R.; Comiso, Josefino C.; Fraser, Robert S.; Firestone, James K.; Schieber, Brian D.; Yeh, Eueng-Nan; Arrigo, Kevin R.; Sullivan, Cornelius W.

1994-01-01

Although the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) Calibration and Validation Program relies on the scientific community for the collection of bio-optical and atmospheric correction data as well as for algorithm development, it does have the responsibility for evaluating and comparing the algorithms and for ensuring that the algorithms are properly implemented within the SeaWiFS Data Processing System. This report consists of a series of sensitivity and algorithm (bio-optical, atmospheric correction, and quality control) studies based on Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) and historical ancillary data undertaken to assist in the development of SeaWiFS specific applications needed for the proper execution of that responsibility. The topics presented are as follows: (1) CZCS bio-optical algorithm comparison, (2) SeaWiFS ozone data analysis study, (3) SeaWiFS pressure and oxygen absorption study, (4) pixel-by-pixel pressure and ozone correction study for ocean color imagery, (5) CZCS overlapping scenes study, (6) a comparison of CZCS and in situ pigment concentrations in the Southern Ocean, (7) the generation of ancillary data climatologies, (8) CZCS sensor ringing mask comparison, and (9) sun glint flag sensitivity study.

Correcting Fallacies in Validity, Reliability, and Classification

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sijtsma, Klaas

2009-01-01

This article reviews three topics from test theory that continue to raise discussion and controversy and capture test theorists' and constructors' interest. The first topic concerns the discussion of the methodology of investigating and establishing construct validity; the second topic concerns reliability and its misuse, alternative definitions…

Women are More Sensitive than Men to Prior Trial Events on the Stop Signal Task

PubMed Central

Thakkar, Katharine N.; Congdon, Eliza; Poldrack, Russell A.; Sabb, Fred W.; London, Edythe D.; Cannon, Tyrone D.; Bilder, Robert M.

2013-01-01

Sexual dimorphism in the brain and cognition is a topic of widespread interest. Many studies of sex differences have focused on visuospatial and verbal abilities but few studies have investigated sex differences in executive functions. We examined two key components of executive function—response inhibition and response monitoring—in healthy men (n=285) and women (n=346) performing the Stop-signal task. In this task, participants are required to make a key press to a stimulus, unless a tone is presented at some delay following the initial stimulus presentation; on these infrequent trials, participants are instructed to inhibit their planned response. Response inhibition was assessed with an estimate of the latency needed to inhibit a response (stop-signal reaction time), and response monitoring was measured by calculating the degree to which participants adjusted their reaction times based on the immediately preceding trial (e.g. speeding following correct trials and slowing following errors). There were no sex differences in overall accuracy or response inhibition but women showed greater sensitivity to trial history. Women sped up more than men following correct “Go” trials, and slowed down more than men following errors. These small but statistically significant effects (Cohen’s d=0.25–0.3) suggest more flexible adjustments in speed-accuracy trade-offs in women and greater cognitive flexibility associated with the responsive control of action. PMID:24754812

SeaWiFS Technical Report Series. Volume 40; SeaWiFS Calibration Topics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, Robert A.; Eplee, Robert E., Jr.; Yeh, Eueng-nan; Esaias, Wayne E.

1997-01-01

For Earth-observing satellite instruments, it was standard to consider each instrument band to have a spectral response that is infinitely narrow, i.e., to have a response from a single wavelength. The SeaWiFS bands, however, have nominal spectral bandwidths of 20 and 40 nm. These bandwidths effect the SeaWiFS measurements on orbit. The effects are also linked to the manner in which the instrument was calibrated and to the spectral shape of the radiance that SeaWiFS views. The spectral shape of that radiance will not be well known on orbit. In this technical memorandum, two source spectra are examined. The first is a 12,000 K Planck function, and the second is based on the modeling results of H. Gordon at the University of Miami. By comparing these spectra, the best available corrections to the SeaWiFS measurements for source spectral shape, plus estimates of the uncertainties in these corrections, can be tabulated.

Spectral Learning for Supervised Topic Models.

PubMed

Ren, Yong; Wang, Yining; Zhu, Jun

2018-03-01

Supervised topic models simultaneously model the latent topic structure of large collections of documents and a response variable associated with each document. Existing inference methods are based on variational approximation or Monte Carlo sampling, which often suffers from the local minimum defect. Spectral methods have been applied to learn unsupervised topic models, such as latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), with provable guarantees. This paper investigates the possibility of applying spectral methods to recover the parameters of supervised LDA (sLDA). We first present a two-stage spectral method, which recovers the parameters of LDA followed by a power update method to recover the regression model parameters. Then, we further present a single-phase spectral algorithm to jointly recover the topic distribution matrix as well as the regression weights. Our spectral algorithms are provably correct and computationally efficient. We prove a sample complexity bound for each algorithm and subsequently derive a sufficient condition for the identifiability of sLDA. Thorough experiments on synthetic and real-world datasets verify the theory and demonstrate the practical effectiveness of the spectral algorithms. In fact, our results on a large-scale review rating dataset demonstrate that our single-phase spectral algorithm alone gets comparable or even better performance than state-of-the-art methods, while previous work on spectral methods has rarely reported such promising performance.

An Evidence-Based Medicine Curriculum Improves General Surgery Residents' Standardized Test Scores in Research and Statistics.

PubMed

Trickey, Amber W; Crosby, Moira E; Singh, Monika; Dort, Jonathan M

2014-12-01

The application of evidence-based medicine to patient care requires unique skills of the physician. Advancing residents' abilities to accurately evaluate the quality of evidence is built on understanding of fundamental research concepts. The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) provides a relevant measure of surgical residents' knowledge of research design and statistics. We implemented a research education curriculum in an independent academic medical center general residency program, and assessed the effect on ABSITE scores. The curriculum consisted of five 1-hour monthly research and statistics lectures. The lectures were presented before the 2012 and 2013 examinations. Forty residents completing ABSITE examinations from 2007 to 2013 were included in the study. Two investigators independently identified research-related item topics from examination summary reports. Correct and incorrect responses were compared precurriculum and postcurriculum. Regression models were calculated to estimate improvement in postcurriculum scores, adjusted for individuals' scores over time and postgraduate year level. Residents demonstrated significant improvement in postcurriculum examination scores for research and statistics items. Correct responses increased 27% (P < .001). Residents were 5 times more likely to achieve a perfect score on research and statistics items postcurriculum (P < .001). Residents at all levels demonstrated improved research and statistics scores after receiving the curriculum. Because the ABSITE includes a wide spectrum of research topics, sustained improvements suggest a genuine level of understanding that will promote lifelong evaluation and clinical application of the surgical literature.

Fluctuations in Student Understanding of Newton's 3rd Law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Jessica W.; Sayre, Eleanor C.; Franklin, Scott V.

2010-10-01

We present data from a between-student study on student response to questions on Newton's Third Law given throughout the academic year. The study, conducted at Rochester Institute of Technology, involved students from the first and third of a three-quarter sequence. Construction of a response curve reveals subtle dynamics in student learning not captured by simple pre/post testing. We find a a significant positive effect from direct instruction, peaking at the end of instruction on forces, that diminishes by the end of the quarter. Two quarters later, in physics III, a significant dip in correct response occurs when instruction changes from the vector quantities of electric forces and fields to the scalar quantity of electric potential. Student response rebounds to its initial values, however, once instruction returns to the vector-based topics involving magnetic fields.

Flight Rules Critical Readiness Review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, E.; Knudsen, F.; Rice, S.

2010-01-01

The increment 23/24 Critical Readiness Review (CRR) flight rules are presented. The topics include: 1) B13-152 Acoustic Constraints; 2) B13-113 IFM/Corrective Action Prioritization Due to Loss of Exercise Capability; 3) B13-116 Constraints on Treadmill VIS Failure; 4) B13-201 Medical Management of ISS Fire/Smoke Response; 5) ARED and T2 Exercise constraints Flight rules (flight and stage specific); 6) FYI: B14 FR to be updated with requirement to sample crew sleep locations prior to receiving a "recommendation" from SRAG on where to sleep.

76 FR 29153 - Medical Devices; Reclassification of the Topical Oxygen Chamber for Extremities; Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-20

... inadvertently used outdated contact information. This document corrects that error. DATES: Effective May 25, 2011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles N. Durfor, Center for Devices and Radiological Health... third column, the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section is corrected to read as follows: FOR FURTHER...

Proceedings of the State Directors of Correctional Education Annual Meeting (4th, Atlanta, Georgia, July 14, 1985).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Office of Vocational and Adult Education (ED), Washington, DC.

This document contains the proceedings of an annual meeting of state directors of correctional education on the topic of "special needs of the female offender." Dianne Carter of the U.S. Department of Education's Correction Education Program opened the meeting with welcoming comments and reported on many activities of the corrections education…

German medical students' interest in and knowledge about human sexuality in 1972 and 2012.

PubMed

Turner, Daniel; Jopt, Konstantin; Nieder, Timo O; Briken, Peer

2014-08-01

During the 1970s, a growing number of medical schools began to recognize the importance of medical education concerning human sexuality. Currently, most medical schools provide at least some instruction in human sexuality. In light of this development, the present study aimed to compare the interest in and knowledge about human sexuality of medical students from two different time periods. The answers to a self-constructed questionnaire of 236 students in 1972 were compared with those of 259 students in 2012. Students were asked whether they were interested in education regarding human sexuality and which specific topics they felt should be included in the medical curriculum. The students' knowledge in the following domains was assessed: sexual development, sexual behavior, sexual physiology and psychology, and sexual medicine. The two cohorts were compared with regard to those specific sexuality-related topics in which the students were most and least interested in. Furthermore, the number of correct responses to the knowledge questions was compared. While in 1972, 99.2% of the students were interested in medical education about human sexuality, in 2012, 80.3% showed an interest. The connection of disorders from different medical disciplines with sexuality was rated as most interesting by both the students from 1972 and 2012. Medical students from 2012 gave 50.3% correct answers to the knowledge questions, whereas students from 1972 correctly answered 46.3% of the questions. Although interest in education concerning human sexuality has decreased, the majority of students view it as an important topic. Nevertheless, medical students still lack knowledge about important aspects of human sexuality (e.g., psychosexual development and relative safety of different contraceptives). Therefore, more time should be dedicated to education concerning human sexuality and its cultural, societal, and health aspects in particular. © 2014 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Coaching to Enhance Quality of Implementation in Prevention.

PubMed

Dusenbury, Linda; Hansen, William B; Jackson-Newsom, Julia; Pittman, Donna; Wilson, Cicely; Simley, Kathleen; Ringwalt, Christopher; Pankratz, Melinda; Giles, Steven

2010-01-01

PURPOSE: This study describes topics covered by coaches assisting teachers implementing a research-based drug prevention program and explores how coaching affected student outcomes. DESIGN: The All Stars drug prevention curriculum was implemented by 16 urban teachers who received four coaching sessions. Two coaches participated. Coaches were interviewed by investigators to assess topics covered. Students completed pretest-posttest measures of mediators and substance use behaviors. FINDINGS: The average teacher was coached on 11.7 different topics, out of a total of 23 topics. Coaching topics most heavily emphasized included: introduction and wrap up; time management; general classroom management; teacher's movement around the class; asking open-ended questions; using students' questions, comments and examples to make desired points; general preparation; engaging high-risk youth; reading from the curriculum; implementing activities correctly; focusing on objectives and goals; maintaining a focus on the task; and improving depth of understanding. Seven coaching topics were found to relate to changes in student mediators and behavior. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The current study was exploratory. Future research should explore how teachers develop the particular skills required by prevention programs and how coaches can assist them. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: We postulate five levels of skill development which coaches may address: (1) fundamental teaching skills, (2) mechanics of program delivery, (3) development of an interactive teaching style, (4) effective response to student input, and (5) effective tailoring and adaptation. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This represents one of a very few studies that explores how coaching impacts outcomes in substance abuse prevention.

Coaching to Enhance Quality of Implementation in Prevention

PubMed Central

Dusenbury, Linda; Hansen, William B.; Jackson-Newsom, Julia; Pittman, Donna; Wilson, Cicely; Simley, Kathleen; Ringwalt, Christopher; Pankratz, Melinda; Giles, Steven

2010-01-01

Purpose This study describes topics covered by coaches assisting teachers implementing a research-based drug prevention program and explores how coaching affected student outcomes. Design The All Stars drug prevention curriculum was implemented by 16 urban teachers who received four coaching sessions. Two coaches participated. Coaches were interviewed by investigators to assess topics covered. Students completed pretest-posttest measures of mediators and substance use behaviors. Findings The average teacher was coached on 11.7 different topics, out of a total of 23 topics. Coaching topics most heavily emphasized included: introduction and wrap up; time management; general classroom management; teacher's movement around the class; asking open-ended questions; using students' questions, comments and examples to make desired points; general preparation; engaging high-risk youth; reading from the curriculum; implementing activities correctly; focusing on objectives and goals; maintaining a focus on the task; and improving depth of understanding. Seven coaching topics were found to relate to changes in student mediators and behavior. Research Limitations/Implications The current study was exploratory. Future research should explore how teachers develop the particular skills required by prevention programs and how coaches can assist them. Practical Implications We postulate five levels of skill development which coaches may address: (1) fundamental teaching skills, (2) mechanics of program delivery, (3) development of an interactive teaching style, (4) effective response to student input, and (5) effective tailoring and adaptation. Originality/Value This represents one of a very few studies that explores how coaching impacts outcomes in substance abuse prevention. PMID:22022672

Survey of nutrition knowledge of physicians in Kuwait.

PubMed

Allafi, Ahmad R; Alajmi, Fahhad; Al-Haifi, Ahmad

2013-07-01

The objective of the present study was to determine whether nutrition knowledge differs between male and female physicians working in Kuwait City, Kuwait. The study employed a cross-sectional analysis of physician’s nutrition knowledge by using a sixteen-item multiple-choice questionnaire. Governmental hospitals in Kuwait City, Kuwait. One hundred Kuwaiti physicians (fifty males; fifty females) working in Kuwait City, Kuwait. A response rate of 73% was achieved (forty males; thirty-three females). The mean percentage of correctly answered questions was 60 %. The male and female physicians averaged 56% and 65% of correct responses, respectively (P50?042). However, only for two questions did male and female physicians’ scores differ significantly (P,0?05). The two age groups (,40 years; $40 years) had equal mean total correct scores (60 %, P50?935). Physicians’ knowledge was greatest for topics that have received a great deal of media coverage in Kuwait. Most (70 %) of the physicians described their nutrition knowledge as ‘moderate’. Physicians in Kuwait gave inaccurate information regarding common problems in Kuwaitis such as obesity, hypertension and osteoporosis. In view of the public’s perception of the role of the physician in providing nutrition advice, it is imperative that nutrition and diet training be part of continuing medical education to bridge these deficiencies in physicians’ knowledge.

Onboard utilization of ground control points for image correction. Volume 2: Analysis and simulation results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

An approach to remote sensing that meets future mission requirements was investigated. The deterministic acquisition of data and the rapid correction of data for radiometric effects and image distortions are the most critical limitations of remote sensing. The following topics are discussed: onboard image correction systems, GCP navigation system simulation, GCP analysis, and image correction analysis measurement.

Partners in immunization: 2010 survey examining differences among H1N1 vaccine providers in Washington state.

PubMed

Seib, Katherine; Gleason, Cindy; Richards, Jennifer L; Chamberlain, Allison; Andrews, Tracey; Watson, Lin; Whitney, Ellen; Hinman, Alan R; Omer, Saad B

2013-01-01

Emergency response involving mass vaccination requires the involvement of traditional vaccine providers as well as other health-care providers, including pharmacists, obstetricians, and health-care providers at correctional facilities. We explored differences in provider experiences administering pandemic vaccine during a public health emergency. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of H1N1 vaccine providers in Washington State, examining topics regarding pandemic vaccine administration, participation in preparedness activities, and communication with public health agencies. We also examined differences among provider types in responses received (n=619, 80.9% response rate). Compared with other types of vaccine providers (e.g., family practitioners, obstetricians, and specialists), pharmacists reported higher patient volumes as well as higher patient-to-practitioner ratios, indicating a broad capacity for community reach. Pharmacists and correctional health-care providers reported lower staff coverage with seasonal and H1N1 vaccines. Compared with other vaccine providers, pharmacists were also more likely to report relying on public health information from federal sources. They were less likely to report relying on local health departments (LHDs) for pandemic-related information, but indicated a desire to be included in LHD communications and plans. While all provider types indicated a high willingness to respond to a public health emergency, pharmacists were less likely to have participated in training, actual emergency response, or surge capacity initiatives. No obstetricians reported participating in surge capacity initiatives. Results from this survey suggest that efforts to increase communication and interaction between public health agencies and pharmacy, obstetric, and correctional health-care vaccine providers may improve future preparedness and emergency response capability and reach.

Partners in Immunization: 2010 Survey Examining Differences Among H1N1 Vaccine Providers in Washington State

PubMed Central

Gleason, Cindy; Richards, Jennifer L.; Chamberlain, Allison; Andrews, Tracey; Watson, Lin; Whitney, Ellen; Hinman, Alan R.; Omer, Saad B.

2013-01-01

Objectives Emergency response involving mass vaccination requires the involvement of traditional vaccine providers as well as other health-care providers, including pharmacists, obstetricians, and health-care providers at correctional facilities. We explored differences in provider experiences administering pandemic vaccine during a public health emergency. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of H1N1 vaccine providers in Washington State, examining topics regarding pandemic vaccine administration, participation in preparedness activities, and communication with public health agencies. We also examined differences among provider types in responses received (n=619, 80.9% response rate). Results Compared with other types of vaccine providers (e.g., family practitioners, obstetricians, and specialists), pharmacists reported higher patient volumes as well as higher patient-to-practitioner ratios, indicating a broad capacity for community reach. Pharmacists and correctional health-care providers reported lower staff coverage with seasonal and H1N1 vaccines. Compared with other vaccine providers, pharmacists were also more likely to report relying on public health information from federal sources. They were less likely to report relying on local health departments (LHDs) for pandemic-related information, but indicated a desire to be included in LHD communications and plans. While all provider types indicated a high willingness to respond to a public health emergency, pharmacists were less likely to have participated in training, actual emergency response, or surge capacity initiatives. No obstetricians reported participating in surge capacity initiatives. Conclusions Results from this survey suggest that efforts to increase communication and interaction between public health agencies and pharmacy, obstetric, and correctional health-care vaccine providers may improve future preparedness and emergency response capability and reach. PMID:23633735

Boomwhackers and End-Pipe Corrections

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruiz, Michael J.

2014-01-01

End-pipe corrections seldom come to mind as a suitable topic for an introductory physics lab. Yet, the end-pipe correction formula can be verified in an engaging and inexpensive lab that requires only two supplies: plastic-tube toys called boomwhackers and a meter-stick. This article describes a lab activity in which students model data from…

Photodecomposition and Phototoxicity of Natural Retinoids

PubMed Central

Tolleson, William H.; Cherng, Shui-Hui; Xia, Qingsu; Boudreau, Mary; Yin, Jun Jie; Wamer, Wayne G.; Howard, Paul C.; Yu, Hongtao; Fu, Peter P.

2005-01-01

Sunlight is a known human carcinogen. Many cosmetics contain retinoid-based compounds, such as retinyl palmitate (RP), either to protect the skin or to stimulate skin responses that will correct skin damaged by sunlight. However, little is known about the photodecomposition of some retinoids and the toxicity of these retinoids and their sunlight-induced photodecomposition products on skin. Thus, studies are required to test whether topical application of retinoids enhances the phototoxicity and photocarcinogenicity of sunlight and UV light. Mechanistic studies are needed to provide insight into the disposition of retinoids in vitro and on the skin, and to test thoroughly whether genotoxic damage by UV-induced radicals may participate in any toxicity of topically applied retinoids in the presence of UV light. This paper reports the update information and our experimental results on photostability, photoreactions, and phototoxicity of the natural retinoids including retinol (ROH), retinal, retinoid acid (RA), retinyl acetate, and RP (Figure 1). PMID:16705812

Working session 4: Preventative and corrective measures

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

Clark, R.; Slama, G.

1997-02-01

The Preventive and Corrective Measures working session included 13 members from France, Germany, Japan, Spain, Slovenia, and the United States. Attendee experience included regulators, utilities, three steam generator vendors, consultants and researchers. Discussions centered on four principal topics: (1) alternate materials, (2) mechanical mitigation, (3) maintenance, and (4) water chemistry. New or replacement steam generators and original equipment steam generators were separately addressed. Four papers were presented to the session, to provide information and stimulate various discussion topics. Topics discussed and issues raised during the several meeting sessions are provided below, followed by summary conclusions and recommendations on which themore » group was able to reach a majority consensus. The working session was composed of individuals with diverse experience and varied areas of specialized expertise. The somewhat broad range of topics addressed by the group at times saw discussion participation by only a few individuals. As in any technical meeting where all are allowed the opportunity to speak their mind, straying from an Individual topic was not unusual. Where useful, these stray topics are also presented below within the context In which they occurred. The main categories of discussion were: minimize sludge; new steam generators; maintenance; mechanical mitigation; water chemistry.« less

Chemistry 300. Administration Manual for Supervising Teachers, Provincial Examination, Answer Key--Multiple-Choice and Written-Answer Questions, and Provincial Summary Report = Chimie 300. Guide d'administration a l'intention des surveillants d'examen, Examen provincial, Cle de correction--Questions choix multiple et Questions responses ouvertes, et Rapport sommaire provincial.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manitoba Dept. of Education and Training, Winnipeg.

This collection of manuals contains the Manitoba Provincial Chemistry Examination for students seeking credit in Senior 4 Chemistry (Chemistry 300) and instructions for its use and grading. The examination is based on the Core Topics of the Senior 4 Chemistry course and accounts for 30% of the student's final grade in the course. The examination…

The Procedurally Directive Approach to Teaching Controversial Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gregory, Maughn Rollins

2014-01-01

Recent articles on teaching controversial topics in schools have employed Michael Hand's distinction between "directive teaching," in which teachers attempt to persuade students of correct positions on topics that are not rationally controversial, and "nondirective teaching," in which teachers avoid persuading students on…

Training Correctional Educators: A Needs Assessment Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jurich, Sonia; Casper, Marta; Hull, Kim A.

2001-01-01

Focus groups and a training needs survey of Virginia correctional educators identified educational philosophy, communication skills, human behavior, and teaching techniques as topics of interest. Classroom observations identified additional areas: teacher isolation, multiple challenges, absence of grade structure, and safety constraints. (Contains…

Atmospheric Correction for Satellite Ocean Color Radiometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mobley, Curtis D.; Werdell, Jeremy; Franz, Bryan; Ahmad, Ziauddin; Bailey, Sean

2016-01-01

This tutorial is an introduction to atmospheric correction in general and also documentation of the atmospheric correction algorithms currently implemented by the NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG) for processing ocean color data from satellite-borne sensors such as MODIS and VIIRS. The intended audience is graduate students or others who are encountering this topic for the first time. The tutorial is in two parts. Part I discusses the generic atmospheric correction problem. The magnitude and nature of the problem are first illustrated with numerical results generated by a coupled ocean-atmosphere radiative transfer model. That code allow the various contributions (Rayleigh and aerosol path radiance, surface reflectance, water-leaving radiance, etc.) to the topof- the-atmosphere (TOA) radiance to be separated out. Particular attention is then paid to the definition, calculation, and interpretation of the so-called "exact normalized water-leaving radiance" and its equivalent reflectance. Part I ends with chapters on the calculation of direct and diffuse atmospheric transmittances, and on how vicarious calibration is performed. Part II then describes one by one the particular algorithms currently used by the OBPG to effect the various steps of the atmospheric correction process, viz. the corrections for absorption and scattering by gases and aerosols, Sun and sky reflectance by the sea surface and whitecaps, and finally corrections for sensor out-of-band response and polarization effects. One goal of the tutorial-guided by teaching needs- is to distill the results of dozens of papers published over several decades of research in atmospheric correction for ocean color remote sensing.

Written Corrective Feedback in L2 Writing: Connors & Lunsford (1988); Lunsford & Lunsford (2008); Lalande (1982) Dana Ferris

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferris, Dana

2015-01-01

Written corrective feedback (CF) has been the most heavily researched topic in second language (L2) writing over the past 20 years. As a recent research timeline article in this journal (Ferris 2012; see also Bitchener & Ferris 2012) shows, studies of error correction in student writing have crossed disciplines (composition and rhetoric,…

Correctional Education/The Criminal Justice System. Teacher Training Module #1. Correctional/Special Education Training Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leone, Peter; And Others

This module, which is one in a series of training packages intended to train educators working with handicapped adolescents and young adults in correctional settings, deals with the U.S. criminal justice system. Addressed in the individual sections of the module are the following topics: the major functions of the criminal justice system,…

How Is Education Perceived on the Inside?: A Preliminary Study of Adult Males in a Correctional Setting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moeller, Michelle; Day, Scott L.; Rivera, Beverly D.

2004-01-01

This study explores a group of inmates' perceptions of their correctional education and environment based on Fetterman's 1994 idea of empowerment evaluation. A group of 16 male inmates were randomly selected from GED and ABE courses in a high minimum correctional facility in Illinois. A self-administered questionnaire included 5 topics:…

76 FR 29251 - Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff; Class II Special Controls; Guidance...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-20

...: Topical Oxygen Chamber for Extremities; Availability; Correction AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS... Special Controls Guidance Documents: Topical Oxygen Chamber for Extremities.'' The document published... Oxygen Chamber for Extremities'' to the Division of Small Manufacturers, International, and Consumer...

Correcting over 50 years of tobacco industry misinformation.

PubMed

Smith, Philip; Bansal-Travers, Maansi; O'Connor, Richard; Brown, Anthony; Banthin, Chris; Guardino-Colket, Sara; Cummings, K Michael

2011-06-01

In 2006, a U.S. Federal Court ruled that the major domestic cigarette manufacturers were guilty of conspiring to deny, distort, and minimize the hazards of cigarette smoking to the public and ordered corrective statements to correct these deceptions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of different versions of corrective statements that were proposed to the Court. 239 adult smokers (aged 18-65 years) were randomized to view one of five different versions of corrective statements on five topics (health risks, addiction, low-tar cigarettes, product manipulation, and secondhand smoke); change in knowledge and beliefs were measured before and after viewing the statements, as well as 1 week later. Three of the versions were text-based statements recommended by different parties in the case (Philip Morris, U.S. Department of Justice [DOJ], Interveners), whereas two others were developed at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) for this study and utilized pictorial images (emotive and neutral). Data collection and analysis were conducted in Buffalo NY from 2008 to 2009. Regardless of which corrective statement was seen, exposure resulted in a consistent pattern of increased level of knowledge and corrected misperceptions about smoking, although the effects were not large and diminished back toward baseline levels within 1 week. The DOJ, Interveners, and emotive statements elicited a stronger affective response and were rated by respondents as more persuasive (p-value<0.05). The emotive statement was better recalled and drew the respondents' attention in the shortest amount of time. Each of the proposed corrective statements tested helped correct false beliefs about smoking, but sustained impact will likely require repeated exposures to the message. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Floriculture Aide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Joyce; Looney, Era

Designed for use in a self-paced, open-entry/open-exit vocational training program for a floriculture aide, this program guide is one of six for teachers of adult women offenders from a correctional institution. Module topic outlines and sample lesson plans are presented on eleven topics: occupational opportunities in the retail florist industry;…

Awareness of the role of science in the FDA regulatory submission process: a survey of the TERMIS-Americas membership.

PubMed

Johnson, Peter C; Bertram, Tim A; Carty, Neal R; Hellman, Kiki B; Tawil, Bill J; Van Dyke, Mark

2014-06-01

The Industry Committee of the Tissue Engineering Regenerative Medicine International Society, Americas Chapter (TERMIS-AM) administered a survey to its membership in 2013 to assess the awareness of science requirements in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory process. One hundred forty-four members responded to the survey. Their occupational and geographical representation was representative of the TERMIS-AM membership as a whole. The survey elicited basic demographic information, the degree to which members were involved in tissue engineering technology development, and their plans for future involvement in such development. The survey then assessed the awareness of general FDA scientific practices as well as specific science requirements for regulatory submissions to the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), and the Office of Combination Projects (OCP). The FDA-specific questions in the survey were culled from guidance documents posted on the FDA web site ( www.fda.gov ). One of the answer options was an opt-out clause that enabled survey respondents to claim a lack of sufficient awareness of the topic to answer the question. This enabled the stratification of respondents on the basis of confidence in the topic. Results indicate that across all occupational groups (academic, business, and government) that are represented in the TERMIS-AM membership, the awareness of FDA science requirements varies markedly. Those who performed best were for-profit company employees, consultants, and government employees; while students, professors, and respondents from outside the USA performed least well. Confidence in question topics was associated with increased correctness in responses across all groups, though the association between confidence and the ability to answer correctly was poorest among students and professors. Though 80% of respondents claimed involvement in the development of a tissue engineering technology, their responses were no more correct than those who were not. Among those developing tissue engineering technologies, few are taking advantage of existing standards organizations to strengthen their regulatory submissions. The data suggest that early exposure to regulatory experts would be of value for those seeking to bring their technology to the market. For all groups studied but especially for students and professors, formal initial or continuing education in Regulatory Science should be considered to best support translational tissue engineering research and development. In addition, the involvement of standards development organizations during tissue engineering technology development is strongly recommended.

Divergence correction schemes in finite difference method for 3D tensor CSAMT in axial anisotropic media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kunpeng; Tan, Handong; Zhang, Zhiyong; Li, Zhiqiang; Cao, Meng

2017-05-01

Resistivity anisotropy and full-tensor controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT) have gradually become hot research topics. However, much of the current anisotropy research for tensor CSAMT only focuses on the one-dimensional (1D) solution. As the subsurface is rarely 1D, it is necessary to study three-dimensional (3D) model response. The staggered-grid finite difference method is an effective simulation method for 3D electromagnetic forward modelling. Previous studies have suggested using the divergence correction to constrain the iterative process when using a staggered-grid finite difference model so as to accelerate the 3D forward speed and enhance the computational accuracy. However, the traditional divergence correction method was developed assuming an isotropic medium. This paper improves the traditional isotropic divergence correction method and derivation process to meet the tensor CSAMT requirements for anisotropy using the volume integral of the divergence equation. This method is more intuitive, enabling a simple derivation of a discrete equation and then calculation of coefficients related to the anisotropic divergence correction equation. We validate the result of our 3D computational results by comparing them to the results computed using an anisotropic, controlled-source 2.5D program. The 3D resistivity anisotropy model allows us to evaluate the consequences of using the divergence correction at different frequencies and for two orthogonal finite length sources. Our results show that the divergence correction plays an important role in 3D tensor CSAMT resistivity anisotropy research and offers a solid foundation for inversion of CSAMT data collected over an anisotropic body.

The effect of local/topical analgesics on incisional pain in a pig model.

PubMed

Castel, David; Sabbag, Itai; Meilin, Sigal

2017-01-01

Interest in the development of new topical/local drug administration for blocking pain at peripheral sites, with maximum drug activity and minimal systemic effects, is on the rise. In the review article by Kopsky and Stahl, four critical barriers in the process of research and development of topical analgesics were indicated. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and the formulation are among the major challenges. The road to the development of such drugs passes through preclinical studies. These studies, if planned correctly, should serve as guidance for choosing the right API and formulation. Although rodent models for pain continue to provide valuable data on the mechanisms driving pain, their use in developing topical and localized treatment approaches is limited for technical (intraplate injection area is small) as well as mechanical reasons (non-similarity to human skin and innervation). It has been previously shown that pigs are comparable to humans in ways that make them a better choice for evaluating topical and local analgesics. The aim of this study was to summarize several experiments that used pigs for testing postoperative pain in an incisional pain model (skin incision [SI] and skin and muscle incision [SMI]). At the end of the surgery, the animals were treated with different doses of bupivacaine solution (Marcaine ® ), bupivacaine liposomal formulation (Exparel ® ) or ropivacaine solution (Naropin). Von Frey testing demonstrated a decrease in the animals' sensitivity to mechanical stimulation expressed as an increase in the withdrawal force following local treatment. These changes reflect the clinical condition in the level as well as in the duration of the response. These data indicate a good resemblance between pig and human skin and suggest that use of these animals in the preclinical phase of developing topical analgesics can, to some extent, release the bottleneck.

Resources for Topics in Nursing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riordan, Dale B.

This guide is intended to help the user become familiar with a selected group of reference tools and resources which are useful in nursing education and practice. It is important for students to use the correct medical or scientific terminology, understand the scope of a topic, and then utilize the tools necessary to research subjects of interest.…

Hot-Spots and Holiness: Faith-Based Topics in Freshman Composition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Worth, Jan

For an instructor of freshman composition at the University of Michigan at Flint, faith-based writing topics offer particular challenges and sometimes intersect in troubling ways with her own prejudices and personal history as a teacher and as a person. But if handled correctly, she believes that a teacher's interaction with students about…

Whiteboard Confessionals: Investigating a New Model Using Student Representations in Teaching Astro 101

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prather, Edward

2018-01-01

Astronomy education researchers in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona have been investigating a new framework for getting students to engage in discussions about fundamental astronomy topics. This framework is intended to also provide students with explicit feedback on the correctness and coherency of their mental models on these topics. This framework builds upon our prior efforts to create productive Pedagogical Discipline Representations (PDR). Students are asked to work collaboratively to generate their own representations (drawings, graphs, data tables, etc.) that reflect important characteristics of astrophysical scenarios presented in class. We have found these representation tasks offer tremendous insight into the broad range of ideas and knowledge students possess after instruction that includes both traditional lecture and actively learning strategies. In particular, we find that some of our students are able to correctly answer challenging multiple-choice questions on topics, however, they struggle to accurately create representations of these same topics themselves. Our work illustrates that some of our students are not developing a robust level of discipline fluency with many core ideas in astronomy, even after engaging with active learning strategies.

Plasticity of Auricular Cartilage in Response to Hormone Therapy.

PubMed

Cottler, Patrick S; McLeod, Matthew D; Payton, Jesse I; Pineros-Fernandez, Angela; Black, Jonathan S

2017-06-01

Correction of auricular deformities can be accomplished through splinting within the first few weeks of life. This is hypothesized to be due to retained circulating maternal estrogens decreasing the structural density of collagen; however, this has not been fully tested. Cartilage elasticity is dependent on the concentration of the proteoglycan aggregate, and hyaluronic acid, a constituent of proteoglycan aggregate, is increased by estrogens. Nonsurgical correction of these deformities in more developed patients has the potential to change clinical practice and eliminate surgical risks. Previous studies have demonstrated preliminary promise with the use of injectable estrogen to treat auricular deformities. For this study, we have validated an animal model and demonstrated the feasibility of a more therapeutically appropriate topical estrogen treatment in restoring neonatal plasticity of auricular cartilage. Ears of 12 New Zealand rabbits were folded and splinted, and assigned an experimental group (estrogen, placebo, and untreated control) (n = 8 ears). Treatment ears received topical estrogen or placebo cream daily for 4 weeks, whereas controls received no treatment. The splints were removed following 2 additional weeks, and photographs were taken to calculate the retained fold angle. Biopsies were also taken for histologic analysis. The 8 control ears showed a statistically increased angle from a folded orientation of 46.6 degrees to return of ear position to a normal upright position of 151.2 degrees by the fourth day after splint removal. Both the estrogen-treated and placebo-treated ears responded to splinting with maintained folding (36.6 degrees and 32.5 degrees, respectively). Auricular cartilage thickness trended toward thicker in ears treated with estrogen, consistent with increased matrix components. Estrogen and placebo treatment with splinting of ears lead to a significant change to the cartilage configuration, validating the model. The results of this study are very encouraging and provide the foundation for a noninvasive therapeutic approach for correcting auricular deformities. Future work will include a more detailed mechanistic study evaluating the dosing of estrogen and the efficiency of dermal penetration as well as evaluating the long-term outcomes and molecular mechanism-associated cartilaginous responses to estrogen.

When 95% Accurate Isn't: Exploring Bayes's Theorem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CadwalladerOlsker, Todd D.

2011-01-01

Bayes's theorem is notorious for being a difficult topic to learn and to teach. Problems involving Bayes's theorem (either implicitly or explicitly) generally involve calculations based on two or more given probabilities and their complements. Further, a correct solution depends on students' ability to interpret the problem correctly. Most people…

Early addition of topical corticosteroids in the treatment of bacterial keratitis.

PubMed

Ray, Kathryn J; Srinivasan, Muthiah; Mascarenhas, Jeena; Rajaraman, Revathi; Ravindran, Meenakshi; Glidden, David V; Oldenburg, Catherine E; Sun, Catherine Q; Zegans, Michael E; McLeod, Stephen D; Acharya, Nisha R; Lietman, Thomas M

2014-06-01

Scarring from bacterial keratitis remains a leading cause of visual loss. To determine whether topical corticosteroids are beneficial as an adjunctive therapy for bacterial keratitis if given early in the course of infection. The Steroids for Corneal Ulcers Trial (SCUT) was a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial that overall found no effect of adding topical corticosteroids to topical moxifloxacin hydrochloride in bacterial keratitis. Here, we assess the timing of administration of corticosteroids in a subgroup analysis of the SCUT. We define earlier administration of corticosteroids (vs placebo) as addition after 2 to 3 days of topical antibiotics and later as addition after 4 or more days of topical antibiotics. We assess the effect of topical corticosteroids (vs placebo) on 3-month best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in patients who received corticosteroids or placebo earlier vs later. Further analyses were performed for subgroups of patients with non-Nocardia keratitis and those with no topical antibiotic use before enrollment. Patients treated with topical corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy within 2 to 3 days of antibiotic therapy had approximately 1-line better visual acuity at 3 months than did those given placebo (-0.11 logMAR; 95% CI, -0.20 to -0.02 logMAR; P = .01). In patients who had 4 or more days of antibiotic therapy before corticosteroid treatment, the effect was not significant; patients given corticosteroids had 1-line worse visual acuity at 3 months compared with those in the placebo group (0.10 logMAR; 95% CI, -0.02 to 0.23 logMAR; P = .14). Patients with non-Nocardia keratitis and those having no topical antibiotic use before the SCUT enrollment showed significant improvement in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 3 months if corticosteroids were administered earlier rather than later. There may be a benefit with adjunctive topical corticosteroids if application occurs earlier in the course of bacterial corneal ulcers.

Topics in quantum cryptography, quantum error correction, and channel simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Zhicheng

In this thesis, we mainly investigate four different topics: efficiently implementable codes for quantum key expansion [51], quantum error-correcting codes based on privacy amplification [48], private classical capacity of quantum channels [44], and classical channel simulation with quantum side information [49, 50]. For the first topic, we propose an efficiently implementable quantum key expansion protocol, capable of increasing the size of a pre-shared secret key by a constant factor. Previously, the Shor-Preskill proof [64] of the security of the Bennett-Brassard 1984 (BB84) [6] quantum key distribution protocol relied on the theoretical existence of good classical error-correcting codes with the "dual-containing" property. But the explicit and efficiently decodable construction of such codes is unknown. We show that we can lift the dual-containing constraint by employing the non-dual-containing codes with excellent performance and efficient decoding algorithms. For the second topic, we propose a construction of Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS) [19, 68] quantum error-correcting codes, which are originally based on pairs of mutually dual-containing classical codes, by combining a classical code with a two-universal hash function. We show, using the results of Renner and Koenig [57], that the communication rates of such codes approach the hashing bound on tensor powers of Pauli channels in the limit of large block-length. For the third topic, we prove a regularized formula for the secret key assisted capacity region of a quantum channel for transmitting private classical information. This result parallels the work of Devetak on entanglement assisted quantum communication capacity. This formula provides a new family protocol, the private father protocol, under the resource inequality framework that includes the private classical communication without the assisted secret keys as a child protocol. For the fourth topic, we study and solve the problem of classical channel simulation with quantum side information at the receiver. Our main theorem has two important corollaries: rate-distortion theory with quantum side information and common randomness distillation. Simple proofs of achievability of classical multi-terminal source coding problems can be made via a unified approach using the channel simulation theorem as building blocks. The fully quantum generalization of the problem is also conjectured with outer and inner bounds on the achievable rate pairs.

Intermingling and disordered logic as influences on schizophrenic 'thought disorders'.

PubMed

Harrow, M; Prosen, M

1978-10-01

A technique was devised to elicit bizarre or idiosyncratic responses from 30 young schizophrenics, who were then re-interviewed a week later to determine the reasons for each patient's idiosyncratic verbalizations. Taped interviews of the schizophrenics, scored along a series of rating scales, indicated: (1) An overt mechanism involved in bizarre schizophrenic language is a tendency to intermingle into their responses material from their current and past experiences. (2) Careful analysis suggests that the seemingly bizarre intermingled material of schizophrenics usually is close to the original "correct" topic. (3) The bizarre intermingled material is related to the patients' personal lives. (4) The intermingled material does not usually represent a failure to screen out or repress primitive drive dominated sexual or aggressive material. (5) Disordered logic was not a major factor in accounting for bizarre schizophrenic language.

Orientation to Health Aide Careers Mini-Course & Home Health Aide Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Novak, Kathy; And Others

Designed for use in a self-paced, open-entry/open-exit vocational training program for home health aides, this program guide is one of six for teachers of adult women offenders from a correctional institution. Module topic outlines are presented on eight topics: your career as a health aide; maintaining health; recognizing illness; positioning and…

The Microbiological@mind project: a public engagement initiative of Turin University bringing microbiology and health education into primary schools.

PubMed

Scalas, Daniela; Roana, Janira; Mandras, Narcisa; Cuccu, Sonia; Banche, Giuliana; Marra, Elisa Simona; Collino, Nicoletta; Piersigilli, Giorgia; Allizond, Valeria; Tullio, Vivian; Cuffini, Anna Maria

2017-10-01

Despite ongoing global efforts, antimicrobial resistance continues to threaten the treatment of an ever-increasing range of bacterial infections. There is substantial evidence that public education programs that foster microbial literacy amongst young school audiences may improve correct knowledge of specific health issues, such as prevention of microbial infections and responsible use of antibiotics. The aim of the Microbiological@mind project was to engage primary school students with the subject of microbiology, to promote both scientific interest and awareness towards correct behaviors that may ensure a safer lifestyle. Interactive workshops based on a full ''hands-on'' approach were carried out by an expert team from the University of Turin to over 1200 children aged 9-11 years at primary schools in Turin. A questionnaire (pre- and post-activity test) on the main topic (i.e. antibiotics) was used to assess project effectiveness. The workshops provided a useful means to strengthen the understanding of basic microbiology concepts amongst students. Students' baseline knowledge of antibiotics was quite low, as low percentages of correct answers on antibiotic action and use (5.0% and 12.1%, respectively) were found in the pre-activity tests. A significant increase (P <0.0001) in correct knowledge was observed in the post-activity tests, after implementation of the teaching activity. Our findings support the idea that microbial literacy in early childhood through hands-on educational programs is of great importance to foster children's interest in science learning, and to provide young people with information about general and specific health-related issues, such as prudent antibiotic use, for a more responsible citizenship. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bortins, Leigh A.

2010-01-01

In the past, correct spelling, the multiplication tables, the names of the state capitals and the American presidents were basics that all children were taught in school. Today, many children graduate without this essential knowledge. Most curricula today follow a haphazard sampling of topics with a focus on political correctness instead of…

A POSITION PAPER ON THE TEACHING OF READING, DEVELOPMENTAL AND CORRECTIVE.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

HODDER, VELMA; AND OTHERS

THE BASIC DEVELOPMENTAL READING PROGRAM IS REVIEWED AS A FOUNDATION FOR SOUND REMEDIAL OR CORRECTIVE PROGRAMS IN A GUIDE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY READING IN NEBRASKA SCHOOLS. THE PRESENTATION IS DEVELOPED AROUND FOUR TOPICS--(1) DEVELOPMENTAL READING (CHILDREN'S GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS AND NEEDS, INSTRUCTIONAL READING LEVEL,…

Boomwhackers and End-Pipe Corrections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz, Michael J.

2014-02-01

End-pipe corrections seldom come to mind as a suitable topic for an introductory physics lab. Yet, the end-pipe correction formula can be verified in an engaging and inexpensive lab that requires only two supplies: plastic-tube toys called boomwhackers and a meterstick. This article describes a lab activity in which students model data from plastic tubes to arrive at the end-correction formula for an open pipe. Students also learn the basic mathematics behind the musical scale, and come to appreciate the importance of end-pipe physics in the engineering design of toy musical tubes.

The effect of a lidocaine/prilocaine topical anesthetic on pain and discomfort associated with orthodontic elastomeric separator placement.

PubMed

Al-Melh, M Abu; Andersson, L

2017-12-01

The initial placement of orthodontic elastomeric separators can be uncomfortable and painful. Therefore, it is important to relieve this disturbing sensation to create a discomfort or pain-free orthodontic visit. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a lidocaine/prilocaine topical anesthetic on pain and discomfort associated with the placement of orthodontic elastomeric separators. Fifty subjects aging between 20-35 years were included in this study. In the maxillary arch, a lidocaine/prilocaine topical anesthetic was placed around the ginigval margins of the premolar and molar on side. On the other side, a placebo agent was placed around the ginigval margins of the premolar and molar. After two minutes, an elastomeric separator was placed between the premolar and molar on both sides. The subjects were then asked to report their findings on a Verbal Scale and a Visual Analogue Scale every second minute for a period of 10 min. The subjects were also given a questionnaire to evaluate the overall impression on the topical anesthetic use. The overall mean discomfort/pain score was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.001) with the topical anesthetic than with the placebo. Repeated measures ANOVA with a Greenhouse-Geisser correction determined that mean pain scores were statistically significantly low with the 10-min time duration (F (1.54,42.2)  = 40.7, p = 0.001), with an estimated grand mean (8.37, 95% CI 6.75-9.98). The questionnaire responses revealed that 87% of the subjects reported an overall satisfaction and agreement with the topical anesthetic than with the placebo or no difference (13%) after the initial separator placement. The discomfort and pain resulting from the initial placement of orthodontic elastomeric separators can be significantly reduced with the lidocaine/prilocaine topical anesthetic.

Infectious crystalline keratopathy caused by Serratia marcescens.

PubMed

Chen, Ching-Long; Tai, Ming-Cheng; Chen, Jiann-Torng; Chen, Chiao-Hong; Lu, Da-Wen

2007-09-01

To report the case of a 70-year-old woman with Serratia infectious crystalline keratopathy. Case report. This is a report of a 70-year-old woman with a history of chronic open-angle glaucoma and trachoma with lagophthalmos, entropion, and trichiasis in both eyes who developed crystalline keratopathy after penetrating keratoplasty and cataract extraction in the right eye followed up with treatment with long-term topical steroids. Ten months after the initial penetrating keratoplasty and cataract extraction, the patient had decreased visual acuity, intense pain, and tearing in the right eye. Corneal cultures showed Serratia marcescens. Topical steroids were discontinued, and treatment with tobramycin and vancomycin ophthalmic solution every hour was initiated. Despite 1 week of aggressive therapy, there was an increase in corneal infiltrate, epithelial defects, and melting, which eventually involved the peripheral recipient cornea. Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, debridement of the peripheral cornea, and amniotic membrane transplantation were performed. Antibiotic agents were used postoperatively. There has been no evidence of recurrent infection. The best-corrected visual acuity improved to 6/15 at the 6-month follow-up period after the second intervention. S. marcescens may cause infectious crystalline keratopathy after penetrating keratoplasty in patients treated with long-term topical steroids. Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, surgical debridement, and amniotic membrane transplantation may be necessary when the clinical response to intensive medical treatment is inadequate.

Effects of Advance Organiser Strategy during Instruction on Secondary School Students' Mathematics Achievement in Kenya's Nakuru District

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Githua, Bernard N.; Nyabwa, Rachel Angela

2008-01-01

Students have continued to perform poorly in KCSE examinations in certain mathematics topics taught in secondary schools in Kenya. One such topic is commercial arithmetic. Successful teaching of mathematics depends partly on correct use of teaching methods in classroom settings. This study sought to examine how the use of advance organisers during…

Hypocalcemia in acute pancreatitis revisited

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Armin; Azim, Afzal; Gurjar, Mohan; Baronia, Arvind Kumar

2016-01-01

Hypocalcemia is a frequent finding in acute pancreatitis. Severe hypocalcemia can present with neurological as well as cardiovascular manifestations. Correction of hypocalcemia by parenteral calcium infusion remains a controversial topic as intracellular calcium overload is the central mechanism of acinar cell injury in pancreatitis. The current article deals with the art and science of calcium correction in pancreatitis patients. PMID:27076730

The Effect of Teachers' Written Corrective Feedback (WCF) Types on Intermediate EFL Learners' Writing Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aghajanloo, Khadijeh; Mobini, Fariba; Khosravi, Robab

2016-01-01

Written Corrective Feedback (WCF) is a controversial topic among theorists and researchers in L2 studies. Ellis, Sheen, Murakami, and Takashima (2008) identify two dominant dichotomies in this regard, that is focused vs. unfocused WCF and direct vs. indirect WCF. This study considered both dichotomies in a matrix format, resulted in the…

GenieTutor: A Computer Assisted Second-Language Learning System Based on Semantic and Grammar Correctness Evaluations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kwon, Oh-Woog; Lee, Kiyoung; Kim, Young-Kil; Lee, Yunkeun

2015-01-01

This paper introduces a Dialog-Based Computer-Assisted second-Language Learning (DB-CALL) system using semantic and grammar correctness evaluations and the results of its experiment. While the system dialogues with English learners about a given topic, it automatically evaluates the grammar and content properness of their English utterances, then…

Overview of Special Education. Teacher Training Module #3. Correctional/Special Education Training Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dwiggins, Donna; And Others

This module, which is one in a series of training packages intended to train educators working with handicapped adolescents and young adults in correctional settings, deals with the terminology and issues/concepts of special education. Addressed in the individual sections of the module are the following topics: the distinction between normality…

Home care nurses' knowledge of evidence-based education topics for management of heart failure.

PubMed

Delaney, Colleen; Apostolidis, Beka; Lachapelle, Leeanne; Fortinsky, Richard

2011-01-01

We primarily sought to evaluate home care nurses' knowledge of evidence-based education topics in managing heart failure (HF). Moreover, we wanted to determine if differences were evident in nurses' knowledge based on education and work experience, and to identify home care nurses' specific educational needs. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Home care nurses (n = 94) were recruited from 4 home care agencies. A previously published 20-item HF knowledge questionnaire was administered to participants, and an open-ended question determined participants' need for further HF-related education. Home care nurses' scores demonstrated a 78.9% knowledge level in overall HF education principles. The mean HF knowledge score was 15.78 (SD, ±1.69) out of a possible 20 points. Nurses scored lowest on knowledge related to asymptomatic hypotension (24.5% answered correctly), daily weight monitoring (26.6% answered correctly), and transient dizziness (30.9% answered correctly). Nurses requested further information on all HF topics addressed in the survey as well as on psychosocial issues, research evidence, and more information from other healthcare providers. Our findings suggest that home care nurses may not be sufficiently knowledgeable in evidence-based education topics for managing HF. The results help confirm the need to develop educational programs for home care nurses in managing HF, which may lead to improved quality of patient education. Further research is needed to address specific deficits in the knowledge of home care nurses, and to determine if HF educational programs for nurses would enhance and sustain nurses' knowledge of HF management education. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Clinically Significant Enhancement of Voriconazole Efficacy by Moxifloxacin and Gentamicin in Fungal Keratitis.

PubMed

Matoba, Alice Y; Divatia, Mukul K; Arguello, Robert A; Chevez-Barrios, Paty

2018-05-01

To report the effect of topical antibiotics moxifloxacin 0.3% and gentamicin 0.3% on the clinical efficacy of topical antifungal agent voriconazole 1% in cases of culture- or biopsy-proven fungal keratitis. Two cases of fungal keratitis in which the addition of topical moxifloxacin or moxifloxacin and gentamicin led to an improved clinical response to topical voriconazole were reviewed retrospectively. One patient with clinical resistance of his fungal keratitis to both topical voriconazole and natamycin had resolution of his keratitis with the addition of topical moxifloxacin and gentamicin to voriconazole. One patient who had a poor response to topical voriconazole had a dramatic response to the increase of the voriconazole regimen and addition of moxifloxacin. In a subset of patients with fungal keratitis, the addition of topical moxifloxacin 0.3% or moxifloxacin 0.3% and gentamicin 0.3% may enhance the therapeutic effect of topical voriconazole 1%.

Early Addition of Topical Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Bacterial Keratitis

PubMed Central

Ray, Kathryn J.; Srinivasan, Muthiah; Mascarenhas, Jeena; Rajaraman, Revathi; Ravindran, Meenakshi; Glidden, David V.; Oldenburg, Catherine E.; Sun, Catherine Q.; Zegans, Michael E.; McLeod, Stephen D.; Acharya, Nisha R.; Lietman, Thomas M.

2014-01-01

IMPORTANCE Scarring from bacterial keratitis remains a leading cause of visual loss. OBJECTIVE To determine whether topical corticosteroids are beneficial as an adjunctive therapy for bacterial keratitis if given early in the course of infection. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Steroids for Corneal Ulcers Trial (SCUT) was a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial that overall found no effect of adding topical corticosteroids to topical moxifloxacin hydrochloride in bacterial keratitis. Here, we assess the timing of administration of corticosteroids in a subgroup analysis of the SCUT. We define earlier administration of corticosteroids (vs placebo) as addition after 2 to 3 days of topical antibiotics and later as addition after 4 or more days of topical antibiotics. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We assess the effect of topical corticosteroids (vs placebo) on 3-month best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in patients who received corticosteroids or placebo earlier vs later. Further analyses were performed for subgroups of patients with non-Nocardia keratitis and those with no topical antibiotic use before enrollment. RESULTS Patients treated with topical corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy within 2 to 3 days of antibiotic therapy had approximately 1-line better visual acuity at 3 months than did those given placebo (−0.11 logMAR; 95% CI, −0.20 to −0.02 logMAR; P = .01). In patients who had 4 or more days of antibiotic therapy before corticosteroid treatment, the effect was not significant; patients given corticosteroids had 1-line worse visual acuity at 3 months compared with those in the placebo group (0.10 logMAR; 95% CI, −0.02 to 0.23 logMAR; P = .14). Patients with non-Nocardia keratitis and those having no topical antibiotic use before the SCUT enrollment showed significant improvement in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 3 months if corticosteroids were administered earlier rather than later. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE There may be a benefit with adjunctive topical corticosteroids if application occurs earlier in the course of bacterial corneal ulcers. PMID:24763755

Assessing the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of a tablet-based cervical cancer educational intervention

PubMed Central

Caster, MM; Norris, AH; Butao, C; Carr Reese, P; Chemey, E; Phuka, J; Turner, AN

2016-01-01

Cervical cancer is a common and deadly disease, especially in developing countries. We developed and implemented an interactive, tablet-based educational intervention to improve cervical cancer knowledge among women in rural Malawi. Chichewa-speaking adult women in six rural villages participated. Each woman took a pre-test, participated in the lesson, and then took a post-test. The lesson included information on cervical cancer symptoms, causes, risk factors, prevention, and treatment. Over the 6-month study period, 243 women participated. Women ranged in age from 18 to 77 years. Only 15% had education beyond primary school. Nearly half of participants (48%) had heard of cervical cancer prior to viewing the lesson. For these women, the median number of correct responses on the pre-test was 11 out of 20; after the lesson, they had a median of 18 correct responses (p<0.001). After the intervention, 93% of women indicated a desire for cervical cancer screening. Despite lack of familiarity with computers (96%), most women (94%) found the tablet easy to use. A tablet-based educational program was an effective, feasible and acceptable strategy to disseminate cervical cancer information to women with low education in rural Malawi. This method may be appropriate to distribute health information about other health topics in low-resource settings. PMID:26637473

Correcting a Metacognitive Error: Feedback Increases Retention of Low-Confidence Correct Responses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butler, Andrew C.; Karpicke, Jeffrey D.; Roediger, Henry L., III

2008-01-01

Previous studies investigating posttest feedback have generally conceptualized feedback as a method for correcting erroneous responses, giving virtually no consideration to how feedback might promote learning of correct responses. Here, the authors show that when correct responses are made with low confidence, feedback serves to correct this…

Corrective Feedback Episodes in Oral Interaction: A Comparison of a CLIL and an EFL Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Milla, Ruth; García Mayo, María Pilar

2014-01-01

This paper addresses the issue of corrective feedback (CF), a topic widely investigated in the last few decades (Sheen, 2011), and instructional context. We observed and recorded the oral interaction of an intact class of thirty Spanish intermediate-level high-school learners and two teachers in two settings: a traditional form-oriented English as…

Does Offender Gambling on the inside Continue on the outside? Insights from Correctional Professionals on Gambling and Re-Entry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, D. J.; Walker, Gordon J.

2009-01-01

This study brings to light a neglected topic of particular importance--offender gambling issues within the context of re-entry into the community. Fifteen correctional professionals from Nevada (high gambling availability) and Utah (no legalized gambling) participated in semi-structured interviews to provide insights into how gambling may impact…

Correcting for Systematic Bias in Sample Estimates of Population Variances: Why Do We Divide by n-1?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mittag, Kathleen Cage

An important topic presented in introductory statistics courses is the estimation of population parameters using samples. Students learn that when estimating population variances using sample data, we always get an underestimate of the population variance if we divide by n rather than n-1. One implication of this correction is that the degree of…

The Effect of Two Types of Corrective Feedback on EFL Learners' Writing Skill

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farshi, Sina Soltanabadi; Safa, Saeedeh Khalili

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two types of corrective feedback on EFL learners' writing skill. Thirty five advanced learners in three groups participated in this study. Structures of written texts were taught in all three classes during fourteen sessions of treatment; and each session, a related topic was given and the…

Extinction of Fear Generalization: A Comparison Between Fibromyalgia Patients and Healthy Control Participants.

PubMed

Meulders, Ann; Meulders, Michel; Stouten, Iris; De Bie, Jozef; Vlaeyen, Johan W S

2017-01-01

Fear learning deficiencies might contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic pain disability. Fear is often not restricted to movements (conditioned stimulus [CS+]) originally associated with pain (unconditioned stimulus), but expands to similar movements (generalization stimuli [GSs]). This spreading of fear becomes dysfunctional when overgeneralization to safe stimuli occurs. More importantly, persistence of pain-related fear to GSs despite corrective feedback might even be more debilitating and maintain long-term chronic pain disability. Yet, research on this topic is lacking. Using a voluntary joystick movement paradigm, we examined (extinction of) pain-related fear generalization in fibromyalgia patients (FM) and healthy control participants (HC). During acquisition, one movement (CS+) predicted pain; another did not (CS-). We tested (extinction of) fear generalization to 5 GSs varying in similarity with the CS+ and CS-. Results revealed flatter pain expectancy generalization gradients in FM than in HC due to elevated responses to GSs more similar to the CS-; the fear generalization gradients did not differ. Although pain-related fear and expectancy to the GSs decreased during extinction, responses to the GSs remained higher for FM than HC, suggesting that extinction of generalization is impaired in chronic pain patients. Persistence of excessive protective responses may contribute to maintaining long-term chronic pain disability. Pain-related fear and expectancy to movements-varying in similarity with the original painful and nonpainful movement-decrease during extinction in HC and FM. Yet, conditioned responses remain elevated in patients despite corrective feedback, indicating impaired extinction of generalization. Persistent excessive protective responses may contribute to preserving pain disability. Copyright © 2016 American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efficacy and safety of an extemporaneous preparation of 2% ganciclovir eye drops in CMV anterior uveitis

PubMed Central

Keorochana, Narumon; Choontanom, Raveewan

2017-01-01

Background To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an extemporaneous preparation of 2% ganciclovir topical eye drops in cytomegalovirus (CMV) anterior uveitis because many studies have confirmed the benefits of topical ganciclovir in varying concentrations. Design The study employed a retrospective cohort design. Methods This study enrolled 11 eyes (11 patients) with CMV anterior uveitis. All cases were proved by positive PCR for CMV DNA from aqueous tapping and received topical 2% ganciclovir, applied every 2 hours daily as induction therapy then tapered off and stopped based on clinical response. Outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity, anterior chamber cell, coin-shaped and other keratic precipitates, intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma drugs used, the frequency of steroid eye drops used daily and side effects over a 12-month follow-up period. Side effects after applying topical 2% ganciclovir were recorded using questionnaires and eye examination. Results Mean age was 49.0±17.8 years. IOP, number of antiglaucoma drugs used and keratic precipitates decreased significantly at first week (p<0.013, p<0.024 and p<0.031, respectively) followed by decreased anterior chamber cells and significantly reduced frequency of applying steroid eye drops at 4 weeks (p<0.034 and p<0.017, respectively). Visual acuity significantly improved at 5 months continuously. All clinical improvement was maintained to 12 months, and keratic precipitates were eliminated in 90% of all cases. However, in 27% of discontinued medicine cases, inflammation was recurrent. No significance was observed in all factors between recurrent and non-recurrent groups. The most common side effect was eye irritation (27.27%). No severe complications from the medicine was detected. Conclusion Extemporaneous preparation topical 2% ganciclovir was effective and safely controlled CMV anterior uveitis. The medication is non-invasive, economical and convenient for hospitals where commercial topical ganciclovir is unavailable. PMID:29354718

Efficacy and safety of an extemporaneous preparation of 2% ganciclovir eye drops in CMV anterior uveitis.

PubMed

Keorochana, Narumon; Choontanom, Raveewan

2017-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an extemporaneous preparation of 2% ganciclovir topical eye drops in cytomegalovirus (CMV) anterior uveitis because many studies have confirmed the benefits of topical ganciclovir in varying concentrations. The study employed a retrospective cohort design. This study enrolled 11 eyes (11 patients) with CMV anterior uveitis. All cases were proved by positive PCR for CMV DNA from aqueous tapping and received topical 2% ganciclovir, applied every 2 hours daily as induction therapy then tapered off and stopped based on clinical response. Outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity, anterior chamber cell, coin-shaped and other keratic precipitates, intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma drugs used, the frequency of steroid eye drops used daily and side effects over a 12-month follow-up period. Side effects after applying topical 2% ganciclovir were recorded using questionnaires and eye examination. Mean age was 49.0±17.8 years. IOP, number of antiglaucoma drugs used and keratic precipitates decreased significantly at first week (p<0.013, p<0.024 and p<0.031, respectively) followed by decreased anterior chamber cells and significantly reduced frequency of applying steroid eye drops at 4 weeks (p<0.034 and p<0.017, respectively). Visual acuity significantly improved at 5 months continuously. All clinical improvement was maintained to 12 months, and keratic precipitates were eliminated in 90% of all cases. However, in 27% of discontinued medicine cases, inflammation was recurrent. No significance was observed in all factors between recurrent and non-recurrent groups. The most common side effect was eye irritation (27.27%). No severe complications from the medicine was detected. Extemporaneous preparation topical 2% ganciclovir was effective and safely controlled CMV anterior uveitis. The medication is non-invasive, economical and convenient for hospitals where commercial topical ganciclovir is unavailable.

Topic shift impairs pronoun resolution during sentence comprehension: Evidence from event-related potentials.

PubMed

Xu, Xiaodong; Zhou, Xiaolin

2016-02-01

This study investigated how topic shift and topic continuation influence pronoun interpretation in Chinese. ERPs recorded on pronouns in topic structure showed stronger and earlier late positive responses (P600) for the topic-shift than for the topic-continuation conditions. However, in nontopic structure where the subject (denoting only subjecthood), rather than the topic (denoting both topichood and subjecthood), acted as the antecedent of the pronoun, almost indistinguishable P600 responses were obtained on the pronoun regardless of whether it was referring to the subject (i.e., subject continuation) or the object (i.e., subject shift). Moreover, stronger and earlier P600 responses were elicited by pronouns in the topic-shift than in the subject-shift conditions, although there was no difference between the topic-continuation and the subject-continuation conditions. These findings suggest that topic shift results in greater difficulty in the resolution stage of referential processing, although the bonding process is not sensitive to the manipulation of topic status, and that topic has a privileged cognitive status relative to other nontopic entities (e.g., subject) in real-time language processing. © 2015 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Semiclassical approaches to nuclear dynamics

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

Magner, A. G., E-mail: magner@kinr.kiev.ua; Gorpinchenko, D. V.; Bartel, J.

The extended Gutzwiller trajectory approach is presented for the semiclassical description of nuclear collective dynamics, in line with the main topics of the fruitful activity of V.G. Solovjov. Within the Fermi-liquid droplet model, the leptodermous effective surface approximation was applied to calculations of energies, sum rules, and transition densities for the neutron–proton asymmetry of the isovector giant-dipole resonance and found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. By using the Strutinsky shell correction method, the semiclassical collective transport coefficients, such as nuclear inertia, friction, stiffness, and moments of inertia, can be derived beyond the quantum perturbation approximation ofmore » the response function theory and the cranking model. The averaged particle-number dependences of the low-lying collective vibrational states are described in good agreement with the basic experimental data, mainly due to the enhancement of the collective inertia as compared to its irrotational flow value. Shell components of the moment of inertia are derived in terms of the periodic-orbit free-energy shell corrections. A good agreement between the semiclassical extended Thomas–Fermi moments of inertia with shell corrections and the quantum results is obtained for different nuclear deformations and particle numbers. Shell effects are shown to be exponentially dampted out with increasing temperature in all the transport coefficients.« less

A basic recursion concept inventory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamouda, Sally; Edwards, Stephen H.; Elmongui, Hicham G.; Ernst, Jeremy V.; Shaffer, Clifford A.

2017-04-01

Recursion is both an important and a difficult topic for introductory Computer Science students. Students often develop misconceptions about the topic that need to be diagnosed and corrected. In this paper, we report on our initial attempts to develop a concept inventory that measures student misconceptions on basic recursion topics. We present a collection of misconceptions and difficulties encountered by students when learning introductory recursion as presented in a typical CS2 course. Based on this collection, a draft concept inventory in the form of a series of questions was developed and evaluated, with the question rubric tagged to the list of misconceptions and difficulties.

Improving the patient-clinician and parent-clinician partnership in atopic dermatitis management.

PubMed

Mancini, Anthony J; Paller, Amy S; Simpson, Eric L; Ellis, Charles N; Eichenfield, Lawrence F

2012-09-01

Long-term adherence to carefully developed, individualized strategies is necessary for the optimum treatment outcomes in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the parents of children with AD frequently lack sufficient information about the disease and its treatment, hold incorrect and sometimes harmful beliefs about these issues, and too often do not follow through consistently with the treatment plan. The health care provider is the primary source of such education, so an effective provider relationship is fundamental to adherence. In addition to the provision of correct information and the correction of misinformation, clinicians must be aware of and must address barriers to adherence with AD therapy, especially parent anxiety about the safety of topical medications (corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Written Corrective Feedback on Grammatical Accuracy of EFL Students: An Improvement over Previous Unfocused Designs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khanlarzadeh, Mobin; Nemati, Majid

2016-01-01

The effectiveness of written corrective feedback (WCF) in the improvement of language learners' grammatical accuracy has been a topic of interest in SLA studies for the past couple of decades. The present study reports the findings of a three-month study investigating the effect of direct unfocused WCF on the grammatical accuracy of elementary…

Work of the Psychologist on Correction of Senior Preschool Children Self-Esteem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fedorenko, Marina V.; Bykova, Svetlana S.

2016-01-01

The relevance of the topic is due to the need of self-correction of senior preschoolers. Adequate self-esteem of preschoolers will give us an opportunity to prepare them for school more effectively, as well as to create some positive character traits. The preschool age is the initial period of development of a child's self-esteem. This is the most…

Second Language Writing Research and Written Corrective Feedback in SLA: Intersections and Practical Applications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferris, Dana R.

2010-01-01

For more than a decade now, a great deal of research has been done on the topic of written corrective feedback (CF) in SLA and second language (L2) writing. Nonetheless, what those research efforts really have shown as well as the possible implications for practice remain in dispute. Although L2 writing and SLA researchers often examine similar…

Correcting Duporcq's theorem☆

PubMed Central

Nawratil, Georg

2014-01-01

In 1898, Ernest Duporcq stated a famous theorem about rigid-body motions with spherical trajectories, without giving a rigorous proof. Today, this theorem is again of interest, as it is strongly connected with the topic of self-motions of planar Stewart–Gough platforms. We discuss Duporcq's theorem from this point of view and demonstrate that it is not correct. Moreover, we also present a revised version of this theorem. PMID:25540467

Assessment of an introductory cervicocerebral catheter angiography learning program: a pilot study.

PubMed

Lui, Y W; Farinhas, J M; Basalely, A M; Hsu, K A; Freeman, K; Bello, J A

2012-06-01

There is no standardized curriculum currently available at most institutions for establishing procedural competency in trainees performing cervicocerebral angiography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a simple learning program to supplement the teaching of basic cervicocerebral angiography. An 11-session interactive curriculum was implemented covering anatomic, clinical, and radiographic topics for the novice cervicocerebral angiographer. The target learner was the neuroradiology fellow. Data were gathered regarding fellow comfort level on topics relating to cervicocerebral angiography by using a 5-point Likert scale. Improvement in scores on knowledge-based questions after completion of the curriculum was calculated (McNemar test). Trainee-perceived utility of the program was also recorded by using a 5-point Likert scale. Focus sessions were held at the completion of the curriculum to gather feedback regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the program from participants. Ten subjects were enrolled in this pilot study for 3 years. Topics where participants reported a poor initial comfort level (4 or higher) included selection of injection rates and volumes and reformation of reverse-curve catheters. Trainees demonstrated a statistically significant change in the distribution of scores of 29.3% (49.4%-78.7% correct response rate, P < .0001). The average perceived utility was 1.5 (1 = most useful, 5 = least useful). This simple learning program was a useful adjunct to the training of fellows in diagnostic cervicocerebral angiography, resulting in quantitative improvements in knowledge.

Wind Tunnel Wall Interference Assessment and Correction, 1983

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newman, P. A. (Editor); Barnwell, R. W. (Editor)

1984-01-01

Technical information focused upon emerging wall interference assessment/correction (WIAC) techniques applicable to transonic wind tunnels with conventional and passively or partially adapted walls is given. The possibility of improving the assessment and correction of data taken in conventional transonic wind tunnels by utilizing simultaneously obtained flow field data (generally taken near the walls) appears to offer a larger, nearer-term payoff than the fully adaptive wall concept. Development of WIAC procedures continues, and aspects related to validating the concept need to be addressed. Thus, the scope of wall interference topics discussed was somewhat limited.

Educational Effects of Practical Education Using a Debate Exercise on Engineering Ethics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takanokura, Masato; Hayashi, Shigeo

The educational effects of practical education using a debate exercise are investigated using questionnaires. For the group-work composed of discussion and debate, students understand thoroughly various engineering ethical topics, such as factors preventing ethical decision-making. Students enhance their abilities to make a rational and logical decision by themselves such as a judgment based on correct information. Mutual evaluation by students through group interaction elevates positive educational effects. However, students answer fewer questions related to the understanding of professional duties and cooperate social responsibility because of the group-work using failure cases. Students also show less progress in their abilities to communicate with others and to express their opinions to audiences. A more suitable number of group members solves the latter problem.

[Efficacy of topical ketorolac for improving visual function after photocoagulation in diabetic patients with focal macular edema].

PubMed

Razo Blanco-Hernández, Dulce Milagros; Lima-Gómez, Virgilio; Asbun-Bojalil, Juan

2014-01-01

Photocoagulation reduces the incidence of visual loss in diabetic patients with focal macular edema, but it can induce it for Efficacy of topical ketorolac for improving visual function after photocoagulation in diabetic patients with focal macular edema 6 weeks after treatment and produces visual improvement in some cases. Topical ketorolac may reduce the inflammation caused by photocoagulation and improve visual outcome. To determine the efficacy of topical ketorolac for improving visual function after photocoagulation in diabetic patients with focal macular edema. An experimental, comparative, prospective, longitudinal study in diabetic patients with focal macular edema was conducted. Eyes were randomized into two groups of topical treatment for 3 weeks after photocoagulation (A: ketorolac, B: placebo). Best corrected visual acuity before and after treatment was compared in each group (paired t test), and the proportion of eyes with visual improvement was compared between groups (χ(2)). The evaluation was repeated after stratifying for initial visual acuity (≥ 0.5, < 0.5). There were 105 eyes included. In group A (n= 46) mean visual acuity changed from 0.50 to 0.58 (p= 0.003), and from 0.55 to 0.55 in group B (n= 59, p= 0.83); mean percent change was 22.3% in group A and 3.5% in group B (p= 0.03). Visual improvement was identified in 25 eyes from group A (54.3%) and 19 from group B (32.2%, p= 0.019, RR 1.65); the difference only persisted when initial visual acuity was ≥ 0.5 (10 [40%], group A, 5 [14.7%], group B, p= 0.02, RR 2.72). Topical ketorolac was more effective than placebo to improve best corrected visual acuity in diabetic patients with focal macular edema.

Dance Dynamics: Avoiding Dance Injuries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minton, Sandra, Ed.

1987-01-01

This series features nine articles and an introduction by the editor. Topics covered include biomechanics of foot, ankle, knee, hip, and back; corrective exercises; preventative approaches to dance instruction; and aerobic dance injuries. (MT)

The Antinociceptive and Antihyperalgesic Effects of Topical Propofol on Dorsal Horn Neurons in the Rat

PubMed Central

Takechi, Kenichi; Carstens, Mirela Iodi; Klein, Amanda H.; Carstens, E.

2013-01-01

Background Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is an IV anesthetic used for general anesthesia. Recent evidence suggests that propofol-anesthetized patients experience less postoperative pain, and that propofol has analgesic properties when applied topically. We presently investigated the antinociceptive effects of topical propofol using behavioral and single-unit electrophysiological methods in rats. Methods In behavioral experiments with rats, we assessed the effect of topical hindpaw application of propofol (1–25%) on heat and mechanically evoked paw withdrawals. In electrophysiology experiments we recorded from lumbar dorsal horn wide dynamic range (WDR)-type neurons in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. We assessed the effect of topical application of propofol to the ipsilateral hindpaw on neuronal responses elicited by noxious heat, cold and mechanical stimuli. We additionally tested if propofol blocks heat sensitization of paw withdrawals and WDR neuronal responses induced by topical application of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC; mustard oil). Results Topical application of propofol (1–25%) significantly increased the mean latency of the thermally evoked hindpaw withdrawal reflex on the treated (but not opposite) side in a concentration-dependent manner, with no effect on mechanically evoked hindpaw withdrawal thresholds. Propofol also prevented shortening of paw withdrawal latency induced by AITC. In electrophysiological experiments, topical application of 10 and 25% propofol, but not 1% propofol or vehicle (10% intralipid), to the ipsilateral hindpaw significantly attenuated the magnitude of responses of WDR neurons to noxious heating of glabrous hindpaw skin with no significant change in thermal thresholds. Maximal suppression of noxious heat-evoked responses was achieved 15-min after application followed by recovery to the pre-propofol baseline by 30 min. Responses to skin cooling or graded mechanical stimuli were not significantly affected by any concentration of propofol. Topical application of AITC enhanced the noxious heat-evoked response of dorsal horn neurons. This enhancement of heat-evoked responses was attenuated when 10% propofol was applied topically after application of AITC. Conclusions The results indicate that topical propofol inhibits responses of WDR neurons to noxious heat consistent with analgesia, and reduced AITC sensitization of WDR neurons consistent with an antihyperalgesic effect. These results are consistent with clinical studies demonstrating reduced postoperative pain in surgical patients anesthetized with propofol. The mechanism of analgesic action of topical propofol is not clear, but may involve desensitization of TRPV1 or TRPA1 receptors expressed in peripheral nociceptive nerve endings, engagement of endocannabinoids, or activation of peripheral gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors. PMID:23337417

An Exploration of Managers’ Discourses of Workplace Bullying

PubMed Central

Johnson, Susan L.; Boutain, Doris M.; Tsai, Jenny Hsin-Chun; Beaton, Randal; de Castro, Arnold B.

2017-01-01

AIM To identify discourses used by hospital nursing unit managers to characterize workplace bullying, and their roles and responsibilities in workplace bullying management. BACKGROUND Nurses around the world have reported being the targets of bullying. These nurses often report that their managers do not effectively help them resolve the issue. There is scant research that examines this topic from the perspective of managers. METHODS This was a descriptive, qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with hospital nursing unit managers who were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using Willig’s Foucauldian discourse analysis. RESULTS Managers characterized bullying as an interpersonal issue involving the target and the perpetrator, as an intrapersonal issue attributable to characteristics of the perpetrator, or as an ambiguous situation. For interpersonal bullying, managers described supporting target’s efforts to end bullying; for intrapersonal bullying, they described taking primary responsibility; and for ambiguous situations, they described several actions, including doing nothing. CONCLUSION Managers have different responses to different categories of bullying. Efforts need to be made to make sure they are correctly identifying and appropriately responding to incidents of workplace bullying. PMID:25597260

Speech-Language Therapy (For Parents)

MedlinePlus

... pictures, books, objects, or ongoing events to stimulate language development. The therapist may also model correct vocabulary and ... topic for: Parents Kids Teens Delayed Speech or Language Development Stuttering Cleft Lip and Palate Hearing Evaluation in ...

Generic interpreters and microprocessor verification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Windley, Phillip J.

1990-01-01

The following topics are covered in viewgraph form: (1) generic interpreters; (2) Viper microprocessors; (3) microprocessor verification; (4) determining correctness; (5) hierarchical decomposition; (6) interpreter theory; (7) AVM-1; (8) phase-level specification; and future work.

Assessing the Acceptability, Feasibility, and Effectiveness of a Tablet-Based Cervical Cancer Educational Intervention.

PubMed

Caster, M M; Norris, A H; Butao, C; Carr Reese, P; Chemey, E; Phuka, J; Turner, A N

2017-03-01

Cervical cancer is a common and deadly disease, especially in developing countries. We developed and implemented an interactive, tablet-based educational intervention to improve cervical cancer knowledge among women in rural Malawi. Chichewa-speaking adult women in six rural villages participated. Each woman took a pretest, participated in the lesson, and then took a posttest. The lesson included information on cervical cancer symptoms, causes, risk factors, prevention, and treatment. Over the 6-month study period, 243 women participated. Women ranged in age from 18 to 77 years. Only 15 % had education beyond primary school. Nearly half of participants (48 %) had heard of cervical cancer prior to viewing the lesson. For these women, the median number of correct responses on the pretest was 11 out of 20; after the lesson, they had a median of 18 correct responses (p < 0.001). After the intervention, 93 % of women indicated a desire for cervical cancer screening. Despite lack of familiarity with computers (96 %), most women (94 %) found the tablet easy to use. A tablet-based educational program was an effective, feasible, and acceptable strategy to disseminate cervical cancer information to women with low education in rural Malawi. This method may be appropriate to distribute health information about other health topics in low-resource settings.

Intelligent topical sentiment analysis for the classification of e-learners and their topics of interest.

PubMed

Ravichandran, M; Kulanthaivel, G; Chellatamilan, T

2015-01-01

Every day, huge numbers of instant tweets (messages) are published on Twitter as it is one of the massive social media for e-learners interactions. The options regarding various interesting topics to be studied are discussed among the learners and teachers through the capture of ideal sources in Twitter. The common sentiment behavior towards these topics is received through the massive number of instant messages about them. In this paper, rather than using the opinion polarity of each message relevant to the topic, authors focus on sentence level opinion classification upon using the unsupervised algorithm named bigram item response theory (BIRT). It differs from the traditional classification and document level classification algorithm. The investigation illustrated in this paper is of threefold which are listed as follows: (1) lexicon based sentiment polarity of tweet messages; (2) the bigram cooccurrence relationship using naïve Bayesian; (3) the bigram item response theory (BIRT) on various topics. It has been proposed that a model using item response theory is constructed for topical classification inference. The performance has been improved remarkably using this bigram item response theory when compared with other supervised algorithms. The experiment has been conducted on a real life dataset containing different set of tweets and topics.

Assessment of knowledge about healthy heart habits in urban and rural population of Punjab after SMS campaign-A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Mohan, Bishav; Sharma, Sarit; Sharma, Shruti; Kaushal, Dinesh; Singh, Bhupinder; Takkar, Shibba; Aslam, Naved; Goyal, Abhishek; Wander, Gurpreet S

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasing in developing countries but the awareness regarding prevention and treatment of these diseases is still low. Therefore the present study was conducted with the aim of imparting health education regarding certain changes in lifestyle and dietary habits among general population through the use of short message service (SMS) that may lead to improved knowledge about prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of seven months. In the first phase, health education messages were sent through SMS to about 40,000 individuals from urban and rural population in Punjab. Twenty eight messages were sent to each individual and hence more than eleven lakh messages were sent over a period of six months. A questionnaire containing 11 questions based on these health education SMS was generated. Every 40th individual enrolled in the study was contacted on phone, and their responses noted. The data so collected was analyzed for correct responses. Complete responses could be obtained from 800 participants (males: 561 and females: 239). The participants giving correct responses to different questions ranged from 43% to 94%. Majority of participants could retain knowledge about many aspects of healthy heart habits provided by SMS except for topics concerning foods to be avoided, target for normal BP and precautions to be taken before BP measurement. Health related information imparted through SMS can act as a very effective tool for disseminating knowledge about prevention of heart diseases in general population. Copyright © 2017 Cardiological Society of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Toward a more sophisticated response representation in theories of medial frontal performance monitoring: The effects of motor similarity and motor asymmetries.

PubMed

Hochman, Eldad Yitzhak; Orr, Joseph M; Gehring, William J

2014-02-01

Cognitive control in the posterior medial frontal cortex (pMFC) is formulated in models that emphasize adaptive behavior driven by a computation evaluating the degree of difference between 2 conflicting responses. These functions are manifested by an event-related brain potential component coined the error-related negativity (ERN). We hypothesized that the ERN represents a regulative rather than evaluative pMFC process, exerted over the error motor representation, expediting the execution of a corrective response. We manipulated the motor representations of the error and the correct response to varying degrees. The ERN was greater when 1) the error response was more potent than when the correct response was more potent, 2) more errors were committed, 3) fewer and slower corrections were observed, and 4) the error response shared fewer motor features with the correct response. In their current forms, several prominent models of the pMFC cannot be reconciled with these findings. We suggest that a prepotent, unintended error is prone to reach the manual motor processor responsible for response execution before a nonpotent, intended correct response. In this case, the correct response is a correction and its execution must wait until the error is aborted. The ERN may reflect pMFC activity that aimed to suppress the error.

Refraction corrections for surveying

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lear, W. M.

1979-01-01

Optical measurements of range and elevation angle are distorted by the earth's atmosphere. High precision refraction correction equations are presented which are ideally suited for surveying because their inputs are optically measured range and optically measured elevation angle. The outputs are true straight line range and true geometric elevation angle. The 'short distances' used in surveying allow the calculations of true range and true elevation angle to be quickly made using a programmable pocket calculator. Topics covered include the spherical form of Snell's Law; ray path equations; and integrating the equations. Short-, medium-, and long-range refraction corrections are presented in tables.

Reconsidering the Placebo Response from a Broad Anthropological Perspective

PubMed Central

Thompson, Jennifer Jo; Ritenbaugh, Cheryl; Nichter, Mark

2009-01-01

This paper considers how the full range of human experience may catalyze a placebo response. The placebo effect has been characterized as something to control in clinical research, something to cultivate in clinical practice, and something present in all healing encounters. We examine domains in which the term ‘placebo’ is used in discourse: clinical research, clinical practice, media representations of treatment efficacy, and lay interpretations of placebo—an under-researched topic. We briefly review major theoretical frameworks proposed to explain the placebo effect: classical conditioning, expectancy, the therapeutic relationship, and sociocultural ‘meaning.’ As a corrective to what we see as an over-emphasis on conscious cognitive approaches to understanding placebo, we reorient the discussion to argue that direct embodied experience may take precedence over meaning-making in the healing encounter. As an example, we examine the neurobiology of rehearsing or visualizing wellness as a mode of directly (performatively) producing an outcome often dismissed as a ‘placebo response.’ Given body/mind/emotional resonance, we suggest that the placebo response is an evolutionarily adaptive trait and part of healing mechanisms operating across many levels—from genetic and cellular to social and cultural. PMID:19107582

5 CFR 839.821 - Who is responsible for correcting my records?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... § 839.821 Who is responsible for correcting my records? (a) Your current employer will correct your records in accordance with OPM instructions. Your employer must not delay correcting your records. (b) For... 5 Administrative Personnel 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Who is responsible for correcting my...

A model-free method for mass spectrometer response correction. [for oxygen consumption and cardiac output calculation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shykoff, Barbara E.; Swanson, Harvey T.

1987-01-01

A new method for correction of mass spectrometer output signals is described. Response-time distortion is reduced independently of any model of mass spectrometer behavior. The delay of the system is found first from the cross-correlation function of a step change and its response. A two-sided time-domain digital correction filter (deconvolution filter) is generated next from the same step response data using a regression procedure. Other data are corrected using the filter and delay. The mean squared error between a step response and a step is reduced considerably more after the use of a deconvolution filter than after the application of a second-order model correction. O2 consumption and CO2 production values calculated from data corrupted by a simulated dynamic process return to near the uncorrupted values after correction. Although a clean step response or the ensemble average of several responses contaminated with noise is needed for the generation of the filter, random noise of magnitude not above 0.5 percent added to the response to be corrected does not impair the correction severely.

Military aviation: a contact lens review.

PubMed

Lattimore, M R

1990-10-01

The military aviation communities have benefitted from the development of advanced electro-optical avionics systems. One drawback that has emerged is an increasing system incompatibility with traditional spectacle visual corrections. An alternative solution to the refractive error correction problem that some services have been investigating is that of contact lens wear. Since this much-debated topic is currently of command interest, a general overview of contact lens issues is presented as a framework for future discussions.

Effects of Individual Health Topic Familiarity on Activity Patterns During Health Information Searches

PubMed Central

Moriyama, Koichi; Fukui, Ken–ichi; Numao, Masayuki

2015-01-01

Background Non-medical professionals (consumers) are increasingly using the Internet to support their health information needs. However, the cognitive effort required to perform health information searches is affected by the consumer’s familiarity with health topics. Consumers may have different levels of familiarity with individual health topics. This variation in familiarity may cause misunderstandings because the information presented by search engines may not be understood correctly by the consumers. Objective As a first step toward the improvement of the health information search process, we aimed to examine the effects of health topic familiarity on health information search behaviors by identifying the common search activity patterns exhibited by groups of consumers with different levels of familiarity. Methods Each participant completed a health terminology familiarity questionnaire and health information search tasks. The responses to the familiarity questionnaire were used to grade the familiarity of participants with predefined health topics. The search task data were transcribed into a sequence of search activities using a coding scheme. A computational model was constructed from the sequence data using a Markov chain model to identify the common search patterns in each familiarity group. Results Forty participants were classified into L1 (not familiar), L2 (somewhat familiar), and L3 (familiar) groups based on their questionnaire responses. They had different levels of familiarity with four health topics. The video data obtained from all of the participants were transcribed into 4595 search activities (mean 28.7, SD 23.27 per session). The most frequent search activities and transitions in all the familiarity groups were related to evaluations of the relevancy of selected web pages in the retrieval results. However, the next most frequent transitions differed in each group and a chi-squared test confirmed this finding (P<.001). Next, according to the results of a perplexity evaluation, the health information search patterns were best represented as a 5-gram sequence pattern. The most common patterns in group L1 were frequent query modifications, with relatively low search efficiency, and accessing and evaluating selected results from a health website. Group L2 performed frequent query modifications, but with better search efficiency, and accessed and evaluated selected results from a health website. Finally, the members of group L3 successfully discovered relevant results from the first query submission, performed verification by accessing several health websites after they discovered relevant results, and directly accessed consumer health information websites. Conclusions Familiarity with health topics affects health information search behaviors. Our analysis of state transitions in search activities detected unique behaviors and common search activity patterns in each familiarity group during health information searches. PMID:25783222

Essential fatty acid deficiency in surgical patients.

PubMed Central

O'Neill, J A; Caldwell, M D; Meng, H C

1977-01-01

Parenteral nutrition may protect patients unable to eat from malnutrition almost indefinitely. If fat is not also given EFAD will occur. This outlines a prospective study of 28 surgical patients on total intravenous fat-free nutrition to determine the developmental course of EFAD and the response to therapy. Twenty-eight patients ranging from newborn to 66 years receiving parenteral nutrition without fat had regular determinations of the composition of total plasma fatty acids and the triene/tetraene ratio using gas liquid chromatography. Physical signs of EFAD were looked for also. Patients found to have evidence of EFAD were treated with 10% Intralipid. Topical safflower oil was used in three infants. Total plasma fatty acid composition was restudied following therapy. In general, infants on fat-free intravenous nutrition developed biochemical EFAD within two weeks, but dermatitis took longer to become evident. Older individuals took over four weeks to develop a diagnostic triene/tetraene ratio (greater than 0.4; range 0.4 to 3.75). Therapeutic correction of biochemical EFAD took 7 to 10 days but dermatitis took longer to correct. Cutaneous application of safflower oil alleviated the cutaneous manifestations but did not correct the triene/tetraene ratio of total plasma fatty acids. These studies indicate that surgical patients who are unable to eat for two to four weeks, depending upon age and expected fat stores, should receive fat as a part of their intravenous regimen. Images Fig. 7. PMID:404973

Mechanisms of Corneal Pain and Implications for Postoperative Pain After Laser Correction of Refractive Errors.

PubMed

Garcia, Renato; de Andrade, Daniel C; Teixeira, Manoel J; Nozaki, Siro S; Bechara, Samir J

2016-05-01

The cornea is the target of most surgeries for refractive disorders, as myopia. It is estimated that almost 1 million patients undergo corneal refractive surgery each year in the United States. Refractive surgery includes photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) that produces intense postoperative pain. This review presents the main pain mechanisms behind PRK-related pain and the available therapeutic options for its management. Data sources included literature of cornea anatomy, treatment of PRK postoperative pain, mechanisms of corneal pain, in 3 electronic databases: Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only double-blinded controlled trials on pain control after PRK were selected to show the endpoints, treatment, and control strategies. A total of 18 double-blind, controlled trials were identified. These studies have shown the use of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic analgesics, cold balanced saline solution, topical anesthetic, gabapentin, and morphine to treat postoperative pain in PRK. The percentage of responders has seldom been reported, and few studies allow for the formal calculation of the number necessary to treat. Postoperative intense pain after PRK laser surgery remains the main challenge to its widespread use for the correction of refractive errors.

Advanced topics in evidence-based urologic oncology: surrogate endpoints.

PubMed

Lavallée, Luke T; Montori, Victor M; Canfield, Stephen E; Breau, Rodney H

2011-01-01

Clinical trials often report surrogate endpoint data. A surrogate endpoint is a biological marker or clinical sign that can be substituted for a patient-important outcome. Using surrogate endpoints correctly may facilitate and expedite clinical trials and may improve medical decisions. However, rigorous criteria must be met for an endpoint to be considered a valid surrogate. The purpose of this article is to review the topic of surrogate endpoints in the context of a urologic encounter. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topical CpG Adjuvantation of a Protein-Based Vaccine Induces Protective Immunity to Listeria monocytogenes

PubMed Central

Cheng, Wing Ki; Wee, Kathleen; Kollmann, Tobias R.

2014-01-01

Robust CD8+ T cell responses are essential for immune protection against intracellular pathogens. Using parenteral administration of ovalbumin (OVA) protein as a model antigen, the effect of the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist, CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) 1826, as an adjuvant delivered either topically, subcutaneously, or intramuscularly on antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses in a mouse model was evaluated. Topical CpG adjuvant increased the frequency of OVA-specific CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood and in the spleen. The more effective strategy to administer topical CpG adjuvant to enhance CD8+ T cell responses was single-dose administration at the time of antigen injection with a prime-boost regimen. Topical CpG adjuvant conferred both rapid and long-lasting protection against systemic challenge with recombinant Listeria monocytogenes expressing the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope of OVA257–264 (strain Lm-OVA) in a TLR9-dependent manner. Topical CpG adjuvant induced a higher proportion of CD8+ effector memory T cells than parenteral administration of the adjuvant. Although traditional vaccination strategies involve coformulation of antigen and adjuvant, split administration using topical adjuvant is effective and has advantages of safety and flexibility. Split administration of topical CpG ODN 1826 with parenteral protein antigen is superior to other administration strategies in enhancing both acute and memory protective CD8+ T cell immune responses to subcutaneous protein vaccines. This vaccination strategy induces rapid and persistent protective immune responses against the intracellular organism L. monocytogenes. PMID:24391136

Semiotics and semiology of Nursing: evaluation of undergraduate students' knowledge on procedures.

PubMed

Melo, Gabriela de Sousa Martins; Tibúrcio, Manuela Pinto; Freitas, Camylla Cavalcante Soares de; Vasconcelos, Quinídia Lúcia Duarte de Almeida Quithé de; Costa, Isabel Karolyne Fernandes; Torres, Gilson de Vasconcelos

2017-04-01

to assess the knowledge of scholars on Nursing regarding simple hands hygiene (SHH), blood pressure measurement (BP), peripheral venipuncture (PV) with venous catheter and male urethral catheterization delay (UCD) procedures. quantitative study carried out between February and May 2014, with 186 undergraduate Nursing students from 5th to 9th period of a public university of Rio Grande do Norte, with application of four questionnaires. One carried out descriptive and analytic analysis. the students presented low average percentage of right answers, especially in blood pressure measurement (55.5%); SHH's average was higher than 70%. The average of correct answers was the highest in SHH (8.6), followed by UCD (7.8), PV (7.4) and BP (6.7). The questions regarding the topic "concepts" showed less correct answers when comparing it to the topic "technique steps". it is necessary to establish knowledge monitoring strategies, in order to stimulate the constant improvement.

Evaluating Learning and Attitudes on Tissue Engineering: A Study of Children Viewing Animated Digital Dome Shows Detailing the Biomedicine of Tissue Engineering

PubMed Central

Wilson, Anna C.; Gonzalez, Laura L.

2012-01-01

Informal science education creates opportunities for the general public to learn about complex health and science topics. Tissue engineering is a fast-growing field of medical science that combines advanced chemistries to create synthetic scaffolds, stem cells, and growth factors that individually or in combination can support the bodies own healing powers to remedy a range of maladies. Health literacy about this topic is increasingly important as our population ages and as treatments become more technologically advanced. We are using a science center planetarium as a projection space to engage and educate the public about the science and biomedical research that supports tissue engineering. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of the films that we have produced for part of the science center planetarium demographic, specifically children ranging in age from 7 to 16 years. A two-group pre- and post-test design was used to compare children's learning and attitude changes in response to the two versions of the film. One version uses traditional voice-over narration; the other version uses dialog between two animated characters. The results of this study indicate that children demonstrated increases in knowledge of the topic with either film format, but preferred the animated character version. The percentage change in children's scores on the knowledge questions given before and after viewing the show exhibited an improvement from 23% correct to 61% correct on average. In addition, many of the things that the children reported liking were part of the design process of the art–science collaboration. Other results indicated that before viewing the shows 77% of the children had not even heard about tissue engineering and only 17% indicated that they were very interested in it, whereas after viewing the shows, 95% indicated that tissue engineering was a good idea. We also find that after viewing the show, 71% of the children reported that the show made them think, 75% enjoyed it, and 89% felt that they learned something. We discuss the potential impact the films might have on public knowledge, health literacy, and attitudes toward the science of tissue engineering. PMID:21943030

Evaluating learning and attitudes on tissue engineering: a study of children viewing animated digital dome shows detailing the biomedicine of tissue engineering.

PubMed

Wilson, Anna C; Gonzalez, Laura L; Pollock, John A

2012-03-01

Informal science education creates opportunities for the general public to learn about complex health and science topics. Tissue engineering is a fast-growing field of medical science that combines advanced chemistries to create synthetic scaffolds, stem cells, and growth factors that individually or in combination can support the bodies own healing powers to remedy a range of maladies. Health literacy about this topic is increasingly important as our population ages and as treatments become more technologically advanced. We are using a science center planetarium as a projection space to engage and educate the public about the science and biomedical research that supports tissue engineering. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of the films that we have produced for part of the science center planetarium demographic, specifically children ranging in age from 7 to 16 years. A two-group pre- and post-test design was used to compare children's learning and attitude changes in response to the two versions of the film. One version uses traditional voice-over narration; the other version uses dialog between two animated characters. The results of this study indicate that children demonstrated increases in knowledge of the topic with either film format, but preferred the animated character version. The percentage change in children's scores on the knowledge questions given before and after viewing the show exhibited an improvement from 23% correct to 61% correct on average. In addition, many of the things that the children reported liking were part of the design process of the art-science collaboration. Other results indicated that before viewing the shows 77% of the children had not even heard about tissue engineering and only 17% indicated that they were very interested in it, whereas after viewing the shows, 95% indicated that tissue engineering was a good idea. We also find that after viewing the show, 71% of the children reported that the show made them think, 75% enjoyed it, and 89% felt that they learned something. We discuss the potential impact the films might have on public knowledge, health literacy, and attitudes toward the science of tissue engineering.

Topical botulinum toxin.

PubMed

Collins, Ashley; Nasir, Adnan

2010-03-01

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing discipline that capitalizes on the unique properties of matter engineered on the nanoscale. Vehicles incorporating nanotechnology have led to great strides in drug delivery, allowing for increased active ingredient stability, bioavailability, and site-specific targeting. Botulinum toxin has historically been used for the correction of neurological and neuromuscular disorders, such as torticollis, blepharospasm, and strabismus. Recent dermatological indications have been for the management of axillary hyperhydrosis and facial rhytides. Traditional methods of botulinum toxin delivery have been needle-based. These have been associated with increased pain and cost. Newer methods of botulinum toxin formulation have yielded topical preparations that are bioactive in small pilot clinical studies. While there are some risks associated with topical delivery, the refinement and standardization of delivery systems and techniques for the topical administration of botulinum toxin using nanotechnology is anticipated in the near future.

Erratum: Correction of “Pridgeon, J. W., Zhao, L., Becnel, J. J., Strickman, D. A., Clark, G. G., and Linthicum, K. J. 2008. Topically applied AaeIAP1 double-stranded RNA kills female adults of Aedes aegypti."

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The coauthors of previously published work correct details from a 2008 publication. Specifically, it was incorrectly indicated in the methods section for data presented in Tables 2 and 3 that this experiment was the result of three replicates. These data were not the result of three replicate experi...

Accidental mydriasis from blue nightshade "lipstick".

PubMed

Rubinfeld, R S; Currie, J N

1987-03-01

A 7-year-old girl presented with bilaterally dilated pupils, nausea, and vomiting 2 days after head trauma. Pilocarpine pupil testing led to the correct diagnosis of pharmacologic pupillary dilation from an unexpected and unusual source of plant poisoning, Solanum dulcamara (blue nightshade). In patients with internal ophthalmoplegia, awareness of the possibility of pharmacologic mydriasis and correct use of topical pilocarpine testing can preclude the necessity for neuroradiologic and invasive diagnostic studies, even in cases with atypical or complex presentations.

Impact of extreme exercise at high altitude on oxidative stress in humans.

PubMed

Quindry, John; Dumke, Charles; Slivka, Dustin; Ruby, Brent

2016-09-15

Exercise and oxidative stress research continues to grow as a physiological subdiscipline. The influence of high altitude on exercise and oxidative stress is among the recent topics of intense study in this area. Early findings indicate that exercise at high altitude has an independent influence on free radical generation and the resultant oxidative stress. This review provides a detailed summary of oxidative stress biochemistry as gleaned mainly from studies of humans exercising at high altitude. Understanding of the human response to exercise at altitude is largely derived from field-based research at altitudes above 3000 m in addition to laboratory studies which employ normobaric hypoxia. The implications of oxidative stress incurred during high altitude exercise appear to be a transient increase in oxidative damage followed by redox-sensitive adaptations in multiple tissues. These outcomes are consistent for lowland natives, high altitude acclimated sojourners and highland natives, although the latter group exhibits a more robust adaptive response. To date there is no evidence that altitude-induced oxidative stress is deleterious to normal training or recovery scenarios. Limited evidence suggests that deleterious outcomes related to oxidative stress are limited to instances where individuals are exposed to extreme elevations for extended durations. However, confirmation of this tentative conclusion requires further investigation. More applicably, altitude-induced hypoxia may have an independent influence on redox-sensitive adaptive responses to exercise and exercise recovery. If correct, these findings may hold important implications for athletes, mountaineers, and soldiers working at high altitude. These points are raised within the confines of published research on the topic of oxidative stress during exercise at altitude. © 2015 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2015 The Physiological Society.

Impact of extreme exercise at high altitude on oxidative stress in humans

PubMed Central

Dumke, Charles; Slivka, Dustin; Ruby, Brent

2015-01-01

Abstract Exercise and oxidative stress research continues to grow as a physiological subdiscipline. The influence of high altitude on exercise and oxidative stress is among the recent topics of intense study in this area. Early findings indicate that exercise at high altitude has an independent influence on free radical generation and the resultant oxidative stress. This review provides a detailed summary of oxidative stress biochemistry as gleaned mainly from studies of humans exercising at high altitude. Understanding of the human response to exercise at altitude is largely derived from field‐based research at altitudes above 3000 m in addition to laboratory studies which employ normobaric hypoxia. The implications of oxidative stress incurred during high altitude exercise appear to be a transient increase in oxidative damage followed by redox‐sensitive adaptations in multiple tissues. These outcomes are consistent for lowland natives, high altitude acclimated sojourners and highland natives, although the latter group exhibits a more robust adaptive response. To date there is no evidence that altitude‐induced oxidative stress is deleterious to normal training or recovery scenarios. Limited evidence suggests that deleterious outcomes related to oxidative stress are limited to instances where individuals are exposed to extreme elevations for extended durations. However, confirmation of this tentative conclusion requires further investigation. More applicably, altitude‐induced hypoxia may have an independent influence on redox‐sensitive adaptive responses to exercise and exercise recovery. If correct, these findings may hold important implications for athletes, mountaineers, and soldiers working at high altitude. These points are raised within the confines of published research on the topic of oxidative stress during exercise at altitude. PMID:26453842

Using just-in-time teaching and peer instruction in a residency program's core curriculum: enhancing satisfaction, engagement, and retention.

PubMed

Schuller, Mary C; DaRosa, Debra A; Crandall, Marie L

2015-03-01

To assess use of the combined just-in-time teaching (JiTT) and peer instruction (PI) instructional strategy in a residency program's core curriculum. In 2010-2011, JiTT/PI was piloted in 31 core curriculum sessions taught by 22 faculty in the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine's general surgery residency program. JiTT/PI required preliminary and categorical residents (n=31) to complete Web-based study questions before weekly specialty topic sessions. Responses were examined by faculty members "just in time" to tailor session content to residents' learning needs. In the sessions, residents answered multiple-choice questions (MCQs) using clickers and engaged in PI. Participants completed surveys assessing their perceptions of JiTT/PI. Videos were coded to assess resident engagement time in JiTT/PI sessions versus prior lecture-based sessions. Responses to topic session MCQs repeated in review sessions were evaluated to study retention. More than 70% of resident survey respondents indicated that JiTT/PI aided in the learning of key points. At least 90% of faculty survey respondents reported positive perceptions of aspects of the JiTT/PI strategy. Resident engagement time for JiTT/PI sessions was significantly greater than for prior lecture-based sessions (z=-2.4, P=.016). Significantly more review session MCQ responses were correct for residents who had attended corresponding JiTT/PI sessions than for residents who had not (chi-square=13.7; df=1; P<.001). JiTT/PI increased learner participation, learner retention, and the amount of learner-centered time. JiTT/PI represents an effective approach for meaningful and active learning in core curriculum sessions.

78 FR 78256 - Shared Responsibility Payment for Not Maintaining Minimum Essential Coverage; Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-26

... Shared Responsibility Payment for Not Maintaining Minimum Essential Coverage; Correction AGENCY: Internal... 5000A of the Internal Revenue Code for the shared responsibility payment for not maintaining minimum... language ``for shared responsibility payment for an'' is corrected to read ``for the shared responsibility...

Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients under long-term topical corticosteroid therapy.

PubMed

Cingu, Abdullah Kursat; Cinar, Yasin; Turkcu, Fatih Mehmet; Sahinoglu-Keskek, Nedime; Sahin, Alparslan; Sahin, Muhammed; Yuksel, Harun; Caca, Ihsan

2014-09-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) patients who were under long-term topical corticosteroid therapy. Thirty-six eyes of 36 VKC patients with clear cornea and normal videokeratography and 40 eyes of 40 age- and gender-matched normal children were included in the study. Clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients were noted and detailed ophthalmological examination was performed. Visual acuity (VA), spherical equivalent (SE), axial length (AL) and RNFL thickness measurements were compared between the groups. To correct ocular magnification effect on RNFL, we used Littmann's formula. All VKC patients had history of topical corticosteroid use and the mean duration of the topical corticosteroid use was 23.8 ± 9.09 months. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP). VKC group had significantly worse VA, greater SE and AL and thinner mean global, superior and inferior RNFL thickness. There were significant negative correlations between the duration of topical corticosteroid use and the mean global, superior and temporal RNFL thickness in VKC group. After correction of magnification effect, VKC group still had thinner mean global, superior and inferior RNFL thickness, and significant difference between the groups in inferior RNFL thickness did not disappear. Significant RNFL thickness difference between the groups suggests a possible effect of long-term corticosteroid use in VKC patients. Because visual field (VF) analysis in pediatric patients is difficult to perform and IOP may be illusive, RNFL thickness measurements in addition to routine examinations in VKC patients may help clinicians in their practice.

Ergonomics for Online Searching.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, Carol; Friend, Linda

1992-01-01

Describes factors to be considered in the design of ergonomically correct workstations for online searchers. Topics discussed include visual factors, including lighting; acoustical factors; radiation and visual display terminals (VDTs); screen image characteristics; static electricity; hardware and equipment; workstation configuration; chairs;…

Topical anesthesia-induced keratopathy after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy.

PubMed

Rao, Srinivas K; Wong, Victoria W Y; Cheng, Arthur C K; Lam, Philip T H; Lam, Dennis S C

2007-08-01

A 42-year-old woman had uneventful bilateral laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) to correct myopia. She experienced intense pain in the first postoperative week and obtained topical oxybuprocaine for pain relief. Subsequently, she developed bilateral persistent corneal epithelial defects, epithelial edema, and bullae that failed to heal with bandage contact lens and topical lubricants. Over the next 4 months, there was progressive corneal stromal thinning and descemetocele formation in 1 eye, requiring application of cyanoacrylate glue, and stromal edema and scarring in the other eye, which resulted in a visual acuity of counting fingers. Investigations did not reveal associated infection or an underlying immunological disorder; however, the patient admitted to excessive use of topical anesthetic eyedrops in the post-LASEK period. She subsequently had penetrating keratoplasty and lens extraction with IOL implantation in the right eye. The left eye healed with central corneal scarring. This case illustrates that serious sight-threatening complications may occur after LASEK due to abuse of topical anesthetic agents.

34 CFR 200.49 - SEA responsibilities for school improvement, corrective action, and restructuring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 34 Education 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false SEA responsibilities for school improvement, corrective... Agencies Lea and School Improvement § 200.49 SEA responsibilities for school improvement, corrective action... subject to corrective action on January 7, 2002, the SEA must ensure that the LEA for that school provides...

Body Weight Misperception and Its Association with Unhealthy Eating Behaviors among Adolescents in China.

PubMed

Yan, Hanyi; Wu, Yingru; Oniffrey, Theresa; Brinkley, Jason; Zhang, Rui; Zhang, Xinge; Wang, Yueqiao; Chen, Guoxun; Li, Rui; Moore, Justin B

2018-05-08

This study aims to examine associations between body weight misperception and eating behaviors among Chinese adolescents. Students ( N = 2641) from a middle school and a high school in Wuhan, China participated in a cross-sectional study in May 2016. A questionnaire based on the World Health Organization’s Global School-Based Student Health Survey was employed to assess responses. Self-reported data, including weight, height, body weight perception, and eating habits, were collected. Body Mass Index (BMI) for age z-score was calculated from self-reported height and weight using WHO AnthroPlus. We used descriptive, logistic regression analysis and a Kappa test to analyze the data using SPSS. Overall, 56.6% of participants did not correctly categorize their weight status; these were much more likely to be girls. Compared with the correctly-perceived group, those who underestimated their weight tended to report eating late at night, having dinners with family, and checking nutrition labels. In contrast, weight overestimating students were less likely to report eating late at night, having breakfasts with family, having dinners with family, and discussing nutrition topics over meals. Body weight misperception was associated with unhealthy eating behaviors among Chinese adolescents.

The Perfectly Matched Layer absorbing boundary for fluid-structure interactions using the Immersed Finite Element Method.

PubMed

Yang, Jubiao; Yu, Feimi; Krane, Michael; Zhang, Lucy T

2018-01-01

In this work, a non-reflective boundary condition, the Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) technique, is adapted and implemented in a fluid-structure interaction numerical framework to demonstrate that proper boundary conditions are not only necessary to capture correct wave propagations in a flow field, but also its interacted solid behavior and responses. While most research on the topics of the non-reflective boundary conditions are focused on fluids, little effort has been done in a fluid-structure interaction setting. In this study, the effectiveness of the PML is closely examined in both pure fluid and fluid-structure interaction settings upon incorporating the PML algorithm in a fully-coupled fluid-structure interaction framework, the Immersed Finite Element Method. The performance of the PML boundary condition is evaluated and compared to reference solutions with a variety of benchmark test cases including known and expected solutions of aeroacoustic wave propagation as well as vortex shedding and advection. The application of the PML in numerical simulations of fluid-structure interaction is then investigated to demonstrate the efficacy and necessity of such boundary treatment in order to capture the correct solid deformation and flow field without the requirement of a significantly large computational domain.

Topic Modeling of NASA Space System Problem Reports: Research in Practice

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Layman, Lucas; Nikora, Allen P.; Meek, Joshua; Menzies, Tim

2016-01-01

Problem reports at NASA are similar to bug reports: they capture defects found during test, post-launch operational anomalies, and document the investigation and corrective action of the issue. These artifacts are a rich source of lessons learned for NASA, but are expensive to analyze since problem reports are comprised primarily of natural language text. We apply topic modeling to a corpus of NASA problem reports to extract trends in testing and operational failures. We collected 16,669 problem reports from six NASA space flight missions and applied Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modeling to the document corpus. We analyze the most popular topics within and across missions, and how popular topics changed over the lifetime of a mission. We find that hardware material and flight software issues are common during the integration and testing phase, while ground station software and equipment issues are more common during the operations phase. We identify a number of challenges in topic modeling for trend analysis: 1) that the process of selecting the topic modeling parameters lacks definitive guidance, 2) defining semantically-meaningful topic labels requires nontrivial effort and domain expertise, 3) topic models derived from the combined corpus of the six missions were biased toward the larger missions, and 4) topics must be semantically distinct as well as cohesive to be useful. Nonetheless,topic modeling can identify problem themes within missions and across mission lifetimes, providing useful feedback to engineers and project managers.

Preliminary Evaluation of the Radiometric Calibration of LANDSAT-4 Thematic Mapper Data by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murphy, J.; Park, W.; Fitzgerald, A.

1985-01-01

The radiometric characteristics of the LANDSAT-4 TM sensor are being studied with a view to developing absolute and relative radiometric calibration procedures. Preliminary results from several different approaches to the relative correction of all detectors within each band are reported. Topics covered include: the radiometric correction method; absolute calibration; the relative radiometric calibration algorithm; relative gain and offset calibration; relative gain and offset observations; and residual radiometric stripping.

Heavy Quark Effective Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manohar, A. V.

2003-02-01

These lecture notes present some of the basic ideas of heavy quark effective theory. The topics covered include the classification of states, the derivation of the HQET Lagrangian at tree level, hadron masses, meson form factors, Luke's theorem, reparameterization invariance and inclusive decays. Radiative corrections are discussed in some detail, including an explicit computation of a matching correction for HQET. Borel summability, renormalons, and their connection with the QCD perturbation series is covered, as well as the use of the upsilon expansion to improve the convergence of the perturbation series.

Negotiating towards a Next Turn: Phonetic Resources for "Doing the Same"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sikveland, Rein Ove

2012-01-01

This paper investigates hearers' use of response tokens (back-channels), in maintaining and differentiating their actions. Initial observations suggest that hearers produce a sequence of phonetically similar responses to disengage from the current topic, and dissimilar responses to engage with the current topic. This is studied systematically by…

Adolescents' Demonstrative Behavior Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parfilova, Gulfiya G.; Karimova, Lilia Sh.

2016-01-01

The problem of demonstrative behavior is very topical among teenagers and this issue has become the subject of systematic scientific research. Demonstrative manifestations in adolescents disrupt the favorable socialization; therefore, understanding, prevention and correction of demonstrative behavior at this age is relevant and requires special…

Some Experiments with Biological Applications for the Elementary Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kammer, D. W.; Williams, J. A.

1975-01-01

Summarizes physics laboratory experiments with applications in the biological sciences. Includes the following topics: mechanics of the human arm, fluid flow in tubes, physics of learning, the electrocardiograph, nerve impulse conduction, and corrective lenses for eye defects. (Author/MLH)

DISPOSE OF WASTES, AN AID TO EXTENSION AND VILLAGE WORKERS IN MANY COUNTRIES.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

HUGHES, KATHRYNE S.

THE BOOKLET DESCRIBES IN DETAIL THE CORRECT METHODS OF DISPOSING OF WASTE MATERIALS, INCLUDING TRASH, GARBAGE, WASTE WATER, HUMAN EXCRETA, AND ANIMAL WASTES. COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS FOR DIGGING, BUILDING, AND CLEANING ARE GIVEN UNDER EACH TOPIC. (CL)

75 FR 41892 - Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement: Guidebook for Building High Performance Correctional...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-19

... of the guidebook on leadership, assessments, intervention, change management and other related topics...: (1) Leadership and management development, (2) information and knowledge management; (3) comprehensive criminal justice planning, (4) offender management, (5) collaborative partnerships, (6...

Helicopter aeroelastic stability and response - Current topics and future trends

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Friedmann, Peretz P.

1990-01-01

This paper presents several current topics in rotary wing aeroelasticity and concludes by attempting to anticipate future trends and developments. These topics are: (1) the role of geometric nonlinearities; (2) structural modeling, and aeroelastic analysis of composite rotor blades; (3) aeroelastic stability and response in forward flight; (4) modeling of coupled rotor/fuselage aeromechanical problems and their active control; and (5) the coupled rotor-fuselage vibration problem and its alleviation by higher harmonic control. Selected results illustrating the fundamental aspects of these topics are presented. Future developments are briefly discussed.

Vexatious Litigants and the ADA: Strategies to Fairly Address the Need to Improve Access for Individuals with Disabilities.

PubMed

Hull, Helia Garrido

2016-01-01

This Article addresses the need to reform the ADA to prevent vexatious litigation and to promote the underlying goals of the Act. Part I of this Article introduces the topic of vexatious litigation and the importance of remedying the effects of exploitation of the ADA. Part II provides an overview of the ADA and its efforts to increase accessibility to individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the provisions of the Act that create incentives to engage in vexatious litigation. Part III examines and analyzes the judiciary's response to vexatious litigation under the ADA, and sanctions that have been issued to limit exploitation. Finally, Part IV provides recommendations to reform the ADA and state disability law counterparts, suggests corrective actions to address vexatious litigation, and identifies methods to promote equality for individuals with disabilities.

Advances in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Public Health: Refractory Trichophyton rubrum Infections in Turin, Italy: A Problem Still Present.

PubMed

Tullio, Vivian; Cervetti, Ornella; Roana, Janira; Panzone, Michele; Scalas, Daniela; Merlino, Chiara; Allizond, Valeria; Banche, Giuliana; Mandras, Narcisa; Cuffini, Anna Maria

Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum is the most common cutaneous fungal infection in industrialized countries and worldwide with high recurrence and lack of treatment response. In addition, patients with cutaneous and concurrent toenail lesions are often misdiagnosed and therefore treated with an inappropriate therapy. In this study, we evaluated five previously misdiagnosed cases of T.rubrum chronic dermatophytosis sustained by two variants at sites distant from the primary lesion. Our patients were successfully treated by systemic and topical therapy, and 1 year after the end of therapy follow-up did not show any recurrence of infection.Our data indicate that the localization of all lesions, the isolation and the identification of the causative fungus are essential to establish the diagnosis and the setting of a correct therapeutic treatment to avoid recurrences.

Assessment of knowledge and attitudes of dental students in regard to child abuse in Turkey.

PubMed

Hazar Bodrumlu, E; Avşar, A; Arslan, S

2018-02-01

Child abuse is a serious public problem. Signs of abuse are often present in the oro-facial region and dentists are in a strategic position to recognise and report suspected cases. The aim of this study was to investigate dental students' knowledge about and attitudes towards child abuse. This study was performed at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Ondokuz Mayis University. The data were collected through a self-report questionnaire administered to dental students (137 female/111 male) in three different dental classes (third, fourth and fifth study years) and grouped by considering those students who have been training in the school year of 2013. The definition of physical and social indicators of abuse, awareness regarding legal and ethical responsibilities, students' experience and requests made by students were evaluated by the students' response to questions put in the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed to analyse the questionnaire data. The questionnaire completion rate was 100%. About 67.74% of the third year, 40.71% of the fourth year and 16.67% of the fifth year believed that they could detect child abuse cases. However, results indicated a major lack of knowledge of social indicators, signs of physical abuse and reporting procedure amongst all respondents. The assessment of the total correct answers exhibited significant differences amongst third-, fourth- and fifth-year students' answers. Fifth-year students had the highest rate of correct responses (P < 0.05). Most students wanted to receive more knowledge about this topic. Dental students in Turkey are not sufficiently prepared for their role in diagnosing suspected cases of child abuse. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Topical methotrexate pretreatment enhances the therapeutic effect of topical 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy on hamster buccal pouch precancers.

PubMed

Yang, Deng-Fu; Lee, Jeng-Woei; Chen, Hsin-Ming; Hsu, Yih-Chih

2014-09-01

Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is effective for treatment of human oral precancerous lesions. This animal study aimed to assess whether topical methotrexate (MTX) pretreatment could enhance the therapeutic effect of topical ALA-PDT on hamster buccal pouch precancerous lesions. Twenty hamster buccal pouch precancerous lesions were treated with either topical ALA-PDT with topical MTX pretreatment (topical MTX-ALA-PDT group, n = 10) or topical ALA-PDT alone (topical ALA-PDT group, n = 10). The intracellular protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) level in another 12 precancerous lesions (n = 6 for either the topical MTX-ALA or topical ALA group) was monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy. The intracellular PpIX reached its peak level in precancerous lesions 6.5 hours and 2.5 hours after topical ALA application for the topical MTX-ALA group (5.63-fold higher in the lesion than in the normal mucosa) and topical ALA group (2.42-fold higher in the lesion than in the normal mucosa), respectively. The complete response rate of precancerous lesions was 80% for the topical MTX-ALA-PDT group and 70% for the topical ALA-PDT group. In addition, the topical MTX-ALA-PDT group required a significantly lower mean treatment number (2.1 ± 0.6) to achieve complete response than the topical ALA-PDT group (4.4 ± 1.3, p < 0.001)). Moreover, the topical MTX-ALA-PDT group had a lower recurrence rate (12.5%) than the topical ALA-PDT group (28.6%). We conclude that topical MTX-pretreatment can increase intracellular PpIX production in hamster buccal pouch precancerous lesions and significantly improves the outcomes of the precancerous lesions treated with topical ALA-PDT. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

76 FR 1168 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Health and Diet...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-07

... annual Hours per Total hours respondents response responses response General Topics: Pretest......... 27... administration of the Health and Diet Survey--General Topics, the Agency plans to conduct a pretest to identify and resolve potential problems. The pretest will be conducted with 27 participants; we estimate that...

Faculty Development for Metro New York City Postdoctoral Dental Program Directors: Delphi Assessment and Program Response.

PubMed

Rubin, Marcie S; Millery, Mari; Edelstein, Burton L

2017-03-01

Faculty development for dental academicians is essential to cultivate a continuous faculty workforce, retain existing faculty members, enhance their teaching skill sets, and remain responsive to changing program requirements and curricular reforms. To maximize the utility of dental faculty development, it is important to systematically assess and address faculty members' perceived training needs. The aims of this study were to determine priority topics among one group of postdoctoral program directors and to translate those topics into faculty development programs as part of Columbia University's Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-sponsored faculty training program for primary care educators. The study was conducted in 2013-16. A Delphi consensus technique was implemented with three sequential surveys of 26 New York City metropolitan area general, pediatric, and public health dentistry residency program directors. On the first survey, the five respondents (19% response rate) identified 31 topics. On the second survey, 17 respondents (response rate 65%) rated the 15 most important topics. In the third and final round, 19 respondents (73% response rate) ranked teaching research methods and teaching literature reviews as the topics of greatest interest. Overall, the responses highlighted needs for faculty development on teaching research methods, motivating trainees, trainee evaluation, and clinical care assessment. Based on these results, a series of six Faculty Forums was developed and implemented for dental educators in the metropolitan area, starting with the topic of teaching research methods. The process flow used for assessing training needs and developing and evaluating training can be applied to a variety of populations of educators.

The therapeutic effects of a topical tretinoin and corticosteroid combination for vitiligo: a placebo-controlled, paired-comparison, left-right study.

PubMed

Kwon, Hyok Bu; Choi, Yunseok; Kim, Hwa Jung; Lee, Ai-Young

2013-04-01

Topical all-trans-retinoic acid (tretinoin) prevents skin atrophy induced by long-term use of topical corticosteroids, without abrogating their anti-inflammatory effects. The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of tretinoin plus topical corticosteroids (tretinoin plus) for repigmentation in patients with vitiligo. A placebo-controlled, paired-comparison, left-right study was conducted for a period of 6 months on tretinoin plus and the vehicle plus the same topical corticosteroid (vehicle plus) treatment in 50 patients diagnosed with generalized vitiligo. Clinical responses were assessed using the computerized analysis, and the results were compared with the visual analysis. The percentage agreement between the 2 analyses was 91.8%. Among 49 participants who successfully completed this study, 27 (55%) showed a better response to tretinoin plus than to vehicle plus. The improved response was noted at an early stage of treatment, during the first 3 months in 60% of patients. Combined therapy with tretinoin plus topical corticosteroids is safe and effective and provides another option for treatment of patients with vitiligo.

30 CFR 1227.501 - What are a State's responsibilities to ensure that reporters correct erroneous data?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., incorrect lease/agreement numbers, and missing data fields; (c) Submit accepted and corrected lines to ONRR... that reporters correct erroneous data? 1227.501 Section 1227.501 Mineral Resources OFFICE OF SURFACE... responsibilities to ensure that reporters correct erroneous data? To ensure the correction of erroneous data, you...

[Self-audit and tutor accreditation].

PubMed

Ezquerra Lezcano, Matilde; Tamayo Ojeda, Carmen; Calvet Junoy, Silvia; Avellana Revuelta, Esteve; Vila-Coll, María Antonia; Morera Jordán, Concepción

2010-02-01

To describe the experience of using self-audit (SA) as a means of accrediting family and community medicine tutors, to analyse the knowledge that the tutors have on this self-assessment methodology, and to record their opinions on this method. Retrospective descriptive study and analysis of an opinion questionnaire. Family and community medicine teaching units (TU) in Catalonia. Tutors from family and community medicine TU in Catalonia (July 2001-July 2008). Training of the tutors in SA methodology, creation of a reference group and a correction cycle. Correction by peers of the SAs performed by the tutors according to previously determined criteria and subsequent issue of a report-feedback. Self-administered questionnaire by a group of TU tutors. A total of 673 SA were performed. The most frequent topic selected was diabetes mellitus in 27.9% of cases. The overall evaluation of the SA from a methodological point of view was correct in 44.5% of cases, improvable in 45.3%, and deficient in 10.2%. A total of 300 opinion questionnaires were issued. The response rate was 151/300 (50.03%). On the question about the usefulness of the SA in professional practice, 12% considered it very useful, 56% adequate, and 32% of little use or not useful. As regards whether it was a good means for the re-accreditation or accreditation of tutors, 66% considered that it was not. A high percentage of the SAs analysed are not carried out correctly, which indicates that tutors do not know this self-assessment method very well. They consider that SAs are a useful tool for improving clinical practice, but not a good means for accreditation and re-accreditation.

Did we describe what you meant? Findings and methodological discussion of an empirical validation study for a systematic review of reasons.

PubMed

Mertz, Marcel; Sofaer, Neema; Strech, Daniel

2014-09-27

The systematic review of reasons is a new way to obtain comprehensive information about specific ethical topics. One such review was carried out for the question of why post-trial access to trial drugs should or need not be provided. The objective of this study was to empirically validate this review using an author check method. The article also reports on methodological challenges faced by our study. We emailed a questionnaire to the 64 corresponding authors of those papers that were assessed in the review of reasons on post-trial access. The questionnaire consisted of all quotations ("reason mentions") that were identified by the review to represent a reason in a given author's publication, together with a set of codings for the quotations. The authors were asked to rate the correctness of the codings. We received 19 responses, from which only 13 were completed questionnaires. In total, 98 quotations and their related codes in the 13 questionnaires were checked by the addressees. For 77 quotations (79%), all codings were deemed correct, for 21 quotations (21%), some codings were deemed to need correction. Most corrections were minor and did not imply a complete misunderstanding of the citation. This first attempt to validate a review of reasons leads to four crucial methodological questions relevant to the future conduct of such validation studies: 1) How can a description of a reason be deemed incorrect? 2) Do the limited findings of this author check study enable us to determine whether the core results of the analysed SRR are valid? 3) Why did the majority of surveyed authors refrain from commenting on our understanding of their reasoning? 4) How can the method for validating reviews of reasons be improved?

Evaluation of human response to structural vibration induced by sonic boom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutherland, L. C.; Czech, J.

1992-01-01

This paper addresses the topic of building vibration response to sonic boom and the evaluation of the associated human response to this vibration. The paper reexamines some of the issues addressed in the previous extensive coverage of the topic, primarily by NASA, and attempts to offer a fresh viewpoint for some of the problems that may assist in reassessing the potential impact of sonic boom over populated areas. The topics addressed are: (1) human response to vibration; (2) criteria for, and acoustic signature of rattle; (3) structural response to shaped booms, including definition of two new descriptors for assessing the structural response to sonic boom; and (4) a detailed review of the previous NASA/FAA Sonic Boom Test Program involving structural response measurements at Edwards AFB and an initial estimate of structural response to sonic booms from possible high speed civil transport configurations. Finally, these estimated vibration responses are shown to be substantially greater than the human response and rattle criteria developed earlier.

Variation in prevention of child maltreatment by Dutch child healthcare professionals.

PubMed

Visscher, Simeon J A; van Stel, Henk F

2017-08-01

Child maltreatment (CM) is a common condition with a large impact on the victim and society. In the Netherlands, the preventive child healthcare (CHC) aims to protect children against such threats. However, several studies indicate that the efficacy in this area may be suboptimal for many CHC professionals. Therefore, this study aims to map the practice variation in the primary and secondary prevention of CM, by CHC physicians and nurses. This mixed-methods study used interviews to identify relevant topics and develop an online questionnaire. All CHC organizations in the Netherlands (n=45) were asked to forward this questionnaire to their professionals. Practice variation was described with domain scores and item response distributions. Multi-level analysis was used to assess case mix-corrected variance between organizations. Interview participants (n=11) expected suboptimal care in 35 topics which they considered important for prevention of CM, resulting in a 15min questionnaire. Nearly two-thirds of the organizations (n=29) agreed to forward the questionnaire to their employees. The response rate was 42% (n=1104). Suboptimal care and practice variation was found in all domains (i.e. communication, medical expertise, collaboration, involvement in prevention of CM, and improvement opportunities), mostly caused by intra-organization variance. Significant inter-organization variance was found for collaboration (variance partition coefficient 6-7%) and involvement (2-3%). Furthermore, the majority of the respondents (96%) reported fear in acting upon suspicions of CM. Substantial suboptimal care and practice variation in prevention of CM warrant action from authorities, CHC training institutes, CHC organizations, and professionals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Monitoring blood flow responses during topical ALA-PDT

PubMed Central

Becker, Theresa L.; Paquette, Anne D.; Keymel, Kenneth R.; Henderson, Barbara W.; Sunar, Ulas

2011-01-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is currently used as a clinical treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers. In order to optimize PDT treatment, vascular disruption early in treatment must be identified and prevented. We present blood flow responses to topical ALA-PDT in a preclinical model and basal cell carcinoma patients assessed by diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). Our results show that ALA-PDT induced early blood flow changes and these changes were irradiance dependent. It is clear that there exists considerable variation in the blood flow responses in patients from lesion to lesion. Monitoring blood flow parameter may be useful for assessing ALA-PDT response and planning. PMID:21326642

First Aid Management in Emergency Care of Dental Injuries – Knowledge among Teachers in Rijeka, Croatia

PubMed

Bakarčić, Danko; Hrvatin, Sandra; Maroević, Mia; Ivančić Jokić, Nataša

2017-03-01

The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude regarding emergency treatment of dental trauma among elementary school teachers in the city of Rijeka, Croatia. A total of 144 teachers answered a four-part questionnaire which comprised questions regarding demographic data, role and responsibility at the working place, knowledge about dental trauma, and motivation for further education on the topic. Nearly half of the participants (47.2%) reported having seen at least one dental trauma in their professional careers. They chose to contact the child’s parent first (54.1%) and only 11.1% chose to contact a dentist instead. The majority of teachers (81.9%) were not aware of the meaning of the term avulsio dentis. As to treatment of avulsed tooth, 17.3% of teachers knew the appropriate management, while 14% of them would not even touch it. With regard to transport of avulsed tooth or fractured tooth fragments, only 2% responded correctly. The majority of the responders (87.5%) had never been educated about dental trauma, but were willing to be informed through lectures (53.4%), basic life support courses (15.2%) and brochures (9.7%). Planning teachers’ education through advanced training on the topic is suggested to be part of teachers’ lifetime education.

Using Literature and Innovative Assessments to Ignite Interest and Cultivate Critical Thinking Skills in an Undergraduate Neuroscience Course

PubMed Central

2006-01-01

Science education reform initiatives emphasize 1) the value of concepts over facts; 2) the benefits of open-ended, inquiry-based problem-solving rather than protocols leading to a single correct answer; and 3) the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to teaching that is not confined by departmental boundaries. Neuroscientists should be at the forefront of this movement by the very nature of the discipline we study. Neuroscience is a relatively new field that integrates diverse subjects (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, computer science, and psychology) and experimental advances are constantly changing and expanding our understanding of brain function. How can we convey this excitement in the classroom? The project described in this article uses nonscientific literature to introduce a scientific topic of study. In addition, the multitask assignment requires the acquisition of content knowledge and the development of critical thinking skills. As students explore the topic from multiple perspectives, they recognize the interconnectedness of science and society and confront ethical and moral issues related to science. A comparison of exam scores, essay responses, engagement level, as well as students' own reflections, demonstrates that inclusion of the project does not sacrifice content knowledge, rather it enhances the overall learning process. PMID:17012207

New Perspectives on Assessing Amplification Effects

PubMed Central

Souza, Pamela E.; Tremblay, Kelly L.

2006-01-01

Clinicians have long been aware of the range of performance variability with hearing aids. Despite improvements in technology, there remain many instances of well-selected and appropriately fitted hearing aids whereby the user reports minimal improvement in speech understanding. This review presents a multistage framework for understanding how a hearing aid affects performance. Six stages are considered: (1) acoustic content of the signal, (2) modification of the signal by the hearing aid, (3) interaction between sound at the output of the hearing aid and the listener's ear, (4) integrity of the auditory system, (5) coding of available acoustic cues by the listener's auditory system, and (6) correct identification of the speech sound. Within this framework, this review describes methodology and research on 2 new assessment techniques: acoustic analysis of speech measured at the output of the hearing aid and auditory evoked potentials recorded while the listener wears hearing aids. Acoustic analysis topics include the relationship between conventional probe microphone tests and probe microphone measurements using speech, appropriate procedures for such tests, and assessment of signal-processing effects on speech acoustics and recognition. Auditory evoked potential topics include an overview of physiologic measures of speech processing and the effect of hearing loss and hearing aids on cortical auditory evoked potential measurements in response to speech. Finally, the clinical utility of these procedures is discussed. PMID:16959734

Regression Discontinuity and Randomized Controlled Trial Estimates: An Application to The Mycotic Ulcer Treatment Trials.

PubMed

Oldenburg, Catherine E; Venkatesh Prajna, N; Krishnan, Tiruvengada; Rajaraman, Revathi; Srinivasan, Muthiah; Ray, Kathryn J; O'Brien, Kieran S; Glymour, M Maria; Porco, Travis C; Acharya, Nisha R; Rose-Nussbaumer, Jennifer; Lietman, Thomas M

2018-08-01

We compare results from regression discontinuity (RD) analysis to primary results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) utilizing data from two contemporaneous RCTs for treatment of fungal corneal ulcers. Patients were enrolled in the Mycotic Ulcer Treatment Trials I and II (MUTT I & MUTT II) based on baseline visual acuity: patients with acuity ≤ 20/400 (logMAR 1.3) enrolled in MUTT I, and >20/400 in MUTT II. MUTT I investigated the effect of topical natamycin versus voriconazole on best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. MUTT II investigated the effect of topical voriconazole plus placebo versus topical voriconazole plus oral voriconazole. We compared the RD estimate (natamycin arm of MUTT I [N = 162] versus placebo arm of MUTT II [N = 54]) to the RCT estimate from MUTT I (topical natamycin [N = 162] versus topical voriconazole [N = 161]). In the RD, patients receiving natamycin had mean improvement of 4-lines of visual acuity at 3 months (logMAR -0.39, 95% CI: -0.61, -0.17) compared to topical voriconazole plus placebo, and 2-lines in the RCT (logMAR -0.18, 95% CI: -0.30, -0.05) compared to topical voriconazole. The RD and RCT estimates were similar, although the RD design overestimated effects compared to the RCT.

Clinical utility and validity of minoxidil response testing in androgenetic alopecia.

PubMed

Goren, Andy; Shapiro, Jerry; Roberts, Janet; McCoy, John; Desai, Nisha; Zarrab, Zoulikha; Pietrzak, Aldona; Lotti, Torello

2015-01-01

Clinical response to 5% topical minoxidil for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is typically observed after 3-6 months. Approximately 40% of patients will regrow hair. Given the prolonged treatment time required to elicit a response, a diagnostic test for ruling out nonresponders would have significant clinical utility. Two studies have previously reported that sulfotransferase enzyme activity in plucked hair follicles predicts a patient's response to topical minoxidil therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility and validity of minoxidil response testing. In this communication, the present authors conducted an analysis of completed and ongoing studies of minoxidil response testing. The analysis confirmed the clinical utility of a sulfotransferase enzyme test in successfully ruling out 95.9% of nonresponders to topical minoxidil for the treatment of AGA. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Why Television Advertising Is Deceptive and Unfair.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldsen, Rose K.

1978-01-01

Discusses many topics, including proposals to limit television advertisers' access to children; the dependence of television commercials on involuntary, mnemonic learning; the way television commercials' bypassing of rationality is aided by cognitive processing of music, rhythms, and familiar sensory events; and ideas for correcting the damage…

Positive Psychology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Christopher

2009-01-01

Positive psychology is a deliberate correction to the focus of psychology on problems. Positive psychology does not deny the difficulties that people may experience but does suggest that sole attention to disorder leads to an incomplete view of the human condition. Positive psychologists concern themselves with four major topics: (1) positive…

E Pluribus Unum?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finn, Chester E., Jr.; Meier, Deborah

2009-01-01

The push for a national curriculum is gaining momentum as reformers press states to acknowledge "world class" benchmarks for student achievement. The topic had been dormant since Clinton-era efforts to promote "voluntary national standards" yielded little more than charges of political correctness. With No Child Left Behind now…

Research Implementation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trochim, William M. K.

Investigated is the topic of research implementation and how it can affect evaluation results. Even when evaluations are well planned, the obtained results can be misleading if the conscientiously-constructed research plan is not correctly implemented in practice. In virtually every research arena, one finds major difficulties in implementing the…

A Problem-Based Learning Design for Teaching Biochemistry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dods, Richard F.

1996-01-01

Describes the design of a biochemistry course that uses problem-based learning. Provides opportunities for students to question, dispute, confirm, and disconfirm their understanding of basic concepts. Emphasizes self-correction through dialogue. Topics covered include amino acids, metabolic pathways and inherited disease, proteins, enzymes and…

Applying an information literacy rubric to first-year health sciences student research posters.

PubMed

Goodman, Xan; Watts, John; Arenas, Rogelio; Weigel, Rachelle; Terrell, Tony

2018-01-01

This article describes the collection and analysis of annotated bibliographies created by first-year health sciences students to support their final poster projects. The authors examined the students' abilities to select relevant and authoritative sources, summarize the content of those sources, and correctly cite those sources. We collected images of 1,253 posters, of which 120 were sampled for analysis, and scored the posters using a 4-point rubric to evaluate the students' information literacy skills. We found that 52% of students were proficient at selecting relevant sources that directly contributed to the themes, topics, or debates presented in their final poster projects, and 64% of students did well with selecting authoritative peer-reviewed scholarly sources related to their topics. However, 45% of students showed difficulty in correctly applying American Psychological Association (APA) citation style. Our findings demonstrate a need for instructors and librarians to provide strategies for reading and comprehending scholarly articles in addition to properly using APA citation style.

Applying an information literacy rubric to first-year health sciences student research posters*

PubMed Central

Goodman, Xan; Watts, John; Arenas, Rogelio; Weigel, Rachelle; Terrell, Tony

2018-01-01

Objective This article describes the collection and analysis of annotated bibliographies created by first-year health sciences students to support their final poster projects. The authors examined the students’ abilities to select relevant and authoritative sources, summarize the content of those sources, and correctly cite those sources. Methods We collected images of 1,253 posters, of which 120 were sampled for analysis, and scored the posters using a 4-point rubric to evaluate the students’ information literacy skills. Results We found that 52% of students were proficient at selecting relevant sources that directly contributed to the themes, topics, or debates presented in their final poster projects, and 64% of students did well with selecting authoritative peer-reviewed scholarly sources related to their topics. However, 45% of students showed difficulty in correctly applying American Psychological Association (APA) citation style. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate a need for instructors and librarians to provide strategies for reading and comprehending scholarly articles in addition to properly using APA citation style. PMID:29339940

The Kolb learning cycle in American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam remediation: the Accelerated Clinical Education in Surgery course.

PubMed

Kosir, Mary Ann; Fuller, Lisa; Tyburski, James; Berant, Lisa; Yu, Minghuan

2008-11-01

Surgical training integrates the 4 steps of the Kolb learning cycle. Residents who scored at 30th percentile or less on the American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam (ABSITE) were enrolled in the Accelerated Clinical Education in Surgery (ACES) course that incorporated the Kolb cycle. For concrete experience, Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program (SESAP-13) was completed according to the syllabus. For reflective consideration, further reading was done on SESAP 13 topics and corresponding ABSITE Keywords. For the abstract hypotheses step; these keywords and topics were reviewed with the mentor. Active testing involved a required weekly on-line quiz based on the syllabus. Correct scores on the ABSITE increased for 78.6% of residents in the ACES course, with 28.6% scoring 30th percentile or greater. Senior percent correct scores increased by 7.3% and junior percentile scores by 12.5%. Remediation using the Kolb cycle improved ABSITE performance for a majority of participants.

Response of cochlear blood flow to prostaglandin E1 applied topically to the round window.

PubMed

Tominaga, Mitsuo; Yamamoto, Hiroshi; Sone, Michihiko; Teranishi, Masa-aki; Nakashima, Tsutomu

2006-03-01

The increase in cochlear blood flow (CBF) after administration of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) to the round window depends on increased blood flow through the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA). To evaluate the response of CBF to PGE1 applied topically to the round window, and to investigate the origin of blood flow changes after this topical application. The response of CBF to topically applied PGE1 was measured by placing the tip of a laser Doppler probe on the bony wall of the basal turn of the cochlea after the middle ear mucosa over the cochlea had been removed in guinea pigs and rats. In rats, the CBF response to PGE1 administration was investigated after occlusion of the AICA or stapedial artery. CBF increased following PGE1 administration in both guinea pigs and rats. In rats, CBF increased from 100% to 132%+/-10% (mean+/-SD) after the topical application of 0.5 microl of a 0.014% PGE1 solution. CBF decreased after occlusion of the AICA or stapedial artery but did not increase after PGE1 administration during occlusion of the AICA. The CBF response to PGE1 administration was similar before and after occlusion of the stapedial artery.

Perception of the Body in Space: Mechanisms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Laurence R.

1991-01-01

The principal topic is the perception of body orientation and motion in space and the extent to which these perceptual abstraction can be related directly to the knowledge of sensory mechanisms, particularly for the vestibular apparatus. Spatial orientation is firmly based on the underlying sensory mechanisms and their central integration. For some of the simplest situations, like rotation about a vertical axis in darkness, the dynamic response of the semicircular canals furnishes almost enough information to explain the sensations of turning and stopping. For more complex conditions involving multiple sensory systems and possible conflicts among their messages, a mechanistic response requires significant speculative assumptions. The models that exist for multisensory spatial orientation are still largely of the non-rational parameter variety. They are capable of predicting relationships among input motions and output perceptions of motion, but they involve computational functions that do not now and perhaps never will have their counterpart in central nervous system machinery. The challenge continues to be in the iterative process of testing models by experiment, correcting them where necessary, and testing them again.

An investigation of error correcting techniques for OMV data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ingels, Frank; Fryer, John

1992-01-01

Papers on the following topics are presented: considerations of testing the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) system with CLASS; OMV CLASS test results (first go around); equivalent system gain available from R-S encoding versus a desire to lower the power amplifier from 25 watts to 20 watts for OMV; command word acceptance/rejection rates for OMV; a memo concerning energy-to-noise ratio for the Viterbi-BSC Channel and the impact of Manchester coding loss; and an investigation of error correcting techniques for OMV and Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF).

Exploring youth and caregiver preferences for asthma education video content.

PubMed

Geryk, Lorie L; Arrindell, Courtney C; Sage, Adam J; Blalock, Susan J; Reuland, Daniel S; Coyne-Beasley, Tamera; Lee, Charles; Sleath, Betsy L; Carpenter, Delesha M

2016-01-01

This study examines (1) whether youth and their caregivers have different preferences for asthma education video topics and (2) if education topic preferences vary by youth and caregiver sociodemographic characteristics. Youth (n = 83) ages 7-17 years with persistent asthma and their caregivers were recruited at two pediatric practices in North Carolina. Sociodemographic information and youth and caregiver preferences for nine asthma video education topics were collected during in-person interviews. Bonferroni-corrected Chi-square or McNemar tests (α = 0.0056) were used to compare youth and caregivers differences in topic preferences and topic preferences by youth and caregiver sociodemographic characteristics, including gender, race, ethnicity, and age. Youth were primarily male (52%) and from low-income families (74%; caregiver annual income less than $30,000) and many were Hispanic (45%). Youth and parents expressed the most interest in the following two topics: "how to deal with triggers" (90% and 95%, respectively) and "how to keep asthma under control" (87% and 96%, respectively). Caregivers and children were discordant for two topics: "the difference between a rescue and controller medicine" and "how to [help your child] talk to your [his/her] friends about asthma." No differences were found between youth and caregiver sociodemographic characteristics and video topic preferences. Youth with persistent asthma and their caregivers differed in their asthma education topic preferences, but preferences did not vary by caregiver or youth sociodemographic characteristics. Studies examining the effectiveness of interventions tailored to differences in educational preferences of youth with asthma and their caregivers are needed.

Many-body theory of electrical, thermal and optical response of molecular heterojunctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergfield, Justin Phillip

In this work, we develop a many-body theory of electronic transport through single molecule junctions based on nonequilibrium Green's functions (NEGFs). The central quantity of this theory is the Coulomb self-energy matrix of the junction SigmaC. SigmaC is evaluated exactly in the sequential-tunneling limit, and the correction due to finite lead-molecule tunneling is evaluated using a conserving approximation based on diagrammatic perturbation theory on the Keldysh contour. In this way, tunneling processes are included to infinite order, meaning that any approximation utilized is a truncation in the physical processes considered rather than in the order of those processes. Our theory reproduces the key features of both the Coulomb blockade and coherent transport regimes simultaneously in a single unified theory. Nonperturbative effects of intramolecular correlations are included, which are necessary to accurately describe the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gap, essential for a quantitative theory of transport. This work covers four major topics related to transport in single-molecule junctions. First, we use our many-body theory to calculate the nonlinear electrical response of the archetypal Au-1,4-benzenedithiol-Au junction and find irregularly shaped 'molecular diamonds' which have been experimentally observed in some larger molecules but which are inaccessible to existing theoretical approaches. Next, we extend our theory to include heat transport and develop an exact expression for the heat current in an interacting nanostructure. Using this result, we discover that quantum coherence can strongly enhance the thermoelectric response of a device, a result with a number of technological applications. We then develop the formalism to include multi-orbital lead-molecule contacts and multi-channel leads, both of which strongly affect the observable transport. Lastly, we include a dynamic screening correction to Sigma C and investigate the optoelectric response of several molecular junctions.

Using "Tracker" to Prove the Simple Harmonic Motion Equation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kinchin, John

2016-01-01

Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is a common topic for many students to study. Using the free, though versatile, motion tracking software; "Tracker", we can extend the students experience and show that the general equation for SHM does lead to the correct period of a simple pendulum.

Apply Pesticides Correctly: A Guide for Commercial Applicators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.

This document provides practical information needed by commercial pesticide applicators to meet the minimum Federal regulation requirements for the use of various pesticides. The text and accompanying illustrations cover the seven major topics of pests, pest control, pesticides, labels and labeling, using pesticides safely, application equipment,…

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,…

4-H Club Goat Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, R. Kipp

This guide provides information for 4-H Club members who have decided on a club goat project. Topics include general information in the following areas: show rules; facilities and equipment (barns/sheds, fences, feeders, water containers, and equipment); selection (structural correctness, muscle, volume and capacity, style and balance, and growth…

Textbook Errors & Misconceptions in Biology: Cell Metabolism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Storey, Richard D.

1991-01-01

The idea that errors and misconceptions in biology textbooks are often slow to be discovered and corrected is discussed. Selected errors, misconceptions, and topics of confusion about cell metabolism are described. Fermentation, respiration, Krebs cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, uniformity of catabolism, and metabolic pathways as models are…

Australian midwives knowledge, attitude and perceived learning needs around perinatal mental health.

PubMed

Hauck, Yvonne L; Kelly, Georgina; Dragovic, Milan; Butt, Janice; Whittaker, Pamela; Badcock, Johanna C

2015-01-01

a cross sectional survey was undertaken to explore midwives' knowledge of, and attitudes towards, mental health disorders in childbearing women vis-à-vis their perceived mental health learning needs. a 50.1% response rate included 238 midwives employed in the only public tertiary maternity hospital in Western Australia from March to June 2013. The survey comprised a mixture of custom-designed questions and vignettes presenting various disorders. Only 37.6% of midwives felt well-equipped to support women, whilst 50.2% reported insufficient access to information. Demand was highest for education on: personality disorders (77.8%); the impact of childbearing on mental health disorders (74.2%); and skills for handling stress and aggression (57.8%). Knowledge scores were variable: on average eight out of a maximum 13 questions were answered correctly, but few (2.7%) answered more than 11 correctly, and 3.7% scored ≤4 correct. Across disorders, recognition from vignettes was highest for depression (93.9%), and lowest for schizophrenia (65.6%). Surprisingly, there were no associations between general knowledge scores and previous mental health experience, recent professional development, or access to information around mental health. The majority endorsed positive beliefs about midwives' role in mental health assessment, and belief in women's recovery (83.5%), however, cluster analysis of warmth and competence ratings revealed negative stereotyping of mental health disorders. Midwives accept it is their role to assess the mental health status of women but many feel ill-equipped to do so and express a strong desire for further knowledge and skills across a range of perinatal mental health topics. Attitudes to recovery are positive but negative stereotypes exist; therefore awareness of potential bias is important to negate their influence on care. Learning needs may change due to trends in clinical practice. Strategies are needed to recognise negative beliefs and to ensure education is responsive to local contexts. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A survey of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees regarding topics for distance education-Summary report to respondents

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ratz, Joan M.; Shuster, Rudy M.; Marcy, Ann M.

2011-01-01

Our preliminary conclusion, based only on frequencies of responses and averages, is that our survey respondents appear to prefer traditional instructor-led training. However, they would still enroll in distance education courses. The distance education technologies of audio conferencing, computer-mediated training, and written resource provision are the technologies respondents reported being most familiar and accessible to them. For four of the five topic areas-creating and maintaining partnerships, technology, program planning and development, and outreach methods-the response frequencies and averages indicate that the topics were viewed as both relevant and important. Respondents were more neutral regarding the relevance and importance of the topic of evaluation methods. Respondents reported preferences for different types of information on different topics and also reported preferences in delivery mode of training for each topic area. Detailed results and conclusions will be included in the completion reports for the two studies.

The extent of the uptake of plasmid into the skin determines the immune responses induced by a DNA vaccine applied topically onto the skin

PubMed Central

Yu, Zhen; Chung, Woon-Gye; Sloat, Brian R.; Löhr, Christiane V.; Weiss, Richard; Rodriguez, B. Leticia; Li, Xinran; Cui, Zhengrong

2011-01-01

Objectives Non-invasive immunization by applying plasmid DNA topically onto the skin is an attractive immunization approach. However, the immune responses induced are generally weak. Previously, we showed that the antibody responses induced by topical DNA vaccine were significantly enhanced when hair follicles in the application area were induced into anagen (growth) stage by hair plucking. In the present study, we further investigated the mechanism of immune enhancement. Methods Three different methods, hair plucking or treatment with retinoic acid (RA) or O- tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), were used to induce hair follicles into anagen stage before mice were dosed with a β-galactosidase-encoding plasmid, and the specific antibody responses induced were evaluated. Key findings The hair plucking method was more effective at enhancing the resultant antibody responses. Treatment with RA or TPA caused more damages to the skin and induced more severe local inflammations than hair plucking. However, hair plucking was most effective at enhancing the uptake or retention of the DNA in the application area. Conclusions The uptake of plasmid DNA in the application area correlated with the antibody responses induced by a topically applied DNA. PMID:21235583

Extinction-Induced Response Resurgence: A Selective Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doughty, Adam H.; Oken, Gabriella

2008-01-01

Resurgence refers to the recovery of previously extinguished responding when a recently reinforced response is extinguished. Although the topic of resurgence has received limited experimental attention, there recently have been an increased number of investigations involving the topic. This increased experimental attention also has been…

Do melanoidins induced by topical 9% dihydroxyacetone sunless tanning spray inhibit vitamin d production? A pilot study.

PubMed

Armas, Laura A G; Fusaro, Ramon M; Sayre, Robert M; Huerter, Christopher J; Heaney, Robert P

2009-01-01

We report here preliminary pilot study data of the effect of sunless tanning spray with 9% [Correction added after online publication (August 24th, 2009): The concentration of Dihydroxyacetone used in the study was 9% and not 3% as previously stated] dihydroxyacetone (DHA) on 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum levels in subjects exposed to controlled amounts of UV-B radiation during April/May in Omaha, NE, 41 degrees N latitude. We found that DHA-induced melanoidins in skin act as a topical sunscreen attenuating the formation of 25(OH)D.

[Questionnaire-based study on the key to the guidance to the patients with atopic dermatitis by pharmacist].

PubMed

Kaneko, Sakae; Kakamu, Takeyasu; Matsuo, Hiroaki; Naora, Koji; Morita, Eishin

2014-11-01

Atopic dermatitis is a condition with a chronic or recurrent course that requires continued treatment, meaning that patients must be provided with instructions that fit their lifestyle. Surveys of doctors and patients have revealed the importance of instructions on how to apply topical medication. Here we conducted a survey of the instructions provided by pharmacists, who play an important role in educating patients on how to apply topical medication. Questionnaires were distributed to clinics and dispensing pharmacies in Shimane and Hiroshima prefectures. The questionnaire format comprised selecting each matter on which instructions are provided. A total of 548 questionnaires (response rate, 13.8%) were collected and analyzed. Concerning topical steroids, the most frequently instructed item was "Explanation of application site"(86%), followed by "Explanation of number and timing of applications"(68%). Only 45% chose "Instruction to apply a small amount to avoid side effects." For tacrolimus ointment, "Explanation of tingling sensation"(as a side effect) was the most frequently selected item (52%), and "Instruction by using a brochure"(27.3%) was more commonly selected for tacrolimus ointment than for steroids and emollients. "Demonstrate the application method by means of actual application" was selected by few respondents for any topical medication. Regarding what they wanted from doctors, many respondents wrote in the section for their own comments that they would like a clear description of the method of use and dose and indications of the amount to be applied. Failure included times when patients failed to apply medication correctly due to inadequate instructions and an insufficient explanation of side effects. Instructions vary among patients and professions, but good instructions lead to good results. Cross-tabulation showed that pharmacists who are aware of the guidelines of atopic dermatitis offer significantly more instructions in a range of areas, suggesting that the first important task is to spread awareness of these guidelines among them.

Redox Aspects of Chaperones in Cardiac Function

PubMed Central

Penna, Claudia; Sorge, Matteo; Femminò, Saveria; Pagliaro, Pasquale; Brancaccio, Mara

2018-01-01

Molecular chaperones are stress proteins that allow the correct folding or unfolding as well as the assembly or disassembly of macromolecular cellular components. Changes in expression and post-translational modifications of chaperones have been linked to a number of age- and stress-related diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular diseases. Redox sensible post-translational modifications, such as S-nitrosylation, glutathionylation and phosphorylation of chaperone proteins have been reported. Redox-dependent regulation of chaperones is likely to be a phenomenon involved in metabolic processes and may represent an adaptive response to several stress conditions, especially within mitochondria, where it impacts cellular bioenergetics. These post-translational modifications might underlie the mechanisms leading to cardioprotection by conditioning maneuvers as well as to ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this review, we discuss this topic and focus on two important aspects of redox-regulated chaperones, namely redox regulation of mitochondrial chaperone function and cardiac protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury. PMID:29615920

Deep Belief Networks Learn Context Dependent Behavior

PubMed Central

Raudies, Florian; Zilli, Eric A.; Hasselmo, Michael E.

2014-01-01

With the goal of understanding behavioral mechanisms of generalization, we analyzed the ability of neural networks to generalize across context. We modeled a behavioral task where the correct responses to a set of specific sensory stimuli varied systematically across different contexts. The correct response depended on the stimulus (A,B,C,D) and context quadrant (1,2,3,4). The possible 16 stimulus-context combinations were associated with one of two responses (X,Y), one of which was correct for half of the combinations. The correct responses varied symmetrically across contexts. This allowed responses to previously unseen stimuli (probe stimuli) to be generalized from stimuli that had been presented previously. By testing the simulation on two or more stimuli that the network had never seen in a particular context, we could test whether the correct response on the novel stimuli could be generated based on knowledge of the correct responses in other contexts. We tested this generalization capability with a Deep Belief Network (DBN), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) network, and the combination of a DBN with a linear perceptron (LP). Overall, the combination of the DBN and LP had the highest success rate for generalization. PMID:24671178

Prison-Based Educational Programs: A Content Analysis of Government Documents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Piotrowski, Chris; Lathrop, Peter J.

2012-01-01

The literature provides limited, constructive, consensus-based information to correctional officials and administrators on the efficacy of prison-based programs. This study reports an analysis of 8 review government documents, that surveyed the research literature from 1980-2008, on the topic of educational rehabilitation programs available to…

Consumer Handbook to Credit Protection Laws.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington, DC.

The five sections of this consumer handbook are The Cost of Credit, Applying for Credit, Credit Histories and Records, Correcting Credit Mistakes, and Complaining about Credit. Each section discusses relevant legislation: Truth in Lending, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Topics discussed in section I include…

Using Gender Balance to Enhance Teaching Effectiveness.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butler, Roosevelt D.

1997-01-01

Describes a guest speaker assignment (used in courses such as Communication for Business, Small Business Management, Organization Theory, and others) intended as one step toward correcting gender imbalances. Describes how groups of five to six students contact local female executives to arrange in-class speaking engagements on class topics.…

When Words Are Bars. A Guide to Literacy Programming in Correctional Institutions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paul, Marianne

This five-chapter guide for coordinators of community-based literacy groups working with prisoners is illustrated with prisoners' drawings. The first chapter examines issues affecting learning behind bars. Topics covered include similarities to and differences from other programs, respecting the learner's culture, links between poverty and…

Expected Trials under the Matching Rounds Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farmer, Jim

2014-01-01

This article reviews the famous "matching problem," with a particular focus on the expected number of objects that are correctly placed. The author discusses the following topics: three versions suitable for teaching the matching problem in the classroom; the solution to the matching problem; the use of the strong form of mathematical…

A Feminist Standpoint for Library and Information Science Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hannigan, Jane Anne

1994-01-01

Uses a feminist standpoint to correct inaccurate scholarship in curricula, pedagogy, and research in library and information science. Topics include feminist philosophy and its relevance to curricula revision, specific curricula changes, the significance of women's ways of learning to pedagogy, research needs and the role of subjectivity in…

Responsible conduct of research in communication sciences and disorders: faculty and student perceptions.

PubMed

Minifie, Fred D; Robey, Randall R; Horner, Jennifer; Ingham, Janis C; Lansing, Charissa; McCartney, James H; Alldredge, Elham-Eid; Slater, Sarah C; Moss, Sharon E

2011-02-01

Two Web-based surveys (Surveys I and II) were used to assess perceptions of faculty and students in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) regarding the responsible conduct of research (RCR). Survey questions addressed 9 RCR domains thought important to the responsible conduct of research: (a) human subjects protections; (b) research involving animals; (c) publication practices and responsible authorship; (d) mentor/trainee responsibilities; (e) collaborative science; (f) peer review; (g) data acquisition, management, sharing, and ownership; (h) conflicts of interest; and (i) research misconduct. Respondents rated each of 37 topics for importance and for sufficiency of instructional coverage. Respondents to Survey I were 137 faculty members from 68 (26%) of the 261 graduate programs in CSD. By comparison, 237 students from 39 (15%) programs responded to Survey II. Data about the importance and sufficiency of coverage of each of the 37 items were transformed into z scores to reveal relative ratings among the 37 topics. Data presentations were grouped for topics in each of the 9 RCR domains. Ratings indicated the relatively high importance assigned among the 37 topics by CSD faculty and students. Sufficiency of coverage of those same topics received lower ratings. The results of these surveys support the notion that students in CSD perceive that they are receiving information about RCR. The data pertaining to sufficiency of coverage provide a basis for improving instruction in this important aspect of research education.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacists and health-care workers regarding oral contraceptives correct usage, side-effects and contraindications.

PubMed

Sattari, M; Mokhtari, Z; Jabari, H; Mashayekhi, S O

2013-06-01

Despite the success of the Iranian family planning programme, the number of unwanted pregnancies remains high. To investigate whether health workers in Tabriz are providing correct information and counselling about OCP use, the current study was planned to examine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of OCP providers. A sample of 150 health-care workers in health houses and 150 community/hospital pharmacists answered a questionnaire about knowledge of correct use of OCP, side-effects, contraindications, danger signs/symptoms and non-contraceptive benefits, and whether they counselled patients about these subjects. Knowledge of pharmacists and health workers was not as high as expected and in many topics they were counselling patients even when they had incorrect knowledge and in other areas they were not providing information to patients despite having the correct knowledge. Better continuing education for OCP providers and especially for pharmacists seems necessary.

Pharmacy in Space: A Session on NASA Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richmond, Robert C.

1998-01-01

In 1993, Vice-president Gore was charged with creation of a correctional plan for the poor findings from an efficiency study of governmental agencies. That correctional analysis was then used to support efforts to balance the budget in ways anticipated to improve the value returned per tax payer dollar spent. The final result was a broad initiative collectively termed "reinventing the government", which included major restructuring within NASA as well, termed "reinventing NASA This included substantial elimination of middle management and downsizing such that about 2 million government workers employed in 1992 has shrunk now to about 1.2 million government workers who are employed in ways that at least somewhat decrease bureaucratic and programmatic inefficiencies. Today, "reinvented NASA" has an awareness of contractual commitment to the public. NASA now operates within a so-called "strategic plan" that requires awareness and response to domestic needs. This is important to this audience because it means that NASA is committed to exploring interactions that you may wish to initiate. That is, you are urged to explore with NASA on topics of educational support, collaborative research, or commercial partnerships in drug development and application, as the pertinent examples here, in ways that can include involvement of central NASA resources and missions.

76 FR 54243 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Solicitation of Proposal Information for Award of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-31

... can propose SBIR research topics and submit proposals in response to SBIR solicitations. In addition... to submit SBIR research topics and submit response to DHS SBIR solicitations. Additionally... 41), under the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR...

The Utility of Maze Accurate Response Rate in Assessing Reading Comprehension in Upper Elementary and Middle School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCane-Bowling, Sara J.; Strait, Andrea D.; Guess, Pamela E.; Wiedo, Jennifer R.; Muncie, Eric

2014-01-01

This study examined the predictive utility of five formative reading measures: words correct per minute, number of comprehension questions correct, reading comprehension rate, number of maze correct responses, and maze accurate response rate (MARR). Broad Reading cluster scores obtained via the Woodcock-Johnson III (WJ III) Tests of Achievement…

Beauveria keratitis and biopesticides: case histories and a random amplification of polymorphic DNA comparison.

PubMed

Pariseau, Brett; Nehls, Sarah; Ogawa, Gregory S H; Sutton, Deanna A; Wickes, Brian L; Romanelli, Anna M

2010-02-01

The purposes of this study were to describe 2 contact lens-associated Beauveria keratitis cases and to compare the isolates of 3 contact lens-associated Beauveria keratitis cases with Beauveria-based biopesticides using random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). A 55-year-old diabetic woman from New Mexico and a 31-year-old healthy woman from southern Wisconsin developed soft contact lens-related corneal ulcers unresponsive to topical moxifloxacin and prednisolone acetate drops. Their corneal cultures grew B. bassiana. These isolates, an isolate from a third soft contact lens-related Beauveria keratitis case, and Beauveria-based biopesticides sold in the United States were analyzed using morphological features, DNA sequencing, and RAPD. A PubMed, Cochrane Library, OVID, UpToDate, and Google search using the term "Beauveria" found only 9 reported Beauveria keratitis infections. Patient 1 responded to topical natamycin, ketoconazole, and 200 mg oral ketoconazole twice daily before developing a secondary bacterial infection requiring penetrating keratoplasty. After subsequent cataract surgery, the best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20. Patient 2 was treated with topical natamycin, topical amphotericin, and 200 mg oral voriconazole twice daily for 1 month with residual scarring and a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25. RAPD showed that all isolates were unrelated. Although earlier reported Beauveria keratitis cases occurred after corneal injury in patients who did not wear contact lenses, 3 recent patients wore soft contact lenses and denied trauma, mirroring a changing trend in microbial keratitis. RAPD analysis showed that the Beauveria isolates were unrelated to one another and to Beauveria-based biopesticides. In Patient 2, oral voriconazole worked well.

Encyclopedia of software components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanwarren, Lloyd (Inventor); Beckman, Brian C. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

Intelligent browsing through a collection of reusable software components is facilitated with a computer having a video monitor and a user input interface such as a keyboard or a mouse for transmitting user selections, by presenting a picture of encyclopedia volumes with respective visible labels referring to types of software, in accordance with a metaphor in which each volume includes a page having a list of general topics under the software type of the volume and pages having lists of software components for each one of the generic topics, altering the picture to open one of the volumes in response to an initial user selection specifying the one volume to display on the monitor a picture of the page thereof having the list of general topics and altering the picture to display the page thereof having a list of software components under one of the general topics in response to a next user selection specifying the one general topic, and then presenting a picture of a set of different informative plates depicting different types of information about one of the software components in response to a further user selection specifying the one component.

Encyclopedia of Software Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warren, Lloyd V. (Inventor); Beckman, Brian C. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

Intelligent browsing through a collection of reusable software components is facilitated with a computer having a video monitor and a user input interface such as a keyboard or a mouse for transmitting user selections, by presenting a picture of encyclopedia volumes with respective visible labels referring to types of software, in accordance with a metaphor in which each volume includes a page having a list of general topics under the software type of the volume and pages having lists of software components for each one of the generic topics, altering the picture to open one of the volumes in response to an initial user selection specifying the one volume to display on the monitor a picture of the page thereof having the list of general topics and altering the picture to display the page thereof having a list of software components under one of the general topics in response to a next user selection specifying the one general topic, and then presenting a picture of a set of different informative plates depicting different types of information about one of the software components in response to a further user selection specifying the one component.

The Third NASA Goddard Conference on Mass Storage Systems and Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kobler, Benjamin (Editor); Hariharan, P. C. (Editor)

1993-01-01

This report contains copies of nearly all of the technical papers and viewgraphs presented at the Goddard Conference on Mass Storage Systems and Technologies held in October 1993. The conference served as an informational exchange forum for topics primarily relating to the ingestion and management of massive amounts of data and the attendant problems involved. Discussion topics include the necessary use of computers in the solution of today's infinitely complex problems, the need for greatly increased storage densities in both optical and magnetic recording media, currently popular storage media and magnetic media storage risk factors, data archiving standards including a talk on the current status of the IEEE Storage Systems Reference Model (RM). Additional topics addressed System performance, data storage system concepts, communications technologies, data distribution systems, data compression, and error detection and correction.

Confidence-based learning CME: overcoming barriers in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.

PubMed

Cash, Brooks; Mitchner, Natasha A; Ravyn, Dana

2011-01-01

Performance of health care professionals depends on both medical knowledge and the certainty with which they possess it. Conventional continuing medical education interventions assess the correctness of learners' responses but do not determine the degree of confidence with which they hold incorrect information. This study describes the use of confidence-based learning (CBL) in an activity designed to enhance learners' knowledge, confidence in their knowledge, and clinical competence with regard to constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C), a frequently underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed condition. The online CBL activity included multiple-choice questions in 2 modules: Burden of Care (BOC; 28 questions) and Patient Scenarios (PS; 9 case-based questions). After formative assessment, targeted feedback was provided, and the learner focused on material with demonstrated knowledge and/or confidence gaps. The process was repeated until 85% of questions were answered correctly and confidently (ie, mastery was attained). Of 275 participants (24% internal medicine, 13% gastroenterology, 32% family medicine, and 31% other), 249 and 167 completed the BOC and PS modules, respectively. Among all participants, 61.8% and 98.2% achieved mastery in the BOC and PS modules, respectively. Baseline mastery levels between specialties were significantly different in the BOC module (p = 0.002); no significant differences were evident between specialties in final mastery levels. Approximately one-third of learners were confident and wrong in topics of epidemiology, defining IBS and constipation, and treatments in the first iteration. No significant difference was observed between specialties for the PS module in either the first or last iterations. Learners achieved mastery in topics pertaining to IBS-C regardless of baseline knowledge or specialty. These data indicate that CME activities employing CBL can be used to address knowledge and confidence gaps. Copyright © 2010 The Alliance for Continuing Medical Education, the Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education, and the Council on CME, Association for Hospital Medical Education.

Topical agents for oral cancer chemoprevention: A systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Chau, Lucy; Jabara, Justin T; Lai, Wanda; Svider, Peter F; Warner, Blake M; Lin, Ho-Sheng; Raza, S Naweed; Fribley, Andrew M

2017-04-01

We review the use of topical chemoprevention agents in patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (PMD). A systematic review of studies on topical chemoprevention agents for oral PMD from 1946 to November 2016 was conducted using the MEDLINE database, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Data were extracted and analyzed from selected studies including study type, sample size, demographics, treatment length, response rate, follow-up time, adverse effects, and recurrence. Of 108 studies, twenty-four, representing 679 cases met the inclusion criteria. The clinical lesions evaluated included oral leukoplakia, erythroplakia (OEL), verrucous hyperplasia (OVH), oral lichen planus, larynx squamous cell carcinoma, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The mean complete response rate for topical retinoid therapy was 32%. The mean complete response rate for 1% bleomycin therapy and 0.5% bleomycin was 40.2% and 25%, respectively. The complete response rate of OVH, OEL, and OSCC to photodynamic therapy ranged from 66.7% to 100%. There are a paucity of data examining topical treatment of oral PMDs. However, the use of topical agents among patients with oral lesions may be a viable complement or even alternative to traditional surgery, radiation, or systemic chemotherapy, with the advantage of reducing systemic side effects and sparing important anatomic structures. This study of 679 cases represents the largest pooled sample size to date, and the preliminary studies in this systematic review provide support for further inquiry. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correctional Officers and Workplace Adversity: Identifying Interpersonal, Cognitive, and Behavioral Response Tendencies.

PubMed

Trounson, Justin S; Pfeifer, Jeffrey E

2017-10-01

This study explored correctional officers' response tendencies (i.e., cognitive, interpersonal, and behavioral response patterns they engage in) when managing workplace adversity. In total, 53 Australian correctional officers participated in the study. Eight exploratory focus group discussions ( n = 42) were conducted to identify a set of officer-endorsed response tendencies. Thematic analysis of group data revealed that correctional officers engage in a range of response tendencies when facing workplace adversity and that these tendencies may be categorized as interpersonally, cognitively, or behaviorally based. Semistructured interviews ( n = 11) were then conducted to provide further depth of information regarding officer response tendency usage. Results are discussed in terms of common themes, future research, and implications for developing training programs designed to ameliorate the effects of workplace adversity.

Leveraging Emerging Technology to Maintain Corporate Situational Awareness

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-01

Abstract and Outline for 13th ICCRTS For the paper entitled: Leveraging Emerging Technology to Maintain Corporate ...Situational Awareness Topics: Topic 5. Organizational Issues Topic 4. Cognitive and Social Issues Topic: 2 Networks and Networking Mr. José...for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response , including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data

Use of a Latent Topic Model for Characteristic Extraction from Health Checkup Questionnaire Data.

PubMed

Hatakeyama, Y; Miyano, I; Kataoka, H; Nakajima, N; Watabe, T; Yasuda, N; Okuhara, Y

2015-01-01

When patients complete questionnaires during health checkups, many of their responses are subjective, making topic extraction difficult. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a model capable of extracting appropriate topics from subjective data in questionnaires conducted during health checkups. We employed a latent topic model to group the lifestyle habits of the study participants and represented their responses to items on health checkup questionnaires as a probability model. For the probability model, we used latent Dirichlet allocation to extract 30 topics from the questionnaires. According to the model parameters, a total of 4381 study participants were then divided into groups based on these topics. Results from laboratory tests, including blood glucose level, triglycerides, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, were compared between each group, and these results were then compared with those obtained by hierarchical clustering. If a significant (p < 0.05) difference was observed in any of the laboratory measurements between groups, it was considered to indicate a questionnaire response pattern corresponding to the value of the test result. A comparison between the latent topic model and hierarchical clustering grouping revealed that, in the latent topic model method, a small group of participants who reported having subjective signs of urinary disorder were allocated to a single group. The latent topic model is useful for extracting characteristics from a small number of groups from questionnaires with a large number of items. These results show that, in addition to chief complaints and history of past illness, questionnaire data obtained during medical checkups can serve as useful judgment criteria for assessing the conditions of patients.

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs versus oil of evening primrose in the treatment of mastalgia.

PubMed

Qureshi, S; Sultan, N

2005-02-01

To compare oil of evening primrose (OEP) and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) with respect to safety, effectiveness, rapidity of response, cost effectiveness and acceptability in the treatment of breast pain. An open, non-randomised, comparative study of topical (NSAI) gel versus OEP was carried out, over a period of one year. Fifty female patients attending the outpatient department with moderate to severe breast pain were given one of the two agents alternatively, after selection. Results showed that out of 25 patients treated with OEP, 64% had a clinically significant response after three months of treatment, compared with 92% with topical NSAIDs. Only one patient (4%) had side effects with OEP, while no patient had side effects with topical NSAIDs. Twenty per cent and seventy per cent showed acceptability as far as costs were concerned and mode of administration respectively, with OEP. The acceptability rate was 68% and 96% respectively, with topical NSAIDs. This study has shown topical NSAIDs to be safe, effective, rapid and acceptable mode of treatment for cyclical and non-cyclical mastalgia.

Experience of home health nursing personnel in actual and simulated case finding of wife abuse in Korea.

PubMed

Han, Young Ran

2008-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of home health nursing personnel (HHNP) in identifying wife abuse and intervening with victims during home health visits, and to analyze responses to a what-if scenario involving visiting a woman who implies her husband is abusive. A cross-sectional, descriptive design with a questionnaire survey was used and included the public health nurse's practice response to women who are abused (PHNR). From 243 public health centers nationwide, 373 HHNPs participated. Over the past year, 31.6% had identified abused women (average of 2.2 victims per HHNP) and 12.3% had intervened. The mean score for the PHNR was 55.76 (out of a possible 80), indicating higher value on thoughts, feelings, and actions to support abused women. Significant differences were found in the mean scores for age and position (nurse or nurse aide). The mean percentage of correct PHNR responses was 70.4%. The results showed a low level of competency and difficulty in initiating the topic of abuse, and a higher level of understanding methods to approach abused women. Time limit was not a hindrance to intervention. The findings indicate the need for education programs to increase self-efficacy and promote effective recognition and interventions for these women.

Impact of Oral Health Education on Oral Health Knowledge of Private School Children in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

Al Saffan, Abdulrahman Dahham; Baseer, Mohammad Abdul; Alshammary, Abdul Aziz; Assery, Mansour; Kamel, Ashraf; Rahman, Ghousia

2017-01-01

Aims and Objectives: To assess the early effect of oral health education on oral health knowledge of primary and intermediate school students of private schools by utilizing pre/post questionnaires data from oral health educational projects in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Second, to examine topic-specific knowledge differences between genders, nationalities, and educational levels of the students. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional oral health educational data of private school students (n = 1279) in primary and intermediate levels were extracted from the King Salman Centre for Children's Health (KSCCH) projects undertaken by Riyadh Colleges of Dentistry and Pharmacy. Student's pre- and post-test data were analyzed for changes in oral health knowledge. Overall knowledge score and topic-specific knowledge scores were calculated and the differences between gender, nationality, and educational level were examined using Mann–Whitney U-test. Pre/post change in the oral health knowledge was evaluated by Wilcoxon's sign rank test. Results: Immediately, after oral health educational session high knowledge score category showed an increase of 25.6%, medium and low knowledge score categories showed −3.2% and −22.3% decrease, and this change was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Comparison of correct responses between pre- and post-test showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in all the questions except for the timing of tooth brushing. Females, non-Saudi nationals and students in primary level of education showed significantly high mean knowledge (P < 0.001) at posttest assessment. Conclusion: Primary and intermediate private school student's overall, and topic-specific oral health knowledge improved immediately after educational intervention provided by KSCCH. High knowledge gain was observed among female non-Saudi primary school students. PMID:29285475

Discussions and decisions of the 2012–2014 International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Filoviridae Study Group, January 2012–June 2013

PubMed Central

Bukreyev, Alexander A.; Chandran, Kartik; Dolnik, Olga; Dye, John M.; Ebihara, Hideki; Leroy, Eric M.; Mühlberger, Elke; Netesov, Sergey V.; Patterson, Jean L.; Paweska, Janusz T.; Saphire, Erica Ollmann; Smither, Sophie J.; Takada, Ayato; Towner, Jonathan S.; Volchkov, Viktor E.; Warren, Travis K.; Kuhn, Jens H.

2013-01-01

The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Filoviridae Study Group prepares proposals on the classification and nomenclature of filoviruses to reflect current knowledge or to correct disagreements with the International Code of Virus Classification and Nomenclature (ICVCN). In recent years, filovirus taxonomy has been corrected and updated, but parts of it remain controversial, and several topics remain to be debated. This article summarizes the decisions and discussion of the currently acting ICTV Filoviridae Study Group since its inauguration in January 2012. PMID:24122154

Stability of one-stage adjustable suture for the correction of horizontal strabismus.

PubMed Central

Chow, P C

1989-01-01

One-stage adjustable suture for strabismus correction, with the whole operation done under topical anaesthesia and adjustment done on the table, was performed on 45 consecutive patients. The stability of the post-adjustment result was studied by comparing the post-adjustment deviation on the operating table to that at six weeks and three months after operation. The stability was comparable to that following the usual two-stage adjustable suture. The original angle of deviation and the fusion status were found to have no bearing on the stability of the procedure. PMID:2667637

Knowledge of the management of paediatric dental traumas by non-dental professionals in emergency rooms in South Araucanía, Temuco, Chile.

PubMed

Díaz, Jaime; Bustos, Luís; Herrera, Samira; Sepulveda, Jaqueline

2009-12-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding first aid for dental trauma in children (TDI) by non-dental professionals and paramedical technicians of hospital emergency rooms in the South Araucanía Health Service, Chile, which was attained through application of a survey. Samples were collected from people with occupations in the respective emergency rooms. The participants were 82 people that were interviewed using a questionnaire regarding management of dental trauma. Paramedic technicians, general and specialist doctors, and nurses were included in this survey. The appraisal covered diverse aspects: birth date, age, sex, years of experience in the emergency room, and questions regarding specific dental trauma topics, which focused on crown fractures, luxation injuries in permanent dentition, avulsion in primary and permanent teeth, and the respective emergency treatments. Of the participants, 78.1% reported to have been presented with a TDI patient. The majority (90.2%) had not received formal training on TDI. These results revealed a wide distribution of responses. The overall dental trauma knowledge among the participants was relatively poor. For crown fractures management 54.9% indicated that they would ask the affected child about the crown remnants. In regard to transport and storage medium of avulsed permanent teeth, only 9.8% of the participants answered correctly and 43.9% of respondents stated that they would not replant an avulsed permanent tooth, since that procedure is considered the responsibility of a dentist. The majority of the respondents were not knowledgeable regarding TDI or the management and benefits of timely care, particularly in cases of avulsed permanent teeth. Therefore, formal education and training on the topic is suggested during undergraduate studies.

Norms of Descriptive Adjective Responses to Common Nouns.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robbins, Janet L.

This paper gives the results of a controlled experiment on word association. The purpose was to establish norms of commonality of primary descriptive adjective responses to common nouns. The stimuli consisted of 203 common nouns selected from 10 everyday topics of conversation, approximately 20 from each topic. There were 350 subjects, 50% male,…

A Comparison of Answer until Correct Feedback and Knowledge of Correct Response Feedback under Two Conditions of Contextualization.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clariana, Roy B.

1990-01-01

Discussion of various types of feedback used in computer-assisted instruction focuses on a study of low-ability eleventh graders that compared the effectiveness of answer until correct (AUC) feedback with knowledge of correct response (KCR) feedback. Achievement data on posttests as well as time data are analyzed. (11 references) (LRW)

Machine-learned analysis of the association of next-generation sequencing-based human TRPV1 and TRPA1 genotypes with the sensitivity to heat stimuli and topically applied capsaicin.

PubMed

Kringel, Dario; Geisslinger, Gerd; Resch, Eduard; Oertel, Bruno G; Thrun, Michael C; Heinemann, Sarah; Lötsch, Jörn

2018-03-27

Heat pain and its modulation by capsaicin varies among subjects in experimental and clinical settings. A plausible cause is a genetic component, of which TRPV1 ion channels, by their response to both heat and capsaicin, are primary candidates. However, TRPA1 channels can heterodimerize with TRPV1 channels and carry genetic variants reported to modulate heat pain sensitivity. To address the role of these candidate genes in capsaicin-induced hypersensitization to heat, pain thresholds acquired before and after topical application of capsaicin and TRPA1/TRPV1 exomic sequences derived by next-generation sequencing were assessed in n = 75 healthy volunteers and the genetic information comprised 278 loci. Gaussian mixture modeling indicated 2 phenotype groups with high or low capsaicin-induced hypersensitization to heat. Unsupervised machine learning implemented as swarm-based clustering hinted at differences in the genetic pattern between these phenotype groups. Several methods of supervised machine learning implemented as random forests, adaptive boosting, k-nearest neighbors, naive Bayes, support vector machines, and for comparison, binary logistic regression predicted the phenotype group association consistently better when based on the observed genotypes than when using a random permutation of the exomic sequences. Of note, TRPA1 variants were more important for correct phenotype group association than TRPV1 variants. This indicates a role of the TRPA1 and TRPV1 next-generation sequencing-based genetic pattern in the modulation of the individual response to heat-related pain phenotypes. When considering earlier evidence that topical capsaicin can induce neuropathy-like quantitative sensory testing patterns in healthy subjects, implications for future analgesic treatments with transient receptor potential inhibitors arise.This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from the journal.

Corrective response times in a coordinated eye-head-arm countermanding task.

PubMed

Tao, Gordon; Khan, Aarlenne Z; Blohm, Gunnar

2018-06-01

Inhibition of motor responses has been described as a race between two competing decision processes of motor initiation and inhibition, which manifest as the reaction time (RT) and the stop signal reaction time (SSRT); in the case where motor initiation wins out over inhibition, an erroneous movement occurs that usually needs to be corrected, leading to corrective response times (CRTs). Here we used a combined eye-head-arm movement countermanding task to investigate the mechanisms governing multiple effector coordination and the timing of corrective responses. We found a high degree of correlation between effector response times for RT, SSRT, and CRT, suggesting that decision processes are strongly dependent across effectors. To gain further insight into the mechanisms underlying CRTs, we tested multiple models to describe the distribution of RTs, SSRTs, and CRTs. The best-ranked model (according to 3 information criteria) extends the LATER race model governing RTs and SSRTs, whereby a second motor initiation process triggers the corrective response (CRT) only after the inhibition process completes in an expedited fashion. Our model suggests that the neural processing underpinning a failed decision has a residual effect on subsequent actions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Failure to inhibit erroneous movements typically results in corrective movements. For coordinated eye-head-hand movements we show that corrective movements are only initiated after the erroneous movement cancellation signal has reached a decision threshold in an accelerated fashion.

High School Debate Topic, 1996-1997. Subject Bibliography (SB)043.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC.

This 10-item annotated bibliography presents U.S. government documents suitable for use in preparation for a high school debate on the resolution that the federal government should establish a program to substantially reduce juvenile crime in the United States. Items in the annotated bibliography address correctional philosophy, community response…

Metaphor Clusters: Characterizing Instructor Metaphorical Reasoning on Limit Concepts in College Calculus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patel, Rita Manubhai; McCombs, Paul; Zollman, Alan

2014-01-01

Novice students have difficulty with the topic of limits in calculus. We believe this is in part because of the multiple perspectives and shifting metaphors available to solve items correctly. We investigated college calculus instructors' personal concepts of limits. Based upon previous research investigating introductory calculus student…

Improving the Grammatical Accuracy of the Spoken English of Indonesian International Kindergarten Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gozali, Imelda; Harjanto, Ignatius

2014-01-01

The need to improve the spoken English of kindergarten students in an international preschool in Surabaya prompted this Classroom Action Research (CAR). It involved the implementation of Form-Focused Instruction (FFI) strategy coupled with Corrective Feedback (CF) in Grammar lessons. Four grammar topics were selected, namely Regular Plural form,…

Stimulability: Relationships to Other Characteristics of Children's Phonological Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tyler, Ann A.; Macrae, Toby

2010-01-01

In honour of Miccio's memory, this article revisits the topic of stimulability in children with speech sound disorders (SSD). Eighteen children with SSD, aged 3;6-5;5 (M = 4;8), were tested for their system-wide stimulability, percentage consonants correct (PCC), phonetic inventory size, and oral- and speech-motor skills. Pearson Product Moment…

Linearization: Students Forget the Operating Point

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roubal, J.; Husek, P.; Stecha, J.

2010-01-01

Linearization is a standard part of modeling and control design theory for a class of nonlinear dynamical systems taught in basic undergraduate courses. Although linearization is a straight-line methodology, it is not applied correctly by many students since they often forget to keep the operating point in mind. This paper explains the topic and…

Applications of Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy

PubMed Central

Roorda, Austin

2010-01-01

Adaptive optics (AO) describes a set of tools to correct or control aberrations in any optical system. In the eye, AO allows for precise control of the ocular aberrations. If used to correct aberrations over a large pupil, for example, cellular level resolution in retinal images can be achieved. AO systems have been demonstrated for advanced ophthalmoscopy as well as for testing and/or improving vision. In fact, AO can be integrated to any ophthalmic instrument where the optics of the eye is involved, with a scope of applications ranging from phoropters to optical coherence tomography systems. In this paper, I discuss the applications and advantages of using AO in a specific system, the adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope, or AOSLO. Since the Borish award was, in part, awarded to me because of this effort, I felt it appropriate to select this as the topic for this paper. Furthermore, users of AOSLO continue to appreciate the benefits of the technology, some of which were not anticipated at the time of development, and so it is time to revisit this topic and summarize them in a single paper. PMID:20160657

[Techniques for pixel response nonuniformity correction of CCD in interferential imaging spectrometer].

PubMed

Yao, Tao; Yin, Shi-Min; Xiangli, Bin; Lü, Qun-Bo

2010-06-01

Based on in-depth analysis of the relative radiation scaling theorem and acquired scaling data of pixel response nonuniformity correction of CCD (charge-coupled device) in spaceborne visible interferential imaging spectrometer, a pixel response nonuniformity correction method of CCD adapted to visible and infrared interferential imaging spectrometer system was studied out, and it availably resolved the engineering technical problem of nonuniformity correction in detector arrays for interferential imaging spectrometer system. The quantitative impact of CCD nonuniformity on interferogram correction and recovery spectrum accuracy was given simultaneously. Furthermore, an improved method with calibration and nonuniformity correction done after the instrument is successfully assembled was proposed. The method can save time and manpower. It can correct nonuniformity caused by other reasons in spectrometer system besides CCD itself's nonuniformity, can acquire recalibration data when working environment is changed, and can also more effectively improve the nonuniformity calibration accuracy of interferential imaging

Difficulty in diagnosing oral paracoccidioidomycosis after topical nystatin usage.

PubMed

Sperandio, Felipe Fornias; Giudice, Fernanda Salgueiredo; Coelho, Ana Patricia Carneiro Goncalves Bezerra; de Sousa, Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado; Martins, Marilia Triervelier

2012-01-01

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by a dimorphic fungus called Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and is a disseminated, systemic disorder that involves the lungs and other organs but presents characteristic oral lesions as the prominent feature. This article reports an unusual case of a 56-year-old man who had symptomatic granulomatous lesions in the oral cavity. The patient had received a nystatin-based treatment that masked the presence of fungi and made the diagnosis of PCM difficult. Although nystatin is normally used to treat oral fungal infections such as candidiasis, its topical usage is not appropriate for management of PCM. Once the patient received the correct treatment, he demonstrated a full recovery.

Combination of didactic lectures and review sessions in endocrinology leads to improvement in student performance as measured by assessments.

PubMed

Qureshi, Ayisha; Cozine, Cassy; Rizvi, Farwa

2013-03-01

There can be no single best way of learning, and each teaching mode has its own merits and demerits. Didactic lectures in and of themselves are insufficient, whereas a problem-based tutorial alone can be as ineffective. This study was conducted to determine if a problem-based review after didactic lectures would lead to better student performance. To compare performance, the same student group was taught three units of endocrinology (growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and diabetes). Students were divided into the following three groups: diabetes didactic lectures only, growth hormone didactic lectures plus review, and thyroid hormone didactic lectures plus review. All three topics were covered in the didactic lectures, but only growth hormone and thyroid hormone topics were covered in the review session. At the end of the course, all students were given formative assessments in the form of multiple-choice questions. A highly significant increase (P < 0.000) in the percentage of correct responses on the questions covering growth hormone (mean: 0.838, SD: 0.158) and thyroid hormone (mean: 0.686, SD: 0.232) compared with diabetes (mean: 0.478, SD: 0.259) was observed. In conclusion, this study provides further evidence that the combination of didactic lectures and an active review session leads to an improvement in student performance.

Nonuniformity correction algorithm with efficient pixel offset estimation for infrared focal plane arrays.

PubMed

Orżanowski, Tomasz

2016-01-01

This paper presents an infrared focal plane array (IRFPA) response nonuniformity correction (NUC) algorithm which is easy to implement by hardware. The proposed NUC algorithm is based on the linear correction scheme with the useful method of pixel offset correction coefficients update. The new approach to IRFPA response nonuniformity correction consists in the use of pixel response change determined at the actual operating conditions in relation to the reference ones by means of shutter to compensate a pixel offset temporal drift. Moreover, it permits to remove any optics shading effect in the output image as well. To show efficiency of the proposed NUC algorithm some test results for microbolometer IRFPA are presented.

32 CFR 724.902 - Propriety of the discharge.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... been corrected by the organization with primary responsibility for correcting the record. (c) The primary function of the NDRB is to exercise its discretion on issues of equity by reviewing the individual... which the primary responsibility for corrective action rests with another organization (for example...

32 CFR 724.902 - Propriety of the discharge.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... been corrected by the organization with primary responsibility for correcting the record. (c) The primary function of the NDRB is to exercise its discretion on issues of equity by reviewing the individual... which the primary responsibility for corrective action rests with another organization (for example...

32 CFR 724.902 - Propriety of the discharge.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... been corrected by the organization with primary responsibility for correcting the record. (c) The primary function of the NDRB is to exercise its discretion on issues of equity by reviewing the individual... which the primary responsibility for corrective action rests with another organization (for example...

32 CFR 724.902 - Propriety of the discharge.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... been corrected by the organization with primary responsibility for correcting the record. (c) The primary function of the NDRB is to exercise its discretion on issues of equity by reviewing the individual... which the primary responsibility for corrective action rests with another organization (for example...

32 CFR 724.902 - Propriety of the discharge.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... been corrected by the organization with primary responsibility for correcting the record. (c) The primary function of the NDRB is to exercise its discretion on issues of equity by reviewing the individual... which the primary responsibility for corrective action rests with another organization (for example...

Effect of Peer Instruction on the Likelihood for Choosing the Correct Response to a Physiology Question

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Relling, Alejandro E.; Giuliodori, Mauricio J.

2015-01-01

The aims of the present study were to measure the effects of individual answer (correct vs. incorrect), individual answer of group members (no vs. some vs. all correct), self-confidence about the responses (low vs. mid vs. high), sex (female vs. male students), and group size (2-4 students) on the odds for change and for correctness after peer…

Perceptibility curve test for digital radiographs before and after correction for attenuation and correction for attenuation and visual response.

PubMed

Li, G; Welander, U; Yoshiura, K; Shi, X-Q; McDavid, W D

2003-11-01

Two digital image processing methods, correction for X-ray attenuation and correction for attenuation and visual response, have been developed. The aim of the present study was to compare digital radiographs before and after correction for attenuation and correction for attenuation and visual response by means of a perceptibility curve test. Radiographs were exposed of an aluminium test object containing holes ranging from 0.03 mm to 0.30 mm with increments of 0.03 mm. Fourteen radiographs were exposed with the Dixi system (Planmeca Oy, Helsinki, Finland) and twelve radiographs were exposed with the F1 iOX system (Fimet Oy, Monninkylä, Finland) from low to high exposures covering the full exposure ranges of the systems. Radiographs obtained from the Dixi and F1 iOX systems were 12 bit and 8 bit images, respectively. Original radiographs were then processed for correction for attenuation and correction for attenuation and visual response. Thus, two series of radiographs were created. Ten viewers evaluated all the radiographs in the same random order under the same viewing conditions. The object detail having the lowest perceptible contrast was recorded for each observer. Perceptibility curves were plotted according to the mean of observer data. The perceptibility curves for processed radiographs obtained with the F1 iOX system are higher than those for originals in the exposure range up to the peak, where the curves are basically the same. For radiographs exposed with the Dixi system, perceptibility curves for processed radiographs are higher than those for originals for all exposures. Perceptibility curves show that for 8 bit radiographs obtained from the F1 iOX system, the contrast threshold was increased in processed radiographs up to the peak, while for 12 bit radiographs obtained with the Dixi system, the contrast threshold was increased in processed radiographs for all exposures. When comparisons were made between radiographs corrected for attenuation and corrected for attenuation and visual response, basically no differences were found. Radiographs processed for correction for attenuation and correction for attenuation and visual response may improve perception, especially for 12 bit originals.

Topical Modulation of the Burn Wound Inflammatory Response to Improve Short and Long Term Outcomes

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

Duroc pig. We hypothesize that topical p38MAPK inhibition will attenuate the depth of the burn by preventing hair -follicle cell apoptosis, attenuate...Intracellular MAPK Hair -Follicle Apoptosis Local/Dermal Inflammatory Cell Activation SIRS End-Organ Failure Topical MAPK Inhibitors Production of

A Curriculum for the Tourism Industry: Establishing a Body of Knowledge.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lengfelder, Julie R.; And Others

1994-01-01

This study compared U.S. and international tourism professionals' perceptions of course topics in graduate and undergraduate global tourism curricula. Ratings of topics by importance indicated professionals perceived no course topic as lower than medium importance for either level. There were differences in responses by geographic location or…

Sex knowledge and attitudes of moderately retarded males.

PubMed

Edmonson, B; Wish, J

1975-09-01

In semistructured interview sessions, 18 moderately retarded men undergoing deinstitutional training, were questioned to determine their understanding of pictures of homosexual embrace, masturbation, dating, marriage, intercourse, pregnancy, childbirth, drunkenness, and their knowledge of anatomical terminology. The frequencies of various response categories revealed a range of comprehension, the lowest answering only 10 percent correctly, the median consisting of 28 percent correct, and only 1 subject correctly answering as many as one-half of the items. Correct conceptual responses significantly correlated with WAIS Full Scale and Verbal IQs and were also significantly related to the Adaptive Behavior Scale domains of Language, Socialization, and Responsibility. Serious errors of fact and conceptual confusion, though most prevalent in responses by the low comprehenders, were found in at least some responses by all of the men.

Management of pseudophakic myopic anisometropic amblyopia with piggyback Visian® implantable collamer lens.

PubMed

Eissa, Sherif A

2017-03-01

To assess the outcomes of sulcus implantation of the Visian ® implantable collamer lens (ICL) to correct pseudophakic myopic anisometropic amblyopia with myopic shift and/or primary refractive overcorrection. Prospective case series enrolled 14 pseudophakic eyes of 14 patients, 5-9 years old, with history of cataract surgery and primary in the bag-intraocular lenses (IOL) implantation, followed by myopic shift and/or refractive overcorrection and anisometropic amblyopia of variable degrees. All cases had implantation of a piggyback ICL/toric ICL, to correct the myopia/myopic astigmatism. Preoperatively, we evaluated the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), intraocular pressure (IOP) and endothelial cell density (ECD). We assessed the position and vaulting of the ICLs on slit lamp examination and confirmed by Scheimpflug tomography. Postoperative follow-up was at 1st week and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. Uncorrected distance visual acuity improved in all cases, and CDVA improved in 11 amblyopic eyes (2-4 lines). There was no evidence of interlenticular opacification (ILO) throughout the 2-year follow-up. Two cases were complicated with early postoperative acute elevation of IOP and were controlled with topical beta-blockers. Postoperative acute anterior uveitis occurred in six eyes and controlled by topical steroids. Implantable collamer lens (ICL) vault was measured using Pentacam, with mean value of 470 ± 238 μm. Sulcus implantation of the secondary piggyback ICL to correct unilateral pseudophakic myopic refractive error in children was safe, efficient, predictable and well tolerated in management of anisometropic amblyopia in all eyes. © 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparisons of Fluticasone to Budesonide in the Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

PubMed

Albert, Dustin; Heifert, Theresa A; Min, Steve B; Maydonovitch, Corinne L; Baker, Thomas P; Chen, Yen-Ju; Moawad, Fouad J

2016-07-01

Topical steroids are first-line treatment agents for eosinophilic esophagitis; however, some studies have demonstrated modest efficacy in inducing histologic remission. The aim of this study was to determine response to two topical steroids (fluticasone and budesonide), compare their efficacy, and examine patient characteristics which could predict non-response to topical steroids. We performed a retrospective review of an established EoE registry. Inclusion criteria were patients >1 year of age who were diagnosed with EoE as defined by the most recent consensus guidelines. All patients were treated with an 8-week course of either swallowed fluticasone or viscous budesonide. Responders were defined as achieving <15 eosinophils per high-power field (eos/hpf) in both proximal and distal esophageal biopsies. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features were examined. The study cohort included 75 EoE patients with a median age of 33 years (range 2-64 years), 71 % adults, 84 % male, and 76 % Caucasian. Overall histologic response rate to topical steroids was 51 %, while clinical response was 71 %. There was no significant differences in histologic response to treatment between children and adults (68 vs. 44 %, p = 0.111). There was no significant difference in response between males and females (47 vs. 73 %, p = 0.191) and between the two types of steroids (48 vs. 56 %, p = 0.632). Responders and non-responders were similar in clinical presentation and baseline endoscopic findings. Following treatment, responders had significantly less peak proximal (4.0 ± 4.4 vs. 46 ± 53, p < 0.001) and distal eosinophil counts (3.5 ± 3.8 vs. 60 ± 47, p < 0.001) compared to non-responders. There were no predictors of response to steroids identified. Histologic response to treatment was observed in approximately half the cohort, while more than two-thirds experienced clinical response to topical steroids. Response was similar between fluticasone and budesonide. Given the lack of differences in clinical presentation or endoscopic features, predictors of non-response were not seen.

The role of topic, interviewee and question in predicting rich interview data in the field of health research.

PubMed

Ogden, Jane; Cornwell, Danielle

2010-11-01

Although texts recommend the generation of rich data from interviews, no empirical evidence base exists for achieving this. This study aimed to operationalise richness and to assess which components of the interview (for example, topic, interviewee, question) were predictive. A total of 400 interview questions and their corresponding responses were selected from 10 qualitative studies in the area of health identified from university colleagues and the UK Data Archive database. The analysis used the text analysis program, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, and additional rating scales. Richness was operationalised along five dimensions. 'Length of response' was predicted by a personal, less specific or positive topic, not being a layperson, later questions, open or double questions; 'personal richness' was predicted by being a healthy participant and questions about the past and future; 'analytical responses' were predicted by a personal or less specific topic, not being a layperson, later questions, questions relating to insight and causation; 'action responses' were predicted by a less specific topic, not being a layperson, being healthy, later and open questions. The model for 'descriptive richness' was not significant. Overall, open questions, located later on and framed in the present or past tense, tended to be most predictive of richness. This could inform improvements in interview technique. © 2010 The Authors. Sociology of Health & Illness © 2010 Foundation for the Sociology of Health & Illness/Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Compensation of long-range process effects on photomasks by design data correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Jens; Bloecker, Martin; Ballhorn, Gerd; Belic, Nikola; Eisenmann, Hans; Keogan, Danny

2002-12-01

CD requirements for advanced photomasks are getting very demanding for the 100 nm-node and below; the ITRS roadmap requires CD uniformities below 10 nm for the most critical layers. To reach this goal, statistical as well as systematic CD contributions must be minimized. Here, we focus on the reduction of systematic CD variations across the masks that may be caused by process effects, e.g. dry etch loading. We address this topic by compensating such effects via design data correction analogous to proximity correction. Dry etch loading is modeled by gaussian convolution of pattern densities. Data correction is done geometrically by edge shifting. As the effect amplitude has an order of magnitude of 10 nm this can only be done on e-beam writers with small address grids to reduce big CD steps in the design data. We present modeling and correction results for special mask patterns with very strong pattern density variations showing that the compensation method is able to reduce CD uniformity by 50-70% depending on pattern details. The data correction itself is done with a new module developed especially to compensate long-range effects and fits nicely into the common data flow environment.

Surgery for esotropia under topical anesthesia.

PubMed

Tejedor, Jaime; Ogallar, Consuelo; Rodríguez, José M

2010-10-01

To compare a surgically adjusted dose of strabismus surgery using topical anesthesia in cooperative patients with dosage guidelines adapted to the surgeon's personal technique using sub-Tenon's anesthesia. Randomized, controlled, single-site clinical trial. Sixty patients with nonparalytic, nonrestrictive esotropia who were cooperative for surgery under topical anesthesia. Twenty-eight patients were assigned to topical anesthesia, and 32 patients were assigned to sub-Tenon's anesthesia. Visual acuity, refraction, and deviation angle were determined in all patients preoperatively and postoperatively, and stereoacuity was measured postoperatively. Deviation angle was measured by simultaneous and alternate prism and cover test, and stereoacuity was measured using Randot circles (Stereo Optical Co., Chicago, IL). The amount of surgery under topical anesthesia was adjusted intraoperatively. The amount of surgery used in the 2 treatment groups (measured in millimeters and millimeter/degree of deviation angle) and 6-month motor and stereoacuity outcomes. Patients in the topical group required 3.2 mm less surgery on average than those in the sub-Tenon's group (5.9 and 9.1 mm, respectively; 0.4 and 0.6 mm of recession/degree, respectively) (P<0.01). Motor success (84% and 75%, respectively, P=0.38) and stereoacuity (339.6 and 323.9 arc seconds, respectively, P=0.87) at 6 months were similar in the 2 groups. Topical anesthesia requires a smaller amount of surgery and number of operated muscles to correct esotropia compared with classic surgery guidelines adapted to the surgeon's personal technique. Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

32 CFR 70.9 - Discharge review standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... to the extent that the error has been corrected by the organization with primary responsibility for correcting the record. (3) The primary function of the DRB is to exercise its discretion on issues of equity... of issuance involves a matter in which the primary responsibility for corrective action rests with...

32 CFR 70.9 - Discharge review standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... to the extent that the error has been corrected by the organization with primary responsibility for correcting the record. (3) The primary function of the DRB is to exercise its discretion on issues of equity... of issuance involves a matter in which the primary responsibility for corrective action rests with...

32 CFR 70.9 - Discharge review standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... to the extent that the error has been corrected by the organization with primary responsibility for correcting the record. (3) The primary function of the DRB is to exercise its discretion on issues of equity... of issuance involves a matter in which the primary responsibility for corrective action rests with...

Combinatorial treatment with topical NSAIDs and anti-VEGF for age-related macular degeneration, a meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Wang, Wei; Ding, Xiaoyan

2017-01-01

Inflammation is a key pathogenic factor in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the clinical importance of combining anti-VEGF agents and topical NSAIDs to reduce inflammation remains unclear. In this study, we systematically reviewed clinical trials comparing combined treatment versus anti-VEGF alone in AMD patients. We quantified treatment effects via meta-analysis. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD, -0.91, 95%CI: -1.39 to -0.42, P = 0.0003) demonstrates that combined treatment may reduce required anti-VEGF injection number, probably by means of decreasing central retina thickness (CRT) (WMD = -22.9, 95% CI: -41.20 to -4.59, P = 0.01). The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) did not change significantly between these two groups (WMD = - 0.01, 95%CI: -0.23 to 0.20, P = 0.90). Topical NSAIDs slightly increased the incidence of foreign body sensation (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.63, 95%Cl: 1.06 to 6.52, P = 0.76). Combining topical NSAIDs and anti-VEGF agents may provide a new strategy for AMD treatment. PMID:28985220

Solution for the nonuniformity correction of infrared focal plane arrays.

PubMed

Zhou, Huixin; Liu, Shangqian; Lai, Rui; Wang, Dabao; Cheng, Yubao

2005-05-20

Based on the S-curve model of the detector response of infrared focal plan arrays (IRFPAs), an improved two-point correction algorithm is presented. The algorithm first transforms the nonlinear image data into linear data and then uses the normal two-point algorithm to correct the linear data. The algorithm can effectively overcome the influence of nonlinearity of the detector's response, and it enlarges the correction precision and the dynamic range of the response. A real-time imaging-signal-processing system for IRFPAs that is based on a digital signal processor and field-programmable gate arrays is also presented. The nonuniformity correction capability of the presented solution is validated by experimental imaging procedures of a 128 x 128 pixel IRFPA camera prototype.

The dynamic tidal response of a subsurface ocean on Titan and the associated dissipative heat generated

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyler, Robert

2012-04-01

The tidal flow response and associated dissipative heat generated in a satellite ocean depends strongly on the ocean configuration parameters as these parameters control the form and frequencies of the ocean's natural modes of oscillation; if there is a near match between the form and frequency of one of these natural modes and that of one of the available tidal forcing constituents, the ocean can be resonantly excited, producing strong tidal flow and appreciable dissipative heat. Of primary interest in this study are the ocean parameters that can be expected to evolve (notably, the ocean depth in an ocean attempting to freeze, and the stratification in an ocean attempting to cool) because this evolution can cause an ocean to be pushed into a resonant configuration where the increased dissipative heat of the resonant response halts further evolution and a liquid ocean can be maintained by ocean tidal heat. In this case the resonant ocean tidal response is not only allowed but may be inevitable. Previous work on this topic is extended to describe the resonant configurations in both unstratified and stratified cases for an assumed global ocean on Titan subject to both obliquity and eccentricity tidal forces. Results indicate first that the assumption of an equilibrium tidal response is not justified and the correct dynamical response must be considered. Second, the ocean tidal dissipation will be appreciable if the ocean configuration is near that producing a resonant state. The parameters values required for this resonance are provided in this study, and examples/movies of calculated ocean tidal flow are also presented.

Family-initiated dialogue about medications during family-centered rounds.

PubMed

Benjamin, Jessica M; Cox, Elizabeth D; Trapskin, Philip J; Rajamanickam, Victoria P; Jorgenson, Roderick C; Weber, Holly L; Pearson, Rachel E; Carayon, Pascale; Lubcke, Nikki L

2015-01-01

Experts suggest family engagement in care can improve safety for hospitalized children. Family-centered rounds (FCRs) can offer families the opportunity to participate in error recovery related to children's medications. The objective of this study was to describe family-initiated dialogue about medications and health care team responses to this dialogue during FCR to understand the potential for FCR to foster safe medication use. FCR were video-recorded daily for 150 hospitalized children. Coders sorted family-initiated medication dialogue into mutually exclusive categories, reflecting place of administration, therapeutic class, topic, and health care team responses. Health care team responses were coded to reflect intent, actions taken by the team, and appropriateness of any changes. Eighty-three (55%) of the 150 families raised 318 medication topics during 347 FCR. Most family-initiated dialogue focused on inpatient medications (65%), with home medications comprising 35%. Anti-infectives (31%), analgesics (14%), and corticosteroids (11%) were the most commonly discussed medications. The most common medication topics raised by families were scheduling (24%) and adverse drug reactions (11%). Although most health care team responses were provision of information (74%), appropriate changes to the child's medications occurred in response to 8% of family-initiated dialogue, with most changes preventing or addressing adverse drug reactions or scheduling issues. Most families initiated dialogue regarding medications during FCRs, including both inpatient and home medications. They raised topics that altered treatment and were important for medication safety, adherence, and satisfaction. Study findings suggest specific medication topics that health care teams can anticipate addressing during FCR. Copyright © 2015 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Electric Lighting and Daylighting in Schools. IssueTrak: A CEFPI Brief on Educational Facility Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grocoff, Paul N.

This report examines both electric lighting and daylighting, listing criteria to determine the correct equipment for a school renovation or building project. Specific topics examine use of prismatic lenses; parabolic louvers; and indirect lighting, including the cost savings of using indirect lighting. The report indicates there is no clear answer…

TECFORS, A Newsletter for Instructors of Writing and Reading to ESL and Bi-Lingual Adult Students. Volume 6, 1983.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

TECFORS, 1983

1983-01-01

Numbers 1 through 5 of the 1983 TECFORS newsletter include these articles: "Topic Schemas (LL): In the Classroom" (David A. Ross); "Using Diagrams to Teach Reading Comprehension" (Tia Johnson, Judy Sheetz-Brunetti); "Correcting ESL Compositions" (Nancy Hooper); "A Schema Theory Bibliography" (Ann M. Johns);…

The Influence of Academic Articles on an ESL Teacher's Stated Beliefs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kamiya, Nobuhiro; Loewen, Shawn

2014-01-01

The current study investigated the relationship between one English as a second language (ESL) teacher's encounters with three academic articles on the topic of oral corrective feedback (CF) and the impact that they had on his stated beliefs regarding CF. The teacher had 14 years of English teaching experience and an MA TESOL degree. Two…

Inquiry in the Large-Enrollment Science Classroom: Simulating a Research Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reeve, Suzanne; Hammond, Jennetta W.; Bradshaw, William S.

2004-01-01

We conduct research workshops twice each semester in our cell biology lecture course. Instead of solely analyzing data obtained by others, students form groups to design research questions and experimental protocols on a given topic. The main focus is the process of scientific thinking, not simply obtaining a correct product. (Contains 3 tables…

RICIS Symposium 1992: Mission and Safety Critical Systems Research and Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

This conference deals with computer systems which control systems whose failure to operate correctly could produce the loss of life and or property, mission and safety critical systems. Topics covered are: the work of standards groups, computer systems design and architecture, software reliability, process control systems, knowledge based expert systems, and computer and telecommunication protocols.

Parents, Expertise and Identity Work: The Media Conceptualised as a Lifelong Learning Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aarsand, Liselott Assarsson

2011-01-01

Parenting is a recurring topic in books, newspapers, magazines and TV shows in Western societies. Often it involves experts giving advice to adults. Hence, parenting is made visible, categorised, evaluated and corrected in public. Judgements on what is desirable are demonstrated, and objectives to be achieved are pointed out. In the present study,…

Did we describe what you meant? Findings and methodological discussion of an empirical validation study for a systematic review of reasons

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The systematic review of reasons is a new way to obtain comprehensive information about specific ethical topics. One such review was carried out for the question of why post-trial access to trial drugs should or need not be provided. The objective of this study was to empirically validate this review using an author check method. The article also reports on methodological challenges faced by our study. Methods We emailed a questionnaire to the 64 corresponding authors of those papers that were assessed in the review of reasons on post-trial access. The questionnaire consisted of all quotations (“reason mentions”) that were identified by the review to represent a reason in a given author’s publication, together with a set of codings for the quotations. The authors were asked to rate the correctness of the codings. Results We received 19 responses, from which only 13 were completed questionnaires. In total, 98 quotations and their related codes in the 13 questionnaires were checked by the addressees. For 77 quotations (79%), all codings were deemed correct, for 21 quotations (21%), some codings were deemed to need correction. Most corrections were minor and did not imply a complete misunderstanding of the citation. Conclusions This first attempt to validate a review of reasons leads to four crucial methodological questions relevant to the future conduct of such validation studies: 1) How can a description of a reason be deemed incorrect? 2) Do the limited findings of this author check study enable us to determine whether the core results of the analysed SRR are valid? 3) Why did the majority of surveyed authors refrain from commenting on our understanding of their reasoning? 4) How can the method for validating reviews of reasons be improved? PMID:25262532

Rights and Responsibilities--A Look Ahead. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Western Gerontological Society (23rd Denver, Colorado).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peck, Julie L., Ed.

In major presentations in these proceedings, national leaders discuss futuristic ideas about aging. An awareness of the present and future rights and responsibilities of older persons and the personnel working with them is developed in the variety of topics presented. Topics include: current practices, education, housing, law, creative life…

Fast logic?: Examining the time course assumption of dual process theory.

PubMed

Bago, Bence; De Neys, Wim

2017-01-01

Influential dual process models of human thinking posit that reasoners typically produce a fast, intuitive heuristic (i.e., Type-1) response which might subsequently be overridden and corrected by slower, deliberative processing (i.e., Type-2). In this study we directly tested this time course assumption. We used a two response paradigm in which participants have to give an immediate answer and afterwards are allowed extra time before giving a final response. In four experiments we used a range of procedures (e.g., challenging response deadline, concurrent load) to knock out Type 2 processing and make sure that the initial response was intuitive in nature. Our key finding is that we frequently observe correct, logical responses as the first, immediate response. Response confidence and latency analyses indicate that these initial correct responses are given fast, with high confidence, and in the face of conflicting heuristic responses. Findings suggest that fast and automatic Type 1 processing also cues a correct logical response from the start. We sketch a revised dual process model in which the relative strength of different types of intuitions determines reasoning performance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Water Fountains in Environment Transformation Correcting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidorenko, M. Yu; Ponomareva, Zh V.

2017-11-01

The article provides information on the means and principles for adjusting the process of the urban environment transformation. The interest in the topic is caused by the fact that the surrounding artificial environment is turning into a dangerous factor in the mechanism of human visual perception which requires immediate, effective intervention in the adjustment of the existing modern buildings. The paper considers The correction with the help of new dominants, small architectural forms, in particular, water fountains. Fountains are an important part of the measures to create a comfortable, environmentally friendly urban human environment. Their planning and functional links with the system of streets, squares, traffic arteries can create the urban plan basis.

Cultural analysis of communication behaviors among juveniles in a correctional facility.

PubMed

Sanger, D D; Creswell, J W; Dworak, J; Schultz, L

2000-01-01

This study addressed communication behaviors of female juvenile delinquents in a correctional facility. Qualitative methodology was used to study 78 participants ranging in age from 13.1 to 18.9 (years; months), over a five-month period. Data collection consisted of observations, participant observation, interviews, and a review of documents. Additionally, participants were tested on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-3. Listening and following rules, utterance types, topics of conversion, politeness, and conversational management emerged as themes. Findings indicated that as many as 22% of participants were potential candidates for language services. Implications for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) providing communication services will be provided.

45 CFR 5b.7 - Procedures for correction or amendment of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... making a request to amend or correct his record shall address his request to the responsible Department... informed of the responsible Department official's decision on the request within that 10 day period. (c) If... individual will be informed in writing of the correction, amendment, or deletion and, if accounting was made...

The effect of a topical anaesthetic formulation, systemic flunixin and carprofen, singly or in combination, on cortisol and behavioural responses of Merino lambs to mulesing.

PubMed

Paull, D R; Lee, C; Colditz, I G; Atkinson, S J; Fisher, A D

2007-03-01

To determine the pain responses of lambs to mulesing, and the effectiveness of potential analgesic treatments. Merino lambs (n=64) were allocated at 5 weeks of age to eight treatment groups: 1) sham mules; 2) conventional mules; 3) topical anaesthetic, incorporating lignocaine, bupivicaine, adrenaline and cetrimide, applied immediately after mulesing; 4) flunixin + topical anaesthetic, with flunixin administered 2.5 mg/kg s.c. 90 min before mulesing; 5) carprofen + topical anaesthetic, with carprofen administered 4 mg/kg s.c. 90 min before mulesing; 6) carprofen, administered as above; 7) flunixin, administered as above; and 8) carprofen + flunixin, administered as above. Plasma cortisol was measured at 0, 0.5, 6, 12 and 24 h relative to mulesing. Animal behaviour, including posture, was recorded for 12 h after mulesing. The conventional mules lambs exhibited large increases in plasma cortisol, reduced lying and increased standing with a hunched back compared with sham mules animals. Topical anaesthetic reduced the cortisol peak to mulesing and hunched standing, and increased lying compared with the conventional mules treatment, but generally did not result in values equivalent to sham mules animals. Carprofen, flunixin, and carprofen + flunixin treatments did not reduce the cortisol response to mulesing but substantially ameliorated some changes in behavioural postures. Flunixin + topical anaesthetic reduced the cortisol peak following mulesing and substantially ameliorated most changes in behavioural postures. Carprofen + topical anaesthetic abolished the cortisol peak following mulesing and substantially ameliorated most changes in behavioural postures. All mulesed animals lost weight in the week after mulesing regardless of analgesic administration, but there were no significant differences in growth rate between any of the eight treatments over the 3 weeks after mulesing. Analgesics can moderate the pain response of lambs to mulesing. The welfare outcome for lambs of mulesing could be improved by use of a combination of local anaesthetic and long acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Changing emphases in sexuality education in U.S. public secondary schools, 1988-1999.

PubMed

Darroch, J E; Landry, D J; Singh, S

2000-01-01

Since the late 1980s, both the political context surrounding sexuality education and actual teaching approaches have changed considerably. However, little current national information has been available on the content of sexuality education to allow in-depth understanding of the breadth of these changes and their impact on current teaching. In 1999, a nationally representative survey collected data from 3,754 teachers in grades 7-12 in the five specialties most often responsible for sexuality education. Results from those teachers and from the subset of 1,767 who actually taught sexuality education are compared with the findings from a comparable national survey conducted in 1988. In 1999, 93% of all respondents reported that sexuality education was taught in their school at some point in grades 7-12; sexuality education covered a broad number of topics, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), abstinence, birth control, abortion and sexual orientation. Some topics--how HIV is transmitted, STDs, abstinence, how to resist peer pressure to have intercourse and the correct way to use a condom--were taught at lowergrades in 1999 than in 1988. In 1999, 23% of secondary school sexuality education teachers taught abstinence as the only way of preventing pregnancy and STDs, compared with 2% who did so in 1988. Teachers surveyed in 1999 were more likely than those in 1988 to cite abstinence as the most important message they wished to convey (41% vs. 25%). In addition, steep declines occurred between 1988 and 1999, overall and across grade levels, in the percentage of teachers who supported teaching about birth control, abortion and sexual orientation, as well as in the percentage actually covering those topics. However, 39% of 1999 respondents who presented abstinence as the only option also told students that both birth control and the condom can be effective. Sexuality education in secondary public schools is increasingly focused on abstinence and is less likely to present students with comprehensive teaching that includes necessary information on topics such as birth control, abortion and sexual orientation. Because of this, and in spite of some abstinence instruction that also covers birth control and condoms as effective methods of prevention, many students are not receiving accurate information on topics their teachers feel they need.

The use of astronomy questions as an instrument to detect student's misconceptions regarding physics concepts at high school level by using CRI (Certainty of Response Index) as identification methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Utami, D. N.; Wulandari, H. R. T.

2016-11-01

The aim of this research is to detect misconceptions in the concept of physics at high school level by using astronomy questions as a testing instrument. Misconception is defined as a thought or an idea that is different from what has been agreed by experts who are reliable in the field, and it is believed to interfere with the acquisition of new understanding and integration of new knowledge or skills. While lack of concept or knowledge can be corrected with the next instruction and learning, students who have misconceptions have to “unlearn” their misconception before learning a correct one. Therefore, the ability to differentiate between these two things becomes crucial. CRI is one of the methods that can identify efficiently, between misconceptions and lack of knowledge that occur in the students. This research used quantitative- descriptive method with ex-post-facto research approach. An instrument used for the test is astronomy questions that require an understanding of physics concepts to solve the problem. By using astronomy questions, it is expected to raise a better understanding such that a concept can be viewed from various fields of science. Based on test results, misconceptions are found on several topics of physics. This test also revealed that student's ability to analyse a problem is still quite low.

Knowledge and attitude of dental trauma among dental students in Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

Al-Shamiri, Hashem Motahir; Alaizari, Nader Ahmed; Al-Maweri, Sadeq Ali; Tarakji, Bassel

2015-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitude of Saudi dental students in the management of dental trauma in children. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire comprising 17 close-ended questions was used in this survey. The questions were divided into three parts including: Personal and professional profile; knowledge assessment; attitude toward dental trauma. Data of 307 respondents were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Studies) version 22.0 (IBM Corporation, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The response rate was 76.8%. Around 40.3% of students reported attending additional courses about dental trauma with a significant difference between males (57.2%) and females (19.4%). The vast majority of students (95.7%) stressed the importance of dental trauma education. While 77% could correctly identify the media of transportation of an avulsed tooth, only 26.9% of the students knew the proper method of transportation. Regarding the knowledge of immediate replantation, only 67.5% of students responded correctly. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates an insufficient knowledge concerning dental trauma management among dental students in Saudi Arabia. This highlights the need to improve the knowledge of dental students regarding dental trauma and its management using a variety of educational methods such as problem-based learning and powering the curriculum concerning those topics of dental trauma. PMID:26929690

Brain Knowledge and the Prevalence of Neuromyths among Prospective Teachers in Greece.

PubMed

Papadatou-Pastou, Marietta; Haliou, Eleni; Vlachos, Filippos

2017-01-01

Although very often teachers show a great interest in introducing findings from the field of neuroscience in their classrooms, there is growing concern about the lack of academic instruction on neuroscience on teachers' curricula because this has led to a proliferation of neuromyths. We surveyed 479 undergraduate (mean age = 19.60 years, SD = 2.29) and 94 postgraduate students (mean age = 28.52 years, SD = 7.16) enrolled in Departments of Education at the University of Thessaly and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. We used a 70-item questionnaire aiming to explore general knowledge on the brain, neuromyths, the participants' attitude toward neuroeducation as well as their reading habits. Prospective teachers were found to believe that neuroscience knowledge is useful for teachers (90.3% agreement), to be somewhat knowledgeable when it comes to the brain (47.33% of the assertions were answered correctly), but to be less well informed when it comes to neuroscientific issues related to special education (36.86% correct responses). Findings further indicate that general knowledge about the brain was found to be the best safeguard against believing in neuromyths. Based on our results we suggest that prospective teachers can benefit from academic instruction on neuroscience. We propose that such instruction takes place in undergraduate courses of Departments of Education and that emphasis is given in debunking neuromyths, enhancing critical reading skills, and dealing with topics relevant to special education.

Large-Scale Simulations and Detailed Flow Field Measurements for Turbomachinery Aeroacoustics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanZante, Dale

2008-01-01

The presentation is a review of recent work in highly loaded compressors, turbine aeroacoustics and cooling fan noise. The specific topics are: the importance of correct numerical modeling to capture blade row interactions in the Ultra Efficient Engine Technology Proof-of-Concept Compressor, the attenuation of a detonation pressure wave by an aircraft axial turbine stage, current work on noise sources and acoustic attenuation in turbines, and technology development work on cooling fans for spaceflight applications. The topic areas were related to each other by certain themes such as the advantage of an experimentalist s viewpoint when analyzing numerical simulations and the need to improve analysis methods for very large numerical datasets.

Experience with decision support system and comfort with topic predict clinicians' responses to alerts and reminders.

PubMed

Bauer, Nerissa S; Carroll, Aaron E; Saha, Chandan; Downs, Stephen M

2016-04-01

Clinicians at our institution typically respond to about half of the prompts they are given by the clinic's computer decision support system (CDSS). We sought to examine factors associated with clinician response to CDSS prompts as part of a larger, ongoing quality improvement effort to optimize CDSS use. We examined patient, prompt, and clinician characteristics associated with clinician response to decision support prompts from the Child Health Improvement through Computer Automation (CHICA) system. We asked pediatricians who were nonusers of CHICA to rate decision support topics as "easy" or "not easy" to discuss with patients and their guardians. We analyzed these ratings and data, from July 1, 2009 to January 29, 2013, utilizing a hierarchical regression model, to determine whether factors such as comfort with the prompt topic and the length of the user's experience with CHICA contribute to user response rates. We examined 414 653 prompts from 22 260 patients. The length of time a clinician had been using CHICA was associated with an increase in their prompt response rate. Clinicians were more likely to respond to topics rated as "easy" to discuss. The position of the prompt on the page, clinician gender, and the patient's age, race/ethnicity, and preferred language were also predictive of prompt response rate. This study highlights several factors associated with clinician prompt response rates that could be generalized to other health information technology applications, including the clinician's length of exposure to the CDSS, the prompt's position on the page, and the clinician's comfort with the prompt topic. Incorporating continuous quality improvement efforts when designing and implementing health information technology may ensure that its use is optimized. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

78 FR 16445 - Shared Responsibility for Employers Regarding Health Coverage; Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-15

... respect to the shared responsibility for employers regarding employee health coverage. FOR FURTHER...-BL33 Shared Responsibility for Employers Regarding Health Coverage; Correction AGENCY: Internal Revenue... the paragraph heading ``4. Employees Rehired After Termination of Employment or Resuming Service After...

Assessment of Learning Gains Associated with Independent Exam Analysis in Introductory Biology

PubMed Central

William, Adrienne E.; Aguilar-Roca, Nancy M.; Tsai, Michelle; Wong, Matthew; Beaupré, Marin Moravec; O’Dowd, Diane K.

2011-01-01

This study evaluates the impact of an independent postmidterm question analysis exercise on the ability of students to answer subsequent exam questions on the same topics. It was conducted in three sections (∼400 students/section) of introductory biology. Graded midterms were returned electronically, and each student was assigned a subset of questions answered incorrectly by more than 40% of the class to analyze as homework. The majority of questions were at Bloom's application/analysis level; this exercise therefore emphasized learning at these higher levels of cognition. Students in each section answered final exam questions matched by topic to all homework questions, providing a within-class control group for each question. The percentage of students who correctly answered the matched final exam question was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the Topic Analysis versus Control Analysis group for seven of 19 questions. We identified two factors that influenced activity effectiveness: 1) similarity in topic emphasis of the midterm–final exam question pair and 2) quality of the completed analysis homework. Our data suggest that this easy-to-implement exercise will be useful in large-enrollment classes to help students develop self-regulated learning skills. Additional strategies to help introductory students gain a broader understanding of topic areas are discussed. PMID:22135369

Assessment of learning gains associated with independent exam analysis in introductory biology.

PubMed

Williams, Adrienne E; William, Adrienne E; Aguilar-Roca, Nancy M; Tsai, Michelle; Wong, Matthew; Beaupré, Marin Moravec; O'Dowd, Diane K

2011-01-01

This study evaluates the impact of an independent postmidterm question analysis exercise on the ability of students to answer subsequent exam questions on the same topics. It was conducted in three sections (∼400 students/section) of introductory biology. Graded midterms were returned electronically, and each student was assigned a subset of questions answered incorrectly by more than 40% of the class to analyze as homework. The majority of questions were at Bloom's application/analysis level; this exercise therefore emphasized learning at these higher levels of cognition. Students in each section answered final exam questions matched by topic to all homework questions, providing a within-class control group for each question. The percentage of students who correctly answered the matched final exam question was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the Topic Analysis versus Control Analysis group for seven of 19 questions. We identified two factors that influenced activity effectiveness: 1) similarity in topic emphasis of the midterm-final exam question pair and 2) quality of the completed analysis homework. Our data suggest that this easy-to-implement exercise will be useful in large-enrollment classes to help students develop self-regulated learning skills. Additional strategies to help introductory students gain a broader understanding of topic areas are discussed.

Response to Request for Correction 12002

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Response to Artisan EHS Consulting's Request for Correction 12002 regarding notification requirements for hazardous substances, notifying that the error in question was a typographical error and has been fixed.

Effect of temporal location of correction of monochromatic aberrations on the dynamic accommodation response

PubMed Central

Hampson, Karen M.; Chin, Sem Sem; Mallen, Edward A. H.

2010-01-01

Dynamic correction of monochromatic aberrations of the eye is known to affect the accommodation response to a step change in stimulus vergence. We used an adaptive optics system to determine how the temporal location of the correction affects the response. The system consists of a Shack-Hartmann sensor sampling at 20 Hz and a 37-actuator piezoelectric deformable mirror. An extra sensing channel allows for an independent measure of the accommodation level of the eye. The accommodation response of four subjects was measured during a +/− 0.5 D step change in stimulus vergence whilst aberrations were corrected at various time locations. We found that continued correction of aberrations after the step change decreased the gain for disaccommodation, but increased the gain for accommodation. These results could be explained based on the initial lag of accommodation to the stimulus and changes in the level of aberrations before and after the stimulus step change. Future considerations for investigations of the effect of monochromatic aberrations on the dynamic accommodation response are discussed. PMID:21258515

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

Lessard, Francois; Archambault, Louis; Plamondon, Mathieu

Purpose: Photon dosimetry in the kilovolt (kV) energy range represents a major challenge for diagnostic and interventional radiology and superficial therapy. Plastic scintillation detectors (PSDs) are potentially good candidates for this task. This study proposes a simple way to obtain accurate correction factors to compensate for the response of PSDs to photon energies between 80 and 150 kVp. The performance of PSDs is also investigated to determine their potential usefulness in the diagnostic energy range. Methods: A 1-mm-diameter, 10-mm-long PSD was irradiated by a Therapax SXT 150 unit using five different beam qualities made of tube potentials ranging from 80more » to 150 kVp and filtration thickness ranging from 0.8 to 0.2 mmAl + 1.0 mmCu. The light emitted by the detector was collected using an 8-m-long optical fiber and a polychromatic photodiode, which converted the scintillation photons to an electrical current. The PSD response was compared with the reference free air dose rate measured with a calibrated Farmer NE2571 ionization chamber. PSD measurements were corrected using spectra-weighted corrections, accounting for mass energy-absorption coefficient differences between the sensitive volumes of the ionization chamber and the PSD, as suggested by large cavity theory (LCT). Beam spectra were obtained from x-ray simulation software and validated experimentally using a CdTe spectrometer. Correction factors were also obtained using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Percent depth dose (PDD) measurements were compensated for beam hardening using the LCT correction method. These PDD measurements were compared with uncorrected PSD data, PDD measurements obtained using Gafchromic films, Monte Carlo simulations, and previous data. Results: For each beam quality used, the authors observed an increase of the energy response with effective energy when no correction was applied to the PSD response. Using the LCT correction, the PSD response was almost energy independent, with a residual 2.1% coefficient of variation (COV) over the 80-150-kVp energy range. Monte Carlo corrections reduced the COV to 1.4% over this energy range. All PDD measurements were in good agreement with one another except for the uncorrected PSD data, in which an over-response was observed with depth (13% at 10 cm with a 100 kVp beam), showing that beam hardening had a non-negligible effect on the PSD response. A correction based on LCT compensated very well for this effect, reducing the over-response to 3%.Conclusion: In the diagnostic energy range, PSDs show high-energy dependence, which can be corrected using spectra-weighted mass energy-absorption coefficients, showing no considerable sign of quenching between these energies. Correction factors obtained by Monte Carlo simulations confirm that the approximations made by LCT corrections are valid. Thus, PSDs could be useful for real-time dosimetry in radiology applications.« less

Patient and public understanding and knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and stewardship in a UK hospital: should public campaigns change focus?

PubMed

Micallef, Christianne; Kildonaviciute, Kornelija; Castro-Sánchez, Enrique; Scibor-Stepien, Aleksandra; Santos, Reem; Aliyu, Sani H; Cooke, Fiona J; Pacey, Sarah; Holmes, Alison H; Enoch, David A

2017-01-01

The rising global tide of antimicrobial resistance is a well-described phenomenon. Employing effective and innovative antimicrobial stewardship strategies is an essential approach to combat this public health threat. Education of the public and patients is paramount to enable the success of such strategies. A panel of hospital multidisciplinary healthcare professionals was set up and a short quiz containing true/false statements around antimicrobial stewardship and resistance was designed and piloted. An educational leaflet with the correct replies and supporting information was also produced and disseminated. Participants were recruited on a single day (18 November 2015) from the hospital outpatient clinics and the hospital outpatient pharmacy waiting room. One hundred and forty-five completed quizzes were returned, providing a total of 1450 answers. Overall, 934 of 1450 (64%) statements were scored correctly whilst 481 (33%) were scored incorrectly; 35 (3%) statements were left unscored. We speculate that these results may demonstrate that respondents understood the statements, as only a small proportion of statements were left unanswered. The question dealing with the definition of antimicrobial resistance and the question dealing with the definition of antimicrobial stewardship obtained the most incorrect replies (85% and 72%, respectively). However, a specific factual recall question regarding only one microorganism (MRSA) received the most correct responses (99%). We describe a simple, innovative method of engagement with patients and the general public to help educate and disseminate important public health messages around antimicrobial resistance and stewardship. We also identified the need for public health campaigns to address the knowledge gaps found around this topic. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Virtual Small Business Emergency Operations Center (VSBEOC): Shared Awareness and Decision Making for Small Business

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

Shared Awareness and Decision Making for Small Business Topic(s) 2. Topic 1: Concepts, Theory , and Policy 1. Topic 5: Collaboration, Shared...emergencies do not have the time or the resources to collaborate on a continual basis with a large number of organizations. 3. A primary Crisis Management...Center (CMC) should be identified in advance. This is the initial site used by the Crisis Management Team and Response Teams for directing and

Theoretical immunology, Part 2: Proceedings

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

Perelson, A.S.

1988-01-01

This document contains 43 papers on current topics in immunology. Topics include cell chemotaxis, killer cells, AIDS, antigen reactivity, t-cells, crosslinking, cell-cell adhesion, immune response, and the regulation of lymphocyte proliferation. (TEM)

Content Analysis of Major Textbooks and Online Resources Used in Responsible Conduct of Research Instruction

PubMed Central

Kon, Alexander A.; Schilling, Debie A.; Heitman, Elizabeth; Steneck, Nicholas H.; DuBois, James M.

2011-01-01

Instruction in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) is required for all trainees funded by the National Institues of Health (NIH) or National Science Foundation (NSF). A recent Delphi study identified 53 key topics in 7 core areas that RCR education experts felt should be included in this instruction, which is required of many trainees in clinical and translational research. We performed a content analysis of major textbooks and online resources used in RCR instruction to determine the extent to which the 53 key topics identified in the Delphi study are covered by these resources. Textbooks and online resources used in RCR education at Clinical and Translational Science Award institutions were identified via survey. These resources were subjected to a content analysis. The 53 key topics identified in the Delphi study formed the basis of these analyses. We identified 10 textbooks and 1 online resource currently in use. Of the 53 key topics, only 4 were included in all 11 resources, and another 12 were included in 10. Twenty-three topics were covered in fewer than 65% of the resources, and two topics were absent from nearly all. Educators in clinical and translational research should be aware of key topics that are not covered in the RCR textbooks and online resources they may use and should consider augmenting discussion of such topics with other materials. PMID:21766046

The effect of ambient pressure on well chamber response: Monte Carlo calculated results for the HDR 1000 plus.

PubMed

Bohm, Tim D; Griffin, Sheridan L; DeLuca, Paul M; DeWerd, Larry A

2005-04-01

The determination of the air kerma strength of a brachytherapy seed is necessary for effective treatment planning. Well ionization chambers are used on site at therapy clinics to determine the air kerma strength of seeds. In this work, the response of the Standard Imaging HDR 1000 Plus well chamber to ambient pressure is examined using Monte Carlo calculations. The experimental work examining the response of this chamber as well as other chambers is presented in a companion paper. The Monte Carlo results show that for low-energy photon sources, the application of the standard temperature pressure PTP correction factor produces an over-response at the reduced air densities/pressures corresponding to high elevations. With photon sources of 20 to 40 keV, the normalized PTP corrected chamber response is as much as 10% to 20% over unity for air densities/pressures corresponding to an elevation of 3048 m (10000 ft) above sea level. At air densities corresponding to an elevation of 1524 m (5000 ft), the normalized PTP-corrected chamber response is 5% to 10% over unity for these photon sources. With higher-energy photon sources (>100 keV), the normalized PTP corrected chamber response is near unity. For low-energy beta sources of 0.25 to 0.50 MeV, the normalized PTP-corrected chamber response is as much as 4% to 12% over unity for air densities/pressures corresponding to an elevation of 3048 m (10000 ft) above sea level. Higher-energy beta sources (>0.75 MeV) have a normalized PTP corrected chamber response near unity. Comparing calculated and measured chamber responses for common 103Pd- and 125I-based brachytherapy seeds show agreement to within 2.7% and 1.9%, respectively. Comparing MCNP calculated chamber responses with EGSnrc calculated chamber responses show agreement to within 3.1% at photon energies of 20 to 40 keV. We conclude that Monte Carlo transport calculations accurately model the response of this well chamber. Further, applying the standard PTP correction factor for this well chamber is insufficient in accounting for the change in chamber response with air pressure for low-energy (<100 keV) photon and low-energy (<0.75 MeV)beta sources.

Topical hindpaw application of L-menthol decreases responsiveness to heat with biphasic effects on cold sensitivity of rat lumbar dorsal horn neurons

PubMed Central

Klein, Amanda H.; Sawyer, Carolyn M.; Takechi, Kenichi; Davoodi, Auva; Ivanov, Margaret A.; Carstens, Mirela Iodi; Carstens, E

2012-01-01

Menthol is used in pharmaceutical applications because of its desired cooling and analgesic properties. The neural mechanism by which topical application of menthol decreases heat pain is not fully understood. We investigated the effects of topical menthol application on lumbar dorsal horn wide dynamic range and nociceptive-specific neuronal responses to noxious heat and cooling of glaborous hindpaw cutaneous receptive fields. Menthol increased thresholds for responses to noxious heat in a concentration-dependent manner. Menthol had a biphasic effect on cold-evoked responses, reducing the threshold (to warmer temperatures) at a low (1%) concentration and increasing threshold and reducing response magnitude at high (10, 40%) concentrations. Menthol had little effect on responses to innocuous or noxious mechanical stimuli, ruling out a local anesthetic action. Application of 40% menthol to the contralateral hindpaw tended to reduce responses to cooling and noxious heat, suggesting a weak heterosegmental inhibitory effect. These results indicate that menthol has an analgesic effect on heat sensitivity of nociceptive dorsal horn neurons, as well as biphasic effects on cold sensitivity, consistent with previous behavioral observations. PMID:22687951

Minoxidil dose response study in female pattern hair loss patients determined to be non-responders to 5% topical minoxidil.

PubMed

McCoy, J; Goren, A; Kovacevic, M; Shapiro, J

2016-01-01

Topical minoxidil is the only US FDA approved drug for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL). 5% minoxidil foam is only effective at re-growing hair in a minority of women (approximately 40%). Thus, the majority of FPHL patients remain untreated. Previously, we demonstrated that nonresponders to 5% minoxidil have low metabolism of minoxidil in hair follicles. As such, we hypothesized that increasing the dosage of topical minoxidil to low metabolizers would increase the number of responders without increasing the incidence of adverse events. In this study, we recruited FPHL subjects that were identified as non-responders to 5% topical minoxidil utilizing the previously validated assay for minoxidil response. Subjects were treated for 12 weeks with a novel 15% topical minoxidil solution. At 12 weeks, 60% of subjects achieved a clinically significant response based on target area hair counts (>13.7% from baseline), as well as significant improvement in global photographic assessment. None of the subjects experienced significant hemodynamic changes or any other adverse events. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the potentially beneficial effect of a higher dosage of minoxidil in FPHL subjects who fail to respond to 5% minoxidil.

Conjunctive and Disjunctive Extensions of the Least Squares Distance Model of Cognitive Diagnosis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dimitrov, Dimiter M.; Atanasov, Dimitar V.

2012-01-01

Many models of cognitive diagnosis, including the "least squares distance model" (LSDM), work under the "conjunctive" assumption that a correct item response occurs when all latent attributes required by the item are correctly performed. This article proposes a "disjunctive" version of the LSDM under which the correct item response occurs when "at…

The Utility of K-Correction To Adjust for a Defensive Response Set on the MMPI.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Putzke, John D.; Williams, Mark A.; Daniel, F. Joseph; Boll, Thomas J.

1999-01-01

Examined the usefulness of the K-correction procedure to adjust for a defensive response set on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) with 61 patients being evaluated for lung transplants. Results support the use of the K-correction procedure for this patient group. Implications for MMPI use are discussed. (SLD)

Item Type and Gender Differences on the Mental Rotations Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Voyer, Daniel; Doyle, Randi A.

2010-01-01

This study investigated gender differences on the Mental Rotations Test (MRT) as a function of item and response types. Accordingly, 86 male and 109 female undergraduate students completed the MRT without time limits. Responses were coded as reflecting two correct (CC), one correct and one wrong (CW), two wrong (WW), one correct and one blank…

How to Correct a Task Error: Task-Switch Effects Following Different Types of Error Correction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steinhauser, Marco

2010-01-01

It has been proposed that switch costs in task switching reflect the strengthening of task-related associations and that strengthening is triggered by response execution. The present study tested the hypothesis that only task-related responses are able to trigger strengthening. Effects of task strengthening caused by error corrections were…

Topical CpG enhances the response of murine malignant melanoma to dacarbazine.

PubMed

Najar, Hossain M; Dutz, Jan P

2008-09-01

Malignant melanoma is a potentially fatal skin cancer that is increasing in incidence. Standard chemoimmunotherapy consisting of dacarbazine (DTIC) given with IFN-alpha has had disappointing results. We describe a chemoimmunotherapy protocol for cutaneous melanoma that combines the administration of DTIC with the topical application of CpG oligodinucleotide (ODN). Subcutaneous B16 melanoma tumors in C57BL/6 mice were treated with intraperitoneal injections of DTIC followed by the topical application of CpG-ODN over the tumors. This therapeutic approach abrogated the growth of established tumors and significantly enhanced survival. Topical CpG application was more effective than intratumoral CpG. Cell depletion studies indicated that the antitumor effect was dependent on both CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells but not on natural killer (NK) cells. Tumor-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity was generated in treated animals and was highest in topically treated animals. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that DTIC, but not CpG, enhanced tumor cell apoptosis. Further, topical CpG induced an expansion of a B220(+)CD8(+) subset of dendritic cells and a subset of NK1.1(+) CD11c(+) cells within the tumors. By enhancing both tumor cell death and local immune activation, DTIC/topical CpG chemoimmunotherapy induced an effective T-cell-dependent host-immune response against melanoma.

Can small field diode correction factors be applied universally?

PubMed

Liu, Paul Z Y; Suchowerska, Natalka; McKenzie, David R

2014-09-01

Diode detectors are commonly used in dosimetry, but have been reported to over-respond in small fields. Diode correction factors have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study is to determine whether correction factors for a given diode type can be universally applied over a range of irradiation conditions including beams of different qualities. A mathematical relation of diode over-response as a function of the field size was developed using previously published experimental data in which diodes were compared to an air core scintillation dosimeter. Correction factors calculated from the mathematical relation were then compared those available in the literature. The mathematical relation established between diode over-response and the field size was found to predict the measured diode correction factors for fields between 5 and 30 mm in width. The average deviation between measured and predicted over-response was 0.32% for IBA SFD and PTW Type E diodes. Diode over-response was found to be not strongly dependent on the type of linac, the method of collimation or the measurement depth. The mathematical relation was found to agree with published diode correction factors derived from Monte Carlo simulations and measurements, indicating that correction factors are robust in their transportability between different radiation beams. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

10 CFR 850.5 - Dispute resolution.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... accept a petition from a worker unless the worker requested the responsible employer to correct the violation, and the responsible employer refused or failed to take corrective action within a reasonable time...

Medical education and informal teaching by nurses and midwives.

PubMed

Gilmour, Jean; Huntington, Annette; Bogossian, Fiona; Leadbitter, Bernadette; Turner, Catherine

2014-08-31

The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of nurses and midwives to the education of medical colleagues in the clinical context. The research design was a cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire. A subsample of 2906 respondents, from a total of 4763 nurses and midwives participating in a web-based study, had taught doctors in the 12 months prior to the survey. The questionnaire generated mainly categorical data analysed with descriptive statistics. In the group of respondents who taught doctors (n =2906), most provided informal teaching (92.9%, n=2677). Nearly a quarter (23.9%, n=695) self-rated the amount of time spent teaching as at least moderate in duration. The most common named teaching topics were documentation (74.8%, n=2005) and implementing unit procedures (74.3, n=1987), followed by medication charting (61.9%, n=1657) and choosing correct medications (55.8%, n=1493). Respondents felt their contributions were unrecognised by the doctors and students they taught (43.9%, n=1256). Educational contributions while unrecognised could be considered positively by the respondents. However, discussion of teaching responsibilities is necessary to support the development of teaching protocols and supervision responsibilities as respondents reported teaching clinical medical tasks related to medications, consent and other skills within the medical domain. Study limitations include the nature of self-reported responses which cannot be validated and data drawn from a survey concluded in 2009.

Research Topics on Cluttered Environments Interrogation and Propagation

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-04

propagation in random and complex media and looked at specific applications associated with imaging and communication through a cluttered medium...imaging and communication schemes. We have used the results on the fourth moment to analyze wavefront correction schemes and obtained novel...and com- plex media and looked at specific applications associated with imaging and communication through a cluttered medium. The main new

Use of autologous fat grafting for the correction of burn scar contracture in the hand: a case report

PubMed Central

Al-Hayder, Shems; Gramkow, Christina; Trojahn Kølle, Stig-Frederik

2017-01-01

Abstract Severe burn injuries to the hand represent a topic of great concern due to long-term complications such as hypertrofic burn scar and contracture, which may result in loss of function. We present a case of burn scar contracture in the hand of a child undergoing Z-plasty and lipofilling. PMID:28971111

Predicting the Weather and Building the Boats: Full Service Schools as One Avenue to School Success for All of America's Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kronick, Robert F.

2003-01-01

This article describes the evolution of full service schools. Full service schools stress prevention, collaboration and systems change. Prevention is geared toward corrections, mental health and welfare, all topics of keen interest to people working in and studying criminal justice. By providing mental health services at the school for both…

Imagery and Visual Literacy: Selected Readings from the Annual Conference of the International Visual Literacy Association (26th, Tempe, Arizona, October 12-16, 1994).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beauchamp, Darrell G.; And Others

This document contains selected conference papers all relating to visual literacy. The topics include: process issues in visual literacy; interpreting visual statements; what teachers need to know; multimedia presentations; distance education materials for correctional use; visual culture; audio-visual interaction in desktop multimedia; the…

Flight Mechanics/Estimation Theory Symposium. [with application to autonomous navigation and attitude/orbit determination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fuchs, A. J. (Editor)

1979-01-01

Onboard and real time image processing to enhance geometric correction of the data is discussed with application to autonomous navigation and attitude and orbit determination. Specific topics covered include: (1) LANDSAT landmark data; (2) star sensing and pattern recognition; (3) filtering algorithms for Global Positioning System; and (4) determining orbital elements for geostationary satellites.

The Use of a Graphical Input Device to Assist Student Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klappa, Peter

2008-01-01

The benefits of a "developing" teaching style, in which a specific topic is developed on a white- or blackboard, commonly known as "chalk and talk", have been widely acknowledged. However, one of the drawbacks of this teaching approach is the transient nature of the notes. Students are reliant on the correctness of their copies for revisions,…

The Effects of Input Enhancement on Grammar Learning and Comprehension: A Modified Replication of Lee (2007) with Eye-Movement Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winke, Paula M.

2013-01-01

In his 2007 study "Effects of Textual Enhancement and Topic Familiarity on Korean EFL Students' Reading Comprehension and Learning of Passive Form," Lee demonstrated that learners were better able to correct written sentences that contained incorrect English passive forms after exposure to texts flooded with enhanced (versus…

Use of a Mathematics Word Problem Strategy to Improve Achievement for Students with Mild Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taber, Mary R.

2013-01-01

Mathematics can be a difficult topic both to teach and to learn. Word problems specifically can be difficult for students with disabilities because they have to conceptualize what the problem is asking for, and they must perform the correct operation accurately. Current trends in mathematics instruction stem from the National Council of Teachers…

Can Children Enhance Their Family's Health Knowledge? An Infectious Disease Prevention Program.

PubMed

Sedighi, Iraj; Nouri, Shahla; Sadrosadat, Taravat; Nemati, Reza; Shahbazi, Mojgan

2012-12-01

The purpose of this study is to propose an innovative method of knowledge transfer that aims to improve health literacy about pediatric infectious diseases prevention in families. Children have an appreciable role in this scheme. This study is a before and after trial that has been conducted in Hamedan in 2009. After changing seven infectious disease topics into childish poems, we selected five kindergartens randomly and taught these poetries to the children. Teaching process held after a pretest containing 24 questions that examined 103 of parents about mentioned topics. The same post-test was given after 4 months of teaching process. The mean of correct answers to the pretest was 59.22% comparable with 81.00% for post-test (P<0.00). Gender and knowledge degree could not change the results significantly. Assuming one's correct answers to the questions as his/her Knowledge Mark, the mean of this variable increased to 5.32 by this method. This cost-effective and joyful method had successful results in promoting health knowledge. Children are able to play an active role in family's health situation. Learning within family atmosphere without any obligations makes our scheme a solution for paving the knowledge transferring way.

Medication administration via enteral feeding tube: a survey of pharmacists' knowledge.

PubMed

Joos, Elke; Verbeke, Stacey; Mehuys, Els; Van Bocxlaer, Jan; Remon, Jean Paul; Van Winckel, Myriam; Boussery, Koen

2016-02-01

Medication administration to patients with an enteral feeding tube (EFT) is complex and prone to errors. Community pharmacists may be ideally placed to provide training and advice on this topic in individual patients as well as in institutions supplied by the pharmacy. To assess community pharmacists’ knowledge on guideline recommendations regarding medication preparation and administration through EFT. Knowledge of guideline recommendations was assessed using a 15-item self-administered online questionnaire (April–June 2014). Questions reflected key aspects of guideline recommendations on medication administration via EFT. All graduated community pharmacists from the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium were eligible for participation. A total of 105 community pharmacists completed the questionnaire. Median self-perceived knowledge of medication administration via EFT was 2 (on a 0–10 scale). On average 5.2 (SD 2.6) out of the 15 questions were answered correctly. Strikingly, the ability to select suspensions in a list of liquid medications and knowledge on crushability of solid dosage forms were low. Our findings demonstrate that pharmacists’ knowledge on correct medication administration via EFT is too limited to be able to provide good advice to EFT patients or their caregivers. Tailored training on this topic is needed.

Tacrolimus hydrate ointment inhibits skin plasma extravasation in rats induced by topical m-xylene but not capsaicin.

PubMed

Goto, Shiho; Kondo, Fumio; Ikai, Yoshitomo; Miyake, Mio; Futamura, Masaki; Ito, Komei; Sakamoto, Tatsuo

2009-04-17

Tacrolimus ointment is used to treat various chronic inflammatory skin diseases. However, the effect of this ointment on acute neurogenic inflammation in the skin remains to be fully elucidated. Topical capsaicin and m-xylene produce tachykinin release from sensory nerves in the skin, resulting in skin plasma leakage. We investigated the effect of tacrolimus ointment (0.1%) on skin microvascular leakage induced by topical capsaicin (10 mM) and m-xylene (neat), and intracutaneous compound 48/80 (c48/80) (10 microg/ml, 50 microl/site) in two groups of rats pretreated with excessive capsaicin or its vehicle. The amount of leaked Evans blue dye reflected skin plasma leakage. Capsaicin, m-xylene or c48/80 was applied to the shaved abdomens of rats 8 h after topical application of tacrolimus ointment or its base. Desensitization with capsaicin reduced the skin response to capsaicin and m-xylene by 100% and 65%, respectively, but not to c48/80. Tacrolimus ointment significantly inhibited the skin response induced by m-xylene and c48/80, regardless of pretreatment with capsaicin. However, topical tacrolimus did not influence the skin response induced by capsaicin. We also evaluated whether topical capsaicin and m-xylene, and intracutaneous c48/80 cause mast cell degranulation in skin treated with tacrolimus. Mast cell degranulation was microscopically assessed. Topical tacrolimus only significantly suppressed degranulation induced by m-xylene and c48/80. Our data shows that tacrolimus ointment partially inhibits plasma leakage and mast cell degranulation in rat skin induced by m-xylene and c48/80 but not capsaicin, suggesting that the inhibitory effect is not associated with a reduction in neurogenic-mediated mechanisms.

Effects of aniracetam after LTP induction are suggestive of interactions on the kinetics of the AMPA receptor channel.

PubMed

Kolta, A; Lynch, G; Ambros-Ingerson, J

1998-03-30

The modulatory influence of aniracetam, a drug which reversibly modifies the kinetic properties of AMPA-type glutamate receptors, on synaptic responses is reported to be detectably changed by the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP). The present study used hippocampal slices to examine three issues arising from this result. First, possible contributions of inhibitory currents and postsynaptic spiking to the aniracetam/LTP interaction were investigated with infusions of GABA receptor antagonists and topical applications of tetrodotoxin. Second, tests were carried out to determine if the altered response to aniracetam is sufficiently persistent to be a plausible substrate for the extremely stable LTP effect. Third, the nature of the change responsible for the aniracetam/LTP interaction was explored with waveform analyses and a kinetic model of the AMPA receptor. The following results were obtained. LTP reduced the effect of aniracetam on the amplitude but increased its effect on the decay time constant of field EPSPs recorded under conditions in which local spiking and inhibitory responses were blocked. The LTP-induced change in the effect of aniracetam was extremely stable in that it was still evident 75 min after induction of potentiation. Finally, the waveform distortions introduced by LTP and aniracetam could be corrected by uniform stretching of the responses, suggesting that the changes introduced by each of the manipulations are unitary in nature. These distortions and the interactions between them could be reproduced in the AMPA receptor model by representing LTP as an acceleration of channel gating kinetics. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Impact of Feedback on Three Phases of Performance Monitoring

PubMed Central

Appelgren, Alva; Penny, William; Bengtsson, Sara L

2013-01-01

We investigated if certain phases of performance monitoring show differential sensitivity to external feedback and thus rely on distinct mechanisms. The phases of interest were: the error phase (FE), the phase of the correct response after errors (FEC), and the phase of correct responses following corrects (FCC). We tested accuracy and reaction time (RT) on 12 conditions of a continuous-choice-response task; the 2-back task. External feedback was either presented or not in FE and FEC, and delivered on 0%, 20%, or 100% of FCC trials. The FCC20 was matched to FE and FEC in the number of sounds received so that we could investigate when external feedback was most valuable to the participants. We found that external feedback led to a reduction in accuracy when presented on all the correct responses. Moreover, RT was significantly reduced for FCC100, which in turn correlated with the accuracy reduction. Interestingly, the correct response after an error was particularly sensitive to external feedback since accuracy was reduced when external feedback was presented during this phase but not for FCC20. Notably, error-monitoring was not influenced by feedback-type. The results are in line with models suggesting that the internal error-monitoring system is sufficient in cognitively demanding tasks where performance is ∼ 80%, as well as theories stipulating that external feedback directs attention away from the task. Our data highlight the first correct response after an error as particularly sensitive to external feedback, suggesting that important consolidation of response strategy takes place here. PMID:24217138

Teacher- or Learner-Centred? Science Teacher Beliefs Related to Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A South African Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mavhunga, Elizabeth; Rollnick, Marissa

2016-01-01

In science education, learner-centred classroom practices are widely accepted as desirable and are associated with responsive and reformed kinds of teacher beliefs. They are further associated with high-quality Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK). Topic-Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TSPCK), a version of PCK defined at topic level, is…

Prioritizing guideline topics: development and evaluation of a practical tool.

PubMed

Ketola, Eeva; Toropainen, Erja; Kaila, Minna; Luoto, Riitta; Mäkelä, Marjukka

2007-08-01

A clear process for selecting and adopting clinical practice guidelines in the new topic areas is needed. The aim of this study is to design and develop a practical tool to assess guideline topics that have been suggested to the organization responsible for producing guidelines. We carried out an iterative development, feasibility and validation study of a guideline topic prioritization tool. The setting included the guideline producer organization and the tax-funded health care system. In the first stage of the tool development, participants were researchers, members of the Current Care Board and experts from health care organizations. In the second stage, the evaluation was done internally within the project by three independent reviewers. The main outcome measures were responses to an evaluation questionnaire, qualitative process feedback and analysis of the performance of the instrument on a random set of guidelines. Evaluations by three independent reviewers revealed good agreement and face validity with respect to its feasibility as a planning tool at the guideline board level. Feedback from board members suggested that the instrument is useful in prioritizing guideline topics. This instrument was accepted for use by the Board. Further developments are needed to ensure feedback and acceptability of the instrument by those proposing topics.

Generating quality word sense disambiguation test sets based on MeSH indexing.

PubMed

Fan, Jung-Wei; Friedman, Carol

2009-11-14

Word sense disambiguation (WSD) determines the correct meaning of a word that has more than one meaning, and is a critical step in biomedical natural language processing, as interpretation of information in text can be correct only if the meanings of their component terms are correctly identified first. Quality evaluation sets are important to WSD because they can be used as representative samples for developing automatic programs and as referees for comparing different WSD programs. To help create quality test sets for WSD, we developed a MeSH-based automatic sense-tagging method that preferentially annotates terms being topical of the text. Preliminary results were promising and revealed important issues to be addressed in biomedical WSD research. We also suggest that, by cross-validating with 2 or 3 annotators, the method should be able to efficiently generate quality WSD test sets. Online supplement is available at: http://www.dbmi.columbia.edu/~juf7002/AMIA09.

Response to Request for Correction #10007

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Response to the American Chemistry Council's Request for Correction #10007 that challenged the objectivity and utility of statements in the EPA Bisphenol A Action Plan and refusal to edit the EPA Bisphenol A Action Plan.

How to Collect National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Traceable Fluorescence Excitation and Emission Spectra.

PubMed

Gilmore, Adam Matthew

2014-01-01

Contemporary spectrofluorimeters comprise exciting light sources, excitation and emission monochromators, and detectors that without correction yield data not conforming to an ideal spectral response. The correction of the spectral properties of the exciting and emission light paths first requires calibration of the wavelength and spectral accuracy. The exciting beam path can be corrected up to the sample position using a spectrally corrected reference detection system. The corrected reference response accounts for both the spectral intensity and drift of the exciting light source relative to emission and/or transmission detector responses. The emission detection path must also be corrected for the combined spectral bias of the sample compartment optics, emission monochromator, and detector. There are several crucial issues associated with both excitation and emission correction including the requirement to account for spectral band-pass and resolution, optical band-pass or neutral density filters, and the position and direction of polarizing elements in the light paths. In addition, secondary correction factors are described including (1) subtraction of the solvent's fluorescence background, (2) removal of Rayleigh and Raman scattering lines, as well as (3) correcting for sample concentration-dependent inner-filter effects. The importance of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable calibration and correction protocols is explained in light of valid intra- and interlaboratory studies and effective spectral qualitative and quantitative analyses including multivariate spectral modeling.

Measuring Intervention Effectiveness: The Benefits of an Item Response Theory Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McEldoon, Katherine; Cho, Sun-Joo; Rittle-Johnson, Bethany

2012-01-01

Assessing the effectiveness of educational interventions relies on quantifying differences between interventions groups over time in a between-within design. Binary outcome variables (e.g., correct responses versus incorrect responses) are often assessed. Widespread approaches use percent correct on assessments, and repeated measures analysis of…

A comparison of patient pain and visual outcome using topical anesthesia versus regional anesthesia during cataract surgery.

PubMed

Hosoda, Yoshikatsu; Kuriyama, Shoji; Jingami, Yoko; Hattori, Hidetsugu; Hayashi, Hisako; Matsumoto, Miho

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the level of patient pain during the phacoemulsification and implantation of foldable intraocular lenses while under topical, intracameral, or sub-Tenon lidocaine. This was a retrospective study. Three hundred and one eyes subjected to cataract surgery were included in this study. All eyes underwent phacoemulsification surgery and intraocular lens implantation using topical, sub-Tenon, or intracameral anesthesia. The topical group received 4% lidocaine drops, and the intracameral group received a 0.1-0.2 cc infusion of 1% preservative-free lidocaine into the anterior chamber through the side port combined with topical drops of lidocaine. The sub-Tenon group received 2% lidocaine. Best-corrected visual acuity, corneal endothelial cell loss, and intraoperative pain level were evaluated. Pain level was assessed on a visual analog scale (range 0-2). There were no significant differences in visual outcome and corneal endothelial cell loss between the three groups. The mean pain score in the sub-Tenon group was significantly lower than that in the topical and intracameral groups (P=0.0009 and P=0.0055, respectively). In 250 eyes without high myopia (< -6D), there were no significant differences in mean pain score between the sub-Tenon and intracameral groups (P=0.1417). No additional anesthesia was required in all groups. Intracameral lidocaine provides sufficient pain suppressive effects in eyes without high myopia, while sub-Tenon anesthesia is better for cataract surgery in eyes with high myopia.

A Simulation Study on Methods of Correcting for the Effects of Extreme Response Style

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wetzel, Eunike; Böhnke, Jan R.; Rose, Norman

2016-01-01

The impact of response styles such as extreme response style (ERS) on trait estimation has long been a matter of concern to researchers and practitioners. This simulation study investigated three methods that have been proposed for the correction of trait estimates for ERS effects: (a) mixed Rasch models, (b) multidimensional item response models,…

Delay time correction of the gas analyzer in the calculation of anatomical dead space of the lung.

PubMed

Okubo, T; Shibata, H; Takishima, T

1983-07-01

By means of a mathematical model, we have studied a way to correct the delay time of the gas analyzer in order to calculate the anatomical dead space using Fowler's graphical method. The mathematical model was constructed of ten tubes of equal diameter but unequal length, so that the amount of dead space varied from tube to tube; the tubes were emptied sequentially. The gas analyzer responds with a time lag from the input of the gas signal to the beginning of the response, followed by an exponential response output. The single breath expired volume-concentration relationship was examined with three types of expired flow patterns of which were constant, exponential and sinusoidal. The results indicate that the time correction by the lag time plus time constant of the exponential response of the gas analyzer gives an accurate estimation of anatomical dead space. Time correction less inclusive than this, e.g. lag time only or lag time plus 50% response time, gives an overestimation, and a correction larger than this results in underestimation. The magnitude of error is dependent on the flow pattern and flow rate. The time correction in this study is only for the calculation of dead space, as the corrected volume-concentration curves does not coincide with the true curve. Such correction of the output of the gas analyzer is extremely important when one needs to compare the dead spaces of different gas species at a rather faster flow rate.

Evaluation of the laboratory mouse model for screening topical mosquito repellents.

PubMed

Rutledge, L C; Gupta, R K; Wirtz, R A; Buescher, M D

1994-12-01

Eight commercial repellents were tested against Aedes aegypti 0 and 4 h after application in serial dilution to volunteers and laboratory mice. Results were analyzed by multiple regression of percentage of biting (probit scale) on dose (logarithmic scale) and time. Empirical correction terms for conversion of values obtained in tests on mice to values expected in tests on human volunteers were calculated from data obtained on 4 repellents and evaluated with data obtained on 4 others. Corrected values from tests on mice did not differ significantly from values obtained in tests on volunteers. Test materials used in the study were dimethyl phthalate, butopyronoxyl, butoxy polypropylene glycol, MGK Repellent 11, deet, ethyl hexanediol, Citronyl, and dibutyl phthalate.

Validity And Practicality of Experiment Integrated Guided Inquiry-Based Module on Topic of Colloidal Chemistry for Senior High School Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andromeda, A.; Lufri; Festiyed; Ellizar, E.; Iryani, I.; Guspatni, G.; Fitri, L.

2018-04-01

This Research & Development study aims to produce a valid and practical experiment integrated guided inquiry based module on topic of colloidal chemistry. 4D instructional design model was selected in this study. Limited trial of the product was conducted at SMAN 7 Padang. Instruments used were validity and practicality questionnaires. Validity and practicality data were analyzed using Kappa moment. Analysis of the data shows that Kappa moment for validity was 0.88 indicating a very high degree of validity. Kappa moments for the practicality from students and teachers were 0.89 and 0.95 respectively indicating high degree of practicality. Analysis on the module filled in by students shows that 91.37% students could correctly answer critical thinking, exercise, prelab, postlab and worksheet questions asked in the module. These findings indicate that the integrated guided inquiry based module on topic of colloidal chemistry was valid and practical for chemistry learning in senior high school.

[Atopic dermatitis and urticaria: for the prevention and cure via disease control and management].

PubMed

Furukawa, Fukumi

2009-11-01

Standard ways of management are introduced through guidelines. The present standard therapies for atopic dermatitis consist of the use of topical steroids and tacrolimus ointment for inflammation as well as emollients for dry and barrier-disrupted skin as the first-line topical application, systemic anti-histamines and anti-allergic drugs for pruritus, avoidance of apparent exacerbating factors and so on. The importance of correct selection of topical steroids according to the severity of the lesion is also emphasized. As for urticaria, the use of oral histamine H1-receptor antagonists is the first line treatment, regardless of the groups, provided that sufficient efforts to eliminate the cause and/or aggravating factors are taken. Several options for the treatment are suggested as the second and/or the third line treatments, but the aim of examinations and treatments should be determined according to the type and severity of the diseases. Standard therapies and elimination of the cause and/or aggravating factors are the best way for the cure and prevention.

SYRIAC: The systematic review information automated collection system a data warehouse for facilitating automated biomedical text classification.

PubMed

Yang, Jianji J; Cohen, Aaron M; Cohen, Aaron; McDonagh, Marian S

2008-11-06

Automatic document classification can be valuable in increasing the efficiency in updating systematic reviews (SR). In order for the machine learning process to work well, it is critical to create and maintain high-quality training datasets consisting of expert SR inclusion/exclusion decisions. This task can be laborious, especially when the number of topics is large and source data format is inconsistent.To approach this problem, we build an automated system to streamline the required steps, from initial notification of update in source annotation files to loading the data warehouse, along with a web interface to monitor the status of each topic. In our current collection of 26 SR topics, we were able to standardize almost all of the relevance judgments and recovered PMIDs for over 80% of all articles. Of those PMIDs, over 99% were correct in a manual random sample study. Our system performs an essential function in creating training and evaluation data sets for SR text mining research.

SYRIAC: The SYstematic Review Information Automated Collection System A Data Warehouse for Facilitating Automated Biomedical Text Classification

PubMed Central

Yang, Jianji J.; Cohen, Aaron M.; McDonagh, Marian S.

2008-01-01

Automatic document classification can be valuable in increasing the efficiency in updating systematic reviews (SR). In order for the machine learning process to work well, it is critical to create and maintain high-quality training datasets consisting of expert SR inclusion/exclusion decisions. This task can be laborious, especially when the number of topics is large and source data format is inconsistent. To approach this problem, we build an automated system to streamline the required steps, from initial notification of update in source annotation files to loading the data warehouse, along with a web interface to monitor the status of each topic. In our current collection of 26 SR topics, we were able to standardize almost all of the relevance judgments and recovered PMIDs for over 80% of all articles. Of those PMIDs, over 99% were correct in a manual random sample study. Our system performs an essential function in creating training and evaluation datasets for SR text mining research. PMID:18999194

Microsporidial Stromal Keratitis: Successful Treatment with Topical Voriconazole and Oral Itraconazole

PubMed Central

Kim, James; Shenoy, Sudhir; Chévez-Barrios, Patricia; Kapur, Manuj

2016-01-01

We report a case of microsporidial stromal keratitis successfully treated with topical voriconazole and oral itraconazole. A 30-year-old Hispanic male construction worker who wears contacts lenses presented with left eye erythematous, epiphora, and mild pain increasing over few days after failing previous antibiotics treatment. His best corrected visual acuity in the left eye was count fingers at three feet, and the slit lamp examination showed 3+ conjunctival injection, a circular central corneal ulcer 3.2 mm in diameter, stromal thinning, and an anterior chamber with white cells, flair, and 0.1 mm hypopyon. A cornea punch biopsy identified microsporidial organisms with some features suggestive of Vittaforma corneae. After treatment with topical voriconazole and oral itraconazole for eight weeks, the patient had complete resolution with no recurrence for over 12 months of follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful treatment of microsporidial stromal keratitis with antifungals. PMID:28123915

Intended actions and unexpected outcomes: automatic and controlled processing in a rapid motor task

PubMed Central

Cheyne, Douglas O.; Ferrari, Paul; Cheyne, James A.

2012-01-01

Human action involves a combination of controlled and automatic behavior. These processes may interact in tasks requiring rapid response selection or inhibition, where temporal constraints preclude timely intervention by conscious, controlled processes over automatized prepotent responses. Such contexts tend to produce frequent errors, but also rapidly executed correct responses, both of which may sometimes be perceived as surprising, unintended, or “automatic”. In order to identify neural processes underlying these two aspects of cognitive control, we measured neuromagnetic brain activity in 12 right-handed subjects during manual responses to rapidly presented digits, with an infrequent target digit that required switching response hand (bimanual task) or response finger (unimanual task). Automaticity of responding was evidenced by response speeding (shorter response times) prior to both failed and fast correct switches. Consistent with this automaticity interpretation of fast correct switches, we observed bilateral motor preparation, as indexed by suppression of beta band (15–30 Hz) oscillations in motor cortex, prior to processing of the switch cue in the bimanual task. In contrast, right frontal theta activity (4–8 Hz) accompanying correct switch responses began after cue onset, suggesting that it reflected controlled inhibition of the default response. Further, this activity was reduced on fast correct switch trials suggesting a more automatic mode of inhibitory control. We also observed post-movement (event-related negativity) ERN-like responses and theta band increases in medial and anterior frontal regions that were significantly larger on error trials, and may reflect a combination of error and delayed inhibitory signals. We conclude that both automatic and controlled processes are engaged in parallel during rapid motor tasks, and that the relative strength and timing of these processes may underlie both optimal task performance and subjective experiences of automaticity or control. PMID:22912612

Endocrine complications of topical and intralesional corticosteroid therapy.

PubMed

Curtis, J A; Cormode, E; Laski, B; Toole, J; Howard, N

1982-03-01

Four previously healthy children acquired skin problems that were treated with topical or intralesional fluorinated corticosteroids. Three developed signs that suggested Cushing's syndrome 1-4 months after initial treatment. Investigation showed low plasma cortisol levels and inadequate response to corticotrophin stimulation. After 7 months of treatment with topical steroids the fourth child presented with failure to thrive; during a febrile illness he had a convulsion followed by acute hypotension which responded to parenteral corticosteroid administration. Adrenal function was not studied in this patient. Although fluorinated corticosteroids seldom lead to overt adrenal suppression in children, they may impair pituitary-adrenal responses in some. Such patients should be given oral or parenteral steroid cover in the event of illness or trauma.

Learning to train neural networks for real-world control problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feldkamp, Lee A.; Puskorius, G. V.; Davis, L. I., Jr.; Yuan, F.

1994-01-01

Over the past three years, our group has concentrated on the application of neural network methods to the training of controllers for real-world systems. This presentation describes our approach, surveys what we have found to be important, mentions some contributions to the field, and shows some representative results. Topics discussed include: (1) executing model studies as rehearsal for experimental studies; (2) the importance of correct derivatives; (3) effective training with second-order (DEKF) methods; (4) the efficacy of time-lagged recurrent networks; (5) liberation from the tyranny of the control cycle using asynchronous truncated backpropagation through time; and (6) multistream training for robustness. Results from model studies of automotive idle speed control serve as examples for several of these topics.

Privacy: The Small and Large of It

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

NUSBAUM,ANNA W.

1999-10-22

The topic of Privacy is complex, multi-faceted, and often emotionally laden. This paper will cover the following topics, in an effort to further understanding of federal regulations and activities, the balancing act that necessarily occurs in business, and what role a records manager can play. The topics are: Definitions; The Privacy Act; ''Private'' companies; Potential areas of concern; Expectations; Corporate responsibilities; Case studies; and Records Manager's role.

Cognitive Control Functions of Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Macaque Monkeys Performing a Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Analog

PubMed Central

Kuwabara, Masaru; Mansouri, Farshad A.; Buckley, Mark J.

2014-01-01

Monkeys were trained to select one of three targets by matching in color or matching in shape to a sample. Because the matching rule frequently changed and there were no cues for the currently relevant rule, monkeys had to maintain the relevant rule in working memory to select the correct target. We found that monkeys' error commission was not limited to the period after the rule change and occasionally occurred even after several consecutive correct trials, indicating that the task was cognitively demanding. In trials immediately after such error trials, monkeys' speed of selecting targets was slower. Additionally, in trials following consecutive correct trials, the monkeys' target selections for erroneous responses were slower than those for correct responses. We further found evidence for the involvement of the cortex in the anterior cingulate sulcus (ACCs) in these error-related behavioral modulations. First, ACCs cell activity differed between after-error and after-correct trials. In another group of ACCs cells, the activity differed depending on whether the monkeys were making a correct or erroneous decision in target selection. Second, bilateral ACCs lesions significantly abolished the response slowing both in after-error trials and in error trials. The error likelihood in after-error trials could be inferred by the error feedback in the previous trial, whereas the likelihood of erroneous responses after consecutive correct trials could be monitored only internally. These results suggest that ACCs represent both context-dependent and internally detected error likelihoods and promote modes of response selections in situations that involve these two types of error likelihood. PMID:24872558

Updates of Topical and Local Anesthesia Agents.

PubMed

Boyce, Ricardo A; Kirpalani, Tarun; Mohan, Naveen

2016-04-01

As described in this article, there are many advances in topical and local anesthesia. Topical and local anesthetics have played a great role in dentistry in alleviating the fears of patients, eliminating pain, and providing pain control. Many invasive procedures would not be performed without the use and advances of topical/local anesthetics. The modern-day dentist has the responsibility of knowing the variety of products on the market and should have at least references to access before, during, and after treatment. This practice ensures proper care with topical and local anesthetics for the masses of patients entering dental offices worldwide. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Consumer Education: A Teaching-Learning Unit on the Rights and Responsibilities of all Consumers and Special Problems of Elderly Consumers, Poor Consumers, Handicapped Consumers, Non-English Speaking Consumers and Nonreaders, Minors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tennessee Univ., Knoxville.

To help high school students understand the role of consumers in the everyday world, the teaching guide presents objectives and activities related to seven consumer topics. Topics are rights and responsibilities of all consumers, common transportation concerns of consumers with special problems, and problems which particularly affect consumers who…

Relative efficacy of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and topical capsaicin in osteoarthritis: protocol for an individual patient data meta-analysis.

PubMed

Persson, Monica S M; Fu, Yu; Bhattacharya, Archan; Goh, Siew-Li; van Middelkoop, Marienke; Bierma-Zeinstra, Sita M A; Walsh, David; Doherty, Michael; Zhang, Weiya

2016-09-29

Pain is the most troubling issue to patients with osteoarthritis (OA), yet current pharmacological treatments offer only small-to-moderate pain reduction. Current guidelines therefore emphasise the need to identify predictors of treatment response. In line with these recommendations, an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis will be conducted. The study aims to investigate the relative treatment effects of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and topical capsaicin in OA and to identify patient-level predictors of treatment response. IPD will be collected from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of topical NSAIDs and capsaicin in OA. Multilevel regression modelling will be conducted to determine predictors for the specific and the overall treatment effect. Through the identification of treatment responders, this IPD meta-analysis may improve the current understanding of the pain mechanisms in OA and guide clinical decision-making. Identifying and prescribing the treatment most likely to be beneficial for an individual with OA will improve the efficiency of patient management. CRD42016035254.

Aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy combined with topically applied vascular disrupting agent vadimezan leads to enhanced antitumor responses.

PubMed

Marrero, Allison; Becker, Theresa; Sunar, Ulas; Morgan, Janet; Bellnier, David

2011-01-01

The tumor vascular-disrupting agent (VDA) vadimezan (5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid, DMXAA) has been shown to potentiate the antitumor activity of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using systemically administered photosensitizers. Here, we characterized the response of subcutaneous syngeneic Colon26 murine colon adenocarcinoma tumors to PDT using the locally applied photosensitizer precursor aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in combination with a topical formulation of vadimezan. Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS), a noninvasive method for monitoring blood flow, was utilized to determine tumor vascular response to treatment. In addition, correlative CD31-immunohistochemistry to visualize endothelial damage, ELISA to measure induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and tumor weight measurements were also examined in separate animals. In our previous work, DCS revealed a selective decrease in tumor blood flow over time following topical vadimezan. ALA-PDT treatment also induced a decrease in tumor blood flow. The onset of blood flow reduction was rapid in tumors treated with both ALA-PDT and vadimezan. CD31-immunostaining of tumor sections confirmed vascular damage following topical application of vadimezan. Tumor weight measurements revealed enhanced tumor growth inhibition with combination treatment compared with ALA-PDT or vadimezan treatment alone. In conclusion, vadimezan as a topical agent enhances treatment efficacy when combined with ALA-PDT. This combination could be useful in clinical applications. © 2011 The Authors. Photochemistry and Photobiology © 2011 The American Society of Photobiology.

[Opinion of medical and law students of Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte about abortion in Brazil].

PubMed

Medeiros, Robinson Dias de; Azevedo, George Dantas de; Oliveira, Emilly Auxiliadora Almeida de; Araújo, Fábio Aires; Cavalcanti, Francisco Jakson Benigno; Araújo, Gabriela Lucena de; Castro, Igor Rebouças

2012-01-01

To analyze and compare the knowledge and opinions of Law and Medical students regarding the issue of abortion in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study involving 125 graduate students from the class of 2010. Of these, 52 were medical students (MED group) and 73 law students (LAW group). A questionnaire was applied based on published research about the topic. Dependent variables were: monitoring the abortion debate, knowledge concerning situations where abortion is permitted under Brazilian law, opinion about situations that agree with extending legal permission to terminate pregnancy and prior knowledge of someone who has undergone induced abortion. Independent variables were: sex, age, household income and graduation course. χ² and Fisher's exact tests, with the level of significance set at 5%. Most interviewees reported monitoring the debate on abortion in Brazil (67.3% of the MED group and 70.2% of the LAW group, p>0.05). When assessing knowledge on the subject, medical students had a significantly higher percentage of correct answers than law students (100.0 and 87.5%, respectively; p=0.005) regarding the legality of abortion for pregnancies resulting from rape. Elevated percentages of correct responses were also recorded for both groups in relation to pregnancies that threaten the life of the mother (94.2 and 87.5% for MED and LAW groups, respectively), but without statistical significance. A significant percentage of respondents declared they were in favor of extending legal abortion to other situations, primarily in cases of anencephaly (68%), pregnancy severely harming the mother's physical health (42.1%) or that of the fetus in cases of severe congenital malformation (33.7%). Results showed a satisfactory knowledge on the part of law and medical school graduate students regarding the legality of abortion in Brazil, combined with a favorable trend towards extending legal permission to other situations not covered by the law. It is important to underscore the inclusion of this topic in the undergraduate curriculum and the development of inter-professional teaching strategies.

Applying cognitive acuity theory to the development and scoring of situational judgment tests.

PubMed

Leeds, J Peter

2017-11-09

The theory of cognitive acuity (TCA) treats the response options within items as signals to be detected and uses psychophysical methods to estimate the respondents' sensitivity to these signals. Such a framework offers new methods to construct and score situational judgment tests (SJT). Leeds (2012) defined cognitive acuity as the capacity to discern correctness and distinguish between correctness differences among simultaneously presented situation-specific response options. In this study, SJT response options were paired in order to offer the respondent a two-option choice. The contrast in correctness valence between the two options determined the magnitude of signal emission, with larger signals portending a higher probability of detection. A logarithmic relation was found between correctness valence contrast (signal stimulus) and its detectability (sensation response). Respondent sensitivity to such signals was measured and found to be related to the criterion variables. The linkage between psychophysics and elemental psychometrics may offer new directions for measurement theory.

How well are we preparing pediatricians to manage seizures and epilepsy? A single-center questionnaire-based pilot study.

PubMed

Agarwal, Rajkumar L; Agarwal, Roshani R; Sivaswamy, Lalitha

2014-06-01

To assess the knowledge of pediatric residents regarding principles of management of seizures and epilepsy. A 10-item multiple-choice questionnaire with single correct response each (scored as 1) was administered to pediatric residents at an academic hospital. Out of 92 questionnaires, 73 were returned (79.3%). The mean score was 5 ± 1.9 (range = 1 to 9). Most correct responses (53/70, 75.5%) were received for the question on diagnosis of epilepsy. Questions on febrile seizures and on pharmacology of valproic acid received <50% correct responses among senior as well as junior residents, with no significant improvement in the correct response rate of senior residents. Deficiencies exist in pediatric residents' knowledge of seizures and epilepsy, especially with respect to febrile seizures and pharmacology of antiepileptic medications. Improved mechanisms to promote understanding in these areas are needed during pediatric training. © The Author(s) 2014.

Adaptive Nulling for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, Robert D.; Lay, Oliver P.; Jeganathan, Muthu; Hirai, Akiko

2006-01-01

A description of adaptive nulling for Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer (TPFI) is presented. The topics include: 1) Nulling in TPF-I; 2) Why Do Adaptive Nulling; 3) Parallel High-Order Compensator Design; 4) Phase and Amplitude Control; 5) Development Activates; 6) Requirements; 7) Simplified Experimental Setup; 8) Intensity Correction; and 9) Intensity Dispersion Stability. A short summary is also given on adaptive nulling for the TPFI.

Protective Bars? Report on the EPEA International Conference on Prison Education (6th, Budapest, Hungary, November 1-5, 1997).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boros, Janos, Ed.

This document contains 16 papers on practices in correctional education in Central and Eastern Europe, presented at a conference in Hungary in 1997. The papers center around these four topics: (1) Prison System and Humanization; (2) New Challenges in Prison Life and Prison Education; (3) Nothing Works? Something Works; and (4) Beyond 2000. The…

[Nutritional education at school].

PubMed

Gavidia, Valentín; Talavera, Marta; Asensi, Alejandro

2004-02-01

Children and youths who are well-educated run a lower risk of developing eating disorders; therefore teaching these topics in schools is very important. Nonetheless, disorders such as obesity, anorexia and bulimia occur more frequently all the time among children and youths. What is happening? If students are offered a correct nutritional basis, why do these disorders not decrease? What can be done in schools about these disorders?

Unpacking the Discrepancy between Learner and Teacher Beliefs: What Should Be the Role of Grammar in Language Classes?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hos, Rabia; Kekec, Mustafa

2015-01-01

Learner and teacher beliefs play an important role in second language (L2) learning. Furthermore, the role of grammar instruction and error correction in the L2 classroom is a topic that is still debated in the literature. This study explored the beliefs of EFL learners and teachers regarding the controversial role of grammar instruction and error…

Dose-to-water conversion for the backscatter-shielded EPID: A frame-based method to correct for EPID energy response to MLC transmitted radiation

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

Zwan, Benjamin J., E-mail: benjamin.zwan@uon.edu.au; O’Connor, Daryl J.; King, Brian W.

2014-08-15

Purpose: To develop a frame-by-frame correction for the energy response of amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging devices (a-Si EPIDs) to radiation that has transmitted through the multileaf collimator (MLC) and to integrate this correction into the backscatter shielded EPID (BSS-EPID) dose-to-water conversion model. Methods: Individual EPID frames were acquired using a Varian frame grabber and iTools acquisition software then processed using in-house software developed inMATLAB. For each EPID image frame, the region below the MLC leaves was identified and all pixels in this region were multiplied by a factor of 1.3 to correct for the under-response of the imager tomore » MLC transmitted radiation. The corrected frames were then summed to form a corrected integrated EPID image. This correction was implemented as an initial step in the BSS-EPID dose-to-water conversion model which was then used to compute dose planes in a water phantom for 35 IMRT fields. The calculated dose planes, with and without the proposed MLC transmission correction, were compared to measurements in solid water using a two-dimensional diode array. Results: It was observed that the integration of the MLC transmission correction into the BSS-EPID dose model improved agreement between modeled and measured dose planes. In particular, the MLC correction produced higher pass rates for almost all Head and Neck fields tested, yielding an average pass rate of 99.8% for 2%/2 mm criteria. A two-sample independentt-test and fisher F-test were used to show that the MLC transmission correction resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the mean and the standard deviation of the gamma values, respectively, to give a more accurate and consistent dose-to-water conversion. Conclusions: The frame-by-frame MLC transmission response correction was shown to improve the accuracy and reduce the variability of the BSS-EPID dose-to-water conversion model. The correction may be applied as a preprocessing step in any pretreatment portal dosimetry calculation and has been shown to be beneficial for highly modulated IMRT fields.« less

Preliminary results of tracked photorefractive keratectomy (T-PRK) for mild to moderate myopia with the autonomous technologies excimer laser at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maguen, Ezra I.; Salz, James J.; Nesburn, Anthony B.

1997-05-01

Preliminary results of the correction of myopia up to -7.00 D by tracked photorefractive keratectomy (T-PRK) with a scanning and tracking excimer laser by Autonomous Technologies are discussed. 41 eyes participated (20 males). 28 eyes were evaluated one month postop. At epithelization day mean uncorrected vision was 20/45.3. At one month postop, 92.8 of eyes were 20/40 and 46.4% were 20/20. No eye was worse than 20/50. 75% of eyes were within +/- 0.5 D of emmetropia and 82% were within +/- 1.00 D of emmetropia. Eyes corrected for monovision were included. One eye lost 3 lines of best corrected vision, and had more than 1.00 D induced astigmatism due to a central corneal ulcer. Additional complications included symptomatic recurrent corneal erosions which were controlled with topical hypertonic saline. T-PRK appears to allow effective correction of low to moderate myopia. Further study will establish safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Corrective responses in human food intake identified from an analysis of 7-d food-intake records2

PubMed Central

Bray, George A; Flatt, Jean-Pierre; Volaufova, Julia; DeLany, James P; Champagne, Catherine M

2009-01-01

Background We tested the hypothesis that ad libitum food intake shows corrective responses over periods of 1–5 d. Design This was a prospective study of food intake in women. Methods Two methods, a weighed food intake and a measured food intake, were used to determine daily nutrient intake during 2 wk in 20 women. Energy expenditure with the use of doubly labeled water was done contemporaneously with the weighed food-intake record. The daily deviations in macronutrient and energy intake from the average 7-d values were compared with the deviations observed 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 d later to estimate the corrective responses. Results Both methods of recording food intake gave similar patterns of macronutrient and total energy intakes and for deviations from average intakes. The intraindividual CVs for energy intake ranged from ±12% to ±47% with an average of ±25%. Reported energy intake was 85.5–95.0% of total energy expenditure determined by doubly labeled water. Significant corrective responses were observed in food intakes with a 3- to 4-d lag that disappeared when data were randomized within each subject. Conclusions Human beings show corrective responses to deviations from average energy and macronutrient intakes with a lag time of 3–4 d, but not 1–2 d. This suggests that short-term studies may fail to recognize important signals of food-intake regulation that operate over several days. These corrective responses probably play a crucial role in bringing about weight stability. PMID:19064509

30 CFR 1227.501 - What are a State's responsibilities to ensure that reporters correct erroneous data?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

.../agreement numbers, and missing data fields; (c) Submit accepted and corrected lines to ONRR to allow... that reporters correct erroneous data? 1227.501 Section 1227.501 Mineral Resources OFFICE OF NATURAL... reporters correct erroneous data? To ensure the correction of erroneous data, you must: (a) Ensure...

30 CFR 1227.501 - What are a State's responsibilities to ensure that reporters correct erroneous data?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.../agreement numbers, and missing data fields; (c) Submit accepted and corrected lines to ONRR to allow... that reporters correct erroneous data? 1227.501 Section 1227.501 Mineral Resources OFFICE OF NATURAL... reporters correct erroneous data? To ensure the correction of erroneous data, you must: (a) Ensure...

30 CFR 1227.501 - What are a State's responsibilities to ensure that reporters correct erroneous data?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

.../agreement numbers, and missing data fields; (c) Submit accepted and corrected lines to ONRR to allow... that reporters correct erroneous data? 1227.501 Section 1227.501 Mineral Resources OFFICE OF NATURAL... reporters correct erroneous data? To ensure the correction of erroneous data, you must: (a) Ensure...

30 CFR 227.501 - What are a State's responsibilities to ensure that reporters correct erroneous data?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.../agreement numbers, and missing data fields; (c) Submit accepted and corrected lines to MMS to allow... that reporters correct erroneous data? 227.501 Section 227.501 Mineral Resources MINERALS MANAGEMENT... reporters correct erroneous data? To ensure the correction of erroneous data, you must: (a) Ensure...

Topical dihydrotestosterone to treat micropenis secondary to partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) before, during, and after puberty - a case series.

PubMed

Becker, David; Wain, Lisa M; Chong, Yih Harng; Gosai, Sonal J; Henderson, Nina K; Milburn, Jacqui; Stott, Victoria; Wheeler, Benjamin J

2016-02-01

X-linked partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) causes under-virilization at all stages of development. In two thirds of males, this results in micropenis. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen that is critical for male genital development, which when applied topically, has been shown to increase penile length with micropenis of varying etiologies. We present the first case series using topical DHT gel to treat micropenis in 46,XY males with PAIS, before, during, and after puberty. Three related 46,XY males with confirmed p.L712F androgen receptor mutations exhibited varying degrees of micropenis post-surgical correction. They were of pre-pubertal, peri-pubertal and adult ages, respectively. Following baseline clinical and laboratory assessments all completed a 4-month course of daily DHT gel 2.5% (androstanolone) topically to penis (0.3 mg/kg body weight), with monitoring for adverse effects. Primary outcome was change in stretched penile length (SPL) following treatment. Mixed results were obtained following topical DHT therapy. In the pre- and peri- pubertal patients, SPL changed from 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm (+40%), and 3.5 cm to 5.7 cm (+63%), respectively. In the adult patient with 1 year of prior high-dose weekly testosterone therapy, no additional change in SPL was seen. No adverse effects of topical DHT were reported or observed throughout the 4 months of treatment. Topical DHT treatment appears to be a safe and well-tolerated method of virilising micropenis both prior to and during puberty in children with PAIS. Questions remain about long-term outcomes into adulthood, and efficacy in adults with prior lengthy exposure to high-dose testosterone.

Gentamicin induces functional type VII collagen in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients

PubMed Central

Woodley, David T.; Cogan, Jon; Hou, Yingping; Lyu, Chao; Marinkovich, M. Peter; Keene, Douglas

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an incurable disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding type VII collagen, the major component of anchoring fibrils (AF). We previously demonstrated that gentamicin produced functional type VII collagen in RDEB cells harboring nonsense mutations. Herein, we determined whether topical or intradermal gentamicin administration induces type VII collagen and AFs in RDEB patients. METHODS. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial assessed safety and efficacy of topical and intradermal gentamicin in 5 RDEB patients with nonsense mutations. The topical arm tested 0.1% gentamicin ointment or placebo application 3 times daily at 2 open erosion sites for 2 weeks. The intradermal arm tested daily intradermal injection of gentamicin solution (8 mg) or placebo into 2 intact skin sites for 2 days in 4 of 5 patients. Primary outcomes were induction of type VII collagen and AFs at the test sites and safety assessment. A secondary outcome assessed wound closure of topically treated erosions. RESULTS. Both topical and intradermal gentamicin administration induced type VII collagen and AFs at the dermal-epidermal junction of treatment sites. Newly created type VII collagen varied from 20% to 165% of that expressed in normal human skin and persisted for 3 months. Topical gentamicin corrected dermal-epidermal separation, improved wound closure, and reduced blister formation. There were no untoward side effects from gentamicin treatments. Type VII collagen induction did not generate anti–type VII collagen autoantibodies in patients’ blood or skin. CONCLUSION. Topical and intradermal gentamicin suppresses nonsense mutations and induces type VII collagen and AFs in RDEB patients. Gentamicin therapy may provide a readily available treatment for RDEB patients with nonsense mutations. TRIAL REGISTRATION. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02698735. FUNDING. Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Partnership, Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, NIH, and VA Merit Award. PMID:28691931

Evaluation of eLearning for the teaching of undergraduate ophthalmology at medical school: a randomised controlled crossover study.

PubMed

Petrarca, Caroline A; Warner, Julia; Simpson, Andrew; Petrarca, Robert; Douiri, Abdel; Byrne, David; Jackson, Timothy L

2018-05-25

To compare ophthalmology teaching delivered by eLearning with traditional lectures, in terms of undergraduate performance and satisfaction. Randomised controlled crossover study at King's College London Medical School with 245 third year medical students. The ophthalmology syllabus was divided into ten topics. Five topics were randomised to be taught by traditional lectures and five by electronic learning (eLearning). For the second rotation of students the topics were crossed over, so that those topics taught by traditional lectures were taught by eLearning and vice versa. At the end of each rotation the students sat an optional online mock examination containing 100 questions (ten on each topic). Students' examination performance was compared between the two teaching methods. Student satisfaction was assessed using an online satisfaction survey. Outcome measures were the mean percentage of correct answers across all ten topics, student satisfaction and self-assessed knowledge. The mean examination score for questions taught by eLearning was 58% (95% CI, 55.7-59.6), versus 55% (95% CI 53.1-56.8) for traditional lectures (P = 0.047). Across all topics students were more satisfied with eLearning than traditional lectures, with 87% (95% CI 84.5-88.4) rating eLearning as 'excellent' or 'good' versus 65% (95% CI 62.0-67.4) for lectures (p < 0.0001). Overall 180 (75.6%) preferred eLearning compared to traditional lectures, with 166 (69.7%) rating eLearning 'much better' or 'better,' 61 (25.6%) 'neutral' and 11 (4.6%) 'worse' or 'much worse.' Student satisfaction and examination performance are both enhanced by ophthalmology eLearning. Similar eLearning modules may be suitable for other specialties and postgraduate learning.

78 FR 65453 - Hazardous Materials: Corrections and Response to Administrative Appeals (HM-215K, HM-215L, HM...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-31

...This final rule corrects editorial errors and amends certain requirements in response to administrative appeals submitted by persons affected by certain final rules published in the Federal Register.

Thinking about False Belief: It's Not Just What Children Say, but How Long It Takes Them to Say It

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Atance, Cristina M.; Bernstein, Daniel M.; Meltzoff, Andrew N.

2010-01-01

We examined 240 children's (3.5-, 4.5-, and 5.5-year-olds) latency to respond to questions on a battery of false-belief tasks. Response latencies exhibited a significant cross-over interaction as a function of age and response type (correct vs. incorrect). 3.5-year-olds' "in"correct latencies were faster than their correct latencies, whereas the…

Deficits in allergy knowledge among physicians at academic medical centers.

PubMed

Stukus, David R; Green, Todd; Montandon, Shari V; Wada, Kara J

2015-07-01

Allergic conditions have high prevalence in the general population. Misconceptions regarding the diagnosis and management of allergic disease among physicians can lead to suboptimal clinical care. To determine the extent of allergy-related knowledge deficits among physicians. Pediatric and internal medicine resident and attending physicians from 2 separate academic medical centers were asked to answer an anonymous electronic survey. Survey questions addressed 7 different allergy content areas. Four hundred eight physicians completed surveys (23.9% response rate). Respondents had few correct answers (mean ± SD 1.91 ± 1.43). Pediatric respondents had a larger number of correct answers compared with medicine-trained physicians (P < .001). No individual answered every survey question correctly, and 50 respondents (12.3%) had no correct answer. Three hundred seventy-eight respondents (92.6%) were unable to provide correct answers for at least 50% of survey questions. Level of residency training and prior rotation through an allergy and immunology elective correlated with a larger number of correct responses (P < .01). Only 1 survey question had an overall correct response rate higher than 50% (n = 261, 64%). Correct response rate was lower than 30% for 7 of the 9 possible questions. There are significant knowledge deficits in many areas of allergy-related content among pediatric and internal medicine physicians and across all levels of training and specialty. Given the prevalence of allergic conditions, the potential implications of a negative impact on clinical care are staggering. Copyright © 2015 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Can Fast and Slow Intelligence Be Differentiated?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Partchev, Ivailo; De Boeck, Paul

2012-01-01

Responses to items from an intelligence test may be fast or slow. The research issue dealt with in this paper is whether the intelligence involved in fast correct responses differs in nature from the intelligence involved in slow correct responses. There are two questions related to this issue: 1. Are the processes involved different? 2. Are the…

Some Direct and Generalized Effects of Replacing an Autistic Man's Echolalia with Correct Responses to Questions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McMorrow, Martin J.; Foxx, R. M.

1986-01-01

The use of operant procedures was extended to decrease immediate echolalia and increase appropriate responding to questions of a 21-year-old autistic man. Multiple baseline designs demonstrated that echolalia was rapidly replaced with correct stimulus-specific responses. A variety of generalized improvements were observed in verbal responses to…

Structural learning in feedforward and feedback control.

PubMed

Yousif, Nada; Diedrichsen, Jörn

2012-11-01

For smooth and efficient motor control, the brain needs to make fast corrections during the movement to resist possible perturbations. It also needs to adapt subsequent movements to improve future performance. It is important that both feedback corrections and feedforward adaptation need to be made based on noisy and often ambiguous sensory data. Therefore, the initial response of the motor system, both for online corrections and adaptive responses, is guided by prior assumptions about the likely structure of perturbations. In the context of correcting and adapting movements perturbed by a force field, we asked whether these priors are hard wired or whether they can be modified through repeated exposure to differently shaped force fields. We found that both feedback corrections to unexpected perturbations and feedforward adaptation to a new force field changed, such that they were appropriate to counteract the type of force field that participants had experienced previously. We then investigated whether these changes were driven by a common mechanism or by two separate mechanisms. Participants experienced force fields that were either temporally consistent, causing sustained adaptation, or temporally inconsistent, causing little overall adaptation. We found that the consistent force fields modified both feedback and feedforward responses. In contrast, the inconsistent force field modified the temporal shape of feedback corrections but not of the feedforward adaptive response. These results indicate that responses to force perturbations can be modified in a structural manner and that these modifications are at least partly dissociable for feedback and feedforward control.

Structural learning in feedforward and feedback control

PubMed Central

Diedrichsen, Jörn

2012-01-01

For smooth and efficient motor control, the brain needs to make fast corrections during the movement to resist possible perturbations. It also needs to adapt subsequent movements to improve future performance. It is important that both feedback corrections and feedforward adaptation need to be made based on noisy and often ambiguous sensory data. Therefore, the initial response of the motor system, both for online corrections and adaptive responses, is guided by prior assumptions about the likely structure of perturbations. In the context of correcting and adapting movements perturbed by a force field, we asked whether these priors are hard wired or whether they can be modified through repeated exposure to differently shaped force fields. We found that both feedback corrections to unexpected perturbations and feedforward adaptation to a new force field changed, such that they were appropriate to counteract the type of force field that participants had experienced previously. We then investigated whether these changes were driven by a common mechanism or by two separate mechanisms. Participants experienced force fields that were either temporally consistent, causing sustained adaptation, or temporally inconsistent, causing little overall adaptation. We found that the consistent force fields modified both feedback and feedforward responses. In contrast, the inconsistent force field modified the temporal shape of feedback corrections but not of the feedforward adaptive response. These results indicate that responses to force perturbations can be modified in a structural manner and that these modifications are at least partly dissociable for feedback and feedforward control. PMID:22896725

Priors Engaged in Long-Latency Responses to Mechanical Perturbations Suggest a Rapid Update in State Estimation

PubMed Central

Crevecoeur, Frédéric; Scott, Stephen H.

2013-01-01

In every motor task, our brain must handle external forces acting on the body. For example, riding a bike on cobblestones or skating on irregular surface requires us to appropriately respond to external perturbations. In these situations, motor predictions cannot help anticipate the motion of the body induced by external factors, and direct use of delayed sensory feedback will tend to generate instability. Here, we show that to solve this problem the motor system uses a rapid sensory prediction to correct the estimated state of the limb. We used a postural task with mechanical perturbations to address whether sensory predictions were engaged in upper-limb corrective movements. Subjects altered their initial motor response in ∼60 ms, depending on the expected perturbation profile, suggesting the use of an internal model, or prior, in this corrective process. Further, we found trial-to-trial changes in corrective responses indicating a rapid update of these perturbation priors. We used a computational model based on Kalman filtering to show that the response modulation was compatible with a rapid correction of the estimated state engaged in the feedback response. Such a process may allow us to handle external disturbances encountered in virtually every physical activity, which is likely an important feature of skilled motor behaviour. PMID:23966846

Internet Usage by Low-Literacy Adults Seeking Health Information: An Observational Analysis

PubMed Central

Birru, Mehret S; Monaco, Valerie M; Charles, Lonelyss; Drew, Hadiya; Njie, Valerie; Bierria, Timothy; Detlefsen, Ellen

2004-01-01

Background Adults with low literacy may encounter informational obstacles on the Internet when searching for health information, in part because most health Web sites require at least a high-school reading proficiency for optimal access. Objective The purpose of this study was to 1) determine how low-literacy adults independently access and evaluate health information on the Internet, 2) identify challenges and areas of proficiency in the Internet-searching skills of low-literacy adults. Methods Subjects (n=8) were enrolled in a reading assistance program at Bidwell Training Center in Pittsburgh, PA, and read at a 3rd to 8th grade level. Subjects conducted self-directed Internet searches for designated health topics while utilizing a think-aloud protocol. Subjects' keystrokes and comments were recorded using Camtasia Studio screen-capture software. The search terms used to find health information, the amount of time spent on each Web site, the number of Web sites accessed, the reading level of Web sites accessed, and the responses of subjects to questionnaires were assessed. Results Subjects collectively answered 8 out of 24 questions correctly. Seven out of 8 subjects selected "sponsored sites"-paid Web advertisements-over search engine-generated links when answering health questions. On average, subjects accessed health Web sites written at or above a 10th grade reading level. Standard methodologies used for measuring health literacy and for promoting subjects to verbalize responses to Web-site form and content had limited utility in this population. Conclusion This study demonstrates that Web health information requires a reading level that prohibits optimal access by some low-literacy adults. These results highlight the low-literacy adult population as a potential audience for Web health information, and indicate some areas of difficulty that these individuals face when using the Internet and health Web sites to find information on specific health topics. PMID:15471751

Brain Knowledge and the Prevalence of Neuromyths among Prospective Teachers in Greece

PubMed Central

Papadatou-Pastou, Marietta; Haliou, Eleni; Vlachos, Filippos

2017-01-01

Although very often teachers show a great interest in introducing findings from the field of neuroscience in their classrooms, there is growing concern about the lack of academic instruction on neuroscience on teachers' curricula because this has led to a proliferation of neuromyths. We surveyed 479 undergraduate (mean age = 19.60 years, SD = 2.29) and 94 postgraduate students (mean age = 28.52 years, SD = 7.16) enrolled in Departments of Education at the University of Thessaly and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. We used a 70-item questionnaire aiming to explore general knowledge on the brain, neuromyths, the participants' attitude toward neuroeducation as well as their reading habits. Prospective teachers were found to believe that neuroscience knowledge is useful for teachers (90.3% agreement), to be somewhat knowledgeable when it comes to the brain (47.33% of the assertions were answered correctly), but to be less well informed when it comes to neuroscientific issues related to special education (36.86% correct responses). Findings further indicate that general knowledge about the brain was found to be the best safeguard against believing in neuromyths. Based on our results we suggest that prospective teachers can benefit from academic instruction on neuroscience. We propose that such instruction takes place in undergraduate courses of Departments of Education and that emphasis is given in debunking neuromyths, enhancing critical reading skills, and dealing with topics relevant to special education. PMID:28611700

Effects of two weeks of topical budesonide treatment on microvascular exudative responsiveness in healthy human nasal airways.

PubMed

Greiff, L; Andersson, M; Svensson, C; Akerlund, A; Alkner, U; Persson, C G

1997-04-01

Extravasation and luminal entry of plasma (mucosal exudation) is not only a key feature of airway inflammation in rhinitis and asthma but also a major first-line respiratory defence mechanism. Topical steroids are effective antiexudative agents in disease but, so far, little is known about the direct effects of these drugs on the responsiveness of the microcirculation in human airways. In this study, the effects of prolonged budesonide treatment on histamine-induced mucosal exudation of plasma was examined in 42 healthy subjects. Placebo and budesonide (100 microg per nasal cavity b.i.d.) were given for 2 weeks in a double-blind and placebo-controlled parallel-group protocol. Using a nasal pool technique, nasal challenges with isotonic saline and histamine (40 and 400 microg x mL(-1)) were carried out before and late in the treatment periods. The lavage fluid levels of alpha2-macroglobulin were measured as an index of mucosal exudation of bulk plasma. Histamine produced concentration-dependent mucosal exudation of plasma before as well as after treatment with either placebo or budesonide. The topical steroid treatment only marginally (1.8 fold) decreased the response to the low concentration histamine (40 microg x mL(-1)) and, although it was significantly (2.8 fold) reduced, histamine 400 microg x mL(-1) still produced significant mucosal exudation of plasma in the budesonide group. If the present observations are extrapolated to inflammatory conditions, the antiexudative effects of topical steroids in rhinitis (and asthma) may reflect only a small degree of microvascular antipermeability effects. We suggest that topical steroid treatment may not impede mucosal exudation responses when called for in acute human airway defence reactions.

LINEAR LATTICE AND TRAJECTORY RECONSTRUCTION AND CORRECTION AT FAST LINEAR ACCELERATOR

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

Romanov, A.; Edstrom, D.; Halavanau, A.

2017-07-16

The low energy part of the FAST linear accelerator based on 1.3 GHz superconducting RF cavities was successfully commissioned [1]. During commissioning, beam based model dependent methods were used to correct linear lattice and trajectory. Lattice correction algorithm is based on analysis of beam shape from profile monitors and trajectory responses to dipole correctors. Trajectory responses to field gradient variations in quadrupoles and phase variations in superconducting RF cavities were used to correct bunch offsets in quadrupoles and accelerating cavities relative to their magnetic axes. Details of used methods and experimental results are presented.

Physicians' Religious Topic Avoidance during Clinical Interactions.

PubMed

Villagran, Melinda M; MacArthur, Brenda L; Lee, Lauren E; Ledford, Christy J W; Canzona, Mollie R

2017-05-08

Religious and spiritual (R/S) conversations at the end-of-life function to help patients and their families find comfort in difficult circumstances. Physicians who feel uncertain about how to discuss topics related to religious beliefs may seek to avoid R/S conversations with their patients. This study utilized a two-group objective structured clinical examination with a standardized patient to explore differences in physicians' use of R/S topic avoidance tactics during a clinical interaction. Results indicated that physicians used more topic avoidance tactics in response to patients' R/S inquiries than patients' R/S disclosures; however, the use of topic avoidance tactics did not eliminate the need to engage in patient-initiated R/S interactions.

Physicians’ Religious Topic Avoidance during Clinical Interactions

PubMed Central

Villagran, Melinda M.; MacArthur, Brenda L.; Lee, Lauren E.; Ledford, Christy J. W.; Canzona, Mollie R.

2017-01-01

Religious and spiritual (R/S) conversations at the end-of-life function to help patients and their families find comfort in difficult circumstances. Physicians who feel uncertain about how to discuss topics related to religious beliefs may seek to avoid R/S conversations with their patients. This study utilized a two-group objective structured clinical examination with a standardized patient to explore differences in physicians’ use of R/S topic avoidance tactics during a clinical interaction. Results indicated that physicians used more topic avoidance tactics in response to patients’ R/S inquiries than patients’ R/S disclosures; however, the use of topic avoidance tactics did not eliminate the need to engage in patient-initiated R/S interactions. PMID:28481290

The optimized effective potential and the self-interaction correction in density functional theory: Application to molecules

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

Garza, Jorge; Nichols, Jeffrey A.; Dixon, David A.

2000-05-08

The Krieger, Li, and Iafrate approximation to the optimized effective potential including the self-interaction correction for density functional theory has been implemented in a molecular code, NWChem, that uses Gaussian functions to represent the Kohn and Sham spin-orbitals. The differences between the implementation of the self-interaction correction in codes where planewaves are used with an optimized effective potential are discussed. The importance of the localization of the spin-orbitals to maximize the exchange-correlation of the self-interaction correction is discussed. We carried out exchange-only calculations to compare the results obtained with these approximations, and those obtained with the local spin density approximation,more » the generalized gradient approximation and Hartree-Fock theory. Interesting results for the energy difference (GAP) between the highest occupied molecular orbital, HOMO, and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, LUMO, (spin-orbital energies of closed shell atoms and molecules) using the optimized effective potential and the self-interaction correction have been obtained. The effect of the diffuse character of the basis set on the HOMO and LUMO eigenvalues at the various levels is discussed. Total energies obtained with the optimized effective potential and the self-interaction correction show that the exchange energy with these approximations is overestimated and this will be an important topic for future work. (c) 2000 American Institute of Physics.« less

Exploring the Earth System through online interactive models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coogan, L. A.

2013-12-01

Upper level Earth Science students commonly have a strong background of mathematical training from Math courses, however their ability to use mathematical models to solve Earth Science problems is commonly limited. Their difficulty comes, in part, because of the nature of the subject matter. There is a large body of background ';conceptual' and ';observational' understanding and knowledge required in the Earth Sciences before in-depth quantification becomes useful. For example, it is difficult to answer questions about geological processes until you can identify minerals and rocks and understand the general geodynamic implications of their associations. However, science is fundamentally quantitative. To become scientists students have to translate their conceptual understanding into quantifiable models. Thus, it is desirable for students to become comfortable with using mathematical models to test hypotheses. With the aim of helping to bridging the gap between conceptual understanding and quantification I have started to build an interactive teaching website based around quantitative models of Earth System processes. The site is aimed at upper-level undergraduate students and spans a range of topics that will continue to grow as time allows. The mathematical models are all built for the students, allowing them to spend their time thinking about how the ';model world' changes in response to their manipulation of the input variables. The web site is divided into broad topics or chapters (Background, Solid Earth, Ocean and Atmosphere, Earth history) and within each chapter there are different subtopic (e.g. Solid Earth: Core, Mantle, Crust) and in each of these individual webpages. Each webpage, or topic, starts with an introduction to the topic, followed by an interactive model that the students can use sliders to control the input to and watch how the results change. This interaction between student and model is guided by a series of multiple choice questions that the student answers and immediately gets feedback whether the answer is correct or not. This way the students can ensure they understand the concepts before moving on. A discussion forum for the students to discuss the topics is in development and each page has a feedback option to allow both numerical (1-10) and written feedback on how useful the webpage was. By the end of exploring any given process students are expected to understand how the different parameters explored by the model interact to control the results. They should appreciate why the controlling equations look the way they do (all equations needed to develop the models are present in the introduction) and how these interact to control the results. While this is no substitute to students undertaking the calculations for themselves this approach allows a much wider range of topics to be explored quantitatively than if the students have to code all models themselves.

Accuracy of Press Reports in Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaefer, B. E.; Hurley, K.; Nemiroff, R. J.; Branch, D.; Perlmutter, S.; Schaefer, M. W.; Consolmagno, G. J.; McSween, H.; Strom, R.

1999-12-01

Most Americans learn about modern science from press reports, while such articles have a bad reputation among scientists. We have performed a study of 403 news articles on three topics (gamma-ray astronomy, supernovae, and Mars) to quantitatively answer the questions 'How accurate are press reports of astronomy?' and 'What fraction of the basic science claims in the press are correct?' We have taken all articles on the topics from five news sources (UPI, NYT, S&T, SN, and 5 newspapers) for one decade (1987-1996). All articles were evaluated for a variety of errors, ranging from the fundamental to the trivial. For 'trivial' errors, S&T and SN were virtually perfect while the various newspapers averaged roughly one trivial error every two articles. For meaningful errors, we found that none of our 403 articles significantly mislead the reader or misrepresented the science. So a major result of our study is that reporters should be rehabilitated into the good graces of astronomers, since they are actually doing a good job. For our second question, we rated each story with the probability that its basic new science claim is correct. We found that the average probability over all stories is 70%, regardless of source, topic, importance, or quoted pundit. How do we reconcile our findings that the press does not make significant errors yet the basic science presented is 30% wrong? The reason is that the nature of news reporting is to present front-line science and the nature of front-line science is that reliable conclusions have not yet been reached. So a second major result of our study is to make the distinction between textbook science (with reliability near 100%) and front-line science which you read in the press (with reliability near 70%).

The Effect of Testosterone Topical Solution in Hypogonadal Men With Suboptimal Response to a Topical Testosterone Gel.

PubMed

Burns, Patrick R; Kim, Edward D; Ruff, Dustin D; Seftel, Allen D

2018-05-01

This study evaluated the effect of axillary administration of a 2% testosterone solution (Axiron ® ) in hypogonadal (HGN) men who had had a suboptimal response to treatment with a commercially available topical testosterone gel. HGN men averaging 57 years old, with a mean body mass index of 31.9 kg/m 2 and median baseline testosterone level (T-level) of 185.2 ng/dL, who had failed to reach normal T-levels with a topical testosterone gel (Androgel 1.62%, Androgel, Testim, or Fortesta) were treated with a 2% testosterone solution until T-levels reached a normal range (from ≥300 to ≤1,050 ng/dL) or for up to 9 weeks. Outcomes included the cumulative percentage of men with a serum T-level in the normal range during treatment with Axiron and improvement in symptoms of low energy level and low sexual drive. During the study, 95% of HGN men (72/78) attained a T-level in the normal range. The median T-level at endpoint was 495.7 ng/dL, a threefold increase over baseline, p < .001, 70% achieving normal T-levels within the first 2 weeks of treatment. In a post hoc analysis, all subjects with baseline body mass indexes >35 kg/m 2 ( n = 19) achieved T-levels in the normal range. Prior to treatment, over 61% of subjects (48/78) reported impairment in either energy level or sexual drive. After treatment (or testosterone normalization), energy level improved in 75% of subjects and sexual drive improved in 70%. Topical 2% testosterone solution is a safe and effective treatment for HGN men who have had a suboptimal response to previous treatment with topical testosterone gels.

Doppler laser imaging predicts response to topical minoxidil in the treatment of female pattern hair loss.

PubMed

McCoy, J; Kovacevic, M; Situm, M; Stanimirovic, A; Bolanca, Z; Goren, A

2016-01-01

Topical minoxidil is the only drug approved by the US FDA for the treatment of female pattern hair loss. Unfortunately, following 16 weeks of daily application, less than 40% of patients regrow hair. Several studies have demonstrated that sulfotransferase enzyme activity in plucked hair follicles predicts topical minoxidil response in female pattern hair loss patients. However, due to patients’ discomfort with the procedure, and the time required to perform the enzymatic assay it would be ideal to develop a rapid, non-invasive test for sulfotransferase enzyme activity. Minoxidil is a pro-drug converted to its active form, minoxidil sulfate, by sulfotransferase enzymes in the outer root sheath of hair. Minoxidil sulfate is the active form required for both the promotion of hair regrowth and the vasodilatory effects of minoxidil. We thus hypothesized that laser Doppler velocimetry measurement of scalp blood perfusion subsequent to the application of topical minoxidil would correlate with sulfotransferase enzyme activity in plucked hair follicles. In this study, plucked hair follicles from female pattern hair loss patients were analyzed for sulfotransferase enzyme activity. Additionally, laser Doppler velocimetry was used to measure the change in scalp perfusion at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, after the application of minoxidil. In agreement with our hypothesis, we discovered a correlation (r=1.0) between the change in scalp perfusion within 60 minutes after topical minoxidil application and sulfotransferase enzyme activity in plucked hairs. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the feasibility of using laser Doppler imaging as a rapid, non-invasive diagnostic test to predict topical minoxidil response in the treatment of female pattern hair loss.

Feline penile erection induced by topical glans penis application of combination alprostadil and SEPA (Topiglan).

PubMed

Usta, M F; Sanabria, J; Bivalacqua, T J; Hellstrom, W J G; Sanabriav, J

2004-02-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topically applied prostaglandin E1 (PGE(1))+5% SEPA (soft enhancement of percutaneous absorption) on the glans penis in a feline erection model. Erectile response after glans penis administration of PGE(1)+5% SEPA cream (Topiglan, MacroChem Co., Lexington, MA, USA) was compared to the erectile response after intracavernosal administration of the triple-drug combination (1.65 mg papaverine, 25 microg phentolamine, and 0.5 microg PGE(1)). The placebo cream and increasing concentrations (0.25%, 2.5 mg/ml; 0.5%, 5 mg/ml; and 1%, 10 mg/ml) of PGE(1)+5% SEPA were applied in a total volume of 0.1 ml via a plastic needle-less syringe. The control triple-drug combination was administrated intracavernosally via a 30-gauge needle at the completion of each experiment to serve as a control reference. With each application of placebo, PGE(1)+SEPA, and the triple-drug combination, changes in intracavernosal pressure and systemic blood pressure were continuously monitored. Topical application of PGE(1)+SEPA induced increases in intracavernosal pressure in a dose-dependent manner, with minimal effects on systemic blood pressure. The increases obtained with 1% PGE(1) Topiglan cream were similar to the intracavernosal pressure values elicited by the standard intracavernosal triple-drug combination. These data demonstrate that topical glans penis application of PGE(1)+SEPA can induce an erectile response in cats with minimal systemic adverse effects. Oral pharmacological agents are the first-line treatment for male ED. Studies investigating the effectiveness of noninvasive modalities such as topical therapy should continue, because these agents have the potential to avoid the systemic effects commonly seen with oral therapies. Additionally, topical therapy may also benefit patients who are unresponsive to oral agents or have explicit contraindications. Topical PGE(1) application to the glans penis may become an important treatment option in selected patients suffering from erectile dysfunction.

10 CFR 1008.10 - Action in response to a request for correction or amendment of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Action in response to a request for correction or amendment of records. 1008.10 Section 1008.10 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (GENERAL PROVISIONS) RECORDS MAINTAINED ON INDIVIDUALS (PRIVACY ACT) Requests for Access or Amendment § 1008.10 Action in response to a...

10 CFR 1008.10 - Action in response to a request for correction or amendment of records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Action in response to a request for correction or amendment of records. 1008.10 Section 1008.10 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (GENERAL PROVISIONS) RECORDS MAINTAINED ON INDIVIDUALS (PRIVACY ACT) Requests for Access or Amendment § 1008.10 Action in response to a...

Explosive Loading of Metals and Related Topics

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-05-01

Griffiths, "A U. K. Note on the History of Shaped Charges,• Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment Report, August 1983, presented...1925. 20. R. W. Wood, •optical and Physical Effects of High Explosives,• Proceedings of .the Royal Society (London), Vol. 157A, 1936, pp. 249-261...correctly analyzes geometric configurations in this report such as the Jelly Roll, the Dagwood and similar explosive-metal multilayer arrangements. In

Apremilast Use in a Case of Cicatricial Ectropion Secondary to Severe Lamellar Ichthyosis.

PubMed

Abboud, Jean-Paul J; Whittington, Alexander; Ahmed, Masih; Himebaugh, Jesse T; Wiley, Lee A; Haffar, Ahmad; Nguyen, John

Ichthyosis is a cutaneous disorder characterized by excessive amounts of dry thickened skin surface scales. Ocular manifestations of ichthyosis include cicatricial ectropion, which may cause exposure keratoconjunctivitis and rarely corneal perforation. Topical emollients, anti-inflammatory ointments, and systemic retinoids have been used to control the disease process, while surgical correction with donor graft has been reserved for severe cases involving corneal exposure. The authors report a case of a Caucasian male with lamellar ichthyosis with severe bilateral upper and lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion and corneal ulceration requiring surgical correction. Treatment with apremilast, a novel phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, for the treatment of a concomitant plaque psoriasis achieved good control of his skin diseases and minimized the recurrence of eyelid ectropion.

Temporally contiguous pencast instruction promotes meaningful learning for dental and dental hygiene students in physiology.

PubMed

Roesch, Darren M

2014-01-01

Smartpens allow for the creation of computerized "pencasts" that combine voice narration with handwritten notes and illustrations. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of voluntary participation in extracurricular instruction with a pencast on student learning. Dental and dental hygiene students were given instruction in a complex physiological topic using lecture and static slides. An Internet link to a pencast that covered the complex topic in a more temporally contiguous fashion was also provided for voluntary review. The students were given a multiple-choice exam that consisted of retention and transfer test questions. Sixty-nine percent of the students who did not watch the pencast and 89 percent of the students who watched the pencast answered the retention test question correctly (p=0.08). Fifty-four percent of the students who did not watch the pencast and 90 percent of the students who watched the pencast answered the transfer test question correctly (p=0.005). This finding indicates that students who watched the pencast performed better on a transfer test, a measurement of meaningful learning, than students who received only the narrated instruction with static images. This supports the hypothesis that temporally contiguous instruction promotes more meaningful learning than lecture accompanied only by static slide images.

[The problems of cataract surgery and intraocular correction: Russian school achievements and modern trends].

PubMed

Maliugin, B E; Linnik, L F; Egorova, E V; Kopaeva, V G; Tolchinskaia, A I

2007-01-01

The development of the safest and, at the same time, efficient methods of cataract surgery, is not only a topical task of medical science and practice, but also, taking the demographic situation into account, a solution to a social problem. The article describes the main achievements of academician S. N. Fyodorov's school in the field of cataract surgery with intraocular lense (IOL) implantation. Special attention is paid to the key components of cataract extraction technique named "small incision surgery", which is based upon the use of ultrasmall surgical approaches with self-sealing ability and no need for suturing. The main advantages and disadvantages of various types of cataract lense fragmentation, including ultrasound emulsification, mechanic and hydraulic fragmentation, and laser destruction, are described. Topical issues concerning cataract extraction technique under the conditions of complicating ophthalmopathology including the weakness of ciliary zonule system, high-degree myopia, glaucoma, pseudoexfoliative syndrome, small pupil, past injuries and eye surgery, are outlined. The paper also reflects a new qualitative step in the development of intraocular aphakia correction technique under modern conditions. Basic requirements to design parameters and IOL materials are determined from the position of reestablishing the accommodative function and fine visual functions. Ways of IOL design improvement are described especially for their application in non-standard and complicated cases.

Can Children Enhance Their Family's Health Knowledge? An Infectious Disease Prevention Program

PubMed Central

Sedighi, Iraj; Nouri, Shahla; Sadrosadat, Taravat; Nemati, Reza; Shahbazi, Mojgan

2012-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study is to propose an innovative method of knowledge transfer that aims to improve health literacy about pediatric infectious diseases prevention in families. Children have an appreciable role in this scheme. Methods This study is a before and after trial that has been conducted in Hamedan in 2009. After changing seven infectious disease topics into childish poems, we selected five kindergartens randomly and taught these poetries to the children. Teaching process held after a pretest containing 24 questions that examined 103 of parents about mentioned topics. The same post-test was given after 4 months of teaching process. Findings The mean of correct answers to the pretest was 59.22% comparable with 81.00% for post-test (P<0.00). Gender and knowledge degree could not change the results significantly. Assuming one's correct answers to the questions as his/her Knowledge Mark, the mean of this variable increased to 5.32 by this method. Conclusion This cost-effective and joyful method had successful results in promoting health knowledge. Children are able to play an active role in family's health situation. Learning within family atmosphere without any obligations makes our scheme a solution for paving the knowledge transferring way. PMID:23430134

Medical students' knowledge of ionizing radiation and radiation protection.

PubMed

Hagi, Sarah K; Khafaji, Mawya A

2011-05-01

To assess the knowledge of fourth-year medical students in ionizing radiation, and to study the effect of a 3-hour lecture in correcting their misconceptions. A cohort study was conducted on fourth-year medical students at King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the academic year 2009-2010. A 7-question multiple choice test-type questionnaire administered before, and after a 3-hour didactic lecture was used to assess their knowledge. The data was collected from December 2009 to February 2010. The lecture was given to 333 (72%) participants, out of the total of 459 fourth-year medical students. It covered topics in ionizing radiation and radiation protection. The questionnaire was validated and analyzed by 6 content experts. Of the 333 who attended the lecture, only 253 (76%) students completed the pre- and post questionnaire, and were included in this study. The average student score improved from 47-78% representing a gain of 31% in knowledge (p=0.01). The results indicated that the fourth-year medical students' knowledge regarding ionizing radiation and radiation protection is inadequate. Additional lectures in radiation protection significantly improved their knowledge of the topic, and correct their current misunderstanding. This study has shown that even with one dedicated lecture, students can learn, and absorb general principles regarding ionizing radiation.

Topical Administration Is a Promising Inoculating Route versus Intramuscular Inoculation for the Nanoparticle-Carried DNA Vaccine to Prevent Corneal Infections.

PubMed

Hu, Kai; Malla, Tejsu; Zhai, Yujia; Dong, Lili; Tang, Ru

2015-01-01

To evaluate the comparative effect of topical versus intramuscular administration of nanoparticle-carried DNA vaccine in preventing corneal herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. Nanoparticle [polyethylenimine (PEI)-Fe3O4]-carried DNA vaccine (PEI-Fe3O4-pRSC-gD-IL-21) or DNA vaccine (pRSC-gD-IL-21) alone were topically versus intramuscularly inoculated into one eye each of mice on days 0, 14 and 28. Three weeks after the final immunization, the specific immune responses and clinical degrees of primary herpes simplex keratitis were evaluated. Topical inoculation of nanoparticle-carried DNA vaccine induced mice to generate similar levels of specific HSV-1-neutralizing antibody, IFN-γ and IL-4 in serum and specific killing (cytotoxicity) and proliferative activities of the splenic lymphocytes, but a significantly higher level of secretory IgA in tears compared to those of intramuscular inoculation. More importantly, the mice inoculated topically showed a significantly decreased herpes simplex keratitis severity than the mice inoculated intramuscularly after HSV-1 challenge on the corneas of the mice. Topical inoculation of nanoparticle-carried DNA vaccine elicits a stronger specific local immune response and more effectively inhibits herpes simplex keratitis as compared to intramuscular inoculation in an HSV-1 ocular challenge mouse model. Thus, topical administration may be a promising inoculating route for the nanoparticle-carried DNA vaccine to prevent corneal infections. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Influence of dopaminergic medication on automatic postural responses and balance impairment in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Bloem, B R; Beckley, D J; van Dijk, J G; Zwinderman, A H; Remler, M P; Roos, R A

1996-09-01

It is still unclear why balance impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) often responds insufficiently to dopaminergic medication. We have studied this issue in 23 patients with idiopathic PD and 24 healthy controls. Our specific purposes were (a) to investigate the contribution of abnormal automatic postural responses to balance impairment in PD and (b) to assess the influence of dopaminergic medication on abnormal automatic postural responses and balance impairment. Standing subjects received 4 degrees "toe-up" rotational perturbations of a supporting forceplate. We bilaterally recorded posturally destabilizing medium latency (ML) responses from the stretched gastrocnemius muscles and functionally corrective long latency (LL) responses from the shortened tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. We also assessed changes in the center of foot pressure (CFP) and the center of gravity (COG). All patients were tested in the "off" and "on" phases. All controls were tested and retested after 1 h. During the off phase, we found enlarged ML amplitudes and diminished LL amplitudes in patients, together with a markedly increased posterior displacement of the COG. The abnormal ML and LL responses were partially responsible for the increased body sway in patients because the initial forward (destabilizing) displacement of the CFP was increased, while the subsequent backward displacement of the CFP (a measure of the corrective braking action of LL responses) was delayed. Abnormal late automatic or possibly more voluntary postural corrections also contributed substantially to the increased body sway. During the on phase, ML amplitudes were reduced in patients but remained increased compared with controls. LL amplitudes no longer differed between both groups due to a modest, possibly dopamine-related increase in patients and a simultaneous decrease in controls. The abnormal CFP displacement was only partially improved by dopaminergic medication. The later postural corrections were not improved at all. Consequently, the increased posterior COG displacement was not ameliorated during the on phase. We conclude that (a) a combination of abnormal automatic and perhaps more voluntary postural corrections contributes to increased body sway in PD and (b) dopaminergic medication fails to improve balance impairment in PD because early automatic postural responses are only partially corrected, while later occurring postural corrections are not improved at all. These electrophysiological results support clinical observations and suggest that nondopaminergic lesions play a significant role in the pathophysiology of postural abnormalities in PD.

Error processing and response inhibition in excessive computer game players: an event-related potential study.

PubMed

Littel, Marianne; van den Berg, Ivo; Luijten, Maartje; van Rooij, Antonius J; Keemink, Lianne; Franken, Ingmar H A

2012-09-01

Excessive computer gaming has recently been proposed as a possible pathological illness. However, research on this topic is still in its infancy and underlying neurobiological mechanisms have not yet been identified. The determination of underlying mechanisms of excessive gaming might be useful for the identification of those at risk, a better understanding of the behavior and the development of interventions. Excessive gaming has been often compared with pathological gambling and substance use disorder. Both disorders are characterized by high levels of impulsivity, which incorporates deficits in error processing and response inhibition. The present study aimed to investigate error processing and response inhibition in excessive gamers and controls using a Go/NoGo paradigm combined with event-related potential recordings. Results indicated that excessive gamers show reduced error-related negativity amplitudes in response to incorrect trials relative to correct trials, implying poor error processing in this population. Furthermore, excessive gamers display higher levels of self-reported impulsivity as well as more impulsive responding as reflected by less behavioral inhibition on the Go/NoGo task. The present study indicates that excessive gaming partly parallels impulse control and substance use disorders regarding impulsivity measured on the self-reported, behavioral and electrophysiological level. Although the present study does not allow drawing firm conclusions on causality, it might be that trait impulsivity, poor error processing and diminished behavioral response inhibition underlie the excessive gaming patterns observed in certain individuals. They might be less sensitive to negative consequences of gaming and therefore continue their behavior despite adverse consequences. © 2012 The Authors, Addiction Biology © 2012 Society for the Study of Addiction.

A study of topics for distance education-A survey of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ratz, Joan M.; Schuster, Rudy M.; Marcy, Ann H.

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify training topics and distance education technologies preferred by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees. This study was conducted on behalf of the National Conservation Training Center to support their distance education strategy planning and implementation. When selecting survey recipients, we focused on employees in positions involving conservation and environmental education and outreach programming. We conducted the study in two phases. First, we surveyed 72 employees to identify useful training topics. The response rate was 61 percent; respondents were from all regions and included supervisors and nonsupervisors. Five topics for training were identified: creating and maintaining partnerships (partnerships), technology, program planning and development (program planning), outreach methods to engage the community (outreach methods), and evaluation methods. In the second phase, we surveyed 1,488 employees to assess preferences for training among the five topics identified in the first survey and preferences among six distance education technologies: satellite television, video conferencing, audio conferencing, computer mediated training, written resources, and audio resources. Two types of instructor-led training were included on the survey to compare to the technology options. Respondents were asked what types of information, such as basic facts or problem solving skills, were needed for each of the five topics. The adjusted response rate was 64 percent; respondents were from all regions and included supervisors and nonsupervisors. The results indicated clear preferences among respondents for certain training topics and technologies. All five training topics were valued, but the topics of partnerships and technology were given equal value and were valued more than the other three topics. Respondents indicated a desire for training on the topics of partnerships, technology, program planning, and outreach methods. For the six distance education technologies, respondents indicated different levels of usability and access. Audio conferencing and written resources were reported to be most usable and accessible. The ratings of technology usability/access differed according to region; respondents in region 9 rated most technologies higher on usability/access. Respondents indicated they would take courses through either onsite or distance education approaches, but they prefer onsite training for most topics and most types of information.

Basic elements of ground-water hydrology with reference to North Carolina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Heath, Ralph Carr

1980-01-01

This report was prepared as an aid to developing a better understanding of the groundwater resources of North Carolina. It consists of 46 essays grouped into five parts. The topics covered by these essays range from the most basic aspects of ground-water hydrology to the identification and correction of problems that affect the operation of supply wells. The essays were designed both for self study and for use in workshops on ground-water hydrology and the development and operation of ground-water supplies. From the standpoint of self study, it is assumed that the reader does not have any prior knowledge of geology or ground-water hydrology. Those readers with such knowledge can simply skip those topics with which they are already familar. (USGS)

Some direct and generalized effects of replacing an autistic man's echolalia with correct responses to questions.

PubMed

McMorrow, M J; Foxx, R M

1986-01-01

We extended the use of operant procedures to decrease immediate echolalia and increase the appropriate responding to questions of a 21-year-old autistic man. Three experiments were conducted in which the overall plan was to encourage the subject to remain quiet before, during, and after the presentation of questions and teach him to use environmental cues (i.e., word cards or a model's responses) to increase the likelihood of responding correctly. Multiple baseline designs demonstrated that echolalia was rapidly replaced with correct stimulus-specific responses. In addition, there were a variety of generalized improvements in the subject's verbal responses to questions. The procedures and results are contrasted to previous research in an attempt to explain the encouraging findings.

Homemaker/Home Health Aide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Missouri Univ., Columbia. Instructional Materials Lab.

This curriculum guide provides materials for a five-unit home health aide course. Each unit contains 4 to 36 lesson plans. Unit topics and representative lesson plan topics are as follows: (1) introduction (ethical and legal responsibilities, time management, reporting and recording); (2) communication (techniques, meeting the public, therapeutic…

Citizenship, Diversity and Distance Learning: Videoconferencing in Connecticut.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sembor, Edward C.

1997-01-01

Profiles a videoconference that brought together two seventh-grade classes in Connecticut. Over several days, white, middle-class, rural students discussed topical issues with urban black students. Topics raised included diversity, politics, gun control and local issues. Includes students' responses to the program. (MJP)

9 CFR 417.3 - Corrective actions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Corrective actions. 417.3 Section 417... ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINT (HACCP) SYSTEMS § 417.3 Corrective actions. (a) The written HACCP plan shall identify the corrective action to be followed in response to a deviation from a critical limit...

Is the topic of malnutrition in older adults addressed in the European nursing curricula? A MaNuEL study.

PubMed

Eglseer, Doris; Halfens, Ruud J G; Schüssler, Sandra; Visser, Marjolein; Volkert, Dorothee; Lohrmann, Christa

2018-05-26

The lack of sufficient knowledge of health care professionals is one main barrier to implementing adequate nutritional interventions. Until now, it is not known to which extent European nurses are exposed to the topic of malnutrition in older adults during their education. To determine whether formal nursing degree programs in Europe address the topic of nutrition and, specifically, malnutrition in older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online-survey. The online-survey link was e-mailed to 926 nursing education institutions in 31 European countries. This study was conducted as part of the Healthy Diet for Healthy Life Joint Programming Initiative, Malnutrition in the Elderly Knowledge Hub (MaNuEL) project. Descriptive analyses were performed using SPSS. Associations were calculated using the chi-square tests and Fisher's exact test. The response rate of our survey was 14.2% (131 institutions). Of these, 113 (86.3%) addressed the topic of nutrition in their educational programs, and 73.7% addressed the topic of malnutrition in older adults. Malnutrition screening (70.8%), causes (67.2%) and consequences (68.7%) of malnutrition were frequently-addressed topics of content. Topics that were rarely addressed included nutritional support in intensive care units (ICU) (23.7%), cooperation in multidisciplinary nutrition teams (28.2%), dietary counselling (32.1%) and the responsibilities of various professions in nutritional support (35.1%). The topic of malnutrition in older adults is taught by nurses in 52.7%, by dietitians in 23.7%, by nutritional scientists in 18.3%, and physicians in 19.8% of the institutions. The topics of malnutrition and malnutrition screening are currently not included in the content of nutrition courses taught at nearly 30% of the European educational institutions for nurses. Nursing educators urgently need to improve curriculum content with respect to the topic of malnutrition in older adults to enable nurses to provide high-quality nutritional care of older persons. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

What's all the talk about? Topic modelling in a mental health Internet support group.

PubMed

Carron-Arthur, Bradley; Reynolds, Julia; Bennett, Kylie; Bennett, Anthony; Griffiths, Kathleen M

2016-10-28

The majority of content in an Internet Support Group (ISG) is contributed by 1 % of the users ('super users'). Computational methods, such as topic modelling, can provide a large-scale quantitative objective description of this content. Such methods may provide a new perspective on the nature of engagement on ISGs including the role of super users and their possible effect on other users. A topic model was computed for all posts (N = 131,004) in the ISG BlueBoard using Latent Dirichlet Allocation. A model containing 25 topics was selected on the basis of intelligibility as determined by diagnostic metrics and qualitative investigation. This model yielded 21 substantive topics for further analysis. Two chi-square tests were conducted separately for each topic to ascertain: (i) if the odds of super users' and other users' posting differed for each topic; and (ii) if for super users the odds of posting differed depending on whether the response was to a super user or to another user. The 21 substantive topics covered a range of issues related to mental health and peer-support. There were significantly higher odds that super users wrote content on 13 topics, with the greatest effects being for Parenting Role (OR [95%CI] = 7.97 [7.85-8.10]), Co-created Fiction (4.22 [4.17-4.27]), Mental Illness (3.13 [3.11-3.16]) and Positive Change (2.82 [2.79-2.84]). There were significantly lower odds for super users on 7 topics, with the greatest effects being for the topics Depression (OR = 0.27 [0.27-0.28]), Medication (0.36 [0.36-0.37]), Therapy (0.55 [0.54-0.55]) and Anxiety (0.55 [0.55-0.55]). However, super users were significantly more likely to write content on 5 out of these 7 topics when responding to other users than when responding to fellow super users. The findings suggest that super users serve the role of emotionally supportive companions with a focus on topics broadly resembling the consumer/carer model of recovery. Other users engage in topics with a greater focus on experiential knowledge, disclosure and informational support, a pattern resembling the clinical symptom-focussed approach to recovery. However, super users modify their content in response to other users in a manner consistent with being 'active help providers'.

Active self-correction of spinal posture in pain-free women in response to the command "straighten your back".

PubMed

Barczyk-Pawelec, Katarzyna; Sipko, Tomasz

2017-10-01

Evidence is limited regarding the regional changes in spinal posture after self-correction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether active self-correction improved standing and sitting spinal posture. Photogrammetry was used to assess regional spinal curvatures and vertical global spine orientation (GSO) in 42 asymptotic women aged 20-24 years. Upper thoracic spine angle and GSO increased in response to self-correction, while the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral angles decreased. Self-correction in the standing position resulted in decreased inclination of the upper thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal angles. Correction of sitting posture reduced the angle of the upper thoracic spine and GSO. The effects of active self-correction on spinal curvature and GSO were different for the standing versus sitting position; the greatest effects of active correction were noted in the thoracic spine. Balanced and lordotic postures were most prevalent in the habitual and actively self-corrected standing positions, whereas the kyphotic posture was most prevalent in the habitual sitting position, indicative that self-correction back posture in the standing position could be an important health-related daily activity, especially during prolonged sitting.

Correct acceptance weighs more than correct rejection: a decision bias induced by question framing.

PubMed

Kareev, Yaakov; Trope, Yaacov

2011-02-01

We propose that in attempting to detect whether an effect exists or not, people set their decision criterion so as to increase the number of hits and decrease the number of misses, at the cost of increasing false alarms and decreasing correct rejections. As a result, we argue, if one of two complementary events is framed as the positive response to a question and the other as the negative response, people will tend to predict the former more often than the latter. Performance in a prediction task with symmetric payoffs and equal base rates supported our proposal. Positive responses were indeed more prevalent than negative responses, irrespective of the phrasing of the question. The bias, slight but consistent and significant, was evident from early in a session and then remained unchanged to the end. A regression analysis revealed that, in addition, individuals' decision criteria reflected their learning experiences, with the weight of hits being greater than that of correct rejections.

"None of the above" as a correct and incorrect alternative on a multiple-choice test: implications for the testing effect.

PubMed

Odegard, Timothy N; Koen, Joshua D

2007-11-01

Both positive and negative testing effects have been demonstrated with a variety of materials and paradigms (Roediger & Karpicke, 2006b). The present series of experiments replicate and extend the research of Roediger and Marsh (2005) with the addition of a "none-of-the-above" response option. Participants (n=32 in both experiments) read a set of passages, took an initial multiple-choice test, completed a filler task, and then completed a final cued-recall test (Experiment 1) or multiple-choice test (Experiment 2). Questions were manipulated on the initial multiple-choice test by adding a "none-of-the-above" response alternative (choice "E") that was incorrect ("E" Incorrect) or correct ("E" Correct). The results from both experiments demonstrated that the positive testing effect was negated when the "none-of-the-above" alternative was the correct response on the initial multiple-choice test, but was still present when the "none-of-the-above" alternative was an incorrect response.

Medical education and informal teaching by nurses and midwives

PubMed Central

Huntington, Annette; Bogossian, Fiona; Leadbitter, Bernadette; Turner, Catherine

2014-01-01

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of nurses and midwives to the education of medical colleagues in the clinical context. Methods The research design was a cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire. A subsample of 2906 respondents, from a total of 4763 nurses and midwives participating in a web-based study, had taught doctors in the 12 months prior to the survey. The questionnaire generated mainly categorical data analysed with descriptive statistics. Results In the group of respondents who taught doctors (n =2906), most provided informal teaching (92.9%, n=2677). Nearly a quarter (23.9%, n=695) self-rated the amount of time spent teaching as at least moderate in duration. The most common named teaching topics were documentation (74.8%, n=2005) and implementing unit procedures (74.3, n=1987), followed by medication charting (61.9%, n=1657) and choosing correct medications (55.8%, n=1493). Respondents felt their contributions were unrecognised by the doctors and students they taught (43.9%, n=1256). Conclusions Educational contributions while unrecognised could be considered positively by the respondents. However, discussion of teaching responsibilities is necessary to support the development of teaching protocols and supervision responsibilities as respondents reported teaching clinical medical tasks related to medications, consent and other skills within the medical domain. Study limitations include the nature of self-reported responses which cannot be validated and data drawn from a survey concluded in 2009. PMID:25341227

Induction log responses to layered, dipping, and anisotropic formations: Induction log shoulder-bed corrections to anisotropic formations and the effect of shale anisotropy in thinly laminated sand/shale sequences

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

Hagiwara, Teruhiko

1996-12-31

Induction log responses to layered, dipping, and anisotropic formations are examined analytically. The analytical model is especially helpful in understanding induction log responses to thinly laminated binary formations, such as sand/shale sequences, that exhibit macroscopically anisotropic: resistivity. Two applications of the analytical model are discussed. In one application we examine special induction log shoulder-bed corrections for use when thin anisotropic beds are encountered. It is known that thinly laminated sand/shale sequences act as macroscopically anisotropic: formations. Hydrocarbon-bearing formations also act as macroscopically anisotropic formations when they consist of alternating layers of different grain-size distributions. When such formations are thick, inductionmore » logs accurately read the macroscopic conductivity, from which the hydrocarbon saturation in the formations can be computed. When the laminated formations are not thick, proper shoulder-bed corrections (or thin-bed corrections) should be applied to obtain the true macroscopic formation conductivity and to estimate the hydrocarbon saturation more accurately. The analytical model is used to calculate the thin-bed effect and to evaluate the shoulder-bed corrections. We will show that the formation resistivity and hence the hydrocarbon saturation are greatly overestimated when the anisotropy effect is not accounted for and conventional shoulder-bed corrections are applied to the log responses from such laminated formations.« less

Acute effects of Dry Immersion on kinematic characteristics of postural corrective responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sayenko, D. G.; Miller, T. F.; Melnik, K. A.; Netreba, A. I.; Khusnutdinova, D. R.; Kitov, V. V.; Tomilovskaya, E. S.; Reschke, M. F.; Gerasimenko, Y. P.; Kozlovskaya, I. B.

2016-04-01

Impairments in balance control are inevitable following exposure to microgravity. However, the role of particular sensory system in postural disorders at different stages of the exposure to microgravity still remains unknown. We used a method called Dry Immersion (DI), as a ground-based model of microgravity, to elucidate the effects of 6-h of load-related afferent inputs on kinematic characteristics of postural corrective responses evoked by pushes to the chest of different intensities during upright standing. The structure of postural corrective responses was altered following exposure to DI, which was manifested by: (1) an increase of the ankle and knee flexion during perturbations of medium intensity, (2) the lack of the compensatory hip extension, as well as diminished knee and ankle flexion with a further increase of the perturbation intensity to submaximal level. We suggest that the lack of weight-bearing increases the reactivity of the balance control system, whereas the ability to scale the responses proportionally to the perturbation intensity decreases. Disrupted neuromuscular coordination of postural corrective responses following DI can be attributed to adaptive neural modifications on the spinal and cortical levels. The present study provides evidence that even a short-term lack of load-related afferent inputs alters kinematic patterns of postural corrective responses, and can result in decreased balance control. Because vestibular input is not primarily affected during the DI exposure, our results indicate that activity and the state of the load-related afferents play critical roles in balance control following real or simulated microgravity.

'SOSORT consensus paper on brace action: TLSO biomechanics of correction (investigating the rationale for force vector selection)'

PubMed Central

Rigo, M; Negrini, S; Weiss, HR; Grivas, TB; Maruyama, T; Kotwicki, T

2006-01-01

Background The effectiveness of orthotic treatment continues to be controversial in international medical literature due to differences in the reported results and conclusions of various studies. Heterogeneity of the samples has been suggested as a reason for conflicting results. Besides the obvious theoretical differences between the brace concepts, the variability in the technical factors can also explain the contradictory results between same brace types. This paper will investigate the degree of variability among responses of scoliosis specialists from the Brace Study Ground of the International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment SOSORT. Ultimately, this information could be a foundation for establishing a consensus and framework for future prospective controlled studies. Methods A preliminary questionnaire on the topic of 'brace action' relative to the theory of three-dimensional scoliosis correction and brace treatment was developed and circulated to specialists interested in the conservative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A particular case was presented (main thoracic curve with minor lumbar). Several key points emerged and were used to develop a second questionnaire which was discussed and full filed after the SOSORT consensus meeting (Milano, Italy, January 2005). Results Twenty-one questionnaires were completed. The Chêneau brace was the most frequently recommended. The importance of the three point system mechanism was stressed. Options about proper pad placement on the thoracic convexity were divided 50% for the pad reaching or involving the apical vertebra and 50% for the pad acting caudal to the apical vertebra. There was agreement about the direction of the vector force, 85% selecting a 'dorso lateral to ventro medial' direction but about the shape of the pad to produce such a force. Principles related to three-dimensional correction achieved high consensus (80%–85%), but suggested methods of correction were quite diverse. Conclusion This study reveals that among participating SOSORT specialists there continues to be a strongly held and conflicting if not a contentious opinion regarding brace design and treatment. If the goal of a 'treatment consensus' is realistic and achievable, significantly more effort will be required to reconcile these differences. PMID:16857045

Quality Control of The Norwegian Uv Monitoring Network.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnsen, B.; Mikkelborg, O.; Dahlback, A.; Høiskar, B. A.; Kylling, A.; Edvardsen, K.; Olseth, J. A.; Kjeldstad, B.; Ørbæk, J. B.

A Norwegian UV-monitoring network of GUV multiband radiometers has been operating at locations between 59°N to 79°N since 1995-96. The purpose of the network is to obtain data of high scientific quality, to be used in further assessments related to health- and environmental issues. Maintenance of measurement quality is given priority. Spectral response functions, crucial for calibrations, have been obtained for each instrument. Calibrations are traceable to the Nordic intercomparison of UV radiometers held in Sweden in June 2000. Instruments are inspected daily or weekly. Once a year the instruments are compared to travelling standards operating side by side to the local network radiometers. This enables determination of the longterm drift in instrument responses. For the six years period of operation, the steadiest instrument performed stable within +/-3%, whereas the least steady had a response drop by 23%. Comparisons with a true cosine performing spectroradiometer demonstrate close agreement (+/- 2%) for solar zenith angles less than 80°. Good cosine performance, high spectral sensitivity and weatherproof design demonstrate that the GUV radiometers are particularly suitable for UV monitoring at high latitudes. Complete records of corrected daily CIE-effective doses and online measurements are presented on http://uvnett.nrpa.no/. Gaps in measurement series have been corrected for with a clear sky radiative transfer model and hourly UV sky transmittances estimated from pyranometer data. Measurement data and information about the monitoring network may be found by visiting websites at respectively NRPA, NILU and The University of Oslo; http://www.nrpa.no, http://www.nilu.no/uv, http://www.fys.uio.no/plasma/ozone/. At this stage the quality of the network has reached a satisfactory level and it is possible to move on using UV data in further assessments. Trend analyses and UV forecasting are topics for future work. The network is supported by the ministries of Health and Environment and is administered by The Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority and The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority, the latter through The Norwegian Institute for Air Research.

Towards Interactive Construction of Topical Hierarchy: A Recursive Tensor Decomposition Approach

PubMed Central

Wang, Chi; Liu, Xueqing; Song, Yanglei; Han, Jiawei

2015-01-01

Automatic construction of user-desired topical hierarchies over large volumes of text data is a highly desirable but challenging task. This study proposes to give users freedom to construct topical hierarchies via interactive operations such as expanding a branch and merging several branches. Existing hierarchical topic modeling techniques are inadequate for this purpose because (1) they cannot consistently preserve the topics when the hierarchy structure is modified; and (2) the slow inference prevents swift response to user requests. In this study, we propose a novel method, called STROD, that allows efficient and consistent modification of topic hierarchies, based on a recursive generative model and a scalable tensor decomposition inference algorithm with theoretical performance guarantee. Empirical evaluation shows that STROD reduces the runtime of construction by several orders of magnitude, while generating consistent and quality hierarchies. PMID:26705505

Towards Interactive Construction of Topical Hierarchy: A Recursive Tensor Decomposition Approach.

PubMed

Wang, Chi; Liu, Xueqing; Song, Yanglei; Han, Jiawei

2015-08-01

Automatic construction of user-desired topical hierarchies over large volumes of text data is a highly desirable but challenging task. This study proposes to give users freedom to construct topical hierarchies via interactive operations such as expanding a branch and merging several branches. Existing hierarchical topic modeling techniques are inadequate for this purpose because (1) they cannot consistently preserve the topics when the hierarchy structure is modified; and (2) the slow inference prevents swift response to user requests. In this study, we propose a novel method, called STROD, that allows efficient and consistent modification of topic hierarchies, based on a recursive generative model and a scalable tensor decomposition inference algorithm with theoretical performance guarantee. Empirical evaluation shows that STROD reduces the runtime of construction by several orders of magnitude, while generating consistent and quality hierarchies.

Rights & Responsibilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Online-Offline, 2000

2000-01-01

This theme issue guides teachers and students to annotated listings of Web sites, CD-ROMs and computer software, videos, books, and additional resources that deal with topics related to rights and responsibilities. Sidebar features discuss animal rights, handling money responsibly, and taking responsibility for the environment. (Contains Three…

Efficacy of Error for the Correction of Initially Incorrect Assumptions and of Feedback for the Affirmation of Correct Responding: Learning in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brosvic, Gary M.; Epstein, Michael L.; Cook, Michael J.; Dihoff, Roberta E.

2005-01-01

Participants completed 5 classroom examinations during which the timing of knowledge of results (no feedback: Scantron form; delayed feedback: end-of-test, 24 hour delay; immediate feedback: educator, response form) and iterative responding (1 response, up to 4 responses) were manipulated. At the end of the semester, each participant completed a…

Using popular films to enhance classroom learning: the good, the bad, and the interesting.

PubMed

Butler, Andrew C; Zaromb, Franklin M; Lyle, Keith B; Roediger, Henry L

2009-09-01

Popular history films sometimes contain major historical inaccuracies. Two experiments investigated how watching such films influences people's ability to remember associated texts. Subjects watched film clips and studied texts about various historical topics. Whereas the texts contained only correct information, the film clips contained both correct information (consistent with the text) and misinformation (contradicted by the text). Before watching each clip, subjects received a specific warning, a general warning, or no warning about the misinformation. One week later, they returned for a cued-recall test about the texts. Watching a film clip increased correct recall of consistent information relative to recall of the same information when subjects did not see the clip. However, when the information in the film contradicted the text, subjects often (falsely) recalled misinformation from the film. The specific warning substantially reduced this misinformation effect. Teachers should use popular history films with caution and should warn students about major inaccuracies in the films.

Certify for success: A methodology for human-centered certification of advanced aviation systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Small, Ronald L.; Rouse, William B.

1994-01-01

This position paper uses the methodology in Design for Success as a basis for a human factors certification program. The Design for Success (DFS) methodology espouses a multi-step process to designing and developing systems in a human-centered fashion. These steps are as follows: (1) naturalizing - understand stakeholders and their concerns; (2) marketing - understand market-oriented alternatives to meeting stakeholder concerns; (3) engineering - detailed design and development of the system considering tradeoffs between technology, cost, schedule, certification requirements, etc.; (4) system evaluation - determining if the system meets its goal(s); and (5) sales and service - delivering and maintaining the system. Because the main topic of this paper is certification, we will focus our attention on step 4, System Evaluation, since it is the natural precursor to certification. Evaluation involves testing the system and its parts for their correct behaviors. Certification focuses not only on ensuring that the system exhibits the correct behaviors, but ONLY the correct behaviors.

High power phased array prototype for clinical high intensity focused ultrasound : applications to transcostal and transcranial therapy.

PubMed

Pernot, M; Aubry, J -F; Tanter, M; Marquet, F; Montaldo, G; Boch, A -L; Kujas, M; Seilhean, D; Fink, M

2007-01-01

Bursts of focused ultrasound energy three orders of magnitude more intense than diagnostic ultrasound became during the last decade a noninvasive option for treating cancer from breast to prostate or uterine fibroid. However, many challenges remain to be addressed. First, the corrections of distortions induced on the ultrasonic therapy beam during its propagation through defocusing obstacles like skull bone or ribs remain today a technological performance that still need to be validated clinically. Secondly, the problem of motion artifacts particularly important for the treatment of abdominal parts becomes today an important research topic. Finally, the problem of the treatment monitoring is a wide subject of interest in the growing HIFU community. For all these issues, the potential of new ultrasonic therapy devices able to work both in Transmit and Receive modes will be emphasized. A review of the work under achievement at L.O.A. using this new generation of HIFU prototypes on the monitoring, motion correction and aberrations corrections will be presented.

Underground Test Area Fiscal Year 2014 Annual Quality Assurance Report Nevada National Security Site, Nevada, Revision 0

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

Krenzien, Susan

2015-01-01

This report is required by the Underground Test Area (UGTA) Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) and identifies the UGTA quality assurance (QA) activities from October 1, 2013, through September 30, 2014 (fiscal year [FY] 2014). All UGTA organizations—U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office (NNSA/NFO); Desert Research Institute (DRI); Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL); Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL); National Security Technologies, LLC (NSTec); Navarro-Intera, LLC (N-I); and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)—conducted QA activities in FY 2014. The activities included conducting oversight assessments for QAP compliance, identifying findings and completing corrective actions, evaluating laboratory performance,more » and publishing documents. UGTA Activity participants conducted 25 assessments on topics including safe operations, QAP compliance, activity planning, and sampling. These assessments are summarized in Section 2.0. Corrective actions tracked in FY 2014 are presented in Appendix A. Laboratory performance was evaluated based on three approaches: (1) established performance evaluation programs (PEPs), (2) interlaboratory comparisons, or (3) data review. The results of the laboratory performance evaluations, and interlaboratory comparison results are summarized in Section 4.0. The UGTA Activity published three public documents and a variety of other publications in FY 2014. The titles, dates, and main authors are identified in Section 5.0. The Contract Managers, Corrective Action Unit (CAU) Leads, Preemptive Review (PER) Committee members, and Topical Committee members are listed by name and organization in Section 6.0. Other activities that affected UGTA quality are discussed in Section 7.0. Section 8.0 provides the FY 2014 UGTA QA program conclusions, and Section 9.0 lists the references not identified in Section 5.0.« less

The Use of Three Dimensional Printed Interactive Models and a Digital Anatomy Case Study to Improve Medical Student Understanding of Pelvic and Perineal Anatomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solis, Laura de Jesus

The anatomy of the pelvis and perineum is especially complex for novice students. In the Language of Medicine Module (Gross Anatomy and Embryology), medical students are expected to learn a high volume of material in a short time. The study of these regions is especially challenging due to the limited visibility of structures and difficulty of dissection. Understanding of the spatial relationships of the pelvic and perineal structures is important to acquire the foundational knowledge for future clinical application. Traditional methods such as dissection, prosected specimens, peer teaching, and radiological images are used at UT Health San Antonio to teach these regions. Emerging three dimensional technologies applied in computer based models and printed physical models serve as alternative ways to teach Anatomy. This study examines the effectiveness of adding two active learning methods that use these technologies to teach the anatomy of the pelvis and perineum in the Language of Medicine module, as assessed by exam performance and a satisfaction survey. The learning methods included female pelvic and perineal printed models with simulated anatomical contents made with arts and crafts material, and a digital anatomy case study using BodyVizRTM. In 2016, 220 medical students in four groups (A-D) rotated between demonstrations on prosected cadavers and interactive sessions with each 3D learning tool. Student exam performance was assessed as the percentage of points obtained on select written and practical exam questions relevant to the anatomy of the pelvis and perineum. Across four years, practical exam performance for all relevant pelvic and perineal tags (structures tagged with a string or pin) shows a consistent decline of averages from 2013 (83%) to 2015 (75.7%). This decline was slightly reversed in 2016 (76.6%) following the integration of the 3D learning tools. The analysis of the obturator internus muscle tag, a tag included in the practical exams across all four years, shows the highest average in 2016 and a significantly higher percentage of students that correctly identified it (p<0.0001). Student performance on the written exam varied depending on the topic of the question. The question topic related to the anatomy of the pelvic wall was correctly answered by most students in all four years, as compared to other three relevant topics examined (p = 0.0027). In 2016, students were more competent on the topics of the anatomy of the pelvic wall (90%) and on the injury to the pudendal nerve (71.1%) as compared to other questions. The impact of the order of rotation through the interactive sessions reveals that students, who explored the model before the case study with BodyViz RTM, but after having attended the lab demonstrations obtained the highest average of 77.1% in pelvic and perineal tags. No significant difference in average score is observed among four groups with different rotation sequences (p = 0.8606). Additionally, student competence as assessed by perfect scores (100%) or passing grades (≥ 70) on pelvic and perineal tags shows that 81% of these students correctly identified more than 70% of tags, the highest percentage across the four groups. Students completed a survey after the active learning lesson, and their responses show positive feedback for the printed model, the BodyViz RTM case study, and their overall experience. The use of three dimensional technologies in interactive models of the pelvis and the perineum, and a digital case study with BodyVizRTM provided a novel way to combine high tech and low tech learning tools. This study suggests that use of these tools can enhance students' learning of specific pelvic and perineal structures, and results serve as pilot data for future assessments in long term retention of information and its application in clinical practice.

Influence of treatments on prognosis for vulvar lichen sclerosus: facts and controversies.

PubMed

Brodrick, Brooks; Belkin, Zoe R; Goldstein, Andrew T

2013-01-01

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an inflammatory dermatosis with a predilection for the anogential skin. Vulvar LS can be a debilitating disease, causing pruritus and pain, and it carries the potential for atrophy, scarring, and significant functional impairment. Recently, many advances have been made regarding the etiology and natural history of the disease process; however, much debate still exists regarding the most advantageous medical and surgical management of this disorder. In an effort to provide a comprehensive review on current vulvar LS literature, the following three controversies will be discussed: (1) optimal disease treatment, (2) theories behind LS's oncogenicity and treatments for minimizing malignancy, and (3) the value of surgical treatment for LS. Ultra-potent topical corticosteroids (TCSs) are the first-line treatment for vulvar LS, while topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) remain second-line agents for patients for whom TCS treatment resulted in incomplete resolution of symptoms or adverse events. Due to the relapsing nature of the disease, long-term maintenance therapy is often required. In addition, recent advances have contributed to the understanding of the association between LS and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). While the exact mechanism responsible for LS-associated SCC is not known, immune dysregulation and inflammation may play an important role; therefore, successful treatment of LS should be directed towards alleviation of symptoms and reversal of the underlying histopathologic changes. Patients with LS-associated malignancy, as well as patients who need correction of functionally restrictive, scarring processes, can successfully undergo surgical intervention with tissue conservation. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pediatricians’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Child Passenger Safety

PubMed Central

Zonfrillo, Mark R.; Sauber-Schatz, Erin K.; Hoffman, Benjamin D.; Durbin, Dennis R.

2014-01-01

Objective To evaluate pediatricians’ self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and dissemination practices regarding the new American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) child passenger safety (CPS) policy recommendations. Study design A cross-sectional survey was distributed to pediatric primary care physicians via AAP e-mail distribution lists. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to current AAP CPS recommendations and the revised policy statement were ascertained. Results There were 718 respondents from 3497 physicians with active e-mail addresses, resulting in a 20.5% response rate, of which 533 were eligible based on the initial survey question. All 6 CPS knowledge and scenario-based items were answered correctly by 52.9% of the sample; these respondents were identified as the “high knowledge” group. Pediatricians with high knowledge were more likely to be female (P < .001), to have completed a pediatrics residency (vs medicine-pediatrics) (P = .03), and have a child between 4 and 7 years of age (P = .001). CPS information was distributed more frequently at routine health visits for patients 0-2 years of age vs those 4-12 years of age. Those with high knowledge were less likely to report several specific barriers to dissemination of CPS information, more likely to allot adequate time and discuss CPS with parents, and had greater confidence for topics related to all CPS topics. Conclusions Although CPS knowledge is generally high among respondents, gaps in knowledge still exist. Knowledge is associated with attitudes, practices, barriers, and facilitators of CPS guideline dissemination. These results identify opportunities to increase knowledge and implement strategies to routinely disseminate CPS information in the primary care setting. PMID:25195160

Optimized algorithm for the spatial nonuniformity correction of an imaging system based on a charge-coupled device color camera.

PubMed

de Lasarte, Marta; Pujol, Jaume; Arjona, Montserrat; Vilaseca, Meritxell

2007-01-10

We present an optimized linear algorithm for the spatial nonuniformity correction of a CCD color camera's imaging system and the experimental methodology developed for its implementation. We assess the influence of the algorithm's variables on the quality of the correction, that is, the dark image, the base correction image, and the reference level, and the range of application of the correction using a uniform radiance field provided by an integrator cube. The best spatial nonuniformity correction is achieved by having a nonzero dark image, by using an image with a mean digital level placed in the linear response range of the camera as the base correction image and taking the mean digital level of the image as the reference digital level. The response of the CCD color camera's imaging system to the uniform radiance field shows a high level of spatial uniformity after the optimized algorithm has been applied, which also allows us to achieve a high-quality spatial nonuniformity correction of captured images under different exposure conditions.

[Work with visual demands. Assumption of responsibility for optical correction by the employer].

PubMed

Hermans, G

2004-01-01

Comparison of visual demands of work in a traditional office to those of work in an office equiped with a screen. Description of problems of vision when focusing the eye to various distances and fixing it in various directions. Range of possibilities for optical correction for work with a screen (monofocal, bifocal, progressive or for reading), specifying among the optical corrections those which are exclusively reserved for this activity and should become the employer's responsibility.

Technical Adequacy of Response to Intervention Decisions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VanDerHeyden, Amanda M.

2011-01-01

Perhaps the greatest value of response to intervention (RTI) as a decision framework is that it brings attention to variables (e.g., mastery of prerequisite skills, frequency of instructional corrective feedback, reinforcement schedules for correct responding) that if changed might make a meaningful difference for students (e.g., child rate of…

Mindfulness Meditation as an Adjunct Approach to Treatment within the Correctional System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dafoe, Terra; Stermac, Lana

2013-01-01

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and relapse prevention represent the correctional gold standard in treatment, while the principles of risk, need, and responsivity are widely recognized as essential for reducing recidivism. Addressing responsivity has become difficult as the number of inmates with mental health diagnoses continues to rise,…

Responsible Adult Culture (RAC): Cognitive and Behavioral Changes at a Community-Based Correctional Facility

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Devlin, Renee S.; Gibbs, John C.

2010-01-01

This article examined cognitive and behavioral changes among participants in Responsible Adult Culture (RAC), a cognitive-behavioral (especially, cognitive restructuring) treatment program in use at the Franklin County Community-Based Correctional Facility (CBCF). Participants were adult felony offenders (approximately three-fourths male). A…

Some direct and generalized effects of replacing an autistic man's echolalia with correct responses to questions.

PubMed Central

McMorrow, M J; Foxx, R M

1986-01-01

We extended the use of operant procedures to decrease immediate echolalia and increase the appropriate responding to questions of a 21-year-old autistic man. Three experiments were conducted in which the overall plan was to encourage the subject to remain quiet before, during, and after the presentation of questions and teach him to use environmental cues (i.e., word cards or a model's responses) to increase the likelihood of responding correctly. Multiple baseline designs demonstrated that echolalia was rapidly replaced with correct stimulus-specific responses. In addition, there were a variety of generalized improvements in the subject's verbal responses to questions. The procedures and results are contrasted to previous research in an attempt to explain the encouraging findings. PMID:3771422

Sex Education. Kaleidoscope.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boderick, Carlfred; And Others

This publication attempts to keep a portion of the educational community in touch with current topics and trends. The present focus is on sex education, a topic of growing concern in educational circles. The texts of three addresses are presented, with audience questions and speaker responses. Dr. Carlfred Broderick gives an overview of sex…

Training within the Accounting Firm.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finch, Beth; And Others

1991-01-01

A survey received 509 responses from 2,000 randomly selected accounting employees about which training topics are receiving the most attention and who is receiving the training. Results prove that training has become an integral part of a certified public accountant's job; topics most often covered were tax related--individual and corporate income…

78 FR 69097 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-18

... (CRM) system to improve the response to correspondences from individuals seeking information from a... and private sector sources.'' The SalesForce CRM provides a centralized portal to manage frequently... topics. Depending on the topic searched, the CRM queries the database of pre-approved questions and...

Outcomes of a Chemistry Content Professional Learning Session: Teachers' Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rowen, Catherine; Woods-McConney, Amanda; Hughes, Leonie; Laird, Damian

2017-01-01

The national curriculum for chemistry includes topics that have not previously been taught at secondary level. In response to requests for teacher professional learning (PL) covering these topics, a course called "Divide and Analyse" was developed. Investigations into the PL needs of chemistry teachers were carried out in conjunction…

7 CFR 4285.69 - Evaluation and disposition of applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...-State Research on Cooperatives Program § 4285.69 Evaluation and disposition of applications. (a... will be made for responsiveness to the program solicitation (e.g., relationship of proposal to research topic(s) listed in solicitation). Proposals that do not fall within the guidelines as stated in the...

7 CFR 4285.69 - Evaluation and disposition of applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...-State Research on Cooperatives Program § 4285.69 Evaluation and disposition of applications. (a... will be made for responsiveness to the program solicitation (e.g., relationship of proposal to research topic(s) listed in solicitation). Proposals that do not fall within the guidelines as stated in the...

7 CFR 4285.69 - Evaluation and disposition of applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...-State Research on Cooperatives Program § 4285.69 Evaluation and disposition of applications. (a... will be made for responsiveness to the program solicitation (e.g., relationship of proposal to research topic(s) listed in solicitation). Proposals that do not fall within the guidelines as stated in the...

7 CFR 4285.69 - Evaluation and disposition of applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...-State Research on Cooperatives Program § 4285.69 Evaluation and disposition of applications. (a... will be made for responsiveness to the program solicitation (e.g., relationship of proposal to research topic(s) listed in solicitation). Proposals that do not fall within the guidelines as stated in the...

7 CFR 4285.69 - Evaluation and disposition of applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...-State Research on Cooperatives Program § 4285.69 Evaluation and disposition of applications. (a... will be made for responsiveness to the program solicitation (e.g., relationship of proposal to research topic(s) listed in solicitation). Proposals that do not fall within the guidelines as stated in the...

A Problem-Centered Approach to Canonical Matrix Forms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sylvestre, Jeremy

2014-01-01

This article outlines a problem-centered approach to the topic of canonical matrix forms in a second linear algebra course. In this approach, abstract theory, including such topics as eigenvalues, generalized eigenspaces, invariant subspaces, independent subspaces, nilpotency, and cyclic spaces, is developed in response to the patterns discovered…

The Impact of 3-Option Responses to Multiple-Choice Questions on Guessing Strategies and Cut Score Determinations

PubMed Central

ROYAL, KENNETH D.; STOCKDALE, MYRAH R.

2017-01-01

Introduction: Research has asserted MCQ items using three response options (one correct answer with two distractors) is comparable to, and possibly preferable over, traditional MCQ item formats consisting of four response options (e.g., one correct answer with three distractors), or five response options (e.g., one correct answer with four distractors). Some medical educators have also adopted the practice of using 3-option responses on MCQ exams as a response to the difficulty experienced in generating additional plausible distractors. To date, however, little work has explored how 3-option responses might impact validity threats stemming from random guessing strategies, and what impact 3-option responses might have on cut-score determinations, particularly in the context of medical education classroom assessments. The purpose of this work is to further explore these critically important considerations that largely have gone ignored in the medical education literature to this point. Methods: A cumulative binomial distribution formula was used to calculate the probability that an examinee will answer at random a given number of items correctly on any exam (of any length). By way of a demonstration, a variety of scenarios were presented to illustrate how examination length and the number of response options impact examinees’ chances of passing a given examination, and how subsequent cut-score decisions may be impacted by these factors. Results: As a general rule, classroom assessments containing fewer items should utilize traditional 4-option or 5-option responses, whereas assessments of greater length are afforded greater flexibility in potentially utilizing 3-option responses. Conclusions: More research on items with 3-option responses is needed to better understand what value, if any, 3-option responses truly add to classroom assessments, and in what contexts potential benefits might be discernible. PMID:28367465

The Impact of 3-Option Responses to Multiple-Choice Questions on Guessing Strategies and Cut Score Determinations.

PubMed

Royal, Kenneth D; Stockdale, Myrah R

2017-04-01

Research has asserted MCQ items using three response options (one correct answer with two distractors) is comparable to, and possibly preferable over, traditional MCQ item formats consisting of four response options (e.g., one correct answer with three distractors), or five response options (e.g., one correct answer with four distractors). Some medical educators have also adopted the practice of using 3-option responses on MCQ exams as a response to the difficulty experienced in generating additional plausible distractors. To date, however, little work has explored how 3-option responses might impact validity threats stemming from random guessing strategies, and what impact 3-option responses might have on cut-score determinations, particularly in the context of medical education classroom assessments. The purpose of this work is to further explore these critically important considerations that largely have gone ignored in the medical education literature to this point. A cumulative binomial distribution formula was used to calculate the probability that an examinee will answer at random a given number of items correctly on any exam (of any length). By way of a demonstration, a variety of scenarios were presented to illustrate how examination length and the number of response options impact examinees' chances of passing a given examination, and how subsequent cut-score decisions may be impacted by these factors. As a general rule, classroom assessments containing fewer items should utilize traditional 4-option or 5-option responses, whereas assessments of greater length are afforded greater flexibility in potentially utilizing 3-option responses. More research on items with 3-option responses is needed to better understand what value, if any, 3-option responses truly add to classroom assessments, and in what contexts potential benefits might be discernible.

New Topical Treatment Options for Actinic Keratosis: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Stockfleth, Eggert; Sibbring, Gillian C; Alarcon, Ivette

2016-01-01

This systematic review compared the relative efficacy of 5-fluorouracil 0.5% in salicylic acid 10% (5-FU/SA), ingenol mebutate (IMB) and imiquimod 2.5%/3.75% (IMI) for actinic keratosis on the face, forehead or scalp. Only 11 publications, relating to 7 randomised controlled trials, met inclusion criteria and it was only possible to compare the effect of all 3 treatments on complete clinical clearance, and the effect of 5-FU/SA and IMB on actinic keratosis recurrence rate. Despite a higher vehicle response rate for 5-FU/SA, complete clinical clearance was higher than IMB and IMI (55.4, 42.2, and 25.0-30.6/34.0-35.6%, [corrected] respectively). 5-FU/SA was also associated with lower actinic keratosis recurrence rate than IMB at 12 months post-treatment (32.7 vs. 53.9%). Although qualitative assessment suggested a numerical advantage of 5-FU/SA over IMB and IMI in terms of complete clinical clearance and sustained clearance, clinical data from longer term trials, with comparable outcome measures, are required to corroborate these findings.

Physics is …; The Physicist explores attributes of physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, F. Todd

2016-12-01

He's back! 'The physicist'returns with an entirely new compilation of questions and answers from his long-lived website where laypeople can ask questions about anything physics related. This book focuses on adjectives (practical, beautiful, surprising, cool, frivolous) instead of nouns like the first two books (atoms, photons, quanta, mechanics, relativity). The answers within 'Physics Is' are responses to people looking for answers to fascinating (and often uninformed) questions. It covers topics such as sports, electromagnetism, gravitational theory, special relativity, superheroes, videogames, and science fiction. These books are designed for laypeople and rely heavily on concepts rather than formalism. That said, they keep the physics correct and don't water down, so expert physicists will find this book and its two companion titles fun reads. They may actually recognize similar questions posed to them by friends and family. As with the first two books, 'Physics Is' ends with a chapter with questions from people who think that 'The physicist' is a psychic and from people who think they have the answers to life, the universe and everything.

Triacylglycerol stereospecific analysis and linear discriminant analysis for milk speciation.

PubMed

Blasi, Francesca; Lombardi, Germana; Damiani, Pietro; Simonetti, Maria Stella; Giua, Laura; Cossignani, Lina

2013-05-01

Product authenticity is an important topic in dairy sector. Dairy products sold for public consumption must be accurately labelled in accordance with the contained milk species. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA), a common chemometric procedure, has been applied to fatty acid% composition to classify pure milk samples (cow, ewe, buffalo, donkey, goat). All original grouped cases were correctly classified, while 90% of cross-validated grouped cases were correctly classified. Another objective of this research was the characterisation of cow-ewe milk mixtures in order to reveal a common fraud in dairy field, that is the addition of cow to ewe milk. Stereospecific analysis of triacylglycerols (TAG), a method based on chemical-enzymatic procedures coupled with chromatographic techniques, has been carried out to detect fraudulent milk additions, in particular 1, 3, 5% cow milk added to ewe milk. When only TAG composition data were used for the elaboration, 75% of original grouped cases were correctly classified, while totally correct classified samples were obtained when both total and intrapositional TAG data were used. Also the results of cross validation were better when TAG stereospecific analysis data were considered as LDA variables. In particular, 100% of cross-validated grouped cases were obtained when 5% cow milk mixtures were considered.

Multilevel Atomicity - A New Correctness Criterion for Database Concurrency Control.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-01

Research Office Contract #DAAG29-79-C-0155, Office of Naval Research Contract #N00014.79-C-0873, and Advanced Research PRojecta Agecy of the Department...steps of V. Since the transactions need not be straight-line programs , but can branch in complicated ways. I am forced to describe separately the places...not know whether these specializations provide efficient implementations. This question is a topic for future study. The new programming language

Topic models: A novel method for modeling couple and family text data

PubMed Central

Atkins, David C.; Rubin, Tim N.; Steyvers, Mark; Doeden, Michelle A.; Baucom, Brian R.; Christensen, Andrew

2012-01-01

Couple and family researchers often collect open-ended linguistic data – either through free response questionnaire items or transcripts of interviews or therapy sessions. Because participant's responses are not forced into a set number of categories, text-based data can be very rich and revealing of psychological processes. At the same time it is highly unstructured and challenging to analyze. Within family psychology analyzing text data typically means applying a coding system, which can quantify text data but also has several limitations, including the time needed for coding, difficulties with inter-rater reliability, and defining a priori what should be coded. The current article presents an alternative method for analyzing text data called topic models (Steyvers & Griffiths, 2006), which has not yet been applied within couple and family psychology. Topic models have similarities with factor analysis and cluster analysis in that topic models identify underlying clusters of words with semantic similarities (i.e., the “topics”). In the present article, a non-technical introduction to topic models is provided, highlighting how these models can be used for text exploration and indexing (e.g., quickly locating text passages that share semantic meaning) and how output from topic models can be used to predict behavioral codes or other types of outcomes. Throughout the article a collection of transcripts from a large couple therapy trial (Christensen et al., 2004) is used as example data to highlight potential applications. Practical resources for learning more about topic models and how to apply them are discussed. PMID:22888778

Topic models: a novel method for modeling couple and family text data.

PubMed

Atkins, David C; Rubin, Timothy N; Steyvers, Mark; Doeden, Michelle A; Baucom, Brian R; Christensen, Andrew

2012-10-01

Couple and family researchers often collect open-ended linguistic data-either through free-response questionnaire items, or transcripts of interviews or therapy sessions. Because participants' responses are not forced into a set number of categories, text-based data can be very rich and revealing of psychological processes. At the same time, it is highly unstructured and challenging to analyze. Within family psychology, analyzing text data typically means applying a coding system, which can quantify text data but also has several limitations, including the time needed for coding, difficulties with interrater reliability, and defining a priori what should be coded. The current article presents an alternative method for analyzing text data called topic models (Steyvers & Griffiths, 2006), which has not yet been applied within couple and family psychology. Topic models have similarities to factor analysis and cluster analysis in that they identify underlying clusters of words with semantic similarities (i.e., the "topics"). In the present article, a nontechnical introduction to topic models is provided, highlighting how these models can be used for text exploration and indexing (e.g., quickly locating text passages that share semantic meaning) and how output from topic models can be used to predict behavioral codes or other types of outcomes. Throughout the article, a collection of transcripts from a large couple-therapy trial (Christensen et al., 2004) is used as example data to highlight potential applications. Practical resources for learning more about topic models and how to apply them are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).

Current practice and barriers to the management of sexual issues in rheumatology: results of a survey of health professionals.

PubMed

Helland, Y; Garratt, A; Kjeken, I; Kvien, T K; Dagfinrud, H

2013-01-01

To explore multidisciplinary health professionals' (HPs) management of disease-related sexual issues in patients with rheumatic diseases, including their perceptions and assessments, and identify factors that prevent HPs from addressing sexuality as a topic with patients. A self-constructed questionnaire was sent to 647 nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and psychologists working within rheumatology care. A multivariate logistic regression model of significant determinants for initiating sexual topics with patients was built. The mean age of the responders (n = 274, 42% response rate, 87% female) was 46 years. While 96% considered sexuality a relevant topic in rheumatology care, 71% seldom/never raised the topic. The patient was the main initiator (53%), and 88% of HPs gave the patient responsibility to initiate. The HPs with relevant education in sexuality were significantly more comfortable talking about sexuality (p < 0.001) and raised sexual issues significantly more often (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analyses, higher age [odds ratio (OR) 3.69], having relevant education (OR 3.16), and being comfortable to some extent (OR 3.62) or to a large extent (OR 5.58) remained significant predictors to initiating sexual topics. Although HPs regarded sexuality as a relevant topic in rheumatic health care, they seldom raised the topic in consultations. Those with further education in sexuality addressed sexual issues more frequently and felt more comfortable. Correspondingly, the majority of respondents requested more education. Such training should be part of the basic HPs' education, as well as part of postgraduate courses.

The Greenhouse Effect: Science and Policy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schneider, Stephen H.

1989-01-01

Discusses many of the scientific questions surrounding the greenhouse effect debate and the issue of plausible responses. Discussion includes topics concerning projecting emissions and greenhouse gas concentrations, estimating global climatic response, economic, social, and political impacts, and policy responses. (RT)

Spectral correction factors for conventional neutron dosemeters used in high-energy neutron environments.

PubMed

Lee, K W; Sheu, R J

2015-04-01

High-energy neutrons (>10 MeV) contribute substantially to the dose fraction but result in only a small or negligible response in most conventional moderated-type neutron detectors. Neutron dosemeters used for radiation protection purpose are commonly calibrated with (252)Cf neutron sources and are used in various workplace. A workplace-specific correction factor is suggested. In this study, the effect of the neutron spectrum on the accuracy of dose measurements was investigated. A set of neutron spectra representing various neutron environments was selected to study the dose responses of a series of Bonner spheres, including standard and extended-range spheres. By comparing (252)Cf-calibrated dose responses with reference values based on fluence-to-dose conversion coefficients, this paper presents recommendations for neutron field characterisation and appropriate correction factors for responses of conventional neutron dosemeters used in environments with high-energy neutrons. The correction depends on the estimated percentage of high-energy neutrons in the spectrum or the ratio between the measured responses of two Bonner spheres (the 4P6_8 extended-range sphere versus the 6″ standard sphere). © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Voriconazole for the treatment of refractory Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis

PubMed Central

Mehta, Hitendra B; Garg, Prashant; Kodial, Harish

2008-01-01

We report a case of Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis in a 53-year-old, well-controlled diabetic female who did not respond to standard antifungal treatment. She was started on topical natamycin eye drops, but the infiltrate continued to progress. Topical amphotericin B and systemic ketoconazole was added, however, there was no response and the infiltrate increased further. She was then switched to topical and systemic voriconazole. Steady resolution of the infiltrate was noted within 2 weeks of therapy. PMID:18417831

Impact Processes in the Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahrens, Thomas J.

2004-01-01

The three main topics of this program as described initially in our May 2003 proposal are: 1) Shock-induced damage and attenuation in planetary materials. 2 ) Shock-induced melting and phase changes. 3) Impact-induced volatilization and vapor speciation of planetary materials Topic 4 has been the subject of a continuing investigation since approximately 1990. On Topic 5, we have a paper in preparation and have submitted a proposal to Astrobiology. 4) Responses of planetary atmospheres to giant impact, 5) Effects of impact-induced shock waves on microbial life

The Role of Inhibition in Age-related Off-Topic Verbosity: Not Access but Deletion and Restraint Functions.

PubMed

Yin, Shufei; Peng, Huamao

2016-01-01

The speech of older adults is commonly described as verbose and off-topic, which is thought to influence their social communication. This study investigated the role of inhibition in age-related off-topic verbosity (OTV). Inhibition consists of three functions: access, deletion, and restraint. The access function is responsible for preventing irrelevant information from accessing the attention center (pre-mechanism of inhibition); The deletion function is responsible for deleting previously relevant but currently irrelevant information from working memory, and the restraint function is responsible for restraining strong but inappropriate responses (post-mechanisms of inhibition). A referential communication task was used to determine whether OTV was influenced by the pre-mechanism of inhibition. A self-involved event interview task was used to investigate the effect of the post-mechanisms of inhibition on OTV. Results showed that the OTV of the elderly participants was associated with an age-related decline in the post-mechanisms of inhibition, while the OTV exhibited by young adults was most likely due to deficits in the pre-mechanism function of inhibition. This research contributed to fill gaps in the existing knowledge about the potential relationship between specific functions of inhibition and age-related OTV.

Teacher- or Learner-Centred? Science Teacher Beliefs Related to Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A South African Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mavhunga, Elizabeth; Rollnick, Marissa

2016-12-01

In science education, learner-centred classroom practices are widely accepted as desirable and are associated with responsive and reformed kinds of teacher beliefs. They are further associated with high-quality Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK). Topic-Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TSPCK), a version of PCK defined at topic level, is known to enable the transformation of topic content into a form accessible to learners. However, little is known about teacher science beliefs in relation to TSPCK and therefore the nature of likely associated classroom practices. In this study, we investigated the relationship between TSPCK and underlying science teacher beliefs following an intervention targeting the improvement of TSPCK in the topic chemical equilibrium. Sixteen final year pre-service chemistry teachers were exposed to an intervention that explicitly focussed on knowledge for transforming the content of chemical equilibrium using the five knowledge components of TSPCK. A specially designed TSPCK instrument in chemical equilibrium and the Teacher Belief Instrument (TBI) were used to capture written responses in pre- and post-tests. Additional qualitative data was collected from audio-recorded discussions and written responses from an open-ended question asked before and after the intervention. Two key findings emerged from the study. Firstly, the development of TSPCK was linked to shifts in underlying science teacher beliefs in the direction of learner-centred teaching for the majority of pre-service teachers. Secondly, this shift was not evident for all, as for some there was development of TSPCK without a shift from teacher-centred beliefs about science teaching.

Delays in using chromatic and luminance information to correct rapid reaches.

PubMed

Kane, Adam; Wade, Alex; Ma-Wyatt, Anna

2011-09-07

People can use feedback to make online corrections to movements but only if there is sufficient time to integrate the new information and make the correction. A key variable in this process is therefore the speed at which the new information about the target location is coded. Conduction velocities for chromatic signals are lower than for achromatic signals so it may take longer to correct reaches to chromatic stimuli. In addition to this delay, the sensorimotor system may prefer achromatic information over the chromatic information as delayed information may be less valuable when movements are made under time pressure. A down-weighting of chromatic information may result in additional latencies for chromatically directed reaches. In our study, participants made online corrections to reaches to achromatic, (L-M)-cone, and S-cone stimuli. Our chromatic stimuli were carefully adjusted to minimize stimulation of achromatic pathways, and we equated stimuli both in terms of detection thresholds and also by their estimated neural responses. Similar stimuli were used throughout the subjective adjustments and final reaching experiment. Using this paradigm, we found that responses to achromatic stimuli were only slightly faster than responses to (L-M)-cone and S-cone stimuli. We conclude that the sensorimotor system treats chromatic and achromatic information similarly and that the delayed chromatic responses primarily reflect early conduction delays.

Adjustable small-incision selective tenotomy and plication for correction of incomitant vertical strabismus and torsion

PubMed Central

Chang, Melinda Y.; Pineles, Stacy L.; Velez, Federico G.

2015-01-01

PURPOSE To evaluate the effectiveness of adjustable small-incision selective tenotomy and plication of vertical rectus muscles in correcting vertical strabismus incomitant in horizontal gaze positions and cyclotorsion. METHODS The medical records of all patients who underwent adjustable small-incision selective tenotomy or plication of a vertical rectus muscle for correction of horizontally incomitant vertical strabismus or cyclotorsion by a single surgeon at a single eye institute from July 2013 to September 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Selective tenotomy and plication were performed on either the nasal or temporal side of vertical rectus muscles, based on the direction of cyclotorsion and incomitance of vertical strabismus. RESULTS Of 9 patients identified, 8 (89%) had successful correction of horizontally incomitant vertical strabismus, with postoperative vertical alignment within 4Δ of orthotropia in primary position, lateral gazes, and downgaze. Of the 8 patients with preoperative cyclotorsion, 4 (50%) were successfully corrected, with <5° of cyclotorsion postoperatively. Of the 4 patients in whom cyclotorsion did not improve, 3 had undergone prior strabismus surgery, and 2 had restrictive strabismus. Eight of the 9 patients (89%) reported postoperative resolution of diplopia. CONCLUSIONS Adjustable small-incision selective tenotomy and plication effectively treat horizontally incomitant vertical strabismus. These surgeries may be less effective for correcting cyclotorsion in patients with restriction or prior strabismus surgery. Advantages are that they may be performed in an adjustable manner and, in some cases, under topical anesthesia. PMID:26486021

Assessing Clinical Faculty Understanding of Statistical Terms Used to Measure Treatment Effects and Their Application to Teaching.

PubMed

Hazelton, Lara; Allen, Michael; MacLeod, Tanya; LeBlanc, Constance; Boudreau, Michelle

2016-01-01

Understanding of statistical terms used to measure treatment effect is important for evidence-informed medical teaching and practice. We explored knowledge of these terms among clinical faculty who instruct and mentor a continuum of medical learners to inform medical faculty learning needs. This was a mixed methods study that used a questionnaire to measure a health professional's understanding of measures of treatment effect and a focus group to explore perspectives on learning, applying, and teaching these terms. We analyzed questionnaire data using descriptive statistics and focus group data using thematic analysis. We analyzed responses from clinical faculty who were physicians and completed all sections of the questionnaire (n = 137). Overall, approximately 55% were highly confident in their understanding of statistical terms; self-reported understanding was highest for number needed to treat (77%). Only 26% of respondents correctly responded to all comprehension questions; however, 80% correctly responded to at least one of these questions. There was a significant association among self-reported understanding and ability to correctly calculate terms. A focus group with clinical/medical faculty (n = 4) revealed themes of mentorship, support and resources, and beliefs about the value of statistical literacy. We found that half of clinical faculty members are highly confident in their understanding of relative and absolute terms. Despite the limitations of self-assessment data, our study provides some evidence that self-assessment can be reliable. Recognizing that faculty development is not mandatory for clinical faculty in many centers, and the notion that faculty may benefit from mentorship in critical appraisal topics, it may be appropriate to first engage and support influential clinical faculty rather than using a broad strategy to achieve universal statistical literacy. Second, senior leadership in medical education should support continuous learning by providing paid, protected time for faculty to incorporate evidence in their teaching.

Combat Stress Decreases Memory of Warfighters in Action.

PubMed

Delgado-Moreno, Rosa; Robles-Pérez, José Juan; Clemente-Suárez, Vicente Javier

2017-08-01

The present research aimed to analyze the effect of combat stress in the psychophysiological response and attention and memory of warfighters in a simulated combat situation. Variables of blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood glucose, blood lactate, body temperature, lower body muscular strength manifestation, cortical arousal, autonomic modulation, state anxiety and memory and attention through a postmission questionnaire were analyzed before and after a combat simulation in 20 male professional Spanish Army warfighters. The combat simulation produces a significant increase (p < 0.05) in explosive leg strength, rated perceived exertion, blood glucose, blood lactate, somatic anxiety, heart rate, and low frequency domain of the HRV (LF) and a significant decrease of high frequency domain of the heart rate variability (HF). The percentage of correct response in the postmission questionnaire parameters show that elements more related with a physical integrity threat are the most correctly remembered. There were significant differences in the postmission questionnaire variables when participants were divided by the cortical arousal post: sounds no response, mobile phone correct, mobile phone no response, odours correct. The correlation analysis showed positive correlations: LF post/body temperature post, HF post/correct sound, body temperature post/glucose post, CFFTpre/lactate post, CFFT post/wrong sound, glucose post/AC pre, AC post/wrong fusil, AS post/SC post and SC post/wrong olfactory; and negative correlations: LF post/correct sound, body temperature post/lactate post and glucose post/lactate post. This data suggest that combat stress actives fight-flight system of soldiers. As conclusion, Combat stress produces an increased psychophysiological response that cause a selective decrease of memory, depending on the nature, dangerous or harmless of the objects.

Haemodynamic stability during general anaesthesia for intra-ocular surgery: the effect of topical oxybuprocaine.

PubMed

Lytle, J; Thomas, N F

1992-07-01

Local anaesthesia is frequently used in combination with light general anaesthesia to reduce the reflex responses to surgical stimulation. This combination has not previously been evaluated for intra-ocular surgery. During cataract extraction under general anaesthesia, the effect of topical anaesthesia with oxybuprocaine 0.4% on the pressor response was compared with normal saline in a control group. The simple technique of instilling local anaesthetic drops into the conjunctival sac blocked the pain pathway sufficiently to prevent the pressor response to surgical stimulation (p less than 0.001). Higher inspired concentrations of enflurane were required in the control group to achieve and maintain haemodynamic stability (p less than 0.001).

Students’ mental model in electric current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pramesti, Y. S.; Setyowidodo, I.

2018-05-01

Electricity is one of essential topic in learning physics. This topic was studied in elementary until university level. Although electricity was related to our daily activities, but it doesn’t ensure that students have the correct concept. The aim of this research was to investigate and then categorized the students’ mental model. Subject consisted of 59 students of mechanical engineering that studied Physics for Engineering. This study was used a qualitative approach that used in this research is phenomenology. Data were analyzed qualitatively by using pre-test, post-test, and investigation for discovering further information. Three models were reported, showing a pattern which related to individual way of thinking about electric current. The mental model that was discovered in this research are: 1) electric current as a flow; 2) electric current as a source of energy, 3) electric current as a moving charge.

[Skin aging and evidence-based topical strategies].

PubMed

Bayerl, C

2016-02-01

Anti-aging in dermatology primarily focuses on the prevention of skin aging with UV protection (clothing and sunsceens), free radical scavengers (synthetic or botanic), and cell-protecting agents such as vitamin B3. For the correction of signs of early skin aging, retinoic acid derivatives in dermatological prescriptions are the best studied substances. Topical hormonal prescriptions are also an option if UV damage has not been the leading culprit for aging. Chemical peeling leads to a marked increase in collagen formation, the deaper the better. Ingredients in cream preparations can reduce superficial skin folds (polyphenols, amino acid peptides). Modulators of regular pigmentation are important for anti-aging preparations. Growth factors (plant extracts, recombinant growth factors) are not thoroughly studied regarding the cost-benefit and risk ratio. Complex precedures such as photodynamic therapy have an impact on the appearance of aged skin.

Necrotizing scleritis as a complication of cosmetic eye whitening procedure

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background We report necrotizing scleritis as a serious complication of a cosmetic eye whitening procedure that involves the use of intraoperative and postoperative topical mitomycin C. Findings This is a single case report. A 59-year-old Caucasian male with a history of blepharitis status post uncomplicated LASIK refractive surgery reported chronic conjunctival hyperemia for 15 years prior to undergoing a cosmetic eye whitening procedure. He presented to our clinic 12 months after the cosmetic eye whitening procedure with progressive bilateral necrotizing scleritis and scleral calcification. Conclusions Chronic conjunctival hyperemia may prompt patients to seek surgical correction with cosmetic eye whitening procedures. However, conjunctival hyperemia secondary to tear deficiency and evaporative dry eye may predispose to poor wound healing. Serious complications including necrotizing scleritis may result from cosmetic eye whitening procedures and the use of topical mitomycin C. PMID:23514228

Necrotizing scleritis as a complication of cosmetic eye whitening procedure.

PubMed

Leung, Theresa G; Dunn, James P; Akpek, Esen K; Thorne, Jennifer E

2013-02-22

We report necrotizing scleritis as a serious complication of a cosmetic eye whitening procedure that involves the use of intraoperative and postoperative topical mitomycin C. This is a single case report. A 59-year-old Caucasian male with a history of blepharitis status post uncomplicated LASIK refractive surgery reported chronic conjunctival hyperemia for 15 years prior to undergoing a cosmetic eye whitening procedure. He presented to our clinic 12 months after the cosmetic eye whitening procedure with progressive bilateral necrotizing scleritis and scleral calcification. Chronic conjunctival hyperemia may prompt patients to seek surgical correction with cosmetic eye whitening procedures. However, conjunctival hyperemia secondary to tear deficiency and evaporative dry eye may predispose to poor wound healing. Serious complications including necrotizing scleritis may result from cosmetic eye whitening procedures and the use of topical mitomycin C.

A nonlinear lag correction algorithm for a-Si flat-panel x-ray detectors

PubMed Central

Starman, Jared; Star-Lack, Josh; Virshup, Gary; Shapiro, Edward; Fahrig, Rebecca

2012-01-01

Purpose: Detector lag, or residual signal, in a-Si flat-panel (FP) detectors can cause significant shading artifacts in cone-beam computed tomography reconstructions. To date, most correction models have assumed a linear, time-invariant (LTI) model and correct lag by deconvolution with an impulse response function (IRF). However, the lag correction is sensitive to both the exposure intensity and the technique used for determining the IRF. Even when the LTI correction that produces the minimum error is found, residual artifact remains. A new non-LTI method was developed to take into account the IRF measurement technique and exposure dependencies. Methods: First, a multiexponential (N = 4) LTI model was implemented for lag correction. Next, a non-LTI lag correction, known as the nonlinear consistent stored charge (NLCSC) method, was developed based on the LTI multiexponential method. It differs from other nonlinear lag correction algorithms in that it maintains a consistent estimate of the amount of charge stored in the FP and it does not require intimate knowledge of the semiconductor parameters specific to the FP. For the NLCSC method, all coefficients of the IRF are functions of exposure intensity. Another nonlinear lag correction method that only used an intensity weighting of the IRF was also compared. The correction algorithms were applied to step-response projection data and CT acquisitions of a large pelvic phantom and an acrylic head phantom. The authors collected rising and falling edge step-response data on a Varian 4030CB a-Si FP detector operating in dynamic gain mode at 15 fps at nine incident exposures (2.0%–92% of the detector saturation exposure). For projection data, 1st and 50th frame lag were measured before and after correction. For the CT reconstructions, five pairs of ROIs were defined and the maximum and mean signal differences within a pair were calculated for the different exposures and step-response edge techniques. Results: The LTI corrections left residual 1st and 50th frame lag up to 1.4% and 0.48%, while the NLCSC lag correction reduced 1st and 50th frame residual lags to less than 0.29% and 0.0052%. For CT reconstructions, the NLCSC lag correction gave an average error of 11 HU for the pelvic phantom and 3 HU for the head phantom, compared to 14–19 HU and 2–11 HU for the LTI corrections and 15 HU and 9 HU for the intensity weighted non-LTI algorithm. The maximum ROI error was always smallest for the NLCSC correction. The NLCSC correction was also superior to the intensity weighting algorithm. Conclusions: The NLCSC lag algorithm corrected for the exposure dependence of lag, provided superior image improvement for the pelvic phantom reconstruction, and gave similar results to the best case LTI results for the head phantom. The blurred ring artifact that is left over in the LTI corrections was better removed by the NLCSC correction in all cases. PMID:23039642

26 CFR 1.6050S-0 - Table of contents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... penalties for failures to include a correct TIN. (i) In general. (ii) Acting in a responsible manner. (iii) Manner of soliciting TIN. (4) Failure to furnish TIN. (f) Effective date. § 1.6050S-2TElectronic... include a correct TIN. (i) In general. (ii) Acting in a responsible manner. (iii) Manner of soliciting TIN...

26 CFR 1.6050S-0 - Table of contents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... penalties for failures to include a correct TIN. (i) In general. (ii) Acting in a responsible manner. (iii) Manner of soliciting TIN. (4) Failure to furnish TIN. (f) Effective date. § 1.6050S-2TElectronic... include a correct TIN. (i) In general. (ii) Acting in a responsible manner. (iii) Manner of soliciting TIN...

26 CFR 1.6050S-0 - Table of contents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... penalties for failures to include a correct TIN. (i) In general. (ii) Acting in a responsible manner. (iii) Manner of soliciting TIN. (4) Failure to furnish TIN. (f) Effective date. § 1.6050S-2TElectronic... include a correct TIN. (i) In general. (ii) Acting in a responsible manner. (iii) Manner of soliciting TIN...

26 CFR 1.6050S-0 - Table of contents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... penalties for failures to include a correct TIN. (i) In general. (ii) Acting in a responsible manner. (iii) Manner of soliciting TIN. (4) Failure to furnish TIN. (f) Effective date. § 1.6050S-2TElectronic... include a correct TIN. (i) In general. (ii) Acting in a responsible manner. (iii) Manner of soliciting TIN...

26 CFR 1.6050S-0 - Table of contents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... penalties for failures to include a correct TIN. (i) In general. (ii) Acting in a responsible manner. (iii) Manner of soliciting TIN. (4) Failure to furnish TIN. (f) Effective date. § 1.6050S-2TElectronic... include a correct TIN. (i) In general. (ii) Acting in a responsible manner. (iii) Manner of soliciting TIN...

78 FR 9902 - DOE Response to Recommendation 2012-2 of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, Hanford...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-12

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DOE Response to Recommendation 2012-2 of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, Hanford Tank Farms Flammable Gas Safety Strategy; Correction AGENCY: Department of Energy... Facilities Safety Board, Hanford Tank Farms Flammable Gas Safety Strategy. This document corrects an error in...

Piloting a Polychotomous Partial-Credit Scoring Procedure in a Multiple-Choice Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tsopanoglou, Antonios; Ypsilandis, George S.; Mouti, Anna

2014-01-01

Multiple-choice (MC) tests are frequently used to measure language competence because they are quick, economical and straightforward to score. While degrees of correctness have been investigated for partially correct responses in combined-response MC tests, degrees of incorrectness in distractors and the role they play in determining the…

Adaptive Criterion Setting in Perceptual Decision Making

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stuttgen, Maik C.; Yildiz, Ali; Gunturkun, Onur

2011-01-01

Pigeons responded in a perceptual categorization task with six different stimuli (shades of gray), three of which were to be classified as "light" or "dark", respectively. Reinforcement probability for correct responses was varied from 0.2 to 0.6 across blocks of sessions and was unequal for correct light and dark responses. Introduction of a new…

Barriers to providing the sexuality education that teachers believe students need.

PubMed

Eisenberg, Marla E; Madsen, Nikki; Oliphant, Jennifer A; Sieving, Renee E

2013-05-01

Sexuality education teachers' perspectives are important to gain a full understanding of the issues surrounding teaching this subject. This study uses a statewide sample of public school teachers to examine what sexuality education content is taught, what barriers teachers face, and which barriers are associated with teaching specific topics. Participants included 368 middle and high school teachers with sexuality education assignments in Minnesota. Survey data included topics they teach, what they think they should teach, and barriers they face. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between barriers and teaching each of 9 sexual health topics, among those who believed the topic should be taught. Almost two thirds of participants faced structural barriers; 45% were concerned about parent, student, or administrator response; and one quarter reported restrictive policies. Structural barriers were inversely associated with teaching about communication (OR = 0.20), teen parenting (OR = 0.34), and abortion (OR = 0.32); concerns about responses were associated only with teaching about sexual violence (OR = 0.42); and restrictive policies were inversely associated with teaching about abortion (OR = 0.23) and sexual orientation (OR = 0.47). Addressing teachers' barriers requires a multipronged approach, including curriculum development and evaluation, training, and reframing the policy debate to support a wider range of sexuality education topics. © 2013, American School Health Association.

78 FR 15369 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (BSC, OPHPR)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-11

... Scientific Counselors, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (BSC, OPHPR) In accordance with... Prevention (CDC), and the Director, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (OPHPR), concerning... BSC deliberation on the following topics: Public Health Preparedness and Response Policy Updates...

Responses to Fiscal Stress in Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Robert A., Ed.

Proceedings of the 1981 University of Arizona conference on responses to fiscal stress in higher education are presented. Topics include the impact of the federal government on higher education, state and institutional responses to new federal policies, developing responses to fiscal stress, alternate perspectives on fiscal stress, and tactical…

Impairment of Postural Control in Rabbits With Extensive Spinal Lesions

PubMed Central

Lyalka, V. F.; Orlovsky, G. N.; Deliagina, T. G.

2009-01-01

Our previous studies on rabbits demonstrated that the ventral spinal pathways are of primary importance for postural control in the hindquarters. After ventral hemisection, postural control did not recover, whereas after dorsal or lateral hemisection it did. The aim of this study was to examine postural capacity of rabbits after more extensive lesion (3/4 section of the spinal cord at T12 level), that is, with only one ventral quadrant spared (VQ animals). They were tested before (control) and after lesion on the platform periodically tilted in the frontal plane. In control animals, tilts of the platform regularly elicited coordinated electromyographic (EMG) responses in the hindlimbs, which resulted in generation of postural corrections and in maintenance of balance. In VQ rabbits, the EMG responses appeared only in a part of tilt cycles, and they could be either correctly or incorrectly phased in relation to tilts. Because of a reduced value and incorrect phasing of EMG responses on both sides, this muscle activity did not cause postural corrective movements in the majority of rabbits, and the body swayed together with the platform. In these rabbits, the ability to perform postural corrections did not recover during the whole period of observation (≤30 days). Low probability of correct EMG responses to tilts in most rabbits as well as an appearance of incorrect responses to tilts suggest that the spinal reflex chains, necessary for postural control, have not been specifically selected by a reduced supraspinal drive transmitted via a single ventral quadrant. PMID:19164112

A comparative study of the effects of cone-plate and parallel-plate geometries on rheological properties under oscillatory shear flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Hyeong Yong; Salehiyan, Reza; Li, Xiaolei; Lee, Seung Hak; Hyun, Kyu

2017-11-01

In this study, the effects of cone-plate (C/P) and parallel-plate (P/P) geometries were investigated on the rheological properties of various complex fluids, e.g. single-phase (polymer melts and solutions) and multiphase systems (polymer blend and nanocomposite, and suspension). Small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) tests were carried out to compare linear rheological responses while nonlinear responses were compared using large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) tests at different frequencies. Moreover, Fourier-transform (FT)-rheology method was used to analyze the nonlinear responses under LAOS flow. Experimental results were compared with predictions obtained by single-point correction and shear rate correction. For all systems, SAOS data measured by C/P and P/P coincide with each other, but results showed discordance between C/P and P/P measurements in the nonlinear regime. For all systems except xanthan gum solutions, first-harmonic moduli were corrected using a single horizontal shift factor, whereas FT rheology-based nonlinear parameters ( I 3/1, I 5/1, Q 3, and Q 5) were corrected using vertical shift factors that are well predicted by single-point correction. Xanthan gum solutions exhibited anomalous corrections. Their first-harmonic Fourier moduli were superposed using a horizontal shift factor predicted by shear rate correction applicable to highly shear thinning fluids. The distinguished corrections were observed for FT rheology-based nonlinear parameters. I 3/1 and I 5/1 were superposed by horizontal shifts, while the other systems displayed vertical shifts of I 3/1 and I 5/1. Q 3 and Q 5 of xanthan gum solutions were corrected using both horizontal and vertical shift factors. In particular, the obtained vertical shift factors for Q 3 and Q 5 were twice as large as predictions made by single-point correction. Such larger values are rationalized by the definitions of Q 3 and Q 5. These results highlight the significance of horizontal shift corrections in nonlinear oscillatory shear data.

Topical Knowledge in L2 Speaking Assessment: Comparing Independent and Integrated Speaking Test Tasks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huang, Heng-Tsung Danny; Hung, Shao-Ting Alan; Plakans, Lia

2018-01-01

Integrated speaking test tasks (integrated tasks) provide reading and/or listening input to serve as the basis for test-takers to formulate their oral responses. This study examined the influence of topical knowledge on integrated speaking test performance and compared independent speaking test performance and integrated speaking test performance…

77 FR 69837 - SFIREG Full Committee; Notice of Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-21

... Association of American Pesticide Control Officials (AAPCO)/State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group... topics. DATES: The meeting will be held on Monday, December 10, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and...://www.epa.gov/dockets . II. Tentative Agenda Topics 1. Responses to SFIREG Pyrethroid labeling issue...

76 FR 75890 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Solicitation of Proposal Information for Award of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-05

... burden. DHS S&T uses a secure Web site which the public can propose SBIR research topics and submit... submit SBIR research topics and submit response to DHS SBIR solicitations. Additionally, electronic web... Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs 15 U.S.C. 628. For...

75 FR 74061 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Focus Groups as...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-30

..., motivations, and feelings than do quantitative studies. Focus groups serve the narrowly defined need for direct and informal opinion on a specific topic and as a qualitative research tool have three major... quantitative studies, To better understand consumers' attitudes and emotions in response to topics and concepts...

78 FR 38993 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Focus Groups...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-28

...' attitudes, beliefs, motivations, and feelings than do quantitative studies. Focus groups serve the narrowly defined need for direct and informal opinion on a specific topic and as a qualitative research tool have... quantitative studies, To better understand people's attitudes and emotions in response to topics and concepts...

Cochlear blood flow during occlusion and reperfusion of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery--effect of topical application of dexamethasone to the round window.

PubMed

Otake, Hironao; Yamamoto, Hiroshi; Teranishi, Masaaki; Sone, Michihiko; Nakashima, Tsutomu

2009-02-01

Topical application of dexamethasone may support autoregulation of cochlear blood flow (CBF), although it had no direct effect on CBF. Although intratympanic steroid therapy for patients with inner ear disorders is common, the mechanism by which steroids exert their effect is unclear. We investigated the response of CBF to topical application of dexamethasone onto the round window. Two concentrations of dexamethasone (3.3 mg/ml and 33 mg/ml dexamethasone in 0.5 microl saline) were applied to the round windows of rats, and CBF responses were measured using a laser Doppler flowmeter. The effects on CBF of a 2 h occlusion of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and subsequent release of the clamp with or without previous dexamethasone application were investigated. No significant change in CBF was observed after topical application of dexamethasone, and it did not affect the decrease in CBF caused by AICA occlusion. However, recovery of CBF after release of the AICA clamp was better in animals treated with dexamethasone than in those that did not receive dexamethasone.

Being right is its own reward: load and performance related ventral striatum activation to correct responses during a working memory task in youth.

PubMed

Satterthwaite, Theodore D; Ruparel, Kosha; Loughead, James; Elliott, Mark A; Gerraty, Raphael T; Calkins, Monica E; Hakonarson, Hakon; Gur, Ruben C; Gur, Raquel E; Wolf, Daniel H

2012-07-02

The ventral striatum (VS) is a critical brain region for reinforcement learning and motivation. Intrinsically motivated subjects performing challenging cognitive tasks engage reinforcement circuitry including VS even in the absence of external feedback or incentives. However, little is known about how such VS responses develop with age, relate to task performance, and are influenced by task difficulty. Here we used fMRI to examine VS activation to correct and incorrect responses during a standard n-back working memory task in a large sample (n=304) of healthy children, adolescents and young adults aged 8-22. We found that bilateral VS activates more strongly to correct than incorrect responses, and that the VS response scales with the difficulty of the working memory task. Furthermore, VS response was correlated with discrimination performance during the task, and the magnitude of VS response peaked in mid-adolescence. These findings provide evidence for scalable intrinsic reinforcement signals during standard cognitive tasks, and suggest a novel link between motivation and cognition during adolescent development. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Improve efficacy of topical ALA-PDT by calcipotriol through up-regulation of coproporphyrinogen oxidase.

PubMed

Yang, Deng-Fu; Chen, Jia-Haur; Chiang, Chun-Pin; Huang, Zheng; Lee, Jeng-Woei; Liu, Chung-Ji; Chang, Junn-Liang; Hsu, Yih-Chih

2014-09-01

Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy (topical ALA-PDT) is effective for treating oral precancerous lesions. The aim of this in vivo and in vitro study was to examine whether the efficacy of topical ALA-PDT could be further improved by calcipotriol (CAL). Precancerous lesions in the buccal pouch of hamsters were induced by dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Lesions were treated with multiple topical ALA-PDT with or without CAL pretreatment. ALA-induced protoporphyrine IX (PpIX) was monitored by in situ fluorescence measurement. The effect of CAL on heme-related enzymes (CPOX, PPOX, and FECH) were examined in an in vitro model using human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells (SCC4, SAS) using Western blots. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that PpIX reached its peak level in precancerous epithelial cells of buccal pouch at 2.5 or 3.5h without or with CAL pretreatment, respectively. Both treatment regimens showed similar response rates, but the complete response was achieved after 5 times of ALA-PDT and 3 times of CAL-ALA-PDT (p<0.001). Pretreatment of SCC cells with 10(-8) or 10(-7)M CAL could result in a significant cell death (p<0.05) and an elevation of CPOX protein level. Topical CAL can improve the efficacy of ALA-PDT in treating precancerous lesions, likely through the increase in CPOX level and in PpIX production. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Topical and intravenous pilocarpine stimulated accommodation in anesthetized rhesus monkeys.

PubMed

Wendt, Mark; Glasser, Adrian

2010-05-01

Many studies have used pilocarpine to stimulate accommodation in both humans and monkeys. However, the concentrations of pilocarpine used and the methods of administration vary. In this study, three different methods of pilocarpine administration are evaluated for their effectiveness in stimulating accommodation in rhesus monkeys. Experiments were performed in 17 iridectomized, anesthetized rhesus monkeys aged 4-16 years. Maximum accommodation was stimulated in all these monkeys with a 2% pilocarpine solution maintained on the cornea for at least 30 min in a specially designed perfusion lens. In subsequent topical pilocarpine experiments, baseline refraction was measured with a Hartinger coincidence refractometer and then while the monkeys were upright and facing forward, commercially available pilocarpine (2, 4, or 6%) was applied topically to the cornea as 2 or 4 drops in two applications or 6 drops in three applications over a five minute period with the eyelids closed between applications. Alternatively, while supine, 10-12 drops of pilocarpine were maintained on the cornea in a scleral cup for 5 min. Refraction measurements were begun 5 min after the second application of pilocarpine and continued for at least 30 min after initial administration until no further change in refraction occurred. In intravenous experiments, pilocarpine was given either as boluses ranging from 0.1mg/kg to 2mg/kg or boluses followed by a constant infusion at rates between 3.06 mg/kg/h and 11.6 mg/kg/h. Constant 2% pilocarpine solution on the eye in the perfusion lens produced 10.88+/-2.73 D (mean+/-SD) of accommodation. Topically applied pilocarpine produced 3.81 D+/-2.41, 5.49 D+/-4.08, and 5.55 D+/-3.27 using 2%, 4%, and 6% solutions respectively. When expressed as a percentage of the accommodative response amplitude obtained in the same monkey with constant 2% pilocarpine solution on the eye, the responses were 34.7% for 2% pilocarpine, 48.4% for 4% pilocarpine, and 44.6% for 6% pilocarpine. Topical 4% and 6% pilocarpine achieved similar, variable accommodative responses, but neither achieved maximum accommodation. IV boluses of pilocarpine achieved near maximal levels of accommodation at least ten times faster than topical methods. Doses effective for producing maximum accommodation ranged from 0.25mg/kg to 1.0mg/kg. IV pilocarpine boluses caused an anterior movement of the anterior lens surface, a posterior movement of the posterior lens surface, and a slight net anterior movement of the entire lens. Considerable variability in response amplitude occurred and maximum accommodative amplitude was rarely achieved with topical application of a variety of concentrations of commercially available pilocarpine. Intravenous infusion of pilocarpine was a rapid and reliable method of producing a nearly maximal accommodative response and maintaining accommodation when desired. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improving Hybrid III injury assessment in steering wheel rim to chest impacts using responses from finite element Hybrid III and human body model.

PubMed

Holmqvist, Kristian; Davidsson, Johan; Mendoza-Vazquez, Manuel; Rundberget, Peter; Svensson, Mats Y; Thorn, Stefan; Törnvall, Fredrik

2014-01-01

The main aim of this study was to improve the quality of injury risk assessments in steering wheel rim to chest impacts when using the Hybrid III crash test dummy in frontal heavy goods vehicle (HGV) collision tests. Correction factors for chest injury criteria were calculated as the model chest injury parameter ratios between finite element (FE) Hybrid III, evaluated in relevant load cases, and the Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS). This is proposed to be used to compensate Hybrid III measurements in crash tests where steering wheel rim to chest impacts occur. The study was conducted in an FE environment using an FE-Hybrid III model and the THUMS. Two impactor shapes were used, a circular hub and a long, thin horizontal bar. Chest impacts at velocities ranging from 3.0 to 6.0 m/s were simulated at 3 impact height levels. A ratio between FE-Hybrid III and THUMS chest injury parameters, maximum chest compression C max, and maximum viscous criterion VC max, were calculated for the different chest impact conditions to form a set of correction factors. The definition of the correction factor is based on the assumption that the response from a circular hub impact to the middle of the chest is well characterized and that injury risk measures are independent of impact height. The current limits for these chest injury criteria were used as a basis to develop correction factors that compensate for the limitations in biofidelity of the Hybrid III in steering wheel rim to chest impacts. The hub and bar impactors produced considerably higher C max and VC max responses in the THUMS compared to the FE-Hybrid III. The correction factor for the responses of the FE-Hybrid III showed that the criteria responses for the bar impactor were consistently overestimated. Ratios based on Hybrid III and THUMS responses provided correction factors for the Hybrid III responses ranging from 0.84 to 0.93. These factors can be used to estimate C max and VC max values when the Hybrid III is used in crash tests for which steering wheel rim to chest interaction occurs. For the FE-Hybrid III, bar impacts caused higher chest deflection compared to hub impacts, although the contrary results were obtained with the more humanlike THUMS. Correction factors were developed that can be used to correct the Hybrid III chest responses. Higher injury criteria capping limits for steering wheel impacts are acceptable. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Traffic Injury Prevention to view the supplemental file.

Development of a drift-correction procedure for a direct-reading spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, G. B., II; Gordon, W. A.

1977-01-01

A procedure which provides automatic correction for drifts in the radiometric sensitivity of each detector channel in a direct-reading emission spectrometer is described. Such drifts are customarily controlled by the regular analyses of standards, which provide corrections for changes in the excitational, optical, and electronic components of the instrument. This standardization procedure, however, corrects for the optical and electronic drifts. It is a step that must be taken if the time, effort, and cost of processing standards is to be minimized. This method of radiometric drift correction uses a 1,000-W tungsten-halogen reference lamp to illuminate each detector through the same optical path as that traversed during sample analysis. The responses of the detector channels to this reference light are regularly compared with channel response to the same light intensity at the time of analytical calibration in order to determine and correct for drift. Except for placing the lamp in position, the procedure is fully automated and compensates for changes in spectral intensity due to variations in lamp current. A discussion of the implementation of this drift-correction system is included.

Preface: cardiac control pathways: signaling and transport phenomena.

PubMed

Sideman, Samuel

2008-03-01

Signaling is part of a complex system of communication that governs basic cellular functions and coordinates cellular activity. Transfer of ions and signaling molecules and their interactions with appropriate receptors, transmembrane transport, and the consequent intracellular interactions and functional cellular response represent a complex system of interwoven phenomena of transport, signaling, conformational changes, chemical activation, and/or genetic expression. The well-being of the cell thus depends on a harmonic orchestration of all these events and the existence of control mechanisms that assure the normal behavior of the various parameters involved and their orderly expression. The ability of cells to sustain life by perceiving and responding correctly to their microenvironment is the basis for development, tissue repair, and immunity, as well as normal tissue homeostasis. Natural deviations, or human-induced interference in the signaling pathways and/or inter- and intracellular transport and information transfer, are responsible for the generation, modulation, and control of diseases. The present overview aims to highlight some major topics of the highly complex cellular information transfer processes and their control mechanisms. Our goal is to contribute to the understanding of the normal and pathophysiological phenomena associated with cardiac functions so that more efficient therapeutic modalities can be developed. Our objective in this volume is to identify and enhance the study of some basic passive and active physical and chemical transport phenomena, physiological signaling pathways, and their biological consequences.

Family medicine residents' knowledge and attitudes about drug-nutrient interactions.

PubMed

Lasswell, A B; DeForge, B R; Sobal, J; Muncie, H L; Michocki, R

1995-04-01

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requires that health professionals recognize the importance of drug-nutrient interactions and educate patients to prevent adverse effects. Drug-nutrient interactions are an important issue in medical practice, but it is not clear how or if physicians are trained in this issue. This investigation was a needs assessment that examined attitudes and knowledge about drug-nutrient interactions that was examined in a national sample of 834 family medicine residents in 56 residency programs. Most reported they had little or no formal training in drug-nutrient interactions in medical school (83%) or residency (80%). However, 79% believed it was the physician's responsibility to inform patients about drug-nutrient interactions, although many thought pharmacists (75%) and dietitians (66%) share this responsibility. Overall, residents correctly answered 61% +/- 19 of fourteen drug-nutrient interaction knowledge items. There was a slight increase in drug-nutrient knowledge as year of residency increased. Physicians' knowledge of drug-nutrient interactions may be improved by including nutrition education in the topics taught by physicians, nutritionists, and pharmacists using several educational strategies. Nutrition educators in particular can play a role in curriculum development about drug-nutrient interactions by developing, refining, and evaluating materials and educational tools. Nutrition educators need to provide this information in academic settings for the training of all health professionals as well as in patient education settings such as hospitals and public health clinics.

Analysis of sensitive questions across cultures: an application of multigroup item randomized response theory to sexual attitudes and behavior.

PubMed

de Jong, Martijn G; Pieters, Rik; Stremersch, Stefan

2012-09-01

Answers to sensitive questions are prone to social desirability bias. If not properly addressed, the validity of the research can be suspect. This article presents multigroup item randomized response theory (MIRRT) to measure self-reported sensitive topics across cultures. The method was specifically developed to reduce social desirability bias by making an a priori change in the design of the survey. The change involves the use of a randomization device (e.g., a die) that preserves participants' privacy at the item level. In cases where multiple items measure a higher level theoretical construct, the researcher could still make inferences at the individual level. The method can correct for under- and overreporting, even if both occur in a sample of individuals or across nations. We present and illustrate MIRRT in a nontechnical manner, provide WinBugs software code so that researchers can directly implement it, and present 2 cross-national studies in which it was applied. The first study compared nonstudent samples from 2 countries (total n = 927) on permissive sexual attitudes and risky sexual behavior and related these to individual-level characteristics such as the Big Five personality traits. The second study compared nonstudent samples from 17 countries (total n = 6,195) on risky sexual behavior and related these to individual-level characteristics, such as gender and age, and to country-level characteristics, such as sex ratio.

Response to Comments for the Clean Water Rule: Definition of Waters of the United States

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Response to Comments document, together with the preamble to the final Clean Water Rule, presents the responses to public comments for the Clean Water Rule. It is presented in a number of different topical compendiums.

Towards a quantum internet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dür, Wolfgang; Lamprecht, Raphael; Heusler, Stefan

2017-07-01

A long-range quantum communication network is among the most promising applications of emerging quantum technologies. We discuss the potential of such a quantum internet for the secure transmission of classical and quantum information, as well as theoretical and experimental approaches and recent advances to realize them. We illustrate the involved concepts such as error correction, teleportation or quantum repeaters and consider an approach to this topic based on catchy visualizations as a context-based, modern treatment of quantum theory at high school.

Foveal retinoschisis misdiagnosed as bilateral amblyopia.

PubMed

Kyung, Sungeun E; Lee, Minsoo

2012-12-01

Juvenile foveal retinoschisis is one of the most common causes of bilateral macular degeneration in young boys. School age with accommodative esotropia may develop amblyopia due to late correction of hyperopia. Retinoschisis is hard to diagnose in patient with subtle macula change and hyperopic amblyopia. We report a case of bilateral foveal retinoschisis before and after treatment with topical dorzolamide, which was misdiagnosed as bilateral hyperopic amblyopia. Optical coherence tomography should be considered in diagnostic procedures of children with hyperopic amblyopia.

Emergency nurse disaster preparedness during mass gatherings: a cross-sectional survey of emergency nurses' perceptions in hospitals in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

Alzahrani, Fuad; Kyratsis, Yiannis

2017-01-01

Objectives To assess hospital emergency nurses' self-reported knowledge, role awareness and skills in disaster response with respect to the Hajj mass gathering in Mecca. Design Cross-sectional online survey with primary data collection and non-probabilistic purposive sample conducted in late 2014. Setting All 4 public hospitals in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Participants 106 registered nurses in hospital emergency departments. Main outcome measure Awareness, knowledge, skills and perceptions of emergency nurses in Mecca with regard to mass gathering disaster preparedness. Results Although emergency nurses' clinical role awareness in disaster response was reported to be high, nurses reported limited knowledge and awareness of the wider emergency and disaster preparedness plans, including key elements of their hospital strategies for managing a mass gathering disaster. Over half of the emergency nurses in Mecca's public hospitals had not thoroughly read the plan, and almost 1 in 10 were not even aware of its existence. Emergency nurses reported seeing their main role as providing timely general clinical assessment and care; however, fewer emergency nurses saw their role as providing surveillance, prevention, leadership or psychological care in a mass gathering disaster, despite all these broader roles being described in the hospitals' emergency disaster response plans. Emergency nurses' responses to topics where there are often misconceptions on appropriate disaster management indicated a significant knowledge deficit with only 1 in 3 nurses at best or 1 in 6 at worst giving correct answers. Respondents identified 3 key training initiatives as opportunities to further develop their professional skills in this area: (1) hospital education sessions, (2) the Emergency Management Saudi Course, (3) bespoke short courses in disaster management. Conclusions Recommendations are suggested to help enhance clinical and educational efforts in disaster preparedness. PMID:28400457

Lubiprostone activates non-CFTR-dependent respiratory epithelial chloride secretion in cystic fibrosis mice

PubMed Central

MacDonald, Kelvin D.; McKenzie, Karen R.; Henderson, Mark J.; Hawkins, Charles E.; Vij, Neeraj; Zeitlin, Pamela L.

2008-01-01

Periciliary fluid balance is maintained by the coordination of sodium and chloride channels in the apical membranes of the airways. In the absence of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), chloride secretion is diminished and sodium reabsorption exaggerated. ClC-2, a pH- and voltage-dependent chloride channel, is present on the apical membranes of airway epithelial cells. We hypothesized that ClC-2 agonists would provide a parallel pathway for chloride secretion. Using nasal potential difference (NPD) measurements, we quantified lubiprostone-mediated Cl− transport in sedated cystic fibrosis null (gut-corrected), C57Bl/6, and A/J mice during nasal perfusion of lubiprostone (a putative ClC-2 agonist). Baseline, amiloride-inhibited, chloride-free gluconate-substituted Ringer with amiloride and low-chloride Ringer plus lubiprostone (at increasing concentrations of lubiprostone) were perfused, and the NPD was continuously recorded. A clear dose-response relationship was detected in all murine strains. The magnitude of the NPD response to 20 μM lubiprostone was −5.8 ± 2.1 mV (CF, n = 12), −8.1 ± 2.6 mV (C57Bl/6 wild-type, n = 12), and −5.3 ± 1.2 mV (AJ wild-type, n = 8). A cohort of ClC-2 knockout mice did not respond to 20 μM lubiprostone (n = 6, P = 0.27). In C57Bl/6 mice, inhibition of CFTR with topical application of CFTR inhibitor-172 did not abolish the lubiprostone response, thus confirming the response seen is independent of CFTR regulation. RT-PCR confirmed expression of ClC-2 mRNA in murine lung homogenate. The direct application of lubiprostone in the CF murine nasal airway restores nearly normal levels of chloride secretion in nasal epithelia. PMID:18805957

Lubiprostone activates non-CFTR-dependent respiratory epithelial chloride secretion in cystic fibrosis mice.

PubMed

MacDonald, Kelvin D; McKenzie, Karen R; Henderson, Mark J; Hawkins, Charles E; Vij, Neeraj; Zeitlin, Pamela L

2008-11-01

Periciliary fluid balance is maintained by the coordination of sodium and chloride channels in the apical membranes of the airways. In the absence of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), chloride secretion is diminished and sodium reabsorption exaggerated. ClC-2, a pH- and voltage-dependent chloride channel, is present on the apical membranes of airway epithelial cells. We hypothesized that ClC-2 agonists would provide a parallel pathway for chloride secretion. Using nasal potential difference (NPD) measurements, we quantified lubiprostone-mediated Cl(-) transport in sedated cystic fibrosis null (gut-corrected), C57Bl/6, and A/J mice during nasal perfusion of lubiprostone (a putative ClC-2 agonist). Baseline, amiloride-inhibited, chloride-free gluconate-substituted Ringer with amiloride and low-chloride Ringer plus lubiprostone (at increasing concentrations of lubiprostone) were perfused, and the NPD was continuously recorded. A clear dose-response relationship was detected in all murine strains. The magnitude of the NPD response to 20 muM lubiprostone was -5.8 +/- 2.1 mV (CF, n = 12), -8.1 +/- 2.6 mV (C57Bl/6 wild-type, n = 12), and -5.3 +/- 1.2 mV (AJ wild-type, n = 8). A cohort of ClC-2 knockout mice did not respond to 20 muM lubiprostone (n = 6, P = 0.27). In C57Bl/6 mice, inhibition of CFTR with topical application of CFTR inhibitor-172 did not abolish the lubiprostone response, thus confirming the response seen is independent of CFTR regulation. RT-PCR confirmed expression of ClC-2 mRNA in murine lung homogenate. The direct application of lubiprostone in the CF murine nasal airway restores nearly normal levels of chloride secretion in nasal epithelia.

Frequency Response of Pressure Sensitive Paints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winslow, Neal A.; Carroll, Bruce F.; Setzer, Fred M.

1996-01-01

An experimental method for measuring the frequency response of Pressure Sensitive Paints (PSP) is presented. These results lead to the development of a dynamic correction technique for PSP measurements which is of great importance to the advancement of PSP as a measurement technique. The ability to design such a dynamic corrector is most easily formed from the frequency response of the given system. An example of this correction technique is shown. In addition to the experimental data, an analytical model for the frequency response is developed from the one dimensional mass diffusion equation.

Geriatric education for surgical residents: identifying a major need.

PubMed

Duane, Therèse M; Fan, Lingbo; Bohannon, Arline; Han, Jinfeng; Wolfe, Luke; Mayglothling, Julie; Whelan, James; Aboutanos, Michael; Malhotra, Ajai; Ivatury, Rao R

2011-07-01

This study evaluated a program designed to test and enhance residents' knowledge of geriatrics. A 2-year prospective interventional trial was conducted. Surgical residents underwent pretesting (pre) in three areas: polypharmacy, delirium, and end of life. They then received educational materials and completed a posttest within 1 month and a patient simulation examination graded by a physician observer and the patient on his or her satisfaction. Forty-nine residents (51% interns, 55% general surgery residents) participated. Seventy per cent had no prior geriatrics education. Test scores significantly improved from pretest to posttest (12.9 ± 3.1 vs 13.78 ± 3.12, P = 0.01). The scores were consistently better on poly topics and consistently worse on end-of-life topics: pretest per cent correct: polypharmacy 60, end of life 46, P = 0.007; posttest percent correct: polypharmacy 63, end of life 49, P = 0.0014. By Pearson correlation, the pretest and posttest scores did not correlate with either the observer (R = -0.16, P = 0.27 pre, R = -0.08, P = 0.59 post) or subscores (R = -0.27, P = 0.11 pre, R = -0.13, P = 0.45 post), although the observer and subscore correlated with each other (R = 0.35, P = 0.036). Performance was poor and did not correlate with better patient care by simulation. Other options for geriatric education need to be considered and evaluated.

Initial knowledge at radiation protection courses from 2005-2013 (3): tendencies and conclusions.

PubMed

Haverkamp, U F; Pruemer, B A; Fahrmer, A

2013-11-01

The necessity of refresher courses is controversial and is frequently questioned. The present study examines whether the courses have a lasting effect and whether improvements are indicated. With the help of a questionnaire (9 questions) to be answered before the course, a self-assessment was performed and questions about the knowledge and structure of radiation protection were asked. 1361 participants were surveyed (55 % physicians, 31 % doctor's assistants, 13 % technicians, 1 % medical physicists) in the period of 2005 - 2013 (3) and 39 courses were evaluated. The assessment entailed the comparison of 3 subgroups: 2005 - 2007, 2008 - 2010, 2011 - 2013. The self-assessment is about 3.0 (1 - very good, 5 - very poor) with fluctuations regarding time course and occupation. For all questions, there was an increase in correct answers from the period 2005 - 2007 to the period 2008 - 2010 (+ 15 %), while the rate fell again for the period 2011 - 2013 (3) (- 8 %). The questions were answered significantly better for organization-related topics than knowledge-based topics. Overall 53 % of the answers were correct. This study shows an increase in knowledge since starting refresher courses. However, recently the effect has decreased again. In order to maintain the knowledge, the yearly instruction must be held on time, which according to participants' statements actually occurs in only 60 % of cases. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Analysis of Pseudohomophone Orthographic Errors through Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).

PubMed

Guardia-Olmos, Joan; Zarabozo-Hurtado, Daniel; Peró-Cebollero, Maribe; Gudayol-Farré, Esteban; Gómez-Velázquez, Fabiola R; González-Garrido, Andrés

2017-12-04

The study of orthographic errors in a transparent language such as Spanish is an important topic in relation to writing acquisition because in Spanish it is common to write pseudohomophones as valid words. The main objective of the present study was to explore the possible differences in activation patterns in brain areas while processing pseudohomophone orthographic errors between participants with high (High Spelling Skills (HSS)) and low (Low Spelling Skills (LSS)) spelling orthographic abilities. We hypothesize that (a) the detection of orthographic errors will activate bilateral inferior frontal gyri, and that (b) this effect will be greater in the HSS group. Two groups of 12 Mexican participants, each matched by age, were formed based on their results in a group of spelling-related ad hoc tests: HSS and LSS groups. During the fMRI session, two experimental tasks were applied involving correct and pseudohomophone substitution of Spanish words. First, a spelling recognition task and second a letter searching task. The LSS group showed, as expected, a lower number of correct responses (F(1, 21) = 52.72, p <.001, η2 = .715) and higher reaction times compared to the HSS group for the spelling task (F(1, 21) = 60.03, p <.001, η2 = .741). However, this pattern was reversed when the participants were asked to decide on the presence of a vowel in the words, regardless of spelling. The fMRI data showed an engagement of the right inferior frontal gyrus in HSS group during the spelling task. However, temporal, frontal, and subcortical brain regions of the LSS group were activated during the same task.

Communication between parents and their children about sexual health.

PubMed

Ogle, Sharron; Glasier, Anna; Riley, Simon C

2008-04-01

Communicating about sex with parents has been shown to influence some aspects of sexual behavior in young people. The aim of this study was to investigate how comfortable parents and children find this type of discussion and to compare parental responses with those of their children. Self-completed questionnaires were distributed to 317 teenagers from a state school in Edinburgh, Scotland, and to 575 of their parents. The questionnaire was designed to appraise relative levels of comfort/discomfort about discussing six sexual health topics. Where a parent and their child had both completed questionnaires, their responses were compared. Three hundred forty-five parents, 162 girls and 155 boys, completed questionnaires. Most parents considered themselves "comfortable" or "very comfortable" discussing sexual health issues with their children, with "boyfriends/girlfriends" as the most comfortable (p< or =.001) and "sexual intercourse" the least comfortable topic (p<.0005). However, many children stated they "definitely would not" talk to parents (19-65% of participants, depending on the topic), citing "embarrassment" as the main reason. Eight-six pairs of parent-child responses were matched and compared showing that on all topics the least communication occurred between fathers and their daughters. There are clearly barriers to communicating about sexual health issues between parents and their children in this population, and this seems to stem from reluctance on the part of the children rather than of their parents.

Insulin receptors

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

Kahn, C.R.; Harrison, L.C.

1988-01-01

This book contains the procedure in insulin receptors. Part B: Clinical assessment, biological responses, and comparison to the IGF-1 receptor. Topics covered include: Insulin and IGF-1 receptors, Clinical assessment of receptor functions, and Biological responses.

Five major controversial issues about fusion level selection in corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a narrative review.

PubMed

Lee, Choon Sung; Hwang, Chang Ju; Lee, Dong-Ho; Cho, Jae Hwan

2017-07-01

Shoulder imbalance, coronal decompensation, and adding-on phenomenon following corrective surgery in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are known to be related to the fusion level selected. Although many studies have assessed the appropriate selection of the proximal and distal fusion level, no definite conclusions have been drawn thus far. We aimed to assess the problems with fusion level selection for corrective surgery in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and to enhance understanding about these problems. This study is a narrative review. We conducted a literature search of fusion level selection in corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Accordingly, we selected and reviewed five debatable topics related to fusion level selection: (1) selective thoracic fusion; (2) selective thoracolumbar-lumbar (TL-L) fusion; (3) adding-on phenomenon; (4) distal fusion level selection for major TL-L curves; and (5) proximal fusion level selection and shoulder imbalance. Selective fusion can be chosen in specific curve types, although there is a risk of coronal decompensation or adding-on phenomenon. Generally, wider indications for selective fusions are usually associated with more frequent complications. Despite the determination of several indications for selective fusion to avoid such complications, no clear guidelines have been established. Although authors have suggested various criteria to prevent the adding-on phenomenon, no consensus has been reached on the appropriate selection of lower instrumented vertebra. The fusion level selection for major TL-L curves primarily focuses on whether distal fusion can terminate at L3, a topic that remains unclear. Furthermore, because of the presence of several related factors and complications, proximal level selection and shoulder imbalance has been constantly debated and remains controversial from its etiology to its prevention. Although several difficult problems in the diagnosis and treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis have been resolved by understanding its mechanism and via technical advancement, no definite guideline for fusion level selection has been established. A review of five major controversial issues about fusion level selection could provide better understanding of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We believe that a thorough validation study of the abovementioned controversial issues can help address them. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Content Volatility of Scientific Topics in Wikipedia: A Cautionary Tale.

PubMed

Wilson, Adam M; Likens, Gene E

2015-01-01

Wikipedia has quickly become one of the most frequently accessed encyclopedic references, despite the ease with which content can be changed and the potential for 'edit wars' surrounding controversial topics. Little is known about how this potential for controversy affects the accuracy and stability of information on scientific topics, especially those with associated political controversy. Here we present an analysis of the Wikipedia edit histories for seven scientific articles and show that topics we consider politically but not scientifically "controversial" (such as evolution and global warming) experience more frequent edits with more words changed per day than pages we consider "noncontroversial" (such as the standard model in physics or heliocentrism). For example, over the period we analyzed, the global warming page was edited on average (geometric mean ±SD) 1.9±2.7 times resulting in 110.9±10.3 words changed per day, while the standard model in physics was only edited 0.2±1.4 times resulting in 9.4±5.0 words changed per day. The high rate of change observed in these pages makes it difficult for experts to monitor accuracy and contribute time-consuming corrections, to the possible detriment of scientific accuracy. As our society turns to Wikipedia as a primary source of scientific information, it is vital we read it critically and with the understanding that the content is dynamic and vulnerable to vandalism and other shenanigans.

The effects of activating prior topic and metacognitive knowledge on text comprehension scores.

PubMed

Kostons, Danny; van der Werf, Greetje

2015-09-01

Research on prior knowledge activation has consistently shown that activating learners' prior knowledge has beneficial effects on learning. If learners activate their prior knowledge, this activated knowledge serves as a framework for establishing relationships between the knowledge they already possess and new information provided to them. Thus far, prior knowledge activation has dealt primarily with topic knowledge in specific domains. Students, however, likely also possess at least some metacognitive knowledge useful in those domains, which, when activated, should aid in the deployment of helpful strategies during reading. In this study, we investigated the effects of both prior topic knowledge activation (PTKA) and prior metacognitive knowledge activation (PMKA) on text comprehension scores. Eighty-eight students in primary education were randomly distributed amongst the conditions of the 2 × 2 (PTKA yes/no × PMKA yes/no) designed experiment. Results show that activating prior metacognitive knowledge had a beneficial effect on text comprehension, whereas activating prior topic knowledge, after correcting for the amount of prior knowledge, did not. Most studies deal with explicit instruction of metacognitive knowledge, but our results show that this may not be necessary, specifically in the case of students who already have some metacognitive knowledge. However, existing metacognitive knowledge needs to be activated in order for students to make better use of this knowledge. © 2015 The British Psychological Society.

Inserting Mastered Targets during Error Correction When Teaching Skills to Children with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Plaisance, Lauren; Lerman, Dorothea C.; Laudont, Courtney; Wu, Wai-Ling

2016-01-01

Research has identified a variety of effective approaches for responding to errors during discrete-trial training. In one commonly used method, the therapist delivers a prompt contingent on the occurrence of an incorrect response and then re-presents the trial so that the learner has an opportunity to perform the correct response independently.…

Initial Experiences with Machine-Assisted Reconsiderative Test Scoring: A New Method for Partial Credit and Multiple Correct Responses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Paul S.

Initial experiences with computer-assisted reconsiderative scoring are described. Reconsiderative scoring occurs when student responses are received and reviewed by the teacher before points for correctness are assigned. Manually scored completion-style questions are reconsiderative. A new method of machine assistance produces an item analysis on…

Conditions Fostering the Use of Informative Feedback by Young Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Teager, Joyce; Stern, Carolyn

In order to investigate the effect of reinforcement on learning, 21 disadvantaged black children, 4 to 5 years of age, were divided among three treatment groups. Group I children received only feedback (information) as to the correctness or incorrectness of their responses. Group II children received a raisin for each correct response, and group…

SB certification for mixture-based specification for flexible base.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-10-01

Presentation topics: : Establish List of Qualified Producers; : Producers Responsible for Process Control/Quality Control; : Reduce TxDOT Sampling and Testing; : Expedite Aggregate Base Acceptance; : Share Responsibility (Producer/TxDOT) for Quality ...

Task-dependent vestibular feedback responses in reaching.

PubMed

Keyser, Johannes; Medendorp, W Pieter; Selen, Luc P J

2017-07-01

When reaching for an earth-fixed object during self-rotation, the motor system should appropriately integrate vestibular signals and sensory predictions to compensate for the intervening motion and its induced inertial forces. While it is well established that this integration occurs rapidly, it is unknown whether vestibular feedback is specifically processed dependent on the behavioral goal. Here, we studied whether vestibular signals evoke fixed responses with the aim to preserve the hand trajectory in space or are processed more flexibly, correcting trajectories only in task-relevant spatial dimensions. We used galvanic vestibular stimulation to perturb reaching movements toward a narrow or a wide target. Results show that the same vestibular stimulation led to smaller trajectory corrections to the wide than the narrow target. We interpret this reduced compensation as a task-dependent modulation of vestibular feedback responses, tuned to minimally intervene with the task-irrelevant dimension of the reach. These task-dependent vestibular feedback corrections are in accordance with a central prediction of optimal feedback control theory and mirror the sophistication seen in feedback responses to mechanical and visual perturbations of the upper limb. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Correcting limb movements for external perturbations is a hallmark of flexible sensorimotor behavior. While visual and mechanical perturbations are corrected in a task-dependent manner, it is unclear whether a vestibular perturbation, naturally arising when the body moves, is selectively processed in reach control. We show, using galvanic vestibular stimulation, that reach corrections to vestibular perturbations are task dependent, consistent with a prediction of optimal feedback control theory. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Stimulation artifact correction method for estimation of early cortico-cortical evoked potentials.

PubMed

Trebaul, Lena; Rudrauf, David; Job, Anne-Sophie; Mălîia, Mihai Dragos; Popa, Irina; Barborica, Andrei; Minotti, Lorella; Mîndruţă, Ioana; Kahane, Philippe; David, Olivier

2016-05-01

Effective connectivity can be explored using direct electrical stimulations in patients suffering from drug-resistant focal epilepsies and investigated with intracranial electrodes. Responses to brief electrical pulses mimic the physiological propagation of signals and manifest as cortico-cortical evoked potentials (CCEP). The first CCEP component is believed to reflect direct connectivity with the stimulated region but the stimulation artifact, a sharp deflection occurring during a few milliseconds, frequently contaminates it. In order to recover the characteristics of early CCEP responses, we developed an artifact correction method based on electrical modeling of the electrode-tissue interface. The biophysically motivated artifact templates are then regressed out of the recorded data as in any classical template-matching removal artifact methods. Our approach is able to make the distinction between the physiological responses time-locked to the stimulation pulses and the non-physiological component. We tested the correction on simulated CCEP data in order to quantify its efficiency for different stimulation and recording parameters. We demonstrated the efficiency of the new correction method on simulations of single trial recordings for early responses contaminated with the stimulation artifact. The results highlight the importance of sampling frequency for an accurate analysis of CCEP. We then applied the approach to experimental data. The model-based template removal was compared to a correction based on the subtraction of the averaged artifact. This new correction method of stimulation artifact will enable investigators to better analyze early CCEP components and infer direct effective connectivity in future CCEP studies. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Initial nonresponse and survey response mode biases in survey research.

PubMed

Chi, Donald L; Chen, Chao Ying

2015-01-01

We evaluated survey response factors (particularly initial nonresponse and survey mode) that may be associated with bias in survey research. We examined prevention-related beliefs and outcomes for initial mail survey responders (n=209), follow-up mail survey responders (n=78), and follow-up telephone survey responders (n=74). The Pearson chi-square test and analysis of variance identified beliefs and behavioral outcomes associated with survey response mode. Follow-up options to the initial mail survey improved response rates (22.0-38.0 percent). Initial mail survey responders more strongly believed topical fluoride protects teeth from cavities than others (P=0.04). A significantly larger proportion of parents completing a follow-up telephone survey (30.8 percent) refused topical fluoride for their child than those completing mail surveys (10.3-10.4 percent) (P<0.0001). Multiple mode surveys with follow-up improve response rates. Initial nonresponse and survey response mode may be associated with biases in survey research. © 2015 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

The potential of pigeons as surrogate observers in medical image perception studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krupinski, Elizabeth A.; Levenson, Richard M.; Navarro, Victor; Wasserman, Edward A.

2016-03-01

Assessment of medical image quality and how changes in image appearance impact performance are critical but assessment can be expensive and time-consuming. Could an animal (pigeon) observer with well-known visual skills and documented ability to distinguish complex visual stimuli serve as a surrogate for the human observer? Using sets of whole slide pathology (WSI) and mammographic images we trained pigeons (cohorts of 4) to detect and/or classify lesions in medical images. Standard training methods were used. A chamber equipped with a 15' display with a resistive touchscreen was used to display the images and record responses (pecks). Pigeon pellets were dispensed for correct responses. The pigeons readily learned to distinguish benign from malignant breast cancer histopathology in WSI (mean % correct responses rose 50% to 85% over 15 days) and generalized readily from 4X to 10X and 20X magnifications; to detect microcalcifications (mean % correct responses rose 50% to over 85% over 25 days); to distinguish benign from malignant breast masses (3 of 4 birds learned this task to around 80% and 60% over 10 days); and ignore compression artifacts in WSI (performance with uncompressed slides averaged 95% correct; 15:1 and 27:1 compression slides averaged 92% and 90% correct). Pigeons models may help us better understand medical image perception and may be useful in quality assessment by serving as surrogate observers for certain types of studies.

N2 and P3 modulation during partial inhibition in a modified go/nogo task.

PubMed

Nguyen, An T; Moyle, Jonson J; Fox, Allison M

2016-09-01

The neural response following the partial inhibition of responses can provide insight into the processes underlying response inhibition. We examined the N2 and P3 on trials where participants correctly responded to go stimuli, successfully inhibited their response to nogo stimuli, and nogo trials where they initiated but did not complete their response (partial inhibitions) in an adult sample (N=24, M(age)=21.17, SD(age)=3.52). An enhanced and delayed N2 was observed on partially inhibited compared to successfully inhibited nogo trials. Further analysis showed that this modulation was error-related. An enhanced central P3 was observed following successful inhibitions compared to correct go trials, but not following partial inhibitions. The results suggest that the central P3 enhancement is specific to the complete and successful inhibition of responses. Therefore, the absence of a central P3 on partial inhibitions could reflect insufficient inhibition or a monitored failure in inhibiting the response. Although, our findings provide support for the role of P3 in response inhibition, it raises questions about the processes involved in the subsequent inhibition or correction of the erroneous response. Further research examining the neural response following both partial and unsuccessful inhibitions could provide insight regarding these processes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Six decades of atomic collisions in solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sigmund, Peter

2017-09-01

In response to an invitation by the organizers of the 27th international conference on atomic collisions in solids, a brief survey is presented, starting from the roots of the field in the 1950s and 1960s, of some major discoveries, longstanding problems, surprising findings and memorable controversies in topics covered by the conference. Considering the breadth of the field, the selection of topics is necessarily subjective, but with the emphasis on channeling, stopping and sputtering, three topical areas are discussed which have been active from the early 1960s until now.

Granulomatous Inflammation of the Penis and Scrotum Following Application of Topical Cream.

PubMed

Khan, Amir Ishaq; Mehta, Akanksha; Sekhar, Aarti; Ellis, Carla L

2017-05-01

Granulomas are collections of histiocytes that develop as an inflammatory response to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as foreign substances. We discuss here the case of a 49-year-old male who presented with a penile and scrotal mass with granulomatous inflammation, after application of a topical cream for enhancement of erectile function. While granuloma formation can often be seen with penile injections, this case presents the rare development of a foreign body granuloma after topical cream application on the penis and scrotum.

Studying the potential impact of automated document classification on scheduling a systematic review update.

PubMed

Cohen, Aaron M; Ambert, Kyle; McDonagh, Marian

2012-04-19

Systematic Reviews (SRs) are an essential part of evidence-based medicine, providing support for clinical practice and policy on a wide range of medical topics. However, producing SRs is resource-intensive, and progress in the research they review leads to SRs becoming outdated, requiring updates. Although the question of how and when to update SRs has been studied, the best method for determining when to update is still unclear, necessitating further research. In this work we study the potential impact of a machine learning-based automated system for providing alerts when new publications become available within an SR topic. Some of these new publications are especially important, as they report findings that are more likely to initiate a review update. To this end, we have designed a classification algorithm to identify articles that are likely to be included in an SR update, along with an annotation scheme designed to identify the most important publications in a topic area. Using an SR database containing over 70,000 articles, we annotated articles from 9 topics that had received an update during the study period. The algorithm was then evaluated in terms of the overall correct and incorrect alert rate for publications meeting the topic inclusion criteria, as well as in terms of its ability to identify important, update-motivating publications in a topic area. Our initial approach, based on our previous work in topic-specific SR publication classification, identifies over 70% of the most important new publications, while maintaining a low overall alert rate. We performed an initial analysis of the opportunities and challenges in aiding the SR update planning process with an informatics-based machine learning approach. Alerts could be a useful tool in the planning, scheduling, and allocation of resources for SR updates, providing an improvement in timeliness and coverage for the large number of medical topics needing SRs. While the performance of this initial method is not perfect, it could be a useful supplement to current approaches to scheduling an SR update. Approaches specifically targeting the types of important publications identified by this work are likely to improve results.

Studying the potential impact of automated document classification on scheduling a systematic review update

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Systematic Reviews (SRs) are an essential part of evidence-based medicine, providing support for clinical practice and policy on a wide range of medical topics. However, producing SRs is resource-intensive, and progress in the research they review leads to SRs becoming outdated, requiring updates. Although the question of how and when to update SRs has been studied, the best method for determining when to update is still unclear, necessitating further research. Methods In this work we study the potential impact of a machine learning-based automated system for providing alerts when new publications become available within an SR topic. Some of these new publications are especially important, as they report findings that are more likely to initiate a review update. To this end, we have designed a classification algorithm to identify articles that are likely to be included in an SR update, along with an annotation scheme designed to identify the most important publications in a topic area. Using an SR database containing over 70,000 articles, we annotated articles from 9 topics that had received an update during the study period. The algorithm was then evaluated in terms of the overall correct and incorrect alert rate for publications meeting the topic inclusion criteria, as well as in terms of its ability to identify important, update-motivating publications in a topic area. Results Our initial approach, based on our previous work in topic-specific SR publication classification, identifies over 70% of the most important new publications, while maintaining a low overall alert rate. Conclusions We performed an initial analysis of the opportunities and challenges in aiding the SR update planning process with an informatics-based machine learning approach. Alerts could be a useful tool in the planning, scheduling, and allocation of resources for SR updates, providing an improvement in timeliness and coverage for the large number of medical topics needing SRs. While the performance of this initial method is not perfect, it could be a useful supplement to current approaches to scheduling an SR update. Approaches specifically targeting the types of important publications identified by this work are likely to improve results. PMID:22515596

Catatonia Education: Needs Assessment and Brief Online Intervention.

PubMed

Cooper, Joseph J; Roig Llesuy, Joan

2017-06-01

There are no studies investigating physicians' knowledge of catatonia. The authors aimed to assess and increase physicians' awareness of catatonia. A survey with clinical questions about catatonia was administered, followed by a brief online teaching module about catatonia and a post-education survey. Twenty-one psychiatry residents (response rate, 70%) and 36 internal medicine residents (response rate, 34%) participated in the pre-education survey. Psychiatry residents identified 75% of the correct answers about catatonia, compared to 32% correct by internal medicine residents (p < 0.001). Twenty participants (response rate, 35%) completed the online education module and second survey, which resulted in a significant improvement in correct response rates from 60 to 83% in all the participants (p < 0.001). Residents' baseline knowledge of catatonia is low, particularly among internal medicine residents. A brief online module improved resident physicians' knowledge of catatonia. Educational strategies to improve recognition of catatonia should be implemented.

Among the Authentic Audience: Young Adults' Perceptions and Responses to Youth as Scientists

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patchen, Amie K.

2017-01-01

Lifelong science learning is important for making informed decisions on science topics, and there is a need to engage broader and more diverse audiences with science. One opportunity for engagement occurs when students share science topics with a public audience. Research indicates this interaction can have benefits for students, but little is…

Using Technology to Support Discussions on Sensitive Topics in the Study of Business Ethics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fong, Michelle

2015-01-01

There is a dearth of research into teaching strategies and learning approaches for units involving sensitive topics that can provoke an emotional response in students. In a business ethics unit, attempts to strike a balance between conceptual knowledge and theory and skills training can be challenging because the unit can involve personal,…

Human Factors Topics in Flight Simulation: An Annotated Bibliography

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-01-01

and technical information; - Continuously stimulating advances in the aerospace sciences relevant to strengthening the common defence posture...Topics treated under cost effectiveness are effectiveness as a function of training procedures, physical stimulation versus psychological stimulation ...fidelity of physical stimulation . HUDDLESTON. H.F. and ROLFE, J.M. Behaviouralfactors influencing aircrew response in training and research simulators

Deriving the Regression Equation without Using Calculus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Sheldon P.; Gordon, Florence S.

2004-01-01

Probably the one "new" mathematical topic that is most responsible for modernizing courses in college algebra and precalculus over the last few years is the idea of fitting a function to a set of data in the sense of a least squares fit. Whether it be simple linear regression or nonlinear regression, this topic opens the door to applying the…