Evidence-based practice and research utilization activities among rural nurses.

PubMed

Olade, Rosaline A

2004-01-01

To identify the extent to which rural nurses utilize evidence-based practice guidelines from scientific research in their practice; to describe both previous and current research utilization activities in which they have participated, and to identify the specific barriers they face in their practice settings. Data for this descriptive study were collected through questionnaires with open-ended questions focused on (a) current utilization of nursing research findings, (b) previous involvement in nursing research activities, and (c) participation in medical research activities. The participants were 106 nurses from various practice areas in six rural counties of a southwestern state in the United States. Results revealed that only 20.8% of the participants stated they were currently involved in research utilization, and they were mostly nurses with bachelor's degrees. The two most common areas of current research utilization were pain management and pressure ulcer prevention and management. Barriers to research utilization, such as rural isolation and lack of nursing research consultants, were identified. The types of research utilization activities identified by these nurses indicate how much the facilities in which these nurses work in the rural areas are striving with the utilization of available scientific evidence. Rural nurses face unique barriers related to situational and geographic factors, with implications for nursing administrators, researchers, and educators.

Space-Based Sensorweb Monitoring of Wildfires in Thailand

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chien, Steve; Doubleday, Joshua; Mclaren, David; Davies, Ashley; Tran, Daniel; Tanpipat, Veerachai; Akaakara, Siri; Ratanasuwan, Anuchit; Mandl, Daniel

2011-01-01

We describe efforts to apply sensorweb technologies to the monitoring of forest fires in Thailand. In this approach, satellite data and ground reports are assimilated to assess the current state of the forest system in terms of forest fire risk, active fires, and likely progression of fires and smoke plumes. This current and projected assessment can then be used to actively direct sensors and assets to best acquire further information. This process operates continually with new data updating models of fire activity leading to further sensing and updating of models. As the fire activity is tracked, products such as active fire maps, burn scar severity maps, and alerts are automatically delivered to relevant parties.We describe the current state of the Thailand Fire Sensorweb which utilizes the MODIS-based FIRMS system to track active fires and trigger Earth Observing One / Advanced Land Imager to acquire imagery and produce active fire maps, burn scar severity maps, and alerts. We describe ongoing work to integrate additional sensor sources and generate additional products.

Initial Validity Evidence for the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity with Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ullrich-French, Sarah; Cox, Anne; Cole, Amy; Rhoades Cooper, Brittany; Gotch, Chad

2017-01-01

Experiencing mindfulness during movement-based interventions (e.g., yoga) may help support adaptive physical activity motivation processes in youth. However, there is currently no measure for assessing state mindfulness with youth within the context of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate a…

All health is local: state and local planning for physical activity promotion.

PubMed

Kohl, Harold W; Satinsky, Sara B; Whitfield, Geoffrey P; Evenson, Kelly R

2013-01-01

Physical activity is a leading cause of death in the world. Although state and local public health planning is a useful strategy to address noncommunicable disease health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity, physical activity frequently is subsumed in such disease-centric planning efforts. This strategy could dilute broader efforts to promote physical activity, create administrative silos that may be trying to accomplish similar goals, and weaken efforts to more collectively address a variety of noncommunicable diseases. Currently, few stand-alone state plans directed specifically at physical activity exist. The reasons and barriers for this situation are not understood. In 2011, we surveyed public health care practitioners to describe state and local efforts for physical activity planning. Cross-sectional study. Survey of physical activity practitioners in the United States. A total of 227 former or current members of the US National Society of Physical Activity Practitioners in Public Health who completed a survey. Overall, 48.0% of respondents indicated that they were aware of public health plans for physical activity promotion in their state, whereas 36.6% indicated that they did not know. Respondents at the state level more frequently reported awareness of a plan (62.1%) than those with local-level (52.4%) or other job responsibilities (36.0%). A greater proportion of respondents reported that stand-alone physical activity plans existed in their state than actually did exist in the respective states. Integration with the National Physical Activity Plan was least often identified as a moderately or extremely relevant aspect of a state-level physical activity plan, although it was chosen at a high percentage (75.7%). Respondents identified financial support (88.0%) and political will and support (54.6%) most frequently as very or somewhat difficult barriers to moving forward with state-level physical activity plans. These data suggest that despite efforts to increase development and use of stand-alone physical activity plans, most practitioners rely on existing chronic disease- or obesity-related plans to guide their efforts. Barriers to developing stand-alone physical activity plans must be addressed to develop such plans.

78 FR 12789 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection: Office on...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-25

...-based programs; State sexual assault coalition, State domestic violence coalition; territorial domestic... of a Currently Approved Collection: Office on Violence Against Women Solicitation Template ACTION: 60-Day Notice. The Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) will be submitting the...

77 FR 32138 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-31

... Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comments Requested National Crime Victimization... collection. (2) Title of the Form/Collection: National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). (3) Agency form... NCVS sampled households located throughout the United States. The National Crime Victimization Survey...

Inhibitory Effects of Honokiol on the Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels in Freshly Isolated Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons.

PubMed

Sheng, Anqi; Zhang, Yan; Li, Guang; Zhang, Guangqin

2018-02-01

Voltage-gated potassium (K V ) currents, subdivided into rapidly inactivating A-type currents (I A ) and slowly inactivating delayed rectifier currents (I K ), play a fundamental role in modulating pain by controlling neuronal excitability. The effects of Honokiol (Hon), a natural biphenolic compound derived from Magnolia officinalis, on K V currents were investigated in freshly isolated mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. Results showed that Hon inhibited I A and I K in concentration-dependent manner. The IC 50 values for block of I A and I K were 30.5 and 25.7 µM, respectively. Hon (30 µM) shifted the steady-state activation curves of I A and I K to positive potentials by 17.6 and 16.7 mV, whereas inactivation and recovery from the inactivated state of I A were unaffected. These results suggest that Hon preferentially interacts with the active states of the I A and I K channels, and has no effect on the resting state and inactivated state of the I A channel. Blockade on K + channels by Hon may contribute to its antinociceptive effect, especially anti-inflammatory pain.

Monitoring the Impact of Testing and Evaluation Innovations Project: State Activity and Interest Concerning Performance-Based Assessment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing, Los Angeles, CA.

Information was gathered about current state interest, activity, and concerns related to performance assessment for students. The Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing of the University of California (Los Angeles) conducted telephone interviews with directors of testing in each of the 50 states in the spring of 1990.…

Change in drawing placement: A measure of change in mood state reflective of hemispheric lateralization of emotion.

PubMed

Butler, Tracy R; O'Mara, Erin M; Wilson, Josephine F

2018-04-26

The Valence Hypothesis of cerebral lateralization of emotion suggests greater right hemisphere activation during negative mood and greater left hemisphere activation during positive mood. This can manifest as visual field attentional bias. Here, study participants completed an assessment of current mood state (PANAS) and made a drawing (Drawing 1). To induce positive or negative mood, participants played a game; then, the winner read a script depicting a positive interpersonal interaction and the loser read a script depicting a negative interpersonal interaction. Participants then drew a second picture (Drawing 2) and completed the PANAS. We hypothesized that the game outcome would change current mood state and hemispheric activation, which would be reflected in drawing placement. The placement of Drawing 2 moved right for winners and left for losers. Winners experienced a greater increase in positive affect from Time 1 to Time 2 than losers and had decreased negative affect from Time 1. Losers had decreased positive affect from Time 1 and had a greater increase in negative affect from Time 1 to Time 2 than winners. Our results suggest that change in current mood state may be objectively observed by evaluating hemispatial bias reflective of brain hemispheric activation with drawings. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Separate Cl^- Conductances Activated by cAMP and Ca2+ in Cl^--Secreting Epithelial Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cliff, William H.; Frizzell, Raymond A.

1990-07-01

We studied the cAMP- and Ca2+-activated secretory Cl^- conductances in the Cl^--secreting colonic epithelial cell line T84 using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Cl^- and K^+ currents were measured under voltage clamp. Forskolin or cAMP increased Cl^- current 2-15 times with no change in K^+ current. The current-voltage relation for cAMP-activated Cl^- current was linear from -100 to +100 mV and showed no time-dependent changes in current during voltage pulses. Ca2+ ionophores or increased pipette Ca2+ increased both Cl^- and K^+ currents 2-30 times. The Ca2+-activated Cl^- current was outwardly rectified, activated during depolarizing voltage pulses, and inactivated during hyperpolarizing voltage pulses. Addition of ionophore after forskolin further increased Cl^- conductance 1.5-5 times, and the current took on the time-dependent characteristics of that stimulated by Ca2+. Thus, cAMP and Ca2+ activate Cl^- conductances with different properties, implying that these second messengers activate different Cl^- channels or that they induce different conductive and kinetic states in the same Cl^- channel.

75 FR 56663 - Agency Information Collection (Quarterly Report of State Approving Agency Activities); Activity...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-16

... INFORMATION CONTACT: Denise McLamb, Enterprise Records Service (005R1B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810... a currently approved collection. Abstract: VA reimburses State Approving Agencies (SAAs) for expenses incurred in the approval and supervision of education and training programs. SAAs are required to...

Pacemaker channels produce an instantaneous current.

PubMed

Proenza, Catherine; Angoli, Damiano; Agranovich, Eugene; Macri, Vincenzo; Accili, Eric A

2002-02-15

Spontaneous rhythmic activity in mammalian heart and brain depends on pacemaker currents (I(h)), which are produced by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels. Here, we report that the mouse HCN2 pacemaker channel isoform also produced a large instantaneous current (I(inst(HCN2))) in addition to the well characterized, slowly activating I(h). I(inst(HCN2)) was specific to expression of HCN2 on the plasma membrane and its amplitude was correlated with that of I(h). The two currents had similar reversal potentials, and both were modulated by changes in intracellular Cl(-) and cAMP. A mutation in the S4 domain of HCN2 (S306Q) decreased I(h) but did not alter I(inst(HCN2)), and instantaneous currents in cells expressing either wild type HCN2 or mutant S306Q channels were insensitive to block by Cs(+). Co-expression of HCN2 with the accessory subunit, MiRP1, decreased I(h) and increased I(inst(HCN2)), suggesting a mechanism for modulation of both currents in vivo. These data suggest that expression of HCN channels may be accompanied by a background conductance in native tissues and are consistent with at least two open states of HCN channels: I(inst(HCN2)) is produced by a Cs(+)-open state; hyperpolarization produces an additional Cs(+)-sensitive open state, which results in I(h).

Leakage current transport mechanism under reverse bias in Au/Ni/GaN Schottky barrier diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peta, Koteswara Rao; Kim, Moon Deock

2018-01-01

The leakage current transport mechanism under reverse bias of Au/Ni/GaN Schottky diode is studied using temperature dependent current-voltage (I-V-T) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics. I-V measurement in this study is in the range of 140 K-420 K in steps of 10 K. A reduction in voltage dependent barrier height and a strong internal electric field in depletion region under reverse bias suggested electric field enhanced thermionic emission in carrier transport via defect states in Au/Ni/GaN SBD. A detailed analysis of reverse leakage current revealed two different predominant transport mechanisms namely variable-range hopping (VRH) and Poole-Frenkel (PF) emission conduction at low (<260 K) and high (>260 K) temperatures respectively. The estimated thermal activation energies (0.20-0.39 eV) from Arrhenius plot indicates a trap assisted tunneling of thermally activated electrons from a deep trap state into a continuum of states associated with each conductive threading dislocation.

Active-Twist Rotor Control Applications for UAVs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilbur, Matthew L.; Wilkie, W. Keats

2004-01-01

The current state-of-the-art in active-twist rotor control is discussed using representative examples from analytical and experimental studies, and the application to rotary-wing UAVs is considered. Topics include vibration and noise reduction, rotor performance improvement, active blade tracking, stability augmentation, and rotor blade de-icing. A review of the current status of piezoelectric fiber composite actuator technology, the class of piezoelectric actuators implemented in active-twist rotor systems, is included.

Vehicle design considerations for active control application to subsonic transport aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hofmann, L. G.; Clement, W. F.

1974-01-01

The state of the art in active control technology is summarized. How current design criteria and airworthiness regulations might restrict application of this emerging technology to subsonic CTOL transports of the 1980's are discussed. Facets of active control technology considered are: (1) augmentation of relaxed inherent stability; (2) center-of-gravity control; (3) ride quality control; (4) load control; (5) flutter control; (6) envelope limiting, and (7) pilot interface with the control system. A summary and appraisal of the current state of the art, design criteria, and recommended practices, as well as a projection of the risk in applying each of these facets of active control technology is given. A summary of pertinent literature and technical expansions is included.

76 FR 27347 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-11

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE [OMB Number 1122-0011] Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comments Requested: Semi-Annual Progress Report for Grantees From the Grants to State Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program ACTION: 30-Day notice of information collection under review. The...

76 FR 27349 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-11

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE [OMB Number 1122-0010] Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comments Requested: Semi-Annual Progress Report for the Grants to State Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program ACTION: 30-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review. The Department of Justic...

Change in Mean Frequency of Resting-State Electroencephalography after Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

PubMed Central

Boonstra, Tjeerd W.; Nikolin, Stevan; Meisener, Ann-Christin; Martin, Donel M.; Loo, Colleen K.

2016-01-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is proposed as a tool to investigate cognitive functioning in healthy people and as a treatment for various neuropathological disorders. However, the underlying cortical mechanisms remain poorly understood. We aim to investigate whether resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) can be used to monitor the effects of tDCS on cortical activity. To this end we tested whether the spectral content of ongoing EEG activity is significantly different after a single session of active tDCS compared to sham stimulation. Twenty participants were tested in a sham-controlled, randomized, crossover design. Resting-state EEG was acquired before, during and after active tDCS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (15 min of 2 mA tDCS) and sham stimulation. Electrodes with a diameter of 3.14 cm2 were used for EEG and tDCS. Partial least squares (PLS) analysis was used to examine differences in power spectral density (PSD) and the EEG mean frequency to quantify the slowing of EEG activity after stimulation. PLS revealed a significant increase in spectral power at frequencies below 15 Hz and a decrease at frequencies above 15 Hz after active tDCS (P = 0.001). The EEG mean frequency was significantly reduced after both active tDCS (P < 0.0005) and sham tDCS (P = 0.001), though the decrease in mean frequency was smaller after sham tDCS than after active tDCS (P = 0.073). Anodal tDCS of the left DLPFC using a high current density bi-frontal electrode montage resulted in general slowing of resting-state EEG. The similar findings observed following sham stimulation question whether the standard sham protocol is an appropriate control condition for tDCS. PMID:27375462

State-Dependent Decoding Algorithms Improve the Performance of a Bidirectional BMI in Anesthetized Rats.

PubMed

De Feo, Vito; Boi, Fabio; Safaai, Houman; Onken, Arno; Panzeri, Stefano; Vato, Alessandro

2017-01-01

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) promise to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from sensory and motor disabilities by creating a direct communication channel between the brain and the external world. Yet, their performance is currently limited by the relatively small amount of information that can be decoded from neural activity recorded form the brain. We have recently proposed that such decoding performance may be improved when using state-dependent decoding algorithms that predict and discount the large component of the trial-to-trial variability of neural activity which is due to the dependence of neural responses on the network's current internal state. Here we tested this idea by using a bidirectional BMI to investigate the gain in performance arising from using a state-dependent decoding algorithm. This BMI, implemented in anesthetized rats, controlled the movement of a dynamical system using neural activity decoded from motor cortex and fed back to the brain the dynamical system's position by electrically microstimulating somatosensory cortex. We found that using state-dependent algorithms that tracked the dynamics of ongoing activity led to an increase in the amount of information extracted form neural activity by 22%, with a consequently increase in all of the indices measuring the BMI's performance in controlling the dynamical system. This suggests that state-dependent decoding algorithms may be used to enhance BMIs at moderate computational cost.

The effects of some inhalation anaesthetics on the sodium current of the squid giant axon.

PubMed Central

Haydon, D A; Urban, B W

1983-01-01

The effects of diethyl ether, methoxyflurane, halothane, dichloromethane and chloroform on the ionic currents and electrical capacity of the squid giant axon have been examined. The peak inward current in voltage-clamped axons was reduced reversibly by each substance. Sodium currents under voltage clamp were recorded in intracellularly perfused axons before, during, and sometimes after exposure to the test substances, and the records were fitted with equations similar to those proposed by Hodgkin & Huxley (1952). Shifts in the dependence of the steady-state activation and inactivation parameters (m infinity and h infinity) on membrane potential, reductions in the peak heights of the activation and inactivation time constants (tau m and tau h) and decreases in the maximum Na conductance (gNa) have been tabulated. For each of the anaesthetics the steady-state inactivation curve was shifted in the hyperpolarizing direction though less markedly than for the hydrocarbons. The steady-state activation curve was in each instance shifted in the depolarizing direction, as for the alcohols and other surface active substances. In common with both the hydrocarbons and the surface active substances the peak time constants were invariably reduced. The membrane capacity at 100 kHz was affected significantly only by methoxyflurane, where decreases of ca. 9% were observed for 3 mM solutions. The extent to which the results can be accounted for in terms of the perturbation of membrane lipid has been discussed. PMID:6312031

Voltage dependence of a stochastic model of activation of an alpha helical S4 sensor in a K channel membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaccaro, S. R.

2011-09-01

The voltage dependence of the ionic and gating currents of a K channel is dependent on the activation barriers of a voltage sensor with a potential function which may be derived from the principal electrostatic forces on an S4 segment in an inhomogeneous dielectric medium. By variation of the parameters of a voltage-sensing domain model, consistent with x-ray structures and biophysical data, the lowest frequency of the survival probability of each stationary state derived from a solution of the Smoluchowski equation provides a good fit to the voltage dependence of the slowest time constant of the ionic current in a depolarized membrane, and the gating current exhibits a rising phase that precedes an exponential relaxation. For each depolarizing potential, the calculated time dependence of the survival probabilities of the closed states of an alpha helical S4 sensor are in accord with an empirical model of the ionic and gating currents recorded during the activation process.

Recent Trends in Computerized Medical Information Systems for Hospital Departments

PubMed Central

Maturi, Vincent F.; DuBois, Richard M.

1980-01-01

The authors have re-examined the current state of commercially-available department-specific medical information systems and their relationship to the hospital-wide communications systems. The current state was compared to the state two years ago when the authors made their first survey. The changes in the trend, the number of problems that hospital administrators or department directors are faced with when purchasing or using department-specific systems, and the activity in standardization were studied.

76 FR 38397 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-30

... National and State health care reforms; (2) To provide descriptive data on the current employer-sponsored..., and academic researchers to evaluate current and proposed health policies and to support the...

Field Study of Stress: Psychophysiological Measures During Project Supex.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-10-01

recordings proved to be unreliable utilizing the current procedures. The perceived scales evaluated the current state of the individual, but they were not good predictors of performance or heart rate activity. (Author)

How Are Previous Physical Activity and Self-Efficacy Related to Future Physical Activity and Self-Efficacy?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

David, Prabu; Pennell, Michael L.; Foraker, Randi E.; Katz, Mira L.; Buckworth, Janet; Paskett, Electra D.

2014-01-01

Self-efficacy (SE) has been found to be a robust predictor of success in achieving physical activity (PA) goals. While much of the current research has focused on SE as a trait, SE as a state has received less attention. Using day-to-day measurements obtained over 84 days, we examined the relationship between state SE and PA. Postmenopausal women…

Significant applications of ERTS-1 data to resource management activities at the state level in Ohio. [strip mining and land use mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sweet, D. C.; Pincura, P. G.; Meier, C. J.; Garrett, G. B.; Herd, L.; Wukelic, G. E.; Stephan, J. G.; Smail, H. E.

1974-01-01

Described are techniques utilized and the progress made in applying ERTS-1 data to (1) detecting, inventorying, and monitoring surface mining activities, particularly in relation to recently passed strip mine legislation in Ohio; (2) updating current land use maps at various scales for multiagency usage, and (3) solving other real-time problems existing throughout the various Ohio governmental agencies. General conclusions regarding current user views as to the opportunities and limitations of operationally using ERTS-1 data at the state level are also noted.

Institutional Advancement Activities at Select Hispanic-Serving Institutions: The Politics of Raising Funds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mulnix, Michael William; Bowden, Randall G.; Lopez, Esther Elena

2004-01-01

This article analyzes the current state of institutional advancement activities at Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) of higher education. Since the 1980s, a core group of colleges and universities in the United States with significant enrollments of Hispanic students has come to be recognized as primary providers of education to the burgeoning…

Solid State Inflation Balloon Active Deorbiter: Scalable Low-Cost Deorbit System for Small Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, Adam

2016-01-01

The goal of the Solid State Inflation Balloon Active Deorbiter project is to develop and demonstrate a scalable, simple, reliable, and low-cost active deorbiting system capable of controlling the downrange point of impact for the full-range of small satellites from 1 kg to 180 kg. The key enabling technology being developed is the Solid State Gas Generator (SSGG) chip, generating pure nitrogen gas from sodium azide (NaN3) micro-crystals. Coupled with a metalized nonelastic drag balloon, the complete Solid State Inflation Balloon (SSIB) system is capable of repeated inflation/deflation cycles. The SSGG minimizes size, weight, electrical power, and cost when compared to the current state of the art.

48 CFR 942.705-4 - State and local governments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... governments. 942.705-4 Section 942.705-4 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CONTRACT... governments. A list of cognizant agencies for State/local government organizations is periodically published... notified of such assignments. The current negotiated rates for State/local government activities is...

48 CFR 942.705-4 - State and local governments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... governments. 942.705-4 Section 942.705-4 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CONTRACT... governments. A list of cognizant agencies for State/local government organizations is periodically published... notified of such assignments. The current negotiated rates for State/local government activities is...

48 CFR 942.705-4 - State and local governments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... governments. 942.705-4 Section 942.705-4 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CONTRACT... governments. A list of cognizant agencies for State/local government organizations is periodically published... notified of such assignments. The current negotiated rates for State/local government activities is...

Organized Labor's Participation in State Workplace Literacy Initiatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sarmiento, Anthony R.

The literature shows that state federations of labor should be, and many are, actively involved in current state literacy initiatives. The United States must develop a coherent and comprehensive system of lifetime education. This will require a greater commitment of public and private resources to education and training. Too many employers are…

Capturing well-being in activity pattern models within activity-based travel demand models.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

The activity-based approach which is based on the premise that the demand for travel is derived : from the demand for activities, currently constitutes the state of the art in metropolitan travel : demand forecasting and particularly in a form known ...

Capturing well-being in activity pattern models within activity-based travel demand models.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-04-01

The activity-based approach which is based on the premise that the demand for travel is derived : from the demand for activities, currently constitutes the state of the art in metropolitan travel : demand forecasting and particularly in a form known ...

Space commerce in a global economy: Comparison of US and Australian approaches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, Barbara A.; Page, John R.

1993-01-01

The United States and Australia are among the 20 or more nations of the world having industries currently engaging in some form of space commerce. As a matter of national policy, the United States has encouraged private investment and involvement in space activities since 1984, when the Congress declared it in the best interest of the Nation that NASA '...seek and encourage to the maximum extent possible, the fullest commercial use of space.' Australia's space policy, announced in 1986, has the objective of encouraging greater involvement by industry in space research and development, and the development of commercial space activities. This paper discusses the underlying policies, current status, and prospects for the future of commercial space business activities in the two countries.

Depolarized inactivation overcomes impaired activation to produce DRG neuron hyperexcitability in a Nav1.7 mutation in a patient with distal limb pain.

PubMed

Huang, Jianying; Yang, Yang; Dib-Hajj, Sulayman D; van Es, Michael; Zhao, Peng; Salomon, Jody; Drenth, Joost P H; Waxman, Stephen G

2014-09-10

Sodium channel Nav1.7, encoded by SCN9A, is expressed in DRG neurons and regulates their excitability. Genetic and functional studies have established a critical contribution of Nav1.7 to human pain disorders. We have now characterized a novel Nav1.7 mutation (R1279P) from a female human subject with distal limb pain, in which depolarized fast inactivation overrides impaired activation to produce hyperexcitability and spontaneous firing in DRG neurons. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells demonstrated that R1279P significantly depolarizes steady-state fast-, slow-, and closed-state inactivation. It accelerates deactivation, decelerates inactivation, and facilitates repriming. The mutation increases ramp currents in response to slow depolarizations. Our voltage-clamp analysis showed that R1279P depolarizes channel activation, a change that was supported by our multistate structural modeling. Because this mutation confers both gain-of-function and loss-of-function attributes on the Nav1.7 channel, we tested the impact of R1279P expression on DRG neuron excitability. Current-clamp studies reveal that R1279P depolarizes resting membrane potential, decreases current threshold, and increases firing frequency of evoked action potentials within small DRG neurons. The populations of spontaneously firing and repetitively firing neurons were increased by expressing R1279P. These observations indicate that the dominant proexcitatory gating changes associated with this mutation, including depolarized steady-state fast-, slow-, and closed-state inactivation, faster repriming, and larger ramp currents, override the depolarizing shift of activation, to produce hyperexcitability and spontaneous firing of nociceptive neurons that underlie pain. Copyright © 2014 the authors 0270-6474/14/3412328-13$15.00/0.

Muscle length-dependent contribution of motoneuron Cav1.3 channels to force production in model slow motor unit.

PubMed

Kim, Hojeong

2017-07-01

Persistent inward current (PIC)-generating Ca v 1.3 channels in spinal motoneuron dendrites are thought to be actively recruited during normal behaviors. However, whether and how the activation of PIC channels influences force output of motor unit remains elusive. Here, building a physiologically realistic model of slow motor unit I demonstrated that force production induced by the PIC activation is much smaller for short than lengthened muscles during the regular firing of the motoneuron that transitions from the quiescent state by either a brief current pulse at the soma or a brief synaptic excitation at the dendrites. By contrast, the PIC-induced force potentiation was maximal for short muscles when the motoneuron switched from a stable low-frequency firing state to a stable high-frequency firing state by the current pulse at the soma. Under the synaptic excitation at the dendrites, however, the force could not be potentiated by the transitioning of the motoneuron from a low- to a high-frequency firing state due to the simultaneous onset of PIC at the dendrites and firing at the soma. The strong dependency of the input-output relationship of the motor unit on the neuromodulation and Ia afferent inputs for the PIC channels was further shown under static variations in muscle length. Taken together, these findings suggest that the PIC activation in the motoneuron dendrites may differentially affect the force production of the motor unit, depending not only on the firing state history of the motoneuron and the variation in muscle length but also on the mode of motor activity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Ca v 1.3 channels in motoneuron dendrites are actively involved during normal motor activities. To investigate the effects of the activation of motoneuron Ca v 1.3 channels on force production, a model motor unit was built based on best-available data. The simulation results suggest that force potentiation induced by Ca v 1.3 channel activation is strongly modulated not only by firing history of the motoneuron but also by length variation of the muscle as well as neuromodulation inputs from the brainstem. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Independent component analysis of EEG dipole source localization in resting and action state of brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almurshedi, Ahmed; Ismail, Abd Khamim

2015-04-01

EEG source localization was studied in order to determine the location of the brain sources that are responsible for the measured potentials at the scalp electrodes using EEGLAB with Independent Component Analysis (ICA) algorithm. Neuron source locations are responsible in generating current dipoles in different states of brain through the measured potentials. The current dipole sources localization are measured by fitting an equivalent current dipole model using a non-linear optimization technique with the implementation of standardized boundary element head model. To fit dipole models to ICA components in an EEGLAB dataset, ICA decomposition is performed and appropriate components to be fitted are selected. The topographical scalp distributions of delta, theta, alpha, and beta power spectrum and cross coherence of EEG signals are observed. In close eyes condition it shows that during resting and action states of brain, alpha band was activated from occipital (O1, O2) and partial (P3, P4) area. Therefore, parieto-occipital area of brain are active in both resting and action state of brain. However cross coherence tells that there is more coherence between right and left hemisphere in action state of brain than that in the resting state. The preliminary result indicates that these potentials arise from the same generators in the brain.

Acetylcholine-activated ionic currents in parasympathetic neurons of bullfrog heart.

PubMed

Tateishi, N; Kim, D K; Akaike, N

1990-05-01

1. The electrical and pharmacologic properties of acetylcholine (ACh)-induced current (IACh) were studied in the parasympathetic neurons isolated from bullfrog heart with the use of the concentration-clamp technique, which allows intracellular perfusion and rapid change of external solution within 2 ms under the single-electrode voltage-clamp condition. 2. The IACh consisted of an initial transient peak component and a successive steady-state plateau component. Both currents increased in a sigmoidal fashion with increasing ACh concentration. The dissociation constant (Kd value) and the Hill coefficient for each component were 2.2 X 10(-5) M and 1.6, respectively. 3. In the K(+)-free solution, the reversal potential (EACh) of IACh was close to the Na+ equilibrium potential (ENa). The current-voltage (I-V) relation showed inward rectification at positive potentials. 4. Nicotine mimicked only the peak component of IACh. However both peak and steady-state components were blocked nonselectively by the nicotinic blockers d-tubocurarine and hexamethonium. 5. Carbamylcholine (CCh) mimicked the steady-state component of IACh. The steady-state component was selectively inhibited by atropine at concentrations 1,000 times lower than that required for inhibition of the peak component. The steady state was blocked equally by either pirenzepine (M1 blocker) or AF-DX-116 (M2 blocker). 6. It was concluded that the IACh consisted of a peak component having double exponential activation and inactivation, mediated through the nicotinic actions, and a steady-state component having no inactivation, mediated through the muscarinic action.

Sandalwood: current interest and activity by the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Treesearch

Mark Scheffel

1990-01-01

The State of Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR) protects native species growing on State land, but has no official program funding for growing sandalwood. Part of the DLNR, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife forest and nursery managers maintain exuberant activity in attempting to establish their nursery stock of sandalwood in the field out of...

Neuronal networks: flip-flops in the brain.

PubMed

McCormick, David A

2005-04-26

Neuronal activity can rapidly flip-flop between stable states. Although these semi-stable states can be generated through interactions of neuronal networks, it is now known that they can also occur in vivo through intrinsic ionic currents.

76 FR 20044 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-11

... Form: State Criminal Alien Assistance Program. The Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice... currently approved collection. (2) The title of the form/collection: State Criminal Alien Assistance Program... Section 130002(b) as amended in 1996, BJA administers the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP...

Field measurement and analysis of climatic factors affecting dune mobility near Grand Falls on the Navajo Nation, southwestern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bogle, Rian; Redsteer, Margaret Hiza; Vogel, John M.

2015-01-01

Aeolian sand covers extensive areas of the Navajo Nation in the southwestern United States. Much of this sand is currently stabilized by vegetation, although many drier parts of these Native lands also have active and partly active dunes. Current prolonged drought conditions that started in the mid-1990s are producing significant changes in dune mobility. Reactivation of regional aeolian deposits due to drought or increasing aridity from rising temperatures resulting from climate change could have serious consequences for human and animal populations, agriculture, grazing, and infrastructure. To understand and document the current and future potential for mobility, seasonally repeated surveys were used to track the location of multiple active barchan dunes. By utilizing Real-Time Kinematic GPS field surveys and simultaneously collecting in-situ meteorological data, it is possible to examine climatic parameters and seasonal variations that affect dune mobility and their relative influences. Through analysis of the recorded data, we examined the fit of various climate parameters, and demonstrate that under the current prolonged drought, wind power is the dominant factor controlling dune mobility.

Conductance of P2X4 purinergic receptor is determined by conformational equilibrium in the transmembrane region.

PubMed

Minato, Yuichi; Suzuki, Shiho; Hara, Tomoaki; Kofuku, Yutaka; Kasuya, Go; Fujiwara, Yuichiro; Igarashi, Shunsuke; Suzuki, Ei-Ichiro; Nureki, Osamu; Hattori, Motoyuki; Ueda, Takumi; Shimada, Ichio

2016-04-26

Ligand-gated ion channels are partially activated by their ligands, resulting in currents lower than the currents evoked by the physiological full agonists. In the case of P2X purinergic receptors, a cation-selective pore in the transmembrane region expands upon ATP binding to the extracellular ATP-binding site, and the currents evoked by α,β-methylene ATP are lower than the currents evoked by ATP. However, the mechanism underlying the partial activation of the P2X receptors is unknown although the crystal structures of zebrafish P2X4 receptor in the apo and ATP-bound states are available. Here, we observed the NMR signals from M339 and M351, which were introduced in the transmembrane region, and the endogenous alanine and methionine residues of the zebrafish P2X4 purinergic receptor in the apo, ATP-bound, and α,β-methylene ATP-bound states. Our NMR analyses revealed that, in the α,β-methylene ATP-bound state, M339, M351, and the residues that connect the ATP-binding site and the transmembrane region, M325 and A330, exist in conformational equilibrium between closed and open conformations, with slower exchange rates than the chemical shift difference (<100 s(-1)), suggesting that the small population of the open conformation causes the partial activation in this state. Our NMR analyses also revealed that the transmembrane region adopts the open conformation in the state bound to the inhibitor trinitrophenyl-ATP, and thus the antagonism is due to the closure of ion pathways, except for the pore in the transmembrane region: i.e., the lateral cation access in the extracellular region.

Conductance of P2X4 purinergic receptor is determined by conformational equilibrium in the transmembrane region

PubMed Central

Minato, Yuichi; Suzuki, Shiho; Hara, Tomoaki; Kofuku, Yutaka; Kasuya, Go; Fujiwara, Yuichiro; Igarashi, Shunsuke; Suzuki, Ei-ichiro; Nureki, Osamu; Hattori, Motoyuki; Ueda, Takumi; Shimada, Ichio

2016-01-01

Ligand-gated ion channels are partially activated by their ligands, resulting in currents lower than the currents evoked by the physiological full agonists. In the case of P2X purinergic receptors, a cation-selective pore in the transmembrane region expands upon ATP binding to the extracellular ATP-binding site, and the currents evoked by α,β-methylene ATP are lower than the currents evoked by ATP. However, the mechanism underlying the partial activation of the P2X receptors is unknown although the crystal structures of zebrafish P2X4 receptor in the apo and ATP-bound states are available. Here, we observed the NMR signals from M339 and M351, which were introduced in the transmembrane region, and the endogenous alanine and methionine residues of the zebrafish P2X4 purinergic receptor in the apo, ATP-bound, and α,β-methylene ATP-bound states. Our NMR analyses revealed that, in the α,β-methylene ATP-bound state, M339, M351, and the residues that connect the ATP-binding site and the transmembrane region, M325 and A330, exist in conformational equilibrium between closed and open conformations, with slower exchange rates than the chemical shift difference (<100 s−1), suggesting that the small population of the open conformation causes the partial activation in this state. Our NMR analyses also revealed that the transmembrane region adopts the open conformation in the state bound to the inhibitor trinitrophenyl-ATP, and thus the antagonism is due to the closure of ion pathways, except for the pore in the transmembrane region: i.e., the lateral cation access in the extracellular region. PMID:27071117

Proceedings of the Workshop on Mobility and Control in Challenging Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-20

1.18 h (V) -3.48 Electronic Nervous Systems Activating Nitinol With Electronic Neurons Controlling Walking With EN Networks ele dep prot ret forward...command backward command Myomorphic Actuators •Artificial Muscle Nitinol : 50/50 Alloy of Nickel and Titanium. • Two stable crystalline states • State...an electrical current through it causing conversion to austenite and shorteningText Kevlar “Tendon” Crimp Connector Teflon Coated Nitinol Current

Programming, budgeting, and control in health care organization: the state of the art.

PubMed Central

Vraciu, R A

1979-01-01

The planning, budgeting, and controlling processes (PBCP) largely subsume all of the planning and controlling activities of an organization. This paper discusses these activities within the context of a single management control system, focusing on three topics. First, a brief historical perspective of management concerns which relate to PBCP is presented and several important external pressures currently imposed on the health care industry are discussed. Second, normative models of the processes--programming, budgeting, and controlling--are presented. The discussion focuses on the elements and relationships of these processes, and numerous references to the literature are provided. Third, several issues related to the gap between the state of the art in PBCP for hospitals and the current state of practice are discussed. PMID:116990

How do robots take two parts apart

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bajcsy, Ruzena K.; Tsikos, Constantine J.

1989-01-01

This research is a natural progression of efforts which begun with the introduction of a new research paradigm in machine perception, called Active Perception. There it was stated that Active Perception is a problem of intelligent control strategies applied to data acquisition processes which will depend on the current state of the data interpretation, including recognition. The disassembly/assembly problem is treated as an Active Perception problem, and a method for autonomous disassembly based on this framework is presented.

Effects of current physical activity on affective response to exercise: physical and social-cognitive mechanisms.

PubMed

Magnan, Renee E; Kwan, Bethany M; Bryan, Angela D

2013-01-01

Affective responses during exercise are often important determinants of exercise initiation and maintenance. Current physical activity may be one individual difference that is associated with the degree to which individuals have positive (or negative) affective experiences during exercise. The objective of this study was to explore physical and cognitive explanations of the relationship between current activity status (more versus less active) and affective response during a 30-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise. Participants reported their current level of physical activity, exercise self-efficacy and affect during a 30-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise. More active individuals experienced higher levels of positive affect and tranquillity and lower levels of negative affect and fatigue during exercise. Multivariate models for each affective state indicated separate processes through which physical activity may be associated with changes in affect during exercise. These models indicate that affect experienced during physical activity is related to the current activity level and these relationships can be partially explained by the physical and cognitive factors explored in this study. Recommendations for future research to elucidate whether positive affective response to physical activity improves as a function of becoming more active over time are discussed.

Neuronal basis of the slow (<1 Hz) oscillation in neurons of the nucleus reticularis thalami in vitro.

PubMed

Blethyn, Kate L; Hughes, Stuart W; Tóth, Tibor I; Cope, David W; Crunelli, Vincenzo

2006-03-01

During deep sleep and anesthesia, the EEG of humans and animals exhibits a distinctive slow (<1 Hz) rhythm. In inhibitory neurons of the nucleus reticularis thalami (NRT), this rhythm is reflected as a slow (<1 Hz) oscillation of the membrane potential comprising stereotypical, recurring "up" and "down" states. Here we show that reducing the leak current through the activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) with either trans-ACPD [(+/-)-1-aminocyclopentane-trans-1,3-dicarboxylic acid] (50-100 microM) or DHPG [(S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine] (100 microM) instates an intrinsic slow oscillation in NRT neurons in vitro that is qualitatively equivalent to that observed in vivo. A slow oscillation could also be evoked by synaptically activating mGluRs on NRT neurons via the tetanic stimulation of corticothalamic fibers. Through a combination of experiments and computational modeling we show that the up state of the slow oscillation is predominantly generated by the "window" component of the T-type Ca2+ current, with an additional supportive role for a Ca2+-activated nonselective cation current. The slow oscillation is also fundamentally reliant on an Ih current and is extensively shaped by both Ca2+- and Na+-activated K+ currents. In combination with previous work in thalamocortical neurons, this study suggests that the thalamus plays an important and active role in shaping the slow (<1 Hz) rhythm during deep sleep.

Current correlations for the transport of interacting electrons through parallel quantum dots in a photon cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudmundsson, Vidar; Abdullah, Nzar Rauf; Sitek, Anna; Goan, Hsi-Sheng; Tang, Chi-Shung; Manolescu, Andrei

2018-06-01

We calculate the current correlations for the steady-state electron transport through multi-level parallel quantum dots embedded in a short quantum wire, that is placed in a non-perfect photon cavity. We account for the electron-electron Coulomb interaction, and the para- and diamagnetic electron-photon interactions with a stepwise scheme of configuration interactions and truncation of the many-body Fock spaces. In the spectral density of the temporal current-current correlations we identify all the transitions, radiative and non-radiative, active in the system in order to maintain the steady state. We observe strong signs of two types of Rabi oscillations.

75 FR 8035 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Supplemental...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-23

... State Plan of Operations, Operating Guidelines and Forms AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA... are required to submit a Plan of Operation specifying the manner in which SNAP will be conducted. The State Plan of Operations, in accordance with current rules at 7 CFR 272.2, consists of a Federal/State...

Self-regulation in self-propelled nematic fluids.

PubMed

Baskaran, A; Marchetti, M C

2012-09-01

We consider the hydrodynamic theory of an active fluid of self-propelled particles with nematic aligning interactions. This class of materials has polar symmetry at the microscopic level, but forms macrostates of nematic symmetry. We highlight three key features of the dynamics. First, as in polar active fluids, the control parameter for the order-disorder transition, namely the density, is dynamically convected by the order parameter via active currents. The resulting dynamical self-regulation of the order parameter is a generic property of active fluids and destabilizes the uniform nematic state near the mean-field transition. Secondly, curvature-driven currents render the system unstable deep in the nematic state, as found previously. Finally, and unique to self-propelled nematics, nematic order induces local polar order that in turn leads to the growth of density fluctuations. We propose this as a possible mechanism for the smectic order of polar clusters seen in numerical simulations.

Activity-Based Identity Experiences and Their Relations to Problem Behavior and Psychological Well-Being in Adolescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palen, Lori-Ann; Coatsworth, J. Douglas

2007-01-01

The current study explored the associations between activity-based identity experiences and youth outcomes. Participants were 107 high school students and one parent or guardian of each from three communities in a Northeastern state. Youth completed a measure of activity-based identity experiences (Personally Expressive Activities Questionnaire…

Using RSVP for analyzing state and previous activities for the Mars Exploration Rovers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, Brian K.; Hartman, Frank; Maxwell, Scott; Wright, John; Yen, Jeng

2004-01-01

Current developments in immersive environments for mission planning include several tools which make up a system for performing and rehearsing missions. This system, known as the Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP), includes tools for planning long range sorties for highly autonomous rovers, tools for planning operations with robotic arms, and advanced tools for visualizing telemetry from remote spacecraft and landers. One of the keys to successful planning of rover activities is knowing what the rover has accomplished to date and understanding the current rover state. RSVP builds on the lessons learned and the heritage of the Mars Pathfinder mission This paper will discuss the tools and methodologies present in the RSVP suite for examining rover state, reviewing previous activities, visually comparing telemetered results to rehearsed results, and reviewing science and engineering imagery. In addition we will present how this tool suite was used on the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) project to explore the surface of Mars.

Electrochemistry of metalloproteins: protein film electrochemistry for the study of E. coli [NiFe]-hydrogenase-1.

PubMed

Evans, Rhiannon M; Armstrong, Fraser A

2014-01-01

Protein film electrochemistry is a technique which allows the direct control of redox-active enzymes, providing particularly detailed information on their catalytic properties. The enzyme is deposited onto a working electrode tip, and through control of the applied potential the enzyme activity is monitored as electrical current, allowing for direct study of inherent activity as electrons are transferred to and from the enzyme redox center(s). No mediators are used. Because the only enzyme present in the experiment is bound at the electrode surface, gaseous and liquid phase inhibitors can be introduced and removed whilst the enzyme remains in situ. Potential control means that kinetics and thermodynamics are explored simultaneously; the kinetics of a reaction can be studied as a function of potential. Steady-state catalytic rates are observed directly as current (for a given potential) and non-steady-state rates (such as interconversions between different forms of the enzyme) are observed from the change in current with time. The more active the enzyme, the higher the current and the better the signal-to-noise. In this chapter we outline the practical aspects of PFE for studying electroactive enzymes, using the Escherichia coli [NiFe]-hydrogenase 1 (Hyd-1) as an example.

Free-energy landscape of ion-channel voltage-sensor–domain activation

PubMed Central

Delemotte, Lucie; Kasimova, Marina A.; Klein, Michael L.; Tarek, Mounir; Carnevale, Vincenzo

2015-01-01

Voltage sensor domains (VSDs) are membrane-bound protein modules that confer voltage sensitivity to membrane proteins. VSDs sense changes in the transmembrane voltage and convert the electrical signal into a conformational change called activation. Activation involves a reorganization of the membrane protein charges that is detected experimentally as transient currents. These so-called gating currents have been investigated extensively within the theoretical framework of so-called discrete-state Markov models (DMMs), whereby activation is conceptualized as a series of transitions across a discrete set of states. Historically, the interpretation of DMM transition rates in terms of transition state theory has been instrumental in shaping our view of the activation process, whose free-energy profile is currently envisioned as composed of a few local minima separated by steep barriers. Here we use atomistic level modeling and well-tempered metadynamics to calculate the configurational free energy along a single transition from first principles. We show that this transition is intrinsically multidimensional and described by a rough free-energy landscape. Remarkably, a coarse-grained description of the system, based on the use of the gating charge as reaction coordinate, reveals a smooth profile with a single barrier, consistent with phenomenological models. Our results bridge the gap between microscopic and macroscopic descriptions of activation dynamics and show that choosing the gating charge as reaction coordinate masks the topological complexity of the network of microstates participating in the transition. Importantly, full characterization of the latter is a prerequisite to rationalize modulation of this process by lipids, toxins, drugs, and genetic mutations. PMID:25535341

Free-energy landscape of ion-channel voltage-sensor-domain activation.

PubMed

Delemotte, Lucie; Kasimova, Marina A; Klein, Michael L; Tarek, Mounir; Carnevale, Vincenzo

2015-01-06

Voltage sensor domains (VSDs) are membrane-bound protein modules that confer voltage sensitivity to membrane proteins. VSDs sense changes in the transmembrane voltage and convert the electrical signal into a conformational change called activation. Activation involves a reorganization of the membrane protein charges that is detected experimentally as transient currents. These so-called gating currents have been investigated extensively within the theoretical framework of so-called discrete-state Markov models (DMMs), whereby activation is conceptualized as a series of transitions across a discrete set of states. Historically, the interpretation of DMM transition rates in terms of transition state theory has been instrumental in shaping our view of the activation process, whose free-energy profile is currently envisioned as composed of a few local minima separated by steep barriers. Here we use atomistic level modeling and well-tempered metadynamics to calculate the configurational free energy along a single transition from first principles. We show that this transition is intrinsically multidimensional and described by a rough free-energy landscape. Remarkably, a coarse-grained description of the system, based on the use of the gating charge as reaction coordinate, reveals a smooth profile with a single barrier, consistent with phenomenological models. Our results bridge the gap between microscopic and macroscopic descriptions of activation dynamics and show that choosing the gating charge as reaction coordinate masks the topological complexity of the network of microstates participating in the transition. Importantly, full characterization of the latter is a prerequisite to rationalize modulation of this process by lipids, toxins, drugs, and genetic mutations.

Federal Funding Opportunities to Support the P-20W Data Pipeline. Federal Spotlight

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Data Quality Campaign, 2014

2014-01-01

This publication provides an overview of the current federal opportunities to help states advance their data-related activities. Although not exhaustive, this list provides a starting point for federal policymakers to support states' work in this area.

76 FR 320 - Agenda and Notice of Public Meeting of the New Mexico Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-04

... participate in orientation and ethics training; discuss recent Commission and regional activities, discuss current civil rights issues in the State and plan future activities. The Committee will also be briefed by...

Current activities in standardization of high-temperature, low-cycle-fatigue testing techniques in the United States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verrilli, Michael J.; Ellis, J. Rodney; Swindeman, Robert W.

1990-01-01

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard E606-80 is the most often used recommended testing practice for low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) testing in the United States. The standard was first adopted in 1977 for LCF testing at room temperature and was modified in 1980 to include high-temperature testing practices. Current activity within ASTM is aimed at extending the E606-80 recommended practices to LCF under thermomechanical conditions, LCF in high-pressure hydrogen, and LCF in metal-matrix composite materials. Interlaboratory testing programs conducted to generate a technical base for modifying E606-80 for the aforementioned LCF test types are discussed.

Effect of active-layer composition and structure on device performance of coplanar top-gate amorphous oxide thin-film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Lan; Meng, Fanxin; Chen, Jiarong

2018-01-01

The thin-film transistors (TFTs) with amorphous aluminum-indium-zinc-oxide (a-AIZO) active layer were prepared by dip coating method. The dependence of properties of TFTs on the active-layer composition and structure was investigated. The results indicate that Al atoms acted as a carrier suppressor in IZO films. Meanwhile, it was found that the on/off current ratio (I on/off) of TFT was improved by embedding a high-resistivity AIZO layer between the low-resistivity AIZO layer and gate insulator. The improvement in I on/off was attributed to the decrease in off-state current of double-active-layer TFT due to an increase in the active-layer resistance and the contact resistance between active layer and source/drain electrode. Moreover, on-state current and threshold voltage (V th) can be mainly controlled through thickness and Al content of the low-resistivity AIZO layer. In addition, the saturation mobility (μ sat) of TFTs was improved with reducing the size of channel width or/and length, which was attributed to the decrease in trap states in the semiconductor and at the semiconductor/gate-insulator interface with the smaller channel width or/and shorter channel length. Thus, we can demonstrate excellent TFTs via the design of active-layer composition and structure by utilizing a low cost solution-processed method. The resulting TFT, operating in enhancement mode, has a high μ sat of 14.16 cm2 V-1 s-1, a small SS of 0.40 V/decade, a close-to-zero V th of 0.50 V, and I on/off of more than 105.

A Handbook for Action.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, Harrisburg.

This handbook analyzes current problems related to the health, early child care and education, and availability of resources and supports for children, youth, and families in Pennsylvania; discusses current efforts to address these problems; and suggests short- and long-term objectives for state activities. Part 1, "Child Health,"…

Microbial Source Tracking: Current and Future Molecular Tools in Microbial Water Quality Forensics

EPA Science Inventory

Current regulations in the United States stipulate that the microbial quality of waters used for consumption and recreational activities should be determined regularly by measuring microbial indicators of fecal pollution. Hence, the microbial risk associated with these waters is...

Around the Globe.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wheeler, Steve

2001-01-01

Provides an overview of current activities in Web-based learning and development in Romania. Discusses promotion of online learning by various societies and institutions; the distance courses based on traditional procedures; problems of the current state of distance education, including shortage of teachers and network administration and poor and…

Effects of current physical activity on affective response to exercise: Physical and social-cognitive mechanisms

PubMed Central

Magnan, Renee E.; Kwan, Bethany M.; Bryan, Angela D.

2012-01-01

Objective Affective responses during exercise are often important determinants of exercise initiation and maintenance. Current physical activity may be one individual difference that is associated with the degree to which individuals have positive (or negative) affective experiences during exercise. The objective of this investigation was to explore physical and cognitive explanations of the relationship between current activity status (more versus less active) and affective response during a 30-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise. Method Participants reported their current level of physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, and affect during a 30-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise. Results More active individuals experienced higher levels of positive affect and tranquility and lower levels of negative affect and fatigue during exercise. Multivariate models for each affective state indicated separate processes through which physical activity may be associated with changes in affect during exercise. Conclusions These models indicate that affect experienced during physical activity is related to current activity level and these relationships can be partially explained by the physical and cognitive factors explored in this study. Recommendations for future research to elucidate whether positive affective response to physical activity improves as a function of becoming more active over time are discussed. PMID:23088712

Using Active Video Games for Physical Activity Promotion: A Systematic Review of the Current State of Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peng, Wei; Crouse, Julia C.; Lin, Jih-Hsuan

2013-01-01

This systematic review evaluates interventions using active video games (AVGs) to increase physical activity and summarizes laboratory studies quantifying intensity of AVG play among children and adults. Databases (Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) and forward citation and reference list searches were used to…

Architecture for robot intelligence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, II, Richard Alan (Inventor)

2004-01-01

An architecture for robot intelligence enables a robot to learn new behaviors and create new behavior sequences autonomously and interact with a dynamically changing environment. Sensory information is mapped onto a Sensory Ego-Sphere (SES) that rapidly identifies important changes in the environment and functions much like short term memory. Behaviors are stored in a DBAM that creates an active map from the robot's current state to a goal state and functions much like long term memory. A dream state converts recent activities stored in the SES and creates or modifies behaviors in the DBAM.

Analysis of state Superfund programs: 50 state study. 1998 update

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

NONE

States have remediated over 40,000 contaminated sites not on the federal Superfund list. ELI`s latest analysis of state Superfund programs examines the cleanup programs of all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The study provides the most current data on state statutes, program organization, staffing, funding, expenditures, cleanup standards, and cleanup activities, voluntary cleanup programs and brownfields programs. State and federal policymakers and attorneys working on non-NPL sites should find this study useful.

Faculty Productivity: Practice and Policy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quigley, E. James

Information was obtained on current or recently proposed legislation, administrative regulations, policies, practices, reports or studies on any aspect of faculty productivity, faculty workload or teaching load, or faculty activity analysis. Responses were obtained from 34 states. Responses for the 14 states that provided reference material are…

75 FR 63485 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-15

...: Health Insurance Benefit Agreement; Use: Applicants to the Medicare program are required to agree to... a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Children's Health Insurance... health insurance coverage for uninsured children. States are also required to submit State expenditure...

CVISN model deployment and mainstreaming : how do they fit?

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-09-25

The contracting out : bench marking study group has provided data to support the Executive Quality Council's effort to collect data and report on the (1) the status of FLH current activities, (2) information on state/consultant activities, and (3) be...

76 FR 16376 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Nutrition...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-23

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request--Nutrition Assistance in Farmers' Markets: Understanding Current Operations AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ACTION...

The policy of import substitution as the basis for economic security and well-being of society

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makasheva, Yu S.; Makasheva, N. P.; Gromova, A. S.; Andreeva, N. V.; Ishtunov, S. A.

2016-09-01

The study presents the analysis of import substitution opportunities on separate branches of economic activity, preceding the realization of import substitution policy with the aim to support national economic security, which is essential for the contemporary society welfare insurance. Currently, social well-being is considered to be the reflection of economic activity, the instrument of state influence on the society, as well as an indicator of the social security system. Due to the fact that Russia is integrated into the world economy, the foreign-economic policy currently is playing an important role in the development of national security and the state's interest to the spheres of economy considering external and internal threats. Decline in external economic conditions may result in serious consequences for the functioning and development of the country as well as for the trade and investment activities, which will further lead to the decline in export, withdrawal of capital, recession of industrial production, trade and investment sphere, fall of GDP and living standards. Thus, considering the current state of instability in the world economy and the growing political tension in relation to Russian Federation, the measures to increase economic security in the country should be taken. The policy of import substitution is considered to be one of the major solutions nowadays.

Current-induced transition from particle-by-particle to concurrent intercalation in phase-separating battery electrodes.

PubMed

Li, Yiyang; El Gabaly, Farid; Ferguson, Todd R; Smith, Raymond B; Bartelt, Norman C; Sugar, Joshua D; Fenton, Kyle R; Cogswell, Daniel A; Kilcoyne, A L David; Tyliszczak, Tolek; Bazant, Martin Z; Chueh, William C

2014-12-01

Many battery electrodes contain ensembles of nanoparticles that phase-separate on (de)intercalation. In such electrodes, the fraction of actively intercalating particles directly impacts cycle life: a vanishing population concentrates the current in a small number of particles, leading to current hotspots. Reports of the active particle population in the phase-separating electrode lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4; LFP) vary widely, ranging from near 0% (particle-by-particle) to 100% (concurrent intercalation). Using synchrotron-based X-ray microscopy, we probed the individual state-of-charge for over 3,000 LFP particles. We observed that the active population depends strongly on the cycling current, exhibiting particle-by-particle-like behaviour at low rates and increasingly concurrent behaviour at high rates, consistent with our phase-field porous electrode simulations. Contrary to intuition, the current density, or current per active internal surface area, is nearly invariant with the global electrode cycling rate. Rather, the electrode accommodates higher current by increasing the active particle population. This behaviour results from thermodynamic transformation barriers in LFP, and such a phenomenon probably extends to other phase-separating battery materials. We propose that modifying the transformation barrier and exchange current density can increase the active population and thus the current homogeneity. This could introduce new paradigms to enhance the cycle life of phase-separating battery electrodes.

Pharmacy technician self-efficacies: Insight to aid future education, staff development, and workforce planning.

PubMed

Desselle, Shane P; Hoh, Ryan; Holmes, Erin R; Gill, Amanpreet; Zamora, Lemuel

2017-07-15

The roles of pharmacy technicians are increasingly prominent given pharmacy's transition to patient-centered activities and evolving scopes of practice in many U.S. states and throughout the world. The aims of this study were to assess U.S. pharmacy technicians' self-efficacies for and attitudes toward performing current and emerging roles in hospital and in community pharmacy and to identify factors related to pharmacy technician self-efficacies in these roles. A total of 5000 pharmacy technicians from 8 U.S. states were sent an electronic survey eliciting data on current involvement, self-efficacies, and attitudes for practicing in an expansive list of practice activities. The 8 states from which the sample was drawn were selected from a stratified randomized procedure using U.S. Census Bureau geographically defined regions. Pre-notification and response reminders were employed. Data were analyzed descriptively and with univariate, inferential tests, as appropriate, to determine associations with commitment, practice environment, experience level, and other variables. Of the 612 participants who responded, 494 were currently working as a technician and not enrolled in a PharmD program of study. Participants reported various activities in which they were highly engaged. Overall, attitudes toward performing most of the activities and self-efficacies were quite favorable, even for those activities in which technicians were currently less involved. There were some notable differences between technicians practicing in community versus hospital settings. Years of experience, profession commitment, and advanced employee ranking were associated with higher levels of self-efficacy, overall. This initial examination of pharmacy technician self-efficacies identified areas that along with other factors could help employers with further expanding technician practice activities and vocational institutions with considerations for education and development of these key members of the workforce. The results would suggest technicians to be ready for continued evolution in their practice. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The analytical approach to optimization of active region structure of quantum dot laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korenev, V. V.; Savelyev, A. V.; Zhukov, A. E.; Omelchenko, A. V.; Maximov, M. V.

2014-10-01

Using the analytical approach introduced in our previous papers we analyse the possibilities of optimization of size and structure of active region of semiconductor quantum dot lasers emitting via ground-state optical transitions. It is shown that there are optimal length' dispersion and number of QD layers in laser active region which allow one to obtain lasing spectrum of a given width at minimum injection current. Laser efficiency corresponding to the injection current optimized by the cavity length is practically equal to its maximum value.

Shallow Lunar Seismic Activity and the Current Stress State of the Moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watters, Thomas R.; Weber, Renee C.; Collins, Geoffrey C.; Johnson, Catherine L.

2017-01-01

A vast, global network of more than 3200 lobate thrust fault scarps has been revealed in high resolution Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) images. The fault scarps are very young, less than 50 Ma, based on their small scale and crisp appearance, crosscutting relations with small-diameter impact craters, and rates of infilling of associated small, shallow graben and may be actively forming today. The population of young thrust fault scarps provides a window into the recent stress state of the Moon and offers insight into the origin of global lunar stresses. The distribution of orientations of the fault scarps is non-random, inconsistent with isotropic stresses from late-stage global contraction as the sole source of stress. Modeling shows that tidal stresses contribute significantly to the current stress state of the lunar crust. Tidal stresses (orbital recession and diurnal tides) superimposed on stresses from global contraction result in non-isotropic compressional stress and may produce thrust faults consistent with lobate scarp orientations. At any particular point on the lunar surface, peak compressive stress will be reached at a certain time in the diurnal cycle. Coseismic slip events on currently active thrust faults are expected to be triggered when peak stresses are reached. Analysis of the timing of the 28 the shallow moonquakes recorded by the Apollo seismic network shows that 19 indeed occur when the Moon is closer to apogee, while only 9 shallow events occur when the Moon is closer to perigee. Here we report efforts to refine the model for the current stress state of the Moon by investigating the contribution of polar wander. Progress on relocating the epicentral locations of the shallow moonquakes using an algorithm designed for sparse networks is also reported.

The Texas Economy: Potential for Job Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenwood, Katy; And Others

Designed for use as a resource by state and local level vocational education professionals and policymakers, this report provides information pertaining to the current economic conditions within Texas, the nature and measurement of economic activity, prevailing economic trends, and projections for the future. Outlined first are current economic…

Capturing Nanotechnology's Current State of Development via Analysis of Patents. OECD Science, Technology and Industry Working Papers, 2007/4

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Igami, Masatsura; Okazaki, Teruo

2007-01-01

This analysis aims at capturing current inventive activities in nanotechnologies based on the analysis of patent applications to the European Patent Office (EPO). Reported findings include: (1) Nanotechnology is a multifaceted technology, currently consisting of a set of technologies on the nanometre scale rather than a single technological field;…

cAMP modulates multiple K+ currents, increasing spike duration and excitability in Aplysia sensory neurons.

PubMed

Goldsmith, B A; Abrams, T W

1992-12-01

Enhancement of the defensive withdrawal reflex of Aplysia involves a prolongation of the action potentials of mechanosensory neurons, which contributes to facilitation of transmitter release from these cells. Recent reports have suggested that whereas cAMP-dependent modulation of K+ current increases sensory neuron excitability, a cAMP-independent decrease in K+ current may increase the action potential duration and, thus, facilitate transmitter release. We have tested this proposal using Walsh cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor or activators of the cAMP cascade and found that cAMP plays a major role in the spike-broadening effects of facilitatory transmitter; however, broadening requires higher levels of activation of the cAMP-dependent kinase than does increasing excitability. A steeply voltage-dependent transient K+ current, termed IKV,early, and the slowly activating S-type K+ (S-K+) current are both reduced by activation of the cAMP cascade, although with different sensitivities to the second messenger, enabling excitability and spike duration to be regulated independently. Differences in cAMP sensitivity also suggested that the originally described S-K+ current actually consists of two independent components, a slowly activating component and a time-independent, "steady-state" current that is activated at rest.

Is slack an intrinsic seizure terminator?

PubMed

Igelström, Kajsa M

2013-06-01

Understanding how epileptic seizures are initiated and propagated across large brain networks is difficult, but an even greater mystery is what makes them stop. Failure of spontaneous seizure termination leads to status epilepticus-a state of uninterrupted seizure activity that can cause death or permanent brain damage. Global factors, like changes in neuromodulators and ion concentrations, are likely to play major roles in spontaneous seizure cessation, but individual neurons also have intrinsic active ion currents that may contribute. The recently discovered gene Slack encodes a sodium-activated potassium channel that mediates a major proportion of the outward current in many neurons. Although given little attention, the current flowing through this channel may have properties consistent with a role in seizure termination.

The non-biphenyl-tetrazole angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist eprosartan is a unique and robust inverse agonist of the active state of the AT1 receptor.

PubMed

Takezako, Takanobu; Unal, Hamiyet; Karnik, Sadashiva S; Node, Koichi

2018-03-23

Conditions such as hypertension and renal allograft rejection are accompanied by chronic, agonist-independent, signalling by angiotensin II AT 1 receptors. The current treatment paradigm for these diseases entails the preferred use of inverse agonist AT 1 receptor blockers (ARBs). However, variability in the inverse agonist activities of common biphenyl-tetrazole ARBs for the active state of AT 1 receptors often leads to treatment failure. Therefore, characterization of robust inverse agonist ARBs for the active state of AT 1 receptors is necessary. To identify the robust inverse agonist for active state of AT 1 receptors and its molecular mechanism, we performed site-directed mutagenesis, competition binding assay, inositol phosphate production assay and molecular modelling for both ground-state wild-type AT 1 receptors and active-state N111G mutant AT 1 receptors. Although candesartan and telmisartan exhibited weaker inverse agonist activity for N111G- compared with WT-AT 1 receptors, only eprosartan exhibited robust inverse agonist activity for both N111G- and WT- AT 1 receptors. Specific ligand-receptor contacts for candesartan and telmisartan are altered in the active-state N111G- AT 1 receptors compared with the ground-state WT-AT 1 receptors, suggesting an explanation of their attenuated inverse agonist activity for the active state of AT 1 receptors. In contrast, interactions between eprosartan and N111G-AT 1 receptors were not significantly altered, and the inverse agonist activity of eprosartan was robust. Eprosartan may be a better therapeutic option than other ARBs. Comparative studies investigating eprosartan and other ARBs for the treatment of diseases caused by chronic, agonist-independent, AT 1 receptor activation are warranted. © 2018 The British Pharmacological Society.

Voltage-dependent neuromodulation of Na+ channels by D1-like dopamine receptors in rat hippocampal neurons.

PubMed

Cantrell, A R; Scheuer, T; Catterall, W A

1999-07-01

Activation of D1-like dopamine (DA) receptors reduces peak Na+ current in acutely isolated hippocampal neurons through phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the Na+ channel by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Here we report that neuromodulation of Na+ currents by DA receptors via PKA is voltage-dependent in the range of -110 to -70 mV and is also sensitive to concurrent activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Depolarization enhanced the ability of D1-like DA receptors to reduce peak Na+ currents via the PKA pathway. Similar voltage-dependent modulation was observed when PKA was activated directly with the membrane-permeant PKA activator DCl-cBIMPS (cBIMPS; 20 microM), indicating that the membrane potential dependence occurs downstream of PKA. PKA activation caused only a small (-2.9 mV) shift in the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation and had no effect on slow inactivation or on the rates of entry into the fast or slow inactivated states, suggesting that another mechanism is responsible for coupling of membrane potential changes to PKA modulation. Activation of PKC with a low concentration of the membrane-permeant diacylglycerol analog oleylacetyl glycerol also potentiated modulation by SKF 81297 or cBIMPS, and these effects were most striking at hyperpolarized membrane potentials where PKA modulation was not stimulated by membrane depolarization. Thus, activation of D1-like DA receptors causes a strong reduction in Na+ current via the PKA pathway, but it is effective primarily when it is combined with depolarization or activation of PKC. The convergence of these three distinct signaling modalities on the Na+ channel provides an intriguing mechanism for integration of information from multiple signaling pathways in the hippocampus and CNS.

Development of Cell Models as a Basis for Bioreactor Design for Genetically Modified Bacteria

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-10-30

of future behavior based on specifying the current state vector . Generally a total population greater than 10,000 is sufficient to allow treatment of...specifying the current state vector (essentially values for all variables in the model). Deterministic models become increasingly valid as the number of...host I A) and therein PARASItIS converts the host’s biomaterial or activities into its own + A and B are in physical contact. SYMBIOSIS (or perhaps Oi

Small signal amplifiers and converters for millimeter wave Satcom systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Okean, H. C.

1979-01-01

This paper describes the current state of the art and the various design tradeoffs encompassing the variety of small signal active circuit 'building blocks' deployed in millimeter wave Satcom receivers and transmitters. Included in this catagory are such low noise receiver components as parametric and FET amplifiers and low loss mixer downconverters as well as low level transmitter driver components such as resistive and varactor upconverters. Current and projected state of the art performance data will be presented along with specific examples of operating hardware.

Deterrence and the United States Coast Guard: Enhancing Current Practice with Performance Measures

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

Talley,  Jin , Kite Powell,  The US Coast Guard Vessel Inspection Programme (2005)  Deterrence and the United States Coast Guard: Enhancing Current...practical problem-solving, not from theory or strategy. As a result, the activities are fractured and may not even be recognized as related to...of Sun Tzu’s admonition: “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” The US

Progress and prospect of true steady state operation with RF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacquinot, Jean

2017-10-01

Operation of fusion confinement experiments in full steady state is a major challenge for the development towards fusion energy. Critical to achieving this goal is the availability of actively cooled plasma facing components and auxiliary systems withstanding the very harsh plasma environment. Equally challenging are physics issues related to achieving plasma conditions and current drive efficiency required by reactor plasmas. RF heating and current drive systems have been key instruments for obtaining the progress made until today towards steady state. They hold all the records of long pulse plasma operation both in tokamaks and in stellarators. Nevertheless much progress remains to be made in particular for integrating all the requirements necessary for maintaining in steady state the density and plasma pressure conditions of a reactor. This is an important stated aim of ITER and of devices equipped with superconducting magnets. After considering the present state of the art, this review will address the key issues which remain to be solved both in physics and technology for reaching this goal. They constitute very active subjects of research which will require much dedicated experimentation in the new generation of superconducting devices which are now in operation or becoming close to it.

Local Network-Level Integration Mediates Effects of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation.

PubMed

Fuscà, Marco; Ruhnau, Philipp; Neuling, Toralf; Weisz, Nathan

2018-05-01

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has been proposed as a tool to draw causal inferences on the role of oscillatory activity in cognitive functioning and has the potential to induce long-term changes in cerebral networks. However, effectiveness of tACS underlies high variability and dependencies, which, as previous modeling works have suggested, may be mediated by local and network-level brain states. We used magnetoencephalography to record brain activity from 17 healthy participants at rest as they kept their eyes open (EO) or eyes closed (EC) while being stimulated with sham, weak, or strong alpha-tACS using a montage commonly assumed to target occipital areas. We reconstructed the activity of sources in all stimulation conditions by means of beamforming. The analysis of resting-state brain activity revealed an interaction of the external stimulation with the endogenous alpha power increase from EO to EC. This interaction was localized to the posterior cingulate, a region remote from occipital cortex. This suggests state-dependent (EO vs. EC) long-range effects of tACS. In a follow-up analysis of this online-tACS effect, we find evidence that this state-dependency effect is mediated by functional network changes: connection strength from the precuneus was significantly correlated with the state-dependency effect in the posterior cingulate during tACS. No analogous correlation could be found for alpha power modulations in occipital cortex. Altogether, this is the first strong evidence to illustrate how functional network architectures can shape tACS effects.

Making Civics Count: Citizenship Education for a New Generation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, David E., Ed.; Levinson, Meira, Ed.; Hess, Frederick M., Ed.

2012-01-01

"By nearly every measure, Americans are less engaged in their communities and political activity than generations past." So write the editors of this volume, who survey the current practices and history of citizenship education in the United States. They argue that the current period of "creative destruction"--when schools are…

75 FR 25852 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Stormwater...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-10

... order to evaluate current stormwater management practices, the scope of the current State and local...; Stormwater Management Including Discharges From Developed Sites Questionnaires AGENCY: Environmental... forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This is a request for a new...

78 FR 26395 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-06

... coalition, State domestic violence coalition; territorial domestic violence or sexual assault coalition... of a Currently Approved Collection; Comments Requested: Office on Violence Against Women Solicitation Template ACTION: 30-Day notice. The Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) will be...

A National Perspective on the Current Evaluation Activities in Extension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lamm, Alexa J.; Israel, Glenn D.; Diehl, David

2013-01-01

In order to enhance Extension evaluation efforts it is important to understand current practices. The study reported here researched the evaluation behaviors of county-based Extension professionals. Extension professionals from eight states (n = 1,173) responded to a survey regarding their evaluation data collection, analysis, and reporting…

The influence of p-doping on two-state lasing in InAs/InGaAs quantum dot lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maximov, M. V.; Shernyakov, Yu M.; Zubov, F. I.; Zhukov, A. E.; Gordeev, N. Yu; Korenev, V. V.; Savelyev, A. V.; Livshits, D. A.

2013-10-01

Two-state lasing in devices based on undoped and p-type modulation-doped InAs/InGaAs quantum dots is studied for various cavity lengths and temperatures. Modulation doping of the active region strongly enhances the threshold current of two-state lasing, preserves ground-state lasing up to higher temperatures and increases ground-state output power. The impact of modulation doping is especially strong in short cavities.

Kinetic and functional analysis of transient, persistent and resurgent sodium currents in rat cerebellar granule cells in situ: an electrophysiological and modelling study

PubMed Central

Magistretti, Jacopo; Castelli, Loretta; Forti, Lia; D'Angelo, Egidio

2006-01-01

Cerebellar neurones show complex and differentiated mechanisms of action potential generation that have been proposed to depend on peculiar properties of their voltage-dependent Na+ currents. In this study we analysed voltage-dependent Na+ currents of rat cerebellar granule cells (GCs) by performing whole-cell, patch-clamp experiments in acute rat cerebellar slices. A transient Na+ current (INaT) was always present and had the properties of a typical fast-activating/inactivating Na+ current. In addition to INaT, robust persistent (INaP) and resurgent (INaR) Na+ currents were observed. INaP peaked at ∼−40 mV, showed half-maximal activation at ∼−55 mV, and its maximal amplitude was about 1.5% of that of INaT. INaR was elicited by repolarizing pulses applied following step depolarizations able to activate/inactivate INaT, and showed voltage- and time-dependent activation and voltage-dependent decay kinetics. The conductance underlying INaR showed a bell-shaped voltage dependence, with peak at −35 mV. A significant correlation was found between GC INaR and INaT peak amplitudes; however, GCs expressing INaT of similar size showed marked variability in terms of INaR amplitude, and in a fraction of cells INaR was undetectable. INaT, INaP and INaR could be accounted for by a 13-state kinetic scheme comprising closed, open, inactivated and blocked states. Current-clamp experiments carried out to identify possible functional correlates of INaP and/or INaR revealed that in GCs single action potentials were followed by depolarizing afterpotentials (DAPs). In a majority of cells, DAPs showed properties consistent with INaR playing a role in their generation. Computer modelling showed that INaR promotes DAP generation and enhances high-frequency firing, whereas INaP boosts near-threshold firing activity. Our findings suggest that special properties of voltage-dependent Na+ currents provides GCs with mechanisms suitable for shaping activity patterns, with potentially important consequences for cerebellar information transfer and computation. PMID:16527854

Macroscopic kinetics of pentameric ligand gated ion channels: comparisons between two prokaryotic channels and one eukaryotic channel.

PubMed

Laha, Kurt T; Ghosh, Borna; Czajkowski, Cynthia

2013-01-01

Electrochemical signaling in the brain depends on pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs). Recently, crystal structures of prokaryotic pLGIC homologues from Erwinia chrysanthemi (ELIC) and Gloeobacter violaceus (GLIC) in presumed closed and open channel states have been solved, which provide insight into the structural mechanisms underlying channel activation. Although structural studies involving both ELIC and GLIC have become numerous, thorough functional characterizations of these channels are still needed to establish a reliable foundation for comparing kinetic properties. Here, we examined the kinetics of ELIC and GLIC current activation, desensitization, and deactivation and compared them to the GABAA receptor, a prototypic eukaryotic pLGIC. Outside-out patch-clamp recordings were performed with HEK-293T cells expressing ELIC, GLIC, or α1β2γ2L GABAA receptors, and ultra-fast ligand application was used. In response to saturating agonist concentrations, we found both ELIC and GLIC current activation were two to three orders of magnitude slower than GABAA receptor current activation. The prokaryotic channels also had slower current desensitization on a timescale of seconds. ELIC and GLIC current deactivation following 25 s pulses of agonist (cysteamine and pH 4.0 buffer, respectively) were relatively fast with time constants of 24.9 ± 5.1 ms and 1.2 ± 0.2 ms, respectively. Surprisingly, ELIC currents evoked by GABA activated very slowly with a time constant of 1.3 ± 0.3 s and deactivated even slower with a time constant of 4.6 ± 1.2 s. We conclude that the prokaryotic pLGICs undergo similar agonist-mediated gating transitions to open and desensitized states as eukaryotic pLGICs, supporting their use as experimental models. Their uncharacteristic slow activation, slow desensitization and rapid deactivation time courses are likely due to differences in specific structural elements, whose future identification may help uncover mechanisms underlying pLGIC gating transitions.

Hydrogen Peroxide Formation and pH Changes at Rock-Water Interface during Stressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, S.; Kulahci, I.; Cyr, G.; Tregloan-Reed, J.; Balk, M.; Rothschild, L. J.; Freund, F. T.

2008-12-01

Common igneous and high-grade metamorphic rocks contain dormant defects, which become activated when stressed. They release electronic charge carriers, in particular defect electrons associated with O- states in a matrix of O2-. Known as 'positive holes' or pholes for short, the O- states can spread out of the stressed rock volume, travel along stress gradients over distances on the order of meters in the lab and probably over kilometers in the field. They carry a current, which can flow through meters of rock in the laboratory, probably tens of kilometers in the field. At rock-water interfaces the O- states turn into O radicals, which subtract H from H2O, forming OH- in the rock surface and PH radicals in the water. Two OH combine to H2O2. In the process the pH becomes more acidic. The discovery of H2O2 formation at rock-water interfaces as part of stress- activated currents on the tectonically active Earth may help us better understand the oxidation of the early Earth and the evolution of early Life.

76 FR 11279 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-01

...- Annual Progress Report for Grantees From the Grants to State Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program. The Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) will be submitting the... Domestic Violence Coalitions Program (State Coalitions Program) (3) Agency form number, if any, and the...

Reducing State Communication Anxiety for Public Speakers: An Energy Psychology Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fitch, John, III; Schmuldt, Laura; Rudick, Karen L.

2011-01-01

This mixed-method pilot study investigates the efficacy of implementing primordial energy activation and transcendence to address public speaking anxiety. Speech anxiety was significantly reduced from pretest to posttest, as measured by the Communication Anxiety Inventory State. Suggestions for future research, limitations of the current study,…

Overview of EPA activities and research related to black carbon

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this international presentation is to give an overview of EPA activities related to black carbon (BC). This overview includes some summary information on how EPA defines BC, current knowledge on United States emissions and forecasted emission reductions, and ongoin...

Interneuron-mediated inhibition synchronizes neuronal activity during slow oscillation.

PubMed

Chen, Jen-Yung; Chauvette, Sylvain; Skorheim, Steven; Timofeev, Igor; Bazhenov, Maxim

2012-08-15

The signature of slow-wave sleep in the electroencephalogram (EEG) is large-amplitude fluctuation of the field potential, which reflects synchronous alternation of activity and silence across cortical neurons. While initiation of the active cortical states during sleep slow oscillation has been intensively studied, the biological mechanisms which drive the network transition from an active state to silence remain poorly understood. In the current study, using a combination of in vivo electrophysiology and thalamocortical network simulation, we explored the impact of intrinsic and synaptic inhibition on state transition during sleep slow oscillation. We found that in normal physiological conditions, synaptic inhibition controls the duration and the synchrony of active state termination. The decline of interneuron-mediated inhibition led to asynchronous downward transition across the cortical network and broke the regular slow oscillation pattern. Furthermore, in both in vivo experiment and computational modelling, we revealed that when the level of synaptic inhibition was reduced significantly, it led to a recovery of synchronized oscillations in the form of seizure-like bursting activity. In this condition, the fast active state termination was mediated by intrinsic hyperpolarizing conductances. Our study highlights the significance of both intrinsic and synaptic inhibition in manipulating sleep slow rhythms.

Interneuron-mediated inhibition synchronizes neuronal activity during slow oscillation

PubMed Central

Chen, Jen-Yung; Chauvette, Sylvain; Skorheim, Steven; Timofeev, Igor; Bazhenov, Maxim

2012-01-01

The signature of slow-wave sleep in the electroencephalogram (EEG) is large-amplitude fluctuation of the field potential, which reflects synchronous alternation of activity and silence across cortical neurons. While initiation of the active cortical states during sleep slow oscillation has been intensively studied, the biological mechanisms which drive the network transition from an active state to silence remain poorly understood. In the current study, using a combination of in vivo electrophysiology and thalamocortical network simulation, we explored the impact of intrinsic and synaptic inhibition on state transition during sleep slow oscillation. We found that in normal physiological conditions, synaptic inhibition controls the duration and the synchrony of active state termination. The decline of interneuron-mediated inhibition led to asynchronous downward transition across the cortical network and broke the regular slow oscillation pattern. Furthermore, in both in vivo experiment and computational modelling, we revealed that when the level of synaptic inhibition was reduced significantly, it led to a recovery of synchronized oscillations in the form of seizure-like bursting activity. In this condition, the fast active state termination was mediated by intrinsic hyperpolarizing conductances. Our study highlights the significance of both intrinsic and synaptic inhibition in manipulating sleep slow rhythms. PMID:22641778

High performance advanced tokamak regimes in DIII-D for next-step experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenfield, C. M.; Murakami, M.; Ferron, J. R.; Wade, M. R.; Luce, T. C.; Petty, C. C.; Menard, J. E.; Petrie, T. W.; Allen, S. L.; Burrell, K. H.; Casper, T. A.; DeBoo, J. C.; Doyle, E. J.; Garofalo, A. M.; Gorelov, I. A.; Groebner, R. J.; Hobirk, J.; Hyatt, A. W.; Jayakumar, R. J.; Kessel, C. E.; La Haye, R. J.; Jackson, G. L.; Lohr, J.; Makowski, M. A.; Pinsker, R. I.; Politzer, P. A.; Prater, R.; Strait, E. J.; Taylor, T. S.; West, W. P.; DIII-D Team

2004-05-01

Advanced Tokamak (AT) research in DIII-D [K. H. Burrell for the DIII-D Team, in Proceedings of the 19th Fusion Energy Conference, Lyon, France, 2002 (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 2002) published on CD-ROM] seeks to provide a scientific basis for steady-state high performance operation in future devices. These regimes require high toroidal beta to maximize fusion output and poloidal beta to maximize the self-driven bootstrap current. Achieving these conditions requires integrated, simultaneous control of the current and pressure profiles, and active magnetohydrodynamic stability control. The building blocks for AT operation are in hand. Resistive wall mode stabilization via plasma rotation and active feedback with nonaxisymmetric coils allows routine operation above the no-wall beta limit. Neoclassical tearing modes are stabilized by active feedback control of localized electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD). Plasma shaping and profile control provide further improvements. Under these conditions, bootstrap supplies most of the current. Steady-state operation requires replacing the remaining Ohmic current, mostly located near the half radius, with noninductive external sources. In DIII-D this current is provided by ECCD, and nearly stationary AT discharges have been sustained with little remaining Ohmic current. Fast wave current drive is being developed to control the central magnetic shear. Density control, with divertor cryopumps, of AT discharges with edge localized moding H-mode edges facilitates high current drive efficiency at reactor relevant collisionalities. A sophisticated plasma control system allows integrated control of these elements. Close coupling between modeling and experiment is key to understanding the separate elements, their complex nonlinear interactions, and their integration into self-consistent high performance scenarios. Progress on this development, and its implications for next-step devices, will be illustrated by results of recent experiment and simulation efforts.

Alcohols potentiate the function of 5-HT3 receptor–channels on NCB-20 neuroblastoma cells by favouring and stabilizing the open channel state

PubMed Central

Zhou, Qing; Verdoorn, Todd A; Lovinger, David M

1998-01-01

5-HT3 receptor-mediated ion current was recorded from NCB-20 neuroblastoma cells using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Rapid drug superfusion was used to study the mechanism of alcohol potentiation of 5-HT3 receptor function and to analyse effects of alcohols on receptor-channel kinetics in detail.Trichloroethanol (TCEt) increased in a dose-dependent way the initial slope, 20–80 % rise time and measured desensitization rate of the current induced by low concentrations (1–2 μm) of 5-HT. Ethanol (EtOH) and butanol (ButOH) had similar effects on the 5-HT3 receptor-induced current.TCEt and ButOH decreased the measured desensitization rate of current induced by 10 μm 5-HT, a maximally effective concentration of agonist. These alcohols also increased the relative amplitude of steady state to peak current induced by 2 or 10 μm 5-HT, indicating a possible decrease in the intrinsic rate of desensitization.TCEt also decreased the deactivation rate of the current activated by 2 μm 5-HT after a short pulse of agonist application.Current sweeps generated by 1 μm 5-HT in the presence or absence of 10 mm TCEt or 100 mm EtOH were well fitted using a modified standard kinetic model derived from the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. This analysis indicated that potentiation by alcohols could be accounted for by increases in the association rate constant coupled with decreases in the dissociation and desensitization rate constants.This study suggests that alcohols potentiate 5-HT3 receptor-mediated current by both increasing the rate of channel activation and stabilizing the open state by decreasing the rates of channel deactivation and desensitization. PMID:9518697

Apparatus for multiprocessor-based control of a multiagent robot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, II, Richard Alan (Inventor)

2009-01-01

An architecture for robot intelligence enables a robot to learn new behaviors and create new behavior sequences autonomously and interact with a dynamically changing environment. Sensory information is mapped onto a Sensory Ego-Sphere (SES) that rapidly identifies important changes in the environment and functions much like short term memory. Behaviors are stored in a DBAM that creates an active map from the robot's current state to a goal state and functions much like long term memory. A dream state converts recent activities stored in the SES and creates or modifies behaviors in the DBAM.

Architecture for Multiple Interacting Robot Intelligences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, Richard Alan, II (Inventor)

2008-01-01

An architecture for robot intelligence enables a robot to learn new behaviors and create new behavior sequences autonomously and interact with a dynamically changing environment. Sensory information is mapped onto a Sensory Ego-Sphere (SES) that rapidly identifies important changes in the environment and functions much like short term memory. Behaviors are stored in a database associative memory (DBAM) that creates an active map from the robot's current state to a goal state and functions much like long term memory. A dream state converts recent activities stored in the SES and creates or modifies behaviors in the DBAM.

Simultaneous recording of eeg and direct current (DC) potential makes it possible to assess functional and metabolic state of nervous tissue.

PubMed

Murik, S E; Shapkin, A G

2004-08-01

It has been proposed to assess functional and metabolic state of the brain nervous tissue in terms of bioelectrical parameters. Simultaneous recording of the DC potential level and total slow electrical activity of the nervous tissue was performed in the object of study by nonpolarizable Ag/AgCl electrodes with a DC amplifier. The functional and metabolic state of the brain was determined in terms of enhancement or reduction in the total slow electrical activity and positive or negative shifts in the DC potential level.

Testing the Feasibility of a Passive and Active Case Ascertainment System for Multiple Rare Conditions Simultaneously: The Experience in Three US States

PubMed Central

McDermott, Suzanne; Ruttenber, Margaret; Mann, Joshua; Smith, Michael G; Royer, Julie; Valdez, Rodolfo

2016-01-01

Background Owing to their low prevalence, single rare conditions are difficult to monitor through current state passive and active case ascertainment systems. However, such monitoring is important because, as a group, rare conditions have great impact on the health of affected individuals and the well-being of their caregivers. A viable approach could be to conduct passive and active case ascertainment of several rare conditions simultaneously. This is a report about the feasibility of such an approach. Objective To test the feasibility of a case ascertainment system with passive and active components aimed at monitoring 3 rare conditions simultaneously in 3 states of the United States (Colorado, Kansas, and South Carolina). The 3 conditions are spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and fragile X syndrome. Methods Teams from each state evaluated the possibility of using current or modified versions of their local passive and active case ascertainment systems and datasets to monitor the 3 conditions. Together, these teams established the case definitions and selected the variables and the abstraction tools for the active case ascertainment approach. After testing the ability of their local passive and active case ascertainment system to capture all 3 conditions, the next steps were to report the number of cases detected actively and passively for each condition, to list the local barriers against the combined passive and active case ascertainment system, and to describe the experiences in trying to overcome these barriers. Results During the test period, the team from South Carolina was able to collect data on all 3 conditions simultaneously for all ages. The Colorado team was also able to collect data on all 3 conditions but, because of age restrictions in its passive and active case ascertainment system, it was able to report few cases of fragile X syndrome. The team from Kansas was able to collect data only on spina bifida. For all states, the implementation of an active component of the ascertainment system was problematic. The passive component appears viable with minor modifications. Conclusions Despite evident barriers, the joint passive and active case ascertainment of rare disorders using modified existing surveillance systems and datasets seems feasible, especially for systems that rely on passive case ascertainment. PMID:27574026

Identification of Resting State Networks Involved in Executive Function.

PubMed

Connolly, Joanna; McNulty, Jonathan P; Boran, Lorraine; Roche, Richard A P; Delany, David; Bokde, Arun L W

2016-06-01

The structural networks in the human brain are consistent across subjects, and this is reflected also in that functional networks across subjects are relatively consistent. These findings are not only present during performance of a goal oriented task but there are also consistent functional networks during resting state. It suggests that goal oriented activation patterns may be a function of component networks identified using resting state. The current study examines the relationship between resting state networks measured and patterns of neural activation elicited during a Stroop task. The association between the Stroop-activated networks and the resting state networks was quantified using spatial linear regression. In addition, we investigated if the degree of spatial association of resting state networks with the Stroop task may predict performance on the Stroop task. The results of this investigation demonstrated that the Stroop activated network can be decomposed into a number of resting state networks, which were primarily associated with attention, executive function, visual perception, and the default mode network. The close spatial correspondence between the functional organization of the resting brain and task-evoked patterns supports the relevance of resting state networks in cognitive function.

Merida and Integrated Strategic Solutions

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-28

combination of these activities has bolstered the cartels’ earnings and their economic firepower.xxi The Mexican cartels currently dominate the U.S. illicit...creation of fifteen Module Police Units ( MPUs ) in the Mexican States of Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua, and Tamaulipas.lvii These MPUs have approximately 422...state and federal resources and facilities.lix Ultimately these MPUs will be valuable state-level law enforcement assets enhancing overall police

Derivation of Hodgkin-Huxley equations for a Na+ channel from a master equation for coupled activation and inactivation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaccaro, S. R.

2016-11-01

The Na+ current in nerve and muscle membranes may be described in terms of the activation variable m (t ) and the inactivation variable h (t ) , which are dependent on the transitions of S4 sensors of each of the Na+ channel domains DI to DIV. The time-dependence of the Na+ current and the rate equations satisfied by m (t ) and h (t ) may be derived from the solution to a master equation that describes the coupling between two or three activation sensors regulating the Na+ channel conductance and a two-stage inactivation process. If the inactivation rate from the closed or open states increases as the S4 sensors activate, a more general form of the Hodgkin-Huxley expression for the open-state probability may be derived where m (t ) is dependent on both activation and inactivation processes. The voltage dependence of the rate functions for inactivation and recovery from inactivation are consistent with the empirically determined expressions and exhibit saturation for both depolarized and hyperpolarized clamp potentials.

Calcium current in type I hair cells isolated from the semicircular canal crista ampullaris of the rat.

PubMed

Almanza, Angélica; Vega, Rosario; Soto, Enrique

2003-12-24

The low voltage gain in type I hair cells implies that neurotransmitter release at their afferent synapse should be mediated by low voltage activated calcium channels, or that some peculiar mechanism should be operating in this synapse. With the patch clamp technique, we studied the characteristics of the Ca(2+) current in type I hair cells enzymatically dissociated from rat semicircular canal crista ampullaris. Calcium current in type I hair cells exhibited a slow inactivation (during 2-s depolarizing steps), was sensitive to nimodipine and was blocked by Cd(2+) and Ni(2+). This current was activated at potentials above -60 mV, had a mean half maximal activation of -36 mV, and exhibited no steady-state inactivation at holding potentials between -100 and -60 mV. This data led us to conclude that hair cell Ca(2+) current is most likely of the L type. Thus, other mechanisms participating in neurotransmitter release such as K(+) accumulation in the synaptic cleft, modulation of K(+) currents by nitric oxide, participation of a Na(+) current and possible metabotropic cascades activated by depolarization should be considered.

Major depression in mothers predicts reduced ventral striatum activation in adolescent female offspring with and without depression.

PubMed

Sharp, Carla; Kim, Sohye; Herman, Levi; Pane, Heather; Reuter, Tyson; Strathearn, Lane

2014-05-01

Prior research has identified reduced reward-related brain activation as a promising endophenotype for the early identification of adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, it is unclear whether reduced reward-related brain activation constitutes a true vulnerability for MDD. One way of studying vulnerability is through a high-risk design. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine whether reward-related activation of the ventral striatum is reduced in nondepressed daughters of mothers with a history of MDD (high-risk) similarly to currently depressed adolescent girls, compared with healthy controls. By directly comparing groups with a shared risk profile during differing states, we aimed to shed light on the endophenotypic nature of reduced reward processing for adolescent depression. We compared reward-related neural activity through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) between three groups of female biological offspring (N = 52) of mothers with differential MDD status: (a) currently depressed daughters of mothers with a history of MDD (MDD group; n = 14), (b) age- and socioeconomic status (SES)-matched never-depressed daughters of mothers with a history of MDD (high-risk group; n = 19), and (c) age- and SES-matched control daughters of mothers with no past or current psychopathology in either the mother or the daughter (healthy control group; n = 19). For the outcome phase of the reward task, right-sided ventral striatum activation was reduced for both currently depressed and high-risk girls compared with healthy controls. This ventral striatal activity correlated significantly with maternal depression scores. These findings provide further evidence of aberrant functioning for the United States Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)-defined domain of positive valence systems as a vulnerability factor for MDD and a potential endophenotype for the development of depression.

Augmented sodium currents contribute to the enhanced excitability of small diameter capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons isolated from Nf1+/⁻ mice.

PubMed

Wang, Yue; Duan, J-H; Hingtgen, C M; Nicol, G D

2010-04-01

Neurofibromin, the product of the Nf1 gene, is a guanosine triphosphatase activating protein (GAP) for p21ras (Ras) that accelerates conversion of active Ras-GTP to inactive Ras-GDP. Sensory neurons with reduced levels of neurofibromin likely have augmented Ras-GTP activity. We reported previously that sensory neurons isolated from a mouse model with a heterozygous mutation of the Nf1 gene (Nf1+/⁻) exhibited greater excitability compared with wild-type mice. To determine the mechanism giving rise to the augmented excitability, differences in specific membrane currents were examined. Consistent with the enhanced excitability of Nf1+/⁻ neurons, peak current densities of both tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current (TTX-R I(Na)) and TTX-sensitive (TTX-S) I(Na) were significantly larger in Nf1+/⁻ than in wild-type neurons. Although the voltages for half-maximal activation (V(0.5)) were not different, there was a significant depolarizing shift in the V(0.5) for steady-state inactivation of both TTX-R and TTX-S I(Na) in Nf1+/⁻ neurons. In addition, levels of persistent I(Na) were significantly larger in Nf1+/⁻ neurons. Neither delayed rectifier nor A-type potassium currents were altered in Nf1+/⁻ neurons. These results demonstrate that enhanced production of action potentials in Nf1+/⁻ neurons results, in part, from larger current densities and a depolarized voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation for I(Na) that potentially leads to a greater availability of sodium channels at voltages near the firing threshold for the action potential.

2005 Tri-Service Infrastructure Systems Conference and Exhibition. Volume 8, Track 8 Continued

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-08-04

Dennis Mekkers and Daniel M. Katz Current Research in Fate Current Research in Fate & Transport of Chemical and Biological Contaminants in Water...past boil activity, FSg = 1 • Minor boil or heavy seepage, FSg = 1.25 • Major boil activity, FSg = 1.5 The ratio 1:1.5 approximates (Critical State...prolonging life of road – SSB performed best under heavy traffic – If heavy traffic is possible, road should include a subbase Summary • Maintenance

Student Volunteering in England: A Critical Moment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Darwen, Jamie; Rannard, Andrea Grace

2011-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the current state of student volunteering in English universities, and show how it contributes to some of the core activities of higher education, including teaching and learning, employability, and public engagement. The paper goes on to describe challenges currently faced by student volunteering,…

Social Media Policy in Social Work Education: A Review and Recommendations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karpman, Hannah E.; Drisko, James

2016-01-01

Although social media use has grown dramatically, program policies have not kept pace. Some programs now state that student social media activities have led to professional conduct reviews and may violate ethical standards. This article reviews current social media policies and conceptualizes their key elements. A review of current social media…

Merit Pay Plans for Teachers: Status and Descriptions. ERS Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Educational Research Service, Arlington, VA.

This report, an update of the 1978 survey of national merit pay plans for teachers, provides descriptive data on currently operating merit pay plans and state level activities. Outlining current research, the report points out that neither a commonly acceptable definition of merit pay nor a generally acceptable method of determining meritorious…

Re-Mediating Current Activity for the Future

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gutierrez, Kris D.

2012-01-01

The growing poverty and inequity in America should create a sense of urgency in researchers to leverage what they know for the public good--to intervene more productively and vigorously in an ever more fragile public educational system and to address the increasing vulnerability of far too many youth in the United States. The current worldwide…

Extended active disturbance rejection controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tian, Gang (Inventor); Gao, Zhiqiang (Inventor)

2012-01-01

Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for controlling a system or plant using an extended active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) based controller are presented. The extended ADRC controller accepts sensor information from the plant. The sensor information is used in conjunction with an extended state observer in combination with a predictor that estimates and predicts the current state of the plant and a co-joined estimate of the system disturbances and system dynamics. The extended state observer estimates and predictions are used in conjunction with a control law that generates an input to the system based in part on the extended state observer estimates and predictions as well as a desired trajectory for the plant to follow.

Extended Active Disturbance Rejection Controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gao, Zhiqiang (Inventor); Tian, Gang (Inventor)

2016-01-01

Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for controlling a system or plant using an extended active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) based controller are presented. The extended ADRC controller accepts sensor information from the plant. The sensor information is used in conjunction with an extended state observer in combination with a predictor that estimates and predicts the current state of the plant and a co-joined estimate of the system disturbances and system dynamics. The extended state observer estimates and predictions are used in conjunction with a control law that generates an input to the system based in part on the extended state observer estimates and predictions as well as a desired trajectory for the plant to follow.

Extended Active Disturbance Rejection Controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tian, Gang (Inventor); Gao, Zhiqiang (Inventor)

2014-01-01

Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for controlling a system or plant using an extended active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) based controller are presented. The extended ADRC controller accepts sensor information from the plant. The sensor information is used in conjunction with an extended state observer in combination with a predictor that estimates and predicts the current state of the plant and a co-joined estimate of the system disturbances and system dynamics. The extended state observer estimates and predictions are used in conjunction with a control law that generates an input to the system based in part on the extended state observer estimates and predictions as well as a desired trajectory for the plant to follow.

Activation state of the hyperpolarization-activated current modulates temperature-sensitivity of firing in locus coeruleus neurons from bullfrogs.

PubMed

Santin, Joseph M; Hartzler, Lynn K

2015-06-15

Locus coeruleus neurons of anuran amphibians contribute to breathing control and have spontaneous firing frequencies that, paradoxically, increase with cooling. We previously showed that cooling inhibits a depolarizing membrane current, the hyperpolarization-activated current (I h) in locus coeruleus neurons from bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus (Santin JM, Watters KC, Putnam RW, Hartzler LK. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 305: R1451-R1464, 2013). This suggests an unlikely role for I h in generating cold activation, but led us to hypothesize that inhibition of I h by cooling functions as a physiological brake to limit the cold-activated response. Using whole cell electrophysiology in brain slices, we employed 2 mM Cs(+) (an I h antagonist) to isolate the role of I h in spontaneous firing and cold activation in neurons recorded with either control or I h agonist (cyclic AMP)-containing artificial intracellular fluid. I h did not contribute to the membrane potential (V m) and spontaneous firing at 20°C. Although voltage-clamp analysis confirmed that cooling inhibits I h, its lack of involvement in setting baseline firing and V m precluded its ability to regulate cold activation as hypothesized. In contrast, neurons dialyzed with cAMP exhibited greater baseline firing frequencies at 20°C due to I h activation. Our hypothesis was supported when the starting level of I h was enhanced by elevating cAMP because cold activation was converted to more ordinary cold inhibition. These findings indicate that situations leading to enhancement of I h facilitate firing at 20°C, yet the hyperpolarization associated with inhibiting a depolarizing cation current by cooling blunts the net V m response to cooling to oppose normal cold-depolarizing factors. This suggests that the influence of I h activation state on neuronal firing varies in the poikilothermic neuronal environment. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Blockade by N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid of the Kv4.3 current stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells

PubMed Central

Singleton, C B; Valenzuela, S M; Walker, B D; Tie, H; Wyse, K R; Bursill, J A; Qiu, M R; Breit, S N; Campbell, T J

1999-01-01

The Kv4.3 gene is believed to encode a large proportion of the transient outward current (Ito), responsible for the early phase of repolarization of the human cardiac action potential. There is evidence that this current is involved in the dispersion of refractoriness which develops during myocardial ischaemia and which predisposes to the development of potentially fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Epidemiological, clinical, animal, and cellular studies indicate that these arrhythmias may be ameliorated in myocardial ischaemia by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) present in fish oils. We describe stable transfection of the Kv4.3 gene into a mammalian cell line (Chinese hamster ovary cells), and using patch clamp techniques have shown that the resulting current closely resembles human Ito. The current is rapidly activating and inactivating, with both processes being well fit by double exponential functions (time constants of 3.8±0.2 and 5.3±0.4 ms for activation and 20.0±1.2 and 96.6±6.7 ms for inactivation at +45 mV at 23°C). Activation and steady state inactivation both show voltage dependence (V1/2 of activation=−6.7±2.5 mV, V1/2 of steady state inactivation=−51.3±0.2 mV at 23°C). Current inactivation and recovery from inactivation are faster at physiologic temperature (37°C) compared to room temperature (23°C). The n-3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid blocks the Kv4.3 current with an IC50 of 3.6 μmol L−1. Blockade of the transient outward current may be an important mechanism by which n-3 PUFA provide protection against the development of ventricular fibrillation during myocardial ischaemia. PMID:10433502

Calcium current in isolated neonatal rat ventricular myocytes.

PubMed Central

Cohen, N M; Lederer, W J

1987-01-01

1. Calcium currents (ICa) from neonatal rat ventricular heart muscle cells grown in primary culture were examined using the 'whole-cell' voltage-clamp technique (Hamill, Marty, Neher, Sakmann & Sigworth, 1981). Examination of ICa was limited to one calcium channel type, 'L' type (Nilius, Hess, Lansman & Tsien, 1985), by appropriate voltage protocols. 2. We measured transient and steady-state components of ICa, and could generally describe ICa in terms of the steady-state activation (d infinity) and inactivation (f infinity) parameters. 3. We observed that the reduction of ICa by the calcium channel antagonist D600 can be explained by both a shift of d infinity to more positive potentials as well as a slight reduction of ICa conductance. D600 did not significantly alter either the rate of inactivation of ICa or the voltage dependence of f infinity. 4. The calcium channel modulator BAY K8644 shifted both d infinity and f infinity to more negative potentials. Additionally, BAY K8644 increased the rate of inactivation at potentials between +5 and +55 mV. Furthermore, BAY K8644 also increased ICa conductance, a change consistent with a promotion of 'mode 2' calcium channel activity (Hess, Lansman & Tsien, 1984). 5. We conclude that, as predicted by d infinity and f infinity, there is a significant steady-state component of ICa ('window current') at plateau potentials in neonatal rat heart cells. Modulation of the steady-state and transient components of ICa by various agents can be attributed both to specific alterations in d infinity and f infinity and to more complicated alterations in the mode of calcium channel activity. PMID:2451004

A Comparative Analysis of Internal Communication and Public Relations Audits. State of the Art.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dozier, David M.; Hellweg, Susan A.

A review of current literature regarding the state of the art in the conduct of internal communication and public relations audits by public relations practitioners reveals that these two related measurement activities are of considerable importance to the practice of public relations. Public relations audits are concerned with exploratory…

77 FR 28399 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request, National...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-14

... standardized reporting methods to collect and analyze fire incident data at the Federal, State, and local levels. Data analysis helps local fire departments and States to focus on current problems, predict..., effort and resources used by respondents to respond) and cost, and the actual data collection instruments...

Latin for Communication. New York State Syllabus. Draft.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Foreign Languages Education.

The draft of a new syllabus for Latin instruction in New York State public schools emphasizes language instruction for communication. The syllabus is intended to serve as a basis for local activities such as review of current local programs, development of local programs to meet new standards, selection and acquisition of support materials,…

The high energy demand of neuronal cells caused by passive leak currents is not a waste of energy.

PubMed

Berndt, Nikolaus; Holzhütter, Hermann-Georg

2013-11-01

It is estimated that maintenance of the resting potential of neurons consumes between 15% (in gray matter) and 44% (in fully myelinated white matter) of the brain's total energy budget [1]. This poses the intriguing question why evolution has not strived to lower the permeability of passive ion channels to cut the high resting-state energy budget of the brain. Based on a conceptual mathematical model of neuronal ion currents and action potential (AP) firing we demonstrate that a neuron endowed with small leak currents and correspondingly low energy consumption by the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in the resting state may indeed recapitulate all features of normal AP firing. However, the activation and inactivation of such a "low-energy-cost neuron" turns out to be extremely sensitive to small fluctuation of Na(+) currents associated with Na(+)-dependent secondary-active transport that is indispensable for the metabolic integrity of the cell and neurotransmitter recycling. We provide evidence that sufficiently large leak currents function as important stabilizers of the membrane potential and thus are required to allow robust AP firing. Our simulations suggest that the energy demand of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase needed to counterbalance passive leak currents cannot be significantly dropped below observed values.

ASSESSING VINCLOZOLIN FOR ANTIANDROGENIC ACTIVITY: A DOSE-RESPONSE STUDY OF GENE EXPRESSION IN THE RAT VENTRAL PROSTATE

EPA Science Inventory

The United States Environmental Protection Agency, along with agencies within the European Union, are currently evaluating in vitro and in vivo assays to detect compounds that display antiandrogenic orandrogenic activity. Thein vivo assay is based on weight changes in androgen d...

Building a Peaceable Kingdom Piece by Piece.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawlor, Antoine T.

2000-01-01

Reports on New Jersey Catholic schools celebrating and demonstrating the meaning of the Gospel. States that each Catholic school in New Jersey made an 8.5"x11" puzzle showcasing current outreach service activities, and that each diocese displayed the puzzles for Catholic Schools Week. Lists outreach activities being performed by the…

76 FR 43652 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-21

... Response: 30 minutes. Burden Hours: 55. Needs and Uses: This is an extension of a current information... activities (e.g., cloud seeding) provide reports prior to and after the activity. They are also required to...: Business or other for-profit organizations; not- for-profit institutions; individuals or households; state...

Physically Active Play and Cognition: An Academic Matter?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sattelmair, Jacob; Ratey, John J.

2009-01-01

The authors discuss the growing evidence that strenuous physical activity is not only healthy for students but improves their academic performance. Based on such research, they argue that schools in the United States need to stop eliminating physical-education programs under the current political pressures to emphasize academics and instead to…

Socio-Scientific Decision Making in the Science Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siribunnam, Siripun; Nuangchalerm, Prasart; Jansawang, Natchanok

2014-01-01

The learning ability of students in science is improved by socio-scientific decision-making, an important activity that improves a student's scientific literacy, conceptual understanding, scientific inquiry, attitudes, and social values. The socio-scientific issues must be discussed during science classroom activities in the current state of 21st…

Pre-Activity and Post-Activity Stretching Perceptions and Practices in NCAA Division I Volleyball Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Judge, Lawrence W.; Bodey, Kimberly J.; Bellar, David; Bottone, Adam; Wanless, Elizabeth

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if NCAA Division I women's volleyball programs were in compliance with suggested current pre- and post-activity stretching protocols. Questionnaires were sent to NCAA division I women's volleyball programs in the United States. Fifty six coaches (23 males & 33 females) participated in the study. Some…

Predicting Risk-Taking Behavior from Prefrontal Resting-State Activity and Personality

PubMed Central

Studer, Bettina; Pedroni, Andreas; Rieskamp, Jörg

2013-01-01

Risk-taking is subject to considerable individual differences. In the current study, we tested whether resting-state activity in the prefrontal cortex and trait sensitivity to reward and punishment can help predict risk-taking behavior. Prefrontal activity at rest was assessed in seventy healthy volunteers using electroencephalography, and compared to their choice behavior on an economic risk-taking task. The Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System scale was used to measure participants’ trait sensitivity to reward and punishment. Our results confirmed both prefrontal resting-state activity and personality traits as sources of individual differences in risk-taking behavior. Right-left asymmetry in prefrontal activity and scores on the Behavioral Inhibition System scale, reflecting trait sensitivity to punishment, were correlated with the level of risk-taking on the task. We further discovered that scores on the Behavioral Inhibition System scale modulated the relationship between asymmetry in prefrontal resting-state activity and risk-taking. The results of this study demonstrate that heterogeneity in risk-taking behavior can be traced back to differences in the basic physiology of decision-makers’ brains, and suggest that baseline prefrontal activity and personality traits might interplay in guiding risk-taking behavior. PMID:24116176

The action of alcohols and other non-ionic surface active substances on the sodium current of the squid giant axon.

PubMed Central

Haydon, D A; Urban, B W

1983-01-01

The effects of several n-alkanols and n-alkyl oxyethylene alcohols, methyl octanoate, glycerol 1-monooctanoate and dioctanoyl phosphatidylcholine on the ionic currents and electrical capacity of the squid giant axon membrane have been examined. The peak inward current in voltage-clamped axons was reduced reversibly by each substance. For n-pentanol to n-decanol the concentrations required to suppress the peak inward current by 50% were determined. From these data, it was estimated that the standard free energy per CH2 for adsorption to the site of action was -3.04 kJ mole-1, as compared with -3.11 kJ mole-1 for adsorption into phospholipid bilayers or an n-alkane/aqueous solution interface. The membrane capacity at 100 kHz was not greatly by any of the test substances at concentrations which reduced the inward current by 50%. Na currents under voltage clamp were recorded in intracellularly perfused axons before, during and sometimes after exposure to the test substances and the records were fitted with equations similar to those proposed by Hodgkin & Huxley (1952). Shifts in the curves of the steady-state activation and inactivation parameters (m infinity and h infinity) against membrane potential, changes in the peak heights of the activation and inactivation time constants (tau m and tau h) and reductions in the maximum Na conductance (gNa) have been tabulated. All of the test substances shifted the voltage dependence of the steady-state activation in the depolarizing direction and lowered the peak time constants for both activation and inactivation. The origins of these effects, and of the differences in the present results from those of the hydrocarbons (Haydon & Urban, 1983), have been discussed in terms of the physico-chemical properties of the two groups of substances and with reference to their effects on artificial membranes. PMID:6312030

Membrane currents underlying activity in frog sinus venosus

PubMed Central

Brown, Hilary F.; Giles, Wayne; Noble, Susan J.

1977-01-01

1. The spontaneous electrical activity of small strips of muscle from the sinus venosus region of the heart of Rana catesbeiana was investigated using the double sucrose gap technique. The voltage clamp was used to record the ionic currents underlying the pace-maker depolarization and the action potential. 2. The records of spontaneous electrical activity are very similar to those obtained from the sinus venosus using micro-electrodes. Moreover, the pace-maker activity is almost completely insensitive to tetrodotoxin (TTX) at 2·0 × 10-6 g/ml., which suggests that the pace-maker responses can be classified as primary, as opposed to follower pacing. 3. In response to short rectangular depolarizing voltage clamp pulses, only one inward current is activated. This current is almost completely insensitive to TTX but can be blocked by manganese ions. It appears, therefore, to be equivalent to the slow inward (Ca2+/Na+) current, Isi, of other cardiac tissues. The threshold for Isi is near to the maximum diastolic potential, indicating that it must be activated during the pace-maker depolarization. 4. Interruption of the normal pace-maker depolarization by rapid activation of the voltage clamp circuit reveals the time-dependent decay of outward current. This current reverses between -75 and -90 mV and, therefore, is probably carried mainly by potassium ions. 5. Outward current decay is not a simple exponential, and Hodgkin—Huxley analysis suggests that two distinct components of outward current may be present. One of these is activated in the potential range of the pace-maker depolarization and the other at more positive potentials. Both outward currents reach full, steady-state activation at about zero mV, i.e. within the `plateau' range of the sinus action potential. 6. These results are compared with other recently published voltage clamp data from the rabbit sino—atrial node. 7. A hypothesis for the generation of pace-maker activity is presented which involves (i) decay of outward current and (ii) activation of the slow inward current, Isi. PMID:303699

Performance improvement of organic thin film transistors by using active layer with sandwich structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Yao; Zhou, Jianlin; Kuang, Peng; Lin, Hui; Gan, Ping; Hu, Shengdong; Lin, Zhi

2017-08-01

We report organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) with pentacene/fluorinated copper phthalo-cyanine (F16CuPc)/pentacene (PFP) sandwich configuration as active layers. The sandwich devices not only show hole mobility enhancement but also present a well control about threshold voltage and off-state current. By investigating various characteristics, including current-voltage hysteresis, organic film morphology, capacitance-voltage curve and resistance variation of active layers carefully, it has been found the performance improvement is mainly attributed to the low carrier traps and the higher conductivity of the sandwich active layer due to the additional induced carriers in F16CuPc/pentacene. Therefore, using proper multiple active layer is an effective way to gain high performance OTFTs.

Brain-Computer Interfaces Using Sensorimotor Rhythms: Current State and Future Perspectives

PubMed Central

Yuan, Han; He, Bin

2014-01-01

Many studies over the past two decades have shown that people can use brain signals to convey their intent to a computer using brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). BCI systems extract specific features of brain activity and translate them into control signals that drive an output. Recently, a category of BCIs that are built on the rhythmic activity recorded over the sensorimotor cortex, i.e. the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR), has attracted considerable attention among the BCIs that use noninvasive neural recordings, e.g. electroencephalography (EEG), and have demonstrated the capability of multi-dimensional prosthesis control. This article reviews the current state and future perspectives of SMR-based BCI and its clinical applications, in particular focusing on the EEG SMR. The characteristic features of SMR from the human brain are described and their underlying neural sources are discussed. The functional components of SMR-based BCI, together with its current clinical applications are reviewed. Lastly, limitations of SMR-BCIs and future outlooks are also discussed. PMID:24759276

Statistical Forecasting of Current and Future Circum-Arctic Ground Temperatures and Active Layer Thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aalto, J.; Karjalainen, O.; Hjort, J.; Luoto, M.

2018-05-01

Mean annual ground temperature (MAGT) and active layer thickness (ALT) are key to understanding the evolution of the ground thermal state across the Arctic under climate change. Here a statistical modeling approach is presented to forecast current and future circum-Arctic MAGT and ALT in relation to climatic and local environmental factors, at spatial scales unreachable with contemporary transient modeling. After deploying an ensemble of multiple statistical techniques, distance-blocked cross validation between observations and predictions suggested excellent and reasonable transferability of the MAGT and ALT models, respectively. The MAGT forecasts indicated currently suitable conditions for permafrost to prevail over an area of 15.1 ± 2.8 × 106 km2. This extent is likely to dramatically contract in the future, as the results showed consistent, but region-specific, changes in ground thermal regime due to climate change. The forecasts provide new opportunities to assess future Arctic changes in ground thermal state and biogeochemical feedback.

Vortex depinning as a nonequilibrium phase transition phenomenon: Scaling of current-voltage curves near the low and the high critical-current states in 2 H -Nb S2 single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bag, Biplab; Sivananda, Dibya J.; Mandal, Pabitra; Banerjee, S. S.; Sood, A. K.; Grover, A. K.

2018-04-01

The vortex depinning phenomenon in single crystals of 2 H -Nb S2 superconductors is used as a prototype for investigating properties of the nonequilibrium (NEQ) depinning phase transition. The 2 H -Nb S2 is a unique system as it exhibits two distinct depinning thresholds, viz., a lower critical current Icl and a higher one Ich. While Icl is related to depinning of a conventional, static (pinned) vortex state, the state with Ich is achieved via a negative differential resistance (NDR) transition where the velocity abruptly drops. Using a generalized finite-temperature scaling ansatz, we study the scaling of current (I)-voltage (V) curves measured across Icl and Ich. Our analysis shows that for I >Icl , the moving vortex state exhibits Arrhenius-like thermally activated flow behavior. This feature persists up to a current value where an inflexion in the IV curves is encountered. While past measurements have often reported similar inflexion, our analysis shows that the inflexion is a signature of a NEQ phase transformation from a thermally activated moving vortex phase to a free flowing phase. Beyond this inflection in IV, a large vortex velocity flow regime is encountered in the 2 H -Nb S2 system, wherein the Bardeen-Stephen flux flow limit is crossed. In this regime the NDR transition is encountered, leading to the high Ich state. The IV curves above Ich we show do not obey the generalized finite-temperature scaling ansatz (as obeyed near Icl). Instead, they scale according to the Fisher's scaling form [Fisher, Phys. Rev. B 31, 1396 (1985), 10.1103/PhysRevB.31.1396] where we show thermal fluctuations do not affect the vortex flow, unlike that found for depinning near Icl.

A New All Solid State Approach to Gaseous Pollutant Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, V.; Tamstorf, K.

1971-01-01

Recent efforts in our laboratories have concentrated on the development of an all solid state gas sensor, by combining solid electrolyte (ion exchange membrane) technology with advanced thin film deposition processes. With the proper bias magnitude and polarity these miniature electro-chemical,cells show remarkable current responses for many common pollution gases. Current activity is now focused on complementing a multiple array (matrix) of these solid state sensors, with a digital electronic scanner device possessing "scan-compare-identify-alarm: capability. This innovative approach to multi-component pollutant gas analysis may indeed be the advanced prototype for the "third generation" class of pollution analysis instrumentation so urgently needed in the decade ahead.

Penn State Multi-Discipline Tribology Group and Energy Institute Studies.

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

Perez, Joseph

This presentation is a summary of the current research activities on fuels and lubricants in the Multi-discipline Tribology group and the engine test group in the Combustion Laboratory of the Pennsylvania State University. The progress areas discussed in this summary include those found in Table 1. Table 1. RESEARCH AREAS: Diesel Engine Emission Reduction; Oxygenated Fuels; Improved Friction Fuels; Vegetable Oil Lubricants; Extended Drain Lubricants; Effect of Chemical Structure on Friction and Wear. The research is of interest either directly or indirectly to the goal of this workshop, diesel engine emissions reduction. The current projects at Penn State in themore » areas listed above will be discussed.« less

Guest concentration, bias current, and temperature-dependent sign inversion of magneto-electroluminescence in thermally activated delayed fluorescence devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Junquan; Jia, Weiyao; Chen, Yingbing; Liu, Dongyu; Hu, Yeqian; Xiong, Zuhong

2017-03-01

Non-emissive triplet excited states in devices that undergo thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) can be up-converted to singlet excited states via reverse intersystem crossing (RISC), which leads to an enhanced electroluminescence efficiency. Exciton-based fluorescence devices always exhibit a positive magneto-electroluminescence (MEL) because intersystem crossing (ISC) can be suppressed effectively by an external magnetic field. Conversely, TADF devices should exhibit a negative MEL because RISC is suppressed by the external magnetic field. Intriguingly, we observed a positive MEL in TADF devices. Moreover, the sign of the MEL was either positive or negative, and depended on experimental conditions, including doping concentration, current density and temperature. The MEL observed from our TADF devices demonstrated that ISC in the host material and RISC in the guest material coexisted. These competing processes were affected by the experimental conditions, which led to the sign change of the MEL. This work gives important insight into the energy transfer processes and the evolution of excited states in TADF devices.

The Association between Short Periods of Everyday Life Activities and Affective States: A Replication Study Using Ambulatory Assessment

PubMed Central

Bossmann, Thomas; Kanning, Martina; Koudela-Hamila, Susanne; Hey, Stefan; Ebner-Priemer, Ulrich

2013-01-01

Regularly conducted exercise programs effectively influence affective states. Studies suggest that this is also true for short bouts of physical activity (PA) of 10 min or less. Accordingly, everyday life activities of short duration might be used to regulate affective states. However, this association has rarely been studied in reference to unstructured activities in ongoing real-life situations. The current study examined the influence of various everyday life activities on three dimensions of mood (valence, calmness, energetic arousal) in a predominantly inactive sample. Ambulatory Assessment (AA) was used to investigate the association between actual PA and affective states during the course of 1 day. Seventy-seven students ages 19–30 participated in the study. PA was assessed with accelerometers, and affective state assessments were conducted hourly using an e-diary with a six-item mood scale that was specially designed for AA. Multilevel analyses indicated that the mood dimensions energetic arousal (p = 0.001) and valence (p = 0.005) were positively influenced by the intensity of the activity carried out in the 10-min prior to the assessment. As their activity increased, the participants’ positive feelings and energetic arousal increased. However, the students’ calmness was not affected by their activity levels. The findings highlight the importance of integrating short activity intervals of 10 min or less into everyday life routines to improve affective states. PMID:23596426

Determination of the active volumes of solid-state photon-beam dosimetry detectors using the PTB proton microbeam.

PubMed

Poppinga, Daniela; Delfs, Bjoern; Meyners, Jutta; Langner, Frank; Giesen, Ulrich; Harder, Dietrich; Poppe, Bjoern; Looe, Hui K

2018-05-04

This study aims at the experimental determination of the diameters and thicknesses of the active volumes of solid-state photon-beam detectors for clinical dosimetry. The 10 MeV proton microbeam of the PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig) was used to examine two synthetic diamond detectors, type microDiamond (PTW Freiburg, Germany), and the silicon detectors Diode E (PTW Freiburg, Germany) and Razor Diode (Iba Dosimetry, Germany). The knowledge of the dimensions of their active volumes is essential for their Monte Carlo simulation and their applications in small-field photon-beam dosimetry. The diameter of the active detector volume was determined from the detector current profile recorded by radially scanning the proton microbeam across the detector. The thickness of the active detector volume was determined from the detector's electrical current, the number of protons incident per time interval and their mean stopping power in the active volume. The mean energy of the protons entering this volume was assessed by comparing the measured and the simulated influence of the thickness of a stack of aluminum preabsorber foils on the detector signal. For all detector types investigated, the diameters measured for the active volume closely agreed with the manufacturers' data. For the silicon Diode E detector, the thickness determined for the active volume agreed with the manufacturer's data, while for the microDiamond detectors and the Razor Diode, the thicknesses measured slightly exceeded those stated by the manufacturers. The PTB microbeam facility was used to analyze the diameters and thicknesses of the active volumes of photon dosimetry detectors for the first time. A new method of determining the thickness values with an uncertainty of ±10% was applied. The results appear useful for further consolidating detailed geometrical knowledge of the solid-state detectors investigated, which are used in clinical small-field photon-beam dosimetry. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

From Anomalies to Essential Scientific Revolution? Intrinsic Brain Activity in the Light of Kuhn's Philosophy of Science.

PubMed

Havlík, Marek

2017-01-01

The first step toward a modern understanding of fMRI resting brain activity was made by Bharat Biswal in 1995. This surprising, and at first rejected, discovery is now associated with many resting state networks, notably the famous default mode network (DMN). Resting state activity and DMN significantly reassessed our traditional beliefs and conventions about the functioning of the brain. For the majority of the twentieth century, neuroscientists assumed that the brain is mainly the "reactive engine" to the environment operating mostly through stimulation. This "reactive convention" was very influential and convenient for the goals of twentieth century neuroscience-non-invasive functional localization based on stimulation. Largely unchallenged, "reactive convention" determined the direction of scientific research for a long time and became the "reactive paradigm" of the twentieth century. Resting state activity brought knowledge that was quite different of the "reactive paradigm." Current research of the DMN, probably the best known resting state network, leads to entirely new observations and conclusions, which were not achievable from the perspective of the "reactive paradigm." This shift from reactive activity to resting state activity of the brain is accompanied by an important question: "Can resting state activity be considered a scientific revolution and the new paradigm of neuroscience, or is it only significant for one branch of neuroscience, such as fMRI?"

Cognitive Activation by Central Thalamic Stimulation: The Yerkes-Dodson Law Revisited.

PubMed Central

Mair, Robert G.; Onos, Kristen D.; Hembrook, Jacqueline R.

2011-01-01

Central thalamus regulates forebrain arousal, influencing activity in distributed neural networks that give rise to organized actions during alert, wakeful states. Central thalamus has been implicated in working memory by the effects of lesions and microinjected drugs in this part of the brain. Lesions and drugs that inhibit neural activity have been found to impair working memory. Drugs that increase activity have been found to enhance and impair memory depending on the dose tested. Electrical deep brain stimulation (DBS) similarly enhances working memory at low stimulating currents and impairs it at higher currents. These effects are time dependent. They were observed when DBS was applied during the memory delay (retention) or choice response (retrieval) but not earlier in trials during the sample (acquisition) phase. The effects of microinjected drugs and DBS are consistent with the Yerkes-Dodson law, which describes an inverted-U relationship between arousal and behavioral performance. Alternatively these results may reflect desensitization associated with higher levels of stimulation, spread of drugs or current to adjacent structures, or activation of less sensitive neurons or receptors at higher DBS currents or drug doses. PMID:22013395

"Physiology in the News": Using Press Releases to Enhance Lay Communication and Introduce Current Physiology Research to Undergraduates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Kevin L.; Poteracki, James M.; Steury, Michael D.; Wehrwein, Erica A.

2015-01-01

Michigan State University's senior-level undergraduate physiology capstone laboratory uses a simple exercise termed "Physiology in the News," to help students explore the current research within the field of physiology while also learning to communicate science in lay terms. "Physiology in the News" is an activity that charges…

Educational Technology Use among K-12 Teachers: What Technologies Are Available and What Barriers Are Present?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Francom, Gregory M.

2016-01-01

In order to prepare teachers to integrate technology into teaching and learning activities, teacher educators and administrators need current information about the types of technologies available in classrooms. The current survey research study of K-12 public school teachers in a rural North Midwestern state provides updated information on…

Application of remote sensing to state and regional problems. [for Mississippi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, W. F.; Bouchillon, C. W.; Harris, J. C.; Carter, B.; Whisler, F. D.; Robinette, R.

1974-01-01

The primary purpose of the remote sensing applications program is for various members of the university community to participate in activities that improve the effective communication between the scientific community engaged in remote sensing research and development and the potential users of modern remote sensing technology. Activities of this program are assisting the State of Mississippi in recognizing and solving its environmental, resource and socio-economic problems through inventory, analysis, and monitoring by appropriate remote sensing systems. Objectives, accomplishments, and current status of the following individual projects are reported: (1) bark beetle project; (2) state park location planning; and (3) waste source location and stream channel geometry monitoring.

New Science Applications Within the U.S. National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, R. I.; Eble, M. C.; Forson, C. K.; Horrillo, J. J.; Nicolsky, D.

2017-12-01

The U.S. National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) is a collaborative State and Federal program which supports consistent and cost effective tsunami preparedness and mitigation activities at a community level. The NTHMP is developing a new five-year Strategic Plan based on the 2017 Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act as well as recommendations the 2017 NTHMP External Review Panel. Many NTHMP activities are based on the best available scientific methods through the NTHMP Mapping and Modeling Subcommittee (MMS). The primary activities for the MMS member States are to characterize significant tsunami sources, numerically model those sources, and create tsunami inundation maps for evacuation planning. This work remains a focus for many unmapped coastlines. With the lessons learned from the 2004 Indian Ocean and 2011 Tohoku Japan tsunamis, where both immediate risks and long-term recovery issues where recognized, the NTHMP MMS is expanding efforts into other areas that address community resilience. Tsunami evacuation modeling based on both pedestrian and vehicular modes of transportation are being developed by NTHMP States. Products include tools for the public to create personal evacuation maps. New tsunami response planning tools are being developed for both maritime and coastal communities. Maritime planning includes tsunami current-hazard maps for in-harbor and offshore response activities. Multi-tiered tsunami evacuation plans are being developed in some states to address local- versus distant-source tsunamis, as well as real-time evacuation plans, or "playbooks," for distant-source tsunamis forecasted to be less than the worst-case flood event. Products to assist community mitigation and recovery are being developed at a State level. Harbor Improvement Reports, which evaluate the impacts of currents, sediment, and debris on harbor infrastructure, include direct mitigation activities for Local Hazard Mitigation Plans. Building code updates in the five Pacific states will include new sections on tsunami load analysis of structures, and require Tsunami Design Zones based on probabilistic analyses. Guidance for community recovery planning has also been initiated. These new projects are being piloted by some States and will help create guidance for other States in the future.

M-currents and other potassium currents in bullfrog sympathetic neurones

PubMed Central

Adams, P. R.; Brown, D. A.; Constanti, A.

1982-01-01

1. Bullfrog lumbar sympathetic neurones were voltage-clamped in vitro through twin micro-electrodes. Four different outward (K+) currents could be identified: (i) a large sustained voltage-sensitive delayed rectifier current (IK) activated at membrane potentials more positive than -25 mV; (ii) a calcium-dependent sustained outward current (IC) activated at similar positive potentials and peaking at +20 to +60 mV; (iii) a transient current (IA) activated at membrane potentials more positive than -60 mV after a hyperpolarizing pre-pulse, but which was rapidly and totally inactivated at all potentials within its activation range; and (iv) a new K+ current, the M-current (IM). 2. IM was detected as a non-inactivating current with a threshold at -60 mV. The underlying conductance GM showed a sigmoidal activation curve between -60 and -10 mV, with half-activation at -35 mV and a maximal value (ḠM) of 84±14 (S.E.M.) nS per neurone. The voltage sensitivity of GM could be expressed in terms of a simple Boltzmann distribution for a single multivalent gating particle. 3. IM activated and de-activated along an exponential time course with a time constant uniquely dependent upon voltage, maximizing at ≃ 150 ms at -35 mV at 22 °C. 4. Instantaneous current—voltage (I/V) curves were approximately linear in the presence of IM, suggesting that the M-channels do not show appreciable rectification. However, the time- and voltage-dependent opening of the M-channels induced considerable rectification in the steady-state I/V curves recorded under both voltage-clamp and current-clamp modes between -60 and -25 mV. Both time- and voltage-dependent rectification in the voltage responses to current injection over this range could be predicted from the kinetic properties of IM. 5. It is suggested that IM exerts a strong potential-clamping effect on the behaviour of these neurones at membrane potentials subthreshold to excitation. PMID:6294290

Excitation and relaxation of metastable atomic states in an active medium of a repetitively pulsed copper vapour laser

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

Bokhan, P A; Zakrevskii, D E; Lavrukhin, M A

2016-02-28

The influence of a pre-pulse population of copper atom metastable states and their sub-population at a current pulse edge on the copper vapour laser pulse energy is studied under optimal temperature conditions. Experiments have been performed with active elements of a commercial laser having an internal diameter of a discharge channel of 14 and 20 mm. It is found that at a pulse repetition frequency of 12 – 14 kHz, corresponding to a maximal output power, the reduction of the energy due to a residual population of metastable states is by an order of magnitude less than due to theirmore » sub-population at a current pulse edge. The modelling based on the experimental results obtained has shown that in the case of an active element with an internal diameter of 14 mm, a decrease in the pulse leading edge from ∼25 ns to 0.6 ns does not reduce the laser pulse energy up to the repetition frequency of ∼50 kHz at an average output power of 70 W m{sup -1} and efficiency of ∼11%. (lasers)« less

Shallow Lunar Seismic Activity and the Current Stress State of the Moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watters, T. R.; Weber, R. C.; Collins, G. C.; Johnson, C. L.

2017-01-01

A vast, global network of more than 3200 lobate thrust fault scarps has been revealed in high resolution Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) images. The fault scarps very young, less than 50 Ma, based on their small scale and crisp appearance, crosscutting relations with small-diameter impact craters, and rates of infilling of associated small, shallow graben and may be actively forming today. The population of young thrust fault scarps provides a window into the recent stress state of the Moon and offers insight into the origin of global lunar stresses. The distribution of orientations of the fault scarps is non-random, inconsistent with isotropic stresses from late-stage global contraction as the sole source of stress Modeling shows that tidal stresses contribute significantly to the current stress state of the lunar crust. Tidal stresses (orbital recession and diurnal tides) superimposed on stresses from global contraction result in non-isotropic compressional stress and thrust faults consistent with lobate scarp orientations. Stresses due to orbital recession do not change with orbital position, thus it is with the addition of diurnal stresses that peak stresses are reached. At apogee, diurnal and recession stresses are most compressive near the tidal axis, while at perigee they are most compressive 90 degrees away from the tidal axis. Coseismic slip events on currently active thrust faults are expected to be triggered when peak stresses are reached. Analysis of the timing of the 28 the shallow moonquakes recorded by the Apollo seismic network shows that 19 indeed occur when the Moon is closer to apogee, while only 9 shallow events occur when the Moon is closer to perigee. Here we show the results of relocating the shallow moonquake using an algorithm designed for sparse networks to better constrain their epicentral locations in order to compare them with stress models. The model for the current stress state of the Moon is refined by investigating the contribution of polar wander.

Mountains, fire, fire suppression, and the carbon cycle in the western United States

Treesearch

David Schimel

2004-01-01

Most mountain regions in the western United States are covered by forests, which are for the most part recovering from historical harvesting and have been experiencing active fire suppression over approximately the past 100 years (Tilman and others 2000). Whereas many western landscapes are currently perceived as pristine natural systems, the Rockies, Sierra Nevada,...

Directory of Pollution Prevention in Higher Education: Faculty and Programs 1992. Doc #93-2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bakshani, Nandkumar; Allen, David

This survey reports the current state of development of pollution prevention education in Universities in the United States based on a national survey conducted between December 1991 and February 1992. Over 140 individuals (from 80 institutions) believed to be active in pollution prevention education were contacted and of these 89 (from 59…

Indiana: The State and Its Educational System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hodgkinson, Harold L.

Much of Indiana is sparsely populated and is concerned with agricultural activity; 70 percent of the state's population lives in its 13 metro areas. Partly because residents have done well without high levels of education, a small proportion of adults possess college degrees. Currently, many new jobs in Indiana are at the low end of services that…

Civil Rights in the '80's: The View from Justice.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Civiletti, Benjamin R.

Progress in the area of civil rights attained under the Carter administration is described in this speech by the current United States Attorney General. Among the Federal activities mentioned are: (1) legal suits to end employment discrimination on the basis of race, sex, and national origin; (2) withholding of Federal funds from State and local…

Interest, Enjoyment and Pride after Failure Experiences? Predictors of Students' State-Emotions after Success and Failure during Learning in Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tulis, Maria; Ainley, Mary

2011-01-01

The current investigation was designed to identify emotion states students experience during mathematics activities, and in particular to distinguish emotions contingent on experiences of success and experiences of failure. Students' task-related emotional responses were recorded following experiences of success and failure while working with an…

Negotiating the Gay Male Stereotype in Ballet and Modern Dance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Polasek, Katherine M.; Roper, Emily A.

2011-01-01

Dance, ballet and modern in particular, is culturally defined as a feminine activity in the United States. The purpose of the present study was to examine the experiences of professional male modern and ballet dancers in the United States. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 current professional ballet and modern dancers. We examined…

Physical Activity Research in Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review Using the Behavioral Epidemiological Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pitchford, E. Andrew; Dixon-Ibarra, Alicia; Hauck, Janet L.

2018-01-01

Through a scoping review, the current state of physical activity research in people with intellectual disability was examined. A search of publications between 2000 and 2014 retrieved 362 articles that met inclusion criteria. Eligible studies were coded according to the Behavioral Epidemiological Framework. Of the articles identified, 48% examined…

A National Survey of Research Activity and Attitudes in Student Affairs Divisions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Deborah Hazel; Steele, Brenton H.

1984-01-01

Surveyed 100 chief student personnel officers to examine the current state of research in student affairs at colleges and universities and explore institutional variables related to the existence and structure of such research. Focuses on the extent, type, usefulness, and structure of research activity in this area. (JAC)

78 FR 54652 - Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-05

... Programs'' survey among a representative sample of local and state health departments implementing FSPs in... descriptive data on the current status and activities, to describe changes in status and activities from 2007... between different levels of funding and FSP effectiveness in the U.S. The evaluation survey will take...

Removal of Default-State Associated Inhibition During Repetition Priming Improves Response Articulation

PubMed Central

Dacks, Andrew M.; Siniscalchi, Michael J.; Weiss, Klaudiusz R.

2012-01-01

Behavior is a product of both the stimuli encountered and the current internal state. At the level of the nervous system, the internal state alters the biophysical properties of, and connections between, neurons establishing a “network state”. To establish a network state, the nervous system must be altered from an initial default/resting state, but what remains unclear is the extent to which this process represents induction from a passive default state or the removal of suppression by an active default state. We use repetition priming (a history-dependent improvement of behavioral responses to repeatedly encountered stimuli) to determine the cellular mechanisms underlying the transition from the default to the primed network state. We demonstrate that both removal of active suppression and induction of neuron excitability changes each contribute separately to the production of a primed state. The feeding system of Aplysia californica displays repetition priming via an increase in the activity of the radula closure neuron B8, which results in increased bite strength with each motor program. We found that during priming, B8 received progressively less inhibitory input from the multi-functional neurons B4/5. Additionally, priming enhanced the excitability of B8, but the rate at which B8 activity increased as a result of these changes was regulated by the progressive removal of inhibitory input. Thus, the establishment of the network state involves the induction of processes from a rested state, yet the consequences of these processes are conditional upon critical gating mechanisms actively enforced by the default state. PMID:23223294

High-performance all-solid-state flexible supercapacitors based on two-step activated carbon cloth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shulan; Shi, Tielin; Zhan, Xiaobin; Long, Hu; Xi, Shuang; Hu, Hao; Tang, Zirong

2014-12-01

A simple and effective strategy is proposed to activate carbon cloth for the fabrication of flexible and high-performance supercapacitors. Firstly, the carbon cloth surface is exfoliated as nanotextures through wet chemical treatment, then an annealing process is applied at H2/N2 atmosphere to reduce the surface oxygen functional groups which are mainly introduced from the first step. The activated carbon cloth electrode shows excellent wettablity, large surface area and delivers remarkable electrochemical performance. A maximum areal capacitance of 485.64 mF cm-2 at the current density of 2 mA cm-2 is achieved for the activated carbon cloth electrode, which is considerably larger than the resported results for carbon cloth. Furthermore, the flexible all-solid-state supercapacitor, which is fabricated based on the activated carbon cloth electrodes, shows high areal capacitance, superior cycling stability as well as stable electrochemical performance even under constant bending or twisting conditions. An areal capacitance of 161.28 mF cm-2 is achieved at the current density of 12.5 mA cm-2, and 104% of its initial capacitance is retained after 30,000 charging/discharging cycles. This study would also provide an effective way to boost devices' electrochemical performance by accommodating other active materials on the activated carbon cloth.

Influence of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the right angular gyrus on brain activity during rest.

PubMed

Clemens, Benjamin; Jung, Stefanie; Mingoia, Gianluca; Weyer, David; Domahs, Frank; Willmes, Klaus

2014-01-01

Although numerous studies examined resting-state networks (RSN) in the human brain, so far little is known about how activity within RSN might be modulated by non-invasive brain stimulation applied over parietal cortex. Investigating changes in RSN in response to parietal cortex stimulation might tell us more about how non-invasive techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulate intrinsic brain activity, and further elaborate our understanding of how the resting brain responds to external stimulation. Here we examined how activity within the canonical RSN changed in response to anodal tDCS applied over the right angular gyrus (AG). We hypothesized that changes in resting-state activity can be induced by a single tDCS session and detected with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Significant differences between two fMRI sessions (pre-tDCS and post-tDCS) were found in several RSN, including the cerebellar, medial visual, sensorimotor, right frontoparietal, and executive control RSN as well as the default mode and the task positive network. The present results revealed decreased and increased RSN activity following tDCS. Decreased RSN activity following tDCS was found in bilateral primary and secondary visual areas, and in the right putamen. Increased RSN activity following tDCS was widely distributed across the brain, covering thalamic, frontal, parietal and occipital regions. From these exploratory results we conclude that a single session of anodal tDCS over the right AG is sufficient to induce large-scale changes in resting-state activity. These changes were localized in sensory and cognitive areas, covering regions close to and distant from the stimulation site.

Tonic nanomolar dopamine enables an activity-dependent phase recovery mechanism that persistently alters the maximal conductance of the hyperpolarization-activated current in a rhythmically active neuron.

PubMed

Rodgers, Edmund W; Fu, Jing Jing; Krenz, Wulf-Dieter C; Baro, Deborah J

2011-11-09

The phases at which network neurons fire in rhythmic motor outputs are critically important for the proper generation of motor behaviors. The pyloric network in the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion generates a rhythmic motor output wherein neuronal phase relationships are remarkably invariant across individuals and throughout lifetimes. The mechanisms for maintaining these robust phase relationships over the long-term are not well described. Here we show that tonic nanomolar dopamine (DA) acts at type 1 DA receptors (D1Rs) to enable an activity-dependent mechanism that can contribute to phase maintenance in the lateral pyloric (LP) neuron. The LP displays continuous rhythmic bursting. The activity-dependent mechanism was triggered by a prolonged decrease in LP burst duration, and it generated a persistent increase in the maximal conductance (G(max)) of the LP hyperpolarization-activated current (I(h)), but only in the presence of steady-state DA. Interestingly, micromolar DA produces an LP phase advance accompanied by a decrease in LP burst duration that abolishes normal LP network function. During a 1 h application of micromolar DA, LP phase recovered over tens of minutes because, the activity-dependent mechanism enabled by steady-state DA was triggered by the micromolar DA-induced decrease in LP burst duration. Presumably, this mechanism restored normal LP network function. These data suggest steady-state DA may enable homeostatic mechanisms that maintain motor network output during protracted neuromodulation. This DA-enabled, activity-dependent mechanism to preserve phase may be broadly relevant, as diminished dopaminergic tone has recently been shown to reduce I(h) in rhythmically active neurons in the mammalian brain.

Influence of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) over the Right Angular Gyrus on Brain Activity during Rest

PubMed Central

Clemens, Benjamin; Jung, Stefanie; Mingoia, Gianluca; Weyer, David; Domahs, Frank; Willmes, Klaus

2014-01-01

Although numerous studies examined resting-state networks (RSN) in the human brain, so far little is known about how activity within RSN might be modulated by non-invasive brain stimulation applied over parietal cortex. Investigating changes in RSN in response to parietal cortex stimulation might tell us more about how non-invasive techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulate intrinsic brain activity, and further elaborate our understanding of how the resting brain responds to external stimulation. Here we examined how activity within the canonical RSN changed in response to anodal tDCS applied over the right angular gyrus (AG). We hypothesized that changes in resting-state activity can be induced by a single tDCS session and detected with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Significant differences between two fMRI sessions (pre-tDCS and post-tDCS) were found in several RSN, including the cerebellar, medial visual, sensorimotor, right frontoparietal, and executive control RSN as well as the default mode and the task positive network. The present results revealed decreased and increased RSN activity following tDCS. Decreased RSN activity following tDCS was found in bilateral primary and secondary visual areas, and in the right putamen. Increased RSN activity following tDCS was widely distributed across the brain, covering thalamic, frontal, parietal and occipital regions. From these exploratory results we conclude that a single session of anodal tDCS over the right AG is sufficient to induce large-scale changes in resting-state activity. These changes were localized in sensory and cognitive areas, covering regions close to and distant from the stimulation site. PMID:24760013

Timing and efficacy of Ca2+ channel activation in hippocampal mossy fiber boutons.

PubMed

Bischofberger, Josef; Geiger, Jörg R P; Jonas, Peter

2002-12-15

The presynaptic Ca2+ signal is a key determinant of transmitter release at chemical synapses. In cortical synaptic terminals, however, little is known about the kinetic properties of the presynaptic Ca2+ channels. To investigate the timing and magnitude of the presynaptic Ca2+ inflow, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from mossy fiber boutons (MFBs) in rat hippocampus. MFBs showed large high-voltage-activated Ca(2+) currents, with a maximal amplitude of approximately 100 pA at a membrane potential of 0 mV. Both activation and deactivation were fast, with time constants in the submillisecond range at a temperature of approximately 23 degrees C. An MFB action potential (AP) applied as a voltage-clamp command evoked a transient Ca2+ current with an average amplitude of approximately 170 pA and a half-duration of 580 microsec. A prepulse to +40 mV had only minimal effects on the AP-evoked Ca2+ current, indicating that presynaptic APs open the voltage-gated Ca2+ channels very effectively. On the basis of the experimental data, we developed a kinetic model with four closed states and one open state, linked by voltage-dependent rate constants. Simulations of the Ca2+ current could reproduce the experimental data, including the large amplitude and rapid time course of the current evoked by MFB APs. Furthermore, the simulations indicate that the shape of the presynaptic AP and the gating kinetics of the Ca2+ channels are tuned to produce a maximal Ca2+ influx during a minimal period of time. The precise timing and high efficacy of Ca2+ channel activation at this cortical glutamatergic synapse may be important for synchronous transmitter release and temporal information processing.

Plasticity of calcium-permeable AMPA glutamate receptors in Pro-opiomelanocortin neurons.

PubMed

Suyama, Shigetomo; Ralevski, Alexandra; Liu, Zhong-Wu; Dietrich, Marcelo O; Yada, Toshihiko; Simonds, Stephanie E; Cowley, Michael A; Gao, Xiao-Bing; Diano, Sabrina; Horvath, Tamas L

2017-08-01

POMC neurons integrate metabolic signals from the periphery. Here, we show in mice that food deprivation induces a linear current-voltage relationship of AMPAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in POMC neurons. Inhibition of EPSCs by IEM-1460, an antagonist of calcium-permeable (Cp) AMPARs, diminished EPSC amplitude in the fed but not in the fasted state, suggesting entry of GluR2 subunits into the AMPA receptor complex during food deprivation. Accordingly, removal of extracellular calcium from ACSF decreased the amplitude of mEPSCs in the fed but not the fasted state. Ten days of high-fat diet exposure, which was accompanied by elevated leptin levels and increased POMC neuronal activity, resulted in increased expression of Cp-AMPARs on POMC neurons. Altogether, our results show that entry of calcium via Cp-AMPARs is inherent to activation of POMC neurons, which may underlie a vulnerability of these neurons to calcium overload while activated in a sustained manner during over-nutrition.

Personnel involved in the development of nuclear standards in the United States, 1976

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

Johnson, E.B.

1977-03-01

The development of voluntary nuclear standards in the United States is an active and necessary endeavor of the technical community concerned with the safe, orderly, and economic development of the nuclear potential. There are almost 8000 people presently involved either in writing voluntary standards and codes or in the management and processing roles necessary for their approval and promulgation. This document records the current participation of these people as member, chairman, or secretary of about 900 identified committees and projects. The standards projects are identified with the organizations that are responsible for the preparation, review, and maintenance of the standardsmore » and that provide support through supervisory committees and headquarters staff. The directory has four major sections: personnel, employers, committees, and a KWIC index of committee titles. The directory can be used to identify those nuclear standards projects currently active, to indicate the participation of employers, and to recognize the contributions of individuals to these often interdisciplinary activities.« less

Personnel involved in the development of nuclear standards in the United States, 1975

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

Johnson, E.B.

The development of voluntary nuclear standards in the United States is an active and necessary endeavor of the technical community concerned with the safe, orderly, and economic development of the nuclear potential. There are almost 8000 people presently involved either in writing voluntary standards and codes or in the management and processing roles necessary for their approval and promulgation. This document records the current participation of these people as member, chairman, or secretary of about 900 identified committees and projects. The standards projects are identified with the organizations that are responsible for the preparation, review, and maintenance of the standardsmore » and that provide support through supervisory committees and headquarters staff. The Directory has four major sections: personnel, employers, committees, and a KWIC Index of committee titles. The Directory can be used to identify those nuclear standards projects currently active, to indicate the participation of employers, and to recognize the contributions of individuals to these often interdisciplinary activities.« less

Effects of protonation state of Asp181 and position of active site water molecules on the conformation of PTP1B.

PubMed

Ozcan, Ahmet; Olmez, Elif Ozkirimli; Alakent, Burak

2013-05-01

In protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), the flexible WPD loop adopts a closed conformation (WPDclosed ) in the active state of PTP1B, bringing the catalytic Asp181 close to the active site pocket, while WPD loop is in an open conformation (WPDopen ) in the inactive state. Previous studies showed that Asp181 may be protonated at physiological pH, and ordered water molecules exist in the active site. In the current study, molecular dynamics simulations are employed at different Asp181 protonation states and initial positions of active site water molecules, and compared with the existing crystallographic data of PTP1B. In WPDclosed conformation, the active site is found to maintain its conformation only in the protonated state of Asp181 in both free and liganded states, while Asp181 is likely to be deprotonated in WPDopen conformation. When the active site water molecule network that is a part of the free WPDclosed crystal structure is disrupted, intermediate WPD loop conformations, similar to that in the PTPRR crystal structure, are sampled in the MD simulations. In liganded PTP1B, one active site water molecule is found to be important for facilitating the orientation of Cys215 and the phosphate ion, thus may play a role in the reaction. In conclusion, conformational stability of WPD loop, and possibly catalytic activity of PTP1B, is significantly affected by the protonation state of Asp181 and position of active site water molecules, showing that these aspects should be taken into consideration both in MD simulations and inhibitor design. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

I-V characterization of a quantum well infrared photodetector with stepped and graded barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nutku, F.; Erol, A.; Gunes, M.; Buklu, L. B.; Ergun, Y.; Arikan, M. C.

2012-09-01

I-V characterization of an n-type quantum well infrared photodetector which consists of stepped and graded barriers has been done under dark at temperatures between 20-300 K. Different current transport mechanisms and transition between them have been observed at temperature around 47 K. Activation energies of the electrons at various bias voltages have been obtained from the temperature dependent I-V measurements. Activation energy at zero bias has been calculated by extrapolating the bias dependence of the activation energies. Ground state energies and barrier heights of the four different quantum wells have been calculated by using an iterative technique, which depends on experimentally obtained activation energy. Ground state energies also have been calculated with transfer matrix technique and compared with iteration results. Incorporating the effect of high electron density induced electron exchange interaction on ground state energies; more consistent results with theoretical transfer matrix calculations have been obtained.

Offshore oil and gas activity impact. Hearings before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, US Senate, One Hundred Sixth Congress, First Session, January 27, 1999

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

NONE

1999-07-01

The purpose of this hearing is hear of the impacts of offshore exploration and production activities on coastal states and communities as it relates to Senate Bill 25. This bill would remedy current inequities by redistributing 50 percent of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenues to three programs: coastal impact assistance, local park and recreation, and wildlife programs. Statements were heard from representatives from three of the Gulf Coast States, as well as Alaska.

Previous Open Rotor Research in the US

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanZante, Dale

2011-01-01

Previous Open Rotor noise experience in the United States, current Open Rotor noise research in the United States and current NASA prediction methods activities were presented at a European Union (EU) X-Noise seminar. The invited attendees from EU industries, research establishments and universities discussed prospects for reducing Open Rotor noise and reviewed all technology programs, past and present, dedicated to Open Rotor engine concepts. This workshop was particularly timely because the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) plans to involve Independent Experts in late 2011 in assessing the noise of future low-carbon technologies including the open rotor.

A Review of Common Tanning Methods

PubMed Central

Garone, Michael; Fabrikant, Jordan

2015-01-01

Tanning in the United States has become an increasingly popular activity in our culture. Tanning methods have evolved through the years to become more readily accessible and easier to use for all consumers, regardless of geographic location. With the rising incidence of skin cancer, the demand for safe and efficient tanning methods remains high. There are currently many different tanning methods being utilized, and still more are being researched. This article serves to summarize some of the most common tarining methods used in the United States today as well as some potential methods currently under study. PMID:25741402

From Nose to Brain: Un-Sensed Electrical Currents Applied in the Nose Alter Activity in Deep Brain Structures

PubMed Central

Weiss, Tali; Shushan, Sagit; Ravia, Aharon; Hahamy, Avital; Secundo, Lavi; Weissbrod, Aharon; Ben-Yakov, Aya; Holtzman, Yael; Cohen-Atsmoni, Smadar; Roth, Yehudah; Sobel, Noam

2016-01-01

Rules linking patterns of olfactory receptor neuron activation in the nose to activity patterns in the brain and ensuing odor perception remain poorly understood. Artificially stimulating olfactory neurons with electrical currents and measuring ensuing perception may uncover these rules. We therefore inserted an electrode into the nose of 50 human volunteers and applied various currents for about an hour in each case. This induced assorted non-olfactory sensations but never once the perception of odor. To validate contact with the olfactory path, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure resting-state brain activity in 18 subjects before and after un-sensed stimulation. We observed stimulation-induced neural decorrelation specifically in primary olfactory cortex, implying contact with the olfactory path. These results suggest that indiscriminate olfactory activation does not equate with odor perception. Moreover, this effort serendipitously uncovered a novel path for minimally invasive brain stimulation through the nose. PMID:27591145

An ignition key for atomic-scale engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dundas, Daniel; Cunningham, Brian; Buchanan, Claire; Terasawa, Asako; Paxton, Anthony T.; Todorov, Tchavdar N.

2012-10-01

A current-carrying resonant nanoscale device, simulated by non-adiabatic molecular dynamics, exhibits sharp activation of non-conservative current-induced forces with bias. The result, above the critical bias, is generalized rotational atomic motion with a large gain in kinetic energy. The activation exploits sharp features in the electronic structure, and constitutes, in effect, an ignition key for atomic-scale motors. A controlling factor for the effect is the non-equilibrium dynamical response matrix for small-amplitude atomic motion under current. This matrix can be found from the steady-state electronic structure by a simpler static calculation, providing a way to detect the likely appearance, or otherwise, of non-conservative dynamics, in advance of real-time modelling.

Phase transformation in the alumina-titania system during flash sintering experiments

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

Jha, S. K.; Lebrun, J. M.; Raj, R.

2016-02-01

We show that phase transformation in the alumina–titania system, which produces aluminum-titanate, follows an unusual trajectory during flash sintering. The experiments begin with mixed powders of alumina–titania and end in dense microstructures that are transformed into aluminum-titanate. The sintering and the phase transformation are separated in time, with the sintering occurs during Stage II, and phase transformation during Stage III of the flash sintering experiment. Stage III is the steady-state condition of flash activated state that is established under current control, while Stage II is the period of transition from voltage to current control. The extent of phase transformation increasesmore » with the current density and the hold time in Stage III.« less

The current status of red spruce in the eastern United States: distribution, population trends, and environmental drivers

Treesearch

Gregory Nowacki; Robert Carr; Michael. Van Dyck

2010-01-01

Red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) was affected by an array of direct (logging, fire, and grazing) and indirect human activities (acid deposition) over the past centuries. To adequately assess past impacts on red spruce, thus helping frame its restoration potential, requires a clear understanding of its current status. To achieve this, Forest and...

Tree migration detection through comparisons of historic and current forest inventories

Treesearch

Christopher W. Woodall; Christopher M. Oswalt; James A. Westfall; Charles H. Perry; Mark N. Nelson

2009-01-01

Changes in tree species distributions are a potential impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. The examination of tree species shifts in forests of the eastern United States largely has been limited to modeling activities with little empirical analysis of long-term forest inventory datasets. The goal of this study was to compare historic and current spatial...

Childhood Lead Poisoning. Current Perspectives. Proceedings of the National Conference (Indianapolis, Indiana, December 1-3, 1987).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Health Resources and Services Administration (DHHS/PHS), Rockville, MD. Bureau of Maternal and Child Health and Resources Development.

Since childhood lead poisoning first gained recognition as an important public health problem, the concept of lead poisoning has been examined and revised repeatedly. This national conference was convened to review and examine the current state of the problem, prevention activities, and recent studies on the toxic effects of lead at very low…

Impact of Protection Motivation Theory and General Deterrence Theory on the Behavioral Intention to Implement and Misuse Active Cyber Defense

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Jautau Kelton

2017-01-01

Current cybersecurity measures have become a major concern for commercial organizations in the United States. As the cyber-attack landscape expands and the skills and knowledge of the cyber-attacker become broader, the current measures that are taken and the laws structured around them are making it increasingly difficult for commercial…

In-plane structuring of proton exchange membrane fuel cell cathodes: Effect of ionomer equivalent weight structuring on performance and current density distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herden, Susanne; Riewald, Felix; Hirschfeld, Julian A.; Perchthaler, Markus

2017-07-01

Within the active area of a fuel cell inhomogeneous operating conditions occur, however, state of the art electrodes are homogenous over the complete active area. This study uses current density distribution measurements to analyze which ionomer equivalent weight (EW) shows locally the highest current densities. With this information a segmented cathode electrode is manufactured by decal transfer. The segmented electrode shows better performance especially at high current densities compared to homogenous electrodes. Furthermore this segmented catalyst coated membrane (CCM) performs optimal in wet as well as dry conditions, both operating conditions arise in automotive fuel cell applications. Thus, cathode electrodes with an optimized ionomer EW distribution might have a significant impact on future automotive fuel cell development.

Carvacrol modulates voltage-gated sodium channels kinetics in dorsal root ganglia.

PubMed

Joca, Humberto Cavalcante; Vieira, Daiana Cardoso Oliveira; Vasconcelos, Aliny Perreira; Araújo, Demetrius Antônio Machado; Cruz, Jader Santos

2015-06-05

Recent studies have shown that many of plant-derived compounds interact with specific ion channels and thereby modulate many sensing mechanisms, such as nociception. The monoterpenoid carvacrol (5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol) has an anti-nociceptive effect related to a reduction in neuronal excitability and voltage-gated Na(+) channels (NaV) inhibition in peripheral neurons. However, the detailed mechanisms of carvacrol-induced inhibition of neuronal NaV remain elusive. This study explores the interaction between carvacrol and NaV in isolated dorsal root ganglia neurons. Carvacrol reduced the total voltage-gated Na(+) current and tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) Na(+) current component in a concentration-dependent manner. Carvacrol accelerates current inactivation and induced a negative-shift in voltage-dependence of steady-state fast inactivation in total and TTX-R Na(+) current. Furthermore, carvacrol slowed the recovery from inactivation. Carvacrol provoked a leftward shift in both the voltage-dependence of steady-state inactivation and activation of the TTX-R Na(+) current component. In addition, carvacrol-induced inhibition of TTX-R Na(+) current was enhanced by an increase in stimulation frequency and when neurons were pre-conditioned with long depolarization pulse (5s at -50 mV). Taken all results together, we herein demonstrated that carvacrol affects NaV gating properties. The present findings would help to explain the mechanisms underlying the analgesic activity of carvacrol. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efficient prediction of terahertz quantum cascade laser dynamics from steady-state simulations

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

Agnew, G.; Lim, Y. L.; Nikolić, M.

2015-04-20

Terahertz-frequency quantum cascade lasers (THz QCLs) based on bound-to-continuum active regions are difficult to model owing to their large number of quantum states. We present a computationally efficient reduced rate equation (RE) model that reproduces the experimentally observed variation of THz power with respect to drive current and heat-sink temperature. We also present dynamic (time-domain) simulations under a range of drive currents and predict an increase in modulation bandwidth as the current approaches the peak of the light–current curve, as observed experimentally in mid-infrared QCLs. We account for temperature and bias dependence of the carrier lifetimes, gain, and injection efficiency,more » calculated from a full rate equation model. The temperature dependence of the simulated threshold current, emitted power, and cut-off current are thus all reproduced accurately with only one fitting parameter, the interface roughness, in the full REs. We propose that the model could therefore be used for rapid dynamical simulation of QCL designs.« less

Dynamics of self-sustained asynchronous-irregular activity in random networks of spiking neurons with strong synapses

PubMed Central

Kriener, Birgit; Enger, Håkon; Tetzlaff, Tom; Plesser, Hans E.; Gewaltig, Marc-Oliver; Einevoll, Gaute T.

2014-01-01

Random networks of integrate-and-fire neurons with strong current-based synapses can, unlike previously believed, assume stable states of sustained asynchronous and irregular firing, even without external random background or pacemaker neurons. We analyze the mechanisms underlying the emergence, lifetime and irregularity of such self-sustained activity states. We first demonstrate how the competition between the mean and the variance of the synaptic input leads to a non-monotonic firing-rate transfer in the network. Thus, by increasing the synaptic coupling strength, the system can become bistable: In addition to the quiescent state, a second stable fixed-point at moderate firing rates can emerge by a saddle-node bifurcation. Inherently generated fluctuations of the population firing rate around this non-trivial fixed-point can trigger transitions into the quiescent state. Hence, the trade-off between the magnitude of the population-rate fluctuations and the size of the basin of attraction of the non-trivial rate fixed-point determines the onset and the lifetime of self-sustained activity states. During self-sustained activity, individual neuronal activity is moreover highly irregular, switching between long periods of low firing rate to short burst-like states. We show that this is an effect of the strong synaptic weights and the finite time constant of synaptic and neuronal integration, and can actually serve to stabilize the self-sustained state. PMID:25400575

Dynamics of self-sustained asynchronous-irregular activity in random networks of spiking neurons with strong synapses.

PubMed

Kriener, Birgit; Enger, Håkon; Tetzlaff, Tom; Plesser, Hans E; Gewaltig, Marc-Oliver; Einevoll, Gaute T

2014-01-01

Random networks of integrate-and-fire neurons with strong current-based synapses can, unlike previously believed, assume stable states of sustained asynchronous and irregular firing, even without external random background or pacemaker neurons. We analyze the mechanisms underlying the emergence, lifetime and irregularity of such self-sustained activity states. We first demonstrate how the competition between the mean and the variance of the synaptic input leads to a non-monotonic firing-rate transfer in the network. Thus, by increasing the synaptic coupling strength, the system can become bistable: In addition to the quiescent state, a second stable fixed-point at moderate firing rates can emerge by a saddle-node bifurcation. Inherently generated fluctuations of the population firing rate around this non-trivial fixed-point can trigger transitions into the quiescent state. Hence, the trade-off between the magnitude of the population-rate fluctuations and the size of the basin of attraction of the non-trivial rate fixed-point determines the onset and the lifetime of self-sustained activity states. During self-sustained activity, individual neuronal activity is moreover highly irregular, switching between long periods of low firing rate to short burst-like states. We show that this is an effect of the strong synaptic weights and the finite time constant of synaptic and neuronal integration, and can actually serve to stabilize the self-sustained state.

Inhibitory effects of hesperetin on Kv1.5 potassium channels stably expressed in HEK 293 cells and ultra-rapid delayed rectifier K(+) current in human atrial myocytes.

PubMed

Wang, Huan; Wang, Hong-Fei; Wang, Chen; Chen, Yu-Fang; Ma, Rong; Xiang, Ji-Zhou; Du, Xin-Ling; Tang, Qiang

2016-10-15

In the present study, the inhibitory effects of hesperetin (HSP) on human cardiac Kv1.5 channels expressed in HEK 293 cells and the ultra-rapid delayed rectifier K(+) current (Ikur) in human atrial myocytes were examined by using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp techniques. We found that hesperetin rapidly and reversibly suppressed human Kv1.5 current in a concentration dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibition (IC50) of 23.15 μΜ with a Hill coefficient of 0.89. The current was maximally diminished about 71.36% at a concentration of 300μM hesperetin. Hesperetin significantly positive shifted the steady-state activation curve of Kv1.5, while negative shifted the steady-state inactivation curve. Hesperetin also accelerated the inactivation and markedly slowed the recovery from the inactivation of Kv1.5 currents. Block of Kv1.5 currents by hesperetin was in a frequency dependent manner. However, inclusion of 30μM hesperetin in pipette solution produced no effect on Kv1.5 channel current, while the current were remarkable and reversibly inhibited by extracellular application of 30μM hesperetin. We also found that hesperetin potently and reversibly inhibited the ultra-repaid delayed K(+) current (Ikur) in human atrial myocytes, which is in consistent with the effects of hesperetin on Kv1.5 currents in HEK 293 cells. In conclusion, hesperetin is a potent inhibitor of Ikur (which is encoded by Kv1.5), with blockade probably due to blocking of both open state and inactivated state channels from outside of the cell. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cholinergic Interneurons Use Orbitofrontal Input to Track Beliefs about Current State.

PubMed

Stalnaker, Thomas A; Berg, Ben; Aujla, Navkiran; Schoenbaum, Geoffrey

2016-06-08

When conditions change, organisms need to learn about the changed conditions without interfering with what they already know. To do so, they can assign the new learning to a new "state" and the old learning to a previous state. This state assignment is fundamental to behavioral flexibility. Cholinergic interneurons (CINs) in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) are necessary for associative information to be compartmentalized in this way, but the mechanism by which they do so is unknown. Here we addressed this question by recording putative CINs from the DMS in rats performing a task consisting of a series of trial blocks, or states, that required the recall and application of contradictory associative information. We found that individual CINs in the DMS represented the current state throughout each trial. These state correlates were not observed in dorsolateral striatal CINs recorded in the same rats. Notably, DMS CIN ensembles tracked rats' beliefs about the current state such that, when states were miscoded, rats tended to make suboptimal choices reflecting the miscoding. State information held by the DMS CINs also depended completely on the orbitofrontal cortex, an area that has been proposed to signal environmental states. These results suggest that CINs set the stage for recalling associative information relevant to the current environment by maintaining a real-time representation of the current state. Such a role has novel implications for understanding the neural basis of a variety of psychiatric diseases, such as addiction or anxiety disorders, in which patients generalize inappropriately (or fail to generalize) between different environments. Striatal cholinergic interneurons (CINs) are thought to be identical to tonically active neurons. These neurons have long been thought to have an important influence on striatal processing during reward-related learning. Recently, a more specific function for striatal CINs has been suggested, which is that they are necessary for striatal learning to be compartmentalized into different states as the state of the environment changes. Here we report that putative CINs appear to track rats' beliefs about which environmental state is current. We further show that this property of CINs depends on orbitofrontal cortex input and is correlated with choices made by rats. These findings could provide new insight into neuropsychiatric diseases that involve improper generalization between different contexts. Copyright © 2016 the authors 0270-6474/16/366242-16$15.00/0.

Rivastigmine blocks voltage-activated K+ currents in dissociated rat hippocampal neurons

PubMed Central

Pan, Yaping; Xu, Xianghua; Wang, Xiaoliang

2003-01-01

Rivastigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in Alzheimer's disease therapy. In the present study, we investigated the effects of rivastigmine on the transient outward K+ current (IK(A)) and the delayed rectifier K+ current (IK(DR)) in acutely dissociated rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Rivastigmine inhibited the amplitudes of IK(A) and IK(DR) in a reversible and concentration-dependent manner. At a concentration of 100 μM, rivastigmine inhibited IK(A) and IK(DR), recorded when the cells were depolarized from −50 to +40 mV, by 65.9 (P<0.01) and 67.3% (P<0.01), respectively. The IC50 values for IK(A) and IK(DR) were 3.8 and 1.7 μM, respectively. The decay time constant of IK(A), recorded following a test pulse to +40 mV, was prolonged reversibly by rivastigmine at concentrations of 10 and 100 μM (both P<0.05). Rivastigmine affected the voltage dependence of IK(A) and IK(DR). At a concentration of 10 μM, it shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of IK(A) towards more negative potentials by −11 mV (P<0.05), but had no effect on the steady-state activation curve or the recovery from inactivation. Regarding the kinetic properties of IK(DR), 10 μM rivastigmine shifted the steady-state activation and inactivation curves towards more negative potentials by −10 (P<0.05) and −27 mV (P<0.01), respectively. Our findings that rivastigmine inhibits IK(A) and IK(DR) in rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons suggest that this agent has other pharmacological actions besides its antiacetylcholinesterase activity. PMID:14504131

The Slow Oscillation in Cortical and Thalamic Networks: Mechanisms and Functions

PubMed Central

Neske, Garrett T.

2016-01-01

During even the most quiescent behavioral periods, the cortex and thalamus express rich spontaneous activity in the form of slow (<1 Hz), synchronous network state transitions. Throughout this so-called slow oscillation, cortical and thalamic neurons fluctuate between periods of intense synaptic activity (Up states) and almost complete silence (Down states). The two decades since the original characterization of the slow oscillation in the cortex and thalamus have seen considerable advances in deciphering the cellular and network mechanisms associated with this pervasive phenomenon. There are, nevertheless, many questions regarding the slow oscillation that await more thorough illumination, particularly the mechanisms by which Up states initiate and terminate, the functional role of the rhythmic activity cycles in unconscious or minimally conscious states, and the precise relation between Up states and the activated states associated with waking behavior. Given the substantial advances in multineuronal recording and imaging methods in both in vivo and in vitro preparations, the time is ripe to take stock of our current understanding of the slow oscillation and pave the way for future investigations of its mechanisms and functions. My aim in this Review is to provide a comprehensive account of the mechanisms and functions of the slow oscillation, and to suggest avenues for further exploration. PMID:26834569

A comparison of the leisure lifestyles of Chinese and American graduate students at The Pennsylvania State University

Treesearch

Huan Li; Garry Chick

2007-01-01

The purpose of the research is to examine the leisure lives of Chinese graduate students at Penn State University as they compare with those of American graduate students. Current and desired leisure activities, perceived constraints, and feasible improvements were addressed for both cultural groups. Both Chinese and American male and female graduate students showed...

Are Stimulus-Response Rules Represented Phonologically for Task-Set Preparation and Maintenance?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van 't Wout, Félice; Lavric, Aureliu; Monsell, Stephen

2013-01-01

Accounts of task-set control generally assume that the current task's stimulus-response (S-R) rules must be elevated to a privileged state of activation. How are they represented in this state? In 3 task-cuing experiments, we tested the hypothesis that phonological working memory is used to represent S-R rules for task-set control by getting…

Massachusetts Libraries: An Alliance for the Future. [Final Report and Executive Summary] for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffiths, Jose-Marie; King, Donald W.

A comprehensive study of the current state of library services and library cooperative activities in Massachusetts found that the state's 2,796 public, academic, school, institutional and special libraries make a significant contribution to lifelong learning, to the economy, and to the quality of life. The libraries have a combined collection of…

Using the Elements of Cooperative Learning in School Band Classes in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whitener, John L.

2016-01-01

The purpose of this article is to answer the question of how we might use the elements of cooperative learning in school band classes in the United States. Current school band programs use age-old traditions that overemphasize group and individual competitiveness, stress large ensemble performance at the expense of all other activities, are…

75 FR 4824 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; State Program Report

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-29

... reporting year and thereafter, while the current reporting, OMB Approval Number 0985-0008, will be extended to the end of the FY 2010 reporting cycle. The proposed FY 2011 version may be found on the AoA Web site link entitled Draft State Reporting Tool for Review available at http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot...

An indicator of tree migration in forests of the eastern United States

Treesearch

C.W. Woodall; C.M. Oswalt; J.A. Westfall; C.H. Perry; M.D. Nelson; A.O. Finley

2009-01-01

Changes in tree species distributions are a potential impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. The examination of tree species shifts in forests of the eastern United States largely has been limited to simulation activities due to a lack of consistent, long-term forest inventory datasets. The goal of this study was to compare current geographic distributions of...

76 FR 64383 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested: Survey of the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-18

... agencies with Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS). The proposed collection is the only... on the types and functionalities of fielded AFIS systems in State and Local agencies; the current...

Emergency medical technician education and training.

PubMed

Lauro, Joseph; Sullivan, Francis; Williams, Kenneth A

2013-12-03

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training and education are vital and vibrant aspects of a young and evolving profession. This article provides a perspective on this effort in the United States and reviews current activity in Rhode Island.

Transition to subthreshold activity with the use of phase shifting in a model thalamic network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Elizabeth; Grisar, Thierry

1997-05-01

Absence epilepsy involves a state of low frequency synchronous oscillations by the involved neuronal networks. These oscillations may be either above or subthreshold. In this investigation, we studied the methods which could be utilized to transform the threshold activity of neurons in the network to a subthreshold state. A model thalamic network was constructed using the Hodgkin Huxley framework. Subthreshold activity was achieved by the application of stimuli to the network which caused phase shifts in the oscillatory activity of selected neurons in the network. In some instances the stimulus was a periodic pulse train of low frequency to the reticular thalamic neurons of the network while in others, it was a constant hyperpolarizing current applied to the thalamocortical neurons.

Behavioral State Modulates the Activity of Brainstem Sensorimotor Neurons

PubMed Central

McArthur, Kimberly L.

2011-01-01

Sensorimotor processing must be modulated according to the animal's behavioral state. A previous study demonstrated that motion responses were strongly state dependent in birds. Vestibular eye and head responses were significantly larger and more compensatory during simulated flight, and a flight-specific vestibular tail response was also characterized. In the current study, we investigated the neural substrates for these state-dependent vestibular behaviors by recording extracellularly from neurons in the vestibular nuclear complex and comparing their spontaneous activity and sensory responses during default and simulated flight states. We show that motion-sensitive neurons in the lateral vestibular nucleus are state dependent. Some neurons increased their spontaneous firing rates during flight, though their increased excitability was not reflected in higher sensory gains. However, other neurons exhibited state-dependent gating of sensory inputs, responding to rotational stimuli only during flight. These results demonstrate that vestibular processing in the brainstem is state dependent and lay the foundation for future studies to investigate the synaptic mechanisms responsible for these modifications. PMID:22090497

CHARACTERIZATION OF MINE LEACHATES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GROUNDWATER MONITORING STRATEGY FOR MINE SITES

EPA Science Inventory

The total number of mining sites, both active and inactive, in the United States has been estimated to be as high as 82,000. Approximately 80 percent of the current mining activity in this country is associated with the recovery of gold and copper. The quantity of mine wastes p...

Organizational Member Involvement in Physical Activity Coalitions across the United States: Development and Testing of a Novel Survey Instrument for Assessing Coalition Functioning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bornstein, Daniel B.; Pate, Russell R.; Beets, Michael W.; Saunders, Ruth P.; Blair, Steven N.

2015-01-01

Introduction: Coalitions are often composed of member organizations. Member involvement is thought to be associated with coalition success. No instrument currently exists for evaluating organizational member involvement in physical activity coalitions. This study aimed to develop a survey instrument for evaluating organizational member involvement…

Relating Self Reports of Writing Behaviour and Online Task Execution Using a Temporal Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tillema, Marion; van den Bergh, Huub; Rijlaarsdam, Gert; Sanders, Ted

2011-01-01

Current theory about writing states that the quality of (meta)cognitive processing (i.e. planning, text production, revising, et cetera) is, at least partly, determined by the temporal distribution of (meta)cognitive activities across task execution. Put simply, the quality of task execution is determined more by "when" activities are applied than…

Step-based translation of physical activity guidelines in the Lower Mississippi Delta

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

To determine how many steps/day equate to current moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines in a population from the Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) of the United States, 58 overweight adults wore an Actigraph accelerometer (GT3X) for up to two weeks. Minutes/day in MVPA was a good pred...

Learning How to Respond to Current Events: Partner Journals between U. S. Preservice Teachers and Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Camicia, Steven P.; Dobson, Dorothy

2010-01-01

The representation of a variety of stakeholders' voices during the deliberation of public issues is vital for the proper functioning of a liberal democracy. This qualitative study examined an activity involving deliberation among children and preservice teachers in the United States. In the activity that we call partner journals, children were…

Improving School Feeding through Participation: Should the Teacher Be Actively Involved?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Iddrisu, Issah

2018-01-01

Purpose: Maintaining the success of educational institutions largely depends on the teacher. It is the teacher whose main efforts and contribution help in achieving the goals in education. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current state of the programme delivery and how involving the active participation of the teacher will help enhance…

Current state and perspectives of producing biodiesel‐like compounds by biotechnology

PubMed Central

Uthoff, Stefan; Bröker, Daniel; Steinbüchel, Alexander

2009-01-01

Summary The global demand for crude oil is expected to continue to rise in future while simultaneously oil production is currently reaching its peak. Subsequently, rising oil prices and their negative impacts on economy, together with an increased environmental awareness of our society, directed the focus also on the biotechnological production of fuels. Although a wide variety of such fuels has been suggested, only the production of ethanol and biodiesel has reached a certain economic feasibility and volume, yet. This review focuses on the current state and perspectives of biotechnological production of biodiesel‐like compounds. At present by far most of the produced biodiesel is obtained by chemical transesterification reactions, which cannot meet the demands of a totally ‘green’ fuel production. Therefore, also several biotechnological biodiesel production processes are currently being developed. Biotechnological production can be achieved by purified enzymes in the soluble state, which requires cost‐intensive protein preparation. Alternatively, enzymes could be immobilized on an appropriate matrix, enabling a reuse of the enzyme, although the formation of by‐products may provide difficulties to maintain the enzyme activity. Processes in presence of organic solvents like t‐butanol have been developed, which enhance by‐product solubility and therefore prevent loss of enzyme activity. As another approach the application of whole‐cell catalysis for the production of fatty acid ethyl esters, which is also referred to as ‘microdiesel’, by recombinant microorganisms has recently been suggested. PMID:21255288

Inhibition of the calcium channel by intracellular protons in single ventricular myocytes of the guinea-pig.

PubMed Central

Kaibara, M; Kameyama, M

1988-01-01

1. The inhibitory effects of intracellular protons (Hi+) on the L-type Ca2+ channel activity were investigated in single ventricular myocytes of guinea-pigs by using the patch-clamp method in the open-cell-attached patch configuration, where 'run down' of the channel was partially prevented. 2. Hi+ reduced the unitary Ba2+ current of the Ca2+ channel by 10-20% without changing the maximum slope conductance. 3. Hi+ did not alter the number of channels in patches containing one or two channels. 4. Hi+ markedly reduced the mean current normalized by the unitary current, which gave the open-state probability multiplied by the number of channels in the patch. The dose-response curve between Hi+ and the open-state probability indicated half-maximum inhibition at pHi 6.6 and an apparent Hill coefficient of 1. 5. Hi+ shifted both the steady-state activation and inactivation curves in a negative direction by 10-15 mV, and the effects were reversible. 6. Hi+ did not affect the fast open-closed kinetics represented by the C-C-O scheme, apart from increasing the slow time constant of the closed time. 7. Hi+ increased the percentage of blank sweeps and reduced that of non-blank sweeps resulting in a decreased probability of channel opening. 8. Photo-oxidation with Rose Bengal abolished the reducing effect of Hi+ on the open-state probability (Po) in two out of ten experiments, suggesting the possible involvement of histidine residues in the Hi+ effect. 9. The above results indicate that Hi+ inhibits the Ba2+ current mainly by affecting the slow gating mechanism of the channel. PMID:2855346

An overview of current activities at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cameron, C. P.; Klimas, P. C.

This paper is a description of the United States Department of Energy's National Solar Thermal Test Facility, highlighting current test programs. In the central receiver area, research underway supports commercialization of molten nitrate salt technology, including receivers, thermal energy transport, and corrosion experiments. Concentrator research includes large-area, glass-metal heliostats and stretched-membrane heliostats and dishes. Test activities in support of dish-Stirling systems with reflux receivers are described. Research on parabolic troughs includes characterization of several receiver configurations. Other test facility activities include solar detoxification experiments, design assistance testing of commercially-available solar hardware, and non-DOE-funded work, including thermal exposure tests and testing of volumetric and PV central receiver concepts.

Technical note: The calibration of {sup 90}Y-labeled SIR-Spheresusing a nondestructive spectroscopic assay

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

Selwyn, R.; Micka, J.; DeWerd, L.

2008-04-15

{sup 90}Y-labeled SIR-Spheres are currently used to treat patients with hepatic metastases secondary to colorectal adenocarcinoma. In general, the prescribed activity is based on empirical data collected during clinical trials. The activity of the source vial is labeled by the manufacturer as 3.0 GBq{+-}10% and is not independently verified by the end user. This technical note shows that the results of a nondestructive spectroscopic assay of a SIR-Spheressample was 26% higher than the activity stated by the manufacturer. This difference should not impact the current empirical prescription method but may be problematic for patient-specific dosimetry applications, such as image-based dosimetry.

All-DNA finite-state automata with finite memory

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhen-Gang; Elbaz, Johann; Remacle, F.; Levine, R. D.; Willner, Itamar

2010-01-01

Biomolecular logic devices can be applied for sensing and nano-medicine. We built three DNA tweezers that are activated by the inputs H+/OH-; ; nucleic acid linker/complementary antilinker to yield a 16-states finite-state automaton. The outputs of the automata are the configuration of the respective tweezers (opened or closed) determined by observing fluorescence from a fluorophore/quencher pair at the end of the arms of the tweezers. The system exhibits a memory because each current state and output depend not only on the source configuration but also on past states and inputs. PMID:21135212

Policy and political advocacy: Comparison study of nursing faculty to determine current practices, perceptions, and barriers to teaching health policy.

PubMed

Staebler, Suzanne; Campbell, Jane; Cornelius, Patsy; Fallin-Bennett, Amanda; Fry-Bowers, Eileen; Kung, Ying Mai; LaFevers, David; Miller, Janice

To better understand policy/advocacy concepts and methodology utilized in all levels of nursing educational programs and develop clarity concerning structure of policy content and integration across all levels of education. Cross-sectional analysis of data obtained from a survey sent to 19,043 nursing faculty in the United States; 598 total responses; 514 complete responses. Quantitative data points were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data was grouped and analyzed by theme. Barriers and perceptions of student engagement and student learning outcomes along with institutional and faculty development barriers were explored in baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral level nursing programs. Thirty-six percent of respondents reported having experience in development and implementation of policy, ranging from local to international spheres and 21% reported active involvement in current state and federal policy development. Seventy percent of respondents have advocated for the nursing profession through professional organizations while 44% report current activity in legislative advocacy. The value of nursing policy education, advocacy, and analysis must be valued in higher education. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

75 FR 19383 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; State Review...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-14

... No. 2020-0031 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance.... ICR numbers: EPA ICR No. 2185.04, OMB Control No. 2020-0031. ICR status: This ICR is currently...

Contemporary Planetary Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belton, Michael J. S.; Levy, Eugene H.

1982-01-01

Presents an overview of planetary science and the United States program for exploration of the planets, examining the program's scientific objectives, its current activities, and the diversity of its methods. Also discusses the program's lack of continuity, especially in personnel. (Author/JN)

Forensic DNA databases in Western Balkan region: retrospectives, perspectives, and initiatives

PubMed Central

Marjanović, Damir; Konjhodžić, Rijad; Butorac, Sara Sanela; Drobnič, Katja; Merkaš, Siniša; Lauc, Gordan; Primorac, Damir; Anđelinović, Šimun; Milosavljević, Mladen; Karan, Željko; Vidović, Stojko; Stojković, Oliver; Panić, Bojana; Vučetić Dragović, Anđelka; Kovačević, Sandra; Jakovski, Zlatko; Asplen, Chris; Primorac, Dragan

2011-01-01

The European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) recommended the establishment of forensic DNA databases and specific implementation and management legislations for all EU/ENFSI members. Therefore, forensic institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia launched a wide set of activities to support these recommendations. To assess the current state, a regional expert team completed detailed screening and investigation of the existing forensic DNA data repositories and associated legislation in these countries. The scope also included relevant concurrent projects and a wide spectrum of different activities in relation to forensics DNA use. The state of forensic DNA analysis was also determined in the neighboring Slovenia and Croatia, which already have functional national DNA databases. There is a need for a ‘regional supplement’ to the current documentation and standards pertaining to forensic application of DNA databases, which should include regional-specific preliminary aims and recommendations. PMID:21674821

Constraints on large extra dimensions from the MINOS Experiment

DOE PAGES

Adamson, P.

2016-12-16

We report new constraints on the size of large extra dimensions from data collected by the MINOS experiment between 2005 and 2012. Our analysis employs a model in which sterile neutrinos arise as Kaluza-Klein states in large extra dimensions and thus modify the neutrino oscillation probabilities due to mixing between active and sterile neutrino states. Using Fermilab’s Neutrinos at the Main Injector beam exposure of 10.56 ×10 20 protons on target, we combine muon neutrino charged current and neutral current data sets from the Near and Far Detectors and observe no evidence for deviations from standard three-flavor neutrino oscillations. Themore » ratios of reconstructed energy spectra in the two detectors constrain the size of large extra dimensions to be smaller than 0.45 μm at 90% C.L. in the limit of a vanishing lightest active neutrino mass. Finally, stronger limits are obtained for nonvanishing masses.« less

Forensic DNA databases in Western Balkan region: retrospectives, perspectives, and initiatives.

PubMed

Marjanović, Damir; Konjhodzić, Rijad; Butorac, Sara Sanela; Drobnic, Katja; Merkas, Sinisa; Lauc, Gordan; Primorac, Damir; Andjelinović, Simun; Milosavljević, Mladen; Karan, Zeljko; Vidović, Stojko; Stojković, Oliver; Panić, Bojana; Vucetić Dragović, Andjelka; Kovacević, Sandra; Jakovski, Zlatko; Asplen, Chris; Primorac, Dragan

2011-06-01

The European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) recommended the establishment of forensic DNA databases and specific implementation and management legislations for all EU/ENFSI members. Therefore, forensic institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia launched a wide set of activities to support these recommendations. To assess the current state, a regional expert team completed detailed screening and investigation of the existing forensic DNA data repositories and associated legislation in these countries. The scope also included relevant concurrent projects and a wide spectrum of different activities in relation to forensics DNA use. The state of forensic DNA analysis was also determined in the neighboring Slovenia and Croatia, which already have functional national DNA databases. There is a need for a 'regional supplement' to the current documentation and standards pertaining to forensic application of DNA databases, which should include regional-specific preliminary aims and recommendations.

Constraints on large extra dimensions from the MINOS experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamson, P.; Anghel, I.; Aurisano, A.; Barr, G.; Bishai, M.; Blake, A.; Bock, G. J.; Bogert, D.; Cao, S. V.; Carroll, T. J.; Castromonte, C. M.; Chen, R.; Childress, S.; Coelho, J. A. B.; Corwin, L.; Cronin-Hennessy, D.; de Jong, J. K.; de Rijck, S.; Devan, A. V.; Devenish, N. E.; Diwan, M. V.; Escobar, C. O.; Evans, J. J.; Falk, E.; Feldman, G. J.; Flanagan, W.; Frohne, M. V.; Gabrielyan, M.; Gallagher, H. R.; Germani, S.; Gomes, R. A.; Goodman, M. C.; Gouffon, P.; Graf, N.; Gran, R.; Grzelak, K.; Habig, A.; Hahn, S. R.; Hartnell, J.; Hatcher, R.; Holin, A.; Huang, J.; Hylen, J.; Irwin, G. M.; Isvan, Z.; James, C.; Jensen, D.; Kafka, T.; Kasahara, S. M. S.; Koizumi, G.; Kordosky, M.; Kreymer, A.; Lang, K.; Ling, J.; Litchfield, P. J.; Lucas, P.; Mann, W. A.; Marshak, M. L.; Mayer, N.; McGivern, C.; Medeiros, M. M.; Mehdiyev, R.; Meier, J. R.; Messier, M. D.; Miller, W. H.; Mishra, S. R.; Moed Sher, S.; Moore, C. D.; Mualem, L.; Musser, J.; Naples, D.; Nelson, J. K.; Newman, H. B.; Nichol, R. J.; Nowak, J. A.; O'Connor, J.; Orchanian, M.; Pahlka, R. B.; Paley, J.; Patterson, R. B.; Pawloski, G.; Perch, A.; Pfützner, M. M.; Phan, D. D.; Phan-Budd, S.; Plunkett, R. K.; Poonthottathil, N.; Qiu, X.; Radovic, A.; Rebel, B.; Rosenfeld, C.; Rubin, H. A.; Sail, P.; Sanchez, M. C.; Schneps, J.; Schreckenberger, A.; Schreiner, P.; Sharma, R.; Sousa, A.; Tagg, N.; Talaga, R. L.; Thomas, J.; Thomson, M. A.; Tian, X.; Timmons, A.; Todd, J.; Tognini, S. C.; Toner, R.; Torretta, D.; Tzanakos, G.; Urheim, J.; Vahle, P.; Viren, B.; Weber, A.; Webb, R. C.; White, C.; Whitehead, L.; Whitehead, L. H.; Wojcicki, S. G.; Zwaska, R.; Minos Collaboration

2016-12-01

We report new constraints on the size of large extra dimensions from data collected by the MINOS experiment between 2005 and 2012. Our analysis employs a model in which sterile neutrinos arise as Kaluza-Klein states in large extra dimensions and thus modify the neutrino oscillation probabilities due to mixing between active and sterile neutrino states. Using Fermilab's Neutrinos at the Main Injector beam exposure of 10.56 ×1 020 protons on target, we combine muon neutrino charged current and neutral current data sets from the Near and Far Detectors and observe no evidence for deviations from standard three-flavor neutrino oscillations. The ratios of reconstructed energy spectra in the two detectors constrain the size of large extra dimensions to be smaller than 0.45 μ m at 90% C.L. in the limit of a vanishing lightest active neutrino mass. Stronger limits are obtained for nonvanishing masses.

Current Directions in Mediation Analysis

PubMed Central

MacKinnon, David P.; Fairchild, Amanda J.

2010-01-01

Mediating variables continue to play an important role in psychological theory and research. A mediating variable transmits the effect of an antecedent variable on to a dependent variable, thereby providing more detailed understanding of relations among variables. Methods to assess mediation have been an active area of research for the last two decades. This paper describes the current state of methods to investigate mediating variables. PMID:20157637

The Current Experiences of Physical Education Teachers at Schools for Blind Students in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haegele, Justin A.; Lieberman, Lauren J.

2016-01-01

Introduction: It has been well established that children with visual impairments tend to be less physically active and more delayed in motor skills than their sighted peers. As a result, there has been some research focusing on inclusive physical education for these children. However, there is a clear lack of research on the current status of…

Moderate and vigorous physical activity patterns among marijuana users: Results from the 2007-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

PubMed

Vidot, Denise C; Bispo, Jordan B; Hlaing, WayWay M; Prado, Guillermo; Messiah, Sarah E

2017-09-01

The relationship between marijuana use and recreational physical activity has yet to be explored in the United States. Our aim was to examine this relationship in a population-based sample of 20-to-59-year olds (N=12,618) using 2007-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Marijuana use was categorized as never (reference group), past (previously but not within the last 30-days), and current (>1day in the last 30-days) use. Current users were further categorized based on frequency of use (light, moderate, and heavy users). Physical activity was self-reported as moderate (small increase in heartrate/breathing for >10min; MPA) and vigorous (large increase in heartrate/breathing for >10min; VPA). Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for the relationship between marijuana use and physical activity were estimated via logistic regression models. The majority of the overall sample reported either past (40.5%) or current (12.6%) marijuana use. Marijuana users had a lower prevalence of moderate physical activity than never users (current: 51.9%, past: 50.4%, never: 55.3%, p=0.001). Current (66.8%) and past (67.9%) marijuana users also had a lower prevalence of vigorous physical activity than never users (71.9%, p=0.001). Current and past users had lower odds of recreational MPA (current user AOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50-0.87; past user AOR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.98) than never users. As the frequency of marijuana use increased, time spent on MPA decreased. Results suggest that current and past marijuana users were less likely to report recreational MPA than never users. Future studies should examine the potential mechanisms and temporality of this relationship. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abrupt changes in the patterns and complexity of anterior cingulate cortex activity when food is introduced into an environment

PubMed Central

Caracheo, Barak F.; Emberly, Eldon; Hadizadeh, Shirin; Hyman, James M.; Seamans, Jeremy K.

2013-01-01

Foraging typically involves two distinct phases, an exploration phase where an organism explores its local environment in search of needed resources and an exploitation phase where a discovered resource is consumed. The behavior and cognitive requirements of exploration and exploitation are quite different and yet organisms can quickly and efficiently switch between them many times during a foraging bout. The present study investigated neural activity state dynamics in the anterior cingulate sub-region of the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) when a reliable food source was introduced into an environment. Distinct and largely independent states were detected using a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) when food was present or absent in the environment. Measures of neural entropy or complexity decreased when rats went from exploring the environment to exploiting a reliable food source. Exploration in the absence of food was associated with many weak activity states, while bouts of food consumption were characterized by fewer stronger states. Widespread activity state changes in the mPFC may help to inform foraging decisions and focus behavior on what is currently most prominent or valuable in the environment. PMID:23745102

Functional relationship-based alarm processing

DOEpatents

Corsberg, D.R.

1987-04-13

A functional relationship-based alarm processing system and method analyzes each alarm as it is activated and determines its relative importance with other currently activated alarms and signals in accordance with the relationships that the newly activated alarm has with other currently activated alarms. Once the initial level of importance of the alarm has been determined, that alarm is again evaluated if another related alarm is activated. Thus, each alarm's importance is continuously updated as the state of the process changes during a scenario. Four hierarchical relationships are defined by this alarm filtering methodology: (1) level precursor (usually occurs when there are two alarm settings on the same parameter); (2) direct precursor (based on causal factors between two alarms); (3) required action (system response or action expected within a specified time following activation of an alarm or combination of alarms and process signals); and (4) blocking condition (alarms that are normally expected and are not considered important). 11 figs.

State Efforts to Promote Reading and Literary Activities in Communities. NGA Center for Best Practices Issue Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Governors Association, 2006

2006-01-01

Rates of reading in the United States have been declining for at least two decades, with the steepest decline occurring among young adults. Fewer than half of adults read literature--poetry, plays, short stories or novels--in their leisure time. At the current rate of decline, literary reading will virtually disappear in the next half-century. Few…

Current Drive

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

Faulconer, D.W

2004-03-15

Certain devices aimed at magnetic confinement of thermonuclear plasma rely on the steady flow of an electric current in the plasma. In view of the dominant place it occupies in both the world magnetic-confinement fusion effort and the author's own activity, the tokamak toroidal configuration is selected as prototype for discussing the question of how such a current can be maintained. Tokamaks require a stationary toroidal plasma current, this being traditionally provided by a pulsed magnetic induction which drives the plasma ring as the secondary of a transformer. Since this mechanism is essentially transient, and steady-state fusion reactor operation hasmore » manifold advantages, significant effort is now devoted to developing alternate steady-state means of generating toroidal current. These methods are classed under the global heading of 'noninductive current drive' or simply 'current drive', generally, though not exclusively, employing the injection of waves and/or toroidally directed particle beams. In what follows we highlight the physical mechanisms underlying surprisingly various approaches to driving current in a tokamak, downplaying a number of practical and technical issues. When a significant data base exists for a given method, its experimental current drive efficiency and future prospects are detailed.« less

Biomanufacturing of Therapeutic Cells: State of the Art, Current Challenges, and Future Perspectives.

PubMed

Roh, Kyung-Ho; Nerem, Robert M; Roy, Krishnendu

2016-06-07

Stem cells and other functionally defined therapeutic cells (e.g., T cells) are promising to bring hope of a permanent cure for diseases and disorders that currently cannot be cured by conventional drugs or biological molecules. This paradigm shift in modern medicine of using cells as novel therapeutics can be realized only if suitable manufacturing technologies for large-scale, cost-effective, reproducible production of high-quality cells can be developed. Here we review the state of the art in therapeutic cell manufacturing, including cell purification and isolation, activation and differentiation, genetic modification, expansion, packaging, and preservation. We identify current challenges and discuss opportunities to overcome them such that cell therapies become highly effective, safe, and predictively reproducible while at the same time becoming affordable and widely available.

The role of trophic factors and inflammatory processes in physical activity-induced neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Pałasz, Ewelina; Bąk, Agnieszka; Gąsiorowska, Anna; Niewiadomska, Grażyna

2017-01-04

Glial cells and neurotrophins play an important role in maintaining homeostasis of the CNS. Disturbances of their function can lead to a number of nervous system diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Current clinical studies provide evidence that moderate physical activity adapted to the health status of PD patients can support pharmacological treatment, slow down the onset of motor impairments, and extend the patients period of independence. Physical activity, by stimulating the production and release of endogenous trophic factors, prevents the neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons via inhibition of inflammatory processes and the reduction of oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge for the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of physical activity as a supportive therapy in Parkinson's disease.

NEWS Climatology Project: The State of the Water Cycle at Continental to Global Scales

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodell, Matthew; LEcuyer, Tristan; Beaudoing, Hiroko Kato; Olson, Bill

2011-01-01

NASA's Energy and Water Cycle Study (NEWS) program fosters collaborative research towards improved quantification and prediction of water and energy cycle consequences of climate change. In order to measure change, it is first necessary to describe current conditions. The goal of the NEWS Water and Energy Cycle Climatology project is to develop "state of the global water cycle" and "state of the global energy cycle" assessments based on data from modern ground and space based observing systems and data integrating models. The project is a multiinstitutional collaboration with more than 20 active contributors. This presentation will describe results of the first stage of the water budget analysis, whose goal was to characterize the current state of the water cycle on mean monthly, continental scales. We examine our success in closing the water budget within the expected uncertainty range and the effects of forcing budget closure as a method for refining individual flux estimates.

Mental Simulation of Visceral States Affects Preferences and Behavior

PubMed Central

Steinmetz, Janina; Tausen, Brittany M.; Risen, Jane L.

2017-01-01

Preferences and behavior are heavily influenced by one’s current visceral experience, yet people often fail to anticipate such effects. Although research suggests that this gap is difficult to overcome—to act as if in another visceral state—research on mental simulation has demonstrated that simulations can substitute for experiences, albeit to a weaker extent. We examine whether mentally simulating visceral states can impact preferences and behavior. We show that simulating a specific visceral state (e.g., being cold or hungry) shifts people’s preferences for relevant activities (Studies 1a-2) and choices of food portion sizes (Study 3). Like actual visceral experiences, mental simulation only affects people’s current preferences but not their general preferences (Study 4). Finally, people project simulated states onto similar others, as is the case for actual visceral experiences (Study 5). Thus, mental simulation may help people anticipate their own and others’ future preferences, thereby improving their decision making. PMID:29161953

Issues and Challenges in Situation Assessment (Level 2 Fusion)

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

2 SAW–Comprehension of the current situa- tion ² Level 3 SAW–Projection of future states Operators of dynamic systems use their SAW in de - termining...1) build a model by either editing an existing template/model or create a new one; (2) activate/ de -activate existing models; or (3) view active models...and any evidence that has been associated with the model over time. Different political, military, economic, social , infrastructure, and informa

Protein Aggregation and Its Impact on Product Quality

PubMed Central

Roberts, Christopher J.

2014-01-01

Protein pharmaceutical products are typically active as folded monomers that are composed of one or more protein chains, such as the heavy and light chains in monoclonal antibodies that are a mainstay of current drug pipelines. There are numerous possible aggregated states for a given protein, some of which are potentially useful, while most of which are considered deleterious from the perspective of pharmaceutical product quality and performance. This review provides an overview of how and why different aggregated states of proteins occur, how this potentially impacts product quality and performance, fundamental approaches to control aggregate formation, and the practical approaches that are currently used in the pharmaceutical industry. PMID:25173826

Optical gain in colloidal quantum dots achieved with direct-current electrical pumping

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

Lim, Jaehoon; Park, Young-Shin; Klimov, Victor Ivanovich

Chemically synthesized semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) can potentially enable solution-processable laser diodes with a wide range of operational wavelengths, yet demonstrations of lasing from the QDs are still at the laboratory stage. An important challenge—realization of lasing with electrical injection—remains unresolved, largely due to fast nonradiative Auger recombination of multicarrier states that represent gain-active species in the QDs. Here in this paper, we present population inversion and optical gain in colloidal nanocrystals realized with direct-current electrical pumping. Using continuously graded QDs, we achieve a considerable suppression of Auger decay such that it can be outpaced by electrical injection. Further, wemore » apply a special current-focusing device architecture, which allows us to produce high current densities (j) up to ~18 A cm -2 without damaging either the QDs or the injection layers. The quantitative analysis of electroluminescence and current-modulated transmission spectra indicates that with j = 3-4 A cm -2 we achieve the population inversion of the band-edge states.« less

Optical gain in colloidal quantum dots achieved with direct-current electrical pumping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Jaehoon; Park, Young-Shin; Klimov, Victor I.

2018-01-01

Chemically synthesized semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) can potentially enable solution-processable laser diodes with a wide range of operational wavelengths, yet demonstrations of lasing from the QDs are still at the laboratory stage. An important challenge--realization of lasing with electrical injection--remains unresolved, largely due to fast nonradiative Auger recombination of multicarrier states that represent gain-active species in the QDs. Here we present population inversion and optical gain in colloidal nanocrystals realized with direct-current electrical pumping. Using continuously graded QDs, we achieve a considerable suppression of Auger decay such that it can be outpaced by electrical injection. Further, we apply a special current-focusing device architecture, which allows us to produce high current densities (j) up to ~18 A cm-2 without damaging either the QDs or the injection layers. The quantitative analysis of electroluminescence and current-modulated transmission spectra indicates that with j = 3-4 A cm-2 we achieve the population inversion of the band-edge states.

Optical gain in colloidal quantum dots achieved with direct-current electrical pumping

DOE PAGES

Lim, Jaehoon; Park, Young-Shin; Klimov, Victor Ivanovich

2017-11-20

Chemically synthesized semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) can potentially enable solution-processable laser diodes with a wide range of operational wavelengths, yet demonstrations of lasing from the QDs are still at the laboratory stage. An important challenge—realization of lasing with electrical injection—remains unresolved, largely due to fast nonradiative Auger recombination of multicarrier states that represent gain-active species in the QDs. Here in this paper, we present population inversion and optical gain in colloidal nanocrystals realized with direct-current electrical pumping. Using continuously graded QDs, we achieve a considerable suppression of Auger decay such that it can be outpaced by electrical injection. Further, wemore » apply a special current-focusing device architecture, which allows us to produce high current densities (j) up to ~18 A cm -2 without damaging either the QDs or the injection layers. The quantitative analysis of electroluminescence and current-modulated transmission spectra indicates that with j = 3-4 A cm -2 we achieve the population inversion of the band-edge states.« less

Using FMRI brain activation to identify cognitive states associated with perception of tools and dwellings.

PubMed

Shinkareva, Svetlana V; Mason, Robert A; Malave, Vicente L; Wang, Wei; Mitchell, Tom M; Just, Marcel Adam

2008-01-02

Previous studies have succeeded in identifying the cognitive state corresponding to the perception of a set of depicted categories, such as tools, by analyzing the accompanying pattern of brain activity, measured with fMRI. The current research focused on identifying the cognitive state associated with a 4s viewing of an individual line drawing (1 of 10 familiar objects, 5 tools and 5 dwellings, such as a hammer or a castle). Here we demonstrate the ability to reliably (1) identify which of the 10 drawings a participant was viewing, based on that participant's characteristic whole-brain neural activation patterns, excluding visual areas; (2) identify the category of the object with even higher accuracy, based on that participant's activation; and (3) identify, for the first time, both individual objects and the category of the object the participant was viewing, based only on other participants' activation patterns. The voxels important for category identification were located similarly across participants, and distributed throughout the cortex, focused in ventral temporal perceptual areas but also including more frontal association areas (and somewhat left-lateralized). These findings indicate the presence of stable, distributed, communal, and identifiable neural states corresponding to object concepts.

Effect of Al doping on performance of ZnO thin film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Junchen; Han, Dedong; Li, Huijin; Yu, Wen; Zhang, Shendong; Zhang, Xing; Wang, Yi

2018-03-01

In this work, we investigate the Aluminum-doped Zinc Oxide (AZO) thin films and their feasibility as the active layer for thin film transistors (TFTs). A comparison on performance is made between the AZO TFTs and ZnO TFTs. The electrical properties such as saturation mobility, subthreshold swing, and on-to-off current ratio are improved when AZO is utilized as the active layer. Oxygen component of the thin film materials indicates that Al is the suppressor for oxygen defect in active layer, which improves the subthreshold swing. Moreover, based on band structure analyzation, we observe that the carrier concentration of AZO is higher than ZnO, leading to the enhancement of saturation mobility. The microstructure of the thin films convey that the AZO films exhibit much smaller grain boundaries than ZnO films, which results in the lower off-state current and higher on-to-off current ratio of AZO TFTs. The AZO thin films show huge potential to be the active layer of TFTs.

Evidence of Coherent K+ Meson Production in Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Z.; Marshall, C. M.; Aliaga, L.; Altinok, O.; Bellantoni, L.; Bercellie, A.; Betancourt, M.; Bodek, A.; Bravar, A.; Budd, H.; Cai, T.; Carneiro, M. F.; da Motta, H.; Dytman, S. A.; Díaz, G. A.; Eberly, B.; Endress, E.; Felix, J.; Fields, L.; Fine, R.; Galindo, R.; Gallagher, H.; Ghosh, A.; Golan, T.; Gran, R.; Harris, D. A.; Higuera, A.; Hurtado, K.; Kiveni, M.; Kleykamp, J.; Kordosky, M.; Le, T.; Maher, E.; Manly, S.; Mann, W. A.; Martinez Caicedo, D. A.; McFarland, K. S.; McGivern, C. L.; McGowan, A. M.; Messerly, B.; Miller, J.; Mislivec, A.; Morfín, J. G.; Mousseau, J.; Naples, D.; Nelson, J. K.; Norrick, A.; Nuruzzaman; Paolone, V.; Park, J.; Patrick, C. E.; Perdue, G. N.; Rakotondravohitra, L.; Ramirez, M. A.; Ransome, R. D.; Ray, H.; Ren, L.; Rimal, D.; Rodrigues, P. A.; Ruterbories, D.; Schellman, H.; Schmitz, D. W.; Simon, C.; Solano Salinas, C. J.; Tice, B. G.; Valencia, E.; Walton, T.; Wolcott, J.; Wospakrik, M.; Zavala, G.; Zhang, D.; Minerva Collaboration

2016-08-01

Neutrino-induced charged-current coherent kaon production νμA →μ-K+A is a rare, inelastic electroweak process that brings a K+ on shell and leaves the target nucleus intact in its ground state. This process is significantly lower in rate than the neutrino-induced charged-current coherent pion production because of Cabibbo suppression and a kinematic suppression due to the larger kaon mass. We search for such events in the scintillator tracker of MINERvA by observing the final state K+, μ-, and no other detector activity, and by using the kinematics of the final state particles to reconstruct the small momentum transfer to the nucleus, which is a model-independent characteristic of coherent scattering. We find the first experimental evidence for the process at 3 σ significance.

Evaluating Introductory Physics Classes in Light of the ABET Criteria: An Example from the SCALE-UP Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saul, Jeffery M.; Deardorff, Duane L.; Abbott, David S.; Allain, Rhett J.; Beichner, Robert J.

The Student-Centered Activities for Large Enrollment University Physics (SCALE-UP) project at North Carolina State University (NCSU) is developing a curriculum to promote learning through in-class group activities in introductory physics classes up to 100 students. The authors are currently in Phase II of the project using a specially designed…

Directory of Personnel in Research, Technology, Education, Administration and Management. Development Activities in the Marine Environment of the Coastal Plains Region.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mecca, Christyna E.

Listed in this directory are individuals concerned currently with marine activities on the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, and the adjacent offshore area, known administratively as the Coastal Plains Region. The categories for the listings include educational institutions, state and county agencies, and federal agencies. The…

Transient behavior of an actively mode-locked semiconductor laser diode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Auyeung, J. C.; Bergman, L. A.; Johnston, A. R.

1982-01-01

Experimental investigation was carried out to study the transient regimes during the buildup and decay of the active mode-locked state in a laser diode. The mode locking was achieved through a sinusoidal modulation of the diode current with the laser in an external cavity. The pulse shape evolution and the time constants for the buildup and decay were determined.

Secondary School Chemistry Teacher's Current Use of Laboratory Activities and the Impact of Expense on Their Laboratory Choices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boesdorfer, Sarah B.; Livermore, Robin A.

2018-01-01

In the United States with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)'s emphasis on learning science while doing science, laboratory activities in the secondary school chemistry continues to be an important component of a strong curriculum. Laboratory equipment and consumable materials create a unique expense which chemistry teachers and schools…

Welfare Reform: Work-Site-Based Activities Can Play an Important Role in TANF Programs. Report to Congressional Requesters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fagnoni, Cynthia M.

The General Accounting Office (GAO) examined worksite-based activities currently in place to help recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) develop the skills required for successful transition to unsubsidized employment. Data were collected from the following sources: (1) data reported by states to the Department of Health and…

Sports Management Faculty External Grant-Writing Activities in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeVinney, Timothy P.

2012-01-01

This study was conducted to fill a void in information, provide relevant, current data for faculty members related to external grant-writing activities related to the academic field of sport management and serve as a tool that may aid in the advancement of external grant-writing efforts within the field of sport management. All data is specific to…

The ladder-shaped polyether toxin gambierol anchors the gating machinery of Kv3.1 channels in the resting state

PubMed Central

Kopljar, Ivan; Labro, Alain J.; de Block, Tessa; Rainier, Jon D.; Tytgat, Jan

2013-01-01

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) and sodium (Nav) channels are key determinants of cellular excitability and serve as targets of neurotoxins. Most marine ciguatoxins potentiate Nav channels and cause ciguatera seafood poisoning. Several ciguatoxins have also been shown to affect Kv channels, and we showed previously that the ladder-shaped polyether toxin gambierol is a potent Kv channel inhibitor. Most likely, gambierol acts via a lipid-exposed binding site, located outside the K+ permeation pathway. However, the mechanism by which gambierol inhibits Kv channels remained unknown. Using gating and ionic current analysis to investigate how gambierol affected S6 gate opening and voltage-sensing domain (VSD) movements, we show that the resting (closed) channel conformation forms the high-affinity state for gambierol. The voltage dependence of activation was shifted by >120 mV in the depolarizing direction, precluding channel opening in the physiological voltage range. The (early) transitions between the resting and the open state were monitored with gating currents, and provided evidence that strong depolarizations allowed VSD movement up to the activated-not-open state. However, for transition to the fully open (ion-conducting) state, the toxin first needed to dissociate. These dissociation kinetics were markedly accelerated in the activated-not-open state, presumably because this state displayed a much lower affinity for gambierol. A tetrameric concatemer with only one high-affinity binding site still displayed high toxin sensitivity, suggesting that interaction with a single binding site prevented the concerted step required for channel opening. We propose a mechanism whereby gambierol anchors the channel’s gating machinery in the resting state, requiring more work from the VSD to open the channel. This mechanism is quite different from the action of classical gating modifier peptides (e.g., hanatoxin). Therefore, polyether toxins open new opportunities in structure–function relationship studies in Kv channels and in drug design to modulate channel function. PMID:23401573

The saponin monomer of dwarf lilyturf tuber, DT-13, reduces L-type calcium currents during hypoxia in adult rat ventricular myocytes.

PubMed

Tao, Jin; Wang, Hongyi; Zhou, Hong; Li, Shengnan

2005-10-28

The saponin monomer 13 of dwarf lilyturf tuber (DT-13), one of the saponin monomers of dwarf lilyturf tuber, has been found to have potent cardioprotective effects. In order to investigate the effects of DT-13 on L-type calcium currents (I(Ca,L)), exploring the mechanisms of DT-13's cardioprotective effects in the condition of pathophysiology, we directly measured the I(Ca,L) during hypoxia in the adult rat cardiac myocytes exposed to DT-13 using standard whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique. Our previous results showed that DT-13 exerted decreasing effects on the I(Ca,L) of the single adult rat cardiac myocytes. In the condition of hypoxia, the current density was inhibited by about 29% after exposure of the cells to DT-13 (0.1 micromol L(-1)) for 10 min, from 6.96+/-1.05 pA/pF to 4.38+/-0.35 pA/pF (n=5, P<0.05). This I(Ca,L)-inhibiting action of DT-13 was concentration-dependent and showed no frequency-dependence. DT-13 up-shifted the current-voltage (I-V) curve. Steady-state activation of I(Ca,L) was not affected markedly, and the half activation potential (V(0.5)) in the presence of DT-13 (0.1 micromol L(-1)) was also not significantly different. DT-13 at 0.1 micromol L(-1) markedly accelerated the voltage-dependent steady-state inactivation of calcium current and shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of I(Ca,L) to the left. In combination with previous reports, these results suggest that there might be a close relationship between the cardioprotective effects of DT-13 and L-type calcium channels in the condition of hypoxia.

Examining acute bi-directional relationships between affect, physical feeling states, and physical activity in free-living situations using electronic ecological momentary assessment.

PubMed

Liao, Yue; Chou, Chih-Ping; Huh, Jimi; Leventhal, Adam; Dunton, Genevieve

2017-06-01

Current knowledge about the relationship of physical activity with acute affective and physical feeling states is informed largely by lab-based studies, which have limited generalizability to the natural ecology. This study used ecological momentary assessment to assess subjective affective and physical feeling states in free-living settings across 4 days from 110 non-physically active adults (Age M = 40.4, SD = 9.7). Light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured objectively by an accelerometer. Multilevel modeling was used to test the bi-directional associations between affective and physical feeling states and LPA/MVPA minutes. Higher positive affect, lower negative affect and fatigue were associated with more MVPA over the subsequent 15 min, while higher negative affect and energy were associated with more LPA over the subsequent 15 and 30 min. Additionally, more LPA and MVPA were associated with feeling more energetic over the subsequent 15 and 30 min, and more LPA was additionally associated with feeling more negative and less tired over the subsequent 15 and 30 min. Positive and negative affective states might serve as antecedents to but not consequences of MVPA in adults' daily lives. Changes in LPA may be predicted and followed by negative affective states. Physical feeling states appear to lead up to and follow changes in both LPA and MVPA.

Recent international activity in cooperative vehicle-highway automation systems.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-12-01

This report summarizes the current state of the art in cooperative vehiclehighway automation systems in Europe and Asia : based on a series of meetings, demonstrations, and site visits, combined with the results of literature review. This review c...

The development of a rail passenger coach car crush zone

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-03-21

There is currently an active program within the United States to improve the passive safety of train systems. In particular, the Volpe Center is supporting the Federal Railroad Administrations research that includes numerous analytical studies and...

Sexual Harassment: The Current State of the Law Governing Educational Institutions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wetherfield, Alison

1990-01-01

Surveys federal law prohibiting sexual harassment as it applies to colleges. Concludes that sexual harassment law is still evolving, pursuing and defending harassment cases are traumatic activities, and that prevention is better than cure. (ABL)

Optically triggered high voltage switch network and method for switching a high voltage

DOEpatents

El-Sharkawi, Mohamed A.; Andexler, George; Silberkleit, Lee I.

1993-01-19

An optically triggered solid state switch and method for switching a high voltage electrical current. A plurality of solid state switches (350) are connected in series for controlling electrical current flow between a compensation capacitor (112) and ground in a reactive power compensator (50, 50') that monitors the voltage and current flowing through each of three distribution lines (52a, 52b and 52c), which are supplying three-phase power to one or more inductive loads. An optical transmitter (100) controlled by the reactive power compensation system produces light pulses that are conveyed over optical fibers (102) to a switch driver (110') that includes a plurality of series connected optical triger circuits (288). Each of the optical trigger circuits controls a pair of the solid state switches and includes a plurality of series connected resistors (294, 326, 330, and 334) that equalize or balance the potential across the plurality of trigger circuits. The trigger circuits are connected to one of the distribution lines through a trigger capacitor (340). In each switch driver, the light signals activate a phototransistor (300) so that an electrical current flows from one of the energy reservoir capacitors through a pulse transformer (306) in the trigger circuit, producing gate signals that turn on the pair of serially connected solid state switches (350).

Negative Feedback Mediated by Fast Inhibitory Autapse Enhances Neuronal Oscillations Near a Hopf Bifurcation Point

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Bing

One-parameter and two-parameter bifurcations of the Morris-Lecar (ML) neuron model with and without the fast inhibitory autapse, which is a synapse from a neuron onto itself, are investigated. The ML neuron model without autapse manifests an inverse Hopf bifurcation point from firing to a depolarized resting state with high level of membrane potential, with increasing depolarization current. When a fast inhibitory autapse is introduced, a negative feedback or inhibitory current is applied to the ML model. With increasing conductance of the autapse to middle level, the depolarized resting state near the inverse Hopf bifurcation point can change to oscillation and the parameter region of the oscillation becomes wide, which can be well interpreted by the dynamic responses of the depolarized resting state to the inhibitory current stimulus mediated by the autapse. The enlargement of the parameter region of the oscillation induced by the negative feedback presents a novel viewpoint different from the traditional one that inhibitory synapse often suppresses the neuronal oscillation activities. Furthermore, complex nonlinear dynamics such as the coexisting behaviors and codimension-2 bifurcations including the Bautin and cusp bifurcations are acquired. The relationship between the bifurcations and the depolarization block, a physiological concept that indicates a neuron can enter resting state when receiving the depolarization current, is discussed.

The Critical Role of State Agencies in the Age of Evidence-Based Approaches: The Challenge of New Expectations.

PubMed

Van Dyke, Melissa K; Naoom, Sandra F

2016-01-01

Evidence-based approaches only benefit individuals when fully and effectively implemented. Since funding and monitoring alone will not ensure the full and effective implementation of effective strategies, state agencies have the opportunity to assess and modify current roles, functions, and policies to align with the requirements of evidence-based strategies. Based on a growing body of knowledge to guide effective implementation processes, state agencies, or designated partner organizations, can develop the capacity, mechanisms, and infrastructure to effectively implement evidence-based strategies. This article describes a framework that can guide this process. Informed by the literature and shaped by "real-world experience," the Active Implementation Frameworks provide a stage-matched approach to purposeful, active, and effective implementation.

The inhibitory effect of BIM (I) on L-type Ca²⁺ channels in rat ventricular cells.

PubMed

Son, Youn Kyoung; Hong, Da Hye; Choi, Tae-Hoon; Choi, Seong Woo; Shin, Dong Hoon; Kim, Sung Joon; Jung, In Duk; Park, Yeong-Min; Jung, Won-Kyo; Kim, Dae-Joong; Choi, Il-Whan; Park, Won Sun

2012-06-22

We investigated the effect of a specific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide I [BIM (I)], on L-type Ca(2+) channels in rat ventricular myocytes. BIM (I) alone inhibited the L-type Ca(2+) current in a concentration-dependent manner, with a K(d) value of 3.31 ± 0.25 μM, and a Hill coefficient of 2.34 ± 0.23. Inhibition was immediate after applying BIM (I) in the bath solution and then it partially washed out. The steady-state activation curve was not altered by applying 3μ M BIM (I), but the steady-state inactivation curve shifted to a more negative potential with a change in the slope factor. Other PKC inhibitors, PKC-IP and chelerythrine, showed no significant effects either on the L-type Ca(2+) current or on the inhibitory effect of BIM (I) on the L-type Ca(2+) current. The results suggest that the inhibitory effect of BIM (I) on the L-type Ca(2+) current is independent of the PKC pathway. Thus, our results should be considered in studies using BIM (I) to inhibit PKC activity and ion channel modulation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Attenuated effect of tungsten carbide nanoparticles on voltage-gated sodium current of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.

PubMed

Shan, Dehong; Xie, Yongling; Ren, Guogang; Yang, Zhuo

2013-02-01

Nanomaterials and relevant products are now being widely used in the world, and their safety becomes a great concern for the general public. Tungsten carbide nanoparticles (nano-WC) are widely used in metallurgy, aeronautics and astronautics, however our knowledge regarding the influence of nano-WC on neurons is still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of nano-WC on tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive voltage-activated sodium current (I(Na)) of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Results showed that acute exposure of nano-WC attenuated the peak amplitudes of I(Na) in a concentration-dependent manner. The minimal effective concentration was 10(-5)g/ml. The exposure of nano-WC significantly decreased current amplitudes of the current-voltage curves of I(Na) from -50 to+50 mV, shifted the steady-state activation and inactivation curves of I(Na) negatively and delayed the recovery of I(Na) from inactivation state. After exposure to nano-WC, the peak amplitudes, overshoots and the V-thresholds of action potentials (APs) were markedly reduced. These results suggested that exposure of nano-WC could influence some characteristics of APs evoked from the hippocampal CA1 neurons by modifying the kinetics of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Emotion regulation through execution, observation, and imagery of emotional movements

PubMed Central

Shafir, Tal; Taylor, Stephan F.; Atkinson, Anthony P.; Langenecker, Scott A.; Zubieta, Jon-Kar

2014-01-01

According to Damasio’s somatic marker hypothesis, emotions are generated by conveying the current state of the body to the brain through interoceptive and proprioceptive afferent input. The resulting brain activation patterns represent unconscious emotions and correlate with subjective feelings. This proposition implies a corollary that the deliberate control of motor behavior could regulate feelings. We tested this possibility, hypothesizing that engaging in movements associated with a certain emotion would enhance that emotion and/or the corresponding valence. Furthermore, because motor imagery and observation are thought to activate the same mirror-neuron network engaged during motor execution, they might also activate the same emotional processing circuits, leading to similar emotional effects. Therefore, we measured the effects of motor execution, motor imagery and observation of whole-body dynamic expressions of emotions (happiness, sadness, fear) on affective state. All three tasks enhanced the corresponding affective state, indicating their potential to regulate emotions. PMID:23561915

Dopamine alters glutamate receptor desensitization in retinal horizontal cells of the perch (Perca fluviatilis).

PubMed Central

Schmidt, K F; Kruse, M; Hatt, H

1994-01-01

The patch-clamp technique in combination with a fast liquid filament application system was used to study the effect of dopamine on the glutamate receptor desensitization in horizontal cells of the perch (Perca fluviatilis). Kinetics of ligand-gated ion channels in fish horizontal cells are modulated by dopamine. This modulation is presumably mediated by a cAMP-dependent protein phosphorylation. Before incubation with dopamine, the glutamate receptors of horizontal cells activate and desensitize with fast time constants. In the whole-cell recording mode, fast application of the agonists L-glutamate, quisqualate, or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid prior to the dopamine incubation gives rise to fast transient currents with peak values of about 200 pA that desensitize within 100 ms. Kainate as agonist produced higher steady-state currents but no transient currents. After incubation of the cells with dopamine for 3 min, the desensitization was significantly reduced and the agonists L-glutamate, quisqualate, or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid induced steady-state currents with amplitudes that were similar to the previously observed transient currents. Kainate-induced currents were only slightly affected. Fast desensitizing currents upon fast application of L-glutamate were also recorded from outside-out patches that were excised from horizontal cells before incubation with dopamine. The currents from excised patches desensitized to a steady-state level of about 0.2 of the peak amplitude with time constants of less than 2 ms. When the outside-out patches were excised from cells after dopamine incubation, steady-state currents were enhanced and no transient currents were observed. The results may indicate that the dopamine-dependent modulation of glutamate-induced currents, which is presumably mediated by a protein phosphorylation, is due to an alteration of the desensitization of the glutamate receptors. PMID:7520178

Performance Contracting and Energy Efficiency in the State Government Market

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

Bharvirkar, Ranjit; Goldman, Charles; Gilligan, Donald

There is growing interest in energy efficiency (EE) among state policymakers as a result of increasing environmental concerns, rising electricity and natural gas prices, and lean economic times that motivate states to look more aggressively for cost-saving opportunities in public sector buildings. One logical place for state policymakers to demonstrate their commitment to energy efficiency is to 'lead by example' by developing and implementing strategies to reduce the energy consumption of state government facilities through investments in energy efficient technologies. Traditionally, energy efficiency improvements at state government facilities are viewed as a subset in the general category of building maintenancemore » and construction. These projects are typically funded through direct appropriations. However, energy efficiency projects are often delayed or reduced in scope whereby not all cost-effective measures are implemented because many states have tight capital budgets. Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) offers a potentially useful strategy for state program and facility managers to proactively finance and develop energy efficiency projects. In an ESPC project, Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) typically guarantee that the energy and cost savings produced by the project will equal or exceed all costs associated with implementing the project over the term of the contract. ESCOs typically provide turnkey design, installation, and maintenance services and also help arrange project financing. Between 1990 and 2006, U.S. ESCOs reported market activity of {approx}$28 Billion, with about {approx}75-80% of that activity concentrated in the institutional markets (K-12 schools, colleges/universities, state/local/federal government and hospitals). In this study, we review the magnitude of energy efficiency investment in state facilities and identify 'best practices' while employing performance contracting in the state government sector. The state government market is defined to include state offices, state universities, correctional facilities, and other state facilities. This study is part of a series of reports prepared by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the National Association of Energy Services Companies (NAESCO) on the ESCO market and industry trends. The scope of previous reports was much broader: Goldman et al. (2002) analyzed ESCO project costs and savings in public and private sector facilities, Hopper et al. (2005) focused on ESCO project activity in all public and institutional sectors, while Hopper et al (2007) provided aggregate results of a comprehensive survey of ESCOs on current industry activity and future prospects. We decided to focus the current study on ESCO and energy efficiency activity and potential market barriers in the state government market because previous studies suggested that this institutional sector has significant remaining energy efficiency opportunities. Moreover, ESCO activity in the state government market has lagged behind other institutional markets (e.g., K-12 schools, local governments, and the federal market). Our primary objectives were as follows: (1) Assess existing state agency energy information and data sources that could be utilized to develop performance metrics to assess progress among ESPC programs in states; (2) Conduct a comparative review of the performance of selected state ESPC programs in reducing energy usage and costs in state government buildings; and (3) Delineate the extent to which state government sector facilities are implementing energy efficiency projects apart from ESPC programs using other strategies (e.g. utility ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs, loan funds).« less

A Battery Charger and State of Charge Indicator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Latos, T. S.

1984-01-01

A battery charger which has a full wave rectifier in series with a transformer isolated 20 kHz dc-dc converter with high frequency switches, which are programmed to actively shape the input dc line current to be a mirror image of the ac line voltage is discussed. The power circuit operates at 2 kW peak and 1 kW average power. The BC/SCI has two major subsystems: (1) the battery charger power electronics with its controls; and (2) a microcomputer subsystem which is used to acquire battery terminal data and exercise the state of charge software programs. The state of charge definition employed is the energy remaining in the battery when extracted at a 10 kW rate divided by the energy capacity of a fully charged new battery. The battery charger circuit is an isolated boost converter operating at an internal frequency of 20 kHz. The switches selected for the battery charger are the single most important item in determining its efficiency. The combination of voltage and current requirements dictate the use of high power NPN Darlington switching transistors. The power circuit topology is a three switch design which utilizes a power FET on the center tap of the isolation transformer and the power Darlingtons on each of the two ends. An analog control system is employed to accomplish active input current waveshaping as well as the necessary regulation.

Ionic electroactive polymer actuators as active microfluidic mixers

DOE PAGES

Meis, Catherine; Montazami, Reza; Hashemi, Nastaran

2015-11-06

On-chip sample processing is integral to the continued development of lab-on-a-chip devices for various applications. An active microfluidic mixer prototype is proposed using ionic electroactive polymer actuators (IEAPAs) as artificial cilia. A proof-of-concept experiment was performed in which the actuators were shown to produce localized flow pattern disruptions in the laminar flow regime. Suggestions for further engineering and optimization of a scaled-down, complete device are provided. Furthermore, the device in its current state of development necessitates further engineering, the use of IEAPAs addresses issues currently associated with the use of electromechanical actuators as active microfluidic mixers and may prove tomore » be a useful alternative to other similar materials.« less

76 FR 28791 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-18

... participation for expenditures under their Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Program related to health... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Document... currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: State Medicaid Health Information Technology...

Solid-State Lighting R&D Plan - 2015

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

Bardsley, Norman; Bland, Stephen; Hansen, Monica

2015-05-28

Provides analysis and direction for ongoing R&D activities to advance SSL technology and increase energy savings, reviewing SSL technology status and trends for both LEDs and OLEDs and offering an overview of the current DOE SSL R&D project portfolio.

77 FR 25122 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Report of School...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-27

... agencies on a monthly basis. The form is an intrinsic part of the accounting system currently being used by... States through a Web-based Federal reporting system, and 100 percent of the information is collected...

InterAgency Journal (Volume 2, Issue 2, Summer 2011)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

Interagency Task Force for Irregular Warfare ( IATF -IW). It is fair to say that in prosecuting foreign policy which currently includes open warfare...With the introduction of the IATF -IW, CENTCOM is actively developing and promoting plans in conjunction with the civilian entities of government. The...opposite extreme, in the IATF - IW being the agent of the State Department. This subordination to State Department lead ensured rebuilding Iraq would

Regional Water-Resources Studies in Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bauer, Eva M.; Watermolen, Shannon C.

2007-01-01

Introduction: Water-resources information for the State of Nevada should be readily accessible to community planners and the general public in a user-friendly web environment and should be actively managed and maintained with accurate historic and current hydrologic data. The USGS, in cooperation with State of Nevada and local government agencies, has established a data framework that provides critical hydrologic information to meet the challenges of water resources planning for Nevada.

Stereoselectivity of supported alkene metathesis catalysts: a goal and a tool to characterize active sites.

PubMed

Copéret, Christophe

2011-01-05

Stereoselectivity in alkene metathesis is a challenge and can be used as a tool to study active sites under working conditions. This review describes the stereochemical relevance and problems in alkene metathesis (kinetic vs. thermodynamic issues), the use of (E/Z) ratio at low conversions as a tool to characterize active sites of heterogeneous catalysts and finally to propose strategies to improve catalysts based on the current state of the art.

Active Control of Cryogenic Propellants in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Notardonato, William

2011-01-01

A new era of space exploration is being planned. Exploration architectures under consideration require the long term storage of cryogenic propellants in space. This requires development of active control systems to mitigate the effect of heat leak. This work summarizes current state of the art, proposes operational design strategies and presents options for future architectures. Scaling and integration of active systems will be estimated. Ideal long range spacecraft systems will be proposed with Exploration architecture benefits considered.

Impacts of Sea-Level Rise and Human Activity on a Tropical Continental Shelf, RN State, NE Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vital, H.; Barros Pereira, T. R.; Lira, H. F.; Tabosa, W. F.; Eichler, P.; Stattegger, K.; Sen Gupta, B. K.; Gomes, M. P.; Nogueira, M. L. D. S.; Pierri, G. C. S.

2014-12-01

The northeastern Brazilian, tropical coast-shelf system along the Atlantic Ocean is a sediment-starved zone, because of low relief, small drainage basins, and a semiarid climate. This work presents the major results of a study of environmental changes, particularly those related to Holocene sea-level rise, affecting the coast and shallow waters of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) State, NE Brazil. The methods included bottom-sediment characterization, bioindicator tracking, and integrated shallow-water geophysical investigation. This coastline is marked by active sea cliffs carved into tablelands alternating with reef- or dune-barrier sections, beach rocks and lagoons, whereas the shelf is a narrow, very shallow, and highly energetic system. Overall, the area is under the natural influence of tides (with a semidiurnal mesotidal regime) and the anthropogenic influence of salt exploration, oil industry, shrimp farms, tourism, and wind-farms. Sedimentation during the Holocene has been controlled mainly by sea-level variation, longshore currents, and the advance and westward propagation of active dunes along the coast. As in other areas around the world, growing numbers of permanent and seasonal residents choose to live at or near the ocean. Coastal erosion is a cause for concern along many Brazilian beaches, and several erosion hot spots are already recognized in RN State. Curves of Holocene relative sea-level variation were established for RN State, but the absence of long-term oceanographic observations in the last centuries or that of detailed altimetry maps hinders the evaluation of different risk scenarios at the local level. Nevertheless, impacts of the current sea-level rise and human activity can be observed along the RN coastal-shelf system. Particular aspects of the study, such as oil-spill monitoring, coastal-water sewage contamination, and coastal erosion, will be highlighted.

Block of Inactivation-deficient Na+ Channels by Local Anesthetics in Stably Transfected Mammalian Cells

PubMed Central

Wang, Sho-Ya; Mitchell, Jane; Moczydlowski, Edward; Wang, Ging Kuo

2004-01-01

According to the classic modulated receptor hypothesis, local anesthetics (LAs) such as benzocaine and lidocaine bind preferentially to fast-inactivated Na+ channels with higher affinities. However, an alternative view suggests that activation of Na+ channels plays a crucial role in promoting high-affinity LA binding and that fast inactivation per se is not a prerequisite for LA preferential binding. We investigated the role of activation in LA action in inactivation-deficient rat muscle Na+ channels (rNav1.4-L435W/L437C/A438W) expressed in stably transfected Hek293 cells. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for the open-channel block at +30 mV by lidocaine and benzocaine were 20.9 ± 3.3 μM (n = 5) and 81.7 ± 10.6 μM (n = 5), respectively; both were comparable to inactivated-channel affinities. In comparison, IC50 values for resting-channel block at −140 mV were >12-fold higher than those for open-channel block. With 300 μM benzocaine, rapid time-dependent block (τ ≈ 0.8 ms) of inactivation-deficient Na+ currents occurred at +30 mV, but such a rapid time-dependent block was not evident at −30 mV. The peak current at −30 mV, however, was reduced more severely than that at +30 mV. This phenomenon suggested that the LA block of intermediate closed states took place notably when channel activation was slow. Such closed-channel block also readily accounted for the LA-induced hyperpolarizing shift in the conventional steady-state inactivation measurement. Our data together illustrate that the Na+ channel activation pathway, including most, if not all, transient intermediate closed states and the final open state, promotes high-affinity LA binding. PMID:15545401

Neural circuits associated with positive and negative self-appraisal.

PubMed

Brühl, A B; Rufer, M; Kaffenberger, T; Baur, V; Herwig, U

2014-04-18

Self-worth is particularly influenced by self-appraisal, which is negatively biased in many psychiatric disorders. Positive and negative self-appraisals also shape current emotional states or even evoke defensive reactions, when they are incongruent with a subject's current state. Prior studies have mainly used externally given evaluative appraisals. In this study, 30 subjects used individual negative and positive self-appraisals during functional magnetic resonance imaging. We additionally investigated the effects of such self-appraisals onto the subsequent perception of photos of the individual subjects. Both self-appraisal conditions activated dorsomedial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex compared to the neutral condition. Positive self-appraisal evoked stronger activity than negative self-appraisal in the amygdala, ventral striatum and anterior cingulate cortex, whereas negative self-appraisal was associated with increased activity in the occipital regions. Positive self-appraisal had no effect on the perception of a photo of oneself, whereas negative appraisal increased activity in the anterior insula and parietal regions. Overall, positive self-appraisal activated more emotion-related brain regions, whereas negative self-appraisal had a relatively stronger influence on perception-related brain activity. These findings could on the one hand explain the effect of negative self-appraisal on the behavior in the real world and on the other hand support a stronger focus of psychotherapy on enhancing positive self-appraisals. Copyright © 2014 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Land use politics and law in the 1970's

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lamb, C. M.

1975-01-01

Political facets of the general land use challenge faced in the United States, and the legal authority for governmental action by state and federal officials under given conditions are discussed. Some current and future implications of these political and legal developments are presented. An overview of local versus state versus federal powers is presented along with practices for solving the nation's land use challenge. An analysis is provided of land use law and politics in five states playing active roles in land control. Land use politics and law at the federal level is addressed, with emphasis on three key legislative measures.

Analysis of the K+ current in human CD4+ T lymphocytes in hypercholesterolemic state.

PubMed

Somodi, Sándor; Balajthy, András; Szilágyi, Orsolya; Pethő, Zoltán; Harangi, Mariann; Paragh, György; Panyi, György; Hajdu, Péter

2013-01-01

Atherosclerosis involves immune mechanisms: T lymphocytes are found in atherosclerotic plaques, suggesting their activation during atherogenesis. The predominant voltage-gated potassium channel of T cells, Kv1.3 is a key regulator of the Ca(2+)-dependent activation pathway. In the present experiments we studied the proliferation capacity and functional changes of Kv1.3 channels in T cells from healthy and hypercholestaeremic patients. By means of CFSE-assay (carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester) we showed that spontaneous activation rate of lymphocytes in hypercholesterolemia was elevated and the antiCD3/antiCD28 co-stimulation was less effective as compared to the healthy group. Using whole-cell patch-clamping we obtained that the activation and deactivation kinetics of Kv1.3 channels were faster in hypercholesterolemic state but no change in other parameters of Kv1.3 were found (inactivation kinetics, steady-state activation, expression level). We suppose that incorporation of oxLDL species via its raft-rupturing effect can modify proliferative rate of T cells as well as the gating of Kv1.3 channels. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stimulus-Dependent State Transition between Synchronized Oscillation and Randomly Repetitive Burst in a Model Cerebellar Granular Layer

PubMed Central

Tanaka, Shigeru; Nagao, Soichi; Nishino, Tetsuro

2011-01-01

Information processing of the cerebellar granular layer composed of granule and Golgi cells is regarded as an important first step toward the cerebellar computation. Our previous theoretical studies have shown that granule cells can exhibit random alternation between burst and silent modes, which provides a basis of population representation of the passage-of-time (POT) from the onset of external input stimuli. On the other hand, another computational study has reported that granule cells can exhibit synchronized oscillation of activity, as consistent with observed oscillation in local field potential recorded from the granular layer while animals keep still. Here we have a question of whether an identical network model can explain these distinct dynamics. In the present study, we carried out computer simulations based on a spiking network model of the granular layer varying two parameters: the strength of a current injected to granule cells and the concentration of Mg2+ which controls the conductance of NMDA channels assumed on the Golgi cell dendrites. The simulations showed that cells in the granular layer can switch activity states between synchronized oscillation and random burst-silent alternation depending on the two parameters. For higher Mg2+ concentration and a weaker injected current, granule and Golgi cells elicited spikes synchronously (synchronized oscillation state). In contrast, for lower Mg2+ concentration and a stronger injected current, those cells showed the random burst-silent alternation (POT-representing state). It is suggested that NMDA channels on the Golgi cell dendrites play an important role for determining how the granular layer works in response to external input. PMID:21779155

Great Lakes Instructional Materials for the Changing Earth System: An Earth Systems Education Effort of the Ohio Sea Grant College Program and the Ohio State University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Heidi, Ed.; Sheaffer, Amy, Ed.

This activity book was developed because of the importance of understanding both our water resources and the impact of global change. The materials in this set were designed to use current data and information access skills, offer productive collaboration experiences, and provide critical science decision-making opportunities. Activities are…

Risk Communication: The Role of the South Carolina State Climatology Office.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, David J.; Purvis, John C.; Felts, Arthur

1995-12-01

The federally supported state climatologist program ended in 1972. Thereafter, most states supported these endeavors in coordination with the National Climatic Data Center, but the current state programs vary widely. One of the functions of state climate programs that evolved since 1972 is acting as a liaison between the National Weather Service and various state agencies. This role is most apparent and controversial in coordinating state and local government response to severe weather and extreme climate anomalies such as drought, flood, winter storms, and tropical cyclones. The activities of the climate office in South Carolina during Hurricane Hugo in September 1989 and the October 1990 floods reveal how these interactions occur in one state that mandated these activities. The state climate office had to react to shifting weather conditions and to variable political conditions that affect public organizations. The climate office in South Carolina acts to interpret weather information, develop scenarios and predictions, and to assist in postevent damage surveys. This review is presented to acknowledge and document the expanding role of the state climate office in South Carolina in response to state and local government needs for weather forecast interpretation and expert guidance in the event of severe weather.

Inadequate physical activity and health care expenditures in the United States.

PubMed

Carlson, Susan A; Fulton, Janet E; Pratt, Michael; Yang, Zhou; Adams, E Kathleen

2015-01-01

This study estimates the percentage of health care expenditures in the non-institutionalized United States (U.S.) adult population associated with levels of physical activity inadequate to meet current guidelines. Leisure-time physical activity data from the National Health Interview Survey (2004-2010) were merged with health care expenditure data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2006-2011). Health care expenditures for inactive (i.e., no physical activity) and insufficiently active adults (i.e., some physical activity but not enough to meet guidelines) were compared with active adults (i.e., ≥150minutes/week moderate-intensity equivalent activity) using an econometric model. Overall, 11.1% (95% CI: 7.3, 14.9) of aggregate health care expenditures were associated with inadequate physical activity (i.e., inactive and insufficiently active levels). When adults with any reported difficulty walking due to a health problem were excluded, 8.7% (95% CI: 5.2, 12.3) of aggregate health care expenditures were associated with inadequate physical activity. Increasing adults' physical activity to meet guidelines may reduce U.S. health care expenditures. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Strongly contracted canonical transformation theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neuscamman, Eric; Yanai, Takeshi; Chan, Garnet Kin-Lic

2010-01-01

Canonical transformation (CT) theory describes dynamic correlation in multireference systems with large active spaces. Here we discuss CT theory's intruder state problem and why our previous approach of overlap matrix truncation becomes infeasible for sufficiently large active spaces. We propose the use of strongly and weakly contracted excitation operators as alternatives for dealing with intruder states in CT theory. The performance of these operators is evaluated for the H2O, N2, and NiO molecules, with comparisons made to complete active space second order perturbation theory and Davidson-corrected multireference configuration interaction theory. Finally, using a combination of strongly contracted CT theory and orbital-optimized density matrix renormalization group theory, we evaluate the singlet-triplet gap of free base porphin using an active space containing all 24 out-of-plane 2p orbitals. Modeling dynamic correlation with an active space of this size is currently only possible using CT theory.

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of a cationic polymer in aqueous solution with a convenient electrochemical method.

PubMed

Wang, Yihong; Guo, Qing; Wang, Huafu; Qian, Kun; Tian, Liang; Yao, Chen; Song, Wei; Shu, Weixia; Chen, Ping; Qi, Jinxu

2017-02-01

Quaternized chitosan is a cationic biopolymer with good antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, and it has been widely applied in many fields. We have developed a convenient method to evaluate the antibacterial activity of hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) with a nonionic surfactant poloxamer in aqueous solution by monitoring the change of the oxidation peak current in cyclic voltammetry. Increasing values of the oxidation peak current were positively correlated with the antibacterial activity of HACC-poloxamer solutions. Optical microscope images, the zeta potential, and fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the aggregation state of HACC-poloxamer was related to the ratio of the two polymers and also to the antibacterial activity and oxidation peak current. At an HACC-to-poloxamer ratio of 1:0.75, the maximum surface charge density and the smooth edge of HACC-poloxamer aggregates can accelerate diffusion in aqueous solution. It is expected that this convenient method can be applied for a quick evaluation of the antibacterial activity of cationic biopolymers in aqueous solution. Graphical Abstract The cyclic voltammograms of MB in HACC/poloxamer solution, and the antibacterial efficiency against S. aureus after incubated with HACC (a) and 1/0.75 of HACC/poloxamer (b).

Ground-state cooling of a carbon nanomechanical resonator by spin-polarized current.

PubMed

Stadler, P; Belzig, W; Rastelli, G

2014-07-25

We study the nonequilibrium steady state of a mechanical resonator in the quantum regime realized by a suspended carbon nanotube quantum dot in contact with two ferromagnets. Because of the spin-orbit interaction and/or an external magnetic field gradient, the spin on the dot couples directly to the flexural eigenmodes. Accordingly, the nanomechanical motion induces inelastic spin flips of the tunneling electrons. A spin-polarized current at finite bias voltage causes either heating or active cooling of the mechanical modes. We show that maximal cooling is achieved at resonant transport when the energy splitting between two dot levels of opposite spin equals the vibrational frequency. Even for weak electron-resonator coupling and moderate polarizations we can achieve ground-state cooling with a temperature of the leads, for instance, of T = 10 ω.

Evidence of coherent $$K^{+}$$ meson production in neutrino-nucleus scattering

DOE PAGES

Wang, Z.

2016-08-05

Neutrino-induced charged-current coherent kaon production ν μA→μ -K +A is a rare, inelastic electroweak process that brings a K + on shell and leaves the target nucleus intact in its ground state. This process is significantly lower in rate than the neutrino-induced charged-current coherent pion production because of Cabibbo suppression and a kinematic suppression due to the larger kaon mass. We search for such events in the scintillator tracker of MINERvA by observing the final state K +, μ -, and no other detector activity, and by using the kinematics of the final state particles to reconstruct the small momentummore » transfer to the nucleus, which is a model-independent characteristic of coherent scattering. Furthermore, we find the first experimental evidence for the process at 3σ significance.« less

Deconstructing the “Resting” State: Exploring the Temporal Dynamics of Frontal Alpha Asymmetry as an Endophenotype for Depression

PubMed Central

Allen, John J. B.; Cohen, Michael X

2010-01-01

Asymmetry in frontal electrocortical alpha-band (8–13 Hz) activity recorded during resting situations (i.e., in absence of a specific task) has been investigated in relation to emotion and depression for over 30 years. This asymmetry reflects an aspect of endogenous cortical dynamics that is stable over repeated measurements and that may serve as an endophenotype for mood or other psychiatric disorders. In nearly all of this research, EEG activity is averaged across several minutes, obscuring transient dynamics that unfold on the scale of milliseconds to seconds. Such dynamic states may ultimately have greater value in linking brain activity to surface EEG asymmetry, thus improving its status as an endophenotype for depression. Here we introduce novel metrics for characterizing frontal alpha asymmetry that provide a more in-depth neurodynamical understanding of recurrent endogenous cortical processes during the resting-state. The metrics are based on transient “bursts” of asymmetry that occur frequently during the resting-state. In a sample of 306 young adults, 143 with a lifetime diagnosis of major depressive disorder (62 currently symptomatic), three questions were addressed: (1) How do novel peri-burst metrics of dynamic asymmetry compare to conventional fast-Fourier transform-based metrics? (2) Do peri-burst metrics adequately differentiate depressed from non-depressed participants? and, (3) what EEG dynamics surround the asymmetry bursts? Peri-burst metrics correlated with traditional measures of asymmetry, and were sensitive to both current and past episodes of major depression. Moreover, asymmetry bursts were characterized by a transient lateralized alpha suppression that is highly consistent in phase across bursts, and a concurrent contralateral transient alpha enhancement that is less tightly phase-locked across bursts. This approach opens new possibilities for investigating rapid cortical dynamics during resting-state EEG. PMID:21228910

76 FR 37158 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-24

... Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) program. In 2003... representative scientific or engineering organization.'' On the basis of these recommendations, the Committee was... individual's work on the current state of physical, biological, mathematical, engineering or social and...

50 CFR 15.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., TRANSPORTATION, SALE, PURCHASE, BARTER, EXPORTATION, AND IMPORTATION OF WILDLIFE AND PLANTS WILD BIRD... human activity, and that currently regularly inhabits or breeds in the 50 States or the District of Columbia. Life cycle means the annual processes involved with breeding, migration, and all other non...

Freight from space : evaluating freight activity and emissions from satellite data.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-06-01

In this report, the authors investigate the current state of knowledge of freight transport emissions, the importance of freight emissions relative to other sources, and what tools are available, or can be developed to answer these questions and impr...

BATHING BEACH MONITORING PROTOCOLS/COMMUNICATING SWIMMING ACTIVITY RISK TO THE PUBLIC

EPA Science Inventory

Current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended monitoring practices for bathing beach water quality were suggested in 1968, as a part of the fecal coliform guideline developed by the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration. The guideline stated that five water ...

The Primary Dental Care Workforce.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neenan, M. Elaine; And Others

1993-01-01

A study describes the characteristics of the current primary dental care workforce (dentists, hygienists, assistants), its distribution, and its delivery system in private and public sectors. Graduate dental school enrollments, trends in patient visits, employment patterns, state dental activities, and workforce issues related to health care…

Aviation Security: Implementation of Recommendations Is Under Way, but Completion Will Take Several Years

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-04-01

As the threat of terrorist activities has increased in the United States, the need to improve domestic aviation security has grown. Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), other federal agencies, and the aviation industry are implementi...

Resting-state abnormalities in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Lau, W K W; Leung, M-K; Lee, T M C; Law, A C K

2016-04-26

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As no effective drug can cure AD, early diagnosis and intervention for aMCI are urgently needed. The standard diagnostic procedure for aMCI primarily relies on subjective neuropsychological examinations that require the judgment of experienced clinicians. The development of other objective and reliable aMCI markers, such as neural markers, is therefore required. Previous neuroimaging findings revealed various abnormalities in resting-state activity in MCI patients, but the findings have been inconsistent. The current study provides an updated activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data on aMCI. The authors searched on the MEDLINE/PubMed databases for whole-brain resting-state fMRI studies on aMCI published until March 2015. We included 21 whole-brain resting-state fMRI studies that reported a total of 156 distinct foci. Significant regional resting-state differences were consistently found in aMCI patients relative to controls, including the posterior cingulate cortex, right angular gyrus, right parahippocampal gyrus, left fusiform gyrus, left supramarginal gyrus and bilateral middle temporal gyri. Our findings support that abnormalities in resting-state activities of these regions may serve as neuroimaging markers for aMCI.

Oral desensitization for milk allergy in children: state of the art.

PubMed

Pajno, Giovanni B

2011-12-01

The purpose of this review is to research current evidence on cow's milk oral immunotherapy for the treatment of cow's milk allergy (CMA). The specific, active treatment for IgE-mediated food allergy included CMA, which is currently being investigated in human trials. Allergen-specific approaches include oral, sublingual and epicutaneous immunotherapy. Reports on oral immunotherapy (OIT) for the treatment of milk allergy have been more extensive and carried out mostly with native proteins. The aim of OIT with cow's milk is the achievement of desensitization or tolerance by patients suffering from CMA. Desensitization state can be achieved by approximately 36-92% of the children treated with specific immunotherapy; the rate of permanent tolerance is unknown. Longer duration of desensitization may result in permanent tolerance. The possibility of adverse events or reactions during OIT is quite frequent. Side-effects have been reported by patients in all published studies. OIT as an active treatment for CMA represents an emerging reality. Before this treatment can be used in clinical practice, additional studies are needed. Currently, many issues remain unanswered: severity and type of food allergy responsive to specific immunotherapy, degree of protection, 'shared schedules' of desensitization(s) in research settings and well established risk-to-benefit ratio. However the field of specific, active treatment of food allergy is poised for clinically important advances.

Regulatory requirements for biocides on the market in the European Union according to Directive 98/8/EC.

PubMed

Rasmussen, K; Chemin, P; Haastrup, P

1999-06-30

In early 1998, the European Commission and Parliament adopted a new Directive concerning the placing on the market of biocidal products. The Directive is to be implemented in the member states by May 2000. The member states are currently concerned with the national implementation into legislation whereas the Commission is setting up the proposal for a review programme for the existing active substances and the products in which they are used. This paper describes the effort currently undertaken (up to the end of December 1998) to define the procedures to be used and characterise the substances covered. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.

Infraslow Electroencephalographic and Dynamic Resting State Network Activity.

PubMed

Grooms, Joshua K; Thompson, Garth J; Pan, Wen-Ju; Billings, Jacob; Schumacher, Eric H; Epstein, Charles M; Keilholz, Shella D

2017-06-01

A number of studies have linked the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal to electroencephalographic (EEG) signals in traditional frequency bands (δ, θ, α, β, and γ), but the relationship between BOLD and its direct frequency correlates in the infraslow band (<1 Hz) has been little studied. Previously, work in rodents showed that infraslow local field potentials play a role in functional connectivity, particularly in the dynamic organization of large-scale networks. To examine the relationship between infraslow activity and network dynamics in humans, direct current (DC) EEG and resting state magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired simultaneously. The DC EEG signals were correlated with the BOLD signal in patterns that resembled resting state networks. Subsequent dynamic analysis showed that the correlation between DC EEG and the BOLD signal varied substantially over time, even within individual subjects. The variation in DC EEG appears to reflect the time-varying contribution of different resting state networks. Furthermore, some of the patterns of DC EEG and BOLD correlation are consistent with previous work demonstrating quasiperiodic spatiotemporal patterns of large-scale network activity in resting state. These findings demonstrate that infraslow electrical activity is linked to BOLD fluctuations in humans and that it may provide a basis for large-scale organization comparable to that observed in animal studies.

Infraslow Electroencephalographic and Dynamic Resting State Network Activity

PubMed Central

Grooms, Joshua K.; Thompson, Garth J.; Pan, Wen-Ju; Billings, Jacob; Schumacher, Eric H.; Epstein, Charles M.

2017-01-01

Abstract A number of studies have linked the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal to electroencephalographic (EEG) signals in traditional frequency bands (δ, θ, α, β, and γ), but the relationship between BOLD and its direct frequency correlates in the infraslow band (<1 Hz) has been little studied. Previously, work in rodents showed that infraslow local field potentials play a role in functional connectivity, particularly in the dynamic organization of large-scale networks. To examine the relationship between infraslow activity and network dynamics in humans, direct current (DC) EEG and resting state magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired simultaneously. The DC EEG signals were correlated with the BOLD signal in patterns that resembled resting state networks. Subsequent dynamic analysis showed that the correlation between DC EEG and the BOLD signal varied substantially over time, even within individual subjects. The variation in DC EEG appears to reflect the time-varying contribution of different resting state networks. Furthermore, some of the patterns of DC EEG and BOLD correlation are consistent with previous work demonstrating quasiperiodic spatiotemporal patterns of large-scale network activity in resting state. These findings demonstrate that infraslow electrical activity is linked to BOLD fluctuations in humans and that it may provide a basis for large-scale organization comparable to that observed in animal studies. PMID:28462586

Behçet syndrome manifestations and activity in the United States versus Turkey -- a cross-sectional cohort comparison.

PubMed

Sibley, Cailin; Yazici, Yusuf; Tascilar, Koray; Khan, Nafiz; Bata, Yasmin; Yazici, Hasan; Goldbach-Mansky, Raphaela; Hatemi, Gulen

2014-07-01

To compare clinical manifestations and activity of Behçet syndrome (BS) in the United States versus Turkey using validated outcome measures. Consecutive patients with BS from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), New York University, and the University of Istanbul were evaluated. Disease activity was measured using the Behçet's Syndrome Activity Scale (BSAS) and the Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) with quality of life measured by the Behçet Disease Quality of Life (BDQOL) form. One-way ANOVA, t-tests, and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Mean age did not differ between sites; however, more women were seen in the United States versus in Turkey (p < 0.001), and disease duration was longer in the United States (p = 0.02). Organ manifestations were similar for oral and genital ulcers, skin disease, arthralgia, eye disease, and thrombosis. However, more gastrointestinal (p < 0.001) and neurologic disease (p = 0.003) was seen in the United States. BSAS and BDCAF scores were worse in the United States compared to Turkey (p = 0.013 and < 0.001, respectively). Worse mean BDQOL scores were observed at the NIH compared to Istanbul (not significant). Multivariable regression models showed worse scores in ethnically atypical patients for BSAS and BDCAF (p = 0.04 and p = 0.001), American patients for BDCAF (p = 0.01), older age for BDCAF (p = 0.005), and women for BDQOL (p = 0.01). Demographic and clinical manifestations of BS differ between sites with higher disease activity in the United States compared to Turkey. Referral patterns, age, sex, ethnicity, and country of origin may be important in these differences. These observations raise the question of whether pathogenic mechanisms differ in Turkish and American patients.

Estimating the Information Extracted by a Single Spiking Neuron from a Continuous Input Time Series.

PubMed

Zeldenrust, Fleur; de Knecht, Sicco; Wadman, Wytse J; Denève, Sophie; Gutkin, Boris

2017-01-01

Understanding the relation between (sensory) stimuli and the activity of neurons (i.e., "the neural code") lies at heart of understanding the computational properties of the brain. However, quantifying the information between a stimulus and a spike train has proven to be challenging. We propose a new ( in vitro ) method to measure how much information a single neuron transfers from the input it receives to its output spike train. The input is generated by an artificial neural network that responds to a randomly appearing and disappearing "sensory stimulus": the hidden state. The sum of this network activity is injected as current input into the neuron under investigation. The mutual information between the hidden state on the one hand and spike trains of the artificial network or the recorded spike train on the other hand can easily be estimated due to the binary shape of the hidden state. The characteristics of the input current, such as the time constant as a result of the (dis)appearance rate of the hidden state or the amplitude of the input current (the firing frequency of the neurons in the artificial network), can independently be varied. As an example, we apply this method to pyramidal neurons in the CA1 of mouse hippocampi and compare the recorded spike trains to the optimal response of the "Bayesian neuron" (BN). We conclude that like in the BN, information transfer in hippocampal pyramidal cells is non-linear and amplifying: the information loss between the artificial input and the output spike train is high if the input to the neuron (the firing of the artificial network) is not very informative about the hidden state. If the input to the neuron does contain a lot of information about the hidden state, the information loss is low. Moreover, neurons increase their firing rates in case the (dis)appearance rate is high, so that the (relative) amount of transferred information stays constant.

Ion beam activation for materials analysis: Methods and application

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

Conlon, T.W.

1981-04-01

A number of ion beam methods for materials analysis have been developed using Harwell's high voltage accelerators and these are currently being exploited for applications 'in house' and in industry. Ion beam activation is a relatively new area which has exhibited exceptional growth over the last few years. Activation by ion beams to produce a single dominant radioisotope as a surface label (thin layer activation or TLA) is becoming a mature technology offering ever increasing sensitivity for surface loss measurement (currently better than 0.1 ..mu..m or 10/sup -7/ cm/sup 3/ depending on the method of measurement) and remote monitoring ofmore » inaccessible components during studies of wear/erosion/ corrosion/sputtering and the like. With the increasingly established credibility of the method has come the realisation that: (i) more complex and even multiple activation profiles can be used to extract more information on the characteristics of the surface loss process, (ii) that an analogous method can be used even on radiation sensitive materials through the newly established indirect recoil implantation process. (iii) that there is scope for treatment of truly immovable objects through the implantation of fission fragments, (iv) there is vast potential in the area of activation analysis. The current state of development of these methods which greatly extend the scope of conventional TLA will be briefly reviewed. Current applications of these and TLA in industry are discussed.« less

Underground Injection Control, Hydraulic Fracturing, and Sources of Drinking Water in the Western United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, R. B.; Kang, M.

2016-12-01

Oil and gas extraction is expanding in the United States, attributable to the success of high-volume hydraulic fracturing, and associated wastewater disposal is increasing as a result. The United States currently has approximately 180,000 Class II injection wells associated with the oil and gas industry, more than 50,000 of them in California. Hydraulic fracturing and underground injection often occur many thousands of feet belowground. Previously, however, we documented shallow hydraulic fracturing and other oil and gas activities across the western United States in particular, including California and Wyoming. In eight CA counties, for example, as many as 19% and 35% of oil/gas activities have occurred directly in freshwater zones and USDWs, respectively (Kang and Jackson 2016 PNAS). Here we expand this analysis to examine the underground injection control program and accompanying hydrogeologic variables found in California and elsewhere.

Escitalopram block of hERG potassium channels.

PubMed

Chae, Yun Ju; Jeon, Ji Hyun; Lee, Hong Joon; Kim, In-Beom; Choi, Jin-Sung; Sung, Ki-Wug; Hahn, Sang June

2014-01-01

Escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is the pharmacologically active S-enantiomer of the racemic mixture of RS-citalopram and is widely used in the treatment of depression. The effects of escitalopram and citalopram on the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channels expressed in human embryonic kidney cells were investigated using voltage-clamp and Western blot analyses. Both drugs blocked hERG currents in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 2.6 μM for escitalopram and an IC50 value of 3.2 μM for citalopram. The blocking of hERG by escitalopram was voltage-dependent, with a steep increase across the voltage range of channel activation. However, voltage independence was observed over the full range of activation. The blocking by escitalopram was frequency dependent. A rapid application of escitalopram induced a rapid and reversible blocking of the tail current of hERG. The extent of the blocking by escitalopram during the depolarizing pulse was less than that during the repolarizing pulse, suggesting that escitalopram has a high affinity for the open state of the hERG channel, with a relatively lower affinity for the inactivated state. Both escitalopram and citalopram produced a reduction of hERG channel protein trafficking to the plasma membrane but did not affect the short-term internalization of the hERG channel. These results suggest that escitalopram blocked hERG currents at a supratherapeutic concentration and that it did so by preferentially binding to both the open and the inactivated states of the channels and by inhibiting the trafficking of hERG channel protein to the plasma membrane.

Comparative Analysis of the Flax Immune Receptors L6 and L7 Suggests an Equilibrium-Based Switch Activation Model

PubMed Central

Chen, Chunhong; Newell, Kim; Lawrence, Gregory J.; Ellis, Jeffrey G.; Anderson, Peter A.; Dodds, Peter N.

2016-01-01

NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are central components of the plant immune system. L6 is a Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing NLR from flax (Linum usitatissimum) conferring immunity to the flax rust fungus. Comparison of L6 to the weaker allele L7 identified two polymorphic regions in the TIR and the nucleotide binding (NB) domains that regulate both effector ligand-dependent and -independent cell death signaling as well as nucleotide binding to the receptor. This suggests that a negative functional interaction between the TIR and NB domains holds L7 in an inactive/ADP-bound state more tightly than L6, hence decreasing its capacity to adopt the active/ATP-bound state and explaining its weaker activity in planta. L6 and L7 variants with a more stable ADP-bound state failed to bind to AvrL567 in yeast two-hybrid assays, while binding was detected to the signaling active variants. This contrasts with current models predicting that effectors bind to inactive receptors to trigger activation. Based on the correlation between nucleotide binding, effector interaction, and immune signaling properties of L6/L7 variants, we propose that NLRs exist in an equilibrium between ON and OFF states and that effector binding to the ON state stabilizes this conformation, thereby shifting the equilibrium toward the active form of the receptor to trigger defense signaling. PMID:26744216

Defect States in InP/InGaAs/InP Heterostructures by Current-Voltage Characteristics and Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Vu, Thi Kim Oanh; Lee, Kyoung Su; Lee, Sang Jun; Kim, Eun Kyu

2018-09-01

We studied defect states in In0.53Ga0.47As/InP heterojunctions with interface control by group V atoms during metalorganic chemical vapor (MOCVD) deposition. From deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements, two defects with activation energies of 0.28 eV (E1) and 0.15 eV (E2) below the conduction band edge, were observed. The defect density of E1 for In0.53Ga0.47As/InP heterojunctions with an addition of As and P atoms was about 1.5 times higher than that of the heterojunction added P atom only. From the temperature dependence of current- voltage characteristics, the thermal activation energies of In0.53Ga0.47As/InP of heterojunctions were estimated to be 0.27 and 0.25 eV, respectively. It appeared that the reverse light current for In0.53Ga0.47As/InP heterojunction added P atom increased only by illumination of a 940 nm-LED light source. These results imply that only the P addition at the interface can enhance the quality of InGaAs/InP heterojunction.

Overview of the LADEE Ultraviolet-visible Spectrometer: Design, Performance and Planned Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colaprete, A.; Elphic, R. C.; Landis, D.; Karcz, J.; Osetinsky, L.; Shirley, M.; Vargo, K.; Wooden, D.

2013-01-01

The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) is an orbital lunar science mission currently under development to address the goals of the 2003 National Research Council decadal survey, the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group Roadmap, and the "Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon" (SCEM) report, and has been recommended for execution by the 2011 Planetary Missions Decadal Survey. The mission s focus is to study the pristine state of the lunar atmosphere and dust environment prior to possible lunar exploration activities by countries, including the United States, China, India, and Japan, among others. Activity on the lunar surface has the potential of altering the tenuous lunar atmosphere, but changing the type and concentration of gases in the atmosphere. Before these activities occur it is important to make measurements of the current lunar atmosphere in its unmodified state. LADEE will determine the composition of the lunar atmosphere and investigate the processes that control its distribution and variability, including sources, sinks, and surface interactions. It will monitor variations in known gases, such as sodium, potassium, argon and helium, and will search for other, as-yet-undetected gases of both lunar and extra-lunar origin. LADEE will also determine whether dust is present in the lunar exosphere, and reveal the processes that contribute to its sources and variability. Launch is planned for August, 2013.

Campaign datasets for Observations and Modeling of the Green Ocean Amazon (GOAMAZON)

DOE Data Explorer

Martin,Scot; Mei,Fan; Alexander,Lizabeth; Artaxo,Paulo; Barbosa,Henrique; Bartholomew,Mary Jane; Biscaro,Thiago; Buseck,Peter; Chand,Duli; Comstock,Jennifer; Dubey,Manvendra; Godstein,Allen; Guenther,Alex; Hubbe,John; Jardine,Kolby; Jimenez,Jose-Luis; Kim,Saewung; Kuang,Chongai; Laskin,Alexander; Long,Chuck; Paralovo,Sarah; Petaja,Tuukka; Powers,Heath; Schumacher,Courtney; Sedlacek,Arthur; Senum,Gunnar; Smith,James; Shilling,John; Springston,Stephen; Thayer,Mitchell; Tomlinson,Jason; Wang,Jian; Xie,Shaocheng

2016-05-30

The hydrologic cycle of the Amazon Basin is one of the primary heat engines of the Southern Hemisphere. Any accurate climate model must succeed in a good description of the Basin, both in its natural state and in states perturbed by regional and global human activities. At the present time, however, tropical deep convection in a natural state is poorly understood and modeled, with insufficient observational data sets for model constraint. Furthermore, future climate scenarios resulting from human activities globally show the possible drying and the eventual possible conversion of rain forest to savanna in response to global climate change. Based on our current state of knowledge, the governing conditions of this catastrophic change are not defined. Human activities locally, including the economic development activities that are growing the population and the industry within the Basin, also have the potential to shift regional climate, most immediately by an increment in aerosol number and mass concentrations, and the shift is across the range of values to which cloud properties are most sensitive. The ARM Climate Research Facility in the Amazon Basin seeks to understand aerosol and cloud life cycles, particularly the susceptibility to cloud aerosol precipitation interactions, within the Amazon Basin.

Inactive and active states and supramolecular organization of GPCRs: insights from computational modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fanelli, Francesca; De Benedetti, Pier G.

2006-08-01

Herein we make an overview of the results of our computational experiments aimed at gaining insight into the molecular mechanisms of GPCR functioning either in their normal conditions or when hit by gain-of-function or loss-of-function mutations. Molecular simulations of a number of GPCRs in their wild type and mutated as well as free and ligand-bound forms were instrumental in inferring the structural features, which differentiate the mutation- and ligand-induced active from the inactive states. These features essentially reside in the interaction pattern of the E/DRY arginine and in the degree of solvent exposure of selected cytosolic domains. Indeed, the active states differ from the inactive ones in the weakening of the interactions made by the highly conserved arginine and in the increase in solvent accessibility of the cytosolic interface between helices 3 and 6. Where possible, the structural hallmarks of the active and inactive receptor states are translated into molecular descriptors useful for in silico functional screening of novel receptor mutants or ligands. Computational modeling of the supramolecular organization of GPCRs and their intracellular partners is the current challenge toward a deep understanding of their functioning mechanisms.

State of the art survey of network operating systems development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The results of the State-of-the-Art Survey of Network Operating Systems (NOS) performed for Goddard Space Flight Center are presented. NOS functional characteristics are presented in terms of user communication data migration, job migration, network control, and common functional categories. Products (current or future) as well as research and prototyping efforts are summarized. The NOS products which are revelant to the space station and its activities are evaluated.

National Academy of Sciences: Helping Scientists Navigate & Troubleshoot Visa Issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailey, Kathie

2014-03-01

The International Visitors Office (IVO) is a program operated by the Board on International Scientific Organizations of the National Academy of Sciences. The IVO serves as a resource on visa-related issues for scientists and students traveling to the United States for professional activities. The speaker will address visa issues for international scientists wishing to visit the United States, tips for trouble-shooting visa issues, and statistics on the current visa system.

Computational Account of Spontaneous Activity as a Signature of Predictive Coding

PubMed Central

Koren, Veronika

2017-01-01

Spontaneous activity is commonly observed in a variety of cortical states. Experimental evidence suggested that neural assemblies undergo slow oscillations with Up ad Down states even when the network is isolated from the rest of the brain. Here we show that these spontaneous events can be generated by the recurrent connections within the network and understood as signatures of neural circuits that are correcting their internal representation. A noiseless spiking neural network can represent its input signals most accurately when excitatory and inhibitory currents are as strong and as tightly balanced as possible. However, in the presence of realistic neural noise and synaptic delays, this may result in prohibitively large spike counts. An optimal working regime can be found by considering terms that control firing rates in the objective function from which the network is derived and then minimizing simultaneously the coding error and the cost of neural activity. In biological terms, this is equivalent to tuning neural thresholds and after-spike hyperpolarization. In suboptimal working regimes, we observe spontaneous activity even in the absence of feed-forward inputs. In an all-to-all randomly connected network, the entire population is involved in Up states. In spatially organized networks with local connectivity, Up states spread through local connections between neurons of similar selectivity and take the form of a traveling wave. Up states are observed for a wide range of parameters and have similar statistical properties in both active and quiescent state. In the optimal working regime, Up states are vanishing, leaving place to asynchronous activity, suggesting that this working regime is a signature of maximally efficient coding. Although they result in a massive increase in the firing activity, the read-out of spontaneous Up states is in fact orthogonal to the stimulus representation, therefore interfering minimally with the network function. PMID:28114353

The analytical approach to the multi-state lasing phenomenon in undoped and p-doped InAs/InGaAs semiconductor quantum dot lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korenev, Vladimir V.; Savelyev, Artem V.; Zhukov, Alexey E.; Omelchenko, Alexander V.; Maximov, Mikhail V.

2014-05-01

We introduce an analytical approach to the multi-state lasing phenomenon in p-doped and undoped InAs/InGaAs quantum dot lasers which were studied both theoretically and experimentally. It is shown that the asymmetry in charge carrier distribution in quantum dots as well as hole-to-electron capture rate ratio jointly determine laser's behavior in such a regime. If the ratio is lower than a certain critical value, the complete quenching of ground-state lasing takes place at sufficiently high injection currents; at higher values of the ratio, our model predicts saturation of the ground-state power. It was experimentally shown that the modulation p-doping of laser's active region results in increase of output power emitted via the ground-state optical transitions of quantum dots and in enhancement of the injection currents range in which multi-state lasing takes place. The maximum temperature at which multi-state lasing exists was increased by about 50°C in the p-doped samples. These effects are qualitatively explained in the terms of the proposed model.

Simultaneous specimen current and time-dependent cathodoluminescence measurements on gallium nitride

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

Campo, E. M., E-mail: e.campo@bangor.ac.uk; Hopkins, L.; Pophristic, M.

2016-06-28

Time-dependent cathodoluminescence (CL) and specimen current (SC) are monitored to evaluate trapping behavior and evolution of charge storage. Examination of CL and SC suggests that the near band edge emission in GaN is reduced primarily by the activation of traps upon irradiation, and Gallium vacancies are prime candidates. At the steady state, measurement of the stored charge by empiric-analytical methods suggests that all available traps within the interaction volume have been filled, and that additional charge is being stored interstitially, necessarily beyond the interaction volume. Once established, the space charge region is responsible for the steady state CL emission and,more » prior to build up, it is responsible for the generation of diffusion currents. Since the non-recombination effects resulting from diffusion currents that develop early on are analogous to those leading to device failure upon aging, this study is fundamental toward a holistic insight into optical properties in GaN.« less

ORD Technical Outreach and Support Activities on Sustainable Mining Applications

EPA Science Inventory

Hardrock mining has played a significant role in the development of economies, consumer products and defense in the United States from the start of industrialization. Currently, the industry continues to lay a critical role in the development of our country. Mining waste which ...

77 FR 75490 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Reinstatement With Change of a Currently-Approved...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-20

... of the relationship between the Agency and its Federal, State, and industry customers. Consequently... relationships with its main customer groups. The assessment will address: Overall customer satisfaction... Information Collection Request: Information Technology Services Survey Portal Customer Satisfaction Assessment...

Supporting Non-Standard Micro Hardware and Software at Bowling Green.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whitmire, Duane E.

1990-01-01

Bowling Green State University (Ohio) produces a microcomputer resource handbook that contains a comprehensive listing of campus employees with unique microcomputer expertise they are willing to share. The project's current success suggests expansion and follow-up activities in the future. (Author/MSE)

Dysphagia: A Short Review of the Current State

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koidou, Irene; Kollias, Nikolaos; Sdravou, Katerina; Grouios, George

2013-01-01

Dysphagia is the clinical expression of disruption of the synchronized activity surrounding the normal swallowing mechanism. It results from a large number of causes including neurologic, myopathic, metabolic, inflammatory/autoimmune, infectious, structural, iatrogenic, and psychiatric diseases. It can have a significant impact on social and…

RESEARCH TO IDENTIFY COMPONENTS OF ENERGY-RELATED WASTES: A STATE-OF-THE-ART REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

Pertinent abstracts from a survey of current (post-1976) research projects are categorized according to energy-related activity. Subjects include coal strip mines, oil refineries, oil shale operations, coal-fired power plants, geothermal energy production, coal liquefaction plant...

ASSESSING AND MANAGING MERCURY FROM HISTORIC AND CURRENT MINING ACTIVITIES

EPA Science Inventory

In order for ORD to address uncertainties resulting from past or historical mining practices a technology transfer workshop was conducted in November, 2000 in San Francisco, CA. Two primary objectives for this workshop were: 1) identify state-of-the-science practices and techniqu...

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

Bean, Bruce Palmer

The effects of ether and halothane on membrane currents in the voltage clamped crayfish giant axon membrane were investigated. Concentrations of ether up to 300 mM and of halothane up to 32 mM had no effect on resting potential or leakage conductance. Ether and halothane reduced the size of sodium currents without changing the voltage dependence of the peak currents or their reversal potential. Ether and halothane also produced a reversible, dose-dependent speeding of sodium current decay at all membrane potentials. Ether reduced the time constants for inactivation, and also shifted the midpoint of the steady-state inactivation curve in themore » hyperpolarizing direction. Potassium currents were smaller with ether present, with no change in the voltage dependence of steady-state currents. The activation of potassium channels was faster with ether present. There was no apparent change in the capacitance of the crayfish giant axon membrane with ether concentrations of up to 100 mM. Experiments on sodium channel inactivation kinetics were performed using 4-aminopyridine to block potassium currents. Sodium currents decayed with a time course generally fit well by a single exponential. The time constant of decay was a steep function of voltage, especially in the negative resistance region of the peak current vs voltage relation.The time course of inactivation was very similar to that of the decay of the current at the same potential. The measurement of steady-state inactivation curves with different test pulses showed no shifts along the voltage asix. The voltage-dependence of the integral of sodium conductance was measured to test models of sodium channel inactivation in which channels must open before inactivating; the results appear inconsistent with some of the simplest cases of such models.« less

Reversible ion transportation switch by a ligand-gated synthetic supramolecular ion channel.

PubMed

Muraoka, Takahiro; Endo, Takahiro; Tabata, Kazuhito V; Noji, Hiroyuki; Nagatoishi, Satoru; Tsumoto, Kouhei; Li, Rui; Kinbara, Kazushi

2014-11-05

Inspired by the regulation of cellular activities found in the ion channel proteins, here we developed membrane-embedded synthetic chiral receptors 1 and 2 with different terminal structures, where receptor 1 has hydrophobic triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) groups and receptor 2 has hydrophilic hydroxy groups. The receptors have ligand-binding units that interact with cationic amphiphiles such as 2-phenethylamine (PA). Conductance study revealed that the receptors hardly show ion transportation at the ligand-free state. After ligand binding involving a conformational change, receptor 1 bearing TIPS termini displays a significant current enhancement due to ion transportation. The current substantially diminishes upon addition of β-cyclodextrin (βCD) that scavenges the ligand from the receptor. Importantly, the receptor again turns into the conductive state by the second addition of PA, and the activation/deactivation of the ion transportation can be repeated. In contrast, receptor 2 bearing the hydroxy terminal groups hardly exhibits ion transportation, suggesting the importance of terminal TIPS groups of 1 that likely anchor the receptor in the membrane.

Resistive switching of Cu/Cu2O junction fabricated using simple thermal oxidation at 423 K for memristor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ani, M. H.; Helmi, F.; Herman, S. H.; Noh, S.

2018-01-01

Recently, extensive researches have been done on memristor to replace current memory storage technologies. Study on active layer of memristor mostly involving n-type semiconductor oxide such as TiO2 and ZnO. This paper highlight a simple water vapour oxidation method at 423 K to form Cu/Cu2O electronic junction as a new type of memristor. Cu2O is a p-type semiconductor oxide, was used as the active layer of memristor. Cu/Cu2O/Au memristor was fabricated by thermal oxidation of copper foil, followed by sputtering of gold. Structural, morphological and memristive properties were characterized using XRD, FESEM, and current-voltage, I-V measurement respectively. Its memristivity was indentified by pinch hysteresis loop and measurement of high resistance state (HRS) and low resistance state (LRS) of the sample. The Cu/Cu2O/Au memristor demonstrates comparable performances to previous studies using other methods.

Radon control activities for lung cancer prevention in national comprehensive cancer control program plans, 2005-2011.

PubMed

Neri, Antonio; Stewart, Sherri L; Angell, William

2013-08-08

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer among smokers and the leading cause among nonsmokers. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends that every home be tested for radon. Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) programs develop cancer coalitions that coordinate funding and resources to focus on cancer activities that are recorded in cancer plans. Radon tests, remediation, and radon mitigation techniques are relatively inexpensive, but it is unclear whether coalitions recognize radon as an important carcinogen. We reviewed 65 cancer plans created from 2005 through 2011 for the terms "radon," "radiation," or "lung." Plan activities were categorized as radon awareness, home testing, remediation, supporting radon policy activities, or policy evaluation. We also reviewed each CCC program's most recent progress report. Cancer plan content was reviewed to assess alignment with existing radon-specific policies in each state. Twenty-seven of the plans reviewed (42%) had radon-specific terminology. Improving awareness of radon was included in all 27 plans; also included were home testing (n=21), remediation (n=11), support radon policy activities (n=13), and policy evaluation (n=1). Three plans noted current engagement in radon activities. Thirty states had radon-specific laws; most (n=21) were related to radon professional licensure. Eleven states had cancer plan activities that aligned with existing state radon laws. Although several states have radon-specific policies, approximately half of cancer coalitions may not be aware of radon as a public health issue. CCC-developed cancer coalitions and plans should prioritize tobacco control to address lung cancer but should consider addressing radon through partnership with existing radon control programs.

Dissociation of Subjectively Reported and Behaviorally Indexed Mind Wandering by EEG Rhythmic Activity

PubMed Central

Qin, Jungang; Perdoni, Christopher; He, Bin

2011-01-01

Inattention to current activity is ubiquitous in everyday situations. Mind wandering is an example of such a state, and its related brain areas have been examined in the literature. However, there is no clear evidence regarding neural rhythmic activities linked to mind wandering. Using a vigilance task with thought sampling and electroencephalography recording, the current study simultaneously examined neural oscillatory activities related to subjectively reported and behaviorally indexed mind wandering. By implementing time-frequency analysis, we found that subjectively reported mind wandering, relative to behaviorally indexed, showed increased gamma band activity at bilateral frontal-central areas. By means of beamformer source imaging, we found subjectively reported mind wandering within the gamma band to be characterized by increased activation in bilateral frontal cortices, supplemental motor area, paracentral cortex and right inferior temporal cortex in comparison to behaviorally indexed mind wandering. These findings dissociate subjectively reported and behaviorally indexed mind wandering and suggest that a higher degree of executive control processes are engaged in subjectively reported mind wandering. PMID:21915257

RE-DEFINING THE ROLES OF SENSORS IN OBJECTIVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MONITORING

PubMed Central

Chen, Kong Y.; Janz, Kathleen F.; Zhu, Weimo; Brychta, Robert J.

2011-01-01

Background As physical activity researchers are increasingly using objective portable devices, this review describes current state of the technology to assess physical activity, with a focus on specific sensors and sensor properties currently used in monitors and their strengths and weakness. Additional sensors and sensor properties desirable for activity measurement and best practices for users and developers also are discussed. Best Practices We grouped current sensors into three broad categories for objectively measuring physical activity: associated body movement, physiology, and context. Desirable sensor properties for measuring physical activity and the importance of these properties in relationship to specific applications are addressed, and the specific roles of transducers and data acquisition systems within the monitoring devices are defined. Technical advancements in sensors, microcomputer processors, memory storage, batteries, wireless communication, and digital filters have made monitors more usable for subjects (smaller, more stable, and longer running time) and for researchers (less costly, higher time resolution and memory storage, shorter download time, and user-defined data features). Future Directions Users and developers of physical activity monitors should learn about the basic properties of their sensors, such as range, accuracy, precision, while considering the data acquisition/filtering steps that may be critical to data quality and may influence the desirable measurement outcome(s). PMID:22157770

Transient outward currents and changes of their gating properties after cell activation in thrombocytes of the newt.

PubMed Central

Kawa, K

1987-01-01

1. The electrical properties of the cell membrane of thrombocytes in the newt, Triturus pyrrhogaster, were studied using the whole-cell variation of the patch-electrode voltage-clamp technique. 2. In medium containing Ca2+ (1.8 mM), activated thrombocytes became round and then spread on the glass. Activation of thrombocytes was inhibited by the removal of external Ca2+ and addition of 1 w/v% albumin to the external media. 3. For thrombocytes kept in the resting state, depolarizations more positive than -30 mV evoked transient outward currents which decayed completely during the duration of the depolarization (150 ms). The half-decay time of the currents became smaller as the depolarizing pulse strengthened, reaching about 20 ms at +30 mV (20 degrees C). 4. The outward currents are identified as K+ currents, since (1) their reversal potential depended on extracellular K+ concentration and (2) the outward currents were suppressed either by external application of 4-aminopyridine (1 mM) or by internal application of Cs+ (120 mM). The monovalent cation selectivities of the K+ channels were evaluated from the reversal potential as Tl (1.68) greater than K(1.0) greater than Rb (0.89) greater than NH4 (0.13) greater than Na(less than 0.03). 5. When the thrombocytes had been activated, depolarization again evoked K+ currents. The currents, however, showed negligible or small decay during the duration of the depolarization (150 ms). The rate of recovery from preceding depolarization was also reduced to about one-sixth. 6. The sensitivity to 4-aminopyridine and the selectivity of the K+ channels were not changed by cell activation. 7. We conclude that during activation of thrombocytes the inactivation of the K+ channels is almost eliminated. Removal of inactivation of the K+ channels was also induced in resting thrombocytes by intracellular application of 4-bromoacetamide (50 microM). PMID:2443665

Resting states are resting traits--an FMRI study of sex differences and menstrual cycle effects in resting state cognitive control networks.

PubMed

Hjelmervik, Helene; Hausmann, Markus; Osnes, Berge; Westerhausen, René; Specht, Karsten

2014-01-01

To what degree resting state fMRI is stable or susceptible to internal mind states of the individual is currently an issue of debate. To address this issue, the present study focuses on sex differences and investigates whether resting state fMRI is stable in men and women or changes within relative short-term periods (i.e., across the menstrual cycle). Due to the fact that we recently reported menstrual cycle effects on cognitive control based on data collected during the same sessions, the current study is particularly interested in fronto-parietal resting state networks. Resting state fMRI was measured in sixteen women during three different cycle phases (menstrual, follicular, and luteal). Fifteen men underwent three sessions in corresponding time intervals. We used independent component analysis to identify four fronto-parietal networks. The results showed sex differences in two of these networks with women exhibiting higher functional connectivity in general, including the prefrontal cortex. Menstrual cycle effects on resting states were non-existent. It is concluded that sex differences in resting state fMRI might reflect sexual dimorphisms in the brain rather than transitory activating effects of sex hormones on the functional connectivity in the resting brain.

Resting States Are Resting Traits – An fMRI Study of Sex Differences and Menstrual Cycle Effects in Resting State Cognitive Control Networks

PubMed Central

Hjelmervik, Helene; Hausmann, Markus; Osnes, Berge; Westerhausen, René; Specht, Karsten

2014-01-01

To what degree resting state fMRI is stable or susceptible to internal mind states of the individual is currently an issue of debate. To address this issue, the present study focuses on sex differences and investigates whether resting state fMRI is stable in men and women or changes within relative short-term periods (i.e., across the menstrual cycle). Due to the fact that we recently reported menstrual cycle effects on cognitive control based on data collected during the same sessions, the current study is particularly interested in fronto-parietal resting state networks. Resting state fMRI was measured in sixteen women during three different cycle phases (menstrual, follicular, and luteal). Fifteen men underwent three sessions in corresponding time intervals. We used independent component analysis to identify four fronto-parietal networks. The results showed sex differences in two of these networks with women exhibiting higher functional connectivity in general, including the prefrontal cortex. Menstrual cycle effects on resting states were non-existent. It is concluded that sex differences in resting state fMRI might reflect sexual dimorphisms in the brain rather than transitory activating effects of sex hormones on the functional connectivity in the resting brain. PMID:25057823

Nonequilibrium dynamics of probe filaments in actin-myosin networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gladrow, J.; Broedersz, C. P.; Schmidt, C. F.

2017-08-01

Active dynamic processes of cells are largely driven by the cytoskeleton, a complex and adaptable semiflexible polymer network, motorized by mechanoenzymes. Small dimensions, confined geometries, and hierarchical structures make it challenging to probe dynamics and mechanical response of such networks. Embedded semiflexible probe polymers can serve as nonperturbing multiscale probes to detect force distributions in active polymer networks. We show here that motor-induced forces transmitted to the probe polymers are reflected in nonequilibrium bending dynamics, which we analyze in terms of spatial eigenmodes of an elastic beam under steady-state conditions. We demonstrate how these active forces induce correlations among the mode amplitudes, which furthermore break time-reversal symmetry. This leads to a breaking of detailed balance in this mode space. We derive analytical predictions for the magnitude of resulting probability currents in mode space in the white-noise limit of motor activity. We relate the structure of these currents to the spatial profile of motor-induced forces along the probe polymers and provide a general relation for observable currents on two-dimensional hyperplanes.

[Alterations of cardiac hemodynamics, sodium current and L-type calcium current in rats with L-thyroxine-induced cardiomyopathy].

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Zhang, Wei-Dong; Lin, Mu-Sen; Zhai, Qing-Bo; Yu, Feng

2010-08-25

The aim of the present study is to investigate the alterations of cardiac hemodynamics, sodium current (I(Na)) and L-type calcium current (I(Ca-L)) in the cardiomyopathic model of rats. The model of cardiomyopathy was established by intraperitoneal injection of L-thyroxine (0.5 mg/kg) for 10 d. The hemodynamics was measured with biological experimental system, and then I(Na) and I(Ca-L) were recorded by using whole cell patch clamp technique. The results showed that left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), +/-dp/dt(max) in cardiomyopathic group were significantly lower than those in the control group, while left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in cardiomyopathic group was higher than that in the control group. Intraperitoneal injection of L-thyroxine significantly increased the current density of I(Na) [(-26.2+/-3.2) pA/pF vs (-21.1+/-6.3) pA/pF, P<0.01], shifted steady-state activation and inactivation curves negatively, and markedly prolonged the time constant of recovery from inactivation. On the other hand, the injection of L-thyroxine significantly increased the current density of I(Ca-L) [(-7.9+/-0.8) pA/pF vs (-5.4+/-0.6) pA/pF, P<0.01)], shifted steady-state activation and inactivation curves negatively, and obviously shortened the time constant of recovery from inactivation. In conclusion, the cardiac performance of cardiomyopathic rats is similar to that of rats with heart failure, in which the current density of I(Na) and especially the I(Ca-L) are enhanced, suggesting that calcium channel blockade and a decrease in Na(+) permeability of membrane may play an important role in the treatment of cardiomyopathy.

Understanding the current state of infection preventionists through competency, role, and activity self-assessment.

PubMed

Kalp, Ericka L; Marx, James F; Davis, James

2017-06-01

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) MegaSurvey, administered in 2015, was completed by approximately 4,079 APIC members. The survey sought to gain a better understanding the current state of 4 components of infection prevention practice: demographic characteristics, compensation, organizational structure, and practice and competency. The data for this analysis come from the APIC MegaSurvey Practice and Competency domain. Descriptive statistics and χ 2 analyses were conducted to examine differences in infection preventionist (IP) competency, roles, and activity self-assessments. The majority of IPs self-assessed their competency as Proficient compared with Novice or Expert for each of the 8 IP core competency activities. Forty percent of IPs self-rated their competency as Expert in the Preventing/Controlling the Transmission of Infectious Agents/HAIs component. IPs reported Novice competency in Employee/Occupational Health (29%); Cleaning, Sterilization, Disinfection, and Asepsis (23%); and Education and Research categories (22%). Differences in self-rated competency among IPs by discipline type (public health, nurse, and laboratory) were identified. Differences in self-rated competency were identified for each of the 8 IP core competency activities. IPs report using various resource types to gain competency. Future research is needed to identify opportunities to increase competency levels in the weakest-rated competency activities. Copyright © 2017 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Breakfast food health and acute exercise: Effects on state body image.

PubMed

Hayes, Jacqueline F; Giles, Grace E; Mahoney, Caroline R; Kanarek, Robin B

2018-05-10

Food intake and exercise have been shown to alter body satisfaction in a state-dependent manner. One-time consumption of food perceived as unhealthy can be detrimental to body satisfaction, whereas an acute bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can be beneficial. The current study examined the effect of exercise on state body image and appearance-related self-esteem following consumption of isocaloric foods perceived as healthy or unhealthy in 36 female college students (18-30 years old) in the Northeastern United States. Using a randomized-controlled design, participants attended six study sessions with breakfast conditions (healthy, unhealthy, no food) and activity (exercise, quiet rest) as within-participants factors. Body image questionnaires were completed prior to breakfast condition, between breakfast and activity conditions, and following activity condition. Results showed that consumption of an unhealthy breakfast decreased appearance self-esteem and increased body size perception, whereas consumption of a healthy breakfast did not influence appearance self-esteem but increased body size perception. Exercise did not influence state body image attitudes or perceptions following meal consumption. Study findings suggest that morning meal type, but not aerobic exercise, influence body satisfaction in college-aged females. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Relationships between the resting-state network and the P3: Evidence from a scalp EEG study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Fali; Liu, Tiejun; Wang, Fei; Li, He; Gong, Diankun; Zhang, Rui; Jiang, Yi; Tian, Yin; Guo, Daqing; Yao, Dezhong; Xu, Peng

2015-10-01

The P3 is an important event-related potential that can be used to identify neural activity related to the cognitive processes of the human brain. However, the relationships, especially the functional correlations, between resting-state brain activity and the P3 have not been well established. In this study, we investigated the relationships between P3 properties (i.e., amplitude and latency) and resting-state brain networks. The results indicated that P3 amplitude was significantly correlated with resting-state network topology, and in general, larger P3 amplitudes could be evoked when the resting-state brain network was more efficient. However, no significant relationships were found for the corresponding P3 latency. Additionally, the long-range connections between the prefrontal/frontal and parietal/occipital brain regions, which represent the synchronous activity of these areas, were functionally related to the P3 parameters, especially P3 amplitude. The findings of the current study may help us better understand inter-subject variation in the P3, which may be instructive for clinical diagnosis, cognitive neuroscience studies, and potential subject selection for brain-computer interface applications.

Glutathionylation-Dependence of Na+-K+-Pump Currents Can Mimic Reduced Subsarcolemmal Na+ Diffusion

PubMed Central

Garcia, Alvaro; Liu, Chia-Chi; Cornelius, Flemming; Clarke, Ronald J.; Rasmussen, Helge H.

2016-01-01

The existence of a subsarcolemmal space with restricted diffusion for Na+ in cardiac myocytes has been inferred from a transient peak electrogenic Na+-K+ pump current beyond steady state on reexposure of myocytes to K+ after a period of exposure to K+-free extracellular solution. The transient peak current is attributed to enhanced electrogenic pumping of Na+ that accumulated in the diffusion-restricted space during pump inhibition in K+-free extracellular solution. However, there are no known physical barriers that account for such restricted Na+ diffusion, and we examined if changes of activity of the Na+-K+ pump itself cause the transient peak current. Reexposure to K+ reproduced a transient current beyond steady state in voltage-clamped ventricular myocytes as reported by others. Persistence of it when the Na+ concentration in patch pipette solutions perfusing the intracellular compartment was high and elimination of it with K+-free pipette solution could not be reconciled with restricted subsarcolemmal Na+ diffusion. The pattern of the transient current early after pump activation was dependent on transmembrane Na+- and K+ concentration gradients suggesting the currents were related to the conformational poise imposed on the pump. We examined if the currents might be accounted for by changes in glutathionylation of the β1 Na+-K+ pump subunit, a reversible oxidative modification that inhibits the pump. Susceptibility of the β1 subunit to glutathionylation depends on the conformational poise of the Na+-K+ pump, and glutathionylation with the pump stabilized in conformations equivalent to those expected to be imposed on voltage-clamped myocytes supported this hypothesis. So did elimination of the transient K+-induced peak Na+-K+ pump current when we included glutaredoxin 1 in patch pipette solutions to reverse glutathionylation. We conclude that transient K+-induced peak Na+-K+ pump current reflects the effect of conformation-dependent β1 pump subunit glutathionylation, not restricted subsarcolemmal diffusion of Na+. PMID:26958887

Glutathionylation-Dependence of Na(+)-K(+)-Pump Currents Can Mimic Reduced Subsarcolemmal Na(+) Diffusion.

PubMed

Garcia, Alvaro; Liu, Chia-Chi; Cornelius, Flemming; Clarke, Ronald J; Rasmussen, Helge H

2016-03-08

The existence of a subsarcolemmal space with restricted diffusion for Na(+) in cardiac myocytes has been inferred from a transient peak electrogenic Na(+)-K(+) pump current beyond steady state on reexposure of myocytes to K(+) after a period of exposure to K(+)-free extracellular solution. The transient peak current is attributed to enhanced electrogenic pumping of Na(+) that accumulated in the diffusion-restricted space during pump inhibition in K(+)-free extracellular solution. However, there are no known physical barriers that account for such restricted Na(+) diffusion, and we examined if changes of activity of the Na(+)-K(+) pump itself cause the transient peak current. Reexposure to K(+) reproduced a transient current beyond steady state in voltage-clamped ventricular myocytes as reported by others. Persistence of it when the Na(+) concentration in patch pipette solutions perfusing the intracellular compartment was high and elimination of it with K(+)-free pipette solution could not be reconciled with restricted subsarcolemmal Na(+) diffusion. The pattern of the transient current early after pump activation was dependent on transmembrane Na(+)- and K(+) concentration gradients suggesting the currents were related to the conformational poise imposed on the pump. We examined if the currents might be accounted for by changes in glutathionylation of the β1 Na(+)-K(+) pump subunit, a reversible oxidative modification that inhibits the pump. Susceptibility of the β1 subunit to glutathionylation depends on the conformational poise of the Na(+)-K(+) pump, and glutathionylation with the pump stabilized in conformations equivalent to those expected to be imposed on voltage-clamped myocytes supported this hypothesis. So did elimination of the transient K(+)-induced peak Na(+)-K(+) pump current when we included glutaredoxin 1 in patch pipette solutions to reverse glutathionylation. We conclude that transient K(+)-induced peak Na(+)-K(+) pump current reflects the effect of conformation-dependent β1 pump subunit glutathionylation, not restricted subsarcolemmal diffusion of Na(+). Copyright © 2016 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy to monitor cortical plasticity induced by transcranial direct current stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Bilal; Hervey, Nathan; Stowe, Ann; Hodics, Timea; Alexandrakis, George

2013-03-01

Electrical stimulation of the human cortex in conjunction with physical rehabilitation has been a valuable approach in facilitating the plasticity of the injured brain. One such method is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) which is a non-invasive method to elicit neural stimulation by delivering current through electrodes placed on the scalp. In order to better understand the effects tDCS has on cortical plasticity, neuroimaging techniques have been used pre and post tDCS stimulation. Recently, neuroimaging methods have discovered changes in resting state cortical hemodynamics after the application of tDCS on human subjects. However, analysis of the cortical hemodynamic activity for a physical task during and post tDCS stimulation has not been studied to our knowledge. A viable and sensitive neuroimaging method to map changes in cortical hemodynamics during activation is functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). In this study, the cortical activity during an event-related, left wrist curl task was mapped with fNIRS before, during, and after tDCS stimulation on eight healthy adults. Along with the fNIRS optodes, two electrodes were placed over the sensorimotor hand areas of both brain hemispheres to apply tDCS. Changes were found in both resting state cortical connectivity and cortical activation patterns that occurred during and after tDCS. Additionally, changes to surface electromyography (sEMG) measurements of the wrist flexor and extensor of both arms during the wrist curl movement, acquired concurrently with fNIRS, were analyzed and related to the transient cortical plastic changes induced by tDCS.

Intra- and interregional cortical interactions related to sharp-wave ripples and dentate spikes.

PubMed

Headley, Drew B; Kanta, Vasiliki; Paré, Denis

2017-02-01

The hippocampus generates population events termed sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) and dentate spikes (DSs). While little is known about DSs, SWR-related hippocampal discharges during sleep are thought to replay prior waking activity, reactivating the cortical networks that encoded the initial experience. During slow-wave sleep, such reactivations likely occur during up-states, when most cortical neurons are depolarized. However, most studies have examined the relationship between SWRs and up-states measured in single neocortical regions. As a result, it is currently unclear whether SWRs are associated with particular patterns of widely distributed cortical activity. Additionally, no such investigation has been carried out for DSs. The present study addressed these questions by recording SWRs and DSs from the dorsal hippocampus simultaneously with prefrontal, sensory (visual and auditory), perirhinal, and entorhinal cortices in naturally sleeping rats. We found that SWRs and DSs were associated with up-states in all cortical regions. Up-states coinciding with DSs and SWRs exhibited increased unit activity, power in the gamma band, and intraregional gamma coherence. Unexpectedly, interregional gamma coherence rose much more strongly in relation to DSs than to SWRs. Whereas the increase in gamma coherence was time locked to DSs, that seen in relation to SWRs was not. These observations suggest that SWRs are related to the strength of up-state activation within individual regions throughout the neocortex but not so much to gamma coherence between different regions. Perhaps more importantly, DSs coincided with stronger periods of interregional gamma coherence, suggesting that they play a more important role than previously assumed. Off-line cortico-hippocampal interactions are thought to support memory consolidation. We surveyed the relationship between hippocampal sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) and dentate spikes (DSs) with up-states across multiple cortical regions. SWRs and DSs were associated with increased cortical gamma oscillations. Interregional gamma coherence rose much more strongly in relation to DSs than to SWRs. Moreover, it was time locked to DSs but not SWRs. These results have important implications for current theories of systems memory consolidation during sleep. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Dynamic Simulation of 1D Cellular Automata in the Active aTAM.

PubMed

Jonoska, Nataša; Karpenko, Daria; Seki, Shinnosuke

2015-07-01

The Active aTAM is a tile based model for self-assembly where tiles are able to transfer signals and change identities according to the signals received. We extend Active aTAM to include deactivation signals and thereby allow detachment of tiles. We show that the model allows a dynamic simulation of cellular automata with assemblies that do not record the entire computational history but only the current updates of the states, and thus provide a way for (a) algorithmic dynamical structural changes in the assembly and (b) reusable space in self-assembly. The simulation is such that at a given location the sequence of tiles that attach and detach corresponds precisely to the sequence of states the synchronous cellular automaton generates at that location.

Dynamic Simulation of 1D Cellular Automata in the Active aTAM

PubMed Central

Jonoska, Nataša; Karpenko, Daria; Seki, Shinnosuke

2016-01-01

The Active aTAM is a tile based model for self-assembly where tiles are able to transfer signals and change identities according to the signals received. We extend Active aTAM to include deactivation signals and thereby allow detachment of tiles. We show that the model allows a dynamic simulation of cellular automata with assemblies that do not record the entire computational history but only the current updates of the states, and thus provide a way for (a) algorithmic dynamical structural changes in the assembly and (b) reusable space in self-assembly. The simulation is such that at a given location the sequence of tiles that attach and detach corresponds precisely to the sequence of states the synchronous cellular automaton generates at that location. PMID:27789918

Small V/STOL aircraft analysis. Volume 2: Appendices. [to determine current and future general aviation missions and performance requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, K. R., Jr.; Belina, F. W.

1973-01-01

A survey of general aviation activities in the United States was principally conducted through interviews with users, manufacturers, trade associations, and government organizations. A list of the organizations interviews is presented. The data became the basis for defining the current and future general aviation missions and performance. The economic characteristics of general aviation are examined. The desires of each organization regarding future aircraft characteristics are summarized.

Wavelength dependence and multiple-induced states in photoresponses of copper phthalocyanine-doped gold nanoparticle single-electron device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Makoto; Ueda, Rieko; Terui, Toshifumi; Imazu, Keisuke; Tamada, Kaoru; Sakano, Takeshi; Matsuda, Kenji; Ishii, Hisao; Noguchi, Yutaka

2014-01-01

We have proposed a gold nanoparticle (GNP)-based single-electron transistor (SET) doped with a dye molecule, where the molecule works as a photoresponsive floating gate. Here, we examined the source-drain current (I_{\\text{SD}}) at a constant drain voltage under light irradiation with various wavelengths ranging from 400 to 700 nm. Current change was enhanced at the wavelengths of 600 and 700 nm, corresponding to the optical absorption band of the doped molecule (copper phthalocyanine: CuPc). Moreover, several peaks appear in the histograms of I_{\\text{SD}} during light irradiation, indicating that multiple discrete states were induced in the device. The results suggest that the current change was initiated by the light absorption of CuPc and multiple CuPc molecules near the GNP working as a floating gate. Molecular doping can activate advanced device functions in GNP-based SETs.

Distinct chromatin functional states correlate with HIV latency reactivation in infected primary CD4+ T cells.

PubMed

Battivelli, Emilie; Dahabieh, Matthew S; Abdel-Mohsen, Mohamed; Svensson, J Peter; Tojal Da Silva, Israel; Cohn, Lillian B; Gramatica, Andrea; Deeks, Steven; Greene, Warner C; Pillai, Satish K; Verdin, Eric

2018-05-01

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is currently incurable, due to the persistence of latently infected cells. The 'shock and kill' approach to a cure proposes to eliminate this reservoir via transcriptional activation of latent proviruses, enabling direct or indirect killing of infected cells. Currently available latency-reversing agents (LRAs) have however proven ineffective. To understand why, we used a novel HIV reporter strain in primary CD4 + T cells and determined which latently infected cells are reactivatable by current candidate LRAs. Remarkably, none of these agents reactivated more than 5% of cells carrying a latent provirus. Sequencing analysis of reactivatable vs. non-reactivatable populations revealed that the integration sites were distinguishable in terms of chromatin functional states. Our findings challenge the feasibility of 'shock and kill', and suggest the need to explore other strategies to control the latent HIV reservoir. © 2018, Battivelli et al.

The current state of nursing performance measurement, public reporting, and value-based purchasing.

PubMed

Kurtzman, Ellen T; Dawson, Ellen M; Johnson, Jean E

2008-08-01

Over the last decade, there has been a substantial investment in holding health care providers accountable for the quality of care provided in hospitals and other settings of care. This investment has been realized through the proliferation of national policies that address performance measurement, public reporting, and value-based purchasing. Although nurses represent the largest segment of the health care workforce and despite their acknowledged role in patient safety and health care outcomes, they have been largely absent from policy setting in these areas. This article provides an analysis of current nursing performance measurement and public reporting initiatives and presents a summary of emerging trends in value-based purchasing, with an emphasis on activities in the United States. The article synthesizes issues of relevance to advancing the current climate for nursing quality and concludes with key issues for future policy setting.

Cardiac sodium channel Markov model with temperature dependence and recovery from inactivation.

PubMed Central

Irvine, L A; Jafri, M S; Winslow, R L

1999-01-01

A Markov model of the cardiac sodium channel is presented. The model is similar to the CA1 hippocampal neuron sodium channel model developed by Kuo and Bean (1994. Neuron. 12:819-829) with the following modifications: 1) an additional open state is added; 2) open-inactivated transitions are made voltage-dependent; and 3) channel rate constants are exponential functions of enthalpy, entropy, and voltage and have explicit temperature dependence. Model parameters are determined using a simulated annealing algorithm to minimize the error between model responses and various experimental data sets. The model reproduces a wide range of experimental data including ionic currents, gating currents, tail currents, steady-state inactivation, recovery from inactivation, and open time distributions over a temperature range of 10 degrees C to 25 degrees C. The model also predicts measures of single channel activity such as first latency, probability of a null sweep, and probability of reopening. PMID:10096885

Spectroscopic studies of non-thermal plasma jet at atmospheric pressure formed in low-current nonsteady-state plasmatron for biomedical applications

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

Demkin, V. P.; Melnichuk, S. V.; Demkin, O. V.

The optical and electrophysical characteristics of the nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma formed by a low-current nonsteady-state plasmatron are experimentally investigated in the present work. It is demonstrated that experimental data on the optical diagnostics of the plasma jet can provide a basis for the construction of a self-consistent physical and mathematical plasma model and for the creation of plasma sources with controllable electrophysical parameters intended for the generation of the required concentration of active particles. Results of spectroscopic diagnostics of plasma of the low-current nonsteady-state plasmatron confirm that the given source is efficient for the generation of charged particles and short-wavelengthmore » radiation—important plasma components for biomedical problems of an increase in the efficiency of treatment of biological tissues by charged particles. Measurement of the spatial distribution of the plasma jet potential by the probe method has demonstrated that a negative space charge is formed in the plasma jet possibly due to the formation of electronegative oxygen ions.« less

Contemporary State of the Elbrus Volcanic Center (The Northern Caucasus)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milyukov, Vadim; Rogozhin, Eugeny; Gorbatikov, Andrey; Mironov, Alexey; Myasnikov, Andrey; Stepanova, Marina

2018-05-01

The Elbrus volcanic center is located in southern Russia on the northern slope of the main ridge of the Greater Caucasus. Current classifications define Elbrus as a dormant volcano that could become active even after millennia of quiescence. In this study, we use two new geophysical methods to assess the contemporary state of the Elbrus volcano. The first method is based on an evaluation of parameters of resonant modes "reemitted" by the resonant structure (i.e., volcanic chamber) in response to the excitation of a seismic impact and recorded by a precise laser interferometer-strainmeter. The second method is based on low-frequency microseismic sounding and allows determination of the deep structure of complicated geological objects. Our study locates the magma chamber at depths of 1-8 km and extended magma source at depths of 15-40 km beneath the Elbrus eastern summit. An unknown magmatic structure, comparable to the Elbrus magmatic structure but currently much colder, was also identified 50 km from Mt. Elbrus. Based on our analysis, we assess the Elbrus volcano to be currently in a quasi-stable state of thermodynamic equilibrium.

Sleep deprivation compromises resting-state emotional regulatory processes: An EEG study.

PubMed

Zhang, Jinxiao; Lau, Esther Yuet Ying; Hsiao, Janet H

2018-03-01

Resting-state spontaneous neural activities consume far more biological energy than stimulus-induced activities, suggesting their significance. However, existing studies of sleep loss and emotional functioning have focused on how sleep deprivation modulates stimulus-induced emotional neural activities. The current study aimed to investigate the impacts of sleep deprivation on the brain network of emotional functioning using electroencephalogram during a resting state. Two established resting-state electroencephalogram indexes (i.e. frontal alpha asymmetry and frontal theta/beta ratio) were used to reflect the functioning of the emotion regulatory neural network. Participants completed an 8-min resting-state electroencephalogram recording after a well-rested night or 24 hr sleep deprivation. The Sleep Deprivation group had a heightened ratio of the power density in theta band to beta band (theta/beta ratio) in the frontal area than the Sleep Control group, suggesting an effective approach with reduced frontal cortical regulation of subcortical drive after sleep deprivation. There was also marginally more left-lateralized frontal alpha power (left frontal alpha asymmetry) in the Sleep Deprivation group compared with the Sleep Control group. Besides, higher theta/beta ratio and more left alpha lateralization were correlated with higher sleepiness and lower vigilance. The results converged in suggesting compromised emotional regulatory processes during resting state after sleep deprivation. Our work provided the first resting-state neural evidence for compromised emotional functioning after sleep loss, highlighting the significance of examining resting-state neural activities within the affective brain network as a default functional mode in investigating the sleep-emotion relationship. © 2018 European Sleep Research Society.

Practice Patterns Regarding Multidisciplinary Cancer Management and Suggestions for Further Refinement: Results from a National Survey in Korea.

PubMed

Lee, Yun-Gyoo; Oh, Sukjoong; Kimm, Heejin; Koo, Dong-Hoe; Kim, Do Yeun; Kim, Bong-Seog; Lee, Seung-Sei

2017-10-01

This study was conducted to explore the process and operation of a cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) after the reimbursement decision in Korea, and to identify ways to overcome the major barriers to effective and sustainable MDTs. Approximately 1,000 cancer specialists, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists in general hospitals in Koreawere invited to complete the survey. The questionnaire covered the following topics: organizational structure of MDTs, candidates for consulting, the clinical decision-making initiative, and responsibility for dealing with legal disputes. We collected a total of 179 responses (18%) from physicians at institutions where an MDT approach was active. A surgical oncologist (91%), internist (90%),radiologist (89%),radiation oncologist (86%), pathologist (71%), and trainees (20%) regularly participated in MDT operations. Approximately 55% of respondents stated that MDTs met regularly. In cases of a split opinion, the physician in charge (69%) or chairperson (17%) made the final decision, and most (86%) stated they followed the final decision. About 15% and 32% of respondents were "very satisfied" and "satisfied," respectively, with the current MDT's operations. Among 38 institutional representatives, 34% responded that the MDT operation became more active and 18% stated an MDT was newly implemented after the reimbursement decision. The reimbursement decision invigorated MDT operations in almost half of eligible hospitals. Dissatisfaction regarding current MDTs was over 50%, and the high discordance rates regarding risk sharing suggest that it is necessary to revise the current system of MDTs.

Battery charger and state of charge indicator. Final report

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

Latos, T.S.

1984-04-15

The battery charger has a full-wave rectifier in series with a transformer isolated 20 kHz dc-dc converter with high frequency switches which are programmed to actively shape the input ac line current to be a mirror image of the ac line voltage. The power circuit is capable of operating at 2 kW peak and 1 kW average power. The BC/SCI has two major subsystems: (1) the battery charger power electronics with its controls; and (2) a microcomputer subsystem which is used to acquire battery terminal data and exercise the state-of-charge software programs. The state-of-charge definition employed is the energy remainingmore » in the battery when extracted at a 10 kW rate divided by the energy capacity of a fully charged new battery. The battery charger circuit is an isolated boost converter operating at an internal frequency of 20 kHz. The switches selected for the battery charger are the single most important item in determining its efficiency. The combination of voltage and current requirements dictated the use of high power NPN Darlington switching transistors. The power circuit topology developed is a three switch design utilizing a power FET on the center tap of the isolation transformer and the power Darlingtons on each of the two ends. An analog control system is employed to accomplish active input current waveshaping as well as the necessary regulation.« less

Overview of physics research on the TCV tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fasoli, A.; TCV Team

2009-10-01

The Tokamak à Configuration Variable (TCV) tokamak is equipped with high-power (4.5 MW), real-time-controllable EC systems and flexible shaping, and plays an important role in fusion research by broadening the parameter range of reactor relevant regimes, by investigating tokamak physics questions and by developing new control tools. Steady-state discharges are achieved, in which the current is entirely self-generated through the bootstrap mechanism, a fundamental ingredient for ITER steady-state operation. The discharge remains quiescent over several current redistribution times, demonstrating that a self-consistent, 'bootstrap-aligned' equilibrium state is possible. Electron internal transport barrier regimes sustained by EC current drive have also been explored. MHD activity is shown to be crucial in scenarios characterized by large and slow oscillations in plasma confinement, which in turn can be modified by small Ohmic current perturbations altering the barrier strength. In studies of the relation between anomalous transport and plasma shape, the observed dependences of the electron thermal diffusivity on triangularity (direct) and collisionality (inverse) are qualitatively reproduced by non-linear gyro-kinetic simulations and shown to be governed by TEM turbulence. Parallel SOL flows are studied for their importance for material migration. Flow profiles are measured using a reciprocating Mach probe by changing from lower to upper single-null diverted equilibria and shifting the plasmas vertically. The dominant, field-direction-dependent Pfirsch-Schlüter component is found to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions. A field-direction-independent component is identified and is consistent with flows generated by transient over-pressure due to ballooning-like interchange turbulence. Initial high-resolution infrared images confirm that ELMs have a filamentary structure, while fast, localized radiation measurements reveal that ELM activity first appears in the X-point region. Real time control techniques are currently being applied to EC multiple independent power supplies and beam launchers, e.g. to control the plasma current in fully non-inductive conditions, and the plasma elongation through current broadening by far-off-axis heating at constant shaping field.

Momentary assessment of affect, physical feeling states, and physical activity in children.

PubMed

Dunton, Genevieve F; Huh, Jimi; Leventhal, Adam M; Riggs, Nathaniel; Hedeker, Donald; Spruijt-Metz, Donna; Pentz, Mary Ann

2014-03-01

Most research on the interplay of affective and physical feelings states with physical activity in children has been conducted under laboratory conditions and fails to capture intraindividual covariation. The current study used Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to bidirectionally examine how affective and physical feeling states are related to objectively measured physical activity taking place in naturalistic settings during the course of children's everyday lives. Children (N = 119, ages 9-13 years, 52% male, 32% Hispanic) completed 8 days of EMA monitoring, which measured positive affect (PA), negative affect (NA), feeling tired, and feeling energetic up to 7 times per day. EMA responses were time-matched to accelerometer assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the 30 min before and after each EMA survey. Higher ratings of feeling energetic and lower ratings of feeling tired were associated with more MVPA in the 30 min after the EMA prompt. More MVPA in the 30 min before the EMA prompt was associated with higher ratings of PA and feeling energetic and lower ratings of NA. Between-subjects analyses indicated that mean hourly leisure-time MVPA was associated with less intraindividual variability in PA and NA. Physical feeling states predict subsequent physical activity levels, which in turn, predict subsequent affective states in children. Active children demonstrated higher positive and negative emotional stability. Although the strength of these associations were of modest magnitude and their clinical relevance is unclear, understanding the antecedents to and consequences of physical activity may have theoretical and practical implications for the maintenance and promotion of physical activity and psychological well-being in children. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

State Fall Prevention Coalitions as Systems Change Agents: An Emphasis on Policy.

PubMed

Schneider, Ellen C; Smith, Matthew Lee; Ory, Marcia G; Altpeter, Mary; Beattie, Bonita Lynn; Scheirer, Mary Ann; Shubert, Tiffany E

2016-03-01

Falls among older adults are an escalating public health issue, which requires a multidisciplinary and multilevel approach to affect systems change to effectively address this problem. The National Council on Aging established the Falls Free® Initiative, enfolding and facilitating statewide Fall Prevention Coalitions. Fall Free® activities included developing the State Policy Toolkit for Advancing Falls Prevention to promote sustainable change by supporting the dissemination and adoption of evidence-based strategies. To (1) determine if the policies being implemented were recommended and supported by the Toolkit, (2) identify the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing policies, and (3) identify Coalitions' current and future fall prevention policy activities. A 63-item online survey was distributed to State Coalition Leads. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and counts) were used to describe Coalition characteristics and activities. Coalitions had several similarities, and varied greatly in their number of member organizations and members as well as meeting frequencies. Key activities included building partnerships, disseminating programs, and pursuing at least one of the eight National Council on Aging-recommended policy goals. The most commonly reported facilitator was active support from the Coalition Leads, whereas the lack of funding was the most cited barrier. This study serves as the first national census of empirical evidence regarding Falls Coalitions' composition, goals, and activities. Results indicate that Coalitions are actively pursuing evidence-based policies but could benefit from additional technical assistance and resources. Findings support the value of Toolkit recommendations by documenting what is feasible and being implemented. Knowledge about facilitators and barriers will inform future efforts to foster sustainable systems change in states with active Coalitions and encourage Coalitions in other states. © 2015 Society for Public Health Education.

Influence of soil properties on heavy metal sequestration by biochar amendment: 2. copper desorption isotherms

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Contaminant desorption constrains the long-term effectiveness of remediation technologies, and is strongly influenced by dynamic non-equilibrium states of environmental and biological media. Information is currently lacking in the influence of biochar and activated carbon amendments on desorption of...

Arctic Trail: Six Steps the United States Must Take to Manage the Global Rush North

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

Currently, the international legal framework is not sufficient to handle the sovereignty and resource rights disputes in the region. Increased human ... activity in the region will exacerbate these disputes, creating significant national security, economic, and environmental implications. Arctic development

AED in the Middle East

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Academy for Educational Development, 2004

2004-01-01

Founded in 1961, the Academy for Educational Development (AED) is an independent, nonprofit, charitable organization that operates development programs in the United States and throughout the world. This directory presents an overview of the varied activities undertaken by AED throughout the Middle East. Current AED Programs include: (1) Behavior…

The Ozark Highlands pine-oak woodland restoration partnership

Treesearch

Tim A. Nigh

2007-01-01

A partnership of more than 20 state, federal, and nongovernmental organizations has been formed to pursue and promote restoration of Shortleaf Pine-Oak Woodland ecosystems throughout the Ozark Highlands. This paper provides a brief overview of the partnership, its goals and strategies, partner organizations, and current activities.

78 FR 14402 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection: Driver...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-05

... made available to State and Federal safety investigators on demand. Title: Driver Qualification Files... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA 2013... Qualification Files AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request...

EFFECTS OF ATRAZINE ON STEROID PRODUCTION IN RAT GRANULOSA CELLS

EPA Science Inventory

Atrazine is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States. Introduced in the 1950s, atrazine is a broad spectrum herbicide with current total annual use of approximately 76 million pounds of active ingredient. Frogs exhibit gonadal malformations and/or variations ...

Directory of Child Advocacy Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (DHEW), Washington, DC.

This directory lists 107 child advocacy programs in 37 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. Each entry includes project title, address, telephone number, contact person, a statement of purpose and a summary of current advocacy activities. Entries are indexed under the following terms: adolescent parenthood,…

Wake vortex acoustic characteristics and SOCRATES sensor performance : final report January 2003 to December 2006.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-07-31

This report provides an evaluation of the current state of the SOCRATES sensor and its readiness for use as an operational sensor for active monitoring of aircraft wake turbulence. SOCRATES is a laser opto-acoustic array designed to passively detect ...

Capturing Cognitive Processing Time for Active Authentication

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-01

cognitive fingerprint for continuous authentication. Its effectiveness has been verified through a campus-wide experiment at Iowa State University...2 3.1 Cognitive Fingerprint Description...brief to capture a “ cognitive fingerprint .” In the current keystroke-authentication commercial market, some products combine the timing information of

An Investigation into Musicians' Thoughts and Perceptions during Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Terry; Lisboa, Tânia; Williamon, Aaron

2014-01-01

Given the current state of understanding surrounding musicians' experiences while performing, this study sought to investigate musicians' thoughts and perceptions during performances and the perceived impact their evaluation of those thoughts and perceptions has on their subsequent musical activities. Twenty-nine student and professional classical…

State Assessment and Persuasive Writing in the Social Studies Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hunter, Barbara

1990-01-01

Examines current Illinois statewide assessment of social studies education. Argues conceptual knowledge assessment in the social studies should use essay tests. Includes guidelines and activities for teaching students to write persuasively. Explains various strategies to teach reading, writing, and thinking skills, including the "RAFT"…

Tightening the Corn Belt.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trisler, Carmen E.

1995-01-01

Presents an activity in which students: identify agricultural crops that are grown in Great Lakes states, understand how global climate change will affect these crops, hypothesize about crops that could replace these, compare the current crops' economic value with projected replacement crops, and analyze the impact of global climate on the…

77 FR 52380 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision of a Currently-Approved Information Collection...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-29

... Request: Information Technology Services Survey Portal Customer Satisfaction Assessment (Formerly COMPASS Portal Consumer Satisfaction Assessment) AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT... collected will be used to assess the satisfaction of Federal, State, and industry customers with the FMCSA...

Competency-Based Adult Education Research and Innovation Catalog.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bureau of Occupational and Adult Education (DHEW/OE), Washington, DC. Div. of Adult Education.

This document contains abstracts describing competency-based programs related to the Adult Performance Level (APL) project and adult education. The catalog is divided into two sections: state program implementation and local program implementation. The first section describes programs and research projects currently active in Alabama, California,…

A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial of Classroom-Based Mindfulness Meditation Compared to an Active Control Condition in 6th Grade Children

PubMed Central

Britton, Willoughby B.; Lepp, Nathaniel E.; Niles, Halsey F.; Rocha, Tomas; Fisher, Nathan; Gold, Jonathan

2014-01-01

Children in the United States are at risk for numerous psychological problems, such as anxiety, attention problems, and mood disorders, and are underserved by current mental health provisions. The current study is a pilot trial to examine the effects of a nonelective, classroom-based, teacher-implemented, mindfulness meditation intervention on standard clinical measures of mental health and affect in middle school children. A total of 101 healthy sixth-grade students (55 boys and 46 girls) were randomized to either an Asian history course with daily mindfulness meditation practice (intervention group) or an African history course with a matched experiential activity (active control group). Self-reported data was collected by administering the Youth Self Report (YSR), a modified Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Measure -Revised before and after 6 weeks of meditation or active control condition. Both meditators and active controls decreased significantly on the YSR Internalizing Problems, Externalizing Problems, and Attention Problems subscales but did not differ in the extent of their improvements. Both groups also showed comparable improvements on measures in affect. Meditators were significantly less likely to develop suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm than controls. Improvements in affect were correlated with increases in mindfulness in meditators but not controls. These results suggest that mindfulness training may yield both unique and nonspecific benefits that are shared by other novel activities. PMID:24930819

Measuring the Degree of Sensitization (DOS) Using an Electrochemical Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abuzriba, Mokhtar B.; Musa, Salem M.

Sensitization can be simply defined as the susceptibility of an alloy, specifically austenitic stainless steel, to corrosion at grain boundaries. A detailed study on types 304 stainless steel has been carried out to correlate the degree of sensitization measured by electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation test (EPR) with the susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. In this study four different heat treatments were given to alloys, i.e., solution annealed (SA) at 1020 °C for 1 h, then quenched in water; also then heat-treated in air at 620 °C for 15, 30, and 60 min. The electrolyte for the EPR tests was 1.0 N H2SO4 solution containing 0.01 M KSCN. Potentiodynamic curves from passive to active regions in deaerated solution at room temperature were obtained at a scan rate of 1.67 mV/s (6 V/h), after the passivation at 200 mV versus (SCE) for 2 min then the polarization was conducted. The criterion used to distinguish between sensitized and non-sensitized specimens is the activation charge Pa, the peak current density, Ph, in the active state, and Flade potential Ef at which the active curve breaks upward. The results indicated that the longer the sensitization time the higher the activation charge (Pa), and the higher the peak current density in the active state (Ph). The results indicated that, the EPR is more sensitive than the chemical method for measuring the degree of sensitization.

Inactivation kinetics and steady-state current noise in the anomalous rectifier of tunicate egg cell membranes.

PubMed Central

Ohmori, H

1978-01-01

1. Inward K current through the anomalous rectifier in the tunicate egg (Halocynthis roretzi, Drashe) was studied under voltage clamp. The transient inward current in response to a step change of membrane potential was measured. The steady-state current fluctuations were analysed using the power density spectrum (p.d.s.). 2. The inward current showed time-dependent changes, which were described by a pair of the first order kinetic parameters, n and s for activation and inactivation, respectively. The steady-state channel open probability due to the activation process (n infinity) was assumed to be 1.0 for V more negative than about--100 mV, but that of the inactivation process (s infinity) and the time constant of inactivation (taus) were membrane potential dependent in the same potential range; both decreased with increasing hyperpolarization. 3. The inward currents in Na-free choline medium did not inactivate, but were decreased in size. In Na-free Li medium, inactivation was very small; the steady-state conductance was not affected significantly. 4. After exposure to high Ca media, an increase of the conductance was observed. This effect is probably caused by an increase of intracellular Ca due to Ca ions entering through the Na channels. Mg ions slightly decreased the conductance. 5. In the hyperpolarized membrane (-160 less than or equal to V less than or equal to -80mV), steady-state current noise was recorded and analysed using p.d.s. A p.d.s. of the 1/[1 + (f/fc)2] type as well a p.d.s. of the 1/f type was observed; f, frequency, fc, cut-off frequency. 6. fc was translated into time constant tauN (= 1/2pIfC) and compared with the time constant of inactivation, taus. There was a significant correlation betwen these values with a regression coefficient of 0.82. 7. Changing from 400 mM-Li abloshied inactivation and changed the p.d.s. from the 1/[1 + (f/fc)2] into the 1/f type. These results (paragraphs 5--7)suggest that the fluctuations in the steady-state currents originatte in the inactivation gatin kinetics of the an ofthe anomalous rectifier. 8. The number of anomalous rectifier channels and the unit channel conductance were estimated from the 1/[1 + (f/fc)2] type current noise according to the formula : (see text), where I infinity = gamma Nninfinity s infinity (V--VK), gamma the unit channel conductance, N the maximum number of channels that can be opened by a hyperpolarizing pulse per egg. The unit conductance was 6 pmho in standard artificial sea water and the channel density was 0.028/micrometer2. 9. The unit channel conductance (gamma) was dependent upon external K concentration, but the number ofchannels (N) was not. 10. The increase in chord conductance evoked by higher Ca concentrations was due to the increase of the channel number. By contrast, Mg ions seem to decrease the unit channel conductance slightly. PMID:568176

Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program Integrated Program Plan

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

McCarthy, Kathryn A.; Busby, Jeremy; Hallbert, Bruce

2014-04-01

Nuclear power has safely, reliably, and economically contributed almost 20% of electrical generation in the United States over the past two decades. It remains the single largest contributor (more than 70%) of non-greenhouse-gas-emitting electric power generation in the United States. Domestic demand for electrical energy is expected to experience a 31% growth from 2009 to 2035. At the same time, most of the currently operating nuclear power plants will begin reaching the end of their initial 20-year extension to their original 40-year operating license for a total of 60 years of operation. Figure E-1 shows projected nuclear energy contribution tomore » the domestic generating capacity. If current operating nuclear power plants do not operate beyond 60 years, the total fraction of generated electrical energy from nuclear power will begin to decline—even with the expected addition of new nuclear generating capacity. The oldest commercial plants in the United States reached their 40th anniversary in 2009. The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy’s Research and Development Roadmap (Nuclear Energy Roadmap) organizes its activities around four objectives that ensure nuclear energy remains a compelling and viable energy option for the United States. The four objectives are as follows: (1) develop technologies and other solutions that can improve the reliability, sustain the safety, and extend the life of the current reactors; (2) develop improvements in the affordability of new reactors to enable nuclear energy to help meet the Administration’s energy security and climate change goals; (3) develop sustainable nuclear fuel cycles; and (4) understand and minimize the risks of nuclear proliferation and terrorism. The Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program is the primary programmatic activity that addresses Objective 1. This document summarizes the LWRS Program’s plans.« less

Study on Iron Distribution and Electrical Activities at Grain Boundaries in Polycrystalline Silicon Substrate for Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arafune, Koji; Ohishi, Eichiro; Sai, Hitoshi; Terada, Yasuko; Ohshita, Yoshio; Yamaguchi, Masafumi

2006-08-01

To clarify the role of grain boundaries in iron sinks and carrier recombination centers, iron distributions and their chemical states were studied before and after gettering. They were measured by the X-ray microprobe fluorescence and the X-ray absorption in the near-edge structure using the beamline 37XU at the SPring-8 third-generation synchrotron facility. To determine the crystallographic orientation of the grain boundaries, electron backscatter diffraction measurements were performed. The distribution of electric active defects was characterized by electron-beam-induced current measurements. Before gettering, the iron was distributed in the small grain and its chemical state was similar to that of iron oxide. After gettering, the iron was redistributed along the small angle grain boundary, and its chemical state was similar to the iron silicide complexed with the iron oxide. Regarding the electrical activity, high carrier recombination was observed along the small-angle grain boundary. On the contrary, Σ 3 grain boundaries were relatively weak impurity sinks and showed low recombination activity.

Using a decision support system to estimate departures of present forest landscape patterns from historical reference condition—an example from the inland Northwest region of the United States.

Treesearch

P.F. Hessburg; K.M. Reynolds; R.B. Salter; M.B. Richmond

2004-01-01

Human settlement and management activities have altered the patterns and processes of forest landscapes across the inland northwest region of the United States (Hessburg et al. 2000C; Hessburg and Agee in press). As a consequence, many attributes of current disturbance regimes (e.g., the frequency, duration, severity, and extent of fires) differ markedly from those of...

Educating Nurses in the United States about Pressure Injuries.

PubMed

Ayello, Elizabeth A; Zulkowski, Karen; Capezuti, Elizabeth; Jicman, Wendy Harris; Sibbald, R Gary

2017-02-01

To provide information about the current state of educating nurses about wound care and pressure injuries with recommendations for the future. This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Discuss the importance of pressure injury education and wound care for nurses and identify the current state of nursing education on the subject. 2. Identify strategies that can be used to put improved wound care and pressure injury education into practice. Wound care nursing requires knowledge and skill to operationalize clinical guidelines. Recent surveys and studies have revealed gaps in nurses' knowledge of wound care and pressure injuries and their desire for more education, both in their undergraduate programs and throughout their careers. Data from baccalaureate programs in the United States can pinpoint areas for improvement in nursing curriculum content. Lifelong learning about wound care and pressure injuries starts with undergraduate nursing education but continues through the novice-to-expert Benner categories that are facilitated by continuing professional development. This article introduces a pressure injury competency skills checklist and educational strategies based on Adult Learning principles to support knowledge acquisition (in school) and translation (into clinical settings). The responsibility for lifelong learning is part of every nurse's professional practice.

Resting state synchrony in long-term abstinent alcoholics: Effects of a current major depressive disorder diagnosis.

PubMed

Fein, George; Camchong, Jazmin; Cardenas, Valerie A; Stenger, Andy

2017-03-01

Alcoholism is characterized by a lack of control over an impulsive and compulsive drive toward excessive alcohol consumption despite significant negative consequences; our previous work demonstrated that successful abstinence is characterized by decreased resting-state synchrony (RSS) as measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), within appetitive drive networks and increased RSS in emotion regulation and inhibitory executive control networks. Our hypothesis is that LTAA (Long-Term Abstinent Alcoholics) with a current major depressive disorder (MDD) drank primarily to deal with the negative affect associated with their MDD and not because of a heightened externalizing diathesis (including heightened appetitive drive), and consequently, in achieving and maintaining abstinence, such individuals would not exhibit the RSS adaptations characteristic of pure alcoholics. We studied 69 NSAC (Non Substance Abusing Controls) and 40 LTAA (8 with current MDD, 32 without a current MDD) using resting-state fMRI and seed based connectivity analyses. In the inhibitory executive control network (nucleus accumbens vs. left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), LTAA with a current MDD showed increased synchrony compared to NSAC. In the emotion regulation executive control network (subgenual anterior cingulate cortex vs. right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), LTAA with current MDD did not show increased RSS. In the appetitive drive networks (nucleus accumbens vs, aspects of the caudate nucleus and thalamus), LTAA with a current MDD did not show a reduction of RSS compared to NSAC, but LTAA without a current MDD did. These results suggest different pathways to their alcohol dependence in LTAA with vs. without a current MDD, and different patterns of brain activity in long-term abstinence, suggesting different treatment needs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Resting state synchrony in long-term abstinent alcoholics: Effects of a current major depressive disorder diagnosis

PubMed Central

Fein, George; Camchong, Jazmin; Cardenas, Valerie A.; Stenger, Andy

2017-01-01

Alcoholism is characterized by a lack of control over an impulsive and compulsive drive toward excessive alcohol consumption despite significant negative consequences; our previous work demonstrated that successful abstinence is characterized by decreased resting-state synchrony (RSS) as measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), within appetitive drive networks and increased RSS in emotion regulation and inhibitory executive control networks. Our hypothesis is that LTAA (Long-Term Abstinent Alcoholics) with a current major depressive disorder (MDD) drank primarily to deal with the negative affect associated with their MDD and not because of a heightened externalizing diathesis (including heightened appetitive drive), and consequently, in achieving and maintaining abstinence, such individuals would not exhibit the RSS adaptations characteristic of pure alcoholics. We studied 69 NSAC (Non Substance Abusing Controls) and 40 LTAA (8 with current MDD, 32 without a current MDD) using resting-state fMRI and seed based connectivity analyses. In the inhibitory executive control network (nucleus accumbens vs. left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), LTAA with a current MDD showed increased synchrony compared to NSAC. In the emotion regulation executive control network (subgenual anterior cingulate cortex vs. right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), LTAA with current MDD did not show increased RSS. In the appetitive drive networks (nucleus accumbens vs, aspects of the caudate nucleus and thalamus), LTAA with a current MDD did not show a reduction of RSS compared to NSAC, but LTAA without a current MDD did. These results suggest different pathways to their alcohol dependence in LTAA with vs. without a current MDD, and different patterns of brain activity in long-term abstinence, suggesting different treatment needs. PMID:28262184

Electrochemical activation and inhibition of neuromuscular systems through modulation of ion concentrations with ion-selective membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yong-Ak; Melik, Rohat; Rabie, Amr N.; Ibrahim, Ahmed M. S.; Moses, David; Tan, Ara; Han, Jongyoon; Lin, Samuel J.

2011-12-01

Conventional functional electrical stimulation aims to restore functional motor activity of patients with disabilities resulting from spinal cord injury or neurological disorders. However, intervention with functional electrical stimulation in neurological diseases lacks an effective implantable method that suppresses unwanted nerve signals. We have developed an electrochemical method to activate and inhibit a nerve by electrically modulating ion concentrations in situ along the nerve. Using ion-selective membranes to achieve different excitability states of the nerve, we observe either a reduction of the electrical threshold for stimulation by up to approximately 40%, or voluntary, reversible inhibition of nerve signal propagation. This low-threshold electrochemical stimulation method is applicable in current implantable neuroprosthetic devices, whereas the on-demand nerve-blocking mechanism could offer effective clinical intervention in disease states caused by uncontrolled nerve activation, such as epilepsy and chronic pain syndromes.

Modelling of piezoelectric actuator dynamics for active structural control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagood, Nesbitt W.; Chung, Walter H.; Von Flotow, Andreas

1990-01-01

The paper models the effects of dynamic coupling between a structure and an electrical network through the piezoelectric effect. The coupled equations of motion of an arbitrary elastic structure with piezoelectric elements and passive electronics are derived. State space models are developed for three important cases: direct voltage driven electrodes, direct charge driven electrodes, and an indirect drive case where the piezoelectric electrodes are connected to an arbitrary electrical circuit with embedded voltage and current sources. The equations are applied to the case of a cantilevered beam with surface mounted piezoceramics and indirect voltage and current drive. The theoretical derivations are validated experimentally on an actively controlled cantilevered beam test article with indirect voltage drive.

The Current Driven Kink Instability and its Relationship to Delta-Spot Active Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linton, Mark George

The current driven kink instability may be the cause of both the unusual morphology of solar δ-spot active regions and the tendency of these regions to be significantly more flare active than most active regions. We investigate the current driven kink instability of flux tubes in the solar interior both with a linear stability analysis and with nonlinear MHD simulations. The linear analysis shows that there is a critical twist, which depends on the axial magnetic field profile, that a flux tube needs to become kink unstable. This critical twist decreases as the tube expands, so twisted flux tubes will become increasingly unstable as they rise through the convection zone. The nonlinear simulations show that a twisted tube excited by a single unstable kink mode will evolve to a helical equilibrium state. The emergence through the photosphere of such a kinked tube would create an active region which was tilted with respect to Hale's law and which would rotate as it evolved, as δ-spots are observed to do. We then find that, when excited by multiple unstable kink modes, highly twisted flux tubes develop concentrated kinks. These concentrated kinks would produce more of the observed characteristics of δ-spot active regions. They would create active regions which, in addition to emerging tilted and then rotating, would remain compact as they evolved, and develop strong shear along their magnetic neutral line. Finally, we find that a strong concentrated kink develops a current sheet at which the magnetic field reconnects, which may be the cause of the high flare activity of δ-spots.

Mouthing activity data for children aged 7 to 35 months old in Taiwan

PubMed Central

Tsou, Ming-Chien; Özkaynak, Halûk; Beamer, Paloma; Dang, Winston; Hsi, Hsing-Cheng; Jiang, Chuen-Bin; Chien, Ling-Chu

2015-01-01

Young children’s mouthing activities thought to be among the most important exposure pathways. Unfortunately, mouthing activity studies have only been conducted in a few countries. In the current study, we used videotaping and computer-based translating method to obtain mouthing activity data for 66 children aged 7 to 35 months old in Taiwan. The median indoor hand-to-mouth and object-to-mouth frequencies were 8.91 and 11.39 contacts h−1, respectively. The median indoor hand-to-mouth and object-to-mouth hourly contact durations were 0.34 and 0.46 min h−1, respectively. The indoor object-to-mouth activities were significantly and negatively correlated with age. Children aged 12 to <24 months in the current study had lower indoor hand-to-mouth and object-to-mouth frequencies than children of same age group in the United States. We also found that indoor mouthing duration with pacifier was significantly and negatively correlated with indoor mouthing duration with other non-dietary objects. The results of the current study indicate that the mouthing behaviors might be different between different countries or populations with different ethnic or lifestyle characteristics. We conclude that using hand-to-mouth frequency values from the current literature may not be most reliable for estimating non-dietary exposures of young children living in Taiwan or even in other similar Asian countries. PMID:25027450

Current Sensor Fault Reconstruction for PMSM Drives

PubMed Central

Huang, Gang; Luo, Yi-Ping; Zhang, Chang-Fan; He, Jing; Huang, Yi-Shan

2016-01-01

This paper deals with a current sensor fault reconstruction algorithm for the torque closed-loop drive system of an interior PMSM. First, sensor faults are equated to actuator ones by a new introduced state variable. Then, in αβ coordinates, based on the motor model with active flux linkage, a current observer is constructed with a specific sliding mode equivalent control methodology to eliminate the effects of unknown disturbances, and the phase current sensor faults are reconstructed by means of an adaptive method. Finally, an αβ axis current fault processing module is designed based on the reconstructed value. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by simulation and experimental tests on the RT-LAB platform. PMID:26840317

Physiological and neural correlates of worry and rumination: Support for the contrast avoidance model of worry.

PubMed

Steinfurth, Elisa C K; Alius, Manuela G; Wendt, Julia; Hamm, Alfons O

2017-02-01

The current experiments tested neural and physiological correlates of worry and rumination in comparison to thinking about neutral events. According to the avoidance model-stating that worry is a strategy to reduce intense emotions-physiological and neurobiological activity during worried thinking should not differ from activation during neutral thinking. According to the contrast avoidance model-stating that worry is a strategy to reduce abrupt shifts of emotions-activity should be increased. To test these competing models, we induced worry and neutral thinking in healthy participants using personal topics. A rumination condition was added to investigate the specificity of changes induced by the mental process. Two experiments were conducted assessing the effects on different response levels: (1) neural activation using fMRI, and (2) physiological response mobilization using startle and autonomic measures. During worry, participants showed a potentiated startle response and BOLD activity indicative of emotional network activation. These data partly support the contrast avoidance model of worry. Both mental processes showed elevated activity in a common network referred to as default network indicating self-referential activity. © 2016 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Endogenous channels in HEK cells and potential roles in HCN ionic current measurements.

PubMed

Varghese, Anthony; Tenbroek, Erica M; Coles, James; Sigg, Daniel C

2006-01-01

A transformed line of human embryonic kidney epithelial cells (HEK 293) is commonly used as an expression system for exogenous ion channel genes. Previously, it has been shown that these cells contain mRNAs for a variety of ion channels. Expression of some of these genes has been confirmed at the protein level. Patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments confirm the presence of multiple ion channels and molecular data agree with pharmacological profiles of identified channels. In this work, we show that endogenous voltage-gated potassium channels in HEK cells are a significant source of outward current at positive potentials. We show that both non-transfected HEK cells and HEK cells transfected with hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide gated (HCN) channels have a significant amount of voltage-gated potassium (K(V)) current when certain tail current voltage-clamp protocols are used to assay HCN current activation. Specifically, tail current protocols that use a depolarized holding potential of -40 mV followed by hyperpolarizing pulses (-80 to -140 mV) and then a tail pulse potential of +20 mV indicate K(V) channels undergo closed-state inactivation at the more depolarized holding potential of -40 mV, followed by recovery from inactivation (but no activation) at hyperpolarizing potentials and high amount of activation at the positive tail potential. Our results indicate that pulse protocols with positive tail pulses are inaccurate assays for HCN current in certain HEK cells. Surprisingly, HEK-293 cells were found to contain mRNA for HCN2 and HCN3 although we have not detected a significant and consistent endogenous I(f)-like current in these cells.

A state-of-the-art assessment of active structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

A state-of-the-art assessment of active structures with emphasis towards the applications in aeronautics and space is presented. It is felt that since this technology area is growing at such a rapid pace in many different disciplines, it is not feasible to cover all of the current research but only the relevant work as relates to aeronautics and space. Research in smart actuation materials, smart sensors, and control of smart/intelligent structures is covered. In smart actuation materials, piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, shape memory, electrorheological, and electrostrictive materials are covered. For sensory materials, fiber optics, dielectric loss, and piezoelectric sensors are examined. Applications of embedded sensors and smart sensors are discussed.

In search of a consensus model of the resting state of a voltage-sensing domain.

PubMed

Vargas, Ernesto; Bezanilla, Francisco; Roux, Benoît

2011-12-08

Voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) undergo conformational changes in response to the membrane potential and are the critical structural modules responsible for the activation of voltage-gated channels. Structural information about the key conformational states underlying voltage activation is currently incomplete. Through the use of experimentally determined residue-residue interactions as structural constraints, we determine and refine a model of the Kv channel VSD in the resting conformation. The resulting structural model is in broad agreement with results that originate from various labs using different techniques, indicating the emergence of a consensus for the structural basis of voltage sensing. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Triggering up states in all-to-all coupled neurons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ngo, H.-V. V.; Köhler, J.; Mayer, J.; Claussen, J. C.; Schuster, H. G.

2010-03-01

Slow-wave sleep in mammalians is characterized by a change of large-scale cortical activity currently paraphrased as cortical Up/Down states. A recent experiment demonstrated a bistable collective behaviour in ferret slices, with the remarkable property that the Up states can be switched on and off with pulses, or excitations, of same polarity; whereby the effect of the second pulse significantly depends on the time interval between the pulses. Here we present a simple time-discrete model of a neural network that exhibits this type of behaviour, as well as quantitatively reproduces the time dependence found in the experiments.

Federalism and social justice: implications for social work.

PubMed

Linhorst, Donald M

2002-07-01

Federalism is a system of government that divides power between two or more levels of government. During the current conservative political climate in the United States, power has shifted increasingly from the federal government to states, a move that has implications for the achievement of social justice. Consequently, it is now necessary for social workers to engage in political activity at the state and local levels, in addition to the federal level, to promote social justice. Implications for social work policy practice, research, and education for advancing social justice within the federal system of government are explored.

Fabrication, testing and simulation of all solid state three dimensional Li-ion batteries

DOE PAGES

Talin, Albert Alec; Ruzmetov, Dmitry; Kolmakov, Andrei; ...

2016-11-10

Realization of safe, long cycle life and simple to package solid-state rechargeable batteries with high energy and power density has been a long-standing goal of the energy storage community. [1,2] Much of the research activity has been focused on developing new solid electrolytes with high Li ionic conductivity. In addition, LiPON, the only solid electrolyte currently used in commercial thin film solid state Li-ion batteris (SSLIBs), has a conductivity of ~10 -6 S/cm, compared to ~0.01 S/cm typically observed for liquid organic electrolytes [3].

78 FR 39295 - Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-01

... standardized and readily accessible source of data, the CDC EHDI program developed a survey to be used annually... Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs with quality improvement activities and provide information that... or the current system from the Directors of Speech and Language Programs in State Health and Welfare...

Antibacterial activity of plant defensins against alfalfa crown rot pathogens

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the fourth most widely grown crop in the United States. Alfalfa crown rot is a disease complex that severely decreases alfalfa stand density and productivity in all alfalfa-producing areas. Currently, there are no viable methods of disease control. Plant defensins are sm...

Prebiotics and the absorption of minerals: a review of experimental and human data

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Dietary factors, including calcium and vitamin D intake, absorption, and status, lifestyle factors including physical activity, and genetics interact to determine peak bone mass. The current recommended dietary intake of calcium (adequate intake, AI) of 1300 mg/day in the United States for adolescen...

75 FR 6202 - Notice of Open Meeting of the Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-08

... funding environmental programs, projects, and activities. The purpose of the meeting is to hear from... progress with work projects under EFAB's current Strategic Action Agenda. Environmental Finance topics... Reduction; Innovative Financing Tools, and State Revolving Fund Investment Options. The meeting is open to...

75 FR 68583 - Medicaid; Federal Funding for Medicaid Eligibility Determination and Enrollment Activities

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-08

... Medicaid Management Information Systems (MMISs) meet certain defined standards and conditions in terms of.... Background A. The Current State of the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) A Medicaid management... Medicaid claims from providers and to retrieve and produce utilization data and management information...

Virtual Reality and Cyberspace: From Science Fiction to Science Fact.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stone, Robert J.

1991-01-01

Traces the history of virtual reality (VR), or cyberspace, and describes some of the research and development efforts currently being carried out in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. Applications of VR in interactive computer-aided design (CAD), the military, leisure activities, spaceflight, teleconferencing, and medicine are…

Cytotoxicity of ethanolic extracts of Artemisia annua to Molt-4 human leukemia cells

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cancer is the second cause of death in the United States, and current treatment is expensive and kills also healthy cells. Affordable alternatives that kill only cancer cells are needed. Artemisinin, extracted from the Artemisia annua, has potent anticancer activity and low toxicity to normal cell...

Understanding Our American Economy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Glen T.; Nelson, Ray D.

This handbook of economics reviews current economic activities in the United States, encouraging thinking and further study for the reader, rather than providing answers. The book provides a basic framework of knowledge in economics for a better informed citizenry to think clearly and objectively about economic issues in an attempt to combat…

78 FR 30954 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Driver...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-23

... each driver must be made available to State and Federal safety investigators on demand. This request... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA 2013... Qualification Files AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request...

From Reproduction to Construction: Bhutanese Higher Education Students' Attitudes towards Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stacy, Ivan; Bennett, Cathryn B.

2017-01-01

The rationale for the study is the developing state of Bhutanese higher education, and Bhutanese students' current tendency to employ reproductive learning strategies. This research therefore aims to determine whether using non-linear, semi-autonomous learning activities encourages Bhutanese students to adopt constructivist attitudes towards…

Educational Systems for Operators of Water Pollution Control Facilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Austin, John H., Ed.; Kesler, John, Ed.

Several of the articles from this conference concern current activities of federal, state, and municipal governments, of universities and community colleges, and of industry in wastewater treatment plant operator training. The rest of the articles deal with instructional technology, explaining different facets of it and showing how it may be…

78 FR 78788 - Nondiscrimination in Programs or Activities Conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-27

... require that OASCR offer ADR services to complainants where appropriate. This amendment is intended to...'s Blueprint for Stronger Service. Offering ADR will expand the use of techniques currently applied... of agency program users. Alternative Dispute Resolution Services Offered to Program Complainants The...

Down-regulation of E protein activity augments an ILC2 differentiation program in the thymus

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are important regulators in various immune responses. Current paradigm states that all newly-made ILCs originate from common lymphoid progenitors (CLP) in the bone marrow. Id2, an inhibitor of E protein transcription factors, is indispensable for ILC differentiation. Une...

Nuclear Strategy and World Order: The United States Imperative.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beres, Louis Rene

The current U.S. nuclear strategy goes beyond the legitimate objective of survivable strategic forces to active preparation for nuclear war. The Reagan administration strategy rejects minimum deterrence and prepares for a nuclear war that might be protracted and controlled. The strategy reflects the understanding that a combination of counterforce…

Cable Television for Librarians.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kenney, Brigitte L., Ed.

1973-01-01

In September 1972, a federally-funded 3-day institute was held, under the auspices of the Drexel University Graduate School of Library Science, to acquaint librarians from local State and Regional public libraries with current developments in the cable television field as they affect library planning and activities. The program utilized several…

78 FR 34134 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-06

... action to submit an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and... Materials and Environmental Management Programs Requests to Agreement States for Information. 2. Current OMB... technology? The public may examine and have copied for a fee publicly available documents, including the...

Putting the Politics of Research with Animals in Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horton, Larry

1988-01-01

A discussion of the relationship of politics and the welfare of research animals looks at the nineteenth-century history of the issue, current activism in Europe, recent legislative and political action in the United States, and the position of the biomedical community, and provides guidelines for political action. (MSE)

77 FR 71018 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-28

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention [OMB Number 1121-0224...: National Youth Gang Survey AGENCY: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice... Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of...

Think Globally and Act Locally.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alger, Chadwick F.

1985-01-01

Suggests ways teachers can involve themselves and their students in local action as a means of furthering effective and practical global education. Considers possible barriers related to the ideology of the state system, and current breakthroughs, e.g., the nuclear freeze movement, anti-apartheid activism, and the sanctuary movement for Salvadoran…

The camper

Treesearch

Gerald L. Cole; Bruce T. Wilkins

1971-01-01

Camping is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States. The role of public agencies in providing camping opportunities is outlined. A profile of socioeconomic characteristics of campers is discussed, together with some of the reasons why they camp. Management implications are offered for public-agency personnel, based upon current...

BIOMASS AND NUTRIENT DYNAMICS OF RESTORED NEOTROPICAL FORESTS

Treesearch

ARIEL E. LUGO; WHENDEE L. SILVER; SANDRA MOLINA COLON

2004-01-01

Restoring species-rich tropical forests is an important activity because it helps mitigate land deforestation and degradation. However, scientific understanding of the ecological processes responsible for forest restoration is poor. We review the literature to synthesize the current state of understanding of tropical forest restoration from a biogeochemical point of...

Wisconsin's Drug Laws and Enforcement. Staff Brief 89-1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matthias, Mary

This document provides information on current Wisconsin statutes and state-level activities relating to the enforcement of controlled substances laws, including assistance provided to local law enforcement agencies. Part I of this document describes the Uniform Controlled Substances Act as enacted by Wisconsin, other statutes which may be used to…

Resource Guide of American Indian and Alaska Native Women, 1980.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Owanah P., Comp.; Verble, Sedelta D., Comp.

A resource listing of 678 prominent American Indian and Alaska Native women representing 159 tribes throughout the United States provides the following information: name, address, date and place of birth, tribal membership, field of interest, current occupation, Indian activities, women's advocacy, educational background and professional interest.…

Report to Congress fourteenth annual report of accomplishments under the Airport Improvement Program : fiscal year 1995

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-12-01

This annual report of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for the fiscal year (FY) ending September 30, 1995, is the 14th report of activity required by Section 47131 of Title 49, United States Code. The current grant program, known as the Airport ...

Guidelines for Health Services for Migrant Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strazicich, Mirko, Ed.

This publication provides a standard by which California migrant education health staff can plan, implement, and evaluate a health program for students in grades K-12. Following sections which describe current state legislation, the need for health services, and California's objectives and activities regarding health services for migrant students…

United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) 2008 Annual Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

enthusiastic about the potential offered by AIT. The DOD currently has the largest active RFID ( aRFID ) system in the world. It provides the ability...to develop the satellite tracking business case for those situations where the aRFID infrastructure is less robust or nonexistent. USTRANSCOM is also

Nitrogen Saturation in Temperate Forest Ecosystems

Treesearch

John Aber; William McDowell; Knute Nadelhoffer; Alison Magill; Glenn Berntson; Mark Kamakea; Steven McNulty; William Currie; Lindsey Rustad; Ivan Fernandez

1998-01-01

Nitrogen emissions to the atmosphere due to human activity remain elevated in industrialized regions of the world and are accelerating in many developing regions (Galloway 1995). Although the deposition of sulfur has been reduced over much of the United States and Europe by aggressive environmental protection policies, current nitrogen deposition reduction targets in...

78 FR 18323 - Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment of the Proposed United...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-26

... Proposed United States Regional Climate Reference Network (USRCRN) AGENCY: National Weather Service (NWS..., is proposing to implement, operate, and manage a USRCRN. With other climate monitoring efforts..., high-quality climate data for use in climate-monitoring activities and for placing current climate...

Active nursery projects at the Missoula Technology and Development Center

Treesearch

Brian Vachowski

2005-01-01

The USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) provides technical expertise, new equipment prototypes, and technology transfer services to Federal, State, and cooperator forest tree seedling nursery managers. Current projects at MTDC include a nursery soil moisture meter, remote data collection systems, low cost weather stations, soil...

Mapping Catalytically Relevant Edge Electronic States of MoS2

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenide that is known to be a catalyst for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as well as for hydro-desulfurization (HDS) of sulfur-rich hydrocarbon fuels. Specifically, the edges of MoS2 nanostructures are known to be far more catalytically active as compared to unmodified basal planes. However, in the absence of the precise details of the geometric and electronic structure of the active catalytic sites, a rational means of modulating edge reactivity remain to be developed. Here we demonstrate using first-principles calculations, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, as well as scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) imaging that edge corrugations yield distinctive spectroscopic signatures corresponding to increased localization of hybrid Mo 4d states. Independent spectroscopic signatures of such edge states are identified at both the S L2,3 and S K-edges with distinctive spatial localization of such states observed in S L2,3-edge STXM imaging. The presence of such low-energy hybrid states at the edge of the conduction band is seen to correlate with substantially enhanced electrocatalytic activity in terms of a lower Tafel slope and higher exchange current density. These results elucidate the nature of the edge electronic structure and provide a clear framework for its rational manipulation to enhance catalytic activity. PMID:29721532

Disentangling Depression and Distress Networks in the Tinnitus Brain

PubMed Central

Joos, Kathleen; Vanneste, Sven; De Ridder, Dirk

2012-01-01

Tinnitus is the continuous perception of an internal auditory stimulus. This permanent sound often affects a person's emotional state inducing distress and depressive feelings changes in 6–25% of the affected population. Distress and depression are two distinct emotional states. Whereas distress describes a transient aversive state, interfering with a person's ability to adequately adapt to stressors, depressive feelings should rather be considered as a more constant emotional state. Based on previous observations in chronic pain, posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, we assume that both states are related to separate neural circuits. We used the Dutch version of the Tinnitus Questionnaire to assess the global index of distress together with the Beck Depression Inventory to evaluate the depressive symptoms accompanying tinnitus. Furthermore sLORETA analysis was performed to correlate current density distribution with distress and depression scores, revealing a lateralization effect of depression versus distress. Distress is mainly correlated with alpha 2, beta 1 and beta 2 activity of the right frontopolar cortex and orbitofrontal cortex in combination with beta 2 activation of the anterior cingulate cortex. In contrast, the more permanent depressive alterations induced by tinnitus are associated with activity of alpha 2 activity in the left frontopolar and orbitofrontal cortex. These specific neural circuits are embedded in a greater neural network, with the parahippocampal region functioning as a crucial linkage between both tinnitus related pathways. PMID:22808188

Blueberry Opposes β-Amyloid Peptide-Induced Microglial Activation Via Inhibition of p44/42 Mitogen-Activation Protein Kinase

PubMed Central

Zhu, Yuyan; Bickford, Paula C.; Sanberg, Paul; Giunta, Brian

2008-01-01

Abstract Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common age-related dementia, with a current prevalence in excess of five million individuals in the United States. The aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) into fibrillar amyloid plaques is a key pathological event in the development of the disease. Microglial proinflammatory activation is widely known to cause neuronal and synaptic damage that correlates with cognitive impairment in AD. However, current pharmacological attempts at reducing neuroinflammation mediated via microglial activation have been largely negative in terms of slowing AD progression. Previously, we have shown that microglia express proinflammatory cytokines and a reduced capacity to phagocytose Aβ in the context of CD40, Aβ peptides and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, a phenomenon that can be opposed by attenuation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Other groups have found that blueberry (BB) extract both inhibits phosphorylation of this MAPK module and also improves cognitive deficits in AD model mice. Given these considerations and the lack of reduced Aβ quantities in behaviorally improved BB-fed mice, we wished to determine whether BB supplementation would alter the microglial proinflammatory activation state in response to Aβ. We found that BB significantly enhances microglial clearance of Aβ, inhibits aggregation of Aβ1–42, and suppresses microglial activation, all via suppression of the p44/42 MAPK module. Thus, these data may explain the previously observed behavioral recovery in PSAPP mice and suggest a means by which dietary supplementation could mitigate an undesirable microglial response toward fibrillar Aβ. PMID:18789000

Spray-painted binder-free SnSe electrodes for high-performance energy-storage devices.

PubMed

Wang, Xianfu; Liu, Bin; Xiang, Qingyi; Wang, Qiufan; Hou, Xiaojuan; Chen, Di; Shen, Guozhen

2014-01-01

SnSe nanocrystal electrodes on three-dimensional (3D) carbon fabric and Au-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wafer have been prepared by a simple spray-painting process and were further investigated as binder-free active-electrodes for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and flexible stacked all-solid-state supercapacitors. The as-painted SnSe nanocrystals/carbon fabric electrodes exhibit an outstanding capacity of 676 mAh g(-1) after 80 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g(-1) and a considerable high-rate capability in lithium storage because of the excellent ion transport from the electrolyte to the active materials and the efficient charge transport between current collector and electrode materials. The binder-free electrodes also provide a larger electrochemical active surface compared with electrodes containing binders, which leads to the enhanced capacities of energy-storage devices. A flexible stacked all-solid-state supercapacitor based on the SnSe nanocrystals on Au-coated PET wafers shows high capacitance reversibility with little performance degradation at different current densities after 2200 charge-discharge cycles and even when bent. This allows for many potential applications in facile, cost-effective, spray-paintable, and flexible energy-storage devices. The results indicate that the fabrication of binder-free electrodes by a spray painting process is an interesting direction for the preparation of high-performance energy-storage devices. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Blockade of HERG human K+ channels and IKr of guinea-pig cardiomyocytes by the antipsychotic drug clozapine.

PubMed

Lee, So-Young; Kim, Young-Jin; Kim, Kyong-Tai; Choe, Han; Jo, Su-Hyun

2006-06-01

Clozapine, a commonly used antipsychotic drug, can induce QT prolongation, which may lead to torsades de pointes and sudden death. To investigate the arrhythmogenic side effects of clozapine, we studied the impact of clozapine on human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes and HEK293 cells, and on the delayed rectifier K(+) currents of guinea-pig cardiomyocytes. Clozapine dose-dependently decreased the amplitudes of the currents at the end of voltage steps, and the tail currents of HERG. The IC(50) for the clozapine blockade of HERG currents in Xenopus oocytes progressively decreased relative to depolarization (39.9 microM at -40 mV, 28.3 microM at 0 mV and 22.9 microM at +40 mV), whereas the IC(50) for the clozapine-induced blockade of HERG currents in HEK293 cells at 36 degrees C was 2.5 microM at +20 mV. The clozapine-induced blockade of HERG currents was time dependent: the fractional current was 0.903 of the control at the beginning of the pulse, but declined to 0.412 after 4 s at a test potential of 0 mV. The clozapine-induced blockade of HERG currents was use-dependent, exhibiting more rapid onset and greater steady state blockade at higher frequencies of activation, with a partial relief of blockade observed when the frequency of activation was decreased. In guinea-pig ventricular myocytes held at 36 degrees C, treatment with 1 and 5 microM clozapine blocked the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(Kr)) by 24.7 and 79.6%, respectively, but did not significantly block the slowly activating delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(Ks)). Our findings collectively suggest that blockade of HERG currents and I(Kr), but not I(Ks), may contribute to the arrhythmogenic side effects of clozapine.

Blockade of HERG human K+ channels and IKr of guinea-pig cardiomyocytes by the antipsychotic drug clozapine

PubMed Central

Lee, So-Young; Kim, Young-Jin; Kim, Kyong-Tai; Choe, Han; Jo, Su-Hyun

2006-01-01

Clozapine, a commonly used antipsychotic drug, can induce QT prolongation, which may lead to torsades de pointes and sudden death. To investigate the arrhythmogenic side effects of clozapine, we studied the impact of clozapine on human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes and HEK293 cells, and on the delayed rectifier K+ currents of guinea-pig cardiomyocytes. Clozapine dose-dependently decreased the amplitudes of the currents at the end of voltage steps, and the tail currents of HERG. The IC50 for the clozapine blockade of HERG currents in Xenopus oocytes progressively decreased relative to depolarization (39.9 μM at −40 mV, 28.3 μM at 0 mV and 22.9 μM at +40 mV), whereas the IC50 for the clozapine-induced blockade of HERG currents in HEK293 cells at 36°C was 2.5 μM at +20 mV. The clozapine-induced blockade of HERG currents was time dependent: the fractional current was 0.903 of the control at the beginning of the pulse, but declined to 0.412 after 4 s at a test potential of 0 mV. The clozapine-induced blockade of HERG currents was use-dependent, exhibiting more rapid onset and greater steady state blockade at higher frequencies of activation, with a partial relief of blockade observed when the frequency of activation was decreased. In guinea-pig ventricular myocytes held at 36°C, treatment with 1 and 5 μM clozapine blocked the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) by 24.7 and 79.6%, respectively, but did not significantly block the slowly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKs). Our findings collectively suggest that blockade of HERG currents and IKr, but not IKs, may contribute to the arrhythmogenic side effects of clozapine. PMID:16633353

Science at the policy interface: volcano-monitoring technologies and volcanic hazard management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donovan, Amy; Oppenheimer, Clive; Bravo, Michael

2012-07-01

This paper discusses results from a survey of volcanologists carried out on the Volcano Listserv during late 2008 and early 2009. In particular, it examines the status of volcano monitoring technologies and their relative perceived value at persistently and potentially active volcanoes. It also examines the role of different types of knowledge in hazard assessment on active volcanoes, as reported by scientists engaged in this area, and interviewees with experience from the current eruption on Montserrat. Conclusions are drawn about the current state of monitoring and the likely future research directions, and also about the roles of expertise and experience in risk assessment on active volcanoes; while local knowledge is important, it must be balanced with fresh ideas and expertise in a combination of disciplines to produce an advisory context that is conducive to high-level scientific discussion.

Applying value stream mapping techniques to eliminate non-value-added waste for the procurement of endovascular stents.

PubMed

Teichgräber, Ulf K; de Bucourt, Maximilian

2012-01-01

OJECTIVES: To eliminate non-value-adding (NVA) waste for the procurement of endovascular stents in interventional radiology services by applying value stream mapping (VSM). The Lean manufacturing technique was used to analyze the process of material and information flow currently required to direct endovascular stents from external suppliers to patients. Based on a decision point analysis for the procurement of stents in the hospital, a present state VSM was drawn. After assessment of the current status VSM and progressive elimination of unnecessary NVA waste, a future state VSM was drawn. The current state VSM demonstrated that out of 13 processes for the procurement of stents only 2 processes were value-adding. Out of the NVA processes 5 processes were unnecessary NVA activities, which could be eliminated. The decision point analysis demonstrated that the procurement of stents was mainly a forecast driven push system. The future state VSM applies a pull inventory control system to trigger the movement of a unit after withdrawal by using a consignment stock. VSM is a visualization tool for the supply chain and value stream, based on the Toyota Production System and greatly assists in successfully implementing a Lean system. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Radon Control Activities for Lung Cancer Prevention in National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Plans, 2005–2011

PubMed Central

Stewart, Sherri L.; Angell, William

2013-01-01

Introduction Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer among smokers and the leading cause among nonsmokers. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends that every home be tested for radon. Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) programs develop cancer coalitions that coordinate funding and resources to focus on cancer activities that are recorded in cancer plans. Radon tests, remediation, and radon mitigation techniques are relatively inexpensive, but it is unclear whether coalitions recognize radon as an important carcinogen. Methods We reviewed 65 cancer plans created from 2005 through 2011 for the terms “radon,” “radiation,” or “lung.” Plan activities were categorized as radon awareness, home testing, remediation, supporting radon policy activities, or policy evaluation. We also reviewed each CCC program’s most recent progress report. Cancer plan content was reviewed to assess alignment with existing radon-specific policies in each state. Results Twenty-seven of the plans reviewed (42%) had radon-specific terminology. Improving awareness of radon was included in all 27 plans; also included were home testing (n = 21), remediation (n = 11), support radon policy activities (n = 13), and policy evaluation (n = 1). Three plans noted current engagement in radon activities. Thirty states had radon-specific laws; most (n = 21) were related to radon professional licensure. Eleven states had cancer plan activities that aligned with existing state radon laws. Conclusion Although several states have radon-specific policies, approximately half of cancer coalitions may not be aware of radon as a public health issue. CCC-developed cancer coalitions and plans should prioritize tobacco control to address lung cancer but should consider addressing radon through partnership with existing radon control programs. PMID:23928457

Local and Global Resting State Activity in the Noradrenergic and Dopaminergic Pathway Modulated by Reboxetine and Amisulpride in Healthy Subjects

PubMed Central

Wiegers, Maike; Walter, Martin; Abler, Birgit; Graf, Heiko

2016-01-01

Background: Various psychiatric populations are currently investigated with resting state fMRI, with the aim of individualizing diagnostics and treatment options and improving treatment outcomes. Many of these studies are conducted in large naturalistic samples, providing rich insights regarding disease-related neural alterations, but with the common psychopharmacological medication limiting interpretations of the results. We therefore investigated the effects of common noradrenergic and anti-dopaminergic medications on local and global resting state activity (rs-activity) in healthy volunteers to further the understanding of the respective effects independent from disease-related alterations. Methods: Within a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, we investigated 19 healthy male subjects by resting state fMRI after the intake of reboxetine (4mg/d), amisulpride (200mg/d), and placebo for 7 days each. Treatment-related differences in local and global rs-activity were measured by the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC). Results: fALFF revealed alterations of local rs-activity within regions of the core noradrenergic pathway, including the locus coeruleus under reboxetine, correlated with its plasma levels. Moreover, reboxetine led to increased rs-FC between regions within this pathway, i.e. the locus coeruleus, tectum, thalamus, and amygdala. Amisulpride modulated local rs-activity of regions within the dopaminergic pathway, with the altered signal in the putamen correlating with amisulpride plasma levels. Correspondingly, amisulpride increased rs-FC between regions of the dopaminergic pathway comprising the substantia nigra and putamen. Conclusion: Our data provide evidence of how psychopharmacological agents alter local and global rs-activity within the respective neuroanatomical pathways in healthy subjects, which may help with interpreting data in psychiatric populations. PMID:26209860

Generation of action potentials in a mathematical model of corticotrophs.

PubMed Central

LeBeau, A P; Robson, A B; McKinnon, A E; Donald, R A; Sneyd, J

1997-01-01

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is an important regulator of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion from pituitary corticotroph cells. The intracellular signaling system that underlies this process involves modulation of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel activity, which leads to the generation of Ca2+ action potentials and influx of Ca2+. However, the mechanisms by which Ca2+ channel activity is modulated in corticotrophs are not currently known. We investigated this process in a Hodgkin-Huxley-type mathematical model of corticotroph plasma membrane electrical responses. We found that an increase in the L-type Ca2+ current was sufficient to generate action potentials from a previously resting state of the model. The increase in the L-type current could be elicited by either a shift in the voltage dependence of the current toward more negative potentials, or by an increase in the conductance of the current. Although either of these mechanisms is potentially responsible for the generation of action potentials, previous experimental evidence favors the former mechanism, with the magnitude of the shift required being consistent with the experimental findings. The model also shows that the T-type Ca2+ current plays a role in setting the excitability of the plasma membrane, but does not appear to contribute in a dynamic manner to action potential generation. Inhibition of a K+ conductance that is active at rest also affects the excitability of the plasma membrane. PMID:9284294

Changes in basal ganglia processing of cortical input following magnetic stimulation in Parkinsonism.

PubMed

Tischler, Hadass; Moran, Anan; Belelovsky, Katya; Bronfeld, Maya; Korngreen, Alon; Bar-Gad, Izhar

2012-12-01

Parkinsonism is associated with major changes in neuronal activity throughout the cortico-basal ganglia loop. Current measures quantify changes in baseline neuronal and network activity but do not capture alterations in information propagation throughout the system. Here, we applied a novel non-invasive magnetic stimulation approach using a custom-made mini-coil that enabled us to study transmission of neuronal activity throughout the cortico-basal ganglia loop in both normal and parkinsonian primates. By magnetically perturbing cortical activity while simultaneously recording neuronal responses along the cortico-basal ganglia loop, we were able to directly investigate modifications in descending cortical activity transmission. We found that in both the normal and parkinsonian states, cortical neurons displayed similar multi-phase firing rate modulations in response to magnetic stimulation. However, in the basal ganglia, large synaptically driven stereotypic neuronal modulation was present in the parkinsonian state that was mostly absent in the normal state. The stimulation-induced neuronal activity pattern highlights the change in information propagation along the cortico-basal ganglia loop. Our findings thus point to the role of abnormal dynamic activity transmission rather than changes in baseline activity as a major component in parkinsonian pathophysiology. Moreover, our results hint that the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in human patients of different disorders may result in different neuronal effects than the one induced in normal subjects. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Salt-Doped Polymer Light-Emitting Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gautier, Bathilde

Polymer Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells (PLECs) are solid state devices based on the in situ electrochemical doping of the luminescent polymer and the formation of a p-n junction where light is emitted upon the application of a bias current or voltage. PLECs answer the drawbacks of polymer light-emitting diodes as they do not require an ultra-thin active layer nor are they reliant on low work function cathode materials that are air unstable. However, because of the dynamic nature of the doping, they suffer from slow response times and poor stability over time. Frozen-junction PLECs offer a solution to these drawbacks, yet they are impractical due to their sub-ambient operation temperature requirement. Our work presented henceforth aims to achieve room temperature frozen-junction PLECS. In order to do that we removed the ion solvating/transporting polymer from the active layer, resulting in a luminescent polymer combined solely with a salt sandwiched between an ITO electrode and an aluminum electrode. The resulting device was not expected to operate like a PLEC due to the absence of an ion-solvating and ion-transporting medium. However, we discovered that the polymer/salt devices could be activated by applying a large voltage bias, resulting in much higher current and luminance. More important, the activated state is quasi static. Devices based on the well-known orange-emitting polymer MEH-PPV displayed a luminance storage half-life of 150 hours when activated by forward bias (ITO biased positively with respect to the aluminum) and 200 hours when activated by reverse bias. More remarkable yet, devices based on a green co-polymer displayed no notable decay in current density or luminance even after being stored for 1200 hours at room temperature! PL imaging under UV excitation demonstrates the presence of doping. These devices are described herein along with an explanation of their operating mechanisms.

Glutamate receptor activation in the kindled dentate gyrus.

PubMed

Behr, J; Heinemann, U; Mody, I

2000-01-01

The contribution of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and kainate receptor activation to the enhanced seizure susceptibility of the dentate gyrus was investigated in an experimental model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Using the specific NMDA and AMPA receptor antagonists D-APV and SYM 2206, we examined alterations in glutamate receptor-dependent synaptic currents 48 hours and 28 days after kindling in field-potential and voltage-clamp recordings. Forty-eight hours after kindling, the fractions of AMPA and NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic current components shifted dramatically in favor of the NMDA receptor-mediated response. Four weeks after kindling, however, AMPA and NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents reverted to control-like values. Neither single nor repetitive perforant path stimuli evoked kainate receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents in dentate gyrus granule cells of control or kindled rats. The enhanced excitability of the kindled dentate gyrus 48 hours after the last seizure most likely results from transiently enhanced NMDA receptor activation. The NMDA receptor seems to play a critical role in the induction of the kindled state rather than in the persistence of the enhanced seizure susceptibility.

A Comparison of Nonlinear Filters for Orbit Determination and Estimation

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-06-01

Com- mand uses a nonlinear least squares filter for element set maintenance for all objects orbiting the Earth (3). These objects, including active...initial state vector is the singularly averaged classical orbital element set provided by SPACECOM/DOA. The state vector in this research consists of...GSF (G) - - 26.0 36.7 GSF(A) 32.1 77.4 38.8 59.6 The Air Force Space Command is responsible for main- taining current orbital element sets for about

United States Military Theorists: A Study of Patrons and Interests

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-21

fit. As Jomini contends, a general whose genius and hands are tied by an Aulic council, five hundred miles distant, cannot be a match for one who...marketing of exports, and otherwise promote a business climate conducive to profitable activities.31 This is both a boon and a danger for the United States...broadly enough to attune it to the current climate of foreign policy. This balancing is resident in Cebrowski’s theory with its links to key

A Cost-Benefit Analysis for Revision and Reimplementation of the Office Paper Recycling Program at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-01

whether they will accept out-of- state waste. Residents of these states complain that they are becoming a dumping ground . Without legislation, these...reducing paper coffee cups or mandating two-sided copying, not only save money but are perceived by the population as a job well done. F. CURRENT...reduction, recycling and composting activities. Under some conditions, these goals can be modified. These conditions are fairly specific. First, the

Multiphoton writing of three-dimensional fluidic channels within a porous matrix.

PubMed

Lee, Jyh-Tsung; George, Matthew C; Moore, Jeffrey S; Braun, Paul V

2009-08-19

We demonstrate a facile method for fabricating novel 3D microfluidic channels by using two-photon-activated chemistry to locally switch the interior surface of a porous host from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state. The 3D structures can be infilled selectively with water and/or hydrophobic oil with a minimum feature size of only a few micrometers. We envision that this approach may enable the fabrication of complex microfluidic structures that cannot be easily formed via current technologies.

Education Reforms: Promoting Flexibility and Innovation. Hearing before the Committee on Education and the Workforce. U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session (April 7, 2011). Serial Number 112-17

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US House of Representatives, 2011

2011-01-01

Over the last several months, the Committee on Education and the Workforce has been actively examining the current state of education in the nation. Everyone has listened to state and local leaders who are working to improve the quality of education the children receive. Through a series of hearings, they have heard stories of both challenges and…

Transition probabilities of health states for workers in Malaysia using a Markov chain model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samsuddin, Shamshimah; Ismail, Noriszura

2017-04-01

The aim of our study is to estimate the transition probabilities of health states for workers in Malaysia who contribute to the Employment Injury Scheme under the Social Security Organization Malaysia using the Markov chain model. Our study uses four states of health (active, temporary disability, permanent disability and death) based on the data collected from the longitudinal studies of workers in Malaysia for 5 years. The transition probabilities vary by health state, age and gender. The results show that men employees are more likely to have higher transition probabilities to any health state compared to women employees. The transition probabilities can be used to predict the future health of workers in terms of a function of current age, gender and health state.

Evaluation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's chronic disease state-based epidemiology for public health program support (STEPPS) program.

PubMed

Frey, Catherine A; Remington, Patrick L; Lengerich, Eugene

2003-01-01

To identify effective strategies for improving epidemiology capacity in state chronic disease programs, staff epidemiologists and program directors from 25 states were interviewed using a structured questionnaire by phone or in person. Respondents reported three chief barriers to chronic disease epidemiology capacity: lack of institutional commitment and support for chronic disease epidemiology; lack of professional opportunities to engage with peers, colleagues, and scientists; and lack of trained epidemiology staff and resources to support chronic disease functions and activities. Epidemiology capacity in states would be improved by expanding the role and scope of staff placement programs; assisting states in establishing formal collaborations with academic institutions; and providing technical assistance to staff currently employed in states through training, consultation, and networking.

Passive detection of copy-move forgery in digital images: state-of-the-art.

PubMed

Al-Qershi, Osamah M; Khoo, Bee Ee

2013-09-10

Currently, digital images and videos have high importance because they have become the main carriers of information. However, the relative ease of tampering with images and videos makes their authenticity untrustful. Digital image forensics addresses the problem of the authentication of images or their origins. One main branch of image forensics is passive image forgery detection. Images could be forged using different techniques, and the most common forgery is the copy-move, in which a region of an image is duplicated and placed elsewhere in the same image. Active techniques, such as watermarking, have been proposed to solve the image authenticity problem, but those techniques have limitations because they require human intervention or specially equipped cameras. To overcome these limitations, several passive authentication methods have been proposed. In contrast to active methods, passive methods do not require any previous information about the image, and they take advantage of specific detectable changes that forgeries can bring into the image. In this paper, we describe the current state-of-the-art of passive copy-move forgery detection methods. The key current issues in developing a robust copy-move forgery detector are then identified, and the trends of tackling those issues are addressed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Recent developments in nickel electrode analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whiteley, Richard V.; Daman, M. E.; Kaiser, E. Q.

1991-01-01

Three aspects of nickel electrode analysis for Nickel-Hydrogen and Nickel-Cadmium battery cell applications are addressed: (1) the determination of active material; (2) charged state nickel (as NiOOH + CoOOH); and (3) potassium ion content in the electrode. Four deloading procedures are compared for completeness of active material removal, and deloading conditions for efficient active material analyses are established. Two methods for charged state nickel analysis are compared: the current NASA procedure and a new procedure based on the oxidation of sodium oxalate by the charged material. Finally, a method for determining potassium content in an electrode sample by flame photometry is presented along with analytical results illustrating differences in potassium levels from vendor to vendor and the effects of stress testing on potassium content in the electrode. The relevance of these analytical procedures to electrode performance is reviewed.

UNESCO's activities in ethics.

PubMed

ten Have, Henk A M J

2010-03-01

UNESCO is an intergovernmental organization with 193 Member States. It is concerned with a broad range of issues regarding education, science and culture. It is the only UN organisation with a mandate in science. Since 1993 it is addressing ethics of science and technology, with special emphasis on bioethics. One major objective of the ethics programme is the development of international normative standards. This is particularly important since many Member States only have a limited infrastructure in bioethics, lacking expertise, educational programs, bioethics committees and legal frameworks. UNESCO has recently adopted the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights. The focus of current activities is now on implementation of this Declaration. Three activities are discussed that aim at improving and reinforcing the ethics infrastructure in relation to science and technology: the Global Ethics Observatory, the Ethics Education Programme and the Assisting Bioethics Committees project.

Proton sensitivity of rat cerebellar granule cell GABAA receptors: dependence on neuronal development

PubMed Central

Krishek, Belinda J; Smart, Trevor G

2001-01-01

The effect of GABAA receptor development in culture on the modulation of GABA-induced currents by external H+ was examined in cerebellar granule cells using whole-cell and single-channel recording. Equilibrium concentration-response curves revealed a lower potency for GABA between 11 and 12 days in vitro (DIV) resulting in a shift of the EC50 from 10.7 to 2.4 μM. For granule cells before 11 DIV, the peak GABA-activated current was inhibited at low external pH and enhanced at high pH with a pKa of 6.65. For the steady-state response, low pH was inhibitory with a pKa of 5.56. After 11 DIV, the peak GABA-activated current was largely pH insensitive; however, the steady-state current was potentiated at low pH with a pKa of 6.84. Single GABA-activated ion channels were recorded from outside-out patches of granule cell bodies. At pH 5.4-9.4, single GABA channels exhibited multiple conductance states occurring at 22-26, 16-17 and 12-14 pS. The conductance levels were not significantly altered over the time period of study, nor by changing the external H+ concentration. Two exponential functions were required to fit the open-time frequency histograms at both early (< 11 DIV) and late (> 11 DIV) development times at each H+ concentration. The short and long open time constants were unaffected either by the extracellular H+ concentration or by neuronal development. The distribution of all shut times was fitted by the sum of three exponentials designated as short, intermediate and long. At acidic pH, the long shut time constant decreased with development as did the relative contribution of these components to the overall distribution. This was concurrent with an increase in the mean probability of channel opening. In conclusion, this study demonstrates in cerebellar granule cells that external pH can either reduce, have no effect on, or enhance GABA-activated responses depending on the stage of development, possibly related to the subunit composition of the GABAA receptors. The mode of interaction of H+ at the single-channel level and implications of such interactions at cerebellar granule cell GABAA receptors are discussed. PMID:11208970

[Service robots in elderly care. Possible application areas and current state of developments].

PubMed

Graf, B; Heyer, T; Klein, B; Wallhoff, F

2013-08-01

The term "Service robotics" describes semi- or fully autonomous technical systems able to perform services useful to the well-being of humans. Service robots have the potential to support and disburden both persons in need of care as well as nursing care staff. In addition, they can be used in prevention and rehabilitation in order to reduce or avoid the need for help. Products currently available to support people in domestic environments are mainly cleaning or remote-controlled communication robots. Examples of current research activities are the (further) development of mobile robots as advanced communication assistants or the development of (semi) autonomous manipulation aids and multifunctional household assistants. Transport robots are commonly used in many hospitals. In nursing care facilities, the first evaluations have already been made. So-called emotional robots are now sold as products and can be used for therapeutic, occupational, or entertainment activities.

Prospects for Advanced Tokamak Operation of ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neilson, George H.

1996-11-01

Previous studies have identified steady-state (or "advanced") modes for ITER, based on reverse-shear profiles and significant bootstrap current. A typical example has 12 MA of plasma current, 1,500 MW of fusion power, and 100 MW of heating and current-drive power. The implementation of these and other steady-state operating scenarios in the ITER device is examined in order to identify key design modifications that can enhance the prospects for successfully achieving advanced tokamak operating modes in ITER compatible with a single null divertor design. In particular, we examine plasma configurations that can be achieved by the ITER poloidal field system with either a monolithic central solenoid (as in the ITER Interim Design), or an alternate "hybrid" central solenoid design which provides for greater flexibility in the plasma shape. The increased control capability and expanded operating space provided by the hybrid central solenoid allows operation at high triangularity (beneficial for improving divertor performance through control of edge-localized modes and for increasing beta limits), and will make it much easier for ITER operators to establish an optimum startup trajectory leading to a high-performance, steady-state scenario. Vertical position control is examined because plasmas made accessible by the hybrid central solenoid can be more elongated and/or less well coupled to the conducting structure. Control of vertical-displacements using the external PF coils remains feasible over much of the expanded operating space. Further work is required to define the full spectrum of axisymmetric plasma disturbances requiring active control In addition to active axisymmetric control, advanced tokamak modes in ITER may require active control of kink modes on the resistive time scale of the conducting structure. This might be accomplished in ITER through the use of active control coils external to the vacuum vessel which are actuated by magnetic sensors near the first wall. The enhanced shaping and positioning flexibility provides a range of options for reducing the ripple-induced losses of fast alpha particles--a major limitation on ITER steady-state modes. An alternate approach that we are pursuing in parallel is the inclusion of ferromagnetic inserts to reduce the toroidal field ripple within the plasma chamber. The inclusion of modest design changes such as the hybrid central solenoid, active control coils for kink modes, and ferromagnetic inserts for TF ripple reduction show can greatly increase the flexibility to accommodate advance tokamak operation in ITER. Increased flexibility is important because the optimum operating scenario for ITER cannot be predicted with certainty. While low-inductance, reverse shear modes appear attractive for steady-state operation, high-inductance, high-beta modes are also viable candidates, and it is important that ITER have the flexibility to explore both these, and other, operating regimes.

Reducing the Shared Burden of Chronic Conditions among Persons Aging with Disability and Older Adults in the United States through Bridging Aging and Disability

PubMed Central

Campbell, Margaret L.; Putnam, Michelle

2017-01-01

Persons aging with long-term disabilities such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis and older adults share similar chronic conditions in mid and later life in the United States. The rising general interest and more prevalent federal requirements for use of evidence-based practices (EBP) in health promotion and chronic condition interventions highlight the gap between demand and the availability of EBPs for persons aging with disability in particular. Addressing this gap will require focused efforts that will benefit substantially by bridging the fields of aging and disability/rehabilitation to develop new EBPs, translate existing EBPs across populations, and borrow best practices across fields where there are few current EBPs. Understanding distinctions between disability-related secondary conditions and age-related chronic conditions is a first step in identifying shared conditions that are important to address for both mid-life and older adults with disabilities. This review articulates these distinctions, describes shared conditions, and discusses the current lack of EBPs for both populations. It also provides recommendations for bridging activities in the United States by researchers, professionals, and consumer advocates. We argue that these can more efficiently move research and practice than if activities were undertaken separately in each field (aging and disability/rehabilitation). PMID:28895898

A statistical study of current-sheet formation above solar active regions based on selforganized criticality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimitropoulou, M.; Isliker, H.; Vlahos, L.; Georgoulis, M.; Anastasiadis, A.; Toutountzi, A.

2013-09-01

We treat flaring solar active regions as physical systems having reached the self-organized critical state. Their evolving magnetic configurations in the low corona may satisfy an instability criterion, related to the excession of a specific threshold in the curl of the magnetic field. This imposed instability criterion implies an almost zero resistivity everywhere in the solar corona, except in regions where magnetic-field discontinuities and. hence, local currents, reach the critical value. In these areas, current-driven instabilities enhance the resistivity by many orders of magnitude forming structures which efficiently accelerate charged particles. Simulating the formation of such structures (thought of as current sheets) via a refined SOC cellular-automaton model provides interesting information regarding their statistical properties. It is shown that the current density in such unstable regions follows power-law scaling. Furthermore, the size distribution of the produced current sheets is best fitted by power laws, whereas their formation probability is investigated against the photospheric magnetic configuration (e.g. Polarity Inversion Lines, Plage). The average fractal dimension of the produced current sheets is deduced depending on the selected critical threshold. The above-mentioned statistical description of intermittent electric field structures can be used by collisional relativistic test particle simulations, aiming to interpret particle acceleration in flaring active regions and in strongly turbulent media in astrophysical plasmas. The above work is supported by the Hellenic National Space Weather Research Network (HNSWRN) via the THALIS Programme.

Blockade of HERG human K+ channel and IKr of guinea pig cardiomyocytes by prochlorperazine.

PubMed

Kim, Moon-Doo; Eun, Su-Yong; Jo, Su-Hyun

2006-08-21

Prochlorperazine, a drug for the symptomatic control of nausea, vomiting and psychiatric disorders, can induce prolonged QT, torsades de pointes and sudden death. We studied the effects of prochlorperazine on human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes and also in the delayed rectifier K+ current of guinea pig cardiomyocytes. Prochlorperazine induced a concentration-dependent decrease in current amplitudes at the end of the voltage steps and tail currents of HERG. The IC50 for a prochlorperazine block of HERG current in Xenopus oocytes progressively decreased relative to the degree of depolarization, from 42.1 microM at -40 mV to 37.4 microM at 0 mV to 22.6 microM at +40 mV. The block of HERG by prochlorperazine was use-dependent, exhibiting a more rapid onset and a greater steady-state block at higher frequencies of activation, while there was partial relief of the block with reduced frequencies. In guinea pig ventricular myocytes, bath applications of 0.5 and 1 muM prochlorperazine at 36 degrees C blocked rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current by 38.9% and 76.5%, respectively, but did not significantly block slowly activating delayed rectifier K+ current. Our findings suggest that the arrhythmogenic side effects of prochlorperazine are caused by a blockade of HERG and the rapid component of the delayed rectifier K+ current rather than by a blockade of the slow component.

Simultaneous tDCS-fMRI Identifies Resting State Networks Correlated with Visual Search Enhancement.

PubMed

Callan, Daniel E; Falcone, Brian; Wada, Atsushi; Parasuraman, Raja

2016-01-01

This study uses simultaneous transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate tDCS modulation of resting state activity and connectivity that underlies enhancement in behavioral performance. The experiment consisted of three sessions within the fMRI scanner in which participants conducted a visual search task: Session 1: Pre-training (no performance feedback), Session 2: Training (performance feedback given), Session 3: Post-training (no performance feedback). Resting state activity was recorded during the last 5 min of each session. During the 2nd session one group of participants underwent 1 mA tDCS stimulation and another underwent sham stimulation over the right posterior parietal cortex. Resting state spontaneous activity, as measured by fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (fALFF), for session 2 showed significant differences between the tDCS stim and sham groups in the precuneus. Resting state functional connectivity from the precuneus to the substantia nigra, a subcortical dopaminergic region, was found to correlate with future improvement in visual search task performance for the stim over the sham group during active stimulation in session 2. The after-effect of stimulation on resting state functional connectivity was measured following a post-training experimental session (session 3). The left cerebellum Lobule VIIa Crus I showed performance related enhancement in resting state functional connectivity for the tDCS stim over the sham group. The ability to determine the relationship that the relative strength of resting state functional connectivity for an individual undergoing tDCS has on future enhancement in behavioral performance has wide ranging implications for neuroergonomic as well as therapeutic, and rehabilitative applications.

Decoding a neural circuit controlling global animal state in C. elegans

PubMed Central

Laurent, Patrick; Soltesz, Zoltan; Nelson, Geoffrey M; Chen, Changchun; Arellano-Carbajal, Fausto; Levy, Emmanuel; de Bono, Mario

2015-01-01

Brains organize behavior and physiology to optimize the response to threats or opportunities. We dissect how 21% O2, an indicator of surface exposure, reprograms C. elegans' global state, inducing sustained locomotory arousal and altering expression of neuropeptides, metabolic enzymes, and other non-neural genes. The URX O2-sensing neurons drive arousal at 21% O2 by tonically activating the RMG interneurons. Stimulating RMG is sufficient to switch behavioral state. Ablating the ASH, ADL, or ASK sensory neurons connected to RMG by gap junctions does not disrupt arousal. However, disrupting cation currents in these neurons curtails RMG neurosecretion and arousal. RMG signals high O2 by peptidergic secretion. Neuropeptide reporters reveal neural circuit state, as neurosecretion stimulates neuropeptide expression. Neural imaging in unrestrained animals shows that URX and RMG encode O2 concentration rather than behavior, while the activity of downstream interneurons such as AVB and AIY reflect both O2 levels and the behavior being executed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04241.001 PMID:25760081

Regulatory behavior and frontal activity: Considering the role of revised-BIS in relative right frontal asymmetry.

PubMed

Gable, Philip A; Neal, Lauren B; Threadgill, A Hunter

2018-01-01

Essential to human behavior are three core personality systems: approach, avoidance, and a regulatory system governing the two motivational systems. Decades of research has linked approach motivation with greater relative left frontal-cortical asymmetry. Other research has linked avoidance motivation with greater relative right frontal-cortical asymmetry. However, past work linking withdrawal motivation with greater relative right frontal asymmetry has been mixed. The current article reviews evidence suggesting that activation of the regulatory system (revised Behavioral Inhibition System [r-BIS]) may be more strongly related to greater relative right frontal asymmetry than withdrawal motivation. Specifically, research suggests that greater activation of the r-BIS is associated with greater relative right frontal activity, and reduced r-BIS activation is associated with reduced right frontal activity (greater relative left frontal activity). We review evidence examining trait and state frontal activity using EEG, source localization, lesion studies, neuronal stimulation, and fMRI supporting the idea that r-BIS may be the core personality system related to greater relative right frontal activity. In addition, the current review seeks to disentangle avoidance motivation and r-BIS as substrates of relative right frontal asymmetry. © 2017 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

United States Marine Corps 2012 Financial Report. Schedule of Budgetary Activity for Fiscal Year 2012 Appropriations

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

activity schedule for current year appropriations that is also compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ). The audit of this financial...are not only fighters, but also who can serve as trainers, mentors and advisers. Marine Corps Value to the Nation For a remarkably small investment ...who are interested in and could use the information in the statements to help them make resource allocation and other decisions and hold the entity

Improving access of associated states to advanced concepts in medical telematics--a day before the accession to EU.

PubMed

Duplaga, Mariusz; Leszczuk, Mikolaj; Zielinski, Krzysztof

2006-01-01

Central and Eastern Europe countries (CEEC) undertook considerable efforts to include themselves in the main research and development activities in the area of health telematics in Europe. Countries of this region demonstrate diversified environments of economy transformation and health care systems status. The transition phase to market economy brings essential risks to the healthcare system performance. It seems that efforts of developing e-health environment in CEEC could be substantially accelerated by extended co-operation with partners from current member states of the European Union. The PRO-ACCESS project was initiated in the late phase of fifth Framework Programme as supporting action. It focused on the transfer of current concepts in medical telematics to countries remaining in the pre-accession phase. The process of dissemination of up-to-date approaches to e-health environment development is carried out by the Krakow Centre of Telemedicine and is supported by leading health telematics centres in Europe. To accelerate the dissemination activities the network of co-operating centres in CEEC was established. The strategy employed within the PRO-ACCESS project is supposed to yield "critical mass" necessary for facilitating the e-health development in this region of Europe. The activities employed to reach this objective included publishing activities, events and trainings as well as intake of solutions from supporting centres.

Repeated transcranial direct current stimulation in prolonged disorders of consciousness: A double-blind cross-over study.

PubMed

Estraneo, Anna; Pascarella, Angelo; Moretta, Pasquale; Masotta, Orsola; Fiorenza, Salvatore; Chirico, Grazia; Crispino, Emanuela; Loreto, Vincenzo; Trojano, Luigi

2017-04-15

To evaluate effects of 5 sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOC). Seven patients in vegetative state (VS) and 6 in minimally conscious state (MCS), at ≥3months after brain injury, were randomized into two groups: group 1 received one week of active tDCS and 1week of sham stimulation, separated by 1 resting week; group 2 received active and sham stimulation in reverse order. We performed clinical and EEG evaluations before and after the first stimulation session, two hours after the last weekly stimulation, twice during the resting week, and during a 3-month follow-up. We observed small changes of patients' conditions after the first tDCS session and immediately after the 5 active stimulations. Substantial clinical and EEG changes were observed in 5/13 patients (3 in MCS and 2 in VS) starting after entire (active and sham) stimulation protocol and further progressing during the next months. No baseline features distinguished patients who improved from patients who did not improve. Repeated tDCS did not exert remarkable short-term clinical and EEG effects in patients with prolonged DOC. Further studies should ascertain whether tDCS might promote clinical recovery in the long-term period. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Silver nanowires as the current collector for a flexible in-plane micro-supercapacitor via a one-step, mask-free patterning strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lang; Li, Han-Yu; Yu, Yao; Liu, Lin; Wu, Yue

2018-02-01

The fabrication of a current collector-contained in-plane micro-supercapacitor (MSC) usually requires the patterning of the current collector first and then subsequent patterning of the active material with the assistance of a photoresist and mask. However, this two-step patterning process is too complicated and the photoresist used is harmful to the properties of nanomaterials. Here, we demonstrate a one-step, mask-free strategy to pattern the current collector and the active material at the same time, for the fabrication of an all-solid-state flexible in-plane MSC. Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are used as the current collector. An atmospheric pressure pulsed cold micro-plasma-jet is used to realize the one-step, mask-free production of interdigitated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/AgNW electrodes. Remarkably, the fabricated MWCNT/AgNW-based MSC shows good flexibility and excellent rate capability. Moreover, the performance of properties including cyclic stability, equivalent series resistance, relaxation time and energy/power densities of the MWCNT/AgNW-based MSC are significantly enhanced by the presence of the AgNW current collector.

MgB2-based superconductors for fault current limiters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolovsky, V.; Prikhna, T.; Meerovich, V.; Eisterer, M.; Goldacker, W.; Kozyrev, A.; Weber, H. W.; Shapovalov, A.; Sverdun, V.; Moshchil, V.

2017-02-01

A promising solution of the fault current problem in power systems is the application of fast-operating nonlinear superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) with the capability of rapidly increasing their impedance, and thus limiting high fault currents. We report the results of experiments with models of inductive (transformer type) SFCLs based on the ring-shaped bulk MgB2 prepared under high quasihydrostatic pressure (2 GPa) and by hot pressing technique (30 MPa). It was shown that the SFCLs meet the main requirements to fault current limiters: they possess low impedance in the nominal regime of the protected circuit and can fast increase their impedance limiting both the transient and the steady-state fault currents. The study of quenching currents of MgB2 rings (SFCL activation current) and AC losses in the rings shows that the quenching current density and critical current density determined from AC losses can be 10-20 times less than the critical current determined from the magnetization experiments.

Behçet Syndrome Manifestations and Activity in the United States versus Turkey — A Cross-sectional Cohort Comparison

PubMed Central

Sibley, Cailin; Yazici, Yusuf; Tascilar, Koray; Khan, Nafiz; Bata, Yasmin; Yazici, Hasan; Goldbach-Mansky, Raphaela; Hatemi, Gulen

2015-01-01

Objective To compare clinical manifestations and activity of Behçet syndrome (BS) in the United States versus Turkey using validated outcome measures. Methods Consecutive patients with BS from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), New York University, and the University of Istanbul were evaluated. Disease activity was measured using the Behçet’s Syndrome Activity Scale (BSAS) and the Behçet’s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) with quality of life measured by the Behçet Disease Quality of Life (BDQOL) form. One-way ANOVA, t-tests, and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Results Mean age did not differ between sites; however, more women were seen in the United States versus in Turkey (p < 0.001), and disease duration was longer in the United States (p = 0.02). Organ manifestations were similar for oral and genital ulcers, skin disease, arthralgia, eye disease, and thrombosis. However, more gastrointestinal (p < 0.001) and neurologic disease (p = 0.003) was seen in the United States. BSAS and BDCAF scores were worse in the United States compared to Turkey (p = 0.013 and < 0.001, respectively). Worse mean BDQOL scores were observed at the NIH compared to Istanbul (not significant). Multivariable regression models showed worse scores in ethnically atypical patients for BSAS and BDCAF (p = 0.04 and p = 0.001), American patients for BDCAF (p = 0.01), older age for BDCAF (p = 0.005), and women for BDQOL (p = 0.01). Conclusion Demographic and clinical manifestations of BS differ between sites with higher disease activity in the United States compared to Turkey. Referral patterns, age, sex, ethnicity, and country of origin may be important in these differences. These observations raise the question of whether pathogenic mechanisms differ in Turkish and American patients. PMID:24931953

Investigating High Frequency Magnetic Activity During Local Helicity Injection on the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richner, N. J.; Bongard, M. W.; Fonck, R. J.; Pachicano, J. L.; Perry, J. M.; Reusch, J. A.

2017-10-01

Understanding the current drive mechanism(s) of Local Helicity Injection (LHI) is needed for confident scaling to next-step devices. 3D resistive MHD NIMROD simulations ascribe large-scale reconnection events of helical injector current streams as a current drive mechanism. The events generate n = 1 B fluctuations on outboard Mirnov coils, consistent with experiment. New results suggest additional mechanisms are also active during LHI. Reconnection-driven ion heating is better correlated with high frequency activity than the n = 1 bursts. Experiments with inboard injectors can exhibit an abrupt ( 250 μs) transition to a reduced MHD state on outboard Mirnovs where the n = 1 feature vanishes, while still maintaining current growth and/or sustainment. A new insertable magnetics probe was developed to investigate these phenomena. It measures TeXBz up to 3.5 MHz at 15 points over a 14 cm radial extent (ΔR 1 cm). Measurements with this probe are consistent with the outboard Mirnovs when positioned far from the plasma boundary. However, measurements near the plasma edge lack the reduction in broadband power (up to 2 MHz) following the transition. The probe shows power is concentrated at higher frequencies during LHI, with mostly flat B spectra up to 600-800 kHz ( fci) at which there is a resonance-like feature; at higher frequencies, the power decreases. These measurements suggest short-wavelength activity may play a significant role in LHI current drive. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Development of high poloidal beta, steady-state scenario with ITER-like tungsten divertor on EAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garofalo, A. M.; Gong, X. Z.; Qian, J.; Chen, J.; Li, G.; Li, K.; Li, M. H.; Zhai, X.; Bonoli, P.; Brower, D.; Cao, L.; Cui, L.; Ding, S.; Ding, W. X.; Guo, W.; Holcomb, C.; Huang, J.; Hyatt, A.; Lanctot, M.; Lao, L. L.; Liu, H.; Lyu, B.; McClenaghan, J.; Peysson, Y.; Ren, Q.; Shiraiwa, S.; Solomon, W.; Zang, Q.; Wan, B.

2017-07-01

Recent experiments on EAST have achieved the first long pulse H-mode (61 s) with zero loop voltage and an ITER-like tungsten divertor, and have demonstrated access to broad plasma current profiles by increasing the density in fully-noninductive lower hybrid current-driven discharges. These long pulse discharges reach wall thermal and particle balance, exhibit stationary good confinement (H 98y2 ~ 1.1) with low core electron transport, and are only possible with optimal active cooling of the tungsten armors. In separate experiments, the electron density was systematically varied in order to study its effect on the deposition profile of the external lower hybrid current drive (LHCD), while keeping the plasma in fully-noninductive conditions and with divertor strike points on the tungsten divertor. A broadening of the current profile is found, as indicated by lower values of the internal inductance at higher density. A broad current profile is attractive because, among other reasons, it enables internal transport barriers at large minor radius, leading to improved confinement as shown in companion DIII-D experiments. These experiments strengthen the physics basis for achieving high performance, steady state discharges in future burning plasmas.

Development of high poloidal beta, steady-state scenario with ITER-like tungsten divertor on EAST

DOE PAGES

Garofalo, Andrea M.; Gong, X. Z.; Qian, J.; ...

2017-06-07

Recent experiments on EAST have achieved the first long pulse H-mode (61 s) with zero loop voltage and an ITER-like tungsten divertor, and have demonstrated access to broad plasma current profiles by increasing the density in fully-noninductive lower hybrid current-driven discharges. These long pulse discharges reach wall thermal and particle balance, exhibit stationary good confinement (H 98y2~1.1) with low core electron transport, and are only possible with optimal active cooling of the tungsten armors. In separate experiments, the electron density was systematically varied in order to study its effect on the deposition profile of the external lower hybrid current drivemore » (LHCD), while keeping the plasma in fully-noninductive conditions and with divertor strike points on the tungsten divertor. A broadening of the current profile is found, as indicated by lower values of the internal inductance at higher density. A broad current profile is attractive because, among other reasons, it enables internal transport barriers at large minor radius, leading to improved confinement as shown in companion DIII-D experiments. These experiments strengthen the physics basis for achieving high performance, steady state discharges in future burning plasmas.« less

Regional 3-D Modeling of Ground Geoelectric Field for the Northeast United States due to Realistic Geomagnetic Disturbances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivannikova, E.; Kruglyakov, M.; Kuvshinov, A. V.; Rastaetter, L.; Pulkkinen, A. A.; Ngwira, C. M.

2017-12-01

During extreme space weather events electric currents in the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere experience large variations, which leads to dramatic intensification of the fluctuating magnetic field at the surface of the Earth. According to Faraday's law of induction, the fluctuating geomagnetic field in turn induces electric field that generates harmful currents (so-called "geomagnetically induced currents"; GICs) in grounded technological systems. Understanding (via modeling) of the spatio-temporal evolution of the geoelectric field during enhanced geomagnetic activity is a key consideration in estimating the hazard to technological systems from space weather. We present the results of ground geoelectric field modeling for the Northeast United States, which is performed with the use of our novel numerical tool based on integral equation approach. The tool exploits realistic regional three-dimensional (3-D) models of the Earth's electrical conductivity and realistic global models of the spatio-temporal evolution of the magnetospheric and ionospheric current systems responsible for geomagnetic disturbances. We also explore in detail the manifestation of the coastal effect (anomalous intensification of the geoelectric field near the coasts) in this region.

NIRS-EEG joint imaging during transcranial direct current stimulation: Online parameter estimation with an autoregressive model.

PubMed

Sood, Mehak; Besson, Pierre; Muthalib, Makii; Jindal, Utkarsh; Perrey, Stephane; Dutta, Anirban; Hayashibe, Mitsuhiro

2016-12-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to perturb both cortical neural activity and hemodynamics during (online) and after the stimulation, however mechanisms of these tDCS-induced online and after-effects are not known. Here, online resting-state spontaneous brain activation may be relevant to monitor tDCS neuromodulatory effects that can be measured using electroencephalography (EEG) in conjunction with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We present a Kalman Filter based online parameter estimation of an autoregressive (ARX) model to track the transient coupling relation between the changes in EEG power spectrum and NIRS signals during anodal tDCS (2mA, 10min) using a 4×1 ring high-definition montage. Our online ARX parameter estimation technique using the cross-correlation between log (base-10) transformed EEG band-power (0.5-11.25Hz) and NIRS oxy-hemoglobin signal in the low frequency (≤0.1Hz) range was shown in 5 healthy subjects to be sensitive to detect transient EEG-NIRS coupling changes in resting-state spontaneous brain activation during anodal tDCS. Conventional sliding window cross-correlation calculations suffer a fundamental problem in computing the phase relationship as the signal in the window is considered time-invariant and the choice of the window length and step size are subjective. Here, Kalman Filter based method allowed online ARX parameter estimation using time-varying signals that could capture transients in the coupling relationship between EEG and NIRS signals. Our new online ARX model based tracking method allows continuous assessment of the transient coupling between the electrophysiological (EEG) and the hemodynamic (NIRS) signals representing resting-state spontaneous brain activation during anodal tDCS. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Functional relationship-based alarm processing system

DOEpatents

Corsberg, D.R.

1988-04-22

A functional relationship-based alarm processing system and method analyzes each alarm as it is activated and determines its relative importance with other currently activated alarms and signals in accordance with the functional relationships that the newly activated alarm has with other currently activated alarms. Once the initial level of importance of the alarm has been determined, that alarm is again evaluated if another related alarm is activated or deactivated. Thus, each alarm's importance is continuously updated as the state of the process changes during a scenario. Four hierarchical relationships are defined by this alarm filtering methodology: (1) level precursor (usually occurs when there are two alarm settings on the same parameter); (2) direct precursor (based on causal factors between two alarms); (3) required action (system response or action expected within a specified time following activation of an alarm or combination of alarms and process signals); and (4) blocking condition (alarms that are normally expected and are not considered important). The alarm processing system and method is sensitive to the dynamic nature of the process being monitored and is capable of changing the relative importance of each alarm as necessary. 12 figs.

Functional relationship-based alarm processing

DOEpatents

Corsberg, Daniel R.

1988-01-01

A functional relationship-based alarm processing system and method analyzes each alarm as it is activated and determines its relative importance with other currently activated alarms and signals in accordance with the relationships that the newly activated alarm has with other currently activated alarms. Once the initial level of importance of the alarm has been determined, that alarm is again evaluated if another related alarm is activated. Thus, each alarm's importance is continuously oupdated as the state of the process changes during a scenario. Four hierarchical relationships are defined by this alarm filtering methodology: (1) level precursor (usually occurs when there are two alarm settings on the same parameter); (2) direct precursor (based on caussal factors between two alarms); (3) required action (system response or action) expected within a specified time following activation of an alarm or combination of alarms and process signals); and (4) blocking condition (alarms that are normally expected and are not considered important). The alarm processing system and method is sensitive to the dynamic nature of the process being monitored and is capable of changing the relative importance of each alarm as necessary.

Functional relationship-based alarm processing system

DOEpatents

Corsberg, Daniel R.

1989-01-01

A functional relationship-based alarm processing system and method analyzes each alarm as it is activated and determines its relative importance with other currently activated alarms and signals in accordance with the functional relationships that the newly activated alarm has with other currently activated alarms. Once the initial level of importance of the alarm has been determined, that alarm is again evaluated if another related alarm is activated or deactivated. Thus, each alarm's importance is continuously updated as the state of the process changes during a scenario. Four hierarchical relationships are defined by this alarm filtering methodology: (1) level precursor (usually occurs when there are two alarm settings on the same parameter); (2) direct precursor (based on causal factors between two alarms); (3) required action (system response or action expected within a specified time following activation of an alarm or combination of alarms and process signals); and (4) blocking condition (alarms that are normally expected and are not considered important). The alarm processing system and method is sensitive to the dynamic nature of the process being monitored and is capable of changing the relative importance of each alarm as necessary.

Diamagnetic currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macris, N.; Martin, Ph. A.; Pulé, J. V.

1988-06-01

We study the diamagnetic surface currents of particles in thermal equilibrium submitted to a constant magnetic field. The current density of independent electrons with Boltzmann (respectively Fermi) statistics has a gaussian (respectively exponential) bound for its fall off into the bulk. For a system of interacting particles at low activity with Boltzmann statistics, the current density is localized near to the boundary and integrable when the two-body potential decays as |x|-α, α >4, α>4, in three dimensions. In all cases, the integral of the current density is independent of the nature of the confining wall and correctly related to the bulk magnetisation. The results hold for hard and soft walls and all field strength. The analysis relies on the Feynman-Kac-Ito representation of the Gibbs state and on specific properties of the Brownian bridge process.

Ionosphere Plasma State Determination in Low Earth Orbit from International Space Station Plasma Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kramer, Leonard

2014-01-01

A plasma diagnostic package is deployed on the International Space Station (ISS). The system - a Floating Potential Measurement Unit (FPMU) - is used by NASA to monitor the electrical floating potential of the vehicle to assure astronaut safety during extravehicular activity. However, data from the unit also reflects the ionosphere state and seems to represent an unutilized scientific resource in the form of an archive of scientific plasma state data. The unit comprises a Floating Potential probe and two Langmuir probes. There is also an unused but active plasma impedance probe. The data, at one second cadence, are collected, typically for a two week period surrounding extravehicular activity events. Data is also collected any time a visiting vehicle docks with ISS and also when any large solar events occur. The telemetry system is unusual because the package is mounted on a television camera stanchion and its data is impressed on a video signal that is transmitted to the ground and streamed by internet to two off center laboratory locations. The data quality has in the past been challenged by weaknesses in the integrated ground station and distribution systems. These issues, since mid-2010, have been largely resolved and the ground stations have been upgraded. Downstream data reduction has been developed using physics based modeling of the electron and ion collecting character in the plasma. Recursive algorithms determine plasma density and temperature from the raw Langmuir probe current voltage sweeps and this is made available in real time for situational awareness. The purpose of this paper is to describe and record the algorithm for data reduction and to show that the Floating probe and Langmuir probes are capable of providing long term plasma state measurement in the ionosphere. Geophysical features such as the Appleton anomaly and high latitude modulation at the edge of the Auroral zones are regularly observed in the nearly circular, 51 deg inclined, 400 km altitude ISS orbit. Evidence of waves in the ion collection current data is seen in geographic zones known to exhibit the spread-F phenomenon. An anomaly in the current collection characteristic of the cylindrical probe appears also too be organized by the geomagnetic field.

Cell responses to single pheromone molecules may reflect the activation kinetics of olfactory receptor molecules.

PubMed

Minor, A V; Kaissling, K-E

2003-03-01

Olfactory receptor cells of the silkmoth Bombyx mori respond to single pheromone molecules with "elementary" electrical events that appear as discrete "bumps" a few milliseconds in duration, or bursts of bumps. As revealed by simulation, one bump may result from a series of random openings of one or several ion channels, producing an average inward membrane current of 1.5 pA. The distributions of durations of bumps and of gaps between bumps in a burst can be fitted by single exponentials with time constants of 10.2 ms and 40.5 ms, respectively. The distribution of burst durations is a sum of two exponentials; the number of bumps per burst obeyed a geometric distribution (mean 3.2 bumps per burst). Accordingly the elementary events could reflect transitions among three states of the pheromone receptor molecule: the vacant receptor (state 1), the pheromone-receptor complex (state 2), and the activated complex (state 3). The calculated rate constants of the transitions between states are k(21)=7.7 s(-1), k(23)=16.8 s(-1), and k(32)=98 s(-1).

A Statewide Survey Report of Roles and Responsibilities in Current Utah Care Management Processes.

PubMed

Luther, Brenda; Martial, Marc-Aurel; Barra, Joyce

Measure current roles and responsibilities of care managers in the state of Utah. All settings of health care including inpatient, outpatient, community, payer, post-acute, and transitional care settings. A quantitative descriptive survey design was used to assess and describe current care management roles and responsibilities of 191 care managers within the state of Utah. Quantitative variables of roles and responsibilities were collected an electronic database (REDCap). Major results conclude that care managers spend most of their time on direct patient interactions including discharge planning, population care, and utilization review. These care managers are highly experienced in their field, with most being in their professional practice for more than 10 years. Most of the care managers are bachelor's prepared nurses. To create or expand care management processes to meet the goals of health care reform, systems first need to know what care managers/coordinators are doing and where their current focus on care presides. Educators, leaders, and, indeed, the care managers themselves are a part of preparing this dynamic workforce. The major responsibility of care management continues to be direct patient interactions, meaning that care managers are performing vital interpersonal patient interaction needed to achieve highly personalized patient care with assurances of quality and safety. No matter the name-care management, case management, or care coordination-these activities are an essential part of health care, with highly specialized skills that promote patient engagement and activation.

General Aviation in Nebraska: Nebraska SATS Project Background Paper No. 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Russell; Wachal, Jocelyn

2000-01-01

The Nebraska SATS project is a state-level component of NASA's Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS). During the next several years the project will examine several different factors affecting SATS implementation in Nebraska. These include economic and taxation issues, public policy issues, airport planning processes, information dissemination strategies, and systemic change factors. This background paper profiles the general aviation system in Nebraska. It is written to provide information about the "context" within which SATS will be pursued. The primary focus is thus on describing and providing background information about the current situation. A secondary focus is on drawing general conclusions about the ability of the current system to incorporate the types of changes implied by SATS. First, some brief information on the U.S. aviation system is provided. The next two sections profile the current general aviation aircraft and pilot base. Nebraska's system of general aviation airports is then described. Within this section of the paper, information is provided on the different types of general aviation airports in Nebraska, airport activity levels and current infrastructure. The fourth major section of the background paper looks at Nebraska's local airport authorities. These special purpose local governments oversee the majority of the general aviation airports in the state. Among the items examined are total expenditures, capital expenditures and planning activities. Next, the paper provides background information on the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics (NDA) and recent Federal funding for general aviation in Nebraska. The final section presents summary conclusions.

Optimization of return electrodes in neurostimulating arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores, Thomas; Goetz, Georges; Lei, Xin; Palanker, Daniel

2016-06-01

Objective. High resolution visual prostheses require dense stimulating arrays with localized inputs of individual electrodes. We study the electric field produced by multielectrode arrays in electrolyte to determine an optimal configuration of return electrodes and activation sequence. Approach. To determine the boundary conditions for computation of the electric field in electrolyte, we assessed current dynamics using an equivalent circuit of a multielectrode array with interleaved return electrodes. The electric field modeled with two different boundary conditions derived from the equivalent circuit was then compared to measurements of electric potential in electrolyte. To assess the effect of return electrode configuration on retinal stimulation, we transformed the computed electric fields into retinal response using a model of neural network-mediated stimulation. Main results. Electric currents at the capacitive electrode-electrolyte interface redistribute over time, so that boundary conditions transition from equipotential surfaces at the beginning of the pulse to uniform current density in steady state. Experimental measurements confirmed that, in steady state, the boundary condition corresponds to a uniform current density on electrode surfaces. Arrays with local return electrodes exhibit improved field confinement and can elicit stronger network-mediated retinal response compared to those with a common remote return. Connecting local return electrodes enhances the field penetration depth and allows reducing the return electrode area. Sequential activation of the pixels in large monopolar arrays reduces electrical cross-talk and improves the contrast in pattern stimulation. Significance. Accurate modeling of multielectrode arrays helps optimize the electrode configuration to maximize the spatial resolution, contrast and dynamic range of retinal prostheses.

Economic Impact of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on the State of Washington in Fiscal Year 2014

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

Scott, Michael J.; Niemeyer, Jackie M.

PNNL is a large economic entity with a total of 4,308 employees, $939 million (M) in total funding, and $1.02 billion (B) in total spending during FY 2014. The number of employees that live in Washington State is 4,026 or 93 percent of the Laboratory staff. he Laboratory directly and indirectly supported $1.45 billion in economic output, 6,832 jobs, and $517 million in Washington State wage income from current operations. The state also gained more than $1.19 billion in output, over 6,200 jobs, and $444 million in income through closely related economic activities such as visitors, health care spending, spendingmore » by resident retirees, and spinoff companies. PNNL affects Washington’s economy through commonly recognized economic channels, including spending on payrolls and other goods and services that support Laboratory operations. Less commonly recognized channels also have their own impacts and include company-supported spending on health care for its staff members and retirees, spending of its resident retirees, Laboratory visitor spending, and the economic activities in a growing constellation of “spinoff” companies founded on PNNL research, technology, and managerial expertise. PNNL also has a significant impact on science and technology education and community not-for-profit organizations. PNNL is an active participant in the future scientific enterprise in Washington with the state’s K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. The Laboratory sends staff members to the classroom and brings hundreds of students to the PNNL campus to help train the next generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technicians. This investment in human capital, though difficult to measure in terms of current dollars of economic output, is among the important lasting legacies of the Laboratory. Finally, PNNL contributes to the local community with millions of dollars’ worth of cash and in-kind corporate and staff contributions, all of which strengthen the economy. The purpose of this report is to quantify these effects, providing detailed information on PNNL’s revenues and expenditures, as well as the impacts of its activities on the rest of the Washington State economy.« less

Current issues in atmospheric change

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

In response to questions about the effects of long-term, global-scale changes in the atmosphere raised in congressional hearings, a group of leading experts held a two-day workshop to survey the state of current knowledge about atmospheric changes and their implications. The review focuses on the sources, concentrations, and changes of those gases most directly linked to human activities, i.e., carbon dioxide, ozone, and the chlorofluorocarbons; the direct physical effects of rising concentrations of trace gases. The review discusses the uncertainties associated with the knowledge of current trends and possible future changes, including ozone trends and the Antarctic ozone hole, and the impacts of rising concentrations of trace gases.

Mechanism of hERG channel block by the psychoactive indole alkaloid ibogaine.

PubMed

Thurner, Patrick; Stary-Weinzinger, Anna; Gafar, Hend; Gawali, Vaibhavkumar S; Kudlacek, Oliver; Zezula, Juergen; Hilber, Karlheinz; Boehm, Stefan; Sandtner, Walter; Koenig, Xaver

2014-02-01

Ibogaine is a psychoactive indole alkaloid. Its use as an antiaddictive agent has been accompanied by QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias, which are most likely caused by human ether a go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channel inhibition. Therefore, we studied in detail the interaction of ibogaine with hERG channels heterologously expressed in mammalian kidney tsA-201 cells. Currents through hERG channels were blocked regardless of whether ibogaine was applied via the extracellular or intracellular solution. The extent of inhibition was determined by the relative pH values. Block occurred during activation of the channels and was not observed for resting channels. With increasing depolarizations, ibogaine block grew and developed faster. Steady-state activation and inactivation of the channel were shifted to more negative potentials. Deactivation was slowed, whereas inactivation was accelerated. Mutations in the binding site reported for other hERG channel blockers (Y652A and F656A) reduced the potency of ibogaine, whereas an inactivation-deficient double mutant (G628C/S631C) was as sensitive as wild-type channels. Molecular drug docking indicated binding within the inner cavity of the channel independently of the protonation of ibogaine. Experimental current traces were fit to a kinetic model of hERG channel gating, revealing preferential binding of ibogaine to the open and inactivated state. Taken together, these findings show that ibogaine blocks hERG channels from the cytosolic side either in its charged form alone or in company with its uncharged form and alters the currents by changing the relative contribution of channel states over time.

Effect of sinusoidal modulated currents and acute hypoxia on corticosterone content and activity of certain dehydrogenases in tissues of different rat organs during hypokinesia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melik-Aslanova, L. L.; Frenkel, I. D.

1980-01-01

The state of hypokinesia in rats was reproduced by keeping them for 30 days in special box cages that restricted their mobility in all directions. Results show the resistance to acute hypoxic hypoxia is increased. This is linked to the considerable rise in the reduced level of corticosterone in different organs and the succinate dehydrogenase activity in the liver and brain. The letter indicated the primary oxidation of succinate, which has great importance in the adaptation of the oxidative metabolism to acute oxygen insufficiency. The use of sinusoidal modulated currents in the period of hypokinesia promotes normalization of the indices for resistance of the rats to acute hypoxia.

Heme Regulates Allosteric Activation of the Slo1 BK Channel

PubMed Central

Horrigan, Frank T.; Heinemann, Stefan H.; Hoshi, Toshinori

2005-01-01

Large conductance calcium-dependent (Slo1 BK) channels are allosterically activated by membrane depolarization and divalent cations, and possess a rich modulatory repertoire. Recently, intracellular heme has been identified as a potent regulator of Slo1 BK channels (Tang, X.D., R. Xu, M.F. Reynolds, M.L. Garcia, S.H. Heinemann, and T. Hoshi. 2003. Nature. 425:531–535). Here we investigated the mechanism of the regulatory action of heme on heterologously expressed Slo1 BK channels by separating the influences of voltage and divalent cations. In the absence of divalent cations, heme generally decreased ionic currents by shifting the channel's G–V curve toward more depolarized voltages and by rendering the curve less steep. In contrast, gating currents remained largely unaffected by heme. Simulations suggest that a decrease in the strength of allosteric coupling between the voltage sensor and the activation gate and a concomitant stabilization of the open state account for the essential features of the heme action in the absence of divalent ions. At saturating levels of divalent cations, heme remained similarly effective with its influence on the G–V simulated by weakening the coupling of both Ca2+ binding and voltage sensor activation to channel opening. The results thus show that heme dampens the influence of allosteric activators on the activation gate of the Slo1 BK channel. To account for these effects, we consider the possibility that heme binding alters the structure of the RCK gating ring and thereby disrupts both Ca2+- and voltage-dependent gating as well as intrinsic stability of the open state. PMID:15955873

Concentration-Response and Residual Activity of Insecticides to Control Herpetogramma phaeopteralis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in St. Augustinegrass.

PubMed

Tofangsazi, Nastaran; Cherry, Ron H; Beeson, Richard C; Arthurs, Steven P

2015-04-01

Tropical sod webworm, Herpetogramma phaeopteralis Guenée, is an important pest of warm-season turfgrass in the Gulf Coast states of the United States, the Caribbean Islands, and Central America. Current control recommendations rely on topical application of insecticides against caterpillars. The objective of this study was to generate resistance baseline data of H. phaeopteralis to six insecticide classes. Residual activity of clothianidin, chlorantraniliprole, and bifenthrin was also compared under field conditions in Central Florida. Chlorantraniliprole was the most toxic compound tested (LC50 value of 4.5 ppm), followed by acephate (8.6 ppm), spinosad (31.1 ppm), clothianidin (46.6 ppm), bifenthrin (283 ppm) and Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, (342 ppm). In field tests, all compounds at label rates were effective (≥94% mortality of larvae exposed to fresh residues). However, a more rapid decline in activity of clothianidin and bifenthrin was observed compared with chlorantraniliprole. Clothianidin had no statistically detectable activity after 4 wk post-application in spring and the fall, and bifenthrin had no detectable activity after 3 wk in the spring and the fall. However, chlorantraniliprole maintained significant activity (≥84% mortality) compared with other treatments throughout the 5-wk study period. This study provides new information regarding the relative toxicities and persistence of current insecticides used for H. phaeopteralis and other turfgrass caterpillars. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effects of Varying Gravity Levels on fNIRS Headgear Performance and Signal Recovery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mackey, Jeffrey R.; Harrivel, Angela R.; Adamovsky, Grigory; Lewandowski, Beth E.; Gotti, Daniel J.; Tin, Padetha; Floyd, Bertram M.

2013-01-01

This paper reviews the effects of varying gravitational levels on functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) headgear. The fNIRS systems quantify neural activations in the cortex by measuring hemoglobin concentration changes via optical intensity. Such activation measurement allows for the detection of cognitive state, which can be important for emotional stability, human performance and vigilance optimization, and the detection of hazardous operator state. The technique depends on coupling between the fNIRS probe and users skin. Such coupling may be highly susceptible to motion if probe-containing headgear designs are not adequately tested. The lack of reliable and self-applicable headgear robust to the influence of motion artifact currently inhibits its operational use in aerospace environments. Both NASAs Aviation Safety and Human Research Programs are interested in this technology as a method of monitoring cognitive state of pilots and crew.

Assessing Detecting and Deterring the Threat of Maritime Nuclear and Radiological Smuggling in the Western Indian Ocean Region

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

Khan, M. Umer

This paper proposes that current maritime smuggling routes in the western Indian Ocean region are similar to those in the past and that the motivations of terrorist groups and the presence of radioactive sources in the Indian Ocean littoral and other states present a significant security threat. The majority of regional terrorist groups have a hybrid structure, piggybacking on criminal activity to fund their terror activities. Additionally, states have used maritime routes in the Indian Ocean region to transport nuclear materials and missiles. Thus, the maritime dimension of such threats remains, and may be increasing. This paper focuses on issues,more » motivations, pathways, and methods to detect and interdict nuclear and radiological trafficking. It analyzes the potential use of maritime technology applications for radiation detection and presents recommendations for states and multinational nonproliferation advocacy organizations to address the threat in the Indian Ocean region.« less

Studies on the current state of water quality in the Segamat River

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razelan, Faridah Mohd; Tahir, Wardah; E. M Yahaya, Nasehir Khan

2018-04-01

Nowadays, pollution has become a major concern in developed and developing countries. In a study on the current state of Segamat River water quality; on-site data collection and observation and also laboratory data analysis have been implemented. Studies showed that the downstream of the Segamat River has recorded a significant reduction in quality of water during the dry season compared to the wet season. The deterioration of water quality is caused by the activities along the river such as palm oil plantation, municipal waste and waste from settlements. It was also recorded that the point sources were dominating the pollution at Segamat River during the dry season. However, during the wet season, the water quality was impaired by the non-point sources which originated from the upstream of the river.

Electrical utilities model for determining electrical distribution capacity

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

Fritz, R. L.

1997-09-03

In its simplest form, this model was to obtain meaningful data on the current state of the Site`s electrical transmission and distribution assets, and turn this vast collection of data into useful information. The resulting product is an Electrical Utilities Model for Determining Electrical Distribution Capacity which provides: current state of the electrical transmission and distribution systems; critical Hanford Site needs based on outyear planning documents; decision factor model. This model will enable Electrical Utilities management to improve forecasting requirements for service levels, budget, schedule, scope, and staffing, and recommend the best path forward to satisfy customer demands at themore » minimum risk and least cost to the government. A dynamic document, the model will be updated annually to reflect changes in Hanford Site activities.« less

Estimating ecosystem carbon stocks at Redwood National and State Parks

USGS Publications Warehouse

van Mantgem, Phillip J.; Madej, Mary Ann; Seney, Joseph; Deshais, Janelle

2013-01-01

Accounting for ecosystem carbon is increasingly important for park managers. In this case study we present our efforts to estimate carbon stocks and the effects of management on carbon stocks for Redwood National and State Parks in northern California. Using currently available information, we estimate that on average these parks’ soils contain approximately 89 tons of carbon per acre (200 Mg C per ha), while vegetation contains about 130 tons C per acre (300 Mg C per ha). estoration activities at the parks (logging-road removal, second-growth forest management) were shown to initially reduce ecosystem carbon, but may provide for enhanced ecosystem carbon storage over the long term. We highlight currently available tools that could be used to estimate ecosystem carbon at other units of the National Park System.

Asteroid Redirect Crewed Mission Space Suit and EVA System Architecture Trade Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowie, Jonathan T.; Blanco, Raul A.; Watson, Richard D.; Kelly, Cody; Buffington, Jesse; Sipila, Stephanie A.

2014-01-01

This paper discusses the Asteroid Redirect Crewed Mission (ARCM) space suit and Extravehicular Activity (EVA) architecture trade study and the current state of the work to mature the requirements and products to the mission concept review level. The mission requirements and the resulting concept of operations will be discussed. A historical context will be presented as to present the similarities and differences from previous NASA missions. That will set the stage for the trade study where all options for both pressure garment and life support were considered. The rationale for the architecture decisions will then be presented. Since the trade study did identity risks, the subsequent tests and analyses that mitigated the risks will be discussed. Lastly, the current state of the effort will be provided.

Field-aligned current associated with a distorted two-cell convection pattern during northward interplanetary magnetic field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, L.; Schunk, R. W.; Sojka, J. J.

1991-01-01

The influence of the ionospheric conductance on the field-aligned current associated with a distorted two-cell convection pattern during northward IMF was investigated using the Heppner-Maynard (1987) convection model and the Utah State University conductivity model described by Rasmussen and Schunk (1987). Results show that the variation of the ionospheric conductivity distribution can significantly affect the features of the field-aligned current for northward IMF, where matching or mismatching between the conductance gradient and the convection electric field plays a key role. It was found that the increase of the field-aligned current in the polar cap observed during summer is mainly due to the increasing contribution from the Pedersen current, and that the increase of the field-aligned current in both the oval region and the evening-midnight sector during the active aurora period is mainly due to the increasing contribution from the Hall current.