23 CFR 750.154 - Standards for directional signs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 23 Highways 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Standards for directional signs. 750.154 Section 750.154 Highways FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RIGHT-OF-WAY AND ENVIRONMENT HIGHWAY... the State permits the erection of any such signs under section 131(c) of title 23 U.S.C., and this...

Video Feedback in Key Word Signing Training for Preservice Direct Support Staff

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rombouts, Ellen; Meuris, Kristien; Maes, Bea; De Meyer, Anne-Marie; Zink, Inge

2016-01-01

Purpose: Research has demonstrated that formal training is essential for professionals to learn key word signing. Yet, the particular didactic strategies have not been studied. Therefore, this study compared the effectiveness of verbal and video feedback in a key word signing training for future direct support staff. Method: Forty-nine future…

31 CFR 91.5 - Compliance with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Compliance with signs and directions. 91.5 Section 91.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN OR ON THE BUREAU OF THE MINT BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS § 91.5 Compliance with signs and...

Space Policy Directive - 1 Signing

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-11

President Donald Trump signs Space Policy Directive - 1, directing NASA to return to the moon, alongside members of the Senate, Congress, NASA, and commercial space companies in the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Pointing and Reference in Sign Language and Spoken Language: Anchoring vs. Identifying

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barberà, Gemma; Zwets, Martine

2013-01-01

In both signed and spoken languages, pointing serves to direct an addressee's attention to a particular entity. This entity may be either present or absent in the physical context of the conversation. In this article we focus on pointing directed to nonspeaker/nonaddressee referents in Sign Language of the Netherlands (Nederlandse Gebarentaal,…

Determination of skeleton and sign map for phase obtaining from a single ESPI image

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xia; Yu, Qifeng; Fu, Sihua

2009-06-01

A robust method of determining the sign map and skeletons for ESPI images is introduced in this paper. ESPI images have high speckle noise which makes it difficult to obtain the fringe information, especially from a single image. To overcome the effects of high speckle noise, local directional computing windows are designed according to the fringe directions. Then by calculating the gradients from the filtered image in directional windows, sign map and good skeletons can be determined robustly. Based on the sign map, single image phase-extracting methods such as quadrature transform can be improved. And based on skeletons, fringe phases can be obtained directly by normalization methods. Experiments show that this new method is robust and effective for extracting phase from a single ESPI fringe image.

Didactics and Deixis: A Pedagogy of Pointing Phenomena.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, James W.

1984-01-01

The potential instructional uses of three kinds of French signs are outlined, focusing on the signs' function as pointers. The signs include road signs that give directions, public interdiction and instruction signs, and advertising used in public places. Illustrations and sample exercises are included. (MSE)

Space Policy Directive - 1 Signing

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-11

President Donald Trump prepares to sign Space Policy Directive - 1, directing NASA to return to the moon, alongside members of the Senate, Congress, NASA, and commercial space companies in the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

How sensory-motor systems impact the neural organization for language: direct contrasts between spoken and signed language

PubMed Central

Emmorey, Karen; McCullough, Stephen; Mehta, Sonya; Grabowski, Thomas J.

2014-01-01

To investigate the impact of sensory-motor systems on the neural organization for language, we conducted an H215O-PET study of sign and spoken word production (picture-naming) and an fMRI study of sign and audio-visual spoken language comprehension (detection of a semantically anomalous sentence) with hearing bilinguals who are native users of American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Directly contrasting speech and sign production revealed greater activation in bilateral parietal cortex for signing, while speaking resulted in greater activation in bilateral superior temporal cortex (STC) and right frontal cortex, likely reflecting auditory feedback control. Surprisingly, the language production contrast revealed a relative increase in activation in bilateral occipital cortex for speaking. We speculate that greater activation in visual cortex for speaking may actually reflect cortical attenuation when signing, which functions to distinguish self-produced from externally generated visual input. Directly contrasting speech and sign comprehension revealed greater activation in bilateral STC for speech and greater activation in bilateral occipital-temporal cortex for sign. Sign comprehension, like sign production, engaged bilateral parietal cortex to a greater extent than spoken language. We hypothesize that posterior parietal activation in part reflects processing related to spatial classifier constructions in ASL and that anterior parietal activation may reflect covert imitation that functions as a predictive model during sign comprehension. The conjunction analysis for comprehension revealed that both speech and sign bilaterally engaged the inferior frontal gyrus (with more extensive activation on the left) and the superior temporal sulcus, suggesting an invariant bilateral perisylvian language system. We conclude that surface level differences between sign and spoken languages should not be dismissed and are critical for understanding the neurobiology of language. PMID:24904497

Signage as a tool for behavioral change: Direct and indirect routes to understanding the meaning of a sign.

PubMed

Meis, Julia; Kashima, Yoshihisa

2017-01-01

Signs, prompts, and symbols are a common means to change behavior in our society. Understanding the psychological mechanisms by which signage influences behavior is a critical first step to achieve the desired outcome. In the current research, we propose a theoretical model of sign-to-behavior process. The model suggests that when one encounters a sign, it is encoded to construct an action representation (comprehension process), which is then acted on unless its enactment is inhibited (decision process). We test the implications of the model in two studies. In support of our hypothesis, for unfamiliar signs, clarity of purpose predicts perceived effectiveness of a sign; however, for familiar signs, clarity of purpose does not matter. Insights gained from the studies will help to design effective signs. Practical implications of the model are discussed, and future research directions are outlined.

Signage as a tool for behavioral change: Direct and indirect routes to understanding the meaning of a sign

PubMed Central

Kashima, Yoshihisa

2017-01-01

Signs, prompts, and symbols are a common means to change behavior in our society. Understanding the psychological mechanisms by which signage influences behavior is a critical first step to achieve the desired outcome. In the current research, we propose a theoretical model of sign-to-behavior process. The model suggests that when one encounters a sign, it is encoded to construct an action representation (comprehension process), which is then acted on unless its enactment is inhibited (decision process). We test the implications of the model in two studies. In support of our hypothesis, for unfamiliar signs, clarity of purpose predicts perceived effectiveness of a sign; however, for familiar signs, clarity of purpose does not matter. Insights gained from the studies will help to design effective signs. Practical implications of the model are discussed, and future research directions are outlined. PMID:28854203

Traffic signs recognition for driving assistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sai Sangram Reddy, Yatham; Karthik, Devareddy; Rana, Nikunj; Jasmine Pemeena Priyadarsini, M.; Rajini, G. K.; Naseera, Shaik

2017-11-01

In the current circumstances with the innovative headway, we must be able to provide assistance to the driving in recognising the traffic signs on the roads. At present time, many reviews are being directed moving in the direction of the usage of a keen Traffic Systems. One field of this exploration is driving support systems, and many reviews are being directed to create frameworks which distinguish and perceive street signs in front of the vehicle, and afterward utilize the data to advise the driver or to even control the vehicle by implementing this system on self-driving vehicles. In this paper we propose a method to detect the traffic sign board in a frame using HAAR cascading and then identifying the sign on it. The output may be either given out in voice or can be displayed as per the driver’s convenience. Each of the Traffic Sign is recognised using a database of images of symbols used to train the KNN classifier using open CV libraries.

Space Policy Directive - 1 Signing

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-11

President Donald Trump holds up Space Policy Directive - 1 after signing it, directing NASA to return to the moon, alongside members of the Senate, Congress, NASA, and commercial space companies in the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

50 CFR 85.43 - Signs and symbols.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... information signs at pumpout and portable toilet dump stations. Such information should indicate fees... sign at the entrance to a marina advertising the presence of a pumpout and/or portable toilet dump station; (ii) As a directional sign within a marina; (iii) As a sign at a pumpout and/or portable toilet...

50 CFR 85.43 - Signs and symbols.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... information signs at pumpout and portable toilet dump stations. Such information should indicate fees... sign at the entrance to a marina advertising the presence of a pumpout and/or portable toilet dump station; (ii) As a directional sign within a marina; (iii) As a sign at a pumpout and/or portable toilet...

50 CFR 85.43 - Signs and symbols.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... information signs at pumpout and portable toilet dump stations. Such information should indicate fees... sign at the entrance to a marina advertising the presence of a pumpout and/or portable toilet dump station; (ii) As a directional sign within a marina; (iii) As a sign at a pumpout and/or portable toilet...

50 CFR 85.43 - Signs and symbols.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... information signs at pumpout and portable toilet dump stations. Such information should indicate fees... sign at the entrance to a marina advertising the presence of a pumpout and/or portable toilet dump station; (ii) As a directional sign within a marina; (iii) As a sign at a pumpout and/or portable toilet...

Multiview road sign detection via self-adaptive color model and shape context matching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chunsheng; Chang, Faliang; Liu, Chengyun

2016-09-01

The multiview appearance of road signs in uncontrolled environments has made the detection of road signs a challenging problem in computer vision. We propose a road sign detection method to detect multiview road signs. This method is based on several algorithms, including the classical cascaded detector, the self-adaptive weighted Gaussian color model (SW-Gaussian model), and a shape context matching method. The classical cascaded detector is used to detect the frontal road signs in video sequences and obtain the parameters for the SW-Gaussian model. The proposed SW-Gaussian model combines the two-dimensional Gaussian model and the normalized red channel together, which can largely enhance the contrast between the red signs and background. The proposed shape context matching method can match shapes with big noise, which is utilized to detect road signs in different directions. The experimental results show that compared with previous detection methods, the proposed multiview detection method can reach higher detection rate in detecting signs with different directions.

Space Policy Directive - 1 Signing

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-11

President Donald Trump, speaks before signing Space Policy Directive - 1, directing NASA to return to the moon, alongside Vice President Mike Pence, members of the Senate, Congress, NASA, and commercial space companies in the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Space Policy Directive - 1 Signing

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-11

Vice President Mike Pence speaks before President Donald Trump signs Space Policy Directive - 1, directing NASA to return to the moon, alongside members of the Senate, Congress, NASA, and commercial space companies in the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

44 CFR 15.6 - Compliance with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GENERAL CONDUCT AT THE MT. WEATHER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CENTER AND AT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER § 15.6 Compliance with signs and directions. Persons at Mt. Weather and...

44 CFR 15.6 - Compliance with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GENERAL CONDUCT AT THE MT. WEATHER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CENTER AND AT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER § 15.6 Compliance with signs and directions. Persons at Mt. Weather and...

44 CFR 15.6 - Compliance with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GENERAL CONDUCT AT THE MT. WEATHER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CENTER AND AT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER § 15.6 Compliance with signs and directions. Persons at Mt. Weather and...

44 CFR 15.6 - Compliance with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GENERAL CONDUCT AT THE MT. WEATHER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CENTER AND AT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER § 15.6 Compliance with signs and directions. Persons at Mt. Weather and...

44 CFR 15.6 - Compliance with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GENERAL CONDUCT AT THE MT. WEATHER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CENTER AND AT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER § 15.6 Compliance with signs and directions. Persons at Mt. Weather and...

Sign phase transition in the problem of interfering directed paths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldwin, C. L.; Laumann, C. R.; Spivak, B.

2018-01-01

We investigate the statistical properties of interfering directed paths in disordered media. At long distance, the average sign of the sum over paths may tend to zero (sign disordered) or remain finite (sign ordered) depending on dimensionality and the concentration of negative scattering sites x . We show that in two dimensions the sign-ordered phase is unstable even for arbitrarily small x by identifying rare destabilizing events. In three dimensions, we present strong evidence that there is a sign phase transition at a finite xc>0 . These results have consequences for several different physical systems. In two-dimensional insulators at low temperature, the variable-range-hopping magnetoresistance is always negative, while in three dimensions, it changes sign at the point of the sign phase transition. We also show that in the sign-disordered regime a small magnetic field may enhance superconductivity in a random system of D -wave superconducting grains embedded in a metallic matrix. Finally, the existence of the sign phase transition in three dimensions implies new features in the spin-glass phase diagram at high temperature.

THE INTERSTELLAR MAGNETIC FIELD CLOSE TO THE SUN. II

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

Frisch, P. C.; Andersson, B-G; Berdyugin, A.

2012-12-01

The magnetic field in the local interstellar medium (ISM) provides a key indicator of the galactic environment of the Sun and influences the shape of the heliosphere. We have studied the interstellar magnetic field (ISMF) in the solar vicinity using polarized starlight for stars within 40 pc of the Sun and 90 Degree-Sign of the heliosphere nose. In Frisch et al. (Paper I), we developed a method for determining the local ISMF direction by finding the best match to a group of interstellar polarization position angles obtained toward nearby stars, based on the assumption that the polarization is parallel tomore » the ISMF. In this paper, we extend the analysis by utilizing weighted fits to the position angles and by including new observations acquired for this study. We find that the local ISMF is pointed toward the galactic coordinates l, b =47 Degree-Sign {+-} 20 Degree-Sign , 25 Degree-Sign {+-} 20 Degree-Sign . This direction is close to the direction of the ISMF that shapes the heliosphere, l, b =33 Degree-Sign {+-} 4 Degree-Sign , 55 Degree-Sign {+-} 4 Degree-Sign , as traced by the center of the 'Ribbon' of energetic neutral atoms discovered by the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission. Both the magnetic field direction and the kinematics of the local ISM are consistent with a scenario where the local ISM is a fragment of the Loop I superbubble. A nearby ordered component of the local ISMF has been identified in the region l Almost-Equal-To 0 Degree-Sign {yields} 80 Degree-Sign and b Almost-Equal-To 0 Degree-Sign {yields} 30 Degree-Sign , where PlanetPol data show a distance-dependent increase of polarization strength. The ordered component extends to within 8 pc of the Sun and implies a weak curvature in the nearby ISMF of {approx}0.{sup 0}25 pc{sup -1}. This conclusion is conditioned on the small sample of stars available for defining this rotation. Variations from the ordered component suggest a turbulent component of {approx}23 Degree-Sign . The ordered component and standard relations between polarization, color excess, and H{sup o} column density predict a reasonable increase of N(H) with distance in the local ISM. The similarity of the ISMF directions traced by the polarizations, the IBEX Ribbon, and pulsars inside the Local Bubble in the third galactic quadrant suggest that the ISMF is relatively uniform over spatial scales of 8-200 pc and is more similar to interarm than spiral-arm magnetic fields. The ISMF direction from the polarization data is also consistent with small-scale spatial asymmetries detected in GeV-TeV cosmic rays with a galactic origin. The peculiar geometrical relation found earlier between the cosmic microwave background dipole moment, the heliosphere nose, and the ISMF direction is supported by this study. The interstellar radiation field at {approx}975 A does not appear to play a role in grain alignment for the low-density ISM studied here.« less

ESARR: enhanced situational awareness via road sign recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perlin, V. E.; Johnson, D. B.; Rohde, M. M.; Lupa, R. M.; Fiorani, G.; Mohammad, S.

2010-04-01

The enhanced situational awareness via road sign recognition (ESARR) system provides vehicle position estimates in the absence of GPS signal via automated processing of roadway fiducials (primarily directional road signs). Sign images are detected and extracted from vehicle-mounted camera system, and preprocessed and read via a custom optical character recognition (OCR) system specifically designed to cope with low quality input imagery. Vehicle motion and 3D scene geometry estimation enables efficient and robust sign detection with low false alarm rates. Multi-level text processing coupled with GIS database validation enables effective interpretation even of extremely low resolution low contrast sign images. In this paper, ESARR development progress will be reported on, including the design and architecture, image processing framework, localization methodologies, and results to date. Highlights of the real-time vehicle-based directional road-sign detection and interpretation system will be described along with the challenges and progress in overcoming them.

12 CFR 740.4 - Requirements for the official sign.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... and appearing on NCUA's official website, or alter by hand or otherwise the official sign depicted in... directly.” This sign must be similar to the official sign in terms of design, color, and font. (2) A teller... official sign in terms of design, color, and font. (3) A teller in a branch of a nonfederally insured...

Validation of Mobility of Pedestrians with Low Vision Using Graphic Floor Signs and Voice Guides.

PubMed

Omori, Kiyohiro; Yanagihara, Takao; Kitagawa, Hiroshi; Ikeda, Norihiro

2015-01-01

Some people with low vision or elderly persons tend to walk while watching a nearby floor, therefore, they often overlook or hard to read suspended signs. In this study, we propose two kinds of voice guides, and an experiment is conducted by participants with low vision using these voice guides and graphic floor signs in order to investigate effectiveness of these combinations. In clock position method (CP), each direction of near facilities are described in using an analogy of a 12-hour clock. Meanwhile, in numbering method (NU), near facilities are put the number in clockwise order, however, each direction are only illustrated in a crossing sign. As a result of an experiment, it is showed that both voice guides are effective for pedestrians with low vision. NU is used as a complement of graphic floor signs. Meanwhile, CP is used independently with graphic floor signs, however, there is a risk in the case of using in the environment where pedestrians are easy to mistake the reference direction defined by the sounding speaker.

Crash testing of Louisiana's multi-directional, single steel post, small sign support.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-06-01

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD) contracted with the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) to evaluate the impact characteristics of Louisiana's multi-directional 5 inch diameter steel post, small sign support when im...

Space Policy Directive - 1 Signing

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-11

Ivanka Trump, advisor to President Donald Trump, touches a sample from the moon that former astronaut Jack Schmitt, left, collected during the Apollo 17 mission, just after President Trump signed Space Policy Directive - 1, directing NASA to return to the moon, in the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Sign Vocabulary in Deaf Toddlers Exposed to Sign Language since Birth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rinaldi, Pasquale; Caselli, Maria Cristina; Di Renzo, Alessio; Gulli, Tiziana; Volterra, Virginia

2014-01-01

Lexical comprehension and production is directly evaluated for the first time in deaf signing children below the age of 3 years. A Picture Naming Task was administered to 8 deaf signing toddlers (aged 2-3 years) who were exposed to Sign Language since birth. Results were compared with data of hearing speaking controls. In both deaf and hearing…

The University of Michigan Campus Identification Signs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor.

Specific information, identification, and direction to and within the campus as factors determining a campus sign system are discussed in terms of--(1) needs requiring an identification sign system, (2) recommendations for initiating a comprehensive sign system for the university, and (3) application procedures as they relate to streets, walkways,…

50 CFR 85.43 - Signs and symbols.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... follows: KEEP OUR WATER CLEAN—USE PUMPOUTS (e) All information signs, pumpout symbol, qualifying signs... the water directing boaters to a pumpout may only need the pumpout symbol, and a qualifying sign beneath, e.g., an arrow, and possibly the words “PUMPOUT STATION”. For pumpout and dump stations, the...

CS_TOTR: A new vertex centrality method for directed signed networks based on status theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yue; Liu, Min; Zhang, Peng; Qi, Xingqin

Measuring the importance (or centrality) of vertices in a network is a significant topic in complex network analysis, which has significant applications in diverse domains, for example, disease control, spread of rumors, viral marketing and so on. Existing studies mainly focus on social networks with only positive (or friendship) relations, while signed networks with also negative (or enemy) relations are seldom studied. Various signed networks commonly exist in real world, e.g. a network indicating friendship/enmity, love/hate or trust/mistrust relationships. In this paper, we propose a new centrality method named CS_TOTR to give a ranking of vertices in directed signed networks. To design this new method, we use the “status theory” for signed networks, and also adopt the vertex ranking algorithm for a tournament and the topological sorting algorithm for a general directed graph. We apply this new centrality method on the famous Sampson Monastery dataset and obtain a convincing result which shows its validity.

Rapid, directed transport of DC-SIGN clusters in the plasma membrane

PubMed Central

Liu, Ping; Weinreb, Violetta; Ridilla, Marc; Betts, Laurie; Patel, Pratik; de Silva, Aravinda M.; Thompson, Nancy L.; Jacobson, Ken

2017-01-01

C-type lectins, including dendritic cell–specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3–grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN), are all-purpose pathogen receptors that exist in nanoclusters in plasma membranes of dendritic cells. A small fraction of these clusters, obvious from the videos, can undergo rapid, directed transport in the plane of the plasma membrane at average speeds of more than 1 μm/s in both dendritic cells and MX DC-SIGN murine fibroblasts ectopically expressing DC-SIGN. Surprisingly, instantaneous speeds can be considerably greater. In MX DC-SIGN cells, many cluster trajectories are colinear with microtubules that reside close to the ventral membrane, and the microtubule-depolymerizing drug, nocodazole, markedly reduced the areal density of directed movement trajectories, suggesting a microtubule motor–driven transport mechanism; by contrast, latrunculin A, which affects the actin network, did not depress this movement. Rapid, retrograde movement of DC-SIGN may be an efficient mechanism for bringing bound pathogen on the leading edge and projections of dendritic cells to the perinuclear region for internalization and processing. Dengue virus bound to DC-SIGN on dendritic projections was rapidly transported toward the cell center. The existence of this movement within the plasma membrane points to an unexpected lateral transport mechanism in mammalian cells and challenges our current concepts of cortex-membrane interactions. PMID:29134199

The Legal Structure of Defense Organization.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-15

between the War and Navy Departments in the creation of the Joint Army-Navy Board. That Board, created by a common order signed by the Secretaries of...Order 9877 on "functions of the armed forces" the same day that he signed the National Security Act of 1947. Almost immediately, the differences between...direction of the President," signed a new "Functions Paper" (DoD Directive 5100.1) that, among other changes, altered the designated agent system to

On the linguistic status of ‘agreement’ in sign languages

PubMed Central

LILLO-MARTIN, DIANE; MEIER, RICHARD P.

2013-01-01

In signed languages, the arguments of verbs can be marked by a system of verbal modification that has been termed “agreement” (more neutrally, “directionality”). Fundamental issues regarding directionality remain unresolved and the phenomenon has characteristics that call into question its analysis as agreement. We conclude that directionality marks person in American Sign Language, and the ways person marking interacts with syntactic phenomena are largely analogous to morpho-syntactic properties of familiar agreement systems. Overall, signed languages provide a crucial test for how gestural and linguistic mechanisms can jointly contribute to the satisfaction of fundamental aspects of linguistic structure. PMID:23495262

7 CFR 501.4 - Conformity with signs and emergency directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Section 501.4 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER, CLAY CENTER, NEBRASKA § 501.4 Conformity with signs and emergency directions. Persons in and on property of the Research...

7 CFR 501.4 - Conformity with signs and emergency directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Section 501.4 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER, CLAY CENTER, NEBRASKA § 501.4 Conformity with signs and emergency directions. Persons in and on property of the Research...

7 CFR 501.4 - Conformity with signs and emergency directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Section 501.4 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER, CLAY CENTER, NEBRASKA § 501.4 Conformity with signs and emergency directions. Persons in and on property of the Research...

7 CFR 501.4 - Conformity with signs and emergency directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Section 501.4 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER, CLAY CENTER, NEBRASKA § 501.4 Conformity with signs and emergency directions. Persons in and on property of the Research...

75 FR 4450 - Financial Management Service; Proposed Collection of Information: Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-27

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Fiscal Service Financial Management Service; Proposed Collection of Information: Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form AGENCY: Financial Management Service, Fiscal Service, Treasury. ACTION: Notice and Request for comments. SUMMARY: The Financial Management Service, as part of its...

Directionality Effects in Simultaneous Language Interpreting: The Case of Sign Language Interpreters in the Netherlands

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Dijk, Rick; Boers, Eveline; Christoffels, Ingrid; Hermans, Daan

2011-01-01

The quality of interpretations produced by sign language interpreters was investigated. Twenty-five experienced interpreters were instructed to interpret narratives from (a) spoken Dutch to Sign Language of the Netherlands (SLN), (b) spoken Dutch to Sign Supported Dutch (SSD), and (c) SLN to spoken Dutch. The quality of the interpreted narratives…

Designing Effective Safety Signs, Based on a Study of Recall for Safety Signs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berry, Dennis W.

Aside from direct supervision at a recreational facility, safety signs, if designed properly, are the most effective approach to facility safety. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of various sign designs: (l) multiple concepts with text; (2) single concept with text; and (3) single concept with graphics. A discussion of…

31 CFR 700.5 - Compliance with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Compliance with signs and directions. 700.5 Section 700.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN OR ON...

31 CFR 700.5 - Compliance with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Compliance with signs and directions. 700.5 Section 700.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN OR ON...

31 CFR 700.5 - Compliance with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Compliance with signs and directions. 700.5 Section 700.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN OR ON...

31 CFR 700.5 - Compliance with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Compliance with signs and directions. 700.5 Section 700.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN OR ON...

31 CFR 700.5 - Compliance with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Compliance with signs and directions. 700.5 Section 700.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN OR ON...

31 CFR 407.5 - Conformity with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Conformity with signs and directions. 407.5 Section 407.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN THE TREASURY BUILDING AND THE...

31 CFR 407.5 - Conformity with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Conformity with signs and directions. 407.5 Section 407.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN THE TREASURY BUILDING AND THE...

31 CFR 407.5 - Conformity with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Conformity with signs and directions. 407.5 Section 407.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN THE TREASURY BUILDING AND THE...

31 CFR 407.5 - Conformity with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Conformity with signs and directions. 407.5 Section 407.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN THE TREASURY BUILDING AND THE...

31 CFR 407.5 - Conformity with signs and directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Conformity with signs and directions. 407.5 Section 407.5 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN THE TREASURY BUILDING AND THE...

24 CFR 203.359 - Time of conveyance to the Secretary.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

..., 1992 or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's... insured under firm commitments issued on or after November 19, 1992, or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after November 19, 1992...

7 CFR 501.4 - Conformity with signs and emergency directions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Conformity with signs and emergency directions. 501.4 Section 501.4 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONDUCT ON U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER, CLAY CENTER, NEBRASKA...

Evaluation of diagrammatic signing at Capital Beltway exit no. 1.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1971-01-01

Much research to eliminate driver confusion at high-speed interchanges is being directed toward the application of diagrammatic signing. In this study, one conventional sign on the westbound approach to Exit No. 1 of the Capital Beltway was replaced ...

Sign detection for autonomous navigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodsell, Thomas G.; Snorrason, Magnus S.; Cartwright, Dustin; Stube, Brian; Stevens, Mark R.; Ablavsky, Vitaly X.

2003-09-01

Mobile robots currently cannot detect and read arbitrary signs. This is a major hindrance to mobile robot usability, since they cannot be tasked using directions that are intuitive to humans. It also limits their ability to report their position relative to intuitive landmarks. Other researchers have demonstrated some success on traffic sign recognition, but using template based methods limits the set of recognizable signs. There is a clear need for a sign detection and recognition system that can process a much wider variety of signs: traffic signs, street signs, store-name signs, building directories, room signs, etc. We are developing a system for Sign Understanding in Support of Autonomous Navigation (SUSAN), that detects signs from various cues common to most signs: vivid colors, compact shape, and text. We have demonstrated the feasibility of our approach on a variety of signs in both indoor and outdoor locations.

Using virtual reality to determine how emergency signs facilitate way-finding.

PubMed

Tang, Chieh-Hsin; Wu, Wu-Tai; Lin, Ching-Yuan

2009-07-01

In this study, virtual reality was the tool used to construct an experimental space. Three scenarios - one without emergency signs, another with an old-version emergency sign, and the third with a new-version emergency sign - were created, after which 107 subjects, divided into three groups, engaged in an emergency escape game to determine if and how various emergency signs aid in way-finding in the event of an emergency. Under the presupposition that the minimum time needed for an emergency escape without any mistake occurring was 40s, we found that the average way-finding time in the scenario without any emergency signs was 123.8s, for the scenario with the new-version signs 84.8s, and for the scenario with the old-version signs 75.6s; statistically, this demonstrated that the absence of signs results in slower escape than either old signs (p=0.001) or new signs (p=0.005). These findings indicate that signs do help way-finding greatly. Males were found to exhibit better way-finding skills than females (p<0.001). Construction workers and fire safety personnel, as a combined group, did not fare better than others with less presumed prior experience with building plans or emergency exit procedures. In addition, when faced with both an emergency direction sign and an exit door, almost half of the subjects (42% of the participants) were chosen to take the door instead of following the direction posted on the sign. Finally, we found that, at T-intersections, the majority of participants (60%) chose to turn left versus right.

Space Policy Directive - 1 Signing

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-11

Vice President Mike Pence speaks before President Donald Trump signs Space Policy Directive - 1, directing NASA to return to the moon, alongside President Donald Trump. left, Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, second left, NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, third from left, NASA astronaut Christina Koch, right, and members of the Senate, Congress, and commercial space companies in the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Duplex scanning diagnosis of internal carotid artery dissections. A case control study.

PubMed

Alecu, C; Fortrat, J O; Ducrocq, X; Vespignani, H; de Bray, J M

2007-01-01

The reliability of duplex scanning (DS) for the diagnosis of internal carotid artery dissections (ICAD) is not clear. Nine DS signs known to be suggestive for the diagnosis of ICAD were compared between 70 patients with ICAD and 70 matched patients without dissection. Visible internal tapering occlusion, regular eccentric narrowing channel, ectasia beyond the carotid bulb, resistive index asymmetry, blood flow slowdown, ophthalmic artery blood flow inversion, and biphasic flow are more frequent in cases than in controls (p < 0.001). Atheroma plaques were absent in 80% of ICAD. When DS direct signs and hemodynamic signs were studied, sensitivity was 90% and specificity 60%. Diagnosis of ICAD by DS could be improved if direct signs were combined with hemodynamic signs, giving a high sensitivity and a rather good specificity. Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Clinical signs suggestive of pharyngeal dysphagia in preschool children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Benfer, Katherine A; Weir, Kelly A; Bell, Kristie L; Ware, Robert S; Davies, Peter S W; Boyd, Roslyn N

2015-03-01

This study aimed to determine the discriminative validity, reproducibility, and prevalence of clinical signs suggestive of pharyngeal dysphagia according to gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). It was a cross-sectional population-based study of 130 children diagnosed with CP at 18-36 months (mean=27.4, 81 males) and 40 children with typical development (TD, mean=26.2, 18 males). Sixteen signs suggestive of pharyngeal phase impairment were directly observed in a videoed mealtime by a speech pathologist, and reported by parents on a questionnaire. Gross motor function was classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System. The study found that 67.7% of children had clinical signs, and this increased with poorer gross motor function (OR=1.7, p<0.01). Parents reported clinical signs in 46.2% of children, with 60% agreement with direct clinical mealtime assessment (kappa=0.2, p<0.01). The most common signs on direct assessment were coughing (44.7%), multiple swallows (25.2%), gurgly voice (20.3%), wet breathing (18.7%) and gagging (11.4%). 37.5% of children with TD had clinical signs, mostly observed on fluids. Dysphagia cut-points were modified to exclude a single cough on fluids, with a modified prevalence estimate proposed as 50.8%. Clinical signs suggestive of pharyngeal dysphagia are common in children with CP, even those with ambulatory CP. Parent-report on 16 specific signs remains a feasible screening method. While coughing was consistently identified by clinicians, it may not reflect children's regular performance, and was not sufficiently discriminative in children aged 18-36 months. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Severely deranged vital signs as triggers for acute treatment modifications on an intensive care unit in a low-income country.

PubMed

Schell, Carl Otto; Castegren, Markus; Lugazia, Edwin; Blixt, Jonas; Mulungu, Moses; Konrad, David; Baker, Tim

2015-07-25

Critical care saves lives of the young with reversible disease. Little is known about critical care services in low-income countries. In a setting with a shortage of doctors the actions of the nurse bedside are likely to have a major impact on the outcome of critically ill patients with rapidly changing physiology. Identification of severely deranged vital signs and subsequent treatment modifications are the basis of modern routines in critical care, for example goal directed therapy and rapid response teams. This study assesses how often severely deranged vital signs trigger an acute treatment modification on an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Tanzania. A medical records based, observational study. Vital signs (conscious level, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate and systolic blood pressure) were collected as repeated point prevalences three times per day in a 1-month period for all adult patients on the ICU. Severely deranged vital signs were identified and treatment modifications within 1 h were noted. Of 615 vital signs studied, 126 (18%) were severely deranged. An acute treatment modification was in total indicated in 53 situations and was carried out three times (6%) (2/32 for hypotension, 0/8 for tachypnoea, 1/6 for tachycardia, 0/4 for unconsciousness and 0/3 for hypoxia). This study suggests that severely deranged vital signs are common and infrequently lead to acute treatment modifications on an ICU in a low-income country. There may be potential to improve outcome if nurses are guided to administer acute treatment modifications by using a vital sign directed approach. A prospective study of a vital sign directed therapy protocol is underway.

A user guide for the sign sizing program

Treesearch

Donna Sheehy; Kurt Krueger

1999-01-01

This user guide explains how to use the Forest Service Sign Sizing program. The program calculates the length and height of a rectangular sign panel for road and trail guide signs. Variable text messages and directional arrows can be mocked up using U.S. Federal Highway Administration standards. Users can make text or other changes and quickly determine the effect on...

Restoration of Motion-Blurred Image Based on Border Deformation Detection: A Traffic Sign Restoration Model

PubMed Central

Zeng, Yiliang; Lan, Jinhui; Ran, Bin; Wang, Qi; Gao, Jing

2015-01-01

Due to the rapid development of motor vehicle Driver Assistance Systems (DAS), the safety problems associated with automatic driving have become a hot issue in Intelligent Transportation. The traffic sign is one of the most important tools used to reinforce traffic rules. However, traffic sign image degradation based on computer vision is unavoidable during the vehicle movement process. In order to quickly and accurately recognize traffic signs in motion-blurred images in DAS, a new image restoration algorithm based on border deformation detection in the spatial domain is proposed in this paper. The border of a traffic sign is extracted using color information, and then the width of the border is measured in all directions. According to the width measured and the corresponding direction, both the motion direction and scale of the image can be confirmed, and this information can be used to restore the motion-blurred image. Finally, a gray mean grads (GMG) ratio is presented to evaluate the image restoration quality. Compared to the traditional restoration approach which is based on the blind deconvolution method and Lucy-Richardson method, our method can greatly restore motion blurred images and improve the correct recognition rate. Our experiments show that the proposed method is able to restore traffic sign information accurately and efficiently. PMID:25849350

Restoration of motion-blurred image based on border deformation detection: a traffic sign restoration model.

PubMed

Zeng, Yiliang; Lan, Jinhui; Ran, Bin; Wang, Qi; Gao, Jing

2015-01-01

Due to the rapid development of motor vehicle Driver Assistance Systems (DAS), the safety problems associated with automatic driving have become a hot issue in Intelligent Transportation. The traffic sign is one of the most important tools used to reinforce traffic rules. However, traffic sign image degradation based on computer vision is unavoidable during the vehicle movement process. In order to quickly and accurately recognize traffic signs in motion-blurred images in DAS, a new image restoration algorithm based on border deformation detection in the spatial domain is proposed in this paper. The border of a traffic sign is extracted using color information, and then the width of the border is measured in all directions. According to the width measured and the corresponding direction, both the motion direction and scale of the image can be confirmed, and this information can be used to restore the motion-blurred image. Finally, a gray mean grads (GMG) ratio is presented to evaluate the image restoration quality. Compared to the traditional restoration approach which is based on the blind deconvolution method and Lucy-Richardson method, our method can greatly restore motion blurred images and improve the correct recognition rate. Our experiments show that the proposed method is able to restore traffic sign information accurately and efficiently.

7 CFR 500.11 - Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... established roads, shall drive in a careful and safe manner at all times, and shall comply with the signals and directions of the Security Staff and all posted traffic signs. (b) The blocking of entrances... locations or in locations reserved for other persons, or contrary to the direction of posted signs, is...

7 CFR 500.11 - Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... established roads, shall drive in a careful and safe manner at all times, and shall comply with the signals and directions of the Security Staff and all posted traffic signs. (b) The blocking of entrances... locations or in locations reserved for other persons, or contrary to the direction of posted signs, is...

7 CFR 500.11 - Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... established roads, shall drive in a careful and safe manner at all times, and shall comply with the signals and directions of the Security Staff and all posted traffic signs. (b) The blocking of entrances... locations or in locations reserved for other persons, or contrary to the direction of posted signs, is...

7 CFR 500.11 - Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... established roads, shall drive in a careful and safe manner at all times, and shall comply with the signals and directions of the Security Staff and all posted traffic signs. (b) The blocking of entrances... locations or in locations reserved for other persons, or contrary to the direction of posted signs, is...

7 CFR 500.11 - Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... established roads, shall drive in a careful and safe manner at all times, and shall comply with the signals and directions of the Security Staff and all posted traffic signs. (b) The blocking of entrances... locations or in locations reserved for other persons, or contrary to the direction of posted signs, is...

23 CFR 750.151 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... value of public travel, and to preserve natural beauty. (2) Directional and official signs and notices, which signs and notices shall include, but not be limited to, signs and notices pertaining to natural wonders, scenic and historical attractions, which are required or authorized by law, shall conform to...

Testing of alternative supporting materials for portable roll-up signs used for maintenance work zones : [summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-08-01

Portable roll-up signs are currently used by the Texas Department of Transportation for identification of short-term maintenance/work zones and emergency operations. These signs have fiberglass frames that directly support diamond-shaped and rectangu...

Global tracking for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with unknown sign-switching control direction by output feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roux Oliveira, Tiago; Jacoud Peixoto, Alessandro; Hsu, Liu

2015-09-01

This paper addresses the design of a sliding mode controller for a class of high-order uncertain nonlinear plants with unmatched state-dependent nonlinearities and unknown sign of the high frequency gain, i.e., the control direction is assumed unknown. Differently from most previous studies, the control direction is allowed to switch its sign. We show that it is possible to obtain global exact tracking using only output-feedback by coupling a relay periodic switching function with a norm state observer. One significant advantage of the new scheme is its robustness and improved transient response under arbitrary changes of the control direction which have been theoretically demonstrated for jump variations and successfully tested by simulations. The proposed controller is also evaluated with a DC motor control experiment.

Advance directives and mortality rates among nursing home residents in Taiwan: A retrospective, longitudinal study.

PubMed

Tsai, Hsiu-Hsin; Tsai, Yun-Fang; Liu, Chia-Yih

2017-03-01

No data-based evidence is available regarding the best time for nursing home nurses to obtain residents' signatures on advance directives, especially for do-not-resuscitate directives, the most common type of advance directive. This information is needed to enhance the low prevalence of advance directives in Asian countries. The purposes of this study were to understand (1) the timing between nursing home admission and signing a do-not-resuscitate directive, (2) the factors related to having a do-not-resuscitate directive, and (3) the association between having a do-not-resuscitate directive and nursing home residents' mortality in Taiwan. Retrospective, longitudinal design. Six nursing homes in Taiwan. Nursing home residents (N=563). Data were collected by retrospective chart review with 1-year follow-up. Factors related to having a do-not-resuscitate directive were analyzed by multiple logistic regression, while associations between signing a do-not-resuscitate directive (resuscitation preference) and mortality were examined by Cox proportional hazard regression models. The mean interval between nursing home admission and signing a do-not-resuscitate directive was 840.65days (2.30 years), which was longer than the time from admission to first transfer to hospital (742.4days). Having a do-not-resuscitate directive was related to whether the resident had a nasogastric tube (odds=2.57) and the number of transfers to hospital (odds=1.18). Among the 563 residents, 55 (9.77%) had died at the 1-year follow-up. Having a do-not-resuscitate directive was associated with a greater risk of death (unadjusted hazard ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-3.98; p=0.02), but this risk did not persist after adjusting for age (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-3.59; p=0.05). Early research recommendations to sign an advance directive, particularly a do-not-resuscitate order, on nursing home admission may not be the best time for Chinese nursing home residents. Our results suggest that the best time to sign a do-not-resuscitate directive is as early as possible and no later than 2 years (742days) after admission if residents had not already done so. Residents on nasogastric tube feeding should be particularly targeted for discussions about do-not-resuscitate directives. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

41 CFR 102-74.385 - What is the policy concerning conformity with official signs and directions?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Property Management Federal Property Management Regulations System (Continued) FEDERAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION REAL PROPERTY 74-FACILITY MANAGEMENT Conduct on Federal Property Conformity with Signs and... in and on property must at all times comply with official signs of a prohibitory, regulatory or...

Comprehending Sentences with the Body: Action Compatibility in British Sign Language?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vinson, David; Perniss, Pamela; Fox, Neil; Vigliocco, Gabriella

2017-01-01

Previous studies show that reading sentences about actions leads to specific motor activity associated with actually performing those actions. We investigate how sign language input may modulate motor activation, using British Sign Language (BSL) sentences, some of which explicitly encode direction of motion, versus written English, where motion…

Lost? Let the Finger-Pointing Begin

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fredette, Michelle

2013-01-01

IT's tough being a digital sign these days. Everyone wants a piece of action. From announcements to advertisements, menus to broadcasts, digital signs provide dynamic messaging tailored to locations and circumstances. With the advent of wayfinding technology, today's digital signs can serve up customized directions around campuses and all of…

Direction Asymmetries in Spoken and Signed Language Interpreting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nicodemus, Brenda; Emmorey, Karen

2013-01-01

Spoken language (unimodal) interpreters often prefer to interpret from their non-dominant language (L2) into their native language (L1). Anecdotally, signed language (bimodal) interpreters express the opposite bias, preferring to interpret from L1 (spoken language) into L2 (signed language). We conducted a large survey study ("N" =…

Commensurability oscillations by snake-orbit magnetotransport in two-dimensional electron gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leuschner, A.; Schluck, J.; Cerchez, M.; Heinzel, T.; Pierz, K.; Schumacher, H. W.

2017-04-01

Commensurate magnetoresistance periodic oscillations generated by transversal electron snake orbits are found experimentally. A two-dimensional electron gas is exposed to a magnetic field that changes sign along the current longitudinal direction and is homogeneous in the transverse direction. The change in sign of the magnetic field directs the electron flow along the transversal direction, in snake orbits. This generates resistance oscillations with a predictable periodicity that is commensurate with the width of the electron gas. Numerical simulations are used to reveal the character of the oscillations.

Representational momentum for the human body: awkwardness matters, experience does not.

PubMed

Wilson, Margaret; Lancaster, Jessy; Emmorey, Karen

2010-08-01

Perception of the human body appears to involve predictive simulations that project forward to track unfolding body-motion events. Here we use representational momentum (RM) to investigate whether implicit knowledge of a learned arbitrary system of body movement such as sign language influences this prediction process, and how this compares to implicit knowledge of biomechanics. Experiment 1 showed greater RM for sign language stimuli in the correct direction of the sign than in the reverse direction, but unexpectedly this held true for non-signers as well as signers. Experiment 2 supported two biomechanical explanations for this result (an effect of downward movement, and an effect of the direction that the movement had actually been performed by the model), and Experiments 3 and 4 found no residual enhancement of RM in signers when these factors were controlled. In fact, surprisingly, the opposite was found: signers showed reduced RM for signs. Experiment 5 verified the effect of biomechanical knowledge by testing arm movements that are easy to perform in one direction but awkward in the reverse direction, and found greater RM for the easy direction. We conclude that while perceptual prediction is shaped by implicit knowledge of biomechanics (the awkwardness effect), it is surprisingly insensitive to expectations derived from learned movement patterns. Results are discussed in terms of recent findings on the mirror system. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Case Analyses of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients Who Refused to Sign a Living Will.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stephens, Ronald L.; Grady, Rosemary

1992-01-01

Notes that, in survey of 50 cancer patients offered living wills, 6 individuals declined to sign advance directives. Contains detailed evaluation of each of six cases. Discusses potential value of living wills in context of other, newer forms of advance directives, such as durable power of attorney for health care, and more detailed living will…

The Nature of Object Marking in American Sign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gokgoz, Kadir

2013-01-01

In this dissertation, I examine the nature of object marking in American Sign Language (ASL). I investigate object marking by means of directionality (the movement of the verb towards a certain location in signing space) and by means of handling classifiers (certain handshapes accompanying the verb). I propose that object marking in ASL is…

Radio Frequency Emitter Geolocation Using Cubesats

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-27

CUBESATS Andrew J. Small, B.S.E.E. Captain, USAF Approved: //signed// Maj Marshall Haker , PhD (Chairman) //signed// Jonathan Black, PhD (Member) //signed...Cubesat, Direct Position Determination, Angle of Arrival, Time Difference of Arrival, Instantaneous Received Frequency U U U UU 101 Maj Marshall Haker (ENG) (937) 255-3636 x4603 marshall.haker@afit.edu

Warning Signs of Mental Illnesses

MedlinePlus

... Change Direction initiative is working to change the culture of mental health in America. It encourages people ... signs of emotional suffering and to change the culture around mental health and mental illness. Learn more ...

Language and Literacy Acquisition through Parental Mediation in American Sign Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailes, Cynthia Neese; Erting, Lynne C.; Thumann-Prezioso, Carlene; Erting, Carol J.

2009-01-01

This longitudinal case study examined the language and literacy acquisition of a Deaf child as mediated by her signing Deaf parents during her first three years of life. Results indicate that the parents' interactions with their child were guided by linguistic and cultural knowledge that produced an intuitive use of child-directed signing (CDSi)…

The Modernization of Signs: A Library Leads the Way to Networked Digital Signage

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larson, Kendall; Quam, Allison

2010-01-01

At Winona State University's Krueger Library, where Kendall Larson is an associate professor and Allison Quam is an assistant professor, informational and directional signs are an essential part of the interior space. Yet the ubiquitous sign and media saturation has challenged them to design and maintain effective signage that is conspicuous and…

Observer-dependent sign inversions of polarization singularities.

PubMed

Freund, Isaac

2014-10-15

We describe observer-dependent sign inversions of the topological charges of vector field polarization singularities: C points (points of circular polarization), L points (points of linear polarization), and two virtually unknown singularities we call γ(C) and α(L) points. In all cases, the sign of the charge seen by an observer can change as she changes the direction from which she views the singularity. Analytic formulas are given for all C and all L point sign inversions.

Vital Signs Directed Therapy: Improving Care in an Intensive Care Unit in a Low-Income Country.

PubMed

Baker, Tim; Schell, Carl Otto; Lugazia, Edwin; Blixt, Jonas; Mulungu, Moses; Castegren, Markus; Eriksen, Jaran; Konrad, David

2015-01-01

Global Critical Care is attracting increasing attention. At several million deaths per year, the worldwide burden of critical illness is greater than generally appreciated. Low income countries (LICs) have a disproportionally greater share of critical illness, and yet critical care facilities are scarce in such settings. Routines utilizing abnormal vital signs to identify critical illness and trigger medical interventions have become common in high-income countries but have not been investigated in LICs. The aim of the study was to assess whether the introduction of a vital signs directed therapy protocol improved acute care and reduced mortality in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Tanzania. Prospective, before-and-after interventional study in the ICU of a university hospital in Tanzania. A context-appropriate protocol that defined danger levels of severely abnormal vital signs and stipulated acute treatment responses was implemented in a four week period using sensitisation, training, job aids, supervision and feedback. Acute treatment of danger signs at admission and during care in the ICU and in-hospital mortality were compared pre and post-implementation using regression models. Danger signs from 447 patients were included: 269 pre-implementation and 178 post-implementation. Acute treatment of danger signs was higher post-implementation (at admission: 72.9% vs 23.1%, p<0.001; in ICU: 16.6% vs 2.9%, p<0.001). A danger sign was five times more likely to be treated post-implementation (Prevalence Ratio (PR) 4.9 (2.9-8.3)). Intravenous fluids were given in response to 35.0% of hypotensive episodes post-implementation, as compared to 4.1% pre-implementation (PR 6.4 (2.5-16.2)). In patients admitted with hypotension, mortality was lower post-implementation (69.2% vs 92.3% p = 0.02) giving a numbers-needed-to-treat of 4.3. Overall in-hospital mortality rates were unchanged (49.4% vs 49.8%, p = 0.94). The introduction of a vital signs directed therapy protocol improved the acute treatment of abnormal vital signs in an ICU in a low-income country. Mortality rates were reduced for patients with hypotension at admission but not for all patients.

46 CFR 78.47-40 - Exit signs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... rooms or spaces having a secondary means of escape which is not obviously apparent shall have a suitable sign in red letters “EMERGENCY EXIT” directing attention to such escape. Cross Reference: See...

46 CFR 78.47-40 - Exit signs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... rooms or spaces having a secondary means of escape which is not obviously apparent shall have a suitable sign in red letters “EMERGENCY EXIT” directing attention to such escape. Cross Reference: See...

46 CFR 78.47-40 - Exit signs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... rooms or spaces having a secondary means of escape which is not obviously apparent shall have a suitable sign in red letters “EMERGENCY EXIT” directing attention to such escape. Cross Reference: See...

46 CFR 78.47-40 - Exit signs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... rooms or spaces having a secondary means of escape which is not obviously apparent shall have a suitable sign in red letters “EMERGENCY EXIT” directing attention to such escape. Cross Reference: See...

46 CFR 78.47-40 - Exit signs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... rooms or spaces having a secondary means of escape which is not obviously apparent shall have a suitable sign in red letters “EMERGENCY EXIT” directing attention to such escape. Cross Reference: See...

Modeling the influence of Chevron alignment sign on young male driver performance: A driving simulator study.

PubMed

Wu, Yiping; Zhao, Xiaohua; Chen, Chen; He, Jiayuan; Rong, Jian; Ma, Jianming

2016-10-01

In China, the Chevron alignment sign on highways is a vertical rectangle with a white arrow and border on a blue background, which differs from its counterpart in other countries. Moreover, little research has been devoted to the effectiveness of China's Chevron signs; there is still no practical method to quantitatively describe the impact of Chevron signs on driver performance in roadway curves. In this paper, a driving simulator experiment collected data on the driving performance of 30 young male drivers as they navigated on 29 different horizontal curves under different conditions (presence of Chevron signs, curve radius and curve direction). To address the heterogeneity issue in the data, three models were estimated and tested: a pooled data linear regression model, a fixed effects model, and a random effects model. According to the Hausman Test and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), the random effects model offers the best fit. The current study explores the relationship between driver performance (i.e., vehicle speed and lane position) and horizontal curves with respect to the horizontal curvature, presence of Chevron signs, and curve direction. This study lays a foundation for developing procedures and guidelines that would allow more uniform and efficient deployment of Chevron signs on China's highways. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Which cue to ‘want’? Opioid stimulation of central amygdala makes goal-trackers show stronger goal-tracking, just as sign-trackers show stronger sign-tracking

PubMed Central

DiFeliceantonio, Alexandra G.; Berridge, Kent C.

2012-01-01

Pavlovian cues that have been paired with reward can gain incentive salience. Drug addicts find drug cues motivationally attractive and binge eaters are attracted by food cues. But the level of incentive salience elicited by a cue re-encounter still varies across time and brain states. In an animal model, cues become attractive and ‘wanted’ in an ‘autoshaping’ paradigm, where different targets of incentive salience emerge for different individuals. Some individuals (sign-trackers) find a predictive discrete cue attractive while others find a reward contiguous and goal cue more attractive (location where reward arrives: goal-trackers). Here we assessed whether central amygdala mu opioid receptor stimulation enhances the phasic incentive salience of the goal-cue for goal-trackers during moments of predictive cue presence (expressed in both approach and consummatory behaviors to goal cue), just as it enhances the attractiveness of the predictive cue target for sign-trackers. Using detailed video analysis we measured the approaches, nibbles, sniffs, and bites directed at their preferred target for both sign-trackers and goal-trackers. We report that DAMGO microinjections in central amygdala made goal-trackers, like sign-trackers, show phasic increases in appetitive nibbles and sniffs directed at the goal-cue expressed selectively whenever the predictive cue was present. This indicates enhancement of incentive salience attributed by both goal trackers and sign-trackers, but attributed in different directions: each to their own target cue. For both phenotypes, amygdala opioid stimulation makes the individual’s prepotent cue into a stronger motivational magnet at phasic moments triggered by a CS that predicts the reward UCS. PMID:22391118

A dictionary of Astronomy for the French Sign Language (LSF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Proust, Dominique; Abbou, Daniel; Chab, Nasro

2011-06-01

Since a few years, the french deaf communauty have access to astronomy at Paris-Meudon observatory through a specific teaching adapted from the French Sign Language (Langue des Signes Françcaise, LSF) including direct observations with the observatory telescopes. From this experience, an encyclopedic dictionary of astronomy The Hands in the Stars is now available, containing more than 200 astronomical concepts. Many of them did not existed in Sign Language and can be now fully expressed and explained.

40 CFR 93.126 - Exempt projects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... location or feature. Safer non-Federal-aid system roads. Shoulder improvements. Increasing sight distance...). Acquisition of scenic easements. Plantings, landscaping, etc. Sign removal. Directional and informational signs. Transportation enhancement activities (except rehabilitation and operation of historic...

40 CFR 93.126 - Exempt projects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... location or feature. Safer non-Federal-aid system roads. Shoulder improvements. Increasing sight distance...). Acquisition of scenic easements. Plantings, landscaping, etc. Sign removal. Directional and informational signs. Transportation enhancement activities (except rehabilitation and operation of historic...

40 CFR 93.126 - Exempt projects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... location or feature. Safer non-Federal-aid system roads. Shoulder improvements. Increasing sight distance...). Acquisition of scenic easements. Plantings, landscaping, etc. Sign removal. Directional and informational signs. Transportation enhancement activities (except rehabilitation and operation of historic...

Modeling online social signed networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Le; Gu, Ke; Zeng, An; Fan, Ying; Di, Zengru

2018-04-01

People's online rating behavior can be modeled by user-object bipartite networks directly. However, few works have been devoted to reveal the hidden relations between users, especially from the perspective of signed networks. We analyze the signed monopartite networks projected by the signed user-object bipartite networks, finding that the networks are highly clustered with obvious community structure. Interestingly, the positive clustering coefficient is remarkably higher than the negative clustering coefficient. Then, a Signed Growing Network model (SGN) based on local preferential attachment is proposed to generate a user's signed network that has community structure and high positive clustering coefficient. Other structural properties of the modeled networks are also found to be similar to the empirical networks.

FAINT EXTENDED OH EMISSION FROM THE LOCAL INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM IN THE DIRECTION l Almost-Equal-To 108 Degree-Sign , b Almost-Equal-To 5 Degree-Sign

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

Allen, Ronald J.; Rodriguez, Monica Ivette; Black, John H.

We have mapped faint 1667 OH line emission (T{sub A} Almost-Equal-To 20-40 mK in our Almost-Equal-To 30' beam) along many lines of sight in the Galaxy covering an area of Almost-Equal-To 4 Degree-Sign Multiplication-Sign 4 Degree-Sign in the general direction of l Almost-Equal-To 108 Degree-Sign , b Almost-Equal-To 5 Degree-Sign . The OH emission is widespread, similar in extent to the local H I (r {approx}< 2 kpc) both in space and in velocity. The OH profile amplitudes show a good general correlation with those of H I in spectral channels of Almost-Equal-To 1 km s{sup -1}; this relation ismore » described by T{sub A} (OH) Almost-Equal-To 1.50 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -4} T{sub B} (H I) for values of T{sub B} (H I) {approx}< 60-70 K. Beyond this the H I line appears to 'saturate', and few values are recorded above Almost-Equal-To 90 K. However, the OH brightness continues to rise, by a further factor Almost-Equal-To 3. The OH velocity profiles show multiple features with widths typically 2-3 km s{sup -1}, but less than 10% of these features are associated with CO(1-0) emission in existing surveys of the area smoothed to comparable resolution.« less

The Influence of Visual Feedback and Register Changes on Sign Language Production: A Kinematic Study with Deaf Signers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Emmorey, Karen; Gertsberg, Nelly; Korpics, Franco; Wright, Charles E.

2009-01-01

Speakers monitor their speech output by listening to their own voice. However, signers do not look directly at their hands and cannot see their own face. We investigated the importance of a visual perceptual loop for sign language monitoring by examining whether changes in visual input alter sign production. Deaf signers produced American Sign…

A QUARTER-CENTURY OF OBSERVATIONS OF COMET 10P/TEMPEL 2 AT LOWELL OBSERVATORY: CONTINUED SPIN-DOWN, COMA MORPHOLOGY, PRODUCTION RATES, AND NUMERICAL MODELING

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

Knight, Matthew M.; Schleicher, David G.; Schwieterman, Edward W.

2012-11-01

We report on photometry and imaging of Comet 10P/Tempel 2 obtained at Lowell Observatory from 1983 through 2011. We measured a nucleus rotation period of 8.950 {+-} 0.002 hr from 16 nights of imaging acquired between 2010 September and 2011 January. This rotation period is longer than the period we previously measured in 1999, which was itself longer than the period measured in 1988, and demonstrates that Tempel 2 is continuing to spin down, presumably due to torques caused by asymmetric outgassing. A nearly linear jet was observed which varied little during a rotation cycle in both R and CNmore » images acquired during the 1999 and 2010 apparitions. We measured the projected direction of this jet throughout the two apparitions and, under the assumption that the source region of the jet was near the comet's pole, determined a rotational pole direction of R.A./decl. = 151 Degree-Sign /+59 Degree-Sign from CN measurements and R.A./decl. = 173 Degree-Sign /+57 Degree-Sign from dust measurements (we estimate a circular uncertainty of 3 Degree-Sign for CN and 4 Degree-Sign for dust). Different combinations of effects likely bias both gas and dust solutions and we elected to average these solutions for a final pole direction of R.A./decl. = 162 Degree-Sign {+-} 11 Degree-Sign /+58 Degree-Sign {+-} 1 Degree-Sign . Photoelectric photometry was acquired on 3 nights in 1983, 2 nights in 1988, 19 nights in 1999/2000, and 10 nights in 2010/2011. The activity exhibited a steep 'turn-on' {approx}3 months prior to perihelion (the exact timing of which varies) and a relatively smooth decline after perihelion. The activity during the 1999 and 2010 apparitions was similar; limited data in 1983 and 1988 (along with IUE data from the literature) were systematically higher and the difference cannot be explained entirely by the smaller perihelion distance. We measured a 'typical' composition, in agreement with previous investigators. Monte Carlo numerical modeling with our pole solution best replicated the observed coma morphology for a source region located near a comet latitude of +80 Degree-Sign and having a radius of {approx}10 Degree-Sign . Our model reproduced the seasonal changes in activity, suggesting that the majority of Tempel 2's activity originates from a small active region located near the pole. We also find that a cosine-squared solar angle function gives the best fit as compared to a standard cosine function.« less

Advance traffic control warning systems for maintenance operations : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-07-01

The report discusses the effect of certain variables defined by sign size, height of installation and legend on the driver responses as measured by speed, conflict and queuing parameters. Effects of electronically actuated, directional flashing signs...

[Signs and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in dysphonic individuals].

PubMed

Park, Kelly; Behlau, Mara

2011-01-01

To verify the occurrence of signs and symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in individuals with behavioral dysphonia, and to compare it with the results obtained by individuals without vocal complaints. Participants were 128 adult individuals with ages between 14 and 74 years, divided into two groups: behavioral dysphonia (61 subjects) and without vocal complaints (67 subjects). It was administered the Protocol of Autonomic Dysfunction, containing 46 questions: 22 related to the autonomic nervous system and had no direct relationship with voice, 16 related to both autonomic nervous system and voice, six non-relevant questions, and two reliability questions. There was a higher occurrence of reported neurovegetative signs in the group with behavioral dysphonia, in questions related to voice, such as frequent throat clearing, frequent swallowing need, fatigability when speaking, and sore throat. In questions not directly related to voice, dysphonic individuals presented greater occurrence of three out of 22 symptoms: gas, tinnitus and aerophagia. Both groups presented similar results in questions non-relevant to the autonomic nervous system. Reliability questions needed reformulation. Individuals with behavioral dysphonia present higher occurrence of neurovegetative signs and symptoms, particularly those with direct relationship with voice, indicating greater lability of the autonomic nervous system in these subjects.

The influence of visual feedback and register changes on sign language production: A kinematic study with deaf signers

PubMed Central

EMMOREY, KAREN; GERTSBERG, NELLY; KORPICS, FRANCO; WRIGHT, CHARLES E.

2009-01-01

Speakers monitor their speech output by listening to their own voice. However, signers do not look directly at their hands and cannot see their own face. We investigated the importance of a visual perceptual loop for sign language monitoring by examining whether changes in visual input alter sign production. Deaf signers produced American Sign Language (ASL) signs within a carrier phrase under five conditions: blindfolded, wearing tunnel-vision goggles, normal (citation) signing, shouting, and informal signing. Three-dimensional movement trajectories were obtained using an Optotrak Certus system. Informally produced signs were shorter with less vertical movement. Shouted signs were displaced forward and to the right and were produced within a larger volume of signing space, with greater velocity, greater distance traveled, and a longer duration. Tunnel vision caused signers to produce less movement within the vertical dimension of signing space, but blind and citation signing did not differ significantly on any measure, except duration. Thus, signers do not “sign louder” when they cannot see themselves, but they do alter their sign production when vision is restricted. We hypothesize that visual feedback serves primarily to fine-tune the size of signing space rather than as input to a comprehension-based monitor. PMID:20046943

The influence of visual feedback and register changes on sign language production: A kinematic study with deaf signers.

PubMed

Emmorey, Karen; Gertsberg, Nelly; Korpics, Franco; Wright, Charles E

2009-01-01

Speakers monitor their speech output by listening to their own voice. However, signers do not look directly at their hands and cannot see their own face. We investigated the importance of a visual perceptual loop for sign language monitoring by examining whether changes in visual input alter sign production. Deaf signers produced American Sign Language (ASL) signs within a carrier phrase under five conditions: blindfolded, wearing tunnel-vision goggles, normal (citation) signing, shouting, and informal signing. Three-dimensional movement trajectories were obtained using an Optotrak Certus system. Informally produced signs were shorter with less vertical movement. Shouted signs were displaced forward and to the right and were produced within a larger volume of signing space, with greater velocity, greater distance traveled, and a longer duration. Tunnel vision caused signers to produce less movement within the vertical dimension of signing space, but blind and citation signing did not differ significantly on any measure, except duration. Thus, signers do not "sign louder" when they cannot see themselves, but they do alter their sign production when vision is restricted. We hypothesize that visual feedback serves primarily to fine-tune the size of signing space rather than as input to a comprehension-based monitor.

When does Iconicity in Sign Language Matter?

PubMed Central

Baus, Cristina; Carreiras, Manuel; Emmorey, Karen

2012-01-01

We examined whether iconicity in American Sign Language (ASL) enhances translation performance for new learners and proficient signers. Fifteen hearing nonsigners and 15 proficient ASL-English bilinguals performed a translation recognition task and a production translation task. Nonsigners were taught 28 ASL verbs (14 iconic; 14 non-iconic) prior to performing these tasks. Only new learners benefited from sign iconicity, recognizing iconic translations faster and more accurately and exhibiting faster forward (English-ASL) and backward (ASL-English) translation times for iconic signs. In contrast, proficient ASL-English bilinguals exhibited slower recognition and translation times for iconic signs. We suggest iconicity aids memorization in the early stages of adult sign language learning, but for fluent L2 signers, iconicity interacts with other variables that slow translation (specifically, the iconic signs had more translation equivalents than the non-iconic signs). Iconicity may also have slowed translation performance by forcing conceptual mediation for iconic signs, which is slower than translating via direct lexical links. PMID:23543899

Mapping language to the world: the role of iconicity in the sign language input.

PubMed

Perniss, Pamela; Lu, Jenny C; Morgan, Gary; Vigliocco, Gabriella

2018-03-01

Most research on the mechanisms underlying referential mapping has assumed that learning occurs in ostensive contexts, where label and referent co-occur, and that form and meaning are linked by arbitrary convention alone. In the present study, we focus on iconicity in language, that is, resemblance relationships between form and meaning, and on non-ostensive contexts, where label and referent do not co-occur. We approach the question of language learning from the perspective of the language input. Specifically, we look at child-directed language (CDL) in British Sign Language (BSL), a language rich in iconicity due to the affordances of the visual modality. We ask whether child-directed signing exploits iconicity in the language by highlighting the similarity mapping between form and referent. We find that CDL modifications occur more often with iconic signs than with non-iconic signs. Crucially, for iconic signs, modifications are more frequent in non-ostensive contexts than in ostensive contexts. Furthermore, we find that pointing dominates in ostensive contexts, and suggest that caregivers adjust the semiotic resources recruited in CDL to context. These findings offer first evidence for a role of iconicity in the language input and suggest that iconicity may be involved in referential mapping and language learning, particularly in non-ostensive contexts. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Increasing the default interletter spacing of words can help drivers to read traffic signs at longer distances.

PubMed

Tejero, Pilar; Insa, Beatriz; Roca, Javier

2018-08-01

Would an increase in the default interletter spacing improve the legibility of words in traffic signs? Previous evidence on traffic sign design and recent studies on the cognitive processes involved in visual word recognition have provided conflicting results. The present work examined whether an increase in the default interletter spacing would improve the search of a word in direction traffic signs. To achieve this objective, twenty-two drivers participated in a driving simulation experiment. They followed a highway route and indicated whether a target place name was present among a set of distractors shown on direction traffic signs along the route. We compared the default interletter spacing of the Spanish "CC Rige" font (which is based on the internationally-used Transport font) and a 2.5-times expanded interletter spacing. The results revealed that the drivers were able to give a correct response at a distance to the traffic sign that was on average longer in the expanded than in the default spacing condition. This advantage in the legibility distance was observed in the absence of significant differences in reading accuracy, gaze behavior, or driving performance measures. Therefore, the evidence provided supports that drivers can benefit from a slight increase in interletter spacing relative to the standard spacing. Some of the design factors influencing this effect are discussed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sign language in dental education-A new nexus.

PubMed

Jones, T; Cumberbatch, K

2017-08-14

The introduction of the landmark mandatory teaching of sign language to undergraduate dental students at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus in Kingston, Jamaica, to bridge the communication gap between dentists and their patients is reviewed. A review of over 90 Doctor of Dental Surgery and Doctor of Dental Medicine curricula in North America, the United Kingdom, parts of Europe and Australia showed no inclusion of sign language in those curricula as a mandatory component. In Jamaica, the government's training school for dental auxiliaries served as the forerunner to the UWI's introduction of formal training of sign language in 2012. Outside of the UWI, a couple of dental schools have sign language courses, but none have a mandatory programme as the one at the UWI. Dentists the world over have had to rely on interpreters to sign with their deaf patients. The deaf in Jamaica have not appreciated the fact that dentists cannot sign and they have felt insulted and only go to the dentist in emergency situations. The mandatory inclusion of sign language in the Undergraduate Dental Programme curriculum at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, sought to establish a direct communication channel to formally bridge this gap. The programme of two sign language courses and a direct clinical competency requirement was developed during the second year of the first cohort of the newly introduced undergraduate dental programme through a collaborating partnership between two faculties on the Mona Campus. The programme was introduced in 2012 in the third year of the 5-year undergraduate dental programme. To date, two cohorts have completed the programme, and the preliminary findings from an ongoing clinical study have shown a positive impact on dental care access and dental treatment for deaf patients at the UWI Mona Dental Polyclinic. The development of a direct communication channel between dental students and the deaf that has led to increased dental access and treatment for the deaf can be extended to dentists and to other dental students globally. The vision is that similar courses will be introduced in other health training programmes at the UWI, and conceivably, in other institutions. The small sample size allows for informative, but not definitive, conclusions to be drawn. The mandatory inclusion of sign language and Deaf culture in the dental curricula has not just removed a communication barrier, but has assisted in the empathetic and ethical development of the dental student. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

New Directions in ASL-English Bilingual Ebooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stone, Adam

2014-01-01

The widespread adoption of smartphones and tablet computers have enabled the rapid creation and distribution of innovative American Sign Language (ASL) and written English bilingual ebooks, aimed primarily at deaf and hard-of-hearing children. These sign-print bilingual ebooks are unique in how they take advantage of digital platforms to display…

Road Signs in Ethical Quicksand.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jerrell, S. Lee; Jerrell, Jeanette M.

1985-01-01

Some of the major moral and ethical dilemmas illustrated by authors in this special journal issue are highlighted. From an ethical viewpoint, the complexity of evaluation activities is likened to "quicksand" terrain in which directional or warning signs should be erected to aid personal choices when such issues are encountered.…

37 CFR 1.4 - Nature of correspondence and signature requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... personally signed, in permanent dark ink or its equivalent, by that person; or (ii) Be a direct or indirect... EFS-Web customization. (4) Certifications—(i) Section 11.18 certifications. The presentation to the... signed in permanent dark ink or its equivalent: (1) Correspondence requiring a person's signature and...

ERP correlates of German Sign Language processing in deaf native signers.

PubMed

Hänel-Faulhaber, Barbara; Skotara, Nils; Kügow, Monique; Salden, Uta; Bottari, Davide; Röder, Brigitte

2014-05-10

The present study investigated the neural correlates of sign language processing of Deaf people who had learned German Sign Language (Deutsche Gebärdensprache, DGS) from their Deaf parents as their first language. Correct and incorrect signed sentences were presented sign by sign on a computer screen. At the end of each sentence the participants had to judge whether or not the sentence was an appropriate DGS sentence. Two types of violations were introduced: (1) semantically incorrect sentences containing a selectional restriction violation (implausible object); (2) morphosyntactically incorrect sentences containing a verb that was incorrectly inflected (i.e., incorrect direction of movement). Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 74 scalp electrodes. Semantic violations (implausible signs) elicited an N400 effect followed by a positivity. Sentences with a morphosyntactic violation (verb agreement violation) elicited a negativity followed by a broad centro-parietal positivity. ERP correlates of semantic and morphosyntactic aspects of DGS clearly differed from each other and showed a number of similarities with those observed in other signed and oral languages. These data suggest a similar functional organization of signed and oral languages despite the visual-spacial modality of sign language.

ERP correlates of German Sign Language processing in deaf native signers

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The present study investigated the neural correlates of sign language processing of Deaf people who had learned German Sign Language (Deutsche Gebärdensprache, DGS) from their Deaf parents as their first language. Correct and incorrect signed sentences were presented sign by sign on a computer screen. At the end of each sentence the participants had to judge whether or not the sentence was an appropriate DGS sentence. Two types of violations were introduced: (1) semantically incorrect sentences containing a selectional restriction violation (implausible object); (2) morphosyntactically incorrect sentences containing a verb that was incorrectly inflected (i.e., incorrect direction of movement). Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 74 scalp electrodes. Results Semantic violations (implausible signs) elicited an N400 effect followed by a positivity. Sentences with a morphosyntactic violation (verb agreement violation) elicited a negativity followed by a broad centro-parietal positivity. Conclusions ERP correlates of semantic and morphosyntactic aspects of DGS clearly differed from each other and showed a number of similarities with those observed in other signed and oral languages. These data suggest a similar functional organization of signed and oral languages despite the visual-spacial modality of sign language. PMID:24884527

Generalized spin filtering and an improved derivative-sign binary image method for the extraction of fringe skeletons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Qifeng; Liu, Xiaolin; Sun, Xiangyi

1998-07-01

Generalized spin filters, including several directional filters such as the directional median filter and the directional binary filter, are proposed for removal of the noise of fringe patterns and the extraction of fringe skeletons with the help of fringe-orientation maps (FOM s). The generalized spin filters can filter off noise on fringe patterns and binary fringe patterns efficiently, without distortion of fringe features. A quadrantal angle filter is developed to filter off the FOM. With these new filters, the derivative-sign binary image (DSBI) method for extraction of fringe skeletons is improved considerably. The improved DSBI method can extract high-density skeletons as well as common density skeletons.

Autonomous detection of indoor and outdoor signs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holden, Steven; Snorrason, Magnus; Goodsell, Thomas; Stevens, Mark R.

2005-05-01

Most goal-oriented mobile robot tasks involve navigation to one or more known locations. This is generally done using GPS coordinates and landmarks outdoors, or wall-following and fiducial marks indoors. Such approaches ignore the rich source of navigation information that is already in place for human navigation in all man-made environments: signs. A mobile robot capable of detecting and reading arbitrary signs could be tasked using directions that are intuitive to hu-mans, and it could report its location relative to intuitive landmarks (a street corner, a person's office, etc.). Such ability would not require active marking of the environment and would be functional in the absence of GPS. In this paper we present an updated version of a system we call Sign Understanding in Support of Autonomous Navigation (SUSAN). This system relies on cues common to most signs, the presence of text, vivid color, and compact shape. By not relying on templates, SUSAN can detect a wide variety of signs: traffic signs, street signs, store-name signs, building directories, room signs, etc. In this paper we focus on the text detection capability. We present results summarizing probability of detection and false alarm rate across many scenes containing signs of very different designs and in a variety of lighting conditions.

10 CFR 851.45 - Direction to NNSA contractors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Direction to NNSA contractors. 851.45 Section 851.45 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY WORKER SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM Enforcement Process § 851.45 Direction to... than the Director, signs, issues and serves the following actions that direct NNSA contractors: (1...

10 CFR 35.40 - Written directives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Written directives. 35.40 Section 35.40 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION MEDICAL USE OF BYPRODUCT MATERIAL General Administrative Requirements § 35.40 Written directives. (a) A written directive must be dated and signed by an authorized user before the administration...

Comparison of automated and manual vital sign collection at hospital wards.

PubMed

Wood, Jeffrey; Finkelstein, Joseph

2013-01-01

Using a cross-over study design, vital signs were collected from 60 patients by 6 nurses. Each nurse was randomly assigned for manual vital sign collection in 5 patients and for automated data collection in other 5 patients. The mean time taken for vital signs information to be available in EMR was significantly (p <0.004) lower after automated data collection (158.7±67.0) than after the manual collection (4079.8±7091.8 s). The nursing satisfaction score of collecting vital signs was significantly lower (p<0.007) for the manual way (10.3±3.9) than for the automated way (16.5±3.4). We found that 30% of vital sign records were transmitted to EMR with at least one error after manual data collection whereas there wasno transmission error with automated data collection. Allparticipating nurses stated that the automated vital sign collection can improve their efficiency and save their time for direct patient care.

Diagnosing depression after stroke.

PubMed

Black, K J

1995-07-01

Neurobehavioral sequelae of strokes can limit a patient's ability to describe or express emotion, can cause him to give "yes" answers to the clinician who expects them, or can directly cause apathy or crying spells. Also, anosognosia for depressive signs can cause the patient to deny depressive signs that are objectively observable. These diagnostic confounders have not been adequately assessed in previous research on poststroke depression; thus many studies are of doubtful validity, as shown by studies of the dexamethasone suppression test for melancholia in stroke patients. Future studies on depression after stroke must prospectively rule out fluent aphasia, motor aprosody, and amnesia before relying on diagnostic information from the psychiatric interview, and the interview should always be supplemented by direct observation of vegetative signs and other behavior. With this extended information, major depression can and should be diagnosed using accepted symptom and duration criteria.

Language Interdependence between American Sign Language and English: A Review of Empirical Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rusher, Melissa Ausbrooks

2012-01-01

This study provides a contemporary definition of American Sign Language/English bilingual education (AEBE) and outlines an essential theoretical framework. Included is a history and evolution of the methodology. The author also summarizes the general findings of twenty-six (26) empirical studies conducted in the United States that directly or…

How To Spot a CIO in Trouble.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ayati, M. B.; Curzon, Susan Carol

2003-01-01

Asserts that before failure occurs for chief information officers (CIOs), three major warning signs signal that the CIO is in trouble. Explores the three warning signs, discussing how intervene before problems have gone too far to resolve: (1) the importance of executive support; (2) the significance of strategic directions; and (3) the importance…

37 CFR 1.4 - Nature of correspondence and signature requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... personally signed, in permanent dark ink or its equivalent, by that person; or (ii) Be a direct or indirect... EFS-Web customization. (4) Certifications. (i) Section 11.18 certifications: The presentation to the... signature personally signed in permanent dark ink or its equivalent by that person. (f) When a document that...

37 CFR 1.4 - Nature of correspondence and signature requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... personally signed, in permanent dark ink or its equivalent, by that person; or (ii) Be a direct or indirect... EFS-Web customization. (4) Certifications. (i) Section 11.18 certifications: The presentation to the... signature personally signed in permanent dark ink or its equivalent by that person. (f) When a document that...

37 CFR 1.4 - Nature of correspondence and signature requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... personally signed, in permanent dark ink or its equivalent, by that person; or (ii) Be a direct or indirect... EFS-Web customization. (4) Certifications. (i) Section 11.18 certifications: The presentation to the... signature personally signed in permanent dark ink or its equivalent by that person. (f) When a document that...

The HyperSign Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdulezer, Susan

This report describes ongoing activities and results of the HyperSign Immersion Project developed at the Public School for the Deaf in New York City, New York. The project's objectives were to: (1) provide a means to enable Deaf students to assume a self-directed role in education; (2) provide an on-site prototype of a technologically supportive…

Evidence for a shared representation of sequential cues that engage sign-tracking.

PubMed

Smedley, Elizabeth B; Smith, Kyle S

2018-06-19

Sign-tracking is a phenomenon whereby cues that predict rewards come to acquire their own motivational value (incentive salience) and attract appetitive behavior. Typically, sign-tracking paradigms have used single auditory, visual, or lever cues presented prior to a reward delivery. Yet, real world examples of events often can be predicted by a sequence of cues. We have shown that animals will sign-track to multiple cues presented in temporal sequence, and with time develop a bias in responding toward a reward distal cue over a reward proximal cue. Further, extinction of responding to the reward proximal cue directly decreases responding to the reward distal cue. One possible explanation of this result is that serial cues become representationally linked with one another. Here we provide further support of this by showing that extinction of responding to a reward distal cue directly reduces responding to a reward proximal cue. We suggest that the incentive salience of one cue can influence the incentive salience of the other cue. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

An accuracy assessment of different rigid body image registration methods and robotic couch positional corrections using a novel phantom

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

Arumugam, Sankar; Xing Aitang; Jameson, Michael G.

2013-03-15

Purpose: Image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images greatly reduces interfractional patient positional uncertainties. An understanding of uncertainties in the IGRT process itself is essential to ensure appropriate use of this technology. The purpose of this study was to develop a phantom capable of assessing the accuracy of IGRT hardware and software including a 6 degrees of freedom patient positioning system and to investigate the accuracy of the Elekta XVI system in combination with the HexaPOD robotic treatment couch top. Methods: The constructed phantom enabled verification of the three automatic rigid body registrations (gray value, bone,more » seed) available in the Elekta XVI software and includes an adjustable mount that introduces known rotational offsets to the phantom from its reference position. Repeated positioning of the phantom was undertaken to assess phantom rotational accuracy. Using this phantom the accuracy of the XVI registration algorithms was assessed considering CBCT hardware factors and image resolution together with the residual error in the overall image guidance process when positional corrections were performed through the HexaPOD couch system. Results: The phantom positioning was found to be within 0.04 ({sigma}= 0.12) Degree-Sign , 0.02 ({sigma}= 0.13) Degree-Sign , and -0.03 ({sigma}= 0.06) Degree-Sign in X, Y, and Z directions, respectively, enabling assessment of IGRT with a 6 degrees of freedom patient positioning system. The gray value registration algorithm showed the least error in calculated offsets with maximum mean difference of -0.2({sigma}= 0.4) mm in translational and -0.1({sigma}= 0.1) Degree-Sign in rotational directions for all image resolutions. Bone and seed registration were found to be sensitive to CBCT image resolution. Seed registration was found to be most sensitive demonstrating a maximum mean error of -0.3({sigma}= 0.9) mm and -1.4({sigma}= 1.7) Degree-Sign in translational and rotational directions over low resolution images, and this is reduced to -0.1({sigma}= 0.2) mm and -0.1({sigma}= 0.79) Degree-Sign using high resolution images. Conclusions: The phantom, capable of rotating independently about three orthogonal axes was successfully used to assess the accuracy of an IGRT system considering 6 degrees of freedom. The overall residual error in the image guidance process of XVI in combination with the HexaPOD couch was demonstrated to be less than 0.3 mm and 0.3 Degree-Sign in translational and rotational directions when using the gray value registration with high resolution CBCT images. However, the residual error, especially in rotational directions, may increase when the seed registration is used with low resolution images.« less

Open-MRI measures of cam intrusion for hips in an anterior impingement position relate to acetabular contact force.

PubMed

Buchan, Lawrence L; Zhang, Honglin; Konan, Sujith; Heaslip, Ingrid; Ratzlaff, Charles R; Wilson, David R

2016-02-01

Open MRI in functional positions has potential to directly and non-invasively assess cam femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Our objective was to investigate whether open MRI can depict intrusion of the cam deformity into the intra-articular joint space, and whether intrusion is associated with elevated acetabular contact force. Cadaver hips (9 cam; 3 controls) were positioned in an anterior impingement posture and imaged using open MRI with multi-planar reformatting. The β-angle (describing clearance between the femoral neck and acetabulum) was measured around the entire circumference of the femoral neck. We defined a binary "MRI cam-intrusion sign" (positive if β < 0°). We then instrumented each hip with a piezoresistive sensor and conducted six repeated positioning trials, measuring acetabular contact force (F). We defined a binary "contact-force sign" (positive if F > 20N). Cam hips were more likely than controls to have both a positive MRI cam-intrusion sign (p = 0.0182, Fisher's exact test) and positive contact-force sign (p = 0.0083), which represents direct experimental evidence for cam intrusion. There was also a relationship between the MRI cam-intrusion sign and contact-force sign (p = 0.033), representing a link between imaging and mechanics. Our findings indicate that open MRI has significant potential for in vivo investigation of the cam FAI mechanism. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The neural circuits recruited for the production of signs and fingerspelled words

PubMed Central

Emmorey, Karen; Mehta, Sonya; McCullough, Stephen; Grabowski, Thomas J.

2016-01-01

Signing differs from typical non-linguistic hand actions because movements are not visually guided, finger movements are complex (particularly for fingerspelling), and signs are not produced as holistic gestures. We used positron emission tomography to investigate the neural circuits involved in the production of American Sign Language (ASL). Different types of signs (one-handed (articulated in neutral space), two-handed (neutral space), and one-handed body-anchored signs) were elicited by asking deaf native signers to produce sign translations of English words. Participants also fingerspelled (one-handed) printed English words. For the baseline task, participants indicated whether a word contained a descending letter. Fingerspelling engaged ipsilateral motor cortex and cerebellar cortex in contrast to both one-handed signs and the descender baseline task, which may reflect greater timing demands and complexity of handshape sequences required for fingerspelling. Greater activation in the visual word form area was also observed for fingerspelled words compared to one-handed signs. Body-anchored signs engaged bilateral superior parietal cortex to a greater extent than the descender baseline task and neutral space signs, reflecting the motor control and proprioceptive monitoring required to direct the hand toward a specific location on the body. Less activation in parts of the motor circuit was observed for two-handed signs compared to one-handed signs, possibly because, for half of the signs, handshape and movement goals were spread across the two limbs. Finally, the conjunction analysis comparing each sign type with the descender baseline task revealed common activation in the supramarginal gyrus bilaterally, which we interpret as reflecting phonological retrieval and encoding processes. PMID:27459390

Sign Language Echolalia in Deaf Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

PubMed Central

Cooley, Frances; Meier, Richard P.

2017-01-01

Purpose We present the first study of echolalia in deaf, signing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We investigate the nature and prevalence of sign echolalia in native-signing children with ASD, the relationship between sign echolalia and receptive language, and potential modality differences between sign and speech. Method Seventeen deaf children with ASD and 18 typically developing (TD) deaf children were video-recorded in a series of tasks. Data were coded for type of signs produced (spontaneous, elicited, echo, or nonecho repetition). Echoes were coded as pure or partial, and timing and reduplication of echoes were coded. Results Seven of the 17 deaf children with ASD produced signed echoes, but none of the TD deaf children did. The echoic children had significantly lower receptive language scores than did both the nonechoic children with ASD and the TD children. Modality differences also were found in terms of the directionality, timing, and reduplication of echoes. Conclusions Deaf children with ASD sometimes echo signs, just as hearing children with ASD sometimes echo words, and TD deaf children and those with ASD do so at similar stages of linguistic development, when comprehension is relatively low. The sign language modality might provide a powerful new framework for analyzing the purpose and function of echolalia in deaf children with ASD. PMID:28586822

Sign Language Echolalia in Deaf Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PubMed

Shield, Aaron; Cooley, Frances; Meier, Richard P

2017-06-10

We present the first study of echolalia in deaf, signing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We investigate the nature and prevalence of sign echolalia in native-signing children with ASD, the relationship between sign echolalia and receptive language, and potential modality differences between sign and speech. Seventeen deaf children with ASD and 18 typically developing (TD) deaf children were video-recorded in a series of tasks. Data were coded for type of signs produced (spontaneous, elicited, echo, or nonecho repetition). Echoes were coded as pure or partial, and timing and reduplication of echoes were coded. Seven of the 17 deaf children with ASD produced signed echoes, but none of the TD deaf children did. The echoic children had significantly lower receptive language scores than did both the nonechoic children with ASD and the TD children. Modality differences also were found in terms of the directionality, timing, and reduplication of echoes. Deaf children with ASD sometimes echo signs, just as hearing children with ASD sometimes echo words, and TD deaf children and those with ASD do so at similar stages of linguistic development, when comprehension is relatively low. The sign language modality might provide a powerful new framework for analyzing the purpose and function of echolalia in deaf children with ASD.

24 CFR 203.363 - Effect of noncompliance with regulations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... November 19, 1992 or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the... commitments issued on or after November 19, 1992, or under direct endorsement processing where the credit...

Remediating Common Math Errors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wagner, Rudolph F.

1981-01-01

Explanations and remediation suggestions for five types of mathematics errors due either to perceptual or cognitive difficulties are given. Error types include directionality problems, mirror writing, visually misperceived signs, diagnosed directionality problems, and mixed process errors. (CL)

Determining Directional Dependency in Causal Associations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pornprasertmanit, Sunthud; Little, Todd D.

2012-01-01

Directional dependency is a method to determine the likely causal direction of effect between two variables. This article aims to critique and improve upon the use of directional dependency as a technique to infer causal associations. We comment on several issues raised by von Eye and DeShon (2012), including: encouraging the use of the signs of…

LIFTING THE DUSTY VEIL WITH NEAR- AND MID-INFRARED PHOTOMETRY. III. TWO-DIMENSIONAL EXTINCTION MAPS OF THE GALACTIC MIDPLANE USING THE RAYLEIGH-JEANS COLOR EXCESS METHOD

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

Nidever, David L.; Zasowski, Gail; Majewski, Steven R., E-mail: dln5q@virginia.edu, E-mail: gz2n@virginia.edu, E-mail: srm4n@virginia.edu

We provide new, high-resolution A(K{sub s} ) extinction maps of the heavily reddened Galactic midplane based on the Rayleigh-Jeans Color Excess ({sup R}JCE{sup )} method. RJCE determines star-by-star reddening based on a combination of near- and mid-infrared photometry. The new RJCE-generated maps have 2' Multiplication-Sign 2' pixels and span some of the most severely extinguished regions of the Galaxy-those covered with Spitzer/IRAC imaging by the GLIMPSE-I, -II, -3D, and Vela-Carina surveys, from 256 Degree-Sign < l < 65 Degree-Sign and, in general, for |b| {<=} 1 Degree-Sign -1.{sup 0}5 (extending up to |b| {<=} 4 Degree-Sign in the bulge). Usingmore » RJCE extinction measurements, we generate dereddened color-magnitude diagrams and, in turn, create maps based on main sequence, red clump, and red giant star tracers, each probing different distances and thereby providing coarse three-dimensional information on the relative placement of dust cloud structures. The maps generated from red giant stars, which reach to {approx}18-20 kpc, probe beyond most of the Milky Way extinction in most directions and provide close to a 'total Galactic extinction' map-at minimum they provide high angular resolution maps of lower limits on A(K{sub s} ). Because these maps are generated directly from measurements of reddening by the very dust being mapped, rather than inferred on the basis of some less direct means, they are likely the most accurate to date for charting in detail the highly patchy differential extinction in the Galactic midplane. We provide downloadable FITS files and an IDL tool for retrieving extinction values for any line of sight within our mapped regions.« less

Walk-based measure of balance in signed networks: Detecting lack of balance in social networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Estrada, Ernesto; Benzi, Michele

2014-10-01

There is a longstanding belief that in social networks with simultaneous friendly and hostile interactions (signed networks) there is a general tendency to a global balance. Balance represents a state of the network with a lack of contentious situations. Here we introduce a method to quantify the degree of balance of any signed (social) network. It accounts for the contribution of all signed cycles in the network and gives, in agreement with empirical evidence, more weight to the shorter cycles than to the longer ones. We found that, contrary to what is generally believed, many signed social networks, in particular very large directed online social networks, are in general very poorly balanced. We also show that unbalanced states can be changed by tuning the weights of the social interactions among the agents in the network.

Evidence of Structure and Persistence in Motivational Attraction to Serial Pavlovian Cues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smedley, Elizabeth B.; Smith, Kyle S.

2018-01-01

Sign-tracking is a form of autoshaping where animals develop conditioned responding directed toward stimuli predictive of an outcome even though the outcome is not contingent on the animal's behavior. Sign-tracking behaviors are thought to arise out of the attribution of incentive salience (i.e., motivational value) to reward-predictive cues. It…

49 CFR 40.73 - How is the collection process completed?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...'s presence. (1) Direct the employee to read and sign the certification statement on Copy 2 (Step 5... the employee refuses to sign the CCF or to provide date of birth, printed name, or telephone numbers... appropriate place. (2) Complete the chain of custody on the CCF (Step 4) by printing your name (note: you may...

A statistical analysis of the impact of advertising signs on road safety.

PubMed

Yannis, George; Papadimitriou, Eleonora; Papantoniou, Panagiotis; Voulgari, Chrisoula

2013-01-01

This research aims to investigate the impact of advertising signs on road safety. An exhaustive review of international literature was carried out on the effect of advertising signs on driver behaviour and safety. Moreover, a before-and-after statistical analysis with control groups was applied on several road sites with different characteristics in the Athens metropolitan area, in Greece, in order to investigate the correlation between the placement or removal of advertising signs and the related occurrence of road accidents. Road accident data for the 'before' and 'after' periods on the test sites and the control sites were extracted from the database of the Hellenic Statistical Authority, and the selected 'before' and 'after' periods vary from 2.5 to 6 years. The statistical analysis shows no statistical correlation between road accidents and advertising signs in none of the nine sites examined, as the confidence intervals of the estimated safety effects are non-significant at 95% confidence level. This can be explained by the fact that, in the examined road sites, drivers are overloaded with information (traffic signs, directions signs, labels of shops, pedestrians and other vehicles, etc.) so that the additional information load from advertising signs may not further distract them.

Safety sign designs for children by considering effect of the colors preferences: A case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iftadi, Irwan; Nugraha, Dian Cahya; Jauhari, Wakhid Ahmad

2018-02-01

Color has become a major consideration in ergonomics. Color conveys a message and it is an important element in safety signs. The importance of colors usage in safety sign designs makes the colors research into one of the things that must be done before designing them. So far, research in the related field only focused on the adult's perspective without involving children's perspective in designing the safety signs. This paper aims to find out how children's perception towards colors affects the safety sign designs. This study consist of eight sections which are literature study, direct observation, determining referents and other parameters, determining research respondents, making the booklet, assessing the colors preferences, determining the design's parameter value and creating the safety sign designs. Limitation of the research are the objects are the students with the age of 10 - 11 years old in Grade IV and then the research is conducted in the school day and hours that apply to the school. Chi square test and odds ratio are employed to assess the colors preferences. Twelve safety sign designs are proposed by considering the children's colors perception. The designs are grouped into three types of sign which are Mandatory Action Sign, Warning Sign and Prohibition Sign. Six colors are used to draw the safety signs i.e. red, orange, yellow, green, blue and black. On the basis of the study, it is concluded that the colors that often appears in safety signs is green with the percentage of 75% and that rarely appears is red with the percentage of 8.33%.

77 FR 37916 - National Advisory Council

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-25

... Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8) on National Preparedness, the Public Assistance (PA) Bottom-Up Review... 1:45 p.m. EST, additionally; new members will be sworn- in. PPD-8, signed on March 30, 2011, directs... goal. PPD-8 replaces Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (HSPD-8) and Annex 1. More information...

Examining the contribution of motor movement and language dominance to increased left lateralization during sign generation in native signers.

PubMed

Gutierrez-Sigut, Eva; Payne, Heather; MacSweeney, Mairéad

2016-08-01

The neural systems supporting speech and sign processing are very similar, although not identical. In a previous fTCD study of hearing native signers (Gutierrez-Sigut, Daws, et al., 2015) we found stronger left lateralization for sign than speech. Given that this increased lateralization could not be explained by hand movement alone, the contribution of motor movement versus 'linguistic' processes to the strength of hemispheric lateralization during sign production remains unclear. Here we directly contrast lateralization strength of covert versus overt signing during phonological and semantic fluency tasks. To address the possibility that hearing native signers' elevated lateralization indices (LIs) were due to performing a task in their less dominant language, here we test deaf native signers, whose dominant language is British Sign Language (BSL). Signers were more strongly left lateralized for overt than covert sign generation. However, the strength of lateralization was not correlated with the amount of time producing movements of the right hand. Comparisons with previous data from hearing native English speakers suggest stronger laterality indices for sign than speech in both covert and overt tasks. This increased left lateralization may be driven by specific properties of sign production such as the increased use of self-monitoring mechanisms or the nature of phonological encoding of signs. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Iconicity and Sign Lexical Acquisition: A Review

PubMed Central

Ortega, Gerardo

2017-01-01

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

Effects of changes in size, speed and distance on the perception of curved 3D trajectories

PubMed Central

Zhang, Junjun; Braunstein, Myron L.; Andersen, George J.

2012-01-01

Previous research on the perception of 3D object motion has considered time to collision, time to passage, collision detection and judgments of speed and direction of motion, but has not directly studied the perception of the overall shape of the motion path. We examined the perception of the magnitude of curvature and sign of curvature of the motion path for objects moving at eye level in a horizontal plane parallel to the line of sight. We considered two sources of information for the perception of motion trajectories: changes in angular size and changes in angular speed. Three experiments examined judgments of relative curvature for objects moving at different distances. At the closest distance studied, accuracy was high with size information alone but near chance with speed information alone. At the greatest distance, accuracy with size information alone decreased sharply but accuracy for displays with both size and speed information remained high. We found similar results in two experiments with judgments of sign of curvature. Accuracy was higher for displays with both size and speed information than with size information alone, even when the speed information was based on parallel projections and was not informative about sign of curvature. For both magnitude of curvature and sign of curvature judgments, information indicating that the trajectory was curved increased accuracy, even when this information was not directly relevant to the required judgment. PMID:23007204

The Impact of Zodiac Signs on Human Nature and Fate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gasparyan, Naira

2015-07-01

Horoscope signs have unavoidable impact on human behaviour and interests, health and even fate. Moreover, intermingled with the impact of planets they become a powerful force able to bring about unbelievable changes. The investigation reveals that horoscopes have existed in the Armenian reality since ancient times. The most striking fact about their eistence is that in order to have and use zodiak signs in one's national culture, the nation should first of all have sufficient knowledge in Astrological Sciences since the system of zodiak signs has a direct reference to the cognitive processes and scientific knowledge of the universe, astrological issues and sometimes even there is a hint on hidden signs and messages. Anania Shirakatsi, one of the learned Armenians, had to display much diplomacy with the Armenian Church and religion when discussing the topic in his manuscripts. His observations are still of much importance and vitality even today.

The factors that affect the frequency of vital sign monitoring in the emergency department.

PubMed

Johnson, Kimberly D; Winkelman, Chris; Burant, Christopher J; Dolansky, Mary; Totten, Vicken

2014-01-01

Vital signs are an important component of the nursing assessment and are used as early warning signs of changes in a patient's condition; however, little research has been conducted to determine how often vital signs are monitored in the emergency department. Additionally, it has not been determined what personal, social, and environmental factors affect the frequency of vital sign monitoring. The purpose of this study was to examine what factors may influence the time between recording vital signs in the emergency department. We performed a descriptive, retrospective chart review of 202 randomly selected adult ED patients' charts from representative times to capture a variety of ED levels of occupancy in an urban, Midwestern, teaching hospital. Descriptive and hierarchical regression analyses were used. The strongest predictor of the increased time between vital signs from the personal health factors was lower patient acuity (Emergency Severity Index). This relationship remained strong even when social factors and environmental factors were included. Increased length of stay and fewer routes of medications also had significant relationships to the increased time between vital sign monitoring. These findings are clinically important because greater time between vital sign recordings can lead to errors of omission by not detecting changes in vital signs that could reveal changes in the patient's condition. The findings of this study provide direction for future research focusing on determining whether higher frequency of vital signs surveillance contributes to higher quality care and linking quality of care to missing vital signs/inadequate monitoring. Copyright © 2014 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Particle tracking acceleration via signed distance fields in direct-accelerated geometry Monte Carlo

DOE PAGES

Shriwise, Patrick C.; Davis, Andrew; Jacobson, Lucas J.; ...

2017-08-26

Computer-aided design (CAD)-based Monte Carlo radiation transport is of value to the nuclear engineering community for its ability to conduct transport on high-fidelity models of nuclear systems, but it is more computationally expensive than native geometry representations. This work describes the adaptation of a rendering data structure, the signed distance field, as a geometric query tool for accelerating CAD-based transport in the direct-accelerated geometry Monte Carlo toolkit. Demonstrations of its effectiveness are shown for several problems. The beginnings of a predictive model for the data structure's utilization based on various problem parameters is also introduced.

Comparison on driving fatigue related hemodynamics activated by auditory and visual stimulus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Zishan; Gao, Yuan; Li, Ting

2018-02-01

As one of the main causes of traffic accidents, driving fatigue deserves researchers' attention and its detection and monitoring during long-term driving require a new technique to realize. Since functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) can be applied to detect cerebral hemodynamic responses, we can promisingly expect its application in fatigue level detection. Here, we performed three different kinds of experiments on a driver and recorded his cerebral hemodynamic responses when driving for long hours utilizing our device based on fNIRS. Each experiment lasted for 7 hours and one of the three specific experimental tests, detecting the driver's response to sounds, traffic lights and direction signs respectively, was done every hour. The results showed that visual stimulus was easier to cause fatigue compared with auditory stimulus and visual stimulus induced by traffic lights scenes was easier to cause fatigue compared with visual stimulus induced by direction signs in the first few hours. We also found that fatigue related hemodynamics caused by auditory stimulus increased fastest, then traffic lights scenes, and direction signs scenes slowest. Our study successfully compared audio, visual color, and visual character stimulus in sensitivity to cause driving fatigue, which is meaningful for driving safety management.

What Is Bipolar Disorder? A Guide to Hope and Recovery for African Americans

MedlinePlus

... Violence Signs of a Healthy Workplace Clifford Beers Society Social Self-Directed Care Program Take a Screen Mental ... Campus Minority Mental Health Workplace Wellness Clifford Beers Society Social Self-Directed Care Program Take a Screen Mental ...

Mutation detection for inventories of traffic signs from street-level panoramic images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazelhoff, Lykele; Creusen, Ivo; De With, Peter H. N.

2014-03-01

Road safety is positively influenced by both adequate placement and optimal visibility of traffic signs. As their visibility degrades over time due to e.g. aging, vandalism, accidents and vegetation coverage, up-to-date inven­tories of traffic signs are highly attractive for preserving a high road safety. These inventories are performed in a semi-automatic fashion from street-level panoramic images, exploiting object detection and classification tech­niques. Next to performing inventories from scratch, these systems are also exploited for the efficient retrieval of situation changes by comparing the outcome of the automated system to a baseline inventory (e.g. performed in a previous year). This allows for specific manual interactions to the found changes, while skipping all unchanged situations, thereby resulting in a large efficiency gain. This work describes such a mutation detection approach, with special attention to re-identifying previously found signs. Preliminary results on a geographical area con­taining about 425 km of road show that 91.3% of the unchanged signs are re-identified, while the amount of found differences equals about 35% of the number of baseline signs. From these differences, about 50% correspond to physically changed traffic signs, next to false detections, misclassifications and missed signs. As a bonus, our approach directly results in the changed situations, which is beneficial for road sign maintenance.

Visual attention for a desktop virtual environment with ambient scent

PubMed Central

Toet, Alexander; van Schaik, Martin G.

2013-01-01

In the current study participants explored a desktop virtual environment (VE) representing a suburban neighborhood with signs of public disorder (neglect, vandalism, and crime), while being exposed to either room air (control group), or subliminal levels of tar (unpleasant; typically associated with burned or waste material) or freshly cut grass (pleasant; typically associated with natural or fresh material) ambient odor. They reported all signs of disorder they noticed during their walk together with their associated emotional response. Based on recent evidence that odors reflexively direct visual attention to (either semantically or affectively) congruent visual objects, we hypothesized that participants would notice more signs of disorder in the presence of ambient tar odor (since this odor may bias attention to unpleasant and negative features), and less signs of disorder in the presence of ambient grass odor (since this odor may bias visual attention toward the vegetation in the environment and away from the signs of disorder). Contrary to our expectations the results provide no indication that the presence of an ambient odor affected the participants’ visual attention for signs of disorder or their emotional response. However, the paradigm used in present study does not allow us to draw any conclusions in this respect. We conclude that a closer affective, semantic, or spatiotemporal link between the contents of a desktop VE and ambient scents may be required to effectively establish diagnostic associations that guide a user’s attention. In the absence of these direct links, ambient scent may be more diagnostic for the physical environment of the observer as a whole than for the particular items in that environment (or, in this case, items represented in the VE). PMID:24324453

Rate of disappearance of gas bubble trauma signs in juvenile salmonids

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hans, K.M.; Mesa, M.G.; Maule, A.G.

1999-01-01

To assess the rate of disappearance of gas bubble trauma (GBT) signs in juvenile salmonids, we exposed spring chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and steelhead O. mykiss to water containing high levels of dissolved gas supersaturation (DGS) for a time period sufficient to induce signs of GBT, reduced the DGS to minimal levels, and then sampled fish through time to document changes in severity of GBT. Because of the tendency of GBT signs to dissipate at different rates, we conducted trials focusing on emboli (bubbles) in the gill filaments and lateral line and separate trials that focused on bubbles in the external surfaces (fins, eyes, and opercula). Bubbles in gill filaments dissipated almost completely within 2 h after transfer of fish to water of nearly normal DGS (104%), whereas bubbles in the lateral line dissipated to negligible levels within 5 h. Bubbles on external surfaces were more persistent through time than they were in gill filaments and the lateral line. Although typically dissipating to low levels within 48 h, external bubbles sometimes remained for 4 d. Assuming a direct relation exists between easily observable signs and direct mortality, our results suggest that fish can recover quickly from the potentially lethal effects of DGS once they move from water with high DGS to water of almost normal gas saturation. These results should be of fundamental importance to fishery managers interpreting the results of monitoring for the severity and prevalence of GBT in juvenile salmonids in the Columbia River system and perhaps elsewhere.

Autoshaping in adolescence enhances sign-tracking behavior in adulthood: Impact on ethanol consumption

PubMed Central

Anderson, Rachel I.; Spear, Linda P.

2011-01-01

Autoshaping refers to a procedure during which a cue repeatedly paired with a reward elicits a conditioned response directed at either the reward delivery location (“goal-tracking”) or the cue itself (“sign-tracking”). Individual differences in expression of sign-tracking behavior may be predictive of voluntary ethanol intake. The present study was designed to explore the development of differences in sign-tracking behavior in adolescent and adult male and female rats in an 8-day autoshaping procedure. Consistency of sign-tracking and goal-tracking across age was examined by retesting adolescents again in adulthood and comparing their adult data with animals tested only as adults to explore pre-exposure effects on adult responding. In order to assess the relationship between sign-tracking and ethanol intake, voluntary ethanol consumption was measured in an 8-day, 2-hr limited access drinking paradigm following the 8-day autoshaping procedure in adulthood. Animals tested as adolescents showed notably less sign-tracking behavior than animals tested as adults, and sign-tracking behavior was not correlated across age. Animals exposed to the autoshaping procedure as adolescents demonstrated greater sign-tracking behavior as adults when compared to control animals tested only in adulthood. When examining the relationship in adulthood between sign-tracking and ethanol intake, an increase in ethanol intake among sign-trackers was found only in animals pre-exposed to autoshaping as adolescents. Whether or not these results reflect an adolescent-specific experience effect is unclear without further work to determine whether comparable pre-exposure effects are seen if the initial autoshaping sessions are delayed into adulthood. PMID:21238477

Automatic detection and recognition of signs from natural scenes.

PubMed

Chen, Xilin; Yang, Jie; Zhang, Jing; Waibel, Alex

2004-01-01

In this paper, we present an approach to automatic detection and recognition of signs from natural scenes, and its application to a sign translation task. The proposed approach embeds multiresolution and multiscale edge detection, adaptive searching, color analysis, and affine rectification in a hierarchical framework for sign detection, with different emphases at each phase to handle the text in different sizes, orientations, color distributions and backgrounds. We use affine rectification to recover deformation of the text regions caused by an inappropriate camera view angle. The procedure can significantly improve text detection rate and optical character recognition (OCR) accuracy. Instead of using binary information for OCR, we extract features from an intensity image directly. We propose a local intensity normalization method to effectively handle lighting variations, followed by a Gabor transform to obtain local features, and finally a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) method for feature selection. We have applied the approach in developing a Chinese sign translation system, which can automatically detect and recognize Chinese signs as input from a camera, and translate the recognized text into English.

Crystal structure of the mineral (Na,Ca,K){sub 2}(Ca,Na){sub 4}(Mg,Fe){sub 5}(Mg,Fe,Ti){sub 5}[Si{sub 12}Al{sub 4}O{sub 44}](F,O){sub 4}: a triclinic representative of the amphibole family

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

Rastsvetaeva, R. K., E-mail: rast@ns.crys.ras.ru; Aksenov, S. M.

2012-05-15

A mineral belonging to the amphibole family found at the Rothenberg paleovolcano (Eifel, Germany) was studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The triclinic pseudomonoclinic unit-cell parameters are a = 5.3113(1) Angstrom-Sign , b = 18.0457(3) Angstrom-Sign ; c = 9.8684(2) Angstrom-Sign , {alpha} = 90.016(2) Degree-Sign , {beta} = 105.543(4) Degree-Sign , {gamma} = 89.985(2) Degree-Sign . The structure was solved by direct methods in sp. gr. P1 and refined to the R factor of 2.7% based on 6432 reflections with |F| > 3{sigma}(F) taking into account twinning. The mineral with the idealized formula (Na,Ca,K){sub 2}(Ca,Na){sub 4}(Mg,Fe){sub 5}(Mg,Fe,Ti){sub 5}[Si{sub 12}Al{sub 4}O{submore » 44}](F,O){sub 4} has some symmetry and structural features that distinguish it from other minerals of this family.« less

Fast Drawing of Traffic Sign Using Mobile Mapping System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Q.; Tan, B.; Huang, Y.

2016-06-01

Traffic sign provides road users with the specified instruction and information to enhance traffic safety. Automatic detection of traffic sign is important for navigation, autonomous driving, transportation asset management, etc. With the advance of laser and imaging sensors, Mobile Mapping System (MMS) becomes widely used in transportation agencies to map the transportation infrastructure. Although many algorithms of traffic sign detection are developed in the literature, they are still a tradeoff between the detection speed and accuracy, especially for the large-scale mobile mapping of both the rural and urban roads. This paper is motivated to efficiently survey traffic signs while mapping the road network and the roadside landscape. Inspired by the manual delineation of traffic sign, a drawing strategy is proposed to quickly approximate the boundary of traffic sign. Both the shape and color prior of the traffic sign are simultaneously involved during the drawing process. The most common speed-limit sign circle and the statistic color model of traffic sign are studied in this paper. Anchor points of traffic sign edge are located with the local maxima of color and gradient difference. Starting with the anchor points, contour of traffic sign is drawn smartly along the most significant direction of color and intensity consistency. The drawing process is also constrained by the curvature feature of the traffic sign circle. The drawing of linear growth is discarded immediately if it fails to form an arc over some steps. The Kalman filter principle is adopted to predict the temporal context of traffic sign. Based on the estimated point,we can predict and double check the traffic sign in consecutive frames.The event probability of having a traffic sign over the consecutive observations is compared with the null hypothesis of no perceptible traffic sign. The temporally salient traffic sign is then detected statistically and automatically as the rare event of having a traffic sign.The proposed algorithm is tested with a diverse set of images that are taken inWuhan, China with theMMS ofWuhan University. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can detect traffic signs at the rate of over 80% in around 10 milliseconds. It is promising for the large-scale traffic sign survey and change detection using the mobile mapping system.

The minus sign in Faraday’s law revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Sullivan, Colm; Hurley, Donal

2013-01-01

By introducing the mathematical concept of orientation, the significance of the minus sign in Faraday’s law may be made clear to students with some knowledge of vector calculus. For many students, however, the traditional approach of treating the law as a relationship between positive scalars and of relying on Lenz’s law to provide the information on the direction of the induced electromotive force may be a preferable pedagogical practice.

Computed tomography findings of acute gastric volvulus.

PubMed

Millet, Ingrid; Orliac, Celine; Alili, Chakib; Guillon, Françoise; Taourel, Patrice

2014-12-01

To assess the diagnostic performance of CT signs of gastric volvulus in both confirmed cases and control subjects. We retrospectively reviewed CT findings in 10 patients with surgically confirmed acute gastric volvulus and 20 control subjects with gastric distension. Two radiologists independently evaluated CT images for risk factors of gastric volvulus, direct findings of gastric volvulus by assessing gastric dilatation, the presence of an antropyloric transition point, the respective position of the different stomach segments and of the greater and lesser curvatures, stenosis of the gastric segments through the oesophageal hiatus and for findings of gastric ischemia. The sensitivity and specificity of each finding were calculated. The most sensitive direct signs of gastric volvulus were an antropyloric transition point without any abnormality at the transition zone and the antrum at the same level or higher than the fundus. The presence of both these two findings as diagnostic criteria of gastric volvulus had 100% sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of gastric volvulus. There was no association between CT signs of ischemia and final bowel ischemia at pathology. CT is both highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing acute gastric volvulus. CT is highly reliable for diagnosing acute gastric volvulus with two findings. The two signs are gastropyloric transition zone and abnormal location of the antrum. This allows fast surgical management of this emergency.

Ferroic Shape Memory Materials & Piezo:Pyro-Electric Oriented Recrystallized Glasses.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-07-01

microcope hot stage. The direction of crystallization was parallel to the direction of temperature gradient. The crystalline phases in the glass...may increase or decrease with temperature. Several compounds show a sign reversal in the pyroelectric coefficients, going from positive to negative

Drug-induced GABA transporter currents enhance GABA release to induce opioid withdrawal behaviors.

PubMed

Bagley, Elena E; Hacker, Jennifer; Chefer, Vladimir I; Mallet, Christophe; McNally, Gavan P; Chieng, Billy C H; Perroud, Julie; Shippenberg, Toni S; Christie, MacDonald J

2011-10-30

Neurotransmitter transporters can affect neuronal excitability indirectly via modulation of neurotransmitter concentrations or directly via transporter currents. A physiological or pathophysiological role for transporter currents has not been described. We found that GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1) cation currents directly increased GABAergic neuronal excitability and synaptic GABA release in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) during opioid withdrawal in rodents. In contrast, GAT-1 did not indirectly alter GABA receptor responses via modulation of extracellular GABA concentrations. Notably, we found that GAT-1-induced increases in GABAergic activity contributed to many PAG-mediated signs of opioid withdrawal. Together, these data support the hypothesis that GAT-1 activity directly produces opioid withdrawal signs through direct hyperexcitation of GABAergic PAG neurons and nerve terminals, which presumably enhances GABAergic inhibition of PAG output neurons. These data provide, to the best of our knowledge, the first evidence that dysregulation of a neurotransmitter transporter current is important for the maladaptive plasticity that underlies opiate withdrawal.

Effects of competing environmental variables and signage on route-choices in simulated everyday and emergency wayfinding situations.

PubMed

Vilar, Elisângela; Rebelo, Francisco; Noriega, Paulo; Duarte, Emília; Mayhorn, Christopher B

2014-01-01

This study examined the relative influence of environmental variables (corridor width and brightness) and signage (directional and exit signs), when presented in competition, on participants' route-choices in two situational variables (everyday vs. emergency), during indoor wayfinding in virtual environments. A virtual reality-based methodology was used. Thus, participants attempted to find a room (everyday situation) in a virtual hotel, followed by a fire-related emergency egress (emergency situation). Different behaviours were observed. In the everyday situation, for no-signs condition, participants choose mostly the wider and brighter corridors, suggesting a heavy reliance on the environmental affordances. Conversely, for signs condition, participants mostly complied with signage, suggesting a greater reliance on the signs rather than on the environmental cues. During emergency, without signage, reliance on environmental affordances seems to be affected by the intersection type. In the sign condition, the reliance on environmental affordances that started strong decreases along the egress route.

Oral and Craniofacial Clinical Signs Associated to Genetic Conditions in Human Identification Part I: A Review

PubMed Central

Ayoub, Fouad; Aoun, Nicole; el Husseini, Hassan; Jassar, Houssam; Sayah, Fida; Salameh, Ziad

2015-01-01

Background: Forensic dentistry is one of the most reliable methods used in human identification when other technique as fingerprint, DNA, visual identification cannot be used. Genetic disorders have several manifestations that can target the intra-oral cavity, the cranio-facial area or any location in the human body. Materials and Methods: A literature search of the scientific database (Medline and Science Direct) for the years 1990 to 2014 was carried out to find out all the available papers that indicate oral, cranio-facial signs, genetic and human identification. Results: A table with 10 genetic conditions was described with oral and cranio-facial signs that can help forensic specialist in human identification. Conclusion: This review showed a correlation between genetics, facial and intra-oral signs that would help forensic ondontologist in the identification procedures. PMID:26028912

Behavioral and Neural Representations of Spatial Directions across Words, Schemas, and Images.

PubMed

Weisberg, Steven M; Marchette, Steven A; Chatterjee, Anjan

2018-05-23

Modern spatial navigation requires fluency with multiple representational formats, including visual scenes, signs, and words. These formats convey different information. Visual scenes are rich and specific but contain extraneous details. Arrows, as an example of signs, are schematic representations in which the extraneous details are eliminated, but analog spatial properties are preserved. Words eliminate all spatial information and convey spatial directions in a purely abstract form. How does the human brain compute spatial directions within and across these formats? To investigate this question, we conducted two experiments on men and women: a behavioral study that was preregistered and a neuroimaging study using multivoxel pattern analysis of fMRI data to uncover similarities and differences among representational formats. Participants in the behavioral study viewed spatial directions presented as images, schemas, or words (e.g., "left"), and responded to each trial, indicating whether the spatial direction was the same or different as the one viewed previously. They responded more quickly to schemas and words than images, despite the visual complexity of stimuli being matched. Participants in the fMRI study performed the same task but responded only to occasional catch trials. Spatial directions in images were decodable in the intraparietal sulcus bilaterally but were not in schemas and words. Spatial directions were also decodable between all three formats. These results suggest that intraparietal sulcus plays a role in calculating spatial directions in visual scenes, but this neural circuitry may be bypassed when the spatial directions are presented as schemas or words. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Human navigators encounter spatial directions in various formats: words ("turn left"), schematic signs (an arrow showing a left turn), and visual scenes (a road turning left). The brain must transform these spatial directions into a plan for action. Here, we investigate similarities and differences between neural representations of these formats. We found that bilateral intraparietal sulci represent spatial directions in visual scenes and across the three formats. We also found that participants respond quickest to schemas, then words, then images, suggesting that spatial directions in abstract formats are easier to interpret than concrete formats. These results support a model of spatial direction interpretation in which spatial directions are either computed for real world action or computed for efficient visual comparison. Copyright © 2018 the authors 0270-6474/18/384996-12$15.00/0.

Multiple Signaling Pathways Are Involved in the Interleukine-4 Regulated Expression of DC-SIGN in THP-1 Cell Line

PubMed Central

Jin, Changzhong; Wu, Lijuan; Li, Jie; Fang, Meixin; Cheng, Linfang; Wu, Nanping

2012-01-01

Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) is an important pattern recognition receptor on dendritic cells (DCs), and its expression shows significant cytological and histological specificity, being interleukine-4 (IL-4) dependent. The signaling pathways through which IL-4 regulates expression of DC-SIGN are still unclear. We used phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate- (PMA-) differentiated THP-1 cells as the in vitro model of monocyte/macrophage cells to study the signaling pathways involved in IL-4-regulated expression of DC-SIGN. We found that a high expression of DC-SIGN could be induced by IL-4 at the levels of mRNA and cell surface protein. Upregulated expression of DC-SIGN was almost completely blocked by the specific inhibitor of ERK pathway, and partly reduced by the specific inhibitors of JAK-STAT and NF-κB pathways. The activation of the three signaling pathways was directly confirmed by testing the phosphorylation of protein kinase within the cytoplasm and nucleus over time. The analysis of cis-acting elements of DC-SIGN promoter showed that the activity of DC-SIGN promoter without Ets-1 transcription factors binding site almost completely disappeared. Our results demonstrated that multiple signaling pathways are involved in IL-4 induced high expression of DC-SIGN on THP-1 cells, in which ERK pathway is the main signaling pathway and mediated by the Ets-1 transcription factors binding site. PMID:22675249

The Neck Region of the C-type Lectin DC-SIGN Regulates Its Surface Spatiotemporal Organization and Virus-binding Capacity on Antigen-presenting Cells*

PubMed Central

Manzo, Carlo; Torreno-Pina, Juan A.; Joosten, Ben; Reinieren-Beeren, Inge; Gualda, Emilio J.; Loza-Alvarez, Pablo; Figdor, Carl G.; Garcia-Parajo, Maria F.; Cambi, Alessandra

2012-01-01

The C-type lectin DC-SIGN expressed on dendritic cells (DCs) facilitates capture and internalization of a plethora of different pathogens. Although it is known that DC-SIGN organizes in nanoclusters at the surface of DCs, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this well defined nanopatterning and role in viral binding remain enigmatic. By combining biochemical and advanced biophysical techniques, including optical superresolution and single particle tracking, we demonstrate that DC-SIGN intrinsic nanoclustering strictly depends on its molecular structure. DC-SIGN nanoclusters exhibited free, Brownian diffusion on the cell membrane. Truncation of the extracellular neck region, known to abrogate tetramerization, significantly reduced nanoclustering and concomitantly increased lateral diffusion. Importantly, DC-SIGN nanocluster dissolution exclusively compromised binding to nanoscale size pathogens. Monte Carlo simulations revealed that heterogeneity on nanocluster density and spatial distribution confers broader binding capabilities to DC-SIGN. As such, our results underscore a direct relationship between spatial nanopatterning, driven by intermolecular interactions between the neck regions, and receptor diffusion to provide DC-SIGN with the exquisite ability to dock pathogens at the virus length scale. Insight into how virus receptors are organized prior to virus binding and how they assemble into functional platforms for virus docking is helpful to develop novel strategies to prevent virus entry and infection. PMID:23019323

Autoshaping in adolescence enhances sign-tracking behavior in adulthood: impact on ethanol consumption.

PubMed

Anderson, Rachel I; Spear, Linda P

2011-04-01

Autoshaping refers to a procedure during which a cue repeatedly paired with a reward elicits a conditioned response directed at either the reward delivery location ("goal-tracking") or the cue itself ("sign- tracking"). Individual differences in expression of sign-tracking behavior may be predictive of voluntary ethanol intake. The present study was designed to explore the development of differences in sign-tracking behavior in adolescent and adult male and female rats in an 8-day autoshaping procedure. Consistency of sign-tracking and goal-tracking across age was examined by retesting adolescents again in adulthood and comparing their adult data with animals tested only as adults to explore pre-exposure effects on adult responding. In order to assess the relationship between sign-tracking and ethanol intake, voluntary ethanol consumption was measured in an 8-day, 2-hr limited access drinking paradigm following the 8-day autoshaping procedure in adulthood. Animals tested as adolescents showed notably less sign-tracking behavior than animals tested as adults, and sign-tracking behavior was not correlated across age. Animals exposed to the autoshaping procedure as adolescents demonstrated greater sign-tracking behavior as adults when compared to control animals tested only in adulthood. When examining the relationship in adulthood between sign-tracking and ethanol intake, an increase in ethanol intake among sign-trackers was found only in animals pre-exposed to autoshaping as adolescents. Whether or not these results reflect an adolescent-specific experience effect is unclear without further work to determine whether comparable pre-exposure effects are seen if the initial autoshaping sessions are delayed into adulthood. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Creation of the relevant next: How living systems capture the power of the adjacent possible through sign use.

PubMed

Favareau, Donald F

2015-12-01

Stuart Kauffman's revolutionary notion of the Adjacent Possible as an organizing principle in nature shares much in common with logician Charles S. Peirce's understanding of the universe as an ever-unfolding 'process ontology' of possibility space that is brought about through the recursive interaction of genuine possibility, transiently actualized order, and emergent (but never fully deterministic) lawfulness. Proceeding from these three fundamental categories of becoming-as-being, Peirce developed a complimentary logic of sign relations that, along with Estonian biologist Jakob von Uexküll's action-as-meaning-imprinting Umwelt theory, informs the work that is currently being undertaken under the aegis of Biosemiotics. In this paper, I will highlight the deep affinities between Kauffman's notion of the Adjacent Possible and Biosemiotics' hybrid Peircean/Uexküllian "sign" concept, by which living systems - both as individuals and in the aggregate (i.e., as co-actors, communities and lineages) - "capture" relevant aspects of their relations with the immediately given Adjacent Possible and preserve those recipes for future interaction possibilities as biologically instantiated signs. By so doing, living systems move into the Adjacent Possible by "collapsing the wave function" of possibility not just probabilistically, but guided by system-internal values arising from previously captured sign relations that are biologically instantiated as replicable system biases and generative constraints. The influence of such valenced and end-directed action in the world introduces into the universe the phenomenon of the Relevant (and not just deterministic, or even stochastic) Next. My argument in this paper is that organisms live out their lives perpetually confronted with negotiating the omnipresent Relevant Next, and are informed by the biological capture of their (and their lineage's) previous engagements in doing so. And because that "capture" of previous agent-object-action relationships are instantiated as biological signs for the guidance of the organism, not only are "successful survival strategies" within a given possibility space captured (as in traditional accounts of Natural Selection), but captured as well within those signs are the entire complement of previously untaken but still veridical real-world possibility spaces that are inseparably 'entangled' with that sign, and just awaiting exploration by the organism. Thus, while all action in the universe is both current-context dependant and next-context creating, the emergence of ever-more complex semiotic capabilities in organisms has expanded the possibility space of immediate-next-action in the world exponentially, and has brought into being not a pre-given, singly end-directed ordered world, but an emergent, many ends-directed world of promiscuous, unforeseeable and interacting telos. The goal of Biosemiotics is to understand and to explore this world. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Crash testing of Louisiana's 3 1/2" diameter multi-directional, single steel post, small sign support : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1993-03-01

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD) contracted with the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) to evaluate the impact characteristics of Louisiana's multi-directional, 8.9 cm (3-1/2 in) diameter steel post, small sigh sup...

Difficulties of Drivers With Dyslexia When Reading Traffic Signs: Analysis of Reading, Eye Gazes, and Driving Performance.

PubMed

Tejero, Pilar; Insa, Beatriz; Roca, Javier

2018-03-01

A group of adult individuals with dyslexia and a matched group of normally reading individuals participated in a driving simulation experiment. Participants were asked to read the word presented on every direction traffic sign encountered along a route, as far as possible from the sign, maintaining driving performance. Word frequency and word length were manipulated as within-subject factors. We analyzed (a) reading accuracy, (b) how far the sign was when the participant started to give the response, (c) where the participant looked during the time leading up to the response, and (d) the variability of the vehicle's speed during that time and during driving on similar segments of the route that did not present the traffic signs. Individuals with dyslexia showed lower levels of performance in the reading task, the roles of word frequency and word length were more influential for them, and there was larger variability of the vehicle's speed during the time they were attempting to read the traffic sign, which did not occur during their driving on similar segments that did not present the targeted traffic signs. Therefore, the specific needs of individuals with dyslexia on the road should be considered in plans aimed at increasing traffic safety and fluidity.

Psychosocial Factors Influencing Smokeless Tobacco Use by Teenage Military Dependents

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

age and grade Demographics both show strong bivariate relationships with the outcome MALE-male gender measures, we selected to use only one of these...a positive sign indicating a direct relation- no impact for either gender . Attitude and other tobacco influ- ship and a negative sign an inverse...by both genders . nlficant. However, if the interval includes one but is highly For both genders , the strongest explanatory variable for trial skewed

Traffic Sign Recognition with Invariance to Lighting in Dual-Focal Active Camera System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Yanlei; Panahpour Tehrani, Mehrdad; Yendo, Tomohiro; Fujii, Toshiaki; Tanimoto, Masayuki

In this paper, we present an automatic vision-based traffic sign recognition system, which can detect and classify traffic signs at long distance under different lighting conditions. To realize this purpose, the traffic sign recognition is developed in an originally proposed dual-focal active camera system. In this system, a telephoto camera is equipped as an assistant of a wide angle camera. The telephoto camera can capture a high accuracy image for an object of interest in the view field of the wide angle camera. The image from the telephoto camera provides enough information for recognition when the accuracy of traffic sign is low from the wide angle camera. In the proposed system, the traffic sign detection and classification are processed separately for different images from the wide angle camera and telephoto camera. Besides, in order to detect traffic sign from complex background in different lighting conditions, we propose a type of color transformation which is invariant to light changing. This color transformation is conducted to highlight the pattern of traffic signs by reducing the complexity of background. Based on the color transformation, a multi-resolution detector with cascade mode is trained and used to locate traffic signs at low resolution in the image from the wide angle camera. After detection, the system actively captures a high accuracy image of each detected traffic sign by controlling the direction and exposure time of the telephoto camera based on the information from the wide angle camera. Moreover, in classification, a hierarchical classifier is constructed and used to recognize the detected traffic signs in the high accuracy image from the telephoto camera. Finally, based on the proposed system, a set of experiments in the domain of traffic sign recognition is presented. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can effectively recognize traffic signs at low resolution in different lighting conditions.

EVOLUTION OF SPINNING AND BRAIDING HELICITY FLUXES IN SOLAR ACTIVE REGION NOAA 10930

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

Ravindra, B.; Yoshimura, Keiji; Dasso, Sergio, E-mail: ravindra@iiap.res.in, E-mail: yosimura@solar.physics.montana.edu, E-mail: dasso@df.uba.ar

2011-12-10

The line-of-sight magnetograms from Solar Optical Telescope Narrowband Filter Imager observations of NOAA Active Region 10930 have been used to study the evolution of spinning and braiding helicities over a period of five days starting from 2006 December 9. The north (N) polarity sunspot was the follower and the south (S) polarity sunspot was the leader. The N-polarity sunspot in the active region was rotating in the counterclockwise direction. The rate of rotation was small during the first two days of observations and it increased up to 8 Degree-Sign hr{sup -1} on the third day of the observations. On themore » fourth and fifth days it remained at 4 Degree-Sign hr{sup -1} with small undulations in its magnitude. The sunspot rotated about 260 Degree-Sign in the last three days. The S-polarity sunspot did not complete more than 20 Degree-Sign in five days. However, it changed its direction of rotation five times over a period of five days and injected both the positive and negative type of spin helicity fluxes into the corona. Through the five days, both the positive and negative sunspot regions injected equal amounts of spin helicity. The total injected helicity is predominantly negative in sign. However, the sign of the spin and braiding helicity fluxes computed over all the regions were reversed from negative to positive five times during the five-day period of observations. The reversal in spinning helicity flux was found before the onset of the X3.4-class flare, too. Though, the rotating sunspot has been observed in this active region, the braiding helicity has contributed more to the total accumulated helicity than the spinning helicity. The accumulated helicity is in excess of -7 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 43} Mx{sup 2} over a period of five days. Before the X3.4-class flare that occurred on 2006 December 13, the rotation speed and spin helicity flux increased in the S-polarity sunspot. Before the flare, the total injected helicity was larger than -6 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 43} Mx{sup 2}. The observed reversal in the sign of spinning and braiding helicity fluxes could be the signature of the emergence of a twisted flux tube, which acquires the writhe of an opposite sign. The magnetic cloud associated with the ejected mass has carried about -7 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 41} Mx{sup 2} of helicity. A time integration of helicity flux of about 1.2 hr integrated backward in time of the observation of the coronal mass ejection is sufficient for this event.« less

24 CFR 235.1218 - Additional eligibility requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

...; Direct Endorsement § 235.1218 Additional eligibility requirements. (a) Mortgage amount. It must be in an... par on one of the following dates, whichever rate is higher: (i) The date the Direct Endorsement mortgagee's underwriter signs the Mortgage Credit Analysis Worksheet (form HUD-92900 WS); or (ii) The date...

THE AUSTRALIA TELESCOPE COMPACT ARRAY H I SURVEY OF THE GALACTIC CENTER

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

McClure-Griffiths, N. M.; Green, J. A.; Dickey, J. M.

2012-03-01

We present a survey of atomic hydrogen (H I) emission in the direction of the Galactic Center (GC) conducted with the CSIRO Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA). The survey covers the area -5 Degree-Sign {<=} l {<=} +5 Degree-Sign , -5 Degree-Sign {<=} b {<=} +5 Degree-Sign over the velocity range -309 km s{sup -1} {<=} v{sub LSR} {<=} 349 km s{sup -1} with a velocity resolution of 1 km s{sup -1}. The ATCA data are supplemented with data from the Parkes Radio Telescope for sensitivity to all angular scales larger than the 145'' angular resolution of the survey. Themore » mean rms brightness temperature across the field is 0.7 K, except near (l, b) = 0 Degree-Sign , 0 Degree-Sign where it increases to {approx}2 K. This survey complements the Southern Galactic Plane Survey to complete the continuous coverage of the inner Galactic plane in H I at {approx}2' resolution. Here, we describe the observations and analysis of this GC survey and present the final data product. Features such as Bania's Clump 2, the far 3 kpc arm, and small high-velocity clumps are briefly described.« less

Exploiting automatically generated databases of traffic signs and road markings for contextual co-occurrence analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazelhoff, Lykele; Creusen, Ivo M.; Woudsma, Thomas; de With, Peter H. N.

2015-11-01

Combined databases of road markings and traffic signs provide a complete and full description of the present traffic legislation and instructions. Such databases contribute to efficient signage maintenance, improve navigation, and benefit autonomous driving vehicles. A system is presented for the automated creation of such combined databases, which additionally investigates the benefit of this combination for automated contextual placement analysis. This analysis involves verification of the co-occurrence of traffic signs and road markings to retrieve a list of potentially incorrectly signaled (and thus potentially unsafe) road situations. This co-occurrence verification is specifically explored for both pedestrian crossings and yield situations. Evaluations on 420 km of road have shown that individual detection of traffic signs and road markings denoting these road situations can be performed with accuracies of 98% and 85%, respectively. Combining both approaches shows that over 95% of the pedestrian crossings and give-way situations can be identified. An exploration toward additional co-occurrence analysis of signs and markings shows that inconsistently signaled situations can successfully be extracted, such that specific safety actions can be directed toward cases lacking signs or markings, while most consistently signaled situations can be omitted from this analysis.

Bipartite consensus for multi-agent systems with antagonistic interactions and communication delays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xing; Lu, Jianquan; Alsaedi, Ahmed; Alsaadi, Fuad E.

2018-04-01

This paper studies the consensus problems over signed digraphs with arbitrary finite communication delays. For the considered system, the information flow is directed and only locally delayed information can be used for each node. We derive that bipartite consensus of this system can be realized when the associated signed digraph is strongly connected. Furthermore, for structurally balanced networks, this paper studies the pinning partite consensus for the considered system. we design a pinning scheme to pin any one agent in the signed network, and obtain that the network achieves pinning bipartite consensus with any initial conditions. Finally, two examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our main results.

Electric field control of magnetoresistance in InP nanowires with ferromagnetic contacts.

PubMed

Zwanenburg, F A; van der Mast, D W; Heersche, H B; Kouwenhoven, L P; Bakkers, E P A M

2009-07-01

We demonstrate electric field control of sign and magnitude of the magnetoresistance in InP nanowires with ferromagnetic contacts. The sign change in the magnetoresistance is directly correlated with a sign change in the transconductance. Additionally, the magnetoresistance is shown to persist at such a high bias that Coulomb blockade has been lifted. We also observe the magnetoresistance when one of the ferromagnets is replaced by a nonmagnetic metal. We conclude that it must be induced by a single ferromagnetic contact, and that spin transport can be ruled out as the origin. Our results emphasize the importance of a systematic investigation of spin-valve devices in order to discriminate between ambiguous interpretations.

Relevant signs of stable and unstable thoracolumbar vertebral column trauma

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

Gehweiler, J.A.; Daffner, R.H.; Osborne, R.L.

1981-12-01

One-hundred and seventeen patients with acute thoracolumbar vertebral column fracture or fracture-dislocations were analyzed and classified into stable (36%) and unstable (64%). Eight helpful roentgen signs were observed that may serve to direct attention to serious underlying, often occult, fractures and dislocations. The changes fall into four principal groups: abnormal soft tissues, abnormal vertebral alignment, abnormal joints, and widened vertebral canal. All stable and unstable lesions showed abnormal soft tissues, while 70% demonstrated kyphosis and/or scoliosis, and an abnormal adjacent intervertebral disk space. All unstable lesions showed one or more of the following signs: displaced vertebra, widened interspinous space, abnormalmore » apophyseal joint(s), and widened vertebral canal.« less

Influences of misfit strains on liquid phase heteroepitaxial growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yanli; Peng, Yingying; Yu, Genggeng; Chen, Zheng

2017-10-01

Influences of misfit strains with different signs on liquid phase heteroepitaxial growth are studied by binary phase field crystal model. It is amazing to find that double islands are formed because of lateral and vertical separation. The morphological evolution of epitaxial layer depends on signs of misfit strains. The maximum atomic layer thickness of double islands under negative misfit strain is larger than that of under positive misfit strain at the same evolutional time, and size differences between light and dark islands is much smaller under negative misfit strain than that of under positive misfit strain. In addition, concentration field and density field approximately have similar variational law along x direction under the same misfit strain but show opposite variational trend under misfit strains with different signs. Generally, free energy of epitaxial growth systems keeps similar variational trend under misfit strains with different signs.

Vital sign documentation in electronic records: The development of workarounds.

PubMed

Stevenson, Jean E; Israelsson, Johan; Nilsson, Gunilla; Petersson, Goran; Bath, Peter A

2018-06-01

Workarounds are commonplace in healthcare settings. An increase in the use of electronic health records has led to an escalation of workarounds as healthcare professionals cope with systems which are inadequate for their needs. Closely related to this, the documentation of vital signs in electronic health records has been problematic. The accuracy and completeness of vital sign documentation has a direct impact on the recognition of deterioration in a patient's condition. We examined workflow processes to identify workarounds related to vital signs in a 372-bed hospital in Sweden. In three clinical areas, a qualitative study was performed with data collected during observations and interviews and analysed through thematic content analysis. We identified paper workarounds in the form of handwritten notes and a total of eight pre-printed paper observation charts. Our results suggested that nurses created workarounds to allow a smooth workflow and ensure patients safety.

The "handedness" of language: Directional symmetry breaking of sign usage in words.

PubMed

Ashraf, Md Izhar; Sinha, Sitabhra

2018-01-01

Language, which allows complex ideas to be communicated through symbolic sequences, is a characteristic feature of our species and manifested in a multitude of forms. Using large written corpora for many different languages and scripts, we show that the occurrence probability distributions of signs at the left and right ends of words have a distinct heterogeneous nature. Characterizing this asymmetry using quantitative inequality measures, viz. information entropy and the Gini index, we show that the beginning of a word is less restrictive in sign usage than the end. This property is not simply attributable to the use of common affixes as it is seen even when only word roots are considered. We use the existence of this asymmetry to infer the direction of writing in undeciphered inscriptions that agrees with the archaeological evidence. Unlike traditional investigations of phonotactic constraints which focus on language-specific patterns, our study reveals a property valid across languages and writing systems. As both language and writing are unique aspects of our species, this universal signature may reflect an innate feature of the human cognitive phenomenon.

The “handedness” of language: Directional symmetry breaking of sign usage in words

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Language, which allows complex ideas to be communicated through symbolic sequences, is a characteristic feature of our species and manifested in a multitude of forms. Using large written corpora for many different languages and scripts, we show that the occurrence probability distributions of signs at the left and right ends of words have a distinct heterogeneous nature. Characterizing this asymmetry using quantitative inequality measures, viz. information entropy and the Gini index, we show that the beginning of a word is less restrictive in sign usage than the end. This property is not simply attributable to the use of common affixes as it is seen even when only word roots are considered. We use the existence of this asymmetry to infer the direction of writing in undeciphered inscriptions that agrees with the archaeological evidence. Unlike traditional investigations of phonotactic constraints which focus on language-specific patterns, our study reveals a property valid across languages and writing systems. As both language and writing are unique aspects of our species, this universal signature may reflect an innate feature of the human cognitive phenomenon. PMID:29342176

Direct comparison of current-induced spin polarization in topological insulator Bi2Se3 and InAs Rashba states

DOE PAGES

Li, C. H.; van ‘t Erve, O. M. J.; Rajput, S.; ...

2016-11-17

Three-dimensional topological insulators (TIs) exhibit time-reversal symmetry protected, linearly dispersing Dirac surface states with spin–momentum locking. Band bending at the TI surface may also lead to coexisting trivial two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) states with parabolic energy dispersion. A bias current is expected to generate spin polarization in both systems, although with different magnitude and sign. Here we compare spin potentiometric measurements of bias current-generated spin polarization in Bi2Se3(111) where Dirac surface states coexist with trivial 2DEG states, and in InAs(001) where only trivial 2DEG states are present. We observe spin polarization arising from spin–momentum locking in both cases, with oppositemore » signs of the measured spin voltage. We present a model based on spin dependent electrochemical potentials to directly derive the sign expected for the Dirac surface states, and show that the dominant contribution to the current-generated spin polarization in the TI is from the Dirac surface states.« less

Counselling on and women's awareness of pregnancy danger signs in selected rural health facilities in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tanzania.

PubMed

Duysburgh, Els; Ye, Maurice; Williams, Afua; Massawe, Siriel; Sié, Ali; Williams, John; Mpembeni, Rose; Loukanova, Svetla; Temmerman, Marleen

2013-12-01

The aims of this study were to (i) assess healthcare workers' counselling practices concerning danger signs during antenatal consultations in rural primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tanzania; to (ii) assess pregnant women's awareness of these danger signs; and (iii) to identify factors affecting counselling practices and women's awareness. Cross-sectional study in rural PHC facilities in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tanzania. In each country, 12 facilities were randomly selected. WHO guidelines were used as standard for good counselling. We assessed providers' counselling practice on seven danger signs through direct observation study (35 observations/facility). Exit interviews (63 interviews/facility) were used to assess women's awareness of the same seven danger signs. We used negative binomial regression to assess associations with health services' and socio-demographic characteristics and to estimate per study site the average number of danger signs on which counselling was provided and the average number of danger signs mentioned by women. About one in three women was not informed of any danger sign. For most danger signs, fewer than half of the women were counselled. Vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain were the signs most counselled on (between 52% and 66%). At study facilities in Burkina Faso, 58% of the pregnant women were not able to mention a danger sign, in Ghana this was 22% and in Tanzania 30%. Fever, vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain were the danger signs most frequently mentioned. The type of health worker (depending on the training they received) was significantly associated with counselling practices. Depending on the study site, characteristics significantly associated with awareness of signs were women's age, gestational age, gravidity and educational level. Counselling practice is poor and not very efficient. A new approach of informing pregnant women on danger signs is needed. However, as effects of antenatal care education remain largely unknown, it is very well possible that improved counselling will not affect maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Binding of HIV-1 gp120 to DC-SIGN Promotes ASK-1-Dependent Activation-Induced Apoptosis of Human Dendritic Cells

PubMed Central

Chan, Vera S. F.; Chung, Nancy P. Y.; Wang, Shu-Rong; Li, Zhongye; Ma, Jing; Lin, Chia-Wei; Hsieh, Ya-Ju; Chang, Kao-Ping; Kung, Sui-Sum; Wu, Yi-Chia; Chu, Cheng-Wei; Tai, Hsiao-Ting; Gao, George F.; Zheng, Bojian; Yokoyama, Kazunari K.; Austyn, Jonathan M.; Lin, Chen-Lung S.

2013-01-01

During disease progression to AIDS, HIV-1 infected individuals become increasingly immunosuppressed and susceptible to opportunistic infections. It has also been demonstrated that multiple subsets of dendritic cells (DC), including DC-SIGN(+) cells, become significantly depleted in the blood and lymphoid tissues of AIDS patients, which may contribute to the failure in initiating effective host immune responses. The mechanism for DC depletion, however, is unclear. It is also known that vast quantities of viral envelope protein gp120 are shed from maturing HIV-1 virions and form circulating immune complexes in the serum of HIV-1-infected individuals, but the pathological role of gp120 in HIV-1 pathogenesis remains elusive. Here we describe a previously unrecognized mechanism of DC death in chronic HIV-1 infection, in which ligation of DC-SIGN by gp120 sensitizes DC to undergo accelerated apoptosis in response to a variety of activation stimuli. The cultured monocyte-derived DC and also freshly-isolated DC-SIGN(+) blood DC that were exposed to either cross-linked recombinant gp120 or immune-complex gp120 in HIV(+) serum underwent considerable apoptosis after CD40 ligation or exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-1β. Furthermore, circulating DC-SIGN(+) DC that were isolated directly from HIV-1(+) individuals had actually been pre-sensitized by serum gp120 for activation-induced exorbitant apoptosis. In all cases the DC apoptosis was substantially inhibited by DC-SIGN blockade. Finally, we showed that accelerated DC apoptosis was a direct consequence of excessive activation of the pro-apoptotic molecule ASK-1 and transfection of siRNA against ASK-1 significantly prevented the activation-induced excessive DC death. Our study discloses a previously unknown mechanism of immune modulation by envelope protein gp120, provides new insights into HIV immunopathogenesis, and suggests potential therapeutic approaches to prevent DC depletion in chronic HIV infection. PMID:23382671

Drinking and driving behavior at stop signs and red lights.

PubMed

Wan, Jingyan; Wu, Changxu; Zhang, Yiqi; Houston, Rebecca J; Chen, Chang Wen; Chanawangsa, Panya

2017-07-01

Alcohol is one of the principal risk factors for motor vehicle crashes. One factor that contributes to vehicle crashes is noncompliance with stop signs and red lights. The present experiment investigated the effects of alcohol and drinking patterns on driving behavior at stop signs and red lights. 28 participants participated in drinking and simulated driving sessions during which they received a moderate dose of alcohol (0.08% BAC) or a placebo. Simulated driving tasks measured participants' driving performance at stop signs and red lights in response to each dose. Results suggested that alcohol impaired the driver control of speed and direction and prolonged their simple and complex reaction time, which were exhibited by impaired speed and lateral control, longer reaction time when the lights turned yellow, and lower deceleration towards stop signs and red lights. Visual degradation may also occur under alcohol intake. It was also suggested that alcohol impaired non-binge drinkers more severely. To be specific, higher acceleration was observed in impaired non-binge drinkers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lhermitte's sign: Review with special emphasis in oncology practice.

PubMed

Gemici, Cengiz

2010-05-01

Lhermitte's sign (LS) is characterized by electric shock like sensation, spreading along the spine in a cervico-caudal direction and also into both arms and legs, which is felt upon forward flexion of the neck. It is a myelopathy resulting from damage to sensory axons at the dorsal columns of the cervical or thoracic spinal cord and a well-known clinical sign in neurology practice. Patients with cancer may present with LS due to various causes either related to the tumor itself or to its treatment. Spinal cord tumors, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are possible causes of LS observed in oncology practice. While LS is observed with a frequency of 3.6-13% in large patient groups receiving radiotherapy for head and neck and thoracic malignancies, the true incidence of chemotherapy and spinal cord tumor induced LS is unknown with only few reported cases in the literature. In the present article, various pathologies causing Lhermitte's sign are reviewed with special emphasis on the implications of this sign in oncology practice. 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

An evolutionary game approach for determination of the structural conflicts in signed networks

PubMed Central

Tan, Shaolin; Lü, Jinhu

2016-01-01

Social or biochemical networks can often divide into two opposite alliances in response to structural conflicts between positive (friendly, activating) and negative (hostile, inhibiting) interactions. Yet, the underlying dynamics on how the opposite alliances are spontaneously formed to minimize the structural conflicts is still unclear. Here, we demonstrate that evolutionary game dynamics provides a felicitous possible tool to characterize the evolution and formation of alliances in signed networks. Indeed, an evolutionary game dynamics on signed networks is proposed such that each node can adaptively adjust its choice of alliances to maximize its own fitness, which yet leads to a minimization of the structural conflicts in the entire network. Numerical experiments show that the evolutionary game approach is universally efficient in quality and speed to find optimal solutions for all undirected or directed, unweighted or weighted signed networks. Moreover, the evolutionary game approach is inherently distributed. These characteristics thus suggest the evolutionary game dynamic approach as a feasible and effective tool for determining the structural conflicts in large-scale on-line signed networks. PMID:26915581

Advance directives: cancer patients' preferences and family-based decision making.

PubMed

Xing, Yan-Fang; Lin, Jin-Xiang; Li, Xing; Lin, Qu; Ma, Xiao-Kun; Chen, Jie; Wu, Dong-Hao; Wei, Li; Yin, Liang-Hong; Wu, Xiang-Yuan

2017-07-11

Advance directives are a sensitive issue among traditional Chinese people, who usually refrain from mentioning this topic until it is imperative. Medical decisions for cancer patients are made by their families, and these decisions might violate patients' personal will. This study aimed to examine the acceptance of advance directives among Chinese cancer patients and their families and patient participation in this procedure and, finally, to analyze the moral risk involved. While 246 patients and their family members refused official discussion of an advance directive, the remaining 166 patients and their families accepted the concept of an advance directive and signed a document agreeing to give up invasive treatment when the anti-cancer treatment was terminated. Of these, only 24 patients participated in the decision making. For 101 patients, anti-cancer therapy was ended prematurely with as many as 37 patients not told about their potential loss of health interests. Participants were 412 adult cancer patients from 9 leading hospitals across China. An advance directive was introduced to the main decision makers for each patient; if they wished to sign it, the advance directive would be systematically discussed. A questionnaire was given to the oncologists in charge of each patient to evaluate the interaction between families and patients, patients' awareness of their disease, and participation in an advance directive. Advance directives were not widely accepted among Chinese cancer patients unless anti-cancer therapy was terminated. Most cancer patients were excluded from the discussion of an advance directive.

A model of traffic signs recognition with convolutional neural network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Haihe; Li, Yujian; Zhang, Ting; Huo, Yi; Kuang, Wenqing

2016-10-01

In real traffic scenes, the quality of captured images are generally low due to some factors such as lighting conditions, and occlusion on. All of these factors are challengeable for automated recognition algorithms of traffic signs. Deep learning has provided a new way to solve this kind of problems recently. The deep network can automatically learn features from a large number of data samples and obtain an excellent recognition performance. We therefore approach this task of recognition of traffic signs as a general vision problem, with few assumptions related to road signs. We propose a model of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and apply the model to the task of traffic signs recognition. The proposed model adopts deep CNN as the supervised learning model, directly takes the collected traffic signs image as the input, alternates the convolutional layer and subsampling layer, and automatically extracts the features for the recognition of the traffic signs images. The proposed model includes an input layer, three convolutional layers, three subsampling layers, a fully-connected layer, and an output layer. To validate the proposed model, the experiments are implemented using the public dataset of China competition of fuzzy image processing. Experimental results show that the proposed model produces a recognition accuracy of 99.01 % on the training dataset, and yield a record of 92% on the preliminary contest within the fourth best.

77 FR 3483 - National Advisory Council

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-24

... and Mitigation. The NAC will discuss the Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8) on National... Topics in Emergency Management during lunch, scheduled for 12:20 p.m. PST to 1:20 p.m. PST. PPD-8, signed... the Nation to achieve the goal. PPD-8 replaces Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (HSPD-8) and...

Comparative evaluation of a novel solar powered low-cost ophthalmoscope (Arclight) by eye healthcare workers in Malawi.

PubMed

Blundell, Rebecca; Roberts, David; Fioratou, Evridiki; Abraham, Carl; Msosa, Joseph; Chirambo, Tamara; Blaikie, Andrew

2018-04-01

This study compared a novel low-cost solar powered direct ophthalmoscope called the Arclight with a traditional direct ophthalmoscope (TDO). After appropriate training, 25 Malawian eye healthcare workers were asked to examine 12 retinal images placed in a teaching manikin head with both the Arclight ophthalmoscope and a traditional direct ophthalmoscope (Keeler Professional V.2.8). Participants were scored on their ability to identify clinical signs, to make a diagnosis and how long they took to make a diagnosis. They were also asked to score each ophthalmoscope for 'ease of use'. Statistically significant differences were found in favour of the Arclight in the number of clinical signs identified, correct diagnoses made and ease of use. The ophthalmoscopes were equally effective as a screening tool for diabetic retinopathy, and there was no statistically difference in time to diagnosis. The authors conclude that the Arclight offers an easy to use, low cost alternative to the traditional direct ophthalmoscope to meet the demands for screening and diagnosis of visually impairing eye disorders in low-income and middle-income countries.

Psychiatric symptoms mediate the effects of neurological soft signs on functional outcomes in patients with chronic schizophrenia: A longitudinal path-analytic study.

PubMed

Fong, Ted C T; Ho, Rainbow T H; Wan, Adrian H Y; Au-Yeung, Friendly S W

2017-03-01

Neurological soft signs (NSS) in motor coordination and sequencing occur in schizophrenia patients and are an intrinsic sign of the underlying neural dysfunctions. The present longitudinal study explored the relationships among NSS, psychiatric symptoms, and functional outcomes in 151 Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia across a 6-month period. The participants completed neurological assessments at baseline (Time 1), psychiatric interviews at Time 1 and 3-month follow-up (Time 2), and self-report measures on daily functioning at 6-month follow-up (Time 3). Two possible (combined and cascading) path models were examined on predicting the functional outcomes. Direct and indirect effects of Time 1 NSS on Time 3 functional outcomes via Time 2 psychiatric symptoms were evaluated using path analysis under bootstrapping. Motor coordination and sequencing NSS did not have significant direct effects on functional outcomes. Motor coordination NSS exerted significant and negative indirect effects on functional outcomes via psychiatric symptoms. These results contribute to a better understanding of the determinants of functional outcomes by showing significant indirect pathways from motor coordination NSS to functional outcomes via psychiatric symptoms. That motor sequencing NSS did not affect functional outcomes either directly or indirectly may be explained by their trait marking features. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Burns

MedlinePlus

... occur by direct or indirect contact with heat, electric current, radiation, or chemical agents. Burns can lead ... is. The burn is caused by chemicals or electricity. The person shows signs of shock . The person ...

DIRECT DETERMINATION OF THE HF/H{sub 2} ABUNDANCE RATIO IN INTERSTELLAR GAS

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

Indriolo, Nick; Neufeld, D. A.; Seifahrt, A.

2013-02-20

We report the first detection of the v = 1-0, R(0) ro-vibrational transition of HF at 2.499385 {mu}m arising from interstellar gas. The line is seen in absorption toward three background sources-HD 154368, Elias 29, and AFGL 2136 IRS 1-all of which have reported H{sub 2} column densities determined from observations of H{sub 2}. This allows for the first direct determination of the HF/H{sub 2} abundance ratio. We find values of N(HF)/N(H{sub 2}) = 1.15 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -8} and 0.69 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -8} for HD 154368 and Elias 29, respectively. The sight line toward AFGL 2136 IRS 1 also showsmore » absorption from the v = 1-0, R(1) transition of HF, indicating warm, dense (n {sub H} {approx}> 10{sup 9} cm{sup -3}) gas, likely very close to the central protostar. Ascribing portions of the HF absorption to warm and cold gas, we find N(HF)/N(H{sub 2}) = (1.7-2.9) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -8} and (0.33-0.58) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -8} for the two components, respectively. Except for the warm component toward AFGL 2136 IRS 1, all observed HF/H{sub 2} ratios are well below N(HF)/N(H{sub 2}) = 3.6 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -8}, the value predicted if nearly all gas phase fluorine is in the form of HF. Models of fluorine chemistry that account for depletion onto grains are able to reproduce the results toward HD 154368, but not in the cold, dense gas toward AFGL 2136 IRS 1 and Elias 29. Most likely, some combinations of simplifying assumptions made in the chemical models are responsible for these discrepancies.« less

Parent and clinician agreement regarding early behavioral signs in 12- and 18-month-old infants at-risk of autism spectrum disorder.

PubMed

Sacrey, Lori-Ann R; Zwaigenbaum, Lonnie; Bryson, Susan; Brian, Jessica; Smith, Isabel M; Roberts, Wendy; Szatmari, Peter; Vaillancourt, Tracy; Roncadin, Caroline; Garon, Nancy

2018-03-01

Parent and clinician agreement regarding early behavioral signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children from a high-risk cohort (siblings of children diagnosed with ASD, n = 188) was examined. Infants were assessed prospectively at 12 and 18 months of age using the clinician administered Autism Observational Scale for Infants (AOSI) and the Autism Parent Screen for Infants (APSI) and underwent a blind independent diagnostic assessment for ASD at 36 months of age. Direct comparison of parent and clinician ratings showed poor agreement on all early behavioral signs, with parent-reported symptoms being better able to differentiate between children with and without ASD at both 12 and 18 months of age compared to clinician observations during a brief office visit. The results suggest that parents may detect some clinically informative behaviors based on their day-to-day observations more readily than do clinicians during brief clinical assessments, a result that needs to be replicated in a non-sibling cohort. Autism Res 2018, 11: 539-547. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Parents of children at high-risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD; have an older sibling with ASD) and clinicians were compared on their reporting of 19 early signs of autism. Direct comparison of parent and clinician ratings showed poor agreement on all early behavioral signs, with parent-reported symptoms being better able to differentiate between children with and without ASD at both 12 and 18 months of age compared to clinician observations during a brief office visit. This suggests that parents may have important information regarding early development of their high-risk child. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Gain Modulation as a Mechanism for Coding Depth from Motion Parallax in Macaque Area MT

PubMed Central

Kim, HyungGoo R.; Angelaki, Dora E.

2017-01-01

Observer translation produces differential image motion between objects that are located at different distances from the observer's point of fixation [motion parallax (MP)]. However, MP can be ambiguous with respect to depth sign (near vs far), and this ambiguity can be resolved by combining retinal image motion with signals regarding eye movement relative to the scene. We have previously demonstrated that both extra-retinal and visual signals related to smooth eye movements can modulate the responses of neurons in area MT of macaque monkeys, and that these modulations generate neural selectivity for depth sign. However, the neural mechanisms that govern this selectivity have remained unclear. In this study, we analyze responses of MT neurons as a function of both retinal velocity and direction of eye movement, and we show that smooth eye movements modulate MT responses in a systematic, temporally precise, and directionally specific manner to generate depth-sign selectivity. We demonstrate that depth-sign selectivity is primarily generated by multiplicative modulations of the response gain of MT neurons. Through simulations, we further demonstrate that depth can be estimated reasonably well by a linear decoding of a population of MT neurons with response gains that depend on eye velocity. Together, our findings provide the first mechanistic description of how visual cortical neurons signal depth from MP. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Motion parallax is a monocular cue to depth that commonly arises during observer translation. To compute from motion parallax whether an object appears nearer or farther than the point of fixation requires combining retinal image motion with signals related to eye rotation, but the neurobiological mechanisms have remained unclear. This study provides the first mechanistic account of how this interaction takes place in the responses of cortical neurons. Specifically, we show that smooth eye movements modulate the gain of responses of neurons in area MT in a directionally specific manner to generate selectivity for depth sign from motion parallax. We also show, through simulations, that depth could be estimated from a population of such gain-modulated neurons. PMID:28739582

Manual on the Flight of Flexible Aircraft in Turbulence (Manuel sur le Vol des Avions Non-rigides en Milieu Turbulent)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-01

Static Non-Linearity 106 0 y = f(dx/dt) = -f(-dx/dt) = = > Static Non-Linearity • y = f(x,sign(dx/dt)) = = > Hysteresis-Type Non-Linearity = -f(-x,sign... Havilland Division Garratt Blvd., Downsview Ontario M3K I Y5 Canada CONTENTS ABSTRACT NOTATION 1. INTRODUCTION 2. THE SDG GUST MODEL 3. ESTABLISHING CRITICAL...VENT ETRE ADRESSEES DIRECTEMENT N AU SERVICE NATIONAL TECHNIQUE, Dh INFORMATION (NTIS) DONT LADRESSE SUIT AGENCES DE VENTE National Technical

MTR WING A, TRA604, INTERIOR. BASEMENT. DETAIL OF A19 LAB ...

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

MTR WING A, TRA-604, INTERIOR. BASEMENT. DETAIL OF A-19 LAB AREA ALONG SOUTH WALL. SIGN ON FLOOR DIRECTS WORKERS TO OBTAIN WHOLE BODY FRISK UPON LEAVING AREA. SIGN ON EQUIPMENT IN CENTER OF VIEW REQUESTS WORKERS TO "NOTIFY HEALTH PHYSICS BEFORE WORKING ON THIS SYSTEM." CAMERA FACING SOUTHWEST. INL NEGATIVE NO. HD46-13-2. Mike Crane, Photographer, 2/2005 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Test Reactor Area, Materials & Engineering Test Reactors, Scoville, Butte County, ID

Magnetic Biasing of a Ferroelectric Hysteresis Loop in a Multiferroic Orthoferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tokunaga, Y.; Taguchi, Y.; Arima, T.; Tokura, Y.

2014-01-01

In a multiferroic orthoferrite Dy0.7Tb0.3FeO3, which shows electric-field-(E-)driven magnetization (M) reversal due to a tight clamping between polarization (P) and M, a gigantic effect of magnetic-field (H) biasing on P-E hysteresis loops is observed in the case of rapid E sweeping. The magnitude of the bias E field can be controlled by varying the magnitude of H, and its sign can be reversed by changing the sign of H or the relative clamping direction between P and M. The origin of this unconventional biasing effect is ascribed to the difference in the Zeeman energy between the +P and -P states coupled with the M states with opposite sign.

Colorectal mucus binds DC-SIGN and inhibits HIV-1 trans-infection of CD4+ T-lymphocytes.

PubMed

Stax, Martijn J; Mouser, Emily E I M; van Montfort, Thijs; Sanders, Rogier W; de Vries, Henry J C; Dekker, Henk L; Herrera, Carolina; Speijer, Dave; Pollakis, Georgios; Paxton, William A

2015-01-01

Bodily secretions, including breast milk and semen, contain factors that modulate HIV-1 infection. Since anal intercourse caries one of the highest risks for HIV-1 transmission, our aim was to determine whether colorectal mucus (CM) also contains factors interfering with HIV-1 infection and replication. CM from a number of individuals was collected and tested for the capacity to bind DC-SIGN and inhibit HIV-1 cis- or trans-infection of CD4+ T-lymphocytes. To this end, a DC-SIGN binding ELISA, a gp140 trimer competition ELISA and HIV-1 capture/ transfer assays were utilized. Subsequently we aimed to identify the DC-SIGN binding component through biochemical characterization and mass spectrometry analysis. CM was shown to bind DC-SIGN and competes with HIV-1 gp140 trimer for binding. Pre-incubation of Raji-DC-SIGN cells or immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with CM potently inhibits DC-SIGN mediated trans-infection of CD4+ T-lymphocytes with CCR5 and CXCR4 using HIV-1 strains, while no effect on direct infection is observed. Preliminary biochemical characterization demonstrates that the component seems to be large (>100kDa), heat and proteinase K resistant, binds in a α1-3 mannose independent manner and is highly variant between individuals. Immunoprecipitation using DC-SIGN-Fc coated agarose beads followed by mass spectrometry indicated lactoferrin (fragments) and its receptor (intelectin-1) as candidates. Using ELISA we showed that lactoferrin levels within CM correlate with DC-SIGN binding capacity. In conclusion, CM can bind the C-type lectin DC-SIGN and block HIV-1 trans-infection of both CCR5 and CXCR4 using HIV-1 strains. Furthermore, our data indicate that lactoferrin is a DC-SIGN binding component of CM. These results indicate that CM has the potential to interfere with pathogen transmission and modulate immune responses at the colorectal mucosa.

Sign reversal of transformation entropy change in Co{sub 2}Cr(Ga,Si) shape memory alloys

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

Xu, Xiao, E-mail: xu@material.tohoku.ac.jp; Omori, Toshihiro; Kainuma, Ryosuke

2015-11-02

In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements and compression tests were performed on Co{sub 2}Cr(Ga,Si) shape memory alloys. The reentrant martensitic transformation behavior was directly observed during the in situ XRD measurements. The high-temperature parent phase and low-temperature reentrant parent phase were found to have a continuous temperature dependence of lattice parameter, therefore suggesting that they are the same phase in nature. Moreover, compression tests were performed on a parent-phase single crystal sample; an evolution from normal to inverse temperature dependence of critical stress for martensitic transformation was directly observed. Based on the Clausius-Clapeyron analysis, a sign reversal of entropy changemore » can be expected on the same alloy.« less

The Origins of Individual Differences in How Learning Is Expressed in Rats: A General-Process Perspective

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Laboratory rats can exhibit marked, qualitative individual differences in the form of acquired behaviors. For example, when exposed to a signal-reinforcer relationship some rats show marked and consistent changes in sign-tracking (interacting with the signal; e.g., a lever) and others show marked and consistent changes in goal-tracking (interacting with the location of the predicted reinforcer; e.g., the food well). Here, stable individual differences in rats’ sign-tracking and goal-tracking emerged over the course of training, but these differences did not generalize across different signal-reinforcer relationships (Experiment 1). This selectivity suggests that individual differences in sign- and goal-tracking reflect differences in the value placed on individual reinforcers. Two findings provide direct support for this interpretation: the palatability of a reinforcer (as measured by an analysis of lick-cluster size) was positively correlated with goal-tracking (and negatively correlated with sign-tracking); and sating rats with a reinforcer affected goal-tracking but not sign-tracking (Experiment 2). These results indicate that the observed individual differences in sign- and goal-tracking behavior arise from the interaction between the palatability or value of the reinforcer and processes of association as opposed to dispositional differences (e.g., in sensory processes, “temperament,” or response repertoire). PMID:27732045

Alfalfa dodder (Cuscuta campestris) toxicity in horses: clinical, haematological and serum biochemical findings.

PubMed

Abutarbush, S M

2013-07-27

The objective of this observational study is to describe clinical, haematological and serum biochemical findings of horses affected with alfalfa dodder (Cuscuta campestris) toxicity. Twenty horses naturally exposed to alfalfa dodder toxicity were examined and information was collected on history and clinical signs. Physical examination was done on horses in the premises (n=20), and venous blood samples of 12 horses were submitted for haematology and serum biochemical examination for each horse. Abnormal clinical signs started around 36 hours after horses were fed the contaminated alfalfa. Abnormal signs were seen in 11 horses and those included diarrhoea (n=8), decreased appetite (n=7), neurological signs (n=4) and abdominal pain (n=1). Some horses had multiple clinical signs of the above. The results of complete blood cell count revealed leukocytopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemical analysis revealed decreased ALP, AST and CPK levels and increased direct bilirubin level. The used alfalfa was stopped immediately and a different alfalfa from a new container that did not contain any weeds was fed. Horses on the premises were observed closely, and the abnormal clinical signs resolved within three days. No treatment was implemented. Knowledge about toxicity of horses by Cuscuta species is scarce in the English veterinary literature and very limited.

Direct optical detection of Weyl fermion chirality in a topological semimetal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Qiong; Xu, Su-Yang; Chan, Ching-Kit; Zhang, Cheng-Long; Chang, Guoqing; Lin, Yuxuan; Xie, Weiwei; Palacios, Tomás; Lin, Hsin; Jia, Shuang; Lee, Patrick A.; Jarillo-Herrero, Pablo; Gedik, Nuh

2017-09-01

A Weyl semimetal is a novel topological phase of matter, in which Weyl fermions arise as pseudo-magnetic monopoles in its momentum space. The chirality of the Weyl fermions, given by the sign of the monopole charge, is central to the Weyl physics, since it directly serves as the sign of the topological number and gives rise to exotic properties such as Fermi arcs and the chiral anomaly. Here, we directly detect the chirality of the Weyl fermions by measuring the photocurrent in response to circularly polarized mid-infrared light. The resulting photocurrent is determined by both the chirality of Weyl fermions and that of the photons. Our results pave the way for realizing a wide range of theoretical proposals for studying and controlling the Weyl fermions and their associated quantum anomalies by optical and electrical means. More broadly, the two chiralities, analogous to the two valleys in two-dimensional materials, lead to a new degree of freedom in a three-dimensional crystal with potential novel pathways to store and carry information.

Ergotamine and Caffeine

MedlinePlus

... and caffeine is used to prevent and treat migraine headaches. Ergotamine is in a class of medications ... usually taken at the first sign of a migraine headache. Follow the directions on your prescription label ...

75 FR 70969 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

... collection. Title: Treasury Direct Forms. Forms: 5261, 5181, PD F 5189, PD F 5178, PD F 5179-1, PD F 5180, PD.... Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1 hour. OMB Number: 1535-0128. Type of Review: Extension without change of a currently approved collection. Title: Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form. Form: PD F 5396. Abstract: Used to...

Deaf Children's Science Content Learning in Direct Instruction Versus Interpreted Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurz, Kim B.; Schick, Brenda; Hauser, Peter C.

2015-01-01

This research study compared learning of 6-9th grade deaf students under two modes of educational delivery--interpreted vs. direct instruction using science lessons. Nineteen deaf students participated in the study in which they were taught six science lessons in American Sign Language. In one condition, the lessons were taught by a hearing…

78 FR 27367 - Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-10

... currently under development at the international level. The HMSMT will provide a report with its... with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed...

CPICOR{trademark}: Clean power from integrated coal-ore reduction

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

Wintrell, R.; Miller, R.N.; Harbison, E.J.

1997-12-31

The US steel industry, in order to maintain its basic iron production, is thus moving to lower coke requirements and to the cokeless or direct production of iron. The US Department of Energy (DOE), in its Clean Coal Technology programs, has encouraged the move to new coal-based technology. The steel industry, in its search for alternative direct iron processes, has been limited to a single process, COREX{reg_sign}. The COREX{reg_sign} process, though offering commercial and environmental acceptance, produces a copious volume of offgas which must be effectively utilized to ensure an economical process. This volume, which normally exceeds the internal needsmore » of a single steel company, offers a highly acceptable fuel for power generation. The utility companies seeking to offset future natural gas cost increases are interested in this clean fuel. The COREX{reg_sign} smelting process, when integrated with a combined cycle power generation facility (CCPG) and a cryogenic air separation unit (ASU), is an outstanding example of a new generation of environmentally compatible and highly energy efficient Clean Coal Technologies. This combination of highly integrated electric power and hot metal coproduction, has been designated CPICOR{trademark}, Clean Power from Integrated Coal/Ore Reduction.« less

[Laennec and the creation of auscultation signs].

PubMed

Merino, José G

2003-01-01

Toward the end of the 18th century, clinical diagnosis in medicine shifted its focus from reliance on symptoms, which translates to subjective experience of illness, to signs, objective manifestations of pathologic changes. Several techniques were developed to elicit signs in clinical practice, and Laennec used them routinely. He palpated and prodded his patients to get an idea of changes in internal organs. He also applied his ear directly to his patient's chest to hear their heartbeat. On one occassion, he was unable to use these techniques and had the happy occurrence of rolling up a notebook to hear his patient's chest. This led him to hear a great number of new sounds. Through detailed observations, he was able to describe, classify, and correlate these sounds with autopsy findings, thus creating a new semiology of chest diseases. In this essay explore how in which Laennec created his instrument and system of signs of chest diseases, and how he was able to transmit his inventions to his colleagues.

Do hospital visitors wash their hands? Assessing the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in a hospital lobby.

PubMed

Birnbach, David J; Nevo, Igal; Barnes, Susan; Fitzpatrick, Maureen; Rosen, Lisa F; Everett-Thomas, Ruth; Sanko, Jill S; Arheart, Kristopher L

2012-05-01

Reports regarding hand hygiene compliance (HHC) among hospital visitors are limited. Although there is an implicit assumption that the availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (AHS) promotes visitor HHC, the degree of AHS use by visitors remains unclear. To assess AHS use, we observed visitor HHC and how it is affected by visual cues in a private university hospital. Using an observational controlled study, we tested 3 interventions: a desk sign mandating all visitors to use AHS, a free-standing AHS dispenser directly in front of a security desk, and a combination of a freestanding AHS dispenser and a sign. HHC was 0.52% at baseline and did not improve significantly when the desk sign was provided as a cue 0.67% (P = .753). However, HHC did improve significantly with use of the freestanding AHS dispenser (9.33%) and the sign and dispenser combination (11.67%) (P < .001 for all comparisons of dispenser alone and sign and dispenser with baseline and sign alone). The degree of improvement with the sign and dispenser combination over the dispenser was not statistically significant. Hospital visitors represent an important factor in infection prevention. A coordinated effort is needed to increase visitor HHC, including an evaluation of the AHS placement, education of visitors on the importance of HHC, and evaluation of corresponding changes in hand hygiene behavior. Copyright © 2012 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Adrenergic manipulation inhibits pavlovian conditioned approach behaviors.

PubMed

Pasquariello, Kyle Z; Han, Marina; Unal, Cagla; Meyer, Paul J

2018-02-26

Environmental rewards and Pavlovian reward cues can acquire incentive salience, thereby eliciting incentive motivational states and instigate reward-seeking. In rats, the incentive salience of food cues can be measured during a Pavlovian conditioned approach paradigm, in which rats engage in cue-directed approach ("sign-tracking") or approach the food delivery location ("goal-tracking"). While it has been shown that dopamine signaling is necessary for sign-tracking, some studies have suggested that norepinephrine is involved in learning to sign-track as well. Thus, in order to investigate the influence of norepinephrine in Pavlovian conditioned approach, we administered three adrenergic drugs while rats learned that a food cue (an illuminated, retractable lever) preceded the delivery of banana-flavored food pellets into a food-cup. We found that pre-session injections of disulfiram (a dopamine-β-hydroxylase inhibitor) inhibited the development of sign-tracking, but goal-tracking was only affected at the high dose. In one experiment, post-session injections of disulfiram blocked the development of sign-tracking, although this effect was not replicated in a separate set of rats. Post-session injections of prazosin (an α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist) and propranolol (a β-adrenergic receptor antagonist) also blocked the development of sign-tracking but not goal-tracking. Taken together, these results suggest that adrenergic transmission mediates the acquisition of sign-tracking but not goal-tracking, and thus plays a selective role in the attribution of incentive salience food cues. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vital signs monitoring and nurse-patient interaction: A qualitative observational study of hospital practice.

PubMed

Cardona-Morrell, M; Prgomet, M; Lake, R; Nicholson, M; Harrison, R; Long, J; Westbrook, J; Braithwaite, J; Hillman, K

2016-04-01

High profile safety failures have demonstrated that recognising early warning signs of clinical and physiological deterioration can prevent or reduce harm resulting from serious adverse events. Early warning scoring systems are now routinely used in many places to detect and escalate deteriorating patients. Timely and accurate vital signs monitoring are critical for ensuring patient safety through providing data for early warning scoring systems, but little is known about current monitoring practices. To establish a profile of nurses' vital signs monitoring practices, related dialogue, and adherence to health service protocol in New South Wales, Australia. Direct observations of nurses' working practices were conducted in two wards. The observations focused on times of the day when vital signs were generally measured. Patient interactions were recorded if occurring any time during the observation periods. Participants (n=42) included nursing staff on one chronic disease medical and one acute surgical ward in a large urban teaching hospital in New South Wales. We observed 441 patient interactions. Measurement of vital signs occurred in 52% of interactions. The minimum five vital signs measures required by New South Wales Health policy were taken in only 6-21% of instances of vital signs monitoring. Vital signs were documented immediately on 93% of vitals-taking occasions and documented according to the policy in the patient's chart on 89% of these occasions. Nurse-patient interactions were initiated for the purpose of taking vital signs in 49% of interactions, with nurse-patient discourse observed during 88% of all interactions. Nurse-patient dialogue led to additional care being provided to patients in 12% of interactions. The selection of appropriate vital signs measured and responses to these appears to rely on nurses' clinical judgement or time availability rather than on policy-mandated frequency. The prevalence of incomplete sets of vital signs may limit identification of deteriorating patients. The findings from this study present an important baseline profile against which to evaluate the impact of introducing continuous monitoring approaches on current hospital practice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nipah Virus (NiV)

MedlinePlus

... Given the relatedness of NiV to Hendra virus , bat species were quickly singled out for investigation and ... can become infected through direct contact with infected bats, infected pigs... Signs and Symptoms Symptoms may appear ...

30 CFR 75.1506 - Refuge alternatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... alternative. (2) Directional signs made of a reflective material shall be posted leading to each refuge... shall be monitored. Changes or adjustments shall be made to reduce the concentration of methane to less...

Origin of the Counterintuitive Dynamic Charge in the Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pike, Nicholas; van Troeye, Benoit; Dewandre, Antoine; Gonze, Xavier; Verstraete, Matthieu

Our recent first-principles calculations of the electronic and vibrational properties of the hexagonal transition-metal dichalcogenides reveal that their Born effective charges display a counterintuitive sign when compared to most other materials or transition-metal dichalcogenides with trigonal symmetry. We determine the origin of this counterintuitive sign by calculating the electronic, vibrational, and optical properties of these systems. We show that the sign of the Born effective charge is directly related to the electric field response of the electronic density, and, in turn, to the bonding characteristics of the material.There is a filled anti-bonding molecular orbital at the Fermi level, which is localized on the transition-metal atom and corresponds to a form of solid state π back-bonding in these material. We propose a method of determining if other materials display a similar counterintuitive sign, based on their bonding characteristics, and propose experiments which could measure the sign of the Born effective charge using different spectroscopies. The authors acknowledge the Belgian Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique FNRS under PDR T.1077.15-1/7, a FRIA Grant, ULg, and from the Communauté Française de Belgique (ARC AIMED 15/19-09).

Relations Between vz and Bx Components in Solar Wind and their Effect on Substorm Onset

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubyshkina, Marina; Semenov, Vladimir; Erkaev, Nikolay; Gordeev, Evgeny; Dubyagin, Stepan; Ganushkina, Natalia; Shukhtina, Maria

2018-05-01

We analyze two substorm onset lists, produced by different methods, and show that the (Bx·vz) product of the solar wind (SW) velocity and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) components for two thirds of all substorm onsets has the same sign as IMF Bz. The explanation we suggest is the efficient displacement of the magnetospheric plasma sheet due to IMF Bx and SW flow vz, which both force the plasma sheet moving in one direction if the sign of (Bx·vz) correlates with the sign Bz. The displacement of the current sheet, in its turn, increases the asymmetry of the magnetotail and can alter the threshold of substorm instabilities. We study the SW and IMF data for the 15-year period (which comprises two substorm lists periods and the whole solar cycle) and reveal the similar asymmetry in the SW, so that the sign of (Bx·vz) coincides with the sign of IMF Bz during about two thirds of all the time. This disproportion can be explained if we admit that about 66% of IMF Bz component is transported to the Earth's orbit by the Alfvén waves with antisunward velocities.

Distance-Dependent Sign Reversal in the Casimir-Lifshitz Torque

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiyam, Priyadarshini; Parashar, Prachi; Shajesh, K. V.; Malyi, Oleksandr I.; Boström, Mathias; Milton, Kimball A.; Brevik, Iver; Persson, Clas

2018-03-01

The Casimir-Lifshitz torque between two biaxially polarizable anisotropic planar slabs is shown to exhibit a nontrivial sign reversal in its rotational sense. The critical distance ac between the slabs that marks this reversal is characterized by the frequency ωc˜c /2 ac at which the in-planar polarizabilities along the two principal axes are equal. The two materials seek to align their principal axes of polarizabilities in one direction below ac, while above ac their axes try to align rotated perpendicular relative to their previous minimum energy orientation. The sign reversal disappears in the nonretarded limit. Our perturbative result, derived for the case when the differences in the relative polarizabilities are small, matches excellently with the exact theory for uniaxial materials. We illustrate our results for black phosphorus and phosphorene.

["Crows' feet wrinkles" in high voltage electric accident--a sign of survival?].

PubMed

Grellner, W; Madea, B

1994-01-01

A "crowsfoot-like" pattern is considered as being a sign of vitality in fatalities due to the effects of smoke, fire or high voltage (active or reflex contraction of mimic muscles). Introducing the autopsy results of a high voltage accident (66,600 V) it is discussed, whether this phenomenon and the underlying contraction of the facial muscles could also be caused by electrical current in the agony or supravital period. It seems possible that this mechanism of direct muscle contraction anticipates a nerval indirect stimulation of muscle fibres by innervating motoneurones--active or on the basis of a polysynaptic extraneous reflex. If the electrophysiological course discussed should be right, a "crowsfoot-like" pattern in equivalent cases could be interpreted as a vital sign only with great reserve.

78 FR 6305 - New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-30

... Council and its Groundfish Oversight Committee. These two bodies may develop recommendations based on this... sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Paul J. Howard (see...

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell system diagnosis based on the signed directed graph method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Jianfeng; Lu, Languang; Ouyang, Minggao; Li, Jianqiu; Xu, Liangfei

The fuel-cell powered bus is becoming the favored choice for electric vehicles because of its extended driving range, zero emissions, and high energy conversion efficiency when compared with battery-operated electric vehicles. In China, a demonstration program for the fuel cell bus fleet operated at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the Shanghai Expo in 2010. It is necessary to develop comprehensive proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) diagnostic tools to increase the reliability of these systems. It is especially critical for fuel-cell city buses serving large numbers of passengers using public transportation. This paper presents a diagnostic analysis and implementation study based on the signed directed graph (SDG) method for the fuel-cell system. This diagnostic system was successfully implemented in the fuel-cell bus fleet at the Shanghai Expo in 2010.

Same-sign dilepton excesses and light top squarks

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

Huang, Peisi; Ismail, Ahmed; Low, Ian

2015-10-01

Run 1 data of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) contain excessive events in the same-sign dilepton channel with b-jets and missing transverse energy (MET), which were observed by five separate analyses from the ATLAS and CMS collaborations. We show that these events could be explained by direct production of top squarks in supersymmetry. In particular, a right-handed top squark with a mass of 550 GeV decaying into 2 t quarks, 2 W bosons, and MET could fit the observed excess without being constrained by other direct search limits from Run 1. We propose kinematic cuts at 13 TeV to enhancemore » the top squark signal, and estimate that top squarks could be discovered with 40 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity at Run 2 of the LHC, when considering only the statistical uncertainty.« less

Dual Systems for Spatial Updating in Immediate and Retrieved Environments: Evidence from Bias Analysis.

PubMed

Liu, Chuanjun; Xiao, Chengli

2018-01-01

The spatial updating and memory systems are employed during updating in both the immediate and retrieved environments. However, these dual systems seem to work differently, as the difference of pointing latency and absolute error between the two systems vary across environments. To verify this issue, the present study employed the bias analysis of signed errors based on the hypothesis that the transformed representation will bias toward the original one. Participants learned a spatial layout and then either stayed in the learning location or were transferred to a neighboring room directly or after being disoriented. After that, they performed spatial judgments from perspectives aligned with the learning direction, aligned with the direction they faced during the test, or a novel direction misaligned with the two above-mentioned directions. The patterns of signed error bias were consistent across environments. Responses for memory aligned perspectives were unbiased, whereas responses for sensorimotor aligned perspectives were biased away from the memory aligned perspective, and responses for misaligned perspectives were biased toward sensorimotor aligned perspectives. These findings indicate that the spatial updating system is consistently independent of the spatial memory system regardless of the environments, but the updating system becomes less accessible as the environment changes from immediate to a retrieved one.

Dual Systems for Spatial Updating in Immediate and Retrieved Environments: Evidence from Bias Analysis

PubMed Central

Liu, Chuanjun; Xiao, Chengli

2018-01-01

The spatial updating and memory systems are employed during updating in both the immediate and retrieved environments. However, these dual systems seem to work differently, as the difference of pointing latency and absolute error between the two systems vary across environments. To verify this issue, the present study employed the bias analysis of signed errors based on the hypothesis that the transformed representation will bias toward the original one. Participants learned a spatial layout and then either stayed in the learning location or were transferred to a neighboring room directly or after being disoriented. After that, they performed spatial judgments from perspectives aligned with the learning direction, aligned with the direction they faced during the test, or a novel direction misaligned with the two above-mentioned directions. The patterns of signed error bias were consistent across environments. Responses for memory aligned perspectives were unbiased, whereas responses for sensorimotor aligned perspectives were biased away from the memory aligned perspective, and responses for misaligned perspectives were biased toward sensorimotor aligned perspectives. These findings indicate that the spatial updating system is consistently independent of the spatial memory system regardless of the environments, but the updating system becomes less accessible as the environment changes from immediate to a retrieved one. PMID:29467698

Detection and risk stratification of women at high risk of preterm birth in rural communities near Nagpur, India.

PubMed

Patel, Archana; Prakash, Amber Abhijeet; Pusdekar, Yamini V; Kulkarni, Hemant; Hibberd, Patricia

2017-09-19

Presently, preterm birth is globally the leading cause of neonatal mortality. Prompt community based identification of women at high risk for preterm births (HRPB) can either help to avert preterm births or avail effective interventions to reduce neonatal mortality due to preterm births. We evaluated the performance of a package to train community workers to detect the presence of signs or symptoms of HRPB. Pregnant women enrolled in the intervention arm of a cluster randomized trial of Antenatal Corticosteroids (ACT Trial) conducted at Nagpur, India were informed about 4 directly observable signs and symptoms of preterm labor. Community health workers actively monitored these women from 24 to 36 weeks of gestation for these signs or symptoms. If they were present (HRPB positive) the identified women were brought to government health facilities for assessment and management. HRPB positive could also be determined by the provider if the woman presented directly to the facility. Risk stratification was based on the number of signs or symptoms present. The outcome of preterm birth was based on the clinical assessment of gestational age < 37 weeks at delivery or a birth weight of <2000 g. Between July 1, 2012 and 30 November, 2013, 686 of 7050 (9.7%) pregnant women studied, delivered preterm. 732 (10.4%) women were HRPB positive, of whom 333 (45.5%) delivered preterm. Of the remaining 6318(89.6%) HRPB negative women 353 (5.6%) delivered preterm. The likelihood ratio (LR) of a preterm birth in the HRPB positives was 8.14 (95% confidence interval 7.16-9.26). The LR of a preterm birth increased in women who had more signs or symptoms of HRBP (p < 0.00001). More signs or symptoms of HRPB were also associated with a shorter time to delivery, lower birth weight and higher rates of stillbirths, neonatal deaths and postnatal complications. Addition of risk stratification improved the prediction of preterm delivery (Integrated Discrimination Improvement 17% (95% CI 15-19%)). The package for detection of signs and symptoms of HRPB is feasible, promising and likely to improve management of preterm labor. NCT01073475 on February 21, 2010 and NCT01084096 on March 9, 2010.

Trinary signed-digit arithmetic using an efficient encoding scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salim, W. Y.; Alam, M. S.; Fyath, R. S.; Ali, S. A.

2000-09-01

The trinary signed-digit (TSD) number system is of interest for ultrafast optoelectronic computing systems since it permits parallel carry-free addition and borrow-free subtraction of two arbitrary length numbers in constant time. In this paper, a simple coding scheme is proposed to encode the decimal number directly into the TSD form. The coding scheme enables one to perform parallel one-step TSD arithmetic operation. The proposed coding scheme uses only a 5-combination coding table instead of the 625-combination table reported recently for recoded TSD arithmetic technique.

One-step trinary signed-digit arithmetic using an efficient encoding scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salim, W. Y.; Fyath, R. S.; Ali, S. A.; Alam, Mohammad S.

2000-11-01

The trinary signed-digit (TSD) number system is of interest for ultra fast optoelectronic computing systems since it permits parallel carry-free addition and borrow-free subtraction of two arbitrary length numbers in constant time. In this paper, a simple coding scheme is proposed to encode the decimal number directly into the TSD form. The coding scheme enables one to perform parallel one-step TSD arithmetic operation. The proposed coding scheme uses only a 5-combination coding table instead of the 625-combination table reported recently for recoded TSD arithmetic technique.

Coming to an Understanding of the Signed Numbers: How Second and Third Grade Students Make Sense of the Integers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madsen, Mark S.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this research has been to generate learning environments that surrounded second and third grade students with bi-directional counting experiences, leading them to discover and come to an understanding of opposite numbers. While engaged in games and bi-directional activities, these young students eagerly counted, by jumping frogs…

Student understanding of the direction of the magnetic force on a charged particle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scaife, Thomas M.; Heckler, Andrew F.

2010-08-01

We study student understanding of the direction of the magnetic force experienced by a charged particle moving through a homogeneous magnetic field in both the magnetic pole and field line representations of the magnetic field. In five studies, we administer a series of simple questions in either written or interview format. Our results indicate that although students begin at the same low level of performance in both representations, they answer correctly more often in the field line representation than in the pole representation after instruction. This difference is due in part to more students believing that charges are attracted to magnetic poles than believing that charges are pushed along magnetic field lines. Although traditional instruction is fairly effective in teaching students to answer correctly up to a few weeks following instruction, especially for the field line representation, some students revert to their initial misconceptions several months after instruction. The responses reveal persistent and largely random sign errors in the direction of the force. The sign errors are largely nonsystematic and due to confusion about the direction of the magnetic field and the execution and choice of the right-hand rule and lack of recognition of the noncommutativity of the cross product.

Vertex Movement for Mission Status Graphics: A Polar-Star Display

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trujillo, Anna

2002-01-01

Humans are traditionally bad monitors, especially over long periods of time on reliable systems, and they are being called upon to do this more and more as systems become further automated. Because of this, there is a need to find a way to display the monitoring information to the human operator in such a way that he can notice pertinent deviations in a timely manner. One possible solution is to use polar-star displays that will show deviations from normal in a more salient manner. A polar-star display uses a polygon's vertices to report values. An important question arises, though, of how the vertices should move. This experiment investigated two particular issues of how the vertices should move: (1) whether the movement of the vertices should be continuous or discrete and (2) whether the parameters that made up each vertex should always move in one direction regardless of parameter sign or move in both directions indicating parameter sign. The results indicate that relative movement direction is best. Subjects performed better with this movement type and they subjectively preferred it to the absolute movement direction. As for movement type, no strong preferences were shown.

Impact of peer pressure on accuracy of reporting vital signs: An interprofessional comparison between nursing and medical students.

PubMed

Kaba, Alyshah; Beran, Tanya N

2016-01-01

The hierarchical relationship between nursing and medicine has long been known, yet its direct influence on procedural tasks has yet to be considered. Drawing on the theory of conformity from social psychology, we suggest that nursing students are likely to report incorrect information in response to subtle social pressures imposed by medical students. Second-year medical and third-year nursing students took vital signs readings from a patient simulator. In a simulation exercise, three actors, posing as medical students, and one nursing student participant all took a total of three rounds of vital signs on a high-fidelity patient simulator. In the first two rounds the three actors individually stated the same correct vital signs values, and on the third round the three actors individually stated the same incorrect vital sign values. This same procedure was repeated with actors posing as nursing students, and one medical student. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that nursing student participants (M = 2.84; SD = 1.24) reported a higher number of incorrect vital signs than did medical student participants (M = 2.13; SD = 1.07), F (1,100) = 5.51, p = 0.021 (Cohen's d = 0.61). The study indicated that social pressure may prevent nursing students from questioning incorrect information within interprofessional environments, potentially affecting quality of care.

National Space Council Meeting from the White House

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-06-18

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine attends the third meeting of the National Space Council in the East Room of the White House, Monday, June 18, 2018, in Washington. President Trump kicked off the meeting by signing Space Policy Directive-3, which directs the U.S. to lead space traffic management and mitigate the effects of space debris. Vice President Mike Pence led the meeting, joined by other government officials. Administrator Bridenstine reported on NASA's progress in implementing Space Policy Directive-1, which directs NASA to return astronauts to the Moon and eventually send humans to Mars.

Sensitivity and Specificity of Double-Track Sign in the Detection of Transverse Sinus Stenosis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

PubMed Central

Zhu, De-Sheng; Fu, Jue; Zhang, Yi; Xie, Chong; Wang, Xiao-Qing; Zhang, Yue; Yang, Jie; Li, Shi-Xu; Liu, Xiao-Bei; Wan, Zhi-Wen; Dong, Qiang; Guan, Yang-Tai

2015-01-01

Background Transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) is common among patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. No previous studies have reported on double-track sign detected on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI in TSS. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the double-track sign in the detection of TSS. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 383 patients with transverse sinus thrombosis (TST) and 30 patients with normal transverse sinus from 5 participating hospitals in china from January 2008 to June 2014. 167 feasible transverse sinuses included in this study were categorized into TSS (n = 76), transverse sinus occlusion (TSO) (n = 52) and transverse sinus normal (TSN) groups (n = 39) according to imaging diagnosis on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or magnetic resonance venography (MRV). Double-track sign on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI was compared among the three groups. Sensitivity and specificity of double-track sign in detection of TSS were calculated, with final imaging diagnosis of TSS on DSA or MRV as the reference standard. Results Of 383 patients with TST recruited over a 6.5-year period, 128 patients were enrolled in the study, 255 patients were excluded because of insufficient clinical data, imaging finding and delay time, and 30 matched patients with normal transverse sinus were enrolled in the control group. Therefore, double-track sign assessment was conducted in 167 available transverse sinuses of 158 patients. Of the 76 sinuses in TSS group, 51 had double-track sign. Of the other 91 sinuses in TSO and TSN groups, 3 had a false-positive double-track sign. Thus, double-track sign on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI was 67.1% (95% CI 55.3–77.2) sensitive and 96.7% (95% CI 89.9–99.1) specific for detection of TSS. Conclusions The double-track sign on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI is highly specific and moderate sensitive for detection of TSS. Nevertheless, it could be a direct sign and might provide an early clue for TSS. PMID:26291452

Sensitivity and Specificity of Double-Track Sign in the Detection of Transverse Sinus Stenosis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

PubMed

Zhu, De-Sheng; Fu, Jue; Zhang, Yi; Xie, Chong; Wang, Xiao-Qing; Zhang, Yue; Yang, Jie; Li, Shi-Xu; Liu, Xiao-Bei; Wan, Zhi-Wen; Dong, Qiang; Guan, Yang-Tai

2015-01-01

Transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) is common among patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. No previous studies have reported on double-track sign detected on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI in TSS. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the double-track sign in the detection of TSS. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 383 patients with transverse sinus thrombosis (TST) and 30 patients with normal transverse sinus from 5 participating hospitals in china from January 2008 to June 2014. 167 feasible transverse sinuses included in this study were categorized into TSS (n = 76), transverse sinus occlusion (TSO) (n = 52) and transverse sinus normal (TSN) groups (n = 39) according to imaging diagnosis on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or magnetic resonance venography (MRV). Double-track sign on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI was compared among the three groups. Sensitivity and specificity of double-track sign in detection of TSS were calculated, with final imaging diagnosis of TSS on DSA or MRV as the reference standard. Of 383 patients with TST recruited over a 6.5-year period, 128 patients were enrolled in the study, 255 patients were excluded because of insufficient clinical data, imaging finding and delay time, and 30 matched patients with normal transverse sinus were enrolled in the control group. Therefore, double-track sign assessment was conducted in 167 available transverse sinuses of 158 patients. Of the 76 sinuses in TSS group, 51 had double-track sign. Of the other 91 sinuses in TSO and TSN groups, 3 had a false-positive double-track sign. Thus, double-track sign on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI was 67.1% (95% CI 55.3-77.2) sensitive and 96.7% (95% CI 89.9-99.1) specific for detection of TSS. The double-track sign on axial Gd-enhanced T1WI is highly specific and moderate sensitive for detection of TSS. Nevertheless, it could be a direct sign and might provide an early clue for TSS.

Styles of Counterfactual Thoughts in People with and without Signs of Depression.

PubMed

Sarantopoulos Faccioli, Juliana; Waltz Schelini, Patricia

2015-07-27

People in a depressive state frequently believe that things could have happened differently in their lives, which is regarded as counterfactual thought. This study aimed to investigate whether the styles of counterfactual thought shown by people with indicating signs of depression and by people without any of those signs are different. Study participants were 42 adults divided into two groups: those with signs of depression and those without signs of depression. Five stories taken from newspapers and magazines and fictional scenarios were presented to the participants. After reading such stories, participants had to answer questions about how the narrated facts could have been different from what they actually were. Results indicated similar counterfactual thought styles in both groups (with and without depression signs). Most of the thoughts found were categorized as upward, subtractive, self-referent and that modified an aspect referred to action/inaction. A few significant differences between groups were observed, and most of them were obtained through directed modifications, in the last three stories. Some tendencies were shown in the group of people with signs of depression, such as those found for the subtractive category, t(40) = 2.33, p < .05, which can indicate a trend of possible failure in the preparatory function of CT, and in the hetero-referral function, t(40) = 1.97, p < .05, indicating a difficulty in thinking of different forms of action in the future. The removal of negative events may indicate that these experiences are not beneficial to people's survival. These results may indicate some tendencies about how people in depressive states think about past events.

Joint nociceptor nerve activity and pain in an animal model of acute gout and its modulation by intra-articular hyaluronan

PubMed Central

Marcotti, Aida; Miralles, Ana; Dominguez, Eduardo; Pascual, Eliseo; Gomis, Ana; Belmonte, Carlos; de la Peña, Elvira

2018-01-01

Abstract The mechanisms whereby deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in gout activates nociceptors to induce joint pain are incompletely understood. We tried to reproduce the signs of painful gouty arthritis, injecting into the knee joint of rats suspensions containing amorphous or triclinic, needle MSU crystals. The magnitude of MSU-induced inflammation and pain behavior signs were correlated with the changes in firing frequency of spontaneous and movement-evoked nerve impulse activity recorded in single knee joint nociceptor saphenous nerve fibers. Joint swelling, mechanical and cold allodynia, and hyperalgesia appeared 3 hours after joint injection of MSU crystals. In parallel, spontaneous and movement-evoked joint nociceptor impulse activity raised significantly. Solutions containing amorphous or needle-shaped MSU crystals had similar inflammatory and electrophysiological effects. Intra-articular injection of hyaluronan (HA, Synvisc), a high-MW glycosaminoglycan present in the synovial fluid with analgesic effects in osteoarthritis, significantly reduced MSU-induced behavioral signs of pain and decreased the enhanced joint nociceptor activity. Our results support the interpretation that pain and nociceptor activation are not triggered by direct mechanical stimulation of nociceptors by MSU crystals, but are primarily caused by the release of excitatory mediators by inflammatory cells activated by MSU crystals. Intra-articular HA decreased behavioral and electrophysiological signs of pain, possibly through its viscoelastic filtering effect on the mechanical forces acting over sensitized joint sensory endings and probably also by a direct interaction of HA molecules with the transducing channels expressed in joint nociceptor terminals. PMID:29319609

Sampling animal sign in heterogeneous environments: how much is enough?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Holbrook, Joseph D.; Arkle, Robert S.; Rachlow, Janet L.; Vierling, Kerri T.; Pilliod, David S.

2015-01-01

Animal ecologists often use animal sign as a surrogate for direct observation of organisms, especially when species are secretive or difficult to observe. Spatial heterogeneity in arid environments makes it challenging to consistently detect and precisely characterize animal sign, which can bias estimates of animal abundance or habitat use. Piute ground squirrels (Urocitellus mollis) and Owyhee harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex salinus) live in arid environments and are fossorial, which can make them difficult to observe directly. Their relative abundance can be assessed using sign (i.e., burrows and nests). We implemented an over-sampling framework (i.e., recorded an excessive amount of information) with two observers to 1) identify a sampling intensity that balanced precision with our resource constraints, and 2) assess classification and detection of squirrel burrows and ant nests across vegetation conditions. We sampled 20 1-ha plots for ground squirrel burrows and ant nests using six 4 m × 100 m belt transects. Analyses of precision and sampling effort indicated that three belt transects covering 1200 m2 per ha provided sufficient precision, while minimizing effort. Regardless of vegetation conditions, counts by two observers were strongly correlated for ground squirrel burrows (r = 0.99, P < 0.001, df = 18; slope = 0.92) and harvester ant nests (r = 0.99, P < 0.001, df = 18; slope = 1.01) indicating observer consistency and perhaps high detection probability. These findings illustrate an approach for evaluating sampling designs in many ecological contexts.

Rate of Contrast Extravasation on Computed Tomographic Angiography Predicts Hematoma Expansion and Mortality in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

PubMed

Brouwers, H Bart; Battey, Thomas W K; Musial, Hayley H; Ciura, Viesha A; Falcone, Guido J; Ayres, Alison M; Vashkevich, Anastasia; Schwab, Kristin; Viswanathan, Anand; Anderson, Christopher D; Greenberg, Steven M; Pomerantz, Stuart R; Ortiz, Claudia J; Goldstein, Joshua N; Gonzalez, R Gilberto; Rosand, Jonathan; Romero, Javier M

2015-09-01

In primary intracerebral hemorrhage, the presence of contrast extravasation after computed tomographic angiography (CTA), termed the spot sign, predicts hematoma expansion and mortality. Because the biological underpinnings of the spot sign are not fully understood, we investigated whether the rate of contrast extravasation, which may reflect the rate of bleeding, predicts expansion and mortality beyond the simple presence of the spot sign. Consecutive intracerebral hemorrhage patients with first-pass CTA followed by a 90-second delayed postcontrast CT (delayed CTA) were included. CTAs were reviewed for spot sign presence by 2 blinded readers. Spot sign volumes on first-pass and delayed CTA and intracerebral hemorrhage volumes were measured using semiautomated software. Extravasation rates were calculated and tested for association with hematoma expansion and mortality using uni- and multivariable logistic regressions. One hundred and sixty-two patients were included, 48 (30%) of whom had ≥1 spot sign. Median spot sign volume was 0.04 mL on first-pass CTA and 0.4 mL on delayed CTA. Median extravasation rate was 0.23 mL/min overall and 0.30 mL/min among expanders versus 0.07 mL/min in nonexpanders. Extravasation rates were also significantly higher in patients who died in hospital: 0.27 mL/min versus 0.04 mL/min. In multivariable analysis, the extravasation rate was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.09 [95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.18], P=0.004), 90-day mortality (odds ratio, 1.15 [95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.27]; P=0.0004), and hematoma expansion (odds ratio, 1.03 [95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.08]; P=0.047). Contrast extravasation rate, or spot sign growth, further refines the ability to predict hematoma expansion and mortality. Our results support the hypothesis that the spot sign directly measures active bleeding in acute intracerebral hemorrhage. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Energetic neutron beams generated from femtosecond laser plasma interactions

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

Zulick, C.; Dollar, F.; Chvykov, V.

2013-03-25

Experiments at the HERCULES laser facility have produced directional neutron beams with energies up to 16.8({+-}0.3) MeV using {sub 1}{sup 2}d(d,n){sub 2}{sup 3}He,{sub 7}{sup 3}Li(p,n){sub 4}{sup 7}Be,and{sub 3}{sup 7}Li(d,n){sub 4}{sup 8}Be reactions. Efficient {sub 1}{sup 2}Li(d,n){sub 4}{sup 8}Be reactions required the selective acceleration of deuterons through the introduction of a deuterated plastic or cryogenically frozen D{sub 2}O layer on the surface of a thin film target. The measured neutron yield was {<=}1.0 ({+-}0.5) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 7} neutrons/sr with a flux 6.2({+-}3.7) times higher in the forward direction than at 90{sup Degree-Sign }. This demonstrates that femtosecond lasers are capable ofmore » providing a time averaged neutron flux equivalent to commercial {sub 1}{sup 2}d(d,n){sub 2}{sup 3}He generators with the advantage of a directional beam with picosecond bunch duration.« less

Development of a discriminatory biocompatibility testing model for non-precious dental casting alloys.

PubMed

McGinley, Emma Louise; Fleming, Garry J P; Moran, Gary P

2011-12-01

To develop an enhanced, reproducible and discriminatory biocompatibility testing model for non-precious dental casting alloys, prepared to a clinically relevant surface finishing condition, using TR146 oral keratinocyte cells. Comparative biocompatibility was determined following direct and indirect exposure of TR146 cells to two nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) and a cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy-discs. The surface roughness of the discs was determined using a contact stylus profilometer and the elemental ion release by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Subsequent biocompatibility analysis included cell morphology, cell density measurements with Trypan blue exclusion assay, inflammatory cytokine expression with ELISAs, cellular metabolic activity using XTT and cellular toxicity using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. TR146 cell morphology was altered following direct and indirect exposure to the Ni-Cr alloys but not the Co-Cr alloy. Significant reductions (all P<0.001) in viable cell density measurements, cellular metabolic activity, significant increases inflammatory cytokine expression and cellular toxicity were observed when TR146 cells were exposed to the Ni-Cr alloys. Significant decreases in cell density measurements, cellular metabolic activity, significant increases inflammatory cytokine expression and cellular toxicity for the Ni-Cr d.Sign(®)15 alloy compared with d.Sign(®)10 alloy were identifiable (all P<0.001). Cellular toxicity was attributed to nickel ion release levels in solution detected by ICP-MS analysis. Nickel ions from the Ni-Cr alloys permeated the epithelial cells and activated a proinflammatory response, namely IL-1a, IL-8 and PGE2 expression. Further evidence of nickel ioninduced cell death was supported by the decreased biocompatibility of the highest nickel ion releasing alloy (d.Sign(®)15 compared with d.Sign(®)10) and the increased biocompatibility of the Co-Cr (d.Sign(®)30) alloy where nickel ions were absent. Copyright © 2011 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

77 FR 60967 - Fisheries of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-05

... the body responsible for reviewing the Council's scientific materials. The original notice published... disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to the...

Motorist understanding of directional messages : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-01-01

The report presents the findings of a study of motorists' perceptions of messages on interstate advance and supplemental guide signs. Approximately 5,100 questionnaires were distributed to motorists at eight rest areas on interstate highways in Virgi...

Evaluation of LED Sign Technology at a Passive Highway-Rail Grade Crossing

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-02-01

The U.S. Department of Transportations (DOT) John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of DOTs Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research, Development, and Technology (ORD), conducted...

Some interactions among driver, vehicle, and roadway variables in normal driving

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritchie, M. L.; Howard, J. M.; Myers, W. D.

1972-01-01

Effects of road and vehicle conditions, visual warning signs, direction of turns, night time, and skill on automobile driver performance are studied in several experiments. Considered criteria are variability in speed and acceleration.

Pure spin current manipulation in antiferromagnetically exchange coupled heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avilés-Félix, L.; Butera, A.; González-Chávez, D. E.; Sommer, R. L.; Gómez, J. E.

2018-03-01

We present a model to describe the spin currents generated by ferromagnet/spacer/ferromagnet exchange coupled trilayer systems and heavy metal layers with strong spin-orbit coupling. By exploiting the magnitude of the exchange coupling (oscillatory RKKY-like coupling) and the spin-flop transition in the magnetization process, it has been possible to produce spin currents polarized in arbitrary directions. The spin-flop transition of the trilayer system originates pure spin currents whose polarization vector depends on the exchange field and the magnetization equilibrium angles. We also discuss a protocol to control the polarization sign of the pure spin current injected into the metallic layer by changing the initial conditions of magnetization of the ferromagnetic layers previously to the spin pumping and inverse spin Hall effect experiments. The small differences in the ferromagnetic layers lead to a change in the magnetization vector rotation that permits the control of the sign of the induced voltage components due to the inverse spin Hall effect. Our results can lead to important advances in hybrid spintronic devices with new functionalities, particularly, the ability to control microscopic parameters such as the polarization direction and the sign of the pure spin current through the variation of macroscopic parameters, such as the external magnetic field or the thickness of the spacer in antiferromagnetic exchange coupled systems.

Analysis of twin defects in GaAs(111)B molecular beam epitaxy growth

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

Park, Yeonjoon; Cich, Michael J.; Zhao, Rian

2000-05-01

The formation of twin is common during GaAs(111) and GaN(0001) molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) metalorganic chemical vapor deposition growth. A stacking fault in the zinc-blende (ZB)(111) direction can be described as an insertion of one monolayer of wurtzite structure, sandwiched between two ZB structures that have been rotated 60 degree sign along the growth direction. GaAs(111)A/B MBE growth within typical growth temperature regimes is complicated by the formation of pyramidal structures and 60 degree sign rotated twins, which are caused by faceting and stacking fault formation. Although previous studies have revealed much about the structure of these twins, a well-establishedmore » simple nondestructive characterization method which allows the measurement of total aerial density of the twins does not exist at present. In this article, the twin density of AlGaAs layers grown on 1 degree sign miscut GaAs(111)B substrates has been measured using high resolution x-ray diffraction, and characterized with a combination of Nomarski microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. These comparisons permit the relationship between the aerial twin density and the growth condition to be determined quantitatively. (c) 2000 American Vacuum Society.« less

Statistical physics of medical diagnostics: Study of a probabilistic model.

PubMed

Mashaghi, Alireza; Ramezanpour, Abolfazl

2018-03-01

We study a diagnostic strategy which is based on the anticipation of the diagnostic process by simulation of the dynamical process starting from the initial findings. We show that such a strategy could result in more accurate diagnoses compared to a strategy that is solely based on the direct implications of the initial observations. We demonstrate this by employing the mean-field approximation of statistical physics to compute the posterior disease probabilities for a given subset of observed signs (symptoms) in a probabilistic model of signs and diseases. A Monte Carlo optimization algorithm is then used to maximize an objective function of the sequence of observations, which favors the more decisive observations resulting in more polarized disease probabilities. We see how the observed signs change the nature of the macroscopic (Gibbs) states of the sign and disease probability distributions. The structure of these macroscopic states in the configuration space of the variables affects the quality of any approximate inference algorithm (so the diagnostic performance) which tries to estimate the sign-disease marginal probabilities. In particular, we find that the simulation (or extrapolation) of the diagnostic process is helpful when the disease landscape is not trivial and the system undergoes a phase transition to an ordered phase.

Statistical physics of medical diagnostics: Study of a probabilistic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mashaghi, Alireza; Ramezanpour, Abolfazl

2018-03-01

We study a diagnostic strategy which is based on the anticipation of the diagnostic process by simulation of the dynamical process starting from the initial findings. We show that such a strategy could result in more accurate diagnoses compared to a strategy that is solely based on the direct implications of the initial observations. We demonstrate this by employing the mean-field approximation of statistical physics to compute the posterior disease probabilities for a given subset of observed signs (symptoms) in a probabilistic model of signs and diseases. A Monte Carlo optimization algorithm is then used to maximize an objective function of the sequence of observations, which favors the more decisive observations resulting in more polarized disease probabilities. We see how the observed signs change the nature of the macroscopic (Gibbs) states of the sign and disease probability distributions. The structure of these macroscopic states in the configuration space of the variables affects the quality of any approximate inference algorithm (so the diagnostic performance) which tries to estimate the sign-disease marginal probabilities. In particular, we find that the simulation (or extrapolation) of the diagnostic process is helpful when the disease landscape is not trivial and the system undergoes a phase transition to an ordered phase.

"Meniscus Sign" to Identify the Lenticule Edge in Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction.

PubMed

Titiyal, Jeewan S; Kaur, Manpreet; Brar, Anand S; Falera, Ruchita

2018-06-01

To describe our technique of lenticule edge identification in small-incision lenticule extraction using the "meniscus sign" to prevent lenticule misdissection. Femtosecond laser application for small-incision lenticule extraction was performed. A "double ring" was visible, signifying the edge of the cap cut (outer ring) and lenticule cut (inner ring). The anterior and posterior lamellar planes were delineated in 2 different directions. During creation of the posterior lamellar channel, the lenticule edge was slightly pushed away from the surgeon to create a gap between the inner ring (diameter of the lenticule cut) and the lenticule edge. The lenticule edge assumed a frilled wavy appearance, and the meniscus sign was observed as a gap between the lenticule edge and the inner ring. The meniscus-shaped gap served as a landmark to identify the lenticule edge, and the relationship between the frilled lenticule edge and surgical instruments further acted as a guide to identify the correct plane of dissection. This technique was successfully undertaken in 50 eyes of 25 patients. The meniscus sign was observed in all cases, and no case had cap lenticular adhesions. The meniscus sign helps to identify the lenticule edge and correct dissection planes and provides a visual landmark during the entire surgical procedure.

Pyruvate dose response studies targeting the vital signs following hemorrhagic shock

PubMed Central

Sharma, Pushpa; Vyacheslav, Makler; Carissa, Chalut; Vanessa, Rodriguez; Bodo, Mike

2015-01-01

Objectives: To determine the optimal effective dose of sodium pyruvate in maintaining the vital signs following hemorrhagic shock (HS) in rats. Materials and Methods: Anesthetized, male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent computer-controlled HS for 30 minute followed by fluid resuscitation with either hypertonic saline, or sodium pyruvate solutions of 0.5 M, 1.0 M, 2.0 M, and 4.0 M at a rate of 5ml/kg/h (60 minute) and subsequent blood infusion (60 minute). The results were compared with sham and non- resuscitated groups. The animals were continuously monitored for mean arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic pressure, heart rate, pulse pressure, temperature, shock index and Kerdo index (KI). Results: The Sham group remained stable throughout the experiment. Non-resuscitated HS animals did not survive for the entire experiment due to non-viable vital signs and poor shock and KI. All fluids were effective in normalizing the vital signs when shed blood was used adjunctively. Sodium pyruvate 2.0 M was most effective, and 4.0 M solution was least effective in improving the vital signs after HS. Conclusions: Future studies should be directed to use 2.0 M sodium pyruvate adjuvant for resuscitation on multiorgan failure and survival rate in HS. PMID:26229300

Home telemonitoring of vital signs--technical challenges and future directions.

PubMed

Celler, Branko G; Sparks, Ross S

2015-01-01

The telemonitoring of vital signs from the home is an essential element of telehealth services for the management of patients with chronic conditions, such as congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, or poorly controlled hypertension. Telehealth is now being deployed widely in both rural and urban settings, and in this paper, we discuss the contribution made by biomedical instrumentation, user interfaces, and automated risk stratification algorithms in developing a clinical diagnostic quality longitudinal health record at home. We identify technical challenges in the acquisition of high-quality biometric signals from unsupervised patients at home, identify new technical solutions and user interfaces, and propose new measurement modalities and signal processing techniques for increasing the quality and value of vital signs monitoring at home. We also discuss use of vital signs data for the automated risk stratification of patients, so that clinical resources can be targeted to those most at risk of unscheduled admission to hospital. New research is also proposed to integrate primary care, hospital, personal genomic, and telehealth electronic health records, and apply predictive analytics and data mining for enhancing clinical decision support.

New Views on Strand Asymmetry in Insect Mitochondrial Genomes

PubMed Central

Wei, Shu-Jun; Shi, Min; Chen, Xue-Xin; Sharkey, Michael J.; van Achterberg, Cornelis; Ye, Gong-Yin; He, Jun-Hua

2010-01-01

Strand asymmetry in nucleotide composition is a remarkable feature of animal mitochondrial genomes. Understanding the mutation processes that shape strand asymmetry is essential for comprehensive knowledge of genome evolution, demographical population history and accurate phylogenetic inference. Previous studies found that the relative contributions of different substitution types to strand asymmetry are associated with replication alone or both replication and transcription. However, the relative contributions of replication and transcription to strand asymmetry remain unclear. Here we conducted a broad survey of strand asymmetry across 120 insect mitochondrial genomes, with special reference to the correlation between the signs of skew values and replication orientation/gene direction. The results show that the sign of GC skew on entire mitochondrial genomes is reversed in all species of three distantly related families of insects, Philopteridae (Phthiraptera), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera) and Braconidae (Hymenoptera); the replication-related elements in the A+T-rich regions of these species are inverted, confirming that reversal of strand asymmetry (GC skew) was caused by inversion of replication origin; and finally, the sign of GC skew value is associated with replication orientation but not with gene direction, while that of AT skew value varies with gene direction, replication and codon positions used in analyses. These findings show that deaminations during replication and other mutations contribute more than selection on amino acid sequences to strand compositions of G and C, and that the replication process has a stronger affect on A and T content than does transcription. Our results may contribute to genome-wide studies of replication and transcription mechanisms. PMID:20856815

Helping to combat chronic wasting disease

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2003-01-01

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a disease of the nervous system that results in distinctive brain lesions. CWD affects elk, white-tailed deer, and mule deer, but has not been documented in livestock or humans. The origins of the disease, as well as the modes of transmission, remain unknown. Infected deer and elk appear robust and healthy in the early stages of CWD; clinical signs might not show for years. Mortality typically occurs within months after the appearance of clinical signs. The route of transmission is unknown; likely routes include direct transmission between infected and noninfected animals and infected animals contaminating local environments.

Algorithmic tools for interpreting vital signs.

PubMed

Rathbun, Melina C; Ruth-Sahd, Lisa A

2009-07-01

Today's complex world of nursing practice challenges nurse educators to develop teaching methods that promote critical thinking skills and foster quick problem solving in the novice nurse. Traditional pedagogies previously used in the classroom and clinical setting are no longer adequate to prepare nursing students for entry into practice. In addition, educators have expressed frustration when encouraging students to apply newly learned theoretical content to direct the care of assigned patients in the clinical setting. This article presents algorithms as an innovative teaching strategy to guide novice student nurses in the interpretation and decision making related to vital sign assessment in an acute care setting.

Cross-Modal Recruitment of Auditory and Orofacial Areas During Sign Language in a Deaf Subject.

PubMed

Martino, Juan; Velasquez, Carlos; Vázquez-Bourgon, Javier; de Lucas, Enrique Marco; Gomez, Elsa

2017-09-01

Modern sign languages used by deaf people are fully expressive, natural human languages that are perceived visually and produced manually. The literature contains little data concerning human brain organization in conditions of deficient sensory information such as deafness. A deaf-mute patient underwent surgery of a left temporoinsular low-grade glioma. The patient underwent awake surgery with intraoperative electrical stimulation mapping, allowing direct study of the cortical and subcortical organization of sign language. We found a similar distribution of language sites to what has been reported in mapping studies of patients with oral language, including 1) speech perception areas inducing anomias and alexias close to the auditory cortex (at the posterior portion of the superior temporal gyrus and supramarginal gyrus); 2) speech production areas inducing speech arrest (anarthria) at the ventral premotor cortex, close to the lip motor area and away from the hand motor area; and 3) subcortical stimulation-induced semantic paraphasias at the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus at the temporal isthmus. The intraoperative setup for sign language mapping with intraoperative electrical stimulation in deaf-mute patients is similar to the setup described in patients with oral language. To elucidate the type of language errors, a sign language interpreter in close interaction with the neuropsychologist is necessary. Sign language is perceived visually and produced manually; however, this case revealed a cross-modal recruitment of auditory and orofacial motor areas. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Monitoring the interfacial electric field in pure and doped SrTiO3 surfaces by means of phase-resolved optical second harmonic generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubano, Andrea; Mou, Sen; Paparo, Domenico

2018-05-01

Oxides and new functional materials such as oxide-based hetero-structures are very good candidates to achieve the goal of the next generation electronics. One of the main features that rules the electronic behavior of these compounds is the interfacial electric field which confines the charge carriers to a quasi-two-dimensional space region. The sign of the confined charge clearly depends on the electric field direction, which is however a very elusive quantity, as most techniques can only detect its absolute value. Even more valuable would be to access the sign of the interfacial electric field directly during the sample growth, being thus able to optimize the growth conditions directly looking at the feature of interest. For this aim, solid and reliable sensors are needed for monitoring the thin films while grown. Recently optical second harmonic generation has been proposed by us as a tool for non-invasive, non-destructive, real-time, in-situ imaging of oxide epitaxial film growth. The spatial resolution of this technique has been exploited to obtain real-time images of the sample under investigation. Here we propose to exploit another very important physical property of the second harmonic wave: its phase, which is directly coupled with the electric field direction, as shown by our measurements.

The V sign in lateral talar process fractures: an experimental study using a foot and ankle model.

PubMed

Jentzsch, Thorsten; Hasler, Anita; Renner, Niklas; Peterhans, Manuel; Sutter, Reto; Espinosa, Norman; Wirth, Stephan H

2017-07-03

Lateral talar process fractures (LTPF) are often missed on conventional radiographs. A positive V sign is an interruption of the contour of the LTP. It has been suggested, but not proven to be pathognomonic for LTPF. The objective was to study whether the V sign is pathognomonic for LTPF and if it can be properly assessed in different ankle positions and varying fracture types. An experimental study was conducted. Two investigators assessed lateral radiographs (n = 108) of a foot and ankle model. The exposure variables were different ankle positions and fracture types. The primary outcome was the correct detection of a V sign. The secondary outcomes were the detection of the V sign depending on ankle position and fracture type as well as the uncertainty. The interobserver agreement on the V sign and type of fracture were fair (κ = 0.35, 95% CI 0.18-0.53, p < 0.001 and κ = 0.37, 95% CI 0.26-0.48, p < 0.001). The mean sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and likelihood ratio for the detection of the V sign were 77% (95% CI 67-86%), 59% (95% CI 39-78%), 85% (95% CI 75-92%), 46% (95% CI 29-63%), and 2. The mean uncertainty in the V sign detection was 38%. The V sign identification stratified by ankle position and fracture type showed significant better results with increasing inversion (p = 0.035 and p = 0.011) and type B fractures (p = 0.001 and p = 0.013). The V sign may not be pathognomonic and is not recommended as the only modality for the detection of LTPF. It is better visualized with inversion, but does not depend on plantar flexion or internal rotation. It is also better seen in type B fractures. It is difficult to detect and investigator-dependent. It may be helpful in a clinical setting to point into a direction, but a CT scan may be used if in doubt about a LTPF.

Researchers fear 'Putin's Academy of Sciences'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moskvitch, Katia

2013-11-01

Scientists have voiced concerns about the future of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) after the country's president, Vladimir Putin, signed a law that will make the 289-year-old body come under the direct control of a new government agency.

Hiker preferences for trail features and maps

Treesearch

Roger E. McCay

1978-01-01

Hikers at a Pennsylvania state park were asked what items were essential to their trail experience. From a list of 18 items, an overwhelming majority of hikers wanted to see trail names and directional signs along a natural surfaced trail.

Upward gaze-evoked nystagmus with organoarsenic poisoning.

PubMed

Nakamagoe, Kiyotaka; Ishii, Kazuhiro; Tamaoka, Akira; Shoji, Shin'ichi

2006-01-10

The authors report assessment of abnormal ocular movements in three patients after organoarsenic poisoning from diphenylarsinic acid. The characteristic and principal sign is upward gaze-evoked nystagmus. Moreover, vertical gaze holding impairment was shown by electronystagmography on direct current recording.

Direct versus indirect molecular diagnosis of fragile X mental retardation in 40 German families at risk.

PubMed

Knobloch, O; Pelz, F; Wick, U; Nelson, D L; Zoll, B

1993-03-01

In order to test whether the direct molecular diagnostic approach for fragile X mental retardation (Martin-Bell syndrome, MBS) really makes diagnosis of this disease more precise, we evaluated the results of direct diagnosis in 40 German families at risk together with the results of an earlier study with closely linked flanking markers in the same families. Of 84 men analysed, 43 showed clinical signs. In 39 of these affected men the disease could be confirmed by direct diagnosis. Compared to cytogenetic data, one man was false negative and two were false positive. Two men, whose status could not be determined by means of RFLP data, proved to be normal transmitting males (NTMs). However, the possibility of being an NTM had to be rejected in one case on RFLP data. Fragile X syndrome could be confirmed in 10 of the 13 women with clinical signs. Compared to cytogenetic data there were three cases of false negative results and one of false positive. All 36 obligate carrier women were detected by the direct approach. In addition, 22 women were newly identified as normal transmitting females (NTFs), among them one woman who could not be identified by cytogenetic means or by analysis with closely linked markers. These findings are discussed in view of the relative reliability of the three diagnostic approaches to MBS. Special attention is drawn to the significance of false negative and false positive results in direct diagnosis.

Triggering co-stimulation directly in melanoma tumor fragments drives CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte expansion with improved effector-memory properties.

PubMed

Chacon, Jessica Ann; Sarnaik, Amod A; Pilon-Thomas, Shari; Radvanyi, Laszlo

2015-12-01

TIL from solid tumors can express activation/co-stimulatory molecules like 4-1BB/CD137, a sign of recent antigenic stimulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This activated state can be exploited ex vivo to enhance the expansion of tumor-reactive CD8 + TIL for adoptive cell therapy through direct addition of immunomodulators to tumor fragments in culture.

Phonological memory in sign language relies on the visuomotor neural system outside the left hemisphere language network.

PubMed

Kanazawa, Yuji; Nakamura, Kimihiro; Ishii, Toru; Aso, Toshihiko; Yamazaki, Hiroshi; Omori, Koichi

2017-01-01

Sign language is an essential medium for everyday social interaction for deaf people and plays a critical role in verbal learning. In particular, language development in those people should heavily rely on the verbal short-term memory (STM) via sign language. Most previous studies compared neural activations during signed language processing in deaf signers and those during spoken language processing in hearing speakers. For sign language users, it thus remains unclear how visuospatial inputs are converted into the verbal STM operating in the left-hemisphere language network. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, the present study investigated neural activation while bilinguals of spoken and signed language were engaged in a sequence memory span task. On each trial, participants viewed a nonsense syllable sequence presented either as written letters or as fingerspelling (4-7 syllables in length) and then held the syllable sequence for 12 s. Behavioral analysis revealed that participants relied on phonological memory while holding verbal information regardless of the type of input modality. At the neural level, this maintenance stage broadly activated the left-hemisphere language network, including the inferior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, superior temporal gyrus and inferior parietal lobule, for both letter and fingerspelling conditions. Interestingly, while most participants reported that they relied on phonological memory during maintenance, direct comparisons between letters and fingers revealed strikingly different patterns of neural activation during the same period. Namely, the effortful maintenance of fingerspelling inputs relative to letter inputs activated the left superior parietal lobule and dorsal premotor area, i.e., brain regions known to play a role in visuomotor analysis of hand/arm movements. These findings suggest that the dorsal visuomotor neural system subserves verbal learning via sign language by relaying gestural inputs to the classical left-hemisphere language network.

Causality constraints in conformal field theory

DOE PAGES

Hartman, Thomas; Jain, Sachin; Kundu, Sandipan

2016-05-17

Causality places nontrivial constraints on QFT in Lorentzian signature, for example fixing the signs of certain terms in the low energy Lagrangian. In d dimensional conformal field theory, we show how such constraints are encoded in crossing symmetry of Euclidean correlators, and derive analogous constraints directly from the conformal bootstrap (analytically). The bootstrap setup is a Lorentzian four-point function corresponding to propagation through a shockwave. Crossing symmetry fixes the signs of certain log terms that appear in the conformal block expansion, which constrains the interactions of low-lying operators. As an application, we use the bootstrap to rederive the well knownmore » sign constraint on the (Φ) 4 coupling in effective field theory, from a dual CFT. We also find constraints on theories with higher spin conserved currents. As a result, our analysis is restricted to scalar correlators, but we argue that similar methods should also impose nontrivial constraints on the interactions of spinning operators« less

Unicameral bone cyst of the patella in a young dog.

PubMed

Petazzoni, M; Briotti, F; Beale, B

2015-01-01

This report describes a case of a solitary unicameral patellar bone cyst in a young dog. A five-month-old, male Dobermann Pinscher dog was referred for a 10-day left hindlimb lameness. A mild swelling of the peripatellar soft tissues of the left patella was detected upon physical examination. Signs of pain were elicited upon direct palpation of the patella. Radiographic examination revealed an oval radiolucency within the medullary cavity at the base of the left patella. Radiographic examination, arthroscopy, and histopathology findings supported the diagnosis of a benign patellar bone cyst. The condition was treated by surgical curettage and autogenous bone graft harvested from the ipsilateral proximal tibia. Clinical signs, including lameness and signs of pain upon deep palpation, disappeared three weeks after surgery. Follow-up re-evaluation five years after surgery revealed no recurrence of the cyst and the patient was asymptomatic.

Comprehending Sentences With the Body: Action Compatibility in British Sign Language?

PubMed

Vinson, David; Perniss, Pamela; Fox, Neil; Vigliocco, Gabriella

2017-05-01

Previous studies show that reading sentences about actions leads to specific motor activity associated with actually performing those actions. We investigate how sign language input may modulate motor activation, using British Sign Language (BSL) sentences, some of which explicitly encode direction of motion, versus written English, where motion is only implied. We find no evidence of action simulation in BSL comprehension (Experiments 1-3), but we find effects of action simulation in comprehension of written English sentences by deaf native BSL signers (Experiment 4). These results provide constraints on the nature of mental simulations involved in comprehending action sentences referring to transfer events, suggesting that the richer contextual information provided by BSL sentences versus written or spoken English may reduce the need for action simulation in comprehension, at least when the event described does not map completely onto the signer's own body. Copyright © 2016 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Resistive magnetohydrodynamics with toroidal rotation in toroidal plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Jintao; Cai, Huishan

2018-01-01

Toroidal rotation has always existed in tokamak plasmas, and its Mach number can reach unity during neutral beam injection. Toroidal rotation can affect plasma equilibrium and magnetohydrodynamic instabilities significantly. Based on linearized equations including the toroidal rotation effect, the toroidal model derived by Glasser et al. [Phys. Fluids 18, 875 (1975)] is extended to include this effect, and a set of resistive equations including the toroidal rotation effect in the axi-symmetry toroidal geometry is derived. Based on these derived equations, the effect of toroidal rotation on tearing modes is considered, and the growth rate of tearing modes is obtained analytically. It is shown that the effect of toroidal rotation on tearing modes depends on both the direction of toroidal rotation flow and the sign of toroidal rotation flow shear. When they have the same sign, they play a role in stabilizing tearing modes, while when they have opposite signs, they have a destabilizing effect on tearing modes.

President Signs NASA Transition Authorization Act on This Week @NASA – March 24, 2017

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-24

On March 21, President Trump signed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017. The bipartisan legislation reaffirms Congress’ commitment to the agency and directs it to pursue a balanced portfolio for space exploration and space science, including continued development of the Space Launch System, Orion, Commercial Crew Program; space and planetary science missions, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope, and Europa mission; and ongoing operations of the International Space Station and Commercial Resupply Services Program. In a statement, acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, who attended the signing, along with two astronauts and members of Congress, thanked the president and Congress for supporting the agency and its mission. Also, Spacewalk Outside the Space Station, SpaceX’s Dragon Returns Safely to Earth, Jeff Williams Visits Washington Area, Advanced Woven Thermal Protection, and Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.

Possible Neurolinguistic Breakdown in Autistic Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wetherby, Amy Miller

1984-01-01

The article reviews research on direct and indirect evidence of neurological dysfunction associated with autism (including brainstem and cortical dysfunction). Issues of reorganization of language functions are discussed. Clinical implications of findings, including the value of gestural sign systems, are noted. (CL)

76 FR 9552 - Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section to the International Commission for the Conservation of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-18

...-0800. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel O'Malley at (301) 713-9505. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.... Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Rachel O'Malley at...

17. RETAINING WALL CRIBBING AND ROAD VIEW, LOOKING IN SOUTHWARD ...

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

17. RETAINING WALL CRIBBING AND ROAD VIEW, LOOKING IN SOUTHWARD DIRECTION OF TRAVEL BELOW DIAMOND PEAK. ROAD SIGN NOTES SWITCHBACK SEEN IN CA-270-14 TO CA-270-16. LOOKING ESE. - Lassen Park Road, Mineral, Tehama County, CA

Evaluation of ground mounted diagrammatic entrance ramp approach signs : final report, October 2000.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-10-01

Highway-freeway interchanges can be a source of confusion to unfamiliar drivers. Typically, freeway entrance ramp : information is provided by means of trailblazer assemblies (interstate or highway shield, cardinal direction, and a small : white arro...

School Counselors: Untapped Resources for Safe Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Callahan, Connie J.

2000-01-01

Principals should consider redirecting school counselors' responsibilities to include directing safe-school teams; establishing networks to identify at-risk students and violent behavior signs; developing conflict-resolution activities; assessing and counseling misbehaving students; devising crisis- management plans; and helping staff predict and…

The effect of minimum impact education on visitor spatial behavior in parks and protected areas: An experimental investigation using GPS-based tracking.

PubMed

Kidd, Abigail M; Monz, Christopher; D'Antonio, Ashley; Manning, Robert E; Reigner, Nathan; Goonan, Kelly A; Jacobi, Charles

2015-10-01

The unmanaged impacts of recreation and tourism can often result in unacceptable changes in resource conditions and quality of the visitor experience. Minimum impact visitor education programs aim to reduce the impacts of recreation by altering visitor behaviors. Specifically, education seeks to reduce impacts resulting from lack of knowledge both about the consequences of one's actions and impact-minimizing best practices. In this study, three different on-site minimum impact education strategies ("treatments") and a control condition were applied on the trails and summit area of Sargent Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine. Treatment conditions were designed to encourage visitors to stay on marked trails and minimize off-trail travel. Treatments included a message delivered via personal contact, and both an ecological-based message and an amenity-based message posted on signs located alongside the trail. A control condition of current trail markings and directional signs was also assessed. The efficacy of the messaging was evaluated through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking of visitor spatial behavior on/off trails. Spatial analysis of GPS tracks revealed statistically significant differences among treatments, with the personal contact treatment yielding significantly less dispersion of visitors on the mountain summit. Results also indicate that the signs deployed in the study were ineffective at limiting off-trail use beyond what can be accomplished with trail markers and directional signs. These findings suggest that personal contact by a uniformed ranger or volunteer may be the most effective means of message delivery for on-site minimum impact education. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Suspending the next turn as a form of repair initiation: evidence from Argentine Sign Language

PubMed Central

Manrique, Elizabeth; Enfield, N. J.

2015-01-01

Practices of other-initiated repair deal with problems of hearing or understanding what another person has said in the fast-moving turn-by-turn flow of conversation. As such, other-initiated repair plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of intersubjectivity in social interaction. This study finds and analyses a special type of other-initiated repair that is used in turn-by-turn conversation in a sign language: Argentine Sign Language (Lengua de Señas Argentina or LSA). We describe a type of response termed a “freeze-look,” which occurs when a person has just been asked a direct question: instead of answering the question in the next turn position, the person holds still while looking directly at the questioner. In these cases it is clear that the person is aware of having just been addressed and is not otherwise accounting for their delay in responding (e.g., by displaying a “thinking” face or hesitation, etc.). We find that this behavior functions as a way for an addressee to initiate repair by the person who asked the question. The “freeze-look” results in the questioner “re-doing” their action of asking a question, for example by repeating or rephrasing it. Thus, we argue that the “freeze-look” is a practice for other-initiation of repair. In addition, we argue that it is an “off-record” practice, thus contrasting with known on-record practices such as saying “Huh?” or equivalents. The findings aim to contribute to research on human understanding in everyday turn-by-turn conversation by looking at an understudied sign language, with possible implications for our understanding of visual bodily communication in spoken languages as well. PMID:26441710

Rate of Contrast Extravasation on CT Angiography Predicts Hematoma Expansion and Mortality in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage

PubMed Central

Brouwers, H. Bart; Battey, Thomas W.K.; Musial, Hayley H.; Ciura, Viesha A.; Falcone, Guido J.; Ayres, Alison M.; Vashkevich, Anastasia; Schwab, Kristin; Viswanathan, Anand; Anderson, Christopher D.; Greenberg, Steven M.; Pomerantz, Stuart R.; Ortiz, Claudia J.; Goldstein, Joshua N.; Gonzalez, R. Gilberto; Rosand, Jonathan; Romero, Javier M.

2015-01-01

Background and Purpose In primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the presence of contrast extravasation following CT angiography (CTA), termed the ‘spot sign’, predicts hematoma expansion and mortality. Since the biological underpinnings of the spot sign are not fully understood, we investigated whether the rate of contrast extravasation - which may reflect the rate of bleeding - predicts expansion and mortality beyond the simple presence of the spot sign. Methods Consecutive ICH patients with first-pass CTA followed by a 90-second delayed post-contrast CT (delayed CTA) were included. CTAs were reviewed for spot sign presence by two blinded readers. Spot sign volumes on first-pass and delayed CTA and ICH volumes were measured using semi-automated software. Extravasation rates were calculated and tested for association with hematoma expansion and mortality using uni- and multivariable logistic regression. Results 162 patients were included, 48 (30%) of whom had ≥1 spot sign. Median spot sign volume was 0.04mL on first-pass CTA and 0.4mL on delayed CTA. Median extravasation rate was 0.23mL/min overall, and 0.30mL/min among expanders versus 0.07mL/min in non-expanders. Extravasation rates were also significantly higher in patients who died in hospital: 0.27mL/min versus 0.04mL/min. In multivariable analysis, the extravasation rate was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (OR1.09 [95%CI 1.04–1.18], p=0.004), 90-day mortality (OR1.15 [95%CI 1.08–1.27], p=0.0004), and hematoma expansion (OR1.03 [95%CI 1.01–1.08], p=0.047). Conclusions Contrast extravasation rate, or spot sign growth, further refines the ability to predict hematoma expansion and mortality. Our results support the hypothesis that the spot sign directly measures active bleeding in acute ICH. PMID:26243220

PIP breast implants: rupture rate and correlation with breast cancer

PubMed Central

MOSCHETTA, M.; TELEGRAFO, M.; CORNACCHIA, I.; VINCENTI, L.; RANIERI, V.; CIRILLI, A.; RELLA, L.; IANORA, A.A. STABILE; ANGELELLI, G.

2014-01-01

Aim To evaluate the incidence of Poly Implant Prosthése (PIP) rupture as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the prevalence of the detected signs and the potential correlation with breast carcinoma. Patients and methods 67 patients with silicone breast implants and clinical indications for breast MRI were evaluated for a total of 125 implants: 40 (32%) PIP in 21 patients and 85 non-PIP in 46 patients (68%), the latest considered as control group. A 1.5-T MR imaging device was used in order to assess implant integrity with dedicated sequences and in 6 cases a dynamic study was performed for characterizing breast lesions. Two radiologists with more than 5 years’ experience in the field of MRI evaluated in consensus all MR images searching for the presence of clear signs of intra or extra-capsular implant rupture. Results 20/40 (50%) PIP implants presented signs of intra-capsular rupture: linguine sign in 20 cases (100%), tear-drop sign in 6 (30%). In 12/20 cases (60%), MRI signs of extra-capsular rupture were detected. In the control group, an intra-capsular rupture was diagnosed in 12/85 cases (14%) associated with extra-capsular one in 5/12 cases (42%). Among the six cases with suspected breast lesions, in 2/21 patients with PIP implants (10%) a breast carcinoma was diagnosed (mucinous carcinoma, n=1; invasive ductal carcinoma, n=1). In 4/46 patients (9%) with non-PIP implants, an invasive ductal carcinoma was diagnosed. Conclusion The rupture rate of PIP breast implants is significantly higher than non-PIP (50% vs 14%). MRI represents the most accurate imaging tool for evaluating breast prostheses and the linguine sign is the most common MRI sign to be searched. The incidence of breast carcinoma does not significantly differ between the PIP and non-PIP implants and a direct correlation with breast cancer can not been demonstrated. PMID:25644728

PIP breast implants: rupture rate and correlation with breast cancer.

PubMed

Moschetta, M; Telegrafo, M; Cornacchia, I; Vincenti, L; Ranieri, V; Cirili, A; Rella, L; Stabile Ianora, A A; Angelelli, G

2014-01-01

To evaluate the incidence of Poly Implant Prosthése (PIP) rupture as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the prevalence of the detected signs and the potential correlation with breast carcinoma. 67 patients with silicone breast implants and clinical indications for breast MRI were evaluated for a total of 125 implants: 40 (32%) PIP in 21 patients and 85 non-PIP in 46 patients (68%), the latest considered as control group. A 1.5-T MR imaging device was used in order to assess implant integrity with dedicated sequences and in 6 cases a dynamic study was performed for characterizing breast lesions. Two radiologists with more than 5 years' experience in the field of MRI evaluated in consensus all MR images searching for the presence of clear signs of intra or extra-capsular implant rupture. 20/40 (50%) PIP implants presented signs of intra-capsular rupture: linguine sign in 20 cases (100%), tear-drop sign in 6 (30%). In 12/20 cases (60%), MRI signs of extra-capsular rupture were detected. In the control group, an intra-capsular rupture was diagnosed in 12/85 cases (14%) associated with extra-capsular one in 5/12 cases (42%). Among the six cases with suspected breast lesions, in 2/21 patients with PIP implants (10%) a breast carcinoma was diagnosed (mucinous carcinoma, n=1; invasive ductal carcinoma, n=1). In 4/46 patients (9%) with non-PIP implants, an invasive ductal carcinoma was diagnosed. The rupture rate of PIP breast implants is significantly higher than non-PIP (50% vs 14%). MRI represents the most accurate imaging tool for evaluating breast prostheses and the linguine sign is the most common MRI sign to be searched. The incidence of breast carcinoma does not significantly differ between the PIP and non-PIP implants and a direct correlation with breast cancer can not been demonstrated.

A MAGNETAR-LIKE EVENT FROM LS I +61 Degree-Sign 303 AND ITS NATURE AS A GAMMA-RAY BINARY

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

Torres, Diego F.; Rea, Nanda; Esposito, Paolo

2012-01-10

We report on the Swift Burst Alert Telescope detection of a short burst from the direction of the TeV binary LS I +61 Degree-Sign 303, resembling those generally labeled as magnetar-like. We show that it is likely that the short burst was indeed originating from LS I +61 Degree-Sign 303 (although we cannot totally exclude the improbable presence of a far-away, line-of-sight magnetar) and that it is a different phenomenon with respect to the previously observed ks-long flares from this system. Accepting the hypothesis that LS I +61 Degree-Sign 303 is the first magnetar detected in a binary system, wemore » study those implications. We find that a magnetar-composed LS I +61 Degree-Sign 303 system would most likely be (i.e., for the usual magnetar parameters and mass-loss rate) subject to a flip-flop behavior, from a rotationally powered regime (in the apastron) to a propeller regime (in the periastron) along each of the LS I +61 Degree-Sign 303 eccentric orbital motion. We prove that, unlike near an apastron, where an interwind shock can lead to the normally observed LS I +61 Degree-Sign 303 behavior, during TeV emission the periastron propeller is expected to efficiently accelerate particles only to sub-TeV energies. This flip-flop scenario would explain the system's behavior when a recurrent TeV emission only appears near the apastron, the anti-correlation of the GeV and TeV emission, and the long-term TeV variability (which seems correlated to LS I +61 Degree-Sign 303's super-orbital period), including the appearance of a low TeV state. Finally, we qualitatively put the multi-wavelength phenomenology into the context of our proposed model and make some predictions for further testing.« less

Effectiveness of combined macular buckle under direct vision and vitrectomy with ILM peeling in refractory macular hole retinal detachment with extreme high axial myopia: a 24-month comparative study

PubMed Central

Ma, Jin; Li, Honghui; Ding, Xiaohu; Tanumiharjo, Silvia; Lu, Lin

2017-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of a combined macular buckle under direct vision and 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in refractory macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) with extreme high axial myopia. Design Prospective, randomised controlled study. Participants The study included 98 eyes of 98 patients of MHRD with extreme high axial (>30 mm) myopia. Intervention Patients were randomly assigned to undergo PPV with ILM peeling (group 1, n=52) or PPV with ILM peeling combined with macular buckle under direct vision (group 2, n=46). Main outcome measures Complete ocular examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (LogMAR), applanation tonometry, optical biometry, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, colour fundus photography, ultrasound examination and optical coherence tomography at baseline and every follow-up visit. Results Initial retinal reattachment rate was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 at 12-month postoperatively (χ2 test, p=0.020). Macular hole closure rate in group 2 was significantly higher than that in group 1 at 3, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively (Fisher's exact test, p<0.05). In initial retinal reattachment cases, the mean BCVA decreased significantly in group 2 than in group 1 at 3 months postoperatively (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test, p=0.036), and had increased significantly in group 2 than in group 1 since 6 months postoperatively (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test, p<0.05). Mean axial lengths in group 2 were significantly shorter than that of group 1 at each follow-up time point (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test, p<0.05). Conclusions Combined macular buckle under direct vision and PPV with ILM peeling is more effective in treatment of MHRD with extreme high axial (>30 mm) myopia. PMID:28292775

The "Knife-Cut Sign" Revisited: A Distinctive Presentation of Linear Erosive Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in Immunocompromised Patients.

PubMed

Cohen, Philip R

2015-10-01

The "knife-cut sign" is a distinctive presentation of linear erosive herpes simplex virus infection in immunocompromised patients. To describe a man whose herpes simplex virus infection-related skin lesions demonstrated the "knife-cut sign" and to review the characteristics of reported immunosuppressed individuals with "knife-cut" cutaneous herpes simplex virus lesions. A man with multiple myeloma and post-stem cell transplant cutaneous graft-versus-host disease managed with systemic prednisone and sirolimus developed disseminated cutaneous herpes simplex virus infection with virus-associated linear ulcers of the inguinal folds and the area between his ear and scalp; the lesions at both sites had a distinctive "knife-cut" appearance. Using the PubMed database, an extensive literature search was performed on herpes simplex virus, immunocompromised patient, and "knife-cut sign". Herpes simplex virus infection-associated skin lesions that demonstrate the "knife-cut sign" present in patients who are immunosuppressed secondary to either an underlying medical condition or a systemic therapy or both. The distinctive virus-related cutaneous lesions appear as linear ulcers and fissures in intertriginous areas, such as the folds in the inguinal area, the vulva, and the abdomen; in addition, other sites include beneath the breast, within the gluteal cleft, and the area between the ear and the scalp. Not only herpes simplex virus-2, but also herpes simplex virus-1 has been observed as the causative viral serotype; indeed, herpes simplex virus-1 has been associated with genital and inframammary lesions in addition to those above the neck. Direct fluorescent antibody testing is a rapid method for confirming the clinically suspected viral infection; however, since false-negative direct fluorescent antibody testing occurred in some of the patients, it may be prudent to also perform viral cultures and possibly lesional skin biopsies to establish the diagnosis. The herpes simplex virus infection-related skin lesions clinically improve once systemic antiviral therapy is initiated. In immunosuppressed individuals, the "knife-cut sign" is a distinctive presentation of cutaneous linear erosive herpes simplex virus infection. Recognition of the linear ulcers in intertriginous areas and body folds should prompt the clinician to consider herpes simplex virus infection-associated skin lesions in an immunocompromised patient and to initiate systemic antiviral treatment while awaiting the results of laboratory evaluation to confirm the suspected diagnosis.

23 CFR 750.152 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 23 Highways 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Application. 750.152 Section 750.152 Highways FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RIGHT-OF-WAY AND ENVIRONMENT HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION National Standards for Directional and Official Signs § 750.152 Application. The following standards apply...

24 CFR 203.51 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... DEVELOPMENT MORTGAGE AND LOAN INSURANCE PROGRAMS UNDER NATIONAL HOUSING ACT AND OTHER AUTHORITIES SINGLE... conditional commitment or master conditional commitment issued on or after September 24, 1990; or (2) In accordance with the Direct Endorsement program, if the underwriter of the mortgagee signs the appraisal...

24 CFR 203.51 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... DEVELOPMENT MORTGAGE AND LOAN INSURANCE PROGRAMS UNDER NATIONAL HOUSING ACT AND OTHER AUTHORITIES SINGLE... conditional commitment or master conditional commitment issued on or after September 24, 1990; or (2) In accordance with the Direct Endorsement program, if the underwriter of the mortgagee signs the appraisal...

Triggering co-stimulation directly in melanoma tumor fragments drives CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte expansion with improved effector-memory properties

PubMed Central

Chacon, Jessica Ann; Sarnaik, Amod A; Pilon-Thomas, Shari; Radvanyi, Laszlo

2015-01-01

TIL from solid tumors can express activation/co-stimulatory molecules like 4–1BB/CD137, a sign of recent antigenic stimulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This activated state can be exploited ex vivo to enhance the expansion of tumor-reactive CD8+ TIL for adoptive cell therapy through direct addition of immunomodulators to tumor fragments in culture. PMID:26587314

Targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis Antigens to Dendritic Cells via the DC-Specific-ICAM3-Grabbing-Nonintegrin Receptor Induces Strong T-Helper 1 Immune Responses

PubMed Central

Velasquez, Lis Noelia; Stüve, Philipp; Gentilini, Maria Virginia; Swallow, Maxine; Bartel, Judith; Lycke, Nils Yngve; Barkan, Daniel; Martina, Mariana; Lujan, Hugo D.; Kalay, Hakan; van Kooyk, Yvette; Sparwasser, Tim D.; Berod, Luciana

2018-01-01

Tuberculosis remains a major global health problem and efforts to develop a more effective vaccine have been unsuccessful so far. Targeting antigens (Ags) to dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo has emerged as a new promising vaccine strategy. In this approach, Ags are delivered directly to DCs via antibodies that bind to endocytic cell-surface receptors. Here, we explored DC-specific-ICAM3-grabbing-nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) targeting as a potential vaccine against tuberculosis. For this, we made use of the hSIGN mouse model that expresses human DC-SIGN under the control of the murine CD11c promoter. We show that in vitro and in vivo delivery of anti-DC-SIGN antibodies conjugated to Ag85B and peptide 25 of Ag85B in combination with anti-CD40, the fungal cell wall component zymosan, and the cholera toxin-derived fusion protein CTA1-DD induces strong Ag-specific CD4+ T-cell responses. Improved anti-mycobacterial immunity was accompanied by increased frequencies of Ag-specific IFN-γ+ IL-2+ TNF-α+ polyfunctional CD4+ T cells in vaccinated mice compared with controls. Taken together, in this study we provide the proof of concept that the human DC-SIGN receptor can be efficiently exploited for vaccine purposes to promote immunity against mycobacterial infections. PMID:29662482

Functional Information: Towards Synthesis of Biosemiotics and Cybernetics

PubMed Central

Sharov, Alexei A.

2012-01-01

Biosemiotics and cybernetics are closely related, yet they are separated by the boundary between life and non-life: biosemiotics is focused on living organisms, whereas cybernetics is applied mostly to non-living artificial devices. However, both classes of systems are agents that perform functions necessary for reaching their goals. I propose to shift the focus of biosemiotics from living organisms to agents in general, which all belong to a pragmasphere or functional universe. Agents should be considered in the context of their hierarchy and origin because their semiosis can be inherited or induced by higher-level agents. To preserve and disseminate their functions, agents use functional information - a set of signs that encode and control their functions. It includes stable memory signs, transient messengers, and natural signs. The origin and evolution of functional information is discussed in terms of transitions between vegetative, animal, and social levels of semiosis, defined by Kull. Vegetative semiosis differs substantially from higher levels of semiosis, because signs are recognized and interpreted via direct code-based matching and are not associated with ideal representations of objects. Thus, I consider a separate classification of signs at the vegetative level that includes proto-icons, proto-indexes, and proto-symbols. Animal and social semiosis are based on classification, and modeling of objects, which represent the knowledge of agents about their body (Innenwelt) and environment (Umwelt). PMID:22368439

Nystagmus-based approach to vertebrobasilar stroke presenting as vertigo without initial neurologic signs.

PubMed

Kim, Min-Beom; Boo, Sung Hyun; Ban, Jae Ho

2013-01-01

We aimed to investigate the clinical courses and common nystagmus of isolated vertigo patients with vertebrobasilar stroke. The patients who presented with isolated acute spontaneous vertigo with spontaneous nystagmus (acute vestibular syndrome) at the Emergency Department were retrospectively analyzed. They were referred to the Otolaryngology Department due to the absence of neurologic signs or even of imaging abnormalities after the initial examination at the Emergency Department. Various clinical features, including presenting symptoms, delayed neurologic signs, the site of infarction, and videonystagmographic (VNG) findings were analyzed. Of the 468 cases of acute vestibular syndrome, 23 (4.9%) cases of radiologically proven vertebrobasilar stroke were identified. Of the 23 patients, 17 (74%) showed aggravation of vertigo or delayed neurologic signs during the admission. In the analysis of VNG, 11 (48%) cases of direction-changing gaze-evoked nystagmus, 7 (30%) cases of fixation failure in the caloric test, 6 (27%) cases of periodic alternating nystagmus, and 4 (17%) cases of atypical head-shaking nystagmus were presented. Stroke occurred in the cerebellum (n=18, 78%), medulla (n=4, 17%), and pons (n=1, 4%). In the early stage of vertebrobasilar stroke, an accurate diagnosis was difficult in the Emergency Department even though a radiologic study was performed, but various VNG abnormalities and delayed neurologic signs could help to diagnose whether the origin is central or not. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Functional Information: Towards Synthesis of Biosemiotics and Cybernetics.

PubMed

Sharov, Alexei A

2010-04-27

Biosemiotics and cybernetics are closely related, yet they are separated by the boundary between life and non-life: biosemiotics is focused on living organisms, whereas cybernetics is applied mostly to non-living artificial devices. However, both classes of systems are agents that perform functions necessary for reaching their goals. I propose to shift the focus of biosemiotics from living organisms to agents in general, which all belong to a pragmasphere or functional universe. Agents should be considered in the context of their hierarchy and origin because their semiosis can be inherited or induced by higher-level agents. To preserve and disseminate their functions, agents use functional information - a set of signs that encode and control their functions. It includes stable memory signs, transient messengers, and natural signs. The origin and evolution of functional information is discussed in terms of transitions between vegetative, animal, and social levels of semiosis, defined by Kull. Vegetative semiosis differs substantially from higher levels of semiosis, because signs are recognized and interpreted via direct code-based matching and are not associated with ideal representations of objects. Thus, I consider a separate classification of signs at the vegetative level that includes proto-icons, proto-indexes, and proto-symbols. Animal and social semiosis are based on classification, and modeling of objects, which represent the knowledge of agents about their body (Innenwelt) and environment (Umwelt).

The main signs of ageing in people with intellectual disability.

PubMed

Wark, Stuart; Hussain, Rafat; Edwards, Helen

2016-12-01

Investigations around ageing with an intellectual disability have increased substantially in the past three decades. A research gap continued to exist regarding the detection of ageing issues in this cohort of people, particularly in rural areas where access to specialist support continued to be limited. The purpose of this study was to identify the main signs of ageing in rural people with intellectual disabilities. A multi-round Delphi design was used to examine what signs of ageing were observed by disability support staff, who assisted people with intellectual disability. The project was conducted across nine of the ten rural regions (as defined by the government funding body) in New South Wales (NSW). There were 31 participants representing 14 non-government organisations. The group was composed of 26 women and 5 men, with a mean age of 47 years, who averaged 10-year experience with people with intellectual disabilities. The objective was to gain the direct input of rurally based disability workers to identify the main signs of ageing in people with intellectual disabilities. Thirty-two specific signs of ageing, including emerging mental health issues, grief, loss of identity and aggression, were identified. A thematic analysis indicated two main categories: mental/emotional functioning and physical functioning. When carers have the information and skills needed to identify the main signs of ageing, they can more accurately recognise and address potential problems in a timely manner. Such understandings have the potential to reduce premature admissions to residential aged-care. © 2016 National Rural Health Alliance Inc.

Effects of prior amphetamine exposure on approach strategy in appetitive Pavlovian conditioning in rats.

PubMed

Simon, Nicholas W; Mendez, Ian A; Setlow, Barry

2009-03-01

Pavlovian conditioning with a discrete reward-predictive visual cue can elicit two classes of behaviors: "sign-tracking" (approach toward and contact with the cue) and "goal-tracking" (approach toward the site of reward delivery). Sign-tracking has been proposed to be linked to behavioral disorders involving compulsive reward-seeking, such as addiction. Prior exposure to psychostimulant drugs of abuse can facilitate reward-seeking behaviors through enhancements in incentive salience attribution. Thus, it was predicted that a sensitizing regimen of amphetamine exposure would increase sign-tracking behavior. The purpose of these experiments was to determine how a regimen of exposure to amphetamine affects subsequent sign-tracking behavior. Male Long-Evans rats were given daily injections of d-amphetamine (2.0 mg/kg) or saline for 5 days, then given a 7-day drug-free period followed by testing in a Pavlovian conditioning task. In experiment 1, rats were presented with a visual cue (simultaneous illumination of a light and extension of a lever) located either to the left or right of a centrally located food trough. One cue (CS+) was always followed by food delivery, whereas the other (CS-) was not. In experiment 2, rats were tested in a nondiscriminative (CS+ only) version of the task. In both experiments, amphetamine-exposed rats showed less sign-tracking and more goal-tracking compared to saline controls. Contrary to predictions, prior amphetamine exposure decreased sign-tracking and increased goal-tracking behavior. However, these results do support the hypothesis that psychostimulant exposure and incentive sensitization enhance behavior directed toward reward-proximal cues at the expense of reward-distal cues.

An Eye Tracking Study on the Perception and Comprehension of Unimodal and Bimodal Linguistic Inputs by Deaf Adolescents

PubMed Central

Mastrantuono, Eliana; Saldaña, David; Rodríguez-Ortiz, Isabel R.

2017-01-01

An eye tracking experiment explored the gaze behavior of deaf individuals when perceiving language in spoken and sign language only, and in sign-supported speech (SSS). Participants were deaf (n = 25) and hearing (n = 25) Spanish adolescents. Deaf students were prelingually profoundly deaf individuals with cochlear implants (CIs) used by age 5 or earlier, or prelingually profoundly deaf native signers with deaf parents. The effectiveness of SSS has rarely been tested within the same group of children for discourse-level comprehension. Here, video-recorded texts, including spatial descriptions, were alternately transmitted in spoken language, sign language and SSS. The capacity of these communicative systems to equalize comprehension in deaf participants with that of spoken language in hearing participants was tested. Within-group analyses of deaf participants tested if the bimodal linguistic input of SSS favored discourse comprehension compared to unimodal languages. Deaf participants with CIs achieved equal comprehension to hearing controls in all communicative systems while deaf native signers with no CIs achieved equal comprehension to hearing participants if tested in their native sign language. Comprehension of SSS was not increased compared to spoken language, even when spatial information was communicated. Eye movements of deaf and hearing participants were tracked and data of dwell times spent looking at the face or body area of the sign model were analyzed. Within-group analyses focused on differences between native and non-native signers. Dwell times of hearing participants were equally distributed across upper and lower areas of the face while deaf participants mainly looked at the mouth area; this could enable information to be obtained from mouthings in sign language and from lip-reading in SSS and spoken language. Few fixations were directed toward the signs, although these were more frequent when spatial language was transmitted. Both native and non-native signers looked mainly at the face when perceiving sign language, although non-native signers looked significantly more at the body than native signers. This distribution of gaze fixations suggested that deaf individuals – particularly native signers – mainly perceived signs through peripheral vision. PMID:28680416

Line Transect Surveys Underdetect Terrestrial Mammals: Implications for the Sustainability of Subsistence Hunting

PubMed Central

Levi, Taal; Oliveira, Luiz F. B.; Luzar, Jeffrey B.; Overman, Han; Read, Jane M.

2016-01-01

Conservation of Neotropical game species must take into account the livelihood and food security needs of local human populations. Hunting management decisions should therefore rely on abundance and distribution data that are as representative as possible of true population sizes and dynamics. We simultaneously applied a commonly used encounter-based method and an infrequently used sign-based method to estimate hunted vertebrate abundance in a 48,000-km2 indigenous landscape in southern Guyana. Diurnal direct encounter data collected during three years along 216, four-kilometer -long transects consistently under-detected many diurnal and nocturnal mammal species readily detected through sign. Of 32 species analyzed, 31 were detected by both methods; however, encounters did not detect one and under-detected another 12 of the most heavily hunted species relative to sign, while sign under-detected 12 never or rarely collected species relative to encounters. The six most important game animals in the region, all ungulates, were not encountered at 11–40% of village and control sites or on 29–72% of transects where they were detected by sign. Using the sign methodology, we find that tapirs, one of the terrestrial vertebrates considered most sensitive to overexploitation, are present at many sites where they were never visually detected during distance sampling. We find that this is true for many other species as well. These high rates of under-detection suggest that behavioral changes in hunted populations may affect apparent occurrence and abundance of these populations. Accumulation curves (detection of species on transects) were much steeper for sign for 12 of 16 hunted species than for encounters, but that pattern was reversed for 12 of 16 species unhunted in our area. We conclude that collection of sign data is an efficient and effective method of monitoring hunted vertebrate populations that complements encounter and camera-trapping methods in areas impacted by hunting. Sign surveys may be the most viable method for large-scale, management-oriented studies in remote areas, particularly those focused on community-based wildlife management. PMID:27074025

An Eye Tracking Study on the Perception and Comprehension of Unimodal and Bimodal Linguistic Inputs by Deaf Adolescents.

PubMed

Mastrantuono, Eliana; Saldaña, David; Rodríguez-Ortiz, Isabel R

2017-01-01

An eye tracking experiment explored the gaze behavior of deaf individuals when perceiving language in spoken and sign language only, and in sign-supported speech (SSS). Participants were deaf ( n = 25) and hearing ( n = 25) Spanish adolescents. Deaf students were prelingually profoundly deaf individuals with cochlear implants (CIs) used by age 5 or earlier, or prelingually profoundly deaf native signers with deaf parents. The effectiveness of SSS has rarely been tested within the same group of children for discourse-level comprehension. Here, video-recorded texts, including spatial descriptions, were alternately transmitted in spoken language, sign language and SSS. The capacity of these communicative systems to equalize comprehension in deaf participants with that of spoken language in hearing participants was tested. Within-group analyses of deaf participants tested if the bimodal linguistic input of SSS favored discourse comprehension compared to unimodal languages. Deaf participants with CIs achieved equal comprehension to hearing controls in all communicative systems while deaf native signers with no CIs achieved equal comprehension to hearing participants if tested in their native sign language. Comprehension of SSS was not increased compared to spoken language, even when spatial information was communicated. Eye movements of deaf and hearing participants were tracked and data of dwell times spent looking at the face or body area of the sign model were analyzed. Within-group analyses focused on differences between native and non-native signers. Dwell times of hearing participants were equally distributed across upper and lower areas of the face while deaf participants mainly looked at the mouth area; this could enable information to be obtained from mouthings in sign language and from lip-reading in SSS and spoken language. Few fixations were directed toward the signs, although these were more frequent when spatial language was transmitted. Both native and non-native signers looked mainly at the face when perceiving sign language, although non-native signers looked significantly more at the body than native signers. This distribution of gaze fixations suggested that deaf individuals - particularly native signers - mainly perceived signs through peripheral vision.

Transition from Direct to Inverse Cascade in Three-Dimensional Turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahoo, G.; Biferale, L.; Alexakis, A.

2017-12-01

Direction of energy transfer among the scales in a turbulent flow has asignificant role in the macroscopic properties of the flow. It has been arguedthat the dimensionality and the ideal invariants of the flow determine thedirection of the cascade of energy. Because of two sign definite invariants,energy and enstrophy, of two-dimensional turbulence, energy is transferredbackwards from small scales to larger scales and enstrophy is transferred tosmaller scales. However in three-dimensions, while energy is sign-definite, theother invariant helicity does not have a definite sign and therefore there isno constraint on the direction of transfer. It is merely an empiricalobservation that the energy and helicity cascade to the smaller scales in athree-dimensional turbulent flow. Many systems, however, show bidirectionalsplit energy transfer, e.g., flows under strong rotation and stratification, inthin layers or under external magnetic field. The appearance of inverse energyflux in such systems are often considered as a result of enhancement ofquasi-2D Fourier interactions in a 3D background. We designed a model system[1] where the triadic interactions in Navier-Stokes equations are enhanced orsuppressed in a controlled manner without affecting the degrees of freedom,ideal invariants or breaking any of the symmetries of NSE. In our numericalsimulations that uses the tool of helical decomposition of velocity Fouriermodes, we introduced a parameter (0 ≤ λ ≤ 1) that controls therelative weight among homochiral triads and all the others in the nonlinearevolution. We show that by using this weighting protocol the turbulentevolution displays a sharp transition, for a critical value of the controlparameter, from forward to backward energy transfer but still keeping thedynamics fully three dimensional, isotropic, and parity invariant. [1] G Sahoo, A Alexakis and L Biferale, Phys. Rev. Lett. 118, 164501 (2017).

Decreasing the roughage:concentrate ratio of a diet to determine the critical roughage part for beef cattle.

PubMed

De Campeneere, S; Fiems, L O; De Boever, J L; Vanacker, J M; De Brabander, D L

2002-02-01

The critical roughage part (CRP) of 2 diet types was determined in a cross-over design with 6 double-muscled and 6 normally conformed Belgian Blue bulls fitted with rumen cannulae. The roughage:concentrate ratio was lowered weekly until signs of a lack of physical structure were observed. For diet 1, consisting of maize silage and concentrates, the initial proportion of maize silage was 25% of DM but it decreased weekly with 5% units of DM. For the second diet, consisting of wheat straw and concentrate, 12% straw (DM basis) was provided during the first week and thereafter the proportion of straw decreased weekly with 3% units of DM. Several directly observable parameters (rumen pH, feed intake, bloat, faecal consistency) were evaluated weekly for each bull. Apart from these direct indicators of acidosis, also other parameters, whose results were only available after the end of the trial, were determined (volatile fatty acid profile, lactic acid concentration, chewing time). The roughage part between the part fed when signs of a lack of physical structure was first observed and the part that was fed the week before, was considered as the CRP. Most animals showed no acute signs of clinical acidosis (directly observable parameters) and finished the trial on a 100% concentrate diet. However, in sacco rumen DM-degradabilities of maize silage, grass silage and wheat grain was depressed considerably when low roughage diets were fed. Based on all observed parameters, the mean CRP was calculated to be 14.7% for diet 1 and 8.1% for diet 2. The beef type (double-muscled or not) had no influence on the CRP.

Contribution of Field Strength Gradients to the Net Vertical Current of Active Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vemareddy, P.

2017-12-01

We examined the contribution of field strength gradients for the degree of net vertical current (NVC) neutralization in active regions (ARs). We used photospheric vector magnetic field observations of AR 11158 obtained by Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board SDO and Hinode. The vertical component of the electric current is decomposed into twist and shear terms. The NVC exhibits systematic evolution owing to the presence of the sheared polarity inversion line between rotating and shearing magnetic regions. We found that the sign of shear current distribution is opposite in dominant pixels (60%–65%) to that of twist current distribution, and its time profile bears no systematic trend. This result indicates that the gradient of magnetic field strength contributes to an opposite signed, though smaller in magnitude, current to that contributed by the magnetic field direction in the vertical component of the current. Consequently, the net value of the shear current is negative in both polarity regions, which when added to the net twist current reduces the direct current value in the north (B z > 0) polarity, resulting in a higher degree of NVC neutralization. We conjecture that the observed opposite signs of shear and twist currents are an indication, according to Parker, that the direct volume currents of flux tubes are canceled by their return currents, which are contributed by field strength gradients. Furthermore, with the increase of spatial resolution, we found higher values of twist, shear current distributions. However, the resolution effect is more useful in resolving the field strength gradients, and therefore suggests more contribution from shear current for the degree of NVC neutralization.

[The Intentions Affecting the Medical Decision-Making Behavior of Surrogate Decision Makers of Critically Ill Patients and Related Factors].

PubMed

Su, Szu-Huei; Wu, Li-Min

2018-04-01

The severity of diseases and high mortality rates that typify the intensive care unit often make it difficult for surrogate decision makers to make decisions for critically ill patients regarding whether to continue medical treatments or to accept palliative care. To explore the behavioral intentions that underlie the medical decisions of surrogate decision makers of critically ill patients and the related factors. A cross-sectional, correlation study design was used. A total of 193 surrogate decision makers from six ICUs in a medical center in southern Taiwan were enrolled as participants. Three structured questionnaires were used, including a demographic datasheet, the Family Relationship Scale, and the Behavioral Intention of Medical Decisions Scale. Significantly positive correlations were found between the behavioral intentions underlying medical decisions and the following variables: the relationship of the participant to the patient (Eta = .343, p = .020), the age of the patient (r = .295, p < .01), and whether the patient had signed a currently valid advance healthcare directive (Eta = .223, p = .002). Furthermore, a significantly negative correlation was found between these intentions and length of stay in the ICU (r = -.263, p < .01). Patient age, whether the patient had signed a currently valid advance healthcare directive, and length of stay in the ICU were all predictive factors for the behavioral intentions underlying the medical decisions of the surrogate decision makers, explaining 13.9% of the total variance. In assessing the behavioral intentions underlying the medical decisions of surrogate decision makers, health providers should consider the relationship between critical patients and their surrogate decision makers, patient age, the length of ICU stay, and whether the patient has a pre-signed advance healthcare directive in order to maximize the effectiveness of medical care provided to critically ill patients.

Characteristics of a foot-and-mouth disease virus with a partial VP1 G-H loop deletion in experimentally infected cattle.

PubMed

Fowler, Veronica; Bashiruddin, John B; Belsham, Graham J; Stenfeldt, Carolina; Bøtner, Anette; Knowles, Nick J; Bankowski, Bartlomiej; Parida, Satya; Barnett, Paul

2014-02-21

Previous work in cattle illustrated the protective efficacy and negative marker potential of a A serotype foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) vaccine prepared from a virus lacking a significant portion of the VP1 G-H loop (termed A(-)). Since this deletion also includes the arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) motif required for virus attachment to the host cell in vivo, it was hypothesised that this virus would be attentuated in naturally susceptible animals. The A(-) virus was passaged three times in cattle via needle inoculation of virus suspension delivered into the intradermal space of the tongue (intradermolingual: IDL). Included in the study were three direct contact cattle, two of which were used for the third cattle passage (by inoculation) after direct contact exposure for three days. Cattle were monitored for clinical signs and samples were collected for sequencing as well as antibody and viral genome detection by ELISA and qRT-PCR. Following needle inoculation with the A(-) virus, naïve cattle developed typical clinical signs of FMDV infection, diagnostic assays also provided positive serological and virological results. However, the contact cattle did not develop clinical signs or generate serological or virological markers indicative of FMDV infection even when the cattle were subsequently needle inoculated with 10(5) TCID50 A(-) FMDV delivered IDL following three days of direct contact exposure. The results suggest that the A(-) virus is not attentuated in cattle when inoculated IDL. This virus could be useful as a tool to understand further the natural pathogenesis, receptor usage and internalisation pathways of FMDV. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transfusion reaction identification and management at the bedside.

PubMed

Crookston, Kendall P; Koenig, Sara C; Reyes, Michael D

2015-01-01

Blood product transfusion is one of the most common invasive procedures performed in the health care setting. In contrast to pharmaceuticals, blood is actually a liquid transplant. Transfusion complications consequently encompass complex biological processes and infectious possibilities. Changes in vital signs are regularly seen during transfusion. Knowledge of common transfusion reaction signs and symptoms enables the clinical team to differentiate a normal patient response from a life-threatening reaction. Direct care nurses responsible for this procedure play a vital role in its success. Understanding the possible complications of transfusion and how to quickly recognize reactions at the bedside helps ensure the best patient outcomes.

Flexible processing and the design of grammar.

PubMed

Sag, Ivan A; Wasow, Thomas

2015-02-01

We explore the consequences of letting the incremental and integrative nature of language processing inform the design of competence grammar. What emerges is a view of grammar as a system of local monotonic constraints that provide a direct characterization of the signs (the form-meaning correspondences) of a given language. This "sign-based" conception of grammar has provided precise solutions to the key problems long thought to motivate movement-based analyses, has supported three decades of computational research developing large-scale grammar implementations, and is now beginning to play a role in computational psycholinguistics research that explores the use of underspecification in the incremental computation of partial meanings.

Trichinosis in a dog.

PubMed

Rice, L; Frongillo, M K; Randolph, J F

1990-08-15

Trichinella spiralis infection was identified by direct fecal examination as the cause of gastrointestinal disease in a dog. The source of infection was believed to be a woodchuck. Management included supportive care and benzimidazole treatment. Vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and myalgia are the main signs of trichinosis, but routine fecal examination seldom reveals T spiralis in natural infections. Mebendazole is the recommended anthelmintic and should be used to eliminate intestinal larvae and prevent muscle invasion. Although the prevalence of trichinosis is decreasing in swine, wild mammals may still be a potential source for dogs and cats. Nevertheless, because of the nonspecific clinical signs of trichinosis, many cases probably go undiagnosed.

Noise considerations for remote detection of life signs with microwave Doppler radar.

PubMed

Nguyen, Dung; Yamada, Shuhei; Park, Byung-Kwon; Lubecke, Victor; Boric-Lubecke, Olga; Host-Madsen, Anders

2007-01-01

This paper describes and quantifies three main sources of baseband noise affecting physiological signals in a direct conversion microwave Doppler radar for life signs detection. They are thermal noise, residual phase noise, and Flicker noise. In order to increase the SNR of physiological signals at baseband, the noise floor, in which the Flicker noise is the most dominant factor, needs to be minimized. This paper shows that with the consideration of the noise factor in our Doppler radar, Flicker noise canceling techniques may drastically reduce the power requirement for heart rate signal detection by as much as a factor of 100.

On thermal edge effects in composite laminates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herakovich, C. T.

1976-01-01

Results are presented for a finite-element investigation of the combined influence of edge effects due to mechanical and thermal mismatch in composite laminates with free edges. Laminates of unidirectional boron/epoxy symmetrically bonded to sheets of aluminum and titanium were studied. It is shown that interlaminar thermal stresses may be more significant than the interlaminar stresses due to loading only. In addition, the stresses due to thermal mismatch may be of the same sign as those due to Poisson's mismatch or they may be of opposite sign depending upon material properties, stacking sequence, and direction of loading. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of thermal stresses in all-composite laminates.

Regeneration of Airy pulses in fiber-optic links with dispersion management of the two leading dispersion terms of opposite signs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Driben, R.; Meier, T.

2014-04-01

Dispersion management of periodically alternating fiber sections with opposite signs of two leading dispersion terms is applied for the regeneration of self-accelerating truncated Airy pulses. It is demonstrated that for such a dispersion management scheme, the direction of the acceleration of the pulse is reversed twice within each period. In this scheme the system features light hot spots in the center of each fiber section, where the energy of the light pulse is tightly focused in a short temporal slot. Comprehensive numerical studies demonstrate a long-lasting propagation also under the influence of a strong fiber Kerr nonlinearity.

Presidential Space Policy Directs NASA to Return Humans to Moon

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-11

President Donald Trump signed a new Space Policy Directive-1 at the White House on Monday, Dec. 11, directing NASA’s human spaceflight program back to the Moon, as recommended by the National Space Council.    The directive calls for NASA to lead an innovative and sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the solar system, and to bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities for human advancement. This effort will more effectively organize government, private industry, and international efforts toward returning humans on the Moon, and will lay the foundation that will eventually enable human exploration of Mars.

Thinking of a maladaptive occlusion as an orthopedic cumulative trauma disorder.

PubMed

Brown, Christopher E; Infante, Luis

2015-01-01

The authors review the possible connection between a dental malocclusion and a temporal mandibular disorder (TMD). The authors have reflected on several patient case histories to remind us that there may be instances when a simple case of dental malocclusion could be blamed for instigating the signs and symptoms of TMD. The common denominator for this discussion is the situation of joint pain, dysfunction and/or myalgia. Patient-reported signs and symptoms, along with treatment results and progress notes were evaluated. The onset of TMD signs could be traced to an altered dental occlusion, which, upon maximum closure drives the mandible in a posterior direction, forcing the condylar head to now impinge upon retrodiscal tissue and the resultant muscle reflex protective response. Correction for the dentally induced malocclusion obviated the symptoms of TMD with patient-reported improved health. When a patient presents with signs consistent with those of a TMD, the clinician should include a review of recently placed dental restorations or occlusal equilibration to assess the patient's adaptive occlusion. Overlooking this quick evaluation on the exam checklist may lead to the clinician missing a simple treatment modality to address a TMD.

Fetal midgut volvulus: report of eight cases.

PubMed

Sciarrone, A; Teruzzi, E; Pertusio, A; Bastonero, S; Errante, G; Todros, T; Viora, E

2016-01-01

To evaluate whether prenatal diagnosis of intestinal midgut volvulus (a rare condition due to the small bowel loops twisting) can improve the prognosis of the newborns. In our Prenatal Diagnosis Center, eight cases of intestinal volvulus observed between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively considered. Ultrasonographic signs can be direct and specific (whirlpool sign, coffee bean sign) or indirect and non-specific (abdominal mass, dilated bowel loops, pseudocysts, ascites, polyhydramnios). Prenatal diagnosis was performed at 20-34 weeks of gestation. All newborns were exposed to an emergency surgery: the major complication was due to cystic fibrosis. An early suspicion of intestinal volvulus allows the clinician to refer the patient to a tertiary center so to confirm the diagnosis and perform an appropriate follow-up in order to identify the proper time of delivery. The prognosis of the babies with prenatal intestinal volvulus depends on the length of the segment involved, on the level of intestinal obstruction, on the presence of meconium peritonitis and on the gestational age at birth. Our experience, according with the literature, suggests that ascites and absence of abdominal peristalsis are ultrasonographic signs that, in the third trimester of pregnancy, correctly lead to an immediate delivery intervention.

Golden probe of electroweak symmetry breaking

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

Chen, Yi; Lykken, Joe; Spiropulu, Maria

The ratio of the Higgs couplings tomore » $WW$ and $ZZ$ pairs, $$\\lambda_{WZ}$$, is a fundamental parameter in electroweak symmetry breaking as well as a measure of the (approximate) custodial symmetry possessed by the gauge boson mass matrix. We show that Higgs decays to four leptons are sensitive, via tree level/1-loop interference effects, to both the magnitude and, in particular, overall sign of $$\\lambda_{WZ}$$. Determining this sign requires interference effects, as it is nearly impossible to measure with rate information. Furthermore, simply determining the sign effectively establishes the custodial representation of the Higgs boson. We find that $$h\\to4\\ell$$ ($$4\\ell \\equiv 2e2\\mu, 4e, 4\\mu$$) decays have excellent prospects of directly establishing the overall sign at a high luminosity 13 TeV LHC. We also examine the ultimate LHC sensitivity in $$h\\to4\\ell$$ to the magnitude of $$\\lambda_{WZ}$$. Our results are independent of other measurements of the Higgs boson couplings and, in particular, largely free of assumptions about the top quark Yukawa couplings which also enter at 1-loop. Furthermore, this makes $$h\\to4\\ell$$ a unique and independent probe of the electroweak symmetry breaking mechanism and custodial symmetry.« less

Golden probe of electroweak symmetry breaking

DOE PAGES

Chen, Yi; Lykken, Joe; Spiropulu, Maria; ...

2016-12-09

The ratio of the Higgs couplings tomore » $WW$ and $ZZ$ pairs, $$\\lambda_{WZ}$$, is a fundamental parameter in electroweak symmetry breaking as well as a measure of the (approximate) custodial symmetry possessed by the gauge boson mass matrix. We show that Higgs decays to four leptons are sensitive, via tree level/1-loop interference effects, to both the magnitude and, in particular, overall sign of $$\\lambda_{WZ}$$. Determining this sign requires interference effects, as it is nearly impossible to measure with rate information. Furthermore, simply determining the sign effectively establishes the custodial representation of the Higgs boson. We find that $$h\\to4\\ell$$ ($$4\\ell \\equiv 2e2\\mu, 4e, 4\\mu$$) decays have excellent prospects of directly establishing the overall sign at a high luminosity 13 TeV LHC. We also examine the ultimate LHC sensitivity in $$h\\to4\\ell$$ to the magnitude of $$\\lambda_{WZ}$$. Our results are independent of other measurements of the Higgs boson couplings and, in particular, largely free of assumptions about the top quark Yukawa couplings which also enter at 1-loop. Furthermore, this makes $$h\\to4\\ell$$ a unique and independent probe of the electroweak symmetry breaking mechanism and custodial symmetry.« less

Spinal accessory nerve injury: A potentially missed cause of a painful, droopy shoulder.

PubMed

Macaluso, Steven; Ross, Douglas C; Doherty, Timothy J; Doherty, Christopher D; Miller, Thomas A

2016-11-21

Spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury can be an overlooked cause of scapular winging and shoulder dysfunction. The most common etiology is iatrogenic injury following surgical procedures at the posterior triangle of the neck. We present three cases of isolated injury to the SAN following trauma. To improve detection of SAN injuries through highlighting the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment via three cases in which the injuries were initially missed. Clinical case series and narrative review. Three (3) patients were evaluated by history, physical exam and electrodiagnostic study (EMG). Clinical symptoms included, a painful, droopy shoulder and difficulties with overhead activities. Clinical signs included the observation of scapular winging, and focal atrophy of the trapezius and in some cases the sternocleidomastoid (SCM). Novel clinical signs such as the active elevation lag sign and triangle sign were also helpful clinically to highlight the SAN as the site of pathology. EMG revealed denervation and reduced motor unit recruitment in the trapezius and SCM. Early detection of SAN injuries can be improved through appropriate clinical suspicion, a detailed history and careful physical exam. EMG testing can help guide prognosis, direct conservative and surgical treatment, and reduce patient morbidity.

Medications and Adverse Voice Effects.

PubMed

Nemr, Kátia; Di Carlos Silva, Ariana; Rodrigues, Danilo de Albuquerque; Zenari, Marcia Simões

2017-08-16

To identify the medications used by patients with dysphonia, describe the voice symptoms reported on initial speech-language pathology (SLP) examination, evaluate the possible direct and indirect effects of medications on voice production, and determine the association between direct and indirect adverse voice effects and self-reported voice symptoms, hydration and smoking habits, comorbidities, vocal assessment, and type and degree of dysphonia. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Fifty-five patients were evaluated and the vocal signs and symptoms indicated in the Dysphonia Risk Protocol were considered, as well as data on hydration, smoking and medication use. We analyzed the associations between type of side effect and self-reported vocal signs/symptoms, hydration, smoking, comorbidities, type of dysphonia, and auditory-perceptual and acoustic parameters. Sixty percent were women, the mean age was 51.8 years, 29 symptoms were reported on the screening, and 73 active ingredients were identified with 8.2% directly and 91.8% indirectly affecting vocal function. There were associations between the use of drugs with direct adverse voice effects, self-reported symptoms, general degree of vocal deviation, and pitch deviation. The symptoms of dry throat and shortness of breath were associated with the direct vocal side effect of the medicine, as well as the general degree of vocal deviation and the greater pitch deviation. Shortness of breath when speaking was also associated with the greatest degree of vocal deviation. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Genetics Home Reference: UNC80 deficiency

MedlinePlus

... absent, although in some cases individuals have limited communication using body language, gestures, and signs. Seizures, involuntary side-to-side movements of the eyes (nystagmus), eyes that do not point in the same direction (strabismus), and a high-pitched cry can also occur in this disorder. ...

23 CFR 750.155 - State standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 23 Highways 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false State standards. 750.155 Section 750.155 Highways FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RIGHT-OF-WAY AND ENVIRONMENT HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION National Standards for Directional and Official Signs § 750.155 State standards. This part does...

Semiotics, Edusemiotics and the Culture of Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deely, John; Semetsky, Inna

2017-01-01

Semiotics is the study of signs addressing their action, usage, communication and signification (meaning). Edusemiotics--educational semiotics--is a recently developed direction in educational theory that takes semiotics as its foundational philosophy and explores the philosophical specifics of semiotics in educational contexts. As a novel…

75 FR 79990 - Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Model BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-21

... service information. We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in...--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C... inspect for deformation of shape and signs of concavity the elevator tip assemblies (top and bottom...

Cranial tibial thrust: a primary force in the canine stifle.

PubMed

Slocum, B; Devine, T

1983-08-15

A cranially directed force identified within the canine stifle joint was termed cranial tibial thrust. It was generated during weight bearing by tibial compression, of which the tarsal tendon of the biceps femoris is a major contributor, and by the slope of the tibial plateau, found to have a mean cranially directed inclination of 22.6 degrees. This force may be an important factor in cranial cruciate ligament rupture and in generation of cranial drawer sign.

Potential role for microfluctuations as a temporal directional cue to accommodation

PubMed Central

Metlapally, Sangeetha; Tong, Jianliang L.; Tahir, Humza J.; Schor, Clifton M.

2016-01-01

The goal was to revisit an important, yet unproven notion that accommodative microfluctuations facilitate the determination of direction (sign) of abrupt focus changes in the stimulus to accommodation. We contaminated the potential temporal cues from natural accommodative microfluctuations by presenting uncorrelated external (screen) temporal defocus noise that combined with the retinal image effects of natural microfluctuations. A polychromatic Maltese spoke pattern thus either modulated defocus at a combination of two temporal frequencies (on-screen noise condition) or was static (control condition). The on-screen conditions were combined with step changes in optical vergence that were randomized in direction and magnitude. Five subjects monocularly viewed stimuli through a Badal optical system in a Maxwellian view. An artificial 4-mm aperture was imaged at the entrance pupil of the eye. Wavefront aberrations were measured dynamically at 50 Hz using a custom Shack–Hartmann aberrometer. Dynamic changes in the Zernike defocus term with step changes in optical vergence were analyzed. We calculated the percentage of correct directional responses for 1, 2, and 3 D accommodative and disaccommodative step stimuli using preset criteria for latency, velocity, and persistence of the response. The on-screen noise condition reduced the percent-correct responses compared to the static stimulus, suggesting that this manipulation affected the detectability of the sign of the accommodative stimulus. Several possible reasons and implications of this result are discussed. PMID:27120075

21 CFR 1306.11 - Requirement of prescription.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... FR 16307, Mar. 31, 2010. (a) A pharmacist may dispense directly a controlled substance listed in... written, signed prescription is presented to the pharmacist for review prior to the actual dispensing of....10 of this title, a pharmacist may dispense a controlled substance listed in Schedule II upon...

15 CFR 265.16 - Parking.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... GOVERNING TRAFFIC AND CONDUCT ON THE GROUNDS OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS & TECHNOLOGY... Parking. No person, unless otherwise authorized by a posted traffic sign or directed by a uniformed guard, shall stand or park a motor vehicle: (a) On a sidewalk; (b) Within an intersection or within a crosswalk...

15 CFR 265.16 - Parking.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... GOVERNING TRAFFIC AND CONDUCT ON THE GROUNDS OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS & TECHNOLOGY... Parking. No person, unless otherwise authorized by a posted traffic sign or directed by a uniformed guard, shall stand or park a motor vehicle: (a) On a sidewalk; (b) Within an intersection or within a crosswalk...

21 CFR 110.37 - Sanitary facilities and controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... food-packaging materials, or for employee sanitary facilities. (b) Plumbing. Plumbing shall be of... understandable signs directing employees handling unproteced food, unprotected food-packaging materials, of food... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Sanitary facilities and controls. 110.37 Section...

29 CFR 1917.122 - Employee exits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Employee exits. 1917.122 Section 1917.122 Labor Regulations...) MARINE TERMINALS Terminal Facilities § 1917.122 Employee exits. (a) Employee exits shall be clearly marked. (b) If an employee exit is not visible from employees' work stations, directional signs...

36 CFR 504.13 - Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... times and shall comply with the signals and directions of the guards and all posted traffic signs. (b... traffic. 504.13 Section 504.13 Parks, Forests, and Public Property SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS § 504.13 Vehicular and pedestrian traffic...

32 CFR 634.24 - Traffic planning and codes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... use of primary and secondary roads. Circulation planning should be a major part of all long-range... using planned direction, including measures for special events and adverse road or weather conditions... or wardens, including trained school-crossing guards. (4) Use of traffic control signs and devices...

32 CFR 634.24 - Traffic planning and codes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... and most efficient use of primary and secondary roads. Circulation planning should be a major part of... control of traffic using planned direction, including measures for special events and adverse road or... traffic directors or wardens, including trained school-crossing guards. (4) Use of traffic control signs...

32 CFR 634.24 - Traffic planning and codes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... use of primary and secondary roads. Circulation planning should be a major part of all long-range... using planned direction, including measures for special events and adverse road or weather conditions... or wardens, including trained school-crossing guards. (4) Use of traffic control signs and devices...

32 CFR 634.24 - Traffic planning and codes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... and most efficient use of primary and secondary roads. Circulation planning should be a major part of... control of traffic using planned direction, including measures for special events and adverse road or... traffic directors or wardens, including trained school-crossing guards. (4) Use of traffic control signs...

76 FR 19719 - Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000 Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-08

... fretting corrosion; a detailed inspection of the actuator mounting bracket and shock struts for damage, cracks, and signs of corrosion; and doing corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions include removing corrosion, replacing affected bolts with new bolts, tightening loose nuts, repairing, and...

Signs of the Times

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Villano, Matt

2009-01-01

There's no question that in airports, train stations, and student unions alike, digital signage solutions have become efficient and effective ways of communicating important information directly to broad bases of users. The solutions are affordable; they're eco-friendly; and they're growing in popularity every year. Still, particularly in the…

The effects of ambient music on simulated anaesthesia monitoring.

PubMed

Sanderson, P M; Tosh, N; Philp, S; Rudie, J; Watson, M O; Russell, W J

2005-11-01

We examined the effect of no music, classical music or rock music on simulated patient monitoring. Twenty-four non-anaesthetist participants with high or low levels of musical training were trained to monitor visual and auditory displays of patients' vital signs. In nine anaesthesia test scenarios, participants were asked every 50-70 s whether one of five vital signs was abnormal and the trend of its direction. Abnormality judgements were unaffected by music or musical training. Trend judgements were more accurate when music was playing (p = 0.0004). Musical participants reported trends more accurately (p = 0.004), and non-musical participants tended to benefit more from music than did the musical participants (p = 0.063). Music may provide a pitch and rhythm standard from which participants can judge changes in vital signs from auditory displays. Nonetheless, both groups reported that it was easier to monitor the patient with no music (p = 0.0001), and easier to rely upon the auditory displays with no music (p = 0.014).

Comparison between cerebrospinal fluid and serum lactate concentrations in neurologic dogs with and without structural intracranial disease.

PubMed

Benedicenti, Leontine; Gianotti, Giacomo; Galban, Evelyn M

2018-04-01

The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid lactate and serum concentrations in dogs with clinical signs of central nervous system disease and to establish if cerebrospinal fluid lactate (CSF) concentrations are higher in dogs with structural intracranial disease (Group Pos-MRI) compared to dogs that have clinical signs of intracranial disease but no structural brain disease (Group Neg-MRI) based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Using a prospective study canine blood and cerebrospinal fluid were collected in 24 dogs with neurological signs after undergoing brain MRI. Dogs were divided in 2 groups. No significant difference between serum lactate (1.57 ± 0.9 mmol/L) and CSF lactate concentration (1.34 ± 0.3 mmol/L) was detected. There was a direct correlation between CSF and serum lactate concentration ( R = 0.731; P = 0.01). No significant difference was found in CSF lactate concentration between the 2 groups of dogs ( P = 0.13).

Wearable Spiral Passive Electromagnetic Sensor (SPES) glove for sign language recognition of alphabet letters and numbers: a preliminary study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iervolino, Onorio; Meo, Michele

2017-04-01

Sign language is a method of communication for deaf-mute people with articulated gestures and postures of hands and fingers to represent alphabet letters or complete words. Recognizing gestures is a difficult task, due to intrapersonal and interpersonal variations in performing them. This paper investigates the use of Spiral Passive Electromagnetic Sensor (SPES) as a motion recognition tool. An instrumented glove integrated with wearable multi-SPES sensors was developed to encode data and provide a unique response for each hand gesture. The device can be used for recognition of gestures; motion control and well-defined gesture sets such as sign languages. Each specific gesture was associated to a unique sensor response. The gloves encode data regarding the gesture directly in the frequency spectrum response of the SPES. The absence of chip or complex electronic circuit make the gloves light and comfortable to wear. Results showed encouraging data to use SPES in wearable applications.

Diagnostic accuracy of CTA and MRI/MRA in the evaluation of the cortical venous reflux in the intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula DAVF.

PubMed

Lin, Yen-Heng; Wang, Yu-Fen; Liu, Hon-Man; Lee, Chung-Wei; Chen, Ya-Fang; Hsieh, Hong-Jen

2018-01-01

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance imaging/angiography (MRI/MRA) are used for the diagnosis of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of CTA and magnetic resonance imaging/angiography (MRI/MRA) for detection of cortical venous reflux (CVR) in intracranial DAVFs. The records of patients with angiography-confirmed intracranial DAVFs who also received CTA and MRI/MRA from January 2008 to July 2016 were reviewed. CTA and MRI/MRA were reviewed for signs of CVR, and the diagnostic accuracy of individual signs was evaluated by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. A total 108 patients were included in this study. CTA signs of CVR included abnormal dilatation, early enhancement, and the presence of a medullary or pial vein. MRI/MRA signs of CVR included abnormal dilatation, early enhancement, flow-related enhancement, flow void, and medullary or pial venous collaterals. The sensitivity of individual CTA signs ranged from 62 to 96%, and specificities from 79 to 94%. The sensitivities of individual MRI/MRA signs ranged from 58 to 83%, and specificities from 77 to 93%. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of CTA and MRI/MRA were 0.91 and 0.87, respectively (P = 0.04 in direct comparison). In subgroup analysis, CTA had better diagnostic accuracy for higher grade disease (P = 0.05) and non-aggressive manifestation (P = 0.04). Both CTA and MRI/MRA have good diagnostic accuracy for detection of CVR in patients with intracranial DAVFs. There is modest evidence that CTA is better than MRI/MRA.

COLLIMATION AND SCATTERING OF THE ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEUS EMISSION IN THE SOMBRERO GALAXY

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

Menezes, R. B.; Steiner, J. E.; Ricci, T. V., E-mail: robertobm@astro.iag.usp.br

2013-03-10

We present an analysis of a data cube of the central region of M104, the Sombrero galaxy, obtained with the GMOS-IFU of the Gemini-South telescope, and report the discovery of collimation and scattering of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) emission in the circumnuclear region of this galaxy. Analysis with PCA Tomography and spectral synthesis revealed the existence of collimation and scattering of the AGN featureless continuum and also of a broad component of the H{alpha} emission line. The collimation and scattering of this broad H{alpha} component was also revealed by fitting the [N II] {lambda}{lambda}6548, 6583 and H{alpha} emission linesmore » as a sum of Gaussian functions. The spectral synthesis, together with a V-I image obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope, showed the existence of circumnuclear dust, which may cause the light scattering. We also identify a dusty feature that may be interpreted as a torus/disk structure. The existence of two opposite regions with featureless continuum (P.A. = -18 Degree-Sign {+-} 13 Degree-Sign and P.A. = 162 Degree-Sign {+-} 13 Degree-Sign ) along a direction perpendicular to the torus/disk (P.A. = 72 Degree-Sign {+-} 14 Degree-Sign ) suggests that this structure is approximately edge-on and collimates the AGN emission. The edge-on torus/disk also hides the broad-line region. The proposed scenario is compatible with the unified model and explains why only a weak broad component of the H{alpha} emission line is visible and also why many previous studies detected no broad H{alpha}. The technique used here proved to be an efficient method not only for detecting scattered light, but also for testing the unified model in low-luminosity AGNs.« less

The body and the fading away of abstract concepts and words: a sign language analysis

PubMed Central

Borghi, Anna M.; Capirci, Olga; Gianfreda, Gabriele; Volterra, Virginia

2014-01-01

One of the most important challenges for embodied and grounded theories of cognition concerns the representation of abstract concepts, such as “freedom.” Many embodied theories of abstract concepts have been proposed. Some proposals stress the similarities between concrete and abstract concepts showing that they are both grounded in perception and action system while other emphasize their difference favoring a multiple representation view. An influential view proposes that abstract concepts are mapped to concrete ones through metaphors. Furthermore, some theories underline the fact that abstract concepts are grounded in specific contents, as situations, introspective states, emotions. These approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive, since it is possible that they can account for different subsets of abstract concepts and words. One novel and fruitful way to understand the way in which abstract concepts are represented is to analyze how sign languages encode concepts into signs. In the present paper we will discuss these theoretical issues mostly relying on examples taken from Italian Sign Language (LIS, Lingua dei Segni Italiana), the visual-gestural language used within the Italian Deaf community. We will verify whether and to what extent LIS signs provide evidence favoring the different theories of abstract concepts. In analyzing signs we will distinguish between direct forms of involvement of the body and forms in which concepts are grounded differently, for example relying on linguistic experience. In dealing with the LIS evidence, we will consider the possibility that different abstract concepts are represented using different levels of embodiment. The collected evidence will help us to discuss whether a unitary embodied theory of abstract concepts is possible or whether the different theoretical proposals can account for different aspects of their representation. PMID:25120515

BLUE-protocol and FALLS-protocol: two applications of lung ultrasound in the critically ill.

PubMed

Lichtenstein, Daniel A

2015-06-01

This review article describes two protocols adapted from lung ultrasound: the bedside lung ultrasound in emergency (BLUE)-protocol for the immediate diagnosis of acute respiratory failure and the fluid administration limited by lung sonography (FALLS)-protocol for the management of acute circulatory failure. These applications require the mastery of 10 signs indicating normal lung surface (bat sign, lung sliding, A-lines), pleural effusions (quad and sinusoid sign), lung consolidations (fractal and tissue-like sign), interstitial syndrome (lung rockets), and pneumothorax (stratosphere sign and the lung point). These signs have been assessed in adults, with diagnostic accuracies ranging from 90% to 100%, allowing consideration of ultrasound as a reasonable bedside gold standard. In the BLUE-protocol, profiles have been designed for the main diseases (pneumonia, congestive heart failure, COPD, asthma, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax), with an accuracy > 90%. In the FALLS-protocol, the change from A-lines to lung rockets appears at a threshold of 18 mm Hg of pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, providing a direct biomarker of clinical volemia. The FALLS-protocol sequentially rules out obstructive, then cardiogenic, then hypovolemic shock for expediting the diagnosis of distributive (usually septic) shock. These applications can be done using simple grayscale machines and one microconvex probe suitable for the whole body. Lung ultrasound is a multifaceted tool also useful for decreasing radiation doses (of interest in neonates where the lung signatures are similar to those in adults), from ARDS to trauma management, and from ICUs to points of care. If done in suitable centers, training is the least of the limitations for making use of this kind of visual medicine.

Survey of immune-related, mannose/fucose-binding C-type lectin receptors reveals widely divergent sugar-binding specificities

PubMed Central

Lee, Reiko T; Hsu, Tsui-Ling; Huang, Shau Ku; Hsieh, Shie-Liang; Wong, Chi-Huey; Lee, Yuan C

2011-01-01

C-type lectins (CTLs) are proteins that contain one or more carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) that require calcium for sugar binding and share high degree of sequence homology and tertiary structure. CTLs whose CRD contain EPN (Glu-Pro-Asn) tripeptide motifs have potential to bind mannose (Man), N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), glucose (Glc) and l-fucose (Fuc), whereas those with QPD (Glu-Pro-Asp) tripeptide motifs bind galactose (Gal) and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). We report here for the first time a direct comparison of monosaccharide (and some di- and trisaccharides)-binding characteristics of 11 EPX-containing (X = N, S or D) immune-related CTLs using a competition assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and neoglycoproteins as ligand. The EPX CTLs studied are DC-SIGN, L-SIGN, mSIGNR1, human and mouse mannose receptors, Langerin, BDCA-2, DCIR, dectin-2, MCL and MINCLE. We found that: (1) they all bound Man and Fuc; (2) binding of Glc and GlcNAc varied considerably among these lectins, but was always less than Man and Fuc; (3) in general, Gal and GalNAc were not bound. However, dectin-2, DCIR and MINCLE showed ability to bind Gal/GalNAc; (4) DC-SIGN, L-SIGN, mSIGNR1 and Langerin showed enhanced binding of Manα2Man over Man, whereas all others showed no enhancement; (5) DC-SIGN bound Lex trisaccharide structure, which has terminal Gal and Fuc residues, more avidly than Fuc, whereas L-SIGN, mSIGNR1, DCIR and MINCLE bound Lex less avidly than Fuc. BDCA-2, dectin-2, Langerin, MCL and mannose receptor did not bind Lex at all. PMID:21112966

Survey of immune-related, mannose/fucose-binding C-type lectin receptors reveals widely divergent sugar-binding specificities.

PubMed

Lee, Reiko T; Hsu, Tsui-Ling; Huang, Shau Ku; Hsieh, Shie-Liang; Wong, Chi-Huey; Lee, Yuan C

2011-04-01

C-type lectins (CTLs) are proteins that contain one or more carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) that require calcium for sugar binding and share high degree of sequence homology and tertiary structure. CTLs whose CRD contain EPN (Glu-Pro-Asn) tripeptide motifs have potential to bind mannose (Man), N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), glucose (Glc) and l-fucose (Fuc), whereas those with QPD (Glu-Pro-Asp) tripeptide motifs bind galactose (Gal) and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). We report here for the first time a direct comparison of monosaccharide (and some di- and trisaccharides)-binding characteristics of 11 EPX-containing (X = N, S or D) immune-related CTLs using a competition assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and neoglycoproteins as ligand. The EPX CTLs studied are DC-SIGN, L-SIGN, mSIGNR1, human and mouse mannose receptors, Langerin, BDCA-2, DCIR, dectin-2, MCL and MINCLE. We found that: (1) they all bound Man and Fuc; (2) binding of Glc and GlcNAc varied considerably among these lectins, but was always less than Man and Fuc; (3) in general, Gal and GalNAc were not bound. However, dectin-2, DCIR and MINCLE showed ability to bind Gal/GalNAc; (4) DC-SIGN, L-SIGN, mSIGNR1 and Langerin showed enhanced binding of Manα2Man over Man, whereas all others showed no enhancement; (5) DC-SIGN bound Le(x) trisaccharide structure, which has terminal Gal and Fuc residues, more avidly than Fuc, whereas L-SIGN, mSIGNR1, DCIR and MINCLE bound Le(x) less avidly than Fuc. BDCA-2, dectin-2, Langerin, MCL and mannose receptor did not bind Le(x) at all.

Evolutionary biosemiotics and multilevel construction networks.

PubMed

Sharov, Alexei A

2016-12-01

In contrast to the traditional relational semiotics, biosemiotics decisively deviates towards dynamical aspects of signs at the evolutionary and developmental time scales. The analysis of sign dynamics requires constructivism (in a broad sense) to explain how new components such as subagents, sensors, effectors, and interpretation networks are produced by developing and evolving organisms. Semiotic networks that include signs, tools, and subagents are multilevel, and this feature supports the plasticity, robustness, and evolvability of organisms. The origin of life is described here as the emergence of simple self-constructing semiotic networks that progressively increased the diversity of their components and relations. Primitive organisms have no capacity to classify and track objects; thus, we need to admit the existence of proto-signs that directly regulate activities of agents without being associated with objects. However, object recognition and handling became possible in eukaryotic species with the development of extensive rewritable epigenetic memory as well as sensorial and effector capacities. Semiotic networks are based on sequential and recursive construction, where each step produces components (i.e., agents, scaffolds, signs, and resources) that are needed for the following steps of construction. Construction is not limited to repair and reproduction of what already exists or is unambiguously encoded, it also includes production of new components and behaviors via learning and evolution. A special case is the emergence of new levels of organization known as metasystem transition . Multilevel semiotic networks reshape the phenotype of organisms by combining a mosaic of features developed via learning and evolution of cooperating and/or conflicting subagents.

Evolutionary biosemiotics and multilevel construction networks

PubMed Central

Sharov, Alexei A.

2016-01-01

In contrast to the traditional relational semiotics, biosemiotics decisively deviates towards dynamical aspects of signs at the evolutionary and developmental time scales. The analysis of sign dynamics requires constructivism (in a broad sense) to explain how new components such as subagents, sensors, effectors, and interpretation networks are produced by developing and evolving organisms. Semiotic networks that include signs, tools, and subagents are multilevel, and this feature supports the plasticity, robustness, and evolvability of organisms. The origin of life is described here as the emergence of simple self-constructing semiotic networks that progressively increased the diversity of their components and relations. Primitive organisms have no capacity to classify and track objects; thus, we need to admit the existence of proto-signs that directly regulate activities of agents without being associated with objects. However, object recognition and handling became possible in eukaryotic species with the development of extensive rewritable epigenetic memory as well as sensorial and effector capacities. Semiotic networks are based on sequential and recursive construction, where each step produces components (i.e., agents, scaffolds, signs, and resources) that are needed for the following steps of construction. Construction is not limited to repair and reproduction of what already exists or is unambiguously encoded, it also includes production of new components and behaviors via learning and evolution. A special case is the emergence of new levels of organization known as metasystem transition. Multilevel semiotic networks reshape the phenotype of organisms by combining a mosaic of features developed via learning and evolution of cooperating and/or conflicting subagents. PMID:28163801

Effects of prospective-user factors and sign design features on guessability of pharmaceutical pictograms.

PubMed

Chan, Alan H S; Chan, Ken W L

2013-02-01

To examine the associations between the guessing performance of 25 pharmaceutical pictograms and five sign features for naïve participants. The effect of prospective-user factors on guessing performance was also investigated. A total of 160 Hong Kong Chinese people, drawn largely from a young student population, guessed the meanings of 25 pharmaceutical pictograms that were generally not familiar to them. Participants then completed a questionnaire about their drug buying and drug label reading habits, and their demographics and medication history. Finally they rated five features (familiarity, concreteness, complexity, meaningfulness, and semantic distance) of the pharmaceutical pictograms using 0-100 scales. For all pharmaceutical pictograms, mean and standard deviation of guessability score were 64.8 and 17.1, respectively. Prospective-user factors of 'occupation', 'age' and 'education level' significantly affected guessing performance. For sign features, semantic closeness was the best predictor of guessability score, followed by simplicity, concreteness, meaningfulness and familiarity. User characteristics and sign features are critical for pharmaceutical pictograms. To be effective, pharmaceutical pictograms should have obvious and direct connections with familiar things and it is recommended that pharmaceutical pictograms should be designed with consideration of the five sign features investigated here. This study provides useful information and recommendations to assist interface designers to create and evaluate icons for pharmaceutical products and to design more user-friendly pharmaceutical pictograms. However, further work is needed to see how older people respond to such pharmaceutical pictograms. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Depinning of an anisotropic interface in random media: The tilt effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goh, K.-I.; Jeong, H.; Kahng, B.; Kim, D.

2000-08-01

We study the tilt dependence of the pinning-depinning transition for an interface described by the anisotropic quenched Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation in 2+1 dimensions, where the two signs of the nonlinear terms are different from each other. When the substrate is tilted by m along the positive sign direction, the critical force Fc(m) depends on m as Fc(m)-Fc(0)~-\\|m\\|1.9(1). The interface velocity v near the critical force follows the scaling form v~\\|f\\|θΨ+/-(m2/\\|f\\|θ+φ) with θ=0.9(1) and φ=0.2(1), where f≡F-Fc(0) and F is the driving force.

The origin of Woltman's sign of myxoedema.

PubMed

Burkholder, David B; Klaas, James P; Kumar, Neeraj; Boes, Christopher J

2013-09-01

Woltman's sign of myxoedema, named after Henry Woltman in 1956, is the delayed relaxation phase of the muscle stretch reflex in patients with myxoedema. Although a change in these reflexes was mentioned as being clinically evident possibly as early as the 1870s, no formal description was published until 1924 when William Calvert Chaney objectively quantified the change. Woltman was involved in training Chaney, and it has been proposed that he guided Chaney's study of these reflexes. Despite the attachment of Woltman's name to the eponym, little evidence exists that directly links him to the first objective study of the muscle stretch reflex in myxoedema performed by Chaney. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

30 CFR 48.6 - Experienced miner training.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... mine; the check-in and checkout system in effect at the mine; the procedures for riding on and in mine... communication systems, warning signals, and directional signs. (5) Mine map; escapeways; emergency evacuation... escapeway system; the escape, firefighting, and emergency evacuation plans in effect at the mine; and the...

30 CFR 48.8 - Annual refresher training of miners; minimum courses of instruction; hours of instruction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... controls and communication systems. The course shall include instruction on the procedures for riding on... the use of the mine communication systems, warning signals, and directional signs. (3) Barricading... environment. (8) Self-rescue and respiratory devices. The course shall include instruction and demonstration...

30 CFR 48.8 - Annual refresher training of miners; minimum courses of instruction; hours of instruction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... controls and communication systems. The course shall include instruction on the procedures for riding on... the use of the mine communication systems, warning signals, and directional signs. (3) Barricading... environment. (8) Self-rescue and respiratory devices. The course shall include instruction and demonstration...

30 CFR 48.6 - Experienced miner training.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... mine; the check-in and checkout system in effect at the mine; the procedures for riding on and in mine... communication systems, warning signals, and directional signs. (5) Mine map; escapeways; emergency evacuation... escapeway system; the escape, firefighting, and emergency evacuation plans in effect at the mine; and the...

30 CFR 48.8 - Annual refresher training of miners; minimum courses of instruction; hours of instruction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... controls and communication systems. The course shall include instruction on the procedures for riding on... the use of the mine communication systems, warning signals, and directional signs. (3) Barricading... environment. (8) Self-rescue and respiratory devices. The course shall include instruction and demonstration...

30 CFR 48.8 - Annual refresher training of miners; minimum courses of instruction; hours of instruction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... controls and communication systems. The course shall include instruction on the procedures for riding on... the use of the mine communication systems, warning signals, and directional signs. (3) Barricading... environment. (8) Self-rescue and respiratory devices. The course shall include instruction and demonstration...

Signing and pavement marking for concurrent-flow high-occupancy-vehicle lanes : summary of current practice

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

Concurrent-flow lanes account for more than half of existing high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) mileage in the United States. Traffic on this type of HOV lane operates in the same direction as the adjacent traffic, typically in the far-left lane. Limited n...

21 CFR 524.1044e - Gentamicin sulfate spray.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... chapter. (c) Conditions of use. (1) The drug is indicated for the treatment of pink eye in cattle... inches from the affected eye, with the opening directed towards the eye, and pumped once. It is advisable... eye and infectious keratoconjunctivitis caused by Moraxella bovis may produce similar signs. If...

21 CFR 524.1044e - Gentamicin sulfate spray.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... chapter. (c) Conditions of use. (1) The drug is indicated for the treatment of pink eye in cattle... inches from the affected eye, with the opening directed towards the eye, and pumped once. It is advisable... eye and infectious keratoconjunctivitis caused by Moraxella bovis may produce similar signs. If...

23 CFR 750.704 - Statutory requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 23 Highways 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Statutory requirements. 750.704 Section 750.704 Highways... BEAUTIFICATION Outdoor Advertising Control § 750.704 Statutory requirements. (a) 23 U.S.C. 131 provides that... Secretary in subpart B, part 750, chapter I, 23 CFR, National Standards for Directional and Official Signs...

Flexible Processing and the Design of Grammar

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sag, Ivan A.; Wasow, Thomas

2015-01-01

We explore the consequences of letting the incremental and integrative nature of language processing inform the design of competence grammar. What emerges is a view of grammar as a system of local monotonic constraints that provide a direct characterization of the signs (the form-meaning correspondences) of a given language. This…

7 CFR 3550.58 - Ownership requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... AGRICULTURE DIRECT SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING LOANS AND GRANTS Section 502 Origination § 3550.58 Ownership... will be required to sign the mortgage. When one or more of the co-owners are not legally competent (and... executing the mortgage. (e) Possessory rights. Acceptable forms of ownership include possessory rights on an...

32 CFR 263.10 - Parking.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... VEHICLE CONTROL ON CERTAIN DEFENSE MAPPING AGENCY SITES § 263.10 Parking. (a) No person, unless otherwise authorized by a posted traffic sign or directed by a uniformed guard, shall stand or park a motor vehicle: (1) On a sidewalk, lawn, plants or shrubs. (2) Within an intersection or within a crosswalk. (3) Within...

32 CFR 263.10 - Parking.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... VEHICLE CONTROL ON CERTAIN DEFENSE MAPPING AGENCY SITES § 263.10 Parking. (a) No person, unless otherwise authorized by a posted traffic sign or directed by a uniformed guard, shall stand or park a motor vehicle: (1) On a sidewalk, lawn, plants or shrubs. (2) Within an intersection or within a crosswalk. (3) Within...

What Pupils Can Learn from Working with Robotic Direct Manipulation Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slangen, Lou; van Keulen, Hanno; Gravemeijer, Koeno

2011-01-01

This study investigates what pupils aged 10-12 can learn from working with robots, assuming that understanding robotics is a sign of technological literacy. We conducted cognitive and conceptual analysis to develop a frame of reference for determining pupils' understanding of robotics. Four perspectives were distinguished with increasing…

7 CFR 766.54 - Borrower application requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... eight months from the date the natural disaster was designated. (2) All borrowers must sign the DSA..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SPECIAL PROGRAMS DIRECT LOAN SERVICING-SPECIAL Disaster Set-Aside § 766.54 Borrower... expense records for the production cycle in which the disaster occurred unless the Agency already has this...

7 CFR 766.54 - Borrower application requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... eight months from the date the natural disaster was designated. (2) All borrowers must sign the DSA..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SPECIAL PROGRAMS DIRECT LOAN SERVICING-SPECIAL Disaster Set-Aside § 766.54 Borrower... expense records for the production cycle in which the disaster occurred unless the Agency already has this...

7 CFR 766.54 - Borrower application requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... eight months from the date the natural disaster was designated. (2) All borrowers must sign the DSA..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SPECIAL PROGRAMS DIRECT LOAN SERVICING-SPECIAL Disaster Set-Aside § 766.54 Borrower... expense records for the production cycle in which the disaster occurred unless the Agency already has this...

7 CFR 766.54 - Borrower application requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... eight months from the date the natural disaster was designated. (2) All borrowers must sign the DSA..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SPECIAL PROGRAMS DIRECT LOAN SERVICING-SPECIAL Disaster Set-Aside § 766.54 Borrower... expense records for the production cycle in which the disaster occurred unless the Agency already has this...

7 CFR 766.54 - Borrower application requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... eight months from the date the natural disaster was designated. (2) All borrowers must sign the DSA..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SPECIAL PROGRAMS DIRECT LOAN SERVICING-SPECIAL Disaster Set-Aside § 766.54 Borrower... expense records for the production cycle in which the disaster occurred unless the Agency already has this...

46 CFR 386.21 - Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... direction of posted signs or marked traffic areas, including yellow curbs. Vehicles parked in violation of... vehicle at the owner's risk and expense. The Superintendent may issue and post other specific traffic... 46 Shipping 8 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 386.21 Section 386.21...

75 FR 12493 - Task Force on Childhood Obesity: Request for Information

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-16

... Force on Childhood Obesity: Request for Information AGENCY: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S.... SUMMARY: Across the country, childhood obesity has reached epidemic rates. On February 9, 2010, President Obama signed a Presidential Memo establishing a Task Force on Childhood Obesity that directs Federal...

Direct and Collateral Effects of the First Step to Success Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sprague, Jeffrey; Perkins, Kindle

2009-01-01

First Step to Success is a multicomponent behavioral program for at-risk children who show signs of antisocial behavior at the point of school entry. The program incorporates behavioral intervention techniques, including praise and feedback, positive reinforcement, social skills training, teacher and parent collaboration, and time-out/response…

75 FR 20567 - Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-20

... specify overfishing level and acceptable biological (ABC) for Atlantic mackerel and butterfish for 2011..., butterfish, Loligo and Illex; and (2) review stock assessment information and specify overfishing level and... for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to M. Jan Saunders at the...

29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit-required confined spaces.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... danger posed by the permit spaces. Note: A sign reading “DANGER—PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT... tested, with a calibrated direct-reading instrument, for oxygen content, for flammable gases and vapors... dependent and will not provide reliable readings in an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Combustible gasses are...

7 CFR 4280.114 - Laws that contain other compliance requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program Section A. Grants § 4280.114 Laws that... of this title. Initial reviews will be conducted after Form RD 400-4 is signed and all subsequent... practicable after they decide to pursue any form of financial assistance directly or indirectly available...

12 CFR Supplement I to Part 1030 - Official Interpretations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... Advertisements include commercial messages in visual, oral, or print media that invite, offer, or otherwise... defined in 12 CFR 1005.2(j)), such as an account that receives direct deposit of social security payments... inaccurate advertisements, even though the disclosures applicable to various media differ. 2. Indoor signs...

12 CFR Supplement I to Part 1030 - Official Interpretations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... Advertisements include commercial messages in visual, oral, or print media that invite, offer, or otherwise... defined in 12 CFR 1005.2(j)), such as an account that receives direct deposit of social security payments... inaccurate advertisements, even though the disclosures applicable to various media differ. 2. Indoor signs...

12 CFR Supplement I to Part 1030 - Official Interpretations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... Advertisements include commercial messages in visual, oral, or print media that invite, offer, or otherwise... defined in 12 CFR 1005.2(j)), such as an account that receives direct deposit of social security payments... inaccurate advertisements, even though the disclosures applicable to various media differ. 2. Indoor signs...

47 CFR 80.320 - Radiotelephone distress call and message transmission procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... by its call sign or name, to permit direction-finding stations to determine its position. This... 47 Telecommunication 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Radiotelephone distress call and message... Procedures Distress, Alarm, Urgency and Safety Procedures § 80.320 Radiotelephone distress call and message...

Great Expectations: Understanding the New Title I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manasevit, Leigh M.; Cowan, Kristen Tosh

On October 20, 1994, President Clinton signed into law the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994. This statute contains amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, including the reauthorization of Chapter 1, as the newly entitled Title I. The reauthorized Title I drastically restructures the direction of former remedial…

75 FR 77570 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF6 Series Turbofan Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-13

... electronically. Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE...-2251. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tomasz Rakowski, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office... signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's...

76 FR 41665 - Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000 Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-15

... a detailed inspection of the bolts for uniform or fretting corrosion; a detailed inspection of the actuator mounting bracket and shock struts for damage, cracks, and signs of corrosion; and doing corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions include removing corrosion, replacing affected bolts with new...

21 CFR 524.1044e - Gentamicin sulfate spray.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... chapter. (c) Conditions of use. (1) The drug is indicated for the treatment of pink eye in cattle... inches from the affected eye, with the opening directed towards the eye, and pumped once. It is advisable... eye and infectious keratoconjunctivitis caused by Moraxella bovis may produce similar signs. If...

21 CFR 524.1044e - Gentamicin sulfate spray.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... chapter. (c) Conditions of use. (1) The drug is indicated for the treatment of pink eye in cattle... inches from the affected eye, with the opening directed towards the eye, and pumped once. It is advisable... eye and infectious keratoconjunctivitis caused by Moraxella bovis may produce similar signs. If...

Cerebral venous thrombosis: state of the art diagnosis and management.

PubMed

Dmytriw, Adam A; Song, Jin Soo A; Yu, Eugene; Poon, Colin S

2018-05-11

This review article aims to discuss the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and neuroimaging of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Different approaches for diagnosis of CVT, including CT/CTV, MRI/MRV, and US will be discussed and the reader will become acquainted with imaging findings as well as limitations of each modality. Lastly, this exhibit will review the standard of care for CVT treatment and emerging endovascular options. A literature search using PubMed and the MEDLINE subengine was completed using the terms "cerebral venous thrombosis," "stroke," and "imaging." Studies reporting on the workup, imaging characteristics, clinical history, and management of patients with CVT were included. The presentation of CVT is often non-specific and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. Signs of CVT on NECT can be divided into indirect signs (edema, parenchymal hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and rarely subdural hematomas) and less commonly direct signs (visualization of dense thrombus within a vein or within the cerebral venous sinuses). Confirmation is performed with CTV, directly demonstrating the thrombus as a filling defect, or MRI/MRV, which also provides superior characterization of parenchymal abnormalities. General pitfalls and anatomic variants will also be discussed. Lastly, endovascular management options including thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy are discussed. CVT is a relatively uncommon phenomenon and frequently overlooked at initial presentation. Familiarity with imaging features and diagnostic work-up of CVT will help in providing timely diagnosis and therapy which can significantly improve outcome and diminish the risk of acute and long-term complications, optimizing patient care.

High prevalence of turkey parvovirus in turkey flocks from Hungary experiencing enteric disease syndromes.

PubMed

Palade, Elena Alina; Demeter, Zoltán; Hornyák, Akos; Nemes, Csaba; Kisary, János; Rusvai, Miklós

2011-09-01

Samples collected in 2008 and 2009, from 49 turkey flocks of 6 to 43 days in age and presenting clinical signs of enteric disease and high mortality, were tested by polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for the presence of viruses currently associated with enteric disease (ED) syndromes: astrovirus, reovirus, rotavirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, and parvovirus. Turkey astroviruses were found in 83.67% of the cases and turkey astrovirus 2 (TAst-2) in 26.53%. The investigations directly demonstrated the high prevalence of turkey parvovirus (TuPV) in 23 flocks (46.9%) experiencing signs of ED, making this pathogen the second most identified after astroviruses. Phylogenetic analysis on a 527 base pair-long region from the NS1 gene revealed two main clusters, a chicken parvovirus (ChPV) and a TuPV group, but also the presence of a divergent branch of tentatively named "TuPV-like ChPV" strains. The 23 Hungarian TuPV strains were separately positioned in two groups from the American origin sequences in the TuPV cluster. An Avail-based restriction fragment length polymorphism assay has also been developed for the quick differentiation of TuPV, ChPV, and divergent TuPV-like ChPV strains. As most detected enteric viruses have been directly demonstrated in healthy turkey flocks as well, the epidemiology of this disease complex remains unclear, suggesting that a certain combination of pathogens, environmental factors, or both are necessary for the development of clinical signs.

GIANT GROUND LEVEL ENHANCEMENT OF RELATIVISTIC SOLAR PROTONS ON 2005 JANUARY 20. I. SPACESHIP EARTH OBSERVATIONS

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

Bieber, J. W.; Clem, J.; Evenson, P.

A ground level enhancement (GLE) is a solar event that accelerates ions (mostly protons) to GeV range energies in such great numbers that ground-based detectors, such as neutron monitors, observe their showers in Earth's atmosphere above the Galactic cosmic ray background. GLEs are of practical interest because an enhanced relativistic ion flux poses a hazard to astronauts, air crews, and aircraft electronics, and provides the earliest direct indication of an impending space radiation storm. The giant GLE of 2005 January 20 was the second largest on record (and largest since 1956), with up to 4200% count rate enhancement at seamore » level. We analyzed data from the Spaceship Earth network, supplemented to comprise 13 polar neutron monitor stations with distinct asymptotic viewing directions and Polar Bare neutron counters at South Pole, to determine the time evolution of the relativistic proton density, energy spectrum, and three-dimensional directional distribution. We identify two energy-dispersive peaks, indicating two solar injections. The relativistic solar protons were initially strongly beamed, with a peak maximum-to-minimum anisotropy ratio over 1000:1. The directional distribution is characterized by an axis of symmetry, determined independently for each minute of data, whose angle from the magnetic field slowly varied from about 60 Degree-Sign to low values and then rose to about 90 Degree-Sign . The extremely high relativistic proton flux from certain directions allowed 10 s tracking of count rates, revealing fluctuations of period {approx}> 2 minutes with up to 50% fractional changes, which we attribute to fluctuations in the axis of symmetry.« less

Lung ultrasound in the critically ill.

PubMed

Lichtenstein, Daniel A

2014-01-09

Lung ultrasound is a basic application of critical ultrasound, defined as a loop associating urgent diagnoses with immediate therapeutic decisions. It requires the mastery of ten signs: the bat sign (pleural line), lung sliding (yielding seashore sign), the A-line (horizontal artifact), the quad sign, and sinusoid sign indicating pleural effusion, the fractal, and tissue-like sign indicating lung consolidation, the B-line, and lung rockets indicating interstitial syndrome, abolished lung sliding with the stratosphere sign suggesting pneumothorax, and the lung point indicating pneumothorax. Two more signs, the lung pulse and the dynamic air bronchogram, are used to distinguish atelectasis from pneumonia. All of these disorders were assessed using CT as the "gold standard" with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 90% to 100%, allowing ultrasound to be considered as a reasonable bedside "gold standard" in the critically ill. The BLUE-protocol is a fast protocol (<3 minutes), which allows diagnosis of acute respiratory failure. It includes a venous analysis done in appropriate cases. Pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pneumothorax yield specific profiles. Pulmonary edema, e.g., yields anterior lung rockets associated with lung sliding, making the "B-profile." The FALLS-protocol adapts the BLUE-protocol to acute circulatory failure. It makes sequential search for obstructive, cardiogenic, hypovolemic, and distributive shock using simple real-time echocardiography (right ventricle dilatation, pericardial effusion), then lung ultrasound for assessing a direct parameter of clinical volemia: the apparition of B-lines, schematically, is considered as the endpoint for fluid therapy. Other aims of lung ultrasound are decreasing medical irradiation: the LUCIFLR program (most CTs in ARDS or trauma can be postponed), a use in traumatology, intensive care unit, neonates (the signs are the same than in adults), many disciplines (pulmonology, cardiology…), austere countries, and a help in any procedure (thoracentesis). A 1992, cost-effective gray-scale unit, without Doppler, and a microconvex probe are efficient. Lung ultrasound is a holistic discipline for many reasons (e.g., one probe, perfect for the lung, is able to scan the whole-body). Its integration can provide a new definition of priorities. The BLUE-protocol and FALLS-protocol allow simplification of expert echocardiography, a clear advantage when correct cardiac windows are missing.

Lung ultrasound in the critically ill

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Lung ultrasound is a basic application of critical ultrasound, defined as a loop associating urgent diagnoses with immediate therapeutic decisions. It requires the mastery of ten signs: the bat sign (pleural line), lung sliding (yielding seashore sign), the A-line (horizontal artifact), the quad sign, and sinusoid sign indicating pleural effusion, the fractal, and tissue-like sign indicating lung consolidation, the B-line, and lung rockets indicating interstitial syndrome, abolished lung sliding with the stratosphere sign suggesting pneumothorax, and the lung point indicating pneumothorax. Two more signs, the lung pulse and the dynamic air bronchogram, are used to distinguish atelectasis from pneumonia. All of these disorders were assessed using CT as the “gold standard” with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 90% to 100%, allowing ultrasound to be considered as a reasonable bedside “gold standard” in the critically ill. The BLUE-protocol is a fast protocol (<3 minutes), which allows diagnosis of acute respiratory failure. It includes a venous analysis done in appropriate cases. Pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pneumothorax yield specific profiles. Pulmonary edema, e.g., yields anterior lung rockets associated with lung sliding, making the “B-profile.” The FALLS-protocol adapts the BLUE-protocol to acute circulatory failure. It makes sequential search for obstructive, cardiogenic, hypovolemic, and distributive shock using simple real-time echocardiography (right ventricle dilatation, pericardial effusion), then lung ultrasound for assessing a direct parameter of clinical volemia: the apparition of B-lines, schematically, is considered as the endpoint for fluid therapy. Other aims of lung ultrasound are decreasing medical irradiation: the LUCIFLR program (most CTs in ARDS or trauma can be postponed), a use in traumatology, intensive care unit, neonates (the signs are the same than in adults), many disciplines (pulmonology, cardiology…), austere countries, and a help in any procedure (thoracentesis). A 1992, cost-effective gray-scale unit, without Doppler, and a microconvex probe are efficient. Lung ultrasound is a holistic discipline for many reasons (e.g., one probe, perfect for the lung, is able to scan the whole-body). Its integration can provide a new definition of priorities. The BLUE-protocol and FALLS-protocol allow simplification of expert echocardiography, a clear advantage when correct cardiac windows are missing. PMID:24401163

Evolution of natural agents: preservation, advance, and emergence of functional information.

PubMed

Sharov, Alexei A

2016-04-01

Biological evolution is often viewed narrowly as a change of morphology or allele frequency in a sequence of generations. Here I pursue an alternative informational concept of evolution, as preservation, advance, and emergence of functional information in natural agents. Functional information is a network of signs (e.g., memory, transient messengers, and external signs) that are used by agents to preserve and regulate their functions. Functional information is preserved in evolution via complex interplay of copying and construction processes: the digital components are copied, whereas interpreting subagents together with scaffolds, tools, and resources, are constructed. Some of these processes are simple and invariant, whereas others are complex and contextual. Advance of functional information includes improvement and modification of already existing functions. Although the genome information may change passively and randomly, the interpretation is active and guided by the logic of agent behavior and embryonic development. Emergence of new functions is based on the reinterpretation of already existing information, when old tools, resources, and control algorithms are adopted for novel functions. Evolution of functional information progressed from protosemiosis, where signs correspond directly to actions, to eusemiosis, where agents associate signs with objects. Language is the most advanced form of eusemiosis, where the knowledge of objects and models is communicated between agents.

Evolution of natural agents: preservation, advance, and emergence of functional information

PubMed Central

Sharov, Alexei A.

2016-01-01

Biological evolution is often viewed narrowly as a change of morphology or allele frequency in a sequence of generations. Here I pursue an alternative informational concept of evolution, as preservation, advance, and emergence of functional information in natural agents. Functional information is a network of signs (e.g., memory, transient messengers, and external signs) that are used by agents to preserve and regulate their functions. Functional information is preserved in evolution via complex interplay of copying and construction processes: the digital components are copied, whereas interpreting subagents together with scaffolds, tools, and resources, are constructed. Some of these processes are simple and invariant, whereas others are complex and contextual. Advance of functional information includes improvement and modification of already existing functions. Although the genome information may change passively and randomly, the interpretation is active and guided by the logic of agent behavior and embryonic development. Emergence of new functions is based on the reinterpretation of already existing information, when old tools, resources, and control algorithms are adopted for novel functions. Evolution of functional information progressed from protosemiosis, where signs correspond directly to actions, to eusemiosis, where agents associate signs with objects. Language is the most advanced form of eusemiosis, where the knowledge of objects and models is communicated between agents. PMID:27525048

Microglia ablation alleviates myelin-associated catatonic signs in mice

PubMed Central

Janova, Hana; Arinrad, Sahab; Balmuth, Evan; Mitjans, Marina; Bittner, Robert A.; Pan, Hong; Goebbels, Sandra; Begemann, Martin; Gerwig, Ulrike C.; Langner, Sönke; Werner, Hauke B.; Davatzikos, Christos; Völzke, Henry; West, Brian L.; Reif, Andreas; Grabe, Hans Jörgen; Nave, Klaus-Armin

2017-01-01

The underlying cellular mechanisms of catatonia, an executive “psychomotor” syndrome that is observed across neuropsychiatric diseases, have remained obscure. In humans and mice, reduced expression of the structural myelin protein CNP is associated with catatonic signs in an age-dependent manner, pointing to the involvement of myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. Here, we showed that the underlying cause of catatonic signs is the low-grade inflammation of white matter tracts, which marks a final common pathway in Cnp-deficient and other mutant mice with minor myelin abnormalities. The inhibitor of CSF1 receptor kinase signaling PLX5622 depleted microglia and alleviated the catatonic symptoms of Cnp mutants. Thus, microglia and low-grade inflammation of myelinated tracts emerged as the trigger of a previously unexplained mental condition. We observed a very high (25%) prevalence of individuals with catatonic signs in a deeply phenotyped schizophrenia sample (n = 1095). Additionally, we found the loss-of-function allele of a myelin-specific gene (CNP rs2070106-AA) associated with catatonia in 2 independent schizophrenia cohorts and also associated with white matter hyperintensities in a general population sample. Since the catatonic syndrome is likely a surrogate marker for other executive function defects, we suggest that microglia-directed therapies may be considered in psychiatric disorders associated with myelin abnormalities. PMID:29252214

Identification of modes of fracture in a 2618-T6 aluminum alloy using stereophotogrammetry

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

Salas Zamarripa, A., E-mail: a.salaszamarripa@gmail.com; Pinna, C.; Brown, M.W.

2011-12-15

The identification and the development of a quantification technique of the modes of fracture in fatigue fracture surfaces of a 2618-T6 aluminum alloy were developed during this research. Fatigue tests at room and high temperature (230 Degree-Sign C) were carried out to be able to compare the microscopic fractographic features developed by this material under these testing conditions. The overall observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surfaces showed a mixture of transgranular and ductile intergranular fracture. The ductile intergranular fracture contribution appears to be more significant at room temperature than at 230 Degree-Sign C. A quantitative methodologymore » was developed to identify and to measure the contribution of these microscopic fractographic features. The technique consisted of a combination of stereophotogrammetry and image analysis. Stereo-pairs were randomly taken along the crack paths and were then analyzed using the profile module of MeX software. The analysis involved the 3-D surface reconstruction, the trace of primary profile lines in both vertical and horizontal directions within the stereo-pair area, the measurements of the contribution of the modes of fracture in each profile, and finally, the calculation of the average contribution in each stereo-pair. The technique results confirmed a higher contribution of ductile intergranular fracture at room temperature than at 230 Degree-Sign C. Moreover, there was no indication of a direct relationship between this contribution and the strain amplitudes range applied during the fatigue testing. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Stereophotogrammetry and image analysis as a measuring tool of modes of fracture in fatigue fracture surfaces. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A mixture of ductile intergranular and transgranular fracture was identified at room temperature and 230 Degree-Sign C testing. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Development of a quantitative methodology to obtain the percentage of modes of fracture within the fracture surface.« less

Effectiveness of combined macular buckle under direct vision and vitrectomy with ILM peeling in refractory macular hole retinal detachment with extreme high axial myopia: a 24-month comparative study.

PubMed

Ma, Jin; Li, Honghui; Ding, Xiaohu; Tanumiharjo, Silvia; Lu, Lin

2017-10-01

To evaluate the efficacy of a combined macular buckle under direct vision and 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in refractory macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) with extreme high axial myopia. Prospective, randomised controlled study. The study included 98 eyes of 98 patients of MHRD with extreme high axial (>30 mm) myopia. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo PPV with ILM peeling (group 1, n=52) or PPV with ILM peeling combined with macular buckle under direct vision (group 2, n=46). Complete ocular examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (LogMAR), applanation tonometry, optical biometry, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, colour fundus photography, ultrasound examination and optical coherence tomography at baseline and every follow-up visit. Initial retinal reattachment rate was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 at 12-month postoperatively (χ 2 test, p=0.020). Macular hole closure rate in group 2 was significantly higher than that in group 1 at 3, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively (Fisher's exact test, p<0.05). In initial retinal reattachment cases, the mean BCVA decreased significantly in group 2 than in group 1 at 3 months postoperatively (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test, p=0.036), and had increased significantly in group 2 than in group 1 since 6 months postoperatively (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test, p<0.05). Mean axial lengths in group 2 were significantly shorter than that of group 1 at each follow-up time point (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test, p<0.05). Combined macular buckle under direct vision and PPV with ILM peeling is more effective in treatment of MHRD with extreme high axial (>30 mm) myopia. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Pitfalls of the self-regulation of advertisements directed at children on Mexican television.

PubMed

Théodore, F L; Tolentino-Mayo, L; Hernández-Zenil, E; Bahena, L; Velasco, A; Popkin, B; Rivera, J A; Barquera, S

2017-08-01

There are no academic studies that characterize advertisements directed at children from the companies that signed the self-regulation. The aim of this paper was to assess the extent and nature of food advertisements and the persuasive techniques used to market unhealthy food and beverages (UFB) to children, by signatory companies of self-regulation. From December 2012 to April 2013, 600 h of programming were recorded on the four broadcast public television channels in Mexico with the highest rating nationwide. Marketing aimed at children directly (broadcast on children's programmes or advertisements with a specific appeal to children) or indirectly (aimed at other target audiences with messages or scenes that link children to the product) were considered. About 74.9% (2148) of the total food and beverage advertisements tried to influence children directly and indirectly. Companies, which had signed the self-regulation, focused 92.7% of their advertisements on UFB. Of the total number, 23.9% were aimed at children, 7.1% at adolescents, 12.5% at parents and 56.2% at the general public. Most of these advertisements were broadcast on movies (29.8%), cartoons (18%), soap operas (17.6%), entertainment shows (17.2%) and sports programs (6.4%). Despite the self-regulation of television marketing, children were surrounded by UFB advertisements. Signatory companies influence children indirectly by targeting other audiences and by marketing during family television programs, which are also watched by children. © 2016 World Obesity Federation.

Helicity-Driven Ratchet Effect Enhanced by Plasmons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozhansky, I. V.; Kachorovskii, V. Yu.; Shur, M. S.

2015-06-01

We demonstrate that the ratchet effect—a radiation-induced direct current in periodically modulated structures with built-in asymmetry—is dramatically enhanced in the vicinity of the plasmonic resonances and has a nontrivial polarization dependence. For a circular polarization, the current component, perpendicular to the modulation direction, changes sign with the inversion of the radiation helicity. In the high-mobility structures, this component might increase by several orders of magnitude due to the plasmonic effects and exceed the current component in the modulation direction. Our theory also predicts that in the dirty systems, where the plasma resonances are suppressed, the ratchet current is controlled by the Maxwell relaxation.

78 FR 30258 - Hazardous Materials: Enhanced Enforcement Procedures-Resumption of Transportation

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-22

... 21st Century Act, or the MAP-21, which included the Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety... 6, 2012, the President signed the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, or the MAP-21... This NPRM In MAP-21 Congress directed the Secretary to address certain transportation matters related...

Physiology of motion sickness symptoms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harm, Deborah L.

1990-01-01

Motion sickness research is reviewed with the emphasis placed on theories developed to explain its symptomatology. A general review of central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and neuroendocrine system involvement in the syndrome. Particular attention is given to signs, symptoms, and physiological correlates, methodological issues, and directions for future research based on a dynamic interactive systems model.

6. VIEW DESCENDING THE NORTH STAIRS OF THE HEADWALL, LEADING ...

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

6. VIEW DESCENDING THE NORTH STAIRS OF THE HEADWALL, LEADING FROM THE EAST END OF FORECOURT TERRACE LEVEL TO THE LOWER LEVEL, AND DIRECTLY ONTO THE RADIAL PAVING OF COLORED MARBLE COBBLES ARRANGED TO REPRESENT THE TWELVE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC - Kykuit, 200 Lake Road, Pocantico Hills, Westchester County, NY

23 CFR 750.151 - Purpose.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 23 Highways 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Purpose. 750.151 Section 750.151 Highways FEDERAL... National Standards for Directional and Official Signs § 750.151 Purpose. (a) In section 131 of title 23 U.S... title 23 U.S.C. [38 FR 16044, June 30, 1973, as amended at 40 FR 21934, May 20, 1975] ...

23 CFR 750.503 - Exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 23 Highways 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Exemptions. 750.503 Section 750.503 Highways FEDERAL... (hereinafter called signs) within a defined area from being acquired under the provisions of 23 U.S.C. 131 upon... by 23 U.S.C. 131(o), the State shall establish: (1) Its requirements for the directional content of...

4 CFR 25.13 - Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... OFFICE BUILDING AND ON ITS GROUNDS § 25.13 Vehicular and pedestrian traffic. (a) Drivers of all vehicles... at all times and shall comply with all posted traffic signs and with the signals and directions of... 4 Accounts 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 25.13 Section 25.13...

Report to the Legislature: Child Welfare and Early Learning Partnerships

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Washington State Department of Early Learning, 2015

2015-01-01

House Bill 2519, sponsored by Representative Tana Senn, was passed during the 2014 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee. HB 2519 directs the Department of Early Learning (DEL) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to jointly develop recommendations on methods to "better partner to ensure children…

Time for a Plant Clinostat: Effects of Light and Gravity on Plants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hershey, David R.

2005-01-01

Plant tropisms--their directional movement in response to stimuli--are a fundamental concept in plant science and excite students because they are the observable signs of life in plants. Unfortunately, the precollege teaching literature is full of tropism misconceptions. An inexpensive clock clinostat is invaluable for student gravitropism and…

46 CFR 112.15-1 - Temporary emergency loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... spaces sufficient to allow passengers and crew to find their way to open decks and to survival craft...) Illuminated signs with the word “EXIT” in red letters throughout a passenger vessel so the direction of escape... the area of the water where it is to be launched. (h) Electric communication systems that are...

Masterpieces in the Hallways

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Downs, Philip; Patton-McFarren, Erin

2009-01-01

No matter how many bulletin boards, exit signs, motivational posters, and directional signage in a school, write the authors, there are always wall spaces that cry out for something to cover them. In 2006, when Cedar Canyon Elementary School opened its doors for the first time, the amount of bare wall space was noticeable even after putting up…

75 FR 64681 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company (GE) CF6-45 Series and CF6-50 Series Turbofan...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-20

... follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S... J. Richards, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate... signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's...

78 FR 33197 - Airworthiness Directives; Iniziative Industriali Italiane S.p.A. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-04

... plane hinge assembly. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these... plane hinge assembly have been reported. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to... bearing and the horizontal tail/elevator plane hinge assembly to detect any crack, signs of corrosion or...

Signs of Pretense across Age and Scenario

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lillard, Angeline; Nishida, Tracy; Massaro, Davide; Vaish, Amrisha; Ma, Lili; McRoberts, Gerald

2007-01-01

Participation in imagined worlds is a hallmark of the human species, and yet we know little about the context of its early emergence. The experiments reported here replicated and extended in 2 directions Lillard and Witherington's (2004) study of how mothers pretend to have snacks, across different ages of children (15- to 24-month-olds,…

Studies on oral transmission of Potomac horse fever.

PubMed

Palmer, J E; Benson, C E

1994-01-01

Eight normal ponies placed in direct contact with ponies experimentally infected with Ehrlichia risticii for 30 to 90 days did not develop signs of Potomac horse fever. They also did not seroconvert, and they remained susceptible to IV infection. One of 8 ponies that were force fed fresh feces from infected ponies while in direct contact with ponies experimentally infected with E. risticii developed Potomac horse fever and seroconverted. The other 7 remained asymptomatic, did not seroconvert, and were susceptible to IV infection. Six of 9 ponies inoculated with E. risticii via nasogastric intubation and oral drench developed Potomac horse fever and seroconverted. The other 3 remained asymptomatic and did not seroconvert. One of these latter ponies and 2 normal ponies that were inoculated via oral drench only developed Potomac horse fever and seroconverted. The high fever, maximum clinical score for decreased feed intake, depressed mental attitude, decreased borborygmal sounds, severity of diarrhea, and the length of illness of the orally infected ponies was not significantly different from those of IV infected control ponies, although the signs occurred significantly later (P < .05).

Effect of heavy metal layer thickness on spin-orbit torque and current-induced switching in Hf|CoFeB|MgO structures

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

Akyol, Mustafa; Jiang, Wanjun; Yu, Guoqiang

We study the heavy metal layer thickness dependence of the current-induced spin-orbit torque (SOT) in perpendicularly magnetized Hf broken vertical bar CoFeB broken vertical bar MgO multilayer structures. The damping-like (DL) current-induced SOT is determined by vector anomalous Hall effect measurements. A non-monotonic behavior in the DL-SOT is found as a function of the thickness of the heavy-metal layer. The sign of the DL-SOT changes with increasing the thickness of the Hf layer in the trilayer structure. As a result, in the current-driven magnetization switching, the preferred direction of switching for a given current direction changes when the Hf thicknessmore » is increased above similar to 7 nm. Although there might be a couple of reasons for this unexpected behavior in DL-SOT, such as the roughness in the interfaces and/or impurity based electric potential in the heavy metal, one can deduce a roughness dependence sign reversal in DL-SOT in our trilayer structure.« less

Effect of heavy metal layer thickness on spin-orbit torque and current-induced switching in Hf|CoFeB|MgO structures

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

Akyol, Mustafa; Department of Physics, University of Çukurova, Adana 01330; Jiang, Wanjun

We study the heavy metal layer thickness dependence of the current-induced spin-orbit torque (SOT) in perpendicularly magnetized Hf|CoFeB|MgO multilayer structures. The damping-like (DL) current-induced SOT is determined by vector anomalous Hall effect measurements. A non-monotonic behavior in the DL-SOT is found as a function of the thickness of the heavy-metal layer. The sign of the DL-SOT changes with increasing the thickness of the Hf layer in the trilayer structure. As a result, in the current-driven magnetization switching, the preferred direction of switching for a given current direction changes when the Hf thickness is increased above ∼7 nm. Although there might bemore » a couple of reasons for this unexpected behavior in DL-SOT, such as the roughness in the interfaces and/or impurity based electric potential in the heavy metal, one can deduce a roughness dependence sign reversal in DL-SOT in our trilayer structure.« less

Listening to Our Patients: Learning About Suicide Risk and Protective Factors From Veterans With HIV/AIDS.

PubMed

Signoracci, Gina M; Stearns-Yoder, Kelly A; Holliman, Brooke Dorsey; Huggins, Joseph A; Janoff, Edward N; Brenner, Lisa A

2016-12-01

We sought to gather perspectives of veterans with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) regarding suicide risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors. We also aimed to modify an existing Veterans Health Administration tool, the Suicide Risk Assessment Guide Pocket Card, for HIV/AIDS provider use. Twenty male veterans participated in audio-recorded semistructured interviews that were transcribed and coded for themes. Veterans highlighted personally relevant psychosocial stressors (i.e., poverty, social isolation and loneliness, and physical health). Although the concept of warning signs did not seem salient to participants, they named indicators of elevated imminent risk for self-directed violence (i.e., "relapse," "not take'n medications," and "miss'n appointments") and few protective factors. No themes emerged regarding recommended pocket card changes. This sample of veterans identified self-directed violence risks noted in the general population and others with HIV/AIDS, as well as proximal events associated with increased risk. Care providers are encouraged to explore the relevance of noted imminent and persistent indicators of increased risk with veterans seeking care. © The Author(s) 2015.

Withholding and termination of resuscitation of adult cardiopulmonary arrest secondary to trauma: resource document to the joint NAEMSP-ACSCOT position statements.

PubMed

Millin, Michael G; Galvagno, Samuel M; Khandker, Samiur R; Malki, Alisa; Bulger, Eileen M

2013-09-01

In the setting of traumatic cardiopulmonary arrest, protocols that direct emergency medical service (EMS) providers to withhold or terminate resuscitation, when clinically indicated, have the potential to decrease unnecessary use of warning lights and sirens and save valuable public health resources. Protocols to withhold resuscitation should be based on the determination that there are no obvious signs of life, the injuries are obviously incompatible with life, there is evidence of prolonged arrest, and there is a lack of organized electrocardiographic activity. Termination of resuscitation is indicated when there are no signs of life and no return of spontaneous circulation despite appropriate field EMS treatment that includes minimally interrupted cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation before termination of resuscitation and the proper role of direct medical oversight in termination of resuscitation protocols. This article is the resource document to the position statements, jointly endorsed by the National Association of EMS Physicians and the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma, on withholding and termination of resuscitation in traumatic cardiopulmonary arrest.

Comparing early signs and basic symptoms as methods for predicting psychotic relapse in clinical practice.

PubMed

Eisner, Emily; Drake, Richard; Lobban, Fiona; Bucci, Sandra; Emsley, Richard; Barrowclough, Christine

2018-02-01

Early signs interventions show promise but could be further developed. A recent review suggested that 'basic symptoms' should be added to conventional early signs to improve relapse prediction. This study builds on preliminary evidence that basic symptoms predict relapse and aimed to: 1. examine which phenomena participants report prior to relapse and how they describe them; 2. determine the best way of identifying pre-relapse basic symptoms; 3. assess current practice by comparing self- and casenote-reported pre-relapse experiences. Participants with non-affective psychosis were recruited from UK mental health services. In-depth interviews (n=23), verbal checklists of basic symptoms (n=23) and casenote extracts (n=208) were analysed using directed content analysis and non-parametric statistical tests. Three-quarters of interviewees reported basic symptoms and all reported conventional early signs and 'other' pre-relapse experiences. Interviewees provided rich descriptions of basic symptoms. Verbal checklist interviews asking specifically about basic symptoms identified these experiences more readily than open questions during in-depth interviews. Only 5% of casenotes recorded basic symptoms; interviewees were 16 times more likely to report basic symptoms than their casenotes did. The majority of interviewees self-reported pre-relapse basic symptoms when asked specifically about these experiences but very few casenotes reported these symptoms. Basic symptoms may be potent predictors of relapse that clinicians miss. A self-report measure would aid monitoring of basic symptoms in routine clinical practice and would facilitate a prospective investigation comparing basic symptoms and conventional early signs as predictors of relapse. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reversal of Thermoelectric Current in Tubular Nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erlingsson, Sigurdur I.; Manolescu, Andrei; Nemnes, George Alexandru; Bardarson, Jens H.; Sanchez, David

2017-07-01

We calculate the charge current generated by a temperature bias between the two ends of a tubular nanowire. We show that in the presence of a transversal magnetic field the current can change sign; i.e., electrons can either flow from the hot to the cold reservoir, or in the opposite direction, when the temperature bias increases. This behavior occurs when the magnetic field is sufficiently strong, such that Landau and snaking states are created, and the energy dispersion is nonmonotonic with respect to the longitudinal wave vector. The sign reversal can survive in the presence of impurities. We predict this result for core-shell nanowires, for uniform nanowires with surface states due to the Fermi level pinning, and for topological insulator nanowires.

Developing retinal biomarkers of neurological disease: an analytical perspective

PubMed Central

MacCormick, Ian JC; Czanner, Gabriela; Faragher, Brian

2015-01-01

The inaccessibility of the brain poses a problem for neuroscience. Scientists have traditionally responded by developing biomarkers for brain physiology and disease. The retina is an attractive source of biomarkers since it shares many features with the brain. Some even describe the retina as a ‘window’ to the brain, implying that retinal signs are analogous to brain disease features. However, new analytical methods are needed to show whether or not retinal signs really are equivalent to brain abnormalities, since this requires greater evidence than direct associations between retina and brain. We, therefore propose a new way to think about, and test, how clearly one might see the brain through the retinal window, using cerebral malaria as a case study. PMID:26174843

An outbreak of tuberculosis in Lleyn sheep in the UK associated with clinical signs.

PubMed

van der Burgt, G M; Drummond, F; Crawshaw, T; Morris, S

2013-01-19

This case report describes an outbreak of Mycobacterium bovis infection a Lleyn sheep flock associated with clinical signs of illthrift. There was no known direct contact with tuberculous cattle although bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is endemic in the area. The spoligotype isolated from the diseased sheep was the local spoligotype. The repeated use of the comparative intradermal tuberculin test, and the subsequent removal of reactor animals, resulted in apparent elimination of bTB from the flock. Lesions caused by M bovis in sheep may contain very few acid-fast bacilli, and gross lesions may resemble those found in cases of Caseous Lymphadenitis. Routine meat inspection may, therefore, not always easily detect this notifiable disease.

Classical Hall Effect without Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schade, Nicholas; Tao, Chiao-Yu; Schuster, David; Nagel, Sidney

We show that the sign and density of charge carriers in a material can be obtained without the presence of a magnetic field. This effect, analogous to the classical Hall effect, is due solely to the geometry of the current-carrying wire. When current flows, surface charges along the wire create small electric fields that direct the current to follow the path of the conductor. In a curved wire, the charge carriers must experience a centripetal force, which arises from an electric field perpendicular to the drift velocity. This electric field produces a potential difference between the sides of the wire that depends on the sign and density of the charge carriers. We experimentally investigate circuits made from superconductors or graphene to find evidence for this effect.

Deaf children's non-verbal working memory is impacted by their language experience

PubMed Central

Marshall, Chloë; Jones, Anna; Denmark, Tanya; Mason, Kathryn; Atkinson, Joanna; Botting, Nicola; Morgan, Gary

2015-01-01

Several recent studies have suggested that deaf children perform more poorly on working memory tasks compared to hearing children, but these studies have not been able to determine whether this poorer performance arises directly from deafness itself or from deaf children's reduced language exposure. The issue remains unresolved because findings come mostly from (1) tasks that are verbal as opposed to non-verbal, and (2) involve deaf children who use spoken communication and therefore may have experienced impoverished input and delayed language acquisition. This is in contrast to deaf children who have been exposed to a sign language since birth from Deaf parents (and who therefore have native language-learning opportunities within a normal developmental timeframe for language acquisition). A more direct, and therefore stronger, test of the hypothesis that the type and quality of language exposure impact working memory is to use measures of non-verbal working memory (NVWM) and to compare hearing children with two groups of deaf signing children: those who have had native exposure to a sign language, and those who have experienced delayed acquisition and reduced quality of language input compared to their native-signing peers. In this study we investigated the relationship between NVWM and language in three groups aged 6–11 years: hearing children (n = 28), deaf children who were native users of British Sign Language (BSL; n = 8), and deaf children who used BSL but who were not native signers (n = 19). We administered a battery of non-verbal reasoning, NVWM, and language tasks. We examined whether the groups differed on NVWM scores, and whether scores on language tasks predicted scores on NVWM tasks. For the two executive-loaded NVWM tasks included in our battery, the non-native signers performed less accurately than the native signer and hearing groups (who did not differ from one another). Multiple regression analysis revealed that scores on the vocabulary measure predicted scores on those two executive-loaded NVWM tasks (with age and non-verbal reasoning partialled out). Our results suggest that whatever the language modality—spoken or signed—rich language experience from birth, and the good language skills that result from this early age of acquisition, play a critical role in the development of NVWM and in performance on NVWM tasks. PMID:25999875

Oral Cancer Awareness Among Dental Patients in Omdurman, Sudan: a cross-sectional Study.

PubMed

Babiker, Tasneem Mohammed; Osman, Khansa Awad Alkareem; Mohamed, Safa Abdelrawf; Mohamed, Matab Abdalrhaman; Almahdi, Hatim Mohammed

2017-03-23

Oral cancer is a preventable disease. Its occurrence is mostly due to lifestyle. In Sudan, the use of smokeless tobacco (Toombak) has long been linked to oral cancer. Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer may well aid in early diagnosis and treatment. This is bound to result in increasing survival rates, as well as reducing the oral cancer burden on the society. This study aimed to assess oral cancer awareness regarding knowledge of signs, symptoms, risk factors and sources of the information. Furthermore, it attempts to evaluate attitudes towards oral cancer screening and any previous experience of screening, amongst dental patients attending University of Science and Technology (UST) Dental Teaching Hospital. Omdurman, Sudan. A hospital based cross-sectional study, interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted amongst 500 adult patients attending the UST Dental Hospital during 2015. A total of 57.7% (286) of the individuals demonstrated good knowledge of signs and symptoms, whereas 49% (139) expressed good knowledge of risk factors of oral cancer. For the majority of the individuals 66.1% (290), the most common source of information about oral cancer was from the media, while 33.9% individuals (149), obtained knowledge from direct contact of health workers. The overwhelming majority, 93.2% (466) never screened for oral cancer despite their positive attitude towards it 66.4% (332). Knowledge of risk factors associated significantly with those reported positive attitude towards oral cancer screening and those reported direct contact with health workers as a source of information, (p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, females and those living in urban districts scores higher than their counterpart in knowledge of risk factor of oral cancer. In addition, those employed 58.6% (280) and 62.8% (164) with correct believes about oral cancer showed significant association with positive knowledge of signs and symptoms (p ≤ 0.05). Awareness levels, knowledge of risk factors and identifying early signs and symptoms of oral cancer necessitate the need for more structured preventive programs using media. Dentists and health workers should do more because they have a pivotal role in early diagnosis by performing oral cancer screening, raising levels of knowledge and in rectifying misconceptions about oral cancer. This would entail a reduction in high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with oral cancer.

Controlling chaos-assisted directed transport via quantum resonance.

PubMed

Tan, Jintao; Zou, Mingliang; Luo, Yunrong; Hai, Wenhua

2016-06-01

We report on the first demonstration of chaos-assisted directed transport of a quantum particle held in an amplitude-modulated and tilted optical lattice, through a resonance-induced double-mean displacement relating to the true classically chaotic orbits. The transport velocity is controlled by the driving amplitude and the sign of tilt, and also depends on the phase of the initial state. The chaos-assisted transport feature can be verified experimentally by using a source of single atoms to detect the double-mean displacement one by one, and can be extended to different scientific fields.

Controlling chaos-assisted directed transport via quantum resonance

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

Tan, Jintao; Zou, Mingliang; Luo, Yunrong

2016-06-15

We report on the first demonstration of chaos-assisted directed transport of a quantum particle held in an amplitude-modulated and tilted optical lattice, through a resonance-induced double-mean displacement relating to the true classically chaotic orbits. The transport velocity is controlled by the driving amplitude and the sign of tilt, and also depends on the phase of the initial state. The chaos-assisted transport feature can be verified experimentally by using a source of single atoms to detect the double-mean displacement one by one, and can be extended to different scientific fields.

Securing Digital Images Integrity using Artificial Neural Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajji, Tarik; Itahriouan, Zakaria; Ouazzani Jamil, Mohammed

2018-05-01

Digital image signature is a technique used to protect the image integrity. The application of this technique can serve several areas of imaging applied to smart cities. The objective of this work is to propose two methods to protect digital image integrity. We present a description of two approaches using artificial neural networks (ANN) to digitally sign an image. The first one is “Direct Signature without learning” and the second is “Direct Signature with learning”. This paper presents the theory of proposed approaches and an experimental study to test their effectiveness.

Gate-tunable valley-spin filtering in silicene with magnetic barrier

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

Wu, X. Q., E-mail: xianqiangzhe@126.com; Meng, H.

2015-05-28

We theoretically study the valley- and spin-resolved scattering through magnetic barrier in a one layer thick silicene, using the mode-matching method for the Dirac equation. We show that the spin-valley filtering effect can be achieved and can also be tuned completely through both a top and bottom gate. Moreover, when reversing the sign of the staggered potential, we find the direction of the valley polarization is switched while the direction of spin polarization is unchanged. These results can provide some meaningful information to design valley valve residing on silicene.

Indicators of club management practices and biological measurements of patrons' drug and alcohol use.

PubMed

Byrnes, Hilary F; Miller, Brenda A; Johnson, Mark B; Voas, Robert B

2014-12-01

Electronic music and dance events in nightclubs attract patrons with heavy alcohol/drug use. Public health concerns are raised from risks related to these behaviors. Practices associated with increased risk in these club settings need to be identified. The relationship between club management practices and biological measures of patrons' alcohol/drug use is examined. Observational data from 25 events across six urban clubs were integrated with survey data (N = 738 patrons, 42.8% female) from patrons exiting these events, 2010-2012. Five indicators of club management practices were examined using mixed model regressions: club security, bar crowding, safety signs, serving intoxicated patrons, and isolation. Analyses revealed that serving intoxicated patrons and safety signs were related to substance use. Specifically, serving intoxicated patrons was related to heavy alcohol and drug use at exit, while safety signs were marginally related to less exit drug use. CONCLUSIONS/IMPORTANCE: Findings indicate observable measures in nightclubs provide important indicators for alcohol/drug use, suggesting practices to target. Study strengths include the use of biological measures of substance use on a relatively large scale. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

The emergence of embedded structure: insights from Kafr Qasem Sign Language

PubMed Central

Kastner, Itamar; Meir, Irit; Sandler, Wendy; Dachkovsky, Svetlana

2014-01-01

This paper introduces data from Kafr Qasem Sign Language (KQSL), an as-yet undescribed sign language, and identifies the earliest indications of embedding in this young language. Using semantic and prosodic criteria, we identify predicates that form a constituent with a noun, functionally modifying it. We analyze these structures as instances of embedded predicates, exhibiting what can be regarded as very early stages in the development of subordinate constructions, and argue that these structures may bear directly on questions about the development of embedding and subordination in language in general. Deutscher (2009) argues persuasively that nominalization of a verb is the first step—and the crucial step—toward syntactic embedding. It has also been suggested that prosodic marking may precede syntactic marking of embedding (Mithun, 2009). However, the relevant data from the stage at which embedding first emerges have not previously been available. KQSL might be the missing piece of the puzzle: a language in which a noun can be modified by an additional predicate, forming a proposition within a proposition, sustained entirely by prosodic means. PMID:24917837

Combined assessment of clinical and patient factors on doctors' decisions to prescribe antibiotics.

PubMed

Strumiło, Julia; Chlabicz, Sławomir; Pytel-Krolczuk, Barbara; Marcinowicz, Ludmiła; Rogowska-Szadkowska, Dorota; Milewska, Anna Justyna

2016-06-03

Antibiotic overprescription is a worldwide problem. Decisions regarding antibiotic prescription for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are influenced by medical and non-medical factors. In family medicine practices in Białystok, Poland, family medicine residents directly observed consultations with patients with RTI symptoms. The observing residents completed a questionnaire including patient data, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, any prescribed antibiotic, and assessment of ten patient pressure factors. Of 1546 consultations of patients with RTIs, 54.26 % resulted in antibiotic prescription. Antibiotic prescription was strongly associated with rales (OR 26.90, 95 % CI 9.00-80.40), tonsillar exudates (OR 13.03, 95 % CI 7.10-23.80), and wheezing (OR 14.72, 95 % CI 7.70-28.10). The likelihood of antibiotic prescription was increased by a >7-day disease duration (OR 3.94, 95 % CI 2.80-5.50), purulent nasal discharge (OR 3.87, 95 % CI 2.40-6.10), starting self-medication with antibiotics (OR 4.11, 95 % CI 2.30-7.30), and direct request for antibiotics (OR 1.87, 95 % CI 1.30-2.80). Direct request not to prescribe antibiotics decreased the likelihood of receiving antibiotics (OR 0.34, 95 % CI 0.27-0.55). While clinical signs and symptoms principally impact prescribing decisions, patient factors also contribute. The most influential patient pressure factors were starting self-medication with antibiotics, and directly requesting antibiotic prescription or no antibiotic prescription. Interventions aiming to improve clinical sign and symptom interpretation and to help doctors resist direct patient pressure could be beneficial for reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.

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

Dong Subo; Katz, Boaz; Socrates, Aristotle

Upcoming direct-imaging experiments may detect a new class of long-period, highly luminous, tidally powered extrasolar gas giants. Even though they are hosted by {approx} Gyr-'old' main-sequence stars, they can be as 'hot' as young Jupiters at {approx}100 Myr, the prime targets of direct-imaging surveys. They are on years-long orbits and presently migrating to 'feed' the 'hot Jupiters'. They are expected from 'high-e' migration mechanisms, in which Jupiters are excited to highly eccentric orbits and then shrink semimajor axis by a factor of {approx}10-100 due to tidal dissipation at close periastron passages. The dissipated orbital energy is converted to heat, andmore » if it is deposited deep enough into the atmosphere, the planet likely radiates steadily at luminosity L {approx} 100-1000 L{sub Jup}(2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -7}-2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -6} L{sub Sun }) during a typical {approx} Gyr migration timescale. Their large orbital separations and expected high planet-to-star flux ratios in IR make them potentially accessible to high-contrast imaging instruments on 10 m class telescopes. {approx}10 such planets are expected to exist around FGK dwarfs within {approx}50 pc. Long-period radial velocity planets are viable candidates, and the highly eccentric planet HD 20782b at maximum angular separation {approx}0.''08 is a promising candidate. Directly imaging these tidally powered Jupiters would enable a direct test of high-e migration mechanisms. Once detected, the luminosity would provide a direct measurement of the migration rate, and together with mass (and possibly radius) estimate, they would serve as a laboratory to study planetary spectral formation and tidal physics.« less

Design, monitoring and evaluation of a direct payments approach for an ecotourism strategy to reduce illegal hunting and trade of wildlife in Lao PDR.

PubMed

Eshoo, Paul Frederick; Johnson, Arlyne; Duangdala, Sivilay; Hansel, Troy

2018-01-01

Ecotourism as a strategy for achieving biodiversity conservation often results in limited conservation impact relative to its investment and revenue return. In cases where an ecotourism strategy has been used, projects are frequently criticized for not providing sufficient evidence on how the strategy has reduced threats or improved the status of the biodiversity it purports to protect. In Lao PDR, revenue from ecotourism has not been directly linked to or dependent on improvements in biodiversity and there is no evidence that ecotourism enterprises have contributed to conservation. In other developing countries, direct payments through explicit contracts in return for ecosystem services have been proposed as a more cost-effective means for achieving conservation, although further research is needed to evaluate the impact of this approach. To address this need, a new model was tested in the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area (NPA) in Lao PDR using a direct payments approach to create ecotourism incentives for villagers to increase wildlife populations. Over a four-year period, we monitored along a theory of change to evaluate assumptions about the linkages between intermediate results and biological outcomes. Preliminary results show a negative correlation between ecotourism benefits and hunting infractions in target villages; no increase in hunting sign in the ecotourism sector of the NPA relative to a three-fold increase in hunting sign across the NPA's non-tourism sectors; and an overall increase in wildlife sightings. This case provides key lessons on the design of a direct payments approach for an ecotourism strategy, including how to combine threat monitoring and data on wildlife sightings to evaluate strategy effectiveness, on setting rates for wildlife sightings and village fees, and the utility of the approach for protecting very rare species.

Optical Kerr effect and two-photon absorption in monolayer black phosphorus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Margulis, Vl A.; Muryumin, E. E.; Gaiduk, E. A.

2018-05-01

A theoretical treatment of nonlinear refraction and two-photon absorption is presented for a novel two-dimensional material, monolayer black phosphorus (or phosphorene), irradiated by a normally incident and linearly polarized coherent laser beam of frequency ω. It is found that both the nonlinear refractive index n 2(ω) and the two-photon absorption coefficient α 2(ω) of phosphorene depend upon the polarization of the radiation field relative to phosphorene’s crystallographic axes. For the two principal polarization directions considered—viz, the armchair ({ \\mathcal A }{ \\mathcal C }) and zigzag ({ \\mathcal Z }{ \\mathcal Z }), the calculated values of n 2 and α 2 are distinguished by the order of their magnitude, with the n 2 and α 2 values being greater for the { \\mathcal A }{ \\mathcal C } direction. Furthermore, for almost all the incident photon energies below the fundamental absorption edge, except its neighborhood, the signs of n 2 as well as α 2 for the { \\mathcal A }{ \\mathcal C } and { \\mathcal Z }{ \\mathcal Z } polarization directions are opposed to each other. Also, for both the directions, the change of sign of n 2 is predicted to occur in the way between the two-photon absorption edge and the fundamental absorption edge, as well as in the near vicinity of the latter, where the Kerr nonlinearity has a pronounced resonant character and the magnitude of n 2 for the { \\mathcal A }{ \\mathcal C } and { \\mathcal Z }{ \\mathcal Z } polarization directions reaches its largest positive values of the order of 10‑9 and 10‑10 cm2 W‑1, respectively. The implications of the findings for practical all-optical switching applications are discussed.

The effects of sign language on spoken language acquisition in children with hearing loss: a systematic review protocol.

PubMed

Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth M; Stevens, Adrienne; Garritty, Chantelle; Moher, David

2013-12-06

Permanent childhood hearing loss affects 1 to 3 per 1000 children and frequently disrupts typical spoken language acquisition. Early identification of hearing loss through universal newborn hearing screening and the use of new hearing technologies including cochlear implants make spoken language an option for most children. However, there is no consensus on what constitutes optimal interventions for children when spoken language is the desired outcome. Intervention and educational approaches ranging from oral language only to oral language combined with various forms of sign language have evolved. Parents are therefore faced with important decisions in the first months of their child's life. This article presents the protocol for a systematic review of the effects of using sign language in combination with oral language intervention on spoken language acquisition. Studies addressing early intervention will be selected in which therapy involving oral language intervention and any form of sign language or sign support is used. Comparison groups will include children in early oral language intervention programs without sign support. The primary outcomes of interest to be examined include all measures of auditory, vocabulary, language, speech production, and speech intelligibility skills. We will include randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and other quasi-experimental designs that include comparator groups as well as prospective and retrospective cohort studies. Case-control, cross-sectional, case series, and case studies will be excluded. Several electronic databases will be searched (for example, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO) as well as grey literature and key websites. We anticipate that a narrative synthesis of the evidence will be required. We will carry out meta-analysis for outcomes if clinical similarity, quantity and quality permit quantitative pooling of data. We will conduct subgroup analyses if possible according to severity/type of hearing disorder, age of identification, and type of hearing technology. This review will provide evidence on the effectiveness of using sign language in combination with oral language therapies for developing spoken language in children with hearing loss who are identified at a young age. The information from this review can provide guidance to parents and intervention specialists, inform policy decisions and provide directions for future research. CRD42013005426.

The signer and the sign: cortical correlates of person identity and language processing from point-light displays.

PubMed

Campbell, Ruth; Capek, Cheryl M; Gazarian, Karine; MacSweeney, Mairéad; Woll, Bencie; David, Anthony S; McGuire, Philip K; Brammer, Michael J

2011-09-01

In this study, the first to explore the cortical correlates of signed language (SL) processing under point-light display conditions, the observer identified either a signer or a lexical sign from a display in which different signers were seen producing a number of different individual signs. Many of the regions activated by point-light under these conditions replicated those previously reported for full-image displays, including regions within the inferior temporal cortex that are specialised for face and body-part identification, although such body parts were invisible in the display. Right frontal regions were also recruited - a pattern not usually seen in full-image SL processing. This activation may reflect the recruitment of information about person identity from the reduced display. A direct comparison of identify-signer and identify-sign conditions showed these tasks relied to a different extent on the posterior inferior regions. Signer identification elicited greater activation than sign identification in (bilateral) inferior temporal gyri (BA 37/19), fusiform gyri (BA 37), middle and posterior portions of the middle temporal gyri (BAs 37 and 19), and superior temporal gyri (BA 22 and 42). Right inferior frontal cortex was a further focus of differential activation (signer>sign). These findings suggest that the neural systems supporting point-light displays for the processing of SL rely on a cortical network including areas of the inferior temporal cortex specialized for face and body identification. While this might be predicted from other studies of whole body point-light actions (Vaina, Solomon, Chowdhury, Sinha, & Belliveau, 2001) it is not predicted from the perspective of spoken language processing, where voice characteristics and speech content recruit distinct cortical regions (Stevens, 2004) in addition to a common network. In this respect, our findings contrast with studies of voice/speech recognition (Von Kriegstein, Kleinschmidt, Sterzer, & Giraud, 2005). Inferior temporal regions associated with the visual recognition of a person appear to be required during SL processing, for both carrier and content information. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1D Cole-Cole inversion of TEM transients influenced by induced polarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seidel, Marc; Tezkan, Bülent

2017-03-01

Effects of induced polarization (IP) can have an impact on time-domain electromagnetic measurements (TEM) and may lead to sign reversals in the recorded transients. To study these IP effects on TEM data, a new 1D inversion algorithm was developed for both, the central-loop and the separate-loop TEM configurations using the Cole-Cole relaxation model. 1D forward calculations for a homogeneous half-space were conducted with the aim of analyzing the impacts of the Cole-Cole parameters on TEM transients with respect to possible sign reversals. The forward modelings showed that the variation of different parameters have comparable effects on the TEM transients. This leads to an increasing number of equivalent models as a result of inversion calculations. Subsequently, 1D inversions of synthetic data were performed to study the potentials and limitations of the algorithm regarding the resolution of the Cole-Cole parameters. In order to achieve optimal inversion results, it was essential to error-weight the data points in the direct vicinity of sign reversals. The obtained findings were eventually adopted on the inversion of real field data which contained considerable IP signatures such as sign reversals. One field data set was recorded at the Nakyn kimberlite field in Western Yakutiya, Russia, in the central-loop configuration. Another field data set originates from a waste site in Cologne, Germany, and was measured utilizing the separate-loop configuration.

Temporary Segmental Distraction in a Dog with Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis.

PubMed

Willems, Nicole; Kersten, Roel F M R; van Gaalen, Steven M; Öner, F Cumhur; Strijkers, Gustav J; Veraa, Stefanie; Beukers, Martijn; Tryfonidou, Marianna A; Meij, Björn P

2018-06-02

 Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) is characterized by intervertebral disc degeneration and causes lower back pain in dogs. Temporary distraction in rabbit models with induced intervertebral disc degeneration showed signs of intervertebral disc repair. In the present study, we assessed safety and efficacy of temporary segmental distraction in a dog with clinical signs of DLSS.  Distraction of the lumbosacral junction by pedicle screw-rod fixation was applied in a 5-year-old Greyhound with DLSS and evaluated by radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and force plate analysis before and after distraction.  Safe distraction of the lumbosacral junction was demonstrated, with improvement of clinical signs after removal of the distraction device. Signal intensity of the intervertebral disc showed no changes over time. T2 value was highest directly after removal of the distraction device but decreased by 10% of the preoperative value at 9 months of follow-up. Disc height decreased (8%) immediately after removal of the distraction device, but recovered to the initial value. A decrease in the pelvic/thoracic propulsive force during pedicle screw-rod fixation and distraction was demonstrated, which slowly increased by 4% compared with the initial value.  Temporary pedicle screw-rod fixation in combination with distraction in a dog with DLSS was safe, improved clinical signs and retained disc height at 9 months of follow-up. Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart.

Superior Temporal Activation as a Function of Linguistic Knowledge: Insights from Deaf Native Signers Who Speechread

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Capek, Cheryl M.; Woll, Bencie; MacSweeney, Mairead; Waters, Dafydd; McGuire, Philip K.; David, Anthony S.; Brammer, Michael J.; Campbell, Ruth

2010-01-01

Studies of spoken and signed language processing reliably show involvement of the posterior superior temporal cortex. This region is also reliably activated by observation of meaningless oral and manual actions. In this study we directly compared the extent to which activation in posterior superior temporal cortex is modulated by linguistic…

System Resource Allocation Requests | High-Performance Computing | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Account to utilize the online allocation request system. If you need a HPC User Account, please request one online: Visit User Accounts. Click the green "Request Account" Button - this will direct . Follow the online instructions provided in the DocuSign form. Write "Need HPC User Account to use

Joint Task Force -Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: Open or Close?

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

Obama signed that executive order directing the closure of detention operations at Guantanamo Bay. Subsequently, despite domestically political and...domestically political and international scrutiny, detention operations at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba have evolved into the premier detention facility in the...operations at Guantanamo Bay. Subsequently, despite domestically political and international scrutiny, detention operations at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Facing Race: Illinois Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity, 2007-2008

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morita, Josina; Keleher, Terry

2008-01-01

This publication reviews 56 bills introduced in the 95th General Assembly that, if signed into law by the Governor, would have the most direct positive and negative impacts on communities of color. The "2007-2008 Illinois Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity" evaluates the Governor and legislators on their responses to these…

76 FR 45657 - Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 337, 337A (USAF 02B), 337B...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-01

... flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and... incorporated before further flight if damage or signs of distress are found. (h) Alternative Methods of..., such as FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices--Aircraft...

Do You See the Signs? Evaluating Language, Branding, and Design in a Library Signage Audit

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stempler, Amy F.; Polger, Mark Aaron

2013-01-01

Signage represents more than directions or policies; it is informational, promotional, and sets the tone of the environment. To be effective, signage must be consistent, concise, and free of jargon and punitive language. An efficient assessment of signage should include a complete inventory of existing signage, including an analysis of the types…

Radial Motion of Two Mutually Attracting Particles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mungan, Carl E.

2009-01-01

A pair of masses or opposite-sign charges released from rest will move directly toward each other under the action of the inverse-distance-squared force of attraction between them. An exact expression for the separation distance as a function of time can only be found by numerically inverting the solution of a differential equation. A simpler,…

31 CFR 91.12 - Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... traffic. (a) Drivers of all vehicles in or on the property shall drive in a careful and safe manner at all times and shall comply with the signals and directions of guards and all posted traffic signs. (b) The... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 91...

Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-04

safer for tourists. Additionally, 24 signed investment licenses totaling $1.122 billion have been directed toward tourism and hospitality industries...the U.S.-Iraq SA, and in accordance with the Presidential guidance articulated February 27, 2009, is the plan being executed for the responsible...conducting detention facility assessments, and inadequate ministerial coordination and planning remain unresolved. In summary, political

One-and-Done: An Academic Tragedy in Three Acts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weber, Jerome C.

2009-01-01

What creates the "one-and-done" scenario is the National Basketball Association (NBA) rule that prohibits a player from graduating from high school and going directly to the NBA. The league's obviously cynical and self-interested rule prohibits a prospect from signing to play before at least one year has elapsed. In contrast, Major League…

Iraqi Universities Struggle to Rebuild the "House of Knowledge"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, Mary

2004-01-01

The sign, "Hawler International Airport," greeted the author and her fellow passengers as their six-seater plane landed in July 2003 on a strip of concrete in the middle of an Iraqi field. Fortunately, the approach to this improvised airfield was direct, not like the spiraling in and out of Baghdad and Basra required to avoid possible…

Floating aerial LED signage based on aerial imaging by retro-reflection (AIRR).

PubMed

Yamamoto, Hirotsugu; Tomiyama, Yuka; Suyama, Shiro

2014-11-03

We propose a floating aerial LED signage technique by utilizing retro-reflection. The proposed display is composed of LEDs, a half mirror, and retro-reflective sheeting. Directivity of the aerial image formation and size of the aerial image have been investigated. Furthermore, a floating aerial LED sign has been successfully formed in free space.

100 Colleges Sign Up with Google to Speed Access to Library Resources

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Jeffrey R.

2005-01-01

More than 100 colleges and universities have arranged to give people using the Google Scholar search engine on their campuses more-direct access to library materials. Google Scholar is a free tool that searches scholarly materials on the Web and in academic databases. The new arrangements essentially let Google know which online databases the…

Wither the Jasmine: China’s Two-Phase Operation for Cyber Control-in-Depth

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

issued a directive requesting all websites to “con- duct strict searches of interactive spaces such as online forums, blogs, micro - blogs, instant message...February 2011, the area in front of the Wangfujing McDonald’s was sealed off with signs saying that the area was under construction due to sinking pavement

Sex and Adolescent Ethanol Exposure Influence Pavlovian Conditioned Approach

PubMed Central

Madayag, Aric C.; Stringfield, Sierra J.; Reissner, Kathryn J.; Boettiger, Charlotte A.; Robinson, Donita L.

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND Alcohol use among adolescents is widespread and a growing concern due to long-term behavioral deficits, including altered Pavlovian behavior, that potentially contribute to addiction vulnerability. We tested the hypothesis that adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure alters Pavlovian behavior in males and females as measured by a shift from goal-tracking to sign-tracking. Additionally, we investigated GLT-1, an astrocytic glutamate transporter, as a potential contributor to a sign-tracking phenotype. METHODS Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to AIE (5g/Kg, intragastric) or water intermittently 2 days on, 2 days off from postnatal day (P) 25 to 54. Around P70, animals began 20 daily sessions of Pavlovian conditioned approach, where they learned that a cue predicted non-contingent reward delivery. Lever pressing indicated interaction with the cue, or sign-tracking, and receptacle entries indicated approach to the reward delivery location, or goal-tracking. To test for effects of AIE on nucleus accumbens excitatory signaling, we isolated membrane subfractions and measured protein levels of the glutamate transporter GLT-1 after animals completed behavior as a measure of glutamate homeostasis. RESULTS Females exhibited elevated sign-tracking compared to males with significantly more lever presses, faster latency to first lever press, and greater probability to lever press in a trial. AIE significantly increased lever pressing while blunting goal tracking, as indicated by fewer cue-evoked receptacle entries, slower latency to receptacle entry, and lower probability to enter the receptacle in a trial. No significant Sex-by-Exposure interactions were observed in sign- or goal-tracking metrics. Moreover, we found no significant effects of Sex or Exposure on membrane GLT-1 expression in the nucleus accumbens. CONCLUSIONS Females exhibited enhanced sign-tracking compared to males, while AIE decreased goal-tracking compared to control exposure. Our findings support the hypothesis that adolescent binge ethanol can shift conditioned behavior from goal- to cue-directed in Pavlovian conditioned approach, especially in females. PMID:28196273

Sex and Adolescent Ethanol Exposure Influence Pavlovian Conditioned Approach.

PubMed

Madayag, Aric C; Stringfield, Sierra J; Reissner, Kathryn J; Boettiger, Charlotte A; Robinson, Donita L

2017-04-01

Alcohol use among adolescents is widespread and a growing concern due to long-term behavioral deficits, including altered Pavlovian behavior, that potentially contribute to addiction vulnerability. We tested the hypothesis that adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure alters Pavlovian behavior in males and females as measured by a shift from goal-tracking to sign-tracking. Additionally, we investigated GLT-1, an astrocytic glutamate transporter, as a potential contributor to a sign-tracking phenotype. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to AIE (5 g/kg, intragastric) or water intermittently 2 days on and 2 days off from postnatal day (P) 25 to 54. Around P70, animals began 20 daily sessions of Pavlovian conditioned approach (PCA), where they learned that a cue predicted noncontingent reward delivery. Lever pressing indicated interaction with the cue, or sign-tracking, and receptacle entries indicated approach to the reward delivery location, or goal-tracking. To test for effects of AIE on nucleus accumbens (NAcc) excitatory signaling, we isolated membrane subfractions and measured protein levels of the glutamate transporter GLT-1 after animals completed behavior as a measure of glutamate homeostasis. Females exhibited elevated sign-tracking compared to males with significantly more lever presses, faster latency to first lever press, and greater probability to lever press in a trial. AIE significantly increased lever pressing while blunting goal-tracking, as indicated by fewer cue-evoked receptacle entries, slower latency to receptacle entry, and lower probability to enter the receptacle in a trial. No significant sex-by-exposure interactions were observed in sign- or goal-tracking metrics. Moreover, we found no significant effects of sex or exposure on membrane GLT-1 expression in the NAcc. Females exhibited enhanced sign-tracking compared to males, while AIE decreased goal-tracking compared to control exposure. Our findings support the hypothesis that adolescent binge ethanol can shift conditioned behavior from goal- to cue-directed in PCA, especially in females. Copyright © 2017 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

System-size independence of directed flow measured at the BNL relativistic heavy-ion collider.

PubMed

Abelev, B I; Aggarwal, M M; Ahammed, Z; Anderson, B D; Arkhipkin, D; Averichev, G S; Bai, Y; Balewski, J; Barannikova, O; Barnby, L S; Baudot, J; Baumgart, S; Beavis, D R; Bellwied, R; Benedosso, F; Betts, R R; Bhardwaj, S; Bhasin, A; Bhati, A K; Bichsel, H; Bielcik, J; Bielcikova, J; Biritz, B; Bland, L C; Bombara, M; Bonner, B E; Botje, M; Bouchet, J; Braidot, E; Brandin, A V; Bueltmann, S; Burton, T P; Bystersky, M; Cai, X Z; Caines, H; Calderón de la Barca Sánchez, M; Callner, J; Catu, O; Cebra, D; Cendejas, R; Cervantes, M C; Chajecki, Z; Chaloupka, P; Chattopadhyay, S; Chen, H F; Chen, J H; Chen, J Y; Cheng, J; Cherney, M; Chikanian, A; Choi, K E; Christie, W; Chung, S U; Clarke, R F; Codrington, M J M; Coffin, J P; Cormier, T M; Cosentino, M R; Cramer, J G; Crawford, H J; Das, D; Dash, S; Daugherity, M; de Moura, M M; Dedovich, T G; Dephillips, M; Derevschikov, A A; Derradi de Souza, R; Didenko, L; Dietel, T; Djawotho, P; Dogra, S M; Dong, X; Drachenberg, J L; Draper, J E; Du, F; Dunlop, J C; Dutta Mazumdar, M R; Edwards, W R; Efimov, L G; Elhalhuli, E; Elnimr, M; Emelianov, V; Engelage, J; Eppley, G; Erazmus, B; Estienne, M; Eun, L; Fachini, P; Fatemi, R; Fedorisin, J; Feng, A; Filip, P; Finch, E; Fine, V; Fisyak, Y; Gagliardi, C A; Gaillard, L; Gangadharan, D R; Ganti, M S; Garcia-Solis, E; Ghazikhanian, V; Ghosh, P; Gorbunov, Y N; Gordon, A; Grebenyuk, O; Grosnick, D; Grube, B; Guertin, S M; Guimaraes, K S F F; Gupta, A; Gupta, N; Guryn, W; Haag, B; Hallman, T J; Hamed, A; Harris, J W; He, W; Heinz, M; Heppelmann, S; Hippolyte, B; Hirsch, A; Hoffman, A M; Hoffmann, G W; Hofman, D J; Hollis, R S; Huang, H Z; Hughes, E W; Humanic, T J; Igo, G; Iordanova, A; Jacobs, P; Jacobs, W W; Jakl, P; Jin, F; Jones, P G; Judd, E G; Kabana, S; Kajimoto, K; Kang, K; Kapitan, J; Kaplan, M; Keane, D; Kechechyan, A; Kettler, D; Khodyrev, V Yu; Kiryluk, J; Kisiel, A; Klein, S R; Knospe, A G; Kocoloski, A; Koetke, D D; Kollegger, T; Kopytine, M; Kotchenda, L; Kouchpil, V; Kravtsov, P; Kravtsov, V I; Krueger, K; Kuhn, C; Kumar, A; Kumar, L; Kurnadi, P; Lamont, M A C; Landgraf, J M; Lange, S; Lapointe, S; Laue, F; Lauret, J; Lebedev, A; Lednicky, R; Lee, C-H; Levine, M J; Li, C; Li, Y; Lin, G; Lin, X; Lindenbaum, S J; Lisa, M A; Liu, F; Liu, J; Liu, L; Ljubicic, T; Llope, W J; Longacre, R S; Love, W A; Lu, Y; Ludlam, T; Lynn, D; Ma, G L; Ma, J G; Ma, Y G; Mahapatra, D P; Majka, R; Mangotra, L K; Manweiler, R; Margetis, S; Markert, C; Matis, H S; Matulenko, Yu A; McShane, T S; Meschanin, A; Millane, J; Miller, M L; Minaev, N G; Mioduszewski, S; Mischke, A; Mitchell, J; Mohanty, B; Morozov, D A; Munhoz, M G; Nandi, B K; Nattrass, C; Nayak, T K; Nelson, J M; Nepali, C; Netrakanti, P K; Ng, M J; Nogach, L V; Nurushev, S B; Odyniec, G; Ogawa, A; Okada, H; Okorokov, V; Olson, D; Pachr, M; Pal, S K; Panebratsev, Y; Pawlak, T; Peitzmann, T; Perevoztchikov, V; Perkins, C; Peryt, W; Phatak, S C; Planinic, M; Pluta, J; Poljak, N; Porile, N; Poskanzer, A M; Potekhin, M; Potukuchi, B V K S; Prindle, D; Pruneau, C; Pruthi, N K; Putschke, J; Qattan, I A; Raniwala, R; Raniwala, S; Ray, R L; Ridiger, A; Ritter, H G; Roberts, J B; Rogachevskiy, O V; Romero, J L; Rose, A; Roy, C; Ruan, L; Russcher, M J; Rykov, V; Sahoo, R; Sakrejda, I; Sakuma, T; Salur, S; Sandweiss, J; Sarsour, M; Schambach, J; Scharenberg, R P; Schmitz, N; Seger, J; Selyuzhenkov, I; Seyboth, P; Shabetai, A; Shahaliev, E; Shao, M; Sharma, M; Shi, S S; Shi, X-H; Sichtermann, E P; Simon, F; Singaraju, R N; Skoby, M J; Smirnov, N; Snellings, R; Sorensen, P; Sowinski, J; Spinka, H M; Srivastava, B; Stadnik, A; Stanislaus, T D S; Staszak, D; Stock, R; Strikhanov, M; Stringfellow, B; Suaide, A A P; Suarez, M C; Subba, N L; Sumbera, M; Sun, X M; Sun, Y; Sun, Z; Surrow, B; Symons, T J M; Szanto de Toledo, A; Takahashi, J; Tang, A H; Tang, Z; Tarnowsky, T; Thein, D; Thomas, J H; Tian, J; Timmins, A R; Timoshenko, S; Tokarev, M; Trainor, T A; Tram, V N; Trattner, A L; Trentalange, S; Tribble, R E; Tsai, O D; Ulery, J; Ullrich, T; Underwood, D G; Van Buren, G; van der Kolk, N; van Leeuwen, M; Vander Molen, A M; Varma, R; Vasconcelos, G M S; Vasilevski, I M; Vasiliev, A N; Videbaek, F; Vigdor, S E; Viyogi, Y P; Vokal, S; Voloshin, S A; Wada, M; Waggoner, W T; Wang, F; Wang, G; Wang, J S; Wang, Q; Wang, X; Wang, X L; Wang, Y; Webb, J C; Westfall, G D; Whitten, C; Wieman, H; Wissink, S W; Witt, R; Wu, J; Wu, Y; Xu, N; Xu, Q H; Xu, Y; Xu, Z; Yang, Y Y; Yepes, P; Yoo, I-K; Yue, Q; Zawisza, M; Zbroszczyk, H; Zhan, W; Zhang, H; Zhang, S; Zhang, W M; Zhang, Y; Zhang, Z P; Zhao, Y; Zhong, C; Zhou, J; Zoulkarneev, R; Zoulkarneeva, Y; Zuo, J X

2008-12-19

We measure directed flow (v_{1}) for charged particles in Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 and 62.4 GeV, as a function of pseudorapidity (eta), transverse momentum (p_{t}), and collision centrality, based on data from the STAR experiment. We find that the directed flow depends on the incident energy but, contrary to all available model implementations, not on the size of the colliding system at a given centrality. We extend the validity of the limiting fragmentation concept to v_{1} in different collision systems, and investigate possible explanations for the observed sign change in v_{1}(p_{t}).

Acting Administrator Lightfoot Comments on New Presidential Space Policy, Return to Moon

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-11

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot comments on Space Policy Directive-1, signed by President Trump at the White House on Monday, Dec. 11.  It directs NASA’s human spaceflight program back to the Moon, as recommended by the National Space Council.    The directive calls for NASA to lead an innovative and sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the solar system, and to bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities for human advancement. This effort will more effectively organize government, private industry, and international efforts toward returning humans on the Moon, and will lay the foundation that will eventually enable human exploration of Mars.

Nd:YAG photovaporization of residual equine guttural-pouch mycotic lesions after internal carotid occlusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tate, Lloyd P.; Tudor, R. A.; Little, Edwina D. E.

1998-07-01

Hospital records reviewed over a 12-year period determined that 6 horses had been presented for guttural pouch mycosis. All had a history of epistaxis and several had accompanying neurologic signs, including dysphagia. Initially, conformation of the disease was obtained by radiographic and endoscopic examinations. Surgical treatment was directed at controlling and preventing additional hemorrhage by occluding the arterial source of the hemorrhage. Direct treatment of the mycotic plaque present within the guttural pouch was conducted using transendoscopic technique to direct irradiation from the Nd:YAG laser. The protocol described for the laser application was successful in resolving the lesions and was less complicated and stressful than previously reported topically applied chemical protocols.

Cancellation exponent and multifractal structure in two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics: direct numerical simulations and Lagrangian averaged modeling.

PubMed

Graham, Jonathan Pietarila; Mininni, Pablo D; Pouquet, Annick

2005-10-01

We present direct numerical simulations and Lagrangian averaged (also known as alpha model) simulations of forced and free decaying magnetohydrodynamic turbulence in two dimensions. The statistics of sign cancellations of the current at small scales is studied using both the cancellation exponent and the fractal dimension of the structures. The alpha model is found to have the same scaling behavior between positive and negative contributions as the direct numerical simulations. The alpha model is also able to reproduce the time evolution of these quantities in free decaying turbulence. At large Reynolds numbers, an independence of the cancellation exponent with the Reynolds numbers is observed.

Nuclear matter effects on J /ψ production in asymmetric Cu + Au collisions at √{sNN}=200 GeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adare, A.; Aidala, C.; Ajitanand, N. N.; Akiba, Y.; Akimoto, R.; Alexander, J.; Alfred, M.; Aoki, K.; Apadula, N.; Aramaki, Y.; Asano, H.; Atomssa, E. T.; Awes, T. C.; Azmoun, B.; Babintsev, V.; Bai, M.; Bai, X.; Bandara, N. S.; Bannier, B.; Barish, K. N.; Bathe, S.; Baublis, V.; Baumann, C.; Baumgart, S.; Bazilevsky, A.; Beaumier, M.; Beckman, S.; Belmont, R.; Berdnikov, A.; Berdnikov, Y.; Bing, X.; Black, D.; Blau, D. S.; Bok, J. S.; Boyle, K.; Brooks, M. L.; Bryslawskyj, J.; Buesching, H.; Bumazhnov, V.; Butsyk, S.; Campbell, S.; Chen, C.-H.; Chi, C. Y.; Chiu, M.; Choi, I. J.; Choi, J. B.; Choi, S.; Christiansen, P.; Chujo, T.; Cianciolo, V.; Citron, Z.; Cole, B. A.; Cronin, N.; Crossette, N.; Csanád, M.; Csörgő, T.; Datta, A.; Daugherity, M. S.; David, G.; Deblasio, K.; Dehmelt, K.; Denisov, A.; Deshpande, A.; Desmond, E. J.; Ding, L.; Dion, A.; Do, J. H.; Drapier, O.; Drees, A.; Drees, K. A.; Durham, J. M.; Durum, A.; D'Orazio, L.; Engelmore, T.; Enokizono, A.; En'yo, H.; Esumi, S.; Eyser, K. O.; Fadem, B.; Feege, N.; Fields, D. E.; Finger, M.; Finger, M.; Fleuret, F.; Fokin, S. L.; Frantz, J. E.; Franz, A.; Frawley, A. D.; Fukao, Y.; Gainey, K.; Gal, C.; Gallus, P.; Garg, P.; Garishvili, A.; Garishvili, I.; Ge, H.; Giordano, F.; Glenn, A.; Gong, X.; Gonin, M.; Goto, Y.; Granier de Cassagnac, R.; Grau, N.; Greene, S. V.; Grosse Perdekamp, M.; Gu, Y.; Gunji, T.; Guragain, H.; Hachiya, T.; Haggerty, J. S.; Hahn, K. I.; Hamagaki, H.; Han, S. Y.; Hanks, J.; Hasegawa, S.; Hashimoto, K.; Hayano, R.; He, X.; Hemmick, T. K.; Hester, T.; Hill, J. C.; Hollis, R. S.; Homma, K.; Hong, B.; Hoshino, T.; Huang, J.; Huang, S.; Ichihara, T.; Ikeda, Y.; Imai, K.; Imazu, Y.; Inaba, M.; Iordanova, A.; Isenhower, D.; Isinhue, A.; Ivanishchev, D.; Jacak, B. V.; Jeon, S. J.; Jezghani, M.; Jia, J.; Jiang, X.; Johnson, B. M.; Joo, E.; Joo, K. S.; Jouan, D.; Jumper, D. S.; Kamin, J.; Kanda, S.; Kang, B. H.; Kang, J. H.; Kang, J. S.; Kapustinsky, J.; Kawall, D.; Kazantsev, A. V.; Key, J. A.; Khachatryan, V.; Khandai, P. K.; Khanzadeev, A.; Kihara, K.; Kijima, K. M.; Kim, C.; Kim, D. H.; Kim, D. J.; Kim, E.-J.; Kim, H.-J.; Kim, M.; Kim, Y.-J.; Kim, Y. K.; Kistenev, E.; Klatsky, J.; Kleinjan, D.; Kline, P.; Koblesky, T.; Kofarago, M.; Komkov, B.; Koster, J.; Kotchetkov, D.; Kotov, D.; Krizek, F.; Kurita, K.; Kurosawa, M.; Kwon, Y.; Lacey, R.; Lai, Y. S.; Lajoie, J. G.; Lebedev, A.; Lee, D. M.; Lee, G. H.; Lee, J.; Lee, K. B.; Lee, K. S.; Lee, S. H.; Leitch, M. J.; Leitgab, M.; Lewis, B.; Li, X.; Lim, S. H.; Liu, M. X.; Lynch, D.; Maguire, C. F.; Makdisi, Y. I.; Makek, M.; Manion, A.; Manko, V. I.; Mannel, E.; Maruyama, T.; McCumber, M.; McGaughey, P. L.; McGlinchey, D.; McKinney, C.; Meles, A.; Mendoza, M.; Meredith, B.; Miake, Y.; Mibe, T.; Mignerey, A. C.; Miller, A. J.; Milov, A.; Mishra, D. K.; Mitchell, J. T.; Miyasaka, S.; Mizuno, S.; Mohanty, A. K.; Montuenga, P.; Moon, T.; Morrison, D. P.; Moskowitz, M.; Moukhanova, T. V.; Murakami, T.; Murata, J.; Mwai, A.; Nagae, T.; Nagamiya, S.; Nagle, J. L.; Nagy, M. I.; Nakagawa, I.; Nakagomi, H.; Nakamiya, Y.; Nakamura, K. R.; Nakamura, T.; Nakano, K.; Nattrass, C.; Netrakanti, P. K.; Nihashi, M.; Niida, T.; Nouicer, R.; Novak, T.; Novitzky, N.; Nyanin, A. S.; O'Brien, E.; Ogilvie, C. A.; Oide, H.; Okada, K.; Orjuela Koop, J. D.; Oskarsson, A.; Ozaki, H.; Ozawa, K.; Pak, R.; Pantuev, V.; Papavassiliou, V.; Park, I. H.; Park, S.; Park, S. K.; Pate, S. F.; Patel, L.; Patel, M.; Peng, J.-C.; Perepelitsa, D. V.; Perera, G. D. N.; Peressounko, D. Yu.; Perry, J.; Petti, R.; Pinkenburg, C.; Pinson, R.; Pisani, R. P.; Purschke, M. L.; Qu, H.; Rak, J.; Ravinovich, I.; Read, K. F.; Reynolds, D.; Riabov, V.; Riabov, Y.; Richardson, E.; Riveli, N.; Roach, D.; Rolnick, S. D.; Rosati, M.; Rowan, Z.; Rubin, J. G.; Ryu, M. S.; Sahlmueller, B.; Saito, N.; Sakaguchi, T.; Sako, H.; Samsonov, V.; Sarsour, M.; Sato, S.; Sawada, S.; Schaefer, B.; Schmoll, B. K.; Sedgwick, K.; Seele, J.; Seidl, R.; Sekiguchi, Y.; Sen, A.; Seto, R.; Sett, P.; Sexton, A.; Sharma, D.; Shaver, A.; Shein, I.; Shibata, T.-A.; Shigaki, K.; Shimomura, M.; Shoji, K.; Shukla, P.; Sickles, A.; Silva, C. L.; Silvermyr, D.; Singh, B. K.; Singh, C. P.; Singh, V.; Skolnik, M.; Slunečka, M.; Solano, S.; Soltz, R. A.; Sondheim, W. E.; Sorensen, S. P.; Soumya, M.; Sourikova, I. V.; Stankus, P. W.; Steinberg, P.; Stenlund, E.; Stepanov, M.; Ster, A.; Stoll, S. P.; Stone, M. R.; Sugitate, T.; Sukhanov, A.; Sumita, T.; Sun, J.; Sziklai, J.; Takahara, A.; Taketani, A.; Tanida, K.; Tannenbaum, M. J.; Tarafdar, S.; Taranenko, A.; Tennant, E.; Timilsina, A.; Todoroki, T.; Tomášek, M.; Torii, H.; Towell, M.; Towell, R.; Towell, R. S.; Tserruya, I.; van Hecke, H. W.; Vargyas, M.; Vazquez-Zambrano, E.; Veicht, A.; Velkovska, J.; Vértesi, R.; Virius, M.; Vrba, V.; Vznuzdaev, E.; Wang, X. R.; Watanabe, D.; Watanabe, K.; Watanabe, Y.; Watanabe, Y. S.; Wei, F.; Whitaker, S.; Wolin, S.; Woody, C. L.; Wysocki, M.; Xia, B.; Xue, L.; Yalcin, S.; Yamaguchi, Y. L.; Yanovich, A.; Yokkaichi, S.; Yoon, I.; You, Z.; Younus, I.; Yushmanov, I. E.; Zajc, W. A.; Zelenski, A.; Zhou, S.; Phenix Collaboration

2014-12-01

We report on J /ψ production from asymmetric Cu + Au heavy-ion collisions at √{sNN}=200 GeV at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at both forward (Cu-going direction) and backward (Au-going direction) rapidities. The nuclear modification of J /ψ yields in Cu + Au collisions in the Au-going direction is found to be comparable to that in Au + Au collisions when plotted as a function of the number of participating nucleons. In the Cu-going direction, J /ψ production shows a stronger suppression. This difference is comparable in magnitude and has the same sign as the difference expected from shadowing effects due to stronger low-x gluon suppression in the larger Au nucleus.

Sign changes as a universal concept in first-passage-time calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braun, Wilhelm; Thul, Rüdiger

2017-01-01

First-passage-time problems are ubiquitous across many fields of study, including transport processes in semiconductors and biological synapses, evolutionary game theory and percolation. Despite their prominence, first-passage-time calculations have proven to be particularly challenging. Analytical results to date have often been obtained under strong conditions, leaving most of the exploration of first-passage-time problems to direct numerical computations. Here we present an analytical approach that allows the derivation of first-passage-time distributions for the wide class of nondifferentiable Gaussian processes. We demonstrate that the concept of sign changes naturally generalizes the common practice of counting crossings to determine first-passage events. Our method works across a wide range of time-dependent boundaries and noise strengths, thus alleviating common hurdles in first-passage-time calculations.

A strain of Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus causes high mortality among cultured Largemouth Bass in South China.

PubMed

Ma, Dongmei; Deng, Guocheng; Bai, Junjie; Li, Shengjie; Yu, Lingyun; Quan, Yingchun; Yang, Xiaojing; Jiang, Xiaoyan; Zhu, Zemin; Ye, Xing

2013-09-01

In April 2011, 40% mortality of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides juveniles occurred at a farm of Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, China. Infected fish became lethargic, exhibited corkscrew and irregular swimming, and developed a distended abdomen and crooked body. Fish began to die within 2 d after the appearance of clinical signs. In order to analyze the pathogeny and diagnose the disease earlier, observation of clinical signs, cell infection, titer calculation, electron microscopy, immersion infection assay for fish, and nucleotide sequence analysis were carried out. Fathead minnow (FHM) cell cultures, inoculated with filtrate of liver and spleen homogenates from the diseased fish, developed the obvious cytopathic effect 46 h after inoculation in the primary culture and 24 h at the first passage. Typical rhabdovirus particles, 115-143 nm in length and 62-78 nm in diameter, were observed in infected FHM cells by direct transmission electron microscopy. The isolated virus produced a titer of 10(7.15) TCID50/mL. Immersion-Fish infected with the virus had similar clinical signs and 80% mortality with 10(2.5) LD50/mL. The data indicated that the rhabdovirus was the lethal pathogeny of the current disease. Based on nucleoprotein-gene nucleotide sequence multiple alignment analysis, the newly isolated virus is a strain of Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) under family Rhabdoviridae, which was initially isolated from Mandarin Fish Siniperca chuatsi. Up to the present, at least four virus strains have been isolated from diseased Largemouth Bass, which have had different clinical signs. Comparison of the clinical signs can help in an early diagnosis of the disease.

Experimental validation of a damage detection approach on a full-scale highway sign support truss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Guirong; Dyke, Shirley J.; Irfanoglu, Ayhan

2012-04-01

Highway sign support structures enhance traffic safety by allowing messages to be delivered to motorists related to directions and warning of hazards ahead, and facilitating the monitoring of traffic speed and flow. These structures are exposed to adverse environmental conditions while in service. Strong wind and vibration accelerate their deterioration. Typical damage to this type of structure includes local fatigue fractures and partial loosening of bolted connections. The occurrence of these types of damage can lead to a failure in large portions of the structure, jeopardizing the safety of passing traffic. Therefore, it is important to have effective damage detection approaches to ensure the integrity of these structures. In this study, an extension of the Angle-between-String-and-Horizon (ASH) flexibility-based approach [32] is applied to locate damage in sign support truss structures at bay level. Ambient excitations (e.g. wind) can be considered as a significant source of vibration in these structures. Considering that ambient excitation is immeasurable, a pseudo ASH flexibility matrix constructed from output-only derived operational deflection shapes is proposed. A damage detection method based on the use of pseudo flexibility matrices is proposed to address several of the challenges posed in real-world applications. Tests are conducted on a 17.5-m long full-scale sign support truss structure to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Damage cases associated with loosened bolts and weld failures are considered. These cases are realistic for this type of structure. The results successfully demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method to locate the two common forms of damage on sign support truss structures instrumented with a few accelerometers.

ADenoVirus Initiative Study in Epidemiology (ADVISE): Results of a multicentric epidemiology study in Spain.

PubMed

Muñoz-Hernández, A M; Duquesroix, B; Benítez-Del-Castillo, J M

2018-03-01

Non-interventional, observational, epidemiology study to assess clinical characteristics and frequency of adenovirus conjunctivitis diagnosed by AdenoPlus ® in patients who presented with signs and symptoms of acute conjunctivitis. Safety aspects during use of the test were analyzed as well. This analysis presents the data obtained from the 386 patients enrolled in Spain. Patients had to present with acute signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis ≤7days. The minimum age was 1year old. Patients who had already used local antiviral therapies, topical steroids or immuno-modulators were not allowed to enter the study. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect patient's ocular history and test results. A total of 386 patients were recruited in 22 sites, being analyzed 329 patients. Among them, the percentage of "AdenoPlus ® positive" was 36,2% (119/329). Before the test was performed, in 84,1% of the cases, investigators believed that the conjunctivitis was of viral origin but only 50,3% of the investigators had their clinical assessment confirmed by the test. Patients who tested positive for adenoviral conjunctivitis presented higher percentages of signs and symptoms than the rest of the patients. None of the signs or symptoms could be qualified as pathognomonic of the disease, being difficult for the clinicians to perform an accurate diagnosis. AdenoPlus ® test is an antigen based immunoassay test that detects the presence of adenovirus directly from tears, and it can be an useful tool to help early differential diagnosis in patients with conjunctivitis signs and symptoms lasting for less than or equal to 7days. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Disconnection of basolateral amygdala and insular cortex disrupts conditioned approach in Pavlovian lever autoshaping.

PubMed

Nasser, Helen M; Lafferty, Danielle S; Lesser, Ellen N; Bacharach, Sam Z; Calu, Donna J

2018-01-01

Previously established individual differences in appetitive approach and devaluation sensitivity observed in goal- and sign-trackers may be attributed to differences in the acquisition, modification, or use of associative information in basolateral amygdala (BLA) pathways. Here, we sought to determine the extent to which communication of associative information between BLA and anterior portions of insular cortex (IC) supports ongoing Pavlovian conditioned approach behaviors in sign- and goal-tracking rats, in the absence of manipulations to outcome value. We hypothesized that the BLA mediates goal-, but not sign- tracking approach through interactions with the IC, a brain region involved in supporting flexible behavior. We first trained rats in Pavlovian lever autoshaping to determine their sign- or goal-tracking tendency. During alternating test sessions, we gave unilateral intracranial injections of vehicle or a cocktail of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonists, baclofen and muscimol, unilaterally into the BLA and contralaterally or ipsilaterally into the IC prior to reinforced lever autoshaping sessions. Consistent with our hypothesis we found that contralateral inactivation of BLA and IC increased the latency to approach the food cup and decreased the number of food cup contacts in goal-trackers. While contralateral inactivation of BLA and IC did not affect the total number of lever contacts in sign-trackers, this manipulation increased the latency to approach the lever. Ipsilateral inactivation of BLA and IC did not impact approach behaviors in Pavlovian lever autoshaping. These findings, contrary to our hypothesis, suggest that communication between BLA and IC maintains a representation of initially learned appetitive associations that commonly support the initiation of Pavlovian conditioned approach behavior regardless of whether it is directed at the cue or the location of reward delivery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determining Directional Dependency in Causal Associations

PubMed Central

Pornprasertmanit, Sunthud; Little, Todd D.

2014-01-01

Directional dependency is a method to determine the likely causal direction of effect between two variables. This article aims to critique and improve upon the use of directional dependency as a technique to infer causal associations. We comment on several issues raised by von Eye and DeShon (2012), including: encouraging the use of the signs of skewness and excessive kurtosis of both variables, discouraging the use of D’Agostino’s K2, and encouraging the use of directional dependency to compare variables only within time points. We offer improved steps for determining directional dependency that fix the problems we note. Next, we discuss how to integrate directional dependency into longitudinal data analysis with two variables. We also examine the accuracy of directional dependency evaluations when several regression assumptions are violated. Directional dependency can suggest the direction of a relation if (a) the regression error in population is normal, (b) an unobserved explanatory variable correlates with any variables equal to or less than .2, (c) a curvilinear relation between both variables is not strong (standardized regression coefficient ≤ .2), (d) there are no bivariate outliers, and (e) both variables are continuous. PMID:24683282

Expertise effects in cutaneous wind perception.

PubMed

Pluijms, Joost P; Cañal-Bruland, Rouwen; Bergmann Tiest, Wouter M; Mulder, Fabian A; Savelsbergh, Geert J P

2015-08-01

We examined whether expertise effects are present in cutaneous wind perception. To this end, we presented wind stimuli consisting of different wind directions and speeds in a wind simulator. The wind simulator generated wind stimuli from 16 directions and with three speeds by means of eight automotive wind fans. Participants were asked to judge cutaneously perceived wind directions and speeds without having access to any visual or auditory information. Expert sailors (n = 6), trained to make the most effective use of wind characteristics, were compared to less-skilled sailors (n = 6) and to a group of nonsailors (n = 6). The results indicated that expert sailors outperformed nonsailors in perceiving wind direction (i.e., smaller mean signed errors) when presented with low wind speeds. This suggests that expert sailors are more sensitive in picking up differences in wind direction, particularly when confronted with low wind speeds that demand higher sensitivity.

The effects of training on errors of perceived direction in perspective displays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tharp, Gregory K.; Ellis, Stephen R.

1990-01-01

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of training on the characteristic direction errors that are observed when subjects estimate exocentric directions on perspective displays. Changes in five subjects' perceptual errors were measured during a training procedure designed to eliminate the error. The training was provided by displaying to each subject both the sign and the direction of his judgment error. The feedback provided by the error display was found to decrease but not eliminate the error. A lookup table model of the source of the error was developed in which the judgement errors were attributed to overestimates of both the pitch and the yaw of the viewing direction used to produce the perspective projection. The model predicts the quantitative characteristics of the data somewhat better than previous models did. A mechanism is proposed for the observed learning, and further tests of the model are suggested.

Molecular identification of leishmania species using samples obtained from negative stained smears.

PubMed

Mohaghegh, Ma; Fata, A; Salehi, Gh; Berenji, F; Bazzaz, M Mousavi; Rafatpanah, H; Parian, M; Movahedi, A

2013-04-01

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic skin disease. Diagnosis primarily is based on clinical signs and microscopic observation of parasite on direct stained smears or tissue sections. Sensitivity of direct smear is not as high as molecular methods. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize Leishmania species among the negative direct smears obtained from skin ulcers suspected to CL by PCR method. Among 81 patients with suspicious skin lesions to CL referred to the Parasitology lab, negative Giemsa stained smears were collected. DNA extraction performed by scraping stained smears, then PCR was performed. Among the DNA extracted from smears, L. tropica was isolated from 9 (11.1%) of the smears and L.major was not isolated from any samples. Direct microscopy on stained smears for diagnosis of leishmaniasis is not enough accurate. PCR is recommended for clinically suspected lesions with negative result of direct smear.

Concerns regarding Direct-to-Consumer Hearing Aid Purchasing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kimball, Suzanne H.

2010-01-01

An individual over age 18 can purchase a hearing aid online or through mail order if they sign a waiver declining a medical evaluation, while those under 18 are required to be seen by a physician to obtain medical consent. However, in many states there is nothing to prevent a parent or caregiver from purchasing hearing aids for their child from a…

No Child Left Behind: The Mathematics of Guaranteed Failure. NCLB: Failed Schools--Or Failed Law?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rose, Lowell C.

2004-01-01

The signing of the No Child Left Behind Act on January 8, 2002, moved the federal effort to influence K-12 schooling to a new and higher level--more aggressive, focused, and directive. The act requires that school districts and schools demonstrate adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward a particular goal: universal student achievement of standards…

False Signs and the Non-Specificity of Theory of Mind: Evidence that Preschoolers Have General Difficulties in Understanding Representations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leekam, Susan; Perner, Josef; Healey, Laura; Sewell, Claire

2008-01-01

The discovery that 3-year-old children have difficulties understanding false belief has fuelled two decades of research directed at understanding why children have this problem. One unresolved question is whether false belief problems are due to difficulties with mental or representational aspects of mental states. This question has implications…

76 FR 60454 - Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the International Commission for the Conservation of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-29

.... Written comments should be sent to Rachel O'Malley at NOAA Fisheries, Office of International Affairs... fax (301- 713-2313) or e-mail ( Rachel.O'Malley@noaa.gov ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel O... for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Rachel O'Malley at (301...

Promoting the Necessity to Read: A Guide for Instructors of the Disabled Reader in the Teaching of Survival Reading.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Welch, Jennifer S.

Designed to meet the needs of older nonreaders, this booklet provides teaching suggestions and classroom activities for functional or survival reading skills. The topics covered include using the telephone; figuring the cost of a purchase; following directions; survival vocabulary for public signs; vocabulary for the medicine chest; reading the…

Newark Kids Count 2008: A City Profile of Child Well-Being

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association for Children of New Jersey, 2008

2008-01-01

Newark's image has begun to change in recent years. High-profile construction projects downtown and a boom in new housing have been among the visible signs of change. Improvements on measures of child and family well-being have added to the impression of the city moving in a positive direction. Child poverty rates fell in recent years. Incomes…

The modern synthesis, Ronald Fisher and creationism.

PubMed

Leigh

1999-12-01

The 'modern evolutionary synthesis' convinced most biologists that natural selection was the only directive influence on adaptive evolution. Today, however, dissatisfaction with the synthesis is widespread, and creationists and antidarwinians are multiplying. The central problem with the synthesis is its failure to show (or to provide distinct signs) that natural selection of random mutations could account for observed levels of adaptation.

76 FR 6543 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-07

... inspections for damage (such as a scratch, disbonding, or a tear) of the inner skin of the upper and lower... tear), and a tap test and a thermographic inspection to detect signs of moisture penetration, to the... detailed inspection for discrepancies (scratches, debonding, tears, and indications of trapped water), on...

78 FR 60376 - Proposed Collection: Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-01

..., as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A... Fiscal Service, Bruce A. Sharp, 200 Third Street A4-A, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328, or bruce.sharp@bpd.... Sharp, Bureau of the Fiscal Service, 200 Third Street A4-A, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328, (304) 480- 8150...

Signs of Change: New Directions in Theatre Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lazarus, Joan

2012-01-01

There is no one-size-fits-all way to keep pace with the changes affecting students and those who educate them. That's why Joan Lazarus has gathered here the insights of hundreds of theater teachers and teaching artists on how they have responded to the shifting demands of theater education in today's schools. She paints a portrait of active,…

Surviving Shock and Awe: NCLB vs. Colleges of Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCracken, Nancy Mellin

2004-01-01

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), signed into law in 2002, bears certain resemblances to the war on terrorism in Iraq. Of course, NCLB will not directly produce any civilian casualties or smashed buildings, but the political strategies used to roll it out have been eerily similar to those used in the war against terrorism. Disturbing rates of…

75 FR 60740 - Record of Decision for the Base Closure and Realignment Beddown and Flight Operations of Remotely...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-01

... DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Air Force Record of Decision for the Base Closure and Realignment Beddown and Flight Operations of Remotely Piloted Aircraft at Grand Forks Air Force Base (AFB), ND... United States Air Force signed the ROD for the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC 2005) directed...

The Art of Coaching Teams: Building Resilient Communities That Transform Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aguilar, Elena

2016-01-01

"The Art of Coaching Teams" is the manual you never received when you signed on to lead a team. Being a great teacher is one thing, but leading a team, or team development, is an entirely different dynamic. Your successes are public, but so are your failures--and there is no specific rubric or curriculum to give you direction. Team…