Splitting livers: Trans-hilar or trans-umbilical division? Technical aspects and comparative outcomes.

PubMed

de Ville de Goyet, J; di Francesco, F; Sottani, V; Grimaldi, C; Tozzi, A E; Monti, L; Muiesan, P

2015-08-01

Controversy remains about the best line of division for liver splitting, through Segment IV or through the umbilical fissure. Both techniques are currently used, with the choice varying between surgical teams in the absence of an evidence-based choice. We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of 47 left split liver grafts that were procured with two different division techniques: "classical" (N = 28, Group A) or through the umbilical fissure and plate (N = 19, Group B). The allocation of recipients to each group was at random; a single transplant team performed all transplantations. Demographics, characteristics, technical aspects, and outcomes were similar in both groups. The grafts in Group A, prepared with the classical technique, were procured more often with a single BD orifice compared with the grafts in Group B; however, this was not associated with a higher incidence of biliary problems in this series of transplants (96% actual graft survival rate [median ± s.d. 26 ± 20 months]). Both techniques provide good quality split grafts and an excellent outcome; surgical expertise with a given technique is more relevant than the technique itself. The classical technique, however, seems to be more flexible in various ways, and surgeons may find it to be preferable. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Application of particle splitting method for both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic cases in SPH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, W. T.; Sun, P. N.; Ming, F. R.; Zhang, A. M.

2018-01-01

Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method with numerical diffusive terms shows satisfactory stability and accuracy in some violent fluid-solid interaction problems. However, in most simulations, uniform particle distributions are used and the multi-resolution, which can obviously improve the local accuracy and the overall computational efficiency, has seldom been applied. In this paper, a dynamic particle splitting method is applied and it allows for the simulation of both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic problems. The splitting algorithm is that, when a coarse (mother) particle enters the splitting region, it will be split into four daughter particles, which inherit the physical parameters of the mother particle. In the particle splitting process, conservations of mass, momentum and energy are ensured. Based on the error analysis, the splitting technique is designed to allow the optimal accuracy at the interface between the coarse and refined particles and this is particularly important in the simulation of hydrostatic cases. Finally, the scheme is validated by five basic cases, which demonstrate that the present SPH model with a particle splitting technique is of high accuracy and efficiency and is capable for the simulation of a wide range of hydrodynamic problems.

Bad splits in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy: systematic review and meta-analysis of reported risk factors.

PubMed

Steenen, S A; van Wijk, A J; Becking, A G

2016-08-01

An unfavourable and unanticipated pattern of the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is generally referred to as a 'bad split'. Patient factors predictive of a bad split reported in the literature are controversial. Suggested risk factors are reviewed in this article. A systematic review was undertaken, yielding a total of 30 studies published between 1971 and 2015 reporting the incidence of bad split and patient age, and/or surgical technique employed, and/or the presence of third molars. These included 22 retrospective cohort studies, six prospective cohort studies, one matched-pair analysis, and one case series. Spearman's rank correlation showed a statistically significant but weak correlation between increasing average age and increasing occurrence of bad splits in 18 studies (ρ=0.229; P<0.01). No comparative studies were found that assessed the incidence of bad split among the different splitting techniques. A meta-analysis pooling the effect sizes of seven cohort studies showed no significant difference in the incidence of bad split between cohorts of patients with third molars present and concomitantly removed during surgery, and patients in whom third molars were removed at least 6 months preoperatively (odds ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 0.73-1.85, Z=0.64, P=0.52). In summary, there is no robust evidence to date to show that any risk factor influences the incidence of bad split. Copyright © 2016 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Splitting methods for low Mach number Euler and Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abarbanel, Saul; Dutt, Pravir; Gottlieb, David

1987-01-01

Examined are some splitting techniques for low Mach number Euler flows. Shortcomings of some of the proposed methods are pointed out and an explanation for their inadequacy suggested. A symmetric splitting for both the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations is then presented which removes the stiffness of these equations when the Mach number is small. The splitting is shown to be stable.

Minimally Invasive Removal of an Intradural Cervical Tumor : Assessment of a Combined Split-Spinous Laminectomy and Quadrant Tube Retractor System Technique

PubMed Central

Kwak, Young-Seok; Cho, Dae-Chul; Kim, Young-Baeg

2012-01-01

Conventional laminectomy is the most popular technique for the complete removal of intradural spinal tumors. In particular, the central portion intramedullary tumor and large intradural extramedullary tumor often require a total laminectomy for the midline myelotomy, sufficient decompression, and adequate visualization. However, this technique has the disadvantages of a wide incision, extensive periosteal muscle dissection, and bony structural injury. Recently, split-spinous laminectomy and tubular retractor systems were found to decrease postoperative muscle injuries, skin incision size and discomfort. The combined technique of split-spinous laminectomy, using a quadrant tube retractor system allows for an excellent exposure of the tumor with minimal trauma of the surrounding tissue. We propose that this technique offers possible advantages over the traditional open tumor removal of the intradural spinal cord tumors, which covers one or two cervical levels and requires a total laminectomy. PMID:23133739

Extraction of decision rules via imprecise probabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abellán, Joaquín; López, Griselda; Garach, Laura; Castellano, Javier G.

2017-05-01

Data analysis techniques can be applied to discover important relations among features. This is the main objective of the Information Root Node Variation (IRNV) technique, a new method to extract knowledge from data via decision trees. The decision trees used by the original method were built using classic split criteria. The performance of new split criteria based on imprecise probabilities and uncertainty measures, called credal split criteria, differs significantly from the performance obtained using the classic criteria. This paper extends the IRNV method using two credal split criteria: one based on a mathematical parametric model, and other one based on a non-parametric model. The performance of the method is analyzed using a case study of traffic accident data to identify patterns related to the severity of an accident. We found that a larger number of rules is generated, significantly supplementing the information obtained using the classic split criteria.

Longitudinal fibre splitting in muscular dystrophy: a serial cinematographic study

PubMed Central

Isaacs, Edward R.; Bradley, Walter G.; Henderson, Gerald

1973-01-01

A technique of block surface-staining and serial cinematography was modified to review serial sections of normal and dystrophic muscle from the Bar Harbor 129 Re strain of mice as a preliminary study of fibre splitting in dystrophic muscle. Using this technique, muscle fibres were reconstructed for up to 1·5 mm of their length without difficulty. Split fibres were identified only when the actual separation of fibres was observed. Splitting was seen to be a significant cause of the variations in fibre diameter and was at times responsible for the formation of groups of small atrophic fibres which resembled those seen in denervation atrophy. Complex multiple splitting and recombination of daughter and parent fibres was also observed and reconstructed to scale. These results may have considerable significance for the interpretation of physiological data on both human and murine dystrophic muscle. Images PMID:4753877

Application of split window technique to TIMS data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matsunaga, Tsuneo; Rokugawa, Shuichi; Ishii, Yoshinori

1992-01-01

Absorptions by the atmosphere in thermal infrared region are mainly due to water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone. As the content of water vapor in the atmosphere greatly changes according to weather conditions, it is important to know its amount between the sensor and the ground for atmospheric corrections of thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) data (i.e. radiosonde). On the other hand, various atmospheric correction techniques were already developed for sea surface temperature estimations from satellites. Among such techniques, Split Window technique, now widely used for AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer), uses no radiosonde or any kind of supplementary data but a difference between observed brightness temperatures in two channels for estimating atmospheric effects. Applications of Split Window technique to TIMS data are discussed because availability of atmospheric profile data is not clear when ASTER operates. After these theoretical discussions, the technique is experimentally applied to TIMS data at three ground targets and results are compared with atmospherically corrected data using LOWTRAN 7 with radiosonde data.

[The existence of "Nederwiet", a new fact in the history of cannabis].

PubMed

Paris, M; Tran, N

1998-01-01

Since the beginning of the 1990s, France has been faced with a new problem of drug abuse. More and more people are growing Dutch cannabis, commonly called "nederwiet". Grown mostly indoors, its culture requires very specific and sophisticated techniques and materials. The Dutch have produced a cannabis with a very high percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol. We have conducted a morphological and chemical study of one of the known varieties of nederwiet, "super-skunk". Using gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry we have identified the cannabinoid components. The question of the Dutch regulations on drug abuse and the discussion on legalizing cannabis use in France raises many unanswered questions of great importance.

User Feedback Procedures; Part III of Scientific Report No. ISR-18, Information Storage and Retrieval...

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Dept. of Computer Science.

Part Three of this five part report on Salton's Magical Automatic Retriever of Texts (SMART) project contains four papers. The first: "Variations on the Query Splitting Technique with Relevance Feedback" by T. P. Baker discusses some experiments in relevance feedback performed with variations on the technique of query splitting. The…

Ultra-strong coupling in a transmon circuit architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bosman, Sal; Gely, Mario; Singh, Vibhor; Bruno, Alessandro; Steele, Gary

New unexplored phenomena are predicted in cQED for the ultra-strong coupling (USC) regime and beyond. Here, we explore two strategies to increase the coupling between a transmon qubit and a microwave resonator. In the first approach, we increase the impedance of the resonator, enhancing it's voltage zero-point fluctuations, and measure a vacuum Rabi splitting of 916 MHz. In a second approach, we create a transmon qubit by making a superconducting island suspended above the center conductor of the resonator and which is shorted to ground by two Josephson junctions. Doing so, we maximize the dipole moment of the qubit and observe a vacuum Rabi splitting of 1.2 GHz with a qubit linewidth of 1 MHz. This first transmon qubit in the USC regime improves the coherence time by a factor of 100 compared to other systems in the USC limit. Finally we predict that by combining both approaches, a coupling of ~ 3 . 6 GHz is possible, reaching close to the deep strong coupling limit. The work was supported by the Dutch science foundation NWO/FOM.

Chemistry-split techniques for viscous reactive blunt body flow computations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, C. P.

1987-01-01

The weak-coupling structure between the fluid and species equations has been exploited and resulted in three, closely related, time-iterative implicit techniques. While the primitive variables are solved in two separated groups and each by an Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) factorization scheme, the rate-species Jacobian can be treated in either full or diagonal matrix form, or simply ignored. The latter two versions render the split technique to solving for species as scalar rather than vector variables. The solution is completed at the end of each iteration after determining temperature and pressure from the flow density, energy and species concentrations. Numerical experimentation has shown that the split scalar technique, using partial rate Jacobian, yields the best overall stability and consistency. Satisfactory viscous solutions were obtained for an ellipsoidal body of axis ratio 3:1 at Mach 35 and an angle of attack of 20 degrees.

Detection of Forgeries of Dutch and Flemish Paintings of the XVII-XVIII Centuries by means of Spectroscopic Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shabunya-Klyachkovskaya, E. V.; Kiris, V. V.; Shimko, A. N.; Belkov, M. V.; Raikov, S. N.

2014-01-01

Results of spectroscopic examinations of three paintings that by the formal and stylistic features can be attributed to the Dutch and Flemish schools of the XVII-XVIIIth centuries were presented. It was supposed that one of the paintings was created by David Teniers the Younger. The signature ″L. de Moni″ was found on the paint layer of another painting. Inorganic art pigments including those of the XIXth century were identified using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy was used to determine the paint binders, which allowed the lower limits of the creation time of these artworks to be defined. Results of a microscopic examination of the stratigraphic structure revealed that the creation technology of these artworks differed from that of Dutch and Flemish artists of the XVII-XVIIIth centuries. Thus, all three investigated paintings were XXth century stylistic forgeries of Dutch and Flemish paintings of the XVI-XVIIIth centuries.

Technique for the application of a streamer-type fish tag

USGS Publications Warehouse

Joeris, Leonard S.

1953-01-01

Principal features of the technique are: attachment of the plastic tag by means of a nylon-thread loop prepared in advance of field work; use of a curved surgical needle with cutting edge and a split eye for application of the tag. The procedures for splitting the needle's eye and for applying the tag are described and illustrated by a series of photographs.

Classroom Modified Split-Root Technique and Its Application in a Plant Habitat Selection Experiment at the College Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elliott, Shannon S.; Winter, Peggy A.

2011-01-01

The split-root technique produces a plant with two equal root masses. Traditionally, the two root masses of the single plant are cultivated in adjacent pots with or without roots from competitors for the purpose of elucidating habitat preferences. We have tailored this technology for the classroom, adjusting protocols to match resources and time…

Numerical simulation and experiment on multilayer stagger-split die.

PubMed

Liu, Zhiwei; Li, Mingzhe; Han, Qigang; Yang, Yunfei; Wang, Bolong; Sui, Zhou

2013-05-01

A novel ultra-high pressure device, multilayer stagger-split die, has been constructed based on the principle of "dividing dies before cracking." Multilayer stagger-split die includes an encircling ring and multilayer assemblages, and the mating surfaces of the multilayer assemblages are mutually staggered between adjacent layers. In this paper, we investigated the stressing features of this structure through finite element techniques, and the results were compared with those of the belt type die and single split die. The contrast experiments were also carried out to test the bearing pressure performance of multilayer stagger-split die. It is concluded that the stress distributions are reasonable and the materials are utilized effectively for multilayer stagger-split die. And experiments indicate that the multilayer stagger-split die can bear the greatest pressure.

Split thickness skin graft for cervicovaginal reconstruction in congenital atresia of cervix.

PubMed

Zhang, Xuyin; Han, Tiantian; Ding, Jingxin; Hua, Keqin

2015-10-01

To introduce a new technique that combines laparoscopic and vaginal cervicovaginal reconstruction using split thickness skin graft in patients with congenital atresia of the cervix. Video article introducing a new surgical technique. University hospital. A 16-year-old patient with congenital cervical atresia, vaginal dysgenesis, and ovarian endometrial cyst. An original technique of combined laparoscopic and vaginal cervicovaginal reconstruction using split thickness skin graft for cervicovaginal reconstruction. A midline incision at the vaginal introitus was made, and a 9-cm canal was made between the bladder and the rectum using sharp and blunt dissection along the anatomic vaginal route, with the aid of laparoscopy to ensure correct orientation. A 14 × 12 cm split thickness skin graft was harvested from the right lateral thigh. By laparoscopy, the level of the lowest pole of the uterine cavity was exposed and the cervix was incised by shape dissection. The proximal segment of the harvested skin to the lower uterine segment was secured, and the distal segment was sutured with the upper margin of vulva vaginally. Surgical technique reports in anonymous patients are exempted from ethical approval by the Institutional Review Board. The patient gave consent to use the video in the article. The procedure was successfully completed. Since February 2013, our experiences of combined laparoscopic and vaginal cervicovaginal reconstruction using split thickness skin graft in 10 patients with congenital atresia of cervix were positive, with successful results and without complications or cervical, or vaginal stenosis. Our technique is feasible and safe for congenital atresia of cervix, with successful results and without complications or cervical or vaginal stenosis. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A high order semi-Lagrangian discontinuous Galerkin method for Vlasov-Poisson simulations without operator splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Xiaofeng; Guo, Wei; Qiu, Jing-Mei

2018-02-01

In this paper, we develop a high order semi-Lagrangian (SL) discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for nonlinear Vlasov-Poisson (VP) simulations without operator splitting. In particular, we combine two recently developed novel techniques: one is the high order non-splitting SLDG transport method (Cai et al. (2017) [4]), and the other is the high order characteristics tracing technique proposed in Qiu and Russo (2017) [29]. The proposed method with up to third order accuracy in both space and time is locally mass conservative, free of splitting error, positivity-preserving, stable and robust for large time stepping size. The SLDG VP solver is applied to classic benchmark test problems such as Landau damping and two-stream instabilities for VP simulations. Efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed scheme is extensively tested. Tremendous CPU savings are shown by comparisons between the proposed SL DG scheme and the classical Runge-Kutta DG method.

Assisted extraction of the energy level spacings and lever arms in direct current bias measurements of one-dimensional quantum wires, using an image recognition routine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lesage, A. A. J.; Smith, L. W.; Al-Taie, H.; See, P.; Griffiths, J. P.; Farrer, I.; Jones, G. A. C.; Ritchie, D. A.; Kelly, M. J.; Smith, C. G.

2015-01-01

A multiplexer technique is used to individually measure an array of 256 split gates on a single GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure. This results in the generation of large volumes of data, which requires the development of automated data analysis routines. An algorithm is developed to find the spacing between discrete energy levels, which form due to transverse confinement from the split gate. The lever arm, which relates split gate voltage to energy, is also found from the measured data. This reduces the time spent on the analysis. Comparison with estimates obtained visually shows that the algorithm returns reliable results for subband spacing of split gates measured at 1.4 K. The routine is also used to assess direct current bias spectroscopy measurements at lower temperatures (50 mK). This technique is versatile and can be extended to other types of measurements. For example, it is used to extract the magnetic field at which Zeeman-split 1D subbands cross one another.

Split Bregman multicoil accelerated reconstruction technique: A new framework for rapid reconstruction of cardiac perfusion MRI

PubMed Central

Kamesh Iyer, Srikant; Tasdizen, Tolga; Likhite, Devavrat; DiBella, Edward

2016-01-01

Purpose: Rapid reconstruction of undersampled multicoil MRI data with iterative constrained reconstruction method is a challenge. The authors sought to develop a new substitution based variable splitting algorithm for faster reconstruction of multicoil cardiac perfusion MRI data. Methods: The new method, split Bregman multicoil accelerated reconstruction technique (SMART), uses a combination of split Bregman based variable splitting and iterative reweighting techniques to achieve fast convergence. Total variation constraints are used along the spatial and temporal dimensions. The method is tested on nine ECG-gated dog perfusion datasets, acquired with a 30-ray golden ratio radial sampling pattern and ten ungated human perfusion datasets, acquired with a 24-ray golden ratio radial sampling pattern. Image quality and reconstruction speed are evaluated and compared to a gradient descent (GD) implementation and to multicoil k-t SLR, a reconstruction technique that uses a combination of sparsity and low rank constraints. Results: Comparisons based on blur metric and visual inspection showed that SMART images had lower blur and better texture as compared to the GD implementation. On average, the GD based images had an ∼18% higher blur metric as compared to SMART images. Reconstruction of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) cardiac perfusion images using the SMART method was ∼6 times faster than standard gradient descent methods. k-t SLR and SMART produced images with comparable image quality, though SMART was ∼6.8 times faster than k-t SLR. Conclusions: The SMART method is a promising approach to reconstruct good quality multicoil images from undersampled DCE cardiac perfusion data rapidly. PMID:27036592

Creating ensembles of oblique decision trees with evolutionary algorithms and sampling

DOEpatents

Cantu-Paz, Erick [Oakland, CA; Kamath, Chandrika [Tracy, CA

2006-06-13

A decision tree system that is part of a parallel object-oriented pattern recognition system, which in turn is part of an object oriented data mining system. A decision tree process includes the step of reading the data. If necessary, the data is sorted. A potential split of the data is evaluated according to some criterion. An initial split of the data is determined. The final split of the data is determined using evolutionary algorithms and statistical sampling techniques. The data is split. Multiple decision trees are combined in ensembles.

Field by field hybrid upwind splitting methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coquel, Frederic; Liou, Meng-Sing

1993-01-01

A new and general approach to upwind splitting is presented. The design principle combines the robustness of flux vector splitting schemes in the capture of nonlinear waves and the accuracy of some flux difference splitting schemes in the resolution of linear waves. The new schemes are derived following a general hybridization technique performed directly at the basic level of the field by field decomposition involved in FDS methods. The scheme does not use a spatial switch to be tuned up according to the local smoothness of the approximate solution.

"Split Cast Mounting: Review and New Technique".

PubMed

Gundawar, S M; Pande, Neelam A; Jaiswal, Priti; Radke, U M

2014-12-01

For the fabrication of a prosthesis, the Prosthodontist meticulously performs all the steps. The laboratory technician then make every effort/strives to perform the remaining lab procedures. However when the processed dentures are remounted on the articulator, some changes are seen. These changes may be divided into two categories: Pre-insertion and post-insertion changes, which deal with the physical properties of the materials involved (Parker, J Prosthet Dent 31:335-342, 1974). Split cast mounting is the method of mounting casts on the articulator. It is essentially a maxillary cast constructed in two parts with a horizontal division. The procedure allows for the verification of the accuracy of the initial mounting and the ease of removal and replacement of the cast. This provides a precise means of correcting the changes in occlusion occurring as a result of the processing technique (Nogueira et al., J Prosthet Dent 91:386-388, 2004). Instability of the split mounting has always been a problem to the Prosthodontist thereby limiting its use. There are various materials mentioned in the literature. The new technique by using Dowel pins and twill thread is very easy, cheaper and simple way to stabilize the split mounting. It is useful and easy in day to day laboratory procedures. The article presents different methods of split cast mounting and the new procedure using easily available materials in prosthetic laboratory.

Anisotropic in-plane spin splitting in an asymmetric (001) GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

The in-plane spin splitting of conduction-band electron has been investigated in an asymmetric (001) GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs quantum well by time-resolved Kerr rotation technique under a transverse magnetic field. The distinctive anisotropy of the spin splitting was observed while the temperature is below approximately 200 K. This anisotropy emerges from the combined effect of Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling plus asymmetric potential gradients. We also exploit the temperature dependence of spin-splitting energy. Both the anisotropy of spin splitting and the in-plane effective g-factor decrease with increasing temperature. PACS: 78.47.jm, 71.70.Ej, 75.75.+a, 72.25.Fe, PMID:21888636

Split Node and Stress Glut Methods for Dynamic Rupture Simulations in Finite Elements.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramirez-Guzman, L.; Bielak, J.

2008-12-01

I present two numerical techniques to solve the Dynamic problem. I revisit and modify the Split Node approach and introduce a Stress Glut type Method. Both algorithms are implemented using a iso/sub- parametric FEM solver. In the first case, I discuss the formulation and perform an analysis of convergence for different orders of approximation for the acoustic case. I describe the algorithm of the second methodology as well as the assumptions made. The key to the new technique is to have an accurate representation of the traction. Thus, I devote part of the discussion to analyze the tractions for a simple example. The sensitivity of the method is tested by comparing against Split Node solutions.

[Drug advertising as communication between the pharmaceutical industry and the physician: advertisements for psychotropic drugs in the Dutch medical journal, Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde, 1900-1940].

PubMed

van der Hoogte, Arjo Roersch; Pieters, Toine

2010-01-01

In this article we explore the historical development of drug advertisements for psychotropic drugs in the leading Dutch medical journal from 1900 to 1940. The advertisements for hypnotics and sedatives, in The Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde (Dutch medical journal) reflected the changes in the vocabulary and image promoted by the pharmaceutical companies. In the first two decades, the advertisements were sober and to the point, and included the trademark, company name, molecular formula and therapeutic properties of the medication. The emphasis was on creating a scientific image of reliable symptom control for the therapeutic drug. In doing so, the ethical drug companies tried (successfully) to distinguish themselves from the producers of patent medicines. Once scientific credibility was established, the form and content of the advertisements changed significantly. In the late 1920s and 1930s drug companies embraced modern advertising techniques, developing a figurative language to address the changing beliefs and practices of Dutch physicians. Instead of promoting therapeutic drugs as safe and scientific, the emphasis was on their effectiveness in comparison to similar drugs. In the process, scientific information was reduced to an indispensable standardized minimum, whereby therapeutic drugs were advertised according to the latest pharmacological taxonomy rather than molecular formulas. The image-making of 'ethical marketing' began during the interwar years when marketers applied modern advertising techniques and infotainment strategies. The scanty black and white informational bulletins transitioned into colourful advertisements. The pharmaceutical companies employed the same medical language as used by physicians, so that one word or image in an advertisement would suffice for the physician to recognize a drug and its therapeutic properties. These developments show the changing relationship between the modern ethical pharmaceutical industry and Dutch doctors during the interwar years--from rapprochement towards concerted action.

Comparison of dust related respiratory effects in Dutch and Canadian grain handling industries: a pooled analysis.

PubMed Central

Peelen, S J; Heederik, D; Dimich-Ward, H D; Chan-Yeung, M; Kennedy, S M

1996-01-01

OBJECTIVES: Four previously conducted epidemiological studies in more than 1200 grain workers were used to compare exposure-response relations between exposure to grain dust and respiratory health. METHODS: The studies included Dutch workers from an animal feed mill and a transfer grain elevator and Canadian workers from a terminal grain elevator and the docks. Relations between forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and exposure were analysed with multiple regression analysis corrected for smoking, age, and height. Exposure variables examined included cumulative and current dust exposure and the numbers of years a subject was employed in the industry. Sampling efficiencies of the Dutch and Canadian measurement techniques were compared in a pilot study. Results of this study were used to correct slopes of exposure-response relations for differences in dust fractions sampled by Dutch and Canadian personal dust samplers. RESULTS: Negative exposure-response relations were shown for regressions of FEV1 on cumulative and current exposure and years employed. Slopes of the exposure-response relations differed by a factor of three to five between industries, apart from results for cumulative exposure. Here the variation in slopes differed by a factor of 100, from -1 to -0.009 ml/mg.y/m3. The variation in slopes between industries reduced to between twofold to fivefold when the Dutch transfer elevator workers were not considered. There was evidence that the small exposure-response slope found for this group is caused by misclassification of exposure and a strong healthy worker effect. Alternative, but less likely explanations for the variation in slopes were differences in exposure concentrations, composition of grain dust, exposure characteristics, and measurement techniques. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study showed moderately similar negative exposure-response relations for four different populations from different countries, despite differences in methods of exposure assessment and exposure estimation. PMID:8983468

Comparison of dust related respiratory effects in Dutch and Canadian grain handling industries: a pooled analysis.

PubMed

Peelen, S J; Heederik, D; Dimich-Ward, H D; Chan-Yeung, M; Kennedy, S M

1996-08-01

Four previously conducted epidemiological studies in more than 1200 grain workers were used to compare exposure-response relations between exposure to grain dust and respiratory health. The studies included Dutch workers from an animal feed mill and a transfer grain elevator and Canadian workers from a terminal grain elevator and the docks. Relations between forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and exposure were analysed with multiple regression analysis corrected for smoking, age, and height. Exposure variables examined included cumulative and current dust exposure and the numbers of years a subject was employed in the industry. Sampling efficiencies of the Dutch and Canadian measurement techniques were compared in a pilot study. Results of this study were used to correct slopes of exposure-response relations for differences in dust fractions sampled by Dutch and Canadian personal dust samplers. Negative exposure-response relations were shown for regressions of FEV1 on cumulative and current exposure and years employed. Slopes of the exposure-response relations differed by a factor of three to five between industries, apart from results for cumulative exposure. Here the variation in slopes differed by a factor of 100, from -1 to -0.009 ml/mg.y/m3. The variation in slopes between industries reduced to between twofold to fivefold when the Dutch transfer elevator workers were not considered. There was evidence that the small exposure-response slope found for this group is caused by misclassification of exposure and a strong healthy worker effect. Alternative, but less likely explanations for the variation in slopes were differences in exposure concentrations, composition of grain dust, exposure characteristics, and measurement techniques. In conclusion, this study showed moderately similar negative exposure-response relations for four different populations from different countries, despite differences in methods of exposure assessment and exposure estimation.

Bad splits in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy: systematic review of fracture patterns.

PubMed

Steenen, S A; Becking, A G

2016-07-01

An unfavourable and unanticipated pattern of the mandibular sagittal split osteotomy is generally referred to as a 'bad split'. Few restorative techniques to manage the situation have been described. In this article, a classification of reported bad split pattern types is proposed and appropriate salvage procedures to manage the different types of undesired fracture are presented. A systematic review was undertaken, yielding a total of 33 studies published between 1971 and 2015. These reported a total of 458 cases of bad splits among 19,527 sagittal ramus osteotomies in 10,271 patients. The total reported incidence of bad split was 2.3% of sagittal splits. The most frequently encountered were buccal plate fractures of the proximal segment (types 1A-F) and lingual fractures of the distal segment (types 2A and 2B). Coronoid fractures (type 3) and condylar neck fractures (type 4) have seldom been reported. The various types of bad split may require different salvage approaches. Copyright © 2016 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Creating ensembles of decision trees through sampling

DOEpatents

Kamath, Chandrika; Cantu-Paz, Erick

2005-08-30

A system for decision tree ensembles that includes a module to read the data, a module to sort the data, a module to evaluate a potential split of the data according to some criterion using a random sample of the data, a module to split the data, and a module to combine multiple decision trees in ensembles. The decision tree method is based on statistical sampling techniques and includes the steps of reading the data; sorting the data; evaluating a potential split according to some criterion using a random sample of the data, splitting the data, and combining multiple decision trees in ensembles.

Continuous state-space representation of a bucket-type rainfall-runoff model: a case study with the GR4 model using state-space GR4 (version 1.0)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, Léonard; Thirel, Guillaume; Perrin, Charles

2018-04-01

In many conceptual rainfall-runoff models, the water balance differential equations are not explicitly formulated. These differential equations are solved sequentially by splitting the equations into terms that can be solved analytically with a technique called operator splitting. As a result, only the solutions of the split equations are used to present the different models. This article provides a methodology to make the governing water balance equations of a bucket-type rainfall-runoff model explicit and to solve them continuously. This is done by setting up a comprehensive state-space representation of the model. By representing it in this way, the operator splitting, which makes the structural analysis of the model more complex, could be removed. In this state-space representation, the lag functions (unit hydrographs), which are frequent in rainfall-runoff models and make the resolution of the representation difficult, are first replaced by a so-called Nash cascade and then solved with a robust numerical integration technique. To illustrate this methodology, the GR4J model is taken as an example. The substitution of the unit hydrographs with a Nash cascade, even if it modifies the model behaviour when solved using operator splitting, does not modify it when the state-space representation is solved using an implicit integration technique. Indeed, the flow time series simulated by the new representation of the model are very similar to those simulated by the classic model. The use of a robust numerical technique that approximates a continuous-time model also improves the lag parameter consistency across time steps and provides a more time-consistent model with time-independent parameters.

Segmenting overlapping nano-objects in atomic force microscopy image

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qian; Han, Yuexing; Li, Qing; Wang, Bing; Konagaya, Akihiko

2018-01-01

Recently, techniques for nanoparticles have rapidly been developed for various fields, such as material science, medical, and biology. In particular, methods of image processing have widely been used to automatically analyze nanoparticles. A technique to automatically segment overlapping nanoparticles with image processing and machine learning is proposed. Here, two tasks are necessary: elimination of image noises and action of the overlapping shapes. For the first task, mean square error and the seed fill algorithm are adopted to remove noises and improve the quality of the original image. For the second task, four steps are needed to segment the overlapping nanoparticles. First, possibility split lines are obtained by connecting the high curvature pixels on the contours. Second, the candidate split lines are classified with a machine learning algorithm. Third, the overlapping regions are detected with the method of density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN). Finally, the best split lines are selected with a constrained minimum value. We give some experimental examples and compare our technique with two other methods. The results can show the effectiveness of the proposed technique.

Bad split during bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible with separators: a retrospective study of 427 patients.

PubMed

Mensink, Gertjan; Verweij, Jop P; Frank, Michael D; Eelco Bergsma, J; Richard van Merkesteyn, J P

2013-09-01

An unfavourable fracture, known as a bad split, is a common operative complication in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). The reported incidence ranges from 0.5 to 5.5%/site. Since 1994 we have used sagittal splitters and separators instead of chisels for BSSO in our clinic in an attempt to prevent postoperative hypoaesthesia. Theoretically an increased percentage of bad splits could be expected with this technique. In this retrospective study we aimed to find out the incidence of bad splits associated with BSSO done with splitters and separators. We also assessed the risk factors for bad splits. The study group comprised 427 consecutive patients among whom the incidence of bad splits was 2.0%/site, which is well within the reported range. The only predictive factor for a bad split was the removal of third molars at the same time as BSSO. There was no significant association between bad splits and age, sex, class of occlusion, or the experience of the surgeon. We think that doing a BSSO with splitters and separators instead of chisels does not increase the risk of a bad split, and is therefore safe with predictable results. Copyright © 2012 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Promising Behavior Change Techniques in a Multicomponent Intervention to Reduce Concerns about Falls in Old Age: A Delphi Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vestjens, Lotte; Kempen, Gertrudis I. J. M.; Crutzen, Rik; Kok, Gerjo; Zijlstra, G. A. Rixt

2015-01-01

Complex behavior change interventions need evidence regarding the effectiveness of individual components to understand how these interventions work. The objective of this study was to identify the least and most promising behavior change techniques (BCTs) within the Dutch intervention "A Matter of Balance" (AMB-NL) aimed at concerns…

Influence of core design, production technique, and material selection on fracture behavior of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal fixed dental prostheses produced using different multilayer techniques: split-file, over-pressing, and manually built-up veneers.

PubMed

Mahmood, Deyar Jallal Hadi; Linderoth, Ewa H; Wennerberg, Ann; Vult Von Steyern, Per

2016-01-01

To investigate and compare the fracture strength and fracture mode in eleven groups of currently, the most commonly used multilayer three-unit all-ceramic yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) with respect to the choice of core material, veneering material area, manufacturing technique, design of connectors, and radii of curvature of FDP cores. A total of 110 three-unit Y-TZP FDP cores with one intermediate pontic were made. The FDP cores in groups 1-7 were made with a split-file design, veneered with manually built-up porcelain, computer-aided design-on veneers, and over-pressed veneers. Groups 8-11 consisted of FDPs with a state-of-the-art design, veneered with manually built-up porcelain. All the FDP cores were subjected to simulated aging and finally loaded to fracture. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the core designs, but not between the different types of Y-TZP materials. The split-file designs with VITABLOCS(®) (1,806±165 N) and e.max(®) ZirPress (1,854±115 N) and the state-of-the-art design with VITA VM(®) 9 (1,849±150 N) demonstrated the highest mean fracture values. The shape of a split-file designed all-ceramic reconstruction calls for a different dimension protocol, compared to traditionally shaped ones, as the split-file design leads to sharp approximal indentations acting as fractural impressions, thus decreasing the overall strength. The design of a framework is a crucial factor for the load bearing capacity of an all-ceramic FDP. The state-of-the-art design is preferable since the split-file designed cores call for a cross-sectional connector area at least 42% larger, to have the same load bearing capacity as the state-of-the-art designed cores. All veneering materials and techniques tested in the study, split-file, over-press, built-up porcelains, and glass-ceramics are, with a great safety margin, sufficient for clinical use both anteriorly and posteriorly. Analysis of the fracture pattern shows differences between the milled veneers and over-pressed or built-up veneers, where the milled ones show numerically more veneer cracks and the other groups only show complete connector fractures.

Pharmaceutical counselling about different types of tablet-splitting methods based on the results of weighing tests and mechanical development of splitting devices.

PubMed

Somogyi, O; Meskó, A; Csorba, L; Szabó, P; Zelkó, R

2017-08-30

The division of tablets and adequate methods of splitting them are a complex problem in all sectors of health care. Although tablet-splitting is often required, this procedure can be difficult for patients. Four tablets were investigated with different external features (shape, score-line, film-coat and size). The influencing effect of these features and the splitting methods was investigated according to the precision and "weight loss" of splitting techniques. All four types of tablets were halved by four methods: by hand, with a kitchen knife, with an original manufactured splitting device and with a modified tablet splitter based on a self-developed mechanical model. The mechanical parameters (harness and friability) of the products were measured during the study. The "weight loss" and precision of splitting methods were determined and compared by statistical analysis. On the basis of the results, the external features (geometry), the mechanical parameters of tablets and the mechanical structure of splitting devices can influence the "weight loss" and precision of tablet-splitting. Accordingly, a new decision-making scheme was developed for the selection of splitting methods. In addition, the skills of patients and the specialties of therapy should be considered so that pharmaceutical counselling can be more effective regarding tablet-splitting. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid orthodontic treatment after the ridge-splitting technique--a combined surgical-orthodontic approach for implant site development: case report.

PubMed

Amato, Francesco; Mirabella, A Davide; Borlizzi, Diego

2012-08-01

This article presents a clinical case of bilateral partial edentulism in the posterior mandible with severe horizontal and moderate vertical bone atrophy. A new technique using rapid orthodontics after ridge splitting is presented. The split-crest technique was carried out using piezosurgical instruments in the first molar and second premolar areas to widen the bone crest and open a channel for tooth movement. Immediately after, orthodontic appliances were used to move the first premolars distally and the second molars mesially into the surgical site. The rationale was to facilitate and accelerate orthodontic movement of the teeth, which is otherwise difficult in a cortical knife-edged ridge. The bone defect was filled with the alveolar bone of the adjacent teeth that were moved into the surgically opened path. Adequate bone volume for implant placement was generated in the first premolar area. Implants were then inserted, and the patient was rehabilitated.

A Split-Mouth Design Comparison for Lateral and Crestal Sinus Lift Techniques with Dental Implants Placements: Short Communication.

PubMed

Al-Almaie, Saad; Kavarodi, Abdul Majeed; Alorf, Ali; Alzahrani, Saeed

2017-01-01

The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of implant placement and patient appraisal for two sinus lift techniques using both crestal and lateral techniques for bilateral sinus left in a split-mouth design. All implants were successfully osseointegrated without any clinical complications or peri-implant radiolucency during the follow-up period of maximum 3 years. In terms of outcomes postoperative vertigo showed to be a major concern with the crestal approach, this approach is preferred over the lateral technique because of the reduced time required for the procedure and because it is less invasive. Most patients preferred the crestal approach over the lateral approach due to the delay in implant placement.

On split regular BiHom-Lie superalgebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jian; Chen, Liangyun; Zhang, Chiping

2018-06-01

We introduce the class of split regular BiHom-Lie superalgebras as the natural extension of the one of split Hom-Lie superalgebras and the one of split Lie superalgebras. By developing techniques of connections of roots for this kind of algebras, we show that such a split regular BiHom-Lie superalgebra L is of the form L = U +∑ [ α ] ∈ Λ / ∼I[α] with U a subspace of the Abelian (graded) subalgebra H and any I[α], a well described (graded) ideal of L, satisfying [I[α] ,I[β] ] = 0 if [ α ] ≠ [ β ] . Under certain conditions, in the case of L being of maximal length, the simplicity of the algebra is characterized and it is shown that L is the direct sum of the family of its simple (graded) ideals.

Mesoscale, Radiometrically Referenced, Multi-Temporal Hyperspectral Data for Co2 Leak Detection by Locating Spatial Variation of Biophysically Relevant Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCann, Cooper Patrick

Low-cost flight-based hyperspectral imaging systems have the potential to provide valuable information for ecosystem and environmental studies as well as aide in land management and land health monitoring. This thesis describes (1) a bootstrap method of producing mesoscale, radiometrically-referenced hyperspectral data using the Landsat surface reflectance (LaSRC) data product as a reference target, (2) biophysically relevant basis functions to model the reflectance spectra, (3) an unsupervised classification technique based on natural histogram splitting of these biophysically relevant parameters, and (4) local and multi-temporal anomaly detection. The bootstrap method extends standard processing techniques to remove uneven illumination conditions between flight passes, allowing the creation of radiometrically self-consistent data. Through selective spectral and spatial resampling, LaSRC data is used as a radiometric reference target. Advantages of the bootstrap method include the need for minimal site access, no ancillary instrumentation, and automated data processing. Data from a flight on 06/02/2016 is compared with concurrently collected ground based reflectance spectra as a means of validation achieving an average error of 2.74%. Fitting reflectance spectra using basis functions, based on biophysically relevant spectral features, allows both noise and data reductions while shifting information from spectral bands to biophysical features. Histogram splitting is used to determine a clustering based on natural splittings of these fit parameters. The Indian Pines reference data enabled comparisons of the efficacy of this technique to established techniques. The splitting technique is shown to be an improvement over the ISODATA clustering technique with an overall accuracy of 34.3/19.0% before merging and 40.9/39.2% after merging. This improvement is also seen as an improvement of kappa before/after merging of 24.8/30.5 for the histogram splitting technique compared to 15.8/28.5 for ISODATA. Three hyperspectral flights over the Kevin Dome area, covering 1843 ha, acquired 06/21/2014, 06/24/2015 and 06/26/2016 are examined with different methods of anomaly detection. Detection of anomalies within a single data set is examined to determine, on a local scale, areas that are significantly different from the surrounding area. Additionally, the detection and identification of persistent anomalies and non-persistent anomalies was investigated across multiple data sets.

Cranioplasty Using a Modified Split Calvarial Graft Technique in Cleidocranial Dysplasia

PubMed Central

Jung, Young Taek; Cho, Jae Ik

2015-01-01

Cleidocranial dysplasia is a well-documented rare autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia characterized by hypoplastic/aplastic clavicles, brachycephalic skull, patent sutures and fontanelles, midface hypoplasia, and abnormalities of dentition. Patients with cleidocranial dysplasia often complain about undesirable esthetic appearance of their forehead and skull. Notwithstanding many studies of molecular, genetics and skeletal abnormalities of this congenial disorder, there have been very few written reports of cranioplasty involving cleidocranial dysplasia. Thus, we report a rare case of successful cranioplasty using a modified split calvarial graft technique in patient with cleidocranial dysplasia. PMID:26279819

A Novel Technique for Split-Thickness Skin Donor Site Pain Control: Subcutaneous Catheters for Continuous Local Anesthetic Infusion

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

the new: a novel approach to treating pain associated with rib fractures . World J Surg 2010;34:2359–62. 3. Wheatley GH III, Rosenbaum DH, Paul MC, et...has been described after laparotomy, tho- racotomy, inguinal hernia repair, and rib fractures .2–4 We describe our experience at the U.S. Army Insti...JAN 2012 2. REPORT TYPE N/A 3. DATES COVERED - 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE A novel technique for split-thickness skin donor site pain control

Clinical Comparison of At-Home and In-Office Dental Bleaching Procedures: A Randomized Trial of a Split-Mouth Design.

PubMed

Machado, Lucas Silveira; Anchieta, Rodolfo Bruniera; dos Santos, Paulo Henrique; Briso, André Luiz; Tovar, Nick; Janal, Malvin N; Coelho, Paulo Guilherme; Sundfeld, Renato Herman

2016-01-01

The objective of this split-mouth clinical study was to compare a combination of in-office and at-home dental bleaching with at-home bleaching alone. Two applications of in-office bleaching were performed, with one appointment per week, using 38% hydrogen peroxide. At-home bleaching was performed with or without in-office bleaching using 10% carbamide peroxide in a custom-made tray every night for 2 weeks. The factor studied was the bleaching technique on two levels: Technique 1 (in-office bleaching combined with home bleaching) and Technique 2 (home bleaching only). The response variables were color change, dental sensitivity, morphology, and surface roughness. The maxillary right and left hemiarches of the participants were submitted to in-office placebo treatment and in-office bleaching, respectively (Phase 1), and at-home bleaching (Phase 2) treatment was performed on both hemiarches, characterizing a split-mouth design. Enamel surface changes and roughness were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and optical interferometry using epoxy replicas. No statistically significant differences were observed between the bleaching techniques for either the visual or the digital analyses. There was a significant difference in dental sensitivity when both dental bleaching techniques were used, with in-office bleaching producing the highest levels of dental sensitivity after the baseline. Microscopic analysis of the morphology and roughness of the enamel surface showed no significant changes between the bleaching techniques. The two techniques produced similar results in color change, and the combination technique produced the highest levels of sensitivity. Neither technique promoted changes in morphology or surface roughness of enamel.

A Comparison among Worker Types Using a Composites Approach and Median Splits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aziz, Shahnaz; Wuensch, Karl L.; Brandon, Howard R.

2010-01-01

The current study examined Spence and Robbins' (1992) worker types in terms of correlates of workaholism (e.g., work-life imbalance, obsessive-compulsive behavior). A survey was administered to professionals, who were then classified into different worker types following the traditional median-split technique. The data were also analyzed with…

Fabrication of cooled radial turbine rotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammer, A. N.; Aigret, G. G.; Psichogios, T. P.; Rodgers, C.

1986-01-01

A design and fabrication program was conducted to evaluate a unique concept for constructing a cooled, high temperature radial turbine rotor. This concept, called split blade fabrication was developed as an alternative to internal ceramic coring. In this technique, the internal cooling cavity is created without flow dividers or any other detail by a solid (and therefore stronger) ceramic plate which can be more firmly anchored within the casting shell mold than can conventional detailed ceramic cores. Casting is conducted in the conventional manner, except that the finished product, instead of having finished internal cooling passages, is now a split blade. The internal details of the blade are created separately together with a carrier sheet. The inserts are superalloy. Both are produced by essentially the same software such that they are a net fit. The carrier assemblies are loaded into the split blade and the edges sealed by welding. The entire wheel is Hot Isostatic Pressed (HIPed), braze bonding the internal details to the inside of the blades. During this program, two wheels were successfully produced by the split blade fabrication technique.

Split-shot sinker facilitates seton treatment of anal fistulae.

PubMed

Awad, M L; Sell, H W; Stahlfeld, K R

2009-06-01

The cutting seton is an inexpensive and effective method of treating high complex perianal fistulae. Following placement of the seton, advancement through the external sphincter muscles requires progressive tightening of the seton. The requirement for maintaining the appropriate tension and onset of perianal pressure necrosis are problems frequently encountered using this technique. Using a 3-0 polypropylene suture, a red-rubber catheter, and a nontoxic tin split-shot sinker, we minimized or eliminated these problems. We initially used this technique in one patient with satisfactory results. This technique is technically easy, safe, inexpensive, and efficient, and we are using it in all patients with high perianal fistulae who require a seton.

A Split-Mouth Design Comparison for Lateral and Crestal Sinus Lift Techniques with Dental Implants Placements: Short Communication

PubMed Central

Al-Almaie, Saad; Kavarodi, Abdul Majeed; Alorf, Ali; Alzahrani, Saeed

2017-01-01

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of implant placement and patient appraisal for two sinus lift techniques using both crestal and lateral techniques for bilateral sinus left in a split-mouth design. Introduction: All implants were successfully osseointegrated without any clinical complications or peri-implant radiolucency during the follow-up period of maximum 3 years. Methods: In terms of outcomes postoperative vertigo showed to be a major concern with the crestal approach, this approach is preferred over the lateral technique because of the reduced time required for the procedure and because it is less invasive. Results: Most patients preferred the crestal approach over the lateral approach due to the delay in implant placement. PMID:29290838

Carotid dual-energy CT angiography: Evaluation of low keV calculated monoenergetic datasets by means of a frequency-split approach for noise reduction at low keV levels.

PubMed

Riffel, Philipp; Haubenreisser, Holger; Meyer, Mathias; Sudarski, Sonja; Morelli, John N; Schmidt, Bernhard; Schoenberg, Stefan O; Henzler, Thomas

2016-04-01

Calculated monoenergetic ultra-low keV datasets did not lead to improved contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) due to the dramatic increase in image noise. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the objective image quality of ultra-low keV monoenergetic images (MEIs) calculated from carotid DECT angiography data with a new monoenergetic imaging algorithm using a frequency-split technique. 20 patients (12 male; mean age 53±17 years) were retrospectively analyzed. MEIs from 40 to 120 keV were reconstructed using the monoenergetic split frequency approach (MFSA). Additionally MEIs were reconstructed for 40 and 50 keV using a conventional monoenergetic (CM) software application. Signal intensity, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and CNR were assessed in the basilar, common, internal carotid arteries. Ultra-low keV MEIs at 40 keV and 50 keV demonstrated highest vessel attenuation, significantly greater than those of the polyenergetic images (PEI) (all p-values <0.05). The highest SNR level and CNR level was found at 40 keV and 50 keV (all p-values <0.05). MEIs with MFSA showed significantly lower noise levels than those processed with CM (all p-values <0.05) and no significant differences in vessel attenuation (p>0.05). Thus MEIs with MFSA showed significantly higher SNR and CNR compared to MEIs with CM. Combining the lower spatial frequency stack for contrast at low keV levels with the high spatial frequency stack for noise at high keV levels (frequency-split technique) leads to improved image quality of ultra-low keV monoenergetic DECT datasets when compared to previous monoenergetic reconstruction techniques without the frequency-split technique. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Governance and performance: the performance of Dutch hospitals explained by governance characteristics.

PubMed

Blank, Jos L T; van Hulst, Bart Laurents

2011-10-01

This paper describes the efficiency of Dutch hospitals using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method with bootstrapping. In particular, the analysis focuses on accounting for cost inefficiency measures on the part of hospital corporate governance. We use bootstrap techniques, as introduced by Simar and Wilson (J. Econom. 136(1):31-64, 2007), in order to obtain more efficient estimates of the effects of governance on the efficiency. The results show that part of the cost efficiency can be explained with governance. In particular we find that a higher remuneration of the board as well as a higher remuneration of the supervisory board does not implicate better performance.

A Split Forcing Technique to Reduce Log-layer Mismatch in Wall-modeled Turbulent Channel Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deleon, Rey; Senocak, Inanc

2016-11-01

The conventional approach to sustain a flow field in a periodic channel flow seems to be the culprit behind the log-law mismatch problem that has been reported in many studies hybridizing Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and large-eddy simulation (LES) techniques, commonly referred to as hybrid RANS-LES. To address this issue, we propose a split-forcing approach that relies only on the conservation of mass principle. We adopt a basic hybrid RANS-LES technique on a coarse mesh with wall-stress boundary conditions to simulate turbulent channel flows at friction Reynolds numbers of 2000 and 5200 and demonstrate good agreement with benchmark data. We also report a duality in velocity scale that is a specific consequence of the split forcing framework applied to hybrid RANS-LES. The first scale is the friction velocity derived from the wall shear stress. The second scale arises in the core LES region, a value different than at the wall. Second-order turbulence statistics agree well with the benchmark data when normalized by the core friction velocity, whereas the friction velocity at the wall remains the appropriate scale for the mean velocity profile. Based on our findings, we suggest reevaluating more sophisticated hybrid RANS-LES approaches within the split-forcing framework. Work funded by National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1056110 and 1229709. First author acknowledges the University of Idaho President's Doctoral Scholars Award.

Piezosurgery for the Lingual Split Technique in Lingual Positioned Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Removal: A Retrospective Study.

PubMed

Ge, Jing; Yang, Chi; Zheng, Jiawei; Qian, Wentao

2016-03-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and safety of lingual split technique using piezosurgery for the extraction of lingual positioned impacted mandibular 3rd molars with the goal of proposing a more minimally invasive choice for this common surgery.Eighty-nine consecutive patients with 110 lingual positioned impacted mandibular 3rd molars requiring extraction were performed the lingual split technique using piezosurgery. One sagittal osteotomy line and 2 transverse osteotomy line were designed for lingual and occlusal bone removal. The success rate, operative time, postoperative outcome, and major complications (including nerve injury, mandible fracture, severe hematoma or edema, and severe pyogenic infection) were documented and analyzed.All impacted mandibular 3rd molars were successfully removed (110/110). The average time of operation was 14.6 minutes (ranged from 7 to 28 minutes). One hundred and seven extraction sites (97.3%) were primary healing. Pain, mouth opening, swelling, and PoSSe scores on postoperative 7-day were 0.34 ± 0.63, 3.88 ± 0.66(cm), 2.4 ± 0.2(cm), and 23.7 ± 5.9, respectively. There were 6 cases (5.5%) had lingual nerve disturbance and 3 cases (2.7%) developed inferior alveolar nerve impairment, and achieved full recovery within 2 months by neurotrophic drug treatment.Our study suggested piezosurgery for lingual split technique provided an effective way for the extraction of lingual positioned and deeply impacted mandibular 3rd molar.

Piezosurgery for the Lingual Split Technique in Lingual Positioned Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Removal

PubMed Central

Ge, Jing; Yang, Chi; Zheng, Jiawei; Qian, Wentao

2016-01-01

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and safety of lingual split technique using piezosurgery for the extraction of lingual positioned impacted mandibular 3rd molars with the goal of proposing a more minimally invasive choice for this common surgery. Eighty-nine consecutive patients with 110 lingual positioned impacted mandibular 3rd molars requiring extraction were performed the lingual split technique using piezosurgery. One sagittal osteotomy line and 2 transverse osteotomy line were designed for lingual and occlusal bone removal. The success rate, operative time, postoperative outcome, and major complications (including nerve injury, mandible fracture, severe hematoma or edema, and severe pyogenic infection) were documented and analyzed. All impacted mandibular 3rd molars were successfully removed (110/110). The average time of operation was 14.6 minutes (ranged from 7 to 28 minutes). One hundred and seven extraction sites (97.3%) were primary healing. Pain, mouth opening, swelling, and PoSSe scores on postoperative 7-day were 0.34 ± 0.63, 3.88 ± 0.66(cm), 2.4 ± 0.2(cm), and 23.7 ± 5.9, respectively. There were 6 cases (5.5%) had lingual nerve disturbance and 3 cases (2.7%) developed inferior alveolar nerve impairment, and achieved full recovery within 2 months by neurotrophic drug treatment. Our study suggested piezosurgery for lingual split technique provided an effective way for the extraction of lingual positioned and deeply impacted mandibular 3rd molar. PMID:27015214

Modulated-splitting-ratio fiber-optic temperature sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beheim, Glenn; Anthan, Donald J.; Rys, John R.; Fritsch, Klaus; Ruppe, Walter A.

1988-01-01

A fiber-optic temperature sensor is described, which uses a small silicon beamsplitter whose splitting ratio varies as a function of temperature. A four-beam technique is used to measure the sensor's temperature-indicating splitting ratio. This referencing method provides a measurement that is largely independent of the transmission properties of the sensor's optical fiber link. A significant advantage of this sensor, relative to other fiber-optic sensors, is its high stability, which permits the fiber-optic components to be readily substituted, thereby simplifying the sensor's installation and maintenance.

Visible-light driven nitrogen-doped petal-morphological ceria nanosheets for water splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Junchao; Zhang, Wenya; Wang, Yaping; Chen, Zhigang; Chen, Feng; Liu, Chengbao; Lu, Xiaowang; Li, Ping; Wang, Kaiyuan; Chen, Ailian

2018-06-01

Water splitting is a promising sustainable technology for solar-to-chemical energy conversion. Herein, we successfully fabricated nitrogen-doped ultrathin CeO2 nanosheets by using field poppy petals as templates, which exhibit an efficiently catalytic activity for water splitting. Abundant oxygen vacancies and substitutional N atoms were experimentally observed in the film due to its unique biomorphic texture. In view of high efficiency and long durability of the as-prepared photocatalyst, this biotemplate method may provide an alternative technique for using biomolecules to assemble 2D nanomaterials.

Learning classification trees

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buntine, Wray

1991-01-01

Algorithms for learning classification trees have had successes in artificial intelligence and statistics over many years. How a tree learning algorithm can be derived from Bayesian decision theory is outlined. This introduces Bayesian techniques for splitting, smoothing, and tree averaging. The splitting rule turns out to be similar to Quinlan's information gain splitting rule, while smoothing and averaging replace pruning. Comparative experiments with reimplementations of a minimum encoding approach, Quinlan's C4 and Breiman et al. Cart show the full Bayesian algorithm is consistently as good, or more accurate than these other approaches though at a computational price.

Small-bubble transport and splitting dynamics in a symmetric bifurcation.

PubMed

Qamar, Adnan; Warnez, Matthew; Valassis, Doug T; Guetzko, Megan E; Bull, Joseph L

2017-08-01

Simulations of small bubbles traveling through symmetric bifurcations are conducted to garner information pertinent to gas embolotherapy, a potential cancer treatment. Gas embolotherapy procedures use intra-arterial bubbles to occlude tumor blood supply. As bubbles pass through bifurcations in the blood stream nonhomogeneous splitting and undesirable bioeffects may occur. To aid development of gas embolotherapy techniques, a volume of fluid method is used to model the splitting process of gas bubbles passing through artery and arteriole bifurcations. The model reproduces the variety of splitting behaviors observed experimentally, including the bubble reversal phenomenon. Splitting homogeneity and maximum shear stress along the vessel walls is predicted over a variety of physical parameters. Small bubbles, having initial length less than twice the vessel diameter, were found unlikely to split in the presence of gravitational asymmetry. Maximum shear stresses were found to decrease exponentially with increasing Reynolds number. Vortex-induced shearing near the bifurcation is identified as a possible mechanism for endothelial cell damage.

End results of radiation therapy, alone and combination with 5-fluorouracil in colorectal cancers

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

Vongtama, V.; Douglass, H.O.; Moore, R.H.

The authors retrospectively analyzed the results of irradiation in 148 cases of primary inoperable and recurrent adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum treated at the Department of Radiation Therapy, Roswell Park Memorial Institute between 1962 and 1970. This group includes 95 recurrences and 53 inoperable primaries. Uninterrupted radiotherapy was used in 118 cases and split-course technique in 30 cases. Eleven patients received combined radiotherapy and surgery. Seventy-eight patients received a combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and irradiation. The response rate and survival of individual groups is discussed in detail. This study indicated that perineal recurrences should receive whole pelvic irradiation inmore » addition to perineum field. Split-course technique appeared to yield a better survival than the uninterrupted course. The best 5-year survival rate (64 percent) is found in the group treated with a combination of radiation and surgery. For locally advanced, inoperable cancers, split-course technique, combined 5-FU and irradiation gave the best results, achieving longer palliation with improved quality of life and sometimes yielding cure (5-year survival). (auth)« less

Ionospheric Correction of D-InSAR Using Split-Spectrum Technique and 3D Ionosphere Model in Deformation Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y.; Guo, L.; Wu, J. J.; Chen, Q.; Song, S.

2014-12-01

In Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (D-InSAR) atmosphere effect including troposphere and ionosphere is one of the dominant sources of error in most interferograms, which greatly reduced the accuracy of deformation monitoring. In recent years tropospheric correction especially Zwd in InSAR data processing has ever got widely investigated and got efficiently suppressed. And thus we focused our study on ionospheric correction using two different methods, which are split-spectrum technique and Nequick model, one of the three dimensional electron density models. We processed Wenchuan ALOS PALSAR images, and compared InSAR surface deformation after ionospheric modification using the two approaches mentioned above with ground GPS subsidence observations to validate the effect of split-spectrum method and NeQuick model, further discussed the performance and feasibility of external data and InSAR itself during the study of the elimination of InSAR ionospheric effect.

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

García, Abraham; Cotto, María; Duconge, José

The use of hydrogen as replacement for fossil fuels, on which we depend today, is a matter of great relevance. The sustainable generation of hydrogen as fuel is relevant from an environmental and economic point of view. In this study we have explored new synthetic routes for developing new photocatalysts to be used in water splitting, for hydrogen production. Different techniques have been used to produce hydrogen, such as electrolysis, even though these processes have been found to be energetically non suitable. In this research various photocatalytic materials were presented as possible alternatives for using in water splitting processes. Characterizationmore » of the new synthesized materials has been done by using different experimental techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), surface area BET, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The efficiency of the synthesized photocatalysts was determined by evaluating the hydrogen evolution by the photocatalytic water splitting reaction.« less

Exploring cultural differences in feedback processes and perceived instructiveness during clerkships: replicating a Dutch study in Indonesia.

PubMed

Suhoyo, Yoyo; van Hell, Elisabeth A; Prihatiningsih, Titi S; Kuks, Jan B M; Cohen-Schotanus, Janke

2014-03-01

Cultural differences between countries may entail differences in feedback processes. By replicating a Dutch study in Indonesia, we analysed whether differences in processes influenced the perceived instructiveness of feedback. Over a two-week period, Indonesian students (n = 215) recorded feedback moments during clerkships, noting who provided the feedback, whether the feedback was based on observations, who initiated the feedback, and its perceived instructiveness. Data were compared with the earlier Dutch study and analysed with χ(2) tests, t-tests and multilevel techniques. Cultural differences were explored using Hofstede's Model, with Indonesia and the Netherlands differing on "power distance" and "individualism." Perceived instructiveness of feedback did not differ significantly between both countries. However, significant differences were found in feedback provider, observation and initiative. Indonesian students perceived feedback as more instructive if provided by specialists and initiated jointly by the supervisor and student (βresidents = -0.201, p < 0.001 and βjoint = 0.193, p = 0.001). Dutch students appreciated feedback more when it was based on observation. We obtained empirical evidence that one model of feedback does not necessarily translate to another culture. Further research is necessary to unravel other possible influences of culture in implementing feedback procedures in different countries.

Using nudging and social marketing techniques to create healthy worksite cafeterias in the Netherlands: intervention development and study design.

PubMed

Velema, Elizabeth; Vyth, Ellis L; Steenhuis, Ingrid H M

2017-01-11

The worksite cafeteria is a suitable setting for interventions focusing on changing eating behavior, because a lot of employees visit the worksite cafeteria regularly and a variety of interventions could be implemented there. The aim of this paper is to describe the intervention development and design of the evaluation of an intervention to make the purchase behavior of employees in the worksite cafeteria healthier. The developed intervention called "the worksite cafeteria 2.0" consists of a set of 19 strategies based on theory of nudging and social marketing (marketing mix). The intervention will be evaluated in a real-life setting, that is Dutch worksite cafeterias of different companies and with a number of contract catering organizations. The study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT), with 34 Dutch worksite cafeterias randomly allocated to the 12-week intervention or to the control group. Primary outcomes are sales data of selected products groups like sandwiches, salads, snacks and bread topping. Secondary outcomes are satisfaction of employees with the cafeteria and vitality. When executed, the described RCT will provide better knowledge in the effect of the intervention "the worksite cafeteria 2.0" on the purchasing behavior of Dutch employees in worksite cafeterias. Dutch Trial register: NTR5372 .

Choosing a DIVA: a comparison of emerging digital imagery vegetation analysis techniques

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jorgensen, Christopher F.; Stutzman, Ryan J.; Anderson, Lars C.; Decker, Suzanne E.; Powell, Larkin A.; Schacht, Walter H.; Fontaine, Joseph J.

2013-01-01

Question: What is the precision of five methods of measuring vegetation structure using ground-based digital imagery and processing techniques? Location: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Methods: Vertical herbaceous cover was recorded using digital imagery techniques at two distinct locations in a mixed-grass prairie. The precision of five ground-based digital imagery vegetation analysis (DIVA) methods for measuring vegetation structure was tested using a split-split plot analysis of covariance. Variability within each DIVA technique was estimated using coefficient of variation of mean percentage cover. Results: Vertical herbaceous cover estimates differed among DIVA techniques. Additionally, environmental conditions affected the vertical vegetation obstruction estimates for certain digital imagery methods, while other techniques were more adept at handling various conditions. Overall, percentage vegetation cover values differed among techniques, but the precision of four of the five techniques was consistently high. Conclusions: DIVA procedures are sufficient for measuring various heights and densities of standing herbaceous cover. Moreover, digital imagery techniques can reduce measurement error associated with multiple observers' standing herbaceous cover estimates, allowing greater opportunity to detect patterns associated with vegetation structure.

Short Lingual Osteotomy Using a Piezosurgery Ultrasonic Bone-Cutting Device During Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy.

PubMed

Kawase-Koga, Yoko; Mori, Yoshiyuki; Kanno, Yuki; Hoshi, Kazuto; Takato, Tsuyoshi

2015-10-01

Short lingual osteotomy is a useful method for the performance of sagittal split ramus osteotomy involving interference between the proximal and distal bone fragments when lateral differences exist in the setback distance. However, this procedure occasionally results in abnormal fracture and nerve injury; expert surgical skill is thus required. We herein describe a novel technique involving the use of an ultrasonic bone-cutting device (Piezosurgery; Mectron Medical Technology, Carasco, Italy) for vertical osteotomy posterior to the mandibular foramen. Successful short lingual osteotomy was performed using this technique with avoidance of abnormal fracture and neurovascular bundle damage.

Clinical evaluation of split-crest technique with ultrasonic bone surgery for narrow ridge expansion: status of soft and hard tissues and implant success.

PubMed

Anitua, Eduardo; Begoña, Leire; Orive, Gorka

2013-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the split-crest technique with ultrasonic bone surgery for implant placement in patients with narrow ridges, focusing on the status of soft and hard tissues and on implant success rate, at least 6 months after implant loading. During September 2007 and November 2008, 15 patients received 37 implants (BTI implants) with split-crest surgical procedure using ultrasonic bone surgery. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF®) was applied during split crest procedure to promote tissue regeneration. Implant surfaces were humidified with PRGF to accelerate osseointegration. Patients were recalled for a final clinical evaluation at least 6 months after implant loading. Clinical assessment included the status of soft and hard tissues around implants, and implants' success rate. Thirty-seven implants in 15 patients were evaluated between July 2009 and January 2010. The status of soft tissues was very good, showing adequate plaque index, bleeding index, and probing depth values. Success rate of implants at the end of follow-up (between 11 and 28 months after insertion) was 100%. Bone ridge was measured and compared at final examination showing a mean ridge expansion of 3.35 mm (SD: 0.34). Split-crest with ultrasonic bone surgery can be considered an effective and safe procedure for narrow ridge expansion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Classroom Use. Clip and Save.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hubbard, Guy

2002-01-01

Presents background information on the Dutch artist, Frans Hals, focusing on his life and work. Includes classroom activities based on Hals works, such as a reproduction of his work, "Malle Babbe." Provides a discussion on the content of this painting and the techniques used. (CMK)

Dynamic Tensile Experimental Techniques for Geomaterials: A Comprehensive Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heard, W.; Song, B.; Williams, B.; Martin, B.; Sparks, P.; Nie, X.

2018-01-01

This review article is dedicated to the Dynamic Behavior of Materials Technical Division for celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM). Understanding dynamic behavior of geomaterials is critical for analyzing and solving engineering problems of various applications related to underground explosions, seismic, airblast, and penetration events. Determining the dynamic tensile response of geomaterials has been a great challenge in experiments due to the nature of relatively low tensile strength and high brittleness. Various experimental approaches have been made in the past century, especially in the most recent half century, to understand the dynamic behavior of geomaterials in tension. In this review paper, we summarized the dynamic tensile experimental techniques for geomaterials that have been developed. The major dynamic tensile experimental techniques include dynamic direct tension, dynamic split tension, and spall tension. All three of the experimental techniques are based on Hopkinson or split Hopkinson (also known as Kolsky) bar techniques and principles. Uniqueness and limitations for each experimental technique are also discussed.

Dynamic Tensile Experimental Techniques for Geomaterials: A Comprehensive Review

DOE PAGES

Heard, W.; Song, B.; Williams, B.; ...

2018-01-03

Here, this review article is dedicated to the Dynamic Behavior of Materials Technical Division for celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM). Understanding dynamic behavior of geomaterials is critical for analyzing and solving engineering problems of various applications related to underground explosions, seismic, airblast, and penetration events. Determining the dynamic tensile response of geomaterials has been a great challenge in experiments due to the nature of relatively low tensile strength and high brittleness. Various experimental approaches have been made in the past century, especially in the most recent half century, to understand the dynamic behavior ofmore » geomaterials in tension. In this review paper, we summarized the dynamic tensile experimental techniques for geomaterials that have been developed. The major dynamic tensile experimental techniques include dynamic direct tension, dynamic split tension, and spall tension. All three of the experimental techniques are based on Hopkinson or split Hopkinson (also known as Kolsky) bar techniques and principles. Finally, uniqueness and limitations for each experimental technique are also discussed.« less

Dynamic Tensile Experimental Techniques for Geomaterials: A Comprehensive Review

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

Heard, W.; Song, B.; Williams, B.

Here, this review article is dedicated to the Dynamic Behavior of Materials Technical Division for celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM). Understanding dynamic behavior of geomaterials is critical for analyzing and solving engineering problems of various applications related to underground explosions, seismic, airblast, and penetration events. Determining the dynamic tensile response of geomaterials has been a great challenge in experiments due to the nature of relatively low tensile strength and high brittleness. Various experimental approaches have been made in the past century, especially in the most recent half century, to understand the dynamic behavior ofmore » geomaterials in tension. In this review paper, we summarized the dynamic tensile experimental techniques for geomaterials that have been developed. The major dynamic tensile experimental techniques include dynamic direct tension, dynamic split tension, and spall tension. All three of the experimental techniques are based on Hopkinson or split Hopkinson (also known as Kolsky) bar techniques and principles. Finally, uniqueness and limitations for each experimental technique are also discussed.« less

Split Coil Forms for Rotary Transformers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mclyman, C. W. T.

1982-01-01

Split cores for rotor and stator windings of rotary transformer mounted around their respective coils (which are in bobbins) and cemented together. This arrangement simplifies winding of stator coil to go in a slot in inner diameter of stator coil. One practical application of rotary transformers fabricated according to this technique is for centrifuges, in which conventional sliprings are of uncertain reliability.

Modified Y-splitting Procedure for the Treatment of Duane Retraction Syndrome.

PubMed

Altıntaş, Ayşe Gül; Arifoğlu, Hasan Basri; Köklü, Şükrü Gültekin

2015-08-01

To present the outcomes of modified lateral rectus Y-splitting combined with either unilateral or bilateral horizontal rectus recession in Duane Retraction Syndrome (DRS) with significant upshoot or downshoot. A total of 12 patients including 10 patients with Type I DRS and 2 with Type III DRS underwent modified Y-splitting surgery. Amount of additional recessions varied with the degree of preoperative deviation by intraoperative adjustable suture technique. Preoperatively 3 patients had esotropia (ET), 6 had exotropia (XT), and 3 patients had orthotropia. The mean preoperative deviation was 19.3 prism diopters (PD) (range, 18-20 PD) in ET patients and 19.2 PD (range, 16-20 PD) in XT patients. Postoperatively, all patients had significant correction in horizontal deviation and aligned within 4 PD of orthotropia, and no patients exhibited abnormal head posture. Co-contraction and globe retraction were markedly reduced and abnormal ocular vertical movement disappeared or significantly decreased in all cases. No patients experienced recurrence of ocular motility disorders in the mean 26-month (range, 13-66 months) follow-up period. Modified Y-splitting surgery combined with co-contracting horizontal muscle recession technique seems to be a safe and effective treatment in DRS.

On the impact bending test technique for high-strength pipe steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arsenkin, A. M.; Odesskii, P. D.; Shabalov, I. P.; Likhachev, M. V.

2015-10-01

It is shown that the impact toughness (KCV-40 = 250 J/cm2) accepted for pipe steels of strength class K65 (σy ≥ 550 MPa) intended for large-diameter gas line pipes is ineffective to classify steels in fracture strength. The results obtained upon testing of specimens with a fatigue crack and additional sharp lateral grooves seem to be more effective. In energy consumption, a macrorelief with splits is found to be intermediate between ductile fracture and crystalline brittle fracture. A split formation mechanism is considered and a scheme is proposed for split formation.

3D geometric split-merge segmentation of brain MRI datasets.

PubMed

Marras, Ioannis; Nikolaidis, Nikolaos; Pitas, Ioannis

2014-05-01

In this paper, a novel method for MRI volume segmentation based on region adaptive splitting and merging is proposed. The method, called Adaptive Geometric Split Merge (AGSM) segmentation, aims at finding complex geometrical shapes that consist of homogeneous geometrical 3D regions. In each volume splitting step, several splitting strategies are examined and the most appropriate is activated. A way to find the maximal homogeneity axis of the volume is also introduced. Along this axis, the volume splitting technique divides the entire volume in a number of large homogeneous 3D regions, while at the same time, it defines more clearly small homogeneous regions within the volume in such a way that they have greater probabilities of survival at the subsequent merging step. Region merging criteria are proposed to this end. The presented segmentation method has been applied to brain MRI medical datasets to provide segmentation results when each voxel is composed of one tissue type (hard segmentation). The volume splitting procedure does not require training data, while it demonstrates improved segmentation performance in noisy brain MRI datasets, when compared to the state of the art methods. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ten-year experience with the muscle split technique, bioabsorbable plates, and postoperative bracing for correction of pectus carinatum: the Innsbruck protocol.

PubMed

Del Frari, Barbara; Schwabegger, Anton H

2011-06-01

We reviewed further clinical experience with our approach for pectus carinatum repair: modified surgical approach of pectoralis muscle split technique, bioabsorbable plates with screws, and postoperative compressive brace. From April 2000 to February 2010, 55 patients underwent pectus carinatum repair at our department with modifications of conventional Ravitch repair. There were 14 female and 41 male patients, mean age of 19.3 years at the onset of treatment. Postoperative treatment involved fitting of a lightweight, patient-controlled chest brace. Average follow-up was 13.7 months. Patient satisfaction was excellent for 40 patients (72.7%) and good for the remaining 15 (27.3%); aesthetic appearance was excellent for 37 patients (67.3%) and good for the remaining 18 (32.7%). Postoperative evaluation was objective measurement with a thorax caliper and clinical examination. No major perioperative complications were observed. Postoperative complications were mild recurrence of deformity (n = 3) and persistent, mild, single costal cartilage protrusion (n = 2). No patient had palpable plates or screws, and there was no material breakdown. The combination of muscle split technique and absorbable osteosynthesis represents an alternative in pectus carinatum repair. The pectoralis muscle split technique allows early patient mobilization and rehabilitation. Bioabsorbable plates get completely absorbed, avoiding second operation, and chest brace provides postoperative immobilization of the anterior thoracic wall during healing and avoids development of hypertrophic scars. Our combined approach to the correction of pectus carinatum deformities yields predominantly excellent esthetic results, with low morbidity, low costs, and less invasiveness, leading to high patient satisfaction. Copyright © 2011 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Potential of human twin embryos generated by embryo splitting in assisted reproduction and research.

PubMed

Noli, Laila; Ogilvie, Caroline; Khalaf, Yacoub; Ilic, Dusko

2017-03-01

Embryo splitting or twinning has been widely used in veterinary medicine over 20 years to generate monozygotic twins with desirable genetic characteristics. The first human embryo splitting, reported in 1993, triggered fierce ethical debate on human embryo cloning. Since Dolly the sheep was born in 1997, the international community has acknowledged the complexity of the moral arguments related to this research and has expressed concerns about the potential for reproductive cloning in humans. A number of countries have formulated bans either through laws, decrees or official statements. However, in general, these laws specifically define cloning as an embryo that is generated via nuclear transfer (NT) and do not mention embryo splitting. Only the UK includes under cloning both embryo splitting and NT in the same legislation. On the contrary, the Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine does not have a major ethical objection to transferring two or more artificially created embryos with the same genome with the aim of producing a single pregnancy, stating that 'since embryo splitting has the potential to improve the efficacy of IVF treatments for infertility, research to investigate the technique is ethically acceptable'. Embryo splitting has been introduced successfully to the veterinary medicine several decades ago and today is a part of standard practice. We present here an overview of embryo splitting experiments in humans and non-human primates and discuss the potential of this technology in assisted reproduction and research. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify studies on embryo splitting in humans and non-human primates. 'Embryo splitting' and 'embryo twinning' were used as the keywords, alone or in combination with other search phrases relevant to the topics of biology of preimplantation embryos. A very limited number of studies have been conducted in humans and non-human primates. The published material, especially the studies with human embryos, is controversial. Some reports suggest that twinning technology will find clinical use in reproductive medicine in the future, whereas others conclude the opposite that human twin embryos created in vitro are unsuitable not only for clinical, but also for research, purposes. The blastomere biopsy technique of embryo splitting seems to be unsuitable for either clinical or research purposes; however, embryo bisection, a preferable method of cloning in veterinary medicine, has not yet been tested on human embryos. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Automated cloud screening of AVHRR imagery using split-and-merge clustering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gallaudet, Timothy C.; Simpson, James J.

1991-01-01

Previous methods to segment clouds from ocean in AVHRR imagery have shown varying degrees of success, with nighttime approaches being the most limited. An improved method of automatic image segmentation, the principal component transformation split-and-merge clustering (PCTSMC) algorithm, is presented and applied to cloud screening of both nighttime and daytime AVHRR data. The method combines spectral differencing, the principal component transformation, and split-and-merge clustering to sample objectively the natural classes in the data. This segmentation method is then augmented by supervised classification techniques to screen clouds from the imagery. Comparisons with other nighttime methods demonstrate its improved capability in this application. The sensitivity of the method to clustering parameters is presented; the results show that the method is insensitive to the split-and-merge thresholds.

Using Divertor Strike Point Splitting to Study Plasma Response and Its Sensitivity to Equilibrium Uncertainties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teklu, Abraham; Orlov, D. M.; Moyer, R. A.; Bykov, I.; Evans, T. E.; Wu, W.; Trevisan, G. L.; Lyons, B. C.; Abrams, T.; Makowski, M. A.; Lasnier, C. S.; Fenstermacher, M. E.

2017-10-01

Resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) from 3D coils have been varied to modify the splitting of the divertor strike points in DIII-D. This splitting is imaged in filtered visible and infrared emission from the divertor to determine the particle and heat flux patterns on the target plates. The observed splitting is compared to vacuum and plasma response modeling in discharges where a subset of the RMP coils were ramped to shift the divertor footprints from dominantly n = 3 to n = 2 pattern. These results will be used to determine if the plasma response model can be validated with the measured splitting. We will also study the sensitivity of the modeled splitting to details of the 2D equilibrium. This RMP ramp technique could be used in ITER to spread out the heat flux while avoiding excessive forces on the RMP coils. Work supported by U.S. DOE under the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program and DE-FC02-04ER54698, DE-FG02-07ER54917, DE-FG02-05ER54809 and DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Comparative Study on the Different Testing Techniques in Tree Classification for Detecting the Learning Motivation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juliane, C.; Arman, A. A.; Sastramihardja, H. S.; Supriana, I.

2017-03-01

Having motivation to learn is a successful requirement in a learning process, and needs to be maintained properly. This study aims to measure learning motivation, especially in the process of electronic learning (e-learning). Here, data mining approach was chosen as a research method. For the testing process, the accuracy comparative study on the different testing techniques was conducted, involving Cross Validation and Percentage Split. The best accuracy was generated by J48 algorithm with a percentage split technique reaching at 92.19 %. This study provided an overview on how to detect the presence of learning motivation in the context of e-learning. It is expected to be good contribution for education, and to warn the teachers for whom they have to provide motivation.

Finite frequency shear wave splitting tomography: a model space search approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, P.; Long, M. D.

2017-12-01

Observations of seismic anisotropy provide key constraints on past and present mantle deformation. A common method for upper mantle anisotropy is to measure shear wave splitting parameters (delay time and fast direction). However, the interpretation is not straightforward, because splitting measurements represent an integration of structure along the ray path. A tomographic approach that allows for localization of anisotropy is desirable; however, tomographic inversion for anisotropic structure is a daunting task, since 21 parameters are needed to describe general anisotropy. Such a large parameter space does not allow a straightforward application of tomographic inversion. Building on previous work on finite frequency shear wave splitting tomography, this study aims to develop a framework for SKS splitting tomography with a new parameterization of anisotropy and a model space search approach. We reparameterize the full elastic tensor, reducing the number of parameters to three (a measure of strength based on symmetry considerations for olivine, plus the dip and azimuth of the fast symmetry axis). We compute Born-approximation finite frequency sensitivity kernels relating model perturbations to splitting intensity observations. The strong dependence of the sensitivity kernels on the starting anisotropic model, and thus the strong non-linearity of the inverse problem, makes a linearized inversion infeasible. Therefore, we implement a Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique in the inversion procedure. We have performed tests with synthetic data sets to evaluate computational costs and infer the resolving power of our algorithm for synthetic models with multiple anisotropic layers. Our technique can resolve anisotropic parameters on length scales of ˜50 km for realistic station and event configurations for dense broadband experiments. We are proceeding towards applications to real data sets, with an initial focus on the High Lava Plains of Oregon.

Time-dependent wave splitting and source separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grote, Marcus J.; Kray, Marie; Nataf, Frédéric; Assous, Franck

2017-02-01

Starting from classical absorbing boundary conditions, we propose a method for the separation of time-dependent scattered wave fields due to multiple sources or obstacles. In contrast to previous techniques, our method is local in space and time, deterministic, and avoids a priori assumptions on the frequency spectrum of the signal. Numerical examples in two space dimensions illustrate the usefulness of wave splitting for time-dependent scattering problems.

Astronomical polarization studies at radio and infrared wavelengths. Part 1: Gravitational deflection of polarized radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dennison, B. K.

1976-01-01

The gravitational field is probed in a search for polarization dependence in the light bending. This involves searching for a splitting of a source image into orthogonal polarizations as the radiation passes through the solar gravitational field. This search was carried out using the techniques of very long and intermediate baseline interferometry, and by seeking a relative phase delay in orthogonal polarizations of microwaves passing through the solar gravitational field. In this last technique a change in the total polarization of the Helios 1 carrier wave was sought as the spacecraft passed behind the sun. No polarization splitting was detected.

In vitro study on the disinfectability of two split-septum needle-free connection devices using different disinfection procedures

PubMed Central

Engelhart, Steffen; Exner, Martin; Simon, Arne

2015-01-01

This in vitro study investigated the external disinfection of two needle-free connection devices (NFC) using Octeniderm® (spraying and wiping technique) vs. Descoderm® pads (wiping technique). The split-septum membrane of the NFC was contaminated with >105 CFU K. pneumoniae or S. epidermidis. The efficacy of the disinfection at 30 sec. exposure time was controlled by taking a swab sample and by flushing the NFC with sterile 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Disinfection with octenidine dihydrochloride 0.1 g, 1-Propanol 30.0 g, and 2-Propanol 45.0 g in 100 g solution was highly effective (CFU reduction ≥4 log) against both microorganisms, whereas the use of 63.1 g 2-Propanol in 100 ml solution led to residual contamination with S. epidermidis. Our investigation underlines that (i) in clinical practice disinfection of NFCs before use is mandatory, and that (ii) details of disinfection technique are of utmost importance regarding their efficacy. Our investigation revealed no significant differences between both split-septum NFC types. Clinical studies are needed to confirm a possible superiority of disinfectants with long-lasting residual antimicrobial activity. PMID:26693394

Electric field metrology for SI traceability: Systematic measurement uncertainties in electromagnetically induced transparency in atomic vapor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holloway, Christopher L.; Simons, Matt T.; Gordon, Joshua A.; Dienstfrey, Andrew; Anderson, David A.; Raithel, Georg

2017-06-01

We investigate the relationship between the Rabi frequency (ΩRF, related to the applied electric field) and Autler-Townes (AT) splitting, when performing atom-based radio-frequency (RF) electric (E) field strength measurements using Rydberg states and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in an atomic vapor. The AT splitting satisfies, under certain conditions, a well-defined linear relationship with the applied RF field amplitude. The EIT/AT-based E-field measurement approach derived from these principles is currently being investigated by several groups around the world as a means to develop a new SI-traceable RF E-field measurement technique. We establish conditions under which the measured AT-splitting is an approximately linear function of the RF electric field. A quantitative description of systematic deviations from the linear relationship is key to exploiting EIT/AT-based atomic-vapor spectroscopy for SI-traceable field measurement. We show that the linear relationship is valid and can be used to determine the E-field strength, with minimal error, as long as the EIT linewidth is small compared to the AT-splitting. We also discuss interesting aspects of the thermal dependence (i.e., hot- versus cold-atom) of this EIT-AT technique. An analysis of the transition from cold- to hot-atom EIT in a Doppler-mismatched cascade system reveals a significant change of the dependence of the EIT linewidth on the optical Rabi frequencies and of the AT-splitting on ΩRF.

The conservation of Javanese-cultured city through visual expression study on the architecture of Keraton Yogyakarta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tohar, Ibrahim; Hardiman, Gagoek; Ratih Sari, Suzanna

2017-12-01

Keraton Yogyakarta as a summit of Javanese culture has been renowned as a heritage building. As object of study, Keraton Yogyakarta is ornamented with a collection of architectural artifacts. The acculturation and merging of these different styles create a unique impression within the palace complex. This study aims to identify the pattern of acculturation of these two styles and to interpret their meaning and expression. A descriptive-qualitative method is employed in this research, which contains visual observation, documentation collection, interviews with informants, and relevant literature review. As results of study, the expression of Tratag Pagelaran, Tratag Sitihinggil, Bangsal Ponconiti, and Gedong Jene tends to widen, while the expression of Gedong Purwaretna tends to uprise. Every building has its own point of interest and ornamentation which its place and content are different.. In visual observations, there are two categories of buildings in Keraton Yogyakarta,which accommodate two styles, namely Javanese Traditional style and Dutch Colonial style. Buildings of Javanese traditional style, which hold a special concept of shading, were built without buttresses and embody a ‘light’ expression, while buildings of Dutch Colonial style, which hold a concept of protection, were built with massive enclosure and produce a “heavy” expression. Although visually split into two distinct styles, the acculturation process in Keraton Yogyakarta produced a unity in its overall expression. The expression pattern of Keraton Yogyakarta can be used as conservation guidance of Javanese-cultured city.

Evaluation of Mandibular Anatomy Associated With Bad Splits in Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy of Mandible.

PubMed

Wang, Tongyue; Han, Jeong Joon; Oh, Hee-Kyun; Park, Hong-Ju; Jung, Seunggon; Park, Yeong-Joon; Kook, Min-Suk

2016-07-01

This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with bad splits during sagittal split ramus osteotomy by using three-dimensional computed tomography. This study included 8 bad splits and 47 normal patients without bad splits. Mandibular anatomic parameters related to osteotomy line were measured. These included anteroposterior width of the ramus at level of lingula, distance between external oblique ridge and lingula, distance between sigmoid notch and inferior border of mandible, mandibular angle, distance between inferior outer surface of mandibular canal and inferior border of mandible under distal root of second molar (MCEM), buccolingual thickness of the ramus at level of lingula, and buccolingual thickness of the area just distal to first molar (BTM1) and second molar (BTM2). The incidence of bad splits in 625 sagittal split osteotomies was 1.28%. Compared with normal group, bad split group exhibited significantly thinner BTM2 and shorter sigmoid notch and inferior border of mandible (P <0.05). However, for BTM1 and buccolingual thickness of the ramus at level of lingula, there was no statistical difference between the 2 groups. Mandibular angle, anteroposterior width of the ramus at level of lingula, external oblique ridge and lingula, and MCEM were not significantly different between the groups. This study suggests that patients with shorter ramus and low thickness of the buccolingual alveolar region distal to the second molar had a higher risk of bad splits. These anatomic data may help surgeons to choose the safest surgical techniques and best osteotomy sites.

Novel Histogram Based Unsupervised Classification Technique to Determine Natural Classes From Biophysically Relevant Fit Parameters to Hyperspectral Data

DOE PAGES

McCann, Cooper; Repasky, Kevin S.; Morin, Mikindra; ...

2017-05-23

Hyperspectral image analysis has benefited from an array of methods that take advantage of the increased spectral depth compared to multispectral sensors; however, the focus of these developments has been on supervised classification methods. Lack of a priori knowledge regarding land cover characteristics can make unsupervised classification methods preferable under certain circumstances. An unsupervised classification technique is presented in this paper that utilizes physically relevant basis functions to model the reflectance spectra. These fit parameters used to generate the basis functions allow clustering based on spectral characteristics rather than spectral channels and provide both noise and data reduction. Histogram splittingmore » of the fit parameters is then used as a means of producing an unsupervised classification. Unlike current unsupervised classification techniques that rely primarily on Euclidian distance measures to determine similarity, the unsupervised classification technique uses the natural splitting of the fit parameters associated with the basis functions creating clusters that are similar in terms of physical parameters. The data set used in this work utilizes the publicly available data collected at Indian Pines, Indiana. This data set provides reference data allowing for comparisons of the efficacy of different unsupervised data analysis. The unsupervised histogram splitting technique presented in this paper is shown to be better than the standard unsupervised ISODATA clustering technique with an overall accuracy of 34.3/19.0% before merging and 40.9/39.2% after merging. Finally, this improvement is also seen as an improvement of kappa before/after merging of 24.8/30.5 for the histogram splitting technique compared to 15.8/28.5 for ISODATA.« less

Novel Histogram Based Unsupervised Classification Technique to Determine Natural Classes From Biophysically Relevant Fit Parameters to Hyperspectral Data

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

McCann, Cooper; Repasky, Kevin S.; Morin, Mikindra

Hyperspectral image analysis has benefited from an array of methods that take advantage of the increased spectral depth compared to multispectral sensors; however, the focus of these developments has been on supervised classification methods. Lack of a priori knowledge regarding land cover characteristics can make unsupervised classification methods preferable under certain circumstances. An unsupervised classification technique is presented in this paper that utilizes physically relevant basis functions to model the reflectance spectra. These fit parameters used to generate the basis functions allow clustering based on spectral characteristics rather than spectral channels and provide both noise and data reduction. Histogram splittingmore » of the fit parameters is then used as a means of producing an unsupervised classification. Unlike current unsupervised classification techniques that rely primarily on Euclidian distance measures to determine similarity, the unsupervised classification technique uses the natural splitting of the fit parameters associated with the basis functions creating clusters that are similar in terms of physical parameters. The data set used in this work utilizes the publicly available data collected at Indian Pines, Indiana. This data set provides reference data allowing for comparisons of the efficacy of different unsupervised data analysis. The unsupervised histogram splitting technique presented in this paper is shown to be better than the standard unsupervised ISODATA clustering technique with an overall accuracy of 34.3/19.0% before merging and 40.9/39.2% after merging. Finally, this improvement is also seen as an improvement of kappa before/after merging of 24.8/30.5 for the histogram splitting technique compared to 15.8/28.5 for ISODATA.« less

Lay beliefs about emotional problems and attitudes toward mental health care among parents and adolescents: Exploring the impact of immigration.

PubMed

Verhulp, Esmée E; Stevens, Gonneke W J M; Pels, Trees V M; Van Weert, Caroline M C; Vollebergh, Wilma A M

2017-04-01

Individuals' lay beliefs about mental health problems and attitudes toward mental health care are thought to be influenced by the cultural background of these individuals. In the current study, we investigated differences between immigrant Dutch and native Dutch parents and adolescents in lay beliefs about emotional problems and attitudes toward mental health care. Additionally, among immigrant Dutch parents, we examined the associations between acculturation orientations and lay beliefs about emotional problems as well as attitudes toward mental health care. In total, 349 pairs of parents and their adolescent children participated in our study (95 native Dutch, 85 Surinamese-Dutch, 87 Turkish-Dutch, 82 Moroccan-Dutch). A vignette was used to examine participants' lay beliefs. Immigrant Dutch and native Dutch parents differed in their lay beliefs and attitudes toward mental health care, whereas hardly any differences were revealed among their children. Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch parents showed more passive and fewer active solutions to emotional problems compared to native Dutch parents. Additionally, Moroccan-Dutch and Surinamese-Dutch parents reported greater fear of mental health care compared to native Dutch parents. Furthermore, the results showed that immigrant Dutch parents who were more strongly oriented toward the Dutch culture reported less fear of mental health care. Our results showed clear differences in lay beliefs and attitudes toward mental health care between immigrant Dutch and native Dutch parents but not between their children. Substantial differences were also found between parents from different immigrant Dutch populations as well as within the population of immigrant Dutch parents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Split Space-Marching Finite-Volume Method for Chemically Reacting Supersonic Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rizzi, Arthur W.; Bailey, Harry E.

1976-01-01

A space-marching finite-volume method employing a nonorthogonal coordinate system and using a split differencing scheme for calculating steady supersonic flow over aerodynamic shapes is presented. It is a second-order-accurate mixed explicit-implicit procedure that solves the inviscid adiabatic and nondiffusive equations for chemically reacting flow in integral conservation-law form. The relationship between the finite-volume and differential forms of the equations is examined and the relative merits of each discussed. The method admits initial Cauchy data situated on any arbitrary surface and integrates them forward along a general curvilinear coordinate, distorting and deforming the surface as it advances. The chemical kinetics term is split from the convective terms which are themselves dimensionally split, thereby freeing the fluid operators from the restricted step size imposed by the chemical reactions and increasing the computational efficiency. The accuracy of this splitting technique is analyzed, a sufficient stability criterion is established, a representative flow computation is discussed, and some comparisons are made with another method.

Bubble transport in bifurcations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bull, Joseph; Qamar, Adnan

2017-11-01

Motivated by a developmental gas embolotherapy technique for cancer treatment, we examine the transport of bubbles entrained in liquid. In gas embolotherapy, infarction of tumors is induced by selectively formed vascular gas bubbles that originate from acoustic vaporization of vascular droplets. In the case of non-functionalized droplets with the objective of vessel occlusion, the bubbles are transported by flow through vessel bifurcations, where they may split prior to eventually reach vessels small enough that they become lodged. This splitting behavior affects the distribution of bubbles and the efficacy of flow occlusion and the treatment. In these studies, we investigated bubble transport in bifurcations using computational and theoretical modeling. The model reproduces the variety of experimentally observed splitting behaviors. Splitting homogeneity and maximum shear stress along the vessel walls is predicted over a variety of physical parameters. Maximum shear stresses were found to decrease with increasing Reynolds number. The initial bubble length was found to affect the splitting behavior in the presence of gravitational asymmetry. This work was supported by NIH Grant R01EB006476.

Precision ESR Measurements of Transverse Anisotropy in the Single-molecule Magnet Ni4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedman, Jonathan; Collett, Charles; Allao Cassaro, Rafael

We present a method to precisely determine the transverse anisotropy in a single-molecule magnet (SMM) through electron-spin resonance measurements of a tunnel splitting that arises from the anisotropy via first-order perturbation theory. We demonstrate the technique using the SMM Ni4 diluted via co-crystallization in a diamagnetic isostructural analogue. At 5% dilution, we find markedly narrower resonance peaks than are observed in undiluted samples. Ni4 has a zero-field tunnel splitting of 4 GHz, and we measure that transition at several nearby frequencies using custom loop-gap resonators, allowing a precise determination of the tunnel splitting. Because the transition under investigation arises due to a first-order perturbation from the transverse anisotropy, and lies at zero field, we can relate the splitting to the transverse anisotropy independent of any other Hamiltonian parameters. This method can be applied to other SMMs with zero-field tunnel splittings arising from first-order transverse anisotropy perturbations. NSF Grant No. DMR-1310135.

Personal incentives as determinants of adolescent health behavior: the meaning of behavior.

PubMed

Spruijt-Metz, D

1995-09-01

It has been suggested that prevailing theories do not fully incorporate the less rational, more emotional elements of adolescent health and risk behavior. To address this limitation, the perceived incentives construct from Tappe's Model of Personal Investment is split into intrinsic and extrinsic incentives, with the intrinsic incentives representing personal meanings of adolescent health and risk behaviors. Intrinsic incentives were operationalized using transcripts from focus group interviews for three behavioral domains: sleeping habits, eating habits at lunch and eating habits after school. The ensuing questionnaire was completed by 416 Dutch secondary school students with a mean age of 14 years. Intrinsic incentives, or the personal meaning with which behavior is imbued, predicted health and risk behaviors well in all three behavioral domains. The implications of these results for further research and for the development of health education programs are discussed.

Multiple dimensions of attitudes about homosexuality: development of a multifaceted scale measuring attitudes toward homosexuality.

PubMed

Adolfsen, Anna; Iedema, Jurjen; Keuzenkamp, Saskia

2010-01-01

Attitudes toward homosexuality are complex. To get a comprehensive view on the attitudes of people, different dimensions need to be included in research. Based on a review of the literature, we distinguish five dimensions: acceptance of homosexuality in a general sense; attitude toward equal rights; reactions to homosexuality "at close quarters"; reactions to homosexuality in public; and so-called modern homonegativity. In a study on a representative sample of Dutch Defence personnel (N = 1,607) we tested this model. Structural equation modeling of several items measuring the attitude toward homosexuality offers a six factor solution. These six factors are more or less comparable to the five dimensions we distinguished. The dimension "reactions to homosexuality at close quarters" is, however, empirically split in a dimension on affective reactions to homosexuality and homosexual persons in general and a dimension on affective reaction to homosexual friends or acquaintances.

New Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Production; Nuevos Fotocatalizadores para la Producción de Hidrógeno

DOE PAGES

García, Abraham; Cotto, María; Duconge, José; ...

2014-06-10

The use of hydrogen as replacement for fossil fuels, on which we depend today, is a matter of great relevance. The sustainable generation of hydrogen as fuel is relevant from an environmental and economic point of view. In this study we have explored new synthetic routes for developing new photocatalysts to be used in water splitting, for hydrogen production. Different techniques have been used to produce hydrogen, such as electrolysis, even though these processes have been found to be energetically non suitable. In this research various photocatalytic materials were presented as possible alternatives for using in water splitting processes. Characterizationmore » of the new synthesized materials has been done by using different experimental techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), surface area BET, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The efficiency of the synthesized photocatalysts was determined by evaluating the hydrogen evolution by the photocatalytic water splitting reaction.« less

Physical-geometric optics method for large size faceted particles.

PubMed

Sun, Bingqiang; Yang, Ping; Kattawar, George W; Zhang, Xiaodong

2017-10-02

A new physical-geometric optics method is developed to compute the single-scattering properties of faceted particles. It incorporates a general absorption vector to accurately account for inhomogeneous wave effects, and subsequently yields the relevant analytical formulas effective and computationally efficient for absorptive scattering particles. A bundle of rays incident on a certain facet can be traced as a single beam. For a beam incident on multiple facets, a systematic beam-splitting technique based on computer graphics is used to split the original beam into several sub-beams so that each sub-beam is incident only on an individual facet. The new beam-splitting technique significantly reduces the computational burden. The present physical-geometric optics method can be generalized to arbitrary faceted particles with either convex or concave shapes and with a homogeneous or an inhomogeneous (e.g., a particle with a core) composition. The single-scattering properties of irregular convex homogeneous and inhomogeneous hexahedra are simulated and compared to their counterparts from two other methods including a numerically rigorous method.

Ethnic identity, externalizing problem behaviour and the mediating role of self-esteem among Dutch, Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch adolescents.

PubMed

Wissink, Inge B; Deković, Maja; Yağmur, Sengül; Stams, Geert Jan; de Haan, Mariëtte

2008-04-01

The present study examined whether self-esteem mediates the relationship between two aspects of ethnic identity (i.e. ethnic identity exploration and ethnic identity commitment-affirmation) and externalizing problem behaviour in Dutch, Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch adolescents living in the Netherlands. A total number of 345 adolescents (115 Dutch, 115 Turkish-Dutch, 115 Moroccan-Dutch) with a mean age of 14.5 filled in questionnaires at school. Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch adolescents reported higher levels of both aspects of ethnic identity than their native Dutch counterparts, but there were no ethnic differences in self-esteem and externalizing problem behaviour. Only in the Moroccan-Dutch group was support found for the mediational model: stronger ethnic identity commitment-affirmation was related to a higher level of self-esteem, which, in turn, was related to a lower level of externalizing problem behaviour.

Participation and coordination in Dutch health care policy-making. A network analysis of the system of intermediate organizations in Dutch health care.

PubMed

Lamping, Antonie J; Raab, Jörg; Kenis, Patrick

2013-06-01

This study explores the system of intermediate organizations in Dutch health care as the crucial system to understand health care policy-making in the Netherlands. We argue that the Dutch health care system can be understood as a system consisting of distinct but inter-related policy domains. In this study, we analyze four such policy domains: Finances, quality of care, manpower planning and pharmaceuticals. With the help of network analytic techniques, we describe how this highly differentiated system of >200 intermediate organizations is structured and coordinated and what (policy) consequences can be observed with regard to its particular structure and coordination mechanisms. We further analyze the extent to which this system of intermediate organizations enables participation of stakeholders in policy-making using network visualization tools. The results indicate that coordination between the different policy domains within the health care sector takes place not as one would expect through governmental agencies, but through representative organizations such as the representative organizations of the (general) hospitals, the health care consumers and the employers' association. We further conclude that the system allows as well as denies a large number of potential participants access to the policy-making process. As a consequence, the representation of interests is not necessarily balanced, which in turn affects health care policy. We find that the interests of the Dutch health care consumers are well accommodated with the national umbrella organization NPCF in the lead. However, this is no safeguard for the overall community values of good health care since, for example, the interests of the public health sector are likely to be marginalized.

Teaching Moderately Mentally Retarded Children Basic Reading Skills.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoogeveen, Frans R.; And Others

1989-01-01

Four moderately mentally retarded students, aged 8-13, were instructed in a basic skills reading program which emphasized a phonemic alphabet, pictorial cueing, and stimulus manipulation techniques. The training improved the Dutch students' ability to read one- and two-syllable words, and was generalizable to untrained words of the same…

One‐dimensional TiO2 Nanotube Photocatalysts for Solar Water Splitting

PubMed Central

Ge, Mingzheng; Li, Qingsong; Cao, Chunyan; Huang, Jianying; Li, Shuhui; Zhang, Songnan; Chen, Zhong; Zhang, Keqin; Al‐Deyab, Salem S.

2016-01-01

Hydrogen production from water splitting by photo/photoelectron‐catalytic process is a promising route to solve both fossil fuel depletion and environmental pollution at the same time. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes have attracted much interest due to their large specific surface area and highly ordered structure, which has led to promising potential applications in photocatalytic degradation, photoreduction of CO2, water splitting, supercapacitors, dye‐sensitized solar cells, lithium‐ion batteries and biomedical devices. Nanotubes can be fabricated via facile hydrothermal method, solvothermal method, template technique and electrochemical anodic oxidation. In this report, we provide a comprehensive review on recent progress of the synthesis and modification of TiO2 nanotubes to be used for photo/photoelectro‐catalytic water splitting. The future development of TiO2 nanotubes is also discussed. PMID:28105391

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

He, Yang; Xiao, Jianyuan; Zhang, Ruili

Hamiltonian time integrators for the Vlasov-Maxwell equations are developed by a Hamiltonian splitting technique. The Hamiltonian functional is split into five parts, which produces five exactly solvable subsystems. Each subsystem is a Hamiltonian system equipped with the Morrison-Marsden-Weinstein Poisson bracket. Compositions of the exact solutions provide Poisson structure preserving/Hamiltonian methods of arbitrary high order for the Vlasov-Maxwell equations. They are then accurate and conservative over a long time because of the Poisson-preserving nature.

Investigation of mantle kinematics beneath the Hellenic-subduction zone with teleseismic direct shear waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Confal, Judith M.; Eken, Tuna; Tilmann, Frederik; Yolsal-Çevikbilen, Seda; Çubuk-Sabuncu, Yeşim; Saygin, Erdinc; Taymaz, Tuncay

2016-12-01

The subduction and roll-back of the African plate beneath the Eurasian plate along the arcuate Hellenic trench is the dominant geodynamic process in the Aegean and western Anatolia. Mantle flow and lithospheric kinematics in this region can potentially be understood better by mapping seismic anisotropy. This study uses direct shear-wave splitting measurements based on the Reference Station Technique in the southern Aegean Sea to reveal seismic anisotropy in the mantle. The technique overcomes possible contamination from source-side anisotropy on direct S-wave signals recorded at a station pair by maximizing the correlation between the seismic traces at reference and target stations after correcting the reference stations for known receiver-side anisotropy and the target stations for arbitrary splitting parameters probed via a grid search. We obtained splitting parameters at 35 stations with good-quality S-wave signals extracted from 81 teleseismic events. Employing direct S-waves enabled more stable and reliable splitting measurements than previously possible, based on sparse SKS data at temporary stations, with one to five events for local SKS studies, compared with an average of 12 events for each station in this study. The fast polarization directions mostly show NNE-SSW orientation with splitting time delays between 1.15 s and 1.62 s. Two stations in the west close to the Hellenic Trench and one in the east show N-S oriented fast polarizations. In the back-arc region three stations exhibit NE-SW orientation. The overall fast polarization variations tend to be similar to those obtained from previous SKS splitting studies in the region but indicate a more consistent pattern, most likely due to the usage of a larger number of individual observations in direct S-wave derived splitting measurements. Splitting analysis on direct shear waves typically resulted in larger split time delays compared to previous studies, possibly because S-waves travel along a longer path in the same anisotropic structure. Considering the S-derived splitting measurements of this study together with earlier SKS and Rayleigh wave anisotropy modelling results we suggest that the very consistent direct S-derived fast shear wave directions can be explained by the lattice-preferred orientation of olivine in the asthenospheric mantle due to mantle flow induced by the roll-back of the slab. It is possible that a small contribution originated in the lower crust beneath the study region where anisotropic fabric might have formed in response to extension in the Miocene.

Differential relationships between language skills and working memory in Turkish-Dutch and native-Dutch first-graders from low-income families.

PubMed

Bosman, Anna M T; Janssen, Marije

2017-01-01

In the Netherlands, Turkish-Dutch children constitute a substantial group of children who learn to speak Dutch at the age of four after they learned to speak Turkish. These children are generally academically less successful. Academic success appears to be affected by both language proficiency and working memory skill. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between language skills and working memory in Turkish-Dutch and native-Dutch children from low-income families. The findings revealed reduced Dutch language and Dutch working-memory skills for Turkish-Dutch children compared to native-Dutch children. Working memory in native-Dutch children was unrelated to their language skills, whereas in Turkish-Dutch children strong correlations were found both between Turkish language skills and Turkish working-memory performance and between Dutch language skills and Dutch working-memory performance. Reduced language proficiencies and reduced working-memory skills appear to manifest itself in strong relationships between working memory and language skills in Turkish-Dutch children. The findings seem to indicate that limited verbal working-memory and language deficiencies in bilingual children may have reciprocal effects that strongly warrants adequate language education.

Accuracy of tablet splitting and liquid measurements: an examination of who, what and how.

PubMed

Abu-Geras, Dana; Hadziomerovic, Dunja; Leau, Andrew; Khan, Ramzan Nazim; Gudka, Sajni; Locher, Cornelia; Razaghikashani, Maryam; Lim, Lee Yong

2017-05-01

To examine factors that might affect the ability of patients to accurately halve tablets or measure a 5-ml liquid dose. Eighty-eight participants split four different placebo tablets by hand and using a tablet splitter, while 85 participants measured 5 ml of water, 0.5% methylcellulose (MC) and 1% MC using a syringe and dosing cup. Accuracy of manipulation was determined by mass measurements. The general population was less able than pharmacy students to break tablets into equal parts, although age, gender and prior experience were insignificant factors. Greater accuracy of tablet halving was observed with tablet splitter, with scored tablets split more equally than unscored tablets. Tablet size did not affect the accuracy of splitting. However, >25% of small scored tablets failed to be split by hand, and 41% of large unscored tablets were split into >2 portions in the tablet splitter. In liquid measurement, the syringe provided more accurate volume measurements than the dosing cup, with higher accuracy observed for the more viscous MC solutions than water. Formulation characteristics and manipulation technique have greater influences on the accuracy of medication modification and should be considered in off-label drug use in vulnerable populations. © 2016 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

The practice and clinical implications of tablet splitting in international health

PubMed Central

Elliott, Ivo; Mayxay, Mayfong; Yeuichaixong, Sengchanh; Lee, Sue J; Newton, Paul N

2014-01-01

Objective Tablet splitting is frequently performed to facilitate correct dosing, but the practice and implications in low-income settings have rarely been discussed. Methods We selected eight drugs, with narrow therapeutic indices or critical dosages, frequently divided in the Lao PDR (Laos). These were split, by common techniques used in Laos, by four nurses and four laypersons. The mean percentage deviation from the theoretical expected weight and weight loss of divided tablets/capsules were recorded. Results Five of eight study drugs failed, on splitting, to meet European Pharmacopoeia recommendations for tablet weight deviation from the expected weight of tablet/capsule halves with 10% deviating by more than 25%. There was a significant difference in splitting accuracy between nurses and laypersons (P = 0.027). Coated and unscored tablets were less accurately split than uncoated (P = 0.03 and 0.0019 for each half) and scored (0.0001 for both halves) tablets. Conclusion These findings have potential clinical implications on treatment outcome and the development of antimicrobial resistance. Investment by drug companies in a wider range of dosage units, particularly for narrow therapeutic index and critical dosage medicines, is strongly recommended. PMID:24702766

Rouleaux red blood cells splitting in microscopic thin blood smear images via local maxima, circles drawing, and mapping with original RBCs.

PubMed

Rehman, Amjad; Abbas, Naveed; Saba, Tanzila; Mahmood, Toqeer; Kolivand, Hoshang

2018-04-10

Splitting the rouleaux RBCs from single RBCs and its further subdivision is a challenging area in computer-assisted diagnosis of blood. This phenomenon is applied in complete blood count, anemia, leukemia, and malaria tests. Several automated techniques are reported in the state of art for this task but face either under or over splitting problems. The current research presents a novel approach to split Rouleaux red blood cells (chains of RBCs) precisely, which are frequently observed in the thin blood smear images. Accordingly, this research address the rouleaux splitting problem in a realistic, efficient and automated way by considering the distance transform and local maxima of the rouleaux RBCs. Rouleaux RBCs are splitted by taking their local maxima as the centres to draw circles by mid-point circle algorithm. The resulting circles are further mapped with single RBC in Rouleaux to preserve its original shape. The results of the proposed approach on standard data set are presented and analyzed statistically by achieving an average recall of 0.059, an average precision of 0.067 and F-measure 0.063 are achieved through ground truth with visual inspection. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Atomic-scale distortion of optically activated Sm dopants identified with site-selective X-ray absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishii, Masashi; Crowe, Iain F.; Halsall, Matthew P.; Hamilton, Bruce; Hu, Yongfeng; Sham, Tsun-Kong; Harako, Susumu; Zhao, Xin-Wei; Komuro, Shuji

2013-10-01

The local structure of luminescent Sm dopants was investigated using an X-ray absorption fine-structure technique with X-ray-excited optical luminescence. Because this technique evaluates X-ray absorption from luminescence, only optically active sites are analyzed. The Sm L3 near-edge spectrum contains split 5d states and a shake-up transition that are specific to luminescent Sm. Theoretical calculations using cluster models identified an atomic-scale distortion that can reproduce the split 5d states. The model with C4v local symmetry and compressive bond length of Sm-O of a six-fold oxygen (SmO6) cluster is most consistent with the experimental results.

An efficient three-dimensional Poisson solver for SIMD high-performance-computing architectures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohl, H.

1994-01-01

We present an algorithm that solves the three-dimensional Poisson equation on a cylindrical grid. The technique uses a finite-difference scheme with operator splitting. This splitting maps the banded structure of the operator matrix into a two-dimensional set of tridiagonal matrices, which are then solved in parallel. Our algorithm couples FFT techniques with the well-known ADI (Alternating Direction Implicit) method for solving Elliptic PDE's, and the implementation is extremely well suited for a massively parallel environment like the SIMD architecture of the MasPar MP-1. Due to the highly recursive nature of our problem, we believe that our method is highly efficient, as it avoids excessive interprocessor communication.

Scar due to skin incision for screw fixation through the transbuccal approach after sagittal split ramus osteotomy.

PubMed

Muto, Toshitaka

2012-05-01

Most rigid fixation techniques after sagittal split ramus osteotomies of the mandible involve the transbuccal approach. A skin incision in the cheek carries with it possible undesirable sequelae, such as noticeable scarring. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is scarring in the face after this technique. For screw insertion, a 5-mm stab incision was performed on 40 Japanese patients (20 men and 20 women) with class III occlusion. After surgery, gross examination (via the naked eyes) of the skin incision was performed monthly for 1 year by the same oral surgeon. In all cases, the skin incision had disappeared by 1 year after the surgery.

In Vivo Imaging of Human Cone Photoreceptor Inner Segments

PubMed Central

Scoles, Drew; Sulai, Yusufu N.; Langlo, Christopher S.; Fishman, Gerald A.; Curcio, Christine A.; Carroll, Joseph; Dubra, Alfredo

2014-01-01

Purpose. An often overlooked prerequisite to cone photoreceptor gene therapy development is residual photoreceptor structure that can be rescued. While advances in adaptive optics (AO) retinal imaging have recently enabled direct visualization of individual cone and rod photoreceptors in the living human retina, these techniques largely detect strongly directionally-backscattered (waveguided) light from normal intact photoreceptors. This represents a major limitation in using existing AO imaging to quantify structure of remnant cones in degenerating retina. Methods. Photoreceptor inner segment structure was assessed with a novel AO scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) differential phase technique, that we termed nonconfocal split-detector, in two healthy subjects and four subjects with achromatopsia. Ex vivo preparations of five healthy donor eyes were analyzed for comparison of inner segment diameter to that measured in vivo with split-detector AOSLO. Results. Nonconfocal split-detector AOSLO reveals the photoreceptor inner segment with or without the presence of a waveguiding outer segment. The diameter of inner segments measured in vivo is in good agreement with histology. A substantial number of foveal and parafoveal cone photoreceptors with apparently intact inner segments were identified in patients with the inherited disease achromatopsia. Conclusions. The application of nonconfocal split-detector to emerging human gene therapy trials will improve the potential of therapeutic success, by identifying patients with sufficient retained photoreceptor structure to benefit the most from intervention. Additionally, split-detector imaging may be useful for studies of other retinal degenerations such as AMD, retinitis pigmentosa, and choroideremia where the outer segment is lost before the remainder of the photoreceptor cell. PMID:24906859

Surgical Anatomy of the Left Lateral Segment as Applied to Living-Donor and Split-Liver Transplantation

PubMed Central

Reichert, Paulo R.; Renz, John F.; D’Albuquerque, Luiz A. C.; Rosenthal, Philip; Lim, Robert C.; Roberts, John P.; Ascher, Nancy L.; Emond, Jean C.

2000-01-01

Objective To evaluate intrahepatic vascular and biliary anatomy of the left lateral segment (LLS) as applied to living-donor and split-liver transplantation. Summary Background Data Living-donor and split-liver transplantation are innovative surgical techniques that have expanded the donor pool. Fundamental to the application of these techniques is an understanding of intrahepatic vascular and biliary anatomy. Methods Pathologic data obtained from cadaveric liver corrosion casts and liver dissections were clinically correlated with the anatomical findings obtained during split-liver, living-donor, and reduced-liver transplants. Results The anatomical relation of the left bile duct system with respect to the left portal venous system was constant, with the left bile duct superior to the extrahepatic transverse portion of the left portal vein. Four specific patterns of left biliary anatomy and three patterns of left hepatic venous drainage were identified and described. Conclusions Although highly variable, the biliary and hepatic venous anatomy of the LLS can be broadly categorized into distinct patterns. The identification of the LLS duct origin lateral to the umbilical fissure in segment 4 in 50% of cast specimens is significant in the performance of split-liver and living-donor transplantation, because dissection of the graft pedicle at the level of the round ligament will result in separate ducts from segments 2 and 3 in most patients, with the further possibility of an anterior segment 4 duct. A connective tissue bile duct plate, which can be clinically identified, is described to guide dissection of the segment 2 and 3 biliary radicles. PMID:11066137

Cool covered sky-splitting spectrum-splitting FK

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

Mohedano, Rubén; Chaves, Julio; Falicoff, Waqidi

2014-09-26

Placing a plane mirror between the primary lens and the receiver in a Fresnel Köhler (FK) concentrator gives birth to a quite different CPV system where all the high-tech components sit on a common plane, that of the primary lens panels. The idea enables not only a thinner device (a half of the original) but also a low cost 1-step manufacturing process for the optics, automatic alignment of primary and secondary lenses, and cell/wiring protection. The concept is also compatible with two different techniques to increase the module efficiency: spectrum splitting between a 3J and a BPC Silicon cell formore » better usage of Direct Normal Irradiance DNI, and sky splitting to harvest the energy of the diffuse radiation and higher energy production throughout the year. Simple calculations forecast the module would convert 45% of the DNI into electricity.« less

The development of flux-split algorithms for flows with non-equilibrium thermodynamics and chemical reactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grossman, B.; Cinella, P.

1988-01-01

A finite-volume method for the numerical computation of flows with nonequilibrium thermodynamics and chemistry is presented. A thermodynamic model is described which simplifies the coupling between the chemistry and thermodynamics and also results in the retention of the homogeneity property of the Euler equations (including all the species continuity and vibrational energy conservation equations). Flux-splitting procedures are developed for the fully coupled equations involving fluid dynamics, chemical production and thermodynamic relaxation processes. New forms of flux-vector split and flux-difference split algorithms are embodied in a fully coupled, implicit, large-block structure, including all the species conservation and energy production equations. Several numerical examples are presented, including high-temperature shock tube and nozzle flows. The methodology is compared to other existing techniques, including spectral and central-differenced procedures, and favorable comparisons are shown regarding accuracy, shock-capturing and convergence rates.

Facile Preparation of Porous WO3 Film for Photoelectrochemical Splitting of Natural Seawater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Yonghong; Li, Yuangang; Wei, Xiaoliang; Feng, Juan; Li, Huajing; Zhou, Wanyi

2017-12-01

Sunlight-driven natural seawater splitting provides a promising way for large-scale conversion and storage of solar energy. Here, we develop a facile and low-cost method via a deposition-annealing technique to fabricate porous WO3 film and demonstrate its application as a photoanode for natural seawater splitting. The WO3 film yields a photocurrent density of 1.95 mA cm-2 and possesses excellent stability at 1.23 V (versus RHE), under the illumination of 100 mW cm-2 (AM 1.5G). The photoelectrochemical performance is ascribed to the large surface area and good permeation of the electrolyte into the porous film. Furthermore, the photocurrent density remains almost the same during 3 h continuous light irradiation. The evolution of chlorine gas from seawater splitting was determined with qualitative and quantitative analyses, with a Faradic efficiency of about 56%.

Are GP patients' needs being met? Unfulfilled information needs among native-Dutch and Turkish-Dutch patients.

PubMed

Schinkel, Sanne; Schouten, Barbara C; van Weert, Julia C M

2013-02-01

This study aims to assess unfulfilled information needs of native-Dutch and Turkish-Dutch general practitioner (GP) patients in the Netherlands. In addition, the relation between perceived and recorded information provision by GPs is studied. Unfulfilled information needs of native-Dutch (N=117) and Turkish-Dutch patients (N=74) were assessed through pre- and post-consultation questionnaires. Audiotapes of GP consultations were made to code GPs' information provision. Turkish-Dutch patients experience more unfulfilled information needs than native-Dutch patients, in particular those who identify equally with Dutch and Turkish culture. Overall, perceived information provision is hardly related to recorded information provision. GPs insufficiently provide Turkish-Dutch patients and, to a lesser extent, native-Dutch patients as well, the information they need. GPs should be trained in giving adequate, tailored information to patients with various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Image-Guided Internal Fixation of an Oblique Sagittal Split Fracture of C1 Lateral Mass with Motion Preservation: A Technical Report.

PubMed

Malcolm, James G; Tan, Lee A; Johnson, Andrew K

2017-07-20

A sagittal split fracture of the C1 lateral mass is an unstable subtype of C1 fractures and has a high propensity for developing late deformities and pain with nonoperative management. A primary internal fixation of this type of fracture has been recently described with good clinical outcomes and preservation of motion. We present a modified technique of primary internal fixation using an obliquely inserted C1 lag screw with imaging guidance. We successfully treated a 55-year-old woman with a unilateral C1 oblique sagittal split fracture who failed nonoperative management. Technical nuances are discussed with a review of pertinent literature.

Experience of collaboration between a Dutch surgical team in a Ghanaian Orthopaedic Teaching Hospital.

PubMed

Timmers, T K; Kortekaas, E; Beyer, Bpc; Huizinga, E; V Hezik van, S M; Twagirayezu, E; Bemelman, M

2016-09-01

Surgery is an indivisible, indispensable part of healthcare. In Africa, surgery may be thought of as the neglected stepchild of global public health. We describe our experience over a 3-year period of intensive collaboration between specialized teams from a Dutch hospital and local teams of an orthopaedic hospital in Effiduase-Koforidua, Ghana. During 2010-2012, medical teams from our hospital were deployed to St. Joseph's Hospital. These teams were completely self-supporting. They were encouraged to work together with the local-staff. Apart from clinical work, effort was also spent on education/ teaching operation techniques/ regional anaesthesia techniques/ scrubbing techniques/ and principles around sterility. Knowledge and quality of care has improved. Nevertheless, the overall level of quality of care still lags behind compared to what we see in the Western world. This is mainly due to financial constraints; restricting the capacity to purchase good equipment, maintaining it, and providing regular education. The relief provided by institutions like Care-to-Move is very valuable and essential to improve the level of healthcare. The hospital has evolved to such a high level that general European teams have become redundant. Focused and dedicated teams should be the next step of support within the nearby future.

Image splitting and remapping method for radiological image compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, Shih-Chung B.; Shen, Ellen L.; Mun, Seong K.

1990-07-01

A new decomposition method using image splitting and gray-level remapping has been proposed for image compression, particularly for images with high contrast resolution. The effects of this method are especially evident in our radiological image compression study. In our experiments, we tested the impact of this decomposition method on image compression by employing it with two coding techniques on a set of clinically used CT images and several laser film digitized chest radiographs. One of the compression techniques used was full-frame bit-allocation in the discrete cosine transform domain, which has been proven to be an effective technique for radiological image compression. The other compression technique used was vector quantization with pruned tree-structured encoding, which through recent research has also been found to produce a low mean-square-error and a high compression ratio. The parameters we used in this study were mean-square-error and the bit rate required for the compressed file. In addition to these parameters, the difference between the original and reconstructed images will be presented so that the specific artifacts generated by both techniques can be discerned by visual perception.

The new management policy: Indonesian PSC-Gross split applied on CO2 flooding project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irham, S.; Sibuea, S. N.; Danu, A.

2018-01-01

“SIAD” oil field will be developed by CO2 flooding. CO2, a famous pollutant gas, is injected into the oil reservoir to optimize the oil recovery. This technique should be conducted economically according to the energy management policy in Indonesia. In general, Indonesia has two policy contracts on oil and gas: the old one is PSC-Cost-Recovery, and the new one is PSC-Gross-Split (introduced in 2017 as the new energy management plan). The contractor must choose between PSC-Cost-Recovery and PSC-Gross-Split which makes more profit. The aim of this paper is to show the best oil and gas contract policy for the contractor. The methods are calculating and comparing the economic indicators. The result of this study are (1) NPV for the PSC-Cost-Recovery is -46 MUS, while for the PSC-Gross-Split is 73 MUS, and (2) IRR for the PSC-Cost-Recovery is 9%, whereas for the PSC-Gross-Split is 11%. The conclusion is that the NPV and IRR for PSC-Gross-Split are greater than the NPV and IRR of PSC-Cost-Recovery, but POT in PSC-Gross-split is longer than POT in PSC-Cost-Recovery. Thus, in this case, the new energy policy contract can be applied for CO2 flooding technology since it yields higher economic indicators than its antecendent.

Valley Zeeman splitting of monolayer MoS2 probed by low-field magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Y. J.; Shen, C.; Tan, Q. H.; Shi, J.; Liu, X. F.; Wu, Z. H.; Zhang, J.; Tan, P. H.; Zheng, H. Z.

2018-04-01

The valley Zeeman splitting of monolayer two-dimensional (2D) materials in the magnetic field plays an important role in the valley and spin manipulations. In general, a high magnetic field (6-65 T) and low temperature (2-30 K) were two key measurement conditions to observe the resolvable valley Zeeman splitting of monolayer 2D materials in current reported experiments. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate an effective measurement scheme by employing magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, which enables us to distinguish the valley Zeeman splitting under a relatively low magnetic field of 1 T at room temperature. MCD peaks related to both A and B excitonic transitions in monolayer MoS2 can be clearly observed. Based on the MCD spectra under different magnetic fields (-3 to 3 T), we obtained the valley Zeeman splitting energy and the g-factors of A and B excitons, respectively. Our results show that MCD spectroscopy is a high-sensitive magneto-optical technique to explore the valley and spin manipulation in 2D materials.

Development of new flux splitting schemes. [computational fluid dynamics algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing; Steffen, Christopher J., Jr.

1992-01-01

Maximizing both accuracy and efficiency has been the primary objective in designing a numerical algorithm for computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This is especially important for solutions of complex three dimensional systems of Navier-Stokes equations which often include turbulence modeling and chemistry effects. Recently, upwind schemes have been well received for their capability in resolving discontinuities. With this in mind, presented are two new flux splitting techniques for upwind differencing. The first method is based on High-Order Polynomial Expansions (HOPE) of the mass flux vector. The second new flux splitting is based on the Advection Upwind Splitting Method (AUSM). The calculation of the hypersonic conical flow demonstrates the accuracy of the splitting in resolving the flow in the presence of strong gradients. A second series of tests involving the two dimensional inviscid flow over a NACA 0012 airfoil demonstrates the ability of the AUSM to resolve the shock discontinuity at transonic speed. A third case calculates a series of supersonic flows over a circular cylinder. Finally, the fourth case deals with tests of a two dimensional shock wave/boundary layer interaction.

Conceptual Design and Optimal Power Control Strategy for AN Eco-Friendly Hybrid Vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasiri, N. Mir; Chieng, Frederick T. A.

2011-06-01

This paper presents a new concept for a hybrid vehicle using a torque and speed splitting technique. It is implemented by the newly developed controller in combination with a two degree of freedom epicyclic gear transmission. This approach enables optimization of the power split between the less powerful electrical motor and more powerful engine while driving a car load. The power split is fundamentally a dual-energy integration mechanism as it is implemented by using the epicyclic gear transmission that has two inputs and one output for a proper power distribution. The developed power split control system manages the operation of both the inputs to have a known output with the condition of maintaining optimum operating efficiency of the internal combustion engine and electrical motor. This system has a huge potential as it is possible to integrate all the features of hybrid vehicle known to-date such as the regenerative braking system, series hybrid, parallel hybrid, series/parallel hybrid, and even complex hybrid (bidirectional). By using the new power split system it is possible to further reduce fuel consumption and increase overall efficiency.

Reconstruction of Knee Defects Using Pedicled Gastrocnemius Muscle Flap with Split-Thickness Skin Grafting: A Single Surgeon's Experience with 21 Patients.

PubMed

Kilic, Ali; Denney, Brad; de la Torre, Jorge

2018-05-31

Generally, reconstruction of knee defects with exposed bone, joint, tendon, and/or hardware requires a vascularized muscle flap for coverage. Although there are several surgical options for a knee defect reconstruction, the pedicled gastrocnemius muscle still remains the workhorse flap. Although this flap is commonly used for knee defect reconstruction and the technique is described very well, there is an absence of information in the literature detailing the technique of harvesting and insetting of the gastrocnemius flap step by step with illustrations. The purpose of this article is to describe in detail the technique to reconstruct defects of the knee with pedicled gastrocnemius muscle flap as well as to present demographics and surgical results of 21 patients who had knee reconstruction with a pedicled gastrocnemius muscle flap and split-thickness skin grafting. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Split liver transplantation in adults.

PubMed

Hashimoto, Koji; Fujiki, Masato; Quintini, Cristiano; Aucejo, Federico N; Uso, Teresa Diago; Kelly, Dympna M; Eghtesad, Bijan; Fung, John J; Miller, Charles M

2016-09-07

Split liver transplantation (SLT), while widely accepted in pediatrics, remains underutilized in adults. Advancements in surgical techniques and donor-recipient matching, however, have allowed expansion of SLT from utilization of the right trisegment graft to now include use of the hemiliver graft as well. Despite less favorable outcomes in the early experience, better outcomes have been reported by experienced centers and have further validated the feasibility of SLT. Importantly, more than two decades of experience have identified key requirements for successful SLT in adults. When these requirements are met, SLT can achieve outcomes equivalent to those achieved with other types of liver transplantation for adults. However, substantial challenges, such as surgical techniques, logistics, and ethics, persist as ongoing barriers to further expansion of this highly complex procedure. This review outlines the current state of SLT in adults, focusing on donor and recipient selection based on physiology, surgical techniques, surgical outcomes, and ethical issues.

An in vitro evaluation of rigid internal fixation techniques for sagittal split ramus osteotomies: setback surgery.

PubMed

Brasileiro, Bernardo Ferreira; Grotta-Grempel, Rafael; Ambrosano, Glaucia Maria Bovi; Passeri, Luis Augusto

2012-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical features of 3 different methods of rigid internal fixation for sagittal split ramus osteotomy for mandibular setback in vitro. Sixty polyurethane replicas of human hemimandibles were used as substrates, simulating a 5-mm setback surgery by sagittal split ramus osteotomy. These replicas served to reproduce 3 different techniques of fixation, including 1) a 4-hole plate and 4 monocortical screws (miniplate group), 2) a 4-hole plate and 4 monocortical screws with 1 additional bicortical positional screw (hybrid group), and 3) 3 bicortical positional screws in a traditional inverted-L pattern (inverted-L group). After fixation, hemimandibles were adapted to a test support and subjected to lateral torsional forces on the buccal molar surface and vertical cantilever loading on the incisal edge with an Instron 4411 mechanical testing unit. Peak loadings at 1, 3, 5, and 10 mm of displacement were recorded. Means and standard deviation were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey test with a 5% level of significance, and failures during tests were recorded. Regardless of the amount of displacement and direction of force, the miniplate group always showed the lowest load peak scores (P < .01) compared with the other fixation techniques. The hybrid group demonstrated behavior similar to the inverted-L group in lateral and vertical forces at any loading displacement (P > .05). Molar load tests required more force than incisal load tests to promote the same displacement in the mandibular setback model (P < .05). For mandibular setback surgery of 5 mm, this study concluded that the fixation technique based on the miniplate group was significantly less rigid than the fixation observed in the hybrid and inverted-L groups. Mechanically, adding 1 bicortical positional screw in the retromolar region in the miniplate technique may achieve the same stabilization offered by inverted-L fixation for mandibular sagittal split ramus osteotomy setback surgery in vitro. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hierarchically 3D assembled strontium titanate nanomaterials for water splitting application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moniruddin, Md; Afroz, Khurshida; Shabdan, Yerkin; Bizri, Baraa; Nuraje, Nurxat

2017-10-01

Water splitting is an important technique to store solar energy in the simple form of chemical energy, such as hydrogen. Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) is one of the most promising photocatalysts to produce hydrogen gas from water splitting. In this research, an electrospinning technique in combination with sol-gel method was developed to synthesize 3D porous SrTiO3 nanostructures. Different crystallite sizes of SrTiO3-nanofibers (STO-NFs) were produced by varying the synthesis parameters including precursor concentration and calcination temperature. The synthesized nanofibers were characterized using DSC, TGA, XRD, SEM, and TEM. The crystallite size of STO-NFs decreases with increasing precursor concentration (3.03-15.78 vol.%) and gradually increases as the calcination temperature increases within the range of 600-800 °C. The photocatalytic activity of different STO-NFs (based on crystallite size) was also evaluated by the amount of H2 production from water splitting under UV irradiation. The H2 evolution study demonstrated that the photocatalytic activity of the STO-NFs strongly depends on the crystallite size of the nanofibers, precursor concentration, and calcination temperature. The H2 production rate increases with increasing crystallite size and temperature, whereas it decreases with increasing precursor concentration. The photocatalytic performance of the STO-NFs was also compared with the commercial SrTiO3 nanoparticles (STO-NPs) after Pt addition as a cocatalyst, where the synthesized nanofibers showed 2 times higher H2 production rate (1.14 mmol/g-h) than that of the nanoparticles. This synthesis technique provides a good example to produce other inorganic photocatalytic 3D porous structure materials.

Retest Reliability of the Rosenzweig Picture-Frustration Study and Similar Semiprojective Techniques

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenzweig, Saul; And Others

1975-01-01

The research dealing with the reliability of the Rosenzweig Picture-Frustration Study is surveyed. Analysis of various split-half, and retest procedures are reviewed and their relative effectiveness evaluated. Reliability measures as applied to projective techniques in general are discussed. (Author/DEP)

Flagged uniform particle splitting for variance reduction in proton and carbon ion track-structure simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramos-Méndez, José; Schuemann, Jan; Incerti, Sebastien; Paganetti, Harald; Schulte, Reinhard; Faddegon, Bruce

2017-08-01

Flagged uniform particle splitting was implemented with two methods to improve the computational efficiency of Monte Carlo track structure simulations with TOPAS-nBio by enhancing the production of secondary electrons in ionization events. In method 1 the Geant4 kernel was modified. In method 2 Geant4 was not modified. In both methods a unique flag number assigned to each new split electron was inherited by its progeny, permitting reclassification of the split events as if produced by independent histories. Computational efficiency and accuracy were evaluated for simulations of 0.5-20 MeV protons and 1-20 MeV u-1 carbon ions for three endpoints: (1) mean of the ionization cluster size distribution, (2) mean number of DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs) classified with DBSCAN, and (3) mean number of SSBs and DSBs classified with a geometry-based algorithm. For endpoint (1), simulation efficiency was 3 times lower when splitting electrons generated by direct ionization events of primary particles than when splitting electrons generated by the first ionization events of secondary electrons. The latter technique was selected for further investigation. The following results are for method 2, with relative efficiencies about 4.5 times lower for method 1. For endpoint (1), relative efficiency at 128 split electrons approached maximum, increasing with energy from 47.2  ±  0.2 to 66.9  ±  0.2 for protons, decreasing with energy from 51.3  ±  0.4 to 41.7  ±  0.2 for carbon. For endpoint (2), relative efficiency increased with energy, from 20.7  ±  0.1 to 50.2  ±  0.3 for protons, 15.6  ±  0.1 to 20.2  ±  0.1 for carbon. For endpoint (3) relative efficiency increased with energy, from 31.0  ±  0.2 to 58.2  ±  0.4 for protons, 23.9  ±  0.1 to 26.2  ±  0.2 for carbon. Simulation results with and without splitting agreed within 1% (2 standard deviations) for endpoints (1) and (2), within 2% (1 standard deviation) for endpoint (3). In conclusion, standard particle splitting variance reduction techniques can be successfully implemented in Monte Carlo track structure codes.

Single-phase Whole-body 64-MDCT Split-bolus Protocol for Pediatric Oncology: Diagnostic Efficacy and Dose Radiation.

PubMed

Scialpi, Michele; Schiavone, Raffaele; D'Andrea, Alfredo; Palumbo, Isabella; Magli, Michelle; Gravante, Sabrina; Falcone, Giuseppe; De Filippi, Claudio; Manganaro, Lucia; Palumbo, Barbara

2015-05-01

To evaluate the image quality and the diagnostic efficacy by single-phase whole-body 64-slice multidetector CT (MDCT) for pediatric oncology. Chest-abdomen-pelvis CT examinations with single-phase split-bolus technique were evaluated for T: detection and delineation of primary tumor (assessment of the extent of the lesion to neighboring tissues), N: regional lymph nodes and M: distant metastasis. Quality scores (5-point scale) were assessed by two radiologists on parenchymal and vascular enhancement. Accurate TNM staging in term of detection and delineation of primary tumor, regional lymph nodes and distant metastasis was obtained in all cases. On the image quality and severity artifact, the Kappa value for the interobserver agreement measure obtained from the analysis was 0.754, (p<0.001), characterizing a very good agreement between observers. Single-pass total body CT split-bolus technique reached the highest overall image quality and an accurate TNM staging in pediatric patients with cancer. Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

Use of an Electrochemical Split Cell Technique to Evaluate the Influence of Shewanella oneidensis Activities on Corrosion of Carbon Steel.

PubMed

Miller, Robert Bertram; Sadek, Anwar; Rodriguez, Alvaro; Iannuzzi, Mariano; Giai, Carla; Senko, John M; Monty, Chelsea N

2016-01-01

Microbially induced corrosion (MIC) is a complex problem that affects various industries. Several techniques have been developed to monitor corrosion and elucidate corrosion mechanisms, including microbiological processes that induce metal deterioration. We used zero resistance ammetry (ZRA) in a split chamber configuration to evaluate the effects of the facultatively anaerobic Fe(III) reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 on the corrosion of UNS G10180 carbon steel. We show that activities of S. oneidensis inhibit corrosion of steel with which that organism has direct contact. However, when a carbon steel coupon in contact with S. oneidensis was electrically connected to a second coupon that was free of biofilm (in separate chambers of the split chamber assembly), ZRA-based measurements indicated that current moved from the S. oneidensis-containing chamber to the cell-free chamber. This electron transfer enhanced the O2 reduction reaction on the coupon deployed in the cell free chamber, and consequently, enhanced oxidation and corrosion of that electrode. Our results illustrate a novel mechanism for MIC in cases where metal surfaces are heterogeneously covered by biofilms.

The development and validation of the Youth Actuarial Care Needs Assessment Tool for Non-Offenders (Y-ACNAT-NO).

PubMed

Assink, Mark; van der Put, Claudia E; Oort, Frans J; Stams, Geert Jan J M

2015-03-04

In The Netherlands, police officers not only come into contact with juvenile offenders, but also with a large number of juveniles who were involved in a criminal offense, but not in the role of a suspect (i.e., juvenile non-offenders). Until now, no valid and reliable instrument was available that can be used by Dutch police officers for estimating the risk for future care needs of juvenile non-offenders. In the present study, the Youth Actuarial Care Needs Assessment Tool for Non-Offenders (Y-ACNAT-NO) was developed for predicting the risk for future care needs that consisted of (1) a future supervision order as imposed by a juvenile court judge and (2) future worrisome incidents involving child abuse, domestic violence/strife, and/or sexual offensive behavior at the juvenile's living address (i.e., problems in the child-rearing environment). Police records of 3,200 juveniles were retrieved from the Dutch police registration system after which the sample was randomly split in a construction (n = 1,549) and validation sample (n = 1,651). The Y-ACNAT-NO was developed by performing an Exhaustive CHAID analysis using the construction sample. The predictive validity of the instrument was examined in the validation sample by calculating several performance indicators that assess discrimination and calibration. The CHAID output yielded an instrument that consisted of six variables and eleven different risk groups. The risk for future care needs ranged from 0.06 in the lowest risk group to 0.83 in the highest risk group. The AUC value in the validation sample was .764 (95% CI [.743, .784]) and Sander's calibration score indicated an average assessment error of 3.74% in risk estimates per risk category. The Y-ACNAT-NO is the first instrument that can be used by Dutch police officers for estimating the risk for future care needs of juvenile non-offenders. The predictive validity of the Y-ACNAT-NO in terms of discrimination and calibration was sufficient to justify its use as an initial screening instrument when a decision is needed about referring a juvenile for further assessment of care needs.

Ethnic Identity, Externalizing Problem Behaviour and the Mediating Role of Self-Esteem among Dutch, Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wissink, Inge B.; Dekovic, Maja; Yagmur, Sengul; Stams, Geert Jan; de Haan, Mariette

2008-01-01

The present study examined whether self-esteem mediates the relationship between two aspects of ethnic identity (i.e. ethnic identity exploration and ethnic identity commitment-affirmation) and externalizing problem behaviour in Dutch, Turkish-Dutch and Moroccan-Dutch adolescents living in the Netherlands. A total number of 345 adolescents (115…

Dyed and Printed Textiles: Javanese Batik [and] Dutch Wax Prints [and] West African Adire. Third Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burke, Sue

Three booklets focusing on dyed and printed textile techniques of Java, West Africa, and the Netherlands describe historical and ethnographic materials as well as the development of particular technical traditions. Each section may be used alone or with either or both of the others. When used together, these booklets illustrate the…

Friendship and Alcohol Use in Early Adolescence: A Multilevel Social Network Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knecht, Andrea B.; Burk, William J.; Weesie, Jeroen; Steglich, Christian

2011-01-01

This study applies multilevel social network analytic techniques to examine processes of homophilic selection and social influence related to alcohol use among friends in early adolescence. Participants included 3,041 Dutch youth (M age =12 years, 49% female) from 120 classrooms in 14 schools. Three waves with 3-month intervals of friendship…

Image-Guided Internal Fixation of an Oblique Sagittal Split Fracture of C1 Lateral Mass with Motion Preservation: A Technical Report

PubMed Central

Malcolm, James G; Johnson, Andrew K

2017-01-01

A sagittal split fracture of the C1 lateral mass is an unstable subtype of C1 fractures and has a high propensity for developing late deformities and pain with nonoperative management. A primary internal fixation of this type of fracture has been recently described with good clinical outcomes and preservation of motion. We present a modified technique of primary internal fixation using an obliquely inserted C1 lag screw with imaging guidance. We successfully treated a 55-year-old woman with a unilateral C1 oblique sagittal split fracture who failed nonoperative management. Technical nuances are discussed with a review of pertinent literature. PMID:28948116

An Empirical Study of Re-sampling Techniques as a Method for Improving Error Estimates in Split-plot Designs

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

sufficient replications often lead to models that lack precision in error estimation and thus imprecision in corresponding conclusions. This work develops...v Preface This work is dedicated to all who gave and continue to give in order for me to achieve some semblance of success. Benjamin M. Lee vi...develop, examine and test methodologies for an- alyzing test results from split-plot designs. In particular, this work determines the applicability

The splitting and oscillator strengths for the 2S/2/S-2p/2/P/0/ doublet in lithium-like sulfur. [during Skylab observed solar flares

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pegg, D. J.; Forester, J. P.; Elston, S. B.; Griffin, P. M.; Peterson, R. S.; Thoe, R. S.; Vane, C. R.; Sellin, I. A.; Groeneveld, K.-O.

1977-01-01

The beam-foil technique has been used to study the 2S(2)S-2p(2)P(0) doublet in S XIV. The results confirm the doublet splitting measured aboard Skylab during solar flare events. In addition, the oscillator strengths for the resonance transitions comprising this doublet have been measured and found to agree well with recent relativistic f-value calculations.

A higher-order split-step Fourier parabolic-equation sound propagation solution scheme.

PubMed

Lin, Ying-Tsong; Duda, Timothy F

2012-08-01

A three-dimensional Cartesian parabolic-equation model with a higher-order approximation to the square-root Helmholtz operator is presented for simulating underwater sound propagation in ocean waveguides. The higher-order approximation includes cross terms with the free-space square-root Helmholtz operator and the medium phase speed anomaly. It can be implemented with a split-step Fourier algorithm to solve for sound pressure in the model. Two idealized ocean waveguide examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of this numerical technique.

Enhanced microwave characterisation technique for cryogenic temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smuk, J. W.; Stubbs, M. G.; Wight, J. S.

1990-12-01

A real-time technique to de-embed broadband S-parameter measurements of MIC/MMIC devices at temperatures down to 13 K is presented. Exceptional accuracy is obtained by using a split-block test fixture and the TRL calibration technique at cryogenic temperatures for the first time. The repeatability of the technique and the measurement of a transmission line at 297 K and 77 K are demonstrated from 0.1 GHz to 20 GHz.

Does Media Use Result in More Active Communicators? Differences Between Native Dutch and Turkish-Dutch Patients in Information-Seeking Behavior and Participation During Consultations With General Practitioners.

PubMed

Schinkel, Sanne; Van Weert, Julia C M; Kester, Jorrit A M; Smit, Edith G; Schouten, Barbara C

2015-08-01

This study investigates differences between native Dutch and Turkish-Dutch patients with respect to media usage before and patient participation during medical consultations with general practitioners. In addition, the authors assessed the relation between patient participation and communication outcomes. The patients were recruited in the waiting rooms of general practitioners, and 191 patients (117 native Dutch, 74 Turkish-Dutch) completed pre- and postconsultation questionnaires. Of this sample, 120 patients (62.8%; 82 native Dutch, 38 Turkish-Dutch) agreed to have their consultations recorded to measure patient participation. Compared with Turkish-Dutch patients of similar educational levels, results showed that native Dutch patients used different media to search for information, participated to a greater extent during their consultations and were more responsive to their general practitioner. With respect to the Turkish-Dutch patients, media usage was related to increased patient participation, which was correlated with having fewer unfulfilled information needs; however, these relations were not found in the native Dutch patient sample. In conclusion, interventions that enhance participation among ethnic minority patients will better fulfill informational needs when such interventions stimulate information-seeking behavior in that group before a medical consultation.

Leaf trait dissimilarities between Dutch elm hybrids with a contrasting tolerance to Dutch elm disease.

PubMed

Durkovic, Jaroslav; Canová, Ingrid; Lagana, Rastislav; Kucerová, Veronika; Moravcík, Michal; Priwitzer, Tibor; Urban, Josef; Dvorák, Milon; Krajnáková, Jana

2013-02-01

Previous studies have shown that Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, the causative agent of Dutch elm disease (DED), is able to colonize remote areas in infected plants of Ulmus such as the leaf midrib and secondary veins. The objective of this study was to compare the performances in leaf traits between two Dutch elm hybrids 'Groeneveld' and 'Dodoens' which possess a contrasting tolerance to DED. Trait linkages were also tested with leaf mass per area (LMA) and with the reduced Young's modulus of elasticity (MOE) as a result of structural, developmental or functional linkages. Measurements and comparisons were made of leaf growth traits, primary xylem density components, gas exchange variables and chlorophyll a fluorescence yields between mature plants of 'Groeneveld' and 'Dodoens' grown under field conditions. A recently developed atomic force microscopy technique, PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical mapping, was used to reveal nanomechanical properties of the cell walls of tracheary elements such as MOE, adhesion and dissipation. 'Dodoens' had significantly higher values for LMA, leaf tissue thickness variables, tracheary element lumen area (A), relative hydraulic conductivity (RC), gas exchange variables and chlorophyll a fluorescence yields. 'Groeneveld' had stiffer cell walls of tracheary elements, and higher values for water-use efficiency and leaf water potential. Leaves with a large carbon and nutrient investment in LMA tended to have a greater leaf thickness and a higher net photosynthetic rate, but LMA was independent of RC. Significant linkages were also found between the MOE and some vascular traits such as RC, A and the number of tracheary elements per unit area. Strong dissimilarities in leaf trait performances were observed between the examined Dutch elm hybrids. Both hybrids were clearly separated from each other in the multivariate leaf trait space. Leaf growth, vascular and gas exchange traits in the infected plants of 'Dodoens' were unaffected by the DED fungus. 'Dodoens' proved to be a valuable elm germplasm for further breeding strategies.

External tissue expansion for difficult wounds using a simple cost effective technique.

PubMed

Nandhagopal, Vijayaraghavan; Chittoria, Ravi Kumar; Mohapatra, Devi Prasad; Thiruvoth, Friji Meethale; Sivakumar, Dinesh Kumar; Ashokan, Arjun

2015-01-01

To study and discuss role of external tissue expansion and wound closure (ETEWC) technique using hooks and rubber bands. The present study is a retrospective analysis of nine cases of wounds of different aetiology where ETEWC technique was applied using hooks and rubber bands. All the wounds in the study healed completely without split thickness skin graft (SSG) or flap. ETEWC technique using hooks and rubber bands is a cost-effective technique which can be used for wound closure without SSG or flap.

Activation of different split functionalities upon re-association of RNA-DNA hybrids

PubMed Central

Afonin, Kirill A.; Viard, Mathias; Martins, Angelica N.; Lockett, Stephen J.; Maciag, Anna E.; Freed, Eric O.; Heldman, Eliahu; Jaeger, Luc; Blumenthal, Robert; Shapiro, Bruce A.

2013-01-01

Split-protein systems, an approach that relies on fragmentation of proteins with their further conditional re-association to form functional complexes, are increasingly used for various biomedical applications. This approach offers tight control of the protein functions and improved detection sensitivity. Here we show a similar technique based on a pair of RNA-DNA hybrids that can be generally used for triggering different split functionalities. Individually, each hybrid is inactive but when two cognate hybrids re-associate, different functionalities are triggered inside mammalian cells. As a proof of concept this work is mainly focused on activation of RNA interference; however the release of other functionalities (resonance energy transfer and RNA aptamer) is also shown. Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrate a significant uptake of the hybrids by tumors together with specific gene silencing. This split-functionality approach presents a new route in the development of “smart” nucleic acids based nanoparticles and switches for various biomedical applications. PMID:23542902

Real-Time Compressive Sensing MRI Reconstruction Using GPU Computing and Split Bregman Methods

PubMed Central

Smith, David S.; Gore, John C.; Yankeelov, Thomas E.; Welch, E. Brian

2012-01-01

Compressive sensing (CS) has been shown to enable dramatic acceleration of MRI acquisition in some applications. Being an iterative reconstruction technique, CS MRI reconstructions can be more time-consuming than traditional inverse Fourier reconstruction. We have accelerated our CS MRI reconstruction by factors of up to 27 by using a split Bregman solver combined with a graphics processing unit (GPU) computing platform. The increases in speed we find are similar to those we measure for matrix multiplication on this platform, suggesting that the split Bregman methods parallelize efficiently. We demonstrate that the combination of the rapid convergence of the split Bregman algorithm and the massively parallel strategy of GPU computing can enable real-time CS reconstruction of even acquisition data matrices of dimension 40962 or more, depending on available GPU VRAM. Reconstruction of two-dimensional data matrices of dimension 10242 and smaller took ~0.3 s or less, showing that this platform also provides very fast iterative reconstruction for small-to-moderate size images. PMID:22481908

Real-Time Compressive Sensing MRI Reconstruction Using GPU Computing and Split Bregman Methods.

PubMed

Smith, David S; Gore, John C; Yankeelov, Thomas E; Welch, E Brian

2012-01-01

Compressive sensing (CS) has been shown to enable dramatic acceleration of MRI acquisition in some applications. Being an iterative reconstruction technique, CS MRI reconstructions can be more time-consuming than traditional inverse Fourier reconstruction. We have accelerated our CS MRI reconstruction by factors of up to 27 by using a split Bregman solver combined with a graphics processing unit (GPU) computing platform. The increases in speed we find are similar to those we measure for matrix multiplication on this platform, suggesting that the split Bregman methods parallelize efficiently. We demonstrate that the combination of the rapid convergence of the split Bregman algorithm and the massively parallel strategy of GPU computing can enable real-time CS reconstruction of even acquisition data matrices of dimension 4096(2) or more, depending on available GPU VRAM. Reconstruction of two-dimensional data matrices of dimension 1024(2) and smaller took ~0.3 s or less, showing that this platform also provides very fast iterative reconstruction for small-to-moderate size images.

Surgical correction of cryptotia combined with an ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft in continuity with a full-thickness skin rotation flap.

PubMed

Yu, Xiaobo; Yang, Qinghua; Jiang, Haiyue; Pan, Bo; Zhao, Yanyong; Lin, Lin

2017-11-01

Cryptotia is a common congenital ear deformity in Asian populations. In cryptotia, a portion of the upper ear is hidden and fixed in a pocket of the skin of the mastoid. Here we describe our method for cryptotia correction by using an ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft in continuity with a full-thickness skin rotation flap. We developed a new method for correcting cryptotia by using an ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft in continuity with a full-thickness skin rotation flap. Following ear release, the full-thickness skin rotation flap is rotated into the defect, and the donor site is covered with an ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft raised in continuity with the flap. All patients exhibited satisfactory release of cryptotia. No cases involved partial or total flap necrosis, and post-operative outcomes using this new technique for cryptotia correction have been more than satisfactory. Our method of using an ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft in continuity with a full-thickness skin rotation flap to correct cryptotia is simple and reliable. Copyright © 2017 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Use of Split-Thickness Skin Grafts on Diabetic Foot Ulcerations: A Literature Review

PubMed Central

McCartan, Brant; Dinh, Thanh

2012-01-01

Diabetic foot ulcerations are historically difficult to treat despite advanced therapeutic modalities. There are numerous modalities described in the literature ranging from noninvasive topical wound care to more invasive surgical procedures such as primary closure, skin flaps, and skin grafting. While skin grafting provides faster time to closure with a single treatment compared to traditional topical wound treatments, the potential risks of donor site morbidity and poor wound healing unique to the diabetic state have been cited as a contraindication to its widespread use. In order to garner clarity on this issue, a literature review was undertaken on the use of split-thickness skin grafts on diabetic foot ulcers. Search of electronic databases yielded four studies that reported split-thickness skin grafts as definitive means of closure. In addition, several other studies employed split-thickness skin grafts as an adjunct to a treatment that was only partially successful or used to fill in the donor site of another plastic surgery technique. When used as the primary closure on optimized diabetic foot ulcerations, split-thickness skin grafts are 78% successful at closing 90% of the wound by eight weeks. PMID:22666573

Grid generation for the solution of partial differential equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eiseman, Peter R.; Erlebacher, Gordon

1989-01-01

A general survey of grid generators is presented with a concern for understanding why grids are necessary, how they are applied, and how they are generated. After an examination of the need for meshes, the overall applications setting is established with a categorization of the various connectivity patterns. This is split between structured grids and unstructured meshes. Altogether, the categorization establishes the foundation upon which grid generation techniques are developed. The two primary categories are algebraic techniques and partial differential equation techniques. These are each split into basic parts, and accordingly are individually examined in some detail. In the process, the interrelations between the various parts are accented. From the established background in the primary techniques, consideration is shifted to the topic of interactive grid generation and then to adaptive meshes. The setting for adaptivity is established with a suitable means to monitor severe solution behavior. Adaptive grids are considered first and are followed by adaptive triangular meshes. Then the consideration shifts to the temporal coupling between grid generators and PDE-solvers. To conclude, a reflection upon the discussion, herein, is given.

Grid generation for the solution of partial differential equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eiseman, Peter R.; Erlebacher, Gordon

1987-01-01

A general survey of grid generators is presented with a concern for understanding why grids are necessary, how they are applied, and how they are generated. After an examination of the need for meshes, the overall applications setting is established with a categorization of the various connectivity patterns. This is split between structured grids and unstructured meshes. Altogether, the categorization establishes the foundation upon which grid generation techniques are developed. The two primary categories are algebraic techniques and partial differential equation techniques. These are each split into basic parts, and accordingly are individually examined in some detail. In the process, the interrelations between the various parts are accented. From the established background in the primary techniques, consideration is shifted to the topic of interactive grid generation and then to adaptive meshes. The setting for adaptivity is established with a suitable means to monitor severe solution behavior. Adaptive grids are considered first and are followed by adaptive triangular meshes. Then the consideration shifts to the temporal coupling between grid generators and PDE-solvers. To conclude, a reflection upon the discussion, herein, is given.

The Student Experience of Internationalization in a U.S. and Dutch Higher Education Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mazon, Bradley K.

2010-01-01

The topic of this study is the student experience of internationalization at the University at Buffalo (UB) in Buffalo, New York, and at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The data for this study was collected using a purposeful sampling technique in order to choose particular participants believed to facilitate…

Dutch Viking TROS Aktua Special

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

Footage shows the night vertical takeoff of the Viking Hollan hot air balloon. The crew is shown participating in survival technique training, boarding the plane to depart to Canada, and preparing for the vertical takeoff in the hot air balloon across the Atlantic Ocean. Scenes also include the making of the capsule for the balloon, some flight activities, and the landing of the balloon.

Neuroscientific and behavioral genetic information in criminal cases in the Netherlands.

PubMed

de Kogel, C H; Westgeest, E J M C

2015-11-01

In this contribution an empirical approach is used to gain more insight into the relationship between neuroscience and criminal law. The focus is on case law in the Netherlands. Neuroscientific information and techniques have found their way into the courts of the Netherlands. Furthermore, following an Italian case in which a mentally ill offender received a penalty reduction in part because of a 'genetic vulnerability for impulsive aggression', the expectation was expressed that such 'genetic defenses' would appear in the Netherlands too. To assess how neuroscientific and behavioral genetic information are used in criminal justice practice in the Netherlands, we systematically collect Dutch criminal cases in which neuroscientific or behavioral genetic information is introduced. Data and case law examples are presented and discussed. Although cases are diverse, several themes appear, such as prefrontal brain damage in relation to criminal responsibility and recidivism risk, and divergent views of the implications of neurobiological knowledge about addiction for judging criminal responsibility. Whereas in the international 'neurolaw literature' the emphasis is often on imaging techniques, the Dutch findings also illustrate the role of neuropsychological methods in criminal cases. Finally, there appears to be a clear need of practice oriented instruments and guidelines.

Neuroscientific and behavioral genetic information in criminal cases in the Netherlands

PubMed Central

de Kogel, C.H.; Westgeest, E.J.M.C.

2015-01-01

In this contribution an empirical approach is used to gain more insight into the relationship between neuroscience and criminal law. The focus is on case law in the Netherlands. Neuroscientific information and techniques have found their way into the courts of the Netherlands. Furthermore, following an Italian case in which a mentally ill offender received a penalty reduction in part because of a ‘genetic vulnerability for impulsive aggression’, the expectation was expressed that such ‘genetic defenses’ would appear in the Netherlands too. To assess how neuroscientific and behavioral genetic information are used in criminal justice practice in the Netherlands, we systematically collect Dutch criminal cases in which neuroscientific or behavioral genetic information is introduced. Data and case law examples are presented and discussed. Although cases are diverse, several themes appear, such as prefrontal brain damage in relation to criminal responsibility and recidivism risk, and divergent views of the implications of neurobiological knowledge about addiction for judging criminal responsibility. Whereas in the international ‘neurolaw literature’ the emphasis is often on imaging techniques, the Dutch findings also illustrate the role of neuropsychological methods in criminal cases. Finally, there appears to be a clear need of practice oriented instruments and guidelines. PMID:27774213

Micro- and nano-scale optical devices for high density photonic integrated circuits at near-infrared wavelengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Rohit

In this research work, we explore fundamental silicon-based active and passive photonic devices that can be integrated together to form functional photonic integrated circuits. The devices which include power splitters, switches and lenses are studied starting from their physics, their design and fabrication techniques and finally from an experimental standpoint. The experimental results reveal high performance devices that are compatible with standard CMOS fabrication processes and can be easily integrated with other devices for near infrared telecom applications. In Chapter 2, a novel method for optical switching using nanomechanical proximity perturbation technique is described and demonstrated. The method which is experimentally demonstrated employs relatively low powers, small chip footprint and is compatible with standard CMOS fabrication processes. Further, in Chapter 3, this method is applied to develop a hitless bypass switch aimed at solving an important issue in current wavelength division multiplexing systems namely hitless switching of reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexers. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the application of the nanomechanical proximity perturbation technique to practical situations. In Chapter 4, a fundamental photonic component namely the power splitter is described. Power splitters are important components for any photonic integrated circuits because they help split the power from a single light source to multiple devices on the same chip so that different operations can be performed simultaneously. The power splitters demonstrated in this chapter are based on multimode interference principles resulting in highly compact low loss and highly uniform power splitting to split the power of the light from a single channel to two and four channels. These devices can further be scaled to achieve higher order splitting such as 1x16 and 1x32 power splits. Finally in Chapter 5 we overcome challenges in device fabrication and measurement techniques to demonstrate for the first time a "superlens" for the technologically important near infrared wavelength ranges with the opportunity to scale down further to visible wavelengths. The observed resolution is 0.47lambda, clearly smaller than the diffraction limit of 0.61lambda and is supported by detailed theoretical analyses and comprehensive numerical simulations. Importantly, we clearly show for the first time this subdiffraction limit imaging is due to the resonant excitation of surface slab modes, permitting amplification of evanescent waves. The demonstrated "superlens" has the largest figure of merit ever reported till date both theoretically and experimentally. The techniques and devices described in this thesis can be further applied to develop new devices with different functionalities. In Chapter 6 we describe two examples using these ideas. First, we experimentally demonstrate the use of the nanomechanical proximity perturbation technique to develop a phase retarder for on-chip all state polarization control. Next, we use the negative refraction photonic crystals described in Chapter 5 to achieve a special kind of bandgap called the zero-n¯ bandgap having unique properties.

Design and fabrication of cascaded dichromate gelatin holographic filters for spectrum-splitting PV systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yuechen; Chrysler, Benjamin; Kostuk, Raymond K.

2018-01-01

The technique of designing, optimizing, and fabricating broadband volume transmission holograms using dichromate gelatin (DCG) is summarized for solar spectrum-splitting applications. The spectrum-splitting photovoltaic (PV) system uses a series of single-bandgap PV cells that have different spectral conversion efficiency properties to more fully utilize the solar spectrum. In such a system, one or more high-performance optical filters are usually required to split the solar spectrum and efficiently send them to the corresponding PV cells. An ideal spectral filter should have a rectangular shape with sharp transition wavelengths. A methodology of designing and modeling a transmission DCG hologram using coupled wave analysis for different PV bandgap combinations is described. To achieve a broad diffraction bandwidth and sharp cutoff wavelength, a cascaded structure of multiple thick holograms is described. A search algorithm is then developed to optimize both single- and two-layer cascaded holographic spectrum-splitting elements for the best bandgap combinations of two- and three-junction spectrum-splitting photovoltaic (SSPV) systems illuminated under the AM1.5 solar spectrum. The power conversion efficiencies of the optimized systems are found to be 42.56% and 48.41%, respectively, using the detailed balance method, and show an improvement compared with a tandem multijunction system. A fabrication method for cascaded DCG holographic filters is also described and used to prototype the optimized filter for the three-junction SSPV system.

Current status and perspectives in split liver transplantation

PubMed Central

Lauterio, Andrea; Di Sandro, Stefano; Concone, Giacomo; De Carlis, Riccardo; Giacomoni, Alessandro; De Carlis, Luciano

2015-01-01

Growing experience with the liver splitting technique and favorable results equivalent to those of whole liver transplant have led to wider application of split liver transplantation (SLT) for adult and pediatric recipients in the last decade. Conversely, SLT for two adult recipients remains a challenging surgical procedure and outcomes have yet to improve. Differences in organ shortages together with religious and ethical issues related to cadaveric organ donation have had an impact on the worldwide distribution of SLT. Despite technical refinements and a better understanding of the complex liver anatomy, SLT remains a technically and logistically demanding surgical procedure. This article reviews the surgical and clinical advances in this field of liver transplantation focusing on the role of SLT and the issues that may lead a further expansion of this complex surgical procedure. PMID:26494957

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

Dernotte, Jeremie; Dec, John E.; Ji, Chunsheng

A detailed understanding of the various factors affecting the trends in gross-indicated thermal efficiency with changes in key operating parameters has been carried out, applied to a one-liter displacement single-cylinder boosted Low-Temperature Gasoline Combustion (LTGC) engine. This work systematically investigates how the supplied fuel energy splits into the following four energy pathways: gross-indicated thermal efficiency, combustion inefficiency, heat transfer and exhaust losses, and how this split changes with operating conditions. Additional analysis is performed to determine the influence of variations in the ratio of specific heat capacities (γ) and the effective expansion ratio, related to the combustion-phasing retard (CA50), onmore » the energy split. Heat transfer and exhaust losses are computed using multiple standard cycle analysis techniques. Furthermore, the various methods are evaluated in order to validate the trends.« less

Use of an Electrochemical Split Cell Technique to Evaluate the Influence of Shewanella oneidensis Activities on Corrosion of Carbon Steel

PubMed Central

Miller, Robert Bertram; Sadek, Anwar; Rodriguez, Alvaro; Iannuzzi, Mariano; Giai, Carla; Senko, John M.; Monty, Chelsea N.

2016-01-01

Microbially induced corrosion (MIC) is a complex problem that affects various industries. Several techniques have been developed to monitor corrosion and elucidate corrosion mechanisms, including microbiological processes that induce metal deterioration. We used zero resistance ammetry (ZRA) in a split chamber configuration to evaluate the effects of the facultatively anaerobic Fe(III) reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 on the corrosion of UNS G10180 carbon steel. We show that activities of S. oneidensis inhibit corrosion of steel with which that organism has direct contact. However, when a carbon steel coupon in contact with S. oneidensis was electrically connected to a second coupon that was free of biofilm (in separate chambers of the split chamber assembly), ZRA-based measurements indicated that current moved from the S. oneidensis-containing chamber to the cell-free chamber. This electron transfer enhanced the O2 reduction reaction on the coupon deployed in the cell free chamber, and consequently, enhanced oxidation and corrosion of that electrode. Our results illustrate a novel mechanism for MIC in cases where metal surfaces are heterogeneously covered by biofilms. PMID:26824529

Self-aligned quadruple patterning using spacer on spacer integration optimization for N5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thibaut, Sophie; Raley, Angélique; Mohanty, Nihar; Kal, Subhadeep; Liu, Eric; Ko, Akiteru; O'Meara, David; Tapily, Kandabara; Biolsi, Peter

2017-04-01

To meet scaling requirements, the semiconductor industry has extended 193nm immersion lithography beyond its minimum pitch limitation using multiple patterning schemes such as self-aligned double patterning, self-aligned quadruple patterning and litho-etch / litho etch iterations. Those techniques have been declined in numerous options in the last few years. Spacer on spacer pitch splitting integration has been proven to show multiple advantages compared to conventional pitch splitting approach. Reducing the number of pattern transfer steps associated with sacrificial layers resulted in significant decrease of cost and an overall simplification of the double pitch split technique. While demonstrating attractive aspects, SAQP spacer on spacer flow brings challenges of its own. Namely, material set selections and etch chemistry development for adequate selectivities, mandrel shape and spacer shape engineering to improve edge placement error (EPE). In this paper we follow up and extend upon our previous learning and proceed into more details on the robustness of the integration in regards to final pattern transfer and full wafer critical dimension uniformity. Furthermore, since the number of intermediate steps is reduced, one will expect improved uniformity and pitch walking control. This assertion will be verified through a thorough pitch walking analysis.

Iterative methods for 3D implicit finite-difference migration using the complex Padé approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, Carlos A. N.; Campos, Itamara S.; Costa, Jessé C.; Neto, Francisco A.; Schleicher, Jörg; Novais, Amélia

2013-08-01

Conventional implementations of 3D finite-difference (FD) migration use splitting techniques to accelerate performance and save computational cost. However, such techniques are plagued with numerical anisotropy that jeopardises the correct positioning of dipping reflectors in the directions not used for the operator splitting. We implement 3D downward continuation FD migration without splitting using a complex Padé approximation. In this way, the numerical anisotropy is eliminated at the expense of a computationally more intensive solution of a large-band linear system. We compare the performance of the iterative stabilized biconjugate gradient (BICGSTAB) and that of the multifrontal massively parallel direct solver (MUMPS). It turns out that the use of the complex Padé approximation not only stabilizes the solution, but also acts as an effective preconditioner for the BICGSTAB algorithm, reducing the number of iterations as compared to the implementation using the real Padé expansion. As a consequence, the iterative BICGSTAB method is more efficient than the direct MUMPS method when solving a single term in the Padé expansion. The results of both algorithms, here evaluated by computing the migration impulse response in the SEG/EAGE salt model, are of comparable quality.

Zonal Flow Velocimetry in Spherical Couette Flow using Acoustic Modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, Matthew M.; Mautino, Anthony R.; Stone, Douglas R.; Triana, Santiago A.; Lekic, Vedran; Lathrop, Daniel P.

2015-11-01

We present studies of spherical Couette flows using the technique of acoustic mode Doppler velocimetry. This technique uses rotational splittings of acoustic modes to infer the azimuthal velocity profile of a rotating flow, and is of special interest in experiments where direct flow visualization is impractical. The primary experimental system consists of a 60 cm diameter outer spherical shell concentric with a 20 cm diameter sphere, with air or nitrogen gas serving as the working fluid. The geometry of the system approximates that of the Earth's core, making these studies geophysically relevant. A turbulent shear flow is established in the system by rotating the inner sphere and outer shell at different rates. Acoustic modes of the fluid volume are excited using a speaker and measured via microphones, allowingdetermination of rotational splittings. Preliminary results comparing observed splittings with those predicted by theory are presented. While the majority of these studies were performed in the 60 cm diameter device using nitrogen gas, some work has also been done looking at acoustic modes in the 3 m diameter liquid sodium spherical Couette experiment. Prospects for measuring zonal velocity profiles in a wide variety of experiments are discussed.

A numerical model for predicting crack path and modes of damage in unidirectional metal matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bakuckas, J. G.; Tan, T. M.; Lau, A. C. W.; Awerbuch, J.

1993-01-01

A finite element-based numerical technique has been developed to simulate damage growth in unidirectional composites. This technique incorporates elastic-plastic analysis, micromechanics analysis, failure criteria, and a node splitting and node force relaxation algorithm to create crack surfaces. Any combination of fiber and matrix properties can be used. One of the salient features of this technique is that damage growth can be simulated without pre-specifying a crack path. In addition, multiple damage mechanisms in the forms of matrix cracking, fiber breakage, fiber-matrix debonding and plastic deformation are capable of occurring simultaneously. The prevailing failure mechanism and the damage (crack) growth direction are dictated by the instantaneous near-tip stress and strain fields. Once the failure mechanism and crack direction are determined, the crack is advanced via the node splitting and node force relaxation algorithm. Simulations of the damage growth process in center-slit boron/aluminum and silicon carbide/titanium unidirectional specimens were performed. The simulation results agreed quite well with the experimental observations.

21 CFR 866.5080 - Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin immunological test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... immunochemical techniques alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (a protein) in serum, other body fluids, and tissues. Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin helps protect tissues against proteolytic (protein-splitting) enzymes released during infection...

A Novel Iterative Scheme for the Very Fast and Accurate Solution of Non-LTE Radiative Transfer Problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trujillo Bueno, J.; Fabiani Bendicho, P.

1995-12-01

Iterative schemes based on Gauss-Seidel (G-S) and optimal successive over-relaxation (SOR) iteration are shown to provide a dramatic increase in the speed with which non-LTE radiation transfer (RT) problems can be solved. The convergence rates of these new RT methods are identical to those of upper triangular nonlocal approximate operator splitting techniques, but the computing time per iteration and the memory requirements are similar to those of a local operator splitting method. In addition to these properties, both methods are particularly suitable for multidimensional geometry, since they neither require the actual construction of nonlocal approximate operators nor the application of any matrix inversion procedure. Compared with the currently used Jacobi technique, which is based on the optimal local approximate operator (see Olson, Auer, & Buchler 1986), the G-S method presented here is faster by a factor 2. It gives excellent smoothing of the high-frequency error components, which makes it the iterative scheme of choice for multigrid radiative transfer. This G-S method can also be suitably combined with standard acceleration techniques to achieve even higher performance. Although the convergence rate of the optimal SOR scheme developed here for solving non-LTE RT problems is much higher than G-S, the computing time per iteration is also minimal, i.e., virtually identical to that of a local operator splitting method. While the conventional optimal local operator scheme provides the converged solution after a total CPU time (measured in arbitrary units) approximately equal to the number n of points per decade of optical depth, the time needed by this new method based on the optimal SOR iterations is only √n/2√2. This method is competitive with those that result from combining the above-mentioned Jacobi and G-S schemes with the best acceleration techniques. Contrary to what happens with the local operator splitting strategy currently in use, these novel methods remain effective even under extreme non-LTE conditions in very fine grids.

Learning Styles of Chinese and Dutch Students Compared within the Context of Dutch Higher Education in Life Sciences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Biemans, Harm; Van Mil, Marc

2008-01-01

This study investigated the extent to which the learning styles of Chinese students differ from those of Dutch students. The study was conducted within the context of English language Bachelor of Science programmes that Wageningen University offers together with China Agricultural University to Dutch and Chinese students. Sixteen Dutch students…

Production of arrays of chemically distinct nanolitre plugs via repeated splitting in microfluidic devices.

PubMed

Adamson, David N; Mustafi, Debarshi; Zhang, John X J; Zheng, Bo; Ismagilov, Rustem F

2006-09-01

This paper reports a method for the production of arrays of nanolitre plugs with distinct chemical compositions. One of the primary constraints on the use of plug-based microfluidics for large scale biological screening is the difficulty of fabricating arrays of chemically distinct plugs on the nanolitre scale. Here, using microfluidic devices with several T-junctions linked in series, a single input array of large (approximately 320 nL) plugs was split to produce 16 output arrays of smaller (approximately 20 nL) plugs; the composition and configuration of these arrays were identical to that of the input. This paper shows how the passive break-up of plugs in T-junction microchannel geometries can be used to produce a set of smaller-volume output arrays useful for chemical screening from a single large-volume array. A simple theoretical description is presented to describe splitting as a function of the Capillary number, the capillary pressure, the total pressure difference across the channel, and the geometric fluidic resistance. By accounting for these considerations, plug coalescence and plug-plug contamination can be eliminated from the splitting process and the symmetry of splitting can be preserved. Furthermore, single-outlet splitting devices were implemented with both valve- and volume-based methods for coordinating the release of output arrays. Arrays of plugs containing commercial sparse matrix screens were obtained from the presented splitting method and these arrays were used in protein crystallization trials. The techniques presented in this paper may facilitate the implementation of high-throughput chemical and biological screening.

Detection of membrane protein-protein interaction in planta based on dual-intein-coupled tripartite split-GFP association.

PubMed

Liu, Tzu-Yin; Chou, Wen-Chun; Chen, Wei-Yuan; Chu, Ching-Yi; Dai, Chen-Yi; Wu, Pei-Yu

2018-05-01

Despite the great interest in identifying protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in biological systems, only a few attempts have been made at large-scale PPI screening in planta. Unlike biochemical assays, bimolecular fluorescence complementation allows visualization of transient and weak PPIs in vivo at subcellular resolution. However, when the non-fluorescent fragments are highly expressed, spontaneous and irreversible self-assembly of the split halves can easily generate false positives. The recently developed tripartite split-GFP system was shown to be a reliable PPI reporter in mammalian and yeast cells. In this study, we adapted this methodology, in combination with the β-estradiol-inducible expression cassette, for the detection of membrane PPIs in planta. Using a transient expression assay by agroinfiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, we demonstrate the utility of the tripartite split-GFP association in plant cells and affirm that the tripartite split-GFP system yields no spurious background signal even with abundant fusion proteins readily accessible to the compartments of interaction. By validating a few of the Arabidopsis PPIs, including the membrane PPIs implicated in phosphate homeostasis, we proved the fidelity of this assay for detection of PPIs in various cellular compartments in planta. Moreover, the technique combining the tripartite split-GFP association and dual-intein-mediated cleavage of polyprotein precursor is feasible in stably transformed Arabidopsis plants. Our results provide a proof-of-concept implementation of the tripartite split-GFP system as a potential tool for membrane PPI screens in planta. © 2018 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Aseptic non-touch technique in the operating room: keep it simple].

PubMed

Pans, Solange J A; Molmans, Eva; Marczinski, Susanne C; Bijker, Jilles B; Snijdelaar, Dik G

2015-01-01

The Dutch national patient safety platform developed a protocol for the preparation of intravenous medication; the Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT). Use of ANTT on nursing wards has shown to reduce contamination of intravenous medication. Therefore it is dictated by the Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate that this technique has to be used at all departments in the hospital, including the operating theatre. However, because of the use of air treatment and operating theatre uniforms, the operating theatre cannot be compared with a nursing ward. In this study, the bacterial contamination of syringes prepared in the operating theatre by anesthesia nurses was determined. Simulation study 45 anesthesia nurses prepared 1000 syringes of 10 ml bacterial culture medium, using their routine method of drawing up iv medication from vials. Turbidity in a syringe after culturing for 14 days at 30° C was used as evidence for bacterial contamination. Using questionnaires, nurses were interviewed in what degree their working method equals ANTT-protocol. We calculated how much extra time must be invested when using the strict ANTT-protocol in the operating theatre. Six syringes (0,6%) were contaminated. Normal dermal bacteria were identified in all syringes. The nurses who prepared the contaminated syringes worked similar manner as their colleagues. It takes an additional 54 minutes per day per operating theatre to work strictly using the ANTT technique. Contamination rates of aseptic preparations in the OR are very low, and are as low as ANTT preparations in a GMP-certified hospital pharmacy. Therefore it is legitimate to develop a modified ANTT-protocol for use in the operating theatre.

"I experienced freedom within the frame of my own narrative": The contribution of psychodrama techniques to experiential learning in teacher training

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ter Avest, Ina

2017-02-01

To prepare Dutch students in education for critical situations in their professional life as a teacher, part of their training is to ask them to reflect upon their own experiences in their life as a child, a pupil and a student - experiences of crucial moments or with significant others which are still of the utmost importance to them. This article underlines the significance of so-called "experiential learning" in student career counselling. In this context, experiential learning is understood as an extension of in- depth reflection on critical incidents and critical persons in the biography of pre-service teachers. This reflection - customary and effective in Dutch teacher training - is a verbal process. However, this technique does not seem to be adequate for many students from other cultural backgrounds (e.g. second-generation descendants of migrant workers). By consequence, some of these students are not able to take newly offered information on board, but remain imprisoned in their own culture-related narrative, their own ethnic society of mind. Research has shown that for these students, psychodrama techniques, focusing on non-verbal and playful aspects of reflection, seem to be more suitable. The author of this article presents a sample case from a pilot study which used one of the psychodrama techniques called the empty chair. The findings of the pilot study are promising in the sense that experiencing different I- positions does seem to help students from other cultural backgrounds to develop agency in responding to hitherto unfamiliar and confusing situations.

An implicit flux-split algorithm to calculate hypersonic flowfields in chemical equilibrium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, Grant

1987-01-01

An implicit, finite-difference, shock-capturing algorithm that calculates inviscid, hypersonic flows in chemical equilibrium is presented. The flux vectors and flux Jacobians are differenced using a first-order, flux-split technique. The equilibrium composition of the gas is determined by minimizing the Gibbs free energy at every node point. The code is validated by comparing results over an axisymmetric hemisphere against previously published results. The algorithm is also applied to more practical configurations. The accuracy, stability, and versatility of the algorithm have been promising.

Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) schemes for a PDE-based image osmosis model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calatroni, L.; Estatico, C.; Garibaldi, N.; Parisotto, S.

2017-10-01

We consider Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) splitting schemes to compute efficiently the numerical solution of the PDE osmosis model considered by Weickert et al. in [10] for several imaging applications. The discretised scheme is shown to preserve analogous properties to the continuous model. The dimensional splitting strategy traduces numerically into the solution of simple tridiagonal systems for which standard matrix factorisation techniques can be used to improve upon the performance of classical implicit methods, even for large time steps. Applications to the shadow removal problem are presented.

En bloc resection of huge cemento-ossifying fibroma of mandible: avoiding lower lip split incision.

PubMed

Ayub, Tahera; Katpar, Shahjahan; Shafique, Salman; Mirza, Talat

2011-05-01

Cemento-ossifying Fibroma (COF) is an osteogenic benign neoplasm affecting the jaws and other craniofacial bones. It commonly presents as a progressively slow growing pathology, which can sometimes attain an enormous size, causing facial deformity. A case of a huge cemento-ossifying fibroma, appearing as a mandibular dumbell tumour in a male patient is documented, which caused massive bone destruction and deformity. It was surgically removed by performing en bloc resection of mandible avoiding the splitting of lower lip incision technique, thereby maintaining his normal facial appearance.

An Operator-Integration-Factor Splitting (OIFS) method for Incompressible Flows in Moving Domains

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

Patel, Saumil S.; Fischer, Paul F.; Min, Misun

In this paper, we present a characteristic-based numerical procedure for simulating incompressible flows in domains with moving boundaries. Our approach utilizes an operator-integration-factor splitting technique to help produce an effcient and stable numerical scheme. Using the spectral element method and an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation, we investigate flows where the convective acceleration effects are non-negligible. Several examples, ranging from laminar to turbulent flows, are considered. Comparisons with a standard, semi-implicit time-stepping procedure illustrate the improved performance of the scheme.

The Importance of Relationships with Parents and Best Friends for Adolescents' Romantic Relationship Quality: Differences between Indigenous and Ethnic Dutch Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ha, Thao; Overbeek, Geertjan; de Greef, Marieke; Scholte, Ron H. J.; Engels, Rutger C. M. E.

2010-01-01

This study examined how the quality of relationships with parents and friends were related to intimacy, commitment, and passion in adolescents' romantic relationships for indigenous Dutch and ethnic Dutch adolescents. Self-report survey data were used from 444 (88.9%) indigenous Dutch and 55 (11.1%) ethnic Dutch adolescents between 12 and 18 years…

The ambivalence of the maternal body: psychoanalytic readings of the legend of Van Gogh.

PubMed

Pollock, G

1994-08-01

This article aims to identify the collective social investment in 'Van Gogh' as a cultural icon, and to ask what function his life story, colourfully illustrated by his art work, has performed in the West since the 1890s. It argues that the life and work of a Dutch artist have become the raw materials for a series of secular 'mystery' plays and christological psychodramas that reflect the ills of twentieth-century experience. The key moments when Van Gogh was made into a figure in a popular imagination were psychologically significant: the Depression and the immediate aftermath of World War II. 'Van Gogh', a fantasy figure of modern man, has been over-'psychologised', his work becoming only the testament to the myth of modern man. Using social-art-historical techniques, the author tries to distance this kind of reading in the case of one drawing of a peasant woman, bending over. Situating the fantasy that the drawing services in precise social and historical terms of bourgeois men formed in childhood in relation to a split feminine/maternal figure of the lady/mother and the working-class nursemaid, the article examines how to use psychoanalysis to read the formal oddities of the work--distortion and monumentality, attention to a fragmented, eroticised but also punished body--for the oscillation between pre-oedipal fantasies of maternal plenitude and awe and oedipal anxieties which sadistically inflict humiliation on the maternal body. Finally, instead of producing Van Gogh as the extreme case of an 'other', the author recognises the drawing as a space where present fantasies of the reader encounter those of the producer. Psychoanalysis informing historically-precise interpretation becomes a demythologising hermeneutic.

Increase in number of helminth species from Dutch red foxes over a 35-year period.

PubMed

Franssen, Frits; Nijsse, Rolf; Mulder, Jaap; Cremers, Herman; Dam, Cecile; Takumi, Katsuhisa; van der Giessen, Joke

2014-04-03

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is host to a community of zoonotic and other helminth species. Tracking their community structure and dynamics over decades is one way to monitor the long term risk of parasitic infectious diseases relevant to public and veterinary health. We identified 17 helminth species from 136 foxes by mucosal scraping, centrifugal sedimentation/flotation and the washing and sieving technique. We applied rarefaction analysis to our samples and compared the resulting curve to the helminth community reported in literature 35 years ago. Fox helminth species significantly increased in number in the last 35 years (p-value <0.025). Toxascaris leonina, Mesocestoides litteratus, Trichuris vulpis and Angiostrongylus vasorum are four new veterinary-relevant species. The zoonotic fox tapeworm (E. multilocularis) was found outside the previously described endemic regions in the Netherlands. Helminth fauna in Dutch red foxes increased in biodiversity over the last three decades.

NREL to Lead New Consortium to Develop Advanced Water Splitting Materials

Science.gov Websites

said. "Our research strategy integrates computational tools and modeling, material synthesis needs, such as high-throughput synthesis techniques and auxiliary component design. HydroGEN is the

Vistas in applied mathematics: Numerical analysis, atmospheric sciences, immunology

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

Balakrishnan, A.V.; Dorodnitsyn, A.A.; Lions, J.L.

1986-01-01

Advances in the theory and application of numerical modeling techniques are discussed in papers contributed, primarily by Soviet scientists, on the occasion of the 60th birthday of Gurii I. Marchuk. Topics examined include splitting techniques for computations of industrial flows, the mathematical foundations of the k-epsilon turbulence model, splitting methods for the solution of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, the approximation of inhomogeneous hyperbolic boundary-value problems, multigrid methods, and the finite-element approximation of minimal surfaces. Consideration is given to dynamic modeling of moist atmospheres, satellite observations of the earth radiation budget and the problem of energy-active ocean regions, a numerical modelmore » of the biosphere for use with GCMs, and large-scale modeling of ocean circulation. Also included are several papers on modeling problems in immunology.« less

Progress Towards a New Technique for Measuring Local Electric and Magnetic Field Fluctuations in High Temperature Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; McKee, G. R.; Winz, G. R.

2017-10-01

Local measurements of electrostatic and magnetic turbulence in fusion grade plasmas is a critical missing component in advancing our understanding of current experiments and validating nonlinear turbulence simulations. A novel diagnostic for measuring local electric and magnetic field fluctuations (Ẽ and B ) is being developed to address this need. It employs high-speed measurements of the spectral linewidth and/or line intensities of the Motional Stark Effect split neutral beam emission. This emission is split into several spectral components, with the amount of splitting being proportional to local magnetic and electric fields at the emission site. High spectral resolution ( 0.025 nm), high throughput ( 0.01 cm2str), and high speed (f 250 kHz) are required for the measurement of fast changes in the MSE spectrum. Spatial heterodyne spectroscopy (SHS) techniques coupled to a CMOS detector can meet these demands. A prototype SHS has been deployed to DIII-D for initial testing in the tokamak environment, SNR evaluation, and neutral beam efficacy. In addition, design studies of the SHS interferogram are ongoing to further optimize the measurement technique. One major contributor to loss of fringe contrast is line broadening arising from employing a large collection lens. This broadening can be mitigated by making the lens at the tokamak wall optically conjugate with the interference fringes image field. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-89ER53296.

Using an eHealth Intervention to Stimulate Health Behavior for the Prevention of Cognitive Decline in Dutch Adults: A Study Protocol for the Brain Aging Monitor.

PubMed

Aalbers, Teun; Baars, Maria Ae; Qin, Li; de Lange, Annet; Kessels, Roy Pc; Olde Rikkert, Marcel Gm

2015-11-10

Internet-delivered intervention programs are an effective way of changing health behavior in an aging population. The same population has an increasing number of people with cognitive decline or cognitive impairments. Modifiable lifestyle risk factors such as physical activity, nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep, and stress all influence the probability of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. This study aims to answer two questions: (1) Is the use of a self-motivated, complex eHealth intervention effective in changing multiple health behaviors related to cognitive aging in Dutch adults in the work force, especially those aged 40 and over? and (2) Does this health behavior change result in healthier cognitive aging patterns and contribute to preventing or delaying future onset of neurodegenerative syndromes? The Brain Aging Monitor study uses a quasi-experimental 2-year pre-posttest design. The Brain Aging Monitor is an online, self-motivated lifestyle intervention program. Recruitment is done both in medium to large organizations and in the Dutch general population over the age of 40. The main outcome measure is the relationship between lifestyle change and cognitive aging. The program uses different strategies and modalities such as Web content, email, online newsletters, and online games to aid its users in behavior change. To build self-regulatory skills, the Brain Aging Monitor offers its users goal-setting activities, skill-building activities, and self-monitoring. Study results are expected to be published in early 2016. This study will add to the body of evidence on the effectiveness of eHealth intervention programs with the combined use of state-of-the-art applied games and established behavior change techniques. This will lead to new insights on how to use behavior change techniques and theory in multidimensional lifestyle eHealth research, and how these techniques and theories apply when they are used in a setting where no professional back-end is available. Nederlands Trial Register: NTR4144; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4144 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6cZzwZSg3).

Predictors of asthma control in children from different ethnic origins living in Amsterdam.

PubMed

van Dellen, Q M; Stronks, K; Bindels, P J E; Ory, F G; Bruil, J; van Aalderen, W M C

2007-04-01

To identify factors associated with asthma control in a multi-ethnic paediatric population. We interviewed 278 children with paediatrician diagnosed asthma (aged 7-17 years) and one of their parents. Asthma control was assessed with the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ). Detailed information about sociodemographic variables, asthma medication, knowledge of asthma, inhalation technique and environmental factors were collected. Turkish and Moroccan parents were interviewed in their language of choice. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify correlates of asthma control. Of the 278 children, 85 (30.6%) were Dutch, 84 (30.2%) were Moroccan, 58 (20.9%) were Turkish and 51 (18.3%) were Surinamese. Overall, almost 60% had a status of well-controlled asthma, as indicated by the ACQ. Only 51 of the 142 (35.9%) Moroccan and Turkish parents had a good comprehension of the Dutch language. In logistic regression analyses the risk of having uncontrolled asthma was significantly higher among Surinamese children (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.06-4.83), respondents with insufficient comprehension of the Dutch language (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.08-4.78), children using woollen blankets (OR 9.8; 95% CI 1.52-63.42), and significantly lower among male (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.31-0.91) and non-daily users of inhaled corticosteroids (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.38-1.07). In conclusion, ethnicity as well as insufficient comprehension of the Dutch language appeared to be independent risk factors for uncontrolled asthma. Special attention should be given to children from immigrants groups for example by calling in an interpreter by physicians when comprehension is insufficient.

[Osteosynthesis in the Surgical Treatment of Prognathism: State of The Art].

PubMed

Durão, Nuno; Amarante, José

2017-03-31

Prognathism is a common skeletal facial abnormality, associated with class III malocclusion, often with repercussions in quality of life. In addition to orthodontic treatment, sagittal split ramus osteotomy is the most common technique for its correction, and segment osteosynthesis is an important element of the post-surgical outcome. A search for relevant literature was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE database and in other relevant sources. The stability of different fixation methods, their repercussions on inferior alveolar nerve lesions, and the type of material are among the most researched subjects. Recent research about the type of osteosynthesis applied in the sagittal split ramus osteotomy for mandibular setback is discussed. Miniplates appear to be the better option for fixation of sagittal split osteotomy for mandibular setback. Bioabsorbable osteosynthesis may be an acceptable alternative to titanium.

Protein subcellular localization assays using split fluorescent proteins

DOEpatents

Waldo, Geoffrey S [Santa Fe, NM; Cabantous, Stephanie [Los Alamos, NM

2009-09-08

The invention provides protein subcellular localization assays using split fluorescent protein systems. The assays are conducted in living cells, do not require fixation and washing steps inherent in existing immunostaining and related techniques, and permit rapid, non-invasive, direct visualization of protein localization in living cells. The split fluorescent protein systems used in the practice of the invention generally comprise two or more self-complementing fragments of a fluorescent protein, such as GFP, wherein one or more of the fragments correspond to one or more beta-strand microdomains and are used to "tag" proteins of interest, and a complementary "assay" fragment of the fluorescent protein. Either or both of the fragments may be functionalized with a subcellular targeting sequence enabling it to be expressed in or directed to a particular subcellular compartment (i.e., the nucleus).

A split-step method to include electron–electron collisions via Monte Carlo in multiple rate equation simulations

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

Huthmacher, Klaus; Molberg, Andreas K.; Rethfeld, Bärbel

2016-10-01

A split-step numerical method for calculating ultrafast free-electron dynamics in dielectrics is introduced. The two split steps, independently programmed in C++11 and FORTRAN 2003, are interfaced via the presented open source wrapper. The first step solves a deterministic extended multi-rate equation for the ionization, electron–phonon collisions, and single photon absorption by free-carriers. The second step is stochastic and models electron–electron collisions using Monte-Carlo techniques. This combination of deterministic and stochastic approaches is a unique and efficient method of calculating the nonlinear dynamics of 3D materials exposed to high intensity ultrashort pulses. Results from simulations solving the proposed model demonstrate howmore » electron–electron scattering relaxes the non-equilibrium electron distribution on the femtosecond time scale.« less

Copper Oxide Nanograss for Efficient and Stable Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production by Water Splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borkar, Rajnikant; Dahake, Rashmi; Rayalu, Sadhana; Bansiwal, Amit

2018-03-01

A biphasic copper oxide thin film of grass-like appendage morphology is synthesized by two-step electro-deposition method and later investigated for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for hydrogen production. Further, the thin film was characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and PEC techniques. The XRD analysis confirms formation of biphasic copper oxide phases, and SEM reveals high surface area grass appendage-like morphology. These grass appendage structures exhibit a high cathodic photocurrent of - 1.44 mAcm-2 at an applied bias of - 0.7 (versus Ag/AgCl) resulting in incident to photon current efficiency (IPCE) of ˜ 10% at 400 nm. The improved light harvesting and charge transport properties of grass appendage structured biphasic copper oxides makes it a potential candidate for PEC water splitting for hydrogen production.

Anisotropy beneath the Southern Pacific - real or apparent?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasse, Philipp; Thomas, Christine

2016-04-01

Anisotropy of the lowermost mantle beneath the South- to Central Pacific is investigated using US-Array receivers and events located near the Tonga-Fiji subduction zones. Differential splitting in three different distance ranges (65° -85° , 90° -110° and >110°) of S-ScS, SKS-S, SKS-Sdiff phases is used. By utilizing differential splitting technique, it was possible to correct for upper mantle, as well as source- and receiver side anisotropy and effectively quantify shear wave splitting originating in the lowermost mantle. Delay times of horizontal (SH) and vertical polarized (SV) shear waves show that predominantly the SH wave is delayed relative to the SV wave. Motivated by the discrepancy in previous Pacific studies investigating the lowermost mantle beneath the Pacific the possibility of isotropic structure producing the observed splitting is tested. Synthetic seismograms are computed, based on various isotropic models and the resulting synthetics are analysed in the same way as the real data. While simple layered models do not produce splitting and therefore apparent anisotropy, models in which the lowermost mantle is represented as a negative gradient in P- and S-wave velocity, produce clear apparent anisotropy. Thus, this study presents a possible alternative way of explaining the structure of the D" region.

[Ethnic differences in forensic psychiatry: an exploratory study at a Dutch forensic psychiatric centre].

PubMed

van der Stoep, T

Compared to the percentage of ethnic minorities in the general population, ethnic minorities are overrepresented in forensic psychiatry. If these minorities are to be treated successfully, we need to know more about this group. So far, however, little is known about the differences between mental disorders and types of offences associated with patients of non-Dutch descent and those associated with patients of Dutch descent.
AIM: To take the first steps to obtain the information we need in order to provide customised care for patients of non-Dutch descent.
METHOD: It proved possible to identify differences between patients of Dutch and non-Dutch descent with regard to treatment, diagnosis and offences committed within a group of patients who were admitted to the forensic psychiatric centre Oostvaarderskliniek during the period 2001 - 2014.
RESULTS: The treatment of patients of non-Dutch descent lasted longer than the treatment of patients of Dutch descent (8.5 year versus 6.6 year). Furthermore, patients from ethnic minority groups were diagnosed more often with schizophrenia (49.1% versus 21.4%), but less often with pervasive developmental disorders or sexual disorders. Patients of non-Dutch descent were more often convicted for sexual crimes where the victim was aged 16 years or older, whereas patients of Dutch descent were convicted of sexual crimes where the victim was under 16.
CONCLUSION: There are differences between patients of Dutch and non-Dutch descent with regard to treatment duration, diagnosis and offences they commit. Future research needs to investigate whether these results are representative for the entire field of forensic psychiatry and to discover the reasons for these differences.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Dutch version of the core outcome measures index for low back pain.

PubMed

Van Lerbeirghe, J; Van Lerbeirghe, J; Van Schaeybroeck, P; Robijn, H; Rasschaert, R; Sys, J; Parlevliet, T; Hallaert, G; Van Wambeke, P; Depreitere, B

2018-01-01

The core outcome measures index (COMI) is a validated multidimensional instrument for assessing patient-reported outcome in patients with back problems. The aim of the present study is to translate the COMI into Dutch and validate it for use in native Dutch speakers with low back pain. The COMI was translated into Dutch following established guidelines and avoiding region-specific terminology. A total of 89 Dutch-speaking patients with low back pain were recruited from 8 centers, located in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. Patients completed a questionnaire booklet including the validated Dutch version of the Roland Morris disability questionnaire, EQ-5D, the WHOQoL-Bref, the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, and the Dutch translation of the COMI. Two weeks later, patients completed the Dutch COMI translation again, with a transition scale assessing changes in their condition. The patterns of correlations between the individual COMI items and the validated reference questionnaires were comparable to those reported for other validated language versions of the COMI. The intraclass correlation for the COMI summary score was 0.90 (95% CI 0.84-0.94). It was 0.75 and 0.70 for the back and leg pain score, respectively. The minimum detectable change for the COMI summary score was 1.74. No significant differences were observed between repeated scores of individual COMI items or for the summary score. The reproducibility of the Dutch translation of the COMI is comparable to that of other validated spine outcome measures. The COMI items correlate well with the established item-specific scores. The Dutch translation of the COMI, validated by this work, is a reliable and valuable tool for spine centers treating Dutch-speaking patients and can be used in registries and outcome studies.

Quality of life and female sexual function after skinning vulvectomy with split-thickness skin graft in women with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia or vulvar Paget disease.

PubMed

Lavoué, V; Lemarrec, A; Bertheuil, N; Henno, S; Mesbah, H; Watier, E; Levêque, J; Morcel, K

2013-12-01

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and vulvar Paget disease are managed with either vulvectomy, destructive treatments (laser, antimitotic drugs) or immunostimulants. All these options are associated with functional complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical technique consisting of skinning vulvectomy with split-thickness skin graft, and its effect on overall quality of life and sexual function. A retrospective study was conducted on thirteen patients who underwent skinning vulvectomy with split-thickness skin graft between 1999 and 2009. Overall quality of life and sexual function were assessed with the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (MOS SF-36) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), respectively. The median age of patients was 54 (range: 33-77) years. Three patients had Paget disease and 10 patients had VIN lesions. The excision margins were clear in 46% of cases. The incidence of occult cancer was 31%. The mean follow-up period was 77 (±35) months. Four patients experienced a relapse of their intraepithelial disease. The mean disease-free survival was 58 (±44) months. There was no significant difference in MOS SF-36 scores between the study population and the general population. The patients assessed with the FSFI regained normal sexual function after the surgical procedure. Skinning vulvectomy with split-thickness skin graft is a feasible technique yielding good results in terms of quality of life and sexual function. It enables occult cancer to be diagnosed in patients with VIN or Paget disease. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Retention of a reconstructed nipple using a C-V flap with different layer thicknesses in the C-flap.

PubMed

Sowa, Yoshihiro; Itsukage, Sizu; Sakaguchi, Kouichi; Taguchi, Tetsuya; Numajiri, Toshiaki

2018-04-01

The C-V flap for nipple reconstruction is now one of standard surgical techniques. But decreased projection is still a problem. In recent years, it has been suggested that projection can be more easily maintained when raising of the C-flap is performed with a split thickness dermis. In this study, we examined whether decrease of projection can be prevented by raising of a C-flap with a split dermis rather than with full dermis. A total of 49 consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction of a nipple using the C-V flap technique were enrolled. The patients included 22 who underwent surgery using a C-flap with a full thickness dermis (Group F), and 27 who underwent surgery with raising of a flap with a split thickness dermis (Group S). The size of the reconstructed nipple was measured at 2 weeks, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively for comparison between Groups F and S. Partial necrosis of the C-flap end occurred in 4 subjects in only Group S. The decrease in projection after 1 year postoperatively in Group S was significantly lower than that in Group F. In contrast, the teat base size in Group F tended to be greater than that in Group S, suggesting a tendency for an expanded base using a flap with a full dermis. Our results indicated that it is recommended to use a C-flap with a split dermis for cases with high projection of the nipple on the contralateral side.

Outcomes for split-thickness skin transplantation in high-risk patients using octenidine.

PubMed

Matiasek, J; Djedovic, G; Unger, L; Beck, H; Mattesich, M; Pierer, G; Koller, R; Rieger, U M

2015-06-01

Skin transplantation is a commonly used surgical technique; however, the complication rate, including postoperative infection and delayed wound healing due to inefficient perfusion, is significantly higher in patients suffering from comorbidities. Hence, a subsequent repeat procedure is often necessary. In this report, two case studies are presented in which an octenidine-based antiseptic is used with a tie-over dressing (TOD) instead of povidone iodine (PVP-iodine), following a split-thickness skin graft. The two patients selected were deemed to be at high risk of impaired wound healing due to comorbidities. The first patient, a confirmed smoker with diabetes, presented with a nodular melanoma that was resected and covered with a split-thickness skin graft. After 5 days of negative pressure wound therapy as a TOD, in combination with PVP-iodine, the graft became necrotic. A second split-thickness skin graft was performed and an antiseptic regimen with octenidine in combination with the same TOD resulted in a completely healed transplant. The second patient, also a confirmed smoker with diabetes and receiving oral corticosteroid treatment, was diagnosed with a skin necrosis on her leg. Following the split-thickness skin graft, octenidine and TOD were applied. The patient's skin graft completely healed without any adverse events. These two case studies indicate that the combination of octenidine and TOD following split-thickness skin transplantation is safe, well-tolerated and appears to have positive benefits in the reconstruction of defects in patients with impaired wound healing.

Oriented covalent immobilization of antibodies for measurement of intermolecular binding forces between zipper-like contact surfaces of split inteins.

PubMed

Sorci, Mirco; Dassa, Bareket; Liu, Hongwei; Anand, Gaurav; Dutta, Amit K; Pietrokovski, Shmuel; Belfort, Marlene; Belfort, Georges

2013-06-18

In order to measure the intermolecular binding forces between two halves (or partners) of naturally split protein splicing elements called inteins, a novel thiol-hydrazide linker was designed and used to orient immobilized antibodies specific for each partner. Activation of the surfaces was achieved in one step, allowing direct intermolecular force measurement of the binding of the two partners of the split intein (called protein trans-splicing). Through this binding process, a whole functional intein is formed resulting in subsequent splicing. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to directly measure the split intein partner binding at 1 μm/s between native (wild-type) and mixed pairs of C- and N-terminal partners of naturally occurring split inteins from three cyanobacteria. Native and mixed pairs exhibit similar binding forces within the error of the measurement technique (~52 pN). Bioinformatic sequence analysis and computational structural analysis discovered a zipper-like contact between the two partners with electrostatic and nonpolar attraction between multiple aligned ion pairs and hydrophobic residues. Also, we tested the Jarzynski's equality and demonstrated, as expected, that nonequilibrium dissipative measurements obtained here gave larger energies of interaction as compared with those for equilibrium. Hence, AFM coupled with our immobilization strategy and computational studies provides a useful analytical tool for the direct measurement of intermolecular association of split inteins and could be extended to any interacting protein pair.

Dutch Young Adults Ratings of Behavior Change Techniques Applied in Mobile Phone Apps to Promote Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

PubMed

Belmon, Laura S; Middelweerd, Anouk; Te Velde, Saskia J; Brug, Johannes

2015-11-12

Interventions delivered through new device technology, including mobile phone apps, appear to be an effective method to reach young adults. Previous research indicates that self-efficacy and social support for physical activity and self-regulation behavior change techniques (BCT), such as goal setting, feedback, and self-monitoring, are important for promoting physical activity; however, little is known about evaluations by the target population of BCTs applied to physical activity apps and whether these preferences are associated with individual personality characteristics. This study aimed to explore young adults' opinions regarding BCTs (including self-regulation techniques) applied in mobile phone physical activity apps, and to examine associations between personality characteristics and ratings of BCTs applied in physical activity apps. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among healthy 18 to 30-year-old adults (N=179). Data on participants' gender, age, height, weight, current education level, living situation, mobile phone use, personality traits, exercise self-efficacy, exercise self-identity, total physical activity level, and whether participants met Dutch physical activity guidelines were collected. Items for rating BCTs applied in physical activity apps were selected from a hierarchical taxonomy for BCTs, and were clustered into three BCT categories according to factor analysis: "goal setting and goal reviewing," "feedback and self-monitoring," and "social support and social comparison." Most participants were female (n=146), highly educated (n=169), physically active, and had high levels of self-efficacy. In general, we observed high ratings of BCTs aimed to increase "goal setting and goal reviewing" and "feedback and self-monitoring," but not for BCTs addressing "social support and social comparison." Only 3 (out of 16 tested) significant associations between personality characteristics and BCTs were observed: "agreeableness" was related to more positive ratings of BCTs addressing "goal setting and goal reviewing" (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06-2.41), "neuroticism" was related to BCTs addressing "feedback and self-monitoring" (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58-1.00), and "exercise self-efficacy" was related to a high rating of BCTs addressing "feedback and self-monitoring" (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.11). No associations were observed between personality characteristics (ie, personality, exercise self-efficacy, exercise self-identity) and participants' ratings of BCTs addressing "social support and social comparison." Young Dutch physically active adults rate self-regulation techniques as most positive and techniques addressing social support as less positive among mobile phone apps that aim to promote physical activity. Such ratings of BCTs differ according to personality traits and exercise self-efficacy. Future research should focus on which behavior change techniques in app-based interventions are most effective to increase physical activity.

The EEG Split Alpha Peak: Phenomenological Origins and Methodological Aspects of Detection and Evaluation.

PubMed

Olejarczyk, Elzbieta; Bogucki, Piotr; Sobieszek, Aleksander

2017-01-01

Electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns were analyzed in a group of ambulatory patients who ranged in age and sex using spectral analysis as well as Directed Transfer Function, a method used to evaluate functional brain connectivity. We tested the impact of window size and choice of reference electrode on the identification of two or more peaks with close frequencies in the spectral power distribution, so called "split alpha." Together with the connectivity analysis, examination of spatiotemporal maps showing the distribution of amplitudes of EEG patterns allowed for better explanation of the mechanisms underlying the generation of split alpha peaks. It was demonstrated that the split alpha spectrum can be generated by two or more independent and interconnected alpha wave generators located in different regions of the cerebral cortex, but not necessarily in the occipital cortex. We also demonstrated the importance of appropriate reference electrode choice during signal recording. In addition, results obtained using the original data were compared with results obtained using re-referenced data, using average reference electrode and reference electrode standardization techniques.

Improving multiphoton STED nanoscopy with separation of photons by LIfetime Tuning (SPLIT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coto Hernández, Iván.; Lanzano, Luca; Castello, Marco; Jowett, Nate; Tortarolo, Giorgio; Diaspro, Alberto; Vicidomini, Giuseppe

2018-02-01

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is a powerful bio-imaging technique since it provides molecular spatial resolution whilst preserving the most important assets of fluorescence microscopy. When combined with twophoton excitation (2PE) microscopy (2PE-STED), the sub-diffraction imaging ability of STED microscopy can be achieved also on thick biological samples. The most straightforward implementation of 2PE-STED microscopy is obtained by introducing a STED beam operating in continuous wave (CW) into a conventional Ti:Sapphire based 2PE microscope (2PE-CW-STED). In this implementation, an effective resolution enhancement is mainly obtained implementing a time-gated detection scheme, which however can drastically reduce the signal-to-noise/background ratio of the final image. Herein, we combine the lifetime tuning (SPLIT) approach with 2PE-CW-STED to overcome this limitation. The SPLIT approach is employed to discard fluorescence photons lacking super-resolution information, by means of a pixel-by-pixel phasor approach. Combining the SPLIT approach with image deconvolution further optimizes the signal-to-noise/background ratio.

Carbon dioxide splitting in a dielectric barrier discharge plasma: a combined experimental and computational study.

PubMed

Aerts, Robby; Somers, Wesley; Bogaerts, Annemie

2015-02-01

Plasma technology is gaining increasing interest for the splitting of CO2 into CO and O2 . We have performed experiments to study this process in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma with a wide range of parameters. The frequency and dielectric material did not affect the CO2 conversion and energy efficiency, but the discharge gap can have a considerable effect. The specific energy input has the most important effect on the CO2 conversion and energy efficiency. We have also presented a plasma chemistry model for CO2 splitting, which shows reasonable agreement with the experimental conversion and energy efficiency. This model is used to elucidate the critical reactions that are mostly responsible for the CO2 conversion. Finally, we have compared our results with other CO2 splitting techniques and we identified the limitations as well as the benefits and future possibilities in terms of modifications of DBD plasmas for greenhouse gas conversion in general. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Perceived antecedents of marital satisfaction among Turkish, Turkish-Dutch, and Dutch couples.

PubMed

Celenk, Ozgur; van de Vijver, Fons J R

2013-01-01

We studied mainstream couples in The Netherlands and Turkey as well as Turkish-Dutch immigrant couples to address cultural factors associated with marital satisfaction. A total of 13 Turkish (mainstream couples living in Turkey), 19 Turkish-Dutch (Turkish immigrant couples living in The Netherlands), and 17 Dutch (mainstream couples living in The Netherlands) married dyads (total of 98 individuals) were independently interviewed about positive and negative characteristics of marriages, determinants of general marital satisfaction and dissatisfaction, spousal communication, marital conflict, and marital roles. Multivariate tests revealed ethnic group differences on all marriage-related domains except the conflict resolution strategies. However, univariate analyses showed differences in few themes within domains; main differences were assessed between the Turkish/Turkish-Dutch (who put more emphasis on children and economical aspects) and Dutch couples (who put more emphasis on behavior, and personality of the spouse, reciprocity, emotional sharing, and psychological roles). Turkish-Dutch couples were more similar to Turkish than to Dutch couples. Results were discussed in light of the socioeconomic development and cultural value theories, which are believed to provide a useful framework for understanding the role of culture in marital satisfaction.

The Sooner the Better? An Investigation into the Role of Age of Onset and Its Relation with Transfer and Exposure in Bilingual Frisian-Dutch Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blom, Elma; Bosma, Evelyn

2016-01-01

In this study, age of onset (AoO) was investigated in five- and six-year-old bilingual Frisian-Dutch children. AoO to Dutch ranged between zero and four and had a positive effect on Dutch receptive vocabulary size, but hardly influenced the children's accurate use of Dutch inflection. The influence of AoO on vocabulary was more prominent than the…

Prevalence of Psychotropic Medication Use Among Dutch Military Personnel Between 2003 and 2012 and Its Comparison to the Dutch General Population.

PubMed

Janssen, Debbie G A; Vermetten, Eric; Egberts, Toine C G; Heerdink, Eibert R

2017-01-01

The armed forces work under high pressure and in stressful environments and it is well known that being in the military is a risk factor for psychiatric problems. However, it remains unknown how prevalent psychotropic medication use is in military personnel. To assess prevalence of psychotropic medication use in Dutch military personnel and compare to the Dutch general population. Data were obtained from the military pharmacy. From 2003 to 2012, the year-prevalence of psychotropic medication use was calculated from the number of distributed psychotropic medications and the number of Dutch military personnel. For the year 2011, the year-prevalence of psychotropic medication use in the military was compared to that of the Dutch general population. The year-prevalence of psychotropic medication use increased by 55%, from 1.64% in 2003 to 2.54% in 2012 in Dutch military personnel. An increase is seen in the number of users of psychotropic medication. Also the use of antidepressants and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication increased. Over the last decade, there has been a 1.5-fold increase in psychotropic medication dispensed to Dutch military personnel. However, Dutch military personnel were significantly less likely to use psychotropic medications compared to the Dutch general population. Reprint & Copyright © 2017 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Sailors in wonderland: Dutch sperm whaling during the nineteenth century, 1827–1849

PubMed Central

Schokkenbroek, Joost CA

2017-01-01

The Dutch engaged in whaling between 1612 and 1964, with intervals of non-activity in the last quarter of the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries. Under varied circumstances, the Dutch have relied upon the expertise of foreign whalemen. The involvement of Basque whalers in the foundation and organisation of Dutch whaling expeditions during the first half of the seventeenth century is fully documented. Less well known is the collaboration between the Dutch and whaling experts from the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century. This article relates to a number of expeditions undertaken by Dutch and American whalemen, who headed for hunting grounds unfamiliar to the Dutch. It examines the political and economic contexts within which American involvement should be considered, and identifies the results of this involvement. PMID:28781422

Sailors in wonderland: Dutch sperm whaling during the nineteenth century, 1827-1849.

PubMed

Schokkenbroek, Joost Ca

2017-05-01

The Dutch engaged in whaling between 1612 and 1964, with intervals of non-activity in the last quarter of the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries. Under varied circumstances, the Dutch have relied upon the expertise of foreign whalemen. The involvement of Basque whalers in the foundation and organisation of Dutch whaling expeditions during the first half of the seventeenth century is fully documented. Less well known is the collaboration between the Dutch and whaling experts from the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century. This article relates to a number of expeditions undertaken by Dutch and American whalemen, who headed for hunting grounds unfamiliar to the Dutch. It examines the political and economic contexts within which American involvement should be considered, and identifies the results of this involvement.

Calibration of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Behavior item bank in patients with chronic pain.

PubMed

Crins, M H P; Roorda, L D; Smits, N; de Vet, H C W; Westhovens, R; Cella, D; Cook, K F; Revicki, D; van Leeuwen, J; Boers, M; Dekker, J; Terwee, C B

2016-02-01

The aims of the current study were to calibrate the item parameters of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Behavior item bank using a sample of Dutch patients with chronic pain and to evaluate cross-cultural validity between the Dutch-Flemish and the US PROMIS Pain Behavior item banks. Furthermore, reliability and construct validity of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Behavior item bank were evaluated. The 39 items in the bank were completed by 1042 Dutch patients with chronic pain. To evaluate unidimensionality, a one-factor confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed. A graded response model (GRM) was used to calibrate the items. To evaluate cross-cultural validity, Differential item functioning (DIF) for language (Dutch vs. English) was evaluated. Reliability of the item bank was also examined and construct validity was studied using several legacy instruments, e.g. the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. CFA supported the unidimensionality of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Behavior item bank (CFI = 0.960, TLI = 0.958), the data also fit the GRM, and demonstrated good coverage across the pain behavior construct (threshold parameters range: -3.42 to 3.54). Analysis showed good cross-cultural validity (only six DIF items), reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.95) and construct validity (all correlations ≥0.53). The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Behavior item bank was found to have good cross-cultural validity, reliability and construct validity. The development of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Behavior item bank will serve as the basis for Dutch-Flemish PROMIS short forms and computer adaptive testing (CAT). © 2015 European Pain Federation - EFIC®

Leaf trait dissimilarities between Dutch elm hybrids with a contrasting tolerance to Dutch elm disease

PubMed Central

Ďurkovič, Jaroslav; Čaňová, Ingrid; Lagaňa, Rastislav; Kučerová, Veronika; Moravčík, Michal; Priwitzer, Tibor; Urban, Josef; Dvořák, Miloň; Krajňáková, Jana

2013-01-01

Background and Aims Previous studies have shown that Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, the causative agent of Dutch elm disease (DED), is able to colonize remote areas in infected plants of Ulmus such as the leaf midrib and secondary veins. The objective of this study was to compare the performances in leaf traits between two Dutch elm hybrids ‘Groeneveld’ and ‘Dodoens’ which possess a contrasting tolerance to DED. Trait linkages were also tested with leaf mass per area (LMA) and with the reduced Young's modulus of elasticity (MOE) as a result of structural, developmental or functional linkages. Methods Measurements and comparisons were made of leaf growth traits, primary xylem density components, gas exchange variables and chlorophyll a fluorescence yields between mature plants of ‘Groeneveld’ and ‘Dodoens’ grown under field conditions. A recently developed atomic force microscopy technique, PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical mapping, was used to reveal nanomechanical properties of the cell walls of tracheary elements such as MOE, adhesion and dissipation. Key Results ‘Dodoens’ had significantly higher values for LMA, leaf tissue thickness variables, tracheary element lumen area (A), relative hydraulic conductivity (RC), gas exchange variables and chlorophyll a fluorescence yields. ‘Groeneveld’ had stiffer cell walls of tracheary elements, and higher values for water-use efficiency and leaf water potential. Leaves with a large carbon and nutrient investment in LMA tended to have a greater leaf thickness and a higher net photosynthetic rate, but LMA was independent of RC. Significant linkages were also found between the MOE and some vascular traits such as RC, A and the number of tracheary elements per unit area. Conclusions Strong dissimilarities in leaf trait performances were observed between the examined Dutch elm hybrids. Both hybrids were clearly separated from each other in the multivariate leaf trait space. Leaf growth, vascular and gas exchange traits in the infected plants of ‘Dodoens’ were unaffected by the DED fungus. ‘Dodoens’ proved to be a valuable elm germplasm for further breeding strategies. PMID:23264236

Experimental methods of post-growth tuning of the excitonic fine structure splitting in semiconductor quantum dots

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Deterministic sources of polarization entangled photon pairs on demand are considered as important building blocks for quantum communication technology. It has been demonstrated that semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), which exhibit a sufficiently small excitonic fine structure splitting (FSS) can be used as triggered, on-chip sources of polarization entangled photon pairs. As-grown QDs usually do not have the required values of the FSS, making the availability of post-growth tuning techniques highly desired. This article reviews the effect of different post-growth treatments and external fields on the FSS such as thermal annealing, magnetic fields, the optical Stark effect, electric fields, and anisotropic stress. As a consequence of the tuning of the FSS, for some tuning techniques a rotation of the polarization of the emitted light is observed. The joint modification of polarization orientation and FSS can be described by an anticrossing of the bright excitonic states. PMID:22726724

Investigation of upwind, multigrid, multiblock numerical schemes for three dimensional flows. Volume 1: Runge-Kutta methods for a thin layer Navier-Stokes solver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cannizzaro, Frank E.; Ash, Robert L.

1992-01-01

A state-of-the-art computer code has been developed that incorporates a modified Runge-Kutta time integration scheme, upwind numerical techniques, multigrid acceleration, and multi-block capabilities (RUMM). A three-dimensional thin-layer formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations is employed. For turbulent flow cases, the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic turbulence model is used. Two different upwind techniques are available: van Leer's flux-vector splitting and Roe's flux-difference splitting. Full approximation multi-grid plus implicit residual and corrector smoothing were implemented to enhance the rate of convergence. Multi-block capabilities were developed to provide geometric flexibility. This feature allows the developed computer code to accommodate any grid topology or grid configuration with multiple topologies. The results shown in this dissertation were chosen to validate the computer code and display its geometric flexibility, which is provided by the multi-block structure.

Crustal structure and deformation under the Longmenshan and its surroundings revealed by receiver function data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Ya; Liu, Jianxin; Zhou, Keping; Chen, Bo; Guo, Rongwen

2015-07-01

The convergence of India and Eurasia and the obstruction from the rigid Sichuan Basin cause the Longmenshan (LMS) to have the steepest topographic gradient at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. However, the mechanisms of surface uplift are still controversial. In this paper, we estimate the crustal structure and deformation under the LMS and its surroundings by analyzing a large amount of receiver function data recorded by regional seismic networks of the China Earthquake Administration. We apply a comprehensive splitting measurement technique on Ps conversion phase at the Moho (Moho Ps splitting) to calculate crustal anisotropy from azimuthal variations of receiver functions. Our results show that most of the seismic stations beneath the LMS area exhibit significant seismic anisotropy with the splitting time of 0.22-0.94 s and a fast polarization direction of NW-SE, while less or even no crustal anisotropy has been observed under the Sichuan Basin. Comparing the fast polarization directions of Moho Ps splitting with the indicators of lithospheric deformation (such as shear wave splitting, absolute plate motion, and global positioning system) imply a consistent tendency of deformation between the lower crust and upper mantle, but decoupling deformation in the crust beneath the LMS area. We further compare Moho Ps splitting time to that estimated from previous SKS splitting, indicating that crustal anisotropy is an important source of the SKS splitting time in this study area. In addition, a thick crust (>50 km) with high Vp/Vs values (1.74-1.86) is also observed using the H-κ stacking method. These seismic observations are consistent with the scenario that the LMS area has been built by the lower crustal flow. Combined with the seismic reflection/refraction profile and geology studies, we further suggest that the lower crustal flow may extrude upward into the upper crust along the steeply dipping strike faults under the LMS area, resulting in the surface uplift of the LMS.

Evaluation of Fiber Reinforced Cement Using Digital Image Correlation

PubMed Central

Melenka, Garrett W.; Carey, Jason P.

2015-01-01

The effect of short fiber reinforcements on the mechanical properties of cement has been examined using a splitting tensile – digital image correlation (DIC) measurement method. Three short fiber reinforcement materials have been used in this study: fiberglass, nylon, and polypropylene. The method outlined provides a simple experimental setup that can be used to evaluate the ultimate tensile strength of brittle materials as well as measure the full field strain across the surface of the splitting tensile test cylindrical specimen. Since the DIC measurement technique is a contact free measurement this method can be used to assess sample failure. PMID:26039590

Superconducting resonators as beam splitters for linear-optics quantum computation.

PubMed

Chirolli, Luca; Burkard, Guido; Kumar, Shwetank; Divincenzo, David P

2010-06-11

We propose and analyze a technique for producing a beam-splitting quantum gate between two modes of a ring-resonator superconducting cavity. The cavity has two integrated superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) that are modulated by applying an external magnetic field. The gate is accomplished by applying a radio frequency pulse to one of the SQUIDs at the difference of the two mode frequencies. Departures from perfect beam splitting only arise from corrections to the rotating wave approximation; an exact calculation gives a fidelity of >0.9992. Our construction completes the toolkit for linear-optics quantum computing in circuit quantum electrodynamics.

Superiorization-based multi-energy CT image reconstruction

PubMed Central

Yang, Q; Cong, W; Wang, G

2017-01-01

The recently-developed superiorization approach is efficient and robust for solving various constrained optimization problems. This methodology can be applied to multi-energy CT image reconstruction with the regularization in terms of the prior rank, intensity and sparsity model (PRISM). In this paper, we propose a superiorized version of the simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART) based on the PRISM model. Then, we compare the proposed superiorized algorithm with the Split-Bregman algorithm in numerical experiments. The results show that both the Superiorized-SART and the Split-Bregman algorithms generate good results with weak noise and reduced artefacts. PMID:28983142

Production and detection of atomic hexadecapole at Earth's magnetic field.

PubMed

Acosta, V M; Auzinsh, M; Gawlik, W; Grisins, P; Higbie, J M; Jackson Kimball, D F; Krzemien, L; Ledbetter, M P; Pustelny, S; Rochester, S M; Yashchuk, V V; Budker, D

2008-07-21

Optical magnetometers measure magnetic fields with extremely high precision and without cryogenics. However, at geomagnetic fields, important for applications from landmine removal to archaeology, they suffer from nonlinear Zeeman splitting, leading to systematic dependence on sensor orientation. We present experimental results on a method of eliminating this systematic error, using the hexadecapole atomic polarization moment. In particular, we demonstrate selective production of the atomic hexadecapole moment at Earth's magnetic field and verify its immunity to nonlinear Zeeman splitting. This technique promises to eliminate directional errors in all-optical atomic magnetometers, potentially improving their measurement accuracy by several orders of magnitude.

Face shape differs in phylogenetically related populations.

PubMed

Hopman, Saskia M J; Merks, Johannes H M; Suttie, Michael; Hennekam, Raoul C M; Hammond, Peter

2014-11-01

3D analysis of facial morphology has delineated facial phenotypes in many medical conditions and detected fine grained differences between typical and atypical patients to inform genotype-phenotype studies. Next-generation sequencing techniques have enabled extremely detailed genotype-phenotype correlative analysis. Such comparisons typically employ control groups matched for age, sex and ethnicity and the distinction between ethnic categories in genotype-phenotype studies has been widely debated. The phylogenetic tree based on genetic polymorphism studies divides the world population into nine subpopulations. Here we show statistically significant face shape differences between two European Caucasian populations of close phylogenetic and geographic proximity from the UK and The Netherlands. The average face shape differences between the Dutch and UK cohorts were visualised in dynamic morphs and signature heat maps, and quantified for their statistical significance using both conventional anthropometry and state of the art dense surface modelling techniques. Our results demonstrate significant differences between Dutch and UK face shape. Other studies have shown that genetic variants influence normal facial variation. Thus, face shape difference between populations could reflect underlying genetic difference. This should be taken into account in genotype-phenotype studies and we recommend that in those studies reference groups be established in the same population as the individuals who form the subject of the study.

Directionality effects in simultaneous language interpreting: the case of sign language interpreters in The Netherlands.

PubMed

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 was assessed by 5 certified sign language interpreters who did not participate in the study. Two measures were used to assess interpreting quality: the propositional accuracy of the interpreters' interpretations and a subjective quality measure. The results showed that the interpreted narratives in the SLN-to-Dutch interpreting direction were of lower quality (on both measures) than the interpreted narratives in the Dutch-to-SLN and Dutch-to-SSD directions. Furthermore, interpreters who had begun acquiring SLN when they entered the interpreter training program performed as well in all 3 interpreting directions as interpreters who had acquired SLN from birth.

Resilience in the Disabling Effect of Gait Speed Among Older Turkish and Moroccan Immigrants and Native Dutch.

PubMed

Klokgieters, Silvia S; van Tilburg, Theo G; Deeg, Dorly J H; Huisman, Martijn

2018-06-01

To investigate the factors that inhibit the disabling effect of impairments among citizens who have migrated from Turkey and Morocco and native Dutch according to a resilience perspective. Using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam with 928 native Dutch, 255 Turks, and 199 Moroccans aged 55 to 65, linear regression analysis assessed whether country of origin, mastery, income, and contact frequency modified the relationship between gait speed and activity limitations. Turks, but not Moroccans, demonstrated stronger associations between gait speed and activity limitations than the Dutch. Mastery modified the association among the Dutch and the Turks. Income modified the association only among the Dutch. Effect modification by contact frequency was not observed. Moroccans and Dutch appeared to be more resilient against impairments than Turks. As none of the resilience factors buffered in all three populations, we conclude that resilience mechanisms are not universal across populations.

Multilingualism in Brussels: "I'd Rather Speak English"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Donnell, Paul; Toebosch, AnneMarie

2008-01-01

Language is both a divisive and a unifying force in Brussels. Historically predominantly Dutch-speaking, surrounded by the officially Dutch-speaking federal state of Flanders, located in a majority Dutch-speaking nation-state, and with the majority of its Belgian citizens Francophone, Brussels has officially been bilingual Dutch-French since 1962.…

Comparability of the age and sex distribution of the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink and the total Dutch population.

PubMed

de Jong, Roy G P J; Gallagher, Arlene M; Herrett, Emily; Masclee, Ad A M; Janssen-Heijnen, Maryska L G; de Vries, Frank

2016-12-01

The UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) is increasingly being used by Dutch researchers in epidemiology and pharmacoepidemiology. It is however unclear if the UK CPRD is representative of the Dutch population and whether study results would apply to the Dutch population. Therefore, as first step, our objective was to compare the age and sex distribution of the CPRD with the total Dutch population. As a measure of representativeness, the age and sex distribution of the UK CPRD were visually and numerically compared with Dutch census data from the StatLine database of the Dutch National Bureau of Statistics in 2011. The age distribution of men and women in the CPRD population was comparable to the Dutch male and female population. Differences of more than 10% only occurred in older age categories (75+ in men and 80+ in women). Results from observational studies that have used CPRD data are applicable to the Dutch population, and a useful resource for decision making in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, differences in drug exposure likelihood between countries should be kept in mind, as these could still cause variations in the actual population studied, thereby decreasing its generalizability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Interface projection techniques for fluid-structure interaction modeling with moving-mesh methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tezduyar, Tayfun E.; Sathe, Sunil; Pausewang, Jason; Schwaab, Matthew; Christopher, Jason; Crabtree, Jason

2008-12-01

The stabilized space-time fluid-structure interaction (SSTFSI) technique developed by the Team for Advanced Flow Simulation and Modeling (T★AFSM) was applied to a number of 3D examples, including arterial fluid mechanics and parachute aerodynamics. Here we focus on the interface projection techniques that were developed as supplementary methods targeting the computational challenges associated with the geometric complexities of the fluid-structure interface. Although these supplementary techniques were developed in conjunction with the SSTFSI method and in the context of air-fabric interactions, they can also be used in conjunction with other moving-mesh methods, such as the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) method, and in the context of other classes of FSI applications. The supplementary techniques currently consist of using split nodal values for pressure at the edges of the fabric and incompatible meshes at the air-fabric interfaces, the FSI Geometric Smoothing Technique (FSI-GST), and the Homogenized Modeling of Geometric Porosity (HMGP). Using split nodal values for pressure at the edges and incompatible meshes at the interfaces stabilizes the structural response at the edges of the membrane used in modeling the fabric. With the FSI-GST, the fluid mechanics mesh is sheltered from the consequences of the geometric complexity of the structure. With the HMGP, we bypass the intractable complexities of the geometric porosity by approximating it with an “equivalent”, locally-varying fabric porosity. As test cases demonstrating how the interface projection techniques work, we compute the air-fabric interactions of windsocks, sails and ringsail parachutes.

An efficient solution technique for shockwave-boundary layer interactions with flow separation and slot suction effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, Jack R.; Mcrae, D. Scott

1991-01-01

An efficient method for computing two-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes flow fields is presented. The solution algorithm is a fully-implicit approximate factorization technique based on an unsymmetric line Gauss-Seidel splitting of the equation system Jacobian matrix. Convergence characteristics are improved by the addition of acceleration techniques based on Shamanskii's method for nonlinear equations and Broyden's quasi-Newton update. Characteristic-based differencing of the equations is provided by means of Van Leer's flux vector splitting. In this investigation, emphasis is placed on the fast and accurate computation of shock-wave-boundary layer interactions with and without slot suction effects. In the latter context, a set of numerical boundary conditions for simulating the transpiration flow in an open slot is devised. Both laminar and turbulent cases are considered, with turbulent closure provided by a modified Cebeci-Smith algebraic model. Comparisons with computational and experimental data sets are presented for a variety of interactions, and a fully-coupled simulation of a plenum chamber/inlet flowfield with shock interaction and suction is also shown and discussed.

Split off-specular reflection and surface scattering from woven materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pont, Sylvia C.; Koenderink, Jan J.

2003-03-01

We measured radiance distributions for black lining cloth and copper gauze using the convenient technique of wrapping the materials around a circular cylinder, irradiating it with a parallel light source and collecting the scattered radiance by a digital camera. One family of parallel threads (weave or weft) was parallel to the cylinder generator. The most salient features for such glossy plane weaves are a splitting up of the reflection peak due to the wavy variations in local slopes of the threads around the cylinders and a surface scattering lobe due to the threads that run along the cylinder. These scattering characteristics are quite different from the (off-)specular peaks and lobes that were found before for random rough specular surfaces. The split off-specular reflection is due to the regular structures in our samples of man-made materials. We derived simple approximations for these reflectance characteristics using geometrical optics.

Circularly split-ring-resonator-based frequency-reconfigurable antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, M. A.; Faruque, M. R. I.; Islam, M. T.

2017-01-01

In this paper, an antenna with frequency configurability in light of a circularly split-ring resonator (CSRR) is introduced. The proposed reconfigurable monopole antenna consists of a microstrip-fed hook-shaped structure and a CSRR having single reconfigurable split only. A new band of radiation unlike the band radiated from monopole only is observed due to magnetic coupling between the CSRR and the monopole antenna. The resonance frequency of the CSRR can be arbitrarily chosen by varying the dimension and relative position of its gap with the monopole, which leads the antenna to become reconfigurable one. By using a single switch with perfect electric conductor at the gap of CSRR cell, the effect of CSRR can be deactivated and, hence, it is possible to suppress the corresponding resonance, resulting in a frequency-reconfigurable antenna. Commercially available Computer Simulation Technology microwave studio based on finite integration technique was adopted throughout the study.

Unruptured internal carotid-posterior communicating artery aneurysm splitting the oculomotor nerve: a case report and literature review.

PubMed

Toyota, Shingo; Taki, Takuyu; Wakayama, Akatsuki; Yoshimine, Toshiki

2014-08-01

Objective To report a rare case of unruptured internal carotid-posterior communicating artery (IC-PC) aneurysm splitting the oculomotor nerve treated by clipping and to review the previously published cases. Case Presentation A 42-year-old man suddenly presented with left oculomotor paresis. Three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (3D DSA) demonstrated a left IC-PC aneurysm with a bulging part. During surgery, it was confirmed that the bulging part split the oculomotor nerve. After the fenestrated oculomotor nerve was dissected from the bulging part with a careful microsurgical technique, neck clipping was performed. After the operation, the symptoms of oculomotor nerve paresis disappeared within 2 weeks. Conclusions We must keep in mind the possibility of an anomaly of the oculomotor nerve, including fenestration, and careful observation and manipulation should be performed to preserve the nerve function during surgery, even though it is very rare.

Unruptured Internal Carotid-Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Splitting the Oculomotor Nerve: A Case Report and Literature Review

PubMed Central

Toyota, Shingo; Taki, Takuyu; Wakayama, Akatsuki; Yoshimine, Toshiki

2014-01-01

Objective To report a rare case of unruptured internal carotid-posterior communicating artery (IC-PC) aneurysm splitting the oculomotor nerve treated by clipping and to review the previously published cases. Case Presentation A 42-year-old man suddenly presented with left oculomotor paresis. Three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (3D DSA) demonstrated a left IC-PC aneurysm with a bulging part. During surgery, it was confirmed that the bulging part split the oculomotor nerve. After the fenestrated oculomotor nerve was dissected from the bulging part with a careful microsurgical technique, neck clipping was performed. After the operation, the symptoms of oculomotor nerve paresis disappeared within 2 weeks. Conclusions We must keep in mind the possibility of an anomaly of the oculomotor nerve, including fenestration, and careful observation and manipulation should be performed to preserve the nerve function during surgery, even though it is very rare. PMID:25083381

Energy distribution analysis in boosted HCCI-like / LTGC engines – Understanding the trade-offs to maximize the thermal efficiency

DOE PAGES

Dernotte, Jeremie; Dec, John E.; Ji, Chunsheng

2015-04-14

A detailed understanding of the various factors affecting the trends in gross-indicated thermal efficiency with changes in key operating parameters has been carried out, applied to a one-liter displacement single-cylinder boosted Low-Temperature Gasoline Combustion (LTGC) engine. This work systematically investigates how the supplied fuel energy splits into the following four energy pathways: gross-indicated thermal efficiency, combustion inefficiency, heat transfer and exhaust losses, and how this split changes with operating conditions. Additional analysis is performed to determine the influence of variations in the ratio of specific heat capacities (γ) and the effective expansion ratio, related to the combustion-phasing retard (CA50), onmore » the energy split. Heat transfer and exhaust losses are computed using multiple standard cycle analysis techniques. Furthermore, the various methods are evaluated in order to validate the trends.« less

Splitting parameter yield (SPY): A program for semiautomatic analysis of shear-wave splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaccarelli, Lucia; Bianco, Francesca; Zaccarelli, Riccardo

2012-03-01

SPY is a Matlab algorithm that analyzes seismic waveforms in a semiautomatic way, providing estimates of the two observables of the anisotropy: the shear-wave splitting parameters. We chose to exploit those computational processes that require less intervention by the user, gaining objectivity and reliability as a result. The algorithm joins the covariance matrix and the cross-correlation techniques, and all the computation steps are interspersed by several automatic checks intended to verify the reliability of the yields. The resulting semiautomation generates two new advantages in the field of anisotropy studies: handling a huge amount of data at the same time, and comparing different yields. From this perspective, SPY has been developed in the Matlab environment, which is widespread, versatile, and user-friendly. Our intention is to provide the scientific community with a new monitoring tool for tracking the temporal variations of the crustal stress field.

Symmetry-Based Variance Reduction Applied to 60Co Teletherapy Unit Monte Carlo Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheikh-Bagheri, D.

A new variance reduction technique (VRT) is implemented in the BEAM code [1] to specifically improve the efficiency of calculating penumbral distributions of in-air fluence profiles calculated for isotopic sources. The simulations focus on 60Co teletherapy units. The VRT includes splitting of photons exiting the source capsule of a 60Co teletherapy source according to a splitting recipe and distributing the split photons randomly on the periphery of a circle, preserving the direction cosine along the beam axis, in addition to the energy of the photon. It is shown that the use of the VRT developed in this work can lead to a 6-9 fold improvement in the efficiency of the penumbral photon fluence of a 60Co beam compared to that calculated using the standard optimized BEAM code [1] (i.e., one with the proper selection of electron transport parameters).

Translation and validation of the Dutch new Knee Society Scoring System ©.

PubMed

Van Der Straeten, Catherine; Witvrouw, Erik; Willems, Tine; Bellemans, Johan; Victor, Jan

2013-11-01

A new version of The Knee Society Knee Scoring System(©) (KSS) has recently been developed. Before this scale can be used in non-English-speaking populations, it has to be translated and validated for a particular population. We evaluated the construct and content validity, the test-retest reliability, and the internal consistency of the Dutch version of the New Knee Society KSS. A Dutch translation was performed using a forward-backward translation protocol. We tested the construct validity of the Dutch New KSS by comparing it with the Dutch versions of the WOMAC, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and SF-12 scores in 137 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Content validity was assessed by comparing pre- and postoperative scores and by checking floor and ceiling effects. To evaluate test-retest reliability and consistency, 47 patients completed the questionnaire a second time with a mean of 8 days interval (range, 2-20 days) between tests. Construct validity was demonstrated because the Dutch New KSS correlated well with the Dutch WOMAC (r = -0.751; p < 0.001), Dutch KOOS (r = -0.723; p < 0.001), and Dutch SF-12 (r = 0.569; p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between pre- and postoperative scores (p < 0.001) in line with the other scores. Test-retest reliability proved excellent with an intraclass correlation coefficient between 0.73 and 0.92 depending on the domain tested. Consistency as indicated by Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.84 to 0.96 was good to excellent. As demonstrated by the validation procedure, the Dutch New KSS is an excellent instrument to evaluate TKA outcome in Dutch-speaking patients.

Higher self-reported prevalence of hypertension among Moluccan-Dutch than among the general population of The Netherlands: results from a cross-sectional survey.

PubMed

van der Wal, Junus M; Bodewes, Adee J; Agyemang, Charles O; Kunst, Anton E

2014-12-15

Several studies in The Netherlands revealed ethnic disparities in hypertension prevalence, but none have focused on the Moluccan-Dutch, a migrant group from Indonesia that settled in The Netherlands in 1951. The Moluccan-Dutch are considered to be fairly well integrated in Dutch society. The aim of this study was to compare hypertension prevalence among the Moluccan-Dutch to the native Dutch and to explore the contribution of known risk factors. A health interview survey was conducted from August 2012 till March 2013 among nineteen Moluccan neighborhoods, resulting in the inclusion of 708 participants. The primary outcome variable was self-reported prevalence of hypertension. Explanatory variables were BMI, exercise, smoking, alcohol intake and mental health status. Data on the control group was extracted from the Dutch National Health Survey 2011, using a similar questionnaire. Differences in risk factor exposure were explored using Chi-square tests and the contribution of risk factors, separately and combined, was explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Moluccan-Dutch showed higher odds for reporting hypertension when compared to native Dutch, after adjusting for age and level of education (OR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.13-1.69) and additional risk factors (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.19-1.88). A higher prevalence of hypertension was found in both Moluccan-Dutch men (26.4% vs. 16.7%; p < 0.001) and women (26.7% vs. 17.9%; p < 0.001), when compared to the control group. Not only middle-aged, but also young Moluccan-Dutch men showed higher prevalence of hypertension. The Moluccan-Dutch may be at increased risk for reporting hypertension. These results suggest that long-term stay over several generations does not necessarily result in similar levels of hypertension prevalence as the host population.

A case study of risk assessment in contaminated site remediation in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, S.; Guo, J.; Wu, J.; Wang, J.; Chien, C.; Stahl, R.; Mack, E.; Grosso, N.

2013-12-01

A field site in Nanjing, China was selected for a case study of risk assessment in contaminated site remediation. This site is about 100m long and 100m wide. A chemical plant (1999-2010) at the site manufactured optical brightener PF, 2-Amino-4-methylphenol and 2-Nitro-4-methylphenol, totally three products. Soil and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for PPL 126 (126 pollutants in the 'Priority Pollutants List' issued by US EPA). Values of the Dutch Standards were used as the screening criteria for soil and ground water. Low levels of ethylbenezene, chlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene and 1,4- dichlorobenzene were detected in one soil sample. Concentrations above Dutch Target Value (DTV) of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, chlorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, and/or 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, phenol, and/or 2,4-dichlorophenol were exhibited in two groundwater samples. The ground water was especially highly impacted by bichlorobenzenes and trichlorobenzenes. The maximum concentration of impacts was 7.3 mg/L of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene in groundwater which was 730 times higher than Dutch Intervention Values (DIV). Risk of soil and groundwater at this site was assessed according to the guidelines issued by Chinese MEP and US EPA, respectively. Finally, remedy techniques were selected according to the result of risk assessment and the characteristics of hydrogeology conditions and contaminants.

System, Apparatus and Method Employing a Dual Head Laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coyle, Donald B. (Inventor); Stysley, Paul R. (Inventor); Poulios, Demetrios (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A system, apparatus and method employing a laser with a split-head, V-assembly gain material configuration. Additionally, the present invention is directed to techniques to better dissipate or remove unwanted energies in laser operations. The present invention is also directed to techniques for better collimated laser beams, with single spatial mode quality (TEM00), with improved efficiency, in extreme environments, such as in outer space.

Rapid and improved gas-liquid chromatography technique for detection of hippurate hydrolysis by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli.

PubMed Central

Bär, W; Fricke, G

1987-01-01

A gas-liquid chromatographic method which requires no chloroform extraction of the split products has been investigated for the detection of hippurate hydrolysis by Campylobacter spp. This technique gave better reproducibility than other tests also used in this study and allows the routine use of the gas-liquid chromatographic method for identification of Campylobacter isolates. PMID:3654950

Cultural Perspectives on Peer Conflicts in Multicultural Dutch Child Care Centres

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rourou, Amina; Singer, Elly; Bekkema, Nienke; De Haan, Dorian

2006-01-01

In this paper we discuss a study of cultural perspectives on peer conflicts in multicultural child care centres. On the level of child behaviour we did not find differences between native Dutch. Moroccan-Dutch and Antillean-Dutch children with regard to occurrence, duration and actions to solve peer conflicts. On the level of mother' opinions…

Word Order and Finiteness in Dutch and English Broca's and Wernicke's Aphasia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bastiaanse, Roelien; Edwards, Susan

2004-01-01

The effect of two linguistic factors in Broca's and Wernicke's aphasia was examined using Dutch and English subjects. Three tasks were used to test (1) the comprehension and (2) the construction of sentences, where verbs (in Dutch) and verb arguments (in Dutch and English) are in canonical versus non-canonical position; (3) the production of…

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…

Will Dutch Become Flemish? Autonomous Developments in Belgian Dutch

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van de Velde, Hans; Kissine, Mikhail; Tops, Evie; van der Harst, Sander; van Hout, Roeland

2010-01-01

In this paper a series of studies of standard Dutch pronunciation in Belgium and the Netherlands is presented. The research is based on two speech corpora: a diachronic corpus of radio speech (1935-1995) and a synchronic corpus of Belgian and Netherlandic standard Dutch from different regions at the turn of the millennium. It is shown that two…

Social Integration and Religious Identity Expression among Dutch Muslims: The Role of Minority and Majority Group Contact

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maliepaard, Mieke; Phalet, Karen

2012-01-01

Against the background of contrasting religious versus secular norms in immigrant communities and in Dutch society, this study examines how religious identity expression is related to the social integration of Dutch Muslims within (a) Turkish or Moroccan minority groups and (b) Dutch majority groups. Using nationally representative survey data (N…

Refractive index sensor based on optical fiber end face using pulse reference-based compensation technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bian, Qiang; Song, Zhangqi; Zhang, Xueliang; Yu, Yang; Chen, Yuzhong

2018-03-01

We proposed a refractive index sensor based on optical fiber end face using pulse reference-based compensation technique. With good compensation effect of this compensation technique, the power fluctuation of light source, the change of optic components transmission loss and coupler splitting ratio can be compensated, which largely reduces the background noise. The refractive index resolutions can achieve 3.8 × 10-6 RIU and1.6 × 10-6 RIU in different refractive index regions.

A color video display technique for flow field surveys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winkelmann, A. E.; Tsao, C. P.

1982-01-01

A computer driven color video display technique has been developed for the presentation of wind tunnel flow field survey data. The results of both qualitative and quantitative flow field surveys can be presented in high spatial resolutions color coded displays. The technique has been used for data obtained with a hot-wire probe, a split-film probe, a Conrad (pitch) probe and a 5-tube pressure probe in surveys above and behind a wing with partially stalled and fully stalled flow.

Synthesis of Chemiluminescent Esters: A Combinatorial Synthesis Experiment for Organic Chemistry Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duarte, Robert; Nielson, Janne T.; Dragojlovic, Veljko

2004-01-01

A group of techniques aimed at synthesizing a large number of structurally diverse compounds is called combinatorial synthesis. Synthesis of chemiluminescence esters using parallel combinatorial synthesis and mix-and-split combinatorial synthesis is experimented.

Protein trans-splicing on an M13 bacteriophage: towards directed evolution of a semisynthetic split intein by phage display.

PubMed

Garbe, Daniel; Thiel, Ilka V; Mootz, Henning D

2010-10-01

Split inteins link their fused peptide or protein sequences with a peptide bond in an autocatalytic reaction called protein trans-splicing. This reaction is becoming increasingly important for a variety of applications in protein semisynthesis, polypeptide circularisation, construction of biosensors, or segmental isotopic labelling of proteins. However, split inteins exhibit greatly varying solubility, efficiency and tolerance towards the nature of the fused sequences as well as reaction conditions. We envisioned that phage display as an in vitro selection technique would provide a powerful tool for the directed evolution of split inteins with improved properties. As a first step towards this goal, we show that presentation of active split inteins on an M13 bacteriophage is feasible. Two different C-terminal intein fragments of the Ssp DnaB intein, artificially split at amino acid positions 104 and 11, were encoded in a phagemid vector in fusion to a truncated gpIII protein. For efficient production of hybrid phages, the presence of a soluble domain tag at their N-termini was necessary. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the hybrid phages supported protein trans-splicing with a protein or a synthetic peptide, respectively, containing the complementary intein fragment. Incorporation of biotin or desthiobiotin by this reaction provides a straightforward strategy for future enrichment of desired mutants from randomised libraries of the C-terminal intein fragments on streptavidin beads. Protein semisynthesis on a phage could also be exploited for the selection of chemically modified proteins with unique properties. © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Mode-splitting for refractive index sensing in fluorescent whispering gallery mode resonators with broken symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Yvonne Q.; François, Alexandre; Riesen, Nicolas; Monro, Tanya M.

2018-02-01

Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) biosensors have been widely exploited over the past decade, owing to their unprecedented detection limits and label free capability. WGM based sensing mechanisms, such as resonance frequency shift, linewidth broadening, and splitting of the two counter-propagating WGMs, have been extensively researched and applied for bio-chemical sensing. However, the mode-splitting of the originally degenerate WGMs from different equatorial planes on a fluorescent microsphere has not been fully investigated. In this work, we break the symmetry of the surrounding environment outside the microsphere by partially embedding the sphere into a high-refractive-index medium (i.e. glue), to lift the degeneracy of the modes from different WGM planes. The split-modes from multiple planes of the fluorescent microsphere are indiscriminately collected. It is found that the effective quality factor Q of the WGMs increases non-conventionally as the Refractive Index (RI) of the probing liquid increases up to the point where it is equal to that of the glue. This presents a new methodology for quantifying changes in the probing environment based on the Q spoiling of the resonances as determined by the RI difference between the environment and that of the reference glue. Furthermore, we find that this sensing platform opens the door to simple self-referenced sensing techniques based on the analysis of the spectral positions of subsets of the split modes.

Occurrence of a 'bad' split and success of initial mandibular healing: a review of 524 sagittal ramus osteotomies in 262 patients.

PubMed

Posnick, J C; Choi, E; Liu, S

2016-10-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of a 'bad' split after sagittal ramus osteotomies (SRO) and report the results of initial mandibular healing. A retrospective cohort study derived from patients treated by a single surgeon at one institution between 2004 and 2013 was performed. An index group consisting of a series of subjects with a spectrum of bimaxillary dentofacial deformities also involving the chin and symptomatic chronic obstructive nasal breathing was identified. The SRO design, bicortical screw fixation technique, and perioperative management were consistent. Outcome variables included the occurrence of a 'bad' split and the success of initial SRO healing. Two hundred sixty-two subjects undergoing 524 SROs met the inclusion criteria. Their average age was 25 years (range 13-63 years) and 134 were female (51%). Simultaneous removal of a third molar was performed during 209 of the SROs (40%). There were no 'bad' splits. All subjects achieved successful bone union, the planned occlusion, and return to a chewing diet and physical activities by 5 weeks after surgery. The presence of a third molar removed during SRO was not associated with an increased frequency of a 'bad' split or delayed mandibular healing. Copyright © 2016 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Percutaneous Mitral Valve Dilatation: Single Balloon versus Double Balloon - A Finite Element Study

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

Schievano, Silvia; Kunzelman, Karyn; Nicosia, Mark

2009-01-01

Background: Percutaneous mitral valve (MV) dilatation is performed with either a single balloon (SB) or double balloon (DB) technique. The aim of this study was to compare the two balloon system results using the finite element (FE) method. Methods and Results: An established FE model of the MV was modified by fusing the MV leaflet edges at commissure level to simulate a stenotic valve (orifice area=180mm2). A FE model of a 30mm SB (low-pressure, elastomeric balloon) and an 18mm DB system (high-pressure, non-elastic balloon) was created. Both SB and DB simulations resulted in splitting of the commissures and subsequent stenosismore » dilatation (final MV area=610mm2 and 560mm2 respectively). Stresses induced by the two balloon systems varied across the valve. At the end of inflation, SB showed higher stresses in the central part of the leaflets and at the commissures compared to DB simulation, which demonstrated a more uniform stress distribution. The higher stresses in the SB analysis were due to the mismatch of the round balloon shape with the oval mitral orifice. The commissural split was not easily accomplished with the SB due to its high compliance. The high pressure applied to the DB guaranteed the commissural split even when high forces were required to break the commissure welds. Conclusions: The FE model demonstrated that MV dilatation can be accomplished by both SB and DB techniques. However, the DB method resulted in higher probability of splitting of the fused commissures and less damage caused to the MV leaflets by overstretching.« less

Is the role as gatekeeper still feasible? A survey among Dutch general practitioners.

PubMed

Wammes, Joost Johan Godert; Jeurissen, Patrick Paulus Theodoor; Verhoef, Lise Maria; Assendelft, Willem J J; Westert, Gert P; Faber, Marjan J

2014-10-01

In the 2012 International Health Policy Survey by the Commonwealth Fund, 57% of Dutch GPs indicated that Dutch patients receive too much health care. This is an unexpected finding, given the clear gatekeeper role of Dutch GPs and recent efforts strengthening this role. The study aims to explore where perceived overuse of care prevails and to identify factors associated with too much care at the entry point of Dutch health care. An American survey exploring perceptions of the amount of care among primary care providers was modified for relevance to the Dutch health system. We further included additional factors possibly related to overuse based on 12 interviews with Dutch GPs. The survey was sent to a random sample of 600 GPs. Dutch GPs (N = 157; response rate 26.2%) indicated that patients receive (much) too much care in general hospitals, primary care, GP cooperatives as well as private clinics. The Dutch responding GPs showed a relatively demand-satisfying attitude, which contributed to the delivery of too much care, often leading to deviation from guidelines and professional norms. The increasing availability of diagnostic facilities was identified as an additional factor contributing to the provision of unnecessary care. Finally, funding gaps between primary care and hospitals impede cooperation and coordination, provoking unnecessary care. Our results--most notably regarding the demand-satisfying attitude of responding GPs--call into question the classical view of the guidance and gatekeeper role of GPs in the Dutch health care system. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Is Dutch Just Another Berber? An Investigation into the Language Preferences of Immigrants in the Netherlands.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weltens, Bert; de Bot, Kees

1995-01-01

Reports a study of language learning and language attitudes among immigrants to the Netherlands. Questionnaires obtained from college students studying Dutch showed no evidence that Dutch was threatened by English and indicated that the importance attached to English as an international language did not lessen the value of Dutch for living in the…

Challenging Dutch Holocaust Education: Towards a Curriculum Based on Moral Choices and Empathetic Capacity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boersema, Jacob R.; Schimmel, Noam

2008-01-01

We analyse the way in which the Holocaust is taught in The Netherlands, with an emphasis on critically examining the content of secondary school textbooks used to teach Dutch students about the history of the Holocaust. We also interview Dutch educators, government officials and academics about the state of Dutch Holocaust education. Our findings…

Reading Comprehension of Flemish Deaf Children in Belgium: Sources of Variability in Reading Comprehension after Cochlear Implantation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Kant, Anne; Vermeulen, Anneke; De Raeve, Leo; Schreuder, Robert

2010-01-01

This paper reports the results of two studies of reading comprehension of Flemish children in Belgium. In the northern part of Belgium (Flanders), Dutch is the official language. The Dutch-speaking inhabitants of Flanders are called Flemish. Dutch is also the national language of the Netherlands. Despite both groups using Dutch, cultural…

Ethnic Incongruence and the Student-Teacher Relationship: The Perspective of Ethnic Majority Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thijs, Jochem; Westhof, Saskia; Koomen, Helma

2012-01-01

Among 36 ethnic-Dutch school teachers in the Netherlands, the present study examined the role of ethnic incongruence in perceived student-teacher relationship quality. Teachers rated their relationships with 59 Turkish-Dutch, 62 Moroccan-Dutch, and 109 ethnic-Dutch students attending grades 4 through 6 (M[subscript age] = 10.81 years, SD = 1.05).…

Acquiring Reading and Vocabulary in Dutch and English: The Effect of Concurrent Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Leij, Aryan; Bekebrede, Judith; Kotterink, Mieke

2010-01-01

To investigate the effect of concurrent instruction in Dutch and English on reading acquisition in both languages, 23 pupils were selected from a school with bilingual education, and 23 from a school with education in Dutch only. The pupils had a Dutch majority language background and were comparable with regard to social-economic status (SES).…

Gender-Marked Determiners Help Dutch Learners' Word Recognition when Gender Information Itself Does Not

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Heugten, Marieke; Johnson, Elizabeth K.

2011-01-01

Dutch, unlike English, contains two gender-marked forms of the definite article. Does the presence of multiple definite article forms lead Dutch learners to be delayed relative to English learners in the acquisition of their determiner system? Using the Preferential Looking Procedure, we found that Dutch-learning children aged 1 ; 7 to 2 ; 0 use…

Equality or Equity, Player or Guardian? The Dutch Government and Its Role in Providing Access Opportunities for Government Sponsored International Secondary Education, 1979-2009

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prickarts, Boris

2010-01-01

This article focuses on the Dutch government's International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) Pilot, allowing Dutch pre-university students to take part in the IB DP. Is it likely to create "equal", or rather "equitable", access opportunities for government-sponsored Dutch international secondary schools? The article…

The Dutch Pancreas Biobank Within the Parelsnoer Institute: A Nationwide Biobank of Pancreatic and Periampullary Diseases.

PubMed

Strijker, Marin; Gerritsen, Arja; van Hilst, Jony; Bijlsma, Maarten F; Bonsing, Bert A; Brosens, Lodewijk A; Bruno, Marco J; van Dam, Ronald M; Dijk, Frederike; van Eijck, Casper H; Farina Sarasqueta, Arantza; Fockens, Paul; Gerhards, Michael F; Groot Koerkamp, Bas; van der Harst, Erwin; de Hingh, Ignace H; van Hooft, Jeanin E; Huysentruyt, Clément J; Kazemier, Geert; Klaase, Joost M; van Laarhoven, Cornelis J; van Laarhoven, Hanneke W; Liem, Mike S; de Meijer, Vincent E; van Rijssen, L Bengt; van Santvoort, Hjalmar C; Suker, Mustafa; Verhagen, Judith H; Verheij, Joanne; Verspaget, Hein W; Wennink, Roos A; Wilmink, Johanna W; Molenaar, I Quintus; Boermeester, Marja A; Busch, Olivier R; Besselink, Marc G

2018-04-01

Large biobanks with uniform collection of biomaterials and associated clinical data are essential for translational research. The Netherlands has traditionally been well organized in multicenter clinical research on pancreatic diseases, including the nationwide multidisciplinary Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group and Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group. To enable high-quality translational research on pancreatic and periampullary diseases, these groups established the Dutch Pancreas Biobank. The Dutch Pancreas Biobank is part of the Parelsnoer Institute and involves all 8 Dutch university medical centers and 5 nonacademic hospitals. Adult patients undergoing pancreatic surgery (all indications) are eligible for inclusion. Preoperative blood samples, tumor tissue from resected specimens, pancreatic cyst fluid, and follow-up blood samples are collected. Clinical parameters are collected in conjunction with the mandatory Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit. Between January 2015 and May 2017, 488 patients were included in the first 5 participating centers: 4 university medical centers and 1 nonacademic hospital. Over 2500 samples were collected: 1308 preoperative blood samples, 864 tissue samples, and 366 follow-up blood samples. Prospective collection of biomaterials and associated clinical data has started in the Dutch Pancreas Biobank. Subsequent translational research will aim to improve treatment decisions based on disease characteristics.

"I Experienced Freedom within the Frame of My Own Narrative": The Contribution of Psychodrama Techniques to Experiential Learning in Teacher Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ter Avest, Ina

2017-01-01

To prepare Dutch students in education for critical situations in their professional life as a teacher, part of their training is to ask them to reflect upon their own experiences in their life as a child, a pupil and a student -- experiences of crucial moments or with significant others which are still of the utmost importance to them. This…

Role of radiology in a national initiative to interdict drug smuggling: the Dutch experience.

PubMed

Algra, Paul R; Brogdon, Byron G; Marugg, Roque C

2007-08-01

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to describe the role of radiology in a national initiative to intercept illegal narcotics concealed within the bodies of human transporters. Radiologic examination is increasingly important in identifying intracorporeal drug smuggling as improved wrapping techniques undermine the usefulness of blood and urine testing and clinical observation. Detection rates of high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are achieved by experienced radiologists.

In Situ Splitting of a Rib Bone Graft for Reconstruction of Orbital Floor and Medial Wall.

PubMed

Uemura, Tetsuji; Yanai, Tetsu; Yasuta, Masato; Harada, Yoshimi; Morikawa, Aya; Watanabe, Hidetaka; Kurokawa, Masato

2017-06-01

In situ splitting of rib bone graft was conducted in 22 patients for the repair of orbital fracture with no other complicating fractures. A bone graft was harvested from the sixth or seventh rib in the right side. The repair of the orbital floor and medial wall was successful in all the cases. Ten patients had bone grafting to the orbital floor, eight had it done onto medial wall, and 4 onto both floor and wall after reduction. The mean length of in situ rib bone graft was 40.9 mm (range, 20-70 mm), the mean width of these was 14.9 mm (range, 8-20 mm). The bone grafting was done by one leaf for 15 cases and two leafs for 7 cases in size of defects. The technique of in situ splitting of a rib bone graft for the repair of the orbital floor and medial wall is a simple and safe procedure, easily taking out the in situ splitting of a rib, and less pain in donor site. It has proved to be an optimal choice in craniofacial reconstruction, especially the defects of orbital floor and medial wall.

Compensation of the Ionospheric Effects on SAR Interferogram Based on Range Split-Spectrum and Azimuth Offset Methods - a Case Study of Yushu Earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Y. F.; Zhu, W.; Zhang, Q.; Zhang, W. T.

2018-04-01

InSAR technique can measure the surface deformation with the accuracy of centimeter-level or even millimeter and therefore has been widely used in the deformation monitoring associated with earthquakes, volcanoes, and other geologic process. However, ionospheric irregularities can lead to the wavy fringes in the low frequency SAR interferograms, which disturb the actual information of geophysical processes and thus put severe limitations on ground deformations measurements. In this paper, an application of two common methods, the range split-spectrum and azimuth offset methods are exploited to estimate the contributions of the ionosphere, with the aim to correct ionospheric effects in interferograms. Based on the theoretical analysis and experiment, a performance analysis is conducted to evaluate the efficiency of these two methods. The result indicates that both methods can mitigate the ionospheric effect in SAR interferograms and the range split-spectrum method is more precise than the other one. However, it is also found that the range split-spectrum is easily contaminated by the noise, and the achievable accuracy of the azimuth offset method is limited by the ambiguous integral constant, especially with the strong azimuth variations induced by the ionosphere disturbance.

Phaco chop technique for cataract surgery in the dog.

PubMed

Warren, Christi

2004-01-01

Phaco chop is a bimanual phacoemulsification technique to remove cataracts. The technique was first presented at the 1993 3rd American-International Congress on Cataract, IOL, and Refractive Surgery in Seattle by Dr Kunihiro Nagahara. He compared the lens with a block of wood and by applying chopping forces parallel to the natural planes of the lens lamellae, as one does in splitting wood, a nucleus can be cleaved with surprisingly little force and time. Dr Nagahara used the phaco tip to impale and high vacuum to hold the nucleus while a second instrument, or chopper, hooked the equator and was pulled centrally, splitting the nucleus along its natural cleavage planes. This was a breakthrough for surgeons who had been utilizing several minutes of phaco energy sculpting grooves and bowls in a lens. Studies have shown that compared with four-quadrant 'divide and conquer', the phaco chop technique uses less phaco time and energy, significantly reducing endothelial cell damage. Other advantages of phaco chop include reduction of zonular and capsular stress because forces are directed toward an opposing instrument and the phaco tip is kept in a central 'safe zone' in the middle of the pupil. This technique has also been successfully adapted to the canine phacoemulsification procedure. The larger canine lens requires some modifications, and lenses with hard nuclear and cortical material may not be amenable to this procedure.

Differential Relationships between Language Skills and Working Memory in Turkish-Dutch and Native-Dutch First-Graders from Low-Income Families

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bosman, Anna M. T.; Janssen, Marije

2017-01-01

In the Netherlands, Turkish-Dutch children constitute a substantial group of children who learn to speak Dutch at the age of four after they learned to speak Turkish. These children are generally academically less successful. Academic success appears to be affected by both language proficiency and working memory skill. The goal of this study was…

Processing Subject-Object Ambiguities in the L2: A Self-Paced Reading Study with German L2 Learners of Dutch

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Havik, Else; Roberts, Leah; van Hout, Roeland; Schreuder, Robert; Haverkort, Marco

2009-01-01

The results of two self-paced reading experiments are reported, which investigated the online processing of subject-object ambiguities in Dutch relative clause constructions like "Dat is de vrouw die de meisjes heeft/hebben gezien" by German advanced second language (L2) learners of Dutch. Native speakers of both Dutch and German have been shown…

Increase in number of helminth species from Dutch red foxes over a 35-year period

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is host to a community of zoonotic and other helminth species. Tracking their community structure and dynamics over decades is one way to monitor the long term risk of parasitic infectious diseases relevant to public and veterinary health. Methods We identified 17 helminth species from 136 foxes by mucosal scraping, centrifugal sedimentation/flotation and the washing and sieving technique. We applied rarefaction analysis to our samples and compared the resulting curve to the helminth community reported in literature 35 years ago. Results Fox helminth species significantly increased in number in the last 35 years (p-value <0.025). Toxascaris leonina, Mesocestoides litteratus, Trichuris vulpis and Angiostrongylus vasorum are four new veterinary-relevant species. The zoonotic fox tapeworm (E. multilocularis) was found outside the previously described endemic regions in the Netherlands. Conclusions Helminth fauna in Dutch red foxes increased in biodiversity over the last three decades. PMID:24708710

Contexts, Mechanisms, and Outcomes That Matter in Dutch Community-Based Physical Activity Programs Targeting Socially Vulnerable Groups.

PubMed

Herens, Marion; Wagemakers, Annemarie; Vaandrager, Lenneke; van Ophem, Johan; Koelen, Maria

2017-09-01

This article presents a practitioner-based approach to identify key combinations of contextual factors (C) and mechanisms (M) that trigger outcomes (O) in Dutch community-based health-enhancing physical activity (CBHEPA) programs targeting socially vulnerable groups. Data were collected in six programs using semi-structured interviews and focus groups using a timeline technique. Sessions were recorded, anonymized, and transcribed. A realist synthesis protocol was used for data-driven and thematic analysis of CMO configurations. CMO configurations related to community outreach, program sustainability, intersectoral collaboration, and enhancing participants' active lifestyles. We have refined the CBHEPA program theory by showing that actors' passion for, and past experiences with, physical activity programs trigger outcomes, alongside their commitment to socially vulnerable target groups. Project discontinuity, limited access to resources, and a trainer's stand-alone position were negative configurations. The authors conclude that local governance structures appear often to lack adaptive capacity to accommodate multilevel processes to sustain programs.

Piezosurgery for the lingual split technique in mandibular third molar removal: a suggestion.

PubMed

Pippi, Roberto; Alvaro, Roberto

2013-03-01

The lingual split technique is a surgical procedure for extraction of impacted mandibular third molar throughout a lingual approach. The main disadvantage of this technique is the high rate of temporary lingual nerve injury mainly because of the trauma induced by the lingual flap retraction. The purpose of this paper is to suggest the use of piezosurgery in performing the lingual cortical plate osteotomy of the third molar alveolar process. Surgical procedure was performed under general anesthesia, and it lasted approximately 60 minutes. After the buccal and lingual full-thickness flaps were incised and elevated, a piezosurgical device was used for osteotomy. A well-defined bony window was then removed, and it allowed the entire tooth was extracted in a lingual direction. The patient did not show any neurological postoperative complication. Lingual and inferior alveolar nerve functionality was normal before as well as after surgery. The use of piezoelectric surgery seems to be a good option in removing lower third molars when a lingual access is clearly indicated. The only disadvantage of this technique can be represented by an operating time lengthening possibly because of a lower power cut of the piezoelectric device, to the high mineralization of the mandibular cortical bone and to the use of inserts with a low degree of sharpening.

SU-G-TeP2-11: Initial Evaluation of a Novel Split-Filter Dual-Energy CT for Use in Radiation Oncology

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

Miller, J; Huang, J; Szczykutowicz, T

2016-06-15

Purpose: To perform an initial evaluation of a novel split-filter dual-energy CT (DECT) system with the goal of understanding the clinical utility and limitations of the system for radiation therapy. Methods: Several phantoms were imaged using the split-filter DECT technique on the Siemens Edge CT scanner using a range of clinically-relevant doses. The optimum-contrast reconstruction, the mixed reconstruction, and the monoenergetic reconstructions (ranging from 40 keV to 190 keV) were evaluated. Each image was analyzed for CT number accuracy, uniformity, noise, low-contrast visibility (LCV), spatial resolution and geometric distortion. For comparison purposes, all parameters were evaluated on 120 kVp single-energymore » CT (SECT) scans used for treatment planning, as well as, a sequential-scan DECT technique for corresponding doses. Results: For all DECT reconstructions no observable geometric distortion was found. Both the optimal-contrast and mixed images demonstrated slight improvements in LCV and noise when compared to the SECT, and slight reductions in CT number accuracy and spatial resolution. The CT numbers trended as expected for the monoenergetic reconstructions, with CT number accuracy within 50 HU for materials of density <2 g/cm3. Spatial resolution increased with energy, and for monoenergetic reconstructions >70 keV the spatial resolution exceeded that of the SECT. The noise in the monoenergetic reconstructions increased with decreasing energy. Thus, the image uniformity, signal-to-noise ratio and LCV were diminished at lower energies (70 keV). Applying iterative reconstruction techniques to the low-energy images reduced noise and improved LCV. The signal-to-noise ratio was stable for energies >100 keV. Conclusion: The initial commissioning of the novel split-filter DECT technology demonstrated favorable results for clinical implementation. The mixed reconstruction showed potential as a replacement for the treatment planning SECT. The image parameters for the monoenergetic reconstructions varied appropriately with energy. This work provides an initial understanding of the limitations and potential applications for monoenergetic imaging.« less

Estimation of splitting functions from Earth's normal mode spectra using the neighbourhood algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pachhai, Surya; Tkalčić, Hrvoje; Masters, Guy

2016-01-01

The inverse problem for Earth structure from normal mode data is strongly non-linear and can be inherently non-unique. Traditionally, the inversion is linearized by taking partial derivatives of the complex spectra with respect to the model parameters (i.e. structure coefficients), and solved in an iterative fashion. This method requires that the earthquake source model is known. However, the release of energy in large earthquakes used for the analysis of Earth's normal modes is not simple. A point source approximation is often inadequate, and a more complete account of energy release at the source is required. In addition, many earthquakes are required for the solution to be insensitive to the initial constraints and regularization. In contrast to an iterative approach, the autoregressive linear inversion technique conveniently avoids the need for earthquake source parameters, but it also requires a number of events to achieve full convergence when a single event does not excite all singlets well. To build on previous improvements, we develop a technique to estimate structure coefficients (and consequently, the splitting functions) using a derivative-free parameter search, known as neighbourhood algorithm (NA). We implement an efficient forward method derived using the autoregresssion of receiver strips, and this allows us to search over a multiplicity of structure coefficients in a relatively short time. After demonstrating feasibility of the use of NA in synthetic cases, we apply it to observations of the inner core sensitive mode 13S2. The splitting function of this mode is dominated by spherical harmonic degree 2 axisymmetric structure and is consistent with the results obtained from the autoregressive linear inversion. The sensitivity analysis of multiple events confirms the importance of the Bolivia, 1994 earthquake. When this event is used in the analysis, as little as two events are sufficient to constrain the splitting functions of 13S2 mode. Apart from not requiring the knowledge of earthquake source, the newly developed technique provides an approximate uncertainty measure of the structure coefficients and allows us to control the type of structure solved for, for example to establish if elastic structure is sufficient.

Calibration and Validation of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Interference Item Bank in Patients with Chronic Pain

PubMed Central

Crins, Martine H. P.; Roorda, Leo D.; Smits, Niels; de Vet, Henrica C. W.; Westhovens, Rene; Cella, David; Cook, Karon F.; Revicki, Dennis; van Leeuwen, Jaap; Boers, Maarten; Dekker, Joost; Terwee, Caroline B.

2015-01-01

The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Group translated the adult PROMIS Pain Interference item bank into Dutch-Flemish. The aims of the current study were to calibrate the parameters of these items using an item response theory (IRT) model, to evaluate the cross-cultural validity of the Dutch-Flemish translations compared to the original English items, and to evaluate their reliability and construct validity. The 40 items in the bank were completed by 1085 Dutch chronic pain patients. Before calibrating the items, IRT model assumptions were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Items were calibrated using the graded response model (GRM), an IRT model appropriate for items with more than two response options. To evaluate cross-cultural validity, differential item functioning (DIF) for language (Dutch vs. English) was examined. Reliability was evaluated based on standard errors and Cronbach’s alpha. To evaluate construct validity correlations with scores on legacy instruments (e.g., the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire) were calculated. Unidimensionality of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Interference item bank was supported by CFA tests of model fit (CFI = 0.986, TLI = 0.986). Furthermore, the data fit the GRM and showed good coverage across the pain interference continuum (threshold-parameters range: -3.04 to 3.44). The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Interference item bank has good cross-cultural validity (only two out of 40 items showing DIF), good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.98), and good construct validity (Pearson correlations between 0.62 and 0.75). A computer adaptive test (CAT) and Dutch-Flemish PROMIS short forms of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Interference item bank can now be developed. PMID:26214178

Calibration and Validation of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Interference Item Bank in Patients with Chronic Pain.

PubMed

Crins, Martine H P; Roorda, Leo D; Smits, Niels; de Vet, Henrica C W; Westhovens, Rene; Cella, David; Cook, Karon F; Revicki, Dennis; van Leeuwen, Jaap; Boers, Maarten; Dekker, Joost; Terwee, Caroline B

2015-01-01

The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Group translated the adult PROMIS Pain Interference item bank into Dutch-Flemish. The aims of the current study were to calibrate the parameters of these items using an item response theory (IRT) model, to evaluate the cross-cultural validity of the Dutch-Flemish translations compared to the original English items, and to evaluate their reliability and construct validity. The 40 items in the bank were completed by 1085 Dutch chronic pain patients. Before calibrating the items, IRT model assumptions were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Items were calibrated using the graded response model (GRM), an IRT model appropriate for items with more than two response options. To evaluate cross-cultural validity, differential item functioning (DIF) for language (Dutch vs. English) was examined. Reliability was evaluated based on standard errors and Cronbach's alpha. To evaluate construct validity correlations with scores on legacy instruments (e.g., the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire) were calculated. Unidimensionality of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Interference item bank was supported by CFA tests of model fit (CFI = 0.986, TLI = 0.986). Furthermore, the data fit the GRM and showed good coverage across the pain interference continuum (threshold-parameters range: -3.04 to 3.44). The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Interference item bank has good cross-cultural validity (only two out of 40 items showing DIF), good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.98), and good construct validity (Pearson correlations between 0.62 and 0.75). A computer adaptive test (CAT) and Dutch-Flemish PROMIS short forms of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Pain Interference item bank can now be developed.

Estimating the risk of dengue transmission from Dutch blood donors travelling to Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean.

PubMed

Oei, W; Lieshout-Krikke, R W; Kretzschmar, M E; Zaaijer, H L; Coutinho, R A; Eersel, M; Jubithana, B; Halabi, Y; Gerstenbluth, I; Maduro, E; Tromp, M; Janssen, M P

2016-05-01

The risk of dengue transmitted by travellers is known. Methods to estimate the transmission by transfusion (TT) risk from blood donors travelling to risk areas are available, for instance, the European Up-Front Risk Assessment Tool (EUFRAT). This study aimed to validate the estimated risk from travelling donors obtained from EUFRAT. Surveillance data on notified dengue cases in Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba) in 2001-2011 was used to calculate local incidence rates. Information on travel and donation behaviour of Dutch donors was collected. With the EUFRAT model, the TT risks from Dutch travelling donors were calculated. Model estimates were compared with the number of infections in Dutch travellers found by laboratory tests in the Netherlands. The expected cumulative number of donors becoming infected during travels to Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean from 2001 to 2011 was estimated at 5 (95% CI, 2-11) and 86 (45-179), respectively. The infection risk inferred from the laboratory-based study was 19 (9-61) and 28 (14-92). Given the independence of the data sources, these estimates are remarkably close. The model estimated that 0·02 (0·001-0·06) and 0·40 (0·01-1·4) recipients would have been infected by these travelling donors. The EUFRAT model provided an estimate close to actual observed number of dengue infections. The dengue TT risk among Dutch travelling donors can be estimated using basic transmission, travel and donation information. The TT risk from Dutch donors travelling to Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean is small. © 2016 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Cancer incidence and mortality of Surinamese migrants in the Netherlands: in-between Surinamese and Dutch levels?

PubMed

Williams, Graciëlle; Mans, Dennis R A; Garssen, Joop; Visser, Otto; Kramer, Daniëlle; Kunst, Anton E

2013-07-01

It has been suggested that the cancer risk of migrants from low-income to high-income countries will converge toward the levels of their host country. However, comparisons with country of origin are mostly lacking. We compared cancer incidence and mortality rates of Surinamese migrants in the Netherlands to both native Dutch and Surinamese levels. Data covering the period 1995-2008 were obtained from Surinamese and Dutch national cancer registries and national cause-of-death registries. Cancer incidence was studied for 21 types of cancer and cancer mortality for nine types. We calculated age-standardized incidence/mortality ratios (SIR/SMR) for the Surinamese migrants and for Suriname, using the native Dutch population as reference. Significantly lower overall cancer incidence (SIR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.69-0.84) and mortality rates (SMR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.55-0.72) were found for Surinamese migrants compared to native Dutch. Generally, cancer risk was lower for most cancers (e.g., cancer of the breast, colon and rectum, lung), but higher for other cancers (e.g., cancer of the uterine cervix, liver). For most cancers, cancer risk of the Surinamese migrants was in-between Surinamese and native Dutch levels. Importantly, for many cancers, migrants' incidence and mortality rates had not closely approached native Dutch rates. For skin cancer, incidence levels for Surinamese migrants were lower than both Surinamese and native Dutch levels. The results suggest that cancer incidence and mortality rates of Surinamese migrants generally converge from Surinamese toward Dutch levels, though not for all cancer types. Overall, Surinamese migrants still had a much more favorable cancer profile than the native Dutch population.

[Necrotizing fasciitis of the hand and forearm : Acute surgical treatment and defect reconstruction with MatriDerm® and split-thickness skin graft].

PubMed

Niedermueller, B; Singer, G; Pickl, P; Jesacher, M

2018-03-01

This case report describes a 55-year-old male patient with type II necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the hand and forearm. The rapid progression of the tissue infection could be successfully stopped with radical surgical débridement and antibiotic therapy. For the reconstruction of the extensive loss of soft tissue a combination of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) and the synthetic dermal substitute MatriDerm® was used. In cases of NF, MatriDerm® and STSG provide a rapidly available and simple alternative to other reconstruction techniques.

Eddy current heating in magnetic refrigerators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kittel, Peter

1990-01-01

Eddy current heating can be a significant source of parasitic heating in low temperature magnetic refrigerators. To study this problem a technique to approximate the heating due to eddy currents has been developed. A formula is presented for estimating the heating within a variety of shapes commonly found in magnetic refrigerators. These shapes include circular, square, and rectangular rods; cylindrical and split cylindrical shells; wire loops; and 'coil foil. One set of components evaluated are different types of thermal radiation shields. This comparison shows that a simple split shield is almost as effective (only 23 percent more heating) as using a shield, with the same axial thermal conductivity, made of 'coil foil'.

On the possibility of detecting weak magnetic fields in variable white dwarfs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Philip W.; Hansen, Carl J.; Pesnell, W. Dean; Kawaler, Steven D.

1989-01-01

It is suggested that 'weak' magnetic fields of strengths less than 10 to the 6th G may be detectable in some variable white dwarfs. Weak fields can cause subtle changes in the Fourier power spectra of these stars in the form of 'splitting' in frequency of otherwise degenerate signals. Present-day observational and analysis techniques are capable of detecting these changes. It is suggested suggested, by listing some well-studied candidate stars, that perhaps the magnetic signature of splitting has already been observed in at least one object and that the difficult task of intensive measurements of weak fields should now be undertaken of those candidates.

[Assessing and measuring language development in the child. The Reynell Scales in a Dutch language area].

PubMed

Schaerlaekens, A

1995-01-01

This article deals with the recent adaptation of the Reynell Developmental Language Scales to the Dutch language. The existing language tests for the Dutch language are reviewed and the need to adapt a test for young children, measuring both receptive and expressive language development, is argued. The adaptation of the original Reynell Developmental Language Scales to the Dutch language is described. An extensive standardisation was carried out with 1,288 Dutch-speaking children, carefully selected geographically and according to socio-economic status. The psychodiagnostic results of the standardisation are discussed. As a result there are now norms for children between 2 and 5 years, both for receptive and expressive language development. The adaptation of the original Reynell Scales to Dutch functions under the new name RTOS (Reynell Taalontwikkelingsschalen).

Dutch Young Adults Ratings of Behavior Change Techniques Applied in Mobile Phone Apps to Promote Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Survey

PubMed Central

Belmon, Laura S; te Velde, Saskia J; Brug, Johannes

2015-01-01

Background Interventions delivered through new device technology, including mobile phone apps, appear to be an effective method to reach young adults. Previous research indicates that self-efficacy and social support for physical activity and self-regulation behavior change techniques (BCT), such as goal setting, feedback, and self-monitoring, are important for promoting physical activity; however, little is known about evaluations by the target population of BCTs applied to physical activity apps and whether these preferences are associated with individual personality characteristics. Objective This study aimed to explore young adults’ opinions regarding BCTs (including self-regulation techniques) applied in mobile phone physical activity apps, and to examine associations between personality characteristics and ratings of BCTs applied in physical activity apps. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among healthy 18 to 30-year-old adults (N=179). Data on participants’ gender, age, height, weight, current education level, living situation, mobile phone use, personality traits, exercise self-efficacy, exercise self-identity, total physical activity level, and whether participants met Dutch physical activity guidelines were collected. Items for rating BCTs applied in physical activity apps were selected from a hierarchical taxonomy for BCTs, and were clustered into three BCT categories according to factor analysis: “goal setting and goal reviewing,” “feedback and self-monitoring,” and “social support and social comparison.” Results Most participants were female (n=146), highly educated (n=169), physically active, and had high levels of self-efficacy. In general, we observed high ratings of BCTs aimed to increase “goal setting and goal reviewing” and “feedback and self-monitoring,” but not for BCTs addressing “social support and social comparison.” Only 3 (out of 16 tested) significant associations between personality characteristics and BCTs were observed: “agreeableness” was related to more positive ratings of BCTs addressing “goal setting and goal reviewing” (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06-2.41), “neuroticism” was related to BCTs addressing “feedback and self-monitoring” (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58-1.00), and “exercise self-efficacy” was related to a high rating of BCTs addressing “feedback and self-monitoring” (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.11). No associations were observed between personality characteristics (ie, personality, exercise self-efficacy, exercise self-identity) and participants’ ratings of BCTs addressing “social support and social comparison.” Conclusions Young Dutch physically active adults rate self-regulation techniques as most positive and techniques addressing social support as less positive among mobile phone apps that aim to promote physical activity. Such ratings of BCTs differ according to personality traits and exercise self-efficacy. Future research should focus on which behavior change techniques in app-based interventions are most effective to increase physical activity. PMID:26563744

Do Mothers Have the Right to Bring up Their Own Children? How Facts Do Not Determine (Dutch) Government Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allewijn, Ellen

2010-01-01

The Dutch government has a double moral message for Dutch parents. On the one hand, they expect mothers to work more hours outside the home; on the other hand, they expect parents to perform better in their parental tasks. New research shows again that in spite of all stimulation measures, Dutch women with children prefer their part-time jobs, and…

A cross-cultural content-analytic comparison of the hookup culture in U.S. and Dutch teen girl magazines.

PubMed

Joshi, Suchi Pradyumn; Peter, Jochen; Valkenburg, Patti M

2014-01-01

This quantitative content analysis investigated the hookup culture in U.S. and Dutch teen girl magazines. Using Hofstede's cultural dimension of masculinity/femininity, the hookup culture (i.e., the relational context of sex, emotional context of sex, specific sexual activities, and contraceptives) was examined in 2,496 stories from all 2006 through 2008 issues of the three most popular U.S. (i.e., Seventeen, CosmoGirl! U.S. edition, and Teen) and Dutch teen girl magazines (i.e., Fancy, CosmoGirl! Netherlands edition, and Girlz!). Regarding the relational context of sex, stories about casual sex occurred more often in U.S. magazines, and Dutch magazines focused more on committed sex. Dutch magazines also emphasized sex within the emotional context of love more often than did U.S. magazines. In terms of sexual activities, coital sex was mentioned more often in U.S. coverage, while petting was mentioned more frequently in Dutch coverage. Condoms were covered more positively in U.S. magazines than in Dutch magazines. Overall, the hookup culture seems to be more visible in U.S. magazines for the occurrence of casual sex and lack of love stories, whereas it does not emerge in Dutch magazines due to the presence of committed sex and love-related articles.

Antimicrobial-impregnated dressing combined with negative-pressure wound therapy increases split-thickness skin graft engraftment: a simple effective technique.

PubMed

Wu, Cheng-Chun; Chew, Khong-Yik; Chen, Chien-Chang; Kuo, Yur-Ren

2015-01-01

Immobilization and adequate surface contact to wounds are critical for skin graft take. Techniques such as the tie-over dressing, cotton bolster, and vacuum-assisted closure are used to address this, but each has its limitations. This study is designed to assess the effect of antimicrobial-impregnated dressing (AMD) combined with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on skin graft survival. Retrospective case-control study : Patients with chronic or contaminated wounds treated with split-thickness skin graft. A broad spectrum of wounds was included, from causes such as trauma, burns, chronic diabetic ulcers, and infection. Antimicrobial-impregnated dressing, which contains 0.2% polyhexamethylene biguanide, with NPWT MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:: Success of skin graft : In the AMD group, all skin grafts achieved 100% take without secondary intervention. No infection or graft failure was observed in any patients, and no complications, such as hematoma or seroma formation, were noted, although in the control group partial loss of skin grafts was noted in 3 patients. Infection and inadequate immobilization were thought to be the main reasons. There were no hematoma or seroma formations in the control group. Use of an AMD dressing with NPWT after split-thickness skin grafting can be an effective method to ensure good graft to wound contact and enhances skin graft take in chronic and contaminated wounds.

Sunlight-Driven Hydrogen Formation by Membrane-Supported Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

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

Lewis, Nathan S.

2014-03-26

This report describes the significant advances in the development of the polymer-supported photoelectrochemical water-splitting system that was proposed under DOE grant number DE-FG02-05ER15754. We developed Si microwire-array photoelectrodes, demonstrated control over the material and light-absorption properties of the microwire-array photoelectrodes, developed inexpensive processes for synthesizing the arrays, and doped the arrays p-type for use as photocathodes. We also developed techniques for depositing metal-nanoparticle catalysts of the hydrogen-evolution reaction (HER) on the wire arrays, investigated the stability and catalytic performance of the nanoparticles, and demonstrated that Ni-Mo alloys are promising earth-abundant catalysts of the HER. We also developed methods that allowmore » reuse of the single-crystalline Si substrates used for microwire growth and methods of embedding the microwire photocathodes in plastic to enable large-scale processing and deployment of the technology. Furthermore we developed techniques for controlling the structure of WO3 films, and demonstrated that structural control can improve the quantum yield of photoanodes. Thus, by the conclusion of this project, we demonstrated significant advances in the development of all components of a sunlight-driven membrane-supported photoelectrochemical water-splitting system. This final report provides descriptions of some of the scientific accomplishments that were achieved under the support of this project and also provides references to the peer-reviewed publications that resulted from this effort.« less

Hospital survey on patient safety culture: psychometric analysis on a Scottish sample.

PubMed

Sarac, Cakil; Flin, Rhona; Mearns, Kathryn; Jackson, Jeanette

2011-10-01

To investigate the psychometric properties of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture on a Scottish NHS data set. The data were collected from 1969 clinical staff (estimated 22% response rate) from one acute hospital from each of seven Scottish Health boards. Using a split-half validation technique, the data were randomly split; an exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the calibration data set, and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on the validation data set to investigate and check the original US model fit in a Scottish sample. Following the split-half validation technique, exploratory factor analysis results showed a 10-factor optimal measurement model. The confirmatory factor analyses were then performed to compare the model fit of two competing models (10-factor alternative model vs 12-factor original model). An S-B scaled χ(2) square difference test demonstrated that the original 12-factor model performed significantly better in a Scottish sample. Furthermore, reliability analyses of each component yielded satisfactory results. The mean scores on the climate dimensions in the Scottish sample were comparable with those found in other European countries. This study provided evidence that the original 12-factor structure of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture scale has been replicated in this Scottish sample. Therefore, no modifications are required to the original 12-factor model, which is suggested for use, since it would allow researchers the possibility of cross-national comparisons.

High Density Metamaterials for Visible Light

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-28

gold first and then extend the techniques to other metals for better characteristics. Bio -chemical sensors will be developed based on different split...metamaterials for Bio -chemical sensing. Using our sonicated cold development electron beam lithography process that has recently been shown to overcome

[Infection prevention in Dutch hospitals; results say more than process indicators].

PubMed

Bonten, Marc J M; Friedrich, Alexander; Kluytmans, Jan A J W; Vandenbroucke-Grauls, Christina M J E; Voss, Andreas; Vos, Margreet C

2014-01-01

The Dutch Health Care Inspectorate investigated the preparedness of Dutch hospitals for the emergence of antibiotic resistance, and concluded that hospitals are not well prepared and are insufficiently aware that infection prevention is a prerequisite for patient safety. These conclusions are based on observations of process indicators of current practice guidelines, without including the available outcome indicators that demonstrate the persistently low incidence of infections with antibiotic resistant bacteria in Dutch hospitals. The conclusions may have negative effects on the quality of infection prevention in Dutch hospitals. Therefore, it is advisable to use outcome indicators rather than process indicators to evaluate the quality of infection prevention.

SU-E-T-433: Field-In-Field Irradiation for Breast Cancer with VERO-4DRT System: A Feasibility Study

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

Hayashi, N; Mizuno, T; Takada, Y

2015-06-15

Purpose: The Vero-4DRT system is a dedicated system for high precision radiation therapy. However, the field size is limited at 15 cm x 15 cm and shapes by using multi-leaf collimator (MLC) without X-Jaw and Y-Jaw. Therefore VERO-4DRT system is not available to simple wedged irradiation for breast cancer. In this study, we suppose FIF with ring and/or tilt/pan angles whole breast irradiation (FIFWBI). The purpose of this study is to verify the feasibility of FIFWBI with VERO-4DRT system. Methods: As fundamental evaluation, we performed commissioning test with phantom. The absorbed dose evaluation at several reference points and dose distributionmore » including split area were performed. We planned 10 demonstrative shapes in phantom for measuring these contents with i-plan workstation (BrainLAB). As clinical evaluation, the dose distribution and dose indexes were evaluated with actual patient data. Five patients with breast cancer were designed FIFWBI radiotherapy plan with split fields. Then, the dose distribution and dose indexes (including Dmax, Dmin, D95, D5 and Homogeneity index) were evaluated in these plans. Results: As the results of fundamental evaluation, all absorbed dose errors between calculated and measured doses were within 2%. The gamma passing rates with 2 mm/3% criteria in all cases were 96±2%. As the results of clinical evaluation, the values of Dmax, D95, D50, D5, and Homogeneity Index were 41.7±0.90 Gy, 49.4±0.34 Gy, 52.26±0.24 Gy, and 1.39±0.03, respectively. For Japanese breast cancer patients, this technique was feasible. However, the large split region was happened in FIFWBI in case of patient with large breast. Conclusion: We evaluated the FIFWBI technique with VERO-4DRT system. This technique is feasible for Japanese patients, but the patient with large breast should be disagreed with this technique.« less

Ethnic differences in mental health among incarcerated youths: do Moroccan immigrant boys show less psychopathology than native Dutch boys?

PubMed

Veen, Violaine; Stevens, Gonneke; Doreleijers, Theo; van der Ende, Jan; Vollebergh, Wilma

2010-05-01

Psychiatric disorders are highly prevalent among incarcerated youth. However, whereas ethnic minority youths are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system, limited research is available on their mental health. In this study, differences in mental health problems between incarcerated adolescents of native Dutch and Moroccan origin, were examined. Child Behavior Checklist and Youth Self-Report scores were compared between incarcerated adolescents of native Dutch and Moroccan origin. Their scores were also compared to those of native Dutch and Moroccan immigrant youths in the general, non-incarcerated population. Native Dutch incarcerated adolescents showed higher levels of various mental health problems than incarcerated adolescents with a Moroccan background. Compared to the general population, incarcerated youths showed higher levels of mental health problems, but this deviation was much larger for native Dutch than for Moroccan immigrant youths. These ethnic differences in mental health problems could not be explained by ethnic differences in socio-economic background and social desirable answering tendencies. Incarcerated youths of Moroccan origin show less psychopathology than incarcerated native Dutch youths, which might be explained by disparities in sentencing procedures.

Ethnic differences in mental health among incarcerated youths: do Moroccan immigrant boys show less psychopathology than native Dutch boys?

PubMed Central

Stevens, Gonneke; Doreleijers, Theo; van der Ende, Jan; Vollebergh, Wilma

2009-01-01

Psychiatric disorders are highly prevalent among incarcerated youth. However, whereas ethnic minority youths are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system, limited research is available on their mental health. In this study, differences in mental health problems between incarcerated adolescents of native Dutch and Moroccan origin, were examined. Child Behavior Checklist and Youth Self-Report scores were compared between incarcerated adolescents of native Dutch and Moroccan origin. Their scores were also compared to those of native Dutch and Moroccan immigrant youths in the general, non-incarcerated population. Native Dutch incarcerated adolescents showed higher levels of various mental health problems than incarcerated adolescents with a Moroccan background. Compared to the general population, incarcerated youths showed higher levels of mental health problems, but this deviation was much larger for native Dutch than for Moroccan immigrant youths. These ethnic differences in mental health problems could not be explained by ethnic differences in socio-economic background and social desirable answering tendencies. Incarcerated youths of Moroccan origin show less psychopathology than incarcerated native Dutch youths, which might be explained by disparities in sentencing procedures. PMID:20449708

A Dutch translation and validation of the Body Appreciation Scale-2: An investigation with female university students in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Alleva, Jessica M; Martijn, Carolien; Veldhuis, Jolanda; Tylka, Tracy L

2016-12-01

This paper describes a Dutch translation and validation of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2; Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2015a), an instrument for assessing key components of positive body image. Dutch-speaking female university students (N=310, M age =21.31, SD=3.04) completed the Dutch BAS-2. To assess its construct validity, participants also completed measures of appearance satisfaction, functionality satisfaction, self-objectification, self-esteem, and optimistic life orientation. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a one-dimensional factor structure of the Dutch BAS-2, substantiating the BAS-2 factor structure found in samples of U.S., Chinese, and Iranian university students and community adults. Dutch BAS-2 scores also demonstrated good internal consistency (α=.90), convergent validity, and incremental validity. In addition, lower body mass indices were associated with higher Dutch BAS-2 scores. The present findings support the cross-cultural equivalence of the BAS-2 and thus its promise in enabling research on positive body image in diverse cultural contexts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tunneling dynamics of double proton transfer in formic acid and benzoic acid dimers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smedarchina, Zorka; Fernández-Ramos, Antonio; Siebrand, Willem

2005-04-01

Direct dynamics calculations based on instanton techniques are reported of tunneling splittings due to double proton transfer in formic and benzoic acid dimers. The results are used to assign the observed splittings to levels for which the authors of the high-resolution spectra could not provide a definitive assignment. In both cases the splitting is shown to be due mainly to the zero-point level rather than to the vibrationally or electronically excited level whose spectrum was investigated. This leads to zero-point splittings of 375MHz for (DCOOH)2 and 1107MHz for the benzoic acid dimer. Thus, contrary to earlier calculations, it is found that the splitting is considerably larger in the benzoic than in the formic acid dimer. The calculations are extended to solid benzoic acid where the asymmetry of the proton-transfer potential induced by the crystal can be overcome by suitable doping. This has allowed direct measurement of the interactions responsible for double proton transfer, which were found to be much larger than those in the isolated dimer. To account for this observation both static and dynamic effects of the crystal forces on the intradimer hydrogen bonds are included in the calculations. The same methodology, extended to higher temperatures, is used to calculate rate constants for HH, HD, and DD transfers in neat benzoic acid crystals. The results are in good agreement with reported experimental rate constants measured by NMR relaxometry and, if allowance is made for small structural changes induced by doping, with the transfer matrix elements observed in doped crystals. Hence the method used allows a unified description of tunneling splittings in the gas phase and in doped crystals as well as of transfer rates in neat crystals.

Lowermost mantle anisotropy near the eastern edge of the Pacific LLSVP: constraints from SKS-SKKS splitting intensity measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Jie; Long, Maureen D.; Creasy, Neala; Wagner, Lara; Beck, Susan; Zandt, George; Tavera, Hernando; Minaya, Estela

2017-08-01

Seismic anisotropy has been documented in many portions of the lowermost mantle, with particularly strong anisotropy thought to be present along the edges of large low shear velocity provinces (LLSVPs). The region surrounding the Pacific LLSVP, however, has not yet been studied extensively in terms of its anisotropic structure. In this study, we use seismic data from southern Peru, northern Bolivia and Easter Island to probe lowermost mantle anisotropy beneath the eastern Pacific Ocean, mostly relying on data from the Peru Lithosphere and Slab Experiment and Central Andean Uplift and Geodynamics of High Topography experiments. Differential shear wave splitting measurements from phases that have similar ray paths in the upper mantle but different ray paths in the lowermost mantle, such as SKS and SKKS, are used to constrain anisotropy in D″. We measured splitting for 215 same station-event SKS-SKKS pairs that sample the eastern Pacific LLSVP at the base of the mantle. We used measurements of splitting intensity(SI), a measure of the amount of energy on the transverse component, to objectively and quantitatively analyse any discrepancies between SKS and SKKS phases. While the overall splitting signal is dominated by the upper-mantle anisotropy, a minority of SKS-SKKS pairs (∼10 per cent) exhibit strongly discrepant splitting between the phases (i.e. the waveforms require a difference in SI of at least 0.4), indicating a likely contribution from lowermost mantle anisotropy. In order to enhance lower mantle signals, we also stacked waveforms within individual subregions and applied a waveform differencing technique to isolate the signal from the lowermost mantle. Our stacking procedure yields evidence for substantial splitting due to lowermost mantle anisotropy only for a specific region that likely straddles the edge of Pacific LLSVP. Our observations are consistent with the localization of deformation and anisotropy near the eastern boundary of the Pacific LLSVP, similar to previous observations for the African LLSVP.

Air Pollution and Lung Function in Dutch Children: A Comparison of Exposure Estimates and Associations Based on Land Use Regression and Dispersion Exposure Modeling Approaches

PubMed Central

Gehring, Ulrike; Hoek, Gerard; Keuken, Menno; Jonkers, Sander; Beelen, Rob; Eeftens, Marloes; Postma, Dirkje S.; Brunekreef, Bert

2015-01-01

Background There is limited knowledge about the extent to which estimates of air pollution effects on health are affected by the choice for a specific exposure model. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the correlation between long-term air pollution exposure estimates using two commonly used exposure modeling techniques [dispersion and land use regression (LUR) models] and, in addition, to compare the estimates of the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and lung function in children using these exposure modeling techniques. Methods We used data of 1,058 participants of a Dutch birth cohort study with measured forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements at 8 years of age. For each child, annual average outdoor air pollution exposure [nitrogen dioxide (NO2), mass concentration of particulate matter with diameters ≤ 2.5 and ≤ 10 μm (PM2.5, PM10), and PM2.5 soot] was estimated for the current addresses of the participants by a dispersion and a LUR model. Associations between exposures to air pollution and lung function parameters were estimated using linear regression analysis with confounder adjustment. Results Correlations between LUR- and dispersion-modeled pollution concentrations were high for NO2, PM2.5, and PM2.5 soot (R = 0.86–0.90) but low for PM10 (R = 0.57). Associations with lung function were similar for air pollutant exposures estimated using LUR and dispersion modeling, except for associations of PM2.5 with FEV1 and FVC, which were stronger but less precise for exposures based on LUR compared with dispersion model. Conclusions Predictions from LUR and dispersion models correlated very well for PM2.5, NO2, and PM2.5 soot but not for PM10. Health effect estimates did not depend on the type of model used to estimate exposure in a population of Dutch children. Citation Wang M, Gehring U, Hoek G, Keuken M, Jonkers S, Beelen R, Eeftens M, Postma DS, Brunekreef B. 2015. Air pollution and lung function in Dutch children: a comparison of exposure estimates and associations based on land use regression and dispersion exposure modeling approaches. Environ Health Perspect 123:847–851; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408541 PMID:25839747

Report of the Dutch experience with the Ross procedure in 343 patients.

PubMed

Takkenberg, J J M; Dossche, K M E; Hazekamp, M G; Nijveld, A; Jansen, E W L; Waterbolk, T W; Bogers, A J J C

2002-07-01

Limited information is available on outcome after autograft aortic valve replacement, in particular with respect to the durability of the autograft and of the allograft used to reconstruct the right ventricular outflow tract. A retrospective follow-up study of all patients who underwent a Ross procedure in the Netherlands since 1988 was done to obtain an overview of the Dutch experience with this procedure. From 1988 to January 2000, 348 Ross procedures were performed in nine centers in the Netherlands. Pre-operative, peri-operative and follow-up data from 343 patients in seven centers (99% of all Dutch autograft patients) were collected and analyzed. Mean patient age was 26 years (SD 14, range 0-58) and male/female ratio was 2.1. Bicuspid valve or other congenital heart valve disease was the most common indication for operation. The root replacement technique was used in 95% of patients and concomitant procedures were done in 12%. Hospital mortality was 2.6% (N=9). Mean follow-up was 4 years (median 3.8, SD 2.8, range 0-12.5). Overall cumulative survival was 96% at 1 year (95% confidence interval (CI) 94-98%) and 94% at 5 and 7 post-operative years, respectively (95% CI 91-97%). At last follow-up, 87% of the surviving patients was in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I. Independent predictors of overall mortality were pre-operative NYHA class IV/V and longer perfusion time. Autograft reoperation had to be performed in 14 patients and reintervention on the pulmonary allograft in 10 patients. Freedom from any valve-related reintervention was 88% at 7 years (95% CI 81-94%). The Dutch experience with the Ross procedure is favorable, with low operative mortality and good mid-term results. Although both the autograft in aortic position and the allograft in the right ventricular outflow tract have a limited durability, this has not yet resulted in considerable reoperation rates and associated morbidity and mortality.

Level of Digitization in Dutch Hospitals and the Lengths of Stay of Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

PubMed

van Poelgeest, Rube; van Groningen, Julia T; Daniels, John H; Roes, Kit C; Wiggers, Theo; Wouters, Michel W; Schrijvers, Guus

2017-05-01

A substantial amount of research has been published on the association between the use of electronic medical records (EMRs) and quality outcomes in U.S. hospitals, while limited research has focused on the Western European experience. The purpose of this study is to explore the association between the use of EMR technologies in Dutch hospitals and length of stay after colorectal cancer surgery. Two data sets were leveraged for this study; the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM SM ) and the Dutch surgical colorectal audit (DSCA). The HIMSS Analytics EMRAM score was used to define a Dutch hospital's electronic medical records (EMR) capabilities while the DSCA was used to profile colorectal surgery quality outcomes (specifically total length of stay (LOS) in the hospital and the LOS in ICU). A total of 73 hospitals with a valid EMRAM score and associated DSCA patients (n = 30.358) during the study period (2012-2014) were included in the comparative set. A multivariate regression method was used to test differences adjusted for case mix, year of surgery, surgical technique and for complications, as well as stratifying for academic affiliated hospitals and general hospitals. A significant negative association was observed to exist between the total LOS (relative median LOS 0,974, CI 95% 0.959-0,989) of patients treated in advanced EMR hospitals (high EMRAM score cohort) versus patients treated at less advanced EMR care settings, once the data was adjusted for the case mix, year of surgery and type of surgery (laparoscopy or laparotomy). Adjusting for complications in a subgroup of general hospitals (n = 39) yielded essentially the same results (relative median LOS 0,934, CI 95% 0,915-0,954). No consistent significant associations were found with respect to LOS on the ICU. The findings of this study suggest advanced EMR capabilities support a healthcare provider's efforts to achieve desired quality outcomes and efficiency in Western European hospitals.

Dutch guideline for clinical foetal-neonatal and paediatric post-mortem radiology, including a review of literature.

PubMed

Sonnemans, L J P; Vester, M E M; Kolsteren, E E M; Erwich, J J H M; Nikkels, P G J; Kint, P A M; van Rijn, R R; Klein, W M

2018-06-01

Clinical post-mortem radiology is a relatively new field of expertise and not common practice in most hospitals yet. With the declining numbers of autopsies and increasing demand for quality control of clinical care, post-mortem radiology can offer a solution, or at least be complementary. A working group consisting of radiologists, pathologists and other clinical medical specialists reviewed and evaluated the literature on the diagnostic value of post-mortem conventional radiography (CR), ultrasonography, computed tomography (PMCT), magnetic resonance imaging (PMMRI), and minimally invasive autopsy (MIA). Evidence tables were built and subsequently a Dutch national evidence-based guideline for post-mortem radiology was developed. We present this evaluation of the radiological modalities in a clinical post-mortem setting, including MIA, as well as the recently published Dutch guidelines for post-mortem radiology in foetuses, neonates, and children. In general, for post-mortem radiology modalities, PMMRI is the modality of choice in foetuses, neonates, and infants, whereas PMCT is advised in older children. There is a limited role for post-mortem CR and ultrasonography. In most cases, conventional autopsy will remain the diagnostic method of choice. Based on a literature review and clinical expertise, an evidence-based guideline was developed for post-mortem radiology of foetal, neonatal, and paediatric patients. What is Known: • Post-mortem investigations serve as a quality check for the provided health care and are important for reliable epidemiological registration. • Post-mortem radiology, sometimes combined with minimally invasive techniques, is considered as an adjunct or alternative to autopsy. What is New: • We present the Dutch guidelines for post-mortem radiology in foetuses, neonates and children. • Autopsy remains the reference standard, however minimal invasive autopsy with a skeletal survey, post-mortem computed tomography, or post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging can be complementary thereof.

Patients' evaluation of quality of care in general practice: what are the cultural and linguistic barriers?

PubMed

Harmsen, J A M; Bernsen, R M D; Bruijnzeels, M A; Meeuwesen, L

2008-07-01

Increased migration implies increased contacts for physicians with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds who have different expectations about healthcare. How satisfied are immigrant patients, and how do they perceive the quality of care? This study investigated which patient characteristics (such as cultural views and language proficiency) are related to patients' satisfaction and perceived quality of care. Patients (n=663) from 38 general practices in Rotterdam (The Netherlands) were interviewed. General satisfaction with the general practitioner (GP) was measured by a report mark. Perceived quality of care was measured using the 'Quote-mi' scale (quality of care through the patient's eyes-for migrants), which contains an ethnic-specific subscale and a communication process subscale. Using multilevel regression techniques, the relation between patient characteristics (ethnicity, age, education, Dutch language proficiency, cultural views) and satisfaction and perceived quality of care was analysed. In general, patients seemed fairly satisfied. Non-Western patients perceived less quality of care and were less satisfied than Dutch-born patients. The older the patients and the more modern cultural views they had, the more satisfied they were about the GP in general, as well as about the communication process. However, non-Western patients holding more modern views were the most critical regarding the ethnic-specific quality items. The poorer patients' Dutch language proficiency, the more negative they were about the communication process. It is concluded that next to communication aspects, especially when the patient's proficiency in Dutch is poor, physician awareness about the patient's cultural views is very important during the consultation. This holds especially true when the immigrant patient seems to be more or less acculturated. Medical students and physicians should be trained to become aware of the relevance of patients' different cultural backgrounds. It is also recommended to offer facilities to bridge the language barrier, by making use of interpreters or cultural mediators.

Exploring methods for comparing the real-world effectiveness of treatments for osteoporosis: adjusted direct comparisons versus using patients as their own control.

PubMed

Karlsson, Linda; Mesterton, Johan; Tepie, Maurille Feudjo; Intorcia, Michele; Overbeek, Jetty; Ström, Oskar

2017-09-21

Using Swedish and Dutch registry data for women initiating bisphosphonates, we evaluated two methods of comparing the real-world effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments that attempt to adjust for differences in patient baseline characteristics. Each method has advantages and disadvantages; both are potential complements to clinical trial analyses. We evaluated methods of comparing the real-world effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments that attempt to adjust for both observed and unobserved confounding. Swedish and Dutch registry data for women initiating zoledronate or oral bisphosphonates (OBPs; alendronate/risedronate) were used; the primary outcome was fracture. In adjusted direct comparisons (ADCs), regression and matching techniques were used to account for baseline differences in known risk factors for fracture (e.g., age, previous fracture, comorbidities). In an own-control analysis (OCA), for each treatment, fracture incidence in the first 90 days following treatment initiation (the baseline risk period) was compared with fracture incidence in the 1-year period starting 91 days after treatment initiation (the treatment exposure period). In total, 1196 and 149 women initiating zoledronate and 14,764 and 25,058 initiating OBPs were eligible in the Swedish and Dutch registries, respectively. Owing to the small Dutch zoledronate sample, only the Swedish data were used to compare fracture incidences between treatment groups. ADCs showed a numerically higher fracture incidence in the zoledronate than in the OBPs group (hazard ratio 1.09-1.21; not statistically significant, p > 0.05). For both treatment groups, OCA showed a higher fracture incidence in the baseline risk period than in the treatment exposure period, indicating a treatment effect. OCA showed a similar or greater effect in the zoledronate group compared with the OBPs group. ADC and OCA each possesses advantages and disadvantages. Combining both methods may provide an estimate of real-world treatment efficacy that could potentially complement clinical trial findings.

Time-frequency characterisation of paediatric heart sounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, Terence Sze-Tat

1998-08-01

The operation of the heart can be monitored by the sounds it emits. Structural defects or malfunction of the heart valves will cause additional abnormal sounds such as murmurs and ejection clicks. This thesis aims to characterise the heart sounds of three groups of children who either have an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), or are normal. Two aspects of heart sounds have been specifically investigated; the time-frequency analysis of systolic murmurs and the identification of splitting patterns in the second heart sound. The analysis is based on 42 paediatric heart sound recordings. Murmurs are sounds generated by turbulent flow of blood in the heart. They can be found in patients with both pathological and non-pathological conditions. The acoustic quality of the murmurs generated in each heart condition are different. The first aspect of this work is to characterise the three types of murmurs in the time- frequency domain. Modern time-frequency methods including, the Wigner-Ville Distribution, Smoothed Pseudo Wigner-Ville Distribution, Choi-Williams Distribution and spectrogram have been applied to characterise the murmurs. It was found that the three classes of murmurs exhibited different signatures in their time-frequency representations. By performing Discriminant Analysis, it was shown that spectral features extracted from the time- frequency representations can be used to distinguish between the three classes. The second aspect of the research is to identify splitting patterns in the second heart sound, which consists of two acoustic components due to the closure of the aortic valve and pulmonary valve. The aortic valve usually closes before the pulmonary valve, introducing a time delay known as 'split'. The split normally varies in duration over the respiratory cycle. In certain pathologies such as the ASD, the split becomes fixed over the respiration cycle. A technique based on adaptive signal decomposition is developed to measure the split and hence to identify the splitting pattern as either 'variable' or 'fixed'. This work has successfully characterised the murmurs and splitting patterns in the three groups of patients. Features extracted can be used for diagnostic purposes.

Incentive and Architecture of Multi-Band Enabled Small Cell and UE for Up-/Down-Link and Control-/User-Plane Splitting for 5G Mobile Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Rony Kumer; Aswakul, Chaodit

2017-01-01

In this paper, a multi-band enabled femtocell base station (FCBS) and user equipment (UE) architecture is proposed in a multi-tier network that consists of small cells, including femtocells and picocells deployed over the coverage of a macrocell for splitting uplink and downlink (UL/DL) as well as control-plane and user-plane (C-/U-plane) for 5G mobile networks. Since splitting is performed at the same FCBS, we define this architecture as the same base station based split architecture (SBSA). For multiple bands, we consider co-channel (CC) microwave and different frequency (DF) 60 GHz millimeter wave (mmWave) bands for FCBSs and UEs with respect to the microwave band used by their over-laid macrocell base station. All femtocells are assumed to be deployed in a 3-dimensional multi-storage building. For CC microwave band, cross-tier CC interference of femtocells with macrocell is avoided using almost blank subframe based enhanced inter-cell interference coordination techniques. The co-existence of CC microwave and DF mmWave bands for SBSA on the same FCBS and UE is first studied to show their performance disparities in terms of system capacity and spectral efficiency in order to provide incentives for employing multiple bands at the same FCBS and UE and identify a suitable band for routing decoupled UL/DL or C-/U-plane traffic. We then present a number of disruptive architectural design alternatives of multi-band enabled SBSA for 5G mobile networks for UL/DL and C-/U-plane splitting, including a disruptive and complete splitting of UL/DL and C-/U-plane as well as a combined UL/DL and C-/U-plane splitting, by exploiting dual connectivity on CC microwave and DF mmWave bands. The outperformances of SBSA in terms of system level capacity, average spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, and control-plane overhead traffic capacity in comparison with different base stations based split architecture (DBSA) are shown. Finally, a number of technical and business perspectives as well as key research issues of SBSA are discussed.

Study of radar pulse compression for high resolution satellite altimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dooley, R. P.; Nathanson, F. E.; Brooks, L. W.

1974-01-01

Pulse compression techniques are studied which are applicable to a satellite altimeter having a topographic resolution of + 10 cm. A systematic design procedure is used to determine the system parameters. The performance of an optimum, maximum likelihood processor is analysed, which provides the basis for modifying the standard split-gate tracker to achieve improved performance. Bandwidth considerations lead to the recommendation of a full deramp STRETCH pulse compression technique followed by an analog filter bank to separate range returns. The implementation of the recommended technique is examined.

Self-interference of split HOLZ line (SIS-HOLZ) for z-dependent atomic displacement measurement: Theoretical discussion.

PubMed

Norouzpour, Mana; Rakhsha, Ramtin; Herring, Rodney

2017-06-01

A characteristic of the majority of semiconductors is the presence of lattice strain varying with the nanometer scale. Strain originates from the lattice mismatch between layers of different composition deposited during epitaxial growth. Strain can increase the mobility of the charge carriers by the band gap reduction. So, measuring atomic displacement inside crystals is an important field of interest in semiconductor industry. Among all available transmission electron microscopy techniques offering nano-scale resolution measurements, convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) patterns show the highest sensitivity to the atomic displacement. Higher Order Laue Zone (HOLZ) lines split by small non-uniform variations of lattice constant allowing to measure the atomic displacement through the crystal. However, it could only reveal the atomic displacement in two dimensions, i.e., within the x-y plane of the thin film of TEM specimen. The z-axis atomic displacement which is along the path of the electron beam has been missing. This information can be obtained by recovering the phase information across the split HOLZ line using the self-interference of the split HOLZ line (SIS-HOLZ). In this work, we report the analytical approach used to attain the phase profile across the split HOLZ line. The phase profile is studied for three different atomic displacement fields in the Si substrate at 80nm away from its interface with Si/Si 0.8 Ge 0.2 superlattices. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Introducing an experimental split-cylinder to study flows with geophysical interest: First steps and first results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez-Garcia, Jesus O.; Burguete, Javier

2017-11-01

A new experimental setup has been developed in order to study rotating flows. Our research is derived from the experiments carried out in our group relating to this kind of flows, and the setup is inspired by the simulations performed by Lopez & Gutierrez-Castillo using a split-cylinder flow. In their work they study the different bifurcations taking place into the flow, among others, finding inertial waves in different configurations of the movement of the split-cylinder. Our setup consists in a split-cylinder in which each half can move in co-rotation or in counter-rotation. Moreover, we can set the rotation velocity of each half independently in order to study these different configurations of the flow. The aspect ratio defined as Γ = H / R can be modified, where H is the internal length of the cylinder and R is its radius. With this setup, we study the flow developed inside the split-cylinder depending on the Reynolds number like the different symmetry-breaking that should appear according to Lopez & Gutierrez-Castillo. To obtain the experimental data we use both laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques. The firsts results got are in the co-rotation case rotating one half faster than the other. We acknowledge support from Spanish Government Grant FIS 2014-54101-P. Jesús O. Rodríguez-García acknowledge research Grant from Asociación de Amigos de la Universidad de Navarra.

[Pre-trial psychiatric reports on Antillean suspected offenders in the Netherlands and on the Dutch Antilles].

PubMed

Vinkers, D J; Heytel, F G M; Matroos, G M; Hermans, K M; Hoek, H W

2010-01-01

The registered criminality among Antilleans living in the Netherlands is much higher than among Antilleans living on the Dutch Antilles (113 offences and 11 offences respectively, per year per 1000 persons, p<0.001). To compare the prevalence of psychiatric disturbances among Antillean suspected offenders in the Netherlands (n=989) and on the Dutch Antilles (n=199) between 2000 and 2006. A careful study was made of pre-trial psychiatric reports on Antillean suspected offenders (referred to as suspects) in the Netherlands and of comparable reports on Antillean suspects on the Dutch Antilles. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of mental disorders among Antillean suspects in the Netherlands (22.3%) and on the Dutch Antilles (20.3%). Abuse of drugs and cannabis was more prevalent on the Dutch Antilles where treatment for addiction is less frequently available than in the Netherlands. Mental retardation was ascertained more often among Antilleans in the Netherlands (22.4%) than among Antilleans on the Dutch Antilles (15.1%). Antillean suspects on the Dutch Antilles were more often found to be fully responsible for their actions than were Antillean suspects in the Netherlands (65.3% versus 19.1%, p<0.001) There was no significant difference in the frequency of ‘strongly diminished responsibility' and ‘a total lack of responsibility'. On the basis of the pre-trail assessments there seems to be little difference in the prevalence of mental disorders in Antillean suspects in the Netherlands and on the Dutch Antilles.

Validity and reliability of the Dutch translation of the VISA-P questionnaire for patellar tendinopathy.

PubMed

Zwerver, Johannes; Kramer, Tamara; van den Akker-Scheek, Inge

2009-08-11

The VISA-P questionnaire evaluates severity of symptoms, knee function and ability to play sports in athletes with patellar tendinopathy. This English-language self-administered brief patient outcome score was developed in Australia to monitor rehabilitation and to evaluate outcome of clinical studies. Aim of this study was to translate the questionnaire into Dutch and to study the reliability and validity of the Dutch version of the VISA-P. The questionnaire was translated into Dutch according to internationally recommended guidelines. Test-retest reliability was determined in 99 students with a time interval of 2.5 weeks. To determine discriminative validity of the Dutch VISA-P, 18 healthy students, 15 competitive volleyball players (at-risk population), 14 patients with patellar tendinopathy, 6 patients who had surgery for patellar tendinopathy, 17 patients with knee injuries other than patellar tendinopathy, and 9 patients with symptoms unrelated to their knees completed the Dutch VISA-P. The Dutch VISA-P questionnaire showed satisfactory test-retest reliability (ICC=0.74). The mean (+/-SD) VISA-P scores were 95 (+/-9) for the healthy students, 89 (+/-11) for the volleyball players, 58 (+/-19) for patients with patellar tendinopathy, and 56 (+/-21) for athletes who had surgery for patellar tendinopathy. Patients with other knee injuries or symptoms unrelated to the knee scored 62 (+/-24) and 77 (+/-24). The translated Dutch version of the VISA-P questionnaire is equivalent to its original version, has satisfactory test-retest reliability and is a valid score to evaluate symptoms, knee function and ability to play sports of Dutch athletes with patellar tendinopathy.

Splitting a colon geometry with multiplanar clipping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahn, David K.; Vining, David J.; Ge, Yaorong; Stelts, David R.

1998-06-01

Virtual colonoscopy, a recent three-dimensional (3D) visualization technique, has provided radiologists with a unique diagnostic tool. Using this technique, a radiologist can examine the internal morphology of a patient's colon by navigating through a surface-rendered model that is constructed from helical computed tomography image data. Virtual colonoscopy can be used to detect early forms of colon cancer in a way that is less invasive and expensive compared to conventional endoscopy. However, the common approach of 'flying' through the colon lumen to visually search for polyps is tedious and time-consuming, especially when a radiologist loses his or her orientation within the colon. Furthermore, a radiologist's field of view is often limited by the 3D camera position located inside the colon lumen. We have developed a new technique, called multi-planar geometry clipping, that addresses these problems. Our algorithm divides a complex colon anatomy into several smaller segments, and then splits each of these segments in half for display on a static medium. Multi-planar geometry clipping eliminates virtual colonoscopy's dependence upon expensive, real-time graphics workstations by enabling radiologists to globally inspect the entire internal surface of the colon from a single viewpoint.

Fractional-N phase-locked loop for split and direct automatic frequency control in A-GPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Chester Sungchung; Park, Sungkyung

2018-07-01

A low-power mixed-signal phase-locked loop (PLL) is modelled and designed for the DigRF interface between the RF chip and the modem chip. An assisted-GPS or A-GPS multi-standard system includes the DigRF interface and uses the split automatic frequency control (AFC) technique. The PLL circuitry uses the direct AFC technique and is based on the fractional-N architecture using a digital delta-sigma modulator along with a digital counter, fulfilling simple ultra-high-resolution AFC with robust digital circuitry and its timing. Relative to the output frequency, the measured AFC resolution or accuracy is <5 parts per billion (ppb) or on the order of a Hertz. The cycle-to-cycle rms jitter is <6 ps and the typical settling time is <30 μs. A spur reduction technique is adopted and implemented as well, demonstrating spur reduction without employing dithering. The proposed PLL includes a low-leakage phase-frequency detector, a low-drop-out regulator, power-on-reset circuitry and precharge circuitry. The PLL is implemented in a 90-nm CMOS process technology with 1.2 V single supply. The overall PLL draws about 1.1 mA from the supply.

MR Fingerprinting Using The Quick Echo Splitting NMR Imaging Technique

PubMed Central

Jiang, Yun; Ma, Dan; Jerecic, Renate; Duerk, Jeffrey; Seiberlich, Nicole; Gulani, Vikas; Griswold, Mark A.

2016-01-01

Purpose The purpose of the study is to develop a quantitative method for the relaxation properties with a reduced radio frequency (RF) power deposition by combining Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) technique with Quick Echo Splitting NMR Imaging Technique (QUEST). Methods A QUEST-based MRF sequence was implemented to acquire high order echoes by increasing the gaps between RF pulses. Bloch simulations were used to calculate a dictionary containing the range of physically plausible signal evolutions using a range of T1 and T2 values based on the pulse sequence. MRF-QUEST was evaluated by comparing to the results of spin-echo methods. The SAR of QUEST-MRF was compared to the clinically available methods. Results MRF-QUEST quantifies the relaxation properties with good accuracy at the estimated head Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 0.03 W/kg. T1 and T2 values estimated by MRF-QUEST are in good agreement with the traditional methods. Conclusion The combination of the MRF and the QUEST provides an accurate quantification of T1 and T2 simultaneously with reduced RF power deposition. The resulting lower SAR may provide a new acquisition strategy for MRF when RF energy deposition is problematic. PMID:26924639

The Effect of Lateral-Directional Control Coupling on Pilot Control of an Airplane as Determined in Flight and in a Fixed-Base Flight Simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vomaske, Richard F.; Sadoff, Melvin; Drinkwater, Fred J., III

1961-01-01

A flight and fixed-base simulator study was made of the effects of aileron-induced yaw on pilot opinion of aircraft lateral-directional controllability characteristics. A wide range of adverse and favorable aileron-induced yaw was investigated in flight at several levels of Dutch-roll damping. The flight results indicated that the optimum values of aileron- induced yaw differed only slightly from zero for Dutch-roll damping from satisfactory to marginally controllable levels. It was also shown that each range of values of aileron-induced yawing moment considered satisfactory, acceptable, or controllable increased with an increase in the Dutch- roll damping. The increase was most marked for marginally controllable configurations exhibiting favorable aileron-induced yaw. Comparison of fixed-base flight simulator results with flight results showed agreement, indicating that absence of kinesthetic motion cues did not markedly affect the pilots' evaluation of the type of control problem considered in this study. The results of the flight study were recast in terms of several parameters which were considered to have an important effect on pilot opinion of lateral-directional handling qualities, including the effects of control coupling. Results of brief tests with a three-axis side-arm controller indicated that for control coupling problems associated with highly favorable yaw and cross-control techniques, use of the three-axis controller resulted in a deterioration of control relative to results obtained with the conventional center stick and rudder pedals.

Basic haemoglobinopathy diagnostics in Dutch laboratories; providing an informative test result.

PubMed

Kaufmann, J O; Smit, J W; Huisman, W; Idema, R N; Bakker, E; Giordano, P C

2013-08-01

After a first survey in 2001, the Dutch Association of Hematological Laboratory Research (VHL) advised its members to adopt a basic protocol for haemoglobinopathy carrier detection and to provide genetic information with all positive results to allow health-care professionals to inform carriers about potential genetic risks. This article reports on the compliance with these recommendations and their consequences. Clinical chemists of all 106 Dutch laboratories were invited to answer a survey on patient population, diagnostic techniques used, (self-reported) knowledge, use and effect of the additional information. The average increase in diagnostic output was over 60% and the recommended basic protocol was applied by 65% of the laboratories. Over 84% of the laboratories reported to be aware of the additional recommendations and 77% to be using them. Most laboratories with limited diagnostic requests were still sending their cases to other laboratories and included the genetic information received from these laboratories in their diagnostic reports. The effect of information on subsequent 'family analysis' was estimated to be between 26 and 50%. The present study shows an increase in diagnostic potential for haemoglobinopathy over the last decade, especially in the larger cities. Low 'family testing' rates were mostly found in areas with lower carrier prevalence or associated with local reluctance to pass the information to carriers. In spite of a dramatic improvement, too many carriers are still not informed because of lack of awareness among health-care providers and more education is needed. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Study of steel crack resistance under dynamic loading and temperature range 20-300 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novikov, S. A.; Pushkov, V. A.

1996-05-01

The paper describes an experimental technique to measure crack resistance (plane stress-intensity factor) K1C of structural materials at loading rates up to 2ṡ106MPaṡm1/2ṡs-1 and temperatures 20-300 °C. This technique is based on the known Kolsky method using split Hopkinson bars. The tests were performed using compact WOL-specimens of steel St.3.

Overview of the relevant CFD work at Thiokol Corporation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chwalowski, Pawel; Loh, Hai-Tien

1992-01-01

An in-house developed proprietary advanced computational fluid dynamics code called SHARP (Trademark) is a primary tool for many flow simulations and design analyses. The SHARP code is a time dependent, two dimensional (2-D) axisymmetric numerical solution technique for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The solution technique in SHARP uses a vectorizable implicit, second order accurate in time and space, finite volume scheme based on an upwind flux-difference splitting of a Roe-type approximated Riemann solver, Van Leer's flux vector splitting, and a fourth order artificial dissipation scheme with a preconditioning to accelerate the flow solution. Turbulence is simulated by an algebraic model, and ultimately the kappa-epsilon model. Some other capabilities of the code are 2-D two-phase Lagrangian particle tracking and cell blockages. Extensive development and testing has been conducted on the 3-D version of the code with flow, combustion, and turbulence interactions. The emphasis here is on the specific applications of SHARP in Solid Rocket Motor design. Information is given in viewgraph form.

Potential-sensing electrochemical atomic force microscopy for in operando analysis of water-splitting catalysts and interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nellist, Michael R.; Laskowski, Forrest A. L.; Qiu, Jingjing; Hajibabaei, Hamed; Sivula, Kevin; Hamann, Thomas W.; Boettcher, Shannon W.

2018-01-01

Heterogeneous electrochemical phenomena, such as (photo)electrochemical water splitting to generate hydrogen using semiconductors and/or electrocatalysts, are driven by the accumulated charge carriers and thus the interfacial electrochemical potential gradients that promote charge transfer. However, measurements of the "surface" electrochemical potential during operation are not generally possible using conventional electrochemical techniques, which measure/control the potential of a conducting electrode substrate. Here we show that the nanoscale conducting tip of an atomic force microscope cantilever can sense the surface electrochemical potential of electrocatalysts in operando. To demonstrate utility, we measure the potential-dependent and thickness-dependent electronic properties of cobalt (oxy)hydroxide phosphate (CoPi). We then show that CoPi, when deposited on illuminated haematite (α-Fe2O3) photoelectrodes, acts as both a hole collector and an oxygen evolution catalyst. We demonstrate the versatility of the technique by comparing surface potentials of CoPi-decorated planar and mesoporous haematite and discuss viability for broader application in the study of electrochemical phenomena.

Hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanowire arrays: fine tuning by precursor supersaturation

DOE PAGES

Yan, Danhua; Cen, Jiajie; Zhang, Wenrui; ...

2016-12-20

In this paper, we develop a technique that fine tunes the hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanowires to address the difficulties in controlling their growth in a conventional one-pot hydrothermal method. In our technique, precursors are separately and slowly supplied with the assistance of a syringe pump, through the entire course of the growth. Compared to the one-pot method, the significantly lowered supersaturation of precursors helps eliminating competitive homogeneous nucleation and improves the reproducibility. The supersaturation degree can be readily tuned by the precursor quantity and injection rate, thus forming ZnO nanowire arrays of various geometries and packing densities in amore » highly controllable fashion. The precise control of ZnO nanowire growth enables systematic studies on the correlation between the material's properties and its morphology. Finally, in this work, ZnO nanowire arrays of various morphologies are studied as photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting photoanodes, in which we establish clear correlations between the water splitting performance and the nanowires' size, shape, and packing density.« less

An application of digital image processing techniques to the characterization of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) spray

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Y. L.; Xu, B. Y.; Cai, S. L.

2006-12-01

To control fuel injection, optimize combustion and reduce emissions for LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) engines, it is necessary and important to understand the characteristics of LPG sprays. The present work investigates the geometry of LPG sprays, including spray tip penetration, spray angle, projected spray area and spray volume, by using schlieren photography and digital image processing techniques. Two types of single nozzle injectors were studied, with the same nozzle diameter, but one with and one without a double-hole flow-split head. A code developed to analyse the results directly from the digitized images is shown to be more accurate and efficient than manual measurement and analysis. Test results show that a higher injection pressure produces a longer spray tip penetration, a larger projected spray area and spray volume, but a smaller spray cone angle. The injector with the double-hole split-head nozzle produces better atomization and shorter tip penetration at medium and late injection times, but longer tip penetration in the early stage.

Spatial mapping and statistical reproducibility of an array of 256 one-dimensional quantum wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Taie, H.; Smith, L. W.; Lesage, A. A. J.; See, P.; Griffiths, J. P.; Beere, H. E.; Jones, G. A. C.; Ritchie, D. A.; Kelly, M. J.; Smith, C. G.

2015-08-01

We utilize a multiplexing architecture to measure the conductance properties of an array of 256 split gates. We investigate the reproducibility of the pinch off and one-dimensional definition voltage as a function of spatial location on two different cooldowns, and after illuminating the device. The reproducibility of both these properties on the two cooldowns is high, the result of the density of the two-dimensional electron gas returning to a similar state after thermal cycling. The spatial variation of the pinch-off voltage reduces after illumination; however, the variation of the one-dimensional definition voltage increases due to an anomalous feature in the center of the array. A technique which quantifies the homogeneity of split-gate properties across the array is developed which captures the experimentally observed trends. In addition, the one-dimensional definition voltage is used to probe the density of the wafer at each split gate in the array on a micron scale using a capacitive model.

Mechanical and photoelastic analysis of conventional screws and cannulated screws for sagittal split osteotomy fixation: a comparative study.

PubMed

Lima, Cristina Jardelino de; Falci, Saulo Gabriel Moreira; Rodrigues, Danillo Costa; Marchiori, Érica Cristina; Moreira, Roger Willian Fernandes

2015-12-01

The aim of the present study was to use mechanical and photoelastic tests to compare the performance of cannulated screws with solid-core screws in sagittal split osteotomy fixation. Ten polyurethane mandibles, with a prefabricated sagittal split ramus osteotomy, were fixed with an L inverted technique and allocated to each group as follows: cannulated screw group (CSG), fixed with three 2.3-cannulated screws; and solid-core screw group (SCSG), fixed with three 2.3-solid-core screws. Vertical linear loading tests were performed. The differences between mean values were analyzed through T test for independent samples. The photoelastic test was carried out using a polariscope. The results revealed differences between the two groups only at 1 mm of displacement, in which the cannulated-screw revealed more resistance. Photoelastic test showed higher stress concentration close to mandibular branch in the solid-core group. Cannulated screws performed better than solid-core ones in a mechanical test at 1-mm displacement and photoelastic tests.

Potential-splitting approach applied to the Temkin-Poet model for electron scattering off the hydrogen atom and the helium ion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yarevsky, E.; Yakovlev, S. L.; Larson, Å; Elander, N.

2015-06-01

The study of scattering processes in few body systems is a difficult problem especially if long range interactions are involved. In order to solve such problems, we develop here a potential-splitting approach for three-body systems. This approach is based on splitting the reaction potential into a finite range core part and a long range tail part. The solution to the Schrödinger equation for the long range tail Hamiltonian is found analytically, and used as an incoming wave in the three body scattering problem. This reformulation of the scattering problem makes it suitable for treatment by the exterior complex scaling technique in the sense that the problem after the complex dilation is reduced to a boundary value problem with zero boundary conditions. We illustrate the method with calculations on the electron scattering off the hydrogen atom and the positive helium ion in the frame of the Temkin-Poet model.

In-orbit performance of the ITOS improved attitude control system with Hall generator brushless motor and earth-splitting technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peacock, W. M.

1973-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), launched ITOS-D with an improved attitude control system. A Hall generator brushless dc torque motor replaced the brush dc torque motor on Tiros-M and ITOS-A. Two CO2 attitude horizon sensors and one mirror replaced the four wideband horizon sensors and two mirrors on ITOS-1 and NOAA-1. Redundant pitch-control electronic boxes containing additional electronic circuitry for earth-splitting and brushless motor electronics were used. A method of generating a spacecraft earth-facing side reference for comparison to the time occurrence of the earth-splitting pulse was used to automatically correct pitch-attitude error. A single rotating flywheel, supported by a single bearing, provided gyroscopic stability and the required momentum interchange to keep one side of the satellite facing the earth. Magnetic torquing against the earth's magnetic field eliminated the requirement for expendable propellants which would limit satellite life in orbit.

Application of photon Doppler velocimetry to direct impact Hopkinson pressure bars

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

Lea, Lewis J., E-mail: ll379@cam.ac.uk; Jardine, Andrew P.

2016-02-15

Direct impact Hopkinson pressure bar systems offer many potential advantages over split Hopkinson pressure bars, including access to higher strain rates, higher strains for equivalent striker velocity and system length, lower dispersion, and faster achievement of force equilibrium. Currently, these advantages are gained at the expense of all information about the striker impacted specimen face, preventing the experimental determination of force equilibrium, and requiring approximations to be made on the sample deformation history. In this paper, we discuss an experimental method and complementary data analysis for using photon Doppler velocimetry to measure surface velocities of the striker and output barsmore » in a direct impact bar experiment, allowing similar data to be recorded as in a split bar system. We discuss extracting velocity and force measurements, and the precision of measurements. Results obtained using the technique are compared to equivalent split bar tests, showing improved stress measurements for the lowest and highest strains in fully dense metals, and improvement for all strains in slow and non-equilibrating materials.« less

The rotating spectrometer: Biotechnology for cell separations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noever, David A.

1991-01-01

An instrument for biochemical studies, called the rotating spectrometer, separates previously inseparable cell cultures. The rotating spectrometer is intended for use in pharmacological studies which require fractional splitting of heterogeneous cell cultures based on cell morphology and swimming behavior. As a method to separate and concentrate cells in free solution, the rotating method requires active organism participation and can effectively split the large class of organisms known to form spontaneous patterns. Examples include the biochemical star, an organism called Tetrahymena pyriformis. Following focusing in a rotating frame, the separation is accomplished using different radial dependencies of concentrated algal and protozoan species. The focusing itself appears as concentric rings and arises from the coupling between swimming direction and Coriolis forces. A dense cut is taken at varying radii, and extraction is replenished at an inlet. Unlike standard separation and concentrating techniques such as filtration or centrifugation, the instrument is able to separate motile from immotile fractions. For a single pass, typical split efficiencies can reach 200 to 300 percent compared to the inlet concentration.

The rotating spectrometer: New biotechnology for cell separations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noever, David A.; Matsos, Helen C.

1990-01-01

An instrument for biochemical studies, called the rotating spectrometer, separates previously inseparable cell cultures. The rotating spectrometer is intended for use in pharmacological studies which require fractional splitting of heterogeneous cell cultures based on cell morphology and swimming behavior. As a method to separate and concentrate cells in free solution, the rotating method requires active organism participation and can effectively split the large class of organisms known to form spontaneous patterns. Examples include the biochemical star, an organism called Tetrahymena pyriformis. Following focusing in a rotated frame, the separation is accomplished using different radial dependencies of concentrated algal and protozoan species. The focusing itself appears as concentric rings and arises from the coupling between swimming direction and Coriolis forces. A dense cut is taken at varying radii and extraction is replenished at an inlet. Unlike standard separation and concentrating techniques such as filtration or centrifugation, the instrument is able to separate motile from immotile fractions. For a single pass, typical split efficiencies can reach 200 to 300 percent compared to the inlet concentration.

Electrodeposition of Ni-Mo alloy coatings for water splitting reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shetty, Akshatha R.; Hegde, Ampar Chitharanjan

2018-04-01

The present study reports the development of Ni-Mo alloy coatings for water splitting applications, using a citrate bath the inducing effect of Mo (reluctant metal) on electrodeposition, its relationship with their electrocatalytic efficiency were studied. The alkaline water splitting efficiency of Ni-Mo alloy coatings, for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction were tested using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronopotentiometry (CP) techniques. Moreover, the practical utility of these electrode materials were evaluated by measuring the amount of H2 and O2 gas evolved. The variation in electrocatalytic activity with composition, structure, and morphology of the coatings were examined using XRD, SEM, and EDS analyses. The experimental results showed that Ni-Mo alloy coating is the best electrode material for alkaline HER and OER reactions, at lower and higher deposition current densities (c. d.'s) respectively. This behavior is attributed by decreased Mo and increased Ni content of the alloy coating and the number of electroactive centers.

Generation and control of polarization-entangled photons from GaAs island quantum dots by an electric field.

PubMed

Ghali, Mohsen; Ohtani, Keita; Ohno, Yuzo; Ohno, Hideo

2012-02-07

Semiconductor quantum dots are potential sources for generating polarization-entangled photons efficiently. The main prerequisite for such generation based on biexciton-exciton cascaded emission is to control the exciton fine-structure splitting. Among various techniques investigated for this purpose, an electric field is a promising means to facilitate the integration into optoelectronic devices. Here we demonstrate the generation of polarization-entangled photons from single GaAs quantum dots by an electric field. In contrast to previous studies, which were limited to In(Ga)As quantum dots, GaAs island quantum dots formed by a thickness fluctuation were used because they exhibit a larger oscillator strength and emit light with a shorter wavelength. A forward voltage was applied to a Schottky diode to control the fine-structure splitting. We observed a decrease and suppression in the fine-structure splitting of the studied single quantum dot with the field, which enabled us to generate polarization-entangled photons with a high fidelity of 0.72 ± 0.05.

Cohort profile: design and first results of the Dutch IBD Biobank: a prospective, nationwide biobank of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

PubMed Central

Spekhorst, Lieke M; Imhann, Floris; Festen, Eleonora AM; van Bodegraven, Ad A; de Boer, Nanne KH; Bouma, Gerd; Fidder, Herma H; D’Haens, Geert; Hoentjen, Frank; Hommes, Daan W; de Jong, Dirk J; Löwenberg, Mark; Maljaars, PW Jeroen; van der Meulen-de Jong, Andrea E; Oldenburg, Bas; Pierik, Marieke J; Ponsioen, Cyriel Y; Stokkers, Pieter C; Verspaget, Hein W; Visschedijk, Marijn C; van der Woude, C Janneke; Dijkstra, Gerard; Weersma, Rinse K

2017-01-01

Purpose The Dutch IBD Biobank aims to facilitate the discovery of predictors for individual disease course and treatment response in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this paper, we aim to describe the establishment of the Dutch IBD Biobank, including the facilitators and barriers to establishment. Moreover, we aim to provide a complete overview of the content of the Dutch IBD Biobank. Participants Since 2007, every patient with IBD treated in one of the eight Dutch university medical centres is asked to participate in the Dutch IBD Biobank in which 225 standardised IBD-related data items and biomaterials, such as serum, DNA, biopsies and a stool sample, are collected. Findings to date As of June 2014, the Dutch IBD Biobank had enrolled 3388 patients with IBD: 2118 Crohn’s disease (62.5%), 1190 ulcerative colitis (35.1%), 74 IBD-unclassified (2.2%) and 6 IBD-indeterminate (0.2%). The inclusion of patients with IBD is ongoing. The quality of the biomaterials is good and serum, DNA and biopsies have been used in newly published studies. Future plans The genotyping (750 000 genetic variants) of all participants of the Dutch IBD Biobank is currently ongoing, enabling more genetic research. In addition, all participants will start reporting disease activity and outcome measures using an online platform and mobile app. PMID:29122790

Psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy in women with pregnancies ending in birth.

PubMed

Goossens, Joline; Verhaeghe, Sofie; Van Hecke, Ann; Barrett, Geraldine; Delbaere, Ilse; Beeckman, Dimitri

2018-01-01

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy in women with pregnancies ending in birth. A two-phase psychometric evaluation design was set-up. Phase I comprised the translation from English into Dutch and pretesting with 6 women using cognitive interviews. In phase II, the reliability and validity of the Dutch version of the LMUP was assessed in 517 women giving birth recently. Reliability (internal consistency) was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, inter-item correlations, and corrected item-total correlations. Construct validity was assessed using principal components analysis and hypothesis testing. Exploratory Mokken scale analysis was carried out. 517 women aged 15-45 completed the Dutch version of the LMUP. Reliability testing showed acceptable internal consistency (alpha = 0.74, positive inter-item correlations between all items, all corrected item-total correlations >0.20). Validity testing confirmed the unidimensional structure of the scale and all hypotheses were confirmed. The overall Loevinger's H coefficient was 0.57, representing a 'strong' scale. The Dutch version of the LMUP is a reliable and valid measure that can be used in the Dutch-speaking population in Belgium to assess pregnancy planning. Future research is necessary to assess the stability of the Dutch version of the LMUP, and to evaluate its psychometric properties in women with abortions.

Practice variation in the Dutch long-term care and the role of supply-sensitive care: Is access to the Dutch long-term care equitable?

PubMed

Duell, Daisy; Koolman, Xander; Portrait, France

2017-12-01

Universal access and generous coverage are important goals of the Dutch long-term care (LTC) system. It is a legal requirement that everyone eligible for LTC should be able to receive it. Institutional care (IC) made up for 90% of Dutch LTC spending. To investigate whether access to IC is as equitable as the Dutch government aspires, we explored practice variation in entitlements to IC across Dutch regions. We used a unique dataset that included all individual applications for Dutch LTC in January 2010-December 2013 (N = 3,373,358). This dataset enabled an accurate identification of the need for care. We examined the local variation in the probability of being granted long-term IC and in the intensity of the care granted given that individuals have applied for LTC. We also investigated whether the variation observed was related to differences in the local availability of care facilities. Although our analyses indicated the presence of some practice variation, its magnitude was very small by national and international standards (up to 3%). Only a minor part of the practice variation could be accounted for by local supply differences in care facilities. Overall, we conclude that, unlike many other developed countries, the Dutch system ensured equitable access to long-term IC. © 2017 The Authors. Health Economics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Trends in a life threatening condition: morbid obesity in dutch, Turkish and Moroccan children in The Netherlands.

PubMed

van Dommelen, Paula; Schönbeck, Yvonne; van Buuren, Stef; HiraSing, Remy A

2014-01-01

Morbid obesity can be a life threatening condition. The aim of our study is to assess the trend in morbid obesity in The Netherlands among children of Dutch origin since 1980, and among children of Turkish and Moroccan origin since 1997. Cross-sectional height and weight data of children of Dutch, Turkish and Moroccan origin aged 2-18 years were selected from three national Dutch Growth Studies performed in 1980, 1997 and 2009 (n = 54,814). Extended international (IOTF) cut-offs in childhood were used to define morbid obesity (obesity class II and III combined). The morbidity index for overweight was calculated as the prevalence of morbid obesity divided by the prevalence of overweight. Our study showed that the prevalence of morbid obesity in children of Dutch origin was 0.59% in boys and 0.53% in girls in 2009. Significant upward trends occurred since 1980 and 1997. The prevalence was three to four fold higher in Turkish children compared to Dutch children. The Turkish children also had an upward trend since 1997, but this was only statistically significant in boys. The prevalence of morbid obesity in Moroccan children was two to three fold higher than in Dutch children, but it remained almost stable between 1997 and 2009. The Dutch and Turkish children showed an upward trend in morbidity index for overweight since respectively 1980 and 1997, while the Moroccan children showed a downward trend since 1997. In 2009, children of low educated parents had the highest prevalence rates of morbid obesity; 1.06% in Dutch, 2.11% in Turkish and 1.41% in Moroccan children. An upward trend of morbid obesity in Dutch and Turkish children in The Netherlands occurred. Monitoring and reducing the prevalence of childhood morbid obesity is of high importance for these children, health care and the community.

Quinine, Malaria, and the Cinchona Bureau: Marketing Practices and Knowledge Circulation in a Dutch Transoceanic Cinchona–Quinine Enterprise (1920s–30s)

PubMed Central

Roersch Van Der Hoogte, Arjo; Pieters, Toine

2016-01-01

In this study, we will show how a Dutch pharmaceutical consortium of cinchona producers and quinine manufacturers was able to capitalize on one of the first international public health campaigns to fight malaria, thereby promoting the sale of quinine, an antimalarial medicine. During the 1920s and 1930s, the international markets for quinine were controlled by this Dutch consortium, which was a transoceanic cinchona–quinine enterprise centered in the Cinchona Bureau in the Netherlands. We will argue that during the interwar period, the Cinchona Bureau became the decision-making center of this Dutch cinchona–quinine pharmaceutical enterprise and monopolized the production and trade of an essential medicine. In addition, we will argue that capitalizing on the international public health campaign in the fight against malaria by the Dutch cinchona–quinine enterprise via the Cinchona Bureau can be regarded as an early example of corporate colonization of public health by a private pharmaceutical consortium. Furthermore, we will show how commercial interests prevailed over scientific interests within the Dutch cinchona–quinine consortium, thus interfering with and ultimately curtailing the transoceanic circulation of knowledge in the Dutch empire. PMID:26054829

Definition of colorectal anastomotic leakage: A consensus survey among Dutch and Chinese colorectal surgeons.

PubMed

van Rooijen, Stefanus J; Jongen, Audrey Chm; Wu, Zhou-Qiao; Ji, Jia-Fu; Slooter, Gerrit D; Roumen, Rudi Mh; Bouvy, Nicole D

2017-09-07

To determine the level of consensus on the definition of colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL) among Dutch and Chinese colorectal surgeons. Dutch and Chinese colorectal surgeons were asked to partake in an online questionnaire. Consensus in the online questionnaire was defined as > 80% agreement between respondents on various statements regarding a general definition of CAL, and regarding clinical and radiological diagnosis of the complication. Fifty-nine Dutch and 202 Chinese dedicated colorectal surgeons participated in the online survey. Consensus was found on only one of the proposed elements of a general definition of CAL in both countries: 'extravasation of contrast medium after rectal enema on a CT scan'. Another two were found relevant according to Dutch surgeons: 'necrosis of the anastomosis found during reoperation', and 'a radiological collection treated with percutaneous drainage'. No consensus was found for all other proposed elements that may be included in a general definition. There is no universally accepted definition of CAL in the Netherlands and China. Diagnosis of CAL based on clinical manifestations remains a point of discussion in both countries. Dutch surgeons are more likely to report 'subclinical' leaks as CAL, which partly explains the higher reported Dutch CAL rates.

Surgical Management of Laterognathia in Orthofacial Surgery.

PubMed

García Y Sánchez, J M; Gómez Rodríguez, C L; Romero Flores, J

2017-09-01

Each year around the world, various surgical procedures are carried out with the goal of correcting laterognathia; both the intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (OSB) have been the most used techniques in mandibular surgery. These techniques have advantages and disadvantages; for example the advantages of the OSB include: increased coefficient of friction between bony segments, for both the forward and the retroposition, as well as decrease in the time of intermaxillary fixation (IMF). Disadvantages include injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), hemorrhage, bad split, among others. The advantages of IVRO include decrease of possibility of injury to the IAN, ease of implementation of the technique, a lower incidence of hemorrhage and the short duration of the surgical procedure. Their disadvantages include: lower coefficient of friction between bony segments, requires a relatively long period of IMF. The combination between the techniques of mandibular osteotomy for the correction of minor 10 mm laterognathia is the ideal treatment, since it avoids potential recurrence. We describe two cases of patients with laterognathia greater than 6 mm associated with maxilla deformity, which were treated with combined osteotomies. At Maxillofacial Surgery Service, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center XXI Century, we describe the advantages and disadvantages, pre and postoperative nosocomial, by comparing them with the reports of the literature. The combination of techniques in the correction of laterognathias greater than 4 mm (smaller than 10 mm) is the ideal treatment, eliminating problems of articular compression, recurrence and damage to the alveolar nerve.

An AVHRR Cloud Classification Database Typed by Experts

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-10-01

analysis. Naval Research Laboratory, Monterey, CA. 110 pp. Gallaudet , Timothy C. and James J. Simpson, 1991: Automated cloud screening of AVHRR imagery...1987) and Saunders and Kriebel (1988a,b) have used threshold techniques to classify clouds. Gallaudet and Simpson (1991) have used split-and-merge

TWO-DIMENSIONAL MODELING OF AQUIFER REMEDIATION INFLUENCED BY SORPTION NONEQUILIBRIUM AND HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY HETEROGENEITY

EPA Science Inventory

A computational model was developed to simulate aquifer remediation by pump and treat for a confined, perfectly stratified aquifer. A split-operator finite element numerical technique was utilized to incorporate flow field heterogeneity and nonequilibrium sorption into a two-dime...

Construct Validity of the Dutch Version of the 12-Item Partners in Health Scale: Measuring Patient Self-Management Behaviour and Knowledge in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

PubMed Central

Lenferink, Anke; Effing, Tanja; Harvey, Peter; Battersby, Malcolm; Frith, Peter; van Beurden, Wendy; van der Palen, Job; Paap, Muirne C. S.

2016-01-01

Objective The 12-item Partners in Health scale (PIH) was developed in Australia to measure self-management behaviour and knowledge in patients with chronic diseases, and has undergone several changes. Our aim was to assess the construct validity and reliability of the latest PIH version in Dutch COPD patients. Methods The 12 items of the PIH, scored on a self-rated 9-point Likert scale, are used to calculate total and subscale scores (knowledge; coping; recognition and management of symptoms; and adherence to treatment). We used forward-backward translation of the latest version of the Australian PIH to define a Dutch PIH (PIH(Du)). Mokken Scale Analysis and common Factor Analysis were performed on data from a Dutch COPD sample to investigate the psychometric properties of the Dutch PIH; and to determine whether the four-subscale solution previously found for the original Australian PIH could be replicated for the Dutch PIH. Results Two subscales were found for the Dutch PIH data (n = 118); 1) knowledge and coping; 2) recognition and management of symptoms, adherence to treatment. The correlation between the two Dutch subscales was 0.43. The lower-bound of the reliability of the total scale equalled 0.84. Factor analysis indicated that the first two factors explained a larger percentage of common variance (39.4% and 19.9%) than could be expected when using random data (17.5% and 15.1%). Conclusion We recommend using two PIH subscale scores when assessing self-management in Dutch COPD patients. Our results did not support the four-subscale structure as previously reported for the original Australian PIH. PMID:27564410

Do Dutch doctors communicate differently with immigrant patients than with Dutch patients?

PubMed

Meeuwesen, Ludwien; Harmsen, Johannes A M; Bernsen, Roos M D; Bruijnzeels, Marc A

2006-11-01

The aim of this study was to gain deeper insight into relational aspects of the medical communication pattern in intercultural consultations at GP practices in the Netherlands. We ask whether there are differences in the verbal interaction of Dutch GPs with immigrant and Dutch patients. Data were drawn from 144 adult patient interviews and video observations of consultations between the patients and 31 Dutch GPs. The patient group consisted of 61 non-Western immigrants (Turkish, Moroccan, Surinamese, Antillean, Cape Verdian) and 83 Dutch participants. Affective and instrumental aspects of verbal communication were assessed using Roter's Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Patients' cultural background was assessed by ethnicity, language proficiency, level of education, religiosity and cultural views (in terms of being more traditional or more modern). Consultations with the non-Western immigrant patients (especially those from Turkey and Morocco) were well over 2 min shorter, and the power distance between GPs and these patients was greater when compared to the Dutch patients. Major differences in verbal interaction were observed on the affective behavior dimensions, but not on the instrumental dimensions. Doctors invested more in trying to understand the immigrant patients, while in the case of Dutch patients they showed more involvement and empathy. Dutch patients seemed to be more assertive in the medical conversation. The differences are discussed in terms of patients' ethnic background, cultural views (e.g. practicing a religion) and linguistic barriers. It is concluded that attention to cultural diversity does matter, as this leads to different medical communication patterns. A two-way strategy is recommended for improving medical communication, with implications for both doctor and patient behavior.

Construct Validity of the Dutch Version of the 12-Item Partners in Health Scale: Measuring Patient Self-Management Behaviour and Knowledge in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PubMed

Lenferink, Anke; Effing, Tanja; Harvey, Peter; Battersby, Malcolm; Frith, Peter; van Beurden, Wendy; van der Palen, Job; Paap, Muirne C S

2016-01-01

The 12-item Partners in Health scale (PIH) was developed in Australia to measure self-management behaviour and knowledge in patients with chronic diseases, and has undergone several changes. Our aim was to assess the construct validity and reliability of the latest PIH version in Dutch COPD patients. The 12 items of the PIH, scored on a self-rated 9-point Likert scale, are used to calculate total and subscale scores (knowledge; coping; recognition and management of symptoms; and adherence to treatment). We used forward-backward translation of the latest version of the Australian PIH to define a Dutch PIH (PIH(Du)). Mokken Scale Analysis and common Factor Analysis were performed on data from a Dutch COPD sample to investigate the psychometric properties of the Dutch PIH; and to determine whether the four-subscale solution previously found for the original Australian PIH could be replicated for the Dutch PIH. Two subscales were found for the Dutch PIH data (n = 118); 1) knowledge and coping; 2) recognition and management of symptoms, adherence to treatment. The correlation between the two Dutch subscales was 0.43. The lower-bound of the reliability of the total scale equalled 0.84. Factor analysis indicated that the first two factors explained a larger percentage of common variance (39.4% and 19.9%) than could be expected when using random data (17.5% and 15.1%). We recommend using two PIH subscale scores when assessing self-management in Dutch COPD patients. Our results did not support the four-subscale structure as previously reported for the original Australian PIH.

Assessing the impact of cancer among Dutch non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors compared with their American counterparts: a cross-national study.

PubMed

Oerlemans, Simone; Smith, Sophia K; Crespi, Catherine M; Zimmerman, Sheryl; van de Poll-Franse, Lonneke V; Ganz, Patricia A

2013-06-01

To understand cultural differences in the impact of cancer (IOC) by (i) performing an independent psychometric evaluation of the Dutch version of the Impact of Cancer Scale version 2 (IOCv2) in a non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) sample and (ii) examining differences between Dutch and American NHL survivors in perceived IOC and identifying associations with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Data collected from 491 Dutch and 738 American NHL survivors were used in this study. IOCv2 responses were obtained from all survivors; the Dutch survivors also completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core questionnaire, which measures quality of life. Exploratory factor analysis of the Dutch version yielded a factor solution similar to the American structure but with some subscales merging into single factors. Internal consistency was good; Cronbach's alpha was 0.88 for the Positive and 0.94 for the Negative summary scales. Large differences were observed between survivors, whereby Dutch survivors reported fewer Positive (Δ -0.4, p < 0.001, effect size: 0.27) and more Negative (Δ 0.2, p ≤ 0.001, effect size: 0.13) impacts of cancer independent of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Similar impact domains of the IOCv2 were observed in the Dutch sample, providing evidence that IOCv2 scales measure common and important survivor concerns across two different Western nations. Higher positive impacts for US survivors might be explained by more personal control and availability of supportive services. Future research should focus on determinants of the IOC in both Dutch and American survivors to gain better understanding of the factors that might improve it and suggest how health care may be modified toward that end. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Investigation of Convection and Pressure Treatment with Splitting Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thakur, Siddharth; Shyy, Wei; Liou, Meng-Sing

1995-01-01

Treatment of convective and pressure fluxes in the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations using splitting formulas for convective velocity and pressure is investigated. Two schemes - controlled variation scheme (CVS) and advection upstream splitting method (AUSM) - are explored for their accuracy in resolving sharp gradients in flows involving moving or reflecting shock waves as well as a one-dimensional combusting flow with a strong heat release source term. For two-dimensional compressible flow computations, these two schemes are implemented in one of the pressure-based algorithms, whose very basis is the separate treatment of convective and pressure fluxes. For the convective fluxes in the momentum equations as well as the estimation of mass fluxes in the pressure correction equation (which is derived from the momentum and continuity equations) of the present algorithm, both first- and second-order (with minmod limiter) flux estimations are employed. Some issues resulting from the conventional use in pressure-based methods of a staggered grid, for the location of velocity components and pressure, are also addressed. Using the second-order fluxes, both CVS and AUSM type schemes exhibit sharp resolution. Overall, the combination of upwinding and splitting for the convective and pressure fluxes separately exhibits robust performance for a variety of flows and is particularly amenable for adoption in pressure-based methods.

Experimental detection of a Majorana mode in the core of a magnetic vortex inside a topological insulator-superconductor Bi(2)Te(3)/NbSe(2) heterostructure.

PubMed

Xu, Jin-Peng; Wang, Mei-Xiao; Liu, Zhi Long; Ge, Jian-Feng; Yang, Xiaojun; Liu, Canhua; Xu, Zhu An; Guan, Dandan; Gao, Chun Lei; Qian, Dong; Liu, Ying; Wang, Qiang-Hua; Zhang, Fu-Chun; Xue, Qi-Kun; Jia, Jin-Feng

2015-01-09

Majorana fermions have been intensively studied in recent years for their importance to both fundamental science and potential applications in topological quantum computing. They are predicted to exist in a vortex core of superconducting topological insulators. However, it is extremely difficult to distinguish them experimentally from other quasiparticle states for the tiny energy difference between Majorana fermions and these states, which is beyond the energy resolution of most available techniques. Here, we circumvent the problem by systematically investigating the spatial profile of the Majorana mode and the bound quasiparticle states within a vortex in Bi(2)Te(3) films grown on a superconductor NbSe(2). While the zero bias peak in local conductance splits right off the vortex center in conventional superconductors, it splits off at a finite distance ∼20  nm away from the vortex center in Bi(2)Te(3). This unusual splitting behavior has never been observed before and could be possibly due to the Majorana fermion zero mode. While the Majorana mode is destroyed by the interaction between vortices, the zero bias peak splits as a conventional superconductor again. This work provides self-consistent evidences of Majorana fermions and also suggests a possible route to manipulating them.

Mass Gauging Demonstrator for Any Gravitational Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korman, Valentin (Inventor); Pedersen, Kevin W. (Inventor); Witherow, William K. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

The present invention is a mass gauging interferometry system used to determine the volume contained within a tank. By using an optical interferometric technique to determine gas density and/or pressure a much smaller compression volume or higher fidelity measurement is possible. The mass gauging interferometer system is comprised of an optical source, a component that splits the optical source into a plurality of beams, a component that recombines the split beams, an optical cell operatively coupled to a tank, a detector for detecting fringes, and a means for compression. A portion of the beam travels through the optical cell operatively coupled to the tank, while the other beam(s) is a reference.

Localized states in an arbitrarily bent quantum wire (bend-imitating approach)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vakhnenko, Oleksity O.

1996-02-01

The bend-imitating matching technique is proposed to simplify the quantum mechanical treatment of singly and multiply bent 2D quantum wires of constant width, arbitrary bending angles, arbitrary bending radii and arbitrary distances between the bends. The spectrum of one-electron localized states and its dependence on the bending angle and the bending radius in a singly bent wire is explicitly calculated. Doubly bent wires are shown to possess doubly split localized states. The splitting energies as a function of the distance between the bends and the bending angles and bending radii have also been obtained. A similar description of bent 3D quantum wires and bent optical fibers is expected to be possible.

Compact ultra wide band microstrip bandpass filter based on multiple-mode resonator and modified complementary split ring resonator.

PubMed

Marcotegui, J Antonio; Illescas, Jesús Miguel; Estevez, Aritz; Falcone, Francisco

2013-01-01

A new class of broadband microstrip filters for Ultra Wide Band (UWB) applications is proposed. In the design, different stages of parallel-coupled microstrip line and other stages with a Modified Complementary Split Ring Resonator (MCSRR)-a concept proposed here for the first time-are adjusted to obtain the desired response with broadband, sharp rejection, low insertion loss, and low return loss. Full wave simulation results as well as measurement results from fabricated prototypes are presented, showing good agreement. The proposed technique offers a new alternative to implement low-cost high-performance filter devices, applicable to a wide range of communication systems.

Compact Ultra Wide Band Microstrip Bandpass Filter Based on Multiple-Mode Resonator and Modified Complementary Split Ring Resonator

PubMed Central

Marcotegui, J. Antonio; Illescas, Jesús Miguel; Estevez, Aritz

2013-01-01

A new class of broadband microstrip filters for Ultra Wide Band (UWB) applications is proposed. In the design, different stages of parallel-coupled microstrip line and other stages with a Modified Complementary Split Ring Resonator (MCSRR)—a concept proposed here for the first time—are adjusted to obtain the desired response with broadband, sharp rejection, low insertion loss, and low return loss. Full wave simulation results as well as measurement results from fabricated prototypes are presented, showing good agreement. The proposed technique offers a new alternative to implement low-cost high-performance filter devices, applicable to a wide range of communication systems. PMID:24319366

Crystal-field-driven redox reactions: How common minerals split H2O and CO2 into reduced H2 and C plus oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freund, F.; Batllo, F.; Leroy, R. C.; Lersky, S.; Masuda, M. M.; Chang, S.

1991-01-01

It is difficult to prove the presence of molecular H2 and reduced C in minerals containing dissolved H2 and CO2. A technique was developed which unambiguously shows that minerals grown in viciously reducing environments contain peroxy in their crystal structures. The peroxy represent interstitial oxygen atoms left behind when the solute H2O and/or CO2 split off H2 and C as a result of internal redox reactions, driven by the crystal field. The observation of peroxy affirms the presence of H2 and reduced C. It shows that the solid state is indeed an unusual reaction medium.

Ab Initio Calculations of Spin-Orbit Coupling for Heavy-Metal Containing Radicals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Lan

2016-06-01

The perturbative treatment of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) on top of scalar-relativistic calculations is a cost-effective alternative to rigorous fully relativistic calculations. In this work the applicability of the perturbative scheme in the framework of spin-free exact two-component theory is demonstrated with calculations of SO splittings and SOC contributions to molecular properties in small heavy-metal containing radicals, including AuO, AuS, and ThO^+. The equation of motion coupled cluster techniques have been used to accurately account for the electron-correlation effects in these radicals, and basis-set effects are carefully analyzed. The computed results are compared with experimental measurements for SO splittings and dipole moments when available.

Enhancing the Area of a Raman Atom Interferometer Using a Versatile Double-Diffraction Technique

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

Leveque, T.; Gauguet, A.; Michaud, F.

2009-08-21

In this Letter, we demonstrate a new scheme for Raman transitions which realize a symmetric momentum-space splitting of 4(Planck constant/2pi)k, deflecting the atomic wave packets into the same internal state. Combining the advantages of Raman and Bragg diffraction, we achieve a three pulse state labeled an interferometer, intrinsically insensitive to the main systematics and applicable to all kinds of atomic sources. This splitting scheme can be extended to 4N(Planck constant/2pi)k momentum transfer by a multipulse sequence and is implemented on a 8(Planck constant/2pi)k interferometer. We demonstrate the area enhancement by measuring inertial forces.

Similar associations between personality dimensions and anxiety or depressive disorders in a population study of Turkish-Dutch, Moroccan-Dutch, and native Dutch subjects.

PubMed

Schrier, Agnes C; de Wit, Matty A S; Krol, Anneke; Fassaert, Thijs J L; Verhoeff, Arnoud P; Kupka, Ralph W; Dekker, Jack; Beekman, Aartjan T F

2013-05-01

It is well established that personality traits are associated with anxiety and depressive disorders in Western populations, but it is not known whether this is true also for people from non-Western cultures. In this study, we examined whether ethnicity moderates the association between personality dimensions and anxiety or depressive disorders or symptoms. In a random urban population sample, stratified by ethnicity, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we interviewed 309 native Dutch subjects, 203 Turkish-Dutch subjects, and 170 Moroccan-Dutch subjects. Dimensions of personality were measured using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. Anxiety and depressive disorders and symptom levels were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. The association between personality factors and disorders or symptoms of anxiety and depression was very similar in the three ethnic groups: all show the typical profile of high neuroticism and low extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.

Optimization of the central automatic control of a small Dutch sewer system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolechkina, A. G.; Hoes, O. A. C.

2012-04-01

A sewer control system was developed in the context of a subsidized project aiming at improvement of surface water quality by control of sewer systems and surface water systems. The project was coordinated by the local water board, "Waterschap Hollandse Delta". Other participants were Delft University of Technology, Deltares and the municipalities Strijen, Cromstrijen, Westmaas, Oud Beijerland and Piershil. As part of the project there were two pilot implementations where a central automatic controller was coupled to the existing SCADA system. For these two pilots the system is now operational. A Dutch urban area in the western part of the Netherlands is usually part of a polder, which is effectively an artificially drained catchment. The urban area itself is split into small subcatchments that manage runoff in different ways. In all cases a large fraction goes into the natural hydrological cycle, but, depending on the design of the local sewer system, a larger or smaller part finds its way into the sewer system. Proper control of this flow is necessary to control surface water quality and to avoid health risks from flow from the sewer into the streets. At each time step the controller switches pumps to distribute the remaining water in the system at the end of the time step over the different subcatchments. The distribution is created based on expert judgment of the relative vulnerability and subcatchment sewer system water quality. It is implemented in terms curves of total system stored volume versus subcatchment stored volume. We describe the process of the adaptation of a controller to two different sewer systems and the understanding of the artificial part of the catchment we gained during this process. In the process of adaptation the type of sewer system (combined foul water and storm water transport or separate foul water and storm water transport) played a major role.

Matriderm for Management of Scalp Necrosis Following Surgical Treatment of Giant Parietal Encephalocele.

PubMed

Vilela, Marcelo D; Pedrosa, Hugo A S; Sampaio, Felipe D; Carneiro, Junia L

2018-02-01

Management of encephaloceles is challenging when massive brain herniation is present. In such instances, an expansile cranioplasty may be attempted so as to preserve some herniated brain tissue. Complications such as wound dehiscence, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and scalp necrosis are postoperative concerns. The treatment of scalp necrosis with dural and brain exposure is certainly a challenge due to the complexity of flap techniques in such a young age. Herein we describe the use of a novel technique for the management of a scalp necrosis and dehiscence in an infant. A patient with a giant parietal encephalocele and massive brain herniation underwent an expansile cranioplasty. A large scalp necrosis ensued as a complication and later progressed to a suture dehiscence despite a new surgical intervention, with resultant brain exposure. A scalp reconstruction was subsequently performed using an artificial dermal substitute, laid directly onto the brain, followed by a split-thickness skin graft. We observed a rapid engraftment, without any further complications, with an acceptable cosmetic result in the long-term follow-up. A simple technique, such as the use of an artificial dermal matrix with simultaneous split-thickness skin graft, may be an effective treatment for the repair of scalp defects, even when coverage of exposed brain tissue is necessary, when no other techniques are found to be suitable. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Physical Function item bank exhibited strong psychometric properties in patients with chronic pain.

PubMed

Crins, Martine H P; Terwee, Caroline B; Klausch, Thomas; Smits, Niels; de Vet, Henrica C W; Westhovens, Rene; Cella, David; Cook, Karon F; Revicki, Dennis A; van Leeuwen, Jaap; Boers, Maarten; Dekker, Joost; Roorda, Leo D

2017-07-01

The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Dutch-Flemish Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function item bank in Dutch patients with chronic pain. A bank of 121 items was administered to 1,247 Dutch patients with chronic pain. Unidimensionality was assessed by fitting a one-factor confirmatory factor analysis and evaluating resulting fit statistics. Items were calibrated with the graded response model and its fit was evaluated. Cross-cultural validity was assessed by testing items for differential item functioning (DIF) based on language (Dutch vs. English). Construct validity was evaluated by calculation correlations between scores on the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Physical Function measure and scores on generic and disease-specific measures. Results supported the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Physical Function item bank's unidimensionality (Comparative Fit Index = 0.976, Tucker Lewis Index = 0.976) and model fit. Item thresholds targeted a wide range of physical function construct (threshold-parameters range: -4.2 to 5.6). Cross-cultural validity was good as four items only showed DIF for language and their impact on item scores was minimal. Physical Function scores were strongly associated with scores on all other measures (all correlations ≤ -0.60 as expected). The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS Physical Function item bank exhibited good psychometric properties. Development of a computer adaptive test based on the large bank is warranted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cohort profile: design and first results of the Dutch IBD Biobank: a prospective, nationwide biobank of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Spekhorst, Lieke M; Imhann, Floris; Festen, Eleonora A M; van Bodegraven, Ad A; de Boer, Nanne K H; Bouma, Gerd; Fidder, Herma H; d'Haens, Geert; Hoentjen, Frank; Hommes, Daan W; de Jong, Dirk J; Löwenberg, Mark; Maljaars, P W Jeroen; van der Meulen-de Jong, Andrea E; Oldenburg, Bas; Pierik, Marieke J; Ponsioen, Cyriel Y; Stokkers, Pieter C; Verspaget, Hein W; Visschedijk, Marijn C; van der Woude, C Janneke; Dijkstra, Gerard; Weersma, Rinse K

2017-11-08

The Dutch IBD Biobank aims to facilitate the discovery of predictors for individual disease course and treatment response in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this paper, we aim to describe the establishment of the Dutch IBD Biobank, including the facilitators and barriers to establishment. Moreover, we aim to provide a complete overview of the content of the Dutch IBD Biobank. Since 2007, every patient with IBD treated in one of the eight Dutch university medical centres is asked to participate in the Dutch IBD Biobank in which 225 standardised IBD-related data items and biomaterials, such as serum, DNA, biopsies and a stool sample, are collected. As of June 2014, the Dutch IBD Biobank had enrolled 3388 patients with IBD: 2118 Crohn's disease (62.5%), 1190 ulcerative colitis (35.1%), 74 IBD-unclassified (2.2%) and 6 IBD-indeterminate (0.2%). The inclusion of patients with IBD is ongoing. The quality of the biomaterials is good and serum, DNA and biopsies have been used in newly published studies. The genotyping (750 000 genetic variants) of all participants of the Dutch IBD Biobank is currently ongoing, enabling more genetic research. In addition, all participants will start reporting disease activity and outcome measures using an online platform and mobile app . © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

The American Political Intervention in the Conflict in the Dutch East Indies 1945-1949

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-12

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library KNIL Koninklijk Nederlands Indisch Leger (Royal Netherlands Indies Army) NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization......colony and called it Netherlands-Indies ( Nederlands -Indie). In the English language, it remained Dutch East Indies or Netherlands Indies. The Dutch

Pedagogisch Tijdschrift (Journal of Pedagogy), 1994.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smeyers, Paul, Ed.; And Others

1994-01-01

This 6-issue, complete year of a Belgian-Dutch collaboration offers complete articles on pedagogical subjects, some with an English-language summary; reviews of new Dutch-language books; and titles from related Dutch-language journals. Articles include: "On the Policies of the Journal of Pedagogy" (P. Smeyers); "Pedagogic…

Pennsylvania Dutch Crafts and Culture

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, Dianne

2008-01-01

Many people hold two common misconceptions about the Pennsylvania Dutch: first, that these people live exclusively in the state of Pennsylvania; second, that their ancestors came from Holland. However, neither assumption is correct. One can find large Pennsylvania Dutch communities in Mary land, West Virginia, Virginia, the Carolinas, Ohio,…

Anger Communication in Bicultural Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Novin, Sheida; Rieffe, Carolien

2012-01-01

Little is known about bicultural adolescents' emotional competence. The aim of the present study was to examine anger communication by comparing thirty-eight 16-year-old Moroccan-Dutch adolescents with 40 Dutch and 40 Moroccan peers using hypothetical anger-eliciting vignettes. Findings show that although Moroccan and Dutch adolescents were…

Flush-mounting technique for composite beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harman, T. C.; Kay, B. F.

1980-01-01

Procedure permits mounting of heavy parts to surface of composite beams without appreciably weakening beam web. Web is split and held apart in region where attachment is to be made by lightweight precast foam filler. Bolt hole penetrates foam rather than web, and is secured by barrelnut in transverse bushing through web.

Split My Brain: A Case Study of Seizure Disorder and Brain Function

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Omarzu, Julia

2004-01-01

This case involves a couple deciding whether or not their son should undergo brain surgery to treat a severe seizure disorder. In examining this dilemma, students apply knowledge of brain anatomy and function. They also learn about brain scanning techniques and discuss the plasticity of the brain.

The accuracy, precision and sustainability of different techniques for tablet subdivision: breaking by hand and the use of tablet splitters or a kitchen knife.

PubMed

van Riet-Nales, Diana A; Doeve, Myrthe E; Nicia, Agnes E; Teerenstra, Steven; Notenboom, Kim; Hekster, Yechiel A; van den Bemt, Bart J F

2014-05-15

Tablets are frequently subdivided to lower the dose, to facilitate swallowing by e.g. children or older people or to save costs. Splitting devices are commonly used when hand breaking is difficult or painful. Three techniques for tablet subdivision were investigated: hand breaking, tablet splitter, kitchen knife. A best case drug (paracetamol), tablet (round, flat, uncoated, 500 mg) and operator (24-year student) were applied. Hundred tablets were subdivided by hand and by three devices of each of the following types: Fit & Healthy, Health Care Logistics, Lifetime, PillAid, PillTool, Pilomat tablet splitter; Blokker kitchen knife. The intra and inter device accuracy, precision and sustainability were investigated. The compliance to (adapted) regulatory requirements was investigated also. The accuracy and precision of hand broken tablets was 104/97% resp. 2.8/3.2% (one part per tablet considered; parts right/left side operator). The right/left accuracies of the splitting devices varied between 60 and 133%; the precisions 4.0 and 29.6%. The devices did not deteriorate over 100-fold use. Only hand broken tablets complied with all regulatory requirements. Health care professionals should realize that tablet splitting may result in inaccurate dosing. Authorities should undertake appropriate measures to assure good function of tablet splitters and, where feasible, to reduce the need for their use. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pedagogisch Tijdschrift (Journal of Pedagogy), 1993.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smeyers, Paul, Ed.; And Others

1993-01-01

This 6-issue, complete year of a Belgian-Dutch education (some with an English-language summary); reviews of new Dutch-language books; and titles from related Dutch-language journals. Issue 1 focuses on the professional development of teachers. Issue 2 deals primarily with parent education. Issue 3 addresses error analysis in children's…

33 CFR 117.801 - Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., English Kills and their tributaries. 117.801 Section 117.801 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD....801 Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries. (a) The following requirements apply to all bridges across Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills, and their tributaries: (1) The...

78 FR 30961 - Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel LITTLE DUTCH; Invitation for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-23

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD-2013-0057] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws: Vessel LITTLE DUTCH; Invitation for Public Comments AGENCY... LITTLE DUTCH is: Intended Commercial Use of Vessel: ``Carrying up to six passengers for day trips, sunset...

75 FR 48736 - Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: “Miró: The Dutch Interiors”

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-11

... DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 7118] Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ``Mir[oacute]: The Dutch Interiors'' SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the following... objects to be included in the exhibition ``Mir[oacute]: The Dutch Interiors,'' imported from abroad for...

Definition of colorectal anastomotic leakage: A consensus survey among Dutch and Chinese colorectal surgeons

PubMed Central

van Rooijen, Stefanus J; Jongen, Audrey CHM; Wu, Zhou-Qiao; Ji, Jia-Fu; Slooter, Gerrit D; Roumen, Rudi MH; Bouvy, Nicole D

2017-01-01

AIM To determine the level of consensus on the definition of colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL) among Dutch and Chinese colorectal surgeons. METHODS Dutch and Chinese colorectal surgeons were asked to partake in an online questionnaire. Consensus in the online questionnaire was defined as > 80% agreement between respondents on various statements regarding a general definition of CAL, and regarding clinical and radiological diagnosis of the complication. RESULTS Fifty-nine Dutch and 202 Chinese dedicated colorectal surgeons participated in the online survey. Consensus was found on only one of the proposed elements of a general definition of CAL in both countries: ‘extravasation of contrast medium after rectal enema on a CT scan’. Another two were found relevant according to Dutch surgeons: ‘necrosis of the anastomosis found during reoperation’, and ‘a radiological collection treated with percutaneous drainage’. No consensus was found for all other proposed elements that may be included in a general definition. CONCLUSION There is no universally accepted definition of CAL in the Netherlands and China. Diagnosis of CAL based on clinical manifestations remains a point of discussion in both countries. Dutch surgeons are more likely to report ‘subclinical’ leaks as CAL, which partly explains the higher reported Dutch CAL rates. PMID:28970733

Synkinesis assessment in facial palsy: validation of the Dutch Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire.

PubMed

Kleiss, Ingrid J; Beurskens, Carien H G; Stalmeier, Peep F M; Ingels, Koen J A O; Marres, Henri A M

2016-06-01

The objective of this study is to validate an existing health-related quality of life questionnaire for patients with synkinesis in facial palsy for implementation in the Dutch language and culture. The Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire was translated into the Dutch language using a forward-backward translation method. A pilot test with the translated questionnaire was performed in 10 patients with facial palsy and 10 normal subjects. Finally, cross-cultural adaption was accomplished at our outpatient clinic for facial palsy. Analyses for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity were performed. Sixty-six patients completed the Dutch Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire and the Dutch Facial Disability Index. Cronbach's α, representing internal consistency, was 0.80. Test-retest reliability was 0.53 (Spearman's correlation coefficient, P < 0.01). Correlations with the House-Brackmann score, Sunnybrook score, Facial Disability Index physical function, and social/well-being function were -0.29, 0.20, -0.29, and -0.32, respectively. Correlation with the Sunnybrook synkinesis subscore was 0.50 (Spearman's correlation coefficient). The Dutch Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire shows good psychometric values and can be implemented in the management of Dutch-speaking patients with facial palsy and synkinesis in the Netherlands. Translation of the instrument into other languages may lead to widespread use, making evaluation, and comparison possible among different providers.

Dutch courage? Effects of acute alcohol consumption on self-ratings and observer ratings of foreign language skills.

PubMed

Renner, Fritz; Kersbergen, Inge; Field, Matt; Werthmann, Jessica

2018-01-01

A popular belief is that alcohol improves the ability to speak in a foreign language. The effect of acute alcohol consumption on perceived foreign language performance and actual foreign language performance in foreign language learners has not been investigated. The aim of the current study was to test the effects of acute alcohol consumption on self-rated and observer-rated verbal foreign language performance in participants who have recently learned this language. Fifty native German speakers who had recently learned Dutch were randomized to receive either a low dose of alcohol or a control beverage that contained no alcohol. Following the experimental manipulation, participants took part in a standardized discussion in Dutch with a blinded experimenter. The discussion was audio-recorded and foreign language skills were subsequently rated by two native Dutch speakers who were blind to the experimental condition (observer-rating). Participants also rated their own individual Dutch language skills during the discussion (self-rating). Participants who consumed alcohol had significantly better observer-ratings for their Dutch language, specifically better pronunciation, compared with those who did not consume alcohol. However, alcohol had no effect on self-ratings of Dutch language skills. Acute alcohol consumption may have beneficial effects on the pronunciation of a foreign language in people who have recently learned that language.

Quinine, Malaria, and the Cinchona Bureau: Marketing Practices and Knowledge Circulation in a Dutch Transoceanic Cinchona-Quinine Enterprise (1920s-30s).

PubMed

Van Der Hoogte, Arjo Roersch; Pieters, Toine

2016-04-01

In this study, we will show how a Dutch pharmaceutical consortium of cinchona producers and quinine manufacturers was able to capitalize on one of the first international public health campaigns to fight malaria, thereby promoting the sale of quinine, an antimalarial medicine. During the 1920s and 1930s, the international markets for quinine were controlled by this Dutch consortium, which was a transoceanic cinchona-quinine enterprise centered in the Cinchona Bureau in the Netherlands. We will argue that during the interwar period, the Cinchona Bureau became the decision-making center of this Dutch cinchona-quinine pharmaceutical enterprise and monopolized the production and trade of an essential medicine. In addition, we will argue that capitalizing on the international public health campaign in the fight against malaria by the Dutch cinchona-quinine enterprise via the Cinchona Bureau can be regarded as an early example of corporate colonization of public health by a private pharmaceutical consortium. Furthermore, we will show how commercial interests prevailed over scientific interests within the Dutch cinchona-quinine consortium, thus interfering with and ultimately curtailing the transoceanic circulation of knowledge in the Dutch empire. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Strong increase in total delta-THC in cannabis preparations sold in Dutch coffee shops.

PubMed

Pijlman, F T A; Rigter, S M; Hoek, J; Goldschmidt, H M J; Niesink, R J M

2005-06-01

The total concentration of THC has been monitored in cannabis preparations sold in Dutch coffee shops since 1999. This annual monitoring was issued by the Ministry of Health after reports of increased potency. The level of the main psychoactive compound, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is measured in marijuana and hashish. A comparison is made between imported and Dutch preparations, and between seasons. Samples of cannabis preparations from randomly selected coffee shops were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC-FID) for THC, CBD and CBN. In 2004, the average THC level of Dutch home-grown marijuana (Nederwiet) (20.4% THC) was significantly higher than that of imported marijuana (7.0% THC). Hashish derived from Dutch marijuana (Nederhasj) contained 39.3% THC in 2004, compared with 18.2% THC in imported hashish. The average THC percentage of Dutch marijuana, Dutch hashish and imported hashish was significantly higher than in previous years. It nearly doubled over 5 years. During this period, the THC percentage in imported marijuana remained unchanged. A higher price had to be paid for cannabis with higher levels of THC. Whether the increase in THC levels causes increased health risks for users can only be concluded when more data are available on adjusted patterns of use, abuse liability, bioavailability and levels of THC in the brain.

AGARD Flight Test Techniques Series. Volume 9. Aircraft Exterior Noise Measurement and Analysis Techniques. (Le Bruit a l’Exterieur des Aeronefs: Techniques de Mesure et d’Analyse)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-04-01

aircraft Fig. 4.6 Airborne test set-up to compare several microphone/nose-cone arrangements for self -noise generation on a glider plane Fig. 4.7 Comparison...of normalized self -noise spectra of ogive-nose-cone equipped condenser-microphones of different diameters F!g. 4.8 Frequency splitting in the noise...output is obtained at the last com-poet ot the sub-system. The electrical respose of the entire system is then the arithmetic Sof the ildividual respnsem

Measuring patient activation in The Netherlands: translation and validation of the American short form Patient Activation Measure (PAM13).

PubMed

Rademakers, Jany; Nijman, Jessica; van der Hoek, Lucas; Heijmans, Monique; Rijken, Mieke

2012-07-31

The American short form Patient Activation Measure (PAM) is a 13-item instrument which assesses patient (or consumer) self-reported knowledge, skills and confidence for self-management of one's health or chronic condition. In this study the PAM was translated into a Dutch version; psychometric properties of the Dutch version were established and the instrument was validated in a panel of chronically ill patients. The translation was done according to WHO guidelines. The PAM 13-Dutch was sent to 4178 members of the Dutch National Panel of people with Chronic illness or Disability (NPCD) in April 2010 (study A) and again to a sub sample of this group (N = 973) in June 2010 (study B). Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and cross-validation with the SBSQ-D (a measure for Health literacy) were computed. The Dutch results were compared to similar Danish and American data. The psychometric properties of the PAM 13-Dutch were generally good. The level of internal consistency is good (α = 0.88) and item-rest correlations are moderate to strong. The Dutch mean PAM score (61.3) is comparable to the American (61.9) and lower than the Danish (64.2). The test-retest reliability was moderate. The association with Health literacy was weak to moderate. The PAM-13 Dutch is a reliable instrument to measure patient activation. More research is needed into the validity of the Patient Activation Measure, especially with respect to a more comprehensive measure of Health literacy.

Ethnic density is not associated with psychological distress in Turkish-Dutch, Moroccan-Dutch and Surinamese-Dutch ethnic minorities in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Schrier, Agnes C; Peen, Jaap; de Wit, Matty A S; van Ameijden, Erik J C; Erdem, Ozcan; Verhoeff, Arnoud P; Dekker, Jack J M; Beekman, Aartjan T F

2014-10-01

Ethnic density, the proportion of people of the same ethnic group in the neighbourhood, has been identified as a protective factor with regard to mental health in ethnic minorities. Research on the putative intermediating factors, exposure to discrimination and improved social support, has not yielded conclusive evidence. We investigated the association between ethnic density and psychological well-being in three ethnic minority groups in the Netherlands. We also assessed whether a protective ethnic density effect is related to the degree to which each group experiences discrimination and social support at group level. Using multi-level linear regression modelling, we studied the influence of ethnic density at neighbourhood level on psychological distress, measured with the Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K10), in 13,864 native Dutch, 1,206 Surinamese-Dutch, 978 Turkish-Dutch and 784 Moroccan-Dutch citizens of the four major cities in the Netherlands. Based on a nationwide survey among ethnic minorities on social integration, ethnic groups were ordered with respect to the intermediating factors. Ethnic density was not associated with psychological distress in any of the three ethnic minority groups. As a consequence, we found no support for either experiences of discrimination or for own-group social interactions at group level as intermediating factors. In all three ethnic minority groups, as well as in the native Dutch group, individual demographic and socio-economic factors emerged as the main explanations for individuals' mental well-being. These results suggest that individual demographic and socio-economic risk characteristics outweigh the influence of neighbourhood attributes on mental health.

Performance of Dutch children on the Bayley III: a comparison study of US and Dutch norms.

PubMed

Steenis, Leonie J P; Verhoeven, Marjolein; Hessen, Dave J; van Baar, Anneloes L

2015-01-01

The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-third edition (Bayley-III) are frequently used to assess early child development worldwide. However, the original standardization only included US children, and it is still unclear whether or not these norms are adequate for use in other populations. Recently, norms for the Dutch version of the Bayley-III (The Bayley-III-NL) were made. Scores based on Dutch and US norms were compared to study the need for population-specific norms. Scaled scores based on Dutch and US norms were compared for 1912 children between 14 days and 42 months 14 days. Next, the proportions of children scoring < 1-SD and < -2 SD based on the two norms were compared, to identify over- or under-referral for developmental delay resulting from non-population-based norms. Scaled scores based on Dutch norms fluctuated around values based on US norms on all subtests. The extent of the deviations differed across ages and subtests. Differences in means were significant across all five subtests (p < .01) with small to large effect sizes (ηp2) ranging from .03 to .26). Using the US instead of Dutch norms resulted in over-referral regarding gross motor skills, and under-referral regarding cognitive, receptive communication, expressive communication, and fine motor skills. The Dutch norms differ from the US norms for all subtests and these differences are clinically relevant. Population specific norms are needed to identify children with low scores for referral and intervention, and to facilitate international comparisons of population data.

[Applicational evaluation of split tooth extractions of upper molars using piezosurgery].

PubMed

Li, D; Guo, C B; Liu, Y; Wang, E B

2016-02-18

To evaluate the efficacy of Piezosurgery in split teeth extractions. A single-center, randomized, split-mouth study was performed using a consecutive serious of unrelated healthy patients attending the departing of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. 40 patients were selected for extraction of maxillary molars without reservation value,splitting or nonvital teeth. They were divided into control (20 patients) and test groups (20 patients) randomly. Surgical treatments for both groups were under local anesthesia. Molar teeth of control group were extracted by common equipments like dental elevators, chisels, forceps, etc. While molar teeth of experimental group were extracted by Piezosurgery, aided with the use of common equipments if needed. Then we compared the duration of surgery, frequency of the usage of chisels, expansion of postoperative bony socket surgical discomfort and postoperative pain between two groups. The average of operation time was (629.5±171.0) s in control group and (456.0±337.2) s in test group. The buccal alveolar bone reduced (1.07±0.64) mm in control group and (1.49±0.61) mm in test group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The duration of surgery for experimental group was significantly longer than that of the control group, but the change of buccal alveolar bone was lower than the control group. For visual analogue scale (VAS) value of surgical discomfort, expansion of postoperative bony socket and the operative fear rate, there were no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Piezosugery can be better to preserve alveolar bone, reduce trauma and patient's fear. Application of the piezosugery reflect the characteristics of minimally invasive extraction, which has the value of promotion. The Piezosurgery technique have the advantage of reducing change of buccal alveolar bone during the surgery, but a longer surgical time was required when compared with the conventional technique. VAS value of surgical discomfort, expansion of postoperative bony socket and the operative fear rate, there were no significant difference. Minimally invasive tooth extraction technique has good clinical results and high satisfaction. Piezosurgery proved its worth as the instrument adapted to limiting the destruction of bone tissue.

[Applicational evaluation of split tooth extractions of upper molars using piezosurgery].

PubMed

Li, D; Guo, C B; Liu, Y; Wang, E B

2016-08-18

To evaluate the efficacy of Piezosurgery in split teeth extractions. A single-center, randomized, split-mouth study was performed using a consecutive serious of unrelated healthy patients attending the departing of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. 40 patients were selected for extraction of maxillary molars without reservation value,splitting or nonvital teeth. They were divided into control (20 patients) and test groups (20 patients) randomly. Surgical treatments for both groups were under local anesthesia. Molar teeth of control group were extracted by common equipments like dental elevators, chisels, forceps, etc. While molar teeth of experimental group were extracted by Piezosurgery, aided with the use of common equipments if needed. Then we compared the duration of surgery, frequency of the usage of chisels, expansion of postoperative bony socket surgical discomfort and postoperative pain between two groups. The average of operation time was (629.5±171.0) s in control group and (456.0±337.2) s in test group. The buccal alveolar bone reduced (1.07±0.64) mm in control group and (1.49±0.61) mm in test group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The duration of surgery for experimental group was significantly longer than that of the control group, but the change of buccal alveolar bone was lower than the control group. For visual analogue scale (VAS) value of surgical discomfort, expansion of postoperative bony socket and the operative fear rate, there were no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Piezosugery can be better to preserve alveolar bone, reduce trauma and patient's fear. Application of the piezosugery reflect the characteristics of minimally invasive extraction, which has the value of promotion. The Piezosurgery technique have the advantage of reducing change of buccal alveolar bone during the surgery, but a longer surgical time was required when compared with the conventional technique. VAS value of surgical discomfort, expansion of postoperative bony socket and the operative fear rate, there were no significant difference. Minimally invasive tooth extraction technique has good clinical results and high satisfaction. Piezosurgery proved its worth as the instrument adapted to limiting the destruction of bone tissue.

Influence of detector noise and background noise on detection-system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yiheng; Wang, Zhiyong

2018-02-01

Study the noise by detectors and background light ,we find that the influence of background noise on the detection is more than that of itself. Therefore, base on the fiber coupled beam splitting technique, the small area detector is used to replace the large area detector. It can achieve high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and reduce the speckle interference of the background light. This technique is expected to solve the bottleneck of large field of view and high sensitivity.

Morphological Priming Survives a Language Switch

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Verdonschot, Rinus G.; Middelburg, Renee; Lensink, Saskia E.; Schiller, Niels O.

2012-01-01

In a long-lag morphological priming experiment, Dutch (L1)-English (L2) bilinguals were asked to name pictures and read aloud words. A design using non-switch blocks, consisting solely of Dutch stimuli, and switch-blocks, consisting of Dutch primes and targets with intervening English trials, was administered. Target picture naming was facilitated…

The Psychotherapist and the Sign Language Interpreter

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Bruin, Ed; Brugmans, Petra

2006-01-01

Specialized psychotherapy for deaf people in the Dutch and Western European mental health systems is still a rather young specialism. A key policy principle in Dutch mental health care for the deaf is that they should receive treatment in the language most accessible to them, which is usually Dutch Sign Language (Nederlandse Gebarentaal or NGT).…

Lesjes van de Nederlanders: Little Lessons from the Dutch to Promote Educational Quality.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmer, Barbara H.

1996-01-01

A study explored quality assessment and accountability in Dutch university education. The national system of quality assurance and various models used successfully to implement it are described, and the range of apparent effects and influences of quality assurance on Dutch higher education are examined. Comparison is made with American higher…

The Influence of Standard and Substandard Dutch on Gender Assignment in Second Language German

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vanhove, Jan

2017-01-01

This study investigated how standard and substandard varieties of first language (L1) Dutch affect grammatical gender assignments to nouns in second language (L2) German. While German distinguishes between masculine, feminine, and neuter gender, the masculine--feminine distinction has nearly disappeared in Standard Dutch. Many substandard Belgian…

Taking to the Streets: Dutch Community Theatre Goes Site-Specific

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Erven, Eugene

2007-01-01

Dutch participatory community-based theatre has thus far been largely text-based and quite apprehensive of abstract site-specific performance, which it regarded as the product of "outsider gazing" and exploitative of local residents. Quite recently, the two veteran Dutch community-based companies Stut and RWT were forced by extraordinary…

Measuring Pragmatic Skills: Early Detection of Infants at Risk for Communication Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cocquyt, Mie; Mommaerts, Maurice Yves; Dewart, Hazel; Zink, Inge

2015-01-01

Background: For the early detection of children who are at risk of communication problems, we need appropriate assessment instruments. Two Dutch-language standardised screening instruments are available: the Dutch version of the Non Speech Test (NNST) and the Dutch version of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories (N-CDIs). These…

Production and Processing of Subject-Verb Agreement in Monolingual Dutch Children with Specific Language Impairment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blom, Elma; Vasic, Nada; de Jong, Jan

2014-01-01

Purpose: In this study, the authors investigated whether errors with subject-verb agreement in monolingual Dutch children with specific language impairment (SLI) are influenced by verb phonology. In addition, the productive and receptive abilities of Dutch acquiring children with SLI regarding agreement inflection were compared. Method: An SLI…

Neural Correlates of Dutch Verb Second in Speech Production

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

den Ouden, Dirk-Bart; Hoogduin, Hans; Stowe, Laurie A.; Bastiaanse, Roelien

2008-01-01

Dutch speakers with agrammatic Broca's aphasia are known to have problems with the production of finite verbs in main clauses. This performance pattern has been accounted for in terms of the specific syntactic complexity of the Dutch main clause structure, which requires an extra syntactic operation (Verb Second), relative to the basic…

33 CFR 117.801 - Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries. 117.801 Section 117.801 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD....801 Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries. (a) The following requirements...

33 CFR 117.801 - Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries. 117.801 Section 117.801 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD....801 Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries. (a) The following requirements...

33 CFR 117.801 - Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries. 117.801 Section 117.801 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD....801 Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries. (a) The following requirements...

33 CFR 117.801 - Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries. 117.801 Section 117.801 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD....801 Newtown Creek, Dutch Kills, English Kills and their tributaries. (a) The following requirements...

Cultural Diversity in Center-Based Childcare: Childrearing Beliefs of Professional Caregivers from Different Cultural Communities in the Netherlands

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huijbregts, S. K.; Leseman, P. P. M.; Tavecchio, L. W. C.

2008-01-01

The present study investigated the cultural childrearing beliefs of 116 caregivers from different cultural communities in the Netherlands (Dutch, Caribbean-Dutch, and Mediterranean-Dutch), working with 2-4-year-olds in daycare centers. Cultural childrearing beliefs were assessed with standard questionnaires, focusing on general and…

Eliminating Social Inequality by Reinforcing Standard Language Ideology? Language Policy for Dutch in Flemish Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Delarue, Steven; De Caluwe, Johan

2015-01-01

Flanders, the northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, is experiencing growing intra- and interlingual diversity. On the intralingual level, Tussentaal ("in-between-language") has emerged as a cluster of intermediate varieties between the Flemish dialects and Standard Dutch, gradually becoming "the" colloquial language. At the…

Phoneme Awareness, Vocabulary and Word Decoding in Monolingual and Bilingual Dutch Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Janssen, Marije; Bosman, Anna M. T.; Leseman, Paul P. M.

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate whether bilingually raised children in the Netherlands, who receive literacy instruction in their second language only, show an advantage on Dutch phoneme-awareness tasks compared with monolingual Dutch-speaking children. Language performance of a group of 47 immigrant first-grade children with various…

Social Workers' Orientation toward the Evidence-Based Practice Process: A Dutch Survey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Zwet, Renske J. M.; Kolmer, Deirdre M. Beneken genaamd; Schalk, René

2016-01-01

Objectives: This study assesses social workers' orientation toward the evidence-based practice (EBP) process and explores which specific variables (e.g. age) are associated. Methods: Data were collected from 341 Dutch social workers through an online survey which included a Dutch translation of the EBP Process Assessment Scale (EBPPAS), along with…

National Identification of Dutch Youth: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oppenheimer, Louis

2011-01-01

246 Dutch participants aged 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 years were presented with the Strength of Identification Scale (SoIS; Barrett, 2007) and the National Identity scale based on Cultural and Historical achievements (NICH; derived from the NATID, Keillor & Hult, 1999). The study aimed to examine the extent and nature of Dutch children and…

Modality, Infinitives, and Finite Bare Verbs in Dutch and English Child Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blom, Elma

2007-01-01

This article focuses on the meaning of nonfinite clauses ("root infinitives") in Dutch and English child language. I present experimental and naturalistic data confirming the claim that Dutch root infinitives are more often modal than English root infinitives. This cross-linguistic difference is significantly smaller than previously assumed,…

Persistence of Emphasis in Language Production: A Cross-Linguistic Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bernolet, Sarah; Hartsuiker, Robert J.; Pickering, Martin J.

2009-01-01

This study investigates the way in which speakers determine which aspects of an utterance to emphasize and how this affects the form of utterances. To do this, we ask whether the binding between emphasis and thematic roles persists between utterances. In one within-language (Dutch-Dutch) and three cross-linguistic (Dutch-English) structural…

Effects of Isotropic and Anisotropic Structure in the Lowermost Mantle on High-Frequency Body Waveforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parisi, L.; Ferreira, A. M. G.; Ritsema, J.

2015-12-01

It has been observed that vertically (SV) and horizontally (SH) polarised S waves crossing the lowermost mantle sometimes are split by a few seconds The splitting of such waves is often interpreted in terms of seismic anisotropy in the D" region. Here we investigate systematically the effects of elastic, anelastic, isotropic and anisotropic structure on shear-wave splitting, including 3-D variations in some of these physical properties. Taking advantage of accurate waveform modeling techniques such as Gemini and the Spectral Element Method we generate three-component theoretical waveforms in a wide set of 1-D and 3-D, isotropic and radially anisotropic earth models, accurate down to a wave period of T~5.6s. Our numerical simulations in isotropic earth models show that the contamination of S waves by other phases can generate an apparent splitting between SH and SV waves. In particular, in the case of very shallow sources, the sS phase can interfere with the direct S phase, resulting in split SH and SV pulses when the SH and SV (or sSH and sSV) waves have different polarity or a substantial amplitude difference. In the case of deep earthquake sources, a positive shear velocity jump at the top of the D" can cause the triplication of S waves and the ScSH and ScSV phases can have different polarity. Thus, when the triplicated S wave is combined with the ScS phase, the resulting SH-ScSH and SV-ScSV phases may seem split. On the other hand, in the absence of a sharp vertical variation in the shear wave velocity, the difference in polarity between ScSH and ScSV can make the SH pulse larger than SV and thus also lead to apparent splitting between these phases. This effect depends on the thickness of the D" and the Vs gradient within it. S waveforms simulated in radially anisotropic models reveal that a radial anisotropy of ξ=1.07 in the D" seems to be necessary to explain the 2-3s of splitting observed in waveforms recorded in Tanzania from an event in the Banda Sea. However, our analysis also shows that other factors such as sharp vertical variations at the top of D" and gradients of Vs and η within the D'' may also affect the observed waveforms. This study suggests that caution should be taken when interpreting SH-SV splitting of deep mantle body waves exclusively in terms of anisotropy in the lowermost mantle.

A nationwide survey of pharmacists' perception of pharmacogenetics in the context of a clinical decision support system containing pharmacogenetics dosing recommendations.

PubMed

Bank, Paul Cd; Swen, Jesse J; Guchelaar, Henk-Jan

2017-02-01

To benchmark Dutch pharmacists knowledge, experience and attitudes toward pharmacogenetics (PGx) with a specific focus on the effects of awareness of the Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group guidelines. A web-based survey containing 41 questions was sent to all certified Dutch pharmacists. A total of 667 pharmacists completed the survey (18.8%). Virtually all responders believed in the concept of PGx (99.7%). However, only 14.7% recently ordered a PGx test (≤6 months), 14.1% felt adequately informed and 88.8% would like to receive additional training on PGx. Being aware of the Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group guidelines did not have any significant effect on knowledge or adoption of PGx. Dutch pharmacists are very positive toward PGx. However, test adoption is low and additional training is warranted.

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

Yu, Yao; Chen, Josephine; Leary, Celeste I.

Radiation of the low neck can be accomplished using split-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (sf-IMRT) or extended-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (ef-IMRT). We evaluated the effect of these treatment choices on target coverage and thyroid and larynx doses. Using data from 14 patients with cancers of the oropharynx, we compared the following 3 strategies for radiating the low neck: (1) extended-field IMRT, (2) traditional split-field IMRT with an initial cord-junction block to 40 Gy, followed by a full-cord block to 50 Gy, and (3) split-field IMRT with a full-cord block to 50 Gy. Patients were planned using each of these 3 techniques.more » To facilitate comparison, extended-field plans were normalized to deliver 50 Gy to 95% of the neck volume. Target coverage was assessed using the dose to 95% of the neck volume (D{sub 95}). Mean thyroid and larynx doses were computed. Extended-field IMRT was used as the reference arm; the mean larynx dose was 25.7 ± 7.4 Gy, and the mean thyroid dose was 28.6 ± 2.4 Gy. Split-field IMRT with 2-step blocking reduced laryngeal dose (mean larynx dose 15.2 ± 5.1 Gy) at the cost of a moderate reduction in target coverage (D{sub 95} 41.4 ± 14 Gy) and much higher thyroid dose (mean thyroid dose 44.7 ± 3.7 Gy). Split-field IMRT with initial full-cord block resulted in greater laryngeal sparing (mean larynx dose 14.2 ± 5.1 Gy) and only a moderately higher thyroid dose (mean thyroid dose 31 ± 8 Gy) but resulted in a significant reduction in target coverage (D{sub 95} 34.4 ± 15 Gy). Extended-field IMRT comprehensively covers the low neck and achieves acceptable thyroid and laryngeal sparing. Split-field IMRT with a full-cord block reduces laryngeal doses to less than 20 Gy and spares the thyroid, at the cost of substantially reduced coverage of the low neck. Traditional 2-step split-field IMRT similarly reduces the laryngeal dose but also reduces low-neck coverage and delivers very high doses to the thyroid.« less

Development and Implementation of a Transport Method for the Transport and Reaction Simulation Engine (TaRSE) based on the Godunov-Mixed Finite Element Method

USGS Publications Warehouse

James, Andrew I.; Jawitz, James W.; Munoz-Carpena, Rafael

2009-01-01

A model to simulate transport of materials in surface water and ground water has been developed to numerically approximate solutions to the advection-dispersion equation. This model, known as the Transport and Reaction Simulation Engine (TaRSE), uses an algorithm that incorporates a time-splitting technique where the advective part of the equation is solved separately from the dispersive part. An explicit finite-volume Godunov method is used to approximate the advective part, while a mixed-finite element technique is used to approximate the dispersive part. The dispersive part uses an implicit discretization, which allows it to run stably with a larger time step than the explicit advective step. The potential exists to develop algorithms that run several advective steps, and then one dispersive step that encompasses the time interval of the advective steps. Because the dispersive step is computationally most expensive, schemes can be implemented that are more computationally efficient than non-time-split algorithms. This technique enables scientists to solve problems with high grid Peclet numbers, such as transport problems with sharp solute fronts, without spurious oscillations in the numerical approximation to the solution and with virtually no artificial diffusion.

MR fingerprinting using the quick echo splitting NMR imaging technique.

PubMed

Jiang, Yun; Ma, Dan; Jerecic, Renate; Duerk, Jeffrey; Seiberlich, Nicole; Gulani, Vikas; Griswold, Mark A

2017-03-01

The purpose of the study is to develop a quantitative method for the relaxation properties with a reduced radio frequency (RF) power deposition by combining magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) technique with quick echo splitting NMR imaging technique (QUEST). A QUEST-based MRF sequence was implemented to acquire high-order echoes by increasing the gaps between RF pulses. Bloch simulations were used to calculate a dictionary containing the range of physically plausible signal evolutions using a range of T 1 and T 2 values based on the pulse sequence. MRF-QUEST was evaluated by comparing to the results of spin-echo methods. The specific absorption rate (SAR) of MRF-QUEST was compared with the clinically available methods. MRF-QUEST quantifies the relaxation properties with good accuracy at the estimated head SAR of 0.03 W/kg. T 1 and T 2 values estimated by MRF-QUEST are in good agreement with the traditional methods. The combination of the MRF and the QUEST provides an accurate quantification of T 1 and T 2 simultaneously with reduced RF power deposition. The resulting lower SAR may provide a new acquisition strategy for MRF when RF energy deposition is problematic. Magn Reson Med 77:979-988, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Reliability and validation of the Dutch Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score.

PubMed

Opdam, K T M; Zwiers, R; Wiegerinck, J I; Kleipool, A E B; Haverlag, R; Goslings, J C; van Dijk, C N

2018-03-01

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become a cornerstone for the evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a PROM for outcome and assessment of an Achilles tendon rupture. The aim of this study was to translate the ATRS to Dutch and evaluate its reliability and validity in the Dutch population. A forward-backward translation procedure was performed according to the guidelines of cross-cultural adaptation process. The Dutch ATRS was evaluated for reliability and validity in patients treated for a total Achilles tendon rupture from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2014 in one teaching hospital and one academic hospital. Reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Cronbach's alpha and minimal detectable change (MDC). We assessed construct validity by calculation of Spearman's rho correlation coefficient with domains of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain in rest and during running. The Dutch ATRS had a good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.852) and a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96). MDC was 30.2 at individual level and 3.5 at group level. Construct validity was supported by 75 % of the hypothesized correlations. The Dutch ATRS had a strong correlation with NRS for pain during running (r = -0.746) and all the five subscales of the Dutch FAOS (r = 0.724-0.867). There was a moderate correlation with the VISA-A-NL (r = 0.691) and NRS for pain in rest (r = -0.580). The Dutch ATRS shows an adequate reliability and validity and can be used in the Dutch population for measuring the outcome of treatment of a total Achilles tendon rupture and for research purposes. Diagnostic study, Level I.

Seismic Anisotropy Beneath Eastern North America: Results from Multi-Event Inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y.; Levin, V. L.; Chen, X.

2017-12-01

Seismic anisotropy observed from the split core-refracted shear phases reflects upper mantle deformation. To characterize anisotropic signatures beneath eastern North America, we collected observations along a 1300 km long array from James Bay to the Fundy Basin. The averaged splitting parameters of individual sites show uniform fast polarization orientation of 80° and delay times linearly decreasing from 1.0 s in the Appalachians to 0.5 s in the Superior Province. We also see directional variation of fast polarizations at most sites, which is a likely effect of vertical changes in anisotropic properties. For sites with 10 or more observations, we used a multi-event inversion technique to solve for the underlying anisotropic structure. The technique considers the NULL observations from single-event analysis that are excluded from the averaged splitting parameters. For models with a single 100 km thick anisotropic layer with a horizontal fast axis, we find up to 6% of anisotropy in the Appalachian Orogen, equivalent to a splitting delay time of 1.5 s. Anisotropy strength reduces to 1.8% in the Superior Province, equivalent to delay times under 0.5 s. The overall decrease in anisotropic strength is modified by local changes of up to 2%, suggesting small-scale local variations near the surface. Orientations of the fast axes change from 60° in the Appalachian Orogen to 90° in the Superior Province, and are also modulated by local deviations. In the Appalachian Orogen the fast axes are close to the absolute plate motion in a hot-spot reference frame, while those in the Superior Province differ from it by almost 30°. Average values of splitting delays agree well with results of inversions in the Superior Province, and diverge in the Appalachians. Conversely, averaged fast polarizations match inversion results in the Appalachians, and are systematically different in the Superior Province. For an set of sites with recording periods exceeding 5 years, we will test more complicated models of anisotropy, including dipping fast axes and multiple layers. Figure 1. The best fit anisotropic parameters, orientations of fast axes (top) and strength of anisotropy (bottom), assuming a single 100 km thick horizontal layer with a horizontal fast axis. The red line in top represents the absolute plate motion in a hot spot reference frame.

Heike Kamerlingh Onnes: Master of Experimental Technique and Quantitative Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reif-Acherman, Simón

Heike Kamerlingh Onnes (1853-1926), born a century and a half ago, was a major protagonist in the so-called Second Golden Age of Dutch Science. He devoted his career to the emerging field of low-temperature physics. His particular concern was to test the theories of his older compatriot Johannes Diderik van der Waals (1837-1923) by creating a style of research that was characterized by meticulous planning, precise measurement, and constant improvement of techniques and instruments. He made numerous contributions to low-temperature physics, but I focus on his liquefaction of helium, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics for 1913, and on his discovery of superconductivity. He became known internationally as le gentleman du zéro absolu.

A split-cavity design for the incorporation of a DC bias in a 3D microwave cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, Martijn A.; Yuan, Mingyun; de Jong, Bas W. A.; Beukers, Ewout; Bosman, Sal J.; Steele, Gary A.

2017-04-01

We report on a technique for applying a DC bias in a 3D microwave cavity. We achieve this by isolating the two halves of the cavity with a dielectric and directly using them as DC electrodes. As a proof of concept, we embed a variable capacitance diode in the cavity and tune the resonant frequency with a DC voltage, demonstrating the incorporation of a DC bias into the 3D cavity with no measurable change in its quality factor at room temperature. We also characterize the architecture at millikelvin temperatures and show that the split cavity design maintains a quality factor Qi ˜ 8.8 × 105, making it promising for future quantum applications.

Regularization iteration imaging algorithm for electrical capacitance tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Guowei; Liu, Shi; Chen, Hongyan; Wang, Xueyao

2018-03-01

The image reconstruction method plays a crucial role in real-world applications of the electrical capacitance tomography technique. In this study, a new cost function that simultaneously considers the sparsity and low-rank properties of the imaging targets is proposed to improve the quality of the reconstruction images, in which the image reconstruction task is converted into an optimization problem. Within the framework of the split Bregman algorithm, an iterative scheme that splits a complicated optimization problem into several simpler sub-tasks is developed to solve the proposed cost function efficiently, in which the fast-iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm is introduced to accelerate the convergence. Numerical experiment results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in improving the reconstruction precision and robustness.

A boundary element model of the transport of a semi-infinite bubble through a microvessel bifurcation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calderon, Andres J.; Eshpuniyani, Brijesh; Fowlkes, J. Brian; Bull, Joseph L.

2010-06-01

Motivated by a developmental gas embolotherapy technique for selective occlusion of blood flow to tumors, we examined the transport of a pressure-driven semi-infinite bubble through a liquid-filled bifurcating channel. Homogeneity of bubble splitting as the bubble passes through a vessel bifurcation affects the degree to which the vascular network near the tumor can be uniformly occluded. The homogeneity of bubble splitting was found to increase with bubble driving pressure and to decrease with increased bifurcation angle. Viscous losses at the bifurcation were observed to affect the bubble speed significantly. The potential for oscillating bubble interfaces to induce flow recirculation and impart high stresses on the vessel endothelium was also observed.

Tuning exciton energy and fine-structure splitting in single InAs quantum dots by applying uniaxial stress

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

Su, Dan; Dou, Xiuming; Wu, Xuefei

2016-04-15

Exciton and biexciton emission energies as well as excitonic fine-structure splitting (FSS) in single InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) have been continuously tuned in situ in an optical cryostat using a developed uniaxial stress device. With increasing tensile stress, the red shift of excitonic emission is up to 5 nm; FSS decreases firstly and then increases monotonically, reaching a minimum value of approximately 10 μeV; biexciton binding energy decreases from 460 to 106 μeV. This technique provides a simple and convenient means to tune QD structural symmetry, exciton energy and biexciton binding energy and can be used for generating entangled andmore » indistinguishable photons.« less

The structure of common psychiatric symptoms: how many dimensions of neurosis?

PubMed

Ormel, J; Oldehinkel, A J; Goldberg, D P; Hodiamont, P P; Wilmink, F W; Bridges, K

1995-05-01

In order to replicate and elaborate the two-dimensional model of depression and anxiety underlying the structure of common psychiatric symptoms proposed by Goldberg et al. (1987), we carried out latent trait analyses on PSE symptom data of the original Manchester study and two recent Dutch studies. We used the same analytical strategy as Goldberg et al. to facilitate comparison with the earlier work. It was found that a more comprehensive set of common psychiatric symptoms caused an extra, third dimension to emerge, so that the earlier anxiety dimension became split between a specific anxiety axis characterized by situational and phobic anxiety and avoidance, and a non-specific anxiety axis characterized by free-floating anxiety, various symptoms relating to tension, irritability and restlessness. It is argued that three dimensions are sufficient to account for the covariance between common psychiatric symptoms. A fairly consistent correlation between the non-specific anxiety and the depression dimension was found across sites, as well as independence of the specific anxiety dimension from the other two dimensions. Furthermore, the depression dimension was robust with similar symptom profiles across samples, but there appeared to be local differences in the structure of anxiety symptoms.

An Assessment of the Psychometric Properties of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale for Children.

PubMed

Dekkers, Tycho J; van Bergen, Naomi R J; Jansen, Brenda R J

2018-05-17

Sensation seeking is a trait that predicts a wide range of real-life risk behavior, such as substance abuse and gambling problems. Sensation seeking is often assessed with the Sensation Seeking Scale. Several adaptations of this questionnaire have been made, for example, to abbreviate it and to make it suitable for children. However, studies on sensation seeking in children are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate sensation seeking in children (N = 158, M age = 11.4 years). The Brief Sensation Seeking Scale for Children (BSSS-C) was translated into Dutch and psychometric properties were examined. Internal consistency was high, and the factor structure showed close resemblance with previous research. Test-retest and split-half reliabilities were acceptable, as was convergent validity with self-reported symptoms of psychopathology (attention problems and aggressive behavior). Construct validity was adequate, with more sensation seeking in boys than in girls. No effects of age were found. To sum up, sensation seeking can be measured in children in a valid and reliable way. The correlation of sensation seeking with high-risk behaviors emphasizes the importance of assessment early in development.

Exercise self-efficacy in persons with spinal cord injury: psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale.

PubMed

Nooijen, Carla F J; Post, Marcel W M; Spijkerman, Dorien C M; Bergen, Michael P; Stam, Henk J; van den Berg-Emons, Rita J G

2013-04-01

To assess the reliability and validity of the Dutch version of the exercise self-efficacy scale (ESES) in persons with spinal cord injury. This is the first independent study of ESES psychometric properties, and the first report on ESES test-retest reliability. A total of 53 Dutch persons with spinal cord injury. Subjects completed the Dutch ESES twice, with 2 weeks between (ESES_1 and ESES_2). Subjects also completed the General self-efficacy scale (GSE), and a questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics and lesion characteristics. Psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the ESES were assessed and compared with those of the original English-language version. The Dutch ESES was found to have good internal consistency (Cronbach's α for ESES_1 = 0.90, ESES_2 = 0.88). Test-retest reliability was adequate (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.70-0.89). For validity, a moderate, statistically significant correlation was found between ESES and the GSE (Spearman's ρ ESES_1 = 0.52, ESES_2 = 0.66, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the psychometric properties of the Dutch ESES were found to be similar to those of the original English version. The results of this study support the use of the ESES as a reliable and valid measure of exercise self-efficacy.

Clinicians' beliefs and attitudes toward patient self-management in the Netherlands; translation and testing of the American Clinician Support for Patient Activation Measure (CS-PAM).

PubMed

Rademakers, Jany; Jansen, Daphne; van der Hoek, Lucas; Heijmans, Monique

2015-04-03

The aim of this study was to test the Dutch version of the Clinician Support for Patient Activation Measure (CS-PAM), to explore the beliefs of Dutch clinicians about patients' self-management, and to establish whether there are differences in this respect between general practitioners and other primary care providers. The CS-PAM was translated in Dutch and data were collected in a sample of 489 general practitioners and other primary care providers. Statistical analyses (RASCH, Cronbach's α) were performed to establish the psychometric properties of the instrument. The psychometric scores of the Dutch CS-PAM were acceptable to good, and the difficulty level and structure was comparable to that of the original instrument. The average score of Dutch clinicians on the CS-PAM was 65.1 (SD 10.7), somewhat lower compared to their colleagues in the US (69; SD 12.1) and the UK (69, SD 12.8). Dutch general practitioners scored significantly lower on the CS-PAM compared to other primary care providers. The Dutch CS-PAM is a reliable instrument to measure beliefs of clinicians regarding patient self-management. Further validation studies are necessary to establish the distribution of scores in specific provider populations and to assess the clinical relevance of the instrument for different outcomes.

Dutch translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the PROMIS® physical function item bank and cognitive pre-test in Dutch arthritis patients.

PubMed

Oude Voshaar, Martijn Ah; Ten Klooster, Peter M; Taal, Erik; Krishnan, Eswar; van de Laar, Mart Afj

2012-03-05

Patient-reported physical function is an established outcome domain in clinical studies in rheumatology. To overcome the limitations of the current generation of questionnaires, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) project in the USA has developed calibrated item banks for measuring several domains of health status in people with a wide range of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the PROMIS physical function item bank to the Dutch language and to pretest it in a sample of patients with arthritis. The items of the PROMIS physical function item bank were translated using rigorous forward-backward protocols and the translated version was subsequently cognitively pretested in a sample of Dutch patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Few issues were encountered in the forward-backward translation. Only 5 of the 124 items to be translated had to be rewritten because of culturally inappropriate content. Subsequent pretesting showed that overall, questions of the Dutch version were understood as they were intended, while only one item required rewriting. Results suggest that the translated version of the PROMIS physical function item bank is semantically and conceptually equivalent to the original. Future work will be directed at creating a Dutch-Flemish final version of the item bank to be used in research with Dutch speaking populations.

Applying new seismic analysis techniques to the lunar seismic dataset: New information about the Moon and planetary seismology on the eve of InSight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimech, J. L.; Weber, R. C.; Knapmeyer-Endrun, B.; Arnold, R.; Savage, M. K.

2016-12-01

The field of planetary science is poised for a major advance with the upcoming InSight mission to Mars due to launch in May 2018. Seismic analysis techniques adapted for use on planetary data are therefore highly relevant to the field. The heart of this project is in the application of new seismic analysis techniques to the lunar seismic dataset to learn more about the Moon's crust and mantle structure, with particular emphasis on `deep' moonquakes which are situated half-way between the lunar surface and its core with no surface expression. Techniques proven to work on the Moon might also be beneficial for InSight and future planetary seismology missions which face similar technical challenges. The techniques include: (1) an event-detection and classification algorithm based on `Hidden Markov Models' to reclassify known moonquakes and look for new ones. Apollo 17 gravimeter and geophone data will also be included in this effort. (2) Measurements of anisotropy in the lunar mantle and crust using `shear-wave splitting'. Preliminary measurements on deep moonquakes using the MFAST program are encouraging, and continued evaluation may reveal new structural information on the Moon's mantle. (3) Probabilistic moonquake locations using NonLinLoc, a non-linear hypocenter location technique, using a modified version of the codes designed to work with the Moon's radius. Successful application may provide a new catalog of moonquake locations with rigorous uncertainty information, which would be a valuable input into: (4) new fault plane constraints from focal mechanisms using a novel approach to Bayes' theorem which factor in uncertainties in hypocenter coordinates and S-P amplitude ratios. Preliminary results, such as shear-wave splitting measurements, will be presented and discussed.

The Role of Oceanic Transform Faults in Seafloor Spreading: A Global Perspective From Seismic Anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eakin, Caroline M.; Rychert, Catherine A.; Harmon, Nicholas

2018-02-01

Mantle anisotropy beneath mid-ocean ridges and oceanic transforms is key to our understanding of seafloor spreading and underlying dynamics of divergent plate boundaries. Observations are sparse, however, given the remoteness of the oceans and the difficulties of seismic instrumentation. To overcome this, we utilize the global distribution of seismicity along transform faults to measure shear wave splitting of over 550 direct S phases recorded at 56 carefully selected seismic stations worldwide. Applying this source-side splitting technique allows for characterization of the upper mantle seismic anisotropy, and therefore the pattern of mantle flow, directly beneath seismically active transform faults. The majority of the results (60%) return nulls (no splitting), while the non-null measurements display clear azimuthal dependency. This is best simply explained by anisotropy with a near vertical symmetry axis, consistent with mantle upwelling beneath oceanic transforms as suggested by numerical models. It appears therefore that the long-term stability of seafloor spreading may be associated with widespread mantle upwelling beneath the transforms creating warm and weak faults that localize strain to the plate boundary.

H2 evolution at Si-based metal-insulator-semiconductor photoelectrodes enhanced by inversion channel charge collection and H spillover.

PubMed

Esposito, Daniel V; Levin, Igor; Moffat, Thomas P; Talin, A Alec

2013-06-01

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting represents a promising route for renewable production of hydrogen, but trade-offs between photoelectrode stability and efficiency have greatly limited the performance of PEC devices. In this work, we employ a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) photoelectrode architecture that allows for stable and efficient water splitting using narrow bandgap semiconductors. Substantial improvement in the performance of Si-based MIS photocathodes is demonstrated through a combination of a high-quality thermal SiO2 layer and the use of bilayer metal catalysts. Scanning probe techniques were used to simultaneously map the photovoltaic and catalytic properties of the MIS surface and reveal the spillover-assisted evolution of hydrogen off the SiO2 surface and lateral photovoltage driven minority carrier transport over distances that can exceed 2 cm. The latter finding is explained by the photo- and electrolyte-induced formation of an inversion channel immediately beneath the SiO2/Si interface. These findings have important implications for further development of MIS photoelectrodes and offer the possibility of highly efficient PEC water splitting.

Measuring 20-100 T B-fields using Zeeman splitting of sodium emission lines on a 500 kA pulsed power machine

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

Banasek, J. T., E-mail: jtb254@cornell.edu; Engelbrecht, J. T.; Pikuz, S. A.

2016-11-15

We have shown that Zeeman splitting of the sodium (Na) D-lines at 5890 and 5896 Å can be used to measure the magnetic field (B-field) produced in high current pulsed power experiments. We have measured the B-field next to a return current conductor in a hybrid X-pinch experiment near a peak current of about 500 kA. Na is deposited on the conductor and then is desorbed and excited by radiation from the hybrid X-pinch. The D-line emission spectrum implies B-fields of about 20 T with a return current post of 4 mm diameter or up to 120 T with amore » return current wire of 0.455 mm diameter. These measurements were consistent or lower than the expected B-field, thereby showing that basic Zeeman splitting can be used to measure the B-field in a pulsed-power-driven high-energy-density (HED) plasma experiment. We hope to extend these measurement techniques using suitable ionized species to measurements within HED plasmas.« less

Generation and control of polarization-entangled photons from GaAs island quantum dots by an electric field

PubMed Central

Ghali, Mohsen; Ohtani, Keita; Ohno, Yuzo; Ohno, Hideo

2012-01-01

Semiconductor quantum dots are potential sources for generating polarization-entangled photons efficiently. The main prerequisite for such generation based on biexciton–exciton cascaded emission is to control the exciton fine-structure splitting. Among various techniques investigated for this purpose, an electric field is a promising means to facilitate the integration into optoelectronic devices. Here we demonstrate the generation of polarization-entangled photons from single GaAs quantum dots by an electric field. In contrast to previous studies, which were limited to In(Ga)As quantum dots, GaAs island quantum dots formed by a thickness fluctuation were used because they exhibit a larger oscillator strength and emit light with a shorter wavelength. A forward voltage was applied to a Schottky diode to control the fine-structure splitting. We observed a decrease and suppression in the fine-structure splitting of the studied single quantum dot with the field, which enabled us to generate polarization-entangled photons with a high fidelity of 0.72±0.05. PMID:22314357

TReacLab: An object-oriented implementation of non-intrusive splitting methods to couple independent transport and geochemical software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jara, Daniel; de Dreuzy, Jean-Raynald; Cochepin, Benoit

2017-12-01

Reactive transport modeling contributes to understand geophysical and geochemical processes in subsurface environments. Operator splitting methods have been proposed as non-intrusive coupling techniques that optimize the use of existing chemistry and transport codes. In this spirit, we propose a coupler relying on external geochemical and transport codes with appropriate operator segmentation that enables possible developments of additional splitting methods. We provide an object-oriented implementation in TReacLab developed in the MATLAB environment in a free open source frame with an accessible repository. TReacLab contains classical coupling methods, template interfaces and calling functions for two classical transport and reactive software (PHREEQC and COMSOL). It is tested on four classical benchmarks with homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions at equilibrium or kinetically-controlled. We show that full decoupling to the implementation level has a cost in terms of accuracy compared to more integrated and optimized codes. Use of non-intrusive implementations like TReacLab are still justified for coupling independent transport and chemical software at a minimal development effort but should be systematically and carefully assessed.

The Home Language Environment of Monolingual and Bilingual Children and Their Language Proficiency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scheele, Anna F.; Leseman, Paul P. M.; Mayo, Aziza Y.

2010-01-01

This study investigated the relationships between home language learning activities and vocabulary in a sample of monolingual native Dutch (n = 58) and bilingual immigrant Moroccan-Dutch (n = 46) and Turkish-Dutch (n = 55) 3-year-olds, speaking Tarifit-Berber, a nonscripted language, and Turkish as their first language (L1), respectively. Despite…

Influence of Linguistic Environment on Children's Language Development: Flemish versus Dutch Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiefferink, C. H.; Spaai, G. W. G.; Uilenburg, N.; Vermeij, B. A. M.; De Raeve, L.

2008-01-01

In the present study, language development of Dutch children with a cochlear implant (CI) in a bilingual educational setting and Flemish children with a CI in a dominantly monolingual educational setting is compared. In addition, we compared the development of spoken language with the development of sign language in Dutch children. Eighteen…

Prefix Identification in the Reading of Dutch Bisyllabic Words

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Verhoeven, Ludo; Schreuder, Robert; Haarman, Vera

2006-01-01

Two experiments were conducted in order to explore the role of prefix identification in the reading of Dutch bisyllabic words. Although Dutch orthography is highly regular, several deviations from a one-to-one correspondence exist. A case in point is the grapheme E which can represent the vowels epsilon, e and oe in polysyllabic words. In…

Word Decoding Development in Incremental Phonics Instruction in a Transparent Orthography

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schaars, Moniek M.; Segers, Eliane; Verhoeven, Ludo

2017-01-01

The present longitudinal study aimed to investigate the development of word decoding skills during incremental phonics instruction in Dutch as a transparent orthography. A representative sample of 973 Dutch children in the first grade (M[subscript age] = 6;1, SD = 0;5) was exposed to incremental subsets of Dutch grapheme-phoneme correspondences…

The Dutch Are Missing in the American Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Claunch, Ann

2009-01-01

The Dutch are missing in any U.S. history textbook, in the content standards, and in the nationally endorsed curriculum. Outside of New York State history classes, there is almost no mention of the Dutch influence in early 17th-century America. Fleeting references to the Netherlands as a staging area for the Pilgrims' famous "Mayflower"…

Do Hebrew Electronic Books Differ from Dutch Electronic Books? A Replication of a Dutch Content Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Korat, Ofra; Shamir, Adina

2004-01-01

This replication study of Hebrew versus Dutch electronic books for young children was based on De Jong & Bus's content analysis, which explored whether e-books are appropriate supports for young children's literacy development. Our criteria for analysing 43 Hebrew e-books for young children included book processing, multimedia in pictures,…

Changing Places: A Cross-Language Perspective on Frequency and Family Size in Dutch and Hebrew

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moscoso del Prado Martin, Fermin; Deutsch, Avital; Frost, Ram; Schreuder, Robert; De Jong, Nivja H.; Baayen, R. Harald

2005-01-01

This study uses the morphological family size effect as a tool for exploring the degree of isomorphism in the networks of morphologically related words in the Hebrew and Dutch mental lexicon. Hebrew and Dutch are genetically unrelated, and they structure their morphologically complex words in very different ways. Two visual lexical decision…

Parent Involvement as Professionalization: Professionals' Struggle for Power in Dutch Urban Deprived Areas

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van den Berg, Marguerite; van Reekum, Rogier

2011-01-01

Parent involvement policies have been central in the Dutch push towards educational governance. How the implementation of these policies plays out on the ground is context-dependent. The ethnic and class cleavages impacting the Dutch educational system should be taken into account. On the basis of 50 in-depth interviews with teachers, social…

Eight Years of Specialist Training of Dutch Intellectual Disability Physicians: Results of Scientific Research Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evenhuis, Heleen M.; Penning, Corine

2009-01-01

Training in scientific research methods and skills is a vital part of Dutch specialist training in intellectual disability medicine. The authors evaluated results of such training at one Dutch university medical facility that had an obligatory research program involving projects conducted by the physicians-in-training (topics, teamwork, acquired…

Informal Learning Activities for Learners of English and for Learners of Dutch

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Marsenille, Anne

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the informal learning activities which French-speaking higher education students in Brussels engage in while learning English and Dutch. The informal learning of English was investigated in 2012, while the informal learning of Dutch was studied in 2015 and then compared to the informal…

Dutch elm disease

Treesearch

James W. Walters

1992-01-01

Since its discovery in the United States in 1930, Dutch elm disease has killed thousands of native elms. The three native elms, American, slippery, and rock, have little or no resistance to Dutch elm disease, but individual trees within each species vary in susceptibility to the disease. The most important of these, American elm, is scattered in upland stands but is...

Home Language and Language Proficiency; A Large-Scale Longitudinal Study in Dutch Primary Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Driessen, Geert; van der Slik, Frans; De Bot, Kees

2002-01-01

Reports on a large-scale longitudinal study into the development of language proficiency of Dutch primary school children aged 7-10. Data on language proficiency and a range of background variables were analyzed. Results suggest that while immigrant children develop their language skill in Dutch considerably over 2 years, they are nonetheless…

An Overview of Importance Splitting for Rare Event Simulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morio, Jerome; Pastel, Rudy; Le Gland, Francois

2010-01-01

Monte Carlo simulations are a classical tool to analyse physical systems. When unlikely events are to be simulated, the importance sampling technique is often used instead of Monte Carlo. Importance sampling has some drawbacks when the problem dimensionality is high or when the optimal importance sampling density is complex to obtain. In this…

Evaluation of different screw fixation techniques and screw diameters in sagittal split ramus osteotomy: finite element analysis method.

PubMed

Sindel, A; Demiralp, S; Colok, G

2014-09-01

Sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) is used for correction of numerous congenital or acquired deformities in facial region. Several techniques have been developed and used to maintain fixation and stabilisation following SSRO application. In this study, the effects of the insertion formations of the bicortical different sized screws to the stresses generated by forces were studied. Three-dimensional finite elements analysis (FEA) and static linear analysis methods were used to investigate difference which would occur in terms of forces effecting onto the screws and transmitted to bone between different application areas. No significant difference was found between 1·5- and 2-mm screws used in SSRO fixation. Besides, it was found that 'inverted L' application was more successful compared to the others and that was followed by 'L' and 'linear' formations which showed close rates to each other. Few studies have investigated the effect of thickness and application areas of bicortical screws. This study was performed on both advanced and regressed jaws positions. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effect of Split Gate Size on the Electrostatic Potential and 0.7 Anomaly within Quantum Wires on a Modulation-Doped GaAs /AlGaAs Heterostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, L. W.; Al-Taie, H.; Lesage, A. A. J.; Thomas, K. J.; Sfigakis, F.; See, P.; Griffiths, J. P.; Farrer, I.; Jones, G. A. C.; Ritchie, D. A.; Kelly, M. J.; Smith, C. G.

2016-04-01

We study 95 split gates of different size on a single chip using a multiplexing technique. Each split gate defines a one-dimensional channel on a modulation-doped GaAs /AlGaAs heterostructure, through which the conductance is quantized. The yield of devices showing good quantization decreases rapidly as the length of the split gates increases. However, for the subset of devices showing good quantization, there is no correlation between the electrostatic length of the one-dimensional channel (estimated using a saddle-point model) and the gate length. The variation in electrostatic length and the one-dimensional subband spacing for devices of the same gate length exceeds the variation in the average values between devices of different lengths. There is a clear correlation between the curvature of the potential barrier in the transport direction and the strength of the "0.7 anomaly": the conductance value of the 0.7 anomaly reduces as the barrier curvature becomes shallower. These results highlight the key role of the electrostatic environment in one-dimensional systems. Even in devices with clean conductance plateaus, random fluctuations in the background potential are crucial in determining the potential landscape in the active device area such that nominally identical gate structures have different characteristics.

Split Bregman's optimization method for image construction in compressive sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skinner, D.; Foo, S.; Meyer-Bäse, A.

2014-05-01

The theory of compressive sampling (CS) was reintroduced by Candes, Romberg and Tao, and D. Donoho in 2006. Using a priori knowledge that a signal is sparse, it has been mathematically proven that CS can defY Nyquist sampling theorem. Theoretically, reconstruction of a CS image relies on the minimization and optimization techniques to solve this complex almost NP-complete problem. There are many paths to consider when compressing and reconstructing an image but these methods have remained untested and unclear on natural images, such as underwater sonar images. The goal of this research is to perfectly reconstruct the original sonar image from a sparse signal while maintaining pertinent information, such as mine-like object, in Side-scan sonar (SSS) images. Goldstein and Osher have shown how to use an iterative method to reconstruct the original image through a method called Split Bregman's iteration. This method "decouples" the energies using portions of the energy from both the !1 and !2 norm. Once the energies are split, Bregman iteration is used to solve the unconstrained optimization problem by recursively solving the problems simultaneously. The faster these two steps or energies can be solved then the faster the overall method becomes. While the majority of CS research is still focused on the medical field, this paper will demonstrate the effectiveness of the Split Bregman's methods on sonar images.

Dynamic adaptive chemistry with operator splitting schemes for reactive flow simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Zhuyin; Xu, Chao; Lu, Tianfeng; Singer, Michael A.

2014-04-01

A numerical technique that uses dynamic adaptive chemistry (DAC) with operator splitting schemes to solve the equations governing reactive flows is developed and demonstrated. Strang-based splitting schemes are used to separate the governing equations into transport fractional substeps and chemical reaction fractional substeps. The DAC method expedites the numerical integration of reaction fractional substeps by using locally valid skeletal mechanisms that are obtained using the directed relation graph (DRG) reduction method to eliminate unimportant species and reactions from the full mechanism. Second-order temporal accuracy of the Strang-based splitting schemes with DAC is demonstrated on one-dimensional, unsteady, freely-propagating, premixed methane/air laminar flames with detailed chemical kinetics and realistic transport. The use of DAC dramatically reduces the CPU time required to perform the simulation, and there is minimal impact on solution accuracy. It is shown that with DAC the starting species and resulting skeletal mechanisms strongly depend on the local composition in the flames. In addition, the number of retained species may be significant only near the flame front region where chemical reactions are significant. For the one-dimensional methane/air flame considered, speed-up factors of three and five are achieved over the entire simulation for GRI-Mech 3.0 and USC-Mech II, respectively. Greater speed-up factors are expected for larger chemical kinetics mechanisms.

Ternary electrocatalysts for oxidizing ethanol to carbon dioxide: making ir capable of splitting C-C bond.

PubMed

Li, Meng; Cullen, David A; Sasaki, Kotaro; Marinkovic, Nebojsa S; More, Karren; Adzic, Radoslav R

2013-01-09

Splitting the C-C bond is the main obstacle to electrooxidation of ethanol (EOR) to CO(2). We recently demonstrated that the ternary PtRhSnO(2) electrocatalyst can accomplish that reaction at room temperature with Rh having a unique capability to split the C-C bond. In this article, we report the finding that Ir can be induced to split the C-C bond as a component of the ternary catalyst. We characterized and compared the properties of several carbon-supported nanoparticle (NP) electrocatalysts comprising a SnO(2) NP core decorated with multimetallic nanoislands (MM' = PtIr, PtRh, IrRh, PtIrRh) prepared using a seeded growth approach. An array of characterization techniques were employed to establish the composition and architecture of the synthesized MM'/SnO(2) NPs, while electrochemical and in situ infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy studies elucidated trends in activity and the nature of the reaction intermediates and products. Both EOR reactivity and selectivity toward CO(2) formation of several of these MM'/SnO(2)/C electrocatalysts are significantly higher compared to conventional Pt/C and Pt/SnO(2)/C catalysts. We demonstrate that the PtIr/SnO(2)/C catalyst with high Ir content shows outstanding catalytic properties with the most negative EOR onset potential and reasonably good selectivity toward ethanol complete oxidation to CO(2).

Semiconductor-based photoelectrochemical water splitting at the limit of very wide depletion region

DOE PAGES

Liu, Mingzhao; Lyons, John L.; Yan, Danhua H.; ...

2015-11-23

In semiconductor-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, carrier separation and delivery largely relies on the depletion region formed at the semiconductor/water interface. As a Schottky junction device, the trade-off between photon collection and minority carrier delivery remains a persistent obstacle for maximizing the performance of a water splitting photoelectrode. Here, it is demonstrated that the PEC water splitting efficiency for an n-SrTiO 3 (n-STO) photoanode is improved very significantly despite its weak indirect band gap optical absorption (α < 10⁴ cm⁻¹), by widening the depletion region through engineering its doping density and profile. Graded doped n-SrTiO 3 photoanodes are fabricated withmore » their bulk heavily doped with oxygen vacancies but their surface lightly doped over a tunable depth of a few hundred nanometers, through a simple low temperature re-oxidation technique. The graded doping profile widens the depletion region to over 500 nm, thus leading to very efficient charge carrier separation and high quantum efficiency (>70%) for the weak indirect transition. As a result, this simultaneous optimization of the light absorption, minority carrier (hole) delivery, and majority carrier (electron) transport by means of a graded doping architecture may be useful for other indirect band gap photocatalysts that suffer from a similar problem of weak optical absorption.« less

Capturing early signs of deterioration: the dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score and its value in the Rapid Response System.

PubMed

Douw, Gooske; Huisman-de Waal, Getty; van Zanten, Arthur R H; van der Hoeven, Johannes G; Schoonhoven, Lisette

2017-09-01

To determine the predictive value of individual and combined dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators at various Early Warning Score levels, differentiating between Early Warning Scores reaching the trigger threshold to call a rapid response team and Early Warning Score levels not reaching this point. Dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score comprises nine indicators underlying nurses' 'worry' about a patient's condition. All indicators independently show significant association with unplanned intensive care/high dependency unit admission or unexpected mortality. Prediction of this outcome improved by adding the dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators to an Early Warning Score based on vital signs. An observational cohort study was conducted on three surgical wards in a tertiary university-affiliated teaching hospital. Included were surgical, native-speaking, adult patients. Nurses scored presence of 'worry' and/or dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators every shift or when worried. Vital signs were measured according to the prevailing protocol. Unplanned intensive care/high dependency unit admission or unexpected mortality was the composite endpoint. Percentages of 'worry' and dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators were calculated at various Early Warning Score levels in control and event groups. Entering all dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators in a multiple logistic regression analysis, we calculated a weighted score and calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value and negative predicted value for each possible total score. In 3522 patients, 102 (2·9%) had an unplanned intensive care/high dependency unit admissions (n = 97) or unexpected mortality (n = 5). Patients with such events and only slightly changed vital signs had significantly higher percentages of 'worry' and dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators expressed than patients in the control group. Increasing number of dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators showed higher positive predictive values. Dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score indicators alert in an early stage of deterioration, before reaching the trigger threshold to call a rapid response team and can improve interdisciplinary communication on surgical wards during regular rounds, and when calling for assistance. Dutch-early-nurse-worry-indicator-score structures communication and recording of signs known to be associated with a decline in a patient's condition and can empower nurses to call assistance on the 'worry' criterion in an early stage of deterioration. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Reliability and concurrent validity of the Dutch hip and knee replacement expectations surveys

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Preoperative expectations of outcome of total hip and knee arthroplasty are important determinants of patients' satisfaction and functional outcome. Aims of the study were (1) to translate the Hospital for Special Surgery Hip Replacement Expectations Survey and Knee Replacement Expectations Survey into Dutch and (2) to study test-retest reliability and concurrent validity. Methods Patients scheduled for total hip (N = 112) or knee replacement (N = 101) were sent the Dutch Expectations Surveys twice with a 2 week interval to determine test-retest reliability. To determine concurrent validity, the Expectation WOMAC was sent. Results The results for the Dutch Hip Replacement Expectations Survey revealed good test-retest reliability (ICC 0.87), no bias and good internal consistency (alpha 0.86) (N = 72). The correlation between the Hip Expectations Score and the Expectation WOMAC score was 0.59 (N = 86). The results for the Dutch Knee Replacement Expectations Survey revealed good test-retest reliability (ICC 0.79), no bias and good internal consistency (alpha 0.91) (N = 46). The correlation with the Expectation WOMAC score was 0.52 (N = 57). Conclusions Both Dutch Expectations Surveys are reliable instruments to determine patients' expectations before total hip or knee arthroplasty. As for concurrent validity, the correlation between both surveys and the Expectation WOMAC was moderate confirming that the same construct was determined. However, patients scored systematically lower on the Expectation WOMAC compared to the Dutch Expectation Surveys. Research on patients' expectations before total hip and knee replacement has only been performed in a limited amount of countries. With the Dutch Expectations Surveys it is now possible to determine patients' expectations in another culture and healthcare setting. PMID:20958990

Reliability and concurrent validity of the Dutch hip and knee replacement expectations surveys.

PubMed

van den Akker-Scheek, Inge; van Raay, Jos J A M; Reininga, Inge H F; Bulstra, Sjoerd K; Zijlstra, Wiebren; Stevens, Martin

2010-10-19

Preoperative expectations of outcome of total hip and knee arthroplasty are important determinants of patients' satisfaction and functional outcome. Aims of the study were (1) to translate the Hospital for Special Surgery Hip Replacement Expectations Survey and Knee Replacement Expectations Survey into Dutch and (2) to study test-retest reliability and concurrent validity. Patients scheduled for total hip (N = 112) or knee replacement (N = 101) were sent the Dutch Expectations Surveys twice with a 2 week interval to determine test-retest reliability. To determine concurrent validity, the Expectation WOMAC was sent. The results for the Dutch Hip Replacement Expectations Survey revealed good test-retest reliability (ICC 0.87), no bias and good internal consistency (alpha 0.86) (N = 72). The correlation between the Hip Expectations Score and the Expectation WOMAC score was 0.59 (N = 86). The results for the Dutch Knee Replacement Expectations Survey revealed good test-retest reliability (ICC 0.79), no bias and good internal consistency (alpha 0.91) (N = 46). The correlation with the Expectation WOMAC score was 0.52 (N = 57). Both Dutch Expectations Surveys are reliable instruments to determine patients' expectations before total hip or knee arthroplasty. As for concurrent validity, the correlation between both surveys and the Expectation WOMAC was moderate confirming that the same construct was determined. However, patients scored systematically lower on the Expectation WOMAC compared to the Dutch Expectation Surveys. Research on patients' expectations before total hip and knee replacement has only been performed in a limited amount of countries. With the Dutch Expectations Surveys it is now possible to determine patients' expectations in another culture and healthcare setting.

ContextD: an algorithm to identify contextual properties of medical terms in a Dutch clinical corpus.

PubMed

Afzal, Zubair; Pons, Ewoud; Kang, Ning; Sturkenboom, Miriam C J M; Schuemie, Martijn J; Kors, Jan A

2014-11-29

In order to extract meaningful information from electronic medical records, such as signs and symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments, it is important to take into account the contextual properties of the identified information: negation, temporality, and experiencer. Most work on automatic identification of these contextual properties has been done on English clinical text. This study presents ContextD, an adaptation of the English ConText algorithm to the Dutch language, and a Dutch clinical corpus. We created a Dutch clinical corpus containing four types of anonymized clinical documents: entries from general practitioners, specialists' letters, radiology reports, and discharge letters. Using a Dutch list of medical terms extracted from the Unified Medical Language System, we identified medical terms in the corpus with exact matching. The identified terms were annotated for negation, temporality, and experiencer properties. To adapt the ConText algorithm, we translated English trigger terms to Dutch and added several general and document specific enhancements, such as negation rules for general practitioners' entries and a regular expression based temporality module. The ContextD algorithm utilized 41 unique triggers to identify the contextual properties in the clinical corpus. For the negation property, the algorithm obtained an F-score from 87% to 93% for the different document types. For the experiencer property, the F-score was 99% to 100%. For the historical and hypothetical values of the temporality property, F-scores ranged from 26% to 54% and from 13% to 44%, respectively. The ContextD showed good performance in identifying negation and experiencer property values across all Dutch clinical document types. Accurate identification of the temporality property proved to be difficult and requires further work. The anonymized and annotated Dutch clinical corpus can serve as a useful resource for further algorithm development.

The English version of the four-dimensional symptom questionnaire (4DSQ) measures the same as the original Dutch questionnaire: a validation study.

PubMed

Terluin, Berend; Smits, Niels; Miedema, Baukje

2014-12-01

Translations of questionnaires need to be carefully validated to assure that the translation measures the same construct(s) as the original questionnaire. The four-dimensional symptom questionnaire (4DSQ) is a Dutch self-report questionnaire measuring distress, depression, anxiety and somatization. To evaluate the equivalence of the English version of the 4DSQ. 4DSQ data of English and Dutch speaking general practice attendees were analysed and compared. The English speaking group consisted of 205 attendees, aged 18-64 years, in general practice, in Canada whereas the Dutch group consisted of 302 general practice attendees in the Netherlands. Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis was conducted using the Mantel-Haenszel method and ordinal logistic regression. Differential test functioning (DTF; i.e., the scale impact of DIF) was evaluated using linear regression analysis. DIF was detected in 2/16 distress items, 2/6 depression items, 2/12 anxiety items, and 1/16 somatization items. With respect to mean scale scores, the impact of DIF on the scale level was negligible for all scales. On the anxiety scale DIF caused the English speaking patients with moderate to severe anxiety to score about one point lower than Dutch patients with the same anxiety level. The English 4DSQ measures the same constructs like the original Dutch 4DSQ. The distress, depression and somatization scales can employ the same cut-off points as the corresponding Dutch scales. However, cut-off points of the English 4DSQ anxiety scale should be lowered by one point to retain the same meaning as the Dutch anxiety cut-off points.

Quality of life assessment in facial palsy: validation of the Dutch Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale.

PubMed

Kleiss, Ingrid J; Beurskens, Carien H G; Stalmeier, Peep F M; Ingels, Koen J A O; Marres, Henri A M

2015-08-01

This study aimed at validating an existing health-related quality of life questionnaire for patients with facial palsy for implementation in the Dutch language and culture. The Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale was translated into the Dutch language using a forward-backward translation method. A pilot test with the translated questionnaire was performed in 10 patients with facial palsy and 10 normal subjects. Finally, cross-cultural adaption was accomplished at our outpatient clinic for facial palsy. Analyses for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity and responsiveness were performed. Ninety-three patients completed the Dutch Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale, the Dutch Facial Disability Index, and the Dutch Short Form (36) Health Survey. Cronbach's α, representing internal consistency, was 0.800. Test-retest reliability was shown by an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.737. Correlations with the House-Brackmann score, Sunnybrook score, Facial Disability Index physical function, and social/well-being function were -0.292, 0.570, 0.713, and 0.575, respectively. The SF-36 domains correlate best with the FaCE social function domain, with the strongest correlation between the both social function domains (r = 0.576). The FaCE score did statistically significantly increase in 35 patients receiving botulinum toxin type A (P = 0.042, Student t test). The domains 'facial comfort' and 'social function' improved statistically significantly as well (P = 0.022 and P = 0.046, respectively, Student t-test). The Dutch Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale shows good psychometric values and can be implemented in the management of Dutch-speaking patients with facial palsy in the Netherlands. Translation of the instrument into other languages may lead to widespread use, making evaluation and comparison possible among different providers.

Toddlers learn words in a foreign language: The role of native vocabulary knowledge

PubMed Central

Koenig, Melissa A.; Woodward, Amanda L.

2013-01-01

The current study examined monolingual English-speaking toddlers’ (N=50) ability to learn word-referent links from native speakers of Dutch versus English and secondly, whether children generalized or sequestered their extensions when terms were tested by a subsequent speaker of English. Overall, children performed better in the English than in the Dutch condition; however, children with high native vocabularies successfully selected the target object for terms trained in fluent Dutch. Furthermore, children with higher vocabularies did not indicate their comprehension of Dutch terms when subsequently tested by an English speaker whereas children with low vocabulary scores responded at chance levels to both the original Dutch speaker and the second English speaker. These findings demonstrate that monolingual toddlers with proficiency in their native language are capable of learning words outside of their conventional system and may be sensitive to the boundaries that exist between language systems. PMID:22310327

Historical Notes on the Dutch and American-Dutch "schools" in Astronomy and Their Relations with Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van den Heuvel, Ed

2006-04-01

Dutch astronomy and physics experienced two "golden ages". The firstone covered the 17th century, culminating with Christiaan Huygens,inventor of the pendulum clock and the wave theory of light, anddiscoverer of Saturn's rings and largest satellite Titan. The secondone, which lasts till the present, started around 1880 withphysicists Lorentz, van der Waals, Zeeman and Kamerlingh Onnes andastronomer Kapteijn and his pupils De Sitter, van Rhijn, Oort andSchilt. Kapteijn, through his friendship with George Ellery Hale,initiated the strong connection between American and Dutch astronomy,which led to the rise of many Dutch-born astronomers to prominentpositions in the US, from Luyten, Bok, Brouwer, Schilt and Kuiperto Woltjer, Gehrels, and Beckers. The rise of the second "goldenage" appears to be closely related to drastic reforms in the Dutchhigh school and university systems in the last decades of the 19thcentury.

L2 Acquisition of Spanish Dative Clitics by English and Dutch Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Escobar-Álvarez, M. Ángeles

2017-01-01

This article examines the second language acquisition (SLA) of Spanish dative clitics in clitic doubling (CLD) structures that are closely related to the double object construction (DOC) in English and Dutch. It also addresses the question of how adult English and Dutch speakers learning L2 Spanish in a formal setting develop knowledge and use of…

Lesjes van de Nederlanders: Little Lessons from the Dutch to Promote Educational Quality. AIR 1995 Annual Forum Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmer, Barbara H.

This study explored quality assessment and accountability in Dutch university education using a case study approach. The Dutch national system of quality assurance is described, and developments since the mid-1980s are traced. The university case studies illustrate models which are being employed to implement the quality assurance system including…

From a Marginal Institution to Institutional Marginalization. Developments in the Treatment of Criminal Children in the Dutch Prison System. 1833-1884.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leonards, Chris

1990-01-01

Examines the overhaul of the treatment of Dutch criminal children between 1830 and 1880. Discusses reforms taken, including the placing of children considered reeducable in separate youth prisons. Argues that private institutions, like the Dutch Prison Society, sponsored these reforms. Analyzes the success rate of educating these children. (DB)

Making Dutch Pupils Media Conscious: Preadolescents' Self-Assessment of Possible Media Risks and the Need for Media Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuter-Luks, Theresa; Heuvelman, Ard; Peters, Oscar

2011-01-01

Despite clear European and Dutch policies about media education, there is currently no media education curriculum in Dutch schools. A survey among preadolescents (n = 257) in six primary schools in the Netherlands included questions regarding media access, fears, risks, parental mediation of television and the internet, and the need for media…

A Comparison of Dutch and US Teachers' Perceptions of the Incidence and Management of ADHD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Havey, J. Michael

2007-01-01

Dutch and US teachers were questioned about their perceptions of the incidence and causes of ADHD, as well as their views of appropriate treatments. Dutch teachers were more likely than US teachers to think the etiology of the disorder lay in biochemistry, while US teachers were more likely to believe in a combination of environmental and…

Asymmetries in the Acquisition of Subject-Verb Agreement in Dutch: Evidence from Comprehension and Production

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Verhagen, Josje; Blom, Elma

2014-01-01

Across languages, children do not comprehend 3SG/3PL subject-verb agreement before age five, despite early mastery in spontaneous speech. This study investigates subject-verb agreement in a language hitherto not studied in this respect, namely Dutch. The authors examine if (1) Dutch two- and three-year-olds comprehend subject-verb agreement and…

CBM Progress Monitoring in Foreign Language Learning for Secondary School Students: Technical Adequacy of Different Measures and Scoring Procedures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chung, Siuman; Espin, Christine A.

2013-01-01

The reliability and validity of three curriculum-based measures as indicators of learning English as a foreign language were examined. Participants were 260 Dutch students in Grades 8 and 9 who were receiving English-language instruction. Predictor measures were maze-selection, Dutch-to-English word translation, and English-to-Dutch word…

Online Dutch L2 Learning in Adult Education: Educators' and Providers' Viewpoints on Needs, Advantages and Disadvantages

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Paepe, Liesbeth; Zhu, Chang; Depryck, Koen

2018-01-01

This study critically addresses the assumptions made by educators and providers in the field of Dutch second language (L2) acquisition about the online learning of Dutch L2. These include assumptions about advantages and disadvantages of online language learning, such as flexibility, learner autonomy, enhanced opportunities for remediation and…

Government, School Autonomy, and Legitimacy: Why the Dutch Government Is Adopting an Unprecedented Level of Interference with Independent Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waslander, Sietske

2010-01-01

When looking at independent schools, the Netherlands is often mentioned as a prime example of school autonomy. Rooted in the constitution, the Dutch education system is build upon a combination of public funding and private operation. After almost a century of independent schools, the Dutch Government adopted a law recently which enables…

Validity of the Parental Burnout Inventory Among Dutch Employees.

PubMed

Van Bakel, Hedwig J A; Van Engen, Marloes L; Peters, Pascale

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to validate the Parental Burnout Inventory (PBI) in a Dutch sample of working parents. The Dutch version of the PBI and questionnaires about work were administered to 627 working parents, with at least one child living at home. We investigated whether the tri-dimensional structure of the PBI held in a sample of male and female employed parents. Furthermore, we examined the relationships between PBI and the constructs work-related burnout, depressive mood, parenting stress and work-family conflict, which we assessed with widely used and validated instruments, i.e., emotional exhaustion [a subscale of the Dutch version of Maslach's Burnout Inventory], a Dutch Parental Stress Questionnaire and Work-Family Conflict. The results support the validity of a tri-dimensional parental burnout syndrome, including exhaustion, distancing and inefficacy. Low to moderate correlations between parents' burnout symptoms and professional exhaustion, parenting stress, depressive complaints and work-family conflict experiences were found, suggesting that the concept of PBI differs significantly from the concepts of job burnout, depression and stress, respectively. The current study confirms that some parents are extremely exhausted by their parental role. However, the number of Dutch employees reporting extreme parental burnout is rather low.

Validity of the Parental Burnout Inventory Among Dutch Employees

PubMed Central

Van Bakel, Hedwig J. A.; Van Engen, Marloes L.; Peters, Pascale

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to validate the Parental Burnout Inventory (PBI) in a Dutch sample of working parents. The Dutch version of the PBI and questionnaires about work were administered to 627 working parents, with at least one child living at home. We investigated whether the tri-dimensional structure of the PBI held in a sample of male and female employed parents. Furthermore, we examined the relationships between PBI and the constructs work-related burnout, depressive mood, parenting stress and work-family conflict, which we assessed with widely used and validated instruments, i.e., emotional exhaustion [a subscale of the Dutch version of Maslach’s Burnout Inventory], a Dutch Parental Stress Questionnaire and Work-Family Conflict. The results support the validity of a tri-dimensional parental burnout syndrome, including exhaustion, distancing and inefficacy. Low to moderate correlations between parents’ burnout symptoms and professional exhaustion, parenting stress, depressive complaints and work-family conflict experiences were found, suggesting that the concept of PBI differs significantly from the concepts of job burnout, depression and stress, respectively. The current study confirms that some parents are extremely exhausted by their parental role. However, the number of Dutch employees reporting extreme parental burnout is rather low. PMID:29875711

Quiet is the new loud: pausing and focus in child and adult Dutch.

PubMed

Romøren, Anna Sara H; Chen, Aoju

2015-03-01

In a number of languages, prosody is used to highlight new information (or focus). In Dutch, focus is marked by accentuation, whereby focal constituents are accented and post-focal constituents are de-accented. Even if pausing is not traditionally seen as a cue to focus in Dutch, several previous studies have pointed to a possible relationship between pausing and information structure. Considering that Dutch-speaking 4 to 5 year olds are not yet completely proficient in using accentuation for focus and that children generally pause more than adults, we asked whether pausing might be an available parameter for children to manipulate for focus. Sentences with varying focus structure were elicited from 10 Dutch-speaking 4 to 5 year olds and 9 Dutch-speaking adults by means of a picture-matching game. Comparing pause durations before focal and non-focal targets showed pre-target pauses to be significantly longer when the targets were focal than when they were not. Notably, the use of pausing was more robust in the children than in the adults, suggesting that children exploit pausing to mark focus more generally than adults do, at a stage where their mastery of the canonical cues to focus is still developing.

Motivation of men and women in mathematics and language.

PubMed

Vrugt, Anneke; Oort, Frans J; Waardenburg, Lydeke

2009-10-01

Based on the multiple goal perspective it is argued that mastery and performance goals contribute to different motivational variables-mastery goals to self-efficacy and performance goals to social comparison-that contribute through affect to achievement. The first aim of this study was to determine whether this model is applicable irrespective of sex and subject. The expected relationships occurred for female students studying Dutch and mathematics, and for male students studying Dutch. The second aim was to test a model in which the perceived gender appropriateness of the subject affects the pursued achievement goal. We expected that subjects perceived as gender-appropriate--Dutch for female and mathematics for male students--would result in strong relationships between mastery goals, self-efficacy, affect, and achievement, and that less gender-appropriate subjects--mathematics for women and Dutch for men--would result in strong relationships between performance goals, social comparison, affect, and achievement. Several of the expected relationships occurred for female and males students studying Dutch and mathematics. Furthermore, female students obtained higher course grades in Dutch than male students, while male students studying mathematics scored higher on self-efficacy and affect than female students.

The Dutch colonial architecture of buildings in Manado’s Old City: A response to the coastal tropical climate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumurur, V. A.; Tampi, D. M.

2018-03-01

The late 19th and early 20th centuries was an era when the phenomenon of global warming began, as did the development of cities in Indonesia. In that era, cities in Indonesia functioned as colonial cities. The city of Manado is one of the coastal cities, written in the Dutch Royal Act of 1814 as the territory of Dutch sovereignty, was amended in 1848, 1872 and 1922. Dutch colonial art and architecture in Indonesia are not only influenced by culture but also the climate. For the purpose of physical comfort in the tropical environments, architects began to use local building materials, since the early 19th century, and the building began to be replaced by a customizing architecture. Descriptive analysis was employed as the method in this study. The result found that the Dutch Colonial Architecture emphasized the physical aspects, the royal style adapted to local conditions, and the local building emphasis on function. The tropical climate of Manado City influences the shape of the building with Dutch colonial architectural style in this area. As climate change is shown by rising temperatures, further observations on the design of colonial architecture will be important.

Spatial Distribution of Trehalose Dihydrate Crystallization in Tablets by X-ray Diffractometry.

PubMed

Thakral, Naveen K; Yamada, Hiroyuki; Stephenson, Gregory A; Suryanarayanan, Raj

2015-10-05

Crystallization of trehalose dihydrate (C12H22O11·2H2O) was induced by storing tablets of amorphous anhydrous trehalose (C12H22O11) at 65% RH (RT). Our goal was to evaluate the advantages and limitations of two approaches of profiling spatial distribution of drug crystallization in tablets. The extent of crystallization, as a function of depth, was determined in tablets stored for different time-periods. The first approach was glancing angle X-ray diffractometry, where the penetration depth of X-rays was modulated by the incident angle. Based on the mass attenuation coefficient of the matrix, the depth of X-ray penetration was calculated as a function of incident angle, which in turn enabled us to "calculate" the extent of crystallization to different depths. In the second approach, the tablets were split into halves and the split surfaces were analyzed directly. Starting from the tablet surface and moving toward the midplane, XRD patterns were collected in 36 "regions", in increments of 0.05 mm. The results obtained by the two approaches were, in general, in good agreement. Additionally, the results obtained were validated by determining the "average" crystallization in the entire tablet by using synchrotron radiation in the transmission mode. The glancing angle method could detect crystallization up to ∼650 μm and had a "surface bias". Being a nondestructive technique, this method will permit repeated analyses of the same tablet at different time points, for example, during a stability study. However, split tablet analyses, while a "destructive" technique, provided comprehensive and unbiased depth profiling information.

Determining the Topology of Integral Membrane Peptides Using EPR Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Inbaraj, Johnson J.; Cardon, Thomas B.; Laryukhin, Mikhail; Grosser, Stuart M.

2008-01-01

This paper reports on the development of a new structural biology technique for determining the membrane topology of an integral membrane protein inserted into magnetically aligned phospholipid bilayers (bicelles) using EPR spectroscopy. The nitroxide spin probe, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl-4-amino-4-carboxylic acid (TOAC) was attached to the pore-lining transmembrane domain (M2δ) of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and incorporated into a bicelle. The corresponding EPR spectra revealed hyperfine splittings that were highly dependent on the macroscopic orientation of the bicelles with respect to the static magnetic field. The helical tilt of the peptide can be easily calculated using the hyperfine splittings gleaned from the orientational dependent EPR spectra. A helical tilt of 14° was calculated for the M2δ peptide with respect to the bilayer normal of the membrane, which agrees well with previous 15N solid-state NMR studies. The helical tilt of the peptide was verified by simulating the corresponding EPR spectra using the standardized MOMD approach. This new method is advantageous because: (1) bicelle samples are easy to prepare, (2) the helical tilt can be directly calculated from the orientational-dependent hyperfine splitting in the EPR spectra, and (3) EPR spectroscopy is approximately 1000 fold more sensitive than 15N solid-state NMR spectroscopy; thus, the helical tilt of an integral membrane peptide can be determined with only 100 μg of peptide. The helical tilt can be determined more accurately by placing TOAC spin labels at several positions with this technique. PMID:16848493

Pulpal and Periodontal Tissues Changes Associated with Le Fort I and Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomies: A review

PubMed Central

Lazaridis, Konstantinos; Athanasiou, Athanasios E.

2018-01-01

Introduction: Le Fort I and sagittal split ramus osteotomies are the most commonly performed orthognathic surgery procedures on the maxilla and mandible, respectively. Techniques: Despite progress in the techniques, these procedures may still be associated with morbidity, expressed as inflammation, inadequate bony union, periodontal damages or in extreme cases even total bone loss. Discussion: Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the influences of maxillary and mandibular surgery on Pulpal Blood Flow (PBF), pulp sensitivity and pulp vitality are examined. Moreover, adverse effects of maxillary surgery on tooth color and periodontal tissues are also reported. The effects had a variety of expression. Concerning maxillary surgery, some studies showed an initial increase in PBF followed by a decrease to the baseline or even lower levels after 1-3 months. Other studies found an initial decrease in PBF followed by an increase soon after. There were also studies that showed no significant PBF changes, in contrast. Conclusion: Concerning mandibular surgery, a recent study showed a decrease in PBF immediately after sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Some authors detected tooth discoloration of maxillary teeth after Le Fort I osteotomy. Root resorption and root injury were also detected, but were of minor significance. Usually, these adverse effects derive from injury of the vessels of the palatal pedicle. This pedicle should be maintained intact for the avoidance of blood flow impairments. In addition, the descending palatine artery should be protected during maxillary surgery procedures in order to maintain the highest possible blood flow on the maxillary teeth. PMID:29456771

Discriminant forest classification method and system

DOEpatents

Chen, Barry Y.; Hanley, William G.; Lemmond, Tracy D.; Hiller, Lawrence J.; Knapp, David A.; Mugge, Marshall J.

2012-11-06

A hybrid machine learning methodology and system for classification that combines classical random forest (RF) methodology with discriminant analysis (DA) techniques to provide enhanced classification capability. A DA technique which uses feature measurements of an object to predict its class membership, such as linear discriminant analysis (LDA) or Andersen-Bahadur linear discriminant technique (AB), is used to split the data at each node in each of its classification trees to train and grow the trees and the forest. When training is finished, a set of n DA-based decision trees of a discriminant forest is produced for use in predicting the classification of new samples of unknown class.

Loss-compensation technique using a split-spectrum approach for optical fiber air-gap intensity-based sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Anbo; Miller, Mark S.; Gunther, Michael F.; Murphy, Kent A.; Claus, Richard O.

1993-03-01

A self-referencing technique compensating for fiber losses and source fluctuations in air-gap intensity-based optical fiber sensors is described and demonstrated. A resolution of 0.007 micron has been obtained over a measurement range of 0-250 microns for an intensity-based displacement sensor using this referencing technique. The sensor is shown to have minimal sensitivity to fiber bending losses and variations in the LED input power. A theoretical model for evaluation of step-index multimode optical fiber splice is proposed. The performance of the sensor as a displacement sensor agrees well with the theoretical analysis.

Advances in Surgical Reconstructive Techniques in the Management of Penile, Urethral, and Scrotal Cancer.

PubMed

Bickell, Michael; Beilan, Jonathan; Wallen, Jared; Wiegand, Lucas; Carrion, Rafael

2016-11-01

This article reviews the most up-to-date surgical treatment options for the reconstructive management of patients with penile, urethral, and scrotal cancer. Each organ system is examined individually. Techniques and discussion for penile cancer reconstruction include Mohs surgery, glans resurfacing, partial and total glansectomy, and phalloplasty. Included in the penile cancer reconstruction section is the use of penile prosthesis in phalloplasty patients after penectomy, tissue engineering in phallic regeneration, and penile transplantation. Reconstruction following treatment of primary urethral carcinoma and current techniques for scrotal cancer reconstruction using split-thickness skin grafts and flaps are described. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dutch translation and cross-cultural validation of the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT).

PubMed

van Leeuwen, Karen M; Bosmans, Judith E; Jansen, Aaltje Pd; Rand, Stacey E; Towers, Ann-Marie; Smith, Nick; Razik, Kamilla; Trukeschitz, Birgit; van Tulder, Maurits W; van der Horst, Henriette E; Ostelo, Raymond W

2015-05-13

The Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit was developed to measure outcomes of social care in England. In this study, we translated the four level self-completion version (SCT-4) of the ASCOT for use in the Netherlands and performed a cross-cultural validation. The ASCOT SCT-4 was translated into Dutch following international guidelines, including two forward and back translations. The resulting version was pilot tested among frail older adults using think-aloud interviews. Furthermore, using a subsample of the Dutch ACT-study, we investigated test-retest reliability and construct validity and compared response distributions with data from a comparable English study. The pilot tests showed that translated items were in general understood as intended, that most items were reliable, and that the response distributions of the Dutch translation and associations with other measures were comparable to the original English version. Based on the results of the pilot tests, some small modifications and a revision of the Dignity items were proposed for the final translation, which were approved by the ASCOT development team. The complete original English version and the final Dutch translation can be obtained after registration on the ASCOT website ( http://www.pssru.ac.uk/ascot ). This study provides preliminary evidence that the Dutch translation of the ASCOT is valid, reliable and comparable to the original English version. We recommend further research to confirm the validity of the modified Dutch ASCOT translation.

Verb inflection in monolingual Dutch and sequential bilingual Turkish-Dutch children with and without SLI.

PubMed

Blom, Elma; de Jong, Jan; Orgassa, Antje; Baker, Anne; Weerman, Fred

2013-01-01

Both children with specific language impairment (SLI) and children who acquire a second language (L2) make errors with verb inflection. This overlap between SLI and L2 raises the question if verb inflection can discriminate between L2 children with and without SLI. In this study we addressed this question for Dutch. The secondary goal of the study was to investigate variation in error types and error profiles across groups. Data were collected from 6-8-year-old children with SLI who acquire Dutch as their first language (L1), Dutch L1 children with a typical development (TD), Dutch L2 children with SLI, and Dutch L1 TD children who were on average 2 years younger. An experimental elicitation task was employed that tested use of verb inflection; context (3SG, 3PL) was manipulated and word order and verb type were controlled. Accuracy analyses revealed effects of impairment in both L1 and L2 children with SLI. However, individual variation indicated that there is no specific error profile for SLI. Verb inflection use as measured in our study discriminated fairly well in the L1 group but classification was less accurate in the L2 group. Between-group differences emerged furthermore for certain types of errors, but all groups also showed considerable variation in errors and there was not a specific error profile that distinguished SLI from TD. © 2013 Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Pooled Resequencing of 122 Ulcerative Colitis Genes in a Large Dutch Cohort Suggests Population-Specific Associations of Rare Variants in MUC2.

PubMed

Visschedijk, Marijn C; Alberts, Rudi; Mucha, Soren; Deelen, Patrick; de Jong, Dirk J; Pierik, Marieke; Spekhorst, Lieke M; Imhann, Floris; van der Meulen-de Jong, Andrea E; van der Woude, C Janneke; van Bodegraven, Adriaan A; Oldenburg, Bas; Löwenberg, Mark; Dijkstra, Gerard; Ellinghaus, David; Schreiber, Stefan; Wijmenga, Cisca; Rivas, Manuel A; Franke, Andre; van Diemen, Cleo C; Weersma, Rinse K

2016-01-01

Genome-wide association studies have revealed several common genetic risk variants for ulcerative colitis (UC). However, little is known about the contribution of rare, large effect genetic variants to UC susceptibility. In this study, we performed a deep targeted re-sequencing of 122 genes in Dutch UC patients in order to investigate the contribution of rare variants to the genetic susceptibility to UC. The selection of genes consists of 111 established human UC susceptibility genes and 11 genes that lead to spontaneous colitis when knocked-out in mice. In addition, we sequenced the promoter regions of 45 genes where known variants exert cis-eQTL-effects. Targeted pooled re-sequencing was performed on DNA of 790 Dutch UC cases. The Genome of the Netherlands project provided sequence data of 500 healthy controls. After quality control and prioritization based on allele frequency and pathogenicity probability, follow-up genotyping of 171 rare variants was performed on 1021 Dutch UC cases and 1166 Dutch controls. Single-variant association and gene-based analyses identified an association of rare variants in the MUC2 gene with UC. The associated variants in the Dutch population could not be replicated in a German replication cohort (1026 UC cases, 3532 controls). In conclusion, this study has identified a putative role for MUC2 on UC susceptibility in the Dutch population and suggests a population-specific contribution of rare variants to UC.

L1 and L2 reading skills in Dutch adolescents with a familial risk of dyslexia.

PubMed

van Setten, Ellie R H; Tops, Wim; Hakvoort, Britt E; van der Leij, Aryan; Maurits, Natasha M; Maassen, Ben A M

2017-01-01

The present study investigated differences in reading and spelling outcomes in Dutch and English as a second language (ESL) in adolescents with a high familial risk of dyslexia, of whom some have developed dyslexia (HRDys) while others have not (HRnonDys), in comparison to a low familial risk control group without dyslexia (LRnonDys). This allowed us to investigate the persistence of dyslexia in the first language (L1) and the effect of dyslexia on the second language (L2), which has, in this case, a lower orthographic transparency. Furthermore, the inclusion of the HRnonDys group allowed us to investigate the continuity of the familial risk of dyslexia, as previous studies observed that the HRnonDys group often scores in between the HRDys and LRnonDys group, and whether these readers without reading deficits in Dutch, have more reading difficulties in ESL. The data of three groups of adolescents were analyzed; 27 LRnonDys, 25 HRdys 25 HRnonDys. The mean age was 14;1 years; months, and 37 were male. All were native speakers of Dutch, attended regular secondary education (grade 7-10), and were non-native speakers of English. Using MANOVA the groups were compared on Dutch and English word reading fluency (WRF), spelling and vocabulary, Dutch pseudoword and loanword reading fluency, phonological awareness (PA), rapid automatized naming (RAN), and verbal short term and working memory. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare English and Dutch WRF, spelling and vocabulary directly within the three groups. The analyses revealed that the HRDys group had a deficit in both reading and spelling in Dutch and ESL. They also performed poorer than the LRnonDys group on all other measures. Effect sizes were especially large for pseudoword reading and the reaction times during the PA task. The HRnonDys group scored generally poorer than the LRnonDys group but this difference was only significant for Dutch pseudoword reading, PA reaction times and verbal short term memory. In general the HRDys and HRnonDys group scored similar in Dutch and English, except for English WRF where the HRDys group scored slightly better than expected based on their Dutch WRF. There was a high persistence of dyslexia. Adolescents with dyslexia had large impairments in reading and spelling, and reading related measures, both in Dutch and ESL. Despite high inter-individual differences, an overall three-step pattern was observed. Adolescents in the HRnonDys group scored in between the HRDys and LRnonDys group, supporting the polygenetic origin of dyslexia and the continuity of the familial risk of dyslexia. The lower orthographic transparency did not have a negative effect on L2 reading, spelling and vocabulary, both in the HRnonDys and HRDys group. The latter group performed slightly better than expected in L2, which may be a result of the massive exposure to English and high motivation to use English by adolescents.

Genotype x environment interaction and growth stability of several elm clones resistant to Dutch elm disease

Treesearch

Alberto Santini; Francesco Pecori; Alessia L. Pepori; Luisa Ghelardini

2012-01-01

The elm breeding program carried out in Italy at the Institute of Plant Protection - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricercje (CNR) during the last 40 years aimed to develop Dutch elm disease (DED)-resistant elm selections specific to the Mediterranean environment. The need for genotypes adapted to Mediterranean conditions was evident from the poor performance of the Dutch...

Civic Competence of Dutch Children in Female Same-Sex Parent Families: A Comparison With Children of Opposite-Sex Parents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bos, Henny; Gartrell, Nanette; Roeleveld, Jaap; Ledoux, Guuske

2016-01-01

This study examined whether Dutch children reared in families headed by female same-sex parents differ in civic competence from Dutch children reared by opposite-sex parents. The participants, drawn from a national sample, included 32 children (11-13 years old) parented by female same-sex couples who were matched on demographic characteristics…

The Use of Subject-Verb Agreement and Verb Argument Structure in Monolingual and Bilingual Children with Specific Language Impairment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spoelman, Marianne; Bol, Gerard W.

2012-01-01

This study investigates the use of subject-verb agreement and verb argument structure in the spoken Dutch of monolingual Dutch children with specific language impairment (SLI) and bilingual Frisian-Dutch children with SLI. Both SLI groups appeared to be less efficient in their use of subject-verb agreement and verb argument structure than the…

Krachtvoer: Process Evaluation of a Dutch Programme for Lower Vocational Schools to Promote Healthful Diet

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martens, Marloes; van Assema, Patricia; Paulussen, Theo; Schaalma, Herman; Brug, Johannes

2006-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the fidelity and completeness of the implementation of a school-based healthful diet promotion programme called "Krachtvoer" (we use the Dutch title of the programme throughout this article. A possible translation is Power Food, but this does not reflect the play on words in the Dutch title), aimed at…

Verb inflection in Monolingual Dutch and Sequential Bilingual Turkish-Dutch Children with and without SLI

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blom, Elma; De Jong, Jan; Orgassa, Antje; Baker, Anne; Weerman, Fred

2013-01-01

Both children with specific language impairment (SLI) and children who acquire a second language (L2) make errors with verb inflection. This overlap between SLI and L2 raises the question if verb inflection can discriminate between L2 children with and without SLI. In this study we addressed this question for Dutch. The secondary goal of the study…

Using a Video Split-Screen Technique To Evaluate Streaming Instructional Videos.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gibbs, William J.; Bernas, Ronan S.; McCann, Steven A.

The Media Center at Eastern Illinois University developed and streamed on the Internet 26 short (one to five minutes) instructional videos about WebCT that illustrated specific functions, including logging-in, changing a password, and using chat. This study observed trainees using and reacting to selections of these videos. It set out to assess…

Lumber potential of 12-year-old Saligna eucalyptus trees in Hawaii

Treesearch

Roger G. Skolmen

1974-01-01

The sawtimber potential of 12-year-old Eucalyptus saligna Sm. trees grown in Maui, Hawaii, was studied by using simple field techniques. Lumber manufactured from the trees was predominantly of low grade, but had lower average density than wood from older trees, and therefore was more desirable. Logs end-split badly, and sawed with the usually...

Eccentric superconducting RF cavity separator structure

DOEpatents

Aggus, John R.; Giordano, Salvatore T.; Halama, Henry J.

1976-01-01

Accelerator apparatus having an eccentric-shaped, iris-loaded deflecting cavity for an rf separator for a high energy high momentum, charged particle accelerator beam. In one embodiment, the deflector is superconducting, and the apparatus of this invention provides simplified machining and electron beam welding techniques. Model tests have shown that the electrical characteristics provide the desired mode splitting without adverse effects.

Numerical and analytical modeling of the end-loaded split (ELS) test specimens made of multi-directional coupled composite laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samborski, Sylwester; Valvo, Paolo S.

2018-01-01

The paper deals with the numerical and analytical modelling of the end-loaded split test for multi-directional laminates affected by the typical elastic couplings. Numerical analysis of three-dimensional finite element models was performed with the Abaqus software exploiting the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT). The results show possible asymmetries in the widthwise deflections of the specimen, as well as in the strain energy release rate (SERR) distributions along the delamination front. Analytical modelling based on a beam-theory approach was also conducted in simpler cases, where only bending-extension coupling is present, but no out-of-plane effects. The analytical results matched the numerical ones, thus demonstrating that the analytical models are feasible for test design and experimental data reduction.

Stability of seasonal influenza vaccines investigated by spectroscopy and microscopy methods.

PubMed

Patois, E; Capelle, M A H; Gurny, R; Arvinte, T

2011-10-06

The stability of different seasonal influenza vaccines was investigated by spectroscopy and microscopy methods before and after the following stress-conditions: (i) 2 and 4 weeks storage at 25°C, (ii) 1 day storage at 37°C and (iii) one freeze-thaw cycle. The subunit vaccine Influvac (Solvay Pharma) and the split vaccine Mutagrip (Sanofi Pasteur) were affected by all stresses. The split vaccine Fluarix (GlaxoSmithKline) was affected only by storage at 25°C. The virosomal vaccine Inflexal V (Berna Biotech) was stable after the temperature stresses but aggregated after one freeze-thaw cycle. This study provides new insights into commercial vaccines of low antigen concentration and highlights the importance of using multiple techniques to assess vaccine stability. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Observation of Spin Hall Effect in Photon Tunneling via Weak Measurements

PubMed Central

Zhou, Xinxing; Ling, Xiaohui; Zhang, Zhiyou; Luo, Hailu; Wen, Shuangchun

2014-01-01

Photonic spin Hall effect (SHE) manifesting itself as spin-dependent splitting escapes detection in previous photon tunneling experiments due to the fact that the induced beam centroid shift is restricted to a fraction of wavelength. In this work, we report on the first observation of this tiny effect in photon tunneling via weak measurements based on preselection and postselection technique on the spin states. We find that the spin-dependent splitting is even larger than the potential barrier thickness when spin-polarized photons tunneling through a potential barrier. This photonic SHE is attributed to spin-redirection Berry phase which can be described as a consequence of the spin-orbit coupling. These findings provide new insight into photon tunneling effect and thereby offer the possibility of developing spin-based nanophotonic applications. PMID:25487043

Comments regarding two upwind methods for solving two-dimensional external flows using unstructured grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kleb, W. L.

1994-01-01

Steady flow over the leading portion of a multicomponent airfoil section is studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) employing an unstructured grid. To simplify the problem, only the inviscid terms are retained from the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations - leaving the Euler equations. The algorithm is derived using the finite-volume approach, incorporating explicit time-marching of the unsteady Euler equations to a time-asymptotic, steady-state solution. The inviscid fluxes are obtained through either of two approximate Riemann solvers: Roe's flux difference splitting or van Leer's flux vector splitting. Results are presented which contrast the solutions given by the two flux functions as a function of Mach number and grid resolution. Additional information is presented concerning code verification techniques, flow recirculation regions, convergence histories, and computational resources.

Visible near-infrared light scattering of single silver split-ring structure made by nanosphere lithography.

PubMed

Okamoto, Toshihiro; Fukuta, Tetsuya; Sato, Shuji; Haraguchi, Masanobu; Fukui, Masuo

2011-04-11

We succeeded in making a silver split-ring (SR) structure of approximately 130 nm in diameter on a glass substrate using a nanosphere lithography technique. The light scattering spectrum in visible near-infrared region of a single, isolated SR was measured using a microscope spectroscopy optical system. The electromagnetic field enhancement spectrum and distribution of the SR structure were simulated by the finite-difference time-domain method, and the excitation modes were clarified. The long wavelength peak in the light scattering spectra corresponded to a fundamental LC resonance mode excited by an incident electric field. It was shown that a single SR structure fabricated as abovementioned can operate as a resonator and generate a magnetic dipole. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Calculation of the vibrational excited states of malonaldehyde and their tunneling splittings with the multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree method

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

Schröder, Markus, E-mail: Markus.Schroeder@pci.uni-heidelberg.de; Meyer, Hans-Dieter, E-mail: Hans-Dieter.Meyer@pci.uni-heidelberg.de

2014-07-21

We report energies and tunneling splittings of vibrational excited states of malonaldehyde which have been obtained using full dimensional quantum mechanical calculations. To this end we employed the multi configuration time-dependent Hartree method. The results have been obtained using a recently published potential energy surface [Y. Wang, B. J. Braams, J. M. Bowman, S. Carter, and D. P. Tew, J. Chem. Phys. 128, 224314 (2008)] which has been brought into a suitable form by a modified version of the n-mode representation which was used with two different arrangements of coordinates. The relevant terms of the expansion have been identified withmore » a Metropolis algorithm and a diffusion Monte-Carlo technique, respectively.« less

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Genotype Prevalence in Dutch Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Age Dependency of Colonization by Various P. aeruginosa Sequence Types ▿

PubMed Central

van Mansfeld, Rosa; Willems, Rob; Brimicombe, Roland; Heijerman, Harry; van Berkhout, Ferdinand Teding; Wolfs, Tom; van der Ent, Cornelis; Bonten, Marc

2009-01-01

The patient-to-patient transmission of highly prevalent Pseudomonas aeruginosa clones which are associated with enhanced disease progression has led to strict segregation policies for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in many countries. However, little is known about the population structure of P. aeruginosa among CF patients. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and genetic relatedness of P. aeruginosa isolates from CF patients who visited two major CF centers in The Netherlands in 2007 and 2008. These patients represented 45% of the Dutch CF population. P. aeruginosa carriage in the respiratory tract was determined by standard microbiological culture techniques, and all phenotypically different isolates in the first specimens recovered in 2007 and 2008 were genotyped by multilocus sequence typing. A total of 313 (57%) of 551 patients whose samples were cultured carried P. aeruginosa. Two sequence types (STs), ST406 and ST497, were found in 15% and 5% of the patients, respectively, and 60% of the patients harbored a strain that was also found in at least two other patients. The risk ratios for carrying ST406 and ST497 were 17.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.2 to 43.6) for those aged between 15 and 24 years and 6 (95% CI, 1.4 to 26.1) for those aged >25 years. ST406 and ST497 were not genetically linked to previously described epidemic clones, which were also not found in this CF population. The population structure of P. aeruginosa in Dutch CF patients is characterized by the presence of two prevalent STs that are associated with certain age groups and that are not genetically linked to previously described epidemic clones. PMID:19828746

What is the impact of innovation on output in healthcare with a special focus on treatment innovations in radiotherapy? A literature review.

PubMed

Jacobs, Maria; Boersma, Liesbeth; Dekker, Andre; Swart, Rachelle; Lambin, Philippe; de Ruysscher, Dirk; Verhaegen, Frank; Stultiens, Joost; Ramaekers, Bram; van Merode, Frits

2017-11-01

To analyse how often innovations in healthcare are evaluated regarding output, especially in radiotherapy. Output was defined as either survival, toxicity, safety, service, efficiency or cost-effectiveness. A systematic literature review was conducted, using three search strategies: (1) innovations in general healthcare; (2) radiotherapy-specific innovations, i.e. organizational innovations and general implementation of innovations; (3) innovations per tumour group/radiotherapy technique. Scientific levels were classified according to the system used in European Society for Medical Oncology guidelines. Finally, we calculated the percentage of implemented innovations in Dutch radiotherapy centres for which we found evidence regarding output in the literature review. Only 94/1072 unique articles matched the inclusion criteria. Significant results on patient outcome, service or safety were reported in 65% of papers, which rose to 76% if confined to radiotherapy reviews. A significant technological improvement was identified in 26%, cost-effectiveness in 10% and costs/efficiency in 36% of the papers. The scientific level of organizational innovations was lower than that of clinical papers. Dutch radiotherapy treatment innovations were adequately evaluated on outcome data before implementation in clinical routine in a minimum of 64-92% of cases. Only few studies report on output when considering innovations in general, but radiotherapy reviews give a reasonably good insight into innovation output effects, with a higher level of evidence. In Dutch radiotherapy centres only small improvements are possible regarding evaluation of treatment innovations before implementation. Advances in knowledge: This study is the first of its kind measuring how innovations are evaluated in scientific literature, before implementation in clinical practice.

Trend analysis of Trichinella in a red fox population from a low endemic area using a validated artificial digestion and sequential sieving technique.

PubMed

Franssen, Frits; Deksne, Gunita; Esíte, Zanda; Havelaar, Arie; Swart, Arno; van der Giessen, Joke

2014-11-28

Freezing of fox carcasses to minimize professional hazard of infection with Echinococcus multilocularis is recommended in endemic areas, but this could influence the detection of Trichinella larvae in the same host species. A method based on artificial digestion of frozen fox muscle, combined with larva isolation by a sequential sieving method (SSM), was validated using naturally infected foxes from Latvia. The validated SSM was used to detect dead Trichinella muscle larvae (ML) in frozen muscle samples of 369 red foxes from the Netherlands, of which one fox was positive (0.067 larvae per gram). This result was compared with historical Trichinella findings in Dutch red foxes. Molecular analysis using 5S PCR showed that both T. britovi and T. nativa were present in the Latvian foxes, without mixed infections. Of 96 non-frozen T. britovi ML, 94% was successfully sequenced, whereas this was the case for only 8.3% of 72 frozen T. britovi ML. The single Trichinella sp. larva that was recovered from the positive Dutch fox did not yield PCR product, probably due to severe freeze-damage. In conclusion, the SSM presented in this study is a fast and effective method to detect dead Trichinella larvae in frozen meat. We showed that the Trichinella prevalence in Dutch red fox was 0.27% (95% CI 0.065-1.5%), in contrast to 3.9% in the same study area fifteen years ago. Moreover, this study demonstrated that the efficacy of 5S PCR for identification of Trichinella britovi single larvae from frozen meat is not more than 8.3%.

Nudging and social marketing techniques encourage employees to make healthier food choices: a randomized controlled trial in 30 worksite cafeterias in The Netherlands.

PubMed

Velema, Elizabeth; Vyth, Ellis L; Hoekstra, Trynke; Steenhuis, Ingrid H M

2018-02-01

Currently, many studies focus on how the environment can be changed to encourage healthier eating behavior, referred to as choice architecture or "nudging." However, to date, these strategies are not often investigated in real-life settings, such as worksite cafeterias, or are only done so on a short-term basis. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of a healthy worksite cafeteria ["worksite cafeteria 2.0" (WC 2.0)] intervention on Dutch employees' purchase behavior over a 12-wk period. We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 30 worksite cafeterias. Worksite cafeterias were randomized to either the intervention or control group. The intervention aimed to encourage employees to make healthier food choices during their daily worksite cafeteria visits. The intervention consisted of 14 simultaneously executed strategies based on nudging and social marketing theories, involving product, price, placement, and promotion. Adjusted multilevel models showed significant positive effects of the intervention on purchases for 3 of the 7 studied product groups: healthier sandwiches, healthier cheese as a sandwich filling, and the inclusion of fruit. The increased sales of these healthier meal options were constant throughout the 12-wk intervention period. This study shows that the way worksite cafeterias offer products affects purchase behavior. Situated nudging and social marketing-based strategies are effective in promoting healthier choices and aim to remain effective over time. Some product groups only indicated an upward trend in purchases. Such an intervention could ultimately help prevent and reduce obesity in the Dutch working population. This trial was registered at the Dutch Trial Register (http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=5372) as NTR5372.

Tailoring of the Tell-us Card communication tool for nurses to increase patient participation using Intervention Mapping.

PubMed

van Belle, Elise; Zwakhalen, Sandra M G; Caris, Josien; Van Hecke, Ann; Huisman-de Waal, Getty; Heinen, Maud

2018-02-01

To describe the tailoring of the Tell-us Card intervention for enhanced patient participation to the Dutch hospital setting using Intervention Mapping as a systematic approach. Even though patient participation is essential in any patient-to-nurse encounter, care plans often fail to take patients' preferences into account. The Tell-us Card intervention seems promising, but needs to be tailored and tested before implementation in a different setting or on large scale. Description of the Intervention Mapping framework to systematically tailor the Tell-us Card intervention to the Dutch hospital setting. Intervention Mapping consists of: (i) identification of the problem through needs assessment and determination of fit, based on patients and nurses interviews and focus group interviews; (ii) developing a logic model of change and matrices, based on literature and interviews; (iii) selection of theory-based methods and practical applications; (iv) producing programme components and piloting; (v) planning for adoption, implementation and sustainability; and (vi) preparing for programme evaluation. Knowledge, attitude, outcome expectations, self-efficacy and skills were identified as the main determinants influencing the use of the Tell-us Card. Linking identified determinants and performance objectives with behaviour change techniques from the literature resulted in a well-defined and tailored intervention and evaluation plan. The Tell-us Card intervention was adapted to fit the Dutch hospital setting and prepared for evaluation. The Medical Research Council framework was followed, and the Intervention Mapping approach was used to prepare a pilot study to confirm feasibility and relevant outcomes. This article shows how Intervention Mapping is applied within the Medical Research Council framework to adapt the Tell-us Card intervention, which could serve as a guide for the tailoring of similar interventions. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Dutch population specific sex estimation formulae using the proximal femur.

PubMed

Colman, K L; Janssen, M C L; Stull, K E; van Rijn, R R; Oostra, R J; de Boer, H H; van der Merwe, A E

2018-05-01

Sex estimation techniques are frequently applied in forensic anthropological analyses of unidentified human skeletal remains. While morphological sex estimation methods are able to endure population differences, the classification accuracy of metric sex estimation methods are population-specific. No metric sex estimation method currently exists for the Dutch population. The purpose of this study is to create Dutch population specific sex estimation formulae by means of osteometric analyses of the proximal femur. Since the Netherlands lacks a representative contemporary skeletal reference population, 2D plane reconstructions, derived from clinical computed tomography (CT) data, were used as an alternative source for a representative reference sample. The first part of this study assesses the intra- and inter-observer error, or reliability, of twelve measurements of the proximal femur. The technical error of measurement (TEM) and relative TEM (%TEM) were calculated using 26 dry adult femora. In addition, the agreement, or accuracy, between the dry bone and CT-based measurements was determined by percent agreement. Only reliable and accurate measurements were retained for the logistic regression sex estimation formulae; a training set (n=86) was used to create the models while an independent testing set (n=28) was used to validate the models. Due to high levels of multicollinearity, only single variable models were created. Cross-validated classification accuracies ranged from 86% to 92%. The high cross-validated classification accuracies indicate that the developed formulae can contribute to the biological profile and specifically in sex estimation of unidentified human skeletal remains in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the results indicate that clinical CT data can be a valuable alternative source of data when representative skeletal collections are unavailable. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Upper Mantle Seismic Anisotropy Beneath West Antarctica from Shear Wave Splitting Analysis of POLENET/ANET Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Accardo, N.; Wiens, D. A.; Hernandez, S.; Aster, R. C.; Nyblade, A.; Anandakrishnan, S.; Huerta, A. D.; Wilson, T. J.

2011-12-01

We constrain azimuthal anisotropy in the Antarctic upper mantle using shear wave splitting parameters obtained from teleseismic SKS, SKKS, and PKS phases recorded at 30 broad-band seismometers deployed in West Antarctica, and the Transantarctic Mountains as a part of POLENET/ANET. The first seismometers were deployed in late 2007 and additional seismometers were deployed in 2008 and 2009. The seismometers generally operate year-round using solar power, insulated boxes, and either rechargeable AGM or primary lithium batteries. We used an eigenvalue technique to linearize the rotated and shifted shear wave particle motions and determine the best splitting parameters. Robust windows around the individual phases were chosen using the Teanby cluster-analysis algorithm. We visually inspected all results and assigned a quality rating based on factors including signal-to-noise ratios, particle motions, and error contours. The best results for each station were then stacked to get an average splitting direction and delay time. The delay times range from 0.33 to 1.33 s, but generally average about 1 s. We conclude that the splitting results from anisotropy in the upper mantle, since the large splitting times cannot be accumulated in the relatively thin crust (20-30 km) of the region. Overall, fast directions in West Antarctica are at large angles to the direction of Antarctic absolute plate motion in either hotspot or no-net rotation frameworks, showing that the anisotropic fabric does not result from shear associated with the motion of Antarctica over the mantle. The West Antarctic fast directions are also much different than those found in East Antarctica by previous studies. We suggest that the East Antarctic splitting results from anisotropy frozen into the cold cratonic continental lithosphere, whereas West Antarctic splitting is related to Cenozoic tectonism. Stations within the West Antarctic Rift System (WARS), a region of Cenozoic extension, show fast directions subparallel to the inferred WARS extension direction. Stations located in the Ellsworth-Whitmore Mountains (EWM) show fast directions parallel to those found within WARS. Furthermore, results from WARS and from EWM all show relatively large splitting times of 0.6 - 1.33 s. These results suggest upper mantle anisotropy that results from mantle flow and deformation related to the extensional deformation of the region. Two stations were installed in the Pensacola Mountains which are located grid-north of the EWM. The results from this region deviate from the dominant fast orientation seen in WARS but appear to be approximately perpendicular to the strike of the mountain range. Stations in Marie Byrd Land (MBL) show inconsistent fast directions and a wide range of delay times (0.3 - 0.9 s), perhaps as a result of complex mantle fabric related to a possible MBL hotspot.

Immediately and with all available means: the Dutch Red Cross and the field hospital on behalf of the Netherlands Voluntary Legion in WWII.

PubMed

van Bergen, Leo

2009-01-01

Medical neutrality is one of the main principles of medical-humanitarian aid, and certainly of Red Cross aid. But how does this work in times of foreign occupation? Is it even possible then, or does it almost automatically lead to collaboration? The Dutch example of 1940-1945 gives some insight into this problem. Abandoning its post would end the aid the Dutch Red Cross (DRC) gave, so it was decided to stay in business. This, however, led to adherence to German orders, given not for humanitarian, but for military-political reasons. Amongst other things, the DRC helped to equip a field hospital for Dutch volunteers to the Waffen-SS on the eastern front, so directly strengthening the German war effort. It was clear that the doctors and nurses of this field hospital would do next to nothing to help save Russian sick or wounded, and that, if necessary, they would have to fight alongside German and Dutch soldiers.

The sooner the better? An investigation into the role of age of onset and its relation with transfer and exposure in bilingual Frisian-Dutch children.

PubMed

Blom, Elma; Bosma, Evelyn

2016-05-01

In this study, age of onset (AoO) was investigated in five- and six-year-old bilingual Frisian-Dutch children. AoO to Dutch ranged between zero and four and had a positive effect on Dutch receptive vocabulary size, but hardly influenced the children's accurate use of Dutch inflection. The influence of AoO on vocabulary was more prominent than the influence of exposure. Regarding inflection, the reverse was found. Accuracy at using Frisian inflection emerged as a significant predictor; this transfer effect was modulated by lexical overlap between the two languages. This study shows that 'the sooner the better' does not necessarily hold for language development. In fact, for the correct use of inflection, it does not matter whether children start at age zero or four. For rapidly learning words in a new language it may be helpful to first build a substantial vocabulary in the first language before learning a new language.