Fewer ups and downs: daily stressors mediate age differences in negative affect.

PubMed

Charles, Susan Turk; Luong, Gloria; Almeida, David M; Ryff, Carol; Sturm, Maggie; Love, Gayle

2010-05-01

The current study examined age differences in daily stressors, positive events (uplifts), and their associations with emotional experience among healthy older women. Women (N = 101, 63-93 years old) reported their daily experiences across 1 week. Older age was related to fewer stressors and less frequent negative affect. However, the association between negative affect and age was no longer significant after accounting for the occurrence of daily stressors. Older age was not significantly related to positive affect, although positive uplifts were reported less frequently with age. Findings provide a contextual explanation for emotional experience in very late life, where reduced exposure to stressors partially explains age-related reductions in negative affect.

Partial Fourier techniques in single-shot cross-term spatiotemporal encoded MRI.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhiyong; Frydman, Lucio

2018-03-01

Cross-term spatiotemporal encoding (xSPEN) is a single-shot approach with exceptional immunity to field heterogeneities, the images of which faithfully deliver 2D spatial distributions without requiring a priori information or using postacquisition corrections. xSPEN, however, suffers from signal-to-noise ratio penalties due to its non-Fourier nature and due to diffusion losses-especially when seeking high resolution. This study explores partial Fourier transform approaches that, acting along either the readout or the spatiotemporally encoded dimensions, reduce these penalties. xSPEN uses an orthogonal (e.g., z) gradient to read, in direct space, the low-bandwidth (e.g., y) dimension. This substantially changes the nature of partial Fourier acquisitions vis-à-vis conventional imaging counterparts. A suitable theoretical analysis is derived to implement these procedures, along either the spatiotemporally or readout axes. Partial Fourier single-shot xSPEN images were recorded on preclinical and human scanners. Owing to their reduction in the experiments' acquisition times, this approach provided substantial sensitivity gains vis-à-vis previous implementations for a given targeted in-plane resolution. The physical origins of these gains are explained. Partial Fourier approaches, particularly when implemented along the low-bandwidth spatiotemporal dimension, provide several-fold sensitivity advantages at minimal costs to the execution and processing of the single-shot experiments. Magn Reson Med 79:1506-1514, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Meta-Stable Magnetic Domain States That Prevent Reliable Absolute Palaeointensity Experiments Revealed By Magnetic Force Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Groot, L. V.; Fabian, K.; Bakelaar, I. A.; Dekkers, M. J.

2014-12-01

Obtaining reliable estimates of the absolute palaeointensity of the Earth's magnetic field is notoriously difficult. Many methods to obtain paleointensities from suitable records such as lavas and archeological artifacts involve heating the samples. These heating steps are believed to induce 'magnetic alteration' - a process that is still poorly understood but prevents obtaining correct paleointensity estimates. To observe this magnetic alteration directly we imaged the magnetic domain state of titanomagnetite particles - a common carrier of the magnetic remanence in samples used for paleointensity studies. We selected samples from the 1971-flow of Mt. Etna from a site that systematically yields underestimates of the known intensity of the paleofield - in spite of rigorous testing by various groups. Magnetic Force Microscope images were taken before and after a heating step typically used in absolute palaeointensity experiments. Before heating, the samples feature distinct, blocky domains that sometimes seem to resemble a classical magnetite domain structure. After imparting a partial thermo-remanent magnetization at a temperature often critical to paleointensity experiments (250 °C) the domain state of the same titanomagnetite grains changes into curvier, wavy domains. Furthermore, these structures appeared to be unstable over time: after one-year storage in a magnetic field-free environment the domain states evolved into a viscous remanent magnetization state. Our observations may qualitatively explain reported underestimates from technically successful paleointensity experiments for this site and other sites reported previously. Furthermore the occurrence of intriguing observations such as 'the drawer storage effect' by Shaar et al (EPSL, 2011), and viscous magnetizations observed by Muxworthy and Williams (JGR, 2006) may be (partially) explained by our observations. The major implications of our study for all palaeointensity methods involving heating may be evident.

[Neurotheology: neurobiological models of religious experience].

PubMed

Passie, T; Warncke, J; Peschel, T; Ott, U

2013-03-01

Religions are evolutionary selected social and cultural phenomena. They represent today belief and normative systems on which the main parts of our culture are based. For a long time religions have been seen as mainly originating from a spectrum of religious experiences. These include a broad spectrum of experiences and are astonishingly widespread in the population. The most consistent and transculturally uniform religious experiences are the mystical experiences. Only these (and the prayer experience) have factually been researched in detail neurobiologically. This article presents a review of empirical results and hypothetical approaches to explain mystical religious experiences neurobiologically. Some of the explanatory hypotheses possess logical evidence, some are even supported by neurobiological studies, but all of them have their pitfalls and are at best partially consistent. One important insight from the evidence reviewed here is that there may be a whole array of different neurophysiological conditions which may result in the same core religious mystical experiences.

Experimental observation of water saturation effects on shear wave splitting in synthetic rock with fractures aligned at oblique angles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amalokwu, Kelvin; Chapman, Mark; Best, Angus I.; Sothcott, Jeremy; Minshull, Timothy A.; Li, Xiang-Yang

2015-01-01

Fractured rocks are known to exhibit seismic anisotropy and shear wave splitting (SWS). SWS is commonly used for fractured rock characterization and has been shown to be sensitive to fluid type. The presence of partial liquid/gas saturation is also known to affect the elastic properties of rocks. The combined effect of both fractures and partial liquid/gas saturation is still unknown. Using synthetic, silica-cemented sandstones with aligned penny-shaped voids, we conducted laboratory ultrasonic experiments to investigate the effect fractures aligned at an oblique angle to wave propagation would have on SWS under partial liquid/gas saturation conditions. The result for the fractured rock shows a saturation dependence which can be explained by combining a fractured rock model and a partial saturation model. At high to full water saturation values, SWS decreases as a result of the fluid bulk modulus effect on the quasi-shear wave. This bulk modulus effect is frequency dependent as a result of wave-induced fluid flow mechanisms, which would in turn lead to frequency dependent SWS. This result suggests the possible use of SWS for discriminating between full liquid saturation and partial liquid/gas saturation.

Fitting In: The Roles of Social Acceptance and Discrimination in Shaping the Academic Motivations of Latino Youth in the U.S. Southeast

PubMed Central

Perreira, Krista M.; Fuligni, Andrew; Potochnick, Stephanie

2012-01-01

Using data on 459 Latino 9th graders from the LA-SIAA and the NC-SIAA studies, we evaluate the specific educational values and beliefs that motivate the academic achievement of Latino youth and contrast the school experiences of Latino youth in an emerging Latino community, North Carolina, with the school experiences of youth living in a traditional settlement community, Los Angeles. Despite their greater fears of discrimination, we find that Latino youth in North Carolina are more academically motivated than their peers in Los Angeles. This is partially because they are more likely to be immigrants. Being an immigrant, having a stronger sense of ethnic identification, and having a stronger sense of family obligation were each linked to a more positive view of school environments. Therefore, these factors each partially explained the immigrant advantage in academic motivation and helped to counter the harmful effects of discrimination on academic motivation. PMID:22611286

The Active Role of the Ocean in the Temporal Evolution of Climate Sensitivity

DOE PAGES

Garuba, Oluwayemi A.; Lu, Jian; Liu, Fukai; ...

2017-11-30

Here, the temporal evolution of the effective climate sensitivity is shown to be influenced by the changing pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) and ocean heat uptake (OHU), which in turn have been attributed to ocean circulation changes. A set of novel experiments are performed to isolate the active role of the ocean by comparing a fully coupled CO 2 quadrupling community Earth System Model (CESM) simulation against a partially coupled one, where the effect of the ocean circulation change and its impact on surface fluxes are disabled. The active OHU is responsible for the reduced effective climate sensitivity andmore » weaker surface warming response in the fully coupled simulation. The passive OHU excites qualitatively similar feedbacks to CO 2 quadrupling in a slab ocean model configuration due to the similar SST spatial pattern response in both experiments. Additionally, the nonunitary forcing efficacy of the active OHU (1.7) explains the very different net feedback parameters in the fully and partially coupled responses.« less

The Active Role of the Ocean in the Temporal Evolution of Climate Sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garuba, Oluwayemi A.; Lu, Jian; Liu, Fukai; Singh, Hansi A.

2018-01-01

The temporal evolution of the effective climate sensitivity is shown to be influenced by the changing pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) and ocean heat uptake (OHU), which in turn have been attributed to ocean circulation changes. A set of novel experiments are performed to isolate the active role of the ocean by comparing a fully coupled CO2 quadrupling community Earth System Model (CESM) simulation against a partially coupled one, where the effect of the ocean circulation change and its impact on surface fluxes are disabled. The active OHU is responsible for the reduced effective climate sensitivity and weaker surface warming response in the fully coupled simulation. The passive OHU excites qualitatively similar feedbacks to CO2 quadrupling in a slab ocean model configuration due to the similar SST spatial pattern response in both experiments. Additionally, the nonunitary forcing efficacy of the active OHU (1.7) explains the very different net feedback parameters in the fully and partially coupled responses.

The Active Role of the Ocean in the Temporal Evolution of Climate Sensitivity

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

Garuba, Oluwayemi A.; Lu, Jian; Liu, Fukai

Here, the temporal evolution of the effective climate sensitivity is shown to be influenced by the changing pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) and ocean heat uptake (OHU), which in turn have been attributed to ocean circulation changes. A set of novel experiments are performed to isolate the active role of the ocean by comparing a fully coupled CO 2 quadrupling community Earth System Model (CESM) simulation against a partially coupled one, where the effect of the ocean circulation change and its impact on surface fluxes are disabled. The active OHU is responsible for the reduced effective climate sensitivity andmore » weaker surface warming response in the fully coupled simulation. The passive OHU excites qualitatively similar feedbacks to CO 2 quadrupling in a slab ocean model configuration due to the similar SST spatial pattern response in both experiments. Additionally, the nonunitary forcing efficacy of the active OHU (1.7) explains the very different net feedback parameters in the fully and partially coupled responses.« less

Daily Interpersonal Experience Partially Explains the Association Between Social Rank and Physical Health.

PubMed

Cundiff, Jenny M; Kamarck, Thomas W; Manuck, Stephen B

2016-12-01

Socioeconomic position is a well-established risk factor for poor physical health. This study examines whether the effects of lower social rank on physical health may be accounted for by differences in daily social experience. In a large community sample (N = 475), we examined whether subjective social rank is associated with self-rated health, in part, through positive and negative perceptions of daily interpersonal interactions, assessed using ecological momentary assessment. Higher social rank was associated with higher average perceived positivity of social interactions in daily life (e.g., B = .18, p < .001), but not with perceived negativity of social interactions. Further, the association between social rank and self-rated physical health was partially accounted for by differences in perceived positivity of social interactions. This effect was independent of well-characterized objective markers of SES and personality traits. Differences in the quality of day-to-day social interactions is a viable pathway linking lower social rank to poorer physical health.

An elastic model of partial budding of retroviruses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Rui; Nguyen, Toan

2008-03-01

Retroviruses are characterized by their unique infection strategy of reverse transcription, in which the genetic information flows from RNA back to DNA. The most well known representative is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Unlike budding of traditional enveloped viruses, retrovirus budding happens together with the formation of spherical virus capsids at the cell membrane. Led by this unique budding mechanism, we proposed an elastic model of retrovirus budding in this work. We found that if the lipid molecules of the membrane are supplied fast enough from the cell interior, the budding always proceeds to completion. In the opposite limit, there is an optimal size of partially budded virions. The zenith angle of these partially spherical capsids, α, is given by α˜(2̂/κσ)^1/4, where κ is the bending modulus of the membrane, σ is the surface tension of the membrane, and τ characterizes the strength of capsid protein interaction. If τ is large enough such that α˜π, the budding is complete. Our model explained many features of retrovirus partial budding observed in experiments.

Real-time gray-scale photolithography for fabrication of continuous microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Qinjun; Guo, Yongkang; Liu, Shijie; Cui, Zheng

2002-10-01

A novel real-time gray-scale photolithography technique for the fabrication of continuous microstructures that uses a LCD panel as a real-time gray-scale mask is presented. The principle of design of the technique is explained, and computer simulation results based on partially coherent imaging theory are given for the patterning of a microlens array and a zigzag grating. An experiment is set up, and a microlens array and a zigzag grating on panchromatic silver halide sensitized gelatin with trypsinase etching are obtained.

In kittiwakes food availability partially explains the seasonal decline in humoral immunocompetence

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gasparini, J.; Roulin, A.; Gill, V.A.; Hatch, Shyla A.; Boulinier, T.

2006-01-01

1. The immune system plays an important role in fitness, and interindividual variation in immunocompetence is due to several factors including food supply. 2. Seasonal variation in food resources may therefore explain why immunocompetence in bird nestlings usually declines throughout the breeding season, with chicks born early in the season receiving more food than chicks born later, and thereby possibly developing a more potent immune system. Although there are studies supporting this hypothesis, none has been experimental. 3. We performed an experiment in the kittiwake Rissa tridactyla by manipulating the food supply of pairs that were left to produce a first brood, and of pairs that were induced to produce a late replacement brood. 4. If food supply mediates, at least partially, seasonal variations in chick immunocompetence, non-food-supplemented chicks would show a stronger seasonal decline in immunocompetence than food-supplemented chicks. 5. Food supplementation improved humoral immunocompetence (the production of immunoglobulins Y), but not T-cell immunocompetence (phytohaemagglutinin, PHA response). T-cell immunocompetence of food-supplemented and non-food- supplemented chicks decreased through the season but to a similar extent, whereas the humoral immunocompetence of non-food-supplemented chicks decreased more strongly than that of food-supplemented chicks. 6. Our results suggest that the seasonal decline in humoral immunocompetence can be explained, at least partly, by variations in food supply throughout the breeding season. ?? 2006 British Ecological Society.

Gender and work-family conflict: testing the rational model and the gender role expectations model in the Spanish cultural context.

PubMed

Calvo-Salguero, Antonia; Martínez-de-Lecea, José-María Salinas; del Carmen Aguilar-Luzón, María

2012-01-01

Gutek, Searle, and Klepa (1991) proposed two models to explain the gender differences in work-family conflict: the rational model and the gender role expectations model. Both models have mostly been tested on American and Canadian samples, and have obtained partial support. Given the cultural differences between North American countries and Spain, we should question whether the two models are equally applicable to Spanish society or whether one of them captures Spanish men and women's experience of work-family conflict better than the other. So, the aim of this study is to test which of the models better explains the gender differences in work-family conflict in the Spanish cultural context (or if, indeed, the two models apply equally well). Given the typical cultural dimensions of Spanish society, we expected to find greater support for the gender role expectations model than for the rational model. However, the results obtained in this study indicated that, while the rational model can explain the gender differences that were found, the gender role expectations model cannot capture Spanish people's work-family conflict experiences. The results are interpreted in terms of cultural dimensions characteristic of the Spanish context.

The role of ethnicity, sexual attitudes, and sexual behavior in sexual revictimization during the transition to emerging adulthood.

PubMed

Rinehart, Jenny K; Yeater, Elizabeth A; Musci, Rashelle J; Letourneau, Elizabeth J; Lenberg, Kathryn L

2014-01-01

An experience of child sexual abuse (CSA) substantially increases women's risk of adult sexual assault (ASA), but the mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. Previous research often has not examined the full range of ASA experiences or included the influence of ethnicity, sexual behavior, and sexual attitudes on CSA and severity of ASA. The current study utilized path analysis to explore the relationships among ethnicity, sexual attitudes, number of lifetime sexual partners, CSA, and severity of ASA in emerging adult women. Results indicated a significant relationship between CSA and more severe ASA that was partially explained by having more lifetime sexual partners. Additionally, European American women, relative to Hispanic women, reported more severe victimization, which was fully explained by more positive attitudes toward casual sex and having more lifetime sexual partners. These results have implications in the design and implementation of universal and selective prevention programs aimed at reducing ASA and revictimization among emerging adult women. © The Author(s) 2014.

Explaining sex differences in mental rotation: role of spatial activity experience.

PubMed

Nazareth, Alina; Herrera, Asiel; Pruden, Shannon M

2013-05-01

Males consistently outperform females on mental rotation tasks, such as the Vandenberg and Kuse (1978) Perceptual and Motor Skills, 47(2), 599-604, mental rotation test (MRT; e.g. Voyer et al. 1995) in Psychological Bulletin, 117, 250-265. The present study investigates whether these sex differences in MRT scores can be explained in part by early spatial activity experience, particularly those spatial activities that have been sex-typed as masculine/male-oriented. Utilizing an online survey, 571 ethnically diverse adult university students completed a brief demographic survey, an 81-item spatial activity survey, and the MRT. Results suggest that the significant relation between sex of the participant and MRT score is partially mediated by the number of masculine spatial activities participants had engaged in as youth. Closing the gap between males and females in spatial ability, a skill linked to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics success, may be accomplished in part by encouraging female youth to engage in more particular kinds of spatial activities.

Daniel Sennert, The Philosophical Hen, and The Epistolary Quest for a (Nearly-) Universal Medicine.

PubMed

Klein, Joel A

2015-02-01

This article explores the Wittenberg Professor Daniel Sennert's (1572-1637) pursuit of nearly universal medicines made from noble metals, which he described in his published works and in private correspondence with his brother-in-law, Michael Döring. Of the medicaments that Sennert sought, one called the Philosophical Hen was especially interesting, and involved feeding a hen silver or gold during propitious astrological conjunctions. Sennert's support of this experiment was rooted in his obsession with experience and can be partially explained by looking to an extensive tradition of natural philosophy and natural history. Sennert explained such nearly universal medicines according to the rational principles of academic medicine, arguing that they strengthened the body's innate heat or acted as universal purgatives. From Sennert's candid epistles, we receive a more historicised portrait of the collaborative experimental process by which chymical medicines were conceptualised and tested, and how the consequences of experimental failure and perceived credulity could be increased scepticism.

Understanding the allocation of attention when faced with varying perceptual load in partial report: a computational approach.

PubMed

Kyllingsbæk, Søren; Sy, Jocelyn L; Giesbrecht, Barry

2011-05-01

The allocation of visual processing capacity is a key topic in studies and theories of visual attention. The load theory of Lavie (1995) proposes that allocation happens in two steps where processing resources are first allocated to task-relevant stimuli and secondly remaining capacity 'spills over' to task-irrelevant distractors. In contrast, the Theory of Visual Attention (TVA) proposed by Bundesen (1990) assumes that allocation happens in a single step where processing capacity is allocated to all stimuli, both task-relevant and task-irrelevant, in proportion to their relative attentional weight. Here we present data from two partial report experiments where we varied the number and discriminability of the task-irrelevant stimuli (Experiment 1) and perceptual load (Experiment 2). The TVA fitted the data of the two experiments well thus favoring the simple explanation with a single step of capacity allocation. We also show that the effects of varying perceptual load can only be explained by a combined effect of allocation of processing capacity as well as limits in visual working memory. Finally, we link the results to processing capacity understood at the neural level based on the neural theory of visual attention by Bundesen et al. (2005). Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Explaining Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Use of High-Volume Hospitals

PubMed Central

Gray, Bradford H.; Schlesinger, Mark

2014-01-01

Racial/ethnic minorities are less likely to use higher-quality hospitals than whites. We propose that a higher level of information-related complexity in their local hospital environments compounds the effects of discrimination and more limited access to services, contributing to racial/ethnic disparities in hospital use. While minorities live closer than whites to high-volume hospitals, minorities also face greater choice complexity and live in neighborhoods with lower levels of medical experience. Our empirical results reveal that it is generally the overall context associated with proximity, choice complexity, and local experience, rather than differential sensitivity to these factors, that provides a partial explanation of the disparity gap in high-volume hospital use. PMID:25316717

Microstructure formation in partially melted zone during gas tungsten arc welding of AZ91 Mg cast alloy

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

Zhu Tianping; Chen, Zhan W.; Gao Wei

2008-11-15

During gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding of AZ91 Mg cast alloy, constitutional liquid forms locally in the original interdendritic regions in the partially melted zone (PMZ). The PMZ re-solidification behaviour has not been well understood. In this study, the gradual change of the re-solidification microstructure within PMZ from base metal side to weld metal side was characterised. High cooling rate experiments using Gleeble thermal simulator were also conducted to understand the morphological change of the {alpha}-Mg/{beta}-Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} phase interface formed during re-solidification after partial melting. It was found that the original partially divorced eutectic structure has become a moremore » regular eutectic phase in most of the PMZ, although close to the fusion boundary the re-solidified eutectic is again a divorced one. Proceeding the eutectic re-solidification, if the degree of partial melting is sufficiently high, {alpha}-Mg re-solidified with a cellular growth, resulting in a serrated interface between {alpha}-Mg and {alpha}-Mg/{beta}-Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} in the weld sample and between {alpha}-Mg and {beta}-Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} (fully divorced eutectic) in Gleeble samples. The morphological changes affected by the peak temperature and cooling rate are also explained.« less

Microvariation Artifacts Introduced by PCR and Cloning of Closely Related 16S rRNA Gene Sequences†

PubMed Central

Speksnijder, Arjen G. C. L.; Kowalchuk, George A.; De Jong, Sander; Kline, Elizabeth; Stephen, John R.; Laanbroek, Hendrikus J.

2001-01-01

A defined template mixture of seven closely related 16S-rDNA clones was used in a PCR-cloning experiment to assess and track sources of artifactual sequence variation in 16S rDNA clone libraries. At least 14% of the recovered clones contained aberrations. Artifact sources were polymerase errors, a mutational hot spot, and cloning of heteroduplexes and chimeras. These data may partially explain the high degree of microheterogeneity typical of sequence clusters detected in environmental clone libraries. PMID:11133483

Preattentive processing, poststimulus elaboration, and memory for emotionally arousing stimuli.

PubMed

Migita, Mai; Otani, Hajime; Libkuman, Terry M; Sheffert, Sonya M

2011-01-01

Christianson (1992) proposed two mechanisms to explain emotionally enhanced memory: preattentive processing and poststimulus elaboration. Experiment 1 examined these processes by instructing participants to perform (1) a concurrent distractor task, (2) a continuous distractor task, or (3) both while viewing the negatively arousing, positively arousing, and neutral pictures. Recall of negatively arousing pictures showed a small decline in one of the distractor conditions, indicating that elaboration plays a minor role in remembering these pictures. Experiment 2 partially replicated Experiment 1 with an intentional learning instruction to investigate whether participants in Experiment 1 were anticipating a recall test. For all three picture types, recall declined in the continuous distractor task condition, indicating that elaboration played a role, even when the pictures were negatively arousing. Overall, these results were consistent with the notion that remembering negatively valenced stimuli is largely based on preattentive processing with a minor role played by poststimulus elaboration.

Production and Perception of Temporal Patterns in Native and Non-Native Speech

PubMed Central

Bent, Tessa; Bradlow, Ann R.; Smith, Bruce L.

2012-01-01

Two experiments examined production and perception of English temporal patterns by native and non-native participants. Experiment 1 indicated that native and non-native (L1 = Chinese) talkers differed significantly in their production of one English duration pattern (i.e., vowel lengthening before voiced versus voiceless consonants) but not another (i.e., tense versus lax vowels). Experiment 2 tested native and non-native listener identification of words that differed in voicing of the final consonant by the native and non-native talkers whose productions were substantially different in experiment 1. Results indicated that differences in native and non-native intelligibility may be partially explained by temporal pattern differences in vowel duration although other cues such as presence of stop releases and burst duration may also contribute. Additionally, speech intelligibility depends on shared phonetic knowledge between talkers and listeners rather than only on accuracy relative to idealized production norms. PMID:18679042

Effects of syntactic structure in the memory of concrete and abstract Chinese sentences.

PubMed

Ho, C S; Chen, H C

1993-09-01

Smith (1981) found that concrete English sentences were better recognized than abstract sentences and that this concreteness effect was potent only when the concrete sentence was also affirmative but the effect switched to an opposite end when the concrete sentence was negative. These results were partially replicated in Experiment 1 by using materials from a very different language (i.e., Chinese): concrete-affirmative sentences were better remembered than concrete-negative and abstract sentences, but no reliable difference was found between the latter two types. In Experiment 2, the task was modified by using a visual presentation instead of an oral one as in Experiment 1. Both concrete-affirmative and concrete-negative sentences were better memorized then abstract ones in Experiment 2. The findings in the two experiments are explained by a combination of the dual-coding model and Marschark's (1985) item-specific and relational processing. The differential effects of experience with different language systems on processing verbal materials in memory are also discussed.

A new viscosupplement based on partially hydrophobic hyaluronic acid: a comparative study.

PubMed

Finelli, Ivana; Chiessi, Ester; Galesso, Devis; Renier, Davide; Paradossi, Gaio

2011-01-01

A novel partially hydrophobized derivative of hyaluronic acid (HYADD® 4), containing a low number of C16 side-chains per polysaccharide backbone, provides injectable hydrogels stabilized by side-chain hydrophobic interactions. The rheological properties of Hymovis®, a physical hydrogel based on the hyaluronic acid derivative HYADD® 4, were evaluated using as reference a solution of the parent natural polysaccharide, hyaluronic acid. The rheological measurements were performed both in flow and oscillation regimes at the physiological frequency values of the knee, typically spanning the range from 0.5 Hz (walking frequency) to 3 Hz (running frequency). Moreover, the viscoelastic features of Hymovis® were compared with the market-available viscosupplementation products in view of its use in joint diseases.The different behavior of the investigated materials in crossover frequency measurements and in structure recovery experiments can be explained on the basis of the structural and dynamic properties of the polymeric systems.

A Prospective Investigation of Prenatal Mood and Childbirth Perceptions in an Ethnically Diverse, Low-Income Sample

PubMed Central

Congdon, Jayme L.; Adler, Nancy E.; Epel, Elissa S.; Laraia, Barbara A.; Bush, Nicole R.

2017-01-01

Introduction Few studies have examined prenatal mood as a means to identify women at risk for negative childbirth experiences. We explore associations between prenatal mood and birth perceptions in a socioeconomically diverse, American sample. Methods We conducted a prospective study of 136 predominantly low-income and ethnic minority women of mixed parity. Prenatal measures of perceived stress, pregnancy-related anxiety, and depressive symptoms were used to predict maternal perceptions of birth experiences one month postpartum using the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ; 1). Results After adjusting for sociodemographic variables and mode of delivery, higher third trimester stress predicted worse CEQ total scores. This association was predominantly explained by two CEQ domains: own capacity (e.g. feelings of control and capability) and perceived safety. Pregnancy-related anxiety and depressive symptoms correlated with perceived stress, though neither independently predicted birth experience. Unplanned cesareans were associated with a worse CEQ total score. Vaginal delivery predicted greater perceived safety. Altogether, sociodemographic covariates, mode of delivery, and prenatal mood accounted for 35% of the variance in birth experience (p<.001). Discussion Our finding that prenatal stress explains a significant and likely clinically meaningful proportion of the variance in birth experience suggests that women perceive and recall their birth experiences through a lens that is partially determined by preexisting personal circumstances and emotional reserves. Since childbirth perceptions have implications for maternal and child health, patient satisfaction, and healthcare expenditures, these findings warrant consideration of prenatal stress screening to target intervention for women at risk for negative birth experiences. PMID:26948850

A Prospective Investigation of Prenatal Mood and Childbirth Perceptions in an Ethnically Diverse, Low-Income Sample.

PubMed

Congdon, Jayme L; Adler, Nancy E; Epel, Elissa S; Laraia, Barbara A; Bush, Nicole R

2016-06-01

Few studies have examined prenatal mood as a means to identify women at risk for negative childbirth experiences. We explore associations between prenatal mood and birth perceptions in a socioeconomically diverse, American sample. We conducted a prospective study of 136 predominantly low-income and ethnic minority women of mixed parity. Prenatal measures of perceived stress, pregnancy-related anxiety, and depressive symptoms were used to predict maternal perceptions of birth experiences 1 month postpartum, using the childbirth experience questionnaire (CEQ; 1). After adjusting for sociodemographic variables and mode of delivery, higher third-trimester stress predicted worse CEQ total scores. This association was predominantly explained by two CEQ domains: own capacity (e.g., feelings of control and capability), and perceived safety. Pregnancy-related anxiety and depressive symptoms correlated with perceived stress, though neither independently predicted birth experience. An unplanned cesarean delivery was associated with a worse CEQ total score. Vaginal delivery predicted greater perceived safety. Altogether, sociodemographic covariates, mode of delivery, and prenatal mood accounted for 35 percent of the variance in birth experience (p < 0.001). Our finding that prenatal stress explains a significant and likely clinically meaningful proportion of the variance in birth experience suggests that women perceive and recall their birth experiences through a lens that is partially determined by preexisting personal circumstances and emotional reserves. Since childbirth perceptions have implications for maternal and child health, patient satisfaction, and health care expenditures, these findings warrant consideration of prenatal stress screening to target intervention for women at risk for negative birth experiences. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Exercise capacity is associated with endothelin-1 release during emotional excitement in coronary artery disease patients.

PubMed

Tulppo, Mikko P; Piira, Olli-Pekka; Hautala, Arto J; Kiviniemi, Antti M; Miettinen, Johanna A; Huikuri, Heikki V

2014-08-01

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, IL-6, and catecholamines are increased and heart rate variability [SD of normal to normal R-R intervals (SDNN)] decreased during emotional excitement, but individual responses vary. We tested the hypothesis that exercise capacity is associated with physiological responses caused by real-life emotional excitement. We measured the plasma levels of ET-1, IL-6, catecholamines, heart rate, and SDNN in enthusiastic male ice hockey spectators (n = 51; age, 59 ± 9 years) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) at baseline and during the Finnish National Ice Hockey League's final play-off matches. Maximal exercise capacity (METs) by bicycle exercise test and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured on a separate day. ET-1 response from baseline to emotional excitement correlated with maximal METs (r = -0.30; P = 0.040). In a linear stepwise regression analysis age, body mass index (BMI), METs, LVEF, basal ET-1, and subjective experience of excitement were entered the model as independent variables to explain ET-1 response. This model explained 27% of ET-1 response (P = 0.003). Maximal METs were most strongly correlated with ET-1 response (β = -0.45; partial correlation r = -0.43; P = 0.002), followed by BMI (β = -0.31; partial correlation r = -0.31; P = 0.033) and LVEF (β = -0.30; partial correlation r = -0.33; P = 0.023). Exercise capacity may protect against further cardiovascular events in CAD patients, because it is associated with reduced ET-1 release during emotional excitement. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Gender discrimination and prediction on the basis of facial metric information.

PubMed

Fellous, J M

1997-07-01

Horizontal and vertical facial measurements are statistically independent. Discriminant analysis shows that five of such normalized distances explain over 95% of the gender differences of "training" samples and predict the gender of 90% novel test faces exhibiting various facial expressions. The robustness of the method and its results are assessed. It is argued that these distances (termed fiducial) are compatible with those found experimentally by psychophysical and neurophysiological studies. In consequence, partial explanations for the effects observed in these experiments can be found in the intrinsic statistical nature of the facial stimuli used.

Age, education, and the gender gap in the sense of control.

PubMed

Slagsvold, Britt; Sørensen, Annemette

2008-01-01

High sense of control is related to benefits in many aspects of life, and education is known to be strongly related to sense of control. In this article we explore why women tend to feel a lower sense of control than men, and why the sense of control tends to be lower among the elderly than among younger people. In particular we explore the role played by education in explaining age- and gender differences in sense of control. The analysis is based on data from the first wave of the Norwegian NorLAG study, with a representative sample of adults aged 40-79 in 30 municipalities. We find that education accounts for some of the age and gender differences in sense of control, but the mediating effects of education are rather modest. We find an increasing gender gap in sense of control with age, and this increasing gap is completely explained by differences in education. Gender differences in sense of control is explained completely by four factors, which are related to resources and power; physical health, education, living with a partner, and leadership experience. Age differences in sense of control are only partially explained. Education, physical health and employment status cuts the age effect on sense of control to half. The effect of education on sense of control is partly mediated through what we suggest are tangible benefits of education, namely health, employment, and leadership experience. Education also influences individuals through socialization mechanisms. We view agentive orientation as a psychological benefit of education, and measure this characteristic with Bem's (1981) sex-role scale on masculinity. Agentive orientation completely explains the remaining effect of education on sense of control.

Cumulative early life adversity predicts longevity in wild baboons

PubMed Central

Tung, Jenny; Archie, Elizabeth A.; Altmann, Jeanne; Alberts, Susan C.

2016-01-01

In humans and other animals, harsh circumstances in early life predict morbidity and mortality in adulthood. Multiple adverse conditions are thought to be especially toxic, but this hypothesis has rarely been tested in a prospective, longitudinal framework, especially in long-lived mammals. Here we use prospective data on 196 wild female baboons to show that cumulative early adversity predicts natural adult lifespan. Females who experience ≥3 sources of early adversity die a median of 10 years earlier than females who experience ≤1 adverse circumstances (median lifespan is 18.5 years). Females who experience the most adversity are also socially isolated in adulthood, suggesting that social processes partially explain the link between early adversity and adult survival. Our results provide powerful evidence for the developmental origins of health and disease and indicate that close ties between early adversity and survival arise even in the absence of health habit and health care-related explanations. PMID:27091302

Family Structure and the Intergenerational Transmission of Educational Advantage*

PubMed Central

Martin, Molly A.

2013-01-01

I examine whether the effect of parents’ education on children’s educational achievement and attainment varies by family structure and, if so, whether this can be explained by differential parenting practices. Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, I find that as parents’ education increases, children in single mother families experience a lower boost in their achievement test scores, likelihood of attending any post-secondary schooling, likelihood of completing a four-year college degree, and years of completed schooling relative to children living with both biological parents. Differences in parents’ educational expectations, intergenerational closure, and children’s involvement in structured leisure activities partially explain these status transmission differences by family structure. The findings imply that, among children with highly educated parents, children of single mothers are less likely to be highly educated themselves relative to children who grow up with both biological parents. PMID:23017695

Family structure and the intergenerational transmission of educational advantage.

PubMed

Martin, Molly A

2012-01-01

I examine whether the effect of parents' education on children's educational achievement and attainment varies by family structure and, if so, whether this can be explained by differential parenting practices. Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, I find that as parents' education increases, children in single mother families experience a lower boost in their achievement test scores, likelihood of attending any post-secondary schooling, likelihood of completing a 4-year college degree, and years of completed schooling relative to children living with both biological parents. Differences in parents' educational expectations, intergenerational closure, and children's involvement in structured leisure activities partially explain these status transmission differences by family structure. The findings imply that, among children with highly educated parents, children of single mothers are less likely to be highly educated themselves relative to children who grow up with both biological parents. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Egocentric reciprocity and the role of friendship and anger.

PubMed

Chen, Xiao-Ping; Eberly, Marion B; Bachrach, Daniel G; Wu, Keke; Qu, Qing

2017-01-01

In this research, we examine the phenomenon of egocentric reciprocity, where individuals protect self-interest by adopting an eye-for-an-eye strategy in negatively imbalanced exchanges, and by taking advantage of overly generous treatment in positively imbalanced exchanges. We conducted two experiments using a modified ultimatum game examining attitudinal and behavioral responses to imbalanced exchanges. The experiments allowed us to explore the moderating role of relational closeness (i.e., whether the game partner was a friend or a stranger) and the mediating role of anger and indebtedness in these moderated relationships. Our results consistently demonstrate the phenomenon of egocentric reciprocity. Most importantly, this research reveals that friendship places a boundary on this egocentric tendency, and that the effects may partially be explained by anger experienced in response to exchange.

The Role of Culture, Competitiveness and Economic Performance in Explaining Academic Performance: A Global Market Analysis for International Student Segmentation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baumann, Chris; Hamin

2011-01-01

A nation's culture, competitiveness and economic performance explain academic performance. Partial Least Squares (PLS) testing of 2252 students shows culture affects competitiveness and academic performance. Culture and economic performance each explain 32%; competitiveness 36%. The model predicts academic performance when culture, competitiveness…

Magnetic Properties of Submarine and Subaerial Basaltic Glass From the Emperor Seamounts (ODP Leg 197)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnov, A. V.; Tarduno, J. A.

2002-12-01

To evaluate the magnetic properties of submarine and subaerial basaltic glass recovered by drilling during ODP Leg 197 at Detroit Seamount (ODP Site 1203) and Koko Seamount (ODP Site 1206) we have conducted a series of rock magnetic measurements and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. These glass samples have very low natural remanent magnetizations (NRM < 50 nAm2/g) and their magnetic hysteresis properties are dominated by paramagnetism. After correction for the large paramagnetic signal, samples which show a ferromagnetic component have pseudo-single domain behavior, implying magnetic grain sizes larger than those reported for Holocene glasses. Transmission electron microscopy confirms a very low concentration of crystalline inclusions in the glass. A striking feature often observed during the TEM analyses is the partial (or complete) melting of samples by the electron beam and the apparent formation of new crystalline particles. Thellier experiments on submarine basaltic glass (SBG) show a rapid acquisition of thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) with respect to NRM demagnetization which, taken at face value, implies magnetization in a very weak (<17 μT) ambient field. Yet monitoring of magnetic hysteresis properties during the Thellier experiments (on splits used for paleointensity determinations) indicates a systematic variation in values over the same temperature range where rapid TRM acquisition is observed. We suggest that the experimental data can be explained by the partial melting and neocrystallization of magnetic grains in our SBG samples during the thermal treatments required by the Thellier method, resulting in paleointensity values biased to low values. Magnetic hysteresis monitoring may provide a straight-forward means of detecting partial melting during Thellier experiments.

Isotopic evidence for nitrous oxide production pathways in a partial nitritation-anammox reactor.

PubMed

Harris, Eliza; Joss, Adriano; Emmenegger, Lukas; Kipf, Marco; Wolf, Benjamin; Mohn, Joachim; Wunderlin, Pascal

2015-10-15

Nitrous oxide (N2O) production pathways in a single stage, continuously fed partial nitritation-anammox reactor were investigated using online isotopic analysis of offgas N2O with quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy (QCLAS). N2O emissions increased when reactor operating conditions were not optimal, for example, high dissolved oxygen concentration. SP measurements indicated that the increase in N2O was due to enhanced nitrifier denitrification, generally related to nitrite build-up in the reactor. The results of this study confirm that process control via online N2O monitoring is an ideal method to detect imbalances in reactor operation and regulate aeration, to ensure optimal reactor conditions and minimise N2O emissions. Under normal operating conditions, the N2O isotopic site preference (SP) was much higher than expected - up to 40‰ - which could not be explained within the current understanding of N2O production pathways. Various targeted experiments were conducted to investigate the characteristics of N2O formation in the reactor. The high SP measurements during both normal operating and experimental conditions could potentially be explained by a number of hypotheses: i) unexpectedly strong heterotrophic N2O reduction, ii) unknown inorganic or anammox-associated N2O production pathway, iii) previous underestimation of SP fractionation during N2O production from NH2OH, or strong variations in SP from this pathway depending on reactor conditions. The second hypothesis - an unknown or incompletely characterised production pathway - was most consistent with results, however the other possibilities cannot be discounted. Further experiments are needed to distinguish between these hypotheses and fully resolve N2O production pathways in PN-anammox systems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diversity-based reasoning in children.

PubMed

Heit, E; Hahn, U

2001-12-01

One of the hallmarks of inductive reasoning by adults is the diversity effect, namely that people draw stronger inferences from a diverse set of evidence than from a more homogenous set of evidence. However, past developmental work has not found consistent diversity effects with children age 9 and younger. We report robust sensitivity to diversity in children as young as 5, using everyday stimuli such as pictures of objects with people. Experiment 1 showed the basic diversity effect in 5- to 9-year-olds. Experiment 2 showed that, like adults, children restrict their use of diversity information when making inferences about remote categories. Experiment 3 used other stimulus sets to overcome an alternate explanation in terms of sample size rather than diversity effects. Finally, Experiment 4 showed that children more readily draw on diversity when reasoning about objects and their relations with people than when reasoning about objects' internal, hidden properties, thus partially explaining the negative findings of previous work. Relations to cross-cultural work and models of induction are discussed. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Gender-based wage differentials among registered dietitians.

PubMed

Pollard, Prudence; Taylor, Maxine; Daher, Noha

2007-01-01

The debate on compensation equity is broad-based, addressing many organizational, personal, and outcome factors. Central to compensation philosophy is the issue of gender equity. Health care, like many other industries, remains fraught with gender inequity in compensation. This inequity is partially explained by choice of practice area. However, much remains unexplained. Health care is a female-dominated industry with most of the women working in the allied health professions (eg, nurses, dietitians, etc). Registered dietitians (RD) may experience wage discrimination, similar to registered nurses, but prior to the present study, the assumption was not tested. Using data from the first comprehensive study of RD compensation, we examined gender equity in total cash compensation to RDs. Data were collected on total cash compensation, and questions focused on career progression and work outcomes. For purposes of our study, we analyzed data on 5,477 full-time RDs. Ninety-six percent were women, the median age was 43, and median total cash compensation for RDs employed in the position for at least 1 year was $45,500.00. Women earned $45,285.00 and men earned $50,250.00. A median wage gap of $4,965.00 between women and men was observed. Variability in total cash compensation to women was best explained by size of budget, years of experience, work setting, and educational level. Variability for men was explained by size of budget, years of experience, educational level, and employer status. Conclusions suggest that given the wage discrimination that female RDs experience, work organizations should evaluate their pay plans to monitor pay equity. Factors that women can manage to receive compensation that is equal to that of the men include size of budgets they manage, years of experience in the field, employer status, work setting, and educational level attained. Findings are useful for career advisers, human resource specialists, compensation specialists, supervisors, RDs, and compensation researchers.

A Simple Apparatus for Demonstrating Fluid Forces and Newton's Third Law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohazzabi, Pirooz; James, Mark C.

2012-12-01

Over 2200 years ago, in order to determine the purity of a golden crown of the king of Syracuse, Archimedes submerged the crown in water and determined its volume by measuring the volume of the displaced water. This simple experiment became the foundation of what eventually became known as Archimedes' principle: An object fully or partially immersed in a fluid is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. The principle is used to explain all questions regarding buoyancy, and the method is still prescribed for determination of the volume of irregularly shaped objects.2

Semantic language as a mechanism explaining the association between ADHD symptoms and reading and mathematics underachievement.

PubMed

Gremillion, Monica L; Martel, Michelle M

2012-11-01

ADHD is associated with academic underachievement, but it remains unclear what mechanism accounts for this association. Semantic language is an underexplored mechanism that provides a developmental explanation for this association. The present study will examine whether semantic language deficits explain the association between ADHD and reading and mathematics underachievement, taking into account alternative explanations for associations, including verbal working memory (WM) impairments, as well as specificity of effects to inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptom domains. Participants in this cross-sectional study were 546 children (54 % male) ages six to twelve (M = 9.77, SD = 1.49). ADHD symptoms were measured via maternal and teacher report during structured interviews and on standardized rating forms. Children completed standardized semantic language, verbal WM, and academic testing. Semantic language fully mediated the ADHD-reading achievement association and partially mediated the ADHD-mathematics achievement association. Verbal WM also partially mediated the ADHD-mathematics association but did not mediate the ADHD-reading achievement association. Results generalized across inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptom domains. Semantic language explained the association between ADHD and reading underachievement and partially explained the association between ADHD and mathematics underachievement. Together, language impairment and WM fully explained the association between ADHD and reading underachievement, in line with developmental models suggesting that language and WM conjointly influence the development of attention and subsequent academic achievement. This work has implication for the development of tailored interventions for academic underachievement in children with ADHD.

High-Frequency Peaks in the Power Spectrum of Solar Velocity Observations from the GOLF Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García, R. A.; Pallé, P. L.; Turck-Chièze, S.; Osaki, Y.; Shibahashi, H.; Jefferies, S. M.; Boumier, P.; Gabriel, A. H.; Grec, G.; Robillot, J. M.; Cortés, T. Roca; Ulrich, R. K.

1998-09-01

The power spectrum of more than 630 days of full-disk solar velocity data, provided by the GOLF spectrophotometer aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, has revealed the presence of modelike structure well beyond the acoustic cutoff frequency for the solar atmosphere (νac~5.4 mHz). Similar data produced by full-disk instruments deployed in Earth-based networks (BiSON and IRIS) had not shown any peak structure above νac: this is probably due to the higher levels of noise that are inherent in Earth-based experiments. We show that the observed peak structure (νac<=ν<=7.5 mHz) can be explained by a simple two-wave interference model if the high-frequency waves are partially reflected at the back side of the Sun.

Musical Competence is Predicted by Music Training, Cognitive Abilities, and Personality.

PubMed

Swaminathan, Swathi; Schellenberg, E Glenn

2018-06-15

Individuals differ in musical competence, which we defined as the ability to perceive, remember, and discriminate sequences of tones or beats. We asked whether such differences could be explained by variables other than music training, including socioeconomic status (SES), short-term memory, general cognitive ability, and personality. In a sample of undergraduates, musical competence had positive simple associations with duration of music training, SES, short-term memory, general cognitive ability, and openness-to-experience. When these predictors were considered jointly, musical competence had positive partial associations with music training, general cognitive ability, and openness. Nevertheless, moderation analyses revealed that the partial association between musical competence and music training was evident only among participants who scored below the mean on our measure of general cognitive ability. Moreover, general cognitive ability and openness had indirect associations with musical competence by predicting music training, which in turn predicted musical competence. Musical competence appears to be the result of multiple factors, including but not limited to music training.

Networked dynamical systems with linear coupling: synchronisation patterns, coherence and other behaviours.

PubMed

Judd, Kevin

2013-12-01

Many physical and biochemical systems are well modelled as a network of identical non-linear dynamical elements with linear coupling between them. An important question is how network structure affects chaotic dynamics, for example, by patterns of synchronisation and coherence. It is shown that small networks can be characterised precisely into patterns of exact synchronisation and large networks characterised by partial synchronisation at the local and global scale. Exact synchronisation modes are explained using tools of symmetry groups and invariance, and partial synchronisation is explained by finite-time shadowing of exact synchronisation modes.

Patients' experiences with partial dentures: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Smith, Patricia A; Entwistle, Vikki A; Nuttall, Nigel

2005-12-01

The aim of the study was to gain insight into people's experiences of being given and using partial dentures. In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with 23 people of varied age, social background and denture wearing experience in Tayside, Scotland. Participants were encouraged to discuss how they came to have partial dentures, their day-to-day denture use and their interactions with dentists. The interview data were systematically coded using key theme headings, and summary charts were constructed to facilitate analysis. The initial decision that a partial denture was needed was generally difficult to accept. People perceived the main benefits of partial dentures to be improved appearance and confidence, but experienced a variety of difficulties with their dentures and often coped with these by only wearing them on social occasions. Participants had not always told their dentists about the difficulties they experienced. Barriers to seeking help with denture problems included financial constraints, previous experience of rushed appointments or poor communication from dentists and a perceived lack of entitlement to help when partial dentures were issued free. Partial dentures can be difficult to cope with. People experience a range of difficulties in wearing them, not all of which have been discussed with dentists. Informative and supportive communication when partial dentures are first needed, and subsequently, can improve the quality of patients' experiences and may help promote effective use and appropriate help-seeking by partial denture wearers.

The Influence of Closeness Centrality on Lexical Processing

PubMed Central

Goldstein, Rutherford; Vitevitch, Michael S.

2017-01-01

The present study examined how the network science measure known as closeness centrality (which measures the average distance between a node and all other nodes in the network) influences lexical processing. In the mental lexicon, a word such as CAN has high closeness centrality, because it is close to many other words in the lexicon. Whereas, a word such as CURE has low closeness centrality because it is far from other words in the lexicon. In an auditory lexical decision task (Experiment 1) participants responded more quickly to words with high closeness centrality. In Experiment 2 an auditory lexical decision task was again used, but with a wider range of stimulus characteristics. Although, there was no main effect of closeness centrality in Experiment 2, an interaction between closeness centrality and frequency of occurrence was observed on reaction times. The results are explained in terms of partial activation gradually strengthening over time word-forms that are centrally located in the phonological network. PMID:29018396

Aphasia from the inside: The cognitive world of the aphasic patient.

PubMed

Ardila, Alfredo; Rubio-Bruno, Silvia

2017-05-23

The purpose of this study was to analyze the question: how do people with aphasia experience the world? Three questions are approached: (1) how is behavior controlled in aphasia, considering that a normal linguistic control is no longer available; (2) what is the pattern of intellectual abilities in aphasia; and (3) what do aphasia patients' self-report regarding the experience of living without language. In aphasia, behavior can no longer be controlled through the "second signal system" and only the first signal system remains. Available information suggests that sometimes no verbal abilities may be affected in aphasia. However, an important variability is observed: whereas, in some patients, evident nonverbal defects are found; in other patients, performance verbal abilities are within normal limits. Several self-reports of recovered aphasic patients explain the experience of living without language. Considering that language represents the major instrument of cognition, in aphasia, surrounding information is evidently interpreted in a partially different way and cognitive strategies are reorganized, resulting in an idiosyncratic cognitive world.

Which chemicals drive biological effects in wastewater and recycled water?

PubMed

Tang, Janet Y M; Busetti, Francesco; Charrois, Jeffrey W A; Escher, Beate I

2014-09-01

Removal of organic micropollutants from wastewater during secondary treatment followed by reverse osmosis and UV disinfection was evaluated by a combination of four in-vitro cell-based bioassays and chemical analysis of 299 organic compounds. Concentrations detected in recycled water were below the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling. Thus the detected chemicals were considered not to pose any health risk. The detected pesticides in the wastewater treatment plant effluent and partially advanced treated water explained all observed effects on photosynthesis inhibition. In contrast, mixture toxicity experiments with designed mixtures containing all detected chemicals at their measured concentrations demonstrated that the known chemicals explained less than 3% of the observed cytotoxicity and less than 1% of the oxidative stress response. Pesticides followed by pharmaceuticals and personal care products dominated the observed mixture effects. The detected chemicals were not related to the observed genotoxicity. The large proportion of unknown toxicity calls for effect monitoring complementary to chemical monitoring. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Children's comprehension and production of idioms: the role of context and familiarity.

PubMed

Levorato, M C; Cacciari, C

1992-06-01

Several studies have argued that children under the ages of nine or ten years rarely comprehend figurative language and therefore interpret it literally. Cacciari & Levorato (1989) showed that when idioms are presented within a rich informational environment, children are able to grasp the figurative sense at the age of seven, and also that children are less able to produce idioms than to comprehend them. In three experiments involving 264 children (whose age ranged from 6;9 to 11;9), we contrasted this global elaboration hypothesis with a partially alternative one, the acquisition via exposure hypothesis, according to which the frequency of exposure of children to idioms is the main factor explaining their acquisition and production. Results showed that familiarity (i.e. frequency of exposure) plays a minor role and only for children who are not yet able to use contextual information. Familiarity per se does not adequately explain how children acquire a figurative competence. A tentative model is proposed in order to account for figurative competence acquisition.

The influence of negative ions in helium-oxygen barrier discharges: III. Simulation of laser photodetachment and comparison with experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemschokmichal, Sebastian; Tschiersch, Robert; Meichsner, Jürgen

2017-11-01

The laser photodetachment experiment in a diffuse helium-oxygen barrier discharge is evaluated by a 1D fluid simulation. As in the experiment, the simulated discharge operates in helium with 400 {ppm} oxygen admixture at 500 {mbar} inside a discharge gap of 3 {mm}. The laser photodetachment is included by the interaction of negative ions with a temporally and spatially dependent photon flux. The simulation with the usually applied set of reactions and rate coefficients provides a much lower negative ion density than needed to explain the impact on the discharge characteristics in the experiment. Further processes for an enhanced negative ion formation and their capabilities of reproducing the experimental results are discussed. These further processes are additional attachment processes in the volume and the negative ion formation at the negatively charged dielectric. Both approaches are able to reproduce the measured laser photodetachment effect partially, but the best agreement with the experimental results is achieved with the formation of negative ions at the negatively charged dielectric.

Hyper-Spectral Image Analysis With Partially Latent Regression and Spatial Markov Dependencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deleforge, Antoine; Forbes, Florence; Ba, Sileye; Horaud, Radu

2015-09-01

Hyper-spectral data can be analyzed to recover physical properties at large planetary scales. This involves resolving inverse problems which can be addressed within machine learning, with the advantage that, once a relationship between physical parameters and spectra has been established in a data-driven fashion, the learned relationship can be used to estimate physical parameters for new hyper-spectral observations. Within this framework, we propose a spatially-constrained and partially-latent regression method which maps high-dimensional inputs (hyper-spectral images) onto low-dimensional responses (physical parameters such as the local chemical composition of the soil). The proposed regression model comprises two key features. Firstly, it combines a Gaussian mixture of locally-linear mappings (GLLiM) with a partially-latent response model. While the former makes high-dimensional regression tractable, the latter enables to deal with physical parameters that cannot be observed or, more generally, with data contaminated by experimental artifacts that cannot be explained with noise models. Secondly, spatial constraints are introduced in the model through a Markov random field (MRF) prior which provides a spatial structure to the Gaussian-mixture hidden variables. Experiments conducted on a database composed of remotely sensed observations collected from the Mars planet by the Mars Express orbiter demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.

Computational modeling of mediator oxidation by oxygen in an amperometric glucose biosensor.

PubMed

Simelevičius, Dainius; Petrauskas, Karolis; Baronas, Romas; Razumienė, Julija

2014-02-07

In this paper, an amperometric glucose biosensor is modeled numerically. The model is based on non-stationary reaction-diffusion type equations. The model consists of four layers. An enzyme layer lies directly on a working electrode surface. The enzyme layer is attached to an electrode by a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coated terylene membrane. This membrane is modeled as a PVA layer and a terylene layer, which have different diffusivities. The fourth layer of the model is the diffusion layer, which is modeled using the Nernst approach. The system of partial differential equations is solved numerically using the finite difference technique. The operation of the biosensor was analyzed computationally with special emphasis on the biosensor response sensitivity to oxygen when the experiment was carried out in aerobic conditions. Particularly, numerical experiments show that the overall biosensor response sensitivity to oxygen is insignificant. The simulation results qualitatively explain and confirm the experimentally observed biosensor behavior.

Computational Modeling of Mediator Oxidation by Oxygen in an Amperometric Glucose Biosensor

PubMed Central

Šimelevičius, Dainius; Petrauskas, Karolis; Baronas, Romas; Julija, Razumienė

2014-01-01

In this paper, an amperometric glucose biosensor is modeled numerically. The model is based on non-stationary reaction-diffusion type equations. The model consists of four layers. An enzyme layer lies directly on a working electrode surface. The enzyme layer is attached to an electrode by a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coated terylene membrane. This membrane is modeled as a PVA layer and a terylene layer, which have different diffusivities. The fourth layer of the model is the diffusion layer, which is modeled using the Nernst approach. The system of partial differential equations is solved numerically using the finite difference technique. The operation of the biosensor was analyzed computationally with special emphasis on the biosensor response sensitivity to oxygen when the experiment was carried out in aerobic conditions. Particularly, numerical experiments show that the overall biosensor response sensitivity to oxygen is insignificant. The simulation results qualitatively explain and confirm the experimentally observed biosensor behavior. PMID:24514882

The role of meaning in contextual cueing: evidence from chess expertise.

PubMed

Brockmole, James R; Hambrick, David Z; Windisch, David J; Henderson, John M

2008-01-01

In contextual cueing, the position of a search target is learned over repeated exposures to a visual display. The strength of this effect varies across stimulus types. For example, real-world scene contexts give rise to larger search benefits than contexts composed of letters or shapes. We investigated whether such differences in learning can be at least partially explained by the degree of semantic meaning associated with a context independently of the nature of the visual information available (which also varies across stimulus types). Chess boards served as the learning context as their meaningfulness depends on the observer's knowledge of the game. In Experiment 1, boards depicted actual game play, and search benefits for repeated boards were 4 times greater for experts than for novices. In Experiment 2, search benefits among experts were halved when less meaningful randomly generated boards were used. Thus, stimulus meaningfulness independently contributes to learning context-target associations.

Exploring the Neural Representation of Novel Words Learned through Enactment in a Word Recognition Task

PubMed Central

Macedonia, Manuela; Mueller, Karsten

2016-01-01

Vocabulary learning in a second language is enhanced if learners enrich the learning experience with self-performed iconic gestures. This learning strategy is called enactment. Here we explore how enacted words are functionally represented in the brain and which brain regions contribute to enhance retention. After an enactment training lasting 4 days, participants performed a word recognition task in the functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scanner. Data analysis suggests the participation of different and partially intertwined networks that are engaged in higher cognitive processes, i.e., enhanced attention and word recognition. Also, an experience-related network seems to map word representation. Besides core language regions, this latter network includes sensory and motor cortices, the basal ganglia, and the cerebellum. On the basis of its complexity and the involvement of the motor system, this sensorimotor network might explain superior retention for enactment. PMID:27445918

Understanding Rasch Measurement: Partial Credit Model and Pivot Anchoring.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bode, Rita K.

2001-01-01

Describes the Rasch measurement partial credit model, what it is, how it differs from other Rasch models, and when and how to use it. Also describes the calibration of instruments with increasingly complex items. Explains pivot anchoring and illustrates its use and describes the effect of pivot anchoring on step calibrations, item hierarchy, and…

Investigation of the beta-damascenone level in fresh and aged commercial beers.

PubMed

Chevance, Fabienne; Guyot-Declerck, Christine; Dupont, Jérôme; Collin, Sonia

2002-06-19

This study investigated the increase of beta-damascenone content during aging in a variety of commercial Belgian beers. Quantities detected in fresh beers were generally low (from 6 ng/g to 25 ng/g). After 5 days at 40 degrees C, the level increased (to as much as 210 ng/g) in most of the beers studied, according to the type of beer. Further experiments showed that wort initially contains large quantities of beta-damascenone (450 ng/g), but that degradation of the compound during fermentation accounts for the low concentrations observed in fresh beers. Production during beer aging can be partially explained by acid hydrolysis of glycosides.

Internal impingement in the etiology of rotator cuff tendinosis revisited.

PubMed

Budoff, Jeffrey E; Nirschl, Robert P; Ilahi, Omer A; Rodin, Dennis M

2003-10-01

The theory of internal impingement holds that, in overhead athletes, repeated contact between the undersurface of the rotator cuff and the posterosuperior glenoid rim leads to articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and superior labral lesions. However, we have noted this same constellation of lesions in our general patient population. These recreational athletic patients do not routinely assume the position of extreme abduction and external rotation, and thus are unlikely to experience significant internal impingement forces. The goal of this study was to document the prevalence of superior labral lesions in patients being treated for partial-thickness undersurface rotator cuff tears. Retrospective case series. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 75 shoulders arthroscopically treated for partial-thickness articular-sided rotator cuff tears. With the exception of one professional tennis player, no patients were playing sports at a professional or major college level. No professional or collegiate throwing athletes were included. The prevalence of these lesions and their association with recreational athletics was noted. We found that 55 of 75 (73.3%) shoulders with articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears also had superior labral lesions. A statistically significant increased prevalence of superior labral lesions in the dominant shoulder was seen (P =.03). In addition, our patients who engaged in overhand throwing had significantly fewer superior labral lesions in the dominant shoulders than did nonthrowers (P =.017). The "kissing lesions" of undersurface rotator cuff tears and posterosuperior labral damage may be explained by mechanisms other than "internal impingement."

Anxiety Partially Mediates Cybersickness Symptoms in Immersive Virtual Reality Environments.

PubMed

Pot-Kolder, Roos; Veling, Wim; Counotte, Jacqueline; van der Gaag, Mark

2018-03-01

The use of virtual reality (VR) in psychological treatment is expected to increase. Cybersickness (CS) is a negative side effect of VR exposure and is associated with treatment dropout. This study aimed to investigate the following: (a) if gender differences in CS can be replicated, (b) if differences in anxiety and CS symptoms between patients and controls can be replicated, and (c) whether the relationship between exposure to VR and CS symptoms is mediated by anxiety. A sample (N = 170) of participants with different levels of psychosis liability was exposed to VR environments. CS and anxiety were assessed with self-report measures before and after the VR experiment. This study replicated gender differences in CS symptoms, most of which were present before exposure to VR. It also replicated findings that a significant correlation between anxiety and CS can be found in healthy individuals, but not in patients. In a VR environment, anxiety partially mediated CS symptoms, specifically nausea and disorientation. A partial explanation for the differences found between patients and controls may lie in a ceiling effect for the symptoms of CS. A second explanation may be the partial overlap between CS symptoms and physiological anxiety responses. CS symptoms reported at baseline cannot be explained by exposure to VR, but are related to anxiety. Caution is required when interpreting studies on both CS and anxiety, until the specificity in measurements has been improved. Since anxiety mediated the CS symptoms, CS is expected to decline during treatment together with the reduction of anxiety.

Family Violence Pathways and Externalizing Behavior in Youth.

PubMed

Bozzay, Melanie L; Joy, Lendi N; Verona, Edelyn

2017-08-01

While studies suggest that youth who experience violence in the home are more likely to engage in externalizing behaviors (e.g., aggression, substance use, rule breaking), research is needed to understand factors that may explain how family violence is linked to externalizing, and whether there may be gender-specific trajectories to this outcome. The present study used a cross-sectional design and multigroup, path analytic modeling to test the degree to which personality traits (negative emotionality, constraint) in boys and girls (Model 1), as well as status offending primarily in girls (Model 2), may help explain relationships between exposure to familial adversity (witnessing family violence and child abuse) and adolescent externalizing behaviors in a mixed-gender, community sample with both caregiver and youth reports ( N = 237, 57% female, 10-17 years old). Results indicated that personality traits fully explained the relationship between witnessing family violence and externalizing and partially explained the relationship between child abuse and externalizing among youth. Despite theory suggesting a female-specific trajectory involving status offenses, both models were similarly relevant for boys and girls. These findings have implications for understanding processes by which adverse family circumstances may relate to externalizing behavior in youth. Preliminary suggestions are provided for future longitudinal research, policy changes, and clinical techniques that may be essential in preventing the progression to long-term adverse outcomes among youth.

Increasing Text Comprehension and Graphic Note Taking Using a Partial Graphic Organizer

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Daniel H.; Katayama, Andrew D.; Beth, Alicia; Odom, Susan; Hsieh, Ya-Ping; Vanderveen, Arthur

2006-01-01

In 3 quasi-experiments using intact classrooms and 1 true experiment using random assignment, students completed partially complete graphic organizers (GOs) or studied complete GOs that covered course content. The partial task led to increased overall examination performance in all experiments. Also, the authors measured students' note-taking…

Modeling minority stress effects on homelessness and health disparities among young men who have sex with men.

PubMed

Bruce, Douglas; Stall, Ron; Fata, Aimee; Campbell, Richard T

2014-06-01

Sexual minority youth are more likely to experience homelessness, and homeless sexual minority youth report greater risk for mental health and substance abuse symptoms than homeless heterosexual youth, yet few studies have assessed determinants that help explain the disparities. Minority stress theory proposes that physical and mental health disparities among sexual minority populations may be explained by the stress produced by living in heterosexist social environments characterized by stigma and discrimination directed toward sexual minority persons. We used data from a sample of 200 young men who have sex with men (YMSM) (38 % African American, 26.5 % Latino/Hispanic, 23.5 % White, 12 % multiracial/other) to develop an exploratory path model measuring the effects of experience and internalization of sexual orientation stigma on depression and substance use via being kicked out of home due to sexual orientation and current homelessness. Direct significant paths were found from experience of sexual orientation-related stigma to internalization of sexual orientation-related stigma, having been kicked out of one's home, experiencing homelessness during the past year, and major depressive symptoms during the past week. Having been kicked out of one's home had a direct significant effect on experiencing homelessness during the past 12 months and on daily marijuana use. Internalization of sexual orientation-related stigma and experiencing homelessness during the past 12 months partially mediated the direct effect of experience of sexual orientation-related stigma on major depressive symptoms. Our empirical testing of the effects of minority stress on health of YMSM advances minority stress theory as a framework for investigating health disparities among this population.

Electrical Conductivity of Partially Molten Peridotite Analogue Under Shear: Supporting Evidence to the Partial Melting Hypothesis for the Oceanic Plate Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manthilake, G.; Matsuzaki, T.; Yoshino, T.; Yamazaki, D.; Yoneda, A.; Ito, E.; Katsura, T.

2008-12-01

So far, two hypotheses have been proposed to explain softening of the oceanic asthenosphere allowing smooth motion of the oceanic lithosphere. One is partial melting, and the other is hydraulitic weakening. Although the hydraulitic weakening hypothesis is popular recently, Yoshino et al. [2006] suggested that this hypothesis cannot explain the high and anisotropic conductivity at the top of the asthenosphere near East Pacific Rise observed by Evans et al. [2005]. In order to explain the conductivity anisotropy over one order of magnitude by the partial melting hypothesis, we measured conductivity of partially molten peridotite analogue under shear conditions. The measured samples were mixtures of forsterite and chemically simplified basalt. The samples were pre- synthesized using a piston-cylinder apparatus at 1600 K and 2 GPa to obtain textural equilibrium. The pre- synthesized samples were formed to a disk with 3 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness. Conductivity measurement was carried out also at 1600 K and 2 GPa in a cubic-anvil apparatus with an additional uniaxial piston. The sample was sandwiched by two alumina pistons whose top was cut to 45 degree slope to generate shear. The shear strain rates of the sample were calibrated using a Mo strain marker in separate runs. The lower alumina piston was pushed by a tungsten carbide piston embedded in a bottom anvil with a constant speed. Conductivity was measured in the directions normal and parallel to the shear direction simultaneously. We mainly studied the sample with 1.6 volume percent of basaltic component. The shear strain rates were 0, 1.2x10(-6) and 5.2x10(-6) /s. The sample without shear did not show conductivity anisotropy. In contrast, the samples with shear showed one order of magnitude higher conductivity in the direction parallel to the shear than that normal to the shear. After the total strains reached 0.3, the magnitude of anisotropy became almost constant for both of the strain rates. The magnitude is thus independent of the strain rate. This study demonstrates that the anisotropy at the top of the asthenosphere can be explained based on the partially molten asthenosphere sheared by the plate motion.

Explaining the sex difference in dyslexia.

PubMed

Arnett, Anne B; Pennington, Bruce F; Peterson, Robin L; Willcutt, Erik G; DeFries, John C; Olson, Richard K

2017-06-01

Males are diagnosed with dyslexia more frequently than females, even in epidemiological samples. This may be explained by greater variance in males' reading performance. We expand on previous research by rigorously testing the variance difference theory, and testing for mediation of the sex difference by cognitive correlates. We developed an analytic framework that can be applied to group differences in any psychiatric disorder. Males' overrepresentation in the low performance tail of the reading distribution was accounted for by mean and variance differences across sex. There was no sex difference at the high performance tail. Processing speed (PS) and inhibitory control partially mediated the sex difference. Verbal reasoning emerged as a strength in males. Our results complement a previous finding that PS partially mediates the sex difference in symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and helps explain the sex difference in both dyslexia and ADHD and their comorbidity. © 2017 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Adaptation and inhibition underlie responses to time-varying interaural phase cues in a model of inferior colliculus neurons.

PubMed

Borisyuk, Alla; Semple, Malcolm N; Rinzel, John

2002-10-01

A mathematical model was developed for exploring the sensitivity of low-frequency inferior colliculus (IC) neurons to interaural phase disparity (IPD). The formulation involves a firing-rate-type model that does not include spikes per se. The model IC neuron receives IPD-tuned excitatory and inhibitory inputs (viewed as the output of a collection of cells in the medial superior olive). The model cell possesses cellular properties of firing rate adaptation and postinhibitory rebound (PIR). The descriptions of these mechanisms are biophysically reasonable, but only semi-quantitative. We seek to explain within a minimal model the experimentally observed mismatch between responses to IPD stimuli delivered dynamically and those delivered statically (McAlpine et al. 2000; Spitzer and Semple 1993). The model reproduces many features of the responses to static IPD presentations, binaural beat, and partial range sweep stimuli. These features include differences in responses to a stimulus presented in static or dynamic context: sharper tuning and phase shifts in response to binaural beats, and hysteresis and "rise-from-nowhere" in response to partial range sweeps. Our results suggest that dynamic response features are due to the structure of inputs and the presence of firing rate adaptation and PIR mechanism in IC cells, but do not depend on a specific biophysical mechanism. We demonstrate how the model's various components contribute to shaping the observed phenomena. For example, adaptation, PIR, and transmission delay shape phase advances and delays in responses to binaural beats, adaptation and PIR shape hysteresis in different ranges of IPD, and tuned inhibition underlies asymmetry in dynamic tuning properties. We also suggest experiments to test our modeling predictions: in vitro simulation of the binaural beat (phase advance at low beat frequencies, its dependence on firing rate), in vivo partial range sweep experiments (dependence of the hysteresis curve on parameters), and inhibition blocking experiments (to study inhibitory tuning properties by observation of phase shifts).

77 FR 11189 - Yokohama Tire Corporation, Denial of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-24

... full Tire Identification Number (TIN) on one sidewall but omit the partial serial number on the other....'' YTC explained its belief that the Tire Identification Number (TIN) and the partial TIN are used to... TIN is molded on the intended outboard sidewall of these tires and consumers could be directed to have...

75 FR 51524 - Yokohama Tire Corporation, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-20

... noncompliance is that the subject tires do not have full or partial Tire Identification Numbers (TIN) on one of their sidewalls. YTC explained that the intended outboard sidewall did have the complete TIN, but the opposite sidewall has no TIN or partial TIN. YTC stated its belief that the noncompliance is...

Understanding Gender Differences in Early Adolescents' Sexual Prejudice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mata, Jessieka; Ghavami, Negin; Wittig, Michele A.

2010-01-01

Drawing on social dominance theory and the contact hypothesis, we developed and tested a two-mediator model for explaining gender differences in early adolescents' attitudes toward gay males and lesbians. Data from more than 400 ninth graders were analyzed. As predicted, gender differences in attitudes toward gay males were partially explained by…

Exposure to Pre- and Perinatal Risk Factors Partially Explains Mean Differences in Self-Regulation between Races.

PubMed

Barnes, J C; Boutwell, Brian B; Miller, J Mitchell; DeShay, Rashaan A; Beaver, Kevin M; White, Norman

2016-01-01

To examine whether differential exposure to pre- and perinatal risk factors explained differences in levels of self-regulation between children of different races (White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Other). Multiple regression models based on data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (n ≈ 9,850) were used to analyze the impact of pre- and perinatal risk factors on the development of self-regulation at age 2 years. Racial differences in levels of self-regulation were observed. Racial differences were also observed for 9 of the 12 pre-/perinatal risk factors. Multiple regression analyses revealed that a portion of the racial differences in self-regulation was explained by differential exposure to several of the pre-/perinatal risk factors. Specifically, maternal age at childbirth, gestational timing, and the family's socioeconomic status were significantly related to the child's level of self-regulation. These factors accounted for a statistically significant portion of the racial differences observed in self-regulation. The findings indicate racial differences in self-regulation may be, at least partially, explained by racial differences in exposure to pre- and perinatal risk factors.

Partial Gravity Biological Tether Experiment on the Deep Space Gateway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallace, S.; Graham, L.

2018-02-01

A tether-based partial gravity bacterial biological experiment represents a viable biological experiment to investigate the fundamental internal cellular processes between altered levels of gravity and cellular adaption.

Alchemical prediction of hydration free energies for SAMPL

PubMed Central

Mobley, David L.; Liu, Shaui; Cerutti, David S.; Swope, William C.; Rice, Julia E.

2013-01-01

Hydration free energy calculations have become important tests of force fields. Alchemical free energy calculations based on molecular dynamics simulations provide a rigorous way to calculate these free energies for a particular force field, given sufficient sampling. Here, we report results of alchemical hydration free energy calculations for the set of small molecules comprising the 2011 Statistical Assessment of Modeling of Proteins and Ligands (SAMPL) challenge. Our calculations are largely based on the Generalized Amber Force Field (GAFF) with several different charge models, and we achieved RMS errors in the 1.4-2.2 kcal/mol range depending on charge model, marginally higher than what we typically observed in previous studies1-5. The test set consists of ethane, biphenyl, and a dibenzyl dioxin, as well as a series of chlorinated derivatives of each. We found that, for this set, using high-quality partial charges from MP2/cc-PVTZ SCRF RESP fits provided marginally improved agreement with experiment over using AM1-BCC partial charges as we have more typically done, in keeping with our recent findings5. Switching to OPLS Lennard-Jones parameters with AM1-BCC charges also improves agreement with experiment. We also find a number of chemical trends within each molecular series which we can explain, but there are also some surprises, including some that are captured by the calculations and some that are not. PMID:22198475

Adsorption of SF6 decomposed gas on anatase (101) and (001) surfaces with oxygen defect: A density functional theory study

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiaoxing; Chen, Qinchuan; Tang, Ju; Hu, Weihua; Zhang, Jinbin

2014-01-01

The detection of partial discharge by analyzing the components of SF6 gas in gas-insulated switchgears is important to the diagnosis and assessment of the operational state of power equipment. A gas sensor based on anatase TiO2 is used to detect decomposed gases in SF6. In this paper, first-principle density functional theory calculations are adopted to analyze the adsorption of SO2, SOF2, and SO2F2, the primary decomposition by-products of SF6 under partial discharge, on anatase (101) and (001) surfaces. Simulation results show that the perfect anatase (001) surface has a stronger interaction with the three gases than that of anatase (101), and both surfaces are more sensitive and selective to SO2 than to SOF2 and SO2F2. The selection of a defect surface to SO2, SOF2, and SO2F2 differs from that of a perfect surface. This theoretical result is corroborated by the sensing experiment using a TiO2 nanotube array (TNTA) gas sensor. The calculated values are analyzed to explain the results of the Pt-doped TNTA gas sensor sensing experiment. The results imply that the deposited Pt nanoparticles on the surface increase the active sites of the surface and the gas molecules may decompose upon adsorption on the active sites. PMID:24755845

Why Do People Disagree? Explaining and Endorsing the Possibility of Partiality in Judgments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, Candice M.; Al-Jabari, Rawya M.; Archacki, Melinda A.

2012-01-01

The current study examines developing changes in children's intuitions about why disagreements about decisions might occur, focusing on what children understand about partiality and how it may vary depending on the context. Eighty children ages 6 to 13 years old and 20 adults were presented with stories in which there was a disagreement with the…

Within-unit relationship quality mediates the association between military sexual trauma and posttraumatic stress symptoms in veterans separating from military service.

PubMed

Laws, Holly; Mazure, Carolyn M; McKee, Sherry A; Park, Crystal L; Hoff, Rani

2016-09-01

Few studies have examined the impact of military sexual trauma (MST) on social functioning during deployment. Yet consideration of unit relationships during deployment may be important, given that military unit cohesion and support can provide protective effects against the stress of combat, and reduce the likelihood of developing posttraumatic stress disorder. Although prior research has posited that depleted social resources are one pathway through which MST is associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), no studies have statistically tested this theory. This study examined the association of MST and PTSS and evaluated the potential mediating role of decreased unit relationship quality. Mediational analyses were conducted on a sample of veterans following discharge from military service (N = 818; 328 women, 490 men). Women were significantly more likely to experience MST than men. As hypothesized, experiences of MST during deployment were associated with higher PTSS. MST experiences were associated with less trust in and support from one's military unit, which partially mediated the association between MST and PTSS. The indirect effect of MST on PTSS through lower unit relationship quality accounted for 20.4% of the total effect of MST on PTSS. While the retrospective study design precludes tests of causality, mediational findings provided statistical evidence that lower unit relationship quality partially explains the association between MST and PTSS. This finding is consistent with interpersonal theories of trauma response suggesting that the deleterious effects of MST may be in part due to its erosion of social resources during deployment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

LCD real-time mask technique for fabrication of arbitrarily shaped microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Qinjun; Guo, Yongkang; Chen, Bo; Du, Jinglei; Xiang, Jinshan; Cui, Zheng

2002-04-01

A new technique to fabricate arbitrarily shaped microstructures by using LCD (liquid crystal display) real- time mask is reported in this paper. Its principle and design method are explained. Based on partial coherent imaging theory, the process to fabricate micro-axicon array and zigzag grating has been simulated. The experiment using a color LCD as real-time mask has been set up. Micro-axicon array and zigzag grating has been fabricated by the LCD real-time mask technique. The 3D surface relief structures were made on pan chromatic silver-halide sensitized gelatin (Kodak-131) with trypsinase etching. The pitch size of zigzag grating is 46.26micrometers . The caliber of axicon is 118.7micrometers , and the etching depth is 1.332micrometers .

Effects of subsurface ocean dynamics on instability waves in the tropical Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawrence, Sean P.; Allen, Myles R.; Anderson, David L. T.; Llewellyn-Jones, David T.

1998-08-01

Tropical instability waves in a primitive equation model of the tropical Pacific Ocean, forced with analyzed wind stresses updated daily, show unexpectedly close phase correspondence with observation through the latter half of 1992. This suggests that these waves are not pure instabilities developing from infinitesimal disturbances, but that their phases and phase speeds are at least partially determined by the wind stress forcing. To quantify and explain this observation, we perfomed several numerical experiments, which indicate that remotely forced Rossby waves can influence both the phase and phase speed of tropical instability waves. We suggest that a remote wind forcing determines the high model/observation phase correspondence of tropical instability waves through a relatively realistic simulation of equatorial Kelvin and Rossby wave activity.

Bridging Media with the Help of Players

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nitsche, Michael; Drake, Matthew; Murray, Janet

We suggest harvesting the power of multiplayer design to bridge content across different media platforms and develop player-driven cross-media experiences. This paper first argues to partially replace complex AI systems with multiplayer design strategies to provide the necessary level of flexibility in the content generation for cross-media applications. The second part describes one example project - the Next Generation Play (NGP) project - that illustrates one practical approach of such a player-driven cross-media content generation. NGP allows players to collect virtual items while watching a TV show. These items are re-used in a multiplayer casual game that automatically generates new game worlds based on the various collections of active players joining a game session. While the TV experience is designed for the single big screen, the game executes on multiple mobile phones. Design and technical implementation of the prototype are explained in more detail to clarify how players carry elements of television narratives into a non-linear handheld gaming experience. The system describes a practical way to create casual game adaptations based on players' personal preferences in a multi-user environment.

Thorium and uranium variations in Apollo 17 basalts, and K-U systematics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laul, J. C.; Fruchter, J. S.

1976-01-01

It is found that Apollo 11 low-K and in particular Apollo 17 mare basalts show a wide range of Th/U ratios unlike other rocks; such variations cannot be explained by near surface crystal fractionation. A two-stage fractional crystallization-partial melting model involving a clinopyroxene cumulate as the major phase can explain the variations in Th/U ratios. Due to the Sm-Nd systematics constraint, several source cumulates are invoked to explain the observed Th/U continuum.

Decision-Making under Ambiguity Is Modulated by Visual Framing, but Not by Motor vs. Non-Motor Context. Experiments and an Information-Theoretic Ambiguity Model

PubMed Central

Grau-Moya, Jordi; Ortega, Pedro A.; Braun, Daniel A.

2016-01-01

A number of recent studies have investigated differences in human choice behavior depending on task framing, especially comparing economic decision-making to choice behavior in equivalent sensorimotor tasks. Here we test whether decision-making under ambiguity exhibits effects of task framing in motor vs. non-motor context. In a first experiment, we designed an experience-based urn task with varying degrees of ambiguity and an equivalent motor task where subjects chose between hitting partially occluded targets. In a second experiment, we controlled for the different stimulus design in the two tasks by introducing an urn task with bar stimuli matching those in the motor task. We found ambiguity attitudes to be mainly influenced by stimulus design. In particular, we found that the same subjects tended to be ambiguity-preferring when choosing between ambiguous bar stimuli, but ambiguity-avoiding when choosing between ambiguous urn sample stimuli. In contrast, subjects’ choice pattern was not affected by changing from a target hitting task to a non-motor context when keeping the stimulus design unchanged. In both tasks subjects’ choice behavior was continuously modulated by the degree of ambiguity. We show that this modulation of behavior can be explained by an information-theoretic model of ambiguity that generalizes Bayes-optimal decision-making by combining Bayesian inference with robust decision-making under model uncertainty. Our results demonstrate the benefits of information-theoretic models of decision-making under varying degrees of ambiguity for a given context, but also demonstrate the sensitivity of ambiguity attitudes across contexts that theoretical models struggle to explain. PMID:27124723

Decision-Making under Ambiguity Is Modulated by Visual Framing, but Not by Motor vs. Non-Motor Context. Experiments and an Information-Theoretic Ambiguity Model.

PubMed

Grau-Moya, Jordi; Ortega, Pedro A; Braun, Daniel A

2016-01-01

A number of recent studies have investigated differences in human choice behavior depending on task framing, especially comparing economic decision-making to choice behavior in equivalent sensorimotor tasks. Here we test whether decision-making under ambiguity exhibits effects of task framing in motor vs. non-motor context. In a first experiment, we designed an experience-based urn task with varying degrees of ambiguity and an equivalent motor task where subjects chose between hitting partially occluded targets. In a second experiment, we controlled for the different stimulus design in the two tasks by introducing an urn task with bar stimuli matching those in the motor task. We found ambiguity attitudes to be mainly influenced by stimulus design. In particular, we found that the same subjects tended to be ambiguity-preferring when choosing between ambiguous bar stimuli, but ambiguity-avoiding when choosing between ambiguous urn sample stimuli. In contrast, subjects' choice pattern was not affected by changing from a target hitting task to a non-motor context when keeping the stimulus design unchanged. In both tasks subjects' choice behavior was continuously modulated by the degree of ambiguity. We show that this modulation of behavior can be explained by an information-theoretic model of ambiguity that generalizes Bayes-optimal decision-making by combining Bayesian inference with robust decision-making under model uncertainty. Our results demonstrate the benefits of information-theoretic models of decision-making under varying degrees of ambiguity for a given context, but also demonstrate the sensitivity of ambiguity attitudes across contexts that theoretical models struggle to explain.

Substrate-induced inactivation of the OXA2 beta-lactamase.

PubMed Central

Ledent, P; Frère, J M

1993-01-01

The hydrolysis time courses of 22 beta-lactam antibiotics by the class D OXA2 beta-lactamase were studied. Among these, only three appeared to correspond to the integrated Henri-Michaelis equation. 'Burst' kinetics, implying branched pathways, were observed with most penicillins, cephalosporins and with flomoxef and imipenem. Kinetic parameters characteristic of the different phases of the hydrolysis were determined for some substrates. Mechanisms generally accepted to explain such reversible partial inactivations involving branches at either the free enzyme or the acyl-enzyme were inadequate to explain the enzyme behaviour. The hydrolysis of imipenem was characterized by the occurrence of two 'bursts', and that of nitrocefin by a partial substrate-induced inactivation complicated by a competitive inhibition by the hydrolysis product. PMID:8240304

Partial migration and transient coexistence of migrants and residents in animal populations.

PubMed

Singh, Navinder J; Leonardsson, Kjell

2014-01-01

Partial migration, whereby a proportion of the population migrates, is common across the animal kingdom. Much of the focus in the literature has been on trying to explain the underlying mechanisms for the coexistence of migrants and residents. In addition, there has been an increasing number of reports on the prevalence and frequency of partially migratory populations. One possible explanation for the occurrence of partial migration, which has received no attention in the literature, is that of 'transient coexistence' during the invasion phase of a superior behaviour. In this study we develop a theoretical basis for explaining partial migration as a transient coexistence and derive a method to predict the frequency of residents and migrants in partially migrating populations. This method is useful to predict the frequencies of migrants and residents in a small set of populations as a complementing hypothesis to 'an Evolutionary Stable Strategy (ESS)'. We use the logistic growth equation to derive a formula for predicting the frequencies of residents and migrants. We also use simulations and empirical data from white perch (Morone americana), moose (Alces alces) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) to demonstrate our approach. We show that the probability of detecting partial migration due to transient coexistence depends upon a minimum number of tracked or marked individuals for a given number of populations. Our approach provides a starting point in searching for explanations to the observed frequencies, by contrasting the observed pattern with both the predicted transient and the uniform random pattern. Aggregating such information on observed patterns (proportions of migrants and residents) may eventually lead to the development of a quantitative theory for the equilibrium (ESS) populations as well.

Polysemy in Sentence Comprehension: Effects of Meaning Dominance

PubMed Central

Foraker, Stephani; Murphy, Gregory L.

2012-01-01

Words like church are polysemous, having two related senses (a building and an organization). Three experiments investigated how polysemous senses are represented and processed during sentence comprehension. On one view, readers retrieve an underspecified, core meaning, which is later specified more fully with contextual information. On another view, readers retrieve one or more specific senses. In a reading task, context that was neutral or biased towards a particular sense preceded a polysemous word. Disambiguating material consistent with only one sense followed, in a second sentence (Experiment 1) or the same sentence (Experiments 2 & 3). Reading the disambiguating material was faster when it was consistent with that context, and dominant senses were committed to more strongly than subordinate senses. Critically, following neutral context, the continuation was read more quickly when it selected the dominant sense, and the degree of sense dominance partially explained the reading time advantage. Similarity of the senses also affected reading times. Across experiments, we found that sense selection may not be completed immediately following a polysemous word but is completed at a sentence boundary. Overall, the results suggest that readers select an individual sense when reading a polysemous word, rather than a core meaning. PMID:23185103

Attachment style as a mediator between childhood maltreatment and the experience of betrayal trauma as an adult.

PubMed

Hocking, Elise C; Simons, Raluca M; Surette, Renata J

2016-02-01

Previous research has demonstrated a positive association between child maltreatment and adult interpersonal trauma (Arata, 2000; Crawford & Wright, 2007). From a betrayal trauma theory perspective, evidence suggests that the experience of trauma high in betrayal (e.g., child maltreatment by parents or guardians) increases ones risk of betrayal trauma as an adult (Gobin & Freyd, 2009). However, the mechanisms explaining these associations are not well understood; attachment theory could provide further insight. Child maltreatment is associated with insecure attachment (Baer & Martinez, 2006; Muller et al., 2000). Insecure attachment is also associated with deficits in interpersonal functioning and risk for intimate partner violence, suggesting insecure attachment may mediate the relationship between child maltreatment and the experience of betrayal trauma as an adult. The current study tested this hypothesis in a sample of 601 college students. Participants completed online questionnaires including the Child Abuse and Trauma Scale (CATS), the Experiences in Close Relationships - Revised (ECR-R) and the Brief Betrayal Trauma Survey (BBTS). Results indicated that child maltreatment is associated with adult betrayal trauma and anxious attachment partially mediates this relationship. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Survival of the Partial Reinforcement Extinction Effect after Contextual Shifts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boughner, Robert L.; Papini, Mauricio R.

2006-01-01

The effects of contextual shifts on the partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE) were studied in autoshaping with rats. Experiment 1 established that the two contexts used subsequently were easily discriminable and equally salient. In Experiment 2, independent groups of rats received acquisition training under partial reinforcement (PRF) or…

Does individualism help explain differences in employers' stigmatizing attitudes toward disability across Chinese and American cities?

PubMed

Rao, Deepa; Horton, Randall A; Tsang, Hector W H; Shi, Kan; Corrigan, Patrick W

2010-11-01

Stigmatizing attitudes toward people with disabilities can jeopardize such individuals' well-being and recovery through denial of employment and community isolation. By shaping social norms that define group membership, the construct of individualism may partially explain differences in stigmatizing attitudes across cultures. Further, widespread globalization has brought intensely individualistic social practices to certain segments of non-Western cultures. This paper examines whether the construct of individualism can help to explain cross-cultural differences in stigmatizing attitudes observed between American and Chinese employers. Employers (N = 879) from Beijing, Hong Kong, and Chicago provided information on their attitudes toward hiring people with disabilities, and path analyses were conducted to examine potential mediating relationships. Path analyses indicated that vertical individualism, along with perceived responsibility for acquiring a condition, partially mediated the relationship between culture and employers' negative attitudes about job candidates with disabilities. These results suggested that greater espousal of competitive and individualist values may drive stigmatizing attitudes across cultures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).

Does Individualism Help Explain Differences in Employers' Stigmatizing Attitudes Toward Disability Across Chinese and American Cities?

PubMed Central

Rao, Deepa; Horton, Randall A.; Tsang, Hector W.H.; Shi, Kan; Corrigan, Patrick W.

2011-01-01

Purpose Stigmatizing attitudes toward people with disabilities can jeopardize such individuals' well-being and recovery through denial of employment and community isolation. By shaping social norms that define group membership, the construct of individualism may partially explain differences in stigmatizing attitudes across cultures. Further, widespread globalization has brought intensely individualistic social practices to certain segments of non-Western cultures. This paper examines whether the construct of individualism can help to explain cross-cultural differences in stigmatizing attitudes observed between American and Chinese employers. Design Employers (N = 879) from Beijing, Hong Kong, and Chicago provided information on their attitudes toward hiring people with disabilities, and Path Analyses were conducted to examine potential mediating relationships. Results Path analyses indicated that vertical individualism, along with perceived responsibility for acquiring a condition, partially mediated the relationship between culture and employers' negative attitudes about job candidates with disabilities. Conclusion These results suggested that greater espousal of competitive and individualist values may drive stigmatizing attitudes across cultures. PMID:21171794

Partially autoionizing states of atomic oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samson, J. A. R.; Petrosky, V. E.

1974-01-01

Certain Rydberg states and an intershell transition of atomic oxygen were shown to partially autoionize, and to produce emission spectra competitive with autoionization. These states are forbidden to autoionize on the basis of LS coupling; but they were observed both in emission spectroscopy and in photoelectron spectroscopy. The results explain an unidentified structure in the 584 Angstrom He I atomic O spectrum observed by previous investigators.

Remote sensing-based predictors improve distribution models of rare, early successional and broadleaf tree species in Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zimmermann, N.E.; Edwards, T.C.; Moisen, Gretchen G.; Frescino, T.S.; Blackard, J.A.

2007-01-01

1. Compared to bioclimatic variables, remote sensing predictors are rarely used for predictive species modelling. When used, the predictors represent typically habitat classifications or filters rather than gradual spectral, surface or biophysical properties. Consequently, the full potential of remotely sensed predictors for modelling the spatial distribution of species remains unexplored. Here we analysed the partial contributions of remotely sensed and climatic predictor sets to explain and predict the distribution of 19 tree species in Utah. We also tested how these partial contributions were related to characteristics such as successional types or species traits. 2. We developed two spatial predictor sets of remotely sensed and topo-climatic variables to explain the distribution of tree species. We used variation partitioning techniques applied to generalized linear models to explore the combined and partial predictive powers of the two predictor sets. Non-parametric tests were used to explore the relationships between the partial model contributions of both predictor sets and species characteristics. 3. More than 60% of the variation explained by the models represented contributions by one of the two partial predictor sets alone, with topo-climatic variables outperforming the remotely sensed predictors. However, the partial models derived from only remotely sensed predictors still provided high model accuracies, indicating a significant correlation between climate and remote sensing variables. The overall accuracy of the models was high, but small sample sizes had a strong effect on cross-validated accuracies for rare species. 4. Models of early successional and broadleaf species benefited significantly more from adding remotely sensed predictors than did late seral and needleleaf species. The core-satellite species types differed significantly with respect to overall model accuracies. Models of satellite and urban species, both with low prevalence, benefited more from use of remotely sensed predictors than did the more frequent core species. 5. Synthesis and applications. If carefully prepared, remotely sensed variables are useful additional predictors for the spatial distribution of trees. Major improvements resulted for deciduous, early successional, satellite and rare species. The ability to improve model accuracy for species having markedly different life history strategies is a crucial step for assessing effects of global change. ?? 2007 The Authors.

Remote sensing-based predictors improve distribution models of rare, early successional and broadleaf tree species in Utah

PubMed Central

ZIMMERMANN, N E; EDWARDS, T C; MOISEN, G G; FRESCINO, T S; BLACKARD, J A

2007-01-01

Compared to bioclimatic variables, remote sensing predictors are rarely used for predictive species modelling. When used, the predictors represent typically habitat classifications or filters rather than gradual spectral, surface or biophysical properties. Consequently, the full potential of remotely sensed predictors for modelling the spatial distribution of species remains unexplored. Here we analysed the partial contributions of remotely sensed and climatic predictor sets to explain and predict the distribution of 19 tree species in Utah. We also tested how these partial contributions were related to characteristics such as successional types or species traits. We developed two spatial predictor sets of remotely sensed and topo-climatic variables to explain the distribution of tree species. We used variation partitioning techniques applied to generalized linear models to explore the combined and partial predictive powers of the two predictor sets. Non-parametric tests were used to explore the relationships between the partial model contributions of both predictor sets and species characteristics. More than 60% of the variation explained by the models represented contributions by one of the two partial predictor sets alone, with topo-climatic variables outperforming the remotely sensed predictors. However, the partial models derived from only remotely sensed predictors still provided high model accuracies, indicating a significant correlation between climate and remote sensing variables. The overall accuracy of the models was high, but small sample sizes had a strong effect on cross-validated accuracies for rare species. Models of early successional and broadleaf species benefited significantly more from adding remotely sensed predictors than did late seral and needleleaf species. The core-satellite species types differed significantly with respect to overall model accuracies. Models of satellite and urban species, both with low prevalence, benefited more from use of remotely sensed predictors than did the more frequent core species. Synthesis and applications. If carefully prepared, remotely sensed variables are useful additional predictors for the spatial distribution of trees. Major improvements resulted for deciduous, early successional, satellite and rare species. The ability to improve model accuracy for species having markedly different life history strategies is a crucial step for assessing effects of global change. PMID:18642470

45 CFR 158.232 - Calculating the credibility adjustment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... experience is zero. (2) The base credibility factor for partially credible experience is determined based on... adjustment for an MLR based on partially credible experience is zero if both of the following conditions are... deductible factor is based on the average per person deductible of policies whose experience is included in...

Mediation and Moderation of the Relationship Between Combat Experiences and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Active Duty Military Personnel.

PubMed

Steele, Marshall; Germain, Anne; Campbell, Justin S

2017-05-01

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major health concern among the U.S. military population, affecting up to 12% to 24% of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Sleep disturbances, neuroticism, and childhood trauma have all been associated with the development of PTSD in military populations, especially in relation to combat experiences. The effects of disrupted sleep and post-traumatic stress can affect the physical well-being of soldier and sailors in the field and impact them for years after deployment. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between self-reported measures of combat experiences, PTSD symptoms, sleep, neuroticism, and childhood adversity in an active duty military population. 972 U.S. Navy Sailors serving in Afghanistan were given anonymous surveys that assess scales of combat stressors, PTSD symptoms, sleep problems, neuroticism, adverse child experiences (ACEs), and other covariates. Sleep disturbances were hypothesized as moderators, having an indirect effect on the relationship between combat experiences and PTSD symptoms. Neuroticism scores and ACEs were proposed as moderators of the combat-PTSD symptom relationship. Mediation and moderation models were developed and tested using logistic regressions. Increased number of combat experiences was found to be a significant predictor of PTSD, even when adjusting for all covariates (p < 0.05). Consistent with partial mediation, nightmares had an indirect effect on the relationship between combat experiences and PTSD symptoms in the final model (path coefficient = 0.233, 95% confidence interval = 0.036, 0.483). Neuroticism was an independent predictor of PTSD symptoms (p < 0.001), but the interaction of combat and neuroticism did not predict symptoms of PTSD. ACEs did not have a significant impact in the model as either an independent predictor or a moderating factor. These results indicate that the presence of nightmares may partially explain how traumatic combat experiences lead to the development of PTSD. The study also reaffirms neuroticism as risk factor for developing PTSD symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of sleep hygiene and operational stress models in combat situations and may help stress control professionals address risk factors associated with PTSD symptoms. Reprint & Copyright © 2017 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Patient Safety Culture and the Second Victim Phenomenon: Connecting Culture to Staff Distress in Nurses.

PubMed

Quillivan, Rebecca R; Burlison, Jonathan D; Browne, Emily K; Scott, Susan D; Hoffman, James M

2016-08-01

Second victim experiences can affect the wellbeing of health care providers and compromise patient safety. Many factors associated with improved coping after patient safety event involvement are also components of a strong patient safety culture, so that supportive patient safety cultures may reduce second victim-related trauma. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted to assess the influence of patient safety culture on second victim-related distress. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) and the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST), which was developed to assess organizational support and personal and professional distress after involvement in a patient safety event, were administered to nurses involved in direct patient care. Of 358 nurses at a specialized pediatric hospital, 169 (47.2%) completed both surveys. Hierarchical linear regres sion demonstrated that the patient safety culture survey dimension nonpunitive response to error was significantly associated with reductions in the second victim survey dimensions psychological, physical, and professional distress (p < 0.001). As a mediator, organizational support fully explained the nonpunitive response to error-physical distress and nonpunitive response to error-professional distress relationships and partially explained the nonpunitive response to error-psychological distress relationship. The results suggest that punitive safety cultures may contribute to self-reported perceptions of second victim-related psychological, physical, and professional distress, which could reflect a lack of organizational support. Reducing punitive response to error and encouraging supportive coworker, supervisor, and institutional interactions may be useful strategies to manage the severity of second victim experiences.

Adverse childhood experiences and blood pressure trajectories from childhood to young adulthood: the Georgia stress and Heart study.

PubMed

Su, Shaoyong; Wang, Xiaoling; Pollock, Jennifer S; Treiber, Frank A; Xu, Xiaojing; Snieder, Harold; McCall, W Vaughn; Stefanek, Michael; Harshfield, Gregory A

2015-05-12

The purposes of this study were to assess the long-term effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on blood pressure (BP) trajectories from childhood to young adulthood and to examine whether this relation is explained by childhood socioeconomic status (SES) or risk behaviors that are associated with ACEs. Systolic and diastolic BPs were measured up to 16 times (13 times on average) over a 23-year period in 213 African Americans and 181 European Americans 5 to 38 years of age. Retrospective data on traumatic experiences before 18 years of age were collected, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Individual growth curve modeling within a multilevel framework was used to examine the relation between exposure to ACEs and BP development. No main effect of ACEs on average BP levels was found. However, a significant interaction of ACE score with age(3) was observed (systolic BP, P=0.033; diastolic BP, P=0.017). Subjects who experienced multiple traumatic events during childhood showed a faster rise in BP levels after 30 years of age than those without ACEs. As expected, a graded association of ACEs with childhood socioeconomic status and negative health behaviors was observed (P<0.001). The ACE-systolic BP relation was not explained by these factors, whereas the ACE-diastolic BP relation was partially mediated by illicit drug use. In this novel longitudinal study, we observed that participants who were exposed to multiple ACEs displayed a greater increase in BP levels in young adulthood compared with their counterparts without ACEs. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Blood Pressure Trajectories from Childhood to Young Adulthood: The Georgia Stress and Heart Study

PubMed Central

Su, Shaoyong; Wang, Xiaoling; Pollock, Jennifer S.; Treiber, Frank A.; Xu, Xiaojing; Snieder, Harold; McCall, W. Vaughn; Stefanek, Michael; Harshfield, Gregory A.

2015-01-01

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on blood pressure (BP) trajectories from childhood to young adulthood and to examine whether this relation is explained by childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and/or risk behaviors that are associated with ACEs. Methods and Results Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were measured up to 16 times (13 times on average) over a 23-year period in 213 African Americans (AAs) and 181 European Americans (EAs) aged 5 to 38 years. Retrospective data on traumatic experiences prior to age 18 were collected, including abuse, neglect and household dysfunction. Individual growth curve modeling within a multilevel framework was used to examine the relation between exposure to ACEs and BP development. No main effect of ACEs on average BP levels was found. However, a significant interaction of ACE score with age3 was observed (SBP: p=0.033; DBP: p=0.017). Subjects who experienced multiple traumatic events during childhood showed a faster rise of BP levels after age of 30 years than those without ACEs. As expected, a graded association of ACEs with childhood SES and negative health behaviors was observed (p<0.001). The ACE-SBP relation was not explained by these factors, while the ACE-DBP relation was partially mediated by illicit drug use. Conclusions In this novel longitudinal study, we observed that participants who were exposed to multiple ACEs displayed a greater increase of BP levels in young adulthood compared to their counterparts without ACEs. PMID:25858196

Patient-Reported Symptoms on the Antiretroviral Regimen Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir

PubMed Central

Gordon, Kirsha; Rodriguez-Barradas, Maria C.; Justice, Amy C.

2012-01-01

Abstract Most patients (80–90%) newly diagnosed with HIV are started on the antiretroviral regimen efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir (EFV/FTC/TDF). Existing studies of patient tolerability, however, are limited. We compared symptom experiences of patients on EFV/FTC/TDF, and the subsequent impact on health-related quality of life, with those of patients on other combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study from February 2008 to August 2009 to compare the symptom experiences of patients on EFV/FTC/TDF vs. other cART, unadjusted and then adjusted for treatment characteristics, and comorbid disease severity. We then assessed the association between EFV/FTC/TDF use and health-related quality of life. Among the 1,759 patients in our analytic sample, EFV/FTC/TDF use was associated with fewer symptoms than was other cART. The use of EFV/FTC/TDF was independently associated with health-related quality of life, and this association was at least partially explained by symptom burden. PMID:22612469

Being present in the face of existential threat: The role of trait mindfulness in reducing defensive responses to mortality salience.

PubMed

Niemiec, Christopher P; Brown, Kirk Warren; Kashdan, Todd B; Cozzolino, Philip J; Breen, William E; Levesque-Bristol, Chantal; Ryan, Richard M

2010-08-01

Terror management theory posits that people tend to respond defensively to reminders of death, including worldview defense, self-esteem striving, and suppression of death thoughts. Seven experiments examined whether trait mindfulness-a disposition characterized by receptive attention to present experience-reduced defensive responses to mortality salience (MS). Under MS, less mindful individuals showed higher worldview defense (Studies 1-3) and self-esteem striving (Study 5), yet more mindful individuals did not defend a constellation of values theoretically associated with mindfulness (Study 4). To explain these findings through proximal defense processes, Study 6 showed that more mindful individuals wrote about their death for a longer period of time, which partially mediated the inverse association between trait mindfulness and worldview defense. Study 7 demonstrated that trait mindfulness predicted less suppression of death thoughts immediately following MS. The discussion highlights the relevance of mindfulness to theories that emphasize the nature of conscious processing in understanding responses to threat.

Diatoms morphology and gene expression in turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iudicone, D.; Amato, A.; Ferrante, M. I.; Ribera, M.

2016-02-01

Diatoms are an ecologically important algal group that prospers in turbulent environments. Despite previous efforts, a general scenario that explains mesocosm and in situ observations is missing. Importantly, according to the present theories, the main effect of microscale turbulence is the increase of nutrient uptake efficiency in nutrient-depleted conditions and for very large cells. We will present evidences from laboratory experiments in nutrient-repleted conditions that chain-forming diatoms sense and respond to turbulence by varying their chain length spectra and tuning their metabolism. Further, we compared growth and gene expressions of small-sized cells in turbulent and in still conditions and found that turbulence sensing activates a series of pathways suggesting a partial metabolic switch in response to agitation. In addition, a long-time exposure experiment showed that when silicates become depleted these same diatoms take up other nutrients differently than in still condition. This implies that in natural environment prolonged turbulence would shape the phytoplankton community structure and succession.

Interpersonal trauma, attachment insecurity and anxiety in an inpatient psychiatric population.

PubMed

Wiltgen, Anika; Arbona, Consuelo; Frankel, Leslie; Frueh, B Christopher

2015-10-01

Current research suggests that interpersonal trauma has an impact on insecure attachment and anxiety. Some research further suggests that attachment may play a mediating role between traumatic events and psychopathology. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the experience of interpersonal trauma, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance and clinical anxiety severity among adult psychiatric inpatients who reported having experienced interpersonal trauma after the age of 16. It was hypothesized that attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance would mediate the relationship between interpersonal trauma and clinical anxiety level. This study used archival data on 414 adult psychiatric inpatients in a large city in the Southwest U.S. Results suggest that interpersonal trauma was correlated to attachment avoidance but not to attachment anxiety and that attachment avoidance partially mediated the relation of interpersonal trauma to anxiety. The attachment framework appositely explains how a negative model of other contributes to the relation between experiences of interpersonal trauma and anxiety in adulthood. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parenting style in childhood and mortality risk at older ages: a longitudinal cohort study.

PubMed

Demakakos, Panayotes; Pillas, Demetris; Marmot, Michael; Steptoe, Andrew

2016-08-01

Parenting style is associated with offspring health, but whether it is associated with offspring mortality at older ages remains unknown. We examined whether childhood experiences of suboptimal parenting style are associated with increased risk of death at older ages. Longitudinal cohort study of 1964 community-dwelling adults aged 65-79 years. The association between parenting style and mortality was inverse and graded. Participants in the poorest parenting style score quartile had increased risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.72, 95% CI 1.20-2.48) compared with those in the optimal parenting style score quartile after adjustment for age and gender. Full adjustment for covariates partially explained this association (HR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.02-2.18). Parenting style was inversely associated with cancer and other mortality, but not cardiovascular mortality. Maternal and paternal parenting styles were individually associated with mortality. Experiences of suboptimal parenting in childhood are associated with increased risk of death at older ages. © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016.

Analysis of differential and active charging phenomena on ATS-5 and ATS-6

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, R. C.; Whipple, E. C., Jr.

1980-01-01

Spacecraft charging on the differential charging and artificial particle emission experiments on ATS 5 and ATS 6 were studied. Differential charging of spacecraft surfaces generated large electrostatic barriers to spacecraft generated electrons, from photoemission, secondary emission, and thermal emitters. The electron emitter could partially or totally discharge the satellite, but the mainframe recharged negatively in a few 10's of seconds. The time dependence of the charging behavior was explained by the relatively large capacitance for differential charging in comparison to the small spacecraft to space capacitance. A daylight charging event on ATS 6 was shown to have a charging behavior suggesting the dominance of differential charging on the absolute potential of the mainframe. Ion engine operations and plasma emission experiments on ATS 6 were shown to be an effective means of controlling the spacecraft potential in eclipse and sunlight. Elimination of barrier effects around the detectors and improving the quality of the particle data are discussed.

Parenting style in childhood and mortality risk at old age: a longitudinal cohort study

PubMed Central

Demakakos, Panayotes; Pillas, Demetris; Marmot, Michael; Steptoe, Andrew

2018-01-01

Background Parenting style is associated with offspring health, but whether it is associated with offspring mortality at older ages remains unknown. Aims We examined whether childhood experiences of suboptimal parenting style are associated with increased risk of death at older ages. Method Longitudinal cohort study of 1,964 community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 79 years. Results The association between parenting style and mortality was inverse and graded. Participants in the poorest parenting style score quartile had increased risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) 1.72; 95% CI, 1.20-2.48) compared with those in the optimal parenting style score quartile after adjustment for age and sex. Full adjustment for covariates partially explained this association (HR 1.49; 95% CI, 1.02-2.18). Parenting style was inversely associated with cancer and other mortality, but not cardiovascular mortality. Maternal and paternal parenting styles were individually associated with mortality. Conclusions Experiences of suboptimal parenting in childhood are associated with increased risk of death at older ages. PMID:26941265

Insecure People in Insecure Places: The Influence of Regional Unemployment on Workers' Reactions to the Threat of Job Loss.

PubMed

Glavin, Paul; Young, Marisa

2017-06-01

Social comparison theory predicts that unemployment should be less distressing when the experience is widely shared, but does this prediction extend beyond the unemployed to those who are at risk of job loss? Research demonstrates a link between aggregate unemployment and employed individuals' perceptions of job insecurity; however, less is known about whether the stress associated with these perceptions is shaped by others' unemployment experiences. We analyze a nationally representative sample of Canadian workers (Canadian Work, Stress, and Health study; N = 3,900) linked to census data and test whether regional unemployment influences the mental health consequences of job insecurity. Multilevel analyses provide more support for the social norm of insecurity hypothesis over the amplified threat hypothesis: the health penalties of job insecurity are weaker for individuals in high-unemployment regions. This contingency is partially explained by the ability of insecure workers in poor labor market contexts to retain psychological resources important for protecting mental health.

Effects of asynchrony and ear of presentation on the pitch of mistuned partials in harmonic and frequency-shifted complex tones.

PubMed

Brunstrom, J M; Roberts, B

2001-07-01

When a partial of a periodic complex is mistuned, its change in pitch is greater than expected. Two experiments examined whether these partial-pitch shifts are related to the computation of global pitch. In experiment 1, stimuli were either harmonic or frequency-shifted (25% of F0) complexes. One partial was mistuned by +/- 4% and played with leading and lagging portions of 500 ms each, relative to the other components (1 s), in both monaural and dichotic contexts. Subjects indicated whether the mistuned partial was higher or lower in pitch when concurrent with the other components. Responses were positively correlated with the direction of mistuning in all conditions. In experiment 2, stimuli from each condition were compared with synchronous equivalents. Subjects matched a pure tone to the pitch of the mistuned partial (component 4). The results showed that partial-pitch shifts are not reduced in size by asynchrony. Similar asynchronies are known to produce a near-exclusion of a mistuned partial from the global-pitch computation. This mismatch indicates that global and partial pitch are derived from different processes. The similarity of the partial-pitch shifts observed for harmonic and frequency-shifted stimuli suggests that they arise from a grouping mechanism that is sensitive to spectral regularity.

Reduced Attention Allocation during Short Periods of Partially Automated Driving: An Event-Related Potentials Study

PubMed Central

Solís-Marcos, Ignacio; Galvao-Carmona, Alejandro; Kircher, Katja

2017-01-01

Research on partially automated driving has revealed relevant problems with driving performance, particularly when drivers’ intervention is required (e.g., take-over when automation fails). Mental fatigue has commonly been proposed to explain these effects after prolonged automated drives. However, performance problems have also been reported after just a few minutes of automated driving, indicating that other factors may also be involved. We hypothesize that, besides mental fatigue, an underload effect of partial automation may also affect driver attention. In this study, such potential effect was investigated during short periods of partially automated and manual driving and at different speeds. Subjective measures of mental demand and vigilance and performance to a secondary task (an auditory oddball task) were used to assess driver attention. Additionally, modulations of some specific attention-related event-related potentials (ERPs, N1 and P3 components) were investigated. The mental fatigue effects associated with the time on task were also evaluated by using the same measurements. Twenty participants drove in a fixed-base simulator while performing an auditory oddball task that elicited the ERPs. Six conditions were presented (5–6 min each) combining three speed levels (low, comfortable and high) and two automation levels (manual and partially automated). The results showed that, when driving partially automated, scores in subjective mental demand and P3 amplitudes were lower than in the manual conditions. Similarly, P3 amplitude and self-reported vigilance levels decreased with the time on task. Based on previous studies, these findings might reflect a reduction in drivers’ attention resource allocation, presumably due to the underload effects of partial automation and to the mental fatigue associated with the time on task. Particularly, such underload effects on attention could explain the performance decrements after short periods of automated driving reported in other studies. However, further studies are needed to investigate this relationship in partial automation and in other automation levels. PMID:29163112

The Intrinsic Temperature Sensitivity of Ecosystem Respiration as Explained by Thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woods, K. D.; Arcus, V. L.; Schipper, L. A.; Schwalm, C.

2016-12-01

Biological processes exhibit thermal optima; a range within which processes such as photosynthesis and respiration reach a maximum rate. The response of these processes to temperature is well observed in the field and lab experiments, but is poorly captured or explained by widely used Arrhenius equations and Q10 constants. Both Arrhenius and Q10-based explanations of respiration misleadingly project an exponential increase in rate with temperature and rely on concepts such as enzyme denaturation to explain decreases at higher temperatures. This explanation is problematic in that it ignores observed declines which are far below experimental observations of enzyme denaturation. Here, we present a novel theory which explains the intrinsic temperature dependence of plant, soil, and ecosystem respiration based on the thermodynamics of enzyme-catalysed reactions. MacroMolecular Rate Theory (MMRT) allows for the calculation of thermal optima for respiration and photosynthesis (an important input substrate for respiration), as well as for the calculation of the curvature of response which defines temperatures where changes in rates are maximal. To test this theory, we used the recently released FLUXNET2015 dataset which is comprised of 165 sites and 23 years of data. We accounted for the effect of water through partial correlation analysis and extracted the temperature signal of respiration and photosynthesis to fit MacroMolecular Rate Theory. Across ecosystems and biomes, photosynthesis and respiration rates maximized at 7-18oC and 15-27oC respectively. At 16-25oC, and 26-36oC rates photosynthesis and respiration declined. These points, and this method for explaining changes in these processes are important for understanding and predicting net ecosystem carbon gain or loss. They demonstrate temperatures where the sign and magnitude of carbon exchange undergoes important shifts, holding important implications for future carbon cycling.

The Effects of Partial Reinforcement in the Acquisition and Extinction of Recurrent Serial Patterns.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dockstader, Steven L.

The purpose of these 2 experiments was to determine whether sequential response pattern behavior is affected by partial reinforcement in the same way as other behavior systems. The first experiment investigated the partial reinforcement extinction effects (PREE) in a sequential concept learning task where subjects were required to learn a…

Risk of being convicted of theft and other crimes in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: A prospective cohort study in a Swedish female population.

PubMed

Yao, Shuyang; Kuja-Halkola, Ralf; Thornton, Laura M; Norring, Claes; Almqvist, Catarina; D'Onofrio, Brian M; Lichtenstein, Paul; Långström, Niklas; Bulik, Cynthia M; Larsson, Henrik

2017-09-01

We examined epidemiological associations between anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) and risks of committing theft and other crimes in a nationwide female population. Females born in Sweden during 1979-1998 (N = 957,106) were followed from age 15 for up to 20 years using information on clinically diagnosed AN and BN (exposures), convictions of theft and other crimes (outcomes), psychiatric comorbidities, and familial relatedness from Swedish national registers. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) of criminality in exposed versus unexposed females using Cox proportional hazards regressions and explored how comorbidities and unmeasured familial factors explained the associations. The cumulative incidence of convictions of theft (primarily petty theft) and other crimes was higher in exposed females (AN: 11.60% theft, 7.39% other convictions; BN: 17.97% theft, 13.17% other convictions) than in unexposed females (∼5% theft, ∼6% other convictions). The significantly increased risk of being convicted of theft in exposed females (AN: HR = 2.51, 95% confidence interval = [2.29, 2.74], BN: 4.31 [3.68, 5.05]) was partially explained by comorbidities; unmeasured familial factors partially explained the association with convictions of theft in BN but not in AN. Females with BN had a doubled risk of convictions of other crimes, which was partially explained by comorbidities. Individuals with eating disorders had increased risk for convictions of theft and potentially other crimes. Results underscore the importance of regular forensic screening and encourage research on mechanisms underlying the relation between crime and eating disorder psychopathology and efforts to determine how best to address such relation in treatment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Analysis of partial-reflection data from the solar eclipse of 10 Jul. 1972. [ground-based experiment using vertical incident radio waves partially reflected from D region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bean, T. A.; Bowhill, S. A.

1973-01-01

Partial-reflection data collected for the eclipse of July 10, 1972 as well as for July 9 and 11, 1972, are analyzed to determine eclipse effects on D-region electron densities. The partial-reflection experiment was set up to collect data using an on-line PDP-15 computer and DECtape storage. The electron-density profiles show good agreement with results from other eclipses. The partial-reflection programs were changed after the eclipse data collection to improve the operation of the partial-reflection system. These changes were mainly due to expanded computer hardware and have simplified the operations of the system considerably.

The role of contextual associations in producing the partial reinforcement acquisition deficit.

PubMed

Miguez, Gonzalo; Witnauer, James E; Miller, Ralph R

2012-01-01

Three conditioned suppression experiments with rats as subjects assessed the contributions of the conditioned stimulus (CS)-context and context-unconditioned stimulus (US) associations to the degraded stimulus control by the CS that is observed following partial reinforcement relative to continuous reinforcement training. In Experiment 1, posttraining associative deflation (i.e., extinction) of the training context after partial reinforcement restored responding to a level comparable to the one produced by continuous reinforcement. In Experiment 2, posttraining associative inflation of the context (achieved by administering unsignaled outcome presentations in the context) enhanced the detrimental effect of partial reinforcement. Experiment 3 found that the training context must be an effective competitor to produce the partial reinforcement acquisition deficit. When the context was down-modulated, the target regained behavioral control thereby demonstrating higher-order retrospective revaluation. The results are discussed in terms of retrospective revaluation, and are used to contrast the predictions of a performance-focused model with those of an acquisition-focused model. (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved.

Double dissociation between first- and second-order processing.

PubMed

Allard, Rémy; Faubert, Jocelyn

2007-04-01

To study the difference of sensitivity to luminance- (LM) and contrast-modulated (CM) stimuli, we compared LM and CM detection thresholds in LM- and CM-noise conditions. The results showed a double dissociation (no or little inter-attribute interaction) between the processing of these stimuli, which implies that both stimuli must be processed, at least at some point, by separate mechanisms and that both stimuli are not merged after a rectification process. A second experiment showed that the internal equivalent noise limiting the CM sensitivity was greater than the one limiting the carrier sensitivity, which suggests that the internal noise occurring before the rectification process is not limiting the CM sensitivity. These results support the hypothesis that a suboptimal rectification process partially explains the difference of LM and CM sensitivity.

Examining the role of gender in career advancement at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PubMed

Chen, Zhuo; Roy, Kakoli; Gotway Crawford, Carol A

2010-03-01

During the past decade, efforts to promote gender parity in the healing and public health professions have met with only partial success. We provide a critical update regarding the status of women in the public health profession by exploring gender-related differences in promotion rates at the nation's leading public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Using personnel data drawn from CDC, we found that the gender gap in promotion has diminished across time and that this reduction can be attributed to changes in individual characteristics (e.g., higher educational levels and more federal work experience). However, a substantial gap in promotion that cannot be explained by such characteristics has persisted, indicating continuing barriers in women's career advancement.

Examining the Role of Gender in Career Advancement at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

PubMed Central

Roy, Kakoli; Gotway Crawford, Carol A.

2010-01-01

During the past decade, efforts to promote gender parity in the healing and public health professions have met with only partial success. We provide a critical update regarding the status of women in the public health profession by exploring gender-related differences in promotion rates at the nation's leading public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Using personnel data drawn from CDC, we found that the gender gap in promotion has diminished across time and that this reduction can be attributed to changes in individual characteristics (e.g., higher educational levels and more federal work experience). However, a substantial gap in promotion that cannot be explained by such characteristics has persisted, indicating continuing barriers in women's career advancement. PMID:20075327

The persistence of erroneous familiarity in an epileptic male: challenging perceptual theories of déjà vu activation.

PubMed

O'Connor, Akira R; Moulin, Christopher J A

2008-11-01

We report the case of a 39-year-old, temporal lobe epileptic male, MH. Prior to complex partial seizure, experienced up to three times a day, MH often experiences an aura experienced as a persistent sensation of déjà vu. Data-driven theories of déjà vu formation suggest that partial familiarity for the perceived stimulus is responsible for the sensation. Consequently, diverting attention away from this stimulus should cause the sensation to dissipate. MH, whose sensations of déjà vu persist long enough for him to shift his perceptual focus a number of times during the experience, spontaneously reports that these shifts make no difference to the sensation experienced. This novel observation challenges data-driven theories of déjà vu formation which have been used to explain the occurrence of déjà vu in those with temporal lobe epilepsy and the general population. Clearly, in epilepsy, erratic neuronal firing is the likely contributor, and in this paper we postulate that such brain firing causes higher-order erroneous 'cognitive feelings'. We tentatively extend this account to the general population. Rather than being a reaction to familiar elements in perceptual stimuli, déjà vu is likely to be the result of a cognitive feeling borne of the erroneous activation of neural familiarity circuits such as the parahippocampal gyrus, persisting as long as this activation persists.

Examination of the relationship between obesity and suicidal ideation.

PubMed

Dutton, G R; Bodell, L P; Smith, A R; Joiner, T E

2013-09-01

The relationship between obesity and suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) is not well understood, and conventional suicide risk factors do not adequately explain the associations observed. Thus, the current study aimed to further examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI; kg m(-2)) and suicidal ideation as well as potential mechanisms of this relationship. Two hundred seventy-one adults (n=151 undergraduates; n=120 obesity treatment participants) completed self-report questionnaires assessing relevant variables, including suicidal ideation, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and current height/weight used to calculate BMI. There was a significant, quadratic relationship between BMI and suicidal ideation (b=0.001, t=2.21, P=0.03, partial r=0.14) and between BMI and perceived burdensomeness (b=0.003, t=2.50, P=0.013, partial r=0.16), such that as BMI increased, these positive associations became more pronounced. Additionally, perceived burdensomeness partially mediated the relationship between BMI and suicidal ideation. Individuals with a higher BMI demonstrated increased suicidal ideation as well as greater feelings of perceived burdensomeness. These results provide novel information regarding potential mechanisms explaining the obesity-suicidal ideation association.

Estimating sedimentation rates and sources in a partially urbanized catchment using caesium-137

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ormerod, L. M.

1998-06-01

While there has been increased interest in determining sedimentation rates and sources in agricultural and forested catchments in recent years, there have been few studies dealing with urbanized catchments. A study of sedimentation rates and sources within channel and floodplain deposits of a partially urbanized catchment has been undertaken using the 137Cs technique. Results for sedimentation rates showed no particular downstream pattern. This may be partially explained by underestimation of sedimentation rates at some sites by failure to sample the full 137Cs profile, floodplain erosion and deliberate removal of sediment. Evidence of lateral increases in net sedimentation rates with distance from the channel may be explained by increased floodplain erosion at sites closer to the channel and floodplain formation by lateral deposition. Potential sediment sources for the catchment were considered to be forest topsoil, subsurface material and sediments derived from urban areas, which were found to be predominantly subsurface material. Tracing techniques showed an increase in subsurface material for downstream sites, confirming expectations that subsurface material would increase in the downstream direction in response to the direct and indirect effects of urbanization.

The partial-reinforcement extinction effect and the contingent-sampling hypothesis.

PubMed

Hochman, Guy; Erev, Ido

2013-12-01

The partial-reinforcement extinction effect (PREE) implies that learning under partial reinforcements is more robust than learning under full reinforcements. While the advantages of partial reinforcements have been well-documented in laboratory studies, field research has failed to support this prediction. In the present study, we aimed to clarify this pattern. Experiment 1 showed that partial reinforcements increase the tendency to select the promoted option during extinction; however, this effect is much smaller than the negative effect of partial reinforcements on the tendency to select the promoted option during the training phase. Experiment 2 demonstrated that the overall effect of partial reinforcements varies inversely with the attractiveness of the alternative to the promoted behavior: The overall effect is negative when the alternative is relatively attractive, and positive when the alternative is relatively unattractive. These results can be captured with a contingent-sampling model assuming that people select options that provided the best payoff in similar past experiences. The best fit was obtained under the assumption that similarity is defined by the sequence of the last four outcomes.

Piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers based on PZT thin films.

PubMed

Muralt, Paul; Ledermann, Nicolas; Baborowski, Jacek; Barzegar, Abdolghaffar; Gentil, Sandrine; Belgacem, Brahim; Petitgrand, Sylvain; Bosseboeuf, Alain; Setter, Nava

2005-12-01

This paper describes fabrication and characterization results of piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs) based on 2-microm-thick Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47O3) (PZT) thin films. The applied structures are circular plates held at four bridges, thus partially unclamped. A simple analytical model for the fully clamped structure is used as a reference to optimize design parameters such as thickness relations and electrodes, and to provide approximate predictions for coupling coefficients related to previously determined thin film properties. The best coupling coefficient was achieved with a 270-microm plate and amounted to kappa2 = 5.3%. This value compares well with the calculated value based on measured small signal dielectric (epsilon = 1050) and piezoelectric (e3l,f = 15 Cm(-2)) properties of the PZT thin film at 100 kV/cm dc bias. The resonances show relatively large Q-factors, which can be partially explained by the small diameters as compared to the sound wavelength in air and in the test liquid (Fluorinert 77). A transmit-receive experiment with two quasi-identical pMUTs was performed showing significant signal transmission up to a distance of 20 cm in air and 2 cm in the test liquid.

Rapid adsorptive removal of toxic Pb(2+) ion from aqueous solution using recyclable, biodegradable nanocomposite derived from templated partially hydrolyzed xanthan gum and nanosilica.

PubMed

Ghorai, Soumitra; Sarkar, Amit Kumar; Pal, Sagar

2014-10-01

This work studied the application of a novel biodegradable nanocomposite based on partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide grafted xanthan gum and nanosilica (h-XG/SiO2) towards efficient and rapid removal of toxic Pb(2+) ions from aqueous environment. The uptake ability of Pb(2+) using h-XG/SiO2 has been studied in batch adsorption experiments with variation of adsorption parameters. The excellent removal rate (99.54% adsorption within 25min) and superior adsorption capacity (Qmax=1012.15mgg(-1)) of the composite material have been explained on the basis of synergistic and chelating effects of h-XG/SiO2 with Pb(2+) ion through electrostatic interactions. The kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamics studies reveal that Pb(2+) adsorb rapidly on nanocomposite surface, which is in agreement with pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models. In consequence of excellent adsorption as well as regeneration characteristics of nanocomposite, it has been found to be a promising adsorbent towards removal of Pb(2+) ions from battery industry wastewater. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Forming positive-negative images using conditioned partial measurements from reference arm in ghost imaging.

PubMed

Wen, Jianming

2012-09-01

A recent thermal ghost imaging experiment implemented in Wu's group [Chin. Phys. Lett. 279, 074216 (2012)] showed that both positive and negative images can be constructed by applying a novel algorithm. This algorithm allows us to form the images with the use of partial measurements from the reference arm (even which never passes through the object), conditioned on the object arm. In this paper, we present a simple theory that explains the experimental observation and provides an in-depth understanding of conventional ghost imaging. In particular, we theoretically show that the visibility of formed images through such an algorithm is not bounded by the standard value 1/3. In fact, it can ideally grow up to unity (with reduced imaging quality). Thus, the algorithm described here not only offers an alternative way to decode spatial correlation of thermal light, but also mimics a "bandpass filter" to remove the constant background such that the visibility or imaging contrast is improved. We further show that conditioned on one still object present in the test arm, it is possible to construct the object's image by sampling the available reference data.

Disorganized attachment in young adulthood as a partial mediator of relations between severity of childhood abuse and dissociation.

PubMed

Byun, Sooyeon; Brumariu, Laura E; Lyons-Ruth, Karlen

2016-01-01

Disorganized attachment has been proposed as a mediating mechanism in the relation between childhood abuse and dissociation. However, support for mediation has been mixed when interview or self-report measures of attachment have been used. In the current work, relations among severity of abuse, attachment disorganization, and dissociation were assessed in young adulthood using both interview and interaction-based measures of attachment. A total of 112 low-income young adults were assessed for socioeconomic stresses, abusive experiences in childhood, and attachment disorganization at age 20. Attachment disorganization was assessed with the Adult Attachment Interview, coded independently for Unresolved states of mind and for Hostile-Helpless states of mind. Attachment disorganization was also measured using a newly validated assessment of young adult-parent interaction during a conflict discussion. Mediation analyses revealed that the link between childhood abuse and dissociation was partially explained by disturbances in young adult-parent interaction. Narrative disturbances on the Adult Attachment Interview were related to abuse and to dissociation but did not mediate the link between the two. Results are discussed in relation to the role of parent-child communication processes in pathways to dissociation.

Effect of headgroup size, charge, and solvent structure on polymer-micelle interactions, studied by molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Shang, Barry Z; Wang, Zuowei; Larson, Ronald G

2009-11-19

We performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of anionic and cationic micelles in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) to understand why nonionic water-soluble polymers such as PEO interact strongly with anionic micelles but only weakly with cationic micelles. Our micelles include sodium n-dodecyl sulfate (SDS), n-dodecyl trimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), n-dodecyl ammonium chloride (DAC), and micelles in which we artificially reverse the sign of partial charges in SDS and DTAC. We observe that the polymer interacts hydrophobically with anionic SDS but only weakly with cationic DTAC and DAC, in agreement with experiment. However, the polymer also interacts with the artificial anionic DTAC but fails to interact hydrophobically with the artificial cationic SDS, illustrating that large headgroup size does not explain the weak polymer interaction with cationic micelles. In addition, we observe through simulation that this preference for interaction with anionic micelles still exists in a dipolar "dumbbell" solvent, indicating that water structure and hydrogen bonding alone cannot explain this preferential interaction. Our simulations suggest that direct electrostatic interactions between the micelle and polymer explain the preference for interaction with anionic micelles, even though the polymer overall carries no net charge. This is possible given the asymmetric distribution of negative charges on smaller atoms and positive charges on larger units in the polymer chain.

Neuroimaging explanations of age-related differences in task performance.

PubMed

Steffener, Jason; Barulli, Daniel; Habeck, Christian; Stern, Yaakov

2014-01-01

Advancing age affects both cognitive performance and functional brain activity and interpretation of these effects has led to a variety of conceptual research models without always explicitly linking the two effects. However, to best understand the multifaceted effects of advancing age, age differences in functional brain activity need to be explicitly tied to the cognitive task performance. This work hypothesized that age-related differences in task performance are partially explained by age-related differences in functional brain activity and formally tested these causal relationships. Functional MRI data was from groups of young and old adults engaged in an executive task-switching experiment. Analyses were voxel-wise testing of moderated-mediation and simple mediation statistical path models to determine whether age group, brain activity and their interaction explained task performance in regions demonstrating an effect of age group. Results identified brain regions whose age-related differences in functional brain activity significantly explained age-related differences in task performance. In all identified locations, significant moderated-mediation relationships resulted from increasing brain activity predicting worse (slower) task performance in older but not younger adults. Findings suggest that advancing age links task performance to the level of brain activity. The overall message of this work is that in order to understand the role of functional brain activity on cognitive performance, analysis methods should respect theoretical relationships. Namely, that age affects brain activity and brain activity is related to task performance.

A Partial Least-Squares Analysis of Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

PubMed

Young, Julia M; Morgan, Benjamin R; Mišić, Bratislav; Schweizer, Tom A; Ibrahim, George M; Macdonald, R Loch

2015-12-01

Individuals who have aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs) experience decreased health-related qualities of life (HRQoLs) that persist after the primary insult. To identify clinical variables that concurrently associate with HRQoL outcomes by using a partial least-squares approach, which has the distinct advantage of explaining multidimensional variance where predictor variables may be highly collinear. Data collected from the CONSCIOUS-1 trial was used to extract 29 clinical variables including SAH presentation, hospital procedures, and demographic information in addition to 5 HRQoL outcome variables for 256 individuals. A partial least-squares analysis was performed by calculating a heterogeneous correlation matrix and applying singular value decomposition to determine components that best represent the correlations between the 2 sets of variables. Bootstrapping was used to estimate statistical significance. The first 2 components accounting for 81.6% and 7.8% of the total variance revealed significant associations between clinical predictors and HRQoL outcomes. The first component identified associations between disability in self-care with longer durations of critical care stay, invasive intracranial monitoring, ventricular drain time, poorer clinical grade on presentation, greater amounts of cerebral spinal fluid drainage, and a history of hypertension. The second component identified associations between disability due to pain and discomfort as well as anxiety and depression with greater body mass index, abnormal heart rate, longer durations of deep sedation and critical care, and higher World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies and Hijdra scores. By applying a data-driven, multivariate approach, we identified robust associations between SAH clinical presentations and HRQoL outcomes. EQ-VAS, EuroQoL visual analog scaleHRQoL, health-related quality of lifeICU, intensive care unitIVH, intraventricular hemorrhagePLS, partial least squaresSAH, subarachnoid hemorrhageSVD, singular value decompositionWFNS, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies.

Partial-depth precast concrete patching.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-01-01

Experiments were performed with partial-depth precast concrete patching to determine the feasibility of the method. In the experiments prefabricated slabs of various sizes, stockpiled near the pavement repair site were installed in machine cut holes ...

Generation of alkaline magmas in subduction zones by melting of mélange diapirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruz-Uribe, A. M.; Marschall, H.; Gaetani, G. A.; Le Roux, V.

2016-12-01

Alkaline lavas occur globally in subduction-related volcanic arcs. Existing explanations for the occurrence of alkaline lavas in volcanic arcs invoke at least one - and in some cases multiple - `metasomatic' events in addition to the traditional three-component mixing of altered oceanic crust (AOC), sediment melt, and depleted mantle, in order to explain the range of rock types found in a given region. These multi-stage models posit the existence of metasomatized mantle wedge peridotite containing phlogopite or amphibole-enriched veins, which partially melt when fluxed by the addition of materials from the subducted slab. The mélange diapir model is informed by observations and modeling of the subduction side of the arc system, and predicts the generation of alkaline arc magmas by advection of buoyant material from the slab-wedge interface into the mantle wedge below arcs. Here we report results from experiments in which natural mélange materials partially melted at upper mantle conditions were found to produce alkaline magmas compositionally similar to those found in arcs worldwide. The starting material for our experiments is a chlorite-omphacite fels (SY400) from the island of Syros, Greece, that is representative of a hybrid rock containing AOC, sediment, and mantle components. Melting experiments were performed using a piston cylinder apparatus at conditions relevant to the heating-decompression path of mélange diapirs (1000-1300 °C, 1.5-2.5 GPa). The compositions of experimentally produced melts range from 51-61 wt% SiO2, and fall within the trachyte and tephrite-phonolite series (7.5-12.9 wt% Na2O+K2O). Restitic phases in equilibrium with melt include clinopyroxene, garnet (at high P), phlogopite (at high P), amphibole, olivine, rutile, and ilmenite. Partial melts produced in our experiments have trace-element abundance patterns that are typical of alkaline arc lavas, such as enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (Cs, Rb, Ba, Pb, Sr) and alkalis (K and Na), and depletion in Nb and Ta. The presence of a light rare earth element (LREE)-bearing accessory phase results in trace element fractionation by a factor of 4.2 for Nd/Hf and 2.6 for Sr/Nd. Melting of mélange diapirs provides a simple, single-stage model for the origin of alkaline magmatism in the arc and backarc regions of subduction zones.

Testing Gender Effects on the Mechanisms Explaining the Association between Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Substance Use Frequency

PubMed Central

Bornovalova, Marina A.; Ouimette, Paige; Crawford, Aaron V.; Levy, Roy

2009-01-01

The present study examines gender differences in the mechanisms that explain the association between PTSD symptoms and substance use frequency in a sample of 182 urban substance users. Specifically, the current study examined gender differences in the role of two potential explanatory variables, namely, difficulties controlling impulsive behavior when distressed (IMP), and a lack of emotional awareness and clarity (AW/CLAR). Multiple-group path modeling (across males and females) was used to examine gender differences in the path coefficients from PTSD symptoms to IMP and AW/CLAR, and from these latter variables to drug use frequency. Results indicated that PTSD symptoms were associated with IMP and AW/CLAR, and these path coefficients did not vary by gender. However, gender differences emerged when considering the path coefficients from AW/CLAR and IMP to substance use frequency. Specifically, for women, the association between PTSD and substance use was partially explained by IMP, whereas for men, the association between PTSD and substance use was partially explained by AW/CLAR. The current study is the first to examine gender differences in mechanisms accounting for the association between PTSD and substance use frequency, and these results also support the value and importance of examining gender differences in mechanisms underlying PTSD-SUD comorbidity. PMID:19423233

A masking level difference due to harmonicity.

PubMed

Treurniet, W C; Boucher, D R

2001-01-01

The role of harmonicity in masking was studied by comparing the effect of harmonic and inharmonic maskers on the masked thresholds of noise probes using a three-alternative, forced-choice method. Harmonic maskers were created by selecting sets of partials from a harmonic series with an 88-Hz fundamental and 45 consecutive partials. Inharmonic maskers differed in that the partial frequencies were perturbed to nearby values that were not integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. Average simultaneous-masked thresholds were as much as 10 dB lower with the harmonic masker than with the inharmonic masker, and this difference was unaffected by masker level. It was reduced or eliminated when the harmonic partials were separated by more than 176 Hz, suggesting that the effect is related to the extent to which the harmonics are resolved by auditory filters. The threshold difference was not observed in a forward-masking experiment. Finally, an across-channel mechanism was implicated when the threshold difference was found between a harmonic masker flanked by harmonic bands and a harmonic masker flanked by inharmonic bands. A model developed to explain the observed difference recognizes that an auditory filter output envelope is modulated when the filter passes two or more sinusoids, and that the modulation rate depends on the differences among the input frequencies. For a harmonic masker, the frequency differences of adjacent partials are identical, and all auditory filters have the same dominant modulation rate. For an inharmonic masker, however, the frequency differences are not constant and the envelope modulation rate varies across filters. The model proposes that a lower variability facilitates detection of a probe-induced change in the variability, thus accounting for the masked threshold difference. The model was supported by significantly improved predictions of observed thresholds when the predictor variables included envelope modulation rate variance measured using simulated auditory filters.

Mineralogy and composition of the oceanic mantle

USGS Publications Warehouse

Putirka, Keith; Ryerson, F.J.; Perfit, Michael; Ridley, W. Ian

2011-01-01

The mineralogy of the oceanic basalt source region is examined by testing whether a peridotite mineralogy can yield observed whole-rock and olivine compositions from (1) the Hawaiian Islands, our type example of a mantle plume, and (2) the Siqueiros Transform, which provides primitive samples of normal mid-ocean ridge basalt. New olivine compositional data from phase 2 of the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project (HSDP2) show that higher Ni-in-olivine at the Hawaiian Islands is due to higher temperatures (T) of melt generation and processing (by c. 300°C) related to the Hawaiian mantle plume. DNi is low at high T, so parental Hawaiian basalts are enriched in NiO. When Hawaiian (picritic) parental magmas are transported to shallow depths, olivine precipitation occurs at lower temperatures, where DNi is high, leading to high Ni-in-olivine. Similarly, variations in Mn and Fe/Mn ratios in olivines are explained by contrasts in the temperatures of magma processing. Using the most mafic rocks to delimit Siqueiros and Hawaiian Co and Ni contents in parental magmas and mantle source compositions also shows that both suites can be derived from natural peridotites, but are inconsistent with partial melting of natural pyroxenites. Whole-rock compositions at Hawaii and Siqueiros are also matched by partial melting experiments conducted on peridotite bulk compositions. Hawaiian whole-rocks have elevated FeO contents compared with Siqueiros, which can be explained if Hawaiian parental magmas are generated from peridotite at 4-5 GPa, in contrast to pressures of slightly greater than 1 GPa for melt generation at Siqueiros; these pressures are consistent with olivine thermometry, as described in an earlier paper. SiO2-enriched Koolau compositions are reproduced if high-Fe Hawaiian parental magmas re-equilibrate at 1-1·5 GPa. Peridotite partial melts from experimental studies also reproduce the CaO and Al2O3 contents of Hawaiian (and Siqueiros) whole-rocks. Hawaiian magmas have TiO2 contents, however, that are enriched compared with melts from natural peridotites and magmas derived from the Siqueiros depleted mantle, and consequently may require an enriched source. TiO2 is not the only element that is enriched relative to melts of natural peridotites. Moderately incompatible elements, such as Ti, Zr, Hf, Y, and Eu, and compatible elements, such as Yb and Lu, are all enriched at the Hawaiian Islands. Such enrichments can be explained by adding 5-10% mid-ocean ridge basalt (crust) to depleted mantle; when the major element composition of such a mixture is recast into mineral components, the result is a fertile peridotite mineralogy.

Amplitude reconstruction from complete photoproduction experiments and truncated partial-wave expansions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Workman, R. L.; Tiator, L.; Wunderlich, Y.; Döring, M.; Haberzettl, H.

2017-01-01

We compare the methods of amplitude reconstruction, for a complete experiment and a truncated partial-wave analysis, applied to the photoproduction of pseudoscalar mesons. The approach is pedagogical, showing in detail how the amplitude reconstruction (observables measured at a single energy and angle) is related to a truncated partial-wave analysis (observables measured at a single energy and a number of angles).

Amplitude reconstruction from complete photoproduction experiments and truncated partial-wave expansions

DOE PAGES

Workman, R. L.; Tiator, L.; Wunderlich, Y.; ...

2017-01-19

Here, we compare the methods of amplitude reconstruction, for a complete experiment and a truncated partial-wave analysis, applied to the photoproduction of pseudoscalar mesons. The approach is pedagogical, showing in detail how the amplitude reconstruction (observables measured at a single energy and angle) is related to a truncated partial-wave analysis (observables measured at a single energy and a number of angles).

Influences of personal standards and perceived parental expectations on worry for Asian American and White American college students.

PubMed

Saw, Anne; Berenbaum, Howard; Okazaki, Sumie

2013-03-01

The current study examined perceptions of living up to parental expectations (LPE) and personal standards as possible mediators of the relationship between ethnicity and worry in a sample of 836 Asian American and 856 White American college students. Asian Americans reported higher frequency of academic- and family-related worries, but they did not report higher levels of global tendency to worry. Perceptions of LPE of current academic performance and personal standards for preparation for a future career partially explained ethnic differences in frequency of academic worry. Personal standards and perceptions of LPE for respect for the family partially explained ethnic differences in frequency of family worry. The findings highlight the importance of targeting domain-specific personal standards and perceived parental expectations to reduce worry among Asian Americans.

New advances in the partial-reflection-drifts experiment using microprocessors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruggerio, R. L.; Bowhill, S. A.

1982-01-01

Improvements to the partial reflection drifts experiment are completed. The results of the improvements include real time processing and simultaneous measurements of the D region with coherent scatter. Preliminary results indicate a positive correlation between drift velocities calculated by both methods during a two day interval. The possibility now exists for extended observations between partial reflection and coherent scatter. In addition, preliminary measurements could be performed between partial reflection and meteor radar to complete a comparison of methods used to determine velocities in the D region.

Advanced high frequency partial discharge measuring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karady, George G.

1994-01-01

This report explains the Advanced Partial Discharge Measuring System in ASU's High Voltage Laboratory and presents some of the results obtained using the setup. While in operation an insulation is subjected to wide ranging temperature and voltage stresses. Hence, it is necessary to study the effect of temperature on the behavior of partial discharges in an insulation. The setup described in this report can be used to test samples at temperatures ranging from -50 C to 200 C. The aim of conducting the tests described herein is to be able to predict the behavior of an insulation under different operating conditions in addition to being able to predict the possibility of failure.

Control of magnetization reversal in oriented strontium ferrite thin films

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

Roy, Debangsu, E-mail: debangsu@physics.iisc.ernet.in; Anil Kumar, P. S.

2014-02-21

Oriented Strontium Ferrite films with the c axis orientation were deposited with varying oxygen partial pressure on Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}(0001) substrate using Pulsed Laser Deposition technique. The angle dependent magnetic hysteresis, remanent coercivity, and temperature dependent coercivity had been employed to understand the magnetization reversal of these films. It was found that the Strontium Ferrite thin film grown at lower (higher) oxygen partial pressure shows Stoner-Wohlfarth type (Kondorsky like) reversal. The relative importance of pinning and nucleation processes during magnetization reversal is used to explain the type of the magnetization reversal with different oxygen partial pressure during growth.

Scaling properties of weakly nonlinear coefficients in the Faraday problem.

PubMed

Skeldon, A C; Porter, J

2011-07-01

Interesting and exotic surface wave patterns have regularly been observed in the Faraday experiment. Although symmetry arguments provide a qualitative explanation for the selection of some of these patterns (e.g., superlattices), quantitative analysis is hindered by mathematical difficulties inherent in a time-dependent, free-boundary Navier-Stokes problem. More tractable low viscosity approximations are available, but these do not necessarily capture the moderate viscosity regime of the most interesting experiments. Here we focus on weakly nonlinear behavior and compare the scaling results derived from symmetry arguments in the low viscosity limit with the computed coefficients of appropriate amplitude equations using both the full Navier-Stokes equations and a reduced set of partial differential equations due to Zhang and Vinãls. We find the range of viscosities over which one can expect "low viscosity" theories to hold. We also find that there is an optimal viscosity range for locating superlattice patterns experimentally-large enough that the region of parameters giving stable patterns is not impracticably small, yet not so large that crucial resonance effects are washed out. These results help explain some of the discrepancies between theory and experiment.

Phase-coexisting patterns, horizontal segregation, and controlled convection in vertically vibrated binary granular mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ansari, Istafaul Haque; Rivas, Nicolas; Alam, Meheboob

2018-01-01

We report patterns consisting of coexistence of synchronous and asynchronous states [for example, a granular gas co-existing with (i) bouncing bed, (ii) undulatory subharmonic waves, and (iii) Leidenfrost-like states] in experiments on vertically vibrated binary granular mixtures in a Hele-Shaw cell. Most experiments have been carried out with equimolar binary mixtures of glass and steel balls of same diameter by varying the total layer height (F ) for a range of shaking acceleration (Γ ). All patterns as well as the related phase diagram in the (Γ ,F ) plane have been reproduced via molecular dynamics simulations of the same system. The segregation of heavier and lighter particles along the horizontal direction is shown to be the progenitor of such phase-coexisting patterns as confirmed in both experiment and simulation. At strong shaking we uncover a partial convection state in which a pair of convection rolls is found to coexist with a Leidenfrost-like state. The crucial role of the relative number density of two species on controlling the buoyancy-driven granular convection is demonstrated. The onset of horizontal segregation can be explained in terms of an anisotropic diffusion tensor.

Patient Safety Culture and the Second Victim Phenomenon: Connecting Culture to Staff Distress in Nurses

PubMed Central

Quillivan, Rebecca R.; Burlison, Jonathan D.; Browne, Emily K.; Scott, Susan D.; Hoffman, James M.

2017-01-01

Background Second victim experiences can affect the well-being of healthcare providers and compromise patient safety. Many factors associated with improved coping afer patient safety event involvement are also components of a strong patient safety culture, so that supportive patient safety cultures may reduce second victim–related trauma. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted to assess the influence of patient safety culture on second victim–related distress, in which associations among patient safety culture dimensions, organizational support, and second victim distress were investigated. Methods The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) and the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST), which was developed to assess organizational support and personal and professional distress after involvement in a patient safety event, were administered to nurses involved in direct patient care. Results Of 358 nurses, 155 (41%) responded, of whom 144 completed both surveys. Hierarchical linear regression demonstrated that the patient safety culture survey dimension nonpunitive response to errors was significantly associated with reductions in the second victim survey dimensions psychological, physical, and professional distress (p <.001). As a mediator, organizational support fully explained the nonpunitive response to errors–physical distress and nonpunitive response to errors–professional distress relationships and partially explained the nonpunitive response to error–psychological distress relationship. Conclusions A nonpunitive response to errors may mitigate the negative effects of involvement in a patient safety event by encouraging supportive interactions. Also, perceptions of second victim–related distress may be less severe when hospital cultures are characterized by nonpunitive response to errors. Reducing punitive response to error and encouraging supportive coworker, supervisor, and institutional interactions may be useful strategies to manage the severity of second victim experiences. PMID:27456420

Difference-based ridge-type estimator of parameters in restricted partial linear model with correlated errors.

PubMed

Wu, Jibo

2016-01-01

In this article, a generalized difference-based ridge estimator is proposed for the vector parameter in a partial linear model when the errors are dependent. It is supposed that some additional linear constraints may hold to the whole parameter space. Its mean-squared error matrix is compared with the generalized restricted difference-based estimator. Finally, the performance of the new estimator is explained by a simulation study and a numerical example.

Heart Rate Variability for Evaluating Vigilant Attention in Partial Chronic Sleep Restriction

PubMed Central

Henelius, Andreas; Sallinen, Mikael; Huotilainen, Minna; Müller, Kiti; Virkkala, Jussi; Puolamäki, Kai

2014-01-01

Study Objectives: Examine the use of spectral heart rate variability (HRV) metrics in measuring sleepiness under chronic partial sleep restriction, and identify underlying relationships between HRV, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale ratings (KSS), and performance on the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Design: Controlled laboratory study. Setting: Experimental laboratory of the Brain Work Research Centre of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. Participants: Twenty-three healthy young males (mean age ± SD = 23.77 ± 2.29). Interventions: A sleep restriction group (N = 15) was subjected to chronic partial sleep restriction with 4 h sleep for 5 nights. A control group (N = 8) had 8 h sleep on all nights. Measurements and Results: Based on a search over all HRV frequency bands in the range [0.00, 0.40] Hz, the band [0.01, 0.08] Hz showed the highest correlation for HRV–PVT (0.60, 95% confidence interval [0.49, 0.69]) and HRV–KSS (0.33, 95% confidence interval [0.16, 0.46]) for the sleep restriction group; no correlation was found for the control group. We studied the fraction of variance in PVT explained by HRV and a 3-component alertness model, containing circadian and homeostatic processes coupled with sleep inertia, respectively. HRV alone explained 33% of PVT variance. Conclusions: The findings suggest that HRV spectral power reflects vigilant attention in subjects exposed to partial chronic sleep restriction. Citation: Henelius A, Sallinen M, Huotilainen M, Müller K, Virkkala J, Puolamäki K. Heart rate variability for evaluating vigilant attention in partial chronic sleep restriction. SLEEP 2014;37(7):1257-1267. PMID:24987165

Gas phase hydrogen permeation in alpha titanium and carbon steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, D. L.; Shah, K. K.; Reeves, B. H.; Gadgeel, V. L.

1980-01-01

Commercially pure titanium and heats of Armco ingot iron and steels containing from 0.008-1.23 w/oC were annealed or normalized and machined into hollow cylinders. Coefficients of diffusion for alpha-Ti and alpha-Fe were determined by the lag-time technique. Steady state permeation experiments yield first power pressure dependence for alpha-Ti and Sievert's law square root dependence for Armco iron and carbon steels. As in the case of diffusion, permeation data confirm that alpha-titanium is subject to at least partial phase boundary reaction control while the steels are purely diffusion controlled. The permeation rate in steels also decreases as the carbon content increases. As a consequence of Sievert's law, the computed hydrogen solubility decreases as the carbon content increases. This decreases in explained in terms of hydrogen trapping at carbide interfaces. Oxidizing and nitriding the surfaces of alpha-titanium membranes result in a decrease in the permeation rate for such treatment on the gas inlet surfaces but resulted in a slight increase in the rate for such treatment on the gas outlet surfaces. This is explained in terms of a discontinuous TiH2 layer.

Protein-precipitable tannin in wines from Vitis vinifera and interspecific hybrid grapes (Vitis ssp.): differences in concentration, extractability, and cell wall binding.

PubMed

Springer, Lindsay F; Sacks, Gavin L

2014-07-30

Although they possess significant viticultural advantages, interspecific hybrid grapes (Vitis spp.) are reported to produce wine with lower tannin concentrations than European wine varieties (Vitis vinifera). However, extensive quantitative data on this phenomenon as well as mechanistic explanations for these differences are lacking. A survey of primarily commercial wines from the Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area (New York) using a protein precipitation method determined that hybrid-based wines had >4-fold lower tannin concentrations than vinifera wines. To elucidate factors responsible for differences in wine tannin, 24 wines were produced from both red hybrid and vinifera cultivars under identical conditions. Lower wine tannin in French-American hybrid- than vinifera-based wines could be partially explained by lower grape tannin. However, experiments in which cell wall material was incubated with tannin indicated that cell wall binding may be of equal or greater importance in explaining lower wine tannin concentrations in hybrid-based wines. Subsequent characterization of cell wall material revealed that protein in flesh cell walls and, to a lesser extent, pectin in skin cell walls were correlated with cell wall binding.

Cloud condensation nuclei activity and hygroscopicity of fresh and aged cooking organic aerosol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yanwei; Tasoglou, Antonios; Liangou, Aikaterini; Cain, Kerrigan P.; Jahn, Leif; Gu, Peishi; Kostenidou, Evangelia; Pandis, Spyros N.

2018-03-01

Cooking organic aerosol (COA) is potentially a significant fraction of organic particulate matter in urban areas. COA chemical aging experiments, using aerosol produced by grilling hamburgers, took place in a smog chamber in the presence of UV light or excess ozone. The water solubility distributions, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity, and corresponding hygroscopicity of fresh and aged COA were measured. The average mobility equivalent activation diameter of the fresh particles at 0.4% supersaturation ranged from 87 to 126 nm and decreased for aged particles, ranging from 65 to 88 nm. Most of the fresh COA had water solubility less than 0.1 g L-1, even though the corresponding particles were quite CCN active. After aging, the COA fraction with water solubility greater than 0.1 g L-1 increased more than 2 times. Using the extended Köhler theory for multiple partially soluble components in order to predict the measured activation diameters, the COA solubility distribution alone could not explain the CCN activity. Surface tensions less than 30 dyn cm-1 were required to explain the measured activation diameters. In addition, COA particles appear to not be spherical, which can introduce uncertainties into the corresponding calculations.

Mathematical (Dis)abilities Within the Opportunity-Propensity Model: The Choice of Math Test Matters

PubMed Central

Baten, Elke; Desoete, Annemie

2018-01-01

This study examined individual differences in mathematics learning by combining antecedent (A), opportunity (O), and propensity (P) indicators within the Opportunity-Propensity Model. Although there is already some evidence for this model based on secondary datasets, there currently is no primary data available that simultaneously takes into account A, O, and P factors in children with and without Mathematical Learning Disabilities (MLD). Therefore, the mathematical abilities of 114 school-aged children (grade 3 till 6) with and without MLD were analyzed and combined with information retrieved from standardized tests and questionnaires. Results indicated significant differences in personality, motivation, temperament, subjective well-being, self-esteem, self-perceived competence, and parental aspirations when comparing children with and without MLD. In addition, A, O, and P factors were found to underlie mathematical abilities and disabilities. For the A factors, parental aspirations explained about half of the variance in fact retrieval speed in children without MLD, and SES was especially involved in the prediction of procedural accuracy in general. Teachers’ experience contributed as O factor and explained about 6% of the variance in mathematical abilities. P indicators explained between 52 and 69% of the variance, with especially intelligence as overall significant predictor. Indirect effects pointed towards the interrelatedness of the predictors and the value of including A, O, and P indicators in a comprehensive model. The role parental aspirations played in fact retrieval speed was partially mediated through the self-perceived competence of the children, whereas the effect of SES on procedural accuracy was partially mediated through intelligence in children of both groups and through working memory capacity in children with MLD. Moreover, in line with the componential structure of mathematics, our findings were dependent on the math task used. Different A, O, and P indicators seemed to be important for fact retrieval speed compared to procedural accuracy. Also, mathematical development type (MLD or typical development) mattered since some A, O, and P factors were predictive for MLD only and the other way around. Practical implications of these findings and recommendations for future research on MLD and on individual differences in mathematical abilities are provided. PMID:29867645

Mathematical (Dis)abilities Within the Opportunity-Propensity Model: The Choice of Math Test Matters.

PubMed

Baten, Elke; Desoete, Annemie

2018-01-01

This study examined individual differences in mathematics learning by combining antecedent (A), opportunity (O), and propensity (P) indicators within the Opportunity-Propensity Model. Although there is already some evidence for this model based on secondary datasets, there currently is no primary data available that simultaneously takes into account A, O, and P factors in children with and without Mathematical Learning Disabilities (MLD). Therefore, the mathematical abilities of 114 school-aged children (grade 3 till 6) with and without MLD were analyzed and combined with information retrieved from standardized tests and questionnaires. Results indicated significant differences in personality, motivation, temperament, subjective well-being, self-esteem, self-perceived competence, and parental aspirations when comparing children with and without MLD. In addition, A, O, and P factors were found to underlie mathematical abilities and disabilities. For the A factors, parental aspirations explained about half of the variance in fact retrieval speed in children without MLD, and SES was especially involved in the prediction of procedural accuracy in general. Teachers' experience contributed as O factor and explained about 6% of the variance in mathematical abilities. P indicators explained between 52 and 69% of the variance, with especially intelligence as overall significant predictor. Indirect effects pointed towards the interrelatedness of the predictors and the value of including A, O, and P indicators in a comprehensive model. The role parental aspirations played in fact retrieval speed was partially mediated through the self-perceived competence of the children, whereas the effect of SES on procedural accuracy was partially mediated through intelligence in children of both groups and through working memory capacity in children with MLD. Moreover, in line with the componential structure of mathematics, our findings were dependent on the math task used. Different A, O, and P indicators seemed to be important for fact retrieval speed compared to procedural accuracy. Also, mathematical development type (MLD or typical development) mattered since some A, O, and P factors were predictive for MLD only and the other way around. Practical implications of these findings and recommendations for future research on MLD and on individual differences in mathematical abilities are provided.

Influence of self-esteem and negative affectivity on oral health-related quality of life in patients with partial tooth loss.

PubMed

Özhayat, Esben B

2013-10-01

To meaningfully interpret oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) measures, the influence of personality traits must be investigated. To investigate and quantify the influence of self-esteem and negative affectivity (NA) on OHRQoL. It was hypothesized that low self-esteem and high NA would be associated with worse OHRQoL. OHRQoL measured by the Oral Health Impact Profile 49 (OHIP-49), self-esteem measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), NA measured by the Eysenck Personality Inventory Questionnaire (EPI-Q), global oral rating of oral comfort and controlling variables (gender, age, number of teeth, experience of wearing removable dental prostheses (RDP), location of missing teeth and zone of missing teeth) were collected from 81 patients with partial tooth loss, signed in for treatment with RDP. Bivariate analyses showed that the EPI-Q score had the highest correlation with OHIP-49 score (R = 0.5). Both EPI-Q and RSES score had a stronger correlation with psychosocial items than physical/functional items of the OHIP-49. In the multivariate analyses, the controlling variables alone explained 17.75% of the variance in OHIP-49 score, while addition of EPI-Q score, RSES score and both EPI-Q and RSES score explained additionally 11.64%, 6.07% and 14.12%, respectively. For each unit increase in EPI-Q score, the OHIP-49 score increased 5.1 units and for each unit increase in RSES score, the OHIP-49 score decreased 1.1. NA was statistically and clinically significantly higher and self-esteem was statistically significantly lower in patients reporting worse oral comfort. NA had the strongest and most clinically meaningful influence, but both NA and self-esteem was found to influence OHRQoL; low self-esteem and high NA was associated with worse OHRQoL. This indicates the possibility to explain some of the impact of tooth loss on OHRQoL based on personality traits. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Transposition of Francis turbine cavitation compliance at partial load to different operating conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomes, J.; Favrel, A.; Landry, C.; Nicolet, C.; Avellan, F.

2017-04-01

Francis turbines operating in part load conditions experience a swirling flow at the runner outlet leading to the development of a precessing cavitation vortex rope in the draft tube. This cavitation vortex rope changes drastically the velocity of pressure waves traveling in the draft tube and may lead to resonance conditions in the hydraulic circuit. The wave speed being strongly related to the cavitation compliance, this research work presents a simple model to explain how it is affected by variations of operating conditions and proposes a method to transpose its values. Even though the focus of this paper is on transpositions within the same turbine scale, the methodology is also expected to be tested for the model to prototype transposition in the future. Comparisons between measurements and calculations are in good agreement.

Links between Immunologic Memory and Metabolic Cycling.

PubMed

Cottam, Matthew A; Itani, Hana A; Beasley, Arch A; Hasty, Alyssa H

2018-06-01

Treatments for metabolic diseases, such as diet and therapeutics, often provide short-term therapy for metabolic stressors, but relapse is common. Repeated bouts of exposure to, and relief from, metabolic stimuli results in a phenomenon we call "metabolic cycling." Recent human and rodent data suggest metabolic cycling promotes an exaggerated response and ultimately worsened metabolic health. This is particularly evident with cycling of body weight and hypertension. The innate and adaptive immune systems have a profound impact on development of metabolic disease, and current data suggest that immunologic memory may partially explain this association, especially in the context of metabolic cycling. In this Brief Review, we highlight recent work in this field and discuss potential immunologic mechanisms for worsened disease prognosis in individuals who experience metabolic cycling. Copyright © 2018 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Scale Space for Camera Invariant Features.

PubMed

Puig, Luis; Guerrero, José J; Daniilidis, Kostas

2014-09-01

In this paper we propose a new approach to compute the scale space of any central projection system, such as catadioptric, fisheye or conventional cameras. Since these systems can be explained using a unified model, the single parameter that defines each type of system is used to automatically compute the corresponding Riemannian metric. This metric, is combined with the partial differential equations framework on manifolds, allows us to compute the Laplace-Beltrami (LB) operator, enabling the computation of the scale space of any central projection system. Scale space is essential for the intrinsic scale selection and neighborhood description in features like SIFT. We perform experiments with synthetic and real images to validate the generalization of our approach to any central projection system. We compare our approach with the best-existing methods showing competitive results in all type of cameras: catadioptric, fisheye, and perspective.

Boundary effects on forced drainage through aqueous foam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brannigan, G.; de Alcantara Bonfim, O. F.

2001-03-01

The flow of liquid through foam confined in vertical tubes was investigated by measuring the velocity vf of the liquid front forced down by gravity for various flow rates Q. The power law relating the velocity to flow rate of the incoming liquid (v_f ~ Q^α) was observed for tubes of various cross-sectional areas, A. The exponent α was found to vary linearly with the reciprocal of the area: α= 0.325 + 13.7 mm^2/A . This further supports the node-dominated foam drainage model, which predicts α= 1/3 in the limit of infinite cross-sectional area. This relation appears to be independent of bubble size, suggesting that using smaller foam bubbles may not alleviate boundary effects. The results of these experiments also partially explain the discrepancies in measurements of α reported in previous works.

Theory of Mind and Executive Control Deficits in Typically Developing Adults and Adolescents with High Levels of Autism Traits.

PubMed

Gökçen, Elif; Frederickson, Norah; Petrides, K V

2016-06-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by profound difficulties in empathic processing and executive control. Whilst the links between these processes have been frequently investigated in populations with autism, few studies have examined them at the subclinical level. In addition, the contribution of alexithymia, a trait characterised by impaired interoceptive awareness and empathy, and elevated in those with ASD, is currently unclear. The present two-part study employed a comprehensive battery of tasks to examine these processes. Findings support the notion that executive function and theory of mind are related abilities. They also suggest that individuals with elevated levels of autism-like traits experience a partially similar pattern of social and executive function difficulties to those diagnosed with ASD, and that these impairments are not explained by co-occurring alexithymia.

Partial Return Yoke for MICE Step IV and Final Step

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

Witte, Holger; Plate, Stephen; Berg, J.Scott

2015-06-01

This paper reports on the progress of the design and construction of a retro-fitted return yoke for the international Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment (MICE). MICE is a proof-of-principle experiment aiming to demonstrate ionization cooling experimentally. In earlier studies we outlined how a partial return yoke can be used to mitigate stray magnetic field in the experimental hall; we report on the progress of the construction of the partial return yoke for MICE Step IV. We also discuss an extension of the Partial Return Yoke for the final step of MICE; we show simulation results of the expected performance.

Partial return yoke for MICE step IV and final step

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

Witte, H.; Plate, S.; Berg, J. S.

2015-05-03

This paper reports on the progress of the design and construction of a retro-fitted return yoke for the international Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment (MICE). MICE is a proof-of-principle experiment aiming to demonstrate ionization cooling experimentally. In earlier studies we outlined how a partial return yoke can be used to mitigate stray magnetic field in the experimental hall; we report on the progress of the construction of the partial return yoke for MICE Step IV. We also discuss an extension of the Partial Return Yoke for the final step of MICE; we show simulation results of the expected performance.

A model for diagnosing and explaining multiple disorders.

PubMed

Jamieson, P W

1991-08-01

The ability to diagnose multiple interacting disorders and explain them in a coherent causal framework has only partially been achieved in medical expert systems. This paper proposes a causal model for diagnosing and explaining multiple disorders whose key elements are: physician-directed hypotheses generation, object-oriented knowledge representation, and novel explanation heuristics. The heuristics modify and link the explanations to make the physician aware of diagnostic complexities. A computer program incorporating the model currently is in use for diagnosing peripheral nerve and muscle disorders. The program successfully diagnoses and explains interactions between diseases in terms of underlying pathophysiologic concepts. The model offers a new architecture for medical domains where reasoning from first principles is difficult but explanation of disease interactions is crucial for the system's operation.

[The medical history of Edgar Allan Poe].

PubMed

Miranda C, Marcelo

2007-09-01

Edgar Allan Poe, one of the best American storytellers and poets, suffered an episodic behaviour disorder partially triggered by alcohol and opiate use. Much confusion still exists about the last days of his turbulent life and the cause of his death at an early age. Different etiologies have been proposed to explain his main medical problem, however, complex partial seizures triggered by alcohol, poorly recognized at the time when Poe lived, seems to be one of the most acceptable hypothesis, among others discussed.

Influences of Personal Standards and Perceived Parental Expectations on Worry for Asian American and White American College Students

PubMed Central

Berenbaum, Howard; Okazaki, Sumie

2012-01-01

The current study examined perceptions of living up to parental expectations and personal standards as possible mediators of the relationship between ethnicity and worry in a sample of 836 Asian American and 856 White American college students. Asian Americans reported higher frequency of academic- and family-related worry, but they did not report higher levels of global tendency to worry. Perceptions of living up to parental expectations of current academic performance and personal standards for preparation for a future career partially explained ethnic differences in frequency of academic worry. Personal standards and perceptions of living up to parental expectations for respect for the family partially explained ethnic differences in frequency of family worry. The findings highlight the importance of targeting domain-specific personal standards and perceived parental expectations to reduce worry among Asian Americans. PMID:22416875

Duty, Honor, Country, Disparity: Race/Ethnic Differences in Health and Disability among Male Veterans

PubMed Central

Sheehan, Connor M.; Hummer, Robert A.; Moore, Brenda L.; Huyser, Kimberly R.; Butler, John Sibley

2015-01-01

Given their unique occupational hazards and sizable population, military veterans are an important population for the study of health. Yet veterans are by no means homogeneous, and there are unanswered questions regarding the extent of, and explanations for, racial and ethnic differences in veterans’ health. Using the 2010 National Survey of Veterans, we first documented race/ethnic differences in self-rated health and limitations in Activities of Daily Living among male veterans aged 30–84. Second, we examined potential explanations for the disparities, including socioeconomic and behavioral differences, as well as differences in specific military experiences. We found that Black, Hispanic, and other/multiple race veterans reported much worse health than White veterans. Using progressively adjusted regression models, we uncovered that the poorer self-rated health and higher levels of activity limitations among minority veterans compared to Whites was partially explained by differences in their socioeconomic status and by their military experiences. Minority veterans are a vulnerable population for poor health; future research and policy efforts should attempt to better understand and ameliorate their health disadvantages relative to White veterans. PMID:26783376

Neuronal correlates of decisions to speak and act: Spontaneous emergence and dynamic topographies in a computational model of frontal and temporal areas

PubMed Central

Garagnani, Max; Pulvermüller, Friedemann

2013-01-01

The neural mechanisms underlying the spontaneous, stimulus-independent emergence of intentions and decisions to act are poorly understood. Using a neurobiologically realistic model of frontal and temporal areas of the brain, we simulated the learning of perception–action circuits for speech and hand-related actions and subsequently observed their spontaneous behaviour. Noise-driven accumulation of reverberant activity in these circuits leads to their spontaneous ignition and partial-to-full activation, which we interpret, respectively, as model correlates of action intention emergence and action decision-and-execution. Importantly, activity emerged first in higher-association prefrontal and temporal cortices, subsequently spreading to secondary and finally primary sensorimotor model-areas, hence reproducing the dynamics of cortical correlates of voluntary action revealed by readiness-potential and verb-generation experiments. This model for the first time explains the cortical origins and topography of endogenous action decisions, and the natural emergence of functional specialisation in the cortex, as mechanistic consequences of neurobiological principles, anatomical structure and sensorimotor experience. PMID:23489583

How to understand atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of RNA and protein-RNA complexes?

PubMed

Šponer, Jiří; Krepl, Miroslav; Banáš, Pavel; Kührová, Petra; Zgarbová, Marie; Jurečka, Petr; Havrila, Marek; Otyepka, Michal

2017-05-01

We provide a critical assessment of explicit-solvent atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of RNA and protein/RNA complexes, written primarily for non-specialists with an emphasis to explain the limitations of MD. MD simulations can be likened to hypothetical single-molecule experiments starting from single atomistic conformations and investigating genuine thermal sampling of the biomolecules. The main advantage of MD is the unlimited temporal and spatial resolution of positions of all atoms in the simulated systems. Fundamental limitations are the short physical time-scale of simulations, which can be partially alleviated by enhanced-sampling techniques, and the highly approximate atomistic force fields describing the simulated molecules. The applicability and present limitations of MD are demonstrated on studies of tetranucleotides, tetraloops, ribozymes, riboswitches and protein/RNA complexes. Wisely applied simulations respecting the approximations of the model can successfully complement structural and biochemical experiments. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1405. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1405 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Processes of deep terrestrial mantles and cores

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeanloz, Raymond

1991-01-01

Ultrahigh pressure experiments are currently focused on revealing processes occurring deep inside planets. This is in addition to the traditional emphasis on the constitution of planetary interiors, such as the identification of the high pressure perovskite phase of (Mg,Fe)SiO3 as the predominant mineral inside the Earth, and probably Venus. For example, experiments show that the mechanism of geochemical differentiation, separation of partial melts, differs fundamentally in the lower mantles of Earth and Venus than at near surface conditions. In addition to structural transformations, changes in chemical bonding caused by pressure can also be significant for planetary interiors. Measurements of AC and DC electrical conductivity can be obtained at ultrahigh pressures and temperatures, to greater than 80 GPa and 3000 K simultaneously, using the laser heated diamond cell. Anhydrous lower mantle assemblages (perovskite + or - oxide phases) exhibit an electrical conductivity that depends strongly on Fe content. Contrary to traditional assumptions, temperature affects the conductivity of lower mantle assemblages relatively little. The Earth's deep focus seismicity can be explained by the recycling of water into the mantle.

The folding transition state of Protein L is extensive with non-native interactions (and not small and polarized)

PubMed Central

Yoo, Tae Yeon; Adhikari, Aashish; Xia, Zhen; Huynh, Tien; Freed, Karl F.; Zhou, Ruhong; Sosnick, Tobin R.

2012-01-01

Progress in understanding protein folding relies heavily upon an interplay between experiment and theory. In particular, readily interpretable experimental data are required that can be meaningfully compared to simulations. According to standard mutational φ analysis, the transition state for Protein L contains only a single hairpin. However, we demonstrate here using ψ analysis with engineered metal ion binding sites that the transition state is extensive, containing the entire four-stranded β sheet. Underreporting of the structural content of the transition state by φ analysis also occurs for acyl phosphatase1, ubiquitin2 and BdpA3. The carboxy terminal hairpin in the transition state of Protein L is found to be non-native, a significant result that agrees with our PDB-based backbone sampling and all-atom simulations. The non-native character partially explains the failure of accepted experimental and native-centric computational approaches to adequately describe the transition state. Hence, caution is required even when an apparent agreement exists between experiment and theory, thus highlighting the importance of having alternative methods for characterizing transition states. PMID:22522126

Modelling of hydrogen conditioning, retention and release in Tore Supra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grisolia, C.; Horton, L. D.; Ehrenberg, J. K.

1995-04-01

A model based on a local mixing model has been previously developed at JET to explain the recovery of tritium after the first PTE experiment. This model is extended by a 0D plasma particle balance model and is applied to data from Tore Supra wall saturation experiments. With only two free parameters, representing the diffusion of hydrogen atoms and the volume recombination process between hydrogen atoms into molecules, the model can reproduce experimental data. The time evolution of the after-shot outgassing and the integral amount of particles recovered after the shot (assuming 13 m 2 of interacting surfaces between plasma and walls) are in good agreement with the experimental observations. The same set of parameters allows the model to simulate after-shot outgassing of five consecutive discharges. However, the model fails to predict the observed saturation of the walls by the plasma. Results from helium glow discharge (HeGD) can only be partially described. Good agreement with the experimental hydrogen release and its time evolution during HeGD is observed, but the model fails to describe the stability of a saturated graphite wall.

Racial differences in sleep architecture: the role of ethnic discrimination.

PubMed

Tomfohr, Lianne; Pung, Meredith A; Edwards, Kate M; Dimsdale, Joel E

2012-01-01

African Americans have been consistently shown to have less deep (slow wave sleep; SWS) and more light (Stages 1 and 2) sleep than Caucasian Americans. This paper explored whether discrimination, a stressor that uniquely impacts certain ethnic groups, contributes to differences in sleep architecture. The sleep of 164 African and Caucasian Americans was examined with laboratory based polysomnography (PSG). Experiences of perceived discrimination (The Scale of Ethnic Experience) and sociodemographic factors were also assessed. After adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status (SES) and smoking status, African Americans slept approximately 4.5% more total sleep time (TST) in Stage 2 sleep and 4.7% less TST in SWS than Caucasian Americans (ps<.05). Perceived discrimination was a partial mediator of ethnic differences in sleep architecture. Individuals who reported experiencing more discrimination slept more time in Stage 2 and less time in SWS (ps<.05). Results suggest that the impact of stress related to ethnic group membership plays a part in explaining differences in sleep architecture. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CS-duration and partial-reinforcement effects counteract overshadowing in select situations

PubMed Central

Urushihara, Kouji; Miller, Ralph R.

2008-01-01

Two experiments used rats in a conditioned lick suppression preparation to investigate how the conditioned stimulus (CS)-duration and partial-reinforcement effects (i.e., weakened responding due to conditioning with a CS of longer duration and presenting nonreinforced CSs intermingled with CS-unconditioned stimulus [US] pairings, respectively) interact with overshadowing. Experiment 1 found that when overshadowing treatment was combined with either extended CS duration or partial reinforcement, the response deficit was weaker than when either of these three treatments was administered alone. In Experiment 2, the generality of the findings in Experiment 1 was investigated by replicating it with various US-US intervals. This time counteraction was observed only when both the absolute duration of total CS exposure and the US-US interval were short. The results support neither the view that the ratio between the total CS exposure and total time in the context determines the CS-duration and the partial-reinforcement effects nor the view that these two effects arise from a loss of effectiveness of the excitatory CS-US association during CS-alone exposures in partial reinforcement or early periods of CS exposure with long CSs. PMID:18047218

Microbial Community Response during the Iron Fertilization Experiment LOHAFEX

PubMed Central

Thiele, Stefan; Ramaiah, Nagappa; Amann, Rudolf

2012-01-01

Iron fertilization experiments in high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll areas are known to induce phytoplankton blooms. However, little is known about the response of the microbial community upon iron fertilization. As part of the LOHAFEX experiment in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Bacteria and Archaea were monitored within and outside an induced bloom, dominated by Phaeocystis-like nanoplankton, during the 38 days of the experiment. The microbial production increased 1.6-fold (thymidine uptake) and 2.1-fold (leucine uptake), while total cell numbers increased only slightly over the course of the experiment. 454 tag pyrosequencing of partial 16S rRNA genes and catalyzed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD FISH) showed that the composition and abundance of the bacterial and archaeal community in the iron-fertilized water body were remarkably constant without development of typical bloom-related succession patterns. Members of groups usually found in phytoplankton blooms, such as Roseobacter and Gammaproteobacteria, showed no response or only a minor response to the bloom. However, sequence numbers and total cell numbers of the SAR11 and SAR86 clades increased slightly but significantly toward the end of the experiment. It seems that although microbial productivity was enhanced within the fertilized area, a succession-like response of the microbial community upon the algal bloom was averted by highly effective grazing. Only small-celled members like the SAR11 and SAR86 clades could possibly escape the grazing pressure, explaining a net increase of those clades in numbers. PMID:23064339

Core Self-Evaluations and Individual Strategies of Coping with Unemployment among Displaced Spanish Workers.

PubMed

Virkes, Tihana; Maslić Seršić, Darja; Lopez-Zafra, Esther

2017-10-30

Unemployment has negative but also positive effects on mental health and general well-being depending on which coping strategies the individual use. Our aim was to determine the contribution of core self-evaluations in explaining the coping strategies of job search and job devaluation, as well as to test the potential moderation effect of job search and mediation effect of job devaluation on the relationship between self core-evaluations and both positive and negative experience of unemployment. One hundred seventy-eight individuals who lost their jobs involuntarily for a longer period than one month completed a questionnaire while attending to employment office. Results show that there is a significant relation between core-self evaluations and job devaluation (.37**). Furthermore, core-self evaluations were positively related to positive experience of unemployment (r = .31; p < .01) and negatively related to negative experience of unemployment (r = .60; p < .01). Moreover, self-core evaluations predicted both coping with unemployment strategies (job devaluation; β = .26; p < .01 and job search β = .19; p < .05). However, job search did not moderate the relationship between core self-evaluations and experience of unemployment. But, individuals with a longer duration of the current period of unemployment and higher core self-evaluations had a more positive experience of unemployment, and job devaluation partially mediated this relation (SE = .002; p = .038). These results imply that programs interventions should include the improvement of core self-evaluations and the positive experience of unemployed people.

Ethnic Differences in Elders' Home Remedy Use: Sociostructural Explanations

PubMed Central

Grzywacz, Joseph G.; Arcury, Thomas A.; Bell, Ronny A.; Lang, Wei; Suerken, Cynthia K.; Smith, Shannon L.; Quandt, Sara A.

2006-01-01

Objective: To determine if ethnic differences in elders' use of home remedies are explained by structured inequalities. Method: Dichotomous indicators of “food” and “other” home remedies were obtained from a randomly selected cohort of older adults with diabetes (N=701). Analyses evaluated if differences in availability of care, economic hardship, and health status explained ethnic differences in home remedy use. Results: Differences in residential location, discretionary money, and health partially explained greater home remedy use among Black and Native American elders relative to whites. Conclusions: Ethnic differences in elders' use of home remedies are not largely attributed to socially structured inequalities. PMID:16430319

Risk Adjustment for a Children's Capitation Rate

PubMed Central

Newhouse, Joseph P.; Sloss, Elizabeth M.; Manning, Willard G.; Keeler, Emmett B.

1993-01-01

Few capitation arrangements vary premiums by a child's health characteristics, yielding an incentive to discriminate against children with predictably high expenditures from chronic diseases. In this article, we explore risk adjusters for the 35 percent of the variance in annual outpatient expenditure we find to be potentially predictable. Demographic factors such as age and gender only explain 5 percent of such variance; health status measures explain 25 percent, prior use and health status measures together explain 65 to 70 percent. The profit from risk selection falls less than proportionately with improved ability to adjust for risk. Partial capitation rates may be necessary to mitigate skimming and dumping. PMID:10133708

Risk adjustment for a children's capitation rate.

PubMed

Newhouse, J P; Sloss, E M; Manning, W G; Keeler, E B

1993-01-01

Few capitation arrangements vary premiums by a child's health characteristics, yielding an incentive to discriminate against children with predictably high expenditures from chronic diseases. In this article, we explore risk adjusters for the 35 percent of the variance in annual out-patient expenditure we find to be potentially predictable. Demographic factors such as age and gender only explain 5 percent of such variance; health status measures explain 25 percent, prior use and health status measures together explain 65 to 70 percent. The profit from risk selection falls less than proportionately with improved ability to adjust for risk. Partial capitation rates may be necessary to mitigate skimming and dumping.

Oxygen supply in aquatic ectotherms: partial pressure and solubility together explain biodiversity and size patterns.

PubMed

Verberk, Wilco C E P; Bilton, David T; Calosi, Piero; Spicer, John I

2011-08-01

Aquatic ectotherms face the continuous challenge of capturing sufficient oxygen from their environment as the diffusion rate of oxygen in water is 3 x 10(5) times lower than in air. Despite the recognized importance of oxygen in shaping aquatic communities, consensus on what drives environmental oxygen availability is lacking. Physiologists emphasize oxygen partial pressure, while ecologists emphasize oxygen solubility, traditionally expressing oxygen in terms of concentrations. To resolve the question of whether partial pressure or solubility limits oxygen supply in nature, we return to first principles and derive an index of oxygen supply from Fick's classic first law of diffusion. This oxygen supply index (OSI) incorporates both partial pressure and solubility. Our OSI successfully explains published patterns in body size and species across environmental clines linked to differences in oxygen partial pressure (altitude, organic pollution) or oxygen solubility (temperature and salinity). Moreover, the OSI was more accurately and consistently related to these ecological patterns than other measures of oxygen (oxygen saturation, dissolved oxygen concentration, biochemical oxygen demand concentrations) and similarly outperformed temperature and altitude, which covaried with these environmental clines. Intriguingly, by incorporating gas diffusion rates, it becomes clear that actually more oxygen is available to an organism in warmer habitats where lower oxygen concentrations would suggest the reverse. Under our model, the observed reductions in aerobic performance in warmer habitats do not arise from lower oxygen concentrations, but instead through organismal oxygen demand exceeding supply. This reappraisal of how organismal thermal physiology and oxygen demands together shape aerobic performance in aquatic ectotherms and the new insight of how these components change with temperature have broad implications for predicting the responses of aquatic communities to ongoing global climate shifts.

Origin and Constraints on Ilmenite-rich Partial Melt in the Lunar Lower Mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallik, A.; Fuqua, H.; Bremner, P. M.; Panovska, S.; Diamond, M. R.; Lock, S. J.; Nishikawa, Y.; Jiménez-Pérez, H.; Shahar, A.; Panero, W. R.; Lognonne, P. H.; Faul, U.

2015-12-01

Existence of a partially molten layer at the lunar core-mantle boundary has been proposed to explain the lack of observed far-side deep moonquakes, the observation of reflected seismic phases from deep moonquakes, and the dissipation of tidal energy within the lunar interior [1,2]. However, subsequent models explored the possibility that dissipation due to elevated temperatures alone can explain the observed dissipation factor (Q) and tidal love numbers [3]. Using thermo-chemical and dynamic modeling (including models of the early lunar mantle convection), we explore the hypothesis that an ilmenite-rich layer forms below crustal anorthosite during lunar magma ocean crystallization and may sink to the base of the mantle to create a partial melt layer at the lunar core-mantle boundary. Self-consistent physical parameters (including gravity, pressure, density, VP and Vs) are forward calculated for a well-mixed mantle with uniform bulk composition versus a mantle with preserved mineralogical stratigraphy from lunar magma ocean crystallization. These parameters are compared against observed mass, moment of inertia, real and imaginary parts of the Love numbers, and seismic travel times to further limit the acceptable models for the Moon. We have performed a multi-step grid search with over twenty thousand forward calculations varying thicknesses of chemically/mineralogically distinct layers within the Moon to evaluate if a partially molten layer at the base of the lunar mantle is well-constrained by the observed data. Furthermore, dynamic mantle modeling was employed on the best-fit model versions to determine the survivability of a partially molten layer at the core-mantle boundary. This work was originally initiated at the CIDER 2014 program. [1] Weber et al. (2011). Science 331(6015), 309-12. [2] Khan et al. (2014). JGR 119. [3] Nimmo et al. (2012). JGR 117, 1-11.

CO/sub 2/ fluxes in the tropical Atlantic during FOCAL cruises

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

Andrie, C.; Oudot, C.; Genthon, C.

1986-10-15

CO/sub 2/ partial pressures in the atmosphere and in surface seawater have been measured in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean during Programme Francais Ocean-Climat en Atlantique Equatorial cruises extending from July 1982 to August 1984 along the 4/degree/W, 22/degree/W, and 35/degree/W meridians. Gas transfer coefficients based on recently reported field data combined with information deduced from wind tunnel experiments are used to compute the CO/sub 2/ fluxes. The global mean net flux between 5/degree/N and 5/degree/S is equal to 1.05 mmol m/sup /minus/2/ d/sup /minus/1/ and is from the ocean to the atmosphere. The escape of CO/sub 2/ increases strongly frommore » the east to the west and is always lower in the north than in the south. The importance of wind speed, pCO/sub 2/ in atmosphere, PCO/sub 2/ in surface seawater, and temperature on the flux variability is discussed. The relative influence of the equatorial upwelling on one hand and of the advection and warming of surface waters on the other hand is studied in order to explain high partial pressure in seawater. 59 refs., 15 figs., 5 tabs.« less

The Mediation Effect of Coping Style on the Relations between Personality and Life Satisfaction in Chinese Adolescents

PubMed Central

Xu, Le; Liu, Ru-De; Ding, Yi; Mou, Xiaohong; Wang, Jia; Liu, Ying

2017-01-01

Previous findings showed the associations between each of the Big Five personality trait and adolescents’ life satisfaction were different. Some traits (extraversion and neuroticism) correlated with adolescents’ life satisfaction, while other traits did not have the same associations with adolescents’ life satisfaction. In order to explain why the Big Five traits differed in their associations with adolescents’ life satisfaction, the present study verified the relations between each of the Big Five personality traits and life satisfaction, and demonstrated the mediating effects of coping style on the relations between these personality traits and life satisfaction in a sample of 2,357 Chinese adolescents. The results demonstrated that four of the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism) had significant associations with life satisfaction. Further, coping style partially mediated the relations between these four traits and life satisfaction, whereas coping style fully mediated the relation between openness to new experience and life satisfaction. The results implied a plausible explanation for why the Big Five traits differed in their associations with life satisfaction found among the previous literature: that there might be some partial or full mediation variables (such as coping style in this study) left unexamined. Theoretical and practical implications of this study on further research and educational practice are discussed. PMID:28706496

Discovering novel phenotypes with automatically inferred dynamic models: a partial melanocyte conversion in Xenopus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lobo, Daniel; Lobikin, Maria; Levin, Michael

2017-01-01

Progress in regenerative medicine requires reverse-engineering cellular control networks to infer perturbations with desired systems-level outcomes. Such dynamic models allow phenotypic predictions for novel perturbations to be rapidly assessed in silico. Here, we analyzed a Xenopus model of conversion of melanocytes to a metastatic-like phenotype only previously observed in an all-or-none manner. Prior in vivo genetic and pharmacological experiments showed that individual animals either fully convert or remain normal, at some characteristic frequency after a given perturbation. We developed a Machine Learning method which inferred a model explaining this complex, stochastic all-or-none dataset. We then used this model to ask how a new phenotype could be generated: animals in which only some of the melanocytes converted. Systematically performing in silico perturbations, the model predicted that a combination of altanserin (5HTR2 inhibitor), reserpine (VMAT inhibitor), and VP16-XlCreb1 (constitutively active CREB) would break the all-or-none concordance. Remarkably, applying the predicted combination of three reagents in vivo revealed precisely the expected novel outcome, resulting in partial conversion of melanocytes within individuals. This work demonstrates the capability of automated analysis of dynamic models of signaling networks to discover novel phenotypes and predictively identify specific manipulations that can reach them.

Partial discharge testing of bulk transformer oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohwein, G. J.

The generation of partial discharges in bulk transformer oil was investigated experimentally to determine the dominant conditions which contribute to their formation and growth under repetitive impulse stresses. The motivation for conducting these experiments arose from a problem with partial discharges and breakdowns occurring in the insulating oil around the high voltage switch in a continuous running 1.5 MV repetitive pulser system. From the experiment it was found tht repetitive stressing caused low level field ionization around the electrodes which led to bubble formation and eventually partial discharges. There were also qualitative indications of charge accumulation in the oil. Photographic records of numerous shot sequences were used to study the phenomena.

No association between partial depopulation and Campylobacter spp. colonization of Dutch broiler flocks.

PubMed

Russa, A D; Bouma, A; Vernooij, J C M; Jacobs-Reitsma, W; Stegeman, J A

2005-01-01

To determine whether an association exists between partial depopulation of a flock and increased Campylobacter colonization in that flock. Data from 1737 flocks of two Dutch integrators were used. Flocks that experienced partial depopulation were defined as 'exposed' and those that did not as 'nonexposed'. Multivariable modelling was accomplished with, in addition to 'exposure', the independent variables 'age of broilers at slaughter' and 'season' to adjust for possible confounding. The response variable was 'Campylobacter colonization'. The odds ratio (OR) for partial depopulation for integrator A was 0.8 [95% CI (0.4, 1.8)]; for integrator B the OR = 0.8 [95% CI (0.5, 1.3)]. Age and season were confounders: the difference in Campylobacter status between exposed and nonexposed flocks of integrator A could be explained by both variables; for integrator B, only season was associated with Campylobacter status. We found no significant association between partial depopulation and an increased risk of Campylobacter colonization among broiler flocks at final depopulation. This study demonstrates that Campylobacter colonization in a broiler flock is not influenced by the partial depopulation of that flock.

Organizational determinants of efficiency and effectiveness in mental health partial care programs.

PubMed Central

Schinnar, A P; Kamis-Gould, E; Delucia, N; Rothbard, A B

1990-01-01

The use of partial care as a treatment modality for mentally ill patients, particularly the chronically mentally ill, has greatly increased. However, research into what constitutes a "good" program has been scant. This article reports on an evaluation study of staff productivity, cost efficiency, and service effectiveness of adult partial care programs carried out in New Jersey in fiscal year 1984/1985. Five program performance indexes are developed based on comparisons of multiple measures of resources, service activities, and client outcomes. These are used to test various hypotheses regarding the effect of organizational and fiscal variables on partial care program efficiency and effectiveness. The four issues explored are: auspices, organizational complexity, service mix, and fiscal control by the state. These were found to explain about half of the variance in program performance. In addition, partial care programs demonstrating midlevel performance with regard to productivity and efficiency were observed to be the most effective, implying a possible optimal level of efficiency at which effectiveness is maximized. PMID:2113046

Hypertension: variations in prevalence in the black population.

PubMed

Kelly, E; Oni, A

1989-03-01

Prevalence trends in hypertension in black men and women show an inversion at about ages 45 to 54 years. Incidence, mortality, and treatment of hypertension after age 35 can probably be related to this inversion. Incidence data are inconsistent and scanty. Morbidity data are incomplete and mostly unreliable. Mortality data partially explain the inversion. Long-term epidemiologic studies of hypertension in black elderly persons are needed to explain these variations in prevalence, which may have a beneficial impact on treatment and prognosis.

On the Possibility of Interseismic Creep of the Cascadia Megathrust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Wang, K.; He, J.

2012-12-01

Without any instrumental records of large megathrust earthquakes, our knowledge of the seismic potential of the Cascadia subduction zone depends critically on our understanding of the present state of interseismic fault locking. The traditional view of a fully and uniformly locked Cascadia megathrust, consistent with the extremely low modern interplate seismicity, is now challenged for two reasons. First, recent quantitative analyses of high-quality microfossil data indicate that fault slip in the great Cascadia earthquake of 1700 was heterogeneous, with high-slip areas separated by low-slip areas. This leads to the question whether the low-slip areas should exhibit interseismic creeping after the earthquake and even at present. Second, the most recent inversion of GPS measurements to infer simultaneously megathrust locking, permanent upper plate deformation, and block motion features large creeping (i.e., partial locking) segments along the margin. For example, in northern Cascadia offshore of Vancouver Island, the creep rate is reported to be about 40% of the plate convergence rate of ~50 mm/yr used in this inversion. Here we re-examine the locking state of the northern Cascadia megathrust by exploring the following issues. (1) The geodetically observed contemporary margin-normal shortening has a relatively low velocity gradient but extends quite far inland. In an elastic model, the near-field low strain rate can be explained by partial locking, and the broad pattern is explained by permanent shortening, e.g., across the Canadian Coast Mountains. We investigate whether a viscoelastic model can explain the geodetic strains with a fully locked megathrust without permanent upper plate shortening. (2) The new global plate motion model MORVEL predicts a lower convergence rate of only ~40 mm/yr at northern Cascadia. We investigate its implications to the interpretation of the geodetic observations. (3) Globally, afterslip following a great earthquake is generally observed to have a short duration. We investigate whether the contemporary Cascadia deformation field could still be under the influence of the 1700 event, especially that of the post-seismic behaviour of its low-slip areas. (4) We investigate to what extent land-based GPS observations can resolve partial locking vs. full locking of the offshore seismogenic zone. We develop a 3-D viscoelastic model with a fully locked plate interface but with the locking width varying along strike and test whether this model can explain GPS observations as well as does the partially locked elastic model. We also develop an alternative model with multiple slow slip events of spatiotemporally varying source regions, in order to investigate whether their integrated effect could be identified as partial locking by land-based GPS. Our work at Cascadia may also help understand the interseismic creep reported for other subduction zones.

Lung response to particulates with emphasis on asbestos and other fibrous dusts.

PubMed

Lee, K P

1985-01-01

Many theories have been proposed to explain asbestosis and asbestos-related pulmonary disease. However, none of the theories give a completely plausible explanation for the pathogenesis. Recently, attention has been drawn to a theory that the fibrogenicity or carcinogenicity of fibrous dust particles is related to fiber diameter and length rather than to chemical properties. This theory may help partially elucidate the disease process but is still far from solving the enigma of pulmonary fibrosis or carcinogenesis. The theory cannot explain the absence of these pathological effects among fiberglass workers or experimental animals exposed by inhalation (even though mesotheliomas are induced by intrapleural implantation and fiber dimension-related fibrogenicity is demonstrated by intratracheal injection). Little information regarding the pulmonary response to manmade fibrous particles is available in animals following inhalation exposure. Attempts should be made to confirm the absence of adverse effects using animal inhalation experiments even though to this point there is no conclusive evidence that either lung cancer or pulmonary diseases can be produced among employees in manmade fiber industries. A new research trend seems concentrated on testing the durability of asbestos or manmade fibers. This is based on the concept that biological effects of fibrous particles are the result of relative durability and that particles which can be fragmented or shortened may be less pathogenic. In the last two decades, considerable understanding about pulmonary fibrosis and carcinogenesis of asbestos has been achieved by clinical and animal experiments. In vitro tests including cytotoxicity, hemolysis, immunology, and enzyme biochemistry have provided important information on the interrelationships among these various biological effects of asbestos.

Thin film oxygen partial pressure sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wortman, J. J.; Harrison, J. W.; Honbarrier, H. L.; Yen, J.

1972-01-01

The development is described of a laboratory model oxygen partial pressure sensor using a sputtered zinc oxide thin film. The film is operated at about 400 C through the use of a miniature silicon bar. Because of the unique resistance versus temperature relation of the silicon bar, control of the operational temperature is achieved by controlling the resistance. A circuit for accomplishing this is described. The response of sputtered zinc oxide films of various thicknesses to oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor caused a change in the film resistance. Over a large range, film conductance varied approximately as the square root of the oxygen partial pressure. The presence of water vapor in the gas stream caused a shift in the film conductance at a given oxygen partial pressure. A theoretical model is presented to explain the characteristic features of the zinc oxide response to oxygen.

Religion and the presence and severity of depression in older adults

PubMed Central

Hayward, R. David; Owen, Amy D.; Koenig, Harold G.; Steffens, David C.; Payne, Martha E.

2011-01-01

Objectives To examine the associations of dimensions of religiousness with the presence and severity of depression in older adults. Design Cross-sectional analysis of clinical and interview data. Setting Private university-affiliated medical center in the Southeastern US. Participants Four hundred seventy-six psychiatric patients with a current episode of unipolar major depression, and 167 nondepressed comparison subjects, ages 58 years and older (mean = 70, SD = 7). Measurements Diagnostic Interview Schedule, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Duke Depression Evaluation Schedule. Results Presence of depression was related to less frequent worship attendance, more frequent private religious practice, and moderate subjective religiosity. Among the depressed group, less severe depression was related to more frequent worship attendance, less religiousness, and having had a born-again experience. These results were only partially explained by effects of social support and stress buffering. Conclusions Religion is related to depression diagnosis and severity via multiple pathways. PMID:22273738

Religion and the presence and severity of depression in older adults.

PubMed

Hayward, R David; Owen, Amy D; Koenig, Harold G; Steffens, David C; Payne, Martha E

2012-02-01

: To examine the associations of dimensions of religiousness with the presence and severity of depression in older adults. : Cross-sectional analysis of clinical and interview data. : Private university-affiliated medical center in the Southeastern United States. : Four hundred seventy-six psychiatric patients with a current episode of unipolar major depression, and 167 nondepressed comparison subjects, ages 58 years or older (mean = 70 years, SD = 7). : Diagnostic Interview Schedule, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and Duke Depression Evaluation Schedule were used in the study. : Presence of depression was related to less frequent worship attendance, more frequent private religious practice, and moderate subjective religiosity. Among the depressed group, less severe depression was related to more frequent worship attendance, less religiousness, and having had a born-again experience. These results were only partially explained by effects of social support and stress buffering. : Religion is related to depression diagnosis and severity via multiple pathways.

Backscatter laser depolarization studies of simulated stratospheric aerosols - Crystallized sulfuric acid droplets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sassen, Kenneth; Zhao, Hongjie; Yu, Bing-Kun

1989-01-01

The optical depolarizing properties of simulated stratospheric aerosols were studied in laboratory laser (0.633 micrometer) backscattering experiments for application to polarization lidar observations. Clouds composed of sulfuric acid solution droplets, some treated with ammonia gas, were observed during evaporation. The results indicate that the formation of minute ammonium sulfate particles from the evaporation of acid droplets produces linear depolarization ratios of beta equivalent to 0.02, but beta equivalent to 0.10 to 0.15 are generated from aged acid cloud aerosols and acid droplet crystalization effects following the introduction of ammonia gas into the chamber. It is concluded that partially crystallized sulfuric acid droplets are a likely candidate for explaining the lidar beta equivalent to 0.10 values that have been observed in the lower stratosphere in the absence of the relatively strong backscattering from homogeneous sulfuric acid droplet (beta equivalent to 0) or ice crystal (beta equivalent to 0.5) clouds.

Redistribution of Cs 137 introduced into montmorillonite in association with organic matter coming from biomass composting.

PubMed

Mihalik, J; Madruga, M J; Casimiro, M H; Ferreira, L M; Prudêncio, M I

2018-05-16

The adsorption and later bioavailability of 137 Cs from the system humic acid (HA)/humic acid like compounds (HALC) and montmorillonite was investigated. The setup of the experiments should approach as much as possible natural conditions when 137 Cs is introduced into soil with HALC from decomposed biomass. The significant differences were found in the trials containing various HA/HALC and also pure montmorillonite. The 137 Cs was more available when it reached soil in association with HALC originated from compost than when it was adsorbed on stable humic acids. Moreover, the long term interaction of 137 Cs with HALC led to decrease of 137 Cs adsorbed on montmorillonite and increase of its bioavailable fraction. UV-Vis spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy showed the clear difference between HA, fresh HALC and old HALC which could partially explain the different results. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The quality of volunteers' motives: Integrating the functional approach and self-determination theory.

PubMed

Güntert, Stefan Tomas; Strubel, Isabel Theresia; Kals, Elisabeth; Wehner, Theo

2016-01-01

Volunteers' motives have been differentially linked to various aspects of successful volunteering. Using self-determination theory, we propose that volunteer functions are systematically related to the experience of self-determined versus controlled motivation. This "quality of motivation," in turn, explains why motives are differentially associated with satisfaction. We conducted two studies: Study 1 (N1 = 824) addressed motives, quality of motivation, and satisfaction; Study 2 (N2 = 323) additionally examined function-specific benefits and the extent to which they match volunteers' motives. Overall, our hypotheses were supported: values, understanding, and social justice motives were positively associated with relatively self-determined motivation (RSM), whereas career, social, protective, and enhancement motives showed negative correlations. The relationships between motives and satisfaction were partially mediated by RSM. Concerning benefits, Study 2 corroborated these findings for values, protective, enhancement, and social justice. This research introduces a new perspective on the quality of volunteers' motives-with theoretical and practical implications.

Backscatter laser depolarization studies of simulated stratospheric aerosols: Crystallized sulfuric acid droplets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sassen, Kenneth; Zhao, Hongjie; Yu, Bing-Kun

1988-01-01

The optical depolarizing properties of simulated stratospheric aerosols were studied in laboratory laser (0.633 micrometer) backscattering experiments for application to polarization lidar observations. Clouds composed of sulfuric acid solution droplets, some treated with ammonia gas, were observed during evaporation. The results indicate that the formation of minute ammonium sulfate particles from the evaporation of acid droplets produces linear depolarization ratios of beta equivalent to 0.02, but beta equivalent to 0.10 to 0.15 are generated from aged acid cloud aerosols and acid droplet crystallization effects following the introduction of ammonia gas into the chamber. It is concluded that partially crystallized sulfuric acid droplets are a likely candidate for explaining the lidar beta equivalent to 0.10 values that have been observed in the lower stratosphere in the absence of the relatively strong backscattering from homogeneous sulfuric acid droplet (beta equivalent to 0) or ice crystal (beta equivalent to 0.5) clouds.

Charge carrier coherence and Hall effect in organic semiconductors.

PubMed

Yi, H T; Gartstein, Y N; Podzorov, V

2016-03-30

Hall effect measurements are important for elucidating the fundamental charge transport mechanisms and intrinsic mobility in organic semiconductors. However, Hall effect studies frequently reveal an unconventional behavior that cannot be readily explained with the simple band-semiconductor Hall effect model. Here, we develop an analytical model of Hall effect in organic field-effect transistors in a regime of coexisting band and hopping carriers. The model, which is supported by the experiments, is based on a partial Hall voltage compensation effect, occurring because hopping carriers respond to the transverse Hall electric field and drift in the direction opposite to the Lorentz force acting on band carriers. We show that this can lead in particular to an underdeveloped Hall effect observed in organic semiconductors with substantial off-diagonal thermal disorder. Our model captures the main features of Hall effect in a variety of organic semiconductors and provides an analytical description of Hall mobility, carrier density and carrier coherence factor.

SKYLAB (SL)-4 - POST-FLIGHT (WASHINGTON, D.C.)

NASA Image and Video Library

1974-10-01

S74-34046 (October 1974) --- Dr. James C. Fletcher, left, NASA Administrator, explains the formation of the indium-antimonide crystal, manufactured in space, to President Gerald R. Ford at the White House. Standing at right is Harold Johnson, Chairman of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The segment of indium-antimonide is cut from a cylindrical single crystal that was partially melted and resolidified aboard the Skylab space station on Jan. 6, 1974, during the third and final manned flight. This segment is approximately one by one centimeters and about three millimeters thick. The sequence of heating and cooling was started and supervised by the members of the third Skylab crew, astronauts Gerald P. Carr, Edward G. Gibson and William R. Pogue. The crystal forming was accomplished in a special multipurpose furnace, known as the Materials Processing Facility (Skylab Technology Experiment M512). Photo credit: NASA

Innovations 'Out of Place': Controversies Over IVF Beginnings in India Between 1978 and 2005.

PubMed

Bärnreuther, Sandra

2016-01-01

In 1978, the year the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) baby was born in the United Kingdom, a research team in Kolkata reported that it too had successfully produced an IVF baby in India. However, the claim was dismissed at the time, because the experiment was conducted outside authorized institutions and recognized centers of innovation--in short, because it was an innovation 'out of place.' Tracing controversies over the case between 1978 and 2005, I show the importance of space or place in processes of knowledge production and recognition. Further, I explain the initial repudiation and subsequent partial recognition of the claim through shifts in the landscape of legitimate spaces of innovation. By discussing this specific case of the production of science and technology in the Global South, I challenge conventional narratives of diffusion that are prevalent in studies on the worldwide proliferation of reproductive technologies.

PBL and CDIO: complementary models for engineering education development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edström, Kristina; Kolmos, Anette

2014-09-01

This paper compares two models for reforming engineering education, problem/project-based learning (PBL), and conceive-design-implement-operate (CDIO), identifying and explaining similarities and differences. PBL and CDIO are defined and contrasted in terms of their history, community, definitions, curriculum design, relation to disciplines, engineering projects, and change strategy. The structured comparison is intended as an introduction for learning about any of these models. It also invites reflection to support the understanding and evolution of PBL and CDIO, and indicates specifically what the communities can learn from each other. It is noted that while the two approaches share many underlying values, they only partially overlap as strategies for educational reform. The conclusions are that practitioners have much to learn from each other's experiences through a dialogue between the communities, and that PBL and CDIO can play compatible and mutually reinforcing roles, and thus can be fruitfully combined to reform engineering education.

The body's story: a case report of hypnosis and physiological narration of trauma.

PubMed

Pantesco, Victor F

2005-01-01

Adult Posttraumatic Stress Disorder secondary to childhood sexual abuse is clinically complicated by its increasingly noted deficient linguistic recording of the abuse, perhaps partially explaining consequent difficulties with verbalizing in therapy. A single case illustrates that hypnotically utilizing the body-emotion register of encrypted sexual abuse trauma may not only afford more naturalistic retrieval and purgation of the experience, but may also provide the very medium for the healing narrative required for recovery. The patient's original and continuing therapist was also present as support and observer for all but 1 of 25 hypnosis sessions. Treatment gains were robust at 3-year follow up. This case suggests that effective treatment for sexual abuse PTSD may in some instances reside in more nonverbally sensitive interventions not aiming to prove, probe, or process linguistic reconstructions of memory. This is the first published report of such a bodily narrative in hypnosis.

Melt segregation during Poiseuille flow of partially molten rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quintanilla-Terminel, A.; Dillman, A. M.; Kohlstedt, D. L.

2015-12-01

Studies of the dynamics of partially molten regions of the Earth's mantle provide the basis necessary for understanding the chemical and physical evolution of our planet. Since we cannot directly observe processes occurring at depth, we rely on models and experiments to constrain the rheological behavior of partially molten rocks. Here, we present the results of an experimental investigation of the role of viscous anisotropy on melt segregation in partially molten rocks through Poiseuille flow experiments. Partially molten rock samples with a composition of either forsterite or anorthite plus a few percent melt were prepared from vacuum sintered powders and taken to 1200ºC at 0.1 MPa. The partially molten samples were then extruded through a channel of circular cross section under a fixed pressure gradient at 1200o to 1500oC. The melt distribution in the channel was subsequently mapped through image analyses of optical and backscattered electron microscopy images. In these experiments, melt segregates from the center toward the outer radius of the channel with the melt fraction at the outer radius increasing to twice that at the center. These results are consistent with base-state melt segregation as predicted by Takei and Holtzman (JGR, 2009), Takei and Katz (JFM, 2013) and Allwright and Katz (GJI, 2014) for sheared partially molten rocks for which viscosity is anisotropic due to the stress-induced, grain-scale alignment of melt.

The SCD - Stem Cell Differentiation ESA Project: Preparatory Work for the Spaceflight Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Versari, Silvia; Barenghi, Livia; van Loon, Jack; Bradamante, Silvia

2016-04-01

Due to spaceflight, astronauts experience serious, weightlessness-induced bone loss because of an unbalanced process of bone remodeling that involves bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), as well as osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts. The effects of microgravity on osteo-cells have been extensively studied, but it is only recently that consideration has been given to the role of BMSCs. Previous researches indicated that human BMSCs cultured in simulated microgravity (sim-μg) alter their proliferation and differentiation. The spaceflight opportunities for biomedical experiments are rare and suffer from a number of operative constraints that could bias the validity of the experiment itself, but remain a unique opportunity to confirm and explain the effects due to microgravity, that are only partially activated/detectable in simulated conditions. For this reason, we carefully prepared the SCD - STEM CELLS DIFFERENTIATION experiment, selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) and now on the International Space Station (ISS). Here we present the preparatory studies performed on ground to adapt the project to the spaceflight constraints in terms of culture conditions, fixation and storage of human BMSCs in space aiming at satisfying the biological requirements mandatory to retrieve suitable samples for post-flight analyses. We expect to understand better the molecular mechanisms governing human BMSC growth and differentiation hoping to outline new countermeasures against astronaut bone loss.

Photoneutron cross sections for 59Co : Systematic uncertainties of data from various experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varlamov, V. V.; Davydov, A. I.; Ishkhanov, B. S.

2017-09-01

Data on partial photoneutron reaction cross sections (γ ,1n), (γ ,2n), and (γ ,3n) for 59Co obtained in two experiments carried out at Livermore (USA) were analyzed. The sources of radiation in both experiments were the monoenergetic photon beams from the annihilation in flight of relativistic positrons. The total yield was sorted by the neutron multiplicity, taking into account the difference in the neutron energy spectra for different multiplicity. The two quoted studies differ in the method of determining the neutron. Significant systematic disagreements between the results of the two experiments exist. They are considered to be caused by large systematic uncertainties in partial cross sections, since they do not satisfy physical criteria for reliability of the data. To obtain reliable cross sections of partial and total photoneutron reactions a new method combining experimental data and theoretical evaluation was used. It is based on the experimental neutron yield cross section which is rather independent of neutron multiplicity and the transitional neutron multiplicity functions of the combined photonucleon reaction model (CPNRM). The model transitional multiplicity functions were used for the decomposition of the neutron yield cross section into the contributions of partial reactions. The results of the new evaluation noticeably differ from the partial cross sections obtained in the two experimental studies are under discussion.

Amodal completion of moving objects by pigeons.

PubMed

Nagasaka, Yasuo; Wasserman, Edward A

2008-01-01

In a series of four experiments, we explored whether pigeons complete partially occluded moving shapes. Four pigeons were trained to discriminate between a complete moving shape and an incomplete moving shape in a two-alternative forced-choice task. In testing, the birds were presented with a partially occluded moving shape. In experiment 1, none of the pigeons appeared to complete the testing stimulus; instead, they appeared to perceive the testing stimulus as incomplete fragments. However, in experiments 2, 3, and 4, three of the birds appeared to complete the partially occluded moving shapes. These rare positive results suggest that motion may facilitate amodal completion by pigeons, perhaps by enhancing the figure - ground segregation process.

Lateral variations in lower mantle seismic velocity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duffy, Thomas S.; Ahrens, Thomas J.

1992-01-01

To obtain a theoretical model which provides a rationale for the observed high values of velocity variations, the effect of a 0.1 to 0.2 percent partially molten volatile-rich material in various geometries which are heterogeneously dispersed in the lower mantle is examined. Data obtained indicate that, depending on aspect ratio and geometry, 0.1-0.2 percent partial melting in conjunction with about 100 K thermal anomalies can explain the seismic variations provided the compressibility of the melt differs by less than about 20 percent from the surrounding solid.

The influence of sense of coherence and mindfulness on PTSD symptoms and posttraumatic cognitions in a sample of elderly Austrian survivors of World War II.

PubMed

Glück, Tobias M; Tran, Ulrich S; Raninger, Simone; Lueger-Schuster, Brigitte

2016-03-01

Sense of Coherence (SOC) and mindfulness are known protective factors against psychopathology, also in older age. We set out to investigate the influence of SOC and mindfulness on posttraumatic symptoms and cognitions in the context of lifetime trauma in elderly persons with a history of childhood war-experiences. Elderly Austrians (N = 97) filled in questionnaires on traumatic lifetime experiences and posttraumatic symptoms (ETI), posttraumatic cognitions (PTCI), SOC (SOC-13) and mindfulness (FFMQ). We expected the influence of SOC scores on posttraumatic symptoms and cognitions to be on one hand influenced by mindfulness. On the other hand, we expected that both aspects would uniquely explain fewer posttraumatic symptoms and cognitions. Participants reported various lifetime traumas (M = 2.42), including experiences during World War II (WWII) as children and adolescents. Mindfulness partially mediated the association of SOC scores with posttraumatic cognitions, but not with posttraumatic symptoms. However, in a two-stage mediation model, mindfulness significantly predicted posttraumatic symptoms via its effects on posttraumatic cognitions. Although SOC was the strongest predictor of posttraumatic symptoms, mindfulness influenced the severity of posttraumatic symptoms via its effects on posttraumatic cognitions. We discuss implications for mindfulness-based interventions on trauma-related cognitions in the elderly.

Helping Your Partner with Chronic Pain: The Importance of Helping Motivation, Received Social Support, and Its Timeliness.

PubMed

Kindt, Sara; Vansteenkiste, Maarten; Josephy, Haeike; Bernardes, Sonia F; Goubert, Liesbet

2018-02-02

Like all intentional acts, social support provision varies with respect to its underlying motives. Greater autonomous or volitional motives (e.g., enjoyment, full commitment) to help individuals with chronic pain (ICPs) are associated with greater well-being benefits for the latter, as indexed by improved satisfaction of their psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The present study investigates the processes explaining why partners' autonomous or volitional helping motivation yields these benefits. A total of 134 couples, where at least one partner had chronic pain, completed a 14-day diary. Partners reported on their daily helping motives, whereas ICPs reported on their daily received support, timing of help, need-based experiences, and pain. On days when partners provided help for volitional motives, ICPs indicated receiving more help, which partially accounted for the effect of autonomous helping motivation on ICP need-based experiences. Timing of help moderated the effects of daily received support on ICP need-based experiences. Findings highlight the importance of ICPs of receiving support in general and the role of timing in particular, which especially matters when there is little support being received. © 2018 American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Acoustic and Categorical Dissimilarity of Musical Timbre: Evidence from Asymmetries Between Acoustic and Chimeric Sounds

PubMed Central

Siedenburg, Kai; Jones-Mollerup, Kiray; McAdams, Stephen

2016-01-01

This paper investigates the role of acoustic and categorical information in timbre dissimilarity ratings. Using a Gammatone-filterbank-based sound transformation, we created tones that were rated as less familiar than recorded tones from orchestral instruments and that were harder to associate with an unambiguous sound source (Experiment 1). A subset of transformed tones, a set of orchestral recordings, and a mixed set were then rated on pairwise dissimilarity (Experiment 2A). We observed that recorded instrument timbres clustered into subsets that distinguished timbres according to acoustic and categorical properties. For the subset of cross-category comparisons in the mixed set, we observed asymmetries in the distribution of ratings, as well as a stark decay of inter-rater agreement. These effects were replicated in a more robust within-subjects design (Experiment 2B) and cannot be explained by acoustic factors alone. We finally introduced a novel model of timbre dissimilarity based on partial least-squares regression that compared the contributions of both acoustic and categorical timbre descriptors. The best model fit (R2 = 0.88) was achieved when both types of descriptors were taken into account. These findings are interpreted as evidence for an interplay of acoustic and categorical information in timbre dissimilarity perception. PMID:26779086

Effects of short vacations, vacation activities and experiences on employee health and well-being.

PubMed

de Bloom, Jessica; Geurts, Sabine A E; Kompier, Michiel A J

2012-10-01

It was investigated (1) whether employee health and well-being (H&W) improve during short vacations (4-5 days), (2) how long this improvement lasts after returning home and resuming work and (3) to what extent vacation activities and experiences explain health improvements during and after short vacations. Eighty workers reported their H&W 2 weeks before vacation (Pre), during vacation (Inter), on the day of return (Post 1) and on the third and 10th day after returning home (Post 2 and Post 3, respectively). The results showed improvements in H&W during short vacations (d=0.62), although this effect faded out rather quickly. Partial correlations and regression analyses showed that employees reported higher H&W during vacation, the more relaxed and psychologically detached they felt, the more time they spent on conversations with the partner, the more pleasure they derived from their vacation activities and the lower the number of negative incidents during vacation. Experiences of relaxation and detachment from work positively influenced H&W even after returning home. Working during vacation negatively influenced H&W after vacation. In conclusion, short vacations are an effective, although not very long lasting, 'cure' to improve employees' H&W. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ultrasound visual feedback in articulation therapy following partial glossectomy.

PubMed

Blyth, Katrina M; Mccabe, Patricia; Madill, Catherine; Ballard, Kirrie J

2016-01-01

Disordered speech is common following treatment for tongue cancer, however there is insufficient high quality evidence to guide clinical decision making about treatment. This study investigated use of ultrasound tongue imaging as a visual feedback tool to guide tongue placement during articulation therapy with two participants following partial glossectomy. A Phase I multiple baseline design across behaviors was used to investigate therapeutic effect of ultrasound visual feedback during speech rehabilitation. Percent consonants correct and speech intelligibility at sentence level were used to measure acquisition, generalization and maintenance of speech skills for treated and untreated related phonemes, while unrelated phonemes were tested to demonstrate experimental control. Swallowing and oromotor measures were also taken to monitor change. Sentence intelligibility was not a sensitive measure of speech change, but both participants demonstrated significant change in percent consonants correct for treated phonemes. One participant also demonstrated generalization to non-treated phonemes. Control phonemes along with swallow and oromotor measures remained stable throughout the study. This study establishes therapeutic benefit of ultrasound visual feedback in speech rehabilitation following partial glossectomy. Readers will be able to explain why and how tongue cancer surgery impacts on articulation precision. Readers will also be able to explain the acquisition, generalization and maintenance effects in the study. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Explaining the Relationship Between Sexually Explicit Internet Material and Casual Sex: A Two-Step Mediation Model.

PubMed

Vandenbosch, Laura; van Oosten, Johanna M F

2018-07-01

Despite increasing interest in the implications of adolescents' use of sexually explicit Internet material (SEIM), we still know little about the relationship between SEIM use and adolescents' casual sexual activities. Based on a three-wave online panel survey study among Dutch adolescents (N = 1079; 53.1% boys; 93.5% with an exclusively heterosexual orientation; M age  = 15.11; SD = 1.39), we found that watching SEIM predicted engagement in casual sex over time. In turn, casual sexual activities partially predicted adolescents' use of SEIM. A two-step mediation model was tested to explain the relationship between watching SEIM and casual sex. It was partially confirmed. First, watching SEIM predicted adolescents' perceptions of SEIM as a relevant information source from Wave 2 to Wave 3, but not from Wave 1 to Wave 2. Next, such perceived utility of SEIM was positively related to stronger instrumental attitudes toward sex and thus their views about sex as a core instrument for sexual gratification. Lastly, adolescents' instrumental attitudes toward sex predicted adolescents' engagement in casual sex activities consistently across waves. Partial support emerged for a reciprocal relationship between watching SEIM and perceived utility. We did not find a reverse relationship between casual sex activities and instrumental attitudes toward sex. No significant gender differences emerged.

Origin of the X-ray Spectral Variation and Seemingly Broad Iron Line Strucuture in the Seyfert Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebisawa, Ken; Naoki, Iso

2012-07-01

X-ray intensities and spectra of the Seyfert galaxies are known to be variable. Some of the sources have characteristic seemingly broad iron line structure, and their spectral variations are small in the iron line energy band. MCG-6-30-15 is such an archetypal source, and Miyakawa (2011) proposed a "Variable Partial Covering (VPC)" model to explain its continuum spectral variation, seemingly broad iron line structure, and small spectral variation in the iron energy band simultaneously, only due to variation of a single parameter. That single parameter is the "partial covering fraction" to describe the geometrical fraction of the X-ray emitting area covered by the ionized absorbers in the line of sight. The intrinsic X-ray luminosity is hardly variable in this model. We have applied the VPC model to the 27 Seyfert galaxies observed with Suzaku, and found that spectral variations of the 22 sources are successfully explained by this model only varying the partial covering fraction. Intrinsic X-ray luminosities of Seyfert galaxies are not variable, as opposed to what they apparently seem, and gravitationally red-shifted iron line is not necessary. Those ionized absorbing clouds are most likely to be Broad Line Region (BLR) clouds, and we will be able to constrain the BLR structure from X-ray observations.

Biogeographical plant-soil relations of invasive medusahead (Elymus caput-medusae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the success of invasive plant species is integral to predicting and ameliorating their negative impacts. Many hypotheses have consequently been proposed to explain invasive behavior. This lack of consensus within invasion ecology can partially be attributed...

Magazine Development: Creative Arts Magazines Can Take on More Creativity through Staff Innovation, Desktop Publishing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cutsinger, John

1988-01-01

Explains how a high school literary magazine staff accessed the journalism department's Apple Macintosh computers to typeset its publication. Provides examples of magazine layouts designed partially or completely by "Pagemaker" software on a Macintosh. (MM)

Parental Employment and Children’s Body Weight: Mothers, Others, and Mechanisms

PubMed Central

Ziol-Guest, Kathleen M.; Dunifon, Rachel E.; Kalil, Ariel

2012-01-01

A robust body of literature spanning several countries indicates a positive association between maternal employment and child body mass index (BMI). Fewer studies have examined the role of paternal employment. More importantly, little empirical work examines the mechanisms that might explain the relationships between parental employment and children’s BMI. Our paper tests the relationship between the cumulative experience of maternal and spouse employment over a child’s lifetime and that child’s BMI, overweight, and obesity at age 13 or 14. We further examine several mechanisms that may explain these associations. We use data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79) merged mother-child file on cohorts of children who were born during a period of dramatic increase in both childhood obesity and maternal employment. We find that the number of hours that highly-educated mothers work over her child’s lifetime is positively and statistically significantly associated with her child’s BMI and risk of overweight at ages 13 or 14. The work hours of mothers’ spouses and partners, on the other hand, are not significantly associated with these outcomes. Results suggest that, for children of highly-educated mothers, the association between maternal work hours and child BMI is partially mediated by television viewing time. PMID:23031605

Parental employment and children's body weight: Mothers, others, and mechanisms.

PubMed

Ziol-Guest, Kathleen M; Dunifon, Rachel E; Kalil, Ariel

2013-10-01

A robust body of literature spanning several countries indicates a positive association between maternal employment and child body mass index (BMI). Fewer studies have examined the role of paternal employment. More importantly, little empirical work examines the mechanisms that might explain the relationships between parental employment and children's BMI. Our paper tests the relationship between the cumulative experience of maternal and spouse employment over a child's lifetime and that child's BMI, overweight, and obesity at age 13 or 14. We further examine several mechanisms that may explain these associations. We use data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79) merged mother-child file on cohorts of children who were born during a period of dramatic increase in both childhood obesity and maternal employment. We find that the number of hours that highly-educated mothers work over her child's lifetime is positively and statistically significantly associated with her child's BMI and risk of overweight at ages 13 or 14. The work hours of mothers' spouses and partners, on the other hand, are not significantly associated with these outcomes. Results suggest that, for children of highly-educated mothers, the association between maternal work hours and child BMI is partially mediated by television viewing time. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Roles of body image-related experiential avoidance and uncommitted living in the link between body image and women's quality of life.

PubMed

Trindade, Inês A; Ferreira, Cláudia; Pinto-Gouveia, José

2018-01-01

The current study aimed to test whether the associations of body mass index, body image discrepancy, and social comparison based on physical appearance with women's psychological quality of life (QoL) would be explained by the mechanisms of body image-related experiential avoidance and patterns of uncommitted living. The sample was collected from October 2014 to March 2015 and included 737 female college students (aged between 18 and 25 years) who completed validated self-report measures. Results demonstrated that the final path model explained 43% of psychological QoL and revealed an excellent fit. Body image-related experiential avoidance had a meditational role in the association between body image discrepancy and psychological QoL. Further, the link between social comparison based on physical appearance and psychological QoL was partially mediated by body image-related experiential avoidance and uncommitted living. These findings indicate that the key mechanisms of the relationship between body image and young women's QoL were those related to maladaptive emotion regulation. It thus seems that interventions aiming to promote mental health in this population should promote acceptance of internal experiences related to physical appearance (e.g., sensations, thoughts, or emotions) and the engagement in behaviors committed to life values.

Computational Models of the Representation of Bangla Compound Words in the Mental Lexicon.

PubMed

Dasgupta, Tirthankar; Sinha, Manjira; Basu, Anupam

2016-08-01

In this paper we aim to model the organization and processing of Bangla compound words in the mental lexicon. Our objective is to determine whether the mental lexicon access a Bangla compound word as a whole or decomposes the whole word into its constituent morphemes and then recognize them accordingly. To address this issue, we adopted two different strategies. First, we conduct a cross-modal priming experiment over a number of native speakers. Analysis of reaction time (RT) and error rates indicates that in general, Bangla compound words are accessed via partial decomposition process. That is some word follows full-listing mode of representation and some words follow the decomposition route of representation. Next, based on the collected RT data we have developed a computational model that can explain the processing phenomena of the access and representation of Bangla compound words. In order to achieve this, we first explored the individual roles of head word position, morphological complexity, orthographic transparency and semantic compositionality between the constituents and the whole compound word. Accordingly, we have developed a complexity based model by combining these features together. To a large extent we have successfully explained the possible processing phenomena of most of the Bangla compound words. Our proposed model shows an accuracy of around 83 %.

Reactive transport in a partially molten system with binary solid solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordan, J.; Hesse, M. A.

2017-12-01

Melt extraction from the Earth's mantle through high-porosity channels is required to explain the composition of the oceanic crust. Feedbacks from reactive melt transport are thought to localize melt into a network of high-porosity channels. Recent studies invoke lithological heterogeneities in the Earth's mantle to seed the localization of partial melts. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the reaction fronts that form as melt flows across the lithological interface of a heterogeneity and the background mantle. Simplified melting models of such systems aide in the interpretation and formulation of larger scale mantle models. Motivated by the aforementioned facts, we present a chromatographic analysis of reactive melt transport across lithological boundaries, using theory for hyperbolic conservation laws. This is an extension of well-known linear trace element chromatography to the coupling of major elements and energy transport. Our analysis allows the prediction of the feedbacks that arise in reactive melt transport due to melting, freezing, dissolution and precipitation for frontal reactions. This study considers the simplified case of a rigid, partially molten porous medium with binary solid solution. As melt traverses a lithological contact-modeled as a Riemann problem-a rich set of features arise, including a reacted zone between an advancing reaction front and partial chemical preservation of the initial contact. Reactive instabilities observed in this study originate at the lithological interface rather than along a chemical gradient as in most studies of mantle dynamics. We present a regime diagram that predicts where reaction fronts become unstable, thereby allowing melt localization into high-porosity channels through reactive instabilities. After constructing the regime diagram, we test the one-dimensional hyperbolic theory against two-dimensional numerical experiments. The one-dimensional hyperbolic theory is sufficient for predicting the qualitative behavior of reactive melt transport simulations conducted in two-dimensions. The theoretical framework presented can be extended to more complex and realistic phase behavior, and is therefore a useful tool for understanding nonlinear feedbacks in reactive melt transport problems relevant to mantle dynamics.

The Multiphase Rheology of Monte Nuovo's Eruption (Campi Flegrei, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vona, A.; Romano, C.; Giordano, D.; Russell, K.

2011-12-01

We present a study of high-temperature, uniaxial deformation experiments of natural, partially crystallized samples from the Monte Nuovo (1538 AD) trachytic eruption. The experiments were performed at dry atmospheric conditions and controlled deformation rate using a high-temperature uniaxial Geocomp LoadTrac II press. Experiments were performed isothermally by deforming cores of the natural (i.e., crystal- and vesicle-bearing) samples at constant displacement rates (CDR) corresponding to constant strain rates between 10-7 and 10-4 s-1. The measurements were all performed in the viscous-flow regime and showed non-Newtonian shear thinning behavior. Measured viscosities vary between 1010 and 1013 Pa s. As no yield stress was detected, the flow behavior of the investigated specimens could be described with a simplified Herschel-Bulkley equation in terms of consistency K and flow index n. As the pure liquid and the liquid+crystal rheology of these samples were already measured in previous studies, we were able to estimate the net effects of crystals and vesicles on the rheology of the multiphase suspensions. The results revealed that the presence of vesicles has a major impact on the rheological response of magmas leading to a marked decrease of their viscosity, which partially balances the increase of viscosity due to the presence of crystals. At the same time, the presence of bubbles leads to a strong decrease in the shear strength of the magma inducing local and temporal variation in the deformation regimes (viscous vs. brittle). Brittle and ductile failure were in fact observed at T=600°C and strain rates of 10-5 s-1 and at T=800°C for the higher applied strain rate (10-4 s-1), respectively. During lava flow emplacement, this may explain the origin of the flow banding textures frequently observed in many silicic obsidian lava flows.

THE INFLUENCE OF NONUNIFORM CLOUD COVER ON TRANSIT TRANSMISSION SPECTRA

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

Line, Michael R.; Parmentier, Vivien, E-mail: mrline@ucsc.edu

2016-03-20

We model the impact of nonuniform cloud cover on transit transmission spectra. Patchy clouds exist in nearly every solar system atmosphere, brown dwarfs, and transiting exoplanets. Our major findings suggest that fractional cloud coverage can exactly mimic high mean molecular weight atmospheres and vice versa over certain wavelength regions, in particular, over the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) bandpass (1.1–1.7 μm). We also find that patchy cloud coverage exhibits a signature that is different from uniform global clouds. Furthermore, we explain analytically why the “patchy cloud-high mean molecular weight” degeneracy exists. We also explore the degeneracy ofmore » nonuniform cloud coverage in atmospheric retrievals on both synthetic and real planets. We find from retrievals on a synthetic solar composition hot Jupiter with patchy clouds and a cloud-free high mean molecular weight warm Neptune that both cloud-free high mean molecular weight atmospheres and partially cloudy atmospheres can explain the data equally well. Another key finding is that the HST WFC3 transit transmission spectra of two well-observed objects, the hot Jupiter HD 189733b and the warm Neptune HAT-P-11b, can be explained well by solar composition atmospheres with patchy clouds without the need to invoke high mean molecular weight or global clouds. The degeneracy between high molecular weight and solar composition partially cloudy atmospheres can be broken by observing the molecular Rayleigh scattering differences between the two. Furthermore, the signature of partially cloudy limbs also appears as a ∼100 ppm residual in the ingress and egress of the transit light curves, provided that the transit timing is known to seconds.« less

Long-term Outcomes of the FRESH START Trial: Exploring the Role of Self-efficacy in Cancer Survivors’ Maintenance of Dietary Practices and Physical Activity

PubMed Central

Mosher, Catherine E.; Lipkus, Isaac; Sloane, Richard; Snyder, Denise C.; Lobach, David F.; Demark-Wahnefried, Wendy

2012-01-01

Objective This study examined whether changes in self-efficacy explain the effects of a mailed print intervention on long-term dietary practices of breast and prostate cancer survivors. The relationship between change in self-efficacy and long-term physical activity (PA) also was examined. Methods Breast and prostate cancer survivors (N=543) from 39 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces participated in the FRESH START intervention trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a 10-month program of mailed print materials on diet and PA available in the public domain or a 10-month program of tailored materials designed to increase fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake, decrease fat intake, and/or increase PA. Changes in self-efficacy for F&V intake and fat restriction were analyzed as potential mediators of the intervention’s effects on diet at 2-year follow-up. Because we previously found that change in self-efficacy for PA did not vary by group assignment, the relationship between change in self-efficacy and PA at 2-year follow-up was examined across study conditions. Results Results suggest that change in self-efficacy for fat restriction partially explained the intervention’s effect on fat intake (mean indirect effect=-.28), and change in self-efficacy for F&V consumption partially explained the intervention’s effect on daily F&V intake (mean indirect effect=.11). Change in self-efficacy for fat restriction partially accounted for the intervention’s impact on overall diet quality among men only (mean indirect effect=.60). Finally, change in self-efficacy for PA predicted PA at 2-year follow-up. Conclusions Findings suggest that self-efficacy may influence long-term maintenance of healthy lifestyle practices among cancer survivors. PMID:22544562

Biodynamic feedback training to assure learning partial load bearing on forearm crutches.

PubMed

Krause, Daniel; Wünnemann, Martin; Erlmann, Andre; Hölzchen, Timo; Mull, Melanie; Olivier, Norbert; Jöllenbeck, Thomas

2007-07-01

To examine how biodynamic feedback training affects the learning of prescribed partial load bearing (200N). Three pre-post experiments. Biomechanics laboratory in a German university. A volunteer sample of 98 uninjured subjects who had not used crutches recently. There were 24 subjects in experiment 1 (mean age, 23.2y); 64 in experiment 2 (mean age, 43.6y); and 10 in experiment 3 (mean age, 40.3y), parallelized by arm force. Video instruction and feedback training: In experiment 1, 2 varied instruction videos and reduced feedback frequency; in experiment 2, varied frequencies of changing tasks (contextual interference); and in experiment 3, feedback training (walking) and transfer (stair tasks). Vertical ground reaction force. Absolute error of practiced tasks was significantly reduced for all samples (P<.050). Varied contextual interference conditions did not significantly affect retention (P=.798) or transfer (P=.897). Positive transfer between tasks was significant in experiment 2 (P<.001) and was contrary to findings in experiment 3 (P=.071). Biodynamic feedback training is applicable for learning prescribed partial load bearing. The frequency of changing tasks is irrelevant. Despite some support for transfer effects, additional practice in climbing and descending stairs might be beneficial.

The efficacy of incorporating partial squats in maximal strength training.

PubMed

Bazyler, Caleb D; Sato, Kimitake; Wassinger, Craig A; Lamont, Hugh S; Stone, Michael H

2014-11-01

The purpose of our study was to examine the effects of 2 different training methods on dynamic and isometric measures of maximal strength. Seventeen recreationally trained men (1 repetition maximum [1RM] squat: 146.9 ± 22.4 kg) were assigned to 2 groups: full range of motion (ROM) squat (F) and full ROM with partial ROM squat (FP) for the 7-week training intervention. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that there was a statistically significant group-by-time interaction for impulse scaled at 50, 90, and 250 milliseconds at 90° of knee flexion and rate of force development at 200 milliseconds with 120° of knee flexion (p ≤ 0.05). There was also a statistically significant time effect (p ≤ 0.05) for the 1RM squat, 1RM partial squat, isometric squat peak force allometrically scaled (IPFa) 90°, IPFa 120°, and impulse allometrically scaled at 50, 90, 200, and 250 milliseconds at 90° and 120° of knee flexion. Additionally, the FP group achieved statistically larger relative training intensities (%1RM) during the final 3 weeks of training (p ≤ 0.05). There was a trend for FP to improve over F in 1RM squat (+3.1%, d = 0.53 vs. 0.32), 1RM partial squat (+4.7%, d = 0.95 vs. 0.69), IPFa 120° (+5.7%, d = 0.52 vs. 0.12), and impulse scaled at 50, 90, 200, and 250 milliseconds at 90° (+6.3 to 13.2%, d = 0.50-1.01 vs. 0.30-0.57) and 120° (+3.4 to 16.8%, d = 0.45-1.11 vs. 0.08-0.37). These larger effect sizes in the FP group can likely be explained their ability to train at larger relative training intensities during the final 3 weeks of training resulting in superior training adaptations. Our findings suggest that partial ROM squats in conjunction with full ROM squats may be an effective training method for improving maximal strength and early force-time curve characteristics in men with previous strength training experience. Practically, partial squats may be beneficial for strength and power athletes during a strength-speed mesocycle while peaking for competition.

Recent development of the passive vibration control method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishida, Yukio

2012-05-01

This paper introduces new passive vibration suppression methods developed recently in our laboratory. First, two methods used to suppress steady-state resonances are explained. One is the improvement of the efficiency of a ball balancer. A simple method to eliminate the influence of friction of balls and to improve its efficiency is introduced. The other is an effective method that utilizes the discontinuous spring characteristics. Secondly, a method to eliminate unstable ranges in rotor systems is explained. Unstable ranges in an asymmetrical shaft, and in a hollow rotor partially filled with liquid, are eliminated by the discontinuous spring characteristics. Thirdly, a method to suppress self-excited oscillations is explained. Self-excited oscillations due to internal damping and rubbing are discussed. Finally, the methods of using a pendulum or roller type absorbers to suppress torsional vibrations are explained.

Methamphetamine Use: Hazards and Social Influences.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wermuth, Laurie

2000-01-01

Presents data on methamphetamine use in the United States and the economic and social pressures that may partially explain expanded methamphetamine use. Recommends a policy response that utilizes a public health approach, including prevention campaigns, harm-reduction outreach and treatment approaches, and pharmacologic and abstinence-based drug…

Self-Regulation and the Income-Achievement Gap

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Gary W.; Rosenbaum, Jennifer

2008-01-01

The pervasive income-related achievement gap among children has been partially explained by parental investments. Wealthier parents provide more cognitively enriched environments (e.g., books, informal learning opportunities such as music lessons) and converse more with their children relative to low-income parents. However parental investment…

An experimental and petrologic investigation of the source regions of lunar magmatism in the context of the primordial differentiation of the moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elardo, Stephen M.

The primordial differentiation of the Moon via a global magma ocean has become the paradigm under which all lunar data are interpreted. The success of this model in explaining multiple geochemical, petrologic, and isotopic characteristics lunar geology has led to magma oceans becoming the preferred model for the differentiation of Earth, Mars, Mercury, Vesta, and other large terrestrial bodies. The goal of this work is to combine petrologic analyses of lunar samples with high pressure, high temperature petrologic experiments to place new and detailed constraints the petrogenetic processes that operated during different stages of lunar magmatism, the processes that have acted upon these magmas to obscure their relationship to their mantle source regions, and how those source regions fit into the context of the lunar magma ocean model. This work focuses on two important phases of lunar magmatism: the ancient crust-building plutonic lithologies of the Mg-suite dating to ~4.3 Ga, and the most recent known mare basaltic magmas dating to ~3 Ga. These samples provide insight into the petrogenesis of magmas and interior thermal state when the Moon was a hot, juvenile planet, and also during the last gasps of magmatism from a cooling planet. Chapter 1, focusing on Mg-suite troctolite 76535, presents data on chromite symplectites, olivine-hosted melt inclusions, intercumulus mineral assemblages, and cumulus mineral chemistry to argue that the 76535 was altered by metasomatism by a migrating basaltic melt. This process could effectively raise radioisotope systems above their mineral-specific blocking temperatures and help explain some of the Mg-suite-FAN age overlap. Chapter 2 focuses on lunar meteorites NWA 4734, 032, and LAP 02205, which are 3 of the 5 youngest igneous samples from the Moon. Using geochemical and isotopic data combined with partial melting models, it is shown that these basalts do not have a link to the KREEP reservoir, and a model is presented for low-degree partial melting of late-stage LMO cumulates to generate Fe-rich partial melts. Chapter 3 presents datasets from NWA 032 that document one of the only occurrences of oscillatory zoning in lunar minerals. A model is presented that explains the zoning patterns in olivine and pyroxene by convection in a differentially cooling magma chamber. Constraints from mineral chemistry and isotopic compositions show that magma mixing was not a factor during this convection. Lastly, chapter 4 presents the results of high-pressure, high-temperature petrologic experiments on the compositions of the LAP 02205 group basalts, and NEA 003A, the latter of which is also one of the youngest basalts from the Moon. These results show that the LAP group basalts are likely the result of extreme olivine fractionation, whereas NEA 003A not only has the deepest known multiple saturation point amongst crystalline mare basalts, but also may be a near-primary melt. Possible parental melt compositions are calculated for these basalts, and models are presents for the petrogenesis of these basalts and discussed in the context of a cooling lunar mantle. These studies illustrate the importance of different LMO cumulate source regions in lunar magmatism at very different points in the thermal and magmatic evolution of the Moon.

Monetary policy and the effects of oil price shocks on the Japanese economy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Byung Rhae

1998-12-01

The evidence of output decreases and price level increases following oil price shocks in the Japanese economy is presented in this paper. These negative effects of oil shocks are better explained by Hamilton's (1996) net oil price increase measure (NOPI) than by other oil measures. The fact that an oil shock has a statistically significant effect on the call money rate and real output and that the call money rate also has a statistically significant effect on real output appears to explain that the effects of oil price shocks on economic activity are partially attributed to contractionary monetary policy responses. The asymmetric effects of positive and negative oil shocks are also found in the Japanese economy and this asymmetry can also be partially explained by monetary policy responses. To assess the relative contribution of oil shocks and endogenous monetary policy responses to the economic downturns, I shut off the responses of the call money rate to oil shocks utilizing the impulse response results from the VAR model. Then, I re-run the VAR with the adjusted call money rate series. The empirical results show that around 30--40% of the negative effects of oil price shocks on the Japanese economy can be accounted for by oil shock induced monetary tightening.

Growth Trajectories of Mexican-Origin Adolescent Mothers’ Educational Expectations

PubMed Central

Bravo, Diamond Y.; Toomey, Russell B.; Umaña-Taylor, Adriana J.; Updegraff, Kimberly A.; Jahromi, Laudan B.

2015-01-01

Pregnant and parenting adolescents are at significant risk for educational underachievement. Educational expectations play a critical role for understanding subsequent educational attainment; yet, limited empirical attention has been given to changes in educational expectations across the transition to parenthood among adolescent mothers. This longitudinal study explored stability and change in educational expectations across the transition to parenthood among 191 first-time pregnant Mexican-origin adolescents (Mage = 16.76, SD = .98). The current study also examined how several contextually relevant risk and protective factors were associated with differential patterns of educational trajectories across this transition and subsequent educational attainment. Latent class growth analyses revealed three educational expectation trajectories: low and stable (< high school degree), moderate and increasing (≈ associate degree), and high and increasing (≈ bachelor’s degree). Adolescent mothers in the low and stable group encountered several educational risk factors that partially explained their probability of membership in this trajectory and subsequent lower attainment. Conversely, probability of membership in the high and increasing expectations class was partially explained by adolescents’ on-track school status at the time of pregnancy and their mother figures’ educational expectations for their pregnant daughters. These findings have implications for understanding the malleable factors that help to explain why some adolescent mothers describe consistently high educational expectations and subsequent higher attainment, while others do not. PMID:28392610

Unpopularity and Disliking among Peers: Partially Distinct Dimensions of Adolescents' Social Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gorman, Andrea Hopmeyer; Schwartz, David; Nakamoto, Jonathan; Mayeux, Lara

2011-01-01

The paper examines whether unpopularity and disliking among peers are partially distinct dimensions of adolescents' negative social experience. We recruited 418 students (187 boys, 231 girls, M = 12.12 years, SD = 4.33) from an urban junior high school. These early adolescents completed a peer nomination inventory assessing aspects of their social…

A novel principle for partial agonism of liver X receptor ligands. Competitive recruitment of activators and repressors.

PubMed

Albers, Michael; Blume, Beatrix; Schlueter, Thomas; Wright, Matthew B; Kober, Ingo; Kremoser, Claus; Deuschle, Ulrich; Koegl, Manfred

2006-02-24

Partial, selective activation of nuclear receptors is a central issue in molecular endocrinology but only partly understood. Using LXRs as an example, we show here that purely agonistic ligands can be clearly and quantitatively differentiated from partial agonists by the cofactor interactions they induce. Although a pure agonist induces a conformation that is incompatible with the binding of repressors, partial agonists such as GW3965 induce a state where the interaction not only with coactivators, but also corepressors is clearly enhanced over the unliganded state. The activities of the natural ligand 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol and of a novel quinazolinone ligand, LN6500 can be further differentiated from GW3965 and T0901317 by their weaker induction of coactivator binding. Using biochemical and cell-based assays, we show that the natural ligand of LXR is a comparably weak partial agonist. As predicted, we find that a change in the coactivator to corepressor ratio in the cell will affect NCoR recruiting compounds more dramatically than NCoR-dissociating compounds. Our data show how competitive binding of coactivators and corepressors can explain the tissue-specific behavior of partial agonists and open up new routes to a rational design of partial agonists for LXRs.

Job demand and control in mid-life and physical and mental functioning in early old age: do childhood factors explain these associations in a British birth cohort?

PubMed Central

von Bonsdorff, Mikaela B; Cooper, Rachel; Kuh, Diana

2014-01-01

Objectives Adverse work-related exposures have been linked with decreased physical and mental functioning in later life, however, whether childhood factors explain the associations between work exposures and functioning is unknown. Our aim was to investigate if job demand and control in mid-life were related to self-reported physical and mental functioning in early old age and whether childhood factors explained these associations. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting England, Scotland and Wales. Participants and outcome measures Data come from the UK Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development, a cohort with follow-up since birth in 1946. 1485 occupationally active study members had data available on job demand and control in mid-life and on physical and mental functioning assessed using the Short Form-36 questionnaire at 60–64 years. Results Those with higher job control in mid-life had better physical functioning than those who reported lower job control (β 0.51, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.01, p=0.04 adjusted for adult confounders). Those with higher job demand in mid-life had poorer mental functioning (β −0.82, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.51, p<0.001). Associations between job control and mental functioning were similar but less pronounced. Adjustment for childhood factors (father's and mother's educational attainment, parents’ interest in school at age 7 and cognitive ability at age 8) partially explained the association between job control and physical functioning, but did not explain the association between job demand and mental functioning. Conclusions Job demand and control in mid-life are differentially associated with mental and physical functioning in early old age and some of these associations may be partially explained by childhood factors. PMID:25319998

Modulation of neuronal pentraxin 1 expression in rat pancreatic β-cells submitted to chronic glucotoxic stress.

PubMed

Schvartz, Domitille; Couté, Yohann; Brunner, Yannick; Wollheim, Claes B; Sanchez, Jean-Charles

2012-08-01

Insulin secretory granules are β-cell vesicles dedicated to insulin processing, storage, and release. The secretion of insulin secretory granule content in response to an acute increase of glucose concentration is a highly regulated process allowing normal glycemic homeostasis. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. The consequent prolonged glucose exposure is known to exert deleterious effects on the function of various organs, notably impairment of insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells and induction of apoptosis. It has also been described as modifying gene and protein expression in β-cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that a modulation of insulin secretory granule protein expression induced by chronic hyperglycemia may partially explain β-cell dysfunction. To identify the potential early molecular mechanisms underlying β-cell dysfunction during chronic hyperglycemia, we performed SILAC and mass spectrometry experiments to monitor changes in the insulin secretory granule proteome from INS-1E rat insulinoma β-cells cultivated either with 11 or 30 mm of glucose for 24 h. Fourteen proteins were found to be differentially expressed between these two conditions, and several of these proteins were not described before to be present in β-cells. Among them, neuronal pentraxin 1 was only described in neurons so far. Here we investigated its expression and intracellular localization in INS-1E cells. Furthermore, its overexpression in glucotoxic conditions was confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels. According to its role in hypoxia-ischemia-induced apoptosis described in neurons, this suggests that neuronal pentraxin 1 might be a new β-cell mediator in the AKT/GSK3 apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, the modification of specific β-cell pathways such as apoptosis and oxidative stress may partially explain the impairment of insulin secretion and β-cell failure, observed after prolonged exposure to high glucose concentrations.

The 5-day wave and ionospheric absorption

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fraser, G. J.

1977-01-01

In a previous paper, Fraser and Thorpe (1976) indicated that the average partial-coherence spectra for three summers and the average for three winters at a southern mid-latitude site had a dominant peak at a period of about six days. This peak in coherence between absorption and temperature is anomalous, and the present paper explains how some of the unexpected coherence features can be explained by the five-day wave described by Geisler and Dickinson (1976) and whose existence in the upper stratosphere was discussed by Rodgers (1976).

Marangoni-flow-induced partial coalescence of a droplet on a liquid/air interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Kai; Zhang, Peng; Che, Zhizhao; Wang, Tianyou

2018-02-01

The coalescence of a droplet and a liquid/air interface of lower surface tension was numerically studied by using the lattice Boltzmann phase-field method. The experimental phenomenon of droplet ejection observed by Blanchette et al. [Phys. Fluids 21, 072107 (2009), 10.1063/1.3177339] at sufficiently large surface tension differences was successfully reproduced for the first time. Furthermore, the emergence, disappearance, and re-emergence of "partial coalescence" with increasing surface tension difference was observed and explained. The re-emergence of partial coalescence under large surface tension differences is caused by the remarkable lifting motion of the Marangoni flow, which significantly retards the vertical collapse. Two different modes of partial coalescence were identified by the simulation, namely peak injection occurs at lower Ohnesorge numbers and bottom pinch-off at higher Ohnesorge numbers. By comparing the characteristic timescales of the upward Marangoni flow with that of the downward flow driven by capillary pressure, a criterion for the transition from partial to total coalescence was derived based on scaling analysis and numerically validated.

Mechanism of cAMP Partial Agonism in Protein Kinase G (PKG)*♦

PubMed Central

VanSchouwen, Bryan; Selvaratnam, Rajeevan; Giri, Rajanish; Lorenz, Robin; Herberg, Friedrich W.; Kim, Choel; Melacini, Giuseppe

2015-01-01

Protein kinase G (PKG) is a major receptor of cGMP and controls signaling pathways often distinct from those regulated by cAMP. Hence, the selective activation of PKG by cGMP versus cAMP is critical. However, the mechanism of cGMP-versus-cAMP selectivity is only limitedly understood. Although the C-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain B of PKG binds cGMP with higher affinity than cAMP, the intracellular concentrations of cAMP are typically higher than those of cGMP, suggesting that the cGMP-versus-cAMP selectivity of PKG is not controlled uniquely through affinities. Here, we show that cAMP is a partial agonist for PKG, and we elucidate the mechanism for cAMP partial agonism through the comparative NMR analysis of the apo, cGMP-, and cAMP-bound forms of the PKG cyclic nucleotide-binding domain B. We show that although cGMP activation is adequately explained by a two-state conformational selection model, the partial agonism of cAMP arises from the sampling of a third, partially autoinhibited state. PMID:26370085

Intuitive model for the scintillations of a partially coherent beam

DOE PAGES

Efimov, Anatoly

2014-12-23

We developed an intuitive model for the scintillation index of a partially coherent beam in which essentially the only critical parameter is the properly defined Fresnel number equal to the ratio of the “working” aperture area to the area of the Fresnel zone. The model transpired from and is supported by numerical simulations using Rytov method for weak fluctuations regime and Tatarskii turbulence spectrum with inner scale. The ratio of the scintillation index of a partially coherent beam to that of a plane wave displays a characteristic minimum, the magnitude of which and its distance from the transmitter are easilymore » explained using the intuitive model. Furthermore, a theoretical asymptotic is found for the scintillation index of a source with decreasing coherence at this minimum.« less

A COMPARISON OF EXPERIMENTS AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES. PART II. UNPOISONED UNIFORM SLAB CORE WITH A PARTIALLY INSERTED HAFNIUM ROD AND A PARTIALLY INSERTED WATER GAP

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

Roseberry, R.J.

The experimental measurements and nuclear analysis of a uniformly loaded, unpoisoned slab core with a partially inserted hafnium rod and/or a partially inserted water gap are described. Comparisons of experimental data with calculated results of the UFO core and flux synthesis techniques are given. It is concluded that one of the flux synthesis techniques and the UFO code are able to predict flux distributions to within approximately -5% of experiment for most cases, with a maximum error of approximately -10% for a channel at the core- reflector boundary. The second synthesis technique failed to give comparable agreement with experiment evenmore » when various refinements were used, e.g. increasing the number of mesh points, performing the flux synthesis technique of iteration, and spectrum-weighting the appropriate calculated fluxes through the use of the SWAKRAUM code. These results are comparable to those reported in Part I of this study. (auth)« less

Preliminary results of sulfide melt/silicate wetting experiments in a partially melted ordinary chondrite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jurewicz, Stephen R.; Jones, John H.

1994-01-01

Recently, mechanisms for core formation in planetary bodies have received considerable attention. Most current theories emphasize the need for large degrees of silicate partial melting to facilitate the coalescence and sinking of sulfide-metal liquid blebs through a low strength semi-crystalline silicate mush. This scenario is based upon observations that sulfide-metal liquid tends to form circular blebs in partially molten meteorites during laboratory experiments. However, recent experimental work by Herpfer and Larimer indicates that some sulfide-Fe liquids have wetting angles at and slightly below 60 deg in an olivine aggregate, implying an interconnected melt structure at any melt fraction. Such melt interconnectivity provides a means for gravitational compaction and extraction of the majority of a sulfide liquid phase in small planetary bodies without invoking large degrees of silicate partial melting. Because of the important ramifications of these results, we conducted a series of experiments using H-chondrite starting material in order to evaluate sulfide-liquid/silicate wetting behavior in a more complex natural system.

Partial Picture Effects on Children's Memory for Sentences Containing Implicit Information.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Gloria E.; Pressley, Michael

1987-01-01

Two experiments were conducted examining the effects of partial picture adjuncts on young children's coding of information implied in sentences. Developmental differences were found in whether (l) partial pictures facilitated inferencing and (2) pictures containing information not explicitly stated in sentences promoted cue recall of the…

Effects of (-)-OSU6162 and ACR16 on motor activity in rats, indicating a unique mechanism of dopaminergic stabilization.

PubMed

Rung, Johan P; Rung, Emilia; Helgeson, Lisa; Johansson, Anette M; Svensson, Kjell; Carlsson, Arvid; Carlsson, Maria L

2008-06-01

Dopaminergic stabilizers can be defined as drugs that stimulate or inhibit dopaminergic signalling depending on the dopaminergic tone. (-)-OSU6162 and ACR16 appear to possess such a profile. They have been proposed to act as partial dopamine receptor agonists or as antagonists with preferential action on dopaminergic autoreceptors. Previous studies have shown either stimulation or inhibition of behaviour in response to (-)-OSU6162 and ACR16, which has been suggested to reflect their dual effects on dopaminergic signalling. The aims of the present work are to (1) examine the relation between behavioural response to these drugs and activity baseline, and (2) test the suggested mechanisms of action by means of close comparisons with the known partial D2-receptor agonists (-)-3-PPP and aripiprazole, and the D2 autoreceptor preferring antagonist amisulpride with respect to effects on behaviour. From the results of these experiments it can be concluded that: (1) The direction of the response to (-)-OSU6162 and ACR16 is dependent on activity baseline, which in turn, under physiological conditions, is determined primarily by test arena size of and degree of habituation to the environment. (2) The effects of (-)-OSU6162 and ACR16 cannot be explained on the basis of either partial dopamine receptor agonism or preferential dopamine autoreceptor antagonism. Nevertheless, the current data suggest at least two different D2-receptor-associated targets which mediate opposite effects on activity. This result fits in with a mechanism proposed from a recent in vitro study, according to which (-)-OSU6162 has a dual action on dopamine D2 receptors, (a) an allosteric effect causing an enhanced response to dopamine, and (b) the previously proposed orthosteric effect antagonizing the action of dopamine.

Computer-Assisted Organizing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brunner, David James

2009-01-01

Organizing refers to methods of distributing physical and symbolic tasks among multiple agents in order to achieve goals. My dissertation investigates the dynamics of organizing in hybrid information processing systems that incorporate both humans and computers. To explain the behavior of these hybrid systems, I develop and partially test a theory…

Moral Cognition: Explaining the Gender Difference in Antisocial Behavior.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barriga, Alvaro Q.; Morrison, Elizabeth M.; Liau, Albert K.; Gibbs, John C.

2001-01-01

Examined whether gender discrepancy in late adolescents' antisocial behavior may be attributed to gender differences in other moral cognitive variables. Found that mature moral judgment and higher moral self-relevance were associated with lower self-serving cognitive distortion, partially mediating the relationship between those variables and…

Parenting Styles and Adjustment Outcomes among College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Love, Keisha M.; Thomas, Deneia M.

2014-01-01

Research has demonstrated that parenting styles partially explain college students' academic adjustment. However, to account for academic adjustment more fully, additional contributors should be identified and tested. We examined the fit of a hypothesized model consisting of parenting styles, indicators of well-being, and academic adjustment…

Partial ASL extensions for stochastic programming.

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

Gay, David

2010-03-31

partially completed extensions for stochastic programming to the AMPL/solver interface library (ASL).modeling and experimenting with stochastic recourse problems. This software is not primarily for military applications

Double polarisation experiments in meson photoproduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartmann, Jan

2016-11-01

One of the remaining challenges within the standard model is to gain a good understanding of QCD in the non-perturbative regime. A key step towards this aim is baryon spectroscopy, investigating the spectrum and the properties of baryon resonances. To gain access to resonances with small πN partial width, photoproduction experiments provide essential information. Partial wave analyses need to be performed to extract the contributing resonances. Here, a complete experiment is required to unambiguously determine the contributing amplitudes. This involves the measurement of carefully chosen single and double polarisation observables. In a joint endeavour by MAMI, ELSA, and Jefferson Laboratory, a new generation of experiments with polarised beams, polarised proton and neutron targets, and 4π particle detectors have been performed in recent years. Many results of unprecedented quality were recently published by all three experiments, and included by the various partial wave analysis groups in their analyses, leading to substantial improvements, e.g. a more precise determination of resonance parameters. An overview of recent results is given, with an emphasis on results from the CBELSA/TAPS experiment, and their impact on our understanding of the nucleon excitation spectrum is discussed.

Textural evolution of partially-molten planetary materials in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, E. B.

1987-01-01

Recent Earth-based experiments examining the textural evolution of partially-molten rocks have revealed two important ways in which surface energy considerations affect magma. An initial experimental program addressing surface-energy effects on partially-molten materials in microgravity would involve simple, isothermal treatment of natural samples (meteorites, perioditic komatiite) at preselected temperatures in the melting range. Textural evolution would be assessed by time studies in which the only experiment variable would be run duration. Textural characterization of each sample would be done by quenching, recover, and sectioning for generally later, computer-aided interpretation of features.

Framing effects and risk-sensitive decision making.

PubMed

Mishra, Sandeep; Gregson, Margaux; Lalumière, Martin L

2012-02-01

Prospect theory suggests that people are risk-averse when facing gains, but risk-prone when facing losses, a pattern known as the framing effect. Although framing effects have been widely demonstrated, few studies have investigated framing effects under conditions of need. Risk-sensitivity theory predicts that decision makers should prefer high-risk options in situations of high need, when lower risk options are unlikely to meet those needs. In two experiments, we examined (1) whether framing effects occurred in behavioural tasks involving risky decision making from description and decision making from experience, (2) whether participants' risky decision making conformed to the predictions of risk-sensitivity theory, and (3) whether decision framing interacted with conditions of need to influence decision making under risk. The results suggest that under all circumstances, risky decision making conformed to the predictions of risk-sensitivity theory. Framing effects were at least partially demonstrable under all experimental conditions. Finally, negative frames interacted with situations of high need to produce particularly elevated levels of risky choice. Together, the results suggest that risk-sensitivity theory can augment prospect theory to explain choice under conditions of need. ©2011 The British Psychological Society.

Family-supportive organization perceptions and organizational commitment: the mediating role of work-family conflict and enrichment and partner attitudes.

PubMed

Wayne, Julie Holliday; Casper, Wendy J; Matthews, Russell A; Allen, Tammy D

2013-07-01

The present study aims to explain the processes through which family-supportive organizational perceptions (FSOP) relate to employee affective commitment. We suggest multiple mechanisms through which this relationship transpires-(a) the focal employee's experience of work-to-family conflict and enrichment and (b) the attitudes of the employee's spouse/partner. Hypotheses are tested with data from 408 couples. Results suggest that employee FSOP is positively associated with employee commitment through both employee work-to-family experiences and partner attitudes. FSOP was positively related to employee work-to-family enrichment, which was positively associated with employee affective commitment. FSOP was negatively associated with employee work-to-family conflict, which related to a partner's more positive attitude toward the employee's work schedule and higher commitment to the employee's firm. Partner commitment was positively and reciprocally related to employee affective commitment. These relationships partially mediated the FSOP-employee affective commitment relationship and varied as a function of parental status and single- versus dual-earner couple status but not as a function of employee gender. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved.

Polarization characteristics of semipolar (112̄2) InGaN/GaN quantum well structures grown on relaxed InGaN buffer layers and comparison with experiment.

PubMed

Park, Seoung-Hwan; Mishra, Dhaneshwar; Eugene Pak, Y; Kang, K; Park, Chang Yong; Yoo, Seung-Hyun; Cho, Yong-Hee; Shim, Mun-Bo; Kim, Sungjin

2014-06-16

Partial strain relaxation effects on polarization ratio of semipolar (112̄2) InxGa1−xN/GaN quantum well (QW) structures grown on relaxed InGaN buffers were investigated using the multiband effective-mass theory. The absolute value of the polarization ratio gradually decreases with increasing In composition in InGaN buffer layer when the strain relaxation ratio (ε0y′y′−εy′y′)/ε0y′y′ along y′-axis is assumed to be linearly proportional to the difference of lattice constants between the well and the buffer layer. Also, it changes its sign for the QW structure grown on InGaN buffer layer with a relatively larger In composition (x > 0.07). These results are in good agreement with the experiment. This can be explained by the fact that, with increasing In composition in the InGaN subsrate, the spontaneous emission rate for the y′-polarization gradually increases while that for x′-polarization decreases due to the decrease in a matrix element at the band-edge (k‖ = 0).

Evidence from a partial report task for forgetting in dynamic spatial memory.

PubMed

Gugerty, L

1998-09-01

G. Sperling (1960) and others have investigated memory for briefly presented stimuli by using a partial versus whole report technique in which participants sometimes reported part of a stimulus array and sometimes reported all of it. For simple, static stimulus displays, the partial report technique showed that participants could recall most of the information in the stimulus array but that this information faded quickly when participants engaged in whole report recall. An experiment was conducted that applied the partial report method to a task involving complex displays of moving objects. In the experiment, 26 participants viewed cars in a low-fidelity driving simulator and then reported the locations of some or all of the cars in each scene. A statistically significant advantage was found for the partial report trials. This finding suggests that detailed spatial location information was forgotten from dynamic spatial memory over the 14 s that it took participants to recall whole report trials. The experiment results suggest better ways of measuring situation awareness. Partial report recall techniques may give a more accurate measure of people's momentary situation awareness than whole report techniques. Potential applications of this research include simulator-based measures of situation awareness ability that can be part of inexpensive test batteries to select people for real-time tasks (e.g., in a driver licensing battery) and to identify people who need additional training.

Psychoacoustic Factors in Musical Intonation: Beats, Interval Tuning, and Inharmonicity.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keislar, Douglas Fleming

Three psychoacoustic experiments were conducted using musically experienced subjects. In the first two experiments, the interval tested was the perfect fifth F4-C5; in the final one it was the major third F4-A4. The beat rate was controlled by two different methods: (1) simply retuning the interval, and (2) frequency-shifting one partial of each pair of beating partials without changing the overall interval tuning. The second method introduces inharmonicity. In addition, two levels of beat amplitude were introduced by using either a complete spectrum of 16 equal-amplitude partials per note, or by deleting one partial from each pair of beating partials. The results of all three experiments indicate that, for these stimuli, beating does not contribute significantly to the percept of "out-of-tuneness," because it made no difference statistically whether the beat amplitude was maximal or minimal. By contrast, mistuning the interval was highly significant. For the fifths, frequency-shifting the appropriate partials had about as much effect on the perceived intonation as mistuning the interval. For thirds, this effect was weaker, presumably since there were fewer inharmonic partials and they were higher in the harmonic series. Subjects were less consistent in their judgments of thirds than of fifths, perhaps because the equal-tempered and just thirds differ noticeably, unlike fifths. Since it is unlikely that beats would be more audible in real musical situations than under these laboratory conditions, these results suggest that the perception of intonation in music is dependent on the actual interval tuning rather than the concomitant beat rate. If beating partials are unimportant vis-a-vis interval tuning, this strengthens the argument for a cultural basis for musical intonation and scales, as opposed to the acoustical basis set forth by Helmholtz and others.

Partial structure factors reveal atomic dynamics in metallic alloy melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowak, B.; Holland-Moritz, D.; Yang, F.; Voigtmann, Th.; Kordel, T.; Hansen, T. C.; Meyer, A.

2017-07-01

We investigate the dynamical decoupling of the diffusion coefficients of the different components in a metallic alloy melt, using a combination of neutron diffraction, isotopic substitution, and electrostatic levitation in Zr-Ni melts. We show that excess Ni atoms can diffuse more freely in a background of saturated chemical interaction, causing their dynamics to become much faster and thus decoupled than anticipated from the interparticle interactions. Based on the mode-coupling theory of the glass transition, the averaged structure as given by the partial static structure factors is able to explain the observed dynamical behavior.

Basic principles of Hasse diagram technique in chemistry.

PubMed

Brüggemann, Rainer; Voigt, Kristina

2008-11-01

Principles of partial order applied to ranking are explained. The Hasse diagram technique (HDT) is the application of partial order theory based on a data matrix. In this paper, HDT is introduced in a stepwise procedure, and some elementary theorems are exemplified. The focus is to show how the multivariate character of a data matrix is realized by HDT and in which cases one should apply other mathematical or statistical methods. Many simple examples illustrate the basic theoretical ideas. Finally, it is shown that HDT is a useful alternative for the evaluation of antifouling agents, which was originally performed by amoeba diagrams.

Current controversies and challenges in robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, and open partial nephrectomies.

PubMed

Laviana, Aaron A; Hu, Jim C

2014-06-01

Recent studies demonstrate that partial versus radical nephrectomy confers a survival advantage while lowering the risk of severe chronic kidney disease. Open partial nephrectomy remains the gold standard, but the use of minimally invasive approaches is expanding. Using a MEDLINE literature search, we reviewed all relevant literature between 2000 and 2014. Fifty-one articles were left for review after filtering for inclusion of trends, learning curve, perioperative outcomes, warm ischemia time, and costs. Partial nephrectomy use has increased over the past decade accounting for 24.7 % of all surgeries performed for the treatment of organ-confined renal masses in 2008. The introduction of robotic technology has continued to alter the landscape accounting for 47 % of all partial nephrectomies at academic US centers in 2011, though a center bias and publication bias likely exist. A slower adoption rate has been seen at non-academic centers and those in low-income areas. The learning curve for robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy has been shorter than for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, explaining, in part, why the rate of partial nephrectomy remained relatively stagnant before the robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy, despite an increase in the detection of small renal masses. Operative and warm ischemia time remain shortest for open partial nephrectomy, though it is associated with the highest blood loss and longest hospital stay. Finally, open partial nephrectomy remains the least costly modality. Each approach to partial nephrectomy has its advantages and disadvantages, and continued effort must be applied to comparative effectiveness research for nephron-sparing treatments for renal cell carcinoma.

Results from the Heavy Ions In Space (HIIS) experiment on the ionic charge state of solar energetic particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tylka, Allan J.; Boberg, Paul R.; Adams, James H., Jr.; Beahm, Lorraine P.; Kleis, Thomas

1995-01-01

It has long been known that low-energy solar energetic particles (SEP's) are partially-ionized. For example, in large, so-called 'gradual' solar energetic particle events, at approximately 1 MeV/nucleon the measured mean ionic charge state, Q, of Fe ions is 14.1 +/- 0.2, corresponding to a plasma temperature of approximately 2 MK in the coronal or solar-wind source material. Recent studies, which have greatly clarified the origin of solar energetic particles and their relation to solar flares, suggest that ions in these SEP events are accelerated not at a flare site, but by shocks propagating through relatively low-density regions in the interplanetary medium. As a result, the partially-ionized states observed at low energies are expected to continue to higher energies. However, up to now there have been no high-energy measurements of ionic charge states to confirm this notion. We report here HIIS observations of Fe-group ions at 50-600 MeV/nucleon, at energies and fluences which cannot be explained by fully-ionized galactic cosmic rays, even in the presence of severe geomagnetic cutoff suppression. Above approximately 200 MeV/nucleon, all features of our data -- fluence, energy spectrum, elemental composition, and arrival directions -- can be explained by the large SEP events of October 1989, provided that the mean ionic charge state at these high energies is comparable to the measured value at approximately 1 MeV/nucleon. By comparing the HIIS observations with measurements in interplanetary space in October 1989, we determine the mean ionic charge state of SEP Fe ions at approximately 200-600 MeV/nucleon to be Q = 13.4 plus or minus 1.0, in good agreement with the observed value at approximately 1 MeV/nucleon. The source of the ions below approximately 200 MeV/nucleon is not yet clear. Partially-ionized ions are less effectively deflected by the Earth's magnetic field than fully-ionized cosmic rays and therefore have greatly enhanced access to low-Earth orbit. Moreover, at the high energies observed in HIIS, these ions can penetrate typical amounts of shielding. We discuss the significance of the HIIS results for estimates of the radiation hazard posed by large SEP events to satellites in low-Earth orbit, including the proposed Space Station orbit. Finally, we comment on previous reports of low-energy below-cutoff Fe-group ions, which some authors have interpreted as evidence for partially-ionized galactic cosmic rays. The LDEF flux levels are much smaller than the corresponding fluxes in these previous reports, implying that the source of these ions has an unusual solar-cycle variation and/or strongly increases with decreasing altitude.

[Odor sensing system and olfactory display].

PubMed

Nakamoto, Takamichi

2014-01-01

In this review, an odor sensing system and an olfactory display are introduced into people in pharmacy. An odor sensing system consists of an array of sensors with partially overlapping specificities and pattern recognition technique. One of examples of odor sensing systems is a halitosis sensor which quantifies the mixture composition of three volatile sulfide compounds. A halitosis sensor was realized using a preconcentrator to raise sensitivity and an electrochemical sensor array to suppress the influence of humidity. Partial least squares (PLS) method was used to quantify the mixture composition. The experiment reveals that the sufficient accuracy was obtained. Moreover, the olfactory display, which present scents to human noses, is explained. A multi-component olfactory display enables the presentation of a variety of smells. The two types of multi-component olfactory display are described. The first one uses many solenoid valves with high speed switching. The valve ON frequency determines the concentration of the corresponding odor component. The latter one consists of miniaturized liquid pumps and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) atomizer. It enables the wearable olfactory display without smell persistence. Finally, the application of the olfactory display is demonstrated. Virtual ice cream shop with scents was made as a content of interactive art. People can enjoy harmony among vision, audition and olfaction. In conclusion, both odor sensing system and olfactory display can contribute to the field of human health care.

Kinetic and microbiological characterization of aerobic granules performing partial nitritation of a low-strength wastewater at 10 °C.

PubMed

Reino, Clara; Suárez-Ojeda, María Eugenia; Pérez, Julio; Carrera, Julián

2016-09-15

A granular airlift reactor enriched in ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was operated at 10 °C performing stable partial nitritation in the long-term. The reactor treated a synthetic low-strength influent during 250 days with an average nitrogen loading rate of 0.63 ± 0.06 g N L(-1) d(-1). Nitrate production was barely detected, being the average concentration in the effluent of 0.6 ± 0.3 mg N-NO3 L(-1). Furthermore, a suitable effluent for a subsequent reactor performing the anammox process was achieved. A maximum specific growth rate as high as 0.63 ± 0.05 d(-1) was determined by performing kinetic experiments with the granular sludge in a chemostat and fitting the results to the Monod model. Pyrosequencing analysis showed a high enrichment in AOB (41 and 65% of the population were identified as Nitrosomonas genus on day 98 and 233, respectively) and an effective repression of nitrite oxidizing bacteria in the long-term. Pyrosequencing analysis also identified the coexistence of nitrifying bacteria and heterotrophic psychrotolerant microorganisms in the granular sludge. Some psychrotolerant microorganisms are producers of cryoprotective extracellular polymeric substances that could explain the better survival of the whole consortia at cold temperatures. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Reality of the Quantum World.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shimony, Abner

1988-01-01

Describes experiments used during recent history to explain the nature of the quantum world. Explains the essential elements of experiments using polarized light and magnetic flux. Illustrates differences between classical theories in physics and quantum theory. Shows how experiments in the microscopic and macroscopic world appear to support…

Increased proximal reflux in a hypersensitive esophagus might explain symptoms resistant to proton pump inhibitors in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

PubMed

Rohof, Wout O; Bennink, Roelof J; de Jonge, Hugo; Boeckxstaens, Guy E

2014-10-01

Approximately 30% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease have symptoms resistant to treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Several mechanisms such as esophageal hypersensitivity, increased mucosal permeability, and possibly the position of the gastric acid pocket might underlie a partial response to PPIs. To what extent these mechanisms interact and contribute to PPI-resistant symptoms, however, has not been investigated previously. In 18 gastroesophageal reflux disease patients (9 PPI responders and 9 PPI partial responders), esophageal sensitivity, mucosal permeability, and postprandial reflux parameters were determined during PPI use. Esophageal sensitivity for distension was measured by gradual balloon inflation at 5 and 15 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter. The mucosal permeability of 4 esophageal biopsy specimens per patient was determined in Ussing chambers by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance and transmucosal flux of fluorescein. Postprandial reflux parameters were determined using concurrent high-resolution manometry/pH impedance after a standardized meal. In addition, the acid pocket was visualized using scintigraphy. No difference in the rate of postprandial acid reflux, in the pH of the acid pocket (PPI responders 3.7 ± 0.7 vs PPI partial responders 4.2 ± 0.4; P = .54), or in the position of the acid pocket was observed in PPI partial responders compared with PPI responders. In addition, the permeability of the esophageal mucosa was similar in both groups, as shown by a similar transepithelial electrical resistance and flux of fluorescein. PPI partial responders had more reflux episodes with a higher mean proximal extent, compared with PPI responders, and were more sensitive to balloon distension, both in the upper and lower esophagus. PPI-resistant symptoms most likely are explained by increased proximal reflux in a hypersensitive esophagus and less likely by increased mucosal permeability or the position of the acid pocket. Copyright © 2014 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Natural Disasters and Human Behavior: Explanation, Research and Models.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glenn, Christopher

1979-01-01

A survey of published research determined that individual and group reactions to natural disasters differ greatly and depend partially on the predisaster personality. Four models are examined to explain individual and group reactions to natural disasters. A conglomerate model and a possible structure to future disaster research are offered.…

Communication Is Key: Unpacking "Use of Assessment Results to Improve Student Learning"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Kristen L.; Good, Megan Rodgers; Sanchez, Elizabeth Hawk; Fulcher, Keston H.

2015-01-01

Although higher education institutions often engage in assessment practices, use of assessment results to improve student learning is rare (Blaich & Wise, 2011). We surmised that this rarity could be partially explained by unclear communication regarding what "use of results" means. The current study qualitatively investigated how…

Change and Continuity in the Primary School: The Research Evidence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Galton, Maurice

1987-01-01

This article reviews findings from a 1975 through 1980 study called ORACLE (Observational Research and Classroom Learning Evaluation). Maintains that the data showed only partial implementation of the Plowden report recommendations. Seeks to explain the reasons for inconsistencies in implementation and offers suggestions for redefining progressive…

Chemistry of wood strength

Treesearch

Jerrold E. Winandy; Roger M. Rowell

2005-01-01

This chapter presents a theoretical model to explain the relationship between the mechanical properties and the chemical components of wood. This model is then used to describe the effects of altered composition on those mechanical properties. Many of the theories presented are only partially proven and just beginning to be understood. These theories should be...

Wilderness solitude: Beyond the social-spatial perspective

Treesearch

Steven J. Hollenhorst; Christopher D. Jones

2001-01-01

The current scholarly and management approach to wilderness solitude has relied on substitute measures such as crowding and privacy to measure solitude. Lackluster findings have been only partially explained by additional social-spatial factors such as encounter norms, displacement, product shift, and rationalization. Missing from the discussion has been an exploration...

Goal Setting in Principal Evaluation: Goal Quality and Predictors of Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sinnema, Claire E. L.; Robinson, Viviane M. J.

2012-01-01

This article draws on goal-setting theory to investigate the goals set by experienced principals during their performance evaluations. While most goals were about teaching and learning, they tended to be vaguely expressed and only partially achieved. Five predictors (commitment, challenge, learning, effort, and support) explained a significant…

Commentary: Mediation Analysis, Causal Process, and Cross-Sectional Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shrout, Patrick E.

2011-01-01

Maxwell, Cole, and Mitchell (2011) extended the work of Maxwell and Cole (2007), which raised important questions about whether mediation analyses based on cross-sectional data can shed light on longitudinal mediation process. The latest article considers longitudinal processes that can only be partially explained by an intervening variable, and…

The Relationship between Neighborhood Characteristics and Effective Parenting Behaviors: The Role of Social Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Byrnes, Hilary F.; Miller, Brenda A.

2012-01-01

Neighborhood characteristics have been linked to healthy behavior, including effective parenting behaviors. This may be partially explained through the neighborhood's relation to parents' access to social support from friends and family. The current study examined associations of neighborhood characteristics with parenting behaviors indirectly…

Mother-Child Joint Writing and Storybook Reading: Relations with Literacy among Low SES Kindergartners.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aram, Dorit; Levin, Iris

2002-01-01

Examined relationship of maternal mediation in joint writing and of storybook reading with emergent literacy among low-SES kindergartners. Found that after partialling out home environment measures and storybook reading, maternal writing mediation explained added variance for children's word writing/recognition and phonological awareness.…

Partial-genome evaluation of postweaning feed intake and efficiency of crossbred beef cattle

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Effects of individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), and variation explained by sets of SNP associated with dry matter intake (DMI), metabolic mid-test weight (MBW), BW gain (GN) and feed efficiency expressed as phenotypic and genetic residual feed intake (RFIp; RFIg) were estimated from wei...

Information Transfer Problems of the Partially Sighted: Recent Results and Project Summary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Genensky, S. M.; And Others

The fourth in a series of Rand reports on information transfer problems of the partially sighted reviews earlier reports and describes an experimental secretarial closed circuit TV (CCTV) system which enables the partially sighted to type from a printed or handwritten manuscript. Discussed are experiments using a pseudocolor system to determine…

Perceptions of conscience, stress of conscience and burnout among nursing staff in residential elder care.

PubMed

Juthberg, Christina; Eriksson, Sture; Norberg, Astrid; Sundin, Karin

2010-08-01

This paper is a report of a study of patterns of perceptions of conscience, stress of conscience and burnout in relation to occupational belonging among Registered Nurses and nursing assistants in municipal residential care of older people. Stress and burnout among healthcare personnel and experiences of ethical difficulties are associated with troubled conscience. In elder care the experience of a troubled conscience seems to be connected to occupational role, but little is known about how Registered Nurses and nursing assistants perceive their conscience, stress of conscience and burnout. Results of previous analyses of data collected in 2003, where 50 Registered Nurses and 96 nursing assistants completed the Perceptions of Conscience Questionnaire, Stress of Conscience Questionnaire and Maslach Burnout Inventory, led to a request for further analysis. In this study Partial Least Square Regression was used to detect statistical predictive patterns. Perceptions of conscience and stress of conscience explained 41.9% of the variance in occupational belonging. A statistical predictive pattern for Registered Nurses was stress of conscience in relation to falling short of expectations and demands and to perception of conscience as demanding sensitivity. A statistical predictive pattern for nursing assistants was perceptions that conscience is an authority and an asset in their work. Burnout did not contribute to the explained variance in occupational belonging. Both occupational groups viewed conscience as an asset and not a burden. Registered Nurses seemed to exhibit sensitivity to expectations and demands and nursing assistants used their conscience as a source of guidance in their work. Structured group supervision with personnel from different occupations is needed so that staff can gain better understanding about their own occupational situation as well as the situation of other occupational groups.

Transpiration efficiency over an annual cycle, leaf gas exchange and wood carbon isotope ratio of three tropical tree species.

PubMed

Cernusak, Lucas A; Winter, Klaus; Aranda, Jorge; Virgo, Aurelio; Garcia, Milton

2009-09-01

Variation in transpiration efficiency (TE) and its relationship with the stable carbon isotope ratio of wood was investigated in the saplings of three tropical tree species. Five individuals each of Platymiscium pinnatum (Jacq.) Dugand, Swietenia macrophylla King and Tectona grandis Linn. f. were grown individually in large (760 l) pots over 16 months in the Republic of Panama. Cumulative transpiration was determined by repeatedly weighing the pots with a pallet truck scale. Dry matter production was determined by destructive harvest. The TE, expressed as experiment-long dry matter production divided by cumulative water use, averaged 4.1, 4.3 and 2.9 g dry matter kg(-1) water for P. pinnatum, S. macrophylla and T. grandis, respectively. The TE of T. grandis was significantly lower than that of the other two species. Instantaneous measurements of the ratio of intercellular to ambient CO(2) partial pressures (c(i)/c(a)), taken near the end of the experiment, explained 66% of variation in TE. Stomatal conductance was lower in S. macrophylla than in T. grandis, whereas P. pinnatum had similar stomatal conductance to T. grandis, but with a higher photosynthetic rate. Thus, c(i)/c(a) and TE appeared to vary in response to both stomatal conductance and photosynthetic capacity. Stem-wood delta(13)C varied over a relatively narrow range of just 2.2 per thousand, but still explained 28% of variation in TE. The results suggest that leaf-level processes largely determined variation among the three tropical tree species in whole-plant water-use efficiency integrated over a full annual cycle.

Trauma related guilt cognitions partially mediate the relationship between PTSD symptom severity and functioning among returning combat veterans.

PubMed

Norman, S B; Haller, M; Kim, Hyungjin Myra; Allard, C B; Porter, K E; Stein, M B; Venners, M R; Authier, C C; Rauch, S A M

2018-05-01

Trauma related guilt, a distressing emotion associated with negative cognitions regarding one's actions or inaction during a traumatic event, is common among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We hypothesized that trauma related guilt cognitions would partially explain the relationship between PTSD symptom severity and functioning. The sample consisted of 254 combat veterans or active duty military personnel who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) who consented to participate in a larger PTSD treatment study. Results revealed a significant relationship between PTSD severity and guilt cognitions (standardized β = 0.40), as well as PTSD and overall functioning (β = 0.49). Guilt cognitions (β's = 0.13 to 0.32) were significantly associated with nearly all domains of functioning, including overall functioning (β = 0.27), and partially explained the relationship between PTSD and functioning. This study lends support to the addition of guilt as a symptom of PTSD in the DSM-5 as it contributes significantly to functional impairment even when accounting for other symptoms of PTSD, although co-occurring mental health problems may also contribute to functional impairments associated with PTSD. Future studies are needed to investigate whether reductions in traumatic guilt are related to improved functional outcomes in PTSD treatments. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Changes after partial cutting of a spruce-fir stand in Maine

Treesearch

Arthur C. Hart

1956-01-01

In 1945 a partial-cutting experiment in spruce-fir silviculture was begun by the Penobscot Research Center of the Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. The Eastern Pulp Wood Company of Calais, Maine, made available for the study a tract of forest land, in Dyer Township, Washington County, Maine. This 20.6-acre tract is part of a large area that had been burned over...

Health conditions and role limitation in three European Regions: a public-health perspective.

PubMed

Barbaglia, Gabriela; Adroher, Núria D; Vilagut, Gemma; Bruffaerts, Ronny; Bunting, Brentan; Caldas de Almeida, José Miguel; Florescu, Silvia; de Girolamo, Giovanni; de Graaf, Ron; Haro, Josep Maria; Hinkov, Hristo; Kovess-Masfety, Vivianne; Matschinger, Herbert; Alonso, Jordi

To describe the distribution of role limitation in the European population aged 18-64 years and to examine the contribution of health conditions to role limitation using a public-health approach. Representative samples of the adult general population (n=13,666) aged 18-64 years from 10 European countries of the World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys Initiative, grouped into three regions: Central-Western, Southern and Central-Eastern. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0) was used to assess six mental disorders and standard checklists for seven physical conditions. Days with full and with partial role limitation in the month previous to the interview were reported (WMH-WHODAS). Population Attributable Fraction (PAFs) of full and partial role limitation were estimated. Health conditions explained a large proportion of full role limitation (PAF=62.6%) and somewhat less of partial role limitation (46.6%). Chronic pain was the single condition that consistently contributed to explain both disability measures in all European Regions. Mental disorders were the most important contributors to full and partial role limitation in Central-Western and Southern Europe. In Central-Eastern Europe, where mental disorders were less prevalent, physical conditions, especially cardiovascular diseases, were the highest contributors to disability. The contribution of health conditions to role limitation in the three European regions studied is high. Mental disorders are associated with the largest impact in most of the regions. There is a need for mainstreaming disability in the public health agenda to reduce the role limitation associated with health conditions. The cross-regional differences found require further investigation. Copyright © 2016 SESPAS. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Trunk Muscle Attributes are Associated with Balance and Mobility in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Suri, Pradeep; Kiely, Dan K.; Leveille, Suzanne G.; Frontera, Walter R.; Bean, Jonathan. F.

2010-01-01

Objective To determine if trunk muscle attributes are associated with balance and mobility performance among mobility-limited older adults. Design Cross-sectional analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial. Setting Outpatient rehabilitation research center. Participants Community-dwelling older adults (N=70; mean age 75.9 y) with mobility limitations as defined by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Methods Independent variables included physiologic measures of trunk extension strength, trunk flexion strength, trunk extension endurance, trunk extension endurance and leg press strength. All measures were well tolerated by the study subjects without the occurrence of any associated injuries or adverse events. The association of each physiologic measure with each outcome was examined, using separate multivariate models to calculate the partial variance (R2) of each trunk and extremity measure. Main Outcome Measurements Balance measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Unipedal Stance Test (UST), and mobility performance as measured by the SPPB. Results Trunk extension endurance (partial R2=.14, p=.02), and leg press strength (partial R2=.14, p=.003) accounted for the greatest amount of the variance in SPPB performance. Trunk extension endurance (partial R2=.17, p=.007), accounted for the greatest amount of the variance in BBS performance. Trunk extension strength (R2=.09, p=.03), accounted for the greatest amount of the variance in UST performance. The variance explained by trunk extension endurance equaled or exceeded the variance explained by limb strength across all three performance outcomes. Conclusions Trunk endurance and strength can be safely measured in mobility-limited older adults, and are associated with both balance and mobility performance. Trunk endurance and trunk strength are physiologic attributes worthy of targeting in the rehabilitative care of mobility-limited older adults. PMID:19854420

Trunk muscle attributes are associated with balance and mobility in older adults: a pilot study.

PubMed

Suri, Pradeep; Kiely, Dan K; Leveille, Suzanne G; Frontera, Walter R; Bean, Jonathan F

2009-10-01

To determine whether trunk muscle attributes are associated with balance and mobility performance among mobility-limited older adults. Cross-sectional analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial. Outpatient rehabilitation research center. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 70; mean age 75.9 years) with mobility limitations as defined by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Independent variables included physiologic measures of trunk extension strength, trunk flexion strength, trunk extension endurance, trunk extension endurance, and leg press strength. All measures were well tolerated by the study subjects without the occurrence of any associated injuries or adverse events. The association of each physiologic measure with each outcome was examined by the use of separate multivariate models to calculate the partial variance (R(2)) of each trunk and extremity measure. Balance measured by the Berg Balance Scale and Unipedal Stance Test and mobility performance as measured by the SPPB. Trunk extension endurance (partial R(2) = .14, P = .02), and leg press strength (partial R(2) = .14, P = .003) accounted for the greatest amount of the variance in SPPB performance. Trunk extension endurance (partial R(2) = .17, P = .007), accounted for the greatest amount of the variance in BBS performance. Trunk extension strength (R(2) = .09, P = .03), accounted for the greatest amount of the variance in UST performance. The variance explained by trunk extension endurance equaled or exceeded the variance explained by limb strength across all three performance outcomes. Trunk endurance and strength can be safely measured in mobility-limited older adults and are associated with both balance and mobility performance. Trunk endurance and trunk strength are physiologic attributes worthy of targeting in the rehabilitative care of mobility-limited older adults.

Water level and strain changes preceding and following the August 4, 1985 Kettleman Hills, California, earthquake

USGS Publications Warehouse

Roeloffs, E.; Quilty, E.

1997-01-01

Two of the four wells monitored near Parkfield, California, during 1985 showed water level rises beginning three days before the M4 6.1 Kettleman Hills earthquake. In one of these wells, the 3.0 cm rise was nearly unique in five years of water level data. However, in the other well, which showed a 3.8 cm rise, many other changes of comparable size have been observed. Both wells that did not display pre-earthquake rises tap partially confined aquifers that cannot sustain pressure changes due to tectonic strain having periods longer than several days. We evaluate the effect of partial aquifer confinement on the ability of these four wells to display water level changes in response to aquifer strain. Although the vertical hydraulic diffusivities cannot be determined uniquely, we can find a value of diffusivity for each site that is consistent with the site's tidal and barometric responses as well as with the rate of partial recovery of the coseismic water level drops. Furthermore, the diffusivity for one well is high enough to explain why the preseismic rise could not have been detected there. For the fourth well, the diffusivity is high enough to have reduced the size of the preseismic signal as much as 50%, although it should still have been detectable. Imperfect confinement cannot explain the persistent water level changes in the two partially confined aquifers, but it does show that they were not due to volume strain. The pre-earthquake water level rises may have been precursors to the Kettleman Hills earthquake. If so, they probably were not caused by accelerating slip over the part of the fault plane that ruptured in that earthquake because they are of opposite sign to the observed coseismic water level drops.

Age differences in experiential and deliberative processes in unambiguous and ambiguous decision making.

PubMed

Huang, Yumi H; Wood, Stacey; Berger, Dale E; Hanoch, Yaniv

2015-09-01

Older adults experience declines in deliberative decisional capacities, while their affective or experiential abilities tend to remain intact (Peters & Bruine de Bruin, 2012). The current study used this framework to investigate age differences in description-based and experience-based decision-making tasks. Description-based tasks emphasize deliberative processing by allowing decision makers to analyze explicit descriptions of choice-reward information. Experience-based tasks emphasize affective or experiential processing because they lack the explicit choice-reward information, forcing decision makers to rely on feelings and information derived from past experiences. This study used the Columbia Card Task (CCT) as a description-based task where probability information is provided and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) as an experience-based task, where it is not. As predicted, compared to younger adults (N = 65), older adults (N = 65) performed more poorly on the CCT but performed similarly on the IGT. Deliberative capacities (i.e., executive control and numeracy abilities) explained the relationship between age and performance on the CCT, suggesting that age-related differences in description-based decision-making tasks are related to declines in deliberative capacities. However, deliberative capacities were not associated with performance on the IGT for either older or younger adults. Nevertheless, on the IGT, older adults reported more use of affect-based strategies versus deliberative strategies, whereas younger adults reported similar use of these strategies. This finding offers partial support for the idea that decision-making tasks that rely on deliberate processing are more likely to demonstrate age effects than those that are more experiential. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Living with disability: patterns of health problems and symptom mediation of health consequences.

PubMed

Patterson, Brandon J; Doucette, William R; Lindgren, Scott D; Chrischilles, Elizabeth A

2012-07-01

People with disability experience a range of symptoms that may serve as an important linkage between disability and other health consequences. The aims of this study were to describe and compare symptom experiences of people with and without disability using a population-based sample and to test direct relationships between disability and health status and indirect effects of disability mediated through symptom experience. A Midwestern sample of 12,249 adults aged 40 and older responded to a cross-sectional survey. Data collected included symptom prevalence and frequencies for 21 commonly reported symptoms, self-perceived health status and physical functioning, number of medications, and demographic variables. Two mediation analyses were conducted using cumulative symptom frequency as the mediator between disability status and both self-rated health and physical functioning. Adults with disability reported significantly greater prevalence and frequencies for all 21 symptoms, with pain and fatigue being the most common. The indirect effect through cumulative symptom frequency explained roughly half of the total effect of disability on general health status, and about one third of the total effect of disability on physical functioning. This study found evidence supporting the diverse and significant symptom experience of people living with disability, especially for symptoms of pain and fatigue. Moreover, symptom experience was found to partially mediate the effects of disability on self-reported general health status and physical functioning. This provides support for symptoms serving as an important link to health outcomes in patients with disability. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Scaling of Two-Phase Flows to Partial-Earth Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurlbert, Kathryn M.; Witte, Larry C.

2003-01-01

A report presents a method of scaling, to partial-Earth gravity, of parameters that describe pressure drops and other characteristics of two-phase (liquid/ vapor) flows. The development of the method was prompted by the need for a means of designing two-phase flow systems to operate on the Moon and on Mars, using fluid-properties and flow data from terrestrial two-phase-flow experiments, thus eliminating the need for partial-gravity testing. The report presents an explicit procedure for designing an Earth-based test bed that can provide hydrodynamic similarity with two-phase fluids flowing in partial-gravity systems. The procedure does not require prior knowledge of the flow regime (i.e., the spatial orientation of the phases). The method also provides for determination of pressure drops in two-phase partial-gravity flows by use of a generalization of the classical Moody chart (previously applicable to single-phase flow only). The report presents experimental data from Mars- and Moon-activity experiments that appear to demonstrate the validity of this method.

Infrared absorption spectra of partially deuterated methoxy radicals CH2DO and CHD2O isolated in solid para-hydrogen.

PubMed

Haupa, Karolina A; Johnson, Britta A; Sibert, Edwin L; Lee, Yuan-Pern

2017-10-21

The investigation of partially deuterated methoxy radicals is important because the symmetry lowering from C 3v to C s provides new insights into the couplings between rovibronic states via Jahn-Teller and spin-orbit interactions. The vibrational spectrum of the partially deuterated methoxy radical CH 2 DO in a matrix of p-H 2 has been recorded. This species was prepared by irradiating a p-H 2 matrix containing deuterated d 1 -nitritomethane (CH 2 DONO) at 3.3 K with laser light at 355 nm. The identification of the radical is based on the photochemical behavior of the precursor and comparison of observed vibrational wavenumbers and infrared (IR) intensities with those predicted from a refined quartic, curvilinear, internal coordinate force field calculated with the coupled-cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples/cc-pVTZ method. CH 2 DO reacts with H 2 with a rate coefficient (3.5 ± 1.0) × 10 -3 s -1 . Predominantly c-CHDOH and a negligibly small amount of t-CHDOH were produced. This stereoselectivity results from the reaction H + C s -CH 2 DOH, which was demonstrated by an additional experiment on irradiation of a CH 2 DOH/Cl 2 /p-H 2 matrix with ultraviolet and IR light to induce the H + CH 2 DOH reaction; only c-CHDOH was observed from this experiment. Even though the energies of transition states and products for the formation of c-CHDOH and t-CHDOH differ by only ∼10 cm -1 , the selective formation of c-CHDOH can be explained by tunneling of the hydrogen atom via an optimal tunneling path. Similarly, the vibronic spectrum for the partially deuterated specie d 2 -methoxy radical (CHD 2 O) was obtained upon irradiation of d 2 -nitritomethane (CHD 2 ONO) at 355 nm. Lines associated with the fundamental vibrational modes were observed and assigned; line positions agree with theoretically predicted vibrational wavenumbers. CHD 2 O reacts with H 2 with a rate coefficient (6.0 ± 1.4) × 10 -3 s -1 ; CD 2 OH was produced as a major product because the barrier for the formation of CHDOH from H + CHD 2 OH is greater by ∼400 cm -1 . Rate coefficients of the decays of CH 3 O, CH 2 DO, CHD 2 O, and CD 3 O and their corresponding potential energy surfaces are compared.

Infrared absorption spectra of partially deuterated methoxy radicals CH2DO and CHD2O isolated in solid para-hydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haupa, Karolina A.; Johnson, Britta A.; Sibert, Edwin L.; Lee, Yuan-Pern

2017-10-01

The investigation of partially deuterated methoxy radicals is important because the symmetry lowering from C3v to Cs provides new insights into the couplings between rovibronic states via Jahn-Teller and spin-orbit interactions. The vibrational spectrum of the partially deuterated methoxy radical CH2DO in a matrix of p-H2 has been recorded. This species was prepared by irradiating a p-H2 matrix containing deuterated d1-nitritomethane (CH2DONO) at 3.3 K with laser light at 355 nm. The identification of the radical is based on the photochemical behavior of the precursor and comparison of observed vibrational wavenumbers and infrared (IR) intensities with those predicted from a refined quartic, curvilinear, internal coordinate force field calculated with the coupled-cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples/cc-pVTZ method. CH2DO reacts with H2 with a rate coefficient (3.5 ± 1.0) × 10-3 s-1. Predominantly c-CHDOH and a negligibly small amount of t-CHDOH were produced. This stereoselectivity results from the reaction H + Cs-CH2DOH, which was demonstrated by an additional experiment on irradiation of a CH2DOH/Cl2/p-H2 matrix with ultraviolet and IR light to induce the H + CH2DOH reaction; only c-CHDOH was observed from this experiment. Even though the energies of transition states and products for the formation of c-CHDOH and t-CHDOH differ by only ˜10 cm-1, the selective formation of c-CHDOH can be explained by tunneling of the hydrogen atom via an optimal tunneling path. Similarly, the vibronic spectrum for the partially deuterated specie d2-methoxy radical (CHD2O) was obtained upon irradiation of d2-nitritomethane (CHD2ONO) at 355 nm. Lines associated with the fundamental vibrational modes were observed and assigned; line positions agree with theoretically predicted vibrational wavenumbers. CHD2O reacts with H2 with a rate coefficient (6.0 ± 1.4) × 10-3 s-1; CD2OH was produced as a major product because the barrier for the formation of CHDOH from H + CHD2OH is greater by ˜400 cm-1. Rate coefficients of the decays of CH3O, CH2DO, CHD2O, and CD3O and their corresponding potential energy surfaces are compared.

Partially converted stereoscopic images and the effects on visual attention and memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sanghyun; Morikawa, Hiroyuki; Mitsuya, Reiko; Kawai, Takashi; Watanabe, Katsumi

2015-03-01

This study contained two experimental examinations of the cognitive activities such as visual attention and memory in viewing stereoscopic (3D) images. For this study, partially converted 3D images were used with binocular parallax added to a specific region of the image. In Experiment 1, change blindness was used as a presented stimulus. The visual attention and impact on memory were investigated by measuring the response time to accomplish the given task. In the change blindness task, an 80 ms blank was intersected between the original and altered images, and the two images were presented alternatingly for 240 ms each. Subjects were asked to temporarily memorize the two switching images and to compare them, visually recognizing the difference between the two. The stimuli for four conditions (2D, 3D, Partially converted 3D, distracted partially converted 3D) were randomly displayed for 20 subjects. The results of Experiment 1 showed that partially converted 3D images tend to attract visual attention and are prone to remain in viewer's memory in the area where moderate negative parallax has been added. In order to examine the impact of a dynamic binocular disparity on partially converted 3D images, an evaluation experiment was conducted that applied learning, distraction, and recognition tasks for 33 subjects. The learning task involved memorizing the location of cells in a 5 × 5 matrix pattern using two different colors. Two cells were positioned with alternating colors, and one of the gray cells was moved up, down, left, or right by one cell width. Experimental conditions was set as a partially converted 3D condition in which a gray cell moved diagonally for a certain period of time with a dynamic binocular disparity added, a 3D condition in which binocular disparity was added to all gray cells, and a 2D condition. The correct response rates for recognition of each task after the distraction task were compared. The results of Experiment 2 showed that the correct response rate in the partial 3D condition was significantly higher with the recognition task than in the other conditions. These results showed that partially converted 3D images tended to have a visual attraction and affect viewer's memory.

A Predictive Model of Domestic Violence in Multicultural Families Focusing on Perpetrator.

PubMed

Choi, Eun Young; Hyun, Hye Jin

2016-09-01

This study was conducted to assess predictor variables of husbands in multicultural families and examine the relationship among variables after setting up a hypothetical model including influencing factors, so as to provide a framework necessary for developing nursing interventions of domestic violence. The participants were 260 husbands in multicultural families in four cities in Korea. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 20.0. Self-control, social support, family of origin violence experience and stress on cultural adaptation directly affected to dysfunctional communication, and the explanatory power of the variables was 64.7%. Family of origin violence experience in domestic stress on cultural adaptation, and dysfunctional communication were directly related to domestic violence in multicultural families, and the explanatory power of the variables was 64.6%. We found out that all variables in the model had mediation effects to domestic violence through dysfunctional communication. In other words, self-control and social support had complete mediation effects, and family of origin violence experience in domestic violence and stress on cultural adaptation had partial mediation effects. The variables explained in this study should be considered as predictive factors of domestic violence in multicultural families, and used to provide preventive nursing intervention. Our resutls can be taken into account for developing and implementing programs on alleviating dysfunctional communication in multicultural families in Korea. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Anger-related dysregulation as a factor linking childhood physical abuse and interparental violence to intimate partner violence experiences.

PubMed

Iverson, Katherine M; McLaughlin, Katie A; Adair, Kathryn C; Monson, Candice M

2014-01-01

Childhood family violence exposure is associated with increased risk for experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) in adulthood, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain inadequately understood. Difficulties with emotion regulation may be one factor that helps to explain this relationship. Childhood physical abuse and interparental violence, as well as subsequent IPV experiences, were assessed in a large sample of young adults (N = 670). Several indicators of anger-related dysregulation were also assessed. Structural equation modeling was used to create a latent variable of anger-related dysregulation, which was examined as a potential mediator of the associations between childhood family violence exposure and IPV. Childhood physical abuse and interparental violence were associated with greater physical, sexual, and emotional IPV victimization. Childhood physical abuse and interparental violence were also associated with anger-related dysregulation, which was positively associated with all three types of IPV experiences. Anger-related dysregulation fully mediated the association between witnessing interparental violence and physical IPV. Anger-related dysregulation partially mediated the association between witnessing interparental violence and psychological IPV and the associations of childhood physical abuse with all three forms of IPV. These associations were consistent across gender. Interventions aimed at reducing IPV risk among survivors of childhood family violence may benefit from including techniques to target anger-related emotion regulation skills.

Recent research on stishovite: Hugoniot and partial release Z experiments and DFT EOS calculations.

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

Furnish, Michael D.; Shulenburger, Luke; Desjarlais, Michael

We have conducted a series of ride-along experiments on the Z facility to ascertain the Hugoniot of silica centered in the stishovite phase over a range 0.4 - 1.0 TPa, together with partial release states produced at the interface between the sample and a fused silica window. The stishovite samples were synthesized in a large-volume multi-anvil press at 15 GPa and 1773 K, with an initial density of 4.29 gm/cc. The new Z experiments on stishovite fill in a gap between gas gun experiments and NIF experiments. The states are compared with the Hugoniots of quartz and fused silica formore » inferences as to EOS. They are generally consistent with Sesame 7360 predictions. Sound speed constraints from these data are discussed. The new Hugoniot data cross over the melting curve of stishovite; together with the partial-release data and predictions from density-functional theory modeling, they provide insights into the properties of solid and liquid under extreme conditions. These data are fundamentally important for understanding the interior of silicate-based super-Earths.« less

Partial polarization: a comprehensive student exercise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Topasna, Gregory A.; Topasna, Daniela M.

2015-10-01

We present a comprehensive student exercise in partial polarization. Students are first introduced to the concept of partial polarization using Fresnel Equations. Next, MATHCAD is used to compute and graph the reflectance for dielectrics materials. The students then design and construct a simple, easy to use collimated light source for their experiment, which is performed on an optical breadboard using optical components typically found in an optics lab above the introductory level. The students obtain reflection data that is compared with their model by a nonlinear least square fit using EXCEL. Sources of error and uncertainty are discussed and students present a final written report. In this one exercise students learn how an experiment is constructed "from the ground up". They gain practical experience on data modeling and analysis, working with optical equipment, machining and construction, and preparing a final presentation.

Wealth and Health Behavior: Testing the Concept of a Health Cost.

PubMed

van Kippersluis, Hans; Galama, Titus J

2014-11-01

Wealthier individuals engage in healthier behavior. This paper seeks to explain this phenomenon by exploiting both inheritances and lottery winnings to test a theory of health behavior. We distinguish between the direct monetary cost and the indirect health cost (value of health lost) of unhealthy consumption. The health cost increases with wealth and the degree of unhealthiness, leading wealthier individuals to consume more healthy and moderately unhealthy, but fewer severely unhealthy goods. The empirical evidence presented suggests that differences in health costs may indeed partially explain behavioral differences, and ultimately health outcomes, between wealth groups.

Wealth and Health Behavior: Testing the Concept of a Health Cost

PubMed Central

Galama, Titus J.

2014-01-01

Wealthier individuals engage in healthier behavior. This paper seeks to explain this phenomenon by exploiting both inheritances and lottery winnings to test a theory of health behavior. We distinguish between the direct monetary cost and the indirect health cost (value of health lost) of unhealthy consumption. The health cost increases with wealth and the degree of unhealthiness, leading wealthier individuals to consume more healthy and moderately unhealthy, but fewer severely unhealthy goods. The empirical evidence presented suggests that differences in health costs may indeed partially explain behavioral differences, and ultimately health outcomes, between wealth groups. PMID:25530621

Assessing the relationship between latent inhibition and the partial reinforcement extinction effect in autoshaping with rats.

PubMed

Boughner, Robert L; Papini, Mauricio R

2008-05-01

Results from a variety of independently run experiments suggest that latent inhibition (LI) and the partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE) share underlying mechanisms. Experiment 1 tested this LI=PREE hypothesis by training the same set of rats in situations involving both nonreinforced preexposure to the conditioned stimulus (LI stage) and partial reinforcement training (PREE stage). Control groups were also included to assess both LI and the PREE. The results demonstrated a significant, but negative correlation between the size of the LI effect and that of the PREE. Experiment 2 extended this analysis to the effects on LI and the PREE of the anxiolytic benzodiazepine chlordiazepoxide (5 mg/kg, i.p.). Whereas chlordiazepoxide had no effect on LI, it delayed the onset of the PREE. No evidence in support of the LI=PREE hypothesis was obtained when these two learning phenomena were compared within the same experiment and under the same general conditions of training.

Do individuals with asthma experience airway hyper-responsiveness after exposure to nitrogen dioxide?

PubMed

Goodman, Julie E; Kennedy, Erin M; Seeley, Mara

2017-10-01

The current 100 ppb short-term National Ambient Air Quality Standard for NO 2 , and EPA's determination of a causal association for respiratory effects, are based in part on controlled human exposure studies evaluating airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). A meta-analysis by Goodman et al. (2009) found increased AHR at 100 ppb NO 2 but no clear concentration-response relationship up to 600 ppb, and an overall lack of an AHR effect for studies involving exercise or exposure to allergens. Several factors have been suggested to explain why effects on AHR are observed while people are at rest, but not during exercise or after exposure to allergens. These include an exercise-induced refractory period; partial reversal of bronchospasm from use of forced expiration maneuvers; and greater airway responsiveness of participants exposed to NO 2 at rest. We reviewed the scientific evidence to determine whether there is biological support for these factors and found that none sufficiently explained the lack of an effect during exercise or after exposure to allergens. In the absence of either a consistent concentration-response or a plausible explanation for the paradoxical AHR findings, the biological significance of these findings is uncertain and provides equivocal support for NO 2 as a causal factor of AHR at these exposure levels. Copyright © 2017 Gradient. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Antecedents of teachers’ emotions in the classroom: an intraindividual approach

PubMed Central

Becker, Eva S.; Keller, Melanie M.; Goetz, Thomas; Frenzel, Anne C.; Taxer, Jamie L.

2015-01-01

Using a preexisting, but as yet empirically untested theoretical model, the present study investigated antecedents of teachers’ emotions in the classroom. More specifically, the relationships between students’ motivation and discipline and teachers’ enjoyment and anger were explored, as well as if these relationships are mediated by teachers’ subjective appraisals (goal conduciveness and coping potential). The study employed an intraindividual approach by collecting data through a diary. The sample consisted of 39 teachers who each participated with one of their 9th or 10th grade mathematics classes (N = 758 students). Both teachers and students filled out diaries for 2–3 weeks pertaining to 8.10 lessons on average (N = 316 lessons). Multilevel structural equation modeling revealed that students’ motivation and discipline explained 24% of variance in teachers’ enjoyment and 26% of variance in teachers’ anger. In line with theoretical assumptions, after introducing teachers’ subjective appraisals as a mediating mechanism into the model, the explained variance systematically increased to 65 and 61%, for teachers’ enjoyment and anger respectively. The effects of students’ motivation and discipline level on teachers’ emotions were partially mediated by teachers’ appraisals of goal conduciveness and coping potential. The findings imply that since teachers’ emotions depend to a large extent on subjective evaluations of a situation, teachers should be able to directly modify their emotional experiences during a lesson through cognitive reappraisals. PMID:26042067

[Photoeffects, Einstein's light quanta and the history of their acceptance].

PubMed

Wiederkehr, Karl Heinrich

2006-01-01

It is generally supposed, that the discovery of the efficacy-quantum by Planck was the impetus to Einstein's hypothesis of lightquanta. With its help Einstein could explain the external light-electrical effect. But even years before Einstein had worked at the photoeffect and already made experiments on it. For that reason the article gives a short survey about the history of the lightelectric effects. Lenard's basical work about the release of the photoelectrons is dealt with in detail, without which Einstein would scarcely have found his lightquanta. Furthermore it is shown how difficult it was for the physicists to give up--at least partially--the traditional view of the undulation-nature of light, and how they searched to explain the great energies of the photoelectrons. On the other side it is set forth how Einstein's formula of lightquanta was gradually confirmed. The tragical development of Einstein's personal relations with Johannes Stark and Philipp Lenard are briefly described. Stark was one of the few who supported Einstein's ideas at the beginning. Only with the Compton-effect, which could only be quantitatively interpreted by means of lightquanta and the special theory of relativity 1923, the way was free for the general acceptance of the lightquanta. Einstein did not agree to the obtained dualism of undulation and corpuscle; he had a different solution in mind about the fusion of the two forms of appearance of light.

Genetic and environmental correlations between subjective wellbeing and experience of life events in adolescence.

PubMed

Wootton, Robyn E; Davis, Oliver S P; Mottershaw, Abigail L; Wang, R Adele H; Haworth, Claire M A

2017-09-01

Some life events appear heritable due to the genetic influence on related behaviours. Shared genetic influence between negative behaviours and negative life events has previously been established. This study investigated whether subjective wellbeing and positive life events were genetically associated. Participants in the Twins Early Development Study (aged 16.32 ± .68 years) completed subjective wellbeing and life events assessments via two separate studies (overlapping N for wellbeing and life events measures ranged from 3527 to 9350). We conducted bivariate twin models between both positive and negative life events with subjective wellbeing and related positive psychological traits including subjective happiness, life satisfaction, optimism, hopefulness and gratitude measured at 16 years. Results suggested that the heritability of life events can partially be explained by shared genetic influences with the wellbeing indicators. Wellbeing traits were positively genetically correlated with positive life events and negatively correlated with negative life events (except curiosity where there was no correlation). Those positive traits that drive behaviour (grit and ambition) showed the highest genetic correlation with life events, whereas the reflective trait gratitude was less correlated. This suggests that gene-environment correlations might explain the observed genetic association between life events and wellbeing. Inheriting propensity for positive traits might cause you to seek environments that lead to positive life events and avoid environments which make negative life events more likely.

'Not good enough:' Exploring self-criticism's role as a mediator between childhood emotional abuse & adult binge eating.

PubMed

Feinson, Marjorie C; Hornik-Lurie, Tzipi

2016-12-01

Empirical studies have identified emotional abuse in childhood (CEA) as a risk factor with long-term implications for psychological problems. Indeed, recent studies indicate it is more prevalent than behavioral forms of abuse, (i.e. childhood sexual and physical abuse) and the childhood trauma most clearly associated with subsequent eating pathology in adulthood. However, relatively little is understood about the mechanisms linking these distal experiences. This study explores three psychological mechanisms - self-criticism (SC), depression and anxiety symptoms - as plausible mediators that may account for the relationship between CEA and binge eating (BE) among adult women. Detailed telephone interviews conducted with a community-based sample of 498 adult women (mean age 44) assess BE, CEA and SC along with the most frequently researched psychological variables, anxiety and depression. Regression analyses reveal that BE is partially explained by CEA along with the three mediators. Bootstrapping analysis, which compares multiple mediators within a single model using thousands of repeated random sampling observations from the data set, reveals a striking finding: SC is the only psychological variable that makes a significant contribution to explaining BE severity. The unique role of punitive self-evaluations vis-à-vis binge eating warrants additional research and, in the interim, that clinicians consider broadening treatment interventions accordingly. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Alcohol craving and demand mediate the relation between posttraumatic stress symptoms and alcohol-related consequences.

PubMed

Tripp, Jessica C; Meshesha, Lidia Z; Teeters, Jenni B; Pickover, Alison M; McDevitt-Murphy, Meghan E; Murphy, James G

2015-10-01

Posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms are associated with alcohol-related consequences, but there is a need to understand mediators that may help explain the reasons for this relationship. Individuals with PTS may experience elevated craving and alcohol reward value (demand), which may contribute to risk for alcohol-related consequences. We examined relationships between PTS status, craving, alcohol demand, and alcohol-related consequences in PTS-positive (n = 64) and PTS-negative (n = 200) college students (M age = 21.7; 77% women; 54% Caucasian; 34% African American) who endorsed past-month alcohol use. We tested craving and alcohol demand as mediators of the relation between PTS status and alcohol-related consequences. Craving (B = .04, SE = .02, 95% CI [.01, .10]), demand intensity (B = .02, SE = .02, 95% CI [.001, .07]), and demand elasticity (B = .05, SE = .03, 95% CI [.006, .12]) significantly mediated the association between PTS symptoms and alcohol-related consequences. Craving remained a significant mediator in a multiple mediators model (B = .08, SE = .04, 95% CI [.03, .19]). Craving and alcohol demand may partially explain the relation between PTS status and alcohol-related consequences. Craving may be especially salient for individuals with PTS symptoms, as it may lead to more severe alcohol-related consequences even in the absence of elevated alcohol consumption. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Alcohol Craving and Demand Mediate the Relation between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Alcohol-Related Consequences

PubMed Central

Tripp, Jessica C.; Meshesha, Lidia Z.; Teeters, Jenni B.; Pickover, Alison; McDevitt-Murphy, Meghan E.; Murphy, James G.

2015-01-01

Objective Posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms are associated with alcohol-related consequences, but there is a need to understand mediators that may help explain the reasons for this relationship. Individuals with PTS may experience elevated craving and alcohol reward value (demand), which may contribute to risk for alcohol-related consequences. Method We examined relationships between PTS status, craving, alcohol demand, and alcohol-related consequences in PTS-positive (n = 64) and PTS-negative (n = 200) college students (M age = 21.7; 77% women; 54% Caucasian; 34% African American) who endorsed past-month alcohol use. We tested craving and alcohol demand as mediators of the relation between PTS status and alcohol problems. Results Craving (B = .04, SE = .02, 95% CI = .01 – .10), demand intensity (B = .05, SE = .03, 95% CI = .0009 – .17), and demand elasticity (B = .05, SE = .03, 95% CI = .006 – .03) significantly mediated the association between PTS symptoms and alcohol problems. Craving remained a significant mediator in a multiple mediators model (B = .08, SE = .04, 95% CI = .03 – .19). Conclusions Craving and alcohol demand may partially explain the relation between PTS status and alcohol-related consequences. Craving may be especially salient for individuals with PTS symptoms, as it may lead to more severe alcohol-related consequences even in the absence of elevated alcohol consumption. PMID:26375513

Cooperation, psychological game theory, and limitations of rationality in social interaction.

PubMed

Colman, Andrew M

2003-04-01

Rational choice theory enjoys unprecedented popularity and influence in the behavioral and social sciences, but it generates intractable problems when applied to socially interactive decisions. In individual decisions, instrumental rationality is defined in terms of expected utility maximization. This becomes problematic in interactive decisions, when individuals have only partial control over the outcomes, because expected utility maximization is undefined in the absence of assumptions about how the other participants will behave. Game theory therefore incorporates not only rationality but also common knowledge assumptions, enabling players to anticipate their co-players' strategies. Under these assumptions, disparate anomalies emerge. Instrumental rationality, conventionally interpreted, fails to explain intuitively obvious features of human interaction, yields predictions starkly at variance with experimental findings, and breaks down completely in certain cases. In particular, focal point selection in pure coordination games is inexplicable, though it is easily achieved in practice; the intuitively compelling payoff-dominance principle lacks rational justification; rationality in social dilemmas is self-defeating; a key solution concept for cooperative coalition games is frequently inapplicable; and rational choice in certain sequential games generates contradictions. In experiments, human players behave more cooperatively and receive higher payoffs than strict rationality would permit. Orthodox conceptions of rationality are evidently internally deficient and inadequate for explaining human interaction. Psychological game theory, based on nonstandard assumptions, is required to solve these problems, and some suggestions along these lines have already been put forward.

Intelligent driving in traffic systems with partial lane discipline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Assadi, Hamid; Emmerich, Heike

2013-04-01

It is a most common notion in traffic theory that driving in lanes and keeping lane changes to a minimum leads to smooth and laminar traffic flow, and hence to increased traffic capacity. On the other hand, there exist persistent vehicular traffic systems that are characterised by habitual disregarding of lane markings, and partial or complete loss of laminar traffic flow. Here, we explore the stability of such systems through a microscopic traffic flow model, where the degree of lane-discipline is taken as a variable, represented by the fraction of drivers that disregard lane markings completely. The results show that lane-free traffic may win over completely ordered traffic at high densities, and that partially ordered traffic leads to the poorest overall flow, while not considering the crash probability. Partial order in a lane-free system is similar to partial disorder in a lane-disciplined system in that both lead to decreased traffic capacity. This could explain the reason why standard enforcement methods, which rely on continuous increase of order, often fail to incur order to lane-free traffic systems. The results also provide an insight into the cooperative phenomena in open systems with self-driven particles.

Future atmospheric CO2 leads to delayed autumnal senescence

Treesearch

Gail Taylor; Matthew J. Tallis; Christian P. Giardina; Kevin E. Percy; Franco Miglietta; Pooja S. Gupta; Beniamin Gioli; Carlo Calfapietra; Birgit Gielen; Mark E. Kubiske; Giuseppe E. Scarascia-Mugnozza; Katre Kets; Stephen P. Long; David F. Karnosky

2008-01-01

Growing seasons are getting longer, a phenomenon partially explained by increasing global temperatures. Recent reports suggest that a strong correlation exists between warming and advances in spring phenology but that a weaker correlation is evident between warming and autumnal events implying that other factors may be influencing the timing of autumnal phenology....

Geometrical connection between catacaustics and kinematics of planar motion of a rigid solid.

PubMed

Bellver-Cebreros, Consuelo; Rodríguez-Danta, Marcelo

2016-09-01

Unnoticed and hidden optomechanical analogies between kinematics of planar motion of a rigid solid and catacaustics generated by mirror reflection on smooth profiles in geometrical optics are discussed. A concise and self-consistent theory is developed, which intends to explain and clarify many partial aspects covered by the literature.

Analysing Normal and Partial Glossectomee Tongues Using Ultrasound

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bressmann, Tim; Uy, Catherine; Irish, Jonathan C.

2005-01-01

The present study aimed at identifying underlying parameters that govern the shape of the tongue. A functional topography of the tongue surface was developed based on three-dimensional ultrasound scans of sustained speech sounds in ten normal subjects. A principal component analysis extracted three components that explained 89.2% of the variance…

Cumulative Risk, Teacher Well-Being and Instructional Quality: Evidence from the DRC and Ghana

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wolf, Sharon

2016-01-01

There is growing concern that teachers in low-income countries are increasingly demotivated, which may partially explain deteriorating teaching performance and student learning outcomes, high rates of turnover and absenteeism, and misconduct. At the same time, remarkably little systematic research has examined the living and working conditions for…

The Third Wave: A Position Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dyrud, Marilyn A.

2000-01-01

Describes the Third Wave as an "information bomb... exploding in our midst, showering us with a shrapnel of images and drastically changing the way each of us perceives and acts upon our private world." Begins with a description of A. Toffler's Third Wave as an attempt to partially explain what is happening in higher education,…

Active controls technology to maximize structural efficiency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoy, J. M.; Arnold, J. M.

1978-01-01

The implication of the dependence on active controls technology during the design phase of transport structures is considered. Critical loading conditions are discussed along with probable ways of alleviating these loads. Why fatigue requirements may be critical and can only be partially alleviated is explained. The significance of certain flutter suppression system criteria is examined.

The Role of Skepticism in Preparing Teachers for the Use of Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albaugh, Patti R.

The complexity of technology training for teachers can be partially explained in terms of three phenomena: the historical resistance of teachers to use media, the nature of teaching itself, and the life cycle of technological innovations. Factors that influence teachers' use of technology include: accessibility of hardware and software,…

Species identities, not functional groups, explain the effects of earthworms on litter carbon-derived soil respiration

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Soil respiration is frequently measured as a surrogate for biological activities and is important in soil carbon cycling. The heterotrophic component of soil respiration is primarily driven by microbial decomposition of leaf litter and soil organic matter, and is partially controlled by resource ava...

[The construction of cast removable partial dentures with functional-effective structural elements].

PubMed

Hahn, P P

1977-09-01

In view of caries susceptibility and periodontal condition, oral examination (fig. 1) is of prime importance in treatment planning (fig. 2). Crownings as well as possibilities of direct and indirect stiffenings are explained from the viewpoints of construction and differential indication in connection with the design of the prosthesis.

Cognitive Variability in Adults with ADHD and AS: Disentangling the Roles of Executive Functions and Social Cognition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gonzalez-Gadea, Maria Luz; Baez, Sandra; Torralva, Teresa; Castellanos, Francisco Xavier; Rattazzi, Alexia; Bein, Victoria; Rogg, Katharina; Manes, Facundo; Ibanez, Agustin

2013-01-01

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger's Syndrome (AS) share a heterogeneous cognitive profile. Studies assessing executive functions (EF) and social cognition in both groups have found preserved and impaired performances. These inconsistent findings would be partially explained by the cognitive variability reported in these…

Anomaly of strings of 6d {N}=(1,0) theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimizu, Hiroyuki; Tachikawa, Yuji

2016-11-01

We obtain the anomaly polynomial of strings of general 6d {N}=(1,0) theories in terms of anomaly inflow. Our computation sheds some light on the reason why the simplest 6d {N}=(1,0) theory has E 8 flavor symmetry, and also partially explains a curious numerology in F-theory.

Student Communities and Individualism in American Cinema

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warnick, Bryan R.; Dawson, Heather S.; Smith, D. Spencer; Vosburg-Bluem, Bethany

2010-01-01

Hollywood films partially construct how Americans think about education. Recent work on the representation of schools in American cinema has highlighted the role of class difference in shaping school film genres. It has also advanced the idea that a nuanced understanding of American individualism helps to explain why the different class genres are…

Could anterior papillary muscle partial necrosis explain early mitral valve repair failure?

PubMed

Pozzi, Matteo; Generali, Tommaso; Henaine, Roland; Mitchell, Julia; Lemaire, Anais; Chiari, Pascal; Fran, Jean; Obadia, Jean François

2014-09-01

Standardized techniques of mitral valve repair (MVR) have recently witnessed the introduction of a 'respect rather than resect' concept, the strategy of which involves the use of artificial chordae. MVR displays several advantages over mitral valve replacement in degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR), but the risk of reoperation for MVR failure must be taken into account. Different mechanisms could be advocated as the leading cause of MVR failure; procedure-related mechanisms are usually involved in early MVR failure, while valve-related mechanisms are common in late failure. Here, the case is reported of an early failure of MVR using artificial chordae that could be explained by an unusual procedure-related mechanism, namely anterior papillary muscle necrosis. MVR failure is a well-known complication after surgical repair of degenerative MR, but anterior papillary muscle partial necrosis might also be considered a possible mechanism of procedure-related MVR failure, especially when considering the increasing use of artificial chordae. Owing to the encouraging results obtained, mitral valve re-repair might be considered a viable solution, but must be selected after only a meticulous evaluation of the underlying mechanism of MVR failure.

Role of the blood–brain barrier in the evolution of feeding and cognition

PubMed Central

Banks, William A

2012-01-01

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) regulates the blood-to-brain passage of gastrointestinal hormones, thus informing the brain about feeding and nutritional status. Disruption of this communication results in dysregulation of feeding and body weight control. Leptin, which crosses the BBB to inform the CNS about adiposity, provides an example. Impaired leptin transport, especially coupled with central resistance, results in obesity. Various substances/conditions regulate leptin BBB transport. For example, triglycerides inhibit leptin transport. This may represent an evolutionary adaptation in that hypertriglyceridemia occurs during starvation. Inhibition of leptin, an anorectic, during starvation could have survival advantages. The large number of other substances that influence feeding is explained by the complexity of feeding. This complexity includes cognitive aspects; animals in the wild are faced with cost/benefit analyses to feed in the safest, most economical way. This cognitive aspect partially explains why so many feeding substances affect neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and cognition. The relation between triglycerides and cognition may be partially mediated through triglyceride's ability to regulate the BBB transport of cognitively active gastrointestinal hormones such as leptin, insulin, and ghrelin. PMID:22612379

Explaining the present GM business strategy on the EU food market: the gatekeepers' perspective.

PubMed

Inghelbrecht, Linde; Dessein, Joost; Van Huylenbroeck, Guido

2015-01-25

The use of genetically modified (GM) crops and their applications is partially suppressed in European Union (EU) agriculture, even if one would expect otherwise given their complementarity with the neoliberal and industrialised EU agricultural regime in place. By applying a qualitative content analysis, this paper analyses how food manufacturers and retailers (referred to as gatekeepers in the food industry) explain and defend the exclusion of GM-labelled food products on the EU market. The study design places emphasis on the role of perceptions in the strategic behaviour of gatekeepers and on the role of interaction in this regard, as we assume that the way in which gatekeepers perceive the 'rules of the game' for commercialising GM crop applications on the EU food market will be influenced by their interaction with other agribusiness actors. In a first stage, the analysis determines thematic congruence in the (types of) perceptions that explain an agribusiness actor's overall interpretation of the EU business environment for GM crop applications. This perceived 'structuring arena' (SA) for GM crop applications - as conceptualised within our framework - contains areas of either internal and external tensions, that have a compelling or non-committal influence on the agribusiness actor's interpretation. In a second stage, the analysis particularly defines how gatekeepers in the food industry perceive and experience the SA for GM crop applications on the EU market, and how these perceptual tensions subsequently influence their strategic behaviour for GM-labelled products on the EU market. Finally, we highlight how these perceptions and actions (or inaction) suppress the main changes in practice that are necessary to manage this wicked problem. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antarctic Ice Mass Balance from GRACE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boening, C.; Firing, Y. L.; Wiese, D. N.; Watkins, M. M.; Schlegel, N.; Larour, E. Y.

2014-12-01

The Antarctic ice mass balance and rates of change of ice mass over the past decade are analyzed based on observations from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites, in the form of JPL RL05M mascon solutions. Surface mass balance (SMB) fluxes from ERA-Interim and other atmospheric reanalyses successfully account for the seasonal GRACE-measured mass variability, and explain 70-80% of the continent-wide mass variance at interannual time scales. Trends in the residual (GRACE mass - SMB accumulation) mass time series in different Antarctic drainage basins are consistent with time-mean ice discharge rates based on radar-derived ice velocities and thicknesses. GRACE also resolves accelerations in regional ice mass change rates, including increasing rates of mass gain in East Antarctica and accelerating ice mass loss in West Antarctica. The observed East Antarctic mass gain is only partially explained by anomalously large SMB events in the second half of the record, potentially implying that ice discharge rates are also decreasing in this region. Most of the increasing mass loss rate in West Antarctica, meanwhile, is explained by decreasing SMB (principally precipitation) over this time period, part of the characteristic decadal variability in regional SMB. The residual acceleration of 2+/-1 Gt/yr, which is concentrated in the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE) basins, represents the contribution from increasing ice discharge rates. An Ice Sheet System Model (ISSM) run with constant ocean forcing and stationary grounding lines both underpredicts the largest trends in the ASE and produces negligible acceleration or interannual variability in discharge, highlighting the potential importance of ocean forcing for setting ice discharge rates at interannual to decadal time scales.

Victimization, social anxiety, and body dysmorphic concerns: appearance-based rejection sensitivity as a mediator.

PubMed

Lavell, Cassie H; Zimmer-Gembeck, Melanie J; Farrell, Lara J; Webb, Haley

2014-09-01

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by extreme preoccupation with perceived deficits in physical appearance, and sufferers experience severe impairment in functioning. Previous research has indicated that individuals with BDD are high in social anxiety, and often report being the victims of appearance-based teasing. However, there is little research into the possible mechanisms that might explain these relationships. The current study examined appearance-based rejection sensitivity as a mediator between perceived appearance-based victimization, social anxiety, and body dysmorphic symptoms in a sample of 237 Australian undergraduate psychology students. Appearance-based rejection sensitivity fully mediated the relationship between appearance-based victimization and body dysmorphic symptoms, and partially mediated the relationship between social anxiety and body dysmorphic symptoms. Findings suggest that individuals high in social anxiety or those who have a history of more appearance-based victimization may have a bias towards interpreting further appearance-based rejection, which may contribute to extreme appearance concerns such as BDD. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Charge carrier coherence and Hall effect in organic semiconductors

DOE PAGES

Yi, H. T.; Gartstein, Y. N.; Podzorov, V.

2016-03-30

Hall effect measurements are important for elucidating the fundamental charge transport mechanisms and intrinsic mobility in organic semiconductors. However, Hall effect studies frequently reveal an unconventional behavior that cannot be readily explained with the simple band-semiconductor Hall effect model. Here, we develop an analytical model of Hall effect in organic field-effect transistors in a regime of coexisting band and hopping carriers. The model, which is supported by the experiments, is based on a partial Hall voltage compensation effect, occurring because hopping carriers respond to the transverse Hall electric field and drift in the direction opposite to the Lorentz force actingmore » on band carriers. We show that this can lead in particular to an underdeveloped Hall effect observed in organic semiconductors with substantial off-diagonal thermal disorder. Lastly, our model captures the main features of Hall effect in a variety of organic semiconductors and provides an analytical description of Hall mobility, carrier density and carrier coherence factor.« less

Beyond nutrition: hunger and its impact on the health of young Canadians.

PubMed

Pickett, William; Michaelson, Valerie; Davison, Colleen

2015-07-01

In a large Canadian study, we examined: (1) the prevalence of hunger due to an inadequate food supply at home; (2) relations between this hunger and a range of health outcomes, and; (3) contextual explanations for any observed associations. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 25,912 students aged 11-15 years from 436 Canadian schools. Analyses were descriptive and also involved hierarchical logistic regression models. Hunger was reported by 25 % of participants, with 4 % reporting this experience "often" or "always". Its prevalence was associated with socio-economic disadvantage and family-related factors, but not with whether or not a student had access to school-based food and nutrition programs. The consistency of hunger's associations with the health outcomes was remarkable. Relations between hunger and health were partially explained when models controlled for family practices, but not the socio-economic or school measures. Societal responses to hunger certainly require the provision of food, but may also consider family contexts and basic essential elements of care that children need to thrive.

The E-prints and The Popper: Falsifying Some Recent Cosmological Models with Pencil and Paper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandora, McCullen

Various recent experiments indicate that the pace of our universe's present expansion is accelerating. This comes as a surprise, since this is not possible for normal matter obeying Einstein's equations of general relativity. Various mechanisms that alter the behavior of gravity on very large distance scales have since been proposed to explain this observation, to the point where new ideas appear in the literature faster than the old ones may be fully appraised. This dissertation aims to find new ways to test some of these proposed explanations, using a variety of methods. The first strategy is to look for signatures the models would imprint in arenas where the behavior of gravity is well understood. We use this to place strong constraints on nondynamical negative energy fields, as well as extra degrees of freedom that would be able to screen a large vacuum energy. We also develop ways to check the mathematical consistency of massive gravity theories, and rule out partially nonlinear massless theories.

Beyond heat baths II: framework for generalized thermodynamic resource theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yunger Halpern, Nicole

2018-03-01

Thermodynamics, which describes vast systems, has been reconciled with small scales, relevant to single-molecule experiments, in resource theories. Resource theories have been used to model exchanges of energy and information. Recently, particle exchanges were modeled; and an umbrella family of thermodynamic resource theories was proposed to model diverse baths, interactions, and free energies. This paper motivates and details the family’s structure and prospective applications. How to model electrochemical, gravitational, magnetic, and other thermodynamic systems is explained. Szilárd’s engine and Landauer’s Principle are generalized, as resourcefulness is shown to be convertible not only between information and gravitational energy, but also among diverse degrees of freedom. Extensive variables are associated with quantum operators that might fail to commute, introducing extra nonclassicality into thermodynamic resource theories. An early version of this paper partially motivated the later development of noncommutative thermalization. This generalization expands the theories’ potential for modeling realistic systems with which small-scale statistical mechanics might be tested experimentally.

Experimental assessment of spanwise-oscillating dielectric electroactive surfaces for turbulent drag reduction in an air channel flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gatti, Davide; Güttler, Andreas; Frohnapfel, Bettina; Tropea, Cameron

2015-05-01

In the present work, wall oscillations for turbulent skin friction drag reduction are realized in an air turbulent duct flow by means of spanwise-oscillating active surfaces based on dielectric electroactive polymers. The actuator system produces spanwise wall velocity oscillations of 820 mm/s semi-amplitude at its resonance frequency of 65 Hz while consuming an active power of a few 100 mW. The actuators achieved a maximum integral drag reduction of 2.4 %. The maximum net power saving, budget of the power benefit and cost of the control, was measured for the first time with wall oscillations. Though negative, the net power saving is order of magnitudes higher than what has been estimated in previous studies. Two new direct numerical simulations of turbulent channel flow show that the finite size of the actuator only partially explains the lower values of integral drag reduction typically achieved in laboratory experiments compared to numerical simulations.

Exciting Quantized Vortex Rings in a Superfluid Unitary Fermi Gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulgac, Aurel

2014-03-01

In a recent article, Yefsah et al., Nature 499, 426 (2013) report the observation of an unusual quantum excitation mode in an elongated harmonically trapped unitary Fermi gas. After phase imprinting a domain wall, they observe collective oscillations of the superfluid atomic cloud with a period almost an order of magnitude larger than that predicted by any theory of domain walls, which they interpret as a possible new quantum phenomenon dubbed ``a heavy soliton'' with an inertial mass some 50 times larger than one expected for a domain wall. We present compelling evidence that this ``heavy soliton'' is instead a quantized vortex ring by showing that the main aspects of the experiment can be naturally explained within an extension of the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) to superfluid systems. The numerical simulations required the solution of some 260,000 nonlinear coupled time-dependent 3-dimensional partial differential equations and was implemented on 2048 GPUs on the Cray XK7 supercomputer Titan of the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility.

Everyday attention lapses and memory failures: the affective consequences of mindlessness.

PubMed

Carriere, Jonathan S A; Cheyne, J Allan; Smilek, Daniel

2008-09-01

We examined the affective consequences of everyday attention lapses and memory failures. Significant associations were found between self-report measures of attention lapses (MAAS-LO), attention-related cognitive errors (ARCES), and memory failures (MFS), on the one hand, and boredom (BPS) and depression (BDI-II), on the other. Regression analyses confirmed previous findings that the ARCES partially mediates the relation between the MAAS-LO and MFS. Further regression analyses also indicated that the association between the ARCES and BPS was entirely accounted for by the MAAS-LO and MFS, as was that between the ARCES and BDI-II. Structural modeling revealed the associations to be optimally explained by the MAAS-LO and MFS influencing the BPS and BDI-II, contrary to current conceptions of attention and memory problems as consequences of affective dysfunction. A lack of conscious awareness of one's actions, signaled by the propensity to experience brief lapses of attention and related memory failures, is thus seen as having significant consequences in terms of long-term affective well-being.

High pCO2-induced exopolysaccharide-rich ballasted aggregates of planktonic cyanobacteria could explain Paleoproterozoic carbon burial.

PubMed

Kamennaya, Nina A; Zemla, Marcin; Mahoney, Laura; Chen, Liang; Holman, Elizabeth; Holman, Hoi-Ying; Auer, Manfred; Ajo-Franklin, Caroline M; Jansson, Christer

2018-05-29

The contribution of planktonic cyanobacteria to burial of organic carbon in deep-sea sediments before the emergence of eukaryotic predators ~1.5 Ga has been considered negligible owing to the slow sinking speed of their small cells. However, global, highly positive excursion in carbon isotope values of inorganic carbonates ~2.22-2.06 Ga implies massive organic matter burial that had to be linked to oceanic cyanobacteria. Here to elucidate that link, we experiment with unicellular planktonic cyanobacteria acclimated to high partial CO 2 pressure (pCO 2 ) representative of the early Paleoproterozoic. We find that high pCO 2 boosts generation of acidic extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) that adsorb Ca and Mg cations, support mineralization, and aggregate cells to form ballasted particles. The down flux of such self-assembled cyanobacterial aggregates would decouple the oxygenic photosynthesis from oxidative respiration at the ocean scale, drive export of organic matter from surface to deep ocean and sustain oxygenation of the planetary surface.

A model of the formation of illusory conjunctions in the time domain.

PubMed

Botella, J; Suero, M; Barriopedro, M I

2001-12-01

The authors present a model to account for the miscombination of features when stimuli are presented using the rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) technique (illusory conjunctions in the time domain). It explains the distributions of responses through a mixture of trial outcomes. In some trials, attention is successfully focused on the target, whereas in others, the responses are based on partial information. Two experiments are presented that manipulated the mean processing time of the target-defining dimension and of the to-be-reported dimension, respectively. As predicted, the average origin of the responses is delayed when lengthening the target-defining dimension, whereas it is earlier when lengthening the to-be-reported dimension; in the first case the number of correct responses is dramatically reduced, whereas in the second it does not change. The results, a review of other research, and simulations carried out with a formal version of the model are all in close accordance with the predictions.

The Effect of Iron and Haematin on the Killing of Staphylococci by Rabbit Polymorphs

PubMed Central

Gladstone, G. P.; Walton, Everild

1971-01-01

The killing of staphylococci by rabbit polymorphs is inhibited by Fe++ and haematin but not by haemoglobin as shown by viable counts in rotating suspensions and direct observation in plasma clot cultures. Killing was not inhibited by azide or catalase suggesting that the myeloperoxidase-H2O2 system was not involved under the conditions used in this work. It is suggested that the predominant bactericidal system operating in the present experiments was the liberation of cationic proteins from the lysosomes of the leucocytes both into the phagocytic vacuoles and into the medium external to the cell. The action of these proteins is known to be reversed by Fe and haematin. Lactoferrin was not bactericidal in the doses used, and Fe-lactoferrin failed to inhibit the bactericidal action of whole leucocytes, although it was effective in inhibiting that of the partially purified cationic proteins. This anomaly has not been explained. ImagesFig. 6 PMID:5125261

An arboreal spider protects its offspring by diving into the water of tank bromeliads.

PubMed

Hénaut, Yann; Corbara, Bruno; Azémar, Frédéric; Céréghino, Régis; Dézerald, Olivier; Dejean, Alain

2018-03-01

Cupiennius salei (Ctenidae) individuals frequently live in association with tank bromeliads, including Aechmea bracteata, in Quintana Roo (Mexico). Whereas C. salei females without egg sacs hunt over their entire host plant, females carrying egg sacs settle above the A. bracteata reservoirs they have partially sealed with silk. There they avoid predators that use sight to detect their prey, as is known for many bird species. Furthermore, if a danger is more acute, these females dive with their egg sacs into the bromeliad reservoir. An experiment showed that this is not the case for males or females without egg sacs. In addition to the likely abundance of prey found therein, the potential of diving into the tank to protect offspring may explain the close association of this spider with bromeliads. These results show that, although arboreal, C. salei evolved a protective behavior using the water of tank bromeliads to protect offspring. Copyright © 2018 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Habitat-dependent growth in a Caribbean sea urchin Tripneustes ventricosus: the importance of food type

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maciá, Silvia; Robinson, Michael P.

2008-12-01

The sea urchin Tripneustes ventricosus is a common, yet relatively poorly known, grazer of seagrass beds and coral reefs throughout the Caribbean. We compared the size and abundance of urchins between adjacent seagrass and coral reef habitats (where macroalgae are the dominant primary producers). We also conducted a laboratory experiment comparing the growth rate of juvenile urchins fed a diet of either macroalgae or seagrass. Reef urchins had significantly larger test diameter than those in the seagrass on some sampling dates. This size difference may be at least partially explained by diet, because laboratory-reared urchins fed macroalgae grew significantly faster than those fed seagrass. The seagrass population, however, was stable over time, whereas the reef population exhibited strong fluctuations in abundance. Overall, our study indicates that both the seagrass and coral reef habitats are capable of supporting healthy, reproductive populations of T. ventricosus. Each, however, appears to offer a distinct advantage: faster growth on the reef and greater population stability in the seagrass.

Sex differences in the pharmacokinetics of antidepressants: influence of female sex hormones and oral contraceptives.

PubMed

Damoiseaux, Valérie A; Proost, Johannes H; Jiawan, Vincent C R; Melgert, Barbro N

2014-06-01

Women are twice as likely to develop depression as men. Moreover, the symptoms they experience also show sex differences: women tend to develop depression at an earlier age and show more severe symptoms than men. Likewise, the response to antidepressant pharmacotherapy appears to have sex differences. These differences can partially be explained by differences in pharmacokinetic properties (i.e., absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) of drugs in males and females. More recent research has shown that sex hormones may influence all these previously named pharmacokinetic processes. As concentrations of sex hormones vary throughout the female lifespan, these hormonal variations can have effects on therapeutic responses to antidepressants as well as the occurrence of adverse events. The purpose of this paper is therefore to review the literature reporting on the effects of female sex hormones on the pharmacokinetics of antidepressants and to discuss and evaluate the implications of changes in levels of sex hormones throughout life for the treatment of depression.

Charge carrier coherence and Hall effect in organic semiconductors

PubMed Central

Yi, H. T.; Gartstein, Y. N.; Podzorov, V.

2016-01-01

Hall effect measurements are important for elucidating the fundamental charge transport mechanisms and intrinsic mobility in organic semiconductors. However, Hall effect studies frequently reveal an unconventional behavior that cannot be readily explained with the simple band-semiconductor Hall effect model. Here, we develop an analytical model of Hall effect in organic field-effect transistors in a regime of coexisting band and hopping carriers. The model, which is supported by the experiments, is based on a partial Hall voltage compensation effect, occurring because hopping carriers respond to the transverse Hall electric field and drift in the direction opposite to the Lorentz force acting on band carriers. We show that this can lead in particular to an underdeveloped Hall effect observed in organic semiconductors with substantial off-diagonal thermal disorder. Our model captures the main features of Hall effect in a variety of organic semiconductors and provides an analytical description of Hall mobility, carrier density and carrier coherence factor. PMID:27025354

Charge modeling of ionic polymer-metal composites for dynamic curvature sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahramzadeh, Yousef; Shahinpoor, Mohsen

2011-04-01

A curvature sensor based on Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) is proposed and characterized for sensing of curvature variation in structures such as inflatable space structures in which using low power and flexible curvature sensor is of high importance for dynamic monitoring of shape at desired points. The linearity of output signal of sensor for calibration, effect of deflection rate at low frequencies and the phase delay between the output signal and the input deformation of IPMC curvature sensor is investigated. An analytical chemo-electro-mechanical model for charge dynamic of IPMC sensor is presented based on Nernst-Planck partial differential equation which can be used to explain the phenomena observed in experiments. The rate dependency of output signal and phase delay between the applied deformation and sensor signal is studied using the proposed model. The model provides a background for predicting the general characteristics of IPMC sensor. It is shown that IPMC sensor exhibits good linearity, sensitivity, and repeatability for dynamic curvature sensing of inflatable structures.

Social determinants and lifestyle risk factors only partially explain the higher prevalence of food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian state of Victoria: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The prevalence of food insecurity is substantially higher among Australians of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. The purpose of this study is to explain the relationship between food insecurity and Aboriginal and Torres Islander status in the state of Victoria. Methods Data were obtained from the 2008 Victorian Population Health Survey; a cross-sectional landline computer-assisted telephone interview survey of 34,168 randomly selected Victorians aged 18 years and older; including 339 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. We categorised a respondent as food insecure, if in the previous 12 months, they reported having run out of food and not being able to afford to buy more. We used multivariable logistic regression to adjust for age, sex, socioeconomic status (household income), lifestyle risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity), social support (ability to get help from family, friends or neighbours), household composition (lone parent status, household with a child, and household size), and geographic location (rurality). Results Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (20.3%) were more likely than their non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counterparts (5.4%) to have experienced food insecurity; odds ratio (OR) = 4.5 (95% CI; 2.7-7.4). Controlling for age, SES, smoking, obesity and inability to get help from family or friends reduced the odds ratio by 38%; ORadjusted = 2.8 (1.6-5.0). Conclusions Social determinants and lifestyle risk factors only partially explained the higher prevalence of food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Victoria. Further research is needed to explain the disparity in food insecurity between the two populations in order to inform and guide corrective action. PMID:24924598

Hydromechanics in dentine: role of dentinal tubules and hydrostatic pressure on mechanical stress-strain distribution.

PubMed

Kishen, A; Vedantam, S

2007-10-01

This investigation is to understand the role of free water in the dentinal tubules on the mechanical integrity of bulk dentine. Three different experiments were conducted in this study. In experiment 1, three-dimensional models of dentine with gradient elastic modulus, homogenous elastic modulus, and with and without hydrostatic pressure were simulated using the finite element method. Static compressive loads of 15, 50 and 100 N were applied and the distribution of the principal stresses, von Mises stresses, and strains in loading direction were determined. In experiment 2, experimental compression testing of fully hydrated and partially dehydrated dentine (21 degrees C for 72 h) was conducted using a Universal testing machine. In experiment 3, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of hydrated and partially dehydrated dentine was carried out. The finite element analysis revealed that the dentine model with simulated hydrostatic pressure displayed residual tensile stresses and strains in the inner region adjacent to the root canal. When external compressive loads were applied to the model, the residual stresses and strains counteracted the applied loads. Similarly the hydrated specimens subjected to experimental compression loads showed greater toughness when compared to the partially dehydrated specimens. The stress at fracture was significantly higher in partially dehydrated specimens (p=0.014), while the strain at fracture was significantly higher in hydrated dentine specimens (p=0.037). These experiments highlighted the distinct role of free water in the dentinal tubules and hydrostatic pressure on the stress-strain distribution within the bulk dentine.

Constraints on the rheology of the partially molten mantle from numerical models of laboratory experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudge, J. F.; Alisic Jewell, L.; Rhebergen, S.; Katz, R. F.; Wells, G. N.

2015-12-01

One of the fundamental components in any dynamical model of melt transport is the rheology of partially molten rock. This rheology is poorly understood, and one way in which a better understanding can be obtained is by comparing the results of laboratory deformation experiments to numerical models. Here we present a comparison between numerical models and the laboratory setup of Qi et al. 2013 (EPSL), where a cylinder of partially molten rock containing rigid spherical inclusions was placed under torsion. We have replicated this setup in a finite element model which solves the partial differential equations describing the mechanical process of compaction. These computationally-demanding 3D simulations are only possible due to the recent development of a new preconditioning method for the equations of magma dynamics. The experiments show a distinct pattern of melt-rich and melt-depleted regions around the inclusions. In our numerical models, the pattern of melt varies with key rheological parameters, such as the ratio of bulk to shear viscosity, and the porosity- and strain-rate-dependence of the shear viscosity. These observed melt patterns therefore have the potential to constrain rheological properties. While there are many similarities between the experiments and the numerical models, there are also important differences, which highlight the need for better models of the physics of two-phase mantle/magma dynamics. In particular, the laboratory experiments display more pervasive melt-rich bands than is seen in our numerics.

A circuit-based photovoltaic module simulator with shadow and fault settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Kuei-Hsiang; Chao, Yuan-Wei; Chen, Jyun-Ping

2016-03-01

The main purpose of this study was to develop a photovoltaic (PV) module simulator. The proposed simulator, using electrical parameters from solar cells, could simulate output characteristics not only during normal operational conditions, but also during conditions of partial shadow and fault conditions. Such a simulator should possess the advantages of low cost, small size and being easily realizable. Experiments have shown that results from a proposed PV simulator of this kind are very close to that from simulation software during partial shadow conditions, and with negligible differences during fault occurrence. Meanwhile, the PV module simulator, as developed, could be used on various types of series-parallel connections to form PV arrays, to conduct experiments on partial shadow and fault events occurring in some of the modules. Such experiments are designed to explore the impact of shadow and fault conditions on the output characteristics of the system as a whole.

Alterations in the contents of consciousness in partial epileptic seizures.

PubMed

Johanson, Mirja; Valli, Katja; Revonsuo, Antti; Chaplin, John E; Wedlund, Jan-Eric

2008-08-01

Epilepsy research suffers from a deficiency of systematic studies concerning the phenomenology of the contents of consciousness during seizures, partially because of the lack of suitable research methods. The Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI), a standardized, valid, and reliable questionnaire, was used here to study which dimensions of the contents of consciousness are distorted during partial epileptic seizures compared with baseline. Further, the similarity of the altered pattern of subjective experiences across recurring seizures was also explored. Our results indicate that patients with epilepsy report alterations on most dimensions of the contents of consciousness in conjunction with seizures, but individual seizure experiences remain similar from one seizure to another. The PCI was found suitable for the assessment of subjective experiences during epileptic seizures and could be a valuable tool in providing new information about phenomenal consciousness in epilepsy in both the research and clinical settings.

Slower reacquisition after partial extinction in human contingency learning.

PubMed

Morís, Joaquín; Barberia, Itxaso; Vadillo, Miguel A; Andrades, Ainhoa; López, Francisco J

2017-01-01

Extinction is a very relevant learning phenomenon from a theoretical and applied point of view. One of its most relevant features is that relapse phenomena often take place once the extinction training has been completed. Accordingly, as extinction-based therapies constitute the most widespread empirically validated treatment of anxiety disorders, one of their most important limitations is this potential relapse. We provide the first demonstration of relapse reduction in human contingency learning using mild aversive stimuli. This effect was found after partial extinction (i.e., reinforced trials were occasionally experienced during extinction, Experiment 1) and progressive extinction treatments (Experiment 3), and it was not only because of differences in uncertainty levels between the partial and a standard extinction group (Experiment 2). The theoretical explanation of these results, the potential uses of this strategy in applied situations, and its current limitations are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

The hybrid RANS/LES of partially premixed supersonic combustion using G/Z flamelet model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jinshui; Wang, Zhenguo; Bai, Xuesong; Sun, Mingbo; Wang, Hongbo

2016-10-01

In order to describe partially premixed supersonic combustion numerically, G/Z flamelet model is developed and compared with finite rate model in hybrid RANS/LES simulation to study the strut-injection supersonic combustion flow field designed by the German Aerospace Center. A new temperature calculation method based on time-splitting method of total energy is introduced in G/Z flamelet model. Simulation results show that temperature predictions in partially premixed zone by G/Z flamelet model are more consistent with experiment than finite rate model. It is worth mentioning that low temperature reaction zone behind the strut is well reproduced. Other quantities such as average velocity and average velocity fluctuation obtained by developed G/Z flamelet model are also in good agreement with experiment. Besides, simulation results by G/Z flamelet also reveal the mechanism of partially premixed supersonic combustion by the analyses of the interaction between turbulent burning velocity and flow field.

The Kalatongke magmatic Ni-Cu deposits in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, NW China: product of slab window magmatism?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chusi; Zhang, Mingjie; Fu, Piaoer; Qian, Zhuangzhi; Hu, Peiqing; Ripley, Edward M.

2012-01-01

The Permian Kalatongke Ni-Cu deposits in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt are among the most important Ni-Cu deposits in northern Xinjiang, western China. The deposits are hosted by three small mafic intrusions comprising mainly norite and diorite. Its tectonic context, petrogenesis, and ore genesis have been highly contested. In this paper, we present a new model involving slab window magmatism for the Kalatongke intrusions. The origin of the associated sulfide ores is explained in the context of this new model. Minor amounts of olivine in the intrusions have Fo contents varying between 71 and 81.5 mol%, which are similar to the predicted values for olivine crystallizing from coeval basalts in the region. Analytic modeling based on major element concentrations suggests that the parental magma of the Kalatongke intrusions and the coeval basalts represent fractionated liquids produced by ˜15% of olivine crystallization from a primary magma, itself produced by 7-8% partial melting of depleted mantle peridotite. Positive ɛ Nd values (+4 to +10) and significant negative Nb anomalies for both intrusive and extrusive rocks can be explained by the mixing of magma derived from depleted mantle with 6-18% of a partial melt derived from the lower part of a juvenile arc crust with a composition similar to coeval A-type granites in the region, plus up to 10% contamination with the upper continental crust. Our model suggests that a slab window was created due to slab break-off during a transition from oceanic subduction to arc-arc or arc-continent collision in the region in the Early Permian. Decompression melting in the upwelling oceanic asthenosphere produced the primary magma. When this magma ascended to pond in the lower parts of a juvenile arc crust, it underwent olivine crystallization and at the same time triggered partial melting of the arc crust. Mixing between these two magmas followed by contamination with the upper crust after the magma ascended to higher crustal levels formed the parental magma of the Kalatongke intrusions. The parental magma of the Kalatongke intrusions was saturated with sulfide upon arrival primarily due to olivine fractional crystallization and selective assimilation of crustal sulfur. Sulfide mineralization in the Kalatongke intrusions can be explained by accumulation of immiscible sulfide droplets by flow differentiation, gravitational settling, and downward percolation which operated in different parts of the intrusions. Platinum-group element (PGE) depletion in the bulk sulfide ores of the Kalatongke deposits was due to depletion in the parental magma which in turn was likely due to depletion in the primary magma. PGE depletion in the primary magma can be explained by a relatively low degree of partial melting of the mantle and retention of coexisting sulfide liquid in the mantle.

Development of Partial Discharging Simulation Test Equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kai, Xue; Genghua, Liu; Yan, Jia; Ziqi, Chai; Jian, Lu

2017-12-01

In the case of partial discharge training for recruits who lack of on-site work experience, the risk of physical shock and damage of the test equipment may be due to the limited skill level and improper operation by new recruits. Partial discharge simulation tester is the use of simulation technology to achieve partial discharge test process simulation, relatively true reproduction of the local discharge process and results, so that the operator in the classroom will be able to get familiar with and understand the use of the test process and equipment.The teacher sets up the instrument to display different partial discharge waveforms so that the trainees can analyze the test results of different partial discharge types.

The boundaries of instance-based learning theory for explaining decisions from experience.

PubMed

Gonzalez, Cleotilde

2013-01-01

Most demonstrations of how people make decisions in risky situations rely on decisions from description, where outcomes and their probabilities are explicitly stated. But recently, more attention has been given to decisions from experience where people discover these outcomes and probabilities through exploration. More importantly, risky behavior depends on how decisions are made (from description or experience), and although prospect theory explains decisions from description, a comprehensive model of decisions from experience is yet to be found. Instance-based learning theory (IBLT) explains how decisions are made from experience through interactions with dynamic environments (Gonzalez et al., 2003). The theory has shown robust explanations of behavior across multiple tasks and contexts, but it is becoming unclear what the theory is able to explain and what it does not. The goal of this chapter is to start addressing this problem. I will introduce IBLT and a recent cognitive model based on this theory: the IBL model of repeated binary choice; then I will discuss the phenomena that the IBL model explains and those that the model does not. The argument is for the theory's robustness but also for clarity in terms of concrete effects that the theory can or cannot account for. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of dilatational infrasonic pulses accompanying low-frequency earthquakes at Miyakejima Volcano, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujiwara, Yoshiaki; Yamasato, Hitoshi; Shimbori, Toshiki; Sakai, Takayuki

2014-12-01

Since the caldera-forming eruption of Miyakejima Volcano in 2000, low-frequency (LF) earthquakes have occurred frequently beneath the caldera. Some of these LF earthquakes are accompanied by emergent infrasonic pulses that start with dilatational phases and may be accompanied by the eruption of small amounts of ash. The estimated source locations of both the LF earthquakes and the infrasonic signals are within the vent at shallow depth. Moreover, the maximum seismic amplitude roughly correlates with the maximum amplitude of the infrasonic pulses. From these observations, we hypothesized that the infrasonic waves were excited by partial subsidence within the vent associated with the LF earthquakes. To verify our hypothesis, we used the infrasonic data to estimate the volumetric change due to the partial subsidence associated with each LF earthquake. The results showed that partial subsidence in the vent can well explain the generation of infrasonic waves.

Consistent transport coefficients in astrophysics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fontenla, Juan M.; Rovira, M.; Ferrofontan, C.

1986-01-01

A consistent theory for dealing with transport phenomena in stellar atmospheres starting with the kinetic equations and introducing three cases (LTE, partial LTE, and non-LTE) was developed. The consistent hydrodynamical equations were presented for partial-LTE, the transport coefficients defined, and a method shown to calculate them. The method is based on the numerical solution of kinetic equations considering Landau, Boltzmann, and Focker-Planck collision terms. Finally a set of results for the transport coefficients derived for a partially ionized hydrogen gas with radiation was shown, considering ionization and recombination as well as elastic collisions. The results obtained imply major changes is some types of theoretical model calculations and can resolve some important current problems concerning energy and mass balance in the solar atmosphere. It is shown that energy balance in the lower solar transition region can be fully explained by means of radiation losses and conductive flux.

Power counting in peripheral partial waves: The singlet channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valderrama, M. Pavón; Sánchez, M. Sánchez; Yang, C.-J.; Long, Bingwei; Carbonell, J.; van Kolck, U.

2017-05-01

We analyze the power counting of the peripheral singlet partial waves in nucleon-nucleon scattering. In agreement with conventional wisdom, we find that pion exchanges are perturbative in the peripheral singlets. We quantify from the effective field theory perspective the well-known suppression induced by the centrifugal barrier in the pion-exchange interactions. By exploring perturbation theory up to fourth order, we find that the one-pion-exchange potential in these channels is demoted from leading to subleading order by a given power of the expansion parameter that grows with the orbital angular momentum. We discuss the implications of these demotions for few-body calculations: though higher partial waves have been known for a long time to be irrelevant in these calculations (and are hence ignored), here we explain how to systematize the procedure in a way that is compatible with the effective field theory expansion.

Re-evaluation of blood mercury, lead and cadmium concentrations in the Inuit population of Nunavik (Québec): a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Fontaine, Julie; Dewailly, Éric; Benedetti, Jean-Louis; Pereg, Daria; Ayotte, Pierre; Déry, Serge

2008-01-01

Background Arctic populations are exposed to mercury, lead and cadmium through their traditional diet. Studies have however shown that cadmium exposure is most often attributable to tobacco smoking. The aim of this study is to examine the trends in mercury, lead and cadmium exposure between 1992 and 2004 in the Inuit population of Nunavik (Northern Québec, Canada) using the data obtained from two broad scale health surveys, and to identify sources of exposure in 2004. Methods In 2004, 917 adults aged between 18 and 74 were recruited in the 14 communities of Nunavik to participate to a broad scale health survey. Blood samples were collected and analysed for metals by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and dietary and life-style characteristics were documented by questionnaires. Results were compared with data obtained in 1992, where 492 people were recruited for a similar survey in the same population. Results Mean blood concentration of mercury was 51.2 nmol/L, which represent a 32% decrease (p < 0.001) between 1992 and 2004. Mercury blood concentrations were mainly explained by age (partial r2 = 0.20; p < 0.0001), and the most important source of exposure to mercury was marine mammal meat consumption (partial r2 = 0.04; p < 0.0001). In 2004, mean blood concentration of lead was 0.19 μmol/L and showed a 55% decrease since 1992. No strong associations were observed with any dietary source, and lead concentrations were mainly explained by age (partial r2 = 0.20.; p < 0.001). Blood cadmium concentrations showed a 22% decrease (p < 0.001) between 1992 and 2004. Once stratified according to tobacco use, means varied between 5.3 nmol/L in never-smokers and 40.4 nmol/L in smokers. Blood cadmium concentrations were mainly associated with tobacco smoking (partial r2 = 0.56; p < 0.0001), while consumption of caribou liver and kidney remain a minor source of cadmium exposure among never-smokers. Conclusion Important decreases in mercury, lead and cadmium exposure were observed. Mercury decrease could be explained by dietary changes and the ban of lead cartridges use likely contributed to the decrease in lead exposure. Blood cadmium concentrations remain high and, underscoring the need for intensive tobacco smoking prevention campaigns in the Nunavik population. PMID:18518986

The derivation of the general form of kinematics with the universal reference system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szostek, Karol; Szostek, Roman

2018-03-01

In the article, the whole class of time and position transformations was derived. These transformations were derived based on the analysis of the Michelson-Morley experiment and its improved version, that is the Kennedy-Thorndike experiment. It is possible to derive a different kinematics of bodies based on each of these transformations. In this way, we demonstrated that the Special Theory of Relativity is not the only theory explaining the results of experiments with light. There is the whole continuum of the theories of kinematics of bodies which correctly explain the Michelson-Morley experiment and other experiments in which the velocity of light is measured. Based on the derived transformations, we derive the general formula for the velocity of light in vacuum measured in any inertial reference system. We explain why the Michelson-Morley and Kennedy-Thorndike experiments could not detect the ether. We present and discuss three examples of specific transformations. Finally, we explain the phenomenon of anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background radiation by means of the presented theory. The theory derived in this work is called the Special Theory of Ether - with any transverse contraction. The entire article contains only original research conducted by its authors.

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

Lu, Jun; Byrne, Noel; Wang, John

Clinical studies indicate that partial agonists of the G-protein-coupled, free fatty acid receptor 1 GPR40 enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion and represent a potential mechanism for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Full allosteric agonists (AgoPAMs) of GPR40 bind to a site distinct from partial agonists and can provide additional efficacy. We report the 3.2-Å crystal structure of human GPR40 (hGPR40) in complex with both the partial agonist MK-8666 and an AgoPAM, which exposes a novel lipid-facing AgoPAM-binding pocket outside the transmembrane helical bundle. Comparison with an additional 2.2-Å structure of the hGPR40–MK-8666 binary complex reveals an induced-fit conformational couplingmore » between the partial agonist and AgoPAM binding sites, involving rearrangements of the transmembrane helices 4 and 5 (TM4 and TM5) and transition of the intracellular loop 2 (ICL2) into a short helix. These conformational changes likely prime GPR40 to a more active-like state and explain the binding cooperativity between these ligands.« less

A retrospective assessment of partial cutting to reduce spruce beetle-caused mortality in the southern Rocky Mountains

Treesearch

E. Matthew Hansen; Jose F. Negron; A. Steven Munson; John A. Anhold

2010-01-01

Tree susceptibility to bark beetle-caused mortality has been linked to stand characteristics such as basal area (BA) and average tree size, factors that can be manipulated through partial cutting. There is no experimental evidence, however, demonstrating the efficacy of partial cutting in spruce type. Such experiments are very difficult to complete because of the...

Ancient fluvial processes in the equatorial highlands of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Craddock, Robert A.; Maxwell, Ted A.

1991-01-01

Martian highland craters typically lack ejecta deposits, have no noticeable rim, and are flat floored. In addition, crater size frequency distribution curves show that highland craters have depleted populations less than 20 km in diameter. A variety of processes have been suggested to explain these observations including deposition of aeolian or volcanic materials up to the crater rim crests, thermal creep, terrain softening, and mass wasting. However, none of these processes adequately explains both the crater morphology and population distribution. In order to explain both the Martian highland crater morphology and population distribution, a fluvial process is proposed which is capable of removing the loose crater rim material. The resulting effect is to decrease the crater diameter, thereby causing the population curves to bendover. The eroded material is redistributed, burying or partially burying smaller diameter craters before complete erosion. This material may also be deposited into local topographic lows, creating the depositional basins observed. A fluvial process explains both sets of observations: crater morphology and crater population distribution curves.

Shadows Constructing a Relationship between Light and Color Pigments by Physical and Mathematical Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yurumezoglu, Kemal; Karabey, Burak; Koyunkaya, Melike Yigit

2017-01-01

Full shadows, partial shadows and multilayer shadows are explained based on the phenomenon of the linear dispersion of light. This paper focuses on progressing the understanding of shadows from physical and mathematical perspectives. A significant relationship between light and color pigments is demonstrated with the help of the concept of sets.…

Schooling and Variation in the "COMT" Gene: The Devil Is in the Details

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Daniel; Bick, Johanna; Yrigollen, Carolyn M.; Lee, Maria; Joseph, Antony; Chang, Joseph T.; Grigorenko, Elena L.

2013-01-01

Background: Schooling is considered one of the major contributors to the development of intelligence within societies and individuals. Genetic variation might modulate the impact of schooling and explain, at least partially, the presence of individual differences in classrooms. Method: We studied a sample of 1,502 children (mean age = 11.7 years)…

Theoretical Prediction of Magnetism in C-doped TlBr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yuzhi; Haller, E. E.; Chrzan, D. C.

2014-05-01

We predict that C, N, and O dopants in TlBr can display large, localized magnetic moments. Density functional theory based electronic structure calculations show that the moments arise from partial filling of the crystal-field-split localized p states of the dopant atoms. A simple model is introduced to explain the magnitude of the moments.

Shyness, Masculine Ideology, Physical Attractiveness, and Emotional Inexpressiveness: Testing a Mediational Model of Men's Interpersonal Competence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bruch, Monroe A.; Berko, Eric H.; Haase, Richard F.

1998-01-01

A model was tested in which emotional inexpressiveness fully mediates the relationship of shyness, gender identity, and physical attractiveness with men's interpersonal competence. In a second study, a partially mediated model explained the data better. Implications for further modifications and testing of the model and for counseling practice are…

Teaching Contested Narratives: Identity, Memory and Reconciliation in Peace Education and Beyond

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bekerman, Zvi; Zembylas, Michalinos

2012-01-01

In troubled societies narratives about the past tend to be partial and explain a conflict from narrow perspectives that justify the national self and condemn, exclude and devalue the 'enemy' and their narrative. Through a detailed analysis, Teaching Contested Narratives reveals the works of identity, historical narratives and memory as these are…

Sex Variations in Youth Anxiety Symptoms: Effects of Pubertal Development and Gender Role Orientation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carter, Rona; Silverman, Wendy K.; Jaccard, James

2011-01-01

This study evaluated whether pubertal development and gender role orientation (i.e., masculinity and femininity) can partially explain sex variations in youth anxiety symptoms among clinic-referred anxious youth (N = 175; ages 9-13 years; 74% Hispanic; 48% female). Using youth and parent ratings of youth anxiety symptoms, structural equation…

Testing a Gender Additive Model: The Role of Body Image in Adolescent Depression

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bearman, Sarah Kate; Stice, Eric

2008-01-01

Despite consistent evidence that adolescent girls are at greater risk of developing depression than adolescent boys, risk factor models that account for this difference have been elusive. The objective of this research was to examine risk factors proposed by the "gender additive" model of depression that attempts to partially explain the increased…

Exploiting Redundant Measurement of Dose and Developmental Outcome: New Methods from the Behavioral Teratology of Alcohol.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bookstein, Fred L.; And Others

1996-01-01

Discusses the use of new statistical procedures in a study of the enduring effects of prenatal alcohol exposure upon the neurobehavioral development of some 500 children born in 1975-76. Explains how the Partial Least Squares (PLS) methodology can summarize the data powerfully while avoiding familiar inferential pitfalls. (MDM)

CONTRIBUTION OF NUTRIENTS AND E. COLI TO SURFACE WATER CONDITION IN THE OZARKS I. USING PARTIAL LEAST SQUARES PREDICTIONS WHEN STANDARD REGRESSION ASSUMPTIONS ARE VIOLATED

EPA Science Inventory

We present here the application of PLS regression to predicting surface water total phosphorous, total ammonia and Escherichia coli from landscape metrics. The amount of variability in surface water constituents explained by each model reflects the composition of the contributi...

Corporate social responsibility: an assessment of the enlightened self-interest model.

PubMed

Keim, G D

1978-01-01

Much recent discussion of corporate social responsibility has concerned operationality. Many activities subsumed under corporate social responsibility can be shown to be public or partially public goods. The theory of public goods can clarify and explain some complex problems of operationalizing the social responsibility doctrine. An examination of philanthropy provides some behavioral applications.

On The Origin Of Two-Shell Supernova Remnants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gvaramadze, Vasilii

2007-07-01

The proper motion of massive stars could cause them to explode far from the geometric centers of their wind-driven bubbles and thereby could affect the symmetry of the resulting diffuse supernova remnants (SNRs). We use this fact to explain the origin of SNRs consisting of two partially overlapping shells (e.g. Cygnus Loop, 3C 400.2, etc.).

Automatic Generation of Just-in-Time Online Assessments from Software Design Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zualkernan, Imran A.; El-Naaj, Salim Abou; Papadopoulos, Maria; Al-Amoudi, Budoor K.; Matthews, Charles E.

2009-01-01

Computer software is pervasive in today's society. The rate at which new versions of computer software products are released is phenomenal when compared to the release rate of new products in traditional industries such as aircraft building. This rapid rate of change can partially explain why most certifications in the software industry are…

The effects of nonuniform magnetic field strength on density flux and test particle transport in drift wave turbulence

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

Dewhurst, J. M.; Hnat, B.; Dendy, R. O.

2009-07-15

The extended Hasegawa-Wakatani equations generate fully nonlinear self-consistent solutions for coupled density n and vorticity {nabla}{sup 2}{phi}, where {phi} is electrostatic potential, in a plasma with background density inhomogeneity {kappa}=-{partial_derivative} ln n{sub 0}/{partial_derivative}x and magnetic field strength inhomogeneity C=-{partial_derivative} ln B/{partial_derivative}x. Finite C introduces interchange effects and {nabla}B drifts into the framework of drift turbulence through compressibility of the ExB and diamagnetic drifts. This paper addresses the direct computation of the radial ExB density flux {gamma}{sub n}=-n{partial_derivative}{phi}/{partial_derivative}y, tracer particle transport, the statistical properties of the turbulent fluctuations that drive {gamma}{sub n} and tracer motion, and analytical underpinnings. Systematic trends emergemore » in the dependence on C of the skewness of the distribution of pointwise {gamma}{sub n} and in the relative phase of density-velocity and density-potential pairings. It is shown how these effects, together with conservation of potential vorticity {pi}={nabla}{sup 2}{phi}-n+({kappa}-C)x, account for much of the transport phenomenology. Simple analytical arguments yield a Fickian relation {gamma}{sub n}=({kappa}-C)D{sub x} between the radial density flux {gamma}{sub n} and the radial tracer diffusivity D{sub x}, which is shown to explain key trends in the simulations.« less

Experimental ductile reactivation of pseudotachylyte-bearing faults.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tielke, J.; Di Toro, G.; Passelegue, F. X.; Mecklenburgh, J.

2017-12-01

In most large earthquakes, afterslip is primarily accommodated by ductile deformation in the deep crust and upper mantle. In the last decades, field and experimental studies highlighted that seismic rupture can induce frictional meltin. The product of frictional melting, called pseudotachylyte, is considered the best signature of seismic rupture in exposed sections of rocks. Deformation of pseudotachylyte in the deep crust may explain the observed reduction of the strength after earthquakes, providing an explanation for the large afterslip or creep phenomena. In addition, the observation of natural mylonitized pseudotachylytes confirms the hypothesis of ductile reactivations. In this study, we conducted experiments under deep crust PT conditions on natural pseudotachylyte and tonalite from the Gole Larghe fault zone. Deformation experiments were carried out using a gas-medium apparatus at temperatures of 700° to 900°C, a confining pressure of 300 MPa, differential stresses stages of 5 to 400 MPa resulting in different strain rates. Mechanical data were used to derive flow law parameters. The intact tonalite present the largest strength of the rocks tested. The deformation mechanisms remain mostly brittle even at 900°C, and experiments finished by the brittle failure of the rock specimens. In pseudotachylyte-bearing tonalite, strain is strongly localized within pseudotachylyte-rich regions. While the rocks samples remain strong at 700°C , weakening initiates at 800°C. The dependence of strain rate on stress follows a power-law relationship with a stress exponent (n) of 1 at low differential stress, and 3 at high differential stress. At 900°C, the strength of the pseudotachylyte vein samples drastically weakens and values of n of 3 are observed even at low differential stress. Microstructural analyses demonstrate that strain localization in pseudotachylite-bearing rocks corresponds with the initiation of partial melting at 800°C. In contrast, tonalite that is free of pseudotachylite only exhibits brittle processes. Evidence of the initiation of mylonitization is observed at low strain conditions. Our results suggest that the presence of pseudotachylyte in crustal rocks drastically reduces the strength of the system when the temperature allows for initiation of partial melting.

Evidence for the Presence of Hn-PAHs in Post AGB Stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Materese, Christopher K.; Bregman, Jesse D.; Sandford, Scott A.

2017-01-01

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are believed to be ubiquitous in space therefore represent an important class of molecules for the field of astrochemistry. PAHs are relatively stable under interstellar conditions, account for a significant fraction of the known Universe's molecular carbon inventory, and are believed responsible for numerous telltale interstellar infrared emission bands. PAHs can be subdivided into numerous classes, one of which is Hydrogenated PAHs (Hn-PAHs). Hn-PAHs are multi-ringed partially aromatic compounds with excess hydrogenation, leading to a partial disruption of the aromatic system. The infrared spectra of these compounds produce telltale signatures that make them distinct from ordinary aromatic or aliphatic molecules (or a mixture of both). Hn-PAHs may be an important subclass of PAHs that could explain the spectra of some astronomical objects with anomalously large 3.4 micron features. The 3.4 micron feature observed in these objects may be associated with the aliphatic C-H stretching vibrations of the excess hydrogen. If this presumption is correct, we also expect to observe methylene scissoring modes at 6.9 microns. We have recently conducted a series of follow-up observations to compliment our laboratory experiments into the properties of Hn-PAHs. Here we present our laboratory and observational results in support of the hypothesis that Hn-PAHs are a viable candidate molecule as the emission source for numerous post-asymptotic giant branch objects with abnormally large 3.4 micron features.

Thiols in Hydrothermal Solution: Standard Partial Molal Properties and Their Role in the Organic Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schulte, Mitchell D.; Rogers, Karyn L.; DeVincenzi, D. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Modern seafloor hydrothermal systems are locations where great varieties of geochemistry occur due to the enormous disequilibrium between vent fluids and seawater. The disequilibrium geochemistry has been hypothesized to include reactions to synthesize organic compounds. Despite the incomplete understanding of the carbon budget in hydrothermal systems, the organic geochemistry of these sites has received little attention. Experimental simulations of these environments, however, indicate that organic compounds may have difficulty forming in a purely aqueous environment. On the other hand, thiols, thioesters and disulfides have been implicated as reaction intermediates between CO or CO2 in experiments of carbon reduction in hydrothermal environments, as well as in a variety of biological processes and other abiotic reactions. The reduction of CO2 to thesis, for example, is observed using the FeS-H2S/FeS2 couple to provide the reducing power. We have used recent advances in theoretical geochemistry to estimate the standard partial moral thermodynamic properties and parameters for the revised Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers equation of state for aqueous straight-chain alkyl thesis. With these data and parameters we have evaluated the role that organic sulfur compounds may play as reaction intermediates during organic compound synthesis. We conclude that organic sulfur compounds may hold the key to the organic chemistry leading to the origin of life in hydrothermal settings. These results may also explain the presence of sulfur in a number of biomolecules present in ancient thermophilic microorganisms.

Levetiracetam: the preclinical profile of a new class of antiepileptic drugs?

PubMed

Klitgaard, H

2001-01-01

Levetiracetam is a new antiepileptic drug (AED) devoid of anticonvulsant activity in the two classic screening models for AEDs, the maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazol seizure tests in both mice and rats. This contrasts a potent seizure suppression in genetic and kindled mice and rats and against chemoconvulsants inducing partial seizures in rats. The highly selective action in "epileptic" animals distinguishes levetiracetam from classic and other new AEDs that have nearly equipotent effects in normal and "epileptic" animals. Levetiracetam induces minor behavioral alterations in normal and in kindled mice and rats. This results in an unusually high safety margin in animal models reflecting both partial and primary generalized epilepsy. Furthermore, experiments in the kindling model suggest that levetiracetam may possess antiepileptogenic properties due to a potent ability to prevent the development of kindling in mice and rats at doses devoid of adverse effects. Electrophysiologic recordings from different experimental models suggest that levetiracetam exerts a selective action against abnormal patterns of neuronal activity, which probably explains its selective protection in epileptic animals and its unique tolerability. This effect appears to derive from one or more novel mechanisms of action that do not involve a conventional interaction with traditional drug targets implicated in the modulation of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Instead, ligand-binding assays have disclosed a brain-specific binding site for levetiracetam. These studies reveal a unique preclinical profile of levetiracetam, distinct from that of all known AEDs, suggesting that levetiracetam could represent the first agent in a new class of AEDs.

Copper isotope fractionation during partial melting and melt percolation in the upper mantle: Evidence from massif peridotites in Ivrea-Verbano Zone, Italian Alps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jian; Huang, Fang; Wang, Zaicong; Zhang, Xingchao; Yu, Huimin

2017-08-01

To investigate the behavior of Cu isotopes during partial melting and melt percolation in the mantle, we have analyzed Cu isotopic compositions of a suite of well-characterized Paleozoic peridotites from the Balmuccia and Baldissero massifs in the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (IVZ, Northern Italy). Our results show that fresh lherzolites and harzburgites have a large variation of δ65Cu ranging from -0.133 to 0.379‰, which are negatively correlated with Al2O3 contents as well as incompatible platinum-group (e.g., Pd) and chalcophile element (e.g., Cu, S, Se, and Te) contents. The high δ65Cu can be explained by Cu isotope fractionation during partial melting of a sulfide-bearing peridotite source, with the light isotope (63Cu) preferentially entering the melts. The low δ65Cu can be attributed to precipitation of sulfides enriched in 63Cu during sulfur-saturated melt percolation. Replacive dunites from the Balmuccia massif display high δ65Cu from 0.544 to 0.610‰ with lower Re, Pd, S, Se, and Te contents and lower Pd/Ir ratios relative to lherzolites, which may result from dissolution of sulfides during interactions between S-undersaturated melts and lherzolites at high melt/rock ratios. Thus, our results suggest that partial melting and melt percolation largely account for the Cu isotopic heterogeneity of the upper mantle. The correlation between δ65Cu and Cu contents of the lherzolites and harzburgites was used to model Cu isotope fractionation during partial melting of a sulfide-bearing peridotite, because Cu is predominantly hosted in sulfide. The modelling results indicate an isotope fractionation factor of αmelt-peridotite = 0.99980-0.99965 (i.e., 103lnαmelt-peridotite = -0.20 to -0.35‰). In order to explain the Cu isotopic systematics of komatiites and mid-ocean ridge basalts reported previously, the estimated αmelt-peridotite was used to simulate Cu isotopic variations in melts generated by variable degrees of mantle melting. The results suggest that high degrees (>25%) of partial melting extracts nearly all source Cu and it cannot produce Cu isotope fractionation in komatiites relative to their mantle source, and that sulfide segregation during magma evolution have modified Cu isotopic compositions of mid-ocean ridge basalts.

Poverty and Child Behavioral Problems: The Mediating Role of Parenting and Parental Well-Being

PubMed Central

Kaiser, Till; Li, Jianghong; Pollmann-Schult, Matthias; Song, Anne Y.

2017-01-01

The detrimental impact of poverty on child behavioral problems is well-established, but the mechanisms that explain this relationship are less well-known. Using data from the Families in Germany Study on parents and their children at ages 9–10 (middle childhood), this study extends previous research by examining whether or not and to what extent different parenting styles and parents’ subjective well-being explain the relationship between poverty and child behavior problems. The results show that certain parenting styles, such as psychological control, as well as mothers’ life satisfaction partially mediate the correlation between poverty and child behavioral problems. PMID:28867777

Poverty and Child Behavioral Problems: The Mediating Role of Parenting and Parental Well-Being.

PubMed

Kaiser, Till; Li, Jianghong; Pollmann-Schult, Matthias; Song, Anne Y

2017-08-30

The detrimental impact of poverty on child behavioral problems is well-established, but the mechanisms that explain this relationship are less well-known. Using data from the Families in Germany Study on parents and their children at ages 9-10 (middle childhood), this study extends previous research by examining whether or not and to what extent different parenting styles and parents' subjective well-being explain the relationship between poverty and child behavior problems. The results show that certain parenting styles, such as psychological control, as well as mothers' life satisfaction partially mediate the correlation between poverty and child behavioral problems.

Explanation and Prior Knowledge Interact to Guide Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Joseph J.; Lombrozo, Tania

2013-01-01

How do explaining and prior knowledge contribute to learning? Four experiments explored the relationship between explanation and prior knowledge in category learning. The experiments independently manipulated whether participants were prompted to explain the category membership of study observations and whether category labels were informative in…

MgO melting curve constraints from shock temperature and rarefaction overtake measurements in samples preheated to 2300 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fat'yanov, O. V.; Asimow, P. D.

2014-05-01

Continuing our effort to obtain experimental constraints on the melting curve of MgO at 100-200 GPa, we extended our target preheating capability to 2300 K. Our new Mo capsule design holds a long MgO crystal in a controlled thermal gradient until impact by a Ta flyer launched at up to 7.5 km/s on the Caltech two-stage light-gas gun. Radiative shock temperatures and rarefaction overtake times were measured simultaneously by a 6-channel VIS/NIR pyrometer with 3 ns time resolution. The majority of our experiments showed smooth monotonic increases in MgO sound speed and shock temperature with pressure from 197 to 243 GPa. The measured temperatures as well as the slopes of the pressure dependences for both temperature and sound speed were in good agreement with those calculated numerically for the solid phase at our peak shock compression conditions. Most observed sound speeds, however, were ~800 m/s higher than those predicted by the model. A single unconfirmed data point at 239 GPa showed anomalously low temperature and sound speed, which could both be explained by partial melting in this experiment and could suggest that the Hugoniot of MgO preheated to 2300 K crosses its melting line just slightly above 240 GPa.

[The role of genotype in the intergenerational transmission of experiences of childhood adversity].

PubMed

Reichl, Corinna; Kaess, Michael; Resch, Franz; Brunner, Romuald

2014-09-01

The prevalence of childhood abuse and maltreatment is estimated to lie at about 15% in the overall German population. Previous research suggested that about one third of all individuals who had experienced childhood adversity subsequently maltreated their own children or responded insensitively to their children's needs. Empirical studies imply that interindividual differences in the responsiveness to childhood adversity can partially be explained by gene-environment interactions. This article discusses the potential interplay of genes and environment in the context of transmitting maltreating behavior and (in)sensitive parenting against the background of current challenges in genetic research. Selected studies on gene × environment interactions are presented and relevant gene polymorphisms are identified. Overall, previous studies reported interactions between polymorphisms of the serotonergic, dopaminergic, oxytocin-related, and arginine vasopressin-related systems and childhood experiences of care and abuse in the prediction of social behaviors during mother-child interactions. The results indicate a differential susceptibility toward both negative and positive environments which is dependent on genetic characteristics. Future research should thus investigate the effects of children's presumed risk gene variants toward negative as well as positive parenting. This could contribute to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the intergenerational transmission of abusive and beneficial parenting behavior and help to avoid false stigmatizations.

Metabolic Response to XD14 Treatment in Human Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7

PubMed Central

Pan, Daqiang; Kather, Michel; Willmann, Lucas; Schlimpert, Manuel; Bauer, Christoph; Lagies, Simon; Schmidtkunz, Karin; Eisenhardt, Steffen U.; Jung, Manfred; Günther, Stefan; Kammerer, Bernd

2016-01-01

XD14 is a 4-acyl pyrrole derivative, which was discovered by a high-throughput virtual screening experiment. XD14 inhibits bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT) and consequently suppresses cell proliferation. In this study, metabolic profiling reveals the molecular effects in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) treated by XD14. A three-day time series experiment with two concentrations of XD14 was performed. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied for untargeted profiling of treated and non-treated MCF-7 cells. The gained data sets were evaluated by several statistical methods: analysis of variance (ANOVA), clustering analysis, principle component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Cell proliferation was strongly inhibited by treatment with 50 µM XD14. Samples could be discriminated by time and XD14 concentration using PLS-DA. From the 117 identified metabolites, 67 were significantly altered after XD14 treatment. These metabolites include amino acids, fatty acids, Krebs cycle and glycolysis intermediates, as well as compounds of purine and pyrimidine metabolism. This massive intervention in energy metabolism and the lack of available nucleotides could explain the decreased proliferation rate of the cancer cells. PMID:27783056

IQ in late adolescence/early adulthood, risk factors in middle age, and later cancer mortality in men: the Vietnam Experience Study.

PubMed

Batty, G David; Mortensen, Laust H; Gale, Catharine R; Shipley, Martin J; Roberts, Beverly A; Deary, Ian J

2009-10-01

(i) examine the relation, if any, of pre-morbid IQ scores at 20 years of age with the risk of later cancer mortality; and (ii) explore the role, if any, of potential mediating factors (e.g. smoking, obesity), assessed in middle age, in explaining the IQ-cancer relation. Cohort study of 14, 491 male, Vietnam-era, former US army personnel with IQ test scores at around 20 years of age (1965-71), who participated in a risk factor survey at around age 38 years of age (1985-6), who were then followed up for mortality experience for 15 years. There were 176 cancer deaths during mortality surveillance. We found an inverse association of IQ with later mortality from all cancers combined (age-adjusted HR(per one SD decrease in IQ); 95% confidence interval: 1.27; 1.10, 1.46) and smoking-related malignancies (1.37; 1.14, 1.64). There was some attenuation following control for mediating variables, particularly smoking and income, but the gradients generally held at conventional levels of statistical significance. Higher scores on pre-morbid IQ tests are associated with lower risk of later cancer morality. The strength of the relation was partially mediated by established risk factors.

Dissociation mediates the association between intimate partner violence and posttraumatic stress among treatment-seeking incarcerated women.

PubMed

DeCou, Christopher R; Lynch, Shannon M; Cole, Trevor T; Kaplan, Stephanie P

2016-01-01

Women in prison experience high rates of interpersonal trauma as well as elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) relative to women in the general population. The present study examined the relationship between recent intimate partner violence (IPV), additional forms of lifetime trauma exposure, trait dissociation, and posttraumatic stress among a sample of incarcerated female survivors of IPV. Participants were 186 treatment-seeking incarcerated women who reported experiences of IPV in the year prior to incarceration. Participants completed self-report measures of IPV, nonpartner-perpetrated lifetime trauma exposure, trait dissociation, and PTSD symptomatology. Associations among study variables were evaluated using sequential multiple regression. Participants reported experiencing several forms of interpersonal trauma. More than half of respondents (i.e., 53%) fell beyond a conservative cutoff score on the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version, indicating clinically significant symptoms of PTSD. Trait dissociation partially mediated the association between IPV and PTSD symptoms above and beyond history of nonpartner-perpetrated violence. Trait dissociation emerged as the strongest independent predictor of PTSD symptoms and explained approximately 15% of the variance in PTSD symptoms. This finding highlights the need for additional research concerning dissociation among women in prison and warrants consideration in future research and intervention efforts focused on trauma recovery among incarcerated women.

Do sleep problems mediate the link between adverse childhood experiences and delinquency in preadolescent children in foster care?

PubMed

Hambrick, Erin P; Rubens, Sonia L; Brawner, Thomas W; Taussig, Heather N

2018-02-01

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with multiple mental and physical health problems. Yet, mechanisms by which ACEs confer risk for specific problems are largely unknown. Children in foster care typically have multiple ACEs and high rates of negative sequelae, including delinquent behaviors. Mechanisms explaining this link have not been explored in this population. Impaired sleep has been identified as a potential mechanism by which ACEs lead to delinquency in adolescents, because inadequate sleep may lead to poor executive function and cognitive control - known risk factors for delinquency. Interviews were conducted with 516 maltreated children in foster care, ages 9-11 years, and their caregivers regarding child exposure to ACEs, sleep problems, engagement in delinquent acts, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, and current psychotropic medication use. ACEs data were also obtained from child welfare case records. After controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, placement type (residential, kin, foster), length of time in placement, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and current psychotropic medication use, sleep partially mediated the association between ACEs and delinquency. Although delinquency is likely multiply determined in this population, improving sleep may be one important strategy to reduce delinquency. © 2017 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Psychological Well-Being Among Women Who Experienced Intimate Partner Violence and Received Civil Legal Services.

PubMed

Renner, Lynette M; Hartley, Carolyn Copps

2018-05-01

Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is often associated with negative mental health outcomes; yet, little is known about the psychological well-being of women who experience IPV and receive civil legal services. Civil legal services are not specifically designed to focus on women's mental health needs but Sullivan's Social and Emotional Well-Being Framework helps to explain why women receiving this type of formal assistance may demonstrate positive changes in psychological well-being. Using a panel study design and data from 85 women who experienced IPV and sought civil legal services, we examined women's psychological well-being over a one-year period of time. Approximately two thirds of the women received assistance from Iowa Legal Aid (ILA) for a civil protective order ( n = 56) and the rest were represented in a family law matter. We used measures of mental health (depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) and well-being (social support, resilience, goal directed thinking, empowerment). Our hypotheses that women would experience a decrease in mental health symptoms and an increase in well-being were partially supported. Women reported a decrease in depressive and PTSD symptoms over one year but there were no changes in their goal-oriented thinking or resilience. Implications for practice and future research are included.

Dynamic Failure and Fragmentation of a Hot-Pressed Boron Carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sano, Tomoko; Vargas-Gonzalez, Lionel; LaSalvia, Jerry; Hogan, James David

2017-12-01

This study investigates the failure and fragmentation of a hot-pressed boron carbide during high rate impact experiments. Four impact experiments are performed using a composite-backed target configuration at similar velocities, where two of the impact experiments resulted in complete target penetration and two resulted in partial penetration. This paper seeks to evaluate and understand the dynamic behavior of the ceramic that led to either the complete or partial penetration cases, focusing on: (1) surface and internal failure features of fragments using optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy, and (2) fragment size analysis using state-of-the-art particle-sizing technology that informs about the consequences of failure. Detailed characterization of the mechanical properties and the microstructure is also performed. Results indicate that transgranular fracture was the primary mode of failure in this boron carbide material, and no stress-induced amorphization features were observed. Analysis of the fragment sizes for the partial and completely penetrated experiments revealed a possible correlation between larger fragment sizes and impact performance. The results will add insight into designing improved advanced ceramics for impact protection applications.

Living with HIV postdiagnosis: a qualitative study of the experiences of Nairobi slum residents.

PubMed

Wekesa, Eliud; Coast, Ernestina

2013-05-03

To characterise the experiences of heterosexual men and women living with HIV postdiagnosis and explain these experiences in relation to their identity and sexuality. Qualitative study using in-depth interviews and a theoretically informed biographic disruption theory. Interviews were conducted in two Nairobi slums (Kenya). 41 HIV-infected heterosexual men and women aged 18 years or older. People living with HIV have divergent experiences surrounding HIV diagnosis. Postdiagnosis, there are multiple phases of identity transition, including status (non-)disclosure, and attempts at identity repair and normalcy. For some people, this process involves a transition to a new self-identity, incorporating both HIV and antiretroviral treatment (ART) into their lives. For others, it involves a partial transition, with some aspects of their prediagnosis identity persisting, and for others it involves a rejection of HIV identity. Those people who were able to incorporate HIV/AIDS in their identity, without it being disruptive to their biography, were pursuing safer sexual and reproductive lives. By contrast, those people with a more continuous biography continued to reflect their prediagnosis identity and sexual behaviour. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) had to rework their sense of identity following diagnosis in the context of living in a slum setting. Men and women living with HIV in slums are poorly supported by health systems and services as they attempt to cope with a diagnosis of HIV. Given the availability of ART, health services and professionals need to support the rights of PLWHA to be sexually active if they want to and achieve their fertility goals, while minimising HIV transmission risk.

The role of critical ethnic awareness and social support in the discrimination-depression relationship among Asian Americans: path analysis.

PubMed

Kim, Isok

2014-01-01

This study used a path analytic technique to examine associations among critical ethnic awareness, racial discrimination, social support, and depressive symptoms. Using a convenience sample from online survey of Asian American adults (N = 405), the study tested 2 main hypotheses: First, based on the empowerment theory, critical ethnic awareness would be positively associated with racial discrimination experience; and second, based on the social support deterioration model, social support would partially mediate the relationship between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms. The result of the path analysis model showed that the proposed path model was a good fit based on global fit indices, χ²(2) = 4.70, p = .10; root mean square error of approximation = 0.06; comparative fit index = 0.97; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.92; and standardized root mean square residual = 0.03. The examinations of study hypotheses demonstrated that critical ethnic awareness was directly associated (b = .11, p < .05) with the racial discrimination experience, whereas social support had a significant indirect effect (b = .48; bias-corrected 95% confidence interval [0.02, 1.26]) between the racial discrimination experience and depressive symptoms. The proposed path model illustrated that both critical ethnic awareness and social support are important mechanisms for explaining the relationship between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms among this sample of Asian Americans. This study highlights the usefulness of the critical ethnic awareness concept as a way to better understand how Asian Americans might perceive and recognize racial discrimination experiences in relation to its mental health consequences.

"Making the Grade": A Grounded Theory Explaining the Student Experience of Asian and Middle-Eastern Postgraduates in A British University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McMahon, Patrick

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was firstly to describe the experiences of international students living and studying in a UK university, to understand and explain their responses to those experiences and to make recommendations to stakeholders in the light of the findings. The research found that international students' two biggest concerns are their…

Rocket measurement of auroral partial parallel distribution functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, C.-A.

1980-01-01

The auroral partial parallel distribution functions are obtained by using the observed energy spectra of electrons. The experiment package was launched by a Nike-Tomahawk rocket from Poker Flat, Alaska over a bright auroral band and covered an altitude range of up to 180 km. Calculated partial distribution functions are presented with emphasis on their slopes. The implications of the slopes are discussed. It should be pointed out that the slope of the partial parallel distribution function obtained from one energy spectra will be changed by superposing another energy spectra on it.

Can individual cognitions, self-regulation and environmental variables explain educational differences in vegetable consumption?: a cross-sectional study among Dutch adults.

PubMed

Springvloet, Linda; Lechner, Lilian; Oenema, Anke

2014-12-06

Educational differences in health-related behaviors, where low- and moderate-educated individuals have poorer outcomes than high-educated individuals, are persistent. The reasons for these differences remain poorly understood. This study explored whether individual cognitions, self-regulation and environmental-level factors may explain educational differences in vegetable consumption. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,342 Dutch adults, of whom 54.5% were low/moderate-educated. Individuals completed an online questionnaire, assessing education, vegetable consumption, demographics, individual cognitions (attitude towards consuming 200 grams of vegetables a day, self-efficacy, subjective norm, intention, perception of vegetables as being expensive), self-regulation (general self-regulation, vegetable-specific action- and coping planning) and environmental-level factors (perception of availability of vegetables in the supermarket and availability of vegetables at home). The joint-significance test was used to determine significant mediation effects. Low/moderate-educated individuals consumed less vegetables (M = 151.2) than high-educated individuals (M = 168.1, β = -0.15, P < .001). Attitude and availability of vegetables at home were found to partially mediate the association between education and vegetable consumption (percentage mediated effect: 24.46%). Since attitude and availability of vegetables at home partially explain the difference in vegetable consumption between low/moderate- and high-educated individuals, these variables may be good target points for interventions to promote vegetable consumption among low/moderate-educated individuals.

Coccolithophore community response to increasing pCO2 in Mediterranean oligotrophic waters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oviedo, A. M.; Ziveri, P.; Gazeau, F.

2017-02-01

The effects of elevated partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) on plankton communities in oligotrophic ecosystems were studied during two mesocosm experiments: one during summer 2012 in the Bay of Calvi, France, and another during winter 2013 in the Bay of Villefranche, France. Here we report on the relative abundances of coccolithophores versus siliceous phytoplankton, coccolithophore community structure, Emiliania huxleyi coccolith morphology and calcification degree. A pCO2 mediated succession of phytoplankton groups did not occur. During both experiments, coccolithophore abundance and community structure varied with time independently of pCO2 levels. Changes in the community structure were partly explained by the concentration of phosphate during the winter experiment. During the summer experiment, it was not clearly related to any of the parameters measured but possibly to changes in temperature. Phenological changes in the community and an attenuated response due to the low biomass building during the winter experiment could have masked the response to pCO2. E. huxleyi dominated the coccolithophore community in winter; it was not affected by elevated pCO2 at any time. In contrast, the abundance of Rabdosphaera clavigera, the dominant species in summer, increased with time and this increase was affected at elevated pCO2. Thus, a different coccolithophore community response based on species-specific sensitivities to pCO2 is still likely. Finally, elevated pCO2 had no traceable effect on E. huxleyi (type A) coccolith morphology or on the degree of coccolith calcification. Our results highlight the possibility that, in oligotrophic regions, nutrient availability, temperature or intrinsic phenological changes might exert larger constrains on the coccolithophore community structure than high pCO2 does solely.

A COMPARISON OF EXPERIMENTS AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES. PART I. UNPOISONED UNIFORM SLAB CORE WITH A PARTIALLY INSERTED HAFNIUM ROD

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

Renzi, N.E.; Roseberry, R.J.

>The experimental measurements and nuclear analysis of a uniformly loaded, unpoisoned slab core with a partially insented hafnium rod are described. Comparisons of experimental data with calculated results of the UFO code and flux synthesis techniques are given. It was concluded that one of the flux synthesis techniques and the UFO code are able to predict flux distributions to within approximately 5% of experiment for most cases. An error of approximately 10% was found in the synthesis technique for a channel near the partially inserted rod. The various calculations were able to predict neutron pulsed shutdowns to only approximately 30%.more » (auth)« less

Experimental petrology and origin of rocks from the Descartes Highlands

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, D.; Longhi, J.; Grove, T. L.; Stolper, E.; Hays, J. F.

1973-01-01

Petrographic studies of Apollo 16 samples indicate that rocks 62295 and 68415 are crystallization products of highly aluminous melts. 60025 is a shocked, crushed and partially annealed plagioclase cumulate. 60315 is a recrystallized noritic breccia of disputed origin. 60335 is a feldspathic basalt filled with xenoliths and xenocrysts of anorthosite, breccia, and anorthite. The Fe/(Fe+Mg) of plagioclase appears to be a relative crystallization index. Low pressure melting experiments with controlled Po2 indicate that the igneous samples crystallized at oxygen fugacities well below the Fe/FeO buffer. Crystallization experiments at various pressures suggest that the 62295 and 68415 compositions were produced by partial or complete melting of lunar crustal materials, and not by partial melting of the deep lunar interior.

Petrogenesis of high-Ti and low-Ti basalts: high-pressure and high-temperature experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, J.; WANG, C.; Jin, Z.

2017-12-01

Geochemical and petrological studies have revealed the existence of high-Ti and low-Ti basalts in large igneous provinces. However, the petrogenesis of them are still under debate. Several different mechanisms have been proposed: (1) the high-Ti basalts are formed by the melting of mantle plume containing recycled oceanic crust or delaminated lower crust (Spandler et al., 2008) while low-Ti basalts are formed by the melting of subcontinental lithospheric mantle (Xiao et al., 2004); (2) both of them are from mantle plume or asthenospheric source, but the production of high-Ti basalts are associated with the thick lithosphere and relevant low degrees of melting while the low-Ti basalts are controlled by the thin lithosphere with high degrees of melting (Arndt et al., 1993; Xu et al., 2001). Almost all authors emphasize the role of partial melting but less discuss the crystallization differentiation process. The low Mg# (< 0.7) of these basalts provides that they are far away from direct melting of mantle peridotite. In addition, seismic data indicate unusually high seismic velocities bodies beneath LIPs which explained by the fractionated cumulates from picritic magmas (Farnetani et al., 1996). Therefore, we believed that the crystallization differentiation process might play a more significant role in the genesis of high-Ti and low-Ti basalts. In order to investigate the generation of these basalts, a series of high pressure and high temperature partial crystallization experiments were performed by using piston-cylinder and multi-anvil press at pressures of 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 GPa and a temperature range of 1200-1700°. Two synthetic picrite glass with different chemical compositions were used as starting materials. Our experimental results show that Ti is preferred to be concentrated in the residual melt during crystallization differentiation. For the same melt fraction, the residual melt of higher pressure experiments has relatively higher TiO2 concentration and higher Mg#. Thus, we propose that most of the high-Ti and low-Ti basalts are inherited from picritic parental magmas which could be formed by high degree partial melting of garnet peridotite. The high-Ti basalts are generated through relatively high pressure crystallization process while the low-Ti basalts are generated at relatively low pressure.

Constraints on the Observation of Partial Match Costs: Implications for Transfer-Appropriate Processing Approaches to Immediate Priming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leboe, Jason P.; Leboe, Launa C.; Milliken, Bruce

2010-01-01

According to a transfer-appropriate processing framework, immediate priming costs arise from a match between a prime and probe event on 1 dimension and a difference between those 2 events on some other dimension (i.e., a partial match). In Experiment 1, the authors used a Stroop priming procedure to generate 6 variants of partial match, yet only 1…

Applying Chemical Potential and Partial Pressure Concepts to Understand the Spontaneous Mixing of Helium and Air in a Helium-Inflated Balloon

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jee-Yon Lee; Hee-Soo Yoo; Jong Sook Park; Kwang-Jin Hwang; Jin Seog Kim

2005-01-01

The spontaneous mixing of helium and air in a helium-inflated balloon is described in an experiment in which the partial pressure of the gases in the balloon are determined from the mole factions and the total pressure measured in the balloon. The results described provide a model for teaching concepts of partial pressure, chemical potential, and…

Counseling Groups for African American Women: A Focus on Spirituality.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Carmen Braun; Frame, Marsha Wiggins; Green, Evelyn

1999-01-01

Explains cultural and spiritual traditions within African American women's experience that form the foundation for group counseling strategies. Reviews literature regarding African American women's experience in groups. Explains group interventions such as art, music, dance, imagery, journaling, and rituals that can help transcend, empower, and…

The Concept of Experience by John Dewey Revisited: Conceiving, Feeling and "Enliving"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hohr, Hansjorg

2013-01-01

"The concept of experience by John Dewey revisited: conceiving, feeling and 'enliving'." Dewey takes a few steps towards a differentiation of the concept of experience, such as the distinction between primary and secondary experience, or between ordinary (partial, raw, primitive) experience and complete, aesthetic experience. However, he does not…

Effects of Electrical Insulation Breakdown Voltage And Partial Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahrim, F. S.; Rahman, N. F. A.; Haris, H. C. M.; Salim, N. A.

2018-03-01

During the last few decades, development of new materials using composite materials has been of much interest. The Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) which is insulated power cables has been widely used. This paper describes the theoretical analysis, fundamental experiments and application experiments for the XLPE cable insulation. The composite that has been tested is a commercial XLPE and Polypropylene with 30% fiber glass. The results of breakdown strength and partial discharge (PD) behavior described the insulating performance of the composite.

Dictionary Learning for Data Recovery in Positron Emission Tomography

PubMed Central

Valiollahzadeh, SeyyedMajid; Clark, John W.; Mawlawi, Osama

2015-01-01

Compressed sensing (CS) aims to recover images from fewer measurements than that governed by the Nyquist sampling theorem. Most CS methods use analytical predefined sparsifying domains such as Total variation (TV), wavelets, curvelets, and finite transforms to perform this task. In this study, we evaluated the use of dictionary learning (DL) as a sparsifying domain to reconstruct PET images from partially sampled data, and compared the results to the partially and fully sampled image (baseline). A CS model based on learning an adaptive dictionary over image patches was developed to recover missing observations in PET data acquisition. The recovery was done iteratively in two steps: a dictionary learning step and an image reconstruction step. Two experiments were performed to evaluate the proposed CS recovery algorithm: an IEC phantom study and five patient studies. In each case, 11% of the detectors of a GE PET/CT system were removed and the acquired sinogram data were recovered using the proposed DL algorithm. The recovered images (DL) as well as the partially sampled images (with detector gaps) for both experiments were then compared to the baseline. Comparisons were done by calculating RMSE, contrast recovery and SNR in ROIs drawn in the background, and spheres of the phantom as well as patient lesions. For the phantom experiment, the RMSE for the DL recovered images were 5.8% when compared with the baseline images while it was 17.5% for the partially sampled images. In the patients’ studies, RMSE for the DL recovered images were 3.8%, while it was 11.3% for the partially sampled images. Our proposed CS with DL is a good approach to recover partially sampled PET data. This approach has implications towards reducing scanner cost while maintaining accurate PET image quantification. PMID:26161630

Dictionary learning for data recovery in positron emission tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valiollahzadeh, SeyyedMajid; Clark, John W., Jr.; Mawlawi, Osama

2015-08-01

Compressed sensing (CS) aims to recover images from fewer measurements than that governed by the Nyquist sampling theorem. Most CS methods use analytical predefined sparsifying domains such as total variation, wavelets, curvelets, and finite transforms to perform this task. In this study, we evaluated the use of dictionary learning (DL) as a sparsifying domain to reconstruct PET images from partially sampled data, and compared the results to the partially and fully sampled image (baseline). A CS model based on learning an adaptive dictionary over image patches was developed to recover missing observations in PET data acquisition. The recovery was done iteratively in two steps: a dictionary learning step and an image reconstruction step. Two experiments were performed to evaluate the proposed CS recovery algorithm: an IEC phantom study and five patient studies. In each case, 11% of the detectors of a GE PET/CT system were removed and the acquired sinogram data were recovered using the proposed DL algorithm. The recovered images (DL) as well as the partially sampled images (with detector gaps) for both experiments were then compared to the baseline. Comparisons were done by calculating RMSE, contrast recovery and SNR in ROIs drawn in the background, and spheres of the phantom as well as patient lesions. For the phantom experiment, the RMSE for the DL recovered images were 5.8% when compared with the baseline images while it was 17.5% for the partially sampled images. In the patients’ studies, RMSE for the DL recovered images were 3.8%, while it was 11.3% for the partially sampled images. Our proposed CS with DL is a good approach to recover partially sampled PET data. This approach has implications toward reducing scanner cost while maintaining accurate PET image quantification.

Separation of Time-Based and Trial-Based Accounts of the Partial Reinforcement Extinction Effect

PubMed Central

Bouton, Mark E.; Woods, Amanda M.; Todd, Travis P.

2013-01-01

Two appetitive conditioning experiments with rats examined time-based and trial-based accounts of the partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE). In the PREE, the loss of responding that occurs in extinction is slower when the conditioned stimulus (CS) has been paired with a reinforcer on some of its presentations (partially reinforced) instead of every presentation (continuously reinforced). According to a time-based or “time-accumulation” view (e.g., Gallistel & Gibbon, 2000), the PREE occurs because the organism has learned in partial reinforcement to expect the reinforcer after a larger amount of time has accumulated in the CS over trials. In contrast, according to a trial-based view (e.g., Capaldi, 1967), the PREE occurs because the organism has learned in partial reinforcement to expect the reinforcer after a larger number of CS presentations. Experiment 1 used a procedure that equated partially- and continuously-reinforced groups on their expected times to reinforcement during conditioning. A PREE was still observed. Experiment 2 then used an extinction procedure that allowed time in the CS and the number of trials to accumulate differentially through extinction. The PREE was still evident when responding was examined as a function of expected time units to the reinforcer, but was eliminated when responding was examined as a function of expected trial units to the reinforcer. There was no evidence that the animal responded according to the ratio of time accumulated during the CS in extinction over the time in the CS expected before the reinforcer. The results thus favor a trial-based account over a time-based account of extinction and the PREE. PMID:23962669

Separation of time-based and trial-based accounts of the partial reinforcement extinction effect.

PubMed

Bouton, Mark E; Woods, Amanda M; Todd, Travis P

2014-01-01

Two appetitive conditioning experiments with rats examined time-based and trial-based accounts of the partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE). In the PREE, the loss of responding that occurs in extinction is slower when the conditioned stimulus (CS) has been paired with a reinforcer on some of its presentations (partially reinforced) instead of every presentation (continuously reinforced). According to a time-based or "time-accumulation" view (e.g., Gallistel and Gibbon, 2000), the PREE occurs because the organism has learned in partial reinforcement to expect the reinforcer after a larger amount of time has accumulated in the CS over trials. In contrast, according to a trial-based view (e.g., Capaldi, 1967), the PREE occurs because the organism has learned in partial reinforcement to expect the reinforcer after a larger number of CS presentations. Experiment 1 used a procedure that equated partially and continuously reinforced groups on their expected times to reinforcement during conditioning. A PREE was still observed. Experiment 2 then used an extinction procedure that allowed time in the CS and the number of trials to accumulate differentially through extinction. The PREE was still evident when responding was examined as a function of expected time units to the reinforcer, but was eliminated when responding was examined as a function of expected trial units to the reinforcer. There was no evidence that the animal responded according to the ratio of time accumulated during the CS in extinction over the time in the CS expected before the reinforcer. The results thus favor a trial-based account over a time-based account of extinction and the PREE. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Associative and Temporal Learning. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Organizing human functioning and rehabilitation research into distinct scientific fields. Part I: Developing a comprehensive structure from the cell to society.

PubMed

Stucki, Gerold; Grimby, Gunnar

2007-05-01

There is a need to organize rehabilitation and related research into distinct scientific fields in order to overcome the current limitations of rehabilitation research. Based on the general distinction in basic, applied and professional sciences applicable to research in general, and the rehabilitation relevant distinction between the comprehensive perspective based on WHO's integrative model of human functioning (ICF) and the partial perspective focusing on the biomedical aspects of functioning, it is possible to identify 5 distinct scientific fields of human functioning and rehabilitation research. These are the emerging human functioning sciences and integrative rehabilitation sciences from the comprehensive perspective, the established biosciences and biomedical rehabilitation sciences and engineering from the partial perspective, and the professional rehabilitation sciences at the cutting edge of research and practice. The human functioning sciences aim to understand human functioning and to identify targets for comprehensive interventions, with the goal of contributing to the minimization of the experience of disability in the population. The biosciences in rehabilitation aim to explain body injury and repair and to identify targets for biomedical interventions. The integrative rehabilitation sciences design and study comprehensive assessments and interventions that integrate biomedical, personal factor and environmental approaches suited to optimize people's performance. The biomedical rehabilitation sciences and engineering study diagnostic measures and interventions suitable to minimize impairment, including symptom control, and to optimize people's capacity. The professional rehabilitation sciences study how to provide best care with the goal of enabling people with health conditions experiencing or likely to experience disability to achieve and maintain optimal functioning in interaction with the environment. The organization of human functioning and rehabilitation research into the 5 distinct scientific fields facilitates the development of academic training programs and career building as well as the development of research structures dedicated to human functioning and rehabilitation research.

Flow of ices in the Ammonia-Water System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Durham, W. B.; Kirby, S. H.; Stern, L. A.

1993-01-01

We have fabricated in the laboratory and subsequently deformed crystalline hydrates and partial melts of the water-rich end of the NH3-H2O system, with the aim of improving our understanding of physical processes occurring in icy moons of the outer solar system. Deformation experiments were carried out at constant strain rate. The range of experimental variables are given. Phase relationships in the NH3-H2O system indicate that water ice and ammonia dihydrate, NH3-2H2O, are the stable phases under our experiment conditions. X-ray diffraction of our samples usually revealed these as the dominant phases, but we have also observed an amorphous phase (in unpressurized samples only) and occasionally significant ammonia monohydrate, NH3-H2O. The onset of partial melting at the peritectic temperature at about 176 K appeared as a sharp transition in strength observed in samples of x(sub NH3) = 0.05 and 0.01, the effect of melt was less pronounced. For any given water ice + dihydrate alloy in the subsolidus region, we observed one rheological law over the entire temperature range from 175 K to about 140 K. Below 140 K, a shear instability similar to that occurring in pure water ice under the same conditions limited our ability to measure ductile flow. The rheological laws for the several alloys vary systematically from that of pure ice to that of dihydrate. Pure dihydrate is about 4 orders of magnitude less viscous than water ice just below the peritectic temperature, but because of a very pronounced temperature dependence in dihydrate (100 kJ/mol versus 43 kJ/mol for water ice) the viscosity of dihydrate equals or exceeds that of water ice at T less than 140 K. The large variation in viscosity of dihydrate with relatively small changes in temperature may be helpful in explaining the rich variety of tectonic and volcanic features seen on the surfaces of icy moons in the outer solar system.

Plant-soil interactions promote co-occurrence of three nonnative woody shrubs.

PubMed

Kuebbing, Sara E; Classen, Aimée T; Call, Jaime J; Henning, Jeremiah A; Simberloff, Daniel

2015-08-01

Ecosystems containing multiple nonnative plant species are common, but mechanisms promoting their co-occurrence are understudied. Plant-soil interactions contribute to the dominance of singleton species in nonnative ranges because many nonnatives experience stronger positive feedbacks relative to co-occurring natives. Plant-soil interactions could impede other nonnatives if an individual nonnative benefits from its soil community to a greater extent than its neighboring nonnatives, as is seen with natives. However, plant-soil interactions could promote nonnative co-occurrence if a nonnative accumulates beneficial soil mutualists that also assist other nonnatives. Here, we use greenhouse and field experiments to ask whether plant-soil interactions (1) promote the codominance of two common nonnative shrubs (Ligustrum sinense and Lonicera maackii) and (2) facilitate the invasion of a less-common nonnative shrub (Rhamnus davurica) in deciduous forests of the southeastern United States. In the greenhouse, we found that two of the nonnatives, L. maackii and R. davurica, performed better in soils conditioned by nonnative shrubs compared to uninvaded forest soils, which. suggests that positive feedbacks among co-occurring nonnative shrubs can promote continued invasion of a site. In both greenhouse and field experiments, we found consistent signals that the codominance of the nonnatives L. sinense and L. maackii may be at least partially explained by the increased growth of L. sinense in L. maackii soils. Overall, significant effects of plant-soil interactions on shrub performance indicate that plant-soil interactions can potentially structure the co-occurrence patterns of these nonnatives.

Explanation and inference: mechanistic and functional explanations guide property generalization.

PubMed

Lombrozo, Tania; Gwynne, Nicholas Z

2014-01-01

The ability to generalize from the known to the unknown is central to learning and inference. Two experiments explore the relationship between how a property is explained and how that property is generalized to novel species and artifacts. The experiments contrast the consequences of explaining a property mechanistically, by appeal to parts and processes, with the consequences of explaining the property functionally, by appeal to functions and goals. The findings suggest that properties that are explained functionally are more likely to be generalized on the basis of shared functions, with a weaker relationship between mechanistic explanations and generalization on the basis of shared parts and processes. The influence of explanation type on generalization holds even though all participants are provided with the same mechanistic and functional information, and whether an explanation type is freely generated (Experiment 1), experimentally provided (Experiment 2), or experimentally induced (Experiment 2). The experiments also demonstrate that explanations and generalizations of a particular type (mechanistic or functional) can be experimentally induced by providing sample explanations of that type, with a comparable effect when the sample explanations come from the same domain or from a different domains. These results suggest that explanations serve as a guide to generalization, and contribute to a growing body of work supporting the value of distinguishing mechanistic and functional explanations.

Effect of methane partial pressure on the performance of a membrane biofilm reactor coupling methane-dependent denitrification and anammox.

PubMed

Cai, Chen; Hu, Shihu; Chen, Xueming; Ni, Bing-Jie; Pu, Jiaoyang; Yuan, Zhiguo

2018-10-15

Complete nitrogen removal has recently been demonstrated by integrating anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation (DAMO) processes. In this work, the effect of methane partial pressure on the performance of a membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) consisting of DAMO and anammox microorganisms was evaluated. The activities of DAMO archaea and DAMO bacteria in the biofilm increased significantly with increased methane partial pressure, from 367 ± 9 and 58 ± 22 mg-N L -1 d -1 to 580 ± 12 and 222 ± 22 mg-N L -1 d -1 , respectively, while the activity of anammox bacteria only increased slightly, when the methane partial pressure was elevated from 0.24 to 1.39 atm in the short-term batch tests. The results were supported by a long-term (seven weeks) continuous test, when the methane partial pressure was dropped from 1.39 to 0.78 atm. The methane utilization efficiency was always above 96% during both short-term and long-term tests. Taken together, nitrogen removal rate (especially the nitrate reduction rate by DAMO archaea) and methane utilization efficiency could be maintained at high levels in a broad range of methane partial pressure (0.24-1.39 atm in this study). In addition, a previously established DAMO/anammox biofilm model was used to analyze the experimental data. The observed impacts of methane partial pressure on biofilm activity were well explained by the modeling results. These results suggest that methane partial pressure can potentially be used as a manipulated variable to control reaction rates, ultimately to maintain high nitrogen removal efficiency, according to nitrogen loading rate. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Argonne National Laboratory Smart Grid Technology Interactive Model

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

Ted Bohn

2009-10-13

As our attention turns to new cars that run partially or completely on electricity, how can we redesign our electric grid to not only handle the new load, but make electricity cheap and efficient for everyone? Argonne engineer Ted Bohn explains a model of a "smart grid" that gives consumers the power to choose their own prices and sources of electricity.

Alienation, Aggression, and Sensation Seeking as Predictors of Adolescent Use of Violent Film, Computer, and Website Content.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slater, Michael D.

2003-01-01

Examines predictors of various types of self-reported use of violent media content by eighth graders. Indicates that gender, sensation-seeking, aggression, and frequency of Internet use had relatively strong contributions to explaining the use of violent media content. Notes that alienation from school and family also appeared to partially mediate…

Sexual Functioning During Menopause: Schemas, Hormones, and Race

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-08

with sexuality. For example, there is Sexual Self-Schemas & Menopause 29 some evidence that negative childhood sexual events may increase the...Cyranowski, 1994). The potential relationship between negative childhood sexual events and negative SSS may partially explain why this population...al., 2002; Letourneau, Schewe, & Frueh, 1997). Women that have experienced early childhood sexual events often develop negative SSS which may

Academic Coping, Friendship Quality, and Student Engagement Associated with Student Quality of School Life: A Partial Least Square Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thien, Lei Mee; Razak, Nordin Abd

2013-01-01

This study aims to examine an untested research model that explains the direct- and indirect influences of Academic Coping, Friendship Quality, and Student Engagement on Student Quality of School Life. This study employed the quantitative-based cross-sectional survey method. The sample consisted of 2400 Malaysian secondary Form Four students…

Determining the Thickness and Refractive Index of a Mirror

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uysal, Ahmet

2010-01-01

When a laser beam reflects from a back surface glass mirror and falls on a screen, a pattern of discrete bright spots is created by partial reflection and refraction of the light at the air-glass interface and reflection at the mirror surface (Fig. 1). This paper explains how this phenomenon can be used to determine the refractive index and the…

Argonne National Laboratory Smart Grid Technology Interactive Model

ScienceCinema

Ted Bohn

2017-12-09

As our attention turns to new cars that run partially or completely on electricity, how can we redesign our electric grid to not only handle the new load, but make electricity cheap and efficient for everyone? Argonne engineer Ted Bohn explains a model of a "smart grid" that gives consumers the power to choose their own prices and sources of electricity.

Economics of Job Search: A Biracial Analysis of Job Search Behavior of Urban Male Youth Ages 18-22.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stephenson, Stanley P., Jr.

This study presents and tests an econometric model of job search behavior for youth. The main hypothesis is that differences in search behavior help account for youth-adult employment differences and that within the youth group, black-white unemployment and earnings differentials can be partially explained by job search behavior. Endogenous…

Multilevel Mediation: Cumulative Contextual Risk, Maternal Differential Treatment, and Children's Behavior within Families

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meunier, Jean Christophe; Boyle, Michael; O'Connor, Thomas G.; Jenkins, Jennifer M.

2013-01-01

This study tests the hypothesis that links between contextual risk and children's outcomes are partially explained by differential parenting. Using multi-informant measurement and including up to four children per family (M[subscript age] = 3.51, SD = 2.38) in a sample of 397 families, indirect effects (through maternal differential…

Dynamic Crystallization Experiments on LEW97008: Experimental Reproduction of Chondroid Textures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nettles, J. W.; Le, L.; Lofgren, G. E.; McSween, H. Y, Jr.

2003-01-01

Dynamic crystallization experiments were conducted using LEW97008 (L3.4) as starting material. Experiments were melted at temperatures well below its liquidus (1250-1450 C) in order to document the textural and compositional changes that occur in UOC material with modest amounts of partial melting and subsequent crystallization. The textures of the experimental products compare very well to natural chondroids (partially melted nebular particles that would become chondrules if more completely melted). Thus it is possible to use the textures in these experiments as a guide to unraveling the melting and cooling histories of natural chondroids. The Antarctic meteorite LEW97008 was chosen as the starting material for our experiments. As an L3.4 it is slightly more metamorphosed than would ordinarily be preferred, but this meteorite is unusually fresh for an Antarctic meteorite, which made it attractive.

Role of the blood-brain barrier in the evolution of feeding and cognition.

PubMed

Banks, William A

2012-08-01

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the blood-to-brain passage of gastrointestinal hormones, thus informing the brain about feeding and nutritional status. Disruption of this communication results in dysregulation of feeding and body weight control. Leptin, which crosses the BBB to inform the CNS about adiposity, provides an example. Impaired leptin transport, especially coupled with central resistance, results in obesity. Various substances/conditions regulate leptin BBB transport. For example, triglycerides inhibit leptin transport. This may represent an evolutionary adaptation in that hypertriglyceridemia occurs during starvation. Inhibition of leptin, an anorectic, during starvation could have survival advantages. The large number of other substances that influence feeding is explained by the complexity of feeding. This complexity includes cognitive aspects; animals in the wild are faced with cost/benefit analyses to feed in the safest, most economical way. This cognitive aspect partially explains why so many feeding substances affect neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and cognition. The relation between triglycerides and cognition may be partially mediated through triglyceride's ability to regulate the BBB transport of cognitively active gastrointestinal hormones such as leptin, insulin, and ghrelin. © 2012 New York Academy of Sciences.

Materials and Procedures for Rapid Repair of Partial-Depth Spalls in Concrete Pavements : Manual of Practice (Update)

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-12-01

The Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) H-106 maintenance experiment and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Long-Term Monitoring (LTM) of Pavement Maintenance Materials Test Sites project studied the repair of partial depth spalls in con...

Estimating the monetary value of willingness to pay for E-book reader's attributes using partially confounded factorial conjoint choice experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yong, Chin-Khian

2013-09-01

A partially confounded factorial conjoint choice experiments design was used to examine the monetary value of the willingness to pay for E-book Reader's attributes. Conjoint analysis is an efficient, cost-effective, and most widely used quantitative method in marketing research to understand consumer preferences and value trade-off. Value can be interpreted by customer or consumer as the received of multiple benefits from a price that was paid. The monetary value of willingness to pay for battery life, internal memory, external memory, screen size, text to Speech, touch screen, and converting handwriting to digital text of E-book reader were estimated in this study. Due to the significant interaction effect of the attributes with the price, the monetary values for the seven attributes were found to be different at different values of odds of purchasing versus not purchasing. The significant interactions effects were one of the main contribution of the partially confounded factorial conjoint choice experiment.

Factors Affecting Infants’ Manual Search for Occluded Objects and the Genesis of Object Permanence

PubMed Central

Moore, M. Keith; Meltzoff, Andrew N.

2009-01-01

Two experiments systematically examined factors that influence infants’ manual search for hidden objects (N = 96). Experiment 1 used a new procedure to assess infants’ search for partially versus totally occluded objects. Results showed that 8.75-month-old infants solved partial occlusions by removing the occluder and uncovering the object, but these same infants failed to use this skill on total occlusions. Experiment 2 used sound-producing objects to provide a perceptual clue to the objects’ hidden location. Sound clues significantly increased the success rate on total occlusions for 10-month-olds, but not for 8.75-month-olds. An identity development account is offered for why infants succeed on partial occlusions earlier than total occlusions and why sound helps only the older infants. We propose a mechanism for how infants use object identity as a basis for developing a notion of permanence. Implications are drawn for understanding the dissociation between looking-time and search assessments of object permanence. PMID:18036668

Factors affecting infants' manual search for occluded objects and the genesis of object permanence.

PubMed

Moore, M Keith; Meltzoff, Andrew N

2008-04-01

Two experiments systematically examined factors that influence infants' manual search for hidden objects (N=96). Experiment 1 used a new procedure to assess infants' search for partially versus totally occluded objects. Results showed that 8.75-month-old infants solved partial occlusions by removing the occluder and uncovering the object, but these same infants failed to use this skill on total occlusions. Experiment 2 used sound-producing objects to provide a perceptual clue to the objects' hidden location. Sound clues significantly increased the success rate on total occlusions for 10-month-olds, but not for 8.75-month-olds. An identity development account is offered for why infants succeed on partial occlusions earlier than total occlusions and why sound helps only the older infants. We propose a mechanism for how infants use object identity as a basis for developing a notion of permanence. Implications are drawn for understanding the dissociation between looking time and search assessments of object permanence.

Relationship between P-wave attenuation and water saturation in an homogeneous unconsolidated and partially saturated porous media : An experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrière, J.; Sénéchal, P.; Bordes, C.; Perroud, H.

2010-12-01

Nowadays, it is well known that hydrogeological properties of the porous media (porosity, fluid saturation and permeability) can influence seismic properties. The major theory which links hydrogeological and seismic parameters is poroelasticity proposed by Biot (1956) for saturated porous media in a wetting phase fluid. However the Biot relaxation process can't explain the level of attenuation of seismic waves generally measured on field from seismic to sonic frequency range in the case of partially saturated media. Laboratory experiments are necessary to better understand the effects of fluids on the attenuation of waves but few ones are done in the low frequency range (1Hz to 10 kHz) where the wavelength is greater than heterogeneities size. We propose an experimental study to determine the attenuation of propagative P-wave in the sonic frequency range on unconsolidated and partially saturated porous media, typical of near surface hydrogeological media. 10 accelerometers (0.0001-17kHz) and 6 capacitance probes (soil moisture sensors) are placed in a container (107 cm x 34 cm x 35cm) full of homogeneous sand (99% silica). An acoustic source (0 - 20 kHz) generate seismic waves which are recorded by the accelerometers during three cycles of imbibition-drainage (corresponding to a water saturation range from 0% to 95%). Values of attenuation (quality factor Q) versus water saturation and frequency are calculated with the well-known spectral ratio method. The spectrum of each recorded P-wave is obtained by a continuous wavelet transform, more adapted than Fourier transform for a non-stationary signal, such as seismic signal, whose frequency content varies with time. The first analyses show a strong dependence of the quality factor with frequency and water saturation, notably at high water saturation (above 60 %) where the attenuation is maximum. Knowing some important parameters of the studied media such as porosity and permeability, we interpret physically our results in accordance with some recent poroelastic models.

Diffusion-driven D/H fractionation in silicates during hydration, dehydration and degassing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roskosz, Mathieu; Laporte, Didier; Deloule, Etienne; Ingrin, Jannick; Remusat, Laurent; Depecker, Christophe; Leroux, Hugues

2017-04-01

Understanding how degassing occurs during accretion and differentiation is crucial to explain the water budget of planetary bodies. In this context, the hydrogen isotopic signature of water in mantle minerals and melts is particularly useful to trace reservoirs and their interactions. Nonetheless, little is known on the influence of mantle processes on the D/H signatures of silicates. In this study, we performed controlled hydration/dehydration experiments. We explore the possibility that diffusion-driven fractionation could affect the D/H signature of partially hydrated amorphous or molten silicates and nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs). High purity synthetic fused silica samples were annealed at between 200 and 1000°C at 20 mbar water partial pressure for 1 to 30 days. Dehydration of initially hydrated silica was also performed at 1000°C for a few hours. A set of rhyolitic samples previously synthesized in order to study bubble nucleation during magma decompression was also analyzed. Finally a natural grossular monocrystal (Zillertaler Alps, Austria), partially dehydrated in air at 800°C for 10 hours was studied. Water content and speciation were measured both by Fourier-Transform Infra-Red and Raman spectroscopies. Isotopic analyses were performed with the IMS 1270 and 1280 ion microprobes. The silica samples, the rhyolitic glasses and the grossular monocrystal exhibit typical water concentration profiles. In all cases, water speciation does not change significantly along concentration profiles. Concerning D/H signatures, no isotopic variation is detectable across amorphous silica and rhyolitic glasses. The situation is however very different in the grossular monocrystal. A strong isotopic gradient appears correlated to the water concentration profile. Our data are interpreted in terms of diffusion mechanisms in both amorphous (and molten) silicates and NAMs. Hydration, dehydration and magma degassing are probably not able to promote large diffusion-driven fractionation of hydrogen in amorphous silicates. Conversely, the diffusion of water through the structure of NAMs affects the overall isotopic composition of dissolved water.

Vicarious shame.

PubMed

Welten, Stephanie C M; Zeelenberg, Marcel; Breugelmans, Seger M

2012-01-01

We examined an account of vicarious shame that explains how people can experience a self-conscious emotion for the behaviour of another person. Two divergent processes have been put forward to explain how another's behaviour links to the self. The group-based emotion account explains vicarious shame in terms of an in-group member threatening one's social identity by behaving shamefully. The empathy account explains vicarious shame in terms of empathic perspective taking; people imagine themselves in another's shameful behaviour. In three studies using autobiographical recall and experimental inductions, we revealed that both processes can explain why vicarious shame arises in different situations, what variation can be observed in the experience of vicarious shame, and how all vicarious shame can be related to a threat to the self. Results are integrated in a functional account of shame.

Effects of water, depth and temperature on partial melting of mantle-wedge fluxed by hydrous sediment-melt in subduction zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallik, Ananya; Dasgupta, Rajdeep; Tsuno, Kyusei; Nelson, Jared

2016-12-01

This study investigates the partial melting of variable bulk H2O-bearing parcels of mantle-wedge hybridized by partial melt derived from subducted metapelites, at pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions applicable to the hotter core of the mantle beneath volcanic arcs. Experiments are performed on mixtures of 25% sediment-melt and 75% fertile peridotite, from 1200 to 1300 °C, at 2 and 3 GPa, with bulk H2O concentrations of 4 and 6 wt.%. Combining the results from these experiments with previous experiments containing 2 wt.% bulk H2O (Mallik et al., 2015), it is observed that all melt compositions, except those produced in the lowest bulk H2O experiments at 3 GPa, are saturated with olivine and orthopyroxene. Also, higher bulk H2O concentration increases melt fraction at the same P-T condition, and causes exhaustion of garnet, phlogopite and clinopyroxene at lower temperatures, for a given pressure. The activity coefficient of silica (ϒSiO2) for olivine-orthopyroxene saturated melt compositions (where the activity of silica, aSiO2 , is buffered by the reaction olivine + SiO2 = orthopyroxene) from this study and from mantle melting studies in the literature are calculated. In melt compositions generated at 2 GPa or shallower, with increasing H2O concentration, ϒSiO2 increases from <1 to ∼1, indicating a transition from non-ideal mixing as OH- in the melt (ϒSiO2 <1) to ideal mixing as molecular H2O (ϒSiO2 ∼1). At pressures >2 GPa, ϒSiO2 >1 at higher H2O concentrations in the melt, indicate requirement of excess energy to incorporate molecular H2O in the silicate melt structure, along with a preference for bridging species and polyhedral edge decorations. With vapor saturation in the presence of melt, ϒSiO2 decreases indicating approach towards ideal mixing of H2O in silicate melt. For similar H2O concentrations in the melt, ϒSiO2 for olivine-orthopyroxene saturated melts at 3 GPa is higher than melts at 2 GPa or shallower. This results in melts generated at 3 GPa being more silica-poor than melts at 2 GPa. Thus, variable bulk H2O and pressure of melt generation results in the partial melts from this study varying in composition from phonotephrite to basaltic andesite at 2 GPa and foidite/phonotephrite to basalt at 3 GPa, forming a spectrum of arc magmas. Modeling suggests that the trace element patterns of sediment-melt are unaffected by the process of hybridization within the hotter core of the mantle-wedge. K2O/H2O and H2O/Ce ratios of the sediment-melts are unaffected, within error, by the process of hybridization of the mantle-wedge. This implies that thermometers based on K2O/H2O and H2O/Ce ratios of arc lavas may be used to estimate slab-top temperatures when (a) sediment-melt from the slab reaches the hotter core of the mantle-wedge by focused flow (b) sediment-melt freezes in the overlying mantle at the slab-mantle interface and the hybridized package rises as a mélange diapir and partially melts at the hotter core of the mantle-wedge. Based on the results from this study and previous studies, both channelized and porous flow of sediment-melt/fluid through the sub-arc mantle can explain geochemical signatures of arc lavas under specific geodynamic scenarios of fluid/melt fluxing, hybridization, and subsequent mantle melting.

Proactive effects of memory in young and older adults: The role of change recollection

PubMed Central

Wahlheim, Christopher N.

2015-01-01

Age-related deficits in episodic memory are sometimes attributed to older adults being more susceptible to proactive interference. These deficits have been explained by impaired abilities to inhibit competing information and to recollect target information. In the present article, I propose that a change recollection deficit also contributes to age differences in proactive interference. Change recollection occurs when individuals can remember how information changed across episodes, and this counteracts proactive interference by preserving the temporal order of information. Three experiments were conducted to determine whether older adults are less likely to counteract proactive interference by recollecting change. Paired-associate learning paradigms with two lists of word pairs included pairs that repeated across lists, pairs that only appeared in List 2 (control items), and pairs with cues that repeated and responses that changed across lists. Young and older adults’ abilities to detect changed pairs in List 2 and to later recollect those changes at test were measured, along with cued recall of the List 2 responses and confidence in recall performance. Change recollection produced proactive facilitation in the recall of changed pairs, whereas the failure to recollect change resulted in proactive interference. Confidence judgments were sensitive to these effects. The critical finding was that older adults recollected change less than did young adults, and this partially explained older adults’ greater susceptibility to proactive interference. These findings have theoretical implications, showing that a change recollection deficit contributes to age-related deficits in episodic memory. PMID:24710672

Alone? Perceived social support and chronic interpersonal difficulties in suicidal elders.

PubMed

Harrison, Katrin E; Dombrovski, Alexandre Y; Morse, Jennifer Q; Houck, Patricia; Schlernitzauer, Maryann; Reynolds, Charles F; Szanto, Katalin

2010-05-01

Social networks may protect depressed elders against suicidal behavior. However, conflict in important relationships may undermine the sense of social support, potentially negating the protective effects. Thus, we investigated the role of chronic interpersonal difficulties and perceived social support in depressed elders with and without suicidal thoughts and attempts. 106 individuals aged 60 years and older participated in this cross-sectional, case-control study. They were placed in three groups: suicidal depressed, non-suicidal depressed and non-depressed. Following a detailed clinical characterization, we assessed perceived social support (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List), and chronic interpersonal difficulties (Inventory of Interpersonal Problems). Using general linear models, we explored the relationship between suicidal thoughts/attempts, social support, and chronic interpersonal difficulties. We also examined whether lower perceived social support explained the relationship between chronic interpersonal difficulties and suicidal thoughts/attempts. Suicidal depressed elders reported the lowest levels of perceived social support (belonging, tangible support, and self-esteem) and higher levels of chronic interpersonal difficulties (struggle against others and interpersonal hostility), compared to both non-suicidal depressed and non-depressed elders. The relationship between chronic interpersonal difficulties and suicidal behavior was partially explained by low perceived social support. The experience of strong affects, interpersonal struggle, and hostility in relationships may undermine the sense of social support in depressed elders, possibly leading them to contemplate or attempt suicide. Depressed elders with a history of interpersonal difficulties need to be carefully monitored for suicidal behavior.

North Tropical Atlantic Climate Variability and Model Biases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Y.

2017-12-01

Remote forcing from El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and local ocean-atmosphere feedback are important for climate variability over the North Tropical Atlantic. These two factors are extracted by the ensemble mean and inter-member difference of a 10-member Pacific Ocean-Global Atmosphere (POGA) experiment, in which sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are restored to the observed anomalies over the tropical Pacific but fully coupled to the atmosphere elsewhere. POGA reasonably captures main features of observed North Tropical Atlantic variability. ENSO forced and local North Tropical Atlantic modes (NTAMs) develop with wind-evaporation-SST feedback, explaining one third and two thirds of total variance respectively. Notable biases, however, exist. The seasonality of the simulated NTAM is delayed by one month, due to the late development of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in the model. A spurious band of enhanced sea surface temperature (SST) variance (SBEV) is identified over the northern equatorial Atlantic in POGA and 14 out of 23 CMIP5 models. The SBEV is especially pronounced in boreal spring and due to the combined effect of both anomalous atmospheric thermal forcing and oceanic vertical upwelling. While the tropical North Atlantic variability is only weakly correlated with the Atlantic Zonal Mode (AZM) in observations, the SBEV in CMIP5 produces conditions that drive and intensify the AZM variability via triggering the Bjerknes feedback. This partially explains why AZM is strong in some CMIP5 models even though the equatorial cold tongue and easterly trades are biased low.

Variability in in vitro fertilization outcomes of prepubertal goat oocytes explained by basic semen analyses.

PubMed

Palomo, M J; Quintanilla, R; Izquierdo, M D; Mogas, T; Paramio, M T

2016-12-01

This work analyses the changes that caprine spermatozoa undergo during in vitro fertilization (IVF) of in vitro matured prepubertal goat oocytes and their relationship with IVF outcome, in order to obtain an effective model that allows prediction of in vitro fertility on the basis of semen assessment. The evolution of several sperm parameters (motility, viability and acrosomal integrity) during IVF and their relationship with three IVF outcome criteria (total penetration, normal penetration and cleavage rates) were studied in a total of 56 IVF replicates. Moderate correlation coefficients between some sperm parameters and IVF outcome were observed. In addition, stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted that considered three grouping of sperm parameters as potential explanatory variables of the three IVF outcome criteria. The proportion of IVF outcome variation that can be explained by the fitted models ranged from 0.62 to 0.86, depending upon the trait analysed and the variables considered. Seven out of 32 sperm parameters were selected as partial covariates in at least one of the nine multiple regression models. Among these, progressive sperm motility assessed immediately after swim-up, the percentage of dead sperm with intact acrosome and the incidence of acrosome reaction both determined just before the gamete co-culture, and finally the proportion of viable spermatozoa at 17 h post-insemination were the most frequently selected sperm parameters. Nevertheless, the predictive ability of these models must be confirmed in a larger sample size experiment.

Atmospheric evidence for a global secular increase in carbon isotopic discrimination of land photosynthesis

PubMed Central

Resplandy, Laure; Bi, Jian; Piper, Stephen C.; Sun, Ying; Bollenbacher, Alane; Meijer, Harro A. J.

2017-01-01

A decrease in the 13C/12C ratio of atmospheric CO2 has been documented by direct observations since 1978 and from ice core measurements since the industrial revolution. This decrease, known as the 13C-Suess effect, is driven primarily by the input of fossil fuel-derived CO2 but is also sensitive to land and ocean carbon cycling and uptake. Using updated records, we show that no plausible combination of sources and sinks of CO2 from fossil fuel, land, and oceans can explain the observed 13C-Suess effect unless an increase has occurred in the 13C/12C isotopic discrimination of land photosynthesis. A trend toward greater discrimination under higher CO2 levels is broadly consistent with tree ring studies over the past century, with field and chamber experiments, and with geological records of C3 plants at times of altered atmospheric CO2, but increasing discrimination has not previously been included in studies of long-term atmospheric 13C/12C measurements. We further show that the inferred discrimination increase of 0.014 ± 0.007‰ ppm−1 is largely explained by photorespiratory and mesophyll effects. This result implies that, at the global scale, land plants have regulated their stomatal conductance so as to allow the CO2 partial pressure within stomatal cavities and their intrinsic water use efficiency to increase in nearly constant proportion to the rise in atmospheric CO2 concentration. PMID:28893986

The relative importance among anthropogenic forcings of land use/land cover change in affecting temperature extremes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Liang; Dirmeyer, Paul A.

2018-05-01

Land use/land cover change (LULCC) exerts significant influence on regional climate extremes, but its relative importance compared with other anthropogenic climate forcings has not been thoroughly investigated. This study compares land use forcing with other forcing agents in explaining the simulated historical temperature extreme changes since preindustrial times in the CESM-Last Millennium Ensemble (LME) project. CESM-LME suggests that the land use forcing has caused an overall cooling in both warm and cold extremes, and has significantly decreased diurnal temperature range (DTR). Due to the competing effects of the GHG and aerosol forcings, the spatial pattern of changes in 1850-2005 climatology of temperature extremes in CESM-LME can be largely explained by the land use forcing, especially for hot extremes and DTR. The dominance of land use forcing is particularly evident over Europe, eastern China, and the central and eastern US. Temporally, the land-use cooling is relatively stable throughout the historical period, while the warming of temperature extremes is mainly influenced by the enhanced GHG forcing, which has gradually dampened the local dominance of the land use effects. Results from the suite of CMIP5 experiments partially agree with the local dominance of the land use forcing in CESM-LME, but inter-model discrepancies exist in the distribution and sign of the LULCC-induced temperature changes. Our results underline the overall importance of LULCC in historical temperature extreme changes, implying land use forcing should be highlighted in future climate projections.

Proactive effects of memory in young and older adults: the role of change recollection.

PubMed

Wahlheim, Christopher N

2014-08-01

Age-related deficits in episodic memory are sometimes attributed to older adults being more susceptible to proactive interference. These deficits have been explained by impaired abilities to inhibit competing information and to recollect target information. In the present article, I propose that a change recollection deficit also contributes to age differences in proactive interference. Change recollection occurs when individuals can remember how information changed across episodes, and this counteracts proactive interference by preserving the temporal order of information. Three experiments were conducted to determine whether older adults are less likely to counteract proactive interference by recollecting change. Paired-associate learning paradigms with two lists of word pairs included pairs that repeated across lists, pairs that only appeared in List 2 (control items), and pairs with cues that repeated and responses that changed across lists. Young and older adults' abilities to detect changed pairs in List 2 and to later recollect those changes at test were measured, along with cued recall of the List 2 responses and confidence in recall performance. Change recollection produced proactive facilitation in the recall of changed pairs, whereas the failure to recollect change resulted in proactive interference. Confidence judgments were sensitive to these effects. The critical finding was that older adults recollected change less than did young adults, and this partially explained older adults' greater susceptibility to proactive interference. These findings have theoretical implications, showing that a change recollection deficit contributes to age-related deficits in episodic memory.

Atmospheric evidence for a global secular increase in carbon isotopic discrimination of land photosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keeling, Ralph F.; Graven, Heather D.; Welp, Lisa R.; Resplandy, Laure; Bi, Jian; Piper, Stephen C.; Sun, Ying; Bollenbacher, Alane; Meijer, Harro A. J.

2017-09-01

A decrease in the 13C/12C ratio of atmospheric CO2 has been documented by direct observations since 1978 and from ice core measurements since the industrial revolution. This decrease, known as the 13C-Suess effect, is driven primarily by the input of fossil fuel-derived CO2 but is also sensitive to land and ocean carbon cycling and uptake. Using updated records, we show that no plausible combination of sources and sinks of CO2 from fossil fuel, land, and oceans can explain the observed 13C-Suess effect unless an increase has occurred in the 13C/12C isotopic discrimination of land photosynthesis. A trend toward greater discrimination under higher CO2 levels is broadly consistent with tree ring studies over the past century, with field and chamber experiments, and with geological records of C3 plants at times of altered atmospheric CO2, but increasing discrimination has not previously been included in studies of long-term atmospheric 13C/12C measurements. We further show that the inferred discrimination increase of 0.014 ± 0.007‰ ppm-1 is largely explained by photorespiratory and mesophyll effects. This result implies that, at the global scale, land plants have regulated their stomatal conductance so as to allow the CO2 partial pressure within stomatal cavities and their intrinsic water use efficiency to increase in nearly constant proportion to the rise in atmospheric CO2 concentration.

Atmospheric evidence for a global secular increase in carbon isotopic discrimination of land photosynthesis.

PubMed

Keeling, Ralph F; Graven, Heather D; Welp, Lisa R; Resplandy, Laure; Bi, Jian; Piper, Stephen C; Sun, Ying; Bollenbacher, Alane; Meijer, Harro A J

2017-09-26

A decrease in the 13 C/ 12 C ratio of atmospheric CO 2 has been documented by direct observations since 1978 and from ice core measurements since the industrial revolution. This decrease, known as the 13 C-Suess effect, is driven primarily by the input of fossil fuel-derived CO 2 but is also sensitive to land and ocean carbon cycling and uptake. Using updated records, we show that no plausible combination of sources and sinks of CO 2 from fossil fuel, land, and oceans can explain the observed 13 C-Suess effect unless an increase has occurred in the 13 C/ 12 C isotopic discrimination of land photosynthesis. A trend toward greater discrimination under higher CO 2 levels is broadly consistent with tree ring studies over the past century, with field and chamber experiments, and with geological records of C 3 plants at times of altered atmospheric CO 2 , but increasing discrimination has not previously been included in studies of long-term atmospheric 13 C/ 12 C measurements. We further show that the inferred discrimination increase of 0.014 ± 0.007‰ ppm -1 is largely explained by photorespiratory and mesophyll effects. This result implies that, at the global scale, land plants have regulated their stomatal conductance so as to allow the CO 2 partial pressure within stomatal cavities and their intrinsic water use efficiency to increase in nearly constant proportion to the rise in atmospheric CO 2 concentration.

Individual differences in associative memory among older adults explained by hippocampal subfield structure and function.

PubMed

Carr, Valerie A; Bernstein, Jeffrey D; Favila, Serra E; Rutt, Brian K; Kerchner, Geoffrey A; Wagner, Anthony D

2017-11-07

Older adults experience impairments in episodic memory, ranging from mild to clinically significant. Given the critical role of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) in episodic memory, age-related changes in MTL structure and function may partially account for individual differences in memory. Using ultra-high-field 7T structural MRI and high-resolution 3T functional MRI (hr-fMRI), we evaluated MTL subfield thickness and function in older adults representing a spectrum of cognitive health. Participants performed an associative memory task during hr-fMRI in which they encoded and later retrieved face-name pairs. Motivated by prior research, we hypothesized that differences in performance would be explained by the following: ( i ) entorhinal cortex (ERC) and CA1 apical neuropil layer [CA1-stratum radiatum lacunosum moleculare (SRLM)] thickness, and ( ii ) activity in ERC and the dentate gyrus (DG)/CA3 region. Regression analyses revealed that this combination of factors significantly accounted for variability in memory performance. Among these metrics, CA1-SRLM thickness was positively associated with memory, whereas DG/CA3 retrieval activity was negatively associated with memory. Furthermore, including structural and functional metrics in the same model better accounted for performance than did single-modality models. These results advance the understanding of how independent but converging influences of both MTL subfield structure and function contribute to age-related memory impairment, complementing findings in the rodent and human postmortem literatures.

Geodetic exploration of strain along the El Pilar Fault in northeastern Venezuela

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinoza, C.; Jouanne, F.; Audemard, F. A.; Schmitz, M.; Beck, C.

2015-03-01

We use Global Navigation Satellite Systems observations in northeastern Venezuela to constrain the El Pilar Fault (EPF) kinematics and to explore the effects of the variable elastic properties of the surrounding medium and of the fault geometry on inferred slip rates and locking depth. The velocity field exhibits an asymmetric velocity gradient on either side of the EPF. We use five different approaches to explore possible models to explain this asymmetry. First, we infer a 1.6 km locking depth using a classic elastic half-space dislocation model. Second, we infer a 1.5 km locking depth and a 0.33 asymmetry coefficient using a heterogeneous asymmetric model, including contrasting material properties on either side of a vertical fault, suggesting that the igneous-metamorphic terranes on the northern side are ~2 times more rigid than the sedimentary southern side. Third, we use a three-dimensional elastostatic model to evaluate the presence of a compliant zone, suggesting a 30% reduction of rigidity in the upper 3 km at the depth of a 1 to 5 km wide fault zone. Fourth, we evaluate the distribution of fault slip, revealing a widespread partial creep pattern in the eastern upper segment, while the upper western segment exhibits a partially locked area, which coincides with the rupture surface of the 1797 and 1929 earthquakes. To supplement these models, we upgrade the previously published displacement simulation method using nonvertical dislocations with data acquired between 2003 and 2013. The localized aseismic displacement pattern associated with creeping or partially creeping fault segments could explain the low level of historic seismicity.

Partial dust obscuration in active galactic nuclei as a cause of broad-line profile and lag variability, and apparent accretion disc inhomogeneities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaskell, C. Martin; Harrington, Peter Z.

2018-04-01

The profiles of the broad emission lines of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and the time delays in their response to changes in the ionizing continuum ("lags") give information about the structure and kinematics of the inner regions of AGNs. Line profiles are also our main way of estimating the masses of the supermassive black holes (SMBHs). However, the profiles often show ill-understood, asymmetric structure and velocity-dependent lags vary with time. Here we show that partial obscuration of the broad-line region (BLR) by outflowing, compact, dusty clumps produces asymmetries and velocity-dependent lags similar to those observed. Our model explains previously inexplicable changes in the ratios of the hydrogen lines with time and velocity, the lack of correlation of changes in line profiles with variability of the central engine, the velocity dependence of lags, and the change of lags with time. We propose that changes on timescales longer than the light-crossing time do not come from dynamical changes in the BLR, but are a natural result of the effect of outflowing dusty clumps driven by radiation pressure acting on the dust. The motion of these clumps offers an explanation of long-term changes in polarization. The effects of the dust complicate the study of the structure and kinematics of the BLR and the search for sub-parsec SMBH binaries. Partial obscuration of the accretion disc can also provide the local fluctuations in luminosity that can explain sizes deduced from microlensing.

GH administration rescues fatty liver regeneration impairment by restoring GH/EGFR pathway deficiency.

PubMed

Collin de l'Hortet, A; Zerrad-Saadi, A; Prip-Buus, C; Fauveau, V; Helmy, N; Ziol, M; Vons, C; Billot, K; Baud, V; Gilgenkrantz, Hélène; Guidotti, Jacques-Emmanuel

2014-07-01

GH pathway has been shown to play a major role in liver regeneration through the control of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation. This pathway is down-regulated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Because regeneration is known to be impaired in fatty livers, we wondered whether a deregulation of the GH/EGFR pathway could explain this deficiency. Hepatic EGFR expression and triglyceride levels were quantified in liver biopsies of 32 obese patients with different degrees of steatosis. We showed a significant inverse correlation between liver EGFR expression and the level of hepatic steatosis. GH/EGFR down-regulation was also demonstrated in 2 steatosis mouse models, a genetic (ob/ob) and a methionine and choline-deficient diet mouse model, in correlation with liver regeneration defect. ob/ob mice exhibited a more severe liver regeneration defect after partial hepatectomy (PH) than methionine and choline-deficient diet-fed mice, a difference that could be explained by a decrease in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation 32 hours after PH. Having checked that GH deficiency accounted for the GH signaling pathway down-regulation in the liver of ob/ob mice, we showed that GH administration in these mice led to a partial rescue in hepatocyte proliferation after PH associated with a concomitant restoration of liver EGFR expression and signal transducer and activator of trnascription 3 activation. In conclusion, we propose that the GH/EGFR pathway down-regulation is a general mechanism responsible for liver regeneration deficiency associated with steatosis, which could be partially rescued by GH administration.

Linear algebraic theory of partial coherence: discrete fields and measures of partial coherence.

PubMed

Ozaktas, Haldun M; Yüksel, Serdar; Kutay, M Alper

2002-08-01

A linear algebraic theory of partial coherence is presented that allows precise mathematical definitions of concepts such as coherence and incoherence. This not only provides new perspectives and insights but also allows us to employ the conceptual and algebraic tools of linear algebra in applications. We define several scalar measures of the degree of partial coherence of an optical field that are zero for full incoherence and unity for full coherence. The mathematical definitions are related to our physical understanding of the corresponding concepts by considering them in the context of Young's experiment.

Social justifications for moral emotions: when reasons for disgust are less elaborated than for anger.

PubMed

Russell, Pascale Sophie; Giner-Sorolla, Roger

2011-06-01

In the present research, we tested the unreasoning disgust hypothesis: moral disgust, in particular in response to a violation of a bodily norm, is less likely than moral anger to be justified with cognitively elaborated reasons. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to explain why they felt anger and disgust toward pedophiles. Participants were more likely to invoke elaborated reasons, versus merely evaluative responses, when explaining their anger, versus disgust. Experiment 2 used a between-participants design; participants explained why they felt either anger or disgust toward seven groups that either violated a sexual or nonsexual norm. Again, elaborated reasons were less prevalent when explaining their disgust versus anger and, in particular, when explaining disgust toward a group that violated a sexual norm. Experiment 3 further established that these findings are due to a lower accessibility of elaborated reasons for bodily disgust, rather than inhibition in using them when provided. From these findings, it can be concluded that communicating external reasons for moral disgust at bodily violations is made more difficult due to the unavailability of those reasons to people.

Drama in English: An Enriching Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geffen, Mitzi

1998-01-01

Examines the rationale behind using musical drama in English-as-a-Second-Language classes, explaining that it is an enjoyable experience that enriches students' English while they are relaxed, working as a team, and having fun with their imaginations. The article explains the process of putting on a play and evaluates the effect such a project had…

Revising the Redundancy Principle in Multimedia Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayer, Richard E.; Johnson, Cheryl I.

2008-01-01

College students viewed a short multimedia PowerPoint presentation consisting of 16 narrated slides explaining lightning formation (Experiment 1) or 8 narrated slides explaining how a car's braking system works (Experiment 2). Each slide appeared for approximately 8-10 s and contained a diagram along with 1-2 sentences of narration spoken in a…

Understanding Decision-Making in Specialized Domestic Violence Courts: Can Contemporary Theoretical Frameworks Help Guide These Decisions?

PubMed

Pinchevsky, Gillian M

2016-05-22

This study fills a gap in the literature by exploring the utility of contemporary courtroom theoretical frameworks-uncertainty avoidance, causal attribution, and focal concerns-for explaining decision-making in specialized domestic violence courts. Using data from two specialized domestic violence courts, this study explores the predictors of prosecutorial and judicial decision-making and the extent to which these factors are congruent with theoretical frameworks often used in studies of court processing. Findings suggest that these theoretical frameworks only partially help explain decision-making in the courts under study. A discussion of the findings and implications for future research is provided. © The Author(s) 2016.

Expanding resource theory and feminist-informed theory to explain intimate partner violence perpetration by court-ordered men.

PubMed

Basile, Kathleen C; Hall, Jeffrey E; Walters, Mikel L

2013-07-01

This study tested resource and feminist-informed theories to explain physical, sexual, psychological, and stalking intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrated by court-mandated men. Data were obtained from 340 men arrested for physical assault of a partner before their court-ordered treatment. Using path analysis, findings provided partial support for each model. Ineffective arguing and substance-use problems were moderators of resources and perpetration. Dominance mediated early exposures and perpetration in the feminist-informed model. In both models, predictors of stalking were different than those for other types of perpetration. Future studies should replicate this research and determine the utility of combining models.

A rational explanation of wave-particle duality of light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rashkovskiy, S. A.

2013-10-01

The wave-particle duality is a fundamental property of the nature. At the same time, it is one of the greatest mysteries of modern physics. This gave rise to a whole direction in quantum physics - the interpretation of quantum mechanics. The Wiener experiments demonstrating the wave-particle duality of light are discussed. It is shown that almost all interpretations of quantum mechanics allow explaining the double-slit experiments, but are powerless to explain the Wiener experiments. The reason of the paradox, associated with the wave-particle duality is analyzed. The quantum theory consists of two independent parts: (i) the dynamic equations describing the behavior of a quantum object (for example, the Schrodinger or Maxwell equations), and (ii) the Born's rule, the relation between the wave function and the probability of finding the particle at a given point. It is shown that precisely the Born's rule results in paradox in explaining the wave-particle duality. In order to eliminate this paradox, we propose a new rational interpretation of the wave-particle duality and associated new rule, connecting the corpuscular and wave properties of quantum objects. It is shown that this new rational interpretation of the wave-particle duality allows using the classic images of particle and wave in explaining the quantum mechanical and optical phenomena, does not result in paradox in explaining the doubleslit experiments and Wiener experiments, and does not contradict to the modern quantum mechanical concepts. It is shown that the Born's rule follows immediately from proposed new rules as an approximation.

Visual attention shift to printed words during spoken word recognition in Chinese: The role of phonological information.

PubMed

Shen, Wei; Qu, Qingqing; Tong, Xiuhong

2018-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which phonological information mediates the visual attention shift to printed Chinese words in spoken word recognition by using an eye-movement technique with a printed-word paradigm. In this paradigm, participants are visually presented with four printed words on a computer screen, which include a target word, a phonological competitor, and two distractors. Participants are then required to select the target word using a computer mouse, and the eye movements are recorded. In Experiment 1, phonological information was manipulated at the full-phonological overlap; in Experiment 2, phonological information at the partial-phonological overlap was manipulated; and in Experiment 3, the phonological competitors were manipulated to share either fulloverlap or partial-overlap with targets directly. Results of the three experiments showed that the phonological competitor effects were observed at both the full-phonological overlap and partial-phonological overlap conditions. That is, phonological competitors attracted more fixations than distractors, which suggested that phonological information mediates the visual attention shift during spoken word recognition. More importantly, we found that the mediating role of phonological information varies as a function of the phonological similarity between target words and phonological competitors.

Beliefs Alter Holistic Face Processing…If Response Bias is not Taken into Account

PubMed Central

Richler, Jennifer J.; Cheung, Olivia S.; Gauthier, Isabel

2012-01-01

The composite paradigm is widely used to quantify holistic processing (HP) of faces, but there is debate regarding the appropriate design (partial vs. complete) and measures in this task. Here, we argue that some operational definitions of HP are problematic because they are sensitive to top-down influences, even though the underlying concept is assumed to be cognitively impenetrable. In Experiment 1, we told one group of participants that the target face half would remain the same on 75% of trials, and another group that it would change on 75% of trials. The true proportion of same/different trials was 50% - groups only differed in their beliefs about the target halves. In Experiment 2, we manipulated the actual proportion of same/different trials in the experiment (75% of trials were same for one group, 75% of trials were different for another group), but did not give explicit instructions about proportions. In both experiments these manipulations influenced response biases that altered partial design measures of HP while the complete design measure was unaffected. We argue that the partial design should be abandoned because it has poor construct validity. PMID:22101018

[X-ray diagnostic of partial intestinal obstruction in small intestine diseases: a glance on the problem of radiologist-gastroenterologist].

PubMed

Levchenko, S V; Kotovshchikova, A A; Orlova, N V

2013-01-01

The article is devoted to special features of X-ray examining of patients suffering from acute abdomen pain and X-ray paradigma of some intestine diseases as a cause of partial bowel obstruction. Own clinical data are presented. Long-term experience of our X-ray department is summarized. The possibilities of X-ray examining of abdomen with and without contrast in patients with partial bowel obstruction are described.

Failure of colostral immunoglobulin transfer as an explanation for most infections and deaths of neonatal foals.

PubMed

McGuire, T C; Crawford, T B; Hallowell, A L; Macomber, L E

1977-06-01

Failure in colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) transfer was found in 9 of 87 Thoroughbred foals. Seven (78%) of these 9 foals acquired infections requiring therapy. Twelve of the foals had partial failure in colostral IgG transfer, and 3 of these had infections requiring therapy. The remaining 66 foals had normal transfer of colostral IgG, and only 2 had detectable infections. The failure of colostral IgG transfer was attributable to nursing problems in only one case. When presuckle postpartum colostrum was collected, 2 of 4 failures of colostral IgG transfer and 4 of 6 partial failures of colostral IgG transfer were explained by low colostral IgG content. Of 11 foals from various other sources and dying of infection before 2 weeks of age, 6 had failure of colostral IgG transfer (less than 200 mg IgG/100 ml serum), and 4 had partial failure (200-400 mg IgG/100 ml serum).

Multilevel Analysis Methods for Partially Nested Cluster Randomized Trials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanders, Elizabeth A.

2011-01-01

This paper explores multilevel modeling approaches for 2-group randomized experiments in which a treatment condition involving clusters of individuals is compared to a control condition involving only ungrouped individuals, otherwise known as partially nested cluster randomized designs (PNCRTs). Strategies for comparing groups from a PNCRT in the…

Experimental evidence for partial spatial coherence in imaging Mueller polarimetry.

PubMed

Ossikovski, Razvigor; Arteaga, Oriol; Yoo, Sang Hyuk; Garcia-Caurel, Enric; Hingerl, Kurt

2017-11-15

We demonstrate experimentally the validity of the partial spatial coherence formalism in Mueller polarimetry and show that, in a finite spatial resolution experiment, the measured response is obtained through convolving the theoretical one with the instrument function. The reported results are of primary importance for Mueller imaging systems.

The Basic Principle of Calculus?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hardy, Michael

2011-01-01

A simple partial version of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be presented on the first day of the first-year calculus course, and then relied upon repeatedly in assigned problems throughout the course. With that experience behind them, students can use the partial version to understand the full-fledged Fundamental Theorem, with further…

Determinants of Instrumental Extinction in Terrestrial Toads ("Bufo arenarum")

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muzio, Ruben N.; Ruetti, Eliana; Papini, Mauricio R.

2006-01-01

Previous research in a water-reinforced instrumental training situation with toads ("Bufo arenarum") has shown that performance in both acquisition and extinction is poorer after partial, rather than continuous reinforcement training. In Experiment 1, the performance of a group receiving 24 trials on a 50% partial reinforcement schedule was poorer…

Beauty for pedestrians toy models for CP violation and baryon asymmetry

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

Lipkin, H.J.

Why are particles different from antiparticles? C and P Violation - 1956; CP Violation - 1964. Why so little new experimental information in thirty years? Where has all the antimatter gone? Toy models are presented showing: (1) How CPT and {Delta}I = 1/2 make life difficult in kaon physics by requiring equal K{sup {plus_minus}} total widths and also equal partial widths to many exclusive channels. (2) How to understand and get around CPT restrictions. (3) How CP asymmetries can occur in exclusive partial widths and still add up to equal total widths. (4) Sakharov`s 1966 scenario for how CP Violationmore » + proton decay can explain baryon asymmetry (5) How B physics can help.« less

Single-Molecule Denaturation Mapping of Genomic DNA in Nanofluidic Channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reisner, Walter; Larsen, Niels; Kristensen, Anders; Tegenfeldt, Jonas O.; Flyvbjerg, Henrik

2009-03-01

We have developed a new DNA barcoding technique based on the partial denaturation of extended fluorescently labeled DNA molecules. We partially melt DNA extended in nanofluidic channels via a combination of local heating and added chemical denaturants. The melted molecules, imaged via a standard fluorescence videomicroscopy setup, exhibit a nonuniform fluorescence profile corresponding to a series of local dips and peaks in the intensity trace along the stretched molecule. We show that this barcode is consistent with the presence of locally melted regions and can be explained by calculations of sequence-dependent melting probability. We believe this melting mapping technology is the first optically based single molecule technique sensitive to genome wide sequence variation that does not require an additional enzymatic labeling or restriction scheme.

Acute dermal abscesses caused by Serratia marcescens.

PubMed

Soria, Xavier; Bielsa, Isabel; Ribera, Miquel; Herrero, María José; Domingo, Helena; Carrascosa, José Manuel; Ferrándiz, Carlos

2008-05-01

Primary acute cutaneous infections caused by Serratia marcescens are extremely unusual. Nevertheless, Serratia infections are especially frequent in chronic granulomatous disease, which is a primary immunodeficiency that affects phagocytic cells of the innate immune system. We report a young man without history of infections, who developed multiple dermal abscesses on a leg with chronic lymphoedema attributed to S marcescens. Laboratory investigations showed a delayed partial neutrophilic oxidative function. It is remarkable that the patient did not have any other infections during childhood, when most of the innate immune deficiencies are diagnosed, and he had no history of granulomatous lesions. We hypothesize that the delayed neutrophilic oxidative function could be explained by a partial neutrophilic oxidative function, which could be enough to maintain the patient asymptomatic until this infection.

Entropy of adsorption of mixed surfactants from solutions onto the air/water interface

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chen, L.-W.; Chen, J.-H.; Zhou, N.-F.

1995-01-01

The partial molar entropy change for mixed surfactant molecules adsorbed from solution at the air/water interface has been investigated by surface thermodynamics based upon the experimental surface tension isotherms at various temperatures. Results for different surfactant mixtures of sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium tetradecyl sulfate, decylpyridinium chloride and sodium alkylsulfonates have shown that the partial molar entropy changes for adsorption of the mixed surfactants were generally negative and decreased with increasing adsorption to a minimum near the maximum adsorption and then increased abruptly. The entropy decrease can be explained by the adsorption-orientation of surfactant molecules in the adsorbed monolayer and the abrupt entropy increase at the maximum adsorption is possible due to the strong repulsion between the adsorbed molecules.

Geometerial description for a proposed aeroassist flight experiment vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheatwood, F. M.; Dejarnette, F. J.; Hamilton, H. H., II

1986-01-01

One geometry currently under consideration for the Aeroassist Flight Experiment (AFE) vehicle is composed of several segments of simple general conics: an ellipsoidal nose tangent to an elliptical cone and a base skirt with the base plane raked relative to the body axis. An analytic representation for the body coordinates and first and second partial derivatives of this configuration has been developed. Equations are given which define the body radius and partial derivatives for a prescribed axial and circumferential position on the vehicle. The results for a sample case are tabulated and presented graphically.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: initial experience in Brazil and a review of the literature.

PubMed

Passerotti, Carlo Camargo; Pessoa, Rodrigo; da Cruz, Jose Arnaldo Shiomi; Okano, Marcelo Takeo; Antunes, Alberto Azoubel; Nesrallah, Adriano Joao; Dall'oglio, Marcos Francisco; Andrade, Enrico; Srougi, Miguel

2012-01-01

Partial nephrectomy has become the standard of care for renal tumors less than 4 cm in diameter. Controversy still exists, however, regarding the best surgical approach, especially when minimally invasive techniques are taken into account. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) has emerged as a promising technique that helps surgeons achieve the standards of open partial nephrectomy care while offering a minimally invasive approach. The objective of the present study was to describe our initial experience with robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and extensively review the pertinent literature. Between August 2009 and February 2010, eight consecutive selected patients with contrast enhancing renal masses observed by CT were submitted to RALPN in a private institution. In addition, we collected information on the patients ' demographics, preoperative tumor characteristics and detailed operative, postoperative and pathological data. In addition, a PubMed search was performed to provide an extensive review of the robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy literature. Seven patients had RALPN on the left or right sides with no intraoperative complications. One patient was electively converted to a robotic-assisted radical nephrectomy. The operative time ranged from 120 to 300 min, estimated blood loss (EBL) ranged from 75 to 400 mL and, in five cases, the warm ischemia time (WIT) ranged from 18 to 32 min. Two patients did not require any clamping. Overall, no transfusions were necessary, and there were no intraoperative complications or adverse postoperative clinical events. All margins were negative, and all patients were disease-free at the 6-month follow-up. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a feasible and safe approach to small renal cortical masses. Further prospective studies are needed to compare open partial nephrectomy with its minimally invasive counterparts.

The Dreyfus model of clinical problem-solving skills acquisition: a critical perspective

PubMed Central

Peña, Adolfo

2010-01-01

Context The Dreyfus model describes how individuals progress through various levels in their acquisition of skills and subsumes ideas with regard to how individuals learn. Such a model is being accepted almost without debate from physicians to explain the ‘acquisition’ of clinical skills. Objectives This paper reviews such a model, discusses several controversial points, clarifies what kind of knowledge the model is about, and examines its coherence in terms of problem-solving skills. Dreyfus' main idea that intuition is a major aspect of expertise is also discussed in some detail. Relevant scientific evidence from cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience is reviewed to accomplish these aims. Conclusions Although the Dreyfus model may partially explain the ‘acquisition’ of some skills, it is debatable if it can explain the acquisition of clinical skills. The complex nature of clinical problem-solving skills and the rich interplay between the implicit and explicit forms of knowledge must be taken into consideration when we want to explain ‘acquisition’ of clinical skills. The idea that experts work from intuition, not from reason, should be evaluated carefully. PMID:20563279

JP-8 jet fuel exposure rapidly induces high levels of IL-10 and PGE2 secretion and is correlated with loss of immune function.

PubMed

Harris, David T; Sakiestewa, Debbie; Titone, Dominic; Witten, Mark

2007-05-01

The US Air Force has implemented the widespread use of JP-8 jet fuel in its operations, although a thorough understanding of its potential effects upon exposed personnel is unclear. Previous work has demonstrated that JP-8 exposure is immunosuppressive. In the present study, the potential mechanisms for the effects of JP-8 exposure on the immune system were investigated. Exposure of mice to JP-8 for 1 h/day resulted in immediate secretion of two immunosuppressive agents; namely, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). JP-8 exposure rapidly induced a persistently high level of serum IL-10 and PGE2 at an exposure concentration of 1000 mg/m3. IL-10 levels peaked at 2 h post-JP-8 exposure and then stabilized at significantly elevated serum levels, while PGE2 levels peaked after 2-3 days of exposure and then stabilized. Elevated IL-10 and PGE2 levels may at least partially explain the effects of JP-8 exposure on immune function. Elevated IL-10 and PGE2 levels, however, cannot explain all of the effects due to JP-8 exposure (e.g., decreased organ weights and decreased viable immune cells), as treatment with a PGE2 inhibitor did not completely reverse the immunosuppressive effects of jet fuel exposure. Thus, low concentration JP-8 jet fuel exposures have significant effects on the immune system, which can be partially explained by the secretion of immunosuppressive modulators, which are cumulative over time.

Viral Oncolytic Therapeutics for Neoplastic Meningitis

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

infusion method, we worked with our animal vendor, Charles River Laboratories (CRL), to adopt their intrathecal catheterization service for our...traslocation of the injected material in CSF, we attempted to correlate the parameters of lumbar bolus in intrathecally catheterized rats with those in non...explained by either partial blockage of the spinal CSF compartment in catheterized animals or by variable posterior hydrodynamic compliance (or both) and

Why Do More Women than Men Want to Earn a Four-Year Degree? Exploring the Effects of Gender, Social Origin, and Social Capital on Educational Expectations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wells, Ryan S.; Seifert, Tricia A.; Padgett, Ryan D.; Park, Sueuk; Umbach, Paul D.

2011-01-01

Students' educational expectations are one of the strongest predictors of their future educational attainment (Mortimer, 1996; Reynolds & Burge, 2008; Sewell & Hauser, 1980; Sewell & Shah, 1968). Thus, the growing gender gap in educational expectations partially explains the growth in the gender gap in educational attainment (Reynolds & Burge,…

Cognitive Model Exploration and Optimization: A New Challenge for Computational Science

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

the generation and analysis of computational cognitive models to explain various aspects of cognition. Typically the behavior of these models...computational scale of a workstation, so we have turned to high performance computing (HPC) clusters and volunteer computing for large-scale...computational resources. The majority of applications on the Department of Defense HPC clusters focus on solving partial differential equations (Post

Cognitive Model Exploration and Optimization: A New Challenge for Computational Science

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Introduction Research in cognitive science often involves the generation and analysis of computational cognitive models to explain various...HPC) clusters and volunteer computing for large-scale computational resources. The majority of applications on the Department of Defense HPC... clusters focus on solving partial differential equations (Post, 2009). These tend to be lean, fast models with little noise. While we lack specific

Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Studies of Molten Halides

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-08

industry and in the construction of electrical and electronic devices. In 1965, Mellors and Senderoff [1] introduced a general method for obtaining pure...illustrate the complexity of homogeneous Fischer - Tropsch catalysis in chloroaluminate melts and partially explain the differences observed in the...system NaAICI4-NaF has been determined using differential thermal analysis (DTA). This method results in temperatures at which endothermic and

"You Just Use Your Imagination and Try to Fix It": Agential Change and International Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matthews, Blair

2018-01-01

Although interest in the experiences of international students has increased, the theoretical frameworks that are used to explain their experiences (such as culture shock, models of acculturation, cultural learning or intercultural dimensions) all share a tendency to use culture to explain behavior, denying agency, and leaving changes in the way…

Childhood trauma and chronic illness in adulthood: mental health and socioeconomic status as explanatory factors and buffers.

PubMed

Mock, Steven E; Arai, Susan M

2010-01-01

Experiences of traumatic events in childhood have been shown to have long-term consequences for health in adulthood. With data from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey we take a life course perspective of cumulative disadvantage and examine the potential role of mental health and socioeconomic status in adulthood as multiple mediators of the link between childhood trauma and chronic illness in adulthood. Mental health and socioeconomic status are also tested as buffers against the typically adverse consequences of childhood trauma. The results suggest mental health and socioeconomic status partially explain the association of childhood trauma with chronic illness in adulthood, with mental health showing a stronger effect. In addition, an analysis of the interactions suggested higher socioeconomic status is a potential protective factor for those with a history of trauma. Results also suggest cumulative disadvantage following trauma may lead to chronic illness and suggest the need for public health expenditures on resources such as counseling and income supports to prevent or reduce psychological harm and chronic illness resulting from traumatic events.

On the Feed-back Mechanism of Chinese Stock Markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Shu Quan; Ito, Takao; Zhang, Jianbo

Feed-back models in the stock markets research imply an adjustment process toward investors' expectation for current information and past experiences. Error-correction and cointegration are often used to evaluate the long-run relation. The Efficient Capital Market Hypothesis, which had ignored the effect of the accumulation of information, cannot explain some anomalies such as bubbles and partial predictability in the stock markets. In order to investigate the feed-back mechanism and to determine an effective model, we use daily data of the stock index of two Chinese stock markets with the expectational model, which is one kind of geometric lag models. Tests and estimations of error-correction show that long-run equilibrium seems to be seldom achieved in Chinese stock markets. Our result clearly shows the common coefficient of expectations and fourth-order autoregressive disturbance exist in the two Chinese stock markets. Furthermore, we find the same coefficient of expectations has an autoregressive effect on disturbances in the two Chinese stock markets. Therefore the presence of such feed-back is also supported in Chinese stock markets.

Expression profile of Lgi1 gene in mouse brain during development.

PubMed

Ribeiro, Patrícia A O; Sbragia, Lourenço; Gilioli, Rovilson; Langone, Francesco; Conte, Fábio F; Lopes-Cendes, Iscia

2008-07-01

Mutations in LGI1 were described in patients with autosomal dominant partial epilepsy with auditory features (ADPEAF), and recent clinical findings have implicated LGI1 in human brain development. However, the precise role of LGI1 in epileptogenesis remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the expression pattern of Lgi1 in mice brain during development and in adult animals. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) quantification and Western blot experiments showed a relative low expression during intrauterine stages, increasing until adulthood. In addition, we did not find significant differences between left and right hemispheres. The hippocampus presented higher levels of Lgi1 expression when compared to the neocortex and the cerebellum of adult animals; however, these results did not reach statistical significance. This study was the first to determine a specific profile of Lgi1 gene expression during central nervous system development, which suggests a possible inhibitory function in latter stages of development. In addition, we did not find differences in hemispheric expression that could explain the predominance of left-sided abnormalities in patients with ADPEAF.

Effects of long-term shock and associated stimuli on aggressive and manual responses1

PubMed Central

Hutchinson, R. R.; Renfrew, J. W.; Young, G. A.

1971-01-01

Squirrel monkeys were exposed to response-independent, fixed-frequency shock that produced biting attack upon a pneumatic hose. Attacks decreased within and across sessions at low intensities and high frequencies of shock, but increased within and across sessions at higher intensities and lower shock frequencies. Stimuli paired with shock, when presented alone, came to produce biting, and stimuli correlated with shock parameters that produced increases in responding within sessions produced similar increases when presented alone. Further experiments showed that continuing exposure to shock also produced lever pressing or chain pulling, with longer shock exposure again producing higher response rates. Whereas biting generally decreased throughout the intershock interval, manual responding generally increased as shock time approached, but immediately before shock was often suppressed. Following shock, biting attack predominated over manual behavior. The results suggest a possible explanation for the extreme resistance of avoidance behavior to extinction, and may also partially explain the persistence of responding during schedules of response-produced shock. Relationships of the present findings to naturalistic observations of relations between fleeing, freezing, and fighting performances are discussed. PMID:16811496

Understanding patients' decisions. Cognitive and emotional perspectives.

PubMed

Redelmeier, D A; Rozin, P; Kahneman, D

1993-07-07

To describe ways in which intuitive thought processes and feelings may lead patients to make suboptimal medical decisions. Review of past studies from the psychology literature. Intuitive decision making is often appropriate and results in reasonable choices; in some situations, however, intuitions lead patients to make choices that are not in their best interests. People sometimes treat safety and danger categorically, undervalue the importance of a partial risk reduction, are influenced by the way in which a problem is framed, and inappropriately evaluate an action by its subsequent outcome. These strategies help explain examples where risk perceptions conflict with standard scientific analyses. In the domain of emotions, people tend to consider losses as more significant than the corresponding gains, are imperfect at predicting future preferences, distort their memories of past personal experiences, have difficulty resolving inconsistencies between emotions and rationality, and worry with an intensity disproportionate to the actual danger. In general, such intangible aspects of clinical care have received little attention in the medical literature. We suggest that an awareness of how people reason is an important clinical skill that can be promoted by knowledge of selected past studies in psychology.

A scale value for the balance between stage and pit and inside an historical opera house

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prodi, Nicola; Velecka, Sylvia

2004-05-01

Despite its recognized importance, the balance between the singer and the orchestra inside an opera house has received minor attention in the past. In fact, after the fundamental work of Meyer [J. Meyer, ``Some problems of opera house acoustics,'' Proceedings of 12th I.C.A., Vancouver, 1986, pp. 13-18], who explained why the solo singing voice can compete with the orchestra, only partial results were reported on this perceived attribute. In this work a reference scale to assess the balance inside an historical opera house is achieved by means of listening tests inside a controlled room. Two scaling experiments were performed based on the acoustical data measured inside an historical opera house, the Teatro Comunale di Ferrara, Italy. By doing so all of the relevant acoustical characteristics of a typical Italian-style opera house could be exactly reproduced. Acceptable values do not differ much in the stalls and in the boxes and are within 2 dB(A) to +2.3 dB(A). The transfer of the findings to other types of opera houses is discussed, too.

High pCO 2-induced exopolysaccharide-rich ballasted aggregates of planktonic cyanobacteria could explain Paleoproterozoic carbon burial

DOE PAGES

Kamennaya, Nina A.; Zemla, Marcin; Mahoney, Laura; ...

2018-05-29

Here, the contribution of planktonic cyanobacteria to burial of organic carbon in deep-sea sediments before the emergence of eukaryotic predators ~1.5 Ga has been considered negligible owing to the slow sinking speed of their small cells. However, global, highly positive excursion in carbon isotope values of inorganic carbonates ~2.22–2.06 Ga implies massive organic matter burial that had to be linked to oceanic cyanobacteria. Here to elucidate that link, we experiment with unicellular planktonic cyanobacteria acclimated to high partial CO 2 pressure ( pCO 2) representative of the early Paleoproterozoic. We find that high pCO 2 boosts generation of acidic extracellularmore » polysaccharides (EPS) that adsorb Ca and Mg cations, support mineralization, and aggregate cells to form ballasted particles. The down flux of such self-assembled cyanobacterial aggregates would decouple the oxygenic photosynthesis from oxidative respiration at the ocean scale, drive export of organic matter from surface to deep ocean and sustain oxygenation of the planetary surface.« less

Novel Method of Storing and Reconstructing Events at Fermilab E-906/SeaQuest Using a MySQL Database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hague, Tyler

2010-11-01

Fermilab E-906/SeaQuest is a fixed target experiment at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. We are investigating the antiquark asymmetry in the nucleon sea. By examining the ratio of the Drell- Yan cross sections of proton-proton and proton-deuterium collisions we can determine the asymmetry ratio. An essential feature in the development of the analysis software is to update the event reconstruction to modern software tools. We are doing this in a unique way by doing a majority of the calculations within an SQL database. Using a MySQL database allows us to take advantage of off-the-shelf software without sacrificing ROOT compatibility and avoid network bottlenecks with server-side data selection. Using our raw data we create stubs, or partial tracks, at each station which are pieced together to create full tracks. Our reconstruction process uses dynamically created SQL statements to analyze the data. These SQL statements create tables that contain the final reconstructed tracks as well as intermediate values. This poster will explain the reconstruction process and how it is being implemented.

High pCO 2-induced exopolysaccharide-rich ballasted aggregates of planktonic cyanobacteria could explain Paleoproterozoic carbon burial

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

Kamennaya, Nina A.; Zemla, Marcin; Mahoney, Laura

Here, the contribution of planktonic cyanobacteria to burial of organic carbon in deep-sea sediments before the emergence of eukaryotic predators ~1.5 Ga has been considered negligible owing to the slow sinking speed of their small cells. However, global, highly positive excursion in carbon isotope values of inorganic carbonates ~2.22–2.06 Ga implies massive organic matter burial that had to be linked to oceanic cyanobacteria. Here to elucidate that link, we experiment with unicellular planktonic cyanobacteria acclimated to high partial CO 2 pressure ( pCO 2) representative of the early Paleoproterozoic. We find that high pCO 2 boosts generation of acidic extracellularmore » polysaccharides (EPS) that adsorb Ca and Mg cations, support mineralization, and aggregate cells to form ballasted particles. The down flux of such self-assembled cyanobacterial aggregates would decouple the oxygenic photosynthesis from oxidative respiration at the ocean scale, drive export of organic matter from surface to deep ocean and sustain oxygenation of the planetary surface.« less

Chasing the light sterile neutrino with the STEREO detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minotti, A.

2017-09-01

The standard three-family neutrino oscillation model is challenged by a number of observations, such as the reactor antineutrino anomaly (RAA), that can be explained by the existence of sterile neutrinos at the eV mass scale. The STEREO experiment detects {\\bar ν _e} produced in the 58.3MW Th compact core of the ILL research reactor via inverse beta decay (IBD) interactions in a liquid scintillator. Using 6 identical target cells, STEREO compares {\\bar ν _e} energy spectra at different baselines in order to observe possible distortions due to short-baseline oscillations toward eV sterile neutrinos. IBD events are effectively singled out from γ radiation by selecting events with a two-fold coincidence that is typical of an IBD interaction. External background is reduced by means of layers of shielding material. A Cherenkov veto allows to partially remove background produced by cosmic muons, and the remaining component is measured in reactor-off periods and subtracted statistically. If no evidence of sterile neutrinos after the full statistics of 6 reactor cycles is gathered, STEREO is expected to fully exclude the RAA allowed region.

Meclofenamic acid blocks the gap junction communication between the retinal pigment epithelial cells.

PubMed

Ning, N; Wen, Y; Li, Y; Li, J

2013-11-01

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to manage the pain and inflammation. NSAIDs can cause serious side effects, including vision problems. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of meclofenamic acid (MFA) on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In our study, we applied image analysis and whole-cell patch clamp recording to directly measure the effect of MFA on the gap junctional coupling between RPE cells. Analysis of Lucifer yellow (LY) transfer revealed that the gap junction communication existed between RPE cells. Functional experiments using the whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique showed that a gap junction conductance also existed between this kind of cells. Importantly, MFA largely inhibited the gap junction conductance and induced the uncoupling of RPE cells. Other NSAIDs, like aspirin and flufenamic acid (FFA), had the same effect. The gap junction functionally existed in RPE cells, which can be blocked by MFA. These findings may explain, at least partially, the vision problems with certain clinically used NSAIDs.

Explaining how brain stimulation can evoke memories.

PubMed

Jacobs, Joshua; Lega, Bradley; Anderson, Christopher

2012-03-01

An unexplained phenomenon in neuroscience is the discovery that electrical stimulation in temporal neocortex can cause neurosurgical patients to spontaneously experience memory retrieval. Here we provide the first detailed examination of the neural basis of stimulation-induced memory retrieval by probing brain activity in a patient who reliably recalled memories of his high school (HS) after stimulation at a site in his left temporal lobe. After stimulation, this patient performed a customized memory task in which he was prompted to retrieve information from HS and non-HS topics. At the one site where stimulation evoked HS memories, remembering HS information caused a distinctive pattern of neural activity compared with retrieving non-HS information. Together, these findings suggest that the patient had a cluster of neurons in his temporal lobe that help represent the "high school-ness" of the current cognitive state. We believe that stimulation here evoked HS memories because it altered local neural activity in a way that partially mimicked the normal brain state for HS memories. More broadly, our findings suggest that brain stimulation can evoke memories by recreating neural patterns from normal cognition.

Goethite promoted biodegradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol under nitrate reduction condition.

PubMed

Tang, Ting; Yue, Zhengbo; Wang, Jin; Chen, Tianhu; Qing, Chengsong

2018-02-05

Iron oxide may interact with other pollutants in the aquatic environments and further influence their toxicity, transport and fate. The current study was conducted to investigate the biodegradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) in the presence of iron oxide of goethite under anoxic condition using nitrate as the electron acceptor. Experiment results showed that the degradation rate of 2,4-DNP was improved by goethite. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectra analysis results showed that goethite promoted degradation and transformation of 2,4-diaminophenol and 2-amino-4-nitrophenol (2-nitro-4-aminophenol). Microbial community analysis results showed that the abundance of Actinobacteria, which have the potential ability to degrade PAHs, was increased when goethite was available. This might partially explain the higher degradation of 2,4-DNP. Furthermore, another bacterium of Desulfotomaculum reducens which could reduce soluble Fe(III) and nitrate was also increased. Results further confirmed that nanomaterials in the aquatic environment will influence the microbial community and further change the transformation process of toxic pollutants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Changes in personality among male and female dental graduates.

PubMed

McCreary, C P; Gershen, J A

1982-05-01

This study examines changes in personality traits in male and female dental students and recent graduates. The Comrey Personality Scales were administered to two freshman classes, and the test was readministered two months after graduation for one class and twenty-six months after graduation for the other class. Sex. class, and test/retest scores were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance with repeated measures for each scale. Significant test/retest differences consisted of increases on the Orderliness versus Lack of Compulsion Scale and Conformity versus Rebelliousness Scale and a decrease on the Activity versus Lack of Energy Scale. There were significant sex differences on the Activity versus Lack of Energy, Emotional Stability versus Neuroticism, and Masculinity versus Femininity Scales; a decrease on the Empathy versus Egocentrism Scale occurred among females in one of the classes. Dental students became increasingly more orderly and identified with established social values; they also became less competitive and less driven to excel. The dental school experience may partially explain these changes; however, other conditions, such as maturation and societal influences, may have been involved.

Affective experience in adulthood and old age: The role of affective arousal and perceived affect regulation.

PubMed

Kessler, Eva-Marie; Staudinger, Ursula M

2009-06-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate age-related differences in self-reported affect in adulthood. Measurement of affect encompassed high- and low-arousal positive and negative affect. The sample consisted of 277 participants who were between 20 and 80 years old. Older participants showed a higher level of low-arousal positive affect and did not significantly differ from the two younger age groups in high-arousal positive affect. Both high- and low-arousal negative affect decreased from middle to older adulthood. Only partially are these age effects explained by sociodemographic characteristics, education, or self-reported health and personality. The perceived regulation of affect in the face of difficulties or threatening situations emerged as a central mediator in the association between age and the three age-graded facets of affect. In contrast, future time perspective had no mediating effect on the age-affect relationship. Results suggest that age-related advantages in perceived affect regulation seem to be one central component of resilience in old age. (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved.

Sexual Minority Stressors, Internalizing Symptoms, and Unhealthy Eating Behaviors in Sexual Minority Youth

PubMed Central

Katz-Wise, Sabra L.; Calzo, Jerel P.; Scherer, Emily A.; Sarda, Vishnudas; Jackson, Benita; Haines, Jess; Austin, S. Bryn

2015-01-01

Background Sexual minorities are more likely than heterosexuals to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors. Purpose To examine sexual minority stressors and internalizing symptoms as predictors of unhealthy eating behaviors among sexual minority youth. Methods We used longitudinal data from 1461 sexual minority youth in the Growing Up Today Study, across ages 14-28 years. We hypothesized that sexual minority stressors would predict unhealthy eating behaviors, in part due to internalizing symptoms. Linear regression models fit via generalized estimating equations were stratified by gender and sexual orientation. Results Significant positive and inverse associations between stressors and eating behaviors were detected among females and males, with more significant associations among females. Associations were attenuated by up to 71% for females and 12% for males when internalizing symptoms were added to the models. Conclusions Sexual minority stressors predicted unhealthy eating behaviors overall and more so for some sexual orientation and gender groups; associations were partially explained by internalizing symptoms. The conceptual model appears to best describe the experiences of bisexual females. Findings have clinical implications for adolescent health. PMID:26156678

Topographic effects on infrasound propagation.

PubMed

McKenna, Mihan H; Gibson, Robert G; Walker, Bob E; McKenna, Jason; Winslow, Nathan W; Kofford, Aaron S

2012-01-01

Infrasound data were collected using portable arrays in a region of variable terrain elevation to quantify the effects of topography on observed signal amplitude and waveform features at distances less than 25 km from partially contained explosive sources during the Frozen Rock Experiment (FRE) in 2006. Observed infrasound signals varied in amplitude and waveform complexity, indicating propagation effects that are due in part to repeated local maxima and minima in the topography on the scale of the dominant wavelengths of the observed data. Numerical simulations using an empirically derived pressure source function combining published FRE accelerometer data and historical data from Project ESSEX, a time-domain parabolic equation model that accounted for local terrain elevation through terrain-masking, and local meteorological atmospheric profiles were able to explain some but not all of the observed signal features. Specifically, the simulations matched the timing of the observed infrasound signals but underestimated the waveform amplitude observed behind terrain features, suggesting complex scattering and absorption of energy associated with variable topography influences infrasonic energy more than previously observed. © 2012 Acoustical Society of America.

A Methodology for Model Comparison Using the Theater Simulation of Airbase Resources and All Mobile Tactical Air Force Models

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-09-01

ease with which a model is employed, may depend on several factors, among them the users’ past experience in modeling, preferences for menu driven...partially on our knowledge of important logistics factors, partially on the past work of Diener (12), and partially on the assumption that comparison of...flexibility in output report selection. The minimum output was used in each instance 74 to conserve computer storage and to minimize the consumption of paper

Efficient Classical Algorithm for Boson Sampling with Partially Distinguishable Photons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renema, J. J.; Menssen, A.; Clements, W. R.; Triginer, G.; Kolthammer, W. S.; Walmsley, I. A.

2018-06-01

We demonstrate how boson sampling with photons of partial distinguishability can be expressed in terms of interference of fewer photons. We use this observation to propose a classical algorithm to simulate the output of a boson sampler fed with photons of partial distinguishability. We find conditions for which this algorithm is efficient, which gives a lower limit on the required indistinguishability to demonstrate a quantum advantage. Under these conditions, adding more photons only polynomially increases the computational cost to simulate a boson sampling experiment.

Living with HIV postdiagnosis: a qualitative study of the experiences of Nairobi slum residents

PubMed Central

Wekesa, Eliud; Coast, Ernestina

2013-01-01

Objectives To characterise the experiences of heterosexual men and women living with HIV postdiagnosis and explain these experiences in relation to their identity and sexuality. Design Qualitative study using in-depth interviews and a theoretically informed biographic disruption theory. Setting Interviews were conducted in two Nairobi slums (Kenya). Participants 41 HIV-infected heterosexual men and women aged 18 years or older. Results People living with HIV have divergent experiences surrounding HIV diagnosis. Postdiagnosis, there are multiple phases of identity transition, including status (non-)disclosure, and attempts at identity repair and normalcy. For some people, this process involves a transition to a new self-identity, incorporating both HIV and antiretroviral treatment (ART) into their lives. For others, it involves a partial transition, with some aspects of their prediagnosis identity persisting, and for others it involves a rejection of HIV identity. Those people who were able to incorporate HIV/AIDS in their identity, without it being disruptive to their biography, were pursuing safer sexual and reproductive lives. By contrast, those people with a more continuous biography continued to reflect their prediagnosis identity and sexual behaviour. Conclusions People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) had to rework their sense of identity following diagnosis in the context of living in a slum setting. Men and women living with HIV in slums are poorly supported by health systems and services as they attempt to cope with a diagnosis of HIV. Given the availability of ART, health services and professionals need to support the rights of PLWHA to be sexually active if they want to and achieve their fertility goals, while minimising HIV transmission risk. PMID:23645922

Uptake of gaseous formaldehyde by soil surfaces: a combination of adsorption/desorption equilibrium and chemical reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guo; Su, Hang; Li, Xin; Kuhn, Uwe; Meusel, Hannah; Hoffmann, Thorsten; Ammann, Markus; Pöschl, Ulrich; Shao, Min; Cheng, Yafang

2016-08-01

Gaseous formaldehyde (HCHO) is an important precursor of OH radicals and a key intermediate molecule in the oxidation of atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Budget analyses reveal large discrepancies between modeled and observed HCHO concentrations in the atmosphere. Here, we investigate the interactions of gaseous HCHO with soil surfaces through coated-wall flow tube experiments applying atmospherically relevant HCHO concentrations of ˜ 10 to 40 ppbv. For the determination of uptake coefficients (γ), we provide a Matlab code to account for the diffusion correction under laminar flow conditions. Under dry conditions (relative humidity = 0 %), an initial γ of (1.1 ± 0.05) × 10-4 is determined, which gradually drops to (5.5 ± 0.4) × 10-5 after 8 h experiments. Experiments under wet conditions show a smaller γ that drops faster over time until reaching a plateau. The drop of γ with increasing relative humidity as well as the drop over time can be explained by the adsorption theory in which high surface coverage leads to a reduced uptake rate. The fact that γ stabilizes at a non-zero plateau suggests the involvement of irreversible chemical reactions. Further back-flushing experiments show that two-thirds of the adsorbed HCHO can be re-emitted into the gas phase while the residual is retained by the soil. This partial reversibility confirms that HCHO uptake by soil is a complex process involving both adsorption/desorption and chemical reactions which must be considered in trace gas exchange (emission or deposition) at the atmosphere-soil interface. Our results suggest that soil and soil-derived airborne particles can either act as a source or a sink for HCHO, depending on ambient conditions and HCHO concentrations.

The mediating effect of self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among patients with central system tumors in China: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Wang, Yang; Bao, Yijun; Liu, Li; Ramos, Aaron; Wang, Yunjie; Wang, Lie

2015-12-01

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can affect people following the experience of a traumatic event. Few studies have researched on PTSD symptoms of patients with central nervous system tumors. In this study, we aim to examine the association between social support and PTSD symptoms and to explore the mediating effect of self-efficacy in this relationship among patients with central nervous system tumors in China. Questionnaires consisting of the Post-traumatic Stress Checklist-Civilian Version, the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, as well as demographic and clinical factors were used to collect information of patients with central nervous system tumors in Liaoning Province, China. A total of 222 patients (effective response rate of 66.1%) became our subjects. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to explore the association between social support and PTSD symptoms and the mediating effect of self-efficacy. After adjusting for demographic characteristics and tumor type, social support was negatively associated with the total score of PTSD symptoms (β = -0.342, P < 0.01). Social support explained 8.8% of the variance in PTSD symptoms. Self-efficacy was found to partially mediate the relationship between social support and PTSD symptoms. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between social support and PTSD symptoms. Interventions focusing on both social support and self-efficacy might be more useful than interventions only targeting either of them. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Iatrogenic facial nerve injuries during chronic otitis media surgery: a multicentre retrospective study.

PubMed

Linder, T; Mulazimoglu, S; El Hadi, T; Darrouzet, V; Ayache, D; Somers, T; Schmerber, S; Vincent, C; Mondain, M; Lescanne, E; Bonnard, D

2017-06-01

To give an insight into why, when and where iatrogenic facial nerve (FN) injuries may occur and to explain how to deal with them in an emergency setting. Multicentre retrospective study in eight tertiary referral hospitals over 17 years. Twenty patients with partial or total FN injury during surgery for chronic otitis media (COM) were revised. Indication and type of surgery, experience of the surgeon, intra- and postoperative findings, value of CT scanning, patient management and final FN outcome were recorded. In 12 cases, the nerve was completely transected, but the surgeon was unaware in 11 cases. A minority of cases occurred in academic teaching hospitals. Tympanic segment, second genu and proximal mastoid segments were the sites involved during injury. The FN was not deliberately identified in 18 patients at the time of injury, and nerve monitoring was only applied in one patient. Before revision surgery, CT scanning correctly identified the lesion site in 11 of 12 cases and depicted additional lesions such as damage to the lateral semicircular canal. A greater auricular nerve graft was interposed in 10 cases of total transection and in one partially lesioned nerve: seven of them resulted in an HB III functional outcome. In two of the transected nerves, rerouting and direct end-to-end anastomosis was applied. A simple FN decompression was used in four cases of superficially traumatised nerves. We suggest checklists for preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management to prevent and treat iatrogenic FN injury during COM surgery. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Dynamics and mitigation of six pesticides in a "Wet" forest buffer zone.

PubMed

Passeport, Elodie; Richard, Benjamin; Chaumont, Cédric; Margoum, Christelle; Liger, Lucie; Gril, Jean-Joël; Tournebize, Julien

2014-04-01

Pesticide pollution is one of the main current threats on water quality. This paper presents the potential and functioning principles of a "Wet" forest buffer zone for reducing concentrations and loads of glyphosate, isoproturon, metazachlor, azoxystrobin, epoxiconazole, and cyproconazole. A tracer injection experiment was conducted in the field in a forest buffer zone at Bray (France). A fine time-scale sampling enabled to illustrate that interactions between pesticides and forest buffer substrates (soil and organic-rich litter layer), had a retarding effect on molecule transfer. Low concentrations were observed for all pesticides at the forest buffer outlet thus demonstrating the efficiency of "Wet" forest buffer zone for pesticide dissipation. Pesticide masses injected in the forest buffer inlet directly determined concentration peaks observed at the outlet. Rapid and partially reversible adsorption was likely the major process affecting pesticide transfer for short retention times (a few hours to a few days). Remobilization of metazachlor, isoproturon, desmethylisoproturon, and AMPA was observed when non-contaminated water flows passed through the forest buffer. Our data suggest that pesticide sorption properties alone could not explain the complex reaction mechanisms that affected pesticide transfer in the forest buffer. Nevertheless, the thick layer of organic matter litter on the top of the forest soil was a key parameter, which enhanced partially reversible sorption of pesticide, thus retarded their transfer, decreased concentration peaks, and likely increased degradation of the pesticides. Consequently, to limit pesticide pollution transported by surface water, the use of already existing forest areas as buffer zones should be equally considered as the most commonly implemented grass buffer strips.