Solar System atlas series on the Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary: textbooks for space and planetary science education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berczi, Sz.; Hargitai, H.; Horvath, A.; Illes, E.; Kereszturi, A.; Mortl, M.; Sik, A.; Weidinger, T.; Hegyi, S.; Hudoba, Gy.

Planetary science education needs new forms of teaching. Our group have various initiatives of which a new atlas series about the studies of the Solar System materials, planetary surfaces and atmospheres, instrumental field works with robots (landers, rovers) and other beautiful field work analog studies. Such analog studies are both used in comparative planetology as scientific method and it also plays a key role in planetary science education. With such initiatives the whole system of the knowledge of terrestrial geology can be transformed to the conditions of other planetary worlds. We prepared both courses and their textbooks in Eötvös University in space science education and edited the following educational materials worked out by the members of our space science education and research group: (1): Planetary and Material Maps on: Lunar Rocks, Meteorites (2000); (2): Investigating Planetary Surfaces with the Experimental Space Probe Hunveyor Constructed on the Basis of Surveyor (2001); (3): Atlas of Planetary Bodies (2001); (4): Atlas of Planetary Atmospheres (2002); (5): Space Research and Geometry (2002); (6): Atlas of Micro Environments of Planetary Surfaces (2003); (7): Atlas of Rovers and Activities on Planetary Surfaces (2004); (8): Space Research and Chemistry (2005); (9): Planetary Analog Studies and Simulations: Materials, Terrains, Morphologies, Processes. (2005); References: [1] Bérczi Sz., Hegyi S., Kovács Zs., Fabriczy A., Földi T., Keresztesi M., Cech V., Drommer B., Gránicz K., Hevesi L., Borbola T., Tóth Sz., Németh I., Horváth Cs., Diósy T., Kovács B., Bordás F., Köll˝ Z., Roskó F., Balogh Zs., Koris A., o 1 Imrek Gy. (Bérczi Sz., Kabai S. Eds.) (2002): Concise Atlas of the Solar System (2): From Surveyor to Hunveyor. How we constructed an experimental educational planetary lander model. UNICONSTANT. Budapest-Pécs-Szombathely-Püspökladány. [2] Bérczi Sz., Hargitai H., Illés E., Kereszturi Á., Sik A., Földi T., Hegyi S., Kovács Zs., Mörtl M., Weidinger T. (2004): Concise Atlas of the Solar System (6): Atlas of Microenvironments of Planetary surfaces. ELTE TTK Kozmikus Anyagokat Vizsgáló Ûrkutató Csoport, UNICONSTANT, Budapest-Püspökladány; [3] Szaniszló Bérczi, Henrik Hargitai, Ákos Kereszturi, András Sik (2005): Concise Atlas on the Solar System (3): Atlas of Planetary Bodies. ELTE TTK Kozmikus Anyagokat Vizsgáló Ûrkutató Csoport. Budapest, [4] Szaniszló Bérczi, Tivadar Földi, Péter Gadányi, Arnold Gucsik, Henrik Hargitai, Sándor Hegyi, György Hudoba, Sándor Józsa, Ákos Kereszturi, János Rakonczai, András Sik, György Szakmány, Kálmán Török (2005): Concise Atlas on the Solar System (9): Planetary Analog Studies and Simulations: Materials, Terrains, Morphologies, Processes. (Szaniszló Bérczi, editor) ELTE TTK Kozmikus Anyagokat Vizsgáló Ûrkutató Csoport, UNICONSTANT, Budapest-Püspökladány. 2

Atmospheric Effects of Subsonic Aircraft: Interim Assessment Report of the Advanced Subsonic Technology Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Friedl, Randall R. (Editor)

1997-01-01

This first interim assessment of the subsonic assessment (SASS) project attempts to summarize concisely the status of our knowledge concerning the impacts of present and future subsonic aircraft fleets. It also highlights the major areas of scientific uncertainty, through review of existing data bases and model-based sensitivity studies. In view of the need for substantial improvements in both model formulations and experimental databases, this interim assessment cannot provide confident numerical predictions of aviation impacts. However, a number of quantitative estimates are presented, which provide some guidance to policy makers.

Potential Role of Inorganic Confined Environments in Prebiotic Phosphorylation.

PubMed

Dass, Avinash Vicholous; Jaber, Maguy; Brack, André; Foucher, Frédéric; Kee, Terence P; Georgelin, Thomas; Westall, Frances

2018-03-05

A concise outlook on the potential role of confinement in phosphorylation and phosphate condensation pertaining to prebiotic chemistry is presented. Inorganic confinement is a relatively uncharted domain in studies concerning prebiotic chemistry, and even more so in terms of experimentation. However, molecular crowding within confined dimensions is central to the functioning of contemporary biology. There are numerous advantages to confined environments and an attempt to highlight this fact, within this article, has been undertaken, keeping in context the limitations of aqueous phase chemistry in phosphorylation and, to a certain extent, traditional approaches in prebiotic chemistry.

Potential Role of Inorganic Confined Environments in Prebiotic Phosphorylation

PubMed Central

Jaber, Maguy; Brack, André; Foucher, Frédéric; Kee, Terence P.; Westall, Frances

2018-01-01

A concise outlook on the potential role of confinement in phosphorylation and phosphate condensation pertaining to prebiotic chemistry is presented. Inorganic confinement is a relatively uncharted domain in studies concerning prebiotic chemistry, and even more so in terms of experimentation. However, molecular crowding within confined dimensions is central to the functioning of contemporary biology. There are numerous advantages to confined environments and an attempt to highlight this fact, within this article, has been undertaken, keeping in context the limitations of aqueous phase chemistry in phosphorylation and, to a certain extent, traditional approaches in prebiotic chemistry. PMID:29510574

Quantifying Therapeutic and Diagnostic Efficacy in 2D Microvascular Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parsons-Wingerter, Patricia; Vickerman, Mary B.; Keith, Patricia A.

2009-01-01

VESGEN is a newly automated, user-interactive program that maps and quantifies the effects of vascular therapeutics and regulators on microvascular form and function. VESGEN analyzes two-dimensional, black and white vascular images by measuring important vessel morphology parameters. This software guides the user through each required step of the analysis process via a concise graphical user interface (GUI). Primary applications of the VESGEN code are 2D vascular images acquired as clinical diagnostic images of the human retina and as experimental studies of the effects of vascular regulators and therapeutics on vessel remodeling.

The Dirty Dozen: A Concise Measure of the Dark Triad

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jonason, Peter K.; Webster, Gregory D.

2010-01-01

There has been an exponential increase of interest in the dark side of human nature during the last decade. To better understand this dark side, the authors developed and validated a concise, 12-item measure of the Dark Triad: narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism. In 4 studies involving 1,085 participants, they examined its structural…

Application of tolerance limits to the characterization of image registration performance.

PubMed

Fedorov, Andriy; Wells, William M; Kikinis, Ron; Tempany, Clare M; Vangel, Mark G

2014-07-01

Deformable image registration is used increasingly in image-guided interventions and other applications. However, validation and characterization of registration performance remain areas that require further study. We propose an analysis methodology for deriving tolerance limits on the initial conditions for deformable registration that reliably lead to a successful registration. This approach results in a concise summary of the probability of registration failure, while accounting for the variability in the test data. The (β, γ) tolerance limit can be interpreted as a value of the input parameter that leads to successful registration outcome in at least 100β% of cases with the 100γ% confidence. The utility of the methodology is illustrated by summarizing the performance of a deformable registration algorithm evaluated in three different experimental setups of increasing complexity. Our examples are based on clinical data collected during MRI-guided prostate biopsy registered using publicly available deformable registration tool. The results indicate that the proposed methodology can be used to generate concise graphical summaries of the experiments, as well as a probabilistic estimate of the registration outcome for a future sample. Its use may facilitate improved objective assessment, comparison and retrospective stress-testing of deformable.

Synthetic study toward ecteinascidin 743: concise construction of the diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane skeleton and assembly of the pentacyclic core.

PubMed

Enomoto, Taro; Yasui, Yoshizumi; Takemoto, Yoshiji

2010-07-16

Synthesis of the pentacyclic core of ecteinascidin 743 is described. This synthesis features concise construction of the diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane skeleton using gold(I)-catalyzed one-pot keto amide formation, acid-promoted enamide formation, and oxidative Friedel-Crafts cyclization as the key steps.

Inferential Framework for Autonomous Cryogenic Loading Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luchinsky, Dmitry G.; Khasin, Michael; Timucin, Dogan; Sass, Jared; Perotti, Jose; Brown, Barbara

2017-01-01

We address problem of autonomous cryogenic management of loading operations on the ground and in space. As a step towards solution of this problem we develop a probabilistic framework for inferring correlations parameters of two-fluid cryogenic flow. The simulation of two-phase cryogenic flow is performed using nearly-implicit scheme. A concise set of cryogenic correlations is introduced. The proposed approach is applied to an analysis of the cryogenic flow in experimental Propellant Loading System built at NASA KSC. An efficient simultaneous optimization of a large number of model parameters is demonstrated and a good agreement with the experimental data is obtained.

Spectroscopy of the amide-I modes of acetanilide

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

Bigio, I.J.; Scott, A.C.; Johnston, C.T.

1989-01-01

Raman measurements were made on acetanilide (N-phenyl-acetamide). Data are presented of the integrated intensity of the 1650 cm/sup /minus/1/ band as a function of temperature. The experimental procedures and data reduction were highly rigorous and are believed to be to most reliable data available. A concise theory of polaron states is presented and used to interpret the data. 22 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.

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

Houdayer, Jérôme; Poitevin, Frédéric

This paper shows how small-angle scattering (SAS) curves can be decomposed in a simple sum using a set of invariant parameters calledK nwhich are related to the shape of the object of study. TheseK n, together with a radiusR, give a complete theoretical description of the SAS curve. Adding an overall constant, these parameters are easily fitted against experimental data giving a concise comprehensive description of the data. The pair distance distribution function is also entirely described by this invariant set and theD maxparameter can be measured. In addition to the understanding they bring, these invariants can be used tomore » reliably estimate structural moments beyond the radius of gyration, thereby rigorously expanding the actual set of model-free quantities one can extract from experimental SAS data, and possibly paving the way to designing new shape reconstruction strategies.« less

Comparative evaluation of microleakage of lingual retainer wires bonded with three different lingual retainer composites: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Nimbalkar-Patil, Smita; Vaz, Anna; Patil, Pravinkumar G

2014-11-01

To evaluate microleakage when two types of retainer wires were bonded with two light cured and a self cured lingual retainer composites. Total 120 freshly extracted human mandibular incisor teeth were collected and separated into six subgroups of 20 teeth each. Two different wires, a 0.036 inch hard round stainless steel (HRSS) wire sandblasted at the ends and 0.0175 inch multistranded wire bonded onto the lingual surfaces of the incisors with three different types of composite resins of 3M company; Concise Orthodontic (self-cure), Transbond XT (light-cure) and Transbond LR (light-cure). Specimens were further sealed with a nail varnish, stained with 0.5% basic fuchsine for 24 hours, sectioned and examined under a stereomicroscope, and scored for microleakage for the enamel-composite and wire-composite interfaces. Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests. For HRSS wire, at the enamel-composite interface, the microleakage was least with Transbond LR followed by Concise Orthodontic and greatest for Transbond XT (p<0.05). At the wire composite interface too, the microleakage was in order of Transbond LR

Mental Representations Formed From Educational Website Formats

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

Elizabeth T. Cady; Kimberly R. Raddatz; Tuan Q. Tran

2006-10-01

The increasing popularity of web-based distance education places high demand on distance educators to format web pages to facilitate learning. However, limited guidelines exist regarding appropriate writing styles for web-based distance education. This study investigated the effect of four different writing styles on reader’s mental representation of hypertext. Participants studied hypertext written in one of four web-writing styles (e.g., concise, scannable, objective, and combined) and were then administered a cued association task intended to measure their mental representations of the hypertext. It is hypothesized that the scannable and combined styles will bias readers to scan rather than elaborately read, whichmore » may result in less dense mental representations (as identified through Pathfinder analysis) relative to the objective and concise writing styles. Further, the use of more descriptors in the objective writing style will lead to better integration of ideas and more dense mental representations than the concise writing style.« less

Concise Syntheses of Insect Pheromones Using Z-Selective Cross Metathesis**

PubMed Central

Herbert, Myles B.; Marx, Vanessa M.; Pederson, Richard L.; Grubbs, Robert H.

2013-01-01

The shortest synthetic routes to nine cis-pheromones containing a variety of functionality, including an unconjugated (E,Z) diene, are reported. These lepidopteran pheromones are used extensively for pest control, and were easily prepared using ruthenium-based Z-selective cross metathesis, highlighting the advantages of this method over less efficient ways to form Z-olefins. Important insight into the mechanism of Z-selective metathesis was uncovered during experimentation and subsequently explored. PMID:23055437

Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for psychosis.

PubMed

Schubart, C D; Sommer, I E C; Fusar-Poli, P; de Witte, L; Kahn, R S; Boks, M P M

2014-01-01

Although cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of developing psychosis, the cannabis constituent cannabidiol (CBD) may have antipsychotic properties. This review concisely describes the role of the endocannabinoid system in the development of psychosis and provides an overview of currently available animal, human experimental, imaging, epidemiological and clinical studies that investigated the antipsychotic properties of CBD. In this targeted literature review we performed a search for English articles using Medline and EMBASE. Studies were selected if they described experiments with psychosis models, psychotic symptoms or psychotic disorders as outcome measure and involved the use of CBD as intervention. Evidence from several research domains suggests that CBD shows potential for antipsychotic treatment. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. and ECNP.

Evaluating a bedside tool for neuroanatomical localization with extended-matching questions.

PubMed

Tan, Kevin; Chin, Han Xin; Yau, Christine W L; Lim, Erle C H; Samarasekera, Dujeepa; Ponnamperuma, Gominda; Tan, Nigel C K

2018-05-06

Neuroanatomical localization (NL) is a key skill in neurology, but learners often have difficulty with it. This study aims to evaluate a concise NL tool (NLT) developed to help teach and learn NL. To evaluate the NLT, an extended-matching questions (EMQ) test to assess NL was designed and validated. The EMQ was validated with fourth-year medical students and internal medicine and neurology residents. The NLT's usability was evaluated with third- and fourth-year students, and the effectiveness was evaluated with an experimental study of second-year students, using the EMQ as the outcome measure. Students were taught how to use both the NLT and textbook algorithms (control) to perform NL, then randomized into either group, and only allowed to use their assigned tool to complete the EMQ. Primary outcome was the difference in mean EMQ scores expressed as a percentage of total score. For EMQ validation, students (n = 56) scored lower than residents (n = 50) (76.7% ± 1.7 vs. 83.0% ± 1.6; mean ± standard error of mean, P < 0.009). The EMQ demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's α 0.85) and generalizability (G-coefficient 0.85). Third- (n = 77) and fourth-year (n = 42) students found the NLT user-friendly and helpful in their learning of NL. In the experimental study, scores were significantly higher for NLT group (n = 94) than for controls (n = 101) (42.5 vs. 37.0%, P = 0.014); the effect size (Cohen's d) was 0.36. The EMQ is validated to reliably assess NL and is generalizable, feasible, practical, and of low cost. The concise and user-friendly NLT for NL was effective in aiding medical student performance of NL. Anat Sci Educ 11: 262-269. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.

Monograph on propagation of sound waves in curved ducts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rostafinski, Wojciech

1991-01-01

After reviewing and evaluating the existing material on sound propagation in curved ducts without flow, it seems strange that, except for Lord Rayleigh in 1878, no book on acoustics has treated the case of wave motion in bends. This monograph reviews the available analytical and experimental material, nearly 30 papers published on this subject so far, and concisely summarizes what has been learned about the motion of sound in hard-wall and acoustically lined cylindrical bends.

A Patient-Centered Approach to Informed Consent: Results from a Survey and Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Krishnamurti, Tamar; Argo, Nichole

2016-08-01

Traditional informed consent documents tend to be too lengthy and technical to facilitate proper patient engagement. Patient-centered, short informed consent content could be equally informative, while minimizing patient burden and producing greater patient engagement. This study aimed to develop and evaluate patient-centered, patient-designed paper and video informed consent formats. Two studies were conducted. In study 1, 118 self-identifying asthma patients recruited from a national, online pool completed survey tasks from their personal computers. Participants in study 1 were randomly assigned to examine sections of a standard informed consent document for an asthma trial and to select information they deemed critical to their decision making. In study 2, a sample of 83 self-identifying asthma patients completed experimental tasks in a university laboratory. Participants in study 2 were randomly assigned to a full informed consent document; a shortened, patient-designed informed consent document created from study 1; or a video with content matched to the shortened paper form. Study 1 yielded a more readable, concise version of a standard informed consent document (5 v. 17 pages). This shortened, patient-designed form closely met normative criteria for good clinical practice. In study 2, participants who viewed either the shortened paper consent or video reported greater engagement than those viewing the standard paper consent, without lowered performance on any other decision-relevant variables (i.e., comprehension, judged risk/benefit, feelings of trust). The video consent format did not cause increased enrollment. Results suggest that providing concise informed consent content, systematically developed from patients' self-reported information needs, may be more effective at engaging and informing clinical trial participants than the traditional consent approach, without detriment to trial comprehension, risk assessment, or enrollment. © The Author(s) 2016.

GLASS TRANSITION AND DEGREE OF CONVERSION OF A LIGHT-CURED ORTHODONTIC COMPOSITE

PubMed Central

Sostena, Michela M. D. S.; Nogueira, Renata A.; Grandini, Carlos R.; Moraes, João Carlos Silos

2009-01-01

Objective: This study evaluated the glass transition temperature (Tg) and degree of conversion (DC) of a light-cured (Fill Magic) versus a chemically cured (Concise) orthodontic composite. Material and Methods: Anelastic relaxation spectroscopy was used for the first time to determine the Tg of a dental composite, while the DC was evaluated by infrared spectroscopy. The light-cured composite specimens were irradiated with a commercial LED light-curing unit using different exposure times (40, 90 and 120 s). Results: Fill Magic presented lower Tg than Concise (35-84°C versus 135°C), but reached a higher DC. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that Fill Magic has lower Tg than Concise due to its higher organic phase content, and that when this light-cured composite is used to bond orthodontic brackets, a minimum energy density of 7.8 J/cm2 is necessary to reach adequate conversion level and obtain satisfactory adhesion. PMID:20027428

How to succeed in science: a concise guide for young biomedical scientists. Part II: making discoveries

PubMed Central

Yewdell, Jonathan W.

2009-01-01

Making discoveries is the most important part of being a scientist, and also the most fun. Young scientists need to develop the experimental and mental skill sets that enable them to make discoveries, including how to recognize and exploit serendipity when it strikes. Here, I provide practical advice to young scientists on choosing a research topic, designing, performing and interpreting experiments and, last but not least, on maintaining your sanity in the process. PMID:18401347

How to succeed in science: a concise guide for young biomedical scientists. Part II: making discoveries.

PubMed

Yewdell, Jonathan W

2008-06-01

Making discoveries is the most important part of being a scientist, and also the most fun. Young scientists need to develop the experimental and mental skill sets that enable them to make discoveries, including how to recognize and exploit serendipity when it strikes. Here, I provide practical advice to young scientists on choosing a research topic, designing, performing and interpreting experiments and, last but not least, on maintaining your sanity in the process.

Concise synthesis and PTP1B inhibitory activity of (R)- and (S)-dihydroresorcylide.

PubMed

Jiang, Cheng-Shi; Zhang, Li; Gong, Jing-Xu; Li, Jing-Ya; Yao, Li-Gong; Li, Jia; Guo, Yue-Wei

2017-12-01

The present study was designed to develop a concise synthetic route for macrolide, with the purpose of confirming the absolute configuration of natural dihydroresorcylide (1) and making it more easily accessible for biological evaluation. The absolute configuration of C-3 in natural 1 was revised to be R by comparison of the rotation sign of synthetic (R)- and (S)-1. The synthetic (R)-1 was found to be a novel highly specific PTP1B inhibitor with an IC 50 value of 17.06 μM.

Analyzing the Discovery Potential for Light Dark Matter.

PubMed

Izaguirre, Eder; Krnjaic, Gordan; Schuster, Philip; Toro, Natalia

2015-12-18

In this Letter, we determine the present status of sub-GeV thermal dark matter annihilating through standard model mixing, with special emphasis on interactions through the vector portal. Within representative simple models, we carry out a complete and precise calculation of the dark matter abundance and of all available constraints. We also introduce a concise framework for comparing different experimental approaches, and use this comparison to identify important ranges of dark matter mass and couplings to better explore in future experiments. The requirement that dark matter be a thermal relic sets a sharp sensitivity target for terrestrial experiments, and so we highlight complementary experimental approaches that can decisively reach this milestone sensitivity over the entire sub-GeV mass range.

A concise guide for the determination of less-studied technology-critical elements (Nb, Ta, Ga, In, Ge, Te) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in environmental samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filella, Montserrat; Rodushkin, Ilia

2018-03-01

There is an increasing demand for analytical techniques able to measure so-called 'technology-critical elements', a set of chemical elements increasingly used in technological applications, in environmental matrices. Nowadays, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has become the technique of choice for measuring trace element concentrations. However, its application is often less straightforward than often assumed. The hints and drawbacks of ICP-MS application to the measurement of a set of less-studied technology-critical elements (Nb, Ta, Ga, In, Ge and Te) is discussed here and concise guidelines given.

Concise Review: Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Applications and Challenges

PubMed Central

Chong, Mark Seow Khoon; Ng, Wei Kai

2016-01-01

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are currently being studied as candidate cell sources for revascularization strategies. Significant advances have been made in understanding the biology of EPCs, and preclinical studies have demonstrated the vasculogenic, angiogenic, and beneficial paracrine effects of transplanted EPCs in the treatment of ischemic diseases. Despite these promising results, widespread clinical acceptance of EPCs for clinical therapies remains hampered by several challenges. The present study provides a concise summary of the different EPC populations being studied for ischemic therapies and their known roles in the healing of ischemic tissues. The challenges and issues surrounding the use of EPCs and the current strategies being developed to improve the harvest efficiency and functionality of EPCs for application in regenerative medicine are discussed. Significance Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have immense clinical value for cardiovascular therapies. The present study provides a concise description of the EPC subpopulations being evaluated for clinical applications. The current major lines of investigation involving preclinical and clinical evaluations of EPCs are discussed, and significant gaps limiting the translation of EPCs are highlighted. The present report could be useful for clinicians and clinical researchers with interests in ischemic therapy and for basic scientists working in the related fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. PMID:26956207

The perception of animal experimentation ethics among Indian teenage school pupils.

PubMed

Kim, Justin Namuk; Choi, Eun Hee; Kim, Soo-Ki

2017-03-01

To promote awareness of animal experimentation ethics among teenagers, we created an educational pamphlet and an accompanying questionnaire. One hundred Indian teenage school pupils were given the pamphlet and subsequently surveyed with the questionnaire, to evaluate: a) their perception of animal experimentation ethics; and b) their opinion on the effectiveness of the pamphlet, according to gender and school grade/age. There was a significant correlation between grade/age and support for animal experimentation, i.e. senior students were more inclined to show support for animal experimentation. There was also a significant correlation between gender and perception of the need to learn about animal experimentation ethics, with girls more likely to feel the need to learn about ethics than boys. In addition, the four questions relating to the usefulness of the pamphlet, and student satisfaction with its content, received positive responses from the majority of the students. Even though the pamphlet was concise, it was apparent that three quarters of the students were satisfied with its content. Gender and age did not influence this level of satisfaction. Overall, our study shows that there is a significant correlation between a pupil`s school grade/age and their support for animal experimentation, and that there is also a significant correlation between gender and the perceived need to learn about animal experimentation ethics. This pilot scheme involving an educational pamphlet and questionnaire could be beneficial in helping to formulate basic strategies for educating teenage school pupils about animal ethics. 2017 FRAME.

Pressure-relieving equipment: promoting its correct use amongst nurses via differing modes of educational delivery.

PubMed

Wedge, Claire; Gosney, Margot

2005-04-01

To examine the impact of written and verbal education on bed-making practices, in an attempt to reduce the prevalence of pressure ulcers. The Department of Health has set targets for a 5% reduction per annum in the incidence of pressure ulcers. Electric profiling beds with a visco-elastic polymer mattress are a new innovation in pressure ulcer prevention; however, mattress efficacy is reduced by tightly tucking sheets around the mattress. A prospective randomized pre/post-test experimental design. Ward managers at a teaching hospital were approached to participate in the study. Two researchers independently examined the tightness of the sheets around the mattresses. Wards were randomized to one of two groups. Groups A and B received written education. In addition, group B received verbal education on alternate days for one week. Beds were re-examined one month later. One researcher was blinded to the educational delivery received by the wards. Twelve wards agreed to participate in the study and 245 beds were examined. Before education, 113 beds (46%) had sheets tucked correctly around the mattresses. Following education, this increased to 215 beds (87.8%) (chi2 = 68.03, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of correctly made beds between the two different education groups: 100 (87.72%) beds correctly made in group A vs. 115 (87.79%) beds in group B (chi2 = 0, P = 0.987). Clear, concise written instruction improved practice but verbal education was not additionally beneficial. Nurses are receptive to clear, concise written evidence regarding pressure ulcer prevention and incorporate this into clinical practice.

Concise Review: Apoptotic Cell-Based Therapies-Rationale, Preclinical Results and Future Clinical Developments.

PubMed

Saas, Philippe; Daguindau, Etienne; Perruche, Sylvain

2016-06-01

The objectives of this review are to summarize the experimental data obtained using apoptotic cell-based therapies, and then to discuss future clinical developments. Indeed, apoptotic cells exhibit immunomodulatory properties that are reviewed here by focusing on more recent mechanisms. These immunomodulatory mechanisms are in particular linked to the clearance of apoptotic cells (called also efferocytosis) by phagocytes, such as macrophages, and the induction of regulatory T cells. Thus, apoptotic cell-based therapies have been used to prevent or treat experimental inflammatory diseases. Based on these studies, we have identified critical steps to design future clinical trials. This includes: the administration route, the number and schedule of administration, the appropriate apoptotic cell type to be used, as well as the apoptotic signal. We also have analyzed the clinical relevancy of apoptotic-cell-based therapies in experimental models. Additional experimental data are required concerning the treatment of inflammatory diseases (excepted for sepsis) before considering future clinical trials. In contrast, apoptotic cells have been shown to favor engraftment and to reduce acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in different relevant models of transplantation. This has led to the conduct of a phase 1/2a clinical trial to alleviate GvHD. The absence of toxic effects obtained in this trial may support the development of other clinical studies based on this new cell therapy. Stem Cells 2016;34:1464-1473. © 2016 AlphaMed Press.

PlantDB – a versatile database for managing plant research

PubMed Central

Exner, Vivien; Hirsch-Hoffmann, Matthias; Gruissem, Wilhelm; Hennig, Lars

2008-01-01

Background Research in plant science laboratories often involves usage of many different species, cultivars, ecotypes, mutants, alleles or transgenic lines. This creates a great challenge to keep track of the identity of experimental plants and stored samples or seeds. Results Here, we describe PlantDB – a Microsoft® Office Access database – with a user-friendly front-end for managing information relevant for experimental plants. PlantDB can hold information about plants of different species, cultivars or genetic composition. Introduction of a concise identifier system allows easy generation of pedigree trees. In addition, all information about any experimental plant – from growth conditions and dates over extracted samples such as RNA to files containing images of the plants – can be linked unequivocally. Conclusion We have been using PlantDB for several years in our laboratory and found that it greatly facilitates access to relevant information. PMID:18182106

Acute and chronic psychological stress as risk factors for cardiovascular disease: Insights gained from epidemiological, clinical and experimental studies.

PubMed

Lagraauw, H Maxime; Kuiper, Johan; Bot, Ilze

2015-11-01

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death worldwide and identification and therapeutic modulation of all its risk factors is necessary to ensure a lower burden on the patient and on society. The physiological response to acute and chronic stress exposure has long been recognized as a potent modulator of immune, endocrine and metabolic pathways, however its direct implications for cardiovascular disease development, progression and as a therapeutic target are not completely understood. More and more attention is given to the bidirectional interaction between psychological and physical health in relation to cardiovascular disease. With atherosclerosis being a chronic disease starting already at an early age the contribution of adverse early life events in affecting adult health risk behavior, health status and disease development is receiving increased attention. In addition, experimental research into the biological pathways involved in stress-induced cardiovascular complications show important roles for metabolic and immunologic maladaptation, resulting in increased disease development and progression. Here we provide a concise overview of human and experimental animal data linking chronic and acute stress to CVD risk and increased progression of the underlying disease atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of dynamic capacity of low-contact-ratio spur gears using Lundberg-Palmgren theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coy, J. J.

1975-01-01

A concise mathematical model is developed for surface fatigue life of low-contact-ratio spur gears. The expected fatigue life of the pinion, gear, or gear sets may be calculated from the model. An equation for the dynamic capacity of the gear set was also derived in terms of the transmitted tangential tooth load which will give a 10-percent fatigue life of one million pinion revolutions. The theoretical life was compared with experimental data for a set of VAR AISI 9310 gears operating at a Hertz stress of 1.71X10 to the 9th power newtons per square meter (248,000 psi) and 10 000 revolutions per minute. Good agreement was obtained between the experimental and theoretical surface fatigue life of the gears.

Scaling Cross Sections for Ion-atom Impact Ionization

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

Igor D. Kaganovich; Edward Startsev; Ronald C. Davidson

2003-06-06

The values of ion-atom ionization cross sections are frequently needed for many applications that utilize the propagation of fast ions through matter. When experimental data and theoretical calculations are not available, approximate formulas are frequently used. This paper briefly summarizes the most important theoretical results and approaches to cross section calculations in order to place the discussion in historical perspective and offer a concise introduction to the topic. Based on experimental data and theoretical predictions, a new fit for ionization cross sections is proposed. The range of validity and accuracy of several frequently used approximations (classical trajectory, the Born approximation,more » and so forth) are discussed using, as examples, the ionization cross sections of hydrogen and helium atoms by various fully stripped ions.« less

10 CFR 75.34 - Inventory change reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Transactions Reports (Inventory Change Reports), when appropriate, must be accompanied by Concise Notes... Commission, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, Washington, DC 20555-0001. This Concise Note is... operational program for the facility, including particularly, but not exclusively, the schedule for taking...

10 CFR 75.34 - Inventory change reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Transactions Reports (Inventory Change Reports), when appropriate, must be accompanied by Concise Notes... Commission, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, Washington, DC 20555-0001. This Concise Note is... operational program for the facility, including particularly, but not exclusively, the schedule for taking...

10 CFR 75.34 - Inventory change reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Transactions Reports (Inventory Change Reports), when appropriate, must be accompanied by Concise Notes... Commission, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, Washington, DC 20555-0001. This Concise Note is... operational program for the facility, including particularly, but not exclusively, the schedule for taking...

10 CFR 75.34 - Inventory change reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Transactions Reports (Inventory Change Reports), when appropriate, must be accompanied by Concise Notes... Commission, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards, Washington, DC 20555-0001. This Concise Note is... operational program for the facility, including particularly, but not exclusively, the schedule for taking...

A concise synthesis of optically active solanacol, the germination stimulant for seeds of root parasitic weeds.

PubMed

Kumagai, Hiroshi; Fujiwara, Mami; Kuse, Masaki; Takikawa, Hirosato

2015-01-01

Solanacol, isolated from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), is a germination stimulant for seeds of root parasitic weeds. A concise synthesis of optically active solanacol has been achieved by employing enzymatic resolution as a key step.

THE CONCISE GUIDE TO PHARMACOLOGY 2017/18: Overview.

PubMed

Alexander, Stephen Ph; Kelly, Eamonn; Marrion, Neil V; Peters, John A; Faccenda, Elena; Harding, Simon D; Pawson, Adam J; Sharman, Joanna L; Southan, Christopher; Buneman, O Peter; Cidlowski, John A; Christopoulos, Arthur; Davenport, Anthony P; Fabbro, Doriano; Spedding, Michael; Striessnig, Jörg; Davies, Jamie A

2017-12-01

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2017/18 is the third in this series of biennial publications. This version provides concise overviews of the key properties of nearly 1800 human drug targets with an emphasis on selective pharmacology (where available), plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. Although the Concise Guide represents approximately 400 pages, the material presented is substantially reduced compared to information and links presented on the website. It provides a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates. The full contents of this section can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.13882/full. In addition to this overview, in which are identified 'Other protein targets' which fall outside of the subsequent categorisation, there are eight areas of focus: G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, voltage-gated ion channels, other ion channels, nuclear hormone receptors, catalytic receptors, enzymes and transporters. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. The landscape format of the Concise Guide is designed to facilitate comparison of related targets from material contemporary to mid-2017, and supersedes data presented in the 2015/16 and 2013/14 Concise Guides and previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in close conjunction with the Nomenclature Committee of the Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (NC-IUPHAR), therefore, providing official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. © 2017 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Pharmacological Society.

Mössbauer spectroscopy.

PubMed

Huynh, Boi Hanh

2011-01-01

Mössbauer spectroscopy has contributed significantly to the studies of Fe-containing proteins. Early applications yielded detailed electronic characterizations of hemeproteins, and thus enhanced our understanding of the chemical properties of this important class of proteins. The next stage of the applications was marked by major discoveries of several novel Fe clusters of complex structures, including the 8Fe7S P cluster and the mixed metal 1Mo7Fe M center in nitrogenase. Since early 1990 s, rapid kinetic techniques have been used to arrest enzymatic reactions for Mössbauer studies. A number of reaction intermediates were discovered and characterized, both spectroscopically and kinetically, providing unprecedented detailed molecular-level mechanistic information. This chapter gives a brief summary of the historical accounts and a concise description of some experimental and theoretical elements in Mössbauer spectroscopy that are essential for understanding Mössbauer spectra. Major biological applications are summarized at the end.

Personality, Organizational Orientations and Self-Reported Learning Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bamber, David; Castka, Pavel

2006-01-01

Purpose: To identify competencies connecting personality, organizational orientations and self-reported learning outcomes (as measured by concise Likert-type scales), for individuals who are learning for their organizations. Design/methodology/approach: Five concise factor scales were constructed to represent aspects of personality. Three further…

Paraxial ray optics cloaking.

PubMed

Choi, Joseph S; Howell, John C

2014-12-01

Despite much interest and progress in optical spatial cloaking, a three-dimensional (3D), transmitting, continuously multidirectional cloak in the visible regime has not yet been demonstrated. Here we experimentally demonstrate such a cloak using ray optics, albeit with some edge effects. Our device requires no new materials, uses isotropic off-the-shelf optics, scales easily to cloak arbitrarily large objects, and is as broadband as the choice of optical material, all of which have been challenges for current cloaking schemes. In addition, we provide a concise formalism that quantifies and produces perfect optical cloaks in the small-angle ('paraxial') limit.

A General, Concise Strategy that Enables Collective Total Syntheses of over 50 Protoberberine and Five Aporhoeadane Alkaloids within Four to Eight Steps.

PubMed

Zhou, Shiqiang; Tong, Rongbiao

2016-05-17

A concise, catalytic, and general strategy that allowed efficient total syntheses of 22 natural 13-methylprotoberberines within four steps for each molecule is reported. This synthesis represents the most efficient and shortest route to date, featuring three catalytic processes: CuI-catalyzed redox-A(3) reaction, Pd-catalyzed reductive carbocyclization, and PtO2 -catalyzed hydrogenation. Importantly, this new strategy to the tetracyclic framework has also been applied to the collective concise syntheses of >30 natural protoberberines (without 13-methyl group) and five aporhoeadane alkaloids. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Music-Evoked Emotions—Current Studies

PubMed Central

Schaefer, Hans-Eckhardt

2017-01-01

The present study is focused on a review of the current state of investigating music-evoked emotions experimentally, theoretically and with respect to their therapeutic potentials. After a concise historical overview and a schematic of the hearing mechanisms, experimental studies on music listeners and on music performers are discussed, starting with the presentation of characteristic musical stimuli and the basic features of tomographic imaging of emotional activation in the brain, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), which offer high spatial resolution in the millimeter range. The progress in correlating activation imaging in the brain to the psychological understanding of music-evoked emotion is demonstrated and some prospects for future research are outlined. Research in psychoneuroendocrinology and molecular markers is reviewed in the context of music-evoked emotions and the results indicate that the research in this area should be intensified. An assessment of studies involving measuring techniques with high temporal resolution down to the 10 ms range, as, e.g., electroencephalography (EEG), event-related brain potentials (ERP), magnetoencephalography (MEG), skin conductance response (SCR), finger temperature, and goose bump development (piloerection) can yield information on the dynamics and kinetics of emotion. Genetic investigations reviewed suggest the heredity transmission of a predilection for music. Theoretical approaches to musical emotion are directed to a unified model for experimental neurological evidence and aesthetic judgment. Finally, the reports on musical therapy are briefly outlined. The study concludes with an outlook on emerging technologies and future research fields. PMID:29225563

Parametric imaging of experimentally simulated Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome conduction abnormalities in dogs: a concise communication

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

Weismueller, P.H.; Henze, E.; Adam, W.E.

1986-01-01

In order to test the diagnostic potential of phase analysis of radionuclide ventriculography (RNV) for localizing accessory bundles in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, 24 experimental runs were performed in three open chest instrumented dogs. After a baseline study, WPW syndrome was simulated by stimulation at seven different sites around the base of the ventricles, and RNV's were obtained. Subsequent data processing including Fourier transformation allowed the localization of the site of the first inward motion of the ventricles by an isophasic wave display. In sinus rhythm, the septum contracted first. During ectopic premature ventricular stimulation by triggering the atrial signal, themore » phase scan was altered only when the stimulus was applied earlier than 20 ms before the expected QRS complex during sinus rhythm. During stimulation with fixed frequency, only the left lateral positions of the premature stimulation were detected by phase analysis with a sensitivity of 86%. Neither the antero- or posteroseptal nor the right ventricular premature contraction pattern could be exactly localized.« less

A distributed computing environment with support for constraint-based task scheduling and scientific experimentation

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

Ahrens, J.P.; Shapiro, L.G.; Tanimoto, S.L.

1997-04-01

This paper describes a computing environment which supports computer-based scientific research work. Key features include support for automatic distributed scheduling and execution and computer-based scientific experimentation. A new flexible and extensible scheduling technique that is responsive to a user`s scheduling constraints, such as the ordering of program results and the specification of task assignments and processor utilization levels, is presented. An easy-to-use constraint language for specifying scheduling constraints, based on the relational database query language SQL, is described along with a search-based algorithm for fulfilling these constraints. A set of performance studies show that the environment can schedule and executemore » program graphs on a network of workstations as the user requests. A method for automatically generating computer-based scientific experiments is described. Experiments provide a concise method of specifying a large collection of parameterized program executions. The environment achieved significant speedups when executing experiments; for a large collection of scientific experiments an average speedup of 3.4 on an average of 5.5 scheduled processors was obtained.« less

Trichomonas tenax and periodontal diseases: a concise review.

PubMed

Marty, Mathieu; Lemaitre, Mathieu; Kémoun, Philippe; Morrier, Jean-Jacques; Monsarrat, Paul

2017-09-01

Periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis), result from a disruption of the host-oral microbiome homoeostasis. Whereas the pathological role of some specific bacterial strains during periodontal diseases is well documented, the impact of parasites in periodontium pathophysiology is still under debate. This review aims to collect data about the prevalence and the potential role of Trichomonas tenax during periodontal diseases. Data from 47 studies revealed that T. tenax prevalence in diseased periodontium ranged from 0 to 94·1%. The prevalence of oral protozoan infections was found to be largely greater in patients with periodontal diseases than with healthy periodontium. The parasite detection was mainly performed by direct microscopy. Trichomonas tenax presence was clearly correlated with periodontal disease. The high heterogeneity of its periodontal prevalence may be correlated with the diversity of the population screened (age, sex, systemic diseases), and the methods used for diagnosis. This protozoan seems to have the capacity to be involved in the inflammatory process of gum disease. Animal experimentation, using relevant physiopathological models of periodontitis, needs to be performed to investigate the ability of T. tenax to cause and/or worsen the disease. Further investigations using standardized experimental designs of epidemiologic studies are also needed.

Clustering XML Documents Using Frequent Subtrees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kutty, Sangeetha; Tran, Tien; Nayak, Richi; Li, Yuefeng

This paper presents an experimental study conducted over the INEX 2008 Document Mining Challenge corpus using both the structure and the content of XML documents for clustering them. The concise common substructures known as the closed frequent subtrees are generated using the structural information of the XML documents. The closed frequent subtrees are then used to extract the constrained content from the documents. A matrix containing the term distribution of the documents in the dataset is developed using the extracted constrained content. The k-way clustering algorithm is applied to the matrix to obtain the required clusters. In spite of the large number of documents in the INEX 2008 Wikipedia dataset, the proposed frequent subtree-based clustering approach was successful in clustering the documents. This approach significantly reduces the dimensionality of the terms used for clustering without much loss in accuracy.

Assessing composition and structure of soft biphasic media from Kelvin-Voigt fractional derivative model parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hongmei; Wang, Yue; Fatemi, Mostafa; Insana, Michael F.

2017-03-01

Kelvin-Voigt fractional derivative (KVFD) model parameters have been used to describe viscoelastic properties of soft tissues. However, translating model parameters into a concise set of intrinsic mechanical properties related to tissue composition and structure remains challenging. This paper begins by exploring these relationships using a biphasic emulsion materials with known composition. Mechanical properties are measured by analyzing data from two indentation techniques—ramp-stress relaxation and load-unload hysteresis tests. Material composition is predictably correlated with viscoelastic model parameters. Model parameters estimated from the tests reveal that elastic modulus E 0 closely approximates the shear modulus for pure gelatin. Fractional-order parameter α and time constant τ vary monotonically with the volume fraction of the material’s fluid component. α characterizes medium fluidity and the rate of energy dissipation, and τ is a viscous time constant. Numerical simulations suggest that the viscous coefficient η is proportional to the energy lost during quasi-static force-displacement cycles, E A . The slope of E A versus η is determined by α and the applied indentation ramp time T r. Experimental measurements from phantom and ex vivo liver data show close agreement with theoretical predictions of the η -{{E}A} relation. The relative error is less than 20% for emulsions 22% for liver. We find that KVFD model parameters form a concise features space for biphasic medium characterization that described time-varying mechanical properties. The experimental work was carried out at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. Methodological development, including numerical simulation and all data analysis, were carried out at the school of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an JiaoTong University, 710049, China.

Concise total syntheses of (+/-)-strychnine and (+/-)-akuammicine.

PubMed

Sirasani, Gopal; Paul, Tapas; Dougherty, William; Kassel, Scott; Andrade, Rodrigo B

2010-05-21

Concise total syntheses of Strychnos alkaloids strychnine (1) and akuammicine (2) have been realized in 13 and 6 operations, respectively. Key steps include (1) the vinylogous Mannich reaction; (2) a novel, sequential one-pot spirocyclization/intramolecular aza-Baylis-Hillman reaction; and (3) a Heck cyclization. The synthesis of 1 proceeds via the Wieland-Gumlich aldehyde (26).

Concise solid-phase synthesis of inverse poly(amidoamine) dendrons using AB2 building blocks.

PubMed

Huang, Adela Ya-Ting; Tsai, Ching-Hua; Chen, Hsing-Yin; Chen, Hui-Ting; Lu, Chi-Yu; Lin, Yu-Ting; Kao, Chai-Lin

2013-06-28

A concise solid-phase synthesis of inverse poly(amidoamine) dendrons was developed. Upon introduction of AB2-type monomers, each dendron generation was constructed via one reaction. G2 to G5 dendrons were constructed in a peptide synthesizer in 93%, 89%, 82%, and 78% yields, respectively, within 5 days.

The Affective Reactivity Index: A Concise Irritability Scale for Clinical and Research Settings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stringaris, Argyris; Goodman, Robert; Ferdinando, Sumudu; Razdan, Varun; Muhrer, Eli; Leibenluft, Ellen; Brotman, Melissa A.

2012-01-01

Background: Irritable mood has recently become a matter of intense scientific interest. Here, we present data from two samples, one from the United States and the other from the United Kingdom, demonstrating the clinical and research utility of the parent- and self-report forms of the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI), a concise dimensional measure…

Effect of display update interval, update type, and background on perception of aircraft separation on a cockpit display on traffic information

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jago, S.; Baty, D.; Oconnor, S.; Palmer, E.

1981-01-01

The concept of a cockpit display of traffic information (CDTI) includes the integration of air traffic, navigation, and other pertinent information in a single electronic display in the cockpit. Concise display symbology was developed for use in later full-mission simulator evaluations of the CDTI concept. Experimental variables used included the update interval motion of the aircraft, the update type, (that is, whether the two aircraft were updated at the same update interval or not), the background (grid pattern or no background), and encounter type (straight or curved). Only the type of encounter affected performance.

Aeroacoustics research in Europe: The CEAS-ASC report on 2016 highlights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Alexander G.

2018-08-01

The Council of European Aerospace Societies (CEAS) Aeroacoustics Specialists Committee (ASC) supports and promotes the interests of the scientific and industrial aeroacoustics community on the European scale, and European aeronautics activities internationally. Each year, the committee highlights several of the research and development projects in Europe. This paper is the 2016 issue of this collection of Aeroacoustic Highlights, compiled from contributions submitted to the CEAS-ASC. The contributions are classified under three main headings; Aircraft and Turbomachinery Noise, Experimental and Numerical Methods and Further Applications of Aeroacoustics. A concise summary of the CEAS-ASC workshop held in Southampton, England, in September 2016 is also included in this report.

Developmental vitamin D deficiency and risk of schizophrenia: a 10-year update.

PubMed

McGrath, John J; Burne, Thomas H; Féron, François; Mackay-Sim, Allan; Eyles, Darryl W

2010-11-01

There is an urgent need to generate and test candidate risk factors that may explain gradients in the incidence of schizophrenia. Based on clues from epidemiology, we proposed that developmental vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the risk of developing schizophrenia. This hypothesis may explain diverse epidemiological findings including season of birth, the latitude gradients in incidence and prevalence, the increased risk in dark-skinned migrants to certain countries, and the urban-rural gradient. Animal experiments demonstrate that transient prenatal hypovitaminosis D is associated with persisting changes in brain structure and function, including convergent evidence of altered dopaminergic function. A recent case-control study based on neonatal blood samples identified a significant association between neonatal vitamin D status and risk of schizophrenia. This article provides a concise summary of the epidemiological and animal experimental research that has explored this hypothesis.

A review of antiviral drugs and other compounds with activity against feline herpesvirus-1

PubMed Central

Thomasy, S. M.; Maggs, D. J.

2016-01-01

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is a common and important cause of ocular surface disease, dermatitis, respiratory disease, and potentially intraocular disease in cats. However, many antiviral drugs developed for the treatment of humans infected with herpesviruses have been used to treat cats infected with FHV-1. Translational use of drugs in this manner ideally requires methodical investigation of their in vitro efficacy against FHV-1 followed by pharmacokinetic and safety trials in normal cats. Subsequently, placebo-controlled efficacy studies in experimentally-inoculated animals should be performed followed, finally, by carefully designed and monitored clinical trials in client-owned animals. This review is intended to provide a concise review of the available literature regarding the efficacy of antiviral drugs and other compounds with proven or putative activity against FHV-1, as well as a discussion of their safety in cats. PMID:27091747

Temporal and Spatio-Temporal Dynamic Instabilities: Novel Computational and Experimental approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doedel, Eusebius J.; Panayotaros, Panayotis; Lambruschini, Carlos L. Pando

2016-11-01

This special issue contains a concise account of significant research results presented at the international workshop on Advanced Computational and Experimental Techniques in Nonlinear Dynamics, which was held in Cusco, Peru in August 2015. The meeting gathered leading experts, as well as new researchers, who have contributed to different aspects of Nonlinear Dynamics. Particularly significant was the presence of many active scientists from Latin America. The topics covered in this special issue range from advanced numerical techniques to novel physical experiments, and reflect the present state of the art in several areas of Nonlinear Dynamics. It contains seven review articles, followed by twenty-one regular papers that are organized in five categories, namely (1) Nonlinear Evolution Equations and Applications, (2) Numerical Continuation in Self-sustained Oscillators, (3) Synchronization, Control and Data Analysis, (4) Hamiltonian Systems, and (5) Scaling Properties in Maps.

Simultaneous determination of effective carrier lifetime and resistivity of Si wafers using the nonlinear nature of photocarrier radiometric signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Qiming; Melnikov, Alexander; Wang, Jing; Mandelis, Andreas

2018-04-01

A rigorous treatment of the nonlinear behavior of photocarrier radiometric (PCR) signals is presented theoretically and experimentally for the quantitative characterization of semiconductor photocarrier recombination and transport properties. A frequency-domain model based on the carrier rate equation and the classical carrier radiative recombination theory was developed. The derived concise expression reveals different functionalities of the PCR amplitude and phase channels: the phase bears direct quantitative correlation with the carrier effective lifetime, while the amplitude versus the estimated photocarrier density dependence can be used to extract the equilibrium majority carrier density and thus, resistivity. An experimental ‘ripple’ optical excitation mode (small modulation depth compared to the dc level) was introduced to bypass the complicated ‘modulated lifetime’ problem so as to simplify theoretical interpretation and guarantee measurement self-consistency and reliability. Two Si wafers with known resistivity values were tested to validate the method.

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2015/16: Overview.

PubMed

Alexander, Stephen Ph; Kelly, Eamonn; Marrion, Neil; Peters, John A; Benson, Helen E; Faccenda, Elena; Pawson, Adam J; Sharman, Joanna L; Southan, Christopher; Buneman, O Peter; Catterall, William A; Cidlowski, John A; Davenport, Anthony P; Fabbro, Doriano; Fan, Grace; McGrath, John C; Spedding, Michael; Davies, Jamie A

2015-12-01

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2015/16 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 1750 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.13347/full. This compilation of the major pharmacological targets is divided into eight areas of focus: G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, voltage-gated ion channels, other ion channels, nuclear hormone receptors, catalytic receptors, enzymes and transporters. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. The Concise Guide is published in landscape format in order to facilitate comparison of related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2015, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in the previous Guides to Receptors & Channels and the Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and GRAC and provides a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates. © 2015 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The British Pharmacological Society.

Zernike expansion of derivatives and Laplacians of the Zernike circle polynomials.

PubMed

Janssen, A J E M

2014-07-01

The partial derivatives and Laplacians of the Zernike circle polynomials occur in various places in the literature on computational optics. In a number of cases, the expansion of these derivatives and Laplacians in the circle polynomials are required. For the first-order partial derivatives, analytic results are scattered in the literature. Results start as early as 1942 in Nijboer's thesis and continue until present day, with some emphasis on recursive computation schemes. A brief historic account of these results is given in the present paper. By choosing the unnormalized version of the circle polynomials, with exponential rather than trigonometric azimuthal dependence, and by a proper combination of the two partial derivatives, a concise form of the expressions emerges. This form is appropriate for the formulation and solution of a model wavefront sensing problem of reconstructing a wavefront on the level of its expansion coefficients from (measurements of the expansion coefficients of) the partial derivatives. It turns out that the least-squares estimation problem arising here decouples per azimuthal order m, and per m the generalized inverse solution assumes a concise analytic form so that singular value decompositions are avoided. The preferred version of the circle polynomials, with proper combination of the partial derivatives, also leads to a concise analytic result for the Zernike expansion of the Laplacian of the circle polynomials. From these expansions, the properties of the Laplacian as a mapping from the space of circle polynomials of maximal degree N, as required in the study of the Neumann problem associated with the transport-of-intensity equation, can be read off within a single glance. Furthermore, the inverse of the Laplacian on this space is shown to have a concise analytic form.

Concise, Stereocontrolled Synthesis of the Citrinadin B Core Architecture

PubMed Central

Guerrero, Carlos A.; Sorensen, Erik J.

2011-01-01

A concise, stereocontrolled synthesis of the citrinadin B core architecture from scalemic, readily available starting materials is disclosed. Highlights include ready access to both cyclic tryptophan tautomer and TRANS-2,6-disubstituted piperidine fragments, an efficient, stereoretentive mixed Claisen acylation for the coupling of these halves, and further diastereoselective carbonyl addition and oxidative rearrangement for assembly of the core. PMID:21894952

Feasibility study of an Integrated Program for Aerospace vehicle Design (IPAD). Volume 1B: Concise review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, R. E., Jr.; Southall, J. W.; Kawaguchi, A. S.; Redhed, D. D.

1973-01-01

Reports on the design process, support of the design process, IPAD System design catalog of IPAD technical program elements, IPAD System development and operation, and IPAD benefits and impact are concisely reviewed. The approach used to define the design is described. Major activities performed during the product development cycle are identified. The computer system requirements necessary to support the design process are given as computational requirements of the host system, technical program elements and system features. The IPAD computer system design is presented as concepts, a functional description and an organizational diagram of its major components. The cost and schedules and a three phase plan for IPAD implementation are presented. The benefits and impact of IPAD technology are discussed.

Deep learning based classification for head and neck cancer detection with hyperspectral imaging in an animal model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Ling; Lu, Guolan; Wang, Dongsheng; Wang, Xu; Chen, Zhuo Georgia; Muller, Susan; Chen, Amy; Fei, Baowei

2017-03-01

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an emerging imaging modality that can provide a noninvasive tool for cancer detection and image-guided surgery. HSI acquires high-resolution images at hundreds of spectral bands, providing big data to differentiating different types of tissue. We proposed a deep learning based method for the detection of head and neck cancer with hyperspectral images. Since the deep learning algorithm can learn the feature hierarchically, the learned features are more discriminative and concise than the handcrafted features. In this study, we adopt convolutional neural networks (CNN) to learn the deep feature of pixels for classifying each pixel into tumor or normal tissue. We evaluated our proposed classification method on the dataset containing hyperspectral images from 12 tumor-bearing mice. Experimental results show that our method achieved an average accuracy of 91.36%. The preliminary study demonstrated that our deep learning method can be applied to hyperspectral images for detecting head and neck tumors in animal models.

Vacation Study Abroad.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howard, E. Marguerite, Ed.

A guide to summer study abroad is presented with information on how to plan rewarding summer study and travel overseas. Concise descriptions of over 1300 postsecondary study programs worldwide (in over 65 countries) sponsored by U.S. and foreign universities and institutions are included with details on program sponsor and name, location, dates,…

Clinical usefulness of the two-question assessment tool for depressive symptoms in Japanese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Arimura, Yasuji; Yamazaki, Shin; Yanagi, Shigehisa; Matsumoto, Nobuhiro; Takegami, Misa; Hayashino, Yasuaki; Fukuhara, Shunichi; Nakazato, Masamitsu

2013-02-01

Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and have been associated with poor outcomes. Developing a concise questionnaire to measure depressive symptoms in COPD patients is needed in outpatient settings. We evaluated the clinical usefulness of a concise two-question instrument to assess depressive symptoms in patients with COPD. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis in patients with COPD. All patients completed a self-reported questionnaire consisting of the two-question instrument, as well as a shortened version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) to measure depressive symptoms. Performance of the two-question instrument was evaluated using the results for CESD-10 as standard. We also measured patients' health-related quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study 8-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8) to determine whether the instrument was related to SF-8. Sensitivity of the two-question instrument in the detection of depressive symptoms was 73.3 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 51-95.7), specificity was 73 % (95 % CI 58.7-87.3), and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.73 (95 % CI 0.59-0.87). When study patients were divided into two groups with a cutoff of 1 point on the two-question instrument, scores for all subscales of the SF-8 except "bodily pain" were significantly lower in patients with than without depressive symptoms. This concise two-question instrument is useful as assessment of depressive symptom in patients with COPD in busy outpatient settings.

A Summary of Best Management Practices for Nonpoint Source Pollution

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement, requies that NPS pollution be minimized and that Army installations and major commands comply with...Federal and state regula- tions. However, environmental managers and engineers have no concise summary of alterna- tives available for NPS pollution... environmental managers and engineers have no concise summary of alternatives available for NPS pollution control. This report presents a range of

Concise Review: Stem Cell Population Biology: Insights from Hematopoiesis.

PubMed

MacLean, Adam L; Lo Celso, Cristina; Stumpf, Michael P H

2017-01-01

Stem cells are fundamental to human life and offer great therapeutic potential, yet their biology remains incompletely-or in cases even poorly-understood. The field of stem cell biology has grown substantially in recent years due to a combination of experimental and theoretical contributions: the experimental branch of this work provides data in an ever-increasing number of dimensions, while the theoretical branch seeks to determine suitable models of the fundamental stem cell processes that these data describe. The application of population dynamics to biology is amongst the oldest applications of mathematics to biology, and the population dynamics perspective continues to offer much today. Here we describe the impact that such a perspective has made in the field of stem cell biology. Using hematopoietic stem cells as our model system, we discuss the approaches that have been used to study their key properties, such as capacity for self-renewal, differentiation, and cell fate lineage choice. We will also discuss the relevance of population dynamics in models of stem cells and cancer, where competition naturally emerges as an influential factor on the temporal evolution of cell populations. Stem Cells 2017;35:80-88. © 2016 AlphaMed Press.

A review of studies on the effects of ultraviolet irradiation on the resistance to infections: evidence from rodent infection models and verification by experimental and observational human studies.

PubMed

Termorshuizen, F; Garssen, J; Norval, M; Koulu, L; Laihia, J; Leino, L; Jansen, C T; De Gruijl, F; Gibbs, N K; De Simone, C; Van Loveren, H

2002-02-01

Recent studies on the immunosuppressive effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and the related resistance to infections in rodents and humans are presented. The waveband dependency of trans-to-cis isomerisation of urocanic acid in the stratum corneum and the role of DNA damage in UVR-induced erythema and immunosuppression were investigated to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, human experimental studies on UVR-induced immunomodulation were performed. It appeared that the doses needed to suppress various immune parameters in humans (e.g. NK activity, contact hypersensitivity) were higher than those needed in experiments in rodents. Still, extrapolation of experimental animal data to the human situation showed that UVR may impair the resistance to different systemic infections at relevant outdoor doses. In observational human studies we aimed to substantiate the relevance of UVR for infections in humans. It was shown that sunny season was associated with a slightly retarded but clinically non-relevant antibody response to hepatitis B vaccination. Furthermore, sunny season appeared to be associated with a small decline in the number of CD4+ T-helper cells in a cohort of HIV-infected persons and a higher recurrence of herpes simplex and herpes zoster in a cohort of renal transplant recipients. However, in a study among young children a higher exposure to solar UVR was associated with a lower occurrence of upper respiratory tract symptoms. As disentangling the effects of UVR from other relevant factors is often impossible in observational studies, concise quantitative risk estimations for the human situation cannot be given at present.

Plain Language to Communicate Physical Activity Information: A Website Content Analysis.

PubMed

Paige, Samantha R; Black, David R; Mattson, Marifran; Coster, Daniel C; Stellefson, Michael

2018-04-01

Plain language techniques are health literacy universal precautions intended to enhance health care system navigation and health outcomes. Physical activity (PA) is a popular topic on the Internet, yet it is unknown if information is communicated in plain language. This study examined how plain language techniques are included in PA websites, and if the use of plain language techniques varies according to search procedures (keyword, search engine) and website host source (government, commercial, educational/organizational). Three keywords ("physical activity," "fitness," and "exercise") were independently entered into three search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo) to locate a nonprobability sample of websites ( N = 61). Fourteen plain language techniques were coded within each website to examine content formatting, clarity and conciseness, and multimedia use. Approximately half ( M = 6.59; SD = 1.68) of the plain language techniques were included in each website. Keyword physical activity resulted in websites with fewer clear and concise plain language techniques ( p < .05), whereas fitness resulted in websites with more clear and concise techniques ( p < .01). Plain language techniques did not vary by search engine or the website host source. Accessing PA information that is easy to understand and behaviorally oriented may remain a challenge for users. Transdisciplinary collaborations are needed to optimize plain language techniques while communicating online PA information.

Fractional Derivative Models for Ultrasonic Characterization of Polymer and Breast Tissue Viscoelasticity

PubMed Central

Coussot, Cecile; Kalyanam, Sureshkumar; Yapp, Rebecca; Insana, Michael F.

2009-01-01

The viscoelastic response of hydropolymers, which include glandular breast tissues, may be accurately characterized for some applications with as few as 3 rheological parameters by applying the Kelvin-Voigt fractional derivative (KVFD) modeling approach. We describe a technique for ultrasonic imaging of KVFD parameters in media undergoing unconfined, quasi-static, uniaxial compression. We analyze the KVFD parameter values in simulated and experimental echo data acquired from phantoms and show that the KVFD parameters may concisely characterize the viscoelastic properties of hydropolymers. We then interpret the KVFD parameter values for normal and cancerous breast tissues and hypothesize that this modeling approach may ultimately be applied to tumor differentiation. PMID:19406700

On the Power Spectrum of Motor Unit Action Potential Trains Synchronized With Mechanical Vibration.

PubMed

Romano, Maria; Fratini, Antonio; Gargiulo, Gaetano D; Cesarelli, Mario; Iuppariello, Luigi; Bifulco, Paolo

2018-03-01

This study provides a definitive analysis of the spectrum of a motor unit action potential train (MUAPT) elicited by mechanical vibratory stimulation via a detailed and concise mathematical formulation. Experimental studies demonstrated that MUAPs are not exactly synchronized with the vibratory stimulus but show a variable latency jitter, whose effects have not been investigated yet. Synchronized action potential train was represented as a quasi-periodic sequence of a given MU waveform. The latency jitter of action potentials was modeled as a Gaussian stochastic process, in accordance to the previous experimental studies. A mathematical expression for power spectrum of a synchronized MUAPT has been derived. The spectrum comprises a significant continuous component and discrete components at the vibratory frequency and its harmonics. Their relevance is correlated to the level of synchronization: the weaker the synchronization the more relevant is the continuous spectrum. Electromyography (EMG) rectification enhances the discrete components. The derived equations have general validity and well describe the power spectrum of actual EMG recordings during vibratory stimulation. Results are obtained by appropriately setting the level of synchronization and vibration frequency. This paper definitively clarifies the nature of changes in spectrum of raw EMG recordings from muscles undergoing vibratory stimulation. Results confirm the need of motion artifact filtering for raw EMG recordings during stimulation and strongly suggest to avoid EMG rectification that significantly alters the spectrum characteristics.

Is Science Logical?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pease, Craig M.; Bull, J. J.

1992-01-01

Offers a concise, abstract description of the scientific method different from the historical, philosophical, and case-study approaches, which lead to comprehension of this method. Discusses features of scientific models, dynamic interactions underlying scientific progress, ways that scientist successfully understand nature, mechanisms for…

Synthesis of labeled meropenem for the analysis of M. tuberculosis transpeptidases.

PubMed

Kastrinsky, David B; Barry, Clifton E

2010-01-01

A concise synthesis of (14)C labeled meropenem prepared from (14)C dimethylamine hydrochloride is described. Using a similar reaction sequence, the meropenem nucleus was also attached to biotin providing a probe for protein interaction studies.

A concise and practical stereoselective synthesis of ipragliflozin L-proline

PubMed Central

Ma, Shuai; Liu, Zhenren; Pan, Jing; Zhang, Shunli

2017-01-01

A concise and practical stereoselective synthesis of ipragliflozin L-proline was presented starting from 2-[(5-iodo-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1-benzothiophene and 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-pivaloyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl bromide without catalyst via iodine–lithium–zinc exchange. The overall yield was 52% in three steps and the product purity was excellent. Two key diastereomers were prepared with efficient and direct access to the α-C-arylglucoside. PMID:28684985

The NMatrix, a new method of presenting statistics, displays the characteristics of medicines with similar effects used in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis concisely and clearly, facilitating the selection of appropriate medications.

PubMed

Nakamura, Masao

2015-07-01

It is often difficult to compare the characteristics of a medicine with those of others based on common standards, whereas the application of rational standards would be expected to facilitate the comparison of medicines with similar effects. The present study was conducted to clarify the characteristics of individual medicines and to examine whether rational standards allow the most appropriate medicines to be chosen. Participants diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) were assessed for QOL and ADL based on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, JOA score, VAS, and the presence of intermittent claudication (IC). Four medicines--beraprost sodium, ethyl icosapentate (EPA), sarpogrelate hydrochloride, and limaprost alfadex (PGE1)--were prescribed in a random manner. These four medicines were assessed independently in four studies using the same study design and size in each case. Using the NMatrix, the characteristics of the four medicines and the results of mutual comparisons could be displayed concisely and clearly in one matrix based on significance levels. This work involved analyzing pooled data from the four studies. All four medicines improved IC--one of the characteristic symptoms of LSS--by 12 weeks after administration. PGE1 required more time than the other medicines to affect IC. EPA appeared to almost significantly ameliorate some items at every point, though the evidence was insufficient. The NMatrix concisely and clearly displays the characteristics of "medicines with similar effects" for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, and can help physicians to choose the optimal medicine based on rational criteria for individual patients, according to their symptoms and progress.

Ethics of animal research in human disease remediation, its institutional teaching; and alternatives to animal experimentation.

PubMed

Cheluvappa, Rajkumar; Scowen, Paul; Eri, Rajaraman

2017-08-01

Animals have been used in research and teaching for a long time. However, clear ethical guidelines and pertinent legislation were instated only in the past few decades, even in developed countries with Judeo-Christian ethical roots. We compactly cover the basics of animal research ethics, ethical reviewing and compliance guidelines for animal experimentation across the developed world, "our" fundamentals of institutional animal research ethics teaching, and emerging alternatives to animal research. This treatise was meticulously constructed for scientists interested/involved in animal research. Herein, we discuss key animal ethics principles - Replacement/Reduction/Refinement. Despite similar undergirding principles across developed countries, ethical reviewing and compliance guidelines for animal experimentation vary. The chronology and evolution of mandatory institutional ethical reviewing of animal experimentation (in its pioneering nations) are summarised. This is followed by a concise rendition of the fundamentals of teaching animal research ethics in institutions. With the advent of newer methodologies in human cell-culturing, novel/emerging methods aim to minimise, if not avoid the usage of animals in experimentation. Relevant to this, we discuss key extant/emerging alternatives to animal use in research; including organs on chips, human-derived three-dimensional tissue models, human blood derivates, microdosing, and computer modelling of various hues. © 2017 The Authors. Pharmacology Research & Perspectives published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd, British Pharmacological Society and American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Vacation Study Abroad. 1990. The Most Complete Guide to Planning Summer Study Abroad.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howard, E. Marguerite, Ed.

The book presents concise descriptions of over 1,300 summer study programs and short courses (geared to all levels of postsecondary education) worldwide sponsored by U.S. colleges and universities, foreign universities and language schools, and nonprofit and proprietary educational organizations. Programs are arranged first by the geographical…

Redistribution on the thallium scan in myocardial sarcoidosis: concise communication

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

Makler, P.T.; Lavine, S.J.; Denenberg, B.S.

1981-05-01

Resting and redistribution thallium studies were performed in four young patients with sarcoidosis to evaluate the possibility of myocardial involvement. In each case the resting scan showed marked defects that resolved on the redistribution studies. In a different patient population, these results would have implied significant coronary artery disease.

Synthesis of labeled meropenem for the analysis of M. tuberculosis transpeptidases

PubMed Central

Kastrinsky, David B.; Barry, Clifton E.

2009-01-01

A concise synthesis of 14C labeled meropenem prepared from 14C dimethylamine hydrochloride is described. Using a similar reaction sequence, the meropenem nucleus was also attached to biotin providing a probe for protein interaction studies. PMID:20161438

NMR Mapping of Protein Conformational Landscapes using Coordinated Behavior of Chemical Shifts upon Ligand Binding

PubMed Central

Cembran, Alessandro; Kim, Jonggul; Gao, Jiali; Veglia, Gianluigi

2014-01-01

Proteins exist as an ensemble of conformers that are distributed on free energy landscapes resembling folding funnels. While the most stable conformers populate low energy basins, protein function is often carried out through low-populated conformational states that occupy high energy basins. Ligand binding shifts the populations of these states, changing the distribution of these conformers. Understanding how the equilibrium among the states is altered upon ligand binding, interaction with other binding partners, and/or mutations and post-translational modifications is of critical importance for explaining allosteric signaling in proteins. Here, we propose a statistical analysis of the chemical shifts (CONCISE, COordiNated ChemIcal Shifts bEhavior) for the interpretation of protein conformational equilibria following linear trajectories of NMR chemical shifts. CONCISE enables one to quantitatively measure the population shifts associated with ligand titrations and estimate the degree of collectiveness of the protein residues’ response to ligand binding, giving a concise view of the structural transitions. The combination of CONCISE with thermocalorimetric and kinetic data allows one to depict a protein’s approximate conformational energy landscape. We tested this method with the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, a ubiquitous enzyme that undergoes conformational transitions upon both nucleotide and pseudo-substrate binding. When complemented with chemical shift covariance analysis (CHESCA), this new method offers both collective response and residue-specific correlations for ligand binding to proteins. PMID:24604024

A propagation effects handbook for satellite systems design. A summary of propagation impairments on 10-100 GHz satellite links, with techniques for system design. [tropospheric scattering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaul, R.; Wallace, R.; Kinal, G.

1980-01-01

This handbook provides satellite system engineers with a concise summary of the major propagation effects experienced on Earth-space paths in the 10 to 100 GHz frequency range. The dominant effect, attenuation due to rain, is dealt with in terms of both experimental data from measurements made in the U.S. and Canada, and the mathematical and conceptual models devised to explain the data. Rain systems, rain and attenuation models, depolarization and experimental data are described. The design techniques recommended for predicting propagation effects in Earth-space communications systems are presented. The questions of where in the system design process the effects of propagation should be considered, and what precautions should be taken when applying the propagation results are addressed in order to bridge the gap between the propagation research data and the classical link budget analysis of Earth-space communications system.

Concise Review: Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Used for Periodontal Regeneration: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Monsarrat, Paul; Vergnes, Jean-Noël; Nabet, Cathy; Sixou, Michel; Snead, Malcolm L.; Planat-Bénard, Valérie; Casteilla, Louis

2014-01-01

Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease of the soft and hard tissues supporting the teeth. Recent advances in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology have paved the way for periodontal tissue engineering. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) delivered in situ to periodontal defects may exert their effects at multiple levels, including neovascularization, immunomodulation, and tissue regeneration. This systematic review had two goals: (a) to objectively quantify key elements for efficacy and safety of MSCs used for periodontal regeneration and (b) to identify patterns in the existing literature to explain differences between studies and suggest recommendations for future research. This systematic review provided good evidence of the capacity of MSCs to regenerate periodontal tissues in animals; however, experimentally generated defects used in animal studies do not sufficiently mimic the pathophysiology of periodontitis in humans. Moreover, the safety of such interventions in humans still needs to be studied. There were marked differences between experimental and control groups that may be influenced by characteristics that are crucial to address before translation to human clinical trials. We suggest that the appropriate combination of cell source, carrier type, and biomolecules, as well as the inclusion of critical path issues for a given clinical case, should be further explored and refined before transitioning to clinical trials. Future studies should investigate periodontal regenerative procedures in animal models, including rodents, in which the defects generated are designed to more accurately reflect the inflammatory status of the host and the shift in their pathogenic microflora. PMID:24744392

Concise review: mesenchymal stromal cells used for periodontal regeneration: a systematic review.

PubMed

Monsarrat, Paul; Vergnes, Jean-Noël; Nabet, Cathy; Sixou, Michel; Snead, Malcolm L; Planat-Bénard, Valérie; Casteilla, Louis; Kémoun, Philippe

2014-06-01

Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease of the soft and hard tissues supporting the teeth. Recent advances in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology have paved the way for periodontal tissue engineering. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) delivered in situ to periodontal defects may exert their effects at multiple levels, including neovascularization, immunomodulation, and tissue regeneration. This systematic review had two goals: (a) to objectively quantify key elements for efficacy and safety of MSCs used for periodontal regeneration and (b) to identify patterns in the existing literature to explain differences between studies and suggest recommendations for future research. This systematic review provided good evidence of the capacity of MSCs to regenerate periodontal tissues in animals; however, experimentally generated defects used in animal studies do not sufficiently mimic the pathophysiology of periodontitis in humans. Moreover, the safety of such interventions in humans still needs to be studied. There were marked differences between experimental and control groups that may be influenced by characteristics that are crucial to address before translation to human clinical trials. We suggest that the appropriate combination of cell source, carrier type, and biomolecules, as well as the inclusion of critical path issues for a given clinical case, should be further explored and refined before transitioning to clinical trials. Future studies should investigate periodontal regenerative procedures in animal models, including rodents, in which the defects generated are designed to more accurately reflect the inflammatory status of the host and the shift in their pathogenic microflora. ©AlphaMed Press.

Dielectric tuned circular dichroism of L-shaped plasmonic metasurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Yu; Zhang, Zhidong; Fu, Tong; Wang, Gang; Wang, Tiankun; Wang, Mingyan; Bai, Yu; Zhang, Zhongyue

2017-12-01

In this paper, a dielectric layer is introduced to tune circular dichroism (CD) of chiral plasmonic metasurfaces. The dielectric layer is used to control the optical phase of electric diploes in Born-Kuhn configurations. To prove our assumption, an L-shaped plasmonic metasurface consisting of two metallic slices is prepared by glancing angle deposition, and then an SiO2 slice is deposited on one arm of the L-shaped metasurface. Experimental results reveal that CD of the L-shaped plasmonic metasurface can be tuned by the thickness of the SiO2 slice. These findings not only contribute to a better understanding of the CD physical mechanism, but also can be used in nanophotonic metasurfaces because of the concise fabrication process.

A Review on Structures and Functions of Bcl-2 Family Proteins from Homo sapiens.

PubMed

Sivakumar, Dakshinamurthy; Sivaraman, Thirunavukkarasu

2016-01-01

Cancer cells evade apoptosis, which is regulated by proteins of Bcl-2 family in the intrinsic pathways. Numerous experimental three-dimensional (3D) structures of the apoptotic proteins and the proteins bound with small chemical molecules/peptides/proteins have been reported in the literature. In this review article, the 3D structures of the Bcl-2 family proteins from Homo sapiens and as well complex structures of the anti-apoptotic proteins bound with small molecular inhibitors reported in the literature to date have been comprehensively listed out and described in detail. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms by which the Bcl-2 family proteins modulate the apoptotic processes and strategies for designing antagonists to anti-apoptotic proteins have been concisely discussed.

Doctoral Studies in Romania: Admission Procedures, Social, and Legal Aspects of Doctoral Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miclea, Mircea

2008-01-01

This contribution presents a concise and up-to-date report of doctoral studies in Romania, with a special emphasis on legal and social aspects. The author also argues that in order to be sustainable, the reform of doctoral studies should be substantiated by the differentiation of universities, reliable post-doctoral programmes, and a substantive…

Preliminary analysis of an integrated logistics system for OSSA payloads. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palguta, T.; Bradley, W.; Stockton, T.

1988-01-01

The purpose is to describe the logistics study background and approach to providing estimates of of logistics support requirements for Office of Space Science and Applications' payloads in the Space Station era. A concise summary is given of the study results. Future logistics support analysis tasks are identified.

Historic Neighborhood Schools: Success Stories. Issues and Initiatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Trust for Historic Preservation, Washington, DC.

This document offers 19 case studies that show how people across the United States have kept historic schools as vital parts of their communities. The case studies address the most important challenges to the continued use of historic schools as educational facilities. They offer concise summaries of information that architects, contractors, and…

Role of Grain Boundaries under Long-Time Radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yichao; Luo, Jing; Guo, Xu; Xiang, Yang; Chapman, Stephen Jonathan

2018-06-01

Materials containing a high proportion of grain boundaries offer significant potential for the development of radiation-resistant structural materials. However, a proper understanding of the connection between the radiation-induced microstructural behavior of a grain boundary and its impact at long natural time scales is still missing. In this Letter, point defect absorption at interfaces is summarized by a jump Robin-type condition at a coarse-grained level, wherein the role of interface microstructure is effectively taken into account. Then a concise formula linking the sink strength of a polycrystalline aggregate with its grain size is introduced and is well compared with experimental observation. Based on the derived model, a coarse-grained formulation incorporating the coupled evolution of grain boundaries and point defects is proposed, so as to underpin the study of long-time morphological evolution of grains induced by irradiation. Our simulation results suggest that the presence of point defect sources within a grain further accelerates its shrinking process, and radiation tends to trigger the extension of twin boundary sections.

A Review of Computational Methods for Finding Non-Coding RNA Genes

PubMed Central

Abbas, Qaisar; Raza, Syed Mansoor; Biyabani, Azizuddin Ahmed; Jaffar, Muhammad Arfan

2016-01-01

Finding non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes has emerged over the past few years as a cutting-edge trend in bioinformatics. There are numerous computational intelligence (CI) challenges in the annotation and interpretation of ncRNAs because it requires a domain-related expert knowledge in CI techniques. Moreover, there are many classes predicted yet not experimentally verified by researchers. Recently, researchers have applied many CI methods to predict the classes of ncRNAs. However, the diverse CI approaches lack a definitive classification framework to take advantage of past studies. A few review papers have attempted to summarize CI approaches, but focused on the particular methodological viewpoints. Accordingly, in this article, we summarize in greater detail than previously available, the CI techniques for finding ncRNAs genes. We differentiate from the existing bodies of research and discuss concisely the technical merits of various techniques. Lastly, we review the limitations of ncRNA gene-finding CI methods with a point-of-view towards the development of new computational tools. PMID:27918472

Effect of fast freeze-thaw cycles on mechanical properties of ordinary-air-entrained concrete.

PubMed

Shang, Huai-shuai; Cao, Wei-qun; Wang, Bin

2014-01-01

Freezing-thawing resistance is a very significant characteristic for concrete in severe environment (such as cold region with the lowest temperature below 0°C). In this study, ordinary-air-entrained (O-A-E) concrete was produced in a laboratory environment; the compressive strength, cubic compressive strength of C50, C40, C30, C25, and C20 ordinary-air-entrained concrete, tensile strength, and cleavage strength of C30 ordinary-air-entrained concrete were measured after fast freeze-thaw cycles. The effects of fast freeze-thaw cycles on the mechanical properties (compressive strength and cleavage strength) of ordinary-air-entrained concrete materials are investigated on the basis of the experimental results. And the concise mathematical formula between mechanical behavior and number of fast freeze-thaw cycles was established. The experiment results can be used as a reference in design, maintenance, and life prediction of ordinary-air-entrained concrete structure (such as dam, offshore platform, etc.) in cold regions.

Effect of Fast Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Mechanical Properties of Ordinary-Air-Entrained Concrete

PubMed Central

Shang, Huai-shuai; Cao, Wei-qun; Wang, Bin

2014-01-01

Freezing-thawing resistance is a very significant characteristic for concrete in severe environment (such as cold region with the lowest temperature below 0°C). In this study, ordinary-air-entrained (O-A-E) concrete was produced in a laboratory environment; the compressive strength, cubic compressive strength of C50, C40, C30, C25, and C20 ordinary-air-entrained concrete, tensile strength, and cleavage strength of C30 ordinary-air-entrained concrete were measured after fast freeze-thaw cycles. The effects of fast freeze-thaw cycles on the mechanical properties (compressive strength and cleavage strength) of ordinary-air-entrained concrete materials are investigated on the basis of the experimental results. And the concise mathematical formula between mechanical behavior and number of fast freeze-thaw cycles was established. The experiment results can be used as a reference in design, maintenance, and life prediction of ordinary-air-entrained concrete structure (such as dam, offshore platform, etc.) in cold regions. PMID:24895671

Stanislaw Smreczynskis legacy and the Department of Zoology of the Jagiellonian University of Krakow (Poland).

PubMed

Jaglarz, Mariusz K

2008-01-01

This article covers the origin and development of scientific interest in insect and amphibian developmental biology at the Department of Systematic Zoology and Zoogeography of the Jagiellonian University. The greater part of this historical account is devoted to Professor Stanislaw Smreczynski (1899-1975), the founding father of the Department, and comments on his biography and research achievements in the field of animal experimental embryology. A particular emphasis is on Smreczynski's contributions to contemporary understanding of early embryonic development of amphibians and insects as well as his expertise in Pleistocene and extant weevils (Curculionidae). A concise survey of developmental phenomena studied by some of Smreczynski's co-workers and followers is also presented, including the early embryogenesis of entognathans as well as germ cell determination and gonad formation in Drosophila virilis conducted by Jura; analysis of oogenesis in Collembola carried out by Krzysztofowicz; investigations of insects and tradigrades by Weglarska, and finally research into various aspects of ovary structure in diverse insect taxa by the Bilinski group.

Development of “-omics” research in Schistosoma spp. and -omics-based new diagnostic tools for schistosomiasis

PubMed Central

Wang, Shuqi; Hu, Wei

2014-01-01

Schistosomiasis, caused by dioecious flatworms in the genus Schistosoma, is torturing people from many developing countries nowadays and frequently leads to severe morbidity and mortality of the patients. Praziquantel based chemotherapy and morbidity control for this disease adopted currently necessitate viable and efficient diagnostic technologies. Fortunately, those “-omics” researches, which rely on high-throughput experimental technologies to produce massive amounts of informative data, have substantially contributed to the exploitation and innovation of diagnostic tools of schistosomiasis. In its first section, this review provides a concise conclusion on the progresses pertaining to schistosomal “-omics” researches to date, followed by a comprehensive section on the diagnostic methods of schistosomiasis, especially those innovative ones based on the detection of antibodies, antigens, nucleic acids, and metabolites with a focus on those achievements inspired by “-omics” researches. Finally, suggestions about the design of future diagnostic tools of schistosomiasis are proposed, in order to better harness those data produced by “-omics” studies. PMID:25018752

Concise Redox Deracemization of Secondary and Tertiary Amines with a Tetrahydroisoquinoline Core via a Nonenzymatic Process.

PubMed

Ji, Yue; Shi, Lei; Chen, Mu-Wang; Feng, Guang-Shou; Zhou, Yong-Gui

2015-08-26

A concise deracemization of racemic secondary and tertiary amines with a tetrahydroisoquinoline core has been successfully realized by orchestrating a redox process consisted of N-bromosuccinimide oxidation and iridum-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation. This compatible redox combination enables one-pot, single-operation deracemization to generate chiral 1-substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines with up to 98% ee in 93% yield, offering a simple and scalable synthetic technique for chiral amines directly from racemic starting materials.

Concise chemical synthesis of a tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen of Hafnia alvei 10457.

PubMed

Kumar, Rishi; Maulik, Prakas R; Misra, Anup Kumar

2008-08-01

Concise chemical synthesis of a tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen of Hafnia alvei 10457 is reported. Construction of the tetrasaccharide as its 4-methoxyphenyl glycoside was achieved by condensation of less abundant monosaccharide units such as, D-galactofuranose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and N-acetylneuraminic acid. The synthetic strategy consists of the preparation of suitably protected required monosaccharide intermediates from the commercially available reducing sugars and high yielding glycosylation reactions.

A concise review of testosterone and bone health

PubMed Central

Mohamad, Nur-Vaizura; Soelaiman, Ima-Nirwana; Chin, Kok-Yong

2016-01-01

Osteoporosis is a condition causing significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly population worldwide. Age-related testosterone deficiency is the most important factor of bone loss in elderly men. Androgen can influence bone health by binding to androgen receptors directly or to estrogen receptors (ERs) indirectly via aromatization to estrogen. This review summarized the direct and indirect effects of androgens on bone derived from in vitro, in vivo, and human studies. Cellular studies showed that androgen stimulated the proliferation of preosteoblasts and differentiation of osteoblasts. The converted estrogen suppressed osteoclast formation and resorption activity by blocking the receptor activator of nuclear factor k-B ligand pathway. In animal studies, activation of androgen and ERα, but not ERβ, was shown to be important in acquisition and maintenance of bone mass. Human epidemiological studies demonstrated a significant relationship between estrogen and testosterone in bone mineral density and fracture risk, but the relative significance between the two remained debatable. Human experimental studies showed that estrogen was needed in suppressing bone resorption, but both androgen and estrogen were indispensable for bone formation. As a conclusion, maintaining optimal level of androgen is essential in preventing osteoporosis and its complications in elderly men. PMID:27703340

Coverage vs Frequency : Is Spatial Coverage or Temporal Frequency More Impactful on Transit Ridership?

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-08-01

Transit ridership has long been studied, and the findings are concisely elucidated by Taylor & Fink (2003) when they say To sum, transit ridership is largely, though not completely, a product of factors outside the control of transit managers. ...

THE HUMAN BEHAVIOR RATING SCALE-BRIEF: A TOOL TO MEASURE 21ST CENTURY SKILLS OF K-12 LEARNERS.

PubMed

Woods-Groves, Suzanne

2015-06-01

Currently there is a call for brief concise measurements to appraise relevant 21st century college readiness skills in K-12 learners. This study employed K-12 teachers' ratings for over 3,000 students for an existing 91-item rating scale, the Human Behavior Rating Scale, that measured the 21st century skills of persistence, curiosity, externalizing affect, internalizing affect, and cognition. Teachers' ratings for K-12 learners were used to develop a brief, concise, and manageable 30-item tool, the Human Behavior Rating Scale-Brief. Results yielded high internal consistency coefficients and inter-item correlations. The items were not biased with regard to student sex or race, and were supported through confirmatory factor analyses. In addition, when teachers' ratings were compared with students' academic and behavioral performance data, moderate to strong relationships were revealed. This study provided an essential first step in the development of a psychometrically sound, manageable, and brief tool to appraise 21st century skills in K-12 learners.

[Printing and dyeing wastewater treatment using combined process of anaerobic bioreactor and MBR].

PubMed

Zheng, Xiang; Liu, Jun-xin

2004-09-01

This paper describes a labor-scale experiment for printing and dyeing wastewater treatment of woolen mill using a combined process of an anaerobic reactor and a membrane bioreactor (MBR). The experimental results showed that when the concentration of COD, BOD5 and color in the influent were 128-321 mg/L, 36-95 mg/L and 40-70 dilution times (DT), the average concentrations of COD, BOD5, color and turbidity in the effluent were 36.9 mg/L, 3.7 mg/L, 21 DT and 0.24 NTU, respectively, and the corresponding removal rates were 80.3%, 95%, 59% and 99.3%, respectively. A new integrated membrane bioreactor by gravity drain of liquid level in the bioreactor was developed in this study. It not only lessens suction pump for effluent and controlling unit comparing to the traditional integrated membrane bioreactor, but also has the characters of high and continuous flux, concise configuration and simple operation and maintenance. According to the experimental results, the air flow rate through the membrane module is a significant factor to affect the flux rate and cake layer deposited on the membrane. With application of optimal air flow rate, it is effective to reduce membrane fouling and maintain high flux rate.

Multiscale Mechanics of Articular Cartilage: Potentials and Challenges of Coupling Musculoskeletal, Joint, and Microscale Computational Models

PubMed Central

Halloran, J. P.; Sibole, S.; van Donkelaar, C. C.; van Turnhout, M. C.; Oomens, C. W. J.; Weiss, J. A.; Guilak, F.; Erdemir, A.

2012-01-01

Articular cartilage experiences significant mechanical loads during daily activities. Healthy cartilage provides the capacity for load bearing and regulates the mechanobiological processes for tissue development, maintenance, and repair. Experimental studies at multiple scales have provided a fundamental understanding of macroscopic mechanical function, evaluation of the micromechanical environment of chondrocytes, and the foundations for mechanobiological response. In addition, computational models of cartilage have offered a concise description of experimental data at many spatial levels under healthy and diseased conditions, and have served to generate hypotheses for the mechanical and biological function. Further, modeling and simulation provides a platform for predictive risk assessment, management of dysfunction, as well as a means to relate multiple spatial scales. Simulation-based investigation of cartilage comes with many challenges including both the computational burden and often insufficient availability of data for model development and validation. This review outlines recent modeling and simulation approaches to understand cartilage function from a mechanical systems perspective, and illustrates pathways to associate mechanics with biological function. Computational representations at single scales are provided from the body down to the microstructure, along with attempts to explore multiscale mechanisms of load sharing that dictate the mechanical environment of the cartilage and chondrocytes. PMID:22648577

Jane's School Safety Handbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wong, Marleen; Kelly, James; Stephens, Ronald D.

This book advises schools in a concise, detailed format about crisis management. Its chapters address: (1) crisis planning; (2) early warning signs; (3) crisis response; (4) crisis recovery; (5) case studies of schools that have encountered crisis situations; and (6) sample letters to be distributed in case of crisis. (Appendices discuss…

Designing and Proposing Your Research Project. Concise Guides to Conducting Behavioral, Health, and Social Science Research Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Urban, Jennifer Brown; van Eeden-Moorefield, Bradley Matheus

2017-01-01

Designing your own study and writing your research proposal takes time, often more so than conducting the study. This practical, accessible guide walks you through the entire process. You will learn to identify and narrow your research topic, develop your research question, design your study, and choose appropriate sampling and measurement…

Using Human Factors Techniques to Design Text Message Reminders for Childhood Immunization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahlers-Schmidt, Carolyn R.; Hart, Traci; Chesser, Amy; Williams, Katherine S.; Yaghmai, Beryl; Shah-Haque, Sapna; Wittler, Robert R.

2012-01-01

This study engaged parents to develop concise, informative, and comprehensible text messages for an immunization reminder system using Human Factors techniques. Fifty parents completed a structured interview including demographics, technology questions, willingness to receive texts from their child's doctor, and health literacy. Each participant…

Population. Readings for Senior Secondary Social Studies. Updated 1989.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Victoria International Development Education Association (British Columbia).

This document contains the information kit developed for the annual Model Summit Conferences for schools in the Victoria, British Columbia (Canada) and surrounding school districts. Materials germane to the conference topic were compiled and assembled for participants. The materials are of current interest, concise, simple and provide a balanced…

Cis and Trans Isomers of Cycloalkenes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barrows, Susan E.; Eberlein, Thomas H.

2005-01-01

A study investigates the strain in medium-sized cycloalkenes and the geometric and electronic distortions through which alkenes can relieve that strain. Literature data is summarized and results are presented with the aim of providing a concise reference for those interested in addressing the topic in an introductory organic chemistry curriculum.

Written Communication Competencies Necessary in the Accounting Profession.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Addams, H. Lon

1982-01-01

Discusses a study to determine the writing skills and projects which are most important to an accountant's success. Determined that students should be taught to prepare narratives, letters, and analytical reports. The student should learn to (1) write concisely, (2) construct smooth sentences, and (3) make conclusions. (JOW)

An Ever Present Danger: A Concise History of British Military Operations on the North-West Frontier, 1849-1947 (Occasional Paper, Number 33)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

belong almost exclusively to the trans-border Pashtun tribes. As Thomas H. Johnson and M. Chris Mason have pointed out; “The implica- 2 tions of the...Moreman, The Army in India and the Development of Frontier Warfare, 1849–1947 (London: Macmillan Press Ltd., 1998), 240. 4. Thomas H. Johnson and M...time they confronted the Pashtun tribes of the North-West Frontier. 14 Notes 1. Barbara D. Metcalf and Thomas R. Metcalf, A Concise History

Monte Carlo analysis of uncertainty propagation in a stratospheric model. 1: Development of a concise stratospheric model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rundel, R. D.; Butler, D. M.; Stolarski, R. S.

1977-01-01

A concise model has been developed to analyze uncertainties in stratospheric perturbations, yet uses a minimum of computer time and is complete enough to represent the results of more complex models. The steady state model applies iteration to achieve coupling between interacting species. The species are determined from diffusion equations with appropriate sources and sinks. Diurnal effects due to chlorine nitrate formation are accounted for by analytic approximation. The model has been used to evaluate steady state perturbations due to injections of chlorine and NO(X).

On a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet used for the deposition of silicon-organic films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schäfer, Jan; Sigeneger, Florian; Foest, Rüdiger; Loffhagen, Detlef; Weltmann, Klaus-Dieter

2018-05-01

This work represents a concise overview on the results achieved by the authors over the last years on the plasma of a non-thermal reactive plasma jet at atmospheric pressure and of related thin film formation by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD). The source was developed considering the application of the plasma self-organization for PECVD. The experimental methods comprise spectroscopic measurements of plasma parameters in the active zone, temperature measurements in the active zone and the effluent as well as the analysis of deposited films at the substrate surface. The theoretical investigations are devoted to a single filament in the active zone using a phase-resolved model and to an overall description of the jet including the substrate using a period-averaged model.

Detection of Rooftop Cooling Unit Faults Based on Electrical Measurements

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

Armstrong, Peter R.; Laughman, C R.; Leeb, S B.

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is accomplished by sampling voltage and current at high rates and reducing the resulting start transients or harmonic contents to concise ''signatures''. Changes in these signatures can be used to detect, and in many cases directly diagnose, equipment and component faults associated with roof-top cooling units. Use of the NILM for fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) is important because (1) it complements other FDD schemes that are based on thermo-fluid sensors and analyses and (2) it is minimally intrusive (one measuring point in the relatively protected confines of the control panel) and therefore inherently reliable. Thismore » paper describes changes in the power signatures of fans and compressors that were found, experimentally and theoretically, to be useful for fault detection.« less

Big Data Analytics with Datalog Queries on Spark.

PubMed

Shkapsky, Alexander; Yang, Mohan; Interlandi, Matteo; Chiu, Hsuan; Condie, Tyson; Zaniolo, Carlo

2016-01-01

There is great interest in exploiting the opportunity provided by cloud computing platforms for large-scale analytics. Among these platforms, Apache Spark is growing in popularity for machine learning and graph analytics. Developing efficient complex analytics in Spark requires deep understanding of both the algorithm at hand and the Spark API or subsystem APIs (e.g., Spark SQL, GraphX). Our BigDatalog system addresses the problem by providing concise declarative specification of complex queries amenable to efficient evaluation. Towards this goal, we propose compilation and optimization techniques that tackle the important problem of efficiently supporting recursion in Spark. We perform an experimental comparison with other state-of-the-art large-scale Datalog systems and verify the efficacy of our techniques and effectiveness of Spark in supporting Datalog-based analytics.

Big Data Analytics with Datalog Queries on Spark

PubMed Central

Shkapsky, Alexander; Yang, Mohan; Interlandi, Matteo; Chiu, Hsuan; Condie, Tyson; Zaniolo, Carlo

2017-01-01

There is great interest in exploiting the opportunity provided by cloud computing platforms for large-scale analytics. Among these platforms, Apache Spark is growing in popularity for machine learning and graph analytics. Developing efficient complex analytics in Spark requires deep understanding of both the algorithm at hand and the Spark API or subsystem APIs (e.g., Spark SQL, GraphX). Our BigDatalog system addresses the problem by providing concise declarative specification of complex queries amenable to efficient evaluation. Towards this goal, we propose compilation and optimization techniques that tackle the important problem of efficiently supporting recursion in Spark. We perform an experimental comparison with other state-of-the-art large-scale Datalog systems and verify the efficacy of our techniques and effectiveness of Spark in supporting Datalog-based analytics. PMID:28626296

A First Look at Children and Youths Who Are Deaf-Blind in the Kingdom of Thailand

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sukontharungsee, Saowaruk; Bourquin, Eugene; Poonpit, Mor

2006-01-01

The study presented in this paper represents the first organized attempt to examine the population of individuals who are deaf-blind in Thailand. This study began as a master's thesis in a university rehabilitation program; in 2004, the results were concisely presented at a conference in Asia (Sukontharungsee, 2005). The research activities were…

Phonics, Spelling, and Word Study: A Sensible Approach. The Bill Harp Professional Teachers Library Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glazer, Susan Mandel

This concise book shares several sensible, logical, and meaningful approaches that guide young children to use the written coding system to read, spell, and make meaning of the English language coding system. The book demonstrates that phonics, spelling, and word study are essential parts of literacy learning. After an introduction, chapters are:…

The TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS): Design, Current Status, and Selected Findings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ormel, Johan; Oldehinkel, Albertine J.; Sijtsema, Jelle; van Oort, Floor; Raven, Dennis; Veenstra, Rene; Vollebergh, Wilma A. M.; Verhulst, Frank C.

2012-01-01

Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: to present a concise overview of the sample, outcomes, determinants, non-response and attrition of the ongoing TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS), which started in 2001; to summarize a selection of recent findings on continuity, discontinuity, risk, and protective…

Saying the Wrong Thing: Improving Learning with Multimedia by Including Misconceptions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muller, D. A.; Bewes, J.; Sharma, M. D.; Reimann, P.

2008-01-01

In this study, 364 first-year physics students were randomly assigned to one of four online multimedia treatments on Newton's First and Second Laws of Motion: (1) the "Exposition", a concise lecture-style presentation; (2) the "Extended Exposition", the Exposition with additional interesting information; (3) the "Refutation", the Exposition with…

Elements of a Knowledge Management Guide for Public Sector Organizations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Mark Cameron

2013-01-01

This study explored the factors that are critical to the success of public (government) sector knowledge management initiatives and the lessons from private sector knowledge management and organizational learning that apply in the public sector. The goal was to create a concise guide, based on research-validated success factors, to aid government…

Validation of an Evaluation Model for Learning Management Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, S. W.; Lee, M. G.

2008-01-01

This study aims to validate a model for evaluating learning management systems (LMS) used in e-learning fields. A survey of 163 e-learning experts, regarding 81 validation items developed through literature review, was used to ascertain the importance of the criteria. A concise list of explanatory constructs, including two principle factors, was…

Understanding Cybercrime: A Phenomenological Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sine, Lori M.

2010-01-01

Research done over the last 15 years has promoted the need for a concise, common definition of cybercrime. Hardesty and Ball (NW3C, 1996) contended that once a universal definition was agreed upon, common procedures for investigation could be established. Cybercrime training is also essential in the investigation of this type of crime. This…

African-American Politics and Community in Cairo and Vicinity, 1863-1900.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ollarvia, Janice Bell; Portwood, Shirley J.

1996-01-01

Encapsulates a complete lesson plan suitable for secondary, U.S. history, social studies, or African American history courses. Begins with a concise overview of the development of a residential and business community among the African Americans in post-Civil War Cairo, Illinois. Includes teaching suggestions, learning activities, and handouts.…

Qualitative Life-Grids: A Proposed Method for Comparative European Educational Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abbas, Andrea; Ashwin, Paul; McLean, Monica

2013-01-01

Drawing upon their large three-year mixed-method study comparing four English university sociology departments, the authors demonstrate the benefits to be gained from concisely recording biographical stories on life-grids. They argue that life-grids have key benefits which are important for comparative European educational research. Some of these…

Procedures for Conducting Installation Compatible Use Zone (ICUZ) studies

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-01

Yes ( Penguin Books, New York, 1986). This book is a national bestseller on negotiation. It provides a concise, step-by-step, proven strategy for...AL ftA TE trate your proposal: Basic Principles of this CP TECHNIQUE - You may be able to transport some of the It’s not infrequent that public

On Improving Text Readability by Creating a Personal Writing Style

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shen, Yuru

2017-01-01

English writing is one of the four indispensable skills that English learners need to master, but unfortunately, many Chinese college students have much difficulty composing clear, concise and coherent essays although they have studied English for at least over six years. To address the problem, the researchers and teachers in China have tried…

The Prone Protected Posture

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

5K 2. METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3. RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23I 4...2. METHODOLOGY The first step required in this study was to characterize the prone protected posture. Basically, a man in the prone posture differs...reduction in the presented area of target personnel. Reference 6 contains a concise discussion of the methodology used to generate the shielding functions

Technical Report: Kindergarten Early Learning Scale

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riley-Ayers, Shannon; Jung, Kwanghee; Quinn, Jorie

2014-01-01

The Kindergarten Early Learning Scale (KELS) was developed as a concise observational assessment for young children. It examines three domains including (1) Math/Science, (2) Social Emotional/Social Studies, and (3) Language and Literacy, with a total of 10 items across the domains. Scores reported for each of the 10 items are based upon…

Concise Review: Mesenchymal Stromal Cell‐Based Approaches for the Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress and Sepsis Syndromes

PubMed Central

Soeder, Yorick; Dahlke, Marc H.

2017-01-01

Abstract Despite extensive research on candidate pharmacological treatments and a significant and increasing prevalence, sepsis syndrome, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remain areas of unmet clinical need. Preclinical studies examining mesenchymal stromal cell (MSCs) based‐therapies have provided compelling evidence of potential benefit; however, the precise mechanism by which MSCs exert a therapeutic influence, and whether MSC application is efficacious in humans, remains unknown. Detailed evaluation of the limited number of human trials so far completed is further hampered as a result of variations in trial design and biomarker selection. This review provides a concise summary of current preclinical and clinical knowledge of MSCs as a cell therapy for sepsis syndrome and ARDS. The challenges of modeling such heterogeneous and rapidly progressive disease states are considered and we discuss how lessons from previous studies of pharmacological treatments for sepsis syndrome and ARDS might be used to inform and refine the design of the next generation of MSC clinical trials. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:1141–1151 PMID:28186706

A Subspace Approach to the Structural Decomposition and Identification of Ankle Joint Dynamic Stiffness.

PubMed

Jalaleddini, Kian; Tehrani, Ehsan Sobhani; Kearney, Robert E

2017-06-01

The purpose of this paper is to present a structural decomposition subspace (SDSS) method for decomposition of the joint torque to intrinsic, reflexive, and voluntary torques and identification of joint dynamic stiffness. First, it formulates a novel state-space representation for the joint dynamic stiffness modeled by a parallel-cascade structure with a concise parameter set that provides a direct link between the state-space representation matrices and the parallel-cascade parameters. Second, it presents a subspace method for the identification of the new state-space model that involves two steps: 1) the decomposition of the intrinsic and reflex pathways and 2) the identification of an impulse response model of the intrinsic pathway and a Hammerstein model of the reflex pathway. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate that SDSS has significant performance advantages over some other methods. Thus, SDSS was more robust under high noise conditions, converging where others failed; it was more accurate, giving estimates with lower bias and random errors. The method also worked well in practice and yielded high-quality estimates of intrinsic and reflex stiffnesses when applied to experimental data at three muscle activation levels. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that SDSS accurately decomposes the intrinsic and reflex torques and provides accurate estimates of physiologically meaningful parameters. SDSS will be a valuable tool for studying joint stiffness under functionally important conditions. It has important clinical implications for the diagnosis, assessment, objective quantification, and monitoring of neuromuscular diseases that change the muscle tone.

PSP Measurement of Stator Vane Surface Pressures in a High Speed Fan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lepicovsky, Jan

1998-01-01

This paper presents measurements of static pressures on the stator vane suction side of a high-speed single stage fan using the technique of pressure sensitive paint (PSP). The paper illustrates development in application of the relatively new experimental technique to the complex environment of internal flows in turbomachines. First, there is a short explanation of the physics of the PSP technique and a discussion of calibration methods for pressure sensitive paint in the turbomachinery environment. A description of the image conversion process follows. The recorded image of the stator vane pressure field is skewed due to the limited optical access and must be converted to the meridional plane projection for comparison with analytical predictions. The experimental results for seven operating conditions along an off-design rotational speed line are shown in a concise form, including performance map points, mindspan static tap pressure distributions, and vane suction side pressure fields. Then, a comparison between static tap and pressure sensitive paint data is discussed. Finally, the paper lists shortcomings of the pressure sensitive paint technology and lessons learned in this high-speed fan application.

Concise Catalog of Deep-Sky Objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finlay, Warren H.

This book is intended to give a concise summary of some of the more interesting astrophysical facts that are known about objects commonly observed by amateur astronomers. Pondering this information while viewing an object in the field has added a new level to the author's enjoyment of deep-sky observing, and it is hoped this information will be similarly enjoyed by other amateur astronomers. The book is not intended to be read cover to cover, but rather is designed so that each object entry can be read individually one at a time and in no particular order, perhaps while at the eyepiece.

MEXICAN-AMERICAN STUDY PROJECT. ADVANCE REPORT 8, MEXICAN-AMERICANS IN A MIDWEST METROPOLIS--A STUDY OF EAST CHICAGO.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LAMANNA, RICHARD A.; SAMORA, JULIAN

MEXICAN AMERICANS WHO HAVE MIGRATED TO THE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX OF EAST CHICAGO ARE ANALYZED TO DETERMINE THE VALIDITY OF A HYPOTHESIS THAT THIS GROUP WAS PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES NOT AVAILABLE TO THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE SOUTHWEST FOR ASSIMILATION INTO THE COMMUNITY. A CONCISE REPORT ON THE HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN-AMERICAN COLONY IN EAST CHICAGO, ITS…

Reynolds number scaling to predict droplet size distribution in dispersed and undispersed subsurface oil releases.

PubMed

Li, Pu; Weng, Linlu; Niu, Haibo; Robinson, Brian; King, Thomas; Conmy, Robyn; Lee, Kenneth; Liu, Lei

2016-12-15

This study was aimed at testing the applicability of modified Weber number scaling with Alaska North Slope (ANS) crude oil, and developing a Reynolds number scaling approach for oil droplet size prediction for high viscosity oils. Dispersant to oil ratio and empirical coefficients were also quantified. Finally, a two-step Rosin-Rammler scheme was introduced for the determination of droplet size distribution. This new approach appeared more advantageous in avoiding the inconsistency in interfacial tension measurements, and consequently delivered concise droplet size prediction. Calculated and observed data correlated well based on Reynolds number scaling. The relation indicated that chemical dispersant played an important role in reducing the droplet size of ANS under different seasonal conditions. The proposed Reynolds number scaling and two-step Rosin-Rammler approaches provide a concise, reliable way to predict droplet size distribution, supporting decision making in chemical dispersant application during an offshore oil spill. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Frontiers of Theoretical Research on Shape Memory Alloys: A General Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdhury, Piyas

2018-03-01

In this concise review, general aspects of modeling shape memory alloys (SMAs) are recounted. Different approaches are discussed under four general categories, namely, (a) macro-phenomenological, (b) micromechanical, (c) molecular dynamics, and (d) first principles models. Macro-phenomenological theories, stemming from empirical formulations depicting continuum elastic, plastic, and phase transformation, are primarily of engineering interest, whereby the performance of SMA-made components is investigated. Micromechanical endeavors are generally geared towards understanding microstructural phenomena within continuum mechanics such as the accommodation of straining due to phase change as well as role of precipitates. By contrast, molecular dynamics, being a more recently emerging computational technique, concerns attributes of discrete lattice structures, and thus captures SMA deformation mechanism by means of empirically reconstructing interatomic bonding forces. Finally, ab initio theories utilize quantum mechanical framework to peek into atomistic foundation of deformation, and can pave the way for studying the role of solid-sate effects. With specific examples, this paper provides concise descriptions of each category along with their relative merits and emphases.

Multidisciplinary Training on Spiritual Care for Patients in Palliative Care Trajectories Improves the Attitudes and Competencies of Hospital Medical Staff: Results of a Quasi-Experimental Study.

PubMed

van de Geer, Joep; Veeger, Nic; Groot, Marieke; Zock, Hetty; Leget, Carlo; Prins, Jelle; Vissers, Kris

2018-02-01

Patients value health-care professionals' attention to their spiritual needs. However, this is undervalued in health-care professionals' education. Additional training is essential for implementation of a national multidisciplinary guideline on spiritual care (SC) in palliative care (PC). Aim of this study is to measure effects of a training program on SC in PC based on the guideline. A pragmatic multicenter trial using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design as part of an action research study. Eight multidisciplinary teams in regular wards and 1 team of PC consultants, in 8 Dutch teaching hospitals, received questionnaires before training about perceived barriers for SC, spiritual attitudes and involvement, and SC competencies. The effect on the barriers on SC and SC competencies were measured both 1 and 6 months after the training. For nurses (n = 214), 7 of 8 barriers to SC were decreased after 1 month, but only 2 were still after 6 months. For physicians (n = 41), the training had no effect on the barriers to SC. Nurses improved in 4 of 6 competencies after both 1 and 6 months. Physicians improved in 3 of 6 competencies after 1 month but in only 1 competency after 6 months. Concise SC training programs for clinical teams can effect quality of care, by improving hospital staff competencies and decreasing the barriers they perceive. Differences in the effects of the SC training on nurses and physicians show the need for further research on physicians' educational needs on SC.

Mathematical models of cell motility.

PubMed

Flaherty, Brendan; McGarry, J P; McHugh, P E

2007-01-01

Cell motility is an essential biological action in the creation, operation and maintenance of our bodies. Developing mathematical models elucidating cell motility will greatly advance our understanding of this fundamental biological process. With accurate models it is possible to explore many permutations of the same event and concisely investigate their outcome. While great advancements have been made in experimental studies of cell motility, it now has somewhat fallen on mathematical models to taking a leading role in future developments. The obvious reason for this is the complexity of cell motility. Employing the processing power of today's computers will give researches the ability to run complex biophysical and biochemical scenarios, without the inherent difficulty and time associated with in vitro investigations. Before any great advancement can be made, the basics of cell motility will have to be well-defined. Without this, complicated mathematical models will be hindered by their inherent conjecture. This review will look at current mathematical investigations of cell motility, explore the reasoning behind such work and conclude with how best to advance this interesting and challenging research area.

Encoding and decoding of digital spiral imaging based on bidirectional transformation of light's spatial eigenmodes.

PubMed

Zhang, Wuhong; Chen, Lixiang

2016-06-15

Digital spiral imaging has been demonstrated as an effective optical tool to encode optical information and retrieve topographic information of an object. Here we develop a conceptually new and concise scheme for optical image encoding and decoding toward free-space digital spiral imaging. We experimentally demonstrate that the optical lattices with ℓ=±50 orbital angular momentum superpositions and a clover image with nearly 200 Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) modes can be well encoded and successfully decoded. It is found that an image encoded/decoded with a two-index LG spectrum (considering both azimuthal and radial indices, ℓ and p) possesses much higher fidelity than that with a one-index LG spectrum (only considering the ℓ index). Our work provides an alternative tool for the image encoding/decoding scheme toward free-space optical communications.

Science & Technology Review September 2009

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

Bearinger, J P

This month's issue has the following articles: (1) Remembering the Laboratory's First Director - Commentary by Harold Brown; (2) Herbert F. York (1921-2009): A Life of Firsts, an Ambassador for Peace - The Laboratory's first director, who died on May 19, 2009, used his expertise in science and technology to advance arms control and prevent nuclear war; (3) Searching for Life in Extreme Environments - DNA will help researchers discover new marine species and prepare to search for life on other planets; (4) Energy Goes with the Flow - Lawrence Livermore is one of the few organizations that distills themore » big picture about energy resources and use into a concise diagram; and (5) The Radiant Side of Sound - An experimental method that converts sound waves into light may lead to new technologies for scientific and industrial applications.« less

Fault diagnosis for analog circuits utilizing time-frequency features and improved VVRKFA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Wei; He, Yigang; Luo, Qiwu; Zhang, Chaolong

2018-04-01

This paper proposes a novel scheme for analog circuit fault diagnosis utilizing features extracted from the time-frequency representations of signals and an improved vector-valued regularized kernel function approximation (VVRKFA). First, the cross-wavelet transform is employed to yield the energy-phase distribution of the fault signals over the time and frequency domain. Since the distribution is high-dimensional, a supervised dimensionality reduction technique—the bilateral 2D linear discriminant analysis—is applied to build a concise feature set from the distributions. Finally, VVRKFA is utilized to locate the fault. In order to improve the classification performance, the quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization technique is employed to gradually tune the learning parameter of the VVRKFA classifier. The experimental results for the analog circuit faults classification have demonstrated that the proposed diagnosis scheme has an advantage over other approaches.

Learning accurate and concise naïve Bayes classifiers from attribute value taxonomies and data

PubMed Central

Kang, D.-K.; Silvescu, A.; Honavar, V.

2009-01-01

In many application domains, there is a need for learning algorithms that can effectively exploit attribute value taxonomies (AVT)—hierarchical groupings of attribute values—to learn compact, comprehensible and accurate classifiers from data—including data that are partially specified. This paper describes AVT-NBL, a natural generalization of the naïve Bayes learner (NBL), for learning classifiers from AVT and data. Our experimental results show that AVT-NBL is able to generate classifiers that are substantially more compact and more accurate than those produced by NBL on a broad range of data sets with different percentages of partially specified values. We also show that AVT-NBL is more efficient in its use of training data: AVT-NBL produces classifiers that outperform those produced by NBL using substantially fewer training examples. PMID:20351793

Light Field Imaging Based Accurate Image Specular Highlight Removal

PubMed Central

Wang, Haoqian; Xu, Chenxue; Wang, Xingzheng; Zhang, Yongbing; Peng, Bo

2016-01-01

Specular reflection removal is indispensable to many computer vision tasks. However, most existing methods fail or degrade in complex real scenarios for their individual drawbacks. Benefiting from the light field imaging technology, this paper proposes a novel and accurate approach to remove specularity and improve image quality. We first capture images with specularity by the light field camera (Lytro ILLUM). After accurately estimating the image depth, a simple and concise threshold strategy is adopted to cluster the specular pixels into “unsaturated” and “saturated” category. Finally, a color variance analysis of multiple views and a local color refinement are individually conducted on the two categories to recover diffuse color information. Experimental evaluation by comparison with existed methods based on our light field dataset together with Stanford light field archive verifies the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm. PMID:27253083

Analysis of the Browns Ferry Unit 3 irradiation experiments. Final report

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

Simmons, G.L.

1984-11-01

The results of the analysis of two experiments performed at the Browns Ferry-3 reactor are presented. These calculations utilize state-of-the-art neutron transport techniques and a new neutron cross-section library that has been developed for LWR applications. The calculations agree well with the experimental data obtained in irradiations inside the reactor vessel. For the measurements performed in the reactor cavity, the calculations agree well at the reactor midplane. Accurate determination of the axial distribution of the neutron fluence in the reactor cavity depends on having a concise representation of the axial-void distribution in the core. Detailed data are presented describing themore » procedures used in the generation of the new cross-section library that has been named SAILOR. This library is available from the Radiation-Shielding Information Center.« less

Marx and Education. Routledge Key Ideas in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anyon, Jean

2011-01-01

There was only one Karl Marx, but there have been a multitude of Marxisms. This concise, introductory book by internationally renowned scholar Jean Anyon centers on the ideas of Marx that have been used in education studies as a guide to theory, analysis, research, and practice. "Marx and Education" begins with a brief overview of basic Marxist…

A Concise History of School-Based Smoking Prevention Research: A Pendulum Effect Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sussman, Steve; Black, David S.; Rohrbach, Louise A.

2010-01-01

School-based cigarette smoking prevention was initiated shortly after the first Surgeon General's Report in 1964. This article highlights a sequence of events by which school-based tobacco use prevention research developed as a science, and illustrates a pendulum effect, with confidence in tobacco use prevention increasing and decreasing at…

75 FR 3956 - Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed Transit Improvements in the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-25

... purpose and need, the alternatives to be studied, the impacts to be evaluated, and the evaluation methods... clear roadmap for concise development of the environmental document. In the interest of producing a... unincorporated Los Angeles County which includes east Los Angeles and west Whittier-Los Nietos. A diverse mix of...

Development and Demonstration of Innovations in Adult Agricultural Education. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Persons, Edgar A.; And Others

One of a series of related inquiries, this study focused on computer aided decision making and record keeping in farm management; and on instructional variables in adult agricultural education which affect the reception of agricultural innovations. Phases 1 and 2 of this project entailed use of farm record data in preparing concise summaries and…

Emotional Differences between Early and Late Degree Program Music Teacher Education Students Using a Concise Emotional Inventory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fredrickson, William E.; Madsen, Clifford K.

2010-01-01

Teaching music can be a stressful profession. How current and future teachers perceive stress, and the personal emotions that result from stressful situations, raises many questions. This study investigated differences in perception of levels of emotional stress between early and late program students in music teacher education using a concise…

Cross-Age Peer Tutoring in Physics: Tutors, Tutees, and Achievement in Electricity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Korner, Marianne; Hopf, Martin

2015-01-01

International comparisons reveal that lower-secondary-level students in Austria perform below the OECD mean in science. Guided by the search for remedies and improvements in science teaching, this study investigates whether cross-age peer tutoring is an appropriate method for teaching physics. A modern and concise definition of peer tutoring is…

NRC/AMRMC Resident Research Associateship Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

Intravital Microscopy was successfully employed for investigating EG shedding in hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation for the very first time; Contract... Intravital microscopy integrated with systemic hemodynamics evaluations may be essential and more accurate tools to identify changes and study...findings in concise form, utilizing key concepts/words. 1) Intravital Microscopy was successfully employed for investigating EG shedding in hemorrhagic

Mathematical Creativity: Psychology, Progress and Caveats

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sriraman, Bharath

2017-01-01

The aim of this paper is to provide a concise survey of advances in the study of the psychology of creativity, with an emphasis on literature that is typically not cited in mathematics education. In spite of claims that mathematical creativity is an ill-defined area of inquiry in mathematics education, the literature from psychology can serve as…

Reading Crisis: The Problem and Suggested Solutions. An EDUCATION U.S.A. Special Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National School Public Relations Association, Washington, DC.

This report was written to provide the nation's education community with up-to-date information on the most significant recent studies on reading problems in concise, understandable language. Administrators, teachers, and school boards are anxious to improve their reading programs as part of the new national goal to end reading failures in America…

Research Needs for Technology Education: A U.S. Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Gene; Ritz, John

2012-01-01

This study was conducted for the purpose of identifying research needs for technology education by generating a rank-ordered list of research topics that the profession's members might wish to explore individually or in collaboration with colleagues and students. The researchers' goal was to provide a concise list of topics that could be used by…

An Updated Typology of Causative Constructions: Form-Function Mappings in Hupa (California Athabaskan), Chungli Ao (Tibeto-Burman) and Beyond

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Escamilla, Ramon Matthew, Jr.

2012-01-01

Taking up analytical issues raised primarily in Dixon (2000) and Dixon & Aikhenvald (2000), this dissertation combines descriptive work with a medium-sized (50-language) typological study. Chapter 1 situates the dissertation against a concise survey of typological-functional work on causative constructions from the last few decades, and…

Concise Review: Mesenchymal Stem (Stromal) Cells: Biology and Preclinical Evidence for Therapeutic Potential for Organ Dysfunction Following Trauma or Sepsis.

PubMed

Matthay, Michael A; Pati, Shibani; Lee, Jae-Woo

2017-02-01

Several experimental studies have provided evidence that bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells (MSC) may be effective in treating critically ill surgical patients who develop traumatic brain injury, acute renal failure, or the acute respiratory distress syndrome. There is also preclinical evidence that MSC may be effective in treating sepsis-induced organ failure, including evidence that MSC have antimicrobial properties. This review considers preclinical studies with direct relevance to organ failure following trauma, sepsis or major infections that apply to critically ill patients. Progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of benefit, including MSC release of paracrine factors, transfer of mitochondria, and elaboration of exosomes and microvesicles. Regardless of how well they are designed, preclinical studies have limitations in modeling the complexity of clinical syndromes, especially in patients who are critically ill. In order to facilitate translation of the preclinical studies of MSC to critically ill patients, there will need to be more standardization regarding MSC production with a focus on culture methods and cell characterization. Finally, well designed clinical trials will be needed in critically ill patient to assess safety and efficacy. Stem Cells 2017;35:316-324. © 2016 AlphaMed Press.

Vascular complications of transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A concise literature review

PubMed Central

Chaudhry, Muhammad Ali; Sardar, Muhammad Rizwan

2017-01-01

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a relatively newer therapeutic modality which offers a promising alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement for patients with prohibitive, high and intermediate surgical risk. The increasing trend to pursue TAVR in these patients has also led to growing awareness of the associated potential vascular complications. The significant impact of these complications on eventual clinical outcome and mortality makes prompt recognition and timely management a critical factor in TAVR patients. We hereby present a concise review with emphasis on diverse vascular complications associated with TAVR and their effective management to improve overall clinical outcomes. PMID:28824787

Evaluating a Bedside Tool for Neuroanatomical Localization with Extended-Matching Questions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tan, Kevin; Chin, Han Xin; Yau, Christine W. L.; Lim, Erle C. H.; Samarasekera, Dujeepa; Ponnamperuma, Gominda; Tan, Nigel C. K.

2018-01-01

Neuroanatomical localization (NL) is a key skill in neurology, but learners often have difficulty with it. This study aims to evaluate a concise NL tool (NLT) developed to help teach and learn NL. To evaluate the NLT, an extended-matching questions (EMQ) test to assess NL was designed and validated. The EMQ was validated with fourth-year medical…

Adipose Tissue: Sanctuary for HIV/SIV Persistence and Replication.

PubMed

Pallikkuth, Suresh; Mohan, Mahesh

2015-12-01

This commentary highlights new findings from a recent study identifying adipose tissue as a potential HIV reservoir and a major site of inflammation during chronic human/simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV/SIV) infection. A concise discussion about upcoming challenges and new research avenues for reducing chronic adipose inflammation during HIV/SIV infection is presented. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Educational Development Officer--A New Staff Development Concept in the Community College and Technical Institute.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLeod, Neill; Trent, Curtis

The major focus of the study was the development of a clear concise description of job tasks of the "educational development officer," a role model of which had been developed and piloted in North Carolina by a governmental research unit, the Junior and Community College Division of the National Laboratory of Higher Education, located in…

Master Curriculum Guide in Economics for the Nation's Schools. Part I, A Framework for Teaching Economics: Basic Concepts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hansen, W. Lee; And Others

A concise framework of basic concepts and generalizations for teaching economics for K-12 students is presented. The guide summarizes the basic structure and substance of economics and lists and describes economic concepts. Standard guidelines are provided to help school systems integrate economics into their on-going courses of study. Designed to…

Still Red and in War or Just Poor? European Transformation Societies in Geography Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bagoly-Simo, Peter

2013-01-01

Textbooks are an important tool for teaching and learning in high school geography classrooms. But what sort of picture do they provide of places that are different and distant from the countries in which they are published? This study explores this question through a concise analysis of a widely used American world geography textbook, with a…

Meta-Reflective Service Learning Poster Fairs: Purposive Pedagogy for Pre-Service Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stewart, Trae

2008-01-01

Given that teachers need to present information in a concise, understandable way, to reflect on their practices to inform future actions, and to know how to create and use a teaching artifact, this article reports the findings from a study conducted to examine the impacts from a class-based poster session in teacher education. First, a review of…

Broadcast Operator Handbook. Radiotelephone 3rd Class Operators' Permit. Broadcast Endorsement. First Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1976

Intended to serve as a practical study guide for those applicants interested in obtaining the Radiotelephone Third Class Operator Permit with the endorsement to operate broadcast radio stations, this manual is also designed to be helpful as a concise reference for those operators already active in the field of broadcasting. Chapters 1 and 2 are…

"Advanced Classes? They're Only for White Kids": How One Kansas School Is Changing the Face of Honors and Advanced Placement Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kerr, Roberta

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to obtain an accurate picture of minority student enrollment in honors and advanced placement (AP) classes at Wichita (Kansas) High School East and to develop a plan of action to close the achievement gap between White and non-White students. Prior to this study there was no clear, concise data to move this discussion…

Concise, stereodivergent and highly stereoselective synthesis of cis- and trans-2-substituted 3-hydroxypiperidines – development of a phosphite-driven cyclodehydration

PubMed Central

Westphal, Julia C

2014-01-01

Summary A concise (5 to 6 steps), stereodivergent, highly diastereoselective (dr up to >19:1 for both stereoisomers) and scalable synthesis (up to 14 g) of cis- and trans-2-substituted 3-piperidinols, a core motif in numerous bioactive compounds, is presented. This sequence allowed an efficient synthesis of the NK-1 inhibitor L-733,060 in 8 steps. Additionally, a cyclodehydration-realizing simple triethylphosphite as a substitute for triphenylphosphine is developed. Here the stoichiometric oxidized P(V)-byproduct (triethylphosphate) is easily removed during the work up through saponification overcoming separation difficulties usually associated to triphenylphosphine oxide. PMID:24605158

Finding Specification Pages from the Web

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshinaga, Naoki; Torisawa, Kentaro

This paper presents a method of finding a specification page on the Web for a given object (e.g., ``Ch. d'Yquem'') and its class label (e.g., ``wine''). A specification page for an object is a Web page which gives concise attribute-value information about the object (e.g., ``county''-``Sauternes'') in well formatted structures. A simple unsupervised method using layout and symbolic decoration cues was applied to a large number of the Web pages to acquire candidate attributes for each class (e.g., ``county'' for a class ``wine''). We then filter out irrelevant words from the putative attributes through an author-aware scoring function that we called site frequency. We used the acquired attributes to select a representative specification page for a given object from the Web pages retrieved by a normal search engine. Experimental results revealed that our system greatly outperformed the normal search engine in terms of this specification retrieval.

Experimental investigation of the burning of mixed and synthetic fuel counterflow burner module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kononova, V. V.; Gur'yanov, A. I.

2017-11-01

All articles must contain an abstract. The abstract text should be formatted using 10 point Times or Times New Roman and indented 25 mm from the left margin. Leave 10 mm space after the abstract before you begin the main text of your article, starting on the same page as the abstract. The abstract should give readers concise information about the content of the article and indicate the main results obtained and conclusions drawn. The abstract is not part of the text and should be complete in itself; no table numbers, figure numbers, references or displayed mathematical expressions should be included. It should be suitable for direct inclusion in abstracting services and should not normally exceed 200 words in a single paragraph. Since contemporary information-retrieval systems rely heavily on the content of titles and abstracts to identify relevant articles in literature searches, great care should be taken in constructing both.

Advancing Lithium Metal Batteries

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

Liu, Bin; Zhang, Ji-Guang; Xu, Wu

Considering the unsatisfied energy density of traditional graphite anode-based lithium (Li)-ion batteries, any alterative high capacity anodes will be highly expected to be practically applied in future high energy battery systems. Li metal is regarded as one of the most promising anodes due to its ultrahigh capacity (3860 mAh g-1), the lowest standard negative electrochemical potential (-3.040 V) and the very low gravimetric density (0.534 g cm-3). However, dendrite growth and high reactivity of Li metal result in low cycling efficiency and severe safety concerns. The revival of research and development on Li metal anode in recent years has broughtmore » new in-depth understandings and key experimental achievements regarding Li metal protection and enhanced performances of Li-metal batteries. In this perspective article, we first concisely review the recent discoveries and then offer possible research directions for further development of Li metal batteries.« less

Demixed principal component analysis of neural population data.

PubMed

Kobak, Dmitry; Brendel, Wieland; Constantinidis, Christos; Feierstein, Claudia E; Kepecs, Adam; Mainen, Zachary F; Qi, Xue-Lian; Romo, Ranulfo; Uchida, Naoshige; Machens, Christian K

2016-04-12

Neurons in higher cortical areas, such as the prefrontal cortex, are often tuned to a variety of sensory and motor variables, and are therefore said to display mixed selectivity. This complexity of single neuron responses can obscure what information these areas represent and how it is represented. Here we demonstrate the advantages of a new dimensionality reduction technique, demixed principal component analysis (dPCA), that decomposes population activity into a few components. In addition to systematically capturing the majority of the variance of the data, dPCA also exposes the dependence of the neural representation on task parameters such as stimuli, decisions, or rewards. To illustrate our method we reanalyze population data from four datasets comprising different species, different cortical areas and different experimental tasks. In each case, dPCA provides a concise way of visualizing the data that summarizes the task-dependent features of the population response in a single figure.

The RNA Silencing Pathway: The Bits and Pieces That Matter

PubMed Central

Groenenboom, Marian A. C; Marée, Athanasius F. M; Hogeweg, Paulien

2005-01-01

Cellular pathways are generally proposed on the basis of available experimental knowledge. The proposed pathways, however, may be inadequate to describe the phenomena they are supposed to explain. For instance, by means of concise mathematical models we are able to reveal shortcomings in the current description of the pathway of RNA silencing. The silencing pathway operates by cleaving siRNAs from dsRNA. siRNAs can associate with RISC, leading to the degradation of the target mRNA. We propose and analyze a few small extensions to the pathway: a siRNA degrading RNase, primed amplification of aberrant RNA pieces, and cooperation between aberrant RNA to trigger amplification. These extensions allow for a consistent explanation for various types of silencing phenomena, such as virus induced silencing, transgene and transposon induced silencing, and avoidance of self-reactivity, as well as for differences found between species groups. PMID:16110335

The Nonsubsampled Contourlet Transform Based Statistical Medical Image Fusion Using Generalized Gaussian Density

PubMed Central

Yang, Guocheng; Li, Meiling; Chen, Leiting; Yu, Jie

2015-01-01

We propose a novel medical image fusion scheme based on the statistical dependencies between coefficients in the nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) domain, in which the probability density function of the NSCT coefficients is concisely fitted using generalized Gaussian density (GGD), as well as the similarity measurement of two subbands is accurately computed by Jensen-Shannon divergence of two GGDs. To preserve more useful information from source images, the new fusion rules are developed to combine the subbands with the varied frequencies. That is, the low frequency subbands are fused by utilizing two activity measures based on the regional standard deviation and Shannon entropy and the high frequency subbands are merged together via weight maps which are determined by the saliency values of pixels. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly outperforms the conventional NSCT based medical image fusion approaches in both visual perception and evaluation indices. PMID:26557871

The problem of fouling in submerged membrane bioreactors - Model validation and experimental evidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsibranska, Irene; Vlaev, Serafim; Tylkowski, Bartosz

2018-01-01

Integrating biological treatment with membrane separation has found a broad area of applications and industrial attention. Submerged membrane bioreactors (SMBRs), based on membrane modules immersed in the bioreactor, or side stream ones connected in recycle have been employed in different biotechnological processes for separation of thermally unstable products. Fouling is one of the most important challenges in the integrated SMBRs. A number of works are devoted to fouling analysis and its treatment, especially exploring the opportunity for enhanced fouling control in SMBRs. The main goal of the review is to provide a comprehensive yet concise overview of modeling the fouling in SMBRs in view of the problematics of model validation, either by real system measurements at different scales or by analysis of the obtained theoretical results. The review is focused on the current state of research applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling techniques.

Material Innovation in Advancing Organometal Halide Perovskite Functionality.

PubMed

Zheng, Fan; Saldana-Greco, Diomedes; Liu, Shi; Rappe, Andrew M

2015-12-03

Organometal halide perovskites (OMHPs) have garnered much attention recently for their unprecedented rate of increasing power conversion efficiency (PCE), positioning them as a promising basis for the next-generation photovoltaic devices. However, the gap between the rapid increasing PCE and the incomplete understanding of the structure-property-performance relationship prevents the realization of the true potential of OMHPs. This Perspective aims to provide a concise overview of the current status of OMHP research, highlighting the unique properties of OMHPs that are critical for solar applications but still not adequately explained. Stability and performance challenges of OMHP solar cells are discussed, calling upon combined experimental and theoretical efforts to address these challenges for pioneering commercialization of OMHP solar cells. Various material innovation strategies for improving the performance and stability of OMHPs are surveyed, showing that the OMHP architecture can serve as a promising and robust platform for the design and optimization of materials with desired functionalities.

Image Segmentation Method Using Fuzzy C Mean Clustering Based on Multi-Objective Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jinlin; Yang, Chunzhi; Xu, Guangkui; Ning, Li

2018-04-01

Image segmentation is not only one of the hottest topics in digital image processing, but also an important part of computer vision applications. As one kind of image segmentation algorithms, fuzzy C-means clustering is an effective and concise segmentation algorithm. However, the drawback of FCM is that it is sensitive to image noise. To solve the problem, this paper designs a novel fuzzy C-mean clustering algorithm based on multi-objective optimization. We add a parameter λ to the fuzzy distance measurement formula to improve the multi-objective optimization. The parameter λ can adjust the weights of the pixel local information. In the algorithm, the local correlation of neighboring pixels is added to the improved multi-objective mathematical model to optimize the clustering cent. Two different experimental results show that the novel fuzzy C-means approach has an efficient performance and computational time while segmenting images by different type of noises.

A coherent graph-based semantic clustering and summarization approach for biomedical literature and a new summarization evaluation method.

PubMed

Yoo, Illhoi; Hu, Xiaohua; Song, Il-Yeol

2007-11-27

A huge amount of biomedical textual information has been produced and collected in MEDLINE for decades. In order to easily utilize biomedical information in the free text, document clustering and text summarization together are used as a solution for text information overload problem. In this paper, we introduce a coherent graph-based semantic clustering and summarization approach for biomedical literature. Our extensive experimental results show the approach shows 45% cluster quality improvement and 72% clustering reliability improvement, in terms of misclassification index, over Bisecting K-means as a leading document clustering approach. In addition, our approach provides concise but rich text summary in key concepts and sentences. Our coherent biomedical literature clustering and summarization approach that takes advantage of ontology-enriched graphical representations significantly improves the quality of document clusters and understandability of documents through summaries.

A coherent graph-based semantic clustering and summarization approach for biomedical literature and a new summarization evaluation method

PubMed Central

Yoo, Illhoi; Hu, Xiaohua; Song, Il-Yeol

2007-01-01

Background A huge amount of biomedical textual information has been produced and collected in MEDLINE for decades. In order to easily utilize biomedical information in the free text, document clustering and text summarization together are used as a solution for text information overload problem. In this paper, we introduce a coherent graph-based semantic clustering and summarization approach for biomedical literature. Results Our extensive experimental results show the approach shows 45% cluster quality improvement and 72% clustering reliability improvement, in terms of misclassification index, over Bisecting K-means as a leading document clustering approach. In addition, our approach provides concise but rich text summary in key concepts and sentences. Conclusion Our coherent biomedical literature clustering and summarization approach that takes advantage of ontology-enriched graphical representations significantly improves the quality of document clusters and understandability of documents through summaries. PMID:18047705

Propagation effects handbook for satellite systems design. A summary of propagation impairments on 10 to 100 GHz satellite links with techniques for system design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ippolito, L. J.; Kaul, R. D.; Wallace, R. G.

1983-01-01

This Propagation Handbook provides satellite system engineers with a concise summary of the major propagation effects experienced on Earth-space paths in the 10 to 100 GHz frequency range. The dominant effect, attenuation due to rain, is dealt with in some detail, in terms of both experimental data from measurements made in the U.S. and Canada, and the mathematical and conceptual models devised to explain the data. In order to make the Handbook readily usable to many engineers, it has been arranged in two parts. Chapters 2-5 comprise the descriptive part. They deal in some detail with rain systems, rain and attenuation models, depolarization and experimental data. Chapters 6 and 7 make up the design part of the Handbook and may be used almost independently of the earlier chapters. In Chapter 6, the design techniques recommended for predicting propagation effects in Earth-space communications systems are presented. Chapter 7 addresses the questions of where in the system design process the effects of propagation should be considered, and what precautions should be taken when applying the propagation results.

Fourth-order structural steganalysis and analysis of cover assumptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ker, Andrew D.

2006-02-01

We extend our previous work on structural steganalysis of LSB replacement in digital images, building detectors which analyse the effect of LSB operations on pixel groups as large as four. Some of the method previously applied to triplets of pixels carries over straightforwardly. However we discover new complexities in the specification of a cover image model, a key component of the detector. There are many reasonable symmetry assumptions which we can make about parity and structure in natural images, only some of which provide detection of steganography, and the challenge is to identify the symmetries a) completely, and b) concisely. We give a list of possible symmetries and then reduce them to a complete, non-redundant, and approximately independent set. Some experimental results suggest that all useful symmetries are thus described. A weighting is proposed and its approximate variance stabilisation verified empirically. Finally, we apply symmetries to create a novel quadruples detector for LSB replacement steganography. Experimental results show some improvement, in most cases, over other detectors. However the gain in performance is moderate compared with the increased complexity in the detection algorithm, and we suggest that, without new insight, further extension of structural steganalysis may provide diminishing returns.

Accurate SHAPE-directed RNA secondary structure modeling, including pseudoknots.

PubMed

Hajdin, Christine E; Bellaousov, Stanislav; Huggins, Wayne; Leonard, Christopher W; Mathews, David H; Weeks, Kevin M

2013-04-02

A pseudoknot forms in an RNA when nucleotides in a loop pair with a region outside the helices that close the loop. Pseudoknots occur relatively rarely in RNA but are highly overrepresented in functionally critical motifs in large catalytic RNAs, in riboswitches, and in regulatory elements of viruses. Pseudoknots are usually excluded from RNA structure prediction algorithms. When included, these pairings are difficult to model accurately, especially in large RNAs, because allowing this structure dramatically increases the number of possible incorrect folds and because it is difficult to search the fold space for an optimal structure. We have developed a concise secondary structure modeling approach that combines SHAPE (selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension) experimental chemical probing information and a simple, but robust, energy model for the entropic cost of single pseudoknot formation. Structures are predicted with iterative refinement, using a dynamic programming algorithm. This melded experimental and thermodynamic energy function predicted the secondary structures and the pseudoknots for a set of 21 challenging RNAs of known structure ranging in size from 34 to 530 nt. On average, 93% of known base pairs were predicted, and all pseudoknots in well-folded RNAs were identified.

A general one-dimension nonlinear magneto-elastic coupled constitutive model for magnetostrictive materials

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

Zhang, Da-Guang; Li, Meng-Han; Zhou, Hao-Miao, E-mail: zhouhm@cjlu.edu.cn

2015-10-15

For magnetostrictive rods under combined axial pre-stress and magnetic field, a general one-dimension nonlinear magneto-elastic coupled constitutive model was built in this paper. First, the elastic Gibbs free energy was expanded into polynomial, and the relationship between stress and strain and the relationship between magnetization and magnetic field with the polynomial form were obtained with the help of thermodynamic relations. Then according to microscopic magneto-elastic coupling mechanism and some physical facts of magnetostrictive materials, a nonlinear magneto-elastic constitutive with concise form was obtained when the relations of nonlinear strain and magnetization in the polynomial constitutive were instead with transcendental functions.more » The comparisons between the prediction and the experimental data of different magnetostrictive materials, such as Terfenol-D, Metglas and Ni showed that the predicted magnetostrictive strain and magnetization curves were consistent with experimental results under different pre-stresses whether in the region of low and moderate field or high field. Moreover, the model can fully reflect the nonlinear magneto-mechanical coupling characteristics between magnetic, magnetostriction and elasticity, and it can effectively predict the changes of material parameters with pre-stress and bias field, which is useful in practical applications.« less

On the instability and constraints of the interaction between number representation and spatial attention in healthy humans: A concise review of the literature and new experimental evidence.

PubMed

Fattorini, E; Pinto, M; Merola, S; D'Onofrio, M; Doricchi, F

2016-01-01

The relationship between number and space representation is still one of the most debated topics in studies of mathematical cognition. Here we offer a concise review of two important behavioral effects that have pointed out the use of a spatially left-to-right oriented mental number line (MNL) in healthy participants: the SNARC effect and the attentional SNARC effect (Att-SNARC). Following a brief summary of seminal investigations on the introspective properties of the MNL, we review recent empirical evidence and theories on the functional origin of the SNARC effect, where upon left/right response choices faster reaction times are found for small numbers with left-side responses and for large numbers with right-side responses. Then we offer a summary of the studies that have investigated whether the mere perception of visual Arabic numbers presented at central fixation can engender spatially congruent lateral shifts of attention, ie, leftward for small numbers and rightward for large ones, ie, the Att-SNARC effect. Finally, we summarize four experiments that tested whether the Att-SNARC depends on an active rather than passive processing of centrally presented digit cues. In line with other recent studies, these experiment do not replicate the original Att-SNARC and show that the mere perception of Arabic numerals does not trigger automatic shifts of attention. These shifts are instead found when the task requires the explicit left/right spatial coding of digit cues, ie, Spatial Att-SNARC (Fattorini et al., 2015b). Nonetheless, the reliability of the Spatial Att-SNARC effect seems not as strong as that of conventional SNARC effects where left/right codes are mapped onto responses rather than directly mapped on digit cues. Comparing the magnitude of digits to a numerical reference, ie, "5," also produced a Magnitude Comparison Att-SNARC that was weaker than the spatial one. However, the reliability of this Magnitude Comparison Att-SNARC should be considered with caution because, like in a study by Zanolie and Pecher (2014), we recently failed to replicate this effect in a separate behavioral-event-related potentials study in preparation (Fattorini et al., 2015a). All together the results from the present series of experiments support the hypothesis that spatial coding is not an intrinsic part of number representation and that number-space interaction is determined by the use of stimulus- or response-related spatial codes in the task at hand. © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modeling the formation of iron sulfide scales using thermodynamic simulation software

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

Anderko, A.; Shuler, P.J.

1998-12-31

A program has been developed for generating stability diagrams that concisely represent the thermodynamic state of multicomponent, multiphase aqueous systems in wide ranges of temperature and component concentrations. The diagrams are based on a thermodynamic model that combines the Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers equation of state for standard-state properties with a solutions nonideality model based on the activity coefficient expressions developed by Bromley and Pitzer. The diagrams offer a flexible choice of independent variables, which include component concentrations in addition to the potential and pH. The stability diagrams are used to predict the conditions that favor the formation of stable and metastable ironmore » sulfide species, which are commonly deposited under oil field-related conditions. First, the diagrams have been applied to establish a sequence of transformations that iron sulfides undergo as they age. The predicted transformation sequences take into account environmental variables (e.g., hydrogen sulfide concentration, oxygen availability, etc.). The predictions are in agreement with experimental data on iron sulfide formation at the iron/solution interface and in bulk solution. The understanding of iron sulfide transformation sequences makes it possible to simulate experimental studies of H{sub 2}S/CO{sub 2} corrosion in the presence or absence of oxygen. A comparison with laboratory corrosion rate data under gas pipeline conditions indicates that the magnitude of corrosion rates can be correlated with the predicted stability of metastable iron sulfide phases.« less

Education in the Arab Region Viewed from the 1970 Marrakesh Conference. Educational Studies and Documents Number 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

El-Ghannam, Mohammed A.

Designed to provide a comprehensive and concise picture of education in the Arab region, this booklet is the outgrowth of one of a series of conferences organized by UNESCO. The material is organized into three sections: the social and economic background of the Arab region; recent achievements and existing problems of education in the Arab…

A Concise Protocol for the Validation of Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) Conversational Turn Counts in Vietnamese

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ganek, Hillary V.; Eriks-Brophy, Alice

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to present a protocol for the validation of the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) System's conversational turn count (CTC) for Vietnamese speakers. Ten families of children aged between 22 and 42 months, recruited near Ho Chi Minh City, participated in this project. Each child wore the LENA audio recorder for a full…

Plantar Fasciitis: A Concise Review

PubMed Central

Schwartz, Emily N; Su, John

2014-01-01

One challenge in the treatment of plantar fasciitis is that very few high-quality studies exist comparing different treatment modalities to guide evidence-based management. Current literature suggests a change to the way that plantar fasciitis is managed. This article reviews the most current literature on plantar fasciitis and showcases recommended treatment guidelines. This serves to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating heel pain with plantar fasciitis. PMID:24626080

Plantar fasciitis: a concise review.

PubMed

Schwartz, Emily N; Su, John

2014-01-01

One challenge in the treatment of plantar fasciitis is that very few high-quality studies exist comparing different treatment modalities to guide evidence-based management. Current literature suggests a change to the way that plantar fasciitis is managed. This article reviews the most current literature on plantar fasciitis and showcases recommended treatment guidelines. This serves to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating heel pain with plantar fasciitis.

A balanced perspective: using nonfinancial measures to assess financial performance.

PubMed

Watkins, Ann L

2003-11-01

Assessments of hospitals' financial performance have traditionally been based exclusively on analysis of a concise set of key financial ratios. One study, however, demonstrates that analysis of a hospital's financial condition can be significantly enhanced with the addition of several nonfinancial measures, including case-mix adjusted admissions, case-mix adjusted admissions per full-time equivalent, and case-mix adjusted admissions per beds in service.

The effects of the interaction between cognitive style and instructional strategy on the educational outcomes for a science exhibit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knappenberger, Naomi

This dissertation examines factors which may affect the educational effectiveness of science exhibits. Exhibit effectiveness is the result of a complex interaction among exhibit features, cognitive characteristics of the museum visitor, and educational outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative proportions of field-dependent and field-independent visitors in the museum audience, and to ascertain if the cognitive style of visitors interacted with instructional strategies to affect the educational outcomes for a computer-based science exhibit. Cognitive style refers to the self-consistent modes of selecting and processing information that an individual employs throughout his or her perceptual and intellectual activities. It has a broad influence on many aspects of personality and behavior, including perception, memory, problem solving, interest, and even social behaviors and self-concept. As such, it constitutes essential dimensions of individual differences among museum visitors and has important implications for instructional design in the museum. The study was conducted in the spring of 1998 at the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum in Chicago. Two experimental treatments of a computer-based exhibit were tested in the study. The first experimental treatment utilized strategies designed for field-dependent visitors that limited the text and provided more structure and cueing than the baseline treatment of the computer program. The other experimental treatment utilized strategies designed for field-independent visitors that provided hypothesis-testing and more contextual information. Approximately two-thirds of the visitors were field-independent. The results of a multiple regression analysis indicated that there was a significant interaction between cognitive style and instructional strategy that affected visitors' posttest scores on a multiple-choice test of the content. Field-independent visitors out- performed the field-dependent visitors in the control, baseline, and both experimental treatments. Both field-dependent and field-independent visitor posttest scores increased in the field-dependent experimental treatment and in the field-independent treatment. The most effective treatment for all visitors was the field-independent treatment. Criteria for designing a computer-based exhibit to meet the needs of all visitors were recommended. These included organized, concise text; a structured, rather than exploratory design; and cueing in the form of questions, bold fonts, underlining of important words and concepts, and captioned images.

High-temperature vacant lattice site formation in solids and free volumes in melts studied by positron lifetime measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaefer, H.-E.

1991-05-01

In the present paper a concise review is given of the application of positron lifetime measurements to the study of high-temperature vacancies in intermetallic compounds (F 76.3Al 23.7), in metal oxides (NiO), in elemental semiconductors (Si, Ge), and of the oxygen loss or uptake in YBa 2Cu 3O 7-δ. Investigations of free volumes in elemental melts (Al, In, Ge) are included.

Mission and science activity scheduling language

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hull, Larry G.

1993-01-01

To support the distributed and complex operational scheduling required for future National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) missions, a formal, textual language, the Scheduling Applications Interface Language (SAIL), has been developed. Increased geographic dispersion of investigators is leading to distributed mission and science activity planning, scheduling, and operations. SAIL is an innovation which supports the effective and efficient communication of scheduling information among physically dispersed applications in distributed scheduling environments. SAIL offers a clear, concise, unambiguous expression of scheduling information in a readable, hardware independent format. The language concept, syntax, and semantics incorporate language features found useful during five years of research and prototyping with scheduling languages in physically distributed environments. SAIL allows concise specification of mission and science activity plans in a format which promotes repetition and reuse.

The second demographic transition: A concise overview of its development

PubMed Central

Lesthaeghe, Ron

2014-01-01

This article gives a concise overview of the theoretical development of the concept of the “second demographic transition” since it was coined in 1986, its components, and its applicability, first to European populations and subsequently also to non-European societies as well. Both the demographic and the societal contrasts between the first demographic transition (FDT) and the second demographic transition (SDT) are highlighted. Then, the major criticisms of the SDT theory are outlined, and these issues are discussed in the light of the most recent developments in Europe, the United States, the Far East, and Latin America. It turns out that three major SDT patterns have developed and that these evolutions are contingent on much older systems of kinship and family organization. PMID:25453112

Crohn's disease: management in adults, children and young people - concise guidance .

PubMed

Tun, Gloria Sz; Cripps, Sarah; Lobo, Alan J

2018-06-01

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Individuals with CD present with acute inflammatory exacerbations as well as acute and chronic complications. Management requires specialist input from gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, nurse specialists and pharmacists as well as general and primary care physicians to allow appropriate selection of treatment options including surgery and rapid assessment and treatment of those with acute exacerbations. Monitoring of the individual and their medication is crucial in preventing and recognising complications including those associated with treatment. This concise guideline focuses on recommendations from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) -Clinical -Guideline 152 (CG152) considered of key importance for implementation. © Royal College of Physicians 2018. All rights reserved.

Concise Review: Inner Ear Stem Cells—An Oxymoron, But Why?

PubMed Central

Ronaghi, Mohammad; Nasr, Marjan; Heller, Stefan

2012-01-01

Hearing loss, caused by irreversible loss of cochlear sensory hair cells, affects millions of patients worldwide. In this concise review, we examine the conundrum of inner ear stem cells, which obviously are present in the inner ear sensory epithelia of nonmammalian vertebrates, giving these ears the ability to functionally recover even from repetitive ototoxic insults. Despite the inability of the mammalian inner ear to regenerate lost hair cells, there is evidence for cells with regenerative capacity because stem cells can be isolated from vestibular sensory epithelia and from the neonatal cochlea. Challenges and recent progress toward identification of the intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways that could be used to re-establish stemness in the mammalian organ of Corti are discussed. PMID:22102534

Concise expression of a classical radiation spectrum

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

Wang, C.

1993-06-01

In this paper we present a concise expression of the classical electromagnetic radiation spectrum of a moving charge. It is shown to be equivalent to the often used and much more complicated form derived from the Lienard-Wiechert potentials when the observation distance [ital R] satisfies the condition [ital R][much gt][gamma][lambda]. The expression reveals a relationship between the radiation spectrum and the motion of the radiation source. It also forms the basis of an efficient computing approach, which is of practical value in numerical calculations of the spectral output of accelerated charges. The advantages of this approach for analytical and numericalmore » applications are discussed and the bending-magnet synchrotron radiation spectrum is calculated according to the approach.« less

Graphomotor skills in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): Handwriting and learning a new letter.

PubMed

Huau, Andréa; Velay, Jean-Luc; Jover, Marianne

2015-08-01

The aim of the present study was to analyze handwriting difficulties in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and investigate the hypothesis that a deficit in procedural learning could help to explain them. The experimental set-up was designed to compare the performances of children with DCD with those of a non-DCD group on tasks that rely on motor learning in different ways, namely handwriting and learning a new letter. Ten children with DCD and 10 non-DCD children, aged 8-10 years, were asked to perform handwriting tasks (letter/word/sentence; normal/fast), and a learning task (new letter) on a graphic tablet. The BHK concise assessment scale for children's handwriting was used to evaluate their handwriting quality. Results showed that both the handwriting and learning tasks differentiated between the groups. Furthermore, when speed or length constraints were added, handwriting was more impaired in children with DCD than in non-DCD children. Greater intra-individual variability was observed in the group of children with DCD, arguing in favor of a deficit in motor pattern stabilization. The results of this study could support both the hypothesis of a deficit in procedural learning and the hypothesis of neuromotor noise in DCD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Activity of essential phospholipids (EPL) from soybean in liver diseases.

PubMed

Gundermann, Karl-Josef; Kuenker, Ann; Kuntz, Erwin; Droździk, Marek

2011-01-01

Essential phospholipids (EPL) contain a highly purified extract of polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) molecules from soybean. The main active ingredient is 1,2-dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC), which differentiates it from other phospholipids, lecithins, or extracts from other sources. Although EPLis widely used in liver diseases of various origins, its mode of action and pharmacological and clinical evidence of its efficacy have not yet been concisely reviewed. This paper critically summarizes experimental and clinical results. With regard to in-vitro and animal tests, EPL influenced membrane-dependent cellular functions and showed anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, apoptosis-modulating, regenerative, membrane-repairing and -protective, cell-signaling and receptor-influencing, as well as lipid-regulating effects in intoxication models with chemicals or drugs. Clinical studies, primarily from European and Asian countries, have shown improvement in subjective symptoms; clinical, biochemical and imaging findings; and histology in liver indications such as fatty liver of different origin, drug hepatotoxicity, and adjuvant in chronic viral hepatitis and hepatic coma. The available studies characterize EPL as evidence-based medicine, although further long-term controlled clinical trials are required to precisely determine its benefit for alleviating symptoms, improving well-being, inducing histological changes and slowing the progression of liver disease. EPL-related relevant side effects were not observed.

Electro-hydrodynamic generation of monodisperse nanoparticles in the sub-10 nm size range from strongly electrolytic salt solutions: governing parameters of scaling laws

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maißer, Anne; Attoui, Michel B.; Gañán-Calvo, Alfonso M.; Szymanski, Wladyslaw W.

2013-01-01

A charge reduced electro-hydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) device has been used to generate airborne salt clusters in the sub 10 nm size range. The focus of this study on that specific sub-micron range of electrospray droplets with relatively high electrical conductivities and permittivities aims to address the still existing controversy on the scaling laws of electrosprayed droplet diameters. In this study different concentrations of sodium chloride and potassium chloride—both show strong electrolytic behavior—have been electrosprayed from solutions in pure water, or from aqueous ammonium acetate buffer liquids of varying concentrations. The dry residue salt cluster diameter generated by the EHDA process have been measured using a differential mobility analyzer. The initial droplet diameter has been determined indirectly from the measured particle size following the steps of Chen et al. (J Aerosol Sci 26:963-977, 1995). Results have been compared to existing scaling laws valid for direct droplet measurements. They can be interpreted concisely on the basis of a realistic hypothesis on possible electrochemical effects taking place and affecting the droplet and thus nanoparticle formation in EHDA. The hypothesis developed in this work and the comparison with the experimental results are shown and discussed in the manuscript.

Microwave ablation of the liver: a description of lesion evolution over time and an investigation of the heat sink effect.

PubMed

Bhardwaj, N; Dormer, J; Ahmad, F; Strickland, A D; Gravante, G; West, K; Dennison, A R; Lloyd, D M

2011-12-01

Microwave ablation has been successfully used to treat unresectable liver tumours for many years. However, despite its widespread use, there seems to be a relative paucity of experimental data regarding lesion evolution and the effects of any surrounding vasculature on ablation morphology. The aim of this study was to investigate the principal pathological changes in the liver following microwave ablation, in particular the heat sink effect. In addition we carefully reviewed the available literature to provide an overview of all relevant pathological studies. Microwave ablation was carried out on male rats at various distances from the hilum. Histological (H&E) and immunocytochemical (caspase 3) analyses of the lesion were performed at various time points; 0, 4, 24, 48  hours, 2 weeks and 1 month. A literature review was carried out using Medline, Embase and the Cochrane database to identify all relevant histological studies. The lesion underwent complete coagulative necrosis and was extremely regular at the ablation edge with no evidence of any influence from surrounding blood vessels at all time points. H&E and caspase 3 results were consistent and microwave caused little collateral damage outside the intended ablation zone. This study suggests that microwave ablation is extremely concise and is minimally affected by the heat sink effect. Comparative investigations with other treatment modalities are required.

Structural defects in cubic semiconductors characterized by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Arroyo Rojas Dasilva, Yadira; Kozak, Roksolana; Erni, Rolf; Rossell, Marta D

2017-05-01

The development of new electro-optical devices and the realization of novel types of transistors require a profound understanding of the structural characteristics of new semiconductor heterostructures. This article provides a concise review about structural defects which occur in semiconductor heterostructures on the basis of micro-patterned Si substrates. In particular, one- and two-dimensional crystal defects are being discussed which are due to the plastic relaxation of epitaxial strain caused by the misfit of crystal lattices. Besides a few selected examples from literature, we treat in particular crystal defects occurring in GaAs/Si, Ge/Si and β-SiC/Si structures which are studied by high-resolution annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The relevance of this article is twofold; firstly, it should provide a collection of data which are of help for the identification and characterization of defects in cubic semiconductors by means of atomic-resolution imaging, and secondly, the experimental data shall provide a basis for advancing the understanding of device characteristics with the aid of theoretical modelling by considering the defective nature of strained semiconductor heterostructures. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of Hyalella azteca IQ Toxicity Test{trademark} for prediction of 28-day sediment toxicity tests

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

Novotny, A.N.; Ezzard, C.L.; Douglas, W.S.

1995-12-31

The IQ Toxicity Test, which is a rapid screening toxicity test consisting of the observation of in-vivo inhibition of an enzymatic process using a fluorescent substrate, has proven successful for the determination of 24 and 48-hour EC50`s of D. magna, C. dubia, D. pulex and M. bahia. The application of this concept to utilize the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca may be an excellent way in which to reduce the standard 28-day chronic sediment toxicity test to possibly one hour`s time. This study incorporates an additive experimental design to explore the effects of and interactions between five specific variables: size ofmore » the amphipod, exposure time to the toxicant, concentration of substrate, exposure time to the substrate, and length of time starved prior to testing. The results of the IQ toxicity test were compared to those of a 28-day chronic sediment toxicity test. Preliminary data indicate that there is an optimal combination of these variables which results in a concise, reproducible toxicity test for use with Hyalella azteca, and would potentially be applicable to other freshwater amphipods in the future.« less

Towards traceability in CO2 line strength measurements by TDLAS at 2.7 µm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pogány, Andrea; Ott, Oliver; Werhahn, Olav; Ebert, Volker

2013-11-01

Direct tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) was combined in this study with metrological principles on the determination of uncertainties to measure the line strengths of the P36e and P34e line of 12C16O2 in the ν1+ν3 band at 2.7 μm. Special emphasis was put on traceability and a concise, well-documented uncertainty assessment. We have quantitatively analyzed the uncertainty contributions of different experimental parameters to the uncertainty of the line strength. Establishment of the wavenumber axis and the gas handling procedure proved to be the two major contributors to the final uncertainty. The obtained line strengths at 296 K are 1.593×10-20 cm/molecule for the P36e and 1.981×10-20 cm/molecule for the P34e line, with relative expanded uncertainties of 1.1% and 1.3%, respectively (k=2, corresponding to a 95% confidence level). The measured line strength values are in agreement with literature data (line strengths listed in the HITRAN and GEISA databases), but show an uncertainty, which is at least a factor of 2 lower.

Using a Novel Transgenic Mouse Model to Study c-Myc Oncogenic Pathway in Castration Resistance and Chemoresistance of Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-13-1-0162 TITLE: Using a Novel Transgenic Mouse Model to Study c-Myc Oncogenic Pathway in Castration Resistance and...DATES COVERED 15Sept2013 - 14Sept2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Using a Novel Transgenic Mouse Model to Study c-Myc Oncogenic...for concisely studying castration response and CRPC. However, most mice never developed significant tumors. Here, we showed that ablation of p53 in this

DISCRETE COMPOUND POISSON PROCESSES AND TABLES OF THE GEOMETRIC POISSON DISTRIBUTION.

DTIC Science & Technology

A concise summary of the salient properties of discrete Poisson processes , with emphasis on comparing the geometric and logarithmic Poisson processes . The...the geometric Poisson process are given for 176 sets of parameter values. New discrete compound Poisson processes are also introduced. These...processes have properties that are particularly relevant when the summation of several different Poisson processes is to be analyzed. This study provides the

Biocompatibility of orthodontic adhesives in rat subcutaneous tissue

PubMed Central

dos SANTOS, Rogério Lacerda; PITHON, Matheus Melo; FERNANDES, Alline Birra Nolasco; CABRAL, Márcia Grillo; RUELLAS, Antônio Carlos de Oliveira

2010-01-01

Objective The objective of the present study was to verify the hypothesis that no difference in biocompatibility exists between different orthodontic adhesives. Material and Methods Thirty male Wistar rats were used in this study and divided into five groups (n=6): Group 1 (control, distilled water), Group 2 (Concise), Group 3 (Xeno III), Group 4 (Transbond XT), and Group 5 (Transbond plus Self-Etching Primer). Two cavities were performed in the subcutaneous dorsum of each animal to place a polyvinyl sponge soaked with 2 drops of the respective adhesive in each surgical loci. Two animals of each group were sacrificed after 7, 15, and 30 days, and their tissues were analyzed by using an optical microscope. Results At day 7, Groups 3 (Transbond XT) and 4 (Xeno III) showed intense mono- and polymorphonuclear inflammatory infiltrate with no differences between them, whereas Groups 1 (control) and 2 (Concise) showed moderate mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate. At day 15, severe inflammation was observed in Group 3 (Transbond XT) compared to other groups. At day 30, the same group showed a more expressive mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate compared to other groups. Conclusion Among the orthodontic adhesive analyzed, it may be concluded that Transbond XT exhibited the worst biocompatibility. However, one cannot interpret the specificity of the data generated in vivo animal models as a human response. PMID:21085807

An Overview and Empirical Comparison of Distance Metric Learning Methods.

PubMed

Moutafis, Panagiotis; Leng, Mengjun; Kakadiaris, Ioannis A

2016-02-16

In this paper, we first offer an overview of advances in the field of distance metric learning. Then, we empirically compare selected methods using a common experimental protocol. The number of distance metric learning algorithms proposed keeps growing due to their effectiveness and wide application. However, existing surveys are either outdated or they focus only on a few methods. As a result, there is an increasing need to summarize the obtained knowledge in a concise, yet informative manner. Moreover, existing surveys do not conduct comprehensive experimental comparisons. On the other hand, individual distance metric learning papers compare the performance of the proposed approach with only a few related methods and under different settings. This highlights the need for an experimental evaluation using a common and challenging protocol. To this end, we conduct face verification experiments, as this task poses significant challenges due to varying conditions during data acquisition. In addition, face verification is a natural application for distance metric learning because the encountered challenge is to define a distance function that: 1) accurately expresses the notion of similarity for verification; 2) is robust to noisy data; 3) generalizes well to unseen subjects; and 4) scales well with the dimensionality and number of training samples. In particular, we utilize well-tested features to assess the performance of selected methods following the experimental protocol of the state-of-the-art database labeled faces in the wild. A summary of the results is presented along with a discussion of the insights obtained and lessons learned by employing the corresponding algorithms.

Integrated Science Assessments

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Integrated Science Assessments are reports that represent a concise evaluation and synthesis of the most policy-relevant science for reviewing the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for the six principal pollutants.

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

Lundstrom, Blake; Chakraborty, Sudipta; Lauss, Georg

This paper presents a concise description of state-of-the-art real-time simulation-based testing methods and demonstrates how they can be used independently and/or in combination as an integrated development and validation approach for smart grid DERs and systems. A three-part case study demonstrating the application of this integrated approach at the different stages of development and validation of a system-integrated smart photovoltaic (PV) inverter is also presented. Laboratory testing results and perspectives from two international research laboratories are included in the case study.

The Concise Guide to Pharmacology 2013/14: Enzymes

PubMed Central

Alexander, Stephen PH; Benson, Helen E; Faccenda, Elena; Pawson, Adam J; Sharman, Joanna L; Spedding, Michael; Peters, John A; Harmar, Anthony J

2013-01-01

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full. Enzymes are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, nuclear hormone receptors, catalytic receptors and transporters. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates. PMID:24528243

The Affective Reactivity Index: a concise irritability scale for clinical and research settings

PubMed Central

Stringaris, Argyris; Goodman, Robert; Ferdinando, Sumudu; Razdan, Varun; Muhrer, Eli; Leibenluft, Ellen; Brotman, Melissa A

2012-01-01

Background Irritable mood has recently become a matter of intense scientific interest. Here, we present data from two samples, one from the United States and the other from the United Kingdom, demonstrating the clinical and research utility of the parent- and self-report forms of the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI), a concise dimensional measure of irritability. Methods The US sample (n = 218) consisted of children and adolescents recruited at the National Institute of Mental Health meeting criteria for bipolar disorder (BD, n = 39), severe mood dysregulation (SMD, n = 67), children at family risk for BD (n = 35), or were healthy volunteers (n = 77). The UK sample (n = 88) was comprised of children from a generic mental health setting and healthy volunteers from primary and secondary schools. Results Parent- and self-report scales of the ARI showed excellent internal consistencies and formed a single factor in the two samples. In the US sample, the ARI showed a gradation with irritability significantly increasing from healthy volunteers through to SMD. Irritability was significantly higher in SMD than in BD by parent-report, but this did not reach significance by self-report. In the UK sample, parent-rated irritability was differentially related to emotional problems. Conclusions Irritability can be measured using a concise instrument both in a highly specialized US, as well as a general UK child mental health setting. PMID:22574736

The Concise Guide to Pharmacology 2013/14: G Protein-Coupled Receptors

PubMed Central

Alexander, Stephen PH; Benson, Helen E; Faccenda, Elena; Pawson, Adam J; Sharman, Joanna L; Spedding, Michael; Peters, John A; Harmar, Anthony J

2013-01-01

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full. G protein-coupled receptors are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, catalytic receptors, nuclear hormone receptors, transporters and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates. PMID:24517644

The Concise Guide to Pharmacology 2013/14: Transporters

PubMed Central

Alexander, Stephen PH; Benson, Helen E; Faccenda, Elena; Pawson, Adam J; Sharman, Joanna L; Spedding, Michael; Peters, John A; Harmar, Anthony J

2013-01-01

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full. Transporters are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, catalytic receptors, nuclear hormone receptors and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates. PMID:24528242

Procedures For Microbial-Ecology Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huff, Timothy L.

1993-01-01

Microbial Ecology Laboratory Procedures Manual provides concise and well-defined instructions on routine technical procedures to be followed in microbiological laboratory to ensure safety, analytical control, and validity of results.

46 CFR 201.74 - Declaratory orders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... PROCEDURE Formal Proceedings, Notice, Pleadings, Replies (Rule 7) § 201.74 Declaratory orders. The... the issuance thereof shall state clearly and concisely the nature of the controversy or uncertainty...

Communicating confidence in the detection and attribution of trends relevant to climate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebi, K. L.

2015-12-01

Readily understandable and consistent language for describing confidence in detection and attribution statements can be developed based on the approach used by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). IARC was founded in 1965 to provide government authorities with expert, independent, scientific opinion on the causes of human cancer. IARC developed four standard terms for evaluations of the strength of evidence for carcinogenicity arising from human and experimental animal data, and for the strength of mechanistic evidence. Evidence is categorized as sufficient, limited, inadequate, and lack of carcinogenicity. The IARC process then combines theory, evidence, and degree of agreement into a summary evaluation that includes concise statements of the principal line(s) of argument that emerged, the conclusions of the working group on the strength of the evidence for each group of studies, citations to indicate which studies were pivotal to these conclusions, and the reasons for any differential weighting of data. The summary IARC categories are: Group 1 for agents carcinogenic to humans; Group 2 includes Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) or Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) on the basis of epidemiological and experimental evidence of carcinogenicity and mechanistic and other relevant data; Group 3 for agents is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans; and Group 4 for agents probably not carcinogenic to humans. There are obvious parallels with describing confidence in key findings on detection and attribution of a trend to anthropogenic climate change with the confidence statements used by the IARC. Developing and consistent application of similar categories along with accompanying explanations of the principal lines of evidence, would be a helpful step in clearing communicating the degree and sources of certainty in the findings of detection and attribution.

The Disappearing Sperms: Analysis of Reports Published Between 1980 and 2015.

PubMed

Sengupta, Pallav; Dutta, Sulagna; Krajewska-Kulak, Elzbieta

2017-07-01

Reports regarding the changes in sperm concentration in different counties of the world are inconsistent. Furthermore, the reports that sprung up from specific epidemiological and experimental examinations did not include data of prior studies or geographical variations. The current study, following a previous report of massive fall in semen volume over the past 33 years, attempts to delineate the trend of altering sperm concentrations and factors responsible for this by reviewing article published from 1980 to July 2015 with geographic differences. The current study identified an overall 57% diminution in mean sperm concentration over the past 35 years ( r = -.313, p = .0002), which, when analyzed for each geographical region, identified a significant decline in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. An increasing trend of sperm concentration was identified only in Australia. The association of male age with such a trend ( R 2 = .979) is reported. The authors also correlated male fertility with sperm concentration. Thus, this comprehensive, evidence-based literature review aims to concisely and systematically present the available data on sperm concentration from 1980 to 2015, as well as to statistically analyze the same and correlate male health with the declining pattern of sperm count in a single scientific review to serve the scientific research zone related to reproductive health. It points to the threat of male infertility in times ahead.

The Disappearing Sperms: Analysis of Reports Published Between 1980 and 2015

PubMed Central

Sengupta, Pallav; Dutta, Sulagna; Krajewska-Kulak, Elzbieta

2016-01-01

Reports regarding the changes in sperm concentration in different counties of the world are inconsistent. Furthermore, the reports that sprung up from specific epidemiological and experimental examinations did not include data of prior studies or geographical variations. The current study, following a previous report of massive fall in semen volume over the past 33 years, attempts to delineate the trend of altering sperm concentrations and factors responsible for this by reviewing article published from 1980 to July 2015 with geographic differences. The current study identified an overall 57% diminution in mean sperm concentration over the past 35 years (r = −.313, p = .0002), which, when analyzed for each geographical region, identified a significant decline in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. An increasing trend of sperm concentration was identified only in Australia. The association of male age with such a trend (R2 = .979) is reported. The authors also correlated male fertility with sperm concentration. Thus, this comprehensive, evidence-based literature review aims to concisely and systematically present the available data on sperm concentration from 1980 to 2015, as well as to statistically analyze the same and correlate male health with the declining pattern of sperm count in a single scientific review to serve the scientific research zone related to reproductive health. It points to the threat of male infertility in times ahead. PMID:27099345

Concise, intensive or longitudinal medical education courses, which is more effective in perceived self-efficacy and development of faculty members?

PubMed

Mojtahedzadeh, Rita; Mohammadi, Aeen

2016-01-01

Teachers' self-efficacy and development may be conceptualized as their beliefs in their own ability to plan, organize and carry out activities that are required to attain educational goals. In this study, we examined the effect of different medical education training courses (six-day, one- month short- term and sixmonth long- term courses) on perceived self-efficacy and development. This before-after quasi-experimental study was performed on 39 faculty members of Tehran University of Medical Sciences who participated in faculty development courses in 2013. We used valid and reliable scales to measure their perceived self-efficacy and empowerment. The results revealed a significant increase in faculty members' perceived self-efficacy in pre and posttests in one-month and six-month courses, but no significant difference was found in the six-day course (p=0.004, p<0.001 and p=0.235, respectively). These results were the same for perceived empowerment (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.716 for one-month, six-month and six-day courses, respectively). A significant difference was detected in perceived self-efficacy and participant empowerment components based on the training course (p=0.005; Wilk's Λ=0.345, Partial η2=0.413). This study revealed that long- term courses were more effective than the short- term ones. Thus, longitudinal courses are recommended for more effectiveness.

Scabies.

PubMed

Bielan, B

2001-08-01

The "Clinical Snapshot" series provides a concise examination of a clinical presentation including history, treatment, patient education, and nursing measures. Using the format here, you are invited to submit your "Clinical Snapshot" to Dermatology Nursing.

Concise review: Inner ear stem cells--an oxymoron, but why?

PubMed

Ronaghi, Mohammad; Nasr, Marjan; Heller, Stefan

2012-01-01

Hearing loss, caused by irreversible loss of cochlear sensory hair cells, affects millions of patients worldwide. In this concise review, we examine the conundrum of inner ear stem cells, which obviously are present in the inner ear sensory epithelia of nonmammalian vertebrates, giving these ears the ability to functionally recover even from repetitive ototoxic insults. Despite the inability of the mammalian inner ear to regenerate lost hair cells, there is evidence for cells with regenerative capacity because stem cells can be isolated from vestibular sensory epithelia and from the neonatal cochlea. Challenges and recent progress toward identification of the intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways that could be used to re-establish stemness in the mammalian organ of Corti are discussed. Copyright © 2011 AlphaMed Press.

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

Kolda, Tamara Gibson

We propose two new multilinear operators for expressing the matrix compositions that are needed in the Tucker and PARAFAC (CANDECOMP) decompositions. The first operator, which we call the Tucker operator, is shorthand for performing an n-mode matrix multiplication for every mode of a given tensor and can be employed to concisely express the Tucker decomposition. The second operator, which we call the Kruskal operator, is shorthand for the sum of the outer-products of the columns of N matrices and allows a divorce from a matricized representation and a very concise expression of the PARAFAC decomposition. We explore the properties ofmore » the Tucker and Kruskal operators independently of the related decompositions. Additionally, we provide a review of the matrix and tensor operations that are frequently used in the context of tensor decompositions.« less

A Concise Review of Amyloidosis in Animals

PubMed Central

Woldemeskel, Moges

2012-01-01

Amyloidosis refers to a group of protein misfolding diseases characterized by deposition of a particular amyloid protein in various organs and tissues of animals and humans. Various types and clinical forms of amyloidosis, in which the pathology and pathogenesis is diverse depending upon the underlying causes and species affected, are reported in domestic and wild animals. The clinical findings are also quite variable consequent to the variation of the tissues and organs involved and the extent of functional disruption of the affected organs in various animal species. The affected organs may be enlarged and exhibit variable pallor grossly, or the amyloid deposit may be discernible only after microscopic examination of the affected tissues. Amyloid appears as a pale eosinophilic homogenous extracellular deposit in tissues. However, microscopic examination and Congo red staining with green birefringence under polarized light are needed to confirm amyloid and differentiate it from other apparently similar extracellular deposits such as collagen and fibrin. Identifying the type of amyloid deposit needs immunohistochemical staining, ultrastructural characterization of the amyloid fibril, and if feasible also genetic studies of the involved species for clinical and prognostic purposes. This paper provides a concise review of the occurrence of amyloidosis in domestic and wild animals. PMID:22577608

How to write an EEG report

PubMed Central

Benbadis, Selim R.

2013-01-01

The EEG report is structured to include demographics of the patient studied and reason for the EEG; specifics of the EEG techniques used; a description of the patterns, frequencies, voltages, and progression of the EEG pattern that were recorded; and finally a clinical impression of the EEG significance. The interpretation should be concise, clear and to the point, avoid jargon and EEG specifics, and should be understandable by any health care practitioner. PMID:23267044

An optical deoxyribonucleic acid-based half-subtractor.

PubMed

Yang, Chia-Ning; Chen, Yi-Li; Lin, Hung-Yin; Hsu, Chun-Yu

2013-10-09

This study introduces an optical DNA-based logic circuit that mimics a half-subtractor. The system contains an Au-surface immobilized molecular-beacon molecule that serves as a dual-gate molecule and outputs two series of fluorescence signals following Boolean INH and XOR patterns after interacting with one or two single-stranded DNA molecules as input. To the best of our knowledge, the system reported herein is rather concise compared to other molecular logic gate systems.

Improved orthodontic bonding to silver amalgam. Part 2. Lathe-cut, admixed, and spherical amalgams with different intermediate resins.

PubMed

Büyükyilmaz, T; Zachrisson, B U

1998-08-01

Flat rectangular tabs (n = 270) prepared from spherical (Tytin), admixed (Dispersalloy) or lathe-cut amalgam (ANA 2000) were subjected to aluminum oxide sandblasting with either 50-mu or 90-mu abrasive powder. Mandibular incisor edgewise brackets were bonded to these tabs. An intermediate resin was used, either All-Bond 2 Primers A + B or a 4-META product--Amalgambond Plus (AP) or Reliance Metal Primer (RMP)--followed by Concise. All specimens were stored in water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and thermocycled 1000 times from 5 degrees C to 55 degrees C and back before tensile bond strength testing. The bond strength of Concise to etched enamel of extracted, caries-free premolars was used as a control. Bond failure sites were classified using a modified adhesive remnant index (ARI) system. Results were expressed as mean bond strength with SD, and as a function relating the probability of bond failure to stress by means of Weibull analysis. Mean tensile bond strength in the experimental groups ranged from 2.9 to 11.0 MPa--significantly weaker than the control sample (16.0 MPa). Bond failure invariably occurred at the amalgam/adhesive interface. The strongest bonds were created to the spherical and lathe-cut amalgams (range 6.8 to 11.0 MPa). Bonds to the spherical amalgam were probably more reliable. The intermediate application of the 4-META resins AP and RMP generally created significantly stronger bonds to all three basic types of amalgam products than the bonds obtained with the All-Bond 2 primers. The effect of abrasive-particle size on bond strength to different amalgam surfaces was not usually significant (p > 0.05). The implications of these findings are discussed in relationship to clinical experience bonding orthodontic attachments to large amalgam restorations in posterior teeth.

Command-line cellular electrophysiology for conventional and real-time closed-loop experiments.

PubMed

Linaro, Daniele; Couto, João; Giugliano, Michele

2014-06-15

Current software tools for electrophysiological experiments are limited in flexibility and rarely offer adequate support for advanced techniques such as dynamic clamp and hybrid experiments, which are therefore limited to laboratories with a significant expertise in neuroinformatics. We have developed lcg, a software suite based on a command-line interface (CLI) that allows performing both standard and advanced electrophysiological experiments. Stimulation protocols for classical voltage and current clamp experiments are defined by a concise and flexible meta description that allows representing complex waveforms as a piece-wise parametric decomposition of elementary sub-waveforms, abstracting the stimulation hardware. To perform complex experiments lcg provides a set of elementary building blocks that can be interconnected to yield a large variety of experimental paradigms. We present various cellular electrophysiological experiments in which lcg has been employed, ranging from the automated application of current clamp protocols for characterizing basic electrophysiological properties of neurons, to dynamic clamp, response clamp, and hybrid experiments. We finally show how the scripting capabilities behind a CLI are suited for integrating experimental trials into complex workflows, where actual experiment, online data analysis and computational modeling seamlessly integrate. We compare lcg with two open source toolboxes, RTXI and RELACS. We believe that lcg will greatly contribute to the standardization and reproducibility of both simple and complex experiments. Additionally, on the long run the increased efficiency due to a CLI will prove a great benefit for the experimental community. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Practical guidelines for feminist research in nursing.

PubMed

Im, Eun-Ok

2013-01-01

With increasing interests in oppressed groups, the number of feminist studies in nursing has steadily increased. Despite the increasing number of feminist studies, very few articles have been written to provide practical guidelines for feminist research in nursing. In this article, guidelines for feminist research in nursing are proposed on the basis of 3 previous feminist studies. First, characteristics of feminist research are concisely described. Then, the 3 studies that are the basis for the guidelines are described. Finally, practical guidelines for feminist nursing research are proposed on the basis of 10 idea categories related to issues/concerns from the 3 studies.

Theory of back-surface-field solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vonroos, O.

1979-01-01

Report describes simple concise theory of back-surface-field (BSF) solar cells (npp + junctions) based on Shockley's depletion-layer approximation and cites superiority of two-junction devices over conventional unijunction cells.

Guide to cement-based integrated pavement solutions.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-08-01

This guide provides a clear, concise, and cohesive presentation of cement-bound materials options for 10 : specific engineering pavement applications: new concrete pavements, concrete overlays, pervious concrete, : precast pavements, roller-compacted...

10 CFR 2.348 - Separation of functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... allocation of agency resources; or (iv) General regulatory, scientific, or engineering principles that are... decision that clearly and concisely sets forth the information or argument relied on to show the contrary...

10 CFR 2.348 - Separation of functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... allocation of agency resources; or (iv) General regulatory, scientific, or engineering principles that are... decision that clearly and concisely sets forth the information or argument relied on to show the contrary...

47 CFR 61.33 - Letters of transmittal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... inches (21.6 cm×27.9 cm) in size. All letters of transmittal must (1) Concisely explain the nature and... No. Secretary, Federal Communications Commission; Washington, DC 20554 Attention: Wireline...

BμG@Sbase—a microbial gene expression and comparative genomic database

PubMed Central

Witney, Adam A.; Waldron, Denise E.; Brooks, Lucy A.; Tyler, Richard H.; Withers, Michael; Stoker, Neil G.; Wren, Brendan W.; Butcher, Philip D.; Hinds, Jason

2012-01-01

The reducing cost of high-throughput functional genomic technologies is creating a deluge of high volume, complex data, placing the burden on bioinformatics resources and tool development. The Bacterial Microarray Group at St George's (BμG@S) has been at the forefront of bacterial microarray design and analysis for over a decade and while serving as a hub of a global network of microbial research groups has developed BμG@Sbase, a microbial gene expression and comparative genomic database. BμG@Sbase (http://bugs.sgul.ac.uk/bugsbase/) is a web-browsable, expertly curated, MIAME-compliant database that stores comprehensive experimental annotation and multiple raw and analysed data formats. Consistent annotation is enabled through a structured set of web forms, which guide the user through the process following a set of best practices and controlled vocabulary. The database currently contains 86 expertly curated publicly available data sets (with a further 124 not yet published) and full annotation information for 59 bacterial microarray designs. The data can be browsed and queried using an explorer-like interface; integrating intuitive tree diagrams to present complex experimental details clearly and concisely. Furthermore the modular design of the database will provide a robust platform for integrating other data types beyond microarrays into a more Systems analysis based future. PMID:21948792

BμG@Sbase--a microbial gene expression and comparative genomic database.

PubMed

Witney, Adam A; Waldron, Denise E; Brooks, Lucy A; Tyler, Richard H; Withers, Michael; Stoker, Neil G; Wren, Brendan W; Butcher, Philip D; Hinds, Jason

2012-01-01

The reducing cost of high-throughput functional genomic technologies is creating a deluge of high volume, complex data, placing the burden on bioinformatics resources and tool development. The Bacterial Microarray Group at St George's (BμG@S) has been at the forefront of bacterial microarray design and analysis for over a decade and while serving as a hub of a global network of microbial research groups has developed BμG@Sbase, a microbial gene expression and comparative genomic database. BμG@Sbase (http://bugs.sgul.ac.uk/bugsbase/) is a web-browsable, expertly curated, MIAME-compliant database that stores comprehensive experimental annotation and multiple raw and analysed data formats. Consistent annotation is enabled through a structured set of web forms, which guide the user through the process following a set of best practices and controlled vocabulary. The database currently contains 86 expertly curated publicly available data sets (with a further 124 not yet published) and full annotation information for 59 bacterial microarray designs. The data can be browsed and queried using an explorer-like interface; integrating intuitive tree diagrams to present complex experimental details clearly and concisely. Furthermore the modular design of the database will provide a robust platform for integrating other data types beyond microarrays into a more Systems analysis based future.

On Electromagnetic Modulation of Flow Instabilities, Mixing and Heat Transfer in Conducting and Magnetized Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenjeres, S.

2016-09-01

In the present paper we give a concise review of some recent highlights of our research dealing with electromagnetic control of flow, mixing and heat transfer of electrically conductive or magnetized fluids. We apply a combination of state-of-art numerical (DNS and LES) and experimental (PIV and LIF) techniques to provide fundamental insights into the complex phenomena of interactions between imposed (or induced) electromagnetic fields and underlying fluid flow. Our analysis covers an extensive range of working fluids, i.e. weakly- and highly-electrically-conductive, as well as magnetized fluids. These interactions are defined through the presence of different types of body forces acting per volume of fluid. A fully closed system of governing equations containing an extended set of the Navier-Stokes and a simplified set of the Maxwell equations is presented. The four characteristic examples are selected: the electromagnetic control of self-sustained jet oscillations, the electromagnetic enhancement of heat transfer in thermal convection, the wake interactions behind magnetic obstacles and finally, the thermo-magnetic convection in differentially heated cubical enclosure. The comparative assessment between experimental and numerical results is presented. It is concluded that generally good agreement between simulations and experiments is obtained for all cases considered, proving the concept of electromagnetic modulation, which can be used in numerous technological applications.

A review of optimization and quantification techniques for chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI toward sensitive in vivo imaging

PubMed Central

Guo, Yingkun; Zheng, Hairong; Sun, Phillip Zhe

2015-01-01

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI is a versatile imaging method that probes the chemical exchange between bulk water and exchangeable protons. CEST imaging indirectly detects dilute labile protons via bulk water signal changes following selective saturation of exchangeable protons, which offers substantial sensitivity enhancement and has sparked numerous biomedical applications. Over the past decade, CEST imaging techniques have rapidly evolved due to contributions from multiple domains, including the development of CEST mathematical models, innovative contrast agent designs, sensitive data acquisition schemes, efficient field inhomogeneity correction algorithms, and quantitative CEST (qCEST) analysis. The CEST system that underlies the apparent CEST-weighted effect, however, is complex. The experimentally measurable CEST effect depends not only on parameters such as CEST agent concentration, pH and temperature, but also on relaxation rate, magnetic field strength and more importantly, experimental parameters including repetition time, RF irradiation amplitude and scheme, and image readout. Thorough understanding of the underlying CEST system using qCEST analysis may augment the diagnostic capability of conventional imaging. In this review, we provide a concise explanation of CEST acquisition methods and processing algorithms, including their advantages and limitations, for optimization and quantification of CEST MRI experiments. PMID:25641791

Gene set analysis approaches for RNA-seq data: performance evaluation and application guideline

PubMed Central

Rahmatallah, Yasir; Emmert-Streib, Frank

2016-01-01

Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) is gradually replacing microarrays for high-throughput studies of gene expression. The main challenge of analyzing microarray data is not in finding differentially expressed genes, but in gaining insights into the biological processes underlying phenotypic differences. To interpret experimental results from microarrays, gene set analysis (GSA) has become the method of choice, in particular because it incorporates pre-existing biological knowledge (in a form of functionally related gene sets) into the analysis. Here we provide a brief review of several statistically different GSA approaches (competitive and self-contained) that can be adapted from microarrays practice as well as those specifically designed for RNA-seq. We evaluate their performance (in terms of Type I error rate, power, robustness to the sample size and heterogeneity, as well as the sensitivity to different types of selection biases) on simulated and real RNA-seq data. Not surprisingly, the performance of various GSA approaches depends only on the statistical hypothesis they test and does not depend on whether the test was developed for microarrays or RNA-seq data. Interestingly, we found that competitive methods have lower power as well as robustness to the samples heterogeneity than self-contained methods, leading to poor results reproducibility. We also found that the power of unsupervised competitive methods depends on the balance between up- and down-regulated genes in tested gene sets. These properties of competitive methods have been overlooked before. Our evaluation provides a concise guideline for selecting GSA approaches, best performing under particular experimental settings in the context of RNA-seq. PMID:26342128

Materials Laboratory Classes for First Year Undergraduates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fahy, F. W.

1975-01-01

Describes a combined demonstration and student experiment course to illustrate fundamental techniques, instrumentation, and concise report writing. Describes experiments including tensile tests, heat treatment, equilibrium diagram, microexamination, strain measurement, and recrystallization. (GH)

Genetics Home Reference: Majeed syndrome

MedlinePlus

... Al-Saad KK, Ijadi-Maghsoodi R, El-Shanti HI, Ferguson PJ. A splice site mutation confirms the ... gov/books/NBK1974/ Citation on PubMed El-Shanti HI, Ferguson PJ. Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: a concise ...

CSC Tip Sheets: Action Checklists

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Learn how to use action checklists to motivate behavior change by providing a clear and concise list of activities that community members and organizations can use to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve other sustainability goals.

Integrated mobility measurement and notation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roebuck, J. A., Jr.

1967-01-01

System for description of movements and positions facilitates design of space suits with more mobility. This measurement and notation system gives concise and unequivocal descriptions, compatible with engineering analysis and applicable to specific needs.

28 CFR 0.181 - Requirements for orders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the Attorney General § 0.181 Requirements for orders. Each order prepared for issuance by or approval of the Attorney General shall be given a suitable title, shall contain a clear and concise statement...

10 CFR 2.348 - Separation of functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

..., scientific, or engineering principles that are useful for an understanding of the issues in a proceeding and... final decision that clearly and concisely sets forth the information or argument relied on to show the...

10 CFR 2.348 - Separation of functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., scientific, or engineering principles that are useful for an understanding of the issues in a proceeding and... final decision that clearly and concisely sets forth the information or argument relied on to show the...

Polarons in acetanilide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, Alwyn C.; Bigio, Irving J.; Johnston, Clifford T.

1989-06-01

The best available data are presented of the integrated intensity of the 1650-cm-1 band in crystalline acetanilide as a function of temperature. A concise theory of polaron states is presented and used to interpret the data.

Polarons in acetanilide

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

Scott, A. C.; Bigio, I. J.; Johnston, C. T.

1989-06-15

The best available data are presented of the integrated intensity of the1650-cm/sup /minus/1/ band in crystalline acetanilide as a function oftemperature. A concise theory of polaron states is presented and used tointerpret the data.

An online database for plant image analysis software tools.

PubMed

Lobet, Guillaume; Draye, Xavier; Périlleux, Claire

2013-10-09

Recent years have seen an increase in methods for plant phenotyping using image analyses. These methods require new software solutions for data extraction and treatment. These solutions are instrumental in supporting various research pipelines, ranging from the localisation of cellular compounds to the quantification of tree canopies. However, due to the variety of existing tools and the lack of central repository, it is challenging for researchers to identify the software that is best suited for their research. We present an online, manually curated, database referencing more than 90 plant image analysis software solutions. The website, plant-image-analysis.org, presents each software in a uniform and concise manner enabling users to identify the available solutions for their experimental needs. The website also enables user feedback, evaluations and new software submissions. The plant-image-analysis.org database provides an overview of existing plant image analysis software. The aim of such a toolbox is to help users to find solutions, and to provide developers a way to exchange and communicate about their work.

A human factors evaluation of Extravehicular Activity gloves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Hara, John M.; Briganti, Michael; Cleland, John; Winfield, Dan

1989-01-01

One of the major problems faced in Extravehicular Activity (EVA) glove development has been the absence of concise and reliable methods to measure the effects of EVA gloves on human-hand capabilities. NASA has sponsored a program to develop a standardized set of tests designed to assess EVA-gloved hand capabilities in six performance domains: Range of Motion, Strength, Tactile Perception, Dexterity, Fatigue, and Comfort. Based upon an assessment of general human-hand functioning and EVA task requirements, several tests within each performance domain were developed to provide a comprehensive evaluation. All tests were designed to be conducted in a glove box with the bare hand, an EVA glove without pressure, an EVA glove at operation pressure. Thus, the differential effect on performance of the glove with and without pressure was tested. Bare hand performance was used to 'calibrate' the effects. Ten subjects participated in the test setup as a repeated-measures experimental design. The paper will report the results of the test program.

Empirical approaches to metacommunities: a review and comparison with theory.

PubMed

Logue, Jürg B; Mouquet, Nicolas; Peter, Hannes; Hillebrand, Helmut

2011-09-01

Metacommunity theory has advanced understanding of how spatial dynamics and local interactions shape community structure and biodiversity. Here, we review empirical approaches to metacommunities, both observational and experimental, pertaining to how well they relate to and test theoretical metacommunity paradigms and how well they capture the realities of natural ecosystems. First, we show that the species-sorting and mass-effects paradigms are the most commonly tested and supported paradigms. Second, the dynamics observed can often be ascribed to two or more of the four non-exclusive paradigms. Third, empirical approaches relate only weakly to the concise assumptions and predictions made by the paradigms. Consequently, we suggest major avenues of improvement for empirical metacommunity approaches, including the integration across theoretical approaches and the incorporation of evolutionary and meta-ecosystem dynamics. We hope for metacommunity ecology to thereby bridge existing gaps between empirical and theoretical work, thus becoming a more powerful framework to understand dynamics across ecosystems. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of intervertebral cervical motion by means of dynamic x-ray image processing and data interpolation.

PubMed

Bifulco, Paolo; Cesarelli, Mario; Romano, Maria; Fratini, Antonio; Sansone, Mario

2013-01-01

Accurate measurement of intervertebral kinematics of the cervical spine can support the diagnosis of widespread diseases related to neck pain, such as chronic whiplash dysfunction, arthritis, and segmental degeneration. The natural inaccessibility of the spine, its complex anatomy, and the small range of motion only permit concise measurement in vivo. Low dose X-ray fluoroscopy allows time-continuous screening of cervical spine during patient's spontaneous motion. To obtain accurate motion measurements, each vertebra was tracked by means of image processing along a sequence of radiographic images. To obtain a time-continuous representation of motion and to reduce noise in the experimental data, smoothing spline interpolation was used. Estimation of intervertebral motion for cervical segments was obtained by processing patient's fluoroscopic sequence; intervertebral angle and displacement and the instantaneous centre of rotation were computed. The RMS value of fitting errors resulted in about 0.2 degree for rotation and 0.2 mm for displacements.

Structural texture similarity metrics for image analysis and retrieval.

PubMed

Zujovic, Jana; Pappas, Thrasyvoulos N; Neuhoff, David L

2013-07-01

We develop new metrics for texture similarity that accounts for human visual perception and the stochastic nature of textures. The metrics rely entirely on local image statistics and allow substantial point-by-point deviations between textures that according to human judgment are essentially identical. The proposed metrics extend the ideas of structural similarity and are guided by research in texture analysis-synthesis. They are implemented using a steerable filter decomposition and incorporate a concise set of subband statistics, computed globally or in sliding windows. We conduct systematic tests to investigate metric performance in the context of "known-item search," the retrieval of textures that are "identical" to the query texture. This eliminates the need for cumbersome subjective tests, thus enabling comparisons with human performance on a large database. Our experimental results indicate that the proposed metrics outperform peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity metric (SSIM) and its variations, as well as state-of-the-art texture classification metrics, using standard statistical measures.

Twice random, once mixed: applying mixed models to simultaneously analyze random effects of language and participants.

PubMed

Janssen, Dirk P

2012-03-01

Psychologists, psycholinguists, and other researchers using language stimuli have been struggling for more than 30 years with the problem of how to analyze experimental data that contain two crossed random effects (items and participants). The classical analysis of variance does not apply; alternatives have been proposed but have failed to catch on, and a statistically unsatisfactory procedure of using two approximations (known as F(1) and F(2)) has become the standard. A simple and elegant solution using mixed model analysis has been available for 15 years, and recent improvements in statistical software have made mixed models analysis widely available. The aim of this article is to increase the use of mixed models by giving a concise practical introduction and by giving clear directions for undertaking the analysis in the most popular statistical packages. The article also introduces the DJMIXED: add-on package for SPSS, which makes entering the models and reporting their results as straightforward as possible.

Demixed principal component analysis of neural population data

PubMed Central

Kobak, Dmitry; Brendel, Wieland; Constantinidis, Christos; Feierstein, Claudia E; Kepecs, Adam; Mainen, Zachary F; Qi, Xue-Lian; Romo, Ranulfo; Uchida, Naoshige; Machens, Christian K

2016-01-01

Neurons in higher cortical areas, such as the prefrontal cortex, are often tuned to a variety of sensory and motor variables, and are therefore said to display mixed selectivity. This complexity of single neuron responses can obscure what information these areas represent and how it is represented. Here we demonstrate the advantages of a new dimensionality reduction technique, demixed principal component analysis (dPCA), that decomposes population activity into a few components. In addition to systematically capturing the majority of the variance of the data, dPCA also exposes the dependence of the neural representation on task parameters such as stimuli, decisions, or rewards. To illustrate our method we reanalyze population data from four datasets comprising different species, different cortical areas and different experimental tasks. In each case, dPCA provides a concise way of visualizing the data that summarizes the task-dependent features of the population response in a single figure. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10989.001 PMID:27067378

Vapor crystal growth technology development: Application to cadmium telluride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenberger, Franz; Banish, Michael; Duval, Walter M. B.

1991-01-01

Growth of bulk crystals by physical vapor transport was developed and applied to cadmium telluride. The technology makes use of effusive ampoules, in which part of the vapor contents escapes to a vacuum shroud through defined leaks during the growth process. This approach has the advantage over traditional sealed ampoule techniques that impurity vapors and excess vapor constituents are continuously removed from the vicinity of the growing crystal. Thus, growth rates are obtained routinely at magnitudes that are rather difficult to achieve in closed ampoules. Other advantages of this effusive ampoule physical vapor transport (EAPVT) technique include the predetermination of transport rates based on simple fluid dynamics and engineering considerations, and the growth of the crystal from close to congruent vapors, which largely alleviates the compositional nonuniformities resulting from buoyancy driven convective transport. After concisely reviewing earlier work on improving transport rates, nucleation control, and minimization of crystal wall interactions in vapor crystal growth, a detail account is given of the largely computer controlled EAPVT experimentation.

A New Data Mining Scheme Using Artificial Neural Networks

PubMed Central

Kamruzzaman, S. M.; Jehad Sarkar, A. M.

2011-01-01

Classification is one of the data mining problems receiving enormous attention in the database community. Although artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been successfully applied in a wide range of machine learning applications, they are however often regarded as black boxes, i.e., their predictions cannot be explained. To enhance the explanation of ANNs, a novel algorithm to extract symbolic rules from ANNs has been proposed in this paper. ANN methods have not been effectively utilized for data mining tasks because how the classifications were made is not explicitly stated as symbolic rules that are suitable for verification or interpretation by human experts. With the proposed approach, concise symbolic rules with high accuracy, that are easily explainable, can be extracted from the trained ANNs. Extracted rules are comparable with other methods in terms of number of rules, average number of conditions for a rule, and the accuracy. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is clearly demonstrated by the experimental results on a set of benchmark data mining classification problems. PMID:22163866

INTERIM -- Starlink Software Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearce, Dave; Pavelin, Cliff; Lawden, M. D.

Early versions of this paper were based on a number of other papers produced at a very early stage of the Starlink project. They contained a description of a specific implementation of a subroutine library, speculations on the desirable attributes of a software environment, and future development plans. They reflected the experimental nature of the Starlink software environment at that time. Since then, the situation has changed. The implemented subroutine library, INTERIM_DIR:INTERIM.OLB, is now a well established and widely used piece of software. A completely new Starlink software environment (ADAM) has been developed and distributed. Thus the library released in 1980 as `STARLINK' and now called `INTERIM' has reached the end of its development cycle and is now frozen in its current state, apart from bug corrections. This paper has, therefore, been completely rewritten and restructured to reflect the new situation. Its aim is to describe the facilities of the INTERIM subroutine library as clearly and concisely as possible. It avoids speculation, discussion of design decisions, and announcements of future plans.

ZyFISH: A Simple, Rapid and Reliable Zygosity Assay for Transgenic Mice

PubMed Central

McHugh, Donal; O’Connor, Tracy; Bremer, Juliane; Aguzzi, Adriano

2012-01-01

Microinjection of DNA constructs into fertilized mouse oocytes typically results in random transgene integration at a single genomic locus. The resulting transgenic founders can be used to establish hemizygous transgenic mouse lines. However, practical and experimental reasons often require that such lines be bred to homozygosity. Transgene zygosity can be determined by progeny testing assays which are expensive and time-consuming, by quantitative Southern blotting which is labor-intensive, or by quantitative PCR (qPCR) which requires transgene-specific design. Here, we describe a zygosity assessment procedure based on fluorescent in situ hybridization (zyFISH). The zyFISH protocol entails the detection of transgenic loci by FISH and the concomitant assignment of homozygosity using a concise and unbiased scoring system. The method requires small volumes of blood, is scalable to at least 40 determinations per assay, and produces results entirely consistent with the progeny testing assay. This combination of reliability, simplicity and cost-effectiveness makes zyFISH a method of choice for transgenic mouse zygosity determinations. PMID:22666404

Particle Physics, 2nd Edition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, B. R.; Shaw, G.

1998-01-01

Particle Physics, Second Edition is a concise and lucid account of the fundamental constituents of matter. The standard model of particle physics is developed carefully and systematically, without heavy mathematical formalism, to make this stimulating subject accessible to undergraduate students. Throughout, the emphasis is on the interpretation of experimental data in terms of the basic properties of quarks and leptons, and extensive use is made of symmetry principles and Feynman diagrams, which are introduced early in the book. The Second Edition brings the book fully up to date, including the discovery of the top quark and the search for the Higgs boson. A final short chapter is devoted to the continuing search for new physics beyond the standard model. Particle Physics, Second Edition features: * A carefully structured and written text to help students understand this exciting and demanding subject. * Many worked examples and problems to aid student learning. Hints for solving the problems are given in an Appendix. * Optional "starred" sections and appendices, containing more specialised and advanced material for the more ambitious reader.

Biogenetically inspired approach to the Strychnos alkaloids. Concise syntheses of (+/-)-akuammicine and (+/-)-strychnine.

PubMed

Ito, M; Clark, C W; Mortimore, M; Goh, J B; Martin, S F

2001-08-22

A linear synthesis of the indole alkaloid (+/-)-akuammicine (2) was completed by a novel sequence of reactions requiring only 10 steps from commercially available starting materials. The approach features a tandem vinylogous Mannich addition and an intramolecular hetero Diels-Alder reaction to rapidly assemble the pentacyclic heteroyohimboid derivative 8 from the readily available hydrocarboline 6. Oxidation of the E ring of 8 gave the lactone 9 that was converted into deformylgeissoschizine (11). The subsequent elaboration of 11 into 2 was effected by a biomimetically patterned transformation that involved sequential oxidation and base-induced skeletal reorganization. A variation of these tactics was then applied to the synthesis of the C(18) hydroxylated akuammicine derivative 36. Because 36 had previously been converted into strychnine (1) in four steps, its preparation constitutes a concise, formal synthesis of this complex alkaloid.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the treatment of acute radiation syndrome: a concise review.

PubMed

Hofer, Michal; Pospíšil, Milan; Komůrková, Denisa; Hoferová, Zuzana

2014-04-16

This article concisely summarizes data on the action of one of the principal and best known growth factors, the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), in a mammalian organism exposed to radiation doses inducing acute radiation syndrome. Highlighted are the topics of its real or anticipated use in radiation accident victims, the timing of its administration, the possibilities of combining G-CSF with other drugs, the ability of other agents to stimulate endogenous G-CSF production, as well as of the capability of this growth factor to ameliorate not only the bone marrow radiation syndrome but also the gastrointestinal radiation syndrome. G-CSF is one of the pivotal drugs in the treatment of radiation accident victims and its employment in this indication can be expected to remain or even grow in the future.

Generating Concise Rules for Human Motion Retrieval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukai, Tomohiko; Wakisaka, Ken-Ichi; Kuriyama, Shigeru

This paper proposes a method for retrieving human motion data with concise retrieval rules based on the spatio-temporal features of motion appearance. Our method first converts motion clip into a form of clausal language that represents geometrical relations between body parts and their temporal relationship. A retrieval rule is then learned from the set of manually classified examples using inductive logic programming (ILP). ILP automatically discovers the essential rule in the same clausal form with a user-defined hypothesis-testing procedure. All motions are indexed using this clausal language, and the desired clips are retrieved by subsequence matching using the rule. Such rule-based retrieval offers reasonable performance and the rule can be intuitively edited in the same language form. Consequently, our method enables efficient and flexible search from a large dataset with simple query language.

Concise Stereocontrolled Formal Synthesis of (±)-Quinine and Total Synthesis of (±)-7-Hydroxyquinine via Merged Morita-Baylis-Hillman-Tsuji-Trost Cyclization

PubMed Central

Webber, Peter; Krische, Michael J.

2010-01-01

Concise stereoselective syntheses of (±)-quinine and (±)-7-hydroxyquinine are achieved using a catalytic enone cycloallylation that combines the nucleophilic features of the Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction and the electrophilic features of the Tsuji-Trost reaction. Cyclization of enone-allyl carbonate 11 delivers the product of cycloallylation 13 in 68% yield. Diastereoselective conjugate reduction of the enone 13 (>20:1 dr) followed by exchange of N-protecting groups provides the saturated N-Boc-protected methyl ketone 19, which upon aldol dehydration provides quinoline containing enone 15, possessing all carbon atoms of quinine. Exposure of ketone 15 to L-selectride enables diastereoselective carbonyl reduction (>20:1 dr) to furnish the allylic alcohol 16. Stereoselective hydroxyl-directed epoxidation using an oxovanadium catalyst modified by N-hydroxy-N-Me-pivalamide delivers epoxide 17 (17:1 dr). Cyclization of the resulting amine-epoxide 17 provides (±)-7-hydroxyquinine in 13 steps and 11% overall yield from aminoacetaldehyde diethyl acetal. Notably, highly stereoselective formation of five contiguous stereocenters is achieved through a series of 1,2-asymmetric induction events. A formal synthesis of (±)-quinine is achieved upon deoxygenation of the N-Cbz-protected allylic acetate 22 to provide olefin 23, which previously has been converted to quinine. Thus, (±)-quinine is accessible in 16 steps and 4% overall yield from commercial aminoacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, making this route the most concise approach to quinine, to date. PMID:18989927

Relationship between the quality of children's handwriting and the Beery Buktenica developmental test of visuomotor integration after one year of writing tuition.

PubMed

Duiser, Ivonne H F; van der Kamp, John; Ledebt, Annick; Savelsbergh, Geert J P

2014-04-01

We examined whether the three subtests of the Beery Buktenica developmental test of visuomotor integration predicted quality of handwriting across and within groups of boys and girls classified as proficient, at risk or non-proficient writers according to the Concise Assessment Scale for Children's Handwriting. The Beery Buktenica developmental test of visuomotor integration and the Concise Assessment Scale for Children's Handwriting tests were administered to 240 grade 2 children. Proficient writers scored better on the visuomotor integration subtest than non-proficient writers, while proficient and at risk writers scored better than non-proficient writers on the motor coordination subtest. No differences were found on the visual perception subtest. Girls were more often classified as proficient writers than boys, and they scored better on the motor coordination subtest. Across groups, regression indicated that gender and both the visuomotor integration subtest and the motor coordination subtest were significant predictors for the quality of handwriting (i.e., accounted for 17% of the variance). After one year of writing tuition, the visuomotor integration subtest (and to a lesser extent the motor coordination subtest) but not the visual perception subtest significant relates to quality of children's handwriting as measured with the Concise Assessment Scale for Children's Handwriting. However, the relatively little variance explained also points to other abilities and/or task constraints that underlie quality of handwriting. © 2013 Occupational Therapy Australia.

Evaluation of the remineralization potential of amorphous calcium phosphate and fluoride containing pit and fissure sealants using scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Choudhary, Prashant; Tandon, Shobha; Ganesh, M; Mehra, Anshul

2012-01-01

To evaluate the remineralization potential of Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) and Fluoride containing pit and Fissure Sealants using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Thirty maxillary first premolars were divided into three groups of ten each and were randomly selected for ACP containing (Aegis- Opaque White, Bosworth Co. Ltd.), Fluoride containing (Teethmate F1 Natural Clear, Kuraray Co. Ltd.), resin based (Concise- Opaque White, 3M ESPE Co. Ltd.) pit and fissure sealant applications. The Concise group served as a control. The teeth weresubjected to the pH-cycling regimen for a period of two weeks. After two weeks, the teeth were sectioned bucco-lingually into 4mm sections and were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope at 50X, 250X, 500X, 1000X and 1500X magnifications. The qualitative changes at the tooth surface and sealant interface were examined and presence of white zone at the interface was considered positive for remineralization. Both ACP containing (Aegis) and Fluoride containing (Teethmate F1) group showed white zone at the tooth surface-sealant interface. The resin based group (Concise) showed regular interface between the sealant and the tooth structure, but no clear cut white zone was observed. Both, Aegis and Teethmate F1 have the potential to remineralize. Release of Amorphous Calcium Phosphate molecules in Aegis group and formation of Fluoroapetite in Teethmate F1 group, were probably responsible for the remineralization.

Non-equilibrium dynamics of artificial quantum matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babadi, Mehrtash

The rapid progress of the field of ultracold atoms during the past two decades has set new milestones in our control over matter. By cooling dilute atomic gases and molecules to nano-Kelvin temperatures, novel quantum mechanical states of matter can be realized and studied on a table-top experimental setup while bulk matter can be tailored to faithfully simulate abstract theoretical models. Two of such models which have witnessed significant experimental and theoretical attention are (1) the two-component Fermi gas with resonant s-wave interactions, and (2) the single-component Fermi gas with dipole-dipole interactions. This thesis is devoted to studying the non-equilibrium collective dynamics of these systems using the general framework of quantum kinetic theory. We present a concise review of the utilized mathematical methods in the first two chapters, including the Schwinger-Keldysh formalism of non-equilibrium quantum fields, two-particle irreducible (2PI) effective actions and the framework of quantum kinetic theory. We study the collective dynamics of the dipolar Fermi gas in a quasi-two-dimensional optical trap in chapter 3 and provide a detailed account of its dynamical crossover from the collisionless to the hydrodynamical regime. Chapter 4 is devoted to studying the dynamics of the attractive Fermi gas in the normal phase. Starting from the self-consistent T-matrix (pairing fluctuation) approximation, we systematically derive a set of quantum kinetic equations and show that they provide a globally valid description of the dynamics of the attractive Fermi gas, ranging from the weak-coupling Fermi liquid phase to the intermediate non-Fermi liquid pairing pseudogap regime and finally the strong-coupling Bose liquid phase. The shortcomings of the self-consistent T-matrix approximation in two spatial dimensions are discussed along with a proposal to overcome its unphysical behaviors. The developed kinetic formalism is finally utilized to reproduce and interpret the findings of a recent experiment done on the collective dynamics of trapped two-dimensional ultracold gases.

Inorganic versus organic selenium supplementation: a review.

PubMed

Mahima; Verma, Amit Kumar; Kumar, Amit; Rahal, Anu; Kumar, Vinod; Roy, Debashis

2012-05-01

Selenium is an essential trace element in the diets which is required for maintenance of health, growth and biochemical-physiological functions. The area covered in this review has been rapidly unfolding in recent years and has already acquired a vast spread. This study presents a concise introductory overview of the effect of organic and inorganic selenium on growth performance, carcass traits, daily egg production, egg quality, Se uptake in various tissues and plasma and plasma glutathione peroxidase activity in animals.

Concise Review: Tissue-Engineered Skin and Nerve Regeneration in Burn Treatment

PubMed Central

Blais, Mathieu; Parenteau-Bareil, Rémi; Cadau, Sébastien

2013-01-01

Burns not only destroy the barrier function of the skin but also alter the perceptions of pain, temperature, and touch. Different strategies have been developed over the years to cover deep and extensive burns with the ultimate goal of regenerating the barrier function of the epidermis while recovering an acceptable aesthetic aspect. However, patients often complain about a loss of skin sensation and even cutaneous chronic pain. Cutaneous nerve regeneration can occur from the nerve endings of the wound bed, but it is often compromised by scar formation or anarchic wound healing. Restoration of pain, temperature, and touch perceptions should now be a major challenge to solve in order to improve patients' quality of life. In addition, the cutaneous nerve network has been recently highlighted to play an important role in epidermal homeostasis and may be essential at least in the early phase of wound healing through the induction of neurogenic inflammation. Although the nerve regeneration process was studied largely in the context of nerve transections, very few studies have been aimed at developing strategies to improve it in the context of cutaneous wound healing. In this concise review, we provide a description of the characteristics of and current treatments for extensive burns, including tissue-engineered skin approaches to improve cutaneous nerve regeneration, and describe prospective uses for autologous skin-derived adult stem cells to enhance recovery of the skin's sense of touch. PMID:23734060

User-Centered Design and Printed Educational Materials: A Focus Group Study of Primary Care Physician Preferences.

PubMed

Grudniewicz, Agnes; Bhattacharyya, Onil; McKibbon, K Ann; Straus, Sharon E

2016-01-01

It is challenging for primary care physicians (PCPs) to review and apply the growing amount of clinical evidence available. Printed educational materials (PEMs), which synthesize evidence, are often ineffective at improving knowledge, possibly due to poor design and limited uptake. In this study, we collected PCP preferences for the design and content of physician-oriented PEMs and determined key attributes that may increase their usability and uptake. We held 90-minute focus groups with PCPs in Toronto, ON, Canada. Focus groups included discussion about whether and how participants use PEMs, feedback on three examples of PEMs, and a discussion on general format and design preferences in PEMs. We analyzed focus group transcripts using a thematic analysis and summarized results in a list of user preferences. Four focus groups were held with 13 PCPs. We found that participants only read PEMs relevant to their patients and prefer short, concise documents, with links to sources that can provide more detailed information. Simplicity of materials was important, with many participants preferring PEMs without lengthy backgrounds or scientific explanations. Most participants wanted to see key messages highlighted to easily assess the relevance of the materials to their practice. Some participants shared physician-oriented PEMs with patients. This study shows that PCPs may prefer shorter, simpler, and more concise documents that have less scientific detail but provide references to further information sources. It is important to understand end user preferences for the design and content of these materials to enhance their uptake.

The Development and Validation of a Concise Instrument for Formative Assessment of Team Leader Performance During Simulated Pediatric Resuscitations.

PubMed

Nadkarni, Lindsay D; Roskind, Cindy G; Auerbach, Marc A; Calhoun, Aaron W; Adler, Mark D; Kessler, David O

2018-04-01

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of a formative feedback instrument for leaders of simulated resuscitations. This is a prospective validation study with a fully crossed (person × scenario × rater) study design. The Concise Assessment of Leader Management (CALM) instrument was designed by pediatric emergency medicine and graduate medical education experts to be used off the shelf to evaluate and provide formative feedback to resuscitation leaders. Four experts reviewed 16 videos of in situ simulated pediatric resuscitations and scored resuscitation leader performance using the CALM instrument. The videos consisted of 4 pediatric emergency department resuscitation teams each performing in 4 pediatric resuscitation scenarios (cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, seizure, and sepsis). We report on content and internal structure (reliability) validity of the CALM instrument. Content validity was supported by the instrument development process that involved professional experience, expert consensus, focused literature review, and pilot testing. Internal structure validity (reliability) was supported by the generalizability analysis. The main component that contributed to score variability was the person (33%), meaning that individual leaders performed differently. The rater component had almost zero (0%) contribution to variance, which implies that raters were in agreement and argues for high interrater reliability. These results provide initial evidence to support the validity of the CALM instrument as a reliable assessment instrument that can facilitate formative feedback to leaders of pediatric simulated resuscitations.

Facial transplantation: A concise update

PubMed Central

Barrera-Pulido, Fernando; Gomez-Cia, Tomas; Sicilia-Castro, Domingo; Garcia-Perla-Garcia, Alberto; Gacto-Sanchez, Purificacion; Hernandez-Guisado, Jose-Maria; Lagares-Borrego, Araceli; Narros-Gimenez, Rocio; Gonzalez-Padilla, Juan D.

2013-01-01

Objectives: Update on clinical results obtained by the first worldwide facial transplantation teams as well as review of the literature concerning the main surgical, immunological, ethical, and follow-up aspects described on facial transplanted patients. Study design: MEDLINE search of articles published on “face transplantation” until March 2012. Results: Eighteen clinical cases were studied. The mean patient age was 37.5 years, with a higher prevalence of men. Main surgical indication was gunshot injuries (6 patients). All patients had previously undergone multiple conventional surgical reconstructive procedures which had failed. Altogether 8 transplant teams belonging to 4 countries participated. Thirteen partial face transplantations and 5 full face transplantations have been performed. Allografts are varied according to face anatomical components and the amount of skin, muscle, bone, and other tissues included, though all were grafted successfully and remained viable without significant postoperative surgical complications. The patient with the longest follow-up was 5 years. Two patients died 2 and 27 months after transplantation. Conclusions: Clinical experience has demonstrated the feasibility of facial transplantation as a valuable reconstructive option, but it still remains considered as an experimental procedure with unresolved issues to settle down. Results show that from a clinical, technical, and immunological standpoint, facial transplantation has achieved functional, aesthetic, and social rehabilitation in severely facial disfigured patients. Key words:Face transplantation, composite tissue transplantation, face allograft, facial reconstruction, outcomes and complications of face transplantation. PMID:23229268

Wood machining highlights, 1972 and 1973

Treesearch

Charles W. Mcmillin

1975-01-01

Important wood machining research published during 1972 and 1973 is highlighted to provide the reader with a concise summary of activity in 17 fields of endeavor. The review is based on 427 references and contains 154 citations.

Geometric Design Laboratory Fact Sheet

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-08-02

This fact sheet provides concise information about the Geometric Design Laboratory (GDL) at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center. The mission of the GDL is to provide technical support to the Federal Highway Administration's Office of Safety R...

Magnetohydrodynamic power generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, J. L.

1984-01-01

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Power Generation is a concise summary of MHD theory, history, and future trends. Results of the major international MHD research projects are discussed. Data from MHD research is included. Economics of initial and operating costs are considered.

Solid state Impatt Amplifiers performance data

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1973-12-01

Evaluation data on an 8-watt and a 16-watt Impatt Amplifier represented to concisely describe the performance of these amplifiers. The data include component specifications and photographs, TSC test set-up configuration, amplitude and phase character...

Sustainable concrete pavements : a manual of practice.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-08-01

Developed as a more detailed follow-up to a 2009 briefing document, Building Sustainable Pavement with Concrete, this guide provides a clear, concise, and cohesive discussion of pavement sustainability concepts and of recommended practices for maximi...

Guide for Commenting on NEEDS and IPM

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Find on this page a document intended to provide guidance on submitting clear, concise, and impactful comments on NEEDS (National Electric Energy Data System), other inputs to the Integrated Planning Model (IPM), or outputs from IPM.

Wood Machining Highlights, 1972 and 1973

Treesearch

C.W. McMillin

1975-01-01

Important wood machining research published during 1972 and 1973 is highlighted to provide the reader with a concise summary of activity in 17 fields of endeavor. The review is based on 427 references and contains 154 citations.

Benzo[b]fluorenes via indanone dianion annulation: a short synthesis of prekinamycin.

PubMed

Birman, Vladimir B; Zhao, Zhufeng; Guo, Lei

2007-03-29

[structure: see text]. A rapid construction of benzo[b]fluorenones via reaction of 1-indanone dianions with phthalate diesters is described. Its utility is illustrated with a concise synthesis of prekinamycin.

Defining Terrorism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoffman, Bruce

1986-01-01

Notes the lack of a concise meaning for the word terrorism. Develops a working definition which states that terrorism is the deliberate creation and exploitation of fear through violence or the threat of violence in the attainment of political objectives. (JDH)

Loranthus ferrugineus: a Mistletoe from Traditional Uses to Laboratory Bench

PubMed Central

Omar Z., Ameer; Ibrahim M., Salman; Ko Jin, Quek; Mohd. Z., Asmawi

2015-01-01

Objectives: Loranthus ferrugineus (L. ferrugineus) from Loranthaceae, a mistletoe, is a medicinal herb used for a variety of human ailments. Traditionally, decoctions of this parasitic shrub have been mainly used to treat high blood pressure (BP) and gastrointestinal complaints; usage which is supported by experimental based pharmacological investigations. Nonetheless, there is still limited data available evaluating this plant’s traditions, and few studies have been scientifically translated toward evidence based phytomedicine. We therefore provide a concise review of the currently available L. ferrugineus literature and discuss potential directions for future areas of investigation. Methods: We surveyed available literature covering ethnopharmacological usage of L. ferrugineus and discussed relevant findings, including important future directions and shortcomings for the medicinal values of this parasitic shrub. Results: Evidence based pharmacological approaches significantly covered the medicinal application of L. ferrugineus for hypertension and gastrointestinal complaint management, with a particular focus on the active hydrophilic extract of this herb. Conclusion: Understanding the sites of action of this plant and its beneficial effects will provide justification for its use in old traditional treatments, and potentially lead to the development of therapies. Other medicinal applicative areas of this parasitic shrub, such as wound healing, gerontological effects, and antiviral and anticancer activities, are yet to be researched. PMID:25830054

Application of plug-plug technique to ACE experiments for discovery of peptides binding to a larger target protein: a model study of calmodulin-binding fragments selected from a digested mixture of reduced BSA.

PubMed

Saito, Kazuki; Nakato, Mamiko; Mizuguchi, Takaaki; Wada, Shinji; Uchimura, Hiromasa; Kataoka, Hiroshi; Yokoyama, Shigeyuki; Hirota, Hiroshi; Kiso, Yoshiaki

2014-03-01

To discover peptide ligands that bind to a target protein with a higher molecular mass, a concise screening methodology has been established, by applying a "plug-plug" technique to ACE experiments. Exploratory experiments using three mixed peptides, mastoparan-X, β-endorphin, and oxytocin, as candidates for calmodulin-binding ligands, revealed that the technique not only reduces the consumption of the protein sample, but also increases the flexibility of the experimental conditions, by allowing the use of MS detection in the ACE experiments. With the plug-plug technique, the ACE-MS screening methodology successfully selected calmodulin-binding peptides from a random library with diverse constituents, such as protease digests of BSA. Three peptides with Kd values between 8-147 μM for calmodulin were obtained from a Glu-C endoprotease digest of reduced BSA, although the digest showed more than 70 peaks in its ACE-MS electropherogram. The method established here will be quite useful for the screening of peptide ligands, which have only low affinities due to their flexible chain structures but could potentially provide primary information for designing inhibitors against the target protein. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Rate Change Graph Technology: Absolute Value Point Methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strickland, Ken; Duvernois, Michael

2011-10-01

Absolute Value Point Methodology (AVPM) is a new theoretical tool for science research centered on Rate Change Graph Technology (RCGT). The modeling techniques of AVPM surpass conventional methods by extending the geometrical rules of mathematics. Exact geometrical structures of matter and energy become clearer revealing new ways to compile advanced data. RCGT mechanics is realized from geometrical intersections that are the result of plotting changing value vs. changing geometry. RCGT methods ignore size and value to perform an objective analysis in geometry. Value and size are then re-introduced back into the analytical system for a clear and concise solution. Available AVPM applications reveal that a massive amount of data from the Big Bang to vast super-clusters is untouched by human thought. Once scientists learn to design tools from RCGT Mechanics, new and formidable approaches to experimentation and theory may lead to new discoveries. In the creation of AVPM, it has become apparent there is a particle-world that exists between strings and our familiar universe. These unrealized particles in their own nature exhibit inflation like properties and may be the progenitor of the implements of our universe. Thus space, time, energy, motion, space-time and gravity are born from its existence and decay. This announcement will be the beginning of many new ideas from the study of RCGT mechanics.

Instrumentation aspects for spaceborn critical point and aggregation studies on the basis of various test data gathered by ground laboratory equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dieckmann, Matthias; Dierks, Karsten; Weigel, Thomas

1994-09-01

Time averaged static light scattering (SLS) intensity collections on suspensions with defined particle dimensions and concentrations were achieved by utilization of the Zeiss SG 100 goniometer scatterometer. The bidirectional straylight distribution functions (BSDF) of suspensions containing 36 mg/ml lysozyme with NaCl-buffer and latex standards with diameters of 90 nm, 270 nm, 310 nm, 500 nm and 3100 nm in various concentrations are given. The measurements clearly reveal absence of complex Mie light intensity distributions to which presence is often referred to. Presented data collection achieved with commercial equipment would enable extraction of instrument designs appropriate for operation of dynamic light scattering (DLS) in reduced gravity environments. Optoelectronics and fiber optics of the multiangle Coulter N4MD submicron analyzer are concisely described and analyzed. DLS is introduced concerning baseline determination and applied evaluation procedures. Consequences of analysis yielded potential advancements to two optomechanics (optrode; lens protein analyzer LPA and goniometer device; DIMINIGON-A). Their operation is demonstrated in linkage with a 288 real time correlator (ALV-Langen). Experimental results achieved during aggregation and crystallization of lysozyme together with detection of intercalation between DNA and doxorubicin (antitumor therapeutics) are included. Results of viscosity measurements under low shear rates as function of the protein concentrations will be presented.

Vision-based measurement for rotational speed by improving Lucas-Kanade template tracking algorithm.

PubMed

Guo, Jie; Zhu, Chang'an; Lu, Siliang; Zhang, Dashan; Zhang, Chunyu

2016-09-01

Rotational angle and speed are important parameters for condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of rotating machineries, and their measurement is useful in precision machining and early warning of faults. In this study, a novel vision-based measurement algorithm is proposed to complete this task. A high-speed camera is first used to capture the video of the rotational object. To extract the rotational angle, the template-based Lucas-Kanade algorithm is introduced to complete motion tracking by aligning the template image in the video sequence. Given the special case of nonplanar surface of the cylinder object, a nonlinear transformation is designed for modeling the rotation tracking. In spite of the unconventional and complex form, the transformation can realize angle extraction concisely with only one parameter. A simulation is then conducted to verify the tracking effect, and a practical tracking strategy is further proposed to track consecutively the video sequence. Based on the proposed algorithm, instantaneous rotational speed (IRS) can be measured accurately and efficiently. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified on a brushless direct current motor test rig through the comparison with results obtained by the microphone. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can extract accurately rotational angles and can measure IRS with the advantage of noncontact and effectiveness.

In Situ Powder Diffraction Studies of Electrode Materials in Rechargeable Batteries.

PubMed

Sharma, Neeraj; Pang, Wei Kong; Guo, Zaiping; Peterson, Vanessa K

2015-09-07

The ability to directly track the charge carrier in a battery as it inserts/extracts from an electrode during charge/discharge provides unparalleled insight for researchers into the working mechanism of the device. This crystallographic-electrochemical information can be used to design new materials or modify electrochemical conditions to improve battery performance characteristics, such as lifetime. Critical to collecting operando data used to obtain such information in situ while a battery functions are X-ray and neutron diffractometers with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution to capture complex and subtle structural changes. The number of operando battery experiments has dramatically increased in recent years, particularly those involving neutron powder diffraction. Herein, the importance of structure-property relationships to understanding battery function, why in situ experimentation is critical to this, and the types of experiments and electrochemical cells required to obtain such information are described. For each battery type, selected research that showcases the power of in situ and operando diffraction experiments to understand battery function is highlighted and future opportunities for such experiments are discussed. The intention is to encourage researchers to use in situ and operando techniques and to provide a concise overview of this area of research. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

20 CFR 30.720 - How can an excluded provider request a hearing?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... shall contain: (a) A concise notice of the issues on which the provider desires to give evidence at the... medical standards, medical ethics or medical regulation for an advisory opinion from a competent...

20 CFR 10.820 - How can an excluded provider request a hearing?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... named under § 10.818(f) and shall contain: (a) A concise notice of the issues on which the provider... questions concerning professional medical standards, medical ethics or medical regulation for an advisory...

Strategies for improving traveler information.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

This project developed a clear, concise, and fiscally sound plan to improve traveler information : for the Michigan Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT has a long history of innovation : in the field of ITS, including a robust traveler inform...

FRATIS concept of operations : assess test readiness of FRATIS (task 4).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-01

This technical memorandum presents a concise assessment of the key technical and nontechnical issues and limitations related to field-testing the Freight Advanced Traveler Information System (FRATIS) Dynamic Mobility Applications (DMA) bundle and its...

75 FR 57261 - Request for Comments on Incentivizing Humanitarian Technologies and Licensing Through the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-20

... to develop a workable test to apply these principles that is clear, concise, administratively... was made available to researchers on generous terms. The USPTO seeks to develop a workable test to...

Cybernetics and Workshop Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eckstein, Daniel G.

1979-01-01

Cybernetic sessions allow for the investigation of several variables concurrently, resulting in a large volume of input compacted into a concise time frame. Three session questions are reproduced to illustrate the variety of ideas generated relative to workshop design. (Author)

Concise, Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (-)-Alstonerine

PubMed Central

Miller, Kenneth A.

2008-01-01

A novel enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-alstonerine has been completed that requires only 1 5 steps from L-tryptophan. The synthesis features the first application of a Pauson-Khand reaction t o synthesize an azabridged bicyclic skeleton. PMID:17298078

50 CFR 221.55 - What evidence is admissible at the hearing?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... guidance by the ALJ and the parties in interpreting and applying the provisions of this section. (b) Objections. Any party objecting to the admission or exclusion of evidence shall concisely state the grounds...

7 CFR 1.655 - What evidence is admissible at the hearing?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... guidance by the ALJ and the parties in interpreting and applying the provisions of this section. (b) Objections. Any party objecting to the admission or exclusion of evidence shall concisely state the grounds...

Soft Systems Methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Checkland, Peter; Poulter, John

Soft systems methodology (SSM) is an approach for tackling problematical, messy situations of all kinds. It is an action-oriented process of inquiry into problematic situations in which users learn their way from finding out about the situation, to taking action to improve it. The learning emerges via an organised process in which the situation is explored using a set of models of purposeful action (each built to encapsulate a single worldview) as intellectual devices, or tools, to inform and structure discussion about a situation and how it might be improved. This paper, written by the original developer Peter Checkland and practitioner John Poulter, gives a clear and concise account of the approach that covers SSM's specific techniques, the learning cycle process of the methodology and the craft skills which practitioners develop. This concise but theoretically robust account nevertheless includes the fundamental concepts, techniques, core tenets described through a wide range of settings.

Design and Fabrication of Full Wheatstone-Bridge-Based Angular GMR Sensors.

PubMed

Yan, Shaohua; Cao, Zhiqiang; Guo, Zongxia; Zheng, Zhenyi; Cao, Anni; Qi, Yue; Leng, Qunwen; Zhao, Weisheng

2018-06-05

Since the discovery of the giant magnetoresistive (GMR) effect, GMR sensors have gained much attention in last decades due to their high sensitivity, small size, and low cost. The full Wheatstone-bridge-based GMR sensor is most useful in terms of the application point of view. However, its manufacturing process is usually complex. In this paper, we present an efficient and concise approach to fabricate a full Wheatstone-bridge-based angular GMR sensor by depositing one GMR film stack, utilizing simple patterned processes, and a concise post-annealing procedure based on a special layout. The angular GMR sensor is of good linear performance and achieves a sensitivity of 0.112 mV/V/Oe at the annealing temperature of 260 °C in the magnetic field range from -50 to +50 Oe. This work provides a design and method for GMR-sensor manufacturing that is easy for implementation and suitable for mass production.

Concise Review: Dental Pulp Stem Cells: A Novel Cell Therapy for Retinal and Central Nervous System Repair.

PubMed

Mead, Ben; Logan, Ann; Berry, Martin; Leadbeater, Wendy; Scheven, Ben A

2017-01-01

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) are neural crest-derived ecto-mesenchymal stem cells that can relatively easily and non-invasively be isolated from the dental pulp of extracted postnatal and adult teeth. Accumulating evidence suggests that DPSC have great promise as a cellular therapy for central nervous system (CNS) and retinal injury and disease. The mode of action by which DPSC confer therapeutic benefit may comprise multiple pathways, in particular, paracrine-mediated processes which involve a wide array of secreted trophic factors and is increasingly regarded as the principal predominant mechanism. In this concise review, we present the current evidence for the use of DPSC to repair CNS damage, including recent findings on retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection and regeneration in optic nerve injury and glaucoma. Stem Cells 2017;35:61-67. © 2016 AlphaMed Press.

Targeted nanosystems: Advances in targeted dendrimers for cancer therapy.

PubMed

Yang, Hu

2016-02-01

Dendrimers possess discrete highly compact nanostructures constituted of successive branched layers. Soon after the inception of dendrimers, recognition of their tunable structures and biologically favorable properties provoked a great enthusiasm in delving deeply into the utility of dendrimers for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. One of the most important nanotechnology applications is the development of nanomedicines for targeted cancer therapies. Tremendous success in targeted therapies has been achieved with the use of dendrimer-based nanomedicines. This article provides a concise review on latest advances in the utility of dendrimers in immunotherapies and hormone therapies. Much basic and clinical research has been done since the invention of dendrimers, which are highly branched nano-sized molecules with the ability to act as carriers in nanomedicine. In this concise review article, the authors highlighted the current use of dendrimers in immunotherapies and hormone therapies in the fight against cancers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mechanical modeling for magnetorheological elastomer isolators based on constitutive equations and electromagnetic analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qi; Dong, Xufeng; Li, Luyu; Ou, Jinping

2018-06-01

As constitutive models are too complicated and existing mechanical models lack universality, these models are beyond satisfaction for magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) devices. In this article, a novel universal method is proposed to build concise mechanical models. Constitutive model and electromagnetic analysis were applied in this method to ensure universality, while a series of derivations and simplifications were carried out to obtain a concise formulation. To illustrate the proposed modeling method, a conical MRE isolator was introduced. Its basic mechanical equations were built based on equilibrium, deformation compatibility, constitutive equations and electromagnetic analysis. An iteration model and a highly efficient differential equation editor based model were then derived to solve the basic mechanical equations. The final simplified mechanical equations were obtained by re-fitting the simulations with a novel optimal algorithm. In the end, verification test of the isolator has proved the accuracy of the derived mechanical model and the modeling method.

Assessment and management of alcohol dependence and withdrawal in the acute hospital: concise guidance.

PubMed

Stewart, Stephen; Swain, Sharon

2012-06-01

Alcohol dependence is common among patients attending acute hospitals. It can be the major reason for attendance or a significant cofactor. Assessment of these patients in the acute setting can be challenging owing to the multidisciplinary approach required. Doctors in acute hospitals are often inexperienced in managing dependence, a mental health problem. They might focus on the physical harms or the withdrawal, a consequence of the dependence. For this reason, assessment of dependence and prevention and management of acute alcohol withdrawal are often suboptimal. There is little existing guidance on how to manage this patient population, especially in non-specialist settings. With recently published National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance on the management of dependence and withdrawal, now is the perfect time to produce concise guidelines in the hope that a more succinct suite of guidance can reach a larger audience.

The ''hot patella'' sign: is it of any clinical significance. Concise communication

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

Fogelman, I.; McKillop, J.H.; Gray, H.W.

1983-04-01

The presence of the ''hot patella'' sign was evaluated in a prospective study of 200 consecutive bone scans, and in a review of scans from 148 patients with various metabolic bone disorders and 61 patients with lung carcinoma. The incidence was found to be 31%, 26% and 31% respectively. This sign is an extremely common scan finding and may be seen in association with a wide variety of disorders. It is concluded that this sign cannot be considered to be of diagnostic value.

Mass spectrometry and renal calculi

PubMed Central

Purcarea, VL; Sisu, I; Sisu, E

2010-01-01

The present review represents a concise and complete survey of the literature covering 2004–2009, concerning the mass spectrometric techniques involved in the structural investigation of renal calculi. After a short presentation of the fundamental mass spectrometric techniques (MALDI–TOF, QTOF, MS–MS) as well as hyphenated methods (GC–MS, LC–MS, CE–MS), an extensive study of the urinary proteome analysis as well as the detection and quantification by mass spectrometry of toxins, drugs and metabolites from renal calculi is presented. PMID:20968197

Amino acid nutrition of fishes: requirements and supplementation of diets

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ketola, H.G.

1982-01-01

The purpose of this paper is: (1) to make a concise review of the published dietary requirements of fishes for amino acids, (2) to describe recent findings at the Tunison Laboratory concerning amino acid nutrition of trout, (3) to review specific signs of deficiency of amino acids, and (4) to discuss use of the fish egg amino acid pattern as a guideline to formulating new feeds or studying amino acid requirements of fishes for which there is limited information on their quantitative requirements.

Lectures on Kähler Geometry - Series: London Mathematical Society Student Texts (No. 69)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moroianu, Andrei

2004-03-01

Kähler geometry is a beautiful and intriguing area of mathematics, of substantial research interest to both mathematicians and physicists. This self-contained graduate text provides a concise and accessible introduction to the topic. The book begins with a review of basic differential geometry, before moving on to a description of complex manifolds and holomorphic vector bundles. Kähler manifolds are discussed from the point of view of Riemannian geometry, and Hodge and Dolbeault theories are outlined, together with a simple proof of the famous Kähler identities. The final part of the text studies several aspects of compact Kähler manifolds: the Calabi conjecture, Weitzenböck techniques, Calabi Yau manifolds, and divisors. All sections of the book end with a series of exercises and students and researchers working in the fields of algebraic and differential geometry and theoretical physics will find that the book provides them with a sound understanding of this theory. The first graduate-level text on Kähler geometry, providing a concise introduction for both mathematicians and physicists with a basic knowledge of calculus in several variables and linear algebra Over 130 exercises and worked examples Self-contained and presents varying viewpoints including Riemannian, complex and algebraic

Concise, intensive or longitudinal medical education courses, which is more effective in perceived self-efficacy and development of faculty members?

PubMed Central

Mojtahedzadeh, Rita; Mohammadi, Aeen

2016-01-01

Background: Teachers’ self-efficacy and development may be conceptualized as their beliefs in their own ability to plan, organize and carry out activities that are required to attain educational goals. In this study, we examined the effect of different medical education training courses (six-day, one- month short- term and sixmonth long- term courses) on perceived self-efficacy and development. Methods: This before-after quasi-experimental study was performed on 39 faculty members of Tehran University of Medical Sciences who participated in faculty development courses in 2013. We used valid and reliable scales to measure their perceived self-efficacy and empowerment. Results: The results revealed a significant increase in faculty members’ perceived self-efficacy in pre and posttests in one-month and six-month courses, but no significant difference was found in the six-day course (p=0.004, p<0.001 and p=0.235, respectively). These results were the same for perceived empowerment (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.716 for one-month, six-month and six-day courses, respectively). A significant difference was detected in perceived self-efficacy and participant empowerment components based on the training course (p=0.005; Wilk's Λ=0.345, Partial η2=0.413). Conclusion: This study revealed that long- term courses were more effective than the short- term ones. Thus, longitudinal courses are recommended for more effectiveness. PMID:27683643

REFOLDdb: a new and sustainable gateway to experimental protocols for protein refolding.

PubMed

Mizutani, Hisashi; Sugawara, Hideaki; Buckle, Ashley M; Sangawa, Takeshi; Miyazono, Ken-Ichi; Ohtsuka, Jun; Nagata, Koji; Shojima, Tomoki; Nosaki, Shohei; Xu, Yuqun; Wang, Delong; Hu, Xiao; Tanokura, Masaru; Yura, Kei

2017-04-24

More than 7000 papers related to "protein refolding" have been published to date, with approximately 300 reports each year during the last decade. Whilst some of these papers provide experimental protocols for protein refolding, a survey in the structural life science communities showed a necessity for a comprehensive database for refolding techniques. We therefore have developed a new resource - "REFOLDdb" that collects refolding techniques into a single, searchable repository to help researchers develop refolding protocols for proteins of interest. We based our resource on the existing REFOLD database, which has not been updated since 2009. We redesigned the data format to be more concise, allowing consistent representations among data entries compared with the original REFOLD database. The remodeled data architecture enhances the search efficiency and improves the sustainability of the database. After an exhaustive literature search we added experimental refolding protocols from reports published 2009 to early 2017. In addition to this new data, we fully converted and integrated existing REFOLD data into our new resource. REFOLDdb contains 1877 entries as of March 17 th , 2017, and is freely available at http://p4d-info.nig.ac.jp/refolddb/ . REFOLDdb is a unique database for the life sciences research community, providing annotated information for designing new refolding protocols and customizing existing methodologies. We envisage that this resource will find wide utility across broad disciplines that rely on the production of pure, active, recombinant proteins. Furthermore, the database also provides a useful overview of the recent trends and statistics in refolding technology development.

Detailed Facility Report Data Dictionary | ECHO | US EPA

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Detailed Facility Report Data Dictionary provides users with a list of the variables and definitions that have been incorporated into the Detailed Facility Report. The Detailed Facility Report provides a concise enforcement and compliance history for a facility.

Religion and Multiculturalism in Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alexander, H. A.

1995-01-01

Provides a concise historical overview of theological thinking concerning fundamentalism, absolutism, and relativism. Considers corresponding responses to issues regarding multiculturalism. Concludes that a diversity of viewpoints is necessary for society to learn from its mistakes and progress in a positive fashion. (MJP)

The Good Buy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newsom, John

2002-01-01

Describes school purchasing process, examples of illegal or wasteful purchasing activities, a concise ethical guide to school purchasing excerpted from the Texas Agency's Financial Accountability System Resource Guide, and suggestions from experts on how schools can ensure legal and ethical purchasing practices. (PKP)

Exploring the Scopes "Monkey" Trial in Dayton, Tennessee: A Guide to People & Places

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cameron, Jacquelyn; Moore, Randy

2015-01-01

Many biology teachers visit Dayton, Tennessee, to experience "ground zero" of the evolution-creationism controversy. This article provides concise descriptions, addresses, and GPS coordinates for the trial-related sites in and around Dayton.

Correcting a Widespread Error concerning the Angular Velocity of a Rotating Rigid Body.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leubner, C.

1981-01-01

Since many texts use an incorrect argument in obtaining the instantaneous velocity of a rotating body, a correct and concise derivation of this quantity for a rather general case is given. (Author/SK)

Research Update: Write Research to be Read.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murray, Donald M.

1982-01-01

Discusses 10 rules of thumb for writing educational research reports that are concise and accessible. The principles include writing in terms of people, emphasizing the positive, editing for simplicity, and breaking any of the previously discussed rules when necessary. (HTH)

Public reporting, consumerism, and patient empowerment.

PubMed

Huckman, Robert S; Kelley, Mark A

2013-11-14

Public reporting of health care outcomes is largely ignored by consumers, perhaps because it doesn't include concise, comprehensible information on factors such as out-of-pocket costs, the effectiveness of a procedure or treatment, and applicability to their situation.

ITS logical architecture : volume II, process specifications.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-07-01

Author's abstract: This report identifies 24 critical issues related to pedestrian and bicycle facilities and programs, summarizes the state-of-the-art on each issue as it is contained in the published literature, and provides a concise commentary on...

Modelling and mitigation of wheel squeal noise amplitude

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meehan, Paul A.; Liu, Xiaogang

2018-01-01

The prediction of vibration amplitude and sound pressure level of wheel squeal noise is investigated using a concise mathematical model that is verified with measurements from both a rolling contact two disk test rig and a field case study. The model is used to perform an energy-based analysis to determine a closed form solution to the steady state limit cycle amplitude of creep and vibration oscillations during squealing. The analytical solution compares well with a numerical solution using an experimentally tuned creep curve with full nonlinear shape. The predicted squeal sound level trend also compares well with that recorded at various crabbing velocities (proportional to angle of attack) for the test rig at different rolling speeds. In addition, further verification is performed against many field recordings of wheel squeal on a sharp curve of 300 m. A comparison with a simplified modified result from Rudd [1] is also provided and highlights the accuracy and advantages of the present efficient model. The analytical solution provides insight into why the sound pressure level of squeal noise increases with crabbing velocity (or angle of attack) as well as how the amplitude is affected by the critical squeal parameters including a detailed investigation of modal damping. Finally, the efficient model is used to perform a parametric investigation into means of achieving a 6 dB decrease in squeal noise. The results highlight the primary importance of crabbing velocity (and angle of attack) as well as the creep curve parameters that may be controlled using third body control (ie friction modifiers). The results concur with experimental and field observations and provide important theoretical insight into the useful mechanisms of mitigating wheel squeal and quantifying their relative merits.

FIFTY YEARS IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY: Homage to Mentors, Methods, and Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herschbach, Dudley

2000-10-01

A nostalgic account is given of my scientific odyssey, recalling early encounters, some fateful, some just fun, with mentors, methods, and molecules. These include stories of my student years at Stanford, pursuing chemical kinetics with Harold Johnston; graduate study at Harvard, doing molecular spectroscopy with Bright Wilson; and fledgling faculty years at Berkeley, launching molecular beam studies of reaction dynamics. A few vignettes from my "ever after " era on the Harvard faculty emphasize thematic motivations or methods inviting further exploration. An Appendix provides a concise listing of colleagues in research and the topics we have pursued.

Self-study packets: an in-service strategy for today's emergency department.

PubMed

Macari, G H

1993-04-01

The self-study program has been a great success. Staff seized the opportunity for "hands-on," nonthreatening learning. The fear of asking questions and appearing less knowledgeable than peers in a group setting is removed, and new employees are grateful for the rapid accessibility of concise reference material. Everyone enjoys the freedom of fitting the in-service program into a routine day, rather than trying to adapt to a set time. Last, but not least, management reaps to the benefit of a program that satisfies the expectations of regulatory agencies and is virtually cost-free.

Fundamental Escherichia coli biochemical pathways for biomass and energy production: creation of overall flux states.

PubMed

Carlson, Ross; Srienc, Friedrich

2004-04-20

We have previously shown that the metabolism for most efficient cell growth can be realized by a combination of two types of elementary modes. One mode produces biomass while the second mode generates only energy. The identity of the four most efficient biomass and energy pathway pairs changes, depending on the degree of oxygen limitation. The identification of such pathway pairs for different growth conditions offers a pathway-based explanation of maintenance energy generation. For a given growth rate, experimental aerobic glucose consumption rates can be used to estimate the contribution of each pathway type to the overall metabolic flux pattern. All metabolic fluxes are then completely determined by the stoichiometries of involved pathways defining all nutrient consumption and metabolite secretion rates. We present here equations that permit computation of network fluxes on the basis of unique pathways for the case of optimal, glucose-limited Escherichia coli growth under varying levels of oxygen stress. Predicted glucose and oxygen uptake rates and some metabolite secretion rates are in remarkable agreement with experimental observations supporting the validity of the presented approach. The entire most efficient, steady-state, metabolic rate structure is explicitly defined by the developed equations without need for additional computer simulations. The approach should be generally useful for analyzing and interpreting genomic data by predicting concise, pathway-based metabolic rate structures. Copyright 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ethical Challenges and Solutions Regarding Delirium Studies in Palliative Care

PubMed Central

Sweet, Lisa; Adamis, Dimitrios; Meagher, David; Davis, Daniel; Currow, David; Bush, Shirley H.; Barnes, Christopher; Hartwick, Michael; Agar, Meera; Simon, Jessica; Breitbart, William; MacDonald, Neil; Lawlor, Peter G.

2014-01-01

Context Delirium occurs commonly in settings of palliative care (PC), in which patient vulnerability in the unique context of end-of-life care and delirium-associated impairment of decision-making capacity may together present many ethical challenges. Objectives Based on deliberations at the Studies to Understand Delirium in Palliative Care Settings (SUNDIPS) meeting and an associated literature review, this article discusses ethical issues central to the conduct of research on delirious PC patients. Methods Together with an analysis of the ethical deliberations at the SUNDIPS meeting, we conducted a narrative literature review by key words searching of relevant databases and a subsequent hand search of initially identified articles. We also reviewed statements of relevance to delirium research in major national and international ethics guidelines. Results Key issues identified include the inclusion of PC patients in delirium research, capacity determination, and the mandate to respect patient autonomy and ensure maintenance of patient dignity. Proposed solutions include designing informed consent statements that are clear, concise, and free of complex phraseology; use of concise, yet accurate, capacity assessment instruments with a minimally burdensome schedule; and use of PC friendly consent models, such as facilitated, deferred, experienced, advance, and proxy models. Conclusion Delirium research in PC patients must meet the common standards for such research in any setting. Certain features unique to PC establish a need for extra diligence in meeting these standards and the employment of assessments, consent procedures, and patient-family interactions that are clearly grounded on the tenets of PC. PMID:24388124

Seborrheic dermatitis: a clinical practice snapshot.

PubMed

Schmidt, Jennifer A

2011-08-01

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, recurring skin disorder that has no cure.Current clinical research has implicated Malassezia yeast in the etiology. Using a clear, concise clinical picture and a thorough patient history, even the novice NP can formulate an effective treatment plan.

Successfully Preparing Your CMS Web Area for OWC Review

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Common issues in draft websites reviewed by EPA's Office of Web Communications that result in multiple rounds of review; such as lack of focus on key audiences' top tasks, not using plain language and conciseness, and unclear titles and headings.

From Chains for Mean Value Inequalities to Mitrinovic's Problem II

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhu, Ling

2005-01-01

In this note, an integrated form of some significant means with two variables is provided, and some chains for mean value inequalities are obtained. At the same time, a concise family of algebraic functions appears, which satisfy Mitrinovic's requirements.

10 CFR 603.1005 - General responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... incorporate clauses from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR parts 1-53) or Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR parts 901-970) because those provisions are designed for procurement contracts...) Be written in clear and concise language, to minimize potential ambiguity. ...

Aging integumentary system. Podiatric review.

PubMed

Muehlman, C; Rahimi, F

1990-11-01

The authors present a concise review of age-related changes that occur in the skin and its derivatives, as they pertain to the podiatric practitioner. A brief discussion of wound healing and several common skin disorders that affect the elderly is also included.

Humans and the Environment in America's Past.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harvey, Mark W. T.

1996-01-01

Presents a concise and interesting overview of U.S. attitudes towards nature, conservation, and environmental issues. Traces the constantly shifting relationship between these issues and social and commercial interests. Follows this relationship from the early colonists to the current environmental movement. (MJP)

Immune System Toxicity and Immunotoxicity Hazard Identification

EPA Science Inventory

Exposure to chemicals may alter immune system health, increasing the risk of infections, allergy and autoimmune diseases. The chapter provides a concise overview of the immune system, host factors that affect immune system heal, and the effects that xenobiotic exposure may have ...

Best Practices for Effective Poster Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Star Cartier, Kimberly Michelle; Zhao, Ming; Beatty, Thomas G.; Morehead, Robert C.; Jontof-Hutter, Daniel

2016-01-01

This meta-poster illustrates how good poster design can effectively communicate scientific ideas to a broad professional audience. Inclusion of illustrative fugues supplemented by concise explanations of scientific information will provide a clear overview of your science to aid your oral pitch.

10 CFR 603.1005 - General responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... incorporate clauses from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR parts 1-53) or Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR parts 901-970) because those provisions are designed for procurement contracts...) Be written in clear and concise language, to minimize potential ambiguity. ...

10 CFR 603.1005 - General responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... incorporate clauses from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR parts 1-53) or Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR parts 901-970) because those provisions are designed for procurement contracts...) Be written in clear and concise language, to minimize potential ambiguity. ...

10 CFR 603.1005 - General responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... incorporate clauses from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR parts 1-53) or Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR parts 901-970) because those provisions are designed for procurement contracts...) Be written in clear and concise language, to minimize potential ambiguity. ...

10 CFR 603.1005 - General responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... incorporate clauses from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR parts 1-53) or Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR parts 901-970) because those provisions are designed for procurement contracts...) Be written in clear and concise language, to minimize potential ambiguity. ...

36 CFR 218.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESSES Predecisional Administrative Review Process for Hazardous Fuel Reduction Projects... reduction project: A hazardous fuel reduction project authorized by the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of... reduction project pursuant to the HFRA. Decision notice (DN): A concise written record of a responsible...

36 CFR 220.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... environmental impact statement (EIS) or environmental assessment (EA). Decision notice. A concise written record... ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) COMPLIANCE § 220.3 Definitions. The following definitions supplement, by adding... about natural resource systems is sometimes uncertain. Decision document. A record of decision, decision...

Media: A Pocket Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arrasjid, Harun; Arrasjid, Dorine Audrey

An attempt has been made to provide a concise but comprehensive guide to instructional media for instructors, students, and teachers. Topics covered include audio learning systems, overhead projection, opaque projection, slide and filmstrip projection, projection surfaces, chalkboards and markboards, graphics, models, duplicating, motion pictures,…

Curriculum Resources.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Norma H.

1988-01-01

Discusses an article which presents a concise discussion of secular humanism. Reviews additional materials on censorship from the perspective of the new religious right, the fundamentalists, and public policy and the law. The sources provide background to enhance teaching about secular humanism and textbook censorship. (SLM)

Roundhouse Diagrams.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward, Robin E.; Wandersee, James

2000-01-01

Students must understand key concepts through reasoning, searching out related concepts, and making connections within multiple systems to learn science. The Roundhouse diagram was developed to be a concise, holistic, graphic representation of a science topic, process, or activity. Includes sample Roundhouse diagrams, a diagram checklist, and…

75 FR 19340 - Wireless Technologies, Devices, and Services

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-14

... Technologies, Devices, and Services AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY... technologies, devices, and services. Specifically, the Commission seeks comment regarding particular changes to... concise rules that facilitate new wireless technologies, devices and services, and are easy for the public...

76 FR 14442 - 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: DS 6561 Pre-Assignment for Overseas Duty for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-16

... automated collection techniques or other forms of technology. Abstract of proposed collection: The DS 6561 form provides a concise summary of basic medical history, lab tests and physical examination. Since...

Taiwan: Background Notes Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reams, Joanne Reppert

Concise background information on Taiwan is provided. The publication begins with a profile of Taiwan, discussing the people, geography, political establishment, and economy. A map of the country is provided. The bulk of the publication then provides more detailed information on Taiwan's people, geography, history, administration, political…

How to Write Effective Procedure Manuals.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wold, Geoffrey H.

1987-01-01

Describes six key guidelines for developing usable procedure manuals, including defining the audience; designing a standard format; preparing an outline; using a clear, concise writing style; testing the procedures; and "finalizing" the product with indices, glossaries, appendices, and section tabs. Well-written manuals can increase…

Constraint Reasoning Over Strings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koga, Dennis (Technical Monitor); Golden, Keith; Pang, Wanlin

2003-01-01

This paper discusses an approach to representing and reasoning about constraints over strings. We discuss how many string domains can often be concisely represented using regular languages, and how constraints over strings, and domain operations on sets of strings, can be carried out using this representation.

48 CFR 5.704 - Publicizing preaward.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Publicizing preaward. 5.704 Section 5.704 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION ACQUISITION...), use clear and concise language to describe the planned procurement. Use descriptions of the goods and...

A concise history of central venous access.

PubMed

Beheshti, Michael V

2011-12-01

Central venous access has become a mainstay of modern interventional radiology practice. Its history has paralleled and enabled many current medical therapies. This short overview provides an interesting historical perspective of these increasingly common interventional procedures. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soil and Ground Water at Hazardous Waste Sites

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The purpose of this issue paper is to provide a concise discussion of the processes associated with the use of phytoremediation as a cleanup or containment technique for remediation of hazardous waste sites. Introductory material on plant processes is ...

48 CFR 5.704 - Publicizing preaward.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Publicizing preaward. 5.704 Section 5.704 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION ACQUISITION...), use clear and concise language to describe the planned procurement. Use descriptions of the goods and...

48 CFR 5.704 - Publicizing preaward.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Publicizing preaward. 5.704 Section 5.704 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION ACQUISITION...), use clear and concise language to describe the planned procurement. Use descriptions of the goods and...

48 CFR 5.704 - Publicizing preaward.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Publicizing preaward. 5.704 Section 5.704 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION ACQUISITION...), use clear and concise language to describe the planned procurement. Use descriptions of the goods and...

48 CFR 5.704 - Publicizing preaward.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Publicizing preaward. 5.704 Section 5.704 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION ACQUISITION...), use clear and concise language to describe the planned procurement. Use descriptions of the goods and...

CEIS: Does the Foundation for a Nationwide Information System for Education Already Exist?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Journal of Educational Data Processing, 1974

1974-01-01

Complete but concise picture of the California Education Information System, how it developed, its current status, its basic features, and a description of its contents. Covers design, developmental history, business subsystem, pupil subsystem, and a summary. (Author)

Theoretical Foundations of Learning Environments. Second Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jonassen, David, Ed.; Land, Susan, Ed.

2012-01-01

"Theoretical Foundations of Learning Environments" provides students, faculty, and instructional designers with a clear, concise introduction to the major pedagogical and psychological theories and their implications for the design of new learning environments for schools, universities, or corporations. Leading experts describe the most…

40 CFR 164.22 - Contents of document setting forth objections.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... objections. 164.22 Section 164.22 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... RODENTICIDE ACT, ARISING FROM REFUSALS TO REGISTER, CANCELLATIONS OF REGISTRATIONS, CHANGES OF CLASSIFICATIONS... registration, or change the classification of a pesticide, shall clearly and concisely set forth such...

40 CFR 164.22 - Contents of document setting forth objections.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... objections. 164.22 Section 164.22 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED... RODENTICIDE ACT, ARISING FROM REFUSALS TO REGISTER, CANCELLATIONS OF REGISTRATIONS, CHANGES OF CLASSIFICATIONS... registration, or change the classification of a pesticide, shall clearly and concisely set forth such...

78 FR 8195 - Biweekly Notice

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-05

... of the bases for the contention and a concise statement of the alleged facts or expert opinion which..., ``Allowable Value for Primary Containment and Drywell Isolation Instrumentation,'' Function 3.c, ``Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) Steam Supply Line Pressure--Low.'' This TS allowable value will be...

Federal Election Commission.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elliot, Lee Ann

1996-01-01

Presents a concise overview of the responsibilities, membership, structure, and requirements of the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Created in 1974, the FEC oversees the financial activities of candidates and political parties. Discusses corporate and union political action committees (PACs) as well as contribution limits and prohibitions. (MJP)

Priority Techniques for High Occupancy Vehicles : State-of-the-Art Overview

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-11-01

The report, part of a series of publications based on research and development efforts is a concise state-of-the-art overview of priority techniques for high occupancy vehicles (buses, carpools, and vanpools). The report identifies and summarizes sel...

The Independent Music Teacher: Practice and Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uszler, Marienne

1996-01-01

Provides a concise overview of the working conditions and challenges faced by independent music teachers (IMT). Most IMTs function in a number of capacities, as performer, teacher, and entrepreneur. Discusses changing trends in employment, including computer technology and the move for national certification. (MJP)

Marxism and Liberation Theology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hudelson, Richard

1986-01-01

Provides a concise summary of the main features of Marxism and challenges the thesis of the Vatican's "Instruction on Certain Aspects of the Theology of Liberation" that any use of Marxist categories or analysis entails a wholesale acceptance of Marxist philosophy, with its atheistic implications. (Author/ABB)

Disposition and Mechanisms of Toxicities of Metals and Metalloids

EPA Science Inventory

Dr. Hughes will provide a concise overview of general disposition (e.g., absorption) and mechanisms of toxicity of metal toxicity (e.g., direct interaction with functional groups of critical proteins, generation of reactive oxygen species, and alteration of cell signaling pathway...

Commuter choice primer : an employer's guide to implementing effective commuter choice programs

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-01-01

The Commuter Choice Primer is intended to be a concise, user-friendly reference guide for employers and transportation professionals to developing and implementing worksite commuter choice programs. It is available on-line in both HTML and PDF format...

Staphylococcus aureus

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

There is a need, in addition to the peer-reviewed research publications, for a concise monograph that provides a thoughtful synthesis of the genome sequencing data of key etiologic agents for food borne disease, with a focus on the novel, interesting, and potentially useful aspects of the genome se...

MARRVEL: Integration of Human and Model Organism Genetic Resources to Facilitate Functional Annotation of the Human Genome.

PubMed

Wang, Julia; Al-Ouran, Rami; Hu, Yanhui; Kim, Seon-Young; Wan, Ying-Wooi; Wangler, Michael F; Yamamoto, Shinya; Chao, Hsiao-Tuan; Comjean, Aram; Mohr, Stephanie E; Perrimon, Norbert; Liu, Zhandong; Bellen, Hugo J

2017-06-01

One major challenge encountered with interpreting human genetic variants is the limited understanding of the functional impact of genetic alterations on biological processes. Furthermore, there remains an unmet demand for an efficient survey of the wealth of information on human homologs in model organisms across numerous databases. To efficiently assess the large volume of publically available information, it is important to provide a concise summary of the most relevant information in a rapid user-friendly format. To this end, we created MARRVEL (model organism aggregated resources for rare variant exploration). MARRVEL is a publicly available website that integrates information from six human genetic databases and seven model organism databases. For any given variant or gene, MARRVEL displays information from OMIM, ExAC, ClinVar, Geno2MP, DGV, and DECIPHER. Importantly, it curates model organism-specific databases to concurrently display a concise summary regarding the human gene homologs in budding and fission yeast, worm, fly, fish, mouse, and rat on a single webpage. Experiment-based information on tissue expression, protein subcellular localization, biological process, and molecular function for the human gene and homologs in the seven model organisms are arranged into a concise output. Hence, rather than visiting multiple separate databases for variant and gene analysis, users can obtain important information by searching once through MARRVEL. Altogether, MARRVEL dramatically improves efficiency and accessibility to data collection and facilitates analysis of human genes and variants by cross-disciplinary integration of 18 million records available in public databases to facilitate clinical diagnosis and basic research. Copyright © 2017 American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design of a concise Féry-prism hyperspectral imaging system based on multi-configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Wei; Nie, Yun-feng; Zhou, Jin-song

2013-08-01

In order to meet the needs of space borne and airborne hyperspectral imaging system for light weight, simplification and high spatial resolution, a novel design of Féry-prism hyperspectral imaging system based on Zemax multi-configuration method is presented. The novel structure is well arranged by analyzing optical monochromatic aberrations theoretically, and the optical structure of this design is concise. The fundamental of this design is Offner relay configuration, whereas the secondary mirror is replaced by Féry-prism with curved surfaces and a reflective front face. By reflection, the light beam passes through the Féry-prism twice, which promotes spectral resolution and enhances image quality at the same time. The result shows that the system can achieve light weight and simplification, compared to other hyperspectral imaging systems. Composed of merely two spherical mirrors and one achromatized Féry-prism to perform both dispersion and imaging functions, this structure is concise and compact. The average spectral resolution is 6.2nm; The MTFs for 0.45~1.00um spectral range are greater than 0.75, RMSs are less than 2.4um; The maximal smile is less than 10% pixel, while the keystones is less than 2.8% pixel; image quality approximates the diffraction limit. The design result shows that hyperspectral imaging system with one modified Féry-prism substituting the secondary mirror of Offner relay configuration is feasible from the perspective of both theory and practice, and possesses the merits of simple structure, convenient optical alignment, and good image quality, high resolution in space and spectra, adjustable dispersive nonlinearity. The system satisfies the requirements of airborne or space borne hyperspectral imaging system.

Manyscale Computing for Sensor Processing in Support of Space Situational Awareness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmalz, M.; Chapman, W.; Hayden, E.; Sahni, S.; Ranka, S.

2014-09-01

Increasing image and signal data burden associated with sensor data processing in support of space situational awareness implies continuing computational throughput growth beyond the petascale regime. In addition to growing applications data burden and diversity, the breadth, diversity and scalability of high performance computing architectures and their various organizations challenge the development of a single, unifying, practicable model of parallel computation. Therefore, models for scalable parallel processing have exploited architectural and structural idiosyncrasies, yielding potential misapplications when legacy programs are ported among such architectures. In response to this challenge, we have developed a concise, efficient computational paradigm and software called Manyscale Computing to facilitate efficient mapping of annotated application codes to heterogeneous parallel architectures. Our theory, algorithms, software, and experimental results support partitioning and scheduling of application codes for envisioned parallel architectures, in terms of work atoms that are mapped (for example) to threads or thread blocks on computational hardware. Because of the rigor, completeness, conciseness, and layered design of our manyscale approach, application-to-architecture mapping is feasible and scalable for architectures at petascales, exascales, and above. Further, our methodology is simple, relying primarily on a small set of primitive mapping operations and support routines that are readily implemented on modern parallel processors such as graphics processing units (GPUs) and hybrid multi-processors (HMPs). In this paper, we overview the opportunities and challenges of manyscale computing for image and signal processing in support of space situational awareness applications. We discuss applications in terms of a layered hardware architecture (laboratory > supercomputer > rack > processor > component hierarchy). Demonstration applications include performance analysis and results in terms of execution time as well as storage, power, and energy consumption for bus-connected and/or networked architectures. The feasibility of the manyscale paradigm is demonstrated by addressing four principal challenges: (1) architectural/structural diversity, parallelism, and locality, (2) masking of I/O and memory latencies, (3) scalability of design as well as implementation, and (4) efficient representation/expression of parallel applications. Examples will demonstrate how manyscale computing helps solve these challenges efficiently on real-world computing systems.

Advancing research and practice: the revised APA Division 30 definition of hypnosis.

PubMed

Elkins, Gary R; Barabasz, Arreed F; Council, James R; Spiegel, David

2015-01-01

This article describes the history, rationale, and guidelines for developing a new definition of hypnosis by the Society of Psychological Hypnosis, Division 30 of the American Psychological Association. The definition was developed with the aim of being concise, heuristic, and allowing for alternative theories of the mechanisms (to be determined in empirical scientific study). The definition of hypnosis is presented as well as definitions of the following related terms: hypnotic induction, hypnotizability, and hypnotherapy. The implications for advancing research and practice are discussed. The definitions are presented within the article.

Solar physics in the space age

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

A concise and brief review is given of the solar physics' domain, and how its study has been affected by NASA Space programs which have enabled space based observations. The observations have greatly increased the knowledge of solar physics by proving some theories and challenging others. Many questions remain unanswered. To exploit coming opportunities like the Space Station, solar physics must continue its advances in instrument development, observational techniques, and basic theory. Even with the Advance Solar Observatory, other space based observation will still be required for the sure to be ensuing questions.

Federico Delpino and the foundation of plant biology.

PubMed

Mancuso, Stefano

2010-09-01

In 1867, Federico Delpino, with his seminal work "Pensieri sulla biologia vegetale" (Thoughts on plant biology) established plant biology by defining it not in the broad general sense, namely as the science of living beings, but as a branch of natural science dedicated to the study of plant life in relation to the environment. Today, the figure and achievements of this outstanding plant scientist it is almost unknown. In the following pages, I will concisely describe the main realizations of Federico Delpino and outline the significance of his work for modern plant science.

Federico Delpino and the foundation of plant biology

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

In 1867, Federico Delpino, with his seminal work Pensieri sulla Biologia Vegetale (Thoughts on Plant Biology) established plant biology by defining it not in the broad general sense, namely as the science of living beings, but as a branch of natural science dedicated to the study of plant life in relation to the environment. Today, the figure and achievements of this outstanding plant scientist is almost unknown. In the following pages, I will concisely describe the main realizations of Federico Delpino and outline the significance of his work for modern plant science. PMID:21490417

Yangians, S-matrices and AdS/CFT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torrielli, Alessandro

2011-07-01

This review is meant to be an account of the properties of the infinite-dimensional quantum group (specifically, Yangian) symmetry lying behind the integrability of the AdS/CFT spectral problem. In passing, the chance is taken to give a concise anthology of basic facts concerning Yangians and integrable systems, and to store a series of remarks, observations and proofs the author has collected in a 5 year span of research on the subject. We hope this exercise will be useful for future attempts to study Yangians in field and string theories, with or without supersymmetry.

New Synthetic Methods for Hypericum Natural Products

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

Jeon, Insik

Organic chemistry has served as a solid foundation for interdisciplinary research areas, such as molecular biology and medicinal chemistry. An understanding of the biological activities and structural elucidations of natural products can lead to the development of clinically valuable therapeutic options. The advancements of modern synthetic methodologies allow for more elaborate and concise natural product syntheses. The theme of this study centers on the synthesis of natural products with particularly challenging structures and interesting biological activities. The synthetic expertise developed here will be applicable to analog syntheses and to other research problems.

Advancing Research and Practice: The Revised APA Division 30 Definition of Hypnosis.

PubMed

Elkins, Gary R; Barabasz, Arreed F; Council, James R; Spiegel, David

2015-04-01

This article describes the history, rationale, and guidelines for developing a new definition of hypnosis by the Society of Psychological Hypnosis, Division 30 of the American Psychological Association. The definition was developed with the aim of being concise, being heuristic, and allowing for alternative theories of the mechanisms (to be determined in empirical scientific study). The definition of hypnosis is presented as well as definitions of the following related terms: hypnotic induction, hypnotizability, and hypnotherapy. The implications for advancing research and practice are discussed. The definitions are presented within the article.

Analytical studies on the Benney-Luke equation in mathematical physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, S. M. Rayhanul; Khan, Kamruzzaman; Woadud, K. M. Abdul Al

2018-04-01

The enhanced (G‧/G)-expansion method presents wide applicability to handling nonlinear wave equations. In this article, we find the new exact traveling wave solutions of the Benney-Luke equation by using the enhanced (G‧/G)-expansion method. This method is a useful, reliable, and concise method to easily solve the nonlinear evaluation equations (NLEEs). The traveling wave solutions have expressed in term of the hyperbolic and trigonometric functions. We also have plotted the 2D and 3D graphics of some analytical solutions obtained in this paper.

An Overview of Alopecias

PubMed Central

Qi, Ji; Garza, Luis A.

2014-01-01

Hair loss is a topic of enormous public interest and understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of various alopecias will likely make a large impact on patients’ lives. The investigation of alopecias also provides important insight in the basic sciences; for instance, the abundance of stem cell populations and regenerative cycles that characterize a hair follicle render it an excellent model for the study of stem cell biology. This review seeks to provide a concise summary of the major alopecias with regard to presentation and management, and correlate these to recent advances in relevant research on pathogenesis. PMID:24591533

Harmonics analysis of the photonic time stretch system.

PubMed

Mei, Yuan; Xu, Boyu; Chi, Hao; Jin, Tao; Zheng, Shilie; Jin, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Xianmin

2016-09-10

Photonic time stretch (PTS) has been intensively investigated in recent decades due to its potential application to ultra-wideband analog-to-digital conversion. A high-speed analog signal can be captured by an electronic analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with the help of the PTS technique, which slows down the speed of signal in the photonic domain. Unfortunately, the process of the time stretch is not linear due to the nonlinear modulation of the electro-optic intensity modulator in the PTS system, which means the undesired harmonics distortion. In this paper, we present an exact analytical model to fully characterize the harmonics generation in the PTS systems for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. We obtain concise and closed-form expressions for all harmonics of the PTS system with either a single-arm Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) or a push-pull MZM. The presented model can largely simplify the PTS system design and the system parameters estimation, such as system bandwidth, harmonics power, time-bandwidth product, and dynamic range. The correctness of the mathematic model is verified by the numerical and experimental results.

Potential use and perspectives of nitric oxide donors in agriculture.

PubMed

Marvasi, Massimiliano

2017-03-01

Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged in the last 30 years as a key molecule involved in many physiological processes in plants, animals and bacteria. Current research has shown that NO can be delivered via donor molecules. In such cases, the NO release rate is dependent on the chemical structure of the donor itself and on the chemical environment. Despite NO's powerful signaling effect in plants and animals, the application of NO donors in agriculture is currently not implemented and research remains mainly at the experimental level. Technological development in the field of NO donors is rapidly expanding in scope to include controlling seed germination, plant development, ripening and increasing shelf-life of produce. Potential applications in animal production have also been identified. This concise review focuses on the use of donors that have shown potential biotechnological applications in agriculture. Insights are provided into (i) the role of donors in plant production, (ii) the potential use of donors in animal production and (iii) future approaches to explore the use and applications of donors for the benefit of agriculture. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Wavelength calibration of an imaging spectrometer based on Savart interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qiwei; Zhang, Chunmin; Yan, Tingyu; Quan, Naicheng; Wei, Yutong; Tong, Cuncun

2017-09-01

The basic principle of Fourier-transform imaging spectrometer (FTIS) based on Savart interferometer is outlined. The un-identical distribution of the optical path difference which leads to the wavelength drift of each row of the interferogram is analyzed. Two typical methods for wavelength calibration of the presented system are described. The first method unifies different spectral intervals and maximum spectral frequencies of each row by a reference monochromatic light with known wavelength, and the dispersion compensation of Savart interferometer is also involved. The second approach is based on the least square fitting which builds the functional relation between recovered wavelength, row number and calibrated wavelength by concise equations. The effectiveness of the two methods is experimentally demonstrated with monochromatic lights and mixed light source across the detecting band of the system, and the results indicate that the first method has higher precision and the mean root-mean-square error of the recovered wavelengths is significantly reduced from 19.896 nm to 1.353 nm, while the second method is more convenient to implement and also has good precision of 2.709 nm.

Enantioselective synthesis of tatanans A-C and reinvestigation of their glucokinase-activating properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Qing; Jackson, Jeffrey J.; Basak, Ashok; Bowler, Joseph M.; Miller, Brian G.; Zakarian, Armen

2013-05-01

The tatanans are members of a novel class of complex sesquilignan natural products recently isolated from the rhizomes of Acorus tatarinowii Schott plants. Tatanans A, B and C have previously been reported to have potent glucokinase-activating properties that exceed the in vitro activity of known synthetic antidiabetic agents. Here, using a series of sequential [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements, we report the total synthesis of tatanan A in 13 steps and 13% overall yield. We also complete a concise enantioselective total synthesis of more complex, atropisomeric tatanans B and C via a distinct convergent strategy based on a palladium-catalysed diastereotopic aromatic group differentiation (12 steps, 4% and 8% overall yield, respectively). A plausible biosynthetic relationship between acyclic tatanan A and spirocyclic tatanans B and C is proposed and probed experimentally. With sufficient quantities of the natural products in hand, we undertake a detailed functional characterization of the biological activities of tatanans A-C. Contrary to previous reports, our assays utilizing pure recombinant human enzyme demonstrate that tatanans do not function as allosteric activators of glucokinase.

Concise review: preleukemic stem cells: molecular biology and clinical implications of the precursors to leukemia stem cells.

PubMed

Pandolfi, Ashley; Barreyro, Laura; Steidl, Ulrich

2013-02-01

Recent experimental evidence has shown that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) arise from transformed immature hematopoietic cells following the accumulation of multiple stepwise genetic and epigenetic changes in hematopoietic stem cells and committed progenitors. The series of transforming events initially gives rise to preleukemic stem cells (pre-LSC), preceding the formation of fully transformed leukemia stem cells (LSC). Despite the established use of poly-chemotherapy, relapse continues to be the most common cause of death in AML and MDS. The therapeutic elimination of all LSC, as well as pre-LSC, which provide a silent reservoir for the re-formation of LSC, will be essential for achieving lasting cures. Conventional sequencing and next-generation genome sequencing have allowed us to describe many of the recurrent mutations in the bulk cell populations in AML and MDS, and recent work has also focused on identifying the initial molecular changes contributing to leukemogenesis. Here we review recent and ongoing advances in understanding the roles of pre-LSC, and the aberrations that lead to pre-LSC formation and subsequent LSC transformation.

Tensor Dictionary Learning for Positive Definite Matrices.

PubMed

Sivalingam, Ravishankar; Boley, Daniel; Morellas, Vassilios; Papanikolopoulos, Nikolaos

2015-11-01

Sparse models have proven to be extremely successful in image processing and computer vision. However, a majority of the effort has been focused on sparse representation of vectors and low-rank models for general matrices. The success of sparse modeling, along with popularity of region covariances, has inspired the development of sparse coding approaches for these positive definite descriptors. While in earlier work, the dictionary was formed from all, or a random subset of, the training signals, it is clearly advantageous to learn a concise dictionary from the entire training set. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for dictionary learning over positive definite matrices. The dictionary is learned by alternating minimization between sparse coding and dictionary update stages, and different atom update methods are described. A discriminative version of the dictionary learning approach is also proposed, which simultaneously learns dictionaries for different classes in classification or clustering. Experimental results demonstrate the advantage of learning dictionaries from data both from reconstruction and classification viewpoints. Finally, a software library is presented comprising C++ binaries for all the positive definite sparse coding and dictionary learning approaches presented here.

Visceral pain hypersensitivity in functional gastrointestinal disorders.

PubMed

Farmer, A D; Aziz, Q

2009-01-01

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a highly prevalent group of heterogeneous disorders whose diagnostic criteria are symptom based in the absence of a demonstrable structural or biochemical abnormality. Chronic abdominal pain or discomfort is a defining characteristic of these disorders and a proportion of patients may display heightened pain sensitivity to experimental visceral stimulation, termed visceral pain hypersensitivity (VPH). We examined the most recent literature in order to concisely review the evidence for some of the most important recent advances in the putative mechanisms concerned in the pathophysiology of VPH. VPH may occur due to anomalies at any level of the visceral nociceptive neuraxis. Important peripheral and central mechanisms of sensitization that have been postulated include a wide range of ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors and trophic factors. Data from functional brain imaging studies have also provided evidence for aberrant central pain processing in cortical and subcortical regions. In addition, descending modulation of visceral nociceptive pathways by the autonomic nervous system, hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and psychological factors have all been implicated in the generation of VPH. Particular areas of controversy have included the development of efficacious treatment of VPH. Therapies have been slow to emerge, mainly due to concerns regarding safety. The burgeoning field of genome wide association studies may provide further evidence for the pleiotropic genetic basis of VPH development. Tangible progress will only be made in the treatment of VPH when we begin to individually characterize patients with FGIDs based on their clinical phenotype, genetics and visceral nociceptive physiology.

Viscosity of materials for laryngeal injection: a review of current knowledge and clinical implications.

PubMed

Lisi, Christopher; Hawkshaw, Mary J; Sataloff, Robert T

2013-01-01

Over the past several decades, researchers have sought the ideal substances for use in injection laryngoplasty. This search has inspired several basic science studies centering on the viscoelastic properties of popularly used injectables as well as of experimental substances. Unfortunately, these studies have used various techniques and different units for measuring viscosity. For clinical purposes, there has been a need for a concise compilation of these data, converted into consistent units, to permit easy comparison of the reported viscosities of various substances. The literature has been reviewed to address this need. Scholarly review. Comparable data are available for various substances, including vocal fold mucosa, subcutaneous fat, bovine dermal collagen, glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen, polytetrafluoroethylene, and hyaluronic acid products. The values for difference substances vary widely. There appears to be a growing body of useful knowledge about viscosity of substances used for medial (vibratory margin) injection. However, decisions regarding viscosity of substances for lateral injection medialization appear to have been made without the benefit of evidence-based research. It is possible that the trend toward relatively low viscosity materials for lateral injection is based on ease of surgical use through a small needle, but that the low viscosity may adversely affect the control over the position of the injected substance. Research is needed comparing viscosity with predictability of surgical deposition of injected substances. Copyright © 2013 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

A Systematic Review of Topical Vasodilators for the Treatment of Intraoperative Vasospasm in Reconstructive Microsurgery.

PubMed

Vargas, Christina R; Iorio, Matthew L; Lee, Bernard T

2015-08-01

Intraoperative vasospasm during reconstructive microsurgery is common, often unpredictable, and potentially devastating with regard to flap survival. Current methods of pharmacologic management vary, and may be shifting as a result of changes in the availability of individual medications. This review aims to provide a concise examination of the published literature regarding use, efficacy, and adverse effects of the agents described for local management of vascular spasm during microsurgery. A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify articles relevant to pharmacologic treatment of intraoperative vasospasm in vivo. An additional review of the literature was performed with regard to each agent identified in order to provide clinical background information. Systematic review identified 20 articles, in which 14 vasodilator agents were evaluated. Drugs were classified into five pharmacologic categories: phosphodiesterase inhibitors (papaverine, pentoxifylline, and amrinone), local anesthetics (lidocaine), calcium channel blockers (nicardipine, verapamil, nifedipine, and magnesium sulfate), direct vasodilators (sodium nitroprusside, prostaglandin E1, nitroglycerin, and hydralazine), and alpha antagonists (phentolamine and chlorpromazine). Despite a variety of methods, these studies indicate some degree of experimental evidence of efficacy for each of these agents. Available literature regarding use of topical vasodilating agents for intraoperative management of vasospasm during microsurgery is limited and largely based on animal models, which may not reliably generalize to the reconstructive patient population. Well-controlled translational study in clinically applicable and reproducible models is needed to guide evidence-based clinical management of this important phenomenon.

Generating Concise Natural Language Summaries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKeown, Kathleen; And Others

1995-01-01

Presents an approach to summarization that combines information from multiple facts into a single sentence using linguistic constructions. Describes two applications: one produces summaries of basketball games, and the other contains summaries of telephone network planning activity. Both summarize input data as opposed to full text. Discusses…

Microfiltration and Ultrafiltration Membranes for Drinking Water

EPA Science Inventory

This article provides a concise and abbreviated summary of AWWA Manual of Practice M53, Microfiltration and Ultrafiltration Membranes for Drinking Water, to serve as a quick point of reference. For convenience, the article’s organization matches that of M53, as follows: • wate...

24 CFR 91.315 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... concise summary of the jurisdiction's activities to enhance coordination among Continuums of Care, public... care (such as health-care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities...), which must be developed in accordance with the primary objective of the CDBG program to develop viable...

24 CFR 91.315 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... concise summary of the jurisdiction's activities to enhance coordination among Continuums of Care, public... care (such as health-care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities...), which must be developed in accordance with the primary objective of the CDBG program to develop viable...

24 CFR 91.315 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... concise summary of the jurisdiction's activities to enhance coordination among Continuums of Care, public... care (such as health-care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities...), which must be developed in accordance with the primary objective of the CDBG program to develop viable...

Cloud Computing Explained

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Metz, Rosalyn

2010-01-01

While many talk about the cloud, few actually understand it. Three organizations' definitions come to the forefront when defining the cloud: Gartner, Forrester, and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST). Although both Gartner and Forrester provide definitions of cloud computing, the NIST definition is concise and uses…

40 CFR 1508.9 - Environmental assessment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Environmental assessment. 1508.9 Section 1508.9 Protection of Environment COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY TERMINOLOGY AND INDEX § 1508.9 Environmental assessment. Environmental assessment: (a) Means a concise public document for which a Federal...

Silvics of Missouri bottomland tree species

Treesearch

John Kabrick; Daniel Dey

2001-01-01

This issue of Notes For Forest Managers provides a concise summary of important silvical characteristics of Missouri's bottomland trees. It focuses on species adaptations to or tolerances of, environmental and site conditions. It is a compilation of information from seven different references cited in the text.

Attitudes and Action.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glander, Molly H.; O'Donnell, William J.

This handbook provides sexual information for college students. Though designed for students at North Carolina State University, it is a good model for similar publications on other campuses. The booklet begins by defining different forms of sexual activity--solo, casual, relational, and procreational. Other sections provide concise information on…

The Language of Library Leadership: Effective Communication.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanson, Charles D.

This paper examines the role of communication in library leadership. The discussion is organized into 14 sections: (1) multidimensional approaches to effective leadership communication and varying communication style to the situation; (2) the importance of conciseness; (3) streamlining library communication; (4) the vision being communicated by…

Training the Technical Editor.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cathcart, Margaret E.

The demand for skilled technical editors is growing as society places increasing emphasis on receiving accurate, concise, and complete technical data. Since many organizations do not have inhouse programs for training technical editors, a need exists to provide inexperienced people with basic editing skills. One organization has developed two…

40 CFR 1508.9 - Environmental assessment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 33 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Environmental assessment. 1508.9 Section 1508.9 Protection of Environment COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY TERMINOLOGY AND INDEX § 1508.9 Environmental assessment. Environmental assessment: (a) Means a concise public document for which a Federal...

Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) for Lead (Final Report, Jul 2013)

EPA Science Inventory

EPA announced the availability of the final report, Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) for Lead (Pb). This document represents a concise synthesis and evaluation of the most policy-relevant science and will ultimately provide the scientific bases for EPA’s decision regard...

Integrating Creativity into Online University Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muirhead, Brent

2007-01-01

In this article, the author provides a concise discussion on creativity, defining the term, sharing theoretical background information and offering insights into promoting creativity in online university classes. Emphasis will be placed on relevant ways to integrate creativity into instructional activities across the academic disciplines. He…

21 CFR 809.10 - Labeling for in vitro diagnostic products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... principles of the procedure. Explain concisely, with chemical reactions and techniques involved, if...) Instruments: (i) Use or function. (ii) Installation procedures and special requirements. (iii) Principles of... product testing prior to full commercial marketing (for example, for use on specimens derived from humans...

5 CFR 297.307 - Statement of disagreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Section 297.307 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PRIVACY... concise statement of disagreement. Such a statement should be filed with the appropriate system manager... system manager should provide a copy of the statement of disagreement to any individual or agency to whom...

5 CFR 297.307 - Statement of disagreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Section 297.307 Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PRIVACY... concise statement of disagreement. Such a statement should be filed with the appropriate system manager... system manager should provide a copy of the statement of disagreement to any individual or agency to whom...

Educational Stratification in Russia during the Soviet Period.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gerber, Theodore P.; Hout, Michael

1995-01-01

Maintains that, in spite of state efforts to reduce educational inequities, stratification actually increased during the Soviet period. Removing gender preferences for men corrected some inequity. However, parents' education, occupation, and geographical origin contributed to the stratification. Contains a concise history of Soviet educational…

Constructive Management of Conflict in Groups.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mitchell, Rex C.; Mitchell, Rie R.

1984-01-01

Provides a concise overview of important conflict management concepts and strategies for those working in group settings. Presents a brief conceptual basis for understanding conflict and group memebers' behavior when in conflict, followed by specific recommendations for managing and making use of conflict in groups. (JAC)

Types and Consequences of DNA Damage

EPA Science Inventory

This review provides a concise overview of the types of DNA damage and the molecular mechanisms by which a cell senses DNA damage, repairs the damage, converts the damage into a mutation, or dies as a consequence of unrepaired DNA damage. Such information is important in consid...

MARINE MAMMAL DISEASES: PATHOGENS AND PROCESSES

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a concise overview of the pathogens and processes that alter the health of marine mammals. Viral disease is the most common etiology of significant mortality events in marine mammals. Discussion of viral disease focuses on effects in the ...

DERMAL EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT: A SUMMARY OF EPA APPROACHES

EPA Science Inventory

This final report presents a concise description and evaluation of the approaches used in the Agency for dermal exposure assessment including a discussion about harmonization and research needs in this area. The report is intended to be used by EPA program offices in their effort...

17 CFR 229.402 - (Item 402) Executive compensation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

..., concise and understandable disclosure of all plan and non-plan compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid... stock units, phantom stock, phantom stock units, common stock equivalent units or any similar..., registrants may omit information regarding group life, health, hospitalization, or medical reimbursement plans...

17 CFR 229.402 - (Item 402) Executive compensation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

..., concise and understandable disclosure of all plan and non-plan compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid... stock units, phantom stock, phantom stock units, common stock equivalent units or any similar..., registrants may omit information regarding group life, health, hospitalization, or medical reimbursement plans...

17 CFR 229.402 - (Item 402) Executive compensation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

..., concise and understandable disclosure of all plan and non-plan compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid... stock units, phantom stock, phantom stock units, common stock equivalent units or any similar... to one person. Registrants may omit information regarding group life, health, hospitalization, or...

17 CFR 229.402 - (Item 402) Executive compensation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

..., concise and understandable disclosure of all plan and non-plan compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid... stock units, phantom stock, phantom stock units, common stock equivalent units or any similar... to one person. Registrants may omit information regarding group life, health, hospitalization, or...

Living English

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Speight, Stephen

1977-01-01

The latest (July, 1976) edition of the "Concise Oxford Dictionary" is seen as "prescriptive," and of limited use to foreigners, since it lacks an international phonetic transcription. It is questioned whether sufficient treatment is given to new words, scientific words, non-British English, obscene language, change of meaning, and obsolescence.…

Radiology of spinal curvature

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

De Smet, A.A.

1985-01-01

This book offers the only comprehensive, concise summary of both the clinical and radiologic features of thoracic and lumbar spine deformity. Emphasis is placed on idiopathic scoliosis, which represents 85% of all patients with scoliosis, but less common areas of secondary scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis are also covered.

China: Background Notes Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reams, Joanne Reppert

Concise background information on the People's Republic of China is provided. The publication begins with a profile of the country, outlining the people, geography, economy, and membership in international organizations. The bulk of the document then discusses in more detail China's people, geography, history, government, education, economy, and…

Pulse!! The Virtual Clinical Learning Lab and Center of Excellence

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-01

environments, physiological assets and case-authoring tools using state- of-the art technologies common to the videogame industry but here appropriated...interior processes (e.g., fluid dynamics) are beyond the current reach of the videogame industry. c. Concise Accomplishments (limit 200 words/170

Solar Energy Information and Education Project. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hensley, Michael

The New Mexico Solar Energy Institute (NMSEI) conducted a concentrated information and education program during 1985. This report summarizes NMSEI's Information and Education project activities. It provides detailed descriptions of project costs and concise recommendations for similar programs. Individual sections contain explanations of the scope…

Why Teach Playwriting?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levy, Jonathan

2001-01-01

Ponders what students might learn from a course in playwriting: the ability to think in vivid instances and moments; the habit of close observation of the details of human behavior; the ability to think through and see through cliches; making hard choices; sympathy; dreaming within limits; and concision. (SR)

MicroSIFT Courseware Evaluations (88-168).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holznagel, Donald C., Ed.

This document consists of 81 microcomputer software package evaluations prepared for the MicroSIFT (Microcomputer Software and Information for Teachers) Clearinghouse at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) and distributed during 1983 as "sets" 6, 7, and 8. The concise, single-sheet resume describing and evaluating each…

A simple rule of direct reciprocity leads to the stable coexistence of cooperation and defection in the Prisoner's Dilemma game.

PubMed

Zheng, Xiu-Deng; Li, Cong; Yu, Jie-Ru; Wang, Shi-Chang; Fan, Song-Jia; Zhang, Bo-Yu; Tao, Yi

2017-05-07

The long-term coexistence of cooperation and defection is a common phenomenon in nature and human society. However, none of the theoretical models based on the Prisoner's Dilemma (PD) game can provide a concise theoretical model to explain what leads to the stable coexistence of cooperation and defection in the long-term even though some rules for promoting cooperation have been summarized (Nowak, 2006, Science 314, 1560-1563). Here, based on the concept of direct reciprocity, we develop an elementary model to show why stable coexistence of cooperation and defection in the PD game is possible. The basic idea behind our theoretical model is that all players in a PD game prefer a cooperator as an opponent, and our results show that considering strategies allowing opting out against defection provide a general and concise way of understanding the fundamental importance of direct reciprocity in driving the evolution of cooperation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Concise Review: Fetal Membranes in Regenerative Medicine: New Tricks from an Old Dog?

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Abstract The clinical application of the fetal membranes dates back to nearly a century. Their use has ranged from superficial skin dressings to surgical wound closure. The applications of the fetal membranes are constantly evolving, and key to this is the uncovering of multiple populations of stem and stem‐like cells, each with unique properties that can be exploited for regenerative medicine. In addition to pro‐angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties of the stem and stem‐like cells arising from the fetal membranes, the dehydrated and/or decellularized forms of the fetal membranes have been used to support the growth and function of other cells and tissues, including adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. This concise review explores the biological origin of the fetal membranes, a history of their use in medicine, and recent developments in the use of fetal membranes and their derived stem and stem‐like cells in regenerative medicine. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:1767–1776 PMID:28834402

Concise Review: Therapeutic Potential of Adipose Tissue-Derived Angiogenic Cells

PubMed Central

Brinchmann, Jan E.

2012-01-01

Inadequate blood supply to tissues is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality today. Ischemic symptoms caused by obstruction of arterioles and capillaries are currently not treatable by vessel replacement or dilatation procedures. Therapeutic angiogenesis, the treatment of tissue ischemia by promoting the proliferation of new blood vessels, has recently emerged as one of the most promising therapies. Neovascularization is most often attempted by introduction of angiogenic cells from different sources. Emerging evidence suggests that adipose tissue (AT) is an excellent reservoir of autologous cells with angiogenic potential. AT yields two cell populations of importance for neovascularization: AT-derived mesenchymal stromal cells, which likely act predominantly as pericytes, and AT-derived endothelial cells (ECs). In this concise review we discuss different physiological aspects of neovascularization, briefly present cells isolated from the blood and bone marrow with EC properties, and then discuss isolation and cell culture strategies, phenotype, functional capabilities, and possible therapeutic applications of angiogenic cells obtained from AT. PMID:23197872

Gastric precancerous diseases classification using CNN with a concise model.

PubMed

Zhang, Xu; Hu, Weiling; Chen, Fei; Liu, Jiquan; Yang, Yuanhang; Wang, Liangjing; Duan, Huilong; Si, Jianmin

2017-01-01

Gastric precancerous diseases (GPD) may deteriorate into early gastric cancer if misdiagnosed, so it is important to help doctors recognize GPD accurately and quickly. In this paper, we realize the classification of 3-class GPD, namely, polyp, erosion, and ulcer using convolutional neural networks (CNN) with a concise model called the Gastric Precancerous Disease Network (GPDNet). GPDNet introduces fire modules from SqueezeNet to reduce the model size and parameters about 10 times while improving speed for quick classification. To maintain classification accuracy with fewer parameters, we propose an innovative method called iterative reinforced learning (IRL). After training GPDNet from scratch, we apply IRL to fine-tune the parameters whose values are close to 0, and then we take the modified model as a pretrained model for the next training. The result shows that IRL can improve the accuracy about 9% after 6 iterations. The final classification accuracy of our GPDNet was 88.90%, which is promising for clinical GPD recognition.

Adapting Comparative Effectiveness Research Summaries for Delivery to Patients and Providers through a Patient Portal

PubMed Central

McDougald Scott, Amanda M.; Jackson, Gretchen Purcell; Ho, Yun-Xian; Yan, Zhou; Davison, Coda; Rosenbloom, S. Trent

2013-01-01

Despite increases in the scientific evidence for a variety of medical treatments, a gap remains in the adoption of best medical practices. This manuscript describes a process for adapting published summary guides from comparative effectiveness research to render them concise, targeted to audience, and easily actionable; and a strategy for disseminating such evidence to patients and their physicians through a web-based portal and linked electronic health record. This project adapted summary guides about oral medications for adults with type 2 diabetes to a fifth-grade literacy level and modified the resulting materials based on evaluations with the Suitability Assessment of Materials instrument. Focus groups and individual interviews with patients, diabetes providers, and health literacy experts were employed to evaluate and enhance the adapted summary guide. We present the lessons learned as general guidelines for the creation of concise, targeted, and actionable evidence and its delivery to both patients and providers through increasingly prevalent health information technologies. PMID:24551387

Surface engineering of graphitic carbon nitride polymers with cocatalysts for photocatalytic overall water splitting

PubMed Central

Zhang, Guigang; Lan, Zhi-An

2017-01-01

Graphitic carbon nitride based polymers, being metal-free, accessible, environmentally benign and sustainable, have been widely investigated for artificial photosynthesis in recent years for the photocatalytic splitting of water to produce hydrogen fuel. However, the photocatalytic stoichiometric splitting of pure water into H2 and O2 with a molecular ratio of 2 : 1 is far from easy, and is usually hindered by the huge activation energy barrier and sluggish surface redox reaction kinetics. Herein, we provide a concise overview of cocatalyst modified graphitic carbon nitride based photocatalysts, with our main focus on the modulation of the water splitting redox reaction kinetics. We believe that a timely and concise review on this promising but challenging research topic will certainly be beneficial for general readers and researchers in order to better understand the property–activity relationship towards overall water splitting, which could also trigger the development of new organic architectures for photocatalytic overall water splitting through the rational control of surface chemistry. PMID:28959425

3-D World Modeling For An Autonomous Robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldstein, M.; Pin, F. G.; Weisbin, C. R.

1987-01-01

This paper presents a methodology for a concise representation of the 3-D world model for a mobile robot, using range data. The process starts with the segmentation of the scene into "objects" that are given a unique label, based on principles of range continuity. Then the external surface of each object is partitioned into homogeneous surface patches. Contours of surface patches in 3-D space are identified by estimating the normal and curvature associated with each pixel. The resulting surface patches are then classified as planar, convex or concave. Since the world model uses a volumetric representation for the 3-D environment, planar surfaces are represented by thin volumetric polyhedra. Spherical and cylindrical surfaces are extracted and represented by appropriate volumetric primitives. All other surfaces are represented using the boolean union of spherical volumes (as described in a separate paper by the same authors). The result is a general, concise representation of the external 3-D world, which allows for efficient and robust 3-D object recognition.

The Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) Model: An Overview and Operational Definition.

PubMed

Reiter, Jeffrey T; Dobmeyer, Anne C; Hunter, Christopher L

2018-06-01

The Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model is a prominent approach to the integration of behavioral health services into primary care settings. Implementation of the PCBH model has grown over the past two decades, yet research and training efforts have been slowed by inconsistent terminology and lack of a concise, operationalized definition of the model and its key components. This article provides the first concise operationalized definition of the PCBH model, developed from examination of multiple published resources and consultation with nationally recognized PCBH model experts. The definition frames the model as a team-based approach to managing biopsychosocial issues that present in primary care, with the over-arching goal of improving primary care in general. The article provides a description of the key components and strategies used in the model, the rationale for those strategies, a brief comparison of this model to other integration approaches, a focused summary of PCBH model outcomes, and an overview of common challenges to implementing the model.

Serious Games: A Concise Overview on What They Are and Their Potential Applications to Healthcare.

PubMed

Giunti, Guido; Baum, Analía; Giunta, Diego; Plazzotta, Fernando; Benitez, Sonia; Gómez, Adrián; Luna, Daniel; Bernaldo de Quiros, Fernan González

2015-01-01

Younger generations are extensive users of digital devices; these technologies have always existed and have always been a part of their lives. Video games are a big part of their digital experience. User-centered design is an approach to designing systems informed by scientific knowledge of how people think, act, and coordinate to accomplish their goals. There is an emerging field of intervention research looking into using these techniques to produce video games that can be applied to healthcare. Games with the purpose of improving an individual's knowledge, skills, or attitudes in the "real" world are called "Serious Games". Before doctors and patients can consider using Serious Games as a useful solution for a health care-related problem, it is important that they first are aware of them, have a basic understanding of what they are, and what, if any, claims on their effectiveness exist. In order to bridge that gap, we have produced this concise overview to introduce physicians to the subject at hand.

Quod erat demonstrandum: Understanding and Explaining Equations in Physics Teacher Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karam, Ricardo; Krey, Olaf

2015-07-01

In physics education, equations are commonly seen as calculation tools to solve problems or as concise descriptions of experimental regularities. In physical science, however, equations often play a much more important role associated with the formulation of theories to provide explanations for physical phenomena. In order to overcome this inconsistency, one crucial step is to improve physics teacher education. In this work, we describe the structure of a course that was given to physics teacher students at the end of their master's degree in two European universities. The course had two main goals: (1) To investigate the complex interplay between physics and mathematics from a historical and philosophical perspective and (2) To expand students' repertoire of explanations regarding possible ways to derive certain school-relevant equations. A qualitative analysis on a case study basis was conducted to investigate the learning outcomes of the course. Here, we focus on the comparative analysis of two students who had considerably different views of the math-physics interplay in the beginning of the course. Our general results point to important changes on some of the students' views on the role of mathematics in physics, an increase in the participants' awareness of the difficulties faced by learners to understand physics equations and a broadening in the students' repertoire to answer "Why?" questions formulated to equations. Based on this analysis, further implications for physics teacher education are derived.

Operationally Efficient Propulsion System Study (OEPSS) data book. Volume 2: Ground operations problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waldrop, Glen S.

1990-01-01

Operations problems and cost drivers were identified for current propulsion systems and design and technology approaches were identified to increase the operational efficiency and to reduce operations costs for future propulsion systems. To provide readily usable data for the ALS program, the results of the OEPSS study were organized into a series of OEPSS Data Books. This volume presents a detailed description of 25 major problems encountered during launch processing of current expendable and reusable launch vehicles. A concise description of each problem and its operational impact on launch processing is presented, along with potential solutions and technology recommendation.

The Workaholism Syndrome: An Emerging Issue in the Psychological Literature

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Piotrowski, Chris; Vodanovich, Stephen J.

2008-01-01

The present paper provides a concise overview of the "workaholism syndrome." This includes a discussion of workaholism from an addiction perspective, it's overall components and consequences, and a conceptual framework. Suggestions are offered for effective strategies to confront and mediate the onerous impact of workaholism.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Eating Disorders.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neuman, Patricia; And Others

This paper was designed to provide professional counselors with a comprehensive but concise method of accurately evaluting, interviewing, and planning for treatment of eating disorder clients. The paper is organized in five sections. The first section, Diagnosis, compares, contrasts, and offers clear explanations of the diagnostic criteria for…

Information, Education, Communication in Population.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawaii Univ., Honolulu. East-West Center.

Programs and services of the Swedish International Development Authority (SIDA) are reviewed in this report on resources available for the support of population information, education, and communication activities. Four major sections describe in concise, outline form: (1) the agency and its programs, (2) the specific program in population/family…

A Second-Year Undergraduate Course in Applied Differential Equations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fahidy, Thomas Z.

1991-01-01

Presents the framework for a chemical engineering course using ordinary differential equations to solve problems with the underlying strategy of concisely discussing the theory behind each solution technique without extensions to formal proofs. Includes typical class illustrations, student responses to this strategy, and reaction of the…

Teaching Cell Division: Basics and Recommendations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Mike U.; Kindfield, Ann C. H.

1999-01-01

Presents a concise overview of cell division that includes only the essential concepts necessary for understanding genetics and evolution. Makes recommendations based on published research and teaching experiences that can be used to judge the merits of potential activities and materials for teaching cell division. Makes suggestions regarding the…

76 FR 43726 - Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement: Developing a Method for Conducting an Internal...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-21

... domains, such as leadership, external collaboration, management and operations, sanctions, assessment and... concise and accessible format provides an opportunity for agency leadership and management to assess... Audience: The primary audience for this product is the leadership and management of correctional...

ECO-Report - Halfway home

Treesearch

Jane Kapler Smith; Janet Sullivan; Clinton E. Carlson; L. Jack Lyon; J. Tewksbury; S. Hejl; T. Martin; Stephen F. Arno; Ward McCaughey; Cathy Stewart; Colin Hardy; J. Greg Jones; Madelyn Kempf; Leslie Weldon

1996-01-01

ECO-Report is an annual Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) publication which contains a set of articles showcasing the Bitterroot Ecosystem Management Research Project (BEMRP) research projects and activities. The articles are concise, user-friendly, and designed to inform a broad range of audiences interested in ecosystem management. Articles featured in...

48 CFR 2452.242-71 - Contract management system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., concise summary of technical progress made and the costs incurred for each task during the reporting... technical progress made for each task during the reporting period; and (B) Identifies problems, or potential... and progress reporting as described herein. (b) The contract management system shall consist of two...

Strategic Planning for Educational Reform and Improvement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

D'Amico, Joseph J.

1988-01-01

Defines strategic planning, outlines its key elements and activities, and summarizes the difficulties of applying a top-down, profit-driven process to education. Explains Strategic Planning for Educational Reform and Improvement (SPERI), a set of manageable, concise procedures for top school administrators. Describes SPERI applications in an…

Multiple Intelligences: A Collection.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fogarty, Robin, Ed.; Bellanca, James, Ed.

As a concise resource for Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and its implications for schooling around the world, this collection is designed for educators, parents, and others interested in education. The first section discusses Gardner and his background, and the second section expounds his theory. The third section explores the…

How To Improve Students' Writing Styles.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffin, Beverly Norris

Instructors often criticize student writing styles in abstract, nebulous terms which further serve to alienate student writers from the concept of style. College instructors should direct students to such concise, recognized discourses on improving writing style as Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style." In these manuals, specific, effective…

A CONCISE REVIEW OF THE TOXICITY AND CARCINOGENICITY OF DIMETHYLARSINIC ACID

EPA Science Inventory

Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) has been used as an herbicide (cacodylic acid) and is the major metabolite formed after exposure to tri- (arsenite) or pentavalent (arsenate) inorganic arsenic (iAs) via ingestion or inhalation in both humans and rodents. Once viewed simply as a detoxi...

44 CFR 10.12 - Pre-implementation actions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... integrated into the decision-making process. Because of the diversity of FEMA, it is not feasible to describe..., for integration of environmental considerations into the decision-making process. The Regional... document for the purpose of justifying the decision. Rather it is a concise document that sets forth the...

44 CFR 10.12 - Pre-implementation actions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... decision-making process. Because of the diversity of FEMA, it is not feasible to describe in this part the... shall provide further guidance, commensurate with their programs and organization, for integration of... the decision. Rather it is a concise document that sets forth the decision and describes the...

44 CFR 10.12 - Pre-implementation actions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... integrated into the decision-making process. Because of the diversity of FEMA, it is not feasible to describe..., for integration of environmental considerations into the decision-making process. The Regional... document for the purpose of justifying the decision. Rather it is a concise document that sets forth the...

44 CFR 10.12 - Pre-implementation actions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... integrated into the decision-making process. Because of the diversity of FEMA, it is not feasible to describe..., for integration of environmental considerations into the decision-making process. The Regional... document for the purpose of justifying the decision. Rather it is a concise document that sets forth the...

34 CFR 682.401 - Basic program agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... or converting the records relating to its existing guaranty portfolio to an information or computer... that owns or controls the agency's existing information or computer system. If the agency is soliciting... must include a concise description of the agency's conversion project and the actual or estimated cost...

34 CFR 682.401 - Basic program agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... or converting the records relating to its existing guaranty portfolio to an information or computer... that owns or controls the agency's existing information or computer system. If the agency is soliciting... must include a concise description of the agency's conversion project and the actual or estimated cost...

PHYTOREMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL AND GROUND WATER AT HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this issue paper is to provide a concise discussion of the processes associated with the use of phytoremediation as a cleanup or containment technique for remediation of hazardous waste sites. Introductory material on plant processes is provided. The different fo...

Reconstructing the Pupils Attitude towards Technology-Survey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ardies, Jan; De Maeyer, Sven; Gijbels, David

2013-01-01

In knowledge based economies technological literacy is gaining interest. Technological literacy correlates with attitude towards technology. When measuring technological literacy as an outcome of education, the attitudinal dimension has to be taken into account. This requires a valid, reliable instrument that should be as concise as possible, in…

49 CFR 802.14 - Review procedure and judicial review.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... concise statement enumerating the reasons for the requester's disagreement with the denial, pursuant to...) Statements of Disagreement. (1) Written Statements of Disagreement may be furnished by the individual within... envelope, “Privacy Act Statement of Disagreement.” (2) The Director, Bureau of Administration, or his...

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND DOSIMETRY OF STATIC AND ELF (EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY) ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS

EPA Science Inventory

The book offers a good introduction to the research field for students, as well as a valuable overall review for the experienced investigator. The six chapters on interactions provide concise descriptions of physical processes for natural and man-made environmental exposures and ...

A Brief History.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yalouris, Nicolaos

1996-01-01

Provides a brief but concise overview of the historical development of the Olympic Games in ancient Greece. Originally conceived as a one day, single-race event, the Games grew to the point where they represented an apotheosis of Greek culture. Discusses the role played by conflict within the city-states. (MJP)

Sudden Fiction: What Is It?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tindall, James

Initially an assignment for a library science class, this paper presents various definitions of the current creative writing phenomenon called "sudden fiction" (very short short stories with concise character sketches, and terse tales limited in length to several pages). The paper includes: (1) a list of well regarded sudden fiction…

Outline of Polish Morphology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bidwell, Charles E.

This volume, one of a series of concise but relatively exhaustive descriptions of the grammatical structures of the principal standard Slavic languages, contains an outline of Polish morphology. The four major sections are morphophonemics, nominal inflection, the Polish verb (Part 1--stem alternation and conjugation, and the Polish verb (Part…

Labor Comes into Its Own.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wehrle, Edmund F.

1996-01-01

Presents a concise and interesting overview of the rise and extension of labor activity during the New Deal. Labor took advantage of Roosevelt's pro-union policies to consolidate their power and forever transform the lives of working men and women. Discusses improvements in working conditions, wages, and benefits. (MJP)

Handbook of noise ratings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearsons, K. S.; Bennett, R. L.

1974-01-01

The handbook was compiled to provide information in a concise form, describing the multitude of noise rating schemes. It is hoped that by describing the noise rating methods in a single volume the user will have better access to the definitions, application and calculation procedures of the current noise rating methods.

The Y2K problem and management strategies for the individual practitioner.

PubMed

Alex, J C; Jassin, B M

1999-01-01

This article will detail concisely the nature of the Y2K problem, how it could affect your computer systems and your business, and what measures you can institute to minimize and/or eliminate computer failure as you enter the year 2000.

Multicultural Issues in Child Care.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gonzalez-Mena, Janet

This volume focuses on cultural differences relevant to all child-care-giving settings, including day care, nursery, and preschool programs. Based on respect for cultural pluralism, this concise supplementary text is designed to increase caregiver sensitivity to different cultural child-care practices and values and to improve communication and…

The Systems Approach: Its Variety of Aspects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mattessich, Richard

1982-01-01

This concise survey of the vast literature currently available in field-of-systems thinking and cybernetics discusses the areas of systems philosophy, systems analysis (mathematical systems theory), empirical systems research, and systems engineering, and outlines contributions of selected scholars. A bibliography of 148 books and papers is…

Effective Literacy Instruction for Students with Moderate or Severe Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Copeland, Susan R.; Keefe, Elizabeth B.

2007-01-01

For students with moderate or severe disabilities, developing literacy skills is a critical component of successful communication, employment, and community participation. Finally, educators have a practical, concise guidebook for helping these students meet NCLB's academic standards for literacy. Appropriate for use in all settings, including…

Linking Multilingual Advertising to Foreign Language Teaching.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Elizabeth

It is suggested that print advertising is particularly well suited to classroom second language teaching because it is attractive, entertaining, contains powerful emotional or factual messages, and is concise. Research indicates that multilingual or code-mixed advertising is common and reveals interesting linguistic phenomena, including semantic,…

21 CFR 101.13 - Nutrient content claims-general principles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... must also bear: (A) Clear and concise quantitative information comparing the amount of the subject... is on the information panel, the quantitative information may be located elsewhere on the information...., “Modified fat cheesecake”). This statement of identity must be immediately followed by the comparative...

21 CFR 101.13 - Nutrient content claims-general principles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... must also bear: (A) Clear and concise quantitative information comparing the amount of the subject... is on the information panel, the quantitative information may be located elsewhere on the information...., “Modified fat cheesecake”). This statement of identity must be immediately followed by the comparative...

21 CFR 101.13 - Nutrient content claims-general principles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... must also bear: (A) Clear and concise quantitative information comparing the amount of the subject... is on the information panel, the quantitative information may be located elsewhere on the information...., “Modified fat cheesecake”). This statement of identity must be immediately followed by the comparative...

21 CFR 101.13 - Nutrient content claims-general principles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... must also bear: (A) Clear and concise quantitative information comparing the amount of the subject... is on the information panel, the quantitative information may be located elsewhere on the information...., “Modified fat cheesecake”). This statement of identity must be immediately followed by the comparative...

21 CFR 101.13 - Nutrient content claims-general principles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... must also bear: (A) Clear and concise quantitative information comparing the amount of the subject... is on the information panel, the quantitative information may be located elsewhere on the information...., “Modified fat cheesecake”). This statement of identity must be immediately followed by the comparative...

The Community College Story. Third Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vaughan, George B.

2006-01-01

This concise history of community colleges touches on major themes, including open access and equity, comprehensiveness, community-based philosophy, commitment to teaching, and lifelong learning. The third edition includes revised text as well as updated statistical information, time line, reading list, and Internet resources. In the more than a…

Vocabulary Instruction: Research to Practice. Second Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kame'enui, Edward J., Ed.; Baumann, James F., Ed.

2012-01-01

This highly regarded work brings together prominent authorities on vocabulary teaching and learning to provide a comprehensive yet concise guide to effective instruction. The book showcases practical ways to teach specific vocabulary words and word-learning strategies and create engaging, word-rich classrooms. Instructional activities and games…

29 CFR 458.55 - Content of complaint.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Prohibited Discipline § 458.55 Content of complaint. (a) The complaint shall contain appropriate identifying information and a clear and concise statement of the facts constituting the alleged violation. (b) The complainant shall submit with his complaint a statement setting forth the procedures, if any, invoked to...

Waiting in the surgery.

PubMed

Fry, F

1994-07-01

The concise Oxford English Dictionary defines 'dilemma' as an argument forcing one to choose one of two alternatives, both of which are unfavourable. This is a situation that frequently confronts the general practitioner. This paper will present one practitioner's view on the subject of patients waiting to see the doctor.

Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) of Ozone and Related Photochemical Oxidants (Final Report, Feb 2013)

EPA Science Inventory

EPA announced the availability of the final report, Integrated Science Assessment of Ozone and Related Photochemical Oxidants. This document represents a concise synthesis and evaluation of the most policy-relevant science and will ultimately provide the scientific bases f...

The Common Vision. Reviews: Books.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chattin-McNichols, John

1998-01-01

Reviews Marshak's book describing the work of educators Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner, Aurobindo Ghose, and Inayat Khan. Maintains that the book gives clear, concise information on each educator and presents a common vision for children and their education; also maintains that it gives theoretical and practical information and discusses…

Implementing Educational Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa--Review Essay.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thakur, Dan S.

1991-01-01

Reviews a series of 10 World Bank documents examining policy implementation activity in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Lesotho, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The reports are concise and well documented and show a great conceptualization of education issues (such as deteriorating enrollments contracting educational finances) and policy…

50 CFR 679.42 - Limitations on use of QS and IFQ.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... transferor (seller); (F) A written declaration from a licensed medical doctor, advanced nurse practitioner... include: (1) The identity of the licensed medical doctor, advanced nurse practitioner, or primary..., advanced nurse practitioner, or primary community health aide; (2) A concise description of the medical...

34 CFR 682.401 - Basic program agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... or converting the records relating to its existing guaranty portfolio to an information or computer... that owns or controls the agency's existing information or computer system. If the agency is soliciting... must include a concise description of the agency's conversion project and the actual or estimated cost...

34 CFR 682.401 - Basic program agreement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... or converting the records relating to its existing guaranty portfolio to an information or computer... that owns or controls the agency's existing information or computer system. If the agency is soliciting... must include a concise description of the agency's conversion project and the actual or estimated cost...

Try a Videotape for Communicating with District Patrons.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiazGrandox, Frederick

1991-01-01

A small Idaho school district gained public support for a school levy by producing and distributing a videotape of school activities and district needs. The videotape provided a clear, concise presentation of information while avoiding confrontations that often occur with other methods of communication. (Author/SV)

Domain specific languages for modeling and simulation: use case OMS3

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A domain-specific language (DSL) is usually a concise, declarative language that strongly emphasizes a particular problem domain. DSL methods and implementations in general are widely prototyped and applied in academia for creating elegant ways to express properties, relationships, and behavior of r...

Specific training program improves oncologists' palliative care communication skills in a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Goelz, Tanja; Wuensch, Alexander; Stubenrauch, Sara; Ihorst, Gabriele; de Figueiredo, Marcelo; Bertz, Hartmut; Wirsching, Michael; Fritzsche, Kurt

2011-09-01

The aim of the study was to demonstrate that COM-ON-p, concise and individualized communication skills training (CST), improves oncologists' communication skills in consultations focusing on the transition to palliative care. Forty-one physicians were randomly assigned to a control (CG) or intervention group (IG). At t(0), all physicians held two video-recorded consultations with actor-patient pairs. Afterward, physicians in the IG participated in COM-ON-p. Five weeks after t(0), a second assessment took place (t(1)). COM-ON-p consists of an 11-hour workshop (1.5 days), pre- and postassessment (2 hours), and coaching (0.5 hours). Physicians focused on practicing individual learning goals with actor patients in small groups. To evaluate the training, blinded raters assessed communication behavior of the physicians in video-recorded actor-patient consultations using a specific checklist. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with baseline levels as covariates. Participants in the IG improved significantly more than those in the CG in all three sections of the COM-ON-Checklist: skills specific to the transition to palliative care, global communication skills, and involvement of significant others (all P < .01). Differences between the CG and IG on the global items of communication skills and involvement of significant others were also significant (P < .01). Effect sizes were medium to large, with a 0.5-point improvement on average on a five-point rating scale. Physicians can be trained to meet better core challenges during the transition to palliative care through developed concise CST. Generalization and transfer into clinical practice must be proven in additional studies.

Ethical challenges and solutions regarding delirium studies in palliative care.

PubMed

Sweet, Lisa; Adamis, Dimitrios; Meagher, David J; Davis, Daniel; Currow, David C; Bush, Shirley H; Barnes, Christopher; Hartwick, Michael; Agar, Meera; Simon, Jessica; Breitbart, William; MacDonald, Neil; Lawlor, Peter G

2014-08-01

Delirium occurs commonly in settings of palliative care (PC), in which patient vulnerability in the unique context of end-of-life care and delirium-associated impairment of decision-making capacity may together present many ethical challenges. Based on deliberations at the Studies to Understand Delirium in Palliative Care Settings (SUNDIPS) meeting and an associated literature review, this article discusses ethical issues central to the conduct of research on delirious PC patients. Together with an analysis of the ethical deliberations at the SUNDIPS meeting, we conducted a narrative literature review by key words searching of relevant databases and a subsequent hand search of initially identified articles. We also reviewed statements of relevance to delirium research in major national and international ethics guidelines. Key issues identified include the inclusion of PC patients in delirium research, capacity determination, and the mandate to respect patient autonomy and ensure maintenance of patient dignity. Proposed solutions include designing informed consent statements that are clear, concise, and free of complex phraseology; use of concise, yet accurate, capacity assessment instruments with a minimally burdensome schedule; and use of PC friendly consent models, such as facilitated, deferred, experienced, advance, and proxy models. Delirium research in PC patients must meet the common standards for such research in any setting. Certain features unique to PC establish a need for extra diligence in meeting these standards and the employment of assessments, consent procedures, and patient-family interactions that are clearly grounded on the tenets of PC. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development and quality analysis of the Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS).

PubMed

Nilsson, Petra; Bringsén, Asa; Andersson, H Ingemar; Ejlertsson, Göran

2010-01-01

Instruments related to work are commonly illuminated from an ill-health perspective. The need for a concise and useable instrument in workplace health promotion governed the aim of this paper which is to present the development process and quality assessment of the Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS). A survey, using a questionnaire based on established theories regarding work and health, and a focus group study were performed in hospital settings in 2005 and 2006 respectively. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to statistically develop a model, and focus group interviews were made to compare quantitative and qualitative results for convergence and corroboration. The PCA resulted in a six factor model of dimensions containing items regarding management, reorganization, internal work experience, pressure of time, autonomy and supportive working conditions. In the analysis of the focus group study three themes appeared and their underlying content was compared to, and matched, with the dimensions of the PCA. The reliability, shown by weighted kappa values, ranged from 0.36 to 0.71, and adequate Cronbach's Alpha values of the dimensions were all above 0.7. The study validity, indicated by discriminant validity, with correlation values that ranged from 0.10 to 0.39, in relation to the content validity appeared to be good when the theoretical content of the WEMS was compared to the content of similar instruments. The WEMS presents a multidimensional picture of work experience. Its theoretical base and the psychometric properties give support for applicability and offer a possibility to measure trends in the work experience over time in health care settings. One intention of the WEMS is to stimulate the ability of organizations and the employees themselves to take action on improving their work experience. The conciseness of the instrument is intended to increase its usability.

78 FR 28749 - Private Land Mobile Radio Stations Below 800 MHz

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-16

... private land mobile radio (PLMR) licensing, including increasing the power limit for end-of-train devices, modifying trunking rules for PLMR stations below 800 MHz, and permitting digital transmission of station... provide clear and concise rules that facilitate new wireless technologies, devices and services, and are...

49 CFR 511.53 - Appeal from initial decision.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... position taken on each question, with specific page references to the record and legal or other material... matters in the brief, with page references, and a table of cases (alphabetically arranged), textbooks, statutes, and other material cited, with page references thereto; (2) A concise statement of the case; (3...

49 CFR 511.53 - Appeal from initial decision.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... position taken on each question, with specific page references to the record and legal or other material... matters in the brief, with page references, and a table of cases (alphabetically arranged), textbooks, statutes, and other material cited, with page references thereto; (2) A concise statement of the case; (3...

49 CFR 511.53 - Appeal from initial decision.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... position taken on each question, with specific page references to the record and legal or other material... matters in the brief, with page references, and a table of cases (alphabetically arranged), textbooks, statutes, and other material cited, with page references thereto; (2) A concise statement of the case; (3...

46 CFR 531.9 - Publication.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... NSAs under this part are also required to make available to the public, contemporaneously with the filing of each NSA with the Commission, and in tariff format, a concise statement of the following... not be made to a tariff of a common carrier other than the NVOCC party to the NSA. (c) Location. The...

46 CFR 531.9 - Publication.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... NSAs under this part are also required to make available to the public, contemporaneously with the filing of each NSA with the Commission, and in tariff format, a concise statement of the following... not be made to a tariff of a common carrier other than the NVOCC party to the NSA. (c) Location. The...

46 CFR 531.9 - Publication.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... NSAs under this part are also required to make available to the public, contemporaneously with the filing of each NSA with the Commission, and in tariff format, a concise statement of the following... not be made to a tariff of a common carrier other than the NVOCC party to the NSA. (c) Location. The...