Direct lead isotope analysis in Hg-rich sulfides by LA-MC-ICP-MS with a gas exchange device and matrix-matched calibration.

PubMed

Zhang, Wen; Hu, Zhaochu; Günther, Detlef; Liu, Yongsheng; Ling, Wenli; Zong, Keqing; Chen, Haihong; Gao, Shan

2016-12-15

In situ Pb isotope data of sulfide samples measured by LA-MC-ICP-MS provide valuable geochemical information for studies of the origin and evolution of ore deposits. However, the severe isobaric interference of 204 Hg on 204 Pb and the lack of matrix-matched sulfide reference materials limit the precision of Pb isotopic analyses for Hg-rich sulfides. In this study, we observe that Hg forms vapor and can be completely removed from sample aerosol particles produced by laser ablation using a gas exchange device. Additionally, this device does not influence the signal intensities of Pb isotopes. The within-run precision, the external reproducibility and the analytical accuracy are significantly improved for the Hg-rich sulfide samples using this mercury-vapor-removing device. Matrix effects are observed when using silicate glass reference materials as the external standards to assess the relationship of mass fractionation factors between Tl and Pb in sulfide samples, resulting in a maximum deviation of ∼0.20% for 20x Pb/ 204 Pb. Matrix-matched reference materials are therefore required for the highly precise and accurate Pb isotope analyses of sulfide samples. We investigated two sulfide samples, MASS-1 (the Unites States Geological Survey reference materials) and Sph-HYLM (a natural sphalerite), as potential candidates. Repeated analyses of the two proposed sulfide reference materials by LA-MC-ICP-MS yield good external reproducibility of <0.04% (RSD, k = 2) for 20x Pb/ 206 Pb and <0.06% (RSD, k = 2) for 20x Pb/ 204 Pb with the exception of 20x Pb/ 204 Pb in MASS-1, which provided an external reproducibility of 0.24% (RSD, k = 2). Because the concentration of Pb in MASS-1 (76 μg g -1 ) is ∼5.2 times lower than that in Sph-HYLM (394 ± 264 μg g -1 ). The in situ analytical results of MASS-1 and Sph-HYLM are consistent with the values obtained by solution MC-ICP-MS, demonstrating the reliability and robustness of our analytical protocol. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Double Versus Single Tendon Transfers to Improve Shoulder Function in Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy.

PubMed

Greenhill, Dustin A; Smith, William R; Ramsey, F V; Kozin, Scott H; Zlotolow, Dan A

2017-03-27

In children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) undergoing tendon transfers to augment shoulder external rotation, it is unclear whether transfer of the latissimus dorsi with its combined latissimus dorsi and teres major (cLT) versus isolated teres major (iTM) tendon transfer yield different outcomes. Records of patients with BPBP who underwent shoulder tendon transfers to augment external rotation were retrospectively reviewed. Transfer type (cLT or iTM) was considered indiscriminate by virtue of surgeon preference. Modified Mallet Scale (mMS) and Active Movement Scale scores were recorded. Patients with <12 months' follow-up, C7 or lower palsy, humeral osteotomy, shoulder procedure(s) within 8 months, microsurgery within 1 year, or recurrent glenohumeral subluxation confirmed by postoperative imaging were excluded. Matched cohorts were identified within each tendon transfer group to yield similar preoperative shoulder function and glenohumeral alignment status. Outcomes for all tendon transfers as well as differences between cLT and iTM cohorts were analyzed. Among 121 cLT and 34 iTM transfers, 49 cLT and 14 iTM met the inclusion criteria. Subsequent matching of cohorts yielded 28 patients (14 cLT and 14 iTM). Average age at time of transfer was 3.0±1.4 years. Follow-up averaged 4.1±3.1 years. There were no statistically significant preoperative differences between cohorts, thus matching criteria were validated. Regardless of tendon(s) transferred, mMS external rotation improved (2.2 to 3.5, P<0.001), whereas mMS internal rotation decreased (3.8 to 3.2, P<0.001). When comparing matched cohorts, cLT transfer produced a greater mMS external rotation improvement than iTM (2.1 vs. 1.5, respectively; P=0.025). Loss of midline function (defined as mMS external rotation <3) occurred in 5 (35.7%) cLT and 2 (14.3%) iTM patients. Both cLT or iTM transfer are effective at augmenting shoulder external rotation in children with C5-C6 BPBP. Furthermore, cLT transfers may yield a larger improvement in external rotation in certain patients. However, both techniques slightly decrease shoulder internal rotation. Given that more total cLT patients lost midline function among matched cohorts, iTM transfer may still be considered when limited midline function is a concern. Level III.

Usefulness of emergency medical teams in sport stadiums.

PubMed

Leusveld, E; Kleijn, S; Umans, V A W M

2008-03-01

In August 2006, the new AZ Alkmaar soccer stadium (capacity 17,000) opened. To provide adequate emergency support, medical teams of Red Cross volunteers and coronary care unit and emergency room nurses were formed, and facilities including automated external defibrillators were made available at the stadium. During every match, 3 teams are placed among the spectators. All patients who had cardiac events were stabilized by the teams and transported to the hospital. They formed the study group. From August 2006 to May 2007, >800,000 individuals attended soccer matches at the new stadium. Four cardiac events (3 out-of-hospital-resuscitations for ventricular fibrillation, 1 patient with chest pain) requiring emergency medical support occurred. On-site resuscitations using defibrillators were successful. Two patients with triple-vessel disease subsequently underwent coronary bypass surgery and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. One patient had single-vessel disease of the circumflex branch, for which he received a coronary stent. All had uneventful recoveries. An acute coronary syndrome was ruled out in the patient presenting with chest pain. In conclusion, the presence of emergency medical teams at a large sport stadium was of vital importance in the immediate care of critically ill patients. On-site resuscitation using automated external defibrillators was lifesaving in all cases. The presence of medical teams equipped with defibrillators and emergency action plans is recommended at large venues that host sports and other activities.

Automatic detection of motor unit innervation zones of the external anal sphincter by multichannel surface EMG.

PubMed

Ullah, Khalil; Cescon, Corrado; Afsharipour, Babak; Merletti, Roberto

2014-12-01

A method to detect automatically the location of innervation zones (IZs) from 16-channel surface EMG (sEMG) recordings from the external anal sphincter (EAS) muscle is presented in order to guide episiotomy during child delivery. The new algorithm (2DCorr) is applied to individual motor unit action potential (MUAP) templates and is based on bidimensional cross correlation between the interpolated image of each MUAP template and two images obtained by flipping upside-down (around a horizontal axis) and left-right (around a vertical axis) the original one. The method was tested on 640 simulated MUAP templates of the sphincter muscle and compared with previously developed algorithms (Radon Transform, RT; Template Match, TM). Experimental signals were detected from the EAS of 150 subjects using an intra-anal probe with 16 equally spaced circumferential electrodes. The results of the three algorithms were compared with the actual IZ location (simulated signal) and with IZ location provided by visual analysis (VA) (experimental signals). For simulated signals, the inter quartile error range (IQR) between the estimated and the actual locations of the IZ was 0.20, 0.23, 0.42, and 2.32 interelectrode distances (IED) for the VA, 2DCorr, RT and TM methods respectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Internal Applicants to Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowships and Current Use of the National Resident Matching Program Match: A Survey of Fellowship Directors.

PubMed

Bradley, Timothy; Clingenpeel, Joel M; Poirier, Michael

2015-07-01

Applicants to fellowship programs are divided into the following 2 distinct groups: the external versus internal candidate. Internal fellowship candidates did residency at the same institution they are applying to, whereas the external candidate is from another institution. Internal candidates have likely done rotation(s) within the fellowship's division and are known to faculty, whereas the external candidates are evaluated by their applications and interviews alone. Acceptance of internal fellowship candidates may be complicated by competing interests of the associated residency program and overlapping faculty who have academic roles in both training programs. The current percentage of pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowships exclusively using the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Specialties Matching Service (SMS) for filling fellowship slots is not known. We surveyed all the current US PEM fellowship directors in April/May 2013 using a 15-question anonymous institutional review board-approved survey. This survey was hosted through http://www.surveymonkey.com and was available between April 08, 2013 and May 08, 2013. The unique link sent to each fellowship director recorded completion of the survey but no individual responses. All questions had to be answered for the results to be recorded. Fifty-four of 70 fellowship directors responded. Each question was individually evaluated. Fellowship directors had different feelings toward internal candidates. The NRMP-SMS exclusive use was high. Possible confounders using the NRMP match seemed uncommon. Twenty-nine percent of current PEM fellows are in training at the same institution where they completed their residency. Both internal and external candidates are valued by PEM fellowship directors. The exclusive use of the NRMP SMS is high and not confounded by internal factors.

Strengthening Causal Estimates for Links Between Spanking and Children's Externalizing Behavior Problems.

PubMed

Gershoff, Elizabeth T; Sattler, Kierra M P; Ansari, Arya

2018-01-01

Establishing causal links when experiments are not feasible is an important challenge for psychology researchers. The question of whether parents' spanking causes children's externalizing behavior problems poses such a challenge because randomized experiments of spanking are unethical, and correlational studies cannot rule out potential selection factors. This study used propensity score matching based on the lifetime prevalence and recent incidence of spanking in a large and nationally representative sample ( N = 12,112) as well as lagged dependent variables to get as close to causal estimates outside an experiment as possible. Whether children were spanked at the age of 5 years predicted increases in externalizing behavior problems by ages 6 and 8, even after the groups based on spanking prevalence or incidence were matched on a range of sociodemographic, family, and cultural characteristics and children's initial behavior problems. These statistically rigorous methods yield the conclusion that spanking predicts a deterioration of children's externalizing behavior over time.

Source-to-accelerator quadrupole matching section for a compact linear accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seidl, P. A.; Persaud, A.; Ghiorso, W.; Ji, Q.; Waldron, W. L.; Lal, A.; Vinayakumar, K. B.; Schenkel, T.

2018-05-01

Recently, we presented a new approach for a compact radio-frequency (RF) accelerator structure and demonstrated the functionality of the individual components: acceleration units and focusing elements. In this paper, we combine these units to form a working accelerator structure: a matching section between the ion source extraction grids and the RF-acceleration unit and electrostatic focusing quadrupoles between successive acceleration units. The matching section consists of six electrostatic quadrupoles (ESQs) fabricated using 3D-printing techniques. The matching section enables us to capture more beam current and to match the beam envelope to conditions for stable transport in an acceleration lattice. We present data from an integrated accelerator consisting of the source, matching section, and an ESQ doublet sandwiched between two RF-acceleration units.

Smart Markets for Transferable Pumping Rights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brozovic, N.; Young, R.

2016-12-01

While no national policy on groundwater use exists in the United States, local groundwater management is emerging across the country in response to concerns and conflicts over declining well yields, land subsidence, and the depletion of hydrologically connected surface waters. Management strategies include well drilling moratoria, pumping restrictions, and restrictions on the expansion of irrigated land. To provide flexibility to groundwater users, local regulatory authorities increasingly have begun to allow the transfer of groundwater rights as a cost-effective management tool. Markets can be a versatile risk management tool, helping communities to cope with scarcity, to meet goals for sustainability, and to grow resilient local economies. For example, active groundwater rights transfers exist in the High Plains region of the United States. Yet, several barriers to trade exist: high search costs for interested parties, complicated requirements for regulatory compliance, and reluctance to share sensitive financial information. Additionally, groundwater pumping leads to several kinds of spatial and intertemporal externalities such as stream depletion. Indeed, groundwater management schemes that reallocate water between alternate pumping locations are often explicitly designed to change the distribution and magnitude of pumping externalities. Reallocation may be designed to minimize unwanted impacts on third parties or to encourage trades that reduce the magnitude of externalities. We discuss how smart markets can deal with complex biophysical constraints while also encouraging active trading, therefore ensuring local goals for aquifer sustainability while growing local economies. Smart markets address these issues by providing a centralized hub for trading, automating the process of regulatory compliance by only matching buyers and sellers eligible to trade as specified in the regulations, and maintaining anonymous, confidential bidding.

Gaia Data Release 1. Cross-match with external catalogues. Algorithm and results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marrese, P. M.; Marinoni, S.; Fabrizio, M.; Giuffrida, G.

2017-11-01

Context. Although the Gaia catalogue on its own will be a very powerful tool, it is the combination of this highly accurate archive with other archives that will truly open up amazing possibilities for astronomical research. The advanced interoperation of archives is based on cross-matching, leaving the user with the feeling of working with one single data archive. The data retrieval should work not only across data archives, but also across wavelength domains. The first step for seamless data access is the computation of the cross-match between Gaia and external surveys. Aims: The matching of astronomical catalogues is a complex and challenging problem both scientifically and technologically (especially when matching large surveys like Gaia). We describe the cross-match algorithm used to pre-compute the match of Gaia Data Release 1 (DR1) with a selected list of large publicly available optical and IR surveys. Methods: The overall principles of the adopted cross-match algorithm are outlined. Details are given on the developed algorithm, including the methods used to account for position errors, proper motions, and environment; to define the neighbours; and to define the figure of merit used to select the most probable counterpart. Results: Statistics on the results are also given. The results of the cross-match are part of the official Gaia DR1 catalogue.

Measurement of Intrasound from the Marine Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

external inertial measurement unit (IMU) was used to estimate the heave, and was highly correlated with the pressure interference signal...moves up and down. An external inertial measurement unit (IMU) was used to estimate the heave, and was highly correlated with the pressure...10 EXTERNAL INTEGRATED MEASUREMENT UNIT ..................................................... 13 ADAPTIVE NOISE CANCELATION

Image denoising by exploring external and internal correlations.

PubMed

Yue, Huanjing; Sun, Xiaoyan; Yang, Jingyu; Wu, Feng

2015-06-01

Single image denoising suffers from limited data collection within a noisy image. In this paper, we propose a novel image denoising scheme, which explores both internal and external correlations with the help of web images. For each noisy patch, we build internal and external data cubes by finding similar patches from the noisy and web images, respectively. We then propose reducing noise by a two-stage strategy using different filtering approaches. In the first stage, since the noisy patch may lead to inaccurate patch selection, we propose a graph based optimization method to improve patch matching accuracy in external denoising. The internal denoising is frequency truncation on internal cubes. By combining the internal and external denoising patches, we obtain a preliminary denoising result. In the second stage, we propose reducing noise by filtering of external and internal cubes, respectively, on transform domain. In this stage, the preliminary denoising result not only enhances the patch matching accuracy but also provides reliable estimates of filtering parameters. The final denoising image is obtained by fusing the external and internal filtering results. Experimental results show that our method constantly outperforms state-of-the-art denoising schemes in both subjective and objective quality measurements, e.g., it achieves >2 dB gain compared with BM3D at a wide range of noise levels.

Internal and External Match Loads of University-Level Soccer Players: A Comparison Between Methods.

PubMed

Sparks, Martinique; Coetzee, Ben; Gabbett, Tim J

2017-04-01

Sparks, M, Coetzee, B, and Gabbett, TJ. Internal and external match loads of university-level soccer players: a comparison between methods. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 1072-7077, 2017-The aim of this study was to use individualized intensity zones to compare the external (velocity and player load, PL) and internal loads (heart rate, HR) of a cohort of university-level soccer players. Thirteen soccer players completed a 40-m maximum speed test and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) to determine individualized velocity and HR thresholds. Heart rate values and global positioning system (GPS) data of each player were recorded during 5 league matches. A large (r = 0.46; p ≤ 0.01) correlation was found between time spent in the low-intensity (LI) velocity zone (LIVZ) and the LI HR zone. Similarly, there were moderate (r = 0.25; p ≤ 0.01) to large (r = 0.57; p ≤ 0.01) correlations between the relative and absolute time spent in the moderate-intensity (MI) velocity zone (MIVZ) and the MI HR zone. No significant correlations (p ≤ 0.01) existed between the high-intensity (HI) velocity zones (HIVZ) and the HI HR zone. On the other hand, PL showed significant correlations with all velocity and HR (absolute and relative) variables, with the exception of a nonsignificant correlation between the HI HR variables and PL. To conclude, PL showed good correlations with both velocity and HR zones and therefore may have the potential to serve as a good indicator of both external and internal soccer match loads.

Framing faces: Frame alignment impacts holistic face perception.

PubMed

Curby, Kim M; Entenman, Robert

2016-11-01

Traditional accounts of face perception emphasise the importance of the prototypical configuration of features within faces. However, here we probe influences of more general perceptual grouping mechanisms on holistic face perception. Participants made part-matching judgments about composite faces presented in intact external oval frames or frames made from misaligned oval parts. This manipulation served to disrupt basic perceptual grouping cues that facilitate the grouping of the two face halves together. This manipulation also produced an external face contour like that in the standard misaligned condition used within the classic composite face task. Notably, by introducing a discontinuity in the external contour, grouping of the face halves into a cohesive unit was discouraged, but face configuration was preserved. Conditions where both the face parts and the frames were misaligned together, as in the typical composite task paradigm, or where just the internal face parts where misaligned, were also included. Disrupting only the face frame similarly disrupted holistic face perception as disrupting both the frame and face configuration. However, misaligned face parts presented in aligned frames also incurred a cost to holistic perception. These findings provide support for the contribution of general-purpose perceptual grouping mechanisms to holistic face perception and are presented and discussed in the context of an enhanced object-based selection account of holistic perception.

Recovering faces from memory: the distracting influence of external facial features.

PubMed

Frowd, Charlie D; Skelton, Faye; Atherton, Chris; Pitchford, Melanie; Hepton, Gemma; Holden, Laura; McIntyre, Alex H; Hancock, Peter J B

2012-06-01

Recognition memory for unfamiliar faces is facilitated when contextual cues (e.g., head pose, background environment, hair and clothing) are consistent between study and test. By contrast, inconsistencies in external features, especially hair, promote errors in unfamiliar face-matching tasks. For the construction of facial composites, as carried out by witnesses and victims of crime, the role of external features (hair, ears, and neck) is less clear, although research does suggest their involvement. Here, over three experiments, we investigate the impact of external features for recovering facial memories using a modern, recognition-based composite system, EvoFIT. Participant-constructors inspected an unfamiliar target face and, one day later, repeatedly selected items from arrays of whole faces, with "breeding," to "evolve" a composite with EvoFIT; further participants (evaluators) named the resulting composites. In Experiment 1, the important internal-features (eyes, brows, nose, and mouth) were constructed more identifiably when the visual presence of external features was decreased by Gaussian blur during construction: higher blur yielded more identifiable internal-features. In Experiment 2, increasing the visible extent of external features (to match the target's) in the presented face-arrays also improved internal-features quality, although less so than when external features were masked throughout construction. Experiment 3 demonstrated that masking external-features promoted substantially more identifiable images than using the previous method of blurring external-features. Overall, the research indicates that external features are a distractive rather than a beneficial cue for face construction; the results also provide a much better method to construct composites, one that should dramatically increase identification of offenders.

Prevalence of Learned Grapheme-Color Pairings in a Large Online Sample of Synesthetes

PubMed Central

Witthoft, Nathan; Winawer, Jonathan; Eagleman, David M.

2015-01-01

In this paper we estimate the minimum prevalence of grapheme-color synesthetes with letter-color matches learned from an external stimulus, by analyzing a large sample of English-speaking grapheme-color synesthetes. We find that at least 6% (400/6588 participants) of the total sample learned many of their matches from a widely available colored letter toy. Among those born in the decade after the toy began to be manufactured, the proportion of synesthetes with learned letter-color pairings approaches 15% for some 5-year periods. Among those born 5 years or more before it was manufactured, none have colors learned from the toy. Analysis of the letter-color matching data suggests the only difference between synesthetes with matches to the toy and those without is exposure to the stimulus. These data indicate learning of letter-color pairings from external contingencies can occur in a substantial fraction of synesthetes, and are consistent with the hypothesis that grapheme-color synesthesia is a kind of conditioned mental imagery. PMID:25739095

Brachytherapy improves biochemical failure-free survival in low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer compared with conventionally fractionated external beam radiation therapy: a propensity score matched analysis.

PubMed

Smith, Graham D; Pickles, Tom; Crook, Juanita; Martin, Andre-Guy; Vigneault, Eric; Cury, Fabio L; Morris, Jim; Catton, Charles; Lukka, Himu; Warner, Andrew; Yang, Ying; Rodrigues, George

2015-03-01

To compare, in a retrospective study, biochemical failure-free survival (bFFS) and overall survival (OS) in low-risk and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients who received brachytherapy (BT) (either low-dose-rate brachytherapy [LDR-BT] or high-dose-rate brachytherapy with external beam radiation therapy [HDR-BT+EBRT]) versus external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) alone. Patient data were obtained from the ProCaRS database, which contains 7974 prostate cancer patients treated with primary radiation therapy at four Canadian cancer institutions from 1994 to 2010. Propensity score matching was used to obtain the following 3 matched cohorts with balanced baseline prognostic factors: (1) low-risk LDR-BT versus EBRT; (2) intermediate-risk LDR-BT versus EBRT; and (3) intermediate-risk HDR-BT+EBRT versus EBRT. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to compare differences in bFFS (primary endpoint) and OS in the 3 matched groups. Propensity score matching created acceptable balance in the baseline prognostic factors in all matches. Final matches included 2 1:1 matches in the intermediate-risk cohorts, LDR-BT versus EBRT (total n=254) and HDR-BT+EBRT versus EBRT (total n=388), and one 4:1 match in the low-risk cohort (LDR-BT:EBRT, total n=400). Median follow-up ranged from 2.7 to 7.3 years for the 3 matched cohorts. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that all BT treatment options were associated with statistically significant improvements in bFFS when compared with EBRT in all cohorts (intermediate-risk EBRT vs LDR-BT hazard ratio [HR] 4.58, P=.001; intermediate-risk EBRT vs HDR-BT+EBRT HR 2.08, P=.007; low-risk EBRT vs LDR-BT HR 2.90, P=.004). No significant difference in OS was found in all comparisons (intermediate-risk EBRT vs LDR-BT HR 1.27, P=.687; intermediate-risk EBRT vs HDR-BT+EBRT HR 1.55, P=.470; low-risk LDR-BT vs EBRT HR 1.41, P=.500). Propensity score matched analysis showed that BT options led to statistically significant improvements in bFFS in low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patient populations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Brachytherapy Improves Biochemical Failure–Free Survival in Low- and Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer Compared With Conventionally Fractionated External Beam Radiation Therapy: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

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

Smith, Graham D.; Pickles, Tom; Crook, Juanita

2015-03-01

Purpose: To compare, in a retrospective study, biochemical failure-free survival (bFFS) and overall survival (OS) in low-risk and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients who received brachytherapy (BT) (either low-dose-rate brachytherapy [LDR-BT] or high-dose-rate brachytherapy with external beam radiation therapy [HDR-BT+EBRT]) versus external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) alone. Methods and Materials: Patient data were obtained from the ProCaRS database, which contains 7974 prostate cancer patients treated with primary radiation therapy at four Canadian cancer institutions from 1994 to 2010. Propensity score matching was used to obtain the following 3 matched cohorts with balanced baseline prognostic factors: (1) low-risk LDR-BT versus EBRT; (2)more » intermediate-risk LDR-BT versus EBRT; and (3) intermediate-risk HDR-BT+EBRT versus EBRT. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to compare differences in bFFS (primary endpoint) and OS in the 3 matched groups. Results: Propensity score matching created acceptable balance in the baseline prognostic factors in all matches. Final matches included 2 1:1 matches in the intermediate-risk cohorts, LDR-BT versus EBRT (total n=254) and HDR-BT+EBRT versus EBRT (total n=388), and one 4:1 match in the low-risk cohort (LDR-BT:EBRT, total n=400). Median follow-up ranged from 2.7 to 7.3 years for the 3 matched cohorts. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that all BT treatment options were associated with statistically significant improvements in bFFS when compared with EBRT in all cohorts (intermediate-risk EBRT vs LDR-BT hazard ratio [HR] 4.58, P=.001; intermediate-risk EBRT vs HDR-BT+EBRT HR 2.08, P=.007; low-risk EBRT vs LDR-BT HR 2.90, P=.004). No significant difference in OS was found in all comparisons (intermediate-risk EBRT vs LDR-BT HR 1.27, P=.687; intermediate-risk EBRT vs HDR-BT+EBRT HR 1.55, P=.470; low-risk LDR-BT vs EBRT HR 1.41, P=.500). Conclusions: Propensity score matched analysis showed that BT options led to statistically significant improvements in bFFS in low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patient populations.« less

Molecular genetic testing for cystic fibrosis: laboratory performance on the College of American Pathologists external proficiency surveys.

PubMed

Lyon, Elaine; Schrijver, Iris; Weck, Karen E; Ferreira-Gonzalez, Andrea; Richards, C Sue; Palomaki, Glenn E

2015-03-01

Molecular testing for cystic fibrosis mutations is widespread and routine in reproductive decision making and diagnosis. Our objective was to assess the level of performance of laboratories for this test. The College of American Pathologists administers external proficiency testing with multiple DNA samples distributed biannually. RESULTS are analyzed, reviewed, and graded by the joint College of American Pathologists/American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Biochemical and Molecular Genetics Committee. Assessment is based on genotype and associated clinical interpretation. Overall, 357 clinical laboratories participated in the proficiency testing survey between 2003 and 2013 (322 in the United States and 35 international). In 2013, US participants reported performing nearly 120,000 tests monthly. Analytical sensitivity and specificity of US laboratories were 98.8% (95% confidence interval: 98.4-99.1%) and 99.6% (95% confidence interval: 99.4-99.7%), respectively. Analytical sensitivity improved between 2003 and 2008 (from 97.9 to 99.3%; P = 0.007) and remained steady thereafter. Clinical interpretation matched the intended response for 98.8, 86.0, and 91.0% of challenges with no, one, or two mutations, respectively. International laboratories performed similarly. Laboratory testing for cystic fibrosis in the United States has improved since 2003, and these data demonstrate a high level of quality. Neither the number of samples tested nor test methodology affected performance.

77 FR 65582 - Pfizer Therapeutic Research, Pfizer Worldwide Reasearch & Development Division, Formerly Known as...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-29

..., Central Nervous System Research Unit (Currently Known as Neuroscience Research Unit), Global External... as Warner Lambert Company, Central Nervous System Research Unit, Global External Supply Department... Central Nervous System Research Unit was renamed the Neuroscience Research Unit. In order to ensure proper...

A reanalysis of "Two types of asynchronous activity in networks of excitatory and inhibitory spiking neurons".

PubMed

Engelken, Rainer; Farkhooi, Farzad; Hansel, David; van Vreeswijk, Carl; Wolf, Fred

2016-01-01

Neuronal activity in the central nervous system varies strongly in time and across neuronal populations. It is a longstanding proposal that such fluctuations generically arise from chaotic network dynamics. Various theoretical studies predict that the rich dynamics of rate models operating in the chaotic regime can subserve circuit computation and learning. Neurons in the brain, however, communicate via spikes and it is a theoretical challenge to obtain similar rate fluctuations in networks of spiking neuron models. A recent study investigated spiking balanced networks of leaky integrate and fire (LIF) neurons and compared their dynamics to a matched rate network with identical topology, where single unit input-output functions were chosen from isolated LIF neurons receiving Gaussian white noise input. A mathematical analogy between the chaotic instability in networks of rate units and the spiking network dynamics was proposed. Here we revisit the behavior of the spiking LIF networks and these matched rate networks. We find expected hallmarks of a chaotic instability in the rate network: For supercritical coupling strength near the transition point, the autocorrelation time diverges. For subcritical coupling strengths, we observe critical slowing down in response to small external perturbations. In the spiking network, we found in contrast that the timescale of the autocorrelations is insensitive to the coupling strength and that rate deviations resulting from small input perturbations rapidly decay. The decay speed even accelerates for increasing coupling strength. In conclusion, our reanalysis demonstrates fundamental differences between the behavior of pulse-coupled spiking LIF networks and rate networks with matched topology and input-output function. In particular there is no indication of a corresponding chaotic instability in the spiking network.

Postmortem CT versus forensic autopsy: frequent discrepancies of tracheobronchial content findings.

PubMed

Zech, Wolf-Dieter; Jackowski, Christian; Schwendener, Nicole; Brencicova, Eva; Schuster, Frederick; Lombardo, Paolo

2016-01-01

In their daily forensic casework, the authors experienced discrepancies of tracheobronchial content findings between postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and autopsy to an extent previously unnoticed in the literature. The goal of this study was to evaluate such discrepancies in routine forensic cases. A total of 327 cases that underwent PMCT prior to routine forensic autopsy were retrospectively evaluated for tracheal and bronchial contents according to PMCT and autopsy findings. Hounsfield unit (HU) values of tracheobronchial contents, causes of death, and presence of pulmonary edema were assessed in mismatching and matching cases. Comparing contents in PMCT and autopsy in each of the separately evaluated compartments of the respiratory tract low positive predictive values were assessed (trachea, 38.2%; main bronchi, 40%; peripheral bronchi, 69.1%) indicating high discrepancy rates. The majority of tracheobronchial contents were viscous stomach contents in matching cases and low radiodensity materials (i.e., HU < 30) in mismatching cases. The majority of causes of death were cardiac related in the matching cases and skull/brain trauma in the mismatching cases. In mismatching cases, frequency of pulmonary edema was significantly higher than in matching cases. It can be concluded that discrepancies in tracheobronchial contents observed between PMCT and routine forensic autopsy occur in a considerable number of cases. Discrepancies may be explained by the runoff of contents via nose and mouth during external examination and the flow back of tracheal and main bronchial contents into the lungs caused by upright movement of the respiratory tract at autopsy.

Influence of Yo-Yo IR2 Scores on Internal and External Workloads and Fatigue Responses of Tag Football Players during Tournament Competition

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to: a) identify changes in jump height and perceived well-being as indirect markers of fatigue, b) determine the internal and external workloads performed by players, and c) examine the influence of Yo-Yo IR2 on changes in jump height, perceived well-being and internal and external workloads during a tag football tournament. Microtechnology devices combined with heart rate (HR) chest straps provided external and internal measures of match work-rate and workload for twelve male tag football players during the 2014 Australian National Championships. Jump height and perceived well-being were assessed prior to and during the tournament as indirect measures of fatigue. Changes in work-rate, workload and fatigue measures between high- and low-fitness groups were examined based on players’ Yo-Yo IR2 score using a median split technique. The low- and high-fitness groups reported similar mean HR, PlayerloadTM/min, and distance/min for matches, however the low-fitness group reported higher perceived match-intensities (ES = 0.90–1.35) for several matches. Further, the high-fitness group reported higher measures of tournament workload, including distance (ES = 0.71), PlayerloadTM (ES = 0.85) and Edwards’ training impulse (TRIMP) (ES = 1.23) than the low-fitness group. High- and low-fitness groups both showed large decreases (ES = 1.46–1.49) in perceived well-being during the tournament, although jump height did not decrease below pre-tournament values. Increased Yo-Yo IR2 appears to offer a protective effect against player fatigue despite increased workloads during a tag football tournament. It is vital that training programs adequately prepare tag football players for tournament competition to maximise performance and minimise player fatigue. PMID:26465599

Recovering Faces from Memory: The Distracting Influence of External Facial Features

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frowd, Charlie D.; Skelton, Faye; Atherton, Chris; Pitchford, Melanie; Hepton, Gemma; Holden, Laura; McIntyre, Alex H.; Hancock, Peter J. B.

2012-01-01

Recognition memory for unfamiliar faces is facilitated when contextual cues (e.g., head pose, background environment, hair and clothing) are consistent between study and test. By contrast, inconsistencies in external features, especially hair, promote errors in unfamiliar face-matching tasks. For the construction of facial composites, as carried…

Entrepreneurship through Strategic Planning, Management, and Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Groff, Warren H.

A process to assess a college's external environment and audit its internal environment in order to pursue options available to postsecondary education is described. Essentially the concept is one of matching opportunities in the external environment with institutional strengths as determined by an internal audit. Strategic planning must consider…

Strategic Planning Techniques: Matching External Assessment with Internal Audit.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Groff, Warren H.

The literature on strategic planning, and the capabilities of Massachusetts system of public postsecondary education were assessed, as part of a 1981 leadership seminar. Teams from all public postsecondary education institutions in the state reviewed the basic concepts of strategic planning; critically analyzed the environment external to their…

77 FR 21086 - Patents External Quality Survey (formerly Customer Panel Quality Survey)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-09

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE United States Patent and Trademark Office Patents External Quality Survey (formerly Customer Panel Quality Survey) ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request. SUMMARY: The United...: [email protected] . Include ``0651- 0057 Patents External Quality Survey comment'' in the...

Processing device with self-scrubbing logic

DOEpatents

Wojahn, Christopher K.

2016-03-01

An apparatus includes a processing unit including a configuration memory and self-scrubber logic coupled to read the configuration memory to detect compromised data stored in the configuration memory. The apparatus also includes a watchdog unit external to the processing unit and coupled to the self-scrubber logic to detect a failure in the self-scrubber logic. The watchdog unit is coupled to the processing unit to selectively reset the processing unit in response to detecting the failure in the self-scrubber logic. The apparatus also includes an external memory external to the processing unit and coupled to send configuration data to the configuration memory in response to a data feed signal outputted by the self-scrubber logic.

76 FR 12984 - Privacy Act of 1974; Notice of a Computer Matching Program Between HUD and the United States...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-09

... of a Computer Matching Program Between HUD and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD. ACTION: Notice of a computer matching program... the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-503), and the Office of...

Sleep, Travel, and Recovery Responses of National Footballers During and After Long-Haul International Air Travel.

PubMed

Fullagar, Hugh H; Duffield, Rob; Skorski, Sabrina; White, David; Bloomfield, Jonathan; Kölling, Sarah; Meyer, Tim

2016-01-01

The current study examined the sleep, travel, and recovery responses of elite footballers during and after long-haul international air travel, with a further description of these responses over the ensuing competitive tour (including 2 matches). In an observational design, 15 elite male football players undertook 18 h of predominantly westward international air travel from the United Kingdom to South America (-4-h time-zone shift) for a 10-d tour. Objective sleep parameters, external and internal training loads, subjective player match performance, technical match data, and perceptual jet-lag and recovery measures were collected. Significant differences were evident between outbound travel and recovery night 1 (night of arrival; P < .001) for sleep duration. Sleep efficiency was also significantly reduced during outbound travel compared with recovery nights 1 (P = .001) and 2 (P = .004). Furthermore, both match nights (5 and 10), showed significantly less sleep than nonmatch nights 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 (all P < .001). No significant differences were evident between baseline and any time point for all perceptual measures of jet-lag and recovery (P > .05), although large effects were evident for jet-lag on d 2 (2 d after arrival). Sleep duration is truncated during long-haul international travel with a 4-h time-zone delay and after night matches in elite footballers. However, this lost sleep appeared to have a limited effect on perceptual recovery, which may be explained by a westbound flight and a relatively small change in time zones, in addition to the significant increase in sleep duration on the night of arrival after the long-haul flight.

Processing device with self-scrubbing logic

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

Wojahn, Christopher K.

An apparatus includes a processing unit including a configuration memory and self-scrubber logic coupled to read the configuration memory to detect compromised data stored in the configuration memory. The apparatus also includes a watchdog unit external to the processing unit and coupled to the self-scrubber logic to detect a failure in the self-scrubber logic. The watchdog unit is coupled to the processing unit to selectively reset the processing unit in response to detecting the failure in the self-scrubber logic. The apparatus also includes an external memory external to the processing unit and coupled to send configuration data to the configurationmore » memory in response to a data feed signal outputted by the self-scrubber logic.« less

Bingo! Externally-Supported Performance Intervention for Deficient Visual Search in Normal Aging, Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease

PubMed Central

Laudate, Thomas M.; Neargarder, Sandy; Dunne, Tracy E.; Sullivan, Karen D.; Joshi, Pallavi; Gilmore, Grover C.; Riedel, Tatiana M.; Cronin-Golomb, Alice

2011-01-01

External support may improve task performance regardless of an individual’s ability to compensate for cognitive deficits through internally-generated mechanisms. We investigated if performance of a complex, familiar visual search task (the game of bingo) could be enhanced in groups with suboptimal vision by providing external support through manipulation of task stimuli. Participants were 19 younger adults, 14 individuals with probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 13 AD-matched healthy adults, 17 non-demented individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and 20 PD-matched healthy adults. We varied stimulus contrast, size, and visual complexity during game play. The externally-supported performance interventions of increased stimulus size and decreased complexity resulted in improvements in performance by all groups. Performance improvement through increased stimulus size and decreased complexity was demonstrated by all groups. AD also obtained benefit from increasing contrast, presumably by compensating for their contrast sensitivity deficit. The general finding of improved performance across healthy and afflicted groups suggests the value of visual support as an easy-to-apply intervention to enhance cognitive performance. PMID:22066941

The Teacher Technology Integration Experience: Practice and Reflection in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruggiero, Dana; Mong, Christopher J.

2015-01-01

Previous studies indicated that the technology integration practices of teachers in the classroom often did not match their teaching styles. Researchers concluded that this was due, at least partially, to external barriers that prevented teachers from using technology in ways that matched their practiced teaching style. Many of these barriers,…

Motor Imagery and Tennis Serve Performance: The External Focus Efficacy

PubMed Central

Guillot, Aymeric; Desliens, Simon; Rouyer, Christelle; Rogowski, Isabelle

2013-01-01

There is now ample evidence that motor imagery (MI) contributes to enhance motor performance. Previous research also demonstrated that directing athletes’ attention to the effects of their movements on the environment is more effective than focusing on the action per se. The present study aimed therefore at evaluating whether adopting an external focus during MI contributes to enhance tennis serve performance. Twelve high-level young tennis players were included in a test-retest procedure. The effects of regular training were first evaluated. Then, players were subjected to a MI intervention during which they mentally focused on ball trajectory and specifically visualized the space above the net where the serve can be successfully hit. Serve performance was evaluated during both a validated serve test and a real match. The main results showed a significant increase in accuracy and velocity during the ecological serve test after MI practice, as well as a significant improvement in successful first serves and won points during the match. Present data therefore confirmed the efficacy of MI in combination of physical practice to improve tennis serve performance, and further provided evidence that it is feasible to adopt external attentional focus during MI. Practical applications are discussed. Key Points Motor imagery contributes to enhance tennis serve performance. Data provided evidence of the benefits of adopting an external focus of attention during imagery. Results showed significant improvement in successful first serves and won points during a real match. PMID:24149813

Internal-external flow integration for a thin ejector-flapped wing section

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woolard, H. W.

1979-01-01

Thin airfoil theories of an ejector flapped wing section are reviewed. The global matching of the external airfoil flow with the ejector internal flow and the overall ejector flapped wing section aerodynamic performance are examined. Mathematical models of the external and internal flows are presented. The delineation of the suction flow coefficient characteristics are discussed. The idealized lift performance of an ejector flapped wing relative to a jet augmented flapped wing are compared.

The efficacy of systemic therapy for childhood and adolescent externalizing disorders: a systematic review of 47 RCT.

PubMed

von Sydow, Kirsten; Retzlaff, Ruediger; Beher, Stefan; Haun, Markus W; Schweitzer, Jochen

2013-12-01

Systemic (family) therapy is a widely used psychotherapy approach. However, most systematic efficacy reviews have focused solely on "family-based treatment" rather than on the theoretic orientation "systemic therapy." We systematically review trials on the efficacy of systemic therapy for the treatment of childhood and adolescent externalizing disorders. All randomized (or matched) controlled trials (RCT) evaluating systemic/systems-oriented therapy in various forms (family, individual, group, multi-family group therapy) with child or adolescent index patients (0-17 years) suffering from mental disorders were identified by data base searches and cross-references. Inclusion criteria were as follows: index patient diagnosed with a DSM- or ICD-listed mental disorder, and trial published in any language up to the end of 2011. The RCTs were analyzed for their research methodology, interventions applied, and results (postintervention; follow-up). A total of 47 trials from the United States, Europe, and China, published in English, German, and Mandarin, were identified. A total of 42 of them showed systemic therapy to be efficacious for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, conduct disorders, and substance use disorders. Results were stable across follow-up periods of up to 14 years. There is a sound evidence base for the efficacy of systemic therapy for children and adolescents (and their families) diagnosed with externalizing disorders. © FPI, Inc.

Adolescents with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD): profiles and treatment response.

PubMed

Martín-Fernández, María; Matalí, Josep Lluís; García-Sánchez, Sara; Pardo, Marta; Lleras, María; Castellano-Tejedor, Carmina

2016-10-07

Demand for treatment for problems related to the use of video games have increased significantly in adolescents. Most cases have a comorbid mental disorder that jeopardises both pathologies. The aim of this study is to describe profiles of adolescents with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) according to comorbidity and analyze treatment response at 3 and 6 months. A sample of 86 patients which consulted in the Addictive Behavior Unit of a hospital was assessed with diagnostic criteria for IGD, the interview K-SADS-PL for mental disorders and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) to treatment progress. Of the initial sample, 68,6% (n = 59) met diagnostic criteria for IGD. Of these, the 45,76% matched an internalizing profile, presenting comorbidity with Mood Disorders (44,4%), Anxiety Disorders (44,4%) and Personality Disorders (11,1%). The externalizing profile would comprise 52,54% of the sample presenting Disruptive Behavior Disorder (48,4%=, ADHD (29%) and Disruptive Behavior Disorders not otherwise specified (22,6%). Unlike externalizing, the internalizing patients had a family history of psychiatric problems (63%), difficulties in social relationships (77,8%) and seemed to use video games preferably to escape discomfort (66,7%). After 3 months the externalizing profile showed improvements. Comorbid disorders allow the discrimination of two IGD profiles in adolescents and these could influence treatment response. Therefore, it is important to assess comorbidities to design a more accurate intervention focused on the specificities of each profile.

Trends in the Utilization of Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer in the United States

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

Han, Kathy, E-mail: Kathy.Han@rmp.uhn.on.ca; Milosevic, Michael; Fyles, Anthony

2013-09-01

Purpose: To determine the trends in brachytherapy use in cervical cancer in the United States and to identify factors and survival benefits associated with brachytherapy treatment. Methods and Materials: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we identified 7359 patients with stages IB2-IVA cervical cancer treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) between 1988 and 2009. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences between patients who received brachytherapy and those who did not from 2000 onward (after the National Cancer Institute alert recommending concurrent chemotherapy). Results: Sixty-three percent of the 7359 women received brachytherapy in combinationmore » with EBRT, and 37% received EBRT alone. The brachytherapy utilization rate has decreased from 83% in 1988 to 58% in 2009 (P<.001), with a sharp decline of 23% in 2003 to 43%. Factors associated with higher odds of brachytherapy use include younger age, married (vs single) patients, earlier years of diagnosis, earlier stage and certain SEER regions. In the propensity score-matched cohort, brachytherapy treatment was associated with higher 4-year cause-specific survival (CSS; 64.3% vs 51.5%, P<.001) and overall survival (OS; 58.2% vs 46.2%, P<.001). Brachytherapy treatment was independently associated with better CSS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-0.71), and OS (HR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.74). Conclusions: This population-based analysis reveals a concerning decline in brachytherapy utilization and significant geographic disparities in the delivery of brachytherapy in the United States. Brachytherapy use is independently associated with significantly higher CSS and OS and should be implemented in all feasible cases.« less

Using hyperspectral imaging technology to identify diseased tomato leaves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Cuiling; Wang, Xiu; Zhao, Xueguan; Meng, Zhijun; Zou, Wei

2016-11-01

In the process of tomato plants growth, due to the effect of plants genetic factors, poor environment factors, or disoperation of parasites, there will generate a series of unusual symptoms on tomato plants from physiology, organization structure and external form, as a result, they cannot grow normally, and further to influence the tomato yield and economic benefits. Hyperspectral image usually has high spectral resolution, not only contains spectral information, but also contains the image information, so this study adopted hyperspectral imaging technology to identify diseased tomato leaves, and developed a simple hyperspectral imaging system, including a halogen lamp light source unit, a hyperspectral image acquisition unit and a data processing unit. Spectrometer detection wavelength ranged from 400nm to 1000nm. After hyperspectral images of tomato leaves being captured, it was needed to calibrate hyperspectral images. This research used spectrum angle matching method and spectral red edge parameters discriminant method respectively to identify diseased tomato leaves. Using spectral red edge parameters discriminant method produced higher recognition accuracy, the accuracy was higher than 90%. Research results have shown that using hyperspectral imaging technology to identify diseased tomato leaves is feasible, and provides the discriminant basis for subsequent disease control of tomato plants.

External unit for a semi-implantable middle ear hearing device.

PubMed

Garverick, S L; Kane, M; Ko, W H; Maniglia, A J

1997-06-01

A miniaturized, low-power external unit has been developed for the clinical trials of a semi-implantable middle ear electromagnetic hearing device (SIMEHD) which uses radio-frequency telemetry to couple sound signals to the internal unit. The external unit is based on a commercial hearing aid which provides proven audio amplification and compression. Its receiver is replaced by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which: 1) adjusts the direct-current bias of the audio input according to its peak value; 2) converts the audio signal to a one-bit digital form using sigma-delta modulation; 3) modulates the sigma-delta output with a radio-frequency (RF) oscillator; and 4) drives the external RF coil and tuning capacitor using a field-effect transistor operated in class D. The external unit functions as expected and has been used to operate bench-top tests to the SIMEHD. Measured current consumption is 1.65-2.15 mA, which projects to a battery lifetime of about 15 days. Bandwidth is 6 kHz and harmonic distortion is about 2%.

External Validity of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder in Comparison with Autistic Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurita, Hiroshi; Osada, Hirokazu; Miyake, Yuko

2004-01-01

To examine the external validity of DSM-IV childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), 10 children (M = 8.2 yrs) with CDD and 152 gender- and age-matched children with autistic disorder (AD) were compared on 24 variables. The CDD children had a significantly higher rate of epilepsy, significantly less uneven intellectual functioning, and a tendency…

Design and Measurement of Self-Matched, Dual-Frequency Coplanar-Waveguide-Fed Slot Antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Omar, Amjad A.; Scardelletti, Maxmilian C.; Hejazi, Zuhair M.; Dib, Nihad

2007-01-01

This report presents two new designs of dual-frequency, coplanar-waveguide-fed, double-folded slot antennas. An important advantage of these antennas is that, because they are self-matched to the feeding coplanar waveguide, they do not need an external matching circuit. This reduces the antenna size and simplifies its design. To verify the designs, the authors measured and compared the return loss and radiation patterns with those obtained using available commercial software with good agreement. Dual-frequency slot antennas;

Randomized controlled trial of internal and external targeted temperature management methods in post- cardiac arrest patients.

PubMed

Look, Xinqi; Li, Huihua; Ng, Mingwei; Lim, Eric Tien Siang; Pothiawala, Sohil; Tan, Kenneth Boon Kiat; Sewa, Duu Wen; Shahidah, Nur; Pek, Pin Pin; Ong, Marcus Eng Hock

2018-01-01

Targeted temperature management post-cardiac arrest is currently implemented using various methods, broadly categorized as internal and external. This study aimed to evaluate survival-to-hospital discharge and neurological outcomes (Glasgow-Pittsburgh Score) of post-cardiac arrest patients undergoing internal cooling verses external cooling. A randomized controlled trial of post-resuscitation cardiac arrest patients was conducted from October 2008-September 2014. Patients were randomized to either internal or external cooling methods. Historical controls were selected matched by age and gender. Analysis using SPSS version 21.0 presented descriptive statistics and frequencies while univariate logistic regression was done using R 3.1.3. 23 patients were randomized to internal cooling and 22 patients to external cooling and 42 matched controls were selected. No significant difference was seen between internal and external cooling in terms of survival, neurological outcomes and complications. However in the internal cooling arm, there was lower risk of developing overcooling (p=0.01) and rebound hyperthermia (p=0.02). Compared to normothermia, internal cooling had higher survival (OR=3.36, 95% CI=(1.130, 10.412), and lower risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias (OR=0.18, 95% CI=(0.04, 0.63)). Subgroup analysis showed those with cardiac cause of arrest (OR=4.29, 95% CI=(1.26, 15.80)) and sustained ROSC (OR=5.50, 95% CI=(1.64, 20.39)) had better survival with internal cooling compared to normothermia. Cooling curves showed tighter temperature control for internal compared to external cooling. Internal cooling showed tighter temperature control compared to external cooling. Internal cooling can potentially provide better survival-to-hospital discharge outcomes and reduce cardiac arrhythmia complications in carefully selected patients as compared to normothermia. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

77 FR 35432 - Privacy Act of 1974, Computer Matching Program: United States Postal Service and the Defense...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-13

... the Defense Manpower Data Center, Department of Defense AGENCY: Postal Service TM . ACTION: Notice of Computer Matching Program--United States Postal Service and the Defense Manpower Data Center, Department of... as the recipient agency in a computer matching program with the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC...

A nested case-control study of leukemia mortality and ionizing radiation at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

PubMed

Kubale, Travis L; Daniels, Robert D; Yiin, James H; Couch, James; Schubauer-Berigan, Mary K; Kinnes, Gregory M; Silver, Sharon R; Nowlin, Susan J; Chen, Pi-Hsueh

2005-12-01

A nested case-control study using conditional logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the exposure-response relationship between external ionizing radiation exposure and leukemia mortality among civilian workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS), Kittery, Maine. The PNS civilian workers received occupational radiation exposure while performing construction, overhaul, repair and refueling activities on nuclear-powered submarines. The study age-matched 115 leukemia deaths with 460 controls selected from a cohort of 37,853 civilian workers employed at PNS between 1952 and 1992. In addition to radiation doses received in the workplace, a secondary analysis incorporating doses from work-related medical X rays and other occupational radiation exposures was conducted. A significant positive association was found between leukemia mortality and external radiation exposure, adjusting for gender, radiation worker status, and solvent exposure duration (OR = 1.08 at 10 mSv of exposure; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.16). Solvent exposure (including benzene and carbon tetrachloride) was also significantly associated with leukemia mortality adjusting for radiation dose, radiation worker status, and gender. Incorporating doses from work-related medical X rays did not change the estimated leukemia risk per unit of dose.

Detecting spatial defects in colored patterns using self-oscillating gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Yan; Yashin, Victor V.; Dickerson, Samuel J.; Balazs, Anna C.

2018-06-01

With the growing demand for wearable computers, there is a need for material systems that can perform computational tasks without relying on external electrical power. Using theory and simulation, we design a material system that "computes" by integrating the inherent behavior of self-oscillating gels undergoing the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction and piezoelectric (PZ) plates. These "BZ-PZ" units are connected electrically to form a coupled oscillator network, which displays specific modes of synchronization. We exploit this attribute in employing multiple BZ-PZ networks to perform pattern matching on complex multi-dimensional data, such as colored images. By decomposing a colored image into sets of binary vectors, we use each BZ-PZ network, or "channel," to store distinct information about the color and the shape of the image and perform the pattern matching operation. Our simulation results indicate that the multi-channel BZ-PZ device can detect subtle differences between the input and stored patterns, such as the color variation of one pixel or a small change in the shape of an object. To demonstrate a practical application, we utilize our system to process a colored Quick Response code and show its potential in cryptography and steganography.

The effect of sociodemographic (mis)match between interviewers and respondents on unit and item nonresponse in Belgium.

PubMed

Vercruyssen, Anina; Wuyts, Celine; Loosveldt, Geert

2017-09-01

Interviewer characteristics affect nonresponse and measurement errors in face-to-face surveys. Some studies have shown that mismatched sociodemographic characteristics - for example gender - affect people's behavior when interacting with an interviewer at the door and during the survey interview, resulting in more nonresponse. We investigate the effect of sociodemographic (mis)matching on nonresponse in two successive rounds of the European Social Survey in Belgium. As such, we replicate the analyses of the effect of (mis)matching gender and age on unit nonresponse on the one hand, and of gender, age and education level (mis)matching on item nonresponse on the other hand. Recurring effects of sociodemographic (mis)match are found for both unit and item nonresponse. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Silicon–Singlet Fission Tandem Solar Cell Exceeding 100% External Quantum Efficiency with High Spectral Stability

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

After 60 years of research, silicon solar cell efficiency saturated close to the theoretical limit, and radically new approaches are needed to further improve the efficiency. The use of tandem systems raises this theoretical power conversion efficiency limit from 34% to 45%. We present the advantageous spectral stability of using voltage-matched tandem solar cells with respect to their traditional series-connected counterparts and experimentally demonstrate how singlet fission can be used to produce simple voltage-matched tandems. Our singlet fission silicon–pentacene tandem solar cell shows efficient photocurrent addition. This allows the tandem system to benefit from carrier multiplication and to produce an external quantum efficiency exceeding 100% at the main absorption peak of pentacene. PMID:28261671

Organizational flexibility as a strategic option: fostering dynamic capabilities of hospitals.

PubMed

Dias, Casimiro; Escoval, Ana

2014-01-01

The main purpose of this article is to examine how the internal and external dimensions of organizational flexibility impact hospital performance. Results reveal that matching internal and external flexibilities contributes to the development of capabilities to adopt new strategic options. Such interactions have a significant impact in terms of hospital performance. A cluster of dynamic hospitals, which is characterised by high levels of both internal and external flexibilities, (instead of that have high levels of both internal and external flexibilities) was found to have the double level of performance compared with other clusters. The implications for research and managerial practice are discussed. Copyright © 2014 Longwoods Publishing.

Mentoring Children With Incarcerated Parents: Implications for Research, Practice, and Policy.

PubMed

Shlafer, Rebecca J; Poehlmann, Julie; Coffino, Brianna; Hanneman, Ashley

2009-12-01

We investigated children and families who were participating in a mentoring program targeting children with incarcerated parents. Using multiple methods and informants, we explored the development of the mentoring relationship, challenges and benefits of mentoring children with incarcerated parents, and match termination in 57 mentor-child dyads. More than one-third of matches terminated during the first 6 months of participation. For those matches that continued to meet, however, children who saw their mentors more frequently exhibited fewer internalizing and externalizing symptoms. In monthly interviews with participants, themes emerged about challenges associated with mentoring and reasons for match termination. Implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are discussed.

Limb Lengthening and Then Insertion of an Intramedullary Nail: A Case-matched Comparison

PubMed Central

Kleinman, Dawn; Fragomen, Austin T.; Ilizarov, Svetlana

2008-01-01

Distraction osteogenesis is an effective method for lengthening, deformity correction, and treatment of nonunions and bone defects. The classic method uses an external fixator for both distraction and consolidation leading to lengthy times in frames and there is a risk of refracture after frame removal. We suggest a new technique: lengthening and then nailing (LATN) technique in which the frame is used for gradual distraction and then a reamed intramedullary nail inserted to support the bone during the consolidation phase, allowing early removal of the external fixator. We performed a retrospective case-matched comparison of patients lengthened with LATN (39 limbs in 27 patients) technique versus the classic (34 limbs in 27 patients). The LATN group wore the external fixator for less time than the classic group (12 versus 29 weeks). The LATN group had a lower external fixation index (0.5 versus 1.9) and a lower bone healing index (0.8 versus 1.9) than the classic group. LATN confers advantages over the classic method including shorter times needed in external fixation, quicker bone healing, and protection against refracture. There are also advantages over the lengthening over a nail and internal lengthening nail techniques. Level of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. PMID:18800209

Endochondral fracture healing with external fixation in the Sost knockout mouse results in earlier fibrocartilage callus removal and increased bone volume fraction and strength.

PubMed

Morse, A; Yu, N Y C; Peacock, L; Mikulec, K; Kramer, I; Kneissel, M; McDonald, M M; Little, D G

2015-02-01

Sclerostin deficiency, via genetic knockout or anti-Sclerostin antibody treatment, has been shown to cause increased bone volume, density and strength of calluses following endochondral bone healing. However, there is limited data on the effect of Sclerostin deficiency on the formative early stage of fibrocartilage (non-bony tissue) formation and removal. In this study we extensively investigate the early fibrocartilage callus. Closed tibial fractures were performed on Sost(-/-) mice and age-matched wild type (C57Bl/6J) controls and assessed at multiple early time points (7, 10 and 14days), as well as at 28days post-fracture after bony union. External fixation was utilized, avoiding internal pinning and minimizing differences in stability stiffness, a variable that has confounded previous research in this area. Normal endochondral ossification progressed in wild type and Sost(-/-) mice with equivalent volumes of fibrocartilage formed at early day 7 and day 10 time points, and bony union in both genotypes by day 28. There were no significant differences in rate of bony union; however there were significant increases in fibrocartilage removal from the Sost(-/-) fracture calluses at day 14 suggesting earlier progression of endochondral healing. Earlier bone formation was seen in Sost(-/-) calluses over wild type with greater bone volume at day 10 (221%, p<0.01). The resultant Sost(-/-) united bony calluses at day 28 had increased bone volume fraction compared to wild type calluses (24%, p<0.05), and the strength of the fractured Sost(-/-) tibiae was greater than that that of wild type fractured tibiae. In summary, bony union was not altered by Sclerostin deficiency in externally-fixed closed tibial fractures, but fibrocartilage removal was enhanced and the resultant united bony calluses had increased bone fraction and increased strength. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Internal/External Frame of Reference Model of Self-Concept and Achievement Relations: Age-Cohort and Cross-Cultural Differences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marsh, Herbert W.; Abduljabbar, Adel Salah; Parker, Philip D.; Morin, Alexandre J. S.; Abdelfattah, Faisal; Nagengast, Benjamin; Möller, Jens; Abu-Hilal, Maher M.

2015-01-01

The internal/external frame of reference (I/E) model and dimensional comparison theory posit paradoxical relations between achievement (ACH) and self-concept (SC) in mathematics (M) and verbal (V) domains; ACH in each domain positively affects SC in the matching domain (e.g., MACH to MSC) but negatively in the nonmatching domain (e.g., MACH to…

Integration of internal and external facial features in 8- to 10-year-old children and adults.

PubMed

Meinhardt-Injac, Bozana; Persike, Malte; Meinhardt, Günter

2014-06-01

Investigation of whole-part and composite effects in 4- to 6-year-old children gave rise to claims that face perception is fully mature within the first decade of life (Crookes & McKone, 2009). However, only internal features were tested, and the role of external features was not addressed, although external features are highly relevant for holistic face perception (Sinha & Poggio, 1996; Axelrod & Yovel, 2010, 2011). In this study, 8- to 10-year-old children and adults performed a same-different matching task with faces and watches. In this task participants attended to either internal or external features. Holistic face perception was tested using a congruency paradigm, in which face and non-face stimuli either agreed or disagreed in both features (congruent contexts) or just in the attended ones (incongruent contexts). In both age groups, pronounced context congruency and inversion effects were found for faces, but not for watches. These findings indicate holistic feature integration for faces. While inversion effects were highly similar in both age groups, context congruency effects were stronger for children. Moreover, children's face matching performance was generally better when attending to external compared to internal features. Adults tended to perform better when attending to internal features. Our results indicate that both adults and 8- to 10-year-old children integrate external and internal facial features into holistic face representations. However, in children's face representations external features are much more relevant. These findings suggest that face perception is holistic but still not adult-like at the end of the first decade of life. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Psychoacoustic Assessment to Improve Tinnitus Diagnosis

PubMed Central

Hutchins, Sean; Hébert, Sylvie

2013-01-01

The diagnosis of tinnitus relies on self-report. Psychoacoustic measurements of tinnitus pitch and loudness are essential for assessing claims and discriminating true from false ones. For this reason, the quantification of tinnitus remains a challenging research goal. We aimed to: (1) assess the precision of a new tinnitus likeness rating procedure with a continuous-pitch presentation method, controlling for music training, and (2) test whether tinnitus psychoacoustic measurements have the sensitivity and specificity required to detect people faking tinnitus. Musicians and non-musicians with tinnitus, as well as simulated malingerers without tinnitus, were tested. Most were retested several weeks later. Tinnitus pitch matching was first assessed using the likeness rating method: pure tones from 0.25 to 16 kHz were presented randomly to participants, who had to rate the likeness of each tone to their tinnitus, and to adjust its level from 0 to 100 dB SPL. Tinnitus pitch matching was then assessed with a continuous-pitch method: participants had to match the pitch of their tinnitus to an external tone by moving their finger across a touch-sensitive strip, which generated a continuous pure tone from 0.5 to 20 kHz in 1-Hz steps. The predominant tinnitus pitch was consistent across both methods for both musicians and non-musicians, although musicians displayed better external tone pitch matching abilities. Simulated malingerers rated loudness much higher than did the other groups with a high degree of specificity (94.4%) and were unreliable in loudness (not pitch) matching from one session to the other. Retest data showed similar pitch matching responses for both methods for all participants. In conclusion, tinnitus pitch and loudness reliably correspond to the tinnitus percept, and psychoacoustic loudness matches are sensitive and specific to the presence of tinnitus. PMID:24349414

Successful external cephalic version is an independent factor for caesarean section during trial of labor - a matched controlled study.

PubMed

Boujenah, J; Fleury, C; Bonneau, C; Pharisien, I; Tigaizin, A; Carbillon, L

2017-12-01

To assess the mode of delivery and Caesarean Section (CS) rate after successful External Cephalic Version (ECV). A matched case-control study. Data were gathered from a tertiary care university hospital register from 1996-2015. All pregnant women who delivered after successful External Cephalic Version (ECV). Among 643 women who attempted ECV, we identified 198 with successful ECVs and compared them with the next two women who presented for labor management with spontaneous cephalic presentation, matching for delivery date, maternal age, parity, body mass index, and delivery history using univariate and stepwise logistic regression. The main outcome measure was the risk of caesarean. The caesarean section rate was higher after successful ECV (respectively 20.7% versus 7.07%, P<0.05). Caesarean section for abnormal fetal head position (forehead, bregma, face) was higher after successful ECV (28.6% versus 0%). After adjustment for matching and confounding variables (variation of the caesarean section rate over the study period, gestational maternal complications, antepartum fetal complications, term of delivery, induction of labor, oxytocin use for dystocia, neonatal cephalic perimeter), a successful ECV increased the risk of caesarean section (adjusted OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.86-5.46). By stratifying on week, a trend for increased risk for caesarean section was observed at the week after ECV and at post term (28.6% before 37+6, 14.8% at 38+0-38+6, 13.8% at 39+0-39+6, 14.2% at 40+0-40+6 and 33.3% beyond 41+0 weeks' gestation, P=0.06). Women who have a successful ECV are at increased risk of caesarean section compared with women who experience spontaneous cephalic presentation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Mode of childbirth and neonatal outcome after external cephalic version: A prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Rosman, A N; Vlemmix, F; Ensing, S; Opmeer, B C; Te Hoven, S; Velzel, J; de Hundt, M; van den Berg, S; Rota, H; van der Post, J A M; Mol, B W J; Kok, M

2016-08-01

to assess the mode of childbirth and adverse neonatal outcomes in women with a breech presentation with or without an external cephalic version attempt, and to compare the mode of childbirth among women with successful ECV to women with a spontaneous cephalic presentation. prospective matched cohort study. 25 clusters (hospitals and its referring midwifery practices) in the Netherlands. Data of the Netherlands perinatal registry for the matched cohort. singleton pregnancies from January 2011 to August 2012 with a fetus in breech presentation and a childbirth from 36 weeks gestation onwards. Spontaneous cephalic presentations (selected from national registry 2009 and 2010) were matched in a 2:1 ratio to cephalic presentations after a successful version attempt. Matching criteria were maternal age, parity, gestational age at childbirth and fetal gender. Main outcomes were mode of childbirth and neonatal outcomes. of 1613 women eligible for external cephalic version, 1169 (72.5%) received an ECV attempt. The overall caesarean childbirth rate was significantly lower compared to women who did not receive a version attempt (57% versus 87%; RR 0.66 (0.62-0.70)). Women with a cephalic presentation after ECV compared to women with a spontaneous cephalic presentation had a decreased risk for instrumental vaginal childbirth (RR 0.52 (95% CI 0.29-0.94)) and an increased risk of overall caesarean childbirth (RR 1.7 (95%CI 1.2-2.5)). women who had a successful ECV are at increased risk for a caesarean childbirth but overall, ECV is an important tool to reduce the caesarean rate. ECV is an important tool to reduce the caesarean section rates. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Can parenting practices predict externalizing behavior problems among children with hearing impairment?

PubMed

Pino, María J; Castillo, Rosa A; Raya, Antonio; Herruzo, Javier

2017-11-09

To identify possible differences in the level of externalizing behavior problems among children with and without hearing impairment and determine whether any relationship exists between this type of problem and parenting practices. The Behavior Assessment System for Children was used to evaluate externalizing variables in a sample of 118 boys and girls divided into two matched groups: 59 with hearing disorders and 59 normal-hearing controls. Significant between-group differences were found in hyperactivity, behavioral problems, and externalizing problems, but not in aggression. Significant differences were also found in various aspects of parenting styles. A model for predicting externalizing behavior problems was constructed, achieving a predicted explained variance of 50%. Significant differences do exist between adaptation levels in children with and without hearing impairment. Parenting style also plays an important role.

World soccer cup as a trigger of cardiovascular events.

PubMed

Borges, Daniel Guilherme Suzuki; Monteiro, Rosane Aparecida; Schmidt, André; Pazin-Filho, Antonio

2013-06-01

Acute coronary syndromes are the major cause of death in Brazil and in the world. External stimuli, known also as triggers, such as emotional state and activity, may generate physiopathological changes that can trigger acute coronary syndromes. Among the studied triggers, the impact of stressful events, such as soccer championships, are controversial in literature and there is no effective data on the Brazilian population. To evaluate the acute effects of environmental stress induced by soccer games of the World Soccer Cup on increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases in Brazil. Public data were obtained from the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde), regarding hospital admissions that had the International Code Disease of acute coronary syndromes from May to August, in 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 (155,992 admissions). Analysis was restricted to patients older than 35 years and admitted by clinical specialties. The incidence of myocardial infarction, angina and mortality were compared among days without World Cup soccer games (Group I: 144,166; 61.7 ± 12.3; 59.4% males); on days when there were no Brazil's soccer team matches (Group II: 9,768; 61.8 ± 12.3; 60.0% males); and days when there were Brazil's soccer team matches (Group III; 2,058; 61.6 ± 12.6; 57.8% males). Logistic regression was used to adjust to age, gender, population density and number of medical assistance units. The incidence of myocardial infarction increased during the period of World Cup soccer games (1.09; 95%CI = 1.05-1.15) and days when there were Brazil's matches (1.16; 95%CI = 1.06-1.27). There was no impact on mortality during the Cup (1.00; CI 95% = 0.93-1.08) and Brazil's matches (1.04; 95%CI = 0.93-1.22). World Cup soccer games and, specially, Brazil's matches have an impact on the incidence of myocardial infarction, but not on in-hospital mortality.

Mentoring Children With Incarcerated Parents: Implications for Research, Practice, and Policy

PubMed Central

Shlafer, Rebecca J.; Poehlmann, Julie; Coffino, Brianna; Hanneman, Ashley

2010-01-01

We investigated children and families who were participating in a mentoring program targeting children with incarcerated parents. Using multiple methods and informants, we explored the development of the mentoring relationship, challenges and benefits of mentoring children with incarcerated parents, and match termination in 57 mentor-child dyads. More than one-third of matches terminated during the first 6 months of participation. For those matches that continued to meet, however, children who saw their mentors more frequently exhibited fewer internalizing and externalizing symptoms. In monthly interviews with participants, themes emerged about challenges associated with mentoring and reasons for match termination. Implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are discussed. PMID:20657746

The Internal/External Frame of Reference of Academic Self-Concept: Extension to a Foreign Language and the Role of Language of Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xu, Man K.; Marsh, Herbert W.; Hau, Kit-Tai; Ho, Irene T.; Morin, Alexandre J. S.; Abduljabbar, Adel S.

2013-01-01

The internal/external frame of reference (I/E) model (Marsh, 1986) posits that the effects of contrasting math and verbal domains of achievement are positive for matching academic self-concepts (ASCs) but negative for nonmatching ASCs (i.e., math achievement on verbal ASC; verbal achievement on math ASC). We extend the classic I/E model by…

Central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections in a pediatric intensive care unit: effect of the location of catheter insertion.

PubMed

Krishnaiah, Anil; Soothill, James; Wade, Angie; Mok, Quen Q; Ramnarayan, Padmanabhan

2012-05-01

To compare the rate of central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections between pediatric intensive care unit admissions where central venous catheters were inserted within the same hospital (internal central venous catheters) and those where central venous catheters were inserted before transfer from other hospitals (external central venous catheters). Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. A tertiary care pediatric intensive care unit in London, UK. Consecutive pediatric intensive care unit admissions between May 2007 and March 2009. None. Catheter-associated bloodstream infections were identified using a widely accepted surveillance definition. The rate and time to occurrence of catheter-associated bloodstream infection were compared between internal and external nontunneled central venous catheters. A multilevel Cox-regression model was used to study the association between location of central venous catheter insertion and time to catheter-associated bloodstream infection. In total, 382 central venous catheters were studied (245 internal; 137 external) accounting for a total of 1,737 central venous catheter days. There was a higher catheter-associated bloodstream infection incidence density among external central venous catheters (23.1 [95% confidence interval 11.0-35.2] vs. 9.7 [95% confidence interval 3.9-15.5] per 1,000 catheter-days). Multivariable analyses demonstrated higher infection risk with external central venous catheters (hazard ratio 2.65 [95% confidence interval 1.18-5.96]) despite adjustment for confounding variables. The rate of catheter-associated bloodstream infections in the pediatric intensive care unit is significantly affected by external insertion of the central venous catheter. Future interventions to reduce nosocomial infections on pediatric intensive care units will need to be specifically targeted at this high-risk patient group.

Automated external defibrillators in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletics.

PubMed

Coris, Eric E; Sahebzamani, Frances; Walz, Steve; Ramirez, Arnold M

2004-01-01

Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of death in athletes. Evidence on current sudden cardiac death prevention through preparticipation history, physicals, and noninvasive cardiovascular diagnostics has demonstrated a low sensitivity for detection of athletes at high risk of sudden cardiac death. Data are lacking on automated external defibrillator programs specifically initiated to respond to rare dysrhythmia in younger, relatively low-risk populations. Surveys were mailed to the head athletic trainers of all National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletics programs listed in the National Athletic Trainers' Association directory. In all, 303 surveys were mailed; 186 departments (61%) responded. Seventy-two percent (133) of responding National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletics programs have access to automated external defibrillator units; 54% (101) own their units. Proven medical benefit (55%), concern for liability (51%), and affordability (29%) ranked highest in frequency of reasons for automated external defibrillator purchase. Unit cost (odds ratio = 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.0), donated units (odds ratio = 1.92; confidence interval, 3.66-1.01), institution size (odds ratio =.0001; confidence interval, 1.3 E-4 to 2.2E-05), and proven medical benefit of automated external defibrillators (odds ratio = 24; confidence interval, 72-8.1) were the most significant predictors of departmental defibrillator ownership. Emergency medical service response time and sudden cardiac death event history were not significantly predictive of departmental defibrillator ownership. The majority of automated external defibrillator interventions occurred on nonathletes. Many athletics medicine programs are obtaining automated external defibrillators without apparent criteria for determination of need. Usage and maintenance policies vary widely among departments with unit ownership or access. Programs need to approach the issue of unit acquisition and implementation with knowledge of the surrounding emergency medical service system, geography of their individual sports medicine facilities, numbers and relative risk of their athletes, and budgetary constraints.

Motor unit recruitment and firing rate in medial gastrocnemius muscles during external perturbations in standing in humans.

PubMed

Pollock, C L; Ivanova, T D; Hunt, M A; Garland, S J

2014-10-01

There is limited investigation of the interaction between motor unit recruitment and rate coding for modulating force during standing or responding to external perturbations. Fifty-seven motor units were recorded from the medial gastrocnemius muscle with intramuscular electrodes in response to external perturbations in standing. Anteriorly directed perturbations were generated by applying loads in 0.45-kg increments at the pelvis every 25-40 s until 2.25 kg was maintained. Motor unit firing rate was calculated for the initial recruitment load and all subsequent loads during two epochs: 1) dynamic response to perturbation directly following each load drop and 2) maintenance of steady state between perturbations. Joint kinematics and surface electromyography (EMG) from lower extremities and force platform measurements were assessed. Application of the external loads resulted in a significant forward progression of the anterior-posterior center of pressure (AP COP) that was accompanied by modest changes in joint angles (<3°). Surface EMG increased more in medial gastrocnemius than in the other recorded muscles. At initial recruitment, motor unit firing rate immediately after the load drop was significantly lower than during subsequent load drops or during the steady state at the same load. There was a modest increase in motor unit firing rate immediately after the load drop on subsequent load drops associated with regaining balance. There was no effect of maintaining balance with increased load and forward progression of the AP COP on steady-state motor unit firing rate. The medial gastrocnemius utilized primarily motor unit recruitment to achieve the increased levels of activation necessary to maintain standing in the presence of external loads. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

The effect of inter-unit HLA matching in double umbilical cord blood transplantation for acute leukemia

PubMed Central

Brunstein, Claudio; Zhang, Mei-Jie; Barker, Juliet; St. Martin, Andrew; Bashey, Asad; de Lima, Marcos; Dehn, Jason; Hematti, Peiman; Perales, Miguel-Angel; Rocha, Vanderson; Territo, Mary; Weisdorf, Daniel; Eapen, Mary

2017-01-01

The effects of inter-unit HLA-match on early outcomes with regards to double cord blood transplantation have not been established. Therefore, we studied the effect of inter-unit HLA-mismatching on the outcomes of 449 patients with acute leukemia after double cord blood transplantation. Patients were divided into two groups: one group that included transplantations with inter-unit mismatch at 2 or less HLA-loci (n=381) and the other group with inter-unit mismatch at 3 or 4 HLA-loci (n=68). HLA-match considered low resolution matching at HLA-A and -B loci and allele-level at HLA-DRB1, the accepted standard for selecting units for double cord blood transplants. Patients’, disease, and transplant characteristics were similar in the two groups. We observed no effect of the degree of inter-unit HLA-mismatch on neutrophil (Hazard Ratio 1.27, P=0.11) or platelet (Hazard Ratio 0.1.13, P=0.42) recovery, acute graft-versus-host disease (Hazard Ratio 1.17, P=0.36), treatment-related mortality (Hazard Ratio 0.92, P=0.75), relapse (Hazard Ratio 1.18, P=0.49), treatment failure (Hazard Ratio 0.99, P=0.98), or overall survival (Hazard Ratio 0.98, P=0.91). There were no differences in the proportion of transplants with engraftment of both units by three months (5% after transplantation of units with inter-unit mismatch at ≤2 HLA-loci and 4% after transplantation of units with inter-unit mismatch at 3 or 4 HLA-loci). Our observations support the elimination of inter-unit HLA-mismatch criterion when selecting cord blood units in favor of optimizing selection based on individual unit characteristics. PMID:28126967

Improved artificial bee colony algorithm based gravity matching navigation method.

PubMed

Gao, Wei; Zhao, Bo; Zhou, Guang Tao; Wang, Qiu Ying; Yu, Chun Yang

2014-07-18

Gravity matching navigation algorithm is one of the key technologies for gravity aided inertial navigation systems. With the development of intelligent algorithms, the powerful search ability of the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm makes it possible to be applied to the gravity matching navigation field. However, existing search mechanisms of basic ABC algorithms cannot meet the need for high accuracy in gravity aided navigation. Firstly, proper modifications are proposed to improve the performance of the basic ABC algorithm. Secondly, a new search mechanism is presented in this paper which is based on an improved ABC algorithm using external speed information. At last, modified Hausdorff distance is introduced to screen the possible matching results. Both simulations and ocean experiments verify the feasibility of the method, and results show that the matching rate of the method is high enough to obtain a precise matching position.

Improved Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm Based Gravity Matching Navigation Method

PubMed Central

Gao, Wei; Zhao, Bo; Zhou, Guang Tao; Wang, Qiu Ying; Yu, Chun Yang

2014-01-01

Gravity matching navigation algorithm is one of the key technologies for gravity aided inertial navigation systems. With the development of intelligent algorithms, the powerful search ability of the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm makes it possible to be applied to the gravity matching navigation field. However, existing search mechanisms of basic ABC algorithms cannot meet the need for high accuracy in gravity aided navigation. Firstly, proper modifications are proposed to improve the performance of the basic ABC algorithm. Secondly, a new search mechanism is presented in this paper which is based on an improved ABC algorithm using external speed information. At last, modified Hausdorff distance is introduced to screen the possible matching results. Both simulations and ocean experiments verify the feasibility of the method, and results show that the matching rate of the method is high enough to obtain a precise matching position. PMID:25046019

Dynamical quenching and annealing in self-organization multiagent models.

PubMed

Burgos, E; Ceva, H; Perazzo, R P

2001-07-01

We study the dynamics of a generalized minority game (GMG) and of the bar attendance model (BAM) in which a number of agents self-organize to match an attendance that is fixed externally as a control parameter. We compare the usual dynamics used for the minority game with one for the BAM that makes a better use of the available information. We study the asymptotic states reached in both frameworks. We show that states that can be assimilated to either thermodynamic equilibrium or quenched configurations can appear in both models, but with different settings. We discuss the relevance of the parameter G that measures the value of the prize for winning in units of the fine for losing. We also provide an annealing protocol by which the quenched configurations of the GMG can progressively be modified to reach an asymptotic equilibrium state that coincides with the one obtained with the BAM.

Dynamical quenching and annealing in self-organization multiagent models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burgos, E.; Ceva, Horacio; Perazzo, R. P.

2001-07-01

We study the dynamics of a generalized minority game (GMG) and of the bar attendance model (BAM) in which a number of agents self-organize to match an attendance that is fixed externally as a control parameter. We compare the usual dynamics used for the minority game with one for the BAM that makes a better use of the available information. We study the asymptotic states reached in both frameworks. We show that states that can be assimilated to either thermodynamic equilibrium or quenched configurations can appear in both models, but with different settings. We discuss the relevance of the parameter G that measures the value of the prize for winning in units of the fine for losing. We also provide an annealing protocol by which the quenched configurations of the GMG can progressively be modified to reach an asymptotic equilibrium state that coincides with the one obtained with the BAM.

Propensity score matching with clustered data. An application to the estimation of the impact of caesarean section on the Apgar score.

PubMed

Arpino, Bruno; Cannas, Massimo

2016-05-30

This article focuses on the implementation of propensity score matching for clustered data. Different approaches to reduce bias due to cluster-level confounders are considered and compared using Monte Carlo simulations. We investigated methods that exploit the clustered structure of the data in two ways: in the estimation of the propensity score model (through the inclusion of fixed or random effects) or in the implementation of the matching algorithm. In addition to a pure within-cluster matching, we also assessed the performance of a new approach, 'preferential' within-cluster matching. This approach first searches for control units to be matched to treated units within the same cluster. If matching is not possible within-cluster, then the algorithm searches in other clusters. All considered approaches successfully reduced the bias due to the omission of a cluster-level confounder. The preferential within-cluster matching approach, combining the advantages of within-cluster and between-cluster matching, showed a relatively good performance both in the presence of big and small clusters, and it was often the best method. An important advantage of this approach is that it reduces the number of unmatched units as compared with a pure within-cluster matching. We applied these methods to the estimation of the effect of caesarean section on the Apgar score using birth register data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

39 CFR 266.10 - Computer matching.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Service UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY OF INFORMATION § 266.10... matching proposals. A proposal must include information required for the matching agreement discussed in... matching proposals, whether from postal organizations or other government agencies, must be mailed directly...

39 CFR 266.10 - Computer matching.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Service UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY OF INFORMATION § 266.10... matching proposals. A proposal must include information required for the matching agreement discussed in... matching proposals, whether from postal organizations or other government agencies, must be mailed directly...

39 CFR 266.10 - Computer matching.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Service UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY OF INFORMATION § 266.10... matching proposals. A proposal must include information required for the matching agreement discussed in... matching proposals, whether from postal organizations or other government agencies, must be mailed directly...

39 CFR 266.10 - Computer matching.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Service UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY OF INFORMATION § 266.10... matching proposals. A proposal must include information required for the matching agreement discussed in... matching proposals, whether from postal organizations or other government agencies, must be mailed directly...

39 CFR 266.10 - Computer matching.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Service UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY OF INFORMATION § 266.10... matching proposals. A proposal must include information required for the matching agreement discussed in... matching proposals, whether from postal organizations or other government agencies, must be mailed directly...

Predictors of Premature Match Closure in Youth Mentoring Relationships.

PubMed

Kupersmidt, Janis B; Stump, Kathryn N; Stelter, Rebecca L; Rhodes, Jean E

2017-03-01

Although mentoring is a popular and effective means of intervention with youth, the positive effects of mentoring can be diminished by premature match closure of relationships. Program, mentor, and mentee characteristics were examined as predictors of premature match closure. Secondary data analyses were conducted on a large national database of mentoring programs consisting of match and youth risk information from 170 mentoring programs and 6468 matches from across the U.S. Premature closure was associated with mentee age at match inception and 19 individual mentee characteristics. The set of mentee characteristics were examined as part of a cumulative risk index encompassing seven conceptually combined categories including family background characteristics, school functioning problems, engagement in risky health behaviors, self-regulation difficulties, engagement in illegal or criminal activities, and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Both the age of mentees when matched and the cumulative risk index score significantly predicted premature closure. Results are discussed in terms of directions for future research and suggestions for enhancing mentoring program practices. © Society for Community Research and Action 2017.

Hand gesture recognition by analysis of codons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramachandra, Poornima; Shrikhande, Neelima

2007-09-01

The problem of recognizing gestures from images using computers can be approached by closely understanding how the human brain tackles it. A full fledged gesture recognition system will substitute mouse and keyboards completely. Humans can recognize most gestures by looking at the characteristic external shape or the silhouette of the fingers. Many previous techniques to recognize gestures dealt with motion and geometric features of hands. In this thesis gestures are recognized by the Codon-list pattern extracted from the object contour. All edges of an image are described in terms of sequence of Codons. The Codons are defined in terms of the relationship between maxima, minima and zeros of curvature encountered as one traverses the boundary of the object. We have concentrated on a catalog of 24 gesture images from the American Sign Language alphabet (Letter J and Z are ignored as they are represented using motion) [2]. The query image given as an input to the system is analyzed and tested against the Codon-lists, which are shape descriptors for external parts of a hand gesture. We have used the Weighted Frequency Indexing Transform (WFIT) approach which is used in DNA sequence matching for matching the Codon-lists. The matching algorithm consists of two steps: 1) the query sequences are converted to short sequences and are assigned weights and, 2) all the sequences of query gestures are pruned into match and mismatch subsequences by the frequency indexing tree based on the weights of the subsequences. The Codon sequences with the most weight are used to determine the most precise match. Once a match is found, the identified gesture and corresponding interpretation are shown as output.

Palaeomagnetic evidence for post-thrusting tectonic rotation in the Southeast Pyrenees, Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keller, P.; Lowrie, W.; Gehring, A. U.

1994-12-01

The structural framework of the Southeast Pyrenees led to two conflicting interpretations—thrust tectonics vs. wrench tectonics—to explain the geometry of this mountain range. In the present study palaeomagnetic data are presented in an attempt to resolve this conflict. The data reveal different magnetisation directions that indicate tectonic rotations about vertical axes. By means of a regionally homogeneous pattern of rotation, three tectonic units could be distinguished in the Southeast Pyrenees. The Internal Unit in the north reveals no rotation since the Permian. The External Unit to the south shows anticlockwise rotation of 25°, younger than the Early Oligocene. The Pedraforca Unit, placed on the External Unit, shows 57° clockwise rotation which can be assigned to the Neogene. The anticlockwise rotation of the External Unit can be explained by differential compression during the last phase of Pyrenean thrusting, whereas the clockwise rotation of the Pedraforca Unit can be interpreted by post-thrusting tectonics. The rotation pattern of the Southeast Pyrenees provides evidence for both Cretaceous to Paleogene N-S compression and Neogene right-lateral wrench tectonics.

Diplexer switch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grauling, C. H., Jr.; Parker, T. W.

1977-01-01

Switch achieves high isolation and continuous input/output matching by using resonant coupling structure of diplexer. Additionally, dc bias network used to control switch is decoupled from RF input and output lines. Voltage transients in external circuits are thus minimized.

Pattern recognition with "materials that compute".

PubMed

Fang, Yan; Yashin, Victor V; Levitan, Steven P; Balazs, Anna C

2016-09-01

Driven by advances in materials and computer science, researchers are attempting to design systems where the computer and material are one and the same entity. Using theoretical and computational modeling, we design a hybrid material system that can autonomously transduce chemical, mechanical, and electrical energy to perform a computational task in a self-organized manner, without the need for external electrical power sources. Each unit in this system integrates a self-oscillating gel, which undergoes the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, with an overlaying piezoelectric (PZ) cantilever. The chemomechanical oscillations of the BZ gels deflect the PZ layer, which consequently generates a voltage across the material. When these BZ-PZ units are connected in series by electrical wires, the oscillations of these units become synchronized across the network, where the mode of synchronization depends on the polarity of the PZ. We show that the network of coupled, synchronizing BZ-PZ oscillators can perform pattern recognition. The "stored" patterns are set of polarities of the individual BZ-PZ units, and the "input" patterns are coded through the initial phase of the oscillations imposed on these units. The results of the modeling show that the input pattern closest to the stored pattern exhibits the fastest convergence time to stable synchronization behavior. In this way, networks of coupled BZ-PZ oscillators achieve pattern recognition. Further, we show that the convergence time to stable synchronization provides a robust measure of the degree of match between the input and stored patterns. Through these studies, we establish experimentally realizable design rules for creating "materials that compute."

Pattern recognition with “materials that compute”

PubMed Central

Fang, Yan; Yashin, Victor V.; Levitan, Steven P.; Balazs, Anna C.

2016-01-01

Driven by advances in materials and computer science, researchers are attempting to design systems where the computer and material are one and the same entity. Using theoretical and computational modeling, we design a hybrid material system that can autonomously transduce chemical, mechanical, and electrical energy to perform a computational task in a self-organized manner, without the need for external electrical power sources. Each unit in this system integrates a self-oscillating gel, which undergoes the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, with an overlaying piezoelectric (PZ) cantilever. The chemomechanical oscillations of the BZ gels deflect the PZ layer, which consequently generates a voltage across the material. When these BZ-PZ units are connected in series by electrical wires, the oscillations of these units become synchronized across the network, where the mode of synchronization depends on the polarity of the PZ. We show that the network of coupled, synchronizing BZ-PZ oscillators can perform pattern recognition. The “stored” patterns are set of polarities of the individual BZ-PZ units, and the “input” patterns are coded through the initial phase of the oscillations imposed on these units. The results of the modeling show that the input pattern closest to the stored pattern exhibits the fastest convergence time to stable synchronization behavior. In this way, networks of coupled BZ-PZ oscillators achieve pattern recognition. Further, we show that the convergence time to stable synchronization provides a robust measure of the degree of match between the input and stored patterns. Through these studies, we establish experimentally realizable design rules for creating “materials that compute.” PMID:27617290

Exploration of approaches to adjusting brand-name drug prices in Mainland of China: based on comparison and analysis of some brand-name drug prices of Mainland and Taiwan, China.

PubMed

Weng, Geng; Han, Sheng; Pu, Run; Pan, Wynn H T; Shi, Luwen

2014-01-01

Under the circumstance of the New Medical Reform in Mainland of China, lowering drug prices has become an approach to relieving increase of medical expenses, and lowering brand-name medication price is a key strategy. This study, by comparing and analyzing brand-name medication prices between Mainland of China and Taiwan, explores how to adjust brand-name medication prices in Mainland of China in the consideration of the drug administrative strategies in Taiwan. By selecting brand-name drug with generic name and dose types matched in Mainland and Taiwan, calculate the average unit price and standard deviation and test it with the paired t-test. In the mean time, drug administrative strategies between Mainland and Taiwan are also compared systematically. Among the 70 brand-name medications with generic names and matched dose types, 54 are at higher prices in Mainland of China than Taiwan, which is statistically significant in t-test. Also, among the 47 medications with all of matched generic names, dose types, and manufacturing enterprises, 38 are at higher prices in Mainland than Taiwan, and the gap is also statistically significant in t-test. In Mainland of China, brand-name medication took cost-plus pricing and price-based price adjustment, while in Taiwan, brand-name medication took internal and external reference pricing and market-based price adjustment. Brand-name drug prices were higher in Mainland of China than in Taiwan. The adjustment strategies of drug prices are scientific in Taiwan and are worth reference by Mainland of China.

The Inventory of Sources of Dioxin in the United States (External Review Draft 2005)

EPA Science Inventory

Background

The purpose of The Inventory of Sources of Dioxin in the United States (2005 External Review Draft) is to present the most current inventory of sources and environmental releases of dioxi...

Cord blood stem cells for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the UK: how big should the bank be?

PubMed

Querol, Sergio; Mufti, Ghulam J; Marsh, Steven G E; Pagliuca, Antonio; Little, Ann-Margaret; Shaw, Bronwen E; Jeffery, Robert; Garcia, Joan; Goldman, John M; Madrigal, J Alejandro

2009-04-01

A stored cord blood donation may be a valuable source of hemopoietic stem cells for allogeneic transplantation when a matched sibling donor is not available. We carried out a study to define the optimal size of a national cord blood bank for the UK. We calculated the actual numbers of possible donors and the chance of finding at least one donor for 2,000 unselected and for 722 non-North Western European patients for whom searches had been initiated as a function of three levels of HLA matching (4, 5 and 6 out of 6 alleles by HLA-A, -B low and -DRB1 high resolution HLA typing) according to various donor bank sizes. With a bank size of 50,000, 80% of patients will have at least one donor unit available at the 5 out of 6 HLA allele match level (median 9 donors per patient), and 98% will have at least one donor at the 4 out of 6 allele match level (median 261). Doubling the size of the bank yields at least one donor for only an additional 6% of patients at the 5 of 6 allele match level. Moreover, for non-North Western European patients a 50,000 unit bank provides a donor for 50% at the 5 allele match level, and for 96% at the 4 allele match level. A bank containing 50,000 units is optimal for the UK and larger banks would only marginally increase the chance of finding suitable units.

Femoral sizing in total knee arthroplasty is rotation dependant.

PubMed

Koninckx, Angelique; Deltour, Arnaud; Thienpont, Emmanuel

2014-12-01

The mismatch between the medio-lateral (ML) and the antero-posterior (AP) size of femoral components in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been linked to gender, ethnicity, morphotype and height differences in patients. The hypothesis of this study was that the AP size measurement of a femoral component increases with more external rotation in posterior referencing TKA. During a 2-year period, 201 patients were included in this prospective study. The AP distance of the distal femur was measured with an AP sizer of the Vanguard (Biomet, Warsaw, US) knee system. This AP sizer allows to dial in external rotation by 1° increments and to determine the femoral size with an anterior boom. AP size was noted at 0°, 3° and 5° of external rotation and then compared for ML matching. Antero-posterior and corresponding ML sizes match perfectly for the Vanguard at 0° of external rotation and a central boom position on the anterior femoral surface. Then, the anterior boom was positioned on the antero-lateral cortex and the AP size increased a mean (SD) 1 (0.5) mm. With 3° of external rotation, the AP size increased a mean (SD) 2.3 (0.4) mm and for 5° a mean (SD) 3.8 (0.3) mm (P < 0.05). This increase in AP size resulted in ML overhang of 2.2 (1.2) mm for 3° and 4.8 (2.6) mm for 5° (P < 0.05). Antero-posterior size measurement of the distal femur is determined by the anatomy of the anterior surface with a higher antero-lateral cortex and the amount of external rotation that is dialled in during surgery. Since these parameters vary case per case, the availability of narrow components offers more surgical options to the surgeon and its importance extends beyond the gender aspect allowing different amounts of external rotation to be used without ML overhang. II.

The Contribution of Head Movement to the Externalization and Internalization of Sounds

PubMed Central

Brimijoin, W. Owen; Boyd, Alan W.; Akeroyd, Michael A.

2013-01-01

Background When stimuli are presented over headphones, they are typically perceived as internalized; i.e., they appear to emanate from inside the head. Sounds presented in the free-field tend to be externalized, i.e., perceived to be emanating from a source in the world. This phenomenon is frequently attributed to reverberation and to the spectral characteristics of the sounds: those sounds whose spectrum and reverberation matches that of free-field signals arriving at the ear canal tend to be more frequently externalized. Another factor, however, is that the virtual location of signals presented over headphones moves in perfect concert with any movements of the head, whereas the location of free-field signals moves in opposition to head movements. The effects of head movement have not been systematically disentangled from reverberation and/or spectral cues, so we measured the degree to which movements contribute to externalization. Methodology/Principal Findings We performed two experiments: 1) Using motion tracking and free-field loudspeaker presentation, we presented signals that moved in their spatial location to match listeners’ head movements. 2) Using motion tracking and binaural room impulse responses, we presented filtered signals over headphones that appeared to remain static relative to the world. The results from experiment 1 showed that free-field signals from the front that move with the head are less likely to be externalized (23%) than those that remain fixed (63%). Experiment 2 showed that virtual signals whose position was fixed relative to the world are more likely to be externalized (65%) than those fixed relative to the head (20%), regardless of the fidelity of the individual impulse responses. Conclusions/Significance Head movements play a significant role in the externalization of sound sources. These findings imply tight integration between binaural cues and self motion cues and underscore the importance of self motion for spatial auditory perception. PMID:24312677

Activity profiles in U17, U20 and senior women's Brazilian National soccer teams during international competitions: Are there meaningful differences?

PubMed

Ramos, Guilherme P; Nakamura, Fábio Y; Penna, Eduardo M; Wilke, Carolina Franco; Pereira, Lucas A; Loturco, Irineu; Capelli, Luciano; Mahseredjian, Fábio; Silami-Garcia, Emerson; Coimbra, Cândido C

2017-07-31

The aim of this study was to compare locomotor activity profiles of Brazilian top-class female soccer players competing at distinct age brackets (U17, U20, and Senior). External match load of 14 U17, 14 U20, and 17 Senior female soccer players competing in 6-7 full official international matches were assessed using global positioning systems (GPS). Total distance covered, distance covered in high intensity (HID:15.6-20 kmh), distance covered in sprints (sprint:>20 kmh), number of accelerations (Acc)>1 ms, decelerations (Dec) >-1 ms, and Player Load generally increased across the age brackets (U17

78 FR 54241 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; BroadbandMatch Web Site Tool

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-03

... Information Collection; Comment Request; BroadbandMatch Web Site Tool AGENCY: National Telecommunications and... goal of increased broadband deployment and use in the United States. The BroadbandMatch Web site began... empowering technology effectively. II. Method of Collection BroadbandMatch users access the Web site through...

The impact of external donor support through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief on the cost of red cell concentrate in Namibia, 2004–2011

PubMed Central

Pitman, John P.; Bocking, Adele; Wilkinson, Robert; Postma, Maarten J.; Basavaraju, Sridhar V.; von Finckenstein, Bjorn; Mataranyika, Mary; Marfin, Anthony A.; Lowrance, David W.; Sibinga, Cees Th. Smit

2015-01-01

Background External assistance can rapidly strengthen health programmes in developing countries, but such funding can also create sustainability challenges. From 2004–2011, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) provided more than $ 8 million to the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NAMBTS) for supplies, equipment, and staff salaries. This analysis describes the impact that support had on actual production costs and the unit prices charged for red cell concentrate (RCC) units issued to public sector hospitals. Material and methods A costing system developed by NAMBTS to set public sector RCC unit prices was used to describe production costs and unit prices during the period of PEPFAR scale-up (2004–2009) and the 2 years in which PEPFAR support began to decline (2010–2011). Hypothetical production costs were estimated to illustrate differences had PEPFAR support not been available. Results Between 2004–2006, NAMBTS sold 22,575 RCC units to public sector facilities. During this time, RCC unit prices exceeded per unit cost-recovery targets by between 40.3% (US$ 16.75 or N$ 109.86) and 168.3% (US$ 48.72 or N$ 333.28) per year. However, revenue surpluses dwindled between 2007 and 2011, the final year of the study period, when NAMBTS sold 20,382 RCC units to public facilities but lost US$23.31 (N$ 170.43) on each unit. Discussion PEPFAR support allowed NAMBTS to leverage domestic cost-recovery revenue to rapidly increase blood collections and the distribution of RCC. However, external support kept production costs lower than they would have been without PEPFAR. If PEPFAR funds had not been available, RCC prices would have needed to increase by 20% per year to have met annual cost-recovery targets and funded the same level of investments as were made with PEPFAR support. Tracking the subsidising influence of external support can help blood services make strategic investments and plan for unit price increases as external funds are withdrawn. PMID:25369616

The impact of external donor support through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief on the cost of red cell concentrate in Namibia, 2004-2011.

PubMed

Pitman, John P; Bocking, Adele; Wilkinson, Robert; Postma, Maarten J; Basavaraju, Sridhar V; von Finckenstein, Bjorn; Mataranyika, Mary; Marfin, Anthony A; Lowrance, David W; Sibinga, Cees Th Smit

2015-04-01

External assistance can rapidly strengthen health programmes in developing countries, but such funding can also create sustainability challenges. From 2004-2011, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) provided more than $ 8 million to the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NAMBTS) for supplies, equipment, and staff salaries. This analysis describes the impact that support had on actual production costs and the unit prices charged for red cell concentrate (RCC) units issued to public sector hospitals. A costing system developed by NAMBTS to set public sector RCC unit prices was used to describe production costs and unit prices during the period of PEPFAR scale-up (2004-2009) and the 2 years in which PEPFAR support began to decline (2010-2011). Hypothetical production costs were estimated to illustrate differences had PEPFAR support not been available. Between 2004-2006, NAMBTS sold 22,575 RCC units to public sector facilities. During this time, RCC unit prices exceeded per unit cost-recovery targets by between 40.3% (US$ 16.75 or N$ 109.86) and 168.3% (US$ 48.72 or N$ 333.28) per year. However, revenue surpluses dwindled between 2007 and 2011, the final year of the study period, when NAMBTS sold 20,382 RCC units to public facilities but lost US$23.31 (N$ 170.43) on each unit. PEPFAR support allowed NAMBTS to leverage domestic cost-recovery revenue to rapidly increase blood collections and the distribution of RCC. However, external support kept production costs lower than they would have been without PEPFAR. If PEPFAR funds had not been available, RCC prices would have needed to increase by 20% per year to have met annual cost-recovery targets and funded the same level of investments as were made with PEPFAR support. Tracking the subsidising influence of external support can help blood services make strategic investments and plan for unit price increases as external funds are withdrawn.

Operations of the External Conjugate-T Matching System for the A2 ICRH Antennas at JET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monakhov, I.; Graham, M.; Blackman, T.; Mayoral, M.-L.; Nightingale, M.; Sheikh, H.; Whitehurst, A.

2009-11-01

The External Conjugate-T (ECT) matching system was successfully commissioned on two A2 ICRH antennas at JET in 2009. The system allows trip-free injection of RF power into ELMy H-mode plasmas in the 32-52 MHz band without antenna phasing restrictions. The ECT demonstrates robust and predictable performance and high load-tolerance during routine operations, injecting up to 4 MW average power into H-mode plasma with Type-I ELMs. The total power coupled to ELMy plasma by all the A2 antennas using the ECT and 3dB systems has been increased to 7 MW. Antenna arcing during ELMs has been identified as a new challenge to high-power ICRH operations in H-mode plasma. The implemented Advanced Wave Amplitude Comparison System (AWACS) has proven to be an efficient protection tool for the ECT scheme.

Operations of the External Conjugate-T Matching System for the A2 ICRH Antennas at JET

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

Monakhov, I.; Graham, M.; Blackman, T.

2009-11-26

The External Conjugate-T (ECT) matching system was successfully commissioned on two A2 ICRH antennas at JET in 2009. The system allows trip-free injection of RF power into ELMy H-mode plasmas in the 32-52 MHz band without antenna phasing restrictions. The ECT demonstrates robust and predictable performance and high load-tolerance during routine operations, injecting up to 4 MW average power into H-mode plasma with Type-I ELMs. The total power coupled to ELMy plasma by all the A2 antennas using the ECT and 3dB systems has been increased to 7 MW. Antenna arcing during ELMs has been identified as a new challengemore » to high-power ICRH operations in H-mode plasma. The implemented Advanced Wave Amplitude Comparison System (AWACS) has proven to be an efficient protection tool for the ECT scheme.« less

Imitation by social interaction? Analysis of a minimal agent-based model of the correspondence problem

PubMed Central

Froese, Tom; Lenay, Charles; Ikegami, Takashi

2012-01-01

One of the major challenges faced by explanations of imitation is the “correspondence problem”: how is an agent able to match its bodily expression to the observed bodily expression of another agent, especially when there is no possibility of external self-observation? Current theories only consider the possibility of an innate or acquired matching mechanism belonging to an isolated individual. In this paper we evaluate an alternative that situates the explanation of imitation in the inter-individual dynamics of the interaction process itself. We implemented a minimal model of two interacting agents based on a recent psychological study of imitative behavior during minimalist perceptual crossing. The agents cannot sense the configuration of their own body, and do not have access to other's body configuration, either. And yet surprisingly they are still capable of converging on matching bodily configurations. Analysis revealed that the agents solved this version of the correspondence problem in terms of collective properties of the interaction process. Contrary to the assumption that such properties merely serve as external input or scaffolding for individual mechanisms, it was found that the behavioral dynamics were distributed across the model as a whole. PMID:23060768

19 CFR 122.48a - Electronic information for air cargo required in advance of arrival.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... data for incoming cargo that is listed in paragraph (d)(2) of this section: (i) An Automated Broker... based on the smallest external packing unit (M) (for example, 2 pallets containing 50 pieces each would... quantity based on the smallest external packing unit (M) (for example, 2 pallets containing 50 pieces each...

19 CFR 122.48a - Electronic information for air cargo required in advance of arrival.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... data for incoming cargo that is listed in paragraph (d)(2) of this section: (i) An Automated Broker... based on the smallest external packing unit (M) (for example, 2 pallets containing 50 pieces each would... quantity based on the smallest external packing unit (M) (for example, 2 pallets containing 50 pieces each...

19 CFR 122.48a - Electronic information for air cargo required in advance of arrival.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... data for incoming cargo that is listed in paragraph (d)(2) of this section: (i) An Automated Broker... based on the smallest external packing unit (M) (for example, 2 pallets containing 50 pieces each would... quantity based on the smallest external packing unit (M) (for example, 2 pallets containing 50 pieces each...

Anatomy External [Sahuarita High School Career Curriculum Project].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Esser, Robert

This course entitled "Anatomy External" is concerned with the dissection of the fetal pig, and is one of a series of instructional guides prepared by the teachers for the Sahuarita High School (Arizona) Career Curriculum Project. It consists of five units of study, and 13 behavioral objectives relating to these units are stated. The topics covered…

Dual Embeddedness: Informal Job Matching and Labor Market Institutions in the United States and Germany

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDonald, Steve; Benton, Richard A.; Warner, David F.

2012-01-01

Drawing on the embeddedness, varieties of capitalism and macrosociological life course perspectives, we examine how institutional arrangements affect network-based job finding behaviors in the United States and Germany. Analysis of cross-national survey data reveals that informal job matching is highly clustered among specific types of individuals…

Study on highway transportation greenhouse effect external cost estimation in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Chunchao; Pan, Fengming

2017-03-01

This paper focuses on estimating highway transportation greenhouse gas emission volume and greenhouse gas external cost in China. At first, composition and characteristics of greenhouse gases were analysed about highway transportation emissions. Secondly, an improved model of emission volume was presented on basis of highway transportation energy consumption, which may be calculated by virtue of main affecting factors such as the annual average operation miles of each type of the motor vehicles and the unit consumption level. the model of emission volume was constructed which considered not only the availability of energy consumption statistics of highway transportation but also the greenhouse gas emission factors of various fuel types issued by IPCC. Finally, the external cost estimation model was established about highway transportation greenhouse gas emission which combined emission volume with the unit external cost of CO2 emissions. An example was executed to confirm presented model which ranged from 2011 to 2015 Year in China. The calculated result shows that the highway transportation total emission volume and greenhouse gas external cost are growing up, but the unit turnover external cost is steadily declining. On the whole overall, the situation is still grim about highway transportation greenhouse gas emission, and the green transportation strategy should be put into effect as soon as possible.

Matching Crew Diet and Crop Food Production in BIO-Plex

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Harry; Kwauk, Xianmin; Mead, Susan C. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

This paper matches the BIO-Plex crop food production to the crew diet requirements. The expected average calorie requirement for BIO-Plex is 2,975 Calories per crewmember per day, for a randomly selected crew with a typical level of physical activity. The range of 2,550 to 3,400 Calories will cover about two-thirds of all crews. The exact calorie requirement will depend on the gender composition, individual weights, exercise, and work effort of the selected crew. The expected average crewmember calorie requirement can be met by 430 grams of carbohydrate, 100 grams of fat, and 90 grams of protein per crewmember per day, for a total of 620 grams. Some fat can replaced by carbohydrate. Each crewmember requires only 2 grams of vitamins and minerals per day. Only unusually restricted diets may lack essential nutrients. The Advanced Life Support (ALS) consensus is that BIO-Plex should grow wheat, potato, and soybean, and maybe sweet potato or peanut, and maybe lettuce and tomato. The BIO-Plex Biomass Production System food production and the external food supply must be matched to the crew diet requirement for calories and nutritional balance. The crop production and external supply specifications can each be varied as long as their sum matches the required diet specification. We have wide flexibility in choosing the crops and resupply. We can easily grow one-half the crew calories in one BIO-Plex Biomass Production Chamber (BPC) if we grow only the most productive crops (wheat, potato, and sweet potato) and it we achieve nominal crop productivity. If we assume higher productivity we can grow a wider variety of crops. If we grow one-half of the crew calories, externally supplied foods can easily provide the other half of the calories and balance the diet. We can not grow 95 percent of the crew calories in two BPCs at nominal productivity while growing a balanced diet. We produce maximum calories by growing wheat, potato, and peanut.

HLA Match Likelihoods for Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Grafts in the U.S. Registry

PubMed Central

Gragert, Loren; Eapen, Mary; Williams, Eric; Freeman, John; Spellman, Stephen; Baitty, Robert; Hartzman, Robert; Rizzo, J. Douglas; Horowitz, Mary; Confer, Dennis; Maiers, Martin

2018-01-01

Background Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially lifesaving therapy for several blood cancers and other diseases. For patients without a suitable related HLA-matched donor, unrelated-donor registries of adult volunteers and banked umbilical cord–blood units, such as the Be the Match Registry operated by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), provide potential sources of donors. Our goal in the present study was to measure the likelihood of finding a suitable donor in the U.S. registry. Methods Using human HLA data from the NMDP donor and cord-blood-unit registry, we built population-based genetic models for 21 U.S. racial and ethnic groups to predict the likelihood of identifying a suitable donor (either an adult donor or a cord-blood unit) for patients in each group. The models incorporated the degree of HLA matching, adult-donor availability (i.e., ability to donate), and cord-blood-unit cell dose. Results Our models indicated that most candidates for HSCT will have a suitable (HLA-matched or minimally mismatched) adult donor. However, many patients will not have an optimal adult donor — that is, a donor who is matched at high resolution at HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, and HLA-DRB1. The likelihood of finding an optimal donor varies among racial and ethnic groups, with the highest probability among whites of European descent, at 75%, and the lowest probability among blacks of South or Central American descent, at 16%. Likelihoods for other groups are intermediate. Few patients will have an optimal cord-blood unit — that is, one matched at the antigen level at HLA-A and HLA-B and matched at high resolution at HLA-DRB1. However, cord-blood units mismatched at one or two HLA loci are available for almost all patients younger than 20 years of age and for more than 80% of patients 20 years of age or older, regardless of racial and ethnic background. Conclusions Most patients likely to benefit from HSCT will have a donor. Public investment in donor recruitment and cord-blood banks has expanded access to HSCT. (Funded by the Office of Naval Research, Department of the Navy, and the Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services.) PMID:25054717

Wearable Wireless Telemetry System for Implantable BioMEMS Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N.; Miranda, Felix A.; Wilson, Jeffrey D.; Simons, Renita E.

2008-01-01

Telemetry systems of a type that have been proposed for the monitoring of physiological functions in humans would include the following subsystems: Surgically implanted or ingested units that would comprise combinations of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)- based sensors [bioMEMS sensors] and passive radio-frequency (RF) readout circuits that would include miniature loop antennas. Compact radio transceiver units integrated into external garments for wirelessly powering and interrogating the implanted or ingested units. The basic principles of operation of these systems are the same as those of the bioMEMS-sensor-unit/external-RFpowering- and-interrogating-unit systems described in "Printed Multi-Turn Loop Antennas for Biotelemetry" (LEW-17879-1) NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 31, No. 6 (June 2007), page 48, and in the immediately preceding article, "Hand-Held Units for Short-Range Wireless Biotelemetry" (LEW-17483-1). The differences between what is reported here and what was reported in the cited prior articles lie in proposed design features and a proposed mode of operation. In a specific system of the type now proposed, the sensor unit would comprise mainly a capacitive MEMS pressure sensor located in the annular region of a loop antenna (more specifically, a square spiral inductor/ antenna), all fabricated as an integral unit on a high-resistivity silicon chip. The capacitor electrodes, the spiral inductor/antenna, and the conductor lines interconnecting them would all be made of gold. The dimensions of the sensor unit have been estimated to be about 110.4 mm. The external garment-mounted powering/ interrogating unit would include a multi-turn loop antenna and signal-processing circuits. During operation, this external unit would be positioned in proximity to the implanted or ingested unit to provide for near-field, inductive coupling between the loop antennas, which we have as the primary and secondary windings of an electrical transformer.

Comparison of biomechanical gait parameters of young children with haemophilia and those of age-matched peers.

PubMed

Stephensen, D; Drechsler, W; Winter, M; Scott, O

2009-03-01

Quality of life for children with haemophilia has improved since the introduction of prophylaxis. The frequency of joint haemorrhages has reduced, but the consequences of reduced bleeding on the biomechanical parameters of walking are not well understood. This study explored the differences in sagittal plane biomechanics of walking between a control group (Group 1) of normal age-matched children and children with haemophilia (Group 2) with a target ankle joint. A motion capture system and two force platforms were used to collect sagittal plane kinematic, kinetic and temporal-spatial data during walking of 14 age-matched normal children and 14 children with haemophilia aged 7-13 years. Group differences in maximum and minimum flexion/extension angles and moments of the hip, knee and ankle joints, ground reaction forces and temporal-spatial gait cycle parameters were analysed using one-way anova. Significant changes (P < 0.05) in kinematic and kinetic parameters but not temporal-spatial parameters were found in children with haemophilia; greater flexion angles and external moments of force at the knee, greater ankle plantarflexion external moments and lower hip flexion external moments. These results suggest that early biomechanical changes are present in young haemophilic children with a history of a target ankle joint and imply that lower limb joint function is more impaired than current clinical evaluations indicate. Protocols and quantitative data on the biomechanical gait pattern of children with haemophilia reported in this study provide a baseline to evaluate lower limb joint function and clinical progression.

Electronic Residency Application Service Application Characteristics Associated with Successful Residency Matching in Neurosurgery in 2009-2016.

PubMed

Leschke, John M; Hunt, Matthew A

2018-05-01

Resident applicants in neurosurgery often wonder what factors impact their chances of successfully matching. Using data published by the National Residency Match Program for 2009-2016, we examined which components of the Electronic Residency Application Service application correlated with successful residency matching. Data were collected from the National Residency Match Program publication Charting Outcomes in the Match from all years it was available for neurosurgery (2009, 2011, 2014, 2016). Individual factors reported (number of contiguous ranks, research projects, publications and presentations, work experiences, volunteer experiences, United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 and 2 score deciles, categorical data about Alpha Omega Alpha status, Ph.D. degree, other degree, and strength of medical school National Institutes of Health funding) were aggregated for all 3 years. Categorical data were available only for U.S. seniors. Spearman correlation and χ 2 were used for ranked data and categorical data, respectively. Separate analyses were run for U.S. seniors and independent applicants. For U.S. seniors applying to neurosurgery, number of contiguous ranks, United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 and 2 scores, research projects, Alpha Omega Alpha status, and medical school top 40 National Institutes of Health funding were significantly associated with successful matching of applicants. Number of volunteer experiences was nearly statistically significant. For independent applicants, only United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 and 2 scores and number of research projects were statistically significant. This is the first study to analyze National Residency Match Program data for predictors of success in neurosurgical matching. Students applying to neurosurgery residency and their mentors should be aware of which baseline objective factors are associated with match success. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Discrete event simulation model for external yard choice of import container terminal in a port buffer area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rusgiyarto, Ferry; Sjafruddin, Ade; Frazila, Russ Bona; Suprayogi

2017-06-01

Increasing container traffic and land acquisition problem for terminal expansion leads to usage of external yard in a port buffer area. This condition influenced the terminal performance because a road which connects the terminal and the external yard was also used by non-container traffic. Location choice problem considered to solve this condition, but the previous research has not taken account a stochastic condition of container arrival rate and service time yet. Bi-level programming framework was used to find optimum location configuration. In the lower-level, there was a problem to construct the equation, which correlated the terminal operation and the road due to different time cycle equilibrium. Container moves from the quay to a terminal gate in a daily unit of time, meanwhile, it moves from the terminal gate to the external yard through the road in a minute unit of time. If the equation formulated in hourly unit equilibrium, it cannot catch up the container movement characteristics in the terminal. Meanwhile, if the equation formulated in daily unit equilibrium, it cannot catch up the road traffic movement characteristics in the road. This problem can be addressed using simulation model. Discrete Event Simulation Model was used to simulate import container flow processes in the container terminal and external yard. Optimum location configuration in the upper-level was the combinatorial problem, which was solved by Full Enumeration approach. The objective function of the external yard location model was to minimize user transport cost (or time) and to maximize operator benefit. Numerical experiment was run for the scenario assumption of two container handling ways, three external yards, and thirty-day simulation periods. Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) container characteristics data was referred for the simulation. Based on five runs which were 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 repetitions, operation one of three available external yards (external yard - 3) was the optimum result. Apparently, the model confirmed the hypothesis that there was an optimum configuration of the external yard. Nevertheless, the model needs detail elaboration related to the objective function and the optimization constraint. It requires detail validation, in term of service time value, distribution pattern, and arrival rate in each unit server modeled in the next step of the research. The model gave unique and relatively consistent value of each run. It was indicated that the method has a chance to solve the research problem.

76 FR 72400 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-23

... developed biometric information systems capable of collecting and storing biometric images, associated biographic and contextual information; matching biometrics against local and external biometric galleries; displaying the results of the biometric searches; and as appropriate issuing credentials that contains the...

Use of cost-effectiveness analysis to determine inventory size for a national cord blood bank.

PubMed

Howard, David H; Meltzer, David; Kollman, Craig; Maiers, Martin; Logan, Brent; Gragert, Loren; Setterholm, Michelle; Horowitz, Mary M

2008-01-01

Transplantation with stem cells from stored umbilical cord blood units is an alternative to living unrelated bone marrow transplantation. The larger the inventory of stored cord units, the greater the likelihood that transplant candidates will match to a unit, but storing units is costly. The authors present the results of a study, commissioned by the Institute of Medicine, as part of a report on the establishment of a national cord blood bank, examining the optimal inventory level. They emphasize the unique challenges of undertaking cost-effectiveness analysis in this field and the contribution of the analysis to policy. The authors estimate the likelihood that transplant candidates will match to a living unrelated marrow donor or a cord blood unit as a function of cord blood inventory and then calculate the life-years gained for each transplant type by match level using historical data. They develop a model of the cord blood inventory level to estimate total costs as a function of the number of stored units. The cost per life-year gained associated with increasing inventory from 50,000 to 100,000 units is $44,000 to $86,000 and from 100,000 to 150,000 units is $64,000 to $153,000, depending on the assumption about the degree to which survival rates for cord transplants vary by match quality. Expanding the cord blood inventory above current levels is cost-effective by conventional standards. The analysis helped shape the Institute of Medicine's report, but it is difficult to determine the extent to which the analysis influenced subsequent congressional legislation.

Evaluation of external hazards to nuclear power plants in the United States

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

Kimura, C.Y.; Budnitz, R.J.

1987-12-01

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has performed a study of the risk of core damage to nuclear power plants in the United States due to externally initiated events. The broad objective has been to gain an understanding of whether or not each external initiator is among the major potential accident initiators that may pose a threat of severe reactor core damage or of large radioactive release to the environment from the reactor. Four external hazards were investigated in this report. These external hazards are internal fires, high winds/tornadoes, external floods, and transportation accidents. Analysis was based on two figures-of-merit,more » one based on core damage frequency and the other based on the frequency of large radioactive releases. Using these two figures-of-merit as evaluation criteria, it has been feasible to ascertain whether the risk from externally initiated accidents is, or is not, an important contributor to overall risk for the US nuclear power plants studied. This has been accomplished for each initiator separately. 208 refs., 17 figs., 45 tabs.« less

ADAPTIVE MATCHING IN RANDOMIZED TRIALS AND OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES

PubMed Central

van der Laan, Mark J.; Balzer, Laura B.; Petersen, Maya L.

2014-01-01

SUMMARY In many randomized and observational studies the allocation of treatment among a sample of n independent and identically distributed units is a function of the covariates of all sampled units. As a result, the treatment labels among the units are possibly dependent, complicating estimation and posing challenges for statistical inference. For example, cluster randomized trials frequently sample communities from some target population, construct matched pairs of communities from those included in the sample based on some metric of similarity in baseline community characteristics, and then randomly allocate a treatment and a control intervention within each matched pair. In this case, the observed data can neither be represented as the realization of n independent random variables, nor, contrary to current practice, as the realization of n/2 independent random variables (treating the matched pair as the independent sampling unit). In this paper we study estimation of the average causal effect of a treatment under experimental designs in which treatment allocation potentially depends on the pre-intervention covariates of all units included in the sample. We define efficient targeted minimum loss based estimators for this general design, present a theorem that establishes the desired asymptotic normality of these estimators and allows for asymptotically valid statistical inference, and discuss implementation of these estimators. We further investigate the relative asymptotic efficiency of this design compared with a design in which unit-specific treatment assignment depends only on the units’ covariates. Our findings have practical implications for the optimal design and analysis of pair matched cluster randomized trials, as well as for observational studies in which treatment decisions may depend on characteristics of the entire sample. PMID:25097298

22 CFR 1101.4 - Reports on new systems of records; computer matching programs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 true Reports on new systems of records; computer matching programs. 1101.4 Section 1101.4 Foreign Relations INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION, UNITED STATES AND MEXICO, UNITED STATES SECTION PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 § 1101.4 Reports on new systems of...

Development of data communication system with ultra high frequency radio wave for implantable artificial hearts.

PubMed

Tsujimura, Shinichi; Yamagishi, Hiroto; Sankai, Yoshiyuki

2009-01-01

In order to minimize infection risks of patients with artificial hearts, wireless data transmission methods with electromagnetic induction or light have been developed. However, these methods tend to become difficult to transmit data if the external data transmission unit moves from its proper position. To resolve this serious problem, the purpose of this study is to develop a prototype wireless data communication system with ultra high frequency radio wave and confirm its performance. Due to its high-speed communication rate, low power consumption, high tolerance to electromagnetic disturbances, and secure wireless communication, we adopted Bluetooth radio wave technology for our system. The system consists of an internal data transmission unit and an external data transmission unit (53 by 64 by 16 mm, each), and each has a Bluetooth module (radio field intensity: 4 dBm, receiver sensitivity: -80 dBm). The internal unit also has a micro controller with an 8-channel 10-bit A/D converter, and the external unit also has a RS-232C converter. We experimented with the internal unit implanted into pig meat, and carried out data transmission tests to evaluate the performance of this system in tissue thickness of up to 3 mm. As a result, data transfer speeds of about 20 kbps were achieved within the communication distance of 10 m. In conclusion, we confirmed that the system can wirelessly transmit the data from the inside of the body to the outside, and it promises to resolve unstable data transmission due to accidental movements of an external data transmission unit.

Use of units of measurement error in anthropometric comparisons.

PubMed

Lucas, Teghan; Henneberg, Maciej

2017-09-01

Anthropometrists attempt to minimise measurement errors, however, errors cannot be eliminated entirely. Currently, measurement errors are simply reported. Measurement errors should be included into analyses of anthropometric data. This study proposes a method which incorporates measurement errors into reported values, replacing metric units with 'units of technical error of measurement (TEM)' by applying these to forensics, industrial anthropometry and biological variation. The USA armed forces anthropometric survey (ANSUR) contains 132 anthropometric dimensions of 3982 individuals. Concepts of duplication and Euclidean distance calculations were applied to the forensic-style identification of individuals in this survey. The National Size and Shape Survey of Australia contains 65 anthropometric measurements of 1265 women. This sample was used to show how a woman's body measurements expressed in TEM could be 'matched' to standard clothing sizes. Euclidean distances show that two sets of repeated anthropometric measurements of the same person cannot be matched (> 0) on measurements expressed in millimetres but can in units of TEM (= 0). Only 81 women can fit into any standard clothing size when matched using centimetres, with units of TEM, 1944 women fit. The proposed method can be applied to all fields that use anthropometry. Units of TEM are considered a more reliable unit of measurement for comparisons.

Estimating Treatment Effects via Multilevel Matching within Homogenous Groups of Clusters

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steiner, Peter M.; Kim, Jee-Seon

2015-01-01

Despite the popularity of propensity score (PS) techniques they are not yet well studied for matching multilevel data where selection into treatment takes place among level-one units within clusters. This paper suggests a PS matching strategy that tries to avoid the disadvantages of within- and across-cluster matching. The idea is to first…

Sampling and Control Circuit Board for an Inertial Measurement Unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chelmins, David T (Inventor); Sands, Obed (Inventor); Powis, Richard T., Jr. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A circuit board that serves as a control and sampling interface to an inertial measurement unit ("IMU") is provided. The circuit board is also configured to interface with a local oscillator and an external trigger pulse. The circuit board is further configured to receive the external trigger pulse from an external source that time aligns the local oscillator and initiates sampling of the inertial measurement device for data at precise time intervals based on pulses from the local oscillator. The sampled data may be synchronized by the circuit board with other sensors of a navigation system via the trigger pulse.

31 CFR 285.7 - Salary offset.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Secretary, has waived certain requirements of the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, 5 U... process known as centralized salary offset computer matching, identify Federal employees who owe delinquent nontax debt to the United States. Centralized salary offset computer matching is the computerized...

Keyphrase based Evaluation of Automatic Text Summarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elghannam, Fatma; El-Shishtawy, Tarek

2015-05-01

The development of methods to deal with the informative contents of the text units in the matching process is a major challenge in automatic summary evaluation systems that use fixed n-gram matching. The limitation causes inaccurate matching between units in a peer and reference summaries. The present study introduces a new Keyphrase based Summary Evaluator KpEval for evaluating automatic summaries. The KpEval relies on the keyphrases since they convey the most important concepts of a text. In the evaluation process, the keyphrases are used in their lemma form as the matching text unit. The system was applied to evaluate different summaries of Arabic multi-document data set presented at TAC2011. The results showed that the new evaluation technique correlates well with the known evaluation systems: Rouge1, Rouge2, RougeSU4, and AutoSummENG MeMoG. KpEval has the strongest correlation with AutoSummENG MeMoG, Pearson and spearman correlation coefficient measures are 0.8840, 0.9667 respectively.

Frame of Reference Model of Self-Concept and Locus of Control: A Cross Gender Study in the United Arab Emirates.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abu-Hilal, Maher M.

A study tested predictions for I/E (internal external) frame of reference model and extended this model to include locus of control. A sample of upper elementary (n=181) and junior high (n=191) students in the United Arab Emirates participated in the study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses provided support to the external comparison…

77 FR 37879 - Cooperative Patent Classification External User Day

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-25

... Classification External User Day AGENCY: United States Patent and Trademark Office, Commerce. ACTION: Notice... Classification (CPC) External User Day event at its Alexandria Campus. CPC is a partnership between the USPTO and... classification system that will incorporate the best classification practices of the two Offices. This CPC event...

31 CFR 285.7 - Salary offset.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... requirements of the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, 5 U.S.C. 552a, as amended, for... known as centralized salary offset computer matching, identify Federal employees who owe delinquent nontax debt to the United States. Centralized salary offset computer matching is the computerized...

31 CFR 285.7 - Salary offset.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... requirements of the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, 5 U.S.C. 552a, as amended, for... known as centralized salary offset computer matching, identify Federal employees who owe delinquent nontax debt to the United States. Centralized salary offset computer matching is the computerized...

31 CFR 285.7 - Salary offset.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... requirements of the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, 5 U.S.C. 552a, as amended, for... known as centralized salary offset computer matching, identify Federal employees who owe delinquent nontax debt to the United States. Centralized salary offset computer matching is the computerized...

31 CFR 285.7 - Salary offset.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... requirements of the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, 5 U.S.C. 552a, as amended, for... known as centralized salary offset computer matching, identify Federal employees who owe delinquent nontax debt to the United States. Centralized salary offset computer matching is the computerized...

Maternal outcomes of term breech presentation delivery: impact of successful external cephalic version in a nationwide sample of delivery admissions in the United States.

PubMed

Weiniger, Carolyn F; Lyell, Deirdre J; Tsen, Lawrence C; Butwick, Alexander J; Shachar, BatZion; Callaghan, William M; Creanga, Andreea A; Bateman, Brian T

2016-07-08

We aimed to define the frequency and predictors of successful external cephalic version in a nationally-representative cohort of women with breech presentations and to compare maternal outcomes associated with successful external cephalic version versus persistent breech presentation. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a United States healthcare utilization database, we identified delivery admissions between 1998 and 2011 for women who had successful external cephalic version or persistent breech presentation (including unsuccessful or no external cephalic version attempt) at term. Multivariable logistic regression identified patient and hospital-level factors associated with successful external cephalic version. Maternal outcomes were compared between women who had successful external cephalic version versus persistent breech. Our study cohort comprised 1,079,576 delivery admissions with breech presentation; 56,409 (5.2 %) women underwent successful external cephalic version and 1,023,167 (94.8 %) women had persistent breech presentation at the time of delivery. The rate of cesarean delivery was lower among women who had successful external cephalic version compared to those with persistent breech (20.2 % vs. 94.9 %; p < 0.001). Compared to women with persistent breech at the time of delivery, women with successful external cephalic version were also less likely to experience several measures of significant maternal morbidity including endometritis (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 0.36, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 0.24-0.52), sepsis (aOR = 0.35, 95 % CI 0.24-0.51) and length of stay > 7 days (aOR = 0.53, 95 % CI 0.40-0.70), but had a higher risk of chorioamnionitis (aOR = 1.83, 95 % CI 1.54-2.17). Overall a low proportion of women with breech presentation undergo successful external cephalic version, and it is associated with significant reduction in the frequency of cesarean delivery and a number of measures of maternal morbidity. Increased external cephalic version use may be an important approach to mitigate the high rate of cesarean delivery observed in the United States.

Matching layer for path loss reduction in ultra wideband implant communications.

PubMed

Chavez-Santiago, Raul; Khaleghi, Ali; Balasingham, Ilangko

2014-01-01

Real-time monitoring of various physiological signals is of utmost importance for the treatment of chronic conditions. Radio technology can enable real-time sensing and collection of physiological data to facilitate timely medication and early pre-hospital management of patients. This can be realized with the aid of implantable biomedical sensors with the capability to transmit wirelessly the collected information to an external unit for display and analysis. Currently, commercial wireless medical implantable sensors operate in frequencies below 1 GHz with narrowband signals. Recently, it has been demonstrated that ultra wideband (UWB) signals could be also used for the radio interface of these devices. However, establishing an implant communication link in the allocated UWB spectrum of 3.1-10.6 GHz is challenging. The attenuation of UWB signals propagating through biological tissues at these frequencies is high. Part of these path losses are caused by the impedance mismatch between the two propagation environments (i.e., air and biological tissues) that constitute an implant communication link. This mismatch results in inefficient power transmission of the radio waves. In this paper we propose the use of a layer of dielectric material that can be applied on the patient's skin. The permittivity value of this matching layer has to be chosen such that wave coupling is maximized. Through numerical simulations we determined the appropriate permittivity value of a matching layer for UWB implant communication links in the human thorax for 1-6 GHz. Path loss reduction of up to 10 dB can be obtained in this frequency band. These results can help improve the use of UWB signals for other in-body biomedical devices like the wireless capsule endoscope (WCE).

Audit on the Efficient Use of Cross-Matched Blood in Elective Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement

PubMed Central

Rogers, BA; Johnstone, DJ

2006-01-01

INTRODUCTION This prospective audit studies the use of cross-matched blood in 301 patients over a 1-year period undergoing total knee (TKR) and total hip replacement (THR) surgery in an orthopaedic unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS Analysis over the first 6 months revealed a high level of unnecessary cross-matched blood. The following interventions were introduced: (i) to cease routine cross-matching for THR; (ii) all patients to have a check full blood count on day 2 after surgery; and (iii) Hb < 8 g/dl to be considered as the trigger for transfusion in patients over 65 years and free from significant co-morbidity. These changes are in accordance with published national guidelines [Anon. Guidelines for the clinical use of red cell transfusions. Br J Haematol 2001; 113: 24–31]. RESULTS In the next 6 months, the number of units cross-matched but not transfused fell by 96% for THR, and the cross-match transfusion (C:T) ratio reduced from 3.21 to 1.62. Reductions were also observed for the TKR cohort. These results provide evidence of a substantial risk and cost benefit in the use of this limited resource. A telephone survey of 44 hospitals revealed that 20 hospitals routinely cross-matched blood for THR and 11 do so for TKR. CONCLUSIONS Changes can be made to the Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedules (MSBOS) in other orthopaedic units according to national guidelines. PMID:16551419

Cohabitation and Children’s Externalizing Behavior in Low-Income Latino Families

PubMed Central

Fomby, Paula; Estacion, Angela

2011-01-01

We consider the association of cohabitation experience with externalizing behavior among children of Latina mothers whose ethnic origin is in Mexico, Puerto Rico, or the Dominican Republic. Data were drawn from three waves of the Three-City Study (N=656 mother-child pairs). Children of Mexican-origin mothers had higher externalizing problems in childhood and adolescence when their mothers were born in the United States or immigrated as minors. For children of Caribbean-origin mothers, being born to a cohabiting or married mother had a statistically equivalent association with externalizing behavior when mothers were born outside the mainland United States (Dominican and island-born Puerto Rican mothers). Children of mainland-born Puerto Rican mothers had more behavior problems when their mothers cohabited at birth. PMID:21927505

Stepwise management of asthma.

PubMed

Khalid, Ayesha N

2015-09-01

Stepwise management of asthma remains an area of evolving research. Asthma is one of the most expensive chronic diseases in the United States; stepwise management is an important area of focus, with several recent guidelines recommending management. This is a review of published English language literature, focusing on management guidelines for asthma in adult and pediatric patients. Asthma is a chronic disease whose assessment of severity allows for therapeutic goals to match the impairment noted. Good evidence exists to aid risk reduction, leading to decreased emergency room visits, preventing loss of lung function in adults and lung growth in children, and optimizing pharmacotherapy with reduced side effects profile. Recent asthma management guidelines incorporate 4 components of asthma care including: monitoring of severity, patient education, controlling external triggers, and medications, including recent attention to medication adherence. Asthma is an expensive chronic disease with preventive measures leading to reduced healthcare costs. Future targeted cytokine therapy to decrease serum and blood eosinophils may become an integral part of asthma management. © 2015 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

On Structural Design of a Mobile Lunar Habitat With Multi- Layered Environmental Shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pruitt, J. R. (Technical Monitor); Rais-Rohani, M.

2005-01-01

This report presents an overview of a Mobile Lunar Habitat (MLH) structural design consisting of advanced composite materials. The habitat design is derived from the cylindrical-shaped U.S. Lab module aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and includes two lateral ports and a hatch at each end that geometrically match those of the ISS Nodes. Thus, several MLH units can be connected together to form a larger lunar outpost of various architectures. For enhanced mobility over the lunar terrain, the MLH uses six articulated insect-like robotic, retractable legs enabling the habitat to .t aboard a launch vehicle. The carbon-composite shell is sandwiched between two layers of hydrogen-rich polyethylene for enhanced radiation shielding. The pressure vessel is covered by modular double-wall panels for meteoroid impact shielding supported by externally mounted stiffeners. The habitat s structure is an assembly of multiple parts manufactured separately and bonded together. Based on the geometric complexity of a part and its material system, an appropriate fabrication process is proposed.

Match-play activity profile in professional soccer players during official games and the relationship between external and internal load.

PubMed

Suarez-Arrones, L; Torreño, N; Requena, B; Sáez De Villarreal, E; Casamichana, D; Barbero-Alvarez, J C; Munguía-Izquierdo, D

2015-12-01

The aim was to quantify for the first time the physical and physiological profile of professional soccer players in official games using GPS and heart rate (HR) response. Thirty professional soccer players were investigated during a half in competitive club level matches (N.=348) using GPS devices. The relative total distance was 118.9±10.7 m∙min(-1) and player's Work-To-Rest Ratio was 2.1:1. Defenders covered the lowest total distance, while Second-Strikers (2(nd)S) and Wide-Midfielders (W-MD) traveled the greatest total distance. Defenders presented the lowest Work-To-Rest Ratio values. Playing position also impacted on all sprinting performance results, except in average sprint distance and time of sprint. The number of sprints and repeated-sprint sequences recorded by the W-MD and Strikers (S) were significantly greater than any other group. The average HR recorded was 87.1%HRmax and the relationship between the external and internal load value (Effindex) was 1.4 with significant differences in both between playing positions. W-MD recorded a significantly smaller average HR than any other group and Centre-Backs showed a significantly smaller Effindex value than any other group. Conversely, W-MD showed a significantly greater Effindex value than any other group, except the 2(nd)S. This study has verified a number of statistically significant differences between the different playing positions. Coaches should be focused on the specific physical and physiological requirements of the playing positions to optimize the training prescription in soccer. The relationships between external and internal load measures among position-specific indicates that players with less overall running performance during match-play were the worst in Effindex.

Postural adjustments in young ballet dancers compared to age matched controls.

PubMed

Iunes, Denise H; Elias, Iara F; Carvalho, Leonardo C; Dionísio, Valdeci C

2016-01-01

The purpose of the study was to use photogrammetry to evaluate the posture of ballet practitioners compared to an age-matched control group. One hundred and eleven 7- to 24-year-old female volunteers were evaluated and were divided into two groups: the ballet practising group (n = 52) and the control group (n = 59), divided into three subgroups according to age and years of ballet experience. Dancers with 1-3 years experience compared to controls of the same age shows alterations in External Rotation Angle (P < 0.05). Dancers 4-9 years experience show alterations in Lumbar Lordosis, Pelvis Tilt Angle and Navicular Angle Right and Left (P < 0.05). Dancers with over 9 years experience show alterations in External Rotation and Navicular Angle Left (P < 0.05). Research shows there are differences between dancers and controls. In the groups 1-3 years and over 9 years of experience, the External Rotation Angle is greater. In the group 4-9 years of experience the Lumbar Lordosis Angle is greater and Pelvis Tilt, Navicular Angle Left and Right are smaller. In more than 9 years of ballet experience, the Navicular Angle Left is smaller. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Laughlin liquid in an external potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rougerie, Nicolas; Yngvason, Jakob

2018-04-01

We study natural perturbations of the Laughlin state arising from the effects of trapping and disorder. These are N-particle wave functions that have the form of a product of Laughlin states and analytic functions of the N variables. We derive an upper bound to the ground state energy in a confining external potential, matching exactly a recently derived lower bound in the large N limit. Irrespective of the shape of the confining potential, this sharp upper bound can be achieved through a modification of the Laughlin function by suitably arranged quasi-holes.

Design and Analysis of an Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem (ADCS) for AFIT’s 6U Standard Bus

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-27

Fault Detection and Isolation GUI Graphical User Interface IGRF International Geomagnetic Reference Field IMU Inertial Measurement Unit IR infrared xv...ADCS hardware components were either commercially purchased or built in-house and include an Inertial Measurement Unit ( IMU ), external magnetometer, 4...3.2.1.3 IMU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 3.2.1.4 External Magnetometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 3.2.2

External built residential environment characteristics that affect mental health of adults.

PubMed

Ochodo, Charles; Ndetei, D M; Moturi, W N; Otieno, J O

2014-10-01

External built residential environment characteristics include aspects of building design such as types of walls, doors and windows, green spaces, density of houses per unit area, and waste disposal facilities. Neighborhoods that are characterized by poor quality external built environment can contribute to psychosocial stress and increase the likelihood of mental health disorders. This study investigated the relationship between characteristics of external built residential environment and mental health disorders in selected residences of Nakuru Municipality, Kenya. External built residential environment characteristics were investigated for 544 residents living in different residential areas that were categorized by their socioeconomic status. Medically validated interview schedules were used to determine mental health of residents in the respective neighborhoods. The relationship between characteristics of the external built residential environment and mental health of residents was determined by multivariable logistic regression analyses and chi-square tests. The results show that walling materials used on buildings, density of dwelling units, state of street lighting, types of doors, states of roofs, and states of windows are some built external residential environment characteristics that affect mental health of adult males and females. Urban residential areas that are characterized by poor quality external built environment substantially expose the population to daily stressors and inconveniences that increase the likelihood of developing mental health disorders.

Network evolution model for supply chain with manufactures as the core.

PubMed

Fang, Haiyang; Jiang, Dali; Yang, Tinghong; Fang, Ling; Yang, Jian; Li, Wu; Zhao, Jing

2018-01-01

Building evolution model of supply chain networks could be helpful to understand its development law. However, specific characteristics and attributes of real supply chains are often neglected in existing evolution models. This work proposes a new evolution model of supply chain with manufactures as the core, based on external market demand and internal competition-cooperation. The evolution model assumes the external market environment is relatively stable, considers several factors, including specific topology of supply chain, external market demand, ecological growth and flow conservation. The simulation results suggest that the networks evolved by our model have similar structures as real supply chains. Meanwhile, the influences of external market demand and internal competition-cooperation to network evolution are analyzed. Additionally, 38 benchmark data sets are applied to validate the rationality of our evolution model, in which, nine manufacturing supply chains match the features of the networks constructed by our model.

Network evolution model for supply chain with manufactures as the core

PubMed Central

Jiang, Dali; Fang, Ling; Yang, Jian; Li, Wu; Zhao, Jing

2018-01-01

Building evolution model of supply chain networks could be helpful to understand its development law. However, specific characteristics and attributes of real supply chains are often neglected in existing evolution models. This work proposes a new evolution model of supply chain with manufactures as the core, based on external market demand and internal competition-cooperation. The evolution model assumes the external market environment is relatively stable, considers several factors, including specific topology of supply chain, external market demand, ecological growth and flow conservation. The simulation results suggest that the networks evolved by our model have similar structures as real supply chains. Meanwhile, the influences of external market demand and internal competition-cooperation to network evolution are analyzed. Additionally, 38 benchmark data sets are applied to validate the rationality of our evolution model, in which, nine manufacturing supply chains match the features of the networks constructed by our model. PMID:29370201

Matching "The Carnival of the Animals" to Drawings with Children 6-9 Years Old in England, Japan, Korea, Spain, and the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Randall; Cutler, Joan E.; Mito, Hiromichi; Auh, Myung-Sook; Brotons, Melissa

1999-01-01

Investigates how accurately children, ages 6-9 from England, Japan, Korea, Spain, and the United States, could match eight animal drawings to excerpts from the well-known concert music, "The Carnival of the Animals" by Charles Camille Saint-Saens. Indicates a mean correct response of 40% without instruction. Discusses two extension…

The study of the mobile compressor unit heat losses recovery system waste heat exchanger thermal insulation types influence on the operational efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusha, V. L.; Chernov, G. I.; Kalashnikov, A. M.

2017-08-01

The paper examines the mobile compressor unit (MCU) heat losses recovery system waste heat exchanger prototype external thermal insulation types influence on the operational efficiency. The study is conducted by means of the numerical method through the modellingof the heat exchange processes carried out in the waste heat exchanger in ANSUS. Thermaflex, mineral wool, penofol, water and air were applied as the heat exchanger external insulation. The study results showed the waste heat exchanger external thermal insulationexistence or absence to have a significant impact on the heat exchanger operational efficiency.

19 CFR 12.34 - Importation prohibited; certificate of inspection; importer's declaration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY SPECIAL CLASSES OF MERCHANDISE White Phosphorus... importation into the United States of white phosphorus matches is prohibited. (b) Invoices covering matches... chemical analysis made by me the matches described below do not contain white or yellow phosphorus and that...

19 CFR 12.34 - Importation prohibited; certificate of inspection; importer's declaration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY SPECIAL CLASSES OF MERCHANDISE White Phosphorus... importation into the United States of white phosphorus matches is prohibited. (b) Invoices covering matches... chemical analysis made by me the matches described below do not contain white or yellow phosphorus and that...

Within-Cluster and Across-Cluster Matching with Observational Multilevel Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Jee-Seon; Steiner, Peter M.; Hall, Courtney; Thoemmes, Felix

2013-01-01

When randomized experiments cannot be conducted in practice, propensity score (PS) techniques for matching treated and control units are frequently used for estimating causal treatment effects from observational data. Despite the popularity of PS techniques, they are not yet well studied for matching multilevel data where selection into treatment…

19 CFR 12.34 - Importation prohibited; certificate of inspection; importer's declaration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... importation into the United States of white phosphorus matches is prohibited. (b) Invoices covering matches... OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY SPECIAL CLASSES OF MERCHANDISE White Phosphorus... chemical analysis made by me the matches described below do not contain white or yellow phosphorus and that...

19 CFR 12.34 - Importation prohibited; certificate of inspection; importer's declaration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... importation into the United States of white phosphorus matches is prohibited. (b) Invoices covering matches... OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY SPECIAL CLASSES OF MERCHANDISE White Phosphorus... chemical analysis made by me the matches described below do not contain white or yellow phosphorus and that...

19 CFR 12.34 - Importation prohibited; certificate of inspection; importer's declaration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... importation into the United States of white phosphorus matches is prohibited. (b) Invoices covering matches... OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY SPECIAL CLASSES OF MERCHANDISE White Phosphorus... chemical analysis made by me the matches described below do not contain white or yellow phosphorus and that...

Accessibility and quality of online information for pediatric orthopaedic surgery fellowships.

PubMed

Davidson, Austin R; Murphy, Robert F; Spence, David D; Kelly, Derek M; Warner, William C; Sawyer, Jeffrey R

2014-12-01

Pediatric orthopaedic fellowship applicants commonly use online-based resources for information on potential programs. Two primary sources are the San Francisco Match (SF Match) database and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) database. We sought to determine the accessibility and quality of information that could be obtained by using these 2 sources. The online databases of the SF Match and POSNA were reviewed to determine the availability of embedded program links or external links for the included programs. If not available in the SF Match or POSNA data, Web sites for listed programs were located with a Google search. All identified Web sites were analyzed for accessibility, content volume, and content quality. At the time of online review, 50 programs, offering 68 positions, were listed in the SF Match database. Although 46 programs had links included with their information, 36 (72%) of them simply listed http://www.sfmatch.org as their unique Web site. Ten programs (20%) had external links listed, but only 2 (4%) linked directly to the fellowship web page. The POSNA database does not list any links to the 47 programs it lists, which offer 70 positions. On the basis of a Google search of the 50 programs listed in the SF Match database, web pages were found for 35. Of programs with independent web pages, all had a description of the program and 26 (74%) described their application process. Twenty-nine (83%) listed research requirements, 22 (63%) described the rotation schedule, and 12 (34%) discussed the on-call expectations. A contact telephone number and/or email address was provided by 97% of programs. Twenty (57%) listed both the coordinator and fellowship director, 9 (26%) listed the coordinator only, 5 (14%) listed the fellowship director only, and 1 (3%) had no contact information given. The SF Match and POSNA databases provide few direct links to fellowship Web sites, and individual program Web sites either do not exist or do not effectively convey information about the programs. Improved accessibility and accurate information online would allow potential applicants to obtain information about pediatric fellowships in a more efficient manner.

Automated selection of synthetic biology parts for genetic regulatory networks.

PubMed

Yaman, Fusun; Bhatia, Swapnil; Adler, Aaron; Densmore, Douglas; Beal, Jacob

2012-08-17

Raising the level of abstraction for synthetic biology design requires solving several challenging problems, including mapping abstract designs to DNA sequences. In this paper we present the first formalism and algorithms to address this problem. The key steps of this transformation are feature matching, signal matching, and part matching. Feature matching ensures that the mapping satisfies the regulatory relationships in the abstract design. Signal matching ensures that the expression levels of functional units are compatible. Finally, part matching finds a DNA part sequence that can implement the design. Our software tool MatchMaker implements these three steps.

Video-task assessment of learning and memory in Macaques (Macaca mulatta) - Effects of stimulus movement on performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Washburn, David A.; Hopkins, William D.; Rumbaugh, Duane M.

1989-01-01

Effects of stimulus movement on learning, transfer, matching, and short-term memory performance were assessed with 2 monkeys using a video-task paradigm in which the animals responded to computer-generated images by manipulating a joystick. Performance on tests of learning set, transfer index, matching to sample, and delayed matching to sample in the video-task paradigm was comparable to that obtained in previous investigations using the Wisconsin General Testing Apparatus. Additionally, learning, transfer, and matching were reliably and significantly better when the stimuli or discriminanda moved than when the stimuli were stationary. External manipulations such as stimulus movement may increase attention to the demands of a task, which in turn should increase the efficiency of learning. These findings have implications for the investigation of learning in other populations, as well as for the application of the video-task paradigm to comparative study.

Probability matching in perceptrons: Effects of conditional dependence and linear nonseparability.

PubMed

Dawson, Michael R W; Gupta, Maya

2017-01-01

Probability matching occurs when the behavior of an agent matches the likelihood of occurrence of events in the agent's environment. For instance, when artificial neural networks match probability, the activity in their output unit equals the past probability of reward in the presence of a stimulus. Our previous research demonstrated that simple artificial neural networks (perceptrons, which consist of a set of input units directly connected to a single output unit) learn to match probability when presented different cues in isolation. The current paper extends this research by showing that perceptrons can match probabilities when presented simultaneous cues, with each cue signaling different reward likelihoods. In our first simulation, we presented up to four different cues simultaneously; the likelihood of reward signaled by the presence of one cue was independent of the likelihood of reward signaled by other cues. Perceptrons learned to match reward probabilities by treating each cue as an independent source of information about the likelihood of reward. In a second simulation, we violated the independence between cues by making some reward probabilities depend upon cue interactions. We did so by basing reward probabilities on a logical combination (AND or XOR) of two of the four possible cues. We also varied the size of the reward associated with the logical combination. We discovered that this latter manipulation was a much better predictor of perceptron performance than was the logical structure of the interaction between cues. This indicates that when perceptrons learn to match probabilities, they do so by assuming that each signal of a reward is independent of any other; the best predictor of perceptron performance is a quantitative measure of the independence of these input signals, and not the logical structure of the problem being learned.

Probability matching in perceptrons: Effects of conditional dependence and linear nonseparability

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Probability matching occurs when the behavior of an agent matches the likelihood of occurrence of events in the agent’s environment. For instance, when artificial neural networks match probability, the activity in their output unit equals the past probability of reward in the presence of a stimulus. Our previous research demonstrated that simple artificial neural networks (perceptrons, which consist of a set of input units directly connected to a single output unit) learn to match probability when presented different cues in isolation. The current paper extends this research by showing that perceptrons can match probabilities when presented simultaneous cues, with each cue signaling different reward likelihoods. In our first simulation, we presented up to four different cues simultaneously; the likelihood of reward signaled by the presence of one cue was independent of the likelihood of reward signaled by other cues. Perceptrons learned to match reward probabilities by treating each cue as an independent source of information about the likelihood of reward. In a second simulation, we violated the independence between cues by making some reward probabilities depend upon cue interactions. We did so by basing reward probabilities on a logical combination (AND or XOR) of two of the four possible cues. We also varied the size of the reward associated with the logical combination. We discovered that this latter manipulation was a much better predictor of perceptron performance than was the logical structure of the interaction between cues. This indicates that when perceptrons learn to match probabilities, they do so by assuming that each signal of a reward is independent of any other; the best predictor of perceptron performance is a quantitative measure of the independence of these input signals, and not the logical structure of the problem being learned. PMID:28212422

A parallel approximate string matching under Levenshtein distance on graphics processing units using warp-shuffle operations

PubMed Central

Ho, ThienLuan; Oh, Seung-Rohk

2017-01-01

Approximate string matching with k-differences has a number of practical applications, ranging from pattern recognition to computational biology. This paper proposes an efficient memory-access algorithm for parallel approximate string matching with k-differences on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). In the proposed algorithm, all threads in the same GPUs warp share data using warp-shuffle operation instead of accessing the shared memory. Moreover, we implement the proposed algorithm by exploiting the memory structure of GPUs to optimize its performance. Experiment results for real DNA packages revealed that the performance of the proposed algorithm and its implementation archived up to 122.64 and 1.53 times compared to that of sequential algorithm on CPU and previous parallel approximate string matching algorithm on GPUs, respectively. PMID:29016700

[The impact of HLA haplotype and alleles mismatches of donor-recipient pairs on outcome of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with a third part cord blood unit].

PubMed

Zhu, W J; He, J; Bao, X J; Yuan, X N; Li, Y; Xue, S L; Pan, Z J; Chen, J; Wu, D P

2016-07-01

To analyze allele mismatches of HLA- A, - B, - C, - DRB1, - DQB1 and haplotype mismatch of donor- recipient pairs on the outcome of haploidentical transplantation combined with a third part cord blood unit. 230 pairs of donor-recipient were performed HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DQB1 typing using SBT and SSOP methods from January 2012 to December 2014. Pairs were divided into HLA- 5/10、6/10、7/10 and ≥8/10 groups according to HLA- A, B, C and DRB1 highresolution typing and matched degrees, the 3-year probability of overall survival (OS) for each group were 48.7%, 59.3%, 71.1%, 38.3% (P=0.068) respectively. HLA-6/10 matched group associated with significant favorable effect on OS compared with HLA- 5/10 matched one (P=0.041).When the HLA class I antigen matched on the recipient and donor, improved OS and event free survival (EFS) in HLA- 6/10 matched group than in HLA-5/10 matched one (P=0.017,P=0.088), especially in single HLA-A loci allele matched one (P=0.013,P=0.013), were observed. As to the third part cord blood unit, sharing the same haplotype with the recipient-donor pairs produced better platelet recovery than the misfit one (95.3%vs 86.2%,P= 0.007), similar result was found in terms of neutrophil recovery (98.8%vs 96.1% ,P=0.022). HLA locus mismatch and haplotype mismatch of the donor and recipient should be useful for selection of the most optimum donor. Co- infused of an unrelated cord blood unit sharing the same haplotype with the recipient-donor pairs could improve hematopoietic recovery.

Monitoring system and methods for a distributed and recoverable digital control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stange, Kent (Inventor); Hess, Richard (Inventor); Kelley, Gerald B (Inventor); Rogers, Randy (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A monitoring system and methods are provided for a distributed and recoverable digital control system. The monitoring system generally comprises two independent monitoring planes within the control system. The first monitoring plane is internal to the computing units in the control system, and the second monitoring plane is external to the computing units. The internal first monitoring plane includes two in-line monitors. The first internal monitor is a self-checking, lock-step-processing monitor with integrated rapid recovery capability. The second internal monitor includes one or more reasonableness monitors, which compare actual effector position with commanded effector position. The external second monitor plane includes two monitors. The first external monitor includes a pre-recovery computing monitor, and the second external monitor includes a post recovery computing monitor. Various methods for implementing the monitoring functions are also disclosed.

External quality assessment of clinical laboratories in the United Kingdom

PubMed Central

Whitehead, TP; Woodford, FP

1981-01-01

A review is given of the National External Quality Assessment Schemes (NEQASs) in various pathology disciplines in the United Kingdom, with a discussion of the relative roles of the DHSS, individual laboratory scientists, and the relevant professional bodies. Principles of operation and scientific problems in the design of NEQASs in different disciplines are described and contrasted, and some comparisons with the experience in other European countries and the USA are drawn. PMID:7024326

Using Microsensor Technology to Quantify Match Demands in Collegiate Women's Volleyball.

PubMed

Vlantes, Travis G; Readdy, Tucker

2017-12-01

Vlantes, TG and Readdy, T. Using microsensor technology to quantify match demands in collegiate women's volleyball. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3266-3278, 2017-The purpose of this study was to quantify internal and external load demands of women's NCAA Division I collegiate volleyball competitions using microsensor technology and session rating of perceived exertion (S-RPE). Eleven collegiate volleyball players wore microsensor technology (Optimeye S5; Catapult Sports, Chicago, IL, USA) during 15 matches played throughout the 2016 season. Parameters examined include player load (PL), high impact PL, percentage of HI PL, explosive efforts (EEs), and jumps. Session rating of perceived exertion was collected 20 minutes postmatch using a modified Borg scale. The relationship between internal and external load was explored, comparing S-RPE data with the microsensor metrics (PL, HI PL, % HI PL, EEs, and jumps). The setter had the greatest mean PL and highest number of jumps of all positions in a 5-1 system, playing all 6 rotations. Playing 4 sets yielded a mean PL increase of 25.1% over 3 sets, whereas playing 5 sets showed a 31.0% increase in PL. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p < 0.01) across all position groups when examining % HI PL and jumps. Cohen's d analysis revealed large (≥0.8) effect sizes for these differences. Defensive specialists recorded the greatest mean S-RPE values over all 15 matches (886 ± 384.6). Establishing positional load demands allows coaches, trainers, and strength and conditioning professionals to implement training programs for position-specific demands, creating consistent peak performance, and reducing injury risk.

Ten Years of External Quality Audit in Australia: Evaluating Its Effectiveness and Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shah, Mahsood

2012-01-01

External quality audits are now being used in universities across the world to improve quality assurance, accountability for quality education and transparency of public funding of higher education. Some countries such as Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark have had external quality audits for more than a decade but there…

UK Alcohol Treatment Trial: client-treatment matching effects.

PubMed

2008-02-01

To test a priori hypotheses concerning client-treatment matching in the treatment of alcohol problems and to evaluate the more general hypothesis that client-treatment matching adds to the overall effectiveness of treatment. Pragmatic, multi-centre, randomized controlled trial (the UK Alcohol Treatment Trial: UKATT) with open follow-up at 3 months after entry and blind follow-up at 12 months. Five treatment centres, comprising seven treatment sites, including National Health Service (NHS), social services and joint NHS/non-statutory facilities. Motivational enhancement therapy and social behaviour and network therapy. Matching hypotheses were tested by examining interactions between client attributes and treatment types at both 3 and 12 months follow-up using the outcome variables of percentage days abstinent, drinks per drinking day and scores on the Alcohol Problems Questionnaire and Leeds Dependence Questionnaire. None of five matching hypotheses was confirmed at either follow-up point on any outcome variable. The findings strongly support the conclusion reached in Project MATCH in the United States that client-treatment matching, at least of the kind examined, is unlikely to result in substantial improvements to the effectiveness of treatment for alcohol problems. Possible reasons for this failure to support the general matching hypothesis are discussed, as are the implications of UKATT findings for the provision of treatment for alcohol problems in the United Kingdom.

Robust and efficient method for matching features in omnidirectional images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Qinyi; Zhang, Zhijiang; Zeng, Dan

2018-04-01

Binary descriptors have been widely used in many real-time applications due to their efficiency. These descriptors are commonly designed for perspective images but perform poorly on omnidirectional images, which are severely distorted. To address this issue, this paper proposes tangent plane BRIEF (TPBRIEF) and adapted log polar grid-based motion statistics (ALPGMS). TPBRIEF projects keypoints to a unit sphere and applies the fixed test set in BRIEF descriptor on the tangent plane of the unit sphere. The fixed test set is then backprojected onto the original distorted images to construct the distortion invariant descriptor. TPBRIEF directly enables keypoint detecting and feature describing on original distorted images, whereas other approaches correct the distortion through image resampling, which introduces artifacts and adds time cost. With ALPGMS, omnidirectional images are divided into circular arches named adapted log polar grids. Whether a match is true or false is then determined by simply thresholding the match numbers in a grid pair where the two matched points located. Experiments show that TPBRIEF greatly improves the feature matching accuracy and ALPGMS robustly removes wrong matches. Our proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.

The impact of residency match information disseminated by a third-party website.

PubMed

Kutikov, Alexander; Morgan, Todd M; Resnick, Matthew J

2009-01-01

Over the past 10 years, a dramatic shift has occurred toward web-based applications and information dissemination both for medical students applying to residency programs and for current housestaff seeking specialty-specific information. This shift has been witnessed in urology with adoption of the Internet-based Electronic Residency Application Service for residency application submission. Currently, most residency programs devote significant attention to developing and maintaining an attractive web page, as studies have suggested departmental websites may impact applicants' decisions regarding residency preference lists.(1,2) Recently, some third-party websites have been established to provide information to medical students and residents in a variety of specialties. No studies are available that evaluate the impact of these external websites on residency decision making. In 2003, a website under the domain name www.UrologyMatch.com was created by 2 coauthors (A.K. and T.M.M.) with the purpose of assisting medical students through the American Urological Association (AUA) match process. Additionally, by providing a discussion forum for students, residents, and faculty, it sought to aid with the dissemination of information between urology programs and applicants. The website has been gradually expanded to provide educational content for urology trainees at a wide range of levels. Components of the website include an introduction to the field of urology, a detailed description of the match process, an "expert advice" section from urologic leaders, a library of relevant Internet links, a digital surgical atlas, and program-specific questionnaire responses provided by residency directors and department chairs. A discussion board providing an uncensored forum for visitors is integrated into the website to aid with the dissemination of information between and among urology programs, residents, and applicants. The high usage of this site has suggested that external websites may have a marked impact on the residency application process. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the role of www.UrologyMatch.com in the AUA match process. During the 2007-2008 urology residency match, we evaluated whether information disseminated through the website influenced medical students' decisions to enter the field of urology and whether this information factored into the generation of residency preference lists. We hypothesized that information on this website played a significant role in decision making throughout the urology residency match experience.

Plurality of Birth and Infant Mortality Due to External Causes in the United States, 2000-2010.

PubMed

Ahrens, Katherine A; Thoma, Marie E; Rossen, Lauren M; Warner, Margaret; Simon, Alan E

2017-03-01

Risk of death during the first year of life due to external causes, such as unintentional injury and homicide, may be higher among twins and higher-order multiples than among singletons in the United States. We used national birth cohort linked birth-infant death data (2000-2010) to evaluate the risk of infant mortality due to external causes in multiples versus singletons in the United States. Risk of death from external causes during the study period was 3.6 per 10,000 live births in singletons and 5.1 per 10,000 live births in multiples. Using log-binomial regression, the corresponding unadjusted risk ratio was 1.40 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30, 1.50). After adjustment for maternal age, marital status, race/ethnicity, and education, the risk ratio was 1.68 (95% CI: 1.56, 1.81). Infant deaths due to external causes were most likely to occur between 2 and 7 months of age. Applying inverse probability weighting and assuming a hypothetical intervention where no infants were low birth weight, the adjusted controlled direct effect of plurality on infant mortality due to external causes was 1.64 (95% CI: 1.39, 1.97). Twins and higher-order multiples were at greater risk of infant mortality due to external causes, particularly between 2 and 7 months of age, and this risk appeared to be mediated largely by factors other than low-birth-weight status. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 2017. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

A sensitivity analysis for missing outcomes due to truncation by death under the matched-pairs design.

PubMed

Imai, Kosuke; Jiang, Zhichao

2018-04-29

The matched-pairs design enables researchers to efficiently infer causal effects from randomized experiments. In this paper, we exploit the key feature of the matched-pairs design and develop a sensitivity analysis for missing outcomes due to truncation by death, in which the outcomes of interest (e.g., quality of life measures) are not even well defined for some units (e.g., deceased patients). Our key idea is that if 2 nearly identical observations are paired prior to the randomization of the treatment, the missingness of one unit's outcome is informative about the potential missingness of the other unit's outcome under an alternative treatment condition. We consider the average treatment effect among always-observed pairs (ATOP) whose units exhibit no missing outcome regardless of their treatment status. The naive estimator based on available pairs is unbiased for the ATOP if 2 units of the same pair are identical in terms of their missingness patterns. The proposed sensitivity analysis characterizes how the bounds of the ATOP widen as the degree of the within-pair similarity decreases. We further extend the methodology to the matched-pairs design in observational studies. Our simulation studies show that informative bounds can be obtained under some scenarios when the proportion of missing data is not too large. The proposed methodology is also applied to the randomized evaluation of the Mexican universal health insurance program. An open-source software package is available for implementing the proposed research. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A Propensity Score Matching Analysis of the Effects of Special Education Services

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, Paul L.; Frisco, Michelle L.; Farkas, George; Hibel, Jacob

2010-01-01

We sought to quantify the effectiveness of special education services as naturally delivered in U.S. schools. Specifically, we examined whether children receiving special education services displayed (a) greater reading or mathematics skills, (b) more frequent learning-related behaviors, or (c) less frequent externalizing or internalizing problem…

Enhanced Divergent Thinking and Creativity in Musicians: A Behavioral and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gibson, Crystal; Folley, Bradley S.; Park, Sohee

2009-01-01

Empirical studies of creativity have focused on the importance of divergent thinking, which supports generating novel solutions to loosely defined problems. The present study examined creativity and frontal cortical activity in an externally-validated group of creative individuals (trained musicians) and demographically matched control…

Olfactory Processing in Male Children with Autism: Atypical Odor Threshold and Identification

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muratori, Filippo; Tonacci, Alessandro; Billeci, Lucia; Catalucci, Tiziana; Igliozzi, Roberta; Calderoni, Sara; Narzisi, Antonio

2017-01-01

Sensory issues are of great interest in ASD diagnosis. However, their investigation is mainly based on external observation (parent reports), with methodological limitations. Unobtrusive olfactory assessment allows studying autism neurosensoriality. Here, 20 male children with high-functioning ASD and 20 matched controls were administered a…

The Effects of the Fast Track Preventive Intervention on the Development of Conduct Disorder Across Childhood

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

The impact of the Fast Track intervention on externalizing disorders across childhood was examined. Eight hundred-ninety-one early-starting children (69% male; 51% African American) were randomly assigned by matched sets of schools to intervention or control conditions. The 10-year intervention addressed parent behavior-management, child social cognitive skills, reading, home visiting, mentoring, and classroom curricula. Outcomes included psychiatric diagnoses after grades 3, 6, 9, and 12 for conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and any externalizing disorder. Significant interaction effects between intervention and initial risk level indicated that intervention prevented the lifetime prevalence of all diagnoses, but only among those at highest initial risk, suggesting that targeted intervention can prevent externalizing disorders to promote the raising of healthy children. PMID:21291445

Isomorphism and external support in conflicting institutional environments: a study of drug abuse treatment units.

PubMed

D'Aunno, T; Sutton, R I; Price, R H

1991-09-01

Using institutional theory, we developed predictions about organizational units that moved from an environment making consistent demands to one making conflicting demands. Many community mental health centers have diversified into drug abuse treatment. The units providing those services face conflicting demands from the traditional mental health sector and the new drug abuse treatment sector about which clients to serve, how to assess their problems, and who should provide treatment. We propose that in response to such demands these units will adopt apparently conflicting practices. Also, isomorphism with the traditional sector will be positively associated with external support from parent mental health centers and other actors in the mental health sector. Results generally support those predictions.

12 CFR 701.32 - Payment on shares by public units and nonmembers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... needs, sources and intended uses of public unit and nonmember shares; (ii) Provision for matching maturities of public unit and nonmember shares with corresponding assets, or justification for any mismatch...

12 CFR 701.32 - Payment on shares by public units and nonmembers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... needs, sources and intended uses of public unit and nonmember shares; (ii) Provision for matching maturities of public unit and nonmember shares with corresponding assets, or justification for any mismatch...

Nearest-cell: a fast and easy tool for locating crystal matches in the PDB

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

Ramraj, V., E-mail: varun@strubi.ox.ac.uk; Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE; Evans, G.

2012-12-01

A fast and easy tool to locate unit-cell matches in the PDB is described. When embarking upon X-ray diffraction data collection from a potentially novel macromolecular crystal form, it can be useful to ascertain whether the measured data reflect a crystal form that is already recorded in the Protein Data Bank and, if so, whether it is part of a large family of related structures. Providing such information to crystallographers conveniently and quickly, as soon as the first images have been recorded and the unit cell characterized at an X-ray beamline, has the potential to save time and effort asmore » well as pointing to possible search models for molecular replacement. Given an input unit cell, and optionally a space group, Nearest-cell rapidly scans the Protein Data Bank and retrieves near-matches.« less

More on the tensor response of the QCD vacuum to an external magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorsky, A.; Kopnin, P. N.; Krikun, A.; Vainshtein, A.

2012-04-01

In this paper we discuss a few issues concerning the magnetic susceptibility of the quark condensate and the Son-Yamamoto anomaly matching equation. It is shown that the Son-Yamamoto relation in the IR implies a nontrivial interplay between the kinetic and Wess-Zumino-Witten terms in the chiral Lagrangian. It is also demonstrated that in a holographic framework an external magnetic field triggers mixing between scalar and tensor fields. Accounting for this, one may calculate the magnetic susceptibility of the quark condensate to all orders in the magnetic field.

From "Publish or Perish" to "Grant or Perish": Examining Grantsmanship in Communication and the Pressures on Communication Faculty to Procure External Funding for Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Musambira, George; Collins, Steven; Brown, Tim; Voss, Kimberly

2012-01-01

Although communication program faculty have traditionally not enjoyed large grants for research, administrators are pressuring them to garner external funding. This article examines the success rate of securing external funding that communication administrators reported for their units. Results show that while the pressure has increased on most…

The Influence of Strategy and External Quality Audit on University Performance: An Australian Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shah, Mahsood; Nair, Sid

2011-01-01

External quality audits have been introduced in many parts of the world including Asia Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. While external quality audits have been introduced for more than a decade in some countries like New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK), Denmark, and Sweden, there is limited research on the extent to which such…

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeVinney, Timothy P.

2012-01-01

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

A Propensity Score Matching Analysis of the Effects of Special Education Services

PubMed Central

Morgan, Paul L.; Frisco, Michelle; Farkas, George; Hibel, Jacob

2013-01-01

We sought to quantify the effectiveness of special education services as naturally delivered in U.S. schools. Specifically, we examined whether children receiving special education services displayed (a) greater reading or mathematics skills, (b) more frequent learning-related behaviors, or (c) less frequent externalizing or internalizing problem behaviors than closely matched peers not receiving such services. To do so, we used propensity score matching techniques to analyze data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal—Study Kindergarten Cohort, 1998–1999, a large scale, nationally representative sample of U.S. schoolchildren. Collectively, results indicate that receipt of special education services has either a negative or statistically non-significant impact on children’s learning or behavior. However, special education services do yield a small, positive effect on children’s learning-related behaviors. PMID:23606759

A Propensity Score Matching Analysis of the Effects of Special Education Services.

PubMed

Morgan, Paul L; Frisco, Michelle; Farkas, George; Hibel, Jacob

2010-02-01

We sought to quantify the effectiveness of special education services as naturally delivered in U.S. schools. Specifically, we examined whether children receiving special education services displayed (a) greater reading or mathematics skills, (b) more frequent learning-related behaviors, or (c) less frequent externalizing or internalizing problem behaviors than closely matched peers not receiving such services. To do so, we used propensity score matching techniques to analyze data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal-Study Kindergarten Cohort, 1998-1999, a large scale, nationally representative sample of U.S. schoolchildren. Collectively, results indicate that receipt of special education services has either a negative or statistically non-significant impact on children's learning or behavior. However, special education services do yield a small, positive effect on children's learning-related behaviors.

Plant circadian clocks increase photosynthesis, growth, survival, and competitive advantage.

PubMed

Dodd, Antony N; Salathia, Neeraj; Hall, Anthony; Kévei, Eva; Tóth, Réka; Nagy, Ferenc; Hibberd, Julian M; Millar, Andrew J; Webb, Alex A R

2005-07-22

Circadian clocks are believed to confer an advantage to plants, but the nature of that advantage has been unknown. We show that a substantial photosynthetic advantage is conferred by correct matching of the circadian clock period with that of the external light-dark cycle. In wild type and in long- and short-circadian period mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, plants with a clock period matched to the environment contain more chlorophyll, fix more carbon, grow faster, and survive better than plants with circadian periods differing from their environment. This explains why plants gain advantage from circadian control.

Automated External Defibrillators and Survival After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

PubMed Central

Chan, Paul S.; Krumholz, Harlan M.; Spertus, John A.; Jones, Philip G.; Cram, Peter; Berg, Robert A.; Peberdy, Mary Ann; Nadkarni, Vinay; Mancini, Mary E.; Nallamothu, Brahmajee K.

2013-01-01

Context Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) improve survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, but data on their effectiveness in hospitalized patients are limited. Objective To evaluate the association of AED use and survival for in-hospital cardiac arrest. Design, Setting, Patients Cohort study of 11,695 hospitalized patients with cardiac arrests between January 1, 2000 and August 26, 2008 at 204 hospitals following the introduction of AEDs on general hospital wards. Main Outcome Measure Survival to hospital discharge by AED use, using multivariable hierarchical regression analyses to adjust for patient factors and hospital site. Results Of 11,695 patients, 9616 (82.2%) had non-shockable rhythms (asystole and pulseless electrical activity) and 2079 (17.8%) had shockable rhythms (ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia). AEDs were used in 4515 (38.6%) patients. Overall, 2117 (18.1%) patients survived to hospital discharge. Within the entire study population, AED use was associated with a lower rate of survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest compared with no AED use (16.3% vs. 19.3%; adjusted rate ratio (RR), 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.78–0.92; P<0.001). Among cardiac arrests due to non-shockable rhythms, AED use was associated with lower survival (10.4% vs. 15.4%; adjusted RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65–0.83; P<.001). In contrast, for cardiac arrests due to shockable rhythms, AED use was not associated with survival (38.4% vs. 39.8%; adjusted RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.88–1.13; P=0.99). These patterns were consistently observed in both monitored and non-monitored hospital units where AEDs were used, after matching patients to the individual units in each hospital where the cardiac arrest occurred, and with a propensity score analysis. Conclusion Use of AEDs in hospitalized patients with cardiac arrest is not associated with improved survival. PMID:21078809

Design and operations of a load-tolerant external conjugate-T matching system for the A2 ICRH antennas at JET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monakhov, I.; Graham, M.; Blackman, T.; Dowson, S.; Durodie, F.; Jacquet, P.; Lehmann, J.; Mayoral, M.-L.; Nightingale, M. P. S.; Noble, C.; Sheikh, H.; Vrancken, M.; Walden, A.; Whitehurst, A.; Wooldridge, E.; Contributors, JET-EFDA

2013-08-01

A load-tolerant external conjugate-T (ECT) impedance matching system for two A2 ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) antennas was successfully put into operation at JET. The system allows continuous injection of the radio-frequency (RF) power into plasma in the presence of strong antenna loading perturbations caused by edge-localized modes (ELMs). Reliable ECT performance was demonstrated under a variety of antenna loading conditions including H-mode plasmas with radial outer gaps (ROGs) in the range 4-14 cm. The high resilience to ELMs predicted during the circuit simulations was fully confirmed experimentally. Dedicated arc-detection techniques and real-time matching algorithms were developed as a part of the ECT project. The new advanced wave amplitude comparison system has proven highly efficient in detection of arcs both between and during ELMs. The ECT system has allowed the delivery of up to 4 MW of RF power without trips into plasmas with type-I ELMs. Together with the 3 dB system and the ITER-like antenna, the ECT has brought the total RF power coupled to ELMy plasma to over 8 MW, considerably enhancing JET research capabilities. This paper provides an overview of the key design features of the ECT system and summarizes the main experimental results achieved so far.

Changes in motor unit recruitment strategy during pain alters force direction.

PubMed

Tucker, Kylie J; Hodges, Paul W

2010-10-01

Motor unit (MU) recruitment is altered (decreased discharge rate and cessation of discharge in some units, and recruitment of new units) in force-matched contractions during pain compared to contractions performed before pain. As MU's within a motoneurone pool have different force direction properties we hypothesised that altered MU recruitment during experimental knee pain would change the force vector (total force (F(T)): amplitude and angle) generated by the quadriceps. Force was produced at two levels during 1 × 60-s and 3 × 10-s isometric contractions of knee extensors, and recorded by two force transducers at right angles. This enabled calculation of both F(E) (extension force) and F(T). MU recruitment was recorded from the medial and lateral vastii with four fine-wire electrodes. Pain was induced by hypertonic saline injection in the infra-patella fat pad. Nine subjects matched F(E) and six subjects also matched both medial and lateral forces (F(T)) before and during pain. Changes in MU discharge pattern (decreased discharge rate (P<0.001), complete cessation of firing, and recruitment of new units) during pain were associated with a ∼5° change in absolute force angle. As force angle changed in both directions (left/right) for individual subjects with pain there was no change in average F(T) amplitude between conditions. When both medial and lateral forces were matched MU discharge rate decreased (P<0.001) with pain, but, fewer units ceased firing or were newly recruited during pain. Change in motoneurone recruitment during pain alters direction of muscle force. This may be a strategy to avoid pain or protect the painful part. Copyright © 2010 European Federation of International Association for the Study of Pain Chapters. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preliminary characterisation of new glass reference materials (GSA-1G, GSC-1G, GSD-1G and GSE-1G) by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry using 193 nm, 213 nm and 266 nm wavelengths

USGS Publications Warehouse

Guillong, M.; Hametner, K.; Reusser, E.; Wilson, S.A.; Gunther, D.

2005-01-01

New glass reference materials GSA-1G, GSC-1G, GSD-1G and GSE-1G have been characterised using a prototype solid state laser ablation system capable of producing wavelengths of 193 nm, 213 nm and 266 nm. This system allowed comparison of the effects of different laser wavelengths under nearly identical ablation and ICP operating conditions. The wavelengths 213 nm and 266 nm were also used at higher energy densities to evaluate the influence of energy density on quantitative analysis. In addition, the glass reference materials were analysed using commercially available 266 nm Nd:YAG and 193 nm ArF excimer lasers. Laser ablation analysis was carried out using both single spot and scanning mode ablation. Using laser ablation ICP-MS, concentrations of fifty-eight elements were determined with external calibration to the NIST SRM 610 glass reference material. Instead of applying the more common internal standardisation procedure, the total concentration of all element oxide concentrations was normalised to 100%. Major element concentrations were compared with those determined by electron microprobe. In addition to NIST SRM 610 for external calibration, USGS BCR-2G was used as a more closely matrix-matched reference material in order to compare the effect of matrix-matched and non matrix-matched calibration on quantitative analysis. The results show that the various laser wavelengths and energy densities applied produced similar results, with the exception of scanning mode ablation at 266 nm without matrix-matched calibration where deviations up to 60% from the average were found. However, results acquired using a scanning mode with a matrix-matched calibration agreed with results obtained by spot analysis. The increased abundance of large particles produced when using a scanning ablation mode with NIST SRM 610, is responsible for elemental fractionation effects caused by incomplete vaporisation of large particles in the ICP.

Evaluation of lung tumor motion management in radiation therapy with dynamic MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Seyoun; Farah, Rana; Shea, Steven M.; Tryggestad, Erik; Hales, Russell; Lee, Junghoon

2017-03-01

Surrogate-based tumor motion estimation and tracing methods are commonly used in radiotherapy despite the lack of continuous real time 3D tumor and surrogate data. In this study, we propose a method to simultaneously track the tumor and external surrogates with dynamic MRI, which allows us to evaluate their reproducible correlation. Four MRIcompatible fiducials are placed on the patient's chest and upper abdomen, and multi-slice 2D cine MRIs are acquired to capture the lung and whole tumor, followed by two-slice 2D cine MRIs to simultaneously track the tumor and fiducials, all in sagittal orientation. A phase-binned 4D-MRI is first reconstructed from multi-slice MR images using body area as a respiratory surrogate and group-wise registration. The 4D-MRI provides 3D template volumes for different breathing phases. 3D tumor position is calculated by 3D-2D template matching in which 3D tumor templates in 4D-MRI reconstruction and the 2D cine MRIs from the two-slice tracking dataset are registered. 3D trajectories of the external surrogates are derived via matching a 3D geometrical model to the fiducial segmentations on the 2D cine MRIs. We tested our method on five lung cancer patients. Internal target volume from 4D-CT showed average sensitivity of 86.5% compared to the actual tumor motion for 5 min. 3D tumor motion correlated with the external surrogate signal, but showed a noticeable phase mismatch. The 3D tumor trajectory showed significant cycle-to-cycle variation, while the external surrogate was not sensitive enough to capture such variations. Additionally, there was significant phase mismatch between surrogate signals obtained from fiducials at different locations.

Views of the external tank as it falls away from Discovery

NASA Image and Video Library

1995-07-13

STS070-303-007 (13 JULY 1995) --- The external fuel tank (ET) for STS-70 is photographed just after falling away from the space shuttle Discovery en route to the 101st human-tended United States space flight.

Data Acquisition Based on Stable Matching of Bipartite Graph in Cooperative Vehicle–Infrastructure Systems †

PubMed Central

Tang, Xiaolan; Hong, Donghui; Chen, Wenlong

2017-01-01

Existing studies on data acquisition in vehicular networks often take the mobile vehicular nodes as data carriers. However, their autonomous movements, limited resources and security risks impact the quality of services. In this article, we propose a data acquisition model using stable matching of bipartite graph in cooperative vehicle-infrastructure systems, namely, DAS. Contents are distributed to roadside units, while vehicular nodes support supplementary storage. The original distribution problem is formulated as a stable matching problem of bipartite graph, where the data and the storage cells compose two sides of vertices. Regarding the factors relevant with the access ratio and delay, the preference rankings for contents and roadside units are calculated, respectively. With a multi-replica preprocessing algorithm to handle the potential one-to-many mapping, the matching problem is addressed in polynomial time. In addition, vehicular nodes carry and forward assistant contents to deliver the failed packets because of bandwidth competition. Furthermore, an incentive strategy is put forward to boost the vehicle cooperation and to achieve a fair bandwidth allocation at roadside units. Experiments show that DAS achieves a high access ratio and a small storage cost with an acceptable delay. PMID:28594359

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution and selected causes of postneonatal infant mortality in California.

PubMed

Woodruff, Tracey J; Parker, Jennifer D; Schoendorf, Kenneth C

2006-05-01

Studies suggest that airborne particulate matter (PM) may be associated with postneonatal infant mortality, particularly with respiratory causes and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). To further explore this issue, we examined the relationship between long-term exposure to fine PM air pollution and postneonatal infant mortality in California. We linked monitoring data for PM

Biomarker discovery study design for type 1 diabetes in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study.

PubMed

Lee, Hye-Seung; Burkhardt, Brant R; McLeod, Wendy; Smith, Susan; Eberhard, Chris; Lynch, Kristian; Hadley, David; Rewers, Marian; Simell, Olli; She, Jin-Xiong; Hagopian, Bill; Lernmark, Ake; Akolkar, Beena; Ziegler, Anette G; Krischer, Jeffrey P

2014-07-01

The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young planned biomarker discovery studies on longitudinal samples for persistent confirmed islet cell autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes using dietary biomarkers, metabolomics, microbiome/viral metagenomics and gene expression. This article describes the details of planning The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young biomarker discovery studies using a nested case-control design that was chosen as an alternative to the full cohort analysis. In the frame of a nested case-control design, it guides the choice of matching factors, selection of controls, preparation of external quality control samples and reduction of batch effects along with proper sample allocation. Our design is to reduce potential bias and retain study power while reducing the costs by limiting the numbers of samples requiring laboratory analyses. It also covers two primary end points (the occurrence of diabetes-related autoantibodies and the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes). The resulting list of case-control matched samples for each laboratory was augmented with external quality control samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Efficient 2(nd) and 4(th) harmonic generation of a single-frequency, continuous-wave fiber amplifier.

PubMed

Sudmeyer, Thomas; Imai, Yutaka; Masuda, Hisashi; Eguchi, Naoya; Saito, Masaki; Kubota, Shigeo

2008-02-04

We demonstrate efficient cavity-enhanced second and fourth harmonic generation of an air-cooled, continuous-wave (cw), single-frequency 1064 nm fiber-amplifier system. The second harmonic generator achieves up to 88% total external conversion efficiency, generating more than 20-W power at 532 nm wavelength in a diffraction-limited beam (M(2) < 1.05). The nonlinear medium is a critically phase-matched, 20-mm long, anti-reflection (AR) coated LBO crystal operated at 25 degrees C. The fourth harmonic generator is based on an AR-coated, Czochralski-grown beta-BaB(2)O(4) (BBO) crystal optimized for low loss and high damage threshold. Up to 12.2 W of 266-nm deep-UV (DUV) output is obtained using a 6-mm long critically phase-matched BBO operated at 40 degrees C. This power level is more than two times higher than previously reported for cw 266-nm generation. The total external conversion efficiency from the fundamental at 1064 nm to the fourth harmonic at 266 nm is >50%.

A matching framework to improve causal inference in interrupted time-series analysis.

PubMed

Linden, Ariel

2018-04-01

Interrupted time-series analysis (ITSA) is a popular evaluation methodology in which a single treatment unit's outcome is studied over time and the intervention is expected to "interrupt" the level and/or trend of the outcome, subsequent to its introduction. When ITSA is implemented without a comparison group, the internal validity may be quite poor. Therefore, adding a comparable control group to serve as the counterfactual is always preferred. This paper introduces a novel matching framework, ITSAMATCH, to create a comparable control group by matching directly on covariates and then use these matches in the outcomes model. We evaluate the effect of California's Proposition 99 (passed in 1988) for reducing cigarette sales, by comparing California to other states not exposed to smoking reduction initiatives. We compare ITSAMATCH results to 2 commonly used matching approaches, synthetic controls (SYNTH), and regression adjustment; SYNTH reweights nontreated units to make them comparable to the treated unit, and regression adjusts covariates directly. Methods are compared by assessing covariate balance and treatment effects. Both ITSAMATCH and SYNTH achieved covariate balance and estimated similar treatment effects. The regression model found no treatment effect and produced inconsistent covariate adjustment. While the matching framework achieved results comparable to SYNTH, it has the advantage of being technically less complicated, while producing statistical estimates that are straightforward to interpret. Conversely, regression adjustment may "adjust away" a treatment effect. Given its advantages, ITSAMATCH should be considered as a primary approach for evaluating treatment effects in multiple-group time-series analysis. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Impact of intraoperative factor concentrates on blood product transfusions during orthotopic liver transplantation.

PubMed

Colavecchia, A Carmine; Cohen, David A; Harris, Jesse E; Thomas, Jeena M; Lindberg, Scott; Leveque, Christopher; Salazar, Eric

2017-12-01

Major bleeding in orthotopic liver transplantation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Limited literature exists regarding comparative effectiveness of prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate during orthotopic liver transplantation on blood product utilization. This retrospective, single-institution study evaluated the impact of prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate on blood product utilization during orthotopic liver transplantation from December 2013 to April 2016. This study included patients age 18 years or older and excluded patients who received simultaneous heart or lung transplantation or did not meet documentation criteria. A propensity score matching technique was used to match patients who were exposed to prothrombin complex concentrate with unexposed patients, at a 2 to 1 ratio, to control for selection bias. During this study, 212 patients received orthotopic liver transplantation with 39 prothrombin complex concentrate exposures. The matched study population included 39 patients who were exposed to prothrombin complex concentrate and 78 unexposed patients. Overall, 84.6% of patients who were exposed to prothrombin complex concentrate also received concomitant fibrinogen concentrate, whereas only 2% of patients in the control group received fibrinogen concentrate. After propensity score matching, no other factors that were included in the model differed significantly or had a standardized mean difference of 0.11 or greater. There was no statistical difference in the utilization of red blood cells or fresh frozen plasma for the exposed group versus the unexposed group after matching (mean ± standard deviation: red blood cell units, 12.4 ± 8.0 units vs. 9.7 ± 5.6 units [p = 0.058]; fresh-frozen plasma units, 10.0 ± 6.3 vs. 12.7 ± 9.7 units [p = 0.119], respectively). The intraoperative use of prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate during orthotopic liver transplantation did not reduce intraoperative blood product requirements at a single institution. © 2017 AABB.

When perfectly HLA-matched kidneys are refused for transplant: implications for a national cooperative sharing system.

PubMed

Ellison, M D; Breen, T J; Davies, D B; Edwards, E B; Mahoney, R J; Daily, O P; Norman, D J

1996-11-01

The transplant community attempts to maximize overall renal graft survival rates through nationwide sharing of perfectly-matched cadaveric kidneys. Although the number of such transplants is determined annually, the number available but not transplanted has never been assessed. There has also been no verification of the widespread claim that kidneys transplanted as paybacks for perfect matches are inferior. From records of the United Network for Organ Sharing, a complete accounting of six-antigen-matched kidney disposition was obtained, including a frequency distribution of reasons for refusal given when kidneys were refused for matched patients. Actuarial graft survival (GS) rates for matched, payback, and other cadaveric renal transplants were determined. Of the six-antigen-matched kidneys available, 97 percent were transplanted; 71 percent of those were accepted for matched patients. The two-year GS rate for matched patients was 84 percent, significantly higher than that for kidneys available for matched patients but transplanted into other patients (71.3 percent) and that for all other cadaveric kidneys (75.5 percent). Most reasons for refusal were related to donor quality. Kidneys refused for such reasons showed a 67.7 percent two-year GS rate in nonmatched patients and the highest rates of acute and chronic rejection and primary failure. The two-year GS rate for kidneys accepted as paybacks for matched kidneys (75.7 percent) was equivalent to that for all non-matched cadaveric kidneys (75.5 percent). If all normal-quality grafts refused for perfectly matched patients during 1990 through 1992 had been accepted for those patients, the number of transplants with typically superior survival rates could have increased by 25 percent, from 1,365 to 1,704. The payback requirement of the United Network for Organ Sharing does not seem to reduce the overall benefits of sharing perfectly matched kidneys nationwide.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and Kaiser Permanente Nationwide Health Information Network Exchange in San Diego: Patient Selection, Consent, and Identity Matching

PubMed Central

Bouhaddou, Omar; Bennett, Jamie; Cromwell, Tim; Nixon, Graham; Teal, Jennifer; Davis, Mike; Smith, Robert; Fischetti, Linda; Parker, David; Gillen, Zachary; Mattison, John

2011-01-01

The Nationwide Health Information Network allow for the secure exchange of Electronic Health Records over the Internet. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and Kaiser Permanente, participated in an implementation of the NwHIN specifications in San Diego, California. This paper focuses primarily on patient involvement. Specifically, it describes how the shared patients were identified, were invited to participate and to provide consent for disclosing parts of their medical record, and were matched across organizations. A total 1,144 were identified as shared patients. Invitation letters containing consent forms were mailed and resulted in 42% participation. Invalid consent forms were a significant issue (25%). Initially, the identity matching algorithms yielded low success rate (5%). However, elimination of certain traits and abbreviations and probabilistic algorithms have significantly increased matching rate. Access to information from external sources better informs providers, improves decisions and efficiency, and helps meet the meaningful use criteria. PMID:22195064

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and Kaiser Permanente Nationwide Health Information Network exchange in San Diego: patient selection, consent, and identity matching.

PubMed

Bouhaddou, Omar; Bennett, Jamie; Cromwell, Tim; Nixon, Graham; Teal, Jennifer; Davis, Mike; Smith, Robert; Fischetti, Linda; Parker, David; Gillen, Zachary; Mattison, John

2011-01-01

The Nationwide Health Information Network allow for the secure exchange of Electronic Health Records over the Internet. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and Kaiser Permanente, participated in an implementation of the NwHIN specifications in San Diego, California. This paper focuses primarily on patient involvement. Specifically, it describes how the shared patients were identified, were invited to participate and to provide consent for disclosing parts of their medical record, and were matched across organizations. A total 1,144 were identified as shared patients. Invitation letters containing consent forms were mailed and resulted in 42% participation. Invalid consent forms were a significant issue (25%). Initially, the identity matching algorithms yielded low success rate (5%). However, elimination of certain traits and abbreviations and probabilistic algorithms have significantly increased matching rate. Access to information from external sources better informs providers, improves decisions and efficiency, and helps meet the meaningful use criteria.

Rejecting a bad option feels like choosing a good one.

PubMed

Perfecto, Hannah; Galak, Jeff; Simmons, Joseph P; Nelson, Leif D

2017-11-01

Across 4,151 participants, the authors demonstrate a novel framing effect, attribute matching, whereby matching a salient attribute of a decision frame with that of a decision's options facilitates decision-making. This attribute matching is shown to increase decision confidence and, ultimately, consensus estimates by increasing feelings of metacognitive ease. In Study 1, participants choosing the more attractive of two faces or rejecting the less attractive face reported greater confidence in and perceived consensus around their decision. Using positive and negative words, Study 2 showed that the attribute's extremity moderates the size of the effect. Study 3 found decision ease mediates these changes in confidence and consensus estimates. Consistent with a misattribution account, when participants were warned about this external source of ease in Study 4, the effect disappeared. Study 5 extended attribute matching beyond valence to objective judgments. The authors conclude by discussing related psychological constructs as well as downstream consequences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Does Timing of Internal Medicine Residency Interview Affect Likelihood of Matching?

PubMed

Heidemann, Danielle L; Thompson, Elizabeth; Drake, Sean M

2016-08-01

Applicants to our internal medicine (IM) residency program consistently have shared concerns about whether the interview date influences their ability to match via the National Residency Matching Program. We performed a retrospective study to assess whether interview timing was associated with successful matching at our IM program. We identified all of the applicants who interviewed for a first-year position with our IM residency program from 2010 to 2014. Each year's interview dates were totaled and divided equally into three categories: early, middle, or late. Baseline demographics, United States Medical Licensing Examination scores, and type of medical school (American or international) were compared among the interview date groups and between those who did and did not match at our program. Of 914 interviewees, 311 interviewed early (October/November), 299 interviewed in the middle (December), and 304 interviewed late (January). The proportion to match at our program was similar in each interview group (12.5%, 18.4%, 15.1%, respectively; P = 0.133). Logistic regression analysis showed that the middle interview group had increased odds to match compared with the early group (odds ratio 1.590; P = 0.044). The late-versus-early group showed no difference (P = 0.362). No significant differences were found with type of medical school or United States Medical Licensing Examination scores. Of all of the interviewees participating in the match, nearly all matched into a program somewhere, with no significant difference based on interview timing. When considering all of the interviewees, interview date showed no major influence on matching. Only the middle interview time period showed a slight increased chance of matching to our IM program, but the significance was marginal.

Image Guidance in External Beam Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation: Comparison of Surrogates for the Lumpectomy Cavity

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

Hasan, Yasmin; Kim, Leonard; Martinez, Alvaro

Purpose: To compare localization of the lumpectomy cavity by using breast surface matching vs. clips for image-guided external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation. Methods and Materials: Twenty-seven patients with breast cancer with two computed tomography (CT) scans each had three CT registrations performed: (1) to bony anatomy, (2) to the center of mass (COM) of surgical clips, and (3) to the breast surface. The cavity COM was defined in both the initial and second CT scans after each type of registration, and distances between COMs ({delta}COM{sub Bone}, {delta}COM{sub Clips}, and {delta}COM{sub Surface}) were determined. Smaller {delta}COMs were interpreted as bettermore » localizations. Correlation coefficients were calculated for {delta}COM vs. several variables. Results: The {delta}COM{sub Bone} (mean, 7 {+-} 2 [SD] mm) increased with breast volume (r = 0.4; p = 0.02) and distance from the chest wall (r = 0.5; p = 0.003). Relative to bony registration, clip registration provided better localization ({delta}COM{sub Clips} < {delta}COM{sub Bone}) in 25 of 27 cases. Breast surface matching improved cavity localization ({delta}COM{sub Surface} < {delta}COM{sub Bone}) in 19 of 27 cases. Mean improvements ({delta}COM{sub Bone} - {delta}COM{sub ClipsorSurface}) were 4 {+-} 3 and 2 {+-} 4 mm, respectively. In terms of percentage of improvement ([{delta}COM{sub Bone} - {delta}COM{sub ClipsorSurface}]/{delta}COM{sub Bone}), only surface matching showed a correlation with breast volume. Clip localization outperformed surface registration for cavities located superior to the breast COM. Conclusions: Use of either breast surface or surgical clips as surrogates for the cavity results in improved localization in most patients compared with bony registration and may allow smaller planning target volume margins for external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation. Compared with surface registration, clip registration may be less sensitive to anatomic characteristics and therefore more broadly applicable.« less

Reconstruction of anterior auricular conchal defect after malignancy excision: revolving-door flap versus full-thickness skin graft.

PubMed

Dessy, Luca Andrea; Figus, Andrea; Fioramonti, Paolo; Mazzocchi, Marco; Scuderi, Nicolò

2010-05-01

Skin tumours of the anterior auricular concha are not uncommon. Wider excision and immediate reconstruction are required to reduce the risks of recurrence of the disease, cartilage infection and external ear distortion. Many surgical methods have been described for reconstruction of conchal defects. Post-auricular island flaps, such as the revolving-door (RD) flap, and full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) are the most-performed procedures. Although the RD flap has been fully described, it is not widely accepted and many surgeons, in their daily practice, prefer to use FTSG. It is a common experience that FTSGs are more subjected to centripetal contraction, decreasing the structural firmness of the conchal cavity and affecting functional and aesthetic outcomes. Furthermore, FTSGs are more prone to delay in wound healing due to the difficult access to this region that hinders adequate tie-over dressings. Between March 2003 and January 2007, 40 patients affected by T1 and T2 non-melanotic skin cancer and T1 melanoma of the anterior conchal surface of the external ear were included in a prospective study and randomly assigned to the RD reconstructed group or to the FTSG reconstructed group to investigate, compare and define advantages and disadvantages of both the techniques. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the overall outcome and the colour and texture match. No flap or skin graft total loss was observed. Six patients (30%) showed partial failure of FTSG. The RD group demonstrated excellent cosmetic outcome, ideal colour match, adequate structure of external ear, projection and shape. Wilcoxon matched-pairs rank-sum test demonstrated statistically significant higher scores for the RD group compared to the FTSG group (p<0.0001). The RD harvesting technique is easy and quicker than the FTSG technique. RD flap should be considered as the first choice for reconstruction of anterior auricular conchal defects following wider excision of skin tumours. Copyright (c) 2009. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Phenobarbital in intensive care unit pediatric population: predictive performances of population pharmacokinetic model.

PubMed

Marsot, Amélie; Michel, Fabrice; Chasseloup, Estelle; Paut, Olivier; Guilhaumou, Romain; Blin, Olivier

2017-10-01

An external evaluation of phenobarbital population pharmacokinetic model described by Marsot et al. was performed in pediatric intensive care unit. Model evaluation is an important issue for dose adjustment. This external evaluation should allow confirming the proposed dosage adaptation and extending these recommendations to the entire intensive care pediatric population. External evaluation of phenobarbital published population pharmacokinetic model of Marsot et al. was realized in a new retrospective dataset of 35 patients hospitalized in a pediatric intensive care unit. The published population pharmacokinetic model was implemented in nonmem 7.3. Predictive performance was assessed by quantifying bias and inaccuracy of model prediction. Normalized prediction distribution errors (NPDE) and visual predictive check (VPC) were also evaluated. A total of 35 infants were studied with a mean age of 33.5 weeks (range: 12 days-16 years) and a mean weight of 12.6 kg (range: 2.7-70.0 kg). The model predicted the observed phenobarbital concentrations with a reasonable bias and inaccuracy. The median prediction error was 3.03% (95% CI: -8.52 to 58.12%), and the median absolute prediction error was 26.20% (95% CI: 13.07-75.59%). No trends in NPDE and VPC were observed. The model previously proposed by Marsot et al. in neonates hospitalized in intensive care unit was externally validated for IV infusion administration. The model-based dosing regimen was extended in all pediatric intensive care unit to optimize treatment. Due to inter- and intravariability in pharmacokinetic model, this dosing regimen should be combined with therapeutic drug monitoring. © 2017 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique.

The Influence of External and Internal Factors on Forming the System of Managers' Professional Development at Transnational Corporations in Poland

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Banit, Olga

2017-01-01

The author performs analysis of external and internal factors that influence organization of the system of Polish managers' professional development. These factors can be united into two groups. We will attribute the factors formed under the influence of external factors to the first group, to the second--the internal ones. So, due to the dynamic…

The role of external features in face recognition with central vision loss: A pilot study

PubMed Central

Bernard, Jean-Baptiste; Chung, Susana T.L.

2016-01-01

Purpose We evaluated how the performance for recognizing familiar face images depends on the internal (eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth) and external face features (chin, outline of face, hairline) in individuals with central vision loss. Methods In Experiment 1, we measured eye movements for four observers with central vision loss to determine whether they fixated more often on the internal or the external features of face images while attempting to recognize the images. We then measured the accuracy for recognizing face images that contained only the internal, only the external, or both internal and external features (Experiment 2), and for hybrid images where the internal and external features came from two different source images (Experiment 3), for five observers with central vision loss and four age-matched control observers. Results When recognizing familiar face images, approximately 40% of the fixations of observers with central vision loss were centered on the external features of faces. The recognition accuracy was higher for images containing only external features (66.8±3.3% correct) than for images containing only internal features (35.8±15.0%), a finding contradicting that of control observers. For hybrid face images, observers with central vision loss responded more accurately to the external features (50.4±17.8%) than to the internal features (9.3±4.9%), while control observers did not show the same bias toward responding to the external features. Conclusions Contrary to people with normal vision who rely more on the internal features of face images for recognizing familiar faces, individuals with central vision loss show a higher dependence on using external features of face images. PMID:26829260

The Role of External Features in Face Recognition with Central Vision Loss.

PubMed

Bernard, Jean-Baptiste; Chung, Susana T L

2016-05-01

We evaluated how the performance of recognizing familiar face images depends on the internal (eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth) and external face features (chin, outline of face, hairline) in individuals with central vision loss. In experiment 1, we measured eye movements for four observers with central vision loss to determine whether they fixated more often on the internal or the external features of face images while attempting to recognize the images. We then measured the accuracy for recognizing face images that contained only the internal, only the external, or both internal and external features (experiment 2) and for hybrid images where the internal and external features came from two different source images (experiment 3) for five observers with central vision loss and four age-matched control observers. When recognizing familiar face images, approximately 40% of the fixations of observers with central vision loss was centered on the external features of faces. The recognition accuracy was higher for images containing only external features (66.8 ± 3.3% correct) than for images containing only internal features (35.8 ± 15.0%), a finding contradicting that of control observers. For hybrid face images, observers with central vision loss responded more accurately to the external features (50.4 ± 17.8%) than to the internal features (9.3 ± 4.9%), whereas control observers did not show the same bias toward responding to the external features. Contrary to people with normal vision who rely more on the internal features of face images for recognizing familiar faces, individuals with central vision loss show a higher dependence on using external features of face images.

DFB laser - External modulator fiber optic delay line for radar applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newberg, I. L.; Gee, C. M.; Thurmond, G. D.; Yen, H. W.

1989-09-01

A new application of a long fiber-optic delay line as a radar repeater in a radar test set is described. The experimental 31.6-kilometer fiber-optic link includes an external modulator operating with a distributed-feedback laser and low-loss single-mode fiber matched to the laser wavelength to obtain low dispersion for achieving large bandwidth-length performance. The successful tests, in which pulse compression peak sidelobe measurements are used to confirm the link RF phase linearity and SNR performance, show that fiber-optic links can meet the stringent phase and noise requirements of modern radars at high microwave frequencies.

High power densities from high-temperature material interactions. [in thermionic energy conversion and metallic fluid heat pipes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, J. F.

1981-01-01

Thermionic energy conversion (TEC) and metallic-fluid heat pipes (MFHPs), offering unique advantages in terrestrial and space energy processing by virtue of operating on working-fluid vaporization/condensation cycles that accept great thermal power densities at high temperatures, share complex materials problems. Simplified equations are presented that verify and solve such problems, suggesting the possibility of cost-effective applications in the near term for TEC and MFHP devices. Among the problems discussed are: the limitation of alkali-metal corrosion, protection against hot external gases, external and internal vaporization, interfacial reactions and diffusion, expansion coefficient matching, and creep deformation.

Familiarity and Within-Person Facial Variability: The Importance of the Internal and External Features.

PubMed

Kramer, Robin S S; Manesi, Zoi; Towler, Alice; Reynolds, Michael G; Burton, A Mike

2018-01-01

As faces become familiar, we come to rely more on their internal features for recognition and matching tasks. Here, we assess whether this same pattern is also observed for a card sorting task. Participants sorted photos showing either the full face, only the internal features, or only the external features into multiple piles, one pile per identity. In Experiments 1 and 2, we showed the standard advantage for familiar faces-sorting was more accurate and showed very few errors in comparison with unfamiliar faces. However, for both familiar and unfamiliar faces, sorting was less accurate for external features and equivalent for internal and full faces. In Experiment 3, we asked whether external features can ever be used to make an accurate sort. Using familiar faces and instructions on the number of identities present, we nevertheless found worse performance for the external in comparison with the internal features, suggesting that less identity information was available in the former. Taken together, we show that full faces and internal features are similarly informative with regard to identity. In comparison, external features contain less identity information and produce worse card sorting performance. This research extends current thinking on the shift in focus, both in attention and importance, toward the internal features and away from the external features as familiarity with a face increases.

The Bulging Behavior of Thick-Walled 6063 Aluminum Alloy Tubes Under Double-Sided Pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Xiao-Lei; Wang, Xiao-Song; Yuan, Shi-Jian

2015-05-01

To make further exploration on the deformation behavior of tube under double-sided pressures, the thick-walled 6063 aluminum alloy tubes with an outer diameter of 65 mm and an average thickness of 7.86 mm have been used to be bulged under the combined action of internal and external pressures. In the experiment, two ends of the thick-walled tubes were fixed using the tooth and groove match. Three levels of external pressure (0 MPa, 40 MPa, and 80 MPa), in conjunction with the internal pressure, were applied on the tube outside and inside simultaneously. The effect of external pressure on the bulging behavior of the thick-walled tubes, such as the limiting expansion ratio, the bulging zone profile, and the thickness distribution, has been investigated. It is shown that the limiting expansion ratio, the bulging zone profile, and the thickness distribution in the homogeneous bulging area are all insensitive to the external pressure. However, the external pressure can make the thick-walled tube achieve a thinner wall at the fracture area. It reveals that the external pressure can only improve the fracture limit of the thick-walled 6063 tubes, but it has very little effect on their homogeneous bulging behavior. It might be because the external pressure can only increase the magnitude of the hydrostatic pressure for the tube but has no effect on the Lode parameter.

Predictors of matching in an ophthalmology residency program.

PubMed

Loh, Allison R; Joseph, Damien; Keenan, Jeremy D; Lietman, Thomas M; Naseri, Ayman

2013-04-01

To examine the characteristics of US medical students applying for ophthalmology residency and to determine the predictors of matching. A retrospective case series. A total of 3435 medical students from the United States who applied to an ophthalmology residency program from 2003 to 2008 were included. Matched and unmatched applicants were compared and stratified by predictor variables, including United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) status, medical school reputation, and medical school geographic region. Differences in proportions were analyzed using the Fisher exact test. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of successful matching. Successful matching to an ophthalmology program. The majority of applicants (72%, 2486/3435) matched in ophthalmology. In multivariate analysis, AOA membership (odds ratio [OR], 2.6, P<0.0001), USMLE score (OR, 1.6; P<0.0001), presence of an ophthalmology residency at medical school (OR, 1.4; P = 0.01), top 25 medical school (OR, 1.4; P<0.03), top 10 medical school (OR, 1.6; P<0.02), and allopathic degree (OR, 4.0; P<0.0001) were statistically significant predictors of matching. Approximately 60% (1442/2486) of applicants matched to the same geographic region as their medical school. Applicants were more likely to match at a program in the same geographic region as their medical school than would be predicted by chance alone (P<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, higher USMLE score (OR, 0.9; P<0.0001) and top 10 medical school (OR, 0.7; P = 0.027) were statistically significant predictors of matching to outside the geographic region as one's medical school. The majority of applicants applying for an ophthalmology residency position match successfully. Higher performance on quantitative metrics seems to confer an advantage for matching. The majority of applicants match at a residency program within the same geographic region as one's medical school. Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Exploring Health Information Exchange Implementation Using Qualitative Assessments of Nursing Home Leaders

PubMed Central

Alexander, Gregory L.; Popejoy, Lori; Lyons, Vanessa; Shumate, Sue; Mueller, Jessica; Galambos, Colleen; Vogelsmeier, Amy; Rantz, Marilyn; Flesner, Marcia

2016-01-01

Objectives Limited research exists on nursing home information technologies, such as health information exchange (HIE) systems. Capturing the experiences of early HIE adopters provides vital information about how these systems are used. In this study, we conduct a secondary analysis of qualitative data captured during interviews with 15 nursing home leaders representing 14 nursing homes in the midwestern United States that are part of the Missouri Quality Improvement Initiative (MOQI) national demonstration project. Methods The interviews were conducted as part of an external evaluation of the HIE vendor contracting with the MOQI initiative with the purpose of understanding the challenges and successes of HIE implementation, with a particular focus on Direct HIE services. Results Emerging themes included (1) incorporating HIE into existing work processes, (2) participation inside and outside the facility, (3) appropriate training and retraining, (4) getting others to use the HIE, (5) getting the HIE operational, and 6) putting policies for technology into place. Discussion Three essential areas should be considered for nursing homes considering HIE adoption: readiness to adopt technology, availability of technology resources, and matching of new clinical workflows. PMID:27843423

A high temperature superconductor notch filter for the Sardinia Radio Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolli, Pietro; Cresci, Luca; Huang, Frederick; Mariotti, Sergio; Panella, Dario

2018-04-01

A High Temperature Superconductor filter operating in the C-band between 4200 and 5600 MHz has been developed for one of the radio astronomical receivers of the Sardinia Radio Telescope. The motivation was to attenuate an interference from a weather radar at 5640 MHz, whose power level exceeds the linear region of the first active stages of the receiver. A very sharp transition after the nominal maximum passband frequency is reached by combining a 6th order band-pass filter with a 6th order stop-band. This solution is competitive with an alternative layout based on a cascaded triplet filter. Three units of the filter have been measured with two different calibration approaches to investigate pros and cons of each, and data repeatability. The final performance figures of the filters are: ohmic losses of the order of 0.15-0.25 dB, matching better than -15 dB, and -30 dB attenuation at 5640 MHz. Finally, a more accurate model of the connection between external connector and microstrip shows a better agreement between simulations and experimental data.

Hyperactive external awareness against hypoactive internal awareness in disorders of consciousness using resting-state functional MRI: highlighting the involvement of visuo-motor modulation.

PubMed

He, Jiang-Hong; Yang, Yi; Zhang, Yi; Qiu, Si-You; Zhou, Zhen-Yu; Dang, Yuan-Yuan; Dai, Yi-Wu; Liu, Yi-Jun; Xu, Ru-Xiang

2014-08-01

Resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) has emerged as a valuable tool to characterize the complex states encompassing disorders of consciousness (DOC). Awareness appears to comprise two coexistent, anticorrelated components named the external and internal awareness networks. The present study hypothesizes that DOC interrupts the balance between the internal and external awareness networks. To gain more understanding of this phenomenon, the present study analyzed resting-state fMRI data from 12 patients with DOC versus 12 healthy age-matched controls. The data were explored using independent component analysis and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analysis. The results indicated that DOC deactivated midline areas associated with internal awareness. In addition, external awareness was strengthened in DOC because of increased activation in the insula, lingual gyrus, paracentral and supplementary motor area. The activity patterns suggested strengthened external awareness against weakened internal awareness in DOC. In particular, increased activity found in the insula, lingual gyrus, paracentral and supplementary motor area of patients with DOC implied possible involvement of augmented visuo-motor modulation in these patients. DOC is probably related to hyperactive external awareness opposing hypoactive internal awareness. This unique pattern of brain activity may potentially be a prognostic marker for DOC. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Compact hybrid optoelectrical unit for image processing and recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Gang; Jin, Guofan; Wu, Minxian; Liu, Haisong; He, Qingsheng; Yuan, ShiFu

1998-07-01

In this paper a compact opto-electric unit (CHOEU) for digital image processing and recognition is proposed. The central part of CHOEU is an incoherent optical correlator, which is realized with a SHARP QA-1200 8.4 inch active matrix TFT liquid crystal display panel which is used as two real-time spatial light modulators for both the input image and reference template. CHOEU can do two main processing works. One is digital filtering; the other is object matching. Using CHOEU an edge-detection operator is realized to extract the edges from the input images. Then the reprocessed images are sent into the object recognition unit for identifying the important targets. A novel template- matching method is proposed for gray-tome image recognition. A positive and negative cycle-encoding method is introduced to realize the absolute difference measurement pixel- matching on a correlator structure simply. The system has god fault-tolerance ability for rotation distortion, Gaussian noise disturbance or information losing. The experiments are given at the end of this paper.

Factors associated with successful matching to dermatology residency programs by reapplicants and other applicants who previously graduated from medical school.

PubMed

Stratman, Erik J; Ness, Rachel M

2011-02-01

To identify factors associated with and not associated with successful matching and matriculation (hereinafter "matching") to dermatology residency programs for applicants who previously graduated from medical school and to distinguish which factors are within applicants' control. Observational cohort study. Six accredited academic dermatology residency training programs in the United States. A total of 221 residency applicants who previously graduated from medical school and who applied through standardized electronic application to 1 or more of the participating residency training programs. Matriculation to a dermatology residency program by August 2008 following the 2006 residency application period. Forty-six of 221 former medical school graduates included in this study matched to a dermatology residency program. Factors strongly associated with matching included United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 3 score; submission of letters written by dermatologists from institutions that train dermatology residents; completion of preliminary medicine internships rather than transitional or other internship types; listing of research experience; publishing of medical manuscripts; and completion of non-Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Examination dermatology fellowships. Factors not associated with increased matching included volunteer work; PhD status; sex; number of posters or presentations at dermatology conferences; quality of journal publications; and first authorship. Most successful applicants limited personal statements to 1 page and did not mention previously failing to match. The study sample represented at least 86% of such nontraditional applicants who matched in 2006. For candidates seeking to match into dermatology residency programs after graduating from medical school, there are factors within their control that are associated with higher rates of match success. This study provides evidence to assist mentors who counsel such candidates. ©2011 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Incompatible blood transfusion: Challenging yet lifesaving in the management of acute severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

PubMed

Das, Sudipta Sekhar; Zaman, Rafiq Uz; Safi, Mohammad

2014-07-01

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed against red cell antigens. Most patients of AIHA arrive in the emergency or out-patient department (OPD) with severe anemia requiring urgent blood transfusion. Here we share our experience of managing these patients with incompatible blood transfusions and suggest the minimal test required to assure patient safety. A total of 14 patients admitted with severe anemia, diagnosed with AIHA and requiring blood transfusion urgently were included in the study. A series of immunohematological investigations were performed to confirm the diagnosis and issue best match packed red blood cells (PRBC) to these patients. A total of 167 PRBC units were crossmatched for 14 patients of which 46 units (28%) were found to be best match ones and 26 (56.5%) of these units were transfused. A mean turn around time of 222 min was observed in issuing the "best match" blood. Severe hemolysis was observed in all patients with a median hemoglobin increment of 0.88 g/dl after each unit PRBC transfusion. Decision to transfuse in AIHA should be based on the clinical condition of the patient. No critical patient should be denied blood transfusion due to serological incompatibility. Minimum investigations such as direct antiglobulin test (DAT), antibody screening and autocontrol should be performed to ensure transfusion safety in patients. All transfusion services should be capable of issuing "best match" PRBCs in AIHA.

Workload, Fatigue and Muscle Damage in an u20 Rugby Union Team Over an Intensified International Tournament.

PubMed

Lacome, Mathieu; Carling, Christopher; Hager, Jean-Philippe; Dine, Gerard; Piscione, Julien

2018-02-12

This study examined the effects of an intensified tournament on workload, perceptual and neuromuscular fatigue and muscle damage responses in an international under-20 rugby union team. Players were subdivided into two groups according to match-play exposure time: high (HEG, n=13) and low (LEG, n=11). Measures monitored over the 19-day period included training session (n=10) and match (n=5) workload determined via global positioning systems and session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE). Wellbeing scores, countermovement jump height performance (CMJ) and blood creatine kinase [CK]b concentrations were collected at various time points. Analysis of workload cumulated across the tournament entirety for training and match-play combined showed that high-speed running distance was similar between groups while a very likely larger sRPE load was reported in HEG vs. LEG. In HEG high-speed activity fluctuated across the 5 successive matches albeit with no clear trend for a progressive decrease. No clear tendency for a progressive decrease in wellbeing scores prior to or following matches was observed in either group. In HEG trivial to possibly small reductions in post-match CMJ performance were observed while unclear to most likely moderate increases in pre-match [CK]b concentrations occurred until prior to match 4. The magnitude of match-to-match changes in external workload, perceptual and neuromuscular fatigue and muscle damage was generally unclear or small. These results suggest that irrespective of exposure time to match-play players generally maintained performance and readiness to play across the intensified tournament. These findings support the need for holistic systematic player monitoring programmes.

Exploring the enablers and barriers to implementing the Medication Appropriateness Tool for Comorbid Health conditions during Dementia (MATCH-D) criteria in Australia: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Page, Amy Theresa; Clifford, Rhonda Marise; Potter, Kathleen; Seubert, Liza; McLachlan, Andrew J; Hill, Xaysja; King, Stephanie; Clark, Vaughan; Ryan, Cristin; Parekh, Nikesh; Etherton-Beer, Christopher D

2017-08-23

The Medication Appropriateness Tool for Comorbid Health conditions in Dementia (MATCH-D) criteria provide expert consensus guidance about medication use for people with dementia. This study aimed to identify enablers and barriers to implementing the criteria in practice. Participants came from both rural and metropolitan communities in two Australian states. Focus groups were held with consumers, general practitioners, nurses and pharmacists. data were analysed thematically. Nine focus groups were conducted. Fifty-five participants validated the content of MATCH-D, appraising them as providing patient-centred principles of care. Participants identified potential applications (including the use of MATCH-D as a discussion aid or educational tool for consumers about medicines) and suggested supporting resources. Participants provided insights into applying MATCH-D in practice and suggested resources to be included in an accompanying toolkit. These data provide external validation of MATCH-D and an empiric basis for their translation to practice. Following resource development, we plan to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of implementation in practice. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Cortical activation deficits during facial emotion processing in youth at high risk for the development of substance use disorders.

PubMed

Hulvershorn, Leslie A; Finn, Peter; Hummer, Tom A; Leibenluft, Ellen; Ball, Brandon; Gichina, Victoria; Anand, Amit

2013-08-01

Recent longitudinal studies demonstrate that addiction risk may be influenced by a cognitive, affective and behavioral phenotype that emerges during childhood. Relatively little research has focused on the affective or emotional risk components of this high-risk phenotype, including the relevant neurobiology. Non-substance abusing youth (N=19; mean age=12.2) with externalizing psychopathology and paternal history of a substance use disorder and demographically matched healthy comparisons (N=18; mean age=11.9) were tested on a facial emotion matching task during functional MRI. This task involved matching faces by emotions (angry, anxious) or matching shape orientation. High-risk youth exhibited increased medial prefrontal, precuneus and occipital cortex activation compared to the healthy comparison group during the face matching condition, relative to the control shape condition. The occipital activation correlated positively with parent-rated emotion regulation impairments in the high-risk group. These findings suggest a preexisting abnormality in cortical activation in response to facial emotion matching in youth at high risk for the development of problem drug or alcohol use. These cortical deficits may underlie impaired affective processing and regulation, which in turn may contribute to escalating drug use in adolescence. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cortical Activation Deficits During Facial Emotion Processing in Youth at High Risk for the Development of Substance Use Disorders*

PubMed Central

Hulvershorn, Leslie A.; Finn, Peter; Hummer, Tom A.; Leibenluft, Ellen; Ball, Brandon; Gichina, Victoria; Anand, Amit

2013-01-01

Background Recent longitudinal studies demonstrate that addiction risk may be influenced by a cognitive, affective and behavioral phenotype that emerges during childhood. Relatively little research has focused on the affective or emotional risk components of this high-risk phenotype, including the relevant neurobiology. Methods Non-substance abusing youth (N = 19; mean age = 12.2) with externalizing psychopathology and paternal history of a substance use disorder and demographically matched healthy comparisons (N=18; mean age = 11.9) were tested on a facial emotion matching task during functional MRI. This task involved matching faces by emotions (angry, anxious) or matching shape orientation. Results High-risk youth exhibited increased medial prefrontal, precuneus and occipital cortex activation compared to the healthy comparison group during the face matching condition, relative to the control shape condition. The occipital activation correlated positively with parent-rated emotion regulation impairments in the high-risk group. Conclusions These findings suggest a preexisting abnormality in cortical activation in response to facial emotion matching in youth at high risk for the development of problem drug or alcohol use. These cortical deficits may underlie impaired affective processing and regulation, which in turn may contribute to escalating drug use in adolescence. PMID:23768841

Index matching of TE and TM modes in organic multilayer waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Jonathan; Schmitzer, Heidrun; Wagner, Hans Peter

We investigate transverse electric (TE) and magnetic (TM) mode propagation in organic multilayers consisting of aluminum quinoline (Alq3) and perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA). In particular, we analyze two multilayer waveguides, Alq3-PTCDA-Alq3 and PTCDA-Alq3-PTCDA, engineered to give index matching according to modeling. The waveguides were grown on a glass substrate via organic molecular beam deposition. Fabry-Perot oscillations observed from reflection measurements were used to confirm the individual layer thicknesses. We were able to observe refractive index matching between TE0 and TE1, as well as TE2 and TE3 modes for the PTCDA-Alq3-PTCDA waveguide due to the light propagation through the top and bottom PTCDA layers, respectively. In addition, we were able to match TE1 and TM1, as well as TE3 and TM3 modes in the Alq3-PTCDA-Alq3 multilayer due to the birefringence of the PTCDA layer. Furthermore, we are able to create mode matching for a range of wavelengths due to the similar effective refractive index dispersion of different waveguide modes. The ability to phase match different waveguide modes opens a wide range of potential applications including polarization-insensitive propagation and mode switching by adding a thin magnetic metal film within the waveguide and applying an external magnetic field.

The Generalized Matching Law in Elite Sport Competition: Football Play Calling as Operant Choice

PubMed Central

Reed, Derek D; Critchfield, Thomas S; Martens, Brian K

2006-01-01

A mathematical model of operant choice, the generalized matching law was used to analyze play-calling data from the 2004 National Football League season. In all analyses, the relative ratio of passing to rushing plays was examined as a function of the relative ratio of reinforcement, defined as yards gained, from passing versus rushing. Different analyses focused on season-aggregate data for the league as a whole, game-by-game data for the league as a whole, and game-by-game data for individual teams. In all analyses except those for a few individual teams, the generalized matching law accounted for a majority of variance in play calling. The typical play-calling pattern reflected undermatching (suggesting imperfect sensitivity of play calling to yardage-gained reinforcers) and a bias for calling rushing plays. Bias was found to be a function of both the relative risk of turnovers and the relative variability in yards gained associated with passing versus rushing plays. The external validity of the matching analyses was supported by significant correlations between parameters of the generalized matching law and team success on offense and season winning percentage. These results illustrate the broad applicability of the generalized matching law to problems outside of the laboratory. PMID:17020210

Locus of Control and Helplessness: Gender Differences among Bereaved Parents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rubinstein, Gidi

2004-01-01

This study investigated locus of control (LC) and hopelessness (H) among 25 pairs of bereaved parents, who lost their children in the Arab--Israeli conflict, and 25 pairs of demographically matched non-bereaved parents (mean age 53). Four of the 5 hypotheses were supported by results. LC was significantly more external and H was significantly…

Within-School Spillover Effects of Foreclosures and Student Mobility on Student Academic Performance. Working Papers. No. 15-6

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bradbury, Katharine; Burke, Mary A.; Triest, Robert K.

2014-01-01

Aside from effects on nearby property values, research is sparse on how foreclosures may generate negative externalities. Employing a unique dataset that matches individual student records from Boston Public Schools--including test scores, demographics, home address moves, and school changes--with real estate records indicating whether the student…

GIDEP Batching Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fong, Danny; Odell,Dorice; Barry, Peter; Abrahamian, Tomik

2008-01-01

This software provides internal, automated search mechanics of GIDEP (Government- Industry Data Exchange Program) Alert data imported from the GIDEP government Web site. The batching tool allows the import of a single parts list in tab-delimited text format into the local JPL GIDEP database. Delimiters from every part number are removed. The original part numbers with delimiters are compared, as well as the newly generated list without the delimiters. The two lists run against the GIDEP imports, and output any matches. This feature only works with Netscape 2.0 or greater, or Internet Explorer 4.0 or greater. The user selects the browser button to choose a text file to import. When the submit button is pressed, this script will import alerts from the text file into the local JPL GIDEP database. This batch tool provides complete in-house control over exported material and data for automated batch match abilities. The batching tool has the ability to match capabilities of the parts list to tables, and yields results that aid further research and analysis. This provides more control over GIDEP information for metrics and reports information not provided by the government site. This software yields results quickly and gives more control over external data from the government site in order to generate other reports not available from the external source. There is enough space to store years of data. The program relates to risk identification and management with regard to projects and GIDEP alert information encompassing flight parts for space exploration.

Drift-Free Indoor Navigation Using Simultaneous Localization and Mapping of the Ambient Heterogeneous Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chow, J. C. K.

2017-09-01

In the absence of external reference position information (e.g. surveyed targets or Global Navigation Satellite Systems) Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) has proven to be an effective method for indoor navigation. The positioning drift can be reduced with regular loop-closures and global relaxation as the backend, thus achieving a good balance between exploration and exploitation. Although vision-based systems like laser scanners are typically deployed for SLAM, these sensors are heavy, energy inefficient, and expensive, making them unattractive for wearables or smartphone applications. However, the concept of SLAM can be extended to non-optical systems such as magnetometers. Instead of matching features such as walls and furniture using some variation of the Iterative Closest Point algorithm, the local magnetic field can be matched to provide loop-closure and global trajectory updates in a Gaussian Process (GP) SLAM framework. With a MEMS-based inertial measurement unit providing a continuous trajectory, and the matching of locally distinct magnetic field maps, experimental results in this paper show that a drift-free navigation solution in an indoor environment with millimetre-level accuracy can be achieved. The GP-SLAM approach presented can be formulated as a maximum a posteriori estimation problem and it can naturally perform loop-detection, feature-to-feature distance minimization, global trajectory optimization, and magnetic field map estimation simultaneously. Spatially continuous features (i.e. smooth magnetic field signatures) are used instead of discrete feature correspondences (e.g. point-to-point) as in conventional vision-based SLAM. These position updates from the ambient magnetic field also provide enough information for calibrating the accelerometer bias and gyroscope bias in-use. The only restriction for this method is the need for magnetic disturbances (which is typically not an issue for indoor environments); however, no assumptions are required for the general motion of the sensor (e.g. static periods).

Measurement of Infrasound from the Marine Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

ocean heave, which are due to the change in the background atmospheric pressure as the sensor moves up and down. An external inertial measurement unit ... inertial measurement unit (IMU) was used to estimate the heave, and was highly correlated with the pressure interference signal. Mission area... MEASUREMENT UNIT ..................................................... 13 ADAPTIVE NOISE CANCELATION

Matching soil grid unit resolutions with polygon unit scales for DNDC modelling of regional SOC pool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, H. D.; Yu, D. S.; Ni, Y. L.; Zhang, L. M.; Shi, X. Z.

2015-03-01

Matching soil grid unit resolution with polygon unit map scale is important to minimize uncertainty of regional soil organic carbon (SOC) pool simulation as their strong influences on the uncertainty. A series of soil grid units at varying cell sizes were derived from soil polygon units at the six map scales of 1:50 000 (C5), 1:200 000 (D2), 1:500 000 (P5), 1:1 000 000 (N1), 1:4 000 000 (N4) and 1:14 000 000 (N14), respectively, in the Tai lake region of China. Both format soil units were used for regional SOC pool simulation with DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) process-based model, which runs span the time period 1982 to 2000 at the six map scales, respectively. Four indices, soil type number (STN) and area (AREA), average SOC density (ASOCD) and total SOC stocks (SOCS) of surface paddy soils simulated with the DNDC, were attributed from all these soil polygon and grid units, respectively. Subjecting to the four index values (IV) from the parent polygon units, the variation of an index value (VIV, %) from the grid units was used to assess its dataset accuracy and redundancy, which reflects uncertainty in the simulation of SOC. Optimal soil grid unit resolutions were generated and suggested for the DNDC simulation of regional SOC pool, matching with soil polygon units map scales, respectively. With the optimal raster resolution the soil grid units dataset can hold the same accuracy as its parent polygon units dataset without any redundancy, when VIV < 1% of all the four indices was assumed as criteria to the assessment. An quadratic curve regression model y = -8.0 × 10-6x2 + 0.228x + 0.211 (R2 = 0.9994, p < 0.05) was revealed, which describes the relationship between optimal soil grid unit resolution (y, km) and soil polygon unit map scale (1:x). The knowledge may serve for grid partitioning of regions focused on the investigation and simulation of SOC pool dynamics at certain map scale.

E-beam column monitoring for improved CD SEM stability and tool matching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayes, Timothy S.; Henninger, Randall S.

2000-06-01

Tool matching is an important metric for in-line semiconductor metrology systems. The ability to obtain the same measurement results on two or more systems allows a semiconductor fabrication facility (fab) to deploy product in an efficient manner improving overall equipment efficiency (OEE). Many parameters on the critical dimension scanning electron microscopes (CDSEMs) can affect the long-term precision component to the tool-matching metric. One such class of parameters is related to the electron beam column stability. The alignment and condition of the gun and apertures, as well as astigmatism correction, have all been found to affect the overall measurements of the CDSEM. These effects are now becoming dominant factors in sub-3nm tool-matching criteria. This paper discusses the methodologies of column parameter monitoring and actions and controls for improving overall stability. Results have shown that column instabilities caused by contamination, gun fluctuations, component failures, detector efficiency, and external issues can be identified through parameter monitoring. The Applied Materials (AMAT) 7830 Series CDSEMs evaluated at IBM's Burlington, Vermont manufacturing facility have demonstrated 5 nm tool matching across 11 systems, which has resulted in non-dedicated product deployment and has significantly reduced cost of ownership.

Impact of External Cue Validity on Driving Performance in Parkinson's Disease

PubMed Central

Scally, Karen; Charlton, Judith L.; Iansek, Robert; Bradshaw, John L.; Moss, Simon; Georgiou-Karistianis, Nellie

2011-01-01

This study sought to investigate the impact of external cue validity on simulated driving performance in 19 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and 19 healthy age-matched controls. Braking points and distance between deceleration point and braking point were analysed for red traffic signals preceded either by Valid Cues (correctly predicting signal), Invalid Cues (incorrectly predicting signal), and No Cues. Results showed that PD drivers braked significantly later and travelled significantly further between deceleration and braking points compared with controls for Invalid and No-Cue conditions. No significant group differences were observed for driving performance in response to Valid Cues. The benefit of Valid Cues relative to Invalid Cues and No Cues was significantly greater for PD drivers compared with controls. Trail Making Test (B-A) scores correlated with driving performance for PDs only. These results highlight the importance of external cues and higher cognitive functioning for driving performance in mild to moderate PD. PMID:21789275

50 CFR 401.11 - Property as matching funds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE); ENDANGERED SPECIES COMMITTEE REGULATIONS SUBCHAPTER A ANADROMOUS... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 7 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Property as matching funds. 401.11 Section 401.11 Wildlife and Fisheries JOINT REGULATIONS (UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT...

Is orthopedics more competitive today than when my attending matched? An analysis of National Resident Matching Program data for orthopedic PGY1 applicants from 1984 to 2011.

PubMed

Karnes, Jonathan M; Mayerson, Joel L; Scharschmidt, Thomas J

2014-01-01

This study evaluated supply and demand trends for orthopedic postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) positions from 1984 to 2011 for the purpose of estimating national intercandidate competition over time. National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) data for orthopedic surgery from 1984 to 2011 were collected. Proxy variables including (total number of orthopedic applicants/number of orthopedic PGY1 positions), (number of US senior applicants to orthopedics/number of orthopedic PGY1 positions), (number of US seniors matching into orthopedics/number of US senior orthopedic applicants), (total number of matched orthopedic applicants/total number of orthopedic applicants), and (total number of US applicants who fail to match into orthopedics/total number of US senior applicants into orthopedics) as well as average United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scores were used to gauge the level of competition between candidates and were compared over time. Academic medical center in the Midwestern United States. Medical professors and medical students. The NRMP data suggested that the number of positions per applicant decreased or remained stable since 1984 and that the percentage of applicants who did not match was no higher now than in the past. This finding was primarily because of the relative decrease in the ratio of applicants to available PGY1 positions, which stems from the number of positions increasing more rapidly than the number of applicants. The NRMP data from 1984 to 2011 supported our hypothesis that intercandidate competition intensity for orthopedic PGY1 positions has not increased over time. The misconception that orthopedics is becoming more competitive likely arises from the increased number of applications submitted per candidate and the resulting relative importance placed on objective criteria such as United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scores when programs select interview cohorts. Copyright © 2014 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SLAC-standard CAMAC branch terminator (Engineering Materials)

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

Not Available

1980-04-04

The drawings listed on the drawing list provide the data and specifications for constructing a Branch Terminator for the SLAC standard CAMAC units. This is a device for matching the cables and other branch lines in the system. This unit is designed for a certain group of SLAC CAMAC units which are referred to as SLAC-Standard CAMAC Units.

Textual Design and Student Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parer, Michael S.

A study was conducted to examine the relationships of four areas of textual design factors that are relevant to external students' learning as they use their course study guides: the micro and macro textual features, the linguistics, and the instructional design elements. Twelve external students from two units at the Gippsland Institute were…

The Importance of External Advisory Boards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olson, Gary A.

2008-01-01

In a recent Internet discussion among academic deans, the topic was whether departments and other academic units should create external advisory boards. The dean who raised the issue asked his colleagues whether they maintained boards, if they were genuinely beneficial, and what the ideal board would look like. Some administrators are only now…

32 CFR 705.9 - Availability of motion pictures to external audiences.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... UNITED STATES NAVY REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS PUBLIC AFFAIRS REGULATIONS § 705.9 Availability of motion pictures to external audiences. (a) Public access. Navy and Marine Corps general motion pictures and motion picture projects not previously cleared for public exhibition will require clearance by the...

Absorptive Capacity: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding District Central Office Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farrell, Caitlin C.; Coburn, Cynthia E.

2017-01-01

Globally, school systems are pressed to engage in large-scale school improvement. In the United States and other countries, school district central offices and other local governing agencies often engage with external organizations and individuals to support such educational change efforts. However, initiatives with external partners are not…

External damage cost of noise emitted from motor vehicles

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-10-01

With a detailed model of the cost of motor vehicle noise in the United States in 1990, it is estimated that the external damage cost of this noise could range from as little as $100 million per year to as much as $40 billion per year, although it is ...

Load-dependent assembly of the bacterial flagellar motor.

PubMed

Tipping, Murray J; Delalez, Nicolas J; Lim, Ren; Berry, Richard M; Armitage, Judith P

2013-08-20

It is becoming clear that the bacterial flagellar motor output is important not only for bacterial locomotion but also for mediating the transition from liquid to surface living. The output of the flagellar motor changes with the mechanical load placed on it by the external environment: at a higher load, the motor runs more slowly and produces higher torque. Here we show that the number of torque-generating units bound to the flagellar motor also depends on the external mechanical load, with fewer stators at lower loads. Stalled motors contained at least as many stators as rotating motors at high load, indicating that rotation is unnecessary for stator binding. Mutant stators incapable of generating torque could not be detected around the motor. We speculate that a component of the bacterial flagellar motor senses external load and mediates the strength of stator binding to the rest of the motor. The transition between liquid living and surface living is important in the life cycles of many bacteria. In this paper, we describe how the flagellar motor, used by bacteria for locomotion through liquid media and across solid surfaces, is capable of adjusting the number of bound stator units to better suit the external load conditions. By stalling motors using external magnetic fields, we also show that rotation is not required for maintenance of stators around the motor; instead, torque production is the essential factor for motor stability. These new results, in addition to previous data, lead us to hypothesize that the motor stators function as mechanosensors as well as functioning as torque-generating units.

TreeCmp: Comparison of Trees in Polynomial Time

PubMed Central

Bogdanowicz, Damian; Giaro, Krzysztof; Wróbel, Borys

2012-01-01

When a phylogenetic reconstruction does not result in one tree but in several, tree metrics permit finding out how far the reconstructed trees are from one another. They also permit to assess the accuracy of a reconstruction if a true tree is known. TreeCmp implements eight metrics that can be calculated in polynomial time for arbitrary (not only bifurcating) trees: four for unrooted (Matching Split metric, which we have recently proposed, Robinson-Foulds, Path Difference, Quartet) and four for rooted trees (Matching Cluster, Robinson-Foulds cluster, Nodal Splitted and Triple). TreeCmp is the first implementation of Matching Split/Cluster metrics and the first efficient and convenient implementation of Nodal Splitted. It allows to compare relatively large trees. We provide an example of the application of TreeCmp to compare the accuracy of ten approaches to phylogenetic reconstruction with trees up to 5000 external nodes, using a measure of accuracy based on normalized similarity between trees.

Photography in Dermatologic Surgery: Selection of an Appropriate Lighting Solution for a Particular Clinical Application.

PubMed

Chen, Brian R; Poon, Emily; Alam, Murad

2018-01-01

Lighting is an important component of consistent, high-quality dermatologic photography. There are different types of lighting solutions available. To evaluate currently available lighting equipment and methods suitable for procedural dermatology. Overhead lighting, built-in camera flashes, external flash units, studio strobes, and light-emitting diode (LED) light panels were evaluated with regard to their utility for dermatologic surgeons. A set of ideal lighting characteristics was used to examine the capabilities and limitations of each type of lighting solution. Recommendations regarding lighting solutions and optimal usage configurations were made in terms of the context of the clinical environment and the purpose of the image. Overhead lighting may be a convenient option for general documentation. An on-camera lighting solution using a built-in camera flash or a camera-mounted external flash unit provides portability and consistent lighting with minimal training. An off-camera lighting solution with studio strobes, external flash units, or LED light panels provides versatility and even lighting with minimal shadows and glare. The selection of an optimal lighting solution is contingent on practical considerations and the purpose of the image.

[Quality management in intensive care medicine].

PubMed

Martin, J; Braun, J-P

2014-02-01

Treatment of critical ill patients in the intensive care unit is tantamount to well-designed risk or quality management. Several tools of quality management and quality assurance have been developed in intensive care medicine. In addition to external quality assurance by benchmarking with regard to the intensive care medicine, peer review procedures have been established for external quality assurance in recent years. In the process of peer review of an intensive care unit (ICU), external physicians and nurses visit the ICU, evaluate on-site proceedings, and discuss with the managing team of the ICU possibilities for optimization. Furthermore, internal quality management in the ICU is possible based on the 10 quality indicators of the German Interdisciplinary Society for Intensive Care Medicine (DIVI, "Deutschen Interdisziplinären Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin"). Thereby every ICU has numerous possibilities to improve their quality management system.

[Quality management in intensive care medicine].

PubMed

Martin, J; Braun, J-P

2013-09-01

Treatment of critical ill patients in the intensive care unit is tantamount to well-designed risk or quality management. Several tools of quality management and quality assurance have been developed in intensive care medicine. In addition to extern quality assurance by benchmarking with regard to the intensive care medicine, peer review procedures have been established for external quality assurance in recent years. In the process of peer review of an intensive care unit (ICU), external physicians and nurses visit the ICU, evaluate on-site proceedings, and discuss with the managing team of the ICU possibilities for optimization. Furthermore, internal quality management in the ICU is possible based on the 10 quality indicators of the German Interdisciplinary Society for Intensive Care Medicine (DIVI, "Deutschen Interdisziplinären Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin"). Thereby every ICU has numerous possibilities to improve their quality management system.

41 CFR 105-56.024 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... offset computer matching, identify Federal employees who owe delinquent non-tax debt to the United States. Centralized salary offset computer matching is the computerized comparison of delinquent debt records with...) administrative offset program, to collect delinquent debts owed to the Federal Government. This process is known...

Is Matching Innate?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallistel, C. R.; King, Adam Philip; Gottlieb, Daniel; Balci, Fuat; Papachristos, Efstathios B.; Szalecki, Matthew; Carbone, Kimberly S.

2007-01-01

Experimentally naive mice matched the proportions of their temporal investments (visit durations) in two feeding hoppers to the proportions of the food income (pellets per unit session time) derived from them in three experiments that varied the coupling between the behavioral investment and food income, from no coupling to strict coupling.…

78 FR 29055 - State Medicaid Fraud Control Units; Data Mining

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-17

...] State Medicaid Fraud Control Units; Data Mining AGENCY: Office of Inspector General (OIG), HHS. ACTION... Fraud Control Units (MFCU) from using Federal matching funds to identify fraud through screening and... Control Number (OCN) 0990-0162. Table 2 indicates the paperwork burden associated with the requirements of...

Effects of kinesthetic versus visual imagery practice on two technical dance movements: a pilot study.

PubMed

Girón, Elizabeth Coker; McIsaac, Tara; Nilsen, Dawn

2012-03-01

Motor imagery is a type of mental practice that involves imagining the body performing a movement in the absence of motor output. Dance training traditionally incorporates mental practice techniques, but quantitative effects of motor imagery on the performance of dance movements are largely unknown. This pilot study compared the effects of two different imagery modalities, external visual imagery and kinesthetic imagery, on pelvis and hip kinematics during two technical dance movements, plié and sauté. Each of three female dance students (mean age = 19.7 years, mean years of training = 10.7) was assigned to use a type of imagery practice: visual imagery, kinesthetic imagery, or no imagery. Effects of motor imagery on peak external hip rotation varied by both modality and task. Kinesthetic imagery increased peak external hip rotation for pliés, while visual imagery increased peak external hip rotation for sautés. Findings suggest that the success of motor imagery in improving performance may be task-specific. Dancers may benefit from matching imagery modality to technical tasks in order to improve alignment and thereby avoid chronic injury.

Corollary discharge provides the sensory content of inner speech.

PubMed

Scott, Mark

2013-09-01

Inner speech is one of the most common, but least investigated, mental activities humans perform. It is an internal copy of one's external voice and so is similar to a well-established component of motor control: corollary discharge. Corollary discharge is a prediction of the sound of one's voice generated by the motor system. This prediction is normally used to filter self-caused sounds from perception, which segregates them from externally caused sounds and prevents the sensory confusion that would otherwise result. The similarity between inner speech and corollary discharge motivates the theory, tested here, that corollary discharge provides the sensory content of inner speech. The results reported here show that inner speech attenuates the impact of external sounds. This attenuation was measured using a context effect (an influence of contextual speech sounds on the perception of subsequent speech sounds), which weakens in the presence of speech imagery that matches the context sound. Results from a control experiment demonstrated this weakening in external speech as well. Such sensory attenuation is a hallmark of corollary discharge.

Cerebral network deficits in post-acute catatonic schizophrenic patients measured by fMRI.

PubMed

Scheuerecker, J; Ufer, S; Käpernick, M; Wiesmann, M; Brückmann, H; Kraft, E; Seifert, D; Koutsouleris, N; Möller, H J; Meisenzahl, E M

2009-03-01

Twelve patients with catatonic schizophrenia and 12 matched healthy controls were examined with functional MRI while performing a motor task. The aim of our study was to identify the intracerebral pathophysiological correlates of motor symptoms in catatonic patients. The motor task included three conditions: a self-initiated (SI), an externally triggered (ET) and a rest condition. Statistical analysis was performed with SPM5. During the self-initiated movements patients showed significantly less activation than healthy controls in the supplementary motor area (SMA), the prefrontal and parietal cortex. Our results suggest a dysfunction of the "medial motor system" in catatonic patients. Self-initiated and externally triggered movements are mediated by different motor loops. The "medial loop" includes the SMA, thalamus and basal ganglia, and is necessary for self-initiated movements. The "lateral loop" includes parts of the cerebellum, lateral premotor cortex, thalamus and parietal association areas. It is involved in the execution of externally triggered movements. Our findings are in agreement with earlier behavioral data, which show deficits in self-initiated movements in catatonic patients but no impairment of externally triggered movements.

A study of the eigenvectors of the vibrational modes in crystalline cytidine via high-pressure Raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Lee, Scott A; Pinnick, David A; Anderson, A

2015-01-01

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the vibrational modes of crystalline cytidine at 295 K and high pressures by evaluating the logarithmic derivative of the vibrational frequency ω with respect to pressure P: [Formula: see text]. Crystalline samples of molecular materials have strong intramolecular bonds and weak intermolecular bonds. This hierarchy of bonding strengths causes the vibrational optical modes localized within a molecular unit ("internal" modes) to be relatively high in frequency while the modes in which the molecular units vibrate against each other ("external" modes) have relatively low frequencies. The value of the logarithmic derivative is a useful diagnostic probe of the nature of the eigenvector of the vibrational modes because stretching modes (which are predominantly internal to the molecule) have low logarithmic derivatives while external modes have higher logarithmic derivatives. In crystalline cytidine, the modes at 85.8, 101.4, and 110.6 cm(-1) are external in which the molecules of the unit cell vibrate against each other in either translational or librational motions (or some linear combination thereof). All of the modes above 320 cm(-1) are predominantly internal stretching modes. The remaining modes below 320 cm(-1) include external modes and internal modes, mostly involving either torsional or bending motions of groups of atoms within a molecule.

External Validity of Contingent Valuation: Comparing Hypothetical and Actual Payments.

PubMed

Ryan, Mandy; Mentzakis, Emmanouil; Jareinpituk, Suthi; Cairns, John

2017-11-01

Whilst contingent valuation is increasingly used in economics to value benefits, questions remain concerning its external validity that is do hypothetical responses match actual responses? We present results from the first within sample field test. Whilst Hypothetical No is always an Actual No, Hypothetical Yes exceed Actual Yes responses. A constant rate of response reversals across bids/prices could suggest theoretically consistent option value responses. Certainty calibrations (verbal and numerical response scales) minimise hypothetical-actual discrepancies offering a useful solution. Helping respondents resolve uncertainty may reduce the discrepancy between hypothetical and actual payments and thus lead to more accurate policy recommendations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

FIBER AND INTEGRATED OPTICS. OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Fiber-optic interferometers: control of spectral composition of the radiation and formation of high-intensity optical pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulushev, A. G.; Dianov, Evgenii M.; Kuznetsov, A. V.; Okhotnikov, O. G.; Paramonov, Vladimir M.; Tsarev, Vladimir A.

1990-05-01

A study was made of the use of single-mode fiber ring interferometers in narrowing the emission lines of semiconductor lasers and increasing the optical radiation power. Efficient coupling of radiation, emitted by a multifrequency injection laser with an external resonator, into a fiber ring interferometer was achieved both under cw and mode-locking conditions. Matching of the optical lengths of the external resonator and the fiber interferometer made it possible to determine the mode width for this laser. A method for generation of optical pulses in a fiber ring interferometer from cw frequency modulated radiation was developed.

High power densities from high-temperature materials interactions. [thermionic energy conversion and metallic fluid heat pipes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, J. F.

1981-01-01

Thermionic energy converters and metallic-fluid heat pipes are well suited to serve together synergistically. The two operating cycles appear as simple and isolated as their material problems seem forebodingly deceptive and complicated. Simplified equations verify material properties and interactions as primary influences on the operational effectiveness of both. Each experiences flow limitations in thermal emission and vaporization because of temperature restrictions redounding from thermophysicochemical stability considerations. Topics discussed include: (1) successful limitation of alkali-metal corrosion; (2) protection against external hot corrosive gases; (3) coping with external and internal vaporization; (4) controlling interfacial reactions and diffusion; and (5) meeting other thermophysical challenges; expansion matches and creep.

Method of electric powertrain matching for battery-powered electric cars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, Guobao; Xiong, Lu; Zhang, Lijun; Yu, Zhuoping

2013-05-01

The current match method of electric powertrain still makes use of longitudinal dynamics, which can't realize maximum capacity for on-board energy storage unit and can't reach lowest equivalent fuel consumption as well. Another match method focuses on improving available space considering reasonable layout of vehicle to enlarge rated energy capacity for on-board energy storage unit, which can keep the longitudinal dynamics performance almost unchanged but can't reach lowest fuel consumption. Considering the characteristics of driving motor, method of electric powertrain matching utilizing conventional longitudinal dynamics for driving system and cut-and-try method for energy storage system is proposed for passenger cars converted from traditional ones. Through combining the utilization of vehicle space which contributes to the on-board energy amount, vehicle longitudinal performance requirements, vehicle equivalent fuel consumption level, passive safety requirements and maximum driving range requirement together, a comprehensive optimal match method of electric powertrain for battery-powered electric vehicle is raised. In simulation, the vehicle model and match method is built in Matlab/simulink, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) is chosen as a test condition. The simulation results show that 2.62% of regenerative energy and 2% of energy storage efficiency are increased relative to the traditional method. The research conclusions provide theoretical and practical solutions for electric powertrain matching for modern battery-powered electric vehicles especially for those converted from traditional ones, and further enhance dynamics of electric vehicles.

Impact of Feedback on Three Phases of Performance Monitoring

PubMed Central

Appelgren, Alva; Penny, William; Bengtsson, Sara L

2013-01-01

We investigated if certain phases of performance monitoring show differential sensitivity to external feedback and thus rely on distinct mechanisms. The phases of interest were: the error phase (FE), the phase of the correct response after errors (FEC), and the phase of correct responses following corrects (FCC). We tested accuracy and reaction time (RT) on 12 conditions of a continuous-choice-response task; the 2-back task. External feedback was either presented or not in FE and FEC, and delivered on 0%, 20%, or 100% of FCC trials. The FCC20 was matched to FE and FEC in the number of sounds received so that we could investigate when external feedback was most valuable to the participants. We found that external feedback led to a reduction in accuracy when presented on all the correct responses. Moreover, RT was significantly reduced for FCC100, which in turn correlated with the accuracy reduction. Interestingly, the correct response after an error was particularly sensitive to external feedback since accuracy was reduced when external feedback was presented during this phase but not for FCC20. Notably, error-monitoring was not influenced by feedback-type. The results are in line with models suggesting that the internal error-monitoring system is sufficient in cognitively demanding tasks where performance is ∼ 80%, as well as theories stipulating that external feedback directs attention away from the task. Our data highlight the first correct response after an error as particularly sensitive to external feedback, suggesting that important consolidation of response strategy takes place here. PMID:24217138

Comparison of Individual Criteria and Externally Imposed Criteria for Stage Allocation: Findings from an Internet Study Addressing Physical Activity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richert, Jana; Lippke, Sonia; Schwarzer, Ralf

2010-01-01

Stage-matched interventions can only be more effective than "one-size-fits-all" interventions if they target participants' specific needs. Therefore, individuals must be allocated to a stage that truly reflects their mindsets. Various criteria for stage allocation exist. This study's objective was to demonstrate the impact of different…

Limitations in 4-Year-Old Children's Sensitivity to the Spacing among Facial Features

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mondloch, Catherine J.; Thomson, Kendra

2008-01-01

Four-year-olds' sensitivity to differences among faces in the spacing of features was tested under 4 task conditions: judging distinctiveness when the external contour was visible and when it was occluded, simultaneous match-to-sample, and recognizing the face of a friend. In each task, the foil differed only in the spacing of features, and…

Teachers' Views on the Construction, Management and Delivery of an Externally Prescribed Physical Education Curriculum: Higher Grade Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacPhail, Ann

2007-01-01

Background: The level of influence teachers have over changing developments in curricula to suit their individual schools is not matched by the influence they possess in the development of such curricula outside of the school context. Bernstein's model of the social construction of pedagogic discourse allows examination of the development,…

Thai Automatic Speech Recognition

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

used in an external DARPA evaluation involving medical scenarios between an American Doctor and a naïve monolingual Thai patient. 2. Thai Language... dictionary generation more challenging, and (3) the lack of word segmentation, which calls for automatic segmentation approaches to make n-gram language...requires a dictionary and provides various segmentation algorithms to automatically select suitable segmentations. Here we used a maximal matching

Integrated and Early Childhood Education: Preparation for Social Development. Theme D: Looking Forward - Integrated Participation in Processes of Change.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Springer, Hugh

This seminar paper presents an analysis of the many complex issues inherent in planning and implementing those educational interventions designed to accelerate human change so that it matches the pace of external change in traditional societies. After establishing the importance of sensitive periods when learning can be massive and intervention is…

Discovering frequently recurring movement sequences in team-sport athlete spatiotemporal data.

PubMed

Sweeting, Alice J; Aughey, Robert J; Cormack, Stuart J; Morgan, Stuart

2017-12-01

Athlete external load is typically analysed from predetermined movement thresholds. The combination of movement sequences and differences in these movements between playing positions is also currently unknown. This study developed a method to discover the frequently recurring movement sequences across playing position during matches. The external load of 12 international female netball athletes was collected by a local positioning system during four national-level matches. Velocity, acceleration and angular velocity were calculated from positional (X, Y) data, clustered via one-dimensional k-means and assigned a unique alphabetic label. Combinations of velocity, acceleration and angular velocity movement were compared using the Levenshtein distance and similarities computed by the longest common substring problem. The contribution of each movement sequence, according to playing position and relative to the wider data set, was then calculated via the Minkowski distance. A total of 10 frequently recurring combinations of movement were discovered, regardless of playing position. Only the wing attack, goal attack and goal defence playing positions are closely related. We developed a technique to discover the movement sequences, according to playing position, performed by elite netballers. This methodology can be extended to discover the frequently recurring movements within other team sports and across levels of competition.

Anorectal function and morphology in patients with sporadic proctalgia fugax.

PubMed

Eckardt, V F; Dodt, O; Kanzler, G; Bernhard, G

1996-07-01

The pathophysiology of sporadic proctalgia fugax remains unknown. This study investigates whether patients with this syndrome exhibit alterations in anal function and morphology. Eighteen patients with sporadic proctalgia fugax and 18 sex-matched and age-matched healthy controls were studied. Manometric studies investigated anal resting and squeeze pressures, the rectoanal inhibitory reflex, rectal compliance, and smooth muscle response to edrophonium chloride administration. External and internal sphincter thickness was measured endosonographically. Patients had slightly higher (P = 0.0291) anal resting pressures (65.5 +/- 11.4 mmHg) than controls (56 +/- 9.9 mmHg). However, anal squeeze pressure, sphincter relaxation during rectal distention, and rectal compliance were similar in both groups, and no alterations were detected in external and internal anal sphincter thickness. Edrophonium chloride administration was followed by sharp postrelaxation contractions in two patients, whereas anal function remained unaltered in controls. Acute episodes of proctalgia, which occurred in two patients while under study, were associated with a rise in anal resting tone and an increase in slow wave amplitude. In the resting state, patients with proctalgia fugax have normal anorectal function and morphology. However, they may exhibit a motor abnormality of the anal smooth muscle during an acute attack.

Matching-centrality decomposition and the forecasting of new links in networks.

PubMed

Rohr, Rudolf P; Naisbit, Russell E; Mazza, Christian; Bersier, Louis-Félix

2016-02-10

Networks play a prominent role in the study of complex systems of interacting entities in biology, sociology, and economics. Despite this diversity, we demonstrate here that a statistical model decomposing networks into matching and centrality components provides a comprehensive and unifying quantification of their architecture. The matching term quantifies the assortative structure in which node makes links with which other node, whereas the centrality term quantifies the number of links that nodes make. We show, for a diverse set of networks, that this decomposition can provide a tight fit to observed networks. Then we provide three applications. First, we show that the model allows very accurate prediction of missing links in partially known networks. Second, when node characteristics are known, we show how the matching-centrality decomposition can be related to this external information. Consequently, it offers us a simple and versatile tool to explore how node characteristics explain network architecture. Finally, we demonstrate the efficiency and flexibility of the model to forecast the links that a novel node would create if it were to join an existing network. © 2016 The Author(s).

Uphill falling of old-growth Douglas-fir.

Treesearch

Douglas L. Hunt; John W. Henley

1981-01-01

Five timber sales were made in old-growth Douglas-fir with matched cutting units. On one unit of each sale uphill falling by either hydraulic jacks or tree-pulling machine was required; on the other unit free falling was required. Logging equipment and methods were the same in each unit. Uphill falling produced a larger volume of timber at less cost than free falling...

50 CFR 86.43 - May someone else supply the match?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false May someone else supply the match? 86.43 Section 86.43 Wildlife and Fisheries UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (CONTINUED) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-WILDLIFE SPORT FISH RESTORATION PROGRAM BOATING INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT (BIG...

50 CFR 86.42 - What are the match requirements?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false What are the match requirements? 86.42 Section 86.42 Wildlife and Fisheries UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (CONTINUED) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-WILDLIFE SPORT FISH RESTORATION PROGRAM BOATING INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT (BIG...

Automated external defibrillator availability and CPR training among state police agencies in the United States.

PubMed

Hirsch, Lior M; Wallace, Sarah K; Leary, Marion; Tucker, Kathryn D; Becker, Lance B; Abella, Benjamin S

2012-07-01

Access to automated external defibrillators and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training are key determinants of cardiac arrest survival. State police officers represent an important class of cardiac arrest first responders responsible for the large network of highways in the United States. We seek to determine accessibility of automated external defibrillators and CPR training among state police agencies. Contact was attempted with all 50 state police agencies by telephone and electronic mail. Officers at each agency were guided to complete a 15-question Internet-based survey. Descriptive statistics of the responses were performed. Attempts were made to contact all 50 states, and 46 surveys were completed (92% response rate). Most surveys were filled out by police leadership or individuals responsible for medical programs. The median agency size was 725 (interquartile range 482 to 1,485) state police officers, with 695 (interquartile range 450 to 1,100) patrol vehicles ("squad cars"). Thirty-three percent of responding agencies (15/46) reported equipping police vehicles with automated external defibrillators. Of these, 53% (8/15) equipped less than half of their fleet with the devices. Regarding emergency medical training, 78% (35/45) of state police agencies reported training their officers in automated external defibrillator usage, and 98% (44/45) reported training them in CPR. One third of state police agencies surveyed equipped their vehicles with automated external defibrillators, and among those that did, most equipped only a minority of their fleet. Most state police agencies reported training their officers in automated external defibrillator usage and CPR. Increasing automated external defibrillator deployment among state police represents an important opportunity to improve first responder preparedness for cardiac arrest care. Copyright © 2012. Published by Mosby, Inc.

Acquisition of a Leica ScanStation II LIDAR unit

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-04-01

The funding will be used to purchase a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) unit to generate external funding in many diverse areas. The investigators will initially seek funding from NSF, transportation agencies, and emergency management agencies for...

Direct 2-Arm Comparison Shows Benefit of High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Boost vs External Beam Radiation Therapy Alone for Prostate Cancer

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

Khor, Richard; Duchesne, Gillian; Monash University, Melbourne

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of patients treated for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer with a single schedule of either external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRB) boost or EBRT alone. Methods and Materials: From 2001-2006, 344 patients received EBRT with HDRB boost for definitive treatment of intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer. The prescribed EBRT dose was 46 Gy in 23 fractions, with a HDR boost of 19.5 Gy in 3 fractions. This cohort was compared to a contemporaneously treated cohort who received EBRT to 74 Gy in 37 fractions, using a matched pair analysis. Three-dimensional conformal EBRTmore » was used. Matching was performed using a propensity score matching technique. High-risk patients constituted 41% of the matched cohorts. Five-year clinical and biochemical outcomes were analyzed. Results: Initial significant differences in prognostic indicators between the unmatched treatment cohorts were rendered negligible after matching, providing a total of 688 patients. Median biochemical follow-up was 60.5 months. The 5-year freedom from biochemical failure was 79.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.3%-85.0%) and 70.9% (95% CI, 65.4%-76.0%) for the HDRB and EBRT groups, respectively, equating to a hazard ratio of 0.59 (95% CI, 0.43-0.81, P=.0011). Interaction analyses showed no alteration in HDR efficacy when planned androgen deprivation therapy was administered (P=.95), but a strong trend toward reduced efficacy was shown compared to EBRT in high-risk cases (P=.06). Rates of grade 3 urethral stricture were 0.3% (95% CI, 0%-0.9%) and 11.8% (95% CI, 8.1%-16.5%) for EBRT and HDRB, respectively (P<.0001). No differences in clinical outcomes were observed. Conclusions: This comparison of 2 individual contemporaneously treated HDRB and EBRT approaches showed improved freedom from biochemical progression with the HDR approach. The benefit was more pronounced in intermediate- risk patients but needs to be weighed against an increased risk of urethral toxicity.« less

Report of the Programme and External Relations Commission. Part II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Paris (France).

This document presents a summary of the activities of the Program and External Relations Commission of the United Nations in one session. The topics considered by the Commission in this paper include: (1) the possibility of the establishment of an International University; (2) possible international regulation on education for international…

Internal Evaluation in American Public School Districts: The Importance of Externally Driven Accountability Mandates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

King, Jean A.; Rohmer-Hirt, Johnna A.

2011-01-01

From the 1980s to the present, educational accountability in the United States has grown dramatically. Such accountability in U.S. school districts, although driven primarily by external demands, has internal manifestations as well. The chapter traces the historical development of internal evaluation in American school districts, then highlights…

The importance of considering external influences during presuppression wildfire planning

Treesearch

Marc R. Wiitala; Andrew E. Wilson

2008-01-01

Few administrative units involved in wildland fire protection are islands unto themselves when it comes to wildfire activity and suppression. If not directly affected by the wildfire workload of their neighbors, they are affected by the availability of nationally shared resources impacted by wildfire activity at the regional and national scale. These external...

Outflow monitoring of a pneumatic ventricular assist device using external pressure sensors.

PubMed

Kang, Seong Min; Her, Keun; Choi, Seong Wook

2016-08-25

In this study, a new algorithm was developed for estimating the pump outflow of a pneumatic ventricular assist device (p-VAD). The pump outflow estimation algorithm was derived from the ideal gas equation and determined the change in blood-sac volume of a p-VAD using two external pressure sensors. Based on in vitro experiments, the algorithm was revised to consider the effects of structural compliance caused by volume changes in an implanted unit, an air driveline, and the pressure difference between the sensors and the implanted unit. In animal experiments, p-VADs were connected to the left ventricles and the descending aorta of three calves (70-100 kg). Their outflows were estimated using the new algorithm and compared to the results obtained using an ultrasonic blood flow meter (UBF) (TS-410, Transonic Systems Inc., Ithaca, NY, USA). The estimated and measured values had a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.864. The pressure sensors were installed at the external controller and connected to the air driveline on the same side as the external actuator, which made the sensors easy to manage.

Lumped Parameter Modeling for Rapid Vibration Response Prototyping and Test Correlation for Electronic Units

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Van Dyke, Michael B.

2013-01-01

Present preliminary work using lumped parameter models to approximate dynamic response of electronic units to random vibration; Derive a general N-DOF model for application to electronic units; Illustrate parametric influence of model parameters; Implication of coupled dynamics for unit/board design; Demonstrate use of model to infer printed wiring board (PWB) dynamics from external chassis test measurement.

Muscle Glycogen Utilisation during an Australian Rules Football Game.

PubMed

Routledge, Harry E; Leckey, Jill J; Lee, Matt J; Garnham, Andrew; Graham, Stuart; Burgess, Darren; Burke, Louise M; Erskine, Robert M; Close, Graeme L; Morton, James P

2018-06-12

To better understand the carbohydrate (CHO) requirement of Australian Football (AF) match play by quantifying muscle glycogen utilisation during an in-season AF match. After a 24 h CHO loading protocol of 8 g/kg and 2 g/kg in the pre-match meal, two elite male forward players had biopsies sampled from m. vastus lateralis before and after participation in a South Australian Football League game. Player A (87.2kg) consumed water only during match play whereas player B (87.6kg) consumed 88 g CHO via CHO gels. External load was quantified using global positioning system technology. Player A completed more minutes on the ground (115 vs. 98 min) and covered greater total distance (12.2 vs. 11.2 km) than Player B, though with similar high-speed running (837 vs. 1070 m) and sprinting (135 vs. 138 m), respectively. Muscle glycogen decreased by 66% in Player A (Pre-: 656, Post-: 223 mmol∙kg-1 dw) and 24% in Player B (Pre-: 544, Post-: 416 mmol∙kg-1 dw), respectively. Pre-match CHO loading elevated muscle glycogen concentrations (i.e. >500 mmol.kg-1 dw), the magnitude of which appears sufficient to meet the metabolic demands of elite AF match play. The glycogen cost of AF match play may be greater than soccer and rugby and CHO feeding may also spare muscle glycogen use. Further studies using larger sample sizes are now required to quantify the inter-individual variability of glycogen cost of match play (including muscle and fibre-type specific responses) as well examine potential metabolic and ergogenic effects of CHO feeding.

The Severe 5%: A Latent Class Analysis of the Externalizing Behavior Spectrum in the United States

PubMed Central

Vaughn, Michael G.; DeLisi, Matt; Gunterbh, Tracy; Fu, Qiang; Beaver, Kevin M.; Perron, Brian E.; Howard, Matthew O.

2012-01-01

Objective Criminological research consistently demonstrates that approximately 5% of study populations are comprised of pathological offenders who account for a preponderance of antisocial behavior and violent crime. Unfortunately, there have been no nationally representative epidemiological studies characterizing the severe 5% group. Materials and Methods Data from the 2001–2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a nationally representative sample of 43,093 non-institutionalized U.S. residents aged 18 years and older were analyzed using latent class analysis to assess sociodemographic, psychiatric, and behavioral characteristics. Results Four-classes of respondents were identified vis-à-vis lifetime externalizing behaviors. A normative class (66.1% of respondents) demonstrated little involvement in antisocial conduct. A low substance use/high antisocial behavior class (20.7% of respondents) and high substance use/moderate antisocial behavior (8.0% of respondents) class evinced diverse externalizing and psychiatric symptoms. Finally, a severe class (5.3% of respondents) was characterized by pathological involvement in more varied and intensive forms of antisocial and externalizing behaviors and extensive psychiatric disturbance. Conclusions The current study is the first nationally representative epidemiological study of criminal careers/externalizing behavior spectrum in the United States and validates the existence of the 5% pathological group demonstrated by prior research. PMID:22942480

Cornerstones: Literacy Units Ready for Teachers, Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blasko, Jennifer; Donahue, Sheila

2008-01-01

Every day, teachers face the time-consuming task of adapting materials from curricula that do not meet their students' needs or match their learning styles. This article discusses ready-made literacy units specifically designed for teachers of deaf and hard of hearing students. The units were part of the Cornerstones Project, an activity of the…

3D-3D facial superimposition between monozygotic twins: A novel morphological approach to the assessment of differences due to environmental factors.

PubMed

Gibelli, Daniele; Pucciarelli, Valentina; Poppa, Pasquale; De Angelis, Danilo; Cummaudo, Marco; Pisoni, Luca; Codari, Marina; Cattaneo, Cristina; Sforza, Chiarella

2018-03-01

Distinction of one twin with respect to the other, based on external appearance, is challenging; nevertheless, facial morphology may provide individualizing features that may help distinguish twin siblings. This study aims at exposing an innovative method for the facial assessment in monozygotic twins for personal identification, based on the registration and comparison of 3D models of faces. Ten couples of monozygotic twins aged between 25 and 69 years were acquired twice by a stereophotogrammetric system (VECTRA-3D® M3: Canfield Scientific, Inc., Fairfield, NJ); the 3D reconstruction of each person was then registered and superimposed onto the model belonging to the same person (self-matches), the corresponding sibling (twin-matches) and to unrelated participants from the other couples (miss-matches); RMS (root mean square) point-to-point distances were automatically calculated for all the 220 superimpositions. One-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the differences among miss-matches, twin-matches and self-matches (p < .05). RMS values for self-matches, twin-matches and miss-matches were respectively 1.0 mm (SD: 0.3 mm), 1.9 mm (0.5 mm) and 3.4 mm (0.70 mm). Statistically significant differences were found among the three groups (p < .01). Comparing RMS values in the three groups, mean facial variability in twin siblings was 55.9% of that assessed between unrelated persons and about twice higher than that observed between models belonging to the same individual. The present study proposed an innovative method for the facial assessment of twin siblings, based on 3D surface analysis, which may provide additional information concerning the relation between genes and environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Towards a better understanding of helicopter external noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damongeot, A.; Dambra, F.; Masure, B.

The problem of helicopter external noise generation is studied taking into consideration simultaneously the multiple noise sources: rotor rotational-, rotor broadband -, and engine noise. The main data are obtained during flight tests of the rather quiet AS 332 Super Puma. The flight procedures settled by ICAO for noise regulations are used: horizontal flyover at 90 percent of the maximum speed, approach at minimum power velocity, take-off at best rate of climb. Noise source levels are assessed through narrow band analysis of ground microphone recordings, ground measurements of engine noise and theoretical means. With the perceived noise level unit used throughout the study, relative magnitude of noise sources is shown to be different from that obtained with linear noise unit. A parametric study of the influence of some helicopter parameters on external noise has shown that thickness-tapered, chord-tapered, and swept-back blade tips are good means to reduce the overall noise level in flyover and approach.

Measuring Time-Averaged Blood Pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothman, Neil S.

1988-01-01

Device measures time-averaged component of absolute blood pressure in artery. Includes compliant cuff around artery and external monitoring unit. Ceramic construction in monitoring unit suppresses ebb and flow of pressure-transmitting fluid in sensor chamber. Transducer measures only static component of blood pressure.

Higher Education in the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doucette, Donald S.

Issues concerning higher education in the United States are considered, with attention to historical developments; functions and objectives; types of institutions and degrees; internal and external organization; finance; admissions, access, and financial assistance; student and faculty characteristics; distance and recurrent education;…

Internalizing and externalizing problems, depression, and self-esteem in non-detained male juvenile offenders

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background High rates of mental disorders have been found in detained juvenile offenders, whereas the role of psychopathology in non-detained offenders is less clear. Therefore, the present study compared psychopathology in male non-detained delinquent juveniles and two matched samples from the community and an adolescent psychiatric clinic. Methods 125 male adolescents aged 11 to 19 years (m = 16.2 years, SD = 1.5 years) from an outpatient adolescent forensic clinic were compared to a community sample from the Zurich Adolescent Psychology and Psychopathology Study (ZAPPS) and a referred sample from a psychiatric clinic matched for age and nationality. All subjects responded to questionnaires measuring internalizing and externalizing problems, depressive symptoms and self-esteem. Results The sample of non-detained juvenile offenders showed similar rates of self-reported internalizing and externalizing problems when compared to the community sample, whereas the clinic sample displayed an increased rate of various disturbances. Similar results were found also for self-esteem. In agreement with these findings, non-detained juvenile offenders less frequently had a psychiatric diagnosis after full clinical assessment when compared to the clinical sample. However, a diagnosis of conduct disorders and a lower IQ range was found more frequently in non-detained juvenile offenders. Offenders with serious delinquent acts and involving weapons showed higher depression scores than the rest of the offenders. Conclusion In non-detained assessment situations before court examination, juvenile offenders present rather normal behaviour. Their lack of awareness of potential behavioural problems should be considered during assessment and treatment of this group of offenders. PMID:23445953

Developmental vision determines the reference frame for the multisensory control of action.

PubMed

Röder, Brigitte; Kusmierek, Anna; Spence, Charles; Schicke, Tobias

2007-03-13

Both animal and human studies suggest that action goals are defined in external coordinates regardless of their sensory modality. The present study used an auditory-manual task to test whether the default use of such an external reference frame is innately determined or instead acquired during development because of the increasing dominance of vision over manual control. In Experiment I, congenitally blind, late blind, and age-matched sighted adults had to press a left or right response key depending on the bandwidth of pink noise bursts presented from either the left or right loudspeaker. Although the spatial location of the sounds was entirely task-irrelevant, all groups responded more efficiently with uncrossed hands when the sound was presented from the same side as the responding hand ("Simon effect"). This effect reversed with crossed hands only in the congenitally blind: They responded faster with the hand that was located contralateral to the sound source. In Experiment II, the instruction to the participants was changed: They now had to respond with the hand located next to the sound source. In contrast to Experiment I ("Simon-task"), this task required an explicit matching of the sound's location with the position of the responding hand. In Experiment II, the congenitally blind participants showed a significantly larger crossing deficit than both the sighted and late blind adults. This pattern of results implies that developmental vision induces the default use of an external coordinate frame for multisensory action control; this facilitates not only visual but also auditory-manual control.

An implanted 8-channel array coil for high-resolution macaque MRI at 3T

PubMed Central

Janssens, T.; Keil, B.; Farivar, R.; McNab, J.A.; Polimeni, J. R.; Gerits, A.; Arsenault, J.T.; Wald, L. L.; Vanduffel, W.

2012-01-01

An 8-channel receive coil array was constructed and implanted adjacent to the skull in a male rhesus monkey in order to improve the sensitivity of (functional) brain imaging. The permanent implant was part of an acrylic headpost assembly and only the coil element loop wires were implanted. The tuning, matching, and preamplifier circuitry was connected via a removable external assembly. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise amplification for parallel imaging were compared to a single-, 4-, and 8-channel external receive-only coil routinely used for macaque fMRI. In vivo measurements showed significantly improved SNR within the brain for the implanted versus the external coils. Within a region-of-interest covering the cerebral cortex, we observed a 5.4-, 3.6-fold, and 3.4-fold increase in SNR compared to the external single-, 4-, and 8-channel coil, respectively. In the center of the brain, the implanted array maintained a 2.4×, 2.5×, and 2.1× higher SNR, respectively compared to the external coils. The array performance was evaluated for anatomical, diffusion tensor and functional brain imaging. This study suggests that a stable implanted phased-array coil can be used in macaque MRI to substantially increase the spatial resolution for anatomical, diffusion tensor, and functional imaging. PMID:22609793

An external shock origin of GRB 141028A

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

Burgess, J. Michael; Bégué, Damien; Ryde, Felix

The prompt emission of the long, smooth, and single-pulsed gamma-ray burst, GRB 141028A, is analyzed under the guise of an external shock model. First, we fit the γ-ray spectrum with a two-component photon model, namely, synchrotron+blackbody, and then fit the recovered evolution of the synchrotron νF ν peak to an analytic model derived considering the emission of a relativistic blast wave expanding into an external medium. The prediction of the model for the νF ν peak evolution matches well with the observations. We observe the blast wave transitioning into the deceleration phase. Furthermore, we assume the expansion of the blastmore » wave to be nearly adiabatic, motivated by the low magnetic field deduced from the observations. This allows us to recover within an order of magnitude the flux density at the νF ν peak, which is remarkable considering the simplicity of the analytic model. Under this scenario we argue that the distinction between prompt and afterglow emission is superfluous as both early-time emission and late-time emission emanate from the same source. In conclusion, while the external shock model is clearly not a universal solution, this analysis opens the possibility that at least some fraction of GRBs can be explained with an external shock origin of their prompt phase.« less

An external shock origin of GRB 141028A

DOE PAGES

Burgess, J. Michael; Bégué, Damien; Ryde, Felix; ...

2016-05-05

The prompt emission of the long, smooth, and single-pulsed gamma-ray burst, GRB 141028A, is analyzed under the guise of an external shock model. First, we fit the γ-ray spectrum with a two-component photon model, namely, synchrotron+blackbody, and then fit the recovered evolution of the synchrotron νF ν peak to an analytic model derived considering the emission of a relativistic blast wave expanding into an external medium. The prediction of the model for the νF ν peak evolution matches well with the observations. We observe the blast wave transitioning into the deceleration phase. Furthermore, we assume the expansion of the blastmore » wave to be nearly adiabatic, motivated by the low magnetic field deduced from the observations. This allows us to recover within an order of magnitude the flux density at the νF ν peak, which is remarkable considering the simplicity of the analytic model. Under this scenario we argue that the distinction between prompt and afterglow emission is superfluous as both early-time emission and late-time emission emanate from the same source. In conclusion, while the external shock model is clearly not a universal solution, this analysis opens the possibility that at least some fraction of GRBs can be explained with an external shock origin of their prompt phase.« less

External cooperation for the professional management of health services in Romania.

PubMed

Enachescu, D

1998-01-01

Political change in Romania in 1989 played a crucial part in new health system leadership in the country. However, this new leadership had limited managerial experience and knowledge, with trainers using outdated cultural models. External assistance and cooperation from officials in Western Europe and the United States was needed to train a new leadership and reject the socialist system of health care. This article details Romania's external cooperation experience, including descriptions of the need for such training, development of the training project, work with universities in Europe and North America, critical review of the project and realization of external cooperation for the professional training of managers.

The Cost Implications in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia of Early Versus Delayed External Cephalic Version in the Early External Cephalic Version 2 (EECV2) Trial.

PubMed

Ahmed, Rashid J; Gafni, Amiram; Hutton, Eileen K

2016-03-01

According to the Early External Cephalic Version (EECV2) Trial, planning external cephalic version (ECV) early in pregnancy results in fewer breech presentations at delivery compared with delayed external cephalic version. A Cochrane review conducted after the EECV2 Trial identified an increase in preterm birth associated with early ECV. We examined whether a policy of routine early ECV (i.e., before 37 weeks' gestation) is more or less costly than a policy of delayed ECV. We undertook this analysis from the perspective of a third-party payer (Ministry of Health). We applied data, using resources reported in the EECV2 Trial, to the Canadian context using 10 hospital unit costs and 17 physician service/procedure unit costs. The data were derived from the provincial health insurance plan schedule of medical benefits in three Canadian provinces (Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia). The difference in mean total costs between study groups was tested for each province separately. We found that planning early ECV results in higher costs than planning delayed ECV. The mean costs of all physician services/procedures and hospital units for planned ECV compared with delayed ECV were $7997.32 versus $7263.04 in Ontario (P < 0.001), $8162.82 versus $7410.55 in Alberta (P < 0.001), and $8178.92 versus $7417.04 in British Columbia (P < 0.001), respectively. From the perspective of overall cost, our analyses do not support a policy of routinely planning ECV before 37 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2016 The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada/La Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A simple method for quantifying jump loads in volleyball athletes.

PubMed

Charlton, Paula C; Kenneally-Dabrowski, Claire; Sheppard, Jeremy; Spratford, Wayne

2017-03-01

Evaluate the validity of a commercially available wearable device, the Vert, for measuring vertical displacement and jump count in volleyball athletes. Propose a potential method of quantifying external load during training and match play within this population. Validation study. The ability of the Vert device to measure vertical displacement in male, junior elite volleyball athletes was assessed against reference standard laboratory motion analysis. The ability of the Vert device to count jumps during training and match-play was assessed via comparison with retrospective video analysis to determine precision and recall. A method of quantifying external load, known as the load index (LdIx) algorithm was proposed using the product of the jump count and average kinetic energy. Correlation between two separate Vert devices and three-dimensional trajectory data were good to excellent for all jump types performed (r=0.83-0.97), with a mean bias of between 3.57-4.28cm. When matched against jumps identified through video analysis, the Vert demonstrated excellent precision (0.995-1.000) evidenced by a low number of false positives. The number of false negatives identified with the Vert was higher resulting in lower recall values (0.814-0.930). The Vert is a commercially available tool that has potential for measuring vertical displacement and jump count in elite junior volleyball athletes without the need for time-consuming analysis and bespoke software. Subsequently, allowing the collected data to better quantify load using the proposed algorithm (LdIx). Copyright © 2016 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of laparoscopic instrument and finger on force perception: a first step towards laparoscopic force-skills training.

PubMed

Raghu Prasad, M S; Manivannan, M; Chandramohan, S M

2015-07-01

In laparoscopic surgery, no external feedback on the magnitude of the force exerted is available. Hence, surgeons and residents tend to exert excessive force, which leads to tissue trauma. Ability of surgeons and residents to perceive their own force output without external feedback is a critical factor in laparoscopic force-skills training. Additionally, existing methods of laparoscopic training do not effectively train residents and novices on force-skills. Hence, there is growing need for the development of force-based training curriculum. As a first step towards force-based laparoscopic skills training, this study analysed force perception difference between laparoscopic instrument and finger in contralateral bimanual passive probing task. The study compared the isometric force matching performance of novices, residents and surgeons with finger and laparoscopic instrument. Contralateral force matching paradigm was employed to analyse the force perception capability in terms of relative (accuracy), and constant errors in force matching. Force perception of experts was found to be better than novices and residents. Interestingly, laparoscopic instrument was more accurate in discriminating the forces than finger. The dominant hand attempted to match the forces accurately, whereas non-dominant hand (NH) overestimated the forces. Further, the NH of experts was found to be most accurate. Furthermore, excessive forces were applied at lower force levels and at very high force levels. Due to misperception of force, novices and residents applied excessive forces. However, experts had good control over force with both dominant and NHs. These findings suggest that force-based training curricula should not only have proprioception tasks, but should also include bimanual force-skills training exercises in order to improve force perception ability and hand skills of novices and residents. The results can be used as a performance metric in both box and virtual reality based force-skills training.

Alternative donor transplantation for adults with acute leukemia.

PubMed

Appelbaum, Frederick R

2014-01-01

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from a matched related donor (MRD) is the preferred therapy for many adults with acute leukemia. Yet most patients do not have matched siblings, and the numbers who do will continue to drop as the average number of children per couple in the United States continues to decline. Recent reports show little difference in the outcomes of matched related and matched unrelated transplants for acute leukemia. Additionally, survival rates at 3-5 years after transplant appear to be generally similar following matched related, matched unrelated, single antigen mismatched unrelated, double cord blood and, perhaps even after haplo-identical transplants. Nevertheless, there are differences between stem cell sources that should be considered in the choice of donor. The following review provides some perspective on the identification of the best stem cell sources for patients who do not have matches within their families. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ethnic matching of clients and clinicians and use of mental health services by ethnic minority clients.

PubMed

Ziguras, Stephen; Klimidis, Steven; Lewis, James; Stuart, Geoff

2003-04-01

Research in the United States has indicated that matching clients from a minority group with clinicians from the same ethnic background increases use of community mental health services and reduces use of emergency services. This study assessed the effects of matching clients from a non-English-speaking background with bilingual, bicultural clinicians in a mental health system in Australia that emphasizes community-based psychiatric case management. In an overall sample of 2,935 clients served in the western region of Melbourne from 1997 to 1999, ethnic minority clients from a non-English-speaking background who received services from a bilingual, bicultural case manager were compared with ethnic minority clients who did not receive such services and with clients from an English-speaking background. The clients' engagement with three types of services-community care teams, psychiatric crisis teams, and psychiatric inpatient services-was assessed. Compared with ethnic minority clients who were not matched with a bilingual clinician, those who were matched generally had a longer duration and greater frequency of contact with community care teams and a shorter duration and lower frequency of contact with crisis teams. Clients born in Vietnam who were matched with a bilingual clinician had a shorter annual mean length of hospital stay and a lower annual mean frequency of hospital admission than Australian-born clients. The benefits of matching clients with psychiatric case managers on the basis of ethnic background include a lower level of need for crisis intervention and, for clients from some ethnic groups, fewer inpatient interventions. These Australian results support findings of the effectiveness of client-clinician ethnic matching in the United States.

Modeling for Military Operational Medicine Scientific and Technical Objectives

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-09-01

placed directly under armor ; and (3) new material that matches the human tissue better. 5 Figure 1. Schematic of the newer version of ATM 2.1.1 Laboratory...sensor units are placed directly under armor ; and (3) new material that matches the human tissue better. 2. We conducted a series of laboratory test

Control Software for a High-Performance Telerobot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kline-Schoder, Robert J.; Finger, William

2005-01-01

A computer program for controlling a high-performance, force-reflecting telerobot has been developed. The goal in designing a telerobot-control system is to make the velocity of the slave match the master velocity, and the environmental force on the master match the force on the slave. Instability can arise from even small delays in propagation of signals between master and slave units. The present software, based on an impedance-shaping algorithm, ensures stability even in the presence of long delays. It implements a real-time algorithm that processes position and force measurements from the master and slave and represents the master/slave communication link as a transmission line. The algorithm also uses the history of the control force and the slave motion to estimate the impedance of the environment. The estimate of the impedance of the environment is used to shape the controlled slave impedance to match the transmission-line impedance. The estimate of the environmental impedance is used to match the master and transmission-line impedances and to estimate the slave/environment force in order to present that force immediately to the operator via the master unit.

Linking crime guns: the impact of ballistics imaging technology on the productivity of the Boston Police Department's Ballistics Unit.

PubMed

Braga, Anthony A; Pierce, Glenn L

2004-07-01

Ballistics imaging technology has received national attention as a potent tool for moving the law enforcement response to violent gun criminals forward by linking multiple crime scenes to one firearm. This study examines the impact of ballistics imaging technology on the productivity of the Boston Police Department's Ballistics Unit. Using negative binomial regression models to analyze times series data on ballistics matches, we find that ballistics imaging technology was associated with a more than sixfold increase in the monthly number of ballistics matches made by the Boston Police Department's Ballistics Unit. Cost-effectiveness estimates and qualitative evidence also suggest that ballistics imaging technology allows law enforcement agencies to make hits that would not have been possible using traditional ballistics methods.

Interlanguage Pragmatic Development: Internal and External Modification in L2 Arabic Requests

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al Masaeed, Khaled

2017-01-01

This study investigated the way in which American university students learning Arabic as a foreign language in the United States developed the ability to make and modify requests both internally, through an addition of mitigating or aggravating modality markers, and externally, via supportive moves before or after the main request in formal and…

External Insect Morphology: A Negative Factor in Attitudes toward Insects and Likelihood of Incorporation in Future Science Education Settings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wagler, Ron; Wagler, Amy

2012-01-01

This study investigated if the external morphology of an insect had a negative effect on United States (US) preservice elementary teacher's attitudes toward insects and beliefs concerning the likelihood of incorporating insects into future science education settings. 270 US kindergarten through sixth grade preservice elementary teachers…

Interaction Processes as a Mediating Factor between Children's Externalized Behaviour Difficulties and Engagement in Preschool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sjöman, Madeleine; Granlund, Mats; Almqvist, Lena

2016-01-01

This study examined social interaction as a mediator between externalized behaviour difficulties and children's engagement in preschool. Data from 663 children (340 boys), aged 18-71 months, were collected at 81 Swedish preschool units in six municipalities to test a path model that included child, teacher, and child groups. The results indicated…

Real-Time Control of the Embedded Waveform for External Defibrillation

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-25

independently from transthoracic electrical impedance changes during shock time. Keywords - External defibrillation, real-time control I. INTRODUCTION ...Additional such possibilities may be useful for development a new electrotherapy methods, as electrochemotherapy for cancer treatment [6]. II...Department, Moscow State Institute of Electronic Technology , Moscow, Russia Fig.1. High voltage delivery unit. Report Documentation Page Report Date 25

Schema Knowledge Structures for Representing and Understanding Arithmetic Story Problems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-01

do so on a common unit of measure. Implicit in the CP relation is the concept of one-to- one matching of one element in the problem with the other. As...engages in one-to-one matching , removing one member from each set and setting them apart as a matched pair. The smaller of the two sets is the one...to be critical. As we pointed out earlier, some of the semantic * relations can be present in situations that demand any of * the four arithmetic

International labor migration and external debt.

PubMed

Bustamante, J A

1987-01-01

The prevailing Mexican and US definitions of undocumented migration are poles apart. The US views it as a criminal problem. Mexicans view the undocumented migrants as actors in an economic game in which the rules are extremely disadvantageous to these migrants. Migrants themselves and their communities view the undocumented as a positive element. It is necessary to move toward a bilateral focus and bilateral negotiation on the issue of migratory workers. This proposal derives from several assumptions: 1) the external debt is a bilateral or multilateral issue, 2) it is important to avoid forcing debtor countries to choose between stimulating economic growth or making payment on their foreign debt, 3) prevailing public opinion in the US favors halting undocumented migration, 4) the US views the migration of undocumented Mexicans as the result of forces endogenous to Mexico and exogenous to the US, 5) the US views both Mexico's ability to make payment on its external debt and to halt emigration as tied to the Mexican government's ability or inability to reconcile political stability with scarce monetary resources, and 6) political instability in Mexico could augment emigration to the US and undermine Mexico's ability to address its foreign debt. The following proposal suggests means to link negotiation on the external debt to that of undocumented migration: 1) The Mexican government could reach an accord with the US to channel a portion of the actual interest on the external debt as a fund to be invested in Mexico to construct a system of labor intensive agroindustrial productive units designed to attract former or potential migratory workers; 2) the total amount of these funds would be deducted from interest payments on the principal of the actual external debt and redefined as an ad hoc loan to Mexico to finance these production units; 3) part of the production from these units would be incorporated into ongoing US food relief and food assistance programs; 4) the program by which the US would import the production of these agroindustrial units in Mexico would retain previously migratory workers in Mexico; 5) a feasibility study would precede implementing an accord on the amount of financing and the terms of operation; and 6) the time during the binational study would be a grace period, during which payment of a portion of the interest of Mexico's foreign debt would be temporarily suspended.

Evaluating the completeness of the national ALS registry, United States.

PubMed

Kaye, Wendy E; Wagner, Laurie; Wu, Ruoming; Mehta, Paul

2018-02-01

Our objective was to evaluate the completeness of the United States National ALS Registry (Registry). We compared persons with ALS who were passively identified by the Registry with those actively identified in the State and Metropolitan Area ALS Surveillance project. Cases in the two projects were matched using a combination of identifiers, including, partial social security number, name, date of birth, and sex. The distributions of cases from the two projects that matched/did not match were compared and Chi-square tests conducted to determine statistical significance. There were 5883 ALS cases identified by the surveillance project. Of these, 1116 died before the Registry started, leaving 4767 cases. We matched 2720 cases from the surveillance project to those in the Registry. The cases identified by the surveillance project that did not match cases in the Registry were more likely to be non-white, Hispanic, less than 65 years of age, and from western states. The methods used by the Registry to identify ALS cases, i.e. national administrative data and self-registration, worked well but missed cases. These findings suggest that developing strategies to identify and promote the Registry to those who were more likely to be missing, e.g. non-white and Hispanic, could be beneficial to improving the completeness of the Registry.

Methods and apparatuses using filter banks for multi-carrier spread-spectrum signals

DOEpatents

Moradi, Hussein; Farhang, Behrouz; Kutsche, Carl A

2014-10-14

A transmitter includes a synthesis filter bank to spread a data symbol to a plurality of frequencies by encoding the data symbol on each frequency, apply a common pulse-shaping filter, and apply gains to the frequencies such that a power level of each frequency is less than a noise level of other communication signals within the spectrum. Each frequency is modulated onto a different evenly spaced subcarrier. A demodulator in a receiver converts a radio frequency input to a spread-spectrum signal in a baseband. A matched filter filters the spread-spectrum signal with a common filter having characteristics matched to the synthesis filter bank in the transmitter by filtering each frequency to generate a sequence of narrow pulses. A carrier recovery unit generates control signals responsive to the sequence of narrow pulses suitable for generating a phase-locked loop between the demodulator, the matched filter, and the carrier recovery unit.

Methods and apparatuses using filter banks for multi-carrier spread-spectrum signals

DOEpatents

Moradi, Hussein; Farhang, Behrouz; Kutsche, Carl A

2014-05-20

A transmitter includes a synthesis filter bank to spread a data symbol to a plurality of frequencies by encoding the data symbol on each frequency, apply a common pulse-shaping filter, and apply gains to the frequencies such that a power level of each frequency is less than a noise level of other communication signals within the spectrum. Each frequency is modulated onto a different evenly spaced subcarrier. A demodulator in a receiver converts a radio frequency input to a spread-spectrum signal in a baseband. A matched filter filters the spread-spectrum signal with a common filter having characteristics matched to the synthesis filter bank in the transmitter by filtering each frequency to generate a sequence of narrow pulses. A carrier recovery unit generates control signals responsive to the sequence of narrow pulses suitable for generating a phase-locked loop between the demodulator, the matched filter, and the carrier recovery unit.

The ontogenetic origins of mirror neurons: evidence from 'tool-use' and 'audiovisual' mirror neurons.

PubMed

Cook, Richard

2012-10-23

Since their discovery, mirror neurons--units in the macaque brain that discharge both during action observation and execution--have attracted considerable interest. Whether mirror neurons are an innate endowment or acquire their sensorimotor matching properties ontogenetically has been the subject of intense debate. It is widely believed that these units are an innate trait; that we are born with a set of mature mirror neurons because their matching properties conveyed upon our ancestors an evolutionary advantage. However, an alternative view is that mirror neurons acquire their matching properties during ontogeny, through correlated experience of observing and performing actions. The present article re-examines frequently overlooked neurophysiological reports of 'tool-use' and 'audiovisual' mirror neurons within the context of this debate. It is argued that these findings represent compelling evidence that mirror neurons are a product of sensorimotor experience, and not an innate endowment.

Immunogenicity of mumps virus vaccine candidates matching circulating genotypes in the United States and China.

PubMed

Zengel, James; Phan, Shannon I; Pickar, Adrian; Xu, Pei; He, Biao

2017-07-13

Mumps virus (MuV) causes acute infection in humans with characteristic swelling of the parotid gland. While vaccination has greatly reduced the incidence of MuV infection, there have been multiple large outbreaks of mumps virus (MuV) in highly vaccinated populations. The most common vaccine strain, Jeryl Lynn, belongs to genotype A, which is no longer a circulating genotype. We have developed two vaccine candidates that match the circulating genotypes in the United States (genotype G) and China (genotype F). We found that there was a significant decrease in the ability of the Jeryl Lynn vaccine to produce neutralizing antibody responses to non-matched viruses, when compared to either of our vaccine candidates. Our data suggests that an updated vaccine may allow for better immunity against the circulating MuV genotypes G and F. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Score-Level Fusion of Phase-Based and Feature-Based Fingerprint Matching Algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Koichi; Morita, Ayumi; Aoki, Takafumi; Nakajima, Hiroshi; Kobayashi, Koji; Higuchi, Tatsuo

This paper proposes an efficient fingerprint recognition algorithm combining phase-based image matching and feature-based matching. In our previous work, we have already proposed an efficient fingerprint recognition algorithm using Phase-Only Correlation (POC), and developed commercial fingerprint verification units for access control applications. The use of Fourier phase information of fingerprint images makes it possible to achieve robust recognition for weakly impressed, low-quality fingerprint images. This paper presents an idea of improving the performance of POC-based fingerprint matching by combining it with feature-based matching, where feature-based matching is introduced in order to improve recognition efficiency for images with nonlinear distortion. Experimental evaluation using two different types of fingerprint image databases demonstrates efficient recognition performance of the combination of the POC-based algorithm and the feature-based algorithm.

Data for giant constrictors - Biological management profiles and an establishment risk assessment for nine large species of pythons, anacondas, and the boa constrictor

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jarnevich, C.S.; Rodda, G.H.; Reed, R.N.

2011-01-01

Giant Constrictors' Climate Space The giant constrictors' climate space data set represents the information needed to recreate the climate space and climate matching analyses in Reed and Rodda (2009). A detailed methodology and results are included in that report. The data include locations for nine species of large constrictors including Python molurus, Broghammerus reticulatus, P. sebae, P. natalensis, Boa constrictor, Eunectes notaeus, E. deschauenseei, E. beniensis, and E. murinus. The locations are from published sources. Climate data are included for monthly precipitation and average monthly temperature along with the species locations. The individual spreadsheets of location data match the figures in the Reed and Rodda (2009) report, illustrating areas of the mainland United States that match the climate envelope of the native range. The precipitation and temperature data at each location were used to determine the climate space for each species. Graphs of climate space formed the basis for the algorithms in the data set, and more details can be found in Reed and Rodda (2009). These algorithms were used in ArcGIS to generate maps of areas in the United States that matched the climate space of locations of the snakes in their native range. We discovered a rounding error in ArcGIS in the implementation of the algorithms, which has been corrected here. Therefore the shapefiles are slightly different than those appearing in the risk assessment figures illustrating areas of the United States that match the climate envelope of the species in their native ranges. However, the suitable localities are not different at the scale of intended use for these maps, although there are more noticeable differences between areas classified as 'too cold' and 'too hot'.

Method for optical pumping of thin laser media at high average power

DOEpatents

Zapata, Luis E [Livermore, CA; Beach, Raymond J [Livermore, CA; Honea, Eric C [Sunol, CA; Payne, Stephen A [Castro Valley, CA

2004-07-13

A thin, planar laser material is bonded to a light guide of an index-matched material forming a composite disk. Diode array or other pump light is introduced into the composite disk through the edges of the disk. Pump light trapped within the composite disk depletes as it multi-passes the laser medium before reaching an opposing edge of the disk. The resulting compound optical structure efficiently delivers concentrated pump light and to a laser medium of minimum thickness. The external face of the laser medium is used for cooling. A high performance cooler attached to the external face of the laser medium rejects heat. Laser beam extraction is parallel to the heat flux to minimize optical distortions.

Viscous interaction of flow redevelopment after flow reattachment with supersonic external streams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chow, W. L.; Spring, D. J.

1975-01-01

A flow model has been developed to study the flow development after reattachment with supersonic external streams. Special attention is given to the pressure difference across the viscous layer, and it is suggested that such a flow redevelopment can be treated as a relaxation of this pressure difference. Upon correlating the pressure difference with a slope parameter of the velocity profile, the system of equations governing the flow would produce a saddle point singularity corresponding to the fully rehabilitated asymptotic flow condition. A method of calculation for this flowfield, in conjunction with the matching of the upstream flow, has been derived and is discussed. Samples of calculations are also presented. Reasonably good agreement with experimental data has also been observed.

Catheter-Related Complications in Children With Cancer Receiving Parenteral Nutrition: Change in Risk Is Moderated by Catheter Type.

PubMed

Shenep, Melissa A; Tanner, Mary R; Sun, Yilun; Culley, Tina; Hayden, Randall T; Flynn, Patricia M; Tang, Li; Wolf, Joshua

2017-08-01

Although central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential to pediatric cancer care, complications are common (eg, occlusion, central line-associated bloodstream infection [CLABSI]). Parenteral nutrition (PN) and external CVCs are associated with an increased complication risk, but their interaction is unknown. A retrospective matched cohort study of pediatric oncology patients who received PN through subcutaneous ports or external CVCs. Complication rates were compared between CVC types during PN and non-PN periods (log-negative binomial model). Risk of CLABSI was higher during PN for children with ports (relative risk [RR] = 39.6; 95% confidence interval, 5.0-309) or external CVCs (RR = 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-7.4). This increased risk during PN was greater for ports than for external CVCs (ratio of relative risks = 13.6). Occlusion risk was higher during PN in both groups (RR = 10.0 for ports; RR = 2.0 for external CVCs), and the increase was significantly greater in ports (ratio of relative risks, 4.9). Overall, complication rates for ports were much lower than for external CVCs during the non-PN period but similar during the PN period. Children with cancer who receive PN have increased risk of CLABSI and occlusion. The risk increase is greatest in children with ports: a 40- and 10-fold increase in infection risk and occlusion, respectively, resulting in similar complication rates during PN regardless of CVC type and negating the usual benefits of ports. Children with cancer who will require PN should have primary insertion of external CVCs where possible.

10 CFR 71.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... venting, external cooling by an ancillary system, or operational controls during transport. Natural...: The International System of Units (SI) followed or preceded by U.S. standard or customary units. The U... water as a common, contract, or private carrier, or by civil aircraft. Certificate holder means a person...

10 CFR 71.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... venting, external cooling by an ancillary system, or operational controls during transport. Natural...: The International System of Units (SI) followed or preceded by U.S. standard or customary units. The U... water as a common, contract, or private carrier, or by civil aircraft. Certificate holder means a person...

Grappling with Strategic Dissonance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dowie, Sandra

2002-01-01

Presents a case study of the Virtual Retina project (an instructional CD-ROM for ophthalmology students) at the University of Alberta as an example of strategic dissonance in an educational technology unit. Offers methods to analyze the external competitive environment and internal capabilities of educational technology units. (EV)

10 CFR 71.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... venting, external cooling by an ancillary system, or operational controls during transport. Natural...: The International System of Units (SI) followed or preceded by U.S. standard or customary units. The U... water as a common, contract, or private carrier, or by civil aircraft. Certificate holder means a person...

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

Shi Tao; Li Ying; Song Zhi

We show that a perfect quantum-state transmission can be realized through a spin chain possessing the commensurate structure of an energy spectrum, which is matched with the corresponding parity. As an exposition of the mirror inversion symmetry discovered by Albanese et al. (e-print quant-ph/0405029), the parity matched commensurability of the energy spectra helps us to present preengineered spin systems for quantum information transmission. Based on these theoretical analyses, we propose a protocol of near-perfect quantum-state transfer by using a ferromagnetic Heisenberg chain with uniform coupling constant, but an external parabolic magnetic field. The numerical results show that the initial Gaussianmore » wave packet in this system with optimal field distribution can be reshaped near perfectly over a longer distance.« less

Can triggers be cumulative in inducing heart attack in soccer game spectators?

PubMed

Tasch, Christoph; Larcher, Lorenz

2012-08-01

Emotional stress and excitement associated with watching soccer matches has been suggested to act as an external trigger for the onset of acute coronary syndromes. We report about a patient of Italian nationality who developed acute coronary syndrome while watching the European football championship match Switzerland vs. Turkey in 2008. Although greater emotional intensity was possibly involved while watching his country play two days earlier (Italy vs Netherlands), he developed no symptoms. Hence, this case throws some interesting light on what can be considered as an acute trigger by discussing the assumption of a cumulative effect regarding to the potential trigger two days before and in which way psychological stress may have influence on the onset of acute coronary syndromes.

Photogrammetric 3d Reconstruction in Matlab: Development of a Free Tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masiero, A.

2017-11-01

This paper presents the current state of development of a free Matlab tool for photogrammetric reconstruction developed at the University of Padova, Italy. The goal of this software is mostly educational, i.e. allowing students to have a close look to the specific steps which lead to the computation of a dense point cloud. As most of recently developed photogrammetric softwares, it is based on a Structure from Motion approach. Despite being mainly motivated by educational purposes, certain implementation details are clearly inspired by recent research works, e.g. limiting the computational burden of the feature matching by determining a suboptimal set of features to be considered, using information provided by external sensors to ease the matching process.

Unit and internal chain profiles of maca amylopectin.

PubMed

Zhang, Ling; Li, Guantian; Yao, Weirong; Zhu, Fan

2018-03-01

Unit chain length distributions of amylopectin and its φ, β-limit dextrins, which reflect amylopectin internal structure from three maca starches, were determined by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection after debranching, and the samples were compared with maize starch. The amylopectins exhibited average chain lengths ranging from 16.72 to 17.16, with ranges of total internal chain length, external chain length, and internal chain length of the maca amylopectins at 12.49 to 13.68, 11.24 to 11.89, and 4.27 to 4.48. The average chain length, external chain length, internal chain length, and total internal chain length were comparable in three maca amylopectins. Amylopectins of the three maca genotypes studied here presented no significant differences in their unit chain length profiles, but did show significant differences in their internal chain profiles. Additional genetic variations between different maca genotypes need to be studied to provide unit- and internal chain profiles of maca amylopectin. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

When do business units benefit more from collective citizenship behavior of management teams? An upper echelons perspective.

PubMed

Liu, Wu; Gong, Yaping; Liu, Jun

2014-05-01

Drawing upon the notion of managerial discretion from upper echelons theory, we theorize which external contingencies moderate the relationship between collective organizational citizenship behavior (COCB) and unit performance. Focusing on business unit (BU) management teams, we hypothesize that COCB of BU management teams enhances BU performance and that this impact depends on environmental uncertainty and BU management-team decision latitude, 2 determinants of managerial discretion. In particular, the positive effect of COCB is stronger when environmental uncertainty or the BU management-team decision latitude is greater. Time-lagged data from 109 BUs of a telecommunications company support the hypotheses. Additional exploratory analysis shows that the positive moderating effect of environmental uncertainty is further amplified at higher levels of BU management-team decision latitude. Overall, this study extends the internally focused view in the micro OCB literature by introducing external contingencies for the COCB-unit-performance relationship. (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

A rare type of ankle fracture: Syndesmotic rupture combined with a high fibular fracture without medial injury.

PubMed

van Wessem, K J P; Leenen, L P H

2016-03-01

High fibular spiral fractures are usually caused by pronation-external rotation mechanism. The foot is in pronation and the talus externally rotates, causing a rupture of the medial ligaments or a fracture of the medial malleolus. With continued rotation the anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligament will rupture, and finally, the energy leaves the fibula by creating a spiral fracture from anterior superior to posterior inferior. In this article we demonstrate a type of ankle fracture with syndesmotic injury and high fibular spiral fractures without a medial component. This type of ankle fractures cannot be explained by the Lauge-Hansen classification, since it lacks injury on the medial side of the ankle, but it does have the fibular fracture pattern matching the pronation external rotation injury (anterior superior to posterior inferior fracture). We investigated the mechanism of this injury illustrated by 3 cases and postulate a theory explaining the biomechanics behind this type of injury. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Agreement between parents and teachers on preschool children's behavior in a clinical sample with externalizing behavioral problems.

PubMed

Korsch, Franziska; Petermann, Franz

2014-10-01

An accurate interpretation of information obtained from multiple assessors is indispensible when complex diagnoses of behavioral problems in children need to be confirmed. The present study examined the similarity of parents and kindergarten teachers ratings on children's behavior in a sample of 160 preschool children (a clinical group including 80 children with externalizing behavioral problems and a matched control group including 80 children). Behavioral problems were assessed using the SDQ, and the DISYPS-II questionnaires for ADHD and conduct disorders. The results revealed low levels of parent-teacher agreement for their ratings on the children's behavior in both groups with the highest correlations in the non-clinical sample. Parent-teacher agreement did not differ significantly across the samples. Parent and teacher ratings correlated with the prevalence of externalizing disorders and were found to be almost independent of each other. The results highlight the importance of multiple informants and their independent influence within the diagnostic process.

Dutch adolescents from lesbian-parent families: how do they compare to peers with heterosexual parents and what is the impact of homophobic stigmatization?

PubMed

van Rijn-van Gelderen, Loes; Bos, Henny M W; Gartrell, Nanette K

2015-04-01

In this study, we compared internalizing and externalizing problem behavior of 67 Dutch adolescents (M(age) = 16.04) in planned lesbian families who were matched with 67 adolescents in heterosexual-parent families. We also examined whether homophobic stigmatization was associated with problem behavior in adolescents with lesbian mothers after taking into account demographic characteristics, mothers' scores on emotional involvement, and adolescents' earlier problem behavior (measured at age 4-8 years old). Standardized instruments measuring problem behavior were completed by parents and adolescent offspring, and questions about stigmatization were answered by adolescents with lesbian mothers. The results revealed no differences in internalizing and externalizing problem behavior associated with family type. Offspring in lesbian families who reported more experiences of homophobic stigmatization also demonstrated more internalizing and externalizing problem behavior. Copyright © 2015 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

External review for promotion and tenure in schools of nursing.

PubMed

Reilly, L; Carlisle, J; Mikan, K; Goldsmith, M

1996-10-01

To obtain information about external review for tenure and/or promotion, the faculty affairs committee in a large nursing program located in the southeastern United States conducted a survey among programs that award a doctoral degree in nursing. Research questions focused on general tenure and promotion policies, policies and procedures regarding the use of external review, and perceived advantages and disadvantages of external review. A 22-item survey was sent to 53 institutions with a total of 34 usable surveys being returned. Findings revealed that a majority of the schools used external review, especially for tenure decisions and promotion to the associate and professor rank. Promotion and tenure criteria from individual schools were usually sent to reviewers along with the candidates' curriculum vitae and manuscripts. Candidates usually participated in the selection of external reviewers, but contact with reviewers was usually instituted by the administration within the institution. It was also felt that the advantage of external review far outweighed any disadvantages.

Speech rhythm: a metaphor?

PubMed

Nolan, Francis; Jeon, Hae-Sung

2014-12-19

Is speech rhythmic? In the absence of evidence for a traditional view that languages strive to coordinate either syllables or stress-feet with regular time intervals, we consider the alternative that languages exhibit contrastive rhythm subsisting merely in the alternation of stronger and weaker elements. This is initially plausible, particularly for languages with a steep 'prominence gradient', i.e. a large disparity between stronger and weaker elements; but we point out that alternation is poorly achieved even by a 'stress-timed' language such as English, and, historically, languages have conspicuously failed to adopt simple phonological remedies that would ensure alternation. Languages seem more concerned to allow 'syntagmatic contrast' between successive units and to use durational effects to support linguistic functions than to facilitate rhythm. Furthermore, some languages (e.g. Tamil, Korean) lack the lexical prominence which would most straightforwardly underpin prominence of alternation. We conclude that speech is not incontestibly rhythmic, and may even be antirhythmic. However, its linguistic structure and patterning allow the metaphorical extension of rhythm in varying degrees and in different ways depending on the language, and it is this analogical process which allows speech to be matched to external rhythms. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

On the geometrically nonlinear elastic response of class θ = 1 tensegrity prisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mascolo, Ida; Amendola, Ada; Zuccaro, Giulio; Feo, Luciano; Fraternali, Fernando

2018-03-01

The present work studies the geometrically nonlinear response of class ϑ=1 tensegrity prisms modeled as a collection of elastic springs reacting in tension (strings or cables) or compression (bars), under uniform uniaxial loading. The incremental equilibrium equations of the structure are numerically solved through a path-following procedure, with the aim of modeling the mechanical behavior of the structure in the large displacement regime. Several numerical results are presented with reference to a variety of physical models, which use two different materials for the cables and the bars, and show different aspect ratios associated with either 'standard' or 'expanded' configurations. An experimental validation of the predicted constitutive response is conducted with reference to a 'thick' and a 'slender' model, observing rather good theory vs. experiment matching. The given numerical and experimental results highlight that the elastic response of the examined structures may switch from stiffening to softening, depending on the geometry of the system, the magnitude of the external load, and the applied prestress. The outcomes of the current study confirm previous literature results on the elastic response of minimal tensegrity prisms, and pave the way to the use of tensegrity systems as nonlinear spring units forming tunable mechanical metamaterials.

Speech rhythm: a metaphor?

PubMed Central

Nolan, Francis; Jeon, Hae-Sung

2014-01-01

Is speech rhythmic? In the absence of evidence for a traditional view that languages strive to coordinate either syllables or stress-feet with regular time intervals, we consider the alternative that languages exhibit contrastive rhythm subsisting merely in the alternation of stronger and weaker elements. This is initially plausible, particularly for languages with a steep ‘prominence gradient’, i.e. a large disparity between stronger and weaker elements; but we point out that alternation is poorly achieved even by a ‘stress-timed’ language such as English, and, historically, languages have conspicuously failed to adopt simple phonological remedies that would ensure alternation. Languages seem more concerned to allow ‘syntagmatic contrast’ between successive units and to use durational effects to support linguistic functions than to facilitate rhythm. Furthermore, some languages (e.g. Tamil, Korean) lack the lexical prominence which would most straightforwardly underpin prominence of alternation. We conclude that speech is not incontestibly rhythmic, and may even be antirhythmic. However, its linguistic structure and patterning allow the metaphorical extension of rhythm in varying degrees and in different ways depending on the language, and it is this analogical process which allows speech to be matched to external rhythms. PMID:25385774

A fully automated non-external marker 4D-CT sorting algorithm using a serial cine scanning protocol.

PubMed

Carnes, Greg; Gaede, Stewart; Yu, Edward; Van Dyk, Jake; Battista, Jerry; Lee, Ting-Yim

2009-04-07

Current 4D-CT methods require external marker data to retrospectively sort image data and generate CT volumes. In this work we develop an automated 4D-CT sorting algorithm that performs without the aid of data collected from an external respiratory surrogate. The sorting algorithm requires an overlapping cine scan protocol. The overlapping protocol provides a spatial link between couch positions. Beginning with a starting scan position, images from the adjacent scan position (which spatial match the starting scan position) are selected by maximizing the normalized cross correlation (NCC) of the images at the overlapping slice position. The process was continued by 'daisy chaining' all couch positions using the selected images until an entire 3D volume was produced. The algorithm produced 16 phase volumes to complete a 4D-CT dataset. Additional 4D-CT datasets were also produced using external marker amplitude and phase angle sorting methods. The image quality of the volumes produced by the different methods was quantified by calculating the mean difference of the sorted overlapping slices from adjacent couch positions. The NCC sorted images showed a significant decrease in the mean difference (p < 0.01) for the five patients.

Relationships between alexithymia, affect recognition, and empathy after traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Neumann, Dawn; Zupan, Barbra; Malec, James F; Hammond, Flora

2014-01-01

To determine (1) alexithymia, affect recognition, and empathy differences in participants with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI); (2) the amount of affect recognition variance explained by alexithymia; and (3) the amount of empathy variance explained by alexithymia and affect recognition. Sixty adults with moderate-to-severe TBI; 60 age and gender-matched controls. Participants were evaluated for alexithymia (difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings, and externally-oriented thinking); facial and vocal affect recognition; and affective and cognitive empathy (empathic concern and perspective-taking, respectively). Participants with TBI had significantly higher alexithymia; poorer facial and vocal affect recognition; and lower empathy scores. For TBI participants, facial and vocal affect recognition variances were significantly explained by alexithymia (12% and 8%, respectively); however, the majority of the variances were accounted for by externally-oriented thinking alone. Affect recognition and alexithymia significantly accounted for 16.5% of cognitive empathy. Again, the majority of the variance was primarily explained by externally-oriented thinking. Affect recognition and alexithymia did not explain affective empathy. Results suggest that people who have a tendency to avoid thinking about emotions (externally-oriented thinking) are more likely to have problems recognizing others' emotions and assuming others' points of view. Clinical implications are discussed.

Neurophysiological mechanisms of emotion regulation for subtypes of externalizing children.

PubMed

Stieben, Jim; Lewis, Marc D; Granic, Isabela; Zelazo, Philip David; Segalowitz, Sidney; Pepler, Debra

2007-01-01

Children referred for externalizing behavior problems may not represent a homogeneous population. Our objective was to assess neural mechanisms of emotion regulation that might distinguish subtypes of externalizing children from each other and from their normal age mates. Children with pure externalizing (EXT) problems were compared with children comorbid for externalizing and internalizing (MIXED) problems and with age-matched controls. Only boys were included in the analysis because so few girls were referred for treatment. We used a go/no-go task with a negative emotion induction, and we examined dense-array EEG data together with behavioral measures of performance. We investigated two event-related potential (ERP) components tapping inhibitory control or self-monitoring - the inhibitory N2 and error-related negativity (ERN) - and we constructed source models estimating their cortical generators. The MIXED children's N2s increased in response to the emotion induction, resulting in greater amplitudes than EXT children in the following trial block. ERN amplitudes were greatest for control children and smallest for EXT children with MIXED children in between, but only prior to the emotion induction. These results were paralleled by behavioral differences in response time and performance monitoring. ERP activity was localized to cortical sources suggestive of the dorsal anterior cingulate for control children, posterior cingulate areas for the EXT children, and both posterior cingulate and ventral cingulate/prefrontal regions for the MIXED children. These findings highlight different mechanisms of self-regulation underlying externalizing subtypes and point toward distinct developmental pathways and treatment strategies.

Reliability of Current Biokinetic and Dosimetric Models for Radionuclides: A Pilot Study

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

Leggett, Richard Wayne; Eckerman, Keith F; Meck, Robert A.

2008-10-01

This report describes the results of a pilot study of the reliability of the biokinetic and dosimetric models currently used by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as predictors of dose per unit internal or external exposure to radionuclides. The study examines the feasibility of critically evaluating the accuracy of these models for a comprehensive set of radionuclides of concern to the NRC. Each critical evaluation would include: identification of discrepancies between the models and current databases; characterization of uncertainties in model predictions of dose per unit intake or unit external exposure; characterization of variability in dose per unit intakemore » or unit external exposure; and evaluation of prospects for development of more accurate models. Uncertainty refers here to the level of knowledge of a central value for a population, and variability refers to quantitative differences between different members of a population. This pilot study provides a critical assessment of models for selected radionuclides representing different levels of knowledge of dose per unit exposure. The main conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) To optimize the use of available NRC resources, the full study should focus on radionuclides most frequently encountered in the workplace or environment. A list of 50 radionuclides is proposed. (2) The reliability of a dose coefficient for inhalation or ingestion of a radionuclide (i.e., an estimate of dose per unit intake) may depend strongly on the specific application. Multiple characterizations of the uncertainty in a dose coefficient for inhalation or ingestion of a radionuclide may be needed for different forms of the radionuclide and different levels of information of that form available to the dose analyst. (3) A meaningful characterization of variability in dose per unit intake of a radionuclide requires detailed information on the biokinetics of the radionuclide and hence is not feasible for many infrequently studied radionuclides. (4) The biokinetics of a radionuclide in the human body typically represents the greatest source of uncertainty or variability in dose per unit intake. (5) Characterization of uncertainty in dose per unit exposure is generally a more straightforward problem for external exposure than for intake of a radionuclide. (6) For many radionuclides the most important outcome of a large-scale critical evaluation of databases and biokinetic models for radionuclides is expected to be the improvement of current models. Many of the current models do not fully or accurately reflect available radiobiological or physiological information, either because the models are outdated or because they were based on selective or uncritical use of data or inadequate model structures. In such cases the models should be replaced with physiologically realistic models that incorporate a wider spectrum of information.« less

Results of wind tunnel tests of an ASRM configured 0.03 scale Space Shuttle integrated vehicle model (47-OTS) in the AEDC 16-foot transonic wind tunnel, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marroquin, J.; Lemoine, P.

1992-01-01

An experimental Aerodynamic and Aero-Acoustic loads data base was obtained at transonic Mach numbers for the Space Shuttle Launch Vehicle configured with the ASRM Solid Rocket Boosters as an increment to the current flight configuration (RSRB). These data were obtained during transonic wind tunnel tests (IA 613A) conducted in the Arnold Engineering Development Center 16-Foot transonic propulsion wind tunnel from March 27, 1991 through April 12, 1991. This test is the first of a series of two tests covering the Mach range from 0.6 to 3.5. Steady state surface static and fluctuating pressure distributions over the Orbiter, External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters of the Shuttle Integrated Vehicle were measured. Total Orbiter forces, Wing forces and Elevon hinge moments were directly measured as well from force balances. Two configurations of Solid Rocket Boosters were tested, the Redesigned Solid Rocket Booster (RSRB) and the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM). The effects of the position (i.e., top, bottom, top and bottom) of the Integrated Electronics Assembly (IEA) box, mounted on the SRB attach ring, were obtained on the ASRM configured model. These data were obtained with and without Solid Plume Simulators which, when used, matched as close as possible the flight derived pressures on the Orbiter and External Tank base. Data were obtained at Mach numbers ranging from 0.6 to 1.55 at a Unit Reynolds Number of 2.5 million per foot through model angles of attack from -8 to +4 degrees at sideslip angles of 0, +4 and -4 degrees.

Results of wind tunnel tests of an ASRM configured 0.03 scale Space Shuttle integrated vehicle model (47-OTS) in the AEDC 16-foot Transonic wind tunnel (IA613A), volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marroquin, J.; Lemoine, P.

1992-01-01

An experimental Aerodynamic and Aero-Acoustic loads data base was obtained at transonic Mach numbers for the Space Shuttle Launch Vehicle configured with the ASRM Solid Rocket Boosters as an increment to the current flight configuration (RSRB). These data were obtained during transonic wind tunnel tests (IA 613A) conducted in the Arnold Engineering Development Center 16-Foot transonic propulsion wind tunnel from March 27, 1991 through April 12, 1991. This test is the first of a series of two tests covering the Mach range from 0.6 to 3.5. Steady state surface static and fluctuating pressure distributions over the Orbiter, External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters of the Shuttle Integrated Vehicle were measured. Total Orbiter forces, Wing forces and Elevon hinge moments were directly measured as well from force balances. Two configurations of Solid Rocket Boosters were tested, the Redesigned Solid Rocket Booster (RSRB) and the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM). The effects of the position (i.e. top, bottom, top and bottom) of the Integrated Electronics Assembly (IEA) box, mounted on the SRB attach ring, were obtained on the ASRM configured model. These data were obtained with and without Solid Plume Simulators which, when used, matched as close as possible the flight derived pressures on the Orbiter and External Tank base. Data were obtained at Mach numbers ranging from 0.6 to 1.55 at a Unit Reynolds Number of 2.5 million per foot through model angles of attack from -8 to +4 degrees at sideslip angles of 0, +4 and -4 degrees.

External Link Disclaimer - Naval Oceanography Portal

Science.gov Websites

, the United States Department of the Navy or [command name] of the linked web sites, or the information purpose of this DoD web site. USNO Master Clock Time Javascript must be Enabled The Sky This Week The Sky | navy.com | Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) | External Link Disclaimer This is an official U.S. Navy web

Behavior of medial gastrocnemius motor units during postural reactions to external perturbations after stroke.

PubMed

Pollock, C L; Ivanova, T D; Hunt, M A; Garland, S J

2015-10-01

This study investigated the behavior of medial gastrocnemius (GM) motor units (MU) during external perturbations in standing in people with chronic stroke. GM MUs were recorded in standing while anteriorly-directed perturbations were introduced by applying loads of 1% body mass (BM) at the pelvis every 25-40s until 5% BM was maintained. Joint kinematics, surface electromyography (EMG), and force platform measurements were assessed. Although external loads caused a forward progression of the anterior-posterior centre of pressure (APCOP), people with stroke decreased APCOP velocity and centre of mass (COM) velocity immediately following the highest perturbations, thereby limiting movement velocity in response to perturbations. MU firing rate did not increase with loading but the GM EMG magnitude increased, reflecting MU recruitment. MU inter spike interval (ISI) during the dynamic response was negatively correlated with COM velocity and hip angular velocity. The GM utilized primarily MU recruitment to maintain standing during external perturbations. The lack of MU firing rate modulation occurred with a change in postural central set. However, the relationship of MU firing rate with kinematic variables suggests underlying long-loop responses may be somewhat intact after stroke. People with stroke demonstrate alterations in postural control strategies which may explain MU behavior with external perturbations. Copyright © 2014 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Matrix-Matching as an Improvement Strategy for the Detection of Pesticide Residues.

PubMed

Giacinti, Géraldine; Raynaud, Christine; Capblancq, Sophie; Simon, Valérie

2016-05-01

More than 90% of the pesticides residues in apples are located in the peel. We developed a gas chromatography/ion trap tandem mass spectrometry method for investigating all detectable residues in the peel of 3 apple varieties. Sample preparation is based on the use of the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe method on the whole fruit, the flesh, and the peel. Pesticide residues were quantified with solvent-matched and matrix-matched standards, by spiking apple sample extracts. Matrix effects dependent on the type of extract (fruit, flesh, or peel) and the apple variety were detected. The best data processing methods involved normalizing matrix effect rates by matrix-matched internal/external calibration. Boscalid, captan, chlorpyrifos, fludioxonil, and pyraclostrobin were the most frequently detected pesticides. However, their concentrations in the whole fruit were below European maximum residue levels. Despite negative matrix effects, the residues in peel were detected at concentrations up to 10 times higher than those in whole fruits. Consequently, other pesticide residues present at concentrations below the limit of quantification in the whole fruit were detected in the peel. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Design of low loss helix circuits for interference fitted and brazed circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacquez, A.

1983-01-01

The RF loss properties and thermal capability of brazed helix circuits and interference fitted circuits were evaluated. The objective was to produce design circuits with minimum RF loss and maximum heat transfer. These circuits were to be designed to operate at 10 kV and at 20 GHz using a gamma a approximately equal to 1.0. This represents a circuit diameter of only 0.75 millimeters. The fabrication of this size circuit and the 0.48 millimeter high support rods required considerable refinements in the assembly techniques and fixtures used on lower frequency circuits. The transition from the helices to the waveguide was designed and the circuits were matched from 20 to 40 GHz since the helix design is a broad band circuit and at a gamma a of 1.0 will operate over this band. The loss measurement was a transmission measurement and therefore had two such transitions. This resulting double-ended match required tuning elements to achieve the broad band match and external E-H tuners at each end to optimize the match for each frequency where the loss measurement was made. The test method used was a substitution method where the test fixture was replaced by a calibrated attenuator.

MSuPDA: A Memory Efficient Algorithm for Sequence Alignment.

PubMed

Khan, Mohammad Ibrahim; Kamal, Md Sarwar; Chowdhury, Linkon

2016-03-01

Space complexity is a million dollar question in DNA sequence alignments. In this regard, memory saving under pushdown automata can help to reduce the occupied spaces in computer memory. Our proposed process is that anchor seed (AS) will be selected from given data set of nucleotide base pairs for local sequence alignment. Quick splitting techniques will separate the AS from all the DNA genome segments. Selected AS will be placed to pushdown automata's (PDA) input unit. Whole DNA genome segments will be placed into PDA's stack. AS from input unit will be matched with the DNA genome segments from stack of PDA. Match, mismatch and indel of nucleotides will be popped from the stack under the control unit of pushdown automata. During the POP operation on stack, it will free the memory cell occupied by the nucleotide base pair.

Modified coaxial wire method for measurement of transfer impedance of beam position monitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Mukesh; Babbar, L. K.; Deo, R. K.; Puntambekar, T. A.; Senecha, V. K.

2018-05-01

The transfer impedance is a very important parameter of a beam position monitor (BPM) which relates its output signal with the beam current. The coaxial wire method is a standard technique to measure transfer impedance of the BPM. The conventional coaxial wire method requires impedance matching between coaxial wire and external circuits (vector network analyzer and associated cables). This paper presents a modified coaxial wire method for bench measurement of the transfer impedance of capacitive pickups like button electrodes and shoe box BPMs. Unlike the conventional coaxial wire method, in the modified coaxial wire method no impedance matching elements have been used between the device under test and the external circuit. The effect of impedance mismatch has been solved mathematically and a new expression of transfer impedance has been derived. The proposed method is verified through simulation of a button electrode BPM using cst studio suite. The new method is also applied to measure transfer impedance of a button electrode BPM developed for insertion devices of Indus-2 and the results are also compared with its simulations. Close agreement between measured and simulation results suggests that the modified coaxial wire setup can be exploited for the measurement of transfer impedance of capacitive BPMs like button electrodes and shoe box BPM.

Matched cohort study of external cephalic version in women with previous cesarean delivery.

PubMed

Keepanasseril, Anish; Anand, Keerthana; Soundara Raghavan, Subrahmanian

2017-07-01

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of external cephalic version (ECV) among women with previous cesarean delivery. A retrospective study was conducted using data for women with previous cesarean delivery and breech presentation who underwent ECV at or after 36 weeks of pregnancy during 2011-2016. For every case, two multiparous women without previous cesarean delivery who underwent ECV and were matched for age and pregnancy duration were included. Characteristics and outcomes were compared between groups. ECV was successful for 32 (84.2%) of 38 women with previous cesarean delivery and 62 (81.6%) in the control group (P=0.728). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that previous cesarean was not associated with ECV success (odds ratio 1.89, 95% confidence interval 0.19-18.47; P=0.244). Successful vaginal delivery after successful ECV was reported for 19 (59.4%) women in the previous cesarean delivery group and 52 (83.9%) in the control group (P<0.001). No ECV-associated complications occurred in women with previous cesarean delivery. To avoid a repeat cesarean delivery, ECV can be offered to women with breech presentation and previous cesarean delivery who are otherwise eligible for a trial of labor. © 2017 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Perception of peer group rank of individuals with early psychosis.

PubMed

Allison, Gemma; Harrop, Chris; Ellett, Lyn

2013-03-01

Social rank theory has been applied to psychosis, in particular the relationship between an individual and their voices. However, perceived peer group rank has not been empirically tested in an early psychosis group. The purpose of the study was to test the prediction that individuals with early psychosis will have lower perceived social status, engage in submissive behaviours more frequently, and will feel more entrapped by external events compared to a healthy control group. The study employed a cross-sectional design, comparing individuals with early psychosis and healthy controls. A total of 24 participants with early psychosis and 24 matched controls completed self-report measures of social rank, including social comparison, submissive behaviours and entrapment, measures of depression, anxiety and psychotic symptoms, and measures of peer network size and peer relationship quality. Individuals with early psychosis viewed themselves as being of lower social rank and inferior in relation to matched controls, and also reported engaging in submissive behaviours more frequently and felt more entrapped by external events. Perception of lower social rank and inferiority amongst individuals with early psychosis may impact on engagement in peer relationships and impact on the social decline in early psychosis, which could have significant implications for interventions and recovery. ©2012 The British Psychological Society.

Systematic Biological Filter Design with a Desired I/O Filtering Response Based on Promoter-RBS Libraries.

PubMed

Hsu, Chih-Yuan; Pan, Zhen-Ming; Hu, Rei-Hsing; Chang, Chih-Chun; Cheng, Hsiao-Chun; Lin, Che; Chen, Bor-Sen

2015-01-01

In this study, robust biological filters with an external control to match a desired input/output (I/O) filtering response are engineered based on the well-characterized promoter-RBS libraries and a cascade gene circuit topology. In the field of synthetic biology, the biological filter system serves as a powerful detector or sensor to sense different molecular signals and produces a specific output response only if the concentration of the input molecular signal is higher or lower than a specified threshold. The proposed systematic design method of robust biological filters is summarized into three steps. Firstly, several well-characterized promoter-RBS libraries are established for biological filter design by identifying and collecting the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of their promoter-RBS components via nonlinear parameter estimation method. Then, the topology of synthetic biological filter is decomposed into three cascade gene regulatory modules, and an appropriate promoter-RBS library is selected for each module to achieve the desired I/O specification of a biological filter. Finally, based on the proposed systematic method, a robust externally tunable biological filter is engineered by searching the promoter-RBS component libraries and a control inducer concentration library to achieve the optimal reference match for the specified I/O filtering response.

When should I attempt my centrally administered summative assessments in the RANZCP competency-based training program?

PubMed

Kealy-Bateman, Warren; Kotze, Beth; Lampe, Lisa

2016-12-01

To provide information relevant to decision-making around the timing of attempting the centrally administered summative assessments in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) 2012 Fellowship Program. We consider the new Competency-Based Fellowship Program of the RANZCP and its underlying philosophy, the trainee trajectory within the program and the role of the supervisor. The relationship between workplace-based and external assessments is discussed. The timing of attempting centrally administered summative assessments is considered within the pedagogical framework of medical competencies development. Although successful completion of all the centrally administered summative assessments requires demonstration of a junior consultant standard of competency, the timing at which this standard will most commonly be achieved is likely to vary from assessment to assessment. There are disadvantages attendant upon prematurely attempting assessments, and trainees are advised to carefully consider the requirements of each assessment and match this against their current level of knowledge and skills. Trainees and supervisors need to be clear about the competencies required for each of the external assessments and match this against the trainee's current competencies to assist in decision-making about the timing of assessments and planning for future learning. © The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2016.

School management and contingency theory: an emerging perspective.

PubMed

Hanson, E M

1979-01-01

In an article written for educational administrators, Hanson explains the assumptions, framework, and application of contingency theory. The author sees contingency theory as a way for organizations to adapt to uncertainty by developing a strategic plan with alternative scenarios. He urges school administrators to join businessmen and public managers in using a technique described as "the most powerful current sweeping over the organizational field." The theory assumes that: (1) a maze of goals govern the development of events; (2) different management approaches may be appropriate within the same organization; and (3) different leadership styles suit different situations. Contingency planning helps the organization to respond to uncertainty in the external environment by identifying possible events that may occur and by preparing alternative stratgies to deal with them. Hanson describes the purpose of this process as providing "a more effective match between an organization and its environment." He explains that contingency theory analyzes the internal adjustments of the organization (e.g., decision making process, structure, technology, instructional techniques) as it seeks to meet the shifting demands of its external or internal environments. According to the author, the intent of contingency theory is to establish an optimal "match" between environmental demands (and support) and the response capabilities of the organization including its structure, planning process, and leadership style.

Resource-sharing between internal maintenance and external selection modulates attentional capture by working memory content.

PubMed

Kiyonaga, Anastasia; Egner, Tobias

2014-01-01

It is unclear why and under what circumstances working memory (WM) and attention interact. Here, we apply the logic of the time-based resource-sharing (TBRS) model of WM (e.g., Barrouillet et al., 2004) to explore the mixed findings of a separate, but related, literature that studies the guidance of visual attention by WM contents. Specifically, we hypothesize that the linkage between WM representations and visual attention is governed by a time-shared cognitive resource that alternately refreshes internal (WM) and selects external (visual attention) information. If this were the case, WM content should guide visual attention (involuntarily), but only when there is time for it to be refreshed in an internal focus of attention. To provide an initial test for this hypothesis, we examined whether the amount of unoccupied time during a WM delay could impact the magnitude of attentional capture by WM contents. Participants were presented with a series of visual search trials while they maintained a WM cue for a delayed-recognition test. WM cues could coincide with the search target, a distracter, or neither. We varied both the number of searches to be performed, and the amount of available time to perform them. Slowing of visual search by a WM matching distracter-and facilitation by a matching target-were curtailed when the delay was filled with fast-paced (refreshing-preventing) search trials, as was subsequent memory probe accuracy. WM content may, therefore, only capture visual attention when it can be refreshed, suggesting that internal (WM) and external attention demands reciprocally impact one another because they share a limited resource. The TBRS rationale can thus be applied in a novel context to explain why WM contents capture attention, and under what conditions that effect should be observed.

Resource-sharing between internal maintenance and external selection modulates attentional capture by working memory content

PubMed Central

Kiyonaga, Anastasia; Egner, Tobias

2014-01-01

It is unclear why and under what circumstances working memory (WM) and attention interact. Here, we apply the logic of the time-based resource-sharing (TBRS) model of WM (e.g., Barrouillet et al., 2004) to explore the mixed findings of a separate, but related, literature that studies the guidance of visual attention by WM contents. Specifically, we hypothesize that the linkage between WM representations and visual attention is governed by a time-shared cognitive resource that alternately refreshes internal (WM) and selects external (visual attention) information. If this were the case, WM content should guide visual attention (involuntarily), but only when there is time for it to be refreshed in an internal focus of attention. To provide an initial test for this hypothesis, we examined whether the amount of unoccupied time during a WM delay could impact the magnitude of attentional capture by WM contents. Participants were presented with a series of visual search trials while they maintained a WM cue for a delayed-recognition test. WM cues could coincide with the search target, a distracter, or neither. We varied both the number of searches to be performed, and the amount of available time to perform them. Slowing of visual search by a WM matching distracter—and facilitation by a matching target—were curtailed when the delay was filled with fast-paced (refreshing-preventing) search trials, as was subsequent memory probe accuracy. WM content may, therefore, only capture visual attention when it can be refreshed, suggesting that internal (WM) and external attention demands reciprocally impact one another because they share a limited resource. The TBRS rationale can thus be applied in a novel context to explain why WM contents capture attention, and under what conditions that effect should be observed. PMID:25221499

AN EXTERNAL SHOCK ORIGIN OF GRB 141028A

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

Burgess, J. Michael; Bégué, Damien; Ryde, Felix

The prompt emission of the long, smooth, and single-pulsed gamma-ray burst, GRB 141028A, is analyzed under the guise of an external shock model. First, we fit the γ -ray spectrum with a two-component photon model, namely, synchrotron+blackbody, and then fit the recovered evolution of the synchrotron νF{sub ν} peak to an analytic model derived considering the emission of a relativistic blast wave expanding into an external medium. The prediction of the model for the νF{sub ν} peak evolution matches well with the observations. We observe the blast wave transitioning into the deceleration phase. Furthermore, we assume the expansion of themore » blast wave to be nearly adiabatic, motivated by the low magnetic field deduced from the observations. This allows us to recover within an order of magnitude the flux density at the νF{sub ν} peak, which is remarkable considering the simplicity of the analytic model. Under this scenario we argue that the distinction between prompt and afterglow emission is superfluous as both early-time emission and late-time emission emanate from the same source. While the external shock model is clearly not a universal solution, this analysis opens the possibility that at least some fraction of GRBs can be explained with an external shock origin of their prompt phase.« less

Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-2 restructured form (MMPI-2-RF) scale score differences in bariatric surgery candidates diagnosed with binge eating disorder versus BMI-matched controls.

PubMed

Marek, Ryan J; Ben-Porath, Yossef S; Ashton, Kathleen; Heinberg, Leslie J

2014-04-01

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is among the most common psychiatric disorders in bariatric surgery candidates. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) is a broadband, psychological test that includes measures of emotional and behavioral dysfunction, which have been associated with BED behaviors in bariatric surgery candidates; however these studies have lacked appropriate controls. In the current study, we compared MMPI-2-RF scale scores of bariatric surgery patients diagnosed with BED (BED+) with BMI-matched controls without BED (BED-). Three-hundred and seven BED+ participants (72.64% female and 67.87% Caucasian; mean BMI of 51.36 kg/m(2) [SD = 11.94]) were drawn from a large, database (N = 1304). Three-hundred and seven BED- participants were matched on BMI and demographics (72.64% female, 68.63% Caucasian, and mean BMI of 51.30 kg/m(2) [SD = 11.70]). The BED+ group scored significantly higher on measures of Demoralization, Low Positive Emotions, and Dysfunctional Negative Emotions and scored lower on measures of Antisocial Behaviors, reflecting behavioral constraint. Optimal T-Score cutoffs were below the traditional 65 T score for several MMPI-2-RF scales. MMPI-2-RF externalizing measures also added incrementally to differentiating between the groups beyond the Binge Eating Scale (BES). BED+ individuals produced greater elevations on a number of MMPI-2-RF internalizing scales and externalizing scales. Use of the test in conjunction with a clinical interview and other self-report data can further aid the clinician in guiding patients to appropriate treatment to optimize outcome. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DustPedia: Multiwavelength photometry and imagery of 875 nearby galaxies in 42 ultraviolet-microwave bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, C. J. R.; Verstocken, S.; Bianchi, S.; Fritz, J.; Viaene, S.; Smith, M. W. L.; Baes, M.; Casasola, V.; Cassara, L. P.; Davies, J. I.; De Looze, I.; De Vis, P.; Evans, R.; Galametz, M.; Jones, A. P.; Lianou, S.; Madden, S.; Mosenkov, A. V.; Xilouris, M.

2018-01-01

Aims: The DustPedia project is capitalising on the legacy of the Herschel Space Observatory, using cutting-edge modelling techniques to study dust in the 875 DustPedia galaxies - representing the vast majority of extended galaxies within 3000 km s-1 that were observed by Herschel. This work requires a database of multiwavelength imagery and photometry that greatly exceeds the scope (in terms of wavelength coverage and number of galaxies) of any previous local-Universe survey. Methods: We constructed a database containing our own custom Herschel reductions, along with standardised archival observations from GALEX, SDSS, DSS, 2MASS, WISE, Spitzer, and Planck. Using these data, we performed consistent aperture-matched photometry, which we combined with external supplementary photometry from IRAS and Planck. Results: We present our multiwavelength imagery and photometry across 42 UV-microwave bands for the 875 DustPedia galaxies. Our aperture-matched photometry, combined with the external supplementary photometry, represents a total of 21 857 photometric measurements. A typical DustPedia galaxy has multiwavelength photometry spanning 25 bands. We also present the Comprehensive & Adaptable Aperture Photometry Routine (CAAPR), the pipeline we developed to carry out our aperture-matched photometry. CAAPR is designed to produce consistent photometry for the enormous range of galaxy and observation types in our data. In particular, CAAPR is able to determine robust cross-compatible uncertainties, thanks to a novel method for reliably extrapolating the aperture noise for observations that cover a very limited amount of background. Our rich database of imagery and photometry is being made available to the community. Photometry data tables are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/609/A37

Acute cardiac events and deployment of emergency medical teams and automated external defibrillators in large football stadiums in the Netherlands.

PubMed

van de Sandt, Femke; Umans, Victor

2009-10-01

The incidence of acute cardiac events - including out-of-hospital cardiac arrest - may be increased in visitors of large sports stadiums when compared with the general population. This study sought to investigate the incidence of acute cardiac events inside large Dutch football stadiums, as well as the emergency response systems deployed in these stadiums and the success rate for in-stadium resuscitation. Retrospective cohort study using a questionnaire sent to the 20 Dutch stadiums that hosted professional matches during the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 football seasons. Stadium capacity ranged from 3600 to 51 600 spectators. Nearly 13 million spectators attended 686 'Eredivisie' (Honorary Division) and European football matches. All stadiums distribute multiple emergency medical teams among the spectators. Eighty-five percent of the stadiums have an ambulance standby during matches, 95% of the stadiums were equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during the study period. On an average, one AED was available for every 7576 spectators (range 1800-29 600). Ninety-three cardiac events were reported (7.3 per 1 million spectators). An AED was used 22 times (1.7 per 1 million spectators). Resuscitation was successful in 18 cases (82%, 95% confidence interval: 61-93). The incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest inside large football stadiums in the Netherlands, albeit increased when compared with the general population, is low. The success rate for in-stadium resuscitation by medical teams equipped with AEDs is high. Dutch stadiums appear vigilant in regard to acute cardiac events. This report highlights the importance of adequate emergency medical response systems (including AEDs) in large sports venues.

High Speed Running and Sprinting Profiles of Elite Soccer Players

PubMed Central

Miñano-Espin, Javier; Casáis, Luis; Lago-Peñas, Carlos; Gómez-Ruano, Miguel Ángel

2017-01-01

Abstract Real Madrid was named as the best club of the 20th century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. The aim of this study was to compare if players from Real Madrid covered shorter distances than players from the opposing team. One hundred and forty-nine matches including league, cup and UEFA Champions League matches played by the Real Madrid were monitored during the 2001-2002 to the 2006-2007 seasons. Data from both teams (Real Madrid and the opponent) were recorded. Altogether, 2082 physical performance profiles were examined, 1052 from the Real Madrid and 1031 from the opposing team (Central Defenders (CD) = 536, External Defenders (ED) = 491, Central Midfielders (CM) = 544, External Midfielders (EM) = 233, and Forwards (F) = 278). Match performance data were collected using a computerized multiple-camera tracking system (Amisco Pro®, Nice, France). A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for distances covered at different intensities (sprinting (>24.0 km/h) and high-speed running (21.1-24.0 km/h) and the number of sprints (21.1-24.0 km/h and >24.0 km/h) during games for each player sectioned under their positional roles. Players from Real Madrid covered shorter distances in high-speed running and sprint than players from the opposing team (p < 0.01). While ED did not show differences in their physical performance, CD (p < 0.05), CM (p < 0.01), EM (p < 0.01) and F (p > 0.01) from Real Madrid covered shorter distances in high-intensity running and sprint and performed less sprints than their counterparts. Finally, no differences were found in the high-intensity running and sprint distances performed by players from Real Madrid depending on the quality of the opposition. PMID:28828087

Geomorphology, Science (Experimental): 5343.09.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dade County Public Schools, Miami, FL.

Performance objectives are stated for this secondary school instructional unit concerned with aspects of earth science with emphases on the internal and external forces that bring about changes in the earth's crust. Lists of films and state-adopted and other texts are presented. Included are a course outline summarizing the unit content; numerous…

ECO LOGIC INTERNATIONAL GAS-PHASE CHEMICAL REDUCTION PROCESS - THE THERMAL DESORPTION UNIT - APPLICATIONS ANALYSIS REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

ELI ECO Logic International, Inc.'s Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU) is specifically designed for use with Eco Logic's Gas Phase Chemical Reduction Process. The technology uses an externally heated bath of molten tin in a hydrogen atmosphere to desorb hazardous organic compounds fro...

Participation in International Large-Scale Assessments from a US Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Plisko, Valena White

2013-01-01

International large-scale assessments (ILSAs) play a distinct role in the United States' decentralized federal education system. Separate from national and state assessments, they offer an external, objective measure for the United States to assess student performance comparatively with other countries and over time. The US engagement in ILSAs…

Higher Education in American Society. Third Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Altbach, Philip G., Ed.; And Others

This collection of 16 essays explore the effects and implications of the changing relationship between external societal influences and academic institutions in the United States. A foreword by Clark Kerr is entitled, "American Society Turns More Assertive: A New Century Approaches for Higher Education in the United States." The essays…

Service employees give as they get: internal service as a moderator of the service climate-service outcomes link.

PubMed

Ehrhart, Karen Holcombe; Witt, L A; Schneider, Benjamin; Perry, Sara Jansen

2011-03-01

We lend theoretical insight to the service climate literature by exploring the joint effects of branch service climate and the internal service provided to the branch (the service received from corporate units to support external service delivery) on customer-rated service quality. We hypothesized that service climate is related to service quality most strongly when the internal service quality received is high, providing front-line employees with the capability to deliver what the service climate motivates them to do. We studied 619 employees and 1,973 customers in 36 retail branches of a bank. We aggregated employee perceptions of the internal service quality received from corporate units and the local service climate and external customer perceptions of service quality to the branch level of analysis. Findings were consistent with the hypothesis that high-quality internal service is necessary for branch service climate to yield superior external customer service quality. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved.

A study of the eigenvectors of low frequency vibrational modes in crystalline cytidine via high pressure Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Scott A.

2014-03-01

High-pressure Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the low-frequency vibrational modes of crystalline cytidine at 295 K by evaluating the logarithmic derivative of the vibrational frequency with respect to pressure: 1/ω dω/dP. Crystalline samples of molecular materials such as cytidine have vibrational modes that are localized within a molecular unit (``internal'' modes) as well as modes in which the molecular units vibrate against each other (``external'' modes). The value of the logarithmic derivative is a diagnostic probe of the nature of the eigenvector of the vibrational modes, making high pressure experiments a very useful probe for such studies. Internal stretching modes have low logarithmic derivatives while external as well as internal torsional and bending modes have higher logarithmic derivatives. All of the Raman modes below 200 cm-1 in cytidine are found to have high logarithmic derivatives, consistent with being either external modes or internal torsional or bending modes.

Matching Element Symbols with State Abbreviations: A Fun Activity for Browsing the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woelk, Klaus

2009-01-01

A classroom activity is presented in which students are challenged to find matches between the United States two-letter postal abbreviations for states and chemical element symbols. The activity aims to lessen negative apprehensions students might have when the periodic table of the elements with its more than 100 combinations of letters is first…

Using VineUp to Match Students with Alumni Industry Mentors in Engineering: A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Halupa, Colleen; Henry, Matthew

2015-01-01

This pilot study evaluated users' perceptions of the effectiveness of the VineUp platform to match mentors from a large United States manufacturing firm and mechanical engineering students in an honors program at a small private university. Four mentor/mentee pairs were surveyed and interviewed at the end of the nine-month program. Although the…

Teacher's Guide to the Algonquins: The MATCH Box Project; Prototype Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butler, Eva; And Others

What better way is there to learn about something than to hold it, examine it, and take it apart? The Match Box Project (Materials and Activities for Teachers and Children) loans to schools a series of boxes which contain materials, equipment, supplies, and activities designed as a unit to foster the teaching/learning of specific subjects at the…

Advanced Liquid-Cooling Garment Using Highly Thermally Conductive Sheets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruemmele, Warren P.; Bue, Grant C.; Orndoff, Evelyne; Tang, Henry

2010-01-01

This design of the liquid-cooling garment for NASA spacesuits allows the suit to remove metabolic heat from the human body more effectively, thereby increasing comfort and performance while reducing system mass. The garment is also more flexible, with fewer restrictions on body motion, and more effectively transfers thermal energy from the crewmember s body to the external cooling unit. This improves the garment s performance in terms of the maximum environment temperature in which it can keep a crewmember comfortable. The garment uses flexible, highly thermally conductive sheet material (such as graphite), coupled with cooling water lines of improved thermal conductivity to transfer the thermal energy from the body to the liquid cooling lines more effectively. The conductive sheets can be layered differently, depending upon the heat loads, in order to provide flexibility, exceptional in-plane heat transfer, and good through-plane heat transfer. A metal foil, most likely aluminum, can be put between the graphite sheets and the external heat source/sink in order to both maximize through-plane heat transfer at the contact points, and to serve as a protection to the highly conductive sheets. Use of a wicking layer draws excess sweat away from the crewmember s skin and the use of an outer elastic fabric ensures good thermal contact of the highly conductive underlayers with the skin. This allows the current state of the art to be improved by having cooling lines that can be more widely spaced to improve suit flexibility and to reduce weight. Also, cooling liquid does not have to be as cold to achieve the same level of cooling. Specific areas on the human body can easily be targeted for greater or lesser cooling to match human physiology, a warmer external environment can be tolerated, and spatial uniformity of the cooling garment can be improved to reduce vasoconstriction limits. Elements of this innovation can be applied to other embodiments to provide effective heat transfer over a flexible and surface-conformable fashion without the limitation of fluid freeze points.

Improved detection rates and treatment planning of head and neck cancer using dual-layer spectral CT.

PubMed

Lohöfer, Fabian K; Kaissis, Georgios A; Köster, Frances L; Ziegelmayer, Sebastian; Einspieler, Ingo; Gerngross, Carlos; Rasper, Michael; Noel, Peter B; Koerdt, Steffen; Fichter, Andreas; Rummeny, Ernst J; Braren, Rickmer F

2018-05-28

The aim of this study was to evaluate the advantages of dual-layer spectral CT (DLSCT) in detection and staging of head and neck cancer (HNC) as well as the imaging of tumour margins and infiltration depth compared to conventional contrast enhanced CT (CECT). Thirty-nine patients with a proven diagnosis of HNC were examined with a DLSCT scanner and retrospectively analysed. An age-matched healthy control group of the same size was used. Images were acquired in the venous phase. Virtual monoenergetic 40keV-equivalent (MonoE40) images were compared to CECT-images. Diagnostic confidence for tumour identification and margin detection was rated independently by four experienced observers. The steepness of the Hounsfield unit (HU)-increase at the tumour margin was analysed. External carotid artery branch image reconstructions were performed and their contrast compared to conventional arterial phase imaging. Means were compared using a Student's t-test. ANOVA was used for multiple comparisons. MonoE40 images were superior to CECT-images in tumour detection and margin delineation. MonoE40 showed significantly higher attenuation differences between tumour and healthy tissue compared to CECT-images (p < 0.001). The HU-increase at the boundary of the tumour was significantly steeper in MonoE40 images compared to CECT-images (p < 0.001). Iodine uptake in the tumour was significantly higher compared to healthy tissue (p < 0.001). MonoE40 compared to conventional images allowed visualisation of external carotid artery branches from the venous phase in a higher number of cases (87% vs. 67%). DLSCT enables improved detection of primary and recurrent head and neck cancer and quantification of tumour iodine uptake. Improved contrast of MonoE40 compared to conventional reconstructions enables higher diagnostic confidence concerning tumour margin detection and vessel identification. • Sensitivity concerning tumour detection are higher using dual-layer spectral-CT than conventional CT. • Lesion to background contrast in DLSCT is significantly higher than in CECT. • DLSCT provides sufficient contrast for evaluation of external carotid artery branches.

Modeling for Military Operational Medicine Scientific and Technical Objectives

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-09-01

measurements and less error in interpreting the measurements since the sensor units are placed directly under armor ; and (3) new material that matches the...more accurate measurements and less error in interpreting the measurements, since the sensor units are placed directly under armor ; and (3) new

Do otolaryngology residency applicants relocate for training?

PubMed

Gebhard, Grant M; Hauser, Leah J; Dally, Miranda J; Weitzenkamp, David A; Cabrera-Muffly, Cristina

2016-04-01

To determine whether there is an association between the geographic location of an applicant's undergraduate school, medical school, and residency program among matched otolaryngology residency applicants. Observational. Otolaryngology residency program applications to our institution from 2009 to 2013 were analyzed. The geographic location of each applicant's undergraduate education and medical education were collected. Online public records were queried to determine the residency program location of matched applicants. Applicants who did not match or who attended medical school outside the United States were excluded. Metro area, state, and region were determined according to US Census Bureau definitions. From 2009 to 2013, 1,089 (78%) of 1,405 applicants who matched into otolaryngology residency applied to our institution. The number of subjects who attended medical school and residency in the same geographic region was 241 (22%) for metropolitan area, 305 (28%) for state, and 436 (40%) for region. There was no difference in geographic location retention by gender or couples match status of the subject. United States Medical Licensing Exam step 1 scores correlated with an increased likelihood of subjects staying within the same geographic region (P = .03). Most otolaryngology applicants leave their previous geographic area to attend residency. Based on these data, the authors recommend against giving weight to geography as a factor when inviting applicants to interview. NA. © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Enhanced efficiency of solid-state NMR investigations of energy materials using an external automatic tuning/matching (eATM) robot.

PubMed

Pecher, Oliver; Halat, David M; Lee, Jeongjae; Liu, Zigeng; Griffith, Kent J; Braun, Marco; Grey, Clare P

2017-02-01

We have developed and explored an external automatic tuning/matching (eATM) robot that can be attached to commercial and/or home-built magic angle spinning (MAS) or static nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probeheads. Complete synchronization and automation with Bruker and Tecmag spectrometers is ensured via transistor-transistor-logic (TTL) signals. The eATM robot enables an automated "on-the-fly" re-calibration of the radio frequency (rf) carrier frequency, which is beneficial whenever tuning/matching of the resonance circuit is required, e.g. variable temperature (VT) NMR, spin-echo mapping (variable offset cumulative spectroscopy, VOCS) and/or in situ NMR experiments of batteries. This allows a significant increase in efficiency for NMR experiments outside regular working hours (e.g. overnight) and, furthermore, enables measurements of quadrupolar nuclei which would not be possible in reasonable timeframes due to excessively large spectral widths. Additionally, different tuning/matching capacitor (and/or coil) settings for desired frequencies (e.g. 7 Li and 31 P at 117 and 122MHz, respectively, at 7.05 T) can be saved and made directly accessible before automatic tuning/matching, thus enabling automated measurements of multiple nuclei for one sample with no manual adjustment required by the user. We have applied this new eATM approach in static and MAS spin-echo mapping NMR experiments in different magnetic fields on four energy storage materials, namely: (1) paramagnetic 7 Li and 31 P MAS NMR (without manual recalibration) of the Li-ion battery cathode material LiFePO 4 ; (2) paramagnetic 17 O VT-NMR of the solid oxide fuel cell cathode material La 2 NiO 4+δ ; (3) broadband 93 Nb static NMR of the Li-ion battery material BNb 2 O 5 ; and (4) broadband static 127 I NMR of a potential Li-air battery product LiIO 3 . In each case, insight into local atomic structure and dynamics arises primarily from the highly broadened (1-25MHz) NMR lineshapes that the eATM robot is uniquely suited to collect. These new developments in automation of NMR experiments are likely to advance the application of in and ex situ NMR investigations to an ever-increasing range of energy storage materials and systems. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhanced efficiency of solid-state NMR investigations of energy materials using an external automatic tuning/matching (eATM) robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pecher, Oliver; Halat, David M.; Lee, Jeongjae; Liu, Zigeng; Griffith, Kent J.; Braun, Marco; Grey, Clare P.

2017-02-01

We have developed and explored an external automatic tuning/matching (eATM) robot that can be attached to commercial and/or home-built magic angle spinning (MAS) or static nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probeheads. Complete synchronization and automation with Bruker and Tecmag spectrometers is ensured via transistor-transistor-logic (TTL) signals. The eATM robot enables an automated "on-the-fly" re-calibration of the radio frequency (rf) carrier frequency, which is beneficial whenever tuning/matching of the resonance circuit is required, e.g. variable temperature (VT) NMR, spin-echo mapping (variable offset cumulative spectroscopy, VOCS) and/or in situ NMR experiments of batteries. This allows a significant increase in efficiency for NMR experiments outside regular working hours (e.g. overnight) and, furthermore, enables measurements of quadrupolar nuclei which would not be possible in reasonable timeframes due to excessively large spectral widths. Additionally, different tuning/matching capacitor (and/or coil) settings for desired frequencies (e.g.7Li and 31P at 117 and 122 MHz, respectively, at 7.05 T) can be saved and made directly accessible before automatic tuning/matching, thus enabling automated measurements of multiple nuclei for one sample with no manual adjustment required by the user. We have applied this new eATM approach in static and MAS spin-echo mapping NMR experiments in different magnetic fields on four energy storage materials, namely: (1) paramagnetic 7Li and 31P MAS NMR (without manual recalibration) of the Li-ion battery cathode material LiFePO4; (2) paramagnetic 17O VT-NMR of the solid oxide fuel cell cathode material La2NiO4+δ; (3) broadband 93Nb static NMR of the Li-ion battery material BNb2O5; and (4) broadband static 127I NMR of a potential Li-air battery product LiIO3. In each case, insight into local atomic structure and dynamics arises primarily from the highly broadened (1-25 MHz) NMR lineshapes that the eATM robot is uniquely suited to collect. These new developments in automation of NMR experiments are likely to advance the application of in and ex situ NMR investigations to an ever-increasing range of energy storage materials and systems.

Brachytherapy Is Associated With Improved Survival in Inoperable Stage I Endometrial Adenocarcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis

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

Acharya, Sahaja; Perkins, Stephanie M.; DeWees, Todd

2015-11-01

Purpose: To assess the use of brachytherapy (BT) with or without external beam radiation (EBRT) in inoperable stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma in the United States and to determine the effect of BT on overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS). Methods and Materials: Data between 1998 and 2011 from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database were analyzed. Coarsened exact matching was used to adjust for differences in age and grade between patients who received BT and those who did not. Prognostic factors affecting OS and CSS were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and a Coxmore » proportional hazards regression model. Results: A total of 460 patients with inoperable stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma treated with radiation therapy were identified. Radiation consisted of either EBRT (n=260) or BT with or without EBRT (n=200). The only factor associated with BT use was younger patient age (median age, 72 vs 76 years, P=.001). Patients who received BT had a higher 3-year OS (60% vs 47%, P<.001) and CSS (82% vs 74%, P=.032) compared with those who did not. On multivariate analysis, BT use was independently associated with an improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.87) and CSS (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39-0.93). When patients were matched on age, BT use remained significant on multivariate analysis for OS (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48-0.87) and CSS (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31-0.84). When matched on age and grade, BT remained independently associated with improved OS and CSS (OS HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46-0.83; CSS HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.92). Conclusion: Brachytherapy is independently associated with improved OS and CSS. It should be considered as part of the treatment regimen for stage I inoperable endometrial cancer patients undergoing radiation.« less

Hail damage on Atlantis' external tank is inspected

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-04-13

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, Mike Ravenscroft, with United Space Alliance, points to some of the foam repair done on the external tank of Space Shuttle Atlantis. Holes filled with foam are sanded flush with the adjacent area. In late February, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The launch now is targeted for June 8.

Matched pairs dosimetry: 124I/131I metaiodobenzylguanidine and 124I/131I and 86Y/90Y antibodies.

PubMed

Lopci, Egesta; Chiti, Arturo; Castellani, Maria Rita; Pepe, Giovanna; Antunovic, Lidija; Fanti, Stefano; Bombardieri, Emilio

2011-05-01

The technological advances in imaging and production of radiopharmaceuticals are driving an innovative way of evaluating the targets for antineoplastic therapies. Besides the use of imaging to better delineate the volume of external beam radiation therapy in oncology, modern imaging techniques are able to identify targets for highly specific medical therapies, using chemotherapeutic drugs and antiangiogenesis molecules. Moreover, radionuclide imaging is able to select targets for radionuclide therapy and to give the way to in vivo dose calculation to target tissues and to critical organs. This contribution reports the main studies published on matched pairs dosimetry with (124)I/(131)I- and (86)Y/(90)Y-labelled radiopharmaceuticals, with an emphasis on metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) and monoclonal antibodies.

Fishy Activities for Your Small Fry. A Unit Plan in Fish Biology for Grades Kindergarten through Sixth. Educational Series Number 28.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sparrow, Mary E.; And Others

This unit in fish biology is suitable for kindergarten through sixth grade. Provided in the unit are: (1) behavioral objectives for grades K-3 and 4-6; (2) an overview of activities and instructional strategies; (3) background information on fishes; (4) diagrams of internal/external fish structure; (5) list of key vocabulary words; (6) discussion…

Culture-dependent strategies in coordination games.

PubMed

Jackson, Matthew O; Xing, Yiqing

2014-07-22

We examine different populations' play in coordination games in online experiments with over 1,000 study participants. Study participants played a two-player coordination game that had multiple equilibria: two equilibria with highly asymmetric payoffs and another equilibrium with symmetric payoffs but a slightly lower total payoff. Study participants were predominantly from India and the United States. Study participants residing in India played the strategies leading to asymmetric payoffs significantly more frequently than study participants residing in the United States who showed a greater play of the strategy leading to the symmetric payoffs. In addition, when prompted to play asymmetrically, the population from India responded even more significantly than those from the United States. Overall, study participants' predictions of how others would play were more accurate when the other player was from their own populations, and they coordinated significantly more frequently and earned significantly higher payoffs when matched with other study participants from their own population than when matched across populations.

MSuPDA: A memory efficient algorithm for sequence alignment.

PubMed

Khan, Mohammad Ibrahim; Kamal, Md Sarwar; Chowdhury, Linkon

2015-01-16

Space complexity is a million dollar question in DNA sequence alignments. In this regards, MSuPDA (Memory Saving under Pushdown Automata) can help to reduce the occupied spaces in computer memory. Our proposed process is that Anchor Seed (AS) will be selected from given data set of Nucleotides base pairs for local sequence alignment. Quick Splitting (QS) techniques will separate the Anchor Seed from all the DNA genome segments. Selected Anchor Seed will be placed to pushdown Automata's (PDA) input unit. Whole DNA genome segments will be placed into PDA's stack. Anchor Seed from input unit will be matched with the DNA genome segments from stack of PDA. Whatever matches, mismatches or Indel, of Nucleotides will be POP from the stack under the control of control unit of Pushdown Automata. During the POP operation on stack it will free the memory cell occupied by the Nucleotide base pair.

Performance Testing of GPU-Based Approximate Matching Algorithm on Network Traffic

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

Defense Department’s use. vi THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK vii TABLE OF CONTENTS I.  INTRODUCTION...22  D.  GENERATING DIGESTS ............................................................................23  1.  Reference...the-shelf GPU Graphical Processing Unit GPGPU General -Purpose Graphic Processing Unit HBSS Host-Based Security System HIPS Host Intrusion

33 CFR 105.265 - Security measures for handling cargo.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., containers, or other cargo transport units entering the facility match the delivery note or equivalent cargo..., containers or other cargo transport units, and cargo storage areas within the facility for evidence of... cargo. 105.265 Section 105.265 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND...

33 CFR 105.265 - Security measures for handling cargo.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., containers, or other cargo transport units entering the facility match the delivery note or equivalent cargo..., containers or other cargo transport units, and cargo storage areas within the facility for evidence of... cargo. 105.265 Section 105.265 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND...

33 CFR 105.265 - Security measures for handling cargo.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., containers, or other cargo transport units entering the facility match the delivery note or equivalent cargo..., containers or other cargo transport units, and cargo storage areas within the facility for evidence of... cargo. 105.265 Section 105.265 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND...

33 CFR 105.265 - Security measures for handling cargo.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., containers, or other cargo transport units entering the facility match the delivery note or equivalent cargo..., containers or other cargo transport units, and cargo storage areas within the facility for evidence of... cargo. 105.265 Section 105.265 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND...

33 CFR 105.265 - Security measures for handling cargo.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., containers, or other cargo transport units entering the facility match the delivery note or equivalent cargo..., containers or other cargo transport units, and cargo storage areas within the facility for evidence of... cargo. 105.265 Section 105.265 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND...

77 FR 11565 - Agency Information Collection: Comment Request AGENCY: United States Geological Survey (USGS...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-27

... CONTACT: Douglas A. Howard, Associate Program Coordinator NCGMP (STATEMAP and EDMAP), USGS Geological... colleges and universities in the United States and Puerto Rico through an annual competitive cooperative agreement process. Every federal dollar that is awarded is matched with university funds. Geology professors...

Outdoorsman, Unit II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alberta Dept. of Agriculture, Edmonton.

The second of three units of the 4-H Outdoorsman Program introduces more advanced camping and survival techniques for 4-H members in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Backpacking, finding food in the wild, making a fire without matches, lashing techniques, axemanship, finding your way (with and without a compass), making a…

Neural correlates of short-term memory in primate auditory cortex

PubMed Central

Bigelow, James; Rossi, Breein; Poremba, Amy

2014-01-01

Behaviorally-relevant sounds such as conspecific vocalizations are often available for only a brief amount of time; thus, goal-directed behavior frequently depends on auditory short-term memory (STM). Despite its ecological significance, the neural processes underlying auditory STM remain poorly understood. To investigate the role of the auditory cortex in STM, single- and multi-unit activity was recorded from the primary auditory cortex (A1) of two monkeys performing an auditory STM task using simple and complex sounds. Each trial consisted of a sample and test stimulus separated by a 5-s retention interval. A brief wait period followed the test stimulus, after which subjects pressed a button if the sounds were identical (match trials) or withheld button presses if they were different (non-match trials). A number of units exhibited significant changes in firing rate for portions of the retention interval, although these changes were rarely sustained. Instead, they were most frequently observed during the early and late portions of the retention interval, with inhibition being observed more frequently than excitation. At the population level, responses elicited on match trials were briefly suppressed early in the sound period relative to non-match trials. However, during the latter portion of the sound, firing rates increased significantly for match trials and remained elevated throughout the wait period. Related patterns of activity were observed in prior experiments from our lab in the dorsal temporal pole (dTP) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the same animals. The data suggest that early match suppression occurs in both A1 and the dTP, whereas later match enhancement occurs first in the PFC, followed by A1 and later in dTP. Because match enhancement occurs first in the PFC, we speculate that enhancement observed in A1 and dTP may reflect top–down feedback. Overall, our findings suggest that A1 forms part of the larger neural system recruited during auditory STM. PMID:25177266

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Planck Sunyaev-Zeldovich sources (PSZ2) (Planck+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Planck Collaboration; Ade, P. A. R.; Aghanim, N.; Arnaud, M.; Ashdown, M.; Aumont, J.; Baccigalupi, C.; Banday, A. J.; Barreiro, R. B.; Barrena, R.; Bartlett, J. G.; Bartolo, N.; Battaner, E.; Battye, R.; Benabed, K.; Benoit, A.; Benoit-Levy, A.; Bernard, J.-P.; Bersanelli, M.; Bielewicz, P.; Bikmaev, I.; Bohringer, H.; Bonaldi, A.; Bonavera, L.; Bond, J. R.; Borrill, J.; Bouchet, F. R.; Bucher, M.; Burenin, R.; Burigana, C.; Butler, R. C.; Calabrese, E.; Cardoso, J.-F.; Carvalho, P.; Catalano, A.; Challinor, A.; Chamballu, A.; Chary, R.-R.; Chiang, H. C.; Chon, G.; Christensen, P. R.; Clements, D. L.; Colombi, S.; Colombo, L. P. L.; Combet, C.; Comis, B.; Couchot, F.; Coulais, A.; Crill, B. P.; Curto, A.; Cuttaia, F.; Dahle, H.; Danese, L.; Davies, R. D.; Davis, R. J.; de Bernardis, P.; De Rosa, A.; de Zotti, G.; Delabrouille, J.; Desert, F.-X.; Dickinson, C.; Diego, J. M.; Dolag, K.; Dole, H.; Donzelli, S.; Dore, O.; Douspis, M.; Ducout, A.; Dupac, X.; Efstathiou, G.; Eisenhardt, P. R. M.; Elsner, F.; Ensslin, T. A.; Eriksen, H. K.; Falgarone, E.; Fergusson, J.; Feroz, F.; Ferragamo, A.; Finelli, F.; Forni, O.; Frailis, M.; Fraisse, A. A.; Franceschi, E.; Frejsel, A.; Galeotta, S.; Galli, S.; Ganga, K.; Genova-Santos, R. T.; Giard, M.; Giraud-Heraud, Y.; Gjerlow, E.; Gonzalez-Nuevo, J.; Gorski, K. M.; Grainge, K. J. B.; Gratton, S.; Gregorio, A.; Gruppuso, A.; Gudmundsson, J. E.; Hansen, F. K.; Hanson, D.; Harrison, D. L.; Hempel, A.; Henrot-Versille, S.; Hernandez-Monteagudo, C.; Herranz, D.; Hildebrandt, S. R.; Hivon, E.; Hobson, M.; Holmes, W. A.; Hornstrup, A.; Hovest, W.; Huffenberger, K. M.; Hurier, G.; Jaffe, A. H.; Jaffe, T. R.; Jin, T.; Jones, W. C.; Juvela, M.; Keihanen, E.; Keskitalo, R.; Khamitov, I.; Kisner, T. S.; Kneissl, R.; Knoche, J.; Kunz, M.; Kurki-Suonio, H.; Lagache, G.; Lamarre, J.-M.; Lasenby, A.; Lattanzi, M.; Lawrence, C. R.; Leonardi, R.; Lesgourgues, J.; Levrier, F.; Liguori, M.; Lilje, P. B.; Linden-Vornle, M.; Lopez-Caniego, M.; Lubin, P. M.; Macias-Perez, J. F.; Maggio, G.; Maino, D.; Mak, D. S. Y.; Mandolesi, N.; Mangilli, A.; Martin, P. G.; Martinez-Gonzalez, E.; Masi, S.; Matarrese, S.; Mazzotta, P.; McGehee, P.; Mei, S.; Melchiorri, A.; Melin, J.-B.; Mendes, L.; Mennella, A.; Migliaccio, M.; Mitra, S.; Miville-Deschenes, M.-A.; Moneti, A.; Montier, L.; Morgante, G.; Mortlock, D.; Moss, A.; Munshi, D.; Murphy, J. A.; Naselsky, P.; Nastasi, A.; Nati, F.; Natoli, P.; Netterfield, C. B.; Norgaard-Nielsen, H. U.; Noviello, F.; Novikov, D.; Novikov, I.; Olamaie, M.; Oxborrow, C. A.; Paci, F.; Pagano, L.; Pajot, F.; Paoletti, D.; Pasian, F.; Patanchon, G.; Pearson, T. J.; Perdereau, O.; Perotto, L.; Perrott, Y. C.; Perrotta, F.; Pettorino, V.; Piacentini, F.; Piat, M.; Pierpaoli, E.; Pietrobon, D.; Plaszczynski, S.; Pointecouteau, E.; Polenta, G.; Pratt, G. W.; Prezeau, G.; Prunet, S.; Puget, J.-L.; Rachen, J. P.; Reach, W. T.; Rebolo, R.; Reinecke, M.; Remazeilles, M.; Renault, C.; Renzi, A.; Ristorcelli, I.; Rocha, G.; Rosset, C.; Rossetti, M.; Roudier, G.; Rozo, E.; Rubino-Martin, J. A.; Rumsey, C.; Rusholme, B.; Rykoff, E. S.; Sandri, M.; Santos, D.; Saunders, R. D. E.; Savelainen, M.; Savini, G.; Schammel, M. P.; Scott, D.; Seiffert, M. D.; Shellard, E. P. S.; Shimwell, T. W.; Spence, R. L. D.; Stanford, S. A.; Stern, D.; Stolyarov, V.; Stompor, R.; Streblyanska, A.; Sudiwala, R.; Sunyaev, R.; Sutton, D.; Suur-Uski, A.-S.; Sygnet, J.-F.; Tauber, J. A.; Terenzi, L.; Toffolatti, L.; Tomasi, M.; Tramonte, D.; Tristram, M.; Tucci, M.; Tuovinen, J.; Umana, G.; Valenziano, L.; Valiviita, J.; van Tent, B.; Vielva, P.; Villa, F.; Wade, L. A.; Wandelt, B. D.; Wehus, I. K.; White, S. D. M.; Wright, E. L.; Yvon, D.; Zacchei, A.; Zonca, A.

2017-01-01

Three pipelines are used to detect SZ clusters: two independent implementations of the Matched Multi-Filter (MMF1 and MMF3), and PowellSnakes (PwS). The main catalogue is constructed as the union of the catalogues from the three detection methods. The completeness and reliability of the catalogues have been assessed through internal and external validation as described in section 4 of the paper. (5 data files).

Wheat gliadin: digital imaging and database construction using a 4-band reference system of agarose isoelectric focusing patterns.

PubMed

Black, J A; Waggamon, K A

1992-01-01

An isoelectric focusing method using thin-layer agarose gel has been developed for wheat gliadin. Using flat-bed units with a third electrode, up to 72 samples per gel may be analyzed. Advantages over traditional acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis methodology include: faster run times, nontoxic media, and greater sample capacity. The method is suitable for fingerprinting or purity testing of wheat varieties. Using digital images captured by a flat-bed scanner, a 4-band reference system using isoelectric points was devised. Software enables separated bands to be assigned pI values based upon reference tracks. Precision of assigned isoelectric points is shown to be on the order of 0.02 pH units. Captured images may be stored in a computer database and compared to unknown patterns to enable an identification. Parameters for a match with a stored pattern may be adjusted for pI interval required for a match, and number of best matches.

Mnemonic neuronal activity in somatosensory cortex.

PubMed Central

Zhou, Y D; Fuster, J M

1996-01-01

Single-unit activity was recorded from the hand areas of the somatosensory cortex of monkeys trained to perform a haptic delayed matching to sample task with objects of identical dimensions but different surface features. During the memory retention period of the task (delay), many units showed sustained firing frequency change, either excitation or inhibition. In some cases, firing during that period was significantly higher after one sample object than after another. These observations indicate the participation of somatosensory neurons not only in the perception but in the short-term memory of tactile stimuli. Neurons most directly implicated in tactile memory are (i) those with object-selective delay activity, (ii) those with nondifferential delay activity but without activity related to preparation for movement, and (iii) those with delay activity in the haptic-haptic delayed matching task but no such activity in a control visuo-haptic delayed matching task. The results indicate that cells in early stages of cortical somatosensory processing participate in haptic short-term memory. PMID:8927629

Methods and apparatuses using filter banks for multi-carrier spread spectrum signals

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

Moradi, Hussein; Farhang, Behrouz; Kutsche, Carl A

2017-01-31

A transmitter includes a synthesis filter bank to spread a data symbol to a plurality of frequencies by encoding the data symbol on each frequency, apply a common pulse-shaping filter, and apply gains to the frequencies such that a power level of each frequency is less than a noise level of other communication signals within the spectrum. Each frequency is modulated onto a different evenly spaced subcarrier. A demodulator in a receiver converts a radio frequency input to a spread-spectrum signal in a baseband. A matched filter filters the spread-spectrum signal with a common filter having characteristics matched to themore » synthesis filter bank in the transmitter by filtering each frequency to generate a sequence of narrow pulses. A carrier recovery unit generates control signals responsive to the sequence of narrow pulses suitable for generating a phase-locked loop between the demodulator, the matched filter, and the carrier recovery unit.« less

Methods and apparatuses using filter banks for multi-carrier spread spectrum signals

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

Moradi, Hussein; Farhang, Behrouz; Kutsche, Carl A.

2016-06-14

A transmitter includes a synthesis filter bank to spread a data symbol to a plurality of frequencies by encoding the data symbol on each frequency, apply a common pulse-shaping filter, and apply gains to the frequencies such that a power level of each frequency is less than a noise level of other communication signals within the spectrum. Each frequency is modulated onto a different evenly spaced subcarrier. A demodulator in a receiver converts a radio frequency input to a spread-spectrum signal in a baseband. A matched filter filters the spread-spectrum signal with a common filter having characteristics matched to themore » synthesis filter bank in the transmitter by filtering each frequency to generate a sequence of narrow pulses. A carrier recovery unit generates control signals responsive to the sequence of narrow pulses suitable for generating a phase-locked loop between the demodulator, the matched filter, and the carrier recovery unit.« less

Fast, externally triggered, digital phase controller for an optical lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadgrove, Mark; Nakagawa, Ken'ichi

2011-11-01

We present a method to control the phase of an optical lattice according to an external trigger signal. The method has a latency of less than 30 μs. Two phase locked digital synthesizers provide the driving signal for two acousto-optic modulators which control the frequency and phase of the counter-propagating beams which form a standing wave (optical lattice). A micro-controller with an external interrupt function is connected to the desired external signal, and updates the phase register of one of the synthesizers when the external signal changes. The standing wave (period λ/2 = 390 nm) can be moved by units of 49 nm with a mean jitter of 28 nm. The phase change is well known due to the digital nature of the synthesizer, and does not need calibration. The uses of the scheme include coherent control of atomic matter-wave dynamics.

Internal Motion Estimation by Internal-external Motion Modeling for Lung Cancer Radiotherapy.

PubMed

Chen, Haibin; Zhong, Zichun; Yang, Yiwei; Chen, Jiawei; Zhou, Linghong; Zhen, Xin; Gu, Xuejun

2018-02-27

The aim of this study is to develop an internal-external correlation model for internal motion estimation for lung cancer radiotherapy. Deformation vector fields that characterize the internal-external motion are obtained by respectively registering the internal organ meshes and external surface meshes from the 4DCT images via a recently developed local topology preserved non-rigid point matching algorithm. A composite matrix is constructed by combing the estimated internal phasic DVFs with external phasic and directional DVFs. Principle component analysis is then applied to the composite matrix to extract principal motion characteristics, and generate model parameters to correlate the internal-external motion. The proposed model is evaluated on a 4D NURBS-based cardiac-torso (NCAT) synthetic phantom and 4DCT images from five lung cancer patients. For tumor tracking, the center of mass errors of the tracked tumor are 0.8(±0.5)mm/0.8(±0.4)mm for synthetic data, and 1.3(±1.0)mm/1.2(±1.2)mm for patient data in the intra-fraction/inter-fraction tracking, respectively. For lung tracking, the percent errors of the tracked contours are 0.06(±0.02)/0.07(±0.03) for synthetic data, and 0.06(±0.02)/0.06(±0.02) for patient data in the intra-fraction/inter-fraction tracking, respectively. The extensive validations have demonstrated the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed model in motion tracking for both the tumor and the lung in lung cancer radiotherapy.

Organisational Culture and Values and the Adaptation of Academic Units in Australian Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Zilwa, Deanna

2007-01-01

This study explores connections between the organisational culture and values of academic units in Australian universities and their efforts to adapt to external environmental pressures. It integrates empirical findings from case studies with theories of organisational culture and values and adaptation. It identifies seven dimensions of academic…

Workskills and National Competitiveness: External Benchmarks. Report No. 2: Benchmarking Australian Qualification Profiles.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cullen, R. B.

Although education and training should be a source of relative advantage for Australia, the competitive benefits expected from the nation's "clever country" strategy have been slow to emerge. When 22 countries including Australia, Germany, Singapore, the United Kingdom, United States, and New Zealand were compared from the standpoint of…

Unit: The Earth, Inspection Pack, National Trial Print.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Australian Science Education Project, Toorak, Victoria.

The core portion of this trial unit prepared by the Australian Science Education Project provides an introduction to the structure of the earth, volcanic activity, the types of igneous rocks, earthquakes, and seismology, with an emphasis on the techniques of inference used to relate external evidence to internal structure. The optional activities…

REPORT OF THE MEETING TO PEER REVIEW "The Inventory of Sources of Dioxin in the United States"

EPA Science Inventory

This report summarizes the expert scientific peer review of the April 1998 external review draft of The Inventory of Sources of Dioxin in the United States, published by the Office of Research and Development (ORD) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (USEPA, ...

Earnings and Income Volatility in America: Evidence from Matched CPS. Discussion Paper Series. DP 2010-05

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ziliak, James P.; Hardy, Bradley; Bollinger, Christopher

2010-01-01

In this paper we offer new evidence on earnings and income volatility in the United States over the past four decades by using matched data from the March Current Population Survey. We find that between 1973 and 2008 family income volatility rose by 38 percent, primarily as a result of higher volatility of husbands earnings and non means-tested…

Reading, Equivalence, and Recombination of Units: A Replication with Students with Different Learning Histories.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Melchiori, Ligia Ebner; de Souza, Deisy G.; de Rose, Julio C.

2000-01-01

First graders (n=5), preschoolers (n=5), special education first-graders (n=5), and adults (n=8) in Brazil received a reading program in which they learned to match printed to dictated words and to construct (copy) printed words. The students not only learned to match the training words but also learned to read them. (Contains references.)…

VizieR Online Data Catalog: URAT Parallax Catalog (UPC) (Finch+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finch, C. T.; Zacharias, N.

2016-04-01

The URAT Parallax Catalog (UPC) consists of 112177 parallaxes. The catalog utilizes all Northern Hemisphere epoch data from the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) Robotic Astrometric Telescope (URAT). This data includes all individual exposures from April 2012 to June 2015 giving a larger epoch baseline for determining parallaxes over the 2-year span of the First USNO Robotic Astrometric Telescope Catalog (URAT1) (Zacharias et al., 2015, Cat. I/329) published data. The URAT parallax pipeline is custom code that utilizes routines from (Jao, C.-W., 2004, PhD thesis Georgia Stat), the JPL DE405 ephemeris and Green's parallax factor (Green, R.M., 1985, Spherical Astronomy) for determining parallaxes from a weighted least-squares reduction. The relative parallaxes have been corrected to absolute by using the distance color relation described in (Finch et. al, 2014, Cat. J/AJ/148/119) to determine a mean distance of all UCAC4 reference stars (R=8-16 mag) used in the astrometric reductions. Presented here are all significant parallaxes from the URAT Northern Hemisphere epoch data comprising of 2 groups: a) URAT parallax results for stars with prior published parallax, and b) first time trigonometric parallaxes as obtained from URAT data of stars without prior published parallax. Note, more stringent selection criteria have been applied to the second group than the first in order to keep the rate of false detections low. For specific information about the astrometric reductions please see 'The First U.S. Naval Observatory Robotic Astrometric Telescope Catalog' published paper (Zacharias et al., 2015AJ....150..101Z, Cat. I/329). For complete details regarding the parallax pipeline please see 'Parallax Results From URAT Epoch Data' (Finch and Zacharias, 2016, AJ, in press). This catalog gives all positions on the ICRS at Epoch J2014.0; it covers the magnitude range 6.56 to 16.93 in the URAT band-pass, with an average parallax precision of 4.3mas for stars having no known parallax and 10.8mas for stars matched to external parallax sources. This catalog covers the sky from about North of -12.75° declination. This catalog was matched with the Hipparcos catalog, Yale Parallax Catalog, (Finch & Zacharias, 2016, AJ, in press), MEarth (Dittmann et. al., 2014ApJ...784..156D) and the SIMBAD database to obtain known parallax and star names. For stars matched to SIMBAD using the automated search feature, only the parallaxes are given so no information on the parallax errors or source for the parallax are reported for those stars in this catalog. A flag is included to show which catalog or database the URAT parallax was matched with. Only the data from the first catalog that was matched is reported here according to the following priority list. This means for example, if a star was matched with Hipparcos, that information was used while possible other catalog data are not listed here. -------------------------------------------------------- # stars flg catalog -------------------------------------------------------- 53500 0 no catalog match 55549 1 Hipparcos 254 2 Yale Parallax Catalog 1041 3 Finch and Zacharias 2016 (UPM NNNN-NNNN) 1431 4 MEarth parallaxes 402 5 SIMBAD Database (w/parallax) -------------------------------------------------------- 112177 total number stars in catalog -------------------------------------------------------- Not all parallaxes from the URAT epoch data are included in this catalog. Only those data meeting the following criteria have been included. For the epoch data we only used data having a FWHM<=7.0pixel; amplitude between 500 and 30000ADU; sigma x,y <=90.0mas; number of observations >=20 and epoch span>=1.0 years. The limits imposed on individual image amplitude, image profile width (FWHM) and position fit errors (sigma) are set to not allow saturated stars, stars with too few photons or poorly determined positions to be used in the parallax solution. We present all URAT parallax solutions having a known parallax from an external data source regardless of the quality of the solution (srcflg=1-5). This was done for the user to better understand the limitations for determining parallaxes with the current URAT epoch data. For the remaining URAT parallaxes without a match to any published trigonometric parallax (srcflg=0) we only present a parallax solutions having: 1) a parallax error <=10mas 2) a parallax error <=1/4 the relative parallax 3) epoch span >=1.5 years 4) number of observations used >=30 5) fit sigma<=1.4 (unit weight) 6) average image elongation <1.1. All of these cuts have been implemented in an attempt to lower the number of possible erroneous parallax solutions entering our catalog. However, the URAT reduction process does not take provisions for close doubles (blended images) of arcsecond-level separations. Many of the parallaxes, particularly those with large mean elongation, large parallax error, large fit sigma and many rejected observations are possibly blended images leading to a higher chance of an erroneous parallax solutions. A visual inspection of all residual plots and real sky images would not be practical for the entire catalog. However, we have included information in the catalog to help the user to determine if a solution should be investigated further. (1 data file).

Incidence of injury in professional mixed martial arts competitions.

PubMed

Bledsoe, Gregory H; Hsu, Edbert B; Grabowski, Jurek George; Brill, Justin D; Li, Guohua

2006-01-01

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitions were introduced in the United States with the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993. In 2001, Nevada and New Jersey sanctioned MMA events after requiring a series of rule changes. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of injury in professional MMA fighters. Data from all professional MMA events that took place between September 2001 and December 2004 in the state of Nevada were obtained from the Nevada Athletic Commission. Medical and outcome data from events were analyzed based on a pair-matched case-control design. Both conditional and unconditional logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors for injury. A total of 171 MMA matches involving 220 different fighters occurred during the study period. There were a total of 96 injuries to 78 fighters. Of the 171 matches fought, 69 (40.3%) ended with at least one injured fighter. The overall injury rate was 28.6 injuries per 100 fight participations or 12.5 injuries per 100 competitor rounds. Facial laceration was the most common injury accounting for 47.9% of all injuries, followed by hand injury (13.5%), nose injury (10.4%), and eye injury (8.3%). With adjustment for weight and match outcome, older age was associated with significantly increased risk of injury. The most common conclusion to a MMA fight was a technical knockout (TKO) followed by a tap out. The injury rate in MMA competitions is compatible with other combat sports involving striking. The lower knockout rates in MMA compared to boxing may help prevent brain injury in MMA events. Key PointsMixed martial arts (MMA) has changed since the first MMA matches in the United States and now has increased safety regulations and sanctioning.MMA competitions have an overall high rate of injury.There have been no MMA deaths in the United States.The knockout (KO) rate in MMA appears to be lower than the KO rate of boxing matches.MMA must continue to be supervised by properly trained medical professionals and referees to ensure fighter safety in the future.

Incidence of Injury in Professional Mixed Martial Arts Competitions

PubMed Central

Bledsoe, Gregory H.; Hsu, Edbert B.; Grabowski, Jurek George; Brill, Justin D.; Li, Guohua

2006-01-01

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitions were introduced in the United States with the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993. In 2001, Nevada and New Jersey sanctioned MMA events after requiring a series of rule changes. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of injury in professional MMA fighters. Data from all professional MMA events that took place between September 2001 and December 2004 in the state of Nevada were obtained from the Nevada Athletic Commission. Medical and outcome data from events were analyzed based on a pair-matched case-control design. Both conditional and unconditional logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors for injury. A total of 171 MMA matches involving 220 different fighters occurred during the study period. There were a total of 96 injuries to 78 fighters. Of the 171 matches fought, 69 (40.3%) ended with at least one injured fighter. The overall injury rate was 28.6 injuries per 100 fight participations or 12.5 injuries per 100 competitor rounds. Facial laceration was the most common injury accounting for 47.9% of all injuries, followed by hand injury (13.5%), nose injury (10.4%), and eye injury (8.3%). With adjustment for weight and match outcome, older age was associated with significantly increased risk of injury. The most common conclusion to a MMA fight was a technical knockout (TKO) followed by a tap out. The injury rate in MMA competitions is compatible with other combat sports involving striking. The lower knockout rates in MMA compared to boxing may help prevent brain injury in MMA events. Key Points Mixed martial arts (MMA) has changed since the first MMA matches in the United States and now has increased safety regulations and sanctioning. MMA competitions have an overall high rate of injury. There have been no MMA deaths in the United States. The knockout (KO) rate in MMA appears to be lower than the KO rate of boxing matches. MMA must continue to be supervised by properly trained medical professionals and referees to ensure fighter safety in the future. PMID:24357986

Resource Use and Medicare Costs During Lay Navigation for Geriatric Patients With Cancer.

PubMed

Rocque, Gabrielle B; Pisu, Maria; Jackson, Bradford E; Kvale, Elizabeth A; Demark-Wahnefried, Wendy; Martin, Michelle Y; Meneses, Karen; Li, Yufeng; Taylor, Richard A; Acemgil, Aras; Williams, Courtney P; Lisovicz, Nedra; Fouad, Mona; Kenzik, Kelly M; Partridge, Edward E

2017-06-01

Lay navigators in the Patient Care Connect Program support patients with cancer from diagnosis through survivorship to end of life. They empower patients to engage in their health care and navigate them through the increasingly complex health care system. Navigation programs can improve access to care, enhance coordination of care, and overcome barriers to timely, high-quality health care. However, few data exist regarding the financial implications of implementing a lay navigation program. To examine the influence of lay navigation on health care spending and resource use among geriatric patients with cancer within The University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System Cancer Community Network. This observational study from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2015, used propensity score-matched regression analysis to compare quarterly changes in the mean total Medicare costs and resource use between navigated patients and nonnavigated, matched comparison patients. The setting was The University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System Cancer Community Network, which includes 2 academic and 10 community cancer centers across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Participants were Medicare beneficiaries with cancer who received care at participating institutions from 2012 through 2015. The primary exposure was contact with a patient navigator. Navigated patients were matched to nonnavigated patients on age, race, sex, cancer acuity (high vs low), comorbidity score, and preenrollment characteristics (costs, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and chemotherapy in the preenrollment quarter). Total costs to Medicare, components of cost, and resource use (emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit admissions). In total, 12 428 patients (mean (SD) age at cancer diagnosis, 75 (7) years; 52.0% female) were propensity score matched, including 6214 patients in the navigated group and 6214 patients in the matched nonnavigated comparison group. Compared with the matched comparison group, the mean total costs declined by $781.29 more per quarter per navigated patient (β = -781.29, SE = 45.77, P < .001), for an estimated $19 million decline per year across the network. Inpatient and outpatient costs had the largest between-group quarterly declines, at $294 and $275, respectively, per patient. Emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit admissions decreased by 6.0%, 7.9%, and 10.6%, respectively, per quarter in navigated patients compared with matched comparison patients (P < .001). Costs to Medicare and health care use from 2012 through 2015 declined significantly for navigated patients compared with matched comparison patients. Lay navigation programs should be expanded as health systems transition to value-based health care.

Freestanding midwifery unit versus obstetric unit: a matched cohort study of outcomes in low-risk women

PubMed Central

Møller, Anna Margrethe; Fenger-Grøn, Morten; Knudsen, Lisbeth B; Sandall, Jane

2011-01-01

Objective To compare perinatal and maternal morbidity and birth interventions in low-risk women giving birth in two freestanding midwifery units (FMUs) and two obstetric units (OUs). Design A cohort study with a matched control group. Setting The region of North Jutland, Denmark. Participants 839 low-risk women intending FMU birth and a matched control group of 839 low-risk women intending OU birth were included at the start of care in labour. OU women were individually chosen to match selected obstetric/socio-economic characteristics of FMU women. Analysis was by intention to treat. Main outcome measures Perinatal and maternal morbidity and interventions. Results No significant differences in perinatal morbidity were observed between groups (Apgar scores <7/5, <9/5 or <7/1, admittance to neonatal unit, asphyxia or readmission). Adverse outcomes were rare and occurred in both groups. FMU women were significantly less likely to experience an abnormal fetal heart rate (RR: 0.3, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.5), fetal–pelvic complications (0.2, 0.05 to 0.6), shoulder dystocia (0.3, 0.1 to 0.9), occipital–posterior presentation (0.5, 0.3 to 0.9) and postpartum haemorrhage >500 ml (0.4, 0.3 to 0.6) compared with OU women. Significant reductions were found for the FMU group's use of caesarean section (0.6, 0.3 to 0.9), instrumental delivery (0.4, 0.3 to 0.6), and oxytocin augmentation (0.5, 0.3 to 0.6) and epidural analgesia (0.4, 0.3 to 0.6). Transfer during or <2 h after birth occurred in 14.8% of all FMU births but more frequently in primiparas than in multiparas (36.7% vs 7.2%). Conclusion Comparing FMU and OU groups, there was no increase in perinatal morbidity, but there were significantly reduced incidences of maternal morbidity, birth interventions including caesarean section, and increased likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth. FMU care may be considered as an adequate alternative to OU care for low-risk women. Pregnant prospective mothers should be given an informed choice of place of birth, including information on transfer. PMID:22021892

College Learning Anytime, Anywhere. New Ways for Anyone to Get College Credits and College Degrees by Off-Campus Study and Examinations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nyquist, Ewald B.; And Others

Nontraditional methods of qualifying for a college degree are described in this student guide to off-campus study and examination. The three external degree institutions in the United States that offer these programs are discussed. They include: Regents External Degree Program of the University of the State of New York; Thomas A. Edison College of…

Implementing the Small Business Innovation Development Act--The First 2 Years.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-10-25

GENERAL Report To The Congress OF THE UNITED STATES , Implementing The Small Business Innovation Development Act--The First 2 Years (AD I The 1982 act...seeks to encourage innovation and small business participation in federal Sresearch. Among other requirements, agen- cies spending more than $100...million annu- !* ally for external research must award por- tions of their external research dollars to small businesses . This first of several

Reducing time-to-unit among patients referred to an outpatient stroke assessment unit with a novel triage process: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Bibok, Maximilian B; Votova, Kristine; Balshaw, Robert F; Lesperance, Mary L; Croteau, Nicole S; Trivedi, Anurag; Morrison, Jaclyn; Sedgwick, Colin; Penn, Andrew M

2018-02-27

To evaluate the performance of a novel triage system for Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) units built upon an existent clinical prediction rule (CPR) to reduce time to unit arrival, relative to the time of symptom onset, for true TIA and minor stroke patients. Differentiating between true and false TIA/minor stroke cases (mimics) is necessary for effective triage as medical intervention for true TIA/minor stroke is time-sensitive and TIA unit spots are a finite resource. Prospective cohort study design utilizing patient referral data and TIA unit arrival times from a regional fast-track TIA unit on Vancouver Island, Canada, accepting referrals from emergency departments (ED) and general practice (GP). Historical referral cohort (N = 2942) from May 2013-Oct 2014 was triaged using the ABCD2 score; prospective referral cohort (N = 2929) from Nov 2014-Apr 2016 was triaged using the novel system. A retrospective survival curve analysis, censored at 28 days to unit arrival, was used to compare days to unit arrival from event date between cohort patients matched by low (0-3), moderate (4-5) and high (6-7) ABCD2 scores. Survival curve analysis indicated that using the novel triage system, prospectively referred TIA/minor stroke patients with low and moderate ABCD2 scores arrived at the unit 2 and 1 day earlier than matched historical patients, respectively. The novel triage process is associated with a reduction in time to unit arrival from symptom onset for referred true TIA/minor stroke patients with low and moderate ABCD2 scores.

The potential role for automatic external defibrillators in palliative care units.

PubMed

Thorns, Andrew; Gannon, Craig

2003-07-01

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has received frequent attention by professionals and the public in recent times. Concerns regarding the potential harms for little chance of success have caused palliative care units (PCUs) doubts about initiating CPR. However, there appears to be a moral responsibility to offer CPR to some, carefully selected, patients. Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) have been shown to significantly increase chances of survival following CPR and are simple to use, even for non-professionals. It is argued that AEDs may increase the moral imperative on PCUs to offer CPR to certain patients and provide the basis for a necessary debate on where the border between appropriate active treatment and a disturbance to the aim of a peaceful death rests.

Spiral Chip Implantable Radiator and Printed Loop External Receptor for RF Telemetry in Bio-Sensor Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N.; Hall, David G.; Miranda, Felix A.

2004-01-01

The paper describes the operation of a patented wireless RF telemetry system, consisting of a bio-MEMS implantable sensor and an external hand held unit, operating over the frequency range of few hundreds of MHz. A MEMS capacitive pressure sensor integrated with a miniature inductor/antenna together constitute the implantable sensor. Signal processing circuits collocated with a printed loop antenna together form the hand held unit, capable of inductively powering and also receiving the telemetry signals from the sensor. The paper in addition, demonstrates a technique to enhance the quality factor and inductance of the inductor in the presence of a lower ground plane and also presents the radiation characteristics of the loop antenna.

Uganda: Current Conditions and the Crisis in North Uganda

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-06

African Union , and the United States condemned the terrorist attacks. More than 20 suspects are currently in prison. Uganda: Current Conditions...The United Nations, the African Union , and the United States condemned the terrorist attacks. More than 20 suspects are currently in prison. The...attacks took place at a rugby club and Ethiopian restaurant while people were watching the final match of the World Cup. The following day, an Al

Get them before they get you: trust, trustworthiness, and social cognition in boys with and without externalizing behavior problems.

PubMed

Sharp, Carla; Ha, Carolyn; Fonagy, Peter

2011-05-01

Economic exchange games have rarely been applied to examine psychopathology in youth. In the current study we adapted a trust game to investigate the relations between externalizing behavior problems, trust, and trustworthiness. We were particularly interested in the differential modulating impact of "known identity" (vs. anonymous) condition of the task. Second, we examined whether anomalies in trust behavior would correspond to social cognition manifested in children with externalizing problems. A total of 171 (79 age-matched pairs) boys (mean age = 12.84; SD = 1.80) were recruited from community groups where social networks and relationships amongst peers have been established. A trust game was played under two conditions: an anonymous version where the identity of the trust game partner was not known and a "known identity" version where identities were revealed. Results supported the conclusion that boys with externalizing behavior problems are generally less trustworthy, but not less trusting and that this was true especially for the known identity version of the game. Moreover, anomalies in trust behavior were associated with hostile intentions, but not reflective of a general theory of mind deficit. This study contributes to an emerging literature using economic exchange games to investigate real-time, real-life exchanges in relation to psychopathology.

Misalignment with the external light environment drives metabolic and cardiac dysfunction.

PubMed

West, Alexander C; Smith, Laura; Ray, David W; Loudon, Andrew S I; Brown, Timothy M; Bechtold, David A

2017-09-12

Most organisms use internal biological clocks to match behavioural and physiological processes to specific phases of the day-night cycle. Central to this is the synchronisation of internal processes across multiple organ systems. Environmental desynchrony (e.g. shift work) profoundly impacts human health, increasing cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we characterise the impact of desynchrony between the internal clock and the external light-dark (LD) cycle on mammalian physiology. We reveal that even under stable LD environments, phase misalignment has a profound effect, with decreased metabolic efficiency and disrupted cardiac function including prolonged QT interval duration. Importantly, physiological dysfunction is not driven by disrupted core clock function, nor by an internal desynchrony between organs, but rather the altered phase relationship between the internal clockwork and the external environment. We suggest phase misalignment as a major driver of pathologies associated with shift work, chronotype and social jetlag.The misalignment between internal circadian rhythm and the day-night cycle can be caused by genetic, behavioural and environmental factors, and may have a profound impact on human physiology. Here West et al. show that desynchrony between the internal clock and the external environment alter metabolic parameters and cardiac function in mice.

Comparison of experimental surface pressures with theoretical predictions on twin two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carlson, J. R.; Pendergraft, O. C., Jr.; Burley, J. R., II

1986-01-01

A three-dimensional subsonic aerodynamic panel code (VSAERO) was used to predict the effects of upper and lower external nozzle flap geometry on the external afterbody/nozzle pressure coefficient distributions and external nozzle drag of nonaxisymmetric convergent-divergent exhaust nozzles having parallel external sidewalls installed on a generic twin-engine high performance aircraft model. Nozzle static pressure coefficient distributions along the upper and lower surfaces near the model centerline and near the outer edges (corner) of the two surfaces were calculated, and nozzle drag was predicted using these surface pressure distributions. A comparison between the theoretical predictions and experimental wind tunnel data is made to evaluate the utility of the code in calculating the flow about these types of non-axisymmetric afterbody configurations. For free-stream Mach numbers of 0.60 and 0.90, the conditions where the flows were attached on the boattails yielded the best comparison between the theoretical predictions and the experimental data. For the Boattail terminal angles of greater than 15 deg., the experimental data for M = 0.60 and 0.90 indicated areas of separated flow, so the theoretical predictions failed to match the experimental data. Even though calculations of regions of separated flows are within the capabilities of the theoretical method, acceptable solutions were not obtained.

Disrupted resting brain graph measures in individuals at high risk for alcoholism.

PubMed

Holla, Bharath; Panda, Rajanikant; Venkatasubramanian, Ganesan; Biswal, Bharat; Bharath, Rose Dawn; Benegal, Vivek

2017-07-30

Familial susceptibility to alcoholism is likely to be linked to the externalizing diathesis seen in high-risk offspring from high-density alcohol use disorder (AUD) families. The present study aimed at comparing resting brain functional connectivity and their association with externalizing symptoms and alcoholism familial density in 40 substance-naive high-risk (HR) male offspring from high-density AUD families and 30 matched healthy low-risk (LR) males without a family history of substance dependence using graph theory-based network analysis. The HR subjects from high-density AUD families compared with LR, showed significantly reduced clustering, small-worldness, and local network efficiency. The frontoparietal, cingulo-opercular, sensorimotor and cerebellar networks exhibited significantly reduced functional segregation. These disruptions exhibited independent incremental value in predicting the externalizing symptoms over and above the demographic variables. The reduction of functional segregation in HR subjects was significant across both the younger and older age groups and was proportional to the family loading of AUDs. Detection and estimation of these developmentally relevant disruptions in small-world architecture at critical brain regions sub-serving cognitive, affective, and sensorimotor processes are vital for understanding the familial risk for early onset alcoholism as well as for understanding the pathophysiological mechanism of externalizing behaviors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Training specificity and transfer in time and distance estimation.

PubMed

Healy, Alice F; Tack, Lindsay Anderson; Schneider, Vivian I; Barshi, Immanuel

2015-07-01

Learning is often specific to the conditions of training, making it important to identify which aspects of the testing environment are crucial to be matched in the training environment. In the present study, we examined training specificity in time and distance estimation tasks that differed only in the focus of processing (FOP). External spatial cues were provided for the distance estimation task and for the time estimation task in one condition, but not in another. The presence of a concurrent alphabet secondary task was manipulated during training and testing in all estimation conditions in Experiment 1. For distance as well as for time estimation in both conditions, training of the primary estimation task was found to be specific to the presence of the secondary task. In Experiments 2 and 3, we examined transfer between one estimation task and another, with no secondary task in either case. When all conditions were equal aside from the FOP instructions, including the presence of external spatial cues, Experiment 2 showed "transfer" between tasks, suggesting that training might not be specific to the FOP. When the external spatial cues were removed from the time estimation task, Experiment 3 showed no transfer between time and distance estimations, suggesting that external task cues influenced the procedures used in the estimation tasks.

When Is a Sprint a Sprint? A Review of the Analysis of Team-Sport Athlete Activity Profile

PubMed Central

Sweeting, Alice J.; Cormack, Stuart J.; Morgan, Stuart; Aughey, Robert J.

2017-01-01

The external load of a team-sport athlete can be measured by tracking technologies, including global positioning systems (GPS), local positioning systems (LPS), and vision-based systems. These technologies allow for the calculation of displacement, velocity and acceleration during a match or training session. The accurate quantification of these variables is critical so that meaningful changes in team-sport athlete external load can be detected. High-velocity running, including sprinting, may be important for specific team-sport match activities, including evading an opponent or creating a shot on goal. Maximal accelerations are energetically demanding and frequently occur from a low velocity during team-sport matches. Despite extensive research, conjecture exists regarding the thresholds by which to classify the high velocity and acceleration activity of a team-sport athlete. There is currently no consensus on the definition of a sprint or acceleration effort, even within a single sport. The aim of this narrative review was to examine the varying velocity and acceleration thresholds reported in athlete activity profiling. The purposes of this review were therefore to (1) identify the various thresholds used to classify high-velocity or -intensity running plus accelerations; (2) examine the impact of individualized thresholds on reported team-sport activity profile; (3) evaluate the use of thresholds for court-based team-sports and; (4) discuss potential areas for future research. The presentation of velocity thresholds as a single value, with equivocal qualitative descriptors, is confusing when data lies between two thresholds. In Australian football, sprint efforts have been defined as activity >4.00 or >4.17 m·s−1. Acceleration thresholds differ across the literature, with >1.11, 2.78, 3.00, and 4.00 m·s−2 utilized across a number of sports. It is difficult to compare literature on field-based sports due to inconsistencies in velocity and acceleration thresholds, even within a single sport. Velocity and acceleration thresholds have been determined from physical capacity tests. Limited research exists on the classification of velocity and acceleration data by female team-sport athletes. Alternatively, data mining techniques may be used to report team-sport athlete external load, without the requirement of arbitrary or physiologically defined thresholds. PMID:28676767

FFTs in external or hierarchical memory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, David H.

1989-01-01

A description is given of advanced techniques for computing an ordered FFT on a computer with external or hierarchical memory. These algorithms (1) require as few as two passes through the external data set, (2) use strictly unit stride, long vector transfers between main memory and external storage, (3) require only a modest amount of scratch space in main memory, and (4) are well suited for vector and parallel computation. Performance figures are included for implementations of some of these algorithms on Cray supercomputers. Of interest is the fact that a main memory version outperforms the current Cray library FFT routines on the Cray-2, the Cray X-MP, and the Cray Y-MP systems. Using all eight processors on the Cray Y-MP, this main memory routine runs at nearly 2 Gflops.

Lower-extremity rotational profile and toe-walking in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder.

PubMed

Arik, Atilla; Aksoy, Cemalettin; Aysev, Ayla; Akçakin, Melda

2018-04-24

The aim of this study was to establish the torsional and toe-walking profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to analyze the correlations between torsion, toe-walking, autism severity score, and age. In total, 79 consecutive children with autism were examined to determine their hip rotations, thigh-foot angle, degree of toe-walking, and autism severity. Femoral and tibial torsion values, of the preschool patients, were compared statistically with age-matched controls. The hip rotation profile of the patients was similar to the normal group. Nearly a half of the patients with ASD present excessive external tibial torsion. The difference in the tibial torsion between patients and normal children was statistically significant. A weak correlation was found only between tibial torsion and the autism severity score, but no correlation was found between the other parameters. External tibial torsion is the cardinal and persistent orthopedic manifestation among patients with ASD. Toe-walking is the second most common such manifestation and is an independent orthopedic feature in these patients. External tibial torsion may potentially contribute toward the described gait abnormalities in patients with ASD.

Episodic simulation of future events is impaired in mild Alzheimer's disease

PubMed Central

Addis, Donna Rose; Sacchetti, Daniel C.; Ally, Brandon A.; Budson, Andrew E.; Schacter, Daniel L.

2009-01-01

Recent neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that both remembering the past and simulating the future activate a core neural network including the medial temporal lobes. Regions of this network, in particular the medial temporal lobes, are prime sites for amyloid deposition and are structurally and functionally compromised in Alzheimer's disease (AD). While we know some functions of this core network, specifically episodic autobiographical memory, are impaired in AD, no study has examined whether future episodic simulation is similarly impaired. We tested the ability of sixteen AD patients and sixteen age-matched controls to generate past and future autobiographical events using an adapted version of the Autobiographical Interview. Participants also generated five remote autobiographical memories from across the lifespan. Event transcriptions were segmented into distinct details, classified as either internal (episodic) or external (non-episodic). AD patients exhibited deficits in both remembering past events and simulating future events, generating fewer internal and external episodic details than healthy older controls. The internal and external detail scores were strongly correlated across past and future events, providing further evidence of the close linkages between the mental representations of past and future. PMID:19497331

Variable-Displacement Hydraulic Drive Unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lang, D. J.; Linton, D. J.; Markunas, A.

1986-01-01

Hydraulic power controlled through multiple feedback loops. In hydraulic drive unit, power closely matched to demand, thereby saving energy. Hydraulic flow to and from motor adjusted by motor-control valve connected to wobbler. Wobbler angle determines motor-control-valve position, which in turn determines motor displacement. Concept applicable to machine tools, aircraft controls, and marine controls.

No holds barred sport fighting: a 10 year review of mixed martial arts competition.

PubMed

Buse, G J

2006-02-01

To identify the most salient medical issues that may be associated with mixed martial arts competition by determining the types and proportions of match stoppages. Publicly available video footage of 1284 men competing in 642 consecutive televised matches from November 1993 to November 2003 was reviewed to determine the reasons for which matches were stopped. Matches were sanctioned by either a United States or Japan based mixed martial arts organisation. Of the 642 matches, 182 (28.3+/-3.4%) were stopped because of head impact, 106 (16.5+/-2.9%) because of musculoskeletal stress, 91 (14.1+/-2.7%) because of neck choke, 83 (12.9+/-2.6%) because of miscellaneous trauma, 173 (27.0+/-3.4%) because of expiration of match time, and seven (1.0+/-0.8%) because of disqualification, where the values in parentheses are percentages+/-95% confidence interval. Blunt force to the head resulted in the highest proportion of match stoppages. Further research is warranted to delineate the morbidity associated with participation in mixed martial arts.

No holds barred sport fighting: a 10 year review of mixed martial arts competition

PubMed Central

Buse, G J

2006-01-01

Objective To identify the most salient medical issues that may be associated with mixed martial arts competition by determining the types and proportions of match stoppages. Methods Publicly available video footage of 1284 men competing in 642 consecutive televised matches from November 1993 to November 2003 was reviewed to determine the reasons for which matches were stopped. Matches were sanctioned by either a United States or Japan based mixed martial arts organisation. Results Of the 642 matches, 182 (28.3±3.4%) were stopped because of head impact, 106 (16.5±2.9%) because of musculoskeletal stress, 91 (14.1±2.7%) because of neck choke, 83 (12.9±2.6%) because of miscellaneous trauma, 173 (27.0±3.4%) because of expiration of match time, and seven (1.0±0.8%) because of disqualification, where the values in parentheses are percentages±95% confidence interval. Conclusions Blunt force to the head resulted in the highest proportion of match stoppages. Further research is warranted to delineate the morbidity associated with participation in mixed martial arts. PMID:16432006

Negative mood disrupts self- and reward-biases in perceptual matching.

PubMed

Sui, Jie; Ohrling, Erik; Humphreys, Glyn W

2016-01-01

There are established effects of self- and reward-biases even on simple perceptual matching tasks [Sui, J., He, X., & Humphreys, G. W. (2012). Perceptual effects of social salience: Evidence from self-prioritization effects on perceptual matching. Journal of Experimental Psychology, Human Perception and Performance, 38, 1105-1117]; however we know little about whether these biases can be modulated by particular interventions, and whether the biases then change in the same way. Here we assessed how the biases alter under conditions designed to induce negative mood. We had participants read a list of self-related negative or neutral mood statements [Velten, E. (1968). A laboratory task for induction of mood states. Behavior Research and Therapy, 6, 473-482] and also listen for 10 min to a passage of negative or neutral music, prior to carrying out perceptual matching with shapes associated to personal labels (self or stranger) or reward (£12 or £1). Responses to the self- and high-reward-associated shapes were selectively slower and less sensitive (d') following the negative mood induction procedures, and the decrease in mood correlated with decreases in the reaction time bias across "high saliency" (self and high-reward) stimuli. We suggest that negative mood may decrease self- and reward-biases through reducing attention to salient external stimuli.

Kinetics of fast short-term depression are matched to spike train statistics to reduce noise.

PubMed

Khanbabaie, Reza; Nesse, William H; Longtin, Andre; Maler, Leonard

2010-06-01

Short-term depression (STD) is observed at many synapses of the CNS and is important for diverse computations. We have discovered a form of fast STD (FSTD) in the synaptic responses of pyramidal cells evoked by stimulation of their electrosensory afferent fibers (P-units). The dynamics of the FSTD are matched to the mean and variance of natural P-unit discharge. FSTD exhibits switch-like behavior in that it is immediately activated with stimulus intervals near the mean interspike interval (ISI) of P-units (approximately 5 ms) and recovers immediately after stimulation with the slightly longer intervals (>7.5 ms) that also occur during P-unit natural and evoked discharge patterns. Remarkably, the magnitude of evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials appear to depend only on the duration of the previous ISI. Our theoretical analysis suggests that FSTD can serve as a mechanism for noise reduction. Because the kinetics of depression are as fast as the natural spike statistics, this role is distinct from previously ascribed functional roles of STD in gain modulation, synchrony detection or as a temporal filter.

Effects of Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Cannula Use in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Setting

PubMed Central

Jatana, Kris R.; Oplatek, Agnes; Stein, Melanie; Phillips, Gary; Kang, D. Richard; Elmaraghy, Charles A.

2013-01-01

Objective To investigate the effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and cannula use in the neonatal intensive care unit. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Tertiary care children’s hospital. Patients One hundred patients (200 nasal cavities), younger than 1 year, who received at least 7 days of nasal CPAP (n = 91) or cannula supplementation (n = 9) in the neonatal intensive care unit. Interventions External nasal examination and anterior nasal endoscopy with photographic documentation. Main Outcome Measures The incidence and characteristics of internal and external nasal findings of patients with nasal CPAP or cannula use. Results Nasal complications were seen in 12 of the 91 patients (13.2%) with at least 7 days of nasal CPAP exposure, while no complications were seen in the 9 patients with nasal cannula use alone. The external nasal finding of columellar necrosis, seen in 5 patients (5.5%), occurred as early as 10 days after nasal CPAP use. Incidence of intranasal findings attributed to CPAP use, in the 182 nostrils examined, included ulceration in 6 nasal cavities (3.3%), granulation in 3 nasal cavities (1.6%), and vestibular stenosis in 4 nasal cavities (2.2%). Intranasal complications were seen as early as 8 to 9 days after nasal CPAP administration. Nasal complications from CPAP were associated with lower Apgar scores at 1 (P = .02) and 5 (P = .06) minutes. Conclusions External or internal complications of nasal CPAP can be relatively frequent (13.2%) and can occur early, and patients with lower Apgar scores may be at higher risk. Close surveillance for potential complications should be considered during nasal CPAP use. PMID:20231649

From serological to computer cross-matching in nine hospitals.

PubMed

Georgsen, J; Kristensen, T

1998-01-01

In 1991 it was decided to reorganise the transfusion service of the County of Funen. The aims were to standardise and improve the quality of blood components, laboratory procedures and the transfusion service and to reduce the number of outdated blood units. Part of the efficiency gains was reinvested in a dedicated computer system making it possible--among other things--to change the cross-match procedures from serological to computer cross-matching according to the ABCD-concept. This communication describes how this transition was performed in terms of laboratory techniques, education of personnel as well as implementation of the computer system and indicates the results obtained. The Funen Transfusion Service has by now performed more than 100.000 red cell transfusions based on ABCD-cross-matching and has not encountered any problems. Major results are the significant reductions of cross-match procedures, blood grouping as well as the number of outdated blood components.

Preliminary evaluation of the diffraction behind the PROBA 3/ASPIICS optimized occulter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baccani, Cristian; Landini, Federico; Romoli, Marco; Taccola, Matteo; Schweitzer, Hagen; Fineschi, Silvano; Bemporad, Alessandro; Loreggia, Davide; Capobianco, Gerardo; Pancrazzi, Maurizio; Focardi, Mauro; Noce, Vladimiro; Thizy, Cédric; Servaye, Jean-Sébastien; Renotte, Etienne

2016-07-01

PROBA-3 is a technological mission of the European Space Agency (ESA), devoted to the in-orbit demon- stration of formation flying (FF) techniques and technologies. ASPIICS is an externally occulted coronagraph approved by ESA as payload in the framework of the PROBA-3 mission and is currently in its C/D phase. FF offers a solution to investigate the solar corona close the solar limb using a two-component space system: the external occulter on one spacecraft and the optical instrument on the other, separated by a large distance and kept in strict alignment. ASPIICS is characterized by an inter-satellite distance of ˜144 m and an external occulter diameter of 1.42 m. The stray light due to the diffraction by the external occulter edge is always the most critical offender to a coronagraph performance: the designer work is focused on reducing the stray light and carefully evaluating the residuals. In order to match this goal, external occulters are usually characterized by an optimized shape along the optical axis. Part of the stray light evaluation process is based on the diffraction calculation with the optimized occulter and with the whole solar disk as a source. We used the field tracing software VirtualLabTM Fusion by Wyrowski Photonics [1] to simulate the diffraction. As a first approach and in order to evaluate the software, we simulated linear occulters, through as portions of the flight occulter, in order to make a direct comparison with the Phase-A measurements [2].

High-Resolution Match Rate of 7/8 and 9/10 or Better for the Be The Match Unrelated Donor Registry.

PubMed

Buck, Kelly; Wadsworth, Kim; Setterholm, Michelle; Maiers, Martin; Confer, Dennis; Hartzman, Robert; Schmidt, Alexander; Yang, Soo Young; Dehn, Jason

2016-04-01

Estimation of the National Marrow Donor Program's Be The Match Registry 8/8 (HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DRB1) high-resolution (HR) unrelated donor (URD) match rate was determined in a prior study for each of the 4 most frequent patient race/ethnic groups in the United States: white (WH), Hispanic (HIS), Asian/Pacific Islander (API), and African American (AFA). For patients without an 8/8 HLA-matched URD, a 7/8 match, with a single allele or antigen mismatch, is often accepted by many transplant centers. A follow-up study was designed to determine the 7/8 or better match rate among the 4 major race/ethnic groups, using the same study cohort. Of previously HR tested URDs in the Be The Match Registry, 1344 were randomly selected and treated as pseudo-patients where HR testing was performed to identify a 7/8-matched URD; 98% of WH and over 80% of non-WH race/ethnic groups (HIS, API, and AFA) had at least a 7/8 match identified. In most cases after first testing to identify an 8/8-matched URD, a 7/8-matched URD was identified after typing just 1 URD. Extending criteria to identify a 9/10 match (included HLA-DQB1) showed the 9/10 absolute match rate decreased between 14% and 21% from the 7/8 match rate for the non-WH groups. This study provides a baseline 7/8 and 9/10 or better HLA match rate that can be further supplemented using the additional worldwide URD inventory. URD match rate information can equip centers in clinical planning and the education of patients seeking a life-saving therapy. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. All rights reserved.

Microfluidic Automation using elastomeric valves and droplets: reducing reliance on external controllers

PubMed Central

Kim, Sung-Jin; Lai, David; Park, Joong Yull; Yokokawa, Ryuji

2012-01-01

This paper gives an overview of elastomeric valve- and droplet-based microfluidic systems designed to minimize the need of external pressure to control fluid flow. This concept article introduces the working principle of representative components in these devices along with relevant biochemical applications. This is followed by providing a perspective on the roles of different microfluidic valves and systems through comparison of their similarities and differences with transistors (valves) and systems in microelectronics. Despite some physical limitation of drawing analogies from electronic circuits, automated microfluidic circuit design can gain insights from electronic circuits to minimize external control units, while implementing high complexity and throughput analysis. PMID:22761019

Superpixel-based graph cuts for accurate stereo matching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Liting; Qin, Kaihuai

2017-06-01

Estimating the surface normal vector and disparity of a pixel simultaneously, also known as three-dimensional label method, has been widely used in recent continuous stereo matching problem to achieve sub-pixel accuracy. However, due to the infinite label space, it’s extremely hard to assign each pixel an appropriate label. In this paper, we present an accurate and efficient algorithm, integrating patchmatch with graph cuts, to approach this critical computational problem. Besides, to get robust and precise matching cost, we use a convolutional neural network to learn a similarity measure on small image patches. Compared with other MRF related methods, our method has several advantages: its sub-modular property ensures a sub-problem optimality which is easy to perform in parallel; graph cuts can simultaneously update multiple pixels, avoiding local minima caused by sequential optimizers like belief propagation; it uses segmentation results for better local expansion move; local propagation and randomization can easily generate the initial solution without using external methods. Middlebury experiments show that our method can get higher accuracy than other MRF-based algorithms.

Impact of Excellence in Armor Program on Soldier Performance in One Station Unit Training

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

soldiers and 83 NT soldiers matched on cognitive and psychomotor abilities. ASVAB and Project Alpha predictor batter (PAPB) performance data were...34(Continued) administered to 83 ET soldiers and 83 NT soldiers matched on cognitive and psychomotor abilities. ASVAB and Project A predictor battery...loading, driving, or gunnery performance on the basis of cognitive , perceptual, psychomotor, or biodata measures. This past research is germane to

1979 Reserve Force Studies Surveys: User’s Manual and Codebooks.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-01

units, for instance, artillery, which have the same manpower demand characteristics (similar size, skills and grade structure) provided better...personnel groups. With random cluster sampling, the pattern of questionnaire returns for each group of analytic interest should match the Guard and...marking the matching bubbles. First, although the instructions ask the respondent to "zero-fill" and "right-justify," some respondents entered the value

Familial transient financial difficulties during infancy and long-term developmental concerns.

PubMed

Ramanathan, S; Balasubramanian, N; Faraone, S V

2017-09-01

Socioeconomic difficulties affect the cognitive and emotional development of children. However, the focus of prior studies has largely been on poverty and material hardship. This study expands on the existing literature by examining the impact of familial transient financial difficulties during infancy on long-term cognitive and behavioral outcomes. The National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth (79) were used to assess the association between a transient drop in family income by 50% or more (called transient income decline or TID) during the first 3 years of life and later-life Peabody Individual Achievement Math and Reading scores and behavior problem index (BPI) scores (N = 8272-17 348; median assessment age = 9 years). A subsample of matched siblings (N = 2049-4238) was examined to tease out maternal and intra-familial effects. Exposure to TID predicted increased total and externalizing BPI scores (std. coefficients of 0.10 and 0.09, respectively, p < 0.01) in the overall sample. Among matched siblings, exposure to TID predicted increased total, externalizing, and internalizing BPI scores (std. coefficients of 0.27, 0.25, and 0.23, respectively, p < 0.01). Familial transient financial difficulties can have long-lasting behavioral effects for infants. The study identifies an early risk factor and at-risk children, thus providing insight into developing early intervention measures for infants to avoid long-term behavioral problems.

It's all about balance: propensity score matching in the context of complex survey data.

PubMed

Lenis, David; Nguyen, Trang Quynh; Dong, Nianbo; Stuart, Elizabeth A

2017-12-27

Many research studies aim to draw causal inferences using data from large, nationally representative survey samples, and many of these studies use propensity score matching to make those causal inferences as rigorous as possible given the non-experimental nature of the data. However, very few applied studies are careful about incorporating the survey design with the propensity score analysis, which may mean that the results do not generate population inferences. This may be because few methodological studies examine how to best combine these methods. Furthermore, even fewer of them investigate different non-response mechanisms. This study examines methods for handling survey weights in propensity score matching analyses of survey data under different non-response mechanisms. Our main conclusions are: (i) whether the survey weights are incorporated in the estimation of the propensity score does not impact estimation of the population treatment effect, as long as good population treated-comparison balance is achieved on confounders, (ii) survey weights must be used in the outcome analysis, and (iii) the transferring of survey weights (i.e., assigning the weights of the treated units to the comparison units matched to them) can be beneficial under certain non-response mechanisms. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Age Validation in the Long Life Family Study Through a Linkage to Early-Life Census Records

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Objectives. Studies of health and longevity require accurate age reporting. Age misreporting among older adults in the United States is common. Methods. Participants in the Long Life Family Study (LLFS) were matched to early-life census records. Age recorded in the census was used to evaluate age reporting in the LLFS. The study population was 99% non-Hispanic white. Results. About 88% of the participants were matched to 1910, 1920, or 1930 U.S. censuses. Match success depended on the participant’s education, place of birth, and the number of censuses available to be searched. Age at the time of the interview based on the reported date of birth and early-life census age were consistent for about 89% of the participants, and age consistency within 1 year was found for about 99% of the participants. Discussion. It is possible to match a high fraction of older study participants to their early-life census records when detailed information is available on participants’ family of origin. Such record linkage can provide an important source of information for evaluating age reporting among the oldest old participants. Our results are consistent with recent studies suggesting that age reporting among older whites in the United States appears to be quite good. PMID:23704206

Evaluation of the impact of banking umbilical cord blood units with high cell dose for ethnically diverse patients.

PubMed

Stritesky, Gretta; Wadsworth, Kimberly; Duffy, Merry; Buck, Kelly; Dehn, Jason

2018-02-01

Umbilical cord blood units provide an important stem cell source for transplantation, particularly for patients of ethnic diversity who may not have suitably matched available, adult-unrelated donors. However, with the cost of cord blood unit acquisition from public banks significantly higher than that for adult-unrelated donors, attention is focused on decreasing cost yet still providing cord blood units to patients in need. Historical practices of banking units with low total nucleated cell counts, including units with approximately 90 × 10 7 total nucleated cells, indicates that most banked cord blood units have much lower total nucleated cell counts than are required for transplant. The objective of this study was to determine the impact on the ability to identify suitable cord blood units for transplantation if the minimum total nucleated cell count for banking were increased from 90 × 10 7 to 124 or 149 × 10 7 . We analyzed ethnically diverse patients (median age, 3 years) who underwent transplantation of a single cord blood unit in 2005 to 2016. A cord blood unit search was evaluated to identify units with equal or greater human leukocyte antigen matching and a greater total nucleated cell count than that of the transplanted cord blood unit (the replacement cord blood unit). If the minimum total nucleated cell count for banking increased to 124 or 149 × 10 7 , then from 75 to 80% of patients would still have at least 1 replacement cord blood unit in the current (2016) cord blood unit inventory. The best replacement cord blood units were often found among cords with the same ethnic background as the patient. The current data suggest that, if the minimum total nucleated cell count were increased for banking, then it would likely lead to an inventory of more desirable cord blood units while having minimal impact on the identification of suitable cord blood units for transplantation. © 2017 AABB.

7 CFR 51.1584 - Internal discoloration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... STANDARDS) United States Consumer Standards for Potatoes Definitions § 51.1584 Internal discoloration..., stem-end browning, internal brown spot, or other similar types of discoloration not visible externally. ...

7 CFR 51.1584 - Internal discoloration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... STANDARDS) United States Consumer Standards for Potatoes Definitions § 51.1584 Internal discoloration..., stem-end browning, internal brown spot, or other similar types of discoloration not visible externally. ...

Large-Scale Physical Models of Thermal Remediation of DNAPL Source Zones in Aquitards

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-01

pressure at the bottom of the tank. The higher pressure is reflected in higher measured water levels in external gauges . Figure 63: 3D Cross...than atmospheric. This higher pressure can raise the apparent water level in a sight gauge or external overflow and can even drive more fluid through...the water table. All met or exceeded their goals. Typical turnkey unit costs (including design, permitting, fabrication, mobilization, drilling

The external morphology of the mouthparts, and observations on feeding and behavior of Tuckerella japonica on Camellia sinensis in the continental United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Tuckerella japonica Ehara (Acari: Tetranychoidea: Tuckerellidae) is found where longitudinal splitting occurs on exposed green periderm tissue of shoots on certain varieties or seedling plants of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (Theales: Theaceae) in the continental United States. The mite is able ...

The Changing Role of Planning Units in Universities: Renewing Our Approach and Future Directions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shah, Mahsood; Aumann, Tom

2012-01-01

The past decade has witnessed significant change in the role and responsibilities of planning units within Australian universities. The main change has been a broadening of the role from routine data analysis to a comprehensive set of responsibilities that commonly include: strategic planning, coordination of internal and external reviews, quality…

The Locus of Career Vitality. ASHE 1983 Annual Meeting Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toombs, William

The context for considering faculty career vitality is addressed. It is suggested that the unit of study should be individual, and that both internal and external influences should be considered. A contrasting view is that the institution should be the unit of study. A Pennsylvania State University study revealed that faculty career decisions were…

The Operation Mechanisms of External Quality Assurance Frameworks of Foreign Higher Education and Implications for Graduate Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Mengquan; Chang, Kai; Gong, Le

2016-01-01

The higher education quality evaluation and assurance frameworks and their operating mechanisms of countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and the United States show that higher education systems, traditional culture, and social background all impact quality assurance operating mechanisms. A model analysis of these higher education quality…

Fat-free mass is not lower 24 months postbariatric surgery than nonoperated matched controls

PubMed Central

Strain, Gladys Witt; Ebel, Faith; Honohan, Jamie; Gagner, Michel; Dakin, Gregory F.; Pomp, Alfons; Gallagher, Dympna

2017-01-01

Objective Concerns about an excessive loss of fat-free mass (FFM) after bariatric surgery prompted this comparison of operated versus matched nonoperated controls regarding FFM. Setting University Hospital and University Research Unit in an urban medical center. Methods Body composition with bioelectric impedance (Tanita 310, Tanita Corp, Arlington Heights, IL) was measured approximately 2 years after bariatric surgery in weight stable patients and nonoperated weight stable controls matched for body mass index (BMI), gender, and age. t tests provided comparisons. Analysis of variance was used to compare FFM changes for 4 procedures. Levene’s test evaluated variance. Results Patients (n = 252; 24.7 ± 15 mo after surgery) and nonoperated controls (n = 252) were matched for gender (71.8% female), age (44.5 ± 11.0 yr), and BMI (32.8 ± 7.0 kg/m2). Patients had different surgical procedures: 107 gastric bypasses (RYGBs), 62 biliopancreatic diversions with duodenal switch (BPD/DSs), 40 adjustable gastric bands (AGBs), and 43 sleeve gastrectomies (LSGs). FFM percentage was significantly higher in the operated patients than controls, 66% versus 62%, P < .0001. For 3 procedures, the FFM was significantly higher; however, AGBs changed only 7.3 BMI units and FFM was not significantly different from their matched controls, 59.8% versus 58.2%. Across surgical groups, FFM percentage differed, P < .0001 (RYGB 66.5 ± 9.2%, BPD/DS 74.0 ± 9.3%, AGB 59.8 ± 7.0%, LSG 59.6 ± 9.3%). Variance was not different (P = .17). Conclusion Weight-reduced bariatric surgery patients have greater FFM compared with nonoperated matched controls. These findings support surgically assisted weight loss as a physiologic process and in general patients do not suffer from excessive FFM depletion after bariatric procedures. PMID:27387700

The Design and Implementation of Indoor Localization System Using Magnetic Field Based on Smartphone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, J.; Jiang, C.; Shi, Z.

2017-09-01

Sufficient signal nodes are mostly required to implement indoor localization in mainstream research. Magnetic field take advantage of high precision, stable and reliability, and the reception of magnetic field signals is reliable and uncomplicated, it could be realized by geomagnetic sensor on smartphone, without external device. After the study of indoor positioning technologies, choose the geomagnetic field data as fingerprints to design an indoor localization system based on smartphone. A localization algorithm that appropriate geomagnetic matching is designed, and present filtering algorithm and algorithm for coordinate conversion. With the implement of plot geomagnetic fingerprints, the indoor positioning of smartphone without depending on external devices can be achieved. Finally, an indoor positioning system which is based on Android platform is successfully designed, through the experiments, proved the capability and effectiveness of indoor localization algorithm.

Common-signal-induced synchronization in photonic integrated circuits and its application to secure key distribution.

PubMed

Sasaki, Takuma; Kakesu, Izumi; Mitsui, Yusuke; Rontani, Damien; Uchida, Atsushi; Sunada, Satoshi; Yoshimura, Kazuyuki; Inubushi, Masanobu

2017-10-16

We experimentally achieve common-signal-induced synchronization in two photonic integrated circuits with short external cavities driven by a constant-amplitude random-phase light. The degree of synchronization can be controlled by changing the optical feedback phase of the two photonic integrated circuits. The change in the optical feedback phase leads to a significant redistribution of the spectral energy of optical and RF spectra, which is a unique characteristic of PICs with the short external cavity. The matching of the RF and optical spectra is necessary to achieve synchronization between the two PICs, and stable synchronization can be obtained over an hour in the presence of optical feedback. We succeed in generating information-theoretic secure keys and achieving the final key generation rate of 184 kb/s using the PICs.

Autonomous identification of matrices in the APNea system

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

Hensley, D.

1995-12-31

The APNea System is a passive and active neutron assay device which features imaging to correct for nonuniform distributions of source material. Since the imaging procedure requires a detailed knowledge of both the detection efficiency and the thermal neutron flux for (sub)volumes of the drum of interest, it is necessary to identify which mocked-up matrix, to be used for detailed characterization studies, best matches the matrix of interest. A methodology referred to as the external matrix probe (EMP) has been established which links external measures of a drum matrix to those of mocked-up matrices. These measures by themselves are sufficientmore » to identify the appropriate mock matrix, from which the necessary characterization data are obtained. This independent matrix identification leads to an autonomous determination of the required system response parameters for the assay analysis.« less

Autonomous identification of matrices in the APNea System

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

Hensley, D.

1995-12-31

The APNea System is a passive and active neutron assay device which features imaging to correct for nonuniform distributions of source material. Since the imaging procedure requires a detailed knowledge of both the detection efficiency and the thermal neutron flux for (sub)volumes of the drum of interest, it is necessary to identify which mocked-up matrix, to be used for detailed characterization studies, best matches the matrix of interest. A methodology referred to as the external matrix probe (EMP) has been established which links external measures of a drum matrix to those of mocked-up matrices. These measures by themselves are sufficientmore » to identify the appropriate mock matrix, from which the necessary characterization data are obtained. This independent matrix identification leads to an autonomous determination of the required system response parameters for the assay analysis.« less

Uganda: Current Conditions and the Crisis in North Uganda

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-30

Union , and the United States condemned the terrorist attacks. More than 20 suspects are currently in prison. Uganda: Current Conditions and the...than 80 injured. The United Nations, the African Union , and the United States condemned the terrorist attacks. More than 20 suspects are currently in...prison. The attacks took place at a rugby club and Ethiopian restaurant while people were watching the final match of the World Cup. The following

PCDD/PCDF reduction by the co-combustion process.

PubMed

Lee, Vinci K C; Cheung, Wai-Hung; McKay, Gordon

2008-01-01

A novel process, termed the co-combustion process, has been developed and designed to utilise the thermal treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) in cement clinker production and reduce PCDD/PCDF emissions. To test the conceptual design; detailed engineering design of the process and equipment was performed and a pilot plant was constructed to treat up to 40 tonnes MSW per day. The novel process features included several units external to the main traditional cement rotary kiln: an external calcinations unit in which the hot gas calcined the limestone thus making significant energy savings for this chemical reaction; the lime generated was used in a second chamber to act as a giant acid gas scrubber to remove SOx and particularly HCl (a source of chloride); an external rotary kiln and secondary combustion unit capable of producing a hot gas at 1200 degrees C; a gas cooler to simulate a boiler turbogenerator set for electricity generation; the incorporation of some of the bottom ash, calcined lime and dust collector solids into the cement clinker. A PCDD/PCDF inventory has been completed for the entire process and measured PCDD/PCDF emissions were 0.001 ng I-TEQ/Nm(3) on average which is 1% of the best practical means [Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, 2001. A guidance note on the best practicable means for incinerators (municipal waste incineration), BPM12/1] MSW incineration emission limit values.

Wireless link and microelectronics design for retinal prostheses

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

Liu, Wentai

2012-02-29

This project focuses on delivering power and data to the artificial retinal implant inside the eye and the implant microstimulator electronics which delivers the current pulses to stimulate the retinal layer to elicit visual perception. Since the use of invasive means such as tethering wires to transmit power and data results in discomfort to the patients which could eventually cause infection due to the abrasion caused by the wire and contact of the internals of the eye to the external environment, a completely wireless approach is used to transfer both power and data. Power is required inside the eye formore » the microelectronic implant which uses a dual voltage supply scheme (positive and negative) to deliver biphasic (anodic and cathodic) current pulses. Data in the form of digital bits from the data transmitter external to the eye, carries information about the amplitude, phase width, interphase delay, stimulation sequence for each implant electrode. The data receiver unit decodes the digital stream and the microstimulator unit generates the appropriate current stimuli. Since the external unit consisting of the power transmitter can experience coupling a variation with the power receiver due to the patient’s movements, a closed loop approach is used which varies the transmitted power dynamically to automatically compensate for such movements. This report presents the salient features of this research activities and results.« less

Working memory-driven attention improves spatial resolution: Support for perceptual enhancement.

PubMed

Pan, Yi; Luo, Qianying; Cheng, Min

2016-08-01

Previous research has indicated that attention can be biased toward those stimuli matching the contents of working memory and thereby facilitates visual processing at the location of the memory-matching stimuli. However, whether this working memory-driven attentional modulation takes place on early perceptual processes remains unclear. Our present results showed that working memory-driven attention improved identification of a brief Landolt target presented alone in the visual field. Because the suprathreshold target appeared without any external noise added (i.e., no distractors or masks), the results suggest that working memory-driven attention enhances the target signal at early perceptual stages of visual processing. Furthermore, given that performance in the Landolt target identification task indexes spatial resolution, this attentional facilitation indicates that working memory-driven attention can boost early perceptual processing via enhancement of spatial resolution at the attended location.

High-efficiency frequency doubling of continuous-wave laser light.

PubMed

Ast, Stefan; Nia, Ramon Moghadas; Schönbeck, Axel; Lastzka, Nico; Steinlechner, Jessica; Eberle, Tobias; Mehmet, Moritz; Steinlechner, Sebastian; Schnabel, Roman

2011-09-01

We report on the observation of high-efficiency frequency doubling of 1550 nm continuous-wave laser light in a nonlinear cavity containing a periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate crystal (PPKTP). The fundamental field had a power of 1.10 W and was converted into 1.05 W at 775 nm, yielding a total external conversion efficiency of 95±1%. The latter value is based on the measured depletion of the fundamental field being consistent with the absolute values derived from numerical simulations. According to our model, the conversion efficiency achieved was limited by the nonperfect mode matching into the nonlinear cavity and by the nonperfect impedance matching for the maximum input power available. Our result shows that cavity-assisted frequency conversion based on PPKTP is well suited for low-decoherence frequency conversion of quantum states of light.

26 CFR 801.4 - Customer satisfaction measures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... REVENUE PRACTICE BALANCED SYSTEM FOR MEASURING ORGANIZATIONAL AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE WITHIN THE INTERNAL... taxpayers, organizational units, or employees within the IRS and external groups affected by the services...

Configuration of automatic exposure control on mammography units for computed radiography to match patient dose of screen film systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Chang-Ying Joseph; Huang, Weidong

2009-02-01

Computed radiography (CR) is considered a drop-in addition or replacement for traditional screen-film (SF) systems in digital mammography. Unlike other technologies, CR has the advantage of being compatible with existing mammography units. One of the challenges, however, is to properly configure the automatic exposure control (AEC) on existing mammography units for CR use. Unlike analogue systems, the capture and display of digital CR images is decoupled. The function of AEC is changed from ensuring proper and consistent optical density of the captured image on film to balancing image quality with patient dose needed for CR. One of the preferences when acquiring CR images under AEC is to use the same patient dose as SF systems. The challenge is whether the existing AEC design and calibration process-most of them proprietary from the X-ray systems manufacturers and tailored specifically for SF response properties-can be adapted for CR cassettes, in order to compensate for their response and attenuation differences. This paper describes the methods for configuring the AEC of three different mammography units models to match the patient dose used for CR with those that are used for a KODAK MIN-R 2000 SF System. Based on phantom test results, these methods provide the dose level under AEC for the CR systems to match with the dose of SF systems. These methods can be used in clinical environments that require the acquisition of CR images under AEC at the same dose levels as those used for SF systems.

[Trend in inequalities in mortality due to external causes among the municipalities of Antioquia (Colombia)].

PubMed

Caicedo-Velásquez, Beatriz; Álvarez-Castaño, Luz Stella; Marí-Dell'Olmo, Marc; Borrell, Carme

2016-01-01

To analyse the trend in inequalities in mortality due to external causes among municipalities in Antioquia, department of Colombia, from 2000 to 2010, and its association with socioeconomic conditions. External causes included violent deaths, such as homicides, suicides and traffic accidents, among others. Ecological design of mortality trends, with the 125 municipalities of Antioquia as the unit of analysis. The age-adjusted smoothed standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was estimated for each of the municipalities by using an empirical Bayesian model. Differences in the SMR between the poorest and least poor municipalities were estimated by using a two-level hierarchical model (level-1: year, level-2: municipality). Mortality due to external causes showed a downward trend in the department in the period under review, although the situation was not similar in all municipalities. The findings showed that the risk of death from external causes significantly increased in poor and underdeveloped municipalities. Intervention is required through policies that take into account local differences in mortality due to external causes. Copyright © 2016 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Identifying patients with undetected colorectal cancer: an independent validation of QCancer (Colorectal).

PubMed

Collins, G S; Altman, D G

2012-07-10

Early identification of colorectal cancer is an unresolved challenge and the predictive value of single symptoms is limited. We evaluated the performance of QCancer (Colorectal) prediction model for predicting the absolute risk of colorectal cancer in an independent UK cohort of patients from general practice records. A total of 2.1 million patients registered with a general practice surgery between 01 January 2000 and 30 June 2008, aged 30-84 years (3.7 million person-years) with 3712 colorectal cancer cases were included in the analysis. Colorectal cancer was defined as incident diagnosis of colorectal cancer during the 2 years after study entry. The results from this independent and external validation of QCancer (Colorectal) prediction model demonstrated good performance data on a large cohort of general practice patients. QCancer (Colorectal) had very good discrimination with an area under the ROC curve of 0.92 (women) and 0.91 (men), and explained 68% (women) and 66% (men) of the variation. QCancer (Colorectal) was well calibrated across all tenths of risk and over all age ranges with predicted risks closely matching observed risks. QCancer (Colorectal) appears to be a useful tool for identifying undetected cases of undiagnosed colorectal cancer in primary care in the United Kingdom.

Implications of the road traffic and aircraft noise exposure and children's cognition and health (RANCH) study results for classroom acoustics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stansfeld, Stephen A.; Clark, Charlotte

2005-04-01

Studies in West London have found associations between aircraft noise exposure and childrens' cognitive performance. This has culminated in the RANCH Study examining exposure-effect associations between aircraft and road traffic noise exposure and cognitive performance and health. The RANCH project, the largest cross-sectional study of noise and childrens health, examined 2844 children, 9-10 years old, from 89 schools around three major airports: in the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. Children were selected by external aircraft and road traffic noise exposure at school predicted from noise contour maps, modeling and on-site measurements. A substudy indicated high internal levels of noise within classrooms. Schools were matched for socioeconomic position within countries. Cognitive and health outcomes were measured by standardized tests and questionnaires administered in the classroom. A parental questionnaire collected information on socioeconomic position, parental education and ethnicity. Linear exposure-effect associations were found between chronic aircraft noise exposure and impairment of reading comprehension and recognition memory, maintained after adjustment for mothers education, socioeconomic factors, longstanding illness and classroom insulation. Road traffic noise exposure was linearly associated with episodic memory. The implications of these results for childrens' learning environments will be discussed. [Work supported by European Community (QLRT-2000-00197) Vth framework program.

The educational settings of profoundly deaf children with cochlear implants compared with age-matched peers with hearing aids: implications for management.

PubMed

Archbold, Sue M; Nikolopoulos, Thomas P; Lutman, Mark E; O'Donoghue, Gerard M

2002-04-01

The educational settings of 42 implanted profoundly deaf children 3 years after implantation were compared with the respective settings of 635 age-matched severely deaf and 511 profoundly deaf children with hearing aids. All implanted children received their implants before beginning school. The results revealed that 3 years after implantation. 38% (16 children) of the implanted profoundly deaf children attended mainstream schools, whereas 57% (24 children) were in a unit, or special class, in a mainstream school, and 5% (two children) were in schools for the deaf. With regard to the age-matched profoundly deaf children with hearing aids, 12% (63 children) attended mainstream schools, whereas 55% (281 children) were in a unit of a mainstream school, and 33% (167 children) were in schools for the deaf. In the group of age-matched severely deaf children, 38% (239 children) attended mainstream schools, whereas 51% (326 children) were in a unit of a mainstream school, and 11% (70 children) were in schools for the deaf. Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference between the educational placement of implanted children and hearing-aided profoundly deaf children (p<0.00001), whereas there was no statistically significant difference between implanted children and hearing-aided severely deaf children. In conclusion, implanted profoundly deaf children who have received their implants before beginning school have the same profile of educational placement as aided severely deaf children rather than aided profoundly deaf children of the same age in the UK. This is likely to have significant implications for the future management of profoundly deaf children and to influence future planning of educational support services.

Homophyly/kinship hypothesis: Natural communities, and predicting in networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Angsheng; Li, Jiankou; Pan, Yicheng

2015-02-01

It has been a longstanding challenge to understand natural communities in real world networks. We proposed a community finding algorithm based on fitness of networks, two algorithms for prediction, accurate prediction and confirmation of keywords for papers in the citation network Arxiv HEP-TH (high energy physics theory), and the measures of internal centrality, external de-centrality, internal and external slopes to characterize the structures of communities. We implemented our algorithms on 2 citation and 5 cooperation graphs. Our experiments explored and validated a homophyly/kinship principle of real world networks. The homophyly/kinship principle includes: (1) homophyly is the natural selection in real world networks, similar to Darwin's kinship selection in nature, (2) real world networks consist of natural communities generated by the natural selection of homophyly, (3) most individuals in a natural community share a short list of common attributes, (4) natural communities have an internal centrality (or internal heterogeneity) that a natural community has a few nodes dominating most of the individuals in the community, (5) natural communities have an external de-centrality (or external homogeneity) that external links of a natural community homogeneously distributed in different communities, and (6) natural communities of a given network have typical structures determined by the internal slopes, and have typical patterns of outgoing links determined by external slopes, etc. Our homophyly/kinship principle perfectly matches Darwin's observation that animals from ants to people form social groups in which most individuals work for the common good, and that kinship could encourage altruistic behavior. Our homophyly/kinship principle is the network version of Darwinian theory, and builds a bridge between Darwinian evolution and network science.

Role of Direct and Indirect Violence Exposure on Externalizing Behavior in Children.

PubMed

Fleckman, Julia M; Drury, Stacy S; Taylor, Catherine A; Theall, Katherine P

2016-06-01

The objective of this study was to examine the association between externalizing behaviors and indirect violence exposure, assessed both within the household and at the community level, as well as the interaction effect of indirect and direct violence exposure. A sample of parents of children ages 4-15 who have not been referred or enrolled in child welfare (n = 82) were recruited from the greater New Orleans community. Externalizing behavior was assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The child's indirect exposure to violence included witnessing community violence, witnessing physical assault, and witnessing fighting or domestic violence at home. Direct exposure to violence included the child experiencing physical aggression from a caregiver. All assessments were based on caregiver reports. To decrease potential for confounding, children were matched for analysis based on age, Hurricane Katrina exposure, and their propensity to be exposed to high indirect violence. Cumulative indirect exposure to violence was significantly positively correlated with CBCL scores. After controlling for key covariates, CBCL externalizing T score increased significantly by approximately 1.25 points for each level increase in indirect violence exposure (β = 1.25, SE = 0.57, p = 0.027). There also was a significant interaction between indirect and direct exposure to violence in the association with CBCL score (β = -0.08, SE = 0.03, p = 0.002). These findings extend previous research by demonstrating that exposure to both direct and cross-contextual indirect violence influences externalizing behaviors in children. Additionally, the findings suggest that community and household social environments are both important targets for interventions designed to decrease externalizing behaviors and improve long-term outcomes for youth at risk of exposure to violence.

Reciprocal Relationships between Teacher Ratings of Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors in Adolescents with Different Levels of Cognitive Abilities.

PubMed

Morin, Alexandre J S; Arens, A Katrin; Maïano, Christophe; Ciarrochi, Joseph; Tracey, Danielle; Parker, Philip D; Craven, Rhonda G

2017-04-01

Are internalizing and externalizing behavior problems interrelated via mutually reinforcing relationships (with each behavior leading to increases over time in levels of the other behavior) or mutually suppressing relationships (with each behavior leading to decreases over time in levels of the other behavior)? Past research on the directionality of these relationships has led to ambiguous results, particularly in adolescence. Furthermore, the extent to which prior results will generalize to adolescents with low levels of cognitive abilities remains unknown. This second limit is particularly important, given that these adolescents are known to present higher levels of externalizing and internalizing behaviors than their peers with average-to-high levels of cognitive abilities, and that the mechanisms involved in the reciprocal relationships between these two types of behaviors may differ across both populations. This study examines the directionality of the longitudinal relationships between externalizing and internalizing behavior problems as rated by teachers across three measurement waves (corresponding to Grades 8-10) in matched samples of 138 adolescents (34.78 % girls) with low levels of cognitive abilities and 556 adolescents (44.88 % girls) with average-to-high levels of cognitive abilities. The results showed that the measurement structure was fully equivalent across time periods and groups of adolescents, revealing high levels of developmental stability in both types of problems, and moderately high levels of cross-sectional associations. Levels of both internalizing and externalizing behaviors were higher among adolescents with low levels of cognitive abilities relative to those with average-to-high levels of cognitive abilities. Finally, the predictive analyses revealed negative reciprocal longitudinal relationships (i.e., mutually suppressing relationships) between externalizing and internalizing problems, a result that was replicated within samples of adolescents with low, and average-to-high levels of cognitive ability.

Dynamical responses to external stimuli for both cases of excitatory and inhibitory synchronization in a complex neuronal network.

PubMed

Kim, Sang-Yoon; Lim, Woochang

2017-10-01

For studying how dynamical responses to external stimuli depend on the synaptic-coupling type, we consider two types of excitatory and inhibitory synchronization (i.e., synchronization via synaptic excitation and inhibition) in complex small-world networks of excitatory regular spiking (RS) pyramidal neurons and inhibitory fast spiking (FS) interneurons. For both cases of excitatory and inhibitory synchronization, effects of synaptic couplings on dynamical responses to external time-periodic stimuli S ( t ) (applied to a fraction of neurons) are investigated by varying the driving amplitude A of S ( t ). Stimulated neurons are phase-locked to external stimuli for both cases of excitatory and inhibitory couplings. On the other hand, the stimulation effect on non-stimulated neurons depends on the type of synaptic coupling. The external stimulus S ( t ) makes a constructive effect on excitatory non-stimulated RS neurons (i.e., it causes external phase lockings in the non-stimulated sub-population), while S ( t ) makes a destructive effect on inhibitory non-stimulated FS interneurons (i.e., it breaks up original inhibitory synchronization in the non-stimulated sub-population). As results of these different effects of S ( t ), the type and degree of dynamical response (e.g., synchronization enhancement or suppression), characterized by the dynamical response factor [Formula: see text] (given by the ratio of synchronization degree in the presence and absence of stimulus), are found to vary in a distinctly different way, depending on the synaptic-coupling type. Furthermore, we also measure the matching degree between the dynamics of the two sub-populations of stimulated and non-stimulated neurons in terms of a "cross-correlation" measure [Formula: see text]. With increasing A , based on [Formula: see text], we discuss the cross-correlations between the two sub-populations, affecting the dynamical responses to S ( t ).

The history of the coronary care unit.

PubMed

Khush, Kiran K; Rapaport, Elliot; Waters, David

2005-10-01

The first coronary care units were established in the early 1960s in an attempt to reduce mortality from acute myocardial infarction. Pioneering cardiologists recognized the threat of death due to malignant arrhythmias in the postinfarction setting, and developed techniques for successful external defibrillation. The ability to abort sudden death led to continuous monitoring of the cardiac rhythm and an organized system of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, incorporating external defibrillation with cardiac drugs and specialized equipment. Arrhythmia monitoring and cardiopulmonary resuscitation could be performed by trained nursing staff, which eliminated delays in treatment and significantly reduced mortality. These early triumphs in aborting sudden death led to the development of techniques to treat cardiogenic shock, limit infarct size and initiate prehospital coronary care, all of which laid the foundation for the current era of interventional cardiology.

Bimanual Force Coordination in Children with Spastic Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M.; Klingels, K.; Feys, H.

2011-01-01

In this study bimanual grip-force coordination was quantified using a novel "Gripper" system that records grip forces produced while holding a lower and upper unit, in combination with the lift force necessary to separate these units. Children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) (aged 5-14 years, n = 12) were compared to age matched typically…

Prompting Children to Reason Proportionally: Processing Discrete Units as Continuous Amounts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boyer, Ty W.; Levine, Susan C.

2015-01-01

Recent studies reveal that children can solve proportional reasoning problems presented with continuous amounts that enable intuitive strategies by around 6 years of age but have difficulties with problems presented with discrete units that tend to elicit explicit count-and-match strategies until at least 10 years of age. The current study tests…

The Role of Masculinity and Depressive Symptoms in Predicting Suicidal Ideation in Homeless Men.

PubMed

Genuchi, Matthew C

2018-02-20

Men's suicide rates may be influenced by difficulties recognizing externalizing depressive symptoms in men that adhere to hegemonic masculine gender role norms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of externalizing depressive symptoms, internalizing depressive symptoms, and hegemonic masculinity in predicting the existence and severity of suicidal ideation. Homeless men (n = 94) completed questionnaires at a resource center in the Rocky Mountain Western United States. Internalizing symptoms predicted the existence of suicidal ideation, and both externalizing and internalizing symptoms predicted increased severity of suicidal ideation. The masculine norms violence and playboy were correlated with men's suicidal ideation. An externalizing-internalizing model of predicting suicide in men and men's adherence to certain masculine gender role norms may be valuable to further efforts in suicide assessment and prevention.

Unmatched U.S. Allopathic Seniors in the 2015 Main Residency Match: A Study of Applicant Behavior, Interview Selection, and Match Outcome.

PubMed

Liang, Mei; Curtin, Laurie S; Signer, Mona M; Savoia, Maria C

2017-07-01

The application and interview behaviors of unmatched U.S. allopathic medical school senior students (U.S. seniors) participating in the 2015 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Main Residency Match were studied in conjunction with their United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores and ranking preferences to understand their effects on Match outcome. USMLE Step 1 score and preferred specialty information were reviewed for U.S. seniors who responded to the 2015 NRMP Applicant Survey. Unmatched U.S. seniors were categorized as "strong," "solid," "marginal," or "weak" based on the perceived competitiveness of their Step 1 scores compared with U.S. seniors who matched in the same preferred specialty. The numbers of applications sent, interviews obtained, and programs ranked also were examined by Match outcome. Strong unmatched U.S. seniors submitted significantly more applications to achieve and attend approximately the same number of interviews as strong matched U.S. seniors. Strong unmatched seniors ranked fewer programs than their matched counterparts. As a group, unmatched U.S. seniors were less likely than their matched counterparts to rank a mix of competitive and less competitive programs and more likely to rank programs based on their perceived likelihood of matching. A small number of unmatched U.S. seniors would have matched if they had ranked programs that ranked them. U.S. seniors' Match outcomes may be affected by applicant characteristics that negatively influence their selection for interviews, and their difficulties may be exacerbated by disadvantageous ranking behaviors.

Matching intermediate-term, multi-angle averages of CIRS FP1+FP3 observations for the He VMR and cloud in Saturn’s atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serrano, Joshua; Orton, Glenn S.; Sinclair, James; Fletcher, Leigh N.

2017-01-01

IntroductionSaturn’s atmosphere is a complicated system that is affected by many internal and external variables. To better understand these variables and how they affect Saturn’s atmospheric system we rely on data obtained from spacecraft and Earth based observatories. For this particular study, we used data from Cassini’s Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) instrument.Currently we do not know the exact amount of helium (He) with respect to molecular hydrogen gas (H2) in Saturn’s atmosphere. This He and H2 volume mixing ratio (VMR) is extremely important in understanding the structure and evolution of Saturn’s atmosphere. The CIRS team was not able to identify reliable matching spectra with data obtained from Focal Plane 1 (FP1) and Focal Plane 3 (FP3) of the CIRS instrument.MethodsAll the data sets we have worked with range from the years 2005-2012. Each year’s data sets were organized into 6 month intervals spanning the months January-June and July-December with data for FP1 and FP3 being completely separate. Each data set is also binned by planetographic latitude.Each data point consists of a spectra wavenumber, radiance value, and an emission angle. The emission angle is then converted to the unit μ, the value of this unit is simply the cosine of the emission angle. Initially all data was binned by year, latitude, and calculated µ value. This data was then plotted as a function of radiance and wavenumber to identify areas of spectral overlap data overlap in corresponding FP1 and FP3 data sets. These data sets were then prepped to be processed by a radiative transfer retrieval algorithm called NEMESIS.ResultsFurther binning of the data sets by looking at abundance of spectra values at certain μ values allows us to increase our confidence that these data sets are populated with enough spectra for NEMESIS to work with. NEMESIS has been operating with assumed He and H2 values derived from results of other studies, this means that narrowing down a more accurate He and H2 VMR will take more time and further data processing.

The role of the external personal assistants for children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities working in the children's home.

PubMed

Axelsson, Anna Karin

2015-05-01

Children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities need support to function in an optimal way. However, there is a limited knowledge about the role of external personal assistants working in the children's home. A mixed method study was performed including qualitative data from interviews with 11 Swedish parents and nine external personal assistants and quantitative data from questionnaires answered by 60 families. For the child, the assistant's role was one of reinforcing, meaning supportive and empowering, and the child needed a high level of assistance. For the family, the role was one of balancing and the external personal assistant was more often found to assist in activities away from home while parents tended to assist within home and in family unit activities. In planning and implementation of external assistance, the child's needs as well as considerations of the whole family should be regarded. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Culture-dependent strategies in coordination games

PubMed Central

Jackson, Matthew O.; Xing, Yiqing

2014-01-01

We examine different populations’ play in coordination games in online experiments with over 1,000 study participants. Study participants played a two-player coordination game that had multiple equilibria: two equilibria with highly asymmetric payoffs and another equilibrium with symmetric payoffs but a slightly lower total payoff. Study participants were predominantly from India and the United States. Study participants residing in India played the strategies leading to asymmetric payoffs significantly more frequently than study participants residing in the United States who showed a greater play of the strategy leading to the symmetric payoffs. In addition, when prompted to play asymmetrically, the population from India responded even more significantly than those from the United States. Overall, study participants’ predictions of how others would play were more accurate when the other player was from their own populations, and they coordinated significantly more frequently and earned significantly higher payoffs when matched with other study participants from their own population than when matched across populations. PMID:25024196

Analysis of formation pressure test results in the Mount Elbert methane hydrate reservoir through numerical simulation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kurihara, M.; Sato, A.; Funatsu, K.; Ouchi, H.; Masuda, Y.; Narita, H.; Collett, T.S.

2011-01-01

Targeting the methane hydrate (MH) bearing units C and D at the Mount Elbert prospect on the Alaska North Slope, four MDT (Modular Dynamic Formation Tester) tests were conducted in February 2007. The C2 MDT test was selected for history matching simulation in the MH Simulator Code Comparison Study. Through history matching simulation, the physical and chemical properties of the unit C were adjusted, which suggested the most likely reservoir properties of this unit. Based on these properties thus tuned, the numerical models replicating "Mount Elbert C2 zone like reservoir" "PBU L-Pad like reservoir" and "PBU L-Pad down dip like reservoir" were constructed. The long term production performances of wells in these reservoirs were then forecasted assuming the MH dissociation and production by the methods of depressurization, combination of depressurization and wellbore heating, and hot water huff and puff. The predicted cumulative gas production ranges from 2.16??106m3/well to 8.22??108m3/well depending mainly on the initial temperature of the reservoir and on the production method.This paper describes the details of modeling and history matching simulation. This paper also presents the results of the examinations on the effects of reservoir properties on MH dissociation and production performances under the application of the depressurization and thermal methods. ?? 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

A Hybrid CPU/GPU Pattern-Matching Algorithm for Deep Packet Inspection

PubMed Central

Chen, Yaw-Chung

2015-01-01

The large quantities of data now being transferred via high-speed networks have made deep packet inspection indispensable for security purposes. Scalable and low-cost signature-based network intrusion detection systems have been developed for deep packet inspection for various software platforms. Traditional approaches that only involve central processing units (CPUs) are now considered inadequate in terms of inspection speed. Graphic processing units (GPUs) have superior parallel processing power, but transmission bottlenecks can reduce optimal GPU efficiency. In this paper we describe our proposal for a hybrid CPU/GPU pattern-matching algorithm (HPMA) that divides and distributes the packet-inspecting workload between a CPU and GPU. All packets are initially inspected by the CPU and filtered using a simple pre-filtering algorithm, and packets that might contain malicious content are sent to the GPU for further inspection. Test results indicate that in terms of random payload traffic, the matching speed of our proposed algorithm was 3.4 times and 2.7 times faster than those of the AC-CPU and AC-GPU algorithms, respectively. Further, HPMA achieved higher energy efficiency than the other tested algorithms. PMID:26437335

A Hybrid CPU/GPU Pattern-Matching Algorithm for Deep Packet Inspection.

PubMed

Lee, Chun-Liang; Lin, Yi-Shan; Chen, Yaw-Chung

2015-01-01

The large quantities of data now being transferred via high-speed networks have made deep packet inspection indispensable for security purposes. Scalable and low-cost signature-based network intrusion detection systems have been developed for deep packet inspection for various software platforms. Traditional approaches that only involve central processing units (CPUs) are now considered inadequate in terms of inspection speed. Graphic processing units (GPUs) have superior parallel processing power, but transmission bottlenecks can reduce optimal GPU efficiency. In this paper we describe our proposal for a hybrid CPU/GPU pattern-matching algorithm (HPMA) that divides and distributes the packet-inspecting workload between a CPU and GPU. All packets are initially inspected by the CPU and filtered using a simple pre-filtering algorithm, and packets that might contain malicious content are sent to the GPU for further inspection. Test results indicate that in terms of random payload traffic, the matching speed of our proposed algorithm was 3.4 times and 2.7 times faster than those of the AC-CPU and AC-GPU algorithms, respectively. Further, HPMA achieved higher energy efficiency than the other tested algorithms.

An evaluation of matching unknown writing inks with the United States International Ink Library.

PubMed

Laporte, Gerald M; Arredondo, Marlo D; McConnell, Tyra S; Stephens, Joseph C; Cantu, Antonio A; Shaffer, Douglas K

2006-05-01

Utilizing a database of standards for forensic casework is a valuable resource. Undoubtedly, as more standards (and corresponding information about the specimens) are collected, there is a greater certainty of identification when a questioned and a known item cannot be distinguished after a series of analyses. The United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service National Forensic Laboratory jointly maintain the largest known forensic collection of writing inks in the world, which is comprised of over 8500 ink standards collected worldwide, dating back to the 1920s. This study was conducted to evaluate the reliability of matching arbitrarily purchased pens with known inks from a database. One hundred pens were randomly obtained from a variety of sources and their respective ink compositions were compared with standards. Eighty-five of the inks were determined to be suitable for comparison utilizing optical examinations and thin-layer chromatography. Three of the inks did not match any of the specimens on record; one of these inks was similar to an ink from an identical brand of pen that was in the database, but had a modified formulation.

The Role of School Board Social Capital in District Governance: Effects on Financial and Academic Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saatcioglu, Argun; Moore, Suzanne; Sargut, Gokce; Bajaj, Aarti

2011-01-01

Social capital refers to the nature of ties within a social unit, as well as the unit's external relationships. We draw from organizational sociology and political science, and also build upon existing insights in school board research, to offer an approach that address the effects of "bonding" (internal ties) and "bridging"…

Promoting Students' Conceptual Understanding of Plant Defense Responses Using the Fighting Plant Learning Unit (FPLU)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nantawanit, Nantawan; Panijpan, Bhinyo; Ruenwongsa, Pintip

2012-01-01

Most students think animals are more interesting than plants as a study topic believing that plants are inferior to animals because they are passive and unable to respond to external challenges, particularly biological invaders such as microorganisms and insect herbivores. The purpose of this study was to develop an inquiry-based learning unit,…

Optimal Attitude Control of Agile Spacecraft Using Combined Reaction Wheel and Control Moment Gyroscope Arrays

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

10 IMU Inertial Measurement Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 PS Pseudo...filters to diminish the effect of gyro corruption in the inertial measurement unit ( IMU ) [32]. Therefore, s/c states determined by the hardware...simulator’s IMU hold the required level of accuracy for characterization of the RWCMG system in the current research. Future external state measurement systems

Update to An Inventory of Sources and Environmental Releases of Dioxin-Like Compounds in the United States for the Years 1987, 1995, and 2000 (2013, External Review Draft)

EPA Science Inventory

In 2006, EPA published an inventory of sources and environmental releases of dioxin-like compounds in the United States. This draft report presents an update and revision to that dioxin source inventory. It also presents updated estimates of environmental releases of dioxin-like...

Structural Acoustic UXO Detection and Identification in Marine Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

BOSS Buried Object Scanning Sonar DVL Doppler Velocity Log EW East/West IMU Inertial Measurement Unit NRL Naval Research Laboratory NSWC-PCD... Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to time-delay and coherently sum matched-filtered phase histories from subsurface focal points over a large number of... Measurement Unit (IMU) systems. In our imaging algorithm, the 2D depth image of a target, i.e. one mapped over x and z or y and z, presents the

A Method to Formulate the Unit Cell for Density Functional Theory (DFT) Calculations of the Electronic Band Structure of Heterostructures of Two-dimensional Nanosheets

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

distribution is unlimited. i CONTENTS Page Introduction 1 Two-dimensional Material Geometry and Analogs with Close-packed Systems 1 Matching... System Lattice Vectors: An Optimization Problem 1 Generating the System Unit Cell 3 Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCS) with Mismatched... system being analyzed. The creation of a unit cell that accurately describes the system remains one of the largest challenges for DFT calculations

Multiple Objects Fusion Tracker Using a Matching Network for Adaptively Represented Instance Pairs

PubMed Central

Oh, Sang-Il; Kang, Hang-Bong

2017-01-01

Multiple-object tracking is affected by various sources of distortion, such as occlusion, illumination variations and motion changes. Overcoming these distortions by tracking on RGB frames, such as shifting, has limitations because of material distortions caused by RGB frames. To overcome these distortions, we propose a multiple-object fusion tracker (MOFT), which uses a combination of 3D point clouds and corresponding RGB frames. The MOFT uses a matching function initialized on large-scale external sequences to determine which candidates in the current frame match with the target object in the previous frame. After conducting tracking on a few frames, the initialized matching function is fine-tuned according to the appearance models of target objects. The fine-tuning process of the matching function is constructed as a structured form with diverse matching function branches. In general multiple object tracking situations, scale variations for a scene occur depending on the distance between the target objects and the sensors. If the target objects in various scales are equally represented with the same strategy, information losses will occur for any representation of the target objects. In this paper, the output map of the convolutional layer obtained from a pre-trained convolutional neural network is used to adaptively represent instances without information loss. In addition, MOFT fuses the tracking results obtained from each modality at the decision level to compensate the tracking failures of each modality using basic belief assignment, rather than fusing modalities by selectively using the features of each modality. Experimental results indicate that the proposed tracker provides state-of-the-art performance considering multiple objects tracking (MOT) and KITTIbenchmarks. PMID:28420194

Evaluation of a Progressive Mobility Protocol in Postoperative Cardiothoracic Surgical Patients.

PubMed

Floyd, Shawn; Craig, Sarah W; Topley, Darla; Tullmann, Dorothy

2016-01-01

Cardiothoracic surgical patients are at high risk for complications related to immobility, such as increased intensive care and hospital length of stay, intensive care unit readmission, pressure ulcer development, and deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus. A progressive mobility protocol was started in the thoracic cardiovascular intensive care unit in a rural academic medical center. The purpose of the progressive mobility protocol was to increase mobilization of postoperative patients and decrease complications related to immobility in this unique patient population. A matched-pairs design was used to compare a randomly selected sample of the preintervention group (n = 30) to a matched postintervention group (n = 30). The analysis compared outcomes including intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, intensive care unit readmission occurrence, pressure ulcer prevalence, and deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism prevalence between the 2 groups. Although this comparison does not achieve statistical significance (P < .05) for any of the outcomes measured, it does show clinical significance in a reduction in hospital length of stay, intensive care unit days, in intensive care unit readmission rate, and a decline in pressure ulcer prevalence, which is the overall goal of progressive mobility. This study has implications for nursing, hospital administration, and therapy services with regard to staffing and cost savings related to fewer complications of immobility. Future studies with a larger sample size and other populations are warranted.

Evidence for Mojave-Sonora megashear-Systematic left-lateral offset of Neoproterozoic to Lower Jurassic strata and facies, western United States and northwestern Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stewart, John H.

2005-01-01

Major successions as well as individual units of Neoproterozoic to Lower Jurassic strata and facies appear to be systematically offset left laterally from eastern California and western Nevada in the western United States to Sonora, Mexico. This pattern is most evident in units such as the "Johnnie oolite," a 1- to 2-m-thick oolite of the Neoproterozoic Rainstorm Member of the Johnnie Formation in the western United States and of the Clemente Formation in Sonora. The pattern is also evident in the Lower Cambrian Zabriskie Quartzite of the western United States and the correlative Proveedora Quartzite in Sonora. Matching of isopach lines of the Zabriskie Quartzite and Proveedora Quartzite suggests ???700-800 km of left-lateral offset. The offset pattern is also apparent in the distribution of distinctive lithologic types, unconformities, and fossil assemblages in other rocks ranging in age from Neoproterozoic to Early Jurassic. In the western United States, the distribution of facies in Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic strata indicates that the Cordilleran miogeocline trends north-south. A north-south trend is also suggested in Sonora, and if so is compatible with offset of the miogeocline but not with the ideas that the miogeocline wrapped around the continental margin and trends east-west in Sonora. An imperfect stratigraphic match of supposed offset segments along the megashear is apparent. Some units, such as the "Johnnie oolite" and Zabriskie-Proveedora, show almost perfect correspondence, but other units are significantly different. The differences seem to indicate that the indigenous succession of the western United States and offset segments in Mexico were not precisely side by side before offset but were separated by an area-now buried, eroded, or destroyed-that contained strata of intermediate facies. ?? 2005 Geological Society of America.

Similar alteration of motor unit recruitment strategies during the anticipation and experience of pain.

PubMed

Tucker, Kylie; Larsson, Anna-Karin; Oknelid, Stina; Hodges, Paul

2012-03-01

A motor unit consists of a motoneurone and the multiple muscle fibres that it innervates, and forms the final neural pathway that influences movement. Discharge of motor units is altered (decreased discharge rate and/or cessation of firing; and increased discharge rate and/or recruitment of new units) during matched-force contractions with pain. This is thought to be mediated by nociceptive (pain) input on motoneurones, as demonstrated in animal studies. It is also possible that motoneurone excitability is altered by pain related descending inputs, that these changes persist after noxious stimuli cease, and that direct nociceptive input is not necessary to induce pain related changes in movement. We aimed to determine whether anticipation of pain (descending pain related inputs without nociceptor discharge) alters motor unit discharge, and to observe motor unit discharge recovery after pain has ceased. Motor unit discharge was recorded with fine-wire electrodes in the quadriceps of 9 volunteers. Subjects matched isometric knee-extension force during anticipation of pain (anticipation: electrical shocks randomly applied over the infrapatellar fat-pad); pain (hypertonic saline injected into the fat-pad); and 3 intervening control conditions. Discharge rate of motor units decreased during pain (P<.001) and anticipation (P<.01) compared with control contractions. De-recruitment of 1 population of units and new recruitment of another population were observed during both anticipation and pain; some changes in motor unit recruitment persisted after pain ceased. This challenges the fundamental theory that pain-related changes in muscle activity result from direct nociceptor discharge, and provides a mechanism that may underlie long-term changes in movement/chronicity in some musculoskeletal conditions. Copyright © 2011 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

KSC-07pd2025

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-07-19

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, a crane lowers the main bus switching unit into Discovery's payload bay. The unit is part of the payload on mission STS-120.A main bus switching unit is used for power distribution, circuit protection and fault isolation on the space station's power system. The units route power to proper locations in the space station, such as from solar arrays through umbilicals into the U.S. Lab. The unit will be installed on the external stowage platform 2 attached to the Quest airlock for temporary storage. Discovery is targeted to launch mission STS-120 no earlier than Oct. 20. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Cooled electrical terminal assembly and device incorporating same

DOEpatents

Beihoff, Bruce C.; Radosevich, Lawrence D.; Phillips, Mark G.; Kehl, Dennis L.; Kaishian, Steven C.; Kannenberg, Daniel G.

2006-08-22

A terminal structure provides interfacing with power electronics circuitry and external circuitry. The thermal support may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the terminal structure and the circuits through fluid circulating through the support. The support may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by operation of the power electronic circuits. Features may be provided to permit and enhance connection of the circuitry to external circuitry, such as improved terminal configurations. Modular units may be assembled that may be coupled to electronic circuitry via plug-in arrangements or through interface with a backplane or similar mounting and interconnecting structures.

Cooled electrical terminal assembly and device incorporating same

DOEpatents

Beihoff, Bruce C.; Radosevich, Lawrence D.; Phillips, Mark G.; Kehl, Dennis L.; Kaishian, Steven C.; Kannenberg, Daniel G.

2005-05-24

A terminal structure provides interfacing with power electronics circuitry and external circuitry. The thermal support may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the terminal structure and the circuits through fluid circulating through the support. The support may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by operation of the power electronic circuits. Features may be provided to permit and enhance connection of the circuitry to external circuitry, such as improved terminal configurations. Modular units may be assembled that may be coupled to electronic circuitry via plug-in arrangements or through interface with a backplane or similar mounting and interconnecting structures.

Extensional deformation of the Guadalquivir Basin: rate of WSW-ward tectonic displacement from Upper Tortonian sedimentary rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roldán, Francisco J.; Azañón, Jose Miguel; Rodríguez-Fernández, Jose; María Mateos, Rosa

2016-04-01

The Guadalquivir Basin (Upper Tortonian-Quaternary sedimentary infilling) has been considered the foreland basin of the Betic Orogen built up during its collision with the Sudiberian margin. The basin is currently restricted to its westernmost sector, in the Cadiz Gulf, because the Neogene-Quaternary uplift of the Betic Cordillera has produced the emersion of their central and eastern parts. The upper Tortonian chronostratigraphic unit is the oldest one and it was indistinctly deposited on the South Iberian paleomargin and the External units from the Betic Cordillera. However, these rocks are undeformed on the Sudiberian paleomargin while they are deeply affected by brittle deformation on the External Betic Zone. Outcrops of Upper Tortonian sedimentary rocks on External Betic Zone are severely fragmented showing allocthonous characters with regard to those located on the Sudiberian paleomargin. This post- Upper Tortonian deformation is not well known in the External Zones of the Cordillera where the most prominent feature is the ubiquity of a highly deformed tecto-sedimentary unit outcropping at the basement of the Guadalquivir sedimentary infilling. This tecto-sedimentary unit belongs to the Mass Wasting Extensional Complex (Rodríguez-Fernández, 2014) formed during the collision and westward migration of the Internal Zone of the Betic Cordillera (15-8,5 Ma). In the present work, we show an ensemble of tectonic, geophysical and cartographic data in order to characterize the post-Upper Tortonian deformation. For this, seismic reflection profiles have been interpreted with the help of hidrocarbon boreholes to define the thickness of the Upper Tortonian sedimentary sequence. All these data provide an estimation of the geometrical and kinematic characteristics of the extensional faults, direction of movement and rate of displacement of these rocks during Messinian/Pliocene times. References Rodríguez-Fernández, J., Roldan, F. J., J.M. Azañón y Garcia-Cortes, A. 2013. EL colapso gravitacional del frente orogénico alpino en el Dominio Subbético durante el Mioceno medio-superior: El Complejo Extensional Subbético. Boletín Geológico y Minero, 124 (3): 477-504

Match-play demands of elite youth Gaelic football using global positioning system tracking.

PubMed

Reilly, Brian; Akubat, Ibrahim; Lyons, Mark; Collins, D Kieran

2015-04-01

Global positioning systems (GPS) technology has made athlete-tracking a convenient and accepted technique to specify movement patterns and physical demands in sport. The purpose of this study was to examine positional demands of elite youth Gaelic football match-play using portable GPS technology to examine movement patterns and heart rates across match periods. Fifty-six elite youth male Gaelic footballers (age, 15 ± 0.66 years) fitted with portable 4-Hz GPS units were observed during 6 competitive matches (60 minutes). Data provided from the GPS unit included total distance, high-intensity (≥17·km·h(-1)) distance, sprint (≥22 km·h(-1)) distance, and total number of sprints. Heart rate was monitored continuously throughout the games. Players covered a mean distance of 5732 ± 1047 m, and the mean intensity of match-play was 85% of the peak heart rate. There was a significant (p = 0.028) drop in the total distance covered in the second half (2783 ± 599 m) compared with the first half (2948 ± 580 m). In particular, there is a noticeable drop in the distance covered in the third quarter of the game (after half-time), which has implications for re-warming up at the end of the half-time interval. There was a highly significant (p < .001) difference in the distance traveled across the 5 positional groups with midfielders covering the greatest total distance (6740 ± 384 m). The significant differences found with respect to positional groups support the implementation of individual, position-specific strength and conditioning programs.

The Activity Profile of Young Tennis Athletes Playing on Clay and Hard Courts: Preliminary Data.

PubMed

Adriano Pereira, Lucas; Freitas, Victor; Arruda Moura, Felipe; Saldanha Aoki, Marcelo; Loturco, Irineu; Yuzo Nakamura, Fábio

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to compare the kinematic characteristics of tennis matches between red clay and hard courts in young tennis players. Eight young tennis players performed two tennis matches on different court surfaces. The match activities were monitored using GPS units. The distance covered in different velocity ranges and the number of accelerations were analyzed. The paired t test and inference based on magnitudes were used to compare the match physical performance between groups. The total distance (24% of difference), high-intensity running distance (15 - 18 km/h) (30% of difference), the number of high-intensity activities (44% of difference), the body load (1% of difference), and accelerations >1.5 g (1.5-2 g and >2 g 7.8 and 8.1 % of difference, respectively) were significantly greater in clay court than hard court matches ( p < 0.05). Matches played on the red clay court required players to cover more total and high-intensity running distances and engage in more high-intensity activities than the matches played on the hard court. Finally, on the clay court the body load and the number of accelerations performed (>1.5 g) were possibly higher than on the hard court.

Adding temporally localized noise can enhance the contribution of target knowledge on contrast detection.

PubMed

Silvestre, Daphné; Cavanagh, Patrick; Arleo, Angelo; Allard, Rémy

2017-02-01

External noise paradigms are widely used to characterize sensitivity by comparing the effect of a variable on contrast threshold when it is limited by internal versus external noise. A basic assumption of external noise paradigms is that the processing properties are the same in low and high noise. However, recent studies (e.g., Allard & Cavanagh, 2011; Allard & Faubert, 2014b) suggest that this assumption could be violated when using spatiotemporally localized noise (i.e., appearing simultaneously and at the same location as the target) but not when using spatiotemporally extended noise (i.e., continuously displayed, full-screen, dynamic noise). These previous findings may have been specific to the crowding and 0D noise paradigms that were used, so the purpose of the current study is to test if this violation of noise-invariant processing also occurs in a standard contrast detection task in white noise. The rationale of the current study is that local external noise triggers the use of recognition rather than detection and that a recognition process should be more affected by uncertainty about the shape of the target than one involving detection. To investigate the contribution of target knowledge on contrast detection, the effect of orientation uncertainty was evaluated for a contrast detection task in the absence of noise and in the presence of spatiotemporally localized or extended noise. A larger orientation uncertainty effect was observed with temporally localized noise than with temporally extended noise or with no external noise, indicating a change in the nature of the processing for temporally localized noise. We conclude that the use of temporally localized noise in external noise paradigms risks triggering a shift in process, invalidating the noise-invariant processing required for the paradigm. If, instead, temporally extended external noise is used to match the properties of internal noise, no such processing change occurs.

Treatment of unstable distal radius fractures: non-invasive dynamic external fixator versus volar locking plate – functional and radiological outcome in a prospective case-controlled series

PubMed Central

Bajwa, Ali S.; Rammappa, Manju; Lee, Ling; Nanda, Rajesh

2015-01-01

Introduction: Distal radius fracture (DRF) is a common injury and various treatment modalities including open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with volar locking plate are available. More recently, a non-invasive external fixator has been used. Aims: To prospectively compare the use of a non-invasive external fixator with early dynamisation for DRF against ORIF with volar locking plate control group. Methods: Consecutive patients with closed DRF were included in a prospective case-controlled study. Patients were assigned to non-invasive external fixator or ORIF. Minimum follow-up was two years. Follow-up was at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 26 and at one and two-year post-operatively. The outcome measures included demographic details, injury mechanism, AO fracture type, risk factors, body mass index (BMI), ulnar styloid fracture and dorsal comminution, radiographs, grip strength and DASH score. Results: Consecutive 50 patients were treated either with non-invasive external fixator (25/50) or with ORIF (25/50) and the mean age of the two groups was 53 years (SD 17.1) and 49 years (SD 19.5), respectively. Demographics were matched in two groups. In the non-invasive external fixator group, there were 10 AO Type-A, 5 Type-B and 10 Type-C fractures. The ORIF group included 8 Type-A, 6 Type-B and 11 Type-C fractures. The mean DASH score at three-months and one-year post-injury in non-invasive fixator group was 12.2 (SD 3.1) and 3.5 (SD 0.7), respectively, significantly greater than those of ORIF group 14.5 (SD 5.6) and 11.2 (SD 4.4), respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: DRF treated with non-invasive external fixator can give functional results superior to ORIF at three-months and the trend is maintained at one and two-year post-operatively. PMID:27163089

An on-line calibration algorithm for external parameters of visual system based on binocular stereo cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Liqiang; Liu, Zhen; Zhang, Zhonghua

2014-11-01

Stereo vision is the key in the visual measurement, robot vision, and autonomous navigation. Before performing the system of stereo vision, it needs to calibrate the intrinsic parameters for each camera and the external parameters of the system. In engineering, the intrinsic parameters remain unchanged after calibrating cameras, and the positional relationship between the cameras could be changed because of vibration, knocks and pressures in the vicinity of the railway or motor workshops. Especially for large baselines, even minute changes in translation or rotation can affect the epipolar geometry and scene triangulation to such a degree that visual system becomes disabled. A technology including both real-time examination and on-line recalibration for the external parameters of stereo system becomes particularly important. This paper presents an on-line method for checking and recalibrating the positional relationship between stereo cameras. In epipolar geometry, the external parameters of cameras can be obtained by factorization of the fundamental matrix. Thus, it offers a method to calculate the external camera parameters without any special targets. If the intrinsic camera parameters are known, the external parameters of system can be calculated via a number of random matched points. The process is: (i) estimating the fundamental matrix via the feature point correspondences; (ii) computing the essential matrix from the fundamental matrix; (iii) obtaining the external parameters by decomposition of the essential matrix. In the step of computing the fundamental matrix, the traditional methods are sensitive to noise and cannot ensure the estimation accuracy. We consider the feature distribution situation in the actual scene images and introduce a regional weighted normalization algorithm to improve accuracy of the fundamental matrix estimation. In contrast to traditional algorithms, experiments on simulated data prove that the method improves estimation robustness and accuracy of the fundamental matrix. Finally, we take an experiment for computing the relationship of a pair of stereo cameras to demonstrate accurate performance of the algorithm.