Sample records for give additional support

  1. Neural mechanisms of the link between giving social support and health.

    PubMed

    Inagaki, Tristen K

    2018-05-11

    Giving social support to others has emerged as an additional route by which social ties influence health. Thus, giving support to others not only influences the health of the individual receiving support, but also the health of the individual giving the support. However, the neural mechanisms by which giving support leads to health are only beginning to be explored. In hopes of consolidating and guiding future research on giving support and health, the current review considers why, how, and when giving support is health promoting. Special emphasis is placed on neural regions known to contribute to parental care in animals that both reinforce giving support behavior (ventral striatum and septal area) and reduce stress-related responding (e.g., amygdala) to facilitate care. Hypothesized links between neural regions involved in giving support and peripheral physiology (sympathetic nervous system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and related inflammatory responding) are considered as well as the conditions under which giving support should be most beneficial for health. Finally, the implications of the current perspective for understanding how social relationships, more broadly, contribute to health and suggestions for future directions are offered. © 2018 New York Academy of Sciences.

  2. Giving social support to outside family may be a desirable buffer against depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: Japan gerontological evaluation study.

    PubMed

    Tsuboi, Hirohito; Hirai, Hiroshi; Kondo, Katsunori

    2016-01-01

    Depression is the leading cause of impaired quality of life and burden upon societies. Social supports can buffer against depressive symptoms effectively. The aim of this study is to determine the type of social support to have a positive relationship with depressive symptoms in healthy population. 11,869 male and 12,763 female residents within the age range of 65-100 were analyzed cross-sectionally with regard to depressive symptoms (evaluated by the Japanese version of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale), social supports (four dimensions: giving or receiving, emotional or instrumental), and covariates utilizing data collected by the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. Analyzed participants were GDS scores ≤ 10 and independence in ADL, who could give and receive supports well. Multiple linear models were applied for the analysis. All supports between husband and wife were significantly associated with lower depressive degrees. In comparison with the differences between receiving and giving supports in predictive effects on depressive degrees, giving social supports to outside family, emotional or instrumental, were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. There is a possibility that not only supports between husband and wife but giving social supports to outside family accounts for psychological benefits against depression, in addition to supports between husband and wife.

  3. The Process and Effect of Supportive Message Expression and Reception in Online Breast Cancer Support Groups

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Eunkyung; Han, Jeong Yeob; Moon, Tae Joon; Shaw, Bret; Shah, Dhavan V.; McTavish, Fiona M.; Gustafson, David H.

    2011-01-01

    Objective To better understand the process and effect of social support exchanges within computer-mediated social support (CMSS) groups for breast cancer patients, this study examines 1) the dynamic interplay between emotional support giving and receiving and 2) the relative effects of emotional support giving and receiving on patients’ psychosocial health outcomes. Methods Data was collected from 177 patients who participated in online cancer support groups within the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS) during the 4-month intervention. Data included 1) pretest and/or posttest survey scores of demographic, disease-related, and psychosocial factors, 2) automatically collected CHESS usage data, and 3) computer-aided content analysis of social support messages posts. Results Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that those who receive higher levels of support from others have fewer breast cancer-related concerns (β= −.15, p<.05), while those who give higher levels of support to others reframe their own problems in a positive light and adopt more positive strategies for coping (β= .16, p<.05). In addition to these positive effects, partial correlation analysis indicated that these two supportive behaviors are reciprocal. Conclusions We concluded that supportive exchanges of receiving and giving play positive, but different, roles in predicting psychosocial health outcomes. Moreover, emotional support giving and receiving tend to reinforce each other. Our findings help practitioners, health care providers, and health system designers make sense of diverse social support processes among cancer patients participating within CMSS groups. PMID:21416553

  4. Detecting and Understanding the Impact of Cognitive and Interpersonal Conflict in Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Environments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Prata, David Nadler; Baker, Ryan S. J. d.; Costa, Evandro d. B.; Rose, Carolyn P.; Cui, Yue; de Carvalho, Adriana M. J. B.

    2009-01-01

    This paper presents a model which can automatically detect a variety of student speech acts as students collaborate within a computer supported collaborative learning environment. In addition, an analysis is presented which gives substantial insight as to how students' learning is associated with students' speech acts, knowledge that will…

  5. Report on Higher Education Finance in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bowen, Howard R.

    This report on higher education finance in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is divided into six sections. Section one deals with state support for higher education, and whether the state should give greater attention to the private sector than it has in the past. The question of whether the state could support substantial additional costs of…

  6. [Voluntary help in dementia - predictors for utilisation and expected quality from a family caregiver's point of view].

    PubMed

    Grässel, E; Luttenberger, K; Römer, H; Donath, C

    2010-09-01

    Although support services are considered cost-effective in the relief of care-giving family members of dementia patients, there has been little research to date on the predictors of use and quality expectations. These two questions are examined for the first time based on cross-sectional data of 404 care-giving family members, users and non-users of voluntary help services. Quantitative data are evaluated using binary logistical regression analysis, qualitative data using content analysis. The rating of how helpful the use of a voluntary help service is in the personal situation was found to be the only significant predictor of use. With respect to quality, it is most important that the persons giving support be punctual and well-trained. To increase the rate of use, care-giving family members must be convinced of the relevant benefits of using a voluntary help service. In addition, attention must be paid to the professional organization and training of voluntary helpers. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart, New York.

  7. Cost-effective data collection to support INDOT's mission.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-12-01

    This study's main purpose was to provide an inventory of the data collection programs undertaken by INDOT's divisions and offices and : to give recommendations regarding addition, removal, or modification of data collection programs. Chapter 1 provid...

  8. Update on Canada.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hochstadt, John Webster

    1994-01-01

    Gift planning is increasing in Canada's colleges and universities to offset effects of retrenchment. New annuity vehicles and the emergence of university Crown Foundations offer tax breaks that support private giving to institutions. In addition, a simplified process for gifts is anticipated. (MSE)

  9. Preference and strategy in proposer's prosocial giving in the ultimatum game.

    PubMed

    Inaba, Misato; Inoue, Yumi; Akutsu, Satoshi; Takahashi, Nobuyuki; Yamagishi, Toshio

    2018-01-01

    The accumulation of findings that most responders in the ultimatum game reject unfair offers provides evidence that humans are driven by social preferences such as preferences for fairness and prosociality. On the other hand, if and how the proposer's behavior is affected by social preferences remains unelucidated. We addressed this question for the first time by manipulating the knowledge that the proposer had about the responder's belief concerning the intentionality of the proposer. In a new game called the "ultimatum game with ambiguous intentions of the proposer (UGAMB)," we made the intentionality of the proposer ambiguous to the recipient. We expected and found that the proposer would make more unfair offers in this new game than in the standard ultimatum game. This expectation can be derived from either the preference-based model or the strategy model of the proposer's giving decision. The additional finding that more unfair giving in the UGAMB was not mediated by the proposer's expectation that the recipient would be more willing to accept unfair offers provided support for the preference-based model. Using a psychological measure of cognitive control, the preference-based model received additional support through a conceptual replication of the previous finding that cognitive control of intuitive drive for prosociality in the dictator game, rather than mind reading in the ultimatum game, is responsible for the difference in giving between the two games.

  10. Distributed support modelling for vertical track dynamic analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Blanco, B.; Alonso, A.; Kari, L.; Gil-Negrete, N.; Giménez, J. G.

    2018-04-01

    The finite length nature of rail-pad supports is characterised by a Timoshenko beam element formulation over an elastic foundation, giving rise to the distributed support element. The new element is integrated into a vertical track model, which is solved in frequency and time domain. The developed formulation is obtained by solving the governing equations of a Timoshenko beam for this particular case. The interaction between sleeper and rail via the elastic connection is considered in an analytical, compact and efficient way. The modelling technique results in realistic amplitudes of the 'pinned-pinned' vibration mode and, additionally, it leads to a smooth evolution of the contact force temporal response and to reduced amplitudes of the rail vertical oscillation, as compared to the results from concentrated support models. Simulations are performed for both parametric and sinusoidal roughness excitation. The model of support proposed here is compared with a previous finite length model developed by other authors, coming to the conclusion that the proposed model gives accurate results at a reduced computational cost.

  11. Support during pregnancy for women at increased risk of low birthweight babies.

    PubMed

    Hodnett, Ellen D; Fredericks, Suzanne; Weston, Julie

    2010-06-16

    Studies consistently show a relationship between social disadvantage and low birthweight. Many countries have programs offering special assistance to women thought to be at risk for giving birth to a low birthweight infant. These programs may include advice and counseling (about nutrition, rest, stress management, alcohol, and recreational drug use), tangible assistance (e.g., transportation to clinic appointments, household help), and emotional support. The programs may be delivered by multidisciplinary teams of health professionals, specially trained lay workers, or combination of lay and professional workers. The primary objective was to assess effects of programs offering additional social support compared with routine care, for pregnant women believed at high risk for giving birth to babies that are either preterm or weigh less than 2500 gm, or both, at birth. Secondary objectives were to determine whether effectiveness of support was mediated by timing of onset (early versus later in pregnancy) or type of provider (healthcare professional or lay woman). We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (January 2010). Randomized trials of additional support during at-risk pregnancy by either a professional (social worker, midwife, or nurse) or specially trained lay person, compared to routine care. We defined additional support as some form of emotional support (e.g., counseling, reassurance, sympathetic listening) and information or advice or both, either in home visits or during clinic appointments, and could include tangible assistance (e.g., transportation to clinic appointments, assistance with care of other children at home). Two review authors evaluated methodological quality. We performed double data entry. We included 17 trials (12,264 women). Programs offering additional social support for at-risk pregnant women were not associated with improvements in any perinatal outcomes, but there was a reduction in the likelihood of antenatal hospital admission (three trials; n = 737; RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.92) and caesarean birth (nine trials; n = 4522; RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.97). Pregnant women need the support of caring family members, friends, and health professionals. While programs which offer additional support during pregnancy are unlikely to prevent the pregnancy from resulting in a low birthweight or preterm baby, they may be helpful in reducing the likelihood of antenatal hospital admission and caesarean birth.

  12. Computer systems to support census geography.

    PubMed

    Deecker, G; Cunningham, R; Kidd, K

    1986-01-01

    The development of computer systems that support the geography of the census in Canada is described. The authors "present proposals for the 1991 Census that increase the level of automation, whether the geography changes or not. In addition, opportunities for change and improvement, should the geography change, are outlined. To minimize the risks involved, it is important to give these different proposals serious consideration early in the planning of a census." excerpt

  13. Preference and strategy in proposer’s prosocial giving in the ultimatum game

    PubMed Central

    Inaba, Misato; Inoue, Yumi; Akutsu, Satoshi; Takahashi, Nobuyuki

    2018-01-01

    The accumulation of findings that most responders in the ultimatum game reject unfair offers provides evidence that humans are driven by social preferences such as preferences for fairness and prosociality. On the other hand, if and how the proposer’s behavior is affected by social preferences remains unelucidated. We addressed this question for the first time by manipulating the knowledge that the proposer had about the responder’s belief concerning the intentionality of the proposer. In a new game called the “ultimatum game with ambiguous intentions of the proposer (UGAMB),” we made the intentionality of the proposer ambiguous to the recipient. We expected and found that the proposer would make more unfair offers in this new game than in the standard ultimatum game. This expectation can be derived from either the preference-based model or the strategy model of the proposer’s giving decision. The additional finding that more unfair giving in the UGAMB was not mediated by the proposer’s expectation that the recipient would be more willing to accept unfair offers provided support for the preference-based model. Using a psychological measure of cognitive control, the preference-based model received additional support through a conceptual replication of the previous finding that cognitive control of intuitive drive for prosociality in the dictator game, rather than mind reading in the ultimatum game, is responsible for the difference in giving between the two games. PMID:29505587

  14. Reviewing Student Papers Electronically

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dunford, Spencer

    2011-01-01

    In order to consistently give quality feedback to students, the author introduces the revision and automation tools in Microsoft Word 2007. These features, Comments, Tracking, and Changes, are part of the Review group in MS Word 2007. Additionally, the AutoCorrect feature can be used to enhance and support editing endeavors. This article offers a…

  15. Determination of Teacher Characteristics That Support Constructivist Learning Environments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aydogdu, Bulent; Selanik-Ay, Tugba

    2016-01-01

    Problem Statement: Exploring the variables that affect teachers' teaching approaches in learning environments is crucial to determining their response to new trends. Their teaching and learning characteristics set the success level of the new reforms. In addition, monitoring the usage of constructivist pedagogies and giving feedback about them are…

  16. Experiences of women with breast cancer: exchanging social support over the CHESS computer network.

    PubMed

    Shaw, B R; McTavish, F; Hawkins, R; Gustafson, D H; Pingree, S

    2000-01-01

    Using an existential-phenomenological approach, this paper describes how women with breast cancer experience the giving and receiving of social support in a computer-mediated context. Women viewed their experiences with the computer-mediated support group as an additional and unique source of support in facing their illness. Anonymity within the support group fostered equalized participation and allowed women to communicate in ways that would have been more difficult in a face-to-face context. The asynchronous communication was a frustration to some participants, but some indicated that the format allowed for more thoughtful interaction. Motivations for seeking social support appeared to be a dynamic process, with a consistent progression from a position of receiving support to that of giving support. The primary benefits women received from participation in the group were communicating with other people who shared similar problems and helping others, which allowed them to change their focus from a preoccupation with their own sickness to thinking of others. Consistent with past research is the finding that women in this study expressed that social support is a multidimensional phenomenon and that their computer-mediated support group provided abundant emotional support, encouragement, and informational support. Excerpts from the phenomenological interviews are used to review and highlight key theoretical concepts from the research literatures on computer-mediated communication, social support, and the psychosocial needs of women with breast cancer.

  17. The Neurobiology of Giving Versus Receiving Support: The Role of Stress-Related and Social Reward-Related Neural Activity.

    PubMed

    Inagaki, Tristen K; Bryne Haltom, Kate E; Suzuki, Shosuke; Jevtic, Ivana; Hornstein, Erica; Bower, Julienne E; Eisenberger, Naomi I

    2016-05-01

    There is a strong association between supportive ties and health. However, most research has focused on the health benefits that come from the support one receives while largely ignoring the support giver and how giving may contribute to good health. Moreover, few studies have examined the neural mechanisms associated with support giving or how giving support compares to receiving support. The current study assessed the relationships: a) between self-reported receiving and giving social support and vulnerability for negative psychological outcomes and b) between receiving and giving social support and neural activity to socially rewarding and stressful tasks. Thirty-six participants (mean [standard deviation] age = 22.36 [3.78] years, 44% female) completed three tasks in the functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner: 1) a stress task (mental arithmetic under evaluative threat), b) an affiliative task (viewing images of close others), and c) a prosocial task. Both self-reported receiving and giving social support were associated with reduced vulnerability for negative psychological outcomes. However, across the three neuroimaging tasks, giving but not receiving support was related to reduced stress-related activity (dorsal anterior cingulate cortex [r = -0.27], left [r = -0.28] and right anterior insula [r = -0.33], and left [r = -0.32] and right amygdala [r = -0.32]) to a stress task, greater reward-related activity (left [r = 0.42] and right ventral striatum [VS; r = 0.41]) to an affiliative task, and greater caregiving-related activity (left VS [r = 0.31], right VS [r = 0.31], and septal area [r = 0.39]) to a prosocial task. These results contribute to an emerging literature suggesting that support giving is an overlooked contributor to how social support can benefit health.

  18. The Politics of Intergovernmental Fiscal Assistance and Controls.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thomas, Norman C.

    There are numerous conflicts over which level of government should regulate education and over how much support each level of government should give to education. In education there are continuous pressures for and against an expanded federal role. Though the prospect of additional federal funds is welcomed by most state officials, they disagree…

  19. Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-03-05

    and governments assert that the nuclear deal could give Iran additional political and economic resources to support pro-Iranian movements and regimes...such as the embattled government of Bashar Al Assad of Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly opposed the JPA as failing to...67 Figures Figure 1. Structure of the Iranian Government

  20. HIGHLY DIASTEREOSELECTIVE MICHAEL ADDITION OF FLAVANONE TO ITS CHALCONE PRECURSOR UNDER SOLVENT-FREE CONDITIONS USING MICROWAVES

    EPA Science Inventory

    Substituted 2'-hydroxychalcones were found to give an equilibrium mixture of the starting chalcone and the corresponding flavanone in 4:6 - 1:3 ratio in the presence of various supports and MW irradiation. MW irradiation of 2'-hydroxychalcones in the presence of DBU gave two hit...

  1. Rhodium-catalyzed chemo-, regio-, and enantioselective addition of 2-pyridones to terminal allenes.

    PubMed

    Li, Changkun; Kähny, Matthias; Breit, Bernhard

    2014-12-08

    A rhodium-catalyzed chemo-, regio-, and enantioselective addition of 2-pyridones to terminal allenes to give branched N-allyl 2-pyridones is reported. Preliminary mechanistic studies support the hypothesis that the reaction was initiated from the more acidic 2-hydroxypyridine form, and the initial kinetic O-allylation product was finally converted into the thermodynamically more stable N-allyl 2-pyridones. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. Reduction of N2 by supported tungsten clusters gives a model of the process by nitrogenase

    PubMed Central

    Murakami, Junichi; Yamaguchi, Wataru

    2012-01-01

    Metalloenzymes catalyze difficult chemical reactions under mild conditions. Mimicking their functions is a challenging task and it has been investigated using homogeneous systems containing metal complexes. The nitrogenase that converts N2 to NH3 under mild conditions is one of such enzymes. Efforts to realize the biological function have continued for more than four decades, which has resulted in several reports of reduction of N2, ligated to metal complexes in solutions, to NH3 by protonation under mild conditions. Here, we show that seemingly distinct supported small tungsten clusters in a dry environment reduce N2 under mild conditions like the nitrogenase. N2 is reduced to NH3 via N2H4 by addition of neutral H atoms, which agrees with the mechanism recently proposed for the N2 reduction on the active site of nitrogenase. The process on the supported clusters gives a model of the biological N2 reduction. PMID:22586517

  3. Giving and Receiving Social Support at Work: The Roles of Personality and Reciprocity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bowling, Nathan A.; Beehr, Terry A.; Swader, William M.

    2005-01-01

    Social support is an important variable in occupational stress research and theory, yet little is know about the factors that influence the amount of social support one gives, and receives at work. We examined personality (extraversion, neuroticism, and agreeableness) and reciprocity as potential antecedents to giving and receiving support from…

  4. Social support and ambulatory blood pressure: an examination of both receiving and giving.

    PubMed

    Piferi, Rachel L; Lawler, Kathleen A

    2006-11-01

    The relationship between the social network and physical health has been studied extensively and it has consistently been shown that individuals live longer, have fewer physical symptoms of illness, and have lower blood pressure when they are a member of a social network than when they are isolated. Much of the research has focused on the benefits of receiving social support from the network and the effects of giving to others within the network have been neglected. The goal of the present research was to systematically investigate the relationship between giving and ambulatory blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate were recorded every 30 min during the day and every 60 min at night during a 24-h period. Linear mixed models analyses revealed that lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were related to giving social support. Furthermore, correlational analyses revealed that participants with a higher tendency to give social support reported greater received social support, greater self-efficacy, greater self-esteem, less depression, and less stress than participants with a lower tendency to give social support to others. Structural equation modeling was also used to test a proposed model that giving and receiving social support represent separate pathways predicting blood pressure and health. From this study, it appears that giving social support may represent a unique construct from receiving social support and may exert a unique effect on health.

  5. Life Problems and Perceptions of Giving Support: Implications for Aging Mothers and Middle-Aged Children

    PubMed Central

    Bangerter, Lauren R.; Polenick, Courtney A.; Zarit, Steven H.; Fingerman, Karen L.

    2017-01-01

    Giving support may be a stressful or rewarding experience, little is known about how family members perceive giving support amidst problems or crises. Using a sample of 226 mother-child dyads (mother mean age = 75.04; child mean age = 49.57), we examine how mothers and their middle-aged children perceive giving support in the context of life problems. Actor–partner interdependence models tested whether associations between problems and perceptions of support are moderated by frequency of support given and if associations were stronger for daughters or sons. Children perceived giving support to their mother as more stressful when they had more of their own problems and gave high levels of support. Daughters, but not sons, considered helping their mother more stressful when their mother had more problems and they gave high levels of support. Distinctions between mother-son and mother-daughter dyads demonstrate the merit of a dyadic approach to understanding mother-child relationships. PMID:29720778

  6. Chinese Fantasy Novel: Empirical Study on New Word Teaching for Non-Native Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Meng, Bok Check; Soon, Goh Ying

    2014-01-01

    Giving additional learning materials such as Chinese fantasy novel to non-native learners can be strenuous. This study seeks to render empirical support on the usefulness of the use of new words in Chinese fantasy novel to enhance vocabulary learning among the non-native learners of Chinese. In general, the students agreed that they like to learn…

  7. Reduced reciprocal giving in social anxiety - Evidence from the Trust Game.

    PubMed

    Anderl, Christine; Steil, Regina; Hahn, Tim; Hitzeroth, Patricia; Reif, Andreas; Windmann, Sabine

    2018-06-01

    Social anxiety is known to impair interpersonal relationships. These impairments are thought to partly arise from difficulties to engage in affiliative interactions with others, such as sharing favors or reciprocating prosocial acts. Here, we examined whether individuals high compared to low in social anxiety differ in giving towards strangers in an economic game paradigm. One hundred and twenty seven non-clinical participants who had been pre-screened to be either particularly high or low in social anxiety played an incentivized Trust Game to assess trustful and reciprocal giving towards strangers in addition to providing information on real life interpersonal functioning (perceived social support and attachment style). We found that reciprocal, but not trustful giving, was significantly decreased among highly socially anxious individuals. Both social anxiety and reciprocal giving furthermore showed significant associations with self-reported real life interpersonal functioning. Participants played the Trust Game with the strategy method; results need replication with a clinical sample. Individuals high in social anxiety showed reduced reciprocal, but intact trustful giving, pointing to a constraint in responsiveness. The research may contribute to the development of new treatment and prevention programs to reduce the interpersonal impairments in socially anxious individuals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. U.S. Security-Related Agreements in Force Since 1955: Introducing a New Database

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-01-01

    necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors. Support RAND Make a tax-deductible charitable contribution at www.rand.org/giving...PAF), a division of the RAND Corporation, is the U.S. Air Force’s federally funded research and development center for studies and analyses. PAF...33   Additional Applications of the Treaty and Agreement Database ........................................................... 35   Summary

  9. Culture and social support provision: who gives what and why.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jacqueline M; Kim, Heejung S; Mojaverian, Taraneh; Morling, Beth

    2012-01-01

    The present research examined cultural differences in the type and frequency of support provided as well as the motivations underlying these behaviors. Study 1, an open-ended survey, asked participants about their social interactions in the past 24 hours and found that European Americans reported providing emotion-focused support more frequently than problem-focused support, whereas Japanese exhibited the opposite pattern. Study 2, a closed-ended questionnaire study, found that, in response to the close other's big stressor, European Americans provided more emotion-focused support whereas Japanese provided equivalent amounts of emotion-focused and problem-focused support. In addition, Study 2 examined motivational explanations for these differences. Social support provision was motivated by the goal of closeness and increasing recipient self-esteem among European Americans, but only associated with the motive for closeness among Japanese. These studies illustrate the importance of considering cultural context and its role in determining the meaning and function of various support behaviors.

  10. Dramatic Influence of an Anionic Donor on the Oxygen-Atom Transfer Reactivity of a MnV–Oxo Complex

    PubMed Central

    Neu, Heather M; Quesne, Matthew G; Yang, Tzuhsiung; Prokop-Prigge, Katharine A; Lancaster, Kyle M; Donohoe, James; DeBeer, Serena; de Visser, Sam P; Goldberg, David P

    2014-01-01

    Addition of an anionic donor to an MnV(O) porphyrinoid complex causes a dramatic increase in 2-electron oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT) chemistry. The 6-coordinate [MnV(O)(TBP8Cz)(CN)]− was generated from addition of Bu4N+CN− to the 5-coordinate MnV(O) precursor. The cyanide-ligated complex was characterized for the first time by Mn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and gives Mn–O=1.53 Å, Mn–CN=2.21 Å. In combination with computational studies these distances were shown to correlate with a singlet ground state. Reaction of the CN− complex with thioethers results in OAT to give the corresponding sulfoxide and a 2e−-reduced MnIII(CN)− complex. Kinetic measurements reveal a dramatic rate enhancement for OAT of approximately 24 000-fold versus the same reaction for the parent 5-coordinate complex. An Eyring analysis gives ΔH≠=14 kcal mol−1, ΔS≠=−10 cal mol−1 K−1. Computational studies fully support the structures, spin states, and relative reactivity of the 5- and 6-coordinate MnV(O) complexes. PMID:25256417

  11. Standard versus prosocial online support groups for distressed breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Lepore, Stephen J; Buzaglo, Joanne S; Lieberman, Morton A; Golant, Mitch; Davey, Adam

    2011-08-25

    The Internet can increase access to psychosocial care for breast cancer survivors through online support groups. This study will test a novel prosocial online group that emphasizes both opportunities for getting and giving help. Based on the helper therapy principle, it is hypothesized that the addition of structured helping opportunities and coaching on how to help others online will increase the psychological benefits of a standard online group. A two-armed randomized controlled trial with pretest and posttest. Non-metastatic breast cancer survivors with elevated psychological distress will be randomized to either a standard facilitated online group or to a prosocial facilitated online group, which combines online exchanges of support with structured helping opportunities (blogging, breast cancer outreach) and coaching on how best to give support to others. Validated and reliable measures will be administered to women approximately one month before and after the interventions. Self-esteem, positive affect, and sense of belonging will be tested as potential mediators of the primary outcomes of depressive/anxious symptoms and sense of purpose in life. This study will test an innovative approach to maximizing the psychological benefits of cancer online support groups. The theory-based prosocial online support group intervention model is sustainable, because it can be implemented by private non-profit or other organizations, such as cancer centers, which mostly offer face-to-face support groups with limited patient reach. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01396174.

  12. Michael Additions of Highly Basic Enolates to ortho-Quinone Methides

    PubMed Central

    Lewis, Robert S.; Garza, Christopher J.; Dang, Ann T.; Pedro, Te Kie A.; Chain, William J.

    2015-01-01

    A protocol by which ketone or ester enolates and ortho-quinone methides (o-QMs) are generated in situ in a single reaction flask from silylated precursors under the action of anhydrous fluoride is reported. The reaction partners are joined to give a variety of β-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-carbonyl compounds in 32–94% yield in a single laboratory operation. The intermediacy of o-QMs is supported by control experiments utilizing enolate precursors and conventional alkyl halides as competitive alkylating agents and the isolation of 1,5-dicarbonyl products resulting from conjugate additions that do not restore the aromatic system. PMID:25906358

  13. The JPEG XT suite of standards: status and future plans

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Richter, Thomas; Bruylants, Tim; Schelkens, Peter; Ebrahimi, Touradj

    2015-09-01

    The JPEG standard has known an enormous market adoption. Daily, billions of pictures are created, stored and exchanged in this format. The JPEG committee acknowledges this success and spends continued efforts in maintaining and expanding the standard specifications. JPEG XT is a standardization effort targeting the extension of the JPEG features by enabling support for high dynamic range imaging, lossless and near-lossless coding, and alpha channel coding, while also guaranteeing backward and forward compatibility with the JPEG legacy format. This paper gives an overview of the current status of the JPEG XT standards suite. It discusses the JPEG legacy specification, and details how higher dynamic range support is facilitated both for integer and floating-point color representations. The paper shows how JPEG XT's support for lossless and near-lossless coding of low and high dynamic range images is achieved in combination with backward compatibility to JPEG legacy. In addition, the extensible boxed-based JPEG XT file format on which all following and future extensions of JPEG will be based is introduced. This paper also details how the lossy and lossless representations of alpha channels are supported to allow coding transparency information and arbitrarily shaped images. Finally, we conclude by giving prospects on upcoming JPEG standardization initiative JPEG Privacy & Security, and a number of other possible extensions in JPEG XT.

  14. Testing an Integrated Model of Advice Giving in Supportive Interactions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Feng, Bo

    2009-01-01

    Viewing supportive communication as a multistage process, the present study proposed and tested an integrated model of advice giving, which specifies three sequential moves in supportive interactions involving advice: emotional support, problem inquiry and analysis, and advice. Seven hundred and fifty-two participants read and responded to a…

  15. Corporate Support of Higher Education. Pressure for a Realistic Appraisal.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Hayden W.; And Others

    The texts of three speeches on corporate giving to higher education are presented. In "The Potentials for Corporate Support of Higher Education--Realism Revisited," Hayden W. Smith outlines current corporate giving to education and trends in giving since 1950, a period during which changes in the law have encouraged the practice. These…

  16. Beyond Close Air Support. Forging a New Air-Ground Partnership

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-01-01

    15213-1516 RAND URL: http://www.rand.org/ To order RAND documents or to obtain additional information, contact Distribution Services : Telephone: (310) 451...prominence for either partner. It gives the least opportunity for parochial claims and one-sided plead- ing for one’s own service . Its very difficulty...could be a virtue: Once the services have mastered partnership, they can easily revert to sim- pler approaches. Partnership does not, of course, imply

  17. The Good News About Giving Bad News to Patients

    PubMed Central

    Farber, Neil J; Urban, Susan Y; Collier, Virginia U; Weiner, Joan; Polite, Ronald G; Davis, Elizabeth B; Boyer, E Gil

    2002-01-01

    BACKGROUND There are few data available on how physicians inform patients about bad news. We surveyed internists about how they convey this information. METHODS We surveyed internists about their activities in giving bad news to patients. One set of questions was about activities for the emotional support of the patient (11 items), and the other was about activities for creating a supportive environment for delivering bad news (9 items). The impact of demographic factors on the performance of emotionally supportive items, environmentally supportive items, and on the number of minutes reportedly spent delivering news was analyzed by analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS More than half of the internists reported that they always or frequently performed 10 of the 11 emotionally supportive items and 6 of the 9 environmentally supportive items while giving bad news to patients. The average time reportedly spent in giving bad news was 27 minutes. Although training in giving bad news had a significant impact on the number of emotionally supportive items reported (P < .05), only 25% of respondents had any previous training in this area. Being older, a woman, unmarried, and having a history of major illness were also associated with reporting a greater number of emotionally supportive activities. CONCLUSIONS Internists report that they inform patients of bad news appropriately. Some deficiencies exist, specifically in discussing prognosis and referral of patients to support groups. Physician educational efforts should include discussion of prognosis with patients as well as the availability of support groups. PMID:12472927

  18. The good news about giving bad news to patients.

    PubMed

    Farber, Neil J; Urban, Susan Y; Collier, Virginia U; Weiner, Joan; Polite, Ronald G; Davis, Elizabeth B; Boyer, E Gil

    2002-12-01

    There are few data available on how physicians inform patients about bad news. We surveyed internists about how they convey this information. We surveyed internists about their activities in giving bad news to patients. One set of questions was about activities for the emotional support of the patient (11 items), and the other was about activities for creating a supportive environment for delivering bad news (9 items). The impact of demographic factors on the performance of emotionally supportive items, environmentally supportive items, and on the number of minutes reportedly spent delivering news was analyzed by analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis. More than half of the internists reported that they always or frequently performed 10 of the 11 emotionally supportive items and 6 of the 9 environmentally supportive items while giving bad news to patients. The average time reportedly spent in giving bad news was 27 minutes. Although training in giving bad news had a significant impact on the number of emotionally supportive items reported (P <.05), only 25% of respondents had any previous training in this area. Being older, a woman, unmarried, and having a history of major illness were also associated with reporting a greater number of emotionally supportive activities. Internists report that they inform patients of bad news appropriately. Some deficiencies exist, specifically in discussing prognosis and referral of patients to support groups. Physician educational efforts should include discussion of prognosis with patients as well as the availability of support groups.

  19. Supporting cancer patients with work-related problems through an oncological occupational physician: a feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Zaman, A C G N M; Bruinvels, D J; de Boer, A G E M; Frings-Dresen, M H W

    2017-09-01

    To evaluate the feasibility of an oncological occupational physician (OOP) who is trained in oncological work-related problems, and in providing work-related support to cancer patients within the curative setting. We assessed facilitators and barriers that affect the activities of an OOP, and the satisfaction of the OOPs and patients with this new form of health care. Interviews were held with (1) OOPs (N = 13) to assess facilitators, barriers and their satisfaction with their ability to give supportive care and (2) cancer patients (N = 8) to assess their satisfaction concerning consulting an OOP. The main facilitators were positive feedback from health care providers and patients about the received care and support that the OOP had given, and the additional knowledge of the OOPs about cancer and work-related problems. Major barriers for being active as an OOP were lack of financial support for the OOP and the unfamiliarity of patients and health care providers with the specialised occupational physician. Both OOPs and the specialised knowledge and additional training of the OOPs facilitated providing support to cancer patients and survivors with work-related problems. Familiarity with the specialised occupational physician and financial support should be improved. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  20. Care for a break? An investigation of informal caregivers' attitudes toward respite care using Q-methodology.

    PubMed

    van Exel, Job; de Graaf, Gjalt; Brouwer, Werner

    2007-10-01

    To investigate informal caregivers' attitudes toward respite care. Interviews with informal caregivers during open-house support groups (three) for informal caregivers, conducted late 2004 at Informal Care Support Centres in the city of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. A Q-methodological study was conducted. Informal caregivers were asked to rank-order 39 statements regarding motivation for providing informal care; supporting capacity; physical, psychological, practical, financial, relational and social obstacles; subjective burden; need for support; experienced support; and propensity and impediments to make use of respite care. In addition, respondents explained their Q-sort in writing and completed a questionnaire regarding characteristics of the caregiver, the care recipient, and the objective and subjective burden of their care giving situation. Individual Q-sorts were analysed using PQMethod 2.11 (statistical method factor analysis with a varimax rotation). Objective of Q-analysis was to reveal a limited number of corresponding ways the statements were sorted. For the factors identified, composite sorts were determined. Factors were interpreted and described using the composite sorts, differences and similarities in rank value of statements between factors and the explanations by respondents. We found three distinct groups of caregivers: informal caregivers who need and ask for respite care, those who need but won't ask for respite care, and those that do not need respite care. Caregivers in the first two groups experience substantial burden, while those in the third group enjoy sufficient support and appear to manage pretty well. Caregivers in the second and third group derive considerable satisfaction from care giving. On balance, caregivers in the first two groups would sometimes rather have someone else take over their task. The first group feels misunderstood and undervalued by health and welfare organisations and has problems obtaining respite. The desire for respite of caregivers in the second group is not unambiguous, affected by care recipient resistance against respite. Respite care programmes should target caregivers in the first two groups. Regarding the second group, effort should be directed to both caregiver and care recipient. They need to be convinced that it is in their mutual interest to make the care giving task manageable in the long run, because they report serious burden from care giving coupled with a resistance to respite care.

  1. Raynaud's Phenomenon

    MedlinePlus

    ... Matching Gifts Honors & Memorials Support an Event Wills, Trusts & Estates Board Giving About Arthritis Home Understanding Arthritis ... Matching Gifts Honors & Memorials Support an Event Wills, Trusts & Estates Board Giving Blog Local Offices Arthritis Resource ...

  2. Data related to the PC71BM loading and it's impact on nanostructuring for blend of PBDTTT-EFT:PC71BM bulk heterojunction solar cell.

    PubMed

    Komilian, Soheil; Oklobia, Ochai; Sadat-Shafai, Torfeh

    2018-02-01

    The data included in this article is based on additional supporting information presented in our recent publication Komilian et al. [1]. The role of acceptor material (PC 71 BM) in restructuring copolymer PBDTTT-EFT from its relaxed pristine structure to interfaces suitable for exciton dissociation is discussed. The analysis of data indicates that the impact of acceptor material on nanostructuring initiates concurrent processes some of which supports and some impedes charge extractions. Therefore, this manuscript is designed to identify these processes and give and account of their impact on power conversion efficiency.

  3. Planning your pregnancy

    MedlinePlus

    ... Participate & Support Make a donation Giving opportunities Our corporate partners In Your Area Tools & Resources Careers Events ... Participate & Support Make a donation Giving opportunities Our corporate partners In Your Area Tools & Resources Careers Events ...

  4. I sell seashells by the seashore and my name is Jack: comment on Pelham, Mirenberg, and Jones (2002).

    PubMed

    Gallucci, Marcello

    2003-11-01

    According to a new hypothesis based on implicit egotism, people gravitate toward cities, states, and careers with names similar to their own names. To support this hypothesis, B. W. Pelham, M. C. Mirenberg, and J. T. Jones (2002) reported a series of results regarding distributions of names in different cities, states, and jobs. In the present article, new analyses of the original data are reported, showing that the hypothesis is not supported for the large majority of names considered by the authors, and for some names even the opposite result is found. In addition, a meta-analysis reveals that either the data are unreliable, or the hypothesis cannot be supported in the whole population of names. Overall, the original data give no support of the idea that implicit egotism influences major life decisions.

  5. Surface areas of fractally rough particles studied by scattering

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hurd, Alan J.; Schaefer, Dale W.; Smith, Douglas M.; Ross, Steven B.; Le Méhauté, Alain; Spooner, Steven

    1989-05-01

    The small-angle scattering from fractally rough surfaces has the potential to give information on the surface area at a given resolution. By use of quantitative neutron and x-ray scattering, a direct comparison of surface areas of fractally rough powders was made between scattering and adsorption techniques. This study supports a recently proposed correction to the theory for scattering from fractal surfaces. In addition, the scattering data provide an independent calibration of molecular adsorbate areas.

  6. Bimetallic nanosized solids with acid and redox properties for catalytic activation of C–C and C–H bonds† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: General procedures, additional figures and tables, compound characterization and NMR copies. See DOI: 10.1039/c6sc03335k Click here for additional data file.

    PubMed Central

    Cabrero-Antonino, Jose R.; Tejeda-Serrano, María; Quesada, Manuel; Vidal-Moya, Jose A.

    2017-01-01

    A new approach is presented to form self-supported bimetallic nanosized solids with acid and redox catalytic properties. They are water-, air- and H2-stable, and are able to activate demanding C–C and C–H reactions. A detailed mechanistic study on the formation of the Ag–Fe bimetallic system shows that a rapid redox-coupled sequence between Ag+, O2 (air) and Fe2+ occurs, giving monodisperse Ag nanoparticles supported by O-bridged diatomic Fe3+ triflimides. The system can be expanded to Ag nanoparticles embedded within a matrix of Cu2+, Bi3+ and Yb3+ triflimide. PMID:28451218

  7. Pharmacokinetics of topically applied pilocarpine in the albino rabbit eye.

    PubMed

    Makoid, M C; Robinson, J R

    1979-04-01

    The temporal and spatial pattern of [3H]-pilocarpine nitrate distribution in the albino rabbit eye following topical administration was determined. A four-compartment caternary chain model describing this disposition corresponds to the precorneal area, the cornea, the aqueous humor, and the lens and vitreous. Simultaneous computer fitting of data from tissue corresponding to some compartments in the model supported the proposed model. Additional support was provided by the excellent correlation between predicted and observed values in multiple-dosing studies. Several important aspects of ocular drug disposition are evident from the model. The extensive parallel elimination at the absorption site gives rise to an apparent absorption rate constant that is one to two orders of magnitude larger than the true absorption rate constant. In addition, aqueous flow accounts for most of the drug removal. Thus, major effects on absorption and elimination, independent of the drug structure, suggest the possibility of similar pharmacokinetics for vastly different drugs.

  8. Developing a policy to empower informal carers to administer subcutaneous medication in community palliative care; a feasibility project.

    PubMed

    Lee, Louise; Howard, Kay; Wilkinson, Lyn; Kern, Cheryl; Hall, Sarah

    2016-08-01

    This article describes the development and implementation of a policy to support community professionals to train informal carers to give, 'as required ', subcutaneous medications to their relative. In a rural county, Lincolnshire, despite out of hours responsive services, patients could wait up to one hour for subcutaneous medications. Additionally there were increasing requests from carers to participate in this role. To provide a safe and effective framework via a robust policy to support informal carers to give, as required, subcutaneous medications in today's health-care environment. A group of professionals working in adult community palliative care formed a working party to scope the literature and existing policies, and to consider risks, legalities and local infrastructure. The policy was developed and based on available literature. A consultation process on the policy was commenced before a series of educational workshops supported its roll out. The small number of informal carers (n=5) who undertook this role reported positive experiences and felt empowered. Professionals found the policy was able to be implemented quickly and was adhered to. From the small numbers audited it could be suggested that if the process is well managed and the informal carers feel supported they can safely and effectively administer subcutaneous injections in community palliative care. More importantly, if a policy is available, staff can respond to requests from carers in a timely manner.

  9. Trends in Philanthropic Support: Foundation Giving in Environmental Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ardoin, Nicole M.; Bowers, Alison W.

    2012-01-01

    Despite public support, environmental education (EE) is rarely a priority for funders, even those interested in the environment or education. We examined reasons behind the paucity of EE funding, focusing on U.S. foundations, which are one of the largest sources of support for environmental efforts. We analyzed historical giving data and…

  10. Thrombolytic therapy of right heart emboli-in-transit.

    PubMed

    Jessurun, G A; Brügemann, J; Hamer, J P; Römer, J P; Lie, K I

    1995-11-01

    Currently, no consensus exists for the appropriate treatment of echocardiographically diagnosed mobile right heart masses giving rise to a high suspicion of migrant thromboembolism in patients with pulmonary embolism. This may lead to unnecessary delay in the implementation of the most appropriate treatment for these patients. Several earlier studies have supported the beneficial role of thrombolytic therapy. We report on an additional two patients with mobile right heart thromboemboli, refractory to systemic anticoagulation, who recovered quickly after initiation of thrombolytic therapy.

  11. DNA nanosensor surface grafting and salt dependence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carvalho, B. G.; Fagundes, J.; Martin, A. A.; Raniero, L.; Favero, P. P.

    2013-02-01

    In this paper we investigated the Paracoccidoides brasiliensis fungus nanosensor by simulations of simple strand DNA grafting on gold nanoparticle. In order to improve the knowledge of nanoparticle environment, the addiction of salt solution was studied at the models proposed by us. Nanoparticle and DNA are represented by economic models validated by us in this paper. In addition, the DNA grafting and salt influences are evaluated by adsorption and bond energies calculations. This theoretical evaluation gives support to experimental diagnostics techniques of diseases.

  12. Enantioselective N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis via the Dienyl Acyl Azolium.

    PubMed

    Gillard, Rachel M; Fernando, Jared E M; Lupton, David W

    2018-04-16

    Herein we report the enantioselective N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed (4+2) annulation of the dienyl acyl azolium with enolates. The reaction exploits readily accessible acyl fluorides and TMS enol ethers to give a range of highly enantio- and diastereo-enriched cyclohexenes (most >97:3 er and >20:1 dr). The reaction was found to require high nucleophilicity NHC catalysts with mechanistic studies supporting a stepwise 1,6-addition/β-lactonization. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. The importance of social support for people with type 2 diabetes - a qualitative study with general practitioners, practice nurses and patients.

    PubMed

    Goetz, Katja; Szecsenyi, Joachim; Campbell, Stephen; Rosemann, Thomas; Rueter, Gernot; Raum, Elke; Brenner, Herrmann; Miksch, Antje

    2012-01-01

    Social support is an important element of family medicine within a primary care setting, delivered by general practitioners and practice nurses in addition to usual clinical care. The aim of the study was to explore general practitioner's, practice nurse's and people with type 2 diabetes' views, experiences and perspectives of the importance of social support in caring for people with type 2 diabetes and their role in providing social support. Interviews with general practitioners (n=10) and focus groups with practice nurses (n=10) and people with diabetes (n=9). All data were audio-recorded, fully transcribed and thematically analysed using qualitative content analysis by Mayring. All participants emphasized the importance of the concept of social support and its impacts on well-being of people with type 2 diabetes. Social support is perceived helpful for people with diabetes in order to improve diabetes control and give support for changes in lifestyle habits (physical activity and dietary changes). General practitioners identified a lack of information about facilities in the community like sports or self-help groups. Practice nurses emphasized that they need more training, such as in dietary counselling. Social support given by general practitioners and practice nurses plays a crucial role for people with type 2 diabetes and is an additional component of social care. However there is a need for an increased awareness by general practitioners and practice nurses about the influence social support could have on the individual's diabetes management.

  14. Supporting self and others: from staff nurse to nurse consultant. Part 6: giving and receiving feedback.

    PubMed

    Fowler, John

    This series of articles explores various ways of supporting staff who work in the fast-moving and ever-changing health service. In previous articles, John Fowler, an experienced nursing lecturer, author and consultant examined the importance of developing a supportive working culture and the role of preceptorship, mentoring and clinical supervision. This article examines how giving and receiving feedback can be a supportive experience.

  15. Improving precise positioning of surgical robotic instruments by a three-side-view presentation system on telesurgery.

    PubMed

    Hori, Kenta; Kuroda, Tomohiro; Oyama, Hiroshi; Ozaki, Yasuhiko; Nakamura, Takehiko; Takahashi, Takashi

    2005-12-01

    For faultless collaboration among the surgeon, surgical staffs, and surgical robots in telesurgery, communication must include environmental information of the remote operating room, such as behavior of robots and staffs, vital information of a patient, named supporting information, in addition to view of surgical field. "Surgical Cockpit System, " which is a telesurgery support system that has been developed by the authors, is mainly focused on supporting information exchange between remote sites. Live video presentation is important technology for Surgical Cockpit System. Visualization method to give precise location/posture of surgical instruments is indispensable for accurate control and faultless operation. In this paper, the authors propose three-side-view presentation method for precise location/posture control of surgical instruments in telesurgery. The experimental results show that the proposed method improved accurate positioning of a telemanipulator.

  16. An Empirical Review of the Neural Underpinnings of Receiving and Giving Social Support: Implications for Health

    PubMed Central

    Eisenberger, Naomi I.

    2013-01-01

    Decades of research have demonstrated strong links between social ties and health. Although considerable evidence has shown that social support can attenuate downstream physiological stress responses that are relevant to health, the neurocognitive mechanisms that translate perceptions of social ties into altered physiological responses are still not fully understood. This review integrates research from social and affective neuroscience to illuminate some of the neural mechanisms involved in social support processes, which may further our understanding of the ways in which social support influence health. This review focuses on two types of social support that have been shown to relate to health: receiving and giving social support. As the neural basis of receiving support, this article reviews the hypothesis that receiving support may benefit health through the activation of neural regions that respond to safety and inhibit threat-related neural and physiological responding. This article will then review neuroimaging studies in which subjects were primed with or received support during a negative experience as well as studies in which self-reports of perceived support were correlated with neural responses to a negative experience. As the neural basis of giving support, this article reviews the hypothesis that neural regions involved in maternal caregiving behavior may be critical for the health benefits of support-giving through the inhibition of threat-related neural and physiological responding. Neuroimaging studies in which subjects provided support to others or engaged in other related forms of prosocial behavior will then be reviewed. Implications of these findings for furthering our understanding of the relationships between social support and health are discussed. PMID:23804014

  17. Effects of rehabilitation services on anxiety, depression, care-giving burden and perceived social support of stroke caregivers.

    PubMed

    Karahan, Ali Yavuz; Kucuksen, Sami; Yilmaz, Halim; Salli, Ali; Gungor, Tayfun; Sahin, Muhammed

    2014-01-01

    Few data are available on the specific care giving-related problems of stroke patient's caregivers and factors that influence the burden of these caregivers. To study the influences of the active rehabilitation process on anxiety, depression, care burden and perceived social support level of stroke patients caregivers. A prospective clinical trial. Patients and caregivers entering a rehabilitation program at a university hospital in Turkey. Ninety patients with a first episode of stroke and 90 caregivers responsible for their care were recruited for our study. Patients and caregivers were assessed before and after the active rehabilitation process. The functional disability level of the patients was assessed by Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS) and the Beck Depression Scale (BDS) were used for anxiety and depression assessment, the Zarit Care Burden Scale (ZCBS) for care burden assessment and the Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MDSPSS) for perceived social support assessment. A statistically significant rise is observed in the special person sub-assessment of MDSPSS in both female and male caregivers. Also, a significant decrease in care burden, anxiety and depression levels of caregivers was noted after the rehabilitation program (p < 0.05). Caregivers accept the rehabilitation period as important social support in addition to the support provided by family and friends. Also, our positive results were associated with an improvement in the patients' functional level and an increase in the acquisition of knowledge and skill required of caregivers in order to provide care during rehabilitation. The rehabilitation team should be aware of the fact that the perceived care burden may be greater due to the lack of knowledge concerning available resources and due to the inability to cope with stress effectively.

  18. The role of support staff in promoting the social inclusion of persons with an intellectual disability.

    PubMed

    McConkey, R; Collins, S

    2010-08-01

    Past studies have found that people supported in more individualised housing options tend to have levels of community participation and wider social networks than those in other accommodation options. Yet, the contribution of support staff in facilitating social inclusion has received relatively scant attention. In all 245 staff working in either supported living schemes, or shared residential and group homes, or in day centres completed a written questionnaire in which they rated in terms of priority to their job, 16 tasks that were supportive of social inclusion and a further 16 tasks that related to the care of the person they supported. In addition staff identified those tasks that they considered were not appropriate to their job. Across all three service settings, staff rated more care tasks as having higher priority than they did the social inclusion tasks. However, staff in supported living schemes rated more social inclusion tasks as having high priority than did staff in the other two service settings. Equally the staff who were most inclined to rate social inclusion tasks as not being applicable to their job were those working day centres; female rather than male staff, those in front-line staff rather than senior staff, and those in part-time or relief positions rather than full-time posts. However, within each service settings, there were wide variations in how staff rated the social inclusion tasks. Staff working in more individualised support arrangements tend to give greater priority to promoting social inclusion although this can vary widely both across and within staff teams. Nonetheless, staff gave greater priority to care tasks especially in congregated service settings. Service managers may need to give more emphasis to social inclusion tasks and provide the leadership, training and resources to facilitate support staff to re-assess their priorities.

  19. Plasmon transmutation: inducing new modes in nanoclusters by adding dielectric nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Wen, Fangfang; Ye, Jian; Liu, Na; Van Dorpe, Pol; Nordlander, Peter; Halas, Naomi J

    2012-09-12

    Planar clusters of coupled plasmonic nanoparticles support nanoscale electromagnetic "hot spots" and coherent effects, such as Fano resonances, with unique near and far field signatures, currently of prime interest for sensing applications. Here we show that plasmonic cluster properties can be substantially modified by the addition of individual, discrete dielectric nanoparticles at specific locations on the cluster, introducing new plasmon modes, or transmuting existing plasmon modes to new ones, in the resulting metallodielectric nanocomplex. Depositing a single carbon nanoparticle in the junction between a pair of adjacent nanodisks induces a metal-dielectric-metal quadrupolar plasmon mode. In a ten-membered cluster, placement of several carbon nanoparticles in junctions between multiple adjacent nanoparticles introduces a collective magnetic plasmon mode into the Fano dip, giving rise to an additional subradiant mode in the metallodielectric nanocluster response. These examples illustrate that adding dielectric nanoparticles to metallic nanoclusters expands the number and types of plasmon modes supported by these new mixed-media nanoscale assemblies.

  20. Long-term Mechanical Circulatory Support System reliability recommendation by the National Clinical Trial Initiative subcommittee.

    PubMed

    Lee, James

    2009-01-01

    The Long-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) System Reliability Recommendation was published in the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO) Journal and the Annals of Thoracic Surgery in 1998. At that time, it was stated that the document would be periodically reviewed to assess its timeliness and appropriateness within 5 years. Given the wealth of clinical experience in MCS systems, a new recommendation has been drafted by consensus of a group of representatives from the medical community, academia, industry, and government. The new recommendation describes a reliability test methodology and provides detailed reliability recommendations. In addition, the new recommendation provides additional information and clinical data in appendices that are intended to assist the reliability test engineer in the development of a reliability test that is expected to give improved predictions of clinical reliability compared with past test methods. The appendices are available for download at the ASAIO journal web site at www.asaiojournal.com.

  1. An Additive Definition of Molecular Complexity.

    PubMed

    Böttcher, Thomas

    2016-03-28

    A framework for molecular complexity is established that is based on information theory and consistent with chemical knowledge. The resulting complexity index Cm is derived from abstracting the information content of a molecule by the degrees of freedom in the microenvironments on a per-atom basis, allowing the molecular complexity to be calculated in a simple and additive way. This index allows the complexity of any molecule to be universally assessed and is sensitive to stereochemistry, heteroatoms, and symmetry. The performance of this complexity index is evaluated and compared against the current state of the art. Its additive character gives consistent values also for very large molecules and supports direct comparisons of chemical reactions. Finally, this approach may provide a useful tool for medicinal chemistry in drug design and lead selection, as demonstrated by correlating molecular complexities of antibiotics with compound-specific parameters.

  2. Doctoral Alumni Giving: Motivations for Donating to the University of Pennsylvania

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mastroieni, Anita

    2010-01-01

    This study sought to ascertain the specific motivations behind doctoral alumni giving. Most U.S. colleges and universities depend on alumni giving to supplement revenues from tuition and governmental support; however, relatively little alumni giving is generated from PhD graduates. The result is untapped revenue for doctoral-granting institutions.…

  3. Data Mining Methods for Recommender Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Amatriain, Xavier; Jaimes*, Alejandro; Oliver, Nuria; Pujol, Josep M.

    In this chapter, we give an overview of the main Data Mining techniques used in the context of Recommender Systems. We first describe common preprocessing methods such as sampling or dimensionality reduction. Next, we review the most important classification techniques, including Bayesian Networks and Support Vector Machines. We describe the k-means clustering algorithm and discuss several alternatives. We also present association rules and related algorithms for an efficient training process. In addition to introducing these techniques, we survey their uses in Recommender Systems and present cases where they have been successfully applied.

  4. California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test on stabilization of clay with lime addition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hastuty, I. P.; Roesyanto; Limbong, M. N.; Oberlyn, S. J.

    2018-02-01

    Clay is a type of soil with particles of certain minerals giving plastic properties when mixed with water. Soil has an important role in a construction, besides as a building material in a wide variety of civil engineering works, soil is also used as supporting foundation of the building. Basic properties of clay are rock-solid in dry and plastic with medium water content. In high water content, clay becomes sticky like (cohesive) and soften. Therefore, clay stabilization is necessary to repair soil’s mechanical properties. In this research, lime is use as a stabilizer that contains the Ca+ element to bond bigger particles. Lime used is slaked lime Ca(OH)2. Clay used has liquid limitation (LL) value of 47.33%, plasticity index of 29.88% and CBR value 6.29. The results explain about 10% lime mixture variation gives the optimum stabilized clay with CBR value of 8.75%.

  5. Dramatic influence of an anionic donor on the oxygen-atom transfer reactivity of a Mn(V) -oxo complex.

    PubMed

    Neu, Heather M; Quesne, Matthew G; Yang, Tzuhsiung; Prokop-Prigge, Katharine A; Lancaster, Kyle M; Donohoe, James; DeBeer, Serena; de Visser, Sam P; Goldberg, David P

    2014-11-03

    Addition of an anionic donor to an Mn(V) (O) porphyrinoid complex causes a dramatic increase in 2-electron oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT) chemistry. The 6-coordinate [Mn(V) (O)(TBP8 Cz)(CN)](-) was generated from addition of Bu4 N(+) CN(-) to the 5-coordinate Mn(V) (O) precursor. The cyanide-ligated complex was characterized for the first time by Mn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and gives MnO=1.53 Å, MnCN=2.21 Å. In combination with computational studies these distances were shown to correlate with a singlet ground state. Reaction of the CN(-) complex with thioethers results in OAT to give the corresponding sulfoxide and a 2e(-) -reduced Mn(III) (CN)(-) complex. Kinetic measurements reveal a dramatic rate enhancement for OAT of approximately 24 000-fold versus the same reaction for the parent 5-coordinate complex. An Eyring analysis gives ΔH(≠) =14 kcal mol(-1) , ΔS(≠) =-10 cal mol(-1)  K(-1) . Computational studies fully support the structures, spin states, and relative reactivity of the 5- and 6-coordinate Mn(V) (O) complexes. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCHVerlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. This is an open access article under the terms ofthe Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution andreproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

  6. Information About a Layperson's Knowledge Supports Experts in Giving Effective and Efficient Online Advice to Laypersons

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nuckles, Matthias; Wittwer, Jorg; Renkl, Alexander

    2005-01-01

    To give effective and efficient advice to laypersons, experts should adapt their explanations to the layperson's knowledge. However, experts often fail to consider the limited domain knowledge of laypersons. To support adaptation in asynchronous help desk communication, researchers provided computer experts with information about a layperson's…

  7. Advanced user support programme—TEMPUS IML-2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Diefenbach, A.; Kratz, M.; Uffelmann, D.; Willnecker, R.

    1995-05-01

    The DLR Microgravity User Support Centre (MUSC) in Cologne has supported microgravity experiments in the field of materials and life sciences since 1979. In the beginning of user support activities, MUSC tasks comprised the basic ground and mission support, whereas present programmes are expanded on, for example, powerful telescience and advanced real time data acquisition capabilities for efficient experiment operation and monitoring. In view of the Space Station era, user support functions will increase further. Additional tasks and growing responsibilities must be covered, e.g. extended science support as well as experiment and facility operations. The user support for TEMPUS IML-2, under contract of the German Space Agency DARA, represents a further step towards the required new-generation of future ground programme. TEMPUS is a new highly sophisticated Spacelab multi-user facility for containerless processing of metallic samples. Electromagnetic levitation technique is applied and various experiment diagnosis tools are offered. Experiments from eight U.S. and German investigator groups have been selected for flight on the second International Microgravity Laboratory Mission IML-2 in 1994. Based on the experience gained in the research programme of the DLR Institute for Space Simulation since 1984, MUSC is performing a comprehensive experiment preparation programme in close collaboration with the investigator teams. Complex laboratory equipment has been built up for technology and experiment preparation development. New experiment techniques have been developed for experiment verification tests. The MUSC programme includes thorough analysis and testing of scientific requirements of every proposed experiment with respect to the facility hard- and software capabilities. In addition, studies on the experiment-specific operation requirements have been performed and suitable telescience scenarios were analysed. The present paper will give a survey of the TEMPUS user support tasks emphasizing the advanced science support activities, which are considered significant for future ground programmes.

  8. Suicidality Disclosed Online: Using a Simulated Facebook Task to Identify Predictors of Support Giving to Friends at Risk of Self-harm.

    PubMed

    Corbitt-Hall, Darcy J; Gauthier, Jami M; Troop-Gordon, Wendy

    2018-03-31

    Although peer support in response to online disclosures of suicidality may be imperative for suicide prevention efforts, little is known as to how often support is provided or what predicts giving support. This study addresses this issue by investigating the odds of providing peer support in response to simulated online disclosures of suicidality. While interacting with a simulated Facebook newsfeed, participants (N = 690, M age  = 20.24, 527 female) were given the opportunity to leave comments on two posts disclosing low, moderate, or severe risk for suicide. Participants also completed questionnaires on their symptoms of depression and anxiety, experience with a loved one's suicidality, and Facebook use strategies. Only 33.6% of participants left a positive, supportive comment on at least one of the two suicide posts. Content severity, experience with a loved one's suicide attempts, and use of Facebook to meet people were predictive of providing positive comments. These findings suggest that young adults vary in their propensity to provide support after encountering a suicide disclosure online and that giving support is driven by a combination of contextual and intrapersonal factors. © 2018 The American Association of Suicidology.

  9. Sox2 marks epithelial competence to generate teeth in mammals and reptiles

    PubMed Central

    Juuri, Emma; Jussila, Maria; Seidel, Kerstin; Holmes, Scott; Wu, Ping; Richman, Joy; Heikinheimo, Kristiina; Chuong, Cheng-Ming; Arnold, Katrin; Hochedlinger, Konrad; Klein, Ophir; Michon, Frederic; Thesleff, Irma

    2013-01-01

    Tooth renewal is initiated from epithelium associated with existing teeth. The development of new teeth requires dental epithelial cells that have competence for tooth formation, but specific marker genes for these cells have not been identified. Here, we analyzed expression patterns of the transcription factor Sox2 in two different modes of successional tooth formation: tooth replacement and serial addition of primary teeth. We observed specific Sox2 expression in the dental lamina that gives rise to successional teeth in mammals with one round of tooth replacement as well as in reptiles with continuous tooth replacement. Sox2 was also expressed in the dental lamina during serial addition of mammalian molars, and genetic lineage tracing indicated that Sox2+ cells of the first molar give rise to the epithelial cell lineages of the second and third molars. Moreover, conditional deletion of Sox2 resulted in hyperplastic epithelium in the forming posterior molars. Our results indicate that the Sox2+ dental epithelium has competence for successional tooth formation and that Sox2 regulates the progenitor state of dental epithelial cells. The findings imply that the function of Sox2 has been conserved during evolution and that tooth replacement and serial addition of primary teeth represent variations of the same developmental process. The expression patterns of Sox2 support the hypothesis that dormant capacity for continuous tooth renewal exists in mammals. PMID:23462476

  10. Design of a thermally controlled sequence of triazolinedione-based click and transclick reactions† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional figures, experimental details, synthesis and analysis of all the model compounds and polymers, computational methods and relevant theoretical data. See DOI: 10.1039/c7sc00119c Click here for additional data file.

    PubMed Central

    Houck, Hannes A.; De Bruycker, Kevin; Billiet, Stijn; Dhanis, Bastiaan; Goossens, Hannelore; Catak, Saron; Van Speybroeck, Veronique

    2017-01-01

    The reaction of triazolinediones (TADs) and indoles is of particular interest for polymer chemistry applications, as it is a very fast and irreversible additive-free process at room temperature, but can be turned into a dynamic covalent bond forming process at elevated temperatures, giving a reliable bond exchange or ‘transclick’ reaction. In this paper, we report an in-depth study aimed at controlling the TAD–indole reversible click reactions through rational design of modified indole reaction partners. This has resulted in the identification of a novel class of easily accessible indole derivatives that give dynamic TAD-adduct formation at significantly lower temperatures. We further demonstrate that these new substrates can be used to design a directed cascade of click reactions of a functionalized TAD moiety from an initial indole reaction partner to a second indole, and finally to an irreversible reaction partner. This controlled sequence of click and transclick reactions of a single TAD reagent between three different substrates has been demonstrated both on small molecule and macromolecular level, and the factors that control the reversibility profiles have been rationalized and guided by mechanistic considerations supported by theoretical calculations. PMID:28507685

  11. 34 CFR 75.626 - Show Federal support; give papers to vest title.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 34 Education 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Show Federal support; give papers to vest title. 75.626 Section 75.626 Education Office of the Secretary, Department of Education DIRECT GRANT PROGRAMS What... vest title. Any patent application filed by a grantee for an invention made under a grant must include...

  12. 34 CFR 75.626 - Show Federal support; give papers to vest title.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 34 Education 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Show Federal support; give papers to vest title. 75.626 Section 75.626 Education Office of the Secretary, Department of Education DIRECT GRANT PROGRAMS What... vest title. Any patent application filed by a grantee for an invention made under a grant must include...

  13. 34 CFR 75.626 - Show Federal support; give papers to vest title.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 34 Education 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Show Federal support; give papers to vest title. 75.626 Section 75.626 Education Office of the Secretary, Department of Education DIRECT GRANT PROGRAMS What... vest title. Any patent application filed by a grantee for an invention made under a grant must include...

  14. 34 CFR 75.626 - Show Federal support; give papers to vest title.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 34 Education 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Show Federal support; give papers to vest title. 75.626 Section 75.626 Education Office of the Secretary, Department of Education DIRECT GRANT PROGRAMS What... vest title. Any patent application filed by a grantee for an invention made under a grant must include...

  15. 34 CFR 75.626 - Show Federal support; give papers to vest title.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 34 Education 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Show Federal support; give papers to vest title. 75.626 Section 75.626 Education Office of the Secretary, Department of Education DIRECT GRANT PROGRAMS What... vest title. Any patent application filed by a grantee for an invention made under a grant must include...

  16. 71 Colleges Get Total of $2.4-Billion in Private Support in 1985-86, Study Finds.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bailey, Anne Lowrey

    1987-01-01

    A surge in bequests and individual and corporate giving have created a 17.8% increase in private support for 71 institutions in spite of tax law changes. The trend is seen as a result of a decade of serious efforts to increase planned giving. California institutions fared best. (MSE)

  17. Giving you every reason to SMiLE.

    PubMed

    Marsh, Wendy

    2013-10-01

    This article outlines the plans to develop a student midwife integrated learning environment (SMILE) which will focus upon the delivery of postnatal (PN) care to women and families whilst also creating an innovative clinical learning environment for students. The SMiLE PN hub (facilitated by student midwives, supervised by a qualified midwife/sign-off mentor) has been designed to fuse seamlessly with current PN provision and provide an alternative environment for women to access a wide range of PN services. This service proposal not only increases the amount of PN learning opportunities and experience of students but also provides a much needed hub of PN activity for women and their families. It provides drop-in breastfeeding support, signposting to additional support networks and scheduled daily parenting workshops, such as baby bathing and safe sleeping advice.

  18. A study of the homogeneity and deviations from stoichiometry in mercuric iodide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burger, A.; Morgan, S.; He, C.; Silberman, E.; van den Berg, L.; Ortale, C.; Franks, L.; Schieber, M.

    1990-01-01

    We have been able to determine the deviations from stoichiometry of mercuric iodide (HgI 2) by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mercury excess or iodine deficiency in mercuric iodide can be evaluated from the eutectic melting of α-Hgl 2-Hg 2I 2 at 235 °C, which appears as an additional peak in DSC thermograms. I 2 excess can be found from the existence of the I 2-α-HgI 2 eutectic melting at 103°C. An additional DSC peak appears in some samples around 112°C, that could be explained by the presence of iodine inclusions. Using resonance fluorescence spectroscopy (RFS) we have been able to determine the presence of free I 2 that is released by samples during the heating at 120 °C (crystal growth temperature), thus giving additional support to the above DSC results.

  19. A Single-Boundary Accumulator Model of Response Times in an Addition Verification Task

    PubMed Central

    Faulkenberry, Thomas J.

    2017-01-01

    Current theories of mathematical cognition offer competing accounts of the interplay between encoding and calculation in mental arithmetic. Additive models propose that manipulations of problem format do not interact with the cognitive processes used in calculation. Alternatively, interactive models suppose that format manipulations have a direct effect on calculation processes. In the present study, we tested these competing models by fitting participants' RT distributions in an arithmetic verification task with a single-boundary accumulator model (the shifted Wald distribution). We found that in addition to providing a more complete description of RT distributions, the accumulator model afforded a potentially more sensitive test of format effects. Specifically, we found that format affected drift rate, which implies that problem format has a direct impact on calculation processes. These data give further support for an interactive model of mental arithmetic. PMID:28769853

  20. Patient support groups in the management of Wilson disease.

    PubMed

    Graper, Mary L; Schilsky, Michael L

    2017-01-01

    Patient support groups serve an important function for those affected by a disease but especially for people with a rare disease. Because of the complexity of Wilson disease there are some unique and difficult problems faced by groups that advocate for these patients. We give a comparative overview of the differences between groups that support people with more common diseases and groups that serve the rare disease population. The history and current status of the Wilson Disease Association and other worldwide Wilson disease groups are described and information about other organizations that support Wilson disease in additional ways is explained. The specific challenges faced in the support of Wilson disease patients are outlined and possible solutions proposed. Drawing from experience in speaking with many patients, we discuss some of the most common questions that are asked by patients who are seeking a possible diagnosis or are already on treatment. There are many options for improving patient advocacy efforts in the future that we hope will be accomplished. © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. The teacher benefits from giving autonomy support during physical education instruction.

    PubMed

    Cheon, Sung Hyeon; Reeve, Johnmarshall; Yu, Tae Ho; Jang, Hue Ryen

    2014-08-01

    Recognizing that students benefit when they receive autonomy-supportive teaching, the current study tested the parallel hypothesis that teachers themselves would benefit from giving autonomy support. Twenty-seven elementary, middle, and high school physical education teachers (20 males, 7 females) were randomly assigned either to participate in an autonomy-supportive intervention program (experimental group) or to teach their physical education course with their existing style (control group) within a three-wave longitudinal research design. Manipulation checks showed that the intervention was successful, as students perceived and raters scored teachers in the experimental group as displaying a more autonomy-supportive and less controlling motivating style. In the main analyses, ANCOVA-based repeated-measures analyses showed large and consistent benefits for teachers in the experimental group, including greater teaching motivation (psychological need satisfaction, autonomous motivation, and intrinsic goals), teaching skill (teaching efficacy), and teaching well-being (vitality, job satisfaction, and lesser emotional and physical exhaustion). These findings show that giving autonomy support benefits teachers in much the same way that receiving it benefits their students.

  2. 33 CFR 54.03 - Persons authorized to give notices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... PERSONNEL ALLOTMENTS FROM ACTIVE DUTY PAY FOR CERTAIN SUPPORT OBLIGATIONS § 54.03 Persons authorized to give... delinquent in meeting support obligations may be given by: (a) Any agent or attorney of any State having in effect a plan approved under Part D of Title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651-664), who has...

  3. 33 CFR 54.03 - Persons authorized to give notices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... PERSONNEL ALLOTMENTS FROM ACTIVE DUTY PAY FOR CERTAIN SUPPORT OBLIGATIONS § 54.03 Persons authorized to give... delinquent in meeting support obligations may be given by: (a) Any agent or attorney of any State having in effect a plan approved under Part D of Title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651-664), who has...

  4. Change in reciprocity as a predictor of depressive symptoms: a prospective cohort study of Finnish women and men.

    PubMed

    Väänänen, Ari; Buunk, Abraham P; Kivimäki, Mika; Vahtera, Jussi; Koskenvuo, Markku

    2008-12-01

    The purpose of the study was to examine gender differences in the association between changes in the balance of give and take in close relationships and depressive symptoms. Data from a 5-year prospective cohort study in Finland (HeSSup Study) (N=18,445) were analyzed. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, recent negative life events, baseline depressive symptoms, hostility, and the supportiveness of social network, a shift of balance toward support receiving was a significant risk factor for future depressive symptoms among women. In contrast, men whose balance of give and take had moved toward support giving had a higher risk of future depressive symptoms than other men. When the analyses were replicated in a sub-cohort of initially non-depressed participants who lived in reciprocal relationships and had no recent life events, the results became even more pronounced among women, although not among men. We conclude that, for women, a shift in their close relationships toward support receiving may lead to increased risk of depressive symptoms, whereas for men a shift toward giving may have a parallel though less evident impact.

  5. Establishment of a reference collection of additives and an analytical handbook of reference data to support enforcement of EU regulations on food contact plastics.

    PubMed

    van Lierop, B; Castle, L; Feigenbaum, A; Ehlert, K; Boenke, A

    1998-10-01

    A collection has been made of additives that are required as analytical standards for enforcement of European Union legislation on food contact plastics. The 100 additives have been characterized by mass spectrometry, infra-red spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to provide reference spectra. Gas chromatographic retention times have been recorded to facilitate identification by retention index. This information has been further supplemented by physico-chemical data. Finally, chromatographic methods have been used to indicate the presence of any impurities in the commercial chemicals. Samples of the reference substances are available on request and the collection of spectra and other information will be made available in printed format and on-line through the Internet. This paper gives an overview of the work done to establish the reference collection and the spectral atlas, which together will assist enforcement laboratories in the characterization of plastics and the selection of analytical methods for additives that may migrate.

  6. Obstacle Detection as a Safety Alert in Augmented Reality Models by the Use of Deep Learning Techniques

    PubMed Central

    Kęsik, Karolina; Książek, Kamil

    2017-01-01

    Augmented reality (AR) is becoming increasingly popular due to its numerous applications. This is especially evident in games, medicine, education, and other areas that support our everyday activities. Moreover, this kind of computer system not only improves our vision and our perception of the world that surrounds us, but also adds additional elements, modifies existing ones, and gives additional guidance. In this article, we focus on interpreting a reality-based real-time environment evaluation for informing the user about impending obstacles. The proposed solution is based on a hybrid architecture that is capable of estimating as much incoming information as possible. The proposed solution has been tested and discussed with respect to the advantages and disadvantages of different possibilities using this type of vision. PMID:29207564

  7. Obstacle Detection as a Safety Alert in Augmented Reality Models by the Use of Deep Learning Techniques.

    PubMed

    Połap, Dawid; Kęsik, Karolina; Książek, Kamil; Woźniak, Marcin

    2017-12-04

    Augmented reality (AR) is becoming increasingly popular due to its numerous applications. This is especially evident in games, medicine, education, and other areas that support our everyday activities. Moreover, this kind of computer system not only improves our vision and our perception of the world that surrounds us, but also adds additional elements, modifies existing ones, and gives additional guidance. In this article, we focus on interpreting a reality-based real-time environment evaluation for informing the user about impending obstacles. The proposed solution is based on a hybrid architecture that is capable of estimating as much incoming information as possible. The proposed solution has been tested and discussed with respect to the advantages and disadvantages of different possibilities using this type of vision.

  8. Diagnostic value of plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage samples in acute lung allograft rejection: differential cytology.

    PubMed

    Speck, Nicole E; Schuurmans, Macé M; Murer, Christian; Benden, Christian; Huber, Lars C

    2016-06-21

    Diagnosis of acute lung allograft rejection is currently based on transbronchial lung biopsies. Additional methods to detect acute allograft dysfunction derived from plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage samples might facilitate diagnosis and ultimately improve allograft survival. This review article gives an overview of the cell profiles of bronchoalveolar lavage and plasma samples during acute lung allograft rejection. The value of these cells and changes within the pattern of differential cytology to support the diagnosis of acute lung allograft rejection is discussed. Current findings on the topic are highlighted and trends for future research are identified.

  9. KSC-2009-5140

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2009-09-15

    EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – While on the space station, Buzz Lightyear supported NASA’s education outreach program – STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) -- by creating a series of fun, educational online outreach programs. Following his return, Disney is partnering with NASA to create a new online educational game and an online mission patch competition for school kids across America. NASA will fly the winning patch in space. In addition, NASA plans to announce on Oct. 2 the details of a new exciting educational competition that will give students the opportunity to design an experiment for the astronauts on the space station.

  10. Multiple sclerosis in the Orkney and Shetland Islands. II: The search for an exogenous aetiology.

    PubMed Central

    Poskanzer, D C; Sheridan, J L; Prenney, L B; Walker, A M

    1980-01-01

    In Orkney and Shetland, a survey of lifetime events was undertaken in multiple sclerosis patients and two control groups to define shared exposure to an exogenous agent or environmental insult. Analyses of demographic factors, diet, social class and occupation, housing and environment, animal exposure, schooling, travel, infectious disease, and medical history disclosed a remarkable similarity in responses between patients and controls for a majority of questions. However, differences were noted for sanitation, place of residence at onset, and animal exposure. The data give additional support for an exogenous aetiology of multiple sclerosis. PMID:7241023

  11. On the regularized fermionic projector of the vacuum

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Finster, Felix

    2008-03-01

    We construct families of fermionic projectors with spherically symmetric regularization, which satisfy the condition of a distributional MP-product. The method is to analyze regularization tails with a power law or logarithmic scaling in composite expressions in the fermionic projector. The resulting regularizations break the Lorentz symmetry and give rise to a multilayer structure of the fermionic projector near the light cone. Furthermore, we construct regularizations which go beyond the distributional MP-product in that they yield additional distributional contributions supported at the origin. The remaining freedom for the regularization parameters and the consequences for the normalization of the fermionic states are discussed.

  12. WordlePlus: Expanding Wordle's Use through Natural Interaction and Animation.

    PubMed

    Jo, Jaemin; Lee, Bongshin; Seo, Jinwook

    2015-01-01

    Wordle has been commonly used to summarize texts, with each word size-coded by its frequency of occurrences--the more often a word occurs in texts, the bigger it is. The interactive authoring tool WordlePlus leverages natural interaction and animation to give users more control over wordle development. WordlePlus supports direct manipulation of words with pen and touch interaction. It introduces two-word multitouch manipulation, such as concatenating and grouping two words, and provides pen interaction for adding and deleting words. In addition, WordlePlus employs animation to help users create more dynamic and engaging wordles.

  13. Examining the process of driving cessation in later life.

    PubMed

    Musselwhite, Charles B A; Shergold, Ian

    2013-06-01

    Driving cessation for many older people is associated with a poorer quality of life and can lead to health problems such as depression. This paper aims to reveal the process of giving-up driving, examining in particular triggers for giving-up driving, how information on alternative modes of transport is sought and how new transport and travel behaviour is integrated into older people's lives. It examines the challenges faced and how these are overcome and what impact the process has on self-reported quality of life, as articulated by the participants themselves. To this end, twenty-one individuals from three locations in the United Kingdom (UK) were followed over a period of 10 months, through five waves of data collection. Each participant took part in three interviews, a focus group and completed a diary of travel behaviour. Findings suggest that although a similar pattern was found between the trigger and life post-car, not all older people go through the stages of giving-up driving in the same way. Instead, a range of responses are seen, from contemplation of gradually reducing driving, through to stopping abruptly, with the route taken having consequences for the eventual outcome for any individual. Triggers for contemplating driving cessation could be varied and often involved health and social factors. Importantly, people who engaged in pre-planning reported a relatively higher quality of life beyond the car, whilst for those who were more reactive and engaged in little or no pre-planning a poorer quality of life resulted. In addition (and in conjunction with planning), other factors, such as flexibility in travel destinations, the role of family and friends, and wider support networks are also seen as important. With such evidence of the importance of pre-planning it is suggested that more could be done to support giving-up driving and encouraging contemplation at a younger age to mitigate the negative effects experienced by some.

  14. It's Money! Real-World Grant Experience through a Student-Run, Peer-Reviewed Program

    PubMed Central

    Dumanis, Sonya B.; Ullrich, Lauren; Washington, Patricia M.; Forcelli, Patrick A.

    2013-01-01

    Grantsmanship is an integral component of surviving and thriving in academic science, especially in the current funding climate. Therefore, any additional opportunities to write, read, and review grants during graduate school may have lasting benefits on one's career. We present here our experience with a small, student-run grant program at Georgetown University Medical Center. Founded in 2010, this program has several goals: 1) to give graduate students an opportunity to conduct small, independent research projects; 2) to encourage graduate students to write grants early and often; and 3) to give graduate students an opportunity to review grants. In the 3 yr since the program's start, 28 applications have been submitted, 13 of which were funded for a total of $40,000. From funded grants, students have produced abstracts and manuscripts, generated data to support subsequent grant proposals, and made new professional contacts with collaborators. Above and beyond financial support, this program provided both applicants and reviewers an opportunity to improve their writing skills, professional development, and understanding of the grants process, as reflected in the outcome measures presented. With a small commitment of time and funding, other institutions could implement a program like this to the benefit of their graduate students. PMID:24006391

  15. A Model of Equilibrium Conditions of Roof Rock Mass Giving Consideration to the Yielding Capacity of Powered Supports

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jaszczuk, Marek; Pawlikowski, Arkadiusz

    2017-12-01

    The work presents the model of interactions between the powered roof support units and the rock mass, while giving consideration to the yielding capacity of the supports - a value used for the analysis of equilibrium conditions of roof rock mass strata in geological and mining conditions of a given longwall. In the model, the roof rock mass is kept in equilibrium by: support units, the seam, goafs, and caving rocks (Fig. 1). In the assumed model of external load on the powered roof support units it is a new development - in relation to the model applied in selection of supports based on the allowable deflection of roof theory - that the load bearing capacity is dependent on the increment of the inclination of the roof rock mass and on the properties of the working medium, while giving consideration to the air pockets in the hydraulic systems, the load of the caving rocks on the caving shield, introducing the RA support value of the roof rock mass by the coal seam as a closed-form expression and while giving consideration to the additional support provided by the rocks of the goaf as a horizontal component R01H of the goaf reaction. To determine the roof maintenance conditions it is necessary to know the characteristics linking the yielding capacity of the support units with the heading convergence, which may be measured as the inclination angle of the roof rock mass. In worldwide mining, Ground Reaction Curves are used, which allow to determine the required yielding capacity of support units based on the relation between the load exerted on the unit and the convergence of the heading ensuring the equilibrium of the roof rock mass. (Figs. 4 and 8). The equilibrium of the roof rock mass in given conditions is determined at the displacement of the rock mass by the α angle, which impacts the following values: yielding capacity of units FN, vertical component of goaf reaction R01V and the horizontal component of goaf reaction R01H. In the model of load on the support units giving consideration to the load of the caving shield, a model of support unit was used that allows for unequivocal determination of the yielding capacity of the support with consideration given to the height of the unit in use and the change in the inclination of the canopy resulting from the displacement of the roof of the longwall. The yielding capacity of the support unit and its point of application on the canopy was determined using the method of units which allows for the internal forces to be manifested. The weight of the rock mass depends on the geological and mining conditions, for which the shape and dimensions of the rock mass affecting the support unit are determined. The resultant force of the pressure of gob on the gob shield was calculated by assuming that the load may be understood as a pressure of ground on a wall. This required the specification of the volume of the fallen rocks that affect the unit of powered roof supports (Fig. 2). To determine the support of the roof rock mass by the coal seam, experience of the Australian mining industry was used. Experiments regarding the strength properties of coal have exhibited that vertical deformation, at which the highest seam reaction occurs while supporting the roof rock mass, amounts to 0.5% of the longwall's height. The measure of the width of the contact area between the rock mass and the seam is the width of the additional uncovering of the face roof due to spalling of seam topcorners da (Fig. 2). With the above parameters and the value of the modulus of elasticity of coal in mind, the value of the seam's reaction may be estimated using the dependence (2). The vertical component of the goafs' reaction may be determined based on the strength characteristics of the fallen roof, the contact area of the rock mass with the fallen roof and the mean strain of the fallen roof at the area of contact. In the work by Pawlikowski (2014), a research procedure was proposed which encompasses model tests and exploitation tests of the loads exerted on the support units, aimed at the determination of the vertical component of the goaf reaction (Fig. 5). Based on duty cycles of powered roof support units, a mean value of the indicator of contact stiffness between the roof rock mass and the rocks constituting the caving is determined, assuming the linear dependence between the horizontal reaction and the heading convergence. The parameter allows for the determination of the horizontal component of the goafs' reaction in the external loading model of support units and allows for the determination of the required yielding capacity of supports, required to ensure the equilibrium of the roof rock mass. The experimentally verified model of the external loading of the units was used to conduct simulations of interactions between the KOPEX-095/17-POz support unit and the rock mass in a face characterized by the height of 1.6 m. Based on the data obtained in experiment, the variability of the yielding capacity of the support units was analyzed. A yielding capacity inclination angle of the units was determined for the registered curves (Figs. 6 and 7). At the same time, the presentation of the lines corresponding to the required yielding capacity of units and characterizing the deformability of the support units, allows for the prediction of the yielding capacity of the powered supports and the convergence of the heading in the conditions of a given face (Fig. 9).

  16. Corporations Give Record $1.6 Billion to Colleges and Universities in 1984-85; Total Giving Reaches $6.3 Billion.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    CFAE Newsletter, 1986

    1986-01-01

    Findings from the publication, "Voluntary Support of Education 1984-85," are summarized. The survey report includes contributions to 1,114 colleges and universities. Highlights of findings show that: total estimated voluntary support was $6.32 billion in 1984-1985; for the first time, corporations contributed more than any other donor group ($1.57…

  17. What Motivates Member Donations to the Union?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Austin, James A.; Grove, Timothy L.

    2008-04-01

    In the fall of 2007, the AGU Development Board commissioned the development staff to survey the approximately 1200 AGU supporting members to learn why these members give $100 to AGU each year- many give much more-to fund activities in education, public affairs, public information, the sections, and the focus groups. (A recent list of supporting members was published in Eos, 88(49), 544-545, 2007.) With supporting membership having more than doubled since 2003, the development staff and the Development Board wanted to find out more about the individual motivations underlying this trend. We also were trying to identify new incentives for members to support the Union's special projects and programs.

  18. [The supervisor has a crucial role in the medical student's degree projects. Experiences from seven semesters at Karolinska Institutet].

    PubMed

    Möller, Riitta; Shoshan, Maria; Ponzer, Sari

    2015-01-13

    In Sweden degree projects have a central role in evaluation of higher education, wherefore significant resources are spent on developing students' research competence. The undergraduate medical program at Karolinska Institutet introduced its degree project course in 2010. This paper gives an overview of the course and summarizes experiences from the first seven terms. In order to finalize their projects within one term, most students need substantial support. A highly structured course and frequent progress monitoring are advantageous. Other crucial factors are the quality of the supervision and students' verbal skills as well as support in scientific writing. In addition, increased awareness of the learning outcomes already at the beginning of the course may help students to achieve the expected results. Finally, students need to recognize their own responsibility for learning. 

  19. Evaluating the effectiveness of smoking cessation in the management of COPD.

    PubMed

    Temitayo Orisasami, Isimat; Ojo, Omorogieva

    2016-07-28

    The aim of this literature review is to assess the effectiveness of smoking cessation in managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is the fifth leading cause of death in the world and smoking leads to COPD in more than 80% of cases. Smoking cessation aids are considered the most effective intervention to improve quality of life and prevent further deterioration in COPD. Evidence based on the use of pharmacotherapies, patient support and motivation as part of smoking cessation strategies were evaluated and discussed. The findings demonstrate that pharmacotherapies, support and counselling in smoking cessation help reduce hospital stay and hospitalisation and improve symptoms and quality of life. In addition, nurses need more education on how to use open-ended questions and motivation when giving advice on smoking cessation to patients with COPD.

  20. PODIO: An Event-Data-Model Toolkit for High Energy Physics Experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gaede, F.; Hegner, B.; Mato, P.

    2017-10-01

    PODIO is a C++ library that supports the automatic creation of event data models (EDMs) and efficient I/O code for HEP experiments. It is developed as a new EDM Toolkit for future particle physics experiments in the context of the AIDA2020 EU programme. Experience from LHC and the linear collider community shows that existing solutions partly suffer from overly complex data models with deep object-hierarchies or unfavorable I/O performance. The PODIO project was created in order to address these problems. PODIO is based on the idea of employing plain-old-data (POD) data structures wherever possible, while avoiding deep object-hierarchies and virtual inheritance. At the same time it provides the necessary high-level interface towards the developer physicist, such as the support for inter-object relations and automatic memory-management, as well as a Python interface. To simplify the creation of efficient data models PODIO employs code generation from a simple yaml-based markup language. In addition, it was developed with concurrency in mind in order to support the use of modern CPU features, for example giving basic support for vectorization techniques.

  1. Pharmacy students' anxiety towards research during their undergraduate degree; How to reduce it?

    PubMed Central

    Tam, Ai May; Chaw, Siew Ling; Ang, May Jing; Yong, Mei Wan

    2017-01-01

    Objective To measure pharmacy students' anxiety towards research and how academic support, academic effort, attitude and self-efficacy influence their research anxiety. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with undergraduate final year students of pharmacy using a convenient sampling method. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used. Results Response rate for this study was 85.9% (128 students from a population of 149). The participants agreed that they read literature to understand research, but did not attend research-related coursework. Most participants (91.4%) felt that they were under stress while doing research. Almost all participants (97.6%) felt that they were doing very badly during their data analysis or they may fail their research projects. The majority of participants agreed that help from the lecturers' and friends in research give emotional support for their research activities. Conclusion Academic support for pharmacy students, along with their additional academic effort will improve the students' self-efficacy and reduce research anxiety. PMID:28419167

  2. Pharmacy students' anxiety towards research during their undergraduate degree; How to reduce it?

    PubMed

    Maharajan, Mari Kannan; Rajiah, Kingston; Tam, Ai May; Chaw, Siew Ling; Ang, May Jing; Yong, Mei Wan

    2017-01-01

    To measure pharmacy students' anxiety towards research and how academic support, academic effort, attitude and self-efficacy influence their research anxiety. A cross-sectional study was conducted with undergraduate final year students of pharmacy using a convenient sampling method. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used. Response rate for this study was 85.9% (128 students from a population of 149). The participants agreed that they read literature to understand research, but did not attend research-related coursework. Most participants (91.4%) felt that they were under stress while doing research. Almost all participants (97.6%) felt that they were doing very badly during their data analysis or they may fail their research projects. The majority of participants agreed that help from the lecturers' and friends in research give emotional support for their research activities. Academic support for pharmacy students, along with their additional academic effort will improve the students' self-efficacy and reduce research anxiety.

  3. The Roles of Financial Threat, Social Support, Work Stress, and Mental Distress in Dairy Farmers' Expectations of Injury.

    PubMed

    Furey, Emilia M; O'Hora, Denis; McNamara, John; Kinsella, Stephen; Noone, Chris

    2016-01-01

    Farming is dangerous, with fatalities among the highest in any occupation. Farmers often work alone, for long hours, with unreliable equipment and in difficult weather conditions with hazardous chemicals and livestock. In addition, farmers make large financial commitments exposing them to high levels of financial risk. Exposure to such financial risk can give rise to subjective experiences of financial threat (FT) that are psychologically challenging. The current study attempted to characterize the role that FT plays in farm injuries. One hundred and twenty one dairy farmers completed a battery of questionnaires assessing FT, social support (SS), depression, anxiety, farm job stress, and health and safety beliefs. Mental distress directly predicted farmers' expectations of injury and a direct effect of non-financial farm stress (FS) approached significance. Mental distress mediated these relationships as evidenced by significant indirect effects of FS and FT, and SS served to reduce distress. These findings support calls for interventions designed to reduce FS and FT and increase SS for farmers.

  4. Dynamic modeling for rigid rotor bearing systems with a localized defect considering additional deformations at the sharp edges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Jing; Shao, Yimin

    2017-06-01

    Rotor bearing systems (RBSs) play a very valuable role for wind turbine gearboxes, aero-engines, high speed spindles, and other rotational machinery. An in-depth understanding of vibrations of the RBSs is very useful for condition monitoring and diagnosis applications of these machines. A new twelve-degree-of-freedom dynamic model for rigid RBSs with a localized defect (LOD) is proposed. This model can formulate the housing support stiffness, interfacial frictional moments including load dependent and load independent components, time-varying displacement excitation caused by a LOD, additional deformations at the sharp edges of the LOD, and lubricating oil film. The time-varying displacement model is determined by a half-sine function. A new method for calculating the additional deformations at the sharp edges of the LOD is analytical derived based on an elastic quarter-space method presented in the literature. The proposed dynamic model is utilized to analyze the influences of the housing support stiffness and LOD sizes on the vibration characteristics of the rigid RBS, which cannot be predicted by the previous dynamic models in the literature. The results show that the presented method can give a new dynamic modeling method for vibration formulation for a rigid RBS with and without the LOD on the races.

  5. Design of internal support structures for an inflatable lunar habitat

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cameron, Elizabeth A.; Duston, John A.; Lee, David D.

    1990-01-01

    NASA has a long range goal of constructing a fully equipped, manned lunar outpost on the near side of the moon by the year 2015. The proposed outpost includes an inflatable lunar habitat to support crews during missions longer that 12 months. A design for the internal support structures of the inflatable habitat is presented. The design solution includes material selection, substructure design, assembly plan development, and concept scale model construction. Alternate designs and design solutions for each component of the design are discussed. Alternate materials include aluminum, titanium, and reinforced polymers. Vertical support alternates include column systems, truss systems, suspension systems, and lunar lander supports. Horizontal alternates include beams, trusses, floor/truss systems, and expandable trusses. Feasibility studies on each alternate showed that truss systems and expandable trusses were the most feasible candidates for conceptual design. The team based the designs on the properties of 7075 T73 aluminum. The substructure assembly plan, minimizes assembly time and allows crews to construct the habitat without the use of EVA suits. In addition to the design solutions, the report gives conclusions and recommendations for further study of the inflatable habitat design.

  6. Second Annual NASA Ames Space Science and Astrobiology Jamboree

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dotson, Jessie

    2014-01-01

    The Space Science and Astrobiology Division's researchers are pursuing investigations in a variety of fields, including exoplanets, planetary science, astrobiology, and astrophysics. In addition division personnel support a wide variety of NASA missions. With a wide variety of interesting research going on, distributed among the three branches in at least 5 buildings, it can be difficult to stay abreast of what one's fellow researchers are doing. Our goal in organizing this symposium is to facilitate communication and collaboration among the scientist within the division and to give center management and other ARC researchers and Engineers an opportunity to see what scientific missions work is being done in the division.

  7. Measurement of diffusion coefficients from solution rates of bubbles

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Krieger, I. M.

    1979-01-01

    The rate of solution of a stationary bubble is limited by the diffusion of dissolved gas molecules away from the bubble surface. Diffusion coefficients computed from measured rates of solution give mean values higher than accepted literature values, with standard errors as high as 10% for a single observation. Better accuracy is achieved with sparingly soluble gases, small bubbles, and highly viscous liquids. Accuracy correlates with the Grashof number, indicating that free convection is the major source of error. Accuracy should, therefore, be greatly increased in a gravity-free environment. The fact that the bubble will need no support is an additional important advantage of Spacelab for this measurement.

  8. Imagine the Universe: The Hidden Lives of Galaxies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lochner, James C.; Williamson, Lisa; Fitzhugh, Ethel

    2000-01-01

    Welcome to the fourth in a series of posters and activity booklets produced in conjunction with the Imagine the Universe! web site. The poster/booklet sets are intended to provide additional curriculum support materials for some of the subjects presented in the web site. The information provided for the educator in the booklet is meant to give the necessary background information so that the topic can be taught confidently to the students. The activities can be used to engage and excite students about the topic of galaxies in a number of disciplines and ways. The booklet and all activities can be photocopied and distributed for educational, non-commercial purposes.

  9. OCT structural examination of Madonna dei Fusi by Leonardo da Vinci

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Targowski, Piotr; Iwanicka, Magdalena; Sylwestrzak, Marcin; Kaszewska, Ewa A.; Frosinini, Cecilia

    2013-05-01

    Madonna dei Fusi (`Madonna of the Yarnwider') is a spectacular example of Italian Renaissance painting, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. The aim of this study is to give an account of past restoration procedures. The evidence of a former retouching campaign will be presented with cross-sectional images obtained non-invasively with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Specifically, the locations of overpaintings/retouchings with respect to the original paint layer and secondary varnishes will be given. Additionally, the evidence of a former transfer of the pictorial layer to the new canvas support by detecting the presence of its structure incised into paint layer will be shown.

  10. Biomonitoring at the UK Health and Safety Laboratory.

    PubMed

    Cocker, J; Jones, K; Morton, J; Mason, H J

    2007-05-01

    The UK Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) provides research and analytical support to the Health and Safety Executive, other Government Departments and employers. In the area of biomonitoring HSL conducts research studies and provides an analytical service for regular surveillance of worker exposure to hazardous substances. This paper gives brief examples of how data from such studies can be used to develop biological monitoring guidance values for isocyanates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and hexavalent chromium. In addition, a study of occupational exposure to copper chrome arsenic wood preservatives is briefly described to show how biological monitoring can be used for post-approval surveillance of a biocide.

  11. Living the Golden Rule: Reciprocal Exchanges Among African Americans With Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Hamilton, Jill B.; Sandelowski, Margarete

    2010-01-01

    Giving is receiving, and receiving is giving. This is the key finding from interviews conducted with 28 African American women and men with cancer who were active participants in dynamic relationships characterized by both giving and receiving. These participants engaged in reciprocal relationships varying in the number of persons involved, types of resources exchanged, and timing of exchange. Findings suggest the need to reconceptualize social support as caregiving and caregiving as social support. This study also points to the need to redesign intervention studies to be more inclusive of components that allow the elderly in illness-related situations to maintain their status as givers in their social networks. PMID:12756686

  12. Communications and Alumni Relations: What Is the Correlation between an Institution's Communications Vehicles and Alumni Annual Giving?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Levine, Wendy

    2008-01-01

    This paper examines the relationship between colleges' communications pieces and their undergraduate alumni giving. In order to test the question, 250 surveys were mailed to annual giving and development directors at private US colleges that were members of the Council of Advancement and Support of Education. Fifty-eight surveys were returned. The…

  13. Predicting Dynamic Postural Instability Using Center of Mass Time-to-Contact Information

    PubMed Central

    Hasson, Christopher J.; Van Emmerik, Richard E.A.; Caldwell, Graham E.

    2008-01-01

    Our purpose was to determine whether spatiotemporal measures of center of mass motion relative to the base of support boundary could predict stepping strategies after upper-body postural perturbations in humans. We expected that inclusion of center of mass acceleration in such time-to-contact (TtC) calculations would give better predictions and more advanced warning of perturbation severity. TtC measures were compared with traditional postural variables, which don’t consider support boundaries, and with an inverted pendulum model of dynamic stability developed by Hof et al. (2005). A pendulum was used to deliver sequentially increasing perturbations to 10 young adults, who were strapped to a wooden backboard that constrained motion to sagittal plane rotation about the ankle joint. Subjects were instructed to resist the perturbations, stepping only if necessary to prevent a fall. Peak center of mass and center of pressure velocity and acceleration demonstrated linear increases with postural challenge. In contrast, boundary relevant minimum TtC values decreased nonlinearly with postural challenge, enabling prediction of stepping responses using quadratic equations. When TtC calculations incorporated center of mass acceleration, the quadratic fits were better and gave more accurate predictions of the TtC values that would trigger stepping responses. In addition, TtC minima occurred earlier with acceleration inclusion, giving more advanced warning of perturbation severity. Our results were in agreement with TtC predictions based on Hof’s model, and suggest that TtC may function as a control parameter, influencing the postural control system’s decision to transition from a stationary base of support to a stepping strategy. PMID:18556003

  14. Giving and Receiving Emotional Support Online: Communication Competence as a Moderator of Psychosocial Benefits for Women with Breast Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Yoo, Woohyun; Namkoong, Kang; Choi, Mina; Shah, Dhavan V.; Tsang, Stephanie; Hong, Yangsun; Aguilar, Michael; Gustafson, David H.

    2013-01-01

    This study examines the moderating role of emotional communication competence in the relationship between computer-mediated social support (CMSS) group participation, specifically giving and receiving emotional support, and psychological health outcomes. Data were collected as part of randomized clinical trials for women diagnosed with breast cancer within the last 2 months. Expression and reception of emotional support was assessed by tracking and coding the 18,064 messages that 236 patients posted and read in CMSS groups. The final data used in the analysis was created by merging (a) computer-aided content analysis of discussion posts, (b) action log data analysis of system usage, and (c) baseline and six-month surveys collected to assess change. Results of this study demonstrate that emotional communication competence moderates the effects of expression and reception of emotional support on psychological quality of life and breast cancer-related concerns in both desired and undesired ways. Giving and receiving emotional support in CMSS groups has positive effects on emotional well-being for breast cancer patients with higher emotional communication, while the same exchanges have detrimental impacts on emotional well-being for those with lower emotional communication competence. The theoretical and practical implications for future research are discussed. PMID:24058261

  15. Grapheme-colour synaesthesia yields an ordinary rather than extraordinary memory advantage: evidence from a group study.

    PubMed

    Rothen, Nicolas; Meier, Beat

    2010-04-01

    In synaesthesia, the input of one sensory modality automatically triggers an additional experience, not normally triggered by the input of that modality. Therefore, compared to non-synaesthetes, additional experiences exist and these may be used as retrieval cues when memory is tested. Previous case studies have suggested that synaesthesia may yield even extraordinary memory abilities. However, group studies found either a task-specific memory advantage or no performance advantage at all. The aim of the present study was to test whether grapheme-colour synaesthesia gives rise to a general memory benefit using a standardised memory test (Wechsler Memory Scale). The synaesthetes showed a performance advantage in episodic memory tests, but not in short-term memory tests. However, performance was still within the ordinary range. The results support the hypothesis that synaesthesia provides for a richer world of experience and as a consequence additional retrieval cues may be available and beneficial but not to the point of extraordinary memory ability.

  16. Importance of social capital at the workplace for return to work among women with a history of long-term sick leave: a cohort study.

    PubMed

    Rydström, Ingela; Dalheim Englund, Lotta; Dellve, Lotta; Ahlstrom, Linda

    2017-01-01

    The workplace is an essential source of social capital for many people; it provides mutual support and gives meaning to life. However, few prospective studies have thoroughly investigated the importance of aspects of social capital in the workplace. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between aspects of social capital (social support, sense of community, and quality of leadership) at the workplace, and work ability, working degree, and vitality among women with a history of long-term sick leave from human service organizations. A longitudinal cohort study was performed among women with a history of long-term sick leave. The study started in 2005, and the women were followed up at 6 months, 1 year, and 6 years using self-reported questionnaires (baseline n  = 283). Linear mixed models were used for longitudinal analysis of the repeated measurements of prospective degree of work ability, working degree, and vitality. Analyses were performed with different models; the explanatory variables for each model were social support, sense of community, and quality of leadership and time. Social capital in terms of quality of leadership (being good at solving conflicts and giving high priority to job satisfaction), sense of community (co-operation between colleagues) and social support (help and support from immediate superiors and colleagues) increased the women's work ability score (WAS) as well as working degree over time. Additionally, social capital in terms of quality of leadership increased the women's vitality score over time. A sustainable return-to-work process among individuals with a history of long-term sick leave, going in and out of work participation, could be supported with social support, good quality of leadership, and a sense of community at the workplace. The responsibility for the rehabilitation process can not be reduced to an individual problem, but ought to include all stakeholders involved in the process, such as managers, colleagues, health care services, and the social security agency.

  17. Effect of a peer support service on breast-feeding continuation in the UK: a randomised controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Jolly, Kate; Ingram, Lucy; Freemantle, Nick; Khan, Khalid; Chambers, Jacky; Hamburger, Ros; Brown, Julia; Dennis, Cindy-Lee; Macarthur, Christine

    2012-12-01

    to assess the effectiveness of a peer support worker (PSW) service on breast-feeding continuation. cluster randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN16126175). Primary Care Trust, UK serving a multi-ethnic, socio-economically disadvantaged population. 2,724 women giving birth following antenatal care from 66 clinics: 33 clinics (1,267 women) randomised to the PSW service and 33 clinics (1,457 women) to usual care. 848 women consented to additional follow-up by questionnaire at 6 months. PSW service provided in the antenatal and postnatal period. any and exclusive breast feeding at 10-14 days obtained from routine computerised records and at 6 weeks and 6 months from a questionnaire. follow-up: 94% at 10-14 days, 67.5% at 6 months. There was no difference in any breast feeding at 10-14 days between intervention and usual care, odds ratio (OR) 1.07 (95% CI 0.87-1.31, p=0.54). Proportion of women reporting any breast feeding in the intervention group at 6 weeks was 62.7% and 64.5% in the usual care group OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.64-1.35); and at 6 months was 34.3% and 38.9%, respectively, OR 1.06 (95% CI 0.71-1.58). universal antenatal peer support and postnatal peer support for women who initiated breast feeding did not improve breast-feeding rates up to 6 months in this UK population. with high levels of professional support part of usual maternity care it may not be possible for low intensity peer support to produce additional benefit. More intensive or targeted programmes might be effective, but should have concurrent high quality evaluation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. 20 CFR 222.42 - When employee is contributing to support.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 20 Employees' Benefits 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false When employee is contributing to support. 222... employee is contributing to support. (a) An employee is contributing to the support of a person if the employee gives cash, goods, or services to help support such person. Support includes food, clothing...

  19. WARCProcessor: An Integrative Tool for Building and Management of Web Spam Corpora.

    PubMed

    Callón, Miguel; Fdez-Glez, Jorge; Ruano-Ordás, David; Laza, Rosalía; Pavón, Reyes; Fdez-Riverola, Florentino; Méndez, Jose Ramón

    2017-12-22

    In this work we present the design and implementation of WARCProcessor, a novel multiplatform integrative tool aimed to build scientific datasets to facilitate experimentation in web spam research. The developed application allows the user to specify multiple criteria that change the way in which new corpora are generated whilst reducing the number of repetitive and error prone tasks related with existing corpus maintenance. For this goal, WARCProcessor supports up to six commonly used data sources for web spam research, being able to store output corpus in standard WARC format together with complementary metadata files. Additionally, the application facilitates the automatic and concurrent download of web sites from Internet, giving the possibility of configuring the deep of the links to be followed as well as the behaviour when redirected URLs appear. WARCProcessor supports both an interactive GUI interface and a command line utility for being executed in background.

  20. PMICALC: an R code-based software for estimating post-mortem interval (PMI) compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

    PubMed

    Muñoz-Barús, José I; Rodríguez-Calvo, María Sol; Suárez-Peñaranda, José M; Vieira, Duarte N; Cadarso-Suárez, Carmen; Febrero-Bande, Manuel

    2010-01-30

    In legal medicine the correct determination of the time of death is of utmost importance. Recent advances in estimating post-mortem interval (PMI) have made use of vitreous humour chemistry in conjunction with Linear Regression, but the results are questionable. In this paper we present PMICALC, an R code-based freeware package which estimates PMI in cadavers of recent death by measuring the concentrations of potassium ([K+]), hypoxanthine ([Hx]) and urea ([U]) in the vitreous humor using two different regression models: Additive Models (AM) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), which offer more flexibility than the previously used Linear Regression. The results from both models are better than those published to date and can give numerical expression of PMI with confidence intervals and graphic support within 20 min. The program also takes into account the cause of death. 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Visual Support System for Report Distinctiveness Evaluation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sunayama, Wataru; Kawaguchi, Toshiaki

    In recent years, as the Internet has grown, electronic reports have come to be used in educational organizations such as universities. Though reports written by hand must be evaluated by hand except for stereotype descriptions or numerical answers, electronic reports can be rated by computer. There are two major criteria in rating reports, correctness and distinctiveness. Correctness is rated by absolute criteria and distinctiveness is rated by relative criteria. Relative evaluation is difficult because raters should memorize all contents of submitted reports to provide objective rates. In addition, electronic data are easily copied or exchanged by students. This paper presents a report evaluation support system with which raters can compare each report and give objective rates for distinctiveness. This system evaluates each report by objective similarity criteria and visualizes them in a two-dimensional interface as the calculated distinctiveness order. Experimental results show the system is valid and effective for estimating associations between reports.

  2. Damascus Steel Revisited

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Verhoeven, J. D.; Pendray, A. H.; Dauksch, W. E.; Wagstaff, S. R.

    2018-05-01

    A review is given of the work we presented in the 1990s that successfully developed a technique for reproducing the surface patterns and internal microstructure of genuine Damascus steel blades. That work showed that a key factor in making these blades was the addition of quite small levels of carbide-forming elements, notably V. Experiments are presented for blades made from slow- and fast-cooled ingots, and the results support our previous hypothesis that the internal banded microstructure results from microsegregation of V between dendrites during ingot solidification. A hypothetical model was presented for the mechanism causing the unique internal microstructure that gives rise to the surface pattern forming during the forging of the ingots from which the blades are made. This article attempts to explain the model more clearly and presents some literature data that offer support to the model. It also discusses an alternate model recently proposed by Foll.

  3. WARCProcessor: An Integrative Tool for Building and Management of Web Spam Corpora

    PubMed Central

    Callón, Miguel; Fdez-Glez, Jorge; Ruano-Ordás, David; Laza, Rosalía; Pavón, Reyes; Méndez, Jose Ramón

    2017-01-01

    In this work we present the design and implementation of WARCProcessor, a novel multiplatform integrative tool aimed to build scientific datasets to facilitate experimentation in web spam research. The developed application allows the user to specify multiple criteria that change the way in which new corpora are generated whilst reducing the number of repetitive and error prone tasks related with existing corpus maintenance. For this goal, WARCProcessor supports up to six commonly used data sources for web spam research, being able to store output corpus in standard WARC format together with complementary metadata files. Additionally, the application facilitates the automatic and concurrent download of web sites from Internet, giving the possibility of configuring the deep of the links to be followed as well as the behaviour when redirected URLs appear. WARCProcessor supports both an interactive GUI interface and a command line utility for being executed in background. PMID:29271913

  4. Adaptive predictors based on probabilistic SVM for real time disruption mitigation on JET

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murari, A.; Lungaroni, M.; Peluso, E.; Gaudio, P.; Vega, J.; Dormido-Canto, S.; Baruzzo, M.; Gelfusa, M.; Contributors, JET

    2018-05-01

    Detecting disruptions with sufficient anticipation time is essential to undertake any form of remedial strategy, mitigation or avoidance. Traditional predictors based on machine learning techniques can be very performing, if properly optimised, but do not provide a natural estimate of the quality of their outputs and they typically age very quickly. In this paper a new set of tools, based on probabilistic extensions of support vector machines (SVM), are introduced and applied for the first time to JET data. The probabilistic output constitutes a natural qualification of the prediction quality and provides additional flexibility. An adaptive training strategy ‘from scratch’ has also been devised, which allows preserving the performance even when the experimental conditions change significantly. Large JET databases of disruptions, covering entire campaigns and thousands of discharges, have been analysed, both for the case of the graphite and the ITER Like Wall. Performance significantly better than any previous predictor using adaptive training has been achieved, satisfying even the requirements of the next generation of devices. The adaptive approach to the training has also provided unique information about the evolution of the operational space. The fact that the developed tools give the probability of disruption improves the interpretability of the results, provides an estimate of the predictor quality and gives new insights into the physics. Moreover, the probabilistic treatment permits to insert more easily these classifiers into general decision support and control systems.

  5. Impacts of care-giving and sources of support: a comparison of end-of-life and non-end-of-life caregivers in Canada.

    PubMed

    Williams, Allison M; Wang, Li; Kitchen, Peter

    2016-03-01

    This is the second in a series of papers that deal with care-giving in Canada, as based on data available from the Canadian General Social Survey (2007). Building on the first paper, which reviewed the differences between short-term, long-term and end-of-life (EOL) caregivers, this paper uniquely examines the caregiver supports employed by EOL caregivers when compared to non-EOL caregivers (short-term and long-term caregivers combined). Both papers employ data from Statistics Canada's General Social Survey (GSS Cycle 21: 2007). The GSS includes three modules, where respondents were asked questions about the unpaid home care assistance that they had provided in the last 12 months to someone at EOL or with either a long-term health condition or a physical limitation. The objective of this research paper was to investigate the link between the impact of the care-giving experience and the caregiver supports received, while also examining the differences in these across EOL and non-EOL caregivers. By way of factor analysis and regression modelling, we examine differences between two types of caregivers: (i) EOL and (ii) non-EOL caregivers. The study revealed that with respect to socio-demographic characteristics, health outcomes and caregiver supports, EOL caregivers were consistently worse off. This suggests that although all non-EOL caregivers are experiencing negative impacts from their care-giving role, comparatively greater supports are needed for EOL caregivers. © 2015 The Authors. Health and Social Care in the Community Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  6. Zinc complexes supported by methyl salicylato ligands: synthesis, structure, and application in ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide.

    PubMed

    Petrus, Rafał; Sobota, Piotr

    2013-10-14

    Two novel zinc alkoxides supported by chelating methyl salicylato (MesalO; MesalOH = methyl salicylate) ligands were successfully synthesized and characterized. Reaction of MesalOH with ZnEt2 (2:1) gives a tetranuclear cluster [Zn(MesalO)2]4 (1), which by addition of pyridine is transformed to the mononuclear compound [Zn(MesalO)2(py)2] (2). Compounds 1 and 2 were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, IR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The catalytic activity of both compounds was tested for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of L-lactide (L-LA). It was found that compounds 1 and 2 are efficient initiators of the ROP of L-LA, yielding cyclic PLLA with weight average molecular weights up to 100 kDa for 2. The treatment of 2 with 1 equiv. of BnOH in toluene afforded a dimeric compound [Zn(OBn)(MesalO)(py)]2 (3). The addition of L-LA to a combination of 1 and 4 equiv. of BnOH in THF or 2 and 1 equiv. of BnOH in toluene led to the rapid and efficient generation of PLLA with end-capped BnO groups.

  7. Cultural and Global Linkages of Emotional Support through Online Support Groups.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gary, Juneau Mahan

    Computer technology is altering the way people cope with emotional distress. Computers enable people worldwide and from all cultural groups to give and receive emotional support when it may be culturally stigmatizing to seek face-to-face support or when support services are limited or non-existent. Online support groups attract a broad range of…

  8. The recurrent PPP1CB mutation p.Pro49Arg in an additional Noonan-like syndrome individual: Broadening the clinical phenotype.

    PubMed

    Bertola, Débora; Yamamoto, Guilherme; Buscarilli, Michelle; Jorge, Alexander; Passos-Bueno, Maria Rita; Kim, Chong

    2017-03-01

    We report on a 12-year-old Brazilian boy with the p.Pro49Arg mutation in PPP1CB, a novel gene associated with RASopathies. This is the fifth individual described, and the fourth presenting the same variant, suggesting a mutational hotspot. Phenotypically, he also showed the same hair pattern-sparse, thin, and with slow growing-, similar to the typical ectodermal finding observed in Noonan syndrome-like disorder with loose anagen hair. Additionally, he presented craniosynostosis, a rare clinical finding in RASopathies. This report gives further support that this novel RASopathy-PPP1CB-related Noonan syndrome with loose anagen hair-shares great similarity to Noonan syndrome-like disorder with loose anagen hair, and expands the phenotypic spectrum by adding the cranial vault abnormality. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Survey of solar thermal test facilities

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

    Masterson, K.

    The facilities that are presently available for testing solar thermal energy collection and conversion systems are briefly described. Facilities that are known to meet ASHRAE standard 93-77 for testing flat-plate collectors are listed. The DOE programs and test needs for distributed concentrating collectors are identified. Existing and planned facilities that meet these needs are described and continued support for most of them is recommended. The needs and facilities that are suitable for testing components of central receiver systems, several of which are located overseas, are identified. The central contact point for obtaining additional details and test procedures for these facilitiesmore » is the Solar Thermal Test Facilities Users' Association in Albuquerque, N.M. The appendices contain data sheets and tables which give additional details on the technical capabilities of each facility. Also included is the 1975 Aerospace Corporation report on test facilities that is frequently referenced in the present work.« less

  10. Gold (I)-Catalyzed Diastereo- and Enantioselective 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition and Mannich Reactions of Azlactones

    PubMed Central

    Melhado, Asa D.; Amarante, Giovanni W.; Wang, Z. Jane; Luparia, Marco; Toste, F. Dean

    2011-01-01

    Azlactones participate in stereoselective reactions with electron-deficient alkenes and N-sulfonyl aldimines to give products of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and Mannich addition reactions respectively. Both of these reactions proceed with good to excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity using a single class of gold-catalysts, namely C2-symmetric bis(phosphinegold(I) carboxylate)complexes. The development of the azlactone Mannich reaction to provide fully protected anti-α,β-diamino acid derivatives is described. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition reactions of several acyclic 1,2-disubstituted alkenes, and the chemistry of the resultant cycloadducts, are examined to probe the stereochemical course of this reaction. Reaction kinetics and tandem MS studies of both the cycloaddition and Mannich reactions are reported. These studies support a mechanism in which the gold complexes catalyze addition reactions through nucleophile activation rather than the more typical activation of the electrophilic reaction component. PMID:21341677

  11. A coastal information system to propel emerging science and ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The Estuary Data Mapper (EDM) is a free, interactive virtual gateway to coastal data aimed to promote research and aid in environmental management. The graphical user interface allows users to custom select and subset data based on their spatial and temporal interests giving them easy access to visualize, retrieve, and save data for further analysis. Data are accessible across estuarine systems of the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Pacific regions of the United States and includes: (1) time series data including tidal, hydrologic, and weather, (2) water and sediment quality, (3) atmospheric deposition, (4) habitat, (5) coastal exposure indices, (6) historic and projected land-use and population, (7) historic and projected nitrogen and phosphorous sources and load summaries. EDM issues Web Coverage Service Interface Standard queries (WCS; simple, standard one-line text strings) to a public web service to quickly obtain data subsets by variable, for a date-time range and area selected by user. EDM is continuously being enhanced with updated data and new options. Recent additions include a comprehensive suite of nitrogen source and loading data, and inputs for supporting a modeling approach of seagrass habitat. Additions planned for the near future include 1) support for Integrated Water Resources Management cost-benefit analysis, specifically the Watershed Management Optimization Support Tool and 2) visualization of the combined effects of climate change, land-use a

  12. Estuary Data Mapper: A coastal information system to propel ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The Estuary Data Mapper (EDM) is a free, interactive virtual gateway to coastal data aimed to promote research and aid in environmental management. The graphical user interface allows users to custom select and subset data based on their spatial and temporal interests giving them easy access to visualize, retrieve, and save data for further analysis. Data are accessible across estuarine systems of the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Pacific regions of the United States and includes: (1) time series data including tidal, hydrologic, and weather, (2) water and sediment quality, (3) atmospheric deposition, (4) habitat, (5) coastal exposure indices, (6) historic and projected land-use and population, (7) historic and projected nitrogen and phosphorous sources and load summaries. EDM issues Web Coverage Service Interface Standard queries (WCS; simple, standard one-line text strings) to a public web service to quickly obtain data subsets by variable, for a date-time range and area selected by user. EDM is continuously being enhanced with updated data and new options. Recent additions include a comprehensive suite of nitrogen source and loading data, and inputs for supporting a modeling approach of seagrass habitat. Additions planned for the near future include 1) support for Integrated Water Resources Management cost-benefit analysis, specifically the Watershed Management Optimization Support Tool and 2) visualization of the combined effects of climate change, land-use a

  13. Co-arrays in the Next Fortran Standard

    DOE PAGES

    Reid, John; Numrich, Robert W.

    2007-01-01

    The WG5 committee, at its meeting in Delft, May 2005, decided to include co-arrays in the next Fortran Standard. A Fortran program containing co-arrays is interpreted as if it were replicated a fixed number of times and all copies were executed asynchronously. Each copy has its own set of data objects and is called an image. The array syntax of Fortran is extended with additional trailing subscripts in square brackets to give a clear and straightforward representation of access to data on other images. References without square brackets are to local data, so code that can run independently is uncluttered.more » Any occurrence of square brackets is a warning about communication between images. The additional syntax requires support in the compiler, but it has been designed to be easy to implement and to give the compiler scope both to apply its optimizations within each image and to optimize the communication between images. The extension includes execution control statements for synchronizing images and intrinsic procedures to return the number of images, to return the index of the current image, and to perform collective operations. The paper does not attempt to describe the full details of the feature as it now appears in the draft of the new standard. Instead, we describe a subset and demonstrate the use of this subset with examples.« less

  14. Care-giving as a Canadian-Vietnamese tradition: ‘It's like eating, you just do it’

    PubMed Central

    Donovan, Rhonda; Williams, Allison M

    2015-01-01

    The objective of this study was to examine how Vietnamese family caregivers (FCGs) perceive, manage and experience end-of-life care-giving for seriously ill family members. Using an instrumental case study design, this longitudinal qualitative research employed the use of cultural brokers/language interpreters to help ensure that the research was conducted in a culturally-appropriate manner. Participants (n = 18) discussed their experiences of care-giving within the context of a traditional cultural framework, which was found to influence their motivations and approaches to care-giving, as well as their propensities towards the use of various supports and services. The study was carried out in southern Ontario, Canada, and participants were providing home-based care-giving in the community. Data were collected throughout 2010 and 2011. The ways in which care-giving was perceived and expressed are reflected in three themes: (i) Natural: identity and care work; (ii) Intentional: whole-person care; and (iii) Intensive: standards, struggle and the context of care. This research confirms the need for culturally-appropriate services and supports while illustrating that Vietnamese FCGs not only value, but are also likely to use healthcare and social services if they are language-accessible, built on trust and demonstrate respect for their values as individuals, regardless of culture. PMID:25328018

  15. Designing a web-application to support home-based care of childhood CKD stages 3-5: qualitative study of family and professional preferences.

    PubMed

    Swallow, Veronica M; Hall, Andrew G; Carolan, Ian; Santacroce, Sheila; Webb, Nicholas J A; Smith, Trish; Hanif, Noreen

    2014-02-18

    There is a lack of online, evidence-based information and resources to support home-based care of childhood CKD stages 3-5. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with parents, patients and professionals to explore their views on content of the proposed online parent information and support (OPIS) web-application. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis, guided by the concept of Self-efficacy. 32 parents, 26 patients and 12 professionals were interviewed. All groups wanted an application that explains, demonstrates, and enables parental clinical care-giving, with condition-specific, continously available, reliable, accessible material and a closed communication system to enable contact between families living with CKD. Professionals advocated a regularly updated application to empower parents to make informed health-care decisions. To address these requirements, key web-application components were defined as: (i) Clinical care-giving support (information on treatment regimens, video-learning tools, condition-specific cartoons/puzzles, and a question and answer area) and (ii) Psychosocial support for care-giving (social-networking, case studies, managing stress, and enhancing families' health-care experiences). Developing a web-application that meets parents' information and support needs will maximise its utility, thereby augmenting parents' self-efficacy for CKD caregiving, and optimising outcomes. Self-efficacy theory provides a schema for how parents' self-efficacy beliefs about management of their child's CKD could potentially be promoted by OPIS.

  16. The role of 'social support' in the experience of fibromyalgia - narratives from South Africa.

    PubMed

    Cooper, Silvie; Gilbert, Leah

    2017-05-01

    This paper focuses on the role of 'social support' in the experience of fibromyalgia (a musculoskeletal pain disorder) in South Africa. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect narratives from 15 participants. Sources of social support constitute important mechanisms for coping with the illness experience of fibromyalgia. In providing a space for consultation and validation of the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and the person living with the condition, people giving support fulfil a critical role in shaping the experience. The findings show how support from family, partners, and peers plays an integral role in the process of accepting fibromyalgia diagnosis, adapting to the demands of the condition, and seeking help from healthcare providers. The findings also show the ways in which people with fibromyalgia provide support for others with the condition, and the importance of this peer network in shaping the paths and outcomes of this illness experience. The findings of this study corroborate existing evidence that show fibromyalgia to be a complex condition to manage, due to the multiplicity, uncertainty and contestation that feature in the experience of the illness. Additionally, this study presents the challenges related to the limitations of access to healthcare in the South African context, and the utility of narrative approaches in garnering insight into the ways in which social support is harnessed in this environment. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  17. Meeting unmet needs of families of persons with mental illness: evaluation of a family peer support helpline.

    PubMed

    Shor, Ron; Birnbaum, Menachem

    2012-08-01

    Family members of persons with mental illness experience multiple stressors stemming from the burdens of caring for the ill family member. A potential source of help for this population is a family peer support helpline. Knowledge, however, is lacking about the types of help offered in such a service and its benefit for this population. In a study conducted in Israel, 800 calls made by family members of persons with mental illness to a family peer support helpline were analyzed utilizing an instrument developed for the family peers' evaluation of the calls. In addition, researchers conducted 77 follow-up interviews with callers who agreed to be interviewed. The findings indicate the importance of the life experience, flexibility and anonymity of the family peers in providing types of help that are complementary to the help provided by formal services. The most frequent categories of support provided were emotional support, information and advice. This help could assist family members of persons with mental illness with their care-giving role, as well as provide them with an alternative source of help if they experience difficulties with professionals. It could also serve as a catalyst in encouraging them to establish and maintain contact with the formal mental health services. Recognizing and supporting the contribution of a family peer support helpline would encourage its development within the range of services available for this population.

  18. Adopting a healthy lifestyle when pregnant and obese - an interview study three years after childbirth.

    PubMed

    Dencker, Anna; Premberg, Åsa; Olander, Ellinor K; McCourt, Christine; Haby, Karin; Dencker, Sofie; Glantz, Anna; Berg, Marie

    2016-07-30

    Obesity during pregnancy is increasing and is related to life-threatening and ill-health conditions in both mother and child. Initiating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle when pregnant with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m(2) can improve health and decrease risks during pregnancy and of long-term illness for the mother and the child. To minimise gestational weight gain women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) in early pregnancy were invited to a lifestyle intervention including advice and support on diet and physical activity in Gothenburg, Sweden. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) regarding minimising their gestational weight gain, and to assess how health professionals' care approaches are reflected in the women's narratives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 women who had participated in a lifestyle intervention for women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) during pregnancy 3 years earlier. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed in full. Thematic analysis was used. The meaning of changing lifestyle for minimising weight gain and of the professional's care approaches is described in four themes: the child as the main motivation for making healthy changes; a need to be seen and supported on own terms to establish healthy routines; being able to manage healthy activities and own weight; and need for additional support to maintain a healthy lifestyle. To support women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) to make healthy lifestyle changes and limit weight gain during pregnancy antenatal health care providers should 1) address women's weight in a non-judgmental way using BMI, and provide accurate and appropriate information about the benefits of limited gestational weight gain; 2) support the woman on her own terms in a collaborative relationship with the midwife; 3) work in partnership to give the woman the tools to self-manage healthy activities and 4) give continued personal support and monitoring to maintain healthy eating and regular physical activity habits after childbirth involving also the partner and family.

  19. Church leaders' tobacco opinions: send materials, not money.

    PubMed

    Reinert, Bonita; Carver, Vivien; Range, Lillian; Pike, Chris

    2008-01-01

    In addition to personnel challenges,faith-based organizations (FBOs) face tangible challenges to implementing tobacco use prevention programs, such as finding materials that fit within their mission and financial backing to support the program. The present project surveyed 71 FBO leaders about these challenges with two open-ended questions that asked what would help and hinder them from delivering a tobacco prevention program, and Likert questionnaires on advocacy, efficacy, impact, policy, burnout, and morality. On what would help them deliver a tobacco prevention program, the most common answer was materials; about half of present FBO leaders gave this answer. On what would interfere, the most common answer was nothing, with about one quarter giving this answer; and, the next most common answer was not having materials with about one sixth giving this answer. The survey was brief (2 pages), and the sample size was small (71). Having the appropriate tobacco prevention materials was clearly a concern for present, mostly African American faith-based leaders, who reported that they needed materials more than they needed money, volunteers, or other forms of assistance.

  20. Church leaders' tobacco opinions: send materials, not money.

    PubMed

    Reinert, Bonita; Carver, Vivien; Range, Lillian; Pike, Chris

    2008-01-01

    In addition to personnel challenges,faith-based organizations (FBOs) face tangible challenges to implementing tobacco use prevention programs, such as finding materials that fit within their mission and financial backing to support the program. The present project surveyed 71 FBO leaders about these challenges with two open-ended questions that asked what would help and hinder them from delivering a tobacco prevention program, and Likert questionnaires on advocacy, efficacy, impact, policy, burnout, and morality. On what would help them deliver a tobacco prevention program, the most common answer was materials, about half of present FBO leaders gave this answer. On what would interfere, the most common answer was nothing, with about one quarter giving this answer; and, the next most common answer was not having materials with about one sixth giving this answer. The survey was brief (2 pages), and the sample size was small (71). Having the appropriate tobacco prevention materials was clearly a concern for present, mostly African American faith-based leaders, who reported that they needed materials more than they needed money, volunteers, or other forms of assistance.

  1. Algorithmic and user study of an autocompletion algorithm on a large medical vocabulary.

    PubMed

    Sevenster, Merlijn; van Ommering, Rob; Qian, Yuechen

    2012-02-01

    Autocompletion supports human-computer interaction in software applications that let users enter textual data. We will be inspired by the use case in which medical professionals enter ontology concepts, catering the ongoing demand for structured and standardized data in medicine. Goal is to give an algorithmic analysis of one particular autocompletion algorithm, called multi-prefix matching algorithm, which suggests terms whose words' prefixes contain all words in the string typed by the user, e.g., in this sense, opt ner me matches optic nerve meningioma. Second we aim to investigate how well it supports users entering concepts from a large and comprehensive medical vocabulary (snomed ct). We give a concise description of the multi-prefix algorithm, and sketch how it can be optimized to meet required response time. Performance will be compared to a baseline algorithm, which gives suggestions that extend the string typed by the user to the right, e.g. optic nerve m gives optic nerve meningioma, but opt ner me does not. We conduct a user experiment in which 12 participants are invited to complete 40 snomed ct terms with the baseline algorithm and another set of 40 snomed ct terms with the multi-prefix algorithm. Our results show that users need significantly fewer keystrokes when supported by the multi-prefix algorithm than when supported by the baseline algorithm. The proposed algorithm is a competitive candidate for searching and retrieving terms from a large medical ontology. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Detection and quantitation of single nucleotide polymorphisms, DNA sequence variations, DNA mutations, DNA damage and DNA mismatches

    DOEpatents

    McCutchen-Maloney, Sandra L.

    2002-01-01

    DNA mutation binding proteins alone and as chimeric proteins with nucleases are used with solid supports to detect DNA sequence variations, DNA mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms. The solid supports may be flow cytometry beads, DNA chips, glass slides or DNA dips sticks. DNA molecules are coupled to solid supports to form DNA-support complexes. Labeled DNA is used with unlabeled DNA mutation binding proteins such at TthMutS to detect DNA sequence variations, DNA mutations and single nucleotide length polymorphisms by binding which gives an increase in signal. Unlabeled DNA is utilized with labeled chimeras to detect DNA sequence variations, DNA mutations and single nucleotide length polymorphisms by nuclease activity of the chimera which gives a decrease in signal.

  3. The New Planned Giving Landscape.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moerschbaecher, Lynda

    1987-01-01

    The best way to support charitable causes after tax reform is planned giving. Seven changes in the new tax laws that may affect donors are identified: charitable deduction, fewer deductions, fewer itemizers, increased capital gains tax, alternative minimum tax, generation-skipping tax, and retirement plan restrictions. (MLW)

  4. Machine Learning Techniques for Prediction of Early Childhood Obesity.

    PubMed

    Dugan, T M; Mukhopadhyay, S; Carroll, A; Downs, S

    2015-01-01

    This paper aims to predict childhood obesity after age two, using only data collected prior to the second birthday by a clinical decision support system called CHICA. Analyses of six different machine learning methods: RandomTree, RandomForest, J48, ID3, Naïve Bayes, and Bayes trained on CHICA data show that an accurate, sensitive model can be created. Of the methods analyzed, the ID3 model trained on the CHICA dataset proved the best overall performance with accuracy of 85% and sensitivity of 89%. Additionally, the ID3 model had a positive predictive value of 84% and a negative predictive value of 88%. The structure of the tree also gives insight into the strongest predictors of future obesity in children. Many of the strongest predictors seen in the ID3 modeling of the CHICA dataset have been independently validated in the literature as correlated with obesity, thereby supporting the validity of the model. This study demonstrated that data from a production clinical decision support system can be used to build an accurate machine learning model to predict obesity in children after age two.

  5. The Roles of Financial Threat, Social Support, Work Stress, and Mental Distress in Dairy Farmers’ Expectations of Injury

    PubMed Central

    Furey, Emilia M.; O’Hora, Denis; McNamara, John; Kinsella, Stephen; Noone, Chris

    2016-01-01

    Farming is dangerous, with fatalities among the highest in any occupation. Farmers often work alone, for long hours, with unreliable equipment and in difficult weather conditions with hazardous chemicals and livestock. In addition, farmers make large financial commitments exposing them to high levels of financial risk. Exposure to such financial risk can give rise to subjective experiences of financial threat (FT) that are psychologically challenging. The current study attempted to characterize the role that FT plays in farm injuries. One hundred and twenty one dairy farmers completed a battery of questionnaires assessing FT, social support (SS), depression, anxiety, farm job stress, and health and safety beliefs. Mental distress directly predicted farmers’ expectations of injury and a direct effect of non-financial farm stress (FS) approached significance. Mental distress mediated these relationships as evidenced by significant indirect effects of FS and FT, and SS served to reduce distress. These findings support calls for interventions designed to reduce FS and FT and increase SS for farmers. PMID:27446893

  6. WFIRST Science Operations at STScI

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gilbert, Karoline; STScI WFIRST Team

    2018-06-01

    With sensitivity and resolution comparable the Hubble Space Telescope, and a field of view 100 times larger, the Wide Field Instrument (WFI) on WFIRST will be a powerful survey instrument. STScI will be the Science Operations Center (SOC) for the WFIRST Mission, with additional science support provided by the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) and foreign partners. STScI will schedule and archive all WFIRST observations, calibrate and produce pipeline-reduced data products for imaging with the Wide Field Instrument, support the High Latitude Imaging and Supernova Survey Teams, and support the astronomical community in planning WFI imaging observations and analyzing the data. STScI has developed detailed concepts for WFIRST operations, including a data management system integrating data processing and the archive which will include a novel, cloud-based framework for high-level data processing, providing a common environment accessible to all users (STScI operations, Survey Teams, General Observers, and archival investigators). To aid the astronomical community in examining the capabilities of WFIRST, STScI has built several simulation tools. We describe the functionality of each tool and give examples of its use.

  7. Pragmatic Variations in Giving Advice in L2 by Malaysian Postgraduate Students: The Situational Effects

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Farashaiyan, Atieh; Muthusamy, Paramasivam

    2016-01-01

    The present study attempted to describe the giving advice strategies utilized by Malaysian postgraduate students in confronting different situations. In addition, it examined the effects of the situational factors of social distance, power, and imposition on the students' choice of giving advice strategies. Another objective was to categorize the…

  8. Coordination of dual robot arms using kinematic redundancy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Suh, Il Hong; Shin, Kang G.

    1988-01-01

    A method is developed to coordinate the motion of dual robot arms carrying a solid object, where the first robot (leader) grasps one end of the object rigidly and the second robot (follower) is allowed to change its grasping position at the other end of the object along the object surface while supporting the object. It is shown that this flexible grasping is equivalent to the addition of one more degree of freedom (dof), giving the follower more maneuvering capabilities. In particular, motion commands for the follower are generated by using kinematic redundancy. To show the utility and power of the method, an example system with two PUMA 560 robots carrying a beam is analyzed.

  9. Cost shifting revisited: the case of service intensity.

    PubMed

    Friesner, Daniel L; Rosenman, Robert

    2002-02-01

    This paper examines whether a health care provider's choice of service intensity for any patient group affects its cost shifting behavior. Our theoretical models indicate that firms may respond to lower prospective payment by decreasing service intensity to all of its patient groups, thereby giving firms an alternative to cost shifting. Additionally, the conditions under which cost shifting and lower service intensity occur are identical, regardless of profit status. Using a panel of California hospitals, we found that nonprofit hospitals do cost shift, while profit-maximizing hospitals do not. However, both firms respond to lower prospective payment by decreasing service intensity, thus supporting our theoretical conclusion that lower service intensity can be used as an alternative to cost shifting.

  10. Hourly temporal distribution of wind

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deligiannis, Ilias; Dimitriadis, Panayiotis; Koutsoyiannis, Demetris

    2016-04-01

    The wind process is essential for hydrometeorology and additionally, is one of the basic renewable energy resources. Most stochastic forecast models are limited up to daily scales disregarding the hourly scale which is significant for renewable energy management. Here, we analyze hourly wind timeseries giving emphasis on the temporal distribution of wind within the day. We finally present a periodic model based on statistical as well as hydrometeorological reasoning that shows good agreement with data. Acknowledgement: This research is conducted within the frame of the undergraduate course "Stochastic Methods in Water Resources" of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). The School of Civil Engineering of NTUA provided moral support for the participation of the students in the Assembly.

  11. Complexity of Kronecker Operations on Sparse Matrices with Applications to the Solution of Markov Models

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Buchholz, Peter; Ciardo, Gianfranco; Donatelli, Susanna; Kemper, Peter

    1997-01-01

    We present a systematic discussion of algorithms to multiply a vector by a matrix expressed as the Kronecker product of sparse matrices, extending previous work in a unified notational framework. Then, we use our results to define new algorithms for the solution of large structured Markov models. In addition to a comprehensive overview of existing approaches, we give new results with respect to: (1) managing certain types of state-dependent behavior without incurring extra cost; (2) supporting both Jacobi-style and Gauss-Seidel-style methods by appropriate multiplication algorithms; (3) speeding up algorithms that consider probability vectors of size equal to the "actual" state space instead of the "potential" state space.

  12. Alkaline regenerative fuel cell energy storage system for manned orbital satellites

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Martin, R. E.; Gitlow, B.; Sheibley, D. W.

    1982-01-01

    It is pointed out that the alkaline regenerative fuel cell system represents a highly efficient, lightweight, reliable approach for providing energy storage in an orbiting satellite. In addition to its energy storage function, the system can supply hydrogen and oxygen for attitude control of the satellite and for life support. A summary is presented of the results to date obtained in connection with the NASA-sponsored fuel cell technology advancement program, giving particular attention to the requirements of the alkaline regenerative fuel cell and the low-earth mission. Attention is given to system design guidelines, weight considerations, gold-platinum cathode cell performance, matrix development, the electrolyte reservoir plate, and the cyclical load profile tests.

  13. Channel surface plasmons in a continuous and flat graphene sheet

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chaves, A. J.; Peres, N. M. R.; da Costa, D. R.; Farias, G. A.

    2018-05-01

    We derive an integral equation describing surface-plasmon polaritons in graphene deposited on a substrate with a planar surface and a dielectric protrusion in the opposite surface of the dielectric slab. We show that the problem is mathematically equivalent to the solution of a Fredholm equation, which we solve exactly. In addition, we show that the dispersion relation of the channel surface plasmons is determined by the geometric parameters of the protrusion alone. We also show that such a system supports both even and odd modes. We give the electrostatic potential and the intensity plot of the electrostatic field, which clearly show the transverse localized nature of the surface plasmons in a continuous and flat graphene sheet.

  14. Improving return-to-work after childbirth: design of the Mom@Work study, a randomised controlled trial and cohort study.

    PubMed

    Stomp-van den Berg, Suzanne G M; van Poppel, Mireille N M; Hendriksen, Ingrid J M; Bruinvels, David J; Uegaki, Kimi; de Bruijne, Martine C; van Mechelen, Willem

    2007-03-29

    Many women suffer from health problems after giving birth, which can lead to sick leave. About 30% of Dutch workers are on sick leave after maternity leave. Structural contact of supervisors with employees on maternity leave, supported by early medical advice of occupational physicians, may increase the chances of return-to-work after maternity leave. In addition, to understand the process of sick leave and return-to-work after childbirth it is important to gain insight into which factors hinder return-to-work after childbirth, as well, as which prognostic factors lead to the development of postpartum health complaints. In this paper, the design of the Mom@Work study is described. The Mom@Work study is simultaneously a randomised controlled trial and a cohort study. Pregnant women working for at least 12 hours a week at one of the 15 participating companies are eligible to participate. The supervisors of these pregnant employees are randomised at 35 weeks pregnancy into the intervention group or control group. During maternity leave, supervisors in the intervention group contact their employee six weeks after delivery using a structured interview. When employees do not expect to return to their jobs at the end of their scheduled maternity leave due to health problems, the supervisor offers early support of the occupational physician. Supervisors in the control group have no structural contact with their employees during maternity leave. Measurements take place at 30 weeks pregnancy and at 6, 12, 24 and 52 weeks postpartum. In addition, cost data are collected. For the RCT, primary outcome measures are sick leave and return-to-work, and secondary outcome measures are costs, health, satisfaction with intervention and global feelings of recovery. Outcome measures for the cohort are pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, fatigue and depression. Finally, a number of prognostic factors for return-to-work and for the development of complaints will be measured. The Mom@Work study will provide important information about return-to-work of employees after giving birth. Results will give insight in prognosis of postpartum sick leave and complaints. Also, the role of supervisors and occupational physicians in successful return-to-work after childbirth will be clarified.

  15. Component-Based Visualization System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Delgado, Francisco

    2005-01-01

    A software system has been developed that gives engineers and operations personnel with no "formal" programming expertise, but who are familiar with the Microsoft Windows operating system, the ability to create visualization displays to monitor the health and performance of aircraft/spacecraft. This software system is currently supporting the X38 V201 spacecraft component/system testing and is intended to give users the ability to create, test, deploy, and certify their subsystem displays in a fraction of the time that it would take to do so using previous software and programming methods. Within the visualization system there are three major components: the developer, the deployer, and the widget set. The developer is a blank canvas with widget menu items that give users the ability to easily create displays. The deployer is an application that allows for the deployment of the displays created using the developer application. The deployer has additional functionality that the developer does not have, such as printing of displays, screen captures to files, windowing of displays, and also serves as the interface into the documentation archive and help system. The third major component is the widget set. The widgets are the visual representation of the items that will make up the display (i.e., meters, dials, buttons, numerical indicators, string indicators, and the like). This software was developed using Visual C++ and uses COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) software where possible.

  16. Properties of Ti-6Al-4V spun formed fuze supports

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

    Moody, N.R.; Gates, G.

    1985-05-01

    Spin forming is designated as the primary fabrication process for the Ti-6A1-4V, W-87 fuze support. This process reduces the amount of rough machining during production, the cost of the starting material and the lead time from order to delivery of finished parts compared with parts made from forgings. However, because the amount of deformation from the spin forming process varies greatly within the part, the properties resulting from spin forming the fuze supports are unknown. This study shows that the properties and microstructure of the highly deformed walls of the fuze support are similar to those of forgings, while themore » properties and microstructure of the lightly deformed nose are similar to those of the parent plate. A solution treatment at 1750/sup 0/F/1h/WQ (954/sup 0/C) followed by a 900/sup 0/F (482/sup 0/C) four hour age gives the desired properties. Additionally, microstructural evaluation shows that the temperatures during spin forming are maintained within desired limits and that no significant microstructural changes occur during subsequent elevated temperature processing of the finished part. This study shows that solution treated and aged parts meet all required properties for all conditions to which the fuze supports will be subjected.« less

  17. Identification and characterization of mouse otic sensory lineage genes

    PubMed Central

    Hartman, Byron H.; Durruthy-Durruthy, Robert; Laske, Roman D.; Losorelli, Steven; Heller, Stefan

    2015-01-01

    Vertebrate embryogenesis gives rise to all cell types of an organism through the development of many unique lineages derived from the three primordial germ layers. The otic sensory lineage arises from the otic vesicle, a structure formed through invagination of placodal non-neural ectoderm. This developmental lineage possesses unique differentiation potential, giving rise to otic sensory cell populations including hair cells, supporting cells, and ganglion neurons of the auditory and vestibular organs. Here we present a systematic approach to identify transcriptional features that distinguish the otic sensory lineage (from early otic progenitors to otic sensory populations) from other major lineages of vertebrate development. We used a microarray approach to analyze otic sensory lineage populations including microdissected otic vesicles (embryonic day 10.5) as well as isolated neonatal cochlear hair cells and supporting cells at postnatal day 3. Non-otic tissue samples including periotic tissues and whole embryos with otic regions removed were used as reference populations to evaluate otic specificity. Otic populations shared transcriptome-wide correlations in expression profiles that distinguish members of this lineage from non-otic populations. We further analyzed the microarray data using comparative and dimension reduction methods to identify individual genes that are specifically expressed in the otic sensory lineage. This analysis identified and ranked top otic sensory lineage-specific transcripts including Fbxo2, Col9a2, and Oc90, and additional novel otic lineage markers. To validate these results we performed expression analysis on select genes using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Fbxo2 showed the most striking pattern of specificity to the otic sensory lineage, including robust expression in the early otic vesicle and sustained expression in prosensory progenitors and auditory and vestibular hair cells and supporting cells. PMID:25852475

  18. Spatially and time resolved kinetics of indirect magnetoexcitons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hasling, Matthew; Dorow, Chelsey; Calman, Erica; Butov, Leonid; Wilkes, Joe; Campman, Kenneth; Gossard, Arthur

    The small exciton mass and binding energy give the opportunity to realize the high magnetic field regime for excitons in magnetic fields of few Tesla achievable in lab Long lifetimes of indirect exciton give the opportunity to study kinetics of magnetoexciton transport by time-resolved optical imaging of exciton emission. We present spatially and time resolved measurements showing the effect of increased magnetic field on transport of magnetoexcitons. We observe that increased magnetic field leads to slowing down of magnetoexciton transport. Supported by NSF Grant No. 1407277. J.W. was supported by the EPSRC (Grant EP/L022990/1). C.J.D. was supported by the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program under Grant No. DGE-1144086.

  19. SpaceCube Technology Brief Hybrid Data Processing System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Petrick, Dave

    2016-01-01

    The intent of this presentation is to give status to multiple audience types on the SpaceCube data processing technology at GSFC. SpaceCube has grown to support multiple missions inside and outside of NASA, and we are being requested to give technology overviews in various forums.

  20. Building Your Program. Supported Education: A Promising Practice. Evidence-Based Practices KIT (Knowledge Informing Transformation)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Unger, Karen V.

    2011-01-01

    "Building Your Program" is intended to help mental health authorities, agency administrators, and program leaders think through and develop Supported Education. The first part of this booklet gives you background information about the Supported Education model. Specific information about your role in implementing and sustaining Supported Education…

  1. The Provision of Informal Support By Elderly People Residing in Assisted Living Facilities.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Litwin, Howard

    1998-01-01

    Examines factors facilitating support giving to members of the social network by elderly Jewish persons residing in assisted-living facilities in Israel. Results reveal that it is principally the perceived support measure along with two personal characteristics that explains the variance in support provision scores. (Author/MKA)

  2. 24 CFR 3280.402 - Test procedure for roof trusses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... trusses that are supported at the ends and support design loads. Where roof trusses act as support for... shall be spaced at the design spacing and shall be mounted on solid support accurately positioned to give the required clear span distance (L) as specified in the design. The top and bottom chords shall...

  3. Orthopaedic research and education foundation and industry.

    PubMed

    Wurth, Gene R; Sherr, Judy H; Coffman, Thomas M

    2003-07-01

    Members of orthopaedic industry commit a significant amount of funds each year to support research and education programs that are directly related to their product(s). In addition, industry supports organizations such as the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation. The relationship between the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation and industry began in the early 1980s. The support to the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation from industry primarily has come in the form of unrestricted grants. These grants best can be looked at as an investment rather than a contribution. This form of giving, once called corporate philanthropy is more accurately referred to as strategic philanthropy. Members of industry make these investments to enhance their reputations, build brand awareness, market their products and services, improve employee morale, increase customer loyalty, and establish strategic alliances. The specialty of orthopaedics is among the leaders in medicine in the amount of funding raised within the specialty for research and education programs. This is because of the amount of support from members of industry and the surgeons. During the past 15 years, 40% of the annual support to the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation has come from industry and the balance has come from surgeons and members of lay public. Future industry support of the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation and other organizations within the specialty of orthopaedics will be dependent on the continued demonstration of tangible returns in areas described.

  4. Energy Production from Biogas: Competitiveness and Support Instruments in Latvia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Klāvs, G.; Kundziņa, A.; Kudrenickis, I.

    2016-10-01

    Use of renewable energy sources (RES) might be one of the key factors for the triple win-win: improving energy supply security, promoting local economic development, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The authors ex-post evaluate the impact of two main support instruments applied in 2010-2014 - the investment support (IS) and the feed-in tariff (FIT) - on the economic viability of small scale (up to 2MWel) biogas unit. The results indicate that the electricity production cost in biogas utility roughly corresponds to the historical FIT regarding electricity production using RES. However, if in addition to the FIT the IS is provided, the analysis shows that the practice of combining both the above-mentioned instruments is not optimal because too high total support (overcompensation) is provided for a biogas utility developer. In a long-term perspective, the latter gives wrong signals for investments in new technologies and also creates unequal competition in the RES electricity market. To provide optimal biogas utilisation, it is necessary to consider several options. Both on-site production of electricity and upgrading to biomethane for use in a low pressure gas distribution network are simulated by the cost estimation model. The authors' estimates show that upgrading for use in a gas distribution network should be particularly considered taking into account the already existing infrastructure and technologies. This option requires lower support compared to support for electricity production in small-scale biogas utilities.

  5. Character-based Sexuality Education: Bringing Parents into the Picture.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lickona, Thomas

    2000-01-01

    Working together, schools and families can provide a character-based approach to sexuality education. Schools can give parents a wake-up call, provide historical perspective, share good news, encourage parents to talk with kids, help discuss dangers, identify rewards of waiting, give guidelines, and support chaste lifestyles. (Contains 21…

  6. Care-giving as a Canadian-Vietnamese tradition: 'it's like eating, you just do it'.

    PubMed

    Donovan, Rhonda; Williams, Allison M

    2015-01-01

    The objective of this study was to examine how Vietnamese family caregivers (FCGs) perceive, manage and experience end-of-life care-giving for seriously ill family members. Using an instrumental case study design, this longitudinal qualitative research employed the use of cultural brokers/language interpreters to help ensure that the research was conducted in a culturally-appropriate manner. Participants (n = 18) discussed their experiences of care-giving within the context of a traditional cultural framework, which was found to influence their motivations and approaches to care-giving, as well as their propensities towards the use of various supports and services. The study was carried out in southern Ontario, Canada, and participants were providing home-based care-giving in the community. Data were collected throughout 2010 and 2011. The ways in which care-giving was perceived and expressed are reflected in three themes: (i) Natural: identity and care work; (ii) Intentional: whole-person care; and (iii) Intensive: standards, struggle and the context of care. This research confirms the need for culturally-appropriate services and supports while illustrating that Vietnamese FCGs not only value, but are also likely to use healthcare and social services if they are language-accessible, built on trust and demonstrate respect for their values as individuals, regardless of culture. © 2014 The Authors. Health and Social Care in the Community published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. On Nash-Equilibria of Approximation-Stable Games

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Awasthi, Pranjal; Balcan, Maria-Florina; Blum, Avrim; Sheffet, Or; Vempala, Santosh

    One reason for wanting to compute an (approximate) Nash equilibrium of a game is to predict how players will play. However, if the game has multiple equilibria that are far apart, or ɛ-equilibria that are far in variation distance from the true Nash equilibrium strategies, then this prediction may not be possible even in principle. Motivated by this consideration, in this paper we define the notion of games that are approximation stable, meaning that all ɛ-approximate equilibria are contained inside a small ball of radius Δ around a true equilibrium, and investigate a number of their properties. Many natural small games such as matching pennies and rock-paper-scissors are indeed approximation stable. We show furthermore there exist 2-player n-by-n approximation-stable games in which the Nash equilibrium and all approximate equilibria have support Ω(log n). On the other hand, we show all (ɛ,Δ) approximation-stable games must have an ɛ-equilibrium of support O(Δ^{2-o(1)}/ɛ2{log n}), yielding an immediate n^{O(Δ^{2-o(1)}/ɛ^2log n)}-time algorithm, improving over the bound of [11] for games satisfying this condition. We in addition give a polynomial-time algorithm for the case that Δ and ɛ are sufficiently close together. We also consider an inverse property, namely that all non-approximate equilibria are far from some true equilibrium, and give an efficient algorithm for games satisfying that condition.

  8. SUNRISE: A SpaceFibre Router

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Parkes, Steve; McClements, Chris; McLaren, David; Florit, Albert Ferrer; Gonzalez Villafranca, Alberto

    2016-08-01

    SpaceFibre is a new generation of SpaceWire technology which is able to support the very high data- rates required by sensors like SAR and multi-spectral imagers. Data rates of between 1 and 16 Gbits/s are required to support several sensors currently being planned. In addition a mass-memory unit requires high performance networking to interconnect many memory modules. SpaceFibre runs over both electrical and fibre-optic media and provides and adds quality of service and fault detection, isolation and recovery technology to the network. SpaceFibre is compatible with the widely used SpaceWire protocol at the network level allowing existing SpaceWire devices to be readily incorporated into a SpaceFibre network. SpaceFibre provides 2 to 5 Gbits/s links (2.5 to 6.25 Gbits/s data signalling rate) which can be operated in parallel (multi-laning) to give higher data rates. STAR- Dundee with University of Dundee has designed and tested several SpaceFibre interface devices.The SUNRISE project is a UK Space Agency, Centre for Earth Observation and Space Technology (CEOI- ST) project in which STAR-Dundee and University of Dundee will design and prototype critical SpaceFibre router technology necessary for future on-board data- handling systems. This will lay a vital foundation for future very high data-rate sensor and telecommunications systems.This paper give a brief introduction to SpaceFibre, explains the operation of a SpaceFibre network, and then describes the SUNRISE SpaceFibre Router. The initial results of the SUNRISE project are described.

  9. Measuring Small Debris - What You Can't See Can Hurt You

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Matney, Mark

    2016-01-01

    While modeling gives us a tool to better understand the Earth orbit debris environment, it is measurements that give us "ground truth" about what is happening in space. Assets that can detect orbital debris remotely from the surface of the Earth, such as radars and telescopes, give us a statistical view of how debris are distributed in space, how they are being created, and how they are evolving over time. In addition, in situ detectors in space are giving us a better picture of how the small particle environment is actually damaging spacecraft today. IN addition, simulation experiments on the ground help us to understand what we are seeing in orbit. This talk will summarize the history of space debris measurements, how it has changed our view of the Earth orbit environment, and how we are designing the experiments of tomorrow.

  10. First Airborne IPDA Lidar Measurements of Methane and Carbon Dioxide Applying the DLR Greenhouse Gas Sounder CHARM-F

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Amediek, A.; Ehret, G.; Fix, A.; Wirth, M.; Quatrevalet, M.; Büdenbender, C.; Kiemle, C.; Loehring, J.; Gerbig, C.

    2015-12-01

    First airborne measurement using CHARM-F, the four-wavelengths lidar for simultaneous soundings of atmospheric CO2 and CH4, were performed in Spring 2015 onboard the German research aircraft HALO. The lidar is designed in the IPDA (integrated path differential absorption) configuration using short double pulses, which gives column averaged gas mixing ratios between aircraft and ground. HALO's maximum flight altitude of 15 km and special features of the lidar, such as a relatively large laser ground spot, enable the CHARM-F system to be an airborne demonstrator for future spaceborne greenhouse gas lidars. Due to a high technological conformity this applies in particular to the French-German satellite mission MERLIN, the spaceborne methane IPDA lidar. The successfully completed flight measurements provide a valuable dataset, which supports the retrieval algorithm development for MERLIN notably. The flights covered different ground cover types, different orography types as well as the sea. Additionally, we captured different cloud conditions, at which the broken cloud case is a matter of particular interest. This dataset allows detailed analyses of measurement sensitivities, general studies on the IPDA principle and on technical details of the system. These activities are supported by another instrument onboard: a cavity ring down spectrometer, providing in-situ data of carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor with high accuracy and precision, which is ideal for validation purposes of the lidar. Additionally the onboard instrumentation of HALO gives information about pressure and temperature for cross-checking the ECMWF data, which are intended to be used for calculating the weighting function, the key quantity for the retrieval of gas column mixing ratios from the measured gas optical depths. In combination with dedicated descents into the boundary layer and subsequent ascents, a self-contained dataset for characterizations of CHARM-F is available.

  11. Cleavage of sp3 C-O bonds via oxidative addition of C-H bonds.

    PubMed

    Choi, Jongwook; Choliy, Yuriy; Zhang, Xiawei; Emge, Thomas J; Krogh-Jespersen, Karsten; Goldman, Alan S

    2009-11-04

    (PCP)Ir (PCP = kappa(3)-C(6)H(3)-2,6-[CH(2)P(t-Bu)(2)](2)) is found to undergo oxidative addition of the methyl-oxygen bond of electron-poor methyl aryl ethers, including methoxy-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene and methoxypentafluorobenzene, to give the corresponding aryloxide complexes (PCP)Ir(CH(3))(OAr). Although the net reaction is insertion of the Ir center into the C-O bond, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and a significant kinetic isotope effect [k(CH(3))(OAr)/k(CD(3))(OAr) = 4.3(3)] strongly argue against a simple insertion mechanism and in favor of a pathway involving C-H addition and alpha-migration of the OAr group to give a methylene complex followed by hydride-to-methylene migration to give the observed product. Ethoxy aryl ethers, including ethoxybenzene, also undergo C-O bond cleavage by (PCP)Ir, but the net reaction in this case is 1,2-elimination of ArO-H to give (PCP)Ir(H)(OAr) and ethylene. DFT calculations point to a low-barrier pathway for this reaction that proceeds through C-H addition of the ethoxy methyl group followed by beta-aryl oxide elimination and loss of ethylene. Thus, both of these distinct C-O cleavage reactions proceed via initial addition of a C(sp(3))-H bond, despite the fact that such bonds are typically considered inert and are much stronger than C-O bonds.

  12. Surface transportation weather decision support requirements : advanced-integrated decision support using weather information for surface transportation decisions makers : draft (truncated*) version 1.0

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1997-09-19

    This report gives an overview of the National Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure Initiative (NITI). NITI refers to the integrated electronics, communications, and hardware and software elements that are available to support Intelligent Transpo...

  13. An examination of the impact of care giving styles (accommodation and skilful communication and support) on the one year outcome of adolescent anorexia nervosa: Testing the assumptions of the cognitive interpersonal model in anorexia nervosa.

    PubMed

    Salerno, Laura; Rhind, Charlotte; Hibbs, Rebecca; Micali, Nadia; Schmidt, Ulrike; Gowers, Simon; Macdonald, Pamela; Goddard, Elizabeth; Todd, Gillian; Lo Coco, Gianluca; Treasure, Janet

    2016-02-01

    The cognitive interpersonal model predicts that parental caregiving style will impact on the rate of improvement of anorexia nervosa symptoms. The study aims to examine whether the absolute levels and the relative congruence between mothers' and fathers' care giving styles influenced the rate of change of their children's symptoms of anorexia nervosa over 12 months. Triads (n=54) consisting of patients with anorexia nervosa and both of their parents were included in the study. Caregivers completed the Caregiver Skills scale and the Accommodation and Enabling Scale at intake. Patients completed the Short Evaluation of Eating Disorders at intake and at monthly intervals for one year. Polynomial Hierarchical Linear Modeling was used for the analysis. There is a person/dose dependant relationship between accommodation and patients' outcome, i.e. when both mother and father are highly accommodating outcome is poor, if either is highly accommodating outcome is intermediate and if both parents are low on accommodation outcome is good. Outcome is also good if both parents or mother alone have high levels of carer skills and poor if both have low levels of skills. Including only a sub-sample of an adolescent clinical population; not considering time spent care giving, and reporting patient's self-reported outcome data limits the generalisability of the current findings. Accommodating and enabling behaviours by family members can serve to maintain eating disorder behaviours. However, skilful behaviours particularly by mothers, can aid recovery. Clinical interventions to optimise care giving skills and to reduce accommodation by both parents may be an important addition to treatment for anorexia nervosa. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. STEM Symposium

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2012-02-28

    Woodrow Whitlow, NASA Associate Administrator, Mission Support Directorate, gives opening remarks at the Symposium on Supporting Underrepresented Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

  15. 28 CFR 115.53 - Inmate access to outside confidential support services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... outside victim advocates for emotional support services related to sexual abuse by giving inmates mailing... confidential emotional support services related to sexual abuse. The agency shall maintain copies of agreements... monitored and the extent to which reports of abuse will be forwarded to authorities in accordance with...

  16. 28 CFR 115.53 - Inmate access to outside confidential support services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... outside victim advocates for emotional support services related to sexual abuse by giving inmates mailing... confidential emotional support services related to sexual abuse. The agency shall maintain copies of agreements... monitored and the extent to which reports of abuse will be forwarded to authorities in accordance with...

  17. 28 CFR 115.53 - Inmate access to outside confidential support services.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... outside victim advocates for emotional support services related to sexual abuse by giving inmates mailing... confidential emotional support services related to sexual abuse. The agency shall maintain copies of agreements... monitored and the extent to which reports of abuse will be forwarded to authorities in accordance with...

  18. Views from inside the "Black Box": A Q-Methodology Study of Mentoring Support for Entrepreneurs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stanigar, Jennifer Jill

    2016-01-01

    Aspiring entrepreneurs give and receive support in growth-fostering interactions with seasoned entrepreneurs, mentors, peers, and others. This dissertation investigates viewpoints held by entrepreneurs about their experiences of effective mentoring support. Little is known about how an entrepreneur learns through interacting with different…

  19. Mechanistic studies on covalent assemblies of metal-mediated hemi-aminal ethers† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. CCDC 1018457. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c4sc02495h Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file.

    PubMed Central

    Jo, Hyun Hwa; Edupuganti, Ramakrishna; You, Lei; Dalby, Kevin N.

    2015-01-01

    The use of reversible covalent bonding in a four-component assembly incorporating chiral alcohols was recently reported to give a method for determining the enantiomeric excess of the alcohols via CD spectroscopy. Experiments that probe the mechanism of this assembly, which consists of 2-formylpyridine (2-PA), dipicolylamine (DPA), Zn(ii) and alcohols to yield zinc complexes of tren-like ligands, are presented. The studies focus upon the mechanism of conversion of a hemi-aminal (1) to a hemi-aminal ether (3), thereby incorporating the fourth component. It was found that molecular sieves along with 3 to 4 equivalents of alcohol are required to drive the conversion of 1 to 3. Attempts to isolate an intermediate in this reaction via addition of strong Lewis acids led to the discovery of a five-membered ring pyridinium salt (5), but upon exposure to Zn(ii) and alcohols gave different products to the assembly. This was interpreted to support the intermediacy of an iminium species. Kinetic studies reveal that the conversion of 1 to 3 is zero-order in alcohol in large excesses of alcohol, supporting rate-determining formation of an intermediate prior to reaction with alcohol. Further, the magnitudes of the rate constants for interconversion of 1 and 3 are similar, supporting the notion that there are similar rate-determining steps (rds) for the forward and reverse reactions. Hammett plots show that the rds involves creation of a negative charge (interpreted as the loss of positive charge), supporting the notion that the decomplexation of Zn(ii) from the assemblies to generate apo-forms of 1 and 3 is rate-determining. The individual mechanistic conclusions are combined to create a qualitative reaction coordinate diagram for the interconversion of 1 and 3. PMID:25530834

  20. Using Classification Trees to Predict Alumni Giving for Higher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weerts, David J.; Ronca, Justin M.

    2009-01-01

    As the relative level of public support for higher education declines, colleges and universities aim to maximize alumni-giving to keep their programs competitive. Anchored in a utility maximization framework, this study employs the classification and regression tree methodology to examine characteristics of alumni donors and non-donors at a…

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH EFFECTS FROM INDUSTRIAL AMINES PRODUCTION, A PRELIMINARY EVALUATIVE APPROACH. VOLUME 2: APPENDICES

    EPA Science Inventory

    The volume gives five appendices in support of a report giving results of a study to assess the degree to which available data on health effects of chemical exposure, data from the National Cancer Institute, and information on production and use of classes of chemicals suspected ...

  2. Influences on Participation in a University Faculty and Staff Annual Giving Campaign

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Knight, William E.

    2004-01-01

    As tuition and state support become increasingly constrained, private fund raising is becoming an ever more important source of institutional revenue. Internal faculty and staff giving campaigns are a key part of fund-raising efforts. This study, carried out at a mid-sized, state-assisted, Midwestern university, provided critical information about…

  3. Give Me Liberty or Give Me Brick

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gratto, Fred

    2009-01-01

    Universities want a lot of things such as high quality students, excellent faculty, supportive alumni, high quality academic programs, a great football team, a beautiful campus, and a good reputation. They also want students to learn. One typically thinks of learning as taking place only in classrooms but research has confirmed that students…

  4. The Costs and Benefits of Deferred Giving.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fink, Norman S.; Metzler, Howard C.

    It is argued in this book that while there can be a significant payoff for deferred giving programs, it is important to determine their cost effectiveness. Modern business methods of cost accounting, benefits analysis, and actuarial and econometric forecasting are applied to the Pomona College plan, whose study was supported by Lilly Endowment,…

  5. Facial Specialty. Teacher Edition. Cosmetology Series.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Oklahoma State Dept. of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

    This publication is one of a series of curriculum guides designed to direct and support instruction in vocational cosmetology programs in the State of Oklahoma. It contains seven units for the facial specialty: identifying enemies of the skin, using aromatherapy on the skin, giving facials without the aid of machines, giving facials with the aid…

  6. Stronger Bonds: Six Building Blocks for a Better Alumni Giving Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Skari, Lisa; Ullman, Ellen

    2012-01-01

    Community colleges for a long time have operated under the misguided assumption that they should not waste time or resources prospecting and cultivating their alumni in hopes of generating philanthropic support. How could two-year colleges possibly compete with the success of alumni giving at four-year universities--with their selective admissions…

  7. Regression Analysis of Top of Descent Location for Idle-thrust Descents

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stell, Laurel; Bronsvoort, Jesper; McDonald, Greg

    2013-01-01

    In this paper, multiple regression analysis is used to model the top of descent (TOD) location of user-preferred descent trajectories computed by the flight management system (FMS) on over 1000 commercial flights into Melbourne, Australia. The independent variables cruise altitude, final altitude, cruise Mach, descent speed, wind, and engine type were also recorded or computed post-operations. Both first-order and second-order models are considered, where cross-validation, hypothesis testing, and additional analysis are used to compare models. This identifies the models that should give the smallest errors if used to predict TOD location for new data in the future. A model that is linear in TOD altitude, final altitude, descent speed, and wind gives an estimated standard deviation of 3.9 nmi for TOD location given the trajec- tory parameters, which means about 80% of predictions would have error less than 5 nmi in absolute value. This accuracy is better than demonstrated by other ground automation predictions using kinetic models. Furthermore, this approach would enable online learning of the model. Additional data or further knowl- edge of algorithms is necessary to conclude definitively that no second-order terms are appropriate. Possible applications of the linear model are described, including enabling arriving aircraft to fly optimized descents computed by the FMS even in congested airspace. In particular, a model for TOD location that is linear in the independent variables would enable decision support tool human-machine interfaces for which a kinetic approach would be computationally too slow.

  8. New solutions for personalised health management: citizens' needs, healthcare changes, and market perspectives round table debate.

    PubMed

    Olsson, Silas; Hofmann, Isa; Brambilla, Piero Maria; Jacobsson, Ulf; Kennedy, Paul; Roca, Josep; Schmitt, Karl-Jürgen; Wyke, Alexandra

    2004-01-01

    The aim with the round table was to give additional inputs and views to the specific technology oriented presentations focusing on issues dealing with the need, patients' view, the use and the business opportunities relating to wearable eHealth systems for personalised health management. Wearable eHealth systems for personalised health management are targeting citizens, patients at health risks and patients enrolled in open care or home care for monitoring, treatment or follow up. The developments so far show promises for these group categories, and in addition, could support developments in health care organisations and systems. However, the ethical issues and data privacy nature have to be seriously taken into account. The market is not yet developed, and this is the situation both in Europe and in the US. To be able to give the customers solid product information a standardised test bed for new equipment and services might speed up the market development. In the round table discussion it was highlighted that one has to differ between needs and demands. Needs are related to the prevalence of the diseases, the health risks, etc. Demands are more related to market developments and customers' willingness to pay for the new products and services. Further, technical interoperability was seen as a fundamental prerequisite for market acceptance. As wearable eHealth systems for personalised health management differ completely from traditional way of deliver healthcare, new reimbursement systems have to be developed and implemented.

  9. Managing Risk in Safety Critical Operations - Lessons Learned from Space Operations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gonzalez, Steven A.

    2002-01-01

    The Mission Control Center (MCC) at Johnson Space Center (JSC) has a rich legacy of supporting Human Space Flight operations throughout the Apollo, Shuttle and International Space Station eras. Through the evolution of ground operations and the Mission Control Center facility, NASA has gained a wealth of experience of what it takes to manage the risk in Safety Critical Operations, especially when human life is at risk. The focus of the presentation will be on the processes (training, operational rigor, team dynamics) that enable the JSC/MCC team to be so successful. The presentation will also share the evolution of the Mission Control Center architecture and how the evolution was introduced while managing the risk to the programs supported by the team. The details of the MCC architecture (e.g., the specific software, hardware or tools used in the facility) will not be shared at the conference since it would not give any additional insight as to how risk is managed in Space Operations.

  10. "You Get More Than You Give": Experiences of Community Partners in Facilitating Active Recreation with Individuals who have Complex Communication Needs.

    PubMed

    Hajjar, David J; McCarthy, John W; Benigno, Joann P; Chabot, Jennifer

    2016-06-01

    Recreation is an essential part of life that provides enriching experiences that may define one's life course similar to careers or other interests. An understanding of the role of volunteers in active community-based recreational programs can help to generate ways to enhance participation and contribute to additional communication opportunities with people who have complex communication needs. Nine volunteers from two adaptive ski programs and one therapeutic horseback-riding program in the Northeast region of the United States participated in semi-structured interviews. Audio-recordings were transcribed and analyzed and resulted in five thematic areas: (a) benefits, (b) why individuals volunteer, (c) barriers, (d) successful program supports, and (e) who are the riders and skiers using AAC. The findings provided insight to support the notion that active community-based recreational activities foster an environment for communication, meaningful engagement, and social relationships between volunteers and people with complex communication needs.

  11. Death and caring for dying patients: exploring first-year nursing students' descriptive experiences.

    PubMed

    Ek, Kristina; Westin, Lars; Prahl, Charlotte; Osterlind, Jane; Strang, Susann; Bergh, Ingrid; Hammarlund, Kina

    2014-10-01

    To describe first-year nursing students' experiences of witnessing death and providing end-of-life care. This study is part of a larger longitudinal project. Interviews (n=17) were conducted with nursing students at the end of their first year of education. To analyse the interviews (lived-experience descriptions), a thematic analysis, 'a search for meaning' ( Van Manen, 1997 ) was applied. The results are presented within the framework of four separate themes: (1) The thought of death is more frightening than the actual experience, (2) Daring to approach the dying patient and offering something of oneself, (3) The experience of not sufficing in the face of death and (4) Being confronted with one's own feelings. Nursing students require continuous support and opportunity to reflect and discuss their experiences about caring for dying patients and confronting death throughout the entirety of their education. In addition, teachers and clinical supervisors need to give support using reflective practice to help students to develop confidence in their capacity for caring for dying patients.

  12. A Verbal Guidance System for Severe Disabled People

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Redjati, Abdelghani; Bousbia-Salah, Mounir

    2008-06-01

    The recent development in rehabilitation technology allows to significantly broaden the range of possible applications that support handicapped people in their daily lives. This paper presents a moral and physical support for the disabled. It consists in the development of a verbal guidance system based on a speech recognition development kit `VD364'. This aid is intended to control a wheelchair and a manipulator arm for people with severe disabilities and who can speak. The study and design, conducted in the framework of this contribution have enabled an adaptation for a possible application and maximum exploitation of words that can be generated by a vocal module. The problem addressed is to allow a manipulator arm to compensate mechanically arm movements to give the handicapped satisfaction of his needs (for instance, drinking a glass of water). The objective is then to put forward a vocal command system that allows the arm to move in a well determined area to accomplish tasks that must be given by the user in addition to the displacement of the wheelchair.

  13. Enhancing patient freedom in rehabilitation robotics using gaze-based intention detection.

    PubMed

    Novak, Domen; Riener, Robert

    2013-06-01

    Several design strategies for rehabilitation robotics have aimed to improve patients' experiences using motivating and engaging virtual environments. This paper presents a new design strategy: enhancing patient freedom with a complex virtual environment that intelligently detects patients' intentions and supports the intended actions. A 'virtual kitchen' scenario has been developed in which many possible actions can be performed at any time, allowing patients to experiment and giving them more freedom. Remote eye tracking is used to detect the intended action and trigger appropriate support by a rehabilitation robot. This approach requires no additional equipment attached to the patient and has a calibration time of less than a minute. The system was tested on healthy subjects using the ARMin III arm rehabilitation robot. It was found to be technically feasible and usable by healthy subjects. However, the intention detection algorithm should be improved using better sensor fusion, and clinical tests with patients are needed to evaluate the system's usability and potential therapeutic benefits.

  14. Morphological and biomechanical analysis of a skeleton from Roman imperial necropolis of Casalecchio di Reno (Bologna, Italy, II-III c. A. D.). A possible case of crutch use.

    PubMed

    Belcastro, M G; Mariotti, V

    2000-12-01

    A Roman skeleton (T.130) from the roman necropolis of Casalecchio di Reno has been studied in order to understand if the hypothesis of crutch use, suggested by the severe articular degeneration at the hip joint that caused evident reduction of his locomotory possibilities, could be supported by the morphological alterations of other bones and joints. The pathological changes and muscular development of the upper limbs and shoulder girdle bones suggest that these parts were submitted to a great mechanical stress. The observations are consistent with the hypothesis of crutch use that would have involved a new weight-bearing function of the upper limbs in order to help locomotion, even though it is difficult to assess the number and type of the crutches. The comparison with other possible cases of crutch use reported in literature gives an additional support to the interpretation of the findings.

  15. Field and laboratory determination of a poly(vinyl/vinylidene chloride) additive in brick mortar.

    PubMed

    Law, S L; Newman, J H; Ptak, F L

    1990-02-01

    A polymerized vinyl/vinylidene chloride additive, used in brick mortar during the 60s and 70s, is detected at the building site by the field method, which employs a commercially available chloride test strip. The field test results can then be verified by the laboratory methods. In one method, total chlorine in the mortar is determined by an oxygen-bomb method and the additive chloride is determined by difference after water-soluble chlorides have been determined on a separate sample. In the second method, the polymerized additive is extracted directly from the mortar with tetrahydrofuran (THF). The difference in weight before and after extraction of the additive gives the weight of additive in the mortar. Evaporation of the THF from the extract leaves a thin film of the polymer, which gives an infrared "fingerprint" spectrum characteristic of the additive polymer.

  16. Improving low health literacy and patient engagement: A social ecological approach.

    PubMed

    McCormack, Lauren; Thomas, Veronica; Lewis, Megan A; Rudd, Rima

    2017-01-01

    This article posits four principal objectives related to the overarching goal of broadening the conceptualization of health literacy. We propose a social ecological approach to health literacy and patient engagement by illustrating how this multilevel approach offers an array of strategic options for interventions. A social ecological approach supports a broader understanding of health literacy that aligns with increased patient engagement. The ecological model highlights the importance of context, demonstrates how health literacy and patient engagement are inextricably connected, and gives rise to strategies to enhance them both. We illustrate the five multilevel intervention strategies for addressing low health literacy and promoting patient engagement: accumulation, amplification, facilitation, cascade, and convergence strategies. In addition, we provide a theoretical foundation to facilitate the development of interventions to enhance health literacy and ultimately increase patient engagement. The practice implications of adopting a broader social ecological perspective to address low health literacy shifts the field from thinking about individual educational interventions to how individual interventions may be augmented or supported by interventions at additional levels of influence. The potential benefit of adopting a multilevel intervention approach is that combining interventions could produce synergies that are greater than interventions that only utilize one level of influence. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. The role of support groups in facilitating families in coping with a genetic condition and in discussion of genetic risk information

    PubMed Central

    Plumridge, Gillian; Metcalfe, Alison; Coad, Jane; Gill, Paramjit

    2011-01-01

    Abstract Background  Giving children and young people information about genetic conditions and associated risk has been shown to be important to their identity, coping and decision making. Parents, however, find talking to their children difficult, and support from health professionals is often not available to them. Objective  To explore the role of support groups in family coping, and in assisting parents’ communication about risk with children in families affected by an inherited genetic condition. Methods  Semi‐structured interviews analysed using grounded theory and informed by models focusing on aspects of family communication. Participants  Affected and unaffected children and their parents, from families affected by one of six genetic conditions, that represent different patterns of inheritance, and variations in age of onset, life expectancy and impact on families. Results  Parents often sought support they did not receive elsewhere from support groups. They identified benefits, but also potential disadvantages to this involvement. These related to the specific condition and also whether groups were run solely by parents or had professional input. Support groups rarely helped directly with family communication, but attendance often stimulated family discussion, and they provided information that improved parents’ confidence in discussing the condition. Conclusions  Support groups should be seen only as additional to the support offered by health and social care professionals. An increased understanding of the role of support groups in assisting families with genetic conditions has been highlighted, but further work is needed to explore more fully how this may be made more sustainable and far‐reaching. PMID:21332619

  18. Effect of Electromechanical Properties in Mn-doped BaTiO3

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takenaka, Hiroyuki; Cohen, R. E.

    Experimental studies reported that Mn doping in BaTiO3 could improve their electromechanical properties. In addition, ageing process gives rise to a significant reversible strain effect. Performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we find that Mn dopant with oxygen vacancy induces local electric field of 20 MV/m in 2x2x2 (39 atom) supercell. In order to understand effects of the electromechanical properties from phenomenological point of view, we optimize electric enthalpies in Landau-Devonshire model, parametrized from DFT results, under applying electric fields. We show dielectric constant and piezoelectric coefficients from the optimized polarization paths. supported by ONR, the ERC Advanced Grant ToMCaT, and the Carnegie Institution for Science.

  19. Comparison of requirements and capabilities of major multipurpose software packages.

    PubMed

    Igo, Robert P; Schnell, Audrey H

    2012-01-01

    The aim of this chapter is to introduce the reader to commonly used software packages and illustrate their input requirements, analysis options, strengths, and limitations. We focus on packages that perform more than one function and include a program for quality control, linkage, and association analyses. Additional inclusion criteria were (1) programs that are free to academic users and (2) currently supported, maintained, and developed. Using those criteria, we chose to review three programs: Statistical Analysis for Genetic Epidemiology (S.A.G.E.), PLINK, and Merlin. We will describe the required input format and analysis options. We will not go into detail about every possible program in the packages, but we will give an overview of the packages requirements and capabilities.

  20. Dedollarization in Turkey after decades of dollarization: A myth or reality?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Metin-Özcan, Kıvılcım; Us, Vuslat

    2007-11-01

    The paper analyzes dollarization in the Turkish economy given the evidence on dedollarization signals. On conducting a Vector Autoregression (VAR) model, the empirical evidence suggests that dollarization has mostly been shaped by macroeconomic imbalances as measured by exchange rate depreciation volatility, inflation volatility and expectations. Furthermore, the generalized impulse response function (IRF) analysis, in addition to the analysis of variance decomposition (VDC) gives support to the notion that dollarization seems to sustain its persistent nature, thus hysteresis still prevails. Hence, unfavorable macroeconomic conditions apparently contribute to dollarization while dollarization itself contains inertia. Furthermore, dedollarization that presumably started after 2001 has lost headway after May 2006. Thus, it seems too early to conclude that dollarization changed its route to dedollarization.

  1. The role of the parahippocampal cortex in cognition

    PubMed Central

    Aminoff, Elissa M.; Kveraga, Kestutis; Bar, Moshe

    2013-01-01

    The parahippocampal cortex (PHC) has been associated with many cognitive processes, including visuospatial processing and episodic memory. To characterize the role of PHC in cognition a framework is required that unifies these disparate processes. An overarching account was proposed, whereby the PHC is part of a network of brain regions that processes contextual associations. Contextual associations are the principal element underlying many higher-level cognitive processes, and thus are suitable for unifying the PHC literature. Recent findings are reviewed that provide support for the contextual associations account of PHC function. In addition to reconciling a vast breadth of literature, the synthesis presented expands the implications of the proposed account and gives rise to new and general questions about context and cognition. PMID:23850264

  2. Keynote presentation: Looking for Zebras When There Are Only Horses (Abstract)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Conti, D. M.

    2018-06-01

    (Abstract only) How many times have each of us thought we had made a "scientific discovery" only to realize that we were the victim of our own operational, instrumentation, or processing errors? With amateur astronomers contributing more and more to pro/am collaborations, the quality and credibility of our participation is becoming even more important. This keynote presentation will review some of the common pitfalls in producing research-grade photometry results and will give examples of some "horses" that we thought were really "zebras." In addition, it will present some procedures and new techniques for obtaining higher precision photometry. These will be especially useful in helping amateur astronomers better identify false positives in support of the upcoming TESS exoplanet mission.

  3. The tert-butyl cation on zeolite Y: A theoretical and experimental study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rosenbach, Nilton, Jr.; dos Santos, Alex P. A.; Franco, Marcelo; Mota, Claudio J. A.

    2010-01-01

    The structure and energy of the tert-butyl cation on zeolite Y were calculated at ONIOM(MP2(FULL)/6-31G( d, p):MNDO) level. The results indicated that the tert-butyl cation is a minimum and lies between 40 and 51 kJ mol -1 above in energy to the tert-butoxide, depending on the level of calculation. Both species are stabilized through hydrogen bonding interactions with the framework oxygen atoms. Experimental data of nucleophilic substitution of tert-butylchloride and bromide over NaY impregnated with NaCl or NaBr give additional support for the formation of the tert-butyl cation as a discrete intermediate on zeolite Y, in agreement with the calculations.

  4. Further studies on the quaternary structure of yeast casein kinase II.

    PubMed

    Szyszka, R; Lopaczyński, W; Gałasiński, W; Grankowski, N; Gasior, E

    1986-01-01

    Casein kinase type II were isolated by the same procedure, from rat liver, human placenta, Querin carcinoma and yeast, and characterized. The mammalian enzymes were composed of three subunits alpha, alpha' and beta, whereas yeast kinase was composed of two subunits alpha and alpha'. It was shown that the catalytic activity, substrate and phosphate donor specificity, sensitivity to heparin and spermine were the same for all the kinases tested. The results give additional support to the suggestion [1] that the beta subunit is not required for optimal activity and specificity of yeast casein kinase II. The quaternary structure of the yeast enzyme of a molecular weight of approximately 150 000 is proposed as alpha2 alpha'2.

  5. Process and design considerations for high-efficiency solar cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rohati, A.; Rai-Choudhury, P.

    1985-01-01

    This paper shows that oxide surface passivation coupled with optimum multilayer anti-reflective coating can provide approx. 3% (absolute) improvement in solar cell efficiency. Use of single-layer AR coating, without passivation, gives cell efficiencies in the range of 15 to 15.5% on high-quality, 4 ohm-cm as well as 0.1 to 0.2 ohm-cm float-zone silicon. Oxide surface passivation alone raises the cell efficiency to or = 17%. An optimum double-layer AR coating on oxide-passivated cells provides an additional approx. 5 to 10% improvement over a single-layer AR-coated cell, resulting in cell efficiencies in excess of 18%. Experimentally observed improvements are supported by model calculations and an approach to or = 20% efficient cells is discussed.

  6. Computer-aided decision support systems for endoscopy in the gastrointestinal tract: a review.

    PubMed

    Liedlgruber, Michael; Uhl, Andreas

    2011-01-01

    Today, medical endoscopy is a widely used procedure to inspect the inner cavities of the human body. The advent of endoscopic imaging techniques-allowing the acquisition of images or videos-created the possibility for the development of the whole new branch of computer-aided decision support systems. Such systems aim at helping physicians to identify possibly malignant abnormalities more accurately. At the beginning of this paper, we give a brief introduction to the history of endoscopy, followed by introducing the main types of endoscopes which emerged so far (flexible endoscope, wireless capsule endoscope, and confocal laser endomicroscope). We then give a brief introduction to computer-aided decision support systems specifically targeted at endoscopy in the gastrointestinal tract. Then we present general facts and figures concerning computer-aided decision support systems and summarize work specifically targeted at computer-aided decision support in the gastrointestinal tract. This summary is followed by a discussion of some common issues concerning the approaches reviewed and suggestions of possible ways to resolve them.

  7. Evaluating ecological equivalence of created marshes: comparing structural indicators with stable isotope indicators of blue crab trophic support

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Llewellyn, Chris; LaPeyre, Megan K.

    2010-01-01

    This study sought to examine ecological equivalence of created marshes of different ages using traditional structural measures of equivalence, and tested a relatively novel approach using stable isotopes as a measure of functional equivalence. We compared soil properties, vegetation, nekton communities, and δ13C and δ15N isotope values of blue crab muscle and hepatopancreas tissue and primary producers at created (5-24 years old) and paired reference marshes in SW Louisiana. Paired contrasts indicated that created and reference marshes supported equivalent plant and nekton communities, but differed in soil characteristics. Stable isotope indicators examining blue crab food web support found that the older marshes (8 years+) were characterized by comparable trophic diversity and breadth compared to their reference marshes. Interpretation of results for the youngest site was confounded by the fact that the paired reference, which represented the desired end goal of restoration, contained a greater diversity of basal resources. Stable isotope techniques may give coastal managers an additional tool to assess functional equivalency of created marshes, as measured by trophic support, but may be limited to comparisons of marshes with similar vegetative communities and basal resources, or require the development of robust standardization techniques.

  8. Freestanding midwifery units versus obstetric units: does the effect of place of birth differ with level of social disadvantage?

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Social inequity in perinatal and maternal health is a well-documented health problem even in countries with a high level of social equality. We aimed to study whether the effect of birthplace on perinatal and maternal morbidity, birth interventions and use of pain relief among low risk women intending to give birth in two freestanding midwifery units (FMU) versus two obstetric units in Denmark differed by level of social disadvantage. Methods The study was designed as a cohort study with a matched control group. It included 839 low-risk women intending to give birth in an FMU, who were prospectively and individually matched on nine selected obstetric/socio-economic factors to 839 low-risk women intending OU birth. Educational level was chosen as a proxy for social position. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Results Women intending to give birth in an FMU had a significantly higher likelihood of uncomplicated, spontaneous birth with good outcomes for mother and infant compared to women intending to give birth in an OU. The likelihood of intact perineum, use of upright position for birth and water birth was also higher. No difference was found in perinatal morbidity or third/fourth degree tears, while birth interventions including caesarean section and epidural analgesia were significantly less frequent among women intending to give birth in an FMU. In our sample of healthy low-risk women with spontaneous onset of labour at term after an uncomplicated pregnancy, the positive results of intending to give birth in an FMU as compared to an OU were found to hold for both women with post-secondary education and the potentially vulnerable group of FMU women without post-secondary education. In all cases, women without post-secondary education intending to give birth in an FMU had comparable and, in some respects, more favourable outcomes when compared to women with the same level of education intending to give birth in an OU. In this sample of low-risk women, we found that the effect of intended place on birth outcomes did not differ with women’s level of education. Conclusion FMU care appears to offer important benefits for birthing women with no additional risk to the infant. Both for women with and without post-secondary education, intending to give birth in an FMU significantly increased the likelihood of a spontaneous, uncomplicated birth with good outcomes for mother and infant compared to women intending to give birth in an OU. All women should be provided with adequate information about different care models and supported in making an informed decision about the place of birth. PMID:22726575

  9. Social Motivation: Costs and Benefits of Selfishness and Otherishness.

    PubMed

    Crocker, Jennifer; Canevello, Amy; Brown, Ashley A

    2017-01-03

    We examine recent evidence on the consequences of selfishness and otherishness for psychological well-being, physical health, and relationships. In the first sections, we consider recent evidence regarding the costs and benefits of giving time, money, and support to others and the costs and benefits of taking or receiving those things from others. Then, because the behaviors of giving and taking can be motivated either by selfish or otherish concerns, we next consider the costs and benefits of the motivation underlying giving and taking. We also examine why and for whom selfishness and otherishness have consequences for psychological well-being, physical health, and relationships. We focus on mechanisms identified in research, including intrapsychic mechanisms such as positive and negative affect, self-esteem and self-efficacy, a sense of meaning and purpose in life, and a sense of connectedness to or isolation from others, as well as interpersonal processes such as reciprocation of support and responsiveness.

  10. The contributions of family care-givers at end of life: A national post-bereavement census survey of cancer carers' hours of care and expenditures.

    PubMed

    Rowland, Christine; Hanratty, Barbara; Pilling, Mark; van den Berg, Bernard; Grande, Gunn

    2017-04-01

    Family members provide vital care at end of life, enabling patients to remain at home. Such informal care contributes significantly to the economy while supporting patients' preferences and government policy. However, the value of care-givers' contributions is often underestimated or overlooked in evaluations. Without information on the activities and expenditures involved in informal care-giving, it is impossible to provide an accurate assessment of carers' contribution to end-of-life care. The aim of this study was to investigate the contributions and expenditure of informal, family care-giving in end-of-life cancer care. A national census survey of English cancer carers was conducted. Survey packs were mailed to 5271 people who registered the death of a relative to cancer during 1-16 May 2015. Data were collected on decedents' health and situation, care support given, financial expenditure resulting from care, carer well-being and general background information. In all, 1504 completed surveys were returned (28.5%). Over 90% of respondents reported spending time on care-giving in the last 3 months of the decedent's life, contributing a median 69 h 30 min of care-giving each week. Those who reported details of expenditure (72.5%) spent a median £370 in the last 3 months of the decedent's life. Carers contribute a great deal of time and money for day-to-day support and care of patients. This study has yielded a unique, population-level data set of end-of-life care-giving and future analyses will provide estimates of the economic value of family care-givers' contributions.

  11. Visual function affects prosocial behaviors in older adults.

    PubMed

    Teoli, Dac A; Smith, Merideth D; Leys, Monique J; Jain, Priyanka; Odom, J Vernon

    2016-02-01

    Eye-related pathological conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration commonly lead to decreased peripheral/central field, decreased visual acuity, and increased functional disability. We sought to answer if relationships exist between measures of visual function and reported prosocial behaviors in an older adult population with eye-related diagnoses. The sample consisted of adults, aged ≥ 60 years old, at an academic hospital's eye institute. Vision ranged from normal to severe impairment. Medical charts determined the visual acuities, ocular disease, duration of disease (DD), and visual fields (VF). Measures of giving help were via validated questionnaires on giving formal support (GFS) and giving informal support; measures of help received were perceived support (PS) and informal support received (ISR). ISR had subscales: tangible support (ISR-T), emotional support (ISR-E), and composite (ISR-C). Visual acuities of the better and worse seeing eyes were converted to LogMAR values. VF information converted to a 4-point rating scale of binocular field loss severity. DD was in years. Among 96 participants (mean age 73.28; range 60-94), stepwise regression indicated a relationship of visual variables to GFS (p < 0.05; Multiple R (2) = 0.1679 with acuity-better eye, VF rating, and DD), PS (p < 0.05; Multiple R (2) = 0.2254 with acuity-better eye), ISR-C (p < 0.05; Multiple R (2) = 0.041 with acuity-better eye), and ISR-T (p < 0.05; Multiple R (2) = 0.1421 with acuity-better eye). The findings suggest eye-related conditions can impact levels and perceptions of support exchanges. Our data reinforces the importance of visual function as an influence on prosocial behavior in older adults.

  12. Response expectancy versus response hope in predicting birth-related emotional distress and pain.

    PubMed

    Anton, Raluca; David, Daniel

    2013-01-01

    Response expectancies and response hopes have been shown to be two distinct constructs with important implications for nonvolitional outcomes. More specifically, studies show that response expectancies: (1) are sufficient to cause nonvolitional outcomes, (2) are not mediated by other psychological variables, and (3) are self-confirming while seemingly automatic. A new programmatic research line has differentiated between people's response expectancies and their response hopes regarding nonvolitional outcomes and showed that even if response hope and response expectancy are separate constructs, they are not unrelated. These concepts have not yet been studied in pregnant women. Moreover, determining the causal factors that best explain the variance of emotional distress and pain in pregnancy is of great importance. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the interrelations between response expectancy and response hope in pregnant women with respect to (1) emotional distress prior to giving birth and (2) pain during giving birth. Additionally, self-reported labor hours were analyzed as a secondary outcome. Results show that response expectancy for pain directly predicts pain, and that the discrepancy between response hopes and response expectancies is a strong predictor of investigated outcomes. Thus, our results support the idea that preventive psychological interventions for pregnant women should emphasize adjusting response expectancies and response hopes regarding the pain and emotional distress associated with giving birth. We believe that the results have both theoretical and practical implications and the topic deserves further investigation.

  13. PIV Measurements of Full-Scale UH-60A Tip Vortices

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yamauchi, Gloria K.

    2012-01-01

    The following presentation will give a description on experiments like installation, PIV measurements, and test conditions. It will also be giving the status of data processing, as well as, preliminary results. In addition, plans and present papers will also be discussed.

  14. Giving Leads to Happiness in Young Children

    PubMed Central

    Aknin, Lara B.; Hamlin, J. Kiley; Dunn, Elizabeth W.

    2012-01-01

    Evolutionary models of cooperation require proximate mechanisms that sustain prosociality despite inherent costs to individuals. The “warm glow” that often follows prosocial acts could provide one such mechanism; if so, these emotional benefits may be observable very early in development. Consistent with this hypothesis, the present study finds that before the age of two, toddlers exhibit greater happiness when giving treats to others than receiving treats themselves. Further, children are happier after engaging in costly giving – forfeiting their own resources – than when giving the same treat at no cost. By documenting the emotionally rewarding properties of costly prosocial behavior among toddlers, this research provides initial support for the claim that experiencing positive emotions when giving to others is a proximate mechanism for human cooperation. PMID:22720078

  15. Addition reaction of methyl cinnamate with 2-amino-4- nitrophenol

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suryanti, Venty; Rakhman Wibowo, Fajar; Pranoto; Robingatun Isnaeni, Siti; Ratna Kumala Sari, Meiyanti; Handayani, Sekar

    2016-02-01

    A novel compound which have one N-H fragment and nitrophenyl group has been designed and synthesized from cinnamaldehyde. The reaction was conducted in 3 step reactions to give the final product. Firstly, cinnamaldehyde was converted into cinnamic acid, which was then esterified with methyl alcohol to obtained methyl cinnamate. The last step was the addition reaction between methyl cinnamate and 2-amino-4-nitrophenol to give a cinnamaldehyde derivative, namely methyl-3-(2-hidroksi-5-nitrophenyl amino)-3- phenylpropanoate.

  16. Male Students Give Voice to Supportive Campus Environments: A Qualitative Case Study of Undergraduate STEM Majors

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Amon, Julie L.

    2010-01-01

    Research supports the importance of student engagement in enhancing student learning, success, and various desirable educational outcomes. In the last decade, the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) has been the primary instrument through which student engagement has been explored. "Supportive Campus Environment", one of the…

  17. Online Academic Support Peer Groups for Medical Undergraduates

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Best, Avril Christine

    2012-01-01

    As advances in information and communication technologies give way to more innovative opportunities for teaching and learning at a distance, the need to provide supporting structures for online students similar to those offered to on-campus students is becoming more significant. Although a range of support services has been proposed in the past,…

  18. STEM TIPS: Supporting the Beginning Secondary STEM Teacher

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Griff; Dana, Thomas; LaFramenta, Joanne; Adams, Thomasenia Lott; Arnold, Jason Dean

    2016-01-01

    The STEM TIPS mobile-ready support platform gives institutions or school districts the ability to provide immediate and customized mentoring to teachers through multiple tiers of web-based support and resources. Using the results of a needs assessment, STEM TIPS was created and launched in partnership with 18 Florida school districts. Further…

  19. A short guide to giving bad news.

    PubMed

    Mitchell, Jeffrey T

    2008-01-01

    Approaching an individual or a family with bad news, but without an appropriate plan to present the information in a structured manner, is almost a guarantee of greater emotional pain and disruption for the recipients of the news. Crisis interveners must develop a strategic plan for the announcement of bad news. That plan should entail a lead-up phase, a transmission phase, and a followup phase. The lead-up phase encompasses the gathering of accurate, verifiable information and the clear identification of the targets of the information. The transmission phase includes immediate preparation for the presentation of the information, the actual announcement, and the presentation of additional details as questions arise. The follow-up phase includes a range of supportive interventions to assist people in the immediate crisis reaction. It also includes a system of referrals for people who might benefit from additional professional care. This article provides practical guidelines for providing bad news to the loved ones of injured, ill, or deceased people.

  20. Axial tomography in live cell laser microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Richter, Verena; Bruns, Sarah; Bruns, Thomas; Weber, Petra; Wagner, Michael; Cremer, Christoph; Schneckenburger, Herbert

    2017-09-01

    Single cell microscopy in a three-dimensional (3-D) environment is reported. Cells are grown in an agarose culture gel, located within microcapillaries and observed from different sides after adaptation of an innovative device for sample rotation. Thus, z-stacks can be recorded by confocal microscopy in different directions and used for illustration in 3-D. This gives additional information, since cells or organelles that appear superimposed in one direction, may be well resolved in another one. The method is tested and validated with single cells expressing a membrane or a mitochondrially associated green fluorescent protein, or cells accumulating fluorescent quantum dots. In addition, axial tomography supports measurements of cellular uptake and distribution of the anticancer drug doxorubicin in the nucleus (2 to 6 h after incubation) or the cytoplasm (24 h). This paper discusses that upon cell rotation an enhanced optical resolution in lateral direction compared to axial direction can be utilized to obtain an improved effective 3-D resolution, which represents an important step toward super-resolution microscopy of living cells.

  1. Tailoring decoherence in nanomagnets by geometrical design

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Delgado, Fernando; FernáNdez-Rossier, JoaquíN.

    Magnetic atoms on surfaces suffer relaxation and decoherence, which limit their possible applications in both classical storage and quantum computation. Kondo exchange interaction is usually the dominant source of relaxation. Hence, for a single magnetic impurity, the product of density of states at the Fermi level and the Kondo coupling controls relaxation and decoherence together with the renormalization of the magnetic anisotropy. Here we show that in the case of small arrays of magnetic adatoms, which can be build by STM manipulation, relaxation and decoherence are controlled in addition by the product of Fermi wavenumber and inter-spin distance, giving place to interesting interference phenomena similar to those appearing in optics. This is nothing else that the dissipative counterpart of the RKKY oscillation. In addition, we explore different configurations to reduce the spin decoherence of antiferromagnetic spin arrays opening a route to engineer spin relaxation and decoherence in atomically designed spin structures. Financial support by Spanish Government through Grants FIS2013-473228 and MAT2015-66888-C3-2-R.

  2. [The National Reference Centres and Reference Laboratories. Importance and tasks].

    PubMed

    Laude, G; Ammon, A

    2005-09-01

    Since 1995, the German Federal Ministry for Health and Social Security funds National Reference Centres (NRC) for the laboratory surveillance of important pathogens and syndromes. Which pathogens or syndromes are selected to be covered by a NRC depends on their epidemiological relevance, the special diagnostic tools, problems with antimicrobial resistance and necessary infection control measures. Currently, there are 15 NRC, which are appointed for a period of 3 years (currently from January 2005 through December 2007). Towards the end of their appointment all NRC are evaluated by a group of specialists. The assessment of their achievements is guided by a catalogue of tasks for the NRC. In addition to the NRC, a total of 50 laboratories are appointed which provide specialist expertise for additional pathogens in order to have a broad range of pathogens for which specialist laboratories are available. Their predominant task is to give advice and support for special diagnostic problems. Both NRC and the specialist laboratories are important parts of the network for infectious disease epidemiology.

  3. DSISoft—a MATLAB VSP data processing package

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Beaty, K. S.; Perron, G.; Kay, I.; Adam, E.

    2002-05-01

    DSISoft is a public domain vertical seismic profile processing software package developed at the Geological Survey of Canada. DSISoft runs under MATLAB version 5.0 and above and hence is portable between computer operating systems supported by MATLAB (i.e. Unix, Windows, Macintosh, Linux). The package includes processing modules for reading and writing various standard seismic data formats, performing data editing, sorting, filtering, and other basic processing modules. The processing sequence can be scripted allowing batch processing and easy documentation. A structured format has been developed to ensure future additions to the package are compatible with existing modules. Interactive modules have been created using MATLAB's graphical user interface builder for displaying seismic data, picking first break times, examining frequency spectra, doing f- k filtering, and plotting the trace header information. DSISoft modular design facilitates the incorporation of new processing algorithms as they are developed. This paper gives an overview of the scope of the software and serves as a guide for the addition of new modules.

  4. Administrative Responses to AD/HD.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Beyda, Sandra D.; Zentall, Sydney S.

    1998-01-01

    States that teacher resistance to making classroom modifications for students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is partially due to a lack of administrative support. Offers numerous ways that administrators can offer support to teachers. Also gives information on alternative discipline policies. (MKA)

  5. Reaching the limits of reciprocity in favor exchange: The effects of generous, stingy, and matched favor giving on social status.

    PubMed

    Ouyang, Kan; Xu, Erica; Huang, Xu; Liu, Wu; Tang, Yipeng

    2018-03-08

    Group members gain social status via giving favors to others, but why and when they do so remain unclear in the literature. Building on social exchange theory and social status literature, we identify three types of favor giving among group members (generous, stingy, and matched) and propose that an affective mechanism (i.e., gratitude) and a cognitive mechanism (i.e., perceived competence) underlie the relationship between favor giving and status attainment. Specifically, generous/stingy favor giving has a linear relationship with status attainment through both gratitude and perceived competence, whereas matched favor giving has a curvilinear relationship with status attainment only through perceived competence. An experimental study and a field study lend support to our propositions. Our study complements the literature by offering a complete picture of how three types of favor giving among group members shape their social status in different ways. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

  6. Corporate Giving to Education during Economic Downturns: General Trends and the Difficulty of Prediction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    van Fleet, Justin W.

    2010-01-01

    With the economic downturn starting in December 2007 (National Bureau of Economic Research, 2009), K-12 school systems, educational non-profits and institutions of higher education have found themselves questioning the degree to which they can rely on outside philanthropic giving to support their activities. Although some research has examined the…

  7. Beyond the Indicators: An Integrated School-Level Approach to Dropout Prevention

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mac Iver, Martha Abele; Mac Iver, Douglas J.

    2009-01-01

    Despite decades of school improvement initiatives, many young people still do not cross the finish line of secondary education with the credential that signifies success--a high school diploma. Thousands of young people give up on school and on themselves, or schools give up on them. Without effective support from schools, communities, and…

  8. Education Philanthropy Catching a Chill as Economy Cools Charitable Giving

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Robelen, Erik W.

    2009-01-01

    This article reports that the recession tearing into the U.S. economy is not only straining the public coffers that support K-12 schooling, it's also taking a toll on education philanthropy. From family foundations to corporate philanthropies, charitable giving to K-12 education appears to be facing a downturn. Although no national figures are…

  9. Private Giving and State Funding of Maryland's Public Institutions: New Perspectives on Support of Historically Black Institutions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cox, John L.

    2010-01-01

    College leaders and policymakers benefit by understanding the relationship between increases in private giving, changes in state appropriations and how to position the institution to maximize both sources of revenue. Anecdotal and attitudinal studies suggested that fundraising success may affect state funding of higher education institutions.…

  10. An Investigation of the Influence Acknowledgement Programs Have on Alumni Giving Behavior: Implications for Marketing Strategy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bingham, Frank G., Jr.; Quigley, Charles J., Jr.; Murray, Keith B.

    2002-01-01

    Understanding the factors that influence alumni giving is a critical task of institutional marketers and development officers. To better understand the factors that influence alumni support, this research reports the results of a field experiment in which the effect that acknowledgement of alumni contributions has on their subsequent donation…

  11. Youth Engagement through Science (YES!) - Engaging Underrepresented Minorities in Science through High School Internships at the National Museum of Natural History

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Robertson, G.; Cruz, E.; Selvans, M. M.

    2014-12-01

    The Smithsonian's Youth Engagement through Science (YES!) program at the National Museum of Natural History gives young people from the Washington, D.C. area the opportunity to engage in science out of school through 16-week internships. We will present the program's successful strategies and lessons learned around recruiting and engaging young people from underserved communities, and maintaining relationships that help to support their pursuit of STEM and other career paths. The YES! program connects Smithsonian collections, experts, and training with local DC youth from communities traditionally underrepresented in science careers. YES! is now in its fifth year and has directly served 122 students; demographics of alumni are 67% female, and 51% Latino, 31% African-American, 7% Asian, 5% Caucasian and 6% other. The program immerses students in science research by giving them the opportunity to work side-by-side with scientists and staff from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Gardens, and National Zoo. In addition to working on a research project, students have college preparatory courses, are trained in science communication, and apply their skills by interacting with the public on the exhibit floor.

  12. New Radiative Transfer Capability in the EPIC Atmospheric Model with Application to Saturn and Uranus

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dowling, Timothy Edward; Greathouse, T. K.; Sussman, M. G.; Chanover, N. J.

    2010-10-01

    We have adapted radiative transfer (RT) schemes from the gas-giant seasonal models of Greathouse et al. (EGU 2010) and Sussman et al. (AGU 2009) into the EPIC atmospheric model, and applied them to Saturn and Uranus. These additions give EPIC a hierarchy of RT options to account for solar heating via CH4 absorption from 5 microns to the UV, and radiative cooling due to thermal emission of CH4, C2H2, C2H6, and collision-induced opacity between 0 and 1600 cm-1. We have written an IDL tool to calculate radiative-equilibrium T(p) profiles for model initialization. We have ported the versatile DISORT RT model (Stamnes et al. 1988) from Fortran to C, and are incorporating it into an IDL post-processing tool to allow us to create synthetic spectra from EPIC output that accounts for thermal emission, reflected solar light, and aerosol and Rayleigh scattering. We give an update of applications to simulations of middle-atmosphere temperatures for Saturn and zonal-wind spin-up experiments for Uranus. This research is supported by NASA Planetary Atmospheres grant NNX08AE64G and NSF Planetary Astronomy grant AST-0807989.

  13. Large-scale neural networks and the lateralization of motivation and emotion.

    PubMed

    Tops, Mattie; Quirin, Markus; Boksem, Maarten A S; Koole, Sander L

    2017-09-01

    Several lines of research in animals and humans converge on the distinction between two basic large-scale brain networks of self-regulation, giving rise to predictive and reactive control systems (PARCS). Predictive (internally-driven) and reactive (externally-guided) control are supported by dorsal versus ventral corticolimbic systems, respectively. Based on extant empirical evidence, we demonstrate how the PARCS produce frontal laterality effects in emotion and motivation. In addition, we explain how this framework gives rise to individual differences in appraising and coping with challenges. PARCS theory integrates separate fields of research, such as research on the motivational correlates of affect, EEG frontal alpha power asymmetry and implicit affective priming effects on cardiovascular indicators of effort during cognitive task performance. Across these different paradigms, converging evidence points to a qualitative motivational division between, on the one hand, angry and happy emotions, and, on the other hand, sad and fearful emotions. PARCS suggests that those two pairs of emotions are associated with predictive and reactive control, respectively. PARCS theory may thus generate important new insights on the motivational and emotional dynamics that drive autonomic and homeostatic control processes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Characterization and optimization of the HyperV PLX- α coaxial-gun plasma jet

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Case, Andrew; Brockington, Sam; Cruz, Edward; Witherspoon, F. Douglas

    2017-10-01

    We present results from characterizing and optimizing performance of the contoured gap coaxial plasma guns under development for the ARPA-E Accelerating Low-Cost Plasma Heating And Assembly (ALPHA) program. Plasma jet diagnostics include fast photodiodes for velocimetry and interferometry for line integrated density. Additionally we present results from spectroscopy, both time resolved high resolution spectroscopy using a novel detector and time integrated survey spectroscopy, for measurements of velocity and temperature as well as impurities. Fast imaging gives plume geometry and time integrated imaging gives overall light emission. Results from a novel long record length camera developed by HyperV will also be presented. Experimental results are compared to the desired target parameters for the plasma jets. The target values for the plasmoid are velocity of 50 km/s, mass of 3.5 mg, and length of 10 cm. The best results so far from the exploration of parameter space for gun operation are: 4 mg at >50 km/s, with a length of 10 cm. Peak axial density 34 cm downstream from the muzzle is 2 ×1016 cm-3. This work supported by the ARPA-E ALPHA Program under contract DE-AR0000566.

  15. NNP education in neonatal end-of-life care: a needs assessment.

    PubMed

    Botwinski, Carol

    2010-01-01

    To determine from practicing neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) their perceived end-of-life (EOL) care learning needs. A needs assessment-based evaluation methodology was used to answer the research questions. A neonatal EOL needs assessment survey was developed, pilot tested, and then mailed to 260 NNPs across the United States. NNPs in clinical practice regarded their education on EOL for neonates and their families as inadequate. Twenty-three percent ranked "delivery room decisions to resuscitate infants considered at edge of viability" as the item for which they most wanted more training. The other top-ranked EOL items included balance between giving parents false hopes and removing all hopes, and communicating and giving bad news to families. Based on these findings, specific neonatal EOL education and communication skill workshops are warranted for graduate nursing core and advance practice continuing education courses. Additionally, there needs to be a mechanism to provide EOL content and support for the NNP already in clinical practice; it is suggested that learning about EOL issues can be integrated into existing (continuing nursing education CNE) educational activities. Further research is needed on what issues, tools, and methods in CNE programs make a difference in the experience of NNPs.

  16. Philanthropy funding for neurosurgery research and program development.

    PubMed

    Zusman, Edie E; Heary, Robert F; Stroink, Ann R; Berger, Mitchel S; Popp, A John; Friedlander, Robert M; Martin, Neil A; Lonser, Russell R; Asthagiri, Ashok R

    2013-07-01

    In times of fiscal and political uncertainty, philanthropy has become an increasingly important mechanism for building, maintaining, and expanding neurosurgical research programs. Although philanthropy has historically helped launch many hospital systems, scientists and clinicians have generally relied on government grants and industry investment to support research and program infrastructure. However, competition for funds from all sources has increased at the same time as the pipelines for those funds have eroded. Philanthropy can provide salary support to allow neurosurgeons to pursue research and, ultimately, advance the field to improve outcomes for patients. Funds raised can fill financial gaps to recruit and pay for needed research staff, equipment, and facilities. To foster charitable giving, institutions can develop both a culture and processes to promote and support philanthropy. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that donor relationships are properly nurtured with ongoing stewardship. In addition to cultivating grateful patients, there are numerous creative models of fundraising for research that can be explored, including venture philanthropy, in which voluntary health organizations or individuals partner with academia and industry to invest in early-stage drug development and other innovations. Other approaches include formation of nonprofit foundations and partnerships with other entities to work jointly on shared development goals.

  17. Pressure ulcer prevention: the role of the multidisciplinary team.

    PubMed

    Samuriwo, Ray

    Pressure ulcer prevention has long been a priority for health professionals; however, poor pressure-ulcer-related practices like poor documentation continue to be identified. Research has shown that the attitude and behaviour of some nurses towards pressure ulcer prevention are not conducive to the best possible patient outcomes.This article reviews the findings of a Straussian grounded theory study, which sought to ascertain the value that is placed on pressure ulcer prevention by nurses, but also revealed the role that other health professionals in the multidisciplinary team play in the maintenance of skin integrity. The findings of this study which are presented in this paper highlight a number of important issues. Firstly, nurses are expected to know how to prevent and manage pressure ulcers, but in reality they are very reliant on the advice and support of other health professionals to maintain their patients' skin integrity. In addition,the level of support that nurses get from other health professionals in the multidisciplinary varies tremendously. Therefore, nurses in clinical practice need to be proactive in seeking input from other health professionals, as there are many members of the multidisciplinary team who are able to give them the advice and support that they need in prevention and management.

  18. Implementation and assessment of a likelihood ratio approach for the evaluation of LA-ICP-MS evidence in forensic glass analysis.

    PubMed

    van Es, Andrew; Wiarda, Wim; Hordijk, Maarten; Alberink, Ivo; Vergeer, Peter

    2017-05-01

    For the comparative analysis of glass fragments, a method using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is in use at the NFI, giving measurements of the concentration of 18 elements. An important question is how to evaluate the results as evidence that a glass sample originates from a known glass source or from an arbitrary different glass source. One approach is the use of matching criteria e.g. based on a t-test or overlap of confidence intervals. An important drawback of this method is the fact that the rarity of the glass composition is not taken into account. A similar match can have widely different evidential values. In addition the use of fixed matching criteria can give rise to a "fall off the cliff" effect. Small differences may result in a match or a non-match. In this work a likelihood ratio system is presented, largely based on the two-level model as proposed by Aitken and Lucy [1], and Aitken, Zadora and Lucy [2]. Results show that the output from the two-level model gives good discrimination between same and different source hypotheses, but a post-hoc calibration step is necessary to improve the accuracy of the likelihood ratios. Subsequently, the robustness and performance of the LR system are studied. Results indicate that the output of the LR system is robust to the sample properties of the dataset used for calibration. Furthermore, the empirical upper and lower bound method [3], designed to deal with extrapolation errors in the density models, results in minimum and maximum values of the LR outputted by the system of 3.1×10 -3 and 3.4×10 4 . Calibration of the system, as measured by empirical cross-entropy, shows good behavior over the complete prior range. Rates of misleading evidence are small: for same-source comparisons, 0.3% of LRs support a different-source hypothesis; for different-source comparisons, 0.2% supports a same-source hypothesis. The authors use the LR system in reporting of glass cases to support expert opinion in the interpretation of glass evidence for origin of source questions. Copyright © 2017 The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Consensus Recommendations to NCCIH from Research Faculty in a Transdisciplinary Academic Consortium for Complementary and Integrative Health and Medicine

    PubMed Central

    Weeks, John; Anderson, Belinda; Meeker, William; Calabrese, Carlo; O'Bryon, David; Cramer, Greg D.

    2015-01-01

    Abstract Background: This commentary presents the most impactful, shared priorities for research investment across the licensed complementary and integrative health (CIH) disciplines according to the Academic Consortium for Complementary and Alternative Health Care (ACCAHC). These are (1) research on whole disciplines; (2) costs; and (3) building capacity within the disciplines' universities, colleges, and programs. The issue of research capacity is emphasized. Discussion: ACCAHC urges expansion of investment in the development of researchers who are graduates of CIH programs, particularly those with a continued association with accredited CIH schools. To increase capacity of CIH discipline researchers, we recommend National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) to (1) continue and expand R25 grants for education in evidence-based healthcare and evidence-informed practice at CIH schools; (2) work to limit researcher attrition from CIH institutions by supporting career development grants for clinicians from licensed CIH fields who are affiliated with and dedicated to continuing to work in accredited CIH schools; (3) fund additional stand-alone grants to CIH institutions that already have a strong research foundation, and collaborate with appropriate National Institutes of Health (NIH) institutes and centers to create infrastructure in these institutions; (4) stimulate higher percentages of grants to conventional centers to require or strongly encourage partnership with CIH institutions or CIH researchers based at CIH institutions, or give priority to those that do; (5) fund research conferences, workshops, and symposia developed through accredited CIH schools, including those that explore best methods for studying the impact of whole disciplines; and (6) following the present NIH policy of giving priority to new researchers, we urge NCCIH to give a marginal benefit to grant applications from CIH clinician-researchers at CIH academic/research institutions, to acknowledge that CIH concepts require specialized expertise to translate to conventional perspectives. Summary: We commend NCCIH for its previous efforts to support high-quality research in the CIH disciplines. As NCCIH develops its 2016–2020 strategic plan, these recommendations to prioritize research based on whole disciplines, encourage collection of outcome data related to costs, and further support capacity-building within CIH institutions remain relevant and are a strategic use of funds that can benefit the nation's health. PMID:26133203

  20. What influences birth place preferences, choices and decision-making amongst healthy women with straightforward pregnancies in the UK? A qualitative evidence synthesis using a 'best fit' framework approach.

    PubMed

    Coxon, Kirstie; Chisholm, Alison; Malouf, Reem; Rowe, Rachel; Hollowell, Jennifer

    2017-03-31

    English maternity care policy has supported offering women choice of birth setting for over twenty years, but only 13% of women in England currently give birth in settings other than obstetric units (OUs). It is unclear why uptake of non-OU settings for birth remains relatively low. This paper presents a synthesis of qualitative evidence which explores influences on women's experiences of birth place choice, preference and decision-making from the perspectives of women using maternity services. Qualitative evidence synthesis of UK research published January 1992-March 2015, using a 'best-fit' framework approach. Searches were run in seven electronic data bases applying a comprehensive search strategy. Thematic framework analysis was used to synthesise extracted data from included studies. Twenty-four papers drawing on twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. The synthesis identified support for the key framework themes. Women's experiences of choosing or deciding where to give birth were influenced by whether they received information about available options and about the right to choose, women's preferences for different services and their attributes, previous birth experiences, views of family, friends and health care professionals and women's beliefs about risk and safety. The synthesis additionally identified that women's access to choice of place of birth during the antenatal period varied. Planning to give birth in OU was straightforward, but although women considering birth in a setting other than hospital OU were sometimes well-supported, they also encountered obstacles and described needing to 'counter the negativity' surrounding home birth or birth in midwife-led settings. Over the period covered by the review, it was straightforward for low risk women to opt for hospital birth in the UK. Accessing home birth was more complex and contested. The evidence on freestanding midwifery units (FMUs) is more limited, but suggests that women wanting to opt for an FMU birth experienced similar barriers. The extent to which women experienced similar problems accessing alongside midwifery units (AMUs) is unclear. Women's preferences for different birth options, particularly for 'hospital' vs non-hospital settings, are shaped by their pre-existing values, beliefs and experience, and not all women are open to all birth settings.

  1. [Habitability and life support systems].

    PubMed

    Nefedov, Iu G; Adamovich, B A

    1988-01-01

    This paper discusses various aspects of space vehicle habitability and life support systems. It describes variations in the chemical and microbial composition of an enclosed atmosphere during prolonged real and simulated flights. The paper gives a detailed description of life support systems and environmental investigations onboard the Mir station. It also outlines the development of space vehicle habitability and life support systems as related to future flights.

  2. Family donors are critical and legitimate in developing countries.

    PubMed

    Allain, Jean-Pierre; Sibinga, Cees Th Smit

    2016-01-01

    For many years, family blood donors have been considered less safe than volunteer non-remunerated blood donors and actively discouraged by international organisations and affluent countries support agencies for developing countries. In addition to safety, pressure and coercion was considered unethical. However these assumptions were not supported by evidence. To assemble recently collected evidence to reopen the assessment whether or not the ban of family blood donors is justified. Review of old and recent literature through Pubmed and references from identified articles. Viral marker data comparing confirmed seroprevalence in 1(st) time volunteer non-remunerated donors (VNRD) and family/replacement donors (FRD) corrected for gender and age, show no significant difference between the two groups. Evidence has been provided that for both VNRD and FAD benevolence is more appropriate than altruism. The two groups merge for psychological attitude to donation for which knowing someone needing transfusion is a powerful incentive to give blood. Excluding a life or death situation found in areas where severe blood shortage justifies replacement donation, pressures are exerted on both VNRD and FRD. There is no evidence of coercion of FRD. FRDs therefore meet all criteria for VNRD and are willing to become VNRD and to repeat donation. Ostracising FRD is illegitimate and damaging to the blood supply in resource poor areas. In some countries no difference is made between the two groups of donors representing similar populations asked to give blood in different circumstances. FRDs remain a critical source of volunteer, non-remunerated, blood meeting all classical criteria of VNRD that should be considered legitimate and indispensable at this point in time instead of discouraged.

  3. Corporate Support of Higher Education 1979.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Council for Financial Aid to Education, New York, NY.

    Results of an annual survey of corporate giving to higher education show corporate support continuing to advance, both in dollar amounts and in relation to several important indicators. Among the highlights are these: national estimates show education support at a new high of $870 million, a 17.6 percent rise over 1978 and almost double the 1975…

  4. Early Warning Indicator System: Supporting K-12 Educators in the Identification, Support, and Monitoring of At-Risk Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2016

    2016-01-01

    A rise in data availability gives educators the opportunity to tailor instructional practices and interventions to student needs and invest resources in areas where students require the most support. Massachusetts developed the Early Warning Indicator System (EWIS), which synthesizes the wealth of student data available in the state, including…

  5. An Overview of the Current Status of Talent Care and Talent Support in Hungary

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fuszek, Csilla

    2014-01-01

    After a short historical introduction, the article provides an overview of the current talent support trends in Hungary. It gives an insight into the legislation, guidelines and institutional system associated with the national talent support strategy, and presents the main NGO initiatives present in the early 21st century, in particular the…

  6. Pairing Learners by Companionship: Effects on Motor Skill Performance and Comfort Levels in the Reciprocal Style of Teaching

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chatoupis, Constantine

    2015-01-01

    Mosston and Ashworth's (2008) reciprocal style of teaching gives learners the opportunity to work in pairs to support each other's learning (one practices a task and the other gives feedback). The effects of pairing learners by companionship (friend and nonacquaintance) on 8-year-old children's motor skill performance and comfort levels were…

  7. Informal caregiving burden and perceived social support in an acute stroke care facility.

    PubMed

    Akosile, Christopher Olusanjo; Banjo, Tosin Olamilekan; Okoye, Emmanuel Chiebuka; Ibikunle, Peter Olanrewaju; Odole, Adesola Christiana

    2018-04-05

    Providing informal caregiving in the acute in-patient and post-hospital discharge phases places enormous burden on the caregivers who often require some form of social support. However, it appears there are few published studies about informal caregiving in the acute in-patient phase of individuals with stroke particularly in poor-resource countries. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of caregiving burden and its association with patient and caregiver-related variables and also level of perceived social support in a sample of informal caregivers of stroke survivors at an acute stroke-care facility in Nigeria. Ethical approval was sought and obtained. Fifty-six (21 males, 35 females) consecutively recruited informal caregivers of stroke survivors at the medical ward of a tertiary health facility in South-Southern Nigeria participated in this cross-sectional survey. Participants' level of care-giving strain/burden and perceived social support were assessed using the Caregiver Strain Index and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support respectively. Caregivers' and stroke survivors' socio-demographics were also obtained. Data was analysed using frequency count and percentages, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and partial correlation at α =0.05. The prevalence of care-giving burden among caregivers is 96.7% with a high level of strain while 17.9% perceived social support as low. No significant association was found between caregiver burden and any of the caregiver- or survivor-related socio-demographics aside primary level education. Only the family domain of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was significantly correlated with burden (r = - 0.295). Informal care-giving burden was highly prevalent in this acute stroke caregiver sample and about one in every five of these caregivers rated social support low. This is a single center study. Healthcare managers and professionals in acute care facilities should device strategies to minimize caregiver burden and these may include family education and involvement.

  8. Novel brain-penetrating oximes for reactivation of cholinesterase inhibited by sarin and VX surrogates

    PubMed Central

    Chambers, Janice E.; Meek, Edward C.; Chambers, Howard W.

    2016-01-01

    Current oxime reactivators for organophosphate-inhibited cholinesterase (ChE) do not effectively cross the blood–brain barrier and therefore cannot restore brain ChE activity in vivo. Our laboratories have studied highly relevant sarin and VX surrogates, which differ from their respective nerve agents only in the leaving group and thereby leave ChE phosphylated with the same chemical moiety as sarin and VX. Our laboratories have invented novel substituted phenoxyalkyl pyridinium oximes (U.S. Patent 9,227,937 B2) that lead to reduced ChE inhibition in the brains of rats challenged with a high sublethal dosage of the sarin surrogate, whereas 2-PAM did not, using a paradigm designed to demonstrate brain penetration. In addition, these novel oximes also showed an attenuation of seizure-like behavior compared to rats treated with 2-PAM, giving additional evidence of the ability of these oximes to penetrate the blood–brain barrier. Further, some of these oximes provided 24-hour survival superior to 2-PAM and shortened the duration of seizure-like behavior when rats were challenged with lethal dosages of the sarin and VX surrogates, providing additional support for the concept of these life-saving oximes penetrating the brain. PMID:27153507

  9. Methods from Information Extraction from LIDAR Intensity Data and Multispectral LIDAR Technology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scaioni, M.; Höfle, B.; Baungarten Kersting, A. P.; Barazzetti, L.; Previtali, M.; Wujanz, D.

    2018-04-01

    LiDAR is a consolidated technology for topographic mapping and 3D reconstruction, which is implemented in several platforms On the other hand, the exploitation of the geometric information has been coupled by the use of laser intensity, which may provide additional data for multiple purposes. This option has been emphasized by the availability of sensors working on different wavelength, thus able to provide additional information for classification of surfaces and objects. Several applications ofmonochromatic and multi-spectral LiDAR data have been already developed in different fields: geosciences, agriculture, forestry, building and cultural heritage. The use of intensity data to extract measures of point cloud quality has been also developed. The paper would like to give an overview on the state-of-the-art of these techniques, and to present the modern technologies for the acquisition of multispectral LiDAR data. In addition, the ISPRS WG III/5 on `Information Extraction from LiDAR Intensity Data' has collected and made available a few open data sets to support scholars to do research on this field. This service is presented and data sets delivered so far as are described.

  10. Asymptotically extremal polynomials with respect to varying weights and application to Sobolev orthogonality

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Díaz Mendoza, C.; Orive, R.; Pijeira Cabrera, H.

    2008-10-01

    We study the asymptotic behavior of the zeros of a sequence of polynomials whose weighted norms, with respect to a sequence of weight functions, have the same nth root asymptotic behavior as the weighted norms of certain extremal polynomials. This result is applied to obtain the (contracted) weak zero distribution for orthogonal polynomials with respect to a Sobolev inner product with exponential weights of the form e-[phi](x), giving a unified treatment for the so-called Freud (i.e., when [phi] has polynomial growth at infinity) and Erdös (when [phi] grows faster than any polynomial at infinity) cases. In addition, we provide a new proof for the bound of the distance of the zeros to the convex hull of the support for these Sobolev orthogonal polynomials.

  11. How to obtain traceability on optical radiation measurements?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matamoros García, Carlos H.

    2006-02-01

    Traceability to national standards provides confidence in measurements results, granting a guaranty when carrying out governmental rules and when demonstrating conformity with quality requirements such as ISO 9000 or ISO/IEC 17025 (and the Mexican equivalent standards). The appropriate traceability contributes with confidence of the quality of products or services. This paper presents different ways to obtain traceability in Mexico for the optical radiation measurements, mentioning some applications, and highlighting the necessity of having traceability to the appropriate units of the SI. Additionally it present the national standards maintained by Centro Nacional de Metrologia (CENAM), the national metrology institute in Mexico, that give the technical support to Mexican measurements in this field and the international recognition that the personal of the Optics and Radiometry Division had gained in 10 years of development.

  12. From dipolar to multipolar interactions between ultracold Feshbach molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Quéméner, Goulven; Lepers, Maxence; Luc-Koenig, Eliane; Dulieu, Olivier

    2016-05-01

    Using the multipolar expansion of electrostatic and magnetostatic potential energies, we characterize the long-range interactions between two weakly-bound diatomic molecules, taking as an example the paramagnetic Er2 Feshbach molecules which were produced recently. The interaction between atomic magnetic dipoles gives rise to the usual R-3 leading term of the multipolar expansion, where R is the intermolecular distance. We show that additional terms scaling as R-5, R-7 and so on also appear, which are strongly anisotropic with respect to the orientation of the molecules. These terms can be seen as effective molecular multipole moments reflecting the spatial extension of the molecules which is non-negligible compared to R. We acknowledge the financial support of the COPOMOL project (ANR-13-IS04-0004) from Agence Nationale de la Recherche.

  13. Are psychogenic non-epileptic seizures just another symptom of conversion disorder?

    PubMed

    Kanaan, Richard A A; Duncan, Roderick; Goldstein, Laura H; Jankovic, Joseph; Cavanna, Andrea E

    2017-05-01

    Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are classified with other functional neurological symptoms as 'Conversion Disorder', but there are reasons to wonder whether this symptomatology constitutes a distinct entity. We reviewed the literature comparing PNES with other functional neurological symptoms. We find eight studies that directly examined this question. Though all but one found significant differences-notably in presenting age, trauma history, and dissociation-they were divided on whether these differences represented an important distinction. We argue that the aetiological and mechanistic distinctions they support, particularly when bolstered by additional data, give reason to sustain a separation between these conditions. © 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.

  14. [News of the inquiry about nursing needs and resources in the Brazilian Journal of Nursing (1955-1958)].

    PubMed

    Malta, Daniela Vieira; Pereira, Laís de Araújo; Santos, Tânia Cristina Franco

    2014-01-01

    Social historical study that has as object news related to the Assessment of the Resources and Needs of Nursing in Brazil published in the Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem between 1955 and 1958. The primary source is constituted of copies of Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem published within the selected period of the study. The secondary sources are constituted of books, papers, dissertations and thesis related to the Nursing history. The data analysis was supported by the secondary sources and the thought of the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. The results evidenced that Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, in addition to making possible the dissemination of news about the Assessment provided visibility to it and, at last, had the symbolic effect of giving power and prestige to the Brazilian Nursing.

  15. Tone and prosodic organization in Cherokee nouns

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johnson, Keith; Haag, Marcia

    2005-04-01

    Preliminary observations in the speech of one speaker of Cherokee led us to postulate three factors affecting tone in Cherokee. (1) Tone may be lexically specified with distinctive low, low fall, low rise, and high tones. (2) There is a metrically determined high fall pattern which may be distributed over not more than 2 syllables from the right edge of a prosodic domain. (3) Intonational domains may be associated with discourse functions, marked by high fall, or by pitch range upstep. This paper tests these observations in recordings of word lists and sentences produced by five additional speakers. The analysis we give, positing both lexical tone and metrical prosodic accent, is not unique in descriptions of language, but is different from the usual description of Cherokee. [Work supported by NSF.

  16. SOIL AND FILL LABORATORY SUPPORT - 1991

    EPA Science Inventory

    The report gives results of soil analysis laboratory work by the University of Florida in Support of the Florida Radon Research Program (FRRP). Analyses were performed on soil and fill samples collected during 1991 by the FRRP Research House program and the New House Evaluation P...

  17. MPS and ML

    MedlinePlus

    ... Contact Us Family Support Programs Learn Give Support Research Advocacy About P.O. Box 14686 Durham, NC 27709-4686 Toll Free: 877.MPS.1001 Local: 919.806.0101 Our Nonprofit 501(c)(3) is: 11-2734849 Copyright © National MPS Society. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Development by TheeDesign

  18. Species Determination and Quantitation in Mixtures Using MRM Mass Spectrometry of Peptides Applied to Meat Authentication

    PubMed Central

    Gunning, Yvonne; Watson, Andrew D.; Rigby, Neil M.; Philo, Mark; Peazer, Joshua K.; Kemsley, E. Kate

    2016-01-01

    We describe a simple protocol for identifying and quantifying the two components in binary mixtures of species possessing one or more similar proteins. Central to the method is the identification of 'corresponding proteins' in the species of interest, in other words proteins that are nominally the same but possess species-specific sequence differences. When subject to proteolysis, corresponding proteins will give rise to some peptides which are likewise similar but with species-specific variants. These are 'corresponding peptides'. Species-specific peptides can be used as markers for species determination, while pairs of corresponding peptides permit relative quantitation of two species in a mixture. The peptides are detected using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry, a highly specific technique that enables peptide-based species determination even in complex systems. In addition, the ratio of MRM peak areas deriving from corresponding peptides supports relative quantitation. Since corresponding proteins and peptides will, in the main, behave similarly in both processing and in experimental extraction and sample preparation, the relative quantitation should remain comparatively robust. In addition, this approach does not need the standards and calibrations required by absolute quantitation methods. The protocol is described in the context of red meats, which have convenient corresponding proteins in the form of their respective myoglobins. This application is relevant to food fraud detection: the method can detect 1% weight for weight of horse meat in beef. The corresponding protein, corresponding peptide (CPCP) relative quantitation using MRM peak area ratios gives good estimates of the weight for weight composition of a horse plus beef mixture. PMID:27685654

  19. Species Determination and Quantitation in Mixtures Using MRM Mass Spectrometry of Peptides Applied to Meat Authentication.

    PubMed

    Gunning, Yvonne; Watson, Andrew D; Rigby, Neil M; Philo, Mark; Peazer, Joshua K; Kemsley, E Kate

    2016-09-20

    We describe a simple protocol for identifying and quantifying the two components in binary mixtures of species possessing one or more similar proteins. Central to the method is the identification of 'corresponding proteins' in the species of interest, in other words proteins that are nominally the same but possess species-specific sequence differences. When subject to proteolysis, corresponding proteins will give rise to some peptides which are likewise similar but with species-specific variants. These are 'corresponding peptides'. Species-specific peptides can be used as markers for species determination, while pairs of corresponding peptides permit relative quantitation of two species in a mixture. The peptides are detected using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry, a highly specific technique that enables peptide-based species determination even in complex systems. In addition, the ratio of MRM peak areas deriving from corresponding peptides supports relative quantitation. Since corresponding proteins and peptides will, in the main, behave similarly in both processing and in experimental extraction and sample preparation, the relative quantitation should remain comparatively robust. In addition, this approach does not need the standards and calibrations required by absolute quantitation methods. The protocol is described in the context of red meats, which have convenient corresponding proteins in the form of their respective myoglobins. This application is relevant to food fraud detection: the method can detect 1% weight for weight of horse meat in beef. The corresponding protein, corresponding peptide (CPCP) relative quantitation using MRM peak area ratios gives good estimates of the weight for weight composition of a horse plus beef mixture.

  20. Appropriate Environments for Children under Three. Supporting Children from Birth to Three

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bradford, Helen

    2011-01-01

    The most rapid and significant phase of development occurs in the first three years of a child's life. The "Supporting Children from Birth to Three" series focuses on the care and support of the youngest children. Each book takes a key aspect of working with this age group and gives clear and detailed explanations of relevant theories together…

  1. Support for Learning with Computer Simulations: Giving Hints, Supporting Learning Processes, and Providing Hypotheses.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Njoo, Melanie; de Jong, Ton

    This paper contains the results of a study on the importance of discovery learning using computer simulations. The purpose of the study was to identify what constitutes discovery learning and to assess the effects of instructional support measures. College students were observed working with an assignment and a computer simulation in the domain of…

  2. The Launch Systems Operations Cost Model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Prince, Frank A.; Hamaker, Joseph W. (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    One of NASA's primary missions is to reduce the cost of access to space while simultaneously increasing safety. A key component, and one of the least understood, is the recurring operations and support cost for reusable launch systems. In order to predict these costs, NASA, under the leadership of the Independent Program Assessment Office (IPAO), has commissioned the development of a Launch Systems Operations Cost Model (LSOCM). LSOCM is a tool to predict the operations & support (O&S) cost of new and modified reusable (and partially reusable) launch systems. The requirements are to predict the non-recurring cost for the ground infrastructure and the recurring cost of maintaining that infrastructure, performing vehicle logistics, and performing the O&S actions to return the vehicle to flight. In addition, the model must estimate the time required to cycle the vehicle through all of the ground processing activities. The current version of LSOCM is an amalgamation of existing tools, leveraging our understanding of shuttle operations cost with a means of predicting how the maintenance burden will change as the vehicle becomes more aircraft like. The use of the Conceptual Operations Manpower Estimating Tool/Operations Cost Model (COMET/OCM) provides a solid point of departure based on shuttle and expendable launch vehicle (ELV) experience. The incorporation of the Reliability and Maintainability Analysis Tool (RMAT) as expressed by a set of response surface model equations gives a method for estimating how changing launch system characteristics affects cost and cycle time as compared to today's shuttle system. Plans are being made to improve the model. The development team will be spending the next few months devising a structured methodology that will enable verified and validated algorithms to give accurate cost estimates. To assist in this endeavor the LSOCM team is part of an Agency wide effort to combine resources with other cost and operations professionals to support models, databases, and operations assessments.

  3. Oral health promotion by the oral health products industry: unrecognised and unappreciated?

    PubMed

    Barnett, M L

    2008-03-01

    There is often ambivalence in the way dentists view the oral health care industry. On the one hand, there are the skeptics who view corporate activities as suspect, calling into question the validity of industry-sponsored research and considering all promotional activities as self-serving. On the other hand, there are those who will evaluate research, whether industry sponsored or not, on its merits and appreciate corporate philanthropy that aims to give something back to the profession, although at times the expectations of the amount of financial support available are markedly in excess of the actual amount based on dental product sales. (Yes--and don't let your young children see this!--the tooth fairy who goes around dispensing endless number of dollars or pounds or euros does not actually exist!) Recognizing that, of necessity, corporations exist to make a profit, I would submit that the relationship of responsible companies to the profession can often be looked at as a partnership in which both sides benefit. Ultimately, all have as a goal the improvement of the oral health of our patients (or consumers) which is facilitated by the availability of effective products. In addition to marketing products, the oral care industry plays a large, though oftentimes unnoticed, role in oral health promotion. For the most part, this involves targeted financial support or contributions of products that serve to enhance patients' understanding of oral diseases and the need for good oral care, and/or provide access to care for underserved groups. In the following sections, I will give some examples of industry-supported health promotion activities, most of which will be activities in the United States with which I am most familiar. These are examples only--the list is not intended to be exhaustive and a company's name will be included in only the few instances in which it is an integral part of the programme title.

  4. America’s Army: Our Families Give Us Strength. Fiscal Year 2010 United States Army Annual Financial Report

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-01-01

    Fiscal Year 2010 United States Army Annual Financial Report America’s Army: Our Families Give Us Strength 2010 Report Documentation Page Form...COVERED 00-00-2010 to 00-00-2010 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE America’s Army: Our Families Give Us Strength. Fiscal Year 2010 United States Army Annual ...addition to executing the largest annual budget in Army history, we were able to derive efficiencies that will enable us to align resources more

  5. Community-Centered Responses to Ebola in Urban Liberia: The View from Below

    PubMed Central

    Abramowitz, Sharon Alane; McLean, Kristen E.; McKune, Sarah Lindley; Bardosh, Kevin Louis; Fallah, Mosoka; Monger, Josephine; Tehoungue, Kodjo; Omidian, Patricia A.

    2015-01-01

    Background The West African Ebola epidemic has demonstrated that the existing range of medical and epidemiological responses to emerging disease outbreaks is insufficient, especially in post-conflict contexts with exceedingly poor healthcare infrastructures. In this context, community-based responses have proven vital for containing Ebola virus disease (EVD) and shifting the epidemic curve. Despite a surge in interest in local innovations that effectively contained the epidemic, the mechanisms for community-based response remain unclear. This study provides baseline information on community-based epidemic control priorities and identifies innovative local strategies for containing EVD in Liberia. Methodology/Principal Findings This study was conducted in September 2014 in 15 communities in Monrovia and Montserrado County, Liberia – one of the epicenters of the Ebola outbreak. Findings from 15 focus group discussions with 386 community leaders identified strategies being undertaken and recommendations for what a community-based response to Ebola should look like under then-existing conditions. Data were collected on the following topics: prevention, surveillance, care-giving, community-based treatment and support, networks and hotlines, response teams, Ebola treatment units (ETUs) and hospitals, the management of corpses, quarantine and isolation, orphans, memorialization, and the need for community-based training and education. Findings have been presented as community-based strategies and recommendations for (1) prevention, (2) treatment and response, and (3) community sequelae and recovery. Several models for community-based management of the current Ebola outbreak were proposed. Additional findings indicate positive attitudes towards early Ebola survivors, and the need for community-based psychosocial support. Conclusions/Significance Local communities’ strategies and recommendations give insight into how urban Liberian communities contained the EVD outbreak while navigating the systemic failures of the initial state and international response. Communities in urban Liberia adapted to the epidemic using multiple coping strategies. In the absence of health, infrastructural and material supports, local people engaged in self-reliance in order to contain the epidemic at the micro-social level. These innovations were regarded as necessary, but as less desirable than a well-supported health-systems based response; and were seen as involving considerable individual, social, and public health costs, including heightened vulnerability to infection. PMID:25856072

  6. Community-centered responses to Ebola in urban Liberia: the view from below.

    PubMed

    Abramowitz, Sharon Alane; McLean, Kristen E; McKune, Sarah Lindley; Bardosh, Kevin Louis; Fallah, Mosoka; Monger, Josephine; Tehoungue, Kodjo; Omidian, Patricia A

    2015-04-01

    The West African Ebola epidemic has demonstrated that the existing range of medical and epidemiological responses to emerging disease outbreaks is insufficient, especially in post-conflict contexts with exceedingly poor healthcare infrastructures. In this context, community-based responses have proven vital for containing Ebola virus disease (EVD) and shifting the epidemic curve. Despite a surge in interest in local innovations that effectively contained the epidemic, the mechanisms for community-based response remain unclear. This study provides baseline information on community-based epidemic control priorities and identifies innovative local strategies for containing EVD in Liberia. This study was conducted in September 2014 in 15 communities in Monrovia and Montserrado County, Liberia--one of the epicenters of the Ebola outbreak. Findings from 15 focus group discussions with 386 community leaders identified strategies being undertaken and recommendations for what a community-based response to Ebola should look like under then-existing conditions. Data were collected on the following topics: prevention, surveillance, care-giving, community-based treatment and support, networks and hotlines, response teams, Ebola treatment units (ETUs) and hospitals, the management of corpses, quarantine and isolation, orphans, memorialization, and the need for community-based training and education. Findings have been presented as community-based strategies and recommendations for (1) prevention, (2) treatment and response, and (3) community sequelae and recovery. Several models for community-based management of the current Ebola outbreak were proposed. Additional findings indicate positive attitudes towards early Ebola survivors, and the need for community-based psychosocial support. Local communities' strategies and recommendations give insight into how urban Liberian communities contained the EVD outbreak while navigating the systemic failures of the initial state and international response. Communities in urban Liberia adapted to the epidemic using multiple coping strategies. In the absence of health, infrastructural and material supports, local people engaged in self-reliance in order to contain the epidemic at the micro-social level. These innovations were regarded as necessary, but as less desirable than a well-supported health-systems based response; and were seen as involving considerable individual, social, and public health costs, including heightened vulnerability to infection.

  7. Black College Alumni Giving: A Study of the Perceptions, Attitudes, and Giving Behaviors of Alumni Donors at Selected Historically Black Colleges and Universities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cohen, Rodney T.

    2006-01-01

    Historically, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have struggled in their attempt to solicit financial gifts from its alumni. Traditionally, black college alumni have appeared to show negligence in their effort to support their alma maters. As a result, many black colleges have ignored them as potential donors. This lack of…

  8. "My Mom Tells Me I Should Follow the Rules, That's Why They Have Those Rules": Perceptions of Parental Advice Giving among Mexican-Heritage Adolescents

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Holloway, Susan D.; Park, Sira; Jonas, Michele; Bempechat, Janine; Li, Jin

    2014-01-01

    Relatively little research has examined the ways in which immigrant Latino parents can effectively support their adolescent children's schooling. To address this gap, we conducted in-depth interviews with 32 Mexican-heritage 9th graders. Students identified parents' advice giving as the most salient form of involvement. Parental advice emphasized…

  9. Giving to Excellence: Generating Philanthropic Support for UK Higher Education. Ross-CASE Report 2016

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jain, Yashraj

    2016-01-01

    This report presents findings from the 2016 Ross-CASE Survey of Philanthropic Giving to Universities in UK. The project was conducted by CASE Europe and funded by HEFCE and the Ross-Group. This year's survey comes at a time of great change for the UK charity sector. The historical trend data of previous surveys will be invaluable in helping…

  10. Creating a Regional Healthcare Network: People First.

    PubMed

    Michel-Verkerke, Margreet B

    2016-01-01

    Care organizations in the Dutch region Apeldoorn want to collaborate more in order to improve the care provision to elderly and psychiatric patients living independently. In order to support the collaboration they intend to create a regional digital healthcare network. The research was focused on the relevance of a regional healthcare network for care providers. Eleven semi-structured interviews based on the USE IT-model, were conducted with care providers and staff members. Results show that care providers need to tune their activities for this target group and create an agreement on integrated care. The relevance of a digital communication and collaboration platform is high. The regional healthcare network should support the collaboration between care providers by: 1. Offering a communication platform to replace the time consuming communication by telephone; 2. Making patient information available for patient and care provider at patients' homes; 3. Giving insight in who is giving what care to whom; and 4. Giving access to knowledge about the target group: elderly and psychiatric patients living independently.

  11. Population genomics of the inbred Scandinavian wolf.

    PubMed

    Hagenblad, Jenny; Olsson, Maria; Parker, Heidi G; Ostrander, Elaine A; Ellegren, Hans

    2009-04-01

    The Scandinavian wolf population represents one of the genetically most well-characterized examples of a severely bottlenecked natural population (with only two founders), and of how the addition of new genetic material (one immigrant) can at least temporarily provide a 'genetic rescue'. However, inbreeding depression has been observed in this population and in the absence of additional immigrants, its long-term viability is questioned. To study the effects of inbreeding and selection on genomic diversity, we performed a genomic scan with approximately 250 microsatellite markers distributed across all autosomes and the X chromosome. We found linkage disequilibrium (LD) that extended up to distances of 50 Mb, exceeding that of most outbreeding species studied thus far. LD was particularly pronounced on the X chromosome. Overall levels of observed genomic heterozygosity did not deviate significantly from simulations based on known population history, giving no support for a general selection for heterozygotes. However, we found evidence supporting balancing selection at a number of loci and also evidence suggesting directional selection at other loci. For markers on chromosome 23, the signal of selection was particularly strong, indicating that purifying selection against deleterious alleles may have occurred even in this very small population. These data suggest that population genomics allows the exploration of the effects of neutral and non-neutral evolution on a finer scale than what has previously been possible.

  12. XML at the ADC: Steps to a Next Generation Data Archive

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shaya, E.; Blackwell, J.; Gass, J.; Oliversen, N.; Schneider, G.; Thomas, B.; Cheung, C.; White, R. A.

    1999-05-01

    The eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is a document markup language that allows users to specify their own tags, to create hierarchical structures to qualify their data, and to support automatic checking of documents for structural validity. It is being intensively supported by nearly every major corporate software developer. Under the funds of a NASA AISRP proposal, the Astronomical Data Center (ADC, http://adc.gsfc.nasa.gov) is developing an infrastructure for importation, enhancement, and distribution of data and metadata using XML as the document markup language. We discuss the preliminary Document Type Definition (DTD, at http://adc.gsfc.nasa.gov/xml) which specifies the elements and their attributes in our metadata documents. This attempts to define both the metadata of an astronomical catalog and the `header' information of an astronomical table. In addition, we give an overview of the planned flow of data through automated pipelines from authors and journal presses into our XML archive and retrieval through the web via the XML-QL Query Language and eXtensible Style Language (XSL) scripts. When completed, the catalogs and journal tables at the ADC will be tightly hyperlinked to enhance data discovery. In addition one will be able to search on fragmentary information. For instance, one could query for a table by entering that the second author is so-and-so or that the third author is at such-and-such institution.

  13. Supporting self and others: from staff nurse to nurse consultant. Part 7: One-to-one sessions.

    PubMed

    Fowler, John

    This series of articles explores various ways of supporting staff who work in the fast-moving and ever-changing health service. In previous articles, John Fowler an experienced nursing lecturer, author and consultant, examined the importance of developing a supportive working culture and the role of preceptorship, mentoring, clinical supervision and giving feedback. This article examines how to make a one-to-one session supportive and focused.

  14. Child Support; Need to Improve Efforts to Identify Fathers and Obtain Support Orders.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-04-01

    34 Reduces the stigma of illegitimacy and helps give the child a sense of identity. • Increases the child’s opportunity to develop a close parental...A179 979 CHILD SUPPORT; NEED TO IMPROVE EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY 1/1 FATHERS AND OBTAIN SUPPORT ORDERS(U) GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON DC HUNAN...April 30, 1987 The Honorable Otis R. Bowen, M.D. The Secretary of Health and Human Services Dear Mr. Secretary: This report discusses child support

  15. Computer assisted surgery with 3D robot models and visualisation of the telesurgical action.

    PubMed

    Rovetta, A

    2000-01-01

    This paper deals with the support of virtual reality computer action in the procedures of surgical robotics. Computer support gives a direct representation of the surgical theatre. The modelization of the procedure in course and in development gives a psychological reaction towards safety and reliability. Robots similar to the ones used by the manufacturing industry can be used with little modification as very effective surgical tools. They have high precision, repeatability and are versatile in integrating with the medical instrumentation. Now integrated surgical rooms, with computer and robot-assisted intervention, are operating. The computer is the element for a decision taking aid, and the robot works as a very effective tool.

  16. A method for assessing fidelity of delivery of telephone behavioral support for smoking cessation.

    PubMed

    Lorencatto, Fabiana; West, Robert; Bruguera, Carla; Michie, Susan

    2014-06-01

    Behavioral support for smoking cessation is delivered through different modalities, often guided by treatment manuals. Recently developed methods for assessing fidelity of delivery have shown that face-to-face behavioral support is often not delivered as specified in the service treatment manual. This study aimed to extend this method to evaluate fidelity of telephone-delivered behavioral support. A treatment manual and transcripts of 75 audio-recorded behavioral support sessions were obtained from the United Kingdom's national Quitline service and coded into component behavior change techniques (BCTs) using a taxonomy of 45 smoking cessation BCTs. Interrater reliability was assessed using percentage agreement. Fidelity was assessed by comparing the number of BCTs identified in the manual with those delivered in telephone sessions by 4 counselors. Fidelity was assessed according to session type, duration, counselor, and BCT. Differences between self-reported and actual BCT use were examined. Average coding reliability was high (81%). On average, 41.8% of manual-specified BCTs were delivered per session (SD = 16.2), with fidelity varying by counselor from 32% to 49%. Fidelity was highest in pre-quit sessions (46%) and for BCT "give options for additional support" (95%). Fidelity was lowest for quit-day sessions (35%) and BCT "set graded tasks" (0%). Session duration was positively correlated with fidelity (r = .585; p < .01). Significantly fewer BCTs were used than were reported as being used, t(15) = -5.52, p < .001. The content of telephone-delivered behavioral support can be reliably coded in terms of BCTs. This can be used to assess fidelity to treatment manuals and to in turn identify training needs. The observed low fidelity underlines the need to establish routine procedures for monitoring delivery of behavioral support. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

  17. 19 CFR Appendix B to Part 191 - Sample Formats for Applications for Specific Manufacturing Drawback Rulings

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    .... When applicable, give equations of the chemical reactions. The attachment of a flow chart in addition... measurement of the merchandise used. This loss or gain is caused by atmospheric conditions, chemical reactions... finished article is intended. When applicable, give equations of the chemical reactions. The attachment of...

  18. 19 CFR Appendix B to Part 191 - Sample Formats for Applications for Specific Manufacturing Drawback Rulings

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    .... When applicable, give equations of the chemical reactions. The attachment of a flow chart in addition... measurement of the merchandise used. This loss or gain is caused by atmospheric conditions, chemical reactions... finished article is intended. When applicable, give equations of the chemical reactions. The attachment of...

  19. 19 CFR Appendix B to Part 191 - Sample Formats for Applications for Specific Manufacturing Drawback Rulings

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    .... When applicable, give equations of the chemical reactions. The attachment of a flow chart in addition... measurement of the merchandise used. This loss or gain is caused by atmospheric conditions, chemical reactions... finished article is intended. When applicable, give equations of the chemical reactions. The attachment of...

  20. Identity and Philanthropy: Designing a Survey Instrument to Operationalize Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Alumni Giving

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Garvey, Jason C.

    2013-01-01

    This study investigated philanthropic giving to higher education among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) alumni. The primary purpose was to create a multi-institutional survey instrument that operationalizes philanthropic involvement and motivation among LGBTQ alumni. Additional objectives included creating factors and items…

  1. The relationship between health-related quality of life and social networks among Japanese family caregivers for people with disabilities.

    PubMed

    Arai, Hirokazu; Nagatsuka, Miwa; Hirai, Kei

    2008-10-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine HRQOL depending on whether the participants have family members with disabilities or not. In addition, we examined the relationship between HRQOL and social networks among family caregivers in Japan. The study has a cross-sectional design. Survey forms were distributed to 9205 people aged 30 and older who visited a dispensing pharmacy within fifteen areas of Japan. We collected data on gender, age, job status, and care giving status for persons with disabilities. Moreover, we assessed support size, social support, and HRQOL. Out of the 2029 questionnaires returned, 1763 (male: 663, female: 1100, mean age = 63.06 +/- 13.34) were valid for statistical analyses (the available response rate was 19.15%). A significant difference in HRQOL was identified between family caregivers and non-family caregivers. Further, in males (N = 101), the results confirmed that only social support predicted the PCS and MCS scores, while other variables did not predict either score. On the other hand, in females (N = 144), it was found from the second step of hierarchical multiple regression analysis that only age explained the PCS score, while job status and support size explained the MCS score. It is reasonable to conclude that the HRQOL of family caregivers was lower than that of non-family caregivers, and that the HRQOL of family caregivers was estimated by their social networks.

  2. From Healing the Whole Person: An Argument for Therapeutic Touch as a Complement to Traditional Medical Practice

    PubMed Central

    Huff, Marlene B.; McClanahan, Kimberly K.; Omar, Hatim A.

    2006-01-01

    The growing popularity and use of therapeutic touch (TT) is an issue that has generated controversy and concern within the medical community. While anecdotal and traditional scientific evidence suggest that TT would be an advantageous addition for clinics and hospitals to include in their armamentarium of complementary interventions within the realm of traditional medicine, TT has not become widely available in the U.S. One reason for the lack of availability may be the dearth of conclusive scientific support for TT's efficacy and, therefore, its inclusion in clinic and hospital treatment planning would give it the appearance of legitimate practice, which it may not yet deserve. Whether or not deserved, if TT were added to hospital and clinic treatment protocols without substantial scientific support, it would be thought to have the implicit support of the scientific community, at which point the question of its efficacy would be moot in the minds of many people; thus patients would utilize it, because they believe it works rather than because it works. Since TT has not yet been scientifically proven as per Western standards, leaders of the health care community are likely wary of lending support to TT at this time. If TT can be found to be a scientifically sound therapeutic technique, then it will be more readily accepted in the health care community. This paper reviews TT. PMID:17370014

  3. A student-centred feedback model for educators.

    PubMed

    Rudland, Joy; Wilkinson, Tim; Wearn, Andy; Nicol, Pam; Tunny, Terry; Owen, Cathy; O'Keefe, Maree

    2013-04-01

    Effective feedback is instrumental to effective learning. Current feedback models tend to be educator driven rather than learner-centred, with the focus on how the supervisor should give feedback rather than on the role of the learner in requesting and responding to feedback. An alternative approach emphasising the theoretical principles of student-centred and self-regulated learning is offered, drawing upon the literature and also upon the experience of the authors. The proposed feedback model places the student in the centre of the feedback process, and stresses that the attainment of student learning outcomes is influenced by the students themselves. This model emphasises the attributes of the student, particularly responsiveness, receptiveness and reflection, whilst acknowledging the important role that the context and attributes of the supervisor have in influencing the quality of feedback. Educational institutions should consider strategies to encourage and enable students to maximise the many feedback opportunities available to them. As a minimum, educators should remind students about their central role in the feedback process, and support them to develop confidence in meeting this role. In addition, supervisors may need support to develop the skills to shift the balance of responsibility and support students in precipitating feedback moments. Research is also required to validate the proposed model and to determine how to support students to adopt self-regulatory learning, with feedback as a central platform. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2013.

  4. The Role of Unconditional Parental Regard in Autonomy-Supportive Parenting.

    PubMed

    Roth, Guy; Kanat-Maymon, Yaniv; Assor, Avi

    2016-12-01

    Two studies explored the role of parents' unconditional positive regard (UCPR) as perceived by adolescents and young adults in promoting the effectiveness of specific parenting practices that may support offspring's academic autonomous motivation. Study 1 tested the hypothesis that UCPR predicts rationale-giving and choice-provision practices and, at the same time, moderates their relations with adolescents' autonomous motivation. Study 2 replicated the association between UCPR and the parental practices, and further explored the role of parents' authenticity as an antecedent of UCPR and parental autonomy support. Study 1 included 125 adolescents and Study 2 considered 128 college-students and their mothers. The offspring reported on their perceptions of their mothers and on their autonomous motivation, and the mothers reported on their sense of authenticity. Both studies found consistent associations between UCPR and parenting practices that may support autonomous motivation. Moreover, Study 1 demonstrated that the rationale giving and choice provision were more strongly related to adolescents' autonomous motivation when adolescents perceived mothers as high on UCPR. Finally, Study 2 demonstrated that mothers' authenticity predicted UCPR, which in turn was related to autonomy-supportive parenting. Findings support the assumption that parents' autonomy-supportive practices are more effective when accompanied by UCPR. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. Altruism relates to health in an ethnically diverse sample of older adults.

    PubMed

    Brown, William Michael; Consedine, Nathan S; Magai, Carol

    2005-05-01

    The existing literature indicates links between aspects of social network functioning and health outcomes. It is generally believed that networks that are larger or provide greater instrumental and emotional support contribute to improved health and, perhaps, greater longevity. Recently, it has been suggested that giving as well as receiving social support may be of benefit. On the basis of evolutionary theories of emotion and altruism, the current study sought to test this thesis in a large, ethnically diverse sample of community-dwelling older adults. As expected, levels of social support given were associated with lower morbidity, whereas levels of receiving were not. It is important that these relations held even when (a) socioeconomic status, education, marital status, age, gender, ethnicity, and (b) absolute network size and activity limitation were controlled for. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for theory regarding the relations among social exchanges, giving, and later life adaptation among older adults.

  6. Airborne surveys in the Arctic and Antarctic for geophysics, sea-ice thickness, and CryoSat validation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Forsberg, R.; Olesen, A. V.; Hvidegaard, S.; Skourup, H.

    2010-12-01

    Airborne laser and radar measurements over the Greenland ice sheet, Svalbard, and adjacent parts of the Arctic Ocean have been carried out by DTU-Space in a number of recent Danish/Greenlandic and European project campaigns, with the purpose to monitor ice sheet and sea-ice changes, support of Greenland societal needs (oil exploration and hydropower), and support of CryoSat pre-launch calibration and validation campaigns. The Arctic campaigns have been done using a Twin-Otter aircraft, carrying laser scanners and various radars. Since 2009 a new program of long-range gravity and magnetic surveys have been initiated using a Basler DC3 aircraft for large-scale surveys in the Arctic Ocean and Antarctica, with the 2010 cooperative Danish-Argentinean-Chilean-US ICEGRAV survey of the Antarctic Peninsula additionally including a UTIG 60 MHz ice-penetrating radar. In the paper we outline the recent and upcoming airborne survey activities, outline the usefulness of the airborne data for satellite validation (CryoSat and GOCE), and give examples of measurements and comparisons to satellite and in-situ data.

  7. Solitons and vortices in two-dimensional discrete nonlinear Schrödinger systems with spatially modulated nonlinearity

    DOE PAGES

    Kevrekidis, P. G.; Malomed, Boris A.; Saxena, Avadh; ...

    2015-04-07

    We consider a two-dimensional (2D) generalization of a recently proposed model [Phys. Rev. E 88, 032905 (2013)], which gives rise to bright discrete solitons supported by the defocusing nonlinearity whose local strength grows from the center to the periphery. We explore the 2D model starting from the anticontinuum (AC) limit of vanishing coupling. In this limit, we can construct a wide variety of solutions including not only single-site excitations, but also dipole and quadrupole ones. Additionally, two separate families of solutions are explored: the usual “extended” unstaggered bright solitons, in which all sites are excited in the AC limit, withmore » the same sign across the lattice (they represent the most robust states supported by the lattice, their 1D counterparts being those considered as 1D bright solitons in the above-mentioned work), and the vortex cross, which is specific to the 2D setting. For all the existing states, we explore their stability (also analytically, when possible). As a result, typical scenarios of instability development are exhibited through direct simulations.« less

  8. The linguistic demands of the Common Core State Standards for reading and writing informational text in the primary grades.

    PubMed

    Roberts, Kathryn L

    2012-05-01

    Forty-five states and four U.S. territories have committed to implementing the new Common Core State Standards, with the goal of graduating students from our K-12 programs who are ready for college and careers. For many, the new standards represent a shift in genre focus, giving much more specific attention to informational genres. Beginning in the primary grades, the standards set high expectations for students' interaction with informational text, many of which are significantly more linguistically demanding than the standards that they replace. These increased demands are likely to pose difficulties not only for students currently receiving language support, but also for students without identified delays or disabilities. This article describes several of the kindergarten through fifth-grade standards related to informational text, highlighting the linguistic demands that each poses. In addition, instructional strategies are provided that teachers and speech-language pathologists can use to support the understanding and formulation of informational text for listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

  9. Induction of novel macroscopic properties by local symmetry violations in spin-spiral multiferroics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meier, D.; Leo, N.; Becker, P.; Bohaty, L.; Ramesh, R.; Fiebig, M.

    2011-03-01

    Incommensurate (IC) structures are omnipresent in strongly correlated electron systems as high-TC superconductors, CMR manganites, as well as multiferroics. In each case they are origin of a pronounced symmetry reduction reflecting the complexity of the underlying microscopic interactions. Macroscopically, this can lead to new phases and possibilities to gain control of the host material. Here we report how the IC nature of a spin-spiral multiferroic induces new physical properties by renormalizing the relevant length scales of the system. Local symmetry violations directly manifest in the macroscopic response of the material and co-determine the multiferroic order giving rise to additional domain states. These usually hidden degrees of freedom become visible when non-homogenous fields are applied and condition for instance the second harmonic generation. Our study shows that incommensurabilities play a vital role in the discussion of the physical properties of multiferroics -- they represent a key ingredient for further enhancing the functionality of this class of materials. This work was supported by the DFG through the SFB 608. D.M. thanks the AvH for financial support.

  10. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health.

    PubMed

    Pullar, Juliet M; Carr, Anitra C; Vissers, Margreet C M

    2017-08-12

    The primary function of the skin is to act as a barrier against insults from the environment, and its unique structure reflects this. The skin is composed of two layers: the epidermal outer layer is highly cellular and provides the barrier function, and the inner dermal layer ensures strength and elasticity and gives nutritional support to the epidermis. Normal skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C, which supports important and well-known functions, stimulating collagen synthesis and assisting in antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage. This knowledge is often used as a rationale for the addition of vitamin C to topical applications, but the efficacy of such treatment, as opposed to optimising dietary vitamin C intake, is poorly understood. This review discusses the potential roles for vitamin C in skin health and summarises the in vitro and in vivo research to date. We compare the efficacy of nutritional intake of vitamin C versus topical application, identify the areas where lack of evidence limits our understanding of the potential benefits of vitamin C on skin health, and suggest which skin properties are most likely to benefit from improved nutritional vitamin C intake.

  11. Make Kids Count: Giving Babies a Smart Beginning.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thompson, Anne, Ed.

    The Smart Beginnings project in Arizona is designed to increase public awareness and parent education about early childhood development and family support resources. The program is intended to identify, link, establish, and expand a public/private family support system and improve the quality and increase availability of infant and toddler child…

  12. SOIL AND FILL LABORATORY SUPPORT - 1992 RADIOLOGICAL ANALYSES - FLORIDA RADON RESEARCH PROGRAM

    EPA Science Inventory

    The report gives results of soil analysis laboratory work by the University of Florida in support of the Florida Radon Research Program (FRRP). Analyses were performed on soil and fill samples collected during 1992 by the FRRP Research House Program and the New House Evaluation P...

  13. Children's Social Competence within Close Friendship: The Role of Self-Perception and Attachment Orientations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Scharf, Miri

    2014-01-01

    The associations between self-perception and attachment orientations and three aspects of children's competence within friendships were examined: "Managing conflict", "seeking support", and "giving support". Questionnaires were completed by 260 4th- and 5th-grade students. Homeroom teachers reported on the children's…

  14. The Ranschburg Effect: Tests of the Guessing-Bias and Proactive Interference Hypotheses

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Walsh, Michael F.; Schwartz, Marian

    1977-01-01

    The guessing-bias and proactive interference hypotheses of the Ranschburg Effect were investigated by giving three groups different instructions as to guessing during recall. Results failed to support the prediction that the effect should be reduced or eliminated on shift trials. Neither hypothesis received significant support. (CHK)

  15. Palliative Care for Children: Support for the Whole Family When Your Child Is Living with a Serious Illness

    MedlinePlus

    ... Palliative care gives extra support for your whole family. It can ease the stress on all of your children, your spouse, and you during a hard time. 1 Palliative care surrounds your family with a team of experts who work together ...

  16. Early Intervention for Reading Difficulties: The Interactive Strategies Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Scanlon, Donna M.; Anderson, Kimberly L.; Sweeney, Joan M.

    2010-01-01

    This book presents a research-supported framework for early literacy instruction that aligns with multi-tiered response-to-intervention (RTI) models. The book focuses on giving teachers a better understanding of literacy development and how to effectively support children as they begin to read and write. The authors' interactive strategies…

  17. Intravenous support for the patient in sickle cell crisis.

    PubMed

    Odesina, V

    2001-01-01

    Sickle cell episodes (otherwise known as crises) are inevitable complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). Successful management of these episodes includes hydration, medication administration, and blood transfusion. Intravenous support is an essential component in the management of sickle cell-related complications. This article gives an overview of SCD and its complications and treatments, focusing on infusion therapy support of the patient during a sickle cell episode.

  18. Why revisit your cost-accounting strategy.

    PubMed

    Arredondo, Ricky

    2014-07-01

    Healthcare entities seeking to develop effective cost-accounting systems should take six steps to avoid potential pitfalls: Secure broad executive-level support for the effort. Ensure systems are in place to analyze the disparate data. Define measurable objectives to ensure that implementation achieves desired results. Give due consideration to implementation planning. Train support staff sufficiently to avoid underutilization. Develop a sufficiently broad base of staff support for the system.

  19. A new reactivity mode for the diazo group: diastereoselective 1,3-aminoalkylation reaction of β-amino-α-diazoesters to give triazolines.

    PubMed

    Kuznetsov, Alexey; Gulevich, Anton V; Wink, Donald J; Gevorgyan, Vladimir

    2014-08-18

    A novel mode of reactivity for the diazo group, the 1,3-addition of a nucleophile and an electrophile to the diazo group, has been realized in the intramolecular aminoalkylation of β-amino-α-diazoesters to form tetrasubstituted 1,2,3-triazolines. The reaction exhibited a broad scope, good functional group tolerance, and excellent diastereoselectivity. In addition, a new Au-catalyzed intramolecular transannulation reaction of the obtained propargyl triazolines to give pyrroles has been discovered. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  20. Collective philanthropy: describing and modeling the ecology of giving.

    PubMed

    Gottesman, William L; Reagan, Andrew James; Dodds, Peter Sheridan

    2014-01-01

    Reflective of income and wealth distributions, philanthropic gifting appears to follow an approximate power-law size distribution as measured by the size of gifts received by individual institutions. We explore the ecology of gifting by analysing data sets of individual gifts for a diverse group of institutions dedicated to education, medicine, art, public support, and religion. We find that the detailed forms of gift-size distributions differ across but are relatively constant within charity categories. We construct a model for how a donor's income affects their giving preferences in different charity categories, offering a mechanistic explanation for variations in institutional gift-size distributions. We discuss how knowledge of gift-sized distributions may be used to assess an institution's gift-giving profile, to help set fundraising goals, and to design an institution-specific giving pyramid.

  1. A Head Start: Of All the Lessons Students Learn in College, How to Be Supportive Alumni Is among the Most Important

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coleman, Toni

    2011-01-01

    There is growing acknowledgement in higher education, particularly among institutions experiencing a steady decline in giving by graduates, that alumni donors need to be cultivated while they are students. If a school wants to have a generous alumni body giving time and money once they graduate, they need to be aware of the importance of…

  2. Seeking harmony in the provision of care to the stroke-impaired: views of Chinese family caregivers.

    PubMed

    Lee, Regina L T; Mok, Esther S B

    2011-05-01

    To explore the coping strategies of Chinese family caregivers of stroke-impaired older relatives. Many stroke-impaired patients rely heavily on support from their families, and the daily lives of such family caregivers are severely impacted. However, services and support for family caregivers of stroke-impaired relatives in the home setting have received little attention. Appropriate and relevant information and support to family caregivers are important in facilitating the care-giving task. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the nature and demands of care-giving before planning specific educational and support programmes. Grounded theory. Fifteen Chinese family caregivers of stroke-impaired older relatives were recruited and interviewed in 2003 and 2004. Theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis were used to recruit the sample and perform data analysis. Seeking harmony to provide care for the stroke-impaired was the core category for describing and guiding the family care-giving process, with five main stages: (1) living with ambiguity, (2) monitoring the recovery progress, (3) accepting the downfalls, (4) meeting family obligations and (5) reconciling with harmony. These issues were seldom discussed openly with health professionals. The findings indicated that Chinese family caregivers determine their own needs by seeking harmony to continue to provide care without thinking about getting help from others or their own health problems. These findings help to define some of the complex dynamics that have an impact on the development of partnership care and might challenge nurses practising in the community. Community nurses should assess and understand the coping strategies of family caregivers and assist them to engage in stress-reducing practices. This is an important partnership to be formed in stroke care for family caregivers in the community. The study findings will guide further development of family care-giving aspects in nursing practice. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  3. Supportive leadership in Swedish community night nursing.

    PubMed

    Gustafsson, Christine; Fagerberg, Ingegerd; Asp, Margareta

    2010-10-01

    The aim of the present study was to examine the support night nurses' give to staff in community night nursing. Studies have shown that support given to staff is one of night registered nurses' (RNs') experiences of the meaning of caring. This support, that community RNs display for staff in night-time care, is sparsely described. All community night-duty nurses in a medium-sized municipal in Sweden participated in the present study. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data from observations. The support given by RNs to staff is described using three themes: (1) a conditional supporting stance, (2) preparing propitious conditions for caring and (3) confidence in the abilities of individual staff members and adaptation to their individual needs. The results reveal that RNs consider support to staff in terms of nursing leadership. Out of 'concern for the staff' the RNs try to be there for them, which corresponds to nursing leadership. Such concern also arises from the RNs' awareness that by giving support to staff this affects the staffs' caring for older people. The current municipal social care organization of community nursing of older people in which RNs have extensive responsibilities with insufficient control, is a working condition with a risk for decreased quality of care and a high risk for work-related stress syndrome. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  4. The Blood Donation Ambivalence Survey: measuring conflicting attitudes about giving blood.

    PubMed

    Fox, K R; Himawan, L K; France, C R

    2017-05-18

    This study was designed to develop and conduct initial validation testing for a novel measure of ambivalence about donating blood. Previous studies of living organ, bone marrow and stem cell donors have identified donation-related ambivalence as a predictor of decisions about donation and post-donation outcomes. Ambivalence about blood donation has not received the same attention. In Study 1, a sample of young adults (N = 396) were administered test items of ambivalence, and exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed to identify the Blood Donation Ambivalence Survey. In Study 2, a separate sample of young adults (N = 241) completed the Blood Donation Ambivalence Survey in addition to questionnaires assessing known predictors of blood donation. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a two-factor structure reflecting commitment to donating blood and indecision about giving blood. The commitment subscale was positively related to known predictors of increased donation behaviour (e.g. donation intention, self-efficacy), whereas the indecision subscale was positively related to known predictors of decreased donation behaviour (e.g. donation anxiety, negative affect). Furthermore, a history of blood donation was associated with greater commitment and less indecision. The present findings provide strong initial support for the reliability and validity of a novel measure of blood donor ambivalence. © 2017 British Blood Transfusion Society.

  5. Localised electrochemical impedance measurements of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using a reference electrode array to give cathode-specific measurements and examine membrane hydration dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Engebretsen, Erik; Hinds, Gareth; Meyer, Quentin; Mason, Tom; Brightman, Edward; Castanheira, Luis; Shearing, Paul R.; Brett, Daniel J. L.

    2018-04-01

    Advances in bespoke diagnostic techniques for polymer electrolyte fuel cells continue to provide unique insight into the internal operation of these devices and lead to improved performance and durability. Localised measurements of current density have proven to be extremely useful in designing better fuel cells and identifying optimal operating strategies, with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) now routinely used to deconvolute the various losses in fuel cells. Combining the two techniques provides another dimension of understanding, but until now each localised EIS has been based on 2-electrode measurements, composed of both the anode and cathode responses. This work shows that a reference electrode array can be used to give individual electrode-specific EIS responses, in this case the cathode is focused on to demonstrate the approach. In addition, membrane hydration dynamics are studied under current load steps from open circuit voltage. A three-stage process is identified associated with an initial rapid reduction in membrane resistance after 10 s of applying a current step, followed by a slower ramp to approximately steady state, which was achieved after ∼250 s. These results support previously published work that has looked at membrane swelling dynamics and reveal that membrane hydration/membrane resistance is highly heterogeneous.

  6. [Wishes for the future of science: an analysis of dementia and ageing on The National Research Agenda (NWA)].

    PubMed

    Jansen, Sytske; Meulenbroek, Olga; Olde Rikkert, Marcel G M

    2016-09-01

    The National Research Agenda (NWA) assembles topics on which scientist can focus in the coming years. A study carried out by de Radboudumc in Nijmegen examined how many questions are put to the NWA on dementia and ageing. What priority does society give to this research field and who ask questions about this? With the method of the NWA as reference frame a supplementary route on dementia/ageing was proposed. Of the 11.700 questions submitted to the NWA almost 2.5% is about dementia/ageing. Compared to other medical issues this is a relatively high percentage. This analysis provides 21 research questions which give a good idea of the questions that where asked about the themes of ageing and dementia. Half of the questions came from citizens, therefore we can speak of a socially supported agenda in this area. However, most of the valid questions came from professional organizations involved in dementia. In the Netherlands a relatively high priority is given by authors of questions for the NWA to research on dementia and ageing. Questions from professionals are complemented by citizens who ask other relevant questions that provide a new perspective and are an addition to the knowledge questions from scientists.

  7. Applied adaptive disturbance rejection using output redefinition on magnetic bearings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matras, Alex Logan

    Recent work has shown Adaptive Disturbance Rejection to be an effective technique for rejecting forces due to imbalance, runout and base motion disturbances on flywheels supported by magnetic bearings over a large span of frequencies. Often the applicability of some of the adaptive methods is limited because they require certain properties (such as almost-strict positive realness) that magnetic bearings do not possess. In this thesis, one method for adaptive disturbance rejection, called Adaptive Feedforward Cancellation (AFC), is modified to allow for a much wider range of frequencies to be rejected. This is accomplished by redefining the output of the original system to be the output from a reduced order state estimator instead. This can give a new system with an infinite gain margin. Additionally, the adaptation laws for the two disturbance rejection gains are slightly modified so that each adapts to a different signal in order to provide the best performance. A detailed model of a magnetic bearing is developed and computer simulations based on that model are performed to give an initial test of the new control law. A state-of-the-art magnetic bearing setup is then developed and used to implement the new control laws and determine their effectiveness. The results are successful and validate the new ideas that are presented.

  8. Why should I care? Engaging students in conceptual understanding using global context to develop social attitudes.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Forder, S. E.; Welstead, C.; Pritchard, M.

    2014-12-01

    A glance through the Harvard Business Review reveals many suggestions and research pieces reviewing sales and marketing techniques. Most educators will be familiar with the notion that making accurate first impressions and being responsive, whilst maintaining pace is critical to engaging an audience. There are lessons to be learnt from industry that can significantly impact upon our teaching. Eisenkraft, in his address to the NSTA, proposed four essential questions. This presentation explores one of those questions: 'Why should I care?', and discusses why this question is crucial for engaging students by giving a clear purpose for developing their scientific understanding. Additionally, this presentation explores how The ISF Academy has adapted the NGSS, using the 14 Grand Engineering Challenges and the IB MYP, to provide current, authentic global contexts, in order to give credibility to the concepts, understandings and skills being learnt. The provision of global contexts across units and within lessons supports a platform for students to have the freedom to explore their own sense of social responsibility. The Science Department believes that planning lessons with tasks that elaborate on the student's new conceptualisations, has helped to transfer the student's new understanding into social behavior beyond the classroom. Furthermore, extension tasks have been used to transfer conceptual understanding between different global contexts.

  9. Microgenomic analysis reveals cell type-specific gene expression patterns between ray and fusiform initials within the cambial meristem of Populus.

    PubMed

    Goué, Nadia; Lesage-Descauses, Marie-Claude; Mellerowicz, Ewa J; Magel, Elisabeth; Label, Philippe; Sundberg, Björn

    2008-01-01

    The vascular cambium is the meristem in trees that produce wood. This meristem consists of two types of neighbouring initials: fusiform cambial cells (FCCs), which give rise to the axial cell system (i.e. fibres and vessel elements), and ray cambial cells (RCCs), which give rise to rays. There is little molecular information on the mechanisms whereby the differing characteristics of these neighbouring cells are maintained. A microgenomic approach was adopted in which the transcriptomes of FCCs and RCCs dissected out from the cambial meristem of poplar (Populus trichocarpa x Populus deltoïdes var. Boelare) were analysed, and a transcriptional database for these two cell types established. Photosynthesis genes were overrepresented in RCCs, providing molecular support for the presence of photosynthetic systems in rays. Genes that putatively encode transporters (vesicle, lipid and metal ion transporters and aquaporins) in RCCs were also identified. In addition, many cell wall-related genes showed cell type-specific expression patterns. Notably, genes involved in pectin metabolism and xyloglucan metabolism were overrepresented in RCCs and FCCs, respectively. The results demonstrate the use of microgenomics to reveal differences in biological processes in neighbouring meristematic cells, and to identify key genes involved in these processes.

  10. Born approximation for scattering by evanescent waves: Comparison with exact scattering by an infinite fluid cylinder

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marston, Philip L.

    2004-05-01

    In some situations, evanescent waves can be an important component of the acoustic field within the sea bottom. For this reason (as well as to advance the understanding of scattering processes) it can be helpful to examine the modifications to scattering theory resulting from evanescence. Modifications to ray theory were examined in a prior approximation [P. L. Marston, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 113, 2320 (2003)]. The new research concerns the modifications to the low-frequency Born approximation and confirmation by comparison with the exact two-dimensional scattering by a fluid cylinder. In the case of a circular cylinder having the same density as the surroundings but having a compressibility contrast with the surroundings, the Born approximation with a nonevanescent incident wave gives only monopole scattering. When the cylinder has a density contrast and the same compressibility as the surroundings the regular Born approximation gives only dipole scattering (with the dipole oriented along to the incident wavevector). In both cases when the Born approximation is modified to include the evanescence of the incident wave, an additional dipole scattering term is evident. In each case the new dipole is oriented along to the decay axis of the evanescent wave. [Research supported by ONR.

  11. EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF FUEL OIL ADDITIVES FOR REDUCING EMISSIONS AND INCREASING EFFICIENCY OF BOILERS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The report gives results of an evaluation of the effectiveness of combustion-type fuel oil additives to reduce emissions and increase efficiency in a 50-bhp (500 kw) commercial oil-fired packaged boiler. Most additive evaluation runs were made during continuous firing, constant-l...

  12. Integration of g4tools in Geant4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hřivnáčová, Ivana

    2014-06-01

    g4tools, that is originally part of the inlib and exlib packages, provides a very light and easy to install set of C++ classes that can be used to perform analysis in a Geant4 batch program. It allows to create and manipulate histograms and ntuples, and write them in supported file formats (ROOT, AIDA XML, CSV and HBOOK). It is integrated in Geant4 through analysis manager classes, thus providing a uniform interface to the g4tools objects and also hiding the differences between the classes for different supported output formats. Moreover, additional features, such as for example histogram activation or support for Geant4 units, are implemented in the analysis classes following users requests. A set of Geant4 user interface commands allows the user to create histograms and set their properties interactively or in Geant4 macros. g4tools was first introduced in the Geant4 9.5 release where its use was demonstrated in one basic example, and it is already used in a majority of the Geant4 examples within the Geant4 9.6 release. In this paper, we will give an overview and the present status of the integration of g4tools in Geant4 and report on upcoming new features.

  13. The relationship of women's postpartum mental health to employment, childbirth, and social support.

    PubMed

    Gjerdingen, D K; Chaloner, K M

    1994-05-01

    This study was conducted to examine changes in women's mental health over the first postpartum year and factors that are associated with mental health. Participants included women who were married, employed, English-speaking, and giving birth to their first child at one of two hospitals in St Paul, Minnesota. Women who were eligible and willing to participate were mailed questionnaires at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum. There were significant changes in mothers' general mental health, depression, and anxiety over the first postpartum year (P < or = .01), with least favorable outcomes at 1 month and most favorable outcomes at 12 months postpartum. Poor mental health was related to work factors, such as longer work hours and maternity leave of less than 24 weeks, and to variables often associated with recent childbirth, such as maternal fatigue, loss of sleep, concerns about appearance, and infant illnesses. In addition, postpartum symptoms were predicted by physical illness, previous mental problems, poor general health, poor social support, fewer recreational activities, young age, and low income (R2 = 37% to 57%). In this select group of women, postpartum mental health was found to be least favorable 1 month after delivery and related to factors associated with employment, recent delivery, and level of social support.

  14. [The elderly and their pets. Supportive and problematic aspects and implications for care. A descriptive study].

    PubMed

    Graf, S

    1999-04-01

    Pet ownership by elderly people is very common. This phenomenological study investigated why elderly people keep pets and what illness of the animals or their loss means to them. Nine women and three men owning either cats, dogs, or birds participated in this study. Their average age was 84. The results confirm on the one hand that elderly people experience happiness and joy thanks to having pets, giving them an ingenious social function as well as helping overcome the frequent passivity of old age. The problems arising with the ownership of animals are accident endangering (falls) and overexertion. An additional concern is the support of the animals during illness of the owner. The loss of animals is often connected with serious grief reaction and disorganisation of daily life. Serious, long-lasting, and pathological grief reactions were shown after a forced separation from the pet. Four recommendations for nursing practice resulted from this study: to approve and support the ownership of pets and domestic animals as a factor of the "good old age"; to accept the pets as part of the 'family' and integrate them into nursing work, to encourage the owner to plan the future of the pet. Finally, to help overcome the loss of pets and animals a specific nursing therapeutic treatment is required.

  15. 77 FR 44592 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Electronic Dealer Reporting System Workshop

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-30

    ... reporting system will allow dealers to submit Atlantic sharks, swordfish, and BAYS tuna data on a more real... to give sufficient time for dealers to adjust to implementation of the new system and the additional... HMS. In order to give sufficient time for dealers to adjust to implementation of the new system and...

  16. Degenerate Cauchy numbers of the third kind.

    PubMed

    Pyo, Sung-Soo; Kim, Taekyun; Rim, Seog-Hoon

    2018-01-01

    Since Cauchy numbers were introduced, various types of Cauchy numbers have been presented. In this paper, we define degenerate Cauchy numbers of the third kind and give some identities for the degenerate Cauchy numbers of the third kind. In addition, we give some relations between four kinds of the degenerate Cauchy numbers, the Daehee numbers and the degenerate Bernoulli numbers.

  17. Detecting epileptic seizure with different feature extracting strategies using robust machine learning classification techniques by applying advance parameter optimization approach.

    PubMed

    Hussain, Lal

    2018-06-01

    Epilepsy is a neurological disorder produced due to abnormal excitability of neurons in the brain. The research reveals that brain activity is monitored through electroencephalogram (EEG) of patients suffered from seizure to detect the epileptic seizure. The performance of EEG detection based epilepsy require feature extracting strategies. In this research, we have extracted varying features extracting strategies based on time and frequency domain characteristics, nonlinear, wavelet based entropy and few statistical features. A deeper study was undertaken using novel machine learning classifiers by considering multiple factors. The support vector machine kernels are evaluated based on multiclass kernel and box constraint level. Likewise, for K-nearest neighbors (KNN), we computed the different distance metrics, Neighbor weights and Neighbors. Similarly, the decision trees we tuned the paramours based on maximum splits and split criteria and ensemble classifiers are evaluated based on different ensemble methods and learning rate. For training/testing tenfold Cross validation was employed and performance was evaluated in form of TPR, NPR, PPV, accuracy and AUC. In this research, a deeper analysis approach was performed using diverse features extracting strategies using robust machine learning classifiers with more advanced optimal options. Support Vector Machine linear kernel and KNN with City block distance metric give the overall highest accuracy of 99.5% which was higher than using the default parameters for these classifiers. Moreover, highest separation (AUC = 0.9991, 0.9990) were obtained at different kernel scales using SVM. Additionally, the K-nearest neighbors with inverse squared distance weight give higher performance at different Neighbors. Moreover, to distinguish the postictal heart rate oscillations from epileptic ictal subjects, and highest performance of 100% was obtained using different machine learning classifiers.

  18. Human heme oxygenase oxidation of 5- and 15-phenylhemes.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jinling; Niemevz, Fernando; Lad, Latesh; Huang, Liusheng; Alvarez, Diego E; Buldain, Graciela; Poulos, Thomas L; de Montellano, Paul R Ortiz

    2004-10-08

    Human heme oxygenase-1 (hHO-1) catalyzes the O2-dependent oxidation of heme to biliverdin, CO, and free iron. Previous work indicated that electrophilic addition of the terminal oxygen of the ferric hydroperoxo complex to the alpha-meso-carbon gives 5-hydroxyheme. Earlier efforts to block this reaction with a 5-methyl substituent failed, as the reaction still gave biliverdin IXalpha. Surprisingly, a 15-methyl substituent caused exclusive cleavage at the gamma-meso-rather than at the normal, unsubstituted alpha-meso-carbon. No CO was formed in these reactions, but the fragment cleaved from the porphyrin eluded identification. We report here that hHO-1 cleaves 5-phenylheme to biliverdin IXalpha and oxidizes 15-phenylheme at the alpha-meso position to give 10-phenylbiliverdin IXalpha. The fragment extruded in the oxidation of 5-phenylheme is benzoic acid, one oxygen of which comes from O2 and the other from water. The 2.29- and 2.11-A crystal structures of the hHO-1 complexes with 1- and 15-phenylheme, respectively, show clear electron density for both the 5- and 15-phenyl rings in both molecules of the asymmetric unit. The overall structure of 15-phenylheme-hHO-1 is similar to that of heme-hHO-1 except for small changes in distal residues 141-150 and in the proximal Lys18 and Lys22. In the 5-phenylheme-hHO-1 structure, the phenyl-substituted heme occupies the same position as heme in the heme-HO-1 complex but the 5-phenyl substituent disrupts the rigid hydrophobic wall of residues Met34, Phe214, and residues 26-42 near the alpha-meso carbon. The results provide independent support for an electrophilic oxidation mechanism and support a role for stereochemical control of the reaction regiospecificity.

  19. Gender diversity in Geophysics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deuss, Arwen

    2016-04-01

    As a successful female scientist with two ERC grants, first as a starter and now a consolidator, I was priviliged that I personally never perceived any obstacles. At the same time, I am also aware that the statistics tell a different story when you look at the whole population. I will give an account and tell some anecdotes about what I think helped me, though it is important to be careful not to generalise my personal strategies. My main strategy is to publish papers in international journals and obtain personal grants. This also means limiting additional responsibilities that will not benefit my publication record or potential success in grant applications. The second important factor is that I have always been surrounded by people who give me confidence and support me, such as my parents, partner and senior colleagues who have acted (mostly unofficially) as mentor. In the workplace, there is a great advantage in having a senior mentor, who needs to be a successful academic(!), and can help with any career related issues and choices. But also at home, a supportive partner who will take an equal share in childcare responsibilities, makes a great difference. Are there any new strategies that we can implement to further overcome barriers? Not by design, but by coincidence, my research team for my ERC starting grant consisted largely of female PhD students and postdocs. The great things was that they stimulated each other, all became very confident, and several of them now have academics jobs at prestigious universities in the US and Europe. They believe in themselves, which is the first step in overcoming any potential barriers they may encounter later in their careers.

  20. The benefits of using bluetooth accessories with hearing aids.

    PubMed

    Smith, Pauline; Davis, Adrian

    2014-10-01

    To investigate the benefits in reported outcomes after providing bluetooth accessories for established hearing aid users. Prospective observational study using validated quantitative outcome measures and detailed patient narrative before and two months after patients were provided with bluetooth accessories. Twelve patients with bilateral NHS hearing aids participated. They had a wide range of ages and hearing loss. After two months, 10 patients reported substantial additional benefit and kept the accessories; two returned them for various reasons. Statistically significant changes were seen in two validated outcome measures: the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile and the International Outcome Inventory - Hearing Aids, but not in the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale. Two notable benefits were reported: some described hearing the emotion and mood in a voice for the first time; others were amazed to report an improved ability to hear film or to hold conversations over the telephone. The provision of bluetooth accessories can give additional reported benefit for some patients - we need better knowledge about who benefits, and whether further support/training to individuals would make a difference.

  1. Hydrogen production by steam reforming of liquefied natural gas (LNG) over nickel catalysts supported on cationic surfactant-templated mesoporous aluminas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seo, Jeong Gil; Youn, Min Hye; Park, Sunyoung; Jung, Ji Chul; Kim, Pil; Chung, Jin Suk; Song, In Kyu

    Two types of mesoporous γ-aluminas (denoted as A-A and A-S) are prepared by a hydrothermal method under different basic conditions using cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) as a templating agent. A-A and A-S are synthesized in a medium of ammonia solution and sodium hydroxide solution, respectively. Ni/γ-Al 2O 3 catalysts (Ni/A-A and Ni/A-S) are then prepared by an impregnation method, and are applied to hydrogen production by steam reforming of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The effect of a mesoporous γ-Al 2O 3 support on the catalytic performance of Ni/γ-Al 2O 3 is investigated. The identity of basic solution strongly affects the physical properties of the A-A and A-S supports. The high surface-area of the mesoporous γ-aluminas and the strong metal-support interaction of supported catalysts greatly enhance the dispersion of nickel species on the catalyst surface. The well-developed mesopores of the Ni/A-A and Ni/A-S catalysts prohibit the polymerization of carbon species on the catalyst surface during the reaction. In the steam reforming of LNG, both Ni/A-A and Ni/A-S catalysts give better catalytic performance than the nickel catalyst supported on commercial γ-Al 2O 3 (Ni/A-C). In addition, the Ni/A-A catalyst is superior to the Ni/A-S catalyst. The relatively strong metal-support interaction of Ni/A-A catalyst effectively suppresses the sintering of metallic nickel and the carbon deposition in the steam reforming of LNG. The large pores of the Ni/A-A catalyst also play an important role in enhancing internal mass transfer during the reaction.

  2. Psychosocial impacts on caregivers of people living with AIDS.

    PubMed

    Orner, Phyllis

    2006-04-01

    Estimates show that by 2010 up to six million South Africans will be HIV-infected. Simultaneously, public health care resources are overstretched and communities and families are taking more responsibility for providing care. However, little work in South Africa has investigated the possible psychosocial impacts on caregivers. This study investigates psychosocial impacts at household level with reference to gender, programme, and policy implications. Forty-five in-depth interviews were held with primary caregivers of people living with AIDS (PWA). Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. Forty-three respondents were women, signifying that gender is an important issue in this context. Data were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Care giving placed considerable demands on caregivers, which was exacerbated by insufficient support, dire poverty and the added responsibilities of caring for other household members. Lack of basic resources was common and chronic, and care giving impacted negatively on employment and social life. Stigma and prejudice towards caregivers was common and exacerbated stress levels. Assessment of support received from various sources ranged widely. The lack of support was often debilitating. Respondents who felt supported linked this support to improved psychosocial status. Recommendations for policy on home-based care are outlined.

  3. Soft tissue differentiation by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zam, Azhar; Stelzle, Florian; Nkenke, Emeka; Tangermann-Gerk, Katja; Schmidt, Michael; Adler, Werner; Douplik, Alexandre

    2009-07-01

    Laser surgery gives the possibility to work remotely which leads to high precision, little trauma and high level sterility. However these advantages are coming with the lack of haptic feedback during the laser ablation of tissue. Therefore additional means are required to control tissue-specific ablation during laser surgery supporting the surgeon regardless of experience and skills. Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy provides a straightforward and simple approach for optical tissue differentiation. We measured diffuse reflectance from four various tissue types ex vivo. We applied Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to differentiate the four tissue types and computed the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Special emphasis was taken on the identification of nerve as the most crucial tissue for maxillofacial surgery. The results show a promise for differentiating soft tissues as guidance for tissue-specific laser surgery by means of the diffuse reflectance.

  4. Guided Iterative Substructure Search (GI-SSS) - A New Trick for an Old Dog.

    PubMed

    Weskamp, Nils

    2016-07-01

    Substructure search (SSS) is a fundamental technique supported by various chemical information systems. Many users apply it in an iterative manner: they modify their queries to shape the composition of the retrieved hit sets according to their needs. We propose and evaluate two heuristic extensions of SSS aimed at simplifying these iterative query modifications by collecting additional information during query processing and visualizing this information in an intuitive way. This gives the user a convenient feedback on how certain changes to the query would affect the retrieved hit set and reduces the number of trial-and-error cycles needed to generate an optimal search result. The proposed heuristics are simple, yet surprisingly effective and can be easily added to existing SSS implementations. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  5. A Bayesian network coding scheme for annotating biomedical information presented to genetic counseling clients.

    PubMed

    Green, Nancy

    2005-04-01

    We developed a Bayesian network coding scheme for annotating biomedical content in layperson-oriented clinical genetics documents. The coding scheme supports the representation of probabilistic and causal relationships among concepts in this domain, at a high enough level of abstraction to capture commonalities among genetic processes and their relationship to health. We are using the coding scheme to annotate a corpus of genetic counseling patient letters as part of the requirements analysis and knowledge acquisition phase of a natural language generation project. This paper describes the coding scheme and presents an evaluation of intercoder reliability for its tag set. In addition to giving examples of use of the coding scheme for analysis of discourse and linguistic features in this genre, we suggest other uses for it in analysis of layperson-oriented text and dialogue in medical communication.

  6. Voting at 16: Turnout and the quality of vote choice.

    PubMed

    Wagner, Markus; Johann, David; Kritzinger, Sylvia

    2012-06-01

    Critics of giving citizens under 18 the right to vote argue that such teenagers lack the ability and motivation to participate effectively in elections. If this argument is true, lowering the voting age would have negative consequences for the quality of democracy. We test the argument using survey data from Austria, the only European country with a voting age of 16 in nation-wide elections. While the turnout levels of young people under 18 are relatively low, their failure to vote cannot be explained by a lower ability or motivation to participate. In addition, the quality of these citizens' choices is similar to that of older voters, so they do cast votes in ways that enable their interests to be represented equally well. These results are encouraging for supporters of a lower voting age.

  7. Urban History in 4 Dimensions - Supporting Research and Education

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Münster, S.; Friedrichs, K.; Kröber, C.; Bruschke, J.; Henze, F.; Maiwald, F.; Niebling, F.

    2017-08-01

    The new research group on the four-dimensional research and communication of urban history (Urban History 4D) aims to investigate and develop methods and technologies to access extensive repositories of historical media and their contextual information in a spatial model, with an additional temporal component. This will make content accessible to different target groups, researchers and the public, via a 4D browser. A location-dependent augmented-reality representation can be used as an information base, research tool, and means of communicating historical knowledge. The data resources for this research include extensive holdings of historical photographs of Dresden, which have documented the city over the decades, and digitized map collections from the Deutsche Fotothek (German photographic collection) platform. These will lay the foundation for a prototype model which will give users a virtual experience of historic parts of Dresden.

  8. Simulations to study the static polarization limit for RHIC lattice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duan, Zhe; Qin, Qing

    2016-01-01

    A study of spin dynamics based on simulations with the Polymorphic Tracking Code (PTC) is reported, exploring the dependence of the static polarization limit on various beam parameters and lattice settings for a practical RHIC lattice. It is shown that the behavior of the static polarization limit is dominantly affected by the vertical motion, while the effect of beam-beam interaction is small. In addition, the “nonresonant beam polarization” observed and studied in the lattice-independent model is also observed in this lattice-dependent model. Therefore, this simulation study gives insights of polarization evolution at fixed beam energies, that are not available in simple spin tracking. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DE-AC02-98CH10886), Hundred-Talent Program (Chinese Academy of Sciences), and National Natural Science Foundation of China (11105164)

  9. Sublimation as a Landform-Shaping Process on Pluto

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Moore, J. M.; Howard, A. D.; White, O. L.; Umurhan, O. M.; Schenk, P. M.; Beyer, R. A.; McKinnon, W. B.; Singer, K. N.; Spencer, J. R.; Stern, S. A.; hide

    2016-01-01

    Several icy-world surfaces in the solar system exhibit sublimation-driven landform modification erosion, condensation, and mass wasting [1]. In addition to the obvious role of gravity, mass wasting can work in conjunction with internal disaggregation of a landform's relief-supporting material through the loss (or deteriorating alteration) of its cohesive matrix. To give a conspicuous example, Callisto's landscape exhibits widespread erosion from sublimation erosion of slopes, which results in smooth, undulating, low albedo plains composed of lag deposits, with isolated high albedo pinnacles perched on remnants of crater rims due to the re-precipitation of ice on local cold traps [2, 3, 4]. Sublimation-driven mass wasting was anticipated on Pluto prior to the encounter (see refs in [5]). Here we report on several landscapes on Pluto we interpret to be formed, or at least heavily modified, by sublimation erosion.

  10. Oregon Magnetic and Gravity Maps and Data: A Web Site for Distribution of Data

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Roberts, Carter W.; Kucks, Robert P.; Hill, Patricia L.

    2008-01-01

    This web site gives the results of a USGS project to acquire the best available, public-domain, aeromagnetic and gravity data in the United States and merge these data into uniform, composite grids for each State. The results for the State of Oregon are presented here on this site. Files of aeromagnetic and gravity grids and images are available for these States for downloading. In Oregon, 49 magnetic surveys have been knit together to form a single digital grid and map. Also, a complete Bouguer gravity anomaly grid and map was generated from 40,665 gravity station measurements in and adjacent to Oregon. In addition, a map shows the location of the aeromagnetic surveys, color-coded to the survey flight-line spacing. This project was supported by the Mineral Resource Program of the USGS.

  11. Moral vindications.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Victor

    2017-10-01

    Psychologists and neuroscientists have recently been unearthing the unconscious processes that give rise to moral intuitions and emotions. According to skeptics like Joshua Greene, what has been found casts doubt on many of our moral beliefs. However, a new approach in moral psychology develops a learning-theoretic framework that has been successfully applied in a number of other domains. This framework suggests that model-based learning shapes intuitions and emotions. Model-based learning explains how moral thought and feeling are attuned to local material and social conditions. Philosophers can draw on these explanations, in some cases, in order to vindicate episodes of moral change. Explanations can support justifications by showing that they are not mere rationalizations. In addition, philosophical justifications are a fertile source for empirical hypotheses about the rational learning mechanisms that shape moral intuitions and emotions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Constant Stress Drop Fits Earthquake Surface Slip-Length Data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shaw, B. E.

    2011-12-01

    Slip at the surface of the Earth provides a direct window into the earthquake source. A longstanding controversy surrounds the scaling of average surface slip with rupture length, which shows the puzzling feature of continuing to increase with rupture length for lengths many times the seismogenic width. Here we show that a more careful treatment of how ruptures transition from small circular ruptures to large rectangular ruptures combined with an assumption of constant stress drop provides a new scaling law for slip versus length which (1) does an excellent job fitting the data, (2) gives an explanation for the large crossover lengthscale at which slip begins to saturate, and (3) supports constant stress drop scaling which matches that seen for small earthquakes. We additionally discuss how the new scaling can be usefully applied to seismic hazard estimates.

  13. P-chiral 1-phosphanorbornenes: from asymmetric phospha-Diels-Alder reactions towards ligand design and functionalisation.

    PubMed

    Möller, Tobias; Wonneberger, Peter; Sárosi, Menyhárt B; Coburger, Peter; Hey-Hawkins, Evamarie

    2016-02-07

    The principle of stereotopic face differentiation was successfully applied to 2H-phospholes which undergo a very efficient and highly stereoselective Diels-Alder reaction giving phosphorus-chiral 1-phosphanorbornenes with up to 87% yield. The observed reaction pathway has been supported by theoretical calculations showing that the cycloaddition reaction between 2H-phosphole 3a and the dienophile (5R)-(-)-menthyloxy-2(5H)-furanone (8) is of normal electron demand. Optically pure phosphanes were obtained by separation of the single diastereomers and subsequent desulfurisation of the sulfur-protected phosphorus atom. Finally, divergent ligand synthesis is feasible by reduction of the chiral auxiliary, subsequent stereospecific intramolecular Michael addition, and various functionalisations of the obtained key compound 13a. Furthermore, the unique structural properties of phospanorbornenes are presented and compared to those of phosphanorbornanes.

  14. DEALING WITH DENTAL IMPLANT FAILURES

    PubMed Central

    Levin, Liran

    2008-01-01

    An implant-supported restoration offers a predictable treatment for tooth replacement. Reported success rates for dental implants are high. Nevertheless, failures that mandate immediate implant removal do occur. The consequences of implant removal jeopardize the clinician's efforts to accomplish satisfactory function and esthetics. For the patient, this usually involves further cost and additional procedures. The aim of this paper is to describe different methods and treatment modalities to deal with dental implant failure. The main topics for discussion include identifying the failing implant, implants replacing failed implants at the exact site, and the use of other restorative options. When an implant fails, a tailor made treatment plan should be provided to each patient according to all relevant variables. Patients should be informed regarding all possible treatment modalities following implant failure and give their consent to the most appropriate treatment option for them. PMID:19089213

  15. Modeling waves forced by a drop bouncing on a vibrating bath

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Turton, Sam; Rosales, Ruben; Bush, John

    2017-11-01

    We study the wavefield generated by a droplet bouncing on a bath of silicon oil undergoing vertical oscillations. Such droplets may bounce indefinitely below the Faraday threshold, and in certain parameter regimes destabilize into a walking state in which they are propelled by their own wavefield. While previous theoretical models have rationalize the behavior of single droplets, difficulties have arisen in rationalizing the behavior of multi-droplet systems. We here present a refined wave model that allows us to do so. In particular, we give a detailed account of the spatio-temporal decay of the waves, in addition to the couping between the wave amplitude and modulations in the droplet's vertical dynamics. Our analytic model is compared with the results of direct numerical simulations and experiments. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the NSF.

  16. Phase-dependent noise in Josephson junctions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sheldon, Forrest; Peotta, Sebastiano; Di Ventra, Massimiliano

    2018-03-01

    In addition to the usual superconducting current, Josephson junctions (JJs) support a phase-dependent conductance related to the retardation effect of tunneling quasi-particles. This introduces a dissipative current with a memory-resistive (memristive) character that should also affect the current noise. By means of the microscopic theory of tunnel junctions we compute the complete current autocorrelation function of a Josephson tunnel junction and show that this memristive component gives rise to both a previously noted phase-dependent thermal noise, and an undescribed non-stationary, phase-dependent dynamic noise. As experiments are approaching ranges in which these effects may be observed, we examine the form and magnitude of these processes. Their phase dependence can be realized experimentally as a hysteresis effect and may be used to probe defects present in JJ based qubits and in other superconducting electronics applications.

  17. Review: Genetically modified plants for the promotion of human health.

    PubMed

    Yonekura-Sakakibara, Keiko; Saito, Kazuki

    2006-12-01

    Plants are attractive biological resources because of their ability to produce a huge variety of chemical compounds, and the familiarity of production in even the most rural settings. Genetic engineering gives plants additional characteristics and value for cultivation and post-harvest. Genetically modified (GM) plants of the "first generation" were conferred with traits beneficial to producers, whereas GM plants in subsequent "generations" are intended to provide beneficial traits for consumers. Golden Rice is a promising example of a GM plant in the second generation, and has overcome a number of obstacles for practical use. Furthermore, consumer-acceptable plants with health-promoting properties that are genetically modified using native genes are being developed. The emerging technology of metabolomics will also support the commercial realization of GM plants by providing comprehensive analyzes of plant biochemical components.

  18. Energy monitoring system based on human activity in the workplace

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mustafa, Nur Hanim; Husain, Mohd Nor; Aziz, Mohamad Zoinol Abidin Abdul; Othman, Mohd Azlishah; Malek, Fareq

    2015-05-01

    Human behaviors always related to day routine activities in a smart house directly give the significant factor to manage energy usage in human life. An Addition that, the factor will contribute to the best efficiency of the system. This paper will focus on the monitoring efficiency based on duration time in office hours around 8am until 5pm which depend on human behavior at working place. Besides that, the correlation coefficient method is used to show the relation between energy consumption and energy saving based on the total hours of time energy spent. In future, the percentages of energy monitoring system usage will be increase to manage energy saving based on human behaviors. This scenario will help to see the human activity in the workplace in order to get the energy saving and support world green environment.

  19. Data Management Support for Faculty Facing New Funding Mandates: The Case of The U. S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Exner, Nina

    2018-01-01

    Data management is a way for liaison librarians to support faculty research. American liaison librarians face new demands in data management due to expanding public access guidelines. This article gives advice for librarians new to data management, with the specific case of agriculture. For librarians supporting agriculture, the United States…

  20. Impact of active phase chemical composition and dispersity on catalytic behavior in PROX reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cherkezova-Zheleva, Z.; Paneva, D.; Todorova, S.; Kolev, H.; Shopska, M.; Yordanova, I.; Mitov, I.

    2014-04-01

    Iron and iron-platinum catalysts supported on activated carbon have been successfully synthesized by wet impregnation method and low-temperature treatment in inert atmosphere. The content of the supported phases corresponds to 10 wt % Fe and 0.5 wt % Pt. Four catalytic samples were synthesized: Sample A—activated carbon impregnated with Fe nitrate; Sample B—activated carbon impregnated with Pt salt; Sample C—activated carbon impregnated consequently with Fe and Pt salts; Sample D—activated carbon impregnated simultaneously with Fe and Pt salts. The as-prepared materials were characterized by Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The spectra show that the activated carbon support and the preparation procedure give rise to the synthesis of isolated metal Pt ions and ultradispersed Fe and Pt oxide species. Probably the presence of different functional groups of activated carbon gives rise to registered very high dispersion of loaded species on support. The catalytic tests were carried out in PROX reaction. A lower activity of bimetallic Pt-Fe samples was explained with the increase in surface oxygen species as a result of predomination of iron oxide on the support leading to the increase in selectivity to the H2 oxidation. Partial agglomeration of supported iron oxide phase was registered after catalytic tests.

  1. Courting Corporations: Instead of Wine, Roses, Soft Lights, Try These 10 Proven Techniques.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Withers, D. Chris

    1981-01-01

    Ideas that have helped the University of Richmond win corporation support are identified: develop impact statements; research each prospect; schedule corporate days on campus; plan executive information sessions on campus; give return for support; use one gift to increase others; extend pledge period; use team approach; and thank donors. (MLW)

  2. The Age of the Earth & Its Importance to Biology

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Senter, Phil

    2013-01-01

    Biology textbooks tend to assert the correctness of evolutionary concepts but mention very little of the evidence that supports them. This gives the impression that evolutionary theory is poorly supported, which discourages acceptance of the theory. A case in point is the age of the Earth. Biology textbooks usually mention that the planet is…

  3. Night Shift: Ideas and Strategies for Homework. Pathfinder 20. A CILT Series for Language Teachers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Buckland, David; Short, Mike

    A variety of ideas and strategies for homework assignments that can be stimulating and useful to second language learners are presented. Underlying principles are that homework can: give control; develop confidence; promote creativity; support differentiation by task and outcome; encourage pupil independence; support parent-school communication;…

  4. Re-Designing University Courses to Support Collaborative Knowledge Creation Practices

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lakkala, Minna; Toom, Auli; Ilomäki, Liisa; Muukkkonen, Hanni

    2015-01-01

    Higher education institutions should not only aim to educate academic experts who master their own fields, but also give their students generic skills important in the current society. New teaching methods are required to support the development of such skills. The study examined how a group of voluntary university lecturers re-designed their…

  5. Profiles of Supportive Alumni: Donors, Volunteers, and Those Who "Do It All"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weerts, David J.; Ronca, Justin M.

    2007-01-01

    In the competitive marketplace of higher education, college and university alumni are increasingly called on to support their institutions in multiple ways: political advocacy, volunteerism, and charitable giving. Drawing on alumni survey data gathered from a large research extensive university, we employ a multinomial logistic regression model to…

  6. Good Habits

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ottmer, Sean

    2009-01-01

    South Valley Academy (SVA) believes in and provides structure for personalization. All students have an advisor that can give them the one-on-one attention they deserve. As an advisor, it was the author's job to quickly identify students in need of extra support and coordinate that support with other staff members and parents. SVA also believes in…

  7. Influence of Spirituality, Family, and Self Efficacy on Teacher Effectiveness

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Heffner, Judith Maples

    2016-01-01

    Spirituality, family influence, and teacher efficacy are the focal points of this research project. Research supports family influence as a powerful support in career selection and the positive effects spirituality has on a teacher's personal and professional life. Self efficacy possessed by a teacher gives them an "I can do attitude."…

  8. The Normative Context of Advice as Social Support.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goldsmith, Daena J.; Fitch, Kristine

    1997-01-01

    Documents the multiple goals and implications of advice among white, middle-class, college students. Identifies three dilemmas of seeking, receiving, and giving advice: (1) advice may be seen as helpful or as "butting-in"; (2) advice may be experienced as honest or supportive; and (3) seeking and taking advice may enact respect and…

  9. Giving parents a voice: A qualitative study of the challenges experienced by parents of children with disabilities.

    PubMed

    Resch, J Aaron; Mireles, Gerardo; Benz, Michael R; Grenwelge, Cheryl; Peterson, Rick; Zhang, Dalun

    2010-05-01

    This study sought to examine the specific sources of challenges as identified by parents of children with disabilities. Focus groups were conducted with 40 parent caregivers. Data gathered were coded into themes which were then analyzed through an intentional process of data reduction that resulted in the cross site validation of four superordinate themes. Four themes emerged as the most prominent barriers to positive parent wellbeing: (a) access to information and services, (b) financial barriers, (c) school and community inclusion, and (d) family support. These four themes are indicative of problems associated with a lack of match between caregiver needs and services, resources, or support available in the community to meet those needs. Caring for a child with a disability can be challenging, but many of these challenges are likely due to a lack of necessary environmental supports. Future research should expand on these findings and policy makers, scientists and providers should give particular attention to the environmental support needs of parents in order to create policies and interventions that are more family-centered.

  10. Social Behavior in Medulloblastoma: Functional Analysis of Tumor-Supporting Glial Cells

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    GNPs are unipotent and only give rise to granule neurons. However, using MADM, a mouse genetic mosaic model, we found that medulloblastoma contain...demonstrated that GNPs are unipotent and only give rise to granule neurons. However, using MADM, a mouse genetic mosaic model with lineage tracing capability...UVa Animal Care and Use Committee, and got the approval. We then submitted ACURO documents and IACUC approval by UVa to USAMRMC Office of Research

  11. Selfless giving.

    PubMed

    Bartels, Daniel M; Kvaran, Trevor; Nichols, Shaun

    2013-11-01

    In four studies, we show that people who anticipate more personal change over time give more to others. We measure and manipulate participants' beliefs in the persistence of the defining psychological features of a person (e.g., his or her beliefs, values, and life goals) and measure generosity, finding support for the hypothesis in three studies using incentive-compatible charitable donation decisions and one involving hypothetical choices about sharing with loved ones. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Mid-Frequency Reverberation Measurements with Full Companion Environmental Support

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-12-30

    acoustic modeling is based on measured stratification and observed wave amplitudes on the New Jersey shelf during the SWARM experiment.3 Ray tracing is...wave model then gives quantitative results for the clutter. 2. Swarm NLIW model and ray tracing Nonlinear internal waves are very common on the...receiver in order to give quantitative clutter to reverberation. To picture the mechanism, a set of rays was launched from a source at range zero and

  13. NCTN Budget

    Cancer.gov

    Learn about the budget for the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), a National Cancer Institute program that gives funds and other support to cancer research organizations to conduct cancer clinical trials.

  14. A phenomenological study of family needs following the suicide of a teenager.

    PubMed

    Miers, David; Abbott, Douglas; Springer, Paul R

    2012-02-01

    The objective of this phenomenological study was to develop an understanding of family needs following the suicide of a teenager. Six parent units living in the Midwest who lost a teenager to suicide were interviewed. Participants indicated several key themes that describe a parent's needs following the suicide of a teenager. These needs were organized into 6 main categories: (a) support by listening and responding, (b) support from another suicide survivor, (c) support in finding direction, (d) support when viewing the deceased teen, (e) support in remembering the teen, and (f) support in parents giving back to the community.

  15. Collective Philanthropy: Describing and Modeling the Ecology of Giving

    PubMed Central

    Gottesman, William L.; Reagan, Andrew James; Dodds, Peter Sheridan

    2014-01-01

    Reflective of income and wealth distributions, philanthropic gifting appears to follow an approximate power-law size distribution as measured by the size of gifts received by individual institutions. We explore the ecology of gifting by analysing data sets of individual gifts for a diverse group of institutions dedicated to education, medicine, art, public support, and religion. We find that the detailed forms of gift-size distributions differ across but are relatively constant within charity categories. We construct a model for how a donor's income affects their giving preferences in different charity categories, offering a mechanistic explanation for variations in institutional gift-size distributions. We discuss how knowledge of gift-sized distributions may be used to assess an institution's gift-giving profile, to help set fundraising goals, and to design an institution-specific giving pyramid. PMID:24983864

  16. Crown Ether Complexes of Alkali-Metal Chlorides from SO2.

    PubMed

    Reuter, Kirsten; Rudel, Stefan S; Buchner, Magnus R; Kraus, Florian; von Hänisch, Carsten

    2017-07-18

    The structures of alkali-metal chloride SO 2 solvates (Li-Cs) in conjunction with 12-crown-4 or 1,2-disila-12-crown-4 show strong discrepancies, despite the structural similarity of the ligands. Both types of crown ethers form 1:1 complexes with LiCl to give [Li(1,2-disila-12-crown-4)(SO 2 Cl)] (1) and [Li(12-crown-4)Cl]⋅4 SO 2 (2). However, 1,2-disila-12-crown-4 proved unable to coordinate cations too large for the cavity diameter, for example, by the formation of sandwich-type complexes. As a result, 12-crown-4 reacts exclusively with the heavier alkali-metal chlorides NaCl, KCl and RbCl. Compounds [Na(12-crown-4) 2 ]Cl⋅4 SO 2 (3) and [M(12-crown-4) 2 (SO 2 )]Cl⋅4 SO 2 (4: M=K; 5: M=Rb) all showed S-coordination to the chloride ions through four SO 2 molecules. Compounds 4 and 5 additionally exhibit the first crystallographically confirmed non-bridging O,O'-coordination mode of SO 2 . Unexpectedly, the disila-crown ether supports the dissolution of RbCl and CsCl in the solvent and gives the homoleptic SO 2 -solvated alkali-metal chlorides [MCl⋅3 SO 2 ] (6: M=Rb; 7: M=Cs), which incorporate bridging μ-O,O'-coordinating moieties and the unprecedented side-on O,O'-coordination mode. All compounds were characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crown ether complexes were additionally studied by using NMR spectroscopy, and the presence of SO 2 at ambient temperature was revealed by IR spectroscopy of the neat compounds. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Geothermal Exploration Case Studies on OpenEI (Presentation)

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

    Young, K.; Bennett, M.; Atkins, D.

    2014-03-01

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) resource assessment (Williams et al., 2008) outlined a mean 30 GWe of undiscovered hydrothermal resource in the western United States. One goal of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Geothermal Technology Office (GTO) is to accelerate the development of this undiscovered resource. DOE has focused efforts on helping industry identify hidden geothermal resources to increase geothermal capacity in the near term. Increased exploration activity will produce more prospects, more discoveries, and more readily developable resources. Detailed exploration case studies akin to those found in oil and gas (e.g. Beaumont and Foster, 1990-1992) will give developersmore » central location for information gives models for identifying new geothermal areas, and guide efficient exploration and development of these areas. To support this effort, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been working with GTO to develop a template for geothermal case studies on the Geothermal Gateway on OpenEI. In 2012, the template was developed and tested with two case studies: Raft River Geothermal Area (http://en.openei.org/wiki/Raft_River_Geothermal_Area) and Coso Geothermal Area (http://en.openei.org/wiki/Coso_Geothermal_Area). In 2013, ten additional case studies were completed, and Semantic MediaWiki features were developed to allow for more data and the direct citations of these data. These case studies are now in the process of external peer review. In 2014, NREL is working with universities and industry partners to populate additional case studies on OpenEI. The goal is to provide a large enough data set to start conducting analyses of exploration programs to identify correlations between successful exploration plans for areas with similar geologic occurrence models.« less

  18. Additional Studies on Clothing Treatments for Personal Protection against Biting Flies

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-09-01

    length Jackets with attached hoods, the separate hoods were made of mesh fabric consisting of polyester filaments that give some abrasion resistance and...conditions was carried out using a sling psychrometer and anemometer to give data on dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. Insect specimens...treated the experimental items. Mrs. J. Whalen made the Jackets and hoods. UNCLASSIFIED

  19. Can nonstandard interactions jeopardize the hierarchy sensitivity of DUNE?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deepthi, K. N.; Goswami, Srubabati; Nath, Newton

    2017-10-01

    We study the effect of nonstandard interactions (NSIs) on the propagation of neutrinos through the Earth's matter and how it affects the hierarchy sensitivity of the DUNE experiment. We emphasize the special case when the diagonal NSI parameter ɛe e=-1 , nullifying the standard matter effect. We show that if, in addition, C P violation is maximal then this gives rise to an exact intrinsic hierarchy degeneracy in the appearance channel, irrespective of the baseline and energy. Introduction of the off diagonal NSI parameter, ɛe τ, shifts the position of this degeneracy to a different ɛe e. Moreover the unknown magnitude and phases of the off diagonal NSI parameters can give rise to additional degeneracies. Overall, given the current model independent limits on NSI parameters, the hierarchy sensitivity of DUNE can get seriously impacted. However, a more precise knowledge of the NSI parameters, especially ɛe e, can give rise to an improved sensitivity. Alternatively, if a NSI exists in nature, and still DUNE shows hierarchy sensitivity, certain ranges of the NSI parameters can be excluded. Additionally, we briefly discuss the implications of ɛe e=-1 (in the Earth) on the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein effect in the Sun.

  20. "The right help at the right time": Positive constructions of peer and professional support for breastfeeding.

    PubMed

    Burns, Elaine; Schmied, Virginia

    2017-10-01

    Support during the early establishment phase of breastfeeding is important but women report that health professionals can undermine their confidence with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding support provided in fragmented hospital based models of care predominantly reflect authoritative expert advice-giving which women describe as conflicting and unsupportive. Women show a preference for support from a known midwife, or a peer supporter, or a combination of the two. Peer support counsellors and privately practicing midwives approached breastfeeding support in a similar way. They interacted with women as a ‘knowledgeable friend’ and normalised breastfeeding challenges which enhanced women’s confidence with breastfeeding.

  1. Vascular plant abundance and diversity in an alpine heath under observed and simulated global change

    PubMed Central

    Alatalo, Juha M.; Little, Chelsea J.; Jägerbrand, Annika K.; Molau, Ulf

    2015-01-01

    Global change is predicted to cause shifts in species distributions and biodiversity in arctic tundra. We applied factorial warming and nutrient manipulation to a nutrient and species poor alpine/arctic heath community for seven years. Vascular plant abundance in control plots increased by 31%. There were also notable changes in cover in the nutrient and combined nutrient and warming treatments, with deciduous and evergreen shrubs declining, grasses overgrowing these plots. Sedge abundance initially increased significantly with nutrient amendment and then declined, going below initial values in the combined nutrient and warming treatment. Nutrient addition resulted in a change in dominance hierarchy from deciduous shrubs to grasses. We found significant declines in vascular plant diversity and evenness in the warming treatment and a decline in diversity in the combined warming and nutrient addition treatment, while nutrient addition caused a decline in species richness. The results give some experimental support that species poor plant communities with low diversity may be more vulnerable to loss of species diversity than communities with higher initial diversity. The projected increase in nutrient deposition and warming may therefore have negative impacts on ecosystem processes, functioning and services due to loss of species diversity in an already impoverished environment. PMID:25950370

  2. Estimating Logistics Support of Reusable Launch Vehicles During Conceptual Design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morris, W. D.; White, N. H.; Davies, W. T.; Ebeling, C. E.

    1997-01-01

    Methods exist to define the logistics support requirements for new aircraft concepts but are not directly applicable to new launch vehicle concepts. In order to define the support requirements and to discriminate among new technologies and processing choices for these systems, NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is developing new analysis methods. This paper describes several methods under development, gives their current status, and discusses the benefits and limitations associated with their use.

  3. Analysis and Design of a Decision Support System for Silas B. Hays Army Community Hospital

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-09-01

    develop the DSS. This collaboration allows the user to learn about the power decision support can give to the decision maker and... projects under their control. A DSS is developed to provide decision support for a specific manager or group , and con- sequently falls under the ... It is possible the first iteration could be developed in more than one programming language and results compared . Once the first

  4. Barbara's story: a thematic analysis of a relative's reflection of being in the intensive care unit.

    PubMed

    Christensen, Martin; Probst, Barbara

    2015-03-01

    The aim of this reflective account is to provide a view of the intensive care unit (ICU) relative's experiences of supporting and being supported in the ICU. Understanding the relatives' experiences of ICU is important especially because a recent work has identified the potential for this group to develop post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that is normally equated with the ICU survivor. A thematic analysis was used in identifying emerging themes that would be significant in an ICU nursing context. The incident took place in two 8-bedded ICUs (Private and National Health Service) in October. Two emergent themes were identified from the reflective story - fear of the technological environment and feeling hopeless and helpless. The use of relative stories as an insight into the live experiences of ICU relatives may give a deeper understanding of their life-world. The loneliness, anguish and pain of the ICU relative extends beyond the walls of the ICU, and this is often negated as the focus of the ICU team is the patient. Developing strategies to support relatives might include the use of relative diaries used concurrently with patient diaries to support this groups recovery or at the very least a gaining a sense of understanding for their ICU experience. Relative follow-up clinics designed specifically to meet their needs where support and advice can be given by the ICU team, in addition to making timely and appropriate referrals to counselling services and perhaps involving spiritual leaders where appropriate. © 2014 British Association of Critical Care Nurses.

  5. Observation of Lyman-alpha emission in interplanetary space

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bertaux, J. L.; Blamont, J. E.

    1972-01-01

    The extraterrestrial Lyman-alpha emission was mapped by the OGO 5 satellite, when it was outside the geocorona. Three maps, obtained at different periods of the year, are presented and analyzed. The results suggest that at least half of the emission takes place in the solar system, and give strong support to the theory that in its motion toward the apex, the sun crosses neutral atomic hydrogen of interstellar origin, giving rise to an apparent interstellar wind.

  6. Organically modified clay supported chitosan/hydroxyapatite-zinc oxide nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and biological properties for the application in bone tissue engineering.

    PubMed

    Bhowmick, Arundhati; Banerjee, Sovan Lal; Pramanik, Nilkamal; Jana, Piyali; Mitra, Tapas; Gnanamani, Arumugam; Das, Manas; Kundu, Patit Paban

    2018-01-01

    The objective of this study is to design biomimetic organically modified montmorillonite clay (OMMT) supported chitosan/hydroxyapatite-zinc oxide (CTS/HAP-ZnO) nanocomposites (ZnCMH I-III) with improved mechanical and biological properties compared to previously reported CTS/OMMT/HAP composite. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the composition and surface morphology of the prepared nanocomposites. Strong antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains were established for ZnCMH I-III. pH and blood compatibility study revealed that ZnCMH I-III should be nontoxic to the human body. Cytocompatibility of these nanocomposites with human osteoblastic MG-63 cells was also established. Experimental findings suggest that addition of 5wt% of OMMT into CTS/HAP-ZnO (ZnCMH I) gives the best mechanical strength and water absorption capacity. Addition of 0.1wt% of ZnO nanoparticles into CTS-OMMT-HAP significantly enhanced the tensile strengths of ZnCMH I-III compared to previously reported CTS-OMMT-HAP composite. In absence of OMMT, control sample (ZnCH) also showed reduced tensile strength, antibacterial effect and cytocompatibility with osteoblastic cell compared to ZnCMH I. Considering all of the above-mentioned studies, it can be proposed that ZnCMH I nanocomposite has a great potential to be applied in bone tissue engineering. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. How Well Was the Sun Observed during the Maunder Minimum?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoyt, Douglas V.; Schatten, Kenneth H.

    1996-04-01

    In this paper we examine how well the Sun and sunspots were observed during the Maunder Minimum from 1645 to 1715. Recent research has given us the dates of observations by Hevelius, Picard, La Hire, Flamsteed, and about 70 other observers. These specific observations allow a ‘lower estimate’ of the fraction of the time the Sun was observed to be deduced. It is found that 52.7% of the days have recorded observations. There are additional 12 observers who provide general statements that no sunspots were observed during specific years or intervals despite diligent efforts. Taking these statements to mean, unrealistically, that every day during these intervals was observed, gives an ‘upper estimate’ of 98% of the days. If the general statements are relaxed by assuming that 100 ± 50 days per year were actually observed by these diligent observers, than our ‘best estimate’ is that 68%±7% of the days during the Maunder Minimum were observed. In short, this supports the view that the Maunder Minimum existed and was not an artifact of few observations. Some sunspots are probably still missed in modern compilations, but the existence of a prolonged sunspot minimum would not be threatened by their discovery in future research. Additional support for intense scrutiny of the Sun comes from a report of a white-light flare in 1705 and from the numerous reports of new sunspots entering the disk of the Sun.

  8. The Role of Categories and Spatial Cuing in Global-Scale Location Estimates

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Friedman, Alinda

    2009-01-01

    Seven independent groups estimated the location of North American cities using both spatial and numeric response modes and a variety of perceptual and memory supports. These supports included having location markers for each city color coded by nation and identified by name, giving participants the opportunity to see and update all their estimates…

  9. Supporting Faculty in the Design and Structuring of Web-Based Courses.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Freeman, H.; Ryan, S.; Boys, J.

    This paper reports on the development and extension of a concept mapping tool into a complete online course design support framework for academics: CEDOT (Course Elicitation, Development and Output Tool). The tool provides a course design framework that faculty work through in an order of their choosing. It gives context specific help and advice…

  10. Living Independently in a Home and Community of Choice: How?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Braswell, Gail; Ritter, Linda; Sufficool, Mary Jane

    2009-01-01

    Residents in a group home, supported apartment, or intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded (ICF/MR) are not guaranteed a place for life. Neither are they guaranteed they won't have to move if their provider needs to "rearrange" clients. Separating residence from support gives an individual control over the most basic decisions…

  11. Doing Better for Families

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    OECD Publishing (NJ3), 2011

    2011-01-01

    All OECD governments want to give parents more choice in their work and family decisions. This book looks at the different ways in which governments support families. It seeks to provide answers to questions like: Is spending on family benefits going up, and how does it vary by the age of the child? Has the crisis affected public support for…

  12. Do Sons or Daughters Give More Money to Parents in Urban China?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Xie, Yu; Zhu, Haiyan

    2009-01-01

    The patriarchal structure of the traditional Chinese family suggests that sons, more than daughters, provide financial support to elderly parents. The norm of receiving support in old age primarily from sons, however, may have been undermined by dramatic demographic, economic, and cultural changes occurring over the last several decades in China,…

  13. Prevent-Teach-Reinforce: The School-Based Model of Individualized Positive Behavior Support

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dunlap, Glen; Iovannone, Rose; Kincaid, Donald; Wilson, Kelly; Christiansen, Kathy; Strain, Phillip; English, Carie

    2010-01-01

    Solve serious behavior challenges in K-8 classrooms with this easy-to-use book, the first practical guide to the research-proven Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) model. Developed by some of the most respected authorities on positive behavior support, this innovative model gives school-based teams a five-step plan for reducing problems unresolved by…

  14. Alone on the Inside: The Impact of Social Isolation and Helping Others on AOD Use and Criminal Activity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Byron R.; Pagano, Maria E.; Lee, Matthew T.; Post, Stephen G.

    2018-01-01

    Because addiction is a socially isolating disease, social support for recovery is an important element of treatment planning. This study examines the relationship between social isolation, giving and receiving social support in Alcoholics Anonymous during treatment, and post-treatment outcomes among juvenile offenders court-referred to addiction…

  15. A New "Moodle" Module Supporting Automatic Verification of VHDL-Based Assignments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gutierrez, Eladio; Trenas, Maria A.; Ramos, Julian; Corbera, Francisco; Romero, Sergio

    2010-01-01

    This work describes a new "Moodle" module developed to give support to the practical content of a basic computer organization course. This module goes beyond the mere hosting of resources and assignments. It makes use of an automatic checking and verification engine that works on the VHDL designs submitted by the students. The module automatically…

  16. Eldercare Demands, Strain, and Work Engagement: The Moderating Role of Perceived Organizational Support

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zacher, Hannes; Winter, Gabriele

    2011-01-01

    Demographic changes give rise to an increasing number of middle-aged employees providing home-based care to an elderly family member. However, the potentially important role of employees' perceptions of organizational support for eldercare has so far not been investigated. The goal of this study was to examine a stressor-strain-outcome model…

  17. 1970 Corporation Support of Higher Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Council for Financial Aid to Education, New York, NY.

    This report of the survey of corporation support of higher education comes at a time when the corporation and the campus are still suffering from the effects of one of the sharpest economic declines in recent history. As a result, for the first time since the survey was begun in 1956, corporate giving to education declined. Virtually all of the…

  18. Shared decision-making and patient autonomy.

    PubMed

    Sandman, Lars; Munthe, Christian

    2009-01-01

    In patient-centred care, shared decision-making is advocated as the preferred form of medical decision-making. Shared decision-making is supported with reference to patient autonomy without abandoning the patient or giving up the possibility of influencing how the patient is benefited. It is, however, not transparent how shared decision-making is related to autonomy and, in effect, what support autonomy can give shared decision-making. In the article, different forms of shared decision-making are analysed in relation to five different aspects of autonomy: (1) self-realisation; (2) preference satisfaction; (3) self-direction; (4) binary autonomy of the person; (5) gradual autonomy of the person. It is argued that both individually and jointly these aspects will support the models called shared rational deliberative patient choice and joint decision as the preferred versions from an autonomy perspective. Acknowledging that both of these models may fail, the professionally driven best interest compromise model is held out as a satisfactory second-best choice.

  19. The association between cognitive impairment and community service use patterns in older people living in Australia.

    PubMed

    Vecchio, Nerina; Fitzgerald, Janna A; Radford, Katrina; Fisher, Ron

    2016-05-01

    Family plays a vital role in supporting individuals with dementia to reside in the community, thus delaying institutionalisation. Existing research indicates that the burden of care-giving is particularly high for those caring for a person with dementia. Yet, little is known about the uptake of community services by people with a diagnosis of dementia. Therefore, this study aims to better understand the relationship between cognitive impairment and the receipt of community care services. In order to examine the relationship, secondary data collected across Queensland, Australia, from 59,352 home-care clients aged 65 and over during 2007-2008 are analysed. This cross-sectional study uses regression analyses to estimate the relationship between cognitive impairment and service mix, while controlling for socio-demographic characteristics. The dependent variables include formal services, informal care and total home-care service hours during a 12-month period. The findings of this study demonstrate that cognitive impairment is associated with accessing more hours of respite and day centre care but fewer hours of other formal care services. Additionally, the likelihood of support from an informal caregiver increases when a client becomes cognitively impaired. Therefore, this study demonstrates that there is an increased need for respite programmes to support informal caregivers in the future, as the population of people living with dementia increases. These findings support the need for investigations of new and innovative respite models in the future. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  20. Exploring the breast cancer patient journey: do breast cancer survivors need menopause management support?

    PubMed

    Tanna, Nuttan; Buijs, Helene; Pitkin, Joan

    2011-12-01

    Breast cancer survivors can be expected to suffer from menopause symptoms with estrogen deprivation due to cancer treatments, in addition to natural menopause-related estrogen loss. To gain an understanding of what support breast cancer patients have when they suffer from menopausal symptoms, and utilize findings to further inform National Health Service (NHS) care provision for breast cancer survivors. Qualitative study with focus group sessions targeting Caucasian and Asian women with breast cancer. Patient stories, with women describing their breast cancer journey and speaking about support received for any menopausal symptoms. Thematic data analysis of transcription. Breast cancer patients were not sure if they had menopausal symptoms or whether this was due to their breast cancer condition or treatment. Patients had an attitude of acceptance of menopausal symptoms and reported trying to cope with these by themselves. This research identifies a need for more information that is culturally sensitive on managing menopause symptoms, both as side-effects of breast cancer treatments as well as for affect on quality of life during the survivorship phase. Our work also gives insight into cultural remedies used for hot flushes by Asian patients, which they consider as 'cooling' foods. Breast cancer patients want to know whether side-effects of cancer treatment persist long term and how these can be managed. There is a need for improved patient support within any new NHS service models that are developed along breast cancer patient pathways, and inclusion of personalized advice for menopause symptoms.

  1. [Experiences and needs of parents of hospitalised children with disabilities and the health professionals responsible for the child’s health-care – A systematic review].

    PubMed

    Seliner, Brigitte; Wattinger, Alexandra; Spirig, Rebecca

    2015-10-01

    Children with disabilities are more often hospitalized than healthy children and burden their parents additionally. Though the parents usually take care of the disabled child in the hospital, systematic knowledge on the experiences of these care-giving parents in hospital is missing in German-speaking countries. What are the experiences and needs described by parents of hospitalized children with disabilities as well as by health professionals responsible for the child’s health-care and what are the implications for parental support? A systematic review according to the PRISMA Statement was performed in the databases Pubmed/Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and EMBASE in January 2014. Fourteen publications were analysed thematically using content analysis. The literature identified confirmed the heightened burden of the parents and particularly of the nurses due to emotional and work-related stress. Moreover, the adjustment process, mainly of parents of frequently hospitalized children, was detected. Communication and organisation based on family-centred service can improve the parents’ and the child’s wellbeing. Considering the burden experienced by parents, their support must be of central concern for all health professionals. Nurses can support parents and thus the hospitalized child in the adjustment process by focused preparation and continuous attendance based on family-centred care. The latter must be supported by the management and the multidisciplinary team to tailor the competences and the organization accordingly.

  2. 75 FR 61321 - Practices and Procedures

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-05

    ... internal procedures, is intended to give the parties greater insight into the reasoning supporting the... both appellants and agencies because both parties will more fully understand the Board's reasoning and...

  3. [Diabetes type 1 in young adults: The relationship between psycho-social variables, glycemic control, depression and anxiety].

    PubMed

    Steinsdottir, Fjola Katrin; Halldorsdottir, Hildur; Gudmundsdottir, Arna; Arnardottir, Steinunn; Smari, Jakop; Arnarson, Eirikur Orn

    2008-12-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate whether psycho-social variables, for example social support and task- and emotion-oriented coping would predict psychological and physical well being among young adults with diabetes. Participants were 56 individuals in their twenties suffering from type 1 diabetes. Response rate was 78%. The participants came from the whole of Iceland, 64.3% from the Greater Reykjavík area and 33.9% from rural areas. One participant did not indicate his place of residence. Self-assessment scales were used to assess depression, anxiety, task-, avoidance- and emotion-oriented coping, social support and problems relating to diabetes. Additional information was obtained from patients' records concerning the results of blood glucose measurements (HbA1c). Good social support was related to less anxiety and depression and to less self-reported problems related to having diabetes. Emotion-oriented coping was related to not feeling well and task- oriented coping to feeling better. No relationship was found between psychosocial variables and blood glucose measurements and a limited relationship between self-reported problems related to having diabetes and these measurements. Social support and coping are strongly related to measurements of depression, anxiety and problems related to having diabetes in the present age group. The results indicate that it is very important to teach and strengthen usage, as possible, of task-oriented coping instead of emotion-oriented coping. The results also indicate that social support is highly important for young adults with diabetes type 1. It is clear that friends and family have to be more involved in the treatment and also more educated about the disease and the importance of giving the right kind of support.

  4. Robots and ICT to support play in children with severe physical disabilities: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    van den Heuvel, Renée J F; Lexis, Monique A S; Gelderblom, Gert Jan; Jansens, Rianne M L; de Witte, Luc P

    2015-09-02

    Play is an essential part of children's lives. Children with physical disabilities experience difficulties in play, especially those with severe physical disabilities. With the progress of innovative technology, the possibilities to support play are increasing. The purpose of this literature study is to gain insight into the aims, control options and commercial availability of information and communication technology (ICT) and robots to support play (especially play for the sake of play) in children with severe physical disabilities. A systematic literature search in the databases PubMed, CINAHL, IEEE and ERIC was carried out. Titles and abstracts were assessed independently by three reviewers. In addition, studies were selected using Google Scholar, conference proceedings and reference lists. Three main groups of technology for play could be distinguished: robots (n = 8), virtual reality systems (n = 15) and computer systems (n = 4). Besides, ICT and robots developed for specific therapy or educational goals using play-like activities, five of the in total 27 technologies in this study described the aim of "play for play's sake". Many ICT systems and robots to support play in children with physical disabilities were found. Numerous technologies use play-like activities to achieve therapeutic or educational goals. Robots especially are used for "play for play's sake". Implications for Rehabilitation This study gives insight into the aims, control options and commercial availability for application of robots and ICT to support play in children with severe physical disabilities. This overview can be used in both the fields of rehabilitation and special education to search for new innovative intervention options and it can stimulate them to use these innovative play materials. Especially robots may have great potential in supporting "play for play's sake".

  5. Music's Relevance for People Affected by Cancer: A Meta-Ethnography and Implications for Music Therapists.

    PubMed

    O'Callaghan, Clare C; McDermott, Fiona; Reid, Philippa; Michael, Natasha; Hudson, Peter; Zalcberg, John R; Edwards, Jane

    2016-01-01

    Evidence supports music-based oncologic support interventions including music therapy. By comparison, little is understood about music-based self-care. This meta-ethnography examined five published qualitative studies to extend understanding of music's relevance, including helpfulness, for people affected by cancer; including children, adolescents, and adults with cancer, carers, and the bereaved. To improve understanding of music's broad relevance for those affected by cancer. Meta-ethnography strategies informed the analysis. Five studies were synthesized that included 138 participants: 26 children and 28 parents of children with cancer; 12 adolescents and young adults with cancer; 52 adults with cancer; 12 carers; and 8 bereaved. Studies' category and thematic findings were compared and integrated into third-order interpretations, and a line of argument. Perspectives from the five studies that illuminated the line of argument were developed. Music usage can remain incidental, continue normally, and/or change because of cancer's harsh effects. Music can be a lifeline, support biopsychosocial and spiritual well-being, or become elusive, that is, difficult to experience. Music helps or intrudes because it extends self-awareness and social connections, and prompts play, memories, imageries, and legacies. Music therapists may help patients and carers to recover or extend music's helpful effects. Cancer care can be improved through offering music-based resources/services, which give cancer patients and carers opportunities to extend music usage for personal support and, for carers, to support patients. Music therapists can advocate for such resources and educate health professionals about assessing/recognizing when patients' and carers' changed music behaviors signify additional support needs. © the American Music Therapy Association 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  6. Advances in Chemical Mixtures Risk Methods

    EPA Science Inventory

    This presentation is an overview of emerging issues for dose addition in chemical mixtures risk assessment. It is intended to give the participants a perspective of recent developments in methods for dose addition. The workshop abstract is as follows:This problems-based, half-day...

  7. 77 FR 2545 - Designation of a Class of Employees for Addition to the Special Exposure Cohort

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-18

    ... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Designation of a Class of Employees for Addition to the... of Health and Human Services (HHS). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: HHS gives notice of a decision to designate a class of employees from the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, as an addition to the Special...

  8. Practitioner perspectives on extended clinical placement programs in optometry.

    PubMed

    Bentley, Sharon A; Cartledge, Amy; Guest, Daryl J; Cappuccio, Skye; Woods, Craig A

    2016-05-01

    Some universities are looking to provide a more diverse range of clinical learning experiences through extended clinical placement programs. This approach will potentially have a significant impact on practitioners. The aim of this study was to conduct a national survey of optometrists to ascertain their perspectives on participating in extended clinical placement programs. Members of Optometry Australia were invited to participate in a survey conducted during June and July 2014. A total of 268 practitioners participated (six per cent of registered Australian optometrists): 159 were predominantly employees or locums and 109 were owners or managers who identified as the key representative of a practice or organisation for the purpose of this survey. Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of participants, who were employees or locums were supportive of extended clinical placement programs. Among this group, females were more likely to be supportive than males (p = 0.033). In comparison, just over one-third (34 per cent) of participants who were key decision-makers were supportive, with 30 per cent possibly supportive and 36 per cent not supportive. Among key decision-makers, males were more likely to be supportive (p = 0.009). The top three perceived advantages of supervising a student were: opportunity to mentor early career development, opportunity to give back to the profession and future recruitment. The top three perceived disadvantages were: burden on time, decrease in number of patients examined and burden on support staff. Suggested incentives for supervising students were credit for continuing professional development and financial remuneration. There appears to be moderate support for extended clinical placement programs; however, there are incentives that might engage a larger proportion of the profession in the future. These findings can inform the development of effective and sustainable clinical training programs for optometry students. Additionally, the findings might be used as evidence to seek Government support for clinical placement training in optometry. © 2016 Optometry Australia.

  9. Traditional gift-giving and gambling amongst Pacific mothers living in New Zealand.

    PubMed

    Perese, Lana; Gao, Wanzhen; Erick, Stephanie; Macpherson, Cluny; Cowley-Malcolm, Esther; Sundborn, Gerhard

    2011-09-01

    Cultural variables are implicated in gambling literature as playing an important role in the initiation and maintenance of gambling activity, however there remains a paucity of research that defines and investigates the association between cultural factors, gambling and problem gambling amongst different cultural groups. The first data collection point for a cohort of mothers within the longitudinal Pacific Islands Families study identified that the Pacific cultural practice of traditional gift-giving was associated with gambling activity and expenditure. In this paper, data about traditional gift-giving and gambling are presented from the third collection point within this study. The results support an association between gambling (rather than problem gambling) and traditional gift-giving. This paper contends the need to contextualise Pacific peoples gambling within Pacific cultures. Also a need is identified to examine and address the psycho-social and cultural impacts of gambling for Pacific peoples.

  10. Thinkers and feelers: Emotion and giving.

    PubMed

    Corcoran, Katie E

    2015-07-01

    Voluntary organizations, such as religious congregations, ask their members to contribute money as a part of membership and rely on these contributions for their survival. Yet often only a small cadre of members provides the majority of the contributions. Past research on congregational giving focuses on cognitive rational processes, generally neglecting the role of emotion. Extending Collins' (2004) interaction ritual theory, I predict that individuals who experience positive emotions during religious services will be more likely to give a higher proportion of their income to their congregation than those who do not. Moreover, I argue that this effect will be amplified in congregational contexts characterized by high aggregate levels of positive emotion, strictness, dense congregational networks, and expressive rituals. Using data from the 2001 U.S. Congregational Life Survey and multilevel modeling, I find support for several of these hypotheses. The findings suggest that both cognitive and emotional processes underlie congregational giving. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. National Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure Initiative

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1997-09-19

    This report gives an overview of the National Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure Initiative (NITI). NITI refers to the integrated electronics, communications, and hardware and software elements that are available to support Intelligent Transpo...

  12. Continuity and Integration in Early Childhood Education: PDC

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Braggett, E. J.

    1977-01-01

    Gives an overview of the United States' Project Developmental Continuity. Discussed are administration, education, preservice and inservice training, developmental support services, parent involvement, handicapped, and bilingual/bicultural components. (SB)

  13. Social support and support groups among people with HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

    PubMed

    Abrefa-Gyan, Tina; Wu, Liyun; Lewis, Marilyn W

    2016-01-01

    HIV/AIDS, a chronic burden in Ghana, poses social and health outcome concerns to those infected. Examining the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) instrument among 300 Ghanaians from a cross-sectional design, Principal Component Analysis yielded four factors (positive interaction, trust building, information giving, and essential support), which accounted for 85.73% of the total variance in the MOS-SSS. A logistic regression analysis showed that essential support was the strongest predictor of the length of time an individual stayed in the support group, whereas positive interaction indicated negative association. The study's implications for policy, research, and practice were discussed.

  14. We're All in New Territory Now: A Multigenerational Look at Using Facebook to Support Colleagues.

    PubMed

    Belcik, Kim D

    2016-07-01

    Facebook can be used by nurse educators to share their own successes and vulnerabilities, as well as to support and encourage colleagues virtually and instantaneously, and is often influenced by their generation. This article shares examples drawn from my own experience and gives nurse educators suggestions on how to use Facebook to make positive comments of support. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(7):302-305. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

  15. Strategies for the synthesis of supported gold palladium nanoparticles with controlled morphology and composition.

    PubMed

    Hutchings, Graham J; Kiely, Christopher J

    2013-08-20

    The discovery that supported gold nanoparticles are exceptionally effective catalysts for redox reactions has led to an explosion of interest in gold nanoparticles. In addition, incorporating a second metal as an alloy with gold can enhance the catalyst performance even more. The addition of small amounts of gold to palladium, in particular, and vice versa significantly enhances the activity of supported gold-palladium nanoparticles as redox catalysts through what researchers believe is an electronic effect. In this Account, we describe and discuss methodologies for the synthesis of supported gold-palladium nanoparticles and their use as heterogeneous catalysts. In general, three key challenges need to be addressed in the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles: (i) control of the particle morphology, (ii) control of the particle size distribution, and (iii) control of the nanoparticle composition. We describe three methodologies to address these challenges. First, we discuss the relatively simple method of coimpregnation. Impregnation allows control of particle morphology during alloy formation but does not control the particle compositions or the particle size distribution. Even so, we contend that this method is the best preparation method in the catalyst discovery phase of any project, since it permits the investigation of many different catalyst structures in one experiment, which may aid the identification of new catalysts. A second approach, sol-immobilization, allows enhanced control of the particle size distribution and the particle morphology, but control of the composition of individual nanoparticles is not possible. Finally, a modified impregnation method can allow the control of all three of these crucial parameters. We discuss the effect of the different methodologies on three redox reactions: benzyl alcohol oxidation, toluene oxidation, and the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide. We show that the coimpregnation method provides the best reaction selectivity for benzyl alcohol oxidation and the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide. However, because of the reaction mechanism, the sol-immobilzation method gives very active and selective catalysts for toluene oxidation. We discuss the possible nature of the preferred active structures of the supported nanoparticles for these reactions. This paper is based on the IACS Heinz Heinemann Award Lecture entitled "Catalysis using gold nanoparticles" which was given in Munich in July 2012.

  16. Universal modal radiation laws for all thermal emitters

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Linxiao; Fan, Shanhui

    2017-01-01

    We derive four laws relating the absorptivity and emissivity of thermal emitters. Unlike the original Kirchhoff radiation law derivations, these derivations include diffraction, and so are valid also for small objects, and can also cover nonreciprocal objects. The proofs exploit two recent approaches. First, we express all fields in terms of the mode-converter basis sets of beams; these sets, which can be uniquely established for any linear optical object, give orthogonal input beams that are coupled one-by-one to orthogonal output beams. Second, we consider thought experiments using universal linear optical machines, which allow us to couple appropriate beams and black bodies. Two of these laws can be regarded as rigorous extensions of previously known laws: One gives a modal version of a radiation law for reciprocal objects—the absorptivity of any input beam equals the emissivity into the “backward” (i.e., phase-conjugated) version of that beam; another gives the overall equality of the sums of the emissivities and the absorptivities for any object, including nonreciprocal ones. The other two laws, valid for reciprocal and nonreciprocal objects, are quite different from previous relations. One shows universal equivalence of the absorptivity of each mode-converter input beam and the emissivity into its corresponding scattered output beam. The other gives unexpected equivalences of absorptivity and emissivity for broad classes of beams. Additionally, we prove these orthogonal mode-converter sets of input and output beams are the ones that maximize absorptivities and emissivities, respectively, giving these beams surprising additional physical meaning. PMID:28396436

  17. Tandem nucleophilic addition-Oppenauer oxidation of aromatic aldehydes to aryl ketones with triorganoaluminium reagents.

    PubMed

    Fu, Ying; Yang, Yanshou; Hügel, Helmut M; Du, Zhengyin; Wang, Kehu; Huang, Danfeng; Hu, Yulai

    2013-07-21

    In the presence of pinacolone, the in situ prepared triorganoaluminium reagents reacted with aromatic aldehydes to give ketones in moderate to high yield. We propose that the products are formed via a tandem organoaluminium reagents addition-Oppenauer oxidation sequence.

  18. Development in high-grade dual phase steels with low C and Si design

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Guo-hui; Zhang, Xue-hui; Mao, Wei-min

    2009-12-01

    Cold rolled dual phase steels with low C and Si addition were investigated in terms of combination of composition and processing in order to improve mechanical properties and workability including welding and galvanizing. Mo and Cr could be used as alloying elements to partially replace C and Si to assure enough hardening ability of the steels and also give solute-hardening. Mo addition is more effective than Cr addition in terms of obtaining the required volume fraction of martensite and mechanical strength. The ferrite grain was effectively refined by addition of Nb microalloying, which gives optimized mechanical properties. The experimental results show that it is possible to obtain the required mechanical properties of high grade 800 MPa dual phase steel, i.e., tensile strength > 780 MPa, elongation > 15%, and yield/tensile strength ratio < 0.6 in the condition of low carbon (C < 0.11 wt.%) and low silicon design (Si < 0.05 wt.%) through adequate combination of composition and processing.

  19. Improving usability and pregnancy rates of a fertility monitor by an additional mobile application: results of a retrospective efficacy study of Daysy and DaysyView app.

    PubMed

    Koch, Martin C; Lermann, Johannes; van de Roemer, Niels; Renner, Simone K; Burghaus, Stefanie; Hackl, Janina; Dittrich, Ralf; Kehl, Sven; Oppelt, Patricia G; Hildebrandt, Thomas; Hack, Caroline C; Pöhls, Uwe G; Renner, Stefan P; Thiel, Falk C

    2018-03-02

    Daysy is a fertility monitor that uses the fertility awareness method by tracking and analyzing the individual menstrual cycle. In addition, Daysy can be connected to the application DaysyView to transfer stored personal data from Daysy to a smartphone or tablet (IOS, Android). This combination is interesting because as it is shown in various studies, the use of apps is increasing patients´ focus on their disease or their health behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate if by the additional use of an App and thereby improved usability of the medical device, it is possible to enhance the typical-use related as well as the method-related pregnancy rates. In the resultant group of 125 women (2076 cycles in total), 2 women indicated that they had been unintentionally pregnant during the use of the device, giving a typical-use related Pearl-Index of 1.3. Counting only the pregnancies which occurred as a result of unprotected intercourse during the infertile (green) phase, we found 1 pregnancy, giving a method-related Pearl-Index of 0.6. Calculating the pregnancy rate resulting from continuous use and unprotected intercourse exclusively on green days, gives a perfect-use Pearl-Index of 0.8. It seems that combining a specific biosensor-embedded device (Daysy), which gives the method a very high repeatable accuracy, and a mobile application (DaysyView) which leads to higher user engagement, results in higher overall usability of the method.

  20. Bone Diseases

    MedlinePlus

    Your bones help you move, give you shape and support your body. They are living tissues that rebuild constantly ... childhood and your teens, your body adds new bone faster than it removes old bone. After about ...

  1. Program History

    Cancer.gov

    Learn how the National Cancer Institute transitioned the former Cooperative Groups Program to the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) program. The NCTN gives funds and other support to cancer research organizations to conduct cancer clinical trials.

  2. [Drug treatment of acute myelogenous leukaemia. Current options and future perspectives].

    PubMed

    Telek, Béla; Rejtő, László; Batár, Péter; Miltényi, Zsófia; Reményi, Gyula; Simon, Zsófia; Ujj, Zsófia; Mezei, Gabriella; Szász, Róbert; Kiss, Attila; Udvardy, Miklós; Illés, Árpád

    2016-05-29

    Acute myelogenous leukemia is a heterogeneous disease. Recent molecular mutational analysis techniques have shed more light on different, genetically well characterised types of the disease. Treatment approach is uniform except for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Application of the "3 + 7" induction treatment has been the gold standard in the past 40 years. While the dose of cytarabine has not been changed, escalating daunorubicine dose in younger (<60 years) patients with good performance status to 90 mg/m(2) had a positive impact on overall survival. High dose chemotherapy is tolerated poorly in patients older than 60 years of age and, as treatment is not curative in the elderly, improvement of overall survival and quality of life remains the main goal of management in these patients. Low intensity treatment is beneficial and can provide additional advantage over supportive care. Innovative and targeted therapy approaches might give promise to better management of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia.

  3. Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio Magnetic and Gravity Maps and Data: A Website for Distribution of Data

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Daniels, David L.; Kucks, Robert P.; Hill, Patricia L.

    2008-01-01

    This web site gives the results of a USGS project to acquire the best available, public-domain, aeromagnetic and gravity data in the United States and merge these data into uniform, composite grids for each state. The results for the three states, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio are presented here in one site. Files of aeromagnetic and gravity grids and images are available for these states for downloading. In Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, 19 magnetic surveys have been knit together to form a single digital grid and map. And, a complete Bouguer gravity anomaly grid and map was generated from 128,227 gravity station measurements in and adjacent to Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. In addition, a map shows the location of the aeromagnetic surveys, color-coded to the survey flight-line spacing. This project was supported by the Mineral Resource Program of the USGS.

  4. A new contribution to the classification of stressors affecting nursing professionals

    PubMed Central

    Puerto, Jesús Cremades; Soler, Loreto Maciá; Montesinos, Maria José López; Marcos, Azucena Pedraz; Chorda, Víctor Manuel González

    2017-01-01

    Objective: to identify and classify the most important occupational stressors affecting nursing professionals in the medical units within a hospital. Method: quantitative-qualitative, descriptive and prospective study performed with Delphi technique in the medical units of a general university hospital, with a sample of 30 nursing professionals. Results: the stressors were work overload, frequent interruptions in the accomplishment of their tasks, night working, simultaneity of performing different tasks, not having enough time to give emotional support to the patient or lack of time for some patients who need it, among others. Conclusion: the most consensual stressors were ranked as work overload, frequent interruptions in the accomplishment of their tasks, night working and, finally, simultaneity of performing different tasks. These results can be used as a tool in the clinical management of hospital units, aiming to improve the quality of life of nursing professionals, organizational models and, in addition, continuous improvement in clinical treatment. PMID:28562702

  5. KSC-07pd3659

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2007-12-29

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, a technician gives the connector a cleaning, removing any residual foam insulation, and begins disconnecting the connector assembly. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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

    Wilder, Todd; Moragne, Corliss L.

    The City of Tallahassee's Innovative Energy Initiatives program sought, first, to evaluate customer response and acceptance to in-home Smart Meter-enabled technologies that allow customers intelligent control of their energy usage. Additionally, this project is in furtherance of the City of Tallahassee's ongoing efforts to expand and enhance the City's Smart Grid capacity and give consumers more tools with which to effectively manage their energy consumption. This enhancement would become possible by establishing an "operations or command center" environment that would be designed as a dual use facility for the City's employees - field and network staff - and systems responsiblemore » for a Smart Grid network. A command center would also support the City's Office of Electric Delivery and Energy Reliability's objective to overcome barriers to the deployment of new technologies that will ensure a truly modern and robust grid capable of meeting the demands of the 2151 century.« less

  7. STS-109 Crew Interviews - Currie

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2002-01-01

    STS-109 Mission Specialist 2 Nancy Jane Currie is seen during a prelaunch interview. She answers questions about her inspiration to become an astronaut and her career path. She gives details on the Columbia Orbiter mission which has as its main tasks the maintenance and augmentation of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). While she will do many things during the mission, the most important will be her role as the primary operator of the robotic arm, which is responsible for grappling the HST, bringing it to the Orbiter bay, and providing support for the astronauts during their EVAs (Extravehicular Activities). Additionally, the robotic arm will be responsible for transferring new and replacement equipment from the Orbiter to the HST. This equipment includes: two solar arrays, a Power Control Unit (PCU), the Advanced Camera for Surveys, and a replacement cooling system for NICMOS (Near Infrared Camera Multi-Object Spectrometer).

  8. Best Practices in Management of Postpartum Pain.

    PubMed

    Fahey, Jenifer O

    Pain has been documented as a major concern for women in the postpartum period. Management of postpartum pain, however, is a relatively neglected area of clinical research. As a result, evidence to support interventions to alleviate the discomforts associated with childbirth is sparse. This paucity of research on postpartum pain management is particularly surprising given that in the United States alone nearly 4 million women give birth each year. Inadequate pain relief in the hours to months following childbirth can interfere with maternal-newborn bonding and feeding and, by impeding mobility, can increase the risk of postpartum complications. In addition, pain that is not adequately managed may increase the risk of chronic pain that lasts beyond the postpartum period. In this article, the more common causes of pain following childbirth are reviewed and recommendations for pain management based on available evidence are outlined. Considerations for pain management in lactating women and for hospital discharge are discussed.

  9. EnviroAtlas - Austin, TX - Impervious Proximity Gradient

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    In any given 1-square meter point in this EnviroAtlas dataset, the value shown gives the percentage of impervious surface within 1 square kilometer centered over the given point. Water is shown as '-99999' in this dataset to distinguish it from land areas with low impervious. This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

  10. How molecular epidemiology studies can support the National Malaria Control Program in Papua New Guinea.

    PubMed

    Koepfli, Cristian; Barry, Alyssa; Javati, Sarah; Timinao, Lincoln; Nate, Elma; Mueller, Ivo; Barnadas, Celine

    2014-01-01

    Papua New Guinea (PNG) is undertaking intensified efforts to control malaria. The National Malaria Control Program aims to reduce the burden of disease by large-scale distribution of insecticide-treated bednets, improved diagnosis and implementation of new treatments. A scientific program monitoring the effect of these interventions, including molecular epidemiology studies, closely accompanies the program. Laboratory assays have been developed in (or transferred to) PNG to measure prevalence of infection and intensity of transmission as well as potential resistance to currently used drugs. These assays help to assess the impact of the National Malaria Control Program, and they reveal a much clearer picture of malaria epidemiology in PNG. In addition, analysis of the geographical clustering of parasites aids in selecting areas where intensified control will be most successful. This paper gives an overview of current research and recently completed studies in the molecular epidemiology of malaria conducted in Papua New Guinea.

  11. Facebook usage on smartphones and gray matter volume of the nucleus accumbens.

    PubMed

    Montag, Christian; Markowetz, Alexander; Blaszkiewicz, Konrad; Andone, Ionut; Lachmann, Bernd; Sariyska, Rayna; Trendafilov, Boris; Eibes, Mark; Kolb, Julia; Reuter, Martin; Weber, Bernd; Markett, Sebastian

    2017-06-30

    A recent study has implicated the nucleus accumbens of the ventral striatum in explaining why online-users spend time on the social network platform Facebook. Here, higher activity of the nucleus accumbens was associated with gaining reputation on social media. In the present study, we touched a related research field. We recorded the actual Facebook usage of N=62 participants on their smartphones over the course of five weeks and correlated summary measures of Facebook use with gray matter volume of the nucleus accumbens. It appeared, that in particular higher daily frequency of checking Facebook on the smartphone was robustly linked with smaller gray matter volumes of the nucleus accumbens. The present study gives additional support for the rewarding aspects of Facebook usage. Moreover, it shows the feasibility to include real life behavior variables in human neuroscientific research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. X-33 Flight Visualization

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Laue, Jay H.

    1998-01-01

    The X-33 flight visualization effort has resulted in the integration of high-resolution terrain data with vehicle position and attitude data for planned flights of the X-33 vehicle from its launch site at Edwards AFB, California, to landings at Michael Army Air Field, Utah, and Maelstrom AFB, Montana. Video and Web Site representations of these flight visualizations were produced. In addition, a totally new module was developed to control viewpoints in real-time using a joystick input. Efforts have been initiated, and are presently being continued, for real-time flight coverage visualizations using the data streams from the X-33 vehicle flights. The flight visualizations that have resulted thus far give convincing support to the expectation that the flights of the X-33 will be exciting and significant space flight milestones... flights of this nation's one-half scale predecessor to its first single-stage-to-orbit, fully-reusable launch vehicle system.

  13. Diesel exhaust exposure, its multi-system effects, and the effect of new technology diesel exhaust.

    PubMed

    Reis, Haley; Reis, Cesar; Sharip, Akbar; Reis, Wenes; Zhao, Yong; Sinclair, Ryan; Beeson, Lawrence

    2018-05-01

    Exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) from vehicles and industry is hazardous and affects proper function of organ systems. DE can interfere with normal physiology after acute and chronic exposure to particulate matter (PM). Exposure leads to potential systemic disease processes in the central nervous, visual, hematopoietic, respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal systems. In this review, we give an overview of the epidemiological evidence supporting the harmful effects of diesel exhaust, and the numerous animal studies conducted to investigate the specific pathophysiological mechanisms behind DE exposure. Additionally, this review includes a summary of studies that used biomarkers as an indication of biological plausibility, and also studies evaluating new technology diesel exhaust (NTDE) and its systemic effects. Lastly, this review includes new approaches to improving DE emissions, and emphasizes the importance of ongoing study in this field of environmental health. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. A Review on Radio-Over-Fiber Technology-Based Integrated (Optical/Wireless) Networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rajpal, Shivika; Goyal, Rakesh

    2017-06-01

    In the present paper, radio-over-fiber (RoF) technology has been proposed, which is the integration of the optical and radio networks. With a high transmission capacity, comparatively low cost and low attenuation, optical fiber provides an ideal solution for accomplishing the interconnections. In addition, a radio system enables the significant mobility, flexibility and easy access. Therefore, the system integration can meet the increasing demands of subscribers for voice, data and multimedia services that require the access network to support high data rates at any time and any place inexpensively. RoF has the potentiality to the backbone of the wireless access network and it has gained significant momentum in the last decade as a potential last-mile access scheme. This paper gives the comprehensive review of RoF technology used in the communication system. Concept, applications, advantages and limitations of RoF technology are also discussed in this paper.

  15. Comprehensive analysis of translational osteochondral repair: Focus on the histological assessment.

    PubMed

    Orth, Patrick; Peifer, Carolin; Goebel, Lars; Cucchiarini, Magali; Madry, Henning

    2015-10-01

    Articular cartilage guarantees for an optimal functioning of diarthrodial joints by providing a gliding surface for smooth articulation, weight distribution, and shock absorbing while the subchondral bone plays a crucial role in its biomechanical and nutritive support. Both tissues together form the osteochondral unit. The structural assessment of the osteochondral unit is now considered the key standard procedure for evaluating articular cartilage repair in translational animal models. The aim of this review is to give a detailed overview of the different methods for a comprehensive evaluation of osteochondral repair. The main focus is on the histological assessment as the gold standard, together with immunohistochemistry, and polarized light microscopy. Additionally, standards of macroscopic, non-destructive imaging such as high resolution MRI and micro-CT, biochemical, and molecular biological evaluations are addressed. Potential pitfalls of analysis are outlined. A second focus is to suggest recommendations for osteochondral evaluation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  16. Metaphors, stigma and the 'Alzheimerization' of the euthanasia debate.

    PubMed

    Johnstone, Megan-Jane

    2013-07-01

    This paper reports the findings of an unobtrusive research inquiry investigating the possible use and misuse of Alzheimer's disease in public policy debate on the legalization of euthanasia. The component of the study being reported identified the problematic use of five key metaphors: the Alzheimer metaphor, which in turn was reinforced by three additional metaphors--the epidemic metaphor, the military metaphor, and the predatory thief metaphor; and the euthanasia metaphor. All metaphors were found to be morally loaded and used influentially to stigmatize Alzheimer's disease and mediate public opinion supporting the legalization of euthanasia as an end-of-life 'solution' for people with the disease. It is contended that, in the interests of promoting intellectual honesty and giving proper recognition to the extraordinary complexity of the issue, the problematic use and influence of metaphoric thinking in the public debate about Alzheimer's disease and euthanasia needs to be made transparent, questioned and challenged.

  17. The OpenCalphad thermodynamic software interface.

    PubMed

    Sundman, Bo; Kattner, Ursula R; Sigli, Christophe; Stratmann, Matthias; Le Tellier, Romain; Palumbo, Mauro; Fries, Suzana G

    2016-12-01

    Thermodynamic data are needed for all kinds of simulations of materials processes. Thermodynamics determines the set of stable phases and also provides chemical potentials, compositions and driving forces for nucleation of new phases and phase transformations. Software to simulate materials properties needs accurate and consistent thermodynamic data to predict metastable states that occur during phase transformations. Due to long calculation times thermodynamic data are frequently pre-calculated into "lookup tables" to speed up calculations. This creates additional uncertainties as data must be interpolated or extrapolated and conditions may differ from those assumed for creating the lookup table. Speed and accuracy requires that thermodynamic software is fully parallelized and the Open-Calphad (OC) software is the first thermodynamic software supporting this feature. This paper gives a brief introduction to computational thermodynamics and introduces the basic features of the OC software and presents four different application examples to demonstrate its versatility.

  18. The OpenCalphad thermodynamic software interface

    PubMed Central

    Sundman, Bo; Kattner, Ursula R; Sigli, Christophe; Stratmann, Matthias; Le Tellier, Romain; Palumbo, Mauro; Fries, Suzana G

    2017-01-01

    Thermodynamic data are needed for all kinds of simulations of materials processes. Thermodynamics determines the set of stable phases and also provides chemical potentials, compositions and driving forces for nucleation of new phases and phase transformations. Software to simulate materials properties needs accurate and consistent thermodynamic data to predict metastable states that occur during phase transformations. Due to long calculation times thermodynamic data are frequently pre-calculated into “lookup tables” to speed up calculations. This creates additional uncertainties as data must be interpolated or extrapolated and conditions may differ from those assumed for creating the lookup table. Speed and accuracy requires that thermodynamic software is fully parallelized and the Open-Calphad (OC) software is the first thermodynamic software supporting this feature. This paper gives a brief introduction to computational thermodynamics and introduces the basic features of the OC software and presents four different application examples to demonstrate its versatility. PMID:28260838

  19. Monolith-based immobilized metal affinity chromatography increases production efficiency for plasmid DNA purification.

    PubMed

    Shin, Min Jae; Tan, Lihan; Jeong, Min Ho; Kim, Ji-Heung; Choe, Woo-Seok

    2011-08-05

    Immobilized metal affinity monolith column as a new class of chromatographic support is shown to be superior to conventional particle-based column as plasmid DNA (pDNA) purification platform. By harnessing the affinity of endotoxin to copper ions in the solution, a majority of endotoxin (90%) was removed from the alkaline cell lysate using CuCl(2)-induced precipitation. RNA and remaining endotoxin were subsequently removed to below detection limit with minimal loss of pDNA using either monolith or particle-based column. Monolith column has the additional advantage of feed concentration and flowrate-independent dynamic binding capacity for RNA molecules, enabling purification process to be conducted at high feed RNA concentration and flowrate. The use of monolith column gives three fold increased productivity of pDNA as compared to particle-based column, providing a more rapid and economical platform for pDNA purification. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Development of the Children's Scale of Hostility and Aggression: Reactive/Proactive (C-SHARP).

    PubMed

    Farmer, Cristan A; Aman, Michael G

    2009-01-01

    Whereas some scales exist for assessing aggression in typically developing children, they do not give a detailed analysis, and none is available for populations with developmental disabilities (DD). Parents of 365 children with DD completed the Children's Scale of Hostility and Aggression: Reactive/Proactive (C-SHARP), which surveys the severity of aggressive and hostile behaviors (Problem Scale) in addition to their proactive or reactive qualities (the Provocation Scale). Factor analysis yielded a 5-factor solution: I. Verbal Aggression (12 items), II. Bullying (12 items), III. Covert Aggression (11 items), IV. Hostility (9 items), and V. Physical Aggression (8 items). Coefficient alpha ranged from moderate (0.74, Physical Aggression) to high (0.92, Verbal Aggression). General validity was supported by expected differences between age and gender groups. Preliminary normative data were presented. The C-SHARP appears to be a promising tool for assessing aggression and hostility in children with DD.

  1. Repurposing doxycycline for synucleinopathies: remodelling of α-synuclein oligomers towards non-toxic parallel beta-sheet structured species

    PubMed Central

    González-Lizárraga, Florencia; Socías, Sergio B.; Ávila, César L.; Torres-Bugeau, Clarisa M.; Barbosa, Leandro R. S.; Binolfi, Andres; Sepúlveda-Díaz, Julia E.; Del-Bel, Elaine; Fernandez, Claudio O.; Papy-Garcia, Dulce; Itri, Rosangela; Raisman-Vozari, Rita; Chehín, Rosana N.

    2017-01-01

    Synucleinophaties are progressive neurodegenerative disorders with no cure to date. An attractive strategy to tackle this problem is repurposing already tested safe drugs against novel targets. In this way, doxycycline prevents neurodegeneration in Parkinson models by modulating neuroinflammation. However, anti-inflammatory therapy per se is insufficient to account for neuroprotection. Herein we characterise novel targets of doxycycline describing the structural background supporting its effectiveness as a neuroprotector at subantibiotic doses. Our results show that doxycycline reshapes α-synuclein oligomers into off-pathway, high-molecular-weight species that do not evolve into fibrils. Off-pathway species present less hydrophobic surface than on-pathway oligomers and display different β-sheet structural arrangement. These structural changes affect the α-synuclein ability to destabilize biological membranes, cell viability, and formation of additional toxic species. Altogether, these mechanisms could act synergically giving novel targets for repurposing this drug. PMID:28155912

  2. VAX CLuster upgrade: Report of a CPC task force

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

    Hanson, J.; Berry, H.; Kessler, P.

    The CSCF VAX cluster provides interactive computing for 100 users during prime time, plus a considerable amount of daytime and overnight batch processing. While this cluster represents less than 10% of the VAX computing power at BNL (6 MIPS out of 70), it has served as an important center for this larger network, supporting special hardware and software too expensive to maintain on every machine. In addition, it is the only unrestricted facility available to VAX/VMS users (other machines are typically dedicated to special projects). This committee's analysis shows that the cpu's on the CSCF cluster are currently badly oversaturated,more » frequently giving extremely poor interactive response. Short batch jobs (a necessary part of interactive work) typically take 3 to 4 times as long to execute as they would on an idle machine. There is also an immediate need for more scratch disk space and user permanent file space.« less

  3. Weak connections form an infinite number of patterns in the brain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ren, Hai-Peng; Bai, Chao; Baptista, Murilo S.; Grebogi, Celso

    2017-04-01

    Recently, much attention has been paid to interpreting the mechanisms for memory formation in terms of brain connectivity and dynamics. Within the plethora of collective states a complex network can exhibit, we show that the phenomenon of Collective Almost Synchronisation (CAS), which describes a state with an infinite number of patterns emerging in complex networks for weak coupling strengths, deserves special attention. We show that a simulated neuron network with neurons weakly connected does produce CAS patterns, and additionally produces an output that optimally model experimental electroencephalograph (EEG) signals. This work provides strong evidence that the brain operates locally in a CAS regime, allowing it to have an unlimited number of dynamical patterns, a state that could explain the enormous memory capacity of the brain, and that would give support to the idea that local clusters of neurons are sufficiently decorrelated to independently process information locally.

  4. GaitaBase: Web-based repository system for gait analysis.

    PubMed

    Tirosh, Oren; Baker, Richard; McGinley, Jenny

    2010-02-01

    The need to share gait analysis data to improve clinical decision support has been recognised since the early 1990s. GaitaBase has been established to provide a web-accessible repository system of gait analysis data to improve the sharing of data across local and international clinical and research community. It is used by several clinical and research groups across the world providing cross-group access permissions to retrieve and analyse the data. The system is useful for bench-marking and quality assurance, clinical consultation, and collaborative research. It has the capacity to increase the population sample size and improve the quality of 'normative' gait data. In addition the accumulated stored data may facilitate clinicians in comparing their own gait data with others, and give a valuable insight into how effective specific interventions have been for others. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Next-generation Strategies for Human Lunar Sorties

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cohen, B. A.

    2013-01-01

    The science community has had success in remote field experiences using two distinctly different models for humans-in-the-loop: the Apollo Science Support team (science backroom), and the robotic exploration of Mars. In the Apollo experience, the science team helped train the crew, designed geologic traverses, and made real-time decisions by reviewing audio and video transmissions and providing recommendations for geologic sampling. In contrast, the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) and Mars Science Lab (MSL) missions have been conducted entirely robotically, with significant time delays between science- driven decisions and remote field activities. Distinctive operations methods and field methodologies were developed for MER/MSL [1,2] because of the reliance on the "backroom" science team (rather than astronaut crew members) to understand the surroundings. Additionally, data are relayed to the team once per day, giving the team many hours or even days to assimilate the data and decide on a plan of action.

  6. Does Consumer Confidence Forecast Household Saving and Borrowing Behavior? Evidence for Poland.

    PubMed

    Kłopocka, Aneta Maria

    2017-01-01

    Consumer confidence plays an important role in households' decision-making processes. This study investigates the effects of consumer confidence on household saving and borrowing behavior that are unsatisfactorily considered in previous discussions. The questions of interest are first, whether indexes of consumer confidence have any predictive power on their own for future household saving and borrowing rates, and second, whether they contain information about future household saving and borrowing rates aside from the information contained in other available indicators. In addition to aggregate confidence indicators, their components are used to provide more precise information. Overall, the multiple linear regression analysis (OLS technique) of Polish time-series data gives positive answers to both questions. This finding supports the recommendation of combining the strengths of objective indicators (such as economic fundamentals) and subjective indicators (such as consumer confidence) to improve household financial behavior forecasts.

  7. Establishing a successful clinical research program.

    PubMed

    Scoglio, Daniele; Fichera, Alessandro

    2014-06-01

    Clinical research (CR) is a natural corollary to clinical surgery. It gives an investigator the opportunity to critically review their results and develop new strategies. This article covers the critical factors and the important components of a successful CR program. The first and most important step is to build a dedicated research team to overcome time constraints and enable a surgical practice to make CR a priority. With the research team in place, the next step is to create a program on the basis of an original idea and new clinical hypotheses. This often comes from personal experience supported by a review of the available evidence. Randomized controlled (clinical) trials are the most stringent way of determining whether a cause-effect relationship exists between the intervention and the outcome. In the proper setting, translational research may offer additional avenues allowing clinical application of basic science discoveries.

  8. Agency.

    PubMed

    Wise, M Norton

    2016-12-01

    In support of Frans van Lunteren’s project for big-picture history organized around “mediating machines,” these comments stress “mediation” as active agency in the world rather than as mere metaphor, on the view that this active agency underlies the potency of technologies as mediators, both between different domains of knowledge and between theories and things. Similarly important for this power is the diversity of the particular constructions that constitute mediators like “balances” or “engines.” Diversity of meaning and action gives them their cultural reach, from mechanical contrivance to natural process to political ideology. An interesting question remains about how many mediating machines will suffice for the big picture of modernity over four centuries. Statistics, for example, might be a crucial addition. Another question concerns how to characterize the knowledge regime of a mediating machine. Van Lunteren chooses “information” for the computer. He might also have chosen “complexity,” with different import for the character of postmodernity.

  9. Six degree-of-freedom scanning supports and manipulators based on parallel robots

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Comin, Fabio

    1995-02-01

    The exploitation of third generation SR sources heavily relies on accurate and stable positioning and scanning of samples and optical elements. In some cases, active feedback is also necessary. Normally, these tasks are carried out by serial addition of individual components, each of them providing a well-defined excursion path. On the contrary, the exploitation of the concept of parallel robots, structures in close cinematic chain, permits us to follow any given trajectory in the six-dimensional space with a large increase in accuracy and stiffness. At ESRF, the parallel robot architecture conceived some tens of years ago for flight simulators has been adapted to both actively align and operate optical elements of considerable weight and position small samples in ultrahigh vacuum. The performance of these devices gives results far superior to the initial specification and a variety of drive mechanisms are being developed to fit the different needs of the ESRF beamlines.

  10. CircosVCF: circos visualization of whole-genome sequence variations stored in VCF files.

    PubMed

    Drori, E; Levy, D; Smirin-Yosef, P; Rahimi, O; Salmon-Divon, M

    2017-05-01

    Visualization of whole-genomic variations in a meaningful manner assists researchers in gaining new insights into the underlying data, especially when it comes in the context of whole genome comparisons. CircosVCF is a web based visualization tool for genome-wide variant data described in VCF files, using circos plots. The user friendly interface of CircosVCF supports an interactive design of the circles in the plot, and the integration of additional information such as experimental data or annotations. The provided visualization capabilities give a broad overview of the genomic relationships between genomes, and allow identification of specific meaningful SNPs regions. CircosVCF was implemented in JavaScript and is available at http://www.ariel.ac.il/research/fbl/software. malisa@ariel.ac.il. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

  11. Mathematicians, Attributional Complexity, and Gender

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stalder, Daniel R.

    Given indirect indications in sex role and soda! psychology research that mathematical-deductive reasoning may negatively relate to social acuity, Study 1 investigated whether mathematicians were less attributionally complex than nonmathematicians. Study 1 administered the Attributional Complexity Scale, a measure of social acuity, to female and male faculty members and graduate students in four Midwestern schools. Atlrihutional complexity (AC) is the ability and motivation to give complex explanations for behavior. Study 1 found a significant interaction between field and gender. Only among women did mathematicians score lower on AC. In addition, an established gender difference in AC (that women score higher than men) was present only among nonmathematicians. Studies 2 and 3 offered some preliminary support for the possibility that it is generally female students who score tow on AC who aspire to he mathematicians and for the underlying view that female students' perceived similarity to mathematicians can influence their vocational choices.

  12. Chromium: A Stress-Processing Framework for Interactive Rendering on Clusters

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

    Humphreys, G,; Houston, M.; Ng, Y.-R.

    2002-01-11

    We describe Chromium, a system for manipulating streams of graphics API commands on clusters of workstations. Chromium's stream filters can be arranged to create sort-first and sort-last parallel graphics architectures that, in many cases, support the same applications while using only commodity graphics accelerators. In addition, these stream filters can be extended programmatically, allowing the user to customize the stream transformations performed by nodes in a cluster. Because our stream processing mechanism is completely general, any cluster-parallel rendering algorithm can be either implemented on top of or embedded in Chromium. In this paper, we give examples of real-world applications thatmore » use Chromium to achieve good scalability on clusters of workstations, and describe other potential uses of this stream processing technology. By completely abstracting the underlying graphics architecture, network topology, and API command processing semantics, we allow a variety of applications to run in different environments.« less

  13. 3D Virtual Environment Used to Support Lighting System Management in a Building

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sampaio, A. Z.; Ferreira, M. M.; Rosário, D. P.

    The main aim of the research project, which is in progress at the UTL, is to develop a virtual interactive model as a tool to support decision-making in the planning of construction maintenance and facilities management. The virtual model gives the capacity to allow the user to transmit, visually and interactively, information related to the components of a building, defined as a function of the time variable. In addition, the analysis of solutions for repair work/substitution and inherent cost are predicted, the results being obtained interactively and visualized in the virtual environment itself. The first component of the virtual prototype concerns the management of lamps in a lighting system. It was applied in a study case. The interactive application allows the examination of the physical model, visualizing, for each element modeled in 3D and linked to a database, the corresponding technical information concerned with the use of the material, calculated for different points in time during their life. The control of a lamp stock, the constant updating of lifetime information and the planning of periodical local inspections are attended on the prototype. This is an important mean of cooperation between collaborators involved in the building management.

  14. A recommendation module to help teachers build courses through the Moodle Learning Management System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Limongelli, Carla; Lombardi, Matteo; Marani, Alessandro; Sciarrone, Filippo; Temperini, Marco

    2016-01-01

    In traditional e-learning, teachers design sets of Learning Objects (LOs) and organize their sequencing; the material implementing the LOs could be either built anew or adopted from elsewhere (e.g. from standard-compliant repositories) and reused. This task is applicable also when the teacher works in a system for personalized e-learning. In this case, the burden actually increases: for instance, the LOs may need adaptation to the system, through additional metadata. This paper presents a module that gives some support to the operations of retrieving, analyzing, and importing LOs from a set of standard Learning Objects Repositories, acting as a recommending system. In particular, it is designed to support the teacher in the phases of (i) retrieval of LOs, through a keyword-based search mechanism applied to the selected repositories; (ii) analysis of the returned LOs, whose information is enriched by a concept of relevance metric, based on both the results of the searching operation and the data related to the previous use of the LOs in the courses managed by the Learning Management System; and (iii) LO importation into the course under construction.

  15. It's better to give than to receive: the role of social support, trust, and participation on health-related social networking sites.

    PubMed

    Hether, Heather J; Murphy, Sheila T; Valente, Thomas W

    2014-12-01

    Nearly 60% of American adults and 80% of Internet users have sought health information online. Moreover, Internet users are no longer solely passive consumers of online health content; they are active producers as well. Social media, such as social networking sites, are increasingly being used as online venues for the exchange of health-related information and advice. However, little is known about how participation on health-related social networking sites affects users. Research has shown that women participate more on social networking sites and social networks are more influential among same-sex members. Therefore, this study examined how participation on a social networking site about pregnancy influenced members' health-related attitudes and behaviors. The authors surveyed 114 pregnant members of 8 popular pregnancy-related sites. Analyses revealed that time spent on the sites was less predictive of health-related outcomes than more qualitative assessments such as trust in the sites. Furthermore, providing support was associated with the most outcomes, including seeking more information from additional sources and following recommendations posted on the sites. The implications of these findings, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.

  16. Astrometry of Pluto from 1930-1951 observations: The Lampland plate collection

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

    Buie, Marc W.; Folkner, William M., E-mail: buie@boulder.swri.edu, E-mail: william.m.folkner@jpl.nasa.gov

    We present a new analysis of 843 photographic plates of Pluto taken by Carl Lampland at Lowell Observatory from 1930–1951. This large collection of plates contains useful astrometric information that improves our knowledge of Pluto's orbit. This improvement provides critical support to the impending flyby of Pluto by New Horizons. New Horizons can do inbound navigation of the system to improve its targeting. This navigation is capable of nearly eliminating the sky-plane errors but can do little to constrain the time of closest approach. Thus the focus on this work was to better determine Pluto's heliocentric distance and to determinemore » the uncertainty on that distance with a particular eye to eliminating systematic errors that might have been previously unrecognized. This work adds 596 new astrometric measurements based on the USNO CCD Astrograph Catalog 4. With the addition of these data the uncertainty of the estimated heliocentric position of Pluto in Developmental Ephemerides 432 (DE432) is at the level of 1000 km. This new analysis gives us more confidence that these estimations are accurate and are sufficient to support a successful flyby of Pluto by New Horizons.« less

  17. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health

    PubMed Central

    Pullar, Juliet M.; Carr, Anitra C.; Vissers, Margreet C. M.

    2017-01-01

    The primary function of the skin is to act as a barrier against insults from the environment, and its unique structure reflects this. The skin is composed of two layers: the epidermal outer layer is highly cellular and provides the barrier function, and the inner dermal layer ensures strength and elasticity and gives nutritional support to the epidermis. Normal skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C, which supports important and well-known functions, stimulating collagen synthesis and assisting in antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage. This knowledge is often used as a rationale for the addition of vitamin C to topical applications, but the efficacy of such treatment, as opposed to optimising dietary vitamin C intake, is poorly understood. This review discusses the potential roles for vitamin C in skin health and summarises the in vitro and in vivo research to date. We compare the efficacy of nutritional intake of vitamin C versus topical application, identify the areas where lack of evidence limits our understanding of the potential benefits of vitamin C on skin health, and suggest which skin properties are most likely to benefit from improved nutritional vitamin C intake. PMID:28805671

  18. Astrometry of Pluto from 1930-1951 Observations: the Lampland Plate Collection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buie, Marc W.; Folkner, William M.

    2015-01-01

    We present a new analysis of 843 photographic plates of Pluto taken by Carl Lampland at Lowell Observatory from 1930-1951. This large collection of plates contains useful astrometric information that improves our knowledge of Pluto's orbit. This improvement provides critical support to the impending flyby of Pluto by New Horizons. New Horizons can do inbound navigation of the system to improve its targeting. This navigation is capable of nearly eliminating the sky-plane errors but can do little to constrain the time of closest approach. Thus the focus on this work was to better determine Pluto's heliocentric distance and to determine the uncertainty on that distance with a particular eye to eliminating systematic errors that might have been previously unrecognized. This work adds 596 new astrometric measurements based on the USNO CCD Astrograph Catalog 4. With the addition of these data the uncertainty of the estimated heliocentric position of Pluto in Developmental Ephemerides 432 (DE432) is at the level of 1000 km. This new analysis gives us more confidence that these estimations are accurate and are sufficient to support a successful flyby of Pluto by New Horizons.

  19. Quercetin topical application, from conventional dosage forms to nanodosage forms.

    PubMed

    Hatahet, T; Morille, M; Hommoss, A; Devoisselle, J M; Müller, R H; Bégu, S

    2016-11-01

    Skin is a multifunctional organ with activities in protection, metabolism and regulation. Skin is in a continuous exposure to oxidizing agents and inflammogens from the sun and from the contact with the environment. These agents may overload the skin auto-defense capacity. To strengthen skin defense mechanisms against oxidation and inflammation, supplementation of exogenous antioxidants is a promising strategy. Quercetin is a flavonoid with very pronounced effective antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities, and thus a candidate of first choice for such skin supplementation. Quercetin showed interesting actions in cellular and animal based models, ranging from protecting cells from UV irradiation to support skin regeneration in wound healing. However, due to its poor solubility, quercetin has limited skin penetration ability, and various formulation approaches were taken to increase its dermal penetration. In this article, the quercetin antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities in wound healing and supporting skin against aging are discussed in detail. In addition, quercetin topical formulations from conventional emulsions to novel nanoformulations in terms of skin penetration enhancement are also presented. This article gives a comprehensive review of quercetin for topical application from biological effects to pharmaceutical formulation design for the last 25 years of research. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. A Multi-Case Study of Annual Giving and Fund Raising in Texas Gulf Coast Community College Consortium Foundations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Warren, Alexander Charles

    2008-01-01

    Community college students are being forced to delay future educational goals, due to the lack of financial support. Grants, student loans and financial aid support from government sources are in short supply. While past resources from state legislative bodies are being restricted and have been reduced to historic levels; educational…

  1. A Lecture Supporting System Based on Real-Time Learning Analytics

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shimada, Atsushi; Konomi, Shin'ichi

    2017-01-01

    A new lecture supporting system based on real-time learning analytics is proposed. Our target is on-site classrooms where teachers give their lectures, and a lot of students listen to teachers' explanation, conduct exercises etc. We utilize not only an e-Learning system, but also an e-Book system to collect real-time learning activities during the…

  2. The Diverse Sources of Federal Financial Support of Schools. School Finance Project. Working Paper.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Miller, Vic

    Federal programs outside the Department of Education (ED) provide significant financial support to elementary and secondary education, according to this paper. The authors give capsule descriptions of over two dozen such non-ED programs, compare changes in non-ED funding with shifts in ED aid, evaluate the impact of non-ED aid on different regions…

  3. Patterns of Giving to Higher Education II: An Analysis of Voluntary Support of American Colleges and Universities, 1970-71.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Levi, Julian H.; Steinbach, Sheldon Elliot

    Higher education in this country owes its creation almost entirely to the generosity of private benefactors. Given the significance of private gift support, it is important that all those who are concerned in the financing of higher education understand the amount, patterns, and characteristics of private philanthropy. The survey questionnaire…

  4. From Place to Virtual Space: Reconfiguring Student Support for Distance and E-Learning in the Digital Age

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tait, Alan

    2014-01-01

    This article examines the impact of digital technologies on student support in distance and e-learning, drawing on the case of Open University UK. Giving a historical perspective on the use of technologies in learning over many centuries, it argues that the dominant paradigm of geography--which has defined the structures for student support…

  5. A Conceptual Analysis of State Support for Higher Education: Appropriations versus Need-Based Financial Aid

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Toutkoushian, Robert K.; Shafiq, M. Najeeb

    2010-01-01

    In this paper, we use economic concepts to examine the choice that states make between giving appropriations to public colleges or need-based financial aid to students. We begin by reviewing the economic justification for state support for higher education. Next, we introduce a simple economic model for comparing and contrasting appropriations and…

  6. Using Computer-Based Instruction to Improve Indigenous Early Literacy in Northern Australia: A Quasi-Experimental Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wolgemuth, Jennifer; Savage, Robert; Helmer, Janet; Lea, Tess; Harper, Helen; Chalkiti, Kalotina; Bottrell, Christine; Abrami, Phil

    2011-01-01

    The effectiveness of a web-based reading support tool, ABRACADABRA, to improve the literacy outcomes of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students was evaluated over one semester in several Northern Territory primary schools in 2009. ABRACADABRA is intended as a support for teachers in the early years of schooling, giving them a friendly, game and…

  7. Support Assistants for Fire Emergencies; Student Manual, Part B. Firefighting for Civil Defense Emergencies.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    International Association of Fire Chiefs, New York, NY.

    A course designed to develop performance capabilities in the student of the fire service is presented in a manual. Each chapter is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the material covered in class. Specific objectives are: (1) To train "Support Assistant" B personnel to augment and assist firefighters, (2) To train personnel to…

  8. Give Me a Hand: Differential Effects of Gesture Type in Guiding Young Children's Problem-Solving

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vallotton, Claire; Fusaro, Maria; Hayden, Julia; Decker, Kalli; Gutowski, Elizabeth

    2015-01-01

    Adults' gestures support children's learning in problem-solving tasks, but gestures may be differentially useful to children of different ages, and different features of gestures may make them more or less useful to children. The current study investigated parents' use of gestures to support their young children (1.5-6 years) in a block puzzle…

  9. Development and Exploration of a Regional Stormwater BMP Performance Database to Parameterize an Integrated Decision Support Tool (i-DST)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bell, C.; Li, Y.; Lopez, E.; Hogue, T. S.

    2017-12-01

    Decision support tools that quantitatively estimate the cost and performance of infrastructure alternatives are valuable for urban planners. Such a tool is needed to aid in planning stormwater projects to meet diverse goals such as the regulation of stormwater runoff and its pollutants, minimization of economic costs, and maximization of environmental and social benefits in the communities served by the infrastructure. This work gives a brief overview of an integrated decision support tool, called i-DST, that is currently being developed to serve this need. This presentation focuses on the development of a default database for the i-DST that parameterizes water quality treatment efficiency of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) by region. Parameterizing the i-DST by region will allow the tool to perform accurate simulations in all parts of the United States. A national dataset of BMP performance is analyzed to determine which of a series of candidate regionalizations explains the most variance in the national dataset. The data used in the regionalization analysis comes from the International Stormwater BMP Database and data gleaned from an ongoing systematic review of peer-reviewed and gray literature. In addition to identifying a regionalization scheme for water quality performance parameters in the i-DST, our review process will also provide example methods and protocols for systematic reviews in the field of Earth Science.

  10. STEM Beyond The Classroom: Creating Authentic Outreach Programs That Build Bridges Between The Classroom And Real World Challenges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ibarra, D. L.; Forder, S. E.; Pritchard, M.

    2014-12-01

    The ISF Academy was founded by Charles Kao, a Nobel Prize laureate. In 2011, the Shuyuan programs were established at The ISF Academy to operate both as a "school within a school" and as a "school outside the classroom." The Shuyuan programs work together with the IBO Science and Technology subject areas to develop comprehensive and challenging opportunities that address the 14 Grand Engineering Challenges. The goal is to establish co-curricular programs that go beyond the taught curriculum and support STEM curricula. Several programs outside of the classroom include an onsite robotics researcher, underwater and land based robotics programs, field trips, whole school food waste composting and the implementation of an energy tracking system. Relationships with several local universities allow students to work closely with professors in research settings and, annually, a leading researcher gives a keynote speech to our students. Other signature Shuyuan programs have developed international strategic relationships with the NRI at Cambridge University, where students spend several weeks studying science and civilization in China using primary source materials. Additionally, Shuyuan has supported extension opportunities for classroom teachers with institutional partnerships that include the British Council, governmental organizations, local universities, corporations, and NGOs. In conclusion, the overall goal of the Shuyuan Programs is to provide experiential learning opportunities that challenge conventional curriculum design in a manner that is supportive and innovative!

  11. 2016 International Conference on Charged Lepton Flavor Violation

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

    Dukes, Edmond Craig

    Partial support for participation for students and postdocs who wished to attend to give poster presentations at the 2016 International Conference on Charged Lepton Flavor Violation (CLFV 2016) in Charlottesville, VA.

  12. Genetics Home Reference: otospondylomegaepiphyseal dysplasia

    MedlinePlus

    ... instructions for making one component of type XI collagen, which is a complex molecule that gives structure ... support the body's joints and organs. Type XI collagen is found in cartilage, a tough but flexible ...

  13. Donating Peripheral Blood Stem Cells

    MedlinePlus

    ... Badges Translated badges Sign up for Email Updates Shop Support the Cause Jeff, donor The cure for ... a community transplanting hope. Give . Join . Volunteer . Learn . Shop Careers Working with us Career opportunities Employee benefits ...

  14. Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors

    MedlinePlus

    ... Our Blog Taking Care of Yourself at Phoenix World Burn Congress 3 Oct 2017 Imagine this: a ... Menu Get Support Find Resources Our Programs Phoenix World Burn Congress Get Involved Ways to Give Who ...

  15. Nursing students' intentions to use research as a predictor of use one year post graduation: a prospective study.

    PubMed

    Forsman, Henrietta; Wallin, Lars; Gustavsson, Petter; Rudman, Ann

    2012-09-01

    Graduating nursing students are expected to have acquired the necessary skills to provide research-based care to patients. However, recent studies have shown that new graduate nurses report their extent of research use as relatively low. Because behavior intention is a well-known predictor of subsequent behavior, this gives reasons to further investigate graduating nursing students' intentions to use research in clinical practice after undergraduate study. To investigate graduating nursing students' intentions to use research in clinical practice and, furthermore, to investigate whether intention in itself and as a mediating variable can predict subsequent research use behavior in clinical practice one year post graduation. A follow-up study was performed of graduating nursing students in their final semester of undergraduate study (2006) and at one year post graduation (2008). Data were collected within the larger national survey LANE (Longitudinal Analysis of Nursing Education). A sample of 1319 respondents was prospectively followed. Graduating nursing students' intentions to use research instrumentally were studied as a predictor of their subsequent instrumental research use one year post graduation. A statistical full mediation model was tested to evaluate the effects of intention and factors from undergraduate study on subsequent research use in daily care. Thirty-four percent of the nursing students intended to use research on more than half or almost every working shift in their future clinical practice. Intention showed a direct effect on research use behavior. In addition, significant indirect effects on research use were shown for capability beliefs (regarding practicing the principles of evidence-based practice) and perceived support for research use (from campus and clinical education), where intention acted as a mediating factor for those effects. Students rated a modest level of intention to use research evidence. Intentions close to graduation acted as an essential predictor of subsequent research use behavior, both through a direct effect and as a mediating variable. These findings give support for designing future interventions aiming at influencing students' intention to use research to improve subsequent behavior. Focusing on strengthening students' capability beliefs and providing support for research use appear as promising target activities. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, and Solid Freeform Fabrication: The Technologies of the Past, Present and Future

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Beaman, Joseph

    2015-03-01

    Starting in the late 1980's, several new technologies were created that have the potential to revolutionize manufacturing. These technologies are, for the most part, additive processes that build up parts layer by layer. In addition, the processes that are being touted for hard-core manufacturing are primarily laser or e-beam based processes. This presentation gives a brief history of Additive Manufacturing and gives an assessment for these technologies. These technologies initially grew out of a commercial need for rapid prototyping. This market has a different requirement for process and quality control than traditional manufacturing. The relatively poor process control of the existing commercial Additive Manufacturing equipment is a vestige of this history. This presentation discusses this history and improvements in quality over time. The emphasis will be on Additive Manufacturing processes that are being considered for direct manufacturing, which is a different market than the 3D Printing ``Makerbot'' market. Topics discussed include past and present machine sensors, materials, and operational methods that were used in the past and those that are used today to create manufactured parts. Finally, a discussion of new methods and future directions of AM is presented.

  17. Designation of the anterior/posterior axis in pregastrula Xenopus laevis.

    PubMed

    Lane, M C; Sheets, M D

    2000-09-01

    A new fate map for mesodermal tissues in Xenopus laevis predicted that the prime meridian, which runs from the animal pole to the vegetal pole through the center of Spemann's organizer, is the embryo's anterior midline, not its dorsal midline (M. C. Lane and W. C. Smith, 1999, Development 126, 423-434). In this report, we demonstrate by lineage labeling that the column 1 blastomeres at st. 6, which populate the prime meridian, give rise to the anterior end of the embryo. In addition, we surgically isolate and culture tissue centered on this meridian from early gastrulae. This tissue forms a patterned head with morphologically distinct ventral and dorsal structures. In situ hybridization and immunostaining reveal that the cultured heads contain the anterior tissues of all three germ layers, correctly patterned. Regardless of how we dissect early gastrulae along meridians running from the animal to the vegetal pole, both the formation of head structures and the expression of anterior marker genes always segregate with the prime meridian passing through Spemann's organizer. The prime meridian also gives rise to dorsal, axial mesoderm, but not uniquely, as specification tests show that dorsal mesoderm arises in fragments of the embryo which exclude the prime meridian. These results support the hypothesis that the midline that bisects Spemann's organizer is the embryo's anterior midline. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

  18. [A Reflection on the Policy of Transcultural Long-Term Care for the Indigenous Peoples in Taiwan].

    PubMed

    Subeq, Yi-Maun; Hsu, Mutsu

    2016-06-01

    Giving high-profile attention to socio-cultural and traditional beliefs in the promotion of long-term care policies enjoys strong, consensus support in the field of transcultural nursing. To protect the rights of indigenous people in Taiwan, the Ministry of Health and Welfare incorporated the concept of cultural care into the Long-term Care Services Act, which was approved by the Legislature in May 2014. However, the policies, resource strategies, manpower allocations, and staff educations and trainings related to this act are still await implementation in indigenous areas. Beyond the concept of professional healthcare, which considers cultural sensitivity, suitability, and ability, cultural care gives greater priority to crossing cultural barriers, integrating with the lifestyle of clients, and addressing their concerns in order to improve the well-being of target populations. The present article reviews current long-term care policy to highlight the importance of considering the cultural needs of the indigenous peoples of Taiwan in order to enhance the efficiency and impact of long-term care programs. Furthermore, the findings strongly recommend that additional resources be provided in order to meet the long-term care needs of indigenous communities. Finally, cultural-specific, long-term care service strategies should be promulgated in order to upgrade well-being in order to ease and comfort the feelings of indigenous people.

  19. The leader's challenge: meetings, spiritual energy, and sneaker ratio.

    PubMed

    Kerfoot, Karlene

    2004-01-01

    Leaders who inspire are affirming to everyone in the meeting. They create the environment that meets the needs of the people first, not the leaders. People yearn to be heard, and to be engaged with their soul in genuine dialogue and engagement. If that doesn't happen in the meeting, then they search for meaning and support of their soul elsewhere and sneaker time increases. Leaders get from people what they give to them. If people in a meeting are given nothing, they in turn have nothing to give. If they truly feel they are served by the leader, they will give back much more than they receive. As Martin Luther King, Jr. so aptly said: "Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.

  20. Preparation for birth and beyond: giving birth and meeting our baby.

    PubMed

    Nolan, Mary

    2012-06-01

    A key part of the transition to parenthood is giving birth and mothers and fathers need to be carefully prepared for this life changing experience. The time generally available for parent education means that it may not be possible or desirable to give detailed information about anatomy and physiology and the management of labour. Instead, the focus in PBB is on helping group members understand what the experience of labour might be like and on helping them maximise their personal resources for coping. Additional information is given in response to individual or group need and parents are signposted to further resources.

  1. 7 CFR 1775.11 - Priority.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... program. (a) Projects proposing to give priority for available services to rural communities having a... demonstrate sustainability of project without Federal financial support. ...

  2. 7 CFR 1775.11 - Priority.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... program. (a) Projects proposing to give priority for available services to rural communities having a... demonstrate sustainability of project without Federal financial support. ...

  3. 7 CFR 1775.11 - Priority.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... program. (a) Projects proposing to give priority for available services to rural communities having a... demonstrate sustainability of project without Federal financial support. ...

  4. 7 CFR 1775.11 - Priority.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... program. (a) Projects proposing to give priority for available services to rural communities having a... demonstrate sustainability of project without Federal financial support. ...

  5. Pediatric Asthma

    MedlinePlus

    ... Asthma (Pediatric) Find a Doctor Appointments & Questions Patient Education & Support Visiting Us Tests & Procedures Ways to Give National Jewish Health ... Programs Health Information Doctors & Departments Clinical Research & ... Training Contact Us Make a Donation Make an Appointment Patient Portal ...

  6. Going to a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Therapist

    MedlinePlus

    ... skills. Kids learn to use these skills to solve problems. A therapist gives praise and support as ... Therapists help you practice what you're learning. Solve problems. Your therapist will ask about how problems ...

  7. St. Juliens Creek Ocean Construction Equipment Inventory Support Facility Five Year Plan. Volume 1. Results and Discussion.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-08-01

    on a ready-for- issue con- dition so that, except for the construction platform 1-4 iAf 1.3 Approach Performing the inventory had the added benefit of...individual items listed in the catalog, reference I, needs were then prioritized giving the highest priority and kept in ready-for- issue (RFI) status to...maintained in ready-for- issue (RFI) condition require support for mobilization/demobilization, The OCEI Support Facility was es overhaul, storage

  8. Synthesis of acrylic polymer beads for solid-supported proline-derived organocatalysts.

    PubMed

    Kristensen, Tor E; Vestli, Kristian; Fredriksen, Kim A; Hansen, Finn K; Hansen, Tore

    2009-07-16

    A completely non-chromatographic and highly large-scale adaptable synthesis of acrylic polymer beads containing proline and prolineamides has been developed. Novel monomeric proline (meth)acrylates are prepared from hydroxyproline in only one step. Free-radical copolymerization then gives solid-supported proline organocatalysts directly in as little as two steps overall, without using any prefabricated solid supports, by using either droplet or dispersion polymerization. These affordable acrylic beads have highly favorable and adjustable swelling characteristics and are excellent reusable catalysts for organocatalytic reactions.

  9. NASA Life Support Branch staff photo

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1997-01-01

    The NASA Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Center's Life Support staff is a very important group of people. They are responsible for the emergency escape systems in all the aircraft. Their other role is to maintain the pilot's personal survival flight equipment such as flight pressure suits, helmets, etc.. If instruction is needed for new equipment the staff are ready to give support. Left to right: Rick Borsch (Chief), Steve Spandorf, Ray Kinney, Ed Ortiz (seated front), Nick Kiriokos, Kelly Snapp and Bob McElwain.

  10. Full Mouth Oral Rehabilitation by Maxillary Implant Supported Hybrid Denture Employing a Fiber Reinforced Material Instead of Conventional PMMA.

    PubMed

    Qamheya, Ala Hassan A; Yeniyol, Sinem; Arısan, Volkan

    2015-01-01

    Many people have life-long problems with their dentures, such as difficulties with speaking and eating, loose denture, and sore mouth syndrome. The evolution of dental implant supported prosthesis gives these patients normal healthy life for their functional and esthetic advantages. This case report presents the fabrication of maxillary implant supported hybrid prosthesis by using Nanofilled Composite (NFC) material in teeth construction to rehabilitate a complete denture wearer patient.

  11. Full Mouth Oral Rehabilitation by Maxillary Implant Supported Hybrid Denture Employing a Fiber Reinforced Material Instead of Conventional PMMA

    PubMed Central

    Qamheya, Ala Hassan A.; Arısan, Volkan

    2015-01-01

    Many people have life-long problems with their dentures, such as difficulties with speaking and eating, loose denture, and sore mouth syndrome. The evolution of dental implant supported prosthesis gives these patients normal healthy life for their functional and esthetic advantages. This case report presents the fabrication of maxillary implant supported hybrid prosthesis by using Nanofilled Composite (NFC) material in teeth construction to rehabilitate a complete denture wearer patient. PMID:26557392

  12. The preembryo as potential: a reply to John A. Robertson.

    PubMed

    McCormick, Richard A

    1991-12-01

    ... In conclusion, let me agree with Robertson that reasonable persons may indeed disagree on concrete conclusions touching preembryo freezing, discard, research, and diagnosis. But it is one of the challenges to reasonable people to give reasons for their conclusions. When Robertson notes that preembryo research "has been found acceptable by most bodies that have examined the subject," he leaves unstated the fact that many of these bodies have not given reasons for their conclusions. This is especially true of the Warnock Committee. It is definitely not true of John Robertson. He has attempted to give analytic support for his rather permissive positions. I find this support too fragile for its assigned task, though I hasten to say that this does not mean that only a totally prohibitive position is defensible or is mine. Prima facie still means prima facie.

  13. Iranian Kurdish women's experiences of childbirth: A qualitative study.

    PubMed

    Shahoei, Roonak; Khosravy, Farangis; Zaheri, Farzaneh; Hasheminasab, Lila; Ranaei, Fariba; Hesame, Kajal; Shahoei, Faranak

    2014-02-01

    The experience of labor and birth, referred to as childbirth, is complex, multidimensional, and subjective, relating to both the outcome and the process that is experienced by an individual woman. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of childbirth among Kurdish women giving birth at Besat Hospital in Sanandaj, Iran. A qualitative study was conducted using phenomenological approach. Women eligible for the study were recruited from the postpartum ward. Inclusion criteria were being an Iranian Kurdish woman, being nulliparous, and having vaginal childbirth. Data collection was performed between 2010 and 2011. Women were interviewed by the first researcher 6-12 weeks after they had given birth to their first child. All participants had spontaneous vaginal births without their husbands present. None of them received any analgesia or anesthesia during labor and birth. The findings are described under the following four themes: Feeling empowered, changing life, importance of being supported during labor, and the spiritual dimensions of giving birth. Women communicate through telling stories and create meaning as they articulate their feelings about pivotal life events such as childbirth. The findings of this study provide a useful first step toward the identification of aspects of Kurdish women's experience of giving birth. The women in this study identified that the presence or absence of effective support had a significant effect on their experience of labor and birth. It is important for midwives and other professionals to understand the benefits of support given for women during childbirth.

  14. Projecting social support needs of informal caregivers in Malaysia.

    PubMed

    Abu Bakar, Siti Hajar; Weatherley, Richard; Omar, Noralina; Abdullah, Fatimah; Mohamad Aun, Nur Saadah

    2014-03-01

    This article presents the findings of a self-report study of the consequences of being an informal caregiver in Malaysia. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine Malaysian efforts in assisting informal caregivers, based on an analysis of the issues and concerns raised by the caregivers themselves. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of informal caregivers in 2009. This sample comprised parents, spouses and/or adult siblings, and adult children, caring for their children, spouses or siblings and parents who were chronically ill and/or had a disability. Of 300 prospective participants, only 175 could be located (58%), but all those contacted agreed to participate. Respondents were randomly selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire to identify the emotional, financial, social and physical issues consequent upon being a caregiver. Most respondents reported that their care-giving responsibilities had impacted their emotional, financial, social and/or physical well-being. Inadequate and/or uncertain income was by far the greatest concern followed in descending order by social, physical and emotional consequences. The one-way analysis of variance showed significant differences among the three categories of caregivers with respect to physical and emotional consequences. The findings show that care-giving has detrimental effects on the lives of informal caregivers, and that they are in significant need of social support to help them deal with care-giving tasks and responsibilities. Based on the findings, an integrated social support programme is proposed, tailored to the needs of informal caregivers. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. Recommendations for Laboratory Containment and Management of Gene Drive Systems in Arthropods.

    PubMed

    Benedict, Mark Q; Burt, Austin; Capurro, Margareth L; De Barro, Paul; Handler, Alfred M; Hayes, Keith R; Marshall, John M; Tabachnick, Walter J; Adelman, Zach N

    2018-01-01

    Versatile molecular tools for creating driving transgenes and other invasive genetic factors present regulatory, ethical, and environmental challenges that should be addressed to ensure their safe use. In this article, we discuss driving transgenes and invasive genetic factors that can potentially spread after their introduction into a small proportion of individuals in a population. The potential of invasive genetic factors to increase their number in natural populations presents challenges that require additional safety measures not provided by previous recommendations regarding accidental release of arthropods. In addition to providing physical containment, invasive genetic factors require greater attention to strain management, including their distribution and identity confirmation. In this study, we focus on insects containing such factors with recommendations for investigators who are creating them, institutional biosafety committees charged with ensuring safety, funding agencies providing support, those managing insectaries handling these materials who are responsible for containment, and other persons who will be receiving insects-transgenic or not-from these facilities. We give specific examples of efforts to modify mosquitoes for mosquito-borne disease control, but similar considerations are relevant to other arthropods that are important to human health, the environment, and agriculture.

  16. Impact of substituents and nonplanarity on nickel and copper porphyrin electrochemistry: first observation of a Cu(II)/Cu(III) reaction in nonaqueous media.

    PubMed

    Fang, Yuanyuan; Senge, Mathias O; Van Caemelbecke, Eric; Smith, Kevin M; Medforth, Craig J; Zhang, Min; Kadish, Karl M

    2014-10-06

    Electrochemical studies of the oxidation of dodecasubstituted and highly nonplanar nickel porphyrins in a noncoordinating solvent have previously revealed the first nickel(III) porphyrin dication. Herein, we investigate if these nonplanar porphyrins can also be used to detect the so far unobserved copper(III) porphyrin dication. Electrochemical studies of the oxidation of (DPP)Cu and (OETPP)Cu show three processes, the first two of which are macrocycle-centered to give the porphyrin dication followed by a Cu(II)/Cu(III) process at more positive potential. Support for the assignment of the Cu(II)/Cu(III) process comes from the linear relationships observed between E1/2 and the third ionization potential of the central metal ions for iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper complexes of (DPP)M and (OETPP)M. In addition, the oxidation behavior of additional nonplanar nickel porphyrins is investigated in a noncoordinating solvent, with nickel meso-tetraalkylporphyrins also being found to form nickel(III) porphyrin dications. Finally, examination of the nickel meso-tetraalkylporphyrins in a coordinating solvent (pyridine) reveals that the first oxidation becomes metal-centered under these conditions, as was previously noted for a range of nominally planar porphyrins.

  17. Ophthalmologic diagnostic tool using MR images for biomechanically-based muscle volume deformation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buchberger, Michael; Kaltofen, Thomas

    2003-05-01

    We would like to give a work-in-progress report on our ophthalmologic diagnostic software system which performs biomechanically-based muscle volume deformations using MR images. For reconstructing a three-dimensional representation of an extraocular eye muscle, a sufficient amount of high resolution MR images is used, each representing a slice of the muscle. In addition, threshold values are given, which restrict the amount of data used from the MR images. The Marching Cube algorithm is applied to the polygons, resulting in a 3D representation of the muscle, which can efficiently be rendered. A transformation to a dynamic, deformable model is applied by calculating the center of gravity of each muscle slice, approximating the muscle path and subsequently adding Hermite splines through the centers of gravity of all slices. Then, a radius function is defined for each slice, completing the transformation of the static 3D polygon model. Finally, this paper describes future extensions to our system. One of these extensions is the support for additional calculations and measurements within the reconstructed 3D muscle representation. Globe translation, localization of muscle pulleys by analyzing the 3D reconstruction in two different gaze positions and other diagnostic measurements will be available.

  18. Utilization of Cacao Pod Husk Silage as Cattle Ration Mixture at Taluditi, Pohuwatu Regency, Gorontalo Province

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hidayat, M.; Pratama, H. Y.; Martono, E.

    2018-02-01

    Cacao plantation produces cacao pod husks (CPHs) by-products during the harvest period. This research aimed to make benefits the CPH, preserved with silage technology as cattle ration mixture, investigate the adequacy of nutrient for the cattle after treated with addition of CPH silage, and investigate the quota of cattle treated with CPH silage addition. The research design was conducted by giving extension and field observation that was carried out at Taluditi on July to August 2015 during the activity of Student Community Service (KKN PPM UGM Unit Gorontalo 02). The secondary data was gathered from the Department of Agriculture and Plantation Pohuwatu Regency, and also supporting references. The number of respondents in each location was about 30 - 40 people. The research results showed that the silage preservation technology can be well received by the farmers. There was improvement of cattle ration nutrient supplemented with CPH compared to that of ration nutrient which was usually be used by the farmers or standard ration nutrient. The research also resulted in fresh CPH production 2,625.741 tons/year, CPH silage production 2,140.549 tons/year and load capacity + 575 heads/day weight 250-300 kg.

  19. Recommendations for Laboratory Containment and Management of Gene Drive Systems in Arthropods

    PubMed Central

    Burt, Austin; Capurro, Margareth L.; De Barro, Paul; Handler, Alfred M.; Hayes, Keith R.; Marshall, John M.; Tabachnick, Walter J.; Adelman, Zach N.

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Versatile molecular tools for creating driving transgenes and other invasive genetic factors present regulatory, ethical, and environmental challenges that should be addressed to ensure their safe use. In this article, we discuss driving transgenes and invasive genetic factors that can potentially spread after their introduction into a small proportion of individuals in a population. The potential of invasive genetic factors to increase their number in natural populations presents challenges that require additional safety measures not provided by previous recommendations regarding accidental release of arthropods. In addition to providing physical containment, invasive genetic factors require greater attention to strain management, including their distribution and identity confirmation. In this study, we focus on insects containing such factors with recommendations for investigators who are creating them, institutional biosafety committees charged with ensuring safety, funding agencies providing support, those managing insectaries handling these materials who are responsible for containment, and other persons who will be receiving insects—transgenic or not—from these facilities. We give specific examples of efforts to modify mosquitoes for mosquito-borne disease control, but similar considerations are relevant to other arthropods that are important to human health, the environment, and agriculture. PMID:29040058

  20. Solubility parameters of hypromellose acetate succinate and plasticization in dry coating procedures.

    PubMed

    Klar, Fabian; Urbanetz, Nora Anne

    2016-10-01

    Solubility parameters of HPMCAS have not yet been investigated intensively. On this account, total and three-dimensional solubility parameters of HPMCAS were determined by using different experimental as well as computational methods. In addition, solubility properties of HPMCAS in a huge number of solvents were tested and a Teas plot for HPMCAS was created. The total solubility parameter of about 24 MPa(0.5) was confirmed by various procedures and compared with values of plasticizers. Twenty common pharmaceutical plasticizers were evaluated in terms of their suitability for supporting film formation of HPMCAS under dry coating conditions. Therefore, glass transition temperatures of mixtures of polymer and plasticizers were inspected and film formation of potential ones was further investigated in dry coating of pellets. Contact angles of plasticizers on HPMCAS were determined in order to give a hint of achievable coating efficiencies in dry coating, but none was found to spread on HPMCAS. A few common substances, e.g. dimethyl phthalate, glycerol monocaprylate, and polyethylene glycol 400, enabled plasticization of HPMCAS; however, only triethyl citrate and triacetin were found to be suitable for use in dry coating. Addition of acetylated monoglycerides to triacetin increased coating efficiency, which was likewise previously demonstrated for triethyl citrate.

  1. Current Status of the High Contrast Imager for Complex Aperture Telescopes (HiCAT) Testbed

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brooks, Keira; Brady, Gregory; Brito, Arturo; Comeau, Tom; Dillon, Thomas; Choquet, Elodie; Egron, Sylvain; Rob, Gontrum; John, Hagopian; Leboulleux, Lucie; Perrin, Marshall; Petrone, Peter; Pueyo, Laurent; Mazoyer, Johan; Moriarty, Christopher; N’Diaye, Mamadou; Eldorado Riggs, A. J.; Shiri, Ron; Sivaramakrishnan, Anand; St. Laurent, Kathryn; Valenzuela, Ana Maria; Zimmerman, Neil; Soummer, Remi; JHU Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Team

    2018-01-01

    The coming decades will bring the next space telescopes to take on the ambitious goal of exoplanet discovery via direct imaging, driving the development of innovative coronagraphic solutions. High contrast imager for Complex Aperture Telescopes (HiCAT) is an optical testbed meant to test such solutions for complex aperture telescopes, such as the Large UV/Optical/InfraRed surveyor (LUVOIR), or any other segmented space observatory. High contrast imaging becomes more demanding with the addition of segments, a secondary mirror obscuration, and support structure. LUVOIR, a candidate for the next-next generation major space telescope funded in part by NASA, will have all three. In the past year, HiCAT has made significant hardware and software updates in order to meet the needs of LUVOIR. In addition to completely overhauling the software that runs the testbed, we have received the first two custom-made apodizers for the Apodized Pupil Lyot Coronagraph (APLC) that we are testing for LUVOIR, and are continuing the development of the wavefront sensing and control. This poster will serve to give an update on these, and other, changes, as well as the most recent results.

  2. Buckling Design Studies of Inverted, Oblate Bulkheads for a Propellant Tank

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smeltzer, Stanley S., III; Bowman, Lynn M.

    2002-01-01

    An investigation of the deformation and buckling characteristics of a composite, oblate bulkhead that has an inverted geometry and is subjected to pressure-only loading is presented for three bulkhead geometries and thicknesses. The effects of a stiffening support ring at the bulkhead to cylinder interface are also evaluated. Buckling analyses conducted using the axisymmetric shell code BOSOR4 are discussed for several bulkhead configurations. These results are analytically verified using results from the Structural Analysis of General Shells (STAGS) code for a selected bulkhead configuration. The buckling characterization of an inverted, oblate bulkhead requires careful attention as small changes in bulkhead parameters can have a significant effect on the critical buckling load. Comparison of BOSOR4 and STAGS results provided a very good correlation between the two analysis methods. In addition, the analysis code BOSOR4 was found to be an efficient sizing tool that is useful during the preliminary design stage of a practical shell structure. Together, these two aspects should give the design engineer confidence in sizing these stability critical structures. Additional characterization is warranted, especially for a composite tank structure, since only one bulkhead configuration was examined closely.

  3. Quantitative Relationships Involving Additive Differences: Numerical Resilience

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ramful, Ajay; Ho, Siew Yin

    2014-01-01

    This case study describes the ways in which problems involving additive differences with unknown starting quantities, constrain the problem solver in articulating the inherent quantitative relationship. It gives empirical evidence to show how numerical reasoning takes over as a Grade 6 student instantiates the quantitative relation by resorting to…

  4. Chemical-milling solution for invar alloy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Batiuk, W.

    1980-01-01

    Excellent surface finishes and tolerances are achieved using two formulations. Solution A gives finish of 3.17 micrometers after milling at 57 to 63 deg C. Constituents of A are: Hydrofluoric acid (70%), 5,8 oz/gal; nitric acid (40-42) degrees Baume), 40 oz/gal. Alternative solution gives 2.16 micrometer finish, and differs from A by addition of 7% phosphoric acid. Formulations eliminate channeling at root fillets, dishing, island formation, and overhangs.

  5. Why Do High School Students Lack Motivation in the Classroom? Toward an Understanding of Academic Amotivation and the Role of Social Support

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Legault, Lisa; Green-Demers, Isabelle; Pelletier, Luc

    2006-01-01

    The present series of studies sought to develop and conceptually validate a taxonomy of reasons that give rise to academic amotivation and to investigate its social antecedents and academic consequences. In Study 1 (N = 351), an exploratory factor analysis offered preliminary support for an academic amotivation taxonomy comprising four dimensions:…

  6. Language and System Support for Concurrent Programming

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-04-01

    language. We give suggestions on how to avoid polling programs , and suggest changes to the rendezvous facilities to eliminate the polling bias. The...concerned with support for concurrent pro- Capsule gramming provided to the application programmer by operating Description systems and programming ...of concurrent programming has widened Philosophy from "pure" operating system applications to a multitude of real-time and distributed programs . Since

  7. Determining Mobility Support Advisory Squadron Effectiveness in Support of Building Partner Capacity

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-06-15

    Pamela Bennet Bardot, USAF Expeditionary Center Librarian - Extraordinaire for graciously entertaining my numerous requests for information and helping... standardized , realistic set of performance criteria can ensure standardization between the MSAS and give AMC a baseline from which to inspect compliance...continue to mature. They include: • Lacking a universally recognized and utilized lexicon. In reference to working with PNs, common , interchangeably

  8. Quality Assurance of Post-Graduate Education: The Case of CAPES, the Brazilian Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Almeida Guimarães, Jorge; Chaves Edler de Almeida, Elenara

    2012-01-01

    The authors discuss the CAPES Foundation, the Brazilian Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education. They also present and discuss the current data and status of the Brazilian venture for developing human resources and for the formation of an active community dedicated to Science and Technology, giving a general vision of its…

  9. Psychosocial Stress and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Metabolomics and Perceived Stress

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-01

    noted that phobic anxiety and social isolation were suggestively associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer (hazard ratios of 1.14 and 1.24...SUBJECT TERMS ovarian cancer, psychosocial stress, depression, anxiety , social support, metabolomics 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION...application is to examine whether self-reported stress exposures (depressive symptoms, phobic anxiety , social support, job strain, care-giving stress) are

  10. Miracle Workers: When Appropriately Prescribed and Supported by Solid Instruction, Alternative and Augmentative Communication Devices Can Give Voices to Students Otherwise "Trapped" by Their Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bainbridge, Marc

    2005-01-01

    The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-PL 101-478) of 1990 assures the right to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. Later versions of the law increased spending, support, and consumer decision making and encouraged research and development for a range of assistive instructional technologies. As a result, the…

  11. An Analysis of Alternatives for Gaining Capacity So as to Maintain Access to the University of California. Research & Occasional Paper Series: CSHE.5.06

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    King, C. Judson

    2006-01-01

    This paper analyzes the need for providing additional undergraduate enrollment capacity at the University of California (UC) and of alternatives for gaining such capacity at UC and, by extension, other public research universities. In addition to the creation of new campuses, other approaches are capable of giving significant additional capacity…

  12. Recent developments in the structural design and optimization of ITER neutral beam manifold

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chengzhi, CAO; Yudong, PAN; Zhiwei, XIA; Bo, LI; Tao, JIANG; Wei, LI

    2018-02-01

    This paper describes a new design of the neutral beam manifold based on a more optimized support system. A proposed alternative scheme has presented to replace the former complex manifold supports and internal pipe supports in the final design phase. Both the structural reliability and feasibility were confirmed with detailed analyses. Comparative analyses between two typical types of manifold support scheme were performed. All relevant results of mechanical analyses for typical operation scenarios and fault conditions are presented. Future optimization activities are described, which will give useful information for a refined setting of components in the next phase.

  13. Runtime support for data parallel tasks

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Haines, Matthew; Hess, Bryan; Mehrotra, Piyush; Vanrosendale, John; Zima, Hans

    1994-01-01

    We have recently introduced a set of Fortran language extensions that allow for integrated support of task and data parallelism, and provide for shared data abstractions (SDA's) as a method for communications and synchronization among these tasks. In this paper we discuss the design and implementation issues of the runtime system necessary to support these extensions, and discuss the underlying requirements for such a system. To test the feasibility of this approach, we implement a prototype of the runtime system and use this to support an abstract multidisciplinary optimization (MDO) problem for aircraft design. We give initial results and discuss future plans.

  14. Prevention of distal extension cantilever fracture in mandibular overdentures.

    PubMed

    Quirynen, Thomas; Quirynen, Marc; Duyck, Joke

    2015-09-01

    Fractures of distal bar extensions, supporting a mandibular overdenture, do occur with significant functional and economic consequences for the patient. This study therefore aims to evaluate the effect of different bar cross-sectional shapes and surfaces, bar extension lengths and the placement of a support rib under the distal bar extension on fracture resistance. The 2nd moment area and static strength were calculated for 11 frequently used bar designs using finite element analysis (FEA). For two specific designs (Ackermann round Ø 1.8mm and Dolder-Y macro, the former with and without a support rib) additional physical static and fatigue strength tests were included. The FEA static strength data corresponded well to the 2nd moment area (a similar ranking when maximum allowed force was considered). The application of a rib support (Ackermann Ø 1.8mm) and limitations of the bar extension length (6mm for the Ackermann Ø 1.8mm, 8mm for the Dolder-Y macro) allowed the bars to exceed 5 × 10(6) cycles of 120 and 250N, respectively, before fracture. The region of highest stresses in FEA corresponded well with the locations of the fractures observed in static- and fatigue-testing. With some simple guidelines/modifications, the number of bar extension fractures can be reduced significantly. This study focusses on distal bar extensions which improve the positioning of an implant supported overdenture. By combining laboratory testing and finite element simulations we aim to: (1) explain why fractures occur (dependent on physical characteristics of the bar), and (2) give clinical guidelines on how to prevent such fractures. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Documentation of a Regional Aquifer Simulation Model RAQSIM, and a description of support programs applied in the Twin Platte - Middle Republican Study Area, Nebraska

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Cady, R.E.; Peckenpaugh, J.M.

    1985-01-01

    RAQSIM, a generalized flow model of a groundwater system using finite-element methods, is documented to explain how it works and to demonstrate that it gives valid results. Three support programs that are used to compute recharge and discharge data required as input to RAQSIM are described. RAQSIM was developed to solve transient, two-dimensional, regional groundwater flow problems with isotropic or anisotropic conductance. The model can also simulate radially-symmetric flow to a well and steady-state flow. The mathematical basis, program structure, data input and output procedures, organization of data sets, and program features and options of RAQSIM are discussed. An example , containing listings of data and results and illustrating RAQSIM 's capabilities, is discussed in detail. Two test problems also are discussed comparing RAQSIM 's results with analytical procedures. The first support program described, the PET Program, uses solar radiation and other climatic data in the Jensen-Haise method to compute potential evapotranspiration. The second support program, the Soil-Water Program, uses output from the PET Program, soil characteristics, and the ratio of potential to actual evapotranspiration for each crop to compute infiltration, storage, and removal of water from the soil zone. The third program, the Recharge-Discharge Program, uses output from the Soil-Water Program together with other data to compute recharge and discharge from the groundwater flow system. For each support program, a program listing and examples of the data and results for the Twin Platte-Middle Republican study are provided. In addition, a brief discussion on how each program operates and on procedures for running and modifying these programs are presented. (Author 's abstract)

  16. NCI National Clinical Trials Network Structure

    Cancer.gov

    Learn about how the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) is structured. The NCTN is a program of the National Cancer Institute that gives funds and other support to cancer research organizations to conduct cancer clinical trials.

  17. Genetics Home Reference: Weissenbacher-Zweymüller syndrome

    MedlinePlus

    ... instructions for making one component of type XI collagen, which is a complex molecule that gives structure ... support the body's joints and organs. Type XI collagen is found in cartilage, a tough but flexible ...

  18. Points about Shoes

    MedlinePlus

    ... comfortable in the store. Slip off the flip-flops. Flip-flops don’t give your feet enough support, so ... things like stubbing your toe. Consider some flip-flop how-tos: Buy new flip-flops when they ...

  19. Quality of life for chronic psychiatric illnesses and home care

    PubMed Central

    Molu, Nesibe Gunay; Ozkan, Birgul; Icel, Sema

    2016-01-01

    Nowadays, mental illnesses are gradually increasing and so does chronic psychiatric patients. As a result of this increase, chronic psychiatric disorders lead the burden of patients and their families. To reduce the burden of mental illnesses on individuals and their families, treatment and care are given including psychosocial, physiological and medical support and social services. To begin with, home care enables both the patient and his or her family to stay at their own houses and not to be bothered with residents or long-term, institutional-based nursing homes. In addition, the home care providers deliver services to the patient’s at their own house. The other advantages of taking care at home is that it eases financial issues in terms of reducing the cost, reduces the patient’s symptoms and improve the individual’s quality of life (QoL). In addition to these, home care also minimizes the burden on outpatient services and provides help for the patient and the family in order to solve their problems and give support. Home care services help patients to get their freedom back and enhance the quality of their lives. Thus, it is necessary to procure and implement these services and supply both the patient and his or her family a high-quality life. Sources of data/ study selection: Literature review was done by using the keywords “home care, patient with chronic mental illness, quality of life, home care nursing” from the sources including PsychINFO, PsychARTICLES, MEDLINE, PubMED, EBSCOHOST and The COCHRANE LIBRARY in the time period of 2005- 2015. PMID:27182272

  20. A Modular GIS-Based Software Architecture for Model Parameter Estimation using the Method of Anchored Distributions (MAD)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ames, D. P.; Osorio-Murillo, C.; Over, M. W.; Rubin, Y.

    2012-12-01

    The Method of Anchored Distributions (MAD) is an inverse modeling technique that is well-suited for estimation of spatially varying parameter fields using limited observations and Bayesian methods. This presentation will discuss the design, development, and testing of a free software implementation of the MAD technique using the open source DotSpatial geographic information system (GIS) framework, R statistical software, and the MODFLOW groundwater model. This new tool, dubbed MAD-GIS, is built using a modular architecture that supports the integration of external analytical tools and models for key computational processes including a forward model (e.g. MODFLOW, HYDRUS) and geostatistical analysis (e.g. R, GSLIB). The GIS-based graphical user interface provides a relatively simple way for new users of the technique to prepare the spatial domain, to identify observation and anchor points, to perform the MAD analysis using a selected forward model, and to view results. MAD-GIS uses the Managed Extensibility Framework (MEF) provided by the Microsoft .NET programming platform to support integration of different modeling and analytical tools at run-time through a custom "driver." Each driver establishes a connection with external programs through a programming interface, which provides the elements for communicating with core MAD software. This presentation gives an example of adapting the MODFLOW to serve as the external forward model in MAD-GIS for inferring the distribution functions of key MODFLOW parameters. Additional drivers for other models are being developed and it is expected that the open source nature of the project will engender the development of additional model drivers by 3rd party scientists.

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