A Peer Helpers Code of Behavior.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Rosenroll, David A.

This document presents a guide for developing a peer helpers code of behavior. The first section discusses issues relevant to the trainers. These issues include whether to give a model directly to the group or whether to engender "ownership" of the code by the group; timing of introduction of the code; and addressing the issue of…

An audit of the nature and impact of clinical coding subjectivity variability and error in otolaryngology.

PubMed

Nouraei, S A R; Hudovsky, A; Virk, J S; Chatrath, P; Sandhu, G S

2013-12-01

To audit the accuracy of clinical coding in otolaryngology, assess the effectiveness of previously implemented interventions, and determine ways in which it can be further improved. Prospective clinician-auditor multidisciplinary audit of clinical coding accuracy. Elective and emergency ENT admissions and day-case activity. Concordance between initial coding and the clinician-auditor multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) coding in respect of primary and secondary diagnoses and procedures, health resource groupings health resource groupings (HRGs) and tariffs. The audit of 3131 randomly selected otolaryngology patients between 2010 and 2012 resulted in 420 instances of change to the primary diagnosis (13%) and 417 changes to the primary procedure (13%). In 1420 cases (44%), there was at least one change to the initial coding and 514 (16%) health resource groupings changed. There was an income variance of £343,169 or £109.46 per patient. The highest rates of health resource groupings change were observed in head and neck surgery and in particular skull-based surgery, laryngology and within that tracheostomy, and emergency admissions, and specially, epistaxis management. A randomly selected sample of 235 patients from the audit were subjected to a second audit by a second clinician-auditor multi-disciplinary team. There were 12 further health resource groupings changes (5%) and at least one further coding change occurred in 57 patients (24%). These changes were significantly lower than those observed in the pre-audit sample, but were also significantly greater than zero. Asking surgeons to 'code in theatre' and applying these codes without further quality assurance to activity resulted in an health resource groupings error rate of 45%. The full audit sample was regrouped under health resource groupings 3.5 and was compared with a previous audit of 1250 patients performed between 2007 and 2008. This comparison showed a reduction in the baseline rate of health resource groupings change from 16% during the first audit cycle to 9% in the current audit cycle (P < 0.001). Otolaryngology coding is complex and susceptible to subjectivity, variability and error. Coding variability can be improved, but not eliminated through regular education supported by an audit programme. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Relationships between Translation and Transcription Processes during fMRI Connectivity Scanning and Coded Translation and Transcription in Writing Products after Scanning in Children with and without Transcription Disabilities

PubMed Central

Wallis, Peter; Richards, Todd; Boord, Peter; Abbott, Robert; Berninger, Virginia

2018-01-01

Students with transcription disabilities (dysgraphia/impaired handwriting, n = 13 or dyslexia/impaired word spelling, n = 16) or without transcription disabilities (controls) completed transcription and translation (idea generating, planning, and creating) writing tasks during fMRI connectivity scanning and compositions after scanning, which were coded for transcription and translation variables. Compositions in both groups showed diversity in genre beyond usual narrative-expository distinction; groups differed in coded transcription but not translation variables. For the control group specific transcription or translation tasks during scanning correlated with corresponding coded transcription or translation skills in composition, but connectivity during scanning was not correlated with coded handwriting during composing in dysgraphia group and connectivity during translating was not correlated with any coded variable during composing in dyslexia group. Results are discussed in reference to the trend in neuroscience to use connectivity from relevant seed points while performing tasks and trends in education to recognize the generativity (creativity) of composing at both the genre and syntax levels. PMID:29600113

The effect of cost construction based on either DRG or ICD-9 codes or risk group stratification on the resulting cost-effectiveness ratios.

PubMed

Chumney, Elinor C G; Biddle, Andrea K; Simpson, Kit N; Weinberger, Morris; Magruder, Kathryn M; Zelman, William N

2004-01-01

As cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) are increasingly used to inform policy decisions, there is a need for more information on how different cost determination methods affect cost estimates and the degree to which the resulting cost-effectiveness ratios (CERs) may be affected. The lack of specificity of diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) could mean that they are ill-suited for costing applications in CEAs. Yet, the implications of using International Classification of Diseases-9th edition (ICD-9) codes or a form of disease-specific risk group stratification instead of DRGs has yet to be clearly documented. To demonstrate the implications of different disease coding mechanisms on costs and the magnitude of error that could be introduced in head-to-head comparisons of resulting CERs. We based our analyses on a previously published Markov model for HIV/AIDS therapies. We used the Healthcare Cost and Utilisation Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) data release 6, which contains all-payer data on hospital inpatient stays from selected states. We added costs for the mean number of hospitalisations, derived from analyses based on either DRG or ICD-9 codes or risk group stratification cost weights, to the standard outpatient and prescription drug costs to yield an estimate of total charges for each AIDS-defining illness (ADI). Finally, we estimated the Markov model three times with the appropriate ADI cost weights to obtain CERs specific to the use of either DRG or ICD-9 codes or risk group. Contrary to expectations, we found that the choice of coding/grouping assumptions that are disease-specific by either DRG codes, ICD-9 codes or risk group resulted in very similar CER estimates for highly active antiretroviral therapy. The large variations in the specific ADI cost weights across the three different coding approaches was especially interesting. However, because no one approach produced consistently higher estimates than the others, the Markov model's weighted cost per event and resulting CERs were remarkably close in value to one another. Although DRG codes are based on broader categories and contain less information than ICD-9 codes, in practice the choice of whether to use DRGs or ICD-9 codes may have little effect on the CEA results in heterogeneous conditions such as HIV/AIDS.

Multiple trellis coded modulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Marvin K. (Inventor); Divsalar, Dariush (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A technique for designing trellis codes to minimize bit error performance for a fading channel. The invention provides a criteria which may be used in the design of such codes which is significantly different from that used for average white Gaussian noise channels. The method of multiple trellis coded modulation of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) coding b bits of input data into s intermediate outputs; (b) grouping said s intermediate outputs into k groups of s.sub.i intermediate outputs each where the summation of all s.sub.i,s is equal to s and k is equal to at least 2; (c) mapping each of said k groups of intermediate outputs into one of a plurality of symbols in accordance with a plurality of modulation schemes, one for each group such that the first group is mapped in accordance with a first modulation scheme and the second group is mapped in accordance with a second modulation scheme; and (d) outputting each of said symbols to provide k output symbols for each b bits of input data.

LACEwING: A New Moving Group Analysis Code

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

Riedel, Adric R.; Blunt, Sarah C.; Faherty, Jacqueline K.

We present a new nearby young moving group (NYMG) kinematic membership analysis code, LocAting Constituent mEmbers In Nearby Groups (LACEwING), a new Catalog of Suspected Nearby Young Stars, a new list of bona fide members of moving groups, and a kinematic traceback code. LACEwING is a convergence-style algorithm with carefully vetted membership statistics based on a large numerical simulation of the Solar Neighborhood. Given spatial and kinematic information on stars, LACEwING calculates membership probabilities in 13 NYMGs and three open clusters within 100 pc. In addition to describing the inputs, methods, and products of the code, we provide comparisons ofmore » LACEwING to other popular kinematic moving group membership identification codes. As a proof of concept, we use LACEwING to reconsider the membership of 930 stellar systems in the Solar Neighborhood (within 100 pc) that have reported measurable lithium equivalent widths. We quantify the evidence in support of a population of young stars not attached to any NYMGs, which is a possible sign of new as-yet-undiscovered groups or of a field population of young stars.« less

A Summary of the Naval Postgraduate School Research Program.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-30

a Helmholtz mode involving the head section plenum. An experimental investigation was conducted to examine fuel regresion rate control methods other...Directed: Regression Rate Control in Solid Fuel Ramjets", Master’s Thesis, September, 1985. D. C. Rigterink, "An Experimental Investigation of Combustion...Space Systems Academic Group , Code 72 1 EW Academic Group , Code 73 1 Command, Control & Communications Group , Code 74 1 Curricular Officer of

The feasibility of adapting a population-based asthma-specific job exposure matrix (JEM) to NHANES.

PubMed

McHugh, Michelle K; Symanski, Elaine; Pompeii, Lisa A; Delclos, George L

2010-12-01

To determine the feasibility of applying a job exposure matrix (JEM) for classifying exposures to 18 asthmagens in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999-2004. We cross-referenced 490 National Center for Health Statistics job codes used to develop the 40 NHANES occupation groups with 506 JEM job titles and assessed homogeneity in asthmagen exposure across job codes within each occupation group. In total, 399 job codes corresponded to one JEM job title, 32 to more than one job title, and 59 were not in the JEM. Three occupation groups had the same asthmagen exposure across job codes, 11 had no asthmagen exposure, and 26 groups had heterogeneous exposures across jobs codes. The NHANES classification of occupations limits the use of the JEM to evaluate the association between workplace exposures and asthma and more refined occupational data are needed to enhance work-related injury/illness surveillance efforts.

Validation of Diagnostic Groups Based on Health Care Utilization Data Should Adjust for Sampling Strategy.

PubMed

Cadieux, Geneviève; Tamblyn, Robyn; Buckeridge, David L; Dendukuri, Nandini

2017-08-01

Valid measurement of outcomes such as disease prevalence using health care utilization data is fundamental to the implementation of a "learning health system." Definitions of such outcomes can be complex, based on multiple diagnostic codes. The literature on validating such data demonstrates a lack of awareness of the need for a stratified sampling design and corresponding statistical methods. We propose a method for validating the measurement of diagnostic groups that have: (1) different prevalences of diagnostic codes within the group; and (2) low prevalence. We describe an estimation method whereby: (1) low-prevalence diagnostic codes are oversampled, and the positive predictive value (PPV) of the diagnostic group is estimated as a weighted average of the PPV of each diagnostic code; and (2) claims that fall within a low-prevalence diagnostic group are oversampled relative to claims that are not, and bias-adjusted estimators of sensitivity and specificity are generated. We illustrate our proposed method using an example from population health surveillance in which diagnostic groups are applied to physician claims to identify cases of acute respiratory illness. Failure to account for the prevalence of each diagnostic code within a diagnostic group leads to the underestimation of the PPV, because low-prevalence diagnostic codes are more likely to be false positives. Failure to adjust for oversampling of claims that fall within the low-prevalence diagnostic group relative to those that do not leads to the overestimation of sensitivity and underestimation of specificity.

Potential loss of revenue due to errors in clinical coding during the implementation of the Malaysia diagnosis related group (MY-DRG®) Casemix system in a teaching hospital in Malaysia.

PubMed

Zafirah, S A; Nur, Amrizal Muhammad; Puteh, Sharifa Ezat Wan; Aljunid, Syed Mohamed

2018-01-25

The accuracy of clinical coding is crucial in the assignment of Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) codes, especially if the hospital is using Casemix System as a tool for resource allocations and efficiency monitoring. The aim of this study was to estimate the potential loss of income due to an error in clinical coding during the implementation of the Malaysia Diagnosis Related Group (MY-DRG ® ) Casemix System in a teaching hospital in Malaysia. Four hundred and sixty-four (464) coded medical records were selected, re-examined and re-coded by an independent senior coder (ISC). This ISC re-examined and re-coded the error code that was originally entered by the hospital coders. The pre- and post-coding results were compared, and if there was any disagreement, the codes by the ISC were considered the accurate codes. The cases were then re-grouped using a MY-DRG ® grouper to assess and compare the changes in the DRG assignment and the hospital tariff assignment. The outcomes were then verified by a casemix expert. Coding errors were found in 89.4% (415/424) of the selected patient medical records. Coding errors in secondary diagnoses were the highest, at 81.3% (377/464), followed by secondary procedures at 58.2% (270/464), principal procedures of 50.9% (236/464) and primary diagnoses at 49.8% (231/464), respectively. The coding errors resulted in the assignment of different MY-DRG ® codes in 74.0% (307/415) of the cases. From this result, 52.1% (160/307) of the cases had a lower assigned hospital tariff. In total, the potential loss of income due to changes in the assignment of the MY-DRG ® code was RM654,303.91. The quality of coding is a crucial aspect in implementing casemix systems. Intensive re-training and the close monitoring of coder performance in the hospital should be performed to prevent the potential loss of hospital income.

Software engineering and automatic continuous verification of scientific software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piggott, M. D.; Hill, J.; Farrell, P. E.; Kramer, S. C.; Wilson, C. R.; Ham, D.; Gorman, G. J.; Bond, T.

2011-12-01

Software engineering of scientific code is challenging for a number of reasons including pressure to publish and a lack of awareness of the pitfalls of software engineering by scientists. The Applied Modelling and Computation Group at Imperial College is a diverse group of researchers that employ best practice software engineering methods whilst developing open source scientific software. Our main code is Fluidity - a multi-purpose computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code that can be used for a wide range of scientific applications from earth-scale mantle convection, through basin-scale ocean dynamics, to laboratory-scale classic CFD problems, and is coupled to a number of other codes including nuclear radiation and solid modelling. Our software development infrastructure consists of a number of free tools that could be employed by any group that develops scientific code and has been developed over a number of years with many lessons learnt. A single code base is developed by over 30 people for which we use bazaar for revision control, making good use of the strong branching and merging capabilities. Using features of Canonical's Launchpad platform, such as code review, blueprints for designing features and bug reporting gives the group, partners and other Fluidity uers an easy-to-use platform to collaborate and allows the induction of new members of the group into an environment where software development forms a central part of their work. The code repositoriy are coupled to an automated test and verification system which performs over 20,000 tests, including unit tests, short regression tests, code verification and large parallel tests. Included in these tests are build tests on HPC systems, including local and UK National HPC services. The testing of code in this manner leads to a continuous verification process; not a discrete event performed once development has ceased. Much of the code verification is done via the "gold standard" of comparisons to analytical solutions via the method of manufactured solutions. By developing and verifying code in tandem we avoid a number of pitfalls in scientific software development and advocate similar procedures for other scientific code applications.

Exclusively visual analysis of classroom group interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tucker, Laura; Scherr, Rachel E.; Zickler, Todd; Mazur, Eric

2016-12-01

Large-scale audiovisual data that measure group learning are time consuming to collect and analyze. As an initial step towards scaling qualitative classroom observation, we qualitatively coded classroom video using an established coding scheme with and without its audio cues. We find that interrater reliability is as high when using visual data only—without audio—as when using both visual and audio data to code. Also, interrater reliability is high when comparing use of visual and audio data to visual-only data. We see a small bias to code interactions as group discussion when visual and audio data are used compared with video-only data. This work establishes that meaningful educational observation can be made through visual information alone. Further, it suggests that after initial work to create a coding scheme and validate it in each environment, computer-automated visual coding could drastically increase the breadth of qualitative studies and allow for meaningful educational analysis on a far greater scale.

[Quality management and strategic consequences of assessing documentation and coding under the German Diagnostic Related Groups system].

PubMed

Schnabel, M; Mann, D; Efe, T; Schrappe, M; V Garrel, T; Gotzen, L; Schaeg, M

2004-10-01

The introduction of the German Diagnostic Related Groups (D-DRG) system requires redesigning administrative patient management strategies. Wrong coding leads to inaccurate grouping and endangers the reimbursement of treatment costs. This situation emphasizes the roles of documentation and coding as factors of economical success. The aims of this study were to assess the quantity and quality of initial documentation and coding (ICD-10 and OPS-301) and find operative strategies to improve efficiency and strategic means to ensure optimal documentation and coding quality. In a prospective study, documentation and coding quality were evaluated in a standardized way by weekly assessment. Clinical data from 1385 inpatients were processed for initial correctness and quality of documentation and coding. Principal diagnoses were found to be accurate in 82.7% of cases, inexact in 7.1%, and wrong in 10.1%. Effects on financial returns occurred in 16%. Based on these findings, an optimized, interdisciplinary, and multiprofessional workflow on medical documentation, coding, and data control was developed. Workflow incorporating regular assessment of documentation and coding quality is required by the DRG system to ensure efficient accounting of hospital services. Interdisciplinary and multiprofessional cooperation is recognized to be an important factor in establishing an efficient workflow in medical documentation and coding.

Reactivity effects in VVER-1000 of the third unit of the kalinin nuclear power plant at physical start-up. Computations in ShIPR intellectual code system with library of two-group cross sections generated by UNK code

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

Zizin, M. N.; Zimin, V. G.; Zizina, S. N., E-mail: zizin@adis.vver.kiae.ru

2010-12-15

The ShIPR intellectual code system for mathematical simulation of nuclear reactors includes a set of computing modules implementing the preparation of macro cross sections on the basis of the two-group library of neutron-physics cross sections obtained for the SKETCH-N nodal code. This library is created by using the UNK code for 3D diffusion computation of first VVER-1000 fuel loadings. Computation of neutron fields in the ShIPR system is performed using the DP3 code in the two-group diffusion approximation in 3D triangular geometry. The efficiency of all groups of control rods for the first fuel loading of the third unit ofmore » the Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant is computed. The temperature, barometric, and density effects of reactivity as well as the reactivity coefficient due to the concentration of boric acid in the reactor were computed additionally. Results of computations are compared with the experiment.« less

Reactivity effects in VVER-1000 of the third unit of the kalinin nuclear power plant at physical start-up. Computations in ShIPR intellectual code system with library of two-group cross sections generated by UNK code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zizin, M. N.; Zimin, V. G.; Zizina, S. N.; Kryakvin, L. V.; Pitilimov, V. A.; Tereshonok, V. A.

2010-12-01

The ShIPR intellectual code system for mathematical simulation of nuclear reactors includes a set of computing modules implementing the preparation of macro cross sections on the basis of the two-group library of neutron-physics cross sections obtained for the SKETCH-N nodal code. This library is created by using the UNK code for 3D diffusion computation of first VVER-1000 fuel loadings. Computation of neutron fields in the ShIPR system is performed using the DP3 code in the two-group diffusion approximation in 3D triangular geometry. The efficiency of all groups of control rods for the first fuel loading of the third unit of the Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant is computed. The temperature, barometric, and density effects of reactivity as well as the reactivity coefficient due to the concentration of boric acid in the reactor were computed additionally. Results of computations are compared with the experiment.

Nonlinear, nonbinary cyclic group codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Solomon, G.

1992-01-01

New cyclic group codes of length 2(exp m) - 1 over (m - j)-bit symbols are introduced. These codes can be systematically encoded and decoded algebraically. The code rates are very close to Reed-Solomon (RS) codes and are much better than Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) codes (a former alternative). The binary (m - j)-tuples are identified with a subgroup of the binary m-tuples which represents the field GF(2 exp m). Encoding is systematic and involves a two-stage procedure consisting of the usual linear feedback register (using the division or check polynomial) and a small table lookup. For low rates, a second shift-register encoding operation may be invoked. Decoding uses the RS error-correcting procedures for the m-tuple codes for m = 4, 5, and 6.

Annual Coded Wire Tag Program; Missing Production Groups, 1996 Annual Report.

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

Pastor, Stephen M.

1997-01-01

In 1989 the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) began funding the evaluation of production groups of juvenile anadromous fish not being coded-wire tagged for other programs. These groups were the ''Missing Production Groups''. Production fish released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) without representative coded-wire tags during the 1980's are indicated as blank spaces on the survival graphs in this report. The objectives of the ''Missing Production Groups'' program are: (1) to estimate the total survival of each production group, (2) to estimate the contribution of each production group to various fisheries, and (3) to prepare an annual reportmore » for all USFWS hatcheries in the Columbia River basin. Coded-wire tag recovery information will be used to evaluate the relative success of individual brood stocks. This information can also be used by salmon harvest managers to develop plans to allow the harvest of excess hatchery fish while protecting threatened, endangered, or other stocks of concern. In order to meet these objectives, a minimum of one marked group of fish is necessary for each production release. The level of marking varies according to location, species, and age at release. In general, 50,000 fish are marked with a coded-wire tag (CWT) to represent each production release group at hatcheries below John Day Dam. More than 100,000 fish per group are usually marked at hatcheries above John Day Dam. All fish release information, including marked/unmarked ratios, is reported to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC). Fish recovered in the various fisheries or at the hatcheries are sampled to recover coded-wire tags. This recovery information is also reported to PSMFC.« less

A new method for evaluating compliance with industry self-regulation codes governing the content of alcohol advertising.

PubMed

Babor, Thomas F; Xuan, Ziming; Damon, Donna

2013-10-01

This study evaluated the use of a modified Delphi technique in combination with a previously developed alcohol advertising rating procedure to detect content violations in the U.S. Beer Institute Code. A related aim was to estimate the minimum number of raters needed to obtain reliable evaluations of code violations in television commercials. Six alcohol ads selected for their likelihood of having code violations were rated by community and expert participants (N = 286). Quantitative rating scales were used to measure the content of alcohol advertisements based on alcohol industry self-regulatory guidelines. The community group participants represented vulnerability characteristics that industry codes were designed to protect (e.g., age <21); experts represented various health-related professions, including public health, human development, alcohol research, and mental health. Alcohol ads were rated on 2 occasions separated by 1 month. After completing Time 1 ratings, participants were randomized to receive feedback from 1 group or the other. Findings indicate that (i) ratings at Time 2 had generally reduced variance, suggesting greater consensus after feedback, (ii) feedback from the expert group was more influential than that of the community group in developing group consensus, (iii) the expert group found significantly fewer violations than the community group, (iv) experts representing different professional backgrounds did not differ among themselves in the number of violations identified, and (v) a rating panel composed of at least 15 raters is sufficient to obtain reliable estimates of code violations. The Delphi technique facilitates consensus development around code violations in alcohol ad content and may enhance the ability of regulatory agencies to monitor the content of alcoholic beverage advertising when combined with psychometric-based rating procedures. Copyright © 2013 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

A New Method for Evaluating Compliance with Industry Self-regulation Codes Governing the Content of Alcohol Advertising

PubMed Central

Babor, Thomas F.; Xuan, Ziming; Damon, Donna

2013-01-01

Background This study evaluated the use of a modified Delphi technique in combination with a previously developed alcohol advertising rating procedure to detect content violations in the US Beer Institute code. A related aim was to estimate the minimum number of raters needed to obtain reliable evaluations of code violations in television commercials. Methods Six alcohol ads selected for their likelihood of having code violations were rated by community and expert participants (N=286). Quantitative rating scales were used to measure the content of alcohol advertisements based on alcohol industry self-regulatory guidelines. The community group participants represented vulnerability characteristics that industry codes were designed to protect (e.g., age < 21); experts represented various health-related professions, including public health, human development, alcohol research and mental health. Alcohol ads were rated on two occasions separated by one month. After completing Time 1 ratings, participants were randomized to receive feedback from one group or the other. Results Findings indicate that (1) ratings at Time 2 had generally reduced variance, suggesting greater consensus after feedback, (2) feedback from the expert group was more influential than that of the community group in developing group consensus, (3) the expert group found significantly fewer violations than the community group, (4) experts representing different professional backgrounds did not differ among themselves in the number of violations identified; (5) a rating panel composed of at least 15 raters is sufficient to obtain reliable estimates of code violations. Conclusions The Delphi Technique facilitates consensus development around code violations in alcohol ad content and may enhance the ability of regulatory agencies to monitor the content of alcoholic beverage advertising when combined with psychometric-based rating procedures. PMID:23682927

Wartime Tracking of Class I Surface Shipments from Production or Procurement to Destination

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-04-01

Armed Forces I ICAF-FAP National Defense University 6c. ADDRESS (City, State, ard ZIP Code ) 7b. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code ) Fort Lesley J...INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ORGANIZATION (If applicable) 9c. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code ) 10. SOURCE OF FUNDING NUMBERS PROGRAM PROJECT TASK...COSATI CODES 18. SUBJECT TERMS (Continue on reverse if necessary and identify by block number) FIELD GROUP SUB-GROUP 19. ABSTRACT (Continue on reverse

A novel construction method of QC-LDPC codes based on the subgroup of the finite field multiplicative group for optical transmission systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Jian-guo; Zhou, Guang-xiang; Gao, Wen-chun; Wang, Yong; Lin, Jin-zhao; Pang, Yu

2016-01-01

According to the requirements of the increasing development for optical transmission systems, a novel construction method of quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) codes based on the subgroup of the finite field multiplicative group is proposed. Furthermore, this construction method can effectively avoid the girth-4 phenomena and has the advantages such as simpler construction, easier implementation, lower encoding/decoding complexity, better girth properties and more flexible adjustment for the code length and code rate. The simulation results show that the error correction performance of the QC-LDPC(3 780,3 540) code with the code rate of 93.7% constructed by this proposed method is excellent, its net coding gain is respectively 0.3 dB, 0.55 dB, 1.4 dB and 1.98 dB higher than those of the QC-LDPC(5 334,4 962) code constructed by the method based on the inverse element characteristics in the finite field multiplicative group, the SCG-LDPC(3 969,3 720) code constructed by the systematically constructed Gallager (SCG) random construction method, the LDPC(32 640,30 592) code in ITU-T G.975.1 and the classic RS(255,239) code which is widely used in optical transmission systems in ITU-T G.975 at the bit error rate ( BER) of 10-7. Therefore, the constructed QC-LDPC(3 780,3 540) code is more suitable for optical transmission systems.

Overview of the H.264/AVC video coding standard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luthra, Ajay; Topiwala, Pankaj N.

2003-11-01

H.264/MPEG-4 AVC is the latest coding standard jointly developed by the Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) of ITU-T and Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) of ISO/IEC. It uses state of the art coding tools and provides enhanced coding efficiency for a wide range of applications including video telephony, video conferencing, TV, storage (DVD and/or hard disk based), streaming video, digital video creation, digital cinema and others. In this paper an overview of this standard is provided. Some comparisons with the existing standards, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 Part 2, are also provided.

Grouping in Short-Term Memory: Do Oscillators Code the Positions of Items?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ng, Honey L. H.; Maybery, Murray T.

2005-01-01

According to several current models of short-term memory, items are retained in order by associating them with positional codes. The models differ as to whether temporal oscillators provide those codes. The authors examined errors in recall of sequences comprising 2 groups of 4 consonants. A critical manipulation was the precise timing of items…

Attention in Relation to Coding and Planning in Reading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mahapatra, Shamita

2015-01-01

A group of 50 skilled readers and a group of 50 less-skilled readers of Grade 5 matched for age and intelligence and selected on the basis of their proficiency in reading comprehension were tested for their competence in word reading and the processes of attention, simultaneous coding, successive coding and planning at three levels, i.e.,…

Mitochondrial genome evolution in the Saccharomyces sensu stricto complex.

PubMed

Ruan, Jiangxing; Cheng, Jian; Zhang, Tongcun; Jiang, Huifeng

2017-01-01

Exploring the evolutionary patterns of mitochondrial genomes is important for our understanding of the Saccharomyces sensu stricto (SSS) group, which is a model system for genomic evolution and ecological analysis. In this study, we first obtained the complete mitochondrial sequences of two important species, Saccharomyces mikatae and Saccharomyces kudriavzevii. We then compared the mitochondrial genomes in the SSS group with those of close relatives, and found that the non-coding regions evolved rapidly, including dramatic expansion of intergenic regions, fast evolution of introns and almost 20-fold higher rearrangement rates than those of the nuclear genomes. However, the coding regions, and especially the protein-coding genes, are more conserved than those in the nuclear genomes of the SSS group. The different evolutionary patterns of coding and non-coding regions in the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes may be related to the origin of the aerobic fermentation lifestyle in this group. Our analysis thus provides novel insights into the evolution of mitochondrial genomes.

Problem-Solving Under Time Constraints: Alternatives for the Commander’s Estimate

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-03-26

CHOOL OF ADVANCED MILITAR (If applicable) STUDIES, USAC&GSC IATZL-SWV 6. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code ) 7b. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code ...NOTATION 17. COSATI CODES 18. SUBJECT TERMS (Continue on reverse if necessary and identify by block number) FIELD GROUP SUB-GROUP DECISIONJ*MAKING...OF RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL 22b. TELEPHONE (Include Area Code ) 122c. OFFICE SYMBOL MAJ TIMOTHY D. LYNCH 9 684-3437 1 AT71-.qWV DO Form 1473, JUN 86

Write to Read: Investigating the Reading-Writing Relationship of Code-Level Early Literacy Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Cindy D.; Reutzel, D. Ray

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the code-related features used in current methods of writing instruction in kindergarten classrooms transfer reading outcomes for kindergarten students. We randomly assigned kindergarten students to 3 instructional groups: a writing workshop group, an interactive writing group, and a control group.…

A novel QC-LDPC code based on the finite field multiplicative group for optical communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Jian-guo; Xu, Liang; Tong, Qing-zhen

2013-09-01

A novel construction method of quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) code is proposed based on the finite field multiplicative group, which has easier construction, more flexible code-length code-rate adjustment and lower encoding/decoding complexity. Moreover, a regular QC-LDPC(5334,4962) code is constructed. The simulation results show that the constructed QC-LDPC(5334,4962) code can gain better error correction performance under the condition of the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel with iterative decoding sum-product algorithm (SPA). At the bit error rate (BER) of 10-6, the net coding gain (NCG) of the constructed QC-LDPC(5334,4962) code is 1.8 dB, 0.9 dB and 0.2 dB more than that of the classic RS(255,239) code in ITU-T G.975, the LDPC(32640,30592) code in ITU-T G.975.1 and the SCG-LDPC(3969,3720) code constructed by the random method, respectively. So it is more suitable for optical communication systems.

A Novel c-VEP BCI Paradigm for Increasing the Number of Stimulus Targets Based on Grouping Modulation With Different Codes.

PubMed

Wei, Qingguo; Liu, Yonghui; Gao, Xiaorong; Wang, Yijun; Yang, Chen; Lu, Zongwu; Gong, Huayuan

2018-06-01

In an existing brain-computer interface (BCI) based on code modulated visual evoked potentials (c-VEP), a method with which to increase the number of targets without increasing code length has not yet been established. In this paper, a novel c-VEP BCI paradigm, namely, grouping modulation with different codes that have good autocorrelation and crosscorrelation properties, is presented to increase the number of targets and information transfer rate (ITR). All stimulus targets are divided into several groups and each group of targets are modulated by a distinct pseudorandom binary code and its circularly shifting codes. Canonical correlation analysis is applied to each group for yielding a spatial filter and templates for all targets in a group are constructed based on spatially filtered signals. Template matching is applied to each group and the attended target is recognized by finding the maximal correlation coefficients of all groups. Based on the paradigm, a BCI with a total of 48 targets divided into three groups was implemented; 12 and 10 subjects participated in an off-line and a simulated online experiments, respectively. Data analysis of the offline experiment showed that the paradigm can massively increase the number of targets from 16 to 48 at the cost of slight compromise in accuracy (95.49% vs. 92.85%). Results of the simulated online experiment suggested that although the averaged accuracy across subjects of all three groups of targets was lower than that of a single group of targets (91.67% vs. 94.9%), the average ITR of the former was substantially higher than that of the later (181 bits/min vs. 135.6 bit/min) due to the large increase of the number of targets. The proposed paradigm significantly improves the performance of the c-VEP BCI, and thereby facilitates its practical applications such as high-speed spelling.

Topological color codes on Union Jack lattices: a stable implementation of the whole Clifford group

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

Katzgraber, Helmut G.; Theoretische Physik, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich; Bombin, H.

We study the error threshold of topological color codes on Union Jack lattices that allow for the full implementation of the whole Clifford group of quantum gates. After mapping the error-correction process onto a statistical mechanical random three-body Ising model on a Union Jack lattice, we compute its phase diagram in the temperature-disorder plane using Monte Carlo simulations. Surprisingly, topological color codes on Union Jack lattices have a similar error stability to color codes on triangular lattices, as well as to the Kitaev toric code. The enhanced computational capabilities of the topological color codes on Union Jack lattices with respectmore » to triangular lattices and the toric code combined with the inherent robustness of this implementation show good prospects for future stable quantum computer implementations.« less

78 FR 75905 - Credit for Increasing Research Activities: Intra-Group Gross Receipts

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-13

... CFR Part 1 [REG-159420-04] RIN 1545-BE14 Credit for Increasing Research Activities: Intra-Group Gross... Internal Revenue Code (Code) relating to the treatment of qualified research expenditures (QREs) and gross... trades or businesses under common control (intra-group transactions) for purposes of determining the...

Honoring Native American Code Talkers: The Road to the Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-420)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meadows, William C.

2011-01-01

Interest in North American Indian code talkers continues to increase. In addition to numerous works about the Navajo code talkers, several publications on other groups of Native American code talkers--including the Choctaw, Comanche, Hopi, Meskwaki, Canadian Cree--and about code talkers in general have appeared. This article chronicles recent…

Chimeric mitochondrial minichromosomes of the human body louse, Pediculus humanus: evidence for homologous and non-homologous recombination.

PubMed

Shao, Renfu; Barker, Stephen C

2011-02-15

The mitochondrial (mt) genome of the human body louse, Pediculus humanus, consists of 18 minichromosomes. Each minichromosome is 3 to 4 kb long and has 1 to 3 genes. There is unequivocal evidence for recombination between different mt minichromosomes in P. humanus. It is not known, however, how these minichromosomes recombine. Here, we report the discovery of eight chimeric mt minichromosomes in P. humanus. We classify these chimeric mt minichromosomes into two groups: Group I and Group II. Group I chimeric minichromosomes contain parts of two different protein-coding genes that are from different minichromosomes. The two parts of protein-coding genes in each Group I chimeric minichromosome are joined at a microhomologous nucleotide sequence; microhomologous nucleotide sequences are hallmarks of non-homologous recombination. Group II chimeric minichromosomes contain all of the genes and the non-coding regions of two different minichromosomes. The conserved sequence blocks in the non-coding regions of Group II chimeric minichromosomes resemble the "recombination repeats" in the non-coding regions of the mt genomes of higher plants. These repeats are essential to homologous recombination in higher plants. Our analyses of the nucleotide sequences of chimeric mt minichromosomes indicate both homologous and non-homologous recombination between minichromosomes in the mitochondria of the human body louse. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Future Research Needs for Dredgeability of Rock: Rock Dredging Workshop Held in Jacksonville, Florida on 25-26 July 1985.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

ORGANIZATION Gjeoteehnical Laborator WESGR-M 6c ADDRESS (City, Slate, and ZIP Code ) 7b ADDRESS(City, State. and ZIP Code ) PO Box 631 Vicksburg, MS 39180...of Engineers 8< ADDRESS(City, State, and ZIP Code ) 10 SOURCE OF FUNDING NUMBERS PROGRAM PROJECT TASK WORK UNIT.. ", 1 :, • ; I, - u It ., " ’ ~f...Springfield, VA 22161 17 COSATI CODES 18 SUBJECT TERMS (Continue-On revprse of necessary and identify by block number) " FIELD GROUP SUB GROUP

An Examination of the Reliability of the Organizational Assessment Package (OAP).

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

reactiv- ity or pretest sensitization (Bracht and Glass, 1968) may occur. In this case, the change from pretest to posttest can be caused just by the...content items. The blocks for supervisor’s code were left blank, work group code was coded as all ones , and each person’s seminar number was coded in...63 5 19 .91 .74 5 (Work Group Effective- ness) 822 19 .83 .42 7 17 .90 .57 7 (Job Related Sati sfacti on ) 823 16 .91 .84 2 18 .93 .87 2 (Job Related

Effectiveness of teaching International Caries Detection and Assessment System II and its e-learning program to freshman dental students on occlusal caries detection

PubMed Central

El-Damanhoury, Hatem M.; Fakhruddin, Kausar Sadia; Awad, Manal A.

2014-01-01

Objective: To assess the feasibility of teaching International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II and its e-learning program as tools for occlusal caries detection to freshmen dental students in comparison to dental graduates with 2 years of experience. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four freshmen and 32 dental graduates examined occlusal surfaces of molars/premolars (n = 72) after a lecture and a hands-on workshop. The same procedure was repeated after 1 month following the training with ICDAS II e-learning program. Validation of ICDAS II codes was done histologically. Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility of ICDAS II severity scores were assessed before and after e-learning using (Fleiss's kappa). Results: The kappa values showed inter-examiner reproducibility ranged from 0.53 (ICDAS II code cut off ≥ 1) to 0.70 (ICDAS II code cut off ≥ 3) by undergraduates and 0.69 (ICDAS II code cut off ≥ 1) to 0.95 (ICDAS II code cut off ≥ 3) by graduates. The inter-examiner reproducibility ranged from 0.64 (ICDAS II code cut off ≥ 1) to 0.89 (ICDAS II code cut off ≥ 3). No statistically significant difference was found between both groups in intra-examiner agreements for assessing ICDAS II codes. A high statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) in correct identification of codes 1, 2, and 4 from before to after e-learning were observed in both groups. The bias indices for the undergraduate group were higher than those of the graduate group. Conclusions: Early exposure of students to ICDAS II is a valuable method of teaching caries detection and its e-learning program significantly improves their caries diagnostic skills. PMID:25512730

Study of idempotents in cyclic group rings over F{sub 2}

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

Ong, Kai Lin, E-mail: i.am.kailin@hotmail.com; Ang, Miin Huey, E-mail: mathamh@usm.my

The existence of an idempotent generator for group codes or group ring codes in F{sub q}G plays a very important role in determining the minimal distance of the respective code. Some necessary and sufficient conditions for a group ring element to be an idempotent in F{sub 2}C{sub n} are investigated in this paper. The main result in this paper is the affirmation of the existence of finitely many basis idempotents which gives a full identification of all idempotents in every binary cyclic group ring F{sub 2}C{sub n}. All the basis idempotents in F{sub 2}C{sub n} are able to be foundmore » by partitioning the largest idempotent’s support.« less

CodeSlinger: a case study in domain-driven interactive tool design for biomedical coding scheme exploration and use.

PubMed

Flowers, Natalie L

2010-01-01

CodeSlinger is a desktop application that was developed to aid medical professionals in the intertranslation, exploration, and use of biomedical coding schemes. The application was designed to provide a highly intuitive, easy-to-use interface that simplifies a complex business problem: a set of time-consuming, laborious tasks that were regularly performed by a group of medical professionals involving manually searching coding books, searching the Internet, and checking documentation references. A workplace observation session with a target user revealed the details of the current process and a clear understanding of the business goals of the target user group. These goals drove the design of the application's interface, which centers on searches for medical conditions and displays the codes found in the application's database that represent those conditions. The interface also allows the exploration of complex conceptual relationships across multiple coding schemes.

76 FR 38160 - Pesticide Products; Registration Applications

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-29

.... Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to: Crop production (NAICS code 111). Animal production (NAICS code 112). Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311). Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532... classification/Use: For control of certain diseases in almond, grape (small fruit vine climbing group, except...

Nickel Allergy Is a Risk Factor for Endometriosis: An 11-Year Population-Based Nested Case-Control Study.

PubMed

Yuk, Jin-Sung; Shin, Jong Seung; Shin, Ji-Yeon; Oh, Eunsuk; Kim, Hyunmee; Park, Won I

2015-01-01

A cross-sectional study has reported that nickel allergy is associated with endometriosis. However, causal studies of this association are limited. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of nickel allergy in women with and without endometriosis. We used a National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) sample cohort dataset that included approximately 1 million individuals from South Korea; the data were obtained between January 01, 2002, and December 31, 2013. We selected the endometriosis group according to diagnosis code (N80.X), surgery codes, and drug codes during the years 2009~2013. The controls were randomly matched to the endometriosis patients at a ratio of 4:1 by age and socioeconomic status. Patients with nickel allergy were defined in the cohort dataset as those with a simultaneous diagnosis code (L23.0) and patch test code during 2002~2008. In total, 4,985 women were selected from the NHIS cohort database and divided into an endometriosis group (997 women) and a control group (3,988 women). The number of patients with nickel allergy in the endometriosis group was eight (0.8%), and that in the control group was thirteen (0.3%). After adjustment for age and socioeconomic status, the rate of nickel allergy in was higher in the endometriosis group than in the control group [odds ratio: 2.474; 95% confidence interval: 1.023~5.988; p = 0.044]. We found that nickel allergy is a risk factor for endometriosis.

I-Ching, dyadic groups of binary numbers and the geno-logic coding in living bodies.

PubMed

Hu, Zhengbing; Petoukhov, Sergey V; Petukhova, Elena S

2017-12-01

The ancient Chinese book I-Ching was written a few thousand years ago. It introduces the system of symbols Yin and Yang (equivalents of 0 and 1). It had a powerful impact on culture, medicine and science of ancient China and several other countries. From the modern standpoint, I-Ching declares the importance of dyadic groups of binary numbers for the Nature. The system of I-Ching is represented by the tables with dyadic groups of 4 bigrams, 8 trigrams and 64 hexagrams, which were declared as fundamental archetypes of the Nature. The ancient Chinese did not know about the genetic code of protein sequences of amino acids but this code is organized in accordance with the I-Ching: in particularly, the genetic code is constructed on DNA molecules using 4 nitrogenous bases, 16 doublets, and 64 triplets. The article also describes the usage of dyadic groups as a foundation of the bio-mathematical doctrine of the geno-logic code, which exists in parallel with the known genetic code of amino acids but serves for a different goal: to code the inherited algorithmic processes using the logical holography and the spectral logic of systems of genetic Boolean functions. Some relations of this doctrine with the I-Ching are discussed. In addition, the ratios of musical harmony that can be revealed in the parameters of DNA structure are also represented in the I-Ching book. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Translation of the Department of Defense Disease and Injury Codes to the Eighth Revision International Classification of Diseases for use by the Military Services.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-01

with, the DDDIC entity. 3. The ICDA-8 contracts groups of diseases or accidents which had been presented in expanded form in the DDDIC. Example: DDDIC...DDDIC. 4. The ICDA-8 expands groups of entities which had been presented in more condensed folin in the DDDIC. Example: DDDIC ICDA-8 Code Ntmuber Code...rapidly find a disease entity and all closely related entities. At the Naval Health Research Center (N11RC) a new code nunber was given to each

Applying graphics user interface ot group technology classification and coding at the Boeing aerospace company

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ness, P. H.; Jacobson, H.

1984-10-01

The thrust of 'group technology' is toward the exploitation of similarities in component design and manufacturing process plans to achieve assembly line flow cost efficiencies for small batch production. The systematic method devised for the identification of similarities in component geometry and processing steps is a coding and classification scheme implemented by interactive CAD/CAM systems. This coding and classification scheme has led to significant increases in computer processing power, allowing rapid searches and retrievals on the basis of a 30-digit code together with user-friendly computer graphics.

76 FR 54931 - Post Office (PO) Box Fee Groups for Merged Locations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-06

... POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Post Office (PO) Box Fee Groups for Merged Locations AGENCY: Postal... different ZIP Code TM location because of a merger of two or more ZIP Code locations into a single location... merged with a location whose box section is more than one fee group level different, the location would...

Code Sharing and Collaboration: Experiences from the Scientist's Expert Assistant Project and their Relevance to the Virtual Observatory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Jeremy; Grosvenor, Sandy; Wolf, Karl; Li, Connie; Koratkar, Anuradha; Powers, Edward I. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

In the Virtual Observatory (VO), software tools will perform the functions that have traditionally been performed by physical observatories and their instruments. These tools will not be adjuncts to VO functionality but will make up the very core of the VO. Consequently, the tradition of observatory and system independent tools serving a small user base is not valid for the VO. For the VO to succeed, we must improve software collaboration and code sharing between projects and groups. A significant goal of the Scientist's Expert Assistant (SEA) project has been promoting effective collaboration and code sharing between groups. During the past three years, the SEA project has been developing prototypes for new observation planning software tools and strategies. Initially funded by the Next Generation Space Telescope, parts of the SEA code have since been adopted by the Space Telescope Science Institute. SEA has also supplied code for SOFIA, the SIRTF planning tools, and the JSky Open Source Java library. The potential benefits of sharing code are clear. The recipient gains functionality for considerably less cost. The provider gains additional developers working with their code. If enough users groups adopt a set of common code and tools, defacto standards can emerge (as demonstrated by the success of the FITS standard). Code sharing also raises a number of challenges related to the management of the code. In this talk, we will review our experiences with SEA - both successes and failures - and offer some lessons learned that may promote further successes in collaboration and re-use.

Code Sharing and Collaboration: Experiences From the Scientist's Expert Assistant Project and Their Relevance to the Virtual Observatory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korathkar, Anuradha; Grosvenor, Sandy; Jones, Jeremy; Li, Connie; Mackey, Jennifer; Neher, Ken; Obenschain, Arthur F. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

In the Virtual Observatory (VO), software tools will perform the functions that have traditionally been performed by physical observatories and their instruments. These tools will not be adjuncts to VO functionality but will make up the very core of the VO. Consequently, the tradition of observatory and system independent tools serving a small user base is not valid for the VO. For the VO to succeed, we must improve software collaboration and code sharing between projects and groups. A significant goal of the Scientist's Expert Assistant (SEA) project has been promoting effective collaboration and code sharing among groups. During the past three years, the SEA project has been developing prototypes for new observation planning software tools and strategies. Initially funded by the Next Generation Space Telescope, parts of the SEA code have since been adopted by the Space Telescope Science Institute. SEA has also supplied code for the SIRTF (Space Infrared Telescope Facility) planning tools, and the JSky Open Source Java library. The potential benefits of sharing code are clear. The recipient gains functionality for considerably less cost. The provider gains additional developers working with their code. If enough users groups adopt a set of common code and tools, de facto standards can emerge (as demonstrated by the success of the FITS standard). Code sharing also raises a number of challenges related to the management of the code. In this talk, we will review our experiences with SEA--both successes and failures, and offer some lessons learned that might promote further successes in collaboration and re-use.

DNA as a Binary Code: How the Physical Structure of Nucleotide Bases Carries Information

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCallister, Gary

2005-01-01

The DNA triplet code also functions as a binary code. Because double-ring compounds cannot bind to double-ring compounds in the DNA code, the sequence of bases classified simply as purines or pyrimidines can encode for smaller groups of possible amino acids. This is an intuitive approach to teaching the DNA code. (Contains 6 figures.)

A character string scanner

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Enison, R. L.

1971-01-01

A computer program called Character String Scanner (CSS), is presented. It is designed to search a data set for any specified group of characters and then to flag this group. The output of the CSS program is a listing of the data set being searched with the specified group of characters being flagged by asterisks. Therefore, one may readily identify specific keywords, groups of keywords or specified lines of code internal to a computer program, in a program output, or in any other specific data set. Possible applications of this program include the automatic scan of an output data set for pertinent keyword data, the editing of a program to change the appearance of a certain word or group of words, and the conversion of a set of code to a different set of code.

Validation of DRAGON4/DONJON4 simulation methodology for a typical MNSR by calculating reactivity feedback coefficient and neutron flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al Zain, Jamal; El Hajjaji, O.; El Bardouni, T.; Boukhal, H.; Jaï, Otman

2018-06-01

The MNSR is a pool type research reactor, which is difficult to model because of the importance of neutron leakage. The aim of this study is to evaluate a 2-D transport model for the reactor compatible with the latest release of the DRAGON code and 3-D diffusion of the DONJON code. DRAGON code is then used to generate the group macroscopic cross sections needed for full core diffusion calculations. The diffusion DONJON code, is then used to compute the effective multiplication factor (keff), the feedback reactivity coefficients and neutron flux which account for variation in fuel and moderator temperatures as well as the void coefficient have been calculated using the DRAGON and DONJON codes for the MNSR research reactor. The cross sections of all the reactor components at different temperatures were generated using the DRAGON code. These group constants were used then in the DONJON code to calculate the multiplication factor and the neutron spectrum at different water and fuel temperatures using 69 energy groups. Only one parameter was changed where all other parameters were kept constant. Finally, Good agreements between the calculated and measured have been obtained for every of the feedback reactivity coefficients and neutron flux.

Discrete Cosine Transform Image Coding With Sliding Block Codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Divakaran, Ajay; Pearlman, William A.

1989-11-01

A transform trellis coding scheme for images is presented. A two dimensional discrete cosine transform is applied to the image followed by a search on a trellis structured code. This code is a sliding block code that utilizes a constrained size reproduction alphabet. The image is divided into blocks by the transform coding. The non-stationarity of the image is counteracted by grouping these blocks in clusters through a clustering algorithm, and then encoding the clusters separately. Mandela ordered sequences are formed from each cluster i.e identically indexed coefficients from each block are grouped together to form one dimensional sequences. A separate search ensues on each of these Mandela ordered sequences. Padding sequences are used to improve the trellis search fidelity. The padding sequences absorb the error caused by the building up of the trellis to full size. The simulations were carried out on a 256x256 image ('LENA'). The results are comparable to any existing scheme. The visual quality of the image is enhanced considerably by the padding and clustering.

Codes of environmental management practice: Assessing their potential as a tool for change

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

Nash, J.; Ehrenfeld, J.

1997-12-31

Codes of environmental management practice emerged as a tool of environmental policy in the late 1980s. Industry and other groups have developed codes for two purposes: to change the environmental behavior of participating firms and to increase public confidence in industry`s commitment to environmental protection. This review examines five codes of environmental management practice: Responsible Care, the International Chamber of Commerce`s Business Charter for Sustainable Development, ISO 14000, the CERES Principles, and The Natural Step. The first three codes have been drafted and promoted primarily by industry; the others have been developed by non-industry groups. These codes have spurred participatingmore » firms to introduce new practices, including the institution of environmental management systems, public environmental reporting, and community advisory panels. The extent to which codes are introducing a process of cultural change is considered in terms of four dimensions: new consciousness, norms, organization, and tools. 94 refs., 3 tabs.« less

Sudoku Puzzles for First-Year Organic Chemistry Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perez, Alice L.; Lamoureux, G.

2007-01-01

Sudoku puzzle was designed to teach about amino acids and functional groups to the students of undergraduate organic chemistry students. The puzzles focus on helping the student learn the name, 3-letter code and 1-letter code of common amino acids and functional groups.

Teaching Qualitative Research: Experiential Learning in Group-Based Interviews and Coding Assignments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeLyser, Dydia; Potter, Amy E.

2013-01-01

This article describes experiential-learning approaches to conveying the work and rewards involved in qualitative research. Seminar students interviewed one another, transcribed or took notes on those interviews, shared those materials to create a set of empirical materials for coding, developed coding schemes, and coded the materials using those…

Modified Laser and Thermos cell calculations on microcomputers

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

Shapiro, A.; Huria, H.C.

1987-01-01

In the course of designing and operating nuclear reactors, many fuel pin cell calculations are required to obtain homogenized cell cross sections as a function of burnup. In the interest of convenience and cost, it would be very desirable to be able to make such calculations on microcomputers. In addition, such a microcomputer code would be very helpful for educational course work in reactor computations. To establish the feasibility of making detailed cell calculations on a microcomputer, a mainframe cell code was compiled and run on a microcomputer. The computer code Laser, originally written in Fortran IV for the IBM-7090more » class of mainframe computers, is a cylindrical, one-dimensional, multigroup lattice cell program that includes burnup. It is based on the MUFT code for epithermal and fast group calculations, and Thermos for the thermal calculations. There are 50 fast and epithermal groups and 35 thermal groups. Resonances are calculated assuming a homogeneous system and then corrected for self-shielding, Dancoff, and Doppler by self-shielding factors. The Laser code was converted to run on a microcomputer. In addition, the Thermos portion of Laser was extracted and compiled separately to have available a stand alone thermal code.« less

The diagnosis related groups enhanced electronic medical record.

PubMed

Müller, Marcel Lucas; Bürkle, Thomas; Irps, Sebastian; Roeder, Norbert; Prokosch, Hans-Ulrich

2003-07-01

The introduction of Diagnosis Related Groups as a basis for hospital payment in Germany announced essential changes in the hospital reimbursement practice. A hospital's economical survival will depend vitally on the accuracy and completeness of the documentation of DRG relevant data like diagnosis and procedure codes. In order to enhance physicians' coding compliance, an easy-to-use interface integrating coding tasks seamlessly into clinical routine had to be developed. A generic approach should access coding and clinical guidelines from different information sources. Within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) a user interface ('DRG Control Center') for all DRG relevant clinical and administrative data has been built. A comprehensive DRG-related web site gives online access to DRG grouping software and an electronic coding expert. Both components are linked together using an application supporting bi-directional communication. Other web based services like a guideline search engine can be integrated as well. With the proposed method, the clinician gains quick access to context sensitive clinical guidelines for appropriate treatment of his/her patient and administrative guidelines for the adequate coding of the diagnoses and procedures. This paper describes the design and current implementation and discusses our experiences.

Quality of head injury coding from autopsy reports with AIS © 2005 update 2008.

PubMed

Schick, Sylvia; Humrich, Anton; Graw, Matthias

2018-02-28

ABSTACT Objective: Coding injuries from autopsy reports of traffic accident victims according to Abbreviated Injury Scale AIS © 2005 update 2008 [1] is quite time consuming. The suspicion arose, that many issues leading to discussion between coder and control reader were based on information required by the AIS that was not documented in the autopsy reports. To quantify this suspicion, we introduced an AIS-detail-indicator (AIS-DI). To each injury in the AIS Codebook one letter from A to N was assigned indicating the level of detail. Rules were formulated to receive repeatable assignments. This scheme was applied to a selection of 149 multiply injured traffic fatalities. The frequencies of "not A" codes were calculated for each body region and it was analysed, why the most detailed level A had not been coded. As a first finding, the results of the head region are presented. 747 AIS head injury codes were found in 137 traffic fatalities, and 60% of these injuries were coded with an AIS-DI of level A. There are three different explanations for codes of AIS-DI "not A": Group 1 "Missing information in autopsy report" (5%), Group 2 "Clinical data required by AIS" (20%), and Group 3 "AIS system determined" (15%). Groups 1 and 2 show consequences for the ISS in 25 cases. Other body regions might perform differently. The AIS-DI can indicate the quality of the underlying data basis and, depending on the aims of different AIS users it can be a helpful tool for quality checks.

International comparison of sudden unexpected death in infancy rates using a newly proposed set of cause-of-death codes.

PubMed

Taylor, Barry J; Garstang, Joanna; Engelberts, Adele; Obonai, Toshimasa; Cote, Aurore; Freemantle, Jane; Vennemann, Mechtild; Healey, Matt; Sidebotham, Peter; Mitchell, Edwin A; Moon, Rachel Y

2015-11-01

Comparing rates of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) in different countries and over time is difficult, as these deaths are certified differently in different countries, and, even within the same jurisdiction, changes in this death certification process have occurred over time. To identify if International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) codes are being applied differently in different countries, and to develop a more robust tool for international comparison of these types of deaths. Usage of six ICD-10 codes, which code for the majority of SUDI, was compared for the years 2002-2010 in eight high-income countries. There was a great variability in how each country codes SUDI. For example, the proportion of SUDI coded as sudden infant death syndrome (R95) ranged from 32.6% in Japan to 72.5% in Germany. The proportion of deaths coded as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed (W75) ranged from 1.1% in Germany to 31.7% in New Zealand. Japan was the only country to consistently use the R96 code, with 44.8% of SUDI attributed to that code. The lowest, overall, SUDI rate was seen in the Netherlands (0.19/1000 live births (LB)), and the highest in New Zealand (1.00/1000 LB). SUDI accounted for one-third to half of postneonatal mortality in 2002-2010 for all of the countries except for the Netherlands. The proposed set of ICD-10 codes encompasses the codes used in different countries for most SUDI cases. Use of these codes will allow for better international comparisons and tracking of trends over time. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Coding and Billing in Surgical Education: A Systems-Based Practice Education Program.

PubMed

Ghaderi, Kimeya F; Schmidt, Scott T; Drolet, Brian C

Despite increased emphasis on systems-based practice through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies, few studies have examined what surgical residents know about coding and billing. We sought to create and measure the effectiveness of a multifaceted approach to improving resident knowledge and performance of documenting and coding outpatient encounters. We identified knowledge gaps and barriers to documentation and coding in the outpatient setting. We implemented a series of educational and workflow interventions with a group of 12 residents in a surgical clinic at a tertiary care center. To measure the effect of this program, we compared billing codes for 1 year before intervention (FY2012) to prospectively collected data from the postintervention period (FY2013). All related documentation and coding were verified by study-blinded auditors. Interventions took place at the outpatient surgical clinic at Rhode Island Hospital, a tertiary-care center. A cohort of 12 plastic surgery residents ranging from postgraduate year 2 through postgraduate year 6 participated in the interventional sequence. A total of 1285 patient encounters in the preintervention group were compared with 1170 encounters in the postintervention group. Using evaluation and management codes (E&M) as a measure of documentation and coding, we demonstrated a significant and durable increase in billing with supporting clinical documentation after the intervention. For established patient visits, the monthly average E&M code level increased from 2.14 to 3.05 (p < 0.01); for new patients the monthly average E&M level increased from 2.61 to 3.19 (p < 0.01). This study describes a series of educational and workflow interventions, which improved resident coding and billing of outpatient clinic encounters. Using externally audited coding data, we demonstrate significantly increased rates of higher complexity E&M coding in a stable patient population based on improved documentation and billing awareness by the residents. Copyright © 2017 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preparation macroconstants to simulate the core of VVER-1000 reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seleznev, V. Y.

2017-01-01

Dynamic model is used in simulators of VVER-1000 reactor for training of operating staff and students. As a code for the simulation of neutron-physical characteristics is used DYNCO code that allows you to perform calculations of stationary, transient and emergency processes in real time to a different geometry of the reactor lattices [1]. To perform calculations using this code, you need to prepare macroconstants for each FA. One way of getting macroconstants is to use the WIMS code, which is based on the use of its own 69-group macroconstants library. This paper presents the results of calculations of FA obtained by the WIMS code for VVER-1000 reactor with different parameters of fuel and coolant, as well as the method of selection of energy groups for further calculation macroconstants.

Visual Form Detection in 3-Dimensional Space.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-10-01

RR04209 Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 RR0429002; NR 197-070 - II CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE Engineering Psychology Group ( Code...93940 Pasadena, CA 91106 Dean of Research Administration Office of Naval Research Naval Postgraduate School Scientific Liaison Group Monterey, CA...Eisenhower Avenue Dr. Gloria Chisum Alexandria, VA 22333 Sciences Research Group Code 6003 Naval Air Development Center Warminste.’, PA 18974 -4- Department

Construction method of QC-LDPC codes based on multiplicative group of finite field in optical communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Sheng; Ao, Xiang; Li, Yuan-yuan; Zhang, Rui

2016-09-01

In order to meet the needs of high-speed development of optical communication system, a construction method of quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) codes based on multiplicative group of finite field is proposed. The Tanner graph of parity check matrix of the code constructed by this method has no cycle of length 4, and it can make sure that the obtained code can get a good distance property. Simulation results show that when the bit error rate ( BER) is 10-6, in the same simulation environment, the net coding gain ( NCG) of the proposed QC-LDPC(3 780, 3 540) code with the code rate of 93.7% in this paper is improved by 2.18 dB and 1.6 dB respectively compared with those of the RS(255, 239) code in ITU-T G.975 and the LDPC(3 2640, 3 0592) code in ITU-T G.975.1. In addition, the NCG of the proposed QC-LDPC(3 780, 3 540) code is respectively 0.2 dB and 0.4 dB higher compared with those of the SG-QC-LDPC(3 780, 3 540) code based on the two different subgroups in finite field and the AS-QC-LDPC(3 780, 3 540) code based on the two arbitrary sets of a finite field. Thus, the proposed QC-LDPC(3 780, 3 540) code in this paper can be well applied in optical communication systems.

Error Correcting Codes and Related Designs

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-30

Theory, IT-37 (1991), 1222-1224. 6. Codes and designs, existence and uniqueness, Discrete Math ., to appear. 7. (with R. Brualdi and N. Cai), Orphan...structure of the first order Reed-Muller codes, Discrete Math ., to appear. 8. (with J. H. Conway and N.J.A. Sloane), The binary self-dual codes of length up...18, 1988. 4. "Codes and Designs," Mathematics Colloquium, Technion, Haifa, Israel, March 6, 1989. 5. "On the Covering Radius of Codes," Discrete Math . Group

Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education (Revised)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice, 2005

2005-01-01

A note from the Working Group of the Joint Committee on Testing Practices: The "Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education (Code)" prepared by the Joint Committee on Testing Practices (JCTP) has just been revised for the first time since its initial introduction in 1988. The revision of the Code was inspired primarily by the revision of…

Internal Corrosion Control of Water Supply Systems Code of Practice

EPA Science Inventory

This Code of Practice is part of a series of publications by the IWA Specialist Group on Metals and Related Substances in Drinking Water. It complements the following IWA Specialist Group publications: 1. Best Practice Guide on the Control of Lead in Drinking Water 2. Best Prac...

Exclusively Visual Analysis of Classroom Group Interactions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tucker, Laura; Scherr, Rachel E.; Zickler, Todd; Mazur, Eric

2016-01-01

Large-scale audiovisual data that measure group learning are time consuming to collect and analyze. As an initial step towards scaling qualitative classroom observation, we qualitatively coded classroom video using an established coding scheme with and without its audio cues. We find that interrater reliability is as high when using visual data…

Introduction of the ASGARD code (Automated Selection and Grouping of events in AIA Regional Data)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bethge, Christian; Winebarger, Amy; Tiwari, Sanjiv K.; Fayock, Brian

2017-08-01

We have developed the ASGARD code to automatically detect and group brightenings ("events") in AIA data. The event selection and grouping can be optimized to the respective dataset with a multitude of control parameters. The code was initially written for IRIS data, but has since been optimized for AIA. However, the underlying algorithm is not limited to either and could be used for other data as well.Results from datasets in various AIA channels show that brightenings are reliably detected and that coherent coronal structures can be isolated by using the obtained information about the start, peak, and end times of events. We are presently working on a follow-up algorithm to automatically determine the heating and cooling timescales of coronal structures. This will be done by correlating the information from different AIA channels with different temperature responses. We will present the code and preliminary results.

A numerical similarity approach for using retired Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for electronic phenotyping in the Scalable Collaborative Infrastructure for a Learning Health System (SCILHS).

PubMed

Klann, Jeffrey G; Phillips, Lori C; Turchin, Alexander; Weiler, Sarah; Mandl, Kenneth D; Murphy, Shawn N

2015-12-11

Interoperable phenotyping algorithms, needed to identify patient cohorts meeting eligibility criteria for observational studies or clinical trials, require medical data in a consistent structured, coded format. Data heterogeneity limits such algorithms' applicability. Existing approaches are often: not widely interoperable; or, have low sensitivity due to reliance on the lowest common denominator (ICD-9 diagnoses). In the Scalable Collaborative Infrastructure for a Learning Healthcare System (SCILHS) we endeavor to use the widely-available Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) procedure codes with ICD-9. Unfortunately, CPT changes drastically year-to-year - codes are retired/replaced. Longitudinal analysis requires grouping retired and current codes. BioPortal provides a navigable CPT hierarchy, which we imported into the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2) data warehouse and analytics platform. However, this hierarchy does not include retired codes. We compared BioPortal's 2014AA CPT hierarchy with Partners Healthcare's SCILHS datamart, comprising three-million patients' data over 15 years. 573 CPT codes were not present in 2014AA (6.5 million occurrences). No existing terminology provided hierarchical linkages for these missing codes, so we developed a method that automatically places missing codes in the most specific "grouper" category, using the numerical similarity of CPT codes. Two informaticians reviewed the results. We incorporated the final table into our i2b2 SCILHS/PCORnet ontology, deployed it at seven sites, and performed a gap analysis and an evaluation against several phenotyping algorithms. The reviewers found the method placed the code correctly with 97 % precision when considering only miscategorizations ("correctness precision") and 52 % precision using a gold-standard of optimal placement ("optimality precision"). High correctness precision meant that codes were placed in a reasonable hierarchal position that a reviewer can quickly validate. Lower optimality precision meant that codes were not often placed in the optimal hierarchical subfolder. The seven sites encountered few occurrences of codes outside our ontology, 93 % of which comprised just four codes. Our hierarchical approach correctly grouped retired and non-retired codes in most cases and extended the temporal reach of several important phenotyping algorithms. We developed a simple, easily-validated, automated method to place retired CPT codes into the BioPortal CPT hierarchy. This complements existing hierarchical terminologies, which do not include retired codes. The approach's utility is confirmed by the high correctness precision and successful grouping of retired with non-retired codes.

Identifying Pediatric Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: Accuracy of Diagnosis Codes.

PubMed

Balamuth, Fran; Weiss, Scott L; Hall, Matt; Neuman, Mark I; Scott, Halden; Brady, Patrick W; Paul, Raina; Farris, Reid W D; McClead, Richard; Centkowski, Sierra; Baumer-Mouradian, Shannon; Weiser, Jason; Hayes, Katie; Shah, Samir S; Alpern, Elizabeth R

2015-12-01

To evaluate accuracy of 2 established administrative methods of identifying children with sepsis using a medical record review reference standard. Multicenter retrospective study at 6 US children's hospitals. Subjects were children >60 days to <19 years of age and identified in 4 groups based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes: (1) severe sepsis/septic shock (sepsis codes); (2) infection plus organ dysfunction (combination codes); (3) subjects without codes for infection, organ dysfunction, or severe sepsis; and (4) infection but not severe sepsis or organ dysfunction. Combination codes were allowed, but not required within the sepsis codes group. We determined the presence of reference standard severe sepsis according to consensus criteria. Logistic regression was performed to determine whether addition of codes for sepsis therapies improved case identification. A total of 130 out of 432 subjects met reference SD of severe sepsis. Sepsis codes had sensitivity 73% (95% CI 70-86), specificity 92% (95% CI 87-95), and positive predictive value 79% (95% CI 70-86). Combination codes had sensitivity 15% (95% CI 9-22), specificity 71% (95% CI 65-76), and positive predictive value 18% (95% CI 11-27). Slight improvements in model characteristics were observed when codes for vasoactive medications and endotracheal intubation were added to sepsis codes (c-statistic 0.83 vs 0.87, P = .008). Sepsis specific International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes identify pediatric patients with severe sepsis in administrative data more accurately than a combination of codes for infection plus organ dysfunction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Palindromic repetitive DNA elements with coding potential in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii.

PubMed

Suyama, Mikita; Lathe, Warren C; Bork, Peer

2005-10-10

We have identified 141 novel palindromic repetitive elements in the genome of euryarchaeon Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. The total length of these elements is 14.3kb, which corresponds to 0.9% of the total genomic sequence and 6.3% of all extragenic regions. The elements can be divided into three groups (MJRE1-3) based on the sequence similarity. The low sequence identity within each of the groups suggests rather old origin of these elements in M. jannaschii. Three MJRE2 elements were located within the protein coding regions without disrupting the coding potential of the host genes, indicating that insertion of repeats might be a widespread mechanism to enhance sequence diversity in coding regions.

Progress towards a world-wide code of conduct

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

Lee, J.A.N.; Berleur, J.

1994-12-31

In this paper the work of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) Task Group on Ethics is described and the recommendations presented to the General Assembly are reviewed. While a common code of ethics or conduct has been not recommended for consideration by the member societies of IMP, a set of guidelines for the establishment and evaluation of codes has been produced and procedures for the assistance of code development have been established within IMP. This paper proposes that the data collected by the Task Group and the proposed guidelines can be used as a tool for the studymore » of codes of practice providing a teachable, learnable educational module in courses related to the ethics of computing and computation, and looks at the next steps in bringing ethical awareness to the IT community.« less

The fourfold way of the genetic code.

PubMed

Jiménez-Montaño, Miguel Angel

2009-11-01

We describe a compact representation of the genetic code that factorizes the table in quartets. It represents a "least grammar" for the genetic language. It is justified by the Klein-4 group structure of RNA bases and codon doublets. The matrix of the outer product between the column-vector of bases and the corresponding row-vector V(T)=(C G U A), considered as signal vectors, has a block structure consisting of the four cosets of the KxK group of base transformations acting on doublet AA. This matrix, translated into weak/strong (W/S) and purine/pyrimidine (R/Y) nucleotide classes, leads to a code table with mixed and unmixed families in separate regions. A basic difference between them is the non-commuting (R/Y) doublets: AC/CA, GU/UG. We describe the degeneracy in the canonical code and the systematic changes in deviant codes in terms of the divisors of 24, employing modulo multiplication groups. We illustrate binary sub-codes characterizing mutations in the quartets. We introduce a decision-tree to predict the mode of tRNA recognition corresponding to each codon, and compare our result with related findings by Jestin and Soulé [Jestin, J.-L., Soulé, C., 2007. Symmetries by base substitutions in the genetic code predict 2' or 3' aminoacylation of tRNAs. J. Theor. Biol. 247, 391-394], and the rearrangements of the table by Delarue [Delarue, M., 2007. An asymmetric underlying rule in the assignment of codons: possible clue to a quick early evolution of the genetic code via successive binary choices. RNA 13, 161-169] and Rodin and Rodin [Rodin, S.N., Rodin, A.S., 2008. On the origin of the genetic code: signatures of its primordial complementarity in tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Heredity 100, 341-355], respectively.

World Breastfeeding Week 1994: making the Code work.

PubMed

1994-01-01

WHO adopted the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes in 1981, with the US being the only member voting against it. US abandoned its opposition and voted for the International Code at the World Health Assembly in May 1994. The US was also part of a unanimous vote to promote a resolution that clearly proclaims breast milk to be better than breast milk substitutes and the best food for infants. World Breastfeeding Week 1994 began more efforts to promote the International Code. In 1994, through its Making the Code Work campaign, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) will work on increasing awareness about the mission and promise of the International Code, notify governments of the Innocenti target date, call for governments to introduce rules and regulations based on the International Code, and encourage public interest groups, professional organizations, and the general public to monitor enforcement of the Code. So far, 11 countries have passed legislation including all or almost all provisions of the International Code. Governments of 36 countries have passed legislation including only some provisions of the International Code. The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), a coalition of more than 140 breastfeeding promotion groups, monitors implementation of the Code worldwide. IBFAN substantiates 1000s of violations of the Code in its report, Breaking the Rules 1994. The violations consist of promoting breast milk substitutes to health workers, using labels describing a brand of formula in idealizing terms, or using labels that do not have warnings in the local language. We should familiarize ourselves with the provisions of the International Code and the status of the Code in our country. WABA provides an action folder which contains basic background information on the code and action ideas.

Recent advances in lossless coding techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yovanof, Gregory S.

Current lossless techniques are reviewed with reference to both sequential data files and still images. Two major groups of sequential algorithms, dictionary and statistical techniques, are discussed. In particular, attention is given to Lempel-Ziv coding, Huffman coding, and arithmewtic coding. The subject of lossless compression of imagery is briefly discussed. Finally, examples of practical implementations of lossless algorithms and some simulation results are given.

Follow the Code: Rules or Guidelines for Academic Deans' Behavior?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bray, Nathaniel J.

2012-01-01

In the popular movie series "Pirates of the Caribbean," there is a pirate code that influences how pirates behave in unclear situations, with a running joke about whether the code is either a set of rules or guidelines for behavior. Codes of conduct in any social group or organization can have much the same feel; they can provide clarity and…

Overview of Recent Radiation Transport Code Comparisons for Space Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Townsend, Lawrence

Recent advances in radiation transport code development for space applications have resulted in various comparisons of code predictions for a variety of scenarios and codes. Comparisons among both Monte Carlo and deterministic codes have been made and published by vari-ous groups and collaborations, including comparisons involving, but not limited to HZETRN, HETC-HEDS, FLUKA, GEANT, PHITS, and MCNPX. In this work, an overview of recent code prediction inter-comparisons, including comparisons to available experimental data, is presented and discussed, with emphases on those areas of agreement and disagreement among the various code predictions and published data.

Hypothesis of Lithocoding: Origin of the Genetic Code as a "Double Jigsaw Puzzle" of Nucleobase-Containing Molecules and Amino Acids Assembled by Sequential Filling of Apatite Mineral Cellules.

PubMed

Skoblikow, Nikolai E; Zimin, Andrei A

2016-05-01

The hypothesis of direct coding, assuming the direct contact of pairs of coding molecules with amino acid side chains in hollow unit cells (cellules) of a regular crystal-structure mineral is proposed. The coding nucleobase-containing molecules in each cellule (named "lithocodon") partially shield each other; the remaining free space determines the stereochemical character of the filling side chain. Apatite-group minerals are considered as the most preferable for this type of coding (named "lithocoding"). A scheme of the cellule with certain stereometric parameters, providing for the isomeric selection of contacting molecules is proposed. We modelled the filling of cellules with molecules involved in direct coding, with the possibility of coding by their single combination for a group of stereochemically similar amino acids. The regular ordered arrangement of cellules enables the polymerization of amino acids and nucleobase-containing molecules in the same direction (named "lithotranslation") preventing the shift of coding. A table of the presumed "LithoCode" (possible and optimal lithocodon assignments for abiogenically synthesized α-amino acids involved in lithocoding and lithotranslation) is proposed. The magmatic nature of the mineral, abiogenic synthesis of organic molecules and polymerization events are considered within the framework of the proposed "volcanic scenario".

7 CFR 1755.200 - RUS standard for splicing copper and fiber optic cables.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) Color coded plastic tie wraps shall be placed loosely around each binder group of cables before splicing... conform to the same color designations as the binder ribbons. Twisted wire pigtails shall not be used to identify binder groups due to potential transmission degradation. (ii) The standard insulation color code...

Perceiving Group Behavior: Sensitive Ensemble Coding Mechanisms for Biological Motion of Human Crowds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sweeny, Timothy D.; Haroz, Steve; Whitney, David

2013-01-01

Many species, including humans, display group behavior. Thus, perceiving crowds may be important for social interaction and survival. Here, we provide the first evidence that humans use ensemble-coding mechanisms to perceive the behavior of a crowd of people with surprisingly high sensitivity. Observers estimated the headings of briefly presented…

Experience with code-switching modulates the use of grammatical gender during sentence processing

PubMed Central

Valdés Kroff, Jorge R.; Dussias, Paola E.; Gerfen, Chip; Perrotti, Lauren; Bajo, M. Teresa

2016-01-01

Using code-switching as a tool to illustrate how language experience modulates comprehension, the visual world paradigm was employed to examine the extent to which gender-marked Spanish determiners facilitate upcoming target nouns in a group of Spanish-English bilingual code-switchers. The first experiment tested target Spanish nouns embedded in a carrier phrase (Experiment 1b) and included a control Spanish monolingual group (Experiment 1a). The second set of experiments included critical trials in which participants heard code-switches from Spanish determiners into English nouns (e.g., la house) either in a fixed carrier phrase (Experiment 2a) or in variable and complex sentences (Experiment 2b). Across the experiments, bilinguals revealed an asymmetric gender effect in processing, showing facilitation only for feminine target items. These results reflect the asymmetric use of gender in the production of code-switched speech. The extension of the asymmetric effect into Spanish (Experiment 1b) underscores the permeability between language modes in bilingual code-switchers. PMID:28663771

Topological quantum distillation.

PubMed

Bombin, H; Martin-Delgado, M A

2006-11-03

We construct a class of topological quantum codes to perform quantum entanglement distillation. These codes implement the whole Clifford group of unitary operations in a fully topological manner and without selective addressing of qubits. This allows us to extend their application also to quantum teleportation, dense coding, and computation with magic states.

Progress on China nuclear data processing code system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ping; Wu, Xiaofei; Ge, Zhigang; Li, Songyang; Wu, Haicheng; Wen, Lili; Wang, Wenming; Zhang, Huanyu

2017-09-01

China is developing the nuclear data processing code Ruler, which can be used for producing multi-group cross sections and related quantities from evaluated nuclear data in the ENDF format [1]. The Ruler includes modules for reconstructing cross sections in all energy range, generating Doppler-broadened cross sections for given temperature, producing effective self-shielded cross sections in unresolved energy range, calculating scattering cross sections in thermal energy range, generating group cross sections and matrices, preparing WIMS-D format data files for the reactor physics code WIMS-D [2]. Programming language of the Ruler is Fortran-90. The Ruler is tested for 32-bit computers with Windows-XP and Linux operating systems. The verification of Ruler has been performed by comparison with calculation results obtained by the NJOY99 [3] processing code. The validation of Ruler has been performed by using WIMSD5B code.

Empirical validation of the triple-code model of numerical processing for complex math operations using functional MRI and group Independent Component Analysis of the mental addition and subtraction of fractions.

PubMed

Schmithorst, Vincent J; Brown, Rhonda Douglas

2004-07-01

The suitability of a previously hypothesized triple-code model of numerical processing, involving analog magnitude, auditory verbal, and visual Arabic codes of representation, was investigated for the complex mathematical task of the mental addition and subtraction of fractions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 15 normal adult subjects were processed using exploratory group Independent Component Analysis (ICA). Separate task-related components were found with activation in bilateral inferior parietal, left perisylvian, and ventral occipitotemporal areas. These results support the hypothesized triple-code model corresponding to the activated regions found in the individual components and indicate that the triple-code model may be a suitable framework for analyzing the neuropsychological bases of the performance of complex mathematical tasks. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Inc.

Locality-preserving logical operators in topological stabilizer codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webster, Paul; Bartlett, Stephen D.

2018-01-01

Locality-preserving logical operators in topological codes are naturally fault tolerant, since they preserve the correctability of local errors. Using a correspondence between such operators and gapped domain walls, we describe a procedure for finding all locality-preserving logical operators admitted by a large and important class of topological stabilizer codes. In particular, we focus on those equivalent to a stack of a finite number of surface codes of any spatial dimension, where our procedure fully specifies the group of locality-preserving logical operators. We also present examples of how our procedure applies to codes with different boundary conditions, including color codes and toric codes, as well as more general codes such as Abelian quantum double models and codes with fermionic excitations in more than two dimensions.

76 FR 40849 - Post Office (PO) Box Fee Groups for Merged Locations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-12

... POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Post Office (PO) Box Fee Groups for Merged Locations AGENCY: Postal... Locations.'' Faxed comments are not accepted. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nan McKenzie at 202-268-3089... boxes move to a different ZIP Code location because of a merger of two or more ZIP Code locations into a...

Detecting Emotional Expression in Face-to-Face and Online Breast Cancer Support Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liess, Anna; Simon, Wendy; Yutsis, Maya; Owen, Jason E.; Piemme, Karen Altree; Golant, Mitch; Giese-Davis, Janine

2008-01-01

Accurately detecting emotional expression in women with primary breast cancer participating in support groups may be important for therapists and researchers. In 2 small studies (N = 20 and N = 16), the authors examined whether video coding, human text coding, and automated text analysis provided consistent estimates of the level of emotional…

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Catalog of Suspected Nearby Young Stars (Riedel+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riedel, A. R.; Blunt, S. C.; Lambrides, E. L.; Rice, E. L.; Cruz, K. L.; Faherty, J. K.

2018-04-01

LocAting Constituent mEmbers In Nearby Groups (LACEwING) is a frequentist observation space kinematic moving group identification code. Using the spatial and kinematic information available about a target object (α, δ, Dist, μα, μδ, and γ), it determines the probability that the object is a member of each of the known nearby young moving groups (NYMGs). As with other moving group identification codes, LACEwING is capable of estimating memberships for stars with incomplete kinematic and spatial information. (2 data files).

14 CFR 1215.108 - Defining user service requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... to NASA Headquarters, Code OX, Space Network Division, Washington, DC 20546. Upon review and... submitted in writing to both NASA Headquarters, Code OX, Space Network Division, and GSFC, Code 501.... Request for services within priority groups shall be negotiated with non-NASA users on a first come, first...

Short-Term Memory Coding in Children with Intellectual Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Henry, Lucy

2008-01-01

To examine visual and verbal coding strategies, I asked children with intellectual disabilities and peers matched for MA and CA to perform picture memory span tasks with phonologically similar, visually similar, long, or nonsimilar named items. The CA group showed effects consistent with advanced verbal memory coding (phonological similarity and…

75 FR 78707 - Medicare Program; First Semi-Annual Meeting of the Advisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-16

... hospital payment systems; hospital medical care delivery systems; provider billing and accounting systems; APC groups; Current Procedural Terminology codes; Health Care Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes; the use of, and payment for, drugs, medical devices, and other services in the outpatient setting...

A Qualitative Analysis of Narrative Preclerkship Assessment Data to Evaluate Teamwork Skills.

PubMed

Dolan, Brigid M; O'Brien, Celia Laird; Cameron, Kenzie A; Green, Marianne M

2018-04-16

Construct: Students entering the health professions require competency in teamwork. Although many teamwork curricula and assessments exist, studies have not demonstrated robust longitudinal assessment of preclerkship students' teamwork skills and attitudes. Assessment portfolios may serve to fill this gap, but it is unknown how narrative comments within portfolios describe student teamwork behaviors. We performed a qualitative analysis of narrative data in 15 assessment portfolios. Student portfolios were randomly selected from 3 groups stratified by quantitative ratings of teamwork performance gathered from small-group and clinical preceptor assessment forms. Narrative data included peer and faculty feedback from these same forms. Data were coded for teamwork-related behaviors using a constant comparative approach combined with an identification of the valence of the coded statements as either "positive observation" or "suggestion for improvement." Eight codes related to teamwork emerged: attitude and demeanor, information facilitation, leadership, preparation and dependability, professionalism, team orientation, values team member contributions, and nonspecific teamwork comments. The frequency of codes and valence varied across the 3 performance groups, with students in the low-performing group receiving more suggestions for improvement across all teamwork codes. Narrative data from assessment portfolios included specific descriptions of teamwork behavior, with important contributions provided by both faculty and peers. A variety of teamwork domains were represented. Such feedback as collected in an assessment portfolio can be used for longitudinal assessment of preclerkship student teamwork skills and attitudes.

Evidence for Natural Selection in Nucleotide Content Relationships Based on Complete Mitochondrial Genomes: Strong Effect of Guanine Content on Separation between Terrestrial and Aquatic Vertebrates.

PubMed

Sorimachi, Kenji; Okayasu, Teiji

2015-01-01

The complete vertebrate mitochondrial genome consists of 13 coding genes. We used this genome to investigate the existence of natural selection in vertebrate evolution. From the complete mitochondrial genomes, we predicted nucleotide contents and then separated these values into coding and non-coding regions. When nucleotide contents of a coding or non-coding region were plotted against the nucleotide content of the complete mitochondrial genomes, we obtained linear regression lines only between homonucleotides and their analogs. On every plot using G or A content purine, G content in aquatic vertebrates was higher than that in terrestrial vertebrates, while A content in aquatic vertebrates was lower than that in terrestrial vertebrates. Based on these relationships, vertebrates were separated into two groups, terrestrial and aquatic. However, using C or T content pyrimidine, clear separation between these two groups was not obtained. The hagfish (Eptatretus burgeri) was further separated from both terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates. Based on these results, nucleotide content relationships predicted from the complete vertebrate mitochondrial genomes reveal the existence of natural selection based on evolutionary separation between terrestrial and aquatic vertebrate groups. In addition, we propose that separation of the two groups might be linked to ammonia detoxification based on high G and low A contents, which encode Glu rich and Lys poor proteins.

Annual Stock Assessment - CWT [Coded Wire Tag program] (USFWS), Annual Report 2007.

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

Pastor, Stephen M.

2009-07-21

In 1989 the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) began funding the evaluation of production groups of juvenile anadromous fish not being coded-wire tagged for other programs. These groups were the 'Missing Production Groups'. Production fish released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) without representative coded-wire tags during the 1980s are indicated as blank spaces on the survival graphs in this report. This program is now referred to as 'Annual Stock Assessment - CWT'. The objectives of the 'Annual Stock Assessment' program are to: (1) estimate the total survival of each production group, (2) estimate the contribution of each productionmore » group to fisheries, and (3) prepare an annual report for USFWS hatcheries in the Columbia River basin. Coded-wire tag recovery information will be used to evaluate the relative success of individual brood stocks. This information can also be used by salmon harvest managers to develop plans to allow the harvest of excess hatchery fish while protecting threatened, endangered, or other stocks of concern. All fish release information, including marked/unmarked ratios, is reported to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC). Fish recovered in the various fisheries or at the hatcheries are sampled to recover coded-wire tags. This recovery information is also reported to PSMFC. This report has been prepared annually starting with the report labeled 'Annual Report 1994'. Although the current report has the title 'Annual Report 2007', it was written in fall of 2008 using data available from RMIS that same year, and submitted as final in January 2009. The main objective of the report is to evaluate survival of groups which have been tagged under this ongoing project.« less

Measuring affiliation in group therapy for substance use disorders in the Women's Recovery Group study: Does it matter whether the group is all-women or mixed-gender?

PubMed

Sugarman, Dawn E; Wigderson, Sara B; Iles, Brittany R; Kaufman, Julia S; Fitzmaurice, Garrett M; Hilario, E Yvette; Robbins, Michael S; Greenfield, Shelly F

2016-10-01

A Stage II, two-site randomized clinical trial compared the manualized, single-gender Women's Recovery Group (WRG) to mixed-gender group therapy (Group Drug Counseling; GDC) and demonstrated efficacy. Enhanced affiliation and support in the WRG is a hypothesized mechanism of efficacy. This study sought to extend results of the previous small Stage I trial that showed the rate of supportive affiliative statements occurred more frequently in WRG than GDC. Participants (N = 158; 100 women, 58 men) were 18 years or older, substance dependent, and had used substances within the past 60 days. Women were randomized to WRG (n = 52) or GDC (n = 48). Group therapy videos were coded by two independent raters; Rater 1 coded 20% of videos (n = 74); Rater 2 coded 25% of videos coded by Rater 1 (n = 19). The number of affiliative statements made in WRG was 66% higher than in GDC. Three of eight affiliative statement categories occurred more frequently in WRG than GDC: supportive, shared experience, and strategy statements. This larger Stage II trial provided a greater number of group therapy tapes available for analysis. Results extended our previous findings, demonstrating both greater frequency of all affiliative statements, as well as specific categories of statements, made in single-gender WRG than mixed-gender GDC. Greater frequency of affiliative statements among group members may be one mechanism of enhanced support and efficacy in women-only WRG compared with standard mixed-gender group therapy for substance use disorders. (Am J Addict 2016;25:573-580). © 2016 American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry.

TIME-DEPENDENT MULTI-GROUP MULTI-DIMENSIONAL RELATIVISTIC RADIATIVE TRANSFER CODE BASED ON SPHERICAL HARMONIC DISCRETE ORDINATE METHOD

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

Tominaga, Nozomu; Shibata, Sanshiro; Blinnikov, Sergei I., E-mail: tominaga@konan-u.ac.jp, E-mail: sshibata@post.kek.jp, E-mail: Sergei.Blinnikov@itep.ru

We develop a time-dependent, multi-group, multi-dimensional relativistic radiative transfer code, which is required to numerically investigate radiation from relativistic fluids that are involved in, e.g., gamma-ray bursts and active galactic nuclei. The code is based on the spherical harmonic discrete ordinate method (SHDOM) which evaluates a source function including anisotropic scattering in spherical harmonics and implicitly solves the static radiative transfer equation with ray tracing in discrete ordinates. We implement treatments of time dependence, multi-frequency bins, Lorentz transformation, and elastic Thomson and inelastic Compton scattering to the publicly available SHDOM code. Our code adopts a mixed-frame approach; the source functionmore » is evaluated in the comoving frame, whereas the radiative transfer equation is solved in the laboratory frame. This implementation is validated using various test problems and comparisons with the results from a relativistic Monte Carlo code. These validations confirm that the code correctly calculates the intensity and its evolution in the computational domain. The code enables us to obtain an Eddington tensor that relates the first and third moments of intensity (energy density and radiation pressure) and is frequently used as a closure relation in radiation hydrodynamics calculations.« less

Final Report. An Integrated Partnership to Create and Lead the Solar Codes and Standards Working Group

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

Rosenthal, Andrew

The DOE grant, “An Integrated Partnership to Create and Lead the Solar Codes and Standards Working Group,” to New Mexico State University created the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs). From 2007 – 2013 with funding from this grant, Solar ABCs identified current issues, established a dialogue among key stakeholders, and catalyzed appropriate activities to support the development of codes and standards that facilitated the installation of high quality, safe photovoltaic systems. Solar ABCs brought the following resources to the PV stakeholder community; Formal coordination in the planning or revision of interrelated codes and standards removing “stovemore » pipes” that have only roofing experts working on roofing codes, PV experts on PV codes, fire enforcement experts working on fire codes, etc.; A conduit through which all interested stakeholders were able to see the steps being taken in the development or modification of codes and standards and participate directly in the processes; A central clearing house for new documents, standards, proposed standards, analytical studies, and recommendations of best practices available to the PV community; A forum of experts that invites and welcomes all interested parties into the process of performing studies, evaluating results, and building consensus on standards and code-related topics that affect all aspects of the market; and A biennial gap analysis to formally survey the PV community to identify needs that are unmet and inhibiting the market and necessary technical developments.« less

Statistical uncertainty analysis applied to the DRAGONv4 code lattice calculations and based on JENDL-4 covariance data

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

Hernandez-Solis, A.; Demaziere, C.; Ekberg, C.

2012-07-01

In this paper, multi-group microscopic cross-section uncertainty is propagated through the DRAGON (Version 4) lattice code, in order to perform uncertainty analysis on k{infinity} and 2-group homogenized macroscopic cross-sections predictions. A statistical methodology is employed for such purposes, where cross-sections of certain isotopes of various elements belonging to the 172 groups DRAGLIB library format, are considered as normal random variables. This library is based on JENDL-4 data, because JENDL-4 contains the largest amount of isotopic covariance matrixes among the different major nuclear data libraries. The aim is to propagate multi-group nuclide uncertainty by running the DRAGONv4 code 500 times, andmore » to assess the output uncertainty of a test case corresponding to a 17 x 17 PWR fuel assembly segment without poison. The chosen sampling strategy for the current study is Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS). The quasi-random LHS allows a much better coverage of the input uncertainties than simple random sampling (SRS) because it densely stratifies across the range of each input probability distribution. Output uncertainty assessment is based on the tolerance limits concept, where the sample formed by the code calculations infers to cover 95% of the output population with at least a 95% of confidence. This analysis is the first attempt to propagate parameter uncertainties of modern multi-group libraries, which are used to feed advanced lattice codes that perform state of the art resonant self-shielding calculations such as DRAGONv4. (authors)« less

Determining Attitudes of Postgraduate Students towards Scientific Research and Codes of Conduct, Supported by Digital Script

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tavukcu, Tahir

2016-01-01

In this research, it is aimed to determine the effect of the attitudes of postgraduate students towards scientific research and codes of conduct, supported by digital script. This research is a quantitative study, and it has been formed according to pre-test & post-test research model of experiment and control group. In both groups, lessons…

COMPLETE DETERMINATION OF POLARIZATION FOR A HIGH-ENERGY DEUTERON BEAM (thesis)

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

Button, J

1959-05-01

please delete the no. 17076<>13:017077The P/sub 1/ multigroup code was written for the IBM-704 in order to determine the accuracy of the few- group diffusion scheme with various imposed conditions and also to provide an alternate computational method when this scheme fails to be sufficiently accurate. The code solves for the spatially dependent multigroup flux, taking into account such nuclear phenomena is slowing down of neutrons resulting from elastic and inelastic scattering, the removal of neutrons resulting from epithermal capture and fission resonances, and the regeneration of fist neutrons resulting from fissioning which may occur in any of as manymore » as 80 fast multigroups or in the one thermal group. The code will accept as input a physical description of the reactor (that is: slab, cylindrical, or spherical geometry, number of points and regions, composition description group dependent boundary condition, transverse buckling, and mesh sizes) and a prepared library of nuclear properties of all the isotopes in each composition. The code will produce as output multigroup fluxes, currents, and isotopic slowing-down densities, in addition to pointwise and regionwise few-group macroscopic cross sections. (auth)« less

Use of Color-Coded Food Photographs for Meal Planning by Adults with Mental Retardation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gines, Deon J.; And Others

1990-01-01

Ten adults with mild mental retardation used color-coded food photographs and meal code cards to plan nutritionally balanced meals. Subjects spent an average of nine minutes to plan three meals. Errors, which were primarily omissions, occurred mostly in food groups requiring four servings daily. (JDD)

A GPL Relativistic Hydrodynamical Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olvera, D.; Mendoza, S.

We are currently building a free (in the sense of a GNU GPL license) 2DRHD code in order to be used for different astrophysical situations. Our final target will be to include strong gravitational fields and magnetic fields. We intend to form a large group of developers as it is usually done for GPL codes.

75 FR 51465 - Medicare Program; Announcement of Five New Members to the Advisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-20

... Panel. This expertise encompasses hospital payment systems; hospital medical-care delivery systems; provider billing systems; APC groups, Current Procedural Terminology codes, and alpha-numeric Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes; and the use of, and payment for, drugs and medical devices in the...

Codes, Code-Switching, and Context: Style and Footing in Peer Group Bilingual Play

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kyratzis, Amy; Tang, Ya-Ting; Koymen, S. Bahar

2009-01-01

According to Bernstein (A sociolinguistic approach to socialization; with some reference to educability, Basil Blackwell Ltd., 1972), middle-class parents transmit an elaborated code to their children that relies on verbal means, rather than paralinguistic devices or shared assumptions, to express meanings. Bernstein's ideas were used to argue…

Group delay variations of GPS transmitting and receiving antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wanninger, Lambert; Sumaya, Hael; Beer, Susanne

2017-09-01

GPS code pseudorange measurements exhibit group delay variations at the transmitting and the receiving antenna. We calibrated C1 and P2 delay variations with respect to dual-frequency carrier phase observations and obtained nadir-dependent corrections for 32 satellites of the GPS constellation in early 2015 as well as elevation-dependent corrections for 13 receiving antenna models. The combined delay variations reach up to 1.0 m (3.3 ns) in the ionosphere-free linear combination for specific pairs of satellite and receiving antennas. Applying these corrections to the code measurements improves code/carrier single-frequency precise point positioning, ambiguity fixing based on the Melbourne-Wübbena linear combination, and determination of ionospheric total electron content. It also affects fractional cycle biases and differential code biases.

Nomenclature for congenital and paediatric cardiac disease: historical perspectives and The International Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code.

PubMed

Franklin, Rodney C G; Jacobs, Jeffrey Phillip; Krogmann, Otto N; Béland, Marie J; Aiello, Vera D; Colan, Steven D; Elliott, Martin J; William Gaynor, J; Kurosawa, Hiromi; Maruszewski, Bohdan; Stellin, Giovanni; Tchervenkov, Christo I; Walters Iii, Henry L; Weinberg, Paul; Anderson, Robert H

2008-12-01

Clinicians working in the field of congenital and paediatric cardiology have long felt the need for a common diagnostic and therapeutic nomenclature and coding system with which to classify patients of all ages with congenital and acquired cardiac disease. A cohesive and comprehensive system of nomenclature, suitable for setting a global standard for multicentric analysis of outcomes and stratification of risk, has only recently emerged, namely, The International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code. This review, will give an historical perspective on the development of systems of nomenclature in general, and specifically with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with paediatric and congenital cardiac disease. Finally, current and future efforts to merge such systems into the paperless environment of the electronic health or patient record on a global scale are briefly explored. On October 6, 2000, The International Nomenclature Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease was established. In January, 2005, the International Nomenclature Committee was constituted in Canada as The International Society for Nomenclature of Paediatric and Congenital Heart Disease. This International Society now has three working groups. The Nomenclature Working Group developed The International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code and will continue to maintain, expand, update, and preserve this International Code. It will also provide ready access to the International Code for the global paediatric and congenital cardiology and cardiac surgery communities, related disciplines, the healthcare industry, and governmental agencies, both electronically and in published form. The Definitions Working Group will write definitions for the terms in the International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code, building on the previously published definitions from the Nomenclature Working Group. The Archiving Working Group, also known as The Congenital Heart Archiving Research Team, will link images and videos to the International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code. The images and videos will be acquired from cardiac morphologic specimens and imaging modalities such as echocardiography, angiography, computerized axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as intraoperative images and videos. Efforts are ongoing to expand the usage of The International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code to other areas of global healthcare. Collaborative efforts are underway involving the leadership of The International Nomenclature Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease and the representatives of the steering group responsible for the creation of the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, administered by the World Health Organisation. Similar collaborative efforts are underway involving the leadership of The International Nomenclature Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease and the International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation, who are the owners of the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine or "SNOMED". The International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code was created by specialists in the field to name and classify paediatric and congenital cardiac disease and its treatment. It is a comprehensive code that can be freely downloaded from the internet (http://www.IPCCC.net) and is already in use worldwide, particularly for international comparisons of outcomes. The goal of this effort is to create strategies for stratification of risk and to improve healthcare for the individual patient. The collaboration with the World Heath Organization, the International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation, and the healthcare industry, will lead to further enhancement of the International Code, and to its more universal use.

Fission Activities of the Nuclear Reactions Group in Uppsala

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Adili, A.; Alhassan, E.; Gustavsson, C.; Helgesson, P.; Jansson, K.; Koning, A.; Lantz, M.; Mattera, A.; Prokofiev, A. V.; Rakopoulos, V.; Sjöstrand, H.; Solders, A.; Tarrío, D.; Österlund, M.; Pomp, S.

This paper highlights some of the main activities related to fission of the nuclear reactions group at Uppsala University. The group is involved for instance in fission yield experiments at the IGISOL facility, cross-section measurements at the NFS facility, as well as fission dynamics studies at the IRMM JRC-EC. Moreover, work is ongoing on the Total Monte Carlo (TMC) methodology and on including the GEF fission code into the TALYS nuclear reaction code. Selected results from these projects are discussed.

IEEE International Symposium Information Theory, held at Santa Monica California, February 9-12, 1981.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

Channel and study permutation codes as a special case. ,uch a code is generated by an initial vector x, a group G of orthogonal n by n matrices, and a...random-access components, is introduced and studied . Under this scheme, the network stations are divided into groups , each of which is assigned a...IEEE INFORMATION THEORY GROUP CO-SPONSORED BY: UNION RADIO SCIENTIFIQUE INTERNATIONALE IEEE Catalog Number 81 CH 1609-7 IT 𔃻. 81 ~20 04Q SECURITY

Drugs and falls in community-dwelling older people: a national veterans study.

PubMed

French, Dustin D; Campbell, Robert; Spehar, Andrea; Cunningham, Francesca; Bulat, Tatjana; Luther, Stephen L

2006-04-01

The aim of this study was to identify which specific medications within recognized major problematic drug categories that increase risk of falling were prescribed to veterans before their out-patient treatment for a fall. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional national secondary outpatient data analysis with an age- and sex-matched comparison group. The setting was the national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) ambulatory health care system in fiscal year (FY) 2004. The study population was VHA patients aged>or=65 years who had fall-related outpatient clinical health care encounters in FY 2004 (as indicated by diagnostic codes) and who received >or=1 outpatient medication during the study period. The age- and sex-matched comparison group consisted of an equal number of patients with nonspecific chest pain. The percentage of patients in each group receiving medications (at the time of the outpatient encounter) that affect the cardiovascular system (CVS), central nervous system (CNS), or musculoskeletal system (MSS) was compared with Bonferrom-adjusted P values. The study sample consisted of 20,551 patients; the comparison group included the same number of patients. More patients with fall-coded encounters used CNS drugs than those with nonspecific chest pain (42.05% vs 29.29%). Also, within the CNS category, more patients with fall-coded encounters used antiparkinsonian medications (3.67% vs 1.32%), Alzheimer's disease medications (ie, cholinesterase inhibitors [5.40% vs 2.35%]), anticonvulsants/barbiturates (8.95% vs 5.18%), antidepressants (22.50% vs 14.16%), antipsychotics (4.68% vs 2.01%), opioid analgesics and narcotics (11.21% vs 9.09%), and benzodiazepines (7.60% vs 5.96%) (all, P<0.002). More patients with nonspecific chest pain received CVS drugs compared with the fall-coded group (69.13% vs 63.07%; P<0.002). Within the CVS category, more patients in the nonspecific chest pain group received angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, vasodilators, diuretics, and antiarrhythmics (all, P<0.002). No differences were noted between groups in the MSS category, except for NSAIDs, which more patients in the nonspecific chest pain group used than in the fall-coded group (6.44% vs 5.63%; P<0.002). In this study, subjects with a health care encounter for a fall (as indicated by diagnostic code) were prescribed significantly more CNS-category medications than subjects in the age- and sex-matched comparison group.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a CPR Decision Support Video for Patients Admitted to the General Medicine Service.

PubMed

Merino, Aimee M; Greiner, Ryan; Hartwig, Kristopher

2017-09-01

Patient preferences regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are important, especially during hospitalization when a patient's health is changing. Yet many patients are not adequately informed or involved in the decision-making process. We examined the effect of an informational video about CPR on hospitalized patients' code status choices. This was a prospective, randomized trial conducted at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System in Minnesota. We enrolled 119 patients, hospitalized on the general medicine service, and at least 65 years old. The majority were men (97%) with a mean age of 75. A video described code status choices: full code (CPR and intubation if required), do not resuscitate (DNR), and do not resuscitate/do not intubate (DNR/DNI). Participants were randomized to watch the video (n = 59) or usual care (n = 60). The primary outcome was participants' code status preferences. Secondary outcomes included a questionnaire designed to evaluate participants' trust in their healthcare team and knowledge and perceptions about CPR. Participants who viewed the video were less likely to choose full code (37%) compared to participants in the usual care group (71%) and more likely to choose DNR/DNI (56% in the video group vs. 17% in the control group) ( < 0.00001). We did not see a difference in trust in their healthcare team or knowledge and perceptions about CPR as assessed by our questionnaire. Hospitalized patients who watched a video about CPR and code status choices were less likely to choose full code and more likely to choose DNR/DNI. © 2017 Society of Hospital Medicine

Ideas for Advancing Code Sharing: A Different Kind of Hack Day

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teuben, P.; Allen, A.; Berriman, B.; DuPrie, K.; Hanisch, R. J.; Mink, J.; Nemiroff, R. J.; Shamir, L.; Shortridge, K.; Taylor, M. B.; Wallin, J. F.

2014-05-01

How do we as a community encourage the reuse of software for telescope operations, data processing, and ? How can we support making codes used in research available for others to examine? Continuing the discussion from last year Bring out your codes! BoF session, participants separated into groups to brainstorm ideas to mitigate factors which inhibit code sharing and nurture those which encourage code sharing. The BoF concluded with the sharing of ideas that arose from the brainstorming sessions and a brief summary by the moderator.

Validation of the new diagnosis grouping system for pediatric emergency department visits using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision.

PubMed

Lee, Jin Hee; Hong, Ki Jeong; Kim, Do Kyun; Kwak, Young Ho; Jang, Hye Young; Kim, Hahn Bom; Noh, Hyun; Park, Jungho; Song, Bongkyu; Jung, Jae Yun

2013-12-01

A clinically sensible diagnosis grouping system (DGS) is needed for describing pediatric emergency diagnoses for research, medical resource preparedness, and making national policy for pediatric emergency medical care. The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) developed the DGS successfully. We developed the modified PECARN DGS based on the different pediatric population of South Korea and validated the system to obtain the accurate and comparable epidemiologic data of pediatric emergent conditions of the selected population. The data source used to develop and validate the modified PECARN DGS was the National Emergency Department Information System of South Korea, which was coded by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) code system. To develop the modified DGS based on ICD-10 code, we matched the selected ICD-10 codes with those of the PECARN DGS by the General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs). After converting ICD-10 codes to ICD-9 codes by GEMs, we matched ICD-9 codes into PECARN DGS categories using the matrix developed by PECARN group. Lastly, we conducted the expert panel survey using Delphi method for the remaining diagnosis codes that were not matched. A total of 1879 ICD-10 codes were used in development of the modified DGS. After 1078 (57.4%) of 1879 ICD-10 codes were assigned to the modified DGS by GEM and PECARN conversion tools, investigators assigned each of the remaining 801 codes (42.6%) to DGS subgroups by 2 rounds of electronic Delphi surveys. And we assigned the remaining 29 codes (4%) into the modified DGS at the second expert consensus meeting. The modified DGS accounts for 98.7% and 95.2% of diagnoses of the 2008 and 2009 National Emergency Department Information System data set. This modified DGS also exhibited strong construct validity using the concepts of age, sex, site of care, and seasons. This also reflected the 2009 outbreak of H1N1 influenza in Korea. We developed and validated clinically feasible and sensible DGS system for describing pediatric emergent conditions in Korea. The modified PECARN DGS showed good comprehensiveness and demonstrated reliable construct validity. This modified DGS based on PECARN DGS framework may be effectively implemented for research, reporting, and resource planning in pediatric emergency system of South Korea.

Disposal Notifications and Quarterly Membership Updates for the Utility Solid Waste Group Members’ Risk-Based Approvals to Dispose of PCB Remediation Waste Under Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 761.61(c)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Disposal Notifications and Quarterly Membership Updates for the Utility Solid Waste Group Members’ Risk-Based Approvals to Dispose of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Remediation Waste Under Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 761.61(c)

The H.264/AVC advanced video coding standard: overview and introduction to the fidelity range extensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sullivan, Gary J.; Topiwala, Pankaj N.; Luthra, Ajay

2004-11-01

H.264/MPEG-4 AVC is the latest international video coding standard. It was jointly developed by the Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) of the ITU-T and the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) of ISO/IEC. It uses state-of-the-art coding tools and provides enhanced coding efficiency for a wide range of applications, including video telephony, video conferencing, TV, storage (DVD and/or hard disk based, especially high-definition DVD), streaming video, digital video authoring, digital cinema, and many others. The work on a new set of extensions to this standard has recently been completed. These extensions, known as the Fidelity Range Extensions (FRExt), provide a number of enhanced capabilities relative to the base specification as approved in the Spring of 2003. In this paper, an overview of this standard is provided, including the highlights of the capabilities of the new FRExt features. Some comparisons with the existing MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 Part 2 standards are also provided.

Presentation of the Coding and Assessment System for Narratives of Trauma (CASNOT): Application in Spanish Battered Women and Preliminary Analyses.

PubMed

Fernández-Lansac, Violeta; Crespo, María

2017-07-26

This study introduces a new coding system, the Coding and Assessment System for Narratives of Trauma (CASNOT), to analyse several language domains in narratives of autobiographical memories, especially in trauma narratives. The development of the coding system is described. It was applied to assess positive and traumatic/negative narratives in 50 battered women (trauma-exposed group) and 50 nontrauma-exposed women (control group). Three blind raters coded each narrative. Inter-rater reliability analyses were conducted for the CASNOT language categories (multirater Kfree coefficients) and dimensions (intraclass correlation coefficients). High levels of inter-rater agreement were found for most of the language domains. Categories that did not reach the expected reliability were mainly those related to cognitive processes, which reflects difficulties in operationalizing constructs such as lack of control or helplessness, control or planning, and rationalization or memory elaboration. Applications and limitations of the CASNOT are discussed to enhance narrative measures for autobiographical memories.

Cross-cultural comparison of perspectives on healthy eating among Chinese and American undergraduate students.

PubMed

Banna, Jinan C; Gilliland, Betsy; Keefe, Margaret; Zheng, Dongping

2016-09-26

Understanding views about what constitutes a healthy diet in diverse populations may inform design of culturally tailored behavior change interventions. The objective of this study was to describe perspectives on healthy eating among Chinese and American young adults and identify similarities and differences between these groups. Chinese (n = 55) and American (n = 57) undergraduate students in Changsha, Hunan, China and Honolulu, Hawai'i, U.S.A. composed one- to two-paragraph responses to the following prompt: "What does the phrase 'a healthy diet' mean to you?" Researchers used content analysis to identify predominant themes using Dedoose (version 5.2.0, SocioCultural Research Consultants, LLC, Los Angeles, CA, 2015). Three researchers independently coded essays and grouped codes with similar content. The team then identified themes and sorted them in discussion. Two researchers then deductively coded the entire data set using eight codes developed from the initial coding and calculated total code counts for each group of participants. Chinese students mentioned physical outcomes, such as maintaining immunity and digestive health. Timing of eating, with regular meals and greater intake during day than night, was emphasized. American students described balancing among food groups and balancing consumption with exercise, with physical activity considered essential. Students also stated that food components such as sugar, salt and fat should be avoided in large quantities. Similarities included principles such as moderation and fruits and vegetables as nutritious, and differences included foods to be restricted and meal timing. While both groups emphasized specific foods and guiding dietary principles, several distinctions in viewpoints emerged. The diverse views may reflect food-related messages to which participants are exposed both through the media and educational systems in their respective countries. Future studies may further examine themes that may not typically be addressed in nutrition education programs in diverse populations of young adults. Gaining greater knowledge of the ways in which healthy eating is viewed will allow for development of interventions that are sensitive to the traditional values and predominant views of health in various groups.

48 CFR 2101.104-1 - Publication and code arrangement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... MANAGEMENT, FEDERAL EMPLOYEES GROUP LIFE INSURANCE FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION GENERAL FEDERAL ACQUISITION... its subsequent changes are published in: (1) Daily issues of the Federal Register; and (2) The Code of...

Proposing a Web-Based Tutorial System to Teach Malay Language Braille Code to the Sighted

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wah, Lee Lay; Keong, Foo Kok

2010-01-01

The "e-KodBrailleBM Tutorial System" is a web-based tutorial system which is specially designed to teach, facilitate and support the learning of Malay Language Braille Code to individuals who are sighted. The targeted group includes special education teachers, pre-service teachers, and parents. Learning Braille code involves memorisation…

Hospital Coding Practice, Data Quality, and DRG-Based Reimbursement under the Thai Universal Coverage Scheme

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pongpirul, Krit

2011-01-01

In the Thai Universal Coverage scheme, hospital providers are paid for their inpatient care using Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) reimbursement. Questionable quality of the submitted DRG codes has been of concern whereas knowledge about hospital coding practice has been lacking. The objectives of this thesis are (1) To explore hospital coding…

Performance and Application of Parallel OVERFLOW Codes on Distributed and Shared Memory Platforms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Djomehri, M. Jahed; Rizk, Yehia M.

1999-01-01

The presentation discusses recent studies on the performance of the two parallel versions of the aerodynamics CFD code, OVERFLOW_MPI and _MLP. Developed at NASA Ames, the serial version, OVERFLOW, is a multidimensional Navier-Stokes flow solver based on overset (Chimera) grid technology. The code has recently been parallelized in two ways. One is based on the explicit message-passing interface (MPI) across processors and uses the _MPI communication package. This approach is primarily suited for distributed memory systems and workstation clusters. The second, termed the multi-level parallel (MLP) method, is simple and uses shared memory for all communications. The _MLP code is suitable on distributed-shared memory systems. For both methods, the message passing takes place across the processors or processes at the advancement of each time step. This procedure is, in effect, the Chimera boundary conditions update, which is done in an explicit "Jacobi" style. In contrast, the update in the serial code is done in more of the "Gauss-Sidel" fashion. The programming efforts for the _MPI code is more complicated than for the _MLP code; the former requires modification of the outer and some inner shells of the serial code, whereas the latter focuses only on the outer shell of the code. The _MPI version offers a great deal of flexibility in distributing grid zones across a specified number of processors in order to achieve load balancing. The approach is capable of partitioning zones across multiple processors or sending each zone and/or cluster of several zones into a single processor. The message passing across the processors consists of Chimera boundary and/or an overlap of "halo" boundary points for each partitioned zone. The MLP version is a new coarse-grain parallel concept at the zonal and intra-zonal levels. A grouping strategy is used to distribute zones into several groups forming sub-processes which will run in parallel. The total volume of grid points in each group are approximately balanced. A proper number of threads are initially allocated to each group, and in subsequent iterations during the run-time, the number of threads are adjusted to achieve load balancing across the processes. Each process exploits the multitasking directives already established in Overflow.

Tutorial on Reed-Solomon error correction coding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geisel, William A.

1990-01-01

This tutorial attempts to provide a frank, step-by-step approach to Reed-Solomon (RS) error correction coding. RS encoding and RS decoding both with and without erasing code symbols are emphasized. There is no need to present rigorous proofs and extreme mathematical detail. Rather, the simple concepts of groups and fields, specifically Galois fields, are presented with a minimum of complexity. Before RS codes are presented, other block codes are presented as a technical introduction into coding. A primitive (15, 9) RS coding example is then completely developed from start to finish, demonstrating the encoding and decoding calculations and a derivation of the famous error-locator polynomial. The objective is to present practical information about Reed-Solomon coding in a manner such that it can be easily understood.

Use of the ETA-1 reactor for the validation of the multi-group APOLLO2-MORET 5 code and the Monte Carlo continuous energy MORET 5 code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leclaire, N.; Cochet, B.; Le Dauphin, F. X.; Haeck, W.; Jacquet, O.

2014-06-01

The present paper aims at providing experimental validation for the use of the MORET 5 code for advanced concepts of reactor involving thorium and heavy water. It therefore constitutes an opportunity to test and improve the thermal-scattering data of heavy water and also to test the recent implementation of probability tables in the MORET 5 code.

Ascent Aerodynamic Pressure Distributions on WB001

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vu, B.; Ruf, J.; Canabal, F.; Brunty, J.

1996-01-01

To support the reusable launch vehicle concept study, the aerodynamic data and surface pressure for WB001 were predicted using three computational fluid dynamic (CFD) codes at several flow conditions between code to code and code to aerodynamic database as well as available experimental data. A set of particular solutions have been selected and recommended for use in preliminary conceptual designs. These computational fluid dynamic (CFD) results have also been provided to the structure group for wing loading analysis.

A new coding system for metabolic disorders demonstrates gaps in the international disease classifications ICD-10 and SNOMED-CT, which can be barriers to genotype-phenotype data sharing.

PubMed

Sollie, Annet; Sijmons, Rolf H; Lindhout, Dick; van der Ploeg, Ans T; Rubio Gozalbo, M Estela; Smit, G Peter A; Verheijen, Frans; Waterham, Hans R; van Weely, Sonja; Wijburg, Frits A; Wijburg, Rudolph; Visser, Gepke

2013-07-01

Data sharing is essential for a better understanding of genetic disorders. Good phenotype coding plays a key role in this process. Unfortunately, the two most widely used coding systems in medicine, ICD-10 and SNOMED-CT, lack information necessary for the detailed classification and annotation of rare and genetic disorders. This prevents the optimal registration of such patients in databases and thus data-sharing efforts. To improve care and to facilitate research for patients with metabolic disorders, we developed a new coding system for metabolic diseases with a dedicated group of clinical specialists. Next, we compared the resulting codes with those in ICD and SNOMED-CT. No matches were found in 76% of cases in ICD-10 and in 54% in SNOMED-CT. We conclude that there are sizable gaps in the SNOMED-CT and ICD coding systems for metabolic disorders. There may be similar gaps for other classes of rare and genetic disorders. We have demonstrated that expert groups can help in addressing such coding issues. Our coding system has been made available to the ICD and SNOMED-CT organizations as well as to the Orphanet and HPO organizations for further public application and updates will be published online (www.ddrmd.nl and www.cineas.org). © 2013 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.

Validation of the WIMSD4M cross-section generation code with benchmark results

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

Leal, L.C.; Deen, J.R.; Woodruff, W.L.

1995-02-01

The WIMSD4 code has been adopted for cross-section generation in support of the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test (RERTR) program at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). Subsequently, the code has undergone several updates, and significant improvements have been achieved. The capability of generating group-collapsed micro- or macroscopic cross sections from the ENDF/B-V library and the more recent evaluation, ENDF/B-VI, in the ISOTXS format makes the modified version of the WIMSD4 code, WIMSD4M, very attractive, not only for the RERTR program, but also for the reactor physics community. The intent of the present paper is to validate the procedure to generatemore » cross-section libraries for reactor analyses and calculations utilizing the WIMSD4M code. To do so, the results of calculations performed with group cross-section data generated with the WIMSD4M code will be compared against experimental results. These results correspond to calculations carried out with thermal reactor benchmarks of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL) unreflected critical spheres, the TRX critical experiments, and calculations of a modified Los Alamos highly-enriched heavy-water moderated benchmark critical system. The benchmark calculations were performed with the discrete-ordinates transport code, TWODANT, using WIMSD4M cross-section data. Transport calculations using the XSDRNPM module of the SCALE code system are also included. In addition to transport calculations, diffusion calculations with the DIF3D code were also carried out, since the DIF3D code is used in the RERTR program for reactor analysis and design. For completeness, Monte Carlo results of calculations performed with the VIM and MCNP codes are also presented.« less

Does cardiac catheterization laboratory activation by electrocardiography machine auto-interpretation reduce door-to-balloon time?

PubMed

Min, Mun Ki; Ryu, Ji Ho; Kim, Yong In; Park, Maeng Real; Park, Yong Myeon; Park, Sung Wook; Yeom, Seok Ran; Han, Sang Kyoon; Kim, Yang Weon

2014-11-01

In an attempt to begin ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treatment more quickly (referred to as door-to-balloon [DTB] time) by minimizing preventable delays in electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) activation was changed from activation by the emergency physician (code heart I) to activation by a single page if the ECG is interpreted as STEMI by the ECG machine (ECG machine auto-interpretation) (code heart II). We sought to determine the impact of ECG machine auto-interpretation on CCL activation. The study period was from June 2010 to May 2012 (from June to November 2011, code heart I; from December 2011 to May 2012, code heart II). All patients aged 18 years or older who were diagnosed with STEMI were evaluated for enrollment. Patients who experienced the code heart system were also included. Door-to-balloon time before and after code heart system were compared with a retrospective chart review. In addition, to determine the appropriateness of the activation, we compared coronary angiography performance rate and percentage of STEMI between code heart I and II. After the code heart system, the mean DTB time was significantly decreased (before, 96.51 ± 65.60 minutes; after, 65.40 ± 26.40 minutes; P = .043). The STEMI diagnosis and the coronary angiography performance rates were significantly lower in the code heart II group than in the code heart I group without difference in DTB time. Cardiac catheterization laboratory activation by ECG machine auto-interpretation does not reduce DTB time and often unnecessarily activates the code heart system compared with emergency physician-initiated activation. This system therefore decreases the appropriateness of CCL activation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cis-encoded non-coding antisense RNAs in streptococci and other low GC Gram (+) bacterial pathogens

PubMed Central

Cho, Kyu Hong; Kim, Jeong-Ho

2015-01-01

Due to recent advances of bioinformatics and high throughput sequencing technology, discovery of regulatory non-coding RNAs in bacteria has been increased to a great extent. Based on this bandwagon, many studies searching for trans-acting small non-coding RNAs in streptococci have been performed intensively, especially in the important human pathogen, group A and B streptococci. However, studies for cis-encoded non-coding antisense RNAs in streptococci have been scarce. A recent study shows antisense RNAs are involved in virulence gene regulation in group B streptococcus, S. agalactiae. This suggests antisense RNAs could have important roles in the pathogenesis of streptococcal pathogens. In this review, we describe recent discoveries of chromosomal cis-encoded antisense RNAs in streptococcal pathogens and other low GC Gram (+) bacteria to provide a guide for future studies. PMID:25859258

INSPECTION MEANS FOR INDUCTION MOTORS

DOEpatents

Williams, A.W.

1959-03-10

an appartus is descripbe for inspcting electric motors and more expecially an appartus for detecting falty end rings inn suqirrel cage inductio motors while the motor is running. In its broua aspects, the mer would around ce of reference tedtor means also itons in the phase ition of the An electronic circuit for conversion of excess-3 binary coded serial decimal numbers to straight binary coded serial decimal numbers is reported. The converter of the invention in its basic form generally coded pulse words of a type having an algebraic sign digit followed serially by a plurality of decimal digits in order of decreasing significance preceding a y algebraic sign digit followed serially by a plurality of decimal digits in order of decreasing significance. A switching martix is coupled to said input circuit and is internally connected to produce serial straight binary coded pulse groups indicative of the excess-3 coded input. A stepping circuit is coupled to the switching matrix and to a synchronous counter having a plurality of x decimal digit and plurality of y decimal digit indicator terminals. The stepping circuit steps the counter in synchornism with the serial binary pulse group output from the switching matrix to successively produce pulses at corresponding ones of the x and y decimal digit indicator terminals. The combinations of straight binary coded pulse groups and corresponding decimal digit indicator signals so produced comprise a basic output suitable for application to a variety of output apparatus.

Pseudo-point transport technique: a new method for solving the Boltzmann transport equation in media with highly fluctuating cross sections

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

Nakhai, B.

A new method for solving radiation transport problems is presented. The heart of the technique is a new cross section processing procedure for the calculation of group-to-point and point-to-group cross sections sets. The method is ideally suited for problems which involve media with highly fluctuating cross sections, where the results of the traditional multigroup calculations are beclouded by the group averaging procedures employed. Extensive computational efforts, which would be required to evaluate double integrals in the multigroup treatment numerically, prohibit iteration to optimize the energy boundaries. On the other hand, use of point-to-point techniques (as in the stochastic technique) ismore » often prohibitively expensive due to the large computer storage requirement. The pseudo-point code is a hybrid of the two aforementioned methods (group-to-group and point-to-point) - hence the name pseudo-point - that reduces the computational efforts of the former and the large core requirements of the latter. The pseudo-point code generates the group-to-point or the point-to-group transfer matrices, and can be coupled with the existing transport codes to calculate pointwise energy-dependent fluxes. This approach yields much more detail than is available from the conventional energy-group treatments. Due to the speed of this code, several iterations could be performed (in affordable computing efforts) to optimize the energy boundaries and the weighting functions. The pseudo-point technique is demonstrated by solving six problems, each depicting a certain aspect of the technique. The results are presented as flux vs energy at various spatial intervals. The sensitivity of the technique to the energy grid and the savings in computational effort are clearly demonstrated.« less

Malnutrition: The Importance of Identification, Documentation, and Coding in the Acute Care Setting

PubMed Central

Kyle, Greg; Itsiopoulos, Catherine; Naunton, Mark; Luff, Narelle

2016-01-01

Malnutrition is a significant issue in the hospital setting. This cross-sectional, observational study determined the prevalence of malnutrition amongst 189 adult inpatients in a teaching hospital using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment tool and compared data to control groups for coding of malnutrition to determine the estimated unclaimed financial reimbursement associated with this comorbidity. Fifty-three percent of inpatients were classified as malnourished. Significant associations were found between malnutrition and increasing age, decreasing body mass index, and increased length of stay. Ninety-eight percent of malnourished patients were coded as malnourished in medical records. The results of the medical history audit of patients in control groups showed that between 0.9 and 5.4% of patients were coded as malnourished which is remarkably lower than the 52% of patients who were coded as malnourished from the point prevalence study data. This is most likely to be primarily due to lack of identification. The estimated unclaimed annual financial reimbursement due to undiagnosed or undocumented malnutrition based on the point prevalence study was AU$8,536,200. The study found that half the patients were malnourished, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. It is imperative that malnutrition is diagnosed and accurately documented and coded, so appropriate coding, funding reimbursement, and treatment can occur. PMID:27774317

[Is DRG Coding too Important to be Left to Physicians? - Evaluation of Economic Efficiency by Health Economists in a University Medical Centre].

PubMed

Burger, F; Walgenbach, M; Göbel, P; Parbs, S; Neugebauer, E

2017-04-01

Background: We investigated and evaluated the cost effectiveness of coding by health care economists in a centre for orthopaedics and trauma surgery in Germany, by quantifying and comparing the financial efficiency of physicians with basic knowledge of the DRG-system with the results of healthcare economists with in-depth knowledge (M.Sc.). In addition, a hospital survey was performed to establish how DRG-coding is being performed and the identity of the persons involved. Material and Methods: In a prospective and controlled study, 200 in-patients were coded by a healthcare economist (study group). Prior to that, the same cases were coded by physicians with basic training in the DRG-system, who made up the control group. All cases were picked randomly and blinded without informing the physicians coding the controls, in order to avoid any Hawthorne effect. We evaluated and measured the effective weighting within the G-DRG, the DRG returns per patient, the overall DRG return, and the additional time needed. For the survey, questionnaires were sent to 1200 German hospitals. The completed questionnaire was analysed using a statistical program. Results: The return difference per patient between controls and the study group was significantly greater (2472 ± 337 €; p < 0.05); the overall return was raised by 494,500 €. The mean additional time needed was 11.32 ± 0.8 min per case, resulting in an increase in proceeds of 218 ± 38 € per minute. 2.5 % of all cases had to be devaluated by the health economist after the initial coding by the control group. Returned sheets of 60 hospitals were evaluated. The median level of DRG case reports was 1277 (2500-62,300). Coding was performed in 69 % of cases by doctors, 19 % by skilled specialists for DRG coding and in 8 % together. Overall satisfaction with the DRG was described by 61 % of respondents as good or excellent. Conclusion: Our prospective and controlled study quantifies the cost efficiency of health economists in a centre of orthopaedics and trauma surgery in Germany for the first time. We provide some initial evidence that health economists can enhance the CMI, the resulting DRG return per patient as well as the overall DRG return. Data from the survey shows that in many hospitals there is great reluctance to leave the coding to specialists only. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

First benchmark of the Unstructured Grid Adaptation Working Group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ibanez, Daniel; Barral, Nicolas; Krakos, Joshua; Loseille, Adrien; Michal, Todd; Park, Mike

2017-01-01

Unstructured grid adaptation is a technology that holds the potential to improve the automation and accuracy of computational fluid dynamics and other computational disciplines. Difficulty producing the highly anisotropic elements necessary for simulation on complex curved geometries that satisfies a resolution request has limited this technology's widespread adoption. The Unstructured Grid Adaptation Working Group is an open gathering of researchers working on adapting simplicial meshes to conform to a metric field. Current members span a wide range of institutions including academia, industry, and national laboratories. The purpose of this group is to create a common basis for understanding and improving mesh adaptation. We present our first major contribution: a common set of benchmark cases, including input meshes and analytic metric specifications, that are publicly available to be used for evaluating any mesh adaptation code. We also present the results of several existing codes on these benchmark cases, to illustrate their utility in identifying key challenges common to all codes and important differences between available codes. Future directions are defined to expand this benchmark to mature the technology necessary to impact practical simulation workflows.

Spatial correlation-based side information refinement for distributed video coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taieb, Mohamed Haj; Chouinard, Jean-Yves; Wang, Demin

2013-12-01

Distributed video coding (DVC) architecture designs, based on distributed source coding principles, have benefitted from significant progresses lately, notably in terms of achievable rate-distortion performances. However, a significant performance gap still remains when compared to prediction-based video coding schemes such as H.264/AVC. This is mainly due to the non-ideal exploitation of the video sequence temporal correlation properties during the generation of side information (SI). In fact, the decoder side motion estimation provides only an approximation of the true motion. In this paper, a progressive DVC architecture is proposed, which exploits the spatial correlation of the video frames to improve the motion-compensated temporal interpolation (MCTI). Specifically, Wyner-Ziv (WZ) frames are divided into several spatially correlated groups that are then sent progressively to the receiver. SI refinement (SIR) is performed as long as these groups are being decoded, thus providing more accurate SI for the next groups. It is shown that the proposed progressive SIR method leads to significant improvements over the Discover DVC codec as well as other SIR schemes recently introduced in the literature.

Group motivational interviewing for adolescents: Change talk and alcohol and marijuana outcomes

PubMed Central

D’Amico, Elizabeth J.; Houck, Jon M.; Hunter, Sarah B.; Miles, Jeremy N.V.; Osilla, Karen Chan; Ewing, Brett A.

2014-01-01

Objective Little is known about what may distinguish effective and ineffective group interventions. Group motivational interviewing (MI) is a promising intervention for adolescent alcohol and other drug (AOD) use; however, the mechanisms of change for group MI are unknown. One potential mechanism is change talk, which is client speech arguing for change. The present study describes the group process in adolescent group MI and effects of group-level change talk on individual alcohol and marijuana outcomes. Method We analyzed 129 group session audio recordings from a randomized clinical trial of adolescent group MI. Sequential coding was performed using the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code (MISC) and the CASAA Application for Coding Treatment Interactions (CACTI) software application. Outcomes included past-month intentions, frequency, and consequences of alcohol and marijuana use, motivation to change, and positive expectancies. Results Sequential analysis indicated that facilitator open-ended questions and reflections of change talk (CT) increased group CT. Group CT was then followed by more CT. Multilevel models accounting for rolling group enrollment revealed group CT was associated with decreased alcohol intentions, alcohol use and heavy drinking three months later; group sustain talk was associated with decreased motivation to change, increased intentions to use marijuana, and increased positive alcohol and marijuana expectancies. Conclusions Facilitator speech and peer responses each had effects on change and sustain talk in the group setting, which was then associated with individual changes. Selective reflection of CT in adolescent group MI is suggested as a strategy to manage group dynamics and increase behavioral change. PMID:25365779

Current Research on Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid (RNA).

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Samuels, David C; Zhao, Shilin; Xiang, Yu; Zhao, Ying-Yong; Guo, Yan

2017-12-05

Non-coding ribonucleic acid (RNA) has without a doubt captured the interest of biomedical researchers. The ability to screen the entire human genome with high-throughput sequencing technology has greatly enhanced the identification, annotation and prediction of the functionality of non-coding RNAs. In this review, we discuss the current landscape of non-coding RNA research and quantitative analysis. Non-coding RNA will be categorized into two major groups by size: long non-coding RNAs and small RNAs. In long non-coding RNA, we discuss regular long non-coding RNA, pseudogenes and circular RNA. In small RNA, we discuss miRNA, transfer RNA, piwi-interacting RNA, small nucleolar RNA, small nuclear RNA, Y RNA, single recognition particle RNA, and 7SK RNA. We elaborate on the origin, detection method, and potential association with disease, putative functional mechanisms, and public resources for these non-coding RNAs. We aim to provide readers with a complete overview of non-coding RNAs and incite additional interest in non-coding RNA research.

Simultaneous chromatic dispersion and PMD compensation by using coded-OFDM and girth-10 LDPC codes.

PubMed

Djordjevic, Ivan B; Xu, Lei; Wang, Ting

2008-07-07

Low-density parity-check (LDPC)-coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is studied as an efficient coded modulation scheme suitable for simultaneous chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) compensation. We show that, for aggregate rate of 10 Gb/s, accumulated dispersion over 6500 km of SMF and differential group delay of 100 ps can be simultaneously compensated with penalty within 1.5 dB (with respect to the back-to-back configuration) when training sequence based channel estimation and girth-10 LDPC codes of rate 0.8 are employed.

Non coding RNAs in vascular disease - from basic science to clinical applications: Scientific update from the Working Group of Myocardial Function of the European Society of Cardiology

PubMed

Fiedler, Jan; Baker, Andrew H; Dimmeler, Stefanie; Heymans, Stephane; Mayr, Manuel; Thum, Thomas

2018-05-23

Non-coding RNAs are increasingly recognized not only as regulators of various biological functions but also as targets for a new generation of RNA therapeutics and biomarkers. We hereby review recent insights relating to non-coding RNAs including microRNAs (e.g. miR-126, miR-146a), long non-coding RNAs (e.g. MIR503HG, GATA6-AS, SMILR) and circular RNAs (e.g. cZNF292) and their role in vascular diseases. This includes identification and therapeutic use of hypoxia-regulated non-coding RNAs and endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate intrinsic smooth muscle cell signalling, age-related non-coding RNAs and non-coding RNAs involved in the regulation of mitochondrial biology and metabolic control. Finally, we discuss non-coding RNA species with biomarker potential.

Encoded physics knowledge in checking codes for nuclear cross section libraries at Los Alamos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parsons, D. Kent

2017-09-01

Checking procedures for processed nuclear data at Los Alamos are described. Both continuous energy and multi-group nuclear data are verified by locally developed checking codes which use basic physics knowledge and common-sense rules. A list of nuclear data problems which have been identified with help of these checking codes is also given.

The Unified English Braille Code: Examination by Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science Technical Expert Braille Readers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holbrook, M. Cay; MacCuspie, P. Ann

2010-01-01

Braille-reading mathematicians, scientists, and computer scientists were asked to examine the usability of the Unified English Braille Code (UEB) for technical materials. They had little knowledge of the code prior to the study. The research included two reading tasks, a short tutorial about UEB, and a focus group. The results indicated that the…

A Coding System for Qualitative Studies of the Information-Seeking Process in Computer Science Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moral, Cristian; de Antonio, Angelica; Ferre, Xavier; Lara, Graciela

2015-01-01

Introduction: In this article we propose a qualitative analysis tool--a coding system--that can support the formalisation of the information-seeking process in a specific field: research in computer science. Method: In order to elaborate the coding system, we have conducted a set of qualitative studies, more specifically a focus group and some…

A novel all-optical label processing for OPS networks based on multiple OOC sequences from multiple-groups OOC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Kun; Zhang, Chongfu; Ling, Yun; Wang, Yibo

2007-11-01

This paper proposes an all-optical label processing scheme using multiple optical orthogonal codes sequences (MOOCS) for optical packet switching (OPS) (MOOCS-OPS) networks, for the first time to the best of our knowledge. In this scheme, the multiple optical orthogonal codes (MOOC) from multiple-groups optical orthogonal codes (MGOOC) are permuted and combined to obtain the MOOCS for the optical labels, which are used to effectively enlarge the capacity of available optical codes for optical labels. The optical label processing (OLP) schemes are reviewed and analyzed, the principles of MOOCS-based optical labels for OPS networks are given, and analyzed, then the MOOCS-OPS topology and the key realization units of the MOOCS-based optical label packets are studied in detail, respectively. The performances of this novel all-optical label processing technology are analyzed, the corresponding simulation is performed. These analysis and results show that the proposed scheme can overcome the lack of available optical orthogonal codes (OOC)-based optical labels due to the limited number of single OOC for optical label with the short code length, and indicate that the MOOCS-OPS scheme is feasible.

[Complexity level simulation in the German diagnosis-related groups system: the financial effect of coding of comorbidity diagnostics in urology].

PubMed

Wenke, A; Gaber, A; Hertle, L; Roeder, N; Pühse, G

2012-07-01

Precise and complete coding of diagnoses and procedures is of value for optimizing revenues within the German diagnosis-related groups (G-DRG) system. The implementation of effective structures for coding is cost-intensive. The aim of this study was to prove whether higher costs can be refunded by complete acquisition of comorbidities and complications. Calculations were based on DRG data of the Department of Urology, University Hospital of Münster, Germany, covering all patients treated in 2009. The data were regrouped and subjected to a process of simulation (increase and decrease of patient clinical complexity levels, PCCL) with the help of recently developed software. In urology a strong dependency of quantity and quality of coding of secondary diagnoses on PCCL and subsequent profits was found. Departmental budgetary procedures can be optimized when coding is effective. The new simulation tool can be a valuable aid to improve profits available for distribution. Nevertheless, calculation of time use and financial needs by this procedure are subject to specific departmental terms and conditions. Completeness of coding of (secondary) diagnoses must be the ultimate administrative goal of patient case documentation in urology.

Evaluation of large girth LDPC codes for PMD compensation by turbo equalization.

PubMed

Minkov, Lyubomir L; Djordjevic, Ivan B; Xu, Lei; Wang, Ting; Kueppers, Franko

2008-08-18

Large-girth quasi-cyclic LDPC codes have been experimentally evaluated for use in PMD compensation by turbo equalization for a 10 Gb/s NRZ optical transmission system, and observing one sample per bit. Net effective coding gain improvement for girth-10, rate 0.906 code of length 11936 over maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) detector for differential group delay of 125 ps is 6.25 dB at BER of 10(-6). Girth-10 LDPC code of rate 0.8 outperforms the girth-10 code of rate 0.906 by 2.75 dB, and provides the net effective coding gain improvement of 9 dB at the same BER. It is experimentally determined that girth-10 LDPC codes of length around 15000 approach channel capacity limit within 1.25 dB.

Perceiving groups: The people perception of diversity and hierarchy.

PubMed

Phillips, L Taylor; Slepian, Michael L; Hughes, Brent L

2018-05-01

The visual perception of individuals has received considerable attention (visual person perception), but little social psychological work has examined the processes underlying the visual perception of groups of people (visual people perception). Ensemble-coding is a visual mechanism that automatically extracts summary statistics (e.g., average size) of lower-level sets of stimuli (e.g., geometric figures), and also extends to the visual perception of groups of faces. Here, we consider whether ensemble-coding supports people perception, allowing individuals to form rapid, accurate impressions about groups of people. Across nine studies, we demonstrate that people visually extract high-level properties (e.g., diversity, hierarchy) that are unique to social groups, as opposed to individual persons. Observers rapidly and accurately perceived group diversity and hierarchy, or variance across race, gender, and dominance (Studies 1-3). Further, results persist when observers are given very short display times, backward pattern masks, color- and contrast-controlled stimuli, and absolute versus relative response options (Studies 4a-7b), suggesting robust effects supported specifically by ensemble-coding mechanisms. Together, we show that humans can rapidly and accurately perceive not only individual persons, but also emergent social information unique to groups of people. These people perception findings demonstrate the importance of visual processes for enabling people to perceive social groups and behave effectively in group-based social interactions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Uplink Coding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, Ken; Divsalar, Dariush; Dolinar, Sam; Moision, Bruce; Hamkins, Jon; Pollara, Fabrizio

2007-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the objectives, meeting goals and overall NASA goals for the NASA Data Standards Working Group. The presentation includes information on the technical progress surrounding the objective, short LDPC codes, and the general results on the Pu-Pw tradeoff.

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

De Blas, Alfredo; Tapia, Carlos; Riego, Albert

pGamma is a code developed by the NERG group of the Technical University of Catalonia - Barcelona Tech for the analysis of gamma spectra generated by the Equipment for the Continuous Measurement and Identification of Gamma Radioactivity on Aerosols with Paper Filter developed for our group and Raditel Servies company. Nowadays the code is in the process of adaptation for the monitors of the Environmental Radiological Surveillance Network of the Local Government of Catalonia (Generalitat of Catalonia), Spain. The code is a Spectrum Analysis System, it identifies the gamma emitters on the spectrum, determines its Concentration of Activity, generates alarmsmore » depending on the Activity of the emitters and generates a report. The Spectrum Analysis System includes a library with emitters of interest, NORM and artificial. The code is being used on the three stations with the aerosol monitor of the Network (Asco and Vandellos, near both Nuclear Power Plants and Barcelona). (authors)« less

Ensemble coding of face identity is present but weaker in congenital prosopagnosia.

PubMed

Robson, Matthew K; Palermo, Romina; Jeffery, Linda; Neumann, Markus F

2018-03-01

Individuals with congenital prosopagnosia (CP) are impaired at identifying individual faces but do not appear to show impairments in extracting the average identity from a group of faces (known as ensemble coding). However, possible deficits in ensemble coding in a previous study (CPs n = 4) may have been masked because CPs relied on pictorial (image) cues rather than identity cues. Here we asked whether a larger sample of CPs (n = 11) would show intact ensemble coding of identity when availability of image cues was minimised. Participants viewed a "set" of four faces and then judged whether a subsequent individual test face, either an exemplar or a "set average", was in the preceding set. Ensemble coding occurred when matching (vs. mismatching) averages were mistakenly endorsed as set members. We assessed both image- and identity-based ensemble coding, by varying whether test faces were either the same or different images of the identities in the set. CPs showed significant ensemble coding in both tasks, indicating that their performance was independent of image cues. As a group, CPs' ensemble coding was weaker than controls in both tasks, consistent with evidence that perceptual processing of face identity is disrupted in CP. This effect was driven by CPs (n= 3) who, in addition to having impaired face memory, also performed particularly poorly on a measure of face perception (CFPT). Future research, using larger samples, should examine whether deficits in ensemble coding may be restricted to CPs who also have substantial face perception deficits. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PMD compensation in multilevel coded-modulation schemes with coherent detection using BLAST algorithm and iterative polarization cancellation.

PubMed

Djordjevic, Ivan B; Xu, Lei; Wang, Ting

2008-09-15

We present two PMD compensation schemes suitable for use in multilevel (M>or=2) block-coded modulation schemes with coherent detection. The first scheme is based on a BLAST-type polarization-interference cancellation scheme, and the second scheme is based on iterative polarization cancellation. Both schemes use the LDPC codes as channel codes. The proposed PMD compensations schemes are evaluated by employing coded-OFDM and coherent detection. When used in combination with girth-10 LDPC codes those schemes outperform polarization-time coding based OFDM by 1 dB at BER of 10(-9), and provide two times higher spectral efficiency. The proposed schemes perform comparable and are able to compensate even 1200 ps of differential group delay with negligible penalty.

Assessment of the impact of the change from manual to automated coding on mortality statistics in Australia.

PubMed

McKenzie, Kirsten; Walker, Sue; Tong, Shilu

It remains unclear whether the change from a manual to an automated coding system (ACS) for deaths has significantly affected the consistency of Australian mortality data. The underlying causes of 34,000 deaths registered in 1997 in Australia were dual coded, in ICD-9 manually, and by using an automated computer coding program. The diseases most affected by the change from manual to ACS were senile/presenile dementia, and pneumonia. The most common disease to which a manually assigned underlying cause of senile dementia was coded with ACS was unspecified psychoses (37.2%). Only 12.5% of codes assigned by ACS as senile dementia were coded the same by manual coders. This study indicates some important differences in mortality rates when comparing mortality data that have been coded manually with those coded using an automated computer coding program. These differences may be related to both the different interpretation of ICD coding rules between manual and automated coding, and different co-morbidities or co-existing conditions among demographic groups.

Differences in the causes of death of HIV-positive patients in a cohort study by data sources and coding algorithms.

PubMed

Hernando, Victoria; Sobrino-Vegas, Paz; Burriel, M Carmen; Berenguer, Juan; Navarro, Gemma; Santos, Ignacio; Reparaz, Jesús; Martínez, M Angeles; Antela, Antonio; Gutiérrez, Félix; del Amo, Julia

2012-09-10

To compare causes of death (CoDs) from two independent sources: National Basic Death File (NBDF) and deaths reported to the Spanish HIV Research cohort [Cohort de adultos con infección por VIH de la Red de Investigación en SIDA CoRIS)] and compare the two coding algorithms: International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) and revised version of Coding Causes of Death in HIV (revised CoDe). Between 2004 and 2008, CoDs were obtained from the cohort records (free text, multiple causes) and also from NBDF (ICD-10). CoDs from CoRIS were coded according to ICD-10 and revised CoDe by a panel. Deaths were compared by 13 disease groups: HIV/AIDS, liver diseases, malignancies, infections, cardiovascular, blood disorders, pulmonary, central nervous system, drug use, external, suicide, other causes and ill defined. There were 160 deaths. Concordance for the 13 groups was observed in 111 (69%) cases for the two sources and in 115 (72%) cases for the two coding algorithms. According to revised CoDe, the commonest CoDs were HIV/AIDS (53%), non-AIDS malignancies (11%) and liver related (9%), these percentages were similar, 57, 10 and 8%, respectively, for NBDF (coded as ICD-10). When using ICD-10 to code deaths in CoRIS, wherein HIV infection was known in everyone, the proportion of non-AIDS malignancies was 13%, liver-related accounted for 3%, while HIV/AIDS reached 70% due to liver-related, infections and ill-defined causes being coded as HIV/AIDS. There is substantial variation in CoDs in HIV-infected persons according to sources and algorithms. ICD-10 in patients known to be HIV-positive overestimates HIV/AIDS-related deaths at the expense of underestimating liver-related diseases, infections and ill defined causes. CoDe seems as the best option for cohort studies.

Opcode counting for performance measurement

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

Gara, Alan; Satterfield, David L.; Walkup, Robert E.

Methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed for measuring a performance of a program running on a processing unit of a processing system. In one embodiment, the method comprises informing a logic unit of each instruction in the program that is executed by the processing unit, assigning a weight to each instruction, assigning the instructions to a plurality of groups, and analyzing the plurality of groups to measure one or more metrics. In one embodiment, each instruction includes an operating code portion, and the assigning includes assigning the instructions to the groups based on the operating code portions ofmore » the instructions. In an embodiment, each type of instruction is assigned to a respective one of the plurality of groups. These groups may be combined into a plurality of sets of the groups.« less

Opcode counting for performance measurement

DOEpatents

Gara, Alan; Satterfield, David L; Walkup, Robert E

2013-10-29

Methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed for measuring a performance of a program running on a processing unit of a processing system. In one embodiment, the method comprises informing a logic unit of each instruction in the program that is executed by the processing unit, assigning a weight to each instruction, assigning the instructions to a plurality of groups, and analyzing the plurality of groups to measure one or more metrics. In one embodiment, each instruction includes an operating code portion, and the assigning includes assigning the instructions to the groups based on the operating code portions of the instructions. In an embodiment, each type of instruction is assigned to a respective one of the plurality of groups. These groups may be combined into a plurality of sets of the groups.

Opcode counting for performance measurement

DOEpatents

Gara, Alan; Satterfield, David L.; Walkup, Robert E.

2015-08-11

Methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed for measuring a performance of a program running on a processing unit of a processing system. In one embodiment, the method comprises informing a logic unit of each instruction in the program that is executed by the processing unit, assigning a weight to each instruction, assigning the instructions to a plurality of groups, and analyzing the plurality of groups to measure one or more metrics. In one embodiment, each instruction includes an operating code portion, and the assigning includes assigning the instructions to the groups based on the operating code portions of the instructions. In an embodiment, each type of instruction is assigned to a respective one of the plurality of groups. These groups may be combined into a plurality of sets of the groups.

Opcode counting for performance measurement

DOEpatents

Gara, Alan; Satterfield, David L.; Walkup, Robert E.

2016-10-18

Methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed for measuring a performance of a program running on a processing unit of a processing system. In one embodiment, the method comprises informing a logic unit of each instruction in the program that is executed by the processing unit, assigning a weight to each instruction, assigning the instructions to a plurality of groups, and analyzing the plurality of groups to measure one or more metrics. In one embodiment, each instruction includes an operating code portion, and the assigning includes assigning the instructions to the groups based on the operating code portions of the instructions. In an embodiment, each type of instruction is assigned to a respective one of the plurality of groups. These groups may be combined into a plurality of sets of the groups.

ARES: A System for Real-Time Operational and Tactical Decision Support

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

In B]LE LCLGf. 9 NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL Monterey, California Vi,-. %*.. THESIS - ’ A RE S A SYSTEM -OR REAL- 1I I .-.. --- OPERATIONAL AND...able) aval Postgraduate School 54 Naval Postgraduate School NN DRESS (City,. State,. and ZIP Code) 7b ADDRESS (City,. State,. and ZIP Code...SUBJECT TERMS (Continue on reverse if necessaty and identify by block number) LD GROUP SUB-GROUP Decision Support System, Logistics Model, Operational

[Research advances of genomic GYP coding MNS blood group antigens].

PubMed

Liu, Chang-Li; Zhao, Wei-Jun

2012-02-01

The MNS blood group system includes more than 40 antigens, and the M, N, S and s antigens are the most significant ones in the system. The antigenic determinants of M and N antigens lie on the top of GPA on the surface of red blood cells, while the antigenic determinants of S and s antigens lie on the top of GPB on the surface of red blood cells. The GYPA gene coding GPA and the GYPB gene coding GPB locate at the longarm of chromosome 4 and display 95% homologus sequence, meanwhile both genes locate closely to GYPE gene that did not express product. These three genes formed "GYPA-GYPB-GYPE" structure called GYP genome. This review focuses on the molecular basis of genomic GYP and the variety of GYP genome in the expression of diversity MNS blood group antigens. The molecular basis of Miltenberger hybrid glycophorin polymorphism is specifically expounded.

Improvement of Modeling HTGR Neutron Physics by Uncertainty Analysis with the Use of Cross-Section Covariance Information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyarinov, V. F.; Grol, A. V.; Fomichenko, P. A.; Ternovykh, M. Yu

2017-01-01

This work is aimed at improvement of HTGR neutron physics design calculations by application of uncertainty analysis with the use of cross-section covariance information. Methodology and codes for preparation of multigroup libraries of covariance information for individual isotopes from the basic 44-group library of SCALE-6 code system were developed. A 69-group library of covariance information in a special format for main isotopes and elements typical for high temperature gas cooled reactors (HTGR) was generated. This library can be used for estimation of uncertainties, associated with nuclear data, in analysis of HTGR neutron physics with design codes. As an example, calculations of one-group cross-section uncertainties for fission and capture reactions for main isotopes of the MHTGR-350 benchmark, as well as uncertainties of the multiplication factor (k∞) for the MHTGR-350 fuel compact cell model and fuel block model were performed. These uncertainties were estimated by the developed technology with the use of WIMS-D code and modules of SCALE-6 code system, namely, by TSUNAMI, KENO-VI and SAMS. Eight most important reactions on isotopes for MHTGR-350 benchmark were identified, namely: 10B(capt), 238U(n,γ), ν5, 235U(n,γ), 238U(el), natC(el), 235U(fiss)-235U(n,γ), 235U(fiss).

An In vitro evaluation of the reliability of QR code denture labeling technique.

PubMed

Poovannan, Sindhu; Jain, Ashish R; Krishnan, Cakku Jalliah Venkata; Chandran, Chitraa R

2016-01-01

Positive identification of the dead after accidents and disasters through labeled dentures plays a key role in forensic scenario. A number of denture labeling methods are available, and studies evaluating their reliability under drastic conditions are vital. This study was conducted to evaluate the reliability of QR (Quick Response) Code labeled at various depths in heat-cured acrylic blocks after acid treatment, heat treatment (burns), and fracture in forensics. It was an in vitro study. This study included 160 specimens of heat-cured acrylic blocks (1.8 cm × 1.8 cm) and these were divided into 4 groups (40 samples per group). QR Codes were incorporated in the samples using clear acrylic sheet and they were assessed for reliability under various depths, acid, heat, and fracture. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, test of proportion. The QR Code inclusion technique was reliable under various depths of acrylic sheet, acid (sulfuric acid 99%, hydrochloric acid 40%) and heat (up to 370°C). Results were variable with fracture of QR Code labeled acrylic blocks. Within the limitations of the study, by analyzing the results, it was clearly indicated that the QR Code technique was reliable under various depths of acrylic sheet, acid, and heat (370°C). Effectiveness varied in fracture and depended on the level of distortion. This study thus suggests that QR Code is an effective and simpler denture labeling method.

Why patients visit their doctors: assessing the most prevalent conditions in a defined American population.

PubMed

St Sauver, Jennifer L; Warner, David O; Yawn, Barbara P; Jacobson, Debra J; McGree, Michaela E; Pankratz, Joshua J; Melton, L Joseph; Roger, Véronique L; Ebbert, Jon O; Rocca, Walter A

2013-01-01

To describe the prevalence of nonacute conditions among patients seeking health care in a defined US population, emphasizing age, sex, and ethnic differences. The Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) medical records linkage system was used to identify all residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, on April 1, 2009, who had consented to review of their medical records for research (142,377 patients). We then electronically extracted all International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes noted in the records of these patients by any health care institution between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2009. We grouped International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes into clinical classification codes and then into 47 broader disease groups associated with health-related quality of life. Age- and sex-specific prevalence was estimated by dividing the number of individuals within each group by the corresponding age- and sex-specific population. Patients within a group who had multiple codes were counted only once. We included a total of 142,377 patients, 75,512 (53%) of whom were female. Skin disorders (42.7%), osteoarthritis and joint disorders (33.6%), back problems (23.9%), disorders of lipid metabolism (22.4%), and upper respiratory tract disease (22.1%, excluding asthma) were the most prevalent disease groups in this population. Ten of the 15 most prevalent disease groups were more common in women in almost all age groups, whereas disorders of lipid metabolism, hypertension, and diabetes were more common in men. Additionally, the prevalence of 7 of the 10 most common groups increased with advancing age. Prevalence also varied across ethnic groups (whites, blacks, and Asians). Our findings suggest areas for focused research that may lead to better health care delivery and improved population health. Copyright © 2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Computer codes developed and under development at Lewis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamis, Christos C.

1992-01-01

The objective of this summary is to provide a brief description of: (1) codes developed or under development at LeRC; and (2) the development status of IPACS with some typical early results. The computer codes that have been developed and/or are under development at LeRC are listed in the accompanying charts. This list includes: (1) the code acronym; (2) select physics descriptors; (3) current enhancements; and (4) present (9/91) code status with respect to its availability and documentation. The computer codes list is grouped by related functions such as: (1) composite mechanics; (2) composite structures; (3) integrated and 3-D analysis; (4) structural tailoring; and (5) probabilistic structural analysis. These codes provide a broad computational simulation infrastructure (technology base-readiness) for assessing the structural integrity/durability/reliability of propulsion systems. These codes serve two other very important functions: they provide an effective means of technology transfer; and they constitute a depository of corporate memory.

Impact of the implementation of the Infarction Code strategy in patients with acute myocardial infarction diagnosis in the Hospital de Cardiología of the Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI

PubMed

Sánchez, Gabriela Borrayo; Covarrubias, Héctor Álvarez; Rodríguez, Gilberto Pérez; Uribe, Efraín Arizmendi; Ramírez-Arias, Erick; Peralta, Martín Rosas; Dávila, Jesús Arriaga

2017-01-01

To evaluate the impact of the implementation of the Infarction Code strategy in patients with acute myocardial infarction diagnosis. Consecutive patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction ≤12 hours of evolution, were included in the infarction code strategy, before (Group I) and after (Group II). Times of medical attention and major cardiovascular events during hospitalization were analyzed. 1227 patients were included, 919 men (75%) and 308 women (25%) with an average age of 62 ± 11 years. Among Group I and Group II, percutaneous coronary intervention reperfusion therapy changed (16.6% to 42.6%), fibrinolytic therapy (39.3% to 25%), and patients who did not receive any form of reperfusion therapy (44% to 32.6%; p < 0.0001). Times of medical attention decreased significantly (door-to-needle time decreased from 92 to 72 minutes, p = 0.004; door-to-balloon time decreased from 140 to 92 minutes, p < 0.0001). Kidney failure (24.6% vs. 17.9%; p = 0.006), major complications (35.3% to 29.3%), and death (21% vs. 12%; odds ratio: 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.38-0.71; p = 0.004). also decreased. The Infarction Code strategy improved treatment, times of medical attention and decreased complications and death in these patients.

Examining the Role of Orthographic Coding Ability in Elementary Students with Previously Identified Reading Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, or Comorbid Language and Learning Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haugh, Erin Kathleen

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the role orthographic coding might play in distinguishing between membership in groups of language-based disability types. The sample consisted of 36 second and third-grade subjects who were administered the PAL-II Receptive Coding and Word Choice Accuracy subtest as a measure of orthographic coding…

Go8 Guiding Principles for Implementing Part B of the "Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research". Go8 Consultation Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Group of Eight (NJ1), 2008

2008-01-01

The release of the "Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2007" by the Australian Government in 2007 was welcomed by Go8 (Group of Eight) institutions, particularly in relation to the improvements and broader scope of the matters covered by Part A of that Code. However, as foreshadowed by the Go8 during the consultation…

Evaluation of an automated inferencing engine generating ICD-9CM codes for physician and hospital billing.

PubMed

Behta, Maryam; Friedman, Glenna; Manber, Maxine; Jordan, Desmond

2008-11-06

Recent Medicare changes to Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRGs) for inpatients have made the appropriate and timely coding of services provided by hospitals and physicians a challenge, and require education for clinicians and coders. Clinical departments have limited funds to hire dedicated personnel to code and prepare payor submissions. Automating the process can assist in accurate data collection and reimbursement.

Instrumentation for Verification of Bomb Damage Repair Computer Code.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-01

record the data, a conventional 14-track FM analog tape recorder was retained. The unknown factors of signal duration, test duration, and signal ...Kirtland Air Force Base computer centers for more detailed analyses. In addition to the analog recorder, signal conditioning equipment and amplifiers were...necessary to allow high quality data to be recorded. An Interrange Instrumentation Group (IRIG) code generator/reader placed a coded signal on the tape

Home energy management (HEM) database: A list with coded attributes of 308 devices commercially available in the US.

PubMed

Pritoni, Marco; Ford, Rebecca; Karlin, Beth; Sanguinetti, Angela

2018-02-01

Policymakers worldwide are currently discussing whether to include home energy management (HEM) products in their portfolio of technologies to reduce carbon emissions and improve grid reliability. However, very little data is available about these products. Here we present the results of an extensive review including 308 HEM products available on the US market in 2015-2016. We gathered these data from publicly available sources such as vendor websites, online marketplaces and other vendor documents. A coding guide was developed iteratively during the data collection and utilized to classify the devices. Each product was coded based on 96 distinct attributes, grouped into 11 categories: Identifying information, Product components, Hardware, Communication, Software, Information - feedback, Information - feedforward, Control, Utility interaction, Additional benefits and Usability. The codes describe product features and functionalities, user interaction and interoperability with other devices. A mix of binary attributes and more descriptive codes allow to sort and group data without losing important qualitative information. The information is stored in a large spreadsheet included with this article, along with an explanatory coding guide. This dataset is analyzed and described in a research article entitled "Categories and functionality of smart home technology for energy management" (Ford et al., 2017) [1].

Regional and temporal variations in coding of hospital diagnoses referring to upper gastrointestinal and oesophageal bleeding in Germany.

PubMed

Langner, Ingo; Mikolajczyk, Rafael; Garbe, Edeltraut

2011-08-17

Health insurance claims data are increasingly used for health services research in Germany. Hospital diagnoses in these data are coded according to the International Classification of Diseases, German modification (ICD-10-GM). Due to the historical division into West and East Germany, different coding practices might persist in both former parts. Additionally, the introduction of Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) in Germany in 2003/2004 might have changed the coding. The aim of this study was to investigate regional and temporal variations in coding of hospitalisation diagnoses in Germany. We analysed hospitalisation diagnoses for oesophageal bleeding (OB) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) from the official German Hospital Statistics provided by the Federal Statistical Office. Bleeding diagnoses were classified as "specific" (origin of bleeding provided) or "unspecific" (origin of bleeding not provided) coding. We studied regional (former East versus West Germany) differences in incidence of hospitalisations with specific or unspecific coding for OB and UGIB and temporal variations between 2000 and 2005. For each year, incidence ratios of hospitalisations for former East versus West Germany were estimated with log-linear regression models adjusting for age, gender and population density. Significant differences in specific and unspecific coding between East and West Germany and over time were found for both, OB and UGIB hospitalisation diagnoses, respectively. For example in 2002, incidence ratios of hospitalisations for East versus West Germany were 1.24 (95% CI 1.16-1.32) for specific and 0.67 (95% CI 0.60-0.74) for unspecific OB diagnoses and 1.43 (95% CI 1.36-1.51) for specific and 0.83 (95% CI 0.80-0.87) for unspecific UGIB. Regional differences nearly disappeared and time trends were less marked when using combined specific and unspecific diagnoses of OB or UGIB, respectively. During the study period, there were substantial regional and temporal variations in the coding of OB and UGIB diagnoses in hospitalised patients. Possible explanations for the observed regional variations are different coding preferences, further influenced by changes in coding and reimbursement rules. Analysing groups of diagnoses including specific and unspecific codes reduces the influence of varying coding practices.

Reference manual for the POISSON/SUPERFISH Group of Codes

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

Not Available

1987-01-01

The POISSON/SUPERFISH Group codes were set up to solve two separate problems: the design of magnets and the design of rf cavities in a two-dimensional geometry. The first stage of either problem is to describe the layout of the magnet or cavity in a way that can be used as input to solve the generalized Poisson equation for magnets or the Helmholtz equations for cavities. The computer codes require that the problems be discretized by replacing the differentials (dx,dy) by finite differences ({delta}X,{delta}Y). Instead of defining the function everywhere in a plane, the function is defined only at a finitemore » number of points on a mesh in the plane.« less

Examining hospital pharmacists' goals for medication counseling within the communication accommodation theoretical framework.

PubMed

Chevalier, Bernadette A M; Watson, Bernadette M; Barras, Michael A; Cottrell, William Neil

2016-01-01

Medication counseling opportunities are key times for pharmacists to speak to patients about their medications and any changes made during their hospital stay. Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) posits that an individual's goals drive their communication behavior. The way in which pharmacists communicate with patients may be determined by the goals they set for these medication counseling sessions. To examine hospital pharmacists' goals in patient medication counseling within the CAT framework. Hospital pharmacist focus groups were held in two teaching hospitals. Interested pharmacists attended a focus group designed to elicit their goals in patient medication counseling. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo(®) software was used to assist in coding and organization. The codes were reviewed for reliability by pharmacists independent of the focus groups. An inductive thematic analysis was applied to the data. Six 1 h focus groups were conducted with a total of 24 pharmacists participating. Saturation of information was achieved after four focus groups. Greater than 80% consensus was achieved for reliability of the identified codes. Patient-centered themes constructed from these codes were to build rapport, to empower patients and to improve patients' experience, health and safety. Exemplars provided by pharmacists for the goals of building rapport and empowering patients were aligned with five CAT communication behaviors (approximation, interpretability, discourse management, emotional expression and interpersonal control). Patient-centered goals described by hospital pharmacists for medication counseling aligned well with CAT behaviors necessary for effective communication. Further research using the CAT framework to examine the effectiveness of hospital pharmacist-patient exchanges that include both participants' perspectives is required to better understand how well pharmacists communicate with patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low back pain status in elite and semi-elite Australian football codes: a cross-sectional survey of football (soccer), Australian rules, rugby league, rugby union and non-athletic controls.

PubMed

Hoskins, Wayne; Pollard, Henry; Daff, Chris; Odell, Andrew; Garbutt, Peter; McHardy, Andrew; Hardy, Kate; Dragasevic, George

2009-04-17

Our understanding of the effects of football code participation on low back pain (LBP) is limited. It is unclear whether LBP is more prevalent in athletic populations or differs between levels of competition. Thus it was the aim of this study to document and compare the prevalence, intensity, quality and frequency of LBP between elite and semi-elite male Australian football code participants and a non-athletic group. A cross-sectional survey of elite and semi-elite male Australian football code participants and a non-athletic group was performed. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire incorporating the Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale (QVAS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (short form) (MPQ-SF), along with additional questions adapted from an Australian epidemiological study. Respondents were 271 elite players (mean age 23.3, range 17-39), 360 semi-elite players (mean age 23.8, range 16-46) and 148 non-athletic controls (mean age 23.9, range 18-39). Groups were matched for age (p = 0.42) and experienced the same age of first onset LBP (p = 0.40). A significant linear increase in LBP from the non-athletic group, to the semi-elite and elite groups for the QVAS and the MPQ-SF was evident (p < 0.001). Elite subjects were more likely to experience more frequent (daily or weekly OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.29-2.42) and severe LBP (discomforting and greater OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.29-2.38). Foolers in Australia have significantly more severe and frequent LBP than a non-athletic group and this escalates with level of competition.

Up to code: does your company's conduct meet world-class standards?

PubMed

Paine, Lynn; Deshpandé, Rohit; Margolis, Joshua D; Bettcher, Kim Eric

2005-12-01

Codes of conduct have long been a feature of corporate life. Today, they are arguably a legal necessity--at least for public companies with a presence in the United States. But the issue goes beyond U.S. legal and regulatory requirements. Sparked by corruption and excess of various types, dozens of industry, government, investor, and multisector groups worldwide have proposed codes and guidelines to govern corporate behavior. These initiatives reflect an increasingly global debate on the nature of corporate legitimacy. Given the legal, organizational, reputational, and strategic considerations, few companies will want to be without a code. But what should it say? Apart from a handful of essentials spelled out in Sarbanes-Oxley regulations and NYSE rules, authoritative guidance is sorely lacking. In search of some reference points for managers, the authors undertook a systematic analysis of a select group of codes. In this article, they present their findings in the form of a "codex," a reference source on code content. The Global Business Standards Codex contains a set of overarching principles as well as a set of conduct standards for putting those principles into practice. The GBS Codex is not intended to be adopted as is, but is meant to be used as a benchmark by those wishing to create their own world-class code. The provisions of the codex must be customized to a company's specific business and situation; individual companies' codes will include their own distinctive elements as well. What the codex provides is a starting point grounded in ethical fundamentals and aligned with an emerging global consensus on basic standards of corporate behavior.

41 CFR Appendix C to Chapter 301 - Standard Data Elements for Federal Travel [Traveler Identification

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... education, in scientific, professional, technical, mechanical, trade, clerical, fiscal, administrative, or... Data Elements for Federal Travel [Accounting & Certification] Group name Data elements Description Accounting Classification Accounting Code Agency accounting code. Non-Federal Source Indicator Per Diem...

A novel construction method of QC-LDPC codes based on CRT for optical communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Jian-guo; Liang, Meng-qi; Wang, Yong; Lin, Jin-zhao; Pang, Yu

2016-05-01

A novel construction method of quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) codes is proposed based on Chinese remainder theory (CRT). The method can not only increase the code length without reducing the girth, but also greatly enhance the code rate, so it is easy to construct a high-rate code. The simulation results show that at the bit error rate ( BER) of 10-7, the net coding gain ( NCG) of the regular QC-LDPC(4 851, 4 546) code is respectively 2.06 dB, 1.36 dB, 0.53 dB and 0.31 dB more than those of the classic RS(255, 239) code in ITU-T G.975, the LDPC(32 640, 30 592) code in ITU-T G.975.1, the QC-LDPC(3 664, 3 436) code constructed by the improved combining construction method based on CRT and the irregular QC-LDPC(3 843, 3 603) code constructed by the construction method based on the Galois field ( GF( q)) multiplicative group. Furthermore, all these five codes have the same code rate of 0.937. Therefore, the regular QC-LDPC(4 851, 4 546) code constructed by the proposed construction method has excellent error-correction performance, and can be more suitable for optical transmission systems.

On the linear programming bound for linear Lee codes.

PubMed

Astola, Helena; Tabus, Ioan

2016-01-01

Based on an invariance-type property of the Lee-compositions of a linear Lee code, additional equality constraints can be introduced to the linear programming problem of linear Lee codes. In this paper, we formulate this property in terms of an action of the multiplicative group of the field [Formula: see text] on the set of Lee-compositions. We show some useful properties of certain sums of Lee-numbers, which are the eigenvalues of the Lee association scheme, appearing in the linear programming problem of linear Lee codes. Using the additional equality constraints, we formulate the linear programming problem of linear Lee codes in a very compact form, leading to a fast execution, which allows to efficiently compute the bounds for large parameter values of the linear codes.

Automatic Data Traffic Control on DSM Architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frumkin, Michael; Jin, Hao-Qiang; Yan, Jerry; Kwak, Dochan (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

We study data traffic on distributed shared memory machines and conclude that data placement and grouping improve performance of scientific codes. We present several methods which user can employ to improve data traffic in his code. We report on implementation of a tool which detects the code fragments causing data congestions and advises user on improvements of data routing in these fragments. The capabilities of the tool include deduction of data alignment and affinity from the source code; detection of the code constructs having abnormally high cache or TLB misses; generation of data placement constructs. We demonstrate the capabilities of the tool on experiments with NAS parallel benchmarks and with a simple computational fluid dynamics application ARC3D.

Stakeholder analysis for adopting a personal health record standard in Korea.

PubMed

Kang, Min-Jeoung; Jung, Chai Young; Kim, Soyoun; Boo, Yookyung; Lee, Yuri; Kim, Sundo

Interest in health information exchanges (HIEs) is increasing. Several countries have adopted core health data standards with appropriate strategies. This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of a continuity of care record (CCR) as the standard for an electronic version of the official transfer note and the HIE in Korean healthcare. A technical review of the CCR standard and analysis of stakeholders' views were undertaken. Transfer notes were reviewed and matched with CCR standard categories. The standard for the Korean coding system was selected. Stakeholder analysis included an online survey of members of the Korean Society of Medical Informatics, a public hearing to derive opinions of consumers, doctors, vendors, academic societies and policy makers about the policy process, and a focus group meeting with EMR vendors to determine which HIE objects were technically applicable. Data objects in the official transfer note form matched CCR standards. Korean Classification of Diseases, Korean Standard Terminology of Medicine, Electronic Data Interchange code (EDI code), Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes, and Korean drug codes (KD code) were recommended as the Korean coding standard.'Social history', 'payers', and 'encounters' were mostly marked as optional or unnecessary sections, and 'allergies', 'alerts', 'medication list', 'problems/diagnoses', 'results',and 'procedures' as mandatory. Unlike the US, 'social history' was considered optional and 'advance directives' mandatory.At the public hearing there was some objection from the Korean Medical Association to the HIE on legal grounds in termsof intellectual property and patients' personal information. Other groups showed positive or neutral responses. Focus group members divided CCR data objects into three phases based onpredicted adoption time in CCR: (i) immediate adoption; (ii) short-term adoption ('alerts', 'family history'); and (iii) long-term adoption ('results', 'advanced directives', 'functional status', 'medical equipment', 'vital signs', 'plan of care', 'social history'). There were no technical problems in generating the CCR standard document from EMRs. Matters of concern that arose from study results should be resolved with time and consultation.

Variability in interhospital trauma data coding and scoring: A challenge to the accuracy of aggregated trauma registries.

PubMed

Arabian, Sandra S; Marcus, Michael; Captain, Kevin; Pomphrey, Michelle; Breeze, Janis; Wolfe, Jennefer; Bugaev, Nikolay; Rabinovici, Reuven

2015-09-01

Analyses of data aggregated in state and national trauma registries provide the platform for clinical, research, development, and quality improvement efforts in trauma systems. However, the interhospital variability and accuracy in data abstraction and coding have not yet been directly evaluated. This multi-institutional, Web-based, anonymous study examines interhospital variability and accuracy in data coding and scoring by registrars. Eighty-two American College of Surgeons (ACS)/state-verified Level I and II trauma centers were invited to determine different data elements including diagnostic, procedure, and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) coding as well as selected National Trauma Data Bank definitions for the same fictitious case. Variability and accuracy in data entries were assessed by the maximal percent agreement among the registrars for the tested data elements, and 95% confidence intervals were computed to compare this level of agreement to the ideal value of 100%. Variability and accuracy in all elements were compared (χ testing) based on Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) membership, level of trauma center, ACS verification, and registrar's certifications. Fifty registrars (61%) completed the survey. The overall accuracy for all tested elements was 64%. Variability was noted in all examined parameters except for the place of occurrence code in all groups and the lower extremity AIS code in Level II trauma centers and in the Certified Specialist in Trauma Registry- and Certified Abbreviated Injury Scale Specialist-certified registrar groups. No differences in variability were noted when groups were compared based on TQIP membership, level of center, ACS verification, and registrar's certifications, except for prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), where TQIP respondents agreed more than non-TQIP centers (p = 0.004). There is variability and inaccuracy in interhospital data coding and scoring of injury information. This finding casts doubt on the validity of registry data used in all aspects of trauma care and injury surveillance.

Uncertainties of Optical Parameters and Their Propagations in an Analytical Ocean Color Inversion Algorithm

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-20

34’/ Office of Counsel,Code 1008.3 .( 41 «, • ADOR/Director NCST E. R. Franchi , 7000 Public Affairs (Unclassified/ Unlimited Only), Code 703o...satellite remote sensors are indispensable. To meet this requirement, systematic observations of the biogeochemical prop- erties of global oceans through...average a(550)qAA of each group) for the various a(550) groups. For O(550)QAA < 0.1 m" 1, which covers ~95% of global waters (Bryan Franz, personal com

Comparison of memory thresholds for planar qudit geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marks, Jacob; Jochym-O'Connor, Tomas; Gheorghiu, Vlad

2017-11-01

We introduce and analyze a new type of decoding algorithm called general color clustering, based on renormalization group methods, to be used in qudit color codes. The performance of this decoder is analyzed under a generalized bit-flip error model, and is used to obtain the first memory threshold estimates for qudit 6-6-6 color codes. The proposed decoder is compared with similar decoding schemes for qudit surface codes as well as the current leading qubit decoders for both sets of codes. We find that, as with surface codes, clustering performs sub-optimally for qubit color codes, giving a threshold of 5.6 % compared to the 8.0 % obtained through surface projection decoding methods. However, the threshold rate increases by up to 112% for large qudit dimensions, plateauing around 11.9 % . All the analysis is performed using QTop, a new open-source software for simulating and visualizing topological quantum error correcting codes.

Connection anonymity analysis in coded-WDM PONs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sue, Chuan-Ching

2008-04-01

A coded wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network (WDM PON) is presented for fiber to the home (FTTH) systems to protect against eavesdropping. The proposed scheme applies spectral amplitude coding (SAC) with a unipolar maximal-length sequence (M-sequence) code matrix to generate a specific signature address (coding) and to retrieve its matching address codeword (decoding) by exploiting the cyclic properties inherent in array waveguide grating (AWG) routers. In addition to ensuring the confidentiality of user data, the proposed coded-WDM scheme is also a suitable candidate for the physical layer with connection anonymity. Under the assumption that the eavesdropper applies a photo-detection strategy, it is shown that the coded WDM PON outperforms the conventional TDM PON and WDM PON schemes in terms of a higher degree of connection anonymity. Additionally, the proposed scheme allows the system operator to partition the optical network units (ONUs) into appropriate groups so as to achieve a better degree of anonymity.

Improvement of Mishchenko's T-matrix code for absorbing particles.

PubMed

Moroz, Alexander

2005-06-10

The use of Gaussian elimination with backsubstitution for matrix inversion in scattering theories is discussed. Within the framework of the T-matrix method (the state-of-the-art code by Mishchenko is freely available at http://www.giss.nasa.gov/-crmim), it is shown that the domain of applicability of Mishchenko's FORTRAN 77 (F77) code can be substantially expanded in the direction of strongly absorbing particles where the current code fails to converge. Such an extension is especially important if the code is to be used in nanoplasmonic or nanophotonic applications involving metallic particles. At the same time, convergence can also be achieved for large nonabsorbing particles, in which case the non-Numerical Algorithms Group option of Mishchenko's code diverges. Computer F77 implementation of Mishchenko's code supplemented with Gaussian elimination with backsubstitution is freely available at http://www.wave-scattering.com.

An In vitro evaluation of the reliability of QR code denture labeling technique

PubMed Central

Poovannan, Sindhu; Jain, Ashish R.; Krishnan, Cakku Jalliah Venkata; Chandran, Chitraa R.

2016-01-01

Statement of Problem: Positive identification of the dead after accidents and disasters through labeled dentures plays a key role in forensic scenario. A number of denture labeling methods are available, and studies evaluating their reliability under drastic conditions are vital. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the reliability of QR (Quick Response) Code labeled at various depths in heat-cured acrylic blocks after acid treatment, heat treatment (burns), and fracture in forensics. It was an in vitro study. Materials and Methods: This study included 160 specimens of heat-cured acrylic blocks (1.8 cm × 1.8 cm) and these were divided into 4 groups (40 samples per group). QR Codes were incorporated in the samples using clear acrylic sheet and they were assessed for reliability under various depths, acid, heat, and fracture. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, test of proportion. Results: The QR Code inclusion technique was reliable under various depths of acrylic sheet, acid (sulfuric acid 99%, hydrochloric acid 40%) and heat (up to 370°C). Results were variable with fracture of QR Code labeled acrylic blocks. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, by analyzing the results, it was clearly indicated that the QR Code technique was reliable under various depths of acrylic sheet, acid, and heat (370°C). Effectiveness varied in fracture and depended on the level of distortion. This study thus suggests that QR Code is an effective and simpler denture labeling method. PMID:28123284

Report: Examination of Costs Claimed under EPA Grant X96906001 Awarded to Walker Lake Working Group, Hawthorne, Nevada

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Report #10-2-0054, January 6, 2010. The grantee did not meet financial management requirements specified by Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 30 and Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations Part 30.

Prosody and Intonation of Western Cham

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ueki, Kaori

2011-01-01

This dissertation investigates the prosodic and intonational characteristics of Western Cham (three letter code for International Organization for Standardization's ISO 639-3 code: [iso=cja]), an Austronesian language in the Chamic sub-group. I examine acoustic variables of prominence at word and postlexical levels: syllable duration, pitch…

Shannon Entropy of the Canonical Genetic Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemzer, Louis

The probability that a non-synonymous point mutation in DNA will adversely affect the functionality of the resultant protein is greatly reduced if the substitution is conservative. In that case, the amino acid coded by the mutated codon has similar physico-chemical properties to the original. Many simplified alphabets, which group the 20 common amino acids into families, have been proposed. To evaluate these schema objectively, we introduce a novel, quantitative method based on the inherent redundancy in the canonical genetic code. By calculating the Shannon information entropy carried by 1- or 2-bit messages, groupings that best leverage the robustness of the code are identified. The relative importance of properties related to protein folding - like hydropathy and size - and function, including side-chain acidity, can also be estimated. In addition, this approach allows us to quantify the average information value of nucleotide codon positions, and explore the physiological basis for distinguishing between transition and transversion mutations. Supported by NSU PFRDG Grant #335347.

Definition of a prospective payment system to reimburse emergency departments.

PubMed

Levaggi, Rosella; Montefiori, Marcello

2013-10-11

Payers are increasingly turning to Prospective Payment Systems (PPSs) because they incentivize efficiency, but their application to emergency departments (EDs) is difficult because of the high level of uncertainty and variability in the cost of treating each patient.To the best of our knowledge, our work represents the first attempt at defining a PPS for this part of hospital activity. Data were specifically collected for this study and relate to 1011 patients who were triaged at an ED of a major Italian hospital, during 1 week in December 2010.The cost for each patient was analytically estimated by adding up several components: 1) physician and other staff costs that were imputed on the basis of the time each physician claimed to have spent treating the patient; 2) the cost for each test/treatment each patient actually underwent; 3) overhead costs, shared among patients using the time elapsed between first examination and discharge from the ED. The distribution of costs by triage code shows that, although the average cost increases across the four triage groups, the variance within each code is quite high. The maximum cost for a yellow code is €1074.7, compared with €680 for red, the most serious code. Using cluster analysis, the red code cluster is enveloped by yellow, and their costs are therefore indistinguishable, while green codes span all cost groups. This suggests that triage code alone is not a good proxy for the patient cost, and that other cost drivers need to be included. Crude triage codes cannot be used to define PPSs because they are not sufficiently correlated with costs and are characterized by large variances. However, if combined with other information, such as the number of laboratory and non-laboratory tests/examinations, it is possible to define cost groups that are sufficiently homogeneous to be reimbursed prospectively. This should discourage strategic behavior and allow the ED to break even or create profits, which can be reinvested to improve services. The study provides health policy administrators with a new and feasible tool to implement prospective payment for EDs, and improve planning and cost control.

Facial expression coding in children and adolescents with autism: Reduced adaptability but intact norm-based coding.

PubMed

Rhodes, Gillian; Burton, Nichola; Jeffery, Linda; Read, Ainsley; Taylor, Libby; Ewing, Louise

2018-05-01

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can have difficulty recognizing emotional expressions. Here, we asked whether the underlying perceptual coding of expression is disrupted. Typical individuals code expression relative to a perceptual (average) norm that is continuously updated by experience. This adaptability of face-coding mechanisms has been linked to performance on various face tasks. We used an adaptation aftereffect paradigm to characterize expression coding in children and adolescents with autism. We asked whether face expression coding is less adaptable in autism and whether there is any fundamental disruption of norm-based coding. If expression coding is norm-based, then the face aftereffects should increase with adaptor expression strength (distance from the average expression). We observed this pattern in both autistic and typically developing participants, suggesting that norm-based coding is fundamentally intact in autism. Critically, however, expression aftereffects were reduced in the autism group, indicating that expression-coding mechanisms are less readily tuned by experience. Reduced adaptability has also been reported for coding of face identity and gaze direction. Thus, there appears to be a pervasive lack of adaptability in face-coding mechanisms in autism, which could contribute to face processing and broader social difficulties in the disorder. © 2017 The British Psychological Society.

Rethinking mobile delivery: using Quick Response codes to access information at the point of need.

PubMed

Lombardo, Nancy T; Morrow, Anne; Le Ber, Jeanne

2012-01-01

This article covers the use of Quick Response (QR) codes to provide instant mobile access to information, digital collections, educational offerings, library website, subject guides, text messages, videos, and library personnel. The array of uses and the value of using QR codes to push customized information to patrons are explained. A case is developed for using QR codes for mobile delivery of customized information to patrons. Applications in use at the Libraries of the University of Utah will be reviewed to provide readers with ideas for use in their library. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Opinion survey on proposals for improving code stroke in Murcia Health District V, 2014.

PubMed

González-Navarro, M; Martínez-Sánchez, M A; Morales-Camacho, V; Valera-Albert, M; Atienza-Ayala, S V; Limiñana-Alcaraz, G

2017-05-01

Stroke is a time-dependent neurological disease. Health District V in the Murcia Health System has certain demographic and geographical characteristics that make it necessary to create specific improvement strategies to ensure proper functioning of code stroke (CS). The study objectives were to assess local professionals' opinions about code stroke activation and procedure, and to share these suggestions with the regional multidisciplinary group for code stroke. This cross-sectional and descriptive study used the Delphi technique to develop a questionnaire for doctors and nurses working at all care levels in Area V. An anonymous electronic survey was sent to 154 professionals. The analysis was performed using the SWOT method (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). Researchers collected 51 questionnaires. The main proposals were providing training, promoting communication with the neurologist, overcoming physical distances, using diagnostic imaging tests, motivating professionals, and raising awareness in the general population. Most of the interventions proposed by the participants have been listed in published literature. These improvement proposals were forwarded to the Regional Code Stroke Improvement Group. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Does incorporation of a clinical support template in the electronic medical record improve capture of wound care data in a cohort of veterans with diabetic foot ulcers?

PubMed

Lowe, Jeanne R; Raugi, Gregory J; Reiber, Gayle E; Whitney, Joanne D

2013-01-01

The purpose of this cohort study was to evaluate the effect of a 1-year intervention of an electronic medical record wound care template on the completeness of wound care documentation and medical coding compared to a similar time interval for the fiscal year preceding the intervention. From October 1, 2006, to September 30, 2007, a "good wound care" intervention was implemented at a rural Veterans Affairs facility to prevent amputations in veterans with diabetes and foot ulcers. The study protocol included a template with foot ulcer variables embedded in the electronic medical record to facilitate data collection, support clinical decision making, and improve ordering and medical coding. The intervention group showed significant differences in complete documentation of good wound care compared to the historic control group (χ = 15.99, P < .001), complete documentation of coding for diagnoses and procedures (χ = 30.23, P < .001), and complete documentation of both good wound care and coding for diagnoses and procedures (χ = 14.96, P < .001). An electronic wound care template improved documentation of evidence-based interventions and facilitated coding for wound complexity and procedures.

Decoding DNA labels by melting curve analysis using real-time PCR.

PubMed

Balog, József A; Fehér, Liliána Z; Puskás, László G

2017-12-01

Synthetic DNA has been used as an authentication code for a diverse number of applications. However, existing decoding approaches are based on either DNA sequencing or the determination of DNA length variations. Here, we present a simple alternative protocol for labeling different objects using a small number of short DNA sequences that differ in their melting points. Code amplification and decoding can be done in two steps using quantitative PCR (qPCR). To obtain a DNA barcode with high complexity, we defined 8 template groups, each having 4 different DNA templates, yielding 158 (>2.5 billion) combinations of different individual melting temperature (Tm) values and corresponding ID codes. The reproducibility and specificity of the decoding was confirmed by using the most complex template mixture, which had 32 different products in 8 groups with different Tm values. The industrial applicability of our protocol was also demonstrated by labeling a drone with an oil-based paint containing a predefined DNA code, which was then successfully decoded. The method presented here consists of a simple code system based on a small number of synthetic DNA sequences and a cost-effective, rapid decoding protocol using a few qPCR reactions, enabling a wide range of authentication applications.

Sifting, sorting and saturating data in a grounded theory study of information use by practice nurses: a worked example.

PubMed

Hoare, Karen J; Mills, Jane; Francis, Karen

2012-12-01

The terminology used to analyse data in a grounded theory study can be confusing. Different grounded theorists use a variety of terms which all have similar meanings. In the following study, we use terms adopted by Charmaz including: initial, focused and axial coding. Initial codes are used to analyse data with an emphasis on identifying gerunds, a verb acting as a noun. If initial codes are relevant to the developing theory, they are grouped with similar codes into categories. Categories become saturated when there are no new codes identified in the data. Axial codes are used to link categories together into a grounded theory process. Memo writing accompanies this data sifting and sorting. The following article explains how one initial code became a category providing a worked example of the grounded theory method of constant comparative analysis. The interplay between coding and categorization is facilitated by the constant comparative method. © 2012 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Self-Regulation of Beer Advertising: A Comparative Analysis of Perceived Violations by Adolescents and Experts.

PubMed

Vendrame, Alan; Silva, Rebeca; Xuan, Ziming; Sparks, Robert; Noel, Jonathan; Pinsky, Ilana

2015-09-01

We assessed the impact of the 2010 revisions to Brazil's self-regulatory alcohol marketing code using expert and adolescent raters. Five popular TV beer ads were selected. Ads were rated based on the 2010 Brazilian self-regulatory marketing code. The expert group (N = 31) represented health-related professions; the adolescent group (N = 110) were public high school students. At least 1 ad violated 11 of 17 guidelines included in the study. Ratings by experts and adolescents were similar. Both found violations in all sections of the self-regulatory code, but significant group differences were seen in applying the section that prohibits the promotion of excessive alcohol consumption, with experts identifying more violations than adolescents. Beer ads in the sample systematically violated the self-regulatory standards for alcohol advertising in Brazil according to both experts and youth. Public policies for more effective restrictions and prohibitions in alcohol ads should be considered. © The Author 2015. Medical Council on Alcohol and Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

14 CFR Appendix B to Part 63 - Flight Navigator Training Course Requirements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... include additional subjects in the ground training curriculum, such as international law, flight hygiene... weather reports. Forecasting. International Morse code: Ability to receive code groups of letters and... school subjects. (3) Each instructor who conducts flight training must hold a valid flight navigator...

40 CFR Table 9 to Part 455 - Group 2 Mixtures

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... fatty acids of coconut oil (coded 079). 505200 Isoparaffinic hydrocarbons. 1 Shaughnessey codes and.... 016601 2 Dry ice. 022003 Coal tar. 025001 Coal tar neutral oils. 025003 Creosote oil (Note: Derived from... BNOA. 063501 Kerosene. 063502 Mineral oil—includes paraffin oil from 063503. 063503 Petroleum...

40 CFR Table 9 to Part 455 - Group 2 Mixtures

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... the fatty acids of coconut oil (coded 079). 505200 Isoparaffinic hydrocarbons. 1 Shaughnessey codes... aromatic naphtha. 016601 2 Dry ice. 022003 Coal tar. 025001 Coal tar neutral oils. 025003 Creosote oil... acids. 055601 BNOA. 063501 Kerosene. 063502 Mineral oil—includes paraffin oil from 063503. 063503...

40 CFR Table 9 to Part 455 - Group 2 Mixtures

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... the fatty acids of coconut oil (coded 079). 505200 Isoparaffinic hydrocarbons. 1 Shaughnessey codes... aromatic naphtha. 016601 2 Dry ice. 022003 Coal tar. 025001 Coal tar neutral oils. 025003 Creosote oil... acids. 055601 BNOA. 063501 Kerosene. 063502 Mineral oil—includes paraffin oil from 063503. 063503...

40 CFR Table 9 to Part 455 - Group 2 Mixtures

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... the fatty acids of coconut oil (coded 079). 505200 Isoparaffinic hydrocarbons. 1 Shaughnessey codes... aromatic naphtha. 016601 2 Dry ice. 022003 Coal tar. 025001 Coal tar neutral oils. 025003 Creosote oil... acids. 055601 BNOA. 063501 Kerosene. 063502 Mineral oil—includes paraffin oil from 063503. 063503...

Introduction of the ASGARD Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bethge, Christian; Winebarger, Amy; Tiwari, Sanjiv; Fayock, Brian

2017-01-01

ASGARD stands for 'Automated Selection and Grouping of events in AIA Regional Data'. The code is a refinement of the event detection method in Ugarte-Urra & Warren (2014). It is intended to automatically detect and group brightenings ('events') in the AIA EUV channels, to record event parameters, and to find related events over multiple channels. Ultimately, the goal is to automatically determine heating and cooling timescales in the corona and to significantly increase statistics in this respect. The code is written in IDL and requires the SolarSoft library. It is parallelized and can run with multiple CPUs. Input files are regions of interest (ROIs) in time series of AIA images from the JSOC cutout service (http://jsoc.stanford.edu/ajax/exportdata.html). The ROIs need to be tracked, co-registered, and limited in time (typically 12 hours).

Using Virtual Patients to Teach Empathy: A Randomized Controlled Study to Enhance Medical Students' Empathic Communication.

PubMed

Foster, Adriana; Chaudhary, Neelam; Kim, Thomas; Waller, Jennifer L; Wong, Joyce; Borish, Michael; Cordar, Andrew; Lok, Benjamin; Buckley, Peter F

2016-06-01

Physician empathy is a complex phenomenon known to improve illness outcomes; however, few tools are available for deliberate practice of empathy. We used a virtual patient (VP) to teach empathic communication to first-year medical students. We then evaluated students' verbal empathy in a standardized patient (SP) interaction. Seventy medical students, randomly assigned to 3 separate study groups, interacted with (1) a control VP portraying depression, (2) a VP with a backstory simulating patient shadowing, or (3) a VP able to give immediate feedback about empathic communication (empathy-feedback VP). Subsequently, the students interviewed an SP portraying a scenario that included opportunities to express empathy. All SP interviews were recorded and transcribed. The study outcomes were (1) the students' verbal response to the empathic opportunities presented by the SP, as coded by reliable assessors using the Empathic Communication Coding System, and (2) the students' responses as coded by the SPs, using a communication checklist. There were no significant differences in student demographics between groups. The students who interacted with the empathy-feedback VP showed higher empathy in the SP interview than did the students in the backstory VP and the control VP groups [mean (SD) empathy scores coded on a 0-6 scale were 2.91 (0.16) vs. 2.20 (0.22) and 2.27 (0.21), respectively). The difference in scores was significant only for the empathy-feedback VP versus the backstory VP group (P = 0.027). The SPs rated the empathy-feedback and the backstory VP groups significantly higher than the control VP group on offering empathic statements (P < 0.0001), appearing warm and caring (P = 0.015), and forming rapport (P = 0.004). Feedback on empathy in a VP interaction increased students' empathy in encounters with SPs, as rated by trained assessors, whereas a simulation of patient shadowing did not. Both VP interventions increased students' empathy as rated by SPs, compared with the control VP group.

Assessment of genetic mutations in the XRCC2 coding region by high resolution melting curve analysis and the risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in Iran

PubMed Central

Fayaz, Shima; Fard-Esfahani, Pezhman; Fard-Esfahani, Armaghan; Mostafavi, Ehsan; Meshkani, Reza; Mirmiranpour, Hossein; Khaghani, Shahnaz

2012-01-01

Homologous recombination (HR) is the major pathway for repairing double strand breaks (DSBs) in eukaryotes and XRCC2 is an essential component of the HR repair machinery. To evaluate the potential role of mutations in gene repair by HR in individuals susceptible to differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) we used high resolution melting (HRM) analysis, a recently introduced method for detecting mutations, to examine the entire XRCC2 coding region in an Iranian population. HRM analysis was used to screen for mutations in three XRCC2 coding regions in 50 patients and 50 controls. There was no variation in the HRM curves obtained from the analysis of exons 1 and 2 in the case and control groups. In exon 3, an Arg188His polymorphism (rs3218536) was detected as a new melting curve group (OR: 1.46; 95%CI: 0.432–4.969; p = 0.38) compared with the normal melting curve. We also found a new Ser150Arg polymorphism in exon 3 of the control group. These findings suggest that genetic variations in the XRCC2 coding region have no potential effects on susceptibility to DTC. However, further studies with larger populations are required to confirm this conclusion. PMID:22481871

Evaluation of Cueing Innovation for Pressure Ulcer Prevention Using Staff Focus Groups.

PubMed

Yap, Tracey L; Kennerly, Susan; Corazzini, Kirsten; Porter, Kristie; Toles, Mark; Anderson, Ruth A

2014-07-25

The purpose of the manuscript is to describe long-term care (LTC) staff perceptions of a music cueing intervention designed to improve staff integration of pressure ulcer (PrU) prevention guidelines regarding consistent and regular movement of LTC residents a minimum of every two hours. The Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) model guided staff interviews about their perceptions of the intervention's characteristics, outcomes, and sustainability. This was a qualitative, observational study of staff perceptions of the PrU prevention intervention conducted in Midwestern U.S. LTC facilities (N = 45 staff members). One focus group was held in each of eight intervention facilities using a semi-structured interview protocol. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis, and summaries for each category were compared across groups. The a priori codes (observability, trialability, compatibility, relative advantage and complexity) described the innovation characteristics, and the sixth code, sustainability, was identified in the data. Within each code, two themes emerged as a positive or negative response regarding characteristics of the innovation. Moreover, within the sustainability code, a third theme emerged that was labeled "brainstormed ideas", focusing on strategies for improving the innovation. Cueing LTC staff using music offers a sustainable potential to improve PrU prevention practices, to increase resident movement, which can subsequently lead to a reduction in PrUs.

"Coding" and "Decoding": hypothesis for the regulatory mechanism involved in heparan sulfate biosynthesis.

PubMed

Zhang, Xu; Wang, Fengshan; Sheng, Juzheng

2016-06-16

Heparan sulfate (HS) is widely distributed in mammalian tissues in the form of HS proteoglycans, which play essential roles in various physiological and pathological processes. In contrast to the template-guided processes involved in the synthesis of DNA and proteins, HS biosynthesis is not believed to involve a template. However, it appears that the final structure of HS chains was strictly regulated. Herein, we report research based hypothesis that two major steps, namely "coding" and "decoding" steps, are involved in the biosynthesis of HS, which strictly regulate its chemical structure and biological activity. The "coding" process in this context is based on the distribution of sulfate moieties on the amino groups of the glucosamine residues in the HS chains. The sulfation of these amine groups is catalyzed by N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase, which has four isozymes. The composition and distribution of sulfate groups and iduronic acid residues on the glycan chains of HS are determined by several other modification enzymes, which can recognize these coding sequences (i.e., the "decoding" process). The degree and pattern of the sulfation and epimerization in the HS chains determines the extent of their interactions with several different protein factors, which further influences their biological activity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Verifying the Chemical Weapons Convention: The Case for a United Nations Verification Agency

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER(S) 6&. NAME OF PERFORMING ORGANIZATION j6b. OFFICE SYMBOL 7&. NAME OF MONITORING ORGANIZATION Naval Postgraduate School J(if applicaip...Naval Postgraduate School 6c. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code) 7b. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code) Monterey. CA 93943-5000 Monterey, CA 93943...Governinent. 17. COSATI CODES 18. SUBJECT TERMS (continue on reverse if necessaty and identify by black number) -FIELD GROUP SUBGROUP Chemical

HEC Applications on Columbia Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taft, Jim

2004-01-01

NASA's Columbia system consists of a cluster of twenty 512 processor SGI Altix systems. Each of these systems is 3 TFLOP/s in peak performance - approximately the same as the entire compute capability at NAS just one year ago. Each 512p system is a single system image machine with one Linunx O5, one high performance file system, and one globally shared memory. The NAS Terascale Applications Group (TAG) is chartered to assist in scaling NASA's mission critical codes to at least 512p in order to significantly improve emergency response during flight operations, as well as provide significant improvements in the codes. and rate of scientific discovery across the scientifc disciplines within NASA's Missions. Recent accomplishments are 4x improvements to codes in the ocean modeling community, 10x performance improvements in a number of computational fluid dynamics codes used in aero-vehicle design, and 5x improvements in a number of space science codes dealing in extreme physics. The TAG group will continue its scaling work to 2048p and beyond (10240 cpus) as the Columbia system becomes fully operational and the upgrades to the SGI NUMAlink memory fabric are in place. The NUMlink uprades dramatically improve system scalability for a single application. These upgrades will allow a number of codes to execute faster at higher fidelity than ever before on any other system, thus increasing the rate of scientific discovery even further

A unified model of the standard genetic code.

PubMed

José, Marco V; Zamudio, Gabriel S; Morgado, Eberto R

2017-03-01

The Rodin-Ohno (RO) and the Delarue models divide the table of the genetic code into two classes of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs I and II) with recognition from the minor or major groove sides of the tRNA acceptor stem, respectively. These models are asymmetric but they are biologically meaningful. On the other hand, the standard genetic code (SGC) can be derived from the primeval RNY code (R stands for purines, Y for pyrimidines and N any of them). In this work, the RO-model is derived by means of group actions, namely, symmetries represented by automorphisms, assuming that the SGC originated from a primeval RNY code. It turns out that the RO-model is symmetric in a six-dimensional (6D) hypercube. Conversely, using the same automorphisms, we show that the RO-model can lead to the SGC. In addition, the asymmetric Delarue model becomes symmetric by means of quotient group operations. We formulate isometric functions that convert the class aaRS I into the class aaRS II and vice versa. We show that the four polar requirement categories display a symmetrical arrangement in our 6D hypercube. Altogether these results cannot be attained, neither in two nor in three dimensions. We discuss the present unified 6D algebraic model, which is compatible with both the SGC (based upon the primeval RNY code) and the RO-model.

Living with chronic pain: Evaluating patient experiences with a medical group visit focused on mindfulness and non-pharmacological strategies.

PubMed

Lestoquoy, Anna Sophia; Laird, Lance D; Mitchell, Suzanne; Gergen-Barnett, Katherine; Negash, N Lily; McCue, Kelly; Enad, Racquel; Gardiner, Paula

2017-12-01

Little is known about the acceptance of non-pharmacological group strategies delivered to low income racially diverse patients with chronic pain and depression. This paper examines how the Integrative Medical Group Visit (IMGV) addresses many of the deficits identified with usual care. Six IMGVs cohorts were held at a safety net hospital and two federally funded community health centres. Data was gathered through focus groups. Transcripts were analysed using both a priori codes and inductive coding. The intervention included ten sessions of Integrative Medical Group Visits with a primary care provider and a meditation instructor. The curriculum uses principles of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and evidence based integrative medicine. The visit is structured similarly to other group medical visits. Data was gathered through four focus groups held after the cohorts were completed. Participants (N=20) were largely low income minority adults with chronic pain and comorbid depression. Six themes emerged from the coding including: chronic pain is isolating; group treatment contributes to better coping with pain; loss of control and autonomy because of the unpredictability of pain as well as dependence on medication and frequent medical appointments; groups improve agency and control over one's health condition; navigating the healthcare system and unsatisfactory treatment options; and changes after the IMGV due to non-pharmacological health management. The IMGV is a promising format of delivering integrative care for chronic pain and depression which addresses many of the problems identified by patients in usual care. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Timing group delay and differential code bias corrections for BeiDou positioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Fei; Zhang, Xiaohong; Wang, Jinling

2015-05-01

This article first clearly figures out the relationship between parameters of timing group delay (TGD) and differential code bias (DCB) for BDS, and demonstrates the equivalence of TGD and DCB correction models combining theory with practice. The TGD/DCB correction models have been extended to various occasions for BDS positioning, and such models have been evaluated by real triple-frequency datasets. To test the effectiveness of broadcast TGDs in the navigation message and DCBs provided by the Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX), both standard point positioning (SPP) and precise point positioning (PPP) tests are carried out for BDS signals with different schemes. Furthermore, the influence of differential code biases on BDS positioning estimates such as coordinates, receiver clock biases, tropospheric delays and carrier phase ambiguities is investigated comprehensively. Comparative analysis show that the unmodeled differential code biases degrade the performance of BDS SPP by a factor of two or more, whereas the estimates of PPP are subject to varying degrees of influences. For SPP, the accuracy of dual-frequency combinations is slightly worse than that of single-frequency, and they are much more sensitive to the differential code biases, particularly for the B2B3 combination. For PPP, the uncorrected differential code biases are mostly absorbed into the receiver clock bias and carrier phase ambiguities and thus resulting in a much longer convergence time. Even though the influence of the differential code biases could be mitigated over time and comparable positioning accuracy could be achieved after convergence, it is suggested to properly handle with the differential code biases since it is vital for PPP convergence and integer ambiguity resolution.

TERRA: a computer code for simulating the transport of environmentally released radionuclides through agriculture

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

Baes, C.F. III; Sharp, R.D.; Sjoreen, A.L.

1984-11-01

TERRA is a computer code which calculates concentrations of radionuclides and ingrowing daughters in surface and root-zone soil, produce and feed, beef, and milk from a given deposition rate at any location in the conterminous United States. The code is fully integrated with seven other computer codes which together comprise a Computerized Radiological Risk Investigation System, CRRIS. Output from either the long range (> 100 km) atmospheric dispersion code RETADD-II or the short range (<80 km) atmospheric dispersion code ANEMOS, in the form of radionuclide air concentrations and ground deposition rates by downwind location, serves as input to TERRA. User-definedmore » deposition rates and air concentrations may also be provided as input to TERRA through use of the PRIMUS computer code. The environmental concentrations of radionuclides predicted by TERRA serve as input to the ANDROS computer code which calculates population and individual intakes, exposures, doses, and risks. TERRA incorporates models to calculate uptake from soil and atmospheric deposition on four groups of produce for human consumption and four groups of livestock feeds. During the environmental transport simulation, intermediate calculations of interception fraction for leafy vegetables, produce directly exposed to atmospherically depositing material, pasture, hay, and silage are made based on location-specific estimates of standing crop biomass. Pasture productivity is estimated by a model which considers the number and types of cattle and sheep, pasture area, and annual production of other forages (hay and silage) at a given location. Calculations are made of the fraction of grain imported from outside the assessment area. TERRA output includes the above calculations and estimated radionuclide concentrations in plant produce, milk, and a beef composite by location.« less

Validation of a Three-Dimensional Ablation and Thermal Response Simulation Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Yih-Kanq; Milos, Frank S.; Gokcen, Tahir

2010-01-01

The 3dFIAT code simulates pyrolysis, ablation, and shape change of thermal protection materials and systems in three dimensions. The governing equations, which include energy conservation, a three-component decomposition model, and a surface energy balance, are solved with a moving grid system to simulate the shape change due to surface recession. This work is the first part of a code validation study for new capabilities that were added to 3dFIAT. These expanded capabilities include a multi-block moving grid system and an orthotropic thermal conductivity model. This paper focuses on conditions with minimal shape change in which the fluid/solid coupling is not necessary. Two groups of test cases of 3dFIAT analyses of Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator in an arc-jet are presented. In the first group, axisymmetric iso-q shaped models are studied to check the accuracy of three-dimensional multi-block grid system. In the second group, similar models with various through-the-thickness conductivity directions are examined. In this group, the material thermal response is three-dimensional, because of the carbon fiber orientation. Predictions from 3dFIAT are presented and compared with arcjet test data. The 3dFIAT predictions agree very well with thermocouple data for both groups of test cases.

Idiographic measurement of depressive thinking: development and preliminary validation of the Sentence Completion Test for Chronic Pain (SCP).

PubMed

Rusu, Adina C; Hallner, Dirk

2018-06-06

Depression is a common feature of chronic pain, but there is only limited research into the content and frequency of depressed cognitions in pain patients. This study describes the development of the Sentence Completion Test for Chronic Pain (SCP), an idiographic measure for assessing depressive thinking in chronic pain patients. The sentence completion task requires participants to finish incomplete sentences using their own words to a set of predefined stems that include negative, positive and neutral valenced self-referenced words. In addition, the stems include past, future and world stems, which reflect the theoretical negative triad typical to depression. Complete responses are coded by valence (negative, positive and neutral), pain and health-related content. A total of 89 participants were included in this study. Forty seven adult out-patients formed the depressed pain group and were compared to a non-clinical control sample of 42 healthy control participants. This study comprised several phases: (1) theory-driven generation of coding rules; (2) the development of a coding manual by a panel of experts (3) comparing reliability of coding by expert raters without the use of the coding manual and with the use of the coding manual; (4) preliminary analyses of the construct validity of the SCP. The internal consistency of the SCP was tested using the Kuder-Richardson coefficient (KR-20). Inter-rater agreement was assessed by intra-class correlations (ICC). The content and construct validity of the SCP was investigated by correlation coefficients between SCP negative completions, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) depression scores and the number of symptoms on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID). As predicted for content validity, the number of SCP negative statements was significantly greater in the depressed pain group and this group also produced significantly fewer positive statements, compared to the healthy control group. The number of negative pain completions and negative health completions was significantly greater in the depressed pain group. As expected, in the depressed pain group, the correlation between SCP negatives and the HADS Depression score was r=0.60 and the correlation between SCP negatives and the number of symptoms on the SCID was r=0.56. The SCP demonstrated good content validity, internal consistency and inter-rater reliability. Uses for this measure, such as complementing questionnaire measures by an idiographic assessment of depressive thinking and generating hypotheses about key problems within a cognitive-behavioural case-formulation, are suggested.

Audit of Clinical Coding of Major Head and Neck Operations

PubMed Central

Mitra, Indu; Malik, Tass; Homer, Jarrod J; Loughran, Sean

2009-01-01

INTRODUCTION Within the NHS, operations are coded using the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) classification system. These codes, together with diagnostic codes, are used to generate Healthcare Resource Group (HRG) codes, which correlate to a payment bracket. The aim of this study was to determine whether allocated procedure codes for major head and neck operations were correct and reflective of the work undertaken. HRG codes generated were assessed to determine accuracy of remuneration. PATIENTS AND METHODS The coding of consecutive major head and neck operations undertaken in a tertiary referral centre over a retrospective 3-month period were assessed. Procedure codes were initially ascribed by professional hospital coders. Operations were then recoded by the surgical trainee in liaison with the head of clinical coding. The initial and revised procedure codes were compared and used to generate HRG codes, to determine whether the payment banding had altered. RESULTS A total of 34 cases were reviewed. The number of procedure codes generated initially by the clinical coders was 99, whereas the revised codes generated 146. Of the original codes, 47 of 99 (47.4%) were incorrect. In 19 of the 34 cases reviewed (55.9%), the HRG code remained unchanged, thus resulting in the correct payment. Six cases were never coded, equating to £15,300 loss of payment. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the inadequacy of this system to reward hospitals for the work carried out within the NHS in a fair and consistent manner. The current coding system was found to be complicated, ambiguous and inaccurate, resulting in loss of remuneration. PMID:19220944

Reflections on Ethics in Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Helen R.

2009-01-01

Each profession has its own code of ethics. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2008) defines professional ethics as "the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group." The Code of Ethics of the American Library Association (ALA Council 2008) has served librarians for seventy years and reflects the ideals toward which all librarians…

Cryptology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tech Directions, 2011

2011-01-01

Cryptology, or cryptography, is the study of writing and deciphering hidden messages in codes, ciphers, and writings. It is almost as old as writing itself. Ciphers are messages in which letters are rearranged or substituted for other letters or numbers. Codes are messages in which letters are replaced by letter groups, syllables, or sentences.…

Detecting Runtime Anomalies in AJAX Applications through Trace Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-10

statements by adding the instrumentation to the GWT UI classes, leaving the user code untouched. Some content management frameworks such as Drupal [12...Google web toolkit.” http://code.google.com/webtoolkit/. [12] “Form generation – drupal api.” http://api.drupal.org/api/group/form_api/6. 9

A Coding Scheme to Analyse the Online Asynchronous Discussion Forums of University Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Biasutti, Michele

2017-01-01

The current study describes the development of a content analysis coding scheme to examine transcripts of online asynchronous discussion groups in higher education. The theoretical framework comprises the theories regarding knowledge construction in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) based on a sociocultural perspective. The coding…

Improved Convergence Rate of Multi-Group Scattering Moment Tallies for Monte Carlo Neutron Transport Codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, Adam

Multi-group scattering moment matrices are critical to the solution of the multi-group form of the neutron transport equation, as they are responsible for describing the change in direction and energy of neutrons. These matrices, however, are difficult to correctly calculate from the measured nuclear data with both deterministic and stochastic methods. Calculating these parameters when using deterministic methods requires a set of assumptions which do not hold true in all conditions. These quantities can be calculated accurately with stochastic methods, however doing so is computationally expensive due to the poor efficiency of tallying scattering moment matrices. This work presents an improved method of obtaining multi-group scattering moment matrices from a Monte Carlo neutron transport code. This improved method of tallying the scattering moment matrices is based on recognizing that all of the outgoing particle information is known a priori and can be taken advantage of to increase the tallying efficiency (therefore reducing the uncertainty) of the stochastically integrated tallies. In this scheme, the complete outgoing probability distribution is tallied, supplying every one of the scattering moment matrices elements with its share of data. In addition to reducing the uncertainty, this method allows for the use of a track-length estimation process potentially offering even further improvement to the tallying efficiency. Unfortunately, to produce the needed distributions, the probability functions themselves must undergo an integration over the outgoing energy and scattering angle dimensions. This integration is too costly to perform during the Monte Carlo simulation itself and therefore must be performed in advance by way of a pre-processing code. The new method increases the information obtained from tally events and therefore has a significantly higher efficiency than the currently used techniques. The improved method has been implemented in a code system containing a new pre-processor code, NDPP, and a Monte Carlo neutron transport code, OpenMC. This method is then tested in a pin cell problem and a larger problem designed to accentuate the importance of scattering moment matrices. These tests show that accuracy was retained while the figure-of-merit for generating scattering moment matrices and fission energy spectra was significantly improved.

Detection of Streptococcus pyogenes virulence genes in Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis from Vellore, India.

PubMed

Babbar, Anshu; Itzek, Andreas; Pieper, Dietmar H; Nitsche-Schmitz, D Patric

2018-03-12

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE), belonging to the group C and G streptococci, are human pathogens reported to cause clinical manifestations similar to infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. To scrutinize the distribution of gene coding for S. pyogenes virulence factors in SDSE, 255 isolates were collected from humans infected with SDSE in Vellore, a region in southern India, with high incidence of SDSE infections. Initial evaluation indicated SDSE isolates comprising of 82.35% group G and 17.64% group C. A multiplex PCR system was used to detect 21 gene encoding virulence-associated factors of S. pyogenes, like superantigens, DNases, proteinases, and other immune modulatory toxins. As validated by DNA sequencing of the PCR products, sequences homologous to speC, speG, speH, speI, speL, ssa and smeZ of the family of superantigen coding genes and for DNases like sdaD and sdc were detected in the SDSE collection. Furthermore, there was high abundance (48.12% in group G and 86.6% in group C SDSE) of scpA, the gene coding for C5a peptidase in these isolates. Higher abundance of S. pyogenes virulence factor genes was observed in SDSE of Lancefield group C as compared to group G, even though the incidence rates in former were lower. This study not only substantiates detection of S. pyogenes virulence factor genes in whole genome sequenced SDSE but also makes significant contribution towards the understanding of SDSE and its increasing virulence potential.

Observations of Adolescent Peer Group Interactions as a Function of Within- and Between-Group Centrality Status

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellis, Wendy E.; Dumas, Tara M.; Mahdy, Jasmine C.; Wolfe, David A.

2012-01-01

Observations of adolescent (n = 258; M age = 15.45) peer group triads (n = 86) were analyzed to identify conversation and interaction styles as a function of within-group and between-group centrality status. Group members' discussions about hypothetical dilemmas were coded for agreements, disagreements, commands, and opinions. Interactions during…

Development of ENDF/B-IV multigroup neutron cross-section libraries for the LEOPARD and LASER codes. Technical report on Phase 1

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

Jenquin, U.P.; Stewart, K.B.; Heeb, C.M.

1975-07-01

The principal aim of this neutron cross-section research is to provide the utility industry with a 'standard nuclear data base' that will perform satisfactorily when used for analysis of thermal power reactor systems. EPRI is coordinating its activities with those of the Cross Section Evaluation Working Group (CSEWG), responsible for the development of the Evaluated Nuclear Data File-B (ENDF/B) library, in order to improve the performance of the ENDF/B library in thermal reactors and other applications of interest to the utility industry. Battelle-Northwest (BNW) was commissioned to process the ENDF/B Version-4 data files into a group-constant form for use inmore » the LASER and LEOPARD neutronics codes. Performance information on the library should provide the necessary feedback for improving the next version of the library, and a consistent data base is expected to be useful in intercomparing the versions of the LASER and LEOPARD codes presently being used by different utility groups. This report describes the BNW multi-group libraries and the procedures followed in their preparation and testing. (GRA)« less

The gene coding for small ribosomal subunit RNA in the basidiomycete Ustilago maydis contains a group I intron.

PubMed Central

De Wachter, R; Neefs, J M; Goris, A; Van de Peer, Y

1992-01-01

The nucleotide sequence of the gene coding for small ribosomal subunit RNA in the basidiomycete Ustilago maydis was determined. It revealed the presence of a group I intron with a length of 411 nucleotides. This is the third occurrence of such an intron discovered in a small subunit rRNA gene encoded by a eukaryotic nuclear genome. The other two occurrences are in Pneumocystis carinii, a fungus of uncertain taxonomic status, and Ankistrodesmus stipitatus, a green alga. The nucleotides of the conserved core structure of 101 group I intron sequences present in different genes and genome types were aligned and their evolutionary relatedness was examined. This revealed a cluster including all group I introns hitherto found in eukaryotic nuclear genes coding for small and large subunit rRNAs. A secondary structure model was designed for the area of the Ustilago maydis small ribosomal subunit RNA precursor where the intron is situated. It shows that the internal guide sequence pairing with the intron boundaries fits between two helices of the small subunit rRNA, and that minimal rearrangement of base pairs suffices to achieve the definitive secondary structure of the 18S rRNA upon splicing. PMID:1561081

Stereotyped motor behaviors associated with autism in high-risk infants: a pilot videotape analysis of a sibling sample.

PubMed

Loh, Alvin; Soman, Teesta; Brian, Jessica; Bryson, Susan E; Roberts, Wendy; Szatmari, Peter; Smith, Isabel M; Zwaigenbaum, Lonnie

2007-01-01

This study examined motor behaviors in a longitudinal cohort of infant siblings of children with autism. Stereotypic movements and postures occurring during standardized observational assessments at 12 and 18 months were coded from videotapes. Participants included eight infant siblings later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a random sample of nine non-diagnosed siblings, and 15 controls. Videos were coded blind to diagnostic group. At 12 and 18 months the ASD group "arm waved" more frequently and at 18 months, one posture ("hands to ears") was more frequently observed in the ASD and non-diagnosed group compared to the controls. Overall, the siblings subsequently diagnosed with ASD and the comparison groups had considerable overlap in their repertoires of stereotyped behaviors.

Combined group ECC protection and subgroup parity protection

DOEpatents

Gara, Alan G.; Chen, Dong; Heidelberger, Philip; Ohmacht, Martin

2013-06-18

A method and system are disclosed for providing combined error code protection and subgroup parity protection for a given group of n bits. The method comprises the steps of identifying a number, m, of redundant bits for said error protection; and constructing a matrix P, wherein multiplying said given group of n bits with P produces m redundant error correction code (ECC) protection bits, and two columns of P provide parity protection for subgroups of said given group of n bits. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the matrix P is constructed by generating permutations of m bit wide vectors with three or more, but an odd number of, elements with value one and the other elements with value zero; and assigning said vectors to rows of the matrix P.

Financial and clinical governance implications of clinical coding accuracy in neurosurgery: a multidisciplinary audit.

PubMed

Haliasos, N; Rezajooi, K; O'neill, K S; Van Dellen, J; Hudovsky, Anita; Nouraei, Sar

2010-04-01

Clinical coding is the translation of documented clinical activities during an admission to a codified language. Healthcare Resource Groupings (HRGs) are derived from coding data and are used to calculate payment to hospitals in England, Wales and Scotland and to conduct national audit and benchmarking exercises. Coding is an error-prone process and an understanding of its accuracy within neurosurgery is critical for financial, organizational and clinical governance purposes. We undertook a multidisciplinary audit of neurosurgical clinical coding accuracy. Neurosurgeons trained in coding assessed the accuracy of 386 patient episodes. Where clinicians felt a coding error was present, the case was discussed with an experienced clinical coder. Concordance between the initial coder-only clinical coding and the final clinician-coder multidisciplinary coding was assessed. At least one coding error occurred in 71/386 patients (18.4%). There were 36 diagnosis and 93 procedure errors and in 40 cases, the initial HRG changed (10.4%). Financially, this translated to pound111 revenue-loss per patient episode and projected to pound171,452 of annual loss to the department. 85% of all coding errors were due to accumulation of coding changes that occurred only once in the whole data set. Neurosurgical clinical coding is error-prone. This is financially disadvantageous and with the coding data being the source of comparisons within and between departments, coding inaccuracies paint a distorted picture of departmental activity and subspecialism in audit and benchmarking. Clinical engagement improves accuracy and is encouraged within a clinical governance framework.

Selected DOE headquarters publications

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

None

1979-07-01

Selected DOE Headquarters Publications provides cumulative listings, from October 1, 1977 onward, of two groups of publications issued by headquarters organizations of the Department of Energy, and an index to their title keywords. The two groups consist of publications assigned a DOE/XXX-type report number code and headquarters contractor publications, prepared by contractors (and published by DOE) to describe research and development work they have performed for the Department. Publications such as pamphlets, fact sheets, bulletins, newsletters, and telephone directories, are omitted, as are publications issued under the DOE-tr, CONF, DOE/JPL, and DOE/NASA codes. (RWR)

The grouping benefit in extinction: overcoming the temporal order bias.

PubMed

Rappaport, Sarah J; Riddoch, M Jane; Humphreys, Glyn W

2011-01-01

Grouping between contra- and ipsilesional stimuli can alleviate the lateralised bias in spatial extinction (Gilchrist, Humphreys, & Riddoch, 1996; Ward, Goodrich, & Driver, 1994). In the current study we demonstrate for the first time that perceptual grouping can also modulate the spatio/temporal biases in temporal order judgements affecting the temporal as well as the spatial coding of stimuli. Perceived temporal order was assessed by presenting two coloured letter stimuli in either hemi-field temporally segregated by a range of onset-intervals. Items were either identical (grouping condition) or differed in both shape and colour (non-grouping condition). Observers were required to indicate which item appeared second. Patients with visual extinction had a bias against the contralesional item appearing first, but this was modulated by perceptual grouping. When both items were identical in shape and colour the temporal bias against reporting the contralesional item was reduced. The results suggest that grouping can alter the coding of temporal relations between stimuli. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Facile and High-Throughput Synthesis of Functional Microparticles with Quick Response Codes.

PubMed

Ramirez, Lisa Marie S; He, Muhan; Mailloux, Shay; George, Justin; Wang, Jun

2016-06-01

Encoded microparticles are high demand in multiplexed assays and labeling. However, the current methods for the synthesis and coding of microparticles either lack robustness and reliability, or possess limited coding capacity. Here, a massive coding of dissociated elements (MiCODE) technology based on innovation of a chemically reactive off-stoichimetry thiol-allyl photocurable polymer and standard lithography to produce a large number of quick response (QR) code microparticles is introduced. The coding process is performed by photobleaching the QR code patterns on microparticles when fluorophores are incorporated into the prepolymer formulation. The fabricated encoded microparticles can be released from a substrate without changing their features. Excess thiol functionality on the microparticle surface allows for grafting of amine groups and further DNA probes. A multiplexed assay is demonstrated using the DNA-grafted QR code microparticles. The MiCODE technology is further characterized by showing the incorporation of BODIPY-maleimide (BDP-M) and Nile Red fluorophores for coding and the use of microcontact printing for immobilizing DNA probes on microparticle surfaces. This versatile technology leverages mature lithography facilities for fabrication and thus is amenable to scale-up in the future, with potential applications in bioassays and in labeling consumer products. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Interframe vector wavelet coding technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wus, John P.; Li, Weiping

1997-01-01

Wavelet coding is often used to divide an image into multi- resolution wavelet coefficients which are quantized and coded. By 'vectorizing' scalar wavelet coding and combining this with vector quantization (VQ), vector wavelet coding (VWC) can be implemented. Using a finite number of states, finite-state vector quantization (FSVQ) takes advantage of the similarity between frames by incorporating memory into the video coding system. Lattice VQ eliminates the potential mismatch that could occur using pre-trained VQ codebooks. It also eliminates the need for codebook storage in the VQ process, thereby creating a more robust coding system. Therefore, by using the VWC coding method in conjunction with the FSVQ system and lattice VQ, the formulation of a high quality very low bit rate coding systems is proposed. A coding system using a simple FSVQ system where the current state is determined by the previous channel symbol only is developed. To achieve a higher degree of compression, a tree-like FSVQ system is implemented. The groupings are done in this tree-like structure from the lower subbands to the higher subbands in order to exploit the nature of subband analysis in terms of the parent-child relationship. Class A and Class B video sequences from the MPEG-IV testing evaluations are used in the evaluation of this coding method.

FY2012 summary of tasks completed on PROTEUS-thermal work.

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

Lee, C.H.; Smith, M.A.

2012-06-06

PROTEUS is a suite of the neutronics codes, both old and new, that can be used within the SHARP codes being developed under the NEAMS program. Discussion here is focused on updates and verification and validation activities of the SHARP neutronics code, DeCART, for application to thermal reactor analysis. As part of the development of SHARP tools, the different versions of the DeCART code created for PWR, BWR, and VHTR analysis were integrated. Verification and validation tests for the integrated version were started, and the generation of cross section libraries based on the subgroup method was revisited for the targetedmore » reactor types. The DeCART code has been reorganized in preparation for an efficient integration of the different versions for PWR, BWR, and VHTR analysis. In DeCART, the old-fashioned common blocks and header files have been replaced by advanced memory structures. However, the changing of variable names was minimized in order to limit problems with the code integration. Since the remaining stability problems of DeCART were mostly caused by the CMFD methodology and modules, significant work was performed to determine whether they could be replaced by more stable methods and routines. The cross section library is a key element to obtain accurate solutions. Thus, the procedure for generating cross section libraries was revisited to provide libraries tailored for the targeted reactor types. To improve accuracy in the cross section library, an attempt was made to replace the CENTRM code by the MCNP Monte Carlo code as a tool obtaining reference resonance integrals. The use of the Monte Carlo code allows us to minimize problems or approximations that CENTRM introduces since the accuracy of the subgroup data is limited by that of the reference solutions. The use of MCNP requires an additional set of libraries without resonance cross sections so that reference calculations can be performed for a unit cell in which only one isotope of interest includes resonance cross sections, among the isotopes in the composition. The OECD MHTGR-350 benchmark core was simulated using DeCART as initial focus of the verification/validation efforts. Among the benchmark problems, Exercise 1 of Phase 1 is a steady-state benchmark case for the neutronics calculation for which block-wise cross sections were provided in 26 energy groups. This type of problem was designed for a homogenized geometry solver like DIF3D rather than the high-fidelity code DeCART. Instead of the homogenized block cross sections given in the benchmark, the VHTR-specific 238-group ENDF/B-VII.0 library of DeCART was directly used for preliminary calculations. Initial results showed that the multiplication factors of a fuel pin and a fuel block with or without a control rod hole were off by 6, -362, and -183 pcm Dk from comparable MCNP solutions, respectively. The 2-D and 3-D one-third core calculations were also conducted for the all-rods-out (ARO) and all-rods-in (ARI) configurations, producing reasonable results. Figure 1 illustrates the intermediate (1.5 eV - 17 keV) and thermal (below 1.5 eV) group flux distributions. As seen from VHTR cores with annular fuels, the intermediate group fluxes are relatively high in the fuel region, but the thermal group fluxes are higher in the inner and outer graphite reflector regions than in the fuel region. To support the current project, a new three-year I-NERI collaboration involving ANL and KAERI was started in November 2011, focused on performing in-depth verification and validation of high-fidelity multi-physics simulation codes for LWR and VHTR. The work scope includes generating improved cross section libraries for the targeted reactor types, developing benchmark models for verification and validation of the neutronics code with or without thermo-fluid feedback, and performing detailed comparisons of predicted reactor parameters against both Monte Carlo solutions and experimental measurements. The following list summarizes the work conducted so far for PROTEUS-Thermal Tasks: Unification of different versions of DeCART was initiated, and at the same time code modernization was conducted to make code unification efficient; (2) Regeneration of cross section libraries was attempted for the targeted reactor types, and the procedure for generating cross section libraries was updated by replacing CENTRM with MCNP for reference resonance integrals; (3) The MHTGR-350 benchmark core was simulated using DeCART with VHTR-specific 238-group ENDF/B-VII.0 library, and MCNP calculations were performed for comparison; and (4) Benchmark problems for PWR and BWR analysis were prepared for the DeCART verification/validation effort. In the coming months, the work listed above will be completed. Cross section libraries will be generated with optimized group structures for specific reactor types.« less

Coevolution Theory of the Genetic Code at Age Forty: Pathway to Translation and Synthetic Life

PubMed Central

Wong, J. Tze-Fei; Ng, Siu-Kin; Mat, Wai-Kin; Hu, Taobo; Xue, Hong

2016-01-01

The origins of the components of genetic coding are examined in the present study. Genetic information arose from replicator induction by metabolite in accordance with the metabolic expansion law. Messenger RNA and transfer RNA stemmed from a template for binding the aminoacyl-RNA synthetase ribozymes employed to synthesize peptide prosthetic groups on RNAs in the Peptidated RNA World. Coevolution of the genetic code with amino acid biosynthesis generated tRNA paralogs that identify a last universal common ancestor (LUCA) of extant life close to Methanopyrus, which in turn points to archaeal tRNA introns as the most primitive introns and the anticodon usage of Methanopyrus as an ancient mode of wobble. The prediction of the coevolution theory of the genetic code that the code should be a mutable code has led to the isolation of optional and mandatory synthetic life forms with altered protein alphabets. PMID:26999216

Evaluation of a visual layering methodology for colour coding control room displays.

PubMed

Van Laar, Darren; Deshe, Ofer

2002-07-01

Eighteen people participated in an experiment in which they were asked to search for targets on control room like displays which had been produced using three different coding methods. The monochrome coding method displayed the information in black and white only, the maximally discriminable method contained colours chosen for their high perceptual discriminability, the visual layers method contained colours developed from psychological and cartographic principles which grouped information into a perceptual hierarchy. The visual layers method produced significantly faster search times than the other two coding methods which did not differ significantly from each other. Search time also differed significantly for presentation order and for the method x order interaction. There was no significant difference between the methods in the number of errors made. Participants clearly preferred the visual layers coding method. Proposals are made for the design of experiments to further test and develop the visual layers colour coding methodology.

Autonomy, responsibility and the Italian Code of Deontology for Nurses.

PubMed

Barazzetti, Gaia; Radaelli, Stefania; Sala, Roberta

2007-01-01

This article is a first assessment of the Italian Code of deontology for nurses (revised in 1999) on the basis of data collected from focus groups with nurses taking part in the Ethical Codes in Nursing (ECN) project. We illustrate the professional context in which the Code was introduced and explain why the 1999 revision was necessary in the light of changes affecting the Italian nursing profession. The most remarkable findings concern professional autonomy and responsibility, and how the Code is thought of as a set of guidelines for nursing practice. We discuss these issues, underlining that the 1999 Code represents a valuable instrument for ethical reflection and examination, a stimulus for putting the moral sense of the nursing profession into action, and that it represents a new era for professional nursing practice in Italy. The results of the analysis also deserve further qualitative study and future consideration.

Development of a New 47-Group Library for the CASL Neutronics Simulators

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

Kim, Kang Seog; Williams, Mark L; Wiarda, Dorothea

The CASL core simulator MPACT is under development for the neutronics and thermal-hydraulics coupled simulation for the pressurized light water reactors. The key characteristics of the MPACT code include a subgroup method for resonance self-shielding, and a whole core solver with a 1D/2D synthesis method. The ORNL AMPX/SCALE code packages have been significantly improved to support various intermediate resonance self-shielding approximations such as the subgroup and embedded self-shielding methods. New 47-group AMPX and MPACT libraries based on ENDF/B-VII.0 have been generated for the CASL core simulator MPACT of which group structure comes from the HELIOS library. The new 47-group MPACTmore » library includes all nuclear data required for static and transient core simulations. This study discusses a detailed procedure to generate the 47-group AMPX and MPACT libraries and benchmark results for the VERA progression problems.« less

A high burnup model developed for the DIONISIO code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soba, A.; Denis, A.; Romero, L.; Villarino, E.; Sardella, F.

2013-02-01

A group of subroutines, designed to extend the application range of the fuel performance code DIONISIO to high burn up, has recently been included in the code. The new calculation tools, which are tuned for UO2 fuels in LWR conditions, predict the radial distribution of power density, burnup, and concentration of diverse nuclides within the pellet. The balance equations of all the isotopes involved in the fission process are solved in a simplified manner, and the one-group effective cross sections of all of them are obtained as functions of the radial position in the pellet, burnup, and enrichment in 235U. In this work, the subroutines are described and the results of the simulations performed with DIONISIO are presented. The good agreement with the data provided in the FUMEX II/III NEA data bank can be easily recognized.

Variation in Drug Prices at Pharmacies: Are Prices Higher in Poorer Areas?

PubMed Central

Gellad, Walid F; Choudhry, Niteesh K; Friedberg, Mark W; Brookhart, M Alan; Haas, Jennifer S; Shrank, William H

2009-01-01

Objective To determine whether retail prices for prescription drugs are higher in poorer areas. Data Sources The MyFloridarx.com website, which provides retail prescription prices at Florida pharmacies, and median ZIP code income from the 2000 Census. Study Design We compared mean pharmacy prices for each of the four study drugs across ZIP code income groups. Pharmacies were classified as either chain pharmacies or independent pharmacies. Data Collection Prices were downloaded in November 2006. Principal Findings Across the four study drugs, mean prices were highest in the poorest ZIP codes: 9 percent above the statewide average. Independent pharmacies in the poorest ZIP codes charged the highest mean prices. Conclusions Retail prescription prices appear to be higher in poorer ZIP codes of Florida. PMID:19178584

Becoming Inclusive: A Code of Conduct for Inclusion and Diversity.

PubMed

Schmidt, Bonnie J; MacWilliams, Brent R; Neal-Boylan, Leslie

There are increasing concerns about exclusionary behaviors and lack of diversity in the nursing profession. Exclusionary behaviors, which may include incivility, bullying, and workplace violence, discriminate and isolate individuals and groups who are different, whereas inclusive behaviors encourage diversity. To address inclusion and diversity in nursing, this article offers a code of conduct. This code of conduct builds on existing nursing codes of ethics and applies to nursing students and nurses in both educational and practice settings. Inclusive behaviors that are demonstrated in nurses' relationships with patients, colleagues, the profession, and society are described. This code of conduct provides a basis for measureable change, empowerment, and unification of the profession. Recommendations, implications, and a pledge to action are discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

FOURTH SEMINAR TO THE MEMORY OF D.N. KLYSHKO: Algebraic solution of the synthesis problem for coded sequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leukhin, Anatolii N.

2005-08-01

The algebraic solution of a 'complex' problem of synthesis of phase-coded (PC) sequences with the zero level of side lobes of the cyclic autocorrelation function (ACF) is proposed. It is shown that the solution of the synthesis problem is connected with the existence of difference sets for a given code dimension. The problem of estimating the number of possible code combinations for a given code dimension is solved. It is pointed out that the problem of synthesis of PC sequences is related to the fundamental problems of discrete mathematics and, first of all, to a number of combinatorial problems, which can be solved, as the number factorisation problem, by algebraic methods by using the theory of Galois fields and groups.

Baby milk companies accused of breaching marketing code.

PubMed

Wise, J

1997-01-18

A consortium of 27 religious and health organizations has released a report entitled "Cracking the Code," which criticizes the bottle-feeding marketing techniques used by Nestle, Gerber, Mead Johnson, Wyeth, and Nutricia. Research for the report was carried out in Thailand, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Poland using a random sample of 800 mothers and 120 health workers in each country. In all 4 sites, women had received information that violated the World Health Organization's 1981 international code of marketing breast milk substitutes. Violations included promoting artificial feeding without recognizing breast feeding as the best source of infant nutrition. The investigation also found that women and health workers in all 4 sites received free samples of artificial milk. The report includes detailed examples of manufacturer representatives making unrequested visits to give product information to mothers, providing incentives to health workers to promote products, and promoting products outside of health care facilities. While the International Association of Infant Food Manufacturers condemned the study as biased, the Nestle company promised to review the allegations contained in the report and to deal with any breaches in the code. The Interagency Group on Breastfeeding Monitoring, which prepared the report, was created in 1994 to provide data to groups supporting a boycott of Nestle for code violations.

The revised burn diagram and its effect on diagnosis-related group coding.

PubMed

Turner, D G; Berger, N; Weiland, A P; Jordan, M H

1996-01-01

Diagnosis-related group (DRG) codes for burn injuries are defined by thresholds of the percentage of total body surface area and depth of burns, and by whether surgery, debridement, or grafting or both occurred. This prospective study was designed to determine whether periodic revisions of the burn diagram resulted in more accurate assignment of the International Classification of Diseases and DRG codes. The admission burn diagrams were revised after admission and after each surgical procedure. All areas grafted (deep second-and third-degree burns) were diagrammed as "third-degree," after the current convention that both are biologically the same and require grafting. The multiple diagrams from 82 charts were analyzed to determine the disparities in the percentage of total body surface area burn and the percentage of body surface area third-degree burn. The revised diagrams differed from the admission diagrams in 96.5% of the cases. In 77% of the cases, the revised diagram correctly depicted the percentage of body surface area third-degree burn as confirmed intraoperatively. In 7.3% of the cases, diagram revision changed the DRG code. Documenting wound evolution in this manner allows more accurate assignment of the International Classification of Diseases and DRG codes, assuring optimal reimbursement under the prospective payment system.

Laser identification system based on acousto-optical barcode scanner principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khansuvarov, Ruslan A.; Korol, Georgy I.; Preslenev, Leonid N.; Bestugin, Aleksandr R.; Paraskun, Arthur S.

2016-09-01

The main purpose of the bar code in the modern world is the unique identification of the product, service, or any of their features, so personal and stationary barcode scanners so widely used. One of the important parameters of bar code scanners is their reliability, accuracy of the barcode recognition, response time and performance. Nowadays, the most popular personal barcode scanners contain a mechanical part, which extremely impairs the reliability indices. Group of SUAI engineers has proposed bar code scanner based on laser beam acoustic deflection effect in crystals [RU patent No 156009 issued 4/16/2015] Through the use of an acousto-optic deflector element in barcode scanner described by a group of engineers SUAI, it can be implemented in the manual form factor, and the stationary form factor of a barcode scanner. Being a wave electronic device, an acousto-optic element in the composition of the acousto-optic barcode scanner allows you to clearly establish a mathematical link between the encoded function of the bar code with the accepted input photodetector intensities function that allows you to speak about the great probability of a bar code clear definition. This paper provides a description of the issued patent, the description of the principles of operation based on the mathematical analysis, a description of the layout of the implemented scanner.

Standard terminology and labeling of ocular tissue for transplantation.

PubMed

Armitage, W John; Ashford, Paul; Crow, Barbara; Dahl, Patricia; DeMatteo, Jennifer; Distler, Pat; Gopinathan, Usha; Madden, Peter W; Mannis, Mark J; Moffatt, S Louise; Ponzin, Diego; Tan, Donald

2013-06-01

To develop an internationally agreed terminology for describing ocular tissue grafts to improve the accuracy and reliability of information transfer, to enhance tissue traceability, and to facilitate the gathering of comparative global activity data, including denominator data for use in biovigilance analyses. ICCBBA, the international standards organization for terminology, coding, and labeling of blood, cells, and tissues, approached the major Eye Bank Associations to form an expert advisory group. The group met by regular conference calls to develop a standard terminology, which was released for public consultation and amended accordingly. The terminology uses broad definitions (Classes) with modifying characteristics (Attributes) to define each ocular tissue product. The terminology may be used within the ISBT 128 system to label tissue products with standardized bar codes enabling the electronic capture of critical data in the collection, processing, and distribution of tissues. Guidance on coding and labeling has also been developed. The development of a standard terminology for ocular tissue marks an important step for improving traceability and reducing the risk of mistakes due to transcription errors. ISBT 128 computer codes have been assigned and may now be used to label ocular tissues. Eye banks are encouraged to adopt this standard terminology and move toward full implementation of ISBT 128 nomenclature, coding, and labeling.

For Whom Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words? Extensions of a Dual-Coding Theory of Multimedia Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayer, Richard E.; Sims, Valerie K.

1994-01-01

In 2 experiments, 162 high- and low-spatial ability students viewed a computer-generated animation and heard a concurrent or successive explanation. The concurrent group generated more creative solutions to transfer problems and demonstrated a contiguity effect consistent with dual-coding theory. (SLD)

A Coding System for Analysing a Spoken Text Database.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cutting, Joan

1994-01-01

This paper describes a coding system devised to analyze conversations of graduate students in applied linguistics at Edinburgh University. The system was devised to test the hypothesis that as shared knowledge among conversation participants grows, the textual density of in-group members has more cues than that of strangers. The informal…

26 CFR 1.6071-1 - Time for filing returns and other documents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... information returns with respect to payment of wages in the form of group-term life insurance, see paragraph... the Internal Revenue Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign... the Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations and tax-free...

26 CFR 1.6071-1 - Time for filing returns and other documents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... information returns with respect to payment of wages in the form of group-term life insurance, see paragraph... the Internal Revenue Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign... the Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations and tax-free...

26 CFR 1.6071-1 - Time for filing returns and other documents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... information returns with respect to payment of wages in the form of group-term life insurance, see paragraph... the Internal Revenue Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign... the Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations and tax-free...

26 CFR 1.6071-1 - Time for filing returns and other documents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... information returns with respect to payment of wages in the form of group-term life insurance, see paragraph... the Internal Revenue Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign... the Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations and tax-free...

26 CFR 1.6071-1 - Time for filing returns and other documents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... information returns with respect to payment of wages in the form of group-term life insurance, see paragraph... the Internal Revenue Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign... the Code (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident aliens and foreign corporations and tax-free...

Moral Decision Making and Nontoleration of Honor Code Offenses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roffey, Arthur E.; Porter, David B.

1992-01-01

Explored differences in moral development and attitudes toward nontoleration clause of Honor Code of U.S. Air Force Academy between cadets who were convicted honor violators (n=24) and control group of nonviolators (n=162). Found that, as cadet moral development increased from year to year, acceptance and internalization of principle of…

40 CFR Table 10 to Part 455 - List of Appropriate Pollution Control Technologies

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Pollution Control Technologies 1 PAI name 2 PAI code 3 Shaughnessy code 4 Structural group 5 Treatment... 42002 EDB Activated Carbon. Vancide TH 004 82901 s-Triazine Activated Carbon. 1,3-Dichloropropene 005... Activated Carbon. Dichlorvos 012 84001 Phosphate Hydrolysis. Landrin-2 013 Carbamate Activated Carbon. 2,3,6...

40 CFR Table 10 to Part 455 - List of Appropriate Pollution Control Technologies

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Pollution Control Technologies 1 PAI name 2 PAI code 3 Shaughnessy code 4 Structural group 5 Treatment... 42002 EDB Activated Carbon. Vancide TH 004 82901 s-Triazine Activated Carbon. 1,3-Dichloropropene 005... Activated Carbon. Dichlorvos 012 84001 Phosphate Hydrolysis. Landrin-2 013 Carbamate Activated Carbon. 2,3,6...

40 CFR Table 10 to Part 455 - List of Appropriate Pollution Control Technologies

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Pollution Control Technologies 1 PAI name 2 PAI code 3 Shaughnessy code 4 Structural group 5 Treatment... 42002 EDB Activated Carbon. Vancide TH 004 82901 s-Triazine Activated Carbon. 1,3-Dichloropropene 005... Activated Carbon. Dichlorvos 012 84001 Phosphate Hydrolysis. Landrin-2 013 Carbamate Activated Carbon. 2,3,6...

Recoding Numerics to Geometrics for Complex Discrimination Tasks; A Feasibility Study of Coding Strategy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simpkins, John D.

Processing complex multivariate information effectively when relational properties of information sub-groups are ambiguous is difficult for man and man-machine systems. However, the information processing task is made easier through code study, cybernetic planning, and accurate display mechanisms. An exploratory laboratory study designed for the…

Orientation to Language Code and Actions in Group Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aline, David; Hosoda, Yuri

2009-01-01

This conversation analytic study reveals how learners themselves, as speakers and listeners, demonstrate their own orientation to language code and actions on a moment by moment basis during collaborative tasks in English as a foreign language classrooms. The excerpts presented in this article were drawn from 23 hours of audio- and video-recorded…

75 FR 78246 - Medicare Program; Re-Chartering of the Advisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-15

... Administrator among the fields of hospital payment systems; hospital medical care delivery systems; provider billing and accounting systems; APC groups; Current Procedural Terminology codes; HCPCS codes; the use of, and payment for, drugs, medical devices, and other services in the outpatient setting; and other forms...

Seeing the mean: ensemble coding for sets of faces.

PubMed

Haberman, Jason; Whitney, David

2009-06-01

We frequently encounter groups of similar objects in our visual environment: a bed of flowers, a basket of oranges, a crowd of people. How does the visual system process such redundancy? Research shows that rather than code every element in a texture, the visual system favors a summary statistical representation of all the elements. The authors demonstrate that although it may facilitate texture perception, ensemble coding also occurs for faces-a level of processing well beyond that of textures. Observers viewed sets of faces varying in emotionality (e.g., happy to sad) and assessed the mean emotion of each set. Although observers retained little information about the individual set members, they had a remarkably precise representation of the mean emotion. Observers continued to discriminate the mean emotion accurately even when they viewed sets of 16 faces for 500 ms or less. Modeling revealed that perceiving the average facial expression in groups of faces was not due to noisy representation or noisy discrimination. These findings support the hypothesis that ensemble coding occurs extremely fast at multiple levels of visual analysis. (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved.

Comparison of a 3-D multi-group SN particle transport code with Monte Carlo for intracavitary brachytherapy of the cervix uteri.

PubMed

Gifford, Kent A; Wareing, Todd A; Failla, Gregory; Horton, John L; Eifel, Patricia J; Mourtada, Firas

2009-12-03

A patient dose distribution was calculated by a 3D multi-group S N particle transport code for intracavitary brachytherapy of the cervix uteri and compared to previously published Monte Carlo results. A Cs-137 LDR intracavitary brachytherapy CT data set was chosen from our clinical database. MCNPX version 2.5.c, was used to calculate the dose distribution. A 3D multi-group S N particle transport code, Attila version 6.1.1 was used to simulate the same patient. Each patient applicator was built in SolidWorks, a mechanical design package, and then assembled with a coordinate transformation and rotation for the patient. The SolidWorks exported applicator geometry was imported into Attila for calculation. Dose matrices were overlaid on the patient CT data set. Dose volume histograms and point doses were compared. The MCNPX calculation required 14.8 hours, whereas the Attila calculation required 22.2 minutes on a 1.8 GHz AMD Opteron CPU. Agreement between Attila and MCNPX dose calculations at the ICRU 38 points was within +/- 3%. Calculated doses to the 2 cc and 5 cc volumes of highest dose differed by not more than +/- 1.1% between the two codes. Dose and DVH overlays agreed well qualitatively. Attila can calculate dose accurately and efficiently for this Cs-137 CT-based patient geometry. Our data showed that a three-group cross-section set is adequate for Cs-137 computations. Future work is aimed at implementing an optimized version of Attila for radiotherapy calculations.

Comparison of a 3D multi‐group SN particle transport code with Monte Carlo for intercavitary brachytherapy of the cervix uteri

PubMed Central

Wareing, Todd A.; Failla, Gregory; Horton, John L.; Eifel, Patricia J.; Mourtada, Firas

2009-01-01

A patient dose distribution was calculated by a 3D multi‐group SN particle transport code for intracavitary brachytherapy of the cervix uteri and compared to previously published Monte Carlo results. A Cs‐137 LDR intracavitary brachytherapy CT data set was chosen from our clinical database. MCNPX version 2.5.c, was used to calculate the dose distribution. A 3D multi‐group SN particle transport code, Attila version 6.1.1 was used to simulate the same patient. Each patient applicator was built in SolidWorks, a mechanical design package, and then assembled with a coordinate transformation and rotation for the patient. The SolidWorks exported applicator geometry was imported into Attila for calculation. Dose matrices were overlaid on the patient CT data set. Dose volume histograms and point doses were compared. The MCNPX calculation required 14.8 hours, whereas the Attila calculation required 22.2 minutes on a 1.8 GHz AMD Opteron CPU. Agreement between Attila and MCNPX dose calculations at the ICRU 38 points was within ±3%. Calculated doses to the 2 cc and 5 cc volumes of highest dose differed by not more than ±1.1% between the two codes. Dose and DVH overlays agreed well qualitatively. Attila can calculate dose accurately and efficiently for this Cs‐137 CT‐based patient geometry. Our data showed that a three‐group cross‐section set is adequate for Cs‐137 computations. Future work is aimed at implementing an optimized version of Attila for radiotherapy calculations. PACS number: 87.53.Jw

H-division quarterly report, October--December 1977. [Lawrence Livermore Laboratory

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

Not Available

1978-02-10

The Theoretical EOS Group develops theoretical techniques for describing material properties under extreme conditions and constructs equation-of-state (EOS) tables for specific applications. Work this quarter concentrated on a Li equation of state, equation of state for equilibrium plasma, improved ion corrections to the Thomas--Fermi--Kirzhnitz theory, and theoretical estimates of high-pressure melting in metals. The Experimental Physics Group investigates properties of materials at extreme conditions of pressure and temperature, and develops new experimental techniques. Effort this quarter concerned the following: parabolic projectile distortion in the two-state light-gas gun, construction of a ballistic range for long-rod penetrators, thermodynamics and sound velocities inmore » liquid metals, isobaric expansion measurements in Pt, and calculation of the velocity--mass profile of a jet produced by a shaped charge. Code development was concentrated on the PELE code, a multimaterial, multiphase, explicit finite-difference Eulerian code for pool suppression dynamics of a hypothetical loss-of-coolant accident in a nuclear reactor. Activities of the Fluid Dynamics Group were directed toward development of a code to compute the equations of state and transport properties of liquid metals (e.g. Li) and partially ionized dense plasmas, jet stability in the Li reactor system, and the study and problem application of fluid dynamic turbulence theory. 19 figures, 5 tables. (RWR)« less

[Critical analysis of French DRG based information system (PMSI) databases for the epidemiology of cancer: a longitudinal approach becomes possible].

PubMed

Olive, F; Gomez, F; Schott, A-M; Remontet, L; Bossard, N; Mitton, N; Polazzi, S; Colonna, M; Trombert-Paviot, B

2011-02-01

Use of French Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) program databases, apart from financial purposes, has recently been improved since a unique anonymous patient identification number has been created for each inpatient in administrative case mix database. Based on the work of the group for cancer epidemiological observation in the Rhône-Alpes area, (ONC-EPI group), we review the remaining difficulties in the use of DRG data for epidemiological purposes and we consider a longitudinal approach based on analysis of database over several years. We also discuss limitations of this approach. The main problems are related to a lack of quality of administrative data, especially coding of diagnoses. These errors come from missing or inappropriate codes, or not being in accordance with prioritization rules (causing an over- or under-reporting or inconsistencies in coding over time). One difficulty, partly due to the hierarchy of coding and the type of cancer, is the choice of an extraction algorithm. In two studies designed to estimate the incidence of cancer cared in hospitals (breast, colon-rectum, kidney, ovaries), a first algorithm, including a code of cancer as principal diagnosis with a selection of surgical procedures less performed than the second one including a code of cancer as principal diagnosis only, for which the number of hospitalizations per patient ratio was stable across time and space. The chaining over several years allows, by tracing the trajectory of the patient, to detect and correct inaccuracies, errors and missing values, and for incidence studies, to correct incident cases by removing prevalent cases. However, linkage, complete only since 2007, does not correct data in all cases. Ways of future improvement certainly pass through improved algorithms for case identification and especially by linking DRG data with other databases. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Inpatient burden of childhood functional GI disorders in the USA: an analysis of national trends in the USA from 1997 to 2009.

PubMed

Park, R; Mikami, S; LeClair, J; Bollom, A; Lembo, C; Sethi, S; Lembo, A; Jones, M; Cheng, V; Friedlander, E; Nurko, S

2015-05-01

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are among the most common outpatient diagnoses in pediatric primary care and gastroenterology. There is limited data on the inpatient burden of childhood FGIDs in the USA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inpatient admission rate, length of stay (LoS), and associated costs related to FGIDs from 1997 to 2009. We analyzed the Kids' Inpatient Sample Database (KID) for all subjects in which constipation (ICD-9 codes: 564.0-564.09), abdominal pain (ICD-9 codes: 789.0-789.09), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (ICD-9 code: 564.1), abdominal migraine (ICD-9 code: 346.80 and 346.81) dyspepsia (ICD-9 code: 536.8), or fecal incontinence (ICD-codes: 787.6-787.63) was the primary discharge diagnosis from 1997 to 2009. The KID is the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient database in the USA, containing data from 2 to 3 million pediatric hospital stays yearly. From 1997 to 2009, the number of discharges with a FGID primary diagnosis increased slightly from 6,348,537 to 6,393,803. The total mean cost per discharge increased significantly from $6115 to $18,058 despite the LoS remaining relatively stable. Constipation and abdominal pain were the most common FGID discharge diagnoses. Abdominal pain and abdominal migraine discharges were most frequent in the 10-14 year age group. Constipation and fecal incontinence discharges were most frequent in the 5-9 year age group. IBS discharge was most common for the 15-17 year age group. Hospitalizations and associated costs in childhood FGIDs have increased in number and cost in the USA from 1997 to 2009. Further studies to determine optimal methods to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and potentially harmful diagnostic testing are indicated. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Inpatient Burden of Childhood Functional GI Disorders in the United States: An Analysis of National Trends in the U.S. from 1997 to 2009

PubMed Central

Park, Richard; Mikami, Sage; LeClair, Jack; Bollom, Andrea; Lembo, Cara; Sethi, Saurabh; Lembo, Anthony; Jones, Mike; Cheng, Vivian; Friedlander, Elizabeth; Nurko, Samuel

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) are among the most common outpatient diagnoses in pediatric primary care and gastroenterology. There is limited data on the inpatient burden of childhood FGIDs in the U.S. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inpatient admission rate, length of stay, and associated costs related to FGIDs from 1997–2009. METHODS We analyzed the Kids’ Inpatient Sample Database (KID) for all subjects in which constipation (ICD-9 codes: 564.0–564.09), abdominal pain (ICD-9 codes: 789.0–789.09), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (ICD-9 code: 564.1), abdominal migraine (ICD-9 code:346.80 and 346.81)dyspepsia (ICD-9 code: 536.8) or fecal incontinence (ICD-codes: 787.6–787.63) was the primary discharge diagnosis from 1997–2009. The KID is the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient database in the U.S., containing data from 2–3 million pediatric hospital stays yearly. KEY RESULTS From 1997–2009, the number of discharges with a FGID primary diagnosis increased slightly from 6,348,537 to 6,393,803. The total mean cost per discharge increased significantly from $6115 to $18,058 despite the length of stay remaining relatively stable. Constipation and abdominal pain were the most common FGID discharge diagnoses. Abdominal pain and abdominal migraine discharges were most frequent in the 10–14 year age group. Constipation and fecal incontinence discharges were most frequent in the 5–9 year age group. IBS discharge was most common for the 15–17 year age group. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Hospitalizations and associated costs in childhood FGIDs have increased in number and cost in the U.S. from 1997–2009. Further studies to determine optimal methods to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and potentially harmful diagnostic testing are indicated. PMID:25809794

Precursors of Reading Difficulties in Czech and Slovak Children At-Risk of Dyslexia.

PubMed

Moll, Kristina; Thompson, Paul A; Mikulajova, Marina; Jagercikova, Zuzana; Kucharska, Anna; Franke, Helena; Hulme, Charles; Snowling, Margaret J

2016-05-01

Children with preschool language difficulties are at high risk of literacy problems; however, the nature of the relationship between delayed language development and dyslexia is not understood. Three hundred eight Slovak and Czech children were recruited into three groups: family risk of dyslexia, speech/language difficulties and controls, and were assessed three times from kindergarten until Grade 1. There was a twofold increase in probability of reading problems in each risk group. Precursors of 'dyslexia' included difficulties in oral language and code-related skills (phoneme awareness, letter-knowledge and rapid automatized naming); poor performance in phonological memory and vocabulary was observed in both affected and unaffected high-risk peers. A two-group latent variable path model shows that early language skills predict code-related skills, which in turn predict literacy skills. Findings suggest that dyslexia in Slavic languages has its origins in early language deficits, and children who succumb to reading problems show impaired code-related skills before the onset of formal reading instruction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Probabilistic Analysis of Aircraft Gas Turbine Disk Life and Reliability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melis, Matthew E.; Zaretsky, Erwin V.; August, Richard

1999-01-01

Two series of low cycle fatigue (LCF) test data for two groups of different aircraft gas turbine engine compressor disk geometries were reanalyzed and compared using Weibull statistics. Both groups of disks were manufactured from titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy. A NASA Glenn Research Center developed probabilistic computer code Probable Cause was used to predict disk life and reliability. A material-life factor A was determined for titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy based upon fatigue disk data and successfully applied to predict the life of the disks as a function of speed. A comparison was made with the currently used life prediction method based upon crack growth rate. Applying an endurance limit to the computer code did not significantly affect the predicted lives under engine operating conditions. Failure location prediction correlates with those experimentally observed in the LCF tests. A reasonable correlation was obtained between the predicted disk lives using the Probable Cause code and a modified crack growth method for life prediction. Both methods slightly overpredict life for one disk group and significantly under predict it for the other.

INL Results for Phases I and III of the OECD/NEA MHTGR-350 Benchmark

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

Gerhard Strydom; Javier Ortensi; Sonat Sen

2013-09-01

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) Technology Development Office (TDO) Methods Core Simulation group led the construction of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Modular High Temperature Reactor (MHTGR) 350 MW benchmark for comparing and evaluating prismatic VHTR analysis codes. The benchmark is sponsored by the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), and the project will yield a set of reference steady-state, transient, and lattice depletion problems that can be used by the Department of Energy (DOE), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and vendors to assess their code suits. The Methods group is responsible formore » defining the benchmark specifications, leading the data collection and comparison activities, and chairing the annual technical workshops. This report summarizes the latest INL results for Phase I (steady state) and Phase III (lattice depletion) of the benchmark. The INSTANT, Pronghorn and RattleSnake codes were used for the standalone core neutronics modeling of Exercise 1, and the results obtained from these codes are compared in Section 4. Exercise 2 of Phase I requires the standalone steady-state thermal fluids modeling of the MHTGR-350 design, and the results for the systems code RELAP5-3D are discussed in Section 5. The coupled neutronics and thermal fluids steady-state solution for Exercise 3 are reported in Section 6, utilizing the newly developed Parallel and Highly Innovative Simulation for INL Code System (PHISICS)/RELAP5-3D code suit. Finally, the lattice depletion models and results obtained for Phase III are compared in Section 7. The MHTGR-350 benchmark proved to be a challenging simulation set of problems to model accurately, and even with the simplifications introduced in the benchmark specification this activity is an important step in the code-to-code verification of modern prismatic VHTR codes. A final OECD/NEA comparison report will compare the Phase I and III results of all other international participants in 2014, while the remaining Phase II transient case results will be reported in 2015.« less

Combined group ECC protection and subgroup parity protection

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

Gara, Alan; Cheng, Dong; Heidelberger, Philip

A method and system are disclosed for providing combined error code protection and subgroup parity protection for a given group of n bits. The method comprises the steps of identifying a number, m, of redundant bits for said error protection; and constructing a matrix P, wherein multiplying said given group of n bits with P produces m redundant error correction code (ECC) protection bits, and two columns of P provide parity protection for subgroups of said given group of n bits. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the matrix P is constructed by generating permutations of m bit widemore » vectors with three or more, but an odd number of, elements with value one and the other elements with value zero; and assigning said vectors to rows of the matrix P.« less

The Task and Relational Dimensions of Online Social Support.

PubMed

Beck, Stephenson J; Paskewitz, Emily A; Anderson, Whitney A; Bourdeaux, Renee; Currie-Mueller, Jenna

2017-03-01

Online support groups are attractive to individuals suffering from various types of mental and physical illness due to their accessibility, convenience, and comfort level. Individuals coping with depression, in particular, may seek social support online to avoid the stigma that accompanies face-to-face support groups. We explored how task and relational messages created social support in online depression support groups using Cutrona and Suhr's social support coding scheme and Bales's Interaction Process Analysis coding scheme. A content analysis revealed emotional support as the most common type of social support within the group, although the majority of messages were task rather than relational. Informational support consisted primarily of task messages, whereas network and esteem support were primarily relational messages. Specific types of task and relational messages were associated with different support types. Results indicate task messages dominated online depression support groups, suggesting the individuals who participate in these groups are interested in solving problems but may also experience emotional support when their uncertainty is reduced via task messages.

A Computer-Assisted Nutrition Education Unit for Grades 4-6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hills, Alvina M.

1983-01-01

A computer-assisted instructional unit (written for 32K Commodore PET microcomputer) was developed to identify four food groups outlined in Canada's Food Guide, place specific foods in correct groups, and identify food not belonging to the four groups. Animated color-coded keys are used to represent the food groups. (JN)

29 CFR 825.209 - Maintenance of employee benefits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... maintain the employee's coverage under any group health plan (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of... of “group health plan” is set forth in § 825.800. For purposes of FMLA, the term “group health plan... not increase in the event the employment relationship terminates. (b) The same group health plan...

Coding System for the First Grade Reading Group Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brophy, Jere; And Others

The First-Grade Reading Group Study is an experimental examination of teaching behaviors and their effects in first-grade reading groups. The specific teaching behaviors of interest are defined by a model for small group instruction which describes organization and management of the class, and ways of responding to children's answers that are…

Reduced adaptability, but no fundamental disruption, of norm-based face-coding mechanisms in cognitively able children and adolescents with autism.

PubMed

Rhodes, Gillian; Ewing, Louise; Jeffery, Linda; Avard, Eleni; Taylor, Libby

2014-09-01

Faces are adaptively coded relative to visual norms that are updated by experience. This coding is compromised in autism and the broader autism phenotype, suggesting that atypical adaptive coding of faces may be an endophenotype for autism. Here we investigate the nature of this atypicality, asking whether adaptive face-coding mechanisms are fundamentally altered, or simply less responsive to experience, in autism. We measured adaptive coding, using face identity aftereffects, in cognitively able children and adolescents with autism and neurotypical age- and ability-matched participants. We asked whether these aftereffects increase with adaptor identity strength as in neurotypical populations, or whether they show a different pattern indicating a more fundamental alteration in face-coding mechanisms. As expected, face identity aftereffects were reduced in the autism group, but they nevertheless increased with adaptor strength, like those of our neurotypical participants, consistent with norm-based coding of face identity. Moreover, their aftereffects correlated positively with face recognition ability, consistent with an intact functional role for adaptive coding in face recognition ability. We conclude that adaptive norm-based face-coding mechanisms are basically intact in autism, but are less readily calibrated by experience. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Accuracy of injury coding under ICD‐9 for New Zealand public hospital discharges

PubMed Central

Langley, J; Stephenson, S; Thorpe, C; Davie, G

2006-01-01

Objective To determine the level of accuracy in coding for injury principal diagnosis and the first external cause code for public hospital discharges in New Zealand and determine how these levels vary by hospital size. Method A simple random sample of 1800 discharges was selected from the period 1996–98 inclusive. Records were obtained from hospitals and an accredited coder coded the discharge independently of the codes already recorded in the national database. Results Five percent of the principal diagnoses, 18% of the first four digits of the E‐codes, and 8% of the location codes (5th digit of the E‐code), were incorrect. There were no substantive differences in the level of incorrect coding between large and small hospitals. Conclusions Users of New Zealand public hospital discharge data can have a high degree of confidence in the injury diagnoses coded under ICD‐9‐CM‐A. A similar degree of confidence is warranted for E‐coding at the group level (for example, fall), but not, in general, at higher levels of specificity (for example, type of fall). For those countries continuing to use ICD‐9 the study provides insight into potential problems of coding and thus guidance on where the focus of coder training should be placed. For those countries that have historical data coded according to ICD‐9 it suggests that some specific injury and external cause incidence estimates may need to be treated with more caution. PMID:16461421

Job coding (PCS 2003): feedback from a study conducted in an Occupational Health Service

PubMed

Henrotin, Jean-Bernard; Vaissière, Monique; Etaix, Maryline; Malard, Stéphane; Dziurla, Mathieu; Lafon, Dominique

2016-10-19

Aim: To examine the quality of manual job coding carried out by occupational health teams with access to a software application that provides assistance in job and business sector coding (CAPS). Methods: Data from a study conducted in an Occupational Health Service were used to examine the first-level coding of 1,495 jobs by occupational health teams according to the French job classification entitled “PSC- Professions and socio-professional categories” (INSEE, 2003 version). A second level of coding was also performed by an experienced coder and the first and second level codes were compared. Agreement between the two coding systems was studied using the kappa coefficient (κ) and frequencies were compared by Chi2 tests. Results: Missing data or incorrect codes were observed for 14.5% of social groups (1 digit) and 25.7% of job codes (4 digits). While agreement between the first two levels of PCS 2003 appeared to be satisfactory (κ=0.73 and κ=0.75), imbalances in reassignment flows were effectively noted. The divergent job code rate was 48.2%. Variation in the frequency of socio-occupational variables was as high as 8.6% after correcting for missing data and divergent codes. Conclusions: Compared with other studies, the use of the CAPS tool appeared to provide effective coding assistance. However, our results indicate that job coding based on PSC 2003 should be conducted using ancillary data by personnel trained in the use of this tool.

Assessing the effects of cocaine dependence and pathological gambling using group-wise sparse representation of natural stimulus FMRI data.

PubMed

Ren, Yudan; Fang, Jun; Lv, Jinglei; Hu, Xintao; Guo, Cong Christine; Guo, Lei; Xu, Jiansong; Potenza, Marc N; Liu, Tianming

2017-08-01

Assessing functional brain activation patterns in neuropsychiatric disorders such as cocaine dependence (CD) or pathological gambling (PG) under naturalistic stimuli has received rising interest in recent years. In this paper, we propose and apply a novel group-wise sparse representation framework to assess differences in neural responses to naturalistic stimuli across multiple groups of participants (healthy control, cocaine dependence, pathological gambling). Specifically, natural stimulus fMRI (N-fMRI) signals from all three groups of subjects are aggregated into a big data matrix, which is then decomposed into a common signal basis dictionary and associated weight coefficient matrices via an effective online dictionary learning and sparse coding method. The coefficient matrices associated with each common dictionary atom are statistically assessed for each group separately. With the inter-group comparisons based on the group-wise correspondence established by the common dictionary, our experimental results demonstrated that the group-wise sparse coding and representation strategy can effectively and specifically detect brain networks/regions affected by different pathological conditions of the brain under naturalistic stimuli.

The structural genes for three Drosophila glue proteins reside at a single polytene chromosome puff locus.

PubMed Central

Crowley, T E; Bond, M W; Meyerowitz, E M

1983-01-01

The polytene chromosome puff at 68C on the Drosophila melanogaster third chromosome is thought from genetic experiments to contain the structural gene for one of the secreted salivary gland glue polypeptides, sgs-3. Previous work has demonstrated that the DNA included in this puff contains sequences that are transcribed to give three different polyadenylated RNAs that are abundant in third-larval-instar salivary glands. These have been called the group II, group III, and group IV RNAs. In the experiments reported here, we used the nucleotide sequence of the DNA coding for these RNAs to predict some of the physical and chemical properties expected of their protein products, including molecular weight, amino acid composition, and amino acid sequence. Salivary gland polypeptides with molecular weights similar to those expected for the 68C RNA translation products, and with the expected degree of incorporation of different radioactive amino acids, were purified. These proteins were shown by amino acid sequencing to correspond to the protein products of the 68C RNAs. It was further shown that each of these proteins is a part of the secreted salivary gland glue: the group IV RNA codes for the previously described sgs-3, whereas the group II and III RNAs code for the newly identified glue polypeptides sgs-8 and sgs-7. Images PMID:6406838

Treating voxel geometries in radiation protection dosimetry with a patched version of the Monte Carlo codes MCNP and MCNPX.

PubMed

Burn, K W; Daffara, C; Gualdrini, G; Pierantoni, M; Ferrari, P

2007-01-01

The question of Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport in voxel geometries is addressed. Patched versions of the MCNP and MCNPX codes are developed aimed at transporting radiation both in the standard geometry mode and in the voxel geometry treatment. The patched code reads an unformatted FORTRAN file derived from DICOM format data and uses special subroutines to handle voxel-to-voxel radiation transport. The various phases of the development of the methodology are discussed together with the new input options. Examples are given of employment of the code in internal and external dosimetry and comparisons with results from other groups are reported.

Verification of Three Dimensional Triangular Prismatic Discrete Ordinates Transport Code ENSEMBLE-TRIZ by Comparison with Monte Carlo Code GMVP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homma, Yuto; Moriwaki, Hiroyuki; Ohki, Shigeo; Ikeda, Kazumi

2014-06-01

This paper deals with verification of three dimensional triangular prismatic discrete ordinates transport calculation code ENSEMBLE-TRIZ by comparison with multi-group Monte Carlo calculation code GMVP in a large fast breeder reactor. The reactor is a 750 MWe electric power sodium cooled reactor. Nuclear characteristics are calculated at beginning of cycle of an initial core and at beginning and end of cycle of equilibrium core. According to the calculations, the differences between the two methodologies are smaller than 0.0002 Δk in the multi-plication factor, relatively about 1% in the control rod reactivity, and 1% in the sodium void reactivity.

The search for person-related information in general practice: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Schrans, Diego; Avonts, Dirk; Christiaens, Thierry; Willems, Sara; de Smet, Kaat; van Boven, Kees; Boeckxstaens, Pauline; Kühlein, Thomas

2016-02-01

General practice is person-focused. Contextual information influences the clinical decision-making process in primary care. Currently, person-related information (PeRI) is neither recorded in a systematic way nor coded in the electronic medical record (EMR), and therefore not usable for scientific use. To search for classes of PeRI influencing the process of care. GPs, from nine countries worldwide, were asked to write down narrative case histories where personal factors played a role in decision-making. In an inductive process, the case histories were consecutively coded according to classes of PeRI. The classes found were deductively applied to the following cases and refined, until saturation was reached. Then, the classes were grouped into code-families and further clustered into domains. The inductive analysis of 32 case histories resulted in 33 defined PeRI codes, classifying all personal-related information in the cases. The 33 codes were grouped in the following seven mutually exclusive code-families: 'aspects between patient and formal care provider', 'social environment and family', 'functioning/behaviour', 'life history/non-medical experiences', 'personal medical information', 'socio-demographics' and 'work-/employment-related information'. The code-families were clustered into four domains: 'social environment and extended family', 'medicine', 'individual' and 'work and employment'. As PeRI is used in the process of decision-making, it should be part of the EMR. The PeRI classes we identified might form the basis of a new contextual classification mainly for research purposes. This might help to create evidence of the person-centredness of general practice. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Does a colour-coded blood pressure diary improve blood pressure control for patients in general practice: the CoCo trial.

PubMed

Steurer-Stey, Claudia; Zoller, Marco; Chmiel Moshinsky, Corinne; Senn, Oliver; Rosemann, Thomas

2010-04-14

Insufficient blood pressure control is a frequent problem despite the existence of effective treatment. Insufficient adherence to self-monitoring as well as to therapy is a common reason. Blood pressure self-measurement at home (Home Blood Pressure Measurement, HBPM) has positive effects on treatment adherence and is helpful in achieving the target blood pressure. Only a few studies have investigated whether adherence to HBPM can be improved through simple measures resulting also in better blood pressure control. Improvement of self-monitoring and improved blood pressure control by using a new colour-coded blood pressure diary. Change in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure 6 months after using the new colour-coded blood pressure diary.Secondary outcome: Adherence to blood pressure self-measurement (number of measurements/entries). Randomised controlled study. 138 adult patients in primary care with uncontrolled hypertension despite therapy. The control group uses a conventional blood pressure diary; the intervention group uses the new colour-coded blood pressure diary (green, yellow, red according a traffic light system). EXPECTED RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The visual separation and entries in three colour-coded areas reflecting risk (green: blood pressure in the target range 140/>90 mmHg, red: blood pressure in danger zone > 180 mmHg/>110 mmHg) lead to better self-monitoring compared with the conventional (non-colour-coded) blood pressure booklet. The colour-coded, visualised information supports improved perception (awareness and interpretation) of blood pressure and triggers correct behaviour, in the means of improved adherence to the recommended treatment as well as better communication between patients and doctors resulting in improved blood pressure control. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01013467.

Coarse coding and discourse comprehension in adults with right hemisphere brain damage

PubMed Central

Tompkins, Connie A.; Scharp, Victoria L.; Meigh, Kimberly M.; Fassbinder, Wiltrud

2009-01-01

Background Various investigators suggest that some discourse-level comprehension difficulties in adults with right hemisphere brain damage (RHD) have a lexical-semantic basis. As words are processed, the intact right hemisphere arouses and sustains activation of a wide-ranging network of secondary or peripheral meanings and features—a phenomenon dubbed “coarse coding”. Coarse coding impairment has been postulated to underpin some prototypical RHD comprehension deficits, such as difficulties with nonliteral language interpretation, discourse integration, some kinds of inference generation, and recovery when a reinterpretation is needed. To date, however, no studies have addressed the hypothesised link between coarse coding deficit and discourse comprehension in RHD. Aims The current investigation examined whether coarse coding was related to performance on two measures of narrative comprehension in adults with RHD. Methods & Procedures Participants were 32 adults with unilateral RHD from cerebrovascular accident, and 38 adults without brain damage. Coarse coding was operationalised as poor activation of peripheral/weakly related semantic features of words. For the coarse coding assessment, participants listened to spoken sentences that ended in a concrete noun. Each sentence was followed by a spoken target phoneme string. Targets were subordinate semantic features of the sentence-final nouns that were incompatible with their dominant mental representations (e.g., “rotten” for apple). Targets were presented at two post-noun intervals. A lexical decision task was used to gauge both early activation and maintenance of activation of these weakly related semantic features. One of the narrative tasks assessed comprehension of implied main ideas and details, while the other indexed high-level inferencing and integration. Both comprehension tasks were presented auditorily. For all tasks, accuracy of performance was the dependent measure. Correlations were computed within the RHD group between both the early and late coarse coding measures and the two discourse measures. Additionally, ANCOVA and independent t-tests were used to compare both early and sustained coarse coding in subgroups of good and poor RHD comprehenders. Outcomes & Results The group with RHD was less accurate than the control group on all measures. The finding of coarse coding impairment (difficulty activating/sustaining activation of a word’s peripheral features) may appear to contradict prior evidence of RHD suppression deficit (prolonged activation for context-inappropriate meanings of words). However, the sentence contexts in this study were unbiased and thus did not provide an appropriate test of suppression function. Correlations between coarse coding and the discourse measures were small and nonsignificant. There were no differences in coarse coding between RHD comprehension subgroups on the high-level inferencing task. There was also no distinction in early coarse coding for subgroups based on comprehension of implied main ideas and details. But for these same subgroups, there was a difference in sustained coarse coding. Poorer RHD comprehenders of implied information from discourse were also poorer at maintaining activation for semantically distant features of concrete nouns. Conclusions This study provides evidence of a variant of the postulated link between coarse coding and discourse comprehension in RHD. Specifically, adults with RHD who were particularly poor at sustaining activation for peripheral semantic features of nouns were also relatively poor comprehenders of implied information from narratives. PMID:20037670

USSR Space Life Sciences Digest. Index to issues 1-4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teeter, R.; Hooke, L. R.

1986-01-01

This document is an index to issues 1 to 4 of the USSR Space Life Sciences Digest and is arranged in three sections. In section 1, abstracts from the first four issues are grouped according to subject; please note the four letter codes in the upper right hand corner of the pages. Section 2 lists the categories according to which digest entries are grouped and cites additional entries relevant to that category by four letter code and entry number in section 1. Refer to section 1 for titles and other pertinent information. Key words are indexed in section 3.

Selected DOE Headquarters publications, October 1977-September 1979

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

None

1979-11-01

This sixth issue of cumulative listings of DOE Headquarters publications covers the first two years of the Department's operation (October 1, 1977 - September 30, 1979). It lists two groups of publications issued by then-existing Headquarters organizations and provides an index to their title keywords. The two groups of publications are publications assigned a DOE/XXX-type report number code and Headquarters contractor reports prepared by contractors (and published by DOE) to describe research and development work they have performed for the Department. Certain publications are omitted. They include such items as pamphlets, fact sheets, bulletins, newsletters, and telephone directories, as wellmore » as headquarters publications issued under the DOE-tr (DOE translation) and CONF (conference proceedings) codes, and technical reports from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA issued under DOE/JPL and DOE/NASA codes. The contents of this issue will not be repeated in subsequent issues of DOE/AD-0010. (RWR)« less

A computer-aided design system geared toward conceptual design in a research environment. [for hypersonic vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

STACK S. H.

1981-01-01

A computer-aided design system has recently been developed specifically for the small research group environment. The system is implemented on a Prime 400 minicomputer linked with a CDC 6600 computer. The goal was to assign the minicomputer specific tasks, such as data input and graphics, thereby reserving the large mainframe computer for time-consuming analysis codes. The basic structure of the design system consists of GEMPAK, a computer code that generates detailed configuration geometry from a minimum of input; interface programs that reformat GEMPAK geometry for input to the analysis codes; and utility programs that simplify computer access and data interpretation. The working system has had a large positive impact on the quantity and quality of research performed by the originating group. This paper describes the system, the major factors that contributed to its particular form, and presents examples of its application.

International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants (Melbourne Code): Appendices II-VIII

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Science requires a precise, stable, and simple system of nomenclature used by scientists in all countries of the world, dealing on the one hand with the terms that denote the ranks of taxonomic groups, and on the other with the scientific names that are applied to the individual taxonomic units of a...

Reds, Greens, Yellows Ease the Spelling Blues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Irwin, Virginia

1971-01-01

This document reports on a color-coding innovation designed to improve the spelling ability of high school seniors. This color-coded system is based on two assumptions: that color will appeal to the students and that there are three principal reasons for misspelling. Two groups were chosen for the experiments. A basic list of spelling demons was…

75 FR 22853 - D-11456, PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.; and D-11602, State Street Bank and Trust Company, et...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-30

...This document contains notices of pendency before the Department of Labor (the Department) of proposed exemptions from certain of the prohibited transaction restrictions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA or the Act) and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code).

40 CFR Table 10 to Part 455 - List of Appropriate Pollution Control Technologies

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Technologies 1 PAI name 2 PAI code 3 Shaughnessy code 4 Structural group 5 Treatment technology Dicofol 001... Carbon. Vancide TH 004 82901 s-Triazine Activated Carbon. 1,3-Dichloropropene 005 29001 EDB Hydrolysis... 012 84001 Phosphate Hydrolysis. Landrin-2 013 Carbamate Activated Carbon. 2,3,6-T, S&E or Fenac 014...

The Heritage of Herding and Southern Homicide: Examining the Ecological Foundations of the Code of Honor Thesis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baller, Robert D.; Zevenbergen, Matthew P.; Messner, Steven F.

2009-01-01

The authors examine the ecological foundations of the thesis of a "code of honor" as an explanation for southern homicide. Specifically, they consider the effects of indicators of ethnic groups that migrated from herding economies (the Scotch-Irish), cattle and pig herding, and the relative importance of agricultural production across…

Mass-invariance of the iron enrichment in the hot haloes of massive ellipticals, groups, and clusters of galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mernier, F.; de Plaa, J.; Werner, N.; Kaastra, J. S.; Raassen, A. J. J.; Gu, L.; Mao, J.; Urdampilleta, I.; Truong, N.; Simionescu, A.

2018-05-01

X-ray measurements find systematically lower Fe abundances in the X-ray emitting haloes pervading groups (kT ≲ 1.7 keV) than in clusters of galaxies. These results have been difficult to reconcile with theoretical predictions. However, models using incomplete atomic data or the assumption of isothermal plasmas may have biased the best fit Fe abundance in groups and giant elliptical galaxies low. In this work, we take advantage of a major update of the atomic code in the spectral fitting package SPEX to re-evaluate the Fe abundance in 43 clusters, groups, and elliptical galaxies (the CHEERS sample) in a self-consistent analysis and within a common radius of 0.1r500. For the first time, we report a remarkably similar average Fe enrichment in all these systems. Unlike previous results, this strongly suggests that metals are synthesised and transported in these haloes with the same average efficiency across two orders of magnitude in total mass. We show that the previous metallicity measurements in low temperature systems were biased low due to incomplete atomic data in the spectral fitting codes. The reasons for such a code-related Fe bias, also implying previously unconsidered biases in the emission measure and temperature structure, are discussed.

A computer code for calculations in the algebraic collective model of the atomic nucleus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Welsh, T. A.; Rowe, D. J.

2016-03-01

A Maple code is presented for algebraic collective model (ACM) calculations. The ACM is an algebraic version of the Bohr model of the atomic nucleus, in which all required matrix elements are derived by exploiting the model's SU(1 , 1) × SO(5) dynamical group. This paper reviews the mathematical formulation of the ACM, and serves as a manual for the code. The code enables a wide range of model Hamiltonians to be analysed. This range includes essentially all Hamiltonians that are rational functions of the model's quadrupole moments qˆM and are at most quadratic in the corresponding conjugate momenta πˆN (- 2 ≤ M , N ≤ 2). The code makes use of expressions for matrix elements derived elsewhere and newly derived matrix elements of the operators [ π ˆ ⊗ q ˆ ⊗ π ˆ ] 0 and [ π ˆ ⊗ π ˆ ] LM. The code is made efficient by use of an analytical expression for the needed SO(5)-reduced matrix elements, and use of SO(5) ⊃ SO(3) Clebsch-Gordan coefficients obtained from precomputed data files provided with the code.

Improving accuracy of clinical coding in surgery: collaboration is key.

PubMed

Heywood, Nick A; Gill, Michael D; Charlwood, Natasha; Brindle, Rachel; Kirwan, Cliona C

2016-08-01

Clinical coding data provide the basis for Hospital Episode Statistics and Healthcare Resource Group codes. High accuracy of this information is required for payment by results, allocation of health and research resources, and public health data and planning. We sought to identify the level of accuracy of clinical coding in general surgical admissions across hospitals in the Northwest of England. Clinical coding departments identified a total of 208 emergency general surgical patients discharged between 1st March and 15th August 2013 from seven hospital trusts (median = 20, range = 16-60). Blinded re-coding was performed by a senior clinical coder and clinician, with results compared with the original coding outcome. Recorded codes were generated from OPCS-4 & ICD-10. Of all cases, 194 of 208 (93.3%) had at least one coding error and 9 of 208 (4.3%) had errors in both primary diagnosis and primary procedure. Errors were found in 64 of 208 (30.8%) of primary diagnoses and 30 of 137 (21.9%) of primary procedure codes. Median tariff using original codes was £1411.50 (range, £409-9138). Re-calculation using updated clinical codes showed a median tariff of £1387.50, P = 0.997 (range, £406-10,102). The most frequent reasons for incorrect coding were "coder error" and a requirement for "clinical interpretation of notes". Errors in clinical coding are multifactorial and have significant impact on primary diagnosis, potentially affecting the accuracy of Hospital Episode Statistics data and in turn the allocation of health care resources and public health planning. As we move toward surgeon specific outcomes, surgeons should increase collaboration with coding departments to ensure the system is robust. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The impact of three discharge coding methods on the accuracy of diagnostic coding and hospital reimbursement for inpatient medical care.

PubMed

Tsopra, Rosy; Peckham, Daniel; Beirne, Paul; Rodger, Kirsty; Callister, Matthew; White, Helen; Jais, Jean-Philippe; Ghosh, Dipansu; Whitaker, Paul; Clifton, Ian J; Wyatt, Jeremy C

2018-07-01

Coding of diagnoses is important for patient care, hospital management and research. However coding accuracy is often poor and may reflect methods of coding. This study investigates the impact of three alternative coding methods on the inaccuracy of diagnosis codes and hospital reimbursement. Comparisons of coding inaccuracy were made between a list of coded diagnoses obtained by a coder using (i)the discharge summary alone, (ii)case notes and discharge summary, and (iii)discharge summary with the addition of medical input. For each method, inaccuracy was determined for the primary, secondary diagnoses, Healthcare Resource Group (HRG) and estimated hospital reimbursement. These data were then compared with a gold standard derived by a consultant and coder. 107 consecutive patient discharges were analysed. Inaccuracy of diagnosis codes was highest when a coder used the discharge summary alone, and decreased significantly when the coder used the case notes (70% vs 58% respectively, p < 0.0001) or coded from the discharge summary with medical support (70% vs 60% respectively, p < 0.0001). When compared with the gold standard, the percentage of incorrect HRGs was 42% for discharge summary alone, 31% for coding with case notes, and 35% for coding with medical support. The three coding methods resulted in an annual estimated loss of hospital remuneration of between £1.8 M and £16.5 M. The accuracy of diagnosis codes and percentage of correct HRGs improved when coders used either case notes or medical support in addition to the discharge summary. Further emphasis needs to be placed on improving the standard of information recorded in discharge summaries. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improvements in the MGA Code Provide Flexibility and Better Error Analysis

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

Ruhter, W D; Kerr, J

2005-05-26

The Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) code is widely used to determine nondestructively the relative isotopic abundances of plutonium by gamma-ray spectrometry. MGA users have expressed concern about the lack of flexibility and transparency in the code. Users often have to ask the code developers for modifications to the code to accommodate new measurement situations, such as additional peaks being present in the plutonium spectrum or expected peaks being absent. We are testing several new improvements to a prototype, general gamma-ray isotopic analysis tool with the intent of either revising or replacing the MGA code. These improvements will give the user themore » ability to modify, add, or delete the gamma- and x-ray energies and branching intensities used by the code in determining a more precise gain and in the determination of the relative detection efficiency. We have also fully integrated the determination of the relative isotopic abundances with the determination of the relative detection efficiency to provide a more accurate determination of the errors in the relative isotopic abundances. We provide details in this paper on these improvements and a comparison of results obtained with current versions of the MGA code.« less

75 FR 23105 - Medicare Program; Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System Payment-Update for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-30

... Disorders Fourth Edition--Text Revision. DRGs Diagnosis-related groups. FY Federal fiscal year. ICD-9-CM...) coding and diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) classification changes discussed in the annual update to the... for the following patient-level characteristics: Medicare Severity diagnosis related groups (MS-DRGs...

Examining the relationship between comprehension and production processes in code-switched language

PubMed Central

Guzzardo Tamargo, Rosa E.; Valdés Kroff, Jorge R.; Dussias, Paola E.

2016-01-01

We employ code-switching (the alternation of two languages in bilingual communication) to test the hypothesis, derived from experience-based models of processing (e.g., Boland, Tanenhaus, Carlson, & Garnsey, 1989; Gennari & MacDonald, 2009), that bilinguals are sensitive to the combinatorial distributional patterns derived from production and that they use this information to guide processing during the comprehension of code-switched sentences. An analysis of spontaneous bilingual speech confirmed the existence of production asymmetries involving two auxiliary + participle phrases in Spanish–English code-switches. A subsequent eye-tracking study with two groups of bilingual code-switchers examined the consequences of the differences in distributional patterns found in the corpus study for comprehension. Participants’ comprehension costs mirrored the production patterns found in the corpus study. Findings are discussed in terms of the constraints that may be responsible for the distributional patterns in code-switching production and are situated within recent proposals of the links between production and comprehension. PMID:28670049

Examining the relationship between comprehension and production processes in code-switched language.

PubMed

Guzzardo Tamargo, Rosa E; Valdés Kroff, Jorge R; Dussias, Paola E

2016-08-01

We employ code-switching (the alternation of two languages in bilingual communication) to test the hypothesis, derived from experience-based models of processing (e.g., Boland, Tanenhaus, Carlson, & Garnsey, 1989; Gennari & MacDonald, 2009), that bilinguals are sensitive to the combinatorial distributional patterns derived from production and that they use this information to guide processing during the comprehension of code-switched sentences. An analysis of spontaneous bilingual speech confirmed the existence of production asymmetries involving two auxiliary + participle phrases in Spanish-English code-switches. A subsequent eye-tracking study with two groups of bilingual code-switchers examined the consequences of the differences in distributional patterns found in the corpus study for comprehension. Participants' comprehension costs mirrored the production patterns found in the corpus study. Findings are discussed in terms of the constraints that may be responsible for the distributional patterns in code-switching production and are situated within recent proposals of the links between production and comprehension.

CRASH: A BLOCK-ADAPTIVE-MESH CODE FOR RADIATIVE SHOCK HYDRODYNAMICS-IMPLEMENTATION AND VERIFICATION

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

Van der Holst, B.; Toth, G.; Sokolov, I. V.

We describe the Center for Radiative Shock Hydrodynamics (CRASH) code, a block-adaptive-mesh code for multi-material radiation hydrodynamics. The implementation solves the radiation diffusion model with a gray or multi-group method and uses a flux-limited diffusion approximation to recover the free-streaming limit. Electrons and ions are allowed to have different temperatures and we include flux-limited electron heat conduction. The radiation hydrodynamic equations are solved in the Eulerian frame by means of a conservative finite-volume discretization in either one-, two-, or three-dimensional slab geometry or in two-dimensional cylindrical symmetry. An operator-split method is used to solve these equations in three substeps: (1)more » an explicit step of a shock-capturing hydrodynamic solver; (2) a linear advection of the radiation in frequency-logarithm space; and (3) an implicit solution of the stiff radiation diffusion, heat conduction, and energy exchange. We present a suite of verification test problems to demonstrate the accuracy and performance of the algorithms. The applications are for astrophysics and laboratory astrophysics. The CRASH code is an extension of the Block-Adaptive Tree Solarwind Roe Upwind Scheme (BATS-R-US) code with a new radiation transfer and heat conduction library and equation-of-state and multi-group opacity solvers. Both CRASH and BATS-R-US are part of the publicly available Space Weather Modeling Framework.« less

Conceptualisations of infinity by primary pre-service teachers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Date-Huxtable, Elizabeth; Cavanagh, Michael; Coady, Carmel; Easey, Michael

2018-05-01

As part of the Opening Real Science: Authentic Mathematics and Science Education for Australia project, an online mathematics learning module embedding conceptual thinking about infinity in science-based contexts, was designed and trialled with a cohort of 22 pre-service teachers during 1 week of intensive study. This research addressed the question: "How do pre-service teachers conceptualise infinity mathematically?" Participants argued the existence of infinity in a summative reflective task, using mathematical and empirical arguments that were coded according to five themes: definition, examples, application, philosophy and teaching; and 17 codes. Participants' reflections were differentiated as to whether infinity was referred to as an abstract (A) or a real (R) concept or whether both (B) codes were used. Principal component analysis of the reflections, using frequency of codings, revealed that A and R codes occurred at different frequencies in three groups of reflections. Distinct methods of argument were associated with each group of reflections: mathematical numerical examples and empirical measurement comparisons characterised arguments for infinity as an abstract concept, geometric and empirical dynamic examples and belief statements characterised arguments for infinity as a real concept and empirical measurement and mathematical examples and belief statements characterised arguments for infinity as both an abstract and a real concept. An implication of the results is that connections between mathematical and empirical applications of infinity may assist pre-service teachers to contrast finite with infinite models of the world.

Characterization of LDPC-coded orbital angular momentum modes transmission and multiplexing over a 50-km fiber.

PubMed

Wang, Andong; Zhu, Long; Chen, Shi; Du, Cheng; Mo, Qi; Wang, Jian

2016-05-30

Mode-division multiplexing over fibers has attracted increasing attention over the last few years as a potential solution to further increase fiber transmission capacity. In this paper, we demonstrate the viability of orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes transmission over a 50-km few-mode fiber (FMF). By analyzing mode properties of eigen modes in an FMF, we study the inner mode group differential modal delay (DMD) in FMF, which may influence the transmission capacity in long-distance OAM modes transmission and multiplexing. To mitigate the impact of large inner mode group DMD in long-distance fiber-based OAM modes transmission, we use low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes to increase the system reliability. By evaluating the performance of LDPC-coded single OAM mode transmission over 50-km fiber, significant coding gains of >4 dB, 8 dB and 14 dB are demonstrated for 1-Gbaud, 2-Gbaud and 5-Gbaud quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) signals, respectively. Furthermore, in order to verify and compare the influence of DMD in long-distance fiber transmission, single OAM mode transmission over 10-km FMF is also demonstrated in the experiment. Finally, we experimentally demonstrate OAM multiplexing and transmission over a 50-km FMF using LDPC-coded 1-Gbaud QPSK signals to compensate the influence of mode crosstalk and DMD in the 50 km FMF.

Striatal dopamine release codes uncertainty in pathological gambling.

PubMed

Linnet, Jakob; Mouridsen, Kim; Peterson, Ericka; Møller, Arne; Doudet, Doris Jeanne; Gjedde, Albert

2012-10-30

Two mechanisms of midbrain and striatal dopaminergic projections may be involved in pathological gambling: hypersensitivity to reward and sustained activation toward uncertainty. The midbrain-striatal dopamine system distinctly codes reward and uncertainty, where dopaminergic activation is a linear function of expected reward and an inverse U-shaped function of uncertainty. In this study, we investigated the dopaminergic coding of reward and uncertainty in 18 pathological gambling sufferers and 16 healthy controls. We used positron emission tomography (PET) with the tracer [(11)C]raclopride to measure dopamine release, and we used performance on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) to determine overall reward and uncertainty. We hypothesized that we would find a linear function between dopamine release and IGT performance, if dopamine release coded reward in pathological gambling. If, on the other hand, dopamine release coded uncertainty, we would find an inversely U-shaped function. The data supported an inverse U-shaped relation between striatal dopamine release and IGT performance if the pathological gambling group, but not in the healthy control group. These results are consistent with the hypothesis of dopaminergic sensitivity toward uncertainty, and suggest that dopaminergic sensitivity to uncertainty is pronounced in pathological gambling, but not among non-gambling healthy controls. The findings have implications for understanding dopamine dysfunctions in pathological gambling and addictive behaviors. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

BeiDou Geostationary Satellite Code Bias Modeling Using Fengyun-3C Onboard Measurements.

PubMed

Jiang, Kecai; Li, Min; Zhao, Qile; Li, Wenwen; Guo, Xiang

2017-10-27

This study validated and investigated elevation- and frequency-dependent systematic biases observed in ground-based code measurements of the Chinese BeiDou navigation satellite system, using the onboard BeiDou code measurement data from the Chinese meteorological satellite Fengyun-3C. Particularly for geostationary earth orbit satellites, sky-view coverage can be achieved over the entire elevation and azimuth angle ranges with the available onboard tracking data, which is more favorable to modeling code biases. Apart from the BeiDou-satellite-induced biases, the onboard BeiDou code multipath effects also indicate pronounced near-field systematic biases that depend only on signal frequency and the line-of-sight directions. To correct these biases, we developed a proposed code correction model by estimating the BeiDou-satellite-induced biases as linear piece-wise functions in different satellite groups and the near-field systematic biases in a grid approach. To validate the code bias model, we carried out orbit determination using single-frequency BeiDou data with and without code bias corrections applied. Orbit precision statistics indicate that those code biases can seriously degrade single-frequency orbit determination. After the correction model was applied, the orbit position errors, 3D root mean square, were reduced from 150.6 to 56.3 cm.

BeiDou Geostationary Satellite Code Bias Modeling Using Fengyun-3C Onboard Measurements

PubMed Central

Jiang, Kecai; Li, Min; Zhao, Qile; Li, Wenwen; Guo, Xiang

2017-01-01

This study validated and investigated elevation- and frequency-dependent systematic biases observed in ground-based code measurements of the Chinese BeiDou navigation satellite system, using the onboard BeiDou code measurement data from the Chinese meteorological satellite Fengyun-3C. Particularly for geostationary earth orbit satellites, sky-view coverage can be achieved over the entire elevation and azimuth angle ranges with the available onboard tracking data, which is more favorable to modeling code biases. Apart from the BeiDou-satellite-induced biases, the onboard BeiDou code multipath effects also indicate pronounced near-field systematic biases that depend only on signal frequency and the line-of-sight directions. To correct these biases, we developed a proposed code correction model by estimating the BeiDou-satellite-induced biases as linear piece-wise functions in different satellite groups and the near-field systematic biases in a grid approach. To validate the code bias model, we carried out orbit determination using single-frequency BeiDou data with and without code bias corrections applied. Orbit precision statistics indicate that those code biases can seriously degrade single-frequency orbit determination. After the correction model was applied, the orbit position errors, 3D root mean square, were reduced from 150.6 to 56.3 cm. PMID:29076998

Learning Short Binary Codes for Large-scale Image Retrieval.

PubMed

Liu, Li; Yu, Mengyang; Shao, Ling

2017-03-01

Large-scale visual information retrieval has become an active research area in this big data era. Recently, hashing/binary coding algorithms prove to be effective for scalable retrieval applications. Most existing hashing methods require relatively long binary codes (i.e., over hundreds of bits, sometimes even thousands of bits) to achieve reasonable retrieval accuracies. However, for some realistic and unique applications, such as on wearable or mobile devices, only short binary codes can be used for efficient image retrieval due to the limitation of computational resources or bandwidth on these devices. In this paper, we propose a novel unsupervised hashing approach called min-cost ranking (MCR) specifically for learning powerful short binary codes (i.e., usually the code length shorter than 100 b) for scalable image retrieval tasks. By exploring the discriminative ability of each dimension of data, MCR can generate one bit binary code for each dimension and simultaneously rank the discriminative separability of each bit according to the proposed cost function. Only top-ranked bits with minimum cost-values are then selected and grouped together to compose the final salient binary codes. Extensive experimental results on large-scale retrieval demonstrate that MCR can achieve comparative performance as the state-of-the-art hashing algorithms but with significantly shorter codes, leading to much faster large-scale retrieval.

Summary Report of Working Group 2: Computation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoltz, P. H.; Tsung, R. S.

2009-01-01

The working group on computation addressed three physics areas: (i) plasma-based accelerators (laser-driven and beam-driven), (ii) high gradient structure-based accelerators, and (iii) electron beam sources and transport [1]. Highlights of the talks in these areas included new models of breakdown on the microscopic scale, new three-dimensional multipacting calculations with both finite difference and finite element codes, and detailed comparisons of new electron gun models with standard models such as PARMELA. The group also addressed two areas of advances in computation: (i) new algorithms, including simulation in a Lorentz-boosted frame that can reduce computation time orders of magnitude, and (ii) new hardware architectures, like graphics processing units and Cell processors that promise dramatic increases in computing power. Highlights of the talks in these areas included results from the first large-scale parallel finite element particle-in-cell code (PIC), many order-of-magnitude speedup of, and details of porting the VPIC code to the Roadrunner supercomputer. The working group featured two plenary talks, one by Brian Albright of Los Alamos National Laboratory on the performance of the VPIC code on the Roadrunner supercomputer, and one by David Bruhwiler of Tech-X Corporation on recent advances in computation for advanced accelerators. Highlights of the talk by Albright included the first one trillion particle simulations, a sustained performance of 0.3 petaflops, and an eight times speedup of science calculations, including back-scatter in laser-plasma interaction. Highlights of the talk by Bruhwiler included simulations of 10 GeV accelerator laser wakefield stages including external injection, new developments in electromagnetic simulations of electron guns using finite difference and finite element approaches.

Summary Report of Working Group 2: Computation

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

Stoltz, P. H.; Tsung, R. S.

2009-01-22

The working group on computation addressed three physics areas: (i) plasma-based accelerators (laser-driven and beam-driven), (ii) high gradient structure-based accelerators, and (iii) electron beam sources and transport [1]. Highlights of the talks in these areas included new models of breakdown on the microscopic scale, new three-dimensional multipacting calculations with both finite difference and finite element codes, and detailed comparisons of new electron gun models with standard models such as PARMELA. The group also addressed two areas of advances in computation: (i) new algorithms, including simulation in a Lorentz-boosted frame that can reduce computation time orders of magnitude, and (ii) newmore » hardware architectures, like graphics processing units and Cell processors that promise dramatic increases in computing power. Highlights of the talks in these areas included results from the first large-scale parallel finite element particle-in-cell code (PIC), many order-of-magnitude speedup of, and details of porting the VPIC code to the Roadrunner supercomputer. The working group featured two plenary talks, one by Brian Albright of Los Alamos National Laboratory on the performance of the VPIC code on the Roadrunner supercomputer, and one by David Bruhwiler of Tech-X Corporation on recent advances in computation for advanced accelerators. Highlights of the talk by Albright included the first one trillion particle simulations, a sustained performance of 0.3 petaflops, and an eight times speedup of science calculations, including back-scatter in laser-plasma interaction. Highlights of the talk by Bruhwiler included simulations of 10 GeV accelerator laser wakefield stages including external injection, new developments in electromagnetic simulations of electron guns using finite difference and finite element approaches.« less

Tactile communication, cooperation, and performance: an ethological study of the NBA.

PubMed

Kraus, Michael W; Huang, Cassey; Keltner, Dacher

2010-10-01

Tactile communication, or physical touch, promotes cooperation between people, communicates distinct emotions, soothes in times of stress, and is used to make inferences of warmth and trust. Based on this conceptual analysis, we predicted that in group competition, physical touch would predict increases in both individual and group performance. In an ethological study, we coded the touch behavior of players from the National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 2008-2009 regular season. Consistent with hypotheses, early season touch predicted greater performance for individuals as well as teams later in the season. Additional analyses confirmed that touch predicted improved performance even after accounting for player status, preseason expectations, and early season performance. Moreover, coded cooperative behaviors between teammates explained the association between touch and team performance. Discussion focused on the contributions touch makes to cooperative groups and the potential implications for other group settings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).

Computational Nuclear Physics and Post Hartree-Fock Methods

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

Lietz, Justin; Sam, Novario; Hjorth-Jensen, M.

We present a computational approach to infinite nuclear matter employing Hartree-Fock theory, many-body perturbation theory and coupled cluster theory. These lectures are closely linked with those of chapters 9, 10 and 11 and serve as input for the correlation functions employed in Monte Carlo calculations in chapter 9, the in-medium similarity renormalization group theory of dense fermionic systems of chapter 10 and the Green's function approach in chapter 11. We provide extensive code examples and benchmark calculations, allowing thereby an eventual reader to start writing her/his own codes. We start with an object-oriented serial code and end with discussions onmore » strategies for porting the code to present and planned high-performance computing facilities.« less

Diet and Physical Activity Intervention Strategies for College Students

PubMed Central

Martinez, Yannica Theda S.; Harmon, Brook E.; Bantum, Erin O.; Strayhorn, Shaila

2016-01-01

Objectives To understand perceived barriers of a diverse sample of college students and their suggestions for interventions aimed at healthy eating, cooking, and physical activity. Methods Forty students (33% Asian American, 30% mixed ethnicity) were recruited. Six focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. Coding began with a priori codes, but allowed for additional codes to emerge. Analysis of questionnaires on participants’ dietary and physical activity practices and behaviors provided context for qualitative findings. Results Barriers included time, cost, facility quality, and intimidation. Tailoring towards a college student’s lifestyle, inclusion of hands-on skill building, and online support and resources were suggested strategies. Conclusions Findings provide direction for diet and physical activity interventions and policies aimed at college students. PMID:28480225

General practitioners' justifications for therapeutic inertia in cardiovascular prevention: an empirically grounded typology.

PubMed

Lebeau, Jean-Pierre; Cadwallader, Jean-Sébastien; Vaillant-Roussel, Hélène; Pouchain, Denis; Yaouanc, Virginie; Aubin-Auger, Isabelle; Mercier, Alain; Rusch, Emmanuel; Remmen, Roy; Vermeire, Etienne; Hendrickx, Kristin

2016-05-13

To construct a typology of general practitioners' (GPs) responses regarding their justification of therapeutic inertia in cardiovascular primary prevention for high-risk patients with hypertension. Empirically grounded construction of typology. Types were defined by attributes derived from the qualitative analysis of GPs' reported reasons for inaction. 256 GPs randomised in the intervention group of a cluster randomised controlled trial. GPs members of 23 French Regional Colleges of Teachers in General Practice, included in the EffectS of a multifaceted intervention on CArdiovascular risk factors in high-risk hyPErtensive patients (ESCAPE) trial. The database consisted of 2638 written responses given by the GPs to an open-ended question asking for the reasons why drug treatment was not changed as suggested by the national guidelines. All answers were coded using constant comparison analysis. A matrix analysis of codes per GP allowed the construction of a response typology, where types were defined by codes as attributes. Initial coding and definition of types were performed independently by two teams. Initial coding resulted in a list of 69 codes in the final codebook, representing 4764 coded references in the question responses. A typology including seven types was constructed. 100 GPs were allocated to one and only one of these types, while 25 GPs did not provide enough data to allow classification. Types (numbers of GPs allocated) were: 'optimists' (28), 'negotiators' (20), 'checkers' (15), 'contextualisers' (13), 'cautious' (11), 'rounders' (8) and 'scientists' (5). For the 36 GPs that provided 50 or more coded references, analysis of the code evolution over time and across patients showed a consistent belonging to the initial type for any given GP. This typology could provide GPs with some insight into their general ways of considering changes in the treatment/management of cardiovascular risk factors and guide design of specific physician-centred interventions to reduce inappropriate inaction. NCT00348855. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Deaf Children's Use of Phonological Coding: Evidence from Reading, Spelling, and Working Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Margaret; Moreno, Constanza

2004-01-01

Two groups of deaf children, aged 8 and 14 years, were presented with a number of tasks designed to assess their reliance on phonological coding. Their performance was compared with that of hearing children of the same chronological age (CA) and reading age (RA). Performance on the first task, short-term recall of pictures, showed that the deaf…

Codes of Student Conduct: A Breakdown of Statements of Sixteen Colleges and Universities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Industrial Conference Board, Inc., New York, NY.

A group of university presidents and other administrative officials met in July, 1968 to discuss the problem of crime and disorder in the US. There was an expressed need for background information that would be helpful to officials at institutions of higher education who want to develop, reexamine, or redefine a code of student conduct. This…

Draft Genome Sequence of the Deinococcus-Thermus Bacterium Meiothermus ruber Strain A

DOE PAGES

Thiel, Vera; Tomsho, Lynn P.; Burhans, Richard; ...

2015-03-26

The draft genome sequence of the Deinococcus-Thermus group bacterium Meiothermus ruber strain A, isolated from a cyanobacterial enrichment culture obtained from Octopus Spring (Yellowstone National Park, WY), comprises 2,968,099 bp in 170 contigs. It is predicted to contain 2,895 protein-coding genes, 44 tRNA-coding genes, and 2 rRNA operons.

Projecting Classroom Language Use in a Group of Bilingual Graduates of a BATESL Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennington, Martha C.

1997-01-01

Forty-eight graduating native Cantonese-speaking students on a BA Honours course in teaching English as a Second Language responded to a questionnaire about their ability in English, their use of English--including code switching and code mixing--in their daily life and their practice teaching on the course, and their view of the appropriateness…

Computation of a Canadian SCWR unit cell with deterministic and Monte Carlo codes

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

Harrisson, G.; Marleau, G.

2012-07-01

The Canadian SCWR has the potential to achieve the goals that the generation IV nuclear reactors must meet. As part of the optimization process for this design concept, lattice cell calculations are routinely performed using deterministic codes. In this study, the first step (self-shielding treatment) of the computation scheme developed with the deterministic code DRAGON for the Canadian SCWR has been validated. Some options available in the module responsible for the resonance self-shielding calculation in DRAGON 3.06 and different microscopic cross section libraries based on the ENDF/B-VII.0 evaluated nuclear data file have been tested and compared to a reference calculationmore » performed with the Monte Carlo code SERPENT under the same conditions. Compared to SERPENT, DRAGON underestimates the infinite multiplication factor in all cases. In general, the original Stammler model with the Livolant-Jeanpierre approximations are the most appropriate self-shielding options to use in this case of study. In addition, the 89 groups WIMS-AECL library for slight enriched uranium and the 172 groups WLUP library for a mixture of plutonium and thorium give the most consistent results with those of SERPENT. (authors)« less

Single-Nucleosome Mapping of Histone Modifications in S. cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Kim, Minkyu; Buratowski, Stephen; Schreiber, Stuart L; Friedman, Nir

2005-01-01

Covalent modification of histone proteins plays a role in virtually every process on eukaryotic DNA, from transcription to DNA repair. Many different residues can be covalently modified, and it has been suggested that these modifications occur in a great number of independent, meaningful combinations. Published low-resolution microarray studies on the combinatorial complexity of histone modification patterns suffer from confounding effects caused by the averaging of modification levels over multiple nucleosomes. To overcome this problem, we used a high-resolution tiled microarray with single-nucleosome resolution to investigate the occurrence of combinations of 12 histone modifications on thousands of nucleosomes in actively growing S. cerevisiae. We found that histone modifications do not occur independently; there are roughly two groups of co-occurring modifications. One group of lysine acetylations shows a sharply defined domain of two hypo-acetylated nucleosomes, adjacent to the transcriptional start site, whose occurrence does not correlate with transcription levels. The other group consists of modifications occurring in gradients through the coding regions of genes in a pattern associated with transcription. We found no evidence for a deterministic code of many discrete states, but instead we saw blended, continuous patterns that distinguish nucleosomes at one location (e.g., promoter nucleosomes) from those at another location (e.g., over the 3′ ends of coding regions). These results are consistent with the idea of a simple, redundant histone code, in which multiple modifications share the same role. PMID:16122352

Applications of Derandomization Theory in Coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheraghchi, Mahdi

2011-07-01

Randomized techniques play a fundamental role in theoretical computer science and discrete mathematics, in particular for the design of efficient algorithms and construction of combinatorial objects. The basic goal in derandomization theory is to eliminate or reduce the need for randomness in such randomized constructions. In this thesis, we explore some applications of the fundamental notions in derandomization theory to problems outside the core of theoretical computer science, and in particular, certain problems related to coding theory. First, we consider the wiretap channel problem which involves a communication system in which an intruder can eavesdrop a limited portion of the transmissions, and construct efficient and information-theoretically optimal communication protocols for this model. Then we consider the combinatorial group testing problem. In this classical problem, one aims to determine a set of defective items within a large population by asking a number of queries, where each query reveals whether a defective item is present within a specified group of items. We use randomness condensers to explicitly construct optimal, or nearly optimal, group testing schemes for a setting where the query outcomes can be highly unreliable, as well as the threshold model where a query returns positive if the number of defectives pass a certain threshold. Finally, we design ensembles of error-correcting codes that achieve the information-theoretic capacity of a large class of communication channels, and then use the obtained ensembles for construction of explicit capacity achieving codes. [This is a shortened version of the actual abstract in the thesis.

Modifying scoping codes to accurately calculate TMI-cores with lifetimes greater than 500 effective full-power days

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

Bai, D.; Levine, S.L.; Luoma, J.

1992-01-01

The Three Mile Island unit 1 core reloads have been designed using fast but accurate scoping codes, PSUI-LEOPARD and ADMARC. PSUI-LEOPARD has been normalized to EPRI-CPM2 results and used to calculate the two-group constants, whereas ADMARC is a modern two-dimensional, two-group diffusion theory nodal code. Problems in accuracy were encountered for cycles 8 and higher as the core lifetime was increased beyond 500 effective full-power days. This is because the heavier loaded cores in both {sup 235}U and {sup 10}B have harder neutron spectra, which produces a change in the transport effect in the baffle reflector region, and the burnablemore » poison (BP) simulations were not accurate enough for the cores containing the increased amount of {sup 10}B required in the BP rods. In the authors study, a technique has been developed to take into account the change in the transport effect in the baffle region by modifying the fast neutron diffusion coefficient as a function of cycle length and core exposure or burnup. A more accurate BP simulation method is also developed, using integral transport theory and CPM2 data, to calculate the BP contribution to the equivalent fuel assembly (supercell) two-group constants. The net result is that the accuracy of the scoping codes is as good as that produced by CASMO/SIMULATE or CPM2/SIMULATE when comparing with measured data.« less

Measuring Changes in Social Behavior during a Social Skills Intervention for Higher-Functioning Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

PubMed Central

McMahon, Camilla M.; Vismara, Laurie A.; Solomon, Marjorie

2013-01-01

The social behavior of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder was evaluated weekly over 19 weeks of a social skills training program. Participants’ vocalizations were coded as initiating, responding, or other (e.g., self-talk). Participants’ interactions were coded as dyadic peer interactions, dyadic leader interactions, interactions with a group of peers, interactions with a group of peer(s) and leader(s), or time spent by self. Over the course of the intervention, participants made fewer initiating and other vocalizations, more responding vocalizations, spent more time interacting with a group of peers, and spent marginally less time interacting with a leader. Gender, age, and intervention attendance effects on social behavior are also noted. PMID:23239098

Expanding the Andersen Model: The Role of Psychosocial Factors in Long-Term Care Use

PubMed Central

Bradley, Elizabeth H; McGraw, Sarah A; Curry, Leslie; Buckser, Alison; King, Kinda L; Kasl, Stanislav V; Andersen, Ronald

2002-01-01

Objective To examine a prevailing conceptual model of health services use (Andersen 1995) and to suggest modifications that may enhance its explanatory power when applied to empirical studies of race/ethnicity and long-term care. Study Setting Twelve focus groups of African-American (five groups) and white (seven groups) individuals, aged 65 and older, residing in Connecticut during 2000. Study Design Using qualitative analysis, data were coded and analyzed in NUD-IST 4 software to facilitate the reporting of recurrent themes, supporting quotations, and links among the themes for developing the conceptual framework. Specific analysis was conducted to assess distinctions in common themes between African-American and white focus groups. Data Collection Data were collected using a standardized discussion guide, augmented by prompts for clarification. Audio taped sessions were transcribed and independently coded by investigators and crosschecked to enhance coding validity. An audit trail was maintained to document analytic decisions during data analysis and interpretation. Principal Findings Psychosocial factors (e.g., attitudes and knowledge, social norms, and perceived control) are identified as determinants of service use, thereby expanding the Andersen model (1995). African-American and white focus group members differed in their reported accessibility of information about long-term care, social norms concerning caregiving expectations and burden, and concerns of privacy and self-determination. Conclusions More comprehensive identification of psychosocial factors may enhance our understanding of the complex role of race/ethnicity in long-term care use as well as the effectiveness of policies and programs designed to address disparities in long-term care service use among minority and nonminority groups. PMID:12479494

Expanding the Andersen model: the role of psychosocial factors in long-term care use.

PubMed

Bradley, Elizabeth H; McGraw, Sarah A; Curry, Leslie; Buckser, Alison; King, Kinda L; Kasl, Stanislav V; Andersen, Ronald

2002-10-01

To examine a prevailing conceptual model of health services use (Andersen 1995) and to suggest modifications that may enhance its explanatory power when applied to empirical studies of race/ethnicity and long-term care. Twelve focus groups of African-American (five groups) and white (seven groups) individuals, aged 65 and older, residing in Connecticut during 2000. Using qualitative analysis, data were coded and analyzed in NUD-IST 4 software to facilitate the reporting of recurrent themes, supporting quotations, and links among the themes for developing the conceptual framework. Specific analysis was conducted to assess distinctions in common themes between African-American and white focus groups. Data were collected using a standardized discussion guide, augmented by prompts for clarification. Audio taped sessions were transcribed and independently coded by investigators and crosschecked to enhance coding validity. An audit trail was maintained to document analytic decisions during data analysis and interpretation. Psychosocial factors (e.g., attitudes and knowledge, social norms, and perceived control) are identified as determinants of service use, thereby expanding the Andersen model (1995). African-American and white focus group members differed in their reported accessibility of information about long-term care, social norms concerning caregiving expectations and burden, and concerns of privacy and self-determination. More comprehensive identification of psychosocial factors may enhance our understanding of the complex role of race/ethnicity in long-term care use as well as the effectiveness of policies and programs designed to address disparities in long-term care service use among minority and nonminority groups.

Code of practice for food handler activities.

PubMed

Smith, T A; Kanas, R P; McCoubrey, I A; Belton, M E

2005-08-01

The food industry regulates various aspects of food handler activities, according to legislation and customer expectations. The purpose of this paper is to provide a code of practice which delineates a set of working standards for food handler hygiene, handwashing, use of protective equipment, wearing of jewellery and body piercing. The code was developed by a working group of occupational physicians with expertise in both food manufacturing and retail, using a risk assessment approach. Views were also obtained from other occupational physicians working within the food industry and the relevant regulatory bodies. The final version of the code (available in full as Supplementary data in Occupational Medicine Online) therefore represents a broad consensus of opinion. The code of practice represents a set of minimum standards for food handler suitability and activities, based on a practical assessment of risk, for application in food businesses. It aims to provide useful working advice to food businesses of all sizes.

Complete Decoding and Reporting of Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METARs)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lui, Man-Cheung Max

2014-01-01

Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) provides surface weather information at and around observation stations, including airport terminals. These weather observations are used by pilots for flight planning and by air traffic service providers for managing departure and arrival flights. The METARs are also an important source of weather data for Air Traffic Management (ATM) analysts and researchers at NASA and elsewhere. These researchers use METAR to correlate severe weather events with local or national air traffic actions that restrict air traffic, as one example. A METAR is made up of multiple groups of coded text, each with a specific standard coding format. These groups of coded text are located in two sections of a report: Body and Remarks. The coded text groups in a U.S. METAR are intended to follow the coding standards set by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). However, manual data entry and edits made by a human report observer may result in coded text elements that do not follow the standards, especially in the Remarks section. And contrary to the standards, some significant weather observations are noted only in the Remarks section and not in the Body section of the reports. While human readers can infer the intended meaning of non-standard coding of weather conditions, doing so with a computer program is far more challenging. However such programmatic pre-processing is necessary to enable efficient and faster database query when researchers need to perform any significant historical weather analysis. Therefore, to support such analysis, a computer algorithm was developed to identify groups of coded text anywhere in a report and to perform subsequent decoding in software. The algorithm considers common deviations from the standards and data entry mistakes made by observers. The implemented software code was tested to decode 12 million reports and the decoding process was able to completely interpret 99.93 of the reports. This document presents the deviations from the standards and the decoding algorithm. Storing all decoded data in a database allows users to quickly query a large amount of data and to perform data mining on the data. Users can specify complex query criteria not only on date or airport but also on weather condition. This document also describes the design of a database schema for storing the decoded data, and a Data Warehouse web application that allows users to perform reporting and analysis on the decoded data. Finally, this document presents a case study correlating dust storms reported in METARs from the Phoenix International airport with Ground Stops issued by Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ATCSCC). Blowing widespread dust is one of the weather conditions when dust storm occurs. By querying the database, 294 METARs were found to report blowing widespread dust at the Phoenix airport and 41 of them reported such condition only in the Remarks section of the reports. When METAR is a data source for an ATM research, it is important to include weather conditions not only from the Body section but also from the Remarks section of METARs.

Mediating the gap between the white coat ceremony and the ethics and professionalism curriculum.

PubMed

Cohn, Felicia; Lie, Désirée

2002-11-01

Like many other medical schools, the University of California, Irvine annually conducts a White Coat ceremony in which incoming students take a professional oath of ethical conduct.(1) We report a new educational activity to connect the values expressed in the oath taken to the Ethics and Professionalism (EP) curriculum for first-year medical students(2) and its potential impact on physician training. Following the White Coat ceremony, students participated in the Patient Doctor Society course that integrates diverse curricular topics centered on physician-patient communication. During this course, the students were introduced to EP content through a collaborative peer exercise. With the assistance of background readings on professional values and ethics concepts, small groups of students were asked to construct their own codes of ethics. The process of working in a group became part of the learning. After developing a code of ethics, each group was asked to identify primary values embodied in its code; primary obligations to patients and their families, other members of the health care team, and the community; key factors influencing code development; and likely effects of the code on the conduct of medical students and physicians. The goals of the session were to recognize formally both individual values and the values to which students commit themselves during the White Coat ceremony, to facilitate understanding of those values, and to begin to reconcile differences between personal and professional values. The small groups convened to report their findings in a three-hour session. Common values expressed by the students included patient autonomy, respect, beneficence, and professionalism. The delivery of quality health care, communication, education, and the equitable distribution of health care were among the most often listed obligations. The students reported that culture, societal values, family, experience, religion, education, and assigned readings were the key sources of the values in their codes. Most of the students enjoyed and learned from the exercise, believing that a code of ethics will serve as a helpful educational guide while they are students and as an action guide in their future practices. Student evaluations, narrative feedback, and faculty observation indicated that the students appreciated the opportunity to work in teams and to explore professional values. The students' most common suggestion for improvement involved incorporating analysis of clinical cases in which questions about professional values arise. Medical educators suggest that students' values and professional behaviors change throughout medical school, but such change is difficult to assess. The code-development exercise established a baseline of values at entry to medical school. We plan to track this cohort of students by reintroducing this exercise in their fourth year and will compare the codes developed in their first and fourth years to identify changes in values and to suggest what the students have learned about values during medical school. The comparison will be used to inform further development of the EP curriculum toward the goal of shaping and supporting the positive professional growth of our student-physicians.

Lack of agreement in pediatric emergency department discharge diagnoses from clinical and administrative data sources.

PubMed

Gorelick, Marc H; Knight, Stacey; Alessandrini, Evaline A; Stanley, Rachel M; Chamberlain, James M; Kuppermann, Nathan; Alpern, Elizabeth R

2007-07-01

Diagnosis information from existing data sources is used commonly for epidemiologic, administrative, and research purposes. The quality of such data for emergency department (ED) visits is unknown. To determine the agreement on final diagnoses between two sources, electronic administrative sources and manually abstracted medical records, for pediatric ED visits, in a multicenter network. This was a cross sectional study at 19 EDs nationwide. The authors obtained data from two sources at each ED during a three-month period in 2003: administrative sources for all visits and abstracted records for randomly selected visits during ten days over the study period. Records were matched using unique identifiers and probabilistic linkage. The authors recorded up to three diagnoses from each abstracted medical record and up to ten for the administrative data source. Diagnoses were grouped into 104 groups using a modification of the Clinical Classification System. A total of 8,860 abstracted records had at least one valid diagnosis code (with a total of 12,895 diagnoses) and were successfully matched to records in the administrative source. Overall, 67% (95% confidence interval = 66% to 68%) of diagnoses from the administrative and abstracted sources were within the same diagnosis group. Agreement varied by site, ranging from 54% to 77%. Agreement varied substantially by diagnosis group; there was no difference by method of linkage. Clustering clinically similar diagnosis groups improved agreement between administrative and abstracted data sources. ED diagnoses retrieved from electronic administrative sources and manual chart review frequently disagree, even if similar diagnosis codes are grouped. Agreement varies by institution and by diagnosis. Further work is needed to improve the accuracy of diagnosis coding; development of a grouping system specific to pediatric emergency care may be beneficial.

Factors associated with delay in trauma team activation and impact on patient outcomes.

PubMed

Connolly, Rory; Woo, Michael Y; Lampron, Jacinthe; Perry, Jeffrey J

2017-09-05

Trauma code activation is initiated by emergency physicians using physiological and anatomical criteria, mechanism of injury, and patient demographic factors. Our objective was to identify factors associated with delayed trauma team activation. We assessed consecutive cases from a regional trauma database from January 2008 to March 2014. We defined a delay in trauma code activation as a time greater than 30 minutes from the time of arrival. We conducted univariate analysis for factors potentially influencing trauma team activation, and we subsequently used multiple logistic regression analysis models for delayed activation in relation to mortality, length of stay, and time to operative management. Patients totalling 846 were included for our analysis; 4.1% (35/846) of trauma codes were activated after 30 minutes. Mean age was 40.8 years in the early group versus 49.2 in the delayed group (p=0.01). Patients were over age 70 years in 7.6% in the early activation group versus 17.1% in the delayed group (p=0.04). There was no significant difference in sex, type of injury, injury severity, or time from injury between the two groups. There was no significant difference in mortality, median length of stay, or median time to operative management. Delayed activation is linked with increasing age with no clear link to increased mortality. Given the severe injuries in the delayed cohort that required activation of the trauma team, further emphasis on the older trauma patient and interventions to recognize this vulnerable population should be made.

Qualitative description of college students' dinner groups.

PubMed

Ball, Brita; Brown, Lora Beth

2012-01-01

To discover how college students conduct dinner groups and perceptions of the benefits and difficulties of participation. Qualitative study conducted with 7 focus groups. A university campus, with 36 students participating in dinner groups, defined as a group of 3 people or more cooking for one another (or together) and eating together at least 4 times a week. Dinner groups. The focus group recordings were transcribed, coded, and reconciled. NUDIST NVivo software (version 8, QSR International, Victoria, Australia, 2008) assisted in coding data to identify themes and subthemes. Dinner groups were composed of roommates or students living nearby. They rotated who made each dinner. Benefits identified included social interaction, increasing confidence in cooking, saving money and time, and eating more varied and healthful foods. Difficulties, which were uncommon, included increased time spent on days the student cooked and stresses related to cooking on a schedule. Students found that the benefits far outweighed the difficulties and universally wanted to continue in a dinner group. College students enjoyed dinner groups, and promoting them may be an option for improving college students' eating habits. Nearly all students believed that they ate better in a dinner group, but research is needed to assess actual intake. Copyright © 2012 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quality of recording of diabetes in the UK: how does the GP's method of coding clinical data affect incidence estimates? Cross-sectional study using the CPRD database.

PubMed

Tate, A Rosemary; Dungey, Sheena; Glew, Simon; Beloff, Natalia; Williams, Rachael; Williams, Tim

2017-01-25

To assess the effect of coding quality on estimates of the incidence of diabetes in the UK between 1995 and 2014. A cross-sectional analysis examining diabetes coding from 1995 to 2014 and how the choice of codes (diagnosis codes vs codes which suggest diagnosis) and quality of coding affect estimated incidence. Routine primary care data from 684 practices contributing to the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (data contributed from Vision (INPS) practices). Incidence rates of diabetes and how they are affected by (1) GP coding and (2) excluding 'poor' quality practices with at least 10% incident patients inaccurately coded between 2004 and 2014. Incidence rates and accuracy of coding varied widely between practices and the trends differed according to selected category of code. If diagnosis codes were used, the incidence of type 2 increased sharply until 2004 (when the UK Quality Outcomes Framework was introduced), and then flattened off, until 2009, after which they decreased. If non-diagnosis codes were included, the numbers continued to increase until 2012. Although coding quality improved over time, 15% of the 666 practices that contributed data between 2004 and 2014 were labelled 'poor' quality. When these practices were dropped from the analyses, the downward trend in the incidence of type 2 after 2009 became less marked and incidence rates were higher. In contrast to some previous reports, diabetes incidence (based on diagnostic codes) appears not to have increased since 2004 in the UK. Choice of codes can make a significant difference to incidence estimates, as can quality of recording. Codes and data quality should be checked when assessing incidence rates using GP data. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

How Do Students Define Their Roles and Responsibilities in Online Learning Group Projects?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Karen C.; Morgan, Kari; Cameron, Bruce A.

2011-01-01

The goal of this study was to explore the processes of group role formation in online class settings. Qualitative analysis was used to code chat logs and discussion threads in six undergraduate Family and Consumer Sciences online courses that required online group projects. Four themes related to the process of group role formation emerged:…

Exploration of Support Behavior in Counseling Groups with Counseling Trainees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harel, Yoni; Shechtman, Zipora; Cutrona, Carolyn

2012-01-01

The study explores the types of support expressed in counseling groups attended by trainee counselors. Support is a crucial factor in human life in general, and in groups in particular, yet little is known about the type of support presented in counseling groups. Type of support was categorized by means of the Social Support Behavior Code (SSBC;…

Mental Imagery and Idiom Understanding in Adults: Examining Dual Coding Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hung, Pei-Fang

2010-01-01

This study examined idiom understanding in 120 neurologically healthy adults, ages 20-29 (20s Group), 40-49 (40s Group), 60-69 (60s Group), and 80-89 (80s Group) years old. Each participant was administered a familiarity task, definition explanation task, mental imagery task, and forced-choice comprehension task. Twenty idioms, 10 transparent and…

Group I introns are inherited through common ancestry in the nuclear-encoded rRNA of Zygnematales (Charophyceae).

PubMed Central

Bhattacharya, D; Surek, B; Rüsing, M; Damberger, S; Melkonian, M

1994-01-01

Group I introns are found in organellar genomes, in the genomes of eubacteria and phages, and in nuclear-encoded rRNAs. The origin and distribution of nuclear-encoded rRNA group I introns are not understood. To elucidate their evolutionary relationships, we analyzed diverse nuclear-encoded small-subunit rRNA group I introns including nine sequences from the green-algal order Zygnematales (Charophyceae). Phylogenetic analyses of group I introns and rRNA coding regions suggest that lateral transfers have occurred in the evolutionary history of group I introns and that, after transfer, some of these elements may form stable components of the host-cell nuclear genomes. The Zygnematales introns, which share a common insertion site (position 1506 relative to the Escherichia coli small-subunit rRNA), form one subfamily of group I introns that has, after its origin, been inherited through common ancestry. Since the first Zygnematales appear in the middle Devonian within the fossil record, the "1506" group I intron presumably has been a stable component of the Zygnematales small-subunit rRNA coding region for 350-400 million years. PMID:7937917

PMD compensation in fiber-optic communication systems with direct detection using LDPC-coded OFDM.

PubMed

Djordjevic, Ivan B

2007-04-02

The possibility of polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) compensation in fiber-optic communication systems with direct detection using a simple channel estimation technique and low-density parity-check (LDPC)-coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is demonstrated. It is shown that even for differential group delay (DGD) of 4/BW (BW is the OFDM signal bandwidth), the degradation due to the first-order PMD can be completely compensated for. Two classes of LDPC codes designed based on two different combinatorial objects (difference systems and product of combinatorial designs) suitable for use in PMD compensation are introduced.

Team interaction during surgery: a systematic review of communication coding schemes.

PubMed

Tiferes, Judith; Bisantz, Ann M; Guru, Khurshid A

2015-05-15

Communication problems have been systematically linked to human errors in surgery and a deep understanding of the underlying processes is essential. Although a number of tools exist to assess nontechnical skills, methods to study communication and other team-related processes are far from being standardized, making comparisons challenging. We conducted a systematic review to analyze methods used to study events in the operating room (OR) and to develop a synthesized coding scheme for OR team communication. Six electronic databases were accessed to search for articles that collected individual events during surgery and included detailed coding schemes. Additional articles were added based on cross-referencing. That collection was then classified based on type of events collected, environment type (real or simulated), number of procedures, type of surgical task, team characteristics, method of data collection, and coding scheme characteristics. All dimensions within each coding scheme were grouped based on emergent content similarity. Categories drawn from articles, which focused on communication events, were further analyzed and synthesized into one common coding scheme. A total of 34 of 949 articles met the inclusion criteria. The methodological characteristics and coding dimensions of the articles were summarized. A priori coding was used in nine studies. The synthesized coding scheme for OR communication included six dimensions as follows: information flow, period, statement type, topic, communication breakdown, and effects of communication breakdown. The coding scheme provides a standardized coding method for OR communication, which can be used to develop a priori codes for future studies especially in comparative effectiveness research. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Provisional Coding Practices: Are They Really a Waste of Time?

PubMed

Krypuy, Matthew; McCormack, Lena

2006-11-01

In order to facilitate effective clinical coding and hence the precise financial reimbursement of acute services, in 2005 Western District Health Service (WDHS) (located in regional Victoria, Australia) undertook a provisional coding trial for inpatient medical episodes to determine the magnitude and accuracy of clinical documentation. Utilising clinical coding software installed on a laptop computer, provisional coding was undertaken for all current overnight inpatient episodes under each physician one day prior to attending their daily ward round. The provisionally coded episodes were re-coded upon the completion of the discharge summary and the final Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) allocation and weight were compared to the provisional DRG assignment. A total of 54 out of 220 inpatient medical episodes were provisionally coded. This represented approximately a 25% cross section of the population selected for observation. Approximately 67.6% of the provisionally allocated DRGs were accurate in contrast to 32.4% which were subject to change once the discharge summary was completed. The DRG changes were primarily due to: disease progression of a patient during their care episode which could not be identified by clinical coding staff due to discharge prior to the following scheduled ward round; the discharge destination of particular patients; and the accuracy of clinical documentation on the discharge summary. The information gathered from the provisional coding trial supported the hypothesis that clinical documentation standards were sufficient and adequate to support precise clinical coding and DRG assignment at WDHS. The trial further highlighted the importance of a complete and accurate discharge summary available during the coding process of acute inpatient episodes.

Investigating Argumentation in Reading Groups: Combining Manual Qualitative Coding and Automated Corpus Analysis Tools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Halloran, Kieran

2011-01-01

This article makes a contribution to understanding informal argumentation by focusing on the discourse of reading groups. Reading groups, an important cultural phenomenon in Britain and other countries, regularly meet in members' houses, in pubs or restaurants, in bookshops, workplaces, schools or prisons to share their experiences of reading…

Emergent Leadership in Children's Discussion Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Yuan; Anderson, Richard C.; Nguyen-Jahiel, Kim; Dong, Ting; Archodidou, Anthi; Kim, Il-Hee; Kuo, Li-Jen; Clark, Ann-Marie; Wu, Xiaoying; Jadallah, May; Miller, Brian

2007-01-01

Emergent leadership was examined in 12 discussion groups in 4 fourth-grade classrooms. Children's leadership moves were coded from transcripts of 10 free-flowing, open-format discussions of each of the 12 groups. The transcripts encompassed 26,000 turns for speaking, including 22,000 child turns of which 1,700 were judged to serve one of five…

Ensemble Perception of Size in 4-5-Year-Old Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sweeny, Timothy D.; Wurnitsch, Nicole; Gopnik, Alison; Whitney, David

2015-01-01

Groups of objects are nearly everywhere we look. Adults can perceive and understand the "gist" of multiple objects at once, engaging ensemble-coding mechanisms that summarize a group's overall appearance. Are these group-perception mechanisms in place early in childhood? Here, we provide the first evidence that 4-5-year-old children use…

Does Multimedia Support Individual Differences?--EFL Learners' Listening Comprehension and Cognitive Load

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Hui-Yu

2014-01-01

The present study examines how display model, English proficiency and cognitive preference affect English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' listening comprehension of authentic videos and cognitive load degree. EFL learners were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group received single coding and the experimental group received…

Alcohol and Group Formation: A Multimodal Investigation of the Effects of Alcohol on Emotion and Social Bonding

PubMed Central

Sayette, Michael A.; Creswell, Kasey G.; Dimoff, John D.; Fairbairn, Catharine E.; Cohn, Jeffrey F.; Heckman, Bryan W.; Kirchner, Thomas R.; Levine, John M.; Moreland, Richard L.

2017-01-01

We integrated research on emotion and on small groups to address a fundamental and enduring question facing alcohol researchers: What are the specific mechanisms that underlie the reinforcing effects of drinking? In one of the largest alcohol-administration studies yet conducted, we employed a novel group-formation paradigm to evaluate the socioemotional effects of alcohol. Seven hundred twenty social drinkers (360 male, 360 female) were assembled into groups of 3 unacquainted persons each and given a moderate dose of an alcoholic, placebo, or control beverage, which they consumed over 36 min. These groups’ social interactions were video recorded, and the duration and sequence of interaction partners’ facial and speech behaviors were systematically coded (e.g., using the Facial Action Coding System). Alcohol consumption enhanced individual- and group-level behaviors associated with positive affect, reduced individual-level behaviors associated with negative affect, and elevated self-reported bonding. Our results indicate that alcohol facilitates bonding during group formation. Assessing nonverbal responses in social contexts offers new directions for evaluating the effects of alcohol. PMID:22760882

Biases in detection of apparent "weekend effect" on outcome with administrative coding data: population based study of stroke.

PubMed

Li, Linxin; Rothwell, Peter M

2016-05-16

 To determine the accuracy of coding of admissions for stroke on weekdays versus weekends and any impact on apparent outcome.  Prospective population based stroke incidence study and a scoping review of previous studies of weekend effects in stroke.  Primary and secondary care of all individuals registered with nine general practices in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (OXVASC, the Oxford Vascular Study).  All patients with clinically confirmed acute stroke in OXVASC identified with multiple overlapping methods of ascertainment in 2002-14 versus all acute stroke admissions identified by hospital diagnostic and mortality coding alone during the same period.  Accuracy of administrative coding data for all patients with confirmed stroke admitted to hospital in OXVASC. Difference between rates of "false positive" or "false negative" coding for weekday and weekend admissions. Impact of inaccurate coding on apparent case fatality at 30 days in weekday versus weekend admissions. Weekend effects on outcomes in patients with confirmed stroke admitted to hospital in OXVASC and impacts of other potential biases compared with those in the scoping review.  Among 92 728 study population, 2373 episodes of acute stroke were ascertained in OXVASC, of which 826 (34.8%) mainly minor events were managed without hospital admission, 60 (2.5%) occurred out of the area or abroad, and 195 (8.2%) occurred in hospital during an admission for a different reason. Of 1292 local hospital admissions for acute stroke, 973 (75.3%) were correctly identified by administrative coding. There was no bias in distribution of weekend versus weekday admission of the 319 strokes missed by coding. Of 1693 admissions for stroke identified by coding, 1055 (62.3%) were confirmed to be acute strokes after case adjudication. Among the 638 false positive coded cases, patients were more likely to be admitted on weekdays than at weekends (536 (41.0%) v 102 (26.5%); P<0.001), partly because of weekday elective admissions after previous stroke being miscoded as new stroke episodes (267 (49.8%) v 26 (25.5%); P<0.001). The 30 day case fatality after these elective admissions was lower than after confirmed acute stroke admissions (11 (3.8%) v 233 (22.1%); P<0.001). Consequently, relative 30 day case fatality for weekend versus weekday admissions differed (P<0.001) between correctly coded acute stroke admissions and false positive coding cases. Results were consistent when only the 1327 emergency cases identified by "admission method" from coding were included, with more false positive cases with low case fatality (35 (14.7%)) being included for weekday versus weekend admissions (190 (19.5%) v 48 (13.7%), P<0.02). Among all acute stroke admissions in OXVASC, there was no imbalance in baseline stroke severity for weekends versus weekdays and no difference in case fatality at 30 days (adjusted odds ratio 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.63 to 1.15; P=0.30) or any adverse "weekend effect" on modified Rankin score at 30 days (0.78, 0.61 to 0.99; P=0.04) or one year (0.76, 0.59 to 0.98; P=0.03) among incident strokes.  Retrospective studies of UK administrative hospital coding data to determine "weekend effects" on outcome in acute medical conditions, such as stroke, can be undermined by inaccurate coding, which can introduce biases that cannot be reliably dealt with by adjustment for case mix. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Fluorescence Lifetime Study of Cyclodextrin Complexes of Substituted Naphthalenes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-08-15

Spectroscopy iip 17. COSATI CODES 18. SUBJECT TERMS (Continue on reverse If necessary and identify by block number) FIELD GROUP SUB-GROUP fluorescence lifetime...measurements cyclodextrins spectroscopic techniques 19. TRACT (Continue on revere if necsary and identify by block number

An efficient decoding for low density parity check codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Ling; Zhang, Xiaolin; Zhu, Manjie

2009-12-01

Low density parity check (LDPC) codes are a class of forward-error-correction codes. They are among the best-known codes capable of achieving low bit error rates (BER) approaching Shannon's capacity limit. Recently, LDPC codes have been adopted by the European Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB-S2) standard, and have also been proposed for the emerging IEEE 802.16 fixed and mobile broadband wireless-access standard. The consultative committee for space data system (CCSDS) has also recommended using LDPC codes in the deep space communications and near-earth communications. It is obvious that LDPC codes will be widely used in wired and wireless communication, magnetic recording, optical networking, DVB, and other fields in the near future. Efficient hardware implementation of LDPC codes is of great interest since LDPC codes are being considered for a wide range of applications. This paper presents an efficient partially parallel decoder architecture suited for quasi-cyclic (QC) LDPC codes using Belief propagation algorithm for decoding. Algorithmic transformation and architectural level optimization are incorporated to reduce the critical path. First, analyze the check matrix of LDPC code, to find out the relationship between the row weight and the column weight. And then, the sharing level of the check node updating units (CNU) and the variable node updating units (VNU) are determined according to the relationship. After that, rearrange the CNU and the VNU, and divide them into several smaller parts, with the help of some assistant logic circuit, these smaller parts can be grouped into CNU during the check node update processing and grouped into VNU during the variable node update processing. These smaller parts are called node update kernel units (NKU) and the assistant logic circuit are called node update auxiliary unit (NAU). With NAUs' help, the two steps of iteration operation are completed by NKUs, which brings in great hardware resource reduction. Meanwhile, efficient techniques have been developed to reduce the computation delay of the node processing units and to minimize hardware overhead for parallel processing. This method may be applied not only to regular LDPC codes, but also to the irregular ones. Based on the proposed architectures, a (7493, 6096) irregular QC-LDPC code decoder is described using verilog hardware design language and implemented on Altera field programmable gate array (FPGA) StratixII EP2S130. The implementation results show that over 20% of logic core size can be saved than conventional partially parallel decoder architectures without any performance degradation. If the decoding clock is 100MHz, the proposed decoder can achieve a maximum (source data) decoding throughput of 133 Mb/s at 18 iterations.

Review of finite fields: Applications to discrete Fourier, transforms and Reed-Solomon coding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, J. S. L.; Truong, T. K.; Benjauthrit, B.; Mulhall, B. D. L.; Reed, I. S.

1977-01-01

An attempt is made to provide a step-by-step approach to the subject of finite fields. Rigorous proofs and highly theoretical materials are avoided. The simple concepts of groups, rings, and fields are discussed and developed more or less heuristically. Examples are used liberally to illustrate the meaning of definitions and theories. Applications include discrete Fourier transforms and Reed-Solomon coding.

Media Images Abbott and Costello Meet the End of the World: Who Is the Enemy in "The Da Vinci Code" and "An Inconvenient Truth?"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beck, Bernard

2007-01-01

Popular culture requires readily identifiable villains. Subcultural groups often serve this role, creating controversies. Controversies based on religion are especially bitter. As a rule, religion in the movies is inoffensively sentimental, but "The Da Vinci Code" is both popular and provocative, treading on the dangerous ground of Jesus's…

Automatic coding and selection of causes of death: an adaptation of Iris software for using in Brazil.

PubMed

Martins, Renata Cristófani; Buchalla, Cassia Maria

2015-01-01

To prepare a dictionary in Portuguese for using in Iris and to evaluate its completeness for coding causes of death. Iniatially, a dictionary with all illness and injuries was created based on the International Classification of Diseases - tenth revision (ICD-10) codes. This dictionary was based on two sources: the electronic file of ICD-10 volume 1 and the data from Thesaurus of the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-2). Then, a death certificate sample from the Program of Improvement of Mortality Information in São Paulo (PRO-AIM) was coded manually and by Iris version V4.0.34, and the causes of death were compared. Whenever Iris was not able to code the causes of death, adjustments were made in the dictionary. Iris was able to code all causes of death in 94.4% death certificates, but only 50.6% were directly coded, without adjustments. Among death certificates that the software was unable to fully code, 89.2% had a diagnosis of external causes (chapter XX of ICD-10). This group of causes of death showed less agreement when comparing the coding by Iris to the manual one. The software performed well, but it needs adjustments and improvement in its dictionary. In the upcoming versions of the software, its developers are trying to solve the external causes of death problem.

The effect of multiple internal representations on context-rich instruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lasry, Nathaniel; Aulls, Mark W.

2007-11-01

We discuss n-coding, a theoretical model of multiple internal mental representations. The n-coding construct is developed from a review of cognitive and imaging data that demonstrates the independence of information processed along different modalities such as verbal, visual, kinesthetic, logico-mathematic, and social modalities. A study testing the effectiveness of the n-coding construct in classrooms is presented. Four sections differing in the level of n-coding opportunities were compared. Besides a traditional-instruction section used as a control group, each of the remaining three sections were given context-rich problems, which differed by the level of n-coding opportunities designed into their laboratory environment. To measure the effectiveness of the construct, problem-solving skills were assessed as conceptual learning using the force concept inventory. We also developed several new measures that take students' confidence in concepts into account. Our results show that the n-coding construct is useful in designing context-rich environments and can be used to increase learning gains in problem solving, conceptual knowledge, and concept confidence. Specifically, when using props in designing context-rich problems, we find n-coding to be a useful construct in guiding which additional dimensions need to be attended to.

The Development of a Portable Hard Disk Encryption/Decryption System with a MEMS Coded Lock.

PubMed

Zhang, Weiping; Chen, Wenyuan; Tang, Jian; Xu, Peng; Li, Yibin; Li, Shengyong

2009-01-01

In this paper, a novel portable hard-disk encryption/decryption system with a MEMS coded lock is presented, which can authenticate the user and provide the key for the AES encryption/decryption module. The portable hard-disk encryption/decryption system is composed of the authentication module, the USB portable hard-disk interface card, the ATA protocol command decoder module, the data encryption/decryption module, the cipher key management module, the MEMS coded lock controlling circuit module, the MEMS coded lock and the hard disk. The ATA protocol circuit, the MEMS control circuit and AES encryption/decryption circuit are designed and realized by FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array). The MEMS coded lock with two couplers and two groups of counter-meshing-gears (CMGs) are fabricated by a LIGA-like process and precision engineering method. The whole prototype was fabricated and tested. The test results show that the user's password could be correctly discriminated by the MEMS coded lock, and the AES encryption module could get the key from the MEMS coded lock. Moreover, the data in the hard-disk could be encrypted or decrypted, and the read-write speed of the dataflow could reach 17 MB/s in Ultra DMA mode.

DRG coding practice: a nationwide hospital survey in Thailand.

PubMed

Pongpirul, Krit; Walker, Damian G; Rahman, Hafizur; Robinson, Courtland

2011-10-31

Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) payment is preferred by healthcare reform in various countries but its implementation in resource-limited countries has not been fully explored. This study was aimed (1) to compare the characteristics of hospitals in Thailand that were audited with those that were not and (2) to develop a simplified scale to measure hospital coding practice. A questionnaire survey was conducted of 920 hospitals in the Summary and Coding Audit Database (SCAD hospitals, all of which were audited in 2008 because of suspicious reports of possible DRG miscoding); the questionnaire also included 390 non-SCAD hospitals. The questionnaire asked about general demographics of the hospitals, hospital coding structure and process, and also included a set of 63 opinion-oriented items on the current hospital coding practice. Descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used for data analysis. SCAD and Non-SCAD hospitals were different in many aspects, especially the number of medical statisticians, experience of medical statisticians and physicians, as well as number of certified coders. Factor analysis revealed a simplified 3-factor, 20-item model to assess hospital coding practice and classify hospital intention. Hospital providers should not be assumed capable of producing high quality DRG codes, especially in resource-limited settings.

Audit of accuracy of clinical coding in oral surgery.

PubMed

Naran, S; Hudovsky, A; Antscherl, J; Howells, S; Nouraei, S A R

2014-10-01

We aimed to study the accuracy of clinical coding within oral surgery and to identify ways in which it can be improved. We undertook did a multidisciplinary audit of a sample of 646 day case patients who had had oral surgery procedures between 2011 and 2012. We compared the codes given with their case notes and amended any discrepancies. The accuracy of coding was assessed for primary and secondary diagnoses and procedures, and for health resource groupings (HRGs). The financial impact of coding Subjectivity, Variability and Error (SVE) was assessed by reference to national tariffs. The audit resulted in 122 (19%) changes to primary diagnoses. The codes for primary procedures changed in 224 (35%) cases; 310 (48%) morbidities and complications had been missed, and 266 (41%) secondary procedures had been missed or were incorrect. This led to at least one change of coding in 496 (77%) patients, and to the HRG changes in 348 (54%) patients. The financial impact of this was £114 in lost revenue per patient. There is a high incidence of coding errors in oral surgery because of the large number of day cases, a lack of awareness by clinicians of coding issues, and because clinical coders are not always familiar with the large number of highly specialised abbreviations used. Accuracy of coding can be improved through the use of a well-designed proforma, and standards can be maintained by the use of an ongoing data quality assurance programme. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Impacts of phylogenetic nomenclature on the efficacy of the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

PubMed

Leslie, Matthew S

2015-02-01

Cataloging biodiversity is critical to conservation efforts because accurate taxonomy is often a precondition for protection under laws designed for species conservation, such as the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Traditional nomenclatural codes governing the taxonomic process have recently come under scrutiny because taxon names are more closely linked to hierarchical ranks than to the taxa themselves. A new approach to naming biological groups, called phylogenetic nomenclature (PN), explicitly names taxa by defining their names in terms of ancestry and descent. PN has the potential to increase nomenclatural stability and decrease confusion induced by the rank-based codes. But proponents of PN have struggled with whether species and infraspecific taxa should be governed by the same rules as other taxa or should have special rules. Some proponents advocate the wholesale abandonment of rank labels (including species); this could have consequences for the implementation of taxon-based conservation legislation. I examined the principles of PN as embodied in the PhyloCode (an alternative to traditional rank-based nomenclature that names biological groups based on the results of phylogenetic analyses and does not associate taxa with ranks) and assessed how this novel approach to naming taxa might affect the implementation of species-based legislation by providing a case study of the ESA. The latest version of the PhyloCode relies on the traditional rank-based codes to name species and infraspecific taxa; thus, little will change regarding the main targets of the ESA because they will retain rank labels. For this reason, and because knowledge of evolutionary relationships is of greater importance than nomenclatural procedures for initial protection of endangered taxa under the ESA, I conclude that PN under the PhyloCode will have little impact on implementation of the ESA. © 2014 Society for Conservation Biology.

3D unstructured-mesh radiation transport codes

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

Morel, J.

1997-12-31

Three unstructured-mesh radiation transport codes are currently being developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The first code is ATTILA, which uses an unstructured tetrahedral mesh in conjunction with standard Sn (discrete-ordinates) angular discretization, standard multigroup energy discretization, and linear-discontinuous spatial differencing. ATTILA solves the standard first-order form of the transport equation using source iteration in conjunction with diffusion-synthetic acceleration of the within-group source iterations. DANTE is designed to run primarily on workstations. The second code is DANTE, which uses a hybrid finite-element mesh consisting of arbitrary combinations of hexahedra, wedges, pyramids, and tetrahedra. DANTE solves several second-order self-adjoint forms of the transport equation including the even-parity equation, the odd-parity equation, and a new equation called the self-adjoint angular flux equation. DANTE also offers three angular discretization options:more » $$S{_}n$$ (discrete-ordinates), $$P{_}n$$ (spherical harmonics), and $$SP{_}n$$ (simplified spherical harmonics). DANTE is designed to run primarily on massively parallel message-passing machines, such as the ASCI-Blue machines at LANL and LLNL. The third code is PERICLES, which uses the same hybrid finite-element mesh as DANTE, but solves the standard first-order form of the transport equation rather than a second-order self-adjoint form. DANTE uses a standard $$S{_}n$$ discretization in angle in conjunction with trilinear-discontinuous spatial differencing, and diffusion-synthetic acceleration of the within-group source iterations. PERICLES was initially designed to run on workstations, but a version for massively parallel message-passing machines will be built. The three codes will be described in detail and computational results will be presented.« less

Semantic and visual memory codes in learning disabled readers.

PubMed

Swanson, H L

1984-02-01

Two experiments investigated whether learning disabled readers' impaired recall is due to multiple coding deficiencies. In Experiment 1, learning disabled and skilled readers viewed nonsense pictures without names or with either relevant or irrelevant names with respect to the distinctive characteristics of the picture. Both types of names improved recall of nondisabled readers, while learning disabled readers exhibited better recall for unnamed pictures. No significant difference in recall was found between name training (relevant, irrelevant) conditions within reading groups. In Experiment 2, both reading groups participated in recall training for complex visual forms labeled with unrelated words, hierarchically related words, or without labels. A subsequent reproduction transfer task showed a facilitation in performance in skilled readers due to labeling, with learning disabled readers exhibiting better reproduction for unnamed pictures. Measures of output organization (clustering) indicated that recall is related to the development of superordinate categories. The results suggest that learning disabled children's reading difficulties are due to an inability to activate a semantic representation that interconnects visual and verbal codes.

Status and future of the 3D MAFIA group of codes

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

Ebeling, F.; Klatt, R.; Krawzcyk, F.

1988-12-01

The group of fully three dimensional computer codes for solving Maxwell's equations for a wide range of applications, MAFIA, is already well established. Extensive comparisons with measurements have demonstrated the accuracy of the computations. A large numer of components have been designed for accelerators, such as kicker magnets, non cyclindrical cavities, ferrite loaded cavities, vacuum chambers with slots and transitions, etc. The latest additions to the system include a new static solver that can calculate 3D magneto- and electrostatic fields, and a self consistent version of the 2D-BCI that solves the field equations and the equations of motion in parallel.more » Work on new eddy current modules has started, which will allow treatment of laminated and/or solid iron cores excited by low frequency currents. Based on our experience with the present releases 1 and 2, we have started a complete revision of the whole user interface and data structure, which will make the codes even more user-friendly and flexible.« less

Systemizers Are Better Code-Breakers: Self-Reported Systemizing Predicts Code-Breaking Performance in Expert Hackers and Naïve Participants

PubMed Central

Harvey, India; Bolgan, Samuela; Mosca, Daniel; McLean, Colin; Rusconi, Elena

2016-01-01

Studies on hacking have typically focused on motivational aspects and general personality traits of the individuals who engage in hacking; little systematic research has been conducted on predispositions that may be associated not only with the choice to pursue a hacking career but also with performance in either naïve or expert populations. Here, we test the hypotheses that two traits that are typically enhanced in autism spectrum disorders—attention to detail and systemizing—may be positively related to both the choice of pursuing a career in information security and skilled performance in a prototypical hacking task (i.e., crypto-analysis or code-breaking). A group of naïve participants and of ethical hackers completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient, including an attention to detail scale, and the Systemizing Quotient (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001, 2003). They were also tested with behavioral tasks involving code-breaking and a control task involving security X-ray image interpretation. Hackers reported significantly higher systemizing and attention to detail than non-hackers. We found a positive relation between self-reported systemizing (but not attention to detail) and code-breaking skills in both hackers and non-hackers, whereas attention to detail (but not systemizing) was related with performance in the X-ray screening task in both groups, as previously reported with naïve participants (Rusconi et al., 2015). We discuss the theoretical and translational implications of our findings. PMID:27242491

Motion makes sense: an adaptive motor-sensory strategy underlies the perception of object location in rats.

PubMed

Saraf-Sinik, Inbar; Assa, Eldad; Ahissar, Ehud

2015-06-10

Tactile perception is obtained by coordinated motor-sensory processes. We studied the processes underlying the perception of object location in freely moving rats. We trained rats to identify the relative location of two vertical poles placed in front of them and measured at high resolution the motor and sensory variables (19 and 2 variables, respectively) associated with this whiskers-based perceptual process. We found that the rats developed stereotypic head and whisker movements to solve this task, in a manner that can be described by several distinct behavioral phases. During two of these phases, the rats' whiskers coded object position by first temporal and then angular coding schemes. We then introduced wind (in two opposite directions) and remeasured their perceptual performance and motor-sensory variables. Our rats continued to perceive object location in a consistent manner under wind perturbations while maintaining all behavioral phases and relatively constant sensory coding. Constant sensory coding was achieved by keeping one group of motor variables (the "controlled variables") constant, despite the perturbing wind, at the cost of strongly modulating another group of motor variables (the "modulated variables"). The controlled variables included coding-relevant variables, such as head azimuth and whisker velocity. These results indicate that consistent perception of location in the rat is obtained actively, via a selective control of perception-relevant motor variables. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/358777-13$15.00/0.

Variability and transmission by Aphis glycines of North American and Asian Soybean mosaic virus isolates.

PubMed

Domier, L L; Latorre, I J; Steinlage, T A; McCoppin, N; Hartman, G L

2003-10-01

The variability of North American and Asian strains and isolates of Soybean mosaic virus was investigated. First, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products representing the coat protein (CP)-coding regions of 38 SMVs were analyzed for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP). Second, the nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequence variability of the P1-coding region of 18 SMVs and the helper component/protease (HC/Pro) and CP-coding regions of 25 SMVs were assessed. The CP nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences were the most similar and predicted phylogenetic relationships similar to those obtained from RFLP analysis. Neither RFLP nor sequence analyses of the CP-coding regions grouped the SMVs by geographical origin. The P1 and HC/Pro sequences were more variable and separated the North American and Asian SMV isolates into two groups similar to previously reported differences in pathogenic diversity of the two sets of SMV isolates. The P1 region was the most informative of the three regions analyzed. To assess the biological relevance of the sequence differences in the HC/Pro and CP coding regions, the transmissibility of 14 SMV isolates by Aphis glycines was tested. All field isolates of SMV were transmitted efficiently by A. glycines, but the laboratory isolates analyzed were transmitted poorly. The amino acid sequences from most, but not all, of the poorly transmitted isolates contained mutations in the aphid transmission-associated DAG and/or KLSC amino acid sequence motifs of CP and HC/Pro, respectively.

Systemizers Are Better Code-Breakers: Self-Reported Systemizing Predicts Code-Breaking Performance in Expert Hackers and Naïve Participants.

PubMed

Harvey, India; Bolgan, Samuela; Mosca, Daniel; McLean, Colin; Rusconi, Elena

2016-01-01

Studies on hacking have typically focused on motivational aspects and general personality traits of the individuals who engage in hacking; little systematic research has been conducted on predispositions that may be associated not only with the choice to pursue a hacking career but also with performance in either naïve or expert populations. Here, we test the hypotheses that two traits that are typically enhanced in autism spectrum disorders-attention to detail and systemizing-may be positively related to both the choice of pursuing a career in information security and skilled performance in a prototypical hacking task (i.e., crypto-analysis or code-breaking). A group of naïve participants and of ethical hackers completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient, including an attention to detail scale, and the Systemizing Quotient (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001, 2003). They were also tested with behavioral tasks involving code-breaking and a control task involving security X-ray image interpretation. Hackers reported significantly higher systemizing and attention to detail than non-hackers. We found a positive relation between self-reported systemizing (but not attention to detail) and code-breaking skills in both hackers and non-hackers, whereas attention to detail (but not systemizing) was related with performance in the X-ray screening task in both groups, as previously reported with naïve participants (Rusconi et al., 2015). We discuss the theoretical and translational implications of our findings.

Signal Detection Analysis of Computer Enhanced Group Decision Making Strategies

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-01

group decision making. 20 References American Psychological Association (2002). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. American... Creelman , C. D. (2005). Detection theory: A user’s guide (2nd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. Sorkin, R. D. (1998). Group performance depends on...the majority rule. Psychological Science, 9, 456-463. Sorkin, R. D. (2001). Signal-detection analysis of group decision making. Psychological

"There are too many, but never enough": qualitative case study investigating routine coding of clinical information in depression.

PubMed

Cresswell, Kathrin; Morrison, Zoe; Kalra, Dipak; Sheikh, Aziz

2012-01-01

We sought to understand how clinical information relating to the management of depression is routinely coded in different clinical settings and the perspectives of and implications for different stakeholders with a view to understanding how these may be aligned. Qualitative investigation exploring the views of a purposefully selected range of healthcare professionals, managers, and clinical coders spanning primary and secondary care. Our dataset comprised 28 semi-structured interviews, a focus group, documents relating to clinical coding standards and participant observation of clinical coding activities. We identified a range of approaches to coding clinical information including templates and order entry systems. The challenges inherent in clearly establishing a diagnosis, identifying appropriate clinical codes and possible implications of diagnoses for patients were particularly prominent in primary care. Although a range of managerial and research benefits were identified, there were no direct benefits from coded clinical data for patients or professionals. Secondary care staff emphasized the role of clinical coders in ensuring data quality, which was at odds with the policy drive to increase real-time clinical coding. There was overall no evidence of clear-cut direct patient care benefits to inform immediate care decisions, even in primary care where data on patients with depression were more extensively coded. A number of important secondary uses were recognized by healthcare staff, but the coding of clinical data to serve these ends was often poorly aligned with clinical practice and patient-centered considerations. The current international drive to encourage clinical coding by healthcare professionals during the clinical encounter may need to be critically examined.

Relationship between the concentration of volatile sulphur compound and periodontal disease severity in Nigerian young adults

PubMed Central

Ehizele, Adebola O.; Ojehanon, Patrick I.

2013-01-01

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the concentration of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) in mouth air and the severity of periodontal diseases in young adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 subjects were studied. Estimation of periodontal disease severity was done using the basic periodontal examination (BPE) and the baseline measurement of the concentration of VSC in the mouth air of the subjects was done objectively using the Halimeter®. Result: The mean concentration of VSC for the group with BPE code 0 was 91.0 ± 5.9 parts per billion (ppb), 156.4 ± 9.4 ppb for BPE code 1, 275.2 ± 38.5 ppb for BPE code 2, 353.5 ± 72.3 ppb for BPE code 3, and 587.0 ± 2.1 ppb for BPE code 4 (P = 0.001). Majority (79.0%) of the subjects with BPE code 0 had concentration of VSC <181 ppb. Sixty-two (54.9%) with BPE code 1 had concentration of VSC <181 ppb, 34% with BPE code 2 had concentration of VSC <181 ppb and 42.9% with BPE code 3 had concentration of VSC <181 ppb. Only 6.5% of the subjects with BPE code 0 had VSC concentration >250 ppb, whereas all (100%) of those with BPE code 4 had VSC concentration >250 ppb (P = 0.001). Conclusion: It was concluded that a relationship exists between the periodontal pocket depth and the concentration of VCS in mouth air of young adults. PMID:23901175

Relationship between the concentration of volatile sulphur compound and periodontal disease severity in Nigerian young adults.

PubMed

Ehizele, Adebola O; Ojehanon, Patrick I

2013-05-01

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the concentration of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) in mouth air and the severity of periodontal diseases in young adults. A total of 400 subjects were studied. Estimation of periodontal disease severity was done using the basic periodontal examination (BPE) and the baseline measurement of the concentration of VSC in the mouth air of the subjects was done objectively using the Halimeter(®). The mean concentration of VSC for the group with BPE code 0 was 91.0 ± 5.9 parts per billion (ppb), 156.4 ± 9.4 ppb for BPE code 1, 275.2 ± 38.5 ppb for BPE code 2, 353.5 ± 72.3 ppb for BPE code 3, and 587.0 ± 2.1 ppb for BPE code 4 (P = 0.001). Majority (79.0%) of the subjects with BPE code 0 had concentration of VSC <181 ppb. Sixty-two (54.9%) with BPE code 1 had concentration of VSC <181 ppb, 34% with BPE code 2 had concentration of VSC <181 ppb and 42.9% with BPE code 3 had concentration of VSC <181 ppb. Only 6.5% of the subjects with BPE code 0 had VSC concentration >250 ppb, whereas all (100%) of those with BPE code 4 had VSC concentration >250 ppb (P = 0.001). It was concluded that a relationship exists between the periodontal pocket depth and the concentration of VCS in mouth air of young adults.

The impact of conventional dietary intake data coding methods on foods typically consumed by low-income African-American and White urban populations.

PubMed

Mason, Marc A; Fanelli Kuczmarski, Marie; Allegro, Deanne; Zonderman, Alan B; Evans, Michele K

2015-08-01

Analysing dietary data to capture how individuals typically consume foods is dependent on the coding variables used. Individual foods consumed simultaneously, like coffee with milk, are given codes to identify these combinations. Our literature review revealed a lack of discussion about using combination codes in analysis. The present study identified foods consumed at mealtimes and by race when combination codes were or were not utilized. Duplicate analysis methods were performed on separate data sets. The original data set consisted of all foods reported; each food was coded as if it was consumed individually. The revised data set was derived from the original data set by first isolating coded foods consumed as individual items from those foods consumed simultaneously and assigning a code to designate a combination. Foods assigned a combination code, like pancakes with syrup, were aggregated and associated with a food group, defined by the major food component (i.e. pancakes), and then appended to the isolated coded foods. Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study. African-American and White adults with two dietary recalls (n 2177). Differences existed in lists of foods most frequently consumed by mealtime and race when comparing results based on original and revised data sets. African Americans reported consumption of sausage/luncheon meat and poultry, while ready-to-eat cereals and cakes/doughnuts/pastries were reported by Whites on recalls. Use of combination codes provided more accurate representation of how foods were consumed by populations. This information is beneficial when creating interventions and exploring diet-health relationships.

Technical Support Document for Version 3.4.0 of the COMcheck Software

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

Bartlett, Rosemarie; Connell, Linda M.; Gowri, Krishnan

2007-09-14

COMcheck provides an optional way to demonstrate compliance with commercial and high-rise residential building energy codes. Commercial buildings include all use groups except single family and multifamily not over three stories in height. COMcheck was originally based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989) requirements and is intended for use with various codes based on Standard 90.1, including the Codification of ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (90.1-1989 Code) (ASHRAE 1989a, 1993b) and ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 (Standard 90.1-1999). This includes jurisdictions that have adopted the 90.1-1989 Code, Standard 90.1-1989, Standard 90.1-1999, or their own code based on one of these. We view Standard 90.1-1989more » and the 90.1-1989 Code as having equivalent technical content and have used both as source documents in developing COMcheck. This technical support document (TSD) is designed to explain the technical basis for the COMcheck software as originally developed based on the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989). Documentation for other national model codes and standards and specific state energy codes supported in COMcheck has been added to this report as appendices. These appendices are intended to provide technical documentation for features specific to the supported codes and for any changes made for state-specific codes that differ from the standard features that support compliance with the national model codes and standards.« less

Molecular taxonomy and phylogeny

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The cyst nematodes comprise a group of sedentary endoparasitic nematodes that impact a wide range of crops in both tropical and temperate regions of the world. This chapter updates the taxonomy and phylogeny of this group and describes the nuclear protein coding, ribosomal, and mitochondrial sequenc...

Computer analysis of protein functional sites projection on exon structure of genes in Metazoa.

PubMed

Medvedeva, Irina V; Demenkov, Pavel S; Ivanisenko, Vladimir A

2015-01-01

Study of the relationship between the structural and functional organization of proteins and their coding genes is necessary for an understanding of the evolution of molecular systems and can provide new knowledge for many applications for designing proteins with improved medical and biological properties. It is well known that the functional properties of proteins are determined by their functional sites. Functional sites are usually represented by a small number of amino acid residues that are distantly located from each other in the amino acid sequence. They are highly conserved within their functional group and vary significantly in structure between such groups. According to this facts analysis of the general properties of the structural organization of the functional sites at the protein level and, at the level of exon-intron structure of the coding gene is still an actual problem. One approach to this analysis is the projection of amino acid residue positions of the functional sites along with the exon boundaries to the gene structure. In this paper, we examined the discontinuity of the functional sites in the exon-intron structure of genes and the distribution of lengths and phases of the functional site encoding exons in vertebrate genes. We have shown that the DNA fragments coding the functional sites were in the same exons, or in close exons. The observed tendency to cluster the exons that code functional sites which could be considered as the unit of protein evolution. We studied the characteristics of the structure of the exon boundaries that code, and do not code, functional sites in 11 Metazoa species. This is accompanied by a reduced frequency of intercodon gaps (phase 0) in exons encoding the amino acid residue functional site, which may be evidence of the existence of evolutionary limitations to the exon shuffling. These results characterize the features of the coding exon-intron structure that affect the functionality of the encoded protein and allow a better understanding of the emergence of biological diversity.

Mathematical fundamentals for the noise immunity of the genetic code.

PubMed

Fimmel, Elena; Strüngmann, Lutz

2018-02-01

Symmetry is one of the essential and most visible patterns that can be seen in nature. Starting from the left-right symmetry of the human body, all types of symmetry can be found in crystals, plants, animals and nature as a whole. Similarly, principals of symmetry are also some of the fundamental and most useful tools in modern mathematical natural science that play a major role in theory and applications. As a consequence, it is not surprising that the desire to understand the origin of life, based on the genetic code, forces us to involve symmetry as a mathematical concept. The genetic code can be seen as a key to biological self-organisation. All living organisms have the same molecular bases - an alphabet consisting of four letters (nitrogenous bases): adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. Linearly ordered sequences of these bases contain the genetic information for synthesis of proteins in all forms of life. Thus, one of the most fascinating riddles of nature is to explain why the genetic code is as it is. Genetic coding possesses noise immunity which is the fundamental feature that allows to pass on the genetic information from parents to their descendants. Hence, since the time of the discovery of the genetic code, scientists have tried to explain the noise immunity of the genetic information. In this chapter we will discuss recent results in mathematical modelling of the genetic code with respect to noise immunity, in particular error-detection and error-correction. We will focus on two central properties: Degeneracy and frameshift correction. Different amino acids are encoded by different quantities of codons and a connection between this degeneracy and the noise immunity of genetic information is a long standing hypothesis. Biological implications of the degeneracy have been intensively studied and whether the natural code is a frozen accident or a highly optimised product of evolution is still controversially discussed. Symmetries in the structure of degeneracy of the genetic code are essential and give evidence of substantial advantages of the natural code over other possible ones. In the present chapter we will present a recent approach to explain the degeneracy of the genetic code by algorithmic methods from bioinformatics, and discuss its biological consequences. The biologists recognised this problem immediately after the detection of the non-overlapping structure of the genetic code, i.e., coding sequences are to be read in a unique way determined by their reading frame. But how does the reading head of the ribosome recognises an error in the grouping of codons, caused by e.g. insertion or deletion of a base, that can be fatal during the translation process and may result in nonfunctional proteins? In this chapter we will discuss possible solutions to the frameshift problem with a focus on the theory of so-called circular codes that were discovered in large gene populations of prokaryotes and eukaryotes in the early 90s. Circular codes allow to detect a frameshift of one or two positions and recently a beautiful theory of such codes has been developed using statistics, group theory and graph theory. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Group-sparse representation with dictionary learning for medical image denoising and fusion.

PubMed

Li, Shutao; Yin, Haitao; Fang, Leyuan

2012-12-01

Recently, sparse representation has attracted a lot of interest in various areas. However, the standard sparse representation does not consider the intrinsic structure, i.e., the nonzero elements occur in clusters, called group sparsity. Furthermore, there is no dictionary learning method for group sparse representation considering the geometrical structure of space spanned by atoms. In this paper, we propose a novel dictionary learning method, called Dictionary Learning with Group Sparsity and Graph Regularization (DL-GSGR). First, the geometrical structure of atoms is modeled as the graph regularization. Then, combining group sparsity and graph regularization, the DL-GSGR is presented, which is solved by alternating the group sparse coding and dictionary updating. In this way, the group coherence of learned dictionary can be enforced small enough such that any signal can be group sparse coded effectively. Finally, group sparse representation with DL-GSGR is applied to 3-D medical image denoising and image fusion. Specifically, in 3-D medical image denoising, a 3-D processing mechanism (using the similarity among nearby slices) and temporal regularization (to perverse the correlations across nearby slices) are exploited. The experimental results on 3-D image denoising and image fusion demonstrate the superiority of our proposed denoising and fusion approaches.

[Variation of CAG repeats in coding region of ATXN2 gene in different ethnic groups].

PubMed

Chen, Xiao-Chen; Sun, Hao; Mi, Dong-Qing; Huang, Xiao-Qin; Lin, Ke-Qin; Yi, Wen; Yu, Liang; Shi, Lei; Shi, Li; Yang, Zhao-Qing; Chu, Jia-You

2011-04-01

Toinvestigate CAG repeats variation of ATXN2 gene coding region in six ethnic groups that live in comparatively different environments, to evaluate whether these variations are under positive selection, and to find factors driving selection effects, 291 unrelated healthy individuals were collected from six ethnic groups and their STR geneotyping was performed. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes were counted and thereby Slatkin's linearized Fst values were calculated. The UPGMA tree against this gene was constructed. The MDS analysis among these groups was carried out as well. The results from the linearized Fst values indicated that there were significant evolutionary differences of the STR in ATXN2 gene between Hui and Yi groups, but not among the other 4 groups. Further analysis was performed by combining our data with published data obtained from other groups. These results indicated that there were significant differences between Japanese and other groups including Hui, Hani, Yunnan Mongolian, and Inner Mongolian. Both Hui and Mongolian from Inner Mongolia were significantly different from Han. In conclusion, the six ethnic groups had their own distribution characterizations of allelic frequencies of ATXN2 STR, and the potential cause of frequency changes in rare alleles could be the consequence of positive selection.

The challenge of mapping between two medical coding systems.

PubMed

Wojcik, Barbara E; Stein, Catherine R; Devore, Raymond B; Hassell, L Harrison

2006-11-01

Deployable medical systems patient conditions (PCs) designate groups of patients with similar medical conditions and, therefore, similar treatment requirements. PCs are used by the U.S. military to estimate field medical resources needed in combat operations. Information associated with each of the 389 PCs is based on subject matter expert opinion, instead of direct derivation from standard medical codes. Currently, no mechanisms exist to tie current or historical medical data to PCs. Our study objective was to determine whether reliable conversion between PC codes and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes is possible. Data were analyzed for three professional coders assigning all applicable ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes to each PC code. Inter-rater reliability was measured by using Cohen's K statistic and percent agreement. Methods were developed to calculate kappa statistics when multiple responses could be selected from many possible categories. Overall, we found moderate support for the possibility of reliable conversion between PCs and ICD-9-CM diagnoses (mean kappa = 0.61). Current PCs should be modified into a system that is verifiable with real data.

Analysis of internal flows relative to the space shuttle main engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

Cooperative efforts between the Lockheed-Huntsville Computational Mechanics Group and the NASA-MSFC Computational Fluid Dynamics staff has resulted in improved capabilities for numerically simulating incompressible flows generic to the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). A well established and documented CFD code was obtained, modified, and applied to laminar and turbulent flows of the type occurring in the SSME Hot Gas Manifold. The INS3D code was installed on the NASA-MSFC CRAY-XMP computer system and is currently being used by NASA engineers. Studies to perform a transient analysis of the FPB were conducted. The COBRA/TRAC code is recommended for simulating the transient flow of oxygen into the LOX manifold. Property data for modifying the code to represent LOX/GOX flow was collected. The ALFA code was developed and recommended for representing the transient combustion in the preburner. These two codes will couple through the transient boundary conditions to simulate the startup and/or shutdown of the fuel preburner. A study, NAS8-37461, is currently being conducted to implement this modeling effort.

Summary of Findings from Coded Wire Tag Analysis from Spring Chinook Salmon Spawning Surveys in the Clearwater Basin, Technical Report 2001.

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

S.P. Cramer & Associates, Inc.

2002-05-31

We recently received data on the decoded coded wire tags (CWT's) recovered from spring chinook snouts we collected during spawning surveys in the Clearwater Basin last fall (2001). We were curious about what could be learned from the tags recovered (even though our project is over), so we did some cursory analyses and have described our findings in the attached memo. Snouts were processed and codes determined by Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Most snouts did not contain CWTs, because most ad-clipped fish were not given a CWT. Further, because adults were outplanted live, we do not know whatmore » codes they contained. Each of the hatcheries from which outplanted adults were obtained had several CWT code groups returning. That means that the best we can do with the codes recovered is compare the hatchery of origin for the tag with the hatchery from which outplants were taken. The results are interesting and not exactly as we would have predicted.« less

On the Evolution of the Standard Genetic Code: Vestiges of Critical Scale Invariance from the RNA World in Current Prokaryote Genomes

PubMed Central

José, Marco V.; Govezensky, Tzipe; García, José A.; Bobadilla, Juan R.

2009-01-01

Herein two genetic codes from which the primeval RNA code could have originated the standard genetic code (SGC) are derived. One of them, called extended RNA code type I, consists of all codons of the type RNY (purine-any base-pyrimidine) plus codons obtained by considering the RNA code but in the second (NYR type) and third (YRN type) reading frames. The extended RNA code type II, comprises all codons of the type RNY plus codons that arise from transversions of the RNA code in the first (YNY type) and third (RNR) nucleotide bases. In order to test if putative nucleotide sequences in the RNA World and in both extended RNA codes, share the same scaling and statistical properties to those encountered in current prokaryotes, we used the genomes of four Eubacteria and three Archaeas. For each prokaryote, we obtained their respective genomes obeying the RNA code or the extended RNA codes types I and II. In each case, we estimated the scaling properties of triplet sequences via a renormalization group approach, and we calculated the frequency distributions of distances for each codon. Remarkably, the scaling properties of the distance series of some codons from the RNA code and most codons from both extended RNA codes turned out to be identical or very close to the scaling properties of codons of the SGC. To test for the robustness of these results, we show, via computer simulation experiments, that random mutations of current genomes, at the rates of 10−10 per site per year during three billions of years, were not enough for destroying the observed patterns. Therefore, we conclude that most current prokaryotes may still contain relics of the primeval RNA World and that both extended RNA codes may well represent two plausible evolutionary paths between the RNA code and the current SGC. PMID:19183813

SU-D-BRD-03: A Gateway for GPU Computing in Cancer Radiotherapy Research

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

Jia, X; Folkerts, M; Shi, F

Purpose: Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) has become increasingly important in radiotherapy. However, it is still difficult for general clinical researchers to access GPU codes developed by other researchers, and for developers to objectively benchmark their codes. Moreover, it is quite often to see repeated efforts spent on developing low-quality GPU codes. The goal of this project is to establish an infrastructure for testing GPU codes, cross comparing them, and facilitating code distributions in radiotherapy community. Methods: We developed a system called Gateway for GPU Computing in Cancer Radiotherapy Research (GCR2). A number of GPU codes developed by our group andmore » other developers can be accessed via a web interface. To use the services, researchers first upload their test data or use the standard data provided by our system. Then they can select the GPU device on which the code will be executed. Our system offers all mainstream GPU hardware for code benchmarking purpose. After the code running is complete, the system automatically summarizes and displays the computing results. We also released a SDK to allow the developers to build their own algorithm implementation and submit their binary codes to the system. The submitted code is then systematically benchmarked using a variety of GPU hardware and representative data provided by our system. The developers can also compare their codes with others and generate benchmarking reports. Results: It is found that the developed system is fully functioning. Through a user-friendly web interface, researchers are able to test various GPU codes. Developers also benefit from this platform by comprehensively benchmarking their codes on various GPU platforms and representative clinical data sets. Conclusion: We have developed an open platform allowing the clinical researchers and developers to access the GPUs and GPU codes. This development will facilitate the utilization of GPU in radiation therapy field.« less

Tracing Ideologies of Learning in Group Talk and Their Impediments to Collaboration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Kate T.; Weninger, Csilla

2012-01-01

In this paper we examine the complex relationship between dynamics of group talk and students' ideologies of learning. Through an interactional analysis and thematic coding of group talk, this study details barriers to collaboration in a digital storytelling workshop with primary-aged youth in Singapore. Drawing on 25 h of video-recorded data, we…

Benefits of expressive writing in reducing test anxiety: A randomized controlled trial in Chinese samples.

PubMed

Shen, Lujun; Yang, Lei; Zhang, Jing; Zhang, Meng

2018-01-01

To explore the effect of expressive writing of positive emotions on test anxiety among senior-high-school students. The Test Anxiety Scale (TAS) was used to assess the anxiety level of 200 senior-high-school students. Seventy-five students with high anxiety were recruited and divided randomly into experimental and control groups. Each day for 30 days, the experimental group engaged in 20 minutes of expressive writing of positive emotions, while the control group was asked to merely write down their daily events. A second test was given after the month-long experiment to analyze whether there had been a reduction in anxiety among the sample. Quantitative data was obtained from TAS scores. The NVivo10.0 software program was used to examine the frequency of particular word categories used in participants' writing manuscripts. Senior-high-school students indicated moderate to high test anxiety. There was a significant difference in post-test results (P < 0.001), with the experimental group scoring obviously lower than the control group. The interaction effect of group and gender in the post-test results was non-significant (P > 0.05). Students' writing manuscripts were mainly encoded on five code categories: cause, anxiety manifestation, positive emotion, insight and evaluation. There was a negative relation between positive emotion, insight codes and test anxiety. There were significant differences in the positive emotion, anxiety manifestation, and insight code categories between the first 10 days' manuscripts and the last 10 days' ones. Long-term expressive writing of positive emotions appears to help reduce test anxiety by using insight and positive emotion words for Chinese students. Efficient and effective intervention programs to ease test anxiety can be designed based on this study.

Impact of the implementation of a Sepsis Code hospital protocol in antibiotic prescription and clinical outcomes in an intensive care unit.

PubMed

García-López, L; Grau-Cerrato, S; de Frutos-Soto, A; Bobillo-De Lamo, F; Cítores-Gónzalez, R; Diez-Gutierrez, F; Muñoz-Moreno, M F; Sánchez-Sánchez, T; Gandía-Martínez, F; Andaluz-Ojeda, D

A study was performed to analyze the impact of an in-hospital Sepsis Code (SC) program on use of antibiotic and clinical outcomes. Quasi-experimental observational retrospective study. Polyvalent 11 beds ICU belonging to a tertiary Universitary hospital. Patients admitted consecutively to the ICU with diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock. A post intervention group (POST-SC) (September 2012-August 2013) was compared with a historical group (PRE-SC) used as control (January-December 2010). Antibiotic treatment, therapeutic antibiotic strategy, mortality and length of stay. Antibiotic consumption was expressed as defined daily doses (DDD)/ 100 stays. 42 patients with SS/SS in POST-SC group and 50 patients in PRE-SC group were consecutively recluted and further analyzed. Total antibiotic consumption (DDD) was similar in both groups. Rate of de-escalation therapy was significantly higher in POST-SC group (75% vs 30,8%, p<0,005) while prescription of restricted antibiotics was significantly lower (74% vs 52%, p=0,031). Finally POST-SC patients showed a significantly decrease in hospital and 28 days mortality rates [23% vs 44%, (p=0,035) and 31% vs 56% (p=0,014) respectively] as well as a reduction in ICU length of stay compared to PRE-SC cohort (5 days vs 10,5 days, p=0,05). The implementation of a Sepsis Code-hospital protocol is associated to an improvement in the management of antibiotic therapy with a significant increase in de-escalation therapy and lesser utilization of restricted use antibiotics, as well as a significant reduction in mortality, and a tendency towards shorter ICU length stay. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.

Benefits of expressive writing in reducing test anxiety: A randomized controlled trial in Chinese samples

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jing; Zhang, Meng

2018-01-01

Purpose To explore the effect of expressive writing of positive emotions on test anxiety among senior-high-school students. Methods The Test Anxiety Scale (TAS) was used to assess the anxiety level of 200 senior-high-school students. Seventy-five students with high anxiety were recruited and divided randomly into experimental and control groups. Each day for 30 days, the experimental group engaged in 20 minutes of expressive writing of positive emotions, while the control group was asked to merely write down their daily events. A second test was given after the month-long experiment to analyze whether there had been a reduction in anxiety among the sample. Quantitative data was obtained from TAS scores. The NVivo10.0 software program was used to examine the frequency of particular word categories used in participants’ writing manuscripts. Results Senior-high-school students indicated moderate to high test anxiety. There was a significant difference in post-test results (P < 0.001), with the experimental group scoring obviously lower than the control group. The interaction effect of group and gender in the post-test results was non-significant (P > 0.05). Students’ writing manuscripts were mainly encoded on five code categories: cause, anxiety manifestation, positive emotion, insight and evaluation. There was a negative relation between positive emotion, insight codes and test anxiety. There were significant differences in the positive emotion, anxiety manifestation, and insight code categories between the first 10 days’ manuscripts and the last 10 days’ ones. Conclusions Long-term expressive writing of positive emotions appears to help reduce test anxiety by using insight and positive emotion words for Chinese students. Efficient and effective intervention programs to ease test anxiety can be designed based on this study. PMID:29401473

A method for studying decision-making by guideline development groups.

PubMed

Gardner, Benjamin; Davidson, Rosemary; McAteer, John; Michie, Susan

2009-08-05

Multidisciplinary guideline development groups (GDGs) have considerable influence on UK healthcare policy and practice, but previous research suggests that research evidence is a variable influence on GDG recommendations. The Evidence into Recommendations (EiR) study has been set up to document social-psychological influences on GDG decision-making. In this paper we aim to evaluate the relevance of existing qualitative methodologies to the EiR study, and to develop a method best-suited to capturing influences on GDG decision-making. A research team comprised of three postdoctoral research fellows and a multidisciplinary steering group assessed the utility of extant qualitative methodologies for coding verbatim GDG meeting transcripts and semi-structured interviews with GDG members. A unique configuration of techniques was developed to permit data reduction and analysis. Our method incorporates techniques from thematic analysis, grounded theory analysis, content analysis, and framework analysis. Thematic analysis of individual interviews conducted with group members at the start and end of the GDG process defines discrete problem areas to guide data extraction from GDG meeting transcripts. Data excerpts are coded both inductively and deductively, using concepts taken from theories of decision-making, social influence and group processes. These codes inform a framework analysis to describe and explain incidents within GDG meetings. We illustrate the application of the method by discussing some preliminary findings of a study of a National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) acute physical health GDG. This method is currently being applied to study the meetings of three of NICE GDGs. These cover topics in acute physical health, mental health and public health, and comprise a total of 45 full-day meetings. The method offers potential for application to other health care and decision-making groups.

Increased risk of Parkinson's disease in individuals hospitalized with conditions related to the use of methamphetamine or other amphetamine-type drugs.

PubMed

Callaghan, Russell C; Cunningham, James K; Sykes, Jenna; Kish, Stephen J

2012-01-01

Since methamphetamine and other amphetamine-type stimulants (meth/amphetamine) can damage dopaminergic neurons, researchers have long speculated that these drugs may predispose users to develop Parkinson's disease (PD), a dopamine deficiency neurological disorder. We employed a retrospective population-based cohort study using all linked statewide California inpatient hospital episodes and death records from January 1, 1990 through December 31, 2005. Patients at least 30 years of age were followed for up to 16 years. Competing risks analysis was used to determine whether the meth/amphetamine cohort had elevated risk of developing PD (ICD-9 332.0; ICD-10 G20) in comparison to a matched population-proxy appendicitis group and a matched cocaine drug control group. Individuals admitted to hospital with meth/amphetamine-related conditions (n=40,472; ICD-9 codes 304.4, 305.7, 969.7, E854.2) were matched on age, race, sex, date of index admission, and patterns of hospital admission with patients with appendicitis conditions (n=207,831; ICD-9 codes 540-542) and also individuals with cocaine-use disorders (n=35,335; ICD-9 codes 304.2, 305.6, 968.5). The meth/amphetamine cohort showed increased risk of PD compared to both that of the matched appendicitis group [hazard ratio (HR)=1.76, 95% CI: 1.12-2.75, p=0.017] and the matched cocaine group [HR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.32-4.41, p=0.004]. The cocaine group did not show elevated hazard of PD compared to the matched appendicitis group [HR=1.04, 95% CI: 0.56-1.93, p=0.80]. These data provide evidence that meth/amphetamine users have above-normal risk for developing PD. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural and functional studies of a family of Dictyostelium discoideum developmentally regulated, prestalk genes coding for small proteins.

PubMed

Vicente, Juan J; Galardi-Castilla, María; Escalante, Ricardo; Sastre, Leandro

2008-01-03

The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum executes a multicellular development program upon starvation. This morphogenetic process requires the differential regulation of a large number of genes and is coordinated by extracellular signals. The MADS-box transcription factor SrfA is required for several stages of development, including slug migration and spore terminal differentiation. Subtractive hybridization allowed the isolation of a gene, sigN (SrfA-induced gene N), that was dependent on the transcription factor SrfA for expression at the slug stage of development. Homology searches detected the existence of a large family of sigN-related genes in the Dictyostelium discoideum genome. The 13 most similar genes are grouped in two regions of chromosome 2 and have been named Group1 and Group2 sigN genes. The putative encoded proteins are 87-89 amino acids long. All these genes have a similar structure, composed of a first exon containing a 13 nucleotides long open reading frame and a second exon comprising the remaining of the putative coding region. The expression of these genes is induced at10 hours of development. Analyses of their promoter regions indicate that these genes are expressed in the prestalk region of developing structures. The addition of antibodies raised against SigN Group 2 proteins induced disintegration of multi-cellular structures at the mound stage of development. A large family of genes coding for small proteins has been identified in D. discoideum. Two groups of very similar genes from this family have been shown to be specifically expressed in prestalk cells during development. Functional studies using antibodies raised against Group 2 SigN proteins indicate that these genes could play a role during multicellular development.

A qualitative study of DRG coding practice in hospitals under the Thai Universal Coverage scheme.

PubMed

Pongpirul, Krit; Walker, Damian G; Winch, Peter J; Robinson, Courtland

2011-04-08

In the Thai Universal Coverage health insurance scheme, hospital providers are paid for their inpatient care using Diagnosis Related Group-based retrospective payment, for which quality of the diagnosis and procedure codes is crucial. However, there has been limited understandings on which health care professions are involved and how the diagnosis and procedure coding is actually done within hospital settings. The objective of this study is to detail hospital coding structure and process, and to describe the roles of key hospital staff, and other related internal dynamics in Thai hospitals that affect quality of data submitted for inpatient care reimbursement. Research involved qualitative semi-structured interview with 43 participants at 10 hospitals chosen to represent a range of hospital sizes (small/medium/large), location (urban/rural), and type (public/private). Hospital Coding Practice has structural and process components. While the structural component includes human resources, hospital committee, and information technology infrastructure, the process component comprises all activities from patient discharge to submission of the diagnosis and procedure codes. At least eight health care professional disciplines are involved in the coding process which comprises seven major steps, each of which involves different hospital staff: 1) Discharge Summarization, 2) Completeness Checking, 3) Diagnosis and Procedure Coding, 4) Code Checking, 5) Relative Weight Challenging, 6) Coding Report, and 7) Internal Audit. The hospital coding practice can be affected by at least five main factors: 1) Internal Dynamics, 2) Management Context, 3) Financial Dependency, 4) Resource and Capacity, and 5) External Factors. Hospital coding practice comprises both structural and process components, involves many health care professional disciplines, and is greatly varied across hospitals as a result of five main factors.

A qualitative study of DRG coding practice in hospitals under the Thai Universal Coverage Scheme

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background In the Thai Universal Coverage health insurance scheme, hospital providers are paid for their inpatient care using Diagnosis Related Group-based retrospective payment, for which quality of the diagnosis and procedure codes is crucial. However, there has been limited understandings on which health care professions are involved and how the diagnosis and procedure coding is actually done within hospital settings. The objective of this study is to detail hospital coding structure and process, and to describe the roles of key hospital staff, and other related internal dynamics in Thai hospitals that affect quality of data submitted for inpatient care reimbursement. Methods Research involved qualitative semi-structured interview with 43 participants at 10 hospitals chosen to represent a range of hospital sizes (small/medium/large), location (urban/rural), and type (public/private). Results Hospital Coding Practice has structural and process components. While the structural component includes human resources, hospital committee, and information technology infrastructure, the process component comprises all activities from patient discharge to submission of the diagnosis and procedure codes. At least eight health care professional disciplines are involved in the coding process which comprises seven major steps, each of which involves different hospital staff: 1) Discharge Summarization, 2) Completeness Checking, 3) Diagnosis and Procedure Coding, 4) Code Checking, 5) Relative Weight Challenging, 6) Coding Report, and 7) Internal Audit. The hospital coding practice can be affected by at least five main factors: 1) Internal Dynamics, 2) Management Context, 3) Financial Dependency, 4) Resource and Capacity, and 5) External Factors. Conclusions Hospital coding practice comprises both structural and process components, involves many health care professional disciplines, and is greatly varied across hospitals as a result of five main factors. PMID:21477310

Indications for spine surgery: validation of an administrative coding algorithm to classify degenerative diagnoses

PubMed Central

Lurie, Jon D.; Tosteson, Anna N.A.; Deyo, Richard A.; Tosteson, Tor; Weinstein, James; Mirza, Sohail K.

2014-01-01

Study Design Retrospective analysis of Medicare claims linked to a multi-center clinical trial. Objective The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT) provided a unique opportunity to examine the validity of a claims-based algorithm for grouping patients by surgical indication. SPORT enrolled patients for lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis. We compared the surgical indication derived from Medicare claims to that provided by SPORT surgeons, the “gold standard”. Summary of Background Data Administrative data are frequently used to report procedure rates, surgical safety outcomes, and costs in the management of spinal surgery. However, the accuracy of using diagnosis codes to classify patients by surgical indication has not been examined. Methods Medicare claims were link to beneficiaries enrolled in SPORT. The sensitivity and specificity of three claims-based approaches to group patients based on surgical indications were examined: 1) using the first listed diagnosis; 2) using all diagnoses independently; and 3) using a diagnosis hierarchy based on the support for fusion surgery. Results Medicare claims were obtained from 376 SPORT participants, including 21 with disc herniation, 183 with spinal stenosis, and 172 with degenerative spondylolisthesis. The hierarchical coding algorithm was the most accurate approach for classifying patients by surgical indication, with sensitivities of 76.2%, 88.1%, and 84.3% for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis cohorts, respectively. The specificity was 98.3% for disc herniation, 83.2% for spinal stenosis, and 90.7% for degenerative spondylolisthesis. Misclassifications were primarily due to codes attributing more complex pathology to the case. Conclusion Standardized approaches for using claims data to accurately group patients by surgical indications has widespread interest. We found that a hierarchical coding approach correctly classified over 90% of spine patients into their respective SPORT cohorts. Therefore, claims data appears to be a reasonably valid approach to classifying patients by surgical indication. PMID:24525995

Quality of outpatient clinical notes: a stakeholder definition derived through qualitative research.

PubMed

Hanson, Janice L; Stephens, Mark B; Pangaro, Louis N; Gimbel, Ronald W

2012-11-19

There are no empirically-grounded criteria or tools to define or benchmark the quality of outpatient clinical documentation. Outpatient clinical notes document care, communicate treatment plans and support patient safety, medical education, medico-legal investigations and reimbursement. Accurately describing and assessing quality of clinical documentation is a necessary improvement in an increasingly team-based healthcare delivery system. In this paper we describe the quality of outpatient clinical notes from the perspective of multiple stakeholders. Using purposeful sampling for maximum diversity, we conducted focus groups and individual interviews with clinicians, nursing and ancillary staff, patients, and healthcare administrators at six federal health care facilities between 2009 and 2011. All sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed and qualitatively analyzed using open, axial and selective coding. The 163 participants included 61 clinicians, 52 nurse/ancillary staff, 31 patients and 19 administrative staff. Three organizing themes emerged: 1) characteristics of quality in clinical notes, 2) desired elements within the clinical notes and 3) system supports to improve the quality of clinical notes. We identified 11 codes to describe characteristics of clinical notes, 20 codes to describe desired elements in quality clinical notes and 11 codes to describe clinical system elements that support quality when writing clinical notes. While there was substantial overlap between the aspects of quality described by the four stakeholder groups, only clinicians and administrators identified ease of translation into billing codes as an important characteristic of a quality note. Only patients rated prioritization of their medical problems as an aspect of quality. Nurses included care and education delivered to the patient, information added by the patient, interdisciplinary information, and infection alerts as important content. Perspectives of these four stakeholder groups provide a comprehensive description of quality in outpatient clinical documentation. The resulting description of characteristics and content necessary for quality notes provides a research-based foundation for assessing the quality of clinical documentation in outpatient health care settings.

Heuristic rules embedded genetic algorithm for in-core fuel management optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alim, Fatih

The objective of this study was to develop a unique methodology and a practical tool for designing loading pattern (LP) and burnable poison (BP) pattern for a given Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) core. Because of the large number of possible combinations for the fuel assembly (FA) loading in the core, the design of the core configuration is a complex optimization problem. It requires finding an optimal FA arrangement and BP placement in order to achieve maximum cycle length while satisfying the safety constraints. Genetic Algorithms (GA) have been already used to solve this problem for LP optimization for both PWR and Boiling Water Reactor (BWR). The GA, which is a stochastic method works with a group of solutions and uses random variables to make decisions. Based on the theories of evaluation, the GA involves natural selection and reproduction of the individuals in the population for the next generation. The GA works by creating an initial population, evaluating it, and then improving the population by using the evaluation operators. To solve this optimization problem, a LP optimization package, GARCO (Genetic Algorithm Reactor Code Optimization) code is developed in the framework of this thesis. This code is applicable for all types of PWR cores having different geometries and structures with an unlimited number of FA types in the inventory. To reach this goal, an innovative GA is developed by modifying the classical representation of the genotype. To obtain the best result in a shorter time, not only the representation is changed but also the algorithm is changed to use in-core fuel management heuristics rules. The improved GA code was tested to demonstrate and verify the advantages of the new enhancements. The developed methodology is explained in this thesis and preliminary results are shown for the VVER-1000 reactor hexagonal geometry core and the TMI-1 PWR. The improved GA code was tested to verify the advantages of new enhancements. The core physics code used for VVER in this research is Moby-Dick, which was developed to analyze the VVER by SKODA Inc. The SIMULATE-3 code, which is an advanced two-group nodal code, is used to analyze the TMI-1.

MEDICAL OPERATIONS IN DENIED ENVIRONMENTS (MODE): ARE OUR AF MEDICS READY

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-28

modernization spending, more than the sum of the previous three administrations combined.16 Regional actors believe China’s increased A2/AD capabilities...requirements makes achieving the right personnel with sufficient medical readiness especially challenging.37 20 AF planners use unit type codes ... Codes (AFSCs) as a manpower-classification system to group together personnel that have similar duties, skills, and required training. The Air Force

Differential expression of small non-coding RNAs in serum from cattle challenged with viruses causing bovine respiratory disease

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

MicroRNAs and tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs) are the two most abundant groups of small non-coding RNAs. The potential for microRNAs and tRFs to be used as pathogen exposure indicators is yet to be fully explored. Our objective was to identify microRNAs and tRFs in cattle challenged with a non-cy...

Parent-child interaction of mothers with depression and their children with ADHD.

PubMed

Lee, Pei-chin; Lin, Keh-chung; Robson, Deborah; Yang, Hao-jan; Chen, Vincent Chin-hung; Niew, Wern-ing

2013-01-01

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that may have a chronic and pervasive impact on the child's function and cause long-term stress to parents. A higher rate of depression is associated with mothers of children with ADHD. This observational study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal depression and the child's ADHD on the quality of the parent-child interaction in children with ADHD and their mothers with depression. The study participants comprised 39 mother-son dyads including children with ADHD and mothers with depression, children with ADHD and mothers without depression, and children without ADHD and mothers without depression. The Specific Affect Coding System, 20-code version was used to code interactional affect, including positive engagement, negative engagement, negative disengagement, and neural affect. There were no statistically significant group-by-context interaction effects or group effects on all affective variables between the group of children with ADHD and mothers without depression and the group of children without ADHD and mothers without depression. Stimulant medication may account for these nonsignificant findings. No significant difference of positive affect between neutral and conflict-solving contexts was observed in depressed mothers whose children were diagnosed as ADHD. Children with ADHD whose mothers were depressed were less positive in their parent-child interaction compared with children in the other groups. Maternal depression may play an important role in the affective presentation of dyads of children with ADHD and mothers with depression. Implications for clinical practice and future research are provided. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MC 2 -3: Multigroup Cross Section Generation Code for Fast Reactor Analysis

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

Lee, Changho; Yang, Won Sik

This paper presents the methods and performance of the MC2 -3 code, which is a multigroup cross-section generation code for fast reactor analysis, developed to improve the resonance self-shielding and spectrum calculation methods of MC2 -2 and to simplify the current multistep schemes generating region-dependent broad-group cross sections. Using the basic neutron data from ENDF/B data files, MC2 -3 solves the consistent P1 multigroup transport equation to determine the fundamental mode spectra for use in generating multigroup neutron cross sections. A homogeneous medium or a heterogeneous slab or cylindrical unit cell problem is solved in ultrafine (2082) or hyperfine (~400more » 000) group levels. In the resolved resonance range, pointwise cross sections are reconstructed with Doppler broadening at specified temperatures. The pointwise cross sections are directly used in the hyperfine group calculation, whereas for the ultrafine group calculation, self-shielded cross sections are prepared by numerical integration of the pointwise cross sections based upon the narrow resonance approximation. For both the hyperfine and ultrafine group calculations, unresolved resonances are self-shielded using the analytic resonance integral method. The ultrafine group calculation can also be performed for a two-dimensional whole-core problem to generate region-dependent broad-group cross sections. Verification tests have been performed using the benchmark problems for various fast critical experiments including Los Alamos National Laboratory critical assemblies; Zero-Power Reactor, Zero-Power Physics Reactor, and Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz experiments; Monju start-up core; and Advanced Burner Test Reactor. Verification and validation results with ENDF/B-VII.0 data indicated that eigenvalues from MC2 -3/DIF3D agreed well with Monte Carlo N-Particle5 MCNP5 or VIM Monte Carlo solutions within 200 pcm and regionwise one-group fluxes were in good agreement with Monte Carlo solutions.« less

Hierarchical parallelisation of functional renormalisation group calculations - hp-fRG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohe, Daniel

2016-10-01

The functional renormalisation group (fRG) has evolved into a versatile tool in condensed matter theory for studying important aspects of correlated electron systems. Practical applications of the method often involve a high numerical effort, motivating the question in how far High Performance Computing (HPC) can leverage the approach. In this work we report on a multi-level parallelisation of the underlying computational machinery and show that this can speed up the code by several orders of magnitude. This in turn can extend the applicability of the method to otherwise inaccessible cases. We exploit three levels of parallelisation: Distributed computing by means of Message Passing (MPI), shared-memory computing using OpenMP, and vectorisation by means of SIMD units (single-instruction-multiple-data). Results are provided for two distinct High Performance Computing (HPC) platforms, namely the IBM-based BlueGene/Q system JUQUEEN and an Intel Sandy-Bridge-based development cluster. We discuss how certain issues and obstacles were overcome in the course of adapting the code. Most importantly, we conclude that this vast improvement can actually be accomplished by introducing only moderate changes to the code, such that this strategy may serve as a guideline for other researcher to likewise improve the efficiency of their codes.

Side-information-dependent correlation channel estimation in hash-based distributed video coding.

PubMed

Deligiannis, Nikos; Barbarien, Joeri; Jacobs, Marc; Munteanu, Adrian; Skodras, Athanassios; Schelkens, Peter

2012-04-01

In the context of low-cost video encoding, distributed video coding (DVC) has recently emerged as a potential candidate for uplink-oriented applications. This paper builds on a concept of correlation channel (CC) modeling, which expresses the correlation noise as being statistically dependent on the side information (SI). Compared with classical side-information-independent (SII) noise modeling adopted in current DVC solutions, it is theoretically proven that side-information-dependent (SID) modeling improves the Wyner-Ziv coding performance. Anchored in this finding, this paper proposes a novel algorithm for online estimation of the SID CC parameters based on already decoded information. The proposed algorithm enables bit-plane-by-bit-plane successive refinement of the channel estimation leading to progressively improved accuracy. Additionally, the proposed algorithm is included in a novel DVC architecture that employs a competitive hash-based motion estimation technique to generate high-quality SI at the decoder. Experimental results corroborate our theoretical gains and validate the accuracy of the channel estimation algorithm. The performance assessment of the proposed architecture shows remarkable and consistent coding gains over a germane group of state-of-the-art distributed and standard video codecs, even under strenuous conditions, i.e., large groups of pictures and highly irregular motion content.

Shannon information entropy in the canonical genetic code.

PubMed

Nemzer, Louis R

2017-02-21

The Shannon entropy measures the expected information value of messages. As with thermodynamic entropy, the Shannon entropy is only defined within a system that identifies at the outset the collections of possible messages, analogous to microstates, that will be considered indistinguishable macrostates. This fundamental insight is applied here for the first time to amino acid alphabets, which group the twenty common amino acids into families based on chemical and physical similarities. To evaluate these schemas objectively, a novel quantitative method is introduced based the inherent redundancy in the canonical genetic code. Each alphabet is taken as a separate system that partitions the 64 possible RNA codons, the microstates, into families, the macrostates. By calculating the normalized mutual information, which measures the reduction in Shannon entropy, conveyed by single nucleotide messages, groupings that best leverage this aspect of fault tolerance in the code are identified. The relative importance of properties related to protein folding - like hydropathy and size - and function, including side-chain acidity, can also be estimated. This approach allows the quantification of the average information value of nucleotide positions, which can shed light on the coevolution of the canonical genetic code with the tRNA-protein translation mechanism. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development and validation of a structured query language implementation of the Elixhauser comorbidity index.

PubMed

Epstein, Richard H; Dexter, Franklin

2017-07-01

Comorbidity adjustment is often performed during outcomes and health care resource utilization research. Our goal was to develop an efficient algorithm in structured query language (SQL) to determine the Elixhauser comorbidity index. We wrote an SQL algorithm to calculate the Elixhauser comorbidities from Diagnosis Related Group and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Validation was by comparison to expected comorbidities from combinations of these codes and to the 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). The SQL algorithm matched perfectly with expected comorbidities for all combinations of ICD-9 or ICD-10, and Diagnosis Related Groups. Of 13 585 859 evaluable NRD records, the algorithm matched 100% of the listed comorbidities. Processing time was ∼0.05 ms/record. The SQL Elixhauser code was efficient and computationally identical to the SAS algorithm used for the NRD. This algorithm may be useful where preprocessing of large datasets in a relational database environment and comorbidity determination is desired before statistical analysis. A validated SQL procedure to calculate Elixhauser comorbidities and the van Walraven index from ICD-9 or ICD-10 discharge diagnosis codes has been published. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

[Code of ethics for nurses and territory hospital group].

PubMed

Danan, Jane-Laure; Giraud-Rochon, François

2017-09-01

The publication of the decree relating to the code of ethics for nurses means that the State is producing a text for all nursing professionals, whatever their sector or their mode of practice. However, faced with the standardisation of nursing procedures, the production of a new standard by a government is not a neutral issue. On the one hand, it could constitute a reinforcement of the professional credibility of this corporation; on the other this text becomes enforceable on all nurses and employers. Within a territory hospital group, this reflection must form part of nursing and managerial practices and the relationships with the hospital administration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Multigroup computation of the temperature-dependent Resonance Scattering Model (RSM) and its implementation

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

Ghrayeb, S. Z.; Ouisloumen, M.; Ougouag, A. M.

2012-07-01

A multi-group formulation for the exact neutron elastic scattering kernel is developed. This formulation is intended for implementation into a lattice physics code. The correct accounting for the crystal lattice effects influences the estimated values for the probability of neutron absorption and scattering, which in turn affect the estimation of core reactivity and burnup characteristics. A computer program has been written to test the formulation for various nuclides. Results of the multi-group code have been verified against the correct analytic scattering kernel. In both cases neutrons were started at various energies and temperatures and the corresponding scattering kernels were tallied.more » (authors)« less

A Comparison of Automatic Parallelization Tools/Compilers on the SGI Origin 2000 Using the NAS Benchmarks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saini, Subhash; Frumkin, Michael; Hribar, Michelle; Jin, Hao-Qiang; Waheed, Abdul; Yan, Jerry

1998-01-01

Porting applications to new high performance parallel and distributed computing platforms is a challenging task. Since writing parallel code by hand is extremely time consuming and costly, porting codes would ideally be automated by using some parallelization tools and compilers. In this paper, we compare the performance of the hand written NAB Parallel Benchmarks against three parallel versions generated with the help of tools and compilers: 1) CAPTools: an interactive computer aided parallelization too] that generates message passing code, 2) the Portland Group's HPF compiler and 3) using compiler directives with the native FORTAN77 compiler on the SGI Origin2000.

Electroconvulsive therapy: administrative codes, legislation, and professional recommendations.

PubMed

Harris, Victoria

2006-01-01

Government regulatory involvement in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is due to several factors, including patient advocate groups, prior abuse by psychiatrists, and a general trend of state authority to move into areas traditionally governed by medical authorities. Regardless of the specific reasons, ECT is both highly effective in the treatment of many psychiatric disorders and heavily regulated by state administrative codes and legislation. The purpose of this article is to conduct a systematic review of the state administrative codes and legislation for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and to compare the findings with professional recommendations for the administration of ECT.

49 CFR 535.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... subclassification within a test group which is based on engine code, transmission type and gear ratios, final drive... the non-combustion reaction of a consumable fuel, typically hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicle means...-groups in each regulatory category to which fuel consumption requirements apply, and are defined as...

29 CFR 4010.4 - Filers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... valuation date. (iv) Effect of funding standard carryover balance reduction for 2008 plan year... sponsor's controlled group on the last day of the information year, the funding target attainment... controlled group has been granted one or more minimum funding waivers under ERISA section 302(c) and Code...

29 CFR 4010.4 - Filers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... valuation date. (iv) Effect of funding standard carryover balance reduction for 2008 plan year... sponsor's controlled group on the last day of the information year, the funding target attainment... controlled group has been granted one or more minimum funding waivers under ERISA section 302(c) and Code...

29 CFR 4010.4 - Filers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... valuation date. (iv) Effect of funding standard carryover balance reduction for 2008 plan year... sponsor's controlled group on the last day of the information year, the funding target attainment... controlled group has been granted one or more minimum funding waivers under ERISA section 302(c) and Code...

29 CFR 4010.4 - Filers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... valuation date. (iv) Effect of funding standard carryover balance reduction for 2008 plan year... sponsor's controlled group on the last day of the information year, the funding target attainment... controlled group has been granted one or more minimum funding waivers under ERISA section 302(c) and Code...

The eyes don't have it: lie detection and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

PubMed

Wiseman, Richard; Watt, Caroline; ten Brinke, Leanne; Porter, Stephen; Couper, Sara-Louise; Rankin, Calum

2012-01-01

Proponents of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) claim that certain eye-movements are reliable indicators of lying. According to this notion, a person looking up to their right suggests a lie whereas looking up to their left is indicative of truth telling. Despite widespread belief in this claim, no previous research has examined its validity. In Study 1 the eye movements of participants who were lying or telling the truth were coded, but did not match the NLP patterning. In Study 2 one group of participants were told about the NLP eye-movement hypothesis whilst a second control group were not. Both groups then undertook a lie detection test. No significant differences emerged between the two groups. Study 3 involved coding the eye movements of both liars and truth tellers taking part in high profile press conferences. Once again, no significant differences were discovered. Taken together the results of the three studies fail to support the claims of NLP. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

The Eyes Don’t Have It: Lie Detection and Neuro-Linguistic Programming

PubMed Central

Wiseman, Richard; Watt, Caroline; ten Brinke, Leanne; Porter, Stephen; Couper, Sara-Louise; Rankin, Calum

2012-01-01

Proponents of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) claim that certain eye-movements are reliable indicators of lying. According to this notion, a person looking up to their right suggests a lie whereas looking up to their left is indicative of truth telling. Despite widespread belief in this claim, no previous research has examined its validity. In Study 1 the eye movements of participants who were lying or telling the truth were coded, but did not match the NLP patterning. In Study 2 one group of participants were told about the NLP eye-movement hypothesis whilst a second control group were not. Both groups then undertook a lie detection test. No significant differences emerged between the two groups. Study 3 involved coding the eye movements of both liars and truth tellers taking part in high profile press conferences. Once again, no significant differences were discovered. Taken together the results of the three studies fail to support the claims of NLP. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. PMID:22808128

Conflict resolution of grammar and gender for avian species-group names under Article 31.2.2 of the ICZN Code: is gender agreement worth it?

PubMed

Schodde, Richard; Bock, Walter

2016-06-22

We analyze recent nomenclatural treatment of selected avian species-group names that may be either adjective and variable or noun and invariable. In 27 such names, we found that 14 previously identified as adjectives are nouns under Article 31.2.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Five of them may require correction in current checklists; they are bresilius in Ramphocelus bresilius (Linnaeus, 1766) to bresilia, germana in Amblyornis macgregoriae germana Rothschild, 1910 to germanus, argentinus in Muscisaxicola cinereus argentinus Hellmayr, 1932 to argentina, martinicus in Porphyrio martinicus (Linnaeus, 1766) to martinica, and moluccus in Threskiornis moluccus (Cuvier, 1829) to molucca. Mindful of the compounding effect of species-genus recombination from taxonomic revision, we reach the conclusion, not new, that the requirement for gender agreement in species-group names is the single biggest cause of nomenclatural instability in zoology. To resolve it, we support replacing gender agreement by original spellings for species-group names.

The value of psychosocial group activity in nursing education: A qualitative analysis.

PubMed

Choi, Yun-Jung

2018-05-01

Nursing faculty often struggle to find effective teaching strategies for nursing students that integrate group work into nursing students' learning activities. This study was conducted to evaluate students' experiences in a psychiatric and mental health nursing course using psychosocial group activities to develop therapeutic communication and interpersonal relationship skills, as well as to introduce psychosocial nursing interventions. A qualitative research design was used. The study explored nursing students' experiences of the course in accordance with the inductive, interpretative, and constructive approaches via focus group interviews. Participants were 17 undergraduate nursing students who registered for a psychiatric and mental health nursing course. The collected data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. The analysis resulted in 28 codes, 14 interpretive codes, 4 themes (developing interpersonal relationships, learning problem-solving skills, practicing cooperation and altruism, and getting insight and healing), and a core theme (interdependent growth in self-confidence). The psychosocial group activity provided constructive opportunities for the students to work independently and interdependently as healthcare team members through reflective learning experiences. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Computer-based coding of free-text job descriptions to efficiently identify occupations in epidemiological studies.

PubMed

Russ, Daniel E; Ho, Kwan-Yuet; Colt, Joanne S; Armenti, Karla R; Baris, Dalsu; Chow, Wong-Ho; Davis, Faith; Johnson, Alison; Purdue, Mark P; Karagas, Margaret R; Schwartz, Kendra; Schwenn, Molly; Silverman, Debra T; Johnson, Calvin A; Friesen, Melissa C

2016-06-01

Mapping job titles to standardised occupation classification (SOC) codes is an important step in identifying occupational risk factors in epidemiological studies. Because manual coding is time-consuming and has moderate reliability, we developed an algorithm called SOCcer (Standardized Occupation Coding for Computer-assisted Epidemiologic Research) to assign SOC-2010 codes based on free-text job description components. Job title and task-based classifiers were developed by comparing job descriptions to multiple sources linking job and task descriptions to SOC codes. An industry-based classifier was developed based on the SOC prevalence within an industry. These classifiers were used in a logistic model trained using 14 983 jobs with expert-assigned SOC codes to obtain empirical weights for an algorithm that scored each SOC/job description. We assigned the highest scoring SOC code to each job. SOCcer was validated in 2 occupational data sources by comparing SOC codes obtained from SOCcer to expert assigned SOC codes and lead exposure estimates obtained by linking SOC codes to a job-exposure matrix. For 11 991 case-control study jobs, SOCcer-assigned codes agreed with 44.5% and 76.3% of manually assigned codes at the 6-digit and 2-digit level, respectively. Agreement increased with the score, providing a mechanism to identify assignments needing review. Good agreement was observed between lead estimates based on SOCcer and manual SOC assignments (κ 0.6-0.8). Poorer performance was observed for inspection job descriptions, which included abbreviations and worksite-specific terminology. Although some manual coding will remain necessary, using SOCcer may improve the efficiency of incorporating occupation into large-scale epidemiological studies. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

A novel all-optical label processing based on multiple optical orthogonal codes sequences for optical packet switching networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chongfu; Qiu, Kun; Xu, Bo; Ling, Yun

2008-05-01

This paper proposes an all-optical label processing scheme that uses the multiple optical orthogonal codes sequences (MOOCS)-based optical label for optical packet switching (OPS) (MOOCS-OPS) networks. In this scheme, each MOOCS is a permutation or combination of the multiple optical orthogonal codes (MOOC) selected from the multiple-groups optical orthogonal codes (MGOOC). Following a comparison of different optical label processing (OLP) schemes, the principles of MOOCS-OPS network are given and analyzed. Firstly, theoretical analyses are used to prove that MOOCS is able to greatly enlarge the number of available optical labels when compared to the previous single optical orthogonal code (SOOC) for OPS (SOOC-OPS) network. Then, the key units of the MOOCS-based optical label packets, including optical packet generation, optical label erasing, optical label extraction and optical label rewriting etc., are given and studied. These results are used to verify that the proposed MOOCS-OPS scheme is feasible.

Development of Learning Management in Moral Ethics and Code of Ethics of the Teaching Profession Course

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boonsong, S.; Siharak, S.; Srikanok, V.

2018-02-01

The purposes of this research were to develop the learning management, which was prepared for the enhancement of students’ Moral Ethics and Code of Ethics in Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT). The contextual study and the ideas for learning management development was conducted by the document study, focus group method and content analysis from the document about moral ethics and code of ethics of the teaching profession concerning Graduate Diploma for Teaching Profession Program. The main tools of this research were the summarize papers and analyse papers. The results of development showed the learning management for the development of moral ethics and code of ethics of the teaching profession for Graduate Diploma for Teaching Profession students could promote desired moral ethics and code of ethics of the teaching profession character by the integrated learning techniques which consisted of Service Learning, Contract System, Value Clarification, Role Playing, and Concept Mapping. The learning management was presented in 3 steps.

Eulerian and Lagrangian Plasma Jet Modeling for the Plasma Liner Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatcher, Richard; Cassibry, Jason; Stanic, Milos; Loverich, John; Hakim, Ammar

2011-10-01

The Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX) aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using spherically-convergent plasma jets to from an imploding plasma liner. Our group has modified two hydrodynamic simulation codes to include radiative loss, tabular equations of state (EOS), and thermal transport. Nautilus, created by TechX Corporation, is a finite-difference Eulerian code which solves the MHD equations formulated as systems of hyperbolic conservation laws. The other is SPHC, a smoothed particle hydrodynamics code produced by Stellingwerf Consulting. Use of the Lagrangian fluid particle approach of SPH is motivated by the ability to accurately track jet interfaces, the plasma vacuum boundary, and mixing of various layers, but Eulerian codes have been in development for much longer and have better shock capturing. We validate these codes against experimental measurements of jet propagation, expansion, and merging of two jets. Precursor jets are observed to form at the jet interface. Conditions that govern evolution of two and more merging jets are explored.

An Introduction to Groups. Abstract Algebra. Modules and Monographs in Undergraduate Mathematics and Its Applications Project. UMAP Unit 461.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenberg, Nancy S.

A group is viewed to be one of the simplest and most interesting algebraic structures. The theory of groups has been applied to many branches of mathematics as well as to crystallography, coding theory, quantum mechanics, and the physics of elementary particles. This material is designed to help the user: 1) understand what groups are and why they…

Review and Implementation of the Emerging CCSDS Recommended Standard for Multispectral and Hyperspectral Lossless Image Coding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanchez, Jose Enrique; Auge, Estanislau; Santalo, Josep; Blanes, Ian; Serra-Sagrista, Joan; Kiely, Aaron

2011-01-01

A new standard for image coding is being developed by the MHDC working group of the CCSDS, targeting onboard compression of multi- and hyper-spectral imagery captured by aircraft and satellites. The proposed standard is based on the "Fast Lossless" adaptive linear predictive compressor, and is adapted to better overcome issues of onboard scenarios. In this paper, we present a review of the state of the art in this field, and provide an experimental comparison of the coding performance of the emerging standard in relation to other state-of-the-art coding techniques. Our own independent implementation of the MHDC Recommended Standard, as well as of some of the other techniques, has been used to provide extensive results over the vast corpus of test images from the CCSDS-MHDC.

a Framework for Distributed Mixed Language Scientific Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quarrie, D. R.

The Object Management Group has defined an architecture (CORBA) for distributed object applications based on an Object Request Broker and Interface Definition Language. This project builds upon this architecture to establish a framework for the creation of mixed language scientific applications. A prototype compiler has been written that generates FORTRAN 90 or Eiffel stubs and skeletons and the required C++ glue code from an input IDL file that specifies object interfaces. This generated code can be used directly for non-distributed mixed language applications or in conjunction with the C++ code generated from a commercial IDL compiler for distributed applications. A feasibility study is presently underway to see whether a fully integrated software development environment for distributed, mixed-language applications can be created by modifying the back-end code generator of a commercial CASE tool to emit IDL.

Therapists' Perspective on Virtual Reality Training in Patients after Stroke: A Qualitative Study Reporting Focus Group Results from Three Hospitals.

PubMed

Schmid, Ludwig; Glässel, Andrea; Schuster-Amft, Corina

2016-01-01

Background . During the past decade, virtual reality (VR) has become a new component in the treatment of patients after stroke. Therefore aims of the study were (a) to get an insight into experiences and expectations of physiotherapists and occupational therapists in using a VR training system and (b) to investigate relevant facilitators, barriers, and risks for implementing VR training in clinical practice. Methods . Three focus groups were conducted with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, specialised in rehabilitation of patients after stroke. All data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The study was analysed based on a phenomenological approach using qualitative content analysis. Results . After code refinements, a total number of 1289 codes emerged out of 1626 statements. Intercoder reliability increased from 53% to 91% until the last focus group. The final coding scheme included categories on a four-level hierarchy: first-level categories are (a) therapists and VR, (b) VR device, (c) patients and VR, and (d) future prospects and potential of VR developments. Conclusions . Results indicate that interprofessional collaboration is needed to develop future VR technology and to devise VR implementation strategies in clinical practice. In principal, VR technology devices were seen as supportive for a general health service model.

In vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory and in vivo hypouricemic activity of herbal coded formulation (Gouticin).

PubMed

Akram, Muhammad; Usmanghani, Khan; Ahmed, Iqbal; Azhar, Iqbal; Hamid, Abdul

2014-05-01

Currently, natural products have been used in treating gouty arthritis and are recognized as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Current study was designed to evaluate in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential of Gouticin and its ingredients extracts and in vivo hypouricemic activity of gouticin tablet 500 mg twice daily. Ethanol extracts of Gouticin and its ingredients were evaluated in vitro, at 200, 100, 50, 25 μ g/ml concentrations for xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. IC(50) values of Gouticin and its ingredients were estimated. Further, in vivo therapeutic effect of Gouticin was investigated in comparison with allopathic medicine (Allopurinol) to treat gout. Total patients were 200 that were divided into test and control group. Herbal coded medicine (Gouticin) was given to test group and allopathic medicine allopurinol was administered to control group. In vitro, Gouticin has the highest percent inhibition at 96% followed by Allopurinol with 93% inhibition. In vivo study, mean serum uric acid level of patients was 4.62 mg/dl and 5.21mg/dl by use of Gouticin and Allopurinol at end of therapy. The study showed that herbal coded formulation gouticin and its ingredients are potential sources of natural xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Gouticin 500 mg twice daily is more effective than the allopurinol 300mg once daily in the management of gout.

Therapists' Perspective on Virtual Reality Training in Patients after Stroke: A Qualitative Study Reporting Focus Group Results from Three Hospitals

PubMed Central

Schmid, Ludwig; Glässel, Andrea

2016-01-01

Background. During the past decade, virtual reality (VR) has become a new component in the treatment of patients after stroke. Therefore aims of the study were (a) to get an insight into experiences and expectations of physiotherapists and occupational therapists in using a VR training system and (b) to investigate relevant facilitators, barriers, and risks for implementing VR training in clinical practice. Methods. Three focus groups were conducted with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, specialised in rehabilitation of patients after stroke. All data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The study was analysed based on a phenomenological approach using qualitative content analysis. Results. After code refinements, a total number of 1289 codes emerged out of 1626 statements. Intercoder reliability increased from 53% to 91% until the last focus group. The final coding scheme included categories on a four-level hierarchy: first-level categories are (a) therapists and VR, (b) VR device, (c) patients and VR, and (d) future prospects and potential of VR developments. Conclusions. Results indicate that interprofessional collaboration is needed to develop future VR technology and to devise VR implementation strategies in clinical practice. In principal, VR technology devices were seen as supportive for a general health service model. PMID:28058130

Evaluating the effectiveness of PrepSTART for promoting oral language and emergent literacy skills in disadvantaged preparatory students.

PubMed

Lennox, Maria; Westerveld, Marleen F; Trembath, David

2018-04-01

This study examined the effectiveness of a classroom-based intervention programme aimed at improving the oral language and emergent literacy skills of students from low socio-economic, culturally diverse backgrounds within their first formal year of schooling ("prep"). Data from 137 students were available for analysis. Participants were from three primary schools located in Queensland, Australia. Eight classes were allocated to intervention and two classes acted as a business as usual control. All students received literacy instruction as per the Australian Curriculum. However, the intervention group received 24 weeks of scripted, classroom-based, book-based intervention targeting code- and meaning-related emergent literacy skills. All students were assessed individually pre- and post-intervention on code-related measures (i.e. letter identification and phonological awareness) and meaning-related measures (i.e. vocabulary, oral narrative comprehension and retell). All students made significant improvement over time for all measures. Students in the intervention group showed significantly more progress than the business as usual group on all measures, except for letter identification and oral narrative comprehension. This classroom-based book-based intervention can improve the code- and meaning-related emergent literacy skills of prep students from low socio-economic backgrounds and provide these students with the building blocks for successful literacy acquisition.

When Homoplasy Is Not Homoplasy: Dissecting Trait Evolution by Contrasting Composite and Reductive Coding.

PubMed

Torres-Montúfar, Alejandro; Borsch, Thomas; Ochoterena, Helga

2018-05-01

The conceptualization and coding of characters is a difficult issue in phylogenetic systematics, no matter which inference method is used when reconstructing phylogenetic trees or if the characters are just mapped onto a specific tree. Complex characters are groups of features that can be divided into simpler hierarchical characters (reductive coding), although the implied hierarchical relational information may change depending on the type of coding (composite vs. reductive). Up to now, there is no common agreement to either code characters as complex or simple. Phylogeneticists have discussed which coding method is best but have not incorporated the heuristic process of reciprocal illumination to evaluate the coding. Composite coding allows to test whether 1) several characters were linked resulting in a structure described as a complex character or trait or 2) independently evolving characters resulted in the configuration incorrectly interpreted as a complex character. We propose that complex characters or character states should be decomposed iteratively into simpler characters when the original homology hypothesis is not corroborated by a phylogenetic analysis, and the character or character state is retrieved as homoplastic. We tested this approach using the case of fruit types within subfamily Cinchonoideae (Rubiaceae). The iterative reductive coding of characters associated with drupes allowed us to unthread fruit evolution within Cinchonoideae. Our results show that drupes and berries are not homologous. As a consequence, a more precise ontology for the Cinchonoideae drupes is required.

The Italian experience on T/H best estimate codes: Achievements and perspectives

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

Alemberti, A.; D`Auria, F.; Fiorino, E.

1997-07-01

Themalhydraulic system codes are complex tools developed to simulate the power plants behavior during off-normal conditions. Among the objectives of the code calculations the evaluation of safety margins, the operator training, the optimization of the plant design and of the emergency operating procedures, are mostly considered in the field of the nuclear safety. The first generation of codes was developed in the United States at the end of `60s. Since that time, different research groups all over the world started the development of their own codes. At the beginning of the `80s, the second generation codes were proposed; these differmore » from the first generation codes owing to the number of balance equations solved (six instead of three), the sophistication of the constitutive models and of the adopted numerics. The capabilities of available computers have been fully exploited during the years. The authors then summarize some of the major steps in the process of developing, modifying, and advancing the capabilities of the codes. They touch on the fact that Italian, and for that matter non-American, researchers have not been intimately involved in much of this work. They then describe the application of these codes in Italy, even though there are no operating or under construction nuclear power plants at this time. Much of this effort is directed at the general question of plant safety in the face of transient type events.« less

Short- and long-term memory contributions to immediate serial recognition: evidence from serial position effects.

PubMed

Purser, Harry; Jarrold, Christopher

2010-04-01

A long-standing body of research supports the existence of separable short- and long-term memory systems, relying on phonological and semantic codes, respectively. The aim of the current study was to measure the contribution of long-term knowledge to short-term memory performance by looking for evidence of phonologically and semantically coded storage within a short-term recognition task, among developmental samples. Each experimental trial presented 4-item lists. In Experiment 1 typically developing children aged 5 to 6 years old showed evidence of phonologically coded storage across all 4 serial positions, but evidence of semantically coded storage at Serial Positions 1 and 2. In a further experiment, a group of individuals with Down syndrome was investigated as a test case that might be expected to use semantic coding to support short-term storage, but these participants showed no evidence of semantically coded storage and evidenced phonologically coded storage only at Serial Position 4, suggesting that individuals with Down syndrome have a verbal short-term memory capacity of 1 item. Our results suggest that previous evidence of semantic effects on "short-term memory performance" does not reflect semantic coding in short-term memory itself, and provide an experimental method for researchers wishing to take a relatively pure measure of verbal short-term memory capacity, in cases where rehearsal is unlikely.

42 CFR 411.101 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Under Group Health Plans: General Provisions § 411.101 Definitions. As used in this subpart and in... individual States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and... taxes on employers and employees under section 21 of the Internal Revenue Code. Group health plan (GHP...

PheProb: probabilistic phenotyping using diagnosis codes to improve power for genetic association studies.

PubMed

Sinnott, Jennifer A; Cai, Fiona; Yu, Sheng; Hejblum, Boris P; Hong, Chuan; Kohane, Isaac S; Liao, Katherine P

2018-05-17

Standard approaches for large scale phenotypic screens using electronic health record (EHR) data apply thresholds, such as ≥2 diagnosis codes, to define subjects as having a phenotype. However, the variation in the accuracy of diagnosis codes can impair the power of such screens. Our objective was to develop and evaluate an approach which converts diagnosis codes into a probability of a phenotype (PheProb). We hypothesized that this alternate approach for defining phenotypes would improve power for genetic association studies. The PheProb approach employs unsupervised clustering to separate patients into 2 groups based on diagnosis codes. Subjects are assigned a probability of having the phenotype based on the number of diagnosis codes. This approach was developed using simulated EHR data and tested in a real world EHR cohort. In the latter, we tested the association between low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) genetic risk alleles known for association with hyperlipidemia and hyperlipidemia codes (ICD-9 272.x). PheProb and thresholding approaches were compared. Among n = 1462 subjects in the real world EHR cohort, the threshold-based p-values for association between the genetic risk score (GRS) and hyperlipidemia were 0.126 (≥1 code), 0.123 (≥2 codes), and 0.142 (≥3 codes). The PheProb approach produced the expected significant association between the GRS and hyperlipidemia: p = .001. PheProb improves statistical power for association studies relative to standard thresholding approaches by leveraging information about the phenotype in the billing code counts. The PheProb approach has direct applications where efficient approaches are required, such as in Phenome-Wide Association Studies.

“There Are Too Many, but Never Enough": Qualitative Case Study Investigating Routine Coding of Clinical Information in Depression

PubMed Central

Cresswell, Kathrin; Morrison, Zoe; Sheikh, Aziz; Kalra, Dipak

2012-01-01

Background We sought to understand how clinical information relating to the management of depression is routinely coded in different clinical settings and the perspectives of and implications for different stakeholders with a view to understanding how these may be aligned. Materials and Methods Qualitative investigation exploring the views of a purposefully selected range of healthcare professionals, managers, and clinical coders spanning primary and secondary care. Results Our dataset comprised 28 semi-structured interviews, a focus group, documents relating to clinical coding standards and participant observation of clinical coding activities. We identified a range of approaches to coding clinical information including templates and order entry systems. The challenges inherent in clearly establishing a diagnosis, identifying appropriate clinical codes and possible implications of diagnoses for patients were particularly prominent in primary care. Although a range of managerial and research benefits were identified, there were no direct benefits from coded clinical data for patients or professionals. Secondary care staff emphasized the role of clinical coders in ensuring data quality, which was at odds with the policy drive to increase real-time clinical coding. Conclusions There was overall no evidence of clear-cut direct patient care benefits to inform immediate care decisions, even in primary care where data on patients with depression were more extensively coded. A number of important secondary uses were recognized by healthcare staff, but the coding of clinical data to serve these ends was often poorly aligned with clinical practice and patient-centered considerations. The current international drive to encourage clinical coding by healthcare professionals during the clinical encounter may need to be critically examined. PMID:22937106

The impact of conventional dietary intake data coding methods on foods typically consumed by low-income African-American and White urban populations

PubMed Central

Mason, Marc A; Kuczmarski, Marie Fanelli; Allegro, Deanne; Zonderman, Alan B; Evans, Michele K

2016-01-01

Objective Analysing dietary data to capture how individuals typically consume foods is dependent on the coding variables used. Individual foods consumed simultaneously, like coffee with milk, are given codes to identify these combinations. Our literature review revealed a lack of discussion about using combination codes in analysis. The present study identified foods consumed at mealtimes and by race when combination codes were or were not utilized. Design Duplicate analysis methods were performed on separate data sets. The original data set consisted of all foods reported; each food was coded as if it was consumed individually. The revised data set was derived from the original data set by first isolating coded foods consumed as individual items from those foods consumed simultaneously and assigning a code to designate a combination. Foods assigned a combination code, like pancakes with syrup, were aggregated and associated with a food group, defined by the major food component (i.e. pancakes), and then appended to the isolated coded foods. Setting Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study. Subjects African-American and White adults with two dietary recalls (n 2177). Results Differences existed in lists of foods most frequently consumed by mealtime and race when comparing results based on original and revised data sets. African Americans reported consumption of sausage/luncheon meat and poultry, while ready-to-eat cereals and cakes/doughnuts/pastries were reported by Whites on recalls. Conclusions Use of combination codes provided more accurate representation of how foods were consumed by populations. This information is beneficial when creating interventions and exploring diet–health relationships. PMID:25435191

Technical Support Document for Version 3.9.0 of the COMcheck Software

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

Bartlett, Rosemarie; Connell, Linda M.; Gowri, Krishnan

2011-09-01

COMcheck provides an optional way to demonstrate compliance with commercial and high-rise residential building energy codes. Commercial buildings include all use groups except single family and multifamily not over three stories in height. COMcheck was originally based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989) requirements and is intended for use with various codes based on Standard 90.1, including the Codification of ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (90.1-1989 Code) (ASHRAE 1989a, 1993b) and ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 (Standard 90.1-1999). This includes jurisdictions that have adopted the 90.1-1989 Code, Standard 90.1-1989, Standard 90.1-1999, or their own code based on one of these. We view Standard 90.1-1989more » and the 90.1-1989 Code as having equivalent technical content and have used both as source documents in developing COMcheck. This technical support document (TSD) is designed to explain the technical basis for the COMcheck software as originally developed based on the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989). Documentation for other national model codes and standards and specific state energy codes supported in COMcheck has been added to this report as appendices. These appendices are intended to provide technical documentation for features specific to the supported codes and for any changes made for state-specific codes that differ from the standard features that support compliance with the national model codes and standards. Beginning with COMcheck version 3.8.0, support for 90.1-1989, 90.1-1999, and the 1998 IECC are no longer included, but those sections remain in this document for reference purposes.« less

Technical Support Document for Version 3.9.1 of the COMcheck Software

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

Bartlett, Rosemarie; Connell, Linda M.; Gowri, Krishnan

2012-09-01

COMcheck provides an optional way to demonstrate compliance with commercial and high-rise residential building energy codes. Commercial buildings include all use groups except single family and multifamily not over three stories in height. COMcheck was originally based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989) requirements and is intended for use with various codes based on Standard 90.1, including the Codification of ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (90.1-1989 Code) (ASHRAE 1989a, 1993b) and ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 (Standard 90.1-1999). This includes jurisdictions that have adopted the 90.1-1989 Code, Standard 90.1-1989, Standard 90.1-1999, or their own code based on one of these. We view Standard 90.1-1989more » and the 90.1-1989 Code as having equivalent technical content and have used both as source documents in developing COMcheck. This technical support document (TSD) is designed to explain the technical basis for the COMcheck software as originally developed based on the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-1989 (Standard 90.1-1989). Documentation for other national model codes and standards and specific state energy codes supported in COMcheck has been added to this report as appendices. These appendices are intended to provide technical documentation for features specific to the supported codes and for any changes made for state-specific codes that differ from the standard features that support compliance with the national model codes and standards. Beginning with COMcheck version 3.8.0, support for 90.1-1989, 90.1-1999, and the 1998 IECC and version 3.9.0 support for 2000 and 2001 IECC are no longer included, but those sections remain in this document for reference purposes.« less

Novel insect-specific flavivirus isolated from northern Europe

PubMed Central

Huhtamo, Eili; Moureau, Gregory; Cook, Shelley; Julkunen, Ora; Putkuri, Niina; Kurkela, Satu; Uzcátegui, Nathalie Y.; Harbach, Ralph E.; Gould, Ernest A.; Vapalahti, Olli; de Lamballerie, Xavier

2012-01-01

Mosquitoes collected in Finland were screened for flaviviral RNA leading to the discovery and isolation of a novel flavivirus designated Hanko virus (HANKV). Virus characterization, including phylogenetic analysis of the complete coding sequence, confirmed HANKV as a member of the “insect-specific” flavivirus (ISF) group. HANKV is the first member of this group isolated from northern Europe, and therefore the first northern European ISF for which the complete coding sequence has been determined. HANKV was not transcribed as DNA in mosquito cell culture, which appears atypical for an ISF. HANKV shared highest sequence homology with the partial NS5 sequence available for the recently discovered Spanish Ochlerotatus flavivirus (SOcFV). Retrospective analysis of mitochondrial sequences from the virus-positive mosquito pool suggested an Ochlerotatus mosquito species as the most likely host for HANKV. HANKV and SOcFV may therefore represent a novel group of Ochlerotatus-hosted insect-specific flaviviruses in Europe and further afield. PMID:22999256

Phylogenomic analysis of the Chilean clade of Liolaemus lizards (Squamata: Liolaemidae) based on sequence capture data.

PubMed

Panzera, Alejandra; Leaché, Adam D; D'Elía, Guillermo; Victoriano, Pedro F

2017-01-01

The genus Liolaemus is one of the most ecologically diverse and species-rich genera of lizards worldwide. It currently includes more than 250 recognized species, which have been subject to many ecological and evolutionary studies. Nevertheless, Liolaemus lizards have a complex taxonomic history, mainly due to the incongruence between morphological and genetic data, incomplete taxon sampling, incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization. In addition, as many species have restricted and remote distributions, this has hampered their examination and inclusion in molecular systematic studies. The aims of this study are to infer a robust phylogeny for a subsample of lizards representing the Chilean clade (subgenus Liolaemus sensu stricto ), and to test the monophyly of several of the major species groups. We use a phylogenomic approach, targeting 541 ultra-conserved elements (UCEs) and 44 protein-coding genes for 16 taxa. We conduct a comparison of phylogenetic analyses using maximum-likelihood and several species tree inference methods. The UCEs provide stronger support for phylogenetic relationships compared to the protein-coding genes; however, the UCEs outnumber the protein-coding genes by 10-fold. On average, the protein-coding genes contain over twice the number of informative sites. Based on our phylogenomic analyses, all the groups sampled are polyphyletic. Liolaemus tenuis tenuis is difficult to place in the phylogeny, because only a few loci (nine) were recovered for this species. Topologies or support values did not change dramatically upon exclusion of L. t. tenuis from analyses, suggesting that missing data did not had a significant impact on phylogenetic inference in this data set. The phylogenomic analyses provide strong support for sister group relationships between L. fuscus , L. monticola , L. nigroviridis and L. nitidus , and L. platei and L. velosoi . Despite our limited taxon sampling, we have provided a reliable starting hypothesis for the relationships among many major groups of the Chilean clade of Liolaemus that will help future work aimed at resolving the Liolaemus phylogeny.

Evaluating Varied Label Designs for Use with Medical Devices: Optimized Labels Outperform Existing Labels in the Correct Selection of Devices and Time to Select.

PubMed

Bix, Laura; Seo, Do Chan; Ladoni, Moslem; Brunk, Eric; Becker, Mark W

2016-01-01

Effective standardization of medical device labels requires objective study of varied designs. Insufficient empirical evidence exists regarding how practitioners utilize and view labeling. Measure the effect of graphic elements (boxing information, grouping information, symbol use and color-coding) to optimize a label for comparison with those typical of commercial medical devices. Participants viewed 54 trials on a computer screen. Trials were comprised of two labels that were identical with regard to graphics, but differed in one aspect of information (e.g., one had latex, the other did not). Participants were instructed to select the label along a given criteria (e.g., latex containing) as quickly as possible. Dependent variables were binary (correct selection) and continuous (time to correct selection). Eighty-nine healthcare professionals were recruited at Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) conferences, and using a targeted e-mail of AST members. Symbol presence, color coding and grouping critical pieces of information all significantly improved selection rates and sped time to correct selection (α = 0.05). Conversely, when critical information was graphically boxed, probability of correct selection and time to selection were impaired (α = 0.05). Subsequently, responses from trials containing optimal treatments (color coded, critical information grouped with symbols) were compared to two labels created based on a review of those commercially available. Optimal labels yielded a significant positive benefit regarding the probability of correct choice ((P<0.0001) LSM; UCL, LCL: 97.3%; 98.4%, 95.5%)), as compared to the two labels we created based on commercial designs (92.0%; 94.7%, 87.9% and 89.8%; 93.0%, 85.3%) and time to selection. Our study provides data regarding design factors, namely: color coding, symbol use and grouping of critical information that can be used to significantly enhance the performance of medical device labels.

Converting Panax ginseng DNA and chemical fingerprints into two-dimensional barcode.

PubMed

Cai, Yong; Li, Peng; Li, Xi-Wen; Zhao, Jing; Chen, Hai; Yang, Qing; Hu, Hao

2017-07-01

In this study, we investigated how to convert the Panax ginseng DNA sequence code and chemical fingerprints into a two-dimensional code. In order to improve the compression efficiency, GATC2Bytes and digital merger compression algorithms are proposed. HPLC chemical fingerprint data of 10 groups of P. ginseng from Northeast China and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence code as the DNA sequence code were ready for conversion. In order to convert such data into a two-dimensional code, the following six steps were performed: First, the chemical fingerprint characteristic data sets were obtained through the inflection filtering algorithm. Second, precompression processing of such data sets is undertaken. Third, precompression processing was undertaken with the P. ginseng DNA (ITS2) sequence codes. Fourth, the precompressed chemical fingerprint data and the DNA (ITS2) sequence code were combined in accordance with the set data format. Such combined data can be compressed by Zlib, an open source data compression algorithm. Finally, the compressed data generated a two-dimensional code called a quick response code (QR code). Through the abovementioned converting process, it can be found that the number of bytes needed for storing P. ginseng chemical fingerprints and its DNA (ITS2) sequence code can be greatly reduced. After GTCA2Bytes algorithm processing, the ITS2 compression rate reaches 75% and the chemical fingerprint compression rate exceeds 99.65% via filtration and digital merger compression algorithm processing. Therefore, the overall compression ratio even exceeds 99.36%. The capacity of the formed QR code is around 0.5k, which can easily and successfully be read and identified by any smartphone. P. ginseng chemical fingerprints and its DNA (ITS2) sequence code can form a QR code after data processing, and therefore the QR code can be a perfect carrier of the authenticity and quality of P. ginseng information. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of a quality traceability system of traditional Chinese medicine based on a two-dimensional code.

Improving the coding and classification of ambulance data through the application of International Classification of Disease 10th revision.

PubMed

Cantwell, Kate; Morgans, Amee; Smith, Karen; Livingston, Michael; Dietze, Paul

2014-02-01

This paper aims to examine whether an adaptation of the International Classification of Disease (ICD) coding system can be applied retrospectively to final paramedic assessment data in an ambulance dataset with a view to developing more fine-grained, clinically relevant case definitions than are available through point-of-call data. Over 1.2 million case records were extracted from the Ambulance Victoria data warehouse. Data fields included dispatch code, cause (CN) and final primary assessment (FPA). Each FPA was converted to an ICD-10-AM code using word matching or best fit. ICD-10-AM codes were then converted into Major Diagnostic Categories (MDC). CN was aligned with the ICD-10-AM codes for external cause of morbidity and mortality. The most accurate results were obtained when ICD-10-AM codes were assigned using information from both FPA and CN. Comparison of cases coded as unconscious at point-of-call with the associated paramedic assessment highlighted the extra clinical detail obtained when paramedic assessment data are used. Ambulance paramedic assessment data can be aligned with ICD-10-AM and MDC with relative ease, allowing retrospective coding of large datasets. Coding of ambulance data using ICD-10-AM allows for comparison of not only ambulance service users but also with other population groups. WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE TOPIC? There is no reliable and standard coding and categorising system for paramedic assessment data contained in ambulance service databases. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD? This study demonstrates that ambulance paramedic assessment data can be aligned with ICD-10-AM and MDC with relative ease, allowing retrospective coding of large datasets. Representation of ambulance case types using ICD-10-AM-coded information obtained after paramedic assessment is more fine grained and clinically relevant than point-of-call data, which uses caller information before ambulance attendance. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTITIONERS? This paper describes a model of coding using an internationally recognised standard coding and categorising system to support analysis of paramedic assessment. Ambulance data coded using ICD-10-AM allows for reliable reporting and comparison within the prehospital setting and across the healthcare industry.

Jet and electromagnetic tomography (JET) of extreme phases of matter in heavy-ion collisions

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

Heinz, Ulrich

2015-08-31

The Ohio State University (OSU) group contributed to the deliverables of the JET Collaboration three major products: 1. The code package iEBE-VISHNU for modeling the dynamical evolution of the soft medium created in relativistic heavy-ion collisions, from its creation all the way to final freeze-out using a hybrid approach that interfaces a free-streaming partonic pre-equilbrium stage with a (2+1)-dimensional viscous relativistic fluid dynamical stage for the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) phase and the microscopic hadron cascade UrQMD for the hadronic rescattering and freeze-out stage. Except for UrQMD, all dynamical evolution components and interfaces were developed at OSU and tested and implementedmore » in collaboration with the Duke University group. 2. An electromagnetic radiation module for the calculation of thermal photon emission from the QGP and hadron resonance gas stages of a heavy-ion collision, with emission rates that have been corrected for viscous effects in the expanding medium consistent with the bulk evolution. The electromagnetic radiation module was developed under OSU leadership in collaboration with the McGill group and has been integrated in the iEBE-VISHNU code package. 3. An interface between the Monte Carlo jet shower evolution and hadronization codes developed by the Wayne State University (WSU), McGill and Texas A&M groups and the iEBE-VISHNU bulk evolution code, for performing jet quenching and jet shape modification studies in a realistically modeled evolving medium that was tuned to measured soft hadron data. Building on work performed at OSU for the theoretical framework used to describe the interaction of jets with the medium, initial work on the jet shower Monte Carlo was started at OSU and moved to WSU when OSU Visiting Assistant Professor Abhijit Majumder accepted a tenure track faculty position at WSU in September 2011. The jet-hydro interface was developed at OSU and WSU and tested and implemented in collaboration with the McGill, Texas A&M, and LBNL groups.« less

The Development of a Portable Hard Disk Encryption/Decryption System with a MEMS Coded Lock

PubMed Central

Zhang, Weiping; Chen, Wenyuan; Tang, Jian; Xu, Peng; Li, Yibin; Li, Shengyong

2009-01-01

In this paper, a novel portable hard-disk encryption/decryption system with a MEMS coded lock is presented, which can authenticate the user and provide the key for the AES encryption/decryption module. The portable hard-disk encryption/decryption system is composed of the authentication module, the USB portable hard-disk interface card, the ATA protocol command decoder module, the data encryption/decryption module, the cipher key management module, the MEMS coded lock controlling circuit module, the MEMS coded lock and the hard disk. The ATA protocol circuit, the MEMS control circuit and AES encryption/decryption circuit are designed and realized by FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array). The MEMS coded lock with two couplers and two groups of counter-meshing-gears (CMGs) are fabricated by a LIGA-like process and precision engineering method. The whole prototype was fabricated and tested. The test results show that the user's password could be correctly discriminated by the MEMS coded lock, and the AES encryption module could get the key from the MEMS coded lock. Moreover, the data in the hard-disk could be encrypted or decrypted, and the read-write speed of the dataflow could reach 17 MB/s in Ultra DMA mode. PMID:22291566

DRG coding practice: a nationwide hospital survey in Thailand

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) payment is preferred by healthcare reform in various countries but its implementation in resource-limited countries has not been fully explored. Objectives This study was aimed (1) to compare the characteristics of hospitals in Thailand that were audited with those that were not and (2) to develop a simplified scale to measure hospital coding practice. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted of 920 hospitals in the Summary and Coding Audit Database (SCAD hospitals, all of which were audited in 2008 because of suspicious reports of possible DRG miscoding); the questionnaire also included 390 non-SCAD hospitals. The questionnaire asked about general demographics of the hospitals, hospital coding structure and process, and also included a set of 63 opinion-oriented items on the current hospital coding practice. Descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used for data analysis. Results SCAD and Non-SCAD hospitals were different in many aspects, especially the number of medical statisticians, experience of medical statisticians and physicians, as well as number of certified coders. Factor analysis revealed a simplified 3-factor, 20-item model to assess hospital coding practice and classify hospital intention. Conclusion Hospital providers should not be assumed capable of producing high quality DRG codes, especially in resource-limited settings. PMID:22040256

Assessment of allelic diversity in intron-containing Mal d 1 genes and their association to apple allergenicity

PubMed Central

Gao, Zhongshan; Weg, Eric W van de; Matos, Catarina I; Arens, Paul; Bolhaar, Suzanne THP; Knulst, Andre C; Li, Yinghui; Hoffmann-Sommergruber, Karin; Gilissen, Luud JWJ

2008-01-01

Background Mal d 1 is a major apple allergen causing food allergic symptoms of the oral allergy syndrome (OAS) in birch-pollen sensitised patients. The Mal d 1 gene family is known to have at least 7 intron-containing and 11 intronless members that have been mapped in clusters on three linkage groups. In this study, the allelic diversity of the seven intron-containing Mal d 1 genes was assessed among a set of apple cultivars by sequencing or indirectly through pedigree genotyping. Protein variant constitutions were subsequently compared with Skin Prick Test (SPT) responses to study the association of deduced protein variants with allergenicity in a set of 14 cultivars. Results From the seven intron-containing Mal d 1 genes investigated, Mal d 1.01 and Mal d 1.02 were highly conserved, as nine out of ten cultivars coded for the same protein variant, while only one cultivar coded for a second variant. Mal d 1.04, Mal d 1.05 and Mal d 1.06 A, B and C were more variable, coding for three to six different protein variants. Comparison of Mal d 1 allelic composition between the high-allergenic cultivar Golden Delicious and the low-allergenic cultivars Santana and Priscilla, which are linked in pedigree, showed an association between the protein variants coded by the Mal d 1.04 and -1.06A genes (both located on linkage group 16) with allergenicity. This association was confirmed in 10 other cultivars. In addition, Mal d 1.06A allele dosage effects associated with the degree of allergenicity based on prick to prick testing. Conversely, no associations were observed for the protein variants coded by the Mal d 1.01 (on linkage group 13), -1.02, -1.06B, -1.06C genes (all on linkage group 16), nor by the Mal d 1.05 gene (on linkage group 6). Conclusion Protein variant compositions of Mal d 1.04 and -1.06A and, in case of Mal d 1.06A, allele doses are associated with the differences in allergenicity among fourteen apple cultivars. This information indicates the involvement of qualitative as well as quantitative factors in allergenicity and warrants further research in the relative importance of quantitative and qualitative aspects of Mal d 1 gene expression on allergenicity. Results from this study have implications for medical diagnostics, immunotherapy, clinical research and breeding schemes for new hypo-allergenic cultivars. PMID:19014530

Return Difference Feedback Design for Robust Uncertainty Tolerance in Stochastic Multivariable Control Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-01

D- R136 495 RETURN DIFFERENCE FEEDBACK DESIGN FOR ROBUSTj/ UNCERTAINTY TOLERANCE IN STO..(U) UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES DEPT OF...State and ZIP Code) 7. b6 ADORESS (City. Staft and ZIP Code) Department of Electrical Engineering -’M Directorate of Mathematical & Information Systems ...13. SUBJECT TERMS Continur on rverse ineeesaty and identify by block nmber) FIELD GROUP SUE. GR. Systems theory; control; feedback; automatic control

Application of ATHLET/DYN3D coupled codes system for fast liquid metal cooled reactor steady state simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, V.; Samokhin, A.; Danicheva, I.; Khrennikov, N.; Bouscuet, J.; Velkov, K.; Pasichnyk, I.

2017-01-01

In this paper the approaches used for developing of the BN-800 reactor test model and for validation of coupled neutron-physic and thermohydraulic calculations are described. Coupled codes ATHLET 3.0 (code for thermohydraulic calculations of reactor transients) and DYN3D (3-dimensional code of neutron kinetics) are used for calculations. The main calculation results of reactor steady state condition are provided. 3-D model used for neutron calculations was developed for start reactor BN-800 load. The homogeneous approach is used for description of reactor assemblies. Along with main simplifications, the main reactor BN-800 core zones are described (LEZ, MEZ, HEZ, MOX, blankets). The 3D neutron physics calculations were provided with 28-group library, which is based on estimated nuclear data ENDF/B-7.0. Neutron SCALE code was used for preparation of group constants. Nodalization hydraulic model has boundary conditions by coolant mass-flow rate for core inlet part, by pressure and enthalpy for core outlet part, which can be chosen depending on reactor state. Core inlet and outlet temperatures were chosen according to reactor nominal state. The coolant mass flow rate profiling through the core is based on reactor power distribution. The test thermohydraulic calculations made with using of developed model showed acceptable results in coolant mass flow rate distribution through the reactor core and in axial temperature and pressure distribution. The developed model will be upgraded in future for different transient analysis in metal-cooled fast reactors of BN type including reactivity transients (control rods withdrawal, stop of the main circulation pump, etc.).

Accuracy of ICD-10 Coding System for Identifying Comorbidities and Infectious Conditions Using Data from a Thai University Hospital Administrative Database.

PubMed

Rattanaumpawan, Pinyo; Wongkamhla, Thanyarak; Thamlikitkul, Visanu

2016-04-01

To determine the accuracy of International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10) coding system in identifying comorbidities and infectious conditions using data from a Thai university hospital administrative database. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among patients hospitalized in six general medicine wards at Siriraj Hospital. ICD-10 code data was identified and retrieved directly from the hospital administrative database. Patient comorbidities were captured using the ICD-10 coding algorithm for the Charlson comorbidity index. Infectious conditions were captured using the groups of ICD-10 diagnostic codes that were carefully prepared by two independent infectious disease specialists. Accuracy of ICD-10 codes combined with microbiological dataf or diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) and bloodstream infection (BSI) was evaluated. Clinical data gathered from chart review was considered the gold standard in this study. Between February 1 and May 31, 2013, a chart review of 546 hospitalization records was conducted. The mean age of hospitalized patients was 62.8 ± 17.8 years and 65.9% of patients were female. Median length of stay [range] was 10.0 [1.0-353.0] days and hospital mortality was 21.8%. Conditions with ICD-10 codes that had good sensitivity (90% or higher) were diabetes mellitus and HIV infection. Conditions with ICD-10 codes that had good specificity (90% or higher) were cerebrovascular disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer HIV infection, and all infectious conditions. By combining ICD-10 codes with microbiological results, sensitivity increased from 49.5 to 66%for UTI and from 78.3 to 92.8%for BS. The ICD-10 coding algorithm is reliable only in some selected conditions, including underlying diabetes mellitus and HIV infection. Combining microbiological results with ICD-10 codes increased sensitivity of ICD-10 codes for identifying BSI. Future research is needed to improve the accuracy of hospital administrative coding system in Thailand.

Ecologic study of children's use of a computer nutrition education program.

PubMed

Matheson, D; Achterberg, C

2001-01-01

The purpose of this research was to describe the context created by students as they worked in groups on a nutrition computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program. Students worked on the program in groups of three. Observational methods were used to collect data from students in two sixth-grade classrooms that were part of an experimental program designed to restructure the educational process. Thirty-two students, from 12 groups, were observed as they completed the program. The groups were assigned by the teachers according to standard principles of cooperative learning. Students completed "Ship to Shore," a program designed specifically for this research. The program required three to five 50-minute classroom periods to complete. The objectives of the program were to change children's knowledge structure of basic nutrition concepts and to increase children's critical thinking skills related to nutrition concepts. We collected observational data focused on three domains: (1) student-computer interaction, (2) student-student interaction, and (3) students' thinking and learning skills. Grounded theory methods were used to analyze the data. Specifically, the constant-comparative method was used to develop open coding categories, defined by properties and described by dimensions. The open coding categories were in turn used in axial coding to differentiate students' learning styles. Five styles of student interaction were defined. These included (1) dominant directors (n = 6; 19%), (2) passive actors (n = 5; 16%), (3) action-oriented students (n = 7; 22%), (4) content-oriented students (n = 8; 25%), and (5) problem solvers (n = 5; 16%). The "student style" groups were somewhat gender specific. The dominant directors and passive actors were girls and the action-oriented and content-oriented students were boys. The problem solvers group was mixed gender. Children's responses to computer-based nutrition education are highly variable. Based on the results of this research, nutrition educators may recommend that nutrition CAI programs be implemented in mixed gender groups.

Identifying What Matters to Hysterectomy Patients: Postsurgery Perceptions, Beliefs, and Experiences.

PubMed

Bossick, Andrew S; Sangha, Roopina; Olden, Heather; Alexander, Gwen L; Wegienka, Ganesa

2018-01-01

Hysterectomy is the most common non-obstetrical surgery for women in the United States. Few investigations comparing hysterectomy surgical approaches include patient-centered outcomes. The study was performed at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan between February 2015 and May 2015. The data were collected through structured focus groups with 24 post-hysterectomy women in order to identify PCOs to employ in a subsequent cohort study of hysterectomy surgical approaches. One pilot focus group and five additional focus groups were held. Qualitative data analysis, using data from coded transcripts of focus groups, was used to identify themes.Eligible women, aged between 18 and 65 years and had an EMR documented Current Procedural Terminology (CPT™) code or an International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems - Ninth Edition (ICD-9) code of hysterectomy between December 2012 and December 2014 (N=1,381, N=307 after exclusions) were selected and recruited. A question guide was developed to investigate women's experiences and feelings about the experience prior and subsequent to their hysterectomy. Analysis utilized the Framework Method. Focus groups with women who previously had a hysterectomy revealed their pre- and post-hysterectomy perceptions. Responses grouped into topics of pre- and post-surgical experiences, and information all women should know. Responses grouped into themes of 1) decision making, 2) the procedure - surgical experience, 3) recovery, 4) advice to past self, and 5) recommendations to other women. These findings about perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes of women having undergone hysterectomy could support health care providers deliver patient-centered care. These results informed data collection for a prospective longitudinal cohort study that is now underway. The data suggest a need for increased education and empowerment in the decision making process, while expanding on information given for post-operative expectations and somatic changes that occur post-hysterectomy.

Why the Disadvantaged Drop Out: The Administrators' View.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morrison, James L.; Ferrante, Reynolds

A report focusing on the academically disadvantaged minority group students is presented. Perceptions of administrators in public two-year colleges as to the major reasons for attrition of this group are examined. A pre-coded questionnaire was developed to gather information concerning programs of compensatory education in two-year colleges. It…

Effects of Text Messaging on College Students' Perceptions of Personal Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hudson, Heather K.; Bliss, Kadi R.; Fetro, Joyce V.

2012-01-01

Four focus groups of undergraduate students (n = 32) were conducted to elicit perceptions regarding how text messaging affects personal health. Participant responses were coded and themed into five health dimensions: physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual. Results of focus groups showed several main themes linked each dimension of…

Assessment Intelligence in Small Group Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xing, Wanli; Wu, Yonghe

2014-01-01

Assessment of groups in CSCL context is a challenging task fraught with many confounding factors collected and measured. Previous documented studies are by and large summative in nature and some process-oriented methods require time-intensive coding of qualitative data. This study attempts to resolve these problems for teachers to assess groups…

75 FR 22579 - Application To Export Electric Energy; Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-29

... Stanley Capital Group Inc. AGENCY: Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, DOE. ACTION...: Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Mail Code: OE-20, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000.... Zabrocki, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, 2000 Westchester Ave., Purchase, NY 10577 and Daniel E. Frank...

42 CFR 422.354 - Requirements for affiliated providers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Requirements for affiliated providers. A PSO that consists of two or more providers must demonstrate to CMS'S... with the PSO's operations; (3) Both, or all, providers are part of a controlled group of corporations... affiliated service group under section 414 of that Code. (b) Each affiliated provider of the PSO shares...

Inclusion Complexes of Diisopropyl Fluorophosphate with Cyclodextrins.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

SUPPLEMENTARY NOTATION For Submission to Journal of Catalysis. 17. COSATI CODES 18. SUBJECT TERMS (Continue on reverse if necessary and identify by block...number) FIELD GROUP SUB-GROUP 19. ABSTRACT (Continue on reverse if necessary and identify by block number) See Attached DTIC S ELECTESNOV 2 3 1987D 20

29 CFR 1926.407 - Hazardous (classified) locations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Electrical Code, lists or defines hazardous gases, vapors, and dusts by “Groups” characterized by their... the class, group, and operating temperature or temperature range, based on operation in a 40-degree C... be marked to indicate the group. (C) Fixed general-purpose equipment in Class I locations, other than...

29 CFR 1926.407 - Hazardous (classified) locations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Electrical Code, lists or defines hazardous gases, vapors, and dusts by “Groups” characterized by their... the class, group, and operating temperature or temperature range, based on operation in a 40-degree C... be marked to indicate the group. (C) Fixed general-purpose equipment in Class I locations, other than...

Fix Broken and Redirected Links Using Group Dashboard Link Report

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Learn how to use the tools provided by Drupal in the Group Dashboard to find and correct links on your site that are broken (404 and 403 error codes), or that redirect (301 and 302), for example to a homepage rather than the originally intended content.

2000 SURVEY OF RESERVE COMPONENT PERSONNEL: ADMINISTRATION, DATASETS, AND CODEBOOK

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-07-01

Record Number 1 DPOC * DoD Primary Occupation Code 1860 DR* Physician 1862 DSVCOCC* Duty Occupation 1863 DTYOCC* Duty Occupation 1864 DUPRET...Constructed Pay Grade Group 2 1856 CPAYGRP3 Constructed Pay Grade Group 3 1857 CRACECAT Race/Ethnic Category 2 1858 CSERVICE CService - Member 1859 DPOC

Clients' Preferences for Small Groups vs. Individual Testing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Backman, Margaret E.; And Others

Test takers' preferences for group versus individual administration of the Micro-TOWER System of Vocational Evaluation are reported. The system was administered to 211 clients at a vocational rehabilitation center, and consisted of work samples measuring the following job skills: record checking, filing, lamp assembly, message-taking, zip coding,…

77 FR 20789 - Work Group on Measuring Systems for Taxis

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-06

.... SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is forming a Work Group (WG) to develop proposals to revise the current Taximeters Code in NIST Handbook 44 (HB 44), Specifications, Tolerances, and... CONTACT: Mr. John Barton, NIST, Office of Weights and Measures, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2600, Gaithersburg...

Cross-cultural perspectives on research participation and informed consent.

PubMed

Barata, Paula C; Gucciardi, Enza; Ahmad, Farah; Stewart, Donna E

2006-01-01

This study examined Portuguese Canadian and Caribbean Canadian immigrants' perceptions of health research and informed consent procedures. Six focus groups (three in each cultural group) involving 42 participants and two individual interviews were conducted. The focus groups began with a general question about health research. This was followed by three short role-plays between the moderator and the assistant. The role-plays involved a fictional health research study in which a patient is approached for recruitment, is read a consent form, and is asked to sign. The role-plays stopped at key moments at which time focus group participants were asked questions about their understanding and their perceptions. Focus group transcripts were coded in QSR NUDIST software using open coding and then compared across cultural groups. Six overriding themes emerged: two were common in both the Portuguese and Caribbean transcripts, one emphasized the importance of trust and mistrust, and the other highlighted the need and desire for more information about health research. However, these themes were expressed somewhat differently in the two groups. In addition, there were four overriding themes that were specific to only one cultural group. In the Portuguese groups, there was an overwhelming positive regard for the research process and an emphasis on verbal as opposed to written information. The Caribbean participants qualified their participation in research studies and repeatedly raised images of invasive research.

Relationships of linguistic and motivation variables with drinking outcomes following two mailed brief interventions.

PubMed

Collins, Susan E; Carey, Kate B; Smyth, Joshua

2005-07-01

This study was a post hoc analysis of linguistic and motivation variables found in writing samples following the administration of two mailed brief interventions. At-risk college drinkers (N = 100) received personalized normative feedback (PNF) or an alcohol education (AE) brochure via mail. Participants responded to open-ended questions describing their reactions to the information they received. The writing samples were then coded for linguistic characteristics using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count program and for proportions of self-motivational statements using a modified version of the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code. Group comparisons indicated that the PNF group used a significantly higher percentage of first-person-singular and school-related words, whereas the AE group used a higher percentage of discrepancy, second-person and body-related words. Furthermore, the PNF group produced more language consistent with motivation to change than did the AE group. Hierarchical regressions testing mediation and moderation indicated that linguistic references to school and motivation moderated the group effect on changes in consumption during the heaviest drinking week. Further, although the group predicted reduction in heavy, episodic drinking, its effect was completely mediated by linguistic variables. Findings confirmed that PNF elicits distinct verbal responses that are associated with increased motivation and behavior change.

DYNA3D Code Practices and Developments

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

Lin, L.; Zywicz, E.; Raboin, P.

2000-04-21

DYNA3D is an explicit, finite element code developed to solve high rate dynamic simulations for problems of interest to the engineering mechanics community. The DYNA3D code has been under continuous development since 1976[1] by the Methods Development Group in the Mechanical Engineering Department of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The pace of code development activities has substantially increased in the past five years, growing from one to between four and six code developers. This has necessitated the use of software tools such as CVS (Concurrent Versions System) to help manage multiple version updates. While on-line documentation with an Adobe PDF manualmore » helps to communicate software developments, periodically a summary document describing recent changes and improvements in DYNA3D software is needed. The first part of this report describes issues surrounding software versions and source control. The remainder of this report details the major capability improvements since the last publicly released version of DYNA3D in 1996. Not included here are the many hundreds of bug corrections and minor enhancements, nor the development in DYNA3D between the manual release in 1993[2] and the public code release in 1996.« less

Nine-year-old children use norm-based coding to visually represent facial expression.

PubMed

Burton, Nichola; Jeffery, Linda; Skinner, Andrew L; Benton, Christopher P; Rhodes, Gillian

2013-10-01

Children are less skilled than adults at making judgments about facial expression. This could be because they have not yet developed adult-like mechanisms for visually representing faces. Adults are thought to represent faces in a multidimensional face-space, and have been shown to code the expression of a face relative to the norm or average face in face-space. Norm-based coding is economical and adaptive, and may be what makes adults more sensitive to facial expression than children. This study investigated the coding system that children use to represent facial expression. An adaptation aftereffect paradigm was used to test 24 adults and 18 children (9 years 2 months to 9 years 11 months old). Participants adapted to weak and strong antiexpressions. They then judged the expression of an average expression. Adaptation created aftereffects that made the test face look like the expression opposite that of the adaptor. Consistent with the predictions of norm-based but not exemplar-based coding, aftereffects were larger for strong than weak adaptors for both age groups. Results indicate that, like adults, children's coding of facial expressions is norm-based. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved.

The First AO Classification System for Fractures of the Craniomaxillofacial Skeleton: Rationale, Methodological Background, Developmental Process, and Objectives

PubMed Central

Audigé, Laurent; Cornelius, Carl-Peter; Ieva, Antonio Di; Prein, Joachim

2014-01-01

Validated trauma classification systems are the sole means to provide the basis for reliable documentation and evaluation of patient care, which will open the gateway to evidence-based procedures and healthcare in the coming years. With the support of AO Investigation and Documentation, a classification group was established to develop and evaluate a comprehensive classification system for craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures. Blueprints for fracture classification in the major constituents of the human skull were drafted and then evaluated by a multispecialty group of experienced CMF surgeons and a radiologist in a structured process during iterative agreement sessions. At each session, surgeons independently classified the radiological imaging of up to 150 consecutive cases with CMF fractures. During subsequent review meetings, all discrepancies in the classification outcome were critically appraised for clarification and improvement until consensus was reached. The resulting CMF classification system is structured in a hierarchical fashion with three levels of increasing complexity. The most elementary level 1 simply distinguishes four fracture locations within the skull: mandible (code 91), midface (code 92), skull base (code 93), and cranial vault (code 94). Levels 2 and 3 focus on further defining the fracture locations and for fracture morphology, achieving an almost individual mapping of the fracture pattern. This introductory article describes the rationale for the comprehensive AO CMF classification system, discusses the methodological framework, and provides insight into the experiences and interactions during the evaluation process within the core groups. The details of this system in terms of anatomy and levels are presented in a series of focused tutorials illustrated with case examples in this special issue of the Journal. PMID:25489387

The First AO Classification System for Fractures of the Craniomaxillofacial Skeleton: Rationale, Methodological Background, Developmental Process, and Objectives.

PubMed

Audigé, Laurent; Cornelius, Carl-Peter; Di Ieva, Antonio; Prein, Joachim

2014-12-01

Validated trauma classification systems are the sole means to provide the basis for reliable documentation and evaluation of patient care, which will open the gateway to evidence-based procedures and healthcare in the coming years. With the support of AO Investigation and Documentation, a classification group was established to develop and evaluate a comprehensive classification system for craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures. Blueprints for fracture classification in the major constituents of the human skull were drafted and then evaluated by a multispecialty group of experienced CMF surgeons and a radiologist in a structured process during iterative agreement sessions. At each session, surgeons independently classified the radiological imaging of up to 150 consecutive cases with CMF fractures. During subsequent review meetings, all discrepancies in the classification outcome were critically appraised for clarification and improvement until consensus was reached. The resulting CMF classification system is structured in a hierarchical fashion with three levels of increasing complexity. The most elementary level 1 simply distinguishes four fracture locations within the skull: mandible (code 91), midface (code 92), skull base (code 93), and cranial vault (code 94). Levels 2 and 3 focus on further defining the fracture locations and for fracture morphology, achieving an almost individual mapping of the fracture pattern. This introductory article describes the rationale for the comprehensive AO CMF classification system, discusses the methodological framework, and provides insight into the experiences and interactions during the evaluation process within the core groups. The details of this system in terms of anatomy and levels are presented in a series of focused tutorials illustrated with case examples in this special issue of the Journal.

Complete sequence and gene organization of the mitochondrial genome of Asio flammeus (Strigiformes, strigidae).

PubMed

Zhang, Yanan; Song, Tao; Pan, Tao; Sun, Xiaonan; Sun, Zhonglou; Qian, Lifu; Zhang, Baowei

2016-07-01

The complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome was determined for Asio flammeus, which is distributed widely in geography. The length of the complete mitochondrial genome was 18,966 bp, containing 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 1 non-coding region (D-loop). All the genes were distributed on the H-strand, except for the ND6 subunit gene and eight tRNA genes which were encoded on the L-strand. The D-loop of A. flammeus contained many tandem repeats of varying lengths and repeat numbers. The molecular-based phylogeny showed that our species acted as the sister group to A. capensis and the supported Asio was the monophyletic group.

Memory for pictures and words as a function of level of processing: Depth or dual coding?

PubMed

D'Agostino, P R; O'Neill, B J; Paivio, A

1977-03-01

The experiment was designed to test differential predictions derived from dual-coding and depth-of-processing hypotheses. Subjects under incidental memory instructions free recalled a list of 36 test events, each presented twice. Within the list, an equal number of events were assigned to structural, phonemic, and semantic processing conditions. Separate groups of subjects were tested with a list of pictures, concrete words, or abstract words. Results indicated that retention of concrete words increased as a direct function of the processing-task variable (structural < phonemic

Turtle 24.0 diffusion depletion code

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

Altomare, S.; Barry, R.F.

1971-09-01

TURTLE is a two-group, two-dimensional (x-y, x-z, r-z) neutron diffusion code featuring a direct treatment of the nonlinear effects of xenon, enthalpy, and Doppler. Fuel depletion is allowed. TURTLE was written for the study of azimuthal xenon oscillations, but the code is useful for general analysis. The input is simple, fuel management is handled directly, and a boron criticality search is allowed. Ten thousand space points are allowed (over 20,000 with diagonal symmetry). TURTLE is written in FORTRAN IV and is tailored for the present CDC-6600. The program is corecontained. Provision is made to save data on tape for futuremore » reference. ( auth)« less

A survey of compiler optimization techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneck, P. B.

1972-01-01

Major optimization techniques of compilers are described and grouped into three categories: machine dependent, architecture dependent, and architecture independent. Machine-dependent optimizations tend to be local and are performed upon short spans of generated code by using particular properties of an instruction set to reduce the time or space required by a program. Architecture-dependent optimizations are global and are performed while generating code. These optimizations consider the structure of a computer, but not its detailed instruction set. Architecture independent optimizations are also global but are based on analysis of the program flow graph and the dependencies among statements of source program. A conceptual review of a universal optimizer that performs architecture-independent optimizations at source-code level is also presented.

Computer access security code system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Earl R., Jr. (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A security code system for controlling access to computer and computer-controlled entry situations comprises a plurality of subsets of alpha-numeric characters disposed in random order in matrices of at least two dimensions forming theoretical rectangles, cubes, etc., such that when access is desired, at least one pair of previously unused character subsets not found in the same row or column of the matrix is chosen at random and transmitted by the computer. The proper response to gain access is transmittal of subsets which complete the rectangle, and/or a parallelepiped whose opposite corners were defined by first groups of code. Once used, subsets are not used again to absolutely defeat unauthorized access by eavesdropping, and the like.

Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health to identify outcome domains for a core outcome set for aphasia: a comparison of stakeholder perspectives.

PubMed

Wallace, Sarah J; Worrall, Linda; Rose, Tanya; Le Dorze, Guylaine

2017-11-12

This study synthesised the findings of three separate consensus processes exploring the perspectives of key stakeholder groups about important aphasia treatment outcomes. This process was conducted to generate recommendations for outcome domains to be included in a core outcome set for aphasia treatment trials. International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health codes were examined to identify where the groups of: (1) people with aphasia, (2) family members, (3) aphasia researchers, and (4) aphasia clinicians/managers, demonstrated congruence in their perspectives regarding important treatment outcomes. Codes were contextualized using qualitative data. Congruence across three or more stakeholder groups was evident for ICF chapters: Mental functions; Communication; and Services, systems, and policies. Quality of life was explicitly identified by clinicians/managers and researchers, while people with aphasia and their families identified outcomes known to be determinants of quality of life. Core aphasia outcomes include: language, emotional wellbeing, communication, patient-reported satisfaction with treatment and impact of treatment, and quality of life. International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health coding can be used to compare stakeholder perspectives and identify domains for core outcome sets. Pairing coding with qualitative data may ensure important nuances of meaning are retained. Implications for rehabilitation The outcomes measured in treatment research should be relevant to stakeholders and support health care decision making. Core outcome sets (agreed, minimum set of outcomes, and outcome measures) are increasingly being used to ensure the relevancy and consistency of the outcomes measured in treatment studies. Important aphasia treatment outcomes span all components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Stakeholders demonstrated congruence in the identification of important outcomes which related Mental functions; Communication; Services, systems, and policies; and Quality of life. A core outcome set for aphasia treatment research should include measures relating to: language, emotional wellbeing, communication, patient-reported satisfaction with treatment and impact of treatment, and quality of life. Coding using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, presents a novel methodology for the comparison of stakeholder perspectives to inform recommendations for outcome constructs to be included in a core outcome set. Coding can be paired with qualitative data to ensure nuances of meaning are retained.

Experimental Products Development Team (EPDT) Supporting New AWIPS . Part 2; Capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burks, Jason E.

2015-01-01

In 2012, the Experimental Products Development Team (EPDT) was formed within NASA's Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center to create training for development of plug-ins to extend the National Weather Service (NWS) Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) version 2. The broader atmospheric science community had a need for AWIPS II development training being created at SPoRT and EPDT was expanded to include other groups who were looking for training. Since the expansion of the group occurred, EPDT has provided AWIPS II development training to over thirty participants spanning a wide variety of groups such as NWS Systems Engineering Center, NWS Meteorological Development Laboratory, and several NOAA Cooperative Institutes. Participants within EPDT solidify their learning experience through hands-on learning and by participating in a "code-sprint" in which they troubleshoot existing and develop plug-ins. The hands-on learning workshop is instructor lead with participants completing exercises within the AWIPS II Development Environment. During the code sprints EPDT groups work on projects important to the community and have worked on various plug-ins such as an RGB image recipe creation tool, and an mPing (crowd sourced precipitation type reporting system) ingest and display. EPDT has developed a well-defined training regime which prepares participants to fully develop plug-ins for the extendible AWIPS II architecture from ingest to the display of new data. SPoRT has hosted 2 learning workshops and 1 code sprint over the last two years, and continues to build and shape the EPDT group based on feedback from previous workshops. The presentation will provide an overview of EPDT current and future activities, and best practices developed within EPDT.

A Novel Technique for Running the NASA Legacy Code LAPIN Synchronously With Simulations Developed Using Simulink

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vrnak, Daniel R.; Stueber, Thomas J.; Le, Dzu K.

2012-01-01

This report presents a method for running a dynamic legacy inlet simulation in concert with another dynamic simulation that uses a graphical interface. The legacy code, NASA's LArge Perturbation INlet (LAPIN) model, was coded using the FORTRAN 77 (The Portland Group, Lake Oswego, OR) programming language to run in a command shell similar to other applications that used the Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS) (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA). Simulink (MathWorks, Natick, MA) is a dynamic simulation that runs on a modern graphical operating system. The product of this work has both simulations, LAPIN and Simulink, running synchronously on the same computer with periodic data exchanges. Implementing the method described in this paper avoided extensive changes to the legacy code and preserved its basic operating procedure. This paper presents a novel method that promotes inter-task data communication between the synchronously running processes.

Matrix-Product-State Algorithm for Finite Fractional Quantum Hall Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhao; Bhatt, R. N.

2015-09-01

Exact diagonalization is a powerful tool to study fractional quantum Hall (FQH) systems. However, its capability is limited by the exponentially increasing computational cost. In order to overcome this difficulty, density-matrix-renormalization-group (DMRG) algorithms were developed for much larger system sizes. Very recently, it was realized that some model FQH states have exact matrix-product-state (MPS) representation. Motivated by this, here we report a MPS code, which is closely related to, but different from traditional DMRG language, for finite FQH systems on the cylinder geometry. By representing the many-body Hamiltonian as a matrix-product-operator (MPO) and using single-site update and density matrix correction, we show that our code can efficiently search the ground state of various FQH systems. We also compare the performance of our code with traditional DMRG. The possible generalization of our code to infinite FQH systems and other physical systems is also discussed.

Error probability for RFID SAW tags with pulse position coding and peak-pulse detection.

PubMed

Shmaliy, Yuriy S; Plessky, Victor; Cerda-Villafaña, Gustavo; Ibarra-Manzano, Oscar

2012-11-01

This paper addresses the code reading error probability (EP) in radio-frequency identification (RFID) SAW tags with pulse position coding (PPC) and peak-pulse detection. EP is found in a most general form, assuming M groups of codes with N slots each and allowing individual SNRs in each slot. The basic case of zero signal in all off-pulses and equal signals in all on-pulses is investigated in detail. We show that if a SAW-tag with PPC is designed such that the spurious responses are attenuated by more than 20 dB below on-pulses, then EP can be achieved at the level of 10(-8) (one false read per 108 readings) with SNR >17 dB for any reasonable M and N. The tag reader range is estimated as a function of the transmitted power and EP.

Meteor Shower Identification and Characterization with Python

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moorhead, Althea

2015-01-01

The short development time associated with Python and the number of astronomical packages available have led to increased usage within NASA. The Meteoroid Environment Office in particular uses the Python language for a number of applications, including daily meteor shower activity reporting, searches for potential parent bodies of meteor showers, and short dynamical simulations. We present our development of a meteor shower identification code that identifies statistically significant groups of meteors on similar orbits. This code overcomes several challenging characteristics of meteor showers such as drastic differences in uncertainties between meteors and between the orbital elements of a single meteor, and the variation of shower characteristics such as duration with age or planetary perturbations. This code has been proven to successfully and quickly identify unusual meteor activity such as the 2014 kappa Cygnid outburst. We present our algorithm along with these successes and discuss our plans for further code development.

[An update of the diagnostic coding system by the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies].

PubMed

Benito Fernández, J; Luaces Cubells, C; Gelabert Colomé, G; Anso Borda, I

2015-06-01

The Quality Working Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies (SEUP) presents an update of the diagnostic coding list. The original list was prepared and published in Anales de Pediatría in 2000, being based on the International Coding system ICD-9-CM current at that time. Following the same methodology used at that time and based on the 2014 edition of the ICD-9-CM, 35 new codes have been added to the list, 15 have been updated, and a list of the most frequent references to trauma diagnoses in pediatrics have been provided. In the current list of diagnoses, SEUP reflects the significant changes that have taken place in Pediatric Emergency Services in the last decade. Copyright © 2014 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Patient Health Goals Elicited During Home Care Admission: A Categorization.

PubMed

Sockolow, Paulina; Radhakrishnan, Kavita; Chou, Edgar Y; Wojciechowicz, Christine

2017-11-01

Home care agencies are initiating "patient health goal elicitation" activities as part of home care admission planning. We categorized elicited goals and identified "clinically informative" goals at a home care agency. We examined patient goals that admitting clinicians documented in the point-of-care electronic health record; conducted content analysis on patient goal data to develop a coding scheme; grouped goal themes into codes; assigned codes to each goal; and identified goals that were in the patient voice. Of the 1,763 patient records, 16% lacked a goal; only 15 goals were in a patient's voice. Nurse and physician experts identified 12 of the 20 codes as clinically important accounting for 82% of goal occurrences. The most frequent goal documented was safety/falls (23%). Training and consistent communication of the intent and operationalization of patient goal elicitation may address the absence of patient voice and the less than universal recording of home care patients' goals.

Individually Identifiable Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors, Tags and Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hines, Jacqueline H. (Inventor); Solie, Leland P. (Inventor); Tucker, Dana Y. G. (Inventor); Hines, Andrew T. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A surface-launched acoustic wave sensor tag system for remotely sensing and/or providing identification information using sets of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor tag devices is characterized by acoustic wave device embodiments that include coding and other diversity techniques to produce groups of sensors that interact minimally, reducing or alleviating code collision problems typical of prior art coded SAW sensors and tags, and specific device embodiments of said coded SAW sensor tags and systems. These sensor/tag devices operate in a system which consists of one or more uniquely identifiable sensor/tag devices and a wireless interrogator. The sensor device incorporates an antenna for receiving incident RF energy and re-radiating the tag identification information and the sensor measured parameter(s). Since there is no power source in or connected to the sensor, it is a passive sensor. The device is wirelessly interrogated by the interrogator.

Genomic Structure of an Economically Important Cyanobacterium, Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis NIES-39

PubMed Central

Fujisawa, Takatomo; Narikawa, Rei; Okamoto, Shinobu; Ehira, Shigeki; Yoshimura, Hidehisa; Suzuki, Iwane; Masuda, Tatsuru; Mochimaru, Mari; Takaichi, Shinichi; Awai, Koichiro; Sekine, Mitsuo; Horikawa, Hiroshi; Yashiro, Isao; Omata, Seiha; Takarada, Hiromi; Katano, Yoko; Kosugi, Hiroki; Tanikawa, Satoshi; Ohmori, Kazuko; Sato, Naoki; Ikeuchi, Masahiko; Fujita, Nobuyuki; Ohmori, Masayuki

2010-01-01

A filamentous non-N2-fixing cyanobacterium, Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis, is an important organism for industrial applications and as a food supply. Almost the complete genome of A. platensis NIES-39 was determined in this study. The genome structure of A. platensis is estimated to be a single, circular chromosome of 6.8 Mb, based on optical mapping. Annotation of this 6.7 Mb sequence yielded 6630 protein-coding genes as well as two sets of rRNA genes and 40 tRNA genes. Of the protein-coding genes, 78% are similar to those of other organisms; the remaining 22% are currently unknown. A total 612 kb of the genome comprise group II introns, insertion sequences and some repetitive elements. Group I introns are located in a protein-coding region. Abundant restriction-modification systems were determined. Unique features in the gene composition were noted, particularly in a large number of genes for adenylate cyclase and haemolysin-like Ca2+-binding proteins and in chemotaxis proteins. Filament-specific genes were highlighted by comparative genomic analysis. PMID:20203057

Learning Midlevel Auditory Codes from Natural Sound Statistics.

PubMed

Młynarski, Wiktor; McDermott, Josh H

2018-03-01

Interaction with the world requires an organism to transform sensory signals into representations in which behaviorally meaningful properties of the environment are made explicit. These representations are derived through cascades of neuronal processing stages in which neurons at each stage recode the output of preceding stages. Explanations of sensory coding may thus involve understanding how low-level patterns are combined into more complex structures. To gain insight into such midlevel representations for sound, we designed a hierarchical generative model of natural sounds that learns combinations of spectrotemporal features from natural stimulus statistics. In the first layer, the model forms a sparse convolutional code of spectrograms using a dictionary of learned spectrotemporal kernels. To generalize from specific kernel activation patterns, the second layer encodes patterns of time-varying magnitude of multiple first-layer coefficients. When trained on corpora of speech and environmental sounds, some second-layer units learned to group similar spectrotemporal features. Others instantiate opponency between distinct sets of features. Such groupings might be instantiated by neurons in the auditory cortex, providing a hypothesis for midlevel neuronal computation.

Perspectives on access to personal health information in New Zealand/Aotearoa.

PubMed

Menkes, David B; Hill, Charlotte J; Horsfall, Melissa; Jaye, Chrystal

2008-12-01

This study used group interviews to explore Māori and European New Zealander (Pakeha) perspectives on access to personal health information. Two predominant themes emerged: the tension between the individual and society, and differences inherent in the use of formal and informal moral codes. Māori and Pakeha differed in their concept of autonomy and relied on distinct moral codes when considering questions of access; Western values and moral codes were notably less relevant to Māori who described distinct, collectivist means of ensuring social care of the sick and dying. Pakeha but not Māori participants often used hypothetical situations to reach an abstract determination of 'who should know'; the latter instead used personal experience to decide case-by-case. Generational differences were also evident, particularly in the Māori groups. In conclusion, culture should be considered in access to personal health information in New Zealand. Similar cultural variation is likely to be found in other countries; recognition of such differences will help ensure that access to sensitive information is appropriate, inclusive, and ethical.

Measurements of angular flux on surface of Li/sub 2/O slab assemblies and their analysis by a direct integration transport code ''BERMUDA''

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

Maekawa, H.; Oyama, Y.

1983-09-01

Angle-dependent neutron leakage spectra above 0.5 MeV from Li/sub 2/O slab assemblies were measured accurately by the time-of-flight method. The measured angles were 0/sup 0/, 12.2/sup 0/, 24.9/sup 0/, 41.8/sup 0/ and 66.8/sup 0/. The sizes of Li/sub 2/O assemblies were 31.4 cm in equivalent radius and 5.06, 20.24 and 40.48 cm in thickness. The data were analyzed by a new transport code ''BERMUDA-2DN''. Time-independent transport equation is solved for two-dimensional, cylindrical, multi-regional geometry using the direct integration method in a multi-group model. The group transfer kernels are accurately obtained from the double-differential cross section data without using Legendre expansion.more » The results were compared absolutely. While there exist discrepancies partially, the calculational spectra agree well with the experimental ones as a whole. The BERMUDA code was demonstrated to be useful for the analyses of the fusion neutronics and shielding.« less

40 CFR Appendix A to Part 282 - State Requirements Incorporated by Reference in Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... test of self-insurance Section 11-281-97Guarantee Section 11-281-98Insurance and risk retention group... 1111Financial Test of Self-Insurance Section 1113Guarantee Section 1115Insurance and Risk Retention Group... mechanisms 280.95Financial test of self-insurance 280.96Guarantee 280.97Insurance and risk retention group...

40 CFR Appendix A to Part 282 - State Requirements Incorporated by Reference in Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... test of self-insurance Section 11-281-97Guarantee Section 11-281-98Insurance and risk retention group... 1111Financial Test of Self-Insurance Section 1113Guarantee Section 1115Insurance and Risk Retention Group... mechanisms 280.95Financial test of self-insurance 280.96Guarantee 280.97Insurance and risk retention group...

40 CFR Appendix A to Part 282 - State Requirements Incorporated by Reference in Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... test of self-insurance Section 11-281-97Guarantee Section 11-281-98Insurance and risk retention group... 1111Financial Test of Self-Insurance Section 1113Guarantee Section 1115Insurance and Risk Retention Group... mechanisms 280.95Financial test of self-insurance 280.96Guarantee 280.97Insurance and risk retention group...

40 CFR Appendix A to Part 282 - State Requirements Incorporated by Reference in Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... test of self-insurance Section 11-281-97Guarantee Section 11-281-98Insurance and risk retention group... 1111Financial Test of Self-Insurance Section 1113Guarantee Section 1115Insurance and Risk Retention Group... mechanisms 280.95Financial test of self-insurance 280.96Guarantee 280.97Insurance and risk retention group...

40 CFR Appendix A to Part 282 - State Requirements Incorporated by Reference in Part 282 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... test of self-insurance Section 11-281-97Guarantee Section 11-281-98Insurance and risk retention group... 1111Financial Test of Self-Insurance Section 1113Guarantee Section 1115Insurance and Risk Retention Group... mechanisms 280.95Financial test of self-insurance 280.96Guarantee 280.97Insurance and risk retention group...

Validation of the WIMSD4M cross-section generation code with benchmark results

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

Deen, J.R.; Woodruff, W.L.; Leal, L.E.

1995-01-01

The WIMSD4 code has been adopted for cross-section generation in support of the Reduced Enrichment Research and Test Reactor (RERTR) program at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). Subsequently, the code has undergone several updates, and significant improvements have been achieved. The capability of generating group-collapsed micro- or macroscopic cross sections from the ENDF/B-V library and the more recent evaluation, ENDF/B-VI, in the ISOTXS format makes the modified version of the WIMSD4 code, WIMSD4M, very attractive, not only for the RERTR program, but also for the reactor physics community. The intent of the present paper is to validate the WIMSD4M cross-section librariesmore » for reactor modeling of fresh water moderated cores. The results of calculations performed with multigroup cross-section data generated with the WIMSD4M code will be compared against experimental results. These results correspond to calculations carried out with thermal reactor benchmarks of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) unreflected HEU critical spheres, the TRX LEU critical experiments, and calculations of a modified Los Alamos HEU D{sub 2}O moderated benchmark critical system. The benchmark calculations were performed with the discrete-ordinates transport code, TWODANT, using WIMSD4M cross-section data. Transport calculations using the XSDRNPM module of the SCALE code system are also included. In addition to transport calculations, diffusion calculations with the DIF3D code were also carried out, since the DIF3D code is used in the RERTR program for reactor analysis and design. For completeness, Monte Carlo results of calculations performed with the VIM and MCNP codes are also presented.« less