Sample records for hypothesis density phd

  1. A Student’s t Mixture Probability Hypothesis Density Filter for Multi-Target Tracking with Outliers

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Zhuowei; Chen, Shuxin; Wu, Hao; He, Renke; Hao, Lin

    2018-01-01

    In multi-target tracking, the outliers-corrupted process and measurement noises can reduce the performance of the probability hypothesis density (PHD) filter severely. To solve the problem, this paper proposed a novel PHD filter, called Student’s t mixture PHD (STM-PHD) filter. The proposed filter models the heavy-tailed process noise and measurement noise as a Student’s t distribution as well as approximates the multi-target intensity as a mixture of Student’s t components to be propagated in time. Then, a closed PHD recursion is obtained based on Student’s t approximation. Our approach can make full use of the heavy-tailed characteristic of a Student’s t distribution to handle the situations with heavy-tailed process and the measurement noises. The simulation results verify that the proposed filter can overcome the negative effect generated by outliers and maintain a good tracking accuracy in the simultaneous presence of process and measurement outliers. PMID:29617348

  2. Multiple model cardinalized probability hypothesis density filter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Georgescu, Ramona; Willett, Peter

    2011-09-01

    The Probability Hypothesis Density (PHD) filter propagates the first-moment approximation to the multi-target Bayesian posterior distribution while the Cardinalized PHD (CPHD) filter propagates both the posterior likelihood of (an unlabeled) target state and the posterior probability mass function of the number of targets. Extensions of the PHD filter to the multiple model (MM) framework have been published and were implemented either with a Sequential Monte Carlo or a Gaussian Mixture approach. In this work, we introduce the multiple model version of the more elaborate CPHD filter. We present the derivation of the prediction and update steps of the MMCPHD particularized for the case of two target motion models and proceed to show that in the case of a single model, the new MMCPHD equations reduce to the original CPHD equations.

  3. A fast ellipse extended target PHD filter using box-particle implementation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yongquan; Ji, Hongbing; Hu, Qi

    2018-01-01

    This paper presents a box-particle implementation of the ellipse extended target probability hypothesis density (ET-PHD) filter, called the ellipse extended target box particle PHD (EET-BP-PHD) filter, where the extended targets are described as a Poisson model developed by Gilholm et al. and the term "box" is here equivalent to the term "interval" used in interval analysis. The proposed EET-BP-PHD filter is capable of dynamically tracking multiple ellipse extended targets and estimating the target states and the number of targets, in the presence of clutter measurements, false alarms and missed detections. To derive the PHD recursion of the EET-BP-PHD filter, a suitable measurement likelihood is defined for a given partitioning cell, and the main implementation steps are presented along with the necessary box approximations and manipulations. The limitations and capabilities of the proposed EET-BP-PHD filter are illustrated by simulation examples. The simulation results show that a box-particle implementation of the ET-PHD filter can avoid the high number of particles and reduce computational burden, compared to a particle implementation of that for extended target tracking.

  4. Cooperative Localization for Multi-AUVs Based on GM-PHD Filters and Information Entropy Theory

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Lichuan; Wang, Tonghao; Xu, Demin

    2017-01-01

    Cooperative localization (CL) is considered a promising method for underwater localization with respect to multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (multi-AUVs). In this paper, we proposed a CL algorithm based on information entropy theory and the probability hypothesis density (PHD) filter, aiming to enhance the global localization accuracy of the follower. In the proposed framework, the follower carries lower cost navigation systems, whereas the leaders carry better ones. Meanwhile, the leaders acquire the followers’ observations, including both measurements and clutter. Then, the PHD filters are utilized on the leaders and the results are communicated to the followers. The followers then perform weighted summation based on all received messages and obtain a final positioning result. Based on the information entropy theory and the PHD filter, the follower is able to acquire a precise knowledge of its position. PMID:28991191

  5. Space-based sensor management and geostationary satellites tracking

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    El-Fallah, A.; Zatezalo, A.; Mahler, R.; Mehra, R. K.; Donatelli, D.

    2007-04-01

    Sensor management for space situational awareness presents a daunting theoretical and practical challenge as it requires the use of multiple types of sensors on a variety of platforms to ensure that the space environment is continuously monitored. We demonstrate a new approach utilizing the Posterior Expected Number of Targets (PENT) as the sensor management objective function, an observation model for a space-based EO/IR sensor platform, and a Probability Hypothesis Density Particle Filter (PHD-PF) tracker. Simulation and results using actual Geostationary Satellites are presented. We also demonstrate enhanced performance by applying the ProgressiveWeighting Correction (PWC) method for regularization in the implementation of the PHD-PF tracker.

  6. Multi-Target State Extraction for the SMC-PHD Filter

    PubMed Central

    Si, Weijian; Wang, Liwei; Qu, Zhiyu

    2016-01-01

    The sequential Monte Carlo probability hypothesis density (SMC-PHD) filter has been demonstrated to be a favorable method for multi-target tracking. However, the time-varying target states need to be extracted from the particle approximation of the posterior PHD, which is difficult to implement due to the unknown relations between the large amount of particles and the PHD peaks representing potential target locations. To address this problem, a novel multi-target state extraction algorithm is proposed in this paper. By exploiting the information of measurements and particle likelihoods in the filtering stage, we propose a validation mechanism which aims at selecting effective measurements and particles corresponding to detected targets. Subsequently, the state estimates of the detected and undetected targets are performed separately: the former are obtained from the particle clusters directed by effective measurements, while the latter are obtained from the particles corresponding to undetected targets via clustering method. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method yields better estimation accuracy and reliability compared to existing methods. PMID:27322274

  7. Autonomous detection of crowd anomalies in multiple-camera surveillance feeds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nordlöf, Jonas; Andersson, Maria

    2016-10-01

    A novel approach for autonomous detection of anomalies in crowded environments is presented in this paper. The proposed models uses a Gaussian mixture probability hypothesis density (GM-PHD) filter as feature extractor in conjunction with different Gaussian mixture hidden Markov models (GM-HMMs). Results, based on both simulated and recorded data, indicate that this method can track and detect anomalies on-line in individual crowds through multiple camera feeds in a crowded environment.

  8. Modelling and Characterisation of Detection Models in WAMI for Handling Negative Information

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-02-01

    behaviour of the multi-stage detectors used in LoFT. This model is then used in a Probabilistic Hypothesis Density Filter (PHD). Unlike most multitarget...Therefore, we decided to use machine learning techniques which could model — and pre- dict — the behaviour of the detectors in LoFT. Because we are using...on feature detectors [8], motion models [13] and descriptor and template adaptation [9]. 2.3.2 State Model The state space of LoFT is defined in 2D

  9. Joint search and sensor management for geosynchronous satellites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zatezalo, A.; El-Fallah, A.; Mahler, R.; Mehra, R. K.; Pham, K.

    2008-04-01

    Joint search and sensor management for space situational awareness presents daunting scientific and practical challenges as it requires a simultaneous search for new, and the catalog update of the current space objects. We demonstrate a new approach to joint search and sensor management by utilizing the Posterior Expected Number of Targets (PENT) as the objective function, an observation model for a space-based EO/IR sensor, and a Probability Hypothesis Density Particle Filter (PHD-PF) tracker. Simulation and results using actual Geosynchronous Satellites are presented.

  10. The Ph.D. Production Function: The Case at Berkeley.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Breneman, David W.

    This report analyzes departmental variations in time to degree and attrition in Ph.D. programs at Berkeley. An alternative hypothesis, the Ph.D. production function, is examined by cross-section econometric analysis of 28 departments. The inputs included in the production function were student variables--quality and percent males; faculty…

  11. Improved GGIW-PHD filter for maneuvering non-ellipsoidal extended targets or group targets tracking based on sub-random matrices.

    PubMed

    Liang, Zhibing; Liu, Fuxian; Gao, Jiale

    2018-01-01

    For non-ellipsoidal extended targets and group targets tracking (NETT and NGTT), using an ellipsoid to approximate the target extension may not be accurate enough because of the lack of shape and orientation information. In consideration of this, we model a non-ellipsoidal extended target or target group as a combination of multiple ellipsoidal sub-objects, each represented by a random matrix. Based on these models, an improved gamma Gaussian inverse Wishart probability hypothesis density (GGIW-PHD) filter is proposed to estimate the measurement rates, kinematic states, and extension states of the sub-objects for each extended target or target group. For maneuvering NETT and NGTT, a multi-model (MM) approach based GGIW-PHD (MM-GGIW-PHD) filter is proposed. The common and the individual dynamics of the sub-objects belonging to the same extended target or target group are described by means of the combination between the overall maneuver model and the sub-object models. For the merging of updating components, an improved merging criterion and a new merging method are derived. A specific implementation of prediction partition with pseudo-likelihood method is presented. Two scenarios for non-maneuvering and maneuvering NETT and NGTT are simulated. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.

  12. Improved GGIW-PHD filter for maneuvering non-ellipsoidal extended targets or group targets tracking based on sub-random matrices

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Fuxian; Gao, Jiale

    2018-01-01

    For non-ellipsoidal extended targets and group targets tracking (NETT and NGTT), using an ellipsoid to approximate the target extension may not be accurate enough because of the lack of shape and orientation information. In consideration of this, we model a non-ellipsoidal extended target or target group as a combination of multiple ellipsoidal sub-objects, each represented by a random matrix. Based on these models, an improved gamma Gaussian inverse Wishart probability hypothesis density (GGIW-PHD) filter is proposed to estimate the measurement rates, kinematic states, and extension states of the sub-objects for each extended target or target group. For maneuvering NETT and NGTT, a multi-model (MM) approach based GGIW-PHD (MM-GGIW-PHD) filter is proposed. The common and the individual dynamics of the sub-objects belonging to the same extended target or target group are described by means of the combination between the overall maneuver model and the sub-object models. For the merging of updating components, an improved merging criterion and a new merging method are derived. A specific implementation of prediction partition with pseudo-likelihood method is presented. Two scenarios for non-maneuvering and maneuvering NETT and NGTT are simulated. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. PMID:29444144

  13. Probabilistic objective functions for sensor management

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mahler, Ronald P. S.; Zajic, Tim R.

    2004-08-01

    This paper continues the investigation of a foundational and yet potentially practical basis for control-theoretic sensor management, using a comprehensive, intuitive, system-level Bayesian paradigm based on finite-set statistics (FISST). In this paper we report our most recent progress, focusing on multistep look-ahead -- i.e., allocation of sensor resources throughout an entire future time-window. We determine future sensor states in the time-window using a "probabilistically natural" sensor management objective function, the posterior expected number of targets (PENT). This objective function is constructed using a new "maxi-PIMS" optimization strategy that hedges against unknowable future observation-collections. PENT is used in conjuction with approximate multitarget filters: the probability hypothesis density (PHD) filter or the multi-hypothesis correlator (MHC) filter.

  14. Multi-Target Tracking Using an Improved Gaussian Mixture CPHD Filter.

    PubMed

    Si, Weijian; Wang, Liwei; Qu, Zhiyu

    2016-11-23

    The cardinalized probability hypothesis density (CPHD) filter is an alternative approximation to the full multi-target Bayesian filter for tracking multiple targets. However, although the joint propagation of the posterior intensity and cardinality distribution in its recursion allows more reliable estimates of the target number than the PHD filter, the CPHD filter suffers from the spooky effect where there exists arbitrary PHD mass shifting in the presence of missed detections. To address this issue in the Gaussian mixture (GM) implementation of the CPHD filter, this paper presents an improved GM-CPHD filter, which incorporates a weight redistribution scheme into the filtering process to modify the updated weights of the Gaussian components when missed detections occur. In addition, an efficient gating strategy that can adaptively adjust the gate sizes according to the number of missed detections of each Gaussian component is also presented to further improve the computational efficiency of the proposed filter. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method offers favorable performance in terms of both estimation accuracy and robustness to clutter and detection uncertainty over the existing methods.

  15. Dynamic sensor management of dispersed and disparate sensors for tracking resident space objects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    El-Fallah, A.; Zatezalo, A.; Mahler, R.; Mehra, R. K.; Donatelli, D.

    2008-04-01

    Dynamic sensor management of dispersed and disparate sensors for space situational awareness presents daunting scientific and practical challenges as it requires optimal and accurate maintenance of all Resident Space Objects (RSOs) of interest. We demonstrate an approach to the space-based sensor management problem by extending a previously developed and tested sensor management objective function, the Posterior Expected Number of Targets (PENT), to disparate and dispersed sensors. This PENT extension together with observation models for various sensor platforms, and a Probability Hypothesis Density Particle Filter (PHD-PF) tracker provide a powerful tool for tackling this challenging problem. We demonstrate the approach using simulations for tracking RSOs by a Space Based Visible (SBV) sensor and ground based radars.

  16. Molecular imaging of RNA interference therapy targeting PHD2 for treatment of myocardial ischemia.

    PubMed

    Huang, Mei; Wu, Joseph C

    2011-01-01

    Coronary artery disease is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. It typically occurs when heart muscle receives inadequate blood supply due to rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. During ischemia, up-regulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) transcriptional factor can activate several downstream angiogenic genes. However, HIF-1α is naturally degraded by prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD2) protein. Recently, we cloned the mouse PHD2 gene by comparing the homolog gene in human and rat. The best candidate shRNA sequence for inhibiting PHD2 was inserted behind H1 promoter, followed by a separate hypoxia response element (HRE)-incorporated promoter driving a firefly luciferase (Fluc) reporter gene. This construct allowed us to monitor gene expression noninvasively and was used to test the hypothesis that inhibition of PHD2 by short hairpin RNA interference (shRNA) can lead to significant improvement in angiogenesis and contractility as revealed by in vitro and in vivo experiments.

  17. Molecular Imaging of RNA Interference Therapy Targeting PHD2 for Treatment of Myocardial Ischemia

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Mei; Wu, Joseph C.

    2011-01-01

    Summary Coronary artery disease is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. It typically occurs when heart muscle receives inadequate blood supply due to rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. During ischemia, up-regulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) transcriptional factor can activate several downstream angiogenic genes. However, HIF-1α is naturally degraded by prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD2) protein. Recently, we cloned the mouse PHD2 gene by comparing the homolog gene in human and rat. The best candidate shRNA sequence for inhibiting PHD2 was inserted behind H1 promoter, followed by a separate hypoxia response element (HRE)-incorporated promoter driving a firefly luciferase (Fluc) reporter gene. This construct allowed us to monitor gene expression noninvasively and was used to test the hypothesis that inhibition of PHD2 by short hairpin RNA interference (shRNA) can lead to significant improvement in angiogenesis and contractility as revealed by in vitro and in vivo experiments. PMID:21194030

  18. Short Hairpin RNA Gene Silencing of Prolyl Hydroxylase-2 with a Minicircle Vector Improves Neovascularization of Hindlimb Ischemia

    PubMed Central

    Lijkwan, Maarten A.; Hellingman, Alwine A.; Bos, Ernst J.; van der Bogt, Koen E.A.; Huang, Mei; Kooreman, Nigel G.; de Vries, Margreet R.; Peters, Hendrika A.B.; Robbins, Robert C.; Quax, Paul H.A.

    2014-01-01

    Abstract In this study, we target the hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1-alpha) pathway by short hairpin RNA interference therapy targeting prolyl hydroxylase-2 (shPHD2). We use the minicircle (MC) vector technology as an alternative for conventional nonviral plasmid (PL) vectors in order to improve neovascularization after unilateral hindlimb ischemia in a murine model. Gene expression and transfection efficiency of MC and PL, both in vitro and in vivo, were assessed using bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and firefly luciferase (Luc) reporter gene. C57Bl6 mice underwent unilateral electrocoagulation of the femoral artery and gastrocnemic muscle injection with MC-shPHD2, PL-shPHD2, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as control. Blood flow recovery was monitored using laser Doppler perfusion imaging, and collaterals were visualized by immunohistochemistry and angiography. MC-Luc showed a 4.6-fold higher in vitro BLI signal compared with PL-Luc. BLI signals in vivo were 4.3×105±3.3×105 (MC-Luc) versus 0.4×105±0.3×105 (PL-Luc) at day 28 (p=0.016). Compared with PL-shPHD2 or PBS, MC-shPHD2 significantly improved blood flow recovery, up to 50% from day 3 until day 14 after ischemia induction. MC-shPHD2 significantly increased collateral density and capillary density, as monitored by alpha-smooth muscle actin expression and CD31+ expression, respectively. Angiography data confirmed the histological findings. Significant downregulation of PHD2 mRNA levels by MC-shPHD2 was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Finally, Western blot analysis confirmed significantly higher levels of HIF-1-alpha protein by MC-shPHD2, compared with PL-shPHD2 and PBS. This study provides initial evidence of a new potential therapeutic approach for peripheral artery disease. The combination of HIF-1-alpha pathway targeting by shPHD2 with the robust nonviral MC plasmid improved postischemic neovascularization, making this approach a promising potential treatment option for critical limb ischemia. PMID:24090375

  19. Heterozygous Deficiency of PHD2 Restores Tumor Oxygenation and Inhibits Metastasis via Endothelial Normalization

    PubMed Central

    Loges, Sonja; Schmidt, Thomas; Jonckx, Bart; Tian, Ya-Min; Lanahan, Anthony A.; Pollard, Patrick; de Almodovar, Carmen Ruiz; De Smet, Frederik; Vinckier, Stefan; Aragonés, Julián; Debackere, Koen; Luttun, Aernout; Wyns, Sabine; Jordan, Benedicte; Pisacane, Alberto; Gallez, Bernard; Lampugnani, Maria Grazia; Dejana, Elisabetta; Simons, Michael; Ratcliffe, Peter; Maxwell, Patrick; Carmeliet, Peter

    2014-01-01

    SUMMARY A key function of blood vessels, to supply oxygen, is impaired in tumors because of abnormalities in their endothelial lining. PHD proteins serve as oxygen sensors and may regulate oxygen delivery. We therefore studied the role of endothelial PHD2 in vessel shaping by implanting tumors in PHD2+/− mice. Haplodeficiency of PHD2 did not affect tumor vessel density or lumen size, but normalized the endothelial lining and vessel maturation. This resulted in improved tumor perfusion and oxygenation and inhibited tumor cell invasion, intravasation, and metastasis. Haplodeficiency of PHD2 redirected the specification of endothelial tip cells to a more quiescent cell type, lacking filopodia and arrayed in a phalanx formation. This transition relied on HIF-driven upregulation of (soluble) VEGFR-1 and VE-cadherin. Thus, decreased activity of an oxygen sensor in hypoxic conditions prompts endothelial cells to readjust their shape and phenotype to restore oxygen supply. Inhibition of PHD2 may offer alternative therapeutic opportunities for anticancer therapy. PMID:19217150

  20. Tracking Multiple Video Targets with an Improved GM-PHD Tracker

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Xiaolong; Yu, Hui; Liu, Honghai; Li, Youfu

    2015-01-01

    Tracking multiple moving targets from a video plays an important role in many vision-based robotic applications. In this paper, we propose an improved Gaussian mixture probability hypothesis density (GM-PHD) tracker with weight penalization to effectively and accurately track multiple moving targets from a video. First, an entropy-based birth intensity estimation method is incorporated to eliminate the false positives caused by noisy video data. Then, a weight-penalized method with multi-feature fusion is proposed to accurately track the targets in close movement. For targets without occlusion, a weight matrix that contains all updated weights between the predicted target states and the measurements is constructed, and a simple, but effective method based on total weight and predicted target state is proposed to search the ambiguous weights in the weight matrix. The ambiguous weights are then penalized according to the fused target features that include spatial-colour appearance, histogram of oriented gradient and target area and further re-normalized to form a new weight matrix. With this new weight matrix, the tracker can correctly track the targets in close movement without occlusion. For targets with occlusion, a robust game-theoretical method is used. Finally, the experiments conducted on various video scenarios validate the effectiveness of the proposed penalization method and show the superior performance of our tracker over the state of the art. PMID:26633422

  1. Antioxidant Micronutrients: Therapeutic Counter Measures for Chemical Agents

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-03-01

    ANSI Std. Z39.18 W81XWH-08-2-0007 1 Mar 2010 - 28 Feb 2011Annual01-03-2011 Antioxidant Micronutrients : Therapeutic Counter Measures for Chemical...Agents Kedar Prasad, Ph.D. Premier Micronutrient Corporation Novato, CA 94949 The results of the first phase of HD study suggested that exposure to...Hypothesis of HD study: For the first phase of the study, our hypothesis is that oral supplementation with a mixture of dietary and endogenous

  2. Low Complexity Track Initialization and Fusion for Multi-Modal Sensor Networks

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-11-08

    feature was demonstrated via the simulations. Aerospace 2011work further documents our investigation of multiple target tracking filters in...bounds that determine how well a sensor network can resolve and localize multiple targets as a function of the operating parameters such as sensor...probability density (PHD) filter for binary measurements using proximity sensors. 15. SUBJECT TERMS proximity sensors, PHD filter, multiple

  3. Deficiency of the oxygen sensor prolyl hydroxylase 1 attenuates hypercholesterolaemia, atherosclerosis, and hyperglycaemia.

    PubMed

    Marsch, Elke; Demandt, Jasper A F; Theelen, Thomas L; Tullemans, Bibian M E; Wouters, Kristiaan; Boon, Mariëtte R; van Dijk, Theo H; Gijbels, Marion J; Dubois, Ludwig J; Meex, Steven J R; Mazzone, Massimiliano; Hung, Gene; Fisher, Edward A; Biessen, Erik A L; Daemen, Mat J A P; Rensen, Patrick C N; Carmeliet, Peter; Groen, Albert K; Sluimer, Judith C

    2016-10-14

    Normalization of hypercholesterolaemia, inflammation, hyperglycaemia, and obesity are main desired targets to prevent cardiovascular clinical events. Here we present a novel regulator of cholesterol metabolism, which simultaneously impacts on glucose intolerance and inflammation. Mice deficient for oxygen sensor HIF-prolyl hydroxylase 1 (PHD1) were backcrossed onto an atherogenic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) knockout background and atherosclerosis was studied upon 8 weeks of western-type diet. PHD1 -/- LDLR -/- mice presented a sharp reduction in VLDL and LDL plasma cholesterol levels. In line, atherosclerotic plaque development, as measured by plaque area, necrotic core expansion and plaque stage was hampered in PHD1 -/- LDLR -/- mice. Mechanistically, cholesterol-lowering in PHD1 deficient mice was a result of enhanced cholesterol excretion from blood to intestines and ultimately faeces. Additionally, flow cytometry of whole blood of these mice revealed significantly reduced counts of leucocytes and particularly of Ly6C high pro-inflammatory monocytes. In addition, when studying PHD1 -/- in diet-induced obesity (14 weeks high-fat diet) mice were less glucose intolerant when compared with WT littermate controls. Overall, PHD1 knockout mice display a metabolic phenotype that generally is deemed protective for cardiovascular disease. Future studies should focus on the efficacy, safety, and gender-specific effects of PHD1 inhibition in humans, and unravel the molecular actors responsible for PHD1-driven, likely intestinal, and regulation of cholesterol metabolism. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  4. Innovative Methods for Estimating Densities and Detection Probabilities of Secretive Reptiles Including Invasive Constrictors and Rare Upland Snakes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2018-01-30

    1  Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Program Agreement # W9132T-14-2-0010 ( Project # 14-754) Innovative Methods for Estimating...Upland Snakes NA 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER NA 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER John D. Willson, Ph.D. 14-754 Shannon Pittman, Ph.D. 5e. TASK NUMBER...STATEMENT Publically available 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES NA 14. ABSTRACT This project demonstrates the broad applicability of a novel simulation

  5. Prolyl hydroxylase domain 2 deficiency promotes skeletal muscle fiber-type transition via a calcineurin/NFATc1-dependent pathway.

    PubMed

    Shin, Junchul; Nunomiya, Aki; Kitajima, Yasuo; Dan, Takashi; Miyata, Toshio; Nagatomi, Ryoichi

    2016-01-01

    Hypoxia exposure is known to induce an alteration in skeletal muscle fiber-type distribution mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-α. The downstream pathway of HIF-α leading to fiber-type shift, however, has not been elucidated. The calcineurin pathway is one of the pathways responsible for slow muscle fiber transition. Because calcineurin pathway is activated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the factors induced by HIF-1α, we hypothesized that the stabilization of HIF-1α may lead to slow muscle fiber transition via the activation of calcineurin pathway in skeletal muscles. To induce HIF-1α stabilization, we used a loss of function strategy to abrogate Prolyl hydroxylase domain protein (PHD) 2 responsible for HIF-1α hydroxylation making HIF-1α susceptible to ubiquitin dependent degradation by proteasome. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the effect of HIF-1α stabilization in PHD2 conditional knockout mouse on skeletal muscle fiber-type transition and to elucidate the involvement of calcineurin pathway on muscle fiber-type transition. PHD2 deficiency resulted in an increased capillary density in skeletal muscles due to the induction of vascular endothelial growth factor. It also elicited an alteration of skeletal muscle phenotype toward the type I fibers in both of the soleus (35.8 % in the control mice vs. 46.7 % in the PHD2-deficient mice, p < 0.01) and the gastrocnemius muscle (0.94 vs. 1.89 %, p < 0.01), and the increased proportion of type I fibers appeared to correspond to the area of increased capillary density. In addition, calcineurin and nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFATc1) protein levels were increased in both the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, suggesting that the calcineurin/NFATc1 pathway was responsible for the type I fiber transition regardless of PGC-1α, which responded minimally to PHD2 deficiency. Indeed, we found that tacrolimus (FK-506), a calcineurin inhibitor, successfully suppressed slow fiber-type formation in PHD2-deficient mice. Taken together, stabilized HIF-1α induced by PHD2 conditional knockout resulted in the transition of muscle fibers toward a slow fiber type via a calcineurin/NFATc1 signaling pathway. PHD2 conditional knockout mice may serve as a model for chronic HIF-1α stabilization as in mice exposed to low oxygen concentration.

  6. Discovery Systems for Manufacturing

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-01-01

    Rev. Letters, 68, Number 10, pp 1500-1503, 1992. Karp, Peter D., Hypothesis Formation and Qualitative Reasoning in Molecular Biology, Ph.D. Thesis ...1-4 2.5.1.2 Evaluating Attributes ........................ 2-17 1.21.4 The Simulated Laboratory ..............1-4 2.5.2 Nearest...4-11vs. Conventional Ae Cs R ............... 2-6 4.33 Initialize Simulator ......... ........... 4-112.4.12.1 Similarities

  7. The Emerging Engineering Scholar: A Citation Analysis of Theses and Dissertations at Western Michigan University

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eckel, Edward J.

    2009-01-01

    Can one glimpse the development of emerging scholars in the work of engineering graduate students? To answer this question, the author studied the citation patterns in 96 Master's theses and 24 Ph.D. dissertations completed at Western Michigan University's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences between 2002 and 2006. The hypothesis of this…

  8. PHD-2 Suppression in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Enhances Wound Healing.

    PubMed

    Ko, Sae Hee; Nauta, Allison C; Morrison, Shane D; Hu, Michael S; Zimmermann, Andrew S; Chung, Michael T; Glotzbach, Jason P; Wong, Victor W; Walmsley, Graham G; Peter Lorenz, H; Chan, Denise A; Gurtner, Geoffrey C; Giaccia, Amato J; Longaker, Michael T

    2018-01-01

    Cell therapy with mesenchymal stromal cells is a promising strategy for tissue repair. Restoration of blood flow to ischemic tissues is a key step in wound repair, and mesenchymal stromal cells have been shown to be proangiogenic. Angiogenesis is critically regulated by the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) superfamily, consisting of transcription factors targeted for degradation by prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD)-2. The aim of this study was to enhance the proangiogenic capability of mesenchymal stromal cells and to use these modified cells to promote wound healing. Mesenchymal stromal cells harvested from mouse bone marrow were transduced with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against PHD-2; control cells were transduced with scrambled shRNA (shScramble) construct. Gene expression quantification, human umbilical vein endothelial cell tube formation assays, and wound healing assays were used to assess the effect of PHD knockdown mesenchymal stromal cells on wound healing dynamics. PHD-2 knockdown mesenchymal stromal cells overexpressed HIF-1α and multiple angiogenic factors compared to control (p < 0.05). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with conditioned medium from PHD-2 knockdown mesenchymal stromal cells exhibited increased formation of capillary-like structures and enhanced migration compared with human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with conditioned medium from shScramble-transduced mesenchymal stromal cells (p < 0.05). Wounds treated with PHD-2 knockdown mesenchymal stromal cells healed at a significantly accelerated rate compared with wounds treated with shScramble mesenchymal stromal cells (p < 0.05). Histologic studies revealed increased blood vessel density and increased cellularity in the wounds treated with PHD-2 knockdown mesenchymal stromal cells (p < 0.05). Silencing PHD-2 in mesenchymal stromal cells augments their proangiogenic potential in wound healing therapy. This effect appears to be mediated by overexpression of HIF family transcription factors and up-regulation of multiple downstream angiogenic factors.

  9. Outcomes and Processes in the Meyerhoff Scholars Program: STEM PhD Completion, Sense of Community, Perceived Program Benefit, Science Identity, and Research Self-Efficacy

    PubMed Central

    Maton, Kenneth I.; Beason, Tiffany S.; Godsay, Surbhi; Sto. Domingo, Mariano R.; Bailey, TaShara C.; Sun, Shuyan; Hrabowski, Freeman A.

    2016-01-01

    Previous research has shown that the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, is an effective intervention for high-achieving underrepresented minority (URM) students; African-American Meyerhoff students are significantly more likely to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) PhD programs than comparison students. The first of two studies in this report extends the prior research by examining levels of PhD completion for Meyerhoff (N = 479) versus comparison sample (N = 249) students among the first 16 cohorts. Entering African-American Meyerhoff students were 4.8 times more likely to complete STEM PhDs than comparison sample students. To enhance understanding of potential mechanisms of influence, the second study used data from the 22nd (Fall 2010) to 25th (Fall 2013) cohorts (N = 109) to test the hypothesis that perceived program benefit at the end of freshman year would mediate the relationship between sense of community at the end of Summer Bridge and science identity and research self-efficacy at the end of sophomore year. Study 2 results indicated that perceived program benefit fully mediated the relationship between sense of community and both criterion measures. The findings underscore the potential of comprehensive STEM intervention programs to enhance PhD completion, and suggest mechanisms of influence. PMID:27587857

  10. Tahitian Words for Race and Class. Working Papers of the Language Behavior Research Laboratory, No. 40.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kay, Paul

    This volume is based on field work conducted in 1960 in Papeete and in a rural district of Tahiti, under the guidance of Douglas Oliver. Section two, which is based on a Ph.D. thesis (Kay 1963), develops the hypothesis that Tahitian words for social classification and the common French translations are semantically equivalent for most native…

  11. Generation Of A Mouse Model For Schwannomatosis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-09-01

    TITLE: Generation of a Mouse Model for Schwannomatosis PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Long-Sheng Chang, Ph.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: The...Annual 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 1 Sep 2009 - 31 Aug 2010 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Generation of a Mouse Model for Schwannomatosis 5a. CONTRACT...hypothesis involving inactivation of both the INI1/SNF5 and NF2 tumor suppressor genes in the formation of schwannomatosis -associated tumors. To

  12. Differences in STEM doctoral publication by ethnicity, gender and academic field at a large public research university.

    PubMed

    Mendoza-Denton, Rodolfo; Patt, Colette; Fisher, Aaron; Eppig, Andrew; Young, Ira; Smith, Andrew; Richards, Mark A

    2017-01-01

    Two independent surveys of PhD students in STEM fields at the University of California, Berkeley, indicate that underrepresented minorities (URMs) publish at significantly lower rates than non-URM males, placing the former at a significant disadvantage as they compete for postdoctoral and faculty positions. Differences as a function of gender reveal a similar, though less consistent, pattern. A conspicuous exception is Berkeley's College of Chemistry, where publication rates are tightly clustered as a function of ethnicity and gender, and where PhD students experience a highly structured program that includes early and systematic involvement in research, as well as clear expectations for publishing. Social science research supports the hypothesis that this more structured environment hastens the successful induction of diverse groups into the high-performance STEM academic track.

  13. Differences in STEM doctoral publication by ethnicity, gender and academic field at a large public research university

    PubMed Central

    Patt, Colette; Fisher, Aaron; Eppig, Andrew; Young, Ira; Smith, Andrew; Richards, Mark A.

    2017-01-01

    Two independent surveys of PhD students in STEM fields at the University of California, Berkeley, indicate that underrepresented minorities (URMs) publish at significantly lower rates than non-URM males, placing the former at a significant disadvantage as they compete for postdoctoral and faculty positions. Differences as a function of gender reveal a similar, though less consistent, pattern. A conspicuous exception is Berkeley’s College of Chemistry, where publication rates are tightly clustered as a function of ethnicity and gender, and where PhD students experience a highly structured program that includes early and systematic involvement in research, as well as clear expectations for publishing. Social science research supports the hypothesis that this more structured environment hastens the successful induction of diverse groups into the high-performance STEM academic track. PMID:28380061

  14. The Pulsed High Density Experiment (PHDX) Final Report

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

    Slough, John P.; Andreason, Samuel

    The purpose of this paper is to present the conclusions that can be drawn from the Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) formation experiments conducted on the Pulsed High Density experiment (PHD) at the University of Washington. The experiment is ongoing. The experimental goal for this first stage of PHD was to generate a stable, high flux (>10 mWb), high energy (>10 KJ) target FRC. Such results would be adequate as a starting point for several later experiments. This work focuses on experimental implementation and the results of the first four month run. Difficulties were encountered due to the initial on-axis plasmamore » ionization source. Flux trapping with this ionization source acting alone was insufficient to accomplish experimental objectives. Additional ionization methods were utilized to overcome this difficulty. A more ideal plasma source layout is suggested and will be explored during a forthcoming work.« less

  15. Targeting ESR1-Mutant Breast Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-09-01

    Award Number: W81XWH-14-1-0360 TITLE: Targeting ESR1 -Mutant Breast Cancer PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Geoffrey L. Greene, Ph.D. CONTRACTING...ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE September 2015 2. REPORT TYPE Annual 3. DATES COVERED 1 Sep 2014 - 31 Aug 2015 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Targeting ESR1 -Mutant...Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT The hypothesis of this proposal is that LBD mutations in ESR1 promote resistance to current FDA

  16. Redox Abnormalities as a Vulnerability Phenotype for Autism and Related Alterations in CNS Development

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-10-01

    the hypothesis that SJL mice would have impaired neuronal dendrite generation, as has been observed in autism . This was our prediction due to the...phenotype for Autism and related alterations in CNS development PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Mark D. Noble, Ph.D. CONTRACTING...SUBTITLE Redox abnormalities as a vulnerability phenotype for Autism 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER And related alterations in CNS development 5b. GRANT

  17. Conditional disruption of the prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 (Phd2) gene defines its key role in skeletal development.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Shaohong; Xing, Weirong; Pourteymoor, Sheila; Mohan, Subburaman

    2014-10-01

    We have previously shown that the increase in osterix (Osx) expression during osteoblast maturation is dependent on the activity of the prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 (Phd2), a key regulator of protein levels of the hypoxia-inducible factor family proteins in many tissues. In this study, we generated conditional Phd2 knockout mice (cKO) in osteoblast lineage cells by crossing floxed Phd2 mice with a Col1α2-iCre line to investigate the function of Phd2 in vivo. The cKO mice developed short stature and premature death at 12 to 14 weeks of age. Bone mineral content, bone area, and bone mineral density were decreased in femurs and tibias, but not vertebrae of the cKO mice compared to WT mice. The total volume (TV), bone volume (BV), and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) in the femoral trabecular bones of cKO mice were significantly decreased. Cross-sectional area of the femoral mid-diaphysis was also reduced in the cKO mice. The reduced bone size and trabecular bone volume in the cKO mice were a result of impaired bone formation but not bone resorption as revealed by dynamic histomorphometric analyses. Bone marrow stromal cells derived from cKO mice formed fewer and smaller nodules when cultured with mineralization medium. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry detected reduced expression of Osx, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein in cKO bone cells. These data indicate that Phd2 plays an important role in regulating bone formation in part by modulating expression of Osx and bone formation marker genes. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

  18. Vectors for Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-08-01

    Breast Cancer 5b. GRANT NUMBER DAMD17-03-1-0554 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Albert B. Deisseroth, M.D., Ph.D. 5d. PROJECT NUMBER...14. ABSTRACT: The objective is to design, build and study vectors which would be able to break tolerance to breast cancer associated TAA and to be...used to suppress the recurrence of metastatic breast cancer following surgical resection. The hypothesis is that by fusing the CD40 ligand stripped of

  19. The Root Cause of Post-traumatic and Developmental Stress Disorder

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-03-01

    traumatic and Developmental Stress Disorder Keith A. Young, PhD 1 MAR 2010 - 28 FEB 2011Annual01-03-2011 Our overarching scientific hypothesis holds that...highly susceptible to the effects of severe stress . We are studying this question using both clinical and basic approaches. New findings from our...experience induce a variation of normal brain anatomy that makes the brain highly susceptible to the effects of severe stress . The new goal of Project 1 is

  20. Breast cancer patients with dense breasts do not have increased death risk

    Cancer.gov

    High mammographic breast density, which is a marker of increased risk of developing breast cancer, does not seem to increase the risk of death among breast cancer patients, according to a study led by Gretchen L. Gierach, Ph.D., NCI. Image shows physician

  1. Outcomes and Processes in the Meyerhoff Scholars Program: STEM PhD Completion, Sense of Community, Perceived Program Benefit, Science Identity, and Research Self-Efficacy.

    PubMed

    Maton, Kenneth I; Beason, Tiffany S; Godsay, Surbhi; Sto Domingo, Mariano R; Bailey, TaShara C; Sun, Shuyan; Hrabowski, Freeman A

    2016-01-01

    Previous research has shown that the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, is an effective intervention for high-achieving underrepresented minority (URM) students; African-American Meyerhoff students are significantly more likely to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) PhD programs than comparison students. The first of two studies in this report extends the prior research by examining levels of PhD completion for Meyerhoff (N = 479) versus comparison sample (N = 249) students among the first 16 cohorts. Entering African-American Meyerhoff students were 4.8 times more likely to complete STEM PhDs than comparison sample students. To enhance understanding of potential mechanisms of influence, the second study used data from the 22nd (Fall 2010) to 25th (Fall 2013) cohorts (N = 109) to test the hypothesis that perceived program benefit at the end of freshman year would mediate the relationship between sense of community at the end of Summer Bridge and science identity and research self-efficacy at the end of sophomore year. Study 2 results indicated that perceived program benefit fully mediated the relationship between sense of community and both criterion measures. The findings underscore the potential of comprehensive STEM intervention programs to enhance PhD completion, and suggest mechanisms of influence. © 2016 K. I. Maton et al. CBE—Life Sciences Education © 2016 The American Society for Cell Biology. This article is distributed by The American Society for Cell Biology under license from the author(s). It is available to the public under an Attribution–Noncommercial–Share Alike 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0).

  2. Nonlinear damping model for flexible structures. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zang, Weijian

    1990-01-01

    The study of nonlinear damping problem of flexible structures is addressed. Both passive and active damping, both finite dimensional and infinite dimensional models are studied. In the first part, the spectral density and the correlation function of a single DOF nonlinear damping model is investigated. A formula for the spectral density is established with O(Gamma(sub 2)) accuracy based upon Fokker-Planck technique and perturbation. The spectral density depends upon certain first order statistics which could be obtained if the stationary density is known. A method is proposed to find the approximate stationary density explicitly. In the second part, the spectral density of a multi-DOF nonlinear damping model is investigated. In the third part, energy type nonlinear damping model in an infinite dimensional setting is studied.

  3. Consider the alternative: The effects of causal knowledge on representing and using alternative hypotheses in judgments under uncertainty.

    PubMed

    Hayes, Brett K; Hawkins, Guy E; Newell, Ben R

    2016-05-01

    Four experiments examined the locus of impact of causal knowledge on consideration of alternative hypotheses in judgments under uncertainty. Two possible loci were examined; overcoming neglect of the alternative when developing a representation of a judgment problem and improving utilization of statistics associated with the alternative hypothesis. In Experiment 1, participants could search for information about the various components of Bayes's rule in a diagnostic problem. A majority failed to spontaneously search for information about an alternative hypothesis, but this bias was reduced when a specific alternative hypothesis was mentioned before search. No change in search patterns was found when a generic alternative cause was mentioned. Experiments 2a and 2b broadly replicated these patterns when participants rated or made binary judgments about the relevance of each of the Bayesian components. In contrast, Experiment 3 showed that when participants were given the likelihood of the data given a focal hypothesis p(D|H) and an alternative hypothesis p(D|¬H), they gave estimates of p(H|D) that were consistent with Bayesian principles. Additional causal knowledge had relatively little impact on such judgments. These results show that causal knowledge primarily affects neglect of the alternative hypothesis at the initial stage of problem representation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

  4. New Therapeutic Modalities of Retinal Laser Injury.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-03-31

    Clawticarroni New Therapeutic Modalities for Retinal Laser Injury 1 2 . PERSONAL AUTHOR(S) Tim T.Lar. Ph.D., .and Mark Q.M. Tso. M.D. 13a. TYPE OF...Experimental treatment of retinal laser Injury 4 1.3: Clinical therapy 4 1.4: Our hypothesis and approaches 4 Chapter 2 : Accidental laser Injury to the...human retina 7 2.1: Introduction 7 2.2: Case 1 7 2.3: Case 2 8 2.4: General comments 9 2.5: Clinical course 10 2.6: Implications 10 Chapter 3: Sub

  5. Using social network analysis to examine collaborative relationships among PhD and DNP students and faculty in a research-intensive university school of nursing.

    PubMed

    Merrill, Jacqueline A; Yoon, Sunmoo; Larson, Elaine; Honig, Judy; Reame, Nancy

    2013-01-01

    The nursing profession has seen a dramatic rise in the number of schools offering both DNP and PhD nursing programs. Information is limited on the impact of this parallel approach in doctoral education on the quality and scope of scholarly interactions or institutional culture.The authors studied collaboration characteristics across the DNP and PhD programs of a research-intensive university school of nursing, before and after programmatic enhancements. An IRB-approved online survey was delivered to faculty and students of both programs at baseline and one year after curricular changes. Response rates were 70% and 74%, respectively. The responses were analyzed by using social network analysis and descriptive statistics to characterize the number and strength of connections between and within student groups, and between students and faculty. At baseline, the flow of communication was centralized primarily through faculty. At Time 2, density of links between students increased and network centralization decreased, suggesting more distributed communication. This nonlinear quantitative approach may be a useful addition to the evaluation strategies for doctoral education initiatives. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Dissociation between extension of the sensitive period for avian vocal learning and dendritic spine loss in the song nucleus lMAN.

    PubMed

    Heinrich, J E; Nordeen, K W; Nordeen, E J

    2005-03-01

    Several instances of early learning coincide with significant rearrangements of neural connections in regions contributing to these behaviors. In fact developmentally restricted learning may be constrained temporally by the opportunity for experience to selectively maintain appropriate synapses amidst the elimination of exuberant connections. Consistent with this notion, during the normal sensitive period for vocal learning in zebra finches (Taenopygia guttata), there is a decline in the density of dendritic spines within a region essential for song development, the lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (lMAN). Moreover, in birds isolated from conspecific song shortly after hatching, both the closure of the sensitive period for vocal learning and the pruning of spines from lMAN neurons is delayed. Here, we employed a more subtle form of deprivation to delay the close of the sensitive period for song learning, and found that late song learning occurred without obvious alterations in the pruning of dendritic spines on lMAN neurons. At posthatch day (PHD) 65 (beyond the end of the normal sensitive period for song memorization in zebra finches), birds isolated from song beginning on PHD30 did not differ from normally reared birds in measures of dendritic spine density on Golgi-Cox stained lMAN neurons. Moreover, tutor exposure from PHD65 to 90 did not increase spine elimination in these isolates (who memorized new song material) relative to controls (who did not). Thus, we conclude that the extent of normally occurring lMAN spine loss is not sufficient to account for the timing of the sensitive period for zebra finch song learning.

  7. The thermodynamic properties of nitrogen from 65 to 2000 K with pressures to 10,000 atmospheres. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jacobsen, R. T.

    1972-01-01

    An equation of state is presented for liquid and gaseous nitrogen for temperatures from 65 degrees K to 2000 degrees K and pressures to 10,000 atmospheres. All the pressure-density-temperature data available from published literature have been corrected and applied to bring experimental temperatures into accord with the International Practical Temperature Scale of 1968. The coefficients of the equation of state were determined by a weighted least squares fit to selected published pressure-density-temperature data. The methods of weighting the various data for simultaneous fitting are presented and discussed.

  8. A Novel Phenanthrene Dioxygenase from Nocardioides sp. Strain KP7: Expression in Escherichia coli

    PubMed Central

    Saito, Atsushi; Iwabuchi, Tokuro; Harayama, Shigeaki

    2000-01-01

    Nocardioides sp. strain KP7 grows on phenanthrene but not on naphthalene. This organism degrades phenanthrene via 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate, o-phthalate, and protocatechuate. The genes responsible for the degradation of phenanthrene to o-phthalate (phd) were found by Southern hybridization to reside on the chromosome. A 10.6-kb DNA fragment containing eight phd genes was cloned and sequenced. The phdA, phdB, phdC, and phdD genes, which encode the α and β subunits of the oxygenase component, a ferredoxin, and a ferredoxin reductase, respectively, of phenanthrene dioxygenase were identified. The gene cluster, phdAB, was located 8.3 kb downstream of the previously characterized phdK gene, which encodes 2-carboxybenzaldehyde dehydrogenase. The phdCD gene cluster was located 2.9 kb downstream of the phdB gene. PhdA and PhdB exhibited moderate (less than 60%) sequence identity to the α and β subunits of other ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases. The PhdC sequence showed features of a [3Fe-4S] or [4Fe-4S] type of ferredoxin, not of the [2Fe-2S] type of ferredoxin that has been found in most of the reported ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases. PhdD also showed moderate (less than 40%) sequence identity to known reductases. The phdABCD genes were expressed poorly in Escherichia coli, even when placed under the control of strong promoters. The introduction of a Shine-Dalgarno sequence upstream of each initiation codon of the phdABCD genes improved their expression in E. coli. E. coli cells carrying phdBCD or phdACD exhibited no phenanthrene-degrading activity, and those carrying phdABD or phdABC exhibited phenanthrene-degrading activity which was significantly less than that in cells carrying the phdABCD genes. It was thus concluded that all of the phdABCD genes are necessary for the efficient expression of phenanthrene-degrading activity. The genetic organization of the phd genes, the phylogenetically diverged positions of these genes, and an unusual type of ferredoxin component suggest phenanthrene dioxygenase in Nocardioides sp. strain KP7 to be a new class of aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases. PMID:10735855

  9. An Interview with Matthew P. Greving, PhD. Interview by Vicki Glaser.

    PubMed

    Greving, Matthew P

    2011-10-01

    Matthew P. Greving is Chief Scientific Officer at Nextval Inc., a company founded in early 2010 that has developed a discovery platform called MassInsight™.. He received his PhD in Biochemistry from Arizona State University, and prior to that he spent nearly 7 years working as a software engineer. This experience in solving complex computational problems fueled his interest in developing technologies and algorithms related to acquisition and analysis of high-dimensional biochemical data. To address the existing problems associated with label-based microarray readouts, he beganwork on a technique for label-free mass spectrometry (MS) microarray readout compatible with both matrix-assisted laser/desorption ionization (MALDI) and matrix-free nanostructure initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS). This is the core of Nextval’s MassInsight technology, which utilizes picoliter noncontact deposition of high-density arrays on mass-readout substrates along with computational algorithms for high-dimensional data processingand reduction.

  10. Aberrant expression of the PHF14 gene in biliary tract cancer cells

    PubMed Central

    AKAZAWA, TAKAKO; YASUI, KOHICHIROH; GEN, YASUYUKI; YAMADA, NOBUHISA; TOMIE, AKIRA; DOHI, OSAMU; MITSUYOSHI, HIRONORI; YAGI, NOBUAKI; ITOH, YOSHITO; NAITO, YUJI; YOSHIKAWA, TOSHIKAZU

    2013-01-01

    DNA copy number aberrations in human biliary tract cancer (BTC) cell lines were investigated using a high-density oligonucleotide microarray. A novel homozygous deletion was detected at chromosomal region 7p21.3 in the OZ cell line. Further validation experiments using genomic PCR revealed a homozygous deletion of a single gene, plant homeodomain (PHD) finger protein 14 (PHF14). No PHF14 mRNA or protein expression was detected, thus demonstrating the absence of PHF14 expression in the OZ cell line. Although the PHD finger protein is considered to be involved in chromatin-mediated transcriptional regulation, little is known about the function of PHF14 in cancer. The present study observed that the knock down of PHF14 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) enhanced the growth of the BTC cells. These observations suggest that aberrant PHF14 expression may have a role in the tumorigenesis of BTC. PMID:23833654

  11. Vithanage Receives 2009 Natural Hazards Focus Group Award for Graduate Research

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    2010-04-01

    Meththika Vithanage has been awarded the Natural Hazards Focus Group Award for Graduate Research, given annually to recent Ph.D. recipients for outstanding contributions to natural hazards research. Vithanage’s thesis is entitled “Effect of tsunami on coastal aquifers: Field studies and tank experiments.” She was formally presented with the award at the Natural Hazards Focus Group reception during the 2009 AGU Fall Meeting, held 14-18 December in San Francisco, Calif. Vithanage received her B.S. in natural resources from Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka in 2002 and an M.S. in environmental science from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in 2005. In 2009, she attained a Ph.D. in hydrogeology under the supervision of Karsten Jensen and Peter Engesgaard in the Department of Geology and Geography at University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Her research interests include groundwater flow modeling, density-dependent flow and solute transport modeling, and water quality analysis.

  12. NCCU/BBRI-Duke/Urology Partnership in Prostate Cancer Research

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-06-01

    Somnath Muhopadhyay, Ph.D.; Joellen Schildkraut, Ph.D.; David Tulis , Ph.D.; Leon Sun, Ph.D.; Lee Jones, Ph.D.; Phillip 5e. TASK NUMBER Febbo, Ph.D...Community-Based Intervention Investigators: Dave Tulis Ph.D., NCCU/BBRI Collaborators: Catherine Hoyo, PhD; Lee Jones, PhD; Stephen Freeland...addition, Dr. David Tulis (NCCU PI) who was working on the exercise project with Dr. Lee Jones (Duke PI), has recently accepted a position at East Carolina

  13. On three dimensional object recognition and pose-determination: An abstraction based approach. Ph.D. Thesis - Michigan Univ. Final Report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Quek, Kok How Francis

    1990-01-01

    A method of computing reliable Gaussian and mean curvature sign-map descriptors from the polynomial approximation of surfaces was demonstrated. Such descriptors which are invariant under perspective variation are suitable for hypothesis generation. A means for determining the pose of constructed geometric forms whose algebraic surface descriptors are nonlinear in terms of their orienting parameters was developed. This was done by means of linear functions which are capable of approximating nonlinear forms and determining their parameters. It was shown that biquadratic surfaces are suitable companion linear forms for cylindrical approximation and parameter estimation. The estimates provided the initial parametric approximations necessary for a nonlinear regression stage to fine tune the estimates by fitting the actual nonlinear form to the data. A hypothesis-based split-merge algorithm for extraction and pose determination of cylinders and planes which merge smoothly into other surfaces was developed. It was shown that all split-merge algorithms are hypothesis-based. A finite-state algorithm for the extraction of the boundaries of run-length regions was developed. The computation takes advantage of the run list topology and boundary direction constraints implicit in the run-length encoding.

  14. The distribution of seismic velocities and attenuation in the earth. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hart, R. S.

    1977-01-01

    Estimates of the radial distribution of seismic velocities and density and of seismic attenuation within the earth are obtained through inversion of body wave, surface wave, and normal mode data. The effect of attenuation related dispersion on gross earth structure, and on the reliability of eigenperiod identifications is discussed. The travel time baseline discrepancies between body waves and free oscillation models are examined and largely resolved.

  15. Distinct subpopulations of FOXD1 stroma-derived cells regulate renal erythropoietin

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Qingdu; Binns, Thomas C.; Davidoff, Olena; Kapitsinou, Pinelopi P.; Pfaff, Andrew S.; Olauson, Hannes; Fogo, Agnes B.; Fong, Guo-Hua; Gross, Kenneth W.

    2016-01-01

    Renal peritubular interstitial fibroblast-like cells are critical for adult erythropoiesis, as they are the main source of erythropoietin (EPO). Hypoxia-inducible factor 2 (HIF-2) controls EPO synthesis in the kidney and liver and is regulated by prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain (PHD) dioxygenases PHD1, PHD2, and PHD3, which function as cellular oxygen sensors. Renal interstitial cells with EPO-producing capacity are poorly characterized, and the role of the PHD/HIF-2 axis in renal EPO-producing cell (REPC) plasticity is unclear. Here we targeted the PHD/HIF-2/EPO axis in FOXD1 stroma-derived renal interstitial cells and examined the role of individual PHDs in REPC pool size regulation and renal EPO output. Renal interstitial cells with EPO-producing capacity were entirely derived from FOXD1-expressing stroma, and Phd2 inactivation alone induced renal Epo in a limited number of renal interstitial cells. EPO induction was submaximal, as hypoxia or pharmacologic PHD inhibition further increased the REPC fraction among Phd2–/– renal interstitial cells. Moreover, Phd1 and Phd3 were differentially expressed in renal interstitium, and heterozygous deficiency for Phd1 and Phd3 increased REPC numbers in Phd2–/– mice. We propose that FOXD1 lineage renal interstitial cells consist of distinct subpopulations that differ in their responsiveness to Phd2 inactivation and thus regulation of HIF-2 activity and EPO production under hypoxia or conditions of pharmacologic or genetic PHD inactivation. PMID:27088801

  16. The small low SNR target tracking using sparse representation information

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yin, Lifan; Zhang, Yiqun; Wang, Shuo; Sun, Chenggang

    2017-11-01

    Tracking small targets, such as missile warheads, from a remote distance is a difficult task since the targets are "points" which are similar to sensor's noise points. As a result, traditional tracking algorithms only use the information contained in point measurement, such as the position information and intensity information, as characteristics to identify targets from noise points. But in fact, as a result of the diffusion of photon, any small target is not a point in the focal plane array and it occupies an area which is larger than one sensor cell. So, if we can take the geometry characteristic into account as a new dimension of information, it will be of helpful in distinguishing targets from noise points. In this paper, we use a novel method named sparse representation (SR) to depict the geometry information of target intensity and define it as the SR information of target. Modeling the intensity spread and solving its SR coefficients, the SR information is represented by establishing its likelihood function. Further, the SR information likelihood is incorporated in the conventional Probability Hypothesis Density (PHD) filter algorithm with point measurement. To illustrate the different performances of algorithm with or without the SR information, the detection capability and estimation error have been compared through simulation. Results demonstrate the proposed method has higher estimation accuracy and probability of detecting target than the conventional algorithm without the SR information.

  17. A Knock-in Mouse Model of Human PHD2 Gene-associated Erythrocytosis Establishes a Haploinsufficiency Mechanism*

    PubMed Central

    Arsenault, Patrick R.; Pei, Fei; Lee, Rebecca; Kerestes, Heddy; Percy, Melanie J.; Keith, Brian; Simon, M. Celeste; Lappin, Terence R. J.; Khurana, Tejvir S.; Lee, Frank S.

    2013-01-01

    The central pathway for controlling red cell mass is the PHD (prolyl hydroxylase domain protein):hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. HIF, which is negatively regulated by PHD, activates numerous genes, including ones involved in erythropoiesis, such as the ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO) gene. Recent studies have implicated PHD2 as the key PHD isoform regulating red cell mass. Studies of humans have identified erythrocytosis-associated, heterozygous point mutations in the PHD2 gene. A key question concerns the mechanism by which human mutations lead to phenotypes. In the present report, we generated and characterized a mouse line in which a P294R knock-in mutation has been introduced into the mouse Phd2 locus to model the first reported human PHD2 mutation (P317R). Phd2P294R/+ mice display a degree of erythrocytosis equivalent to that seen in Phd2+/− mice. The Phd2P294R/+-associated erythrocytosis is reversed in a Hif2a+/−, but not a Hif1a+/− background. Additional studies using various conditional knock-outs of Phd2 reveal that erythrocytosis can be induced by homozygous and heterozygous knock-out of Phd2 in renal cortical interstitial cells using a Pax3-Cre transgene or by homozygous knock-out of Phd2 in hematopoietic progenitors driven by a Vav1-Cre transgene. These studies formally prove that a missense mutation in PHD2 is the cause of the erythrocytosis, show that this occurs through haploinsufficiency, and point to multifactorial control of red cell mass by PHD2. PMID:24121508

  18. Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Science of Psychology: Lynn Nadel.

    PubMed

    2017-01-01

    The American Psychological Foundation (APF) Gold Medal Awards recognize distinguished and engaging records of accomplishment in 4 areas of psychology. The 2017 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Science of Psychology is Lynn Nadel, PhD. Terence M. Keane, PhD, president of the APF, will present the APF Gold Medal Awards at the 125th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association on August 4, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. Members of the 2017 APF Board of Trustees are Terence M. Keane, PhD, president; Melba J. T. Vasquez, PhD, vice president-interim secretary; Richard C. McCarty, PhD, treasurer; Elisabeth R. Straus, executive vice president-executive director; Camilla Benbow, EdD; Rosie Phillips Bingham, PhD; Connie S. Chan; Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD; Linda M. Forrest, PhD; Douglas C. Haldeman, PhD; Anthony W. Jackson, PhD; Archie L. Turner; W. Bruce Walsh, PhD; and Stewart E. Cooper, PhD, APA Board of Directors liaison. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

  19. Retention of prolyl hydroxylase PHD2 in the cytoplasm prevents PHD2-induced anchorage-independent carcinoma cell growth

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

    Jokilehto, Terhi; Turku Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Turku; Hoegel, Heidi

    2010-04-15

    Cellular oxygen tension is sensed by a family of prolyl hydroxylases (PHD1-3) that regulate the degradation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1{alpha} and -2{alpha}). The PHD2 isoform is considered as the main downregulator of HIF in normoxia. Our previous results have shown that nuclear translocation of PHD2 associates with poorly differentiated tumor phenotype implying that nuclear PHD2 expression is advantageous for tumor growth. Here we show that a pool of PHD2 is shuttled between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In line with this, accumulation of wild type PHD2 in the nucleus was detected in human colon adenocarcinomas and in cultured carcinoma cells.more » The PHD2 isoforms showing high nuclear expression increased anchorage-independent carcinoma cell growth. However, retention of PHD2 in the cytoplasm inhibited the anchorage-independent cell growth. A region that inhibits the nuclear localization of PHD2 was identified and the deletion of the region promoted anchorage-independent growth of carcinoma cells. Finally, the cytoplasmic PHD2, as compared with the nuclear PHD2, less efficiently downregulated HIF expression. Forced HIF-1{alpha} or -2{alpha} expression decreased and attenuation of HIF expression increased the anchorage-independent cell growth. However, hydroxylase-inactivating mutations in PHD2 had no effect on cell growth. The data imply that nuclear PHD2 localization promotes malignant cancer phenotype.« less

  20. The Road to Remarkable: Directed by Vision, Driven by Strength--2010 Five-Year Report of the Policy and Planning Board

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    American Psychologist, 2011

    2011-01-01

    The 2010 Policy and Planning Board of the American Psychological Association (APA) was chaired by Elena J. Eisman, EdD. Other members of the board included Gwyneth M. Boodoo, PhD; G. Rita Dudley-Grant, PhD; Beverly Greene, PhD; Christopher W. Loftis, PhD; Michael J. Murphy, PhD; Paul D. Nelson, PhD; Kurt Salzinger, PhD; and Michael Wertheimer,…

  1. The panacea toolbox of a PhD biomedical student.

    PubMed

    Skaik, Younis

    2014-01-01

    Doing a PhD (doctor of philosophy) for the sake of contribution to knowledge should give the student an immense enthusiasm through the PhD period. It is the time in one's life that one spends to "hit the nail on the head" in a specific area and topic of interest. A PhD consists mostly of hard work and tenacity; however, luck and genius might also play a little role. You can pass all PhD phases without having both luck and genius. The PhD student should have pre-PhD and PhD toolboxes, which are "sine quibus non" for getting successfully a PhD degree. In this manuscript, the toolboxes of the PhD student are discussed.

  2. Prey density and the behavioral flexibility of a marine predator: The common murre (Uria aalge)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Harding, A.M.A.; Piatt, John F.; Schmutz, J.A.; Shultz, M.T.; van Pelt, Thomas I.; Kettle, Arthur B.; Speckman, Suzann G.

    2007-01-01

    Flexible time budgets allow individual animals to buffer the effects of variable food availability by allocating more time to foraging when food density decreases. This trait should be especially important for marine predators that forage on patchy and ephemeral food resources. We examined flexible time allocation by a long-lived marine predator, the Common Murre (Uria aalge), using data collected in a five-year study at three colonies in Alaska (USA) with contrasting environmental conditions. Annual hydroacoustic surveys revealed an order-of-magnitude variation in food density among the 15 colony-years of study. We used data on parental time budgets and local prey density to test predictions from two hypotheses: Hypothesis A, the colony attendance of seabirds varies nonlinearly with food density; and Hypothesis B, flexible time allocation of parent murres buffers chicks against variable food availability. Hypothesis A was supported; colony attendance by murres was positively correlated with food over a limited range of poor-to-moderate food densities, but independent of food over a broader range of higher densities. This is the first empirical evidence for a nonlinear response of a marine predator's time budget to changes in prey density. Predictions from Hypothesis B were largely supported: (1) chick-feeding rates were fairly constant over a wide range of densities and only dropped below 3.5 meals per day at the low end of prey density, and (2) there was a nonlinear relationship between chick-feeding rates and time spent at the colony, with chick-feeding rates only declining after time at the colony by the nonbrooding parent was reduced to a minimum. The ability of parents to adjust their foraging time by more than 2 h/d explains why they were able to maintain chick-feeding rates of more than 3.5 meals/d across a 10-fold range in local food density. ?? 2007 by the Ecological Society of America.

  3. Charles L. Brewer Award for Distinguished Teaching of Psychology: Regan A. R. Gurung.

    PubMed

    2017-01-01

    The American Psychological Foundation (APF) Charles L. Brewer Award for Distinguished Teaching of Psychology recognizes exemplary career contributions to the teaching of psychology. The 2017 recipient of the Charles L. Brewer Award for Distinguished Teaching of Psychology is Regan A. R. Gurung, PhD. Terence M. Keane, PhD, president of the APF, will present the APF Charles L. Brewer Award for Distinguished Teaching of Psychology at the 125th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association on August 4, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. Members of the 2017 APF Board of Trustees are Terence M. Keane, PhD, president; Melba J. T. Vasquez, PhD, vice president/interim secretary; Richard C. McCarty, PhD, treasurer; Elisabeth R. Straus, executive vice president/executive director; Camilla Benbow, EdD; Rosie Phillips Bingham, PhD; Connie S. Chan; Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD; Linda M. Forrest, PhD; Douglas C. Haldeman, PhD; Anthony W. Jackson, PhD; Archie L. Turner; W. Bruce Walsh, PhD; and Stewart E. Cooper, PhD, APA Board of Directors liaison. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

  4. Applied PhD Research in a Work-Based Environment: An Activity Theory-Based Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Granata, S. N.; Dochy, F.

    2016-01-01

    Activity theory is used to compare PhD undertaken at university, that is, academic PhD, with PhD performed in collaboration with industry, that is, semi-industrial PhD. The research is divided into a literature review and a case study. Semi-industrial and academic PhD are modelled as activity systems, and differences are highlighted in terms of…

  5. PhD Students' Work Conditions and Study Environment in University- and Industry-Based PhD Programmes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kolmos, A.; Kofoed, L. B.; Du, X. Y.

    2008-01-01

    During the last 10 years, new models of funding and training PhD students have been established in Denmark in order to integrate industry into the entire PhD education. Several programmes have been conducted where it is possible to co-finance PhD scholarships or to become an employee as an industrial PhD in a company. An important question is what…

  6. Multimodality Image-Guided HDR/IMRT in Prostate Cancer: Combined Molecular Targeting Using Nanoparticle MR, 3D MRSI, and 11C Acetate PET Imaging

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-08-01

    Ph.D. Panos Fatouros, Ph.D. Jerry Hirsch, MSc, PharmD Rhonda Hoyle Kristin Schmidt Dorin Tudor, Ph.D. Jie Liu CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Virginia...McClish, Ph.D., Panos Fatouros, Ph.D., Jerry Hirsch, MSc, PharmD, 5e. TASK NUMBER Rhonda Hoyle, Kristin Schmidt, Dorin Tudor, Ph.D., Jie Liu 5f. WORK UNIT

  7. New support for an old hypothesis: density affects extra-pair paternity

    PubMed Central

    Mayer, Christian; Pasinelli, Gilberto

    2013-01-01

    Density has been suggested to affect variation in extra-pair paternity (EPP) in avian mating systems, because increasing density promotes encounter rates and thus mating opportunities. However, the significance of density affecting EPP variation in intra- and interspecific comparisons has remained controversial, with more support from intraspecific comparisons. Neither experimental nor empirical studies have consistently provided support for the density hypothesis. Testing the density hypothesis is challenging because density measures may not necessarily reflect extra-pair mating opportunities, mate guarding efforts may covary with density, populations studied may differ in migratory behavior and/or climatic conditions, and variation in density may be insufficient. Accounting for these potentially confounding factors, we tested whether EPP rates within and among subpopulations of the reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) were related to density. Our analyses were based on data from 13 subpopulations studied over 4 years. Overall, 56.4% of totally 181 broods contained at least one extra-pair young (EPY) and 37.1% of totally 669 young were of extra-pair origin. Roughly 90% of the extra-pair fathers were from the adjacent territory or from the territory after the next one. Within subpopulations, the proportion of EPY in broods was positively related to local breeding density. Similarly, among subpopulations, proportion of EPY was positively associated with population density. EPP was absent in subpopulations consisting of single breeding pairs, that is, without extra-pair mating opportunities. Our study confirms that density is an important biological factor, which significantly influences the amount of EPP within and among subpopulations, but also suggests that other mechanisms influence EPP beyond the variation explained by density. PMID:23533071

  8. One-Dimensional Shock Wave Formation by an Accelerating Piston. Ph.D. Thesis - Ohio State Univ.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mann, M. J.

    1970-01-01

    The formation of a shock wave by a solid accelerating piston was studied. A theoretical solution using the method of characteristics for a perfect gas showed that a complex wave system exists, and that the compressed gas can have large gradients in temperature, density and entropy. Experiments were performed with a piston tube where piston speed, shock speed and pressure were measured. The comparison of theory and experiment was good.

  9. Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of Psychology.

    PubMed

    2016-11-01

    This award is given to individuals who have made sustained and enduring contributions to international cooperation and the advancement of knowledge in psychology. The 2016 recipient of the APA Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of Psychology was selected by the 2015 Committee on International Relations in Psychology (CIRP). The members of the 2015 CIRP were Rehman Abdulrehman, PhD (Chair); Gonzalo Bacigalupe, EdD; Silvia S. Canetto, PhD; Amanda Clinton, PhD; Melissa L. Morgan Consoli, PhD; Chryse G. Hatzichristou, PhD; Arpana G. Inman, PhD; Lori Foster Thompson, PhD; and Danny Wedding, PhD. Dr. Abdulrehman, Dr. Morgan Consoli, Dr. Thompson, and Dr. Wedding were members of the subcommittee for the 2016 award. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

  10. PHD3-mediated prolyl hydroxylation of nonmuscle actin impairs polymerization and cell motility

    PubMed Central

    Luo, Weibo; Lin, Benjamin; Wang, Yingfei; Zhong, Jun; O'Meally, Robert; Cole, Robert N.; Pandey, Akhilesh; Levchenko, Andre; Semenza, Gregg L.

    2014-01-01

    Actin filaments play an essential role in cell movement, and many posttranslational modifications regulate actin filament assembly. Here we report that prolyl hydroxylase 3 (PHD3) interacts with nonmuscle actin in human cells and catalyzes hydroxylation of actin at proline residues 307 and 322. Blocking PHD3 expression or catalytic activity by short hairpin RNA knockdown or pharmacological inhibition, respectively, decreased actin prolyl hydroxylation. PHD3 knockdown increased filamentous F-actin assembly, which was reversed by PHD3 overexpression. PHD3 knockdown increased cell velocity and migration distance. Inhibition of PHD3 prolyl hydroxylase activity by dimethyloxalylglycine also increased actin polymerization and cell migration. These data reveal a novel role for PHD3 as a negative regulator of cell motility through posttranslational modification of nonmuscle actins. PMID:25079693

  11. Disruption of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-prolyl hydroxylase domain-1 (PHD-1-/-) attenuates ex vivo myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through hypoxia-inducible factor-1α transcription factor and its target genes in mice.

    PubMed

    Adluri, Ram Sudheer; Thirunavukkarasu, Mahesh; Dunna, Nageswara Rao; Zhan, Lijun; Oriowo, Babatunde; Takeda, Kotaro; Sanchez, Juan A; Otani, Hajime; Maulik, Gautam; Fong, Guo-Hua; Maulik, Nilanjana

    2011-10-01

    Hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF)-prolyl hydroxylases domain (PHD-1-3) are oxygen sensors that regulate the stability of the HIFs in an oxygen-dependent manner. Suppression of PHD enzymes leads to stabilization of HIFs and offers a potential treatment option for many ischemic disorders, such as peripheral artery occlusive disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Here, we show that homozygous disruption of PHD-1 (PHD-1(-/-)) could facilitate HIF-1α-mediated cardioprotection in ischemia/reperfused (I/R) myocardium. Wild-type (WT) and PHD-1(-/-) mice were randomized into WT time-matched control (TMC), PHD-1(-/-) TMC (PHD1TMC), WT I/R, and PHD-1(-/-) I/R (PHD1IR). Isolated hearts from each group were subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. TMC hearts were perfused for 2 h 30 min without ischemia. Decreased infarct size (35%±0.6% vs. 49%±0.4%) and apoptotic cardiomyocytes (106±13 vs. 233±21 counts/100 high-power field) were observed in PHD1IR compared to wild-type ischemia/reperfusion (WTIR). Protein expression of HIF-1α was significantly increased in PHD1IR compared to WTIR. mRNA expression of β-catenin (1.9-fold), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (1.9-fold), p65 (1.9-fold), and Bcl-2 (2.7-fold) were upregulated in the PHD1IR compared with WTIR, which was studied by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Further, gel-shift analysis showed increased DNA binding activity of HIF-1α and nuclear factor-kappaB in PHD1IR compared to WTIR. In addition, nuclear translocation of β-catenin was increased in PHD1IR compared with WTIR. These findings indicated that silencing of PHD-1 attenuates myocardial I/R injury probably by enhancing HIF-1α/β-catenin/endothelial nitric oxide synthase/nuclear factor-kappaB and Bcl-2 signaling pathway.

  12. Test of the Brink-Axel Hypothesis for the Pygmy Dipole Resonance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martin, D.; von Neumann-Cosel, P.; Tamii, A.; Aoi, N.; Bassauer, S.; Bertulani, C. A.; Carter, J.; Donaldson, L.; Fujita, H.; Fujita, Y.; Hashimoto, T.; Hatanaka, K.; Ito, T.; Krugmann, A.; Liu, B.; Maeda, Y.; Miki, K.; Neveling, R.; Pietralla, N.; Poltoratska, I.; Ponomarev, V. Yu.; Richter, A.; Shima, T.; Yamamoto, T.; Zweidinger, M.

    2017-11-01

    The gamma strength function and level density of 1- states in 96Mo have been extracted from a high-resolution study of the (p → , p→ ' ) reaction at 295 MeV and extreme forward angles. By comparison with compound nucleus γ decay experiments, this allows a test of the generalized Brink-Axel hypothesis in the energy region of the pygmy dipole resonance. The Brink-Axel hypothesis is commonly assumed in astrophysical reaction network calculations and states that the gamma strength function in nuclei is independent of the structure of the initial and final state. The present results validate the Brink-Axel hypothesis for 96Mo and provide independent confirmation of the methods used to separate gamma strength function and level density in γ decay experiments.

  13. Habitat structure mediates predation risk for sedentary prey: Experimental tests of alternative hypotheses

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Chalfoun, A.D.; Martin, T.E.

    2009-01-01

    Predation is an important and ubiquitous selective force that can shape habitat preferences of prey species, but tests of alternative mechanistic hypotheses of habitat influences on predation risk are lacking. 2. We studied predation risk at nest sites of a passerine bird and tested two hypotheses based on theories of predator foraging behaviour. The total-foliage hypothesis predicts that predation will decline in areas of greater overall vegetation density by impeding cues for detection by predators. The potential-prey-site hypothesis predicts that predation decreases where predators must search more unoccupied potential nest sites. 3. Both observational data and results from a habitat manipulation provided clear support for the potential-prey-site hypothesis and rejection of the total-foliage hypothesis. Birds chose nest patches containing both greater total foliage and potential nest site density (which were correlated in their abundance) than at random sites, yet only potential nest site density significantly influenced nest predation risk. 4. Our results therefore provided a clear and rare example of adaptive nest site selection that would have been missed had structural complexity or total vegetation density been considered alone. 5. Our results also demonstrated that interactions between predator foraging success and habitat structure can be more complex than simple impedance or occlusion by vegetation. ?? 2008 British Ecological Society.

  14. Oxygen-sensing PHDs regulate bone homeostasis through the modulation of osteoprotegerin

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Colleen; Rankin, Erinn B.; Castellini, Laura; Fernandez-Alcudia, Javier; LaGory, Edward L.; Andersen, Rebecca; Rhodes, Steven D.; Wilson, Tremika L.S.; Mohammad, Khalid S.; Castillo, Alesha B.; Guise, Theresa A.; Schipani, Ernestina

    2015-01-01

    The bone microenvironment is composed of niches that house cells across variable oxygen tensions. However, the contribution of oxygen gradients in regulating bone and blood homeostasis remains unknown. Here, we generated mice with either single or combined genetic inactivation of the critical oxygen-sensing prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) enzymes (PHD1–3) in osteoprogenitors. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activation associated with Phd2 and Phd3 inactivation drove bone accumulation by modulating osteoblastic/osteoclastic cross-talk through the direct regulation of osteoprotegerin (OPG). In contrast, combined inactivation of Phd1, Phd2, and Phd3 resulted in extreme HIF signaling, leading to polycythemia and excessive bone accumulation by overstimulating angiogenic–osteogenic coupling. We also demonstrate that genetic ablation of Phd2 and Phd3 was sufficient to protect ovariectomized mice against bone loss without disrupting hematopoietic homeostasis. Importantly, we identify OPG as a HIF target gene capable of directing osteoblast-mediated osteoclastogenesis to regulate bone homeostasis. Here, we show that coordinated activation of specific PHD isoforms fine-tunes the osteoblastic response to hypoxia, thereby directing two important aspects of bone physiology: cross-talk between osteoblasts and osteoclasts and angiogenic–osteogenic coupling. PMID:25846796

  15. Hypotheses to explain the origin of species in Amazonia.

    PubMed

    Haffer, J

    2008-11-01

    The main hypotheses proposed to explain barrier formation separating populations and causing the differentiation of species in Amazonia during the course of geological history are based on different factors, as follow: (1) Changes in the distribution of land and sea or in the landscape due to tectonic movements or sea level fluctuations (Paleogeography hypothesis), (2) the barrier effect of Amazonian rivers (River hypothesis), (3) a combination of the barrier effect of broad rivers and vegetational changes in northern and southern Amazonia (River-refuge hypothesis), (4) the isolation of humid rainforest blocks near areas of surface relief in the periphery of Amazonia separated by dry forests, savannas and other intermediate vegetation types during dry climatic periods of the Tertiary and Quaternary (Refuge hypothesis), (5) changes in canopy-density due to climatic reversals (Canopy-density hypothesis) (6) the isolation and speciation of animal populations in small montane habitat pockets around Amazonia due to climatic fluctuations without major vegetational changes (Museum hypothesis), (7) competitive species interactions and local species isolations in peripheral regions of Amazonia due to invasion and counterinvasion during cold/warm periods of the Pleistocene (Disturbance-vicariance hypothesis) and (8) parapatric speciation across steep environmental gradients without separation of the respective populations (Gradient hypothesis). Several of these hypotheses probably are relevant to a different degree for the speciation processes in different faunal groups or during different geological periods. The basic paleogeography model refers mainly to faunal differentiation during the Tertiary and in combination with the Refuge hypothesis. Milankovitch cycles leading to global main hypotheses proposed to explain barrier formation separating populations and causing the differentiation of species in Amazonia during the course of geological history are based on different factors, as follow: (1) Changes in the distribution of land and sea or in the landscape due to tectonic movements or sea level fluctuations (Paleogeography hypothesis), (2) the barrier effect of Amazonian rivers (River hypothesis), (3) a combination of the barrier effect of broad rivers and vegetational changes in northern and southern Amazonia (River-refuge hypothesis), (4) the isolation of humid rainforest blocks near areas of surface relief in the periphery of Amazonia separated by dry forests, savannas and other intermediate vegetation types during dry climatic periods of the Tertiary and Quaternary (Refuge hypothesis), (5) changes in canopy-density due to climatic reversals (Canopy-density hypothesis) (6) the isolation and speciation of animal populations in small montane habitat pockets around Amazonia due to climatic fluctuations without major vegetational changes (Museum hypothesis), (7) competitive species interactions and local species isolations in peripheral regions of Amazonia due to invasion and counterinvasion during cold/warm periods of the Pleistocene (Disturbance-vicariance hypothesis) and (8) parapatric speciation across steep environmental gradients without separation of the respective populations (Gradient hypothesis). Several of these hypotheses probably are relevant to a different degree for the speciation processes in different faunal groups or during different geological periods. The basic paleogeography model refers mainly to faunal differentiation during the Tertiary and in combination with the Refuge hypothesis. Milankovitch cycles leading to global climatic-vegetational changes affected the biomes of the world not only during the Pleistocene but also during the Tertiary and earlier geological periods. New geoscientific evidence for the effect of dry climatic periods in Amazonia supports the predictions of the Refuge hypothesis. The disturbance-vicariance hypothesis refers to the presumed effect of cold/warm climatic phases of the Pleistocene only and is of limited general relevance because most extant species originated earlier and probably through paleogeographic changes and the formation of ecological refuges during the Tertiary.

  16. Publishing scientific papers based on Master's and Ph.D. theses from a small scientific community: case study of Croatian medical schools.

    PubMed

    Frković, Vedran; Skender, Tomislav; Dojćinović, Bojan; Bilić-Zulle, Lidija

    2003-02-01

    To evaluate publishing activity of medical doctors after they have obtained Master's or Ph.D. degree at the Rijeka and Zagreb University Schools of Medicine in Croatia, and establish the number of journal articles based on these theses. Data on Master's and Ph.D. theses defended at the Rijeka and Zagreb University Schools of Medicine in the 1990-1999 period were collected by hand-search of the archive. MEDLINE and Current Contents databases were searched for journal articles resulting from the theses. During the 10-year period, 1,535 Master's and 634 Ph.D. theses were defended at the Rijeka and Zagreb University Schools of Medicine (253 Master's and 138 Ph.D. theses from Rijeka and 1,282 Master's and 496 Ph.D. theses from Zagreb). There were 201 (14%) Master's and 218 (34%) Ph.D. theses that resulted in articles published in journals indexed in MEDLINE (13% of Master's and 11% of Ph.D. theses from Rijeka, and 14% of Master's and 41% of Ph.D. theses from Zagreb). Also, 97 (6%) Master's and 129 (20%) Ph.D. theses that resulted in articles published in Current Contents journals (8% of Master's and 6% of Ph.D. theses from Rijeka, and 6% of Master's and 24% of Ph.D. theses from Zagreb). There was no significant difference between the two Universities with respect to published articles based on Master's theses, but there were significantly more articles from Ph.D. theses in Zagreb (p<0.001). Most of the theses resulted in a single publication (95%), 19 (5%) in 2, and 2 in 3 publications. Out of all 453 journal articles, 31% were published in Croatian and 69% in international journals. Most Croatian Master's and Ph.D. theses are not made available to the scientific community. There should be more institutional effort directed at the stimulation of postgraduate students to publish their scientific work.

  17. Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award.

    PubMed

    2016-11-01

    The Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award is sponsored jointly by Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, and the APA. The award is presented annually to the psychology graduate student who submits the best research paper that was published or presented at a national, regional, or state psychological association conference during the past calendar year. The Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award is given jointly by Psi Chi and APA. Members of the 2016 Edwin B. Newman Award Committee were Shawn Carlton, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Christina Frederick-Recascino, PhD; John Norcross, PhD, APA representative; Karenna Malavanti, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Steven Kohn, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Warren Fass, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Chris Lovelace, PhD, Psi Chi representative; and Cathy Epkins, PhD, APA representative. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

  18. International Humanitarian Award.

    PubMed

    2016-11-01

    The International Humanitarian Award recognizes extraordinary humanitarian services and activism by psychologists, including professional and volunteer work conducted primarily in the field with underserved populations. Award recipients are psychologists who, by their extraordinary service at a difficult time, improve the lives and contribute to the well-being of people in a large or small geographic area anywhere in the world. The 2016 recipient of the APA International Humanitarian Award was selected by the 2015 Committee on International Relations in Psychology (CIRP). The members of the 2015 CIRP were Rehman Abdulrehman, PhD (Chair); Gonzalo Bacigalupe, EdD; Silvia S. Canetto, PhD; Amanda Clinton, PhD; Melissa L. Morgan Consoli, PhD; Chryse G. Hatzichristou, PhD; Arpana G. Inman, PhD; Lori Foster Thompson, PhD; and Danny Wedding, PhD. Dr. Abdulrehman, Dr. Morgan Consoli, Dr. Thompson, and Dr. Wedding were members of the subcommittee for the 2016 award. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

  19. Interaction Gaps in PhD Education and ICT as a Way Forward: Results from a Study in Sweden

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aghaee, Naghmeh; Jobe, William Byron; Karunaratne, Thashmee; Smedberg, Åsa; Hansson, Henrik; Tedre, Matti

    2016-01-01

    Many research studies have highlighted the low completion rate and slow progress in PhD education. Universities strive to improve throughput and quality in their PhD education programs. In this study, the perceived problems of PhD education are investigated from PhD students' points of view, and how an Information and Communication Technology…

  20. Plasma Assisted Ignition at High Pressures and Low Temperatures. PAI Kinetics and Fast Gas Heating

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-05-06

    2636–39 [61] Creyghton Y L M 1994 Pulsed positive corona discharges PhD Thesis, Eindhoven University of Technology [62] Dyakov A F, Bobrov Yu K, Bobrova...Kim S J 2003 Measurements of electron density by emission spectroscopy in pulsed corona and dielectric barrier discharges J. Adv. Oxid. Technol. 6 17...metastable N2 molecules in the afterglow of the pulsed nanosecond discharge by technique of a cavity ring–down spectroscopy; (iv) experiments on

  1. Measurement of density and temperature in a hypersonic turbulent boundary layer using the electron beam fluorescence technique. Ph.D. Thesis. Final Report, 1 Oct. 1969 - 1 Sep. 1972

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mcronald, A. D.

    1975-01-01

    Mean density and temperature fluctuations were measured across the turbulent, cooled-wall boundary layer in a continuous hypersonic (Mach 9.4) wind tunnel in air, using the nitrogen fluorescence excited by a 50 kV electron beam. Data were taken at three values of the tunnel stagnation pressure, the corresponding free stream densities being equivalent to 1.2, 4.0, and 7.4 torr at room temperature, and the boundary layer thicknesses about 4.0, 4.5, and 6.0 inches. The mean temperature and density profiles were similar to those previously determined in the same facility by conventional probes (static and pitot pressure, total temperature). A static pressure variation of about 50% across the boundary layer was found, the shape of the variation changing somewhat for the three stagnation pressure levels. The quadrupole model for rotational temperature spectra gave closer agreement with the free stream isentropic level (approximately 44 K) than the dipole model.

  2. Collaborators | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Collaborators Structural Biophysics Laboratory, CCR Macromolecular NMR Section (R. Andrew Byrd, Ph.D.) Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions Section (Yun-Xing Wang, Ph.D.) Protein Processing Section (Kylie J. Walters, Ph.D.) Kinase Complexes Section (Ping Zhang, Ph.D.) Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, CCR

  3. Disruption of Hypoxia-Inducible Transcription Factor-Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain-1 (PHD-1−/−) Attenuates Ex Vivo Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Transcription Factor and Its Target Genes in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Adluri, Ram Sudheer; Thirunavukkarasu, Mahesh; Dunna, Nageswara Rao; Zhan, Lijun; Oriowo, Babatunde; Takeda, Kotaro; Sanchez, Juan A.; Otani, Hajime; Maulik, Gautam; Fong, Guo-Hua

    2011-01-01

    Abstract Hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF)-prolyl hydroxylases domain (PHD-1–3) are oxygen sensors that regulate the stability of the HIFs in an oxygen-dependent manner. Suppression of PHD enzymes leads to stabilization of HIFs and offers a potential treatment option for many ischemic disorders, such as peripheral artery occlusive disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Here, we show that homozygous disruption of PHD-1 (PHD-1−/−) could facilitate HIF-1α-mediated cardioprotection in ischemia/reperfused (I/R) myocardium. Wild-type (WT) and PHD-1−/− mice were randomized into WT time-matched control (TMC), PHD-1−/− TMC (PHD1TMC), WT I/R, and PHD-1−/− I/R (PHD1IR). Isolated hearts from each group were subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. TMC hearts were perfused for 2 h 30 min without ischemia. Decreased infarct size (35% ± 0.6% vs. 49% ± 0.4%) and apoptotic cardiomyocytes (106 ± 13 vs. 233 ± 21 counts/100 high-power field) were observed in PHD1IR compared to wild-type ischemia/reperfusion (WTIR). Protein expression of HIF-1α was significantly increased in PHD1IR compared to WTIR. mRNA expression of β-catenin (1.9-fold), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (1.9-fold), p65 (1.9-fold), and Bcl-2 (2.7-fold) were upregulated in the PHD1IR compared with WTIR, which was studied by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Further, gel-shift analysis showed increased DNA binding activity of HIF-1α and nuclear factor-kappaB in PHD1IR compared to WTIR. In addition, nuclear translocation of β-catenin was increased in PHD1IR compared with WTIR. These findings indicated that silencing of PHD-1 attenuates myocardial I/R injury probably by enhancing HIF-1α/β-catenin/endothelial nitric oxide synthase/nuclear factor-kappaB and Bcl-2 signaling pathway. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 15, 1789–1797. PMID:21083501

  4. 2017 JOSPT Award Recipients.

    PubMed

    Simoneau, Guy G

    2018-05-01

    During the American Physical Therapy Association's Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans, LA in February 2018, JOSPT recognized the authors of the most outstanding research and clinical practice manuscripts published in JOSPT during 2017. The 2017 George J. Davies-James A. Gould Excellence in Clinical Inquiry Award was presented to Noa Ben-Ami, PT, PhD; Gabriel Chodick, MHA, PhD; Yigal Mirovsky, MD; Tamar Pincus, MPhil, MSc, PhD; and Yair Shapiro, MD, PhD, for their February 2017 article "Increasing Recreational Physical Activity in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pragmatic Controlled Clinical Trial." The 2017 JOSPT Excellence in Research Award was presented to Sanneke Don, PT, MPT; Margot de Kooning, PT, PhD; Lennard Voogt, PT, MT, PhD; Kelly Ickmans, PT, PhD; Liesbeth Daenen, PT, PhD; and Jo Nijs, PT, MT, PhD, for their March 2017 article "The Effect of Visual Feedback of the Neck During Movement in People With Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders: An Experimental Study." J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(5):348. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.0104.

  5. Cusped magnetic field mercury ion thruster. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Beattie, J. R.

    1976-01-01

    The importance of a uniform current density profile in the exhaust beam of an electrostatic ion thruster is discussed in terms of thrust level and accelerator system lifetime. A residence time approach is used to explain the nonuniform beam current density profile of the divergent magnetic field thruster. Mathematical expressions are derived which relate the thruster discharge power loss, propellant utilization, and double to single ion density ratio to the geometry and plasma properties of the discharge chamber. These relationships are applied to a cylindrical discharge chamber model of the thruster. Experimental results are presented for a wide range of the discharge chamber length. The thruster designed for this investigation was operated with a cusped magnetic field as well as a divergent field geometry, and the cusped field geometry is shown to be superior from the standpoint of beam profile uniformity, performance, and double ion population.

  6. Ion extraction from a plasma. Ph.D. Thesis. Progress Report, 1 Dec. 1979 - 1 Dec. 1980

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Aston, G.

    1980-01-01

    An experimental investigation of the physical processes governing ion extraction from a plasma is presented. The screen hole plasma sheath of a multiaperture ion accelerator system is defined by equipotential plots for a variety of accelerator system geometries and operating conditions. A sheath thickness of at least fifteen Debye lengths is shown to be typical. The electron density variation within the sheath satisfies a Maxwell Boltzmann density distribution at an effective electron temperature dependent on the discharge plasma primary to Maxwellian electron density ratio. Plasma ion flow up to and through the sheath is predominately one dimensional and the ions enter the sheath with a modified Bohm velocity. Low values of the screen grid thickness to screen hole diameter ratio give good ion focusing and high extracted ion currents because of the effect of screen webbing on ion focusing.

  7. 78 FR 56227 - Issuance of an Experimental Use Permit

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-12

    ... experimental use permit (EUP) to the pesticide applicant, Robert I. Rose, Ph.D., on behalf of James Mains, Ph.D.... Issuance. Robert I. Rose, Ph.D., on behalf of James Mains, Ph.D., Mosquito Mate, Inc., 1122 Oak Hill Drive...

  8. The Added Value of a PhD in Medicine--PhD Students' Perceptions of Acquired Competences

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anttila, Henrika; Lindblom-Ylänne, Sari; Lonka, Kristi; Pyhältö, Kirsi

    2015-01-01

    PhD in the field of medicine is more common than in any other domain. Many medical doctors are driven towards PhD, but also students with other backgrounds (usually MSc) are conducting a PhD in medical schools. Higher education has invested a lot in developing generic and research competences. Still little is known about how PhD students…

  9. Macrophage skewing by Phd2 haplodeficiency prevents ischaemia by inducing arteriogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Takeda, Yukiji; Costa, Sandra; Delamarre, Estelle; Roncal, Carmen; de Oliveira, Rodrigo Leite; Squadrito, Mario Leonardo; Finisguerra, Veronica; Deschoemaeker, Sofie; Bruyére, Françoise; Wenes, Mathias; Hamm, Alexander; Serneels, Jens; Magat, Julie; Bhattacharyya, Tapan; Anisimov, Andrey; Jordan, Benedicte F.; Alitalo, Kari; Maxwell, Patrick; Gallez, Bernard; Zhuang, Zhen W.; Saito, Yoshihiko; Simons, Michael; De Palma, Michele; Mazzone, Massimiliano

    2015-01-01

    PHD2 serves as an oxygen sensor that rescues blood supply by regulating vessel formation and shape in case of oxygen shortage1–5. However, it is unknown whether PHD2 can influence arteriogenesis. Here we studied the role of PHD2 in collateral artery growth by using hindlimb ischaemia as a model, a process that compensates for the lack of blood flow in case of major arterial occlusion6–8. We show that Phd2 (also known as Egln1) haplodeficient (Phd2+/−) mice displayed preformed collateral arteries that preserved limb perfusion and prevented tissue necrosis in ischaemia. Improved arteriogenesis in Phd2+/− mice was due to an expansion of tissue-resident, M2-like macrophages9,10 and their increased release of arteriogenic factors, leading to enhanced smooth muscle cell (SMC) recruitment and growth. Both chronic and acute deletion of one Phd2 allele in macrophages was sufficient to skew their polarization towards a proarteriogenic phenotype. Mechanistically, collateral vessel preconditioning relied on the activation of canonical NF-κB pathway in Phd2+/− macrophages. These results unravel how PHD2 regulates arteriogenesis and artery homeostasis by controlling a specific differentiation state in macrophages and suggest new treatment options for ischaemic disorders. PMID:21983962

  10. The experience of disagreement between students and supervisors in PhD education: a qualitative study

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background PhD supervision is mostly individual and disagreement between supervisors and PhD students is a seldom-discussed topic at universities. The present study aimed to describe the experience of disagreement between PhD students and supervisors. Methods Nine supervisors and seven PhD students from Sweden and England were interviewed using a video recorder. The recorded material was analysed using inductive content analysis. Results Disagreements in PhD education can be described with the overarching theme: the nature of the disagreements changes over time. Five categories emerged to describe the variations of the experiences: involvement in important decisions, supervisors not being up-to-date, dubious advice from supervisors, mediating between supervisors, and interpersonal relationships. Conclusions There is a gradual shift in competence where PhD students may excel supervisors in subject knowledge. Early disagreements may indicate immaturity of the student while disagreements later may indicate that the student is maturing making their own decisions. Consequently, disagreements may need to be addressed differently depending on when they occur. Addressing them inappropriately might slow the progressions and result in higher attrition rate among PhD students. The five categories may be elements in future PhD supervisor training programs and should be further evaluated for their importance and impact on PhD education. PMID:24074051

  11. Biomedical PhD education--an international perspective.

    PubMed

    Mulvany, Michael J

    2013-05-01

    The PhD, otherwise known as the doctor of philosophy or Dr. Phil., is an internationally recognized degree, indicating that the PhD graduate has received training in research under supervision. Traditionally, the PhD was the route to an academic career, with most successful PhD graduates receiving tenured university positions. However, over the past 20-30 years, and particularly the past 10 years, the situation has changed dramatically. Governments in many countries have invested massively in PhD education, believing that trained researchers will contribute to the 'knowledge society', and thus increase the competitiveness of their countries in the future economies of the world. Thus, only a small fraction of PhD graduates now end up in academic research. Yet, the PhD remains a research degree, and indeed, institutions have become heavily dependent on PhD students for their research output. The situation has thus created a paradox. On the one hand, it has become essential for institutions to have many PhD students and for the research performed to be of the highest level. On the other hand, the careers of PhD students are not necessarily going to be directly related to the research performed during their PhD studies. The purpose of this article is to explore how this seeming paradox is being addressed in biomedicine and to show that far from being inconsistent that the two aspects are in fact complementary. The article is based on the author's experience as Head of Aarhus Graduate School of Health Sciences 2002-2011 and his work with graduate schools across Europe and internationally through the organization ORPHEUS. © 2013 Nordic Pharmacological Society. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  12. Suitability Screening Test for Marine Corps Air Traffic Controllers Phase 2

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-06-10

    Karen M. Walker, Ph.D. William L. Farmer, Ph.D. Rebecca C. Roberts, MS Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology NPRST-TR-13-2...June 2013 Suitability Screening Test for Marine Corps Air Traffic Controllers Phase II Karen M. Walker, Ph.D. William L. Farmer, Ph.D. Rebecca...C. Roberts, MS Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology Reviewed by Tanja Blackstone , Ph.D. Approved and released by D. M. Cashbaugh

  13. Suitability Screening Test for Marine Corps Air Traffic Controllers. Phase 2

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-06-01

    Karen M. Walker, Ph.D. William L. Farmer, Ph.D. Rebecca C. Roberts, MS Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology NPRST-TR-13-2...June 2013 Suitability Screening Test for Marine Corps Air Traffic Controllers Phase II Karen M. Walker, Ph.D. William L. Farmer, Ph.D. Rebecca...C. Roberts, MS Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology Reviewed by Tanja Blackstone , Ph.D. Approved and released by D. M. Cashbaugh

  14. Loss of PHD3 allows tumours to overcome hypoxic growth inhibition and sustain proliferation through EGFR

    PubMed Central

    Henze, Anne-Theres; Garvalov, Boyan K.; Seidel, Sascha; Cuesta, Angel M.; Ritter, Mathias; Filatova, Alina; Foss, Franziska; Dopeso, Higinio; Essmann, Clara L.; Maxwell, Patrick H.; Reifenberger, Guido; Carmeliet, Peter; Acker-Palmer, Amparo; Acker, Till

    2014-01-01

    Solid tumours are exposed to microenvironmental factors such as hypoxia that normally inhibit cell growth. However, tumour cells are capable of counteracting these signals through mechanisms that are largely unknown. Here we show that the prolyl hydroxylase PHD3 restrains tumour growth in response to microenvironmental cues through the control of EGFR. PHD3 silencing in human gliomas or genetic deletion in a murine high-grade astrocytoma model markedly promotes tumour growth and the ability of tumours to continue growing under unfavourable conditions. The growth-suppressive function of PHD3 is independent of the established PHD3 targets HIF and NF-κB and its hydroxylase activity. Instead, loss of PHD3 results in hyperphosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Importantly, epigenetic/genetic silencing of PHD3 preferentially occurs in gliomas without EGFR amplification. Our findings reveal that PHD3 inactivation provides an alternative route of EGFR activation through which tumour cells sustain proliferative signalling even under conditions of limited oxygen availability. PMID:25420773

  15. Density-dependent seedling mortality varies with light availability and species abundance in wet and dry Hawaiian forests

    Treesearch

    Faith Inman-Narahari; Rebecca Ostertag; Stephen P. Hubbell; Christian P. Giardina; Susan Cordell; Lawren Sack; Andrew MacDougall

    2016-01-01

    Conspecific density may contribute to patterns of species assembly through negative density dependence (NDD) as predicted by the Janzen-Connell hypothesis, or through facilitation (positive density dependence; PDD). Conspecific density effects are expected to be more negative in darker and wetter environments due to higher pathogen abundance and...

  16. APA/APAGS Award for Distinguished Graduate Student in Professional Psychology.

    PubMed

    2016-11-01

    The APA/APAGS Award for Distinguished Graduate Student in Professional Psychology is awarded on an annual basis by the APA Board of Professional Affairs (BPA) and the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) to a graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding practice and application of psychology. A qualified candidate must demonstrate exemplary performance in working with an underserved population in an applied setting or have developed an innovative method for delivering health services to an underserved population. The 2016 recipient of the APA/APAGS Award for Distinguished Graduate Student in Professional Psychology was selected by the 2015 Board of Professional Affairs (BPA) and the 2015 APAGS Scholarship and Awards Selection Committee. Members of the 2015 BPA were Patricia Arredondo, EdD; Helen L. Coons, PhD, ABPP; Vickie Mays, PhD, MSPH; Linda A. Reddy, PhD; Lois O. Condi, PhD; Antonette M. Zeiss, PhD; Timothy A. Cavell, PhD; Robert T. Kinscherff, PhD, JD; and Jared L. Skillings, PhD, ABPP. Members of the 2015 APAGS Scholarship and Awards Selection Committee were Emily Voelkel, PhD; Blaire Schembari; and Yolanda Perkins-Volk. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

  17. Mutation analysis of HIF prolyl hydroxylases (PHD/EGLN) in individuals with features of phaeochromocytoma and renal cell carcinoma susceptibility.

    PubMed

    Astuti, Dewi; Ricketts, Christopher J; Chowdhury, Rasheduzzaman; McDonough, Michael A; Gentle, Dean; Kirby, Gail; Schlisio, Susanne; Kenchappa, Rajappa S; Carter, Bruce D; Kaelin, William G; Ratcliffe, Peter J; Schofield, Christopher J; Latif, Farida; Maher, Eamonn R

    2011-02-01

    Germline mutations in the von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) and succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) genes can cause inherited phaeochromocytoma and/or renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Dysregulation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) transcription factors has been linked to VHL and SDHB-related RCC; both HIF dysregulation and disordered function of a prolyl hydroxylase domain isoform 3 (PHD3/EGLN3)-related pathway of neuronal apoptosis have been linked to the development of phaeochromocytoma. The 2-oxoglutarate-dependent prolyl hydroxylase enzymes PHD1 (EGLN2), PHD2 (EGLN1) and PHD3 (EGLN3) have a key role in regulating the stability of HIF-α subunits (and hence expression of the HIF-α transcription factors). A germline PHD2 mutation has been reported in association with congenital erythrocytosis and recurrent extra-adrenal phaeochromocytoma. We undertook mutation analysis of PHD1, PHD2 and PHD3 in two cohorts of patients with features of inherited phaeochromocytoma (n=82) and inherited RCC (n=64) and no evidence of germline mutations in known susceptibility genes. No confirmed pathogenic mutations were detected suggesting that mutations in these genes are not a frequent cause of inherited phaeochromocytoma or RCC.

  18. APA/APAGS Award for Distinguished Graduate Student in Professional Psychology.

    PubMed

    2017-12-01

    The APA/APAGS Award for Distinguished Graduate Student in Professional Psychology is awarded on an annual basis by the APA Board of Professional Affairs (BPA) and the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) to a graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding practice and application of psychology. A qualified candidate must demonstrate exemplary performance in working with an underserved population in an applied setting or have developed an innovative method for delivering health services to an underserved population. The 2017 recipient of the APA/APAGS Award for Distinguished Graduate Student in Professional Psychology was selected by the 2016 Board of Professional Affairs (BPA) and the 2016 APAGS Scholarship and Awards Selection Committee. Members of the 2016 BPA were Antonette M. Zeiss, PhD (Chair); Linda A. Reddy, PhD; Lois O. Condie, PhD; Timothy A. Cavell, PhD; Robert T. Kinscherff, PhD, JD; Jared L. Skillings, PhD, ABPP; Cynthia A. Gómez, PhD; Lisa K. Kearney, PhD, ABPP; and Dinelia Rosa, PhD. Members of the 2016 APAGS Scholarship and Awards Selection Committee were Jerrold Yeo, MA; Jacklynn Fitzgerald, MA; and Roseann Fish Getchell, MA, Med. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

  19. Characterization of NF1 Protein Ubiquitination

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-06-01

    Ubiquitination PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Koko Murakami, Ph.D. Victor A Fried, Ph.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: New York Medical College...NUMBER W81XWH-07-1-0432 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Koko Murakami, Ph.D.; Victor A Fried, Ph.D. 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK

  20. Strategic Studies Quarterly. Volume 8, Number 1, Spring 2014

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-01-01

    Charles E. Costanzo, PhD Christopher M. Hemmer, PhD Kimberly A. Hudson, PhD Nori Katagiri, PhD Zachary J . Zwald, PhD Strategic Studies Quarterly (SSQ...first successful carrier-based takeoff and landing with the Jian-15 ( J -15) in November 2012, certified its first group of aircraft carrier pilots and...September 2013.3 The Liaoning will continue to conduct short deployments and shipboard aviation training until 2015 to 2016, when China’s first J -15

  1. Field implementation of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) deck panels.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2017-06-01

    Jeffery S. Volz, S.E., P.E., Ph.D., Kamal H. Khayat, PhD, P.Eng. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1431-0715, Soo Duck Hwang, Ph.D. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2178-1531, Hesham Tuwair, Ph.D., Jonathan T. Drury, Amy S. Crone : Although still in their infancy...

  2. Shear layer structure of a low speed jet. Ph.D. Thesis. Final Report, 28 Jun. 1974 - 31 Dec. 1975; [measurements of field pressure and turbulent velocity functions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Petersen, R. A.

    1976-01-01

    A series of measurements of near field pressures and turbulent velocity fluctuations were made in a low speed jet with a Reynolds number near 50,000 in order to investigate more quantitatively the character and behavior of the large scale structures and their interactions with each other. The near field measurements were modelled according to the vortex pairing hypothesis to deduce the distribution of pairings along the jet axis and the variances about the mean locations. The hodograph plane description of turbulence was explored in some detail, and a complex correlation quantity was synthesized which has useful properties for turbulence in the presence of mean shear.

  3. Evaluation of the Dopamine Hypothesis of ADHD with PET Brain Imaging

    ScienceCinema

    Swanson, James

    2018-01-24

    The Dopamine (DA) Hypothesis of ADHD (Wender, 1971; Levy, 1990) suggests that abnormalities in the synaptic mechanisms of DA transmission may be disrupted, and specific abnormalities in DA receptors and DA transporters (DAT) have been proposed (see Swanson et al, 1998). Early studies with small samples (e.g., n = 6, Dougherty et al, 1999) used single photon emission tomography (SPECT) and the radioligand (123I Altropane) to test a theory that ADHD may be caused by an over expression of DAT and reported 'a 70% increase in age-corrected dopamine transporter density in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder compared with healthy controls' and suggested that treatment with stimulant medication decreased DAT density in ADHD patients and corrected an underlying abnormality (Krause et al, 2000). The potential importance of these findings was noted by Swanson (1999): 'If true, this is a major finding and points the way for new investigations of the primary pharmacological treatment for ADHD (with the stimulant drugs - e.g., methylphenidate), for which the dopamine transporter is the primary site of action. The potential importance of this finding demands special scrutiny'. This has been provided over the past decade using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Brain imaging studies were conducted at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in a relatively large sample of stimulant-naive adults assessed for DAT (11C cocaine) density and DA receptors (11C raclopride) availability. These studies (Volkow et al, 2007; Volkow et al, 2009) do not confirm the hypothesis of increased DAT density and suggest the opposite (i.e., decreased rather than increased DAT density), and follow-up after treatment (Wang et al, 2010) does not confirm the hypothesis that therapeutic doses of methylphenidate decrease DAT density and suggests the opposite (i.e., increased rather than decreased DAT density). The brain regions implicated by these PET imaging studies also suggest that a motivation deficit may contribute as much as an attention deficit to the manifestation of behaviors that underlie the symptoms of ADHD.

  4. Annual Conference on Human Retrovirus Testing (7th) held in Chicago, IL on March 3-5, 1992

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-04-05

    Ph.D.; Charles Sehable, M.S.; Judith Wethers , M.S.; Judith Wilber, Ph.D. This conference was supported, in part, by a firancial graot from the...Westerman Bill Roberts Judith Wethers , M.S. U Col Chester Roberts, Ph.D. Julianne Wiese Jeanette V Roman Helen Wiprud Gene F Robertson, Ph.D. JoAnn L Yee...RHgmor Thorstensson, Ph.D., National Judith Wethers , M.S., Director of Testing Bacteriological Lab Services. Retrovirology Lab.. New York Ralph

  5. Deletion or Inhibition of the Oxygen Sensor PHD1 Protects against Ischemic Stroke via Reprogramming of Neuronal Metabolism.

    PubMed

    Quaegebeur, Annelies; Segura, Inmaculada; Schmieder, Roberta; Verdegem, Dries; Decimo, Ilaria; Bifari, Francesco; Dresselaers, Tom; Eelen, Guy; Ghosh, Debapriva; Davidson, Shawn M; Schoors, Sandra; Broekaert, Dorien; Cruys, Bert; Govaerts, Kristof; De Legher, Carla; Bouché, Ann; Schoonjans, Luc; Ramer, Matt S; Hung, Gene; Bossaert, Goele; Cleveland, Don W; Himmelreich, Uwe; Voets, Thomas; Lemmens, Robin; Bennett, C Frank; Robberecht, Wim; De Bock, Katrien; Dewerchin, Mieke; Ghesquière, Bart; Fendt, Sarah-Maria; Carmeliet, Peter

    2016-02-09

    The oxygen-sensing prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHDs) regulate cellular metabolism, but their role in neuronal metabolism during stroke is unknown. Here we report that PHD1 deficiency provides neuroprotection in a murine model of permanent brain ischemia. This was not due to an increased collateral vessel network. Instead, PHD1(-/-) neurons were protected against oxygen-nutrient deprivation by reprogramming glucose metabolism. Indeed, PHD1(-/-) neurons enhanced glucose flux through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway by diverting glucose away from glycolysis. As a result, PHD1(-/-) neurons increased their redox buffering capacity to scavenge oxygen radicals in ischemia. Intracerebroventricular injection of PHD1-antisense oligonucleotides reduced the cerebral infarct size and neurological deficits following stroke. These data identify PHD1 as a regulator of neuronal metabolism and a potential therapeutic target in ischemic stroke. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. What Took Them So Long? Explaining PhD Delays among Doctoral Candidates

    PubMed Central

    van de Schoot, Rens; Yerkes, Mara A.; Mouw, Jolien M.; Sonneveld, Hans

    2013-01-01

    A delay in PhD completion, while likely undesirable for PhD candidates, can also be detrimental to universities if and when PhD delay leads to attrition/termination. Termination of the PhD trajectory can lead to individual stress, a loss of valuable time and resources invested in the candidate and can also mean a loss of competitive advantage. Using data from two studies of doctoral candidates in the Netherlands, we take a closer look at PhD duration and delay in doctoral completion. Specifically, we address the question: Is it possible to predict which PhD candidates will experience delays in the completion of their doctorate degree? If so, it might be possible to take steps to shorten or even prevent delay, thereby helping to enhance university competitiveness. Moreover, we discuss practical do's and don'ts for universities and graduate schools to minimize delays. PMID:23935895

  7. DELETION OR INHIBITION OF THE OXYGEN SENSOR PHD1 PROTECTS AGAINST ISCHEMIC STROKE VIA REPROGRAMMING OF NEURONAL METABOLISM

    PubMed Central

    Quaegebeur, Annelies; Segura, Inmaculada; Schmieder, Roberta; Verdegem, Dries; Decimo, Ilaria; Bifari, Francesco; Dresselaers, Tom; Eelen, Guy; Ghosh, Debapriva; Schoors, Sandra; Janaki Raman, Sudha Rani; Cruys, Bert; Govaerts, Kristof; De Legher, Carla; Bouché, Ann; Schoonjans, Luc; Ramer, Matt S.; Hung, Gene; Bossaert, Goele; Cleveland, Don W.; Himmelreich, Uwe; Voets, Thomas; Lemmens, Robin; Bennett, C. Frank; Robberecht, Wim; De Bock, Katrien; Dewerchin, Mieke; Fendt, Sarah-Maria; Ghesquière, Bart; Carmeliet, Peter

    2016-01-01

    Summary The oxygen-sensing prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHDs) regulate cellular metabolism, but their role in neuronal metabolism during stroke is unknown. Here we report that PHD1 deficiency provides neuroprotection in a murine model of permanent brain ischemia. This was not due to an increased collateral vessel network, nor to enhanced neurotrophin expression. Instead, PHD1−/− neurons were protected against oxygen-nutrient deprivation by reprogramming glucose metabolism. Indeed, PHD1−/− neurons enhanced glucose flux through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway by diverting glucose from glycolysis. As a result, PHD1−/− neurons increased their redox buffering capacity to scavenge oxygen radicals in ischemia. Intracerebroventricular injection of PHD1-antisense oligonucleotides reduced the cerebral infarct size and neurological deficits following stroke. These data identify PHD1 as a novel regulator of neuronal metabolism and a potential therapeutic target in ischemic stroke. PMID:26774962

  8. CLONING, EXPRESSION, AND MUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF RAT S-ADENOSYL-1-METHIONINE: ARSENIC (III) METHYLTRANSFERASE

    EPA Science Inventory

    CLONING, EXPRESSION, AND MUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF RAT
    S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE: ARSENIC(III) METHYLTRANSFERASE

    Stephen B. Waters, Ph.D., Miroslav Styblo, Ph.D., Melinda A. Beck, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; David J. Thomas, Ph.D., U.S. Environmental...

  9. 78 FR 17207 - Granting of Request for Early Termination of the Waiting Period Under the Premerger Notification...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-20

    .... 20130471 G Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited; Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited; Sun Pharmaceutical.... Martin, Ph.D.; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; John C. Martin, Ph.D. 20130547 G Jindal Poly Films Limited; Exxon... Norbert W. Bischofberger, Ph.D.; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Norbert W. Bischofberger, Ph.D. 20130611 G...

  10. A Multiattributes Approach for Ranking PhD Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Urbancic, Frank R.

    2008-01-01

    In its plan to combat the PhD shortage crisis, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB; 2003) has called for the development of PhD program rankings to serve as incentives for academic institutions to invest more in PhD programs, thereby counterbalancing the disproportionate influence of master of business…

  11. Prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain 3 (PHD3) is a critical terminator for cell survival of macrophages under stress conditions.

    PubMed

    Swain, Lija; Wottawa, Marieke; Hillemann, Annette; Beneke, Angelika; Odagiri, Haruki; Terada, Kazutoyo; Endo, Motoyoshi; Oike, Yuichi; Farhat, Katja; Katschinski, Dörthe M

    2014-09-01

    On a molecular level, cells sense changes in oxygen availability through the PHDs, which regulate the protein stability of the α-subunit of the transcription factor HIF. Especially, PHD3 has been additionally associated with apoptotic cell death. We hypothesized that PHD3 plays a role in cell-fate decisions in macrophages. Therefore, myeloid-specific PHD3(-/-) mice were created and analyzed. PHD3(-/-) BMDM showed no altered HIF-1α or HIF-2α stabilization or increased HIF target gene expression in normoxia or hypoxia. Macrophage M1 and M2 polarization was unchanged likewise. Compared with macrophages from WT littermates, PHD3(-/-) BMDM exhibited a significant reduction in TUNEL-positive cells after serum withdrawal or treatment with stauro and SNAP. Under the same conditions, PHD3(-/-) BMDM also showed less Annexin V staining, which is representative for membrane disruption, and indicated a reduced early apoptosis. In an unbiased transcriptome screen, we found that Angptl2 expression was reduced in PHD3(-/-) BMDM under stress conditions. Addition of rAngptl2 rescued the antiapoptotic phenotype, demonstrating that it is involved in the PHD3-mediated response toward apoptotic stimuli in macrophages. © 2014 Society for Leukocyte Biology.

  12. Germ-line PHD1 and PHD2 mutations detected in patients with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma-polycythemia.

    PubMed

    Yang, Chunzhang; Zhuang, Zhengping; Fliedner, Stephanie M J; Shankavaram, Uma; Sun, Michael G; Bullova, Petra; Zhu, Roland; Elkahloun, Abdel G; Kourlas, Peter J; Merino, Maria; Kebebew, Electron; Pacak, Karel

    2015-01-01

    We have investigated genetic/pathogenetic factors associated with a new clinical entity in patients presenting with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PHEO/PGL) and polycythemia. Two patients without hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2A) mutations, who presented with similar clinical manifestations, were analyzed for other gene mutations, including prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) mutations. We have found for the first time a germ-line mutation in PHD1 in one patient and a novel germ-line PHD2 mutation in a second patient. Both mutants exhibited reduced protein stability with substantial quantitative protein loss and thus compromised catalytic activities. Due to the unique association of patients' polycythemia with borderline or mildly elevated erythropoietin (EPO) levels, we also performed an in vitro sensitivity assay of erythroid progenitors to EPO and for EPO receptor (EPOR) expression. The results show inappropriate hypersensitivity of erythroid progenitors to EPO in these patients, indicating increased EPOR expression/activity. In addition, the present study indicates that HIF dysregulation due to PHD mutations plays an important role in the pathogenesis of these tumors and associated polycythemia. The PHD1 mutation appears to be a new member contributing to the genetic landscape of this novel clinical entity. Our results support the existence of a specific PHD1- and PHD2-associated PHEO/PGL-polycythemia disorder. • A novel germ-l i n e PHD1 mutation causing heochromocytoma/paraganglioma and polycythemia. • Increased EPOR activity and inappropriate hypersensitivity of erythroid progenitors to EPO.

  13. Pre-hospital discharge testing of defibrillator without anesthesia: effects on psychological symptoms during clinical follow-up.

    PubMed

    Petrowski, Katja; Wintermann, Gloria-Beatrice; Petzold, Christian; Strasser, Ruth H; Guenther, Michael

    2013-09-01

    After the implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), patients often fear therapeutic shock. The extent to which the experience of pre-hospital discharge (PHD) testing without anesthesia after ICD implantation, under observation by a physician, affects shock-related anxiety symptoms on follow-up has not been investigated as yet. In a prospective, randomized controlled trial, 44 patients with a primary prevention indication for an ICD were randomly assigned to experience PHD testing without anesthesia (n = 23) or with anesthesia (n = 21). Patients were longitudinally evaluated before (T(1)), shortly after (T(2)), and 3 months after (T(3)) PHD testing. During the respective PHD testings, the course of patients' serum cortisol release was measured. During PHD testing, patients without anesthesia showed a significantly higher serum cortisol release than patients with anesthesia (F(4,152) = 22.227, p < .001). Patients who experienced PHD testing without anesthesia felt significantly safer with the ICD (U = 165.000, p = .040), would significantly more often recommend other patients to undergo PHD testing without anesthesia (χ(2) = 12.013, p = .002), and showed significantly lower levels of general shock-related anxiety shortly afterward (F(1,42) = 6.327, p = .02) and 3 months after PHD testing (F(1,41) = 8.603, p = .005). The implementation of PHD testing without anesthesia is associated with lower anxiety concerning therapeutic shock. Patients should be advised about the effects of PHD testing without anesthesia on their psychological well-being in the long run.

  14. Meaningful Engagement of Organizational and Agency Partnerships to Enhance Diversity within the Earth System Science Community: A Case Study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pyrtle, A. J.; Whitney, V. W.; Powell, J. M.; Bailey, K. L.

    2006-12-01

    The Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science Initiative (MS PHD'S) was established by and for underrepresented minorities to facilitate increased and sustained participation in Earth system science community. The MS PHD'S launched its pilot program in 2003 with twenty professional organizations, agencies and institutions as partners. Each year partnership alliances have grown. In the second year or programming, thirty-one partnering agencies/institutions supported involvement of MS PHD'S student participants and for 2005-2006, representatives from forty-five agencies and institutions have provided similar support and exposure to the third cohort of student participants. Nineteen scientists served as meeting mentors during the MS PHD'S pilot program in 2003. By the following year, twenty-two additional scientists partnered with MS PHD'S mentees. During 2005-2006, twenty-one new scientists served as program mentors. Thus far, the MS PHD'S program has successfully engaged sixty-two minority and non-minority scientists as mentors to MS PHD'S student participants. AGU, AMS, ASLO, ESA, TOS, NAS OSB and JOI continue to serve as MS PHD'S Society Partners and hosts for MS PHD'S student activities in conjunction with their meetings. Each of the five professional society partners provided assistance in identifying mentors, provided complimentary memberships and meeting registrations for MS PHD'S student participants. AGU, AMS, ASLO, JOI and TOS have sponsored more than 90 conference registration and travel awards for the purpose of student participants engaging in MS PHD'S Professional Development Program Phase 2 activities at their international meetings. How did MS PHD'S establish meaningful engagement of organizational and agency partnerships to enhance diversity within the Earth system science community? This case study reveals replicable processes and constructs to enhance the quality of meaningful collaboration and engagement. In addition, the study addresses frequently asked questions (FAQ's) on the formation and sustenance of partnerships among principal investigators and evaluators and the impact of this partnership on writing proposals, implementing and evaluating program activities and outcomes.

  15. I-determinants for a successful PhD or postdoctoral outcome.

    PubMed

    Sørensen, Henrik Toft

    2016-01-01

    Many resources are invested in research training, but very little literature exists on predictors for a successful PhD and postdoctoral training outcome. A PhD program has two overall objectives: to extend knowledge about a hopefully important health topic and to provide extensive training to improve the PhD student's skills through learning research methods and collaboration. A substantial number of PhD students may run into some kind of problem in the course of their PhD program. In this article, some determinants all starting with an "I" and indicative of a good PhD outcome are reported. The successful PhD student can be described as having an Interest in the PhD program, an Incentive for the program, and an Idea of what he or she wants to investigate, showing Initiative, and having high personal Integrity and good Interpersonal relationships. When these so-called I-determinants are present, the likelihood of success in a PhD program is high. More evidence is available for selection of candidates for postdoctoral appointments since it is known that the postdoctoral candidate has completed a PhD program, published papers in peer-reviewed journals, and received awarded grants. However, other characteristics determine a successful transition of the postdoctoral candidate into a research leader. These determinants are Identity, Independence and Image, Implementation ability in terms of being able to implement decisions and projects, working with Innovative and Important topics, having In-depth knowledge of the research topic, being Interactive and Integrated with the scientific community, and Internationally oriented. In conclusion, regardless of the framework of research, the personal characteristics of a researcher play a very important role in the quality of research. Application of some of the principles mentioned in this article might allow decision to reach a more evidence-based way to recruit PhD students and postdoctorals.

  16. I-determinants for a successful PhD or postdoctoral outcome

    PubMed Central

    Sørensen, Henrik Toft

    2016-01-01

    Many resources are invested in research training, but very little literature exists on predictors for a successful PhD and postdoctoral training outcome. A PhD program has two overall objectives: to extend knowledge about a hopefully important health topic and to provide extensive training to improve the PhD student’s skills through learning research methods and collaboration. A substantial number of PhD students may run into some kind of problem in the course of their PhD program. In this article, some determinants all starting with an “I” and indicative of a good PhD outcome are reported. The successful PhD student can be described as having an Interest in the PhD program, an Incentive for the program, and an Idea of what he or she wants to investigate, showing Initiative, and having high personal Integrity and good Interpersonal relationships. When these so-called I-determinants are present, the likelihood of success in a PhD program is high. More evidence is available for selection of candidates for postdoctoral appointments since it is known that the postdoctoral candidate has completed a PhD program, published papers in peer-reviewed journals, and received awarded grants. However, other characteristics determine a successful transition of the postdoctoral candidate into a research leader. These determinants are Identity, Independence and Image, Implementation ability in terms of being able to implement decisions and projects, working with Innovative and Important topics, having In-depth knowledge of the research topic, being Interactive and Integrated with the scientific community, and Internationally oriented. In conclusion, regardless of the framework of research, the personal characteristics of a researcher play a very important role in the quality of research. Application of some of the principles mentioned in this article might allow decision to reach a more evidence-based way to recruit PhD students and postdoctorals. PMID:27574466

  17. NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program Ronald E. McNair PhD Program

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Howard, Sunnie

    1998-01-01

    The NASA Ronald E. McNair PHD Program was funded in September 1995. Implementation began during the spring of 1996. The deferment of the actual program initial semester enabled the program to continue support through the fall semester of 1998. This was accomplished by a no-cost extension from August 15, 1998 through December 31, 1998. There were 12 fellows supported by the program in 1996, 15 fellows in 1997, and 15 fellows 1998. Current program capacity is 15 fellows per funding support. Support for the academic outreach component began in spring 1998. The program was named the "Good Enough" Crew Activity (GECA) in honor of Dr. McNair's philosophy of everyone being good enough to achieve anything they want bad enough. The program currently enrolls 65 students from the third through the eight grades. The program is held 12 Saturdays per semester. The time is 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM each Saturday Morning. Program direction and facilitation is jointly administered with the PHD fellows and the Saturday Academy staff. Dr. John Kelly, REM-PHD Principal Investigator serves in a program oversight and leadership capacity. Ms. Sunnie Howard, The NASA REM-PHD Administrative Coordinator serves in an administrative and logistical capacity. Mr. Aaron Hatch, the NASA-AMES Liaison Officer, serve@'in a consultative and curriculum review capacity. The first recognition activity will be held on December 12, 1998, with the students, parents, faculty, PHD fellows, and other local student support services persons. Program outreach efforts are jointly supported by the NASA REM-PHD Program and the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. The Ph.D. program reached its first milestone in May 1998. North Carolina A&T State University graduated the first Ph.D. fellows. The first three Ph.D. Alumni were Ronald E. McNair PHD Program Fellows. It is hoped that this is just the beginning of a highly acclaimed doctoral program. The ultimate program success will be recognized when the program begins to graduate 15 fellows per year. The Ph.D. Program is only three and a half years old and the expectations of graduating PH.D's in that timeframe, is a phenomenal accomplishment for any program in the country. Since inception of the NASA REM-PHD program, tuitions and fees have increased. Stipend support was increased to offer the Ph.D. program on a competitive basis. These increases will place allocation restraints on r_ the current level of funding. These issues are being addressed in the proposal and will bear their own merit.

  18. Effect of nickel silicide gettering on metal-induced crystallized polycrystalline-silicon thin-film transistors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Hyung Yoon; Seok, Ki Hwan; Chae, Hee Jae; Lee, Sol Kyu; Lee, Yong Hee; Joo, Seung Ki

    2017-06-01

    Low-temperature polycrystalline-silicon (poly-Si) thin-film transistors (TFTs) fabricated via metal-induced crystallization (MIC) are attractive candidates for use in active-matrix flat-panel displays. However, these exhibit a large leakage current due to the nickel silicide being trapped at the grain boundaries of the poly-Si. We reduced the leakage current of the MIC poly-Si TFTs by developing a gettering method to remove the Ni impurities using a Si getter layer and natively-formed SiO2 as the etch stop interlayer. The Ni trap state density (Nt) in the MIC poly-Si film decreased after the Ni silicide gettering, and as a result, the leakage current of the MIC poly-Si TFTs decreased. Furthermore, the leakage current of MIC poly-Si TFTs gradually decreased with additional gettering. To explain the gettering effect on MIC poly-Si TFTs, we suggest an appropriate model. He received the B.S. degree in School of Advanced Materials Engineering from Kookmin University, Seoul, South Korea in 2012, and the M.S. degree in Department of Materials Science and Engineering from Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea in 2014. He is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul. He is involved in semiconductor device fabrication technology and top-gate polycrystalline-silicon thin-film transistors. He received the M.S. degree in innovation technology from Ecol Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France in 2013. He is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul. He is involved in semiconductor device fabrication technology and bottom-gate polycrystalline-silicon thin-film transistors. He is currently pursuing the integrated M.S and Ph.D course with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul. He is involved in semiconductor device fabrication technology and copper-gate polycrystalline-silicon thin-film transistors. He is currently pursuing the integrated M.S and Ph.D course with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul. He is involved in semiconductor device fabrication technology and bottom-gate polycrystalline-silicon thin-film transistors. He is currently pursuing the integrated M.S and Ph.D course with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul. He is involved in semiconductor device fabrication technology and bottom-gate polycrystalline-silicon thin-film transistors. He received the B.S. degree in metallurgical engineering from Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea, in 1974, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in material science and engineering from Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA, in 1980 and 1983, respectively. He is currently a Professor with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul.

  19. Online PhD Program Delivery Models and Their Relationship to Student Success

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jorissen, Shari L.

    2012-01-01

    Attrition rates in Ph.D. programs are at approximately 50% in traditional Ph.D. programs and 10-20% higher in online Ph.D. programs. Understanding the relationship between student factors, measures of student success (retention, graduation, year to degree), and student satisfaction is important to support and improve retention, graduation rates,…

  20. Undertaking Individual Transdisciplinary PhD Research for Sustainable Development: Case Studies from South Africa

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    van Breda, John; Musango, Josephine; Brent, Alan

    2016-01-01

    Purpose: This paper aims to improve the understanding of individual transdisciplinary PhD research in a developing country context, focusing on three individual PhD case studies in South Africa. Design/Methodology/Approach: Multiple-case method was used, and three completed transdisciplinary PhD research efforts undertaken at the Stellenbosch…

  1. PhD Funding as a Determinant of PhD and Career Research Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Horta, Hugo; Cattaneo, Mattia; Meoli, Michele

    2018-01-01

    This article focuses on the effects of PhD funding on research performance both during the degree and throughout researchers' careers as measured through publications and citations. This analysis draws from a representative sample of researchers holding a doctorate based in Portugal and finds that those funded by grants during the PhD perform…

  2. International PhD Students in Australian Universities: Financial Support, Course Experience and Career Plans

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harman, G.

    2003-01-01

    Using data from a social survey of PhD students in two major Australian universities supplemented by student interviews, this article reports on the financial support, course experience and career plans of international PhD students. While most international PhD students hold scholarships which include stipends, a minority of students experience…

  3. A Reconsideration of the Ph.D.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nichols, Roy F.

    1967-01-01

    One of the major problems in doctoral education, the shortage of Ph.D. holders, is discussed. A brief history of the German influence on graduate schools in the United States is given to suggest the reasons why the traditional Ph.D. is not designed for present needs. Suggestions are given for a more effective Ph.D. curriculum which will meet the…

  4. High Power, Millimeter-Wavelength, Coherent Radiation Sources.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-09-25

    J . Murphy, Ph.D. (1982). 5. M. Abdelkarim , Ph.D. (1984). 6. T. Buller, Ph.D. (1985). a 7. B. Johnson, Ph.D. (1985). 8. E. Garate, Ph.D. (1985). 9. R...AD-A174 521 HIGH POWER KILL IMETER-WAVELENGTH COHERENTRAITO 1/ SOURCES(U) DARTMOUTH COLL HANOVER N H DEPT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY J E WALSH 25 SEP...82 - 1/31/86 -.: AIR F , 2 ..... . . T . ... ...... , 7 Approved for public release;"":" " ’n2. j ;’L’-’ ,- -"!d ,-d 12 l . 7. ... - ’ " + d. Chief

  5. A common factor suppresses thickening in young women with malar area port wine stains and delays low density lipoprotein elevation: is it estrogen?

    PubMed

    Klapman, M H; Sosa, V B; Yao, J F

    2014-06-01

    Port wine stains in the malar area of the face can develop thickening in early adult life. We began a study with a hypothesis that this thickening can be associated with elevation of low density lipoprotein. In a retrospective review, we divided 53 subjects with malar port wine stains into 4 groups, adults 25-39 years of age with thickening, that age group without thickening, adults 40+ years of age with thickening, and that age group without thickening. Low density lipoprotein levels in the subjects were compared to age and sex matched controls randomly selected from the general Dermatology clinic. The younger subjects with thickening demonstrated significantly higher low density lipoprotein levels than their controls (p .0082) and without thickening lower low density lipoprotein levels than their controls with great significance (p .00058). The subjects without thickening also consisted mainly of women. The low density lipoprotein levels in the older age groups, whether thickened or not, demonstrated no significant difference in low density lipoprotein levels between subjects and controls. This led to a new hypothesis that there is a factor in a subgroup of young adult women with malar port wine stains that suppresses thickening and delays the elevation of low density lipoprotein and that this factor might be estrogen. The implications of this hypothesis are that it could define a marker for a subset of the population that might be protected from the diseases associated with early elevation of low density lipoprotein and provide a source of cutaneous tissue for studying the basic science of this protection (although limited by cosmetic considerations). Future laboratory research to test the new hypothesis might include testing blood of women with malar port wine stains with or without thickening for estrogen and other sex hormones. It might also include skin biopsies to study receptors for estrogen, other sex hormones, and angiogenic factors in malar port wine stains with or without thickening. Future clinical research might include a long term prospective project to study the development of low density lipoprotein related diseases in women with malar port wine stains with or without thickening over years. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. On Digital Simulation of Multicorrelated Random Processes and Its Applications. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sinha, A. K.

    1973-01-01

    Two methods are described to simulate, on a digital computer, a set of correlated, stationary, and Gaussian time series with zero mean from the given matrix of power spectral densities and cross spectral densities. The first method is based upon trigonometric series with random amplitudes and deterministic phase angles. The random amplitudes are generated by using a standard random number generator subroutine. An example is given which corresponds to three components of wind velocities at two different spatial locations for a total of six correlated time series. In the second method, the whole process is carried out using the Fast Fourier Transform approach. This method gives more accurate results and works about twenty times faster for a set of six correlated time series.

  7. Joint Services Electronics Program Research in Electronics (University of Southern California, Electronic Sciences Laboratory)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-01-05

    submitted). 3. 0. J. Kim, A. Madhukar, W. Chen, K. Z. Hu, "Realization of High Mobilities at Ultra Low Electron Density in GaAs-Al O.3GaO.7As Inverted...to-Coherent Optical Conversion", in Photorefractive Materials and Aplications , J. P. Huignard and P. Gunter, Eds., Springer-Verlag, New York (1989). 2...Schottky Barrier Epitaxial Structures," USC Ph.D. Thesis (May 1989). 2. E. Garmire, N. M. Jokerst, A. Kost, A. Dar,---, and P. D. Dapkus, "Optical

  8. Proceedings of the Scientific Conference on Obscuration and Aerosol Research Held in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland on 17-21 June 1985.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-07-01

    Aerosols:Science, Technoloy ..and Industrial Aplications . Els-!vier NY, 1984. T. H. Tsang and J. R. Brock. "On Cstwald ripening", in B.Y.H. Liu et al...of Small Glass Particles Spouted in Water", Ph.D. Thesis , Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY (1982). Table I Comparison of Predicted and...carrier densities and mobilities of graphite, copper, and second stage AsF 5 compound. The carrier den- sity of graphite is very low (l carrier for 10 atoms

  9. Acceptance of a systematic review as a thesis: survey of biomedical doctoral programs in Europe.

    PubMed

    Puljak, Livia; Sapunar, Damir

    2017-12-12

    Systematic reviews (SRs) have been proposed as a type of research methodology that should be acceptable for a graduate research thesis. The aim of this study was to analyse whether PhD theses in European biomedical graduate programs can be partly or entirely based on SRs. In 2016, we surveyed individuals in charge of European PhD programs from 105 institutions. The survey asked about acceptance of SRs as the partial or entire basis for a PhD thesis, their attitude towards such a model for PhD theses, and their knowledge about SR methodology. We received responses from 86 individuals running PhD programs in 68 institutions (institutional response rate of 65%). In 47% of the programs, SRs were an acceptable study design for a PhD thesis. However, only 20% of participants expressed a personal opinion that SRs meet the criteria for a PhD thesis. The most common reasons for not accepting SRs as the basis for PhD theses were that SRs are 'not a result of a PhD candidate's independent work, but more of a team effort' and that SRs 'do not produce enough new knowledge for a dissertation'. The majority of participants were not familiar with basic concepts related to SRs; questions about meta-analyses and the type of plots frequently used in SRs were correctly answered by only one third of the participants. Raising awareness about the importance of SRs and their methodology could contribute to higher acceptance of SRs as a type of research that forms the basis of a PhD thesis.

  10. Driver performance and behavior in adverse weather conditions : an investigation using the SHRP2 naturalistic driving study data--phase 1.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2015-12-01

    Mohamed M. Ahmed, Ph.D., P.E. (orcid.org/0000-0002-1921-0724) : Ali Ghasemzadeh, M.Sc. (orcid.org/0000-0003-1232-251X) : Hesham Eldeeb, Ph.D. : Sherif Gaweesh, M.Sc. (orcid.org/0000-0001-7977-6378) : Joshua Clapp, Ph.D. : Khaled Ksaibati, Ph.D., P.E....

  11. How Prepared Are MSW Graduates for Doctoral Research? Views of PhD Research Faculty

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Drisko, James W.; Evans, Kristin

    2018-01-01

    This national survey of PhD faculty assessed the research preparation of entering doctoral social work students on a wide range of research knowledge and related skills. The prior literature shows that PhD programs repeat much BSW and MSW research course content. This study shows that the trend continues and has perhaps widened. PhD research…

  12. Academic and research misconduct in the PhD: issues for students and supervisors.

    PubMed

    Mitchell, Theresa; Carroll, Jude

    2008-02-01

    There are many pressures upon PhD students not least the requirement to make an original or significant contribution to knowledge. Some students, confronted with complex research processes, might adopt practices that compromise standards that are unacceptable within a research community. These practices challenge the PhD student-supervisor relationship and have implication for the individual, the supervisory team, the institution, the awarding body and the wider research context. Discussion relating to misconduct within the PhD is of international importance if the aim is to encourage and facilitate rigorous research practice. Cases involving academic and research misconduct, especially those occurring at PhD level, are likely to become more frequent as numbers of PhD students increase and will demand appropriate, defensible responses from supervisors. Misconduct during PhD study can be difficult to resolve because of lack of clarity in definitions, supervisor naiveté and failure to acknowledge students' decision making limitations. Using scenarios from the first author's supervisory practice to illustrate issues of concern for students and supervisors during PhD supervision, the authors aim to illuminate the importance of engagement with regulatory bodies; problems of knowledge and understanding transfer; culturally specific issues and meanings of academic theft.

  13. ERα upregulates Phd3 to ameliorate HIF-1 induced fibrosis and inflammation in adipose tissue

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Min; Neinast, Michael D.; Frank, Aaron P.; Sun, Kai; Park, Jiyoung; Zehr, Jordan A.; Vishvanath, Lavanya; Morselli, Eugenia; Amelotte, Mason; Palmer, Biff F.; Gupta, Rana K.; Scherer, Philipp E.; Clegg, Deborah J.

    2014-01-01

    Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1) promotes fibrosis and inflammation in adipose tissues, while estrogens and Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) have the opposite effect. Here we identify an Estrogen Response Element (ERE) in the promoter of Phd3, which is a negative regulatory enzyme of HIF-1, and we demonstrate HIF-1α is ubiquitinated following 17-β estradiol (E2)/ERα mediated Phd3 transcription. Manipulating ERα in vivo increases Phd3 transcription and reduces HIF-1 activity, while addition of PHD3 ameliorates adipose tissue fibrosis and inflammation. Our findings outline a novel regulatory relationship between E2/ERα, PHD3 and HIF-1 in adipose tissues, providing a mechanistic explanation for the protective effect of E2/ERα in adipose tissue. PMID:25161887

  14. Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of Psychology.

    PubMed

    2017-12-01

    This award is given to individuals who have made sustained and enduring contributions to international cooperation and the advancement of knowledge in psychology. The 2017 recipient of the APA Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of Psychology was selected by the 2016 Committee on International Relations in Psychology (CIRP). The members of the 2016 CIRP were Melissa Morgan Consoli, PhD, and Arpana G. Inman, PhD (Co-chairs); Rehman Abdulrehman, PhD; Gonzalo Bacigalupe, EdD; Frederic Bemak, EdD; Brigitte Khoury, PhD; Susan Nolan, PhD; Nancy Sidun, PsyD; and Danny Wedding, PhD. Dr. Morgan Consoli, Dr. Inman, Dr. Nolan, and Doctor Sidun were members of the subcommittee for the 2017 award. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

  15. Using a nursing theory or a model in nursing PhD dissertations: a qualitative study from Turkey.

    PubMed

    Mete, Samiye; Gokçe İsbir, Gozde

    2015-04-01

    The aim of this study was to reveal experiences of nursing students and their advisors using theories and models in their PhD dissertations. The study adopted a descriptive qualitative approach. This study was performed with 10 PhD candidates and their five advisors from nursing faculty. The results of the study were categorized into four. These are reasons for using a theory/model in a PhD dissertation, reasons for preferring a given model, causes of difficulties in using models in PhD dissertations, and facilitating factors of using theories and models in PhD of dissertations. It was also reported to contribute to the methodology of research and professional development of the students and advisors. © 2014 NANDA International, Inc.

  16. Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science (MS PHD'S) Beyond the PhD Professional Development Program: A Pilot Project

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johnson, A.; Jearld, A.; Williamson Whitney, V.; Huggans, M.; Ricciardi, L.; Thomas, S. H.; Jansma, P. E.

    2012-12-01

    In 2011 the Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science (MS PHD'S)® initiative launched its newest activity entitled the MS PHD'S "Beyond the PhD (B-PhD) Professional Development Program." This exciting new program was designed to facilitate the development of a new community of underrepresented minority (URM) doctoral candidates and recent doctorate degree recipients in Earth system science (ESS)-related fields. The MS PHD'S B-PhD provides customized support and advocacy for MS PHD'S B-PhD participants in order to facilitate smoother and informed transitions from graduate school, to postdoctoral and tenure-track positions, as well as other "first" jobs in government, industry, and non-profit organizations. In November 2011 the first cohort of MS PHD'S B-PhD participants engaged in intensive sessions on the following topics: "Toolkits for Success for Academia, Business/Industry, Federal Government and Non-Profits", "Defining Short, Mid and Long Term Career Goals", "Accessing and Refining Skill Sets and Other Door Openers", "International Preparation and Opportunities", "Paying it Forward/Lifting as You Climb", and "Customized Strategies for Next Steps". This pilot event, which was hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington's (UTA) College of Science, also provided opportunities for participants to serve as guest lecturers in the UTA's Colleges of Science and Engineering and included one-on-one discussions with MS PHD'S B-PhD mentors and guest speakers who are well established within their individual ESS fields. Insights regarding opportunities, challenges and obstacles commonly faced by URMs within the ESS fields, as well as strategies for success were shared by MS PHD'S B-PhD mentors and guest speakers. Survey results indicate that MS PHD'S B-PhD participants appreciated not only the material covered during this pilot activity, but also appreciated the opportunity to become part of a community of young URM ESS professionals who are committed to achieving successful careers and supporting one another. This presentation will discuss outcomes from this pilot project, the use of social media to track and support ongoing MS PHD'S B-PhD activities, and "next steps" for the MS PHD'S B-PhD Professional Development Program.

  17. Developing Discourses of Knowledge and Understanding: Longitudinal Studies of Ph.D. Supervision

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kandiko, Camille B.; Kinchin, Ian M.

    2013-01-01

    Competing notions of what a Ph.D. has been, is and should be are undercurrents in doctoral education. A longitudinal study of Ph.D. supervision based on interviews and concept mapping was used to surface understandings of the purpose of a Ph.D. This research tracks change over time for both the student and the supervisor. The data were analysed…

  18. Factors Contributing to High PhD Completion Rates: A Case Study in a Research-Intensive University in New Zealand

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Spronken-Smith, Rachel; Cameron, Claire; Quigg, Robin

    2018-01-01

    This exploratory study determined PhD completions at a research-intensive university in New Zealand and considered factors affecting PhD completions. Completion data were calculated for PhD cohorts at the University of Otago from 2000 to 2012 (n = 2770) and survival models determined whether gender, enrolment status, age at admission, citizenship,…

  19. Trust Me, I'm a Doctor: A PhD Survival Guide

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Deconinck, Koen

    2015-01-01

    So, you have decided to do a PhD … now what? In this essay, the author provides some advice for beginning PhD students, basically sharing what he would tell his younger self. Doing a PhD is a transformative experience, but the process is challenging, not merely on an intellectual level but also psychologically. To overcome these challenges, one…

  20. A National Content Analysis of PhD Program Objectives, Structures, and Curricula: Do Programs Address the Full Range of Social Work's Needs?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Drisko, James; Hunnicutt, Christie; Berenson, Laura

    2015-01-01

    The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) promotes excellence in PhD education in Social Work. GADE's 2013 Quality Guidelines for PhD Programs heavily emphasize preparation for research. Little is known, however, about the details of the contemporary social work PhD program structure and curriculum. Several prior surveys have…

  1. The Purpose of the PhD: Theorising the Skills Acquired by Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mowbray, Susan; Halse, Christine

    2010-01-01

    In the past decade there has been a marked push for the development of employability skills to be part of the PhD process. This push is generally by stakeholders from above and outside the PhD process, i.e. government and industry, who view skills as a "summative product" of the PhD. In contrast, our study interviewed stakeholders inside…

  2. Cherry Featured in NCI’s Spotlight on Scientists Video Series | Poster

    Cancer.gov

    James Cherry, Ph.D., learned at an early age that education is crucial to success. He credits his mentors, some of whom include his grandmother, Shepherd University professor Burton Lidgerding, Ph.D., David Munroe, Ph.D., Frederick National Lab, and Robert J. Hohman, Ph.D., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, for guiding him to the career he has today.

  3. Clinical Investigation Program Annual Progress Report

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-10-01

    Investigators: Linda K. Kullama, Ph.D., Dr. Kenneth T. Nakamura,MD; Dr. Venkataraman Balaraman, MD, Wayne M. Ichimura, Biomedical Engineer. Department/Section...Investigators: John R. Claybaugh, Ph.D.; Kenneth T. Nakamura, MD; Dr. Venkataraman Balaraman, M.D. Department/Section: Clinical Investigation/Physiology Key...Pigs and Rats Principal ’Investigator: Linda K. Kullama, Ph.D.; John R. Claybaugh, Ph.D. Associate Investigators: Dr. Venkataraman Balaraman, M.D.; Dr

  4. Characterization of Bc1-2, Bc1-xL, and Bax Pore Formation and Their Role in Apoptosis Regulation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-01-01

    Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bax Pore Formation and Their Role in Apoptosis Regulation PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Frank Stenner -Liewen, Ph.D. Sharon Schendel, Ph.D...AUTHOR(S) Frank Stenner -Liewen, Ph.D. Sharon Schendel, Ph.D. John C. Reed, M.D., Ph.D. 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING

  5. Optimal Autonomous Spacecraft Resiliency Maneuvers Using Metaheuristics

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-15

    Optimization of Interplanetary Trajectories,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 46, No. 2, March-April 2009, pp. 365–372. [23] Subbarao , K . and...Black, PhD (Chairman) /signed/ Darryl K . Ahner, PhD (Member) /signed/ Raymond R. Hill, PhD (Member) /signed/ William E. Wiesel, PhD (Member) 29 Jul 2014...124 Appendix A: Derivation of Spherical Equations of Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Appendix B : Equations of

  6. EXPERIMENTAL INDUCTION OF CHRONIC PULMONARY DISEASE IN GENETICALLY SUSCEPTIBLE RAT MODEL

    EPA Science Inventory



    Experimental induction of chronic pulmonary disease in genetically susceptible rat model. M.C.Schladweiler, BS 1, A.D.Ledbetter 1, K.E.Pinkerton, PhD 2, K.R.Smith, PhD 2, P.S.Gilmour, PhD 1, P.A.Evansky 1, D.L.Costa, ScD 1, W.P.Watkinson, PhD 1, J.P.Nolan 1 and U.P.Kodava...

  7. Modelling Research: A Collaborative Approach to Helping PhD Students Develop Higher-Level Research Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Garcia-Perez, Alexeis; Ayres, Robert

    2012-01-01

    A high proportion of PhD candidates in science and engineering fail to complete their degrees. This paper reports the results of a series of workshops where experienced researchers and supervisors were brought together with PhD students to discuss and develop a model of the PhD process. The objective was to help students develop a more rounded and…

  8. Exploring PHD fingers and H3K4me0 interactions with molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations: AIRE-PHD1, a comparative study.

    PubMed

    Spiliotopoulos, Dimitrios; Spitaleri, Andrea; Musco, Giovanna

    2012-01-01

    PHD fingers represent one of the largest families of epigenetic readers capable of decoding post-translationally modified or unmodified histone H3 tails. Because of their direct involvement in human pathologies they are increasingly considered as a potential therapeutic target. Several PHD/histone-peptide structures have been determined, however relatively little information is available on their dynamics. Studies aiming to characterize the dynamic and energetic determinants driving histone peptide recognition by epigenetic readers would strongly benefit from computational studies. Herein we focus on the dynamic and energetic characterization of the PHD finger subclass specialized in the recognition of histone H3 peptides unmodified in position K4 (H3K4me0). As a case study we focused on the first PHD finger of autoimmune regulator protein (AIRE-PHD1) in complex with H3K4me0. PCA analysis of the covariance matrix of free AIRE-PHD1 highlights the presence of a "flapping" movement, which is blocked in an open conformation upon binding to H3K4me0. Moreover, binding free energy calculations obtained through Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) methodology are in good qualitative agreement with experiments and allow dissection of the energetic terms associated with native and alanine mutants of AIRE-PHD1/H3K4me0 complexes. MM/PBSA calculations have also been applied to the energetic analysis of other PHD fingers recognizing H3K4me0. In this case we observe excellent correlation between computed and experimental binding free energies. Overall calculations show that H3K4me0 recognition by PHD fingers relies on compensation of the electrostatic and polar solvation energy terms and is stabilized by non-polar interactions.

  9. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) promotes its degradation by induction of HIF-α-prolyl-4-hydroxylases

    PubMed Central

    2004-01-01

    An important regulator involved in oxygen-dependent gene expression is the transcription factor HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor), which is composed of an oxygen-sensitive α-subunit (HIF-1α or HIF-2α) and a constitutively expressed β-subunit. In normoxia, HIF-1α is destabilized by post-translational hydroxylation of Pro-564 and Pro-402 by a family of oxygen-sensitive dioxygenases. The three HIF-modifying human enzymes have been termed prolyl hydroxylase domain containing proteins (PHD1, PHD2 and PHD3). Prolyl hydroxylation leads to pVHL (von-Hippel-Lindau protein)-dependent ubiquitination and rapid proteasomal degradation of HIF-1α. In the present study, we report that human PHD2 and PHD3 are induced by hypoxia in primary and transformed cell lines. In the human osteosarcoma cell line, U2OS, selective suppression of HIF-1α expression by RNA interference resulted in a complete loss of hypoxic induction of PHD2 and PHD3. Induction of PHD2 by hypoxia was lost in pVHL-deficient RCC4 cells. These results suggest that hypoxic induction of PHD2 and PHD3 is critically dependent on HIF-α. Using a VHL capture assay, we demonstrate that HIF-α prolyl-4-hydroxylase capacity of cytoplasmic and nuclear protein extracts was enhanced by prolonged exposure to hypoxia. Degradation of HIF-1α after reoxygenation was accelerated, which demonstrates functional relevance of the present results. We propose a direct, negative regulatory mechanism, which limits accumulation of HIF-1α in hypoxia and leads to accelerated degradation on reoxygenation after long-term hypoxia. PMID:15104534

  10. How to Conceptualize and Implement a PhD Program in Health Sciences—The Basel Approach

    PubMed Central

    Keller, Franziska; Dhaini, Suzanne; Briel, Matthias; Henrichs, Sina; Höchsmann, Christoph; Kalbermatten, Daniel; Künzli, Nino; Mollet, Annette; Puelacher, Christian; Schmidt-Trucksäss, Arno; von Niederhäusern, Belinda; De Geest, Sabina

    2018-01-01

    Objectives: Over the past decade, several excellent guidelines have been published on how to enhance the quality of PhD education in Europe. Aimed primarily at preparing students for innovative roles in their fields, they include variously structured approaches to curricular offerings, as well as other program components applicable across specialties (eg: supervisor support, scientific conduct, transferable skills). Since 2012, the interdisciplinary PhD Program in Health Sciences (PPHS) at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Basel in Switzerland has focused on translating these guidelines into a 21st-century health sciences PhD program. Results: The PPHS started in 2012 based on the European Union (EU) guidelines for PhD education. This article describes the resulting interdisciplinary PhD program’s conceptual underpinnings, rationale, structures, and 10 building blocks, like student portfolios, thematic training, interdisciplinary research seminars, student-initiated interdisciplinary activities, financial support of course participation, top-up and extension stipends, PhD supervision, research integrity, alumni follow-up network, and promotional tools including a dedicated website. Students enter from Clinical Research, Medicine Development, Nursing Science, Epidemiology and Public Health including Insurance Medicine, Sport Science (all from the Faculty of Medicine), and Epidemiology (Faculty of Science). Discussion and Conclusion: The Basel PPHS exemplifies state-of-the-art PhD education in Health Sciences based on European guidelines and offers guidance to other groups from conceptualization to rollout of an interdisciplinary health sciences PhD program. PMID:29780889

  11. Challenges of PhD Graduated Nurses for Role Acceptance as a Clinical Educator: A Qualitative Study.

    PubMed

    Haghighi Moghadam, Yousef; Atashzadeh-Shoorideh, Foroozan; Abbaszadeh, Abbas; Feizi, Aram

    2017-06-01

    Introduction: Clinical education is the core component of nursing education. PhD graduated nurses who are faculty members can play a main role in clinical instruction. However, there is not clear understanding about the challenges which they may encounter for accepting their role as clinical educator. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges of role acceptance by PhD aduated nurses who are faculty members. Methods: In this qualitative exploratory study a total of 13 participants (8 PhD graduated in nursing, 3 head of departments of nursing, one educational vice chancellor of nursing school, and one nurse) were selected by purposive sampling method. Data were collected by semi-structured, face to face interview and analyzed by conventional content analysis approach developed by Graneheim and Lundman. Results: The main theme emerged from data analysis was "identity threat". This theme had five categories including expectations beyond ability, lack of staff's rely on the performance of PhD graduated nurses, poor clinical competencies, doubtfulness, and obligation. Conclusion: PhD graduated nurses experienced some worries about their role as clinical educators and argued that they have not been prepared for their role. Therefore, policy makers and authorities of nursing schools should support PhD graduated nurses for accepting their new roles as clinical educators. Moreover, some changes in nursing PhD curriculum is needed to improve the clinical competencies of PhD graduated and prepare them for their role as a clinical educator.

  12. Challenges of PhD Graduated Nurses for Role Acceptance as a Clinical Educator: A Qualitative Study

    PubMed Central

    Haghighi Moghadam, Yousef; Atashzadeh-Shoorideh, Foroozan; Abbaszadeh, Abbas; Feizi, Aram

    2017-01-01

    Introduction: Clinical education is the core component of nursing education. PhD graduated nurses who are faculty members can play a main role in clinical instruction. However, there is not clear understanding about the challenges which they may encounter for accepting their role as clinical educator. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges of role acceptance by PhD aduated nurses who are faculty members. Methods: In this qualitative exploratory study a total of 13 participants (8 PhD graduated in nursing, 3 head of departments of nursing, one educational vice chancellor of nursing school, and one nurse) were selected by purposive sampling method. Data were collected by semi-structured, face to face interview and analyzed by conventional content analysis approach developed by Graneheim and Lundman. Results: The main theme emerged from data analysis was "identity threat". This theme had five categories including expectations beyond ability, lack of staff’s rely on the performance of PhD graduated nurses, poor clinical competencies, doubtfulness, and obligation. Conclusion: PhD graduated nurses experienced some worries about their role as clinical educators and argued that they have not been prepared for their role. Therefore, policy makers and authorities of nursing schools should support PhD graduated nurses for accepting their new roles as clinical educators. Moreover, some changes in nursing PhD curriculum is needed to improve the clinical competencies of PhD graduated and prepare them for their role as a clinical educator. PMID:28680869

  13. Resource concentration hypothesis: effect of host plant patch size on density of herbivorous insects.

    PubMed

    Grez, A A; González, R H

    1995-09-01

    The resource concentration hypothesis (Root 1973) predicts that specialist herbivorous insects should be more abundant in large patches of host plants, because the insects are more likely to find and stay longer in those patches. Between August 1989 and January 1990 we experimentally tested Root's hypothesis by analyzing the numerical response of four species of herbivorous insects associated with patches of 4, 16, 64 and 225 cabbage plants, Brassica oleracea var. capitata. In addition, we studied the colonization of patches by adults of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), and the migration of their larvae in patches of different sizes. No herbivorous insect densities differed significantly with patch size. Adults of P. xylostella colonized all kind of patches equally. Larvae did not migrate between patches, and their disappearance rate did not differ between patches. The resource concentration hypothesis is organism-dependent, being a function of the adult and juvenile herbivore dispersal behavior in relation to the spatial scale of patchiness.

  14. Strategic Studies Quarterly. Volume 8, Number 3, Fall 2014

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-01-01

    Michael Guillot Measuring Military Power James Jay Carafano Strategy and Force Planning in a Time of Austerity BG Michael J . Meese, USA, Retired...Hudson, PhD Nori Katagiri, PhD Paul J . Springer, PhD Zachary J . Zwald, PhD Strategic Studies Quarterly (SSQ) (ISSN 1936-1815) is published quarterly...19 BG Michael J . Meese, USA, Retired Pensive Sword: Educating Officers in Austere Times ...................... 30 Stephen D. Chiabotti Feature

  15. A Two-Level Structural Equation Model for Evaluating the External Effectiveness of PhD

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chiandotto, Bruno; Masserini, Lucio

    2011-01-01

    In recent years the number of PhDs in Italy has significantly grown and purposes of PhD courses have expanded from the traditional ones. The analysis of the contribution of PhD title for job placement and employment condition of PhDs is an important tool for evaluating the quality and the effectiveness of PhD courses. For this reason, knowledge of…

  16. A Brief History of the College of Education's Doctoral Degrees

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McEwan, Hunter; Slaughter, Helen

    2004-01-01

    The College of Education at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa has two doctoral degrees: the PhD in educational psychology and the PhD in education. Both degrees have been in existence for over 30 years. The PhD in education, however, began its life as the EdD and was renamed the PhD in 1999. As two of the articles in this issue make clear…

  17. The Purpose of the Ph.D.--A South African Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Herman, Chaya

    2012-01-01

    The article sets out to explore how Ph.D. programme leaders in South Africa view the purpose of the Ph.D., and how their views shape their responses to recent policies with regard to the Ph.D. It refers in particular to the vision of the Department of Science and Technology for a five-fold increase in the number of Ph.D. graduates by 2018, and to…

  18. Partnership for development: A peer mentorship model for PhD students.

    PubMed

    Lewinski, Allison A; Mann, Tara; Flores, Dalmacio; Vance, Ashlee; Bettger, Janet Prvu; Hirschey, Rachel

    Formal mentoring relationships socialize Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students to their current and future roles as nursing scholars. Despite formal mentoring, some students may desire or benefit from additional mentoring in an informal setting. Informal mentoring complements the one-to-one relationship students develop with a primary faculty mentor or dissertation chair. This manuscript describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a student-driven, peer mentorship model, titled Partnership for Development. This small group, peer mentorship model was implemented in a PhD program at a School of Nursing during an academic year. Five student peer facilitators organized a total of 32 PhD students, 2 post-doctoral associates, and invited 5 faculty to participate. Data includes pre- and post-implementation surveys completed by the students and peer facilitator field notes. Student reported post-participation benefits included: getting to know faculty in an informal setting (n=6), socializing with students from other cohorts (n=6), and obtaining a sense of camaraderie with other PhD students (n=5). We recommend peer mentorship for other PhD programs as a way to socialize PhD students into the role of nurse scientist and assist students during their tenure as a PhD student. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Density Variations in Quartz As a Key for Deciphering Impact-Related Ultrasonic Sounding (Rajlich's Hypothesis)?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mestan, J.; Alvarez Polanco, E. I.

    2014-12-01

    Ultrasound is a form of mechanical energy with a frequency greater than ≈ 20 kHz (upper human hearing limit). It is used in many scientific as well as industrial fields. Most modern applications of ultrasound utilize sources which are either piezoelectric or magnetostrictive (Benwell et Bly 1987). A meteorite impact has been considered to be an ultrasound source during last years (Rajlich 2011). Rajlich (2014) is coming with a hypothesis that white planes made of microcavities in Bohemian quartz have their origin in an impact-related ultrasonic sounding. The Bohemian Massif has been considered to be one of the largest impact craters in whole of the world (Papagiannis et El-Baz 1988, Papagiannis 1989, Rajlich 2014). Rajlich's hypothesis implies a liquid behavior of quartz during the impact event. We state that then there have to exist planes of slightly higher density than their surroundings together with planes of microcavities. They should intersect each other without mutual influencing (as in a case of planes made of microcavities). Because physics of ultrasound during an impact event is a brand new and unknown field, we try to choose a simple way of its cognition. It is possible to take the sine wave and set 3 requirements. (1) There exist some surroundings of points of peak amplitudes. (2) These surroundings are of higher density (compression) or lower density (rarefaction) than the mean density of quartz. (3) The difference between the higher/lower and surrounding density is measurable. There was done an experimental study of Bohemian quartz using QCT bone densitometry at the Radiology Munich. Quartz with a size of ≈ 5 x 8 cm absorbed too much RTG radiation (kV 140, mAs 330), which made a picture of internal structure impossible. We propose another techniques and appeal to other scientists to face this challenge. If Bohemian quartz has a harmonically distributed density, we consider it to be a support for Rajlich's hypothesis. AcknowledgementsWe would like to thank to Prof. Martin Mack for the fact he enabled an irradiation of quartz sample at the Radiology Munich.

  20. Homeostatic and Circadian Modulation of Cognition: Integrating Mathematical and Computational Modeling Approaches

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-08-20

    Leonid V. Kalachev, Ph.D. (University of Montana, not supported on grant) Daniel J. Mollicone, Ph.D. ( Pulsar Informatics, Inc., not supported on grant...project to Pulsar Informatics, Inc., who are providing an implementation suitable for integration with crew rostering to the U.S. Navy (key...individuals involved: Daniel Mollicone, Ph.D. and Mike Stubna, Ph.D. of Pulsar Informatics, Inc.).  We transitioned a numerical library for the mathematical

  1. Tranexamic Acid for Trauma Patients: A Critical Review of the Literature

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-07-01

    REVIEW ARTICLE Tranexamic Acid for Trauma Patients: A Critical Review of the Literature Andrew P. Cap, MD, PhD, David G. Baer, PhD, Jean A. Orman...MPH, ScD, James Aden, PhD, Kathy Ryan, PhD, and Lorne H. Blackbourne, MD Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that inhibits both...prospective clinical evidence to support this application. Key Words: Tranexamic acid , Antifibrinolytic agents, Hemorrhage/drug therapy, Wounds and injuries

  2. International Humanitarian Award.

    PubMed

    2017-12-01

    The International Humanitarian Award recognizes extraordinary humanitarian services and activism by psychologists, including professional and volunteer work conducted primarily in the field with underserved populations. Award recipients are psychologists who, by their extraordinary service at a difficult time, improve the lives and contribute to the well-being of people in a large or small geographic area anywhere in the world. The 2017 recipient of the APA International Humanitarian Award was selected by the 2016 Committee on International Relations in Psychology (CIRP). The members of the 2016 CIRP were Melissa Morgan Consoli, PhD, and Arpana G. Inman, PhD (Co-chairs); Rehman Abdulrehman, PhD; Gonzalo Bacigalupe, EdD; Frederic Bemak, EdD; Brigitte Khoury, PhD; Susan Nolan, PhD; Nancy Sidun, PsyD; and Danny Wedding, PhD. Dr. Morgan Consoli, Dr. Inman, Dr. Nolan, and Doctor Sidun were members of the subcommittee for the 2017 award. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

  3. Qualitative methods in PhD theses from general practice in Scandinavia.

    PubMed

    Malterud, Kirsti; Hamberg, Katarina; Reventlow, Susanne

    2017-12-01

    Qualitative methodology is gaining increasing attention and esteem in medical research, with general practice research taking a lead. With these methods, human and social interaction and meaning can be explored and shared by systematic interpretation of text from talk, observation or video. Qualitative studies are often included in Ph.D. theses from general practice in Scandinavia. Still, the Ph.D. programs across nations and institutions offer only limited training in qualitative methods. In this opinion article, we draw upon our observations and experiences, unpacking and reflecting upon values and challenges at stake when qualitative studies are included in Ph.D. theses. Hypotheses to explain these observations are presented, followed by suggestions for standards of evaluation and improvement of Ph.D. programs. The authors conclude that multimethod Ph.D. theses should be encouraged in general practice research, in order to offer future researchers an appropriate toolbox.

  4. Qualitative methods in PhD theses from general practice in Scandinavia

    PubMed Central

    Malterud, Kirsti; Hamberg, Katarina; Reventlow, Susanne

    2017-01-01

    Qualitative methodology is gaining increasing attention and esteem in medical research, with general practice research taking a lead. With these methods, human and social interaction and meaning can be explored and shared by systematic interpretation of text from talk, observation or video. Qualitative studies are often included in Ph.D. theses from general practice in Scandinavia. Still, the Ph.D. programs across nations and institutions offer only limited training in qualitative methods. In this opinion article, we draw upon our observations and experiences, unpacking and reflecting upon values and challenges at stake when qualitative studies are included in Ph.D. theses. Hypotheses to explain these observations are presented, followed by suggestions for standards of evaluation and improvement of Ph.D. programs. The authors conclude that multimethod Ph.D. theses should be encouraged in general practice research, in order to offer future researchers an appropriate toolbox. PMID:29094644

  5. Testing fundamental ecological concepts with a Pythium-Prunus pathosystem

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The study of plant-pathogen interactions has enabled tests of basic ecological concepts on plant community assembly (Janzen-Connell Hypothesis) and plant invasion (Enemy Release Hypothesis). We used a field experiment to (#1) test whether Pythium effects depended on host (seedling) density and/or d...

  6. Evolution of domain walls in the early universe. Ph.D. Thesis - Chicago Univ.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kawano, Lawrence

    1989-01-01

    The evolution of domain walls in the early universe is studied via 2-D computer simulation. The walls are initially configured on a triangular lattice and then released from the lattice, their evolution driven by wall curvature and by the universal expansion. The walls attain an average velocity of about 0.3c and their surface area per volume (as measured in comoving coordinates) goes down with a slope of -1 with respect to conformal time, regardless of whether the universe is matter or radiation dominated. The additional influence of vacuum pressure causes the energy density to fall away from this slope and steepen, thus allowing a situation in which domain walls can constitute a significant portion of the energy density of the universe without provoking an unacceptably large perturbation upon the microwave background.

  7. Doctoral Programs to Train Future Leaders in Clinical and Translational Science

    PubMed Central

    Switzer, Galen E.; Robinson, Georgeanna F.W.B.; Rubio, Doris M.; Fowler, Nicole R.; Kapoor, Wishwa N.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose Although the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has made extensive investments in educational programs related to clinical and translational science (CTS), there has been no systematic investigation of the number and characteristics of PhD programs providing training to future leaders in CTS. The authors undertook to determine the number of institutions that, having had received NIH-funded Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs), currently had or were developing PhD programs in CTS; to examine differences between programs developed before and after CTSA funding; and to provide detailed characteristics of new programs. Method In 2012, CTS program leaders at the 60 CTSA-funded institutions completed a cross-sectional survey focusing on four key domains related to PhD programs in CTS: program development and oversight; students; curriculum and research; and milestones. Results Twenty-two institutions had fully developed PhD programs in CTS, and 268 students were earning a PhD in this new field; 13 institutions were planning a PhD program. New programs were more likely to have fully developed PhD competencies and more likely to include students in medical school, students working only on their PhD, students working on a first doctoral degree, and students working in T1 translational research. They were less likely to include physicians and students working in clinical or T2 research. Conclusions Although CTS PhD programs have similarities, they also vary in their characteristics and management of students. This may be due to diversity in translational science itself or to the relative infancy of CTS as a discipline. PMID:23899901

  8. Can the source–sink hypothesis explain macrofaunal abundance patterns in the abyss? A modelling test

    PubMed Central

    Hardy, Sarah M.; Smith, Craig R.; Thurnherr, Andreas M.

    2015-01-01

    Low food availability is a major structuring force in deep-sea benthic communities, sustaining only very low densities of organisms in parts of the abyss. These low population densities may result in an Allee effect, whereby local reproductive success is inhibited, and populations are maintained by larval dispersal from bathyal slopes. This slope–abyss source–sink (SASS) hypothesis suggests that the abyssal seafloor constitutes a vast sink habitat with macrofaunal populations sustained only by an influx of larval ‘refugees' from source areas on continental slopes, where higher productivity sustains greater population densities. Abyssal macrofaunal population densities would thus be directly related to larval inputs from bathyal source populations. We evaluate three predictions derived from the SASS hypothesis: (i) slope-derived larvae can be passively transported to central abyssal regions within a single larval period, (ii) projected larval export from slopes to the abyss reproduces global patterns of macrofaunal abundance and (iii) macrofaunal abundance decreases with distance from the continental slope. We find that abyssal macrofaunal populations are unlikely to be sustained solely through influx of larvae from slope sources. Rather, local reproduction probably sustains macrofaunal populations in relatively high-productivity abyssal areas, which must also be considered as potential larval source areas for more food-poor abyssal regions. PMID:25948686

  9. Organtropic Metastatic Secretomes and Exosomes in Breast Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    MD, PhD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Joan & Sanford I Weill Medical College of Cornell University New York, NY 10065 REPORT DATE: October 2016 TYPE...STATEMENT: Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author( s ) and...Cancer 5b. GRANT NUMBER N/A 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER David Lyden, MD, PhD, Ayuko Hoshino, PhD, Irina Matei, PhD

  10. The Role of the Novel Nuclear Tyrosine Kinase, RAK, in Breast Cancer Biology (TR950012)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-07-01

    INVESTIGATOR: Paul M. Armistead, Ph.D. Holden H. Thorp, Ph.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION : University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599...Biology (TR950012) 6. AUTHOR(S) Paul M. Armistead, Ph.D.. Holden H. Thorp, Ph.D. 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) University of...Materiel Command Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5012 5. FUNDING NUMBERS DAMD17-96-1-6067 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 10. SPONSORING

  11. The status of PhD education in economic, social, and administrative sciences between 2005 and 2008.

    PubMed

    Farley, Joel F; Wang, Chi-Chuan; Blalock, Susan J

    2010-09-10

    To describe the funding, education, enrollment, and graduation patterns from economic, social, and administrative sciences PhD programs in colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States. Economic, social, and administrative sciences PhD programs were identified from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Web site. A 41-item online survey instrument was sent to the director of graduate studies of each identified program. Only programs offering a PhD degree were included in the study. Of the 26 programs surveyed, 20 (77%) provided useable responses to the survey instrument. Approximately 91% of PhD programs guarantee funding to incoming students with an average commitment of 2.9 years. On average, students were paid a stipend of $18,000 per year for commitments to research and teaching assistantships, each averaging approximately 2 years in length. Programs admitted an average of 3.5 students per year and graduated approximately 85% of entering students. The majority of students are non-US citizens and accept positions in either academic or industrial positions after graduation. Most economic, social, and administrative sciences PhD programs guarantee funding to incoming PhD candidates. Programs offering funding packages significantly below the average may be at a competitive disadvantage. It is unclear whether the number of students graduating from PhD programs is adequate to fulfill academic and industrial needs.

  12. The methyltransferase NSD3 has chromatin-binding motifs, PHD5-C5HCH, that are distinct from other NSD (nuclear receptor SET domain) family members in their histone H3 recognition.

    PubMed

    He, Chao; Li, Fudong; Zhang, Jiahai; Wu, Jihui; Shi, Yunyu

    2013-02-15

    The NSD (nuclear receptor SET domain-containing) family members, consisting of NSD1, NSD2 (MMSET/WHSC1), and NSD3 (WHSC1L1), are SET domain-containing methyltransferases and aberrant expression of each member has been implicated in multiple diseases. They have specific mono- and dimethylase activities for H3K36, whereas play nonredundant roles during development. Aside from the well characterized catalytic SET domain, NSD proteins have multiple potential chromatin-binding motifs that are clinically relevant, including the fifth plant homeodomain (PHD5) and the adjacent Cys-His-rich domain (C5HCH) located at the C terminus. Herein, we report the crystal structures of the PHD5-C5HCH module of NSD3, in the free state and in complex with H3(1-7) (H3 residues 1-7), H3(1-15) (H3 residues 1-15), and H3(1-15)K9me3 (H3 residues 1-15 with trimethylation on K9) peptides. These structures reveal that the PHD5 and C5HCH domains fold into a novel integrated PHD-PHD-like structural module with H3 peptide bound only on the surface of PHD5 and provide the molecular basis for the recognition of unmodified H3K4 and trimethylated H3K9 by NSD3 PHD5. Structural studies and binding assays show that differences exist in histone binding specificity of the PHD5 domain between three members of the NSD family. For NSD2, the PHD5-C5HCH:H3 N terminus interaction is largely conserved, although with a stronger preference for unmethylated H3K9 (H3K9me0) than trimethylated H3K9 (H3K9me3), and NSD1 PHD5-C5HCH does not bind to H3 peptides. Our results shed light on how NSD proteins that mediate H3K36 methylation are localized to specific genomic sites and provide implications for the mechanism of functional diversity of NSD proteins.

  13. Factors that facilitate or inhibit interest of domestic students in the engineering PhD: A mixed methods study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Howell Smith, Michelle C.

    Given the increasing complexity of technology in our society, the United States has a growing demand for a more highly educated technical workforce. Unfortunately, the proportion of United States citizens earning a PhD in engineering has been declining and there is concern about meeting the economic, national security and quality of life needs of our country. This mixed methods sequential exploratory instrument design study identified factors that facilitate or inhibit interest in engineering PhD programs among domestic engineering undergraduate students in the United States. This study developed a testable theory for how domestic students become interested in engineering PhD programs and a measure of that process, the Exploring Engineering Interest Inventory (EEII). The study was conducted in four phases. The first phase of the study was a qualitative grounded theory exploration of interest in the engineering PhD. Qualitative data were collected from domestic engineering students, engineering faculty and industry professional who had earned a PhD in engineering. The second phase, instrument development, developed the Exploring Engineering Interest Inventory (EEII), a measurement instrument designed with good psychometric properties to test a series of preliminary hypotheses related to the theory generated in the qualitative phase. In the third phase of the study, the EEII was used to collect data from a larger sample of junior and senior engineering majors. The fourth phase integrated the findings from the qualitative and quantitative phases. Four factors were identified as being significant influences of interest in the engineering PhD: Personal characteristics, educational environment, misperceptions of the economic and personal costs, and misperceptions of engineering work. Recommendations include increasing faculty encouragement of students to pursue an engineering PhD and programming to correct the misperceptions of the costs of the engineering PhD and the nature of the work that PhD engineers do. The tested model provides engineering educators with information to help them prioritize their efforts to increase interest in the engineering PhD among domestic students.

  14. Haematopoietic malignancies caused by dysregulation of a chromatin-binding PHD finger.

    PubMed

    Wang, Gang G; Song, Jikui; Wang, Zhanxin; Dormann, Holger L; Casadio, Fabio; Li, Haitao; Luo, Jun-Li; Patel, Dinshaw J; Allis, C David

    2009-06-11

    Histone H3 lysine 4 methylation (H3K4me) has been proposed as a critical component in regulating gene expression, epigenetic states, and cellular identities1. The biological meaning of H3K4me is interpreted by conserved modules including plant homeodomain (PHD) fingers that recognize varied H3K4me states. The dysregulation of PHD fingers has been implicated in several human diseases, including cancers and immune or neurological disorders. Here we report that fusing an H3K4-trimethylation (H3K4me3)-binding PHD finger, such as the carboxy-terminal PHD finger of PHF23 or JARID1A (also known as KDM5A or RBBP2), to a common fusion partner nucleoporin-98 (NUP98) as identified in human leukaemias, generated potent oncoproteins that arrested haematopoietic differentiation and induced acute myeloid leukaemia in murine models. In these processes, a PHD finger that specifically recognizes H3K4me3/2 marks was essential for leukaemogenesis. Mutations in PHD fingers that abrogated H3K4me3 binding also abolished leukaemic transformation. NUP98-PHD fusion prevented the differentiation-associated removal of H3K4me3 at many loci encoding lineage-specific transcription factors (Hox(s), Gata3, Meis1, Eya1 and Pbx1), and enforced their active gene transcription in murine haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Mechanistically, NUP98-PHD fusions act as 'chromatin boundary factors', dominating over polycomb-mediated gene silencing to 'lock' developmentally critical loci into an active chromatin state (H3K4me3 with induced histone acetylation), a state that defined leukaemia stem cells. Collectively, our studies represent, to our knowledge, the first report that deregulation of the PHD finger, an 'effector' of specific histone modification, perturbs the epigenetic dynamics on developmentally critical loci, catastrophizes cellular fate decision-making, and even causes oncogenesis during mammalian development.

  15. Self-reported needs for improving the supervision competence of PhD supervisors from the medical sciences in Denmark.

    PubMed

    Raffing, Rie; Jensen, Thor Bern; Tønnesen, Hanne

    2017-10-23

    Quality of supervision is a major predictor for successful PhD projects. A survey showed that almost all PhD students in the Health Sciences in Denmark indicated that good supervision was important for the completion of their PhD study. Interestingly, approximately half of the students who withdrew from their program had experienced insufficient supervision. This led the Research Education Committee at the University of Copenhagen to recommend that supervisors further develop their supervision competence. The aim of this study was to explore PhD supervisors' self-reported needs and wishes regarding the content of a new program in supervision, with a special focus on the supervision of PhD students in medical fields. A semi-structured interview guide was developed, and 20 PhD supervisors from the Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen were interviewed. Empirical data were analysed using qualitative methods of analysis. Overall, the results indicated a general interest in improved competence and development of a new supervision programme. Those who were not interested argued that, due to their extensive experience with supervision, they had no need to participate in such a programme. The analysis revealed seven overall themes to be included in the course. The clinical context offers PhD supervisors additional challenges that include the following sub-themes: patient recruitment, writing the first article, agreements and scheduled appointments and two main groups of students, in addition to the main themes. The PhD supervisors reported the clear need and desire for a competence enhancement programme targeting the supervision of PhD students at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Supervision in the clinical context appeared to require additional competence. The Scientific Ethical Committee for the Capital Region of Denmark. Number: H-3-2010-101, date: 2010.09.29.

  16. Optimal control of first order distributed systems. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnson, T. L.

    1972-01-01

    The problem of characterizing optimal controls for a class of distributed-parameter systems is considered. The system dynamics are characterized mathematically by a finite number of coupled partial differential equations involving first-order time and space derivatives of the state variables, which are constrained at the boundary by a finite number of algebraic relations. Multiple control inputs, extending over the entire spatial region occupied by the system ("distributed controls') are to be designed so that the response of the system is optimal. A major example involving boundary control of an unstable low-density plasma is developed from physical laws.

  17. A test of the size-constraint hypothesis for a limit to sexual dimorphism in plants.

    PubMed

    Labouche, Anne-Marie; Pannell, John R

    2016-07-01

    In flowering plants, many dioecious species display a certain degree of sexual dimorphism in non-reproductive traits, but this dimorphism tends to be much less striking than that found in animals. Sexual size dimorphism in plants may be limited because competition for light in crowded environments so strongly penalises small plants. The idea that competition for light constrains the evolution of strong sexual size dimorphism in plants (the size-constraint hypothesis) implies a strong dependency of the expression of sexual size dimorphism on the neighbouring density as a result of the capacity of plants to adjust their reproductive effort and investment in growth in response to their local environment. Here, we tested this hypothesis by experimentally altering the context of competition for light among male-female pairs of the light-demanding dioecious annual plant Mercurialis annua. We found that males were smaller than females across all treatments, but sexual size dimorphism was diminished for pairs grown at higher densities. This result is consistent with the size-constraint hypothesis. We discuss our results in terms of the tension between selection on size acting in opposite directions on males and females, which have different optima under sexual selection, and stabilizing selection for similar sizes in males and females, which have similar optima under viability selection for plasticity in size expression under different density conditions.

  18. Natural Fatigue Crack Initiation and Detection in High Quality Spur Gears

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-06-01

    Natural Fatigue Crack Initiation and Detection in High Quality Spur Gears by David “Blake” Stringer, Ph.D., Kelsen E. LaBerge, Ph.D., Cory...0383 June 2012 Natural Fatigue Crack Initiation and Detection in High Quality Spur Gears David “Blake” Stringer and Ph.D., Kelsen E. LaBerge...Quality Spur Gears 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) David “Blake” Stringer, Ph.D., Kelsen E

  19. Joint Services Electronics Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-07-31

    Angela M.S. 91 Liang. Chunlin Ph.D. 90 Liang, Guo Chun Ph.D. 90 Lin, Hong Ph.D. 92 Moon, J.E. Ph.D. 90 Noriego-Asturias, Jorge M.S. 92 Raghunath ...1 11, December 3, 1990. M.T. Raghunath and Abhiram Ranade, "A Simulation-Based Comparison of Interconncction Networks," Proceedings of the 2nd IEEE...Bipolar Transistor Fabricated on SIMOX," EDL-14. No. 1, p. 33. Jan. 1993. M.T. Raghunath and Abhiram Ranade, "Customizing Interconnection Networks to

  20. Differential Splicing of Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes in African- and Caucasian-American Populations: Contributing Factor in Prostate Cancer Disparities

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    Populations: Contributing Factor in Prostate Cancer Disparities? PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Norman H Lee, Ph.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: George Washington...Prostate Cancer Disparities? 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Norman H Lee, PhD; Bi-Dar Wang, PhD; Jacqueline Olender (PhD graduate...suppressor genes in prostate cancer disparities between African American (AA) and Caucasian American (CA) prostate cancer (PCa). In year 1 of this award

  1. Annual Progress Report FY-91. Volume 1 and 2.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-03-12

    Pulmonary Med Tech 11 0644 GS Berger, TA Allergy Microbiologist 12 0403 GS Billups, L Flow Cytom Chemist 12 1320 GS Vacant Pulmonary Kyle Metabolic Unit...Reactions 11 (11/89) 3349 Salata, Kalman PhD. Mitogen-Inducible T Suppressor Cell 12 Assay by Flow Cytometry (12/89) 3350 Salata, Kalman PhD. Flow ...3/90) 3354 Salata, Kalman PhD. Two Way Mixed Lymphocyte Culture: 17 Analysis by Two Color Flow Cytometry (4/90) 3355 Salata, Kalman PhD. Effect of

  2. In Vitro and In Vivo Activity of Omadacycline Against Two Biothreat Pathogens: Bacillus Anthracis and Yersinia Pestis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-02-27

    Judith Steenbergen, PhD1; S. Ken Tanaka, PhD1; Lynda L. Miller2; Stephanie A.Halasohoris2; Jeremy R. Hershfield, PhD2 1Paratek Pharmaceuticals...Address correspondence to: Judith Steenbergen, PhD Paratek Pharmaceuticals 1000 First Avenue, Suite 400 King of Prussia, PA Judith.steenbergen...on Civilian Biodefense. JAMA. 1999;281(18):1735-45. Jernigan DB, Raghunathan PL, Bell BP, Brechner R, Bresnitz EA, Butler JC, Cetron M, Cohen M

  3. Proceedings of the AMEDD Clinical Psychology Short Course Held at San Francisco, California on 4-8 March 1985.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-03-01

    133 Intermediate solutions and Expanding Roles 0 CPT Fred N. Garland, Ph.D. Psychological Aspects of Terrorism: Terrorist groups and Personnel 141 MAJ...Robert P. O’Brien, Ph.D. The Psychological Aspects of Terrorism 155 MAJ Robert J. Rankin, Ph.D. A Factor-analytic Study of Deployment Attitudes of the...Kinesthetic Disassociation Technique in the 331 Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder CPT Jean P. Wycoff, Ph.D. Behavioral Management of Chronic

  4. Combat Readiness Check (CRC): Development of a Dual Task Assessment Protocol to Assist with Return-to-Duty Decision-Making After Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-10-01

    injury CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS: Mary Vining Radomski, PhD, OTR/L and Maggie Weightman, PT, PhD (Sister Kenny Research Center [SKRC]) CO...INVESTIGATORS: Leslie Davidson PhD (Cand), MS, OTR/L (Riverbend); MAJ Sarah Goldman PhD, OTR/L, CHT (United States Army Research Institute of Environmental...of Minnesota) ASSISTED BY: Dr. Kristin Heaton and Amanda Antczak (USARIEM) and Marsha Finkelstein (health services researcher ), Michelle Pose, and

  5. Stability of Tranexamic Acid after 12-Week Storage at Temperatures from -20 deg C to 50 deg C

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-07-01

    PRELIMINARY REPORTS STABILITY OF TRANEXAMIC ACID AFTER 12-WEEK STORAGE AT TEMPERATURES FROM –20◦C TO 50◦C Rodolfo de Guzman, Jr., MT, I. Amy...Polykratis, BS, Jill L. Sondeen, PhD, Daniel N. Darlington, PhD, Andrew P. Cap, MD, PhD, Michael A. Dubick, PhD ABSTRACT Background. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is... tranexamic acid ; temperature stability; HPLC; thromboelastography; storage PREHOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE 2013;17:394–400 BACKGROUND Hemorrhage is the leading

  6. Air Force Center of Excellence on Bio-nano-enabled Inorganic/Organic Nanostructures and Improved Cognition (BIONIC)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-09

    IRG #3)  Mostafa A. El-Sayed, School of Chemistry & Biochemistry (IRG #2)  Andrei Fedorov, School of Mechanical Engineering (IRG #2)  Michael A...Engineering, U.S. Citizen)  *David Anderson (Ph.D. student, School of Mechanical Engineering, U.S. Citizen)  Luke A. Beardslee (Ph.D. student, School...Songkil Kim (PhD student, School of Mechanical Engineering)  Philip Kwon (Ph.D. student, School of Mechanical Engineering, U.S. Citizen)  Erin Lightman

  7. Spray and Combustion of Gelled Hypergolic Propellants

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-20

    Anderson Postdoc tlnu 2/09 Ast:I·ium Mau DeRidder Anderson Postdoc tlnu 5110 Spacex Chenzhou Lian Merkle Postdoc tlnu 8/10 IBM Watson Labs Changjin Yoon...Heister PhD, 1211 1 GE Global Research Center - 5 - - 6 - Erik Dambach Heister/Pourpoint PhD, 5/11 SpaceX Paulo Santos Campanella PhD, 8/11...Yair Solomon Anderson MS, 8/12 Technion Jordan Forness Heister/Pourpoint MS, 5/13 SpaceX Jennifer Mallory Sojka PhD, 5/12 Western New England

  8. Gamma Strength Functions and Level Densities from 300 MeV Proton Scatttering at 0°

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    von Neumann-Cosel, Peter; Bassauer, Sergej; Martin, Dirk

    The gamma strength function (GSF) as well as total level densities (LDs) in 208Pb and 96Mo were extracted from high-resolution forward angle inelastic proton scattering data taken at RCNP, Osaka, Japan, and compared to experimental results obtained with the Oslo method in order to test the validity of the Brink-Axel (BA) hypothesis in the energy region of the pygmy dipole resonance. The case of 208Pb is inconclusive because of strong fluctuations of the GSF due to the small level density in a doubly closed-shell nucleus. In 96Mo the data are consistent with the BA hypothesis. The good agreement of LDs provides an independent confirmation of the approach underlying the decomposition of GSF and LDs in Oslo-type experiments.

  9. Genome-Wide Identification of the PHD-Finger Family Genes and Their Responses to Environmental Stresses in Oryza sativa L.

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Mingzhe; Yang, Junkai; Cui, Na; Zhu, Yanming

    2017-01-01

    The PHD-finger family has been demonstrated to be involved in regulating plant growth and development. However, little information is given for its role in environmental stress responses. Here, we identified a total of 59 PHD family genes in the rice genome. These OsPHDs genes were located on eleven chromosomes and synteny analysis only revealed nine duplicated pairs within the rice PHD family. Phylogenetic analysis of all OsPHDs and PHDs from other species revealed that they could be grouped into two major clusters. Furthermore, OsPHDs were clustered into eight groups and members from different groups displayed a great divergence in terms of gene structure, functional domains and conserved motifs. We also found that with the exception of OsPHD6, all OsPHDs were expressed in at least one of the ten tested tissues and OsPHDs from certain groups were expressed in specific tissues. Moreover, our results also uncovered differential responses of OsPHDs expression to environmental stresses, including ABA (abscisic acid), water deficit, cold and high Cd. By using quantitative real-time PCR, we further confirmed the differential expression of OsPHDs under these stresses. OsPHD1/7/8/13/33 were differentially expressed under water deficit and Cd stresses, while OsPHD5/17 showed altered expression under water deficit and cold stresses. Moreover, OsPHD3/44/28 displayed differential expression under ABA and Cd stresses. In conclusion, our results provide valuable information on the rice PHD family in plant responses to environmental stress, which will be helpful for further characterizing their biological roles in responding to environmental stresses.

  10. Effects of high density on spacing behaviour and reproduction in Akodon azarae: A fencing experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ávila, Belén; Bonatto, Florencia; Priotto, José; Steinmann, Andrea R.

    2016-01-01

    We studied the short term spacing behavioural responses of Pampean grassland mouse (Akodon azarae) with regard to population density in four 0.25 ha enclosures (two control and two experimental) in the 2011 breeding season. Based on the hypothesis that A. azarae breeding females exhibit spacing behaviour, and breeding males show a fusion spatial response, we tested the following predictions: (1) home range size and intrasexual overlap degree of females are independent of population density values; (2) at high population density, home range size of males decreases and the intrasexual home range overlap degree increases. To determine if female reproductive success decreases at high population density, we analyzed pregnancy rate, size and weight of litters, and period until fecundation in both low and high enclosure population density. We found that both males and females varied their home range size in relation to population density. Although male home ranges were always bigger than those of females in populations with high density, home range sizes of both sexes decreased. Females kept exclusive home ranges independent of density values meanwhile males decreased home range overlap in high breeding density populations. Although females produced litters of similar size in both treatments, weight of litter, pregnant rate and period until fecundation varied in relation to population density. Our results did not support the hypothesis that at high density females of A. azarae exhibit spacing behaviour neither that males exhibit a fusion spatial response.

  11. NCCU/BBRI-Duke/Urology Partnership In Prostate Cancer Research

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-06-01

    Joellen Schildkraut, Ph.D.; David Tulis , Ph.D.; Leon Sun, Ph 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES...Following Radical Prostatectomy among Men with Localized Prostate Cancer: A Community- Based Intervention Investigators: Dave Tulis Ph.D., NCCU/BBRI

  12. PHD domain-mediated E3 ligase activity directs intramolecular sumoylation of an adjacent bromodomain required for gene silencing.

    PubMed

    Ivanov, Alexey V; Peng, Hongzhuang; Yurchenko, Vyacheslav; Yap, Kyoko L; Negorev, Dmitri G; Schultz, David C; Psulkowski, Elyse; Fredericks, William J; White, David E; Maul, Gerd G; Sadofsky, Moshe J; Zhou, Ming-Ming; Rauscher, Frank J

    2007-12-14

    Tandem PHD and bromodomains are often found in chromatin-associated proteins and have been shown to cooperate in gene silencing. Each domain can bind specifically modified histones: the mechanisms of cooperation between these domains are unknown. We show that the PHD domain of the KAP1 corepressor functions as an intramolecular E3 ligase for sumoylation of the adjacent bromodomain. The RING finger-like structure of the PHD domain is required for both Ubc9 binding and sumoylation and directs modification to specific lysine residues in the bromodomain. Sumoylation is required for KAP1-mediated gene silencing and functions by directly recruiting the SETDB1 histone methyltransferase and the CHD3/Mi2 component of the NuRD complex via SUMO-interacting motifs. Sumoylated KAP1 stimulates the histone methyltransferase activity of SETDB1. These data provide a mechanistic explanation for the cooperation of PHD and bromodomains in gene regulation and describe a function of the PHD domain as an intramolecular E3 SUMO ligase.

  13. Integrative research on environmental and landscape change: PhD students' motivations and challenges.

    PubMed

    Tress, Bärbel; Tress, Gunther; Fry, Gary

    2009-07-01

    The growing demand for integrative (interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary) approaches in the field of environmental and landscape change has increased the number of PhD students working in this area. Yet, the motivations to join integrative projects and the challenges for PhD students have so far not been investigated. The aims of this paper were to identify the understanding of PhD students with regard to integrative research, their motivations to join integrative projects, their expectations in terms of integration and results, and to reveal the challenges they face in integrative projects. We collected data by a questionnaire survey of 104 PhD students attending five PhD Master Classes held from 2003 to 2006. We used manual content analysis to analyse the free-text answers. The results revealed that students lack a differentiated understanding of integrative approaches. The main motivations to join integrative projects were the dissertation subject, the practical relevance of the project, the intellectual stimulation of working with different disciplines, and the belief that integrative research is more innovative. Expectations in terms of integration were high. Core challenges for integration included intellectual and external challenges such as lack of knowledge of other disciplines, knowledge transfer, reaching depth, supervision, lack of exchange with other students and time demands. To improve the situation for PhD students, we suggest improving knowledge on integrative approaches, balancing practical applicability with theoretical advancement, providing formal introductions to other fields of research, and enhancing institutional support for integrative PhD projects.

  14. Neighborhood matters: the impact of Hispanic ethnic density on future depressive symptoms 1-year following an ACS event among Hispanic patients.

    PubMed

    Denton, Ellen-Ge D; Shaffer, Jonathan A; Alcantara, Carmela; Cadermil, Esteban

    2016-02-01

    The Ethnic Density hypothesis posits that living around others from similar ethnic backgrounds reduces the risk of adverse mental health outcomes such as depression. Contrary to this hypothesis, previous work has shown that Hispanic ethnic density is cross-sectionally associated with increased depressive symptom severity among patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS; myocardial infarction or unstable angina pectoris). To date, no study has examined the prospective association of Hispanic ethnic density on long-term depressive symptom severity following an acute medical event. We prospectively assessed the impact of Hispanic ethnic density on depressive symptoms, 1-year following an ACS event, among Hispanic adult patients. We tested the non-linear association between ethnic density and depressive symptoms to account for inconsistent findings on the ethnic density hypothesis. At the time of an index ACS event (i.e., baseline, N = 326) and 1-year later (N = 252), Hispanic patients from the Prescription Usage, Lifestyle, and Stress Evaluation prospective cohort study completed the Beck Depression Inventory as a measure of depressive symptom severity. Hispanic ethnic density was defined by the percentage of Hispanic residents within each patient's census tract using data extracted from the American Community Survey Census (2010-2013). Covariates included baseline demographic factors (age, gender, English fluency, education, nativity status), cardiovascular factors (Charlson comorbidity index, left ventricular ejection fraction, Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events 6-month prognostic risk score), and neighborhood factors (residential density, income, and percentage of households receiving public assistance). In an adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis there was a significant curvilinear association between Hispanic ethnic density and depressive symptom severity at 1 year. As Hispanic ethnic density increased from low to moderate density, there was an increase in depressive symptoms, but depressive symptoms slightly declined in census tracts with the highest density of Hispanics. Furthermore, gender significantly moderated the relation between Hispanic ethnic density and 1-year depressive symptom severity, such that Hispanic ethnic density was significantly associated with increased depressive symptom severity for female Hispanic patients with ACS, but not for male Hispanic patients. Previous research suggests that ethnic density may be protective against depression in Hispanic enclaves; however, our findings suggest a non-linear ethnic density effect and an overall more complex association between ethnic density and depression. These data add to a growing body of literature on the effects of sociodemographic and contextual factors on health.

  15. Neighborhood matters: the impact of Hispanic ethnic density on future depressive symptoms 1-year following an ACS event among Hispanic patients

    PubMed Central

    Denton, Ellen-ge D.; Shaffer, Jonathan A.; Alcantara, Carmela; Cadermil, Esteban

    2015-01-01

    The Ethnic Density hypothesis posits that living around others from similar ethnic backgrounds reduces the risk of adverse mental health outcomes such as depression. Contrary to this hypothesis, previous work has shown that Hispanic ethnic density is cross-sectionally associated with increased depressive symptom severity among patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS; myocardial infarction or unstable angina pectoris). To date, no study has examined the prospective association of Hispanic ethnic density on long-term depressive symptom severity following an acute medical event. We prospectively assessed the impact of Hispanic ethnic density on depressive symptoms, 1-year following an ACS event, among Hispanic adult patients. We tested the non-linear association between ethnic density and depressive symptoms to account for inconsistent findings on the ethnic density hypothesis. At the time of an index ACS event (i.e., baseline, N = 326) and 1-year later (N = 252), Hispanic patients from the Prescription Usage, Lifestyle, and Stress Evaluation prospective cohort study completed the Beck Depression Inventory as a measure of depressive symptom severity. Hispanic ethnic density was defined by the percentage of Hispanic residents within each patient's census tract using data extracted from the American Community Survey Census (2010–2013). Covariates included baseline demographic factors (age, gender, English fluency, education, nativity status), cardiovascular factors (Charlson comorbidity index, left ventricular ejection fraction, Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events 6-month prognostic risk score), and neighborhood factors (residential density, income, and percentage of households receiving public assistance). In an adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis there was a significant curvilinear association between Hispanic ethnic density and depressive symptom severity at 1 year. As Hispanic ethnic density increased from low to moderate density, there was an increase in depressive symptoms, but depressive symptoms slightly declined in census tracts with the highest density of Hispanics. Furthermore, gender significantly moderated the relation between Hispanic ethnic density and 1-year depressive symptom severity, such that Hispanic ethnic density was significantly associated with increased depressive symptom severity for female Hispanic patients with ACS, but not for male Hispanic patients. Previous research suggests that ethnic density may be protective against depression in Hispanic enclaves; however, our findings suggest a non-linear ethnic density effect and an overall more complex association between ethnic density and depression. These data add to a growing body of literature on the effects of sociodemographic and contextual factors on health. PMID:26407692

  16. 76 FR 63314 - Center for Scientific Review Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-12

    ..., (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Suzan Nadi, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Center for... Mandarin Oriental, 1330 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Contact Person: Mark Lindner, PhD.... Contact Person: Lilia Topol, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National...

  17. 77 FR 8266 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-14

    ..., (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Michael M. Sveda, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for..., MD, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health...). Contact Person: Richard Panniers, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National...

  18. 75 FR 38111 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-01

    ..., (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Arnold Revzin, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific..., (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Jerry L. Taylor, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific... Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Richard Ingraham, PhD, Scientific...

  19. Richard J. French, Ph.D. | NREL

    Science.gov Websites

    J. French, Ph.D. Photo of Richard J. French Rick French Researcher IV-Chemistry Richard.French Laboratory equipment design and construction Computer-aided design (CAD) Education Ph.D., Chemistry, Oregon State University B.S., Chemistry, Wheaton College Professional Experience Research Scientist, National

  20. 77 FR 74675 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-17

    ... Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Rajiv Kumar, Ph.D., Chief... Chaudhari, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health... Conference Call). Contact Person: Syed M Quadri, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific...

  1. Prostate Cancer Research Training Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-05-14

    David M. Lubaroff, PhD, Principal Investigator, Paul Heidger, PhD, University of Iowa Faculty Advisor, Derek Swinton, PhD, Lincoln University...discussed the options for each of them based upon their experience and their desire for the type o f future they envisioned for themselves. Am ong the top

  2. The Ph.D. Dilemma in Canada Revisited

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    von Zur-Muehlen, Max

    1978-01-01

    An oversupply of Canadian Ph.D. graduates, particularly in higher education, has occurred. Historical trends in the employment of Canada's Ph.D. holders and future prospects are discussed. Enrollment ratios in different disciplines, support programs for doctoral students, and the immigration of university teachers are covered. (SW)

  3. Exploring the relationship between population density and maternal health coverage.

    PubMed

    Hanlon, Michael; Burstein, Roy; Masters, Samuel H; Zhang, Raymond

    2012-11-21

    Delivering health services to dense populations is more practical than to dispersed populations, other factors constant. This engenders the hypothesis that population density positively affects coverage rates of health services. This hypothesis has been tested indirectly for some services at a local level, but not at a national level. We use cross-sectional data to conduct cross-country, OLS regressions at the national level to estimate the relationship between population density and maternal health coverage. We separately estimate the effect of two measures of density on three population-level coverage rates (6 tests in total). Our coverage indicators are the fraction of the maternal population completing four antenatal care visits and the utilization rates of both skilled birth attendants and in-facility delivery. The first density metric we use is the percentage of a population living in an urban area. The second metric, which we denote as a density score, is a relative ranking of countries by population density. The score's calculation discounts a nation's uninhabited territory under the assumption those areas are irrelevant to service delivery. We find significantly positive relationships between our maternal health indicators and density measures. On average, a one-unit increase in our density score is equivalent to a 0.2% increase in coverage rates. Countries with dispersed populations face higher burdens to achieve multinational coverage targets such as the United Nations' Millennial Development Goals.

  4. National Center for Mathematics and Science - who we are

    Science.gov Websites

    . Carpenter, PhD University of Wisconsin-Madison Former Director (1996-1999), Thomas A. Romberg, PhD University of Wisconsin-Madison Associate Director, James Stewart, PhD University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wisconsin-Madison Collaborating Institutions Researchers from these institutions collaborate on

  5. Understanding Gulf War Illness: An Integrative Modeling Approach

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-01

    Broderick , PhD, James O’Callaghan, 5d. PROJECT NUMBER PhD and James Blount 5e. TASK NUMBER E-Mail:mmorris1@nova.edu, jblountjr...charge of the animal research. Oversees hiring of all personnel. Funding Support: NIH Name: Gordon Broderick , PhD Project Role: Co-Director

  6. Symposium on PhD Education in Chemistry: A Four-Year Model for the PhD Degree Program in Chemistry.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burke, James D.

    1988-01-01

    Proposes an educational model for chemistry PhD education that emphasizes productivity and centrality of research. Supports greater development of communication skills and suggests a four-year timeline. Listed is a curriculum usable for most sciences. (ML)

  7. 76 FR 38405 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-30

    ..., 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Michael H Chaitin, PhD... (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: David L Williams, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific... Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: David L Williams, PhD...

  8. The Importance of Having a Ph.D., Career Advice

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A presentation on the importance of having a PhD to motivate Initiative to Maximize Student Diversity Program (IMSD) undergrads towards conducting research, pursuing careers in the biomedical field, applying to grad school, and getting a Ph.D., based upon ARS scientist's experiences as a student, a ...

  9. Characterization and remediation of Soil Contaminated with Explosives: Development of Practical Technologies

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-07-06

    Chemistry Agnes Renoux, Ph.D. Ecotoxicology Bernard Lachance, Ph. D. Ecotoxicology Ping Gong, Ph. D. Ecotoxicology Pierre-Yves Robidoux, Ph.D... Ecotoxicology Tamara Sheremata, Ph. D. Env. Engineering Diane Fournier, Ph.D. Microbiology Annamaria Halasz, M.Sc. Chemistry Louise Paquet, B.Sc...12 Chapter 4: Applied Ecotoxicology

  10. 76 FR 77544 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-13

    ... 20892 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: John Firrell, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for..., Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Aruna K Behera, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer... Wharf, 2620 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA 94133. Contact Person: Joseph D Mosca, Ph.D., Scientific...

  11. Cherry Featured in NCI’s Spotlight on Scientists Video Series | Poster

    Cancer.gov

    James Cherry, Ph.D., learned at an early age that education is crucial to success. He credits his mentors, some of whom include his grandmother, Shepherd University professor Burton Lidgerding, Ph.D., David Munroe, Ph.D., Frederick National Lab, and Robert J. Hohman, Ph.D., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, for guiding him to the career he has today. Cherry, scientific program director, Office of Scientific Operations (OSO), NCI at Frederick, is one of the scientists featured in NCI’s Spotlight on Scientists video series.

  12. Short hairpin RNA interference therapy for ischemic heart disease.

    PubMed

    Huang, Mei; Chan, Denise A; Jia, Fangjun; Xie, Xiaoyan; Li, Zongjin; Hoyt, Grant; Robbins, Robert C; Chen, Xiaoyuan; Giaccia, Amato J; Wu, Joseph C

    2008-09-30

    During hypoxia, upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha transcriptional factor can activate several downstream angiogenic genes. However, hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha is naturally degraded by prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD2) protein. Here we hypothesize that short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference therapy targeting PHD2 can be used for treatment of myocardial ischemia and this process can be followed noninvasively by molecular imaging. PHD2 was cloned from mouse embryonic stem cells by comparing the homolog gene in human and rat. The best candidate shRNA sequence for inhibiting PHD2 was inserted into the pSuper vector driven by the H1 promoter followed by a separate hypoxia response element-incorporated promoter driving a firefly luciferase reporter gene. This construct was used to transfect mouse C2C12 myoblast cell line for in vitro confirmation. Compared with the control short hairpin scramble (shScramble) as control, inhibition of PHD2 increased levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha protein and several downstream angiogenic genes by >30% (P<0.01). Afterward, shRNA targeting PHD2 (shPHD2) plasmid was injected intramyocardially following ligation of left anterior descending artery in mice. Animals were randomized into shPHD2 experimental group (n=25) versus shScramble control group (n=20). Bioluminescence imaging detected plasmid-mediated transgene expression for 4 to 5 weeks. Echocardiography showed the shPHD2 group had improved fractional shortening compared with the shScramble group at Week 4 (33.7%+/-1.9% versus 28.4%+/-2.8%; P<0.05). Postmortem analysis showed increased presence of small capillaries and venules in the infarcted zones by CD31 staining. Finally, Western blot analysis of explanted hearts also confirmed that animals treated with shPHD2 had significantly higher levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha protein. This is the first study to image the biological role of shRNA therapy for improving cardiac function. Inhibition of PHD2 by shRNA led to significant improvement in angiogenesis and contractility by in vitro and in vivo experiments. With further validation, the combination of shRNA therapy and molecular imaging can be used to track novel cardiovascular gene therapy applications in the future.

  13. Short hairpin RNA interference therapy for ischemic heart disease

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Mei; Chan, Denise; Jia, Fangjun; Xie, Xiaoyan; Li, Zongjin; Hoyt, Grant; Robbins, Robert C.; Chen, Xiaoyuan; Giaccia, Amato; Wu, Joseph C.

    2013-01-01

    Background During hypoxia, upregulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) transcriptional factor can activate several downstream angiogenic genes. However, HIF-1α is naturally degraded by prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD2) protein. Here we hypothesize that short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference therapy targeting PHD2 can be used for treatment of myocardial ischemia and this process can be followed noninvasively by molecular imaging. Methods and Results PHD2 was cloned from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells by comparing the homolog gene in human and rat. The best candidate shRNA sequence for inhibiting PHD2 was inserted into the pSuper vector driven by the H1 promoter, followed by a separate hypoxia response element (HRE)-incorporated promoter driving a firefly luciferase (Fluc) reporter gene. This construct was used to transfect mouse C2C12 myoblast cell line for in vitro confirmation. Compared to the control short hairpin scramble (shScramble) as control, inhibition of PHD2 increased levels of HIF-1α protein and several downstream angiogenic genes by >30% (P<0.01). Afterwards, shRNA targeting PHD2 (shPHD2) plasmid was injected intramyocardially following ligation of left anterior descending (LAD) artery in mice. Animals were randomized into shPHD2 group (n=20) versus shScramble sequence as control (n=20). Bioluminescence imaging detected transgene expression for 4–5 weeks. Echocardiographic study showed the shPHD2 group had improved fractional shortening compared with the shScramble group at week 4 (33.7%±1.9% vs. 28.4%±2.8%; P<0.05). Postmortem analysis showed increased presence of small capillaries and venules in the infarcted zones by CD31 staining. Finally, Western blot anlaysis of explanted hearts also confirm that animals treated with shPHD2 had significantly higher levels of HIF-1α protein. Conclusions This is the first study to image the biological role of shRNA therapy for improving cardiac function. Inhibition of PHD2 by shRNA led to significant improvement in angiogenesis and contractility by in vitro and in vivo experiments. With further validation, the combination of shRNA therapy and molecular imaging can be used to track novel cardiovascular gene therapy applications in the future. PMID:18824759

  14. Unification of field theory and maximum entropy methods for learning probability densities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kinney, Justin B.

    2015-09-01

    The need to estimate smooth probability distributions (a.k.a. probability densities) from finite sampled data is ubiquitous in science. Many approaches to this problem have been described, but none is yet regarded as providing a definitive solution. Maximum entropy estimation and Bayesian field theory are two such approaches. Both have origins in statistical physics, but the relationship between them has remained unclear. Here I unify these two methods by showing that every maximum entropy density estimate can be recovered in the infinite smoothness limit of an appropriate Bayesian field theory. I also show that Bayesian field theory estimation can be performed without imposing any boundary conditions on candidate densities, and that the infinite smoothness limit of these theories recovers the most common types of maximum entropy estimates. Bayesian field theory thus provides a natural test of the maximum entropy null hypothesis and, furthermore, returns an alternative (lower entropy) density estimate when the maximum entropy hypothesis is falsified. The computations necessary for this approach can be performed rapidly for one-dimensional data, and software for doing this is provided.

  15. Unification of field theory and maximum entropy methods for learning probability densities.

    PubMed

    Kinney, Justin B

    2015-09-01

    The need to estimate smooth probability distributions (a.k.a. probability densities) from finite sampled data is ubiquitous in science. Many approaches to this problem have been described, but none is yet regarded as providing a definitive solution. Maximum entropy estimation and Bayesian field theory are two such approaches. Both have origins in statistical physics, but the relationship between them has remained unclear. Here I unify these two methods by showing that every maximum entropy density estimate can be recovered in the infinite smoothness limit of an appropriate Bayesian field theory. I also show that Bayesian field theory estimation can be performed without imposing any boundary conditions on candidate densities, and that the infinite smoothness limit of these theories recovers the most common types of maximum entropy estimates. Bayesian field theory thus provides a natural test of the maximum entropy null hypothesis and, furthermore, returns an alternative (lower entropy) density estimate when the maximum entropy hypothesis is falsified. The computations necessary for this approach can be performed rapidly for one-dimensional data, and software for doing this is provided.

  16. The density effect: Red/far red signaling and douglas-fir seedling growth in a variable density field test

    Treesearch

    Gary A. Ritchie; James Keeley; Barbara J. Bond

    2007-01-01

    Coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedlings, when planted in a reforestation setting, exhibit early height and diameter growth that is inversely proportional to planting density. One hypothesis to explain this observation is that they are able to detect the presence of nearby trees using phytochrome by sensing the ratio of...

  17. Power spectral density analysis of the electromyogram from a work task performed in a full pressure suit. Ph.D. Thesis - Houston Univ.; [for determining muscular fatigue

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lafevers, E. V.

    1974-01-01

    Surface electromyograms (EMG) taken from three upper torso muscles during a push-pull task were analyzed by a power spectral density technique to determine the utility of the spectral analysis for identifying changes in the EMG caused by muscular fatigue. The results confirmed the value of the frequency analysis for identifying fatigue producing muscular performance. Data revealed reliable differences between muscles in fatigue induced responses to various locations in the reach envelope at which the subjects were required to perform the push-pull exercise, and the differential sensitivity of individual muscles to the various reach positions; i.e., certain reach positions imposed more fatigue related shifts in EMG power than did others. It was found that a pressurized space suit changed the pattern of normal shirtsleeve muscle fatigue responses in all three of the muscles.

  18. Generation and propagation of electromagnetic waves in the magnetosphere. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Taylor, W. W. L.

    1973-01-01

    Characteristics of broadband ELF, VLF, and LF emissions in the magnetosphere were calculated assuming incoherent Cerenkov radiation from magnetospheric electrons with energies from 50 eV to 50 keV. Calculations were included to determine the ray paths of the emitted waves. A diffusive equilibrium model of the magnetosphere with an ionosphere, plasmapause, and a centered dipole magnetic field was used. Ray path calculations were done in three dimensions. Using simultaneous energetic electron and VLF data, comparisons were made between calculated and observed VLF hiss. Assuming a wave normal angle six degrees from the resonance cone angle, the calculated spectral densities are both two orders of magnitude below the observed spectral densities. It seems unlikely that VLF hiss is produced by incoherent Cerenkov radiation. The observed spectral shape of V-shaped VLF hiss is similar to that calculated from incoherent Cerenkov radiation.

  19. Studies of discharge mechanisms in high pressure gases-applications to high efficiency high power lasers. Ph.D. Thesis. Semiannual Progress Report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cherrington, B. E.; Verdeyen, J. T.; Eden, J. G.; Leslie, S. G.

    1975-01-01

    By measuring the absorption and emission cantinua of various states in the cesium/xenon molecule, the collisional rates critical in populating the alkali/rare gas excimer levels have been estimated. Cs atomic states that are weakly optically connected to ground have been shown to form excimer levels that are attractive as potential dissociation lasers. In particular, the (Cs/7 2S/Xe) excited molecule appears promising as a source of high energy laser radiation due to its large dissociation energy, stimulated emission cross section, and small population inversion densities. Monitoring of the optically pumped Cs2 molecular absorption profile in the presence of xenon shows a drastic change with increasing xenon pressure for the Cs2C band. Dominant absorption at large xenon densities is centered around approximately 6380 A as opposed to 6300 A for lower perturber pressure.

  20. Influence of weather on low larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum) density

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Delphinium nuttallianum (low larkspur) causes serious cattle losses on mountain rangelands in western North America. Risk of cattle deaths is related to density of low larkspurs. Our hypothesis was that warmer winter/spring conditions, coupled with below average precipitation, would result in reduc...

  1. Labor efficiency and intensity of land use in rice production: an example from Kalimantan

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

    Padoch, C.

    1986-09-01

    The ''Boserup hypothesis'' contends that land-intensive systems of agriculture will be adopted only when high population density precludes the use of land-extensive methods. In the Kerayan District of East Kalimantan (Indonesia) the Lun Dayeh practice permanent-field rice cultivation despite very low human densities. An examination of the relative labor efficiencies of shifting and permanent-field agriculture in the Kerayan, as well as of local environmental and historical variables, explains why this ''anomalous'' situation exists. It is argued that since relative success in production of rice by shifting- and permanent-field irrigated methods depends on many natural and social conditions other than levelsmore » of population density, the ''environment-free'' Boserup hypothesis cannot adequately explain or predict the occurrence of particular forms of rice agriculture.« less

  2. Meaningful Engagement to Enhance Diversity: Broadened Impact Actualized

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Whitney, V. W.; Pyrtle, A. J.

    2008-12-01

    The MS PHD'S Professional Development Program was established by and for UR/US populations to facilitate increased and sustained participation within the Earth system science community. MS PHD'S is jointly funded by NSF and NASA. Fourteen (14) minority Earth system scientists served as Program mentors and one- hundred fifteen (115) minority and non-minority scientists served as Meeting Mentors to student participants. Representatives from fifty-six (56) agencies and institutions provided support and exposure to MS PHD'S student participants. Two hundred fifty-eight (258) highly qualified UR/US students completed on-line applications to participate in the MS PHD'S Professional Development Program. Because of funding limitations, slightly fewer than 50% of the applicants were selected to participate. One-hundred twenty-six (126) undergraduate and graduate students from 26 states and Puerto Rico participated in the MS PHD'S program. Sixty-eight (68) MS PHD'S student participants self-identified as African American; thirty-four (34) as Puerto Rican; nine (9) as Hispanic/Mexican American, ten (10) as Native American and one (1) each as African, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic and Multi-Ethnic. During the five year span of MS PHD'S programming, sixteen (16) student participants completed BS degrees, twelve (12) completed MS degrees and ten (10) completed the Doctoral degrees. How did MS PHD'S establish meaningful engagement to enhance diversity within the Earth system science community? This case study reveals replicable processes and constructs to enhance the quality of meaningful collaboration and engagement. In addition, the study addresses frequently asked questions (FAQ's) on outreach, recruitment, engagement, retention and success of students from underrepresented populations within diversity-focused programs.

  3. Doctoral programs to train future leaders in clinical and translational science.

    PubMed

    Switzer, Galen E; Robinson, Georgeanna F W B; Rubio, Doris M; Fowler, Nicole R; Kapoor, Wishwa N

    2013-09-01

    Although the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has made extensive investments in educational programs related to clinical and translational science (CTS), there has been no systematic investigation of the number and characteristics of PhD programs providing training to future leaders in CTS. The authors undertook to determine the number of institutions that, having had received NIH-funded Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs), currently had or were developing PhD programs in CTS; to examine differences between programs developed before and after CTSA funding; and to provide detailed characteristics of new programs. In 2012, CTS program leaders at the 60 CTSA-funded institutions completed a cross-sectional survey focusing on four key domains related to PhD programs in CTS: program development and oversight; students; curriculum and research; and milestones. Twenty-two institutions had fully developed PhD programs in CTS, and 268 students were earning PhDs in this new field; 13 institutions were planning PhD programs. New programs were more likely to have fully developed PhD competencies and more likely to include students in medical school, students working only on their PhD, students working on a first doctoral degree, and students working in T1 translational research. They were less likely to include physicians and students working in clinical or T2 research. Although CTS PhD programs have similarities, they also vary in their characteristics and management of students. This may be due to diversity in translational science itself or to the relative infancy of CTS as a discipline.

  4. Building the capacity to solve complex health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa: CARTA's multidisciplinary PhD training.

    PubMed

    Fonn, Sharon; Egesah, Omar; Cole, Donald; Griffiths, Frances; Manderson, Lenore; Kabiru, Caroline; Ezeh, Alex; Thorogood, Margaret; Izugbara, Chimaraoke

    2016-12-27

    To develop a curriculum (Joint Advanced Seminars [JASs]) that produced PhD fellows who understood that health is an outcome of multiple determinants within complex environments and that approaches from a range of disciplines is required to address health and development within the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA). We sought to attract PhD fellows, supervisors and teaching faculty from a range of disciplines into the program. Multidisciplinary teams developed the JAS curriculum. CARTA PhD fellowships were open to academics in consortium member institutions, irrespective of primary discipline, interested in doing a PhD in public and population health. Supervisors and JAS faculty were recruited from CARTA institutions. We use routine JAS evaluation data (closed and open-ended questions) collected from PhD fellows at every JAS, a survey of one CARTA cohort, and an external evaluation of CARTA to assess the impact of the JAS curriculum on learning. We describe our pedagogic approach, arguing its centrality to an appreciation of multiple disciplines, and illustrate how it promotes working in multidisciplinary ways. CARTA has attracted PhD fellows, supervisors and JAS teaching faculty from across a range of disciplines. Evaluations indicate PhD fellows have a greater appreciation of how disciplines other than their own are important to understanding health and its determinants and an appreciation and capacity to employ mixed methods research. In the short term, we have been effective in promoting an understanding of multidisciplinarity, resulting in fellows using methods from beyond their discipline of origin. This curriculum has international application.

  5. Physical Activity and Change in Mammographic Density

    PubMed Central

    Conroy, Shannon M.; Butler, Lesley M.; Harvey, Danielle; Gold, Ellen B.; Sternfeld, Barbara; Oestreicher, Nina; Greendale, Gail A.; Habel, Laurel A.

    2010-01-01

    One potential mechanism by which physical activity may protect against breast cancer is by decreasing mammographic density. Percent mammographic density, the proportion of dense breast tissue area to total breast area, declines with age and is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. The authors hypothesized that women who were more physically active would have a greater decline in percent mammographic density with age, compared with less physically active women. The authors tested this hypothesis using longitudinal data (1996–2004) from 722 participants in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a multiethnic cohort of women who were pre- and early perimenopausal at baseline, with multivariable, repeated-measures linear regression analyses. During an average of 5.6 years, the mean annual decline in percent mammographic density was 1.1% (standard deviation = 0.1). A 1-unit increase in total physical activity score was associated with a weaker annual decline in percent mammographic density by 0.09% (standard error = 0.03; P = 0.01). Physical activity was inversely associated with the change in nondense breast area (P < 0.01) and not associated with the change in dense breast area (P = 0.17). Study results do not support the hypothesis that physical activity reduces breast cancer through a mechanism that includes reduced mammographic density. PMID:20354074

  6. Evolution of Swarming Behavior Is Shaped by How Predators Attack.

    PubMed

    Olson, Randal S; Knoester, David B; Adami, Christoph

    2016-01-01

    Animal grouping behaviors have been widely studied due to their implications for understanding social intelligence, collective cognition, and potential applications in engineering, artificial intelligence, and robotics. An important biological aspect of these studies is discerning which selection pressures favor the evolution of grouping behavior. In the past decade, researchers have begun using evolutionary computation to study the evolutionary effects of these selection pressures in predator-prey models. The selfish herd hypothesis states that concentrated groups arise because prey selfishly attempt to place their conspecifics between themselves and the predator, thus causing an endless cycle of movement toward the center of the group. Using an evolutionary model of a predator-prey system, we show that how predators attack is critical to the evolution of the selfish herd. Following this discovery, we show that density-dependent predation provides an abstraction of Hamilton's original formulation of domains of danger. Finally, we verify that density-dependent predation provides a sufficient selective advantage for prey to evolve the selfish herd in response to predation by coevolving predators. Thus, our work corroborates Hamilton's selfish herd hypothesis in a digital evolutionary model, refines the assumptions of the selfish herd hypothesis, and generalizes the domain of danger concept to density-dependent predation.

  7. University Curricula in the Marine Sciences and Related Fields. Academic Years 1969-70 and 1970-71.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1971-01-01

    Associate Professor Krause , Dale C., Associate Professor 112 McMaster, Robert L., Ph.D., Associate Professor Smayda, Theodore J., Dr., Philos...Associate Professor of Zoology Division of Physical Sciences Allison, Edwin C., Ph.D., Professor of Geology Berger, Wolfgang , Ph.D., Assistant Professor of

  8. The PhD Viva: A Space for Academic Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Share, Michelle

    2016-01-01

    This study examined the viva experiences of 87 social science PhD graduates from three Irish higher education institutions through a questionnaire that assessed outcome, preparation, conduct and post-viva. The majority were awarded their PhD with minor corrections, considered their viva as a summative assessment, and emphasised its purpose as…

  9. Research Collaboration and Commercialization: The PhD Candidate Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dooley, Lawrence; Kenny, Breda

    2015-01-01

    This paper explores PhD students' perceptions of their entrepreneurial and commercial capabilities, their attitude towards university supports and the extent to which they engage in external collaboration. The study concentrated on current PhD researchers at one university in Ireland as a unit of analysis and provides encouraging evidence from the…

  10. Tracking the PhD Students' Daily Computer Use

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sim, Kwong Nui; van der Meer, Jacques

    2015-01-01

    This study investigated PhD students' computer activities in their daily research practice. Software that tracks computer usage (Manic Time) was installed on the computers of nine PhD students, who were at their early, mid and final stage in doing their doctoral research in four different discipline areas (Commerce, Humanities, Health Sciences and…

  11. Strategic Studies Quarterly. Volume 5, Number 3. Fall 2011

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-01-01

    Christopher M. Hemmer, PhD Kimberly A. Hudson, PhD Col Basil S. Norris Jr., USAF, Retired Gary J. Schaub, PhD Strategic Studies Quarterly (SSQ...29). Sloterdijk goes on to describe a direct progression from the wartime use of poi­ son gas to the postwar development of pesticides and of Zyklon

  12. The Structure of PhD Conclusion Chapters

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bunton, David

    2005-01-01

    This paper considers the generic structure of "Conclusion" chapters in PhD theses or dissertations. From a corpus of 45 PhD theses covering a range of disciplines, chapters playing a concluding role were identified and analysed for their functional moves and steps. Most "Conclusions" were found to restate purpose, consolidate research space with a…

  13. 76 FR 54240 - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-31

    ...: Robert G. Keefe, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program, DEA/NIAID/NIH/DHHS, Room 3256... Conference Call). Contact Person: Robert G. Keefe, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program... Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817 (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Robert G. Keefe, PhD, Scientific...

  14. Sensory Dysfunction in Early Parkinson’s Disease

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-07-01

    Hall, Ph.D., Neil T. Shepard , Ph.D., Allen Osman, Ph.D. 5e. TASK NUMBER E-Mail: doty@mail.med.upenn.edu 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING...scores of this measure. 4b. Spatial Tactile Sensation JVP domes (Lafayette Instrument Co., Chicago , IL) were used to assess spatial tactile

  15. A Renaissance in Engineering PhD Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Akay, Adnan

    2008-01-01

    This paper addresses the role of engineering PhD education and its relationship to innovation and technology, and the need to reconsider how we educate PhD engineers. Much of the effort on engineering education in the last two decades focused on undergraduate education with a few exceptions that relate to master degree programs. Doctoral education…

  16. Superstar of the Sloan Minority Ph.D. Program.

    PubMed

    Greenwood, Ted

    2013-01-01

    In AY 1994-95 the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation launched a program, later known as the Minority Ph.D. Program, to increase the number of underrepresented minority students earning Ph.D.s in natural sciences, engineering and mathematics (SEM). This program emerged from a recognition that African Americans, Hispanic Americans and American Indians were very underrepresented at all levels and in all aspects of SEM disciplines and that, although undergraduate education had received and continued to received much attention by universities, private funders and government agencies, there was still relatively little attention being paid to the graduate and especially the Ph.D. level. Because earning the Ph.D. is a necessary milestone along the pathway to a faculty position and the effort to diversify the graduates of SEM disciplines depends, in large part, on diversifying the faculty at American universities, this relative lack of attention to Ph.D. education was, in the opinion of the Sloan Foundation, a significant deficiency of national efforts. As a Program Director at the Sloan Foundation, I initiated this Minority Ph.D. Program and ran it until my retirement in June 2011.

  17. [MD PhD programs: Providing basic science education for ophthalmologists].

    PubMed

    Spaniol, K; Geerling, G

    2015-06-01

    Enrollment in MD PhD programs offers the opportunity of a basic science education for medical students and doctors. These programs originated in the USA where structured programs have been offered for many years, but now German universities also run MD PhD programs. The MD PhD programs provided by German universities were investigated regarding entrance requirements, structure and financing modalities. An internet and telephone-based search was carried out. Out of 34 German universities 22 offered MD PhD programs. At 15 of the 22 universities a successfully completed course of studies in medicine was required for enrollment, 7 programs admitted medical students in training and 7 programs required a medical doctoral thesis, which had to be completed with at least a grade of magna cum laude in 3 cases. Financing required scholarships in many cases. Several German universities currently offer MD PhD programs; however, these differ considerably regarding entrance requirements, structure and financing. A detailed analysis investigating the success rates of these programs (e.g. successful completion and career paths of graduates) would be of benefit.

  18. The Production Rate and Employment of Ph.D. Astronomers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Metcalfe, Travis S.

    2008-02-01

    In an effort to encourage self-regulation of the astronomy job market, I examine the supply of, and demand for, astronomers over time. On the supply side, I document the production rate of Ph.D. astronomers from 1970 to 2006 using the UMI Dissertation Abstracts database, along with data from other independent sources. I compare the long-term trends in Ph.D. production with federal astronomy research funding over the same time period, and I demonstrate that additional funding is correlated with higher subsequent Ph.D. production. On the demand side, I monitor the changing patterns of employment using statistics about the number and types of jobs advertised in the AAS Job Register from 1984 to 2006. Finally, I assess the sustainability of the job market by normalizing this demand by the annual Ph.D. production. The most recent data suggest that there are now annual advertisements for about one postdoctoral job, half a faculty job, and half a research/support position for every new domestic Ph.D. recipient in astronomy and astrophysics. The average new astronomer might expect to hold up to 3 jobs before finding a steady position.

  19. PHD Domain-Mediated E3 Ligase Activity Directs Intramolecular Sumoylation of an Adjacent Bromodomain which is Required for Gene Silencing

    PubMed Central

    Ivanov, Alexey V.; Peng, Hongzhuang; Yurchenko, Vyacheslav; Yap, Kyoko L.; Negorev, Dmitri G.; Schultz, David C.; Psulkowski, Elyse; Fredericks, William J.; White, David E.; Maul, Gerd G.; Sadofsky, Moshe J.; Zhou, Ming-Ming; Rauscher, Frank J.

    2015-01-01

    SUMMARY Tandem PHD and bromodomains are often found in chromatin-associated proteins and have been shown to cooperate in gene silencing. Each domain can bind specifically modified histones: the mechanisms of cooperation between these domains are unknown. We show that the PHD domain of the KAP1 corepressor functions as an intramolecular E3 ligase for sumoylation of the adjacent bromodomain. The RING finger-like structure of the PHD domain is required for both Ubc9 binding and sumoylation and directs modification to specific lysine residues in the bromodomain. Sumoylation is required for KAP1-mediated gene silencing and functions by directly recruiting the SETDB1 histone methyltransferase and the CHD3/Mi2 component of the NuRD complex via SUMO interacting motifs. Sumoylated KAP1 stimulates the histone methyltransferase activity of SETDB1. These data provide a mechanistic explanation for the cooperation of PHD and bromodomains in gene regulation and describe a new function of the PHD domain as an intramolecular E3 SUMO ligase. PMID:18082607

  20. Temporal changes in kin structure through a population cycle in a territorial bird, the red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus.

    PubMed

    Piertney, Stuart B; Lambin, Xavier; Maccoll, Andrew D C; Lock, Kerry; Bacon, Philip J; Dallas, John F; Leckie, Fiona; Mougeot, Francois; Racey, Paul A; Redpath, Steve; Moss, Robert

    2008-05-01

    Populations of red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) undergo regular multiannual cycles in abundance. The 'kinship hypothesis' posits that such cycles are caused by changes in kin structure among territorial males producing delayed density-dependent changes in aggressiveness, which in turn influence recruitment and regulate density. The kinship hypothesis makes several specific predictions about the levels of kinship, aggressiveness and recruitment through a population cycle: (i) kin structure will build up during the increase phase of a cycle, but break down prior to peak density; (ii) kin structure influences aggressiveness, such that there will be a negative relationship between kinship and aggressiveness over the years; (iii) as aggressiveness regulates recruitment and density, there will be a negative relationship between aggressiveness in one year and both recruitment and density in the next; (iv) as kin structure influences recruitment via an affect on aggressiveness, there will be a positive relationship between kinship in one year and recruitment the next. Here we test these predictions through the course of an 8-year cycle in a natural population of red grouse in northeast Scotland, using microsatellite DNA markers to resolve changing patterns of kin structure, and supra-orbital comb height of grouse as an index of aggressiveness. Both kin structure and aggressiveness were dynamic through the course of the cycle, and changing patterns were entirely consistent with the expectations of the kinship hypothesis. Results are discussed in relation to potential drivers of population regulation and implications of dynamic kin structure for population genetics.

  1. Covariance hypotheses for LANDSAT data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Decell, H. P.; Peters, C.

    1983-01-01

    Two covariance hypotheses are considered for LANDSAT data acquired by sampling fields, one an autoregressive covariance structure and the other the hypothesis of exchangeability. A minimum entropy approximation of the first structure by the second is derived and shown to have desirable properties for incorporation into a mixture density estimation procedure. Results of a rough test of the exchangeability hypothesis are presented.

  2. Who wants to enroll in health care PhD programs? An analysis of a nationwide graduate destination survey.

    PubMed

    Pan, Ying-Ju; Lee, Lung-Sheng

    2012-06-01

    PhD training is important for national human resource development in the era of the "knowledge economy". However, it is not clear what factors are associated with the decision of a master's degree graduate to pursue a PhD degree in health care, including medicine, public health, and nursing. It is postulated that the intention to pursue a PhD degree in health care is associated with a graduate's attributes, academic publication, socioeconomic status, and extent of financial support. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted to analyze data from the 2007 nationwide graduate destination survey in Taiwan. Logistic regression with a forward stepwise model selection strategy was applied to identify those significant factors related to the intention of master's degree graduates to pursue a PhD degree in health care. The predictive validity of the selected model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. Of the 1668 master's degree graduates who responded to the survey, only 240 (14.4%) indicated a desire to pursue a PhD degree. Seven factors are identified to be independently associated with the intention to pursue a PhD degree in health care, including female gender [odds ratio (OR)=0.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.13-0.26], more than 2 years in graduate school (OR=0.46), working during graduate school (OR=0.47), submission of conference and journal articles (OR=1.61 and 1.48, respectively), tuition source, and parents' educational level. The predictive validity of the selected model was 0.77. These findings provide an overview of potential PhD students in the field of health care. Based on this assessment, effective strategies need to be developed to attract and retain qualified candidates, as well as other types of PhD students who are in demand in this field. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. Structural Insight Into Histone Recognition by the ING PHD Fingers

    PubMed Central

    Champagne, Karen S.; Kutateladze, Tatiana G.

    2009-01-01

    The Inhibitor of Growth (ING) tumor suppressors are implicated in oncogenesis, control of DNA damage repair, cellular senescence and apoptosis. All members of the ING family contain unique amino-terminal regions and a carboxy-terminal plant homeodomain (PHD) finger. While the amino-terminal domains associate with a number of protein effectors including distinct components of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes, the PHD finger binds strongly and specifically to histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4 (H3K4me3). In this review we describe the molecular mechanism of H3K4me3 recognition by the ING1-5 PHD fingers, analyze the determinants of the histone specificity and compare the biological activities and structures within subsets of PHD fingers. The atomic-resolution structures of the ING PHD fingers in complex with a H3K4me3 peptide reveal that the histone tail is bound in a large and deep binding site encompassing nearly one-third of the protein surface. An extensive network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic and cation-π contacts, and complementary surface interactions coordinate the first six residues of the H3K4me3 peptide. The trimethylated Lys4 occupies an elongated groove, formed by the highly conserved aromatic and hydrophobic residues of the PHD finger, whereas the adjacent groove accommodates Arg2. The two grooves are connected by a narrow channel, the small size of which defines the PHD finger’s specificity, excluding interactions with other modified histone peptides. Binding of the ING PHD fingers to H3K4me3 plays a critical role in regulating chromatin acetylation. The ING proteins function as tethering molecules that physically link the HDAC and HAT enzymatic complexes to chromatin. In this review we also highlight progress recently made in understanding the molecular basis underlying biological and tumorigenic activities of the ING tumor suppressors. PMID:19442115

  4. Hypoxia Inducible Factor-2 Alpha and Prolinhydroxylase 2 Polymorphisms in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

    PubMed

    Dötsch, Annika; Eisele, Lewin; Rabeling, Miriam; Rump, Katharina; Walstein, Kai; Bick, Alexandra; Cox, Linda; Engler, Andrea; Bachmann, Hagen S; Jöckel, Karl-Heinz; Adamzik, Michael; Peters, Jürgen; Schäfer, Simon T

    2017-06-14

    Hypoxia-inducible-factor-2α (HIF-2α) and HIF-2 degrading prolyl-hydroxylases (PHD) are key regulators of adaptive hypoxic responses i.e., in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Specifically, functionally active genetic variants of HIF-2α (single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) [ch2:46441523(hg18)]) and PHD2 (C/T; SNP rs516651 and T/C; SNP rs480902) are associated with improved adaptation to hypoxia i.e., in high-altitude residents. However, little is known about these SNPs' prevalence in Caucasians and impact on ARDS-outcome. Thus, we tested the hypotheses that in Caucasian ARDS patients SNPs in HIF-2α or PHD2 genes are (1) common, and (2) independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. After ethics-committee approval, 272 ARDS patients were prospectively included, genotyped for PHD2 (Taqman SNP Genotyping Assay) and HIF-2α -polymorphism (restriction digest + agarose-gel visualization), and genotype dependent 30-day mortality was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier-plots and multivariate Cox-regression analyses. Frequencies were 99.62% for homozygous HIF-2α CC-carriers (CG: 0.38%; GG: 0%), 2.3% for homozygous PHD2 SNP rs516651 TT-carriers (CT: 18.9%; CC: 78.8%), and 3.7% for homozygous PHD2 SNP rs480902 TT-carriers (CT: 43.9%; CC: 52.4%). PHD2 rs516651 TT-genotype in ARDS was independently associated with a 3.34 times greater mortality risk (OR 3.34, CI 1.09-10.22; p = 0.034) within 30-days, whereas the other SNPs had no significant impact ( p = ns). The homozygous HIF-2α GG-genotype was not present in our Caucasian ARDS cohort; however PHD2 SNPs exist in Caucasians, and PHD2 rs516651 TT-genotype was associated with an increased 30-day mortality suggesting a relevance for adaptive responses in ARDS.

  5. Observations of Far-Infrared Molecular Emission Lines from the Orion Molecular Cloud. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Viscuso, P. J.

    1986-01-01

    The Orion Nebula was the subject of intensive study for over one hundred years. Recently, several far infrared transitions among the low-lying levels of OH were observed toward IRc2. The OH is thought to be abundant, and plays an important role in the chemical evolution of shock and post-shock regions. The OH emission serves as a sensitive probe of the temperature and density for the shock-processed gas. A rigorous treatment of the radiative transfer of these measured transitions was performed using the escape probability formalism. From this analysis, the temperature of the OH-emitting region was determined to be on the order of 40K. This suggests that the gas is part of the post-shock gas that has cooled sufficiently, most likely by way of radiative cooling by CO. Such cooling from shock temperatures of several degrees can be accomplished in 100 years. A molecular hydrogen density of 3 million/cubic cm and an OH column density of 1.0 x 10 to the 17th /sq cm is found. The beam filling factor is determined to be 36%.

  6. Production Potential of 47Sc Using Spallation Neutron Flux at the Los Alamos Isotope Production Facility

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-03-27

    Kowash, PhD (Chairman) Date //signed// 14 March 2014 LTC Stephen McHale, PhD (Member) Date //signed// 10 March 2014 Dr. Jonathan Engle, PhD (Member) Date ...signed// 14 March 2014 Dr. Justin Clinton, PhD (Member) Date AFIT-ENP-14-M-02 Abstract Scandium-47 (T1/2 = 3.41d) forms stable complexes with...0.2 µCi g−1 µAh−1 in the 47Ti and 50Ti-oxide samples, respectively. Radioisotopic purities of 47Sc in excess of 90% are achieved by activation of 47Ti

  7. Seasonal comparison of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages in a flooded coastal freshwater marsh

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kang, Sung-Ryong; King, Sammy L.

    2013-01-01

    Marsh flooding and drying may be important factors affecting aquatic macroinvertebrate density and distribution in coastal freshwater marshes. Limited availability of water as a result of drying in emergent marsh may decrease density, taxonomic diversity, and taxa richness. The principal objectives of this study are to characterize the seasonal aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblage in a freshwater emergent marsh and compare aquatic macroinvertebrate species composition, density, and taxonomic diversity to that of freshwater marsh ponds. We hypothesize that 1) freshwater emergent marsh has lower seasonal density and taxonomic diversity compared to that of freshwater marsh ponds; and 2) freshwater emergent marsh has lower taxa richness than freshwater marsh ponds. Seasonal aquatic macroinvertebrate density in freshwater emergent marsh ranged from 0 organisms/m2 (summer 2009) to 91.1 ± 20.53 organisms/m2 (mean ± SE; spring 2009). Density in spring was higher than in all other seasons. Taxonomic diversity did not differ and there were no unique species in the freshwater emergent marsh. Our data only partially support our first hypothesis as aquatic macroinvertebrate density and taxonomic diversity between freshwater emergent marsh and ponds did not differ in spring, fall, and winter but ponds supported higher macroinvertebrate densities than freshwater emergent marsh during summer. However, our data did not support our second hypothesis as taxa richness between freshwater emergent marsh and ponds did not statistically differ.

  8. Prolyl hydroxylase regulates axonal rewiring and motor recovery after traumatic brain injury

    PubMed Central

    Miyake, S; Muramatsu, R; Hamaguchi, M; Yamashita, T

    2015-01-01

    Prolyl 4-hydroxylases (PHDs; PHD1, PHD2, and PHD3) are a component of cellular oxygen sensors that regulate the adaptive response depending on the oxygen concentration stabilized by hypoxia/stress-regulated genes transcription. In normoxic condition, PHD2 is required to stabilize hypoxia inducible factors. Silencing of PHD2 leads to the activation of intracellular signaling including RhoA and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), which are key regulators of neurite growth. In this study, we determined that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of PHD2 in cultured cortical neurons prevents neurite elongation through a ROCK-dependent mechanism. We then explored the role of PHDs in axonal reorganization following a traumatic brain injury in adult mice. Unilateral destruction of motor cortex resulted in behavioral deficits due to disruption of the corticospinal tract (CST), a part of the descending motor pathway. In the spinal cord, sprouting of fibers from the intact side of the CST into the denervated side is thought to contribute to the recovery process following an injury. Intracortical infusion of PHD inhibitors into the intact side of the motor cortex abrogated spontaneous formation of CST collaterals and functional recovery after damage to the sensorimotor cortex. These findings suggest PHDs have an important role in the formation of compensatory axonal networks following an injury and may represent a new molecular target for the central nervous system disorders. PMID:25675298

  9. Implementation methodology for interoperable personal health devices with low-voltage low-power constraints.

    PubMed

    Martinez-Espronceda, Miguel; Martinez, Ignacio; Serrano, Luis; Led, Santiago; Trigo, Jesús Daniel; Marzo, Asier; Escayola, Javier; Garcia, José

    2011-05-01

    Traditionally, e-Health solutions were located at the point of care (PoC), while the new ubiquitous user-centered paradigm draws on standard-based personal health devices (PHDs). Such devices place strict constraints on computation and battery efficiency that encouraged the International Organization for Standardization/IEEE11073 (X73) standard for medical devices to evolve from X73PoC to X73PHD. In this context, low-voltage low-power (LV-LP) technologies meet the restrictions of X73PHD-compliant devices. Since X73PHD does not approach the software architecture, the accomplishment of an efficient design falls directly on the software developer. Therefore, computational and battery performance of such LV-LP-constrained devices can even be outperformed through an efficient X73PHD implementation design. In this context, this paper proposes a new methodology to implement X73PHD into microcontroller-based platforms with LV-LP constraints. Such implementation methodology has been developed through a patterns-based approach and applied to a number of X73PHD-compliant agents (including weighing scale, blood pressure monitor, and thermometer specializations) and microprocessor architectures (8, 16, and 32 bits) as a proof of concept. As a reference, the results obtained in the weighing scale guarantee all features of X73PHD running over a microcontroller architecture based on ARM7TDMI requiring only 168 B of RAM and 2546 B of flash memory.

  10. Bayesian Model Selection in Geophysics: The evidence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vrugt, J. A.

    2016-12-01

    Bayesian inference has found widespread application and use in science and engineering to reconcile Earth system models with data, including prediction in space (interpolation), prediction in time (forecasting), assimilation of observations and deterministic/stochastic model output, and inference of the model parameters. Per Bayes theorem, the posterior probability, , P(H|D), of a hypothesis, H, given the data D, is equivalent to the product of its prior probability, P(H), and likelihood, L(H|D), divided by a normalization constant, P(D). In geophysics, the hypothesis, H, often constitutes a description (parameterization) of the subsurface for some entity of interest (e.g. porosity, moisture content). The normalization constant, P(D), is not required for inference of the subsurface structure, yet of great value for model selection. Unfortunately, it is not particularly easy to estimate P(D) in practice. Here, I will introduce the various building blocks of a general purpose method which provides robust and unbiased estimates of the evidence, P(D). This method uses multi-dimensional numerical integration of the posterior (parameter) distribution. I will then illustrate this new estimator by application to three competing subsurface models (hypothesis) using GPR travel time data from the South Oyster Bacterial Transport Site, in Virginia, USA. The three subsurface models differ in their treatment of the porosity distribution and use (a) horizontal layering with fixed layer thicknesses, (b) vertical layering with fixed layer thicknesses and (c) a multi-Gaussian field. The results of the new estimator are compared against the brute force Monte Carlo method, and the Laplace-Metropolis method.

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

    Swanson, James

    The Dopamine (DA) Hypothesis of ADHD (Wender, 1971; Levy, 1990) suggests that abnormalities in the synaptic mechanisms of DA transmission may be disrupted, and specific abnormalities in DA receptors and DA transporters (DAT) have been proposed (see Swanson et al, 1998). Early studies with small samples (e.g., n = 6, Dougherty et al, 1999) used single photon emission tomography (SPECT) and the radioligand (123I Altropane) to test a theory that ADHD may be caused by an over expression of DAT and reported 'a 70% increase in age-corrected dopamine transporter density in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder compared with healthymore » controls' and suggested that treatment with stimulant medication decreased DAT density in ADHD patients and corrected an underlying abnormality (Krause et al, 2000). The potential importance of these findings was noted by Swanson (1999): 'If true, this is a major finding and points the way for new investigations of the primary pharmacological treatment for ADHD (with the stimulant drugs - e.g., methylphenidate), for which the dopamine transporter is the primary site of action. The potential importance of this finding demands special scrutiny'. This has been provided over the past decade using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Brain imaging studies were conducted at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in a relatively large sample of stimulant-naive adults assessed for DAT (11C cocaine) density and DA receptors (11C raclopride) availability. These studies (Volkow et al, 2007; Volkow et al, 2009) do not confirm the hypothesis of increased DAT density and suggest the opposite (i.e., decreased rather than increased DAT density), and follow-up after treatment (Wang et al, 2010) does not confirm the hypothesis that therapeutic doses of methylphenidate decrease DAT density and suggests the opposite (i.e., increased rather than decreased DAT density). The brain regions implicated by these PET imaging studies also suggest that a motivation deficit may contribute as much as an attention deficit to the manifestation of behaviors that underlie the symptoms of ADHD.« less

  12. Enhancing the Industrial PhD Programme as a Policy Tool for University-Industry Cooperation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roolaht, Tõnu

    2015-01-01

    The changing role of universities in society includes the increasing expectation that academic institutions should engage in collaboration with companies. Industrial PhD programmes are educational tools for building bridges between the academic sector and industry. In these programmes, the PhD student studies and carries out research while being…

  13. Creating Entrepreneurial Networks: Academic Entrepreneurship, Mobility and Collaboration during PhD Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bienkowska, Dzamila; Klofsten, Magnus

    2012-01-01

    Network-building activities of PhD students are an important area of study in furthering our understanding of academic entrepreneurship. This paper focuses on PhD students' participation in network-building activities defined as mobility and collaboration, as well as own interest in and perceived grade of support for commercialisation from various…

  14. Differing Motivations and Requirements in PhD Student Cohorts: A Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Naylor, Ryan; Chakravarti, Sumone; Baik, Chi

    2016-01-01

    The PhD student experience is an increasingly important area of education research in Australia and internationally. Although many factors supporting the PhD experience have been identified, there has been a tendency towards examining the issue through a cohort-wide lens, in which the nuances of experience of smaller groups and individuals may be…

  15. The Undergraduate Origins of PhD Economists: The Berkeley Experience

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Olney, Martha L.

    2015-01-01

    The University of California, Berkeley sends more undergraduate students to economics PhD programs than any other public university. While this fact is surely a function of its size, there may be lessons from the Berkeley experience that others could adopt. To investigate why Berkeley generates so many economics PhD students, the author convened…

  16. Assessing the Quality of PhD Dissertations. A Survey of External Committee Members

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kyvik, Svein; Thune, Taran

    2015-01-01

    This article reports on a study of the quality assessment of doctoral dissertations, and asks whether examiner characteristics influence assessment of research quality in PhD dissertations. Utilising a multi-dimensional concept of quality of PhD dissertations, we look at differences in assessment of research quality, and particularly test whether…

  17. In Memoriam: Amar J.S. Klar, Ph.D. | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    In Memoriam: Amar J.S. Klar, Ph.D. The Center for Cancer Research mourns the recent death of colleague and friend Amar J.S. Klar, Ph.D.  Dr. Klar was a much-liked and respected member of the NCI community as part of the Gene Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory since 1988.

  18. A Game of Simon Says: Latin America’s Left Turn and Its Effects on US Security

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-05-01

    Fred P. Stone, Lt Col, PhD, Director of Research John T. Ackerman, PhD, Series Editor Kathleen Mahoney-Norris, PhD, Essay Advisor Air University...lopsided than even the lyrics from the 966 Beatles’ song “Taxman” envisioned. Alvaro Hurtado of the Interna- tional Labour Organization states that

  19. Expected Position Error for an Onboard Satellite GPS Receiver

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-03-01

    Committee Membership: Dr. Alan Jennings, PhD Chairman Dr. Eric D. Swenson, Ph.D. Member Dr. Marshall E. Haker , Ph.D. Member AFIT-ENY-MS-15-M-029 Abstract...acknowledge both Dr. Jennings and Maj Haker for taking on the role of being my advisor and as well as committee member at various times during this

  20. Understanding Non-Traditional PhD Students Habitus--Implications for PhD Programmes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Naidoo, Devika

    2015-01-01

    Against the background of vast changes in doctoral education and the emergence of non-traditional doctoral programmes, this paper investigates the habitus of non-traditional PhD students at a South African university. Bourdieu's conceptual tool of habitus informed the study. In-depth and open-ended interviews were conducted with 10 non-traditional…

  1. Examiner Comment on the Literature Review in Ph.D. Theses

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Holbrook, Allyson; Bourke, Sid; Fairbairn, Hedy; Lovat, Terry

    2007-01-01

    The review of literature, so central to scholarly work and disciplined inquiry, is expected of the Ph.D. student, but how far along the road are they expected to travel? This article investigates the expectations of "the literature" in research and scholarship at Ph.D. level from the examiner and assessment perspective. The analysis…

  2. Completing PhDs: The Perils and Enduring Promise of Deep Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Butler, Jon

    2009-01-01

    What is a PhD? People answer this question too often by succumbing to the bureaucratic lure. They describe formal processes, "outcomes", time to degree, funding, training in teaching--indeed, almost everything except central intellectual attraction and personal focus of the PhD enterprise: deep study. Certainly in United States PhD programs, the…

  3. The Undergraduate Origins of PhD Economists Revisited

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stock, Wendy A.; Siegfried, John J.

    2015-01-01

    The authors update prior analyses of the undergraduate origins of individuals who earn a PhD in economics in the United States. They include the list of the top institutions worldwide graduating the largest number of undergraduates who subsequently earn an economics PhD from a U.S. university and lists of American institutions with the largest…

  4. Digital Doctorates? An Exploratory Study of PhD Candidates' Use of Online Tools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dowling, Robyn; Wilson, Michael

    2017-01-01

    Online environments are transforming learning, including doctoral education. Yet the ways in which the PhD experience is shaped and transformed through these digital modes of engagement is seldom addressed, and not systematically understood. In this article, we explore PhD students' perceptions and use of digital tools. Drawing on the results of…

  5. Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award.

    PubMed

    2017-12-01

    The Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award is sponsored jointly by Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, and the APA. The award is presented annually to the psychology graduate student who submits the best research paper that was published or presented at a national, regional, or state psychological association conference during the past calendar year. The Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award was established in 1979. The award was established to recognize young researchers at the beginning of their professional lives and to commemorate both the 50th anniversary of Psi Chi and the 100th anniversary of psychology as a science (dating from the founding of Wundt's laboratory). It was named for Dr. Edwin B. Newman, the first national president of Psi Chi (1929) and one of its founders. He was a prolific researcher and a long-time chair of the Department of Psychology at Harvard University. Newman was a member of APA's Board of Directors, served as recording secretary of the board from 1962 to 1967, and was parliamentarian for the APA Council of Representatives for many years. He served both Psi Chi and APA in a distinguished manner for half a century. The Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award is given jointly by Psi Chi and APA. Members of the 2017 Edwin B. Newman Award Committee were Shawn Carlton, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Christina Frederick-Recascino, PhD; John Norcross, PhD, APA representative; Karenna Malavanti, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Steven Kohn, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Warren Fass, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Chris Lovelace, PhD, Psi Chi representative; and Cathy Epkins, PhD, APA representative. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

  6. Infrared focal plane performance in the South Atlantic anomaly

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Junga, Frank A.

    1989-01-01

    Proton-induced pulse height distributions (PHD's) in Si:XX detectors were studied analytically and experimentally. In addition, a preliminary design for a flight experiment to characterize the response of Si:XX detectors to the trapped proton environment and verify PHD models was developed. PHD's were computed for two orbit altitudes for a variety of shielding configurations. Most of the proton-induced pulses have amplitudes less that about 3.5 x 10(exp 5) e-h pairs. Shielding has a small effect on the shape of the PHD's. The primary effect of shielding is to reduce the total number of pulses produced. Proton-induced PHD's in a Si:Sb focal plane array bombarded by a unidirectional 67-MeV beam were measured. The maximum pulse height recorded was 6 x 10(exp 5) pairs. The distribution had two peaks: the larger peak corresponded to 3.8 x 10(exp 5) pairs and the smaller peak to 1.2 x 10(exp 5) pairs. The maximum pulse height and the larger peak are within a factor of two of predicted values. The low-energy peak was not expected, but is believed to be an artifact of inefficient charge collection in the detector. The planned flight experiment will be conducted on a Space Shuttle flight. Lockheed's helium extended life dewar (HELD) will be used to provide the required cryogenic environment for the detector. Two bulk Si:Sb arrays and two Si:As impurity band conduction arrays will be tested. The tests will be conducted while the Space Shuttle passes through the South Atlantic Anomaly. PHD's will be recorded and responsivity changes tracked. This experiment will provide a new database on proton-induced PHD's, compare two infrared detector technologies in a space environment, and provide the data necessary to validate PHD modeling.

  7. Ovonic switching in tin selenide thin films. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Baxter, C. R.

    1974-01-01

    Amorphous tin selenide thin films which possess Ovonic switching properties were fabricated using vacuum deposition techniques. Results obtained indicate that memory type Ovonic switching does occur in these films the energy density required for switching from a high impedance to a low impedance state is dependent on the spacing between the electrodes of the device. The switching is also function of the magnitude of the applied voltage pulse. A completely automated computer controlled testing procedure was developed which allows precise control over the shape of the applied voltage switching pulse. A survey of previous experimental and theoretical work in the area of Ovonic switching is also presented.

  8. Targeting Ligandable Pockets on Plant Homeodomain (PHD) Zinc Finger Domains by a Fragment-Based Approach

    PubMed Central

    2018-01-01

    Plant homeodomain (PHD) zinc fingers are histone reader domains that are often associated with human diseases. Despite this, they constitute a poorly targeted class of readers, suggesting low ligandability. Here, we describe a successful fragment-based campaign targeting PHD fingers from the proteins BAZ2A and BAZ2B as model systems. We validated a pool of in silico fragments both biophysically and structurally and solved the first crystal structures of PHD zinc fingers in complex with fragments bound to an anchoring pocket at the histone binding site. The best-validated hits were found to displace a histone H3 tail peptide in competition assays. This work identifies new chemical scaffolds that provide suitable starting points for future ligand optimization using structure-guided approaches. The demonstrated ligandability of the PHD reader domains could pave the way for the development of chemical probes to drug this family of epigenetic readers. PMID:29529862

  9. Targeting Ligandable Pockets on Plant Homeodomain (PHD) Zinc Finger Domains by a Fragment-Based Approach.

    PubMed

    Amato, Anastasia; Lucas, Xavier; Bortoluzzi, Alessio; Wright, David; Ciulli, Alessio

    2018-04-20

    Plant homeodomain (PHD) zinc fingers are histone reader domains that are often associated with human diseases. Despite this, they constitute a poorly targeted class of readers, suggesting low ligandability. Here, we describe a successful fragment-based campaign targeting PHD fingers from the proteins BAZ2A and BAZ2B as model systems. We validated a pool of in silico fragments both biophysically and structurally and solved the first crystal structures of PHD zinc fingers in complex with fragments bound to an anchoring pocket at the histone binding site. The best-validated hits were found to displace a histone H3 tail peptide in competition assays. This work identifies new chemical scaffolds that provide suitable starting points for future ligand optimization using structure-guided approaches. The demonstrated ligandability of the PHD reader domains could pave the way for the development of chemical probes to drug this family of epigenetic readers.

  10. Exploring the relationship between population density and maternal health coverage

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Delivering health services to dense populations is more practical than to dispersed populations, other factors constant. This engenders the hypothesis that population density positively affects coverage rates of health services. This hypothesis has been tested indirectly for some services at a local level, but not at a national level. Methods We use cross-sectional data to conduct cross-country, OLS regressions at the national level to estimate the relationship between population density and maternal health coverage. We separately estimate the effect of two measures of density on three population-level coverage rates (6 tests in total). Our coverage indicators are the fraction of the maternal population completing four antenatal care visits and the utilization rates of both skilled birth attendants and in-facility delivery. The first density metric we use is the percentage of a population living in an urban area. The second metric, which we denote as a density score, is a relative ranking of countries by population density. The score’s calculation discounts a nation’s uninhabited territory under the assumption those areas are irrelevant to service delivery. Results We find significantly positive relationships between our maternal health indicators and density measures. On average, a one-unit increase in our density score is equivalent to a 0.2% increase in coverage rates. Conclusions Countries with dispersed populations face higher burdens to achieve multinational coverage targets such as the United Nations’ Millennial Development Goals. PMID:23170895

  11. The PhD Conundrum in South African Academia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Breier, Mignonne; Herman, Chaya

    2017-01-01

    South African universities need more academics with PhDs, from historically disadvantaged population groups in particular, but they face a conundrum. In order to have more staff with PhDs, they need to produce more PhD graduates. But in order to produce more PhD graduates, they need more staff with PhDs to supervise. This article explores this…

  12. Delivering an Organizational Leadership PhD Program at a Distance: University of Oklahoma

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rodgers, Joseph Lee; Williams, T. H. Lee

    2011-01-01

    In this chapter, the authors identify and review a number of key features in the successful development and maintenance of a PhD program delivered at a distance. The University of Oklahoma's PhD program in organizational leadership was developed in the early 1990s and delivered (primarily, but not completely) to military personnel and families…

  13. Research(er) at Home: Auto/Ethnography of (My) PhD

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Benová, Kamila

    2014-01-01

    This article deals with the PhD phase of tertiary higher education (in Slovakia), which is here considered as the specific phase of the academic career. It tries to answer the question: what is the PhD, in the context of research, theoretically and methodologically approached as a critical ethnography of higher education. It is focused on the…

  14. Gentlemen We Are Out of Money...Now We Have to Think - Prioritization of Objectives in a Resource Constrained Environment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-02-15

    Additionally I would like to thank Dr. Greg Parnell, Ph.D., MAJ Melanie Vinton, COL William Sorrells, COL Simon Goerger, Ph.D., COL Chris Hill, Ph.D., and... Klein , J. Orasanu, R. Calderwood, & C. E. Zsambok (Eds.), Decision Making in Action: Models and Methods (pp. 327-345). Norwood, NJ: Ablex Publishers

  15. Preparing for Graduate-Level Training in Professional Psychology: Comparisons across Clinical PhD, Counseling PhD, and Clinical PsyD Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Karazsia, Bryan T.; Smith, Lena

    2016-01-01

    In the present study, faculty who teach in clinical and counseling doctor of philosophy (PhD) or doctor of psychology (PsyD) programs completed surveys regarding preferences for prospective student preparations to graduate programs. Faculty expectations of minimum and ideal undergraduate training were highest for scientific methods, though…

  16. A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Gatekeeping among PhD Counselor Educators

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Erbes, Carol A.

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine the gatekeeping experiences of a group of PhD counselor educators, by utilizing a phenomenological approach. This design was chosen as it could best examine the lived experiences of the participants. Nine PhD counselor educators participated in this study through a series of two interviews. All of the…

  17. Learning from a Lived Experience of a PhD: A Reflexive Ethnography of Two Journeys

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aziato, Lydia

    2015-01-01

    Introduction: Nurses globally have strived to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) especially those in academia. Few publications have focused on lived experiences of nurses especially those reporting failed attempts. Thus, this paper presents how lessons learnt from a failed attempt of a PhD in Nursing was used to achieve an outstanding…

  18. The Benefits of Publishing Systematic Quantitative Literature Reviews for PhD Candidates and Other Early-Career Researchers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pickering, Catherine; Byrne, Jason

    2014-01-01

    Universities increasingly expect students to publish during a PhD candidature because it benefits the candidate, supervisor, institution, and wider community. Here, we describe a method successfully used by early-career researchers including PhD candidates to undertake and publish literature reviews--a challenge for researchers new to a field. Our…

  19. ANALYSIS OR THE POTENTIAL SPERM BIOMARKER, SP22, IN HUMAN SEMEN

    EPA Science Inventory

    ANALYSIS OF THE POTENTIAL SPERM BIOMARKER SP22 IN HUMAN SEMEN
    Rebecca A. Morris Ph.D.1, Gary R. Klinefelter Ph.D.1, Naomi L. Roberts 1, Juan D. Suarez 1,
    Lillian F. Strader 1, Susan C. Jeffay 1 and Sally D. Perreault Ph.D.1

    1 U.S. EPA / ORD / National Health a...

  20. Kashlev Named First Deputy Chief, GRCBL | Poster

    Cancer.gov

    By Nancy Parrish, Staff Writer Editor’s note: The text for this article was adapted from an e-mail announcement to the Center for Cancer Research community from Robert Wiltrout, Ph.D., on September 8, 2014. Robert Wiltrout, Ph.D., director, NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR), recently announced the appointment of Mikhail Kashlev, Ph.D., to deputy chief of the Gene Regulation

  1. Ph.D. and Ed.D. Program Adaptations for College Teachers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dressel, Paul L.; Guiste, Evelyn B.

    The extent to which the Ph.D. and/or Ed.D. programs have been adapted to assist in preparing students for college teaching was surveyed. Of 309 universities, 122 responded, and of these, 72 had no adaptations. However, 50 universities indicated the availability, in at least one discipline or field, of modifications in the Ph.D. and/or Ed.D.…

  2. Innovation in PhD Completion: The Hardy Shall Succeed (And Be Happy!)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kearns, Hugh; Gardiner, Maria; Marshall, Kelly

    2008-01-01

    What is it that makes a PhD such a difficult process, and prevents candidates from completing on time? In this paper, we propose that self-sabotaging behaviours, including overcommitting, procrastination and perfectionism, have a role to play. At Flinders University, we have developed a program in which we work with PhD students to help to reduce…

  3. Intercultural PhD Supervision: Exploring the Hidden Curriculum in a Social Science Faculty Doctoral Programme

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kidman, Joanna; Manathunga, Catherine; Cornforth, Sue

    2017-01-01

    International knowledge markets rely heavily on a ready supply of highly mobile doctoral students, many of whom are from the global South, to bring in revenue. The supervision of these PhD students, however, can reproduce neo-colonial knowledge relations, often in subtle ways. In settler nations, international PhD students may find that they are…

  4. Pipelines or Pipe Dreams? PhD Production and Other Matters in a South African Dental Research Institute 1954-2006

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grossman, Elly S.; Cleaton-Jones, Peter E.

    2011-01-01

    This retrospective study documents the Masters and PhD training of 131 Dental Research Institute (DRI) postgraduates (1954-2006) to establish demographics, throughput and research outcomes for future PhD pipeline strategies using the DRI database. Descriptive statistics show four degree-based groups of postgraduates: 18 PhDs; 55 MScs; 42 MDents…

  5. [Stop the compulsive PhD trajectory for junior doctors].

    PubMed

    Clevers, J C Hans

    2014-01-01

    It has become the rule rather than the exception that junior doctors in training spend 3-4 years on a research project, culminating in a thesis. Without a PhD, clinical career prospects within and outside academia look rather bleak. Here I argue that PhD degrees should be pursued only by the most talented and motivated young clinicians.

  6. Searching for "A Third Space": A Creative Pathway towards International PhD Students' Academic Acculturation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Elliot, Dely Lazarte; Baumfield, Vivienne; Reid, Kate

    2016-01-01

    Undertaking a PhD is a challenging endeavour. Pursuing a doctoral education in a "foreign" context tends to increase the demands of this intellectual venture. The nature of research-based PhD programmes, often characterised by a lack of formal curricula where academic supervision lasts several years, may add another layer of complexity.…

  7. An Exploratory Investigation of the Research Self-Efficacy, Interest in Research, and Research Knowledge of Ph.D. in Education Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lambie, Glenn W.; Hayes, B. Grant; Griffith, Catherine; Limberg, Dodie; Mullen, Patrick R.

    2014-01-01

    Faculty members in higher education are called to be effective researchers; however, there is limited research examining the research development of Ph.D. students. The cross-sectional, correlational investigation we report here examined levels of research self-efficacy, interest in research, and research knowledge of Ph.D. in education students…

  8. Predicting Computer Science Ph.D. Completion: A Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cox, G. W.; Hughes, W. E., Jr.; Etzkorn, L. H.; Weisskopf, M. E.

    2009-01-01

    This paper presents the results of an analysis of indicators that can be used to predict whether a student will succeed in a Computer Science Ph.D. program. The analysis was conducted by studying the records of 75 students who have been in the Computer Science Ph.D. program of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Seventy-seven variables were…

  9. HEALTH EFFECTS OF CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO ARSENIC VIA DRINKING WATER IN INNER MONGOLIA: II. VIBROTACTILE AND VISUAL MEASURES FINAL DOCUMENT TITLE.

    EPA Science Inventory

    HEALTH EFFECTS OF CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO ARSENIC IN DRINKING WATER IN INNER MONGOLIA: II. VIBROTACTILE AND VISUAL MEASURES.

    David Otto, Ph.D., Judy Mumford, Ph.D., Richard Kwok, M.S.P.H., Ken Hudnell, Ph.D.,
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Yanhong Li, M.D., Yajuan ...

  10. The Value of Preparing PhD Students as Research Mentors: Application of Kram's Temporal Mentoring Model.

    PubMed

    Abbott-Anderson, Kristen; Gilmore-Bykovskyi, Andrea; Lyles, Annmarie A

    The ability to successfully mentor others is an essential skill necessary for building and strengthening an infrastructure of well-prepared nurse faculty to accelerate advancements in nursing science. Mentoring is a fundamental part of the nurse faculty role, but new faculty are often unprepared to take on mentoring roles early in their academic career. Applied training in research mentoring initiated during doctor of philosophy (PhD) programs may better prepare future faculty to manage teaching and mentoring responsibilities earlier and with greater confidence. The unique opportunity exists for PhD students to engage in research mentoring with undergraduate nursing students, with probable benefits for both the mentor and the mentee. This manuscript uses Kram's temporal mentoring model as a guide to examine the training experiences of 3 PhD students mentoring undergraduate nursing students and discusses the benefits and challenges associated with these mentoring relationships. Collectively, these experiences provide preliminary support and guidance for the development and adoption of formal PhD mentor training programs to better prepare future PhD nursing faculty for their mentoring responsibilities. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Employability of genetic counselors with a PhD in genetic counseling.

    PubMed

    Wallace, Jody P; Myers, Melanie F; Huether, Carl A; Bedard, Angela C; Warren, Nancy Steinberg

    2008-06-01

    The development of a PhD in genetic counseling has been discussed for more than 20 years, yet the perspectives of employers have not been assessed. The goal of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the employability of genetic counselors with a PhD in genetic counseling by conducting interviews with United States employers of genetic counselors. Study participants were categorized according to one of the following practice areas: academic, clinical, government, industry, laboratory, or research. All participants were responsible for hiring genetic counselors in their institutions. Of the 30 employers interviewed, 23 envisioned opportunities for individuals with a PhD degree in genetic counseling, particularly in academic and research settings. Performing research and having the ability to be a principal investigator on a grant was the primary role envisioned for these individuals by 22/30 participants. Employers expect individuals with a PhD in genetic counseling to perform different roles than MS genetic counselors with a master's degree. This study suggests there is an employment niche for individuals who have a PhD in genetic counseling that complements, and does not compete with, master's prepared genetic counselors.

  12. Predicting the "graduate on time (GOT)" of PhD students using binary logistics regression model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shariff, S. Sarifah Radiah; Rodzi, Nur Atiqah Mohd; Rahman, Kahartini Abdul; Zahari, Siti Meriam; Deni, Sayang Mohd

    2016-10-01

    Malaysian government has recently set a new goal to produce 60,000 Malaysian PhD holders by the year 2023. As a Malaysia's largest institution of higher learning in terms of size and population which offers more than 500 academic programmes in a conducive and vibrant environment, UiTM has taken several initiatives to fill up the gap. Strategies to increase the numbers of graduates with PhD are a process that is challenging. In many occasions, many have already identified that the struggle to get into the target set is even more daunting, and that implementation is far too ideal. This has further being progressing slowly as the attrition rate increases. This study aims to apply the proposed models that incorporates several factors in predicting the number PhD students that will complete their PhD studies on time. Binary Logistic Regression model is proposed and used on the set of data to determine the number. The results show that only 6.8% of the 2014 PhD students are predicted to graduate on time and the results are compared wih the actual number for validation purpose.

  13. Retraction of cold drawn polyethylene: the influence of lamellar thickeness and density

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Falender, J. R.; Hansen, D.

    1971-01-01

    The role of crystal morphology in the retraction of oriented, linear polyethylene was studied utilizing samples crystallized under conditions controlled to vary, separately, lamellar crystal thickness and density. Samples were oriented in a simple shear deformation to a strain of 4.0 prior to measuring retraction tendency in creep and relaxation type tests. Characterizations of specimens were made using wide and small angle X-ray techniques. The specific morphological variations were chosen to test the hypothesis that a long range elastic restoring force can originate in conjunction with deformation of lamellar crystals and the consequent increase in lamellar crystal surface area and surface free energy. The results support this hypothesis.

  14. Retraction of cold-drawn polyethylene - Influence of lamellar thickness and density.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Falender, J. R.; Hansen, D.

    1972-01-01

    The role of crystal morphology in the retraction of oriented linear polyethylene was studied utilizing samples crystallized under conditions controlled to vary, separately, lamellar crystal thickness and density. Samples were oriented in a simple shear deformation to a strain of 4.0 prior to measuring retraction tendency in creep- and relaxation-type tests. Characterizations of specimens were made using wide- and small-angle x-ray techniques. The specific morphological variations were chosen to test the hypothesis that a long-range elastic restoring force can originate in conjunction with deformation of lamellar crystals and the consequent increase in lamellar crystal surface area and surface free energy. The results support this hypothesis.

  15. The urban decline of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus): a possible link with electromagnetic radiation.

    PubMed

    Balmori, Alfonso; Hallberg, Orjan

    2007-01-01

    During recent decades, there has been a marked decline of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) population in the United Kingdom and in several western European countries. The aims of this study were to determine whether the population is also declining in Spain and to evaluate the hypothesis that electromagnetic radiation (microwaves) from phone antennae is correlated with the decline in the sparrow population. Between October 2002 and May 2006, point transect sampling was performed at 30 points during 40 visits to Valladolid, Spain. At each point, we carried out counts of sparrows and measured the mean electric field strength (radiofrequencies and microwaves: 1 MHz-3 GHz range). Significant declines (P = 0.0037) were observed in the mean bird density over time, and significantly low bird density was observed in areas with high electric field strength. The logarithmic regression of the mean bird density vs. field strength groups (considering field strength in 0.1 V/m increments) was R = -0.87 (P = 0.0001). The results of this article support the hypothesis that electromagnetic signals are associated with the observed decline in the sparrow population. We conclude that electromagnetic pollution may be responsible, either by itself or in combination with other factors, for the observed decline of the species in European cities during recent years. The appearently strong dependence between bird density and field strength according to this work could be used for a more controlled study to test the hypothesis.

  16. Science PhD Career Preferences: Levels, Changes, and Advisor Encouragement

    PubMed Central

    Sauermann, Henry; Roach, Michael

    2012-01-01

    Even though academic research is often viewed as the preferred career path for PhD trained scientists, most U.S. graduates enter careers in industry, government, or “alternative careers.” There has been a growing concern that these career patterns reflect fundamental imbalances between the supply of scientists seeking academic positions and the availability of such positions. However, while government statistics provide insights into realized career transitions, there is little systematic data on scientists' career preferences and thus on the degree to which there is a mismatch between observed career paths and scientists' preferences. Moreover, we lack systematic evidence whether career preferences adjust over the course of the PhD training and to what extent advisors exacerbate imbalances by encouraging their students to pursue academic positions. Based on a national survey of PhD students at tier-one U.S. institutions, we provide insights into the career preferences of junior scientists across the life sciences, physics, and chemistry. We also show that the attractiveness of academic careers decreases significantly over the course of the PhD program, despite the fact that advisors strongly encourage academic careers over non-academic careers. Our data provide an empirical basis for common concerns regarding labor market imbalances. Our results also suggest the need for mechanisms that provide PhD applicants with information that allows them to carefully weigh the costs and benefits of pursuing a PhD, as well as for mechanisms that complement the job market advice advisors give to their current students. PMID:22567149

  17. PhD7Faster: predicting clones propagating faster from the Ph.D.-7 phage display peptide library.

    PubMed

    Ru, Beibei; 't Hoen, Peter A C; Nie, Fulei; Lin, Hao; Guo, Feng-Biao; Huang, Jian

    2014-02-01

    Phage display can rapidly discover peptides binding to any given target; thus, it has been widely used in basic and applied research. Each round of panning consists of two basic processes: Selection and amplification. However, recent studies have showed that the amplification step would decrease the diversity of phage display libraries due to different propagation capacity of phage clones. This may induce phages with growth advantage rather than specific affinity to appear in the final experimental results. The peptides displayed by such phages are termed as propagation-related target-unrelated peptides (PrTUPs). They would mislead further analysis and research if not removed. In this paper, we describe PhD7Faster, an ensemble predictor based on support vector machine (SVM) for predicting clones with growth advantage from the Ph.D.-7 phage display peptide library. By using reduced dipeptide composition (ReDPC) as features, an accuracy (Acc) of 79.67% and a Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.595 were achieved in 5-fold cross-validation. In addition, the SVM-based model was demonstrated to perform better than several representative machine learning algorithms. We anticipate that PhD7Faster can assist biologists to exclude potential PrTUPs and accelerate the finding of specific binders from the popular Ph.D.-7 library. The web server of PhD7Faster can be freely accessed at http://immunet.cn/sarotup/cgi-bin/PhD7Faster.pl.

  18. Science PhD career preferences: levels, changes, and advisor encouragement.

    PubMed

    Sauermann, Henry; Roach, Michael

    2012-01-01

    Even though academic research is often viewed as the preferred career path for PhD trained scientists, most U.S. graduates enter careers in industry, government, or "alternative careers." There has been a growing concern that these career patterns reflect fundamental imbalances between the supply of scientists seeking academic positions and the availability of such positions. However, while government statistics provide insights into realized career transitions, there is little systematic data on scientists' career preferences and thus on the degree to which there is a mismatch between observed career paths and scientists' preferences. Moreover, we lack systematic evidence whether career preferences adjust over the course of the PhD training and to what extent advisors exacerbate imbalances by encouraging their students to pursue academic positions. Based on a national survey of PhD students at tier-one U.S. institutions, we provide insights into the career preferences of junior scientists across the life sciences, physics, and chemistry. We also show that the attractiveness of academic careers decreases significantly over the course of the PhD program, despite the fact that advisors strongly encourage academic careers over non-academic careers. Our data provide an empirical basis for common concerns regarding labor market imbalances. Our results also suggest the need for mechanisms that provide PhD applicants with information that allows them to carefully weigh the costs and benefits of pursuing a PhD, as well as for mechanisms that complement the job market advice advisors give to their current students.

  19. Community organization moderates the effect of alcohol outlet density on violence.

    PubMed

    Pridemore, William Alex; Grubesic, Tony H

    2012-12-01

    There is growing evidence from multiple disciplines that alcohol outlet density is associated with community levels of assault. Based on the theoretical and empirical literatures on social organization and crime, we tested the hypothesis that the association between alcohol outlet density and neighbourhood violence rates is moderated by social organization. Using geocoded police data on assaults, geocoded data on the location of alcohol outlets, and controlling for several structural factors thought to be associated with violence rates, we tested this hypothesis employing negative binomial regression with our sample of 298 block groups in Cincinnati. Our results revealed direct effects of alcohol outlet density and social organization on assault density, and these effects held for different outlet types (i.e., off-premise, bars, restaurants) and levels of harm (i.e., simple and aggravated assaults). More importantly, we found that the strength of the outlet-assault association was significantly weaker in more socially organized communities. Subsequent analyses by level of organization revealed no effects of alcohol outlet density on aggravated assaults in organized block groups, but significant effects in disorganized block groups. We found no association between social (dis)organization and outlet density. These results clarify the community-level relationship between alcohol outlets and violence and have important implications for municipal-level alcohol policies. © London School of Economics and Political Science 2012.

  20. Does interference competition with wolves limit the distribution and abundance of coyotes?

    PubMed

    Berger, Kim Murray; Gese, Eric M

    2007-11-01

    Interference competition with wolves Canis lupus is hypothesized to limit the distribution and abundance of coyotes Canis latrans, and the extirpation of wolves is often invoked to explain the expansion in coyote range throughout much of North America. We used spatial, seasonal and temporal heterogeneity in wolf distribution and abundance to test the hypothesis that interference competition with wolves limits the distribution and abundance of coyotes. From August 2001 to August 2004, we gathered data on cause-specific mortality and survival rates of coyotes captured at wolf-free and wolf-abundant sites in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), Wyoming, USA, to determine whether mortality due to wolves is sufficient to reduce coyote densities. We examined whether spatial segregation limits the local distribution of coyotes by evaluating home-range overlap between resident coyotes and wolves, and by contrasting dispersal rates of transient coyotes captured in wolf-free and wolf-abundant areas. Finally, we analysed data on population densities of both species at three study areas across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) to determine whether an inverse relationship exists between coyote and wolf densities. Although coyotes were the numerically dominant predator, across the GYE, densities varied spatially and temporally in accordance with wolf abundance. Mean coyote densities were 33% lower at wolf-abundant sites in GTNP, and densities declined 39% in Yellowstone National Park following wolf reintroduction. A strong negative relationship between coyote and wolf densities (beta = -3.988, P < 0.005, r(2) = 0.54, n = 16), both within and across study sites, supports the hypothesis that competition with wolves limits coyote populations. Overall mortality of coyotes resulting from wolf predation was low, but wolves were responsible for 56% of transient coyote deaths (n = 5). In addition, dispersal rates of transient coyotes captured at wolf-abundant sites were 117% higher than for transients captured in wolf-free areas. Our results support the hypothesis that coyote abundance is limited by competition with wolves, and suggest that differential effects on survival and dispersal rates of transient coyotes are important mechanisms by which wolves reduce coyote densities.

  1. PhD Crisis Discourse: A Critical Approach to the Framing of the Problem and Some Australian "Solutions"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cuthbert, Denise; Molla, Tebeje

    2015-01-01

    A feature of HE reform discourse is the tendency to construct the rationale for reform in terms of averting calamity and risk. We refer to this risk talk as "crisis discourse." This study examines the formulation of PhD crisis discourse internationally and in Australia. We find that a key feature of PhD crisis discourse is that…

  2. PhD by Publication as an Argument for Innovation and Technology Transfer: With Emphasis on Africa

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Asongu, Simplice A.; Nwachukwu, Jacinta C.

    2018-01-01

    The contribution of African researchers to knowledge by means of scientific publications is low compared to other regions of the world. This paper presents an argument in favour of PhD by publication as a tool for innovation and technology transfer. The conception of PhD by publication used in this study is more suited for doctorates in science…

  3. Ohio Army National Guard Mental Health Initiative: Risk and Resilience Factors for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Psychopathology and Post Combat Adjustment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-10-01

    Goldmann, M.P.H., Edwin Shirley, Ph.D., Thomas Fine, M.A., Toyomi Goto, M.A., Kimberly Wilson, MSW, Stephen Ganocy, Ph.D., Philip Chan, M.S., Alphonse ...Kimberly Wilson, MSW, Stephen Ganocy, Ph.D., Philip Chan, M.S., Alphonse Derus, B.S., Mary Beth Serrano, M.A., Sandro Galea, M.D. Literature

  4. Are MS in Economics Programs in Departments That Also Have a PhD Program in Economics Different from Their Counterparts?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Milkman, Martin I.; Marjadi, Riza; McCoy, James P.

    2016-01-01

    This is the first article that compares terminal master's degree programs in economics from universities that have a PhD program in economics with those that do not offer PhD programs in economics. The authors compare these differences based on surveys in 2002 and 2012. They examine differences in general program characteristics, department…

  5. The South Carolina Collaborative Undergraduate HBCU Student Summer Training Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-02-01

    oral presentations, a poster session, roundtable discussions, and an interactive presentation by an NIH National Library of Medicine representative... Herbals & Cancer Michael Wargovich, PhD- July 18 (C) Cancer Disparities Marvella Ford, PhD July 19 (N) Addiction & Drugs Kimber Price, PhD July 20 (C...Department of Medicine , Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Tuesday, June 12, 2012 WEEK 3 (Academic Planning Lecture) Funding Opportunities

  6. Social Policy in Social Work PhD Programs in the United States

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lightfoot, Elizabeth; Gal, John; Weiss-Gal, Idit

    2018-01-01

    While there has been a long-standing concern about the role of policy within social work education and social work practice, most of the emphasis has been on social work education at the BSW and MSW levels. This article examines policy education at the PhD level. It first explores how policy is taught in social work PhD programs in the United…

  7. How the PhD Came to Britain. A Century of Struggle for Postgraduate Education. SRHE Monograph 54.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Simpson, Renate

    The development of postgraduate studies and the establishment of the Ph.D. in Britain are discussed. Events leading to the introduction of the Ph.D. degree between 1917 and 1920 are traced, and Germany and America's influence on the acceptance of postgraduate education and research in Britain is addressed. An analysis of the highly developed…

  8. Clinical Investigation Program, Reports Control Symbol MED-300(R1), Fiscal Year 1988

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-10-01

    Dr. Venkataraman Balaraman, M.D. Department/Section: Clinical Investigation Key Words: arginine vasopressin (AVP); vascular smooth muscle responses...Kullama, Ph.D. Associate Investigators: Dr. Venkataraman Balaraman, M.D.; Dr. Kenneth T. Nakamura, M.D.; John R. Claybaugh, Ph.D. Department/Section...Harrison Hassell, MC Associate Investigators: John R. Claybaugh, Ph.D.; Arnold Siemsen, MD; Jon Streltzer, MD Department/Section: Medicine/ Nephrology

  9. Early Careers of Recent U.S. Social Science PhDs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Morrison, Emory; Rudd, Elizabeth; Nerad, Maresi

    2011-01-01

    In this article, we analyse findings of the largest, most comprehensive survey of the career paths of social science PhD graduates to date, "Social Science PhDs--Five+Years Out (SS5)". "SS5" surveyed more than 3,000 graduates of U.S. PhD programmes in six social science fields six to ten years after earning their PhD. The…

  10. Eric Freed Named Deputy Director of HIV Drug Resistance Program | Poster

    Cancer.gov

    Editor’s note: The text for this article was adapted from an e-mail announcement to the Center for Cancer Research community from Robert Wiltrout, Ph.D., on September 8, 2014. Robert Wiltrout, Ph.D., director, NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR), recently announced the appointment of Eric Freed, Ph.D., as deputy director of the HIV Drug Resistance Program (HIV DRP). Freed

  11. Leadership Lessons at Division Command Level - 2004

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-11-05

    9 Four domains of “emotional intelligence” are described by Goleman , Daniel et. al. in Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of...Campbell, Ph.D. Senior Fellow, Center for Creative Leadership Diane F. DiClemente, Ph.D. Visiting Professor of Psychology , USAWC T. Owen Jacobs, Ph.D. Leo...35 The Armed Forces Officer , USGPO, 1960. Page 50. 36 See for example, “ Psychological Orientations and Leadership: Thinking Style That

  12. Academic Experiences of International PhD Students in Australian Higher Education: From an EAP Program to a PhD Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Son, Jeong-Bae; Park, Sang-Soon

    2014-01-01

    For the last few decades, Australia has played a pivotal role in the supply of quality education to international students and other educational industries associated with them. In the higher education sector, in particular, international PhD student numbers continue to increase. However, the limited availability of resources for the students and…

  13. Suitability Screening Test for Marine Corps Air Traffic Controllers

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-12-01

    Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology 5720 Integrity Drive  Millington...Karen M. Walker, Ph.D. William L. Farmer, Ph.D. Rebecca C. Roberts, MS Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology NPRST-TR-13-1...Roberts, MS Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology Reviewed by David Alderton, Ph.D. Approved and released by D. M. Cashbaugh Assistant

  14. Determinants of the Job Satisfaction of PhD Holders: An Analysis by Gender, Employment Sector, and Type of Satisfaction in Spain

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Escardíbul, Josep-Oriol; Afcha, Sergio

    2017-01-01

    We analyze the determinants of job satisfaction of PhD holders in Spain. Specifically, we consider overall job satisfaction as well as basic and motivational satisfaction, following Herzberg's typology (based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs). Using representative data for Spain's PhD population--collected from the Spanish Survey on Human Resources…

  15. High Surplus Energy Status Blocks Protective Breast Cancer Gene | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    High caloric intake, weight gain, and obesity are associated with increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, but little is known about the molecular processes through which these metabolic factors contribute to cancer. Li-Jun Di, Ph.D., and Alfonso Fernandez, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellows working with Kevin Gardner, M.D., Ph.D., in CCR's Laboratory of Receptor Biology and

  16. The Enemy Below: Preparing Ground Forces for Subterranean Warfare

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-12-01

    Thesis Advisor: Leo Blanken Second Reader: John Arquilla THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved OMB No. 0704...Approved by: Leo Blanken, PhD Thesis Advisor John Arquilla, PhD Second Reader John Arquilla, PhD Chair, Department of Defense Analysis iii...Professor Leo Blanken, whose direction and patience was deeply appreciated throughout the capstone process. We are also grateful to our second

  17. Characterization of a streptomycin-sulfonamide resistance plasmid from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae.

    PubMed Central

    Willson, P J; Deneer, H G; Potter, A; Albritton, W

    1989-01-01

    An Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae strain contained a plasmid (pHD8.1) conferring resistance to streptomycin and sulfonamide. Restriction endonuclease mapping and DNA-DNA hybridization showed that pHD8.1 is related to RSF1010 from Salmonella panama, which also confers resistance to streptomycin and sulfonamide, and to pHD148 from Haemophilus ducreyi, which confers resistance only to sulfonamide. Images PMID:2541656

  18. What Matters for Excellence in PhD Programs? Latent Constructs of Doctoral Program Quality Used by Early Career Social Scientists

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Morrison, Emory; Rudd, Elizabeth; Zumeta, William; Nerad, Maresi

    2011-01-01

    This paper unpacks how social science doctorate-holders come to evaluate overall excellence in their PhD training programs based on their domain-specific assessments of aspects of their programs. Latent class analysis reveals that social scientists 6-10 years beyond their PhD evaluate the quality of their doctoral program with one of two…

  19. Deconstructing doctoral dissertations: how many papers does it take to make a PhD?

    PubMed

    Hagen, Nils T

    2010-11-01

    A collection of coauthored papers is the new norm for doctoral dissertations in the natural and biomedical sciences, yet there is no consensus on how to partition authorship credit between PhD candidates and their coauthors. Guidelines for PhD programs vary but tend to specify only a suggested range for the number of papers to be submitted for evaluation, sometimes supplemented with a requirement for the PhD candidate to be the principal author on the majority of submitted papers. Here I use harmonic counting to quantify the actual amount of authorship credit attributable to individual PhD graduates from two Scandinavian universities in 2008. Harmonic counting corrects for the inherent inflationary and equalizing biases of routine counting methods, thereby allowing the bibliometrically identifiable amount of authorship credit in approved dissertations to be analyzed with unprecedented accuracy. Unbiased partitioning of authorship credit between graduates and their coauthors provides a post hoc bibliometric measure of current PhD requirements, and sets a de facto baseline for the requisite scientific productivity of these contemporary PhD's at a median value of approximately 1.6 undivided papers per dissertation. Comparison with previous census data suggests that the baseline has shifted over the past two decades as a result of a decrease in the number of submitted papers per candidate and an increase in the number of coauthors per paper. A simple solution to this shifting baseline syndrome would be to benchmark the amount of unbiased authorship credit deemed necessary for successful completion of a specific PhD program, and then monitor for departures from this level over time. Harmonic partitioning of authorship credit also facilitates cross-disciplinary and inter-institutional analysis of the scientific output from different PhD programs. Juxtaposing bibliometric benchmarks with current baselines may thus assist the development of harmonized guidelines and transparent transnational quality assurance procedures for doctoral programs by providing a robust and meaningful standard for further exploration of the causes of intra- and inter-institutional variation in the amount of unbiased authorship credit per dissertation.

  20. Customizing Process to Align with Purpose and Program: The 2003 MS PHD'S in Ocean Sciences Program Evaluative Case Study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Williamson, V. A.; Pyrtle, A. J.

    2004-12-01

    How did the 2003 Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success (MS PHD'S) in Ocean Sciences Program customize evaluative methodology and instruments to align with program goals and processes? How is data captured to document cognitive and affective impact? How are words and numbers utilized to accurately illustrate programmatic outcomes? How is compliance with implicit and explicit funding regulations demonstrated? The 2003 MS PHD'S in Ocean Sciences Program case study provides insightful responses to each of these questions. MS PHD'S was developed by and for underrepresented minorities to facilitate increased and sustained participation in Earth system science. Key components of this initiative include development of a community of scholars sustained by face-to-face and virtual mentoring partnerships; establishment of networking activities between and among undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate students, scientists, faculty, professional organization representatives, and federal program officers; and provision of forums to address real world issues as identified by each constituent group. The evaluative case study of the 2003 MS PHD'S in Ocean Sciences Program consists of an analysis of four data sets. Each data set was aligned to document progress in the achievement of the following program goals: Goal 1: The MS PHD'S Ocean Sciences Program will successfully market, recruit, select, and engage underrepresented student and non-student participants with interest/ involvement in Ocean Sciences; Goal 2: The MS PHD'S Ocean Sciences Program will provide meaningful engagement for participants as determined by quantitative analysis of user-feedback; Goal 3: The MS PHD'S Ocean Sciences Program will provide meaningful engagement for participants as determined by qualitative analysis of user-feedback, and; Goal 4: The MS PHD'S Ocean Sciences Program will develop a constituent base adequate to demonstrate evidence of interest, value, need and sustainability in its vision, mission, goals and activities. In addition to the documentation of evaluative process, the case study also provides insight on the establishment of mutually supportive principal investigator and evaluator partnerships as necessary foundations for building effective teams. The study addresses frequently asked questions (FAQ's) on the formation and sustenance of partnerships among visionaries and evaluators and the impact of this partnership on the achievement of program outcomes.

  1. Eric Freed Named Deputy Director of HIV Drug Resistance Program | Poster

    Cancer.gov

    Editor’s note: The text for this article was adapted from an e-mail announcement to the Center for Cancer Research community from Robert Wiltrout, Ph.D., on September 8, 2014. Robert Wiltrout, Ph.D., director, NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR), recently announced the appointment of Eric Freed, Ph.D., as deputy director of the HIV Drug Resistance Program (HIV DRP). Freed will join Stephen Hughes, Ph.D., director of HIV DRP, in leading this CCR program that focuses on understanding HIV replication and pathogenesis, with the goal of developing more effective strategies for treating HIV infections, and also builds on the existing strength of HIV and retrovirus research within NCI.

  2. Kashlev Named First Deputy Chief, GRCBL | Poster

    Cancer.gov

    By Nancy Parrish, Staff Writer Editor’s note: The text for this article was adapted from an e-mail announcement to the Center for Cancer Research community from Robert Wiltrout, Ph.D., on September 8, 2014. Robert Wiltrout, Ph.D., director, NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR), recently announced the appointment of Mikhail Kashlev, Ph.D., to deputy chief of the Gene Regulation and Chromosome Biology Laboratory (GRCBL). The first deputy chief to be named in the GRCBL, Kashlev joins Jeff Strathern, Ph.D., GRCBL chief, in leading the laboratory in an active research environment that focuses on chromosome dynamics (recombination, chromosome segregation, and transposable elements) and regulation (transcription, silencing, and cell cycle control).

  3. Mid-Career PhD Physicists: Academia & Beyond

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    White, Susan

    2017-01-01

    What jobs do mid-career PhD physicists hold? In a first-ever study, we collected data in 2011 from over 1,500 physics PhD recipients from the classes of 1996, 1997, 2000, and 2001. About 45% of the physics PhD recipients in these classes immediately took jobs that were not temporary, and over 40% accepted postdocs. How does taking a postdoc affect mid-career employment? What is the relationship between first job (after any postdocs) and mid-career employment? How do physicists' actual jobs compare with what they thought they would be doing when they graduated? Using our initial employment and mid-career data, I will answer these questions and more.

  4. Sequential Electrolytic Degradation of Energetic Compounds in Groundwater

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-11-12

    Investigators: Dave Gilbert, Ph.D. and Tom Sale, Ph.D. Date: November 12, 2004 Revision: 1.0 Distribution Statement A: Approved for...Degradation of Energetic Compounds in Groundwater 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Dave Gilbert, Ph.D. and...catholyte include MNX and nitramide indicating that reduction pathways suggested by others are likely ( Bonin , et al., 2004). As in the TNT

  5. Human Factors Issues in Aircraft Maintenance and Inspection

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-10-01

    Unaided, Colin G. Drury , Ph.D .......................................... A-65 Vigilance and Inspection Performance, Earl L. Wiener, Ph.D .... A-72 Human...effective in the various environments in which they will be used. We also take into account cost of equipment to the airlines and training requirements...Inspection and Review A- 64 The Human Operator as an Inspector: Aided and Unaided Colin G. Drury , Ph.D. Professor of Industrial Engineering SUNY, Buffalo

  6. Optimal Semi-Adaptive Search With False Targets

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-12-01

    we do not execute a full experimental design to attempt to build a response surface for the performance of these model under various combinations of...the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN OPERATIONS RESEARCH from the NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL December 2017 Approved by: Johannes O. Royset, Ph.D. Thesis...Advisor Dashi I. Singham, Ph.D. Second Reader Patricia A. Jacobs, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Operations Research iii THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT

  7. Laser Induced Patterning of Transparent Ceramics and Metallic Thin Films for Photonic and Sensing Applications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-01-31

    Department Chair Mechanical Engineering UC Riverside gaguilar@engr.ucr.edu Javier Garay Program Chair Materials and Engineering UC Riverside...Students: Miroslava Cano-Lara (PhD CICESE) # Yasmin Esqueda-Barron ( MSc , PhD CICESE)* Gabriel Castillo-Vega ( MSc CICESE, PhD USAL) # Rene Rodriguez...Beltran ( MSc , CICESE) # Lidia Sanchez-Hernandez (BSc UAEM) # Adela Reyes-Contreras (BSc UAEM) # Postdocs: Israel Perez (Postdoc, 4 months) USA

  8. Techniques in Linear and Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-10-21

    theory. J. Grotowski (a student) studied the heat flow approach to harmonic maps betv:een manifolds: between spheres. and from the ball B’ in R 3 into...T. Yau; S. Kichenessamy: F. H. Lin. L. Sadun: Wu. Sigue; Yi. Fang. Also these graduate students: Li, Cong Ming, received Ph.D. in 1989. J. Grotowski . received Ph.D. in 1990. I. Birindelli, working on Ph.D. thesis. 5

  9. $200,000 Grants Awarded to CCR Researchers for HIV/AIDS Studies | Poster

    Cancer.gov

    By Nancy Parrish, Staff Writer Earlier this year, the Office of AIDS Research (OAR) awarded two, two-year grants of $200,000 each to Anu Puri, Ph.D., and Robert Blumenthal, Ph.D., both of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) Nanobiology Program, and to Eric Freed, Ph.D., of the HIV Drug Resistance Program, for their research on potential new treatments for HIV.

  10. Rational Design of Rho Protein Inhibitors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-09-01

    X- ray crystallographic techniques for structure determination. This training regimen has consisted of formal training either individually from...facility (Brenda Temple, Ph.D.), members of the LDDN at Harvard University (Ross Stein, Ph.D. and Li-An Yeh, Ph.D.), the director of the X- ray core...initiation but essential for metastasis. Genes Dev, 2005. Electronic publication ahead of print. 23. Zhang J-H, Chung TDY, and Oldenburg KR. A

  11. ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF RESPIRABLE TIRE PARTICLES AND ASSESSMENT OF CARDIO-PULMONARY TOXICITY IN RATS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Elemental Analysis of Respirable Tire Particles and Assessment of Cardio-pulmonary Toxicity in Rats

    R.R. Gottipolu, PhD1, E. Landa, PhD2, J.K. McGee, MS1, M.C. Schladweiler, BS1, J.G. Wallenborn, MS3, A.D. Ledbetter, BS1, J.E. Richards, MS1 and U.P. Kodavanti, PhD1. 1NHEER...

  12. MYOCARDIAL INJURY FROM INHALED COMBUSTION PARTICLES: IS THERE A ROLE FOR ZINC?

    EPA Science Inventory

    Myocardial injury from inhaled combustion particles: Is there a role for zinc?
    U.P.Kodavanti, PhD 1, C.F.Moyer, PhD, DVM 2, A.D.Ledbetter, BS 1, M.C.Schladweiler, BS
    1, P.S.Gilmour, PhD 1, R.Hauser, ScD, MPH 3, D.C.Christiani, MPH, MS 3, D.L.Costa, ScD
    1 and A.Ny...

  13. Serving Many Masters: The PhD on the Labour Market, the Everlasting Need of Inequality, and the Premature Death of Humboldt.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Enders, Jurgen

    2002-01-01

    Surveyed German doctoral degree holders to examine the processes and outcomes of doctoral training and their impact on subsequent careers and work affiliations. Found a positive outcome of the Ph.D. on the labor market, and that selection for doctoral training is biased by social origin while later career attainment among Ph.D. holders is not. (EV)

  14. Navigating the Path to a Biomedical Science Career

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zimmerman, Andrea McNeely

    The number of biomedical PhD scientists being trained and graduated far exceeds the number of academic faculty positions and academic research jobs. If this trend is compelling biomedical PhD scientists to increasingly seek career paths outside of academia, then more should be known about their intentions, desires, training experiences, and career path navigation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the process through which biomedical PhD scientists are trained and supported for navigating future career paths. In addition, the study sought to determine whether career development support efforts and opportunities should be redesigned to account for the proportion of PhD scientists following non-academic career pathways. Guided by the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) framework this study sought to answer the following central research question: How does a southeastern tier 1 research university train and support its biomedical PhD scientists for navigating their career paths? Key findings are: Many factors influence PhD scientists' career sector preference and job search process, but the most influential were relationships with faculty, particularly the mentor advisor; Planned activities are a significant aspect of the training process and provide skills for career success; and Planned activities provided skills necessary for a career, but influential factors directed the career path navigated. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

  15. Preparing Postbaccalaureates for Entry and Success in Biomedical PhD Programs

    PubMed Central

    Hall, Joshua D.; Harrell, Jessica R.; Cohen, Kimberley W.; Miller, Virginia L.; Phelps, Patricia V.; Cook, Jeanette G.

    2016-01-01

    Certain racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds remain underrepresented (UR) in the biomedical sciences. This underrepresentation becomes more extreme at each higher education stage. To support UR scholars during the critical transition from baccalaureate to PhD, we established an intensive, 1-yr postbaccalaureate training program. We hypothesized that this intervention would strengthen each participant’s competitiveness for leading PhD programs and build a foundation of skills and self-efficacy important for success during and after graduate school. Scholar critical analysis skills, lab technique knowledge, and Graduate Record Examination scores all improved significantly during the program. Scholars reported significant confidence growth in 21 of 24 categories related to success in research careers. In 5 yr, 91% (41/45) of scholars transitioned directly into PhD programs. Importantly, 40% (18/45) of participating postbaccalaureate scholars had previously been declined acceptance into graduate school; however, 17/18 of these scholars directly entered competitive PhD programs following our training program. Alumni reported they were “extremely well” prepared for graduate school, and 95% (39/41) are currently making progress to graduation with a PhD. In conclusion, we report a model for postbaccalaureate training that could be replicated to increase participation and success among UR scholars in the biomedical sciences. PMID:27496358

  16. The bachelor's to Ph.D. STEM pipeline no longer leaks more women than men: a 30-year analysis.

    PubMed

    Miller, David I; Wai, Jonathan

    2015-01-01

    For decades, research and public discourse about gender and science have often assumed that women are more likely than men to "leak" from the science pipeline at multiple points after entering college. We used retrospective longitudinal methods to investigate how accurately this "leaky pipeline" metaphor has described the bachelor's to Ph.D. transition in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the U.S. since the 1970s. Among STEM bachelor's degree earners in the 1970s and 1980s, women were less likely than men to later earn a STEM Ph.D. However, this gender difference closed in the 1990s. Qualitatively similar trends were found across STEM disciplines. The leaky pipeline metaphor therefore partially explains historical gender differences in the U.S., but no longer describes current gender differences in the bachelor's to Ph.D. transition in STEM. The results help constrain theories about women's underrepresentation in STEM. Overall, these results point to the need to understand gender differences at the bachelor's level and below to understand women's representation in STEM at the Ph.D. level and above. Consistent with trends at the bachelor's level, women's representation at the Ph.D. level has been recently declining for the first time in over 40 years.

  17. The plant homeodomain fingers of fission yeast Msc1 exhibit E3 ubiquitin ligase activity.

    PubMed

    Dul, Barbara E; Walworth, Nancy C

    2007-06-22

    The DNA damage checkpoint pathway governs how cells regulate cell cycle progression in response to DNA damage. A screen for suppressors of a fission yeast chk1 mutant defective in the checkpoint pathway identified a novel Schizosaccharomyces pombe protein, Msc1. Msc1 contains 3 plant homeodomain (PHD) finger motifs, characteristically defined by a C4HC3 consensus similar to RING finger domains. PHD finger domains in viral proteins and in the cellular protein kinase MEKK1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase kinase 1) have been implicated as ubiquitin E3 protein ligases that affect protein stability. The close structural relationship of PHD fingers to RING fingers suggests that other PHD domain-containing proteins might share this activity. We show that each of the three PHD fingers of Msc1 can act as ubiquitin E3 ligases, reporting for the first time that PHD fingers from a nuclear protein exhibit E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. The function of the PHD fingers of Msc1 is needed to rescue the DNA damage sensitivity of a chk1Delta strain. Msc1 co-precipitates Rhp6, the S. pombe homologue of the human ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc2. Strikingly, deletion of msc1 confers complete suppression of the slow growth phenotype, UV and hydroxyurea sensitivities of an rhp6 deletion strain and restores deficient histone H3 methylation observed in the rhp6Delta mutant. We speculate that the target of the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of Msc1 is likely to be a chromatin-associated protein.

  18. Broader Impact Actualized: Collaborative Efforts that Facilitate Successful Movement of Underrepresented Students Through the Pipeline

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pyrtle, A. J.; Whitney, V. W.

    2007-12-01

    The Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science Initiative \\(MS PHD'S)\\ was established by and for underrepresented minorities to facilitate increased and sustained participation in Earth system science community. Based on successful experiences of students within the SOARS program, the MS PHD'S 2003 pilot project incorporated a team mentoring structure. Student interaction with multiple mentors resulted in exposure to multiple learning perspectives and increased one-on-one, mentee/mentor interaction. Since program inception, eleven \\(11)\\ minority Earth system scientists have served as Program mentors and eighty-two (82) minority and non-minority scientists have served as Meeting Mentors to MS PHD'S student participants A total of ninety-nine \\(99)\\ undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented populations have participated in the MS PHD'S program. Twenty-five undergraduate and graduate students participated in the MS PHD'S pilot program in 2003 as Cohort I. During FY 04-05, Cohort II consisted of twenty-seven students and twenty-three students formed Cohort III. FY 06-07, twenty-four (24) students formed Cohort IV. Of the ninety-nine \\(99)\\ student participants, fifty-four \\(54)\\ MS PHD'S student participants self-identified as African American, twenty-seven \\(27)\\ as Puerto Rican, six \\(6)\\ as Hispanic/Mexican American, eight \\(8)\\ as Native American and one \\(1)\\ each as African, Asian, Pacific Islander and Multi-Ethnic. During the five \\(5)\\ year span of MS PHD'S programming, fourteen \\(14)\\ student participants completed BS degrees, ten (10) completed MS degrees and seven \\(7\\ completed the Doctoral degrees. How did MS PHD'S establish meaningful engagement of the science community to enhance diversity within the Earth system science community? This case study reveals replicable processes and constructs to enhance the quality of meaningful collaboration and engagement. In addition, the study addresses frequently asked questions \\ (FAQ's)\\ on outreach, recruitment, engagement, retention and success of students from underrepresented populations within diversity-focused programs.

  19. Effect of wave localization on plasma instabilities. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Levedahl, William Kirk

    1987-01-01

    The Anderson model of wave localization in random media is involved to study the effect of solar wind density turbulence on plasma processes associated with the solar type III radio burst. ISEE-3 satellite data indicate that a possible model for the type III process is the parametric decay of Langmuir waves excited by solar flare electron streams into daughter electromagnetic and ion acoustic waves. The threshold for this instability, however, is much higher than observed Langmuir wave levels because of rapid wave convection of the transverse electromagnetic daughter wave in the case where the solar wind is assumed homogeneous. Langmuir and transverse waves near critical density satisfy the Ioffe-Reigel criteria for wave localization in the solar wind with observed density fluctuations -1 percent. Numerical simulations of wave propagation in random media confirm the localization length predictions of Escande and Souillard for stationary density fluctations. For mobile density fluctuations localized wave packets spread at the propagation velocity of the density fluctuations rather than the group velocity of the waves. Computer simulations using a linearized hybrid code show that an electron beam will excite localized Langmuir waves in a plasma with density turbulence. An action principle approach is used to develop a theory of non-linear wave processes when waves are localized. A theory of resonant particles diffusion by localized waves is developed to explain the saturation of the beam-plasma instability. It is argued that localization of electromagnetic waves will allow the instability threshold to be exceeded for the parametric decay discussed above.

  20. Gene Targets in Prostate Tumor Cells that Mediate Aberrant Growth and Invasiveness

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-02-01

    Craig A. Hauser , Ph.D. Gabriele Foos, Ph.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: The Burnham Institute La Jolla, California 92037 REPORT DATE: February 2005 TYPE...NUMBERS Gene Targets in Prostate Tumor Cells that Mediate DAMD17-02-1-0019 Aberrant Growth and Invasiveness 6. AUTHOR(S) Craig A. Hauser , Ph.D. Gabriele...REPORTABLE OUTCOMES Foos G, Hauser CA (2004) The role of Ets transcription factors in mediating cellular transformation. In: Handbook of Experimental

  1. Launching a Career or Reflecting on Life? Reasons, Issues and Outcomes for Candidates Undertaking PhD Studies Mid-Career or after Retirement Compared to the Traditional Early Career Pathway

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stehlik, Tom

    2011-01-01

    The Commonwealth government provides fee exemption for any Australian who undertakes a PhD. This policy is presumably based on the "clever country" assumption that an educated population will develop and contribute to social and economic capital. Enrolment numbers therefore continue to increase, and a PhD is no longer an elite…

  2. Basic and Applied Research in the Field of Electronics and Communications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-02-18

    Epitaxy on Semiconductor Surfaces Song, S. Ph.D., 1996 Optical Frequency Metrology Lutwak , R. Ph.D., 1996 Precision Physical Measurements...Systems." J. Opt. Soc. Am. 514(8): 2167-2173 (1997). Lutwak , R., J. Holley, P.P. Chang, S. Paine, D. Kleppner, and T. Ducas. "Circular States of...Domain Analysis of Electromagnetic Interference and Radiation Problems. Ph.D. diss., Dept. of Electr. Eng. and Comput. Sei., MIT, 1995. Lutwak , R

  3. Sparse Representation of Multimodality Sensing Databases for Data Mining and Retrieval

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-04-09

    Savarese. Estimating the Aspect Layout of Object Categories, EEE Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR). 19-JUN-12...Time Equivalent (FTE) support provided by this agreement, and total for each category): (a) Graduate Students Liang Mei, 50% FTE, EE : systems...PhD candidate Min Sun, 50% FTE, EE : systems, PhD candidate Yu Xiang, 50% FTE, EE : systems, PhD candidate Dae Yon Jung, 50% FTE, EE : systems, PhD

  4. A Synopsis of Personalized Medicine Projects Within the United States Air Force

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-06-16

    MDW/SGVU SUBJECT: Professional Presentation Approval 17 MAY 2017 1. Your paper, entitled A Synopsis of Personalized Medicine Projects within the...3039 must be submitted for review and approval.) 6. TITLE OF MA TE RIAL TO BE PUBLISHED OR PRESENTED: A SYNOPSIS OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE PROJECTS ...PERSONALIZED MEDICINE PROJECTS WITHIN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE Sandra Valtier, Ph.D., G. Jilani Chaudry, Ph.D., Lisa Lott, Ph.D., Manuel Caballero

  5. Baccalaureate Origins of PhDs, 1920-1980: A New Study. College Rankings by Educational Productivity.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hanson, Todd C.

    A report on the undergraduate origins of PhD holders for the periods of 1920-1980 and 1970-1980 is presented. Its three goals are to show how many of each of the 1,200 U.S. colleges had graduates who earned the PhD during the two time periods; to calculate the proportion of each college's graduates who had earned the PhD during the two time…

  6. Practical Recommendations for Trait-Level Estimation in the Navy Computer Adaptive Personality Scales (NCAPS)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-11-30

    www.nprst.navy.mil NPRST-TN-11-1 November 2010 Practical Recommendations for -level Estimation in NCAPS Frederick L. Oswald, Ph.D. Rice University...Navy Computer Adaptive Personality Scales ( NCAPS ) Frederick L. Oswald, Ph.D. Rice University Reviewed, Approved, and Released by David M...Personality Scales ( NCAPS ) Frederick P. Oswald, Ph.D. Rice University 6100 Main St., MS25 Houston, TX 77005 Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and

  7. Cannabinoid Receptors: A Novel Target for Therapy for Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-02-01

    experiments, the long term implications of our study could be to develop nonhabit-forming cannabi - noid agonist (s) for the management of prostate cancer ...independent prostate cancer cell invasion. Cancer Res 2004;64:8826–30. 14. Sarfaraz S, Afaq F, Adhami VM, et al. Cannabi - noid receptors agonist WIN-55,212–2...for Therapy for Prostate Cancer PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Hasan Mukhtar, Ph.D. Farrukh Afaq, Ph.D. Sami Sarfaraz, Ph.D

  8. Career opportunities for graduates with professional master's vs. PhD degrees.

    PubMed

    Gwirtz, Patricia A

    2014-09-01

    Professional science master's degree programs are an appealing option to those who want to pursue a professional career and/or seek advancement in their career that does not necessarily require the more advanced PhD degree. These programs are designed to meet a workforce need for professionals and can be completed within 2 years. The student learns the professional skills to be successful in their chosen field, and data indicate a great deal of satisfaction by graduates from these programs. In contrast, those who wish to have a career goal in academia or research usually will pursue a PhD degree. Table 1 shows the important similarities and differences a student should consider when deciding whether to pursue a PSM or Ph.D. degree.

  9. Relationships among North American songbird trends, habitat fragmentation, and landscape occupancy

    Treesearch

    Therese M. Donovan; Curtis H. Flather

    2002-01-01

    Fragmentation of breeding habitat has been hypothesized as a cause of population declines in forest-nesting migratory birds. Negative correlations between the degree of fragmentation and bird density or fecundity at local or regional scales support the fragmentation hypothesis. Yet, in spite of reduced fecundity and densities in fragmented systems, many forest-nesting...

  10. Association Between Increased Vascular Density and Loss of Protective RAS in Early-stage NPDR

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Radhakrishnan, Krishnan; Raghunandan, Sneha; Vyas, Ruchi J.; Vu, Amanda C.; Bryant, Douglas; Yaqian, Duan; Knecht, Brenda E.; Grant, Maria B.; Chalam, K. V.; Parsons-Wingerter, Patricia

    2016-01-01

    Our hypothesis predicts that retinal blood vessels increase in density during early-stage progression to moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is implicated in the pathogenesis of DR and in the function of circulating angiogenic cells (CACs), a critical bone marrow-derived population that is instrumental in vascular repair.

  11. Maps and models of density and stiffness within individual Douglas-fir trees

    Treesearch

    Christine L. Todoroki; Eini C. Lowell; Dennis P. Dykstra; David G. Briggs

    2012-01-01

    Spatial maps of density and stiffness patterns within individual trees were developed using two methods: (1) measured wood properties of veneer sheets; and (2) mixed effects models, to test the hypothesis that within-tree patterns could be predicted from easily measurable tree variables (height, taper, breast-height diameter, and acoustic velocity). Sample trees...

  12. Dynamical role of predators in population cycles of a forest insect: an experimental test.

    Treesearch

    P. Turchin; A.D. Taylor; J.D. Reeve

    1999-01-01

    Population cycles occur frequently in forest insects.Time-series analysis of fluctuations in one such insect, the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis), suggests that beetle dynamics are dominated by an ecological process acting in a delayed density-dependent manner.The hypothesis that delayed density-dependence in this insect results from its interaction with...

  13. Communication theory of quantum systems. Ph.D. Thesis, 1970

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yuen, H. P. H.

    1971-01-01

    Communication theory problems incorporating quantum effects for optical-frequency applications are discussed. Under suitable conditions, a unique quantum channel model corresponding to a given classical space-time varying linear random channel is established. A procedure is described by which a proper density-operator representation applicable to any receiver configuration can be constructed directly from the channel output field. Some examples illustrating the application of our methods to the development of optical quantum channel representations are given. Optimizations of communication system performance under different criteria are considered. In particular, certain necessary and sufficient conditions on the optimal detector in M-ary quantum signal detection are derived. Some examples are presented. Parameter estimation and channel capacity are discussed briefly.

  14. The intercrater plains of Mercury and the Moon: Their nature, origin and role in terrestrial planet evolution. Areal measurement of Mercury's first quadrant. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Leake, M. A.

    1982-01-01

    Various linear and areal measurements of Mercury's first quadrant which were used in geological map preparation, map analysis, and statistical surveys of crater densities are discussed. Accuracy of each method rests on the determination of the scale of the photograph, i.e., the conversion factor between distances on the planet (in km) and distances on the photograph (in cm). Measurement errors arise due to uncertainty in Mercury's radius, poor resolution, poor coverage, high Sun angle illumination in the limb regions, planetary curvature, limited precision in measuring instruments, and inaccuracies in the printed map scales. Estimates are given for these errors.

  15. Fruits and vegetables displace, but do not decrease, total energy in school lunches.

    PubMed

    Bontrager Yoder, Andrea B; Schoeller, Dale A

    2014-08-01

    The high overweight and obesity prevalence among US children is a well-established public health concern. Diet is known to play a causal role in obesity. Increasing fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption to recommended levels is proposed to help reduce obesity, because their bulk and low energy density are believed to reduce energy-dense food consumption (volume displacement hypothesis). This study tests this hypothesis at the lunch meal among upper-elementary students participating in a Farm to School (F2S) program. Digital photographs of students' school lunch trays were visually analyzed to identify the food items and amounts that were present and consumed before and after the meal. Using the USDA Nutrient Database, total and FV-only energy were calculated for each tray. Analysis of total- and non-FV energy intake was performed according to (1) levels of FV energy intake, (2) FV energy density, and (3) previous years of Farm to School programming. Higher intake of FV energy displaced non-FV energy, but total energy did not decrease across FV energy intake groups. High-FV-energy-density trays showed lower non-FV energy intake than low-FV-energy-density trays (470±179 vs. 534±219 kcal; p<0.0001). Trays from schools with more previous years of F2S programming decreased total and non-FV energy intake from school lunches (p for trend<0.0001, both). Increased FV consumption reduces non-FV energy intake, but does not reduce total energy intake. Therefore, this study does not support the volume displacement hypothesis and suggests calorie displacement instead.

  16. Two dimensions of trust in physicians in OECD-countries.

    PubMed

    Saarinen, Arttu Olavi; Räsänen, Pekka; Kouvo, Antti

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to analyse citizens' trust in physicians in 22 OECD countries. The authors measure trust in physicians using items on generalised and particularised trust. Individual-level data are received from the ISSP Research Group (2011). The authors also utilise macro variables drawn from different data banks. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and xtlogit regression models. The main micro-level hypothesis is that low self-reported health is strongly associated with lower trust in physicians. The second micro-level hypothesis is that frequent meetings with physicians result in higher trust. The third micro-level hypothesis assumes that males, and older and better educated respondents, express higher trust compared to others. The first macro-level hypothesis is that lower income inequality leads to higher trust in physicians. The second macro-level hypothesis is that greater physician density leads to higher trust in physicians. The authors found that the influence of individual and macro-level characteristics varies between trust types. Results indicate that both trust types are clearly associated with individual-level determinants. However, only general trust in physicians has weak associations with macro-level indicators (mainly physician density) and therefore on institutional cross-country differences. It seems that particularised trust in a physician's skills is more restricted to the individuals' health and their own experiences meeting doctors, whereas general trust likely reflects attitudes towards the prevalent profession in the country. The findings hold significance for healthcare systems research and for research concerning social trust generally.

  17. To what extent has doctoral (PhD) education supported academic nurse educators in their teaching roles: an integrative review.

    PubMed

    Bullin, Carol

    2018-01-01

    A doctoral degree, either a PhD or equivalent, is the academic credential required for an academic nurse educator position in a university setting; however, the lack of formal teaching courses in doctoral programs contradict the belief that these graduates are proficient in teaching. As a result, many PhD prepared individuals are not ready to meet the demands of teaching. An integrative literature review was undertaken. Four electronic databases were searched including the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and ProQuest. Date range and type of peer-reviewed literature was not specified. Conditions and factors that influenced or impacted on academic nurse educators' roles and continue to perpetuate insufficient pedagogical preparation include the requirement of a research focused PhD, lack of mentorship in doctoral programs and the influence of epistemic cultures (including institutional emphasis and reward system). Other factors that have impacted the academic nurse educator's role are society's demand for highly educated nurses that have increased the required credential, the assumption that all nurses are considered natural teachers, and a lack of consensus on the practice of the scholarship of teaching. Despite recommendations from nursing licensing bodies and a major US national nursing education study, little has been done to address the issue of formal pedagogical preparation in doctoral (PhD) nursing programs. There is an expectation of academic nurse educators to deliver quality nursing education yet, have very little or no formal pedagogical preparation for this role. While PhD programs remain research-intensive, the PhD degree remains a requirement for a role in which teaching is the major responsibility.

  18. Analysis of ISO/IEEE 11073 built-in security and its potential IHE-based extensibility.

    PubMed

    Rubio, Óscar J; Trigo, Jesús D; Alesanco, Álvaro; Serrano, Luis; García, José

    2016-04-01

    The ISO/IEEE 11073 standard for Personal Health Devices (X73PHD) aims to ensure interoperability between Personal Health Devices and aggregators-e.g. health appliances, routers-in ambulatory setups. The Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) initiative promotes the coordinated use of different standards in healthcare systems (e.g. Personal/Electronic Health Records, alert managers, Clinical Decision Support Systems) by defining profiles intended for medical use cases. X73PHD provides a robust syntactic model and a comprehensive terminology, but it places limited emphasis on security and on interoperability with IHE-compliant systems and frameworks. However, the implementation of eHealth/mHealth applications in environments such as health and fitness monitoring, independent living and disease management (i.e. the X73PHD domains) increasingly requires features such as secure connections to mobile aggregators-e.g. smartphones, tablets-, the sharing of devices among different users with privacy, and interoperability with certain IHE-compliant healthcare systems. This work proposes a comprehensive IHE-based X73PHD extension consisting of additive layers adapted to different eHealth/mHealth applications, after having analyzed the features of X73PHD (especially its built-in security), IHE profiles related with these applications and other research works. Both the new features proposed for each layer and the procedures to support them have been carefully chosen to minimize the impact on X73PHD, on its architecture (in terms of delays and overhead) and on its framework. Such implications are thoroughly analyzed in this paper. As a result, an extended model of X73PHD is proposed, preserving its essential features while extending them with added value. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Harvard College Observatory: Shapley's Factory for PhD Degrees?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Welther, B. L.

    2000-12-01

    When Harlow Shapley assumed the Directorship of Harvard College Observatory in 1921, there was no program in place there to train the next generation of astronomers. In 1923, using the Pickering Fund for women assistants, Shapley hired a young English woman, Cecilia Payne, to work on stellar spectra. Just two short years later, Payne completed her research and wrote a celebrated thesis on stellar atmospheres. Because Harvard University was not prepared to confer a PhD degree on a woman at that time, Payne presented her thesis to Radcliffe College. Thus, in 1925 she became the first person to receive a PhD in astronomy for a research project at HCO. By 1933, a PhD in Astronomy had been conferred on eight graduate students who had undertaken research projects at HCO: four men who received their degree from Harvard, and four women, from Radcliffe. In subsequent years, however, the equal distribution of degrees for men and women quickly changed. When the 30th degree was bestowed in 1943, only 10 of the candidates were women. By 1955, when the 60th degree was conferred, only 14 women had received a PhD. In just two decades, then, the ratio of women astronomers had steadily dropped from a solid 50% at the height of the Shapley era to slightly less than 25% at his retirement. Also, until the mid-1960s, the women astronomers still had to apply to Radcliffe for their PhD degrees. This paper will briefly examine the funding and research topics of some of the HCO PhD candidates in the Shapley Era (1921-1955). It will also highlight some of their subsequent contributions to 20th-century American Astronomy.

  20. Prostate Cancer Research Training in Health Disparities for Undergraduates (PCaRT)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-03-01

    management Program Mentors Carlton Adams, M.D. LaMonica Stewart, Ph.D. Ben Ogunkua, M.D., Ph.D. Alphonse Pasipanodya, M.D. Jay Fowke, Ph.D., MPH...African-Americans Alphonse Pasipanodya, MD. (Primary Mentor) Flora A. M. Ukoli, MD., MPH. (Principal Investigator) Derrick Beech, M.D. (Co-PI...my goals is to be a successful black woman influencing and touching the lives of all those I come in contact with daily. Alphonse Pasipanodya

  1. The United States Army Medical Department Journal. October - December 2010

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-12-01

    Fail, Just Ask Them 65 Carita DeVilbiss, PhD; Valerie J. Rice, PhD; Linda Laws; Petra Alfred Understanding the Leadership and Cultural Dimensions...educators prepared to affect the affective domain? Natl Forum Teach Educ J [serial online], 2006;16(3E):2005-2006. 17. Martin BL, Briggs LJ. The...J. Rice, PhD Linda Laws Petra Alfred ABSTRACT One method to discover possible reasons why individuals fail academic training is to ask them

  2. Computational Methods for Control in Partial Differential Equations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-07-13

    supported in part under this grant are C. Musante (Ph.D. thesis completed in May, 1998), M. Buksas (Ph.D. thesis to be completed in August, 1998) and M...continuing initial promising simulation findings. A summary of theoretical and numerical results to date is given in the Ph.D. thesis of Musante [4]. II... Musante and Buksas in visits to Brooks Air Force Base. The collaborations intensified during 1997 with the following visits: 1. June 15-August 30

  3. In-Situ Bioreduction and Removal of Ammonium Perchlorate

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-05-09

    Ader, PhD. Max Coleman, PhD. Swades Chaudhuri, PhD. Susan O’Connor MSc, MSc Royce Bruce, MSc. Urania Michaelidou, MSc. Melissa Rice, MSc. Sarah...1993. SeqApp, 1.9a157 ed. Biocomputing Office, Biology Dept., Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. 44. Giordano , G., L. Saracino, and L. Grillet. 1985...Mutant of E. coli K-12. Biocimica et Biophysica Acta 839:181-190. 45. Guigliarelli, B., A. Magalon, M. Asso, P. Bertrand, C. Frixon, G. Giordano

  4. Annual Progress Report FY-92. Volume 1

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-01-21

    Billups, L Flow Cytom Resh Psychologist 12 0180 CS Hamm, C DCI 7 DESCRIPTION GRADE MOS BRANCH NAME ACTIVITY Kyle Metabolic Unit Nursing Service Supv...3349 Salata, Kalman PhD. Mitogen-Inducible T Suppressor Cell 13 Assay by Flow Cytometry (12/89) 3350 Salata, Kalman PhD. Flow Cytometric Analysis of...17 Immunotherapy (3/90) 3354 Salata, Kalman PhD. Two Way Mixed Lymphocyte Culture: 18 Analysis by Two Color Flow Cytometry (4/90) 3355 Salata, Kalman

  5. Report on the International PhD School ''Science and Technology with the E-ELT''

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bono, G.; Hook, I.; Ramsay, S.

    2015-12-01

    This international PhD school in the F. Lucchin cycle was the first to bring together Masters and PhD students with an interest in all aspects of the science and technology of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT). It was fitting that this school was held within a year of the project formally entering the construction phase. An overview of the topics covered during the school is presented.

  6. The bachelor’s to Ph.D. STEM pipeline no longer leaks more women than men: a 30-year analysis

    PubMed Central

    Miller, David I.; Wai, Jonathan

    2015-01-01

    For decades, research and public discourse about gender and science have often assumed that women are more likely than men to “leak” from the science pipeline at multiple points after entering college. We used retrospective longitudinal methods to investigate how accurately this “leaky pipeline” metaphor has described the bachelor’s to Ph.D. transition in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the U.S. since the 1970s. Among STEM bachelor’s degree earners in the 1970s and 1980s, women were less likely than men to later earn a STEM Ph.D. However, this gender difference closed in the 1990s. Qualitatively similar trends were found across STEM disciplines. The leaky pipeline metaphor therefore partially explains historical gender differences in the U.S., but no longer describes current gender differences in the bachelor’s to Ph.D. transition in STEM. The results help constrain theories about women’s underrepresentation in STEM. Overall, these results point to the need to understand gender differences at the bachelor’s level and below to understand women’s representation in STEM at the Ph.D. level and above. Consistent with trends at the bachelor’s level, women’s representation at the Ph.D. level has been recently declining for the first time in over 40 years. PMID:25741293

  7. Analyzing the factors that influencing the success of post graduates in achieving graduate on time (GOT) using analytic hierarchy process (AHP)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chin, Wan Yung; Ch'ng, Chee Keong; Jamil, Jastini Mohd.; Shaharanee, Izwan Nizal Mohd.

    2017-11-01

    In the globalization era, education plays an important role in educating and preparing individuals to face the demands and challenges of 21st century. Thus, this contributes to the increase of the number of individuals pursuing their studies in Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) program. However, the ability of Ph.D students in heading to the four years Graduate on Time (GOT) mission that is stipulated by University has become a major concern of students, institution and government. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the Ph.D students in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) to achieve GOT. Through the reviewing of previous research, six factors which are student factor, financial factor, supervisor factor, skills factor, project factors and institution factor had been identified as the domain factors that influence the Ph.D students in achieving GOT. The level of importance for each factor will be ranked by the experts from three graduate schools using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique. This study will bring a significant contribution to the understanding of factors that affecting the Ph.D students in UUM to achieve GOT. In Addition, this study can also succor the university in planning and assisting the Ph.D students to accomplish the GOT in future.

  8. Strategic innovation between PhD and DNP programs: Collaboration, collegiality, and shared resources.

    PubMed

    Edwards, Joellen; Rayman, Kathleen; Diffenderfer, Sandra; Stidham, April

    2016-01-01

    At least 111 schools and colleges of nursing across the nation provide both PhD and DNP programs (AACN, 2014a). Collaboration between nurses with doctoral preparation as researchers (PhD) and practitioners (DNP) has been recommended as essential to further the profession; that collaboration can begin during the educational process. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and implementation of successful DNP and PhD program collaboration, and to share the results of that collaboration in an educational setting. Faculty set strategic goals to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of both new DNP and existing PhD programs. The goals were to promote collaboration and complementarity between the programs through careful capstone and dissertation differentiation, complementary residency activities, joint courses and inter-professional experiences; promote collegiality in a blended on-line learning environment through shared orientation and intensive on-campus sessions; and maximize resources in program delivery through a supportive organizational structure, equal access to technology support, and shared faculty responsibilities as appropriate to terminal degrees. Successes such as student and faculty accomplishments, and challenges such as managing class size and workload, are described. Collaboration, collegiality and the sharing of resources have strengthened and enriched both programs and contributed to the success of students, faculty. These innovative program strategies can provide a solid foundation for DNP and PhD collaboration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. In situ study of heavy ion irradiation response of immiscible Cu/Fe multilayers

    DOE PAGES

    Chen, Youxing; Li, Nan; Bufford, Daniel Charles; ...

    2016-04-09

    By providing active defect sinks that capture and annihilate radiation induced defect clusters immiscible metallic multilayers with incoherent interfaces can effectively reduce defect density in ion irradiated metals. Although it is anticipated that defect density within the layers should vary as a function of distance to the layer interface, there is, to date, little in situ TEM evidence to validate this hypothesis. In our study monolithic Cu films and Cu/Fe multilayers with individual layer thickness, h, of 100 and 5 nm were subjected to in situ Cu ion irradiation at room temperature to nominally 1 displacement-per-atom inside a transmission electronmore » microscope. Rapid formation and propagation of defect clusters were observed in monolithic Cu, whereas fewer defects with smaller dimensions were generated in Cu/Fe multilayers with smaller h. Moreover, in situ video shows that the cumulative defect density in Cu/Fe 100 nm multilayers indeed varies, as a function of distance to the layer interfaces, supporting a long postulated hypothesis.« less

  10. Population density influences dispersal in female white-tailed deer

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Lutz, Clayton L.; Diefenbach, Duane R.; Rosenberry, Christopher S.

    2015-01-01

    Dispersal behavior in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) predominantly occurs in 1-year-old males; however, females of the same age also disperse. The timing of female dispersal during fawning season and low dispersal rates suggest that competition for mates and reduced inbreeding are not ultimate causes of female dispersal, as suggested for males. We proposed that female dispersal is the result of competition for space when pregnant females seek to isolate themselves before and after parturition. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a meta-analysis of female dispersal rates from 12 populations of white-tailed deer and predicted dispersal rate and distance were positively related to deer density. We found a positive relationship between dispersal rate and deer per forested km2 and between dispersal distance and deer per forested km2. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that female dispersal is density-dependent and caused by the exclusion of subordinate 1-year-olds as adult females seek isolation before and after parturition.

  11. Meet EPA Scientist Valerie Zartarian, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Senior exposure scientist and research environmental engineer Valerie Zartarian, Ph.D. helps build computer models and other tools that advance our understanding of how people interact with chemicals.

  12. Enhancing Postgraduate Learning and Teaching: Postgraduate Summer School in Dairy Science

    PubMed Central

    Gabai, Gianfranco; Morgante, Massimo; Gallo, Luigi

    2014-01-01

    Dairy science is a multidisciplinary area of scientific investigation and Ph.D. students aiming to do research in the field of animal and/or veterinary sciences must be aware of this. Ph.D. students often have vast spectra of research interests, and it is quite challenging to satisfy the expectation of all of them. The aim of this study was to establish an international Ph.D. training program based on research collaboration between the University of Sydney and the University of Padova. The core component of this program was a two-week Postgraduate Summer School in Dairy Science, which was held at the University of Padova, for Ph.D. students of both universities. Therefore, we designed a program that encompassed seminars, workshops, laboratory practical sessions, and farm visits. Participants were surveyed using a written questionnaire. Overall, participants have uniformly praised the Summer School calling it a rewarding and valuable learning experience. The Ph.D. Summer School in Dairy Science provided its participants a positive learning experience, provided them the opportunity to establish an international network, and facilitated the development of transferable skills. PMID:24575312

  13. Standard-compliant real-time transmission of ECGs: harmonization of ISO/IEEE 11073-PHD and SCP-ECG.

    PubMed

    Trigo, Jesús D; Chiarugi, Franco; Alesanco, Alvaro; Martínez-Espronceda, Miguel; Chronaki, Catherine E; Escayola, Javier; Martínez, Ignacio; García, José

    2009-01-01

    Ambient assisted living and integrated care in an aging society is based on the vision of the lifelong Electronic Health Record calling for HealthCare Information Systems and medical device interoperability. For medical devices this aim can be achieved by the consistent implementation of harmonized international interoperability standards. The ISO/IEEE 11073 (x73) family of standards is a reference standard for medical device interoperability. In its Personal Health Device (PHD) version several devices have been included, but an ECG device specialization is not yet available. On the other hand, the SCP-ECG standard for short-term diagnostic ECGs (EN1064) has been recently approved as an international standard ISO/IEEE 11073-91064:2009. In this paper, the relationships between a proposed x73-PHD model for an ECG device and the fields of the SCP-ECG standard are investigated. A proof-of-concept implementation of the proposed x73-PHD ECG model is also presented, identifying open issues to be addressed by standards development for the wider interoperability adoption of x73-PHD standards.

  14. Mechanisms of crustal shortening in the foreland of the central Andes, Argentina: insights from data-driven three-dimensional gravity, thermal and rheological modelling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meeßen, Christian; Scheck-Wenderoth, Magdalena; Sippel, Judith; Strecker, Manfred

    2017-04-01

    Thin- and thick-skinned deformation styles in the foreland of the central Andes are the result of ongoing crustal shortening since the early Neogene. The mechanisms proposed for these different styles range from variations in subduction angle of the Nazca plate, lithospheric thickening to variations in temperature and strength of the crystalline crust. The latter hypothesis states a cold and strong lithosphere in the foreland of the Altiplano Plateau, facilitating thin-skinned shortening. In contrast, the foreland of the Puna plateau is proposed to be characterized by a warm lithosphere and strong upper crust, resulting in thick-skinned deformation. Whilst this hypothesis has been confirmed in numerical thermomechanical experiments, there is no evidence for this mechanism from data integrative modelling. We test this hypothesis by means of three-dimensional data integrative gravity, thermal and rheological modelling. Therefore, we constructed a lithospheric-scale density model of the foreland of northern Argentina and southern Bolivia using gravity forward modelling and inversion techniques. Into this density model we implemented sediment isopachs, data from receiver functions and densities from shear-wave velocities of the upper mantle. The model was verified using the observed Bouguer gravity anomaly. By assigning thermal and rheological properties to the modelled units we are able to quantify the strength of the lithosphere and test the predictions by the thermomechanical models.

  15. Density-dependent natal dispersal patterns in a leopard population recovering from over-harvest.

    PubMed

    Fattebert, Julien; Balme, Guy; Dickerson, Tristan; Slotow, Rob; Hunter, Luke

    2015-01-01

    Natal dispersal enables population connectivity, gene flow and metapopulation dynamics. In polygynous mammals, dispersal is typically male-biased. Classically, the 'mate competition', 'resource competition' and 'resident fitness' hypotheses predict density-dependent dispersal patterns, while the 'inbreeding avoidance' hypothesis posits density-independent dispersal. In a leopard (Panthera pardus) population recovering from over-harvest, we investigated the effect of sex, population density and prey biomass, on age of natal dispersal, distance dispersed, probability of emigration and dispersal success. Over an 11-year period, we tracked 35 subadult leopards using VHF and GPS telemetry. Subadult leopards initiated dispersal at 13.6 ± 0.4 months. Age at commencement of dispersal was positively density-dependent. Although males (11.0 ± 2.5 km) generally dispersed further than females (2.7 ± 0.4 km), some males exhibited opportunistic philopatry when the population was below capacity. All 13 females were philopatric, while 12 of 22 males emigrated. Male dispersal distance and emigration probability followed a quadratic relationship with population density, whereas female dispersal distance was inversely density-dependent. Eight of 12 known-fate females and 5 of 12 known-fate male leopards were successful in settling. Dispersal success did not vary with population density, prey biomass, and for males, neither between dispersal strategies (philopatry vs. emigration). Females formed matrilineal kin clusters, supporting the resident fitness hypothesis. Conversely, mate competition appeared the main driver for male leopard dispersal. We demonstrate that dispersal patterns changed over time, i.e. as the leopard population density increased. We conclude that conservation interventions that facilitated local demographic recovery in the study area also restored dispersal patterns disrupted by unsustainable harvesting, and that this indirectly improved connectivity among leopard populations over a larger landscape.

  16. Density-Dependent Natal Dispersal Patterns in a Leopard Population Recovering from Over-Harvest

    PubMed Central

    Fattebert, Julien; Balme, Guy; Dickerson, Tristan; Slotow, Rob; Hunter, Luke

    2015-01-01

    Natal dispersal enables population connectivity, gene flow and metapopulation dynamics. In polygynous mammals, dispersal is typically male-biased. Classically, the ‘mate competition’, ‘resource competition’ and ‘resident fitness’ hypotheses predict density-dependent dispersal patterns, while the ‘inbreeding avoidance’ hypothesis posits density-independent dispersal. In a leopard (Panthera pardus) population recovering from over-harvest, we investigated the effect of sex, population density and prey biomass, on age of natal dispersal, distance dispersed, probability of emigration and dispersal success. Over an 11-year period, we tracked 35 subadult leopards using VHF and GPS telemetry. Subadult leopards initiated dispersal at 13.6 ± 0.4 months. Age at commencement of dispersal was positively density-dependent. Although males (11.0 ± 2.5 km) generally dispersed further than females (2.7 ± 0.4 km), some males exhibited opportunistic philopatry when the population was below capacity. All 13 females were philopatric, while 12 of 22 males emigrated. Male dispersal distance and emigration probability followed a quadratic relationship with population density, whereas female dispersal distance was inversely density-dependent. Eight of 12 known-fate females and 5 of 12 known-fate male leopards were successful in settling. Dispersal success did not vary with population density, prey biomass, and for males, neither between dispersal strategies (philopatry vs. emigration). Females formed matrilineal kin clusters, supporting the resident fitness hypothesis. Conversely, mate competition appeared the main driver for male leopard dispersal. We demonstrate that dispersal patterns changed over time, i.e. as the leopard population density increased. We conclude that conservation interventions that facilitated local demographic recovery in the study area also restored dispersal patterns disrupted by unsustainable harvesting, and that this indirectly improved connectivity among leopard populations over a larger landscape. PMID:25875293

  17. From movement to pain: a tribute to professor James P. Lund.

    PubMed

    Westberg, Karl-Gunnar; McFarland, David; Kolta, Arlette; Stohler, Christian; Feine, Jocelyne; Woda, Alain

    2008-01-01

    This tribute article to Professor James P. Lund stems from 6 of the presentations delivered at the July 1, 2008, symposium that honored 3 "giants" in orofacial neuroscience: B. J. Sessle, A. G. Hannam, and J. P. Lund. It was noted that soon after his training as a dentist in Australia, Jim Lund became interested in research. At the time he decided to do a PhD, there was a lot of discussion about how rhythmic movements were programmed. The early belief, based on Sherrington's studies of motor systems, was that these movements were simply an alternating series of reflexes. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, some still shared this belief, whereas others favored Graham Brown's hypothesis that repetitive movements were centrally programmed and did not depend on reflexes triggered by sensory inputs. There was no strong evidence then for either scenario except for the rhythmic movements of respiration. Lund's pioneering work during his PhD proved the existence of a central pattern generator (CPG) for mastication in the brainstem. Since then he has been interested in understanding how CPGs function and how sensory feedback works to adjust the motor patterns that they produce. Sections in this tribute article to Lund are written by some of his close collaborators and reflect the evolution of his work throughout the years. The first 4 presentations in this article (by K.-G. Westberg, D. McFarland, A. Kolta, and C. Stohler) highlight various aspects of these interests, and the final 2 presentations (by J. Feine and A. Woda) focus especially on clinical aspects of Lund's interests. The last section of this article is a final commentary from Professor Lund.

  18. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Intranasal Oxytocin as an Adjunct to Behavioral Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-01

    o Aude Henin, Ph.D. (MGH PI) o Dina Hirshfeld- Becker , Ph.D. (independent evaluator at MGH) o Angela Utschig, Ph.D. (study therapist at MGH) o...intranasal oxytocin or placebo. Participants and evaluators will be blind to treatment condition. In year 1 of the study, we set up the study framework...experimental treatment, and OT before 12 sessions of CBT treatment. Volunteers (patients) and evaluators will be blind to condition assignment

  19. The Role of AKT2 in Human Breast Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-06-01

    factors, Aktl becomes phosphorylated at these two serous cystadenocarcinomas , four mucinous cystadeno- residues. It has been shown that AKT2 is activated...AD Award Number: DAMD17-01-1-0397 TITLE: The Role of AKT2 in Human Breast Cancer PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Zeng Qiang Yuan, Ph.D. Jin Q. Cheng, M.D...in Human Breast Cancer DAMD17-01-1-0397 6. AUTHOR(S) Zeng Qiang Yuan, Ph.D. Jin Q. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D. 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES

  20. Understanding Gulf War Illness: An Integrative Modeling Approach

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Mariana Morris, PhD, Nancy Klimas, MD, Gordon Broderick , PhD, James O’Callaghan, 5d. PROJECT NUMBER PhD and James...12, 2015, Dr. Broderick submitted 1st detailed report in follow up of Fort Detrick EAB meeting (September 2014). (Task 1; Subtask 2)  On March 4, 2015...Dr, Broderick submitted a 2nd interim report to address additional questions asked by Dr. Reifman on March 2, 2015. (Task 1; Subtask 2)  Dr

  1. Rescuing Our Warriors from Chronic Pain: A Battlefield-to-Nondeployment Means to Prevent Opioid-induced Amplification of Neuropathic Pain from Traumatic Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-10-01

    Amplification of Neuropathic Pain from Traumatic Injury PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Linda R. Watkins , Ph.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Regents of the...0161 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Linda R Watkins , Ph.D. Peter M Grace, Ph.D. Suzanne M Fulgham, M.S. 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK...but from their action on glia cells by binding to the TLR4 receptor ( Watkins , Hutchinson, Rice, Maier, Trends Pharmacol Sci., 2009). Opioid

  2. A Total Quality Leadership Process Improvement Model

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-12-01

    Leadership Process Improvement Model by Archester Houston, Ph.D. and Steven L. Dockstader, Ph.D. DTICS ELECTE tleaese oand sale itsFeat ben proe 94-12058...tTl ’AND SIATE COVERID0 Z lits Z40 uerI’Ll12/93 IFinalS.FNR IM F A Total Quality Leadership Process Improvement Model M ARRhOW~ Archester Houston, Ph.D...and Steven L. Dockstader, Ph.D. ?. 7PEJORMING ORG-AN1:AION NAMEIS) AND 00-RESS(ES) L PERFORMIN4 ORAINIZATION Total Quality Leadership OfficeREOTNMR

  3. The Differential Vector Phase-Locked Loop for Global Navigation Satellite System Signal Tracking

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-06-01

    DAF Approved: //signed// John F. Raquet, PhD (Chairman) //signed// Mark E. Oxley, PhD (Member) //signed// Maj Marshall E. Haker , PhD (Member) 16 May...busy as you keep yourself. Dr. Mark Oxley and Dr. Marshall Haker for your sage guidance as members of my committee. Dr. Ken Fisher for making Kalman...Raquet, Dr. Marshall Haker , and Mr. Ben Downing at AFIT, following notes for Dr. Raquet’s Advanced GPS Receiver Design class. The second type was RINEX

  4. Former WHK Intern Returns to NCI at Frederick as Earl-Stadtman Investigator | Poster

    Cancer.gov

    The Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling (LCDS) recently welcomed John Brognard, Ph.D., as the new Earl-Stadtman Investigator. While Brognard is new to this role, he is not new to NCI at Frederick. In high school, Brognard was a Werner H. Kirsten Student Intern in what was formerly known as the ABL research program, where he worked under Bob Moschel, Ph.D., senior investigator, and Gary Pauly, Ph.D., currently a staff scientist in the Chemical Biology Laboratory.

  5. Development of EBM-CDSS (Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support System) to AIG Prognostication in Terminally Ill Patients

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-03-01

    Mbah, PhD2*, Ambuj Kumar, MD, MPH3, Kim Sehwan, PhD4*, Ronald Schonwetter, MD5* and Benjamin Djulbegovic, MD, PhD6 1Center for Evidence - Based Medicine , University...of South Florida, Tampa, FL 2USF, Tampa, FL 3University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Center for Evidence Based Medicine , Tampa...4HPC healthcare, Tampa, FL 5HPC Healthcare, Tampa, FL 6Center for Evidence - Based Medicine & Health Outcomes Research, University of South

  6. CPTAC Investigators Discuss Research Insights and Perspectives as part of ASBMB Journal Club - 12 Nov | Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research

    Cancer.gov

    On Wednesday, November 12, 2014 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST, Daniel Liebler, PhD (Vanderbilt University) and Karin Rodland, PhD (Pacific Northwestern National Laboratory) and Ruedi Aebersold, PhD (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) will share their research insight as part of the ASBMB Journal Club.  Both Doctors Liebler and Rodland are Principal Investigators in the NCI’s Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium.

  7. Moon origin - The impact-trigger hypothesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hartmann, William K.

    1986-01-01

    Arguments in favor of the impact-trigger model of lunar origin are presented. Lunar properties favoring this hypothesis include: (1) lunar iron and volatile deficiency; (2) angular momentum of the earth-moon system; and (3) similar O isotopes, bulk iron contents, and densities of earth's mantle and the moon. It is shown that the intense early bombardment averaged during earth's formation was several billion times the present meteoritic mass flux, consistent with a giant impact.

  8. Davinia Salvacha Rodrguez, Ph.D. | NREL

    Science.gov Websites

    separations Education Ph.D., Microbiology (Biology), University Complutense de Madrid, 2008 B.S., Biology entomopathogenic fungi," Fungal Biology (2011) "Fungal pretreatment: An alternative in second-generation

  9. Localized Delivery of shRNA against PHD2 Protects the Heart from Acute Myocardial Infarction through Ultrasound-Targeted Cationic Microbubble Destruction.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Li; Sun, Zhenxing; Ren, Pingping; You, Manjie; Zhang, Jing; Fang, Lingyun; Wang, Jing; Chen, Yihan; Yan, Fei; Zheng, Hairong; Xie, Mingxing

    2017-01-01

    Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) plays a critical protective role in ischemic heart disease. Under normoxic conditions, HIF-1α was degraded by oxygen-dependent prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD2). Gene therapy has become a promising strategy to inhibit the degradation of HIF-1α and to improve cardiac function after ischemic injury. However, conventional gene delivery systems are difficult to achieve a targeted and localized gene delivery into the ischemic myocardia. Here, we report the localized myocardial delivery of shRNA against PHD2 through ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) for protection the heart from acute myocardial infarction. In this study, a novel cationic microbubble was fabricated by using of the thin-film hydration and sonication method. The resulting microbubbles had a 28.2 ± 2.21 mV surface zeta potential and could greatly improve DNA binding performance, achieving 17.81 ± 1.46 μg of DNA loading capacity per 5 × 10 8 microbubbles. Combined with these cationic microbubbles, UTMD-mediated gene delivery was evaluated and the gene transfection efficiency was optimized in the H9C2 cardiac cells. Knockdown of PHD2 gene was successfully realized by UTMD-mediated shPHD2 transfection, resulting in HIF-1α-dependent protective effects on H9C2 cells through increasing the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF and bFGF. We further employed UTMD-mediated shPHD2 transfection into the localized ischemic myocardia in a rat ischemia model, demonstrating significantly reduced infarct size and greatly improved the heart function. The silencing of PHD2 and the up-regulation of its downstream genes in the treated myocardia were confirmed. Histological analysis further revealed numbers of HIF-1α- and VEGF-, and CD31-positive cells/mm 2 in the shPHD2-treated group were significantly greater than those in the sham or control vector groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our study provides a promising strategy to realize ultrasound-mediated localized myocardial shRNA delivery to protect the heart from acute myocardial infarction via cationic microbubbles.

  10. PhdA Catalyzes the First Step of Phenazine-1-Carboxylic Acid Degradation in Mycobacterium fortuitum.

    PubMed

    Costa, Kyle C; Moskatel, Leon S; Meirelles, Lucas A; Newman, Dianne K

    2018-05-15

    Phenazines are a class of bacterially produced redox-active metabolites that are found in natural, industrial, and clinical environments. In Pseudomonas spp., phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA)-the precursor of all phenazine metabolites-facilitates nutrient acquisition, biofilm formation, and competition with other organisms. While the removal of phenazines negatively impacts these activities, little is known about the genes or enzymes responsible for phenazine degradation by other organisms. Here, we report that the first step of PCA degradation by Mycobacterium fortuitum is catalyzed by a ph enazine- d egrading decarboxylase (PhdA). PhdA is related to members of the UbiD protein family that rely on a prenylated flavin mononucleotide cofactor for activity. The gene for PhdB, the enzyme responsible for cofactor synthesis, is present in a putative operon with the gene encoding PhdA in a region of the M. fortuitum genome that is essential for PCA degradation. PhdA and PhdB are present in all known PCA-degrading organisms from the Actinobacteria M. fortuitum can also catabolize other Pseudomonas -derived phenazines such as phenazine-1-carboxamide, 1-hydroxyphenazine, and pyocyanin. On the basis of our previous work and the current characterization of PhdA, we propose that degradation converges on a common intermediate: dihydroxyphenazine. An understanding of the genes responsible for degradation will enable targeted studies of phenazine degraders in diverse environments. IMPORTANCE Bacteria from phylogenetically diverse groups secrete redox-active metabolites that provide a fitness advantage for their producers. For example, phenazines from Pseudomonas spp. benefit the producers by facilitating anoxic survival and biofilm formation and additionally inhibit competitors by serving as antimicrobials. Phenazine-producing pseudomonads act as biocontrol agents by leveraging these antibiotic properties to inhibit plant pests. Despite this importance, the fate of phenazines in the environment is poorly understood. Here, we characterize an enzyme from Mycobacterium fortuitum that catalyzes the first step of phenazine-1-carboxylic acid degradation. Knowledge of the genetic basis of phenazine degradation will facilitate the identification of environments where this activity influences the microbial community structure. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

  11. Localized Delivery of shRNA against PHD2 Protects the Heart from Acute Myocardial Infarction through Ultrasound-Targeted Cationic Microbubble Destruction

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Li; Sun, Zhenxing; Ren, Pingping; You, Manjie; Zhang, Jing; Fang, Lingyun; Wang, Jing; Chen, Yihan; Yan, Fei; Zheng, Hairong; Xie, Mingxing

    2017-01-01

    Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) plays a critical protective role in ischemic heart disease. Under normoxic conditions, HIF-1α was degraded by oxygen-dependent prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD2). Gene therapy has become a promising strategy to inhibit the degradation of HIF-1α and to improve cardiac function after ischemic injury. However, conventional gene delivery systems are difficult to achieve a targeted and localized gene delivery into the ischemic myocardia. Here, we report the localized myocardial delivery of shRNA against PHD2 through ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) for protection the heart from acute myocardial infarction. In this study, a novel cationic microbubble was fabricated by using of the thin-film hydration and sonication method. The resulting microbubbles had a 28.2 ± 2.21 mV surface zeta potential and could greatly improve DNA binding performance, achieving 17.81 ± 1.46 μg of DNA loading capacity per 5 × 108 microbubbles. Combined with these cationic microbubbles, UTMD-mediated gene delivery was evaluated and the gene transfection efficiency was optimized in the H9C2 cardiac cells. Knockdown of PHD2 gene was successfully realized by UTMD-mediated shPHD2 transfection, resulting in HIF-1α-dependent protective effects on H9C2 cells through increasing the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF and bFGF. We further employed UTMD-mediated shPHD2 transfection into the localized ischemic myocardia in a rat ischemia model, demonstrating significantly reduced infarct size and greatly improved the heart function. The silencing of PHD2 and the up-regulation of its downstream genes in the treated myocardia were confirmed. Histological analysis further revealed numbers of HIF-1α- and VEGF-, and CD31-positive cells/mm2 in the shPHD2-treated group were significantly greater than those in the sham or control vector groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our study provides a promising strategy to realize ultrasound-mediated localized myocardial shRNA delivery to protect the heart from acute myocardial infarction via cationic microbubbles. PMID:28042316

  12. QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS THAT BL LACERTAE OBJECTS ARE QSO REMNANTS

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

    Borra, E. F.

    2014-11-20

    We evaluate with numerical simulations the hypothesis that BL Lacertae objects (BLLs) are the remnants of quasi-stellar objects. This hypothesis is based on their highly peculiar redshift evolution. They have a comoving space density that increases with decreasing redshift, contrary to all other active galactic nuclei. We assume that relativistic jets are below detection in young radio-quiet quasars and increase in strength with cosmic time so that they eventually are detected as BLLs. Our numerical simulations fit very well the observed redshift distributions of BLLs. There are strong indications that only the high-synchrotron-peaked BLLs could be QSO remnants.

  13. Statistical hypothesis tests of some micrometeorological observations

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

    SethuRaman, S.; Tichler, J.

    Chi-square goodness-of-fit is used to test the hypothesis that the medium scale of turbulence in the atmospheric surface layer is normally distributed. Coefficients of skewness and excess are computed from the data. If the data are not normal, these coefficients are used in Edgeworth's asymptotic expansion of Gram-Charlier series to determine an altrnate probability density function. The observed data are then compared with the modified probability densities and the new chi-square values computed.Seventy percent of the data analyzed was either normal or approximatley normal. The coefficient of skewness g/sub 1/ has a good correlation with the chi-square values. Events withmore » vertical-barg/sub 1/vertical-bar<0.21 were normal to begin with and those with 0.21« less

  14. Meet EPA Microbiologist Eric Villegas, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Eric Villegas, Ph.D. is a research microbiologist in EPA's Office of Research and Development. His recent work focuses on next generation sequencing technology to better understand risks associated with waterborne parasites.

  15. Meet EPA Scientist Jody Shoemaker, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA research chemist Jody Shoemaker, Ph.D., works to support Agency efforts to protect drinking water. She helps develop methods for analyzing organic chemicals on the Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List (CCL).

  16. Jochem Weber | NREL

    Science.gov Websites

    mechanical engineering (design) and physical engineering (fluid and system dynamics), and a Ph.D. in modeling Ph.D. in Engineering, University College Cork (Ireland); M.S. and B.S. in Physical Engineering

  17. Information for Adults

    MedlinePlus

    ... Speech-Language Pathology Kathleen A. Kapp-Simon, PhD, Psychology Michael P. Karnell, PhD, Speech-Language Pathology Jeffrey ... that time. You may be interested now. Your recent concern and interest may have been sparked by ...

  18. 76 FR 25701 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-05

    ... Person: David L Williams, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National... Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Christine L. Melchior, PhD, Scientific...

  19. 77 FR 8269 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-14

    .... Place: Mayflower Park Hotel, 405 Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98101. Contact Person: Rebecca Henry, Ph.D... 20814. Contact Person: Melinda Jenkins, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review...

  20. Cancer Data and Statistics Tools

    MedlinePlus

    ... Joseph Jacqueline W. Miller Mona Saraiya Judith Lee Smith Sherri L. Stewart Mary C. White Debra Younginer ... MD, MPH Simple Singh, MD, MPH Judith Lee Smith, PhD Sherri L. Stewart, PhD Eric Tai, MD, ...

  1. Good Mental Health

    MedlinePlus

    ... Lumley, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Clinical Psychology Training, Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, and his Stress and Health ... Jennifer J. Thomas, Ph.D., Associate Professors of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Co-Directors ...

  2. Body Image

    MedlinePlus

    ... Lumley, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Clinical Psychology Training, Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, and his Stress and Health ... Jennifer J. Thomas, Ph.D., Associate Professors of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Co-Directors ...

  3. Meet EPA Chemist Linda Sheldon, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Environmental chemist Linda Sheldon, Ph.D, is the Associate Director for Human Heath in the National Exposure Research Laboratory. She studies environmental exposure, particularly focusing on children's environments and their contact with chemicals.

  4. Specific Phobias

    MedlinePlus

    ... Lumley, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Clinical Psychology Training, Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, and his Stress and Health ... Jennifer J. Thomas, Ph.D., Associate Professors of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Co-Directors ...

  5. Cosmetic Surgery

    MedlinePlus

    ... Lumley, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Clinical Psychology Training, Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, and his Stress and Health ... Jennifer J. Thomas, Ph.D., Associate Professors of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Co-Directors ...

  6. CPT Special Report: Survey of Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Journal of Chemical Education, 1997

    1997-01-01

    Presents preliminary results from a survey taken by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Professional Training (CPT) to determine the current practices among 155 Ph.D. programs in chemistry. (DKM)

  7. Ashley Felix, Ph.D., M.P.H.

    Cancer.gov

    NCI Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program (CPFP) alumna, Ashley Felix, Ph.D., M.P.H., details her transition from pre-med student to an epidemiologist who focuses on studying the causes and prevention of disease.

  8. Meet EPA Scientist Tim Shafer, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Tim Shafer earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Hope College in Holland, MI, in 1986 and his Ph.D. in pharmacology and environmental toxicology from Michigan State University in 1991.

  9. Meet EPA Chemist Quincy Teng, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA research chemist Quincy Teng, Ph.D., focuses on the application of metabolomics—a relatively new, specialized field of biochemistry focused on studying small molecules known as metabolites—on environmental and life sciences.

  10. Meet EPA Scientist Jeff Szabo, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA scientist Jeff Szabo, Ph.D., has worked for the EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center since 2005. He conducts and manages water security research projects at EPA’s Test and Evaluation facility.

  11. Chymotrypsin Test

    MedlinePlus

    ... Peter Jacky, PhD, FACMG. Director of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Airport Way Regional Laboratory, Portland, OR. Wu, A. ( ... Denise I. Quigley, PhD, FACMG. Co-Director Cytogenetics/Molecular Genetics, Airport Way Regional Laboratory, Portland, OR. Peter Jacky, ...

  12. Trypsinogen Test

    MedlinePlus

    ... Peter Jacky, PhD, FACMG. Director of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Airport Way Regional Laboratory, Portland, OR. (Update October ... Denise I. Quigley, PhD, FACMG. Co-Director Cytogenetics/Molecular Genetics, Airport Way Regional Laboratory, Portland, OR. Peter Jacky, ...

  13. 78 FR 11897 - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-20

    ... Call). Contact Person: Lynn Rust, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program, Division...: Lynn Rust, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program, Division of Extramural...

  14. Meet EPA Scientist Jordan West, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Jordan West, Ph.D. is an aquatic ecologist at EPA. Her areas of expertise include freshwater & marine ecology, climate change impacts and adaptation, resilience and threshold theory, environmental risk assessment, expert elicitation & stakeholder processes

  15. 78 FR 26376 - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-06

    ... Person: Roberta Binder, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program, Division of... Person: Roberta Binder, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program, Division of...

  16. Columbia's Bridge to the Ph.D. Program: A research-focused initiative facilitating the transition to graduate school

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Agüeros, Marcel A.

    2015-01-01

    Columbia University's Bridge to the Ph.D. in the Natural Sciences Program aims to enhance the participation of students from underrepresented groups in Ph.D. programs. To achieve this, the Bridge Program provides an intensive research, coursework, and mentoring experience to post-baccalaureates seeking to strengthen their graduate school applications and to prepare for the transition into graduate school. To date, 20 Bridge Program alumni --- including four in astronomy --- have gone on to Ph.D. programs at Columbia, the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins, the University of Washington, Albert Einstein, Yale, and SUNY-Albany, among others. In this talk, I will touch on some of the connections between Pre-MAP and the Bridge Program, and particularly how my involvement in the former prepared me to lead the latter.

  17. Award for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Training in psychology.

    PubMed

    2017-12-01

    This award is given by the Board of Educational Affairs in recognition of the efforts of psychologists who have made distinguished contributions to education and training, who have produced imaginative innovations, or who have been involved in the developmental phases of programs in education and training in psychology. These contributions might include important research on education and training; the development of effective materials for instruction; the establishment of workshops, conferences, or networks of communication for education and training; achievement and leadership in administration that facilitates education and training; or activity in professional organizations that promote excellence. The Award for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Training in psychology recognizes a specific contribution to education and training. The Career designation is added to the award at the discretion of the Education and Training Awards Committee to recognize continuous significant contributions made over a lifelong career in psychology. This year the Education and Training Awards Committee selected a psychologist for the Career designation. The 2017 recipients of the APA Education and Training Contributions Awards were selected by the 2016 Education and Training Awards Committee appointed by the Board of Educational Affairs (BEA). Members of the 2016 Education and Training Awards Committee were Erica Wise, PhD (Chair); Ron Rozensky, PhD; Jane D. Halonen, PhD; Sharon Berry, PhD (Chair Elect); Emil Rodolfa, PhD; and Sylvia A. Rosenfield, PhD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

  18. Award for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Training in Psychology.

    PubMed

    2016-11-01

    This award is given by the Board of Educational Affairs in recognition of the efforts of psychologists who have made distinguished contributions to education and training, who have produced imaginative innovations, or who have been involved in the developmental phases of programs in education and training in psychology. These contributions might include important research on education and training; the development of effective materials for instruction; the establishment of workshops, conferences, or networks of communication for education and training; achievement and leadership in administration that facilitates education and training; or activity in professional organizations that promote excellence. The Award for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Training in psychology recognizes a specific contribution to education and training. The Career designation is added to the award at the discretion of the Education and Training Awards Committee to recognize continuous significant contributions made over a lifelong career in psychology. This year the Education and Training Awards Committee selected a psychologist for the Career designation. The 2016 recipients of the APA Education and Training Contributions Awards were selected by the 2015 Education and Training Awards Committee appointed by the Board of Educational Affairs (BEA). Members of the 2015 Education and Training Awards Committee were Sharon L. Berry, PhD (Chair); Arthur C. Graesser, PhD; and Thomas R. Kratochwill, PhD; Erica Wise, PhD (Chair-Elect); Ron Rozensky, PhD; and Jane Halonen, PhD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

  19. MS PHD'S: A Synergistic Model for Diversifying the Earth Science Community

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ricciardi, L.; Johnson, A.; Williamson Whitney, V.; Ithier-Guzman, W.; Braxton, L.; Johnson, A.

    2013-05-01

    The Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science (MS PHD'S) program focuses on increasing the number of underrepresented minorities (URM) receiving advanced degrees in Earth system sciences (ESS). Subscribing to Aristotle's philosophy that the "whole is greater than the sum of its parts", MS PHD'S uses a synergistic model of tiered mentoring practices, successful minority scientist role models, peer-to-peer community building activities, professional development training techniques, networking opportunities, and state of the art virtual communication tools to facilitate the retention and advancement of underrepresented ESS scientists. Using a three-phase program structure supported by a virtual community, URM students in ESS are afforded opportunities to establish mentoring relationships with successful scientists, build meaningful ties with URM peers and future colleagues, strengthen oral and written communication skills, engage in networking opportunities within premier scientific venues, and maintain continuity of networks formed through program participation. Established in 2003, MS PHD'S is now in its ninth cohort. From the original cohort of 24 participants, the program has grown to support 213 participants. Of these 213 participants, 42 have obtained the doctorate and are employed within the ESS workforce. Another 71 are enrolled in doctoral programs. Looking to the future with the purpose of continually furthering its synergistic philosophy, MS PHD'S has developed a new initiative, Beyond the PhD, designed to support and advance the representation of URM scientists within a global workforce.

  20. Defining a clinically meaningful effect for the design and interpretation of randomized controlled trials.

    PubMed

    Keefe, Richard S E; Kraemer, Helena C; Epstein, Robert S; Frank, Ellen; Haynes, Ginger; Laughren, Thomas P; McNulty, James; Reed, Shelby D; Sanchez, Juan; Leon, Andrew C

    2013-05-01

    This article captures the proceedings of a meeting aimed at defining clinically meaningful effects for use in randomized controlled trials for psychopharmacological agents. Experts from a variety of disciplines defined clinically meaningful effects from their perspectives along with viewpoints about how to design and interpret randomized controlled trials. The article offers relevant, practical, and sometimes anecdotal information about clinically meaningful effects and how to interpret them. The concept for this session was the work of co-chairs Richard Keefe and the late Andy Leon. Faculty included Richard Keefe, PhD; James McNulty, AbScB; Robert S. Epstein, MD, MS; Shelby D. Reed, PhD; Juan Sanchez, MD; Ginger Haynes, PhD; Andrew C. Leon, PhD; Helena Chmura Kraemer, PhD; Ellen Frank, PhD, and Kenneth L. Davis, MD. The term clinically meaningful effect is an important aspect of designing and interpreting randomized controlled trials but can be particularly difficult in the setting of psychopharmacology where effect size may be modest, particularly over the short term, because of a strong response to placebo. Payers, regulators, patients, and clinicians have different concerns about clinically meaningful effects and may describe these terms differently. The use of moderators in success rate differences may help better delineate clinically meaningful effects. There is no clear consensus on a single definition for clinically meaningful differences in randomized controlled trials, and investigators must be sensitive to specific concerns of stakeholders in psychopharmacology in order to design and execute appropriate clinical trials.

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

    Fitzpatrick, Susan F.; Fábián, Zsolt; Schaible, Bettina

    Hepatocyte death is an important contributing factor in a number of diseases of the liver. PHD1 confers hypoxic sensitivity upon transcription factors including the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB). Reduced PHD1 activity is linked to decreased apoptosis. Here, we investigated the underlying mechanism(s) in hepatocytes. Basal NF-κB activity was elevated in PHD1{sup −/−} hepatocytes compared to wild type controls. ChIP-seq analysis confirmed enhanced binding of NF-κB to chromatin in regions proximal to the promoters of genes involved in the regulation of apoptosis. Inhibition of NF-κB (but not knock-out of HIF-1 or HIF-2) reversed the anti-apoptotic effects ofmore » pharmacologic hydroxylase inhibition. We hypothesize that PHD1 inhibition leads to altered expression of NF-κB-dependent genes resulting in reduced apoptosis. This study provides new information relating to the possible mechanism of therapeutic action of hydroxylase inhibitors that has been reported in pre-clinical models of intestinal and hepatic disease. -- Highlights: •Genetic ablation of PHD1 upregulates NF-kappaB (NF-κB) in hepatocytes. •Activation of NF-κB leads to differential DNA-binding of p50/p65 and results in differential regulation of apoptotic genes. •We identified proline 191 in the beta subunit of the I-kappaB kinase as a target for PHD1-mediated hydroxylation. •Blockade of prolyl-4-hydroxylases has been found cytoprotective in liver cells.« less

  2. Interoperability in digital electrocardiography: harmonization of ISO/IEEE x73-PHD and SCP-ECG.

    PubMed

    Trigo, Jesús D; Chiarugi, Franco; Alesanco, Alvaro; Martínez-Espronceda, Miguel; Serrano, Luis; Chronaki, Catherine E; Escayola, Javier; Martínez, Ignacio; García, José

    2010-11-01

    The ISO/IEEE 11073 (x73) family of standards is a reference frame for medical device interoperability. A draft for an ECG device specialization (ISO/IEEE 11073-10406-d02) has already been presented to the Personal Health Device (PHD) Working Group, and the Standard Communications Protocol for Computer-Assisted ElectroCardioGraphy (SCP-ECG) Standard for short-term diagnostic ECGs (EN1064:2005+A1:2007) has recently been approved as part of the x73 family (ISO 11073-91064:2009). These factors suggest the coordinated use of these two standards in foreseeable telecardiology environments, and hence the need to harmonize them. Such harmonization is the subject of this paper. Thus, a mapping of the mandatory attributes defined in the second draft of the ISO/IEEE 11073-10406-d02 and the minimum SCP-ECG fields is presented, and various other capabilities of the SCP-ECG Standard (such as the messaging part) are also analyzed from an x73-PHD point of view. As a result, this paper addresses and analyzes the implications of some inconsistencies in the coordinated use of these two standards. Finally, a proof-of-concept implementation of the draft x73-PHD ECG device specialization is presented, along with the conversion from x73-PHD to SCP-ECG. This paper, therefore, provides recommendations for future implementations of telecardiology systems that are compliant with both x73-PHD and SCP-ECG.

  3. Diet and density dependent competition affect larval performance and oviposition site selection in the mosquito species Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Oviposition-site choice is an essential component of the life history of all mosquito species. According to the oviposition-preference offspring-performance (P-P) hypothesis, if optimizing offspring performance and fitness ensures high overall reproductive fitness for a given species, the female should accurately assess details of the heterogeneous environment and lay her eggs preferentially in sites with conditions more suitable to offspring. Methods We empirically tested the P-P hypothesis using the mosquito species Aedes albopictus by artificially manipulating two habitat conditions: diet (measured as mg of food added to a container) and conspecific density (CD; number of pre-existing larvae of the same species). Immature development (larval mortality, development time to pupation and time to emergence) and fitness (measured as wing length) were monitored from first instar through adult emergence using a factorial experimental design over two ascending gradients of diet (2.0, 3.6, 7.2 and 20 mg food/300 ml water) and CD (0, 20, 40 and 80 larvae/300 ml water). Treatments that exerted the most contrasting values of larval performance were recreated in a second experiment consisting of single-female oviposition site selection assay. Results Development time decreased as food concentration increased, except from 7.2 mg to 20.0 mg (Two-Way CR ANOVA Post-Hoc test, P > 0.1). Development time decreased also as conspecific density increased from zero to 80 larvae (Two-Way CR ANOVA Post-Hoc test, P < 0.5). Combined, these results support the role of density-dependent competition for resources as a limiting factor for mosquito larval performance. Oviposition assays indicated that female mosquitoes select for larval habitats with conspecifics and that larval density was more important than diet in driving selection for oviposition sites. Conclusions This study supports predictions of the P-P hypothesis and provides a mechanistic understanding of the underlying factors driving mosquito oviposition site selection. PMID:23044004

  4. Acceleration of exotic plant invasion in a forested ecosystem by a generalist herbivore.

    PubMed

    Eschtruth, Anne K; Battles, John J

    2009-04-01

    The successful invasion of exotic plants is often attributed to the absence of coevolved enemies in the introduced range (i.e., the enemy release hypothesis). Nevertheless, several components of this hypothesis, including the role of generalist herbivores, remain relatively unexplored. We used repeated censuses of exclosures and paired controls to investigate the role of a generalist herbivore, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), in the invasion of 3 exotic plant species (Microstegium vimineum, Alliaria petiolata, and Berberis thunbergii) in eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) forests in New Jersey and Pennsylvania (U.S.A.). This work was conducted in 10 eastern hemlock (T. canadensis) forests that spanned gradients in deer density and in the severity of canopy disturbance caused by an introduced insect pest, the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). We used maximum likelihood estimation and information theoretics to quantify the strength of evidence for alternative models of the influence of deer density and its interaction with the severity of canopy disturbance on exotic plant abundance. Our results were consistent with the enemy release hypothesis in that exotic plants gained a competitive advantage in the presence of generalist herbivores in the introduced range. The abundance of all 3 exotic plants increased significantly more in the control plots than in the paired exclosures. For all species, the inclusion of canopy disturbance parameters resulted in models with substantially greater support than the deer density only models. Our results suggest that white-tailed deer herbivory can accelerate the invasion of exotic plants and that canopy disturbance can interact with herbivory to magnify the impact. In addition, our results provide compelling evidence of nonlinear relationships between deer density and the impact of herbivory on exotic species abundance. These findings highlight the important role of herbivore density in determining impacts on plant abundance and provide evidence of the operation of multiple mechanisms in exotic plant invasion.

  5. Fruits and Vegetables Displace, But Do Not Decrease, Total Energy in School Lunches

    PubMed Central

    Schoeller, Dale A.

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Background: The high overweight and obesity prevalence among US children is a well-established public health concern. Diet is known to play a causal role in obesity. Increasing fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption to recommended levels is proposed to help reduce obesity, because their bulk and low energy density are believed to reduce energy-dense food consumption (volume displacement hypothesis). This study tests this hypothesis at the lunch meal among upper-elementary students participating in a Farm to School (F2S) program. Methods: Digital photographs of students' school lunch trays were visually analyzed to identify the food items and amounts that were present and consumed before and after the meal. Using the USDA Nutrient Database, total and FV-only energy were calculated for each tray. Analysis of total- and non-FV energy intake was performed according to (1) levels of FV energy intake, (2) FV energy density, and (3) previous years of Farm to School programming. Results: Higher intake of FV energy displaced non-FV energy, but total energy did not decrease across FV energy intake groups. High-FV-energy-density trays showed lower non-FV energy intake than low-FV-energy-density trays (470±179 vs. 534±219 kcal; p<0.0001). Trays from schools with more previous years of F2S programming decreased total and non-FV energy intake from school lunches (p for trend<0.0001, both). Conclusions: Increased FV consumption reduces non-FV energy intake, but does not reduce total energy intake. Therefore, this study does not support the volume displacement hypothesis and suggests calorie displacement instead. PMID:24988122

  6. Testing the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis with bird populations as habitat-specific environmental indicators: evidence from Canada.

    PubMed

    Lantz, Van; Martínez-Espiñeira, Roberto

    2008-04-01

    The traditional environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis postulates that environmental degradation follows an inverted U-shaped relationship with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. We tested the EKC hypothesis with bird populations in 5 different habitats as environmental quality indicators. Because birds are considered environmental goods, for them the EKC hypothesis would instead be associated with a U-shaped relationship between bird populations and GDP per capita. In keeping with the literature, we included other variables in the analysis-namely, human population density and time index variables (the latter variable captured the impact of persistent and exogenous climate and/or policy changes on bird populations over time). Using data from 9 Canadian provinces gathered over 37 years, we used a generalized least-squares regression for each bird habitat type, which accounted for the panel structure of the data, the cross-sectional dependence across provinces in the residuals, heteroskedasticity, and fixed- or random-effect specifications of the models. We found evidence that supports the EKC hypothesis for 3 of the 5 bird population habitat types. In addition, the relationship between human population density and the different bird populations varied, which emphasizes the complex nature of the impact that human populations have on the environment. The relationship between the time-index variable and the different bird populations also varied, which indicates there are other persistent and significant influences on bird populations over time. Overall our EKC results were consistent with those found for threatened bird species, indicating that economic prosperity does indeed act to benefit some bird populations.

  7. Nanovector-based prolyl hydroxylase domain 2 silencing system enhances the efficiency of stem cell transplantation for infarcted myocardium repair.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Kai; Lai, Hao; Guo, Changfa; Li, Jun; Wang, Yulin; Wang, Lingyan; Wang, Chunsheng

    2014-01-01

    Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has attracted much attention in myocardial infarction therapy. One of the limitations is the poor survival of grafted cells in the ischemic microenvironment. Small interfering RNA-mediated prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 (PHD2) silencing in MSCs holds tremendous potential to enhance their survival and paracrine effect after transplantation. However, an efficient and biocompatible PHD2 silencing system for clinical application is lacking. Herein, we developed a novel PHD2 silencing system based on arginine-terminated generation 4 poly(amidoamine) (Arg-G4) nanoparticles. The system exhibited effective and biocompatible small interfering RNA delivery and PHD2 silencing in MSCs in vitro. After genetically modified MSC transplantation in myocardial infarction models, MSC survival and paracrine function of IGF-1 were enhanced significantly in vivo. As a result, we observed decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis, scar size, and interstitial fibrosis, and increased angiogenesis in the diseased myocardium, which ultimately attenuated ventricular remodeling and improved heart function. This work demonstrated that an Arg-G4 nanovector-based PHD2 silencing system could enhance the efficiency of MSC transplantation for infarcted myocardium repair.

  8. PHD Finger Recognition of Unmodified Histone H3R2 Links UHRF1 to Regulation of Euchromatic Gene Expression

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

    E Rajakumara; Z Wang; H Ma

    2011-12-31

    Histone methylation occurs on both lysine and arginine residues, and its dynamic regulation plays a critical role in chromatin biology. Here we identify the UHRF1 PHD finger (PHD{sub UHRF1}), an important regulator of DNA CpG methylation, as a histone H3 unmodified arginine 2 (H3R2) recognition modality. This conclusion is based on binding studies and cocrystal structures of PHD{sub UHRF1} bound to histone H3 peptides, where the guanidinium group of unmodified R2 forms an extensive intermolecular hydrogen bond network, with methylation of H3R2, but not H3K4 or H3K9, disrupting complex formation. We have identified direct target genes of UHRF1 from microarraymore » and ChIP studies. Importantly, we show that UHRF1's ability to repress its direct target gene expression is dependent on PHD{sub UHRF1} binding to unmodified H3R2, thereby demonstrating the functional importance of this recognition event and supporting the potential for crosstalk between histone arginine methylation and UHRF1 function.« less

  9. PHD Finger Recognition of Unmodified Histone H3R2 Links UHRF1 to Regulation of Euchromatic Gene Expression

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

    Rajakumara, Eerappa; Wang, Zhentian; Ma, Honghui

    2011-08-29

    Histone methylation occurs on both lysine and arginine residues, and its dynamic regulation plays a critical role in chromatin biology. Here we identify the UHRF1 PHD finger (PHD{sub UHRF1}), an important regulator of DNA CpG methylation, as a histone H3 unmodified arginine 2 (H3R2) recognition modality. This conclusion is based on binding studies and cocrystal structures of PHD{sub UHRF1} bound to histone H3 peptides, where the guanidinium group of unmodified R2 forms an extensive intermolecular hydrogen bond network, with methylation of H3R2, but not H3K4 or H3K9, disrupting complex formation. We have identified direct target genes of UHRF1 from microarraymore » and ChIP studies. Importantly, we show that UHRF1's ability to repress its direct target gene expression is dependent on PHD{sub UHRF1} binding to unmodified H3R2, thereby demonstrating the functional importance of this recognition event and supporting the potential for crosstalk between histone arginine methylation and UHRF1 function.« less

  10. Eco-Driven Chemical Research in the Boundary Between Academia and Industry. PhD Students' Views on Science and Society

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sjöström, Jesper

    2013-10-01

    This paper examines and discusses the views on science and society held among PhD students working in two different industrially and environmentally driven research programmes in the broad area of green chemistry. It is based on thirteen in-depth interviews. The analysis shows three main ways of handling the situation as "post-academic" PhD student: (1) the student sees the PhD work mainly as a job and does not reflect about his/her research or the research funding, (2) the student is satisfied with the post-academic situation, accepts the established innovation policy discourse and is sceptical to traditional academic research, and (3) the student sees collaborative research programmes as a way to get funding, which can be used for secretly done basic research. Most PhD students either emphasise usefulness—in line with the dominating research policy discourse—or they adopt the positivistic view of science as objective and independent of the surrounding society. However, there are only a few signs of "double problematisation", that is a critical view where both disciplinary-oriented and industry-dependent research are problematised.

  11. Economic Analysis of Earning a PhD Degree After Completion of a PharmD Degree

    PubMed Central

    Murawski, Matthew M.

    2011-01-01

    Objective To determine the net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) for earning a doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree and pursuing careers commonly associated with that degree after completion of a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree compared to entering pharmacy practice directly upon completion of the PharmD degree. Methods Income profiles were constructed based on 2008 annual salary data. NPV and IRR were calculated for careers resulting from the PhD degree and compared to those of the practicing community pharmacist. Trends in IRR also were examined across career paths from 1982 to 2008. A priori assumptions were developed and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results The NPVs for all careers associated with the PhD degree were negative compared to that of the practicing community pharmacist. IRRs ranged from -1.4% to 1.3% for PhD careers. Longitudinal examination of IRRs indicated a negative trend from 1982 to 2008. Conclusions Economic financial incentives for PharmD graduates to pursue graduate school are lacking. The study illustrates the need to consider financial incentives when developing recruitment methods for PharmD graduates to pharmacy graduate programs. PMID:21451769

  12. Structural insight into the TFIIE–TFIIH interaction: TFIIE and p53 share the binding region on TFIIH

    PubMed Central

    Okuda, Masahiko; Tanaka, Aki; Satoh, Manami; Mizuta, Shoko; Takazawa, Manabu; Ohkuma, Yoshiaki; Nishimura, Yoshifumi

    2008-01-01

    RNA polymerase II and general transcription factors (GTFs) assemble on a promoter to form a transcription preinitiation complex (PIC). Among the GTFs, TFIIE recruits TFIIH to complete the PIC formation and regulates enzymatic activities of TFIIH. However, the mode of binding between TFIIE and TFIIH is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate the specific binding of the C-terminal acidic domain (AC-D) of the human TFIIEα subunit to the pleckstrin homology domain (PH-D) of the human TFIIH p62 subunit and describe the solution structures of the free and PH-D-bound forms of AC-D. Although the flexible N-terminal acidic tail from AC-D wraps around PH-D, the core domain of AC-D also interacts with PH-D. AC-D employs an entirely novel binding mode, which differs from the amphipathic helix method used by many transcriptional activators. So the binding surface between PH-D and AC-D is much broader than the specific binding surface between PH-D and the p53 acidic fragments. From our in vitro studies, we demonstrate that this interaction could be a switch to replace p53 with TFIIE on TFIIH in transcription. PMID:18354501

  13. 76 FR 6405 - Marine Mammals; File No. 15654

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-04

    ... Church, PhD, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115...-02 issued to John Wise, PhD) and maintained at Harvard University for the proposed study. Cell lines...

  14. 75 FR 31788 - Appointments to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC)

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-04

    ..., Group Health Cooperative; Katherine Baicker, PhD, Professor of Health Economics, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health; Mary Naylor, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor of...

  15. UK to train 100 PhD students in data science

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Allen, Michael

    2017-12-01

    A new PhD programme to develop techniques to handle the vast amounts of data being generated by experiments and facilities has been launched by the UK's Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

  16. Panic Disorder and Women

    MedlinePlus

    ... Lumley, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Clinical Psychology Training, Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, and his Stress and Health ... Jennifer J. Thomas, Ph.D., Associate Professors of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Co-Directors ...

  17. Meet EPA Environmental Engineer Terra Haxton, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA Environmental Engineer Terra Haxton, Ph.D., uses computer simulation models to protect drinking water. She investigates approaches to help water utilities be better prepared to respond to contamination incidents in their distribution systems.

  18. Meet EPA Scientist Heriberto Cabezas, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Heriberto Cabezas, Ph.D. is currently the Senior Science Advisor to the Sustainable Technology Division in EPA's National Risk Management Research Lab, where he works to advance the application of science and technologies to address sustainability.

  19. Meet EPA Scientist Michael Nye, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Michael Nye, Ph.D., is a social scientist who studies natural risk, socio-demographic change and sustainable behavior. Prior to joining EPA, he worked for the UK Environment Agency in flood risk management and emergency preparedness

  20. Meet EPA Scientist Blake Schaeffer, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA research ecologist Blake Schaeffer, Ph.D. focuses on ways to use satellite remote sensing technology to monitor water quality. His research interests broadly include deriving water quality parameters in coasts, estuaries, and lakes using satellites

  1. Brenda K. Edwards, PhD | DCCPS/NCI/NIH

    Cancer.gov

    Brenda K. Edwards, PhD, has been with the Surveillance Research Program (SRP) and its predecessor organizations at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1989, serving as SRP’s Associate Director from 1990-2011.

  2. 76 FR 22113 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-20

    ...: Cathleen L Cooper, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of... Alexandria Old Town, 1767 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Contact Person: Cathleen L Cooper, PhD...

  3. 75 FR 59276 - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-27

    ... Conference Call). Contact Person: Lynn Rust, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program... Person: Lynn Rust, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program, Division of Extramural...

  4. 77 FR 72364 - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-05

    ... Conference Call). Contact Person: Lynn Rust, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program... Call). Contact Person: Lynn Rust, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program, Division...

  5. 75 FR 55738 - Marine Mammals; File No. 15654

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-14

    ... George Church, Ph.D. (Applicant), Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur... (Permit No. 1008-1637-02 issued to John Wise, Ph.D.) and maintained at Harvard University for the proposed...

  6. 76 FR 52670 - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-23

    ...) Contact Person: Frank S. De Silva, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program, Division of.... De Silva, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program, Division of Extramural...

  7. The atmospheric electric global circuit. [thunderstorm activity

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kasemir, H. W.

    1979-01-01

    The hypothesis that world thunderstorm activity represents the generator for the atmospheric electric current flow in the earth atmosphere between ground and the ionosphere is based on a close correlation between the magnitude and the diurnal variation of the supply current (thunderstorm generator current) and the load current (fair weather air-earth current density integrated over the earth surface). The advantages of using lightning survey satellites to furnish a base for accepting or rejecting the thunderstorm generator hypothesis are discussed.

  8. Practical Implementation of Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation Using Neyman-Pearson Based Hypothesis Testing and Spectral Estimation Tools

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1996-09-01

    Generalized Likelihood Ratio (GLR) and voting techniques. The third class consisted of multiple hypothesis filter detectors, specifically the MMAE. The...vector version, versus a tensor if we use the matrix version of the power spectral density estimate. Using this notation, we will derive an...as MATLAB , have an intrinsic sample covariance computation available, which makes this method quite easy to implement. In practice, the mean for the

  9. Altitudinal patterns in breeding bird species richness and density in relation to climate, habitat heterogeneity, and migration influence in a temperate montane forest (South Korea).

    PubMed

    Kim, Jin-Yong; Lee, Sanghun; Shin, Man-Seok; Lee, Chang-Hoon; Seo, Changwan; Eo, Soo Hyung

    2018-01-01

    Altitudinal patterns in the population ecology of mountain bird species are useful for predicting species occurrence and behavior. Numerous hypotheses about the complex interactions among environmental factors have been proposed; however, these still remain controversial. This study aimed to identify the altitudinal patterns in breeding bird species richness or density and to test the hypotheses that climate, habitat heterogeneity (horizontal and vertical), and heterospecific attraction in a temperate forest, South Korea. We conducted a field survey of 142 plots at altitudes between 200 and 1,400 m a.s.l in the breeding season. A total of 2,771 individuals from 53 breeding bird species were recorded. Altitudinal patterns of species richness and density showed a hump-shaped pattern, indicating that the highest richness and density could be observed at moderate altitudes. Models constructed with 13 combinations of six variables demonstrated that species richness was positively correlated with vertical and horizontal habitat heterogeneity. Density was positively correlated with vertical, but not horizontal habitat heterogeneity, and negatively correlated with migratory bird ratio. No significant relationships were found between spring temperature and species richness or density. Therefore, the observed patterns in species richness support the hypothesis that habitat heterogeneity, rather than climate, is the main driver of species richness. Also, neither habitat heterogeneity nor climate hypotheses fully explains the observed patterns in density. However, vertical habitat heterogeneity does likely help explain observed patterns in density. The heterospecific attraction hypothesis did not apply to the distribution of birds along the altitudinal gradient. Appropriate management of vertical habitat heterogeneity, such as vegetation cover, should be maintained for the conservation of bird diversity in this area.

  10. Epigenetic Mediation of Endocrine and Immune Response in an Animal Model of Gulf War Illness

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    Illness 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-14-1-0550 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER Patrick O. McGowan, PhD, Gordon Broderick , PhD, James O’Callaghan, PhD...Nova Southeastern) as part of IAME/CFS meeting, hosted by Nova, to meet with Drs. Broderick (Co-PI) Oct 27- 2016. Co-PI and PI arranged to meet with...project. Direct supervision of molecular biology studies related to epigenetics data. Funding Support: Name: Gordon Broderick , PhD Project Role: Co

  11. Precision radiotherapy for cancer of the pancreas: technique and results. [Photons and electrons

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

    Dobelbower, R.R. Jr.; Borgelt, B.B.; Strubler, K.A.

    1980-09-01

    Forty patients with locally extensive, unresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas received precision high dose (PHD) radiation therapy with a 45 MeV betatron. PHD radiotherapy was generally well tolerated. During treatment, only 7 patients experienced significant nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or anorexia. Late gastrointestinal radiation reactions were observed in 7 patients. Twelve patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The projected survival of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer treated with PHD radiotherapy is comparable to that of patients with resectable disease operated on for cure. The projected one year survival rate is 49%.

  12. The Subchronic Inhalation Toxicity of DF2 (Diesel Fuel) Used in Vehicle Engine Exhaust Smoke Systems (VEESS).

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-03-01

    4-I +4 .- -+ + _C tL+ + + +i + T + +- + - -) 4. c_ --- - * - 4A _ __ _ -- 0 0 ICx" C ) 4j cliou 0 N4cr(\\lc’ + + ++ ++ + + +1 -4++111+ = 0 m x...Charles L. Crouse SP6 David C . Burnett Garnet E. Affleck Dale H. Heitkamp Edmund G. Cummings, Ph.D. Carlyle Lilly Richard L. Farrand, Ph.D. Joseph J...Feeney, Ph.D. Robert W. Dorsey Michael Rausa SP6 Mohammed S. Ghumman Ernest H. Kandel Robert D. Armstrong Jeffrey D. Bergmann William C . Stark. John

  13. Genomic Data Commons and Genomic Cloud Pilots - Google Hangout

    Cancer.gov

    Join us for a live, moderated discussion about two NCI efforts to expand access to cancer genomics data: the Genomic Data Commons and Genomic Cloud Pilots. NCI subject matters experts will include Louis M. Staudt, M.D., Ph.D., Director Center for Cancer Genomics, Warren Kibbe, Ph.D., Director, NCI Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, and moderated by Anthony Kerlavage, Ph.D., Chief, Cancer Informatics Branch, Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology. We welcome your questions before and during the Hangout on Twitter using the hashtag #AskNCI.

  14. Surveillance system and method having an adaptive sequential probability fault detection test

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Herzog, James P. (Inventor); Bickford, Randall L. (Inventor)

    2005-01-01

    System and method providing surveillance of an asset such as a process and/or apparatus by providing training and surveillance procedures that numerically fit a probability density function to an observed residual error signal distribution that is correlative to normal asset operation and then utilizes the fitted probability density function in a dynamic statistical hypothesis test for providing improved asset surveillance.

  15. Surveillance system and method having an adaptive sequential probability fault detection test

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bickford, Randall L. (Inventor); Herzog, James P. (Inventor)

    2006-01-01

    System and method providing surveillance of an asset such as a process and/or apparatus by providing training and surveillance procedures that numerically fit a probability density function to an observed residual error signal distribution that is correlative to normal asset operation and then utilizes the fitted probability density function in a dynamic statistical hypothesis test for providing improved asset surveillance.

  16. Surveillance System and Method having an Adaptive Sequential Probability Fault Detection Test

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bickford, Randall L. (Inventor); Herzog, James P. (Inventor)

    2008-01-01

    System and method providing surveillance of an asset such as a process and/or apparatus by providing training and surveillance procedures that numerically fit a probability density function to an observed residual error signal distribution that is correlative to normal asset operation and then utilizes the fitted probability density function in a dynamic statistical hypothesis test for providing improved asset surveillance.

  17. Hemispheric comparisons of neuron density in the planum temporale of schizophrenia and nonpsychiatric brains

    PubMed Central

    Smiley, John F.; Rosoklija, Gorazd; Mancevski, Branislav; Pergolizzi, Denise; Figarsky, Khadija; Bleiwas, Cynthia; Duma, Aleksej; Mann, J. John; Javitt, Daniel C.; Dwork, Andrew J.

    2010-01-01

    Postmortem and in vivo studies of schizophrenia frequently reveal reduced cortical volume, but the underlying cellular abnormalities are incompletely defined. One influential hypothesis, especially investigated in Brodmann’s area 9 of prefrontal cortex, is that the number of neurons is normal, and the volume change is caused by reduction of the surrounding neuropil. However, studies have differed on whether the cortex has the increased neuron density that is predicted by this hypothesis. In a recent study of bilateral planum temporale (PT), we reported smaller volume and width of the outer cortex (layers I-III), especially in the left hemisphere, among subjects with schizophrenia. In the present study, we measured neuron density and size in the same PT samples, and also in prefrontal area 9 of the same brains. In the PT, separate stereological measurements were made in layers II, IIIc, and VI, whereas area 9 was sampled in layer IIIb-c. In both cortical regions, there was no significant effect of schizophrenia on neuronal density or size. There was, nevertheless, a trend-level right>left hemispheric asymmetry of neuron density in the PT, which may partially explain the previously reported left>right asymmetry of cortical width. In schizophrenia, our findings suggest that closer packing of neurons may not always explain reduced cortical volume, and subtly decreased neuron number may be a contributing factor. PMID:21377842

  18. Best Phd thesis Prize: Statistical analysis of ALFALFA galaxies: insights in galaxy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Papastergis, E.

    2013-09-01

    We use the rich dataset of local universe galaxies detected by the ALFALFA 21cm survey to study the statistical properties of gas-bearing galaxies. In particular, we measure the number density of galaxies as a function of their baryonic mass ("baryonic mass function") and rotational velocity ("velocity width function"), and we characterize their clustering properties ("two-point correlation function"). These statistical distributions are determined by both the properties of dark matter on small scales, as well as by the complex baryonic processes through which galaxies form over cosmic time. We interpret the ALFALFA measurements with the aid of publicly available cosmological N-body simulations and we present some key results related to galaxy formation and small-scale cosmology.

  19. Shift measurements of the stark-broadened ionized helium lines at 1640 and 1215 angstrom. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vanzandt, J. R.

    1976-01-01

    Time-resolved measurements were made of the shifts of the ionized helium lines at 1,640 A (n = 3 approaches 2) and 1,215 A (n = 4 approaches 2), and of the Stark profile of the 1,215 A wavelength line. An electromagnetic shock tube was used as a light source. The plasma conditions corresponded to electron temperatures of approximately 3.5 eV and electron densities of 0.8 to 1.8 x 10 to the 17th power/cubic cm. The measured shifts fell between two previous estimates of plasma polarization shifts. The measured Stark width of the 1,215 A wavelength line was up to 30% greater than the theoretical width.

  20. Summary of the 2016 Partners Against Mortality in Epilepsy (PAME) Conference.

    PubMed

    2016-01-01

    Authors: Kevin D Graber, MD, Jeffrey Buchhalter, MD, PhD, Elson So, MD, Rainer Surges, MD, Detlev Boison, PhD, Franck Kalume, PhD, Cyndi Wright, Brian Gehlbach, MD, Jeff Noebels, MD, PhD, Vicky Whittemore, PhD, Elizabeth J. Donner, MD, MSc, Tom Stanton, MPP, Henry Smithson, MD, Jane Hanna, Masud Seyal, MD, PhD, Philippe Ryvlin, MD, PhD The third biannual Partners Against Mortality in Epilepsy (PAME) conference was held in Alexandria, VA from June 23-26, 2016. This was an intimate meeting of clinical and basic scientists, clinicians, people affected by Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy Patients (SUDEP) in a loved one, people living with epilepsy and patient advocate organizations. Plenary sessions have been summarized by moderators, including: 1) Mortality in people with epilepsy: epidemiology and surveillance. 2) Mortality in children. 3) What do we know about the factors that predispose certain people to die from a seizure? 4) What are the events that occur during and after a seizure that cause a death in SUDEP? 5) What are the options for prevention now and in the future? 6) Advocacy perspectives: how can we speed up awareness and prevention? 7) Updates and discussion on select programs in mortality research. Breakout sessions allowed for a more focused audience. Those summarized here are: Frequent non-SUDEP causes of mortality in people with epilepsy; Mechanisms of SUDEP; Lessons learned in grief and how to better support families; Future directions for research to impact prevention; and How do we improve SUDEP risk disclosure? While significant progress has been made with review of human mortality in epilepsy and study of animal models, this meeting emphasized the need for: better understandings of the epidemiology of SUDEP, advances in the understandings of mechanisms, continued search for biomarkers and preventative measures, patient education, increased awareness, continued advocacy for patient and family support and research funding.

  1. Meet EPA Scientist Dermont Bouchard, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA Scientist Dermont Bouchard, Ph.D., is working to better understand how tiny nanomaterials might be released into the environment. His research helps regulators and other decision-makers lower risks and better protect human health and the environment

  2. Meet EPA Biologist Laura Jackson, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Research Biologist Laura Jackson, Ph.D., has worked for the EPA for 22 years, leading research initiatives in a diversity of disciplines, including environmental monitoring, land use planning, and the impacts that urbanization has on an area's ecology

  3. Meet EPA Engineer Shawn Ryan, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Shawn Ryan, Ph.D. is a chemical engineer at EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center. He has worked at EPA for 12 years, nine of which have been devoted to leading research to support decontamination and consequence management.

  4. Meet EPA Scientist Susan Yee, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Susan Yee, Ph.D., is an ecologist at EPA's Gulf Ecology Division. She is working on the Puerto Rico Sustainable Communities program, developing decision support tools to evaluate how alternative decisions impact coastal ecosystem goods and services

  5. A New Venture in Graduate Education: Co-Op Ph.D. Programme in Chemical Engineering.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fahidy, Thomas Z.

    1980-01-01

    Describes a cooperative Ph.D. program at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, in which industrial and governmental employers participate with the Department of Chemical Engineering in training chemical engineers. (CS)

  6. 76 FR 62423 - National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-07

    ...., Rockville, MD 20852, (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Melissa Stick, PhD, MPH, Chief, Scientific...., Rockville, MD 20852, (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Melissa Stick, PhD, MPH, Chief, Scientific...

  7. Coastal Imaging Spectroscopy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-09-30

    Year, Semi-Finalist, Florida Environmental Research Institute, W. Paul Bissett, Ph.D., Executive Director, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce . 2004...Small Business of the Year, -Finalist, Florida Environmental Research Institute, W. Paul Bissett, Ph.D., Executive Director, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce .

  8. Meet EPA Biologist Mitch Kostich, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA biologist, Mitch Kostich, Ph.D., conducts research to identify risks from exposures to chemical contaminants in water. His research uses technologies to prioritize contaminants in the environment based on the potential risks they pose to life

  9. 77 FR 70791 - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-27

    ..., (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Carol J. Goter-Robinson, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer... 20037. Contact Person: Carol J. Goter-Robinson, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Review Branch, DEA...

  10. Meet EPA Natural Resource Economist Marisa Mazzotta, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Marisa Mazzotta, Ph.D. currently works as an Economist at EPA's Atlantic Ecology Division. Her research focuses on the public's valuation and prioritization of natural resources, and the relationship between ecological changes and economic benefits.

  11. On the alleged collisional origin of the Kirkwood Gaps. [in asteroid belt

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Heppenheimer, T. A.

    1975-01-01

    This paper examines two proposed mechanisms whereby asteroidal collisions and close approaches may have given rise to the Kirkwood Gaps. The first hypothesis is that asteroids in near-resonant orbits have markedly increased collision probabilities and so are preferentially destroyed, or suffer decay in population density, within the resonance zones. A simple order-of-magnitude analysis shows that this hypothesis is untenable since it leads to conclusions which are either unrealistic or not in accord with present understanding of asteroidal physics. The second hypothesis is the Brouwer-Jefferys theory that collisions would smooth an asteroidal distribution function, as a function of Jacobi constant, thus forming resonance gaps. This hypothesis is examined by direct numerical integration of 50 asteroid orbits near the 2:1 resonance, with collisions simulated by random variables. No tendency to form a gap was observed.

  12. The Training and Work of Ph.D. Physical Scientists

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smith, S. J.; Schweitzer, A. E.

    2003-05-01

    Doctoral education has often been viewed as the pinnacle of the formal education system. How useful is doctoral training in one's later career? In an NSF-funded project, we set out to perform a study of the training, careers, and work activities of Ph.D. physical scientists. The study included both in-depth interviews and a survey sent out to a sample of Ph.D. holders 4-8 years after graduation. Come and find out the results of this study: What skills are most Ph.D. physical scientists using? What should graduate programs be teaching? Are Ph.D.'s who are working in their specific field of training happier than their counterparts working different jobs? What skills and preparation lead to future job satisfaction, perhaps the most important indicator of the "success" of graduate education? A preprint and further details can be found at the project web site at: spot.colorado.edu/ phdcarer.

  13. Experiences of well-being among female doctoral students in Sweden.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Manuela; Umans, Timurs

    2014-01-01

    The aim of this study was to explore how female PhD students experience and perceive their well-being. Focus groups were conducted with female PhD students employed at a Swedish university. The study was performed using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach based on the concept of the lifeworld, used as both a philosophical perspective and a methodology. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: being true to oneself, being in the sphere of influence, and performing a balancing act. By unfolding these themes, the study shows that perceptions and experiences of well-being in female PhD students are a multifaceted phenomenon and materialize through interaction of different aspects of "self" (agent) and "others" (structure). As well as illustrating these perceptions and experiences, the study also presents female PhD students' conceptualization of their well-being, expressed in terms of a white-water rafting metaphor.

  14. PER PhDs & bachelor's degrees

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    White, Susan C.

    2017-02-01

    Recently, the editor remarked to me that physics departments that offered a PhD with a specialization in Physics Education Research (PER) seemed to graduate more bachelor's degree recipients than those physics PhD departments that did not have the specialization. I was not convinced. That led to quite a bit of discussion between us. He compiled a list of PhD departments that advertised a PhD specialization in PER in the 2004, 2005, 2009, and 2010 editions of GradSchoolShopper, a publication of the American Institute of Physics. Since not every department responded reliably every year, I combined the 2004 and 2005 data and the 2009 and 2010 data. I then compared the departments that advertised a PER specialization during both timeframes (2004 and/or 2005 and 2009 and/or 2010) with physics PhD-granting departments that did not indicate the specialization at all.

  15. Experiences of well-being among female doctoral students in Sweden

    PubMed Central

    Schmidt, Manuela; Umans, Timurs

    2014-01-01

    The aim of this study was to explore how female PhD students experience and perceive their well-being. Focus groups were conducted with female PhD students employed at a Swedish university. The study was performed using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach based on the concept of the lifeworld, used as both a philosophical perspective and a methodology. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: being true to oneself, being in the sphere of influence, and performing a balancing act. By unfolding these themes, the study shows that perceptions and experiences of well-being in female PhD students are a multifaceted phenomenon and materialize through interaction of different aspects of “self” (agent) and “others” (structure). As well as illustrating these perceptions and experiences, the study also presents female PhD students’ conceptualization of their well-being, expressed in terms of a white-water rafting metaphor. PMID:24746246

  16. An analysis of Ph.D. examiners' reports in engineering

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prieto, Elena; Holbrook, Allyson; Bourke, Sid

    2016-03-01

    In recent years, there have been increasing calls for an overall transformation of the nature of engineering Ph.D. programs and the way theses are assessed. There exists a need to understand the examination process to ensure the best quality outcome for candidates in engineering. The work we present in this paper uses data collected between 2003 and 2010 for a total of 1220 Australian Ph.D. theses by analysing examiner reports. Our analysis indicates that Ph.D. theses in engineering, N = 106, differ considerably from those in other fields in areas such as gender of candidates and examiners and the examiners' geographical location. We also found that assessment areas such as significance and contribution of the thesis, publications arising from the thesis, breadth, depth and recency of the literature review and communication and editorial correctness are areas in which the proportion of text of engineering examiners' comments differs significantly from other fields.

  17. Measurement of cosmic ray positron and negatron spectra between 50 and 800 MeV. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Daugherty, J. K.

    1974-01-01

    A balloon-borne magnetic spectrometer was used to measure the spectra of cosmic ray positrons and negatrons at energies between 50 and 800 MeV. Comparisons of the separate positron and negatron spectra observed near the earth with their expected intensities in interstellar space can be used to investigate the complex (and variable) interaction of galactic cosmic rays with the expanding solar wind. The present measurements, which have established finite values or upper limits for the positron and negatron spectral between 50 and 800 MeV, have confirmed earlier evidence for the existence of a dominant component of negatrons from primary sources in the galaxy. The present results are shown to be consistent with the hypothesis that the positron component is in fact mainly attributable to collisions between cosmic ray nuclei and the interstellar gas. The estimate of the absolute intensities confirm the indications from neutron monitors that in 1972 the interplanetary cosmic ray intensities were already recovering toward their high levels observed in 1965.

  18. Detection and Estimation of an Optical Image by Photon-Counting Techniques. Ph.D. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, Lily Lee

    1973-01-01

    Statistical description of a photoelectric detector is given. The photosensitive surface of the detector is divided into many small areas, and the moment generating function of the photo-counting statistic is derived for large time-bandwidth product. The detection of a specified optical image in the presence of the background light by using the hypothesis test is discussed. The ideal detector based on the likelihood ratio from a set of numbers of photoelectrons ejected from many small areas of the photosensitive surface is studied and compared with the threshold detector and a simple detector which is based on the likelihood ratio by counting the total number of photoelectrons from a finite area of the surface. The intensity of the image is assumed to be Gaussian distributed spatially against the uniformly distributed background light. The numerical approximation by the method of steepest descent is used, and the calculations of the reliabilities for the detectors are carried out by a digital computer.

  19. A High Performance Computing Study of a Scalable FISST-Based Approach to Multi-Target, Multi-Sensor Tracking

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hussein, I.; Wilkins, M.; Roscoe, C.; Faber, W.; Chakravorty, S.; Schumacher, P.

    2016-09-01

    Finite Set Statistics (FISST) is a rigorous Bayesian multi-hypothesis management tool for the joint detection, classification and tracking of multi-sensor, multi-object systems. Implicit within the approach are solutions to the data association and target label-tracking problems. The full FISST filtering equations, however, are intractable. While FISST-based methods such as the PHD and CPHD filters are tractable, they require heavy moment approximations to the full FISST equations that result in a significant loss of information contained in the collected data. In this paper, we review Smart Sampling Markov Chain Monte Carlo (SSMCMC) that enables FISST to be tractable while avoiding moment approximations. We study the effect of tuning key SSMCMC parameters on tracking quality and computation time. The study is performed on a representative space object catalog with varying numbers of RSOs. The solution is implemented in the Scala computing language at the Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC) facility.

  20. The Scientific Method, Diagnostic Bayes, and How to Detect Epistemic Errors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vrugt, J. A.

    2015-12-01

    In the past decades, Bayesian methods have found widespread application and use in environmental systems modeling. Bayes theorem states that the posterior probability, P(H|D) of a hypothesis, H is proportional to the product of the prior probability, P(H) of this hypothesis and the likelihood, L(H|hat{D}) of the same hypothesis given the new/incoming observations, \\hat {D}. In science and engineering, H often constitutes some numerical simulation model, D = F(x,.) which summarizes using algebraic, empirical, and differential equations, state variables and fluxes, all our theoretical and/or practical knowledge of the system of interest, and x are the d unknown parameters which are subject to inference using some data, \\hat {D} of the observed system response. The Bayesian approach is intimately related to the scientific method and uses an iterative cycle of hypothesis formulation (model), experimentation and data collection, and theory/hypothesis refinement to elucidate the rules that govern the natural world. Unfortunately, model refinement has proven to be very difficult in large part because of the poor diagnostic power of residual based likelihood functions tep{gupta2008}. This has inspired te{vrugt2013} to advocate the use of 'likelihood-free' inference using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). This approach uses one or more summary statistics, S(\\hat {D}) of the original data, \\hat {D} designed ideally to be sensitive only to one particular process in the model. Any mismatch between the observed and simulated summary metrics is then easily linked to a specific model component. A recurrent issue with the application of ABC is self-sufficiency of the summary statistics. In theory, S(.) should contain as much information as the original data itself, yet complex systems rarely admit sufficient statistics. In this article, we propose to combine the ideas of ABC and regular Bayesian inference to guarantee that no information is lost in diagnostic model evaluation. This hybrid approach, coined diagnostic Bayes, uses the summary metrics as prior distribution and original data in the likelihood function, or P(x|\\hat {D}) ∝ P(x|S(\\hat {D})) L(x|\\hat {D}). A case study illustrates the ability of the proposed methodology to diagnose epistemic errors and provide guidance on model refinement.

  1. Association Between Increased Vascular Density and Loss of Protective RAS in Early-Stage NPDR

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Radhakrishnan, Krishnan; Raghunandan, Sneha; Vyas, Ruchi J.; Vu, Amanda C.; Bryant, Douglas; Yaqian, Duan; Knecht, Brenda E.; Grant, Maria B.; Chalam, K . V.; Parsons-Wingerter, Patricia

    2016-01-01

    Our hypothesis predicts that retinal blood vessels increase in density during early-stage progression to moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). The prevailing paradigm of NPDR progression is that vessels drop out prior to abnormal, vision-impairing regrowth at late-stage proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, surprising results for our previous preliminary study 1 with NASA's VESsel GENeration Analysis (VESGEN) software showed that vessels proliferated considerably during moderate NPDR compared to drop out at both mild and severe NPDR. Validation of our hypothesis will support development of successful early-stage regenerative therapies such as vascular repair by circulating angiogenic cells (CACs). The renin-angiotensin system (RAS)is implicated in the pathogenesis of DR and in the function of CACs, a critical bone marrow-derived population that is instrumental in vascular repair.

  2. Opportunities and challenges in the use of personal health data for health research

    PubMed Central

    Bietz, Matthew J; Bloss, Cinnamon S; Calvert, Scout; Godino, Job G; Gregory, Judith; Claffey, Michael P; Sheehan, Jerry

    2016-01-01

    Objective: Understand barriers to the use of personal health data (PHD) in research from the perspective of three stakeholder groups: early adopter individuals who track data about their health, researchers who may use PHD as part of their research, and companies that market self-tracking devices, apps or services, and aggregate and manage the data that are generated. Materials and Methods: A targeted convenience sample of 465 individuals and 134 researchers completed an extensive online survey. Thirty-five hour-long semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a subset of 11 individuals and 9 researchers, as well as 15 company/key informants. Results: Challenges to the use of PHD for research were identified in six areas: data ownership; data access for research; privacy; informed consent and ethics; research methods and data quality; and the unpredictable nature of the rapidly evolving ecosystem of devices, apps, and other services that leave “digital footprints.” Individuals reported willingness to anonymously share PHD if it would be used to advance research for the good of the public. Researchers were enthusiastic about using PHD for research, but noted barriers related to intellectual property, licensing, and the need for legal agreements with companies. Companies were interested in research but stressed that their first priority was maintaining customer relationships. Conclusion: Although challenges exist in leveraging PHD for research, there are many opportunities for stakeholder engagement, and experimentation with these data is already taking place. These early examples foreshadow a much larger set of activities with the potential to positively transform how health research is conducted. PMID:26335984

  3. Defining a Clinically Meaningful Effect for the Design and Interpretation of Randomized Controlled Trials

    PubMed Central

    Kraemer, Helena C.; Epstein, Robert S.; Frank, Ellen; Haynes, Ginger; Laughren, Thomas P.; Mcnulty, James; Reed, Shelby D.; Sanchez, Juan; Leon, Andrew C.

    2013-01-01

    Objective: This article captures the proceedings of a meeting aimed at defining clinically meaningful effects for use in randomized controlled trials for psychopharmacological agents. Design: Experts from a variety of disciplines defined clinically meaningful effects from their perspectives along with viewpoints about how to design and interpret randomized controlled trials. Setting: The article offers relevant, practical, and sometimes anecdotal information about clinically meaningful effects and how to interpret them. Participants: The concept for this session was the work of co-chairs Richard Keefe and the late Andy Leon. Faculty included Richard Keefe, PhD; James McNulty, AbScB; Robert S. Epstein, MD, MS; Shelby D. Reed, PhD; Juan Sanchez, MD; Ginger Haynes, PhD; Andrew C. Leon, PhD; Helena Chmura Kraemer, PhD; Ellen Frank, PhD, and Kenneth L. Davis, MD. Results: The term clinically meaningful effect is an important aspect of designing and interpreting randomized controlled trials but can be particularly difficult in the setting of psychopharmacology where effect size may be modest, particularly over the short term, because of a strong response to placebo. Payers, regulators, patients, and clinicians have different concerns about clinically meaningful effects and may describe these terms differently. The use of moderators in success rate differences may help better delineate clinically meaningful effects. Conclusion: There is no clear consensus on a single definition for clinically meaningful differences in randomized controlled trials, and investigators must be sensitive to specific concerns of stakeholders in psychopharmacology in order to design and execute appropriate clinical trials. PMID:23882433

  4. The formation of the planetary system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tscharnuter, W. M.

    1984-12-01

    The basic ideas concerning solar system formation were developed by Kant (1755) and Laplace (1796) whose starting point was the so-called nebular hypothesis. The great advantage of the nebular hypothesis is that many regularities, e.g. prograde motions of all planets and asteroids in almost coplanar orbits, can be explained. Observations in the radio and infrared region strongly support the nebular hypothesis provided that the angular momentum problem can be solved in some way. Three possibilities are listed: (1) magnetic fields via Alfvén waves which can transport angular momentum from the contracting cloud fragment into the external medium, (2) turbulent friction, (3) gravitational torques exerted by high amplitude spiral or bar-like density waves in the nebula.

  5. Wolf population regulation revisited: again

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    McRoberts, Ronald E.; Mech, L. David

    2014-01-01

    The long-accepted conclusion that wolf density is regulated by nutrition was recently challenged, and the conclusion was reached that, at greater levels of prey biomass, social factors such as intraspecific strife and territoriality tend to regulate wolf density. We reanalyzed the data used in that study for 2 reasons: 1) we disputed the use of 2 data points, and 2) because of recognized heteroscedasticity, we used weighted-regression analysis instead of the unweighted regressions used in the original study. We concluded that the data do not support the hypothesis that wolf densities are regulated by social factors.

  6. Paulette Gray, Ph.D.

    Cancer.gov

    Paulette S. Gray, Ph.D. is the Director for the Division of Extramural Activities (DEA). As the director of the division, she is responsible for the overall scientific, fiscal, and administrative management of the division, including broad strategic planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.

  7. Meet EPA Ecologist Paul Mayer, Ph.D.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    EPA ecologist Paul Mayer, Ph.D. works in EPA's Groundwater and Ecosystem Restoration division where he studies riparian zones (the area along rivers and streams where the habitats are influenced by both the land and water) and stream restoration

  8. 76 FR 12125 - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-04

    ..., Bethesda, MD 20892. (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Carol J. Goter-Robinson, PhD, Scientific...: Carol J. Goter-Robinson, PhD, Scientific Review Officer, Review Branch, DEA, NIDDK, National Institutes...

  9. Craig Reynolds, Ph.D., to Retire as NCI Associate Director for Frederick | Poster

    Cancer.gov

    On December 2, Craig Reynolds, Ph.D., director, Office of Scientific Operations, and NCI associate director for Frederick, will put the finishing touches on a 37-year career with the National Cancer Institute.

  10. 75 FR 994 - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-07

    ..., 8777 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Contact Person: Lynn Rust, PhD, Scientific Review Officer... of Health, Rockledge 6700, 6700B Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817. Contact Person: Lynn Rust, PhD...

  11. High-density lipoproteins protect endothelial cells from tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Sugano, M; Tsuchida, K; Makino, N

    2000-06-16

    High-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels have been shown to be inversely correlated with coronary heart disease, but the mechanisms of the direct protective effect of HDL on endothelial cells are not fully understood. The apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by cytokines and/or oxidized low-density lipoproteins, etc. may provide a mechanistic clue to the "response-to-injury" hypothesis of atherogenesis. Here we report that HDL prevent the apoptosis of human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) via an inhibition of CPP32-like protease activity. The incubation of HUVECs with TNF-alpha significantly increased the CPP32-like protease activity, and induced apoptosis. Preincubation of HUVECs with HDL before incubation with TNF-alpha significantly suppressed the increase in the CPP32-like protease activity, preventing apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that HDL prevent the suicide pathway leading to apoptosis of endothelial cells by decreasing the CPP32-like protease activity and that HDL thus play a protective role against the "response-to-injury" hypothesis of atherogenesis. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

  12. A test of ecological optimality for semiarid vegetation. M.S. Thesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Salvucci, Guido D.; Eagleson, Peter S.; Turner, Edmund K.

    1992-01-01

    Three ecological optimality hypotheses which have utility in parameter reduction and estimation in a climate-soil-vegetation water balance model are reviewed and tested. The first hypothesis involves short term optimization of vegetative canopy density through equilibrium soil moisture maximization. The second hypothesis involves vegetation type selection again through soil moisture maximization, and the third involves soil genesis through plant induced modification of soil hydraulic properties to values which result in a maximum rate of biomass productivity.

  13. Positive density-dependent growth supports costs sharing hypothesis and population density sensing in a manipulative parasite.

    PubMed

    Gopko, Mikhail; Mikheev, Victor N; Taskinen, Jouni

    2017-09-01

    Parasites manipulate their hosts' phenotype to increase their own fitness. Like any evolutionary adaptation, parasitic manipulations should be costly. Though it is difficult to measure costs of the manipulation directly, they can be evaluated using an indirect approach. For instance, theory suggests that as the parasite infrapopulation grows, the investment of individual parasites in host manipulation decreases, because of cost sharing. Another assumption is that in environments where manipulation does not pay off for the parasite, it can decrease its investment in the manipulation to save resources. We experimentally infected rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss with the immature larvae of the trematode Diplostomum pseudospathaceum, to test these assumptions. Immature D. pseudospathaceum metacercariae are known for their ability to manipulate the behaviour of their host enhancing its anti-predator defenses to avoid concomitant predation. We found that the growth rate of individual parasites in rainbow trout increased with the infrapopulation size (positive density-dependence) suggesting cost sharing. Moreover, parasites adjusted their growth to the intensity of infection within the eye lens where they were localized suggesting population density sensing. Results of this study support the hypothesis that macroparasites can adjust their growth rate and manipulation investment according to cost sharing level and infrapopulation size.

  14. Richard Mazurchuk, PhD | Division of Cancer Prevention

    Cancer.gov

    Dr. Richard Mazurchuk received a BS in Physics and MS and PhD in Biophysics from SUNY Buffalo. His research focused on developing novel multi-modality imaging techniques, contrast (enhancing) agents and methods to assess the efficacy of experimental therapeutics. |

  15. 77 FR 66625 - National Institute of General Medical Sciences; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-06

    ...: Helen R. Sunshine, Ph.D., Chief, Office of Scientific Review, National Institute of General Medical...: Robert Horowits, Ph.D., Senior Investigator, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National... Chemistry Research; 93.862, Genetics and [[Page 66626

  16. 77 FR 3478 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-24

    ... Marriott Tysons Corner, 1960--A Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22102. Contact Person: Martha M Faraday, Ph.D... Marriott Tysons Corner, 1960-A Chain Bridge Road McLean, VA 22102. Contact Person: Martha M Faraday, Ph.D...

  17. An interview with James Wilbur, Ph.D. General Manager, Life Sciences, Meso Scale Discovery.

    PubMed

    Wilbur, James

    2004-06-01

    James L. Wilbur, Ph.D. received a Bachelor's degree from the University of California, San Diego and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Stanford University. After completing an NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship with Professor George M. Whitesides in the Department of Chemistry at Harvard University, he joined IGEN International, Inc., where he held a variety of positions in Research and Development. During that time, he was part of the team that developed the core technology and products for Meso Scale Discovery. He assumed his current position in 2001 when Meso Scale Discovery launched the products discussed here.

  18. Improving completion rates of students in biomedical PhD programs: an interventional study.

    PubMed

    Viđak, Marin; Tokalić, Ružica; Marušić, Matko; Puljak, Livia; Sapunar, Damir

    2017-08-25

    Analysis of graduation success at the University of Split School of Medicine PhD programs conducted in 2011 revealed that only 11% of students who enrolled and completed their graduate coursework between 1999 and 2011 earned a doctoral degree. In this prospective cohort study we evaluated and compared three PhD programs within the same medical school, where the newest program, called Translational Research in Biomedicine (TRIBE), established in the academic year 2010/11, aimed to increase the graduation rate through an innovative approach. The intervention in the new program was related to three domains: redefined recruitment strategy, strict study regulations, and changes to the curriculum. We compared performance of PhD students between the new and existing programs and analyzed their current status, time to obtain a degree (from enrolment to doctorate), age at doctorate, number of publications on which the thesis was based and the impact factor of journals in which these were published. These improvement strategies were associated with higher thesis completion rate and reduced time to degree for students enrolled in the TRIBE program. There was no change in the impact factor or number of publications that were the basis for the doctoral theses. Our study describes good practices which proved useful in the design or reform of the PhD training program.

  19. What does originality in research mean? A student's perspective.

    PubMed

    Edwards, Mandy

    2014-07-01

    To provide a student's perspective of what it means to be original when undertaking a PhD. A review of the literature related to the concept of originality in doctoral research highlights the subjective nature of the concept in academia. Although there is much literature that explores the issues concerning examiners' views of originality, there is little on students' perspectives. A snowballing technique was used, where a recent article was read, and the references cited were then explored. Given the time constraints, the author recognises that the literature review was not as extensive as a systematic literature review. It is important for students to be clear about what is required to achieve a PhD. However, the vagaries associated with the formal assessment of the doctoral thesis and subsequent performance at viva can cause considerable uncertainty and anxiety for students. Originality in the PhD is a subjective concept and is not the only consideration for examiners. Of comparable importance is the assessment of the student's ability to demonstrate independence of thought and increasing maturity so they can become independent researchers. This article expresses a different perspective on what is meant when undertaking a PhD in terms of originality in the doctoral thesis. It is intended to help guide and reassure current and potential PhD students.

  20. PHD3-dependent hydroxylation of HCLK2 promotes the DNA damage response

    PubMed Central

    Xie, Liang; Pi, Xinchun; Mishra, Ashutosh; Fong, Guohua; Peng, Junmin; Patterson, Cam

    2012-01-01

    The DNA damage response (DDR) is a complex regulatory network that is critical for maintaining genome integrity. Posttranslational modifications are widely used to ensure strict spatiotemporal control of signal flow, but how the DDR responds to environmental cues, such as changes in ambient oxygen tension, remains poorly understood. We found that an essential component of the ATR/CHK1 signaling pathway, the human homolog of the Caenorhabditis elegans biological clock protein CLK-2 (HCLK2), associated with and was hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 3 (PHD3). HCLK2 hydroxylation was necessary for its interaction with ATR and the subsequent activation of ATR/CHK1/p53. Inhibiting PHD3, either with the pan-hydroxylase inhibitor dimethyloxaloylglycine (DMOG) or through hypoxia, prevented activation of the ATR/CHK1/p53 pathway and decreased apoptosis induced by DNA damage. Consistent with these observations, we found that mice lacking PHD3 were resistant to the effects of ionizing radiation and had decreased thymic apoptosis, a biomarker of genomic integrity. Our identification of HCLK2 as a substrate of PHD3 reveals the mechanism through which hypoxia inhibits the DDR, suggesting hydroxylation of HCLK2 is a potential therapeutic target for regulating the ATR/CHK1/p53 pathway. PMID:22797300

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