76 FR 7864 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-11

...: Psychiatric Unit Criteria Work Sheet and Supporting Regulations 412.25 and 412.27; Use: A limited number of... National Correct Coding Initiative in Medicaid, SMD Letter 10-017 dated September 1, 2010. Use; The Patient... State Use of National Correct Coding Initiative. A State Medicaid Director letter, 10-017 dated...

Initial Validity Evidence for the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity with Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ullrich-French, Sarah; Cox, Anne; Cole, Amy; Rhoades Cooper, Brittany; Gotch, Chad

2017-01-01

Experiencing mindfulness during movement-based interventions (e.g., yoga) may help support adaptive physical activity motivation processes in youth. However, there is currently no measure for assessing state mindfulness with youth within the context of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate a…

Pilot-in-the-Loop CFD Method Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-20

the methods on the NAVAIR Manned Flight Simulator. Activities this period During this report period, we implemented the CRAFT CFD code on the...Penn State VLRCROE Flight simulator and performed the first Pilot-in-the-Loop PILCFD tests at Penn State using the COCOA5 clusters. The initial tests...integration of the flight simulator and Penn State computing infrastructure. Initial tests showed slower performance than real-time (3x slower than real

Evaluation of DELTA PREP: A Project Aimed at Integrating Primary Prevention of Intimate Partner Violence Within State Domestic Violence Coalitions

PubMed Central

Freire, Kimberley E.; Zakocs, Ronda; Le, Brenda; Hill, Jessica A.; Brown, Pamela; Wheaton, Jocelyn

2018-01-01

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been recognized as a public health problem since the late 20th century. To spur IPV prevention efforts nationwide, the DELTA PREP Project selected 19 state domestic violence coalitions to build organizational prevention capacity and catalyze IPV primary prevention strategies within their states. Objective DELTA PREP’s summative evaluation addressed four major questions: (1) Did coalitions improve their prevention capacity during the project period? (2) Did coalitions serve as catalysts for prevention activities within their states during the project period? (3) Was initial prevention capacity associated with the number of prevention activity types initiated by coalitions by the end of the project? (4) Did coalitions sustain their prevention activities 6 months after the end of the project period? Results DELTA PREP achieved its capacity-building goal, with all 19 participant coalitions integrating prevention within their organizations and serving as catalysts for prevention activities in their states. At 6 months follow up, coalitions had sustained almost all prevention activities they initiated during the project. Baseline prevention capacity (Beginner vs. Intermediate) was not associated with the number of prevention activity types coalitions implemented by the end of the project. Conclusion Service and treatment organizations are increasingly asked to integrate a full spectrum of prevention strategies. Selecting organizations that have high levels of general capacity and readiness for an innovation like integrating a public health approach to IPV prevention will likely increase success in building an innovation-specific capacity, and in turn implementing an innovation. PMID:26245932

Evaluation of DELTA PREP: A Project Aimed at Integrating Primary Prevention of Intimate Partner Violence Within State Domestic Violence Coalitions.

PubMed

Freire, Kimberley E; Zakocs, Ronda; Le, Brenda; Hill, Jessica A; Brown, Pamela; Wheaton, Jocelyn

2015-08-01

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been recognized as a public health problem since the late 20th century. To spur IPV prevention efforts nationwide, the DELTA PREP Project selected 19 state domestic violence coalitions to build organizational prevention capacity and catalyze IPV primary prevention strategies within their states. DELTA PREP's summative evaluation addressed four major questions: (1) Did coalitions improve their prevention capacity during the project period? (2) Did coalitions serve as catalysts for prevention activities within their states during the project period? (3) Was initial prevention capacity associated with the number of prevention activity types initiated by coalitions by the end of the project? (4) Did coalitions sustain their prevention activities 6 months after the end of the project period? DELTA PREP achieved its capacity-building goal, with all 19 participant coalitions integrating prevention within their organizations and serving as catalysts for prevention activities in their states. At 6 months follow up, coalitions had sustained almost all prevention activities they initiated during the project. Baseline prevention capacity (Beginner vs. Intermediate) was not associated with the number of prevention activity types coalitions implemented by the end of the project. Service and treatment organizations are increasingly asked to integrate a full spectrum of prevention strategies. Selecting organizations that have high levels of general capacity and readiness for an innovation like integrating a public health approach to IPV prevention will likely increase success in building an innovation-specific capacity, and in turn implementing an innovation. © 2015 Society for Public Health Education.

Molecular mechanisms of "off-on switch" of activities of human IDH1 by tumor-associated mutation R132H.

PubMed

Yang, Bei; Zhong, Chen; Peng, Yingjie; Lai, Zheng; Ding, Jianping

2010-11-01

Human cytosolic NADP-IDH (IDH1) has recently been found to be involved in tumorigenesis. Notably, the tumor-derived IDH1 mutations identified so far mainly occur at Arg132, and mutation R132H is the most prevalent one. This mutation impairs the oxidative IDH activity of the enzyme, but renders a new reduction function of converting α-ketoglutarate (αKG) to 2-hydroxyglutarate. Here, we report the structures of the R132H mutant IDH1 with and without isocitrate (ICT) bound. The structural data together with mutagenesis and biochemical data reveal a previously undefined initial ICT-binding state and demonstrate that IDH activity requires a conformational change to a closed pre-transition state. Arg132 plays multiple functional roles in the catalytic reaction; in particular, the R132H mutation hinders the conformational changes from the initial ICT-binding state to the pre-transition state, leading to the impairment of the IDH activity. Our results describe for the first time that there is an intermediate conformation that corresponds to an initial ICT-binding state and that the R132H mutation can trap the enzyme in this conformation, therefore shedding light on the molecular mechanism of the "off switch" of the potentially tumor-suppressive IDH activity. Furthermore, we proved the necessity of Tyr139 for the gained αKG reduction activity and propose that Tyr139 may play a vital role by compensating the increased negative charge on the C2 atom of αKG during the transfer of a hydride anion from NADPH to αKG, which provides new insights into the mechanism of the "on switch" of the hypothetically oncogenic reduction activity of IDH1 by this mutation.

School Administrators' Leadership Challenges Implementing the Common Core State Standards Initiative in Schools with a Majority African American Student Population: A Narrative Inquiry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Merkel, Kristy M.

2017-01-01

The Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI) has been adopted by forty-two states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and the Department of defense Education Activity (DoDeA). The intent of the CCSSI is to ensure that all students graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college, career, and…

Youth Physical Activity and Health Interventions: Ineffective and Ill-Conceived Action?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mainsbridge, Casey; Swabey, Karen; Fraser, Sharon; Penney, Dawn

2014-01-01

This paper directs attention towards the plethora of ongoing health and well-being initiatives that seek to address young people's participation in physical activity and that are underpinned by interests in youth health. Focusing on contemporary developments in the state of Tasmania and throughout Australia, the paper examines these initiatives by…

Mesoscale research activities with the LAMPS model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalb, M. W.

1985-01-01

Researchers achieved full implementation of the LAMPS mesoscale model on the Atmospheric Sciences Division computer and derived balanced and real wind initial states for three case studies: March 6, April 24, April 26, 1982. Numerical simulations were performed for three separate studies: (1) a satellite moisture data impact study using Vertical Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) precipitable water as a constraint on model initial state moisture analyses; (2) an evaluation of mesoscale model precipitation simulation accuracy with and without convective parameterization; and (3) the sensitivity of model precipitation to mesoscale detail of moisture and vertical motion in an initial state.

Electronic propensity rules in Li-H+ collisions involving initial and/or final oriented states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salas, P. J.

2000-12-01

Electronic excitation and capture processes are studied in collisions involving systems with only one active electron such as the alkaline (Li)-proton in the medium-energy region (0.1-15 keV). Using the semiclassical impact parameter method, the probabilities and the orientation parameter are calculated for transitions between initial and/or final oriented states. The results show a strong asymmetry in the probabilities depending on the orientation of the initial and/or final states. An intuitive view of the processes, by means of the concepts of propensity and velocity matching rules, is provided.

Serotonin and the neuropeptide PDF initiate and extend opposing behavioral states in C. elegans.

PubMed

Flavell, Steven W; Pokala, Navin; Macosko, Evan Z; Albrecht, Dirk R; Larsch, Johannes; Bargmann, Cornelia I

2013-08-29

Foraging animals have distinct exploration and exploitation behaviors that are organized into discrete behavioral states. Here, we characterize a neuromodulatory circuit that generates long-lasting roaming and dwelling states in Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that two opposing neuromodulators, serotonin and the neuropeptide pigment dispersing factor (PDF), each initiate and extend one behavioral state. Serotonin promotes dwelling states through the MOD-1 serotonin-gated chloride channel. The spontaneous activity of serotonergic neurons correlates with dwelling behavior, and optogenetic modulation of the critical MOD-1-expressing targets induces prolonged dwelling states. PDF promotes roaming states through a Gαs-coupled PDF receptor; optogenetic activation of cAMP production in PDF receptor-expressing cells induces prolonged roaming states. The neurons that produce and respond to each neuromodulator form a distributed circuit orthogonal to the classical wiring diagram, with several essential neurons that express each molecule. The slow temporal dynamics of this neuromodulatory circuit supplement fast motor circuits to organize long-lasting behavioral states. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serotonin and the Neuropeptide PDF Initiate and Extend Opposing Behavioral States in C. elegans

PubMed Central

Flavell, Steven W.; Pokala, Navin; Macosko, Evan Z.; Albrecht, Dirk R.; Larsch, Johannes; Bargmann, Cornelia I.

2013-01-01

SUMMARY Foraging animals have distinct exploration and exploitation behaviors that are organized into discrete behavioral states. Here we characterize a neuromodulatory circuit that generates long-lasting roaming and dwelling states in Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that two opposing neuromodulators, serotonin and the neuropeptide pigment dispersing factor (PDF), each initiate and extend one behavioral state. Serotonin promotes dwelling states through the MOD-1 serotonin-gated chloride channel. The spontaneous activity of serotonergic neurons correlates with dwelling behavior, and optogenetic modulation of the critical MOD-1-expressing targets induces prolonged dwelling states. PDF promotes roaming states through a Gαs-coupled PDF receptor; optogenetic activation of cAMP production in PDF receptor-expressing cells induces prolonged roaming states. The neurons that produce and respond to each neuromodulator form a distributed circuit orthogonal to the classical wiring diagram, with several essential neurons that express each molecule. The slow temporal dynamics of this neuromodulatory circuit supplement fast motor circuits to organize long-lasting behavioral states. PMID:23972393

TLR stimulation initiates a CD39-based autoregulatory mechanism that limits macrophage inflammatory responses

PubMed Central

Cohen, Heather B.; Briggs, Katharine T.; Marino, John P.; Ravid, Katya; Robson, Simon C.

2013-01-01

Sepsis is a highly fatal disease caused by an initial hyperinflammatory response followed by a state of profound immunosuppression. Although it is well appreciated that the initial production of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages accompanies the onset of sepsis, it remains unclear what causes the transition to an immunosuppressive state. In this study, we reveal that macrophages themselves are key regulators of this transition and that the surface enzyme CD39 plays a critical role in self-limiting the activation process. We demonstrate that Toll-like receptor (TLR)-stimulated macrophages modulate their activation state by increasing the synthesis and secretion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This endogenous ATP is paradoxically immunosuppressive due to its rapid catabolism into adenosine by CD39. Macrophages lacking CD39 are unable to transition to a regulatory state and consequently continue to produce inflammatory cytokines. The importance of this transition is demonstrated in a mouse model of sepsis, where small numbers of CD39-deficient macrophages were sufficient to induce lethal endotoxic shock. Thus, these data implicate CD39 as a key “molecular switch” that allows macrophages to self-limit their activation state. We propose that therapeutics targeting the release and hydrolysis of ATP by macrophages may represent new ways to treat inflammatory diseases. PMID:23908469

Long life nickel electrodes for a nickel-hydrogen cell. I Initial performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lim, H. S.; Verzwyvelt, S. A.; Blaser, C.; Keener, K. M.

1983-01-01

In order to develop a long life nickel electrode for a Ni/H2 cell, an investigation was begun to study the effects of sinter structure and active material loading level on the long life performance of nickel electrodes. This paper is a report on the initial performance of these electrodes as a part of an accelerated life test program. Seven different types of nickel plaques were made which included three levels of both their mechanical strength and median pore size. These plaques were impregnated with three levels of active material loading. The resultant electrodes were tested by a 200-cycle stress test which was conducted in flooded electrolyte, and also for initial performance in a Ni/H2 boiler plate cell. An interesting and unexpected observation was that an increased initial utilization of the active material was due more to its complete discharge to the lower average oxidation state than its increased charge acceptance in the charged state.

Conformational transition in signal transduction: metastable states and transition pathways in the activation of a signaling protein.

PubMed

Banerjee, Rahul; Yan, Honggao; Cukier, Robert I

2015-06-04

Signal transduction is of vital importance to the growth and adaptation of living organisms. The key to understand mechanisms of biological signal transduction is elucidation of the conformational dynamics of its signaling proteins, as the activation of a signaling protein is fundamentally a process of conformational transition from an inactive to an active state. A predominant form of signal transduction for bacterial sensing of environmental changes in the wild or inside their hosts is a variety of two-component systems, in which the conformational transition of a response regulator (RR) from an inactive to an active state initiates responses to the environmental changes. Here, RR activation has been investigated using RR468 as a model system by extensive unbiased all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in explicit solvent, starting from snapshots along a targeted MD trajectory that covers the conformational transition. Markov state modeling, transition path theory, and geometric analyses of the wealth of the MD data have provided a comprehensive description of the RR activation. It involves a network of metastable states, with one metastable state essentially the same as the inactive state and another very similar to the active state that are connected via a small set of intermediates. Five major pathways account for >75% of the fluxes of the conformational transition from the inactive to the active-like state. The thermodynamic stability of the states and the activation barriers between states are found, to identify rate-limiting steps. The conformal transition is initiated predominantly by movements of the β3α3 loop, followed by movements of the β4α4-loop and neighboring α4 helix region, and capped by additional movements of the β3α3 loop. A number of transient hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions are revealed, and they may be important for the conformational transition.

Sector activities and lessons learned around initial implementation of the United States national physical activity plan.

PubMed

Evenson, Kelly R; Satinsky, Sara B

2014-08-01

National plans are increasingly common but infrequently evaluated. The 2010 United States National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) provided strategies to increase population levels of physical activity. This paper describes (i) the initial accomplishments of the NPAP sector teams, and (ii) results from a process evaluation to determine how the sectors operated, their cross-sector collaboration, challenges encountered, and positive experiences. During 2011, a quarterly reporting system was developed to capture sector-level activities. A year-end interview derived more detailed information. Interviews with 12 sector leads were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for common themes. The 6 sectors worked on goals from the implementation plan that focused broadly on education, promotion, intervention, policy, collaboration, and evaluation. Through year-end interviews, themes were generated around operations, goal setting, and cross-sector collaboration. Challenges to the NPAP work included lack of funding and time, the need for marketing and promotion, and organizational support. Positive experiences included collaboration, efficiency of work, enhanced community dynamic, and accomplishments toward NPAP goals. These initial results on the NPAP sector teams can be used as a baseline assessment for future monitoring. The lessons learned may be useful to other practitioners developing evaluations around state- or national-level plans.

Sector Activities and Lessons Learned Around Initial Implementation of the United States National Physical Activity Plan

PubMed Central

Evenson, Kelly R.; Satinsky, Sara B.

2016-01-01

Background National plans are increasingly common but infrequently evaluated. The 2010 United States National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) provided strategies to increase population levels of physical activity. This paper describes (i) the initial accomplishments of the NPAP sector teams, and (ii) results from a process evaluation to determine how the sectors operated, their cross-sector collaboration, challenges encountered, and positive experiences. Methods During 2011, a quarterly reporting system was developed to capture sector-level activities. A year-end interview derived more detailed information. Interviews with 12 sector leads were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for common themes. Results The 6 sectors worked on goals from the implementation plan that focused broadly on education, promotion, intervention, policy, collaboration, and evaluation. Through year-end interviews, themes were generated around operations, goal setting, and cross-sector collaboration. Challenges to the NPAP work included lack of funding and time, the need for marketing and promotion, and organizational support. Positive experiences included collaboration, efficiency of work, enhanced community dynamic, and accomplishments toward NPAP goals. Conclusions These initial results on the NPAP sector teams can be used as a baseline assessment for future monitoring. The lessons learned may be useful to other practitioners developing evaluations around state- or national-level plans. PMID:24176800

A continuum model of transcriptional bursting

PubMed Central

Corrigan, Adam M; Tunnacliffe, Edward; Cannon, Danielle; Chubb, Jonathan R

2016-01-01

Transcription occurs in stochastic bursts. Early models based upon RNA hybridisation studies suggest bursting dynamics arise from alternating inactive and permissive states. Here we investigate bursting mechanism in live cells by quantitative imaging of actin gene transcription, combined with molecular genetics, stochastic simulation and probabilistic modelling. In contrast to early models, our data indicate a continuum of transcriptional states, with a slowly fluctuating initiation rate converting the gene between different levels of activity, interspersed with extended periods of inactivity. We place an upper limit of 40 s on the lifetime of fluctuations in elongation rate, with initiation rate variations persisting an order of magnitude longer. TATA mutations reduce the accessibility of high activity states, leaving the lifetime of on- and off-states unchanged. A continuum or spectrum of gene states potentially enables a wide dynamic range for cell responses to stimuli. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13051.001 PMID:26896676

Multiple conformational states of DnaA protein regulate its interaction with DnaA boxes in the initiation of DNA replication.

PubMed

Patel, Meera J; Bhatia, Lavesh; Yilmaz, Gulden; Biswas-Fiss, Esther E; Biswas, Subhasis B

2017-09-01

DnaA protein is the initiator of genomic DNA replication in prokaryotes. It binds to specific DNA sequences in the origin of DNA replication and unwinds small AT-rich sequences downstream for the assembly of the replisome. The mechanism of activation of DnaA that enables it to bind and organize the origin DNA and leads to replication initiation remains unclear. In this study, we have developed double-labeled fluorescent DnaA probes to analyze conformational states of DnaA protein upon binding DNA, nucleotide, and Soj sporulation protein using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). Our studies demonstrate that DnaA protein undergoes large conformational changes upon binding to substrates and there are multiple distinct conformational states that enable it to initiate DNA replication. DnaA protein adopted a relaxed conformation by expanding ~15Å upon binding ATP and DNA to form the ATP·DnaA·DNA complex. Hydrolysis of bound ATP to ADP led to a contraction of DnaA within the complex. The relaxed conformation of DnaA is likely required for the formation of the multi-protein ATP·DnaA·DNA complex. In the initiation of sporulation, Soj binding to DnaA prevented relaxation of its conformation. Soj·ADP appeared to block the activation of DnaA, suggesting a mechanism for Soj·ADP in switching initiation of DNA replication to sporulation. Our studies demonstrate that multiple conformational states of DnaA protein regulate its binding to DNA in the initiation of DNA replication. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Small Island States Green Energy Initiative. Final report

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

Khattak, Nasir

1999-10-15

This report covers the activities carried out during a one year period from 7/15/99 to 7/15/00 as part of the Small Islands Green Energy Initiative. The three activities were: 1) Energy Ministerial conference in the Caribbean; 2) Training session on renewable energy for utility engineers; and 3) Case studies compilation on renewable energy in the Caribbean.

Transient spatiotemporal chaos in the Morris-Lecar neuronal ring network.

PubMed

Keplinger, Keegan; Wackerbauer, Renate

2014-03-01

Transient behavior is thought to play an integral role in brain functionality. Numerical simulations of the firing activity of diffusively coupled, excitable Morris-Lecar neurons reveal transient spatiotemporal chaos in the parameter regime below the saddle-node on invariant circle bifurcation point. The neighborhood of the chaotic saddle is reached through perturbations of the rest state, in which few initially active neurons at an effective spatial distance can initiate spatiotemporal chaos. The system escapes from the neighborhood of the chaotic saddle to either the rest state or to a state of pulse propagation. The lifetime of the chaotic transients is manipulated in a statistical sense through a singular application of a synchronous perturbation to a group of neurons.

A simple methodology to finance public health initiatives: reimbursement for tuberculosis directly observed therapy services in New York State.

PubMed

Klein, S J; Laufer, F N

1995-01-01

New York State (NYS) used Medicaid reimbursement to create incentives for health care providers to offer directly observed therapy (DOT) services for active tuberculosis (TB) disease. This resulted in proliferation of 26 new TB DOT providers and expanded capacity for the New York City (NYC). Department of Health. As a result, over 1,200 individuals now receive DOT in NYC. The reimbursement methodology was also used for other NYS public health initiatives. It is applicable for public health initiatives elsewhere.

"Mommy, You Are the Princess and I Am the Queen": How Preschool Children's Initiation and Language Use during Pretend Play Relate to Complexity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Melzer, Dawn K.; Palermo, Cori A.

2016-01-01

The present study investigated the relationship between complexity of pretend play, initiation of pretense activities, and mental state utterances used during play. Children 3 to 4 years of age were videotaped while engaging in pretend play with a parent. The videotapes were coded according to mental state utterances (i.e. desire, emotion,…

Report to the President: United States National Commission on the International Year of the Child.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Commission on the International Year of the Child, Washington, DC.

This report to the President overviews the activities of the United States National Commission on the International Year of the Child (IYC), 1979, and makes recommendations for national policy. Part One consists of a brief report of organizing activities of federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations, synopses of local initiatives for…

State-dependent, bidirectional modulation of neural network activity by endocannabinoids.

PubMed

Piet, Richard; Garenne, André; Farrugia, Fanny; Le Masson, Gwendal; Marsicano, Giovanni; Chavis, Pascale; Manzoni, Olivier J

2011-11-16

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system and the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) play key roles in the modulation of brain functions. Although actions of eCBs and CB1Rs are well described at the synaptic level, little is known of their modulation of neural activity at the network level. Using microelectrode arrays, we have examined the role of CB1R activation in the modulation of the electrical activity of rat and mice cortical neural networks in vitro. We find that exogenous activation of CB1Rs expressed on glutamatergic neurons decreases the spontaneous activity of cortical neural networks. Moreover, we observe that the net effect of the CB1R antagonist AM251 inversely correlates with the initial level of activity in the network: blocking CB1Rs increases network activity when basal network activity is low, whereas it depresses spontaneous activity when its initial level is high. Our results reveal a complex role of CB1Rs in shaping spontaneous network activity, and suggest that the outcome of endogenous neuromodulation on network function might be state dependent.

Revealing the Origin of Activity in Nitrogen-Doped Nanocarbons towards Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide.

PubMed

Xu, Junyuan; Kan, Yuhe; Huang, Rui; Zhang, Bingsen; Wang, Bolun; Wu, Kuang-Hsu; Lin, Yangming; Sun, Xiaoyan; Li, Qingfeng; Centi, Gabriele; Su, Dangsheng

2016-05-23

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are functionalized with nitrogen atoms for reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2 ). The investigation explores the origin of the catalyst's activity and the role of nitrogen chemical states therein. The catalysts show excellent performances, with about 90 % current efficiency for CO formation and stability over 60 hours. The Tafel analyses and density functional theory calculations suggest that the reduction of CO2 proceeds through an initial rate-determining transfer of one electron to CO2 , which leads to the formation of carbon dioxide radical anion (CO2 (.-) ). The initial reduction barrier is too high on pristine CNTs, resulting in a very high overpotentials at which the hydrogen evolution reaction dominates over CO2 reduction. The doped nitrogen atoms stabilize the radical anion, thereby lowering the initial reduction barrier and improving the intrinsic activity. The most efficient nitrogen chemical state for this reaction is quaternary nitrogen, followed by pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The actions of isoprenaline and mirabegron in the isolated whole rat and guinea pig bladder.

PubMed

Persyn, Sara; De Wachter, Stefan; Wyndaele, Jean-Jacques; Eastham, Jane; Gillespie, James

2016-07-01

β3-adrenoceptor agonists influence overactive bladder in humans and animal models. However, data is emerging that the mode of action of these drugs is complex. The present study explored the actions of the β3-adrenergic agonist mirabegron and the non-selective agonist isoprenaline on the contractile systems in the rat and guinea pig bladder. Intravesical pressure was measured in isolated whole bladders from female adult animals. In both species spontaneous contractile activity was observed. The muscarinic agonist arecaidine produced complex responses consisting of an initial transient pressure rise followed by complex phasic activity. Three contractile elements were identified: intrinsic micro-contractile activity, initial transient response and steady state phasic activity. The intrinsic and steady state activity could be further divided into a baseline pressure with superimposed phasic activity. The effects of isoprenaline and mirabegron were investigated on these elements. In the rat, the micro-contractile activity could be completely inhibited by isoprenaline (full agonist). The arecaidine-induced initial and steady state baseline pressures were partially reduced, while the phasic activity was little affected. In the guinea pig, both the arecaidine-induced baseline pressure and the phasic activity were affected by isoprenaline. Mirabegron didn't produce significant inhibitory effects in any of the contractile elements in either species. These results show that complex contractile systems operate in the rat and guinea pig bladder that can be modulated by β1/β2-adrenoceptor mechanisms. No evidence was obtained for any β3-dependent regulation of contraction. These data support similar data in humans. Therefore the primary site of therapeutic action of β3-adrenergic agonists remains unknown. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Activity of the C. elegans egg-laying behavior circuit is controlled by competing activation and feedback inhibition

PubMed Central

Collins, Kevin M; Bode, Addys; Fernandez, Robert W; Tanis, Jessica E; Brewer, Jacob C; Creamer, Matthew S; Koelle, Michael R

2016-01-01

Like many behaviors, Caenorhabditis elegans egg laying alternates between inactive and active states. To understand how the underlying neural circuit turns the behavior on and off, we optically recorded circuit activity in behaving animals while manipulating circuit function using mutations, optogenetics, and drugs. In the active state, the circuit shows rhythmic activity phased with the body bends of locomotion. The serotonergic HSN command neurons initiate the active state, but accumulation of unlaid eggs also promotes the active state independent of the HSNs. The cholinergic VC motor neurons slow locomotion during egg-laying muscle contraction and egg release. The uv1 neuroendocrine cells mechanically sense passage of eggs through the vulva and release tyramine to inhibit egg laying, in part via the LGC-55 tyramine-gated Cl- channel on the HSNs. Our results identify discrete signals that entrain or detach the circuit from the locomotion central pattern generator to produce active and inactive states. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.21126.001 PMID:27849154

Production of laccase from Trametes versicolor by solid-state fermentation using olive leaves as a phenolic substrate.

PubMed

Aydinoğlu, Tuğba; Sargin, Sayit

2013-02-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether olive leaves were feasible as a substrate for laccase production by the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor FPRL 28A INI under solid-state fermentation conditions. Different experiments were conducted to select the variables that allow obtaining high levels of laccase activity. In particular, the effects of the initial moisture content, substrate particle size, supplementation with inorganic and organic nitrogen sources were evaluated. Highest laccase activity (276.62 ± 25.67 U/g dry substrate) was achieved with 80 % initial moisture content and 1.4-1.6 mm particle size of the substrate supplemented with yeast extract (1 % (w/w) nitrogen). Such a high activity was obtained without any addition of inducers.

Department-Initiated Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watson, Anne; De Geest, Els

2014-01-01

This paper reports the activity of three secondary school mathematics departments in England in self-initiated states of change that led to overall improvements in students' achievements when compared to previous cohorts. This took place without intervention and without their participation in external projects. They provide examples of departments…

Representation of Dormant and Active Microbial Dynamics for Ecosystem Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, G.; Mayes, M. A.; Gu, L.; Schadt, C. W.

2013-12-01

Experimental observations and modeling efforts have shown that dormancy is likely a common strategy for microorganisms to contend with environmental stress. We review the state-of-the-art in modeling approaches for microbial dormancy and discuss the rationales of these models. We proved that the physiological state index model is not appropriate for describing transformation between active and dormant states. Based on the generally accepted assumptions summarized from ten existing models, we postulated a new synthetic microbial physiology component within the Microbial-ENzyme-mediated Decomposition (MEND) model. Both the steady state active fraction (rss) and substrate saturation level (Øss) positively depend on two physiological indices: α and β. The index α = mR /(μG+ mR), where μG and mR represent the maximum specific growth and maintenance rates, respectively, for active microbes. β denotes the ratio of dormant to active maintenance rate. The rss equals to Øss only under the condition of β→0, and they are identical to α. When substrate availability is the only limiting factor, the maximum rss is ca. 0.5 with α≤0.5 and β ≤0.01. This threshold value (0.5) of rss (not dynamic r) can explain the low active microbial fractions observed in undisturbed soils. The applications of the improved model to a 14C-labeled glucose induced respiration dataset and a batch experimental dataset show satisfactory model performance. We found that the exponential growth respiration rates can only be used to determine μG and initial active microbial biomass (Ba0), thus we suggest using respiration data representing both exponential growth and non-accelerating phases to robustly determine other important parameters such as initial total live microbial biomass (B0), initial active fraction (r0), μG, α, and the half-saturation constant (Ks). Similar improved representations of microbial physiology should be incorporated into existing ecosystem models in order to account for the significance of dormancy in microbially-mediated processes.

Nucleosomes influence multiple steps during replication initiation

PubMed Central

Azmi, Ishara F; Watanabe, Shinya; Maloney, Michael F; Kang, Sukhyun; Belsky, Jason A; MacAlpine, David M; Peterson, Craig L; Bell, Stephen P

2017-01-01

Eukaryotic replication origin licensing, activation and timing are influenced by chromatin but a mechanistic understanding is lacking. Using reconstituted nucleosomal DNA replication assays, we assessed the impact of nucleosomes on replication initiation. To generate distinct nucleosomal landscapes, different chromatin-remodeling enzymes (CREs) were used to remodel nucleosomes on origin-DNA templates. Nucleosomal organization influenced two steps of replication initiation: origin licensing and helicase activation. Origin licensing assays showed that local nucleosome positioning enhanced origin specificity and modulated helicase loading by influencing ORC DNA binding. Interestingly, SWI/SNF- and RSC-remodeled nucleosomes were permissive for origin licensing but showed reduced helicase activation. Specific CREs rescued replication of these templates if added prior to helicase activation, indicating a permissive chromatin state must be established during origin licensing to allow efficient origin activation. Our studies show nucleosomes directly modulate origin licensing and activation through distinct mechanisms and provide insights into the regulation of replication initiation by chromatin. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22512.001 PMID:28322723

How to reduce injuries to residual trees during stand management activities.

Treesearch

Paul E. Aho; Gary Fiddler; Gregory M. Filip

1983-01-01

Losses of trees and tree volume that result from decay initiated by mechanical injuries during stand management activities in the western United States are substantial. They can be reduced through improved logging methods and careful planning of other forest management activities.

Active Control by Conservation of Energy Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maestrello, Lucio

2000-01-01

Three unrelated experiments are discussed; each was extremely sensitive to initial conditions. The initial conditions are the beginnings of the origins of the information that nonlinearity displays. Initial conditions make the phenomenon unstable and unpredictable. With the knowledge of the initial conditions, active control requires far less power than that present in the system response. The first experiment is on the control of shocks from an axisymmetric supersonic jet; the second, control of a nonlinear panel response forced by turbulent boundary layer and sound; the third, control of subharmonic and harmonics of a panel forced by sound. In all three experiments, control is achieved by redistribution of periodic energy response such that the energy is nearly preserved from a previous uncontrolled state. This type of active control improves the performance of the system being controlled.

Comparing methodologies to assess transportation and air quality impacts of Brownfields and infill development.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-08-01

States and communities across the country are actively pursuing smart growth strategies. New transit : lines are opening to higher ridership than expected. States and communities have passed hundreds of : ballot initiatives preserving open space, inc...

Activated recombinative desorption: A potential component in mechanisms of spacecraft glow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, J. B.

1985-01-01

The concept of activated recombination of atomic species on surfaces can explain the production of vibrationally and translationally excited desorbed molecular species. Equilibrium statistical mechanics predicts that the molecular quantum state distributions of desorbing molecules is a function of surface temperature only when the adsorption probability is unity and independent of initial collision conditions. In most cases, the adsorption probability is dependent upon initial conditions such as collision energy or internal quantum state distribution of impinging molecules. From detailed balance, such dynamical behavior is reflected in the internal quantum state distribution of the desorbing molecule. This concept, activated recombinative desorption, may offer a common thread in proposed mechanisms of spacecraft glow. Using molecular beam techniques and equipment available at Los Alamos, which includes a high translational energy 0-atom beam source, mass spectrometric detection of desorbed species, chemiluminescence/laser induced fluorescence detection of electronic and vibrationally excited reaction products, and Auger detection of surface adsorbed reaction products, a fundamental study of the gas surface chemistry underlying the glow process is proposed.

The Journalists Initiatives on Immunisation Against Polio and Improved Acceptance of the Polio Vaccine in Northern Nigeria 2007-2015.

PubMed

Warigon, Charity; Mkanda, Pascal; Banda, Richard; Zakari, Furera; Damisa, Eunice; Idowu, Audu; Bawa, Samuel; Gali, Emmanuel; Tegegne, Sisay G; Hammanyero, Kulchumi; Nsubuga, Peter; Korir, Charles; Vaz, Rui G

2016-05-01

The polio eradication initiative had major setbacks in 2003 and 2007 due to media campaigns in which renowned scholars and Islamic clerics criticized polio vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) partnered with journalists in 2007 to form the Journalists Initiatives on Immunisation Against Polio (JAP), to develop communication initiatives aimed at highlighting polio eradication activities and the importance of immunization in northern Nigeria. We evaluated the impact of JAP activities in Kaduna State by determining the total number of media materials produced and the number of newspaper clips and bulletins published in support of polio eradication. We also determined the number of households in noncompliant communities that became compliant with vaccination during 2015 supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) after JAP interventions and compared caregivers' sources of information about SIAs in 2007 before and after the JAP was formed. Since creation of the JAP, >500 reports have been published and aired, with most portraying polio vaccine positively. During June 2015 SIAs in high-risk wards of Kaduna STATE, JAP interventions resulted in vaccination of 5122 of 5991 children (85.5%) from noncompliant households. During early 2007, the number of caregivers who had heard about SIA rounds from the media increased from 26% in January, before the JAP was formed, to 33% in March, after the initiation of JAP activities. The formation of the JAP resulted in measurable improvement in the acceptance of polio vaccine in northern Nigeria. © 2016 World Health Organization; licensee Oxford Journals.

Balance between cell-substrate adhesion and myosin contraction determines the frequency of motility initiation in fish keratocytes.

PubMed

Barnhart, Erin; Lee, Kun-Chun; Allen, Greg M; Theriot, Julie A; Mogilner, Alex

2015-04-21

Cells are dynamic systems capable of spontaneously switching among stable states. One striking example of this is spontaneous symmetry breaking and motility initiation in fish epithelial keratocytes. Although the biochemical and mechanical mechanisms that control steady-state migration in these cells have been well characterized, the mechanisms underlying symmetry breaking are less well understood. In this work, we have combined experimental manipulations of cell-substrate adhesion strength and myosin activity, traction force measurements, and mathematical modeling to develop a comprehensive mechanical model for symmetry breaking and motility initiation in fish epithelial keratocytes. Our results suggest that stochastic fluctuations in adhesion strength and myosin localization drive actin network flow rates in the prospective cell rear above a critical threshold. Above this threshold, high actin flow rates induce a nonlinear switch in adhesion strength, locally switching adhesions from gripping to slipping and further accelerating actin flow in the prospective cell rear, resulting in rear retraction and motility initiation. We further show, both experimentally and with model simulations, that the global levels of adhesion strength and myosin activity control the stability of the stationary state: The frequency of symmetry breaking decreases with increasing adhesion strength and increases with increasing myosin contraction. Thus, the relative strengths of two opposing mechanical forces--contractility and cell-substrate adhesion--determine the likelihood of spontaneous symmetry breaking and motility initiation.

10 CFR 473.10 - Required information from applicant.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION AUTOMOTIVE PROPULSION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Review and... automobile propulsion system shall— (a) State whether the activities will initiate or continue research and development of an advanced automobile propulsion system; (b) State, insofar as the applicant has information...

10 CFR 473.10 - Required information from applicant.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION AUTOMOTIVE PROPULSION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Review and... automobile propulsion system shall— (a) State whether the activities will initiate or continue research and development of an advanced automobile propulsion system; (b) State, insofar as the applicant has information...

20 CFR 652.8 - Administrative provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... determination. Such determinations shall be based on the requirements of the Act, regulations, and State plan. (i) The initial determination shall identify the audit findings, state the Secretary's proposed determination of the allowability of questioned costs and activities, and provide for informal resolution of...

10 CFR 473.10 - Required information from applicant.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION AUTOMOTIVE PROPULSION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Review and... automobile propulsion system shall— (a) State whether the activities will initiate or continue research and development of an advanced automobile propulsion system; (b) State, insofar as the applicant has information...

United States Air Force Research Initiation Program for 1987. Volume 4.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-01

devices containing an initial volume of 1.Oml TCE showed a decrease in performance and activity. 83-1 Acknowledgements Debbie Hollenbach (who completed...the Old German word for birch .) Parchment, the f’crvor of monks in medieval monasteries, and advancements in calligraphy and illumination turned books

Pioneering Education Leadership for 2001: Oklahoma's CSPD Initiative from a Rural Regional Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beckner, Claudia

Oklahoma's Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) initiative was developed to meet requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. CSPD compensates for the state's geographic diversity through regionalization, which allows a grassroots approach to determining preservice and inservice training activities for special…

Including General and Special Education: Initiatives of One Small Historically Black College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dice, Marvin L.; Diederich, Ronald; Gammon, Nancy W.; Schultze, Betty; Starr, Robert

This paper describes initial activities to revise the existing preservice teacher education curriculum to accommodate inclusion of students with disabilities and to improve collaboration between regular and special educators at Harris Stowe State College (Missouri), an historically black college. The identification of institutional and attitudinal…

Evaluating Active Learning: A New Initiative for a General Chemistry Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Sullivan, Daniel W.; Copper, Christine L.

2003-01-01

Explains the results of an effort to introduce active learning strategies into the general chemistry curriculum at the United States Naval Academy. Reports that students in an active learning classroom showed significant improvement in performance compared to students in a lecture-based course. (Author/YDS)

The southern regional conference on technology assessment: Summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coates, V. T.; Mock, J. E.

1974-01-01

The proceedings of a conference on technology assessment are presented. A survey of recent Federal activity in technology assessment was discussed initially. Emphasis was placed on state and local activities with respect to technology assessment to include the following subjects: (1) the technology assessment desired by states, (2) organization of technology assessment activities, (3) how to perform technology assessments for less than $5,000, and (4) the preparation of environmental impact statements. Specific application of technology assessment to solid waste management in Connecticut is reported.

CDC's 6|18 Initiative: A Cross-Sector Approach to Translating Evidence Into Practice.

PubMed

Seeff, Laura C; McGinnis, Tricia; Heishman, Hilary

2018-02-22

As the US health care system continues to undergo dynamic change, the increased alignment between health care quality and payment has provided new opportunities for public health and health care sectors to work together. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 6|18 Initiative accelerates cross-sector collaboration between public health and health care purchasers, payers, and providers and highlights 6 high-burden conditions and 18 associated interventions with evidence of cost reduction/neutrality and improved health outcomes. This evidence can inform payment, utilization, and quality of prevention and control interventions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focused initially on public payer health insurance interventions for asthma control, unintended pregnancy prevention, and tobacco cessation. Nine state Medicaid and public health agency teams-in Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, and South Carolina-participated in the initiative because they had previously prioritized the health condition(s) and specific intervention(s) and had secured state-level leadership support for state agency collaboration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Center for Health Care Strategies, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and other partners supported state implementation and dissemination of early lessons learned. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted exploratory interviews to guide improvement of the 6|18 Initiative and to understand facilitators, barriers, and complementary roles played by each sector. Monthly technical assistance calls conducted with state teams documented collaborative activities between state Medicaid agencies and health departments and state processes to increase coverage and utilization. The 6|18 Initiative is strengthening partnerships between state health departments and Medicaid agencies and contributing to state progress in helping improve Medicaid coverage and utilization of effective prevention and control interventions. This initiative highlights early successes for others interested in strengthening collaboration between state agencies and between public and private sectors to improve payment, utilization, and quality of evidence-based interventions.

Leveraging finances for public health system improvement: results from the Turning Point initiative.

PubMed

Bekemeier, Betty; Riley, Catharine M; Berkowitz, Bobbie

2007-01-01

Reforming the public health infrastructure requires substantial system changes at the state level; state health agencies, however, often lack the resources and support for strategic planning and systemwide improvement. The Turning Point Initiative provided support for states to focus on large-scale system changes that resulted in increased funding for public health capacity and infrastructure development. Turning Point provides a test case for obtaining financial and institutional resources focused on systems change and infrastructure development-areas for which it has been historically difficult to obtain long-term support. The purpose of this exploratory, descriptive survey research was to enumerate the actual resources leveraged toward public health system improvement through the partnerships, planning, and implementation activities funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as a part of the Turning Point Initiative.

Problems and solutions in the field of improving control and supervision activities in the construction sector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dikareva, Varvara; Mostovaya, Anna

2018-03-01

The improvement of control and supervision activities in high-rise construction is an important goal of the state. In the paper, the author considered the initiatives of the state in terms of improving the control activity. He shows the main approaches that will be applied by the state. The application of information and communication technologies in control activities is described in detail. It was noted that the quality of the regulation of various procedures remains a serious issue. At the same time, modern innovations in the field of control should take into account the increasing volumes of data and information about various economic processes.

The Role of State Library Agencies in National Plans for Library and Information Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trezza, Alphonse F.

1978-01-01

A full-service national network of library and information services can only become a reality if there is careful articulation among local, state, multistate, and national planning and implementation activities. The role of the state library agency as coordinator, catalyst, initiator, and even-handed funding agency is essential, difficult, and…

Analysis of gene network robustness based on saturated fixed point attractors

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

The analysis of gene network robustness to noise and mutation is important for fundamental and practical reasons. Robustness refers to the stability of the equilibrium expression state of a gene network to variations of the initial expression state and network topology. Numerical simulation of these variations is commonly used for the assessment of robustness. Since there exists a great number of possible gene network topologies and initial states, even millions of simulations may be still too small to give reliable results. When the initial and equilibrium expression states are restricted to being saturated (i.e., their elements can only take values 1 or −1 corresponding to maximum activation and maximum repression of genes), an analytical gene network robustness assessment is possible. We present this analytical treatment based on determination of the saturated fixed point attractors for sigmoidal function models. The analysis can determine (a) for a given network, which and how many saturated equilibrium states exist and which and how many saturated initial states converge to each of these saturated equilibrium states and (b) for a given saturated equilibrium state or a given pair of saturated equilibrium and initial states, which and how many gene networks, referred to as viable, share this saturated equilibrium state or the pair of saturated equilibrium and initial states. We also show that the viable networks sharing a given saturated equilibrium state must follow certain patterns. These capabilities of the analytical treatment make it possible to properly define and accurately determine robustness to noise and mutation for gene networks. Previous network research conclusions drawn from performing millions of simulations follow directly from the results of our analytical treatment. Furthermore, the analytical results provide criteria for the identification of model validity and suggest modified models of gene network dynamics. The yeast cell-cycle network is used as an illustration of the practical application of this analytical treatment. PMID:24650364

Making the case: leveraging resources toward public health system improvement in Turning Point states.

PubMed

Bekemeier, Betty; Riley, Catharine M; Padgett, Stephen M; Berkowitz, Bobbie

2007-01-01

Leveraging funds to sustain the efforts of a grant-funded initiative is often an explicit, or implicit, expectation in philanthropy. However, the magnitude of funds leveraged and the factors that facilitate success in leveraging are rarely researched. An example of one of these grant-funded initiatives is the National Turning Point Initiative. Twenty-one states received funding from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as part of this initiative to establish and implement strategic goals for achieving significant statewide public health system improvement through diverse, cross-sector partnerships. Leaders from 17 of these 21 states participated in a two-phased study regarding the leveraging of additional funds for their public health infrastructure improvement activities. This article reports on the second phase of the study. In this phase, key informant interviews were conducted to examine how leveraging of resources occurred as part of this large national initiative. Findings indicate that the combination of a comprehensive planning process and a broad-based partnership was crucial in securing resources to expand their efforts. The ability to strategically respond to unexpected events and opportunities also helped states use their plans and partnerships to "make the case" for additional resources to improve their public health infrastructure.

Small Business at EPA Bulletin

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

A list of monthly bulletins that highlight information on Agency activities, rulemakings, and to share information about ongoing initiatives from the State Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs.

The Photoconversion of Phytochrome Includes an Unproductive Shunt Reaction Pathway.

PubMed

Buhrke, David; Kuhlmann, Uwe; Michael, Norbert; Hildebrandt, Peter

2018-03-05

Phytochromes are modular bimodal photoswitches that control gene expression for morphogenetic processes in plants. These functions are triggered by photoinduced conversions between the inactive and active states of the photosensory module, denoted as Pr and Pfr, respectively. In the present time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopic study of bacterial representatives of this photoreceptor family, we demonstrate that these phototransformations do not represent linear processes but include a branching reaction back to the initial state, prior to (de)activation of the output module. Thus, only a fraction of the photoreceptors undergoing the phototransformations can initiate the downstream signaling process, consistent with phytochrome's function as a sensor for more durable changes of light conditions. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

20 CFR 658.702 - Initial action by the Regional Administrator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... JS regulations. (b) Wherever a Regional Administrator discovers or is apprised of possible State agency violations of JS regulations by the review and assessment activities under subpart G of this part... a State agency has violated JS regulations. (c) The Regional Administrator shall accept complaints...

Ohio SchoolNet Initiatives: The Role of the Ohio Education Computer Network.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohio State Legislative Office of Education Oversight, Columbus.

Ohio's Legislative Office of Education Oversight (LOEO) evaluates education-related activities funded wholly or in part by that state. SchoolNet initiatives seek to increase Ohio K-12 schools' access to computers, networks, and other technology, with a particular emphasis on low-wealth districts. This report addresses the gap between the…

A Blueprint for Early Care and Education Quality Improvement Initiatives. Publication #2015-07

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tout, Kathryn; Epstein, Dale; Soli, Meg; Lowe, Claire

2015-01-01

As Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) continue to launch and mature across states, questions emerge from stakeholders about how to design and implement effective quality improvement (QI) initiatives that accompany a QRIS. Funders, policymakers, and program developers with limited resources are looking to invest in activities that will…

A Sociocultural Reflection on Formative Assessment and Collaborative Challenges in the States of Jersey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crossouard, Barbara

2009-01-01

Drawing upon data arising from an evaluation carried out for the Jersey educational authority, this article discusses the interaction of two professional development initiatives, formative assessment and critical skills thinking, bringing the two initiatives together from the perspective of Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT). This allows…

KLF4 Nuclear Export Requires ERK Activation and Initiates Exit from Naive Pluripotency.

PubMed

Dhaliwal, Navroop K; Miri, Kamelia; Davidson, Scott; Tamim El Jarkass, Hala; Mitchell, Jennifer A

2018-04-10

Cooperative action of a transcription factor complex containing OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, and KLF4 maintains the naive pluripotent state; however, less is known about the mechanisms that disrupt this complex, initiating exit from pluripotency. We show that, as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) exit pluripotency, KLF4 protein is exported from the nucleus causing rapid decline in Nanog and Klf4 transcription; as a result, KLF4 is the first pluripotency transcription factor removed from transcription-associated complexes during differentiation. KLF4 nuclear export requires ERK activation, and phosphorylation of KLF4 by ERK initiates interaction of KLF4 with nuclear export factor XPO1, leading to KLF4 export. Mutation of the ERK phosphorylation site in KLF4 (S132) blocks KLF4 nuclear export, the decline in Nanog, Klf4, and Sox2 mRNA, and differentiation. These findings demonstrate that relocalization of KLF4 to the cytoplasm is a critical first step in exit from the naive pluripotent state and initiation of ESC differentiation. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Short-time dynamics of 2-thiouracil in the light absorbing S{sub 2}(ππ{sup ∗}) state

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

Jiang, Jie; Zhang, Teng-shuo; Xue, Jia-dan

2015-11-07

Ultrahigh quantum yields of intersystem crossing to the lowest triplet state T{sub 1} are observed for 2-thiouracils (2TU), which is in contrast to the natural uracils that predominantly exhibit ultrafast internal conversion to the ground state upon excitation to the singlet excited state. The intersystem crossing mechanism of 2TU has recently been investigated using second-order perturbation methods with a high-level complete-active space self-consistent field. Three competitive nonadiabatic pathways to the lowest triplet state T{sub 1} from the initially populated singlet excited state S{sub 2} were proposed. We investigate the initial decay dynamics of 2TU from the light absorbing excited statesmore » using resonance Raman spectroscopy, time-dependent wave-packet theory in the simple model, and complete-active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and time dependent-Becke’s three-parameter exchange and correlation functional with the Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functional (TD-B3LYP) calculations. The obtained short-time structural dynamics in easy-to-visualize internal coordinates were compared with the CASSCF(16,11) predicted key nonadiabatic decay routes. Our results indicate that the predominant decay pathway initiated at the Franck-Condon region is toward the S{sub 2}/S{sub 1} conical intersection point and S{sub 2}T{sub 3} intersystem crossing point, but not toward the S{sub 2}T{sub 2} intersystem crossing point.« less

40 CFR 141.26 - Monitoring frequency and compliance requirements for radionuclides in community water systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.... For the purposes of monitoring for gross alpha particle activity, radium-226, radium-228, uranium, and... monitoring: Systems must conduct initial monitoring for gross alpha particle activity, radium-226, radium-228...) For gross alpha particle activity, uranium, radium-226, and radium-228 monitoring, the State may waive...

Municipal Officials' Participation in Built Environment Policy Development in the United States.

PubMed

Lemon, Stephenie C; Goins, Karin Valentine; Schneider, Kristin L; Brownson, Ross C; Valko, Cheryl A; Evenson, Kelly R; Eyler, Amy A; Heinrich, Katie M; Litt, Jill; Lyn, Rodney; Reed, Hannah L; Tompkins, Nancy O'Hara; Maddock, Jay

2015-01-01

This study examined municipal officials' participation in built environment policy initiatives focused on land use design, transportation, and parks and recreation. Web-based cross-sectional survey. Eighty-three municipalities with 50,000 or more residents in eight states. Four hundred fifty-three elected and appointed municipal officials. Outcomes included self-reported participation in land use design, transportation, and parks and recreation policy to increase physical activity. Independent variables included respondent position; perceptions of importance, barriers, and beliefs regarding physical activity and community design and layout; and physical activity partnership participation. Multivariable logistic regression models. Compared to other positions, public health officials had lower participation in land use design (78.3% vs. 29.0%), transportation (78.1% vs. 42.1%), and parks and recreation (67.1% vs. 26.3%) policy. Perceived limited staff was negatively associated with participation in each policy initiative. Perceptions of the extent to which physical activity was considered in community design and physical activity partnership participation were positively associated with participation in each. Perceived lack of collaboration was associated with less land use design and transportation policy participation, and awareness that community design affects physical activity was associated with more participation. Perceived lack of political will was associated with less parks and recreation policy participation. Public health officials are underrepresented in built environment policy initiatives. Improving collaborations may improve municipal officials' policy participation.

The Journalists Initiatives on Immunisation Against Polio and Improved Acceptance of the Polio Vaccine in Northern Nigeria 2007–2015

PubMed Central

Warigon, Charity; Mkanda, Pascal; Banda, Richard; Zakari, Furera; Damisa, Eunice; Idowu, Audu; Bawa, Samuel; Gali, Emmanuel; Tegegne, Sisay G.; Hammanyero, Kulchumi; Nsubuga, Peter; Korir, Charles; Vaz, Rui G.

2016-01-01

Background. The polio eradication initiative had major setbacks in 2003 and 2007 due to media campaigns in which renowned scholars and Islamic clerics criticized polio vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) partnered with journalists in 2007 to form the Journalists Initiatives on Immunisation Against Polio (JAP), to develop communication initiatives aimed at highlighting polio eradication activities and the importance of immunization in northern Nigeria. Methods. We evaluated the impact of JAP activities in Kaduna State by determining the total number of media materials produced and the number of newspaper clips and bulletins published in support of polio eradication. We also determined the number of households in noncompliant communities that became compliant with vaccination during 2015 supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) after JAP interventions and compared caregivers’ sources of information about SIAs in 2007 before and after the JAP was formed. Results. Since creation of the JAP, >500 reports have been published and aired, with most portraying polio vaccine positively. During June 2015 SIAs in high-risk wards of Kaduna STATE, JAP interventions resulted in vaccination of 5122 of 5991 children (85.5%) from noncompliant households. During early 2007, the number of caregivers who had heard about SIA rounds from the media increased from 26% in January, before the JAP was formed, to 33% in March, after the initiation of JAP activities. Conclusions. The formation of the JAP resulted in measurable improvement in the acceptance of polio vaccine in northern Nigeria. PMID:26721745

Active lithium chloride cell for spacecraft power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleischmann, C. W.; Horning, R. J.

1988-01-01

An active thionyl chloride high rate battery is under development for spacecraft operations. It is a 540kC (150 Ah) battery capable of pulses up to 75A. This paper describes the design and initial test data on a 'state-of-the-art' cell that has been selected to be the baseline for the prototype cell for that battery. Initial data indicate that the specification can be met with fresh cells. Data for stored cells and additional environmental test data are in the process of being developed.

The State of Teacher Evaluation Reform: State Education Agency Capacity and the Implementation of New Teacher-Evaluation Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGuinn, Patrick

2012-01-01

The Obama administration's Race to the Top competitive grant program initiated an unprecedented wave of state teacher-evaluation reform across the country. To date, most of the scholarly analysis of this activity has focused on the design of the evaluation instruments or the implementation of the new evaluations by districts and schools. But…

Sharing Good Practices: Teenage Girls, Sport, and Physical Activities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vescio, Johanna A.; Crosswhite, Janice J.

2002-01-01

Investigated initiatives to increase teenage girls' participation in sport and physical activities, examining good practice case studies from Australia. Surveys of national, state, and regional sporting organizations and various community and school organizations (including culturally diverse girls and girls with disabilities) highlighted three…

Carbon accounting rules and guidelines for the United States Forest Sector

Treesearch

Richard A. Birdsey

2006-01-01

The United States Climate Change initiative includes improvements to the U.S. Department of Energy's Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. The program includes specific accounting rules and guidelines for reporting and registering forestry activities that reduce atmospheric CO2 by increasing carbon sequestration or reducing emissions....

Allosteric substrate switching in a voltage-sensing lipid phosphatase.

PubMed

Grimm, Sasha S; Isacoff, Ehud Y

2016-04-01

Allostery provides a critical control over enzyme activity, biasing the catalytic site between inactive and active states. We found that the Ciona intestinalis voltage-sensing phosphatase (Ci-VSP), which modifies phosphoinositide signaling lipids (PIPs), has not one but two sequential active states with distinct substrate specificities, whose occupancy is allosterically controlled by sequential conformations of the voltage-sensing domain (VSD). Using fast fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) reporters of PIPs to monitor enzyme activity and voltage-clamp fluorometry to monitor conformational changes in the VSD, we found that Ci-VSP switches from inactive to a PIP3-preferring active state when the VSD undergoes an initial voltage-sensing motion and then into a second PIP2-preferring active state when the VSD activates fully. This two-step allosteric control over a dual-specificity enzyme enables voltage to shape PIP concentrations in time, and provides a mechanism for the complex modulation of PIP-regulated ion channels, transporters, cell motility, endocytosis and exocytosis.

Allosteric substrate switching in a voltage sensing lipid phosphatase

PubMed Central

Grimm, Sasha S.; Isacoff, Ehud Y.

2016-01-01

Allostery provides a critical control over enzyme activity, biasing the catalytic site between inactive and active states. We find the Ciona intestinalis voltage-sensing phosphatase (Ci-VSP), which modifies phosphoinositide signaling lipids (PIPs), to have not one but two sequential active states with distinct substrate specificities, whose occupancy is allosterically controlled by sequential conformations of the voltage sensing domain (VSD). Using fast FRET reporters of PIPs to monitor enzyme activity and voltage clamp fluorometry to monitor conformational changes in the VSD, we find that Ci-VSP switches from inactive to a PIP3-preferring active state when the VSD undergoes an initial voltage sensing motion and then into a second PIP2-preferring active state when the VSD activates fully. This novel 2-step allosteric control over a dual specificity enzyme enables voltage to shape PIP concentrations in time, and provides a mechanism for the complex modulation of PIP-regulated ion channels, transporters, cell motility and endo/exocytosis. PMID:26878552

Sequential changes in chromatin structure during transcriptional activation in the beta globin LCR and its target gene.

PubMed

Kim, Kihoon; Kim, AeRi

2010-09-01

Chromatin structure is modulated during transcriptional activation. The changes include the association of transcriptional activators, formation of hypersensitive sites and covalent modifications of histones. To understand the order of the various changes accompanying transcriptional activation, we analyzed the mouse beta globin gene, which is transcriptionally inducible in erythroid MEL cells over a time course of HMBA treatment. Transcription of the globin genes requires the locus control region (LCR) consisting of several hypersensitive sites (HSs). Erythroid specific transcriptional activators such as NF-E2, GATA-1, TAL1 and EKLF were associated with the LCR in the uninduced state before transcriptional activation. The HSs of the LCR were formed in this state as revealed by high sensitivity to DNase I and MNase attack. However the binding of transcriptional activators and the depletion of histones were observed in the promoter of the beta globin gene only after transcriptional activation. In addition, various covalent histone modifications were sequentially detected in lysine residues of histone H3 during the activation. Acetylation of K9, K36 and K27 was notable in both LCR HSs and gene after induction but before transcriptional initiation. Inactive histone marks such as K9me2, K36me2 and K27me2 were removed coincident with transcriptional initiation in the gene region. Taken together, these results indicate that LCR has a substantially active structure in the uninduced state while transcriptional activation serially adds active marks, including histone modifications, and removes inactive marks in the target gene of the LCR. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Near-atomic resolution visualization of human transcription promoter opening

PubMed Central

He, Yuan; Yan, Chunli; Fang, Jie; Inouye, Carla; Tjian, Robert; Ivanov, Ivaylo; Nogales, Eva

2016-01-01

In eukaryotic transcription initiation, a large multi-subunit pre-initiation complex (PIC) that assembles at the core promoter is required for the opening of the duplex DNA and identification of the start site for transcription by RNA polymerase II. Here we use cryo-electron microscropy (cryo-EM) to determine near-atomic resolution structures of the human PIC in a closed state (engaged with duplex DNA), an open state (engaged with a transcription bubble), and an initially transcribing complex (containing six base pairs of DNA–RNA hybrid). Our studies provide structures for previously uncharacterized components of the PIC, such as TFIIE and TFIIH, and segments of TFIIA, TFIIB and TFIIF. Comparison of the different structures reveals the sequential conformational changes that accompany the transition from each state to the next throughout the transcription initiation process. This analysis illustrates the key role of TFIIB in transcription bubble stabilization and provides strong structural support for a translocase activity of XPB. PMID:27193682

Exact analytical solution of irreversible binary dynamics on networks.

PubMed

Laurence, Edward; Young, Jean-Gabriel; Melnik, Sergey; Dubé, Louis J

2018-03-01

In binary cascade dynamics, the nodes of a graph are in one of two possible states (inactive, active), and nodes in the inactive state make an irreversible transition to the active state, as soon as their precursors satisfy a predetermined condition. We introduce a set of recursive equations to compute the probability of reaching any final state, given an initial state, and a specification of the transition probability function of each node. Because the naive recursive approach for solving these equations takes factorial time in the number of nodes, we also introduce an accelerated algorithm, built around a breath-first search procedure. This algorithm solves the equations as efficiently as possible in exponential time.

Exact analytical solution of irreversible binary dynamics on networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laurence, Edward; Young, Jean-Gabriel; Melnik, Sergey; Dubé, Louis J.

2018-03-01

In binary cascade dynamics, the nodes of a graph are in one of two possible states (inactive, active), and nodes in the inactive state make an irreversible transition to the active state, as soon as their precursors satisfy a predetermined condition. We introduce a set of recursive equations to compute the probability of reaching any final state, given an initial state, and a specification of the transition probability function of each node. Because the naive recursive approach for solving these equations takes factorial time in the number of nodes, we also introduce an accelerated algorithm, built around a breath-first search procedure. This algorithm solves the equations as efficiently as possible in exponential time.

Hospital Community Benefit in the Context of the Larger Public Health System: A State-Level Analysis of Hospital and Governmental Public Health Spending Across the United States.

PubMed

Singh, Simone R; Bakken, Erik; Kindig, David A; Young, Gary J

2016-01-01

Achieving meaningful population health improvements has become a priority for communities across the United States, yet funding to sustain multisector initiatives is frequently not available. One potential source of funding for population health initiatives is the community benefit expenditures that are required of nonprofit hospitals to maintain their tax-exempt status. In this article, we explore the importance of nonprofit hospitals' community benefit dollars as a funding source for population health. Hospitals' community benefit expenditures were obtained from their 2009 IRS (Internal Revenue Service) Form 990 Schedule H and complemented with data on state and local public health spending from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and the National Association of County & City Health Officials. Key measures included indicators of hospitals' community health spending and governmental public health spending, all aggregated to the state level. Univariate and bivariate statistics were used to describe how much hospitals spent on programs and activities for the community at large and to understand the relationship between hospitals' spending and the expenditures of state and local health departments. Tax-exempt hospitals spent a median of $130 per capita on community benefit activities, of which almost $11 went toward community health improvement and community-building activities. In comparison, median state and local health department spending amounted to $82 and $48 per capita, respectively. Hospitals' spending thus contributed an additional 9% to the resources available for population health to state and local health departments. Spending, however, varied widely by state and was unrelated to governmental public health spending. Moreover, adding hospitals' spending to the financial resources available to governmental public health agencies did not reduce existing inequalities in population health funding across states. Hospitals' community health investments represent an important source for public health activities, yet inequalities in the availability of funding across communities remain.

Electron-microscopic characteristics of neuroendocrine neurons in the amygdaloid body of the brain in male rats and female rats at different stages of the estral cycle.

PubMed

Akhmadeev, A V; Kalimullina, L B

2008-01-01

The ultrastructural features of neuroendocrine neurons in the dorsomedial nucleus (DMN) of the amygdaloid body of the brain - one of the major zones of sexual dimorphism - in 12 Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were studied in three males and nine females at different stages of the estral cycle. On the basis of ultrastructural characteristics, analysis of the functional states of an average of 50 DMN neurons were studied in each animal. A morphofunctional classification reflecting hormone-dependent variations in neuron activity is proposed. DMN neurons were found to be in different structural-functional states, which could be classified as the states of rest, moderate activity, elevated activity, tension (maximal activity), decreased activity (types 1 and 2, depending on prior history), return to the initial state, and apoptosis. At the estrus stage, there was a predominance of neurons in the states of elevated activity (40% of all cells) and maximal activity (26%). At the metestrus stage, neurons in the state of decreased activity type 1 (with increased nuclear heterochromatin content) predominated (30% of cells), while 25% and 20% of cells were in the states of maximal activity and elevated activity respectively. In diestrus, neurons in the resting state, in moderate and elevated activity, in maximal activity, and in decreased activity type 1 were present in essentially identical proportions (18%, 21%, 18%, 20%, and 16% respectively). In males, 35% and 22% of neurons were in the states of elevated and maximal activity respectively. Neuron death was seen only in males.

Long-time predictability in disordered spin systems following a deep quench

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, J.; Gheissari, R.; Machta, J.; Newman, C. M.; Stein, D. L.

2017-04-01

We study the problem of predictability, or "nature vs nurture," in several disordered Ising spin systems evolving at zero temperature from a random initial state: How much does the final state depend on the information contained in the initial state, and how much depends on the detailed history of the system? Our numerical studies of the "dynamical order parameter" in Edwards-Anderson Ising spin glasses and random ferromagnets indicate that the influence of the initial state decays as dimension increases. Similarly, this same order parameter for the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick infinite-range spin glass indicates that this information decays as the number of spins increases. Based on these results, we conjecture that the influence of the initial state on the final state decays to zero in finite-dimensional random-bond spin systems as dimension goes to infinity, regardless of the presence of frustration. We also study the rate at which spins "freeze out" to a final state as a function of dimensionality and number of spins; here the results indicate that the number of "active" spins at long times increases with dimension (for short-range systems) or number of spins (for infinite-range systems). We provide theoretical arguments to support these conjectures, and also study analytically several mean-field models: the random energy model, the uniform Curie-Weiss ferromagnet, and the disordered Curie-Weiss ferromagnet. We find that for these models, the information contained in the initial state does not decay in the thermodynamic limit—in fact, it fully determines the final state. Unlike in short-range models, the presence of frustration in mean-field models dramatically alters the dynamical behavior with respect to the issue of predictability.

Long-time predictability in disordered spin systems following a deep quench.

PubMed

Ye, J; Gheissari, R; Machta, J; Newman, C M; Stein, D L

2017-04-01

We study the problem of predictability, or "nature vs nurture," in several disordered Ising spin systems evolving at zero temperature from a random initial state: How much does the final state depend on the information contained in the initial state, and how much depends on the detailed history of the system? Our numerical studies of the "dynamical order parameter" in Edwards-Anderson Ising spin glasses and random ferromagnets indicate that the influence of the initial state decays as dimension increases. Similarly, this same order parameter for the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick infinite-range spin glass indicates that this information decays as the number of spins increases. Based on these results, we conjecture that the influence of the initial state on the final state decays to zero in finite-dimensional random-bond spin systems as dimension goes to infinity, regardless of the presence of frustration. We also study the rate at which spins "freeze out" to a final state as a function of dimensionality and number of spins; here the results indicate that the number of "active" spins at long times increases with dimension (for short-range systems) or number of spins (for infinite-range systems). We provide theoretical arguments to support these conjectures, and also study analytically several mean-field models: the random energy model, the uniform Curie-Weiss ferromagnet, and the disordered Curie-Weiss ferromagnet. We find that for these models, the information contained in the initial state does not decay in the thermodynamic limit-in fact, it fully determines the final state. Unlike in short-range models, the presence of frustration in mean-field models dramatically alters the dynamical behavior with respect to the issue of predictability.

Duct Tape, Icy Hot & Paddles: Narratives of Initiation onto US Male Sport Teams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waldron, Jennifer J.; Lynn, Quinten; Krane, Vikki

2011-01-01

In the United States, initiation or hazing activities in high school and university sport are increasingly being recognized as a serious issue facing coaches and sport administrators. These events include humiliation, degradation or abuse of new team members, presumed to enhance team bonding. This study is grounded in Waldron and Krane's…

Gifted and Talented Education: The English Policy Highway at a Crossroads?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Casey, Ronald; Koshy, Valsa

2013-01-01

In 1999, the British government launched an education program for gifted and talented pupils as part of its Excellence in Cities initiative (EiC) that was initially designed to raise the educational achievement of very able pupils in state-maintained secondary schools in inner-city areas. Although some activities targeting gifted children had…

78 FR 43969 - Agency Information Collection (Regulation for Reconsideration of Denied Claims) Activity Under...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-22

... collection. Abstract: Veterans who disagree with the initial decision denying their healthcare benefits in... allows decision making to be more responsive to Veterans using the VA healthcare system. An agency may... date of the initial decision. The request must state why the decision is in error and include any new...

75 FR 25321 - Agency Information Collection (Regulation for Reconsideration of Denied Claims) Activity Under...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-07

... collection. Abstract: Veterans who disagree with the initial decision denying their healthcare benefits in... appeals and allows decision making to be more responsive to veterans using the VA healthcare system. An... year of the date of the initial decision. The request must state why the decision is in error and...

Assessment of a simulated contraceptive prescribing activity for pharmacy students.

PubMed

Lynch, Sarah E; Griffin, Brooke L; Vest, Kathleen M

2018-02-01

The role of the pharmacist has been shifting rapidly. One example of change is the passage of legislation allowing pharmacists to independently initiate self-administered hormonal contraceptives in several states. There is no evidence of this specific topic being covered in pharmacy school curricula, and many states are requiring additional post-graduate training. This activity was designed to determine the utility of a contraceptive prescribing simulation activity for pharmacy students. Pharmacy students enrolled in a women's health elective learned about relevant state legislation and attended a clinical skills center simulation activity where they utilized an available prescribing algorithm. Students completed two scenarios and received grades based on their clinical decision-making and patient interaction skills. An electronic survey was distributed post-activity to assess student satisfaction and confidence when prescribing contraceptives. Responses and grades on the assignment were analyzed to determine the activity's utility. Students finished with median scores of 15, 14.8, and 14.5 out of 15 possible points for the three scenarios. Students reported overall satisfaction with the activity, with general agreement that the activity was realistic and made them feel like they were prepared to prescribe contraceptives. Independently initiating contraceptives is a novel practice area for pharmacists. This activity introduced students to the process of prescribing using realistic forms and scenarios. The utility of the activity was twofold - it introduced students to the changing environment of pharmacy practice and allowed students to apply their knowledge of contraceptives and women's health. Students performed well on the activity and reported high levels of satisfaction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Programming Enzyme-Initiated Autonomous DNAzyme Nanodevices in Living Cells.

PubMed

Chen, Feng; Bai, Min; Cao, Ke; Zhao, Yue; Cao, Xiaowen; Wei, Jing; Wu, Na; Li, Jiang; Wang, Lihua; Fan, Chunhai; Zhao, Yongxi

2017-12-26

Molecular nanodevices are computational assemblers that switch defined states upon external stimulation. However, interfacing artificial nanodevices with natural molecular machineries in living cells remains a great challenge. Here, we delineate a generic method for programming assembly of enzyme-initiated DNAzyme nanodevices (DzNanos). Two programs including split assembly of two partzymes and toehold exchange displacement assembly of one intact DNAzyme initiated by telomerase are computed. The intact one obtains higher assembly yield and catalytic performance ascribed to proper conformation folding and active misplaced assembly. By employing MnO 2 nanosheets as both DNA carriers and source of Mn 2+ as DNAzyme cofactor, we find that this DzNano is well assembled via a series of conformational states in living cells and operates autonomously with sustained cleavage activity. Other enzymes can also induce corresponding DzNano assembly with defined programming modules. These DzNanos not only can monitor enzyme catalysis in situ but also will enable the implementation of cellular stages, behaviors, and pathways for basic science, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications as genetic circuits.

Generational status and social factors predicting initiation of partnered sexual activity among Latino/a youth.

PubMed

Cabral, Patricia; Wallander, Jan L; Song, Anna V; Elliott, Marc N; Tortolero, Susan R; Reisner, Sari L; Schuster, Mark A

2017-02-01

Examine the longitudinal association of generational status (first = child and parent born outside the United States; second = child born in the United States, parent born outside the United States; third = child and parent born in the United States) and parent and peer social factors considered in 5th grade with subsequent oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse initiation by 7th and 10th grade among Latino/a youth. Using data from Latino/a participants (N = 1,790) in the Healthy Passages™ study, the authors measured generational status (first = 18.4%, second = 57.3%, third-generation = 24.3%) and parental (i.e., monitoring, involvement, nurturance) and peer (i.e., friendship quality, social interaction, peer norms) influences in 5th grade and oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse initiation by 7th and 10th (retention = 89%) grade. Among girls, parental monitoring, social interaction, friendship quality, and peer norms predicted sexual initiation. Among boys, parental involvement, social interaction, and peer norms predicted sexual initiation (ps < .05). When ≥1 friend was perceived to have initiated sexual intercourse, third-generation Latinas were more than twice as likely as first- and second-generation Latinas (ps < .05) to initiate vaginal intercourse by 10th grade and almost 5 times as likely as first-generation Latinas to initiate oral intercourse by 7th grade. Among Latina youth, generational status plays a role in social influences on vaginal and oral intercourse initiation. Moreover, Latinas and Latinos differ in which social influences predict sexual intercourse initiation. Preventive efforts for Latino/a youth may need to differ by gender and generational status. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Under Construction: Benchmark Assessments and Common Core Math Implementation in Grades K-8. Formative Evaluation Cycle Report for the Math in Common Initiative, Volume 1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flaherty, John, Jr.; Sobolew-Shubin, Alexandria; Heredia, Alberto; Chen-Gaddini, Min; Klarin, Becca; Finkelstein, Neal D.

2014-01-01

Math in Common® (MiC) is a five-year initiative that supports a formal network of 10 California school districts as they implement the Common Core State Standards in mathematics (CCSS-M) across grades K-8. As the MiC initiative moves into its second year, one of the central activities that each of the districts is undergoing to support CCSS…

Analysis of stated preference survey data for river-crossing travel behavior in the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

The MPO in the Southwest Washington and Oregon initiated a major activity and travel behavior survey from the Spring of 1994 to the Fall 1994, including the Stated Preference survey for river-crossing trip behavior. The purpose of the survey is to ga...

Community Prevention Coalition Context and Capacity Assessment: Comparing the United States and Mexico

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Louis D.; Chilenski, Sarah M.; Ramos, Rebeca; Gallegos, Nora; Feinberg, Mark E.

2016-01-01

Effective planning for community health partnerships requires understanding how initial readiness--that is, contextual factors and capacity--influences implementation of activities and programs. This study compares the context and capacity of drug and violence prevention coalitions in Mexico to those in the United States. Measures of coalition…

Solving the problems we face: the United States Environmental Protection Agency, sustainability, and the challenges of the twenty-first century

EPA Science Inventory

Addressing the problems of the twenty-first century will require new initiatives that complement traditional regulatory activities. Existing regulations, such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act are important safety nets in the United States for protecting human health and t...

In Situ Investigation of Electrochemically Mediated Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization by Electrochemical Surface Plasmon Resonance.

PubMed

Chen, Daqun; Hu, Weihua

2017-04-18

Electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) initiates/controls the controlled/living ATRP chain propagation process by electrochemically generating (regenerating) the activator (lower-oxidation-state metal complex) from deactivator (higher-oxidation-state metal complex). Despite successful demonstrations in both of the homogeneous polymerization and heterogeneous systems (namely, surface-initiated ATRP, SI-ATRP), the eATRP process itself has never been in situ investigated, and important information regarding this process remains unrevealed. In this work, we report the first investigation of the electrochemically mediated SI-ATRP (eSI-ATRP) by rationally combining the electrochemical technique with real-time surface plasmon resonance (SPR). In the experiment, the potential of a SPR gold chip modified by the self-assembled monolayer of the ATRP initiator was controlled to electrochemically reduce the deactivator to activator to initiate the SI-ATRP, and the whole process was simultaneously monitored by SPR with a high time resolution of 0.1 s. It is found that it is feasible to electrochemically trigger/control the SI-ATRP and the polymerization rate is correlated to the potential applied to the gold chip. This work reveals important kinetic information for eSI-ATRP and offers a powerful platform for in situ investigation of such complicated processes.

The First Summer--Critical for Vo-Ag Teachers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vaughn, Paul R.; Vaughn, Roscoe C.

1979-01-01

To aid beginning New Mexico vocational agriculture teachers, the New Mexico State Department of Vocational Education initiated two activities: developing a first-year handbook to provide direction and guidance and making a visit to beginning teachers before the start of school. Beginning teachers indicated that both activities have been helpful.…

Basic Education and Policy Support Activity: Tools and Publications.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Creative Associates International, Inc., Washington, DC.

The Basic Education and Policy Support (BEPS) Activity is a United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-sponsored, multi-year initiative designed to further improve the quality of, effectiveness of, and access to formal and nonformal basic education. This catalog is one element of the BEPS information dissemination process. The…

Ethylene Glycol Quenching of Nitrogenase Catalysis: An Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Study of Nitrogenase Turnover States and CO Bonding.

PubMed

Hales, Brian J

2015-07-14

Most hydrophilic organic solvents inhibit enzymatic activity. Nitrogenase is shown to be approximately 3 times more sensitive to organic inhibition than most other soluble enzymes. Ethylene glycol (EG) is demonstrated to rapidly inhibit nitrogenase activity without uncoupling ATP hydrolysis. Our data suggest the mechanism of inhibition is EG's blocking of binding of MgATP to the nitrogenase Fe protein. EG quenching allows, for the first time, the observation of the relaxation of the intermediate reaction states at room temperature. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is used to monitor the room-temperature decay of the nitrogenase turnover states following EG quenching of catalytic activity. The return of the intermediate states to the resting state occurs in multiple phases over 2 h. During the initial stage, nitrogenase still possesses the ability to generate CO-induced EPR signals even though catalytic activity has ceased. During the last phase of relaxation, the one-electron reduced state of the MoFe protein (E1) relaxes to the resting state (E0) in a slow first-order reaction.

Structural Characteristic of the Initial Unfolded State on Refolding Determines Catalytic Efficiency of the Folded Protein in Presence of Osmolytes

PubMed Central

Warepam, Marina; Sharma, Gurumayum Suraj; Dar, Tanveer Ali; Khan, Md. Khurshid Alam; Singh, Laishram Rajendrakumar

2014-01-01

Osmolytes are low molecular weight organic molecules accumulated by organisms to assist proper protein folding, and to provide protection to the structural integrity of proteins under denaturing stress conditions. It is known that osmolyte-induced protein folding is brought by unfavorable interaction of osmolytes with the denatured/unfolded states. The interaction of osmolyte with the native state does not significantly contribute to the osmolyte-induced protein folding. We have therefore investigated if different denatured states of a protein (generated by different denaturing agents) interact differently with the osmolytes to induce protein folding. We observed that osmolyte-assisted refolding of protein obtained from heat-induced denatured state produces native molecules with higher enzyme activity than those initiated from GdmCl- or urea-induced denatured state indicating that the structural property of the initial denatured state during refolding by osmolytes determines the catalytic efficiency of the folded protein molecule. These conclusions have been reached from the systematic measurements of enzymatic kinetic parameters (K m and k cat), thermodynamic stability (T m and ΔH m) and secondary and tertiary structures of the folded native proteins obtained from refolding of various denatured states (due to heat-, urea- and GdmCl-induced denaturation) of RNase-A in the presence of various osmolytes. PMID:25313668

Organizational Analysis of the United States Army Contracting Command-Kuwait

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

incongruent, which may have contributed to documented organizational dysfunctions; 2) The command should initiate meaningful morale building events into...the command’s schedule and encourage use of existing morale , welfare, and recreation activities; and 3) Recommend the command establish clear and...should initiate meaningful morale building events into the command’s schedule and encourage use of existing morale , welfare, and recreation

Putting America Back to Work: The Kellogg Leadership Initiative. A Report and Guidebook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Association of Community and Junior Colleges, Washington, DC.

As part of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges' Putting America Back to Work Project, this monograph examines the economic climate of the United States and the role of the community colleges in economic recovery. The first sections outline the origins and initial activities of the Putting America Back to Work Project, which…

Interneuron-mediated inhibition synchronizes neuronal activity during slow oscillation.

PubMed

Chen, Jen-Yung; Chauvette, Sylvain; Skorheim, Steven; Timofeev, Igor; Bazhenov, Maxim

2012-08-15

The signature of slow-wave sleep in the electroencephalogram (EEG) is large-amplitude fluctuation of the field potential, which reflects synchronous alternation of activity and silence across cortical neurons. While initiation of the active cortical states during sleep slow oscillation has been intensively studied, the biological mechanisms which drive the network transition from an active state to silence remain poorly understood. In the current study, using a combination of in vivo electrophysiology and thalamocortical network simulation, we explored the impact of intrinsic and synaptic inhibition on state transition during sleep slow oscillation. We found that in normal physiological conditions, synaptic inhibition controls the duration and the synchrony of active state termination. The decline of interneuron-mediated inhibition led to asynchronous downward transition across the cortical network and broke the regular slow oscillation pattern. Furthermore, in both in vivo experiment and computational modelling, we revealed that when the level of synaptic inhibition was reduced significantly, it led to a recovery of synchronized oscillations in the form of seizure-like bursting activity. In this condition, the fast active state termination was mediated by intrinsic hyperpolarizing conductances. Our study highlights the significance of both intrinsic and synaptic inhibition in manipulating sleep slow rhythms.

Interneuron-mediated inhibition synchronizes neuronal activity during slow oscillation

PubMed Central

Chen, Jen-Yung; Chauvette, Sylvain; Skorheim, Steven; Timofeev, Igor; Bazhenov, Maxim

2012-01-01

The signature of slow-wave sleep in the electroencephalogram (EEG) is large-amplitude fluctuation of the field potential, which reflects synchronous alternation of activity and silence across cortical neurons. While initiation of the active cortical states during sleep slow oscillation has been intensively studied, the biological mechanisms which drive the network transition from an active state to silence remain poorly understood. In the current study, using a combination of in vivo electrophysiology and thalamocortical network simulation, we explored the impact of intrinsic and synaptic inhibition on state transition during sleep slow oscillation. We found that in normal physiological conditions, synaptic inhibition controls the duration and the synchrony of active state termination. The decline of interneuron-mediated inhibition led to asynchronous downward transition across the cortical network and broke the regular slow oscillation pattern. Furthermore, in both in vivo experiment and computational modelling, we revealed that when the level of synaptic inhibition was reduced significantly, it led to a recovery of synchronized oscillations in the form of seizure-like bursting activity. In this condition, the fast active state termination was mediated by intrinsic hyperpolarizing conductances. Our study highlights the significance of both intrinsic and synaptic inhibition in manipulating sleep slow rhythms. PMID:22641778

75 FR 7571 - Board of Visitors, United States Military Academy (USMA)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-22

.... Purpose of the Meeting: This is the 2010 Organizational Meeting of the USMA Board of Visitors (BoV... Excellence, Energy Costs and Initiatives, Wastewater Privatization, A- 76 Commercial Activities, and...

Kinetics of motility-induced phase separation and swim pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patch, Adam; Yllanes, David; Marchetti, M. Cristina

Active Brownian particles (ABPs) represent a minimal model of active matter consisting of self-propelled spheres with purely repulsive interactions and rotational noise. We correlate the time evolution of the mean pressure towards its steady state value with the kinetics of motility-induced phase separation. For parameter values corresponding to phase separated steady states, we identify two dynamical regimes. The pressure grows monotonically in time during the initial regime of rapid cluster formation, overshooting its steady state value and then quickly relaxing to it, and remains constant during the subsequent slower period of cluster coalescence and coarsening. The overshoot is a distinctive feature of active systems. NSF-DMR-1305184, NSF-DGE-1068780, ACI-1341006, FIS2015-65078-C02, BIFI-ZCAM.

Evaluating ARRA Programs and Other Educational Reforms: A Guide for States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perez-Johnson, Irma; Walters, Kirk; Puma, Michael; Herman, Rebecca; Garet, Michael; Heppen, Jessica; Lemke, Mariann; Aladjem, Daniel; Amin, Samia; Burghardt, John

2011-01-01

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) and Mathematica Policy Research (MPR) developed this guide to help you consider evaluation issues likely to arise as you launch ARRA-funded initiatives and other educational reform activities. Many states are already involved in evaluation, so many of the ideas presented here may be familiar. The authors…

State of the Nation: K-12 Online Learning in Canada

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barbour, Michael K.

2010-01-01

Two years ago, the then North American Council for Online Learning released the initial "Snapshot State of the Nation: K-12 Online Learning in Canada" report. This study was the first systematic examination of K-12 distance education policies and activities in each of the thirteen Canadian provinces and territories. One year ago, the…

The State College Role in Advancing Environmental Sustainability: Policies, Programs and Practices. Policy Matters: A Higher Education Policy Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harnisch, Thomas

2008-01-01

The American higher education enterprise has the capacity and fortitude to confront many of the country's most pressing energy and environmental challenges. Many institutions and state college systems are using campus resources to carry out grassroots environmental initiatives. These activities have yielded important environmental, educational,…

How Maryland increased infection prevention and control activity in long-term care facilities, 2003-2008.

PubMed

Roup, Brenda J; Scaletta, Joseph M

2011-05-01

In January 2003, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) assessed the state of infection prevention and control (IPC) resources and practices in all long-term care facilities (LTC) in the state. Only 8.1% of facilities that responded employed a trained IPC professional (IP) who managed the facility IPC program. Between 2003 and 2008, the DHMH partnered with long-term care industry trade associations and spearheaded regulatory, educational, and financial initiatives to improve this situation. In January 2008, all LTC facilities in the state were resurveyed to determine the impact of these initiatives on IPC activities. The 2008 survey indicated that 44% of LTC facilities used a trained IP who managed the IPC program, a 5-fold increase from 2003. Unpublished DHMH outbreak data indicated that LTC facilities with a trained IP recognized and reported outbreaks to the local health department 2 days sooner than facilities without a trained IP, resulting in fewer cases of disease. Multiple initiatives with concerned stakeholders and LTC partners over the course of 5 years resulted in increased numbers of LTC facilities with trained IPs who recognized and responded to outbreaks sooner than facilities without trained IPs. Copyright © 2011 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

A public health initiative to increase annual influenza immunization among hospital health care personnel: the San Diego Hospital Influenza Immunization Partnership.

PubMed

Sawyer, Mark H; Peddecord, K Michael; Wang, Wendy; Deguire, Michelle; Miskewitch-Dzulynsky, Michelle; Vuong, David D

2012-09-01

A public health department-supported intervention to increase influenza immunization among hospital-based health care practitioners (HCPs) in San Diego County took place between 2005 and 2008. The study included all major hospitals in the county, with a population of approximately 3.5 million. Information on hospital activities was collected from before, during and after initiative activities. Vaccination status and demographics were collected directly from HCP using hospital-based and random-dialed telephone surveys. Between 2006 and 2008, hospitals increased promotion activities and reported increases in vaccination rates. Based on the random-dialed surveys, HCP influenza vaccination coverage rates did not increase significantly. Vaccination rates were significantly higher in HCPs who reported that employers provided free vaccination and those who believed that their employers mandated influenza vaccination. This local public health initiative and concurrent state legislation were effective in increasing employer efforts to promote influenza vaccination; however, population-based surveys of HCPs did not show significant increases in influenza vaccination. Overall, this study suggests that public health leadership, intensive employer promotion activities, and state-required declinations alone were not sufficient to significantly increase HCP influenza vaccination. Policymakers and employers should consider mandates to achieve optimal influenza vaccination among HCPs. Copyright © 2012 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Wisconsin Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative: An Example of Statewide Collective Impact.

PubMed

Meinen, Amy; Hilgendorf, Amy; Korth, Amy L; Christens, Brian D; Breuer, Catherine; Joyner, Hilary; Polzin, Molle; Adams, Alexandra; Wolfe, Daithi; Braun, Abbe; Hoiting, Jill; Paulson, Jeanette; Cullen, Bridget; Stader, Kelli

2016-11-01

The Wisconsin Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (Initiative), established in 2007, seeks to address and prevent obesity in the early care and education system through nutrition and physical activity environmental and policy changes. The collaborative includes professionals from 3 state of Wisconsin Departments, the University of Wisconsin-Extension, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and public health and early care and education organizations. This paper explores the efforts of the Initiative to advance our understanding of collective impact in practice and its value to health promotion efforts. Evaluators conducted a mixed methods case study to evaluate the application of collective impact principles by the Initiative. This included a survey of Initiative partners, review of archival documents, and qualitative interviews with Initiative leaders. Initiative partners noted progress in establishing the conditions for collective impact. Archival documents and interviews describe both formal and informal practices that helped set a common agenda, align and coordinate partner activities, and promote communication among Initiative leaders. Results also detail the important current and potential roles of “backbone” staff from healthTIDE to support the Initiative. Additionally, results suggest particularly challenging aspects of the Initiative’s impact model related to shared measurement and broader stakeholder communication. While the Initiative is still setting in place the conditions for collective impact, it has achieved significant policy, systems, and environment changes since its formation. Inclusion of nutrition and physical activity criteria in the state’s quality rating improvement system for child care centers is one of its outcomes. This case study offers several important insights about the application of collective impact in health promotion efforts, particularly in relation to the transition from previous collaborative activities, the value of establishing a clear common agenda among partners, the roles of backbone staff, and time and partner relationships in collective impact.

EPA guidance : improving air quality through land use activity

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-01-01

Recently states and local communities have passed hundreds of ballot initiatives preserving open space, increasing development around transit, and providing for increased brownfield redevelopment. Each of these places has had different reasons--econo...

Quantum Kinetics and the Zeno Ansatz: Sterile Neutrino Dark Matter in the Early Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dvornikov, Olexiy V.

We solved the quantum kinetic equations for the evolution of neutrino states in the early universe. Starting at high temperatures, we evolve neutrino states to observe the resonant conversion of active-to-sterile neutrinos in a lepton asymmetric (more neutrinos than anti-neutrinos) universe. We find that at high temperatures, the high neutrino scattering and oscillation rates enforce a local equilibrium that balances the growth of coherence at the oscillation rate and the damping of coherence through scattering. This equilibrium, which we call a "quantum kinetic equilibrium," appears to approximately hold throughout the neutrino evolution, from the initial conditions through resonances that may be non adiabatic. Using this quantum kinetic equilibrium informs a proper choice of the initial conditions of the neutrino state and the relaxation process that occurs to this equilibrium when the initial conditions (as are typically chosen in the literature) are not coincident with the equilibrium values. We also discuss how to use this equilibrium to reduce the computational expense of solving the full quantum kinetic equations for neutrino states evolving in the early universe.

Applications of aerospace technology in biology and medicine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Results of the medically related activities of the NASA Application Team Program at the Research Triangle Institute are reported. A survey of more than 300 major medical device manufacturers has been initiated for the purpose of determining their interest and opinions in regard to participating in the NASA Technology Utilization Program. Design and construction has been commissioned of a permanent exhibit of NASA Biomedical Application Team accomplishments for the aerospace building of the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science at Durham, North Carolina. The team has also initiated an expansion of its activities into the Northeastern United States.

Extravehicular Activity Systems Education and Public Outreach in Support of NASA's STEM Initiatives in Fiscal Year 2011

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paul, Heather; Jennings, Mallory A.; Lamberth, Erika Guillory

2012-01-01

NASA's goals to send humans beyond low Earth orbit will involve the need for a strong engineering workforce. Research indicates that student interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) areas is on the decline. According to the Department of Education, the United States President has mandated that 100,000 educators be trained in STEM over the next decade to reduce this trend. NASA has aligned its Education and Public Outreach (EPO) initiatives to include emphasis in promoting STEM. The Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Systems Project Office at the NASA Johnson Space Center actively supports this NASA initiative by providing subject matter experts and hands-on, interactive presentations to educate students, educators, and the general public about the design challenges encountered as NASA develops EVA hardware for exploration missions. This paper summarizes the EVA Systems EPO efforts and metrics from fiscal year 2011.

Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4E Binding Protien Family of Protiens: Sentinels at a Translational Control Checkpoint in Lung Tumor Defense

PubMed Central

Kim, Yong Y; Von Weymarn, Linda; Larsson, Ola; Fan, Danhua; Underwood, Jon M; Hecht, Stephen S; Polunovsky, Vitaly A; Bitterman, Peter B

2009-01-01

The usurping of translational control by sustained activation of translation initiation factors is oncogenic. Here we show that the primary negative regulators of these oncogenic initiation factors - the 4E-BP protein family - operate as guardians of a translational control checkpoint in lung tumor defense. When challenged with the tobacco carcinogen NNK, 4ebp1−/−/4ebp2−/− mice showed increased sensitivity to tumorigenesis compared to their wild type counterparts. The 4E-BP deficient state per se creates pro-oncogenic, genome-wide skewing of the molecular landscape - with translational activation of genes governing angiogenesis, growth and proliferation; and translational activation of the precise cytochrome p450 enzyme isoform (CYP2A5) that bioactivates NNK into mutagenic metabolites. Our study provides in vivo proof for a translational control checkpoint in lung tumor defense. PMID:19843855

Extravehicular Activity Systems Education and Public Outreach in Support of NASA's STEM Initiatives in Fiscal Year 2011

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paul, Heather L.; Jennings, Mallory A.; Lamberth, Erika Guillory

2011-01-01

NASA's goals to send humans beyond low Earth orbit will involve the need for a strong engineering workforce. Research indicates that student interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) areas is on the decline. According to the Department of Education, the United States President has mandated that 100,000 educators be trained in STEM over the next decade to reduce this trend. NASA has aligned its Education and Public Outreach (EPO) initiatives to include emphasis in promoting STEM. The Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Systems Project Office at the NASA Johnson Space Center actively supports this NASA initiative by providing subject matter experts and hands-on, interactive presentations to educate students, educators, and the general public about the design challenges encountered as NASA develops EVA hardware for exploration missions. This paper summarizes the EVA Systems EPO efforts and metrics from fiscal year 2011.

Education and Public Outreach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sakimoto, Philip (Editor)

2000-01-01

This Annual Report is a summary of nearly 400 Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) products and activities developed or carried out in FY2000 under NASA's Office of Space Science (OSS) E/PO program. It includes products and activities developed by OSS missions and research programs, innovative space science concepts developed under the Initiative to Develop Education through Astronomy and Space Science (IDEAS) Program, projects initiated under the Minority University Education and Research Partnership Initiative in Space Science, and a number of additional comprehensive or special purpose programs managed by OSS at NASA Headquarters. Taking into account the fact that many of the activities reported involve multiple events that took place in a variety of venues, the total number of E/PO events reported for FY2000 is over 1,500, with events having taken place in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, one US Territory (Guam), and four foreign nations (Australia, Canada, Mexico, and Peru).

Coupling of link- and node-ordering in the coevolving voter model.

PubMed

Toruniewska, J; Kułakowski, K; Suchecki, K; Hołyst, J A

2017-10-01

We consider the process of reaching the final state in the coevolving voter model. There is a coevolution of state dynamics, where a node can copy a state from a random neighbor with probabilty 1-p and link dynamics, where a node can rewire its link to another node of the same state with probability p. That exhibits an absorbing transition to a frozen phase above a critical value of rewiring probability. Our analytical and numerical studies show that in the active phase mean values of magnetization of nodes n and links m tend to the same value that depends on initial conditions. In a similar way mean degrees of spins up and spins down become equal. The system obeys a special statistical conservation law since a linear combination of both types magnetizations averaged over many realizations starting from the same initial conditions is a constant of motion: Λ≡(1-p)μm(t)+pn(t)=const., where μ is the mean node degree. The final mean magnetization of nodes and links in the active phase is proportional to Λ while the final density of active links is a square function of Λ. If the rewiring probability is above a critical value and the system separates into disconnected domains, then the values of nodes and links magnetizations are not the same and final mean degrees of spins up and spins down can be different.

Measuring benefits of opioid misuse treatment for economic evaluation: health related quality of life of opioid dependent individuals and their spouses as assessed by a sample of the US population

PubMed Central

Wittenberg, Eve; Bray, Jeremy W.; Aden, Brandon; Gebremariam, Achamyeleh; Nosyk, Bohdan; Schackman, Bruce R.

2016-01-01

Aims To understand how the general public views the quality of life effects of opioid misuse and opioid use disorder on an individual and his/her spouse, measured in terms used in economic evaluations. Design Cross-sectional internet survey of a US-population-representative respondent panel conducted December 2013-January 2014. Setting USA. Participants 2,054 randomly-selected adults; 51% male (before weighting). Measurements Mean (95% CI) and median health “utility” for 6 opioid misuse and treatment outcomes: active injection misuse; active prescription misuse; methadone maintenance therapy at initiation, and when stabilized in treatment; and buprenorphine therapy at initiation, and when stabilized. Utility is a numerical representation of health-related quality of life used in economic evaluations to “adjust” estimated survival to include peoples' preferences for health states. Utilities are determined by surveying the general population to estimate the value they assign to particular health states—on a scale where 0=the value of being dead, and 1.0=the value of being in perfect health. Spouse spillover utility is assigned to a spouse of an individual who is in a particular health state. Findings Mean individual utility ranged from 0.574 (95%CI: 0.538, 0.611) for active injection opioid misuse to 0.766 for stabilized buprenorphine therapy (95%CI: 0.738, 0.795), with other states in between. Female respondents assigned higher utility to the active prescription misuse and buprenorphine therapy at initiation states than did males (p<0.05); all other states did not differ by respondent gender. Mean spousal utilities were significantly lower than 1.0 but mostly higher than individual utility, and were similar between male and female respondents. Conclusions In the opinion of the US public, injection opioid misuse results in worse health-related quality of life than prescription misuse, and methadone therapy results in worse health-related quality of life than buprenorphine therapy. Spouses are negatively affected by their partner's opioid misuse and early treatment. PMID:26498740

Common Core State Standards Alignment: Advanced Placement[R]. Research Report 2011-8

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hart, Beth; Carman, Elaine; Luisier, Danielle; Vasavada, Natasha

2011-01-01

The College Board has been a strong advocate for and played an active role in the development of the Common Core State Standards. As part of this collaboration, the College Board helped draft the standards and helped shape the initiative by providing executive guidance on the Common Core Advisory Committee. The goal of the Common Core State…

O Brincar como uma Acao Mediadora no Trabalho Desenvolvido com Criancas Hospitalizadas (Play as a Mediating Activity in Work Developed with Hospitalized Children).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goulart, Aurea Maria Paes Leme; de Moraes, Silvia Pereira Gonzaga

2000-01-01

Describes experiences with hospitalized children through the extension project "Writing and Reading at the University Hospital", State University of Maringa Hospital (Brazil). States the initial project proposal provided educational assistance to the children separated from school due to being in the hospital. Used play and games as an…

The influence of gender on participation for nonresidential birdwatchers in New York State

Treesearch

Mary Joyce Sali; Diane Kuehn

2008-01-01

In 2006, New York Sea Grant and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry conducted a mail survey of 1,000 New York State residents (i.e., 500 males and 500 females) who were members of birdwatching organizations. Respondents were asked about their birdwatching initiation, participation, and activity characteristics. Of the qualified sample of 797...

Real time unsupervised learning of visual stimuli in neuromorphic VLSI systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giulioni, Massimiliano; Corradi, Federico; Dante, Vittorio; Del Giudice, Paolo

2015-10-01

Neuromorphic chips embody computational principles operating in the nervous system, into microelectronic devices. In this domain it is important to identify computational primitives that theory and experiments suggest as generic and reusable cognitive elements. One such element is provided by attractor dynamics in recurrent networks. Point attractors are equilibrium states of the dynamics (up to fluctuations), determined by the synaptic structure of the network; a ‘basin’ of attraction comprises all initial states leading to a given attractor upon relaxation, hence making attractor dynamics suitable to implement robust associative memory. The initial network state is dictated by the stimulus, and relaxation to the attractor state implements the retrieval of the corresponding memorized prototypical pattern. In a previous work we demonstrated that a neuromorphic recurrent network of spiking neurons and suitably chosen, fixed synapses supports attractor dynamics. Here we focus on learning: activating on-chip synaptic plasticity and using a theory-driven strategy for choosing network parameters, we show that autonomous learning, following repeated presentation of simple visual stimuli, shapes a synaptic connectivity supporting stimulus-selective attractors. Associative memory develops on chip as the result of the coupled stimulus-driven neural activity and ensuing synaptic dynamics, with no artificial separation between learning and retrieval phases.

Real time unsupervised learning of visual stimuli in neuromorphic VLSI systems.

PubMed

Giulioni, Massimiliano; Corradi, Federico; Dante, Vittorio; del Giudice, Paolo

2015-10-14

Neuromorphic chips embody computational principles operating in the nervous system, into microelectronic devices. In this domain it is important to identify computational primitives that theory and experiments suggest as generic and reusable cognitive elements. One such element is provided by attractor dynamics in recurrent networks. Point attractors are equilibrium states of the dynamics (up to fluctuations), determined by the synaptic structure of the network; a 'basin' of attraction comprises all initial states leading to a given attractor upon relaxation, hence making attractor dynamics suitable to implement robust associative memory. The initial network state is dictated by the stimulus, and relaxation to the attractor state implements the retrieval of the corresponding memorized prototypical pattern. In a previous work we demonstrated that a neuromorphic recurrent network of spiking neurons and suitably chosen, fixed synapses supports attractor dynamics. Here we focus on learning: activating on-chip synaptic plasticity and using a theory-driven strategy for choosing network parameters, we show that autonomous learning, following repeated presentation of simple visual stimuli, shapes a synaptic connectivity supporting stimulus-selective attractors. Associative memory develops on chip as the result of the coupled stimulus-driven neural activity and ensuing synaptic dynamics, with no artificial separation between learning and retrieval phases.

Adolescent Females: Their Sexual Partners and the Fathers of Their Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elo, Irma T.; King, Rosalind, Berkowitz; Furstenberg, Frank F., Jr.

1999-01-01

Investigates the potential impact of statutory rape laws on teen fertility and initiation of sexual activity. Shows that misleading conclusions about the extent to which teen girls engage in sexual activities with older men may be drawn if these conclusions are based simply on data on births. States that successful enforcement of statutory rape…

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURAL OCCUPATIONS INSTITUTE, WORKSHOP REPORT (JUNE 7-JULY 16, 1965).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater. Research Foundation.

THIRTY VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE TEACHERS FROM 10 STATES ATTENDED A WORKSHOP TO DEVELOP THEIR ABILITIES TO INSTRUCT, SUPERVISE, AND COORDINATE STUDENT ACTIVITIES AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL IN AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS. THEIR ACTIVITIES RESULTED IN THIS REPORT, INTENDED AS A GUIDE FOR AGRICULTURE TEACHERS IN INITIATING INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS FOR THE…

Achieving Adult Literacy in Florida. Florida Adult Literacy Plan Status Report. Fiscal Year 1995.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Dept. of Education, Tallahassee. Div. of Applied Tech. and Adult Education.

This report summarizes for fiscal year 1995 the adult education activities implemented throughout the state of Florida in response to and in support of the Florida Model Literacy Program Act of 1978 (Florida Adult Literacy Act). In addition, the report presents a summary of the activities initiated under Blueprint 2000, legislation that…

12 CFR 5.24 - Conversion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Conversion. 5.24 Section 5.24 Banks and Banking... ACTIVITIES Initial Activities § 5.24 Conversion. (a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 35, 93a, 214a, 214b, 214c, and 2903... savings association. (d) Conversion of a state bank or Federal savings association to a national bank—(1...

12 CFR 5.24 - Conversion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Conversion. 5.24 Section 5.24 Banks and Banking... ACTIVITIES Initial Activities § 5.24 Conversion. (a) Authority. 12 U.S.C. 35, 93a, 214a, 214b, 214c, and 2903... savings association. (d) Conversion of a state bank or Federal savings association to a national bank—(1...

Lessons Learned from the USAID Girls' Education Activity in Guatemala, Morocco, and Peru.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rugh, Andrea; Brush, Lorelei

The Girls' Education Activity (GEA) is a project of the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID's) Office of Women in Development (WID) in the Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade. This report summarizes the experiences and lessons learned from 12 project initiatives in the 3 participating countries (Guatemala,…

Reactivity of Deoxy- and Oxyferrous Dehaloperoxidase B from Amphitrite ornata: Identification of Compound II and its Ferrous-Hydroperoxide Precursor†

PubMed Central

D’Antonio, Jennifer; Ghiladi, Reza A.

2011-01-01

Dehaloperoxidase (DHP) from the terebellid polychaete Amphitrite ornata is a bifunctional enzyme that possesses both hemoglobin and peroxidase activities. The bifunctional nature of DHP as a globin-peroxidase appears to be at odds with the traditional starting oxidation state for each individual activity. Namely, reversible oxygen-binding is only mediated via a ferrous heme in globins, and peroxidase activity is initiated from ferric centers and to the exclusion of the oxyferrous oxidation state from the peroxidase cycle. Thus, to address what appears to be a paradox, herein we report the details of our investigations into the DHP catalytic cycle when initiated from the deoxy- and oxyferrous states using biochemical assays, stopped-flow UV-visible and rapid-freeze-quench electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, and anaerobic methods. We demonstrate the formation of Compound II directly from deoxyferrous DHP B upon its reaction with hydrogen peroxide, and show that this occurs both in the presence and absence of trihalophenol. Prior to Compound II formation, we have identified a new species which we have preliminarily attributed to a ferrous-hydroperoxide precursor that undergoes heterolysis to generate the aforementioned ferryl intermediate. Taken together, the results demonstrate that the oxyferrous state in DHP is a peroxidase competent starting species, and an updated catalytic cycle for DHP is proposed in which the ferric oxidation state is not an obligatory starting point for the peroxidase catalytic cycle of dehaloperoxidase. The data presented herein provide a link between the peroxidase and oxygen transport activities which furthers our understanding of how this bifunctional enzyme is able to unite its two inherent functions in one system. PMID:21619067

Implementation and evaluation of the HEROES initiative: a tri-state coordinated school health program to reduce childhood obesity.

PubMed

King, Mindy H; Lederer, Alyssa M; Sovinski, Danielle; Knoblock, Heidi M; Meade, Rhonda K; Seo, Dong-Chul; Kim, Nayoung

2014-05-01

This article describes the design, implementation, and evaluative findings of the HEROES (Healthy, Energetic, Ready, Outstanding, Enthusiastic, Schools) Initiative, a school-based multilevel childhood obesity prevention intervention. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended coordinated school health approach, the HEROES Initiative works to alleviate the burden of childhood obesity in Southern Indiana, Northwestern Kentucky, and Southeastern Illinois in the United States. Process evaluation was conducted with the 17 participating schools in spring 2012 based on interviews with school personnel and observation of the school environment. Findings showed that despite some variability, schools were generally able to implement the intervention with fidelity. School-level outcome evaluation was also based on observation of the school environment, and revealed that schools had implemented a number of new practices to encourage physical activity and healthy eating. Assessment of student-level outcomes was based on professionally collected physiological measurements and self-reported behavioral data collected over an 18-month period of time, last collected in spring 2012. Findings demonstrated that the HEROES Initiative has been successful in reducing the percentage of overweight children in participating schools and healthfully modifying their dietary, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors. Strategies that have facilitated success and challenges related to the intervention are discussed.

[Characterization of structural change of ascorbate peroxidase from Chinese kale during denaturation by circular dichroism].

PubMed

Xi, Jia-Fu; Tang, Lei; Zhang, Jian-Hua; Zhang, Hong-Jian; Chen, Xu-Sheng; Mao, Zhong-Gui

2014-11-01

Circular dichroism (CD) is a special absorption spectrum. The secondary structure of protein such as α-helix, β-sheet and β-turn in the far ultraviolet region (190-250 nm) has a characteristic CD spectrum. In order to understand the activity and structural changes of ascorbate peroxidase from Chinese kale (BaAPX) during denaturation, specific activity and percentage of secondary structure of BaAPX under different time, temperature and concentration were analyzed by CD dynamically. In addition, the percentage of four secondary structures in BaAPX was calculated by CD analysis software Dichroweb. The results show that BaAPX is a full α-type enzyme whose specific activity is positively related to the percentage of α-helix. During denaturation of BaAPX, three kinds of structural changes were proposed: the one-step structural change from initial state (N state) to minimum state of α-helix (R state) under low concentration and low temperature; the one-step structural change from N state to equilibrium state (T state) under high concentration and low temperature; the two-step structural changes from N state through R state to final T state under heat treatment and low temperature renaturation.

Evaluation of multi-level social learning for sustainable landscapes: perspective of a development initiative in Bergslagen, Sweden.

PubMed

Axelsson, Robert; Angelstam, Per; Myhrman, Lennart; Sädbom, Stefan; Ivarsson, Milis; Elbakidze, Marine; Andersson, Kenneth; Cupa, Petr; Diry, Christian; Doyon, Frederic; Drotz, Marcus K; Hjorth, Arne; Hermansson, Jan Olof; Kullberg, Thomas; Lickers, F Henry; McTaggart, Johanna; Olsson, Anders; Pautov, Yurij; Svensson, Lennart; Törnblom, Johan

2013-03-01

To implement policies about sustainable landscapes and rural development necessitates social learning about states and trends of sustainability indicators, norms that define sustainability, and adaptive multi-level governance. We evaluate the extent to which social learning at multiple governance levels for sustainable landscapes occur in 18 local development initiatives in the network of Sustainable Bergslagen in Sweden. We mapped activities over time, and interviewed key actors in the network about social learning. While activities resulted in exchange of experiences and some local solutions, a major challenge was to secure systematic social learning and make new knowledge explicit at multiple levels. None of the development initiatives used a systematic approach to secure social learning, and sustainability assessments were not made systematically. We discuss how social learning can be improved, and how a learning network of development initiatives could be realized.

Role of the σ 54 Activator Interacting Domain in Bacterial Transcription Initiation

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

Siegel, Alexander R.; Wemmer, David E.

Bacterial sigma factors are subunits of RNA polymerase that direct the holoenzyme to specific sets of promoters in the genome and are a central element of regulating transcription. Most polymerase holoenzymes open the promoter and initiate transcription rapidly after binding. However, polymerase containing the members of the σ 54 family must be acted on by a transcriptional activator before DNA opening and initiation occur. A key domain in these transcriptional activators forms a hexameric AAA + ATPase that acts through conformational changes brought on by ATP hydrolysis. Contacts between the transcriptional activator and σ 54 are primarily made through anmore » N-terminal σ 54 activator interacting domain (AID). To better understand this mechanism of bacterial transcription initiation, we characterized the σ 54 AID by NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical methods and show that it is an intrinsically disordered domain in σ 54 alone. In this paper, we identified a minimal construct of the Aquifex aeolicus σ 54 AID that consists of two predicted helices and retains native-like binding affinity for the transcriptional activator NtrC1. Using the NtrC1 ATPase domain, bound with the non-hydrolyzable ATP analog ADP-beryllium fluoride, we studied the NtrC1–σ 54 AID complex using NMR spectroscopy. We show that the σ 54 AID becomes structured after associating with the core loops of the transcriptional activators in their ATP state and that the primary site of the interaction is the first predicted helix. Finally, understanding this complex, formed as the first step toward initiation, will help unravel the mechanism of σ 54 bacterial transcription initiation.« less

Indicators of activity-friendly communities: an evidence-based consensus process.

PubMed

Brennan Ramirez, Laura K; Hoehner, Christine M; Brownson, Ross C; Cook, Rebeka; Orleans, C Tracy; Hollander, Marla; Barker, Dianne C; Bors, Philip; Ewing, Reid; Killingsworth, Richard; Petersmarck, Karen; Schmid, Thomas; Wilkinson, William

2006-12-01

Regular physical activity, even at modest intensities, is associated with many health benefits. Most Americans, however, do not engage in the recommended levels. As practitioners seek ways to increase population rates of physical activity, interventions and advocacy efforts are being targeted to the community level. Yet, advocates, community leaders, and researchers lack the tools needed to assess local barriers to and opportunities for more active, healthy lifestyles. Investigators used a systematic review process to identify key indicators of activity-friendly communities that can assess and improve opportunities for regular physical activity. Investigators conducted a comprehensive literature review of both peer-reviewed literature and fugitive information (e.g., reports and websites) to generate an initial list of indicators for review (n=230). The review included a three-tiered, modified Delphi consensus-development process that incorporated input of international, national, state, and local researchers and practitioners from academic institutions, federal and state government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and funding agencies in public health, transportation, urban planning, parks and recreation, and public policy. Ten promising indicators of activity-friendly communities were identified: land use environment, access to exercise facilities, transportation environment, aesthetics, travel patterns, social environment, land use economics, transportation economics, institutional and organizational policies, and promotion. Collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches are underway to test, refine, and expand this initial list of indicators and to develop measures that communities, community leaders, and policymakers can use to design more activity-friendly community environments.

Voltage activation and hysteresis of the non-selective voltage-dependent channel in the intact human red cell.

PubMed

Bennekou, Poul; Barksmann, Trine L; Jensen, Lars R; Kristensen, Berit I; Christophersen, Palle

2004-05-01

Suspension of intact human red cells in media with low chloride and sodium concentrations (isotonic sucrose substitution) results in strongly inside positive membrane potentials, which activate the voltage-dependent non-selective cation (NSVDC) channel. By systematic variation of the initial Nernst potentials for chloride (degree of ion substitution) as well as the chloride conductance (block by NS1652), and by exploiting the interplay between the Ca(2+)-permeable NSVDC channel, the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel (the Gárdos channel) and the Ca(2+)-pump, a graded activation of the NSVDC channel was achieved. Under these conditions, it was shown that the NSVDC channels exist in two states of activation depending on the initial conditions for the activation. The hysteretic behaviour, which in patch clamp experiments has been found for the individual channel unit, is thus retained at the cellular level and can be demonstrated with red cells in suspension.

Morro Azul Observatory: A New Center for Teaching and Popularization of Astronomy.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bretones, Paulo Sergio; Cardoso de Oliveira, Vladimir

2002-08-01

In 1999, the Instituto Superior de Ciências Aplicadas (ISCA Faculdades de Limeira) started a project to build an observatory and initiate several astronomy related activities in the city of Limeira and region (São Paulo state) with the aim of teaching and popularizing astronomy. After contracting teachers, a technician and an intern, the Morro Azul Observatory was inaugurated in March 2000 as a part of the geosciences department of ISCA Faculdades. This poster describes the development phases of the Observatory, the activities initiated by the Observatory, and assesses the impact of the project. Several issues will be discussed such as the criteria for choosing the site, buildings, instruments, group visits, and particularly the goals that were reached. The Observatory, as described here, serves as a model for other centers with the same purpose in the country. The achievements of this project include the creation of two astronomical disciplines for the geography course and liaisons with other courses such as tourism, pedagogy, social communication and engineering. New activities were initiated, educational materials created, and the Observatory is now part of the regions teaching network and is in contact with other Brazilian and foreign centers. This poster presents the results from report analyses, visitor records, the local media, goal strategy assessment, and the current state of the project. It concludes with an evaluation of the social commitment of the Observatory, its initiatives for the constant renewal and growth of the project, its policy of maintaining the activities and interchange with other national and international astronomy centers, and the future perspectives in terms of its contribution for the research in science education.

Alternative initial proton acceptors for the D pathway of Rhodobacter sphaeroides cytochrome c oxidase

PubMed Central

Varanasi, Lakshman; Hosler, Jonathan

2011-01-01

In order to characterize protein structures that control proton uptake, forms of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) containing a carboxyl or a thiol group in line with the initial, internal waters of the D pathway for proton transfer have been assayed in the presence and absence of subunit III. Subunit III provides approximately half of the protein surrounding the entry region of the D pathway. The mutant N139D-D132N contains a carboxyl group 6Å within the D pathway and lacks the normal, surface-exposed proton acceptor, Asp-132. With subunit III, the steady-state activity of this mutant is slow but once subunit III is removed its activity is the same as wild-type CcO lacking subunit III (∼1800 H+ s-1). Thus, a carboxyl group ∼25% within the pathway enhances proton uptake even though the carboxyl has no direct contact with bulk solvent. Protons from solvent apparently move to internal Asp-139 through a short file of waters, normally blocked by subunit III. Cysteine-139 also supports rapid steady-state proton uptake, demonstrating that an anion other than a carboxyl can attract and transfer protons into the D pathway. When both Asp-132 and Asp/Cys-139 are present, the removal of subunit III increases CcO activity to rates greater than that of normal CcO due to simultaneous proton uptake by two initial acceptors. The results show how the environment of the initial proton acceptor for the D pathway in these CcO forms dictates the pH range of CcO activity, with implications for the function of Asp-132, the normal proton acceptor. PMID:21344856

A spontaneous change in the oxidation states of Pd/WO3 toward an active phase during catalytic cycles of CO oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, Byungwook; Kim, Ansoon; Lee, Young-Ahn; Seo, Hyungtak; Kim, Yu Kwon

2017-11-01

CO oxidation over Pd/WO3 films prepared on a glass substrate has been examined at the substrate temperature of 150 - 250 °C and pressures less than 1 Torr with a stoichiometric mixture of CO and O2. Under the given reaction condition, the chemical states of the Pd/WO3 film gradually change into the most catalytically active form with the highest saturation reaction rate regardless of the initial oxidation states. The measured CO oxidation rate over the Pd/WO3 is strongly dependent on the chemical states of Pd and W. Either metallic Pd or fully oxidized PdO phase is not as catalytically active as the active form with mixed metallic Pd and thin PdO layers supported on WO3 with partially reduced W5+ state which is spontaneously obtained during the catalytic reaction cycles. Our results indicate that the facile oxygen transfer between Pd and WO3 layers not only facilitate the spontaneous changes into the active form, but also act as a promotional role in CO oxidation over the Pd layer.

Laser-based firing systems for prompt initiation of secondary explosives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meeks, Kent D.; Setchell, Robert E.

1993-01-01

Motivated by issues of weapon safety and security, laser based firing systems for promptly initiating secondary explosives have been under active development at Sandia National Laboratories for more than four years. Such a firing system consists of miniaturized, Q-switched, solid-state laser, optical detonators, optical safety switches, and elements for splitting, coupling, and transmitting the laser output. Potential system applications pose significant challenges in terms of server mechanical and thermal environments and packaging constraints, while requiring clear demonstration of safety enhancements. The Direct Optical Initiation (DOI) Program at Sandia is addressing these challenges through progress development phases during which the design, fabrication, and testing of prototype hardware is aimed at more difficult application requirements. A brief history of the development program, and a summary of current and planned activities, will be presented.

Time-dependent current into and through multilevel parallel quantum dots in a photon cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudmundsson, Vidar; Abdullah, Nzar Rauf; Sitek, Anna; Goan, Hsi-Sheng; Tang, Chi-Shung; Manolescu, Andrei

2017-05-01

We analyze theoretically the charging current into, and the transport current through, a nanoscale two-dimensional electron system with two parallel quantum dots embedded in a short wire placed in a photon cavity. A plunger gate is used to place specific many-body states of the interacting system in the bias window defined by the external leads. We show how the transport phenomena active in the many-level complex central system strongly depend on the gate voltage. We identify a resonant transport through the central system as the two spin components of the one-electron ground state are in the bias window. This resonant transport through the lowest energy electron states seems to a large extent independent of the detuned photon field when judged from the transport current. This could be expected in the small bias regime, but an observation of the occupancy of the states of the system reveals that this picture is not entirely true. The current does not reflect slower photon-active internal transitions bringing the system into the steady state. The number of initially present photons determines when the system reaches the real steady state. With two-electron states in the bias window we observe a more complex situation with intermediate radiative and nonradiative relaxation channels leading to a steady state with a weak nonresonant current caused by inelastic tunneling through the two-electron ground state of the system. The presence of the radiative channels makes this phenomena dependent on the number of photons initially in the cavity.

Spontaneous brain activity predicts learning ability of foreign sounds.

PubMed

Ventura-Campos, Noelia; Sanjuán, Ana; González, Julio; Palomar-García, María-Ángeles; Rodríguez-Pujadas, Aina; Sebastián-Gallés, Núria; Deco, Gustavo; Ávila, César

2013-05-29

Can learning capacity of the human brain be predicted from initial spontaneous functional connectivity (FC) between brain areas involved in a task? We combined task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) before and after training with a Hindi dental-retroflex nonnative contrast. Previous fMRI results were replicated, demonstrating that this learning recruited the left insula/frontal operculum and the left superior parietal lobe, among other areas of the brain. Crucially, resting-state FC (rs-FC) between these two areas at pretraining predicted individual differences in learning outcomes after distributed (Experiment 1) and intensive training (Experiment 2). Furthermore, this rs-FC was reduced at posttraining, a change that may also account for learning. Finally, resting-state network analyses showed that the mechanism underlying this reduction of rs-FC was mainly a transfer in intrinsic activity of the left frontal operculum/anterior insula from the left frontoparietal network to the salience network. Thus, rs-FC may contribute to predict learning ability and to understand how learning modifies the functioning of the brain. The discovery of this correspondence between initial spontaneous brain activity in task-related areas and posttraining performance opens new avenues to find predictors of learning capacities in the brain using task-related fMRI and rs-fMRI combined.

Sequential Transition Patterns of Preschoolers' Social Interactions during Child-Initiated Play: Is Parallel-Aware Play a Bidirectional Bridge to Other Play States?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Clyde C.; Anderson, Genan T.; Porter, Christin L.; Hart, Craig, H.; Wouden-Miller, Melissa

2003-01-01

Explored the simultaneous sequential transition patterns of preschoolers' social play within classroom settings. Found that the proportion of social-play states did not vary during play episodes even when accounting for type of activity center, gender, and SES. Found a reciprocal relationship between parallel-aware and other social-play states…

Sustained Space Superiority: A National Strategy for the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-08-01

of systems related to the initial concept continued. The U.S. Army developed the Nike Zeus system, and the United States conducted the first...resolution imaging satellite was Space Imaging on September 24, 1999. It plans to capture thirty to forty percent of the commercial imagery market ...actively supported commercial space companies in order to open new international markets , Congress imposed restrictions on these commercial

Retrospective analysis of EAB spread: understanding the effect of landscape pattern on invasion and propagation

Treesearch

Susan J. Crocker; Greg C. Liknes; Dacia M. Meneguzzo

2011-01-01

Spread of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, EAB) in the United States has been rapid and extensive. Nearly 10 years after its initial detection near Detroit, Michigan, EAB is now found in 15 states spanning a radius greater than 500 miles. While human activity has been central to facilitating the spread of EAB over long distances, the...

Student Flow Analysis: CSU Student Progress toward Graduation. Report to the California State University as Part of the "Making Opportunity Affordable" Planning Year

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Institute for Higher Education Leadership & Policy, 2009

2009-01-01

The CSU (California State University) Chancellor's Office received a grant from the Lumina Foundation to engage in a year of planning activities to increase productivity within the CSU system. The grant is part of the Making Opportunity Affordable (MOA) initiative of the Lumina Foundation that is aimed at improving higher education productivity…

Learning Processes and Learning Outcomes

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-01

establish and maintain activation levels) may process information faster because the relevant traces in long - term memory are already activated...drill and practice, and discovery. Finally, implications for the design of computerized instructional environments are indicated. 14. SUBJECT TERMS lI...outcome. This impact may be direct, or may interact with characteristics of the learner to effect learning outcome. INITIAL STATES Conative and cognitive

The RNA polymerase clamp interconverts dynamically among three states and is stabilized in a partly closed state by ppGpp.

PubMed

Duchi, Diego; Mazumder, Abhishek; Malinen, Anssi M; Ebright, Richard H; Kapanidis, Achillefs N

2018-06-06

RNA polymerase (RNAP) contains a mobile structural module, the 'clamp,' that forms one wall of the RNAP active-center cleft and that has been linked to crucial aspects of the transcription cycle, including promoter melting, transcription elongation complex stability, transcription pausing, and transcription termination. Using single-molecule FRET on surface-immobilized RNAP molecules, we show that the clamp in RNAP holoenzyme populates three distinct conformational states and interconvert between these states on the 0.1-1 s time-scale. Similar studies confirm that the RNAP clamp is closed in open complex (RPO) and in initial transcribing complexes (RPITC), including paused initial transcribing complexes, and show that, in these complexes, the clamp does not exhibit dynamic behaviour. We also show that, the stringent-response alarmone ppGpp, which reprograms transcription during amino acid starvation stress, selectively stabilizes the partly-closed-clamp state and prevents clamp opening; these results raise the possibility that ppGpp controls promoter opening by modulating clamp dynamics.

Transforming the Activation of Clinical Trials.

PubMed

Watters, Julie T; Pitzen, Jason H; Sanders, Linda J; Bruce, Virginia Nickie M; Cornell, Alissa R; Cseko, Gary C; Grace, Janice S; Kwon, Pamela S; Kukla, Andrea K; Lee, Michael S; Monosmith, Michelle D; Myren, John D; Kottschade, Rebecca S; Shaft, Marc N; Weis, Jennifer Jenny A; Welter, Jane C; Bharucha, Adil E

2018-01-01

The Institute of Medicine and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognize that activating clinical trials in the United States is lengthy and inefficient. Downstream consequences include increased expense, suboptimal accrual, move of clinical trials overseas, and delayed availability of treatments for patients. An in-tandem processing initiative is here highlighted that transformed the activation of clinical trials (TACT), reduced the activation time by 70%, and offers a paradigm for enhanced translational readiness. © 2017 American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Removal of Default-State Associated Inhibition During Repetition Priming Improves Response Articulation

PubMed Central

Dacks, Andrew M.; Siniscalchi, Michael J.; Weiss, Klaudiusz R.

2012-01-01

Behavior is a product of both the stimuli encountered and the current internal state. At the level of the nervous system, the internal state alters the biophysical properties of, and connections between, neurons establishing a “network state”. To establish a network state, the nervous system must be altered from an initial default/resting state, but what remains unclear is the extent to which this process represents induction from a passive default state or the removal of suppression by an active default state. We use repetition priming (a history-dependent improvement of behavioral responses to repeatedly encountered stimuli) to determine the cellular mechanisms underlying the transition from the default to the primed network state. We demonstrate that both removal of active suppression and induction of neuron excitability changes each contribute separately to the production of a primed state. The feeding system of Aplysia californica displays repetition priming via an increase in the activity of the radula closure neuron B8, which results in increased bite strength with each motor program. We found that during priming, B8 received progressively less inhibitory input from the multi-functional neurons B4/5. Additionally, priming enhanced the excitability of B8, but the rate at which B8 activity increased as a result of these changes was regulated by the progressive removal of inhibitory input. Thus, the establishment of the network state involves the induction of processes from a rested state, yet the consequences of these processes are conditional upon critical gating mechanisms actively enforced by the default state. PMID:23223294

Identification of Distinct Conformations of the Angiotensin-II Type 1 Receptor Associated with the Gq/11 Protein Pathway and the β-Arrestin Pathway Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

PubMed

Cabana, Jérôme; Holleran, Brian; Leduc, Richard; Escher, Emanuel; Guillemette, Gaétan; Lavigne, Pierre

2015-06-19

Biased signaling represents the ability of G protein-coupled receptors to engage distinct pathways with various efficacies depending on the ligand used or on mutations in the receptor. The angiotensin-II type 1 (AT1) receptor, a prototypical class A G protein-coupled receptor, can activate various effectors upon stimulation with the endogenous ligand angiotensin-II (AngII), including the Gq/11 protein and β-arrestins. It is believed that the activation of those two pathways can be associated with distinct conformations of the AT1 receptor. To verify this hypothesis, microseconds of molecular dynamics simulations were computed to explore the conformational landscape sampled by the WT-AT1 receptor, the N111G-AT1 receptor (constitutively active and biased for the Gq/11 pathway), and the D74N-AT1 receptor (biased for the β-arrestin1 and -2 pathways) in their apo-forms and in complex with AngII. The molecular dynamics simulations of the AngII-WT-AT1, N111G-AT1, and AngII-N111G-AT1 receptors revealed specific structural rearrangements compared with the initial and ground state of the receptor. Simulations of the D74N-AT1 receptor revealed that the mutation stabilizes the receptor in the initial ground state. The presence of AngII further stabilized the ground state of the D74N-AT1 receptor. The biased agonist [Sar(1),Ile(8)]AngII also showed a preference for the ground state of the WT-AT1 receptor compared with AngII. These results suggest that activation of the Gq/11 pathway is associated with a specific conformational transition stabilized by the agonist, whereas the activation of the β-arrestin pathway is linked to the stabilization of the ground state of the receptor. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Identification of Distinct Conformations of the Angiotensin-II Type 1 Receptor Associated with the Gq/11 Protein Pathway and the β-Arrestin Pathway Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations*

PubMed Central

Cabana, Jérôme; Holleran, Brian; Leduc, Richard; Escher, Emanuel; Guillemette, Gaétan; Lavigne, Pierre

2015-01-01

Biased signaling represents the ability of G protein-coupled receptors to engage distinct pathways with various efficacies depending on the ligand used or on mutations in the receptor. The angiotensin-II type 1 (AT1) receptor, a prototypical class A G protein-coupled receptor, can activate various effectors upon stimulation with the endogenous ligand angiotensin-II (AngII), including the Gq/11 protein and β-arrestins. It is believed that the activation of those two pathways can be associated with distinct conformations of the AT1 receptor. To verify this hypothesis, microseconds of molecular dynamics simulations were computed to explore the conformational landscape sampled by the WT-AT1 receptor, the N111G-AT1 receptor (constitutively active and biased for the Gq/11 pathway), and the D74N-AT1 receptor (biased for the β-arrestin1 and -2 pathways) in their apo-forms and in complex with AngII. The molecular dynamics simulations of the AngII-WT-AT1, N111G-AT1, and AngII-N111G-AT1 receptors revealed specific structural rearrangements compared with the initial and ground state of the receptor. Simulations of the D74N-AT1 receptor revealed that the mutation stabilizes the receptor in the initial ground state. The presence of AngII further stabilized the ground state of the D74N-AT1 receptor. The biased agonist [Sar1,Ile8]AngII also showed a preference for the ground state of the WT-AT1 receptor compared with AngII. These results suggest that activation of the Gq/11 pathway is associated with a specific conformational transition stabilized by the agonist, whereas the activation of the β-arrestin pathway is linked to the stabilization of the ground state of the receptor. PMID:25934394

Developing an Information Resources Management Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Montie, Irene C.

1983-01-01

Discusses the development of an Information Resources Management (IRM) curriculum by the IRM Curriculum Advisory Committee established by the Graduate School, United States Department of Agriculture. Initial activities, models proposed for the program (standards, skills, users, operational), course selection, and structural proposals considered…

Mississippi Delta 2000 Initiative Inventory

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-10-01

This document is a detailed supplement to the Report published in September 1999 entitled The Mississippi Delta: Beyond 2000 by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is a review of federal activities in the 219-county region in seven states as de...

Acculturation-Related Variables, Sexual Initiation, and Subsequent Sexual Behavior Among Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Cuban Youth

PubMed Central

Guilamo-Ramos, Vincent; Jaccard, James; Pena, Juan; Goldberg, Vincent

2010-01-01

The relationship among acculturation-related variables, past sexual activity, and subsequent sexual behavior was examined for a sample of Latino youth in the United States over a 12-month period. A subsample from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health database was analyzed by means of a prospective design. History of sexual intercourse predicted subsequent sexual behavior over the ensuing 12 months. The acculturation-related variables were related to whether an adolescent reported being sexually active at Wave 1 but in a complex fashion. Among recent immigrants, youth from English-speaking homes were less likely to be sexually active than those from Spanish-speaking homes. The opposite was observed for youth who were born in the United States or who had resided in the United States most of their lives. PMID:15631566

Desferrioxamine as an electron donor. Inhibition of membranal lipid peroxidation initiated by H2O2-activated metmyoglobin and other peroxidizing systems.

PubMed

Kanner, J; Harel, S

1987-01-01

Desferrioxamine (DFO) involvement in several peroxidative systems was studied. These systems included: a) membranal lipid peroxidation initiated by H2O2-activated metmyoglobin (or methemoglobin); b) phenol-red oxidation by activated metmyoglobin or horseradish peroxidase (HRP): c) beta-carotene-linoleate couple oxidation stimulated by lipoxygenase or hemin. Desferrioxamine was found to inhibit all these systems but not ferrioxamine (FO). Phenol-red oxidation by H2O2-horseradish peroxidase was inhibited competitively with DFO. Kinetic studies using the spectra changes in the Soret region of metmyoglobin suggest a mechanism by which H2O2 reacts with the iron-heme to form an intermediate of oxy-ferryl myoglobin that subsequently reacts with DFO to return the activated compound to the resting state. These activities of DFO resemble the reaction of other electron donors.

Effects of protonation state of Asp181 and position of active site water molecules on the conformation of PTP1B.

PubMed

Ozcan, Ahmet; Olmez, Elif Ozkirimli; Alakent, Burak

2013-05-01

In protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), the flexible WPD loop adopts a closed conformation (WPDclosed ) in the active state of PTP1B, bringing the catalytic Asp181 close to the active site pocket, while WPD loop is in an open conformation (WPDopen ) in the inactive state. Previous studies showed that Asp181 may be protonated at physiological pH, and ordered water molecules exist in the active site. In the current study, molecular dynamics simulations are employed at different Asp181 protonation states and initial positions of active site water molecules, and compared with the existing crystallographic data of PTP1B. In WPDclosed conformation, the active site is found to maintain its conformation only in the protonated state of Asp181 in both free and liganded states, while Asp181 is likely to be deprotonated in WPDopen conformation. When the active site water molecule network that is a part of the free WPDclosed crystal structure is disrupted, intermediate WPD loop conformations, similar to that in the PTPRR crystal structure, are sampled in the MD simulations. In liganded PTP1B, one active site water molecule is found to be important for facilitating the orientation of Cys215 and the phosphate ion, thus may play a role in the reaction. In conclusion, conformational stability of WPD loop, and possibly catalytic activity of PTP1B, is significantly affected by the protonation state of Asp181 and position of active site water molecules, showing that these aspects should be taken into consideration both in MD simulations and inhibitor design. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modeling Photochemical Dynamics in Optically Active Energetic Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, Tammie; Bjorgaard, Josiah; Greenfield, Margo; Bolme, Cindy; Brown, Katie; McGrane, Shawn; Scharff, R. Jason; Tretiak, Sergei

Most high explosives (HEs) absorb in the UV range, making it difficult to develop HEs that can be excited with standard lasers. The conventional optical initiation mechanisms require high laser intensity and occur via indirect thermal or shock processes. A photochemical initiation mechanism could allow control over the chemistry contributing to decomposition leading to initiation. We combine UV femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy and excited state femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS) with Nonadiabatic Excited State Molecular Dynamics (NA-ESMD) to model the photochemical pathways in nitromethane (NM), a low sensitivity HE known to undergo UV photolysis. We investigate the ultrafast photodecomposition of NM from the nπ* state excited at 266 nm. The FSRS photoproduct spectrum points to methyl nitrite formation as the dominant photoproduct. A total photolysis quantum yield of 0.27 and an nπ* state lifetime of 20 fs were predicted from simulations. Predicted time scales reveal that NO2 dissociation occurs in 81 +/-4 fs and methyl nitrite formation is much slower at 452 +/-9 fs corresponding to the absorption feature in the TA spectrum. The relative time scales are consistent with isomerization by NO2 dissociation and ONO rebinding.

Nonadiabatic coupling reduces the activation energy in thermally activated delayed fluorescence.

PubMed

Gibson, J; Penfold, T J

2017-03-22

The temperature dependent rate of a thermally activated process is given by the Arrhenius equation. The exponential decrease in the rate with activation energy, which this imposes, strongly promotes processes with small activation barriers. This criterion is one of the most challenging during the design of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters used in organic light emitting diodes. The small activation energy is usually achieved with donor-acceptor charge transfer complexes. However, this sacrifices the radiative rate and is therefore incommensurate with the high luminescence quantum yields required for applications. Herein we demonstrate that the spin-vibronic mechanism, operative for efficient TADF, overcomes this limitation. Nonadiabatic coupling between the lowest two triplet states give rise to a strong enhancement of the rate of reserve intersystem crossing via a second order mechanism and promotes population transfer between the T 1 to T 2 states. Consequently the rISC mechanism is actually operative between initial and final state exhibiting an energy gap that is smaller than between the T 1 and S 1 states. This contributes to the small activation energies for molecules exhibiting a large optical gap, identifies limitations of the present design procedures and provides a basis from which to construct TADF molecules with simultaneous high radiative and rISC rates.

Validity evidence for the adaptation of the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity (SMS-PA) in Spanish youth.

PubMed

Ullrich-French, Sarah; González Hernández, Juan; Hidalgo Montesinos, María D

2017-02-01

Mindfulness is an increasingly popular construct with promise in enhancing multiple positive health outcomes. Physical activity is an important behavior for enhancing overall health, but no Spanish language scale exists to test how mindfulness during physical activity may facilitate physical activity motivation or behavior. This study examined the validity of a Spanish adaption of a new scale, the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity, to assess mindfulness during a specific experience of physical activity. Spanish youths (N = 502) completed a cross-sectional survey of state mindfulness during physical activity and physical activity motivation regulations based on Self-Determination Theory. A high-order model fit the data well and supports the use of one general state mindfulness factor or the use of separate subscales of mindfulness of mental (e.g., thoughts, emotions) and body (physical movement, muscles) aspects of the experience. Internal consistency reliability was good for the general scale and both sub-scales. The pattern of correlations with motivation regulations provides further support for construct validity with significant and positive correlations with self-determined forms of motivation and significant and negative correlations with external regulation and amotivation. Initial validity evidence is promising for the use of the adapted measure.

The State of Space Propulsion Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sackheim, R. L.; Cole, J. W.; Litchford, R. J.

2006-01-01

The current state of space propulsion research is assessed from both a historical perspective, spanning the decades since Apollo, and a forward-looking perspective, as defined by the enabling technologies required for a meaningful and sustainable human and robotic exploration program over the forthcoming decades. Previous research and technology investment approaches are examined and a course of action suggested for obtaining a more balanced portfolio of basic and applied research. The central recommendation is the establishment of a robust national Space Propulsion Research Initiative that would run parallel with systems development and include basic research activities. The basic framework and technical approach for this proposed initiative are defined and a potential implementation approach is recommended.

The Slow Oscillation in Cortical and Thalamic Networks: Mechanisms and Functions

PubMed Central

Neske, Garrett T.

2016-01-01

During even the most quiescent behavioral periods, the cortex and thalamus express rich spontaneous activity in the form of slow (<1 Hz), synchronous network state transitions. Throughout this so-called slow oscillation, cortical and thalamic neurons fluctuate between periods of intense synaptic activity (Up states) and almost complete silence (Down states). The two decades since the original characterization of the slow oscillation in the cortex and thalamus have seen considerable advances in deciphering the cellular and network mechanisms associated with this pervasive phenomenon. There are, nevertheless, many questions regarding the slow oscillation that await more thorough illumination, particularly the mechanisms by which Up states initiate and terminate, the functional role of the rhythmic activity cycles in unconscious or minimally conscious states, and the precise relation between Up states and the activated states associated with waking behavior. Given the substantial advances in multineuronal recording and imaging methods in both in vivo and in vitro preparations, the time is ripe to take stock of our current understanding of the slow oscillation and pave the way for future investigations of its mechanisms and functions. My aim in this Review is to provide a comprehensive account of the mechanisms and functions of the slow oscillation, and to suggest avenues for further exploration. PMID:26834569

High speed transition prediction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gasperas, Gediminis

1993-01-01

The main objective of this work period was to develop, maintain and exercise state-of-the-art methods for transition prediction in supersonic flow fields. Basic state and stability codes, acquired during the last work period, were exercised and applied to calculate the properties of various flowfields. The development of a code for the prediction of transition location using a currently novel method (the PSE or Parabolized Stability Equation method), initiated during the last work period and continued during the present work period, was cancelled at mid-year for budgetary reasons. Other activities during this period included the presentation of a paper at the APS meeting in Tallahassee, Florida entitled 'Stability of Two-Dimensional Compressible Boundary Layers', as well as the initiation of a paper co-authored with H. Reed of the Arizona State University entitled 'Stability of Boundary Layers'.

Capturing local structure modulations of photoexcited BiVO4 by ultrafast transient XAFS.

PubMed

Uemura, Yohei; Kido, Daiki; Koide, Akihiro; Wakisaka, Yuki; Niwa, Yasuhiro; Nozawa, Shunsuke; Ichiyanagi, Kohei; Fukaya, Ryo; Adachi, Shin-Ichi; Katayama, Tetsuo; Togashi, Tadashi; Owada, Shigeki; Yabashi, Makina; Hatada, Keisuke; Iwase, Akihide; Kudo, Akihiko; Takakusagi, Satoru; Yokoyama, Toshihiko; Asakura, Kiyotaka

2017-06-29

Ultrafast excitation of photocatalytically active BiVO 4 was characterized by femto- and picosecond transient X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. An initial photoexcited state (≪500 fs) changed to a metastable state accompanied by a structural change with a time constant of ∼14 ps. The structural change might stabilize holes on oxygen atoms since the interaction between Bi and O increases.

Real time unsupervised learning of visual stimuli in neuromorphic VLSI systems

PubMed Central

Giulioni, Massimiliano; Corradi, Federico; Dante, Vittorio; del Giudice, Paolo

2015-01-01

Neuromorphic chips embody computational principles operating in the nervous system, into microelectronic devices. In this domain it is important to identify computational primitives that theory and experiments suggest as generic and reusable cognitive elements. One such element is provided by attractor dynamics in recurrent networks. Point attractors are equilibrium states of the dynamics (up to fluctuations), determined by the synaptic structure of the network; a ‘basin’ of attraction comprises all initial states leading to a given attractor upon relaxation, hence making attractor dynamics suitable to implement robust associative memory. The initial network state is dictated by the stimulus, and relaxation to the attractor state implements the retrieval of the corresponding memorized prototypical pattern. In a previous work we demonstrated that a neuromorphic recurrent network of spiking neurons and suitably chosen, fixed synapses supports attractor dynamics. Here we focus on learning: activating on-chip synaptic plasticity and using a theory-driven strategy for choosing network parameters, we show that autonomous learning, following repeated presentation of simple visual stimuli, shapes a synaptic connectivity supporting stimulus-selective attractors. Associative memory develops on chip as the result of the coupled stimulus-driven neural activity and ensuing synaptic dynamics, with no artificial separation between learning and retrieval phases. PMID:26463272

Reported Systems Changes and Sustainability Perceptions of Three State Departments of Health Implementing Multi-Faceted Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Efforts.

PubMed

Smith, Matthew Lee; Schneider, Ellen C; Byers, Imani N; Shubert, Tiffany E; Wilson, Ashley D; Towne, Samuel D; Ory, Marcia G

2017-01-01

Although the concepts of systems change and sustainability are not new, little is known about the factors associated with systems change sustaining multi-state, multi-level fall prevention efforts. This exploratory study focuses on three State Departments of Health (DOH) that were awarded 5-year funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to simultaneously implement four separate yet related evidence-based fall prevention initiatives at the clinical, community, and policy level. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in partnerships and collaborative activities that occurred to accomplish project goals (examining changes in the context of "before funding" and "after funding was received"). Additionally, this study explored changes in State DOH perceptions about action related to sustainability indicators in the context of "during funding" and "after funding ends." Findings from this study document the partnership and activity changes necessary to achieve defined fall prevention goals after funding is received, and that the importance of sustainability indicator documentation is seen as relevant during funding, but less so after the funding ends. Findings from this study have practice and research implications that can inform future funded efforts in terms of sector and stakeholder engagement necessary for initiating, implementing, and sustaining community- and clinical-based fall prevention interventions.

45 CFR 1639.3 - Prohibition.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION WELFARE REFORM § 1639.3 Prohibition. Except as provided in §§ 1639.4 and 1639.5, recipients may not initiate legal representation, or... State welfare system. Prohibited activities include participation in: (a) Litigation challenging laws or...

42 CFR 485.703 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

.... Public health agency. An official agency established by a State or local government, the primary function... the primary site. The extension location is part of the rehabilitation agency. The extension location... function or activity and that— (1) Includes initial direction and periodic observation of the actual...

42 CFR 485.703 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

.... Public health agency. An official agency established by a State or local government, the primary function... the primary site. The extension location is part of the rehabilitation agency. The extension location... function or activity and that— (1) Includes initial direction and periodic observation of the actual...

42 CFR 485.703 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

.... Public health agency. An official agency established by a State or local government, the primary function... the primary site. The extension location is part of the rehabilitation agency. The extension location... function or activity and that— (1) Includes initial direction and periodic observation of the actual...

42 CFR 485.703 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

.... Public health agency. An official agency established by a State or local government, the primary function... the primary site. The extension location is part of the rehabilitation agency. The extension location... function or activity and that— (1) Includes initial direction and periodic observation of the actual...

42 CFR 485.703 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

.... Public health agency. An official agency established by a State or local government, the primary function... the primary site. The extension location is part of the rehabilitation agency. The extension location... function or activity and that— (1) Includes initial direction and periodic observation of the actual...

75 FR 43167 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-23

...: Health Insurance Benefit Agreement; Use: Applicants to the Medicare program are required to agree to... for initiating and expanding health insurance coverage for uninsured children. States are also... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Document...

Utilization of remote traffic monitoring devices for urban freeway work zone assessment.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-01-01

The objective of this project was to promote and facilitate analysis and evaluation of the impacts of road construction activities in Smart : Work Zone Deployment Initiative (SWZDI) states. : The two primary objectives of this project were to assess ...

BRD4 mediates NF-κB-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition and pulmonary fibrosis via transcriptional elongation

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yingxin; Sun, Hong; Zhang, Yueqing; Yang, Jun; Brasier, Allan R.

2016-01-01

Chronic epithelial injury triggers a TGF-β-mediated cellular transition from normal epithelium into a mesenchymal-like state that produces subepithelial fibrosis and airway remodeling. Here we examined how TGF-β induces the mesenchymal cell state and determined its mechanism. We observed that TGF-β stimulation activates an inflammatory gene program controlled by the NF-κB/RelA signaling pathway. In the mesenchymal state, NF-κB-dependent immediate-early genes accumulate euchromatin marks and processive RNA polymerase. This program of immediate-early genes is activated by enhanced expression, nuclear translocation, and activating phosphorylation of the NF-κB/RelA transcription factor on Ser276, mediated by a paracrine signal. Phospho-Ser276 RelA binds to the BRD4/CDK9 transcriptional elongation complex, activating the paused RNA Pol II by phosphorylation on Ser2 in its carboxy-terminal domain. RelA-initiated transcriptional elongation is required for expression of the core epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcriptional regulators SNAI1, TWIST1, and ZEB1 and mesenchymal genes. Finally, we observed that pharmacological inhibition of BRD4 can attenuate experimental lung fibrosis induced by repetitive TGF-β challenge in a mouse model. These data provide a detailed mechanism for how activated NF-κB and BRD4 control epithelial-mesenchymal transition initiation and transcriptional elongation in model airway epithelial cells in vitro and in a murine pulmonary fibrosis model in vivo. Our data validate BRD4 as an in vivo target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis associated with inflammation-coupled remodeling in chronic lung diseases. PMID:27793799

Effect of structured physical activity on overall burden and transitions between states of major mobility disability in older persons: secondary analysis of a randomized trial

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Background: The total time a patient is disabled likely has a greater influence on his or her quality of life than the initial occurrence of disability alone. Objective: To compare the effect of a long-term, structured physical activity program with that of a health education intervention on the pro...

Expanding Public/Private Partnerships For Improving Basic Education through School Sponsorship in the Dominican Republic. Final Report. Basic Education and Policy Support Activity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Craig, Patricia; Kane, Michael

The Basic Education and Policy Support Activity (BEPS), a new five-year initiative sponsored by United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Center for Human Capacity Development, is designed to improve the quality, effectiveness, and access to formal and nonformal basic education. BEPS operates through both core funds and buy-ins…

Texas Teacher Center Activities and Networking with Special Attention to School-Based Teacher Educator (SBTE) Activities: Part II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loucks, Susan F.; Hall, Gene E.

This document is the second in a series of evaluation reports by the Research and Development Center for Teacher Education at the University of Texas at Austin, assessing the state of teacher centering in Texas and the effects of the University of Houston's Project on School-Based Teacher Educators (SBTE), initiated to create a network of teacher…

A national action plan for promoting preconception health and health care in the United States (2012-2014).

PubMed

Floyd, R Louise; Johnson, Kay A; Owens, Jasmine R; Verbiest, Sarah; Moore, Cynthia A; Boyle, Coleen

2013-10-01

Preconception health and health care (PCHHC) has gained increasing popularity as a key prevention strategy for improving outcomes for women and infants, both domestically and internationally. The Action Plan for the National Initiative on Preconception Health and Health Care: A Report of the PCHHC Steering Committee (2012-2014) provides a model that states, communities, public, and private organizations can use to help guide strategic planning for promoting preconception care projects. Since 2005, a national public-private PCHHC initiative has worked to create and implement recommendations on this topic. Leadership and funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention combined with the commitment of maternal and child health leaders across the country brought together key partners from the public and private sector to provide expertise and technical assistance to develop an updated national action plan for the PCHHC Initiative. Key activities for this process included the identification of goals, objectives, strategies, actions, and anticipated timelines for the five workgroups that were established as part of the original PCHHC Initiative. These are further described in the action plan. To assist other groups doing similar work, this article discusses the approach members of the PCHHC Initiative took to convene local, state, and national leaders to enhance the implementation of preconception care nationally through accomplishments, lessons learned, and projections for future directions.

Paying for obesity: a changing landscape.

PubMed

Simpson, Lisa A; Cooper, Julie

2009-06-01

Coverage for obesity related services is highly variable. Despite this, health plans, purchasers, and states have mounted numerous recent initiatives. To identify the range of approaches being used to address coverage and reimbursement for childhood obesity services. Key informant interviews were conducted using a semi-structured protocol to identify the types of activities they or their organization were engaged in to address childhood obesity, to learn about private payer policies and procedures, to identify best practices, potential resources and/or other key informants. Domains addressed in the protocol included scope of the respondent's organization's activities, the rationale for supporting obesity activities, the degree to which obesity services were a covered benefit and what if any barriers or challenges were encountered in implementation, the policy climate within which the organization operates (e.g. state legislation, initiatives or task forces), and any assessment of the impact and/or cost of implementing their initiatives. The individuals interviewed represented respondents from each of the following categories: employer, health plan, and state insurance programs and conducted by phone between November 2007 and March 2008. In addition to the information gathered by the key informant interviews we conducted a search of the relevant peer review and grey literature between 2005 and 2008 and input from a national expert advisory group. Significant variation, as well as recent changes, were identified in both the private and public sector. Approaches included new benefits and incentives for parents and providers. Only anecdotal evidence of impact of the recent changes was available. There is important forward movement in how public and private players are addressing paying for obesity related services. Medicaid and SCHIP programs have an opportunity to provide additional leadership. Substantial investments in evaluation and research are needed to learn which approaches are most effective.

Decoupled and linear quadratic regulator control of a large, flexible space antenna with an observer in the control loop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamer, H. A.; Johnson, K. G.; Young, J. W.

1985-01-01

An analysis is performed to compare decoupled and linear quadratic regulator (LQR) procedures for the control of a large, flexible space antenna. Control objectives involve: (1) commanding changes in the rigid-body modes, (2) nulling initial disturbances in the rigid-body modes, or (3) nulling initial disturbances in the first three flexible modes. Control is achieved with two three-axis control-moment gyros located on the antenna column. Results are presented to illustrate various effects on control requirements for the two procedures. These effects include errors in the initial estimates of state variables, variations in the type, number, and location of sensors, and deletions of state-variable estimates for certain flexible modes after control activation. The advantages of incorporating a time lag in the control feedback are also illustrated. In addition, the effects of inoperative-control situations are analyzed with regard to control requirements and resultant modal responses. Comparisons are included which show the effects of perfect state feedback with no residual modes (ideal case). Time-history responses are presented to illustrate the various effects on the control procedures.

Results of the Greenland ice sheet model initialisation experiments: ISMIP6 - initMIP-Greenland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goelzer, Heiko; Nowicki, Sophie; Edwards, Tamsin; Beckley, Matthew

2017-04-01

Ice sheet model initialisation has a large effect on projected future sea-level contributions and gives rise to important uncertainties. The goal of this intercomparison exercise for the continental-scale Greenland ice sheet is therefore to compare, evaluate and improve the initialisation techniques used in the ice sheet modelling community. The initMIP-Greenland project is the first in a series of ice sheet model intercomparison activities within ISMIP6 (Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP6). The experimental set-up has been designed to allow comparison of the initial present-day state of the Greenland ice sheet between participating models and against observations. Furthermore, the initial states are tested with two schematic forward experiments to evaluate the initialisation in terms of model drift (forward run without any forcing) and response to a large perturbation (prescribed surface mass balance anomaly). We present and discuss results that highlight the wide diversity of data sets, boundary conditions and initialisation techniques used in the community to generate initial states of the Greenland ice sheet.

BRCA1 haploinsufficiency cell-autonomously activates RANKL expression and generates denosumab-responsive breast cancer-initiating cells.

PubMed

Cuyàs, Elisabet; Corominas-Faja, Bruna; Martín, María Muñoz-San; Martin-Castillo, Begoña; Lupu, Ruth; Brunet, Joan; Bosch-Barrera, Joaquim; Menendez, Javier A

2017-05-23

Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody to the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), might be a novel preventative therapy for BRCA1-mutation carriers at high risk of developing breast cancer. Beyond its well-recognized bone-targeted activity impeding osteoclastogenesis, denosumab has been proposed to interfere with the cross-talk between RANKL-producing sensor cells and cancer-initiating RANK+ responder cells that reside within premalignant tissues of BRCA1-mutation carriers. We herein tested the alternative but not mutually exclusive hypothesis that BRCA1 deficiency might cell-autonomously activate RANKL expression to generate cellular states with cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties. Using isogenic pairs of normal-like human breast epithelial cells in which the inactivation of a single BRCA1 allele results in genomic instability, we assessed the impact of BRCA1 haploinsufficiency on the expression status of RANK and RANKL. RANK expression remained unaltered but RANKL was dramatically up-regulated in BRCA1mut/+ haploinsufficient cells relative to isogenic BRCA1+/+ parental cells. Neutralizing RANKL with denosumab significantly abrogated the ability of BRCA1 haploinsufficient cells to survive and proliferate as floating microtumors or "mammospheres" under non-adherent/non-differentiating conditions, an accepted surrogate of the relative proportion and survival of CSCs. Intriguingly, CSC-like states driven by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or HER2 overexpression traits responded to some extent to denosumab. We propose that breast epithelium-specific mono-allelic inactivation of BRCA1 might suffice to cell-autonomously generate RANKL-addicted, denosumab-responsive CSC-like states. The convergent addiction to a hyperactive RANKL/RANK axis of CSC-like states from genetically diverse breast cancer subtypes might inaugurate a new era of cancer prevention and treatment based on denosumab as a CSC-targeted agent.

Initial component control in disparity vergence: a model-based study.

PubMed

Horng, J L; Semmlow, J L; Hung, G K; Ciuffreda, K J

1998-02-01

The dual-mode theory for the control of disparity-vergence eye movements states that two components control the response to a step change in disparity. The initial component uses a motor preprogram to drive the eyes to an approximate final position. This initial component is followed by activation of a late component operating under visual feedback control that reduces residual disparity to within fusional limits. A quantitative model based on a pulse-step controller, similar to that postulated for saccadic eye movements, has been developed to represent the initial component. This model, an adaptation of one developed by Zee et al. [1], provides accurate simulations of isolated initial component movements and is compatible with the known underlying neurophysiology and existing neurophysiological data. The model has been employed to investigate the difference in dynamics between convergent and divergent movements. Results indicate that the pulse-control component active in convergence is reduced or absent from the control signals of divergence movements. This suggests somewhat different control structures of convergence versus divergence, and is consistent with other directional asymmetries seen in horizontal vergence.

Ambulatory activity classification with dendogram-based support vector machine: Application in lower-limb active exoskeleton.

PubMed

Mazumder, Oishee; Kundu, Ananda Sankar; Lenka, Prasanna Kumar; Bhaumik, Subhasis

2016-10-01

Ambulatory activity classification is an active area of research for controlling and monitoring state initiation, termination, and transition in mobility assistive devices such as lower-limb exoskeletons. State transition of lower-limb exoskeletons reported thus far are achieved mostly through the use of manual switches or state machine-based logic. In this paper, we propose a postural activity classifier using a 'dendogram-based support vector machine' (DSVM) which can be used to control a lower-limb exoskeleton. A pressure sensor-based wearable insole and two six-axis inertial measurement units (IMU) have been used for recognising two static and seven dynamic postural activities: sit, stand, and sit-to-stand, stand-to-sit, level walk, fast walk, slope walk, stair ascent and stair descent. Most of the ambulatory activities are periodic in nature and have unique patterns of response. The proposed classification algorithm involves the recognition of activity patterns on the basis of the periodic shape of trajectories. Polynomial coefficients extracted from the hip angle trajectory and the centre-of-pressure (CoP) trajectory during an activity cycle are used as features to classify dynamic activities. The novelty of this paper lies in finding suitable instrumentation, developing post-processing techniques, and selecting shape-based features for ambulatory activity classification. The proposed activity classifier is used to identify the activity states of a lower-limb exoskeleton. The DSVM classifier algorithm achieved an overall classification accuracy of 95.2%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antioncogenes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oppenheimer, Steven B.

1988-01-01

Discusses one mechanism proposed for the two-step initiation/promotion scenario of the development of cancer called oncogenes and a possible alternate mechanism that may prevent tumors from developing. Uses the example of retinoblastoma to illustrate the mechanisms. States that these mechanisms may not be caused by the activation of oncogenes. (CW)

1995 Truck Size and Weight Performance-Based Workshop report : activity 5 : document North American and European experiences

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-01

This report presents the test plan for conducting the Technical Capability Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the San Diego Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM proje...

Community-Based Participatory Initiatives to Increase Breastfeeding Rates in Indiana.

PubMed

Friesen, Carol A; Hormuth, Laura J; Cardarelli, Tina L

2015-11-01

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded the Indiana State Department of Health funding for breastfeeding activities. The grant, issued in part in response to the 2011 Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding, focused on providing funding and technical support to small community-based organizations to address challenges encountered by breastfeeding mothers. Indiana used the funds to develop the Community Breastfeeding Support Initiative (CBSI). The goal was to provide funding and technical support to small community-based organizations to carry out self-selected projects in their communities. The 13 CBSI programs served 1345 individual clients (n = 3664 visits) during the 9-month period. This article provides valuable information about collaboration at the state level and the supporting infrastructure in place to carry out this project. Our findings about the number of clients served, number of visits, community-specific programs and activities, and lessons learned can be used by other organizations as they plan breastfeeding support programs for their community. © The Author(s) 2015.

Lifetime and current sexual assault and harassment victimization rates of active-duty United States Air Force women.

PubMed

Bostock, Deborah J; Daley, James G

2007-09-01

From a stratified random sample, 2,018 active-duty United States Air Force women completed a telephone survey dealing with sexual assault and harassment. The lifetime prevalence of rape among Air Force women (28%) was more than twice as high as the prevalence in a national sample (13%). Nearly half of the military sample had been the victims of rape, molestation, or attempted sexual assault. The majority of both initial rapes (75%) and most recent rapes (56%) involved assault by civilians when the victims were civilians. Family members perpetrated 29% of initial rapes and 33% of most recent rapes. Regarding military status of the perpetrator, 14% of first-time victims were raped by a military member, 26% of multiple-time victims were raped by a military member, 31.8% of military women were sexually harassed by a military supervisor or boss, and 26.7% of military women were sexually harassed by a military coworker.

Kinetics of motility-induced phase separation and swim pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patch, Adam; Yllanes, David; Marchetti, M. Cristina

2017-01-01

Active Brownian particles (ABPs) represent a minimal model of active matter consisting of self-propelled spheres with purely repulsive interactions and rotational noise. Here we examine the pressure of ABPs in two dimensions in both closed boxes and systems with periodic boundary conditions and show that its nonmonotonic behavior with density is a general property of ABPs and is not the result of finite-size effects. We correlate the time evolution of the mean pressure towards its steady-state value with the kinetics of motility-induced phase separation. For parameter values corresponding to phase-separated steady states, we identify two dynamical regimes. The pressure grows monotonically in time during the initial regime of rapid cluster formation, overshooting its steady-state value and then quickly relaxing to it, and remains constant during the subsequent slower period of cluster coalescence and coarsening. The overshoot is a distinctive feature of active systems.

ENSO-based probabilistic forecasts of March-May U.S. tornado and hail activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lepore, Chiara; Tippett, Michael K.; Allen, John T.

2017-09-01

Extended logistic regression is used to predict March-May severe convective storm (SCS) activity based on the preceding December-February (DJF) El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) state. The spatially resolved probabilistic forecasts are verified against U.S. tornado counts, hail events, and two environmental indices for severe convection. The cross-validated skill is positive for roughly a quarter of the U.S. Overall, indices are predicted with more skill than are storm reports, and hail events are predicted with more skill than tornado counts. Skill is higher in the cool phase of ENSO (La Niña like) when overall SCS activity is higher. SCS forecasts based on the predicted DJF ENSO state from coupled dynamical models initialized in October of the previous year extend the lead time with only a modest reduction in skill compared to forecasts based on the observed DJF ENSO state.

Teen pregnancy prevention: current perspectives.

PubMed

Lavin, Claudia; Cox, Joanne E

2012-08-01

Teen pregnancy has been subject of public concern for many years. In the United States, despite nearly 2 decades of declining teen pregnancy and birth rates, the problem persists, with significant disparities present across racial groups and in state-specific rates. This review examines recent trends, pregnancy prevention initiatives and family planning policies that address the special needs of vulnerable youth. Unintended teen pregnancies impose potentially serious social and health burdens on teen parents and their children, as well as costs to society. Trends in teen pregnancy and birth rates show continued decline, but state and racial disparities have widened. Demographic factors and policy changes have contributed to these disparities. Research supports comprehensive pregnancy prevention initiatives that are multifaceted and promote consistent and correct use of effective methods of contraception for youth at risk of becoming pregnant. There is strong consensus that effective teen pregnancy prevention strategies should be multifaceted, focusing on delay of sexual activity especially in younger teens while promoting consistent and correct use of effective methods of contraception for those youth who are or plan to be sexually active. There is a need for further research to identify effective interventions for vulnerable populations.

Critical Role for the Protons in FRTL-5 Thyroid Cells: Nuclear Sphingomyelinase Induced-Damage

PubMed Central

Albi, Elisabetta; Perrella, Giuseppina; Lazzarini, Andrea; Cataldi, Samuela; Lazzarini, Remo; Floridi, Alessandro; Ambesi-Impiombato, Francesco Saverio; Curcio, Francesco

2014-01-01

Proliferating thyroid cells are more sensitive to UV-C radiations than quiescent cells. The effect is mediated by nuclear phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin metabolism. It was demonstrated that proton beams arrest cell growth and stimulate apoptosis but until now there have been no indications in the literature about their possible mechanism of action. Here we studied the effect of protons on FRTL-5 cells in culture. We showed that proton beams stimulate slightly nuclear neutral sphingomyelinase activity and inhibit nuclear sphingomyelin-synthase activity in quiescent cells whereas stimulate strongly nuclear neutral sphingomyelinase activity and do not change nuclear sphingomyelin-synthase activity in proliferating cells. The study of neutral sphingomyelinase/sphingomyelin-synthase ratio, a marker of functional state of the cells, indicated that proton beams induce FRTL-5 cells in a proapoptotic state if the cells are quiescent and in an initial apoptotic state if the cells are proliferating. The changes of cell life are accompanied by a decrease of nuclear sphingomyelin and increase of bax protein. PMID:24979136

Early-career registered nurses' participation in hospital quality improvement activities.

PubMed

Djukic, Maja; Kovner, Christine T; Brewer, Carol S; Fatehi, Farida K; Bernstein, Ilya

2013-01-01

We surveyed 2 cohorts of early-career registered nurses from 15 states in the US, 2 years apart, to compare their reported participation in hospital quality improvement (QI) activities. We anticipated differences between the 2 cohorts because of the growth of several initiatives for engaging nurses in QI. There were no differences between the 2 cohorts across 14 measured activities, except for their reported use of appropriate strategies to improve hand-washing compliance to reduce nosocomial infection rates.

Criteria for Seismic Splay Fault Activation During Subduction Earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dedontney, N.; Templeton, E.; Bhat, H.; Dmowska, R.; Rice, J. R.

2008-12-01

As sediment is added to the accretionary prism or removed from the forearc, the material overlying the plate interface must deform to maintain a wedge structure. One of the ways this internal deformation is achieved is by slip on splay faults branching from the main detachment, which are possibly activated as part of a major seismic event. As a rupture propagates updip along the plate interface, it will reach a series of junctions between the shallowly dipping detachment and more steeply dipping splay faults. The amount and distribution of slip on these splay faults and the detachment determines the seafloor deformation and the tsunami waveform. Numerical studies by Kame et al. [JGR, 2003] of fault branching during dynamic slip-weakening rupture in 2D plane strain showed that branch activation depends on the initial stress state, rupture velocity at the branching junction, and branch angle. They found that for a constant initial stress state, with the maximum principal stress at shallow angles to the main fault, branch activation is favored on the compressional side of the fault for a range of branch angles. By extending the part of their work on modeling the branching behavior in the context of subduction zones, where critical taper wedge concepts suggest the angle that the principal stress makes with the main fault is shallow, but not horizontal, we hope to better understand the conditions for splay fault activation and the criteria for significant moment release on the splay. Our aim is to determine the range of initial stresses and relative frictional strengths of the detachment and splay fault that would result in seismic splay fault activation. In aid of that, we conduct similar dynamic rupture analyses to those of Kame et al., but use explicit finite element methods, and take fuller account of overall structure of the zone (rather than focusing just on the branching junction). Critical taper theory requires that the basal fault be weaker than the overlying material, so we build on previous work by incorporating the effect of strength contrasts between the basal and splay faults. The relative weakness of the basal fault is often attributed to high pore pressures, which lowers the effective normal stress and brings the basal fault closer to failure. We vary the initial stress state, while maintaining a constant principal stress orientation, to see how the closeness to failure affects the branching behavior for a variety of branch step-up angles.

Pumping approximately integrable systems

PubMed Central

Lange, Florian; Lenarčič, Zala; Rosch, Achim

2017-01-01

Weak perturbations can drive an interacting many-particle system far from its initial equilibrium state if one is able to pump into degrees of freedom approximately protected by conservation laws. This concept has for example been used to realize Bose–Einstein condensates of photons, magnons and excitons. Integrable quantum systems, like the one-dimensional Heisenberg model, are characterized by an infinite set of conservation laws. Here, we develop a theory of weakly driven integrable systems and show that pumping can induce large spin or heat currents even in the presence of integrability breaking perturbations, since it activates local and quasi-local approximate conserved quantities. The resulting steady state is qualitatively captured by a truncated generalized Gibbs ensemble with Lagrange parameters that depend on the structure but not on the overall amplitude of perturbations nor the initial state. We suggest to use spin-chain materials driven by terahertz radiation to realize integrability-based spin and heat pumps. PMID:28598444

Nurses leading change to advance health.

PubMed

Polansky, Patricia; Gorski, Mary Sue; Green, Alexia; Perez, G Adriana; Wise, Robert P

The article includes a review of selected past and current leadership initiatives as well as a summary of three leadership meetings convened by The Center to Champion Nursing in America, a partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), AARP and the AARP Foundation. These "Leadership in Action" meetings were designed to address the Campaign for Action's (CFA) goal to increase the number of nurse leaders in health- and health care-related boardrooms at the local, state and national levels. RWJF supported key nursing organizations in initial discussions around integrating state and national efforts to get more nurses onto boards leading to a active vibrant coalition making significant progress. This article concludes with a call to action encouraging all nurses to consider board service as an essential component of improving health and health care and to do their part to help build a Culture of Health in the United States. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Think Like a Nurse: A Critical Thinking Initiative.

PubMed

Ward, Terry D; Morris, Tiffany

2016-01-01

Critical thinking is essential in the practice of the nurse generalist, today. Nursing faculty is frequently trying to identify teaching strategies in promoting critical thinking and engaging students in active learning. To close the gap between critical thinking and student success, a school in the south east United States implemented the use of the 'think like a nurse initiative" for incoming junior nursing students. Faculty collaborated to adopt the fundamental and essential nursing concepts for nursing students to support thinking like a nurse.

North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons: Latest Developments

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-05

time shown less confidence about what the scope of the program might be. Further, although seismographs registered the October 9, 2006, detonation and...298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons: Latest Developments Summary This report summarizes what is known from...States would lead disablement activities and provide the initial funding for those activities.15 Disablement indicates a physical measure to make it

Chemical and phase evolution of amorphous molybdenum sulfide catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen production [Chemical and phase evolution of amorphous molybdenum sulfide catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen production directly observed using environmental transmission electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Lee, Sang Chul; Benck, Jesse D.; Tsai, Charlie; ...

2015-12-01

Amorphous MoS x is a highly active, earth-abundant catalyst for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction. Previous studies have revealed that this material initially has a composition of MoS 3, but after electrochemical activation, the surface is reduced to form an active phase resembling MoS 2 in composition and chemical state. However, structural changes in the Mo Sx catalyst and the mechanism of the activation process remain poorly understood. In this study, we employ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to image amorphous MoS x catalysts activated under two hydrogen-rich conditions: ex situ in an electrochemical cell and in situ in an environmentalmore » TEM. For the first time, we directly observe the formation of crystalline domains in the MoS x catalyst after both activation procedures as well as spatially localized changes in the chemical state detected via electron energy loss spectroscopy. Using density functional theory calculations, we investigate the mechanisms for this phase transformation and find that the presence of hydrogen is critical for enabling the restructuring process. Our results suggest that the surface of the amorphous MoS x catalyst is dynamic: while the initial catalyst activation forms the primary active surface of amorphous MoS 2, continued transformation to the crystalline phase during electrochemical operation could contribute to catalyst deactivation. Finally, these results have important implications for the application of this highly active electrocatalyst for sustainable H 2 generation.« less

Probing how initial retinal configuration controls photochemical dynamics in retinal proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wand, A.; Rozin, R.; Eliash, T.; Friedman, N.; Jung, K. H.; Sheves, M.; Ruhman, S.

2013-03-01

The effects of the initial retinal configuration and the active isomerization coordinate on the photochemistry of retinal proteins (RPs) are assessed by comparing photochemical dynamics of two stable retinal ground state configurations (all-trans,15-anti vs. 13-cis,15-syn), within two RPs: Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) and Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin (ASR). Hyperspectral pump-probe spectroscopy shows that photochemistry starting from 13-cis retinal in both proteins is 3-10 times faster than when started in the all-trans state, suggesting that the hastening is ubiquitous to microbial RPs, regardless of their different biological functions and origin. This may also relate to the known disparity of photochemical rates between microbial RPs and visual pigments. Importance and possible underlying mechanisms are discussed as well.

Endogenous Thrombin Potential Changes during the First Cycle of Oral Contraceptive Use

PubMed Central

Westhoff, Carolyn L.; Pike, Malcolm C.; Cremers, Serge; Eisenberger, Andrew; Thomassen, Stella; Rosing, Jan

2017-01-01

Objectives Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk increases within months of combination oral contraceptive (COC) initiation. Because elevated endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) has been found in several studies to be a VTE risk factor, we evaluated the extent of ETP changes during the initial cycle of an ethinyl estradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LNG) COC. We also assessed the relationship between ETP changes and systemic EE and LNG concentrations. Study Design Participants provided multiple blood samples during a first 21-day cycle of a 30 µg EE/150 µg LNG COC and after a further 7 days without an active COC. Thrombin generation measured with and without addition of activated protein C (APC) yielded ETP+APC and ETP−APC and the normalized APC sensitivity ratio (nAPCsr). EE and LNG pharmacokinetic analyses were conducted over 24 hours after the first COC tablet and again at steady state. Results Thrombin generation was determined in 16 of the 17 women who completed the study. Mean ETP−APC increased steadily to 21% above baseline at 24 hours after the 6th COC tablet (COC624; p < 0.001) and to 28% above baseline at steady state (COC21; p < 0.001). Mean ETP+APC increased considerably more – by 54% at COC624 and by 79% at steady state. Mean nAPCsr increased by 28% at COC624 and by 41% at steady state. Higher concentrations of EE or LNG were not correlated with greater increases in ETP. Conclusions ETP increases during the first COC cycle were substantial. Implications The early increases in ETP may provide biological support for the rapid increase in VTE risk during initial COC use. The lack of association between this clotting system perturbation and the systemic EE concentration is surprising and deserves further study. PMID:28088496

Western U.S.-Canada crossborder case study : activity 2 : task D : conduct regional and local trucking case studies

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-01

This report presents the test plan for conducting the Technical Capability Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the San Diego Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM proje...

AOP Wiki: A new tool for developing and documenting adverse outcome pathways

EPA Science Inventory

An initial version of an IT system to support OECD AOP activities recently was completed through collaborative efforts and contributions of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (EU JRC), the Office of Research and Development (ORD) of the United States Environmental Pr...

22 CFR 16.10 - Foreign Service Grievance Board.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... independent, distinguished citizens of the United States, well known for their integrity, who are not active officers, employees, or consultants of the Foreign Affairs agencies (except consultants who served as... Affairs Manual) but may be retired officers or employees. On its initial establishment, the Board shall...

Patient Education Workshop: Summary Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simmons, Jeannette

This report describes activities of a workshop conducted for fourteen health education practitioners and administrators from a number of different hospital and health care settings and geographical regions to appraise the state of patient education programs. The initiation and growth of patient education programs in a variety of health care…

A thixotropic effect in contracting rabbit psoas muscle: prior movement reduces the initial tension response to stretch

PubMed Central

Campbell, Kenneth S; Moss, Richard L

2000-01-01

Paired ramp stretches and releases (‘triangular length changes’, typically 0.04 ± 0.09L0 s−1; mean ±s.e.m.) were imposed on permeabilised rabbit psoas fibre segments under sarcomere length control. In actively contracting fibres, the tension response to stretch was biphasic; tension rose more rapidly during the first 0.005L0 of the imposed stretch than thereafter. Tension also dropped in a biphasic manner during shortening, and at the end of the length change was reduced below the steady state. If a second triangular length change was imposed shortly after the first, tension rose less sharply during the initial phase of lengthening, i.e. the stiffness of the muscle during the initial phase of the response was reduced in the second stretch. This is a thixotropic effect. If a third triangular length change was imposed on the muscle, the response was the same as that to the second. The time required to recover the original tension response was measured by varying the interval between triangular length changes. Recovery to steady state occurred at a rate of ∼1 s−1. The stiffness of the muscle during the initial phase of the response scaled with the developed tension in pCa (=−log10[Ca2+]) solutions ranging from 6.3 (minimal activation) to 4.5 (saturating effect). The relative thixotropic reduction in stiffness measured using paired length changes was independent of the pCa of the activating solution. The thixotropic behaviour of contracting skeletal muscle can be explained by a cross-bridge model of muscle contraction in which the number of attached cross-bridges is temporarily reduced following an imposed movement. PMID:10835052

Initiation of DNA replication requires actin dynamics and formin activity.

PubMed

Parisis, Nikolaos; Krasinska, Liliana; Harker, Bethany; Urbach, Serge; Rossignol, Michel; Camasses, Alain; Dewar, James; Morin, Nathalie; Fisher, Daniel

2017-11-02

Nuclear actin regulates transcriptional programmes in a manner dependent on its levels and polymerisation state. This dynamics is determined by the balance of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, formin- and redox-dependent filament polymerisation. Here, using Xenopus egg extracts and human somatic cells, we show that actin dynamics and formins are essential for DNA replication. In proliferating cells, formin inhibition abolishes nuclear transport and initiation of DNA replication, as well as general transcription. In replicating nuclei from transcriptionally silent Xenopus egg extracts, we identified numerous actin regulators, and disruption of actin dynamics abrogates nuclear transport, preventing NLS (nuclear localisation signal)-cargo release from RanGTP-importin complexes. Nuclear formin activity is further required to promote loading of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) onto chromatin, as well as initiation and elongation of DNA replication. Therefore, actin dynamics and formins control DNA replication by multiple direct and indirect mechanisms. © 2017 The Authors.

Tobacco control and the dental profession. A survey of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) national dental associations.

PubMed

Beaglehole, Rob H; Tsakos, Georgios; Watt, Richard G

2005-10-01

To explore the current role played by national dental associations (NDAs) in tobacco control and to assess relevant policy initiatives across OECD countries. A self-complete questionnaire survey. Chief Executive Officers of NDAs of OECD countries. A response rate of 74% was achieved. An overview of tobacco control policies from OECD member states was obtained. Half of the NDAs reported that they had a policy on tobacco control. Furthermore, a minority of OECD countries appear to have tobacco control guidelines that specifically include reference to the role of dental professionals. Dentists are able to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in less than a third of OECD member states. In a small number of OECD countries there was funding available to encourage dentists to become more actively involved in tobacco control activities. Undergraduate training focusing on tobacco control is not universally provided across all OECD countries. There is an urgent need to put tobacco control initiatives on the oral health policy agenda of NDAs across the OECD. A range of policy opportunities exist to facilitate greater involvement of the dental profession in tobacco control activities.

A state of reversible compensated ventricular dysfunction precedes pathological remodelling in response to cardiomyocyte-specific activity of angiotensin II type-1 receptor in mice.

PubMed

Frentzou, Georgia A; Drinkhill, Mark J; Turner, Neil A; Ball, Stephen G; Ainscough, Justin F X

2015-08-01

Cardiac dysfunction is commonly associated with high-blood-pressure-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, in response to aberrant renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity. Ensuing pathological remodelling promotes cardiomyocyte death and cardiac fibroblast activation, leading to cardiac fibrosis. The initiating cellular mechanisms that underlie this progressive disease are poorly understood. We previously reported a conditional mouse model in which a human angiotensin II type-I receptor transgene (HART) was expressed in differentiated cardiomyocytes after they had fully matured, but not during development. Twelve-month-old HART mice exhibited ventricular dysfunction and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy with interstitial fibrosis following full receptor stimulation, without affecting blood pressure. Here, we show that chronic HART activity in young adult mice causes ventricular dysfunction without hypertrophy, fibrosis or cardiomyocyte death. Dysfunction correlated with reduced expression of pro-hypertrophy markers and increased expression of pro-angiogenic markers in the cardiomyocytes experiencing increased receptor load. This stimulates responsive changes in closely associated non-myocyte cells, including the downregulation of pro-angiogenic genes, a dampened inflammatory response and upregulation of Tgfβ. Importantly, this state of compensated dysfunction was reversible. Furthermore, increased stimulation of the receptors on the cardiomyocytes caused a switch in the secondary response from the non-myocyte cells. Progressive cardiac remodelling was stimulated through hypertrophy and death of individual cardiomyocytes, with infiltration, proliferation and activation of fibroblast and inflammatory cells, leading to increased angiogenic and inflammatory signalling. Together, these data demonstrate that a state of pre-hypertrophic compensated dysfunction can exist in affected individuals before common markers of heart disease are detectable. The data also suggest that there is an initial response from the housekeeping cells of the heart to signals emanating from distressed neighbouring cardiomyocytes to suppress those changes most commonly associated with progressive heart disease. We suggest that the reversible nature of this state of compensated dysfunction presents an ideal window of opportunity for personalised therapeutic intervention. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

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

Fan, Yue; Iwashita, Takuya; Egami, Takeshi

Complex states in glasses can be neatly expressed by the potential energy landscape (PEL). But, because PEL is highly multi-dimensional it is difficult to describe how the system moves around in PEL. We demonstrate that it is possible to predict the evolution of macroscopic state in a metallic glass, such as ageing and rejuvenation, through a set of simple equations describing excitations in the PEL. The key to this simplification is the realization that the step of activation from the initial state to the saddle point in PEL and the following step of relaxation to the final state are essentiallymore » decoupled. Furthermore, the model shows that the interplay between activation and relaxation in PEL is the key driving force that simultaneously explains both the equilibrium of supercooled liquid and the thermal hysteresis observed in experiments. It further predicts anomalous peaks in truncated thermal scanning, validated by independent molecular dynamics simulation.« less

On the behavior of Bronsted-Evans-Polanyi Relations for Transition Metal Oxides

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

Vojvodic, Aleksandra

2011-08-22

Versatile Broensted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) relations are found from density functional theory for a wide range of transition metal oxides including rutiles and perovskites. For oxides, the relation depends on the type of oxide, the active site and the dissociating molecule. The slope of the BEP relation is strongly coupled to the adsorbate geometry in the transition state. If it is final state-like the dissociative chemisorption energy can be considered as a descriptor for the dissociation. If it is initial state-like, on the other hand, the dissociative chemisorption energy is not suitable as descriptor for the dissociation. Dissociation of molecules with strongmore » intramolecular bonds belong to the former and molecules with weak intramolecular bonds to the latter group. We show, for the prototype system La-perovskites, that there is a 'cyclic' behavior in the transition state characteristics upon change of the active transition metal of the oxide.« less

Fetal homologue of infant crying

PubMed Central

Gingras, J; Mitchell, E; Grattan, K

2005-01-01

Four behavioural states are recognised in the human fetus and are comparable to those of the neonate: 1F (quiet sleep), 2F (active state), 3F (quiet awake), and 4F (active awake). State 5, or crying, is not considered to have a fetal correlate. In a study assessing the effects of exposure to tobacco and cocaine during pregnancy on fetal response and habituation to vibroacoustic stimulation, what appears to be the fetal homologue of crying was observed. These behaviours were seen on ultrasound, and have been captured on video recordings and include: an initial exhalation movement associated with mouth opening and tongue depression, followed by a series of three augmented breaths, the last breath ending in an inspiratory pause followed by an expiration and settling. This is the first report/video documenting these behaviours and suggests the possibility of a state 5F. PMID:15857876

Integrative application of active controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project. Initial act configuration design study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The performance and economic benefits of a constrained application of Active Controls Technology (ACT) are identified, and the approach to airplane design is established for subsequent steps leading to the development of a less constrained final ACT configuration. The active controls configurations are measured against a conventional baseline configuration, a state-of-the-art transport, to determine whether the performance and economic changes resulting from ACT merit proceeding with the project. The technology established by the conventional baseline configuration was held constant except for the addition of ACT. The wing, with the same planform, was moved forward on the initial ACT configuration to move the loading range aft relative to the wing mean aerodynamic chord. Wing trailing-edge surfaces and surface controls also were reconfigured for load alleviation and structural stabilization.

Progress in European CELSS activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skoog, A. I.

1987-01-01

The European Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) activities started in the late 1970's with system analysis and feasibility studies of Biological Life Support Systems (BLSS). The initiation for CELSS came from the industry side in Europe, but since then planning and hardware feasibility analyses have been initiated also from customer/agency side. Despite this, it is still too early to state that a CELSS program as a concerted effort has been agreed upon in Europe. However, the general CELSS objectives were accepted as planning and possible development goals for the European effort for manned space activities, and as experimental planning topics in the life sciences community for the next decades. It is expected that ecological life support systems can be tested and implemented on a space station towards the end of this century or early in the next. For the European activities a possible scenario can be projected based on ongoing life support system development activities and the present life sciences goals.

U.S. initiatives to strengthen forensic science & international standards in forensic DNA.

PubMed

Butler, John M

2015-09-01

A number of initiatives are underway in the United States in response to the 2009 critique of forensic science by a National Academy of Sciences committee. This article provides a broad review of activities including efforts of the White House National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee on Forensic Science and a partnership between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create the National Commission on Forensic Science and the Organization of Scientific Area Committees. These initiatives are seeking to improve policies and practices of forensic science. Efforts to fund research activities and aid technology transition and training in forensic science are also covered. The second portion of the article reviews standards in place or in development around the world for forensic DNA. Documentary standards are used to help define written procedures to perform testing. Physical standards serve as reference materials for calibration and traceability purposes when testing is performed. Both documentary and physical standards enable reliable data comparison, and standard data formats and common markers or testing regions are crucial for effective data sharing. Core DNA markers provide a common framework and currency for constructing DNA databases with compatible data. Recent developments in expanding core DNA markers in Europe and the United States are discussed. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

U.S. initiatives to strengthen forensic science & international standards in forensic DNA

PubMed Central

Butler, John M.

2015-01-01

A number of initiatives are underway in the United States in response to the 2009 critique of forensic science by a National Academy of Sciences committee. This article provides a broad review of activities including efforts of the White House National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee on Forensic Science and a partnership between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create the National Commission on Forensic Science and the Organization of Scientific Area Committees. These initiatives are seeking to improve policies and practices of forensic science. Efforts to fund research activities and aid technology transition and training in forensic science are also covered. The second portion of the article reviews standards in place or in development around the world for forensic DNA. Documentary standards are used to help define written procedures to perform testing. Physical standards serve as reference materials for calibration and traceability purposes when testing is performed. Both documentary and physical standards enable reliable data comparison, and standard data formats and common markers or testing regions are crucial for effective data sharing. Core DNA markers provide a common framework and currency for constructing DNA databases with compatible data. Recent developments in expanding core DNA markers in Europe and the United States are discussed. PMID:26164236

Air Quality Benefits of Nighttime Construction in Texas Non-Attainment Counties--Technical Report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-12-15

The practice of performing some work zone activities at night has existed in the United States since at least the 1960s. Night work is most commonly initiated where it is impractical to close traffic lanes on certain high-volume roadways during norma...

Accountability and Productivity in the Community College System, Fiscal Year 2002.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Illinois Community Coll. Board, Springfield.

This report, conducted by the Illinois Community College Board, highlights and summarizes accountability activities and initiatives described by Illinois' 48 community colleges in their 2002 Accountability/Program Review Reports. The report provides evidence that Illinois' comprehensive community colleges play a vital role in the state's…

Critical Pedagogy for Vocational Education: The Practice with Novice Professionals.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Askins, K. Brent; Galloy, Michael J.

The Georgia Instructor Academy (GIA) initiative is intended to provide staff development activities that enhance the quality of instruction delivered at the technical institutes. Before GIA could become functional, the following significant changes in the state's postsecondary technical education system had to occur: (1) creation of the Georgia…

Readiness To Learn Project: End of Year Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Armijo, Eduardo J.; Yount, Darrell E.

This report outlines the Quillayute Valley Child and Family Consortium's End of Year Readiness to Learn program activities, including outcomes through May 1995. The program was established in part by the Washington State Readiness to Learn Initiative, designed to help children benefit from schooling by enabling schools and social services…

Blueprint for Missouri Higher Education: Reporting the Results. 1999 Annual Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education, Jefferson City.

This annual report highlights the actions of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education and the activities of the Missouri higher education committee. It examines several strategic initiatives undertaken by the state, including: (1) the institutional mission review and enhancement process; (2) MOSTARS (which provides resources and…

Families & the North Carolina Smart Start Initiative.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lowman, Betsy; Bryant, Donna; Zolotor, Adam

Smart Start is North Carolina's partnership between state government and local leaders, service providers, and families to better serve children under 6 years and their families. This study examined characteristics of families participating in Smart Start, their child care arrangements and family activities, and their need for and use of community…

"Just Add Facilitators and Stir": Stimulating Policy Uptake in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abbott, Rebecca; Macdonald, Doune; Hay, Peter; McCuaig, Louise

2011-01-01

This article presents the evaluation findings of an education policy initiative that involved the employment of facilitators to broker the policy and its implementation. An Australian state's education authority piloted the employment of physical activity facilitators to expedite the implementation of "Smart Moves" in schools, a…

An Investigation of Parent/Child Communication about Sexuality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Angera, Jeffrey J.; Brookins-Fisher, Jodi; Inungu, Joseph N.

2008-01-01

This study investigated the communication and initial sexuality education between parents and children as it relates to later sexual activity. The study asked 192 undergraduate college students from a Midwestern state university their perceptions about past communication with their parents regarding sexuality. The students completed a 180-item…

Top 20 Collaborative Internet-Based Science Projects of 1998: Characteristics and Comparisons to Exemplary Science Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berg, Craig A.; Jefson, Cristy

This paper utilizes the characteristics of model science instruction to identify exemplary Internet-based science collaborations. The filter for attaining "exemplary" status was based on state and national standards-generating initiatives and the corresponding implications for appropriate student activity in science classrooms. Twenty…

Spring Into Reading: A Parent-Child Reading Participation Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fels, Cynthia; Langston, Barbara

Realizing the importance of parents in the educational process, several states have launched campaigns to involve parents with their children in home reading activities. Using these programs as examples, the Wentzville R-IV School District (Missouri) devised and initiated "Spring Into Reading," a plan for encouraging parental involvement in…

Campus Religious Conflict Should Go Public

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jakobsen, Janet R.

2006-01-01

This article describes the difficult times for faculty members and others who are committed to academic freedom. Among a number of examples, the author presents the bills introduced by state legislatures across the country that aim to restrict faculty activity in the name of protecting student freedom. Such legislative initiatives use the language…

Are Physical Education Majors Models for Fitness?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kamla, James; Snyder, Ben; Tanner, Lori; Wash, Pamela

2012-01-01

The National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) (2002) has taken a firm stance on the importance of adequate fitness levels of physical education teachers stating that they have the responsibility to model an active lifestyle and to promote fitness behaviors. Since the NASPE declaration, national initiatives like Let's Move…

Integration and Physical Education: A Review of Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marttinen, Risto Harri Juhani; McLoughlin, Gabriella; Fredrick, Ray, III; Novak, Dario

2017-01-01

The Common Core State Standards Initiative has placed an increased focus on mathematics and English language arts. A relationship between physical activity and academic achievement is evident, but research on integration of academic subjects with physical education is still unclear. This literature review examined databases for the years…

Examining the Historical Representation of the Holocaust within Trade Books

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bickford, John H., III; Schuette, Lieren; Rich, Cynthia W.

2015-01-01

State and national education initiatives provide American students with opportunities to engage in close readings of complex texts from diverse perspectives as they actively construct complicated understandings as they explore complex texts. Opportunities for interdisciplinary units emerge as the role of non-fiction in English/language arts and…

76 FR 12976 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-09

... the statewide needs assessment and initial State plans for developing the program in order to meet the criteria identified in the legislation. Submission of the needs assessments in the form and manner required... submitted needs assessments that identified communities at risk. The needs assessments submitted were...

Preferences for Verb Interpretation in Children with Specific Language Impairment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Donna J.; Rice, Mabel L.

1994-01-01

This study examined initial preferences for verb interpretation by 15 5-year-old children with specific language impairment, 15 language-matched children, and 15 age-matched children. Children indicated preferred interpretations of novel verbs from videotapes of motion and change-of-state activity scenes. Findings suggested that children's verb…

78 FR 12052 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Ambient Air...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-21

... pollution control agencies, and tribal entities which collect and report ambient air quality data for the..., documenting episodes and initiating episode controls, air quality trends assessment, and air pollution.... Although the state and local air pollution control agencies and tribal entities are responsible for the...

44 CFR 79.7 - Offers and appeals under the SRL program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INSURANCE AND HAZARD MITIGATION National Flood Insurance Program FLOOD MITIGATION GRANTS § 79.7 Offers and appeals under the SRL program. (a) Consultation. States and communities... mitigation activity. These consultations shall be initiated in the early stages of the project development...

44 CFR 79.7 - Offers and appeals under the SRL program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INSURANCE AND HAZARD MITIGATION National Flood Insurance Program FLOOD MITIGATION GRANTS § 79.7 Offers and appeals under the SRL program. (a) Consultation. States and communities... mitigation activity. These consultations shall be initiated in the early stages of the project development...

44 CFR 79.7 - Offers and appeals under the SRL program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INSURANCE AND HAZARD MITIGATION National Flood Insurance Program FLOOD MITIGATION GRANTS § 79.7 Offers and appeals under the SRL program. (a) Consultation. States and communities... mitigation activity. These consultations shall be initiated in the early stages of the project development...

44 CFR 79.7 - Offers and appeals under the SRL program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INSURANCE AND HAZARD MITIGATION National Flood Insurance Program FLOOD MITIGATION GRANTS § 79.7 Offers and appeals under the SRL program. (a) Consultation. States and communities... mitigation activity. These consultations shall be initiated in the early stages of the project development...

Strategies and Challenges in Ipad Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chou, Chientzu Candace; Block, Lanise; Jesness, Renee

2014-01-01

This study examines the impact of iPad integration on teaching and learning activities in a large school district in Midwest United States. Forty social studies classrooms received iPad carts to engage students in learning. Teachers received professional development opportunities in the forms of workshops, conferences, one-to-one coaching, and…

High School Reform: Integration of Special Education. inForum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muller, Eve; Burdette, Paula

2007-01-01

Evidence suggests that students throughout the nation are not being adequately prepared for post-secondary life and that students with disabilities face even greater post-school challenges (Wagner, Newman, Cameto, Garza, & Levine, 2005). In response to such evidence, many states and localities are initiating high school reform activities and,…

Stability, Security, Transition and Reconstruction Operations: Turning Policy and Strategic Initiatives Into Operational Level Action

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-16

LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON Chairman, JMO Dept a. REPORT UNCLASSIFIED b . ABSTRACT UNCLASSIFIED...Mann, Sloan., Bajraktari , Yiber., Karam, Patricia. Donor Activities and Civil Society Potential in Iraq. Special Report 124, United States

AIMing to restore forests: evaluation with SER critera.

Treesearch

Andrew B. Carey

2006-01-01

The Society for Ecological Restoration Primer on Ecological Restoration (SERPER) states, "Ecological restoration is an intentional activity that initiates or accelerates the recovery of an ecosystem with respect to its health, integrity, and sustainability" and attempts to return an ecosystem to its historic condition. There are questions, however, about...

The Uttar Pradesh State Observatory --- some recollections and some history (1954-1982)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinvhal, S. D.

2006-03-01

An attempt is made to present a picture of pre-historic and initial formative years of the well known Uttar Pradesh State Observatory, Nainital. The development of academic activities along with infrastructure are described. The emphasis on the frontline research work, self-reliance and international interaction was given during the formative years of the observatory. The largest telescope 104-cm of the observatory was installed in 1972 and has produced good scientific results.

Crop phenology and LANDSAT-based irrigated lands inventory in the high plains. [United States of America

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martinko, E. A. (Principal Investigator); Poracsky, J.; Kipp, E. R.; Krieger, H.

1980-01-01

The activity concentrated on identifying crop and irrigation data sources for the eight states within the High Plains Aquifer and making contacts concerning the nature of these data. A mail questionnaire was developed to gather specific data not routinely reported through standard data collection channels. Input/output routines were designed for High Plains crop and irrigation data and initial statistical data on crops were input to computer files.

Memory consolidation by replay of stimulus-specific neural activity.

PubMed

Deuker, Lorena; Olligs, Jan; Fell, Juergen; Kranz, Thorsten A; Mormann, Florian; Montag, Christian; Reuter, Martin; Elger, Christian E; Axmacher, Nikolai

2013-12-04

Memory consolidation transforms initially labile memory traces into more stable representations. One putative mechanism for consolidation is the reactivation of memory traces after their initial encoding during subsequent sleep or waking state. However, it is still unknown whether consolidation of individual memory contents relies on reactivation of stimulus-specific neural representations in humans. Investigating stimulus-specific representations in humans is particularly difficult, but potentially feasible using multivariate pattern classification analysis (MVPA). Here, we show in healthy human participants that stimulus-specific activation patterns can indeed be identified with MVPA, that these patterns reoccur spontaneously during postlearning resting periods and sleep, and that the frequency of reactivation predicts subsequent memory for individual items. We conducted a paired-associate learning task with items and spatial positions and extracted stimulus-specific activity patterns by MVPA in a simultaneous electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. As a first step, we investigated the amount of fMRI volumes during rest that resembled either one of the items shown before or one of the items shown as a control after the resting period. Reactivations during both awake resting state and sleep predicted subsequent memory. These data are first evidence that spontaneous reactivation of stimulus-specific activity patterns during resting state can be investigated using MVPA. They show that reactivation occurs in humans and is behaviorally relevant for stabilizing memory traces against interference. They move beyond previous studies because replay was investigated on the level of individual stimuli and because reactivations were not evoked by sensory cues but occurred spontaneously.

Building Stronger State Energy Partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy

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

Marks, Kate

2011-09-30

This final technical report details the results of total work efforts and progress made from October 2007 – September 2011 under the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) cooperative agreement DE-FC26-07NT43264, Building Stronger State Energy Partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy. Major topical project areas in this final report include work efforts in the following areas: Energy Assurance and Critical Infrastructure, State and Regional Technical Assistance, Regional Initiative, Regional Coordination and Technical Assistance, and International Activities in China. All required deliverables have been provided to the National Energy Technology Laboratory and DOE program officials.

Comparative analysis of activator-Eσ54 complexes formed with nucleotide-metal fluoride analogues

PubMed Central

Burrows, Patricia C.; Joly, Nicolas; Nixon, B. Tracy; Buck, Martin

2009-01-01

Bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) containing the major variant σ54 factor forms open promoter complexes in a reaction in which specialized activator proteins hydrolyse ATP. Here we probe binding interactions between σ54-RNAP (Eσ54) and the ATPases associated with various cellular activities (AAA+) domain of the Escherichia coli activator protein, PspF, using nucleotide-metal fluoride (BeF and AlF) analogues representing ground and transition states of ATP, which allow complexes (that are otherwise too transient with ATP) to be captured. We show that the organization and functionality of the ADP–BeF- and ADP–AlF-dependent complexes greatly overlap. Our data support an activation pathway in which the initial ATP-dependent binding of the activator to the Eσ54 closed complex results in the re-organization of Eσ54 with respect to the transcription start-site. However, the nucleotide-dependent binding interactions between the activator and the Eσ54 closed complex are in themselves insufficient for forming open promoter complexes when linear double-stranded DNA is present in the initial closed complex. PMID:19553192

Building the base: two active living projects that inspired community participation.

PubMed

Hamamoto, Mark H; Derauf, David D; Yoshimura, Sheryl R

2009-12-01

Kalihi Valley is a densely populated, low-income community (28,958 residents in approximately 6 square miles) with insufficient sidewalks, bike lanes, and public green space to support regular physical activity for its residents. Kokua Kalihi Valley (KKV), a community health center formed in 1972, sought to improve Kalihi Valley's built environment based on its history of community- and partnership-based preventive health initiatives that have focused on the social determinants of health. Kokua Kalihi Valley used a flexible partnership model and a focus on direct community action to develop an unused 100-acre state park (the Kalihi Valley Nature Park) and establish a bicycle repair and recycling program that mobilized thousands of community volunteers, attracted widespread media coverage, and established a number of innovative programs for active living. Kokua Kalihi Valley and its partners also contributed to the successful passage of a city charter amendment to prioritize Honolulu as a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly city. This initiative was successful in reclaiming a substantial amount of land for active living and in stimulating both public governmental support and widespread private community involvement in programs and activities. Projects that engaged community members in activities with tangible accomplishment were shown to be most successful. This initiative showed that community health centers may be uniquely positioned to provide leadership and assume responsibility for cross-sectoral active-living health projects.

Translating three states of knowledge--discovery, invention, and innovation

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Knowledge Translation (KT) has historically focused on the proper use of knowledge in healthcare delivery. A knowledge base has been created through empirical research and resides in scholarly literature. Some knowledge is amenable to direct application by stakeholders who are engaged during or after the research process, as shown by the Knowledge to Action (KTA) model. Other knowledge requires multiple transformations before achieving utility for end users. For example, conceptual knowledge generated through science or engineering may become embodied as a technology-based invention through development methods. The invention may then be integrated within an innovative device or service through production methods. To what extent is KT relevant to these transformations? How might the KTA model accommodate these additional development and production activities while preserving the KT concepts? Discussion Stakeholders adopt and use knowledge that has perceived utility, such as a solution to a problem. Achieving a technology-based solution involves three methods that generate knowledge in three states, analogous to the three classic states of matter. Research activity generates discoveries that are intangible and highly malleable like a gas; development activity transforms discoveries into inventions that are moderately tangible yet still malleable like a liquid; and production activity transforms inventions into innovations that are tangible and immutable like a solid. The paper demonstrates how the KTA model can accommodate all three types of activity and address all three states of knowledge. Linking the three activities in one model also illustrates the importance of engaging the relevant stakeholders prior to initiating any knowledge-related activities. Summary Science and engineering focused on technology-based devices or services change the state of knowledge through three successive activities. Achieving knowledge implementation requires methods that accommodate these three activities and knowledge states. Accomplishing beneficial societal impacts from technology-based knowledge involves the successful progression through all three activities, and the effective communication of each successive knowledge state to the relevant stakeholders. The KTA model appears suitable for structuring and linking these processes. PMID:20205873

History of Polymer Education in the United States through the Efforts of the Committee on Polymer Education and the Intersociety Polymer Education Council

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carraher, Charles E., Jr.; Berda, Erik; Blum, Frank D.; Droske, John P.; Ford, Warren T.; Howell, Bob A.; Long, John M.; Morgan, Sarah E.

2017-01-01

The Committee on Polymer Education (PolyEd) had its initial planning meeting in 1974. The Intersociety Polymer Education Council (IPEC) has been active since 1990 as an outgrowth of PolyEd. Because of the activities of PolyEd and IPEC, basic polymer concepts have become a required part of undergraduate education and a more common topic in the…

Electronic states of carbon alloy catalysts and nitrogen substituent effects on catalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hata, Tomoyuki; Ushiyama, Hiroshi; Yamashita, Koichi

2013-03-01

In recent years, Carbon Alloy Catalysts (CACs) are attracting attention as a candidate for non-platinum-based cathode catalysts in fuel cells. Oxygen reduction reactions at the cathode are divided into two elementary processes, electron transfer and oxygen adsorption. The electron transfer reaction is the rate-determining, and by comparison of energy levels, catalytic activity can be evaluated quantitatively. On the other hand, to begin with, adsorption mechanism is obscure. The purpose of this study is to understand the effect of nitrogen substitution and oxygen adsorption mechanism, by first-principle electronic structure calculations for nitrogen substituted models. To reproduce the elementary processes of oxygen adsorption, we assumed that the initial structures are formed based on the Pauling model, a CACs model and nitrogen substituted CACs models in which various points are replaced with nitrogen. When we try to focus only on the DOS peaks of oxygen, in some substituted model that has high adsorption activity, a characteristic partial occupancy state was found. We conclude that this state will affect the adsorption activity, and discuss on why partially occupied states appear with simplification by using an orbital correlation diagram.

Seizure Dynamics of Coupled Oscillators with Epileptor Field Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Honghui; Xiao, Pengcheng

The focus of this paper is to investigate the dynamics of seizure activities by using the Epileptor coupled model. Based on the coexistence of seizure-like event (SLE), refractory status epilepticus (RSE), depolarization block (DB), and normal state, we first study the dynamical behaviors of two coupled oscillators in different activity states with Epileptor model by linking them with slow permittivity coupling. Our research has found that when one oscillator in normal states is coupled with any oscillator in SLE, RSE or DB states, these two oscillators can both evolve into SLE states under appropriate coupling strength. And then these two SLE oscillators can perform epileptiform synchronization or epileptiform anti-synchronization. Meanwhile, SLE can be depressed when considering the fast electrical or chemical coupling in Epileptor model. Additionally, a two-dimensional reduced model is also given to show the effect of coupling number on seizures. Those results can help to understand the dynamical mechanism of the initiation, maintenance, propagation and termination of seizures in focal epilepsy.

From A-4 to Explorer 1. [U.S. rocket and missile technology historical review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Debus, K. H.

1973-01-01

Historical review of the development of rocket and missile technology in the United States over the period from 1945 to 1958. Attention is given to the organization of activities, the launch facilities, and the scope of test rocket firings at the White Sands Proving Ground area during the initial phase of research with captured German V2 rockets. The development of the Redstone missiles is outlined by discussing aspects of military involvement, cooperation with industrial suppliers, details of ground support equipment, and results of initial test firings. Subsequent development of the Jupiter missiles is examined in a similar manner, and attention is given to activities involved in the launching of the Explorer 1 satellite.

Information flow in a network of dispersed signalers-receivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halupka, Konrad

2017-11-01

I consider a stochastic model of multi-agent communication in regular network. The model describes how dispersed animals exchange information. Each agent can initiate and transfer the signal to its nearest neighbors, who may pass it farther. For an external observer of busy networks, signaling activity may appear random, even though information flow actually thrives. Only when signal initiation and transfer are at low levels do spatiotemporal autocorrelations emerge as clumping signaling activity in space and pink noise time series. Under such conditions, the costs of signaling are moderate, but the signaler can reach a large audience. I propose that real-world networks of dispersed signalers-receivers may self-organize into this state and the flow of information maintains their integrity.

Neocortical inhibitory activities and long-range afferents contribute to the synchronous onset of silent states of the neocortical slow oscillation.

PubMed

Lemieux, Maxime; Chauvette, Sylvain; Timofeev, Igor

2015-02-01

During slow-wave sleep, neurons of the thalamocortical network are engaged in a slow oscillation (<1 Hz), which consists of an alternation between the active and the silent states. Several studies have provided insights on the transition from the silent, which are essentially periods of disfacilitation, to the active states. However, the conditions leading to the synchronous onset of the silent state remain elusive. We hypothesized that a synchronous input to local inhibitory neurons could contribute to the transition to the silent state in the cat suprasylvian gyrus during natural sleep and under ketamine-xylazine anesthesia. After partial and complete deafferentation of the cortex, we found that the silent state onset was more variable among remote sites. We found that the transition to the silent state was preceded by a reduction in excitatory postsynaptic potentials and firing probability in cortical neurons. We tested the impact of chloride-mediated inhibition in the silent-state onset. We uncovered a long-duration (100-300 ms) inhibitory barrage occurring about 250 ms before the silent state onset in 3-6% of neurons during anesthesia and in 12-15% of cases during natural sleep. These inhibitory activities caused a decrease in cortical firing that reduced the excitatory drive in the neocortical network. That chain reaction of disfacilitation ends up on the silent state. Electrical stimuli could trigger a network silent state with a maximal efficacy in deep cortical layers. We conclude that long-range afferents to the neocortex and chloride-mediated inhibition play a role in the initiation of the silent state. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Extrasynaptic Glutamate Receptor Activation as Cellular Bases for Dynamic Range Compression in Pyramidal Neurons

PubMed Central

Oikonomou, Katerina D.; Short, Shaina M.; Rich, Matthew T.; Antic, Srdjan D.

2012-01-01

Repetitive synaptic stimulation overcomes the ability of astrocytic processes to clear glutamate from the extracellular space, allowing some dendritic segments to become submerged in a pool of glutamate, for a brief period of time. This dynamic arrangement activates extrasynaptic NMDA receptors located on dendritic shafts. We used voltage-sensitive and calcium-sensitive dyes to probe dendritic function in this glutamate-rich location. An excess of glutamate in the extrasynaptic space was achieved either by repetitive synaptic stimulation or by glutamate iontophoresis onto the dendrites of pyramidal neurons. Two successive activations of synaptic inputs produced a typical NMDA spike, whereas five successive synaptic inputs produced characteristic plateau potentials, reminiscent of cortical UP states. While NMDA spikes were coupled with brief calcium transients highly restricted to the glutamate input site, the dendritic plateau potentials were accompanied by calcium influx along the entire dendritic branch. Once initiated, the glutamate-mediated dendritic plateau potentials could not be interrupted by negative voltage pulses. Activation of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors in cellular compartments void of spines is sufficient to initiate and support plateau potentials. The only requirement for sustained depolarizing events is a surplus of free glutamate near a group of extrasynaptic receptors. Highly non-linear dendritic spikes (plateau potentials) are summed in a highly sublinear fashion at the soma, revealing the cellular bases of signal compression in cortical circuits. Extrasynaptic NMDA receptors provide pyramidal neurons with a function analogous to a dynamic range compression in audio engineering. They limit or reduce the volume of “loud sounds” (i.e., strong glutamatergic inputs) and amplify “quiet sounds” (i.e., glutamatergic inputs that barely cross the dendritic threshold for local spike initiation). Our data also explain why consecutive cortical UP states have uniform amplitudes in a given neuron. PMID:22934081

Long-term effect of initiating pramipexole vs levodopa in early Parkinson disease.

PubMed

2009-05-01

To compare the long-term outcomes of subjects initially treated with pramipexole dihydrochloride with those of subjects initially treated with levodopa in the Comparison of the Agonist Pramipexole With Levodopa on Motor Complications of Parkinson's Disease (CALM-PD) trial. Up to 2 years of open extended follow-up of the CALM-PD subjects. Academic movement disorders clinics at 22 sites in the United States and Canada. Patients Patients with early Parkinson disease (N = 301) who required dopaminergic therapy to treat emerging disability were enrolled between October 1996 and August 1997, a subset of whom consented to extended follow-up until August 2003 (n = 222). Intervention Subjects were randomized to receive initial treatment with either pramipexole (n = 151) or levodopa (n = 150). Investigators were permitted to add open-label levodopa or other antiparkinsonian medications to treat ongoing or emerging disability. The primary outcome variable was the time-weighted average of self-reported disability scores in the "on" and "off" states as measured by the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale at the final visit. Secondary outcomes included the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score, the presence and severity of dopaminergic motor complications, quality-of-life scale scores, Geriatric Depression Scale score, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, and adverse events. After a mean (SD) follow-up of 6.0 (0.2) years, mean (SD) self-reported weighted Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale scores were similar in the initial pramipexole (79.9 [16.2]) and initial levodopa (82.5 [14.6]) groups (P = .19). Dopaminergic motor complications (wearing off, on-off effects, or dyskinesias) were more common in the initial levodopa group (68.4%) than in the initial pramipexole group (50.0%) (P = .002), although disabling dyskinesias were uncommon in both groups. The mean (SD) Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was significantly higher in the initial pramipexole group (11.3 [5.8]) than in the initial levodopa group (8.6 [4.7]) (P < .001). Mean (SD) changes from baseline in the total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score did not significantly differ between the initial pramipexole (2.4 [17.4]) and initial levodopa (0.5 [17.1]) groups (P = .11). The policies of initial pramipexole and initial levodopa use followed by open-label levodopa use resulted in similar self-reported disability 6 years after randomization. Persistent differences favoring initial pramipexole were seen in the rates of dopaminergic motor complications, with less severe somnolence favoring initial levodopa. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00804479.

Superfund record of decision amendment (EPA Region 5): Mid State Disposal Site, Marathon County, WI, August 4, 1995

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

NONE

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPS) is changing the remedy selected in the Original Record of Decision (ROD) dated September 30, 1988 (PB89-189559). The remedial design was completed in 1993, with construction completed in the Spring of 1994. Of the nine remedial components noted above, all except Component 4, the AWS, have been implemented or initiated as part of the Operation and Maintenance. During the course of the Pre-design activities, an initial hydrogeologic evaluation of the area around the site was completed to address the potential of establishing high-capacity water supply wells. The results of the study indicatedmore » that an AWS consisting of two upgradient wells was not a feasible alternative.« less

Halophilic Nuclease from a Moderately Halophilic Micrococcus varians

PubMed Central

Kamekura, Masahiro; Onishi, Hiroshi

1974-01-01

The moderately halophilic bacterium Micrococcus varians, isolated from soy sauce mash, produced extracellular nuclease when cultivated aerobically in media containing 1 to 4 M NaCl or KCl. The enzyme, purified to an electrophoretically homogeneous state, had both ribonuclease and deoxyribonuclease activities. The nuclease had maximal activity in the presence of 2.9 M NaCl or 2.1 M KCl at 40 C. The enzymatic activity was lost by dialysis against low-salt buffer, whereas when the inactivated enzyme was dialyzed against 3.4 M NaCl buffer as much as 77% of the initial activity could be restored. Images PMID:4852218

Hda Monomerization by ADP Binding Promotes Replicase Clamp-mediated DnaA-ATP Hydrolysis*S⃞

PubMed Central

Su'etsugu, Masayuki; Nakamura, Kenta; Keyamura, Kenji; Kudo, Yuka; Katayama, Tsutomu

2008-01-01

ATP-DnaA is the initiator of chromosomal replication in Escherichia coli, and the activity of DnaA is regulated by the regulatory inactivation of the DnaA (RIDA) system. In this system, the Hda protein promotes DnaA-ATP hydrolysis to produce inactive ADP-DnaA in a mechanism that is mediated by the DNA-loaded form of the replicase sliding clamp. In this study, we first revealed that hda translation uses an unusual initiation codon, CUG, located downstream of the annotated initiation codon. The CUG initiation codon could be used for restricting the Hda level, as this initiation codon has a low translation efficiency, and the cellular Hda level is only ∼100 molecules per cell. Hda translated using the correct reading frame was purified and found to have a high RIDA activity in vitro. Moreover, we found that Hda has a high affinity for ADP but not for other nucleotides, including ATP. ADP-Hda was active in the RIDA system in vitro and stable in a monomeric state, whereas apo-Hda formed inactive homomultimers. Both ADP-Hda and apo-Hda could form complexes with the DNA-loaded clamp; however, only ADP-Hda-DNA-clamp complexes were highly functional in the following interaction with DnaA. Formation of ADP-Hda was also observed in vivo, and mutant analysis suggested that ADP binding is crucial for cellular Hda activity. Thus, we propose that ADP is a crucial Hda ligand that promotes the activated conformation of the protein. ADP-dependent monomerization might enable the arginine finger of the Hda AAA+ domain to be accessible to ATP bound to the DnaA AAA+ domain. PMID:18977760

Hda monomerization by ADP binding promotes replicase clamp-mediated DnaA-ATP hydrolysis.

PubMed

Su'etsugu, Masayuki; Nakamura, Kenta; Keyamura, Kenji; Kudo, Yuka; Katayama, Tsutomu

2008-12-26

ATP-DnaA is the initiator of chromosomal replication in Escherichia coli, and the activity of DnaA is regulated by the regulatory inactivation of the DnaA (RIDA) system. In this system, the Hda protein promotes DnaA-ATP hydrolysis to produce inactive ADP-DnaA in a mechanism that is mediated by the DNA-loaded form of the replicase sliding clamp. In this study, we first revealed that hda translation uses an unusual initiation codon, CUG, located downstream of the annotated initiation codon. The CUG initiation codon could be used for restricting the Hda level, as this initiation codon has a low translation efficiency, and the cellular Hda level is only approximately 100 molecules per cell. Hda translated using the correct reading frame was purified and found to have a high RIDA activity in vitro. Moreover, we found that Hda has a high affinity for ADP but not for other nucleotides, including ATP. ADP-Hda was active in the RIDA system in vitro and stable in a monomeric state, whereas apo-Hda formed inactive homomultimers. Both ADP-Hda and apo-Hda could form complexes with the DNA-loaded clamp; however, only ADP-Hda-DNA-clamp complexes were highly functional in the following interaction with DnaA. Formation of ADP-Hda was also observed in vivo, and mutant analysis suggested that ADP binding is crucial for cellular Hda activity. Thus, we propose that ADP is a crucial Hda ligand that promotes the activated conformation of the protein. ADP-dependent monomerization might enable the arginine finger of the Hda AAA+ domain to be accessible to ATP bound to the DnaA AAA+ domain.

Design and results of the ice sheet model initialisation experiments initMIP-Greenland: an ISMIP6 intercomparison

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goelzer, Heiko; Nowicki, Sophie; Edwards, Tamsin; Beckley, Matthew; Abe-Ouchi, Ayako; Aschwanden, Andy; Calov, Reinhard; Gagliardini, Olivier; Gillet-Chaulet, Fabien; Golledge, Nicholas R.; Gregory, Jonathan; Greve, Ralf; Humbert, Angelika; Huybrechts, Philippe; Kennedy, Joseph H.; Larour, Eric; Lipscomb, William H.; Le clec'h, Sébastien; Lee, Victoria; Morlighem, Mathieu; Pattyn, Frank; Payne, Antony J.; Rodehacke, Christian; Rückamp, Martin; Saito, Fuyuki; Schlegel, Nicole; Seroussi, Helene; Shepherd, Andrew; Sun, Sainan; van de Wal, Roderik; Ziemen, Florian A.

2018-04-01

Earlier large-scale Greenland ice sheet sea-level projections (e.g. those run during the ice2sea and SeaRISE initiatives) have shown that ice sheet initial conditions have a large effect on the projections and give rise to important uncertainties. The goal of this initMIP-Greenland intercomparison exercise is to compare, evaluate, and improve the initialisation techniques used in the ice sheet modelling community and to estimate the associated uncertainties in modelled mass changes. initMIP-Greenland is the first in a series of ice sheet model intercomparison activities within ISMIP6 (the Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP6), which is the primary activity within the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) focusing on the ice sheets. Two experiments for the large-scale Greenland ice sheet have been designed to allow intercomparison between participating models of (1) the initial present-day state of the ice sheet and (2) the response in two idealised forward experiments. The forward experiments serve to evaluate the initialisation in terms of model drift (forward run without additional forcing) and in response to a large perturbation (prescribed surface mass balance anomaly); they should not be interpreted as sea-level projections. We present and discuss results that highlight the diversity of data sets, boundary conditions, and initialisation techniques used in the community to generate initial states of the Greenland ice sheet. We find good agreement across the ensemble for the dynamic response to surface mass balance changes in areas where the simulated ice sheets overlap but differences arising from the initial size of the ice sheet. The model drift in the control experiment is reduced for models that participated in earlier intercomparison exercises.

Design and results of the ice sheet model initialisation experiments initMIP-Greenland: an ISMIP6 intercomparison

DOE PAGES

Goelzer, Heiko; Nowicki, Sophie; Edwards, Tamsin; ...

2018-04-19

Earlier large-scale Greenland ice sheet sea-level projections (e.g. those run during the ice2sea and SeaRISE initiatives) have shown that ice sheet initial conditions have a large effect on the projections and give rise to important uncertainties. Here, the goal of this initMIP-Greenland intercomparison exercise is to compare, evaluate, and improve the initialisation techniques used in the ice sheet modelling community and to estimate the associated uncertainties in modelled mass changes. initMIP-Greenland is the first in a series of ice sheet model intercomparison activities within ISMIP6 (the Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP6), which is the primary activity within themore » Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) focusing on the ice sheets. Two experiments for the large-scale Greenland ice sheet have been designed to allow intercomparison between participating models of (1) the initial present-day state of the ice sheet and (2) the response in two idealised forward experiments. The forward experiments serve to evaluate the initialisation in terms of model drift (forward run without additional forcing) and in response to a large perturbation (prescribed surface mass balance anomaly); they should not be interpreted as sea-level projections. We present and discuss results that highlight the diversity of data sets, boundary conditions, and initialisation techniques used in the community to generate initial states of the Greenland ice sheet. We find good agreement across the ensemble for the dynamic response to surface mass balance changes in areas where the simulated ice sheets overlap but differences arising from the initial size of the ice sheet. The model drift in the control experiment is reduced for models that participated in earlier intercomparison exercises.« less

Design and results of the ice sheet model initialisation experiments initMIP-Greenland: an ISMIP6 intercomparison

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

Goelzer, Heiko; Nowicki, Sophie; Edwards, Tamsin

Earlier large-scale Greenland ice sheet sea-level projections (e.g. those run during the ice2sea and SeaRISE initiatives) have shown that ice sheet initial conditions have a large effect on the projections and give rise to important uncertainties. Here, the goal of this initMIP-Greenland intercomparison exercise is to compare, evaluate, and improve the initialisation techniques used in the ice sheet modelling community and to estimate the associated uncertainties in modelled mass changes. initMIP-Greenland is the first in a series of ice sheet model intercomparison activities within ISMIP6 (the Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP6), which is the primary activity within themore » Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) focusing on the ice sheets. Two experiments for the large-scale Greenland ice sheet have been designed to allow intercomparison between participating models of (1) the initial present-day state of the ice sheet and (2) the response in two idealised forward experiments. The forward experiments serve to evaluate the initialisation in terms of model drift (forward run without additional forcing) and in response to a large perturbation (prescribed surface mass balance anomaly); they should not be interpreted as sea-level projections. We present and discuss results that highlight the diversity of data sets, boundary conditions, and initialisation techniques used in the community to generate initial states of the Greenland ice sheet. We find good agreement across the ensemble for the dynamic response to surface mass balance changes in areas where the simulated ice sheets overlap but differences arising from the initial size of the ice sheet. The model drift in the control experiment is reduced for models that participated in earlier intercomparison exercises.« less

A Comparison of Nonlinear Filters for Orbit Determination and Estimation

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-06-01

Com- mand uses a nonlinear least squares filter for element set maintenance for all objects orbiting the Earth (3). These objects, including active...initial state vector is the singularly averaged classical orbital element set provided by SPACECOM/DOA. The state vector in this research consists of...GSF (G) - - 26.0 36.7 GSF(A) 32.1 77.4 38.8 59.6 The Air Force Space Command is responsible for main- taining current orbital element sets for about

An assessment of prospects for international cooperation on the Space Exploration Initiative

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cline, Lynn F. H.; Rosendhal, Jeffrey D.

1991-01-01

This paper discusses the unique characteristics of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) which will have to be taken into account if the Initiative is to become an international one; the technical capabilities offered by prospective international partners; the political and economic prospects for proceeding with the Initiative both in the United States and elsewhere; and the advantages and disadvantages of various possible approaches to international cooperation on SEI. SEI preparatory activities are likely to extend over a several-year period. Such an extended preparatory period should provide the time needed for coordinating studies, for identifing interests and potential contributions, and for resolving the numerous planning, budgeting, organizational and political issues which will have to be dealt with if such a complex undertaking is to be successfully internationalized.

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

Begoli, Edmon; Boehmann, Brant; DeNap, Frank A

In 2003 a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Justice created state and metropolitan intelligence fusion centers. These fusion centers were an effort to share law enforcement, disaster, and terrorism related information and intelligence between state and local jurisdictions and to share terrorism related intelligence between state and local law enforcement agencies and various federal entities. In 2006, DHS commissioned the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to establish and manage a groundbreaking program to assist local, state, and tribal leaders in developing the tools and methods required to anticipate and forestall terroristmore » events and to enhance disaster response. This program, called the Southeast Region Research Initiative (SERRI), combines science and technology with validated operational approaches to address regionally unique requirements and suggest regional solutions with the potential for national application. In 2009, SERRI sponsored the Multistate Sharing Initiative (MSSI) to assist state and metropolitan intelligence fusion centers with sharing information related to a wider variety of state interests than just terrorism. While these fusion centers have been effective at sharing data across organizations within their respective jurisdictions, their organizational structure makes bilateral communication with federal entities convenient and also allows information to be further disbursed to other local entities when appropriate. The MSSI-developed Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) sharing system allows state-to-state sharing of non-terrorism-related law enforcement and disaster information. Currently, the MSSI SAR system is deployed in Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina. About 1 year after implementation, cognizant fusion center personnel from each state were contacted to ascertain the status of their MSSI SAR systems. The overwhelming response from these individuals was that the MSSI SAR system was an outstanding success and contributed greatly to the security and resiliency of their states. At least one state commented that SERRI's implementation of the MSSI SAR actually 'jump started' and accelerated deployment and acceptance of the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative (NSI). While all states were enthusiastic about their systems, South Carolina and Tennessee appeared to be the heaviest users of their respective systems. With NSI taking the load of sharing SARs with other states, Tennessee has redeployed the MSSI SAR system within Tennessee to allow SAR sharing between state and local organizations including Tennessee's three Homeland Security Regions, eleven Homeland Security Districts, and more than 500 police and sheriff offices, as well as with other states. In one success story from South Carolina, the Economy SAR System was used to compile similar SARs from throughout the state which were then forwarded to field liaison officers, emergency management personnel, and law enforcement officers for action.« less

Four GABAergic interneurons impose feeding restraint in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Pool, Allan-Hermann; Kvello, Pal; Mann, Kevin; Cheung, Samantha K.; Gordon, Michael D.; Wang, Liming; Scott, Kristin

2014-01-01

Summary Feeding is dynamically regulated by the palatability of the food source and the physiological needs of the animal. How consumption is controlled by external sensory cues and internal metabolic state remains under intense investigation. Here, we identify four GABAergic interneurons in the Drosophila brain that establish a central feeding threshold which is required to inhibit consumption. Inactivation of these cells results in indiscriminate and excessive intake of all compounds, independent of taste quality or nutritional state. Conversely, acute activation of these neurons suppresses consumption of water and nutrients. The output from these neurons is required to gate activity in motor neurons that control meal initiation and consumption. Thus, our study reveals a new layer of inhibitory control in feeding circuits that is required to suppress a latent state of unrestricted and non-selective consumption. PMID:24991960

Production of Pectate Lyase by Penicillium viridicatum RFC3 in Solid-State and Submerged Fermentation.

PubMed

Ferreira, Viviani; da Silva, Roberto; Silva, Dênis; Gomes, Eleni

2010-01-01

Pectate lyase (PL) was produced by the filamentous fungus Penicillium viridicatum RFC3 in solid-state cultures of a mixture of orange bagasse and wheat bran (1 : 1 w/w), or orange bagasse, wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse (1 : 1 : 0.5 w/w), and in a submerged liquid culture with orange bagasse and wheat bran (3%) as the carbon source. PL production was highest (1,500 U mL(-1) or 300 Ug(-1) of substrate) in solid-state fermentation (SSF) on wheat bran and orange bagasse at 96 hours. PL production in submerged fermentation (SmF) was influenced by the initial pH of the medium. With the initial pH adjusted to 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5, the peak activity was observed after 72, 48, and 24 hours of fermentation, respectively, when the pH of the medium reached the value 5.0. PL from SSF and SmF were loaded on Sephadex-G75 columns and six activity peaks were obtained from crude enzyme from SSF and designated PL I, II, III, IV, V, and VI, while five peaks were obtained from crude enzyme from SmF and labeled PL I', II', III', IV', and VII'. Crude enzyme and fraction III from each fermentative process were tested further. The optimum pH for crude PL from either process was 5.5, while that for PL III was 8.0. The maximum activity of enzymes from SSF was observed at 35 degrees C, but crude enzyme was more thermotolerant than PL III, maintaining its maximum activity up to 45 degrees C. Crude enzyme from SmF and PL III' showed thermophilic profiles of activity, with maximum activity at 60 and 55 degrees C, respectively. In the absence of substrate, the crude enzyme from SSF was stable over the pH range 3.0-10.0 and PL III was most stable in the pH range 4.0-7.0. Crude enzyme from SmF retained 70%-80% of its maximum activity in the acid-neutral pH range (4.0-7.0), but PIII showed high stability at alkaline pH (7.5-9.5). PL from SSF was more thermolabile than that from SmF. The latter maintained 60% of its initial activity after 1 h at 55 degrees C. The differing behavior of the enzymes with respect to pH and temperature suggests that they are different isozymes.

ASSESSMENT OF DIOXIN INHALATION EXPOSURES AND POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACTS FOLLOWING THE COLLAPSE OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER TOWERS

EPA Science Inventory

In the days following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on New York City's World Trade Center (WTC) towers, EPA, other federal agencies, and New York City and New York State public health and environmental authorities initiated numerous air monitoring activities to better ...

29 CFR 1952.290 - Description of the plan as initially approved.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... all activities of employees and places of private and public employment except those involving Federal... Federal safety and health programs. It requires employers of one or more employees (including those... Act of 1970, and is consistent with the Constitution and laws of the State of Nevada. (2) A merit...

Urban growth management and ecological sustainability: confronting the "smart growth" fallacy

Treesearch

Gabor Zovanyi

2005-01-01

Growth management and Smart Growth initiatives in the United States represent an ongoing process of growth accommodation. Because growth by definition constitutes unsustainable behavior in that it is incapable of being continued or maintained indefinitely, ongoing growth accommodation must be recognized as activity incongruous with advancing the goal of ecological...

3 CFR 13534 - Executive Order 13534 of March 11, 2010. National Export Initiative

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... sustainable economic growth is the top priority for my Administration. A critical component of stimulating economic growth in the United States is ensuring that U.S. businesses can actively participate in... established an Export Promotion Cabinet to develop and coordinate the implementation of the NEI. The Export...

Aerobic Capacities of Early College High School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loflin, Jerry W.

2014-01-01

The Early College High School Initiative (ECHSI) was introduced in 2002. Since 2002, limited data, especially student physical activity data, have been published pertaining to the ECHSI. The purpose of this study was to examine the aerobic capacities of early college students and compare them to state and national averages. Early college students…

United States National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. Annual Report, 1988-1989.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, Washington, DC.

Activities of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Services (NCLIS) during fiscal year 1988-1989 are reported under three broad headings--Literacy, Democracy, and Productivity. The report under Literacy features two major projects: working with the American Association of School Librarians to initiate and convene a Symposium on…

Vocational Training and European Standardisation of Qualifications: The Case of Aircraft Maintenance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haas, Joachim; Ourtau, Maurice

2009-01-01

Initiatives to standardise the conditions for practising certain regulated activities are being taken at European level, particularly in light of the free movement of people and the recognition of qualifications in Member states. This paper looks at the introduction of european licences for aircraft maintenance engineers. It follows an in-depth…

Automotive Stirling Engine Development Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nightingale, N.; Ernst, W.; Richey, A.; Simetkosky, M.; Antonelli, M. (Editor)

1982-01-01

Activities performed on Mod I engine testing and test results; the manufacture, assembly, and test of a Mod I engine in the United States; design initiation of the Mod I-A engine system; transient performance testing; Stirling reference engine manufacturing and reduced size studies; components and subsystems; and the study and test of low cost alloys are summarized.

A Rough Guide to Afghan Youth Politics. Special Report 344

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hewad, Gran; Johnson, Casey Garret

2014-01-01

This report builds on several initiatives by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) to explore how a growing youth population and an increasing number of young political leaders are reshaping Afghan politics. Drawing on 160 interviews with politically active youth, university students, and young journalists in seven of Afghanistan's…

Initial implementation of The National Map

USGS Publications Warehouse

Roth, K.

2003-01-01

The development of The National Map is "national" in the broadest sense of the word. Although the U.S. Geological Survey is taking the lead, local governments, states, and regions are active and essential partners in the process, contributing, for example, data updates, problem-solving data integration, and map development from multiple data layers.

KEEP Five-Year Summary Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallimore, Ronald; Tharp, Roland G.

This brief summary outlines the activities and findings of the research and development efforts of the Kamehameha Early Education Program (KEEP) from 1971 to 1976. The paper suggests that the original goals of the program were met and that the initial operating procedures agreed upon by KEEP and the Hawaii State Department of Education were…

Physical Education and Sport at School in Europe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kerpanova, Viera; Borodankova, Olga

2013-01-01

"Physical Education and Sport at School in Europe" maps the state of play of physical education and sport activities at school in 30 European countries. The report covers primary and lower secondary education and provides an insight into the following topics: national strategies and large-scale initiatives where they exist, the status of…

75 FR 29553 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-26

... through 2013. Additionally, data will be collected from viewers of the State videos using an online survey... will be collected from those who voluntarily decide to complete a short survey after seeing the video... descriptive picture of the initiative and indicate how the videos have been received, as well as some factors...

75 FR 61147 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-04

... of the State videos using an online survey. The information will be collected from the primary... to complete a short survey after seeing the video. SAMHSA/CSAP intends to support annual videos on... collected information will also provide a descriptive picture of the initiative, indicate how the videos...

Exposure and Human Health Evaluation of Airborne Pollution from the World Trade Center Disaster (External Review Draft)

EPA Science Inventory

Following the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001, New York State and Federal agencies initiated numerous air monitoring activities to better understand the ongoing impact of emissions from the disaster. This report focuses on these air measurement da...

Community Building at Honors Programs in Continental Europe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brinkel, Nico; van Rees, Floris; Ruis, Margit; Sloots, Florian

2015-01-01

Many universities in the United States and Europe offer honors programs to meet the demands of gifted and intelligent students. One of the standard goals of these programs is to build an intellectual learning community. Establishing a community can be difficult because it requires that students show an active attitude and initiative. Many…

High and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid differentially influence macrophage activation

PubMed Central

Rayahin, Jamie E.; Buhrman, Jason S.; Zhang, Yu; Koh, Timothy J.; Gemeinhart, Richard A.

2015-01-01

Macrophages exhibit phenotypic diversity permitting wide-ranging roles in maintaining physiologic homeostasis. Hyaluronic acid, a major glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix, has been shown to have differential signaling based on its molecular weight. With this in mind, the main objective of this study was to elucidate the role of hyaluronic acid molecular weight on macrophage activation and reprogramming. Changes in macrophage activation were assessed by activation state selective marker measurement, specifically quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, and cytokine enzyme-linked immunoassays, after macrophage treatment with differing molecular weights of hyaluronic acid under four conditions: the resting state, concurrent with classical activation, and following inflammation involving either classically or alternatively activated macrophages. Regardless of initial polarization state, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid induced a classically activated-like state, confirmed by up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes, including nos2, tnf, il12b, and cd80, and enhanced secretion of nitric oxide and TNF-α. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid promoted an alternatively activated-like state, confirmed by up regulation of pro-resolving gene transcription, including arg1, il10, and mrc1, and enhanced arginase activity. Overall, our observations suggest that macrophages undergo phenotypic changes dependent on molecular weight of hyaluronan that correspond to either (1) pro-inflammatory response for low molecular weight HA or (2) pro-resolving response for high molecular weight HA. These observations bring significant further understanding of the influence of extracellular matrix polymers, hyaluronic acid in particular, on regulating the inflammatory response of macrophages. This knowledge can be used to guide the design of HA-containing biomaterials to better utilize the natural response to HAs. PMID:26280020

Effects of activation and blockade of dopamine receptors on the extinction of a passive avoidance reaction in mice with a depressive-like state.

PubMed

Dubrovina, N I; Zinov'eva, D V

2010-01-01

Learning and extinction of a conditioned passive avoidance reaction resulting from neuropharmacological actions on dopamine D(1) and D(2) receptors were demonstrated to be specific in intact mice and in mice with a depressive-like state. Learning was degraded only after administration of the D(2) receptor antagonist sulpiride and was independent of the initial functional state of the mice. In intact mice, activation of D(2) receptors with quinpirole led to a deficit of extinction, consisting of a reduction in the ability to acquire new inhibitory learning in conditions associated with the disappearance of the expected punishment. In mice with the "behavioral despair" reaction, characterized by delayed extinction, activation of D(1) receptors with SKF38393 normalized this process, while the D(2) agonist was ineffective. A positive effect consisting of accelerated extinction of the memory of fear of the dark ("dangerous") sector of the experimental chamber was also seen on blockade of both types of dopamine receptor.

Temporal redistribution of inhibition over neuronal subcellular domains underlies state-dependent rhythmic change of excitability in the hippocampus

PubMed Central

Somogyi, Peter; Katona, Linda; Klausberger, Thomas; Lasztóczi, Bálint; Viney, Tim J.

2014-01-01

The behaviour-contingent rhythmic synchronization of neuronal activity is reported by local field potential oscillations in the theta, gamma and sharp wave-related ripple (SWR) frequency ranges. In the hippocampus, pyramidal cell assemblies representing temporal sequences are coordinated by GABAergic interneurons selectively innervating specific postsynaptic domains, and discharging phase locked to network oscillations. We compare the cellular network dynamics in the CA1 and CA3 areas recorded with or without anaesthesia. All parts of pyramidal cells, except the axon initial segment, receive GABA from multiple interneuron types, each with distinct firing dynamics. The axon initial segment is exclusively innervated by axo-axonic cells, preferentially firing after the peak of the pyramidal layer theta cycle, when pyramidal cells are least active. Axo-axonic cells are inhibited during SWRs, when many pyramidal cells fire synchronously. This dual inverse correlation demonstrates the key inhibitory role of axo-axonic cells. Parvalbumin-expressing basket cells fire phase locked to field gamma activity in both CA1 and CA3, and also strongly increase firing during SWRs, together with dendrite-innervating bistratified cells, phasing pyramidal cell discharge. Subcellular domain-specific GABAergic innervation probably developed for the coordination of multiple glutamatergic inputs on different parts of pyramidal cells through the temporally distinct activity of GABAergic interneurons, which differentially change their firing during different network states. PMID:24366131

A long-term intensive behavioral treatment study in patients with persistent vegetative state or minimally conscious state.

PubMed

Lotze, Martin; Schertel, Karin; Birbaumer, Niels; Kotchoubey, Boris

2011-02-01

Persistent vegetative state is regarded as "permanent", if it persists for more than 1 year for traumatic aetiology, or for more than 3 months for other aetiologies. This is also the case for patients in a minimally conscious state. In order to investigate possible improvements after this period we treated and observed 7 such patients over a period of 6 months. An ABA-BAB study design was used, with sensory stimulation and social-tactile intervention as treatment regimes. Changes were documented by clinical evaluation and blind behavioural assessment through video monitoring. Clinical scores improved significantly after treatment. Video assessment also indicated significant changes in the patients' behaviour. During the initial period of therapy, social tactile interaction improved patients' activity, while sensory stimulation impaired activity. During the main part of therapy, both types of treatment yielded similar positive results. This study indicates the possibility of achieving behavioural improvements with regard to the responsiveness of patients with long-lasting persistent vegetative state and minimally conscious state by use of long-term treatment.

Exponential Sensitivity and its Cost in Quantum Physics

PubMed Central

Gilyén, András; Kiss, Tamás; Jex, Igor

2016-01-01

State selective protocols, like entanglement purification, lead to an essentially non-linear quantum evolution, unusual in naturally occurring quantum processes. Sensitivity to initial states in quantum systems, stemming from such non-linear dynamics, is a promising perspective for applications. Here we demonstrate that chaotic behaviour is a rather generic feature in state selective protocols: exponential sensitivity can exist for all initial states in an experimentally realisable optical scheme. Moreover, any complex rational polynomial map, including the example of the Mandelbrot set, can be directly realised. In state selective protocols, one needs an ensemble of initial states, the size of which decreases with each iteration. We prove that exponential sensitivity to initial states in any quantum system has to be related to downsizing the initial ensemble also exponentially. Our results show that magnifying initial differences of quantum states (a Schrödinger microscope) is possible; however, there is a strict bound on the number of copies needed. PMID:26861076

Exponential Sensitivity and its Cost in Quantum Physics.

PubMed

Gilyén, András; Kiss, Tamás; Jex, Igor

2016-02-10

State selective protocols, like entanglement purification, lead to an essentially non-linear quantum evolution, unusual in naturally occurring quantum processes. Sensitivity to initial states in quantum systems, stemming from such non-linear dynamics, is a promising perspective for applications. Here we demonstrate that chaotic behaviour is a rather generic feature in state selective protocols: exponential sensitivity can exist for all initial states in an experimentally realisable optical scheme. Moreover, any complex rational polynomial map, including the example of the Mandelbrot set, can be directly realised. In state selective protocols, one needs an ensemble of initial states, the size of which decreases with each iteration. We prove that exponential sensitivity to initial states in any quantum system has to be related to downsizing the initial ensemble also exponentially. Our results show that magnifying initial differences of quantum states (a Schrödinger microscope) is possible; however, there is a strict bound on the number of copies needed.

An Enhancer Composed of Interlocking Sub-modules Controls Transcriptional Autoregulation of Suppressor of Hairless

PubMed Central

Liu, Feng; Posakony, James W.

2014-01-01

SUMMARY Positive autoregulation is an effective mechanism for the long-term maintenance of a transcription factor’s expression. This strategy is widely deployed in cell lineages, where the autoregulatory factor controls the activity of a battery of genes that constitute the differentiation program of a post-mitotic cell type. In Drosophila, the Notch pathway transcription factor Suppressor of Hairless activates its own expression specifically in the socket cell of external sensory organs, via an autoregulatory enhancer called the ASE. Here we show that the ASE is composed of several enhancer sub-modules, each of which can independently initiate weak Su(H) autoregulation. Cross-activation by these sub-modules is critical to ensuring that Su(H) rises above a threshold level necessary to activate a maintenance sub-module, which then sustains long-term Su(H) autoregulation. Our study reveals the use of interlinked positive feedback loops to control autoregulation dynamically, and provides mechanistic insight into initiation, establishment, and maintenance of the autoregulatory state. PMID:24735880

Novel Photodynamics in Phytochrome & Cyanobacteriochrome Photosensory Proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larsen, Delmar

2015-03-01

The photodynamics of recently characterized phytochrome and cyanobacteriochrome photoreceptors are discussed. Phytochromes are red/far-red photosensory proteins that utilize the photoisomerization of a linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophore to detect the red to far-red light ratio. Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) are distantly related cyanobacterial photosensors with homologous bilin-binding GAF domains, but exhibit greater spectral diversity. The excited-state mechanisms underlying the initial photoisomerization in the forward reactions of the cyanobacterial photoreceptor Cph1 from Synechocystis, the RcaE CBCR from Fremyella diplosiphon, and Npr6012g4 CBCR from Nostoc punctiforme were contrasted via multipulse pump-dump-probe transient spectroscopy. A rich excited-state dynamics are resolved involving a complex interplay of excited-state proton transfer, photoisomerization, multilayered inhomogeneity, and reactive intermediates, and Le Chatelier redistribution. NpR6012g4 exhibits a high quantum yield for its forward photoreaction (40%) that was ascribed to the activity of hidden, productive ground-state intermediates via a ``second chance initiation dynamics'' (SCID) mechanism. This work was supported by a grant from the Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Science, United States Department of Energy (DOE DE-FG02-09ER16117).

75 FR 79419 - Training and Employment Guidance (TEGL) Letter No. 13-10: Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 State Initial...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-20

...) Letter No. 13-10: Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 State Initial Allocations and the Process for Requesting...-10 entitled, FY 2011 State Initial Allocations and the Process for Requesting Additional TAA Program... INFORMATION: Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 State Initial Allocations and the Process for Requesting Additional Trade...

Consumer Satisfaction in Long-Term Care: State Initiatives in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lowe, Timothy J.; Lucas, Judith A.; Castle, Nicholas G.; Robinson, Joanne P.; Crystal, Stephen

2003-01-01

Purpose: We report the results of a survey of state initiatives that measure resident satisfaction in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and we describe several model programs for legislators and public administrators contemplating the initiation of their own state programs. Design and Methods: Data on state initiatives and programs…

Azole energetic materials: Initial mechanisms for the energy release from electronical excited nitropyrazoles

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

Yuan, Bing; Yu, Zijun; Bernstein, Elliot R., E-mail: erb@lamar.Colostate.edu

2014-01-21

Decomposition of energetic material 3,4-dinitropyrazole (DNP) and two model molecules 4-nitropyrazole and 1-nitropyrazole is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The initial decomposition mechanisms for these three nitropyrazoles are explored with complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) level. The NO molecule is observed as an initial decomposition product from all three materials subsequent to UV excitation. Observed NO products are rotationally cold (<50 K) for all three systems. The vibrational temperature of the NO product from DNP is (3850 ± 50) K, 1350 K hotter than that of the two model species. Potential energy surface calculations at the CASSCF(12,8)/6-31+G(d) level illustratemore » that conical intersections plays an essential role in the decomposition mechanism. Electronically excited S{sub 2} nitropyraozles can nonradiatively relax to lower electronic states through (S{sub 2}/S{sub 1}){sub CI} and (S{sub 1}/S{sub 0}){sub CI} conical intersection and undergo a nitro-nitrite isomerization to generate NO product either in the S{sub 1} state or S{sub 0} state. In model systems, NO is generated in the S{sub 1} state, while in the energetic material DNP, NO is produced on the ground state surface, as the S{sub 1} decomposition pathway is energetically unavailable. The theoretically predicted mechanism is consistent with the experimental results, as DNP decomposes in a lower electronic state than do the model systems and thus the vibrational energy in the NO product from DNP should be hotter than from the model systems. The observed rotational energy distributions for NO are consistent with the final structures of the respective transition states for each molecule.« less

Initial decomposition mechanism for the energy release from electronically excited energetic materials: FOX-7 (1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene, C{sub 2}H{sub 4}N{sub 4}O{sub 4})

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

Yuan, Bing; Yu, Zijun; Bernstein, Elliot R., E-mail: erb@lamar.Colostate.edu

Decomposition of the energetic material FOX-7 (1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene, C{sub 2}H{sub 4}N{sub 4}O{sub 4}) is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The NO molecule is observed as an initial decomposition product subsequent to electronic excitation. The observed NO product is rotationally cold (<35 K) and vibrationally hot (2800 K). The initial decomposition mechanism is explored at the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) level. Potential energy surface calculations at the CASSCF(12,8)/6-31G(d) level illustrate that conical intersections play an essential role in the decomposition mechanism. Electronically excited S{sub 2} FOX-7 can radiationlessly relax to lower electronic states through (S{sub 2}/S{sub 1}){sub CI} and (S{submore » 1}/S{sub 0}){sub CI} conical intersections and undergo a nitro-nitrite isomerization to generate NO product on the S{sub 0} state. The theoretically predicted mechanism is consistent with the experimental results. As FOX-7 decomposes on the ground electronic state, thus, the vibrational energy of the NO product from FOX-7 is high. The observed rotational energy distribution for NO is consistent with the final transition state structure on the S{sub 0} state. Ground state FOX-7 decomposition agrees with previous work: the nitro-nitrite isomerization has the lowest average energy barrier, the C–NH{sub 2} bond cleavage is unlikely under the given excitation conditions, and HONO formation on the ground state surface is energy accessible but not the main process.« less

Collaborative Aviation Weather Statement - An Impact-based Decision Support Tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blondin, Debra

2016-04-01

Historically, convection causes the highest number of air traffic constraints on the United States National Air Space (NAS). Increased NAS predictability allows traffic flow managers to more effectively initiate, amend or terminate planned or active traffic management initiatives, resulting in more efficient use of available airspace. A Collaborative Aviation Weather Statement (CAWS) is an impact-based decision support tool used for the timely delivery of high-confidence, high-relevance aviation convective weather forecasts to air traffic managers. The CAWS is a graphical and textual forecast produced by a collaborative team of meteorologists from the Aviation Weather Center (AWC), Center Weather Service Units, and airlines to bring attention to high impact areas of thunderstorms. The CAWS addresses thunderstorm initiation or movement into the airports having the highest volume of traffic or into traffic sensitive jet routes. These statements are assessed by planners at the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Air Route Traffic Control Centers and are used for planning traffic management initiatives to balance air traffic flow across the United States. The FAA and the airline industry use the CAWS to plan, manage, and execute operations in the NAS, thereby improving the system efficiency and safety and also saving dollars for industry and the traveling public.

PlanWorks: A Debugging Environment for Constraint Based Planning Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daley, Patrick; Frank, Jeremy; Iatauro, Michael; McGann, Conor; Taylor, Will

2005-01-01

Numerous planning and scheduling systems employ underlying constraint reasoning systems. Debugging such systems involves the search for errors in model rules, constraint reasoning algorithms, search heuristics, and the problem instance (initial state and goals). In order to effectively find such problems, users must see why each state or action is in a plan by tracking causal chains back to part of the initial problem instance. They must be able to visualize complex relationships among many different entities and distinguish between those entities easily. For example, a variable can be in the scope of several constraints, as well as part of a state or activity in a plan; the activity can arise as a consequence of another activity and a model rule. Finally, they must be able to track each logical inference made during planning. We have developed PlanWorks, a comprehensive system for debugging constraint-based planning and scheduling systems. PlanWorks assumes a strong transaction model of the entire planning process, including adding and removing parts of the constraint network, variable assignment, and constraint propagation. A planner logs all transactions to a relational database that is tailored to support queries for of specialized views to display different forms of data (e.g. constraints, activities, resources, and causal links). PlanWorks was specifically developed for the Extensible Universal Remote Operations Planning Architecture (EUROPA(sub 2)) developed at NASA, but the underlying principles behind PlanWorks make it useful for many constraint-based planning systems. The paper is organized as follows. We first describe some fundamentals of EUROPA(sub 2). We then describe PlanWorks' principal components. We then discuss each component in detail, and then describe inter-component navigation features. We close with a discussion of how PlanWorks is used to find model flaws.

Charting epilepsy by searching for intelligence in network space with the help of evolving autonomous agents.

PubMed

Ohayon, Elan L; Kalitzin, Stiliyan; Suffczynski, Piotr; Jin, Frank Y; Tsang, Paul W; Borrett, Donald S; Burnham, W McIntyre; Kwan, Hon C

2004-01-01

The problem of demarcating neural network space is formidable. A simple fully connected recurrent network of five units (binary activations, synaptic weight resolution of 10) has 3.2 *10(26) possible initial states. The problem increases drastically with scaling. Here we consider three complementary approaches to help direct the exploration to distinguish epileptic from healthy networks. [1] First, we perform a gross mapping of the space of five-unit continuous recurrent networks using randomized weights and initial activations. The majority of weight patterns (>70%) were found to result in neural assemblies exhibiting periodic limit-cycle oscillatory behavior. [2] Next we examine the activation space of non-periodic networks demonstrating that the emergence of paroxysmal activity does not require changes in connectivity. [3] The next challenge is to focus the search of network space to identify networks with more complex dynamics. Here we rely on a major available indicator critical to clinical assessment but largely ignored by epilepsy modelers, namely: behavioral states. To this end, we connected the above network layout to an external robot in which interactive states were evolved. The first random generation showed a distribution in line with approach [1]. That is, the predominate phenotypes were fixed-point or oscillatory with seizure-like motor output. As evolution progressed the profile changed markedly. Within 20 generations the entire population was able to navigate a simple environment with all individuals exhibiting multiply-stable behaviors with no cases of default locked limit-cycle oscillatory motor behavior. The resultant population may thus afford us a view of the architectural principles demarcating healthy biological networks from the pathological. The approach has an advantage over other epilepsy modeling techniques in providing a way to clarify whether observed dynamics or suggested therapies are pointing to computational viability or dead space.

State Fall Prevention Coalitions as Systems Change Agents: An Emphasis on Policy.

PubMed

Schneider, Ellen C; Smith, Matthew Lee; Ory, Marcia G; Altpeter, Mary; Beattie, Bonita Lynn; Scheirer, Mary Ann; Shubert, Tiffany E

2016-03-01

Falls among older adults are an escalating public health issue, which requires a multidisciplinary and multilevel approach to affect systems change to effectively address this problem. The National Council on Aging established the Falls Free® Initiative, enfolding and facilitating statewide Fall Prevention Coalitions. Fall Free® activities included developing the State Policy Toolkit for Advancing Falls Prevention to promote sustainable change by supporting the dissemination and adoption of evidence-based strategies. To (1) determine if the policies being implemented were recommended and supported by the Toolkit, (2) identify the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing policies, and (3) identify Coalitions' current and future fall prevention policy activities. A 63-item online survey was distributed to State Coalition Leads. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and counts) were used to describe Coalition characteristics and activities. Coalitions had several similarities, and varied greatly in their number of member organizations and members as well as meeting frequencies. Key activities included building partnerships, disseminating programs, and pursuing at least one of the eight National Council on Aging-recommended policy goals. The most commonly reported facilitator was active support from the Coalition Leads, whereas the lack of funding was the most cited barrier. This study serves as the first national census of empirical evidence regarding Falls Coalitions' composition, goals, and activities. Results indicate that Coalitions are actively pursuing evidence-based policies but could benefit from additional technical assistance and resources. Findings support the value of Toolkit recommendations by documenting what is feasible and being implemented. Knowledge about facilitators and barriers will inform future efforts to foster sustainable systems change in states with active Coalitions and encourage Coalitions in other states. © 2015 Society for Public Health Education.

Stretch-induced, steady-state force enhancement in single skeletal muscle fibers exceeds the isometric force at optimum fiber length.

PubMed

Rassier, Dilson E; Herzog, Walter; Wakeling, Jennifer; Syme, Douglas A

2003-09-01

Stretch-induced force enhancement has been observed in a variety of muscle preparations and on structural levels ranging from single fibers to in vivo human muscles. It is a well-accepted property of skeletal muscle. However, the mechanism causing force enhancement has not been elucidated, although the sarcomere-length non-uniformity theory has received wide support. The purpose of this paper was to re-investigate stretch-induced force enhancement in frog single fibers by testing specific hypotheses arising from the sarcomere-length non-uniformity theory. Single fibers dissected from frog tibialis anterior (TA) and lumbricals (n=12 and 22, respectively) were mounted in an experimental chamber with physiological Ringer's solution (pH=7.5) between a force transducer and a servomotor length controller. The tetantic force-length relationship was determined. Isometric reference forces were determined at optimum length (corresponding to the maximal, active, isometric force), and at the initial and final lengths of the stretch experiments. Stretch experiments were performed on the descending limb of the force-length relationship after maximal tetanic force was reached. Stretches of 2.5-10% (TA) and 5-15% lumbricals of fiber length were performed at 0.1-1.5 fiber lengths/s. The stretch-induced, steady-state, active isometric force was always equal or greater than the purely isometric force at the muscle length from which the stretch was initiated. Moreover, for stretches of 5% fiber length or greater, and initiated near the optimum length of the fiber, the stretch-enhanced active force always exceeded the maximal active isometric force at optimum length. Finally, we observed a stretch-induced enhancement of passive force. We conclude from these results that the sarcomere length non-uniformity theory alone cannot explain the observed force enhancement, and that part of the force enhancement is associated with a passive force that is substantially greater after active compared to passive muscle stretch.

Lightweight fibrous nickel electrodes for nickel-hydrogen batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Britton, Doris L.

1989-01-01

The NASA Lewis Research Center is currently developing nickel electrodes for nickel-hydrogen batteries. These electrodes are lighter in weight and have higher energy densities than the heavier state-of-the-art sintered nickel electrodes. Lightweight fibrous materials or plaques are used as conductive supports for the nickel hydroxide active material. These materials are commercial products that are fabricated into nickel electrodes by electrochemically impregnating them with active material. Evaluation is performed in half cells structured in the bipolar configuration. Initial performance tests include capacity measurements at five discharge levels, C/2, 1.0C, 1.37C, 2.0C, and 2.74C. The electrodes that pass the initial tests are life cycle-tested in a low Earth orbit regime at 80 percent depth of discharge.

Viral replication. Structural basis for RNA replication by the hepatitis C virus polymerase.

PubMed

Appleby, Todd C; Perry, Jason K; Murakami, Eisuke; Barauskas, Ona; Feng, Joy; Cho, Aesop; Fox, David; Wetmore, Diana R; McGrath, Mary E; Ray, Adrian S; Sofia, Michael J; Swaminathan, S; Edwards, Thomas E

2015-02-13

Nucleotide analog inhibitors have shown clinical success in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, despite an incomplete mechanistic understanding of NS5B, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Here we study the details of HCV RNA replication by determining crystal structures of stalled polymerase ternary complexes with enzymes, RNA templates, RNA primers, incoming nucleotides, and catalytic metal ions during both primed initiation and elongation of RNA synthesis. Our analysis revealed that highly conserved active-site residues in NS5B position the primer for in-line attack on the incoming nucleotide. A β loop and a C-terminal membrane-anchoring linker occlude the active-site cavity in the apo state, retract in the primed initiation assembly to enforce replication of the HCV genome from the 3' terminus, and vacate the active-site cavity during elongation. We investigated the incorporation of nucleotide analog inhibitors, including the clinically active metabolite formed by sofosbuvir, to elucidate key molecular interactions in the active site. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Wind Powering America's Regional Stakeholder Meetings and Priority State Reports: FY11 Summary

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

Not Available

2013-06-01

Beginning in 2010, DOE conducted an assessment of Wind Powering America (WPA) activities to determine whether the methods the department had used to help grow the wind industry to provide 2% of the nation's electrical energy should be the same methods used to achieve 20% of the nation's energy from wind (as described in the report 20% Wind Energy by 2030: Increasing Wind Energy's Contribution to U.S. Electricity Supply). After the assessment, it was determined that the initiative's state-based activities should be phased out as part of a shift to regional-based approaches. To assist with this transition, WPA hosted amore » series of 1-day regional meetings at six strategic locations around the country and a single teleconference for island states, U.S. territories, and remote communities. This report summarizes the results of the inaugural regional meetings and the state reports with a focus on ongoing wind deployment barriers in each region.« less

Wind Powering America's Regional Stakeholder Meetings and Priority State Reports: FY11 Summary

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

Baring-Gould, Ian

2013-06-01

Beginning in 2010, DOE conducted an assessment of Wind Powering America (WPA) activities to determine whether the methods the department had used to help grow the wind industry to provide 2% of the nation's electrical energy should be the same methods used to achieve 20% of the nation's energy from wind (as described in the report 20% Wind Energy by 2030: Increasing Wind Energy's Contribution toU.S. Electricity Supply). After the assessment, it was determined that the initiative's state-based activities should be phased out as part of a shift to regional-based approaches. To assist with this transition, WPA hosted a seriesmore » of 1-day regional meetings at six strategic locations around the country and a single teleconference for island states, U.S. territories, and remote communities.This report summarizes the results of the inaugural regional meetings and the state reports with a focus on ongoing wind deployment barriers in each region.« less

Energy landscape-driven non-equilibrium evolution of inherent structure in disordered material

DOE PAGES

Fan, Yue; Iwashita, Takuya; Egami, Takeshi

2017-05-19

Complex states in glasses can be neatly expressed by the potential energy landscape (PEL). But, because PEL is highly multi-dimensional it is difficult to describe how the system moves around in PEL. We demonstrate that it is possible to predict the evolution of macroscopic state in a metallic glass, such as ageing and rejuvenation, through a set of simple equations describing excitations in the PEL. The key to this simplification is the realization that the step of activation from the initial state to the saddle point in PEL and the following step of relaxation to the final state are essentiallymore » decoupled. Furthermore, the model shows that the interplay between activation and relaxation in PEL is the key driving force that simultaneously explains both the equilibrium of supercooled liquid and the thermal hysteresis observed in experiments. It further predicts anomalous peaks in truncated thermal scanning, validated by independent molecular dynamics simulation.« less

A customizable model for chronic disease coordination: Lessons learned from the coordinated chronic disease program

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

Voetsch, Karen; Sequeira, Sonia; Chavez, Amy Holmes

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided funding and technical assistance to all states and territories to implement the Coordinated Chronic Disease Program, marking the first time that all state health departments had federal resources to coordinate chronic disease prevention and control programs. This article describes lessons learned from this initiative and identifies key elements of a coordinated approach. We analyzed 80 programmatic documents from 21 states and conducted semistructured interviews with 7 chronic disease directors. Six overarching themes emerged: 1) focused agenda, 2) identification of functions, 3) comprehensive planning, 4) collaborative leadership and expertise, 5) managedmore » resources, and 6) relationship building. Furthermore, these elements supported 4 essential activities: 1) evidence-based interventions, 2) strategic use of staff, 3) consistent communication, and 4) strong program infrastructure. On the basis of these elements and activities, we propose a conceptual model that frames overarching concepts, skills, and strategies needed to coordinate state chronic disease prevention and control programs.« less

A customizable model for chronic disease coordination: Lessons learned from the coordinated chronic disease program

DOE PAGES

Voetsch, Karen; Sequeira, Sonia; Chavez, Amy Holmes

2016-03-31

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided funding and technical assistance to all states and territories to implement the Coordinated Chronic Disease Program, marking the first time that all state health departments had federal resources to coordinate chronic disease prevention and control programs. This article describes lessons learned from this initiative and identifies key elements of a coordinated approach. We analyzed 80 programmatic documents from 21 states and conducted semistructured interviews with 7 chronic disease directors. Six overarching themes emerged: 1) focused agenda, 2) identification of functions, 3) comprehensive planning, 4) collaborative leadership and expertise, 5) managedmore » resources, and 6) relationship building. Furthermore, these elements supported 4 essential activities: 1) evidence-based interventions, 2) strategic use of staff, 3) consistent communication, and 4) strong program infrastructure. On the basis of these elements and activities, we propose a conceptual model that frames overarching concepts, skills, and strategies needed to coordinate state chronic disease prevention and control programs.« less

HIV-1 Encephalopathy among Perinatally Infected Children: Neuropathogenesis and Response to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mitchell, Charles D.

2006-01-01

HIV-1 encephalopathy among perinatally infected children in the United States was initially defined by a classic triad of findings that included: (1) developmental delay, (2) secondary or acquired microcephaly, and (3) pyramidal tract neuromotor deficits. The most severe form of this disorder typically occurred among young children who developed…

Orientations toward Mathematical Processes of Prospective Secondary Mathematics Teachers as Related to Work with Tasks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cannon, Tenille

2016-01-01

Mathematics can be conceptualized in different ways. Policy documents such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) (2000) and the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI) (2010), classify mathematics in terms of mathematical content (e.g., quadratic functions, Pythagorean theorem) and mathematical activity in the form of…

The Fear of Play

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Almon, Joan

2009-01-01

Real play--play that is initiated and directed by children and that bubbles up from within the child rather than being imposed by adults--has largely disappeared from the landscape of childhood in the United States. There are many reasons for this, such as the long hours spent in front of screens each day or in activities organized by adults. In…

Advising Host Nations and Host Nation Security Forces: The United States Military Advisory Efforts through 2020

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-22

Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) with training support for the United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) in FY14.183...Initiative (GPOI) when GPOI activated in 2004.The United Nations established the African Union/UN Hybrid operation in Darfur on July 31, 2007 with the

"They're Not Keeping a Journal of Feelings": Literacy Initiatives and Career and Technical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kohnen, Angela M.

2015-01-01

Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers offer an opportunity for students to engage in authentic reading and writing activities. In many states, "embedding" English and math credits (i.e., allowing students to earn traditional core subject credits in the context of their CTE programs) has become a popular trend. This article reports…

Applying the Social Ecological Model to Creating Asthma-Friendly Schools in Louisiana

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nuss, Henry J.; Hester, Laura L.; Perry, Mark A.; Stewart-Briley, Collette; Reagon, Valamar M.; Collins, Pamela

2016-01-01

Background: In 2010, the Louisiana Asthma Management and Prevention Program (LAMP) implemented the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative in high-risk Louisiana populations. The social ecological model (SEM) was used as a framework for an asthma program implemented in 70 state K-12 public schools over 2 years. Methods: Activities included a needs…

An annotated bibliography of scientific literature on research and management activities conducted in Manitou Experimental Forest

Treesearch

Ilana Abrahamson

2012-01-01

The Manitou Experimental Forest (MEF) is part of the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station. Established in 1936, its early research focused on range and watershed management. Currently, the site is home to several meteorological, ecological and biological research initiatives. Our collaborators include the University of Colorado, Colorado State University...

Report of the Experimental Summer Professional Semester. June 3 - August 14, 1968.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beasley, Wayne; Henry, Marvin

A program was initiated at Indiana State University (ISU), Terre Haute, to enable students to complete their student teaching during the summer. Twenty-four students participated in the program which provided four hours of activity daily, two to four hours of which were spent in teaching. Principles of using video tape for studying lesson…

The Production, Communication, and Contestation of Physical Education Policy: The Cases of Mississippi and Tennessee

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dyson, Ben; Wright, Paul M.; Amis, John; Ferry, Hugh; Vardaman, James M.

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to explore the production, communication, interpretation and contestation of new physical education (PE) and physical activity (PA) policy initiatives introduced in Mississippi and Tennessee for the academic year 2006-2007. These states provide a relevant context to study such issues, since Mississippi has the highest…

An initial assessment of SMAP soil moisture disaggregation scheme using TIR surface evaporation data over the continental United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission is dedicated toward global soil moisture mapping. Typically, an L-band microwave radiometer has a spatial resolution on the order of 36-40 km, which is too coarse for many specific hydro-meteorological and agricultural applications. With the failure of...

Designing Sustainable Funding for College Promise Initiatives. Policy Information Report and ETS Research Report Series No. RR-17-39

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Millett, Catherine, Ed.

2017-01-01

College promise programs are spreading throughout this United States. These programs fund tuition and/or fees for eligible students who are actively progressing toward earning postsecondary certificates and undergraduate degrees. While existing college promise programs have varying designs, each one appears to be seeking continuous and long-term…

A Service-Learning Project on Volcanoes to Promote Critical Thinking and the Earth Science Literacy Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nunn, Jeffrey A.; Braud, Janie

2013-01-01

Students in Honors Physical Geology at Louisiana State University (LSU) participated in instruction in eighth- to ninth-grade geology and geography classes in East Baton Rouge Parish Schools (EBRPS) to help meet community needs. LSU students created instructional materials and reflected on the service activity to gain a deeper understanding of…

Toward an integrated classification of ecosystems: Defining opportunities for managing fish and forest health

Treesearch

Bruce E. Rieman; Danny C. Lee; Russell F. Thurow; Paul F. Hessburg; James R. Sedell

2000-01-01

Many of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest United States have been simplified and degraded in part through past land-management activities. Recent listings of fishes under the Endangered Species Act and major new initiatives for the restoration of forest health have precipitated contentious debate among managers and conservation interests...

Site-directed mutagenesis of serine 158 demonstrates its role in spinach leaf sucrose-phosphate synthase modulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toroser, D.; McMichael, R. Jr; Krause, K. P.; Kurreck, J.; Sonnewald, U.; Stitt, M.; Huber, S. C.; Davies, E. (Principal Investigator)

1999-01-01

Site-directed mutagenesis of spinach sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) was performed to investigate the role of Ser158 in the modulation of spinach leaf SPS. Tobacco plants expressing the spinach wild-type (WT), S158A, S158T and S157F/S158E SPS transgenes were produced. Expression of transgenes appeared not to reduce expression of the tobacco host SPS. SPS activity in the WT and the S158T SPS transgenics showed light/dark modulation, whereas the S158A and S157F/S158E mutants were not similarly light/dark modulated: the S158A mutant enzyme was not inactivated in the dark, and the S157F/S158E was not activated in the light. The inability to modulate the activity of the S158A mutant enzyme by protein phosphorylation was demonstrated in vitro. The WT spinach enzyme immunopurified from dark transgenic tobacco leaves had a low initial activation state, and could be activated by PP2A and subsequently inactivated by SPS-kinase plus ATP. Rapid purification of the S158A mutant enzyme from dark leaves of transgenic plants using spinach-specific monoclonal antibodies yielded enzyme that had a high initial activation state, and pre-incubation with leaf PP2A or ATP plus SPS-kinase (the PKIII enzyme) caused little modulation of activity. The results demonstrate the regulatory significance of Ser158 as the major site responsible for dark inactivation of spinach SPS in vivo, and indicate that the significance of phosphorylation is the introduction of a negative charge at the Ser158 position.

Hawai‘i's Opportunity for Active Living Advancement (HO‘ĀLA): Addressing Childhood Obesity through Safe Routes to School

PubMed Central

Dierenfield, Laura; Alexander, Daniel A; Prose, Marcia; Peterson, Ann C

2011-01-01

Increasing active transportation to and from school may reduce childhood obesity rates in Hawai‘i. A community partnership was formed to address this issue in Hawai‘i's Opportunity for Active Living Advancement (HO‘ĀLA), a quasi-experimental study of active transportation in Hawai‘i County. The purpose of this study was to determine baseline rates for active transportation rates to and from school and to track changes related to macro-level (statewide) policy, locally-based Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs and bicycle and pedestrian planning initiatives expected to improve the safety, comfort and ease of walking and bicycling to and from school. Measures included parent surveys, student travel tallies, traffic counts and safety observations. Assessments of the walking and biking environment around each school were made using the Pedestrian Environment Data Scan. Complete Streets and SRTS policy implementation was tracked through the activities of a state transportation-led Task Force and an advocacy-led coalition, respectively. Planning initiatives were tracked through citizen-based advisory committees. Thirteen volunteer schools participated as the intervention (n=8) or comparison (n=5) schools. The majority of students were Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander in schools located in under-resourced communities. Overall, few children walked or biked to school. The majority of children were driven to and from school by their parents. With the influence of HO‘ĀLA staff members, two intervention schools were obligated SRTS project funding from the state, schools were identified as key areas in the pedestrian master plan, and one intervention school was slated for a bike plan priority project. As the SRTS programs are implemented in the next phase of the project, post-test data will be collected to ascertain if changes in active transportation rates occur. PMID:21886289

Converging Light, Energy and Hormonal Signaling Control Meristem Activity, Leaf Initiation, and Growth1[CC-BY

PubMed Central

Mohammed, Binish; Bilooei, Sara Farahi; Grove, Elliot; Railo, Saana; Palme, Klaus

2018-01-01

The development of leaf primordia is subject to light control of meristematic activity. Light regulates the expression of thousands of genes with roles in cell proliferation, organ development, and differentiation of photosynthetic cells. Previous work has highlighted roles for hormone homeostasis and the energy-dependent Target of Rapamycin (TOR) kinase in meristematic activity, yet a picture of how these two regulatory mechanisms depend on light perception and interact with each other has yet to emerge. Their relevance beyond leaf initiation also is unclear. Here, we report the discovery that the dark-arrested meristematic region of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) experiences a local energy deprivation state and confirm previous findings that the PIN1 auxin transporter is diffusely localized in the dark. Light triggers a rapid removal of the starvation state and the establishment of PIN1 polar membrane localization consistent with auxin export, both preceding the induction of cell cycle- and cytoplasmic growth-associated genes. We demonstrate that shoot meristematic activity can occur in the dark through the manipulation of auxin and cytokinin activity as well as through the activation of energy signaling, both targets of photomorphogenesis action, but the organ developmental outcomes differ: while TOR-dependent energy signals alone stimulate cell proliferation, the development of a normal leaf lamina requires photomorphogenesis-like hormonal responses. We further show that energy signaling adjusts the extent of cell cycle activity and growth of young leaves non-cellautonomously to available photosynthates and leads to organs constituted of a greater number of cells developing under higher irradiance. This makes energy signaling perhaps the most important biomass growth determinant under natural, unstressed conditions. PMID:29284741

Status of the 3D Elevation Program, 2015

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sugarbaker, Larry J.; Eldridge, Diane F.; Jason, Allyson L.; Lukas, Vicki; Saghy, David L.; Stoker, Jason M.; Thunen, Diana R.

2017-01-18

The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is a cooperative activity to collect light detection and ranging (lidar) data for the conterminous United States, Hawaii, and U.S. territories; and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (IfSAR) elevation data for Alaska during an 8-year period. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and partner organizations acquire high-quality three-dimensional elevation data for the United States and its territories that support requirements beyond what could be realized if agencies independently pursued lidar and IfSAR data collection activities. Data collection rates have been increasing as a growing number of State and Federal agencies participate in cooperative data acquisition projects. USGS and partner agencies expanded data collection, completed the initial product delivery systems and implemented changes to the program governance to include a restructuring of the 3DEP working group and formalizing the relationship to the Federal Geographic Data Committee during the final year (2015) of program preparation.

Dynamic effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with initial pulseless electrical activity (PEA).

PubMed

Nordseth, Trond; Olasveengen, Theresa Mariero; Kvaløy, Jan Terje; Wik, Lars; Steen, Petter Andreas; Skogvoll, Eirik

2012-08-01

In cardiac arrest, pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is a challenging clinical syndrome. In a randomized study comparing intravenous (i.v.) access and drugs versus no i.v. access or drugs during advanced life support (ALS), adrenaline (epinephrine) improved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients with PEA. Originating from this study, we investigated the time-dependent effects of adrenaline on clinical state transitions in patients with initial PEA, using a non-parametric multi-state statistical model. Patients with available defibrillator recordings were included, of whom 101 received adrenaline and 73 did not. There were significantly more state transitions in the adrenaline group than in the no-adrenaline group (rate ratio = 1.6, p<0.001). Adrenaline markedly increased the rate of transition from PEA to ROSC during ALS and slowed the rate of being declared dead; e.g. by 20 min 20% of patients in the adrenaline group had been declared dead and 25% had obtained ROSC, whereas 50% in the no-adrenaline group have been declared dead and 15% had obtained ROSC. The differential effect of adrenaline could be seen after approx. 10 min of ALS for most transitions. For both groups the probability of deteriorating from PEA to asystole was highest during the first 15 min. Adrenaline increased the rate of transition from PEA to ventricular fibrillation or -tachycardia (VF/VT), and from ROSC to VF/VT. Adrenaline has notable clinical effects during ALS in patients with initial PEA. The drug extends the time window for ROSC to develop, but also renders the patient more unstable. Further research should investigate the optimal dose, timing and mode of adrenaline administration during ALS. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reasearch Activities for the Establishment of The Center for Sustainable Energy

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

Dr. Michael Seliger

2005-08-08

In 2003, Bronx Community College received a grant of $481,000 through the United States Department of Energy for the purpose of conducting research- related activities leading to the creation of the Center for Sustainable Energy at Bronx Community College. The award, which was administered on behalf of Bronx Community College by the Research Foundation of the City University of New York, was initially for one year, from October 2003 through September 30, 2004. It received a no-cost extension to June 30, 2005. This report presents a summary of the activities and accomplishments attributable to the award.

The current state of personal assistance services: implications for policy and future research.

PubMed

Hagglund, Kristofer J; Clark, Mary J; Mokelke, Emily K; Stout, Brian J

2004-01-01

Personal assistant services (PAS) are designed to support persons with disabilities in their routine performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) and to provide individuals with disability the opportunity to go to school, volunteer, obtain active employment, and participate in social and recreational activities. PAS are primary and essential to the realization of societal inclusion and personal freedom among persons with severe, disabling conditions. This paper reviews the personal assistance literature for persons with spinal cord injury and other disabilities. Evidence-based recommendations are made for PAS policy initiatives and future directions in PAS research.

Crossing Boundaries

PubMed Central

Steinmetz, Erika; Bysshe, Tyler; Bruen, Brian K.

2017-01-01

Objectives: Previous state interagency collaborations have led to successful tobacco cessation initiatives. The objective of this study was to assess the roles and interaction of state Medicaid and public health agency efforts to support tobacco cessation for low-income Medicaid beneficiaries. Methods: We interviewed Medicaid and state public health agency officials in 8 states in September and October 2015 about collaborations in policy development and implementation for Medicaid tobacco cessation, including Medicaid coverage policies, quitlines, and monitoring. Results: Collaboration between Medicaid and public health agencies was limited. Smoking cessation quitlines were the most common area of collaboration cited. Public health officials were typically not involved in developing Medicaid coverage policies. States covered a range of US Food and Drug Administration–approved tobacco cessation medications, but 7 of the 8 states imposed limitations, such as charging copayments or requiring previous authorization. States generally lacked data to monitor implementation of tobacco cessation efforts and had little ability to determine the effectiveness of their policies. Conclusions: To strengthen efforts to reduce smoking and tobacco-related health burdens and to monitor the effectiveness of policies and programs, Medicaid and public health agencies should prioritize tobacco cessation and develop and analyze data about smoking and cessation efforts among Medicaid beneficiaries. Recent multistate initiatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services seek to promote stronger collaborations in clinical prevention activities, including tobacco cessation. PMID:28192676

An overview of the information management component of RICIS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bishop, Peter C.

1987-01-01

Information management is the RICIS (Research Institute for Computing and Information Systems) research area which covers four types of tasks initiated during the first year of research: (1) surveys - a description of the existing state of some area in computing and information systems; (2) forecasts - a description of the alternative future states of some area; (3) plans - an approach to accomplishing some objective in the future; and (4) demonstrations - working prototypes and field trials to study the feasibility and the benefits of a particular information system. The activity in these research areas is described.

Experimental and clinical study of EHF treatment of vascular-vestibular dysfunction

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

Mal`tsev, A.E.; Abakarov, A.T.; Istomin, V.S.

1994-07-01

The authors present the results of a study of the effectiveness of EHF radiation on the cerebral hemodynamics, bioelectrical activity of the cerebral cortex, and functional state of the vestibular analyzer in chronic studies of cats using a model of vascular-vestibular dysfunction. The clinical part of the work reflects the results of studies of the functional state of cerebral blood circulation and the vestibular analyzer during the EHF treatment of angiovertebrogenic vestibular dysfunction in a background of initial manifestations of cerebral blood supply deficiency (angiodistonic variant).

Assessing the Potential for Renewable Energy on Public Lands

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

Not Available

2003-02-01

This report represents an initial activity of the Bureau of Land Managements (BLM) proposed National Energy Policy Implementation Plan: identify and evaluate renewable energy resources on federal lands and any limitations on accessing them. Ultimately, BLM will prioritize land-use planning activities to increase industrys development of renewable energy resources. These resources include solar, biomass, geothermal, water, and wind energy. To accomplish this, BLM and the Department of Energys National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) established a partnership to conduct an assessment of renewable energy resources on BLM lands in the western United States. The objective of this collaboration was to identifymore » BLM planning units in the western states with the highest potential for private-sector development of renewable resources. The assessment resulted in the following findings: (1) 63 BLM planning units in nine western states have high potential for one or more renewable energy technologies; and (2) 20 BLM planning units in seven western states have high potential for power production from three or more renewable energy sources. This assessment report provides BLM with information needed to prioritize land-use planning activities on the basis of potential for the development of energy from renewable resources.« less

Distinct dynamic profiles of microglial activation are associated with progression of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Hamelin, Lorraine; Lagarde, Julien; Dorothée, Guillaume; Potier, Marie Claude; Corlier, Fabian; Kuhnast, Bertrand; Caillé, Fabien; Dubois, Bruno; Fillon, Ludovic; Chupin, Marie; Bottlaender, Michel; Sarazin, Marie

2018-06-01

Although brain neuroinflammation may play an instrumental role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, its actual impact on disease progression remains controversial, being reported as either detrimental or protective. This work aimed at investigating the temporal relationship between microglial activation and clinical progression of Alzheimer's disease. First, in a large cohort of patients with Alzheimer's disease we analysed the predictive value of microglial activation assessed by 18F-DPA-714 PET imaging on functional, cognitive and MRI biomarkers outcomes after a 2-year follow-up. Second, we analysed the longitudinal progression of 18F-DPA-714 binding in patients with Alzheimer's disease by comparison with controls, and assessed its influence on clinical progression. At baseline, all participants underwent a clinical assessment, brain MRI, 11C-PiB, 18F-DPA-714 PET imaging and TSPO genotyping. Participants were followed-up annually for 2 years. At the end of the study, subjects were asked to repeat a second 18F-DPA-714-PET imaging. Initial 18F-DPA-714 binding was higher in prodromal (n = 33) and in demented patients with Alzheimer's disease (n = 19) compared to controls (n = 17). After classifying patients into slow and fast decliners according to functional (Clinical Dementia Rating change) or cognitive (Mini-Mental State Examination score decline) outcomes, we found a higher initial 18F-DPA-714 binding in slow than fast decliners. Negative correlations were observed between initial 18F-DPA-714 binding and the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes score increase, the MMSE score loss and the progression of hippocampal atrophy. This suggests that higher initial 18F-DPA-714 binding is associated with better clinical prognosis. Twenty-four patients with Alzheimer's disease and 15 control subjects performed a second DPA-PET. We observed an increase of 18F-DPA-714 in patients with Alzheimer's disease as compared with controls (mean 13.2% per year versus 4.2%) both at the prodromal (15.8%) and at the demented stages (8.3%). The positive correlations between change in 18F-DPA-714 binding over time and the three clinical outcome measures (Clinical Dementia Rating, Mini-Mental State Examination, hippocampal atrophy) suggested a detrimental effect on clinical Alzheimer's disease progression of increased neuroinflammation after the initial PET examination, without correlation with PiB-PET uptake at baseline. High initial 18F-DPA-714 binding was correlated with a low subsequent increase of microglial activation and favourable clinical evolution, whereas the opposite profile was observed when initial 18F-DPA-714 binding was low, independently of disease severity at baseline. Taken together, our results support a pathophysiological model involving two distinct profiles of microglial activation signatures with different dynamics, which differentially impact on disease progression and may vary depending on patients rather than disease stages.

The Obesity Prevention Initiative: A Statewide Effort to Improve Child Health in Wisconsin.

PubMed

Adams, Alexandra K; Christens, Brian; Meinen, Amy; Korth, Amy; Remington, Patrick L; Lindberg, Sara; Schoeller, Dale

2016-11-01

Obesity rates have increased dramatically, especially among children and disadvantaged populations. Obesity is a complex issue, creating a compelling need for prevention efforts in communities to move from single isolated programs to comprehensive multisystem interventions. To address these issues, we have established a childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (Initiative) for Wisconsin. This Initiative seeks to test community change frameworks that can support multisystem interventions and provide data for local action as a means for influencing policies, systems, and environments that support individuals’ healthy eating and physical activity. The Initiative is comprised of three components: (1) infrastructure to support a statewide obesity prevention and health promotion network with state- and local-level public messaging and dissemination of evidence-based solutions (healthTIDE); (2) piloting a local, multisetting community-led intervention study in 2 Wisconsin counties; and (3) developing a geocoded statewide childhood obesity and fitness surveillance system. This Initiative is using a new model that involves both coalition action and community organizing to align resources to achieve health improvement at local and state levels. We expect that it will help lead to the implementation of cohesive and sustainable policy, system, and environment health promotion and obesity prevention strategies in communities statewide, and it has the potential to help Wisconsin become a national model for multisetting community interventions to address obesity. Addressing individual-level health through population-level changes ultimately will result in reductions in the prevalence of childhood obesity, current and future health care costs, and chronic disease mortality.

The Obesity Prevention Initiative: A Statewide Effort to Improve Child Health in Wisconsin.

PubMed

Adams, Alexandra K; Christens, Brian; Meinen, Amy; Korth, Amy; Remington, Patrick L; Lindberg, Sara; Schoeller, Dale

2016-11-01

Obesity rates have increased dramatically, especially among children and disadvantaged populations. Obesity is a complex issue, creating a compelling need for prevention efforts in communities to move from single isolated programs to comprehensive multisystem interventions. To address these issues, we have established a childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (Initiative) for Wisconsin. This Initiative seeks to test community change frameworks that can support multisystem interventions and provide data for local action as a means for influencing policies, systems, and environments that support individuals' healthy eating and physical activity. The Initiative is comprised of three components: (1) infrastructure to support a statewide obesity prevention and health promotion network with state- and local-level public messaging and dissemination of evidence-based solutions (healthTIDE); (2) piloting a local, multisetting community-led intervention study in 2 Wisconsin counties; and (3) developing a geocoded statewide childhood obesity and fitness surveillance system. This Initiative is using a new model that involves both coalition action and community organizing to align resources to achieve health improvement at local and state levels. We expect that it will help lead to the implementation of cohesive and sustainable policy, system, and environment health promotion and obesity prevention strategies in communities statewide, and it has the potential to help Wisconsin become a national model for multisetting community interventions to address obesity. Addressing individual-level health through population-level changes ultimately will result in reductions in the prevalence of childhood obesity, current and future health care costs, and chronic disease mortality.

Earlier defibrotide initiation post-diagnosis of veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome improves Day +100 survival following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PubMed

Richardson, Paul G; Smith, Angela R; Triplett, Brandon M; Kernan, Nancy A; Grupp, Stephan A; Antin, Joseph H; Lehmann, Leslie; Miloslavsky, Maja; Hume, Robin; Hannah, Alison L; Nejadnik, Bijan; Soiffer, Robert J

2017-07-01

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) is a progressive, potentially fatal complication of conditioning for haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The VOD/SOS pathophysiological cascade involves endothelial-cell activation and damage, and a prothrombotic-hypofibrinolytic state. Severe VOD/SOS (typically characterized by multi-organ dysfunction) may be associated with >80% mortality. Defibrotide is approved for treating severe hepatic VOD/SOS post-HSCT in the European Union, and for hepatic VOD/SOS with renal or pulmonary dysfunction post-HSCT in the United States. Previously, defibrotide (25 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses for a recommended ≥21 days) was available through an expanded-access treatment protocol for patients with VOD/SOS. Data from this study were examined post-hoc to determine if the timing of defibrotide initiation post-VOD/SOS diagnosis affected Day +100 survival post-HSCT. Among 573 patients, defibrotide was started on the day of VOD/SOS diagnosis in approximately 30%, and within 7 days in >90%. The relationship between Day +100 survival and treatment initiation before/after specific days post-diagnosis showed superior survival when treatment was initiated closer to VOD/SOS diagnosis with a statistically significant trend over time for better outcomes with earlier treatment initiation (P < 0·001). These results suggest that initiation of defibrotide should not be delayed after diagnosis of VOD/SOS. © 2017 The Authors. British Journal of Haematology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

New insights into apoptosome structure and function.

PubMed

Dorstyn, Loretta; Akey, Christopher W; Kumar, Sharad

2018-05-15

The apoptosome is a platform that activates apical procaspases in response to intrinsic cell death signals. Biochemical and structural studies in the past two decades have extended our understanding of apoptosome composition and structure, while illuminating the requirements for initiator procaspase activation. A number of studies have now provided high-resolution structures for apoptosomes from C. elegans (CED-4), D. melanogaster (Dark), and H. sapiens (Apaf-1), which define critical protein interfaces, including intra and interdomain interactions. This work also reveals interactions of apoptosomes with their respective initiator caspases, CED-3, Dronc and procaspase-9. Structures of the human apoptosome have defined the requirements for cytochrome c binding, which triggers the conversion of inactive Apaf-1 molecules to an extended, assembly competent state. While recent data have provided a detailed understanding of apoptosome formation and procaspase activation, they also highlight important evolutionary differences with functional implications for caspase activation. CARD/CARD interactions in the CED-4, Dark and Apaf-1 apoptosomes. Type I, II and III interfaces that stabilize CARD-CARD interactions are indicated (left column). Note that the Type I interface appears to be unique to Apaf-1/pc-9 CARD interactions. Middle column shows cartoons of the active states of the CARD-CARD disks, illustrating the two CED-4 tetrameric ring layers (top) and the recruitment of 8 Dronc CARDs and between 3-4 pc-9 CARDs, to the Dark and Apaf-1 apoptosomes respectively (middle and lower panels). Ribbon diagrams of the CED-4, Dark and Apaf-1 apoptosomes are shown (right column).

Pursuing scale and quality in STI interventions with sex workers: initial results from Avahan India AIDS Initiative

PubMed Central

Steen, R; Mogasale, V; Wi, T; Singh, A K; Das, A; Daly, C; George, B; Neilsen, G; Loo, V; Dallabetta, G

2006-01-01

Background Migration, population mobility, and sex work continue to drive sexually transmitted epidemics in India. Yet interventions targeting high incidence networks are rarely implemented at sufficient scale to have impact. India AIDS Initiative (Avahan), funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is scaling up interventions with sex workers (SWs) and other high risk populations in India's six highest HIV prevalence states. Methods Avahan resources are channelled through state level partners (SLPs) to local level non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) who organise outreach, community mobilisation, and dedicated clinics for SWs. These clinics provide services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including Condom Promotion, syndromic case management, regular check‐ups, and treatment of asymptomatic infections. SWs take an active role in service delivery. STI capacity building support functions on three levels. A central capacity building team developed guidelines and standards, trains state level STI coordinators, monitors outcomes, and conducts operations research. Standards are documented in an Avahan‐wide manual. State level STI coordinators train NGO clinic staff and conduct supervision of clinics based on these standards and related quality monitoring tools. Clinic and outreach staff report on indicators that guide additional capacity building inputs. Results In 2 years, clinics with community outreach for SWs have been established in 274 settings covering 77 districts. Mapping and size estimation have identified 187 000 SWs. In a subset of four large states covered by six SLPs (183 000 estimated SWs, 65 districts), 128 326 (70%) of the SWs have been contacted through peer outreach and 74 265 (41%) have attended the clinic at least once. A total of 127 630 clinic visits have been reported, an increasing proportion for recommended routine check ups. Supervision and monitoring facilitate standardisation of services across sites. Conclusion Targeted HIV/STI interventions can be brought to scale and standardised given adequate capacity building support. Intervention coverage, service utilisation, and quality are key parameters that should be monitored and progressively improved with active involvement of SWs themselves. PMID:17012513

Excited state non-adiabatic dynamics of the smallest polyene, trans 1,3-butadiene. II. Ab initio multiple spawning simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glover, William J.; Mori, Toshifumi; Schuurman, Michael S.; Boguslavskiy, Andrey E.; Schalk, Oliver; Stolow, Albert; Martínez, Todd J.

2018-04-01

The excited state non-adiabatic dynamics of the smallest polyene, trans 1,3-butadiene (BD), has long been the subject of controversy due to its strong coupling, ultrafast time scales and the difficulties that theory faces in describing the relevant electronic states in a balanced fashion. Here we apply Ab Initio Multiple Spawning (AIMS) using state-averaged complete active space multistate second order perturbation theory [SA-3-CAS(4/4)-MSPT2] which describes both static and dynamic electron correlation effects, providing a balanced description of both the initially prepared bright 11Bu (ππ*) state and non-adiabatically coupled dark 21Ag state of BD. Importantly, AIMS allows for on-the-fly calculations of experimental observables. We validate our approach by directly simulating the time resolved photoelectron-photoion coincidence spectroscopy results presented in Paper I [A. E. Boguslavskiy et al., J. Chem. Phys. 148, 164302 (2018)], demonstrating excellent agreement with experiment. Our simulations reveal that the initial excitation to the 11Bu state rapidly evolves via wavepacket dynamics that follow both bright- and dark-state pathways as well as mixtures of these. In order to test the sensitivity of the AIMS results to the relative ordering of states, we considered two hypothetical scenarios biased toward either the bright 1Bu or the dark 21Ag state. In contrast with AIMS/SA-3-CAS(4/4)-MSPT2 simulations, neither of these scenarios yields favorable agreement with experiment. Thus, we conclude that the excited state non-adiabatic dynamics in BD involves both of these ultrafast pathways.

The operations of quantum logic gates with pure and mixed initial states.

PubMed

Chen, Jun-Liang; Li, Che-Ming; Hwang, Chi-Chuan; Ho, Yi-Hui

2011-04-07

The implementations of quantum logic gates realized by the rovibrational states of a C(12)O(16) molecule in the X((1)Σ(+)) electronic ground state are investigated. Optimal laser fields are obtained by using the modified multitarget optimal theory (MTOCT) which combines the maxima of the cost functional and the fidelity for state and quantum process. The projection operator technique together with modified MTOCT is used to get optimal laser fields. If initial states of the quantum gate are pure states, states at target time approach well to ideal target states. However, if the initial states are mixed states, the target states do not approach well to ideal ones. The process fidelity is introduced to investigate the reliability of the quantum gate operation driven by the optimal laser field. We found that the quantum gates operate reliably whether the initial states are pure or mixed.

Methodology for identification of pore forming antimicrobial peptides from soy protein subunits β-conglycinin and glycinin.

PubMed

Xiang, Ning; Lyu, Yuan; Zhu, Xiao; Bhunia, Arun K; Narsimhan, Ganesan

2016-11-01

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) inactivate microbial cells through pore formation in cell membrane. Because of their different mode of action compared to antibiotics, AMPs can be effectively used to combat drug resistant bacteria in human health. AMPs can also be used to replace antibiotics in animal feed and immobilized on food packaging films. In this research, we developed a methodology based on mechanistic evaluation of peptide-lipid bilayer interaction to identify AMPs from soy protein. Production of AMPs from soy protein is an attractive, cost-saving alternative for commercial consideration, because soy protein is an abundant and common protein resource. This methodology is also applicable for identification of AMPs from any protein. Initial screening of peptide segments from soy glycinin (11S) and soy β-conglycinin (7S) subunits was based on their hydrophobicity, hydrophobic moment and net charge. Delicate balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions is necessary for pore formation. High hydrophobicity decreases the peptide solubility in aqueous phase whereas high hydrophilicity limits binding of the peptide to the bilayer. Out of several candidates chosen from the initial screening, two peptides satisfied the criteria for antimicrobial activity, viz. (i) lipid-peptide binding in surface state and (ii) pore formation in transmembrane state of the aggregate. This method of identification of antimicrobial activity via molecular dynamics simulation was shown to be robust in that it is insensitive to the number of peptides employed in the simulation, initial peptide structure and force field. Their antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli was further confirmed by spot-on-lawn test. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Initial correlations in open-systems dynamics: The Jaynes-Cummings model

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

Smirne, Andrea; Vacchini, Bassano; INFN, Sezione di Milano, Via Celoria 16, I-20133 Milano

2010-12-15

Employing the trace distance as a measure for the distinguishability of quantum states, we study the influence of initial correlations on the dynamics of open systems. We concentrate on the Jaynes-Cummings model for which the knowledge of the exact joint dynamics of system and reservoir allows the treatment of initial states with arbitrary correlations. As a measure for the correlations in the initial state we consider the trace distance between the system-environment state and the product of its marginal states. In particular, we examine the correlations contained in the thermal equilibrium state for the total system, analyze their dependence onmore » the temperature and on the coupling strength, and demonstrate their connection to the entanglement properties of the eigenstates of the Hamiltonian. A detailed study of the time dependence of the distinguishability of the open system states evolving from the thermal equilibrium state and its corresponding uncorrelated product state shows that the open system dynamically uncovers typical features of the initial correlations.« less

MHD Simulation for Investigating the Dynamic State Transition Responsible for a Solar Eruption in Active Region 12158

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hwanhee; Magara, Tetsuya

2018-06-01

We present a magnetohydrodynamic model of solar eruption based on the dynamic state transition from the quasi-static state to the eruptive state of an active region (AR) magnetic field. For the quasi-static state before an eruption, we consider the existence of a slow solar wind originating from an AR, which may continuously make the AR magnetic field deviate from mechanical equilibrium. In this model, we perform a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulation of AR 12158 producing a coronal mass ejection, where the initial magnetic structure of the simulation is given by a nonlinear force-free field derived from an observed photospheric vector magnetic field. We then apply a pressure-driven outflow to the upper part of the magnetic structure to achieve a quasi-static pre-eruptive state. The simulation shows that the eruptive process observed in this AR may be caused by the dynamic state transition of an AR magnetic field, which is essentially different from the destabilization of a static magnetic field. The dynamic state transition is determined from the shape evolution of the magnetic field line according to the κH-mechanism. This work demonstrates how the mechanism works to produce a solar eruption in the dynamic solar corona governed by the gravitational field and the continuous outflows of solar wind.

Relations between heat exchange and Rényi divergences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Bo-Bo

2018-04-01

In this work, we establish an exact relation which connects the heat exchange between two systems initialized in their thermodynamic equilibrium states at different temperatures and the Rényi divergences between the initial thermodynamic equilibrium state and the final nonequilibrium state of the total system. The relation tells us that the various moments of the heat statistics are determined by the Renyi divergences between the initial equilibrium state and the final nonequilibrium state of the global system. In particular the average heat exchange is quantified by the relative entropy between the initial equilibrium state and the final nonequilibrium state of the global system. The relation is applicable to both finite classical systems and finite quantum systems.

Relations between heat exchange and Rényi divergences.

PubMed

Wei, Bo-Bo

2018-04-01

In this work, we establish an exact relation which connects the heat exchange between two systems initialized in their thermodynamic equilibrium states at different temperatures and the Rényi divergences between the initial thermodynamic equilibrium state and the final nonequilibrium state of the total system. The relation tells us that the various moments of the heat statistics are determined by the Renyi divergences between the initial equilibrium state and the final nonequilibrium state of the global system. In particular the average heat exchange is quantified by the relative entropy between the initial equilibrium state and the final nonequilibrium state of the global system. The relation is applicable to both finite classical systems and finite quantum systems.

On the adiabatic limit of Hadamard states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drago, Nicolò; Gérard, Christian

2017-08-01

We consider the adiabatic limit of Hadamard states for free quantum Klein-Gordon fields, when the background metric and the field mass are slowly varied from their initial to final values. If the Klein-Gordon field stays massive, we prove that the adiabatic limit of the initial vacuum state is the (final) vacuum state, by extending to the symplectic framework the adiabatic theorem of Avron-Seiler-Yaffe. In cases when only the field mass is varied, using an abstract version of the mode decomposition method we can also consider the case when the initial or final mass vanishes, and the initial state is either a thermal state or a more general Hadamard state.

Continuous detection of the self-initiated walking pre-movement state from EEG correlates without session-to-session recalibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ioana Sburlea, Andreea; Montesano, Luis; Minguez, Javier

2015-06-01

Objective. Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) as a rehabilitation tool have been used to restore functions in patients with motor impairments by actively involving the central nervous system and triggering prosthetic devices according to the detected pre-movement state. However, since EEG signals are highly variable between subjects and recording sessions, typically a BCI is calibrated at the beginning of each session. This process is inconvenient especially for patients suffering locomotor disabilities in maintaining a bipedal position for a longer time. This paper presents a continuous EEG decoder of a pre-movement state in self-initiated walking and the usage of this decoder from session to session without recalibrating. Approach. Ten healthy subjects performed a self-initiated walking task during three sessions, with an intersession interval of one week. The implementation of our continuous decoder is based on the combination of movement-related cortical potential (MRCP) and event-related desynchronization (ERD) features with sparse classification models. Main results. During intrasession our technique detects the pre-movement state with 70% accuracy. Moreover this decoder can be applied from session to session without recalibration, with a decrease in performance of about 4% on a one- or two-week intersession interval. Significance. Our detection model operates in a continuous manner, which makes it a straightforward asset for rehabilitation scenarios. By using both temporal and spectral information we attained higher detection rates than the ones obtained with the MRCP and ERD detection models, both during the intrasession and intersession conditions.

Dopamine modulates an intrinsic mGluR5-mediated depolarization underlying prefrontal persistent activity

PubMed Central

Sidiropoulou, Kyriaki; Lu, Fang-Min; Fowler, Melissa A.; Xiao, Rui; Phillips, Christopher; Ozkan, Emin D.; Zhu, Michael X.; White, Francis J.; Cooper, Donald C.

2009-01-01

Intrinsic properties of neurons that enable them to maintain depolarized, persistently activated states in the absence of sustained input are poorly understood. In short-term memory tasks, individual prefrontal cortical (PFC) neurons are capable of maintaining persistent action potential output during delay periods between informative cues and behavioral responses. Dopamine and drugs of abuse alter PFC function and working memory possibly by modulating intrinsic neuronal properties. Here we use patch-clamp recording of layer 5 PFC pyramidal neurons to identify an action potential burst-evoked intrinsic mGluR5-mediated postsynaptic depolarization that initiates an activated state. Depolarization occurs in the absence of recurrent synaptic activity and is reduced by a postsynaptic dopamine D1/5 receptor pathway. The depolarization is substantially diminished following behavioral sensitization to cocaine; moreover the D1/5 receptor modulation is lost. We propose the burst-evoked intrinsic depolarization to be a novel form of short-term cellular memory that is modulated by dopamine and cocaine experience. PMID:19169252

Quantum resonant activation.

PubMed

Magazzù, Luca; Hänggi, Peter; Spagnolo, Bernardo; Valenti, Davide

2017-04-01

Quantum resonant activation is investigated for the archetype setup of an externally driven two-state (spin-boson) system subjected to strong dissipation by means of both analytical and extensive numerical calculations. The phenomenon of resonant activation emerges in the presence of either randomly fluctuating or deterministic periodically varying driving fields. Addressing the incoherent regime, a characteristic minimum emerges in the mean first passage time to reach an absorbing neighboring state whenever the intrinsic time scale of the modulation matches the characteristic time scale of the system dynamics. For the case of deterministic periodic driving, the first passage time probability density function (pdf) displays a complex, multipeaked behavior, which depends crucially on the details of initial phase, frequency, and strength of the driving. As an interesting feature we find that the mean first passage time enters the resonant activation regime at a critical frequency ν^{*} which depends very weakly on the strength of the driving. Moreover, we provide the relation between the first passage time pdf and the statistics of residence times.

Structural model of the open–closed–inactivated cycle of prokaryotic voltage-gated sodium channels

PubMed Central

Bagnéris, Claire; Naylor, Claire E.; McCusker, Emily C.

2015-01-01

In excitable cells, the initiation of the action potential results from the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels. These channels undergo a series of conformational changes between open, closed, and inactivated states. Many models have been proposed for the structural transitions that result in these different functional states. Here, we compare the crystal structures of prokaryotic sodium channels captured in the different conformational forms and use them as the basis for examining molecular models for the activation, slow inactivation, and recovery processes. We compare structural similarities and differences in the pore domains, specifically in the transmembrane helices, the constrictions within the pore cavity, the activation gate at the cytoplasmic end of the last transmembrane helix, the C-terminal domain, and the selectivity filter. We discuss the observed differences in the context of previous models for opening, closing, and inactivation, and present a new structure-based model for the functional transitions. Our proposed prokaryotic channel activation mechanism is then compared with the activation transition in eukaryotic sodium channels. PMID:25512599

Quantum resonant activation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magazzó, Luca; Hänggi, Peter; Spagnolo, Bernardo; Valenti, Davide

2017-04-01

Quantum resonant activation is investigated for the archetype setup of an externally driven two-state (spin-boson) system subjected to strong dissipation by means of both analytical and extensive numerical calculations. The phenomenon of resonant activation emerges in the presence of either randomly fluctuating or deterministic periodically varying driving fields. Addressing the incoherent regime, a characteristic minimum emerges in the mean first passage time to reach an absorbing neighboring state whenever the intrinsic time scale of the modulation matches the characteristic time scale of the system dynamics. For the case of deterministic periodic driving, the first passage time probability density function (pdf) displays a complex, multipeaked behavior, which depends crucially on the details of initial phase, frequency, and strength of the driving. As an interesting feature we find that the mean first passage time enters the resonant activation regime at a critical frequency ν* which depends very weakly on the strength of the driving. Moreover, we provide the relation between the first passage time pdf and the statistics of residence times.

Numerical Simulation of Stress evolution and earthquake sequence of the Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Peiyu; Hu, Caibo; Shi, Yaolin

2015-04-01

The India-Eurasia's collision produces N-S compression and results in large thrust fault in the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Differential eastern flow of the lower crust of the plateau leads to large strike-slip faults and normal faults within the plateau. From 1904 to 2014, more than 30 earthquakes of Mw > 6.5 occurred sequentially in this distinctive tectonic environment. How did the stresses evolve during the last 110 years, how did the earthquakes interact with each other? Can this knowledge help us to forecast the future seismic hazards? In this essay, we tried to simulate the evolution of the stress field and the earthquake sequence in the Tibetan plateau within the last 110 years with a 2-D finite element model. Given an initial state of stress, the boundary condition was constrained by the present-day GPS observation, which was assumed as a constant rate during the 110 years. We calculated stress evolution year by year, and earthquake would occur if stress exceed the crustal strength. Stress changes due to each large earthquake in the sequence was calculated and contributed to the stress evolution. A key issue is the choice of initial stress state of the modeling, which is actually unknown. Usually, in the study of earthquake triggering, people assume the initial stress is zero, and only calculate the stress changes by large earthquakes - the Coulomb failure stress changes (Δ CFS). To some extent, this simplified method is a powerful tool because it can reveal which fault or which part of a fault becomes more risky or safer relatively. Nonetheless, it has not utilized all information available to us. The earthquake sequence reveals, though far from complete, some information about the stress state in the region. If the entire region is close to a self-organized critical or subcritical state, earthquake stress drop provides an estimate of lower limit of initial state. For locations no earthquakes occurred during the period, initial stress has to be lower than certain value. For locations where large earthquakes occurred during the 110 years, the initial stresses can be inverted if the strength is estimated and the tectonic loading is assumed constant. Therefore, although initial stress state is unknown, we can try to make estimate of a range of it. In this study, we estimated a reasonable range of initial stress, and then based on Coulomb-Mohr criterion to regenerate the earthquake sequence, starting from the Daofu earthquake of 1904. We calculated the stress field evolution of the sequence, considering both the tectonic loading and interaction between the earthquakes. Ultimately we got a sketch of the present stress. Of course, a single model with certain initial stress is just one possible model. Consequently the potential seismic hazards distribution based on a single model is not convincing. We made test on hundreds of possible initial stress state, all of them can produce the historical earthquake sequence occurred, and summarized all kinds of calculated probabilities of the future seismic activity. Although we cannot provide the exact state in the future, but we can narrow the estimate of regions where is in high probability of risk. Our primary results indicate that the Xianshuihe fault and adjacent area is one of such zones with higher risk than other regions in the future. During 2014, there were 6 earthquakes (M > 5.0) happened in this region, which correspond with our result in some degree. We emphasized the importance of the initial stress field for the earthquake sequence, and provided a probabilistic assessment for future seismic hazards. This study may bring some new insights to estimate the initial stress, earthquake triggering, and the stress field evolution .

Active living collaboratives in the United States: understanding characteristics, activities, and achievement of environmental and policy change.

PubMed

Litt, Jill S; Reed, Hannah L; Tabak, Rachel G; Zieff, Susan G; Eyler, Amy A; Lyn, Rodney; Goins, Karin Valentine; Gustat, Jeanette; Tompkins, Nancy O'Hara

2013-01-01

Changing the built environment to promote active lifestyles requires collaboration among diverse sectors. Multisectoral collaborative groups in the United States promote active lifestyles through environmental and policy changes. The objective of this study was to examine the characteristics of these collaborative groups and the extent to which they have achieved change. We identified, recruited, and interviewed the coordinators of active living collaborative groups in the United States. We used descriptive statistics to characterize groups by composition, stakeholder engagement, and the extent of environmental and policy change in 8 strategic areas. Fifty-nine groups from 22 states participated in the study. Most groups had a diverse set of partners and used a range of activities to advance their agendas. Most groups achieved some form of environmental or policy change. On average, groups reported working on 5 strategy areas; parks and recreation (86%) and Safe Routes to School (85%) were named most frequently. More than half of groups reported their environmental initiatives as either in progress or completed. Groups reported the most success in changing policy for public plazas, street improvements, streetscaping, and parks, open space, and recreation. Complete Streets policy and zoning ordinances were the most frequently cited policy types. Engaging in media activities and the policy-making process in addition to engaging stakeholders appear to influence success in achieving change. Although many groups successfully worked on parks and recreation improvements, opportunities remain in other areas, including transit and infill and redevelopment. Additional time and resources may be critical to realizing these types of changes.

How do neurons work together? Lessons from auditory cortex.

PubMed

Harris, Kenneth D; Bartho, Peter; Chadderton, Paul; Curto, Carina; de la Rocha, Jaime; Hollender, Liad; Itskov, Vladimir; Luczak, Artur; Marguet, Stephan L; Renart, Alfonso; Sakata, Shuzo

2011-01-01

Recordings of single neurons have yielded great insights into the way acoustic stimuli are represented in auditory cortex. However, any one neuron functions as part of a population whose combined activity underlies cortical information processing. Here we review some results obtained by recording simultaneously from auditory cortical populations and individual morphologically identified neurons, in urethane-anesthetized and unanesthetized passively listening rats. Auditory cortical populations produced structured activity patterns both in response to acoustic stimuli, and spontaneously without sensory input. Population spike time patterns were broadly conserved across multiple sensory stimuli and spontaneous events, exhibiting a generally conserved sequential organization lasting approximately 100 ms. Both spontaneous and evoked events exhibited sparse, spatially localized activity in layer 2/3 pyramidal cells, and densely distributed activity in larger layer 5 pyramidal cells and putative interneurons. Laminar propagation differed however, with spontaneous activity spreading upward from deep layers and slowly across columns, but sensory responses initiating in presumptive thalamorecipient layers, spreading rapidly across columns. In both unanesthetized and urethanized rats, global activity fluctuated between "desynchronized" state characterized by low amplitude, high-frequency local field potentials and a "synchronized" state of larger, lower-frequency waves. Computational studies suggested that responses could be predicted by a simple dynamical system model fitted to the spontaneous activity immediately preceding stimulus presentation. Fitting this model to the data yielded a nonlinear self-exciting system model in synchronized states and an approximately linear system in desynchronized states. We comment on the significance of these results for auditory cortical processing of acoustic and non-acoustic information. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Active Living Collaboratives in the United States: Understanding Characteristics, Activities, and Achievement of Environmental and Policy Change

PubMed Central

Reed, Hannah L.; Tabak, Rachel G.; Zieff, Susan G.; Eyler, Amy A.; Lyn, Rodney; Goins, Karin Valentine; Gustat, Jeanette; Tompkins, Nancy O’Hara

2013-01-01

Introduction Changing the built environment to promote active lifestyles requires collaboration among diverse sectors. Multisectoral collaborative groups in the United States promote active lifestyles through environmental and policy changes. The objective of this study was to examine the characteristics of these collaborative groups and the extent to which they have achieved change. Methods We identified, recruited, and interviewed the coordinators of active living collaborative groups in the United States. We used descriptive statistics to characterize groups by composition, stakeholder engagement, and the extent of environmental and policy change in 8 strategic areas. Results Fifty-nine groups from 22 states participated in the study. Most groups had a diverse set of partners and used a range of activities to advance their agendas. Most groups achieved some form of environmental or policy change. On average, groups reported working on 5 strategy areas; parks and recreation (86%) and Safe Routes to School (85%) were named most frequently. More than half of groups reported their environmental initiatives as either in progress or completed. Groups reported the most success in changing policy for public plazas, street improvements, streetscaping, and parks, open space, and recreation. Complete Streets policy and zoning ordinances were the most frequently cited policy types. Engaging in media activities and the policy-making process in addition to engaging stakeholders appear to influence success in achieving change. Conclusion Although many groups successfully worked on parks and recreation improvements, opportunities remain in other areas, including transit and infill and redevelopment. Additional time and resources may be critical to realizing these types of changes. PMID:23391295

A preliminary investigation of the potential applicability of the IPAD system to non-aerospace industry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hulbert, L. E.

1975-01-01

A study of the applicability of the planned Integrated Programs for Aerospace-Vehicle Design (IPAD) system to the design activities of non-aerospace industries was carried out. It was determined that IPAD could be of significant benefit to a number of industries, with the most likely users being the heavy construction and automotive industries. Two additional short studies were initiated to investigate the possible impact of IPAD on a national energy program and on urban and regional planning activities of local and state governments. These initial studies indicated the possibility of significant payoff in these areas and the need for further investigations. It was also determined that utilization of IPAD by non-aerospace industries will probably involve a long stepwise process, since these industries maintain a policy of gradual introduction of new technology.

Preceding muscle activity influences motor unit discharge and rate of torque development during ballistic contractions in humans

PubMed Central

Van Cutsem, Michaël; Duchateau, Jacques

2005-01-01

To investigate the effect of initial conditions on the modulation of motor unit discharge during fast voluntary contractions, we compared ballistic isometric contractions of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles that were produced from either a resting state or superimposed on a sustained contraction. The torque of the dorsiflexors and the surface and intramuscular EMGs from the tibialis anterior were recorded. The results showed that the performance of a ballistic contraction from a sustained contraction (∼25% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)) had a negative effect on the maximal rate of torque development. Although the electromechanical delay was shortened, the EMG activity during the ballistic contraction was less synchronized. These observations were associated with a significant decline in the average discharge rate of single motor units (89.8 ± 3.8 versus 115 ± 5.8 Hz) and in the percentage of units (6.2 versus 15.5% of the whole sample) that exhibited double discharges at brief intervals (= 5 ms). High-threshold units that were not recruited during the sustained contraction displayed the same activation pattern, which indicates that the mechanisms responsible for the decline in discharge rate were not restricted to previously activated units, but appear to influence the entire motor unit pool. When a premotor silent period (SP) was observed at the transition from the sustained muscular activity to the ballistic contraction (19% of the trials), these adjustments in motor unit activity were not present, and the ballistic contractions were similar to those performed from a resting state. Together, these results indicate that initial conditions can influence the capacity for motor unit discharge rate and hence the performance of a fast voluntary contraction. PMID:15539402

Enhancement of fructosyltransferase and fructooligosaccharides production by A. oryzae DIA-MF in Solid-State Fermentation using aguamiel as culture medium.

PubMed

Muñiz-Márquez, Diana B; Contreras, Juan C; Rodríguez, Raúl; Mussatto, Solange I; Teixeira, José A; Aguilar, Cristóbal N

2016-08-01

The aim of this work was to improve the production of fructosyltransferase (FTase) by Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) using aguamiel (agave sap) as culture medium and Aspergillus oryzae DIA-MF as producer strain. SSF was carried out evaluating the following parameters: inoculum rate, incubation temperature, initial pH and packing density to determine the most significant factors through Box-Hunter and Hunter design. The significant factors were then further optimized using a Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology. The maximum FTase activity (1347U/L) was obtained at 32°C, using packing density of 0.7g/cm(3). Inoculum rate and initial pH had no significant influence on the response. FOS synthesis applying the enzyme produced by A. oryzae DIA-MF was also studied using aguamiel as substrate. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Governance and community benefit: are nonprofit hospitals good candidates for Sarbanes-Oxley type reforms?

PubMed

Alexander, Jeffrey A; Young, Gary J; Weiner, Bryan J; Hearld, Larry R

2008-04-01

Recent investigations into the activities of nonprofit hospitals have pointed to weak or lax governance on the part of some of these organizations. As a result of these events, various federal and state initiatives are now either under way or under discussion to strengthen the governance of hospitals and other nonprofit corporations through mandatory board structures and practices. However, despite policy makers' growing interest in these types of governance reforms, there is in fact little empirical evidence to support their contribution to the effectiveness of hospital boards. The purpose of this article is to report the results of a study examining the relationship between the structure and practices of nonprofit hospital boards relative to the hospital's provision of community benefits. Our results point to modest relationships between these sets of variables, suggesting considerable limitations to what federal and state policy makers can accomplish through legislative initiatives to improve the governance of nonprofit hospitals.

Single-Molecule Probing the Energy Landscape of Enzymatic Reaction and Non-Covalent Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, H. Peter; Hu, Dehong; Chen, Yu; Vorpagel, Erich R.

2002-03-01

We have applied single-molecule spectroscopy under physiological conditions to study the mechanisms and dynamics of T4 lysozyme enzymatic reactions, characterizing mode-specific protein conformational dynamics. Enzymatic reaction turnovers and the associated structure changes of individual protein molecules were observed simultaneously in real-time. The overall reaction rates were found to vary widely from molecule-to-molecule, and the initial non-specific binding of the enzyme to the substrate was seen to dominate this inhomogeneity. The reaction steps subsequent to the initial binding were found to have homogeneous rates. Molecular dynamics simulation has been applied to elucidate the mechanism and intermediate states of the single-molecule enzymatic reaction. Combining the analysis of single-molecule experimental trajectories, MD simulation trajectories, and statistical modeling, we have revealed the nature of multiple intermediate states involved in the active enzyme-substrate complex formation and the associated conformational change mechanism and dynamics.

Laboratory System Improvement Program: First in the Nation— New Hampshire Reassessment

PubMed Central

Bean, Christine L.; Cosser, Amanda; Vazquez, Alma

2013-01-01

The New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories (NH PHL) conducted an initial Laboratory System Improvement Program (L-SIP) assessment in March 2007 and a reassessment in May 2011. New Hampshire was a pilot state for the initial L-SIP assessment in 2007 and was the first laboratory system in the United States to conduct an L-SIP reassessment. The New Hampshire reassessment was also used as a pilot for revising the assessment tool. The NH PHL performed a high-level comparison benchmarking the work done between the two assessments. This comparison revealed areas of improvement and other areas that needed continued focus to align with model standards of the 10 Essential Public Health Services. This article outlines achievements, improvements, and outcomes made since 2007, as well as participants, activities, plans, resources, and other factors that contributed to the change in scores between assessments. PMID:23997303

Laboratory System Improvement Program: first in the nation--New Hampshire reassessment.

PubMed

Power, Jill J; Bean, Christine L; Cosser, Amanda; Vazquez, Alma

2013-01-01

The New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories (NH PHL) conducted an initial Laboratory System Improvement Program (L-SIP) assessment in March 2007 and a reassessment in May 2011. New Hampshire was a pilot state for the initial L-SIP assessment in 2007 and was the first laboratory system in the United States to conduct an L-SIP reassessment. The New Hampshire reassessment was also used as a pilot for revising the assessment tool. The NH PHL performed a high-level comparison benchmarking the work done between the two assessments. This comparison revealed areas of improvement and other areas that needed continued focus to align with model standards of the 10 Essential Public Health Services. This article outlines achievements, improvements, and outcomes made since 2007, as well as participants, activities, plans, resources, and other factors that contributed to the change in scores between assessments.

Production of Pectate Lyase by Penicillium viridicatum RFC3 in Solid-State and Submerged Fermentation

PubMed Central

Ferreira, Viviani; da Silva, Roberto; Silva, Dênis; Gomes, Eleni

2010-01-01

Pectate lyase (PL) was produced by the filamentous fungus Penicillium viridicatum RFC3 in solid-state cultures of a mixture of orange bagasse and wheat bran (1 : 1 w/w), or orange bagasse, wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse (1 : 1 : 0.5 w/w), and in a submerged liquid culture with orange bagasse and wheat bran (3%) as the carbon source. PL production was highest (1,500 U  mL−1 or 300 Ug−1 of substrate) in solid-state fermentation (SSF) on wheat bran and orange bagasse at 96 hours. PL production in submerged fermentation (SmF) was influenced by the initial pH of the medium. With the initial pH adjusted to 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5, the peak activity was observed after 72, 48, and 24 hours of fermentation, respectively, when the pH of the medium reached the value 5.0. PL from SSF and SmF were loaded on Sephadex-G75 columns and six activity peaks were obtained from crude enzyme from SSF and designated PL I, II, III, IV, V, and VI, while five peaks were obtained from crude enzyme from SmF and labeled PL  I′, II′, III′, IV′, and VII′. Crude enzyme and fraction III from each fermentative process were tested further. The optimum pH for crude PL from either process was 5.5, while that for PL III was 8.0. The maximum activity of enzymes from SSF was observed at 35°C, but crude enzyme was more thermotolerant than PL III, maintaining its maximum activity up to 45°C. Crude enzyme from SmF and PL III′ showed thermophilic profiles of activity, with maximum activity at 60 and 55°C, respectively. In the absence of substrate, the crude enzyme from SSF was stable over the pH range 3.0–10.0 and PL III was most stable in the pH range 4.0–7.0. Crude enzyme from SmF retained 70%–80% of its maximum activity in the acid-neutral pH range (4.0–7.0), but PIII showed high stability at alkaline pH (7.5–9.5). PL from SSF was more thermolabile than that from SmF. The latter maintained 60% of its initial activity after 1 h at 55°C. The differing behavior of the enzymes with respect to pH and temperature suggests that they are different isozymes. PMID:20689719

METROPOLITAN-SCALE TRANSPORT AND DISPERSION FROM THE NEW YORK WORLD TRADE CENTER FOLLOWING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. PART II: AN APPLICATION OF THE CALPUFF PLUME MODEL

EPA Science Inventory

Following the collapse of the New York World Trade Center (WTC) towers on September 11, 2001, Local, State, and Federal agencies initiated numerous air monitoring activities to better understand the ongoing impacts of emissions from the disaster. The collapse of the World Trade C...

METROPOLITAN-SCALE TRANSPORT AND DISPERSION FROM THE NEW YORK WORLD TRADE CENTER FOLLOWING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. PART I: AN EVALUATION OF THE CALMET METEOROLOGICAL MODEL

EPA Science Inventory

Following the collapse of the New York City World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001, Local, State and Federal agencies initiated numerous air monitoring activities to better understand the impact of emissions from the disaster. A study of the estimated pathway that a pote...

Applying management modeling to assess the feasibility of accelerating landscape restoration on federal forests in Eastern Oregon

Treesearch

Sara Loreno; Jeremy S. Fried; Andrew Yost

2015-01-01

The state of Oregon recently invested in exploring options for increasing the extent of forest restoration activity. This initiative aims to reduce the incidence, effects, and expense of catastrophic fire events and restore economic stability to rural communities by enhancing the supply of raw materials for wood processing facilities and wood-based, renewable energy...

School to Work Transition: Issues and Strategies for Evaluation and Program Improvement. Working Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Connell, Timothy J.; Mason, Sarah A.

In the 1990s, federal education legislation and policies have encouraged state and local efforts in educational reform and placed a new emphasis on education for and about work. These initiatives have engaged the active participation of a broad range of partners and have spurred a variety of locally customized programs and practices. Nationally,…

Planning, Re-Bordering and Setting Times: A Comparative Analysis of European and Latin American "Education Spaces"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rambla, Xavier

2013-01-01

The article compares educational regionalisation in Europe and Latin America. This analysis unveils the influence of three social phenomena in the two case studies, namely power, fields of activity and knowledge. Mostly, it focuses on the initiatives led by the European Union and the Organisation of Ibero-American States in order to implement…

Integration of a waveguide self-electrooptic effect device and a vertically coupled interconnect waveguide

DOEpatents

Vawter, G Allen [Corrales, NM

2008-02-26

A self-electrooptic effect device ("SEED") is integrated with waveguide interconnects through the use of vertical directional couplers. Light initially propagating in the interconnect waveguide is vertically coupled to the active waveguide layer of the SEED and, if the SEED is in the transparent state, the light is coupled back to the interconnect waveguide.

Considerations for the Military Child with Special Needs Transitioning to Adulthood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis-Fleming, Glenda

2007-01-01

Transition is a dynamic lifelong process that seeks to meet individual needs as a person with disabilities moves from childhood to adulthood. Per laws in most states, once an individual becomes 18 years of age that person is considered an adult regardless of the level of his or her disability. Initiating planning for adult living activities and…

Transportation Information: A Report to the Committee on Appropriations, U.S. House of Representatives, from the Secretary of Transportation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Volpe, John A.

This report presents an initial five-year program for meeting the critical transportation information needs of industry and government at national, state and local levels. The program provides for information on the flows of persons and goods, information on the activities (population and industry) that generate the flows, and information on the…

Market perceptions and opportunities for native plant production on the southern Colorado Plateau

Treesearch

Donna L. Peppin; Peter Z. Fule; Janet C. Lynn; Anne L. Mottek-Lucas; Carolyn Hull Sieg

2010-01-01

Increases in revegetation activities have created a large demand for locally adapted native plant materials (NPM) in the southwestern United States. Currently, there is a minimal supply of local genotypes to meet this demand. We investigated the potential for the initiation of a native plant market in the southern Colorado Plateau. Through a literature search,...

Indicators of climate impacts for forests: recommendations for the US National Climate Assessment indicators system

Treesearch

Linda S. Heath; Sarah M. Anderson; Marla R. Emery; Jeffrey A. Hicke; Jeremy Littell; Alan Lucier; Jeffrey G. Masek; David L. Peterson; Richard Pouyat; Kevin M. Potter; Guy Robertson; Jinelle Sperry; Andrzej Bytnerowicz; Sarah Jovan; Miranda H. Mockrin; Robert Musselman; Bethany K. Schulz; Robert J. Smith; Susan I. Stewart

2015-01-01

The Third National Climate Assessment (NCA) process for the United States focused in part on developing a system of indicators to communicate key aspects of the physical climate, climate impacts, vulnerabilities, and preparedness to inform decisionmakers and the public. Initially, 13 active teams were formed to recommend indicators in a range of categories, including...

Assessing the Impact of a Faculty Development Program on Teaching Quality in a Mexican University. AIR 1991 Annual Forum Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rizo, Felipe Martinez; And Others

Responding to enormous enrollment increases, Mexican universities were forced to hire faculty without a Licenciatura degree (corresponds to a United States bachelors degree) and so initiated faculty development activities (FDA) to enhance the performance of underqualified and new teachers. This study assessed the impact of one of these FDAs at the…

Views of parents, teachers and children on health promotion in kindergarten--first results from formative focus groups and observations.

PubMed

Sansolios, Sanne; Mikkelsen, Bent Egberg

2011-10-01

The aim of the study was to capture the views of children, parents and teachers on the topic of physical activity in kindergarten through observation and focus group interviews. The study was conducted in the kindergartens from the sampling group in the Danish part of PERISCOPE. 1(st) methodology: Children interviewed inside by the researcher on preferable movements and settings and then observed outside during their playtime. 2(nd) methodology: Children asked to draw themselves playing their most preferred physical activity. Parents and kindergarten teachers interviewed in two different groups, using an identical guide. Children are skilled in taking advantage of the space and facilities available for physical activity; girls need more support than boys to initiate physical activity; children are happy with the facilities and the toys available in the kindergarten. Teachers feel an increasing pressure to take more responsibility and initiatives for the children's health habits. Parents state that if more physical activity is initiated in the kindergarten, it could make children request domestic activity. Physical activity and movement concept are too abstract for children of this age to talk about: they quickly lose their focus and concentration. The new methodology of videotaping gives the researcher the chance to interpret facial expressions to capture movement, talk and actions, and to make a distinction among children, as they tend to interrupt each other. However, this method contains a weakness, if used alone, by the fact that the shooting is only a reflection of what the video camera has recorded.

Cellulase production in a new mutant strain of Penicillium decumbens ML-017 by solid state fermentation with rice bran.

PubMed

Liu, Yun-Tao; Luo, Ze-Yu; Long, Chuan-Nan; Wang, Hai-Dong; Long, Min-Nan; Hu, Zhong

2011-10-01

To produce cellulolytic enzyme efficiently, Penicillium decumbens strain L-06 was used to prepare mutants with ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) and UV-irradiation. A mutant strain ML-017 is shown to have a higher cellulase activity than others. Box-Behnken's design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were adopted to optimize the conditions of cellulase (filter paper activity, FPA) production in strain ML-017 by solid-state fermentation (SSF) with rice bran as the substrate. And the result shows that the initial pH, moisture content and culture temperature all have significant effect on the production of cellulase. The optimized condition shall be initial pH 5.7, moisture content 72% and culture temperature 30°C. The maximum cellulase (FPA) production was obtained under the optimized condition, which is 5.76 IU g(-1), increased by 44.12% to its original strain. It corresponded well with the calculated results (5.15 IU g(-1)) by model prediction. The result shows that both BBD and RSM are the cellulase optimization methods with good prospects. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Are pre-treatment psychological characteristics influenced by pre-surgical orthodontics?

PubMed

Cunningham, S J; Gilthorpe, M S; Hunt, N P

2001-12-01

A number of investigations have looked at psychological changes occurring in association with orthognathic treatment. However, most of these studies have used a pre-surgery questionnaire as the baseline measurement. There is little data relating to the true baseline, i.e. that prior to any active treatment. Until this aspect is investigated, it is not possible to assume that pre-surgery is an acceptable baseline. This questionnaire based study aimed to assess changes in six psychological outcome measures between T1 (prior to any active treatment) and T2 (following pre-surgical orthodontics/prior to surgery). The outcome variables were: state anxiety, trait anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body image, and facial body image. Sixty-two patients (39 females and 23 males) completed both questionnaires. The results showed that intervention, in the form of orthodontic treatment, had a minimal effect on the chosen psychometric outcome variables. There was a significant reduction in satisfaction with body image amongst patients who initially reported mild to moderate dental/facial problems, whilst a moderate increase in satisfaction occurred in those patients reporting severe conditions initially. Also of note were significant increases in state anxiety amongst older patients whilst trait anxiety showed greater increases in females than males.

Environmental Assessment of the Hawaii Geothermal Project Well Flow Test Program

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

None

1976-11-01

The Hawaii Geothermal Project, a coordinated research effort of the University of Hawaii, funded by the County and State of Hawaii, and ERDA, was initiated in 1973 in an effort to identify, generate, and use geothermal energy on the Big Island of Hawaii. A number of stages are involved in developing geothermal power resources: exploration, test drilling, production testing, field development, power plant and powerline construction, and full-scale production. Phase I of the Project, which began in the summer of 1973, involved conducting exploratory surveys, developing analytical models for interpretation of geophysical results, conducting studies on energy recovery from hotmore » brine, and examining the legal and economic implications of developing geothermal resources in the state. Phase II of the Project, initiated in the summer of 1975, centers on drilling an exploratory research well on the Island of Hawaii, but also continues operational support for the geophysical, engineering, and socioeconomic activities delineated above. The project to date is between the test drilling and production testing phase. The purpose of this assessment is to describe the activities and potential impacts associated with extensive well flow testing to be completed during Phase II.« less

Laser Infrared Desorption Spectroscopy to Detect Complex Organic Molecules on Icy Planetary Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sollit, Luke S.; Beegle, Luther W.

2008-01-01

Laser Desorption-Infrared Spectroscopy (LD-IR) uses an IR laser pulse to desorb surface materials while a spectrometer measures the emission spectrum of the desorbed materials (Figure 1). In this example, laser desorption operates by having the incident laser energy absorbed by near surface material (10 microns in depth). This desorption produces a plume that exists in an excited state at elevated temperatures. A natural analog for this phenomenon can be observed when comets approach the sun and become active and individual molecular emission spectra can be observed in the IR [1,2,3,4,5]. When this occurs in comets, the same species that initially emit radiation down to the ground state are free to absorb it, reducing the amount of detectable emission features. The nature of our technique results in absorption not occurring, because the laser pulse could easily be moved away form the initial desorption plume, and still have better spatial resolution then reflectance spectroscopy. In reflectance spectroscopy, trace components have a relatively weak signal when compared to the entire active nature of the surface. With LDIR, the emission spectrum is used to identify and analyze surface materials.

[Resources of information in the field of bioethics in Italy: survey of the present state and perspectives].

PubMed

Della Seta, Maurella; Sellitri, Cinzia

2004-01-01

The research project "Collection and dissemination of bioethical information through an integrated electronic system", started in 2001 by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), had among its objectives, the realization of an integrated system for data collection and exchange of documents related to bioethics. The system should act as a reference tool for those research activities impacting on citizens' health and welfare. This paper aims at presenting some initiatives, developed in the project framework, in order to establish an Italian documentation network, among which: a) exchange of ISS publications with Italian institutions active in this field; b) survey through a questionnaire aimed at assessing Italian informative resources, state-of-the-art and holdings of documentation centres and ethical committees; c) Italian Internet resources analysis. The results of the survey, together with the analysis of web sites, show that at present in Italy there are many interesting initiatives for collecting and spreading of documentation in the bioethical fields, but there is an urgent need for an integration of such resources. Ethical committees generally speaking need a larger availability of documents, while there are good potentialities for the establishment of an electronic network for document retrieval and delivery.

Concerted electron-proton transfer in the optical excitation of hydrogen-bonded dyes

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

Westlake, Brittany C.; Brennaman, Kyle M.; Concepcion, Javier J.

2011-05-24

The simultaneous, concerted transfer of electrons and protons—electron-proton transfer (EPT)—is an important mechanism utilized in chemistry and biology to avoid high energy intermediates. There are many examples of thermally activated EPT in ground-state reactions and in excited states following photoexcitation and thermal relaxation. Here we report application of ultrafast excitation with absorption and Raman monitoring to detect a photochemically driven EPT process (photo-EPT). In this process, both electrons and protons are transferred during the absorption of a photon. Photo-EPT is induced by intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) excitation of hydrogen-bonded-base adducts with either a coumarin dye or 4-nitro-4'-biphenylphenol. Femtosecond transient absorption spectralmore » measurements following ICT excitation reveal the appearance of two spectroscopically distinct states having different dynamical signatures. One of these states corresponds to a conventional ICT excited state in which the transferring H⁺ is initially associated with the proton donor. Proton transfer to the base (B) then occurs on the picosecond time scale. The other state is an ICT-EPT photoproduct. Upon excitation it forms initially in the nuclear configuration of the ground state by application of the Franck–Condon principle. However, due to the change in electronic configuration induced by the transition, excitation is accompanied by proton transfer with the protonated base formed with a highly elongated ⁺H–B bond. Coherent Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of a vibrational mode corresponding to the protonated base in the optically prepared state.« less

Concerted electron-proton transfer in the optical excitation of hydrogen-bonded dyes.

PubMed

Westlake, Brittany C; Brennaman, M Kyle; Concepcion, Javier J; Paul, Jared J; Bettis, Stephanie E; Hampton, Shaun D; Miller, Stephen A; Lebedeva, Natalia V; Forbes, Malcolm D E; Moran, Andrew M; Meyer, Thomas J; Papanikolas, John M

2011-05-24

The simultaneous, concerted transfer of electrons and protons--electron-proton transfer (EPT)--is an important mechanism utilized in chemistry and biology to avoid high energy intermediates. There are many examples of thermally activated EPT in ground-state reactions and in excited states following photoexcitation and thermal relaxation. Here we report application of ultrafast excitation with absorption and Raman monitoring to detect a photochemically driven EPT process (photo-EPT). In this process, both electrons and protons are transferred during the absorption of a photon. Photo-EPT is induced by intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) excitation of hydrogen-bonded-base adducts with either a coumarin dye or 4-nitro-4'-biphenylphenol. Femtosecond transient absorption spectral measurements following ICT excitation reveal the appearance of two spectroscopically distinct states having different dynamical signatures. One of these states corresponds to a conventional ICT excited state in which the transferring H(+) is initially associated with the proton donor. Proton transfer to the base (B) then occurs on the picosecond time scale. The other state is an ICT-EPT photoproduct. Upon excitation it forms initially in the nuclear configuration of the ground state by application of the Franck-Condon principle. However, due to the change in electronic configuration induced by the transition, excitation is accompanied by proton transfer with the protonated base formed with a highly elongated (+)H ─ B bond. Coherent Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of a vibrational mode corresponding to the protonated base in the optically prepared state.

Improving the quality of workers' compensation health care delivery: the Washington State Occupational Health Services Project.

PubMed

Wickizer, T M; Franklin, G; Plaeger-Brockway, R; Mootz, R D

2001-01-01

This article has summarized research and policy activities undertaken in Washington State over the past several years to identify the key problems that result in poor quality and excessive disability among injured workers, and the types of system and delivery changes that could best address these problems in order to improve the quality of occupational health care provided through the workers' compensation system. Our investigations have consistently pointed to the lack of coordination and integration of occupational health services as having major adverse effects on quality and health outcomes for workers' compensation. The Managed Care Pilot Project, a delivery system intervention, focused on making changes in how care is organized and delivered to injured workers. That project demonstrated robust improvements in disability reduction; however, worker satisfaction suffered. Our current quality improvement initiative, developed through the Occupational Health Services Project, synthesizes what was learned from the MCP and other pilot studies to make delivery system improvements. This initiative seeks to develop provider incentives and clinical management processes that will improve outcomes and reduce the burden of disability on injured workers. Fundamental to this approach are simultaneously preserving workers' right to choose their own physician and maintaining flexibility in the provision of individualized care based on clinical need and progress. The OHS project then will be a "real world" test to determine if aligning provider incentives and giving physicians the tools they need to optimize occupational health delivery can demonstrate sustainable reduction in disability and improvements in patient and employer satisfaction. Critical to the success of this initiative will be our ability to: (1) enhance the occupational health care management skills and expertise of physicians who treat injured workers by establishing community-based Centers of Occupational Health and Education; (2) design feasible methods of monitoring patient outcomes and satisfaction with the centers and with the providers working with them in order to assess their effectiveness and value; (3) establish incentives for improved outcomes and worker and employer satisfaction through formal agreements with the centers and providers; and (4) develop quality indicators for the three targeted conditions (low back sprain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fractures) that serve as the basis for both quality improvement processes and performance-based contracting. What lessons or insights does our experience offer thus far? The primary lesson is the importance of making effective partnerships and collaborations. Our policy and research activities have benefited significantly from the positive relationship the DLI established with the practice community through the Washington State Medical and Chiropractic Associations and from the DLI's close association with the Healthcare Subcommittee of the Workers' Compensation Advisory Committee. This committee is established by state regulation and serves as a forum for dialogue between the committee and the employer and labor communities. Our experience thus underscores the importance of establishing broad-based support for delivery system innovations. Our research activities have also benefited from the close collaboration between DLI program staff and UW health services researchers. The DLI staff brought important program and policy experience, along with an appreciation of the context and environment within which the research, policy, and R&D activities were conducted. The UW research team brought scientific rigor and methodological expertise to the design and implementation of the research and policy activities. In Washington State, the DLI represents a "single payer" for the purposes of workers' compensation. As discussed earlier, Washington State, along with five other states, has a state-fund system that requires all employers that are not self-insured to purchase workers' compensation insurance through the state fund. No matter what one feels about the merits or drawbacks of a single-payer system of health care financing, the fact is that such a system creates important opportunities for policy initiatives and for research and evaluation. Our ability to access population-based data on injured workers and to develop policy initiatives through innovation and pilot testing to assess whether proposed changes are really improvements has been critical. Understanding what works within the constraints and complexities of the system on a small scale is critical in order to bring forth policy and processes that will be of value systemwide. Finally, we note that general medical care faces many of the same quality-related problems and challenges as occupational health care. Medical care for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, is often fragmented and uncoordinated. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Vehicle electrical system state controller

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

Bissontz, Jay E.

A motor vehicle electrical power distribution system includes a plurality of distribution sub-systems, an electrical power storage sub-system and a plurality of switching devices for selective connection of elements of and loads on the power distribution system to the electrical power storage sub-system. A state transition initiator provides inputs to control system operation of switching devices to change the states of the power distribution system. The state transition initiator has a plurality of positions selection of which can initiate a state transition. The state transition initiator can emulate a four position rotary ignition switch. Fail safe power cutoff switches providemore » high voltage switching device protection.« less

Implementation of a University-wide Retention Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, E. J.; Campbell, A.

2006-12-01

Eleven years ago, Bowie State University and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center entered into an agreement to enhance the science, mathematics, engineering and technology /(SMET/) domains. A Model Institutions for Excellence Award provided the financial basis for a number of initiatives that have led to increased retention and graduation rates. Initiatives such as a scholarship program, tutoring center, Summer Academy, safety-net program, research focus and mentoring have had a significant impact on students entering graduate and professional school and SMET related employment. Successes documented through various assessment activities and tracking of student progress, have led to implementation of the `retention model' urilized by the SMET MIE Initiatives throughout the University. The MIE retention efforts include each of the aforementioned initiatives plus pre-college and second-year experience programs. It is anticipated that the University-wide application of the `retention model' will provide the incentives necessary to obtain similar results throughout the student body.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Online: lessons learned, initial findings and future directions.

PubMed

Glueckauf, Robert L; Loomis, Jeffrey S

2003-01-01

Family caregivers of older adults with progressive dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) are faced with a variety of emotional and behavioral difficulties, such as dealing with persistent, repetitive questions, managing agitation and depression, and monitoring hygiene and self-care activities. Although professional and governmental organizations have called for the creation of community-based education and support programs, most dementia caregivers continue to receive little or no formal instruction in responding effectively to these challenges. The current paper describes the development and implementation of Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Online, a Web- and telephone-based education and support network for caregivers of individuals with progressive dementia. Lessons learned from the first two years of this state-supported initiative are discussed, followed by the findings of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-funded strategic marketing initiative and an initial program evaluation of AlzOnline's Positive Caregiving classes. Finally, clinical implications and future directions for program development and evaluation research are proposed.

State initiatives in support of optics: New Mexico, a case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guenther, Arthur H.

1992-05-01

New Mexico is very proud of its tri-cultural heritage -- Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo, but that simple description belies the technical richness of the state. If one is in technology and thinks of New Mexico, particularly if involved in the defense community, one thinks of organizations like Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, White Sands Missile Range, and Phillips Laboratory. Phillips Laboratory is one of the new Air Force super laboratories and its activities are focused on space and missile technology. One should appreciate some statistical aspects of the impact of those organizations on New Mexico. In a recent National Science Foundation study, if one looks at R&D performance measured in dollars of activity, on an absolute scale, New Mexico ranks fourth nationally among the 50 states. It also ranks fourth nationally in the university sector in R&D performance. And those two numbers or rankings are not unrelated. You should come to appreciate how we have tried to leverage these strong technology organizations. The private sector ranks only twenty-first, and much of the economic development activity in New Mexico is now attempting to raise this standing by concentrating on the manufacturing sector. What this all means is that, among the 50 states, New Mexico ranks first in the ratio of R&D performance to gross state product. By that measure, technology is more significant to the State of New Mexico than it is to any other state in the Union.

Tobacco Advertising and Promotional Expenditures in Sports and Sporting Events - United States, 1992-2013.

PubMed

Agaku, Israel T; Odani, Satomi; Sturgis, Stephanie; Harless, Charles; Glover-Kudon, Rebecca

2016-08-19

Smokeless tobacco has been actively promoted by tobacco companies using endorsements by major sport figures, and research indicates that tobacco advertising can lead to youth initiation of tobacco use (1,2). Television and radio advertisements for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco have been prohibited since 1969,* and the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement(†) further prohibited tobacco companies from targeting youths with tobacco product advertisements in specified areas. In 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under authority of the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA), prohibited tobacco-brand sponsorship (i.e., sponsorship of sports and entertainment events or other social or cultural events using the tobacco brand name or anything identifiable with any brand of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco).(§) However, corporate-name tobacco sponsorship (i.e., sponsorship using the name of the corporation that manufactures regulated tobacco products) is still permitted under certain conditions.(¶) To monitor tobacco advertising and promotional activities in sports in the United States, CDC analyzed trends in sports-related marketing expenditures for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco during 1992-2013 using data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). During 1992-2013, sports-related marketing expenditures, adjusted by the consumer price index to constant 2013 dollars, decreased significantly for both cigarettes (from $136 million in 1992 to $0 in 2013) and smokeless tobacco (from $34.8 million in 1992 to $2.1 million in 2013). During 2010-2013, after the prohibition of tobacco-brand sponsorship in sports under the FSPTCA, cigarette manufacturers reported no spending (i.e., $0) on sports-related advertising and promotional activities; in contrast, smokeless tobacco manufacturers reported expenditures of $16.3 million on advertising and promoting smokeless tobacco in sports during 2010-2013. These findings indicate that despite prohibitions on brand sponsorship, smokeless tobacco products continue to be marketed in sports in the United States, potentially through other indirect channels such as corporate-name sponsorship. Enhanced measures are warranted to restrict youth-oriented tobacco marketing and promotional activities that could lead to tobacco initiation and use among children and adolescents (2). Reducing tobacco industry promotion through sponsorship of public and private events is an evidence-based strategy for preventing youth initiation of tobacco use (3). In addition, other proven interventions (e.g., tobacco price increases, anti-tobacco mass media campaigns, tobacco-free policies inclusive of smokeless tobacco, and barrier-free access to cessation services), could help reduce smokeless tobacco use in the United States (1).

Kinetic mechanism of ATP-sulphurylase from rat chondrosarcoma.

PubMed Central

Lyle, S; Geller, D H; Ng, K; Westley, J; Schwartz, N B

1994-01-01

ATP-sulphurylase catalyses the production of adenosine 5'-phosphosulphate (APS) from ATP and free sulphate with the release of PPi. APS kinase phosphorylates the APS intermediate to produce adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulphate (PAPS). The kinetic mechanism of rat chondrosarcoma ATP-sulphurylase was investigated by steady-state methods in the physiologically forward direction as well as the reverse direction. The sulphurylase activity was coupled to APS kinase activity in order to overcome the thermodynamic constraints of the sulphurylase reaction in the forward direction. Double-reciprocal initial-velocity plots for the forward sulphurylase intersect to the left of the ordinate for this reaction. KmATP and Kmsulphate were found to be 200 and 97 microM respectively. Chlorate, a competitive inhibitor with respect to sulphate, showed uncompetitive inhibition with respect to ATP with an apparent Ki of 1.97 mM. Steady-state data from experiments in the physiologically reverse direction also yielded double-reciprocal initial-velocity patterns that intersect to the left of the ordinate axis, with a KmAPS of 39 microM and a Kmpyrophosphate of 18 microM. The results of steady-state experiments in which Mg2+ was varied indicated that the true substrate is the MgPPi complex. An analogue of APS, adenosine 5'-[beta-methylene]phosphosulphate, was a linear inhibitor competitive with APS and non-competitive with respect to MgPPi. The simplest formal mechanism that agrees with all the data is an ordered steady-state single displacement with MgATP as the leading substrate in the forward direction and APS as the leading substrate in the reverse direction. PMID:8042976

Mindfulness and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: State of the Evidence, Plausible Mechanisms, and Theoretical Framework.

PubMed

Loucks, Eric B; Schuman-Olivier, Zev; Britton, Willoughby B; Fresco, David M; Desbordes, Gaelle; Brewer, Judson A; Fulwiler, Carl

2015-12-01

The purpose of this review is to provide (1) a synopsis on relations of mindfulness with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and major CVD risk factors, and (2) an initial consensus-based overview of mechanisms and theoretical framework by which mindfulness might influence CVD. Initial evidence, often of limited methodological quality, suggests possible impacts of mindfulness on CVD risk factors including physical activity, smoking, diet, obesity, blood pressure, and diabetes regulation. Plausible mechanisms include (1) improved attention control (e.g., ability to hold attention on experiences related to CVD risk, such as smoking, diet, physical activity, and medication adherence), (2) emotion regulation (e.g., improved stress response, self-efficacy, and skills to manage craving for cigarettes, palatable foods, and sedentary activities), and (3) self-awareness (e.g., self-referential processing and awareness of physical sensations due to CVD risk factors). Understanding mechanisms and theoretical framework should improve etiologic knowledge, providing customized mindfulness intervention targets that could enable greater mindfulness intervention efficacy.

Forecast Mekong 2012: Building scientific capacity

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stefanov, James E.

2012-01-01

In 2009, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton joined the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam in launching the Lower Mekong Initiative to enhance U.S. engagement with the countries of the Lower Mekong River Basin in the areas of environment, health, education, and infrastructure. The U.S. Geological Survey Forecast Mekong supports the Lower Mekong Initiative through a variety of activities. The principal objectives of Forecast Mekong include the following: * Build scientific capacity in the Lower Mekong Basin and promote cooperation and collaboration among scientists working in the region. * Provide data, information, and scientific models to help resource managers there make informed decisions. * Produce forecasting and visualization tools to support basin planning, including climate change adaptation. The focus of this product is Forecast Mekong accomplishments and current activities related to the development of scientific capacity at organizations and institutions in the region. Building on accomplishments in 2010 and 2011, Forecast Mekong continues to enhance scientific capacity in the Lower Mekong Basin with a suite of activities in 2012.

Mindfulness and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: State of the Evidence, Plausible Mechanisms, and Theoretical Framework

PubMed Central

Schuman-Olivier, Zev; Britton, Willoughby B.; Fresco, David M.; Desbordes, Gaelle; Brewer, Judson A.; Fulwiler, Carl

2016-01-01

The purpose of this review is to provide (1) a synopsis on relations of mindfulness with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and major CVD risk factors, and (2) an initial consensus-based overview of mechanisms and theoretical framework by which mindfulness might influence CVD. Initial evidence, often of limited methodological quality, suggests possible impacts of mindfulness on CVD risk factors including physical activity, smoking, diet, obesity, blood pressure, and diabetes regulation. Plausible mechanisms include (1) improved attention control (e.g., ability to hold attention on experiences related to CVD risk, such as smoking, diet, physical activity, and medication adherence), (2) emotion regulation (e.g., improved stress response, self-efficacy, and skills to manage craving for cigarettes, palatable foods, and sedentary activities), and (3) self-awareness (e.g., self-referential processing and awareness of physical sensations due to CVD risk factors). Understanding mechanisms and theoretical framework should improve etiologic knowledge, providing customized mindfulness intervention targets that could enable greater mindfulness intervention efficacy. PMID:26482755

Subunit III-depleted cytochrome c oxidase provides insight into the process of proton uptake by proteins

PubMed Central

Varanasi, Lakshman; Hosler, Jonathan P.

2011-01-01

We review studies of subunit III-depleted cytochrome c oxidase (CcO III (−)) that elucidate the structural basis of steady-state proton uptake from solvent into an internal proton transfer pathway. The removal of subunit III from R. sphaeroides CcO makes proton uptake into the D pathway a rate-determining step, such that measurements of the pH dependence of steady-state O2 consumption can be used to compare the rate and functional pKa of proton uptake by D pathways containing different initial proton acceptors. The removal of subunit III also promotes spontaneous suicide inactivation by CcO, greatly shortening its catalytic lifespan. Because the probability of suicide inactivation is controlled by the rate at which the D pathway delivers protons to the active site, measurements of catalytic lifespan provide a second method to compare the relative efficacy of proton uptake by engineered CcO III (−) forms. These simple experimental systems have been used to explore general questions of proton uptake by proteins, such as the functional value of an initial proton acceptor, whether an initial acceptor must be surface-exposed, which side chains will function as initial proton acceptors and whether multiple acceptors can speed proton uptake. PMID:22023935

Two-State Reactivity in Low-Valent Iron-Mediated C-H Activation and the Implications for Other First-Row Transition Metals.

PubMed

Sun, Yihua; Tang, Hao; Chen, Kejuan; Hu, Lianrui; Yao, Jiannian; Shaik, Sason; Chen, Hui

2016-03-23

C-H bond activation/functionalization promoted by low-valent iron complexes has recently emerged as a promising approach for the utilization of earth-abundant first-row transition metals to carry out this difficult transformation. Herein we use extensive density functional theory and high-level ab initio coupled cluster calculations to shed light on the mechanism of these intriguing reactions. Our key mechanistic discovery for C-H arylation reactions reveals a two-state reactivity (TSR) scenario in which the low-spin Fe(II) singlet state, which is initially an excited state, crosses over the high-spin ground state and promotes C-H bond cleavage. Subsequently, aryl transmetalation occurs, followed by oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III) in a single-electron transfer (SET) step in which dichloroalkane serves as an oxidant, thus promoting the final C-C coupling and finalizing the C-H functionalization. Regeneration of the Fe(II) catalyst for the next round of C-H activation involves SET oxidation of the Fe(I) species generated after the C-C bond coupling. The ligand sphere of iron is found to play a crucial role in the TSR mechanism by stabilization of the reactive low-spin state that mediates the C-H activation. This is the first time that the successful TSR concept conceived for high-valent iron chemistry is shown to successfully rationalize the reactivity for a reaction promoted by low-valent iron complexes. A comparative study involving other divalent middle and late first-row transition metals implicates iron as the optimum metal in this TSR mechanism for C-H activation. It is predicted that stabilization of low-spin Mn(II) using an appropriate ligand sphere should produce another promising candidate for efficient C-H bond activation. This new TSR scenario therefore emerges as a new strategy for using low-valent first-row transition metals for C-H activation reactions.

Initial state with shear in peripheral heavy ion collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magas, V. K.; Gordillo, J.; Strottman, D.; Xie, Y. L.; Csernai, L. P.

2018-06-01

In the present work we propose a new way of constructing the initial state for further hydrodynamic simulation of relativistic heavy ion collisions based on Bjorken-like solution applied streak by streak in the transverse plane. Previous fluid dynamical calculations in Cartesian coordinates with an initial state based on a streak by streak Yang-Mills field led for peripheral higher energy collisions to large angular momentum, initial shear flow and significant local vorticity. Recent experiments verified the existence of this vorticity via the resulting polarization of emitted Λ and Λ ¯ particles. At the same time parton cascade models indicated the existence of more compact initial state configurations, which we are going to simulate in our approach. The proposed model satisfies all the conservation laws, including conservation of a strong initial angular momentum, which is present in noncentral collisions. As a consequence of this large initial angular momentum we observe the rotation of the whole system as well as the fluid shear in the initial state, which leads to large flow vorticity. Another advantage of the proposed model is that the initial state can be given in both [t,x,y,z] and [τ ,x ,y ,η ] coordinates and thus can be tested by all 3+1D hydrodynamical codes which exist in the field.

Predicting the integration of overlapping memories by decoding mnemonic processing states during learning

PubMed Central

Richter, Franziska R.; Chanales, Avi J. H.; Kuhl, Brice A.

2015-01-01

The hippocampal memory system is thought to alternate between two opposing processing states: encoding and retrieval. When present experience overlaps with past experience, this creates a potential tradeoff between encoding the present and retrieving the past. This tradeoff may be resolved by memory integration—that is, by forming a mnemonic representation that links present experience with overlapping past experience. Here, we used fMRI decoding analyses to predict when—and establish how—past and present experiences become integrated in memory. In an initial experiment, we alternately instructed subjects to adopt encoding, retrieval or integration states during overlapping learning. We then trained across-subject pattern classifiers to ‘read out’ the instructed processing states from fMRI activity patterns. We show that an integration state was clearly dissociable from encoding or retrieval states. Moreover, trial-by-trial fluctuations in decoded evidence for an integration state during learning reliably predicted behavioral expressions of successful memory integration. Strikingly, the decoding algorithm also successfully predicted specific instances of spontaneous memory integration in an entirely independent sample of subjects for whom processing state instructions were not administered. Finally, we show that medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus differentially contribute to encoding, retrieval, and integration states: whereas hippocampus signals the tradeoff between encoding vs. retrieval states, medial prefrontal cortex actively represents past experience in relation to new learning. PMID:26327243

Archiving of HEAO-1 data products and the creation of a general user's guide to the archive

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nousek, John A.

1993-01-01

The activities at Penn State University are described. Initiated at Penn State in Jan. 1989, the goal of this program was to preserve the results of the HEAO-1 mission by transforming the obsolete and disorganized data products into modern and documented forms. The result of this effort was an archive of top level data products, totalling 70 Mbytes; a general User's Guide to the archive, which is attached; and a hardcopy archive containing standardized plots and output of fits made to all the pointing data taken by the HEAO-1 A-2 LED experiment. A more detailed description of these activities is found in the following sections. Accompanying this document is a copy of the User's Guide which may provide additional detail.

Temporal Dynamics of Parvalbumin-Expressing Axo-axonic and Basket Cells in the Rat Medial Prefrontal Cortex In Vivo

PubMed Central

Hartwich, Katja; Borhegyi, Zsolt; Somogyi, Peter; Klausberger, Thomas

2015-01-01

Axo-axonic interneurons, innervating exclusively axon initial segments, and parvalbumin-expressing basket interneurons, targeting somata, dendrites, and spines of pyramidal cells, have been proposed to control neuronal activity in prefrontal circuits. We recorded the spike-timing of identified neurons in the prelimbic cortex of anesthetized rats, and show that axo-axonic cells increase their firing during tail pinch-induced brain state-activation. In addition, axo-axonic cells differ from other GABAergic parvalbumin-expressing cells in their spike timing during DOWN- to UP-state transitions of slow oscillations and in their coupling to gamma and spindle oscillations. The distinct firing dynamics and synaptic targets of axo-axonic and other parvalbumin-expressing cells provide differential contributions to the temporal organization of prefrontal networks. PMID:23152631

Importance of initial and final state effects for azimuthal correlations in p + Pb collisions

DOE PAGES

Greif, Moritz; Greiner, Carsten; Schenke, Bjorn; ...

2017-11-27

In this work, we investigate the relative importance of initial and final state effects on azimuthal correlations of gluons in low and high multiplicity p+Pb collisions. To achieve this, we couple Yang-Mills dynamics of pre-equilibrium gluon fields (IP-GLASMA) to a perturbative QCD based parton cascade for the final state evolution (BAMPS) on an event-by-event basis. We find that signatures of both the initial state correlations and final state interactions are seen in azimuthal correlation observables, such as v 2 {2PC} (p T), their strength depending on the event multiplicity and transverse momentum. Initial state correlations dominate v 2 {2PC} (pmore » T) in low multiplicity events for transverse momenta p T > 2 GeV. Lastly, while final state interactions are dominant in high multiplicity events, initial state correlations affect v 2 {2PC} (p T) for p T > 2 GeV as well as the pT integrated v 2 {2PC}.« less

Importance of initial and final state effects for azimuthal correlations in p + Pb collisions

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

Greif, Moritz; Greiner, Carsten; Schenke, Bjorn

In this work, we investigate the relative importance of initial and final state effects on azimuthal correlations of gluons in low and high multiplicity p+Pb collisions. To achieve this, we couple Yang-Mills dynamics of pre-equilibrium gluon fields (IP-GLASMA) to a perturbative QCD based parton cascade for the final state evolution (BAMPS) on an event-by-event basis. We find that signatures of both the initial state correlations and final state interactions are seen in azimuthal correlation observables, such as v 2 {2PC} (p T), their strength depending on the event multiplicity and transverse momentum. Initial state correlations dominate v 2 {2PC} (pmore » T) in low multiplicity events for transverse momenta p T > 2 GeV. Lastly, while final state interactions are dominant in high multiplicity events, initial state correlations affect v 2 {2PC} (p T) for p T > 2 GeV as well as the pT integrated v 2 {2PC}.« less

Sexual Intercourse Among High School Students - 29 States and United States Overall, 2005-2015.

PubMed

Ethier, Kathleen A; Kann, Laura; McManus, Timothy

2018-01-05

Early initiation of sexual activity is associated with having more sexual partners, not using condoms, sexually transmitted infection (STI), and pregnancy during adolescence (1,2). The majority of adolescents initiate sexual activity during high school, and the proportion of high school students who have ever had sexual intercourse increases by grade; black students are more likely to have ever had sexual intercourse than are white students (3). The proportion of high school students overall who had ever had sexual intercourse did not change significantly during 1995-2005 (53.1% to 46.8%) (Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, unpublished data). To assess whether changes have occurred in recent years in the proportion of high school students who have ever had sexual intercourse, CDC examined trends overall and by grade, race/ethnicity, and sex among U.S. high school students, using data from the 2005-2015 national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBSs) and data from 29 states* that conduct the YRBS and have weighted data. Nationwide, the proportion of high school students who had ever had sexual intercourse decreased significantly overall and among 9th and 10th grade students, non-Hispanic black (black) students in all grades, and Hispanic students in three grades. A similar pattern by grade was observed in nearly half the states (14), where the prevalence of ever having had sexual intercourse decreased only in 9th grade or only in 9th and 10th grades; nearly all other states saw decreases in some or all grades. The overall decrease in the prevalence of ever having had sexual intercourse during 2005-2015 is a positive change in sexual risk among adolescents (i.e., behaviors that place them at risk for human immunodeficiency virus, STI, or pregnancy) in the United States, an overall decrease that did not occur during the preceding 10 years. Further, decreases by grade and race/ethnicity represent positive changes among groups of students who have been determined in previous studies to be at higher risk for negative outcomes associated with early sexual initiation, such as greater numbers of partners, condom non-use, teen pregnancy, and STI (1-3). More work is needed to understand the reasons for these decreases and to ensure that they continue.

Structural Transition and Antibody Binding of EBOV GP and ZIKV E Proteins from Pre-Fusion to Fusion-Initiation State.

PubMed

Lappala, Anna; Nishima, Wataru; Miner, Jacob; Fenimore, Paul; Fischer, Will; Hraber, Peter; Zhang, Ming; McMahon, Benjamin; Tung, Chang-Shung

2018-05-10

Membrane fusion proteins are responsible for viral entry into host cells—a crucial first step in viral infection. These proteins undergo large conformational changes from pre-fusion to fusion-initiation structures, and, despite differences in viral genomes and disease etiology, many fusion proteins are arranged as trimers. Structural information for both pre-fusion and fusion-initiation states is critical for understanding virus neutralization by the host immune system. In the case of Ebola virus glycoprotein (EBOV GP) and Zika virus envelope protein (ZIKV E), pre-fusion state structures have been identified experimentally, but only partial structures of fusion-initiation states have been described. While the fusion-initiation structure is in an energetically unfavorable state that is difficult to solve experimentally, the existing structural information combined with computational approaches enabled the modeling of fusion-initiation state structures of both proteins. These structural models provide an improved understanding of four different neutralizing antibodies in the prevention of viral host entry.

Are corticothalamic 'up' states fragments of wakefulness?

PubMed

Destexhe, Alain; Hughes, Stuart W; Rudolph, Michelle; Crunelli, Vincenzo

2007-07-01

The slow (<1 Hz) oscillation, with its alternating 'up' and 'down' states in individual neurons, is a defining feature of the electroencephalogram (EEG) during slow-wave sleep (SWS). Although this oscillation is well preserved across mammalian species, its physiological role is unclear. Electrophysiological and computational evidence from the cortex and thalamus now indicates that slow-oscillation 'up' states and the 'activated' state of wakefulness are remarkably similar dynamic entities. This is consistent with behavioural experiments suggesting that slow-oscillation 'up' states provide a context for the replay, and possible consolidation, of previous experience. In this scenario, the T-type Ca(2+) channel-dependent bursts of action potentials that initiate each 'up' state in thalamocortical (TC) neurons might function as triggers for synaptic and cellular plasticity in corticothalamic networks. This review is part of the INMED/TINS special issue Physiogenic and pathogenic oscillations: the beauty and the beast, based on presentations at the annual INMED/TINS symposium (http://inmednet.com).

Exploring the Application of Volunteered Geographic Information to Catchment Management: a Survey Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paudyal, D. R.; McDougall, K.; Apan, A.

2012-07-01

The participation and engagement of grass-root level community groups and citizens for natural resource management has a long history. With recent developments in ICT tools and spatial technology, these groups are seeking a new opportunity to manage natural resource data. There are lot of spatial information collected/generated by landcare groups, land holders and other community groups at the grass-root level through their volunteer initiatives. State government organisations are also interested in gaining access to this spatial data/information and engaging these groups to collect spatial information under their mapping programs. The aim of this paper is to explore the possible utilisation of volunteered geographic information (VGI) for catchment management activities. This research paper discusses the importance of spatial information and spatial data infrastructure (SDI) for catchment management and the emergence of VGI. A conceptual framework has been developed to illustrate how these emerging spatial information applications and various community volunteer activities can contribute to a more inclusive spatial data infrastructure (SDI) development at local level. A survey of 56 regional NRM bodies in Australia was utilised to explore the current community-driven volunteer initiatives for NRM activities and the potential of utilisation of VGI initiatives for NRM decision making process. This research paper concludes that VGI activities have great potential to contribute to SDI development at the community level to achieve better natural resource management (NRM) outcomes.

Changes in the enzymatic activity of soil samples upon their storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dadenko, E. V.; Kazeev, K. Sh.; Kolesnikov, S. I.; Val'Kov, V. F.

2009-12-01

The influence of the duration and conditions of storage of soil samples on the activity of soil enzymes (catalase, β-fructofuranosidase, and dehydrogenase) was studied for the main soils of southern Russia (different subtypes of chernozems, chestnut soils, brown forest soils, gray forest soils, solonetzes, and solonchaks). The following soil storage conditions were tested: (1) the air-dry state at room temperature, (2) the airdry state at a low positive (in a refrigerator, +4°C) temperature, (3) naturally moist samples at a low positive temperature, and (4) naturally moist samples at a negative (in a freezer, -5°C) temperature. It was found that the sample storing caused significant changes in the enzymatic activities, which depended on the soil type, the land use, the type of enzyme, and the duration and conditions of the sample storage. In the course of the storage, the changes in the enzymatic activity had a nonlinear character. The maximum changes were observed in the initial period (up to 12 weeks). Then, a very gradual decrease in the activity of the studied enzymes was observed. Upon the long-term (>12 weeks) storage under the different conditions, the difference in the activities of the soil enzymes became less pronounced. The storage of soil samples in the air-dried state at room temperature can be recommended for mass investigations.

A Descriptive Analysis of State-Supported Formative Assessment Initiatives in New York and Vermont. Summary. Issues & Answers. REL 2012-No. 112

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Louie, Josephine; Sanchez, Maria Teresa; North, Charlotte; Cazabon, Mary; Melo, Daniel; Kagle, Melissa

2011-01-01

This study examines two state-supported formative assessment initiatives that promote a consensus definition of formative assessment endorsed by the Council of Chief State School Officers. It describes the primary components of the two initiatives and the strategies that state, district, and school leaders report using to support implementation of…

A Descriptive Analysis of State-Supported Formative Assessment Initiatives in New York and Vermont. Issues & Answers. REL 2012-No. 112

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Louie, Josephine; Sanchez, Maria Teresa; North, Charlotte; Cazabon, Mary; Melo, Daniel; Kagle, Melissa

2011-01-01

This study examines two state-supported formative assessment initiatives that promote a consensus definition of formative assessment endorsed by the Council of Chief State School Officers. It describes the primary components of the two initiatives and the strategies that state, district, and school leaders report using to support implementation of…

Family Support: Fostering Leadership and Partnership to Improve Access and Quality. Building State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Series, Number 14

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Lisa; Uyeda, Kimberly

2004-01-01

The federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) has launched a five-year initiative that will support state efforts to build comprehensive early childhood service systems. This initiative--the State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (SECCS) Initiative--provides planning and implementation grants to the state and territory Maternal and…

Sudden birth versus sudden death of entanglement for the extended Werner-like state in a dissipative environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Chuan-Jia; Chen, Tao; Liu, Ji-Bing; Cheng, Wei-Wen; Liu, Tang-Kun; Huang, Yan-Xia; Li, Hong

2010-06-01

In this paper, we investigate the dynamical behaviour of entanglement in terms of concurrence in a bipartite system subjected to an external magnetic field under the action of dissipative environments in the extended Werner-like initial state. The interesting phenomenon of entanglement sudden death as well as sudden birth appears during the evolution process. We analyse in detail the effect of the purity of the initial entangled state of two qubits via Heisenberg XY interaction on the apparition time of entanglement sudden death and entanglement sudden birth. Furthermore, the conditions on the conversion of entanglement sudden death and entanglement sudden birth can be generalized when the initial entangled state is not pure. In particular, a critical purity of the initial mixed entangled state exists, above which entanglement sudden birth vanishes while entanglement sudden death appears. It is also noticed that stable entanglement, which is independent of different initial states of the qubits (pure or mixed state), occurs even in the presence of decoherence. These results arising from the combination of the extended Werner-like initial state and dissipative environments suggest an approach to control and enhance the entanglement even after purity induced sudden birth, death and revival.

Passive state preparation in the Gaussian-modulated coherent-states quantum key distribution

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

Qi, Bing; Evans, Philip G.; Grice, Warren P.

In the Gaussian-modulated coherent-states (GMCS) quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol, Alice prepares quantum states actively: For each transmission, Alice generates a pair of Gaussian-distributed random numbers, encodes them on a weak coherent pulse using optical amplitude and phase modulators, and then transmits the Gaussian-modulated weak coherent pulse to Bob. Here we propose a passive state preparation scheme using a thermal source. In our scheme, Alice splits the output of a thermal source into two spatial modes using a beam splitter. She measures one mode locally using conjugate optical homodyne detectors, and transmits the other mode to Bob after applying appropriatemore » optical attenuation. Under normal conditions, Alice's measurement results are correlated to Bob's, and they can work out a secure key, as in the active state preparation scheme. Given the initial thermal state generated by the source is strong enough, this scheme can tolerate high detector noise at Alice's side. Furthermore, the output of the source does not need to be single mode, since an optical homodyne detector can selectively measure a single mode determined by the local oscillator. Preliminary experimental results suggest that the proposed scheme could be implemented using an off-the-shelf amplified spontaneous emission source.« less

Passive state preparation in the Gaussian-modulated coherent-states quantum key distribution

DOE PAGES

Qi, Bing; Evans, Philip G.; Grice, Warren P.

2018-01-01

In the Gaussian-modulated coherent-states (GMCS) quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol, Alice prepares quantum states actively: For each transmission, Alice generates a pair of Gaussian-distributed random numbers, encodes them on a weak coherent pulse using optical amplitude and phase modulators, and then transmits the Gaussian-modulated weak coherent pulse to Bob. Here we propose a passive state preparation scheme using a thermal source. In our scheme, Alice splits the output of a thermal source into two spatial modes using a beam splitter. She measures one mode locally using conjugate optical homodyne detectors, and transmits the other mode to Bob after applying appropriatemore » optical attenuation. Under normal conditions, Alice's measurement results are correlated to Bob's, and they can work out a secure key, as in the active state preparation scheme. Given the initial thermal state generated by the source is strong enough, this scheme can tolerate high detector noise at Alice's side. Furthermore, the output of the source does not need to be single mode, since an optical homodyne detector can selectively measure a single mode determined by the local oscillator. Preliminary experimental results suggest that the proposed scheme could be implemented using an off-the-shelf amplified spontaneous emission source.« less

Trachoma Rapid Assessments in Unity and Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal States, Southern Sudan

PubMed Central

Robinson, Emily; Kur, Lucia W.; Ndyaba, Aggrey; Lado, Mounir; Shafi, Juma; Kabare, Emmanuel; McClelland, R. Scott; Kolaczinski, Jan H.

2010-01-01

Background Trachoma is thought to be endemic over large parts of Southern Sudan, but empirical evidence is limited. While some areas east of the Nile have been identified as highly endemic, few trachoma surveys have been conducted in the remainder of the country. This study aimed to determine whether trachoma constitutes a problem to public health in Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal and Unity State, both located west of the Nile. Methods and Principal Findings Trachoma rapid assessments (TRA) were conducted between July and September 2009. Seven villages in Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State and 13 villages in Unity State were surveyed; an average of 50 children (age 1–9 years) and 44 women (age 15 years and above) were examined per village. Samples for analysis using the APTIMA Combo-2 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) were collected from participants with active trachoma in eight villages in Unity State. In Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State, only three children with active trachoma (trachomatous inflammation follicular (TF) and/or trachomatous inflammation intense (TI)) and two women with trichiasis (TT) were found, in two of the seven villages surveyed. In Unity State, trachoma was endemic in all thirteen villages surveyed; the proportion of children with active trachoma ranged from 33% to 75% between villages, while TF in children ranged from 16% to 44%. Between 4% to 51% of examined women showed signs of TT. Samples from active trachoma cases tested using the NAAT were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis infection for 46.6% of children and 19.0% of women. Conclusions Trachoma presents a major problem to public health Unity State, while the disease is of low priority in Northern-Bahr-el-Ghazal State. Implementation of a population-based prevalence survey is now required in Unity State to generate baseline prevalence data so that trachoma interventions can be initiated and monitored over time. PMID:20957205

Trachoma rapid assessments in Unity and Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal States, Southern Sudan.

PubMed

Robinson, Emily; Kur, Lucia W; Ndyaba, Aggrey; Lado, Mounir; Shafi, Juma; Kabare, Emmanuel; McClelland, R Scott; Kolaczinski, Jan H

2010-10-01

Trachoma is thought to be endemic over large parts of Southern Sudan, but empirical evidence is limited. While some areas east of the Nile have been identified as highly endemic, few trachoma surveys have been conducted in the remainder of the country. This study aimed to determine whether trachoma constitutes a problem to public health in Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal and Unity State, both located west of the Nile. Trachoma rapid assessments (TRA) were conducted between July and September 2009. Seven villages in Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State and 13 villages in Unity State were surveyed; an average of 50 children (age 1-9 years) and 44 women (age 15 years and above) were examined per village. Samples for analysis using the APTIMA Combo-2 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) were collected from participants with active trachoma in eight villages in Unity State. In Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State, only three children with active trachoma (trachomatous inflammation follicular (TF) and/or trachomatous inflammation intense (TI)) and two women with trichiasis (TT) were found, in two of the seven villages surveyed. In Unity State, trachoma was endemic in all thirteen villages surveyed; the proportion of children with active trachoma ranged from 33% to 75% between villages, while TF in children ranged from 16% to 44%. Between 4% to 51% of examined women showed signs of TT. Samples from active trachoma cases tested using the NAAT were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis infection for 46.6% of children and 19.0% of women. Trachoma presents a major problem to public health Unity State, while the disease is of low priority in Northern-Bahr-el-Ghazal State. Implementation of a population-based prevalence survey is now required in Unity State to generate baseline prevalence data so that trachoma interventions can be initiated and monitored over time.

The Earth Observation Technology Cluster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aplin, P.; Boyd, D. S.; Danson, F. M.; Donoghue, D. N. M.; Ferrier, G.; Galiatsatos, N.; Marsh, A.; Pope, A.; Ramirez, F. A.; Tate, N. J.

2012-07-01

The Earth Observation Technology Cluster is a knowledge exchange initiative, promoting development, understanding and communication about innovative technology used in remote sensing of the terrestrial or land surface. This initiative provides an opportunity for presentation of novel developments from, and cross-fertilisation of ideas between, the many and diverse members of the terrestrial remote sensing community. The Earth Observation Technology Cluster involves a range of knowledge exchange activities, including organisation of technical events, delivery of educational materials, publication of scientific findings and development of a coherent terrestrial EO community. The initiative as a whole covers the full range of remote sensing operation, from new platform and sensor development, through image retrieval and analysis, to data applications and environmental modelling. However, certain topical and strategic themes have been selected for detailed investigation: (1) Unpiloted Aerial Vehicles, (2) Terrestrial Laser Scanning, (3) Field-Based Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy, (4) Hypertemporal Image Analysis, and (5) Circumpolar and Cryospheric Application. This paper presents general activities and achievements of the Earth Observation Technology Cluster, and reviews state-of-the-art developments in the five specific thematic areas.

Factors associated with hookah use initiation among adolescents.

PubMed

Reveles, Caroline C; Segri, Neuber J; Botelho, Clovis

2013-01-01

to determine the prevalence and to analyze factors associated with hookah use initiation among adolescents. This was a cross-sectional study, in which questionnaires were collected from 495 students attending public and private schools of the urban area of the city of Várzea Grande, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Data were analyzed through descriptive, bivariate, and multiple Poisson regression analyses. A total of 19.7% students had tried a hookah. The use of hookah was associated with the final period of adolescence [PR=6.54 (2.79, 15.32)]; enrollment in private schools [PR=2.23 (1.73, 2.88)]; and presence of work activities [PR=1.80 (1.17, 2.78)]. The proportion of adolescents that had tried a hookah was high. The influence of age, work activities, and class period on smoking initiation using the hookah was observed. Preventive measures encompassing all forms of tobacco smoking should be targeted at adolescents in the school environment, aiming at tobacco use control. Copyright © 2013 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

A mechanical energy analysis of gait initiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, C. A.; Verstraete, M. C.

1999-01-01

The analysis of gait initiation (the transient state between standing and walking) is an important diagnostic tool to study pathologic gait and to evaluate prosthetic devices. While past studies have quantified mechanical energy of the body during steady-state gait, to date no one has computed the mechanical energy of the body during gait initiation. In this study, gait initiation in seven normal male subjects was studied using a mechanical energy analysis to compute total body energy. The data showed three separate states: quiet standing, gait initiation, and steady-state gait. During gait initiation, the trends in the energy data for the individual segments were similar to those seen during steady-state gait (and in Winter DA, Quanbury AO, Reimer GD. Analysis of instantaneous energy of normal gait. J Biochem 1976;9:253-257), but diminished in amplitude. However, these amplitudes increased to those seen in steady-state during the gait initiation event (GIE), with the greatest increase occurring in the second step due to the push-off of the foundation leg. The baseline level of mechanical energy was due to the potential energy of the individual segments, while the cyclic nature of the data was indicative of the kinetic energy of the particular leg in swing phase during that step. The data presented showed differences in energy trends during gait initiation from those of steady state, thereby demonstrating the importance of this event in the study of locomotion.

On the importance of an accurate representation of the initial state of the system in classical dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Vela, A.

2000-05-01

A definition of a quantum-type phase-space distribution is proposed in order to represent the initial state of the system in a classical dynamics simulation. The central idea is to define an initial quantum phase-space state of the system as the direct product of the coordinate and momentum representations of the quantum initial state. The phase-space distribution is then obtained as the square modulus of this phase-space state. The resulting phase-space distribution closely resembles the quantum nature of the system initial state. The initial conditions are sampled with the distribution, using a grid technique in phase space. With this type of sampling the distribution of initial conditions reproduces more faithfully the shape of the original phase-space distribution. The method is applied to generate initial conditions describing the three-dimensional state of the Ar-HCl cluster prepared by ultraviolet excitation. The photodissociation dynamics is simulated by classical trajectories, and the results are compared with those of a wave packet calculation. The classical and quantum descriptions are found in good agreement for those dynamical events less subject to quantum effects. The classical result fails to reproduce the quantum mechanical one for the more strongly quantum features of the dynamics. The properties and applicability of the phase-space distribution and the sampling technique proposed are discussed.

Dynamics of quantum correlation and coherence for two atoms coupled with a bath of fluctuating massless scalar field

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

Huang, Zhiming, E-mail: 465609785@qq.com; Situ, Haozhen, E-mail: situhaozhen@gmail.com

In this article, the dynamics of quantum correlation and coherence for two atoms interacting with a bath of fluctuating massless scalar field in the Minkowski vacuum is investigated. We firstly derive the master equation that describes the system evolution with initial Bell-diagonal state. Then we discuss the system evolution for three cases of different initial states: non-zero correlation separable state, maximally entangled state and zero correlation state. For non-zero correlation initial separable state, quantum correlation and coherence can be protected from vacuum fluctuations during long time evolution when the separation between the two atoms is relatively small. For maximally entangledmore » initial state, quantum correlation and coherence overall decrease with evolution time. However, for the zero correlation initial state, quantum correlation and coherence are firstly generated and then drop with evolution time; when separation is sufficiently small, they can survive from vacuum fluctuations. For three cases, quantum correlation and coherence first undergo decline and then fluctuate to relatively stable values with the increasing distance between the two atoms. Specially, for the case of zero correlation initial state, quantum correlation and coherence occur periodically revival at fixed zero points and revival amplitude declines gradually with increasing separation of two atoms.« less

Observation of a Relaxed Plasma State in a Quasi-Infinite Cylinder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gray, T.; Brown, M. R.; Dandurand, D.

2013-02-01

A helical relaxed plasma state is observed in a long cylindrical volume. The cylinder is long enough so that the predicted minimum energy state is a close approximation to the infinite cylinder solution. The plasma is injected at v≥50km/s by a coaxial magnetized plasma gun located at one end of the cylindrical volume. The relaxed state is rapidly attained in 1-2 axial Alfvén times after initiation of the plasma. Magnetic data are favorably compared with an analytical model. Magnetic data exhibit broadband fluctuations of the measured axial modes during the formation period. The broadband activity rapidly decays as the energy condenses into the lowest energy mode, which is in agreement with the minimum energy eigenstate of ∇×B=λB.

Observation of a relaxed plasma state in a quasi-infinite cylinder.

PubMed

Gray, T; Brown, M R; Dandurand, D

2013-02-22

A helical relaxed plasma state is observed in a long cylindrical volume. The cylinder is long enough so that the predicted minimum energy state is a close approximation to the infinite cylinder solution. The plasma is injected at v ≥ 50 km/s by a coaxial magnetized plasma gun located at one end of the cylindrical volume. The relaxed state is rapidly attained in 1-2 axial Alfvén times after initiation of the plasma. Magnetic data are favorably compared with an analytical model. Magnetic data exhibit broadband fluctuations of the measured axial modes during the formation period. The broadband activity rapidly decays as the energy condenses into the lowest energy mode, which is in agreement with the minimum energy eigenstate of [Symbol: see text] × B = λB.

Convergence and attractivity of memristor-based cellular neural networks with time delays.

PubMed

Qin, Sitian; Wang, Jun; Xue, Xiaoping

2015-03-01

This paper presents theoretical results on the convergence and attractivity of memristor-based cellular neural networks (MCNNs) with time delays. Based on a realistic memristor model, an MCNN is modeled using a differential inclusion. The essential boundedness of its global solutions is proven. The state of MCNNs is further proven to be convergent to a critical-point set located in saturated region of the activation function, when the initial state locates in a saturated region. It is shown that the state convergence time period is finite and can be quantitatively estimated using given parameters. Furthermore, the positive invariance and attractivity of state in non-saturated regions are also proven. The simulation results of several numerical examples are provided to substantiate the results. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Examining Physical Activity Service Provision to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities in Australia: A Qualitative Evaluation

PubMed Central

Caperchione, Cristina M.; Kolt, Gregory S.; Mummery, W. Kerry

2013-01-01

Strong evidence exists for the role of physical activity in preventing and managing a range of chronic health conditions. A particular challenge in promoting physical activity as a health strategy exists in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups, as such groups demonstrate high risk for a range of non-communicable diseases. The aim of this research was to examine the perspective of multicultural health service providers for CALD groups with respect to the physical activity services/initiatives on offer, access barriers to these services, and ideas for future service delivery in this area. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 multicultural health service providers across the capital cities of the three most populous states in Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria), and thematic content analysis was used to examine the data. Findings indicated that the majority of physical activity initiatives were associated with organizations offering other social services for CALD communities but were greatly restrained by resources. As well, it was found that most services were not designed by taking into account specific cultural requirements for CALD communities or their cultural expectations. Common barriers identified to service uptake were classified as socio-cultural (e.g., gender, language, context of health) and environmental (e.g., transportation) in nature. These findings should be utilized when planning future physical activity and health promotion initiatives for increasing CALD participation. In particular, programs need to be culturally tailored to the specific expectations of CALD groups, addressing cultural safety and sensitivity, and should be in partnership with other organizations to extend the reach and capacity. PMID:23638145

Production of phytase by Mucor racemosus in solid-state fermentation.

PubMed

Bogar, Barbara; Szakacs, George; Pandey, Ashok; Abdulhameed, Sabu; Linden, James C; Tengerdy, Robert P

2003-01-01

Phytase production was studied by three Mucor and eight Rhizopus strains by solid-state fermentation (SSF) on three commonly used natural feed ingredients (canola meal, coconut oil cake, wheat bran). Mucor racemosus NRRL 1994 (ATCC 46129) gave the highest yield (14.5 IU/g dry matter phytase activity) on coconut oil cake. Optimizing the supplementation of coconut oil cake with glucose, casein and (NH(4))(2)SO(4), phytase production in solid-state fermentation was increased to 26 IU/g dry matter (DM). Optimization was carried out by Plackett-Burman and central composite experimental designs. Using the optimized medium phytase, alpha-amylase and lipase production of Mucor racemosus NRRL 1994 was compared in solid-state fermentation and in shake flask (SF) fermentation. SSF yielded higher phytase activity than did SF based on mass of initial substrate. Because this particular isolate is a food-grade fungus that has been used for sufu fermentation in China, the whole SSF material (crude enzyme, in situ enzyme) may be used directly in animal feed rations with enhanced cost efficiency.

Direct mapping of the angle-dependent barrier to reaction for Cl + CHD3 using polarized scattering data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Huilin; Wang, Fengyan; Czakó, Gábor; Liu, Kopin

2017-12-01

The transition state, which gates and modulates reactive flux, serves as the central concept in our understanding of activated reactions. The barrier height of the transition state can be estimated from the activation energy taken from thermal kinetics data or from the energetic threshold in the measured excitation function (the dependence of reaction cross-sections on initial collision energies). However, another critical and equally important property, the angle-dependent barrier to reaction, has not yet been amenable to experimental determination until now. Here, using the benchmark reaction of Cl + CHD3(v1 = 1) as an example, we show how to map this anisotropic property of the transition state as a function of collision energy from the preferred reactant bond alignment of the backward-scattered products—the imprints of small impact-parameter collisions. The deduced bend potential at the transition state agrees with ab initio calculations. We expect that the method should be applicable to many other direct reactions with a collinear barrier.

Near-term high potential counties for SWECS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osborn, W. C.; Downey, W. T.

1981-02-01

Up-to-date market information to manufacturers of small wind energy conversion system (SWECS) to assist them in developing marketing strategies for their products are provided. The data are arranged in a format that permits rapid identification of a particular location or market segment for further investigation. Extensive backup information by state and county in state SWECS Market reports are appended. It is suggested that the information are useful to SWECS manufacturers for planning new marketing and advertising activities. Background information essential to market studies is synthesized and an initial framework to start such a study is provided.

Teacher training

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-06-14

Mississippi educators participated in a variety of hands-on activities, including rocketry, robotics, and NASA's BEST (Beginning Engineering, Science, and Technology) during a pair of during a pair of professional development workshops conducted by Stennis Space Center educators in June. On June 14, Stennis educators presented workshops to 96 kindergarten-through-12th-grade science teachers and eight Jackson State University faculty, as part of JSU's Project MAST (Mississippi Academy for Science Teaching) Project. On June 21, educators presented workshops in Starkville to 43 fourth-through-eighth-grade science teachers as part of Mississippi State University's Advancing Teachers of Middle School Science initiative.

United Nations: Progress on Management Reform Efforts has Varied

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-01

this review, GAO was asked to (1) determine the progress of UN management reform initiatives in five key areas—ethics, oversight , procurement... oversight , procurement, management operations of the Secretariat, and review of programs and activities (known as mandates). To determine the...forms. Member states made some progress in improving oversight at the UN when they created an Independent Audit Advisory Committee, which is expected

Assessment of the USCENTCOM Medical Distribution Structure

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

General PEO-EIS Program Executive Office–Enterprise Information Systems PMI Patient Movement Items POTUS President of the United States PV Prime Vendor... General of the U.S. Army Medical Research Materiel Command. It should be of broad interest to Department of Defense supply chain managers, logisticians...Initially, USCENTCOM nonmedical theater-level sustainment stocks were stored in Army general support (GS) supply support activities (SSAs), which were

Heavy Quark Correlations and J / Φ Production in Heavy Ion Collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niazi, Reza; Liu, Yunpeng; Ko, Che-Ming

2014-09-01

Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP), a phase of QCD matter, was the temporary state that all matter had in the universe microseconds after its creation, which has been produced in high energy nucleus-nucleus collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Normally being bound inside a proton or neutron, due to the strong nuclear force, the QGP is a hot ``soup'' of quarks and gluons that move relatively freely. QGP is still a very enigmatic state of matter; therefore, active work is being done in trying to understand what is left behind after this short-lived state of matter disintegrates. This includes the abundance of the charmonium meson that consists of a pair of heavy charm and anticharm quarks. In this study, a QGP simulation called the Parton Cascade Model is used with two different initial conditions to see if charm and anticharm quarks can create a charmonium meson in the expanding QGP. In the simulation, the charm quark pair is initially either correlated, with opposite momenta but same position, or uncorrelated, with random momenta and positions, within the QGP. Understanding the difference of the amount of charmonium mesons produced in these two conditions will be helpful in developing theoretical models for charmonium production in heavy ion collisions and thus determining the properties of QGP from experimental measurements. Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP), a phase of QCD matter, was the temporary state that all matter had in the universe microseconds after its creation, which has been produced in high energy nucleus-nucleus collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Normally being bound inside a proton or neutron, due to the strong nuclear force, the QGP is a hot ``soup'' of quarks and gluons that move relatively freely. QGP is still a very enigmatic state of matter; therefore, active work is being done in trying to understand what is left behind after this short-lived state of matter disintegrates. This includes the abundance of the charmonium meson that consists of a pair of heavy charm and anticharm quarks. In this study, a QGP simulation called the Parton Cascade Model is used with two different initial conditions to see if charm and anticharm quarks can create a charmonium meson in the expanding QGP. In the simulation, the charm quark pair is initially either correlated, with opposite momenta but same position, or uncorrelated, with random momenta and positions, within the QGP. Understanding the difference of the amount of charmonium mesons produced in these two conditions will be helpful in developing theoretical models for charmonium production in heavy ion collisions and thus determining the properties of QGP from experimental measurements. Funded by DOE and NSF-REU Program.

Posterior quantum dynamics for a continuous diffusion observation of a coherent channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dąbrowska, Anita; Staszewski, Przemysław

2012-11-01

We present the Belavkin filtering equation for the intense balanced heterodyne detection in a unitary model of an indirect observation. The measuring apparatus modelled by a Bose field is initially prepared in a coherent state and the observed process is a diffusion one. We prove that this filtering equation is relaxing: any initial square-integrable function tends asymptotically to a coherent state with an amplitude depending on the coupling constant and the initial state of the apparatus. The time-development of a squeezed coherent state is studied and compared with the previous results obtained for the measuring apparatus prepared initially in the vacuum state.

Thyroid thermogenesis. Relationships between Na+-dependent respiration and Na+ + K+-adenosine triphosphatase activity in rat skeletal muscle.

PubMed Central

Asano, Y; Liberman, U A; Edelman, I S

1976-01-01

The effect of thyroid status on QO2, QO2 (t) and NaK-ATPase activity was examined in rat skeletal muscle. QO2(t) (i.e. Na+-transport-dependent respiration) was estimated with ouabain or Na+-free media supplemented with K+. In contrast to the effects of ouabain on ion composition, intracellular K+ was maintained at about 125 meq/liter, and intracellular Na+ was almost nil in the Na+-free media. The estimates of QO2(t) were independent of the considerable differences in tissue ion concentrations. The increase in QO2(t) account for 47% of the increase in QO2 in the transition from the hypothyroid to the euthyroid state and 84% of the increase in the transition from the euthyroid to the hyperthyroid state. Surgical thyroidectomy lowered NaK-ATPase activity of the microsomal fraction (expressed per milligram protein) 32%; injections of triodothyronine (T3) increased this activity 75% in initially hypothyroid rats and 26% in initially euthyroid rats. Thyroidectomy was attended by significant falls in serum Ca and Pi concentrations. Administration of T3 resulted in further declines in serum Ca and marked increases in serum Ps concentrations. Similar effects were seen in 131I-treated rats, but the magnitude of the declines in serum Ca were less. The effects of T3 on QO2, QO2(t), and NaK-ATPase activity of skeletal muscle were indistinguishable in the 131I-ablated and surgically thyroidectomized rats. In thyroidectomized or euthyroid rats given repeated doses of T3, QO2(t) and NaA-ATPase activity increased proportionately. In thyroidectomized rats injected with single doses of T3, either 10, 50, or 250 mug/100 g body wt, QO2(t) increased linearly with NaK-ATPase activity. The kinetics of the NaK-ATPase activity was assessed with an ATP-generating system. T3 elicited a significant increase in Vmax with no change in Km for ATP. PMID:130385

42 CFR 1002.214 - Basis for reinstatement after State agency-initiated exclusion.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Basis for reinstatement after State agency-initiated exclusion. 1002.214 Section 1002.214 Public Health OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL-HEALTH CARE... MEDICAID Permissive Exclusions § 1002.214 Basis for reinstatement after State agency-initiated exclusion...

Excited state non-adiabatic dynamics of the smallest polyene, trans 1,3-butadiene. II. Ab initio multiple spawning simulations

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

Glover, William J.; Mori, Toshifumi; Schuurman, Michael S.

The excited state non-adiabatic dynamics of the smallest polyene, trans 1,3-butadiene (BD), has long been the subject of controversy due to its strong coupling, ultrafast time scales and the difficulties that theory faces in describing the relevant electronic states in a balanced fashion. Here we apply Ab Initio Multiple Spawning (AIMS) using state-averaged complete active space multistate second order perturbation theory [SA-3-CAS(4/4)-MSPT2] which describes both static and dynamic electron correlation effects, providing a balanced description of both the initially prepared bright 1 1B u (ππ*) state and non-adiabatically coupled dark 2 1A g state of BD. Importantly, AIMS allows formore » on-the-fly calculations of experimental observables. We validate our approach by directly simulating the time resolved photoelectron-photoion coincidence spectroscopy results presented in Paper I [A. E. Boguslavskiy et al., J. Chem. Phys. 148, 164302 (2018)], demonstrating excellent agreement with experiment. Our simulations reveal that the initial excitation to the 1 1B u state rapidly evolves via wavepacket dynamics that follow both bright- and dark-state pathways as well as mixtures of these. In order to test the sensitivity of the AIMS results to the relative ordering of states, we considered two hypothetical scenarios biased toward either the bright 1B u or the dark 2 1A g state. In contrast with AIMS/SA-3-CAS(4/4)-MSPT2 simulations, neither of these scenarios yields favorable agreement with experiment. Thus, we conclude that the excited state non-adiabatic dynamics in BD involves both of these ultrafast pathways.« less

Excited state non-adiabatic dynamics of the smallest polyene, trans 1,3-butadiene. II. Ab initio multiple spawning simulations.

PubMed

Glover, William J; Mori, Toshifumi; Schuurman, Michael S; Boguslavskiy, Andrey E; Schalk, Oliver; Stolow, Albert; Martínez, Todd J

2018-04-28

The excited state non-adiabatic dynamics of the smallest polyene, trans 1,3-butadiene (BD), has long been the subject of controversy due to its strong coupling, ultrafast time scales and the difficulties that theory faces in describing the relevant electronic states in a balanced fashion. Here we apply Ab Initio Multiple Spawning (AIMS) using state-averaged complete active space multistate second order perturbation theory [SA-3-CAS(4/4)-MSPT2] which describes both static and dynamic electron correlation effects, providing a balanced description of both the initially prepared bright 1 1 B u (ππ*) state and non-adiabatically coupled dark 2 1 A g state of BD. Importantly, AIMS allows for on-the-fly calculations of experimental observables. We validate our approach by directly simulating the time resolved photoelectron-photoion coincidence spectroscopy results presented in Paper I [A. E. Boguslavskiy et al., J. Chem. Phys. 148, 164302 (2018)], demonstrating excellent agreement with experiment. Our simulations reveal that the initial excitation to the 1 1 B u state rapidly evolves via wavepacket dynamics that follow both bright- and dark-state pathways as well as mixtures of these. In order to test the sensitivity of the AIMS results to the relative ordering of states, we considered two hypothetical scenarios biased toward either the bright 1 B u or the dark 2 1 A g state. In contrast with AIMS/SA-3-CAS(4/4)-MSPT2 simulations, neither of these scenarios yields favorable agreement with experiment. Thus, we conclude that the excited state non-adiabatic dynamics in BD involves both of these ultrafast pathways.

Excited state non-adiabatic dynamics of the smallest polyene, trans 1,3-butadiene. II. Ab initio multiple spawning simulations

DOE PAGES

Glover, William J.; Mori, Toshifumi; Schuurman, Michael S.; ...

2018-04-28

The excited state non-adiabatic dynamics of the smallest polyene, trans 1,3-butadiene (BD), has long been the subject of controversy due to its strong coupling, ultrafast time scales and the difficulties that theory faces in describing the relevant electronic states in a balanced fashion. Here we apply Ab Initio Multiple Spawning (AIMS) using state-averaged complete active space multistate second order perturbation theory [SA-3-CAS(4/4)-MSPT2] which describes both static and dynamic electron correlation effects, providing a balanced description of both the initially prepared bright 1 1B u (ππ*) state and non-adiabatically coupled dark 2 1A g state of BD. Importantly, AIMS allows formore » on-the-fly calculations of experimental observables. We validate our approach by directly simulating the time resolved photoelectron-photoion coincidence spectroscopy results presented in Paper I [A. E. Boguslavskiy et al., J. Chem. Phys. 148, 164302 (2018)], demonstrating excellent agreement with experiment. Our simulations reveal that the initial excitation to the 1 1B u state rapidly evolves via wavepacket dynamics that follow both bright- and dark-state pathways as well as mixtures of these. In order to test the sensitivity of the AIMS results to the relative ordering of states, we considered two hypothetical scenarios biased toward either the bright 1B u or the dark 2 1A g state. In contrast with AIMS/SA-3-CAS(4/4)-MSPT2 simulations, neither of these scenarios yields favorable agreement with experiment. Thus, we conclude that the excited state non-adiabatic dynamics in BD involves both of these ultrafast pathways.« less

Distinct polymer architecture mediates switching of complement activation pathways at the nanosphere-serum interface: implications for stealth nanoparticle engineering.

PubMed

Hamad, Islam; Al-Hanbali, Othman; Hunter, A Christy; Rutt, Kenneth J; Andresen, Thomas L; Moghimi, S Moein

2010-11-23

Nanoparticles with surface projected polyethyleneoxide (PEO) chains in "mushroom-brush" and "brush" configurations display stealth properties in systemic circulation and have numerous applications in site-specific targeting for controlled drug delivery and release as well as diagnostic imaging. We report on the "structure-activity" relationship pertaining to surface-immobilized PEO of various configurations on model nanoparticles, and the initiation of complement cascade, which is the most ancient component of innate human immunity, and its activation may induce clinically significant adverse reactions in some individuals. Conformational states of surface-projected PEO chains, arising from the block copolymer poloxamine 908 adsorption, on polystyrene nanoparticles trigger complement activation differently. Alteration of copolymer architecture on nanospheres from mushroom to brush configuration not only switches complement activation from C1q-dependent classical to lectin pathway but also reduces the level of generated complement activation products C4d, Bb, C5a, and SC5b-9. Also, changes in adsorbed polymer configuration trigger alternative pathway activation differently and through different initiators. Notably, the role for properdin-mediated activation of alternative pathway was only restricted to particles displaying PEO chains in a transition mushroom-brush configuration. Since nanoparticle-mediated complement activation is of clinical concern, our findings provide a rational basis for improved surface engineering and design of immunologically safer stealth and targetable nanosystems with polymers for use in clinical medicine.

Brain-state dependent astrocytic Ca2+ signals are coupled to both positive and negative BOLD-fMRI signals.

PubMed

Wang, Maosen; He, Yi; Sejnowski, Terrence J; Yu, Xin

2018-02-13

Astrocytic Ca 2+ -mediated gliovascular interactions regulate the neurovascular network in situ and in vivo. However, it is difficult to measure directly both the astrocytic activity and fMRI to relate the various forms of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signaling to brain states under normal and pathological conditions. In this study, fMRI and GCaMP-mediated Ca 2+ optical fiber recordings revealed distinct evoked astrocytic Ca 2+ signals that were coupled with positive BOLD signals and intrinsic astrocytic Ca 2+ signals that were coupled with negative BOLD signals. Both evoked and intrinsic astrocytic calcium signal could occur concurrently or respectively during stimulation. The intrinsic astrocytic calcium signal can be detected globally in multiple cortical sites in contrast to the evoked astrocytic calcium signal only detected at the activated cortical region. Unlike propagating Ca 2+ waves in spreading depolarization/depression, the intrinsic Ca 2+ spikes occurred simultaneously in both hemispheres and were initiated upon the activation of the central thalamus and midbrain reticular formation. The occurrence of the intrinsic astrocytic calcium signal is strongly coincident with an increased EEG power level of the brain resting-state fluctuation. These results demonstrate highly correlated astrocytic Ca 2+ spikes with bidirectional fMRI signals based on the thalamic regulation of cortical states, depicting a brain-state dependency of both astrocytic Ca 2+ and BOLD fMRI signals.

Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic characterization of BLUF domain of AppA from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zirak, P.; Penzkofer, A.; Schiereis, T.; Hegemann, P.; Jung, A.; Schlichting, I.

2005-08-01

The BLUF domain of the transcriptional anti-repressor protein AppA from the non-sulfur anoxyphototrophic purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides was characterized by absorption and emission spectroscopy. The BLUF domain constructs AppA 148 (consisting of amino-acid residues 1-148) and AppA 126 (amino-acid residues 1-126) are investigated. The cofactor of the investigated domains is found to consist of a mixture of the flavins riboflavin, FMN, and FAD. The dark-adapted domains exist in two different active receptor conformations (receptor states) with different sub-nanosecond fluorescence lifetimes (BLUF r,f and BLUF r,sl) and a small non-interacting conformation (BLUF nc). The active receptor conformations are transformed to putative signalling states (BLUF s,f and BLUF s,sl) of low fluorescence efficiency and picosecond fluorescence lifetime by blue-light excitation (light-adapted domains). In the dark at room temperature both signalling states recover back to the initial receptor states with a time constant of about 17 min. A quantum yield of signalling state formation of about 25% was determined by intensity dependent transmission measurements. A photo-cycle scheme is presented including photo-induced charge transfer complex formation, charge recombination, and protein binding pocket reorganisation.

Federal-State Cooperative Program in Kansas, seminar proceedings, July 1985

USGS Publications Warehouse

Huntzinger, T.L.

1985-01-01

During the past few years, water-resource management in Kansas has undergone reorientation with the creation of the Kansas Water Authority and the Kansas Water office. New thrusts toward long-term goals based on the Kansas State Water plan demand strong communication and coordination between all water-related agencies within the State. The seminar discussed in this report was an initial step by the Kansas Water Office to assure the continued presence of a technical-coordination process and to provide an opportunity for the U.S. Geological Survey to summarize their technical-informational activities in Kansas for the benefit of State and Federal water agencies with the State. The seminar was held on July 8 and 9, 1985, in Lawrence, Kansas. The agenda included a summary of the data-collection activities and short synopses of projects completed within the past year and those currently underway. The data program discussions described the information obtained at the surface water, groundwater, water quality, and sediment sites in Kansas. Interpretive projects summarized included studies in groundwater modeling, areal hydrologic analysis, regional analysis of floods , low-flow, high-flow, and flow-volume characteristics, water quality of groundwater and lakes, and traveltime and transit-loss analysis. (USGS)

Mapping replication origins in yeast chromosomes.

PubMed

Brewer, B J; Fangman, W L

1991-07-01

The replicon hypothesis, first proposed in 1963 by Jacob and Brenner, states that DNA replication is controlled at sites called origins. Replication origins have been well studied in prokaryotes. However, the study of eukaryotic chromosomal origins has lagged behind, because until recently there has been no method for reliably determining the identity and location of origins from eukaryotic chromosomes. Here, we review a technique we developed with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that allows both the mapping of replication origins and an assessment of their activity. Two-dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis and Southern hybridization with total genomic DNA are used to determine whether a particular restriction fragment acquires the branched structure diagnostic of replication initiation. The technique has been used to localize origins in yeast chromosomes and assess their initiation efficiency. In some cases, origin activation is dependent upon the surrounding context. The technique is also being applied to a variety of eukaryotic organisms.

Online Prelectures: An Alternative to Textbook Reading Assignments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadaghiani, Homeyra R.

2012-05-01

To engage students in a more meaningful discussion of course material and prompt their higher thinking skills, most instructors expect students to read the course textbook for initial exposure to the course content before class. However, as many instructors are aware, most students do not read their textbook throughout the quarter.1,2 At California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) we have adopted web-based multimedia learning modules (MLMs) as prelecture assignments to help students to prepare for the class activities. The MLMs place lecture contents into the hands and control of the learners; similar to "flipped"3 or "inverted"4 classroom approaches, this method allows students to receive key course content outside of class and apply and analyze the content actively during class. In addition to initial exposure to basic principle, the MLMs provide additional worked examples that cannot be thoroughly covered in class.

Tobacco tax initiatives to prevent tobacco use: a study of eight statewide campaigns.

PubMed

Nicholl, J

1998-12-15

This article reviews the history of successful and unsuccessful tobacco tax initiatives in eight states in the U. S. since 1988. It addresses the common origins of these initiatives and proposes several strategies for the success of citizen-based initiative campaigns attempting to raise the tobacco excise tax. It explores the impact of tobacco tax increases on youth and discusses why youth consumption is increasing even in the face of rising tobacco taxes. Only 50% of the states in the U. S. can pass tobacco tax increases using the initiative process; the other states require legislative action. Four states have succeeded in passing citizen-sponsored tobacco tax initiatives, whereas two others have failed at the ballot. Efforts in two other states foundered when insufficient signatures were submitted to gain a spot on the ballot. Surveys in all six states in which initiatives were placed on the ballot revealed similar high levels of voter support, but the clearest factor separating winning from losing campaigns was the availability of sufficient financial resources. Other important campaign elements included strong leadership, broad coalitions, experienced legal and political consultants, access to public opinion research, and advance planning.

X Chromosome of female cells shows dynamic changes in status during human somatic cell reprogramming.

PubMed

Kim, Kun-Yong; Hysolli, Eriona; Tanaka, Yoshiaki; Wang, Brandon; Jung, Yong-Wook; Pan, Xinghua; Weissman, Sherman Morton; Park, In-Hyun

2014-06-03

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) acquire embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like epigenetic states, including the X chromosome. Previous studies reported that human iPSCs retain the inactive X chromosome of parental cells, or acquire two active X chromosomes through reprogramming. Most studies investigated the X chromosome states in established human iPSC clones after completion of reprogramming. Thus, it is still not fully understood when and how the X chromosome reactivation occurs during reprogramming. Here, we report a dynamic change in the X chromosome state throughout reprogramming, with an initial robust reactivation of the inactive X chromosome followed by an inactivation upon generation of nascent iPSC clones. iPSCs with two active X chromosomes or an eroded X chromosome arise in passaging iPSCs. These data provide important insights into the plasticity of the X chromosome of human female iPSCs and will be crucial for the future application of such cells in cell therapy and X-linked disease modeling.

A Static Picture of the Relaxation and Intersystem Crossing Mechanisms of Photoexcited 2-Thiouracil

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Accurate excited-state quantum chemical calculations on 2-thiouracil, employing large active spaces and up to quadruple-ζ quality basis sets in multistate complete active space perturbation theory calculations, are reported. The results suggest that the main relaxation path for 2-thiouracil after photoexcitation should be S2 → S1 → T2 → T1, and that this relaxation occurs on a subpicosecond time scale. There are two deactivation pathways from the initially excited bright S2 state to S1, one of which is nearly barrierless and should promote ultrafast internal conversion. After relaxation to the S1 minimum, small singlet–triplet energy gaps and spin–orbit couplings of about 130 cm–1 are expected to facilitate intersystem crossing to T2, from where very fast internal conversion to T1 occurs. An important finding is that 2-thiouracil shows strong pyramidalization at the carbon atom of the thiocarbonyl group in several excited states. PMID:26284285

Influence of Arrestin on the Photodecay of Bovine Rhodopsin.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Deep; Eckert, Carl Elias; Slavov, Chavdar; Saxena, Krishna; Fürtig, Boris; Sanders, Charles R; Gurevich, Vsevolod V; Wachtveitl, Josef; Schwalbe, Harald

2015-11-09

Continued activation of the photocycle of the dim-light receptor rhodopsin leads to the accumulation of all-trans-retinal in the rod outer segments (ROS). This accumulation can damage the photoreceptor cell. For retinal homeostasis, deactivation processes are initiated in which the release of retinal is delayed. One of these processes involves the binding of arrestin to rhodopsin. Here, the interaction of pre-activated truncated bovine visual arrestin (Arr(Tr)) with rhodopsin in 1,2-diheptanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DHPC) micelles is investigated by solution NMR techniques and flash photolysis spectroscopy. Our results show that formation of the rhodopsin-arrestin complex markedly influences partitioning in the decay kinetics of rhodopsin, which involves the simultaneous formation of a meta II and a meta III state from the meta I state. Binding of Arr(Tr) leads to an increase in the population of the meta III state and consequently to an approximately twofold slower release of all-trans-retinal from rhodopsin. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Successive membrane separation processes simplify concentration of lipases produced by Aspergillus niger by solid-state fermentation.

PubMed

Reinehr, Christian Oliveira; Treichel, Helen; Tres, Marcus Vinicius; Steffens, Juliana; Brião, Vandré Barbosa; Colla, Luciane Maria

2017-06-01

In this study, we developed a simplified method for producing, separating, and concentrating lipases derived from solid-state fermentation of agro-industrial residues by filamentous fungi. First, we used Aspergillus niger to produce lipases with hydrolytic activity. We analyzed the separation and concentration of enzymes using membrane separation processes. The sequential use of microfiltration and ultrafiltration processes made it possible to obtain concentrates with enzymatic activities much higher than those in the initial extract. The permeate flux was higher than 60 L/m 2 h during microfiltration using 20- and 0.45-µm membranes and during ultrafiltration using 100- and 50-kDa membranes, where fouling was reversible during the filtration steps, thereby indicating that the fouling may be removed by cleaning processes. These results demonstrate the feasibility of lipase production using A. niger by solid-state fermentation of agro-industrial residues, followed by successive tangential filtration with membranes, which simplify the separation and concentration steps that are typically required in downstream processes.

Prediction of core level binding energies in density functional theory: Rigorous definition of initial and final state contributions and implications on the physical meaning of Kohn-Sham energies.

PubMed

Pueyo Bellafont, Noèlia; Bagus, Paul S; Illas, Francesc

2015-06-07

A systematic study of the N(1s) core level binding energies (BE's) in a broad series of molecules is presented employing Hartree-Fock (HF) and the B3LYP, PBE0, and LC-BPBE density functional theory (DFT) based methods with a near HF basis set. The results show that all these methods give reasonably accurate BE's with B3LYP being slightly better than HF but with both PBE0 and LCBPBE being poorer than HF. A rigorous and general decomposition of core level binding energy values into initial and final state contributions to the BE's is proposed that can be used within either HF or DFT methods. The results show that Koopmans' theorem does not hold for the Kohn-Sham eigenvalues. Consequently, Kohn-Sham orbital energies of core orbitals do not provide estimates of the initial state contribution to core level BE's; hence, they cannot be used to decompose initial and final state contributions to BE's. However, when the initial state contribution to DFT BE's is properly defined, the decompositions of initial and final state contributions given by DFT, with several different functionals, are very similar to those obtained with HF. Furthermore, it is shown that the differences of Kohn-Sham orbital energies taken with respect to a common reference do follow the trend of the properly calculated initial state contributions. These conclusions are especially important for condensed phase systems where our results validate the use of band structure calculations to determine initial state contributions to BE shifts.

Reactivation of a Tin-Oxide-Containing Catalyst

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, Robert; Sidney, Barry; Schryer, David; Miller, Irvin; Miller, George; Upchurch, Bill; Davis, Patricia; Brown, Kenneth

2010-01-01

The electrons in electric-discharge CO2 lasers cause dissociation of some CO2 into O2 and CO, and attach themselves to electronegative molecules such as O2, forming negative O2 ions, as well as larger negative ion clusters by collisions with CO or other molecules. The decrease in CO2 concentration due to dissociation into CO and O2 will reduce the average repetitively pulsed or continuous wave laser power, even if no disruptive negative ion instabilities occur. Accordingly, it is the primary object of this invention to extend the lifetime of a catalyst used to combine the CO and O2 products formed in a laser discharge. A promising low-temperature catalyst for combining CO and O2 is platinum on tin oxide (Pt/SnO2). First, the catalyst is pretreated by a standard procedure. The pretreatment is considered complete when no measurable quantity of CO2 is given off by the catalyst. After this standard pretreatment, the catalyst is ready for its low-temperature use in the sealed, high-energy, pulsed CO2 laser. However, after about 3,000 minutes of operation, the activity of the catalyst begins to slowly diminish. When the catalyst experiences diminished activity during exposure to the circulating gas stream inside or external to the laser, the heated zone surrounding the catalyst is raised to a temperature between 100 and 400 C. A temperature of 225 C was experimentally found to provide an adequate temperature for reactivation. During this period, the catalyst is still exposed to the circulating gas inside or external to the laser. This constant heating and exposing the catalyst to the laser gas mixture is maintained for an hour. After heating and exposing for an appropriate amount of time, the heated zone around the catalyst is allowed to return to the nominal operating temperature of the CO2 laser. This temperature normally resides in the range of 23 to 100 C. Catalyst activity can be measured as the percentage conversion of CO to CO2. In the specific embodiment described above, the initial steady-state conversion percentage was 70 percent. After four days, this conversion percentage decreased to 67 percent. No decrease in activity is acceptable because the catalyst must maintain its activity for long periods of time. After being subjected to the reactivation process of the present invention, the conversion percentage rose to 77 percent. Such a reactivation not only returned the catalyst to its initial steady state but resulted in a 10-percent improvement over the initial steady state value.

Using 1H2O MR to measure and map sodium pump activity in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Springer, Charles S.

2018-06-01

The cell plasma membrane Na+,K+-ATPase [NKA] is one of biology's most [if not the most] significant enzymes. By actively transporting Na+ out [and K+ in], it maintains the vital trans-membrane ion concentration gradients and the membrane potential. The forward NKA reaction is shown in the Graphical Abstract [which is elaborated in the text]. Crucially, NKA does not operate in isolation. There are other transporters that conduct K+ back out of [II, Graphical Abstract] and Na+ back into [III, Graphical Abstract] the cell. Thus, NKA must function continually. Principal routes for ATP replenishment include mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, and creatine kinase [CrK] activity. However, it has never been possible to measure, let alone map, this integrated, cellular homeostatic NKA activity in vivo. Active trans-membrane water cycling [AWC] promises a way to do this with 1H2O MR. In the Graphical Abstract, the AWC system is characterized by active contributions to the unidirectional rate constants for steady-state water efflux and influx, respectively, kio(a) and koi(a). The discovery, validation, and initial exploration of active water cycling are reviewed here. Promising applications in cancer, cardiological, and neurological MRI are covered. This initial work employed paramagnetic Gd(III) chelate contrast agents [CAs]. However, the significant problems associated with in vivo CA use are also reviewed. A new analysis of water diffusion-weighted MRI [DWI] is presented. Preliminary results suggest a non-invasive way to measure the cell number density [ρ (cells/μL)], the mean cell volume [V (pL)], and the cellular NKA metabolic rate [cMRNKA (fmol(ATP)/s/cell)] with high spatial resolution. These crucial cell biology properties have not before been accessible in vivo. Furthermore, initial findings indicate their absolute values can be determined.

"To Collect the Wisest Sentiments": Direct Democracy and Representative Government. A Guide for Discussion of Proposals for a National Initiative and Referendum Process.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Merriman, W. Richard, Jr.

Given the role that initiatives and referenda have played in state and local governance, it is interesting that there has never been a national initiative or referendum in the United States. The reason for this is that the Constitution of the United States does not provide for direct citizen initiation of, or direct popular votes on, either…

Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and apoptosis in endothelial cells mediated by endogenous generation of hydrogen peroxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramachandran, Anup; Moellering, Douglas; Go, Young-Mi; Shiva, Sruti; Levonen, Anna-Liisa; Jo, Hanjoong; Patel, Rakesh P.; Parthasarathy, Sampath; Darley-Usmar, Victor M.

2002-01-01

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the activation of signal transduction pathways. However, extracellular addition of oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) often requires concentrations that cannot be readily achieved under physiological conditions to activate biological responses such as apoptosis. Explanations for this discrepancy have included increased metabolism of H2O2 in the extracellular environment and compartmentalization within the cell. We have addressed this issue experimentally by examining the induction of apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by exogenous addition of H2O2 and by a redox cycling agent, 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, that generates H2O2 in cells. Here we show that low nanomolar steady-state concentrations (0.1-0.5 nmol x min(-1) x 10(6) cells) of H2O2 generated intracellularly activate c-Jun N terminal kinase and initiate apoptosis in endothelial cells. A comparison with bolus hydrogen peroxide suggests that the low rate of intracellular formation of this reactive oxygen species results in a similar profile of activation for both c-Jun N terminal kinase and the initiation of apoptosis. However, a detailed analysis reveals important differences in both the duration and profile for activation of these signaling pathways.

Productive engagement among older Americans: prevalence, patterns, and implications for public policy.

PubMed

Hinterlong, James E

2008-01-01

This study estimates the prevalence of productive engagement among adults aged 60 and over residing in the United States over a nine-year period. We analyze three waves of data from the Americans' Changing Lives Study, which allows the findings to describe the non-institutionalized older American population. Focusing upon five activities--formal paid employment, irregular paid work, unpaid volunteerism, caregiving, and informal assistance to others--we identify changes in the engagement rates, examine the extent to which engagement occurs through single or multiple concurrent activities, and document intra-individual patterns of engagement within and across forms of productive activity, including the continuity, initiation, and cessation of involvement. The findings reveal that late-life productive engagement is widespread, with the majority of older individuals involved in multiple forms of activity concurrently. Non-market-based activities such as caregiving, informal assistance, and volunteering are most prevalent. Initiation and cessation of activities are common and yield more complex patterns and lower rates of non-participation than are revealed in cross-sectional analyses. Time spent in productive engagement is highly variable and exhibits an overall decline across time. We conclude by highlighting policy strategies to increase the availability and quality of opportunities for productive engagement and promote planning for engagement in late life.

Potent Allosteric Dengue Virus NS5 Polymerase Inhibitors: Mechanism of Action and Resistance Profiling

PubMed Central

Lim, Siew Pheng; Noble, Christian Guy; Seh, Cheah Chen; Soh, Tingjin Sherryl; El Sahili, Abbas; Chan, Grace Kar Yarn; Lescar, Julien; Arora, Rishi; Benson, Timothy; Nilar, Shahul; Manjunatha, Ujjini; Wan, Kah Fei; Dong, Hongping; Xie, Xuping; Yokokawa, Fumiaki

2016-01-01

Flaviviruses comprise major emerging pathogens such as dengue virus (DENV) or Zika virus (ZIKV). The flavivirus RNA genome is replicated by the RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain of non-structural protein 5 (NS5). This essential enzymatic activity renders the RdRp attractive for antiviral therapy. NS5 synthesizes viral RNA via a “de novo” initiation mechanism. Crystal structures of the flavivirus RdRp revealed a “closed” conformation reminiscent of a pre-initiation state, with a well ordered priming loop that extrudes from the thumb subdomain into the dsRNA exit tunnel, close to the “GDD” active site. To-date, no allosteric pockets have been identified for the RdRp, and compound screening campaigns did not yield suitable drug candidates. Using fragment-based screening via X-ray crystallography, we found a fragment that bound to a pocket of the apo-DENV RdRp close to its active site (termed “N pocket”). Structure-guided improvements yielded DENV pan-serotype inhibitors of the RdRp de novo initiation activity with nano-molar potency that also impeded elongation activity at micro-molar concentrations. Inhibitors exhibited mixed inhibition kinetics with respect to competition with the RNA or GTP substrate. The best compounds have EC50 values of 1–2 μM against all four DENV serotypes in cell culture assays. Genome-sequencing of compound-resistant DENV replicons, identified amino acid changes that mapped to the N pocket. Since inhibitors bind at the thumb/palm interface of the RdRp, this class of compounds is proposed to hinder RdRp conformational changes during its transition from initiation to elongation. This is the first report of a class of pan-serotype and cell-active DENV RdRp inhibitors. Given the evolutionary conservation of residues lining the N pocket, these molecules offer insights to treat other serious conditions caused by flaviviruses. PMID:27500641

Physics objectives of PI3 spherical tokamak program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howard, Stephen; Laberge, Michel; Reynolds, Meritt; O'Shea, Peter; Ivanov, Russ; Young, William; Carle, Patrick; Froese, Aaron; Epp, Kelly

2017-10-01

Achieving net energy gain with a Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) system requires the initial plasma state to satisfy a set of performance goals, such as particle inventory (1021 ions), sufficient magnetic flux (0.3 Wb) to confine the plasma without MHD instability, and initial energy confinement time several times longer than the compression time. General Fusion (GF) is now constructing Plasma Injector 3 (PI3) to explore the physics of reactor-scale plasmas. Energy considerations lead us to design around an initial state of Rvessel = 1 m. PI3 will use fast coaxial helicity injection via a Marshall gun to create a spherical tokamak plasma, with no additional heating. MTF requires solenoid-free startup with no vertical field coils, and will rely on flux conservation by a metal wall. PI3 is 5x larger than SPECTOR so is expected to yield magnetic lifetime increase of 25x, while peak temperature of PI3 is expected to be similar (400-500 eV) Physics investigations will study MHD activity and the resistive and convective evolution of current, temperature and density profiles. We seek to understand the confinement physics, radiative loss, thermal and particle transport, recycling and edge physics of PI3.

Institutionalization: A Model of Retention Through Student Engagement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, E. J.; Campbell, A.; Strand, D.

2005-12-01

Bowie State University and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center have, for the past 10 years, worked diligently together to enhance the science, mathematics, engineering and technology (SMET) domain. Efforts made because of a Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE) Award have changed the landscape of the SMET domain by increasing the retention and graduation rates, the number of students entering graduate and professional schools, and the number of students entering SMET related careers. Several initiatives - a Scholarship program, PRISEM Tutoring Center, Safenet Program, Research Emphasis, Focused Mentoring, a Summer Academy for accepted and enrolled incoming students, a Bridge Program for students needing assistance being admitted to the University, the RISE Program and the Bowie State Satellite Operations and Control Center - provides the nurturing and mentoring focus, and opportunities that have resulted in a retention rate of approximately 80%, a 40% increase in the graduation rate, and an 85% increase in the number of students interested/entering graduate school. Successes that have documented by various assessment activities have led to the institutionalization of the retention model of the MIE Initiative. It is anticipated that University-wide application of the retention model will provide the incentives necessary to obtain similar results as has the MIE Initiative.

DNA hybridization kinetics: zippering, internal displacement and sequence dependence.

PubMed

Ouldridge, Thomas E; Sulc, Petr; Romano, Flavio; Doye, Jonathan P K; Louis, Ard A

2013-10-01

Although the thermodynamics of DNA hybridization is generally well established, the kinetics of this classic transition is less well understood. Providing such understanding has new urgency because DNA nanotechnology often depends critically on binding rates. Here, we explore DNA oligomer hybridization kinetics using a coarse-grained model. Strand association proceeds through a complex set of intermediate states, with successful binding events initiated by a few metastable base-pairing interactions, followed by zippering of the remaining bonds. But despite reasonably strong interstrand interactions, initial contacts frequently dissociate because typical configurations in which they form differ from typical states of similar enthalpy in the double-stranded equilibrium ensemble. Initial contacts must be stabilized by two or three base pairs before full zippering is likely, resulting in negative effective activation enthalpies. Non-Arrhenius behavior arises because the number of base pairs required for nucleation increases with temperature. In addition, we observe two alternative pathways-pseudoknot and inchworm internal displacement-through which misaligned duplexes can rearrange to form duplexes. These pathways accelerate hybridization. Our results explain why experimentally observed association rates of GC-rich oligomers are higher than rates of AT- rich equivalents, and more generally demonstrate how association rates can be modulated by sequence choice.

Accuracy of genetic code translation and its orthogonal corruption by aminoglycosides and Mg2+ ions.

PubMed

Zhang, Jingji; Pavlov, Michael Y; Ehrenberg, Måns

2018-02-16

We studied the effects of aminoglycosides and changing Mg2+ ion concentration on the accuracy of initial codon selection by aminoacyl-tRNA in ternary complex with elongation factor Tu and GTP (T3) on mRNA programmed ribosomes. Aminoglycosides decrease the accuracy by changing the equilibrium constants of 'monitoring bases' A1492, A1493 and G530 in 16S rRNA in favor of their 'activated' state by large, aminoglycoside-specific factors, which are the same for cognate and near-cognate codons. Increasing Mg2+ concentration decreases the accuracy by slowing dissociation of T3 from its initial codon- and aminoglycoside-independent binding state on the ribosome. The distinct accuracy-corrupting mechanisms for aminoglycosides and Mg2+ ions prompted us to re-interpret previous biochemical experiments and functional implications of existing high resolution ribosome structures. We estimate the upper thermodynamic limit to the accuracy, the 'intrinsic selectivity' of the ribosome. We conclude that aminoglycosides do not alter the intrinsic selectivity but reduce the fraction of it that is expressed as the accuracy of initial selection. We suggest that induced fit increases the accuracy and speed of codon reading at unaltered intrinsic selectivity of the ribosome.

Family Literacy Legislation and Initiatives in Eleven States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peyton, Tony

This report focuses on 11 states' efforts to develop state-funded family literacy initiatives either through legislation or other actions. An introduction defines family literacy. Part I includes in-depth case studies on seven states that have either passed or attempted to pass state family literacy legislation. For each state (Kentucky,…

Common Core State Standards: I Wonder?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tienken, Christopher H.

2010-01-01

On June 1, 2009, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) issued a press release stating that 49 states and territories had joined the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSS). That initiative proposed that all states voluntarily adopt the same set of…

Periodicity Signatures of Lightcurves of Active Comets in Non-Principal-Axis Rotational States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samarasinha, Nalin H.; Mueller, Beatrice E. A.; Barrera, Jose G.

2016-10-01

There are two comets (1P/Halley, 103P/Hartley 2) that are unambiguously in non-principal-axis (NPA) rotational states in addition to a few more comets that are candidates for NPA rotation. Considering this fact, and the ambiguities associated with how to accurately interpret the periodicity signatures seen in lightcurves of active comets, we have started an investigation to identify and characterize the periodicity signatures present in simulated lightcurves of active comets. We carried out aperture photometry of simulated cometary comae to generate model lightcurves and analyzed them with Fourier techniques to identify their periodicity signatures. These signatures were then compared with the input component periods of the respective NPA rotational states facilitating the identification of how these periodicity signatures are related to different component periods of the NPA rotation. Ultimately, we also expect this study to shed light on why only a small fraction of periodic comets is in NPA rotational states, whereas theory indicates a large fraction of them should be in NPA states (e.g., Jewitt 1999, EMP, 79, 35). We explore the parameter space with respect to different rotational states, different orientations for the total rotational angular momentum vector, and different locations on the nucleus for the source region(s). As for special cases, we also investigate potential NPA rotational states representative of comet 103P/Hartley2, the cometary target of the EPOXI mission. The initial results from our investigation will be presented at the meeting. The NASA DDAP Program supports this work through grant NNX15AL66G.

A fully-active fine-grained detector with three readout views

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blondel, A.; Cadoux, F.; Fedotov, S.; Khabibullin, M.; Khotjantsev, A.; Korzenev, A.; Kostin, A.; Kudenko, Y.; Longhin, A.; Mefodiev, A.; Mermod, P.; Mineev, O.; Noah, E.; Sgalaberna, D.; Smirnov, A.; Yershov, N.

2018-02-01

This paper describes a novel idea of a fine-grained fully-active plastic scintillator detector made of many optically independent 1×1×1 cm3 cubes with readout on three orthogonal projections by wavelength shifting fibers. The original purpose of this detector is to serve as an active neutrino target for the detection, measurement and identification of the final state particles down to a few tenths MeV kinetic energies. The three readout views as well as the fine granularity ensure powerful localization and measurement of the deposited energy combined with good timing properties and isotropic acceptance. The possible application as a new active target for the T2K near detector, initial simulation studies and R&D test results are reported.

Cooperative photoinduced metastable phase control in strained manganite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jingdi; Tan, Xuelian; Liu, Mengkun; Teitelbaum, S. W.; Post, K. W.; Jin, Feng; Nelson, K. A.; Basov, D. N.; Wu, Wenbin; Averitt, R. D.

2016-09-01

A major challenge in condensed-matter physics is active control of quantum phases. Dynamic control with pulsed electromagnetic fields can overcome energetic barriers, enabling access to transient or metastable states that are not thermally accessible. Here we demonstrate strain-engineered tuning of La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 into an emergent charge-ordered insulating phase with extreme photo-susceptibility, where even a single optical pulse can initiate a transition to a long-lived metastable hidden metallic phase. Comprehensive single-shot pulsed excitation measurements demonstrate that the transition is cooperative and ultrafast, requiring a critical absorbed photon density to activate local charge excitations that mediate magnetic-lattice coupling that, in turn, stabilize the metallic phase. These results reveal that strain engineering can tune emergent functionality towards proximal macroscopic states to enable dynamic ultrafast optical phase switching and control.

Multiphoton manipulations of enzymatic photoactivity in aspartate aminotransferase.

PubMed

Hill, Melissa P; Freer, Lucy H; Vang, Mai C; Carroll, Elizabeth C; Larsen, Delmar S

2011-04-21

The aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) enzyme utilizes the chromophoric pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) cofactor to facilitate the transamination of amino acids. Recently, we demonstrated that, upon exposure to blue light, PLP forms a reactive triplet state that rapidly (in microseconds) generates the high-energy quinonoid intermediate when bound to PLP-dependent enzymes [J. Am. Chem. Soc.2010, 132 (47), 16953-16961]. This increases the net catalytic activity (k(cat)) of AAT, since formation of the quinonoid is partially rate limiting via the thermally activated enzymatic pathway. The magnitude of observed photoenhancement initially scales linearly with pump fluence; however when a critical threshold is exceeded, the photoactivity saturates and is even suppressed at greater excitation fluences. The photodynamic mechanisms associated with this suppression behavior are characterized with the use of ultrafast multipulse pump-dump-probe and pump-repump-probe transient absorption techniques in combination with complementary two-color, steady-state excitation assays. Via multistate kinetic modeling of the transient ultrafast data and the steady-state assay data, the nonmonotonic incident power dependence of the photoactivty in AAT is decomposed into contributions from high-intensity dumping of the excited singlet state and repumping of the excited triplet state with induces the repopulation of the ground state via rapid intersystem crossing in the higher-lying triplet electronic manifold.

Internal amino acid state modulates yeast taste neurons to support protein homeostasis in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Itskov, Pavel M; Baltazar, Célia; Moreira, José-Maria

2018-01-01

To optimize fitness, animals must dynamically match food choices to their current needs. For drosophilids, yeast fulfills most dietary protein and micronutrient requirements. While several yeast metabolites activate known gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) in Drosophila melanogaster, the chemosensory channels mediating yeast feeding remain unknown. Here we identify a class of proboscis GRNs required for yeast intake. Within this class, taste peg GRNs are specifically required to sustain yeast feeding. Sensillar GRNs, however, mediate feeding initiation. Furthermore, the response of yeast GRNs, but not sweet GRNs, is enhanced following deprivation from amino acids, providing a potential basis for protein-specific appetite. Although nutritional and reproductive states synergistically increase yeast appetite, reproductive state acts independently of nutritional state, modulating processing downstream of GRNs. Together, these results suggest that different internal states act at distinct levels of a dedicated gustatory circuit to elicit nutrient-specific appetites towards a complex, ecologically relevant protein source. PMID:29393045

A Self-Consistent Model of the Interacting Ring Current Ions and Electromagnetic ICWs. Initial Results: Waves and Precipitation Fluxes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khazanov, G. V.; Gamayunov, K. V.; Jordanova, V. K.; Krivorutsky, E. N.; Whitaker, Ann F. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Initial results from the new developed model of the interacting ring current ions and ion cyclotron waves are presented. The model described by the system of two bound kinetic equations: one equation describes the ring current ion dynamics, and another one gives wave evolution. Such system gives a self-consistent description of the ring current ions and ion cyclotron waves in a quasilinear approach. Calculating ion-wave relationships, on a global scale under non steady-state conditions during May 2-5, 1998 storm, we presented the data at three time cuts around initial, main, and late recovery phases of May 4, 1998 storm phase. The structure and dynamics of the ring current proton precipitating flux regions and the wave active ones are discussed in detail.

What's Happening on the West Coast? The National Ocean Policy, EBM and Ocean Governance on the West Coast of the U.S.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, J. R.

2016-02-01

A robust update on the latest ocean governance developments in the West Coast region of the U.S. will be provided, highlighting implementation of the National Ocean Policy and ongoing dialog among federal, state and tribal entities and coastal stakeholders at a range of scales. The link between ecosystem-based management (EBM) as a guiding principle and meaningful management outcomes will discussed, guided by the latest ocean policy priorities from local, state, tribal and regional scales in the West Coast. The West Coast Regional Planning Body has been recently initiated under the framework provided by the National Ocean Policy, bringing together a formal partnership of state and tribal governments with federal agencies in a way never before achieved in the region. The newly reformed West Coast Ocean Partnership builds upon efforts of the West Coast Governors Alliance on Ocean Health to continue to address priority ocean policy topics, while other regional efforts are identifying data, science and tools to support an EBM approach. All of these will be discussed in detail, providing both up-to-date reports on the latest West Coast activities, while illustrating lessons learned from past regional efforts and exactly how EBM has been effectively integrated. The West Coast of the U.S. is a unique region in terms of geographic scale, governance structure and history of innovative ocean management approaches. Using opportunities provided by recent state, tribal, regional and national policy initiatives, the West Coast has undertaken a range of activities to better coordinate ocean management while enhancing dialogs to support it. This presentation will provide a concise summary of current efforts, demonstrating how policy is being translated into significant action and highlighting opportunities to build on successful outcomes to date.

What's Happening on the West Coast? The National Ocean Policy, EBM and Ocean Governance on the West Coast of the U.S.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, J. R.

2016-12-01

A robust update on the latest ocean governance developments in the West Coast region of the U.S. will be provided, highlighting implementation of the National Ocean Policy and ongoing dialog among federal, state and tribal entities and coastal stakeholders at a range of scales. The link between ecosystem-based management (EBM) as a guiding principle and meaningful management outcomes will discussed, guided by the latest ocean policy priorities from local, state, tribal and regional scales in the West Coast. The West Coast Regional Planning Body has been recently initiated under the framework provided by the National Ocean Policy, bringing together a formal partnership of state and tribal governments with federal agencies in a way never before achieved in the region. The newly reformed West Coast Ocean Partnership builds upon efforts of the West Coast Governors Alliance on Ocean Health to continue to address priority ocean policy topics, while other regional efforts are identifying data, science and tools to support an EBM approach. All of these will be discussed in detail, providing both up-to-date reports on the latest West Coast activities, while illustrating lessons learned from past regional efforts and exactly how EBM has been effectively integrated. The West Coast of the U.S. is a unique region in terms of geographic scale, governance structure and history of innovative ocean management approaches. Using opportunities provided by recent state, tribal, regional and national policy initiatives, the West Coast has undertaken a range of activities to better coordinate ocean management while enhancing dialogs to support it. This presentation will provide a concise summary of current efforts, demonstrating how policy is being translated into significant action and highlighting opportunities to build on successful outcomes to date.

Critical role of canonical transient receptor potential channel 7 in initiation of seizures.

PubMed

Phelan, Kevin D; Shwe, U Thaung; Abramowitz, Joel; Birnbaumer, Lutz; Zheng, Fang

2014-08-05

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening disease that has been recognized since antiquity but still causes over 50,000 deaths annually in the United States. The prevailing view on the pathophysiology of SE is that it is sustained by a loss of normal inhibitory mechanisms of neuronal activity. However, the early process leading to the initiation of SE is not well understood. Here, we show that, as seen in electroencephalograms, SE induced by the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine in mice is preceded by a specific increase in the gamma wave, and genetic ablation of canonical transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) 7 significantly reduces this pilocarpine-induced increase of gamma wave activity, preventing the occurrence of SE. At the cellular level, TRPC7 plays a critical role in the generation of spontaneous epileptiform burst firing in cornu ammonis (CA) 3 pyramidal neurons in brain slices. At the synaptic level, TRPC7 plays a significant role in the long-term potentiation at the CA3 recurrent collateral synapses and Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses, but not at the mossy fiber-CA3 synapses. Taken together, our data suggest that epileptiform burst firing generated in the CA3 region by activity-dependent enhancement of recurrent collateral synapses may be an early event in the initiation process of SE and that TRPC7 plays a critical role in this cellular event. Our findings reveal that TRPC7 is intimately involved in the initiation of seizures both in vitro and in vivo. To our knowledge, this contribution to initiation of seizures is the first identified functional role for the TRPC7 ion channel.

Steady-state solidification of aqueous ammonium chloride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peppin, S. S. L.; Huppert, Herbert E.; Worster, M. Grae

We report on a series of experiments in which a Hele-Shaw cell containing aqueous solutions of NH4Cl was translated at prescribed rates through a steady temperature gradient. The salt formed the primary solid phase of a mushy layer as the solution solidified, with the salt-depleted residual fluid driving buoyancy-driven convection and the development of chimneys in the mushy layer. Depending on the operating conditions, several morphological transitions occurred. A regime diagram is presented quantifying these transitions as a function of freezing rate and the initial concentration of the solution. In general, for a given concentration, increasing the freezing rate caused the steady-state system to change from a convecting mushy layer with chimneys to a non-convecting mushy layer below a relatively quiescent liquid, and then to a much thinner mushy layer separated from the liquid by a region of active secondary nucleation. At higher initial concentrations the second of these states did not occur. At lower concentrations, but still above the eutectic, the mushy layer disappeared. A simple mathematical model of the system is developed which compares well with the experimental measurements of the intermediate, non-convecting state and serves as a benchmark against which to understand some of the effects of convection. Movies are available with the online version of the paper.

Initial Reduction of CO2 on Pd-, Ru-, and Cu-Doped CeO2(111) Surfaces: Effects of Surface Modification on Catalytic Activity and Selectivity.

PubMed

Guo, Chen; Wei, Shuxian; Zhou, Sainan; Zhang, Tian; Wang, Zhaojie; Ng, Siu-Pang; Lu, Xiaoqing; Wu, Chi-Man Lawrence; Guo, Wenyue

2017-08-09

Surface modification by metal doping is an effective treatment technique for improving surface properties for CO 2 reduction. Herein, the effects of doped Pd, Ru, and Cu on the adsorption, activation, and reduction selectivity of CO 2 on CeO 2 (111) were investigated by periodic density functional theory. The doped metals distorted the configuration of a perfect CeO 2 (111) by weakening the adjacent Ce-O bond strength, and Pd doping was beneficial for generating a highly active O vacancy. The analyses of adsorption energy, charge density difference, and density of states confirmed that the doped metals were conducive for enhancing CO 2 adsorption, especially for Cu/CeO 2 (111). The initial reductive dissociation CO 2 → CO* + O* on metal-doped CeO 2 (111) followed the sequence of Cu- > perfect > Pd- > Ru-doped CeO 2 (111); the reductive hydrogenation CO 2 + H → COOH* followed the sequence of Cu- > perfect > Ru- > Pd-doped CeO 2 (111), in which the most competitive route on Cu/CeO 2 (111) was exothermic by 0.52 eV with an energy barrier of 0.16 eV; the reductive hydrogenation CO 2 + H → HCOO* followed the sequence of Ru- > perfect > Pd-doped CeO 2 (111). Energy barrier decomposition analyses were performed to identify the governing factors of bond activation and scission along the initial CO 2 reduction routes. Results of this study provided deep insights into the effect of surface modification on the initial reduction mechanisms of CO 2 on metal-doped CeO 2 (111) surfaces.

U.S. Geological Survey Science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative - 2008 Annual Report

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bowen, Zachary H.; Aldridge, Cameron L.; Anderson, Patrick J.; Assal, Timothy J.; Baer, Lori Anne; Bristol, R. Sky; Carr, Natasha B.; Chong, Geneva W.; Diffendorfer, Jay E.; Fedy, Bradley C.; Garman, Steven L.; Germaine, Stephen S.; Grauch, Richard I.; Homer, Collin G.; Manier, Daniel J.; Kauffman, Matthew J.; Latysh, Natalie; Melcher, Cynthia P.; Miller, Kirk A.; Montag, Jessica; Nutt, Constance J.; Potter, Christopher; Sawyer, Hall; Smith, David B.; Sweat, Michael J.; Wilson, Anna B.

2009-01-01

The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) was launched in 2007 in response to concerns about threats to the State's world class wildlife resources, especially the threat posed by rapidly increasing energy development in southwest Wyoming. The overriding purpose of the WLCI is to assess and enhance aquatic and terrestrial habitats at a landscape scale, while facilitating responsible energy and other types of development. The WLCI includes partners from Federal, State, and local agencies, with participation from public and private entities, industry, and landowners. As a principal WLCI partner, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides multidisciplinary scientific and technical support to inform decisionmaking in the WLCI. To address WLCI management needs, USGS has designed and implemented five integrated work activities: (1) Baseline Synthesis, (2) Targeted Monitoring and Research, (3) Integration and Coordination, (4) Data and Information Management, and (5) Decisionmaking and Evaluation. Ongoing information management of data and products acquired or generated through the integrated work activities will ensure that crucial scientific information is available to partners and stakeholders in a readily accessible and useable format for decisionmaking and evaluation. Significant progress towards WLCI goals has been achieved in many Science and Technical Assistance tasks of the work activities. Available data were identified, acquired, compiled, and integrated into a comprehensive database for use by WLCI partners and to support USGS science activities. A Web-based platform for sharing these data and products has been developed and is already in use. Numerous map products have been completed and made available to WLCI partners, and other products are in progress. Initial conceptual, habitat, and climate change models have been developed or refined. Monitoring designs for terrestrial and aquatic indicators have been completed, pilot data have been collected for terrestrial indicators, and evaluations of alternative monitoring designs are underway. Initial models and map products have been developed for assessing vegetation, surface disturbance, oil and gas resources, mineral resources, surficial geology, invasive species, aspen treatments, ungulate migration corridors, greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis), and songbirds, and data were collected or compiled to validate and refine the models. Coordination and collaboration among partners has led to the production of several documents addressing WLCI objectives, strategies, and guiding principles, and has facilitated implementation of on-the-ground habitat treatments.

Regional, State, and Local Initiatives in Nanotechnology: Report of the National Nanotechnology Initiative Workshop, April 1-3, 2009, Oklahoma City, OK

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

Commercialization Center); Travis Earles (OSTP); Philip Lippel (NNCO); Sean Murdock (NanoBusiness Alliance, NBA ); World Nieh (USDA Forest Service); T. James Rudd...Massachusetts Amherst; NNN) and Sean Murdock ( NBA ). Workshop Logistics and Report Editors and Readers: The staff of the National Nanotechnology...Models Outside the United States 15 Incentives for Starting Regional, State, and Local Initiatives 15 Challenges to the Success of RSL Initiatives

Results Accountability for a State Early Childhood Comprehensive System: A Planning Guide for Improving the Well Being of Young Children and Their Families. Building State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Series. Number 4

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedman, Mark

2004-01-01

The federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau has launched a five-year initiative that will support state efforts to build comprehensive early childhood service systems. This initiative--the State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Initiative (SECCS)--provides two year planning grants followed by three year implementation grants to the 50 state…

Sub-500 fs electronically nonadiabatic chemical dynamics of energetic molecules from the S1 excited state: Ab initio multiple spawning study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Jayanta; Gajapathy, Harshad; Konar, Arindam; Narasimhaiah, Gowrav M.; Bhattacharya, Atanu

2017-11-01

Energetic materials store a large amount of chemical energy. Different ignition processes, including laser ignition and shock or compression wave, initiate the energy release process by first promoting energetic molecules to the electronically excited states. This is why a full understanding of initial steps of the chemical dynamics of energetic molecules from the excited electronic states is highly desirable. In general, conical intersection (CI), which is the crossing point of multidimensional electronic potential energy surfaces, is well established as a controlling factor in the initial steps of chemical dynamics of energetic molecules following their electronic excitations. In this article, we have presented different aspects of the ultrafast unimolecular relaxation dynamics of energetic molecules through CIs. For this task, we have employed ab initio multiple spawning (AIMS) simulation using the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) electronic wavefunction and frozen Gaussian-based nuclear wavefunction. The AIMS simulation results collectively reveal that the ultrafast relaxation step of the best energetic molecules (which are known to exhibit very good detonation properties) is completed in less than 500 fs. Many, however, exhibit sub-50 fs dynamics. For example, nitro-containing molecules (including C-NO2, N-NO2, and O-NO2 active moieties) relax back to the ground state in approximately 40 fs through similar (S1/S0)CI conical intersections. The N3-based energetic molecule undergoes the N2 elimination process in 40 fs through the (S1/S0)CI conical intersection. Nitramine-Fe complexes exhibit sub-50 fs Fe-O and N-O bond dissociation through the respective (S1/S0)CI conical intersection. On the other hand, tetrazine-N-oxides, which are known to exhibit better detonation properties than tetrazines, undergo internal conversion in a 400-fs time scale, while the relaxation time of tetrazine is very long (about 100 ns). Many other characteristics of sub-500 fs nonadiabatic decay of energetic molecules are discussed. In the end, many unresolved issues associated with the ultrafast nonadiabatic chemical dynamics of energetic molecules are presented.

42 CFR 1002.212 - State agency notifications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false State agency notifications. 1002.212 Section 1002... AUTHORITIES PROGRAM INTEGRITY-STATE-INITIATED EXCLUSIONS FROM MEDICAID Permissive Exclusions § 1002.212 State agency notifications. When the State agency initiates an exclusion under § 1002.210, it must provide to...

UNESCO Thematic Initiative ``Astronomy and World Heritage'': studies and research on technological heritage connected with space exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidorenko, Anna

The Convention concerning the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972) provides a unique opportunity to preserve exceptional properties world-wide and to raise awareness about the Outstanding Universal Value of these properties. The mission of UNESCO regarding World Heritage consists of assisting the States Parties to this Convention to safeguard properties inscribed on the World Heritage List, to support activities led by States Parties in the preservation of World Heritage, and to encourage international cooperation in heritage conservation. Considering that sites related to science and technology are among the most under-represented on the World Heritage List and recognizing the absence of an integrated thematic approach for such sites, the World Heritage Committee launched the Thematic Initiative “Astronomy and World Heritage”. Developed in close collaboration between the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), and implemented by the National Focal Points world-wide, the Thematic Initiative on Astronomy and World Heritage aims to establish a link between Science and Culture towards the recognition of scientific values of sites linked to astronomy. It provides an opportunity not only to identify the properties but also to keep their memory alive and preserve them from progressive deterioration. The implementation of this initiative has revealed numerous issues that need to be addressed, and in particular in the domain of technological heritage connected with space exploration. For this reason, the World Heritage Committee during its 36th session (Saint Petersburg, 2012) encouraged cooperation between the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, specialized agencies and relevant interdisciplinary scientific initiatives towards the elaboration of a Global Thematic Study on Heritage of Science and Technology, including studies and research on technological heritage connected with space exploration. In light with this, the World Heritage Centre contacted all main Space Agencies inviting them to support and contribute to the development, by ICOMOS, of the above-mentioned Global Thematic Study. Keywords • Convention concerning the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972) http://whc.unesco.org/en/conventiontext/ • World Heritage List http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/ • Thematic Initiative “Astronomy and World Heritage” http://whc.unesco.org/en/astronomy/ • Space heritage, by David DeVorkin and Mikhail Marov, Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the context of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention - A Thematic Study, Chapter 15, pages 229 - 237, ICOMOS/IAU http://whc.unesco.org/uploads/activities/documents/activity-631-1.pdf

Immune privilege of the CNS is not the consequence of limited antigen sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, Melissa G.; Hulseberg, Paul; Ling, Changying; Karman, Jozsef; Clarkson, Benjamin D.; Harding, Jeffrey S.; Zhang, Mengxue; Sandor, Adam; Christensen, Kelsey; Nagy, Andras; Sandor, Matyas; Fabry, Zsuzsanna

2014-03-01

Central nervous system (CNS) immune privilege is complex, and it is still not understood how CNS antigens are sampled by the peripheral immune system under steady state conditions. To compare antigen sampling from immune-privileged or nonprivileged tissues, we created transgenic mice with oligodendrocyte or gut epithelial cell expression of an EGFP-tagged fusion protein containing ovalbumin (OVA) antigenic peptides and tested peripheral anti-OVA peptide-specific sentinel OT-I and OT-II T cell activation. We report that oligodendrocyte or gut antigens are sampled similarly, as determined by comparable levels of OT-I T cell activation. However, activated T cells do not access the CNS under steady state conditions. These data show that afferent immunity is normally intact as there is no barrier at the antigen sampling level, but that efferent immunity is restricted. To understand how this one-sided surveillance contributes to CNS immune privilege will help us define mechanisms of CNS autoimmune disease initiation.

Initiation of Phage Infection by Partial Unfolding and Prolyl Isomerization*♦

PubMed Central

Hoffmann-Thoms, Stephanie; Weininger, Ulrich; Eckert, Barbara; Jakob, Roman P.; Koch, Johanna R.; Balbach, Jochen; Schmid, Franz X.

2013-01-01

Infection of Escherichia coli by the filamentous phage fd starts with the binding of the N2 domain of the phage gene-3-protein to an F pilus. This interaction triggers partial unfolding of the gene-3-protein, cis → trans isomerization at Pro-213, and domain disassembly, thereby exposing its binding site for the ultimate receptor TolA. The trans-proline sets a molecular timer to maintain the binding-active state long enough for the phage to interact with TolA. We elucidated the changes in structure and local stability that lead to partial unfolding and thus to the activation of the gene-3-protein for phage infection. Protein folding and TolA binding experiments were combined with real-time NMR spectroscopy, amide hydrogen exchange measurements, and phage infectivity assays. In combination, the results provide a molecular picture of how a local unfolding reaction couples with prolyl isomerization not only to generate the activated state of a protein but also to maintain it for an extended time. PMID:23486474

The status of photovoltaic concentrator development

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

Maish, A. B.

1992-10-01

Several companies in the United States are actively pursuing the commercialization of photovoltaic concentrator technology. Under the auspices of the US Department of Energy`s Concentrator Initiative, the Electric Power Research Institute`s High Concentration Photovoltaic Program and several privately funded programs, these companies are developing a range of designs from low-concentration linear-focus to high-concentration point-focus cells and collectors. Design details and status of each development program is presented.

Role of burning season on initial understory vegetation response to prescribed fire in a mixed conifer forest

Treesearch

Eric E. Knapp; Dylan W. Schwilk; Jeffrey M. Kane; Jon E. Keeley

2007-01-01

Although the majority of fires in the western United States historically occurred during the late summer or early fall when fuels were dry and plants were dormant or nearly so, early-season prescribed burns are often ignited when fuels are still moist and plants are actively growing. The purpose of this study was to determine if burn season influences postfire...

Colombia: Issues for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-23

for drug crop farmers, or reduced the amount of drugs available in the United States. First elected in 2002, President Álvaro Uribe initiated an...and the rightist paramilitary groups that have been active since the 1980s. Uribe , who enjoys wide popular support, was reelected with a strong...President Uribe immediately accepted the ruling and removed himself as a candidate for president in the election slated for May 30, 2010. Concerns in

Ligand-induced dynamical change of G-protein-coupled receptor revealed by neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shrestha, Utsab R.; Bhowmik, Debsindhu; Mamontov, Eugene; Chu, Xiang-Qiang

Light activation of the visual G-protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin leads to the significant change in protein conformation and structural fluctuations, which further activates the cognate G-protein (transducin) and initiates the biological signaling. In this work, we studied the rhodopsin activation dynamics using state-of-the-art neutron scattering technique. Our quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) results revealed a broadly distributed relaxation rate of the hydrogen atom in rhodopsin on the picosecond to nanosecond timescale (beta-relaxation region), which is crucial for the protein function. Furthermore, the application of mode-coupling theory to the QENS analysis uncovers the subtle changes in rhodopsin dynamics due to the retinal cofactor. Comparing the dynamics of the ligand-free apoprotein, opsin versus the dark-state rhodopsin, removal of the retinal cofactor increases the relaxation time in the beta-relaxation region, which is due to the possible open conformation. Moreover, we utilized the concept of free-energy landscape to explain our results for the dark-state rhodopsin and opsin dynamics, which can be further applied to other GPCR systems to interpret various dynamic behaviors in ligand-bound and ligand-free protein.