Ongoing Development of a Series Bosch Reactor System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abney, Morgan B; Mansell, J. Matthew; Stanley, Christine; Edmunson, Jennifer; DuMez, Samuel J.; Chen, Kevin

2013-01-01

Future manned missions to deep space or planetary surfaces will undoubtedly incorporate highly robust, efficient, and regenerable life support systems that require minimal consumables. To meet this requirement, NASA continues to explore a Bosch-based carbon dioxide reduction system to recover oxygen from CO2. In order to improve the equivalent system mass of Bosch systems, we seek to design and test a "Series Bosch" system in which two reactors in series are optimized for the two steps of the reaction, as well as to explore the use of in situ materials as carbon deposition catalysts. Here we report recent developments in this effort including assembly and initial testing of a Reverse Water-Gas Shift reactor (RWGSr) and initial testing of two gas separation membranes. The RWGSr was sized to reduce CO2 produced by a crew of four to carbon monoxide as the first stage in a Series Bosch system. The gas separation membranes, necessary to recycle unreacted hydrogen and CO2, were similarly sized. Additionally, we report results of preliminary experiments designed to determine the catalytic properties of Martian regolith simulant for the carbon formation step.

A Mixed-Methods Analysis in Assessing Students' Professional Development by Applying an Assessment for Learning Approach.

PubMed

Peeters, Michael J; Vaidya, Varun A

2016-06-25

Objective. To describe an approach for assessing the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education's (ACPE) doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) Standard 4.4, which focuses on students' professional development. Methods. This investigation used mixed methods with triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data to assess professional development. Qualitative data came from an electronic developmental portfolio of professionalism and ethics, completed by PharmD students during their didactic studies. Quantitative confirmation came from the Defining Issues Test (DIT)-an assessment of pharmacists' professional development. Results. Qualitatively, students' development reflections described growth through this course series. Quantitatively, the 2015 PharmD class's DIT N2-scores illustrated positive development overall; the lower 50% had a large initial improvement compared to the upper 50%. Subsequently, the 2016 PharmD class confirmed these average initial improvements of students and also showed further substantial development among students thereafter. Conclusion. Applying an assessment for learning approach, triangulation of qualitative and quantitative assessments confirmed that PharmD students developed professionally during this course series.

Staff Development: Initiating a Comprehensive System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Jane M. E.; Pellerzi, Joseph H.

A case study describes how a rural local education agency (Allegany County, Maryland) developed a comprehensive staff development system. It presents some contextual and theoretical background information, summarizes the problem as perceived by key actors, and then describes a series of activities resulting in the development of the comprehensive…

Recent Initiatives in Labor-Management Cooperation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life, Washington, DC.

This report draws on a series of conferences held to develop guides for labor-management cooperation at the plant level. These included six recent initiatives conferences held in cooperation with State University Institutes of Industrial Relations and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) and a seventh sponsored by the Commission…

Provision of pandemic disease information by health sciences librarians: a multisite comparative case series.

PubMed

Featherstone, Robin M; Boldt, R Gabriel; Torabi, Nazi; Konrad, Shauna-Lee

2012-04-01

The research provides an understanding of pandemic information needs and informs professional development initiatives for librarians in disaster medicine. Utilizing a multisite, comparative case series design, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews and examined supplementary materials in the form of organizational documents, correspondence, and websites to create a complete picture of each case. The rigor of the case series was ensured through data and investigator triangulation. Interview transcripts were coded using NVivo to identify common themes and points of comparison. Comparison of the four cases revealed a distinct difference between "client-initiated" and "librarian-initiated" provision of pandemic information. Librarian-initiated projects utilized social software to "push" information, whereas client-initiated projects operated within patron-determined parameters to deliver information. Health care administrators were identified as a key audience for pandemic information, and news agencies were utilized as essential information sources. Librarians' skills at evaluating available information proved crucial for selecting best-quality evidence to support administrative decision making. Qualitative analysis resulted in increased understanding of pandemic information needs and identified best practices for disseminating information during periods of high organizational stress caused by an influx of new cases of an unknown infectious disease.

Course Goals in Mathematics, Grades K-12. Critique Draft.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Multnomah County Intermediate Education District, Portland, OR.

This document is one part of a critique series that deals with the development and evaluation of course goals in six subject matter areas for grades K-12. The series provides an initial pool of course-level goals that are expected to be of considerable value in assisting educators with goal definition related to curriculum planning and…

Teaching Mathematical Modelling: Demonstrating Enrichment and Elaboration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warwick, Jon

2015-01-01

This paper uses a series of models to illustrate one of the fundamental processes of model building--that of enrichment and elaboration. The paper describes how a problem context is given which allows a series of models to be developed from a simple initial model using a queuing theory framework. The process encourages students to think about the…

Preparacion e Iniciacion de la Lectura en Espanol para Maestros de Programas Bilingues. Serie Tierra de Encanto (Preparation and Initiation of Reading in Spanish for Teachers of Bilingual Programs. Land of Enchantment Series).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque.

Part of the "Land of Enchantment" series of instructional materials, this very detailed teaching manual is designed to help teachers in bilingual programs prepare students to read Spanish. It contains suggestions for developing reading readiness skills and ways to teach a basic 30-word reading vocabulary. The reading program follows five steps:…

Deriving Childhood Temperament Measures from Emotion-Eliciting Behavioral Episodes: Scale Construction and Initial Validation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gagne, Jeffrey R.; Van Hulle, Carol A.; Aksan, Nazan; Essex, Marilyn J.; Goldsmith, H. Hill

2011-01-01

The authors describe the development and initial validation of a home-based version of the Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery (Lab-TAB), which was designed to assess childhood temperament with a comprehensive series of emotion-eliciting behavioral episodes. This article provides researchers with general guidelines for assessing specific…

Learning Initiatives in the Residential Setting. The First-Year Experience Monograph Series No. 48

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luna, Gene, Ed.; Gahagan, Jimmie, Ed.

2008-01-01

In 2004, "Learning Reconsidered" urged educators to think more holistically about student learning and development. "Learning Initiatives in the Residential Setting" provides a framework for putting this call into action at large universities and small colleges alike. Chapters trace the history of learning in residence halls, discuss academic and…

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Camp Initiatives Program

Treesearch

Kelly R. Schaeffer

1992-01-01

The Camp Initiatives Program was developed to increase revenue and visitation through a series of policy changes. During the summer of 1990, the program was evaluated at six Maryland State Parks and found to increase revenue and visitation by 3% and 16%, respectively. More intensive marketing efforts, implementation of a computerized reservation system, increased...

Course Goals in Social Science, Grades K-12. Critique Draft.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Multnomah County Intermediate Education District, Portland, OR.

This document on course goals in the social sciences is one part of a critique series dealing with the development and evaluation of course goals in six subject matter areas for grades K-12. The series provides an initial pool of course-level goals that are expected to be of considerable value in assisting educators with goal definition related to…

A perturbative approach for enhancing the performance of time series forecasting.

PubMed

de Mattos Neto, Paulo S G; Ferreira, Tiago A E; Lima, Aranildo R; Vasconcelos, Germano C; Cavalcanti, George D C

2017-04-01

This paper proposes a method to perform time series prediction based on perturbation theory. The approach is based on continuously adjusting an initial forecasting model to asymptotically approximate a desired time series model. First, a predictive model generates an initial forecasting for a time series. Second, a residual time series is calculated as the difference between the original time series and the initial forecasting. If that residual series is not white noise, then it can be used to improve the accuracy of the initial model and a new predictive model is adjusted using residual series. The whole process is repeated until convergence or the residual series becomes white noise. The output of the method is then given by summing up the outputs of all trained predictive models in a perturbative sense. To test the method, an experimental investigation was conducted on six real world time series. A comparison was made with six other methods experimented and ten other results found in the literature. Results show that not only the performance of the initial model is significantly improved but also the proposed method outperforms the other results previously published. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparing for High Technology: Robotics Programs. Research & Development Series No. 233.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ashley, William; And Others

This guide is one of three developed to provide guidelines, information, and resources useful in planning and developing postsecondary technician training programs in high technology. It is specifically intended for program planners and developers in the initial stages of planning a new program or specialized option in robotics. (Two companion…

Employability Skills Development in the United Kingdom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, Dave

For the last 15 years, a series of policy initiatives have advocated for development of employability skills by young and unemployed people in the United Kingdom. The call for these employability skills has been championed by these two distinct but related movements: the Key Skills Development Movement (KSDM) and the Enterprising Skills…

Vocational Assessment. Policy Paper Series: Document 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stodden, Robert A., Ed.

This collection of four policy papers on vocational assessment for the handicapped deals with personnel development, interagency coordination, current research and development, and providing individualized assessment services. Discussed in the initial paper on program improvement in vocational assessment for the handicapped are federal legislation…

Return on Investment in College Education. The Guardians Initiative: Reclaiming the Public Trust

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, 2017

2017-01-01

"Return on Investment in College Education" is the second publication in a series of informational briefings developed as part of The Guardians Initiative: Reclaiming the Public Trust, an effort to educate and engage trustees as advocates on key issues in higher education. What is the return on investment (ROI) in college education?…

Exploring the Evidence: Initiatives in the First College Year. The First-Year Experience Monograph Series No. 49

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Troxel, Wendy G., Ed.; Cutright, Marc, Ed.

2008-01-01

For more than 25 years, educators have developed and institutionalized efforts to help first-year students succeed. This monograph collects case studies from 22 institutions that have created programs and initiatives to support their first-year students. The programs range from encouraging civic engagement and academic achievements to…

Promoting Positive Parenting Practices through Parenting Education. Building State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Series, Number 13

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zepeda, Marlene; Varela, Frances; Morales, Alex

2004-01-01

In 2003, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) released a "Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Health." In recognition of the critical role states play in the development of early childhood initiatives and of the unique contributions that state Title V programs can make to these initiatives, the Bureau operationalized their…

The Business of Higher Education. The Guardians Initiative: Reclaiming the Public Trust

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, 2017

2017-01-01

This report is first in a series of informational briefings developed as part of "The Guardians Initiative: Reclaiming the Public Trust," an effort to educate and engage trustees as advocates on key issues in higher education. While the tone of public criticism of higher education has sharpened, public understanding about the sector's…

"Ready To Learn" Transmedia Demonstration Station Study: A Report to the CPB-PBS "Ready to Learn Initiative"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pasnik, Shelley; Llorente, Carlin

2012-01-01

The 2012 Transmedia Demonstration Stations program study is part of the multiyear CPB-PBS "Ready To Learn" summative evaluation initiative by Education Development Center, Inc., (EDC) and SRI International (SRI). Through a series of related studies, the authors are documenting, and, whenever possible, measuring the impact of PBS KIDS…

Advanced software development workstation. Knowledge base design: Design of knowledge base for flight planning application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Izygon, Michel E.

1992-01-01

The development process of the knowledge base for the generation of Test Libraries for Mission Operations Computer (MOC) Command Support focused on a series of information gathering interviews. These knowledge capture sessions are supporting the development of a prototype for evaluating the capabilities of INTUIT on such an application. the prototype includes functions related to POCC (Payload Operation Control Center) processing. It prompts the end-users for input through a series of panels and then generates the Meds associated with the initialization and the update of hazardous command tables for a POCC Processing TLIB.

Establishing a program of global initiatives for nursing education.

PubMed

Kulage, Kristine M; Hickey, Kathleen T; Honig, Judy C; Johnson, Mary P; Larson, Elaine L

2014-07-01

In the global nursing community, schools of nursing are increasingly developing initiatives and networks across national boundaries. This article describes the process undertaken at a school of nursing to determine its global health priorities and develop a program of global initiatives for nursing education. A series of meetings were held to determine faculty global activities and gauge interest in designing a 5-year strategic plan for the program. A volunteer Strategic Planning Work-group was convened to formalize a mission, vision, and strategic plan for the program, which were presented to, refined by, and vetted by an advisory board and the faculty at large. We recommend this process to schools committed to developing or expanding a program dedicated to global initiatives and a global perspective in educational planning. Involving stakeholders, building on current strengths, and aligning with mission and vision are essential elements for developing a meaningful program of global initiatives for nursing education. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

Nuclear and Non-Nuclear Airblast Effects.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-02-14

algorithms. 2 The above methodologr has been applied to a series of test prorlems initiated by a spherical high- explosive (HE) detonation In air . An...used, together with a real- air equation of state, to follow the development of an explosion initialized with the 1-kton standard as it reflects from the...interior. Stage (1) is not contained in our model; since the weapon mass greatly exceeds the ,mass of air contained within the initial explosion radius

ADVANCED UTILITY SIMULATION MODEL, DESCRIPTION OF THE NATIONAL LOOP (VERSION 3.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The report is one of 11 in a series describing the initial development of the Advanced Utility Simulation Model (AUSM) by the Universities Research Group on Energy (URGE) and its continued development by the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) research team. The...

Concepcion de la Educacion Basica en Algunos Paises. Series Divulgaciones No. 1 (The Notion of Basic Education in Several Countries. Information Series No. 1).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Enriquez, Galo, Ed.

This booklet defines and considers basic education and reports on the concept as it is implemented and developed in Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Spain, and Peru. Basic education, as defined here, generally refers to the education of children between the ages of 7 and 16 years. Initial remarks define the issue and discuss general principles. The…

Unlocking the Potential to Influence Government Skills Policy: A Case Study of the UK Construction Industry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, Arthur; Raiden, Ani; Naylor, Gerald

2008-01-01

Despite a series of national policy initiatives aimed at addressing skills shortages in a number of sectors, little evidence of longer-term change is apparent. This paper examines concerns expressed by small businesses that their local views are not sought or considered when national training policies and initiatives are either being developed or…

Satellite Emission Range Inferred Earth Survey (SERIES) project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buennagel, L. A.; Macdoran, P. F.; Neilan, R. E.; Spitzmesser, D. J.; Young, L. E.

1984-01-01

The Global Positioning System (GPS) was developed by the Department of Defense primarily for navigation use by the United States Armed Forces. The system will consist of a constellation of 18 operational Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging (NAVSTAR) satellites by the late 1980's. During the last four years, the Satellite Emission Range Inferred Earth Surveying (SERIES) team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed a novel receiver which is the heart of the SERIES geodetic system designed to use signals broadcast from the GPS. This receiver does not require knowledge of the exact code sequence being transmitted. In addition, when two SERIES receivers are used differentially to determine a baseline, few cm accuracies can be obtained. The initial engineering test phase has been completed for the SERIES Project. Baseline lengths, ranging from 150 meters to 171 kilometers, have been measured with 0.3 cm to 7 cm accuracies. This technology, which is sponsored by the NASA Geodynamics Program, has been developed at JPL to meet the challenge for high precision, cost-effective geodesy, and to complement the mobile Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) system for Earth surveying.

ADVANCED UTILITY SIMULATION MODEL, MULTI-PERIOD MULTI-STATE MODULE DESIGN DOCUMENTATION (VERSION 1.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The report is one of 11 in a series describing the initial development of the Advanced Utility Simulation Model (AUSM) by the Universities Research Group on Energy (URGE) and its continued development by the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) research team. The...

ADVANCED UTILITY SIMULATION MODEL DOCUMENTATION OF SYSTEM DESIGN STATE LEVEL MODEL (VERSION 1.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The report is one of 11 in a series describing the initial development of the Advanced Utility Simulation Model (AUSM) by the Universities Research Group on Energy (URGE) and its continued development by the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) research team. The...

Managing Change in Small Scottish Primary Schools. SCRE Research Report Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Valerie; McPake, Joanna

This report describes Scottish research on ways in which headteachers in small primary schools managed mandated changes. The research focused on implementation of four recent major initiatives: 5-14 Curriculum Guidelines, School Development Planning, Staff Development and Appraisal, and Devolved School Management. Research methods included a…

Mathematics Academies: Cohort 1 Evaluation Study, 2011-2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stohr, Amber D.

2014-01-01

Commencing in 2011, the Mathematics Academies Initiative is a series of professional development academies (lasting 1 to 2 years, depending on cohort) with the primary objectives of (a) providing educators with a high quality professional development experience that enhances their mathematical content knowledge and pedagogical skills, and (b)…

ADVANCED UTILITY SIMULATION MODEL, REPORT OF SENSITIVITY TESTING, CALIBRATION, AND MODEL OUTPUT COMPARISONS (VERSION 3.0) TAPE

EPA Science Inventory

The report is one of 11 in a series describing the initial development of the Advanced Utility Simulation Model (AUSM) by the Universities Research Group on Energy (URGE) and its continued development by the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) research team. The...

Crafts Development and Marketing Manual. Appropriate Technologies for Development. Peace Corps Information Collection & Exchange Manual Series No. M-24.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ramsay, Caroline C.; And Others

This manual was developed to help Peace Corps volunteers assist local craftspeople in developing nations in initiating and operating small businesses to produce and market their products. The manual is organized in eight chapters that cover the following topics: the crafts environment, common problems and solutions for a crafts business,…

Preparing for High Technology: CAD/CAM Programs. Research & Development Series No. 234.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abram, Robert; And Others

This guide is one of three developed to provide information and resources to assist in planning and developing postsecondary technican training programs in high technology areas. It is specifically intended for vocational-technical educators and planners in the initial stages of planning a specialized training option in computer-aided design (CAD)…

Restructuring Rural Communities. Part 2: Grazing the Ideas, Approaches, and Resources of Selected Countries. University Extension Press Monograph Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Harold R.

This book examines cases of rural community development initiatives in the United States, Canada, and Europe, identified during a study of multicommunity collaboration projects. Section 1 includes 36 community development ideas operating at provincial, regional, and local levels. Included are ideas such as bank community development corporations,…

Human papillomavirus vaccination among adolescents in Georgia.

PubMed

Underwood, Natasha L; Weiss, Paul; Gargano, Lisa M; Seib, Katherine; Rask, Kimberly J; Morfaw, Christopher; Murray, Dennis; DiClemente, Ralph J; Hughes, James M; Sales, Jessica M

2015-01-01

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage for adolescent females and males remains low in the United States. We conducted a 3-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in middle and high schools in eastern Georgia from 2011-2013 to determine the effect of 2 educational interventions used to increase adolescent vaccination coverage for the 4 recommended adolescent vaccines: Tdap, MCV4, HPV and influenza. As part of this RCT, this article focuses on: 1) describing initiation and completion of HPV vaccine series among a diverse population of male and female adolescents; 2) assessing parental attitudes toward HPV vaccine; and 3) examining correlates of HPV vaccine series initiation and completion. Parental attitude score was the strongest predictor of HPV vaccine initiation among adolescents (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.80, 2.39). Other correlates that significantly predicted HPV series initiation were gender, study year, and intervention arm. Parental attitudes remained a significant predictor of receipt of 3 doses of HPV vaccine along with gender, race, school type and insurance type. This study demonstrates that positive parental attitudes are important predictors of HPV vaccination and critical to increasing coverage rates. Our findings suggest that more research is needed to understand how parental attitudes are developed and evolve over time.

Hepatitis A, B, and A/B vaccination series completion among US adults: a claims-based analysis.

PubMed

Ghaswalla, Parinaz K; Patterson, Brandon J; Cheng, Wendy Y; Duchesneau, Emilie; Macheca, Monica; Duh, Mei Sheng

2018-06-20

Hepatitis A and B disease burden persists in the US. We assessed hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination series completion rates among 350,240 commercial/Medicare and 12,599 Medicaid enrollees aged ≥19 years. A vaccination series was considered as completed provided that the minimum interval between doses, as defined by the CDC, and the minimum number of doses were reached. We stratified completion rates by vaccine type (i.e. monovalent or bivalent) at initial vaccination for each cohort. In the commercial/Medicare cohort, the series completion rate was 32.0% for hepatitis A and 39.6% for hepatitis B among those who initiated with a monovalent vaccine, and it was 36.2% for hepatitis A and 48.9% for hepatitis B among those who initiated with a bivalent vaccine. In the Medicaid cohort, the series completion rate was 21.0% for hepatitis A and 24.0% for hepatitis B among those who initiated with a monovalent vaccine, and it was 19.0% for hepatitis A and 24.6% for hepatitis B among those who initiated with a bivalent vaccine. In conclusion, hepatitis A and B vaccination series completion rates were low, and appeared to be lower among Medicaid than among commercial/Medicare enrollees. Commercial/Medicare enrollees who initiated with a bivalent vaccine had higher series completion rates than those who initiated with monovalent vaccines - an observation that was not made among Medicaid enrollees.

Building a Framework that Supports Project Teams: An Example from a University/Community Collaborative Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kolb, Judith A.; Sandmeyer, Louise E.

2007-01-01

In the university initiative described in this article, a series of project teams were funded to work on a variety of collaborative projects. The focus of this piece is on the framework that was developed and executed to select, support, and evaluate these teams. The framework is explained and described using data gathered throughout the study and…

Strengthening Policies and Practices for the Initial Classification of English Learners: Insights from a National Working Session

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cook, H. Gary; Linquanti, Robert

2015-01-01

This report summarizes and further develops ideas discussed at a national working session held on May 23, 2014, to examine issues and options associated with initially classifying English learners (ELs). It is the third in a series of guidance papers intended to support states in large-scale assessment consortia that are expected to move toward a…

The Healthy Start Initiative: A Community-Driven Approach to Infant Mortality Reduction. Volume V: Collaboration with Managed Care Organizations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Joffe, Mark S.; Back, Kelli

The Healthy Start Initiative is a national 5-year demonstration program that uses a broad range of community-driven, system development approaches to reduce infant mortality and improve the health and well-being of women, infants, children, and families. This volume, fifth in the series, deals with the topic of collaborating with managed care…

78 FR 32424 - Notice of Issuance of Final Determination Concerning Monochrome Laser Printers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-30

... for manufacture in the U.S. and subsequent sale to U.S. government agencies. Ricoh states that it developed the SP52000-series printers in Japan, and that the entire engineering, development, design and..., Ltd. At the initial stage of the printers production process, individual parts are assembled into...

Community Education Proven Practices II: Networking Strategies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arkansas State Dept. of Education, Little Rock.

Designed to be used by those who wish to initiate or further develop community education programs at the state and local levels, this publication is one of a series of "Proven Practices" developed by federally-funded state and local community education projects. The booklet describes the administrative design and the process used to…

Debates in Music Teaching. The Debates in Subject Teaching Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Philpott, Chris, Ed.; Spruce, Gary, Ed.

2012-01-01

"Debates in Music Teaching" encourages student and practising teachers to engage with contemporary issues and developments in music education. It aims to introduce a critical approach to the central concepts and practices that have influenced major interventions and initiatives in music teaching, and supports the development of new ways of looking…

Empowering Teachers to Implement Innovative Content in Physical Education through Continuous Professional Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Braga, Luciana; Jones, Emily; Bulger, Sean; Elliott, Eloise

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine teacher perceptions regarding their experiences in a research-informed continuous professional development (CPD) initiative and its influence on their professional readiness to implement innovative content in physical education (PE). Participants included four PE teachers who engaged in a series of hands-on…

Using a Multiple Intelligences Assessment To Facilitate Teacher Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shearer, C. Branton

In phase 1 of this study, development and validation studies of a new assessment for the multiple intelligences were conducted. The second phase of the study was a pilot implementation project during a single academic year in collaboration with several public school teachers. Phase 1 involved a series of activities including initial instrument…

The Garment Industry Development Corporation: A Case Study of a Sectoral Employment Development Approach. Sectoral Employment Development Learning Project Case Studies Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conway, Maureen

The Garment Industry Development Corporation (GIDC) was founded in 1984 by a 3-member partnership that included the local union, industry associations, and local government. GIDC's goal was to support New York City's garment industry, which had been steadily losing jobs. GIDC exhibits the following characteristics of sectoral initiatives: it…

Identifying Cognitive Mechanisms Targeted for Treatment Development in Schizophrenia: An Overview of the First Meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS) Initiative

PubMed Central

Carter, Cameron S.; Barch, Deanna M.; Buchanan, Robert W.; Bullmore, Ed; Krystal, John H.; Cohen, Jonathan; Geyer, Mark; Green, Michael; Nuechterlein, Keith H.; Robbins, Trevor; Silverstein, Steven; Smith, Edward E.; Strauss, Milton; Wykes, Til; Heinssen, Robert

2008-01-01

This overview describes the generation and development of the ideas that led to the Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS) initiative. It also describes the organization, process and products of the first meeting. The CNTRICS initiative involves a series of three conferences that will systematically address barriers to translating paradigms developed in the basic animal and human cognitive neuroscience fields for use in translational research aimed at developing novel treatments for cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. The articles in this special section report on the results of the first conference, which used a criterion based consensus-building process to develop a set of cognitive constructs to be targeted for translation efforts. PMID:18466880

An Ambitious Research Plan to Help Solve the Opioid Crisis: HEAL Initiative

MedlinePlus

... to Help Solve the Opioid Crisis An Ambitious Research Plan to Help Solve the Opioid Crisis Email ... opioid use disorders. The Focused OUD Medications Development Research Project will consist of a series of high- ...

The Origins and Development of the National Training Center, 1976-1984. TRADOC Historical Monograph Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chapman, Anne W.

Focusing on the development of the United States Army's National Training Center (NTC) from conceptualization and initial implementation in 1981 to the end of the first phase of development in 1984, this monograph provides a documented historical analysis of how and why the landmark event in army training was launched and examines attendant policy…

The Value of Interrupted Time-Series Experiments for Community Intervention Research

PubMed Central

Biglan, Anthony; Ary, Dennis; Wagenaar, Alexander C.

2015-01-01

Greater use of interrupted time-series experiments is advocated for community intervention research. Time-series designs enable the development of knowledge about the effects of community interventions and policies in circumstances in which randomized controlled trials are too expensive, premature, or simply impractical. The multiple baseline time-series design typically involves two or more communities that are repeatedly assessed, with the intervention introduced into one community at a time. It is particularly well suited to initial evaluations of community interventions and the refinement of those interventions. This paper describes the main features of multiple baseline designs and related repeated-measures time-series experiments, discusses the threats to internal validity in multiple baseline designs, and outlines techniques for statistical analyses of time-series data. Examples are given of the use of multiple baseline designs in evaluating community interventions and policy changes. PMID:11507793

KSC History Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Patrick K.

2002-01-01

The 2002 NASA/ASEE KSC History Project focused on a series of seven history initiatives designed to acquire, preserve, and interpret the history of Kennedy Space Center. These seven projects included the co-authoring of Voices From the Cape, historical work with NASA historian Roger Launius, the completion of a series of oral histories with key KSC personnel, a monograph on Public Affairs, the development of a Historical Concept Map (CMap) for history knowledge preservation, advice on KSC history database and web interface capabilities, the development of a KSC oral history program and guidelines of training and collection, and the development of collaborative relationships between Kennedy Space Center, the University of West Florida, and the University of Central Florida.

Rotavirus vaccine coverage and factors associated with uptake using linked data: Ontario, Canada

PubMed Central

Chung, Hannah; Schwartz, Kevin L.; Guttmann, Astrid; Deeks, Shelley L.; Kwong, Jeffrey C.; Crowcroft, Natasha S.; Wing, Laura; Tu, Karen

2018-01-01

Background In August 2011, Ontario, Canada introduced a rotavirus immunization program using Rotarix™ vaccine. No assessments of rotavirus vaccine coverage have been previously conducted in Ontario. Methods We assessed vaccine coverage (series initiation and completion) and factors associated with uptake using the Electronic Medical Record Administrative data Linked Database (EMRALD), a collection of family physician electronic medical records (EMR) linked to health administrative data. Series initiation (1 dose) and series completion (2 doses) before and after the program’s introduction were calculated. To identify factors associated with series initiation and completion, adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using logistic regression. Results A total of 12,525 children were included. Series completion increased each year of the program (73%, 79% and 84%, respectively). Factors associated with series initiation included high continuity of care (aOR = 2.15; 95%CI, 1.61–2.87), maternal influenza vaccination (aOR = 1.55; 95%CI,1.24–1.93), maternal immmigration to Canada in the last five years (aOR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.05–2.04), and having no siblings (aOR = 1.62; 95%CI,1.30–2.03). Relative to the first program year, infants were more likely to initiate the series in the second year (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI 1.39–2.10) and third year (aOR = 2.02; 95% CI 1.56–2.61) of the program. Infants receiving care from physicians with large practices were less likely to initiate the series (aOR 0.91; 95%CI, 0.88–0.94, per 100 patients rostered) and less likely to complete the series (aOR 0.94; 95%CI, 0.91–0.97, per 100 patients rostered). Additional associations were identified for series completion. Conclusions Family physician delivery achieved moderately high coverage in the program’s first three years. This assessment demonstrates the usefulness of EMR data for evaluating vaccine coverage. Important insights into factors associated with initiation or completion (i.e. high continuity of care, smaller roster sizes, rural practice location) suggest areas for research and potential program supports. PMID:29444167

Early Childhood Development through an Integrated Program: Evidence from the Philippines. Impact Evaluation Series No. 2. World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 3922-IE

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Armecin, Graeme; Behrman, Jere R.; Ghuman, Sharon; Gultiano, Socorro; King, Elizabeth M.; Lee, Nanette

2006-01-01

More attention and resources have been devoted in recent years to early childhood development (ECD) in low- and middle-income countries. Rigorous studies on the effectiveness of ECD-related programs for improving children's development in various dimensions in the developing world are scant. The authors evaluate an important ECD initiative of the…

Core competencies in the science and practice of knowledge translation: description of a Canadian strategic training initiative.

PubMed

Straus, Sharon E; Brouwers, Melissa; Johnson, David; Lavis, John N; Légaré, France; Majumdar, Sumit R; McKibbon, K Ann; Sales, Anne E; Stacey, Dawn; Klein, Gail; Grimshaw, Jeremy

2011-12-09

Globally, healthcare systems are attempting to optimize quality of care. This challenge has resulted in the development of implementation science or knowledge translation (KT) and the resulting need to build capacity in both the science and practice of KT. We are attempting to meet these challenges through the creation of a national training initiative in KT. We have identified core competencies in this field and have developed a series of educational courses and materials for three training streams. We report the outline for this approach and the progress to date. We have prepared a strategy to develop, implement, and evaluate a national training initiative to build capacity in the science and practice of KT. Ultimately through this initiative, we hope to meet the capacity demand for KT researchers and practitioners in Canada that will lead to improved care and a strengthened healthcare system.

Core competencies in the science and practice of knowledge translation: description of a Canadian strategic training initiative

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Globally, healthcare systems are attempting to optimize quality of care. This challenge has resulted in the development of implementation science or knowledge translation (KT) and the resulting need to build capacity in both the science and practice of KT. Findings We are attempting to meet these challenges through the creation of a national training initiative in KT. We have identified core competencies in this field and have developed a series of educational courses and materials for three training streams. We report the outline for this approach and the progress to date. Conclusions We have prepared a strategy to develop, implement, and evaluate a national training initiative to build capacity in the science and practice of KT. Ultimately through this initiative, we hope to meet the capacity demand for KT researchers and practitioners in Canada that will lead to improved care and a strengthened healthcare system. PMID:22152223

The Historical Development of Evaluation Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alkin, Marvin C.; King, Jean A.

2016-01-01

The first article in this series traces the initial development of the concept of evaluation use. As a field, evaluation has always paid attention to the potential for use, both in decision-making and in changing people's thinking. The broad history of the field as we know it today stemmed from two streams: one focused on tests and measurement,…

Evaluation of "The First Tee" in Promoting Positive Youth Development: Group Comparisons and Longitudinal Trends

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weiss, Maureen R.; Bolter, Nicole D.; Kipp, Lindsay E.

2016-01-01

Purpose: This manuscript represents the 3rd in a series of articles documenting our longitudinal evaluation of "The First Tee," a physical activity-based youth development program that uses golf as a vehicle for teaching life skills and enhancing developmental outcomes. Previous phases of our project: (a) established initial data-based…

How Do New Critical Pedagogies Develop? Public Education, Social Change, and Landless Workers in Brazil

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tarlau, Rebecca

2015-01-01

Background: Over the past 30 years, the Brazilian Landless Workers' Movement (MST), one of the largest social movements in Latin America, has developed a series of pedagogical practices for public schools that support the movement's struggle for agrarian reform in the Brazilian countryside. The MST's educational initiatives can be viewed in terms…

DEVELOPMENT, APPLICATION AND VALIDATION OF A SHEEPSHEAD MINNOW ESTROGEN-RESPONSIVE CDNA MACROARRAY

EPA Science Inventory

This presentation provides an overview of research conducted by the Gulf Ecology Division investigating the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on estuarine fish species. A series of research studies were initiated to examine the comparative dose-response characteristics an...

Design & development of the LCO-140H series hydraulic hybrid low floor transit bus.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-09-01

Automation Alley, Altair, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), in a public-private partnership, teamed up to advance a new transit bus initiative that would improve Americas local and regional transit systems while requiring no infrastruc...

46 CFR 503.74 - Procedures for closing a portion or portions of a meeting or a portion or portions of a series of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... meeting or a portion or portions of a series of meetings on agency initiated requests. 503.74 Section 503... portions of a series of meetings on agency initiated requests. (a) Any member of the agency, the Managing Director or the General Counsel of the agency may request that any portion or portions of a series of...

46 CFR 503.74 - Procedures for closing a portion or portions of a meeting or a portion or portions of a series of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... meeting or a portion or portions of a series of meetings on agency initiated requests. 503.74 Section 503... portions of a series of meetings on agency initiated requests. (a) Any member of the agency, the Managing Director or the General Counsel of the agency may request that any portion or portions of a series of...

46 CFR 503.74 - Procedures for closing a portion or portions of a meeting or a portion or portions of a series of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... meeting or a portion or portions of a series of meetings on agency initiated requests. 503.74 Section 503... portions of a series of meetings on agency initiated requests. (a) Any member of the agency, the Managing Director or the General Counsel of the agency may request that any portion or portions of a series of...

46 CFR 503.74 - Procedures for closing a portion or portions of a meeting or a portion or portions of a series of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... meeting or a portion or portions of a series of meetings on agency initiated requests. 503.74 Section 503... portions of a series of meetings on agency initiated requests. (a) Any member of the agency, the Managing Director or the General Counsel of the agency may request that any portion or portions of a series of...

Gaining internal support for a marketing effort.

PubMed

Barron, E

1988-06-01

Franciscan Health System, Chadds Ford, Pa., developed a systemwide marketing initiative to assure positive participation from its internal market segments. In the first of a series, the author outlines the goals, objectives and positioning of the marketing mix used to achieve voluntary involvement from these segments.

i-SVOC -- A simulation program for indoor SVOCs (Version 1.0)

EPA Science Inventory

Program i-SVOC estimates the emissions, transport, and sorption of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the indoor environment as functions of time when a series of initial conditions is given. This program implements a framework for dynamic modeling of indoor SVOCs develope...

Implementing Policy Options to Strengthen the Nexus between Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. Commission Report 08-07

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California Postsecondary Education Commission, 2008

2008-01-01

In December 2007, the California Postsecondary Education adopted the last in an initial series of reports on the nexus between postsecondary education and workforce development by requesting staff to return with plans and priorities to pursue implementation of ten general policy options, grouped into three categories. One option is already being…

Research and Development in the Computer and Information Sciences. Volume 1, Information Acquisition, Sensing, and Input: A Selective Literature Review.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stevens, Mary Elizabeth

The series, of which this is the initial report, is intended to give a selective overview of research and development efforts and requirements in the computer and information sciences. The operations of information acquisition, sensing, and input to information processing systems are considered in generalized terms. Specific topics include but are…

Design-Based Research and Video Game Based Learning: Developing the Educational Video Game "Citizen Science"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaydos, Matthew J.

2013-01-01

This paper presents a series of studies detailing the research and development of the educational science video game "Citizen Science." It documents the design process, beginning with the initial grant and ending with a case study of two teachers who used the game in their classrooms. Following a design-based research approach, this…

Yes, but Can They Earn a Living? Methods for Creating an Effective System of Measuring Labor Market Outcomes in Higher Education. Research & Occasional Paper Series: CSHE.5.13

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Richard W.; Chapman, Kenneth; Huber, Bettina; Shors, Mark

2013-01-01

A new federal initiative calls for a College Scorecard which will include a yet to be determined measure of graduate earnings. In this paper we examine the political context that drives this initiative and examine the nascent efforts of four states to develop statewide systems to measure the labor market outcomes of higher education. We propose…

Shaping the professional landscape through research, advocacy and education - an Australian perspective.

PubMed

Siemensma, Gemma; Ritchie, Ann; Lewis, Suzanne

2017-06-01

This article is the first in a new series in this regular feature. The intention of the series is to look at important global developments in health science libraries. Librarians will be invited to share with HILJ readers key initiatives in their country or region. These articles should serve as a road map, describing the key changes in the field and exploring factors driving these changes. We initiate this series with an article by three Australian librarians who use research findings to depict the evolving professional landscape in their country. The starting point of their analysis is a report completed in 2011 which looked into likely future workforce and education requirements for health library professionals. The authors trace the achievements since then, most notably in the areas of research, advocacy and education. Clearly, a great deal has been achieved leading to a greater return on investment. The authors maintain that the key to shaping the profession and enhancing the status of librarians is ongoing professional development. To this end, Australia is promoting a systematic, competency based health specialist certification. Finally, they identify trends impacting on health librarianship, such as the growing importance of research data management and consumer health literacy. JM. © 2017 Health Libraries Group.

Water Matters. Water Resources Teacher's Guide, Vol. 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kauffman, Sue Cox

This teachers guide is designed to accompany a series of posters developed through the U.S. Geological Survey's Water Resources Education Initiative, a cooperative effort between public and private education interests. It provides teacher guidance, background information, suggestions for a variety of classroom activities, and supplemental resource…

Cultivating Institutional Capacities for Learning Analytics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lonn, Steven; McKay, Timothy A.; Teasley, Stephanie D.

2017-01-01

This chapter details the process the University of Michigan developed to build institutional capacity for learning analytics. A symposium series, faculty task force, fellows program, research grants, and other initiatives are discussed, with lessons learned for future efforts and how other institutions might adapt such efforts to spur cultural…

Developing Potential for Entrepreneurship in FCS

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Niehm, Linda S.; Gregoire, Mary B.; Austin, Tanya; Mhango, Mary

2005-01-01

Guided by national, state, and university initiatives to promote rural entrepreneurship, faculty in Iowa State University's College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) were awarded funding from the Kauffman Foundation and Pappajohn Center to expand their work in entrepreneurship education. A series of multi-unit learning modules was developed…

Faulty Engineering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finn, Chester E., Jr.

2004-01-01

Innumerable foundations, commissions, state initiatives, and federal programs are now seeking to renew civic education in American schools. But solutions run headlong into a series of barriers. Four of these seem especially troublesome: (1) Efforts to develop a civics curriculum are snagged by a basic truth about America: beyond a narrow core of…

Evaluating Sustainability Education: Lessons from International Development Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koehn, Peter H.; Uitto, Juha I.

2014-01-01

Since the mid 1970s, a series of international declarations that recognize the critical link between environmental sustainability and higher education have been endorsed and signed by universities around the world. While academic initiatives in sustainability are blossoming, higher education lacks a comprehensive evaluation framework that is…

Safety Relevant Observations on the X2000 Train as Developed for the Swedish National Railways

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1990-01-01

The safety of high speed rail technology proposed for possible application in the United States is of concern to the Federal Railroad Administration. This report, one in a series of reports planned for high speed rail technologies presents an initial...

Provision of pandemic disease information by health sciences librarians: a multisite comparative case series*†‡§

PubMed Central

Featherstone, Robin M; Boldt, R. Gabriel; Torabi, Nazi; Konrad, Shauna-Lee

2012-01-01

Objective: The research provides an understanding of pandemic information needs and informs professional development initiatives for librarians in disaster medicine. Methods: Utilizing a multisite, comparative case series design, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews and examined supplementary materials in the form of organizational documents, correspondence, and websites to create a complete picture of each case. The rigor of the case series was ensured through data and investigator triangulation. Interview transcripts were coded using NVivo to identify common themes and points of comparison. Results: Comparison of the four cases revealed a distinct difference between “client-initiated” and “librarian-initiated” provision of pandemic information. Librarian-initiated projects utilized social software to “push” information, whereas client-initiated projects operated within patron-determined parameters to deliver information. Health care administrators were identified as a key audience for pandemic information, and news agencies were utilized as essential information sources. Librarians' skills at evaluating available information proved crucial for selecting best-quality evidence to support administrative decision making. Conclusions: Qualitative analysis resulted in increased understanding of pandemic information needs and identified best practices for disseminating information during periods of high organizational stress caused by an influx of new cases of an unknown infectious disease. PMID:22514506

Superfund Redevelopment Initiative Quarterly Webinar Series

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Superfund Redevelopment Initiative hosts a series of quarterly webinars on redevelopment of Superfund sites across the country that discuss the different types of reuse that are possible and share how particular sites have become reuse success stories.

Science Initiatives of the US Virtual Astronomical Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanisch, R. J.

2012-09-01

The United States Virtual Astronomical Observatory program is the operational facility successor to the National Virtual Observatory development project. The primary goal of the US VAO is to build on the standards, protocols, and associated infrastructure developed by NVO and the International Virtual Observatory Alliance partners and to bring to fruition a suite of applications and web-based tools that greatly enhance the research productivity of professional astronomers. To this end, and guided by the advice of our Science Council (Fabbiano et al. 2011), we have focused on five science initiatives in the first two years of VAO operations: 1) scalable cross-comparisons between astronomical source catalogs, 2) dynamic spectral energy distribution construction, visualization, and model fitting, 3) integration and periodogram analysis of time series data from the Harvard Time Series Center and NASA Star and Exoplanet Database, 4) integration of VO data discovery and access tools into the IRAF data analysis environment, and 5) a web-based portal to VO data discovery, access, and display tools. We are also developing tools for data linking and semantic discovery, and have a plan for providing data mining and advanced statistical analysis resources for VAO users. Initial versions of these applications and web-based services are being released over the course of the summer and fall of 2011, with further updates and enhancements planned for throughout 2012 and beyond.

Synthesis of a Series of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Amide (CAPA) Fluorinated Derivatives: Comparison of Cytoprotective Effects to Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-11

the cinnamic acid phenyl ring. Although compound 4c proved to be very cytotoxic in HUVEC over a 24 h period, the toxicity is less apparent over a 5 h...drug development process, as it determines how much of the initial dose actually reaches the target site. Cinnamic acid -derived amides are known to...Synthesis of a series of caffeic acid phenethyl amide (CAPA) fluorinated derivatives: Comparison of cytoprotective effects to caffeic acid phenethyl

Saturn Apollo Program

NASA Image and Video Library

1960-01-01

S-IVB-505 and S-IVB-211, the flight version of the S-IVB stages, in the McDornell Douglas' S-IVB Assembly and Checkout Tower in Huntington Beach, California. As a part of the Marshall Space Flight Center `s "building block" approach to the Saturn vehicle development, the S-IVB stage, in its 200 series, was utilized as the Saturn IB launch vehicle's second stage, and, in its 500 series, the Saturn V's third stage. The S-IVB was powered by a single J-2 engine, initially capable of 200,000 pounds of thrust.

The first powerful steps in strategic development.

PubMed

Chang, Y N; Platt, W

1986-11-01

In an ever-changing business climate, the need for strategically oriented management increases, for the organization that is insensitive and unresponsive to its environment will not survive. The authors of this "Action Plan" examine the challenges facing the health industry and outline a series of actions for initiating strategic-driven management.

Cooperation for Quality Services in a Period of Declining Resources. Institute Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scholl, Geraldine T., Ed.

The document contains edited versions of sessions from the 1981 Special Study Institute, the fourth in a series designed initially for state education consultants for the visually handicapped. Objectives of the 1981 Institute are listed--to establish coordination, communication, and cooperation among teacher trainers; to develop interagency…

Kansas Profile: Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drug Strategies, Washington, DC.

One of a series of state profiles, this report describes the dimensions of the problems caused by alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in Kansas and the public and private initiatives to reduce these problems. It highlights positive developments and identifies areas to be strengthened. Demographic characteristics, state agency organization, and state…

Building Bridges: A Comprehensive System for Healthy Development and School Readiness. Building State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Series, Number 1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Halfon, Neal; Uyeda, Kimberly; Inkelas, Moira; Rice, Thomas

2004-01-01

This report is designed to support the planning and implementation of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (SECCS) Initiative. It addresses a set of principles that these agencies can use to advance their planning process, reach out to new partners, develop collaborative strategies, and build a…

Supporting Building Portfolio Investment and Policy Decision Making through an Integrated Building Utility Data Platform

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

Aziz, Azizan; Lasternas, Bertrand; Alschuler, Elena

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus funding of 2009 for smart grid projects resulted in the tripling of smart meters deployment. In 2012, the Green Button initiative provided utility customers with access to their real-time1 energy usage. The availability of finely granular data provides an enormous potential for energy data analytics and energy benchmarking. The sheer volume of time-series utility data from a large number of buildings also poses challenges in data collection, quality control, and database management for rigorous and meaningful analyses. In this paper, we will describe a building portfolio-level data analytics tool for operational optimization, businessmore » investment and policy assessment using 15-minute to monthly intervals utility data. The analytics tool is developed on top of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Standard Energy Efficiency Data (SEED) platform, an open source software application that manages energy performance data of large groups of buildings. To support the significantly large volume of granular interval data, we integrated a parallel time-series database to the existing relational database. The time-series database improves on the current utility data input, focusing on real-time data collection, storage, analytics and data quality control. The fully integrated data platform supports APIs for utility apps development by third party software developers. These apps will provide actionable intelligence for building owners and facilities managers. Unlike a commercial system, this platform is an open source platform funded by the U.S. Government, accessible to the public, researchers and other developers, to support initiatives in reducing building energy consumption.« less

Preliminary Airspace Operations Simulations Findings Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Provides preliminary findings of the initial series (normal operations and contingency management) of airspace operations simulations. The key elements of this report discuss feedback from controller subjects for UAS flight above FL430. Findings provide initial evaluation of routine UAS operations above dense ARTCC airspace (ZOB), and identify areas of further research, policy direction and procedural development. This document further serves as an addendum to the detailed AOS simulation plan (Deliverable SIM001), incorporating feedback from FAA air traffic personnel and Access 5 IPTs.

Leading change: 1--identifying the issue.

PubMed

Kerridge, Joanna

To enable sustainable change, nurses need to take the lead in managing it. Recent national initiatives have emphasised the importance of frontline staff in service improvement. The ability to influence and manage change has been identified as an essential skill for delivering new models of care. This article is the first in a three-part series designed to help nurses at all levels develop the knowledge and skills they will need to initiate and manage change. This article focuses on identifying what needs to be changed and why.

A pharmacy course on leadership and leading change.

PubMed

Sorensen, Todd D; Traynor, Andrew P; Janke, Kristin K

2009-04-07

To develop and implement a course that develops pharmacy students' leadership skills and encourages them to become leaders within the profession. A leadership course series was offered to pharmacy students on 2 campuses. The series incorporated didactic, experiential, and self-directed learning activities, and focused on developing core leadership skills, self-awareness, and awareness of the process for leading change. Students reported increased knowledge and confidence in their ability to initiate and lead efforts for change. The learning activities students' valued most were the StrengthsFinder assessment (67% of students rated "very useful") and a Leadership Networking Partners (LNP) program (83% of students rated "very useful"). Teaching leadership skills poses a significant challenge in curriculum development and requires multifaceted course design elements that resonate with students and engage the practice community. Addressing these requirements results in a high level of student engagement and a desire to continue the development of leadership skills.

Initial development of 5D COGENT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, R. H.; Lee, W.; Dorf, M.; Dorr, M.

2015-11-01

COGENT is a continuum gyrokinetic edge code being developed by the by the Edge Simulation Laboratory (ESL) collaboration. Work to date has been primarily focussed on a 4D (axisymmetric) version that models transport properties of edge plasmas. We have begun development of an initial 5D version to study edge turbulence, with initial focus on kinetic effects on blob dynamics and drift-wave instability in a shearless magnetic field. We are employing compiler directives and preprocessor macros to create a single source code that can be compiled in 4D or 5D, which helps to ensure consistency of physics representation between the two versions. A key aspect of COGENT is the employment of mapped multi-block grid capability to handle the complexity of diverter geometry. It is planned to eventually exploit this capability to handle magnetic shear, through a series of successively skewed unsheared grid blocks. The initial version has an unsheared grid and will be used to explore the degree to which a radial domain must be block decomposed. We report on the status of code development and initial tests. Work performed for USDOE, at LLNL under contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Decay of homogeneous turbulence from a specified state

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deissler, R. G.

1972-01-01

The homogeneous turbulence problem is formulated by first specifying the multipoint velocity correlations or their spectral equivalents at an initial time. Those quantities, together with the correlation or spectral equations, are then used to calculate initial time derivatives of correlations or spectra. The derivatives in turn are used in time series to calculate the evolution of turbulence quantities with time. When the problem is treated in this way, the correlation equations are closed by the initial specification of the turbulence and no closure assumption is necessary. An exponential series which is an iterative solution of the Navier stokes equations gave much better results than a Taylor power series when used with the limited available initial data. In general, the agreement between theory and experiment was good.

Academic career development in geriatric fellowship training.

PubMed

Medina-Walpole, Annette; Fonzi, Judith; Katz, Paul R

2007-12-01

Career development is rarely formalized in the curricula of geriatric fellowship programs, and the training of new generations of academic leaders is challenging in the 1 year of fellowship training. To effectively prepare fellows for academic leadership, the University of Rochester's Division of Geriatrics, in collaboration with the Warner School of Graduate Education, created a yearlong course to achieve excellence in teaching and career development during the 1-year geriatric fellowship. Nine interdisciplinary geriatric medicine, dentistry, and psychiatry fellows completed the course in its initial year (2005/06). As participants, fellows gained the knowledge and experience to successfully develop and implement educational initiatives in various formats. Fellows acquired teaching and leadership skills necessary to succeed as clinician-educators in an academic setting and to communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues. Fellows completed a series of individual and group education projects, including academic portfolio development, curriculum vitae revision, abstract submission and poster presentation at national meetings, lay lecture series development, and geriatric grand rounds presentation. One hundred percent of fellows reported that the course positively affected their career development, with six of nine fellows choosing academic careers. The course provided opportunities to teach and assess all six of the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education core competencies. This academic career development course was intended to prepare geriatric fellows as the next generation of academic leaders as clinician-teacher-scholars. It could set a new standard for academic development during fellowship training and provide a model for national dissemination in other geriatric and subspecialty fellowship programs.

Energy Efficient Legged Robotics at Sandia Labs

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

Buerger, Steve

Sandia is developing energy efficient actuation and drive train technologies to dramatically improve the charge life of legged robots. The work is supported by DARPA, and Sandia will demonstrate an energy efficient bipedal robot at the technology exposition section of the DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals in June, 2015. This video, the first in a series, describes early development and initial integration of the Sandia Transmission Efficient Prototype Promoting Research (STEPPR) robot.

Energy Efficient Legged Robotics at Sandia Labs

ScienceCinema

Buerger, Steve

2018-05-07

Sandia is developing energy efficient actuation and drive train technologies to dramatically improve the charge life of legged robots. The work is supported by DARPA, and Sandia will demonstrate an energy efficient bipedal robot at the technology exposition section of the DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals in June, 2015. This video, the first in a series, describes early development and initial integration of the Sandia Transmission Efficient Prototype Promoting Research (STEPPR) robot.

Midwest Research Institute to Initiate New Energy Resource Alliance

Science.gov Websites

, development and deployment of renewable energy technologies," said John McKelvey, president and chief executive officer of MRI. "We are very proud of the many achievements of NREL/SERI. The formation of New ERA reflects MRI's commitment to expanding the role of renewable energy technologies in the

Learning in a Global Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Phyllis

2005-01-01

The adult learning community has a unique opportunity to engage with the big issues of the times during the coming year. The Learning and Skills Council is due to launch its Strategy for Sustainable Development in 2005 and a series of initiatives and publications is set to follow, including the European Year of Democratic Citizenship, launched…

The Socialization Research Project. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haring, Thomas G.; And Others

The report documents the findings of a 3-year study of the social skill development of severely handicapped youth within integrated school and community settings. A series of seven studies were instituted on two central issues: (1) the ability to train and promote generalization of social language skills in the form of initiation and respondent…

International Workforce Initiatives: Definitions, Design Options, and Project Profiles. Working Paper Series. No. 1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, J.W., Jr.

2010-01-01

This publication is intended for three primary audiences: international development professionals who want to define "workforce" for program design purposes, those who seek information about field activities, and those who want to reflect on the implementation of successful, high impact programs--whether they were broad-based or…

Youth Development and Critical Education: The Promise of Democratic Action. SUNY Series, Democracy and Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lakes, Richard D.

Presented in this book are studies of social projects for economically disadvantaged inner-city youth engaged in neighborhood revitalizations in low-income communities around the country. Children and teens are highlighted as they participate in nonschool initiatives to achieve economic and political self-determination coupled with personal…

The National Higher Education and Workforce Initiative: Forging Strategic Partnerships for Undergraduate Innovation and Workforce Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Business-Higher Education Forum, 2013

2013-01-01

This is the first in a series of Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) playbooks intended to assist companies, higher education institutions, private philanthropies, membership associations, professional societies, government agencies, and other stakeholders seeking to understand the potential value of investing in coordinated strategic,…

Developing Young Children's Emergent Inferential Practices in Statistics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Makar, Katie

2016-01-01

Informal statistical inference has now been researched at all levels of schooling and initial tertiary study. Work in informal statistical inference is least understood in the early years, where children have had little if any exposure to data handling. A qualitative study in Australia was carried out through a series of teaching experiments with…

Microcracks in eggs.

PubMed

Bain, M M; MacLeod, N; Thomson, R; Hancock, J W

2006-11-01

An experimental program of mechanical testing has shown that microcracks initiate in hens' eggs at loads less than that necessary to cause total structural failure. In contact loading, computational modeling and numerical analysis show that very high stress levels develop on the inner surface of the eggshell as it conforms to a hard contact surface. This causes a series of microcracks to initiate at the inner surface of the shell and radiate out from the load site. A series of concentric circumferential microcracks also develop beneath the cuticle from the edge of the contact zone. Calculations relating to the eggshells' dynamic response indicate that microcracks have a little effect on the structural stiffness and resonant frequencies of the egg. As a result, microcracks are unlikely to be detected by online crack detection systems, which rely on mechanical excitation. Eggs in retail outlets are likely to contain microcracks as a result of insults experienced during the collection, grading, and packing processes. Because the eggshell forms the first line of defense against potentially pathogenic microorganisms entering the egg contents, microcracks could potentially compromise egg safety.

The Integrated Airport: Building a Successful NextGen Testbed

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

Frederick-Recascino, Christina; Sweigard, Doug; Lester, Wade

2009-02-18

This presentation will describe a unique public-private partnership - the Integrated Airport - that was created to engage in research and testing related to NextGen Technology deployment.  NextGen refers to the program that will be initiated to modernize the US National Airspace.  As with any major, multi-decade initiative, such as NextGen, integration of work efforts by multiple partners in the modernization is critical for success.  This talk will focus on the development of the consortium, how the consortium plans for NextGen initiatives, the series of technology demonstrations we have produced and plans for the future of NextGen testing and implementation. 

Series-Bosch Technology for Oxygen Recovery During Lunar or Martian Surface Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abney, Morgan B.; Mansell, J. Matthew; Rabenberg, Ellen; Stanley, Christine M.; Edmunson, Jennifer; Alleman, James E.; Chen, Kevin; Dumez, Sam

2014-01-01

Long-duration surface missions to the Moon or Mars will require life support systems that maximize resource recovery to minimize resupply from Earth. To address this need, NASA previously proposed a Series-Bosch (S-Bosch) oxygen recovery system, based on the Bosch process, which can theoretically recover 100% of the oxygen from metabolic carbon dioxide. Bosch processes have the added benefits of the potential to recover oxygen from atmospheric carbon dioxide and the use of regolith materials as catalysts, thereby eliminating the need for catalyst resupply from Earth. In 2012, NASA completed an initial design for an S-Bosch development test stand that incorporates two catalytic reactors in series including a Reverse Water-Gas Shift (RWGS) Reactor and a Carbon Formation Reactor (CFR). In 2013, fabrication of system components, with the exception of a CFR, and assembly of the test stand was initiated. Stand-alone testing of the RWGS reactor was completed to compare performance with design models. Continued testing of Lunar and Martian regolith simulants provided sufficient data to design a CFR intended to utilize these materials as catalysts. Finally, a study was conducted to explore the possibility of producing bricks from spent regolith catalysts. The results of initial demonstration testing of the RWGS reactor, results of continued catalyst performance testing of regolith simulants, and results of brick material properties testing are reported. Additionally, design considerations for a regolith-based CFR are discussed.

Series-Bosch Technology for Oxygen Recovery During Lunar or Martian Surface Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abney, Morgan B.; Mansell, James M.; Stanley, Christine; Edmunson, Jennifer; Dumez, Samuel; Chen, Kevin; Alleman, James E.

2014-01-01

Long-duration surface missions to the Moon or Mars will require life support systems that maximize resource recovery to minimize resupply from Earth. To address this need, NASA previously proposed a Series-Bosch (S-Bosch) oxygen recovery system, based on the Bosch process, which can theoretically recover 100% of the oxygen from metabolic carbon dioxide. Bosch processes have the added benefits of the potential to recover oxygen from atmospheric carbon dioxide and the use of regolith materials as catalysts, thereby eliminating the need for catalyst resupply from Earth. In 2012, NASA completed an initial design for an S-Bosch development test stand that incorporates two catalytic reactors in series including a Reverse Water-Gas Shift (RWGS) Reactor and a Carbon Formation Reactor (CFR). In 2013, fabrication of system components, with the exception of a CFR, and assembly of the test stand was initiated. Stand-alone testing of the RWGS reactor was completed to compare performance with design models. Continued testing of Lunar and Martian regolith simulants provided sufficient data to design a CFR intended to utilize these materials as catalysts. Finally, a study was conducted to explore the possibility of producing bricks from spend regolith catalysts. The results of initial demonstration testing of the RWGS reactor, results of continued catalyst performance testing of regolith simulants, and results of brick material properties testing are reported. Additionally, design considerations for a regolith-based CFR are discussed.

Role of preliminary registry data in development of a clinical trial for an innovative device: a small but integral piece of a health policy initiative

PubMed Central

Ricci, Donald R.; de Vries, Joost; Blanc, Raphael

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Establishing a national health policy at a macro level involves the integration of a series of health initiatives across a spectrum of activities, including clinical care. Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a new medical device ultimately evolves to testing in humans. The pathway to a formal prospective clinical trial includes a stepwise appreciation of pre-clinical data and detailed analysis of data obtained from preliminary registries, where information about appropriate patient selection and use of the device is obtained. Evaluation of procedural and follow-up efficacy and safety data in a preliminary series of cases, chosen to simulate published data, allows the design and conduct of clinical trials that are required to verify preliminary observations, closing the loop on one aspect of modifying health policy decisions. PMID:28321285

Nebraska Initiative for Aerospace Research and Industrial Development (NIARID)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowen, Brent; Reichenbach, Steve; Ianno, Ned; Farr, Lynne; Tarry, Scott; Narayanan, Ram; Lehrer, Henry

2002-01-01

The UNO Aviation Institute Monograph Series began in 1994 as a key component of the education outreach and information transfer missions of the Aviation Institute and the NASA Nebraska Space Grant & EPSCoR Programs. The series is an outlet for aviation materials to be indexed and disseminated through an efficient medium. Publications are welcome in all aspects of aviation. Publication formats may include, but are not limited to, conference proceedings, bibliographies, research reports, manuals, technical reports, and other documents that should be archived and indexed for future reference by the aviation and world wide communities.

Controlling Chaos Via Knowledge of Initial Condition for a Curved Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maestrello, L.

2000-01-01

Nonlinear response of a flexible curved panel exhibiting bifurcation to fully developed chaos is demonstrated along with the sensitivity to small perturbation from the initial conditions. The response is determined from the measured time series at two fixed points. The panel is forced by an external nonharmonic multifrequency and monofrequency sound field. Using a low power time-continuous feedback control, carefully tuned at each initial condition, produces large long-term effects on the dynamics toward taming chaos. Without the knowledge of the initial conditions, control may be achieved by destructive interference. In this case, the control power is proportional to the loading power. Calculation of the correlation dimension and the estimation of positive Lyapunov exponents, in practice, are the proof of chaotic response.

Coumarin-Based Oxime Esters: Photobleachable and Versatile Unimolecular Initiators for Acrylate and Thiol-Based Click Photopolymerization under Visible Light-Emitting Diode Light Irradiation.

PubMed

Li, Zhiquan; Zou, Xiucheng; Zhu, Guigang; Liu, Xiaoya; Liu, Ren

2018-05-09

Developing efficient unimolecular visible light-emitting diode (LED) light photoinitiators (PIs) with photobleaching capability, which are essential for various biomedical applications and photopolymerization of thick materials, remains a great challenge. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of a series of novel PIs, containing coumarin moieties as chromophores and oxime ester groups as initiation functionalities and explore their structure-activity relationship. The investigated oxime esters can effectively induce acrylates and thiol-based click photopolymerization under 450 nm visible LED light irradiation. The initiator O-3 exhibited excellent photobleaching capability and enabled photopolymerization of thick materials (∼4.8 mm). The efficient unimolecular photobleachable initiators show great potential in dental materials and 3D printings.

Initiation & completion rates of hepatitis A vaccination among US pediatric populations born between 2005 and 2009.

PubMed

Weiss, Thomas; Zhang, Dongmu; Borse, Nagesh N; Walter, Emmanuel B

2015-11-27

To estimate hepatitis A vaccine series initiation and completion rates, assess time to vaccination, identify missed opportunities for the hepatitis A vaccine series, and examine factors associated with hepatitis A vaccine series initiation and completion. We conducted a retrospective, observational study using three healthcare claims databases separately. The study population was comprised of children born between years 2005 and 2009 that were continuously enrolled for at least three and a half years from the date of birth. Every child was followed from date of birth for three and a half years for hepatitis A vaccination. There were 93,735 eligible children from Clinformatics Data Mart, 202,513 from MarketScan Commercial, and 207,545 from MarketScan Medicaid. The overall hepatitis A vaccine series initiation rate was 63.8-79.4% and completion rate was 45.1-66.8% across the three databases. About 62.8-90.1% of the children who never initiated hepatitis A vaccine had at least one well visit from 1 year to three and a half years old. Children were more likely to initiate and complete the hepatitis A vaccine series if they were from more recent birth cohorts, from states with a hepatitis A vaccination recommendation prior to the ACIP universal recommendation, from states with daycare/school entry requirements, were enrolled in an HMO health plan, had pediatricians as primary providers, had more doctor's office/well visits and received MMR/Varicella vaccines. In this study, approximately one in every three to five children remained unvaccinated against hepatitis A. Although the hepatitis A vaccine series initiation and completion improved from 2005 to 2009, vaccine coverage has stabilized in recent years. It is important for providers to identify every opportunity for hepatitis A vaccination and to assure that children get protection from this vaccine-preventable disease. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Identification of a Novel and Selective Series of Itk Inhibitors via a Template-Hopping Strategy

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Inhibition of Itk potentially constitutes a novel, nonsteroidal treatment for asthma and other T-cell mediated diseases. In-house kinase cross-screening resulted in the identification of an aminopyrazole-based series of Itk inhibitors. Initial work on this series highlighted selectivity issues with several other kinases, particularly AurA and AurB. A template-hopping strategy was used to identify a series of aminobenzothiazole Itk inhibitors, which utilized an inherently more selective hinge binding motif. Crystallography and modeling were used to rationalize the observed selectivity. Initial exploration of the SAR around this series identified potent Itk inhibitors in both enzyme and cellular assays. PMID:24900590

Survey of foreign maglev systems

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

He, J.L.; Rote, D.M.; Coffey, H.T.

1992-07-01

Magnetic levitation (maglev) transportation systems represent an innovative technology that promises to provide pollution-free, contact-free, high-speed ground transportation for the twenty-first century. Great interest in maglev systems has been developing in the United States over the past two years under the auspices of the US National Maglev Initiative. The objective of the survey presented in this report is to provide the US maglev community with information on various maglev concepts that were developed in foreign countries over the past two decades. The main maglev systems included in the survey are the German Transrapid series and the M-Bahn, the Japanese HSSTmore » and MLU series, and the British Birmingham. Each maglev system is introduced and discussed according to its type, historical development, unique features, current status, and future prospects. Advantages and disadvantages of each system are briefly noted.« less

Evolutionary cost analysis of valsartan initiation among patients with hypertension: a time series approach.

PubMed

Sun, Peter; Chang, Joanne; Zhang, Jie; Kahler, Kristijan H

2012-01-01

This study examines the evolutionary impact of valsartan initiation on medical costs. A retrospective time series study design was used with a large, US national commercial claims database for the period of 2004-2008. Hypertensive patients who initiated valsartan between the ages of 18 and 63, and had continuous enrollment for 24-month pre-initiation period and 24-month post-initiation period were selected. Patients' monthly medical costs were calculated based on individual claims. A novel time series model was devised with monthly medical costs as its dependent variables, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) as its stochastic components, and four indicative variables as its decomposed interventional components. The number of post-initiation months before a cost-offset point was also assessed. Patients (n = 18,269) had mean age of 53 at the initiation date, and 53% of them were female. The most common co-morbid conditions were dyslipidemia (52%), diabetes (24%), and hypertensive complications (17%). The time series model suggests that medical costs were increasing by approximately $10 per month (p < 0.01) before the initiation, and decreasing by approximately $6 per month (p < 0.01) after the initiation. After the 4th post-initiation month, medical costs for patients with the initiation were statistically significantly lower (p < 0.01) than forecasted medical costs for the same patients without the initiation. The study has its limitations in data representativeness, ability to collect unrecorded clinical conditions, treatments, and costs, as well as its generalizability to patients with different characteristics. Commercially insured hypertensive patients experienced monthly medical cost increase before valsartan initiation. Based on our model, the evolutionary impact of the initiation on medical costs included a temporary cost surge, a gradual, consistent, and statistically significant cost decrease, and a cost-offset point around the 4th post-initiation month.

Developing leadership roles in nursing and midwifery.

PubMed

McGuire, Clare; Ray, Devashish

2014-11-04

This article is the first in a series of seven articles on an initiative undertaken in NHS Lanarkshire where a creative partnership with the University of the West of Scotland established a shared commitment to developing nursing and midwifery leadership. This article describes the national context within Scotland. It provides an overview of the innovative programmes of work and systems devised to support leadership throughout the organisation with a particular focus on quality of care.

Implications of the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative for Education. Urban Diversity Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fletcher, J. D.; Tobias, Sigmund

This monograph in the Urban Diversity Series describes the The Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL)initiative, relates it to research dealing with instruction generally and computer-mediated instruction specifically, and discusses its implications for education. ADL was undertaken to make instructional material universally accessible primarily, but…

Development of a mentorship strategy: a knowledge translation case study.

PubMed

Straus, Sharon E; Graham, Ian D; Taylor, Mark; Lockyer, Jocelyn

2008-01-01

There are many theories and frameworks for achieving knowledge translation, and the assortment can be confusing to those responsible for planning, evaluation, or policymaking in knowledge translation. A conceptual framework developed by Graham and colleagues provides an approach that builds on the commonalities found in an assessment of planned-action theories. This article describes the application of this knowledge to action framework to a mentorship initiative in academic medicine. Mentorship influences career success but is threatened in academia by increased clinical, research, and administrative demands. A case study review was undertaken of the role of mentors, the experiences of mentors and mentees, and mentorship initiatives in developing and retaining clinician scientists at two universities in Alberta, Canada. This project involved relevant stakeholders including researchers, university administrators, and research funders. The knowledge to action framework was used to develop a strategy for mentorship for clinician researchers. The framework highlights the need to identify and engage stakeholders in the process of knowledge implementation. A series of initiatives were selected and tailored to barriers and facilitators to implementation of the mentorship initiative; strategies for evaluating the knowledge use and its impact on outcomes were developed. The knowledge to action framework can be used to develop a mentorship initiative for clinician researchers. Future work to evaluate the impact of this intervention on recruitment and retention is planned.

Promoting collaboration and cultural competence for physician assistant and physical therapist students: A cross-cultural decentralized interprofessional education (IPE) model.

PubMed

Oliveira, Kathleen De; North, Sara; Beck, Barbra; Hopp, Jane

2015-01-01

As the United States health care model progresses towards medical teams and the country's population continues to diversify, the need for health professional education programs to develop and implement culturally specific interprofessional education (IPE) becomes increasingly imperative. A wide range of models exists for delivering and implementing IPE in health education, but none have included the cultural components that are vital in educating the health professional. A cross-cultural decentralized IPE model for physician assistant (PA) and physical therapy (PT) students was developed. This three-part IPE series was created using an established cultural curricular model and began with the exploration of self, continued with the examination of various dimensions of culture, and concluded with the exploration of the intersection between health and culture. We assessed student satisfaction of the IPE experiences and students' engagement and attitudes towards IPE using a three-item open-ended questionnaire administered after each cross-cultural activity and the Interprofessional Education Series Survey (IESS) upon the completion of the series. IESS responses showed that PA and PT students reported benefits in interprofessional collaboration and cultural awareness and expressed overall satisfaction with the series. Qualitative analysis revealed growth in student response depth consistent with the scaffolded focus of each IPE module in the series. The trends in this three-part series suggest that institutions looking to develop culturally inclusive IPE educational initiatives may have success through a decentralized model mirroring the effective cultural progression focused on addressing exploration of self, examination of various dimensions of culture, and exploration of the intersection between health and culture.

e-Science Partnerships: Towards a Sustainable Framework for School-Scientist Engagement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Falloon, Garry

2013-01-01

In late 2006, the New Zealand Government embarked on a series of initiatives to explore how the resources and expertise of eight, small, state-owned science research institutes could be combined efficiently to support science teaching in schools. Programmes were developed to enable students and teachers to access and become involved in local…

Macroanatomy and compartmentalization of recent fire scars in three North American conifers

Treesearch

Kevin T. Smith; Estelle Arbellay; Donald A. Falk; Elaine Kennedy Sutherland

2016-01-01

Fire scars are initiated by cambial necrosis caused by localized lethal heating of the tree stem. Scars develop as part of the linked survival processes of compartmentalization and wound closure. The position of scars within dated tree ring series is the basis for dendrochronological reconstruction of fire history. Macroanatomical features were described for western...

Supporting Statewide Implementation of the Learning School Initiative. Catalyst Schools Research Study Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hammer, Patricia Cahape

2016-01-01

This is the first in a series of reports based on a research study, Developing Effective Professional Learning Communities in Catalyst Schools, conducted between February 2015 and June 2016. "Catalyst schools" were elementary- and secondary-level schools selected to participate in a pilot project intended to explore how best to support…

A Long Island Consortium Takes Shape. Occasional Paper No. 76-1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, William R.

This occasional paper, the first in a "new" series, describes the background, activities, and experiences of the Long Island Consortium, a cooperative effort of two-year and four-year colleges committed to organizing a model program of faculty development. The consortium was organized under an initial grant from the Lilly Endowment. In May and…

I've Gathered a Basket of Communication and Collaboration Tools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, May

2004-01-01

In this article, the author, a Web development librarian at North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries, recounts how she initiated the implementation of a series of open source communication and collaboration applications for the Libraries' Web site and intranet, and how she gathered a number of tried and tested C&C tools that can…

Engaging Teachers in the School Improvement Process. Turning Points: Recommendations into Action.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Painter, Bryan; Valentine, Jerry

This publication is the second in a series of monographs developed as a resource for middle-level leaders. It presents case studies at three fictional schools to show variations in improvement efforts and to examine faculty members' participation in the process. The teachers at one school were informed about change initiatives but were never…

Flexible Pedagogies: Employer Engagement and Work-Based Learning. Flexible Pedagogies: Preparing for the Future Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kettle, Jane

2013-01-01

This publication focuses on national and international policy initiatives to develop a better understanding of work-based learners and the types of flexibility that may well enhance their study especially pedagogically. As part of our five-strand research project "Flexible Pedagogies: preparing for the future" it: (1) highlights the…

Definitions of Evaluation Use and Misuse, Evaluation Influence, and Factors Affecting Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alkin, Marvin C.; King, Jean A.

2017-01-01

The second article in this series on the history of evaluation use has three sections. The first and longest develops a functional definition of the term "use," noting that a thorough definition of evaluation use includes the initial stimulus (i.e., evaluation findings or process), the user, the way people use the information, the aspect…

A Curriculum Activities Guide to Solid Wastes and Environmental Studies, Volume 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hershey, John T., Ed.; And Others

This document, developed for elementary and secondary students, is one of a series emphasizing student-oriented problem solving related to environmental matters. It is designed to guide others in initiating, continuing, or expanding their environmental education program. Volume 4 is intended for use by cadre who have used similar materials at a…

Flexible Pedagogies: Part-Time Learners and Learning in Higher Education. Flexible Pedagogies: Preparing for the Future Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLinden, Michael

2013-01-01

This publication focuses on national and international policy initiatives to develop a better understanding of part-time learners and the types of flexibility that may enhance their study especially pedagogically. As part of our five-strand research project "Flexible Pedagogies: preparing for the future" it: (1) highlights the challenges…

A three-tiered approach for linking pharmacokinetic ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The power of the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework arises from its utilization of pathway-based data to describe the initial interaction of a chemical with a molecular target (molecular initiating event; (MIE), followed by a progression through a series of key events that lead to an adverse outcome relevant for regulatory purposes. The AOP itself is not chemical specific, thus providing the biological context necessary for interpreting high throughput (HT) toxicity screening results. Application of the AOP framework and HT predictions in ecological and human health risk assessment, however, requires the consideration of chemical-specific properties that influence external exposure doses and target tissue doses. To address this requirement, a three-tiered approach was developed to provide a workflow for connecting biology-based AOPs to biochemical-based pharmacokinetic properties (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion; ADME), and then to chemical/human activity-based exposure pathways. This approach included: (1) The power of the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework arisesfrom its utilization of pathway-based data to describe the initial interaction of a chemical with a molecular target (molecular initiating event; (MIE), followed by a progression through a series of key events that lead to an adverse outcome relevant for regulatory purposes. The AOP itself is not chemical specific, thus providing the biological context necessary for interpreti

The Integrated Airport: Building a Successful NextGen Testbed

ScienceCinema

Frederick-Recascino, Christina; Sweigard, Doug; Lester, Wade

2018-01-24

This presentation will describe a unique public-private partnership - the Integrated Airport - that was created to engage in research and testing related to NextGen Technology deployment.  NextGen refers to the program that will be initiated to modernize the US National Airspace.  As with any major, multi-decade initiative, such as NextGen, integration of work efforts by multiple partners in the modernization is critical for success.  This talk will focus on the development of the consortium, how the consortium plans for NextGen initiatives, the series of technology demonstrations we have produced and plans for the future of NextGen testing and implementation. 

Hyper-X Stage Separation Wind Tunnel Test Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woods, W. C.; Holland, S. D.; DiFulvio, M.

2000-01-01

NASA's Hyper-X research program was developed primarily to flight demonstrate a supersonic combustion ramjet engine, fully integrated with a forebody designed to tailor inlet flow conditions and a free expansion nozzle/afterbody to produce positive thrust at design flight conditions. With a point-designed propulsion system, the vehicle must depend upon some other means for boost to its design flight condition. Clean separation from this initial propulsion system stage within less than a second is critical to the success of the flight. This paper discusses the early planning activity, background, and chronology that developed the series of wind tunnel tests to support multi degree of freedom simulation of the separation process. Representative results from each series of tests are presented and issues and concerns during the process and current status will be highlighted.

Hyper-X Stage Separation Wind-Tunnel Test Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woods, William C.; Holland, Scott D.; DiFulvio, Michael

2001-01-01

NASA's Hyper-X research program was developed primarily to flight demonstrate a supersonic combustion ramjet engine, fully integrated with a forebody designed to tailor inlet flow conditions and a free expansion nozzle/afterbody to produce positive thrust at design flight conditions. With a point-designed propulsion system the vehicle must depend on some other means for boost to its design flight condition. Clean separation from this initial propulsion system stage within less than a second is critical to the success of the flight. This paper discusses the early planning activity, background, and chronology that developed the series of wind-tunnel tests to support multi-degree-of-freedom simulation of the separation process. Representative results from each series of tests are presented, and issues and concerns during the process and current status are highlighted.

Hyper-X Storage Separation Wind Tunnel Test Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woods, William C.; Holland, Scott D.; Difulvio, Michael

2000-01-01

NASA's Hyper-X research program was developed primarily to flight demonstrate a supersonic combustion ramjet engine, fully integrated with a forebody designed to tailor inlet flow, conditions and a free expansion nozzle/afterbody to produce positive thrust at design flight conditions. With a point-designed propulsion system, the vehicle must depend upon some other means for boost to its design flight condition. Clean separation from this initial propulsion system stage within less than a second is critical to the success of the flight. This paper discusses the early planning activity, background, and chronology that developed the series of wind tunnel tests to support multi degree of freedom simulation of the separation process. Representative results from each series of tests are presented and issues and concerns during the process and current status will be highlighted.

A Pharmacy Course on Leadership and Leading Change

PubMed Central

Traynor, Andrew P.; Janke, Kristin K.

2009-01-01

Objective To develop and implement a course that develops pharmacy students' leadership skills and encourages them to become leaders within the profession. Design A leadership course series was offered to pharmacy students on 2 campuses. The series incorporated didactic, experiential, and self-directed learning activities, and focused on developing core leadership skills, self-awareness, and awareness of the process for leading change. Assessment Students reported increased knowledge and confidence in their ability to initiate and lead efforts for change. The learning activities students' valued most were the StrengthsFinder assessment (67% of students rated “very useful”) and a Leadership Networking Partners (LNP) program (83% of students rated “very useful”). Conclusion Teaching leadership skills poses a significant challenge in curriculum development and requires multifaceted course design elements that resonate with students and engage the practice community. Addressing these requirements results in a high level of student engagement and a desire to continue the development of leadership skills. PMID:19513161

Shale oil recovery process

DOEpatents

Zerga, Daniel P.

1980-01-01

A process of producing within a subterranean oil shale deposit a retort chamber containing permeable fragmented material wherein a series of explosive charges are emplaced in the deposit in a particular configuration comprising an initiating round which functions to produce an upward flexure of the overburden and to initiate fragmentation of the oil shale within the area of the retort chamber to be formed, the initiating round being followed in a predetermined time sequence by retreating lines of emplaced charges developing further fragmentation within the retort zone and continued lateral upward flexure of the overburden. The initiating round is characterized by a plurality of 5-spot patterns and the retreating lines of charges are positioned and fired along zigzag lines generally forming retreating rows of W's. Particular time delays in the firing of successive charges are disclosed.

A strategy for monitoring and evaluating massive open online courses.

PubMed

Chapman, S A; Goodman, S; Jawitz, J; Deacon, A

2016-08-01

We argue that the complex, innovative and adaptive nature of Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) initiatives poses particular challenges to monitoring and evaluation, in that any evaluation strategy will need to follow a systems approach. This article aims to guide organizations implementing MOOCs through a series of steps to assist them in developing a strategy to monitor, improve, and judge the merit of their initiatives. We describe how we operationalise our strategy by first defining the different layers of interacting agents in a given MOOC system. We then tailor our approach to these different layers. Specifically, a two-pronged approach was developed, where we suggest that individual projects be assessed through performance monitoring; assessment criteria for which would be defined at the outset to include coverage, participation, quality and student achievement. In contrast, the success of an overall initiative should be considered within a more adaptive, emergent evaluation inquiry framework. We present the inquiry framework we developed for MOOC initiatives, and show how this framework might be used to develop evaluation questions and an assessment methodology. We also define the more fixed indicators and measures for project performance monitoring. Our strategy is described as it was developed to inform the evaluation of a MOOC initiative at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electronic monitoring of offenders: an ethical review.

PubMed

Bülow, William

2014-06-01

This paper considers electronic monitoring (EM) a promising alternative to imprisonment as a criminal sanction for a series of criminal offenses. However, little has been said about EM from an ethical perspective. To evaluate EM from an ethical perspective, six initial ethical challenges are addressed and discussed. It is argued that since EM is developing as a technology and a punitive means, it is urgent to discuss its ethical implications and incorporate moral values into its design and development.

United Nations Human Space Technology Initiative (HSTI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochiai, Mika; Niu, Aimin; Steffens, Heike; Balogh, Werner; Haubold, Hans; Othman, Mazlan; Doi, Takao

2014-11-01

The Human Space Technology Initiative was launched in 2010 within the framework of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications implemented by the Office for Outer Space Affairs of the United Nations. It aims to involve more countries in activities related to human spaceflight and space exploration and to increase the benefits from the outcome of such activities through international cooperation, to make space exploration a truly international effort. The role of the Initiative in these efforts is to provide a platform to exchange information, foster collaboration between partners from spacefaring and non-spacefaring countries, and encourage emerging and developing countries to take part in space research and benefit from space applications. The Initiative organizes expert meetings and workshops annually to raise awareness of the current status of space exploration activities as well as of the benefits of utilizing human space technology and its applications. The Initiative is also carrying out primary science activities including the Zero-Gravity Instrument Project and the Drop Tower Experiment Series aimed at promoting capacity-building activities in microgravity science and education, particularly in developing countries.

Octahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole negative allosteric modulators of mGlu1.

PubMed

Manka, Jason T; Rodriguez, Alice L; Morrison, Ryan D; Venable, Daryl F; Cho, Hyekyung P; Blobaum, Anna L; Daniels, J Scott; Niswender, Colleen M; Conn, P Jeffrey; Lindsley, Craig W; Emmitte, Kyle A

2013-09-15

Development of SAR in an octahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole series of negative allosteric modulators of mGlu1 using a functional cell-based assay is described in this Letter. The octahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole scaffold was chosen as an isosteric replacement for the piperazine ring found in the initial hit compound. Characterization of selected compounds in protein binding assays was used to identify the most promising analogs, which were then profiled in P450 inhibition assays in order to further assess the potential for drug-likeness within this series of compounds. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Early treatment with laronidase improves clinical outcomes in patients with attenuated MPS I: a retrospective case series analysis of nine sibships.

PubMed

Al-Sannaa, Nouriya A; Bay, Luisa; Barbouth, Deborah S; Benhayoun, Youssef; Goizet, Cyril; Guelbert, Norberto; Jones, Simon A; Kyosen, Sandra Obikawa; Martins, Ana Maria; Phornphutkul, Chanika; Reig, Celia; Pleat, Rebecca; Fallet, Shari; Ivanovska Holder, Iva

2015-10-07

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with laronidase, (recombinant human α-L-iduronidase; Aldurazyme) is the primary treatment option for patients with attenuated mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I). This study examined the effect of early ERT on clinical manifestations. This multinational, retrospective case series abstracted data from records of 20 patients with Hurler-Scheie syndrome within nine sibships that included older siblings treated with laronidase after the development of significant clinical symptoms, and younger siblings treated before significant symptomatology. Median age at diagnosis was 5.6 and 0.5 years for older and younger siblings, respectively. Median age at ERT initiation was 7.9 and 1.9 years for older and younger siblings, respectively. Improvement or stabilization of somatic signs and symptoms was more notable in younger siblings. Organomegaly present at onset of ERT improved in the majority of both older and younger siblings. Analysis of physician-rated symptom severity demonstrated that cardiac, musculoskeletal, and cognitive symptoms, when absent or mild in younger siblings at ERT initiation, generally did not develop or progress. The majority of older siblings had height/length Z-scores greater than two standard deviations below the mean (less than -2) at both time points. In general, Z-scores for younger siblings were closer to the sex- and age-matched means at follow-up. These findings suggest early initiation of laronidase, prior to the onset of symptoms in patients with attenuated MPS I, can slow or prevent the development of severe clinical manifestations.

Identification and evaluation of fluvial-dominated deltaic (Class I oil) reservoirs in Oklahoma. Final report, August 1998

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

Banken, M.K.

The Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS), the Geo Information Systems department, and the School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering at the University of Oklahoma have engaged in a five-year program to identify and address Oklahoma`s oil recovery opportunities in fluvial-dominated deltaic (FDD) reservoirs. This program included a systematic and comprehensive collection and evaluation of information on all FDD oil reservoirs in Oklahoma and the recovery technologies that have been (or could be) applied to those reservoirs with commercial success. The execution of this project was approached in phases. The first phase began in January, 1993 and consisted of planning, play identificationmore » and analysis, data acquisition, database development, and computer systems design. By the middle of 1994, many of these tasks were completed or nearly finished including the identification of all FDD reservoirs in Oklahoma, data collection, and defining play boundaries. By early 1995, a preliminary workshop schedule had been developed for project implementation and technology transfer activities. Later in 1995, the play workshop and publication series was initiated with the Morrow and the Booch plays. Concurrent with the initiation of the workshop series was the opening of a computer user lab that was developed for use by the petroleum industry. Industry response to the facility initially was slow, but after the first year lab usage began to increase and is sustaining. The remaining six play workshops were completed through 1996 and 1997, with the project ending on December 31, 1997.« less

Decentering Self in Leadership: Putting Community at the Center in Leadership Studies.

PubMed

Hartman, Eric

2016-06-01

Although students' personal passions typically determine the issue addressed by service-learning leadership initiatives, this chapter advocates for a community-centered alternative. This in-depth exploration of a leadership development course series models a community-need driven project and explores the benefits for both community and student learning. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company.

Development and Commercialization of an Ideal Mechanical Wound Therapy System

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

of the research team. The initial proposal called for a series of animal studies to be conducted on domestic pigs . In Phase I, it was readily...neovascularization, fibroblasts, and collagen fibers. There were eosinophilic proteinaceous material present. Inflammation was predominantly comprised of...tissue. Granulation tissue was predominantly comprised of neovascularization, fibroblasts, and collagen fibers. There were eosinophilic proteinaceous

Student Generated Rubrics: An Assessment Model To Help All Students Succeed. Assessment Bookshelf Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ainsworth, Larry; Christinson, Jan

The assessment model described in this guide was initially developed by a team of fifth-grade teachers who wrote objectives of integrating social studies and language arts. It helps the teacher guide students to create a task-specific rubric that they use to evaluate their own and peers' work. Teachers review the student evaluations, determine the…

Beyond College Eligibility: A New Framework for Promoting College Readiness. College Readiness Indicator Systems Resource Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University, 2014

2014-01-01

The College Readiness Indicator Systems (CRIS) initiative was developed in response to a troubling pattern: More students than ever are enrolling in college after high school, but many of them are not college ready, as evidenced by persistently low rates of college completion. The sense of urgency to close the gap between college eligibility and…

Identification of a small heat-shock protein associated with a ras-mediated signaling pathway in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis

Treesearch

Shiv Hiremath; Kirsten Lehtoma; Gopi K. Podila

2009-01-01

Initiation, development, and establishment of a functional ectomycorrhiza involve a series of biochemical events mediated by a number of genes from the fungus as well as the host plant. We have identified a heat shock protein gene from Laccaria bicolor (Lbhsp) that appears to play a role in these events. The size and...

PACT Manual: Parent and Community Teams for School Success. ABC Dropout Prevention and Intervention Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larson, Katherine; Rumberger, Russell

This manual describes the PACT (Parent and Community Team) for School Success concept, which was developed from insights and techniques gained from three dropout and intervention projects with high-risk junior high school youth and families. PACT focuses on ways to initiate and maintain a group that meets frequently to create ongoing cohesive…

Early thinning experiments established by the Fort Valley Experimental Forest (P-53)

Treesearch

Benjamin P. De Blois; Alex. J. Finkral; Andrew J. Sánchez Meador; Margaret M. Moore

2008-01-01

Between 1925 and 1936, the Fort Valley Experimental Forest (FVEF) scientists initiated a study to examine a series of forest thinning experiments in second growth ponderosa pine stands in Arizona and New Mexico. These early thinning plots furnished much of the early background for the development of methods used in forest management in the Southwest. The plots ranged...

Early thinning experiments established by the Fort Valley Experimental Forest

Treesearch

Benjamin P. De Blois; Alex. J. Finkral; Andrew J. Sanchez Meador; Margaret M. Moore

2008-01-01

Between 1925 and 1936, the Fort Valley Experimental Forest (FVEF) scientists initiated a study to examine a series of forest thinning experiments in second growth ponderosa pine stands in Arizona and New Mexico. These early thinning plots furnished much of the early background for the development of methods used in forest management in the Southwest. The plots ranged...

Literacy Leader Fellowship Program Reports. Part I in a Series. Framework for Developing Skill Standards for Workplace Literacy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Askov, Eunice N.

This document describes two activities of the Literacy Leader Fellowship research project, which addressed the needs of adult educators for knowledge of job skills and of business and unions for information about adult literacy efforts. The first section describes the following efforts related to skill standards and other policy initiatives: (1)…

Achieving Quality Education in Ghana: The Spotlight on Primary Education within the Kumasi Metropolis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boakye-Amponsah, Abraham; Enninful, Ebenezer Kofi; Anin, Emmanuel Kwabena; Vanderpuye, Patience

2015-01-01

Background: Ghana being a member of the United Nations, committed to the Universal Primary Education initiative in 2000 and has since implemented series of educational reforms to meet the target for the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 2. Despite the numerous government interventions to achieve the MDG 2, many children in Ghana have been denied…

Learning in Rural Communities: A Response to Rapid Economic Change. CRLRA Discussion Paper Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kilpatrick, Sue; Falk, Ian; Harrison, Lesley

Rural communities with populations of under 15,000 are the least resilient to negative economic shocks, but local initiatives can reduce the negative impact of rapid economic change. Data from a study of three rural Australian communities and one "community-of-common-purpose" were used to develop a model of how the informal learning…

Using Social Marketing Theory as a Framework for Understanding and Increasing HPV Vaccine Series Completion Among Hispanic Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

PubMed Central

Ward, Kristy K.; Carmack, Chakema C.; Muñoz, Becky T.; Cano, Miguel A.; Cribbs, Felicity

2016-01-01

HPV vaccine series completion rates among adolescent Hispanic females and males (~39 and 21 %, respectively) are far below the Healthy People 80 % coverage goal. Completion of the 3-dose vaccine series is critical to reducing the incidence of HPV-associated cancers. This formative study applies social marketing theory to assess the needs and preferences of Hispanic mothers in order to guide the development of interventions to increase HPV vaccine completion. We conducted 51 in-depth interviews with Hispanic mothers of adolescents to identify the key concepts of social marketing theory (i.e., the four P’s: product, price, place and promotion). Results suggest that a desire complete the vaccine series, vaccine reminders and preventing illnesses and protecting their children against illnesses and HPV all influence vaccination (product). The majority of Completed mothers did not experience barriers that prevented vaccine series completion and Initiated mothers perceived a lack of health insurance and the cost of the vaccine as potential barriers. Informational barriers were prevalent across both market segments (price). Clinics are important locations for deciding to complete the vaccine series (place). They are the preferred sources to obtain information about the HPV vaccine thus making them ideal locations to deliver intervention messages, followed by television, the child’s school and brochures (promotion). Increasing HPV vaccine coverage among Hispanic adolescents will reduce the rates of HPV-associated cancers and the cervical cancer health disparity among Hispanic women. This research can inform the development of an intervention to increase HPV vaccine series completion in this population. PMID:27624345

Using Social Marketing Theory as a Framework for Understanding and Increasing HPV Vaccine Series Completion Among Hispanic Adolescents: A Qualitative Study.

PubMed

Roncancio, Angelica M; Ward, Kristy K; Carmack, Chakema C; Muñoz, Becky T; Cano, Miguel A; Cribbs, Felicity

2017-02-01

HPV vaccine series completion rates among adolescent Hispanic females and males (~39 and 21 %, respectively) are far below the Healthy People 80 % coverage goal. Completion of the 3-dose vaccine series is critical to reducing the incidence of HPV-associated cancers. This formative study applies social marketing theory to assess the needs and preferences of Hispanic mothers in order to guide the development of interventions to increase HPV vaccine completion. We conducted 51 in-depth interviews with Hispanic mothers of adolescents to identify the key concepts of social marketing theory (i.e., the four P's: product, price, place and promotion). Results suggest that a desire complete the vaccine series, vaccine reminders and preventing illnesses and protecting their children against illnesses and HPV all influence vaccination (product). The majority of Completed mothers did not experience barriers that prevented vaccine series completion and Initiated mothers perceived a lack of health insurance and the cost of the vaccine as potential barriers. Informational barriers were prevalent across both market segments (price). Clinics are important locations for deciding to complete the vaccine series (place). They are the preferred sources to obtain information about the HPV vaccine thus making them ideal locations to deliver intervention messages, followed by television, the child's school and brochures (promotion). Increasing HPV vaccine coverage among Hispanic adolescents will reduce the rates of HPV-associated cancers and the cervical cancer health disparity among Hispanic women. This research can inform the development of an intervention to increase HPV vaccine series completion in this population.

Outcome evaluation of a 3-year senior health and wellness initiative.

PubMed

Kuczmarksi, Marie Fanelli; Cotugna, Nancy

2009-02-01

The Wilmington Senior Center developed a 3-year multidisciplinary health and wellness initiative entitled The Time of Your Life to promote healthy aging for participants attending countywide senior centers. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and implementation of the evaluation methodology and outcomes of this senior health and wellness project that consisted of 11 programs in total. Long-term programming can present several challenges in both implementation and evaluation, but assessing outcomes is critical to documenting program value and accountability. Participant-completed surveys and post-series focus groups were utilized as the evaluation tools. Our findings indicate that the program's objectives of increasing knowledge and motivating adoption or maintenance of a healthy lifestyle were met to varying degrees, while a third objective of assessing the usefulness of resources to inform health-related decisions was unable to be evaluated due to the cross-sectional nature of the data collection. Post-series focus groups indicated that topics of most interest to seniors were money management, medications and staying mentally and physically fit. The evaluations showed that long-term programming, while challenging, can be a successful and sustainable format for senior health education.

Fragment Screening of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase for Lead Generation-Structure-Based Hit Evaluation and Chemistry Exploration.

PubMed

Xue, Yafeng; Olsson, Thomas; Johansson, Carina A; Öster, Linda; Beisel, Hans-Georg; Rohman, Mattias; Karis, David; Bäckström, Stefan

2016-03-04

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is involved in the regulation of many biological processes by metabolizing the key bioactive lipid mediator, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. For the development of sEH inhibitors with improved physicochemical properties, we performed both a fragment screening and a high-throughput screening aiming at an integrated hit evaluation and lead generation. Followed by a joint dose-response analysis to confirm the hits, the identified actives were then effectively triaged by a structure-based hit-classification approach to three prioritized series. Two distinct scaffolds were identified as tractable starting points for potential lead chemistry work. The oxoindoline series bind at the right-hand side of the active-site pocket with hydrogen bonds to the protein. The 2-phenylbenzimidazole-4-sulfonamide series bind at the central channel with significant induced fit, which has not been previously reported. On the basis of the encouraging initial results, we envision that a new lead series with improved properties could be generated if a vector is found that could merge the cyclohexyl functionality of the oxoindoline series with the trifluoromethyl moiety of the 2-phenylbenzimidazole-4-sulfonamide series. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Imidazopyrazinones (IPYs): Non-Quinolone Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors Showing Partial Cross-Resistance with Quinolones.

PubMed

Jeannot, Frédéric; Taillier, Thomas; Despeyroux, Pierre; Renard, Stéphane; Rey, Astrid; Mourez, Michaël; Poeverlein, Christoph; Khichane, Imène; Perrin, Marc-Antoine; Versluys, Stéphanie; Stavenger, Robert A; Huang, Jianzhong; Germe, Thomas; Maxwell, Anthony; Cao, Sha; Huseby, Douglas L; Hughes, Diarmaid; Bacqué, Eric

2018-04-26

In our quest for new antibiotics able to address the growing threat of multidrug resistant infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, we have investigated an unprecedented series of non-quinolone bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors from the Sanofi patrimony, named IPYs for imidazopyrazinones, as part of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) European Gram Negative Antibacterial Engine (ENABLE) organization. Hybridization of these historical compounds with the quinazolinediones, a known series of topoisomerase inhibitors, led us to a novel series of tricyclic IPYs that demonstrated potential for broad spectrum activity, in vivo efficacy, and a good developability profile, although later profiling revealed a genotoxicity risk. Resistance studies revealed partial cross-resistance with fluoroquinolones (FQs) suggesting that IPYs bind to the same region of bacterial topoisomerases as FQs and interact with at least some of the keys residues involved in FQ binding.

Power series solution of the inhomogeneous exclusion process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szavits-Nossan, Juraj; Romano, M. Carmen; Ciandrini, Luca

2018-05-01

We develop a power series method for the nonequilibrium steady state of the inhomogeneous one-dimensional totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP) in contact with two particle reservoirs and with site-dependent hopping rates in the bulk. The power series is performed in the entrance or exit rates governing particle exchange with the reservoirs, and the corresponding particle current is computed analytically up to the cubic term in the entry or exit rate, respectively. We also show how to compute higher-order terms using combinatorial objects known as Young tableaux. Our results address the long outstanding problem of finding the exact nonequilibrium steady state of the inhomogeneous TASEP. The findings are particularly relevant to the modeling of mRNA translation in which the rate of translation initiation, corresponding to the entrance rate in the TASEP, is typically small.

Biological tooth replacement

PubMed Central

Sartaj, Rachel; Sharpe, Paul

2006-01-01

Teeth develop from a series of reciprocal interactions that take place between epithelium and mesenchyme during development of the mouth that begin early in mammalian embryogenesis. The molecular control of key processes in tooth development such as initiation, morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation are being increasingly better understood, to the point where this information can be used as the basis for approaches to produce biological replacement teeth (BioTeeth). This review outlines the current approaches, ideas and progress towards the production of BioTeeth that could form an alternative method for replacing lost or damaged teeth. PMID:17005022

The Clusters - Collaborative Models of Sustainable Regional Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mănescu, Gabriel; Kifor, Claudiu

2014-12-01

The clusters are the subject of actions and of whole series of documents issued by national and international organizations, and, based on experience, many authorities promote the idea that because of the clusters, competitiveness increases, the workforce specializes, regional businesses and economies grow. The present paper is meant to be an insight into the initiatives of forming clusters in Romania. Starting from a comprehensive analysis of the development potential offered by each region of economic development, we present the main types of clusters grouped according to fields of activity and their overall objectives

The Model Parameter Estimation Experiment (MOPEX): Its structure, connection to other international initiatives and future directions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wagener, T.; Hogue, T.; Schaake, J.; Duan, Q.; Gupta, H.; Andreassian, V.; Hall, A.; Leavesley, G.

2006-01-01

The Model Parameter Estimation Experiment (MOPEX) is an international project aimed at developing enhanced techniques for the a priori estimation of parameters in hydrological models and in land surface parameterization schemes connected to atmospheric models. The MOPEX science strategy involves: database creation, a priori parameter estimation methodology development, parameter refinement or calibration, and the demonstration of parameter transferability. A comprehensive MOPEX database has been developed that contains historical hydrometeorological data and land surface characteristics data for many hydrological basins in the United States (US) and in other countries. This database is being continuously expanded to include basins from various hydroclimatic regimes throughout the world. MOPEX research has largely been driven by a series of international workshops that have brought interested hydrologists and land surface modellers together to exchange knowledge and experience in developing and applying parameter estimation techniques. With its focus on parameter estimation, MOPEX plays an important role in the international context of other initiatives such as GEWEX, HEPEX, PUB and PILPS. This paper outlines the MOPEX initiative, discusses its role in the scientific community, and briefly states future directions.

Temporally separated bilateral anal sac gland carcinomas in four dogs.

PubMed

Bowlt, K L; Friend, E J; Delisser, P; Murphy, S; Polton, G

2013-08-01

Anal sac gland carcinoma arising from the apocrine secretory epithelium in the anal sac wall, is locally invasive and highly metastatic. The majority of anal sac gland carcinomas are unilateral on presentation, but bilateral tumours have been identified. This case series presents the outcome of four unique cases of unilateral anal sac gland carcinoma which subsequently developed contralateral anal sac gland carcinoma 50 to 390 days after removal of the initial tumour. Median survival was 1035 days after initial diagnosis and 807 days after diagnosis of the second anal sac gland carcinoma. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

The ANTARES observation network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogliotti, Ana I.; Ulloa, Osvaldo; Muller-Karger, Frank; Hu, Chuanmin; Murch, Brock; Taylor, Charles; Yuras, Gabriel; Kampel, Milton; Lutz, Vivian; Gaeta, Salvador; Gagliardini, Domingo A.; Garcia, Carlos A. E.; Klein, Eduardo; Helbling, Walter; Varela, Ramon; Barbieri, Elena; Negri, Ruben; Frouin, Robert; Sathyendranath, Shubha; Platt, Trevor

2005-08-01

The ANTARES network seeks to understand the variability of the coastal environment on a continental scale and the local, regional, and global factors and processes that effect this change. The focus are coastal zones of South America and the Caribbean Sea. The initial approach includes developing time series of in situ and satellite-based environmental observations in coastal and oceanic regions. The network is constituted by experts that seek to exchange ideas, develop an infrastructure for mutual logistical and knowledge support, and link in situ time series of observations located around the Americas with real-time and historical satellite-derived time series of relevant products. A major objective is to generate information that will be distributed publicly and openly in the service of coastal ocean research, resource management, science-based policy making and education in the Americas. As a first stage, the network has linked oceanographic time series located in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Venezuela. The group has also developed an online tool to examine satellite data collected with sensors such as NASA's MODIS. Specifically, continental-scale high-resolution (1 km) maps of chlorophyll and of sea surface temperature are generated and served daily over the web according to specifications of users within the ANTARES network. Other satellite-derived variables will be added as support for the network is solidified. ANTARES serves data and offers simple analysis tools that anyone can use with the ultimate goal of improving coastal assessments, management and policies.

Rotation in the Dynamic Factor Modeling of Multivariate Stationary Time Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Molenaar, Peter C. M.; Nesselroade, John R.

2001-01-01

Proposes a special rotation procedure for the exploratory dynamic factor model for stationary multivariate time series. The rotation procedure applies separately to each univariate component series of a q-variate latent factor series and transforms such a component, initially represented as white noise, into a univariate moving-average.…

Correlates of human papillomavirus vaccination rates in low-income, minority adolescents: a multicenter study.

PubMed

Perkins, Rebecca B; Brogly, Susan B; Adams, William G; Freund, Karen M

2012-08-01

Low rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in low-income, minority adolescents may exacerbate racial disparities in cervical cancer incidence. Using electronic medical record data and chart abstraction, we examined correlates of HPV vaccine series initiation and completion among 7702 low-income and minority adolescents aged 11-21 receiving primary care at one of seven medical centers between May 1, 2007, and June 30, 2009. Our population included 61% African Americans, 13% Caucasians, 15% Latinas, and 11% other races; 90% receive public insurance (e.g., Medicaid). We used logistic regression to estimate the associations between vaccine initiation and completion and age, race/ethnicity, number of contacts with the healthcare system, provider documentation, and clinical site of care. Of the 41% of adolescent girls who initiated HPV vaccination, 20% completed the series. A higher proportion of girls aged 11-<13 (46%) and 13-<18 (47%) initiated vaccination than those aged 18-21 (28%). In adjusted analyses, receipt of other recommended adolescent vaccines was associated with vaccine initiation, and increased contact with the medical system was associated with both initiation and completion of the series. Conversely, provider failure to document risky health behaviors predicted nonvaccination. Manual review of a subset of unvaccinated patients' charts revealed no documentation of vaccine discussions in 67% of cases. Fewer than half of low-income and minority adolescents receiving health maintenance services initiated HPV vaccination, and only 20% completed the series. Provider failure to discuss vaccination with their patients appears to be an important contributor to nonvaccination. Future research should focus on improving both initiation and completion of HPV vaccination in high-risk adolescents.

Data visualization, time-series analysis, and mass-balance modeling of hydrologic and water-quality data for the McTier Creek watershed, South Carolina, 2007-2009

USGS Publications Warehouse

Benedict, Stephen T.; Conrads, Paul; Feaster, Toby D.; Journey, Celeste A.; Golden, Heather E.; Knightes, Christopher D.; Davis, Gary M.; Bradley, Paul M.

2012-01-01

The McTier Creek watershed is located in the headwaters of the Edisto River Basin, which is in the Coastal Plain region of South Carolina. The Edisto ecosystem has some of the highest recorded fish-tissue mercury concentrations in the United States. In an effort to advance the understanding of the fate and transport of mercury in stream ecosystems, the U.S. Geological Survey, as part of its National Water-Quality Assessment Program, initiated a field investigation of mercury in the McTier Creek watershed in 2006. The initial efforts of the investigation included the collection of extensive hydrologic and water-quality field data, along with the development of several hydrologic and water-quality models. This series of measured and modeled data forms the primary source of information for this investigation to assess the fate and transport of mercury within the McTier Creek watershed.

Standard Specimen Reference Set: Lung — EDRN Public Portal

Cancer.gov

The NCI/EDRN/SPORE Lung Cancer Biomarkers Group (LCBG) began its activities back in November 2004 and developed clear objectives and strategies on how to begin validating a series of candidate biomarkers for the early detection of lung cancer. The initial goal of the LCBG is to develop the requisite sample resources to validate serum/plasma biomarkers for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. Researchers may use these resources and process for continued biomarker refinement but this is not the primary activity of the LCBG.

[GRADE system: classification of quality of evidence and strength of recommendation].

PubMed

Aguayo-Albasini, José Luis; Flores-Pastor, Benito; Soria-Aledo, Víctor

2014-02-01

The acquisition and classification of scientific evidence, and subsequent formulation of recommendations constitute the basis for the development of clinical practice guidelines. There are several systems for the classification of evidence and strength of recommendations; the most commonly used nowadays is the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system (GRADE). The GRADE system initially classifies the evidence into high or low, coming from experimental or observational studies; subsequently and following a series of considerations, the evidence is classified into high, moderate, low or very low. The strength of recommendations is based not only on the quality of the evidence, but also on a series of factors such as the risk/benefit balance, values and preferences of the patients and professionals, and the use of resources or costs. Copyright © 2013 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Pubertal development and regulation

PubMed Central

Abreu, Ana Paula; Kaiser, Ursula B

2016-01-01

Puberty marks the end of childhood and is a period when individuals undergo physiological and psychological changes to achieve sexual maturation and fertility. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis controls puberty and reproduction and is tightly regulated by a complex network of excitatory and inhibitory factors. This axis is active in the embryonic and early postnatal stages of life and is subsequently restrained during childhood, and its reactivation culminates in puberty initiation. The mechanisms underlying this reactivation are not completely known. The age of puberty onset varies between individuals and the timing of puberty initiation is associated with several health outcomes in adult life. In this Series paper, we discuss pubertal markers, epidemiological trends of puberty initiation over time, and the mechanisms whereby genetic, metabolic, and other factors control secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone to determine initiation of puberty. PMID:26852256

Software Design Challenges in Time Series Prediction Systems Using Parallel Implementation of Artificial Neural Networks.

PubMed

Manikandan, Narayanan; Subha, Srinivasan

2016-01-01

Software development life cycle has been characterized by destructive disconnects between activities like planning, analysis, design, and programming. Particularly software developed with prediction based results is always a big challenge for designers. Time series data forecasting like currency exchange, stock prices, and weather report are some of the areas where an extensive research is going on for the last three decades. In the initial days, the problems with financial analysis and prediction were solved by statistical models and methods. For the last two decades, a large number of Artificial Neural Networks based learning models have been proposed to solve the problems of financial data and get accurate results in prediction of the future trends and prices. This paper addressed some architectural design related issues for performance improvement through vectorising the strengths of multivariate econometric time series models and Artificial Neural Networks. It provides an adaptive approach for predicting exchange rates and it can be called hybrid methodology for predicting exchange rates. This framework is tested for finding the accuracy and performance of parallel algorithms used.

Software Design Challenges in Time Series Prediction Systems Using Parallel Implementation of Artificial Neural Networks

PubMed Central

Manikandan, Narayanan; Subha, Srinivasan

2016-01-01

Software development life cycle has been characterized by destructive disconnects between activities like planning, analysis, design, and programming. Particularly software developed with prediction based results is always a big challenge for designers. Time series data forecasting like currency exchange, stock prices, and weather report are some of the areas where an extensive research is going on for the last three decades. In the initial days, the problems with financial analysis and prediction were solved by statistical models and methods. For the last two decades, a large number of Artificial Neural Networks based learning models have been proposed to solve the problems of financial data and get accurate results in prediction of the future trends and prices. This paper addressed some architectural design related issues for performance improvement through vectorising the strengths of multivariate econometric time series models and Artificial Neural Networks. It provides an adaptive approach for predicting exchange rates and it can be called hybrid methodology for predicting exchange rates. This framework is tested for finding the accuracy and performance of parallel algorithms used. PMID:26881271

The LSSTC Data Science Fellowship Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Adam; Walkowicz, Lucianne; LSSTC DSFP Leadership Council

2017-01-01

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope Corporation (LSSTC) Data Science Fellowship Program (DSFP) is a unique professional development program for astronomy graduate students. DSFP students complete a series of six, one-week long training sessions over the course of two years. The sessions are cumulative, each building on the last, to allow an in-depth exploration of the topics covered: data science basics, statistics, image processing, machine learning, scalable software, data visualization, time-series analysis, and science communication. The first session was held in Aug 2016 at Northwestern University, with all materials and lectures publicly available via github and YouTube. Each session focuses on a series of technical problems which are written in iPython notebooks. The initial class of fellows includes 16 students selected from across the globe, while an additional 14 fellows will be added to the program in year 2. Future sessions of the DSFP will be hosted by a rotating cast of LSSTC member institutions. The DSFP is designed to supplement graduate education in astronomy by teaching the essential skills necessary for dealing with big data, serving as a resource for all in the LSST era. The LSSTC DSFP is made possible by the generous support of the LSST Corporation, the Data Science Initiative (DSI) at Northwestern, and CIERA.

40 CFR 1517.5 - Procedure for closing meetings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... meetings or portion thereof. A single vote may be taken with respect to a series of meetings, a portion or... series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series involves the same particular matters and is scheduled to be held no more than thirty days after the initial meeting in such series. The vote of each...

45 CFR 1703.203 - Decision to close meeting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... on this action shall be allowed. A single vote may be taken with respect to a series of meetings, a... concerning such series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series involves the same particular matters and is scheduled to be held no more than thirty days after the initial meeting in such series. If...

45 CFR 1703.203 - Decision to close meeting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... on this action shall be allowed. A single vote may be taken with respect to a series of meetings, a... concerning such series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series involves the same particular matters and is scheduled to be held no more than thirty days after the initial meeting in such series. If...

45 CFR 1703.203 - Decision to close meeting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... on this action shall be allowed. A single vote may be taken with respect to a series of meetings, a... concerning such series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series involves the same particular matters and is scheduled to be held no more than thirty days after the initial meeting in such series. If...

32 CFR 242a.6 - Procedure for closing meetings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) A single vote of the Board or committee may be taken with respect to a series of meetings, a portion... concerning such series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series involves the same particular matters and is scheduled to be held no more than 30 days after the initial meeting in such series. (d) The...

40 CFR 1517.5 - Procedure for closing meetings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... meetings or portion thereof. A single vote may be taken with respect to a series of meetings, a portion or... series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series involves the same particular matters and is scheduled to be held no more than thirty days after the initial meeting in such series. The vote of each...

32 CFR 242a.6 - Procedure for closing meetings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) A single vote of the Board or committee may be taken with respect to a series of meetings, a portion... concerning such series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series involves the same particular matters and is scheduled to be held no more than 30 days after the initial meeting in such series. (d) The...

Biography Today: Profiles of People of Interest to Young Readers. Author Series, Volume 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Laurie Lanzen, Ed.

The serialized reference work "Biography Today" is initiating a "Subject Series" that in five separate volumes will encompass: authors, artists, scientists, and inventors, sports figures, and world leaders. This is the first volume in the "Author Series." There will be no duplication between the regular series and the special subject volumes. This…

Guidelines for Cognitive Behavioral Training within Doctoral Psychology Programs in the United States: Report of the Inter-Organizational Task Force on Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology Doctoral Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klepac, Robert K.; Ronan, George F.; Andrasik, Frank; Arnold, Kevin D.; Belar, Cynthia D.; Berry, Sharon L.; Christofff, Karen A.; Craighead, Linda W.; Dougher, Michael J.; Dowd, E. Thomas; Herbert, James D.; McFarr, Lynn M.; Rizvi, Shireen L.; Sauer, Eric M.; Strauman, Timothy J.

2012-01-01

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies initiated an interorganizational task force to develop guidelines for integrated education and training in cognitive and behavioral psychology at the doctoral level in the United States. Fifteen task force members representing 16 professional associations participated in a yearlong series of…

Persistent Neural Membrane Protein Misregulation Following Neurotoxicant Exposure

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

with Gulf War Illness. 15. SUBJECT TERMS pain, pesticides , pyridostigmine bromide, Kv channels, Gulf War Illness 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF...microinjuries. The Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illness (GWI) has determined that pesticides may have contributed to the development of the...symptoms of GWI (Binns et al., 2008; RAC2014). Our laboratory initiated a series of investigation to determine whether a subset of the many pesticides

Vocational Studies, Lifelong Learning and Social Values: Investigating Education, Training and NVQs under the New Deal. Monitoring Change in Education [Series].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hyland, Terry

This book examines the New Labour policy on lifelong learning in Great Britain. Special attention is paid to developments surrounding the University for Industry and the New Deal initiatives and the issue of upgrading the British vocational education and training (VET) system to match those of Britain's European competitors. The following are…

The Future of Performance Appraisal for Certificated Education Staff in the School Boards of Ontario. Professionalism in Schools Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayman, Brian; Sussman, Susan

This report assesses the current state of the art of personnel performance appraisal in education to provide guidelines for new initiatives and developments in the use of personnel evaluation systems in Ontario schools. It is organized in such a way that the major issues related to performance appraisal are presented in the order in which an…

Information Dissemination and Exchange for Educational Innovations: Conceptual and Implementation Issues of a Regionally-Based Nationwide System. Part Two.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Radnor, Michael; And Others

This volume contains one paper defining the initial operating parameters of the Research and Development Exchange (RDx) and four of a series of papers contracted for the program. The overview paper touches on a variety of topics of continuing concern: the general problems toward which the RDx effort is directed, understandings affecting the design…

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 series solution for horizontal infiltration in an initially dry aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furtak-Cole, Eden; Telyakovskiy, Aleksey S.; Cooper, Clay A.

2018-06-01

The porous medium equation (PME) is a generalization of the traditional Boussinesq equation for hydraulic conductivity as a power law function of height. We analyze the horizontal recharge of an initially dry unconfined aquifer of semi-infinite extent, as would be found in an aquifer adjacent a rising river. If the water level can be modeled as a power law function of time, similarity variables can be introduced and the original problem can be reduced to a boundary value problem for a nonlinear ordinary differential equation. The position of the advancing front is not known ahead of time and must be found in the process of solution. We present an analytical solution in the form of a power series, with the coefficients of the series given by a recurrence relation. The analytical solution compares favorably with a highly accurate numerical solution, and only a small number of terms of the series are needed to achieve high accuracy in the scenarios considered here. We also conduct a series of physical experiments in an initially dry wedged Hele-Shaw cell, where flow is modeled by a special form of the PME. Our analytical solution closely matches the hydraulic head profiles in the Hele-Shaw cell experiment.

On the episodic nature of derecho-producing convective systems in the United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashley, Walker S.; Mote, Thomas L.; Bentley, Mace L.

2005-11-01

Convectively generated windstorms occur over broad temporal and spatial scales; however, one of the larger-scale and most intense of these windstorms has been given the name derecho. This study illustrates the tendency for derecho-producing mesoscale convective systems to group together across the United States - forming a derecho series. The derecho series is recognized as any succession of derechos that develop within a similar synoptic environment with no more than 72 h separating individual events. A derecho dataset for the period 1994-2003 was assembled to investigate the groupings of these extremely damaging convective wind events. Results indicate that over 62% of the derechos in the dataset were members of a derecho series. On average, nearly six series affected the United States annually. Most derecho series consisted of two or three events; though, 14 series during the period of record contained four or more events. Two separate series involved nine derechos within a period of nine days. Analyses reveal that derecho series largely frequent regions of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and the south-central Great Plains during May, June, and July. Results suggest that once a derecho occurred during May, June, or July, there was a 58% chance that this event was the first of a series of two or more, and about a 46% chance that this was the first of a derecho series consisting of three or more events. The derecho series climatology reveals that forecasters in regions frequented by derechos should be prepared for the probable regeneration of a derecho-producing convective system after an initial event occurs. Copyright

Workshop III: Future Directions for Thin Films Workshop at SPRAT XIX

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickman, John E.; McNatt, Jeremiah S.

2007-01-01

The SPRAT conference series at NASA Glenn Research Center has devoted a workshop to the topic of thin-film solar cell technology and potential aerospace applications. With the advent of aerospace applications requiring very-high, mass, specific power, there has been a renewed interest in thin film materials and solar cells. Aerospace applications such as station-keeping for high-altitude airships, space solar power, lunar and planetary surface power, and solar electric propulsion would be enhanced or enabled by the development of flexible, very-high, mass specific power thin film arrays. To initiate discussion, a series of questions were asked of the attendees. These questions, three generated by the group, and the attendees comments follow.

Discovery of Novel Tricyclic Heterocycles as Potent and Selective DPP-4 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

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

Wu, Wen-Lian; Hao, Jinsong; Domalski, Martin

In our efforts to develop second generation DPP-4 inhibitors, we endeavored to identify distinct structures with long-acting (once weekly) potential. Taking advantage of X-ray cocrystal structures of sitagliptin and other DPP-4 inhibitors, such as alogliptin and linagliptin bound to DPP-4, and aided by molecular modeling, we designed several series of heterocyclic compounds as initial targets. During their synthesis, an unexpected chemical transformation provided a novel tricyclic scaffold that was beyond our original design. Capitalizing on this serendipitous discovery, we have elaborated this scaffold into a very potent and selective DPP-4 inhibitor lead series, as highlighted by compound 17c.

A Process Study of the Development of Virtual Research Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, I.; Cooper, K.; McGrath, R.; Griego, G.; Poole, M. S.; Hanisch, R. J.

2014-05-01

In recent years, cyberinfrastructures have been deployed to create virtual research environments (VREs) - such as the Virtual Astronomical Observatory (VAO) - to enhance the quality and speed of scientific research, and to foster global scientific communities. Our study utilizes process methodology to study the evolution of VREs. This approach focuses on a series of events that bring about or lead to some outcome, and attempts to specify the generative mechanism that could produce the event series. This paper briefly outlines our approach and describes initial results of a case study of the VAO, one of the participating VREs. The case study is based on interviews with seven individuals participating in the VAO, and analysis of project documents and online resources. These sources are hand tagged to identify events related to the thematic tracks, to yield a narrative of the project. Results demonstrate the event series of an organization through traditional methods augmented by virtual sources.

Some lessons from NACA/NASA aerodynamic studies following World War II

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spearman, M. L.

1983-01-01

An historical account is presented of the new departures in aerodynamic research conducted by NACA, and subsequently NASA, as a result of novel aircraft technologies and operational regimes encountered in the course of the Second World War. The invention and initial development of the turbojet engine furnished the basis for a new speed/altitude regime in which numerous aerodynamic design problems arose. These included compressibility effects near the speed of sound, with attendant lift/drag efficiency reductions and longitudinal stability enhancements that were accompanied by a directional stability reduction. Major research initiatives were mounted in the investigation of swept, delta, trapezoidal and variable sweep wing configurations, sometimes conducted through flight testing of the 'X-series' aircraft. Attention is also given to the development of the first generation of supersonic fighter aircraft.

Short Communication: Hyperthyroidism in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patients on Combined Antiretroviral Therapy: Case Series and Literature Review.

PubMed

Hsu, Emory; Phadke, Varun K; Nguyen, Minh Ly T

2016-06-01

We describe an HIV-infected patient initiated on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) who subsequently developed immune restoration disease (IRD) hyperthyroidism-this case represents one of five such patients seen at our center within the past year. Similar to previous reports of hyperthyroidism due to IRD, all of our patients experienced a rapid early recovery in total CD4 count, but developed symptoms of hyperthyroidism on average 3 years (38 months) after beginning cART, which represents a longer time frame than previously reported. Awareness and recognition of this potential complication of cART, which may occur years after treatment initiation, will allow patients with immune restorative hyperthyroidism to receive timely therapy and avoid the long-term complications associated with undiagnosed thyroid disease.

Why good projects fail anyway.

PubMed

Matta, Nadim F; Ashkenas, Ronald N

2003-09-01

Big projects fail at an astonishing rate--more than half the time, by some estimates. It's not hard to understand why. Complicated long-term projects are customarily developed by a series of teams working along parallel tracks. If managers fail to anticipate everything that might fall through the cracks, those tracks will not converge successfully at the end to reach the goal. Take a companywide CRM project. Traditionally, one team might analyze customers, another select the software, a third develop training programs, and so forth. When the project's finally complete, though, it may turn out that the salespeople won't enter in the requisite data because they don't understand why they need to. This very problem has, in fact, derailed many CRM programs at major organizations. There is a way to uncover unanticipated problems while the project is still in development. The key is to inject into the overall plan a series of miniprojects, or "rapid-results initiatives," which each have as their goal a miniature version of the overall goal. In the CRM project, a single team might be charged with increasing the revenues of one sales group in one region by 25% within four months. To reach that goal, team members would have to draw on the work of all the parallel teams. But in just four months, they would discover the salespeople's resistance and probably other unforeseen issues, such as, perhaps, the need to divvy up commissions for joint-selling efforts. The World Bank has used rapid-results initiatives to great effect to keep a sweeping 16-year project on track and deliver visible results years ahead of schedule. In taking an in-depth look at this project, and others, the authors show why this approach is so effective and how the initiatives are managed in conjunction with more traditional project activities.

Non-invasive breast biopsy method using GD-DTPA contrast enhanced MRI series and F-18-FDG PET/CT dynamic image series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magri, Alphonso William

This study was undertaken to develop a nonsurgical breast biopsy from Gd-DTPA Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance (CE-MR) images and F-18-FDG PET/CT dynamic image series. A five-step process was developed to accomplish this. (1) Dynamic PET series were nonrigidly registered to the initial frame using a finite element method (FEM) based registration that requires fiducial skin markers to sample the displacement field between image frames. A commercial FEM package (ANSYS) was used for meshing and FEM calculations. Dynamic PET image series registrations were evaluated using similarity measurements SAVD and NCC. (2) Dynamic CE-MR series were nonrigidly registered to the initial frame using two registration methods: a multi-resolution free-form deformation (FFD) registration driven by normalized mutual information, and a FEM-based registration method. Dynamic CE-MR image series registrations were evaluated using similarity measurements, localization measurements, and qualitative comparison of motion artifacts. FFD registration was found to be superior to FEM-based registration. (3) Nonlinear curve fitting was performed for each voxel of the PET/CT volume of activity versus time, based on a realistic two-compartmental Patlak model. Three parameters for this model were fitted; two of them describe the activity levels in the blood and in the cellular compartment, while the third characterizes the washout rate of F-18-FDG from the cellular compartment. (4) Nonlinear curve fitting was performed for each voxel of the MR volume of signal intensity versus time, based on a realistic two-compartment Brix model. Three parameters for this model were fitted: rate of Gd exiting the compartment, representing the extracellular space of a lesion; rate of Gd exiting a blood compartment; and a parameter that characterizes the strength of signal intensities. Curve fitting used for PET/CT and MR series was accomplished by application of the Levenburg-Marquardt nonlinear regression algorithm. The best-fit parameters were used to create 3D parametric images. Compartmental modeling evaluation was based on the ability of parameter values to differentiate between tissue types. This evaluation was used on registered and unregistered image series and found that registration improved results. (5) PET and MR parametric images were registered through FEM- and FFD-based registration. Parametric image registration was evaluated using similarity measurements, target registration error, and qualitative comparison. Comparing FFD and FEM-based registration results showed that the FEM method is superior. This five-step process constitutes a novel multifaceted approach to a nonsurgical breast biopsy that successfully executes each step. Comparison of this method to biopsy still needs to be done with a larger set of subject data.

Evaluation of the effects of climate and man intervention on ground waters and their dependent ecosystems using time series analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gemitzi, Alexandra; Stefanopoulos, Kyriakos

2011-06-01

SummaryGroundwaters and their dependent ecosystems are affected both by the meteorological conditions as well as from human interventions, mainly in the form of groundwater abstractions for irrigation needs. This work aims at investigating the quantitative effects of meteorological conditions and man intervention on groundwater resources and their dependent ecosystems. Various seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models with external predictor variables were used in order to model the influence of meteorological conditions and man intervention on the groundwater level time series. Initially, a seasonal ARIMA model that simulates the abstraction time series using as external predictor variable temperature ( T) was prepared. Thereafter, seasonal ARIMA models were developed in order to simulate groundwater level time series in 8 monitoring locations, using the appropriate predictor variables determined for each individual case. The spatial component was introduced through the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Application of the proposed methodology took place in the Neon Sidirochorion alluvial aquifer (Northern Greece), for which a 7-year long time series (i.e., 2003-2010) of piezometric and groundwater abstraction data exists. According to the developed ARIMA models, three distinct groups of groundwater level time series exist; the first one proves to be dependent only on the meteorological parameters, the second group demonstrates a mixed dependence both on meteorological conditions and on human intervention, whereas the third group shows a clear influence from man intervention. Moreover, there is evidence that groundwater abstraction has affected an important protected ecosystem.

Capacity Initiatives, Volume 2

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-07-01

This is the second in a series of pamphlets detailing capacity initiatives that : offer solutions for improving the Nation's aviation system capacity. Based on : the application and refinement of new systems and procedures, these initiatives : promis...

49 CFR 804.6 - Procedures for closing meetings, or withholding information, and requests by affected persons to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... series of meetings, a portion or portions of which are proposed to be closed to the public, or with respect to any information concerning such series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series... initial meeting in such series. Each Member's vote under this paragraph shall be recorded and proxies are...

49 CFR 804.6 - Procedures for closing meetings, or withholding information, and requests by affected persons to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... series of meetings, a portion or portions of which are proposed to be closed to the public, or with respect to any information concerning such series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series... initial meeting in such series. Each Member's vote under this paragraph shall be recorded and proxies are...

49 CFR 804.6 - Procedures for closing meetings, or withholding information, and requests by affected persons to...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... series of meetings, a portion or portions of which are proposed to be closed to the public, or with respect to any information concerning such series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series... initial meeting in such series. Each Member's vote under this paragraph shall be recorded and proxies are...

Attachment, Development, and Mental Health in Abused and Neglected Preschool Children in Foster Care: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Vasileva, Mira; Petermann, Franz

2016-09-22

A proper preparation for foster parents to care for abused and neglected children includes effective training and initial diagnostics in order to plan individual treatment. Hence, a basic knowledge about the main psychosocial and developmental problems associated with abuse and neglect and their prevalence in foster children is needed. For this purpose, a systematical literature review and a series of meta-analyses were conducted. A total of 25 studies reporting data on development (n = 4,033), mental health (n = 726), and attachment (n = 255) of foster children in preschool age met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses indicated prevalence rates of approximately 40% for developmental, mental health problems, and insecure attachment. Rates of disorganized attachment were estimated to 22%. These findings outline the necessity of an initial trauma-oriented diagnostics and trainings for foster parents that address foster children's development, mental health, and disorganized attachment. © The Author(s) 2016.

Development and initial validation of an instrument to assess stressors among South African sports coaches.

PubMed

Kubayi, Alliance; Toriola, Abel; Didymus, Faye

2018-06-01

The aim of this series of studies was to develop and initially validate an instrument to assess stressors among South African sports coaches. In study one, a preliminary pool of 45 items was developed based on existing literature and an expert panel was employed to assess the content validity and applicability of these items. In study two, the 32 items that were retained after study one were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA). The resultant factorial structure comprised four components: environmental stressors, performance stressors, task-related stressors, and athlete stressors. These four components were made up of 26 items and, together, the components and items comprised the provisional Stressors in Sports Coaching Questionnaire (SSCQ). The results show that the SSCQ demonstrates acceptable internal consistency (.73-.89). The findings provide preliminary evidence that SSCQ is a valid tool to assess stressors among South African sports coaches.

The effect of existing turbulence on stratified shear instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaminski, Alexis; Smyth, William

2017-11-01

Ocean turbulence is an essential process governing, for example, heat uptake by the ocean. In the stably-stratified ocean interior, this turbulence occurs in discrete events driven by vertical variations of the horizontal velocity. Typically, these events have been modelled by assuming an initially laminar stratified shear flow which develops wavelike instabilities, becomes fully turbulent, and then relaminarizes into a stable state. However, in the real ocean there is always some level of turbulence left over from previous events, and it is not yet understood how this turbulence impacts the evolution of future mixing events. Here, we perform a series of direct numerical simulations of turbulent events developing in stratified shear flows that are already at least weakly turbulent. We do so by varying the amplitude of the initial perturbations, and examine the subsequent development of the instability and the impact on the resulting turbulent fluxes. This work is supported by NSF Grant OCE1537173.

The Depression Inventory Development Workgroup: A Collaborative, Empirically Driven Initiative to Develop a New Assessment Tool for Major Depressive Disorder.

PubMed

Vaccarino, Anthony L; Evans, Kenneth R; Kalali, Amir H; Kennedy, Sidney H; Engelhardt, Nina; Frey, Benicio N; Greist, John H; Kobak, Kenneth A; Lam, Raymond W; MacQueen, Glenda; Milev, Roumen; Placenza, Franca M; Ravindran, Arun V; Sheehan, David V; Sills, Terrence; Williams, Janet B W

2016-01-01

The Depression Inventory Development project is an initiative of the International Society for CNS Drug Development whose goal is to develop a comprehensive and psychometrically sound measurement tool to be utilized as a primary endpoint in clinical trials for major depressive disorder. Using an iterative process between field testing and psychometric analysis and drawing upon expertise of international researchers in depression, the Depression Inventory Development team has established an empirically driven and collaborative protocol for the creation of items to assess symptoms in major depressive disorder. Depression-relevant symptom clusters were identified based on expert clinical and patient input. In addition, as an aid for symptom identification and item construction, the psychometric properties of existing clinical scales (assessing depression and related indications) were evaluated using blinded datasets from pharmaceutical antidepressant drug trials. A series of field tests in patients with major depressive disorder provided the team with data to inform the iterative process of scale development. We report here an overview of the Depression Inventory Development initiative, including results of the third iteration of items assessing symptoms related to anhedonia, cognition, fatigue, general malaise, motivation, anxiety, negative thinking, pain and appetite. The strategies adopted from the Depression Inventory Development program, as an empirically driven and collaborative process for scale development, have provided the foundation to develop and validate measurement tools in other therapeutic areas as well.

A basic recursion concept inventory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamouda, Sally; Edwards, Stephen H.; Elmongui, Hicham G.; Ernst, Jeremy V.; Shaffer, Clifford A.

2017-04-01

Recursion is both an important and a difficult topic for introductory Computer Science students. Students often develop misconceptions about the topic that need to be diagnosed and corrected. In this paper, we report on our initial attempts to develop a concept inventory that measures student misconceptions on basic recursion topics. We present a collection of misconceptions and difficulties encountered by students when learning introductory recursion as presented in a typical CS2 course. Based on this collection, a draft concept inventory in the form of a series of questions was developed and evaluated, with the question rubric tagged to the list of misconceptions and difficulties.

Examining deterrence of adult sex crimes: A semi-parametric intervention time series approach.

PubMed

Park, Jin-Hong; Bandyopadhyay, Dipankar; Letourneau, Elizabeth

2014-01-01

Motivated by recent developments on dimension reduction (DR) techniques for time series data, the association of a general deterrent effect towards South Carolina (SC)'s registration and notification (SORN) policy for preventing sex crimes was examined. Using adult sex crime arrestee data from 1990 to 2005, the the idea of Central Mean Subspace (CMS) is extended to intervention time series analysis (CMS-ITS) to model the sequential intervention effects of 1995 (the year SC's SORN policy was initially implemented) and 1999 (the year the policy was revised to include online notification) on the time series spectrum. The CMS-ITS model estimation was achieved via kernel smoothing techniques, and compared to interrupted auto-regressive integrated time series (ARIMA) models. Simulation studies and application to the real data underscores our model's ability towards achieving parsimony, and to detect intervention effects not earlier determined via traditional ARIMA models. From a public health perspective, findings from this study draw attention to the potential general deterrent effects of SC's SORN policy. These findings are considered in light of the overall body of research on sex crime arrestee registration and notification policies, which remain controversial.

Design and development of the Waukesha AT25GL series gas engine

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

Pohl, J.M.

1988-01-01

Waukesha Engine Division of Dresser Industries is developing a new family of gaseous fueled, spark ignited engines. Derived from the Waukesha/Silzer AT25 diesel engine family, the AT25GL series consists of three models - the 8L-AT25GL (in-line 8 cylinder), the 12V-AT25GL (vee 12 cylinder), and the 16V-AT25GL (vee 16 cylinder). Like its sister engine, the VHP-GL, the AT25GL utilizes lean combustion technology. As such, it is inherently fuel efficient and emits low levels of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons. Targeted for two primary markets, electric power generation and gas compression, the AT25GL is rated at 170 KW per cylindermore » at 1000 rpm and 154 KW per cylinder at 900 rpm. This paper outlines Waukesha's initial effort in this program - design and development of the 12V-AT25GL.« less

Planetary Exploration in the Classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slivan, S. M.; Binzel, R. P.

1997-07-01

We have developed educational materials to seed a series of undergraduate level exercises on "Planetary Exploration in the Classroom." The goals of the series are to teach modern methods of planetary exploration and discovery to students having both science and non-science backgrounds. Using personal computers in a "hands-on" approach with images recorded by planetary spacecraft, students working through the exercises learn that modern scientific images are digital objects that can be examined and manipulated in quantitative detail. The initial exercises we've developed utilize NIH Image in conjunction with images from the Voyager spacecraft CDs. Current exercises are titled "Using 'NIH IMAGE' to View Voyager Images", "Resolving Surface Features on Io", "Discovery of Volcanoes on Io", and "Topography of Canyons on Ariel." We expect these exercises will be released during Fall 1997 and will be available via 'anonymous ftp'; detailed information about obtaining the exercises will be on the Web at "http://web.mit.edu/12s23/www/pec.html." This curriculum development was sponsored by NSF Grant DUE-9455329.

Canadian aeronautical mobile data trials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pedersen, Allister; Pearson, Andrea

1993-01-01

This paper describes a series of aeronautical mobile data trials conducted on small aircraft (helicopters and fixed wing) utilizing a low-speed store-and-forward mobile data service. The paper outlines the user requirements for aeronautical mobile satellite communications. 'Flight following' and improved wide-area dispatch communications were identified as high priority requirements. A 'proof-of-concept' trial in a Cessna Skymaster aircraft is described. This trial identified certain development work as essential to the introduction of commercial service including antenna development, power supply modifications and doppler software modifications. Other improvements were also proposed. The initial aeronautical mobile data service available for pre-operational (Beta) trials is outlined. Pre-operational field trials commenced in October 1992 and consisted of installations on a Gralen Communications Inc. Cessna 177 and an Aerospatiale Astar 350 series light single engine helicopter. The paper concludes with a discussion of desirable near term mobile data service developments, commercial benefits, current safety benefits and potential future applications for improved safety.

A report on the USL NASA/RECON project. Part 2: PC-based R and D in support of IS and R applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dominick, Wayne D. (Editor); Chum, Frank Y.; Hall, Philip P.; Moreau, Dennis R.; Triantafyllopoulos, Spiros

1984-01-01

This Working Paper Series entry describes the PC R and D development effort initiated as part of the NASA/RECON Project at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. This effort involves the development of a PC-based environment for the prototyping and evaluation of various tools designed to enhance the interaction between scientists and engineers and remote information systems. The design of PC-based tools for the enhancement of the NASA/RECON university-level courses is described as well as the design of a multi-functional PC-based workstation to support access to and processing of information from local, distributed, and remote sources. Course preparation activities are described in a companion report entitled A Report on the USL NASA/RECON Project: Part 1, the Development of a Transportable, University-Level, IS and R Educational Program, by Suzy Gallagher and Martin Granier, USL/DBMS NASA/RECON Working Paper Series report number DBMS.NASA/RECON-7.

Computational Study of the Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability with a Complex Initial Condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McFarland, Jacob; Reilly, David; Greenough, Jeffrey; Ranjan, Devesh

2014-11-01

Results are presented for a computational study of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability with a complex initial condition. This study covers experiments which will be conducted at the newly-built inclined shock tube facility at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The complex initial condition employed consists of an underlying inclined interface perturbation with a broadband spectrum of modes superimposed. A three-dimensional staggered mesh arbitrary Lagrange Eulerian (ALE) hydrodynamics code developed at Lawerence Livermore National Laboratory called ARES was used to obtain both qualitative and quantitative results. Qualitative results are discussed using time series of density plots from which mixing width may be extracted. Quantitative results are also discussed using vorticity fields, circulation components, and energy spectra. The inclined interface case is compared to the complex interface case in order to study the effect of initial conditions on shocked, variable-density flows.

The Russian-American high magnetic field collaboration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fowler, C. M.; Christian, J. M.; Freeman, B. L.

We report here on a joint experimental shot series with teams from Russia and the United States. The program was based largely upon the MC-1 generator, a high magnetic field explosive flux compressor, developed by the Pavlovskii group at Arzamas-16. The series was of historical interest in that it was carried out in a Los Alamos security area, the first time for such a collaboration. We discuss a number of technical issues involved in matching Russian hardware with Los Alamos explosives, initiation systems and the seed field energy source, as well as comparison of field measuring diagnostics finished by the two teams. We conclude with a discussion of an investigation of the high temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO), employing these generators. The low temperature critical magnetic field of this material was found to be 340 +/- 40 T, as determined from a 94 GHz microwave interferometer developed for this purpose.

Supersonic Retropropulsion Flight Test Concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Post, Ethan A.; Dupzyk, Ian C.; Korzun, Ashley M.; Dyakonov, Artem A.; Tanimoto, Rebekah L.; Edquist, Karl T.

2011-01-01

NASA's Exploration Technology Development and Demonstration Program has proposed plans for a series of three sub-scale flight tests at Earth for supersonic retropropulsion, a candidate decelerator technology for future, high-mass Mars missions. The first flight test in this series is intended to be a proof-of-concept test, demonstrating successful initiation and operation of supersonic retropropulsion at conditions that replicate the relevant physics of the aerodynamic-propulsive interactions expected in flight. Five sub-scale flight test article concepts, each designed for launch on sounding rockets, have been developed in consideration of this proof-of-concept flight test. Commercial, off-the-shelf components are utilized as much as possible in each concept. The design merits of the concepts are compared along with their predicted performance for a baseline trajectory. The results of a packaging study and performance-based trade studies indicate that a sounding rocket is a viable launch platform for this proof-of-concept test of supersonic retropropulsion.

Use of atypical antipsychotics for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Papakostas, George I; Shelton, Richard C

2008-12-01

Despite the progressive increase in the number of pharmacologic agents with potential antidepressant activity, many patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) continue to be symptomatic. Clearly, an urgent need exists to develop safer, better tolerated, and more effective treatments for MDD. Use of atypical antipsychotic agents as adjunctive treatment for treatment-resistant MDD (TRD) represents one such effort toward novel pharmacotherapy development. Atypical antipsychotic agents have been hypothesized to be beneficial in treating mood disorders, including TRD, as a result of their complex mechanisms of action. After an initial series of positive case reports, series, and small clinical trials, subsequent larger-scale projects have yielded conflicting results. However, more recently, larger-scale clinical trials have supported the effectiveness of at least some of these medications. This review summarizes the existing data regarding the effectiveness of these medications in treating TRD, including biochemical rationale and clinical data.

Beating fantasies in a latency girl: their role in female sexual development.

PubMed

Friedman, L H

1985-10-01

Detailed clinical material is presented from the analysis of a latency girl whose inner life revolved around a series of beating fantasies. The clinical data support Freud's 1925 formulation that the perception of sexual differences initiates the oedipus complex in the girl. Whether a girl experiences vaginal sensations before puberty has been a controversial issue; in this girl vaginal sensations and contractions appeared prior to puberty.

Managing Differences in Stakeholder Relationships and Organizational Cultures in E-Learning Development: Lessons from the UK eUniversity Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conole, Grainne; Carusi, Annamaria; de Laat, Maarten; Wilcox, Pauline; Darby, Jonathan

2006-01-01

This paper presents some of the initial findings of a series of studies documenting the UK eUniversity (UKeU) approach to and experience of e-learning. It will focus on the experiences and lessons learned of members of the learning technology team within the UKeU or people working closely with them. Our particular interest is to describe the…

Mod-2 wind turbine system cluster research test program. Volume 1: Initial plan E-1290

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gordon, L. H.

1982-01-01

Upon completion of the design and development of three Mod-2 wind turbines, a series of research experiments are planned to gather data on and evaluate the performance, environmental effects, and operation of a cluster as well as a single, large multimegawatt wind turbine. Information on the program objectives, a Mod-2 system description, a planned schedule, organizational roles, and responsibilities, is included.

Strategic Financing: Making the Most of the State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Initiative. Building State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Series. Number 5

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayes, Cheryl D.; Flynn, Margaret J.; Stebbins, Helene

2004-01-01

Ensuring that children enter school ready to learn is now a well-established national goal. Dramatic changes over the past three decades in U.S. families and the economy, as well as emerging research on the importance of early brain development, have increased the demand for public investments in early childhood supports and services, especially…

e-Science Partnerships: Towards a Sustainable Framework for School-Scientist Engagement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falloon, Garry

2013-08-01

In late 2006, the New Zealand Government embarked on a series of initiatives to explore how the resources and expertise of eight, small, state-owned science research institutes could be combined efficiently to support science teaching in schools. Programmes were developed to enable students and teachers to access and become involved in local science research and innovation, with the aim being to broaden their awareness of New Zealand science research contexts, adding authenticity and relevance to their school studies. One of these initiatives, known as Science-for-Life, partnered scientists with teachers and students in primary and secondary schools (K-12). A key output from the trial phase of Science-for-Life was the generation of a framework for guiding and coordinating the activities of the eight institutes within the education sector, to improve efficiency, effectiveness and promote sustainability. The framework, based on data gathered from a series of interviews with each institute's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), an online questionnaire, and informed by findings from trial partnership case studies published as institute technical reports and published articles, is presented in this paper. While the framework is developed from New Zealand data, it is suggested that it may be useful for coordinating interactions between multiple small science organisations and the school sector in other small-nation or state contexts.

Market transition, educational disparities, and family strategies in rural China: new evidence on gender stratification and development.

PubMed

Hannum, Emily

2005-05-01

Two theoretical perspectives have dominated debates about the impact of development on gender stratification: modernization theory, which argues that gender inequalities decline with economic growth, and the "women in development" perspective, which argues that development may initially widen gender gaps. Analyzing cross-sectional surveys and time-series data from China, this article indicates the relevance of both perspectives: while girls' educational opportunities were clearly more responsive than boys' to better household economic circumstances, the era of market transition in the late 1970s and early 1980s failed to accelerate and, in fact, may have temporarily slowed progress toward gender equity.

Glioblastoma as differential diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis.

PubMed

Vogrig, Alberto; Joubert, Bastien; Ducray, Francois; Thomas, Laure; Izquierdo, Cristina; Decaestecker, Kévin; Martinaud, Olivier; Gerardin, Emmanuel; Grand, Sylvie; Honnorat, Jérome

2018-03-01

To identify the clinical and radiological features that should raise suspicion for the autoimmune encephalitis (AE)-like presentation of glioblastoma. This is an observational, retrospective case series of patients referred to the French National Reference Center on Paraneoplastic Neurological Diseases for suspected AE (possible, probable or definite, using the 2016 criteria) who later received a final diagnosis of glioblastoma according to 2016 WHO criteria. An extensive literature search was also conducted for similar existing cases. Between 2014 and 2016, 306 patients were referred to our center for suspected AE. Six of these patients (2%) later developed pathologically confirmed glioblastoma. Thirteen patients (9 male) were included for analysis (6 from the present series and 7 from the literature); median age was 63. Initially, a diagnosis of AE was clinically suspected based on: working memory deficits (77%), seizures (62%) (including status epilepticus in 23%), and psychiatric symptoms (46%). Initial brain MRI was not in favor of a typical glioblastoma pattern and showed bilateral (54%) or unilateral selective limbic involvement. Five patients exhibited initial slight contrast enhancement. A clear inflammatory CSF was present in five patients and three from the literature showed autoantibody positivity (NMDAR, VGKC, GluRepsilon2). Median delay between suspicions of AE to GBM diagnosis was 3 months (range 1.5-24) and one patient from the literature was diagnosed post-mortem. An alternative diagnosis of glioblastoma should be considered in patients presenting initially as AE, especially in patients who do not fulfill the criteria for definite AE and in those with a poor clinical evolution despite initial improvement.

Dynamic DNA methylation reconfiguration during seed development and germination.

PubMed

Kawakatsu, Taiji; Nery, Joseph R; Castanon, Rosa; Ecker, Joseph R

2017-09-15

Unlike animals, plants can pause their life cycle as dormant seeds. In both plants and animals, DNA methylation is involved in the regulation of gene expression and genome integrity. In animals, reprogramming erases and re-establishes DNA methylation during development. However, knowledge of reprogramming or reconfiguration in plants has been limited to pollen and the central cell. To better understand epigenetic reconfiguration in the embryo, which forms the plant body, we compared time-series methylomes of dry and germinating seeds to publicly available seed development methylomes. Time-series whole genome bisulfite sequencing reveals extensive gain of CHH methylation during seed development and drastic loss of CHH methylation during germination. These dynamic changes in methylation mainly occur within transposable elements. Active DNA methylation during seed development depends on both RNA-directed DNA methylation and heterochromatin formation pathways, whereas global demethylation during germination occurs in a passive manner. However, an active DNA demethylation pathway is initiated during late seed development. This study provides new insights into dynamic DNA methylation reprogramming events during seed development and germination and suggests possible mechanisms of regulation. The observed sequential methylation/demethylation cycle suggests an important role of DNA methylation in seed dormancy.

Design and Development of a Real-Time Model Attitude Measurement System for Hypersonic Facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Thomas W.; Lunsford, Charles B.

2005-01-01

A series of wind tunnel tests have been conducted to evaluate a multi-camera videogrammetric system designed to measure model attitude in hypersonic facilities. The technique utilizes processed video data and applies photogrammetric principles for point tracking to compute model position including pitch, roll and yaw variables. A discussion of the constraints encountered during the design, development, and testing process, including lighting, vibration, operational range and optical access is included. Initial measurement results from the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) 31-Inch Mach 10 tunnel are presented.

Design and Development of a Real-Time Model Attitude Measurement System for Hypersonic Facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Thomas W.; Lunsford, Charles B.

2004-01-01

A series of wind tunnel tests have been conducted to evaluate a multi-camera videogrammetric system designed to measure model attitude in hypersonic facilities. The technique utilizes processed video data and applies photogrammetric principles for point tracking to compute model position including pitch, roll and yaw variables. A discussion of the constraints encountered during the design, development, and testing process, including lighting, vibration, operational range and optical access is included. Initial measurement results from the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) 31-Inch Mach 10 tunnel are presented.

Using machine learning to identify structural breaks in single-group interrupted time series designs.

PubMed

Linden, Ariel; Yarnold, Paul R

2016-12-01

Single-group interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) is a popular evaluation methodology in which a single unit of observation is being studied, the outcome variable is serially ordered as a time series and the intervention is expected to 'interrupt' the level and/or trend of the time series, subsequent to its introduction. Given that the internal validity of the design rests on the premise that the interruption in the time series is associated with the introduction of the treatment, treatment effects may seem less plausible if a parallel trend already exists in the time series prior to the actual intervention. Thus, sensitivity analyses should focus on detecting structural breaks in the time series before the intervention. In this paper, we introduce a machine-learning algorithm called optimal discriminant analysis (ODA) as an approach to determine if structural breaks can be identified in years prior to the initiation of the intervention, using data from California's 1988 voter-initiated Proposition 99 to reduce smoking rates. The ODA analysis indicates that numerous structural breaks occurred prior to the actual initiation of Proposition 99 in 1989, including perfect structural breaks in 1983 and 1985, thereby casting doubt on the validity of treatment effects estimated for the actual intervention when using a single-group ITSA design. Given the widespread use of ITSA for evaluating observational data and the increasing use of machine-learning techniques in traditional research, we recommend that structural break sensitivity analysis is routinely incorporated in all research using the single-group ITSA design. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Space Exploration Technologies Developed through Existing and New Research Partnerships Initiatives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nall, Mark; Casas, Joseph

2004-01-01

The Space Partnership Development Program of NASA has been highly successful in leveraging commercial research investments to the strategic mission and applied research goals of the Agency through industry academic partnerships. This program is currently undergoing an outward-looking transformation towards Agency wide research and discovery goals that leverage partnership contributions to the strategic research needed to demonstrate enabling space exploration technologies encompassing both robotic spacecraft missions and human space flight. New Space Partnership Initiatives with incremental goals and milestones will allow a continuing series of accomplishments to be achieved throughout the duration of each initiative, permit the "lessons learned" and capabilities acquired from previous implementation steps to be incorporated into subsequent phases of the initiatives, and allow adjustments to be made to the implementation of the initiatives as new opportunities or challenges arise. An Agency technological risk reduction roadmap for any required technologies not currently available will identify the initiative focus areas for the development, demonstration and utilization of space resources supporting the production of power, air, and water, structures and shielding materials. This paper examines the successes to date, lessons learned, and programmatic outlook of enabling sustainable exploration and discovery through governmental, industrial, academic, and international partnerships. Previous government and industry technology development programs have demonstrated that a focused research program that appropriately shares the developmental risk can rapidly mature low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies to the demonstration level. This cost effective and timely, reduced time to discovery, partnership approach to the development of needed technological capabilities addresses the dual use requirements by the investing partners. In addition, these partnerships help to ensure the attainment of complimenting human and robotic exploration goals for NASA while providing additional capabilities for sustainable scientific research benefiting life and security on Earth.

Initial experience of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators in Singapore: a case series and review of the literature

PubMed Central

Lim, Tien Siang Eric; Tan, Boon Yew; Ho, Kah Leng; Lim, Chuh Yih Paul; Teo, Wee Siong; Ching, Chi-Keong

2015-01-01

Transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillators are a type of implantable cardiac device. They are effective at reducing total and arrhythmic mortality in patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) are a new alternative that avoids the disadvantages of transvenous lead placement. In this case series, we report on the initial feasibility and safety of S-ICD implantation in Singapore. PMID:26512151

Initial experience of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators in Singapore: a case series and review of the literature.

PubMed

Lim, Tien Siang Eric; Tan, Boon Yew; Ho, Kah Leng; Lim, Chuh Yih Paul; Teo, Wee Siong; Ching, Chi-Keong

2015-10-01

Transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillators are a type of implantable cardiac device. They are effective at reducing total and arrhythmic mortality in patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) are a new alternative that avoids the disadvantages of transvenous lead placement. In this case series, we report on the initial feasibility and safety of S-ICD implantation in Singapore.

78 FR 4051 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-18

...-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; and certain Model 757-200, -200PF, and -300 series... Model 757 series airplanes. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability and revises the initial compliance times for those airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of problems associated with the...

Earth Observing System, Conclusions and Recommendations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

The following Earth Observing Systems (E.O.S.) recommendations were suggested: (1) a program must be initiated to ensure that present time series of Earth science data are maintained and continued. (2) A data system that provides easy, integrated, and complete access to past, present, and future data must be developed as soon as possible. (3) A long term research effort must be sustained to study and understand these time series of Earth observations. (4) The E.O.S. should be established as an information system to carry out those aspects of the above recommendations which go beyond existing and currently planned activities. (5) The scientific direction of the E.O.S. should be established and continued through an international scientific steering committee.

46 CFR 110.30-3 - Initial inspection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Initial inspection. 110.30-3 Section 110.30-3 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING GENERAL PROVISIONS Testing and Inspection § 110.30-3 Initial inspection. The initial inspection, which may be a series of...

46 CFR 110.30-3 - Initial inspection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Initial inspection. 110.30-3 Section 110.30-3 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING GENERAL PROVISIONS Testing and Inspection § 110.30-3 Initial inspection. The initial inspection, which may be a series of...

Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma: response to treatment and disease-free survival in a series of 137 patients.

PubMed

Servitje, Octavio; Muniesa, Cristina; Benavente, Yolanda; Monsálvez, Verónica; Garcia-Muret, M Pilar; Gallardo, Fernando; Domingo-Domenech, Eva; Lucas, Anna; Climent, Fina; Rodriguez-Peralto, Jose L; Ortiz-Romero, Pablo L; Sandoval, Juan; Pujol, Ramon M; Estrach, M Teresa

2013-09-01

Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas are low-grade lymphomas running an indolent course. Skin relapses have been frequently reported but little information about disease-free survival (DFS) is available. We sought to evaluate relapse rate and DFS in patients with primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas. Clinical features, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas stage, light chain restriction, clonality, treatments, skin relapses, DFS, stage progression, extracutaneous disease, and outcome are analyzed in a series of 137 patients. Patients were classified as solitary lesion (T1) (n = 70; 51%), regional skin involvement (T2) (n = 40; 29%), and generalized skin lesions (T3) (n = 27; 20%). Surgical excision, local radiotherapy, or a combination were the initial treatment in 118 patients (86%). In 121 of 137 patients (88%) a complete remission was observed after initial treatment, including 99 of 106 patients (93%) with solitary or localized disease and 22 of 31 patients (71%) with multifocal lesions. Cutaneous relapses were observed in 53 patients (44%). Median DFS was 47 months. Patients with multifocal lesions or T3 disease showed higher relapse rate and shorter DFS. No significant differences were observed between surgery and radiotherapy, but surgery alone was associated with more recurrences at initial site. Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 93%. Six patients (4%) developed extracutaneous disease during follow-up. This was a case series retrospective study. Our results support long-term follow-up in patients with primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas. Disseminated skin lesions have higher relapse rate and shorter DFS suggesting further investigation on systemic therapies in such a group of patients. Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hard facts about soft skills.

PubMed

Ray, Joel D; Overman, Angela S

2014-02-01

This is the third article in a series on leadership coordinated by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) that highlights how nurses are leading change efforts in hospitals. It describes work done in conjunction with the AONE's Care Innovation and Transformation initiative, which provides leadership development and educational opportunities to nurse managers and staff aimed at supporting nurses at the point of care in making changes to improve the quality and safety of patient care.

Manpower and Personnel Standardization Language for Army Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

completeness, the outline described a series of steps in a ’stand-alone* process. That is to say that it included all of the actions that a contractor would...duplication among MANPRINT domains and other programs, such as LSA, was deferred to later stages of the effort. Outlining the information that was needed...MANPRINT policy, emphasis was placed on initiating action during the earliest phases of development. These contractor tasks and the attendant quality

Mapping New Schools. 1: Setting the Stage for Planning. Part 1 in a Series of Four New-School Planning Guides.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Beverly Loy

This guide, one of four, is a product of the Project on Social Architecture in Education, initiated to find out what it takes to develop a program and a working social system for a new school. The project began with interviews with school planners and consultants, then moved to the study of six new innovative public schools for a two-and-a-half…

History of Significant Vehicle and Fuel Introductions in the United States

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

Shirk, Matthew; Alleman, Teresa; Melendez, Margo

This is one of a series of reports produced as a result of the Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) project, a Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored multi-agency project initiated to accelerate the introduction of affordable, scalable, and sustainable biofuels and high-efficiency, low-emission vehicle engines. The simultaneous fuels and vehicles research and development is designed to deliver maximum energy savings, emissions reduction, and on-road performance.

Learning a Living across the Nation. Volume V. Project Baseline. Fifth National Report. Baseline Year: 1974-75 (Fiscal Year 1975). Part 1: Narrative Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Arthur M.

This is the first part of a two-part fifth volume in a series of annual reports on the status of vocational education in the United States. It primarily reports the developments that have taken place each year in the numbers and characteristics of students enrolled, programs, costs, and results. (The entire study, initiated by Congress in 1971, is…

Disruptive technology: new medical advances are troublesome for even the most successful health systems and innovator health companies.

PubMed

Michaelis, Lawrence; Vaul, Joanne; Chumer, Kathleen; Faul, Maureen; Sheehan, Lisa; DeCerce, Jack

2004-01-01

An independent expert panel conducted a multi-year research/education/advocacy initiative on the impact of the new drug-eluting stent technology. They conclude that this technology represents a "tipping point" in a series of transformative drugs and medical devices, often used in combination, and recommend that healthcare decision makers develop careful, data-based strategies to avoid the disruptiveness of these medical advances.

NeuroRhythmics: software for analyzing time-series measurements of saltatory movements in neuronal processes.

PubMed

Kerlin, Aaron M; Lindsley, Tara A

2008-08-15

Time-lapse imaging of living neurons both in vivo and in vitro has revealed that the growth of axons and dendrites is highly dynamic and characterized by alternating periods of extension and retraction. These growth dynamics are associated with important features of neuronal development and are differentially affected by experimental treatments, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are poorly understood. NeuroRhythmics was developed to semi-automate specific quantitative tasks involved in analysis of two-dimensional time-series images of processes that exhibit saltatory elongation. This software provides detailed information on periods of growth and nongrowth that it identifies by transitions in elongation (i.e. initiation time, average rate, duration) and information regarding the overall pattern of saltatory growth (i.e. time of pattern onset, frequency of transitions, relative time spent in a state of growth vs. nongrowth). Plots and numeric output are readily imported into other applications. The user has the option to specify criteria for identifying transitions in growth behavior, which extends the potential application of the software to neurons of different types or developmental stage and to other time-series phenomena that exhibit saltatory dynamics. NeuroRhythmics will facilitate mechanistic studies of periodic axonal and dendritic growth in neurons.

Area-based socioeconomic factors and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among teen boys in the United States.

PubMed

Henry, Kevin A; Swiecki-Sikora, Allison L; Stroup, Antoinette M; Warner, Echo L; Kepka, Deanna

2017-07-14

This study is the first to examine associations between several area-based socioeconomic factors and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among boys in the United States (U.S.). Data from the 2012-2013 National Immunization Survey-Teen restricted-use data were analyzed to examine associations of HPV vaccination initiation (receipt of ≥1 dose) and series completion (receipt of three doses) among boys aged 13-17 years (N = 19,518) with several individual-level and ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) census measures. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of HPV vaccination initiation and series completion separately. In 2012-2013 approximately 27.9% (95% CI 26.6%-29.2%) of boys initiated and 10.38% (95% CI 9.48%-11.29%) completed the HPV vaccine series. Area-based poverty was not statistically significantly associated with HPV vaccination initiation. It was, however, associated with series completion, with boys living in high-poverty areas (≥20% of residents living below poverty) having higher odds of completing the series (AOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.48) than boys in low-poverty areas (0-4.99%). Interactions between race/ethnicity and ZIP code-level poverty indicated that Hispanic boys living in high-poverty areas had a statistically significantly higher odds of  HPV vaccine initiation (AOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03-1.97) and series completion (AOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.05-2.32)  than Hispanic boys in  low-poverty areas. Non-Hispanic Black boys in high poverty areas had higher odds of initiation (AOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.33-3.75) and completion (AOR 2.61, 95% CI 1.06-6.44) than non-Hispanic Black boys in low-poverty areas. Rural/urban residence and population density were also significant factors, with boys from urban or densely populated areas having higher odds of initiation and completion compared to boys living in non-urban, less densely populated areas. Higher HPV vaccination coverage in urban areas and among racial/ethnic minorities in areas with high poverty may be attributable to factors such as vaccine acceptance, health-care practices, and their access to HPV vaccines through the Vaccines for Children Program, which provides free vaccines to uninsured and under-insured children. Given the low HPV vaccination rates among boys in the U.S., these results provide important evidence to inform public health interventions to increase HPV vaccination.

Multi-day convective-environmental evolution prior to tropical cyclone formation from geostationary satellite measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Minhee; Ho, Chang-Hoi; Park, Myung-Sook

2016-04-01

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are developed through persistent latent heating taken from deep convective process. By analyzing aircraft and polar-orbit satellite observations, distinct upper-level warm-core induced by strong updraft was found in pre-TCs while vertically uniform temperature profile is found in non-developers. Precipitation is also broader and more frequent in developing disturbances than in nondeveloping ones. However, large uncertainties remain in determining which disturbance will develop into TC by using observation snap-shots. Here, five-day systematic evolution of deep convection and environments in developing (80) and non-developing (491) disturbances are examined over the western North Pacific for 20072009 by using geostationary satellite observation. Daily, positive tendencies in the hourly time series of the area of the MTSAT-1R infrared (IR) and water vapor (WV) brightness temperature difference < 0 are used to define single diurnal convective burst (CB) event. In terms of single CB properties (duration, expanded convective area, maximum convective area, and expanding rate), developing and nondeveloping disturbances shows significantly different mean values in the statistics, but it is not effective to estimate TC genesis. The presence of continuous CB events more than two days (i.e. multi-day CB; mCB), however, is generally found in developing disturbances. Based on the presence and absence mCB in the IR-WV time series, two different evolutions from Day 1 to Day 5 of TC formation (non-development) are explored, in which Day 6 is set to be a TC formation day (Day5 as non-development vortex decaying day). The majority of developing disturbances with mCB (83 %) initially have stronger large-scale vorticity with low-level maxima, tend to have gradually increasing deep convective area and vorticities at low-to-upper troposphere. By contrast, few developing disturbances (17 %) without mCB are pre-conditioned by much weaker large-scale vorticity. Due to adjacent dry air, resultant intensification was driven only after from Day 3 with rapid increase in relative vorticity and abrupt convective burst. There also exist many non-developing cases with mCB (54 %), which appear to candidates of TC formation as gradually increasing their convective area from Day 1 to Day 4. Due to the initially weak large-scale vorticity, they eventually decay on Day 5. For nondeveloping disturbances without mCB (46%), initially weak large-scale vorticity as well as dry atmosphere resulted in one-time deep convection and decay. Thus, this study suggests that the multiple days of convective burst, which initially accompanies strong low- to mid-troposphere large-scale vorticity, is important in TC formation.

ED01-0230-1

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-08-13

NASA's Helios Prototype aircraft taking off from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii, for the record flight. As a follow-on to the Centurion (and earlier Pathfinder and Pathfinder-Plus) aircraft, the solar-powered Helios Prototype is the latest and largest example of a slow-flying ultralight flying wing designed for long-duration, high-altitude Earth science or telecommunications relay missions in the stratosphere. Developed by AeroVironment, Inc., of Monrovia, California, under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project, the unique craft is intended to demonstrate two key missions: the ability to reach and sustain horizontal flight at 100,000 feet altitude on a single-day flight in 2001, and to maintain flight above 50,000 feet altitude for at least four days in 2003, with the aid of a regenerative fuel cell-based energy storage system now in development. Both of these missions will be powered by electricity derived from non-polluting solar energy. The Helios Prototype is an enlarged version of the Centurion flying wing, which flew a series of test flights at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in late 1998. The craft has a wingspan of 247 feet, 41 feet greater than the Centurion, 2 1/2 times that of its solar-powered Pathfinder flying wing, and longer than the wingspans of either the Boeing 747 jetliner or Lockheed C-5 transport aircraft. The remotely piloted, electrically powered Helios Prototype went aloft on its maiden low-altitude checkout flight Sept. 8, 1999, over Rogers Dry Lake adjacent to NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in the Southern California desert. The initial flight series was flown on battery power as a risk-reduction measure. In all, six flights were flown in the Helios Protoype's initial development series. In upgrading the Centurion to the Helios Prototype configuration, AeroVironment added a sixth wing section and a fifth landing gear pod, among other improvements. The additional wingsp

75 FR 17632 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier-Rotax GmbH Type 912 F, 912 S, and 914 F Series Reciprocating...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-07

... Bombardier-Rotax engines in Europe. Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information Rotax... GmbH Type 912 F, 912 S, and 914 F Series Reciprocating Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration... and 914 F series reciprocating engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive visual...

Modifying mixing and instability growth through the adjustment of initial conditions in a high-energy-density counter-propagating shear experiment on OMEGA

DOE PAGES

Merritt, E. C.; Doss, F. W.; Loomis, E. N.; ...

2015-06-24

Counter-propagating shear experiments conducted at the OMEGA Laser Facility have been evaluating the effect of target initial conditions, specifically the characteristics of a tracer foil located at the shear boundary, on Kelvin-Helmholtz instability evolution and experiment transition toward nonlinearity and turbulence in the high-energy-density (HED) regime. Experiments are focused on both identifying and uncoupling the dependence of the model initial turbulent length scale in variable-density turbulence models of k-ϵ type on competing physical instability seed lengths as well as developing a path toward fully developed turbulent HED experiments. We present results from a series of experiments controllably and independently varyingmore » two initial types of scale lengths in the experiment: the thickness and surface roughness (surface perturbation scale spectrum) of a tracer layer at the shear interface. We show that decreasing the layer thickness and increasing the surface roughness both have the ability to increase the relative mixing in the system, and thus theoretically decrease the time required to begin transitioning to turbulence in the system. In addition, we also show that we can connect a change in observed mix width growth due to increased foil surface roughness to an analytically predicted change in model initial turbulent scale lengths.« less

Derivation of a human equivalent concentration for n-butanol using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for n-butyl acetate and metabolites n-butanol and n-butyric acid

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

Teeguarden, Justin G.; Deisinger, P. J.; Poet, Torka S.

2005-05-01

The metabolic series (family) approach for risk assessment uses a dosimetry-based analysis to develop toxicity information for a group of metabolically linked compounds using pharmacokinetic (PK) data for each compound and toxicity data for the parent compound. An initial physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to support the implementation of the metabolic series approach for n-butyl acetate and its subsequent metabolites, n-butanol, and n-butyric acid (the butyl series) (Barton et al. 2000). In conjunction with pilot pharmacokinetic studies, the model was used to design the definitive intravenous (i.v.) PK studies. Rats were implanted with dual indwelling cannulae and administered testmore » compounds by i.v. bolus dose, i.v. infusion, or by inhalation in a recirculating closed chamber. Hepatic, vascular and extravascular metabolic constants for metabolism were estimated by fitting the model to the blood time course data from these experiments. The respiratory bioavailability of n-butyl acetate and n-butanol was estimated from closed chamber inhalation studies and measured ventilation rates. The resulting butyl series PBPK model successfully reproduces the blood time course of these compounds following i.v. administration, and inhalation exposure to n-butyl acetate and n-butanol. A fully scaled human version of the model successfully reproduces arterial blood n-butanol kinetics following inhalation exposure to n-butanol. These validated i.v (rat) and inhalation route models (rat, butyl acetate, n-butanol; human, butanol only) can be used to support species and dose-route extrapolations required for risk assessment of butyl series family of compounds. Further, this work demonstrates the usefulness of i.v. kinetic data for parameterization of systemic metabolism and the value of collaboration between experimentalists and kineticists in the development of PBPK models. The product of this effort, validated rat and human PBPK models for the butyl series compounds, illustrates the effectiveness of broad multi-institutional public/private collaborations in the pursuit of developing state of the art tools for risk assessment.« less

Leadership development and HIV/AIDS

PubMed Central

Szekeres, Greg; Coates, Thomas J.; Ehrhardt, Anke A.

2010-01-01

Leadership development among all sectors addressing HIV/AIDS has come to be recognized as a critically important endeavor as the HIV pandemic moves into its fourth decade. Globally, there is a tremendous need for well-trained leaders in healthcare, research, policy, programme management, activism and advocacy, especially in countries and settings with high HIV prevalence and limited human resource capacity. This article examines the growing need for HIV/AIDS leadership development, and describes and assesses a number of current initiatives that focus on leadership development in a variety of populations and settings. A series of recommendations are provided to expand the scope and impact of leadership development activities; recommendations are primarily targeted towards foundations and other funders and leadership development programme managers. PMID:18641465

Impacts of Greening Materials and Seed Pretreatment on Vegetation Development at an initial stage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obriejetan, Michael

2015-04-01

Slope protection using greening measures as an integral part of soil-bioengineering is characterized by an increasing demand in research and practice. However, successful greening is a very complex issue due to the vast variety in specific slope characteristics such as morphology, soil properties and environmental factors. Because of practical experience in the greening of slopes and the results of further investigations in small-scale tests, it can be stated that the use of appropriate planting techniques, the quality of the materials used and the proper implementation of potential needed auxiliary materials at difficult locations are seen as key success criteria for sustainable vegetation development. Within this framework small-scale testing series were conducted regarding the influence of specific soil-properties, the use of auxiliary greening materials (fertilizer, mycorrhiza fungi, Bonded fiber matrix (BFM)…), application of different seed-pretreatment methods and influences of specific environmental factors (inclination, seeding depth) on vegetational development in an early phase. The aim of the series is to quantitatively and thus economically optimize the use of different greening-components and seed mixtures for practical application, while ensuring optimal development of vegetation. To quantify the influence of the treatment systems, vegetation cover ratio, biomass production (aboveground and belowground) and the germination of plant seeds served as main criteria for assessing the development in an initial stage. Selected findings for instance show that the admixture of mycorrhiza fungi can increase the cover ratio up to 23 % compared to untreated plots. In addition, pretreatment of seeds showed distinct effects too by shortening germination phase and increasing the capability of producing a higher amount of healthy sprouts. From a bioengineering perspective the results will serve as potential decisive advantage for successful implementation of greening measures.

Recruitment of single human low-threshold motor units with increasing loads at different muscle lengths.

PubMed

McNulty, P A; Cresswell, A G

2004-06-01

We investigated the recruitment behaviour of low threshold motor units in flexor digitorum superficialis by altering two biomechanical constraints: the load against which the muscle worked and the initial muscle length. The load was increased using isotonic (low load), loaded dynamic (intermediate load) and isometric (high load) contractions in two studies. The initial muscle position reflected resting muscle length in series A, and a longer length with digit III fully extended in series B. Intramuscular EMG was recorded from 48 single motor units in 10 experiments on five healthy subjects, 21 units in series A and 27 in series B, while subjects performed ramp up, hold and ramp down contractions. Increasing the load on the muscle decreased the force, displacement and firing rate of single motor units at recruitment at shorter muscle lengths (P<0.001, dependent t-test). At longer muscle lengths this recruitment pattern was observed between loaded dynamic and isotonic contractions, but not between isometric and loaded dynamic contractions. Thus, the recruitment properties of single motor units in human flexor digitorum superficialis are sensitive to changes in both imposed external loads and the initial length of the muscle.

Post Launch Calibration and Testing of the Advanced Baseline Imager on the GOES-R Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lebair, William; Rollins, C.; Kline, John; Todirita, M.; Kronenwetter, J.

2016-01-01

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R (GOES-R) series is the planned next generation of operational weather satellites for the United State's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The first launch of the GOES-R series is planned for October 2016. The GOES-R series satellites and instruments are being developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). One of the key instruments on the GOES-R series is the Advance Baseline Imager (ABI). The ABI is a multi-channel, visible through infrared, passive imaging radiometer. The ABI will provide moderate spatial and spectral resolution at high temporal and radiometric resolution to accurately monitor rapidly changing weather. Initial on-orbit calibration and performance characterization is crucial to establishing baseline used to maintain performance throughout mission life. A series of tests has been planned to establish the post launch performance and establish the parameters needed to process the data in the Ground Processing Algorithm. The large number of detectors for each channel required to provide the needed temporal coverage presents unique challenges for accurately calibrating ABI and minimizing striping. This paper discusses the planned tests to be performed on ABI over the six-month Post Launch Test period and the expected performance as it relates to ground tests.

Post Launch Calibration and Testing of the Advanced Baseline Imager on the GOES-R Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lebair, William; Rollins, C.; Kline, John; Todirita, M.; Kronenwetter, J.

2016-01-01

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R (GOES-R) series is the planned next generation of operational weather satellites for the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The first launch of the GOES-R series is planned for October 2016. The GOES-R series satellites and instruments are being developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). One of the key instruments on the GOES-R series is the Advance Baseline Imager (ABI). The ABI is a multi-channel, visible through infrared, passive imaging radiometer. The ABI will provide moderate spatial and spectral resolution at high temporal and radiometric resolution to accurately monitor rapidly changing weather. Initial on-orbit calibration and performance characterization is crucial to establishing baseline used to maintain performance throughout mission life. A series of tests has been planned to establish the post launch performance and establish the parameters needed to process the data in the Ground Processing Algorithm. The large number of detectors for each channel required to provide the needed temporal coverage presents unique challenges for accurately calibrating ABI and minimizing striping. This paper discusses the planned tests to be performed on ABI over the six-month Post Launch Test period and the expected performance as it relates to ground tests.

Post launch calibration and testing of the Advanced Baseline Imager on the GOES-R satellite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebair, William; Rollins, C.; Kline, John; Todirita, M.; Kronenwetter, J.

2016-05-01

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R (GOES-R) series is the planned next generation of operational weather satellites for the United State's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The first launch of the GOES-R series is planned for October 2016. The GOES-R series satellites and instruments are being developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). One of the key instruments on the GOES-R series is the Advance Baseline Imager (ABI). The ABI is a multi-channel, visible through infrared, passive imaging radiometer. The ABI will provide moderate spatial and spectral resolution at high temporal and radiometric resolution to accurately monitor rapidly changing weather. Initial on-orbit calibration and performance characterization is crucial to establishing baseline used to maintain performance throughout mission life. A series of tests has been planned to establish the post launch performance and establish the parameters needed to process the data in the Ground Processing Algorithm. The large number of detectors for each channel required to provide the needed temporal coverage presents unique challenges for accurately calibrating ABI and minimizing striping. This paper discusses the planned tests to be performed on ABI over the six-month Post Launch Test period and the expected performance as it relates to ground tests.

Development and evaluation of a data-adaptive alerting algorithm for univariate temporal biosurveillance data.

PubMed

Elbert, Yevgeniy; Burkom, Howard S

2009-11-20

This paper discusses further advances in making robust predictions with the Holt-Winters forecasts for a variety of syndromic time series behaviors and introduces a control-chart detection approach based on these forecasts. Using three collections of time series data, we compare biosurveillance alerting methods with quantified measures of forecast agreement, signal sensitivity, and time-to-detect. The study presents practical rules for initialization and parameterization of biosurveillance time series. Several outbreak scenarios are used for detection comparison. We derive an alerting algorithm from forecasts using Holt-Winters-generalized smoothing for prospective application to daily syndromic time series. The derived algorithm is compared with simple control-chart adaptations and to more computationally intensive regression modeling methods. The comparisons are conducted on background data from both authentic and simulated data streams. Both types of background data include time series that vary widely by both mean value and cyclic or seasonal behavior. Plausible, simulated signals are added to the background data for detection performance testing at signal strengths calculated to be neither too easy nor too hard to separate the compared methods. Results show that both the sensitivity and the timeliness of the Holt-Winters-based algorithm proved to be comparable or superior to that of the more traditional prediction methods used for syndromic surveillance.

Learning from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Quality Enhancement Research Initiative: QUERI Series

PubMed Central

Graham, Ian D; Tetroe, Jacqueline

2009-01-01

As the recent collection of papers from the Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) Series indicates, knowledge is leading to considerable action in the United States (U.S.) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The QUERI Series offers clinical researchers, implementation scientists, health systems, and health research funders from around the globe a unique window into the both the practice and science of implementation or knowledge translation (KT) in the VA. By describing successes and challenges as well as setbacks and disappointments, the QUERI Series is all the more useful. From the vantage point of Canadian KT researchers and officials at a national health research funding agency, we offer a number of observations and lessons that can be learned from QUERI. "Knowledge, if it does not determine action, is dead to us." Plotinus (Roman philosopher 205AD-270AD) PMID:19267920

A small-scale experiment using microwave interferometry to investigate detonation and shock-to-detonation transition in pressed TATB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renslow, Peter John

A small-scale characterization test utilizing microwave interferometry was developed to dynamically measure detonation and run to detonation distance in explosives. The technique was demonstrated by conducting two experimental series on the well-characterized explosive triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB). In the first experiment series, the detonation velocity was observed at varying porosity. The velocity during TATB detonation matched well with predictions made using CHEETAH and an empirical relation from the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The microwave interferometer also captured unsteady propagation of the reaction when a low density charge was near the failure diameter. In the second experiment series, Pop-plots were produced using data obtained from shock initiation of the TATB through a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) attenuator. The results compared well to wedge test data from LANL despite the microwave interferometer test being of substantially smaller scale. The results showed the test method is attractive for rapid characterization of new and improvised explosive materials.

Further Optimization and Evaluation of Bioavailable, Mixed-Efficacy μ-Opioid Receptor (MOR) Agonists/δ-Opioid Receptor (DOR) Antagonists: Balancing MOR and DOR Affinities.

PubMed

Harland, Aubrie A; Yeomans, Larisa; Griggs, Nicholas W; Anand, Jessica P; Pogozheva, Irina D; Jutkiewicz, Emily M; Traynor, John R; Mosberg, Henry I

2015-11-25

In a previously described peptidomimetic series, we reported the development of bifunctional μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist and δ-opioid receptor (DOR) antagonist ligands with a lead compound that produced antinociception for 1 h after intraperitoneal administration in mice. In this paper, we expand on our original series by presenting two modifications, both of which were designed with the following objectives: (1) probing bioavailability and improving metabolic stability, (2) balancing affinities between MOR and DOR while reducing affinity and efficacy at the κ-opioid receptor (KOR), and (3) improving in vivo efficacy. Here, we establish that, through N-acetylation of our original peptidomimetic series, we are able to improve DOR affinity and increase selectivity relative to KOR while maintaining the desired MOR agonist/DOR antagonist profile. From initial in vivo studies, one compound (14a) was found to produce dose-dependent antinociception after peripheral administration with an improved duration of action of longer than 3 h.

Dollar$ & $en$e. Part VI: Knowledge management: the state of the art.

PubMed

Wilkinson, I

2001-01-01

In Part I of this series, I introduced the concept of memes (1). Memes are ideas or concepts--the information world equivalent of genes. The goal of this series of articles is to infect you with memes so you will assimilate, translate, and express them. No matter what our area of expertise or "-ology," we all are in the information business. Our goal is to be in the wisdom business. In the previous articles in this series, I showed that when we convert raw data into wisdom, we are moving along a value chain. Each step in the chain adds a different amount of value to the final product: timely, relevant, accurate, and precise knowledge that then can be applied to create the ultimate product in the value chain--wisdom. In part II of this series, I introduced a set of memes for measuring the cost of adding value (2). In part III of this series, I presented a new set of memes for measuring the added value of knowledge, i.e., intellectual capital (3). In part IV of this series, I discussed practical knowledge management tools for measuring the value of people, structural, and customer capital (4). In part V of this series, I applied intellectual capital and knowledge management concepts at the individual level, to help answer a fundamental question: what is my added value (5)? In the final part of this series, I will review the state of intellectual capital and knowledge management development to date and outline the direction of current knowledge management initiatives and research projects.

CCS Activities Being Performed by the U.S. DOE

PubMed Central

Dressel, Brian; Deel, Dawn; Rodosta, Traci; Plasynski, Sean; Litynski, John; Myer, Larry

2011-01-01

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is the lead federal agency for the development and deployment of carbon sequestration technologies. Its mission includes promoting scientific and technological innovations and transfer of knowledge for safe and permanent storage of CO2 in the subsurface. To accomplish its mission, DOE is characterizing and classifying potential geologic storage reservoirs in basins throughout the U.S. and Canada, and developing best practices for project developers, to help ensure the safety of future geologic storage projects. DOE’s Carbon Sequestration Program, Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (RCSP) Initiative, administered by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), is identifying, characterizing, and testing potential injection formations. The RCSP Initiative consists of collaborations among government, industry, universities, and international organizations. Through this collaborative effort, a series of integrated knowledge-based tools have been developed to help potential sequestration project developers. They are the Carbon Sequestration Atlas of the United States and Canada, National Carbon Sequestration Database and Geographic System (NATCARB), and best practice manuals for CCS including Depositional Reservoir Classification for CO2; Public Outreach and Education for Carbon Storage Projects; Monitoring, Verification, and Accounting of CO2 Stored in Deep Geologic Formation; Site Screening, Site Selection, and Initial Characterization of CO2 Storage in Deep Geologic Formations. DOE’s future research will help with refinement of these tools and additional best practice manuals (BPM) which focus on other technical aspects of project development. PMID:21556188

Toward an integrated computerized patient record.

PubMed

Dole, T R; Luberti, A A

2000-04-01

Developing a comprehensive electronic medical record system to serve ambulatory care providers in a large health care enterprise requires significant time and resources. One approach to achieving this system is to devise a series of short-term, workable solutions until a complete system is designed and implemented. The initial solution introduced a basic (mini) medical record system that provided an automated problem/summary sheet and decentralization of ambulatory-based medical records. The next step was to partner with an information system vendor committed to continued development of the long-term system capable of supporting the health care organization well into the future.

Dragons' Den: promoting healthcare research and innovation.

PubMed

Mazhindu, Deborah; Gregory, Siobhan

2015-07-01

The changing health and social care landscape, and, in particular, the financial challenges affecting the NHS, can present difficulties for staff looking for funding to support innovation and new ways of working. One method of competitive tendering that is becoming more accepted as a way of allocating funds, encouraging staff engagement and developing innovation for research is a format based the BBC television series, Dragons' Den. This article describes how Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust, London, has developed a 'Dragons' Den initiative' of annual competitive research funding allocation to ensure that some of the most dynamic practice in the trust is captured.

Introduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takayama, Ken; Briggs*, Richard J.

The motivation for the initial development of linear induction accelerators starting in the early 1960s came mainly from applications requiring intense electron pulses with beam currents and a charge per pulse above the range accessible to RF accelerators, and with particle energies beyond the capabilities of single stage pulsed-power diodes. The linear induction accelerators developed to meet these needs utilize a series of induction cells containing magnetic cores (torroidal geometry) driven directly by pulse modulators (pulsed power sources). This multistage "one-to-one transformer" configuration with non-resonant, low impedance induction cells accelerates kilo-Ampere-scale electron beam current pulses in induction linacs.

Microstrip antenna developments at JPL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, John

1991-01-01

The in-house development of microstrip antennas, initiated in 1981, when a spaceborne lightweight and low-profile planar array was needed for a satellite communication system, is described. The work described covers the prediction of finite-ground-plane effects by the geometric theory of diffraction, higher-order-mode circularly polarized circular patch antennas, circularly polarized microstrip arrays with linearly polarized elements, an impedance-matching teardrop-shaped probe feed, a dual-polarized microstrip array with high isolation and low cross-polarization, a planar microstrip Yagi array, a microstrip reflectarray, a Ka-band MMIC array, and a series-fed linear arrays.

Edema associated with quetiapine

PubMed Central

Koleva, Hristina K.; Erickson, Mark A.; Vanderlip, Erik R.; Tansey, Janeta; Mac, Joseph; Fiedorowicz, Jess G.

2010-01-01

Background Edema associated with quetiapine has been described in only one case report to date and represents a potentially serious adverse reaction. Methods We present a case series of three patients who developed bilateral leg edema following initiation of quetiapine. Results One of these patients had a recurrence of edema with subsequent rechallenge. Another patient developed quetiapine-induced edema following a prior episode of olanzapine-induced edema. All the cases present a compelling temporal relationship between the drug challenge and the adverse event. Conclusions Prompt recognition and intervention with discontinuation of the offending agent is important for this potentially serious, seemingly idiosyncratic, vascular complication. PMID:19439156

Faith in Their Futures: The Youth and Congregations in Partnership Program of the Kings County (Brooklyn, NY) District Attorney's Office. National Faith-Based Initiative Field Report Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blank, Susan; Davie, Fred

2004-01-01

Why would a law-and-order district attorney in one of the toughest, most crime-prone areas in the nation develop a faith-based alternative to incarceration for youthful offenders? District Attorney Charles J. Hynes credits his faith and a strong conviction that society can't prison-build its way out of the crime problem. Hynes established Youth…

The 60 GHz IMPATT diode development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dat, Rovindra; Ayyagari, Murthy; Hoag, David; Sloat, David; Anand, Yogi; Whitely, Stan

1986-01-01

The objective is to develop 60 GHz IMPATT diodes suitable for communications applications. The performance goals of the 60 GHz IMPATT is 1W CW output power with a conversion efficiency of 15 percent and 10-year lifetime. The final design of the 60 GHz IMPATT structure evolved from computer simulations performed at the University of Michigan. The initial doping profile, involving a hybrid double-drift (HDD) design, was derived from a drift-diffusion model that used the static velocity-field characteristics for GaAs. Unfortunately, the model did not consider the effects of velocity undershoot and delay of the avalanche process due to energy relaxation. Consequently, the initial devices were oscillating at a much lower frequency than anticipated. With a revised simulation program that included the two effects given above, a second HDD profile was generated and was used as a basis for fabrication efforts. In the area of device fabrication, significant progress was made in epitaxial growth and characterization, wafer processing, and die assembly. The organo-metallic chemical vapor deposition (OMCVD) was used. Starting with a baseline X-Band IMPATT technology, appropriate processing steps were modified to satisfy the device requirements at V-Band. In terms of efficiency and reliability, the device requirements dictate a reduction in its series resistance and thermal resistance values. Qualitatively, researchers were able to reduce the diodes' series resistance by reducing the thickness of the N+ GaAs substrate used in its fabrication.

A view on coupled cluster perturbation theory using a bivariational Lagrangian formulation.

PubMed

Kristensen, Kasper; Eriksen, Janus J; Matthews, Devin A; Olsen, Jeppe; Jørgensen, Poul

2016-02-14

We consider two distinct coupled cluster (CC) perturbation series that both expand the difference between the energies of the CCSD (CC with single and double excitations) and CCSDT (CC with single, double, and triple excitations) models in orders of the Møller-Plesset fluctuation potential. We initially introduce the E-CCSD(T-n) series, in which the CCSD amplitude equations are satisfied at the expansion point, and compare it to the recently developed CCSD(T-n) series [J. J. Eriksen et al., J. Chem. Phys. 140, 064108 (2014)], in which not only the CCSD amplitude, but also the CCSD multiplier equations are satisfied at the expansion point. The computational scaling is similar for the two series, and both are term-wise size extensive with a formal convergence towards the CCSDT target energy. However, the two series are different, and the CCSD(T-n) series is found to exhibit a more rapid convergence up through the series, which we trace back to the fact that more information at the expansion point is utilized than for the E-CCSD(T-n) series. The present analysis can be generalized to any perturbation expansion representing the difference between a parent CC model and a higher-level target CC model. In general, we demonstrate that, whenever the parent parameters depend upon the perturbation operator, a perturbation expansion of the CC energy (where only parent amplitudes are used) differs from a perturbation expansion of the CC Lagrangian (where both parent amplitudes and parent multipliers are used). For the latter case, the bivariational Lagrangian formulation becomes more than a convenient mathematical tool, since it facilitates a different and faster convergent perturbation series than the simpler energy-based expansion.

Supporting the Development of a New Health R&D Strategy

PubMed Central

Grant, Jonathan; Pollitt, Alexandra; Castle-Clarke, Sophie; Cochrane, Gavin; Sondergaard, Susanne; Horvath, Veronika

2014-01-01

Abstract The HelseOmsorg21 initiative was set up by the Ministry of Health and Care Services to develop a new research and innovation strategy for health and care services in Norway. The HelseOmsorg21 Strategy Group, through the Research Council of Norway which is providing the secretariat for the strategy development, asked RAND Europe to support the strategic review process. RAND Europe's role was to conduct a series of rapid evidence reviews around the recommendations arising from the five working groups that comprise the initiative. The reviews were conducted around networks and collaboration, data linkage and exchange, culture, values and leadership, and incentives for innovation, while capacity building was a recurrent theme throughout. This study presents the rapid evidence reviews, summarising relevant literature and highlighting international examples of particularly relevant or innovative approaches. The issues and ideas identified around each theme are then pulled together in a suggested conceptual representation of the Norwegian health and care research system. PMID:28083346

Ipilimumab associated colitis: an IpiColitis case series at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

PubMed

Rastogi, Pawan; Sultan, Mohamed; Charabaty, Aline J; Atkins, Michael B; Mattar, Mark C

2015-04-14

Although ipilimumab has been shown to improve survival in patients with metastatic melanoma and cause regression of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, the associated immune-related toxicities are of concern. The resultant T cell activation by this monoclonal antibody causes an increased immune response, which has been associated with many immune-regulated adverse effects. One of the most concerning effects is the development of colitis. Upwards to 8% of patients have been reported to develop colitis, with 5% being severe (Grades 3-4). While initial treatment of such adverse effects is generally comprised of supportive and symptomatic treatment, more severe cases warrant the use of high dose steroids. Furthermore, use of anti-TNF agents is usually reserved for those cases that prove to be refractory to steroids. We describe a systematic case review of seven patients who developed gastrointestinal symptoms following initiation of ipilimumab immunotherapy, and present the steps in their evaluation, treatment and outcomes at our institution.

Practical implementation of a particle filter data assimilation approach to estimate initial hydrologic conditions and initialize medium-range streamflow forecasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, E.; Wood, A.; Nijssen, B.; Newman, A. J.; Mendoza, P. A.

2016-12-01

The System for Hydrometeorological Applications, Research and Prediction (SHARP), developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), University of Washington, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, is a fully automated ensemble prediction system for short-term to seasonal applications. It incorporates uncertainty in initial hydrologic conditions (IHCs) and in hydrometeorological predictions. In this implementation, IHC uncertainty is estimated by propagating an ensemble of 100 plausible temperature and precipitation time series through the Sacramento/Snow-17 model. The forcing ensemble explicitly accounts for measurement and interpolation uncertainties in the development of gridded meteorological forcing time series. The resulting ensemble of derived IHCs exhibits a broad range of possible soil moisture and snow water equivalent (SWE) states. To select the IHCs that are most consistent with the observations, we employ a particle filter (PF) that weights IHC ensemble members based on observations of streamflow and SWE. These particles are then used to initialize ensemble precipitation and temperature forecasts downscaled from the Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS), generating a streamflow forecast ensemble. We test this method in two basins in the Pacific Northwest that are important for water resources management: 1) the Green River upstream of Howard Hanson Dam, and 2) the South Fork Flathead River upstream of Hungry Horse Dam. The first of these is characterized by mixed snow and rain, while the second is snow-dominated. The PF-based forecasts are compared to forecasts based on a single IHC (corresponding to median streamflow) paired with the full GEFS ensemble, and 2) the full IHC ensemble, without filtering, paired with the full GEFS ensemble. In addition to assessing improvements in the spread of IHCs, we perform a hindcast experiment to evaluate the utility of PF-based data assimilation on streamflow forecasts at 1- to 7-day lead times.

Homogenization of long instrumental temperature and precipitation series over the Spanish Northern Coast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sigro, J.; Brunet, M.; Aguilar, E.; Stoll, H.; Jimenez, M.

2009-04-01

The Spanish-funded research project Rapid Climate Changes in the Iberian Peninsula (IP) Based on Proxy Calibration, Long Term Instrumental Series and High Resolution Analyses of Terrestrial and Marine Records (CALIBRE: ref. CGL2006-13327-C04/CLI) has as main objective to analyse climate dynamics during periods of rapid climate change by means of developing high-resolution paleoclimate proxy records from marine and terrestrial (lakes and caves) deposits over the IP and calibrating them with long-term and high-quality instrumental climate time series. Under CALIBRE, the coordinated project Developing and Enhancing a Climate Instrumental Dataset for Calibrating Climate Proxy Data and Analysing Low-Frequency Climate Variability over the Iberian Peninsula (CLICAL: CGL2006-13327-C04-03/CLI) is devoted to the development of homogenised climate records and sub-regional time series which can be confidently used in the calibration of the lacustrine, marine and speleothem time series generated under CALIBRE. Here we present the procedures followed in order to homogenise a dataset of maximum and minimum temperature and precipitation data on a monthly basis over the Spanish northern coast. The dataset is composed of thirty (twenty) precipitation (temperature) long monthly records. The data are quality controlled following the procedures recommended by Aguilar et al. (2003) and tested for homogeneity and adjusted by following the approach adopted by Brunet et al. (2008). Sub-regional time series of precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures for the period 1853-2007 have been generated by averaging monthly anomalies and then adding back the base-period mean, according to the method of Jones and Hulme (1996). Also, a method to adjust the variance bias present in regional time series associated over time with varying sample size has been applied (Osborn et al., 1997). The results of this homogenisation exercise and the development of the associated sub-regional time series will be widely discussed. Initial comparisons with rapidly growing speleothems in two different caves indicate that speleothem trace element ratios like Ba/Ca are recording the decrease in littoral precipitation in the last several decades. References Aguilar, E., Auer, I., Brunet, M., Peterson, T. C. and Weringa, J. 2003. Guidelines on Climate Metadata and Homogenization, World Meteorological Organization (WMO)-TD no. 1186 / World Climate Data and Monitoring Program (WCDMP) no. 53, Geneva: 51 pp. Brunet M, Saladié O, Jones P, Sigró J, Aguilar E, Moberg A, Lister D, Walther A, Almarza C. 2008. A case-study/guidance on the development of long-term daily adjusted temperature datasets, WMO-TD-1425/WCDMP-66, Geneva: 43 pp. Jones, P D, and Hulme M, 1996, Calculating regional climatic time series for temperature and precipitation: Methods and illustrations, Int. J. Climatol., 16, 361- 377. Osborn, T. J., Briffa K. R., and Jones P. D., 1997, Adjusting variance for sample-size in tree-ring chronologies and other regional mean time series, Dendrochronologia, 15, 89- 99.

[The Development of First Operating Microscopes from Zeiss Jena and Oberkochen to Series Production].

PubMed

Gudziol, H; Gottschall, R; Luther, E

2017-01-01

Introduction: The history of the first operating microscopes from Zeiss is often confusing, not painstaking and partly contradictory because of the parallel development of Zeiss Jena (East Germany) and Zeiss Oberkochen (West Germany). Methods: To investigate the early beginnings of the construction of the operating microscopes documents of the Carl Zeiss Archive and the Optical Museum in Jena, the memoirs of Prof. Dr. Rosemarie Albrecht and some relevant publications were used. Results: The development of the first Jena operating microscope was initiated in 1949 by the ENT-physician Prof. Dr. Rosemarie Albrecht in the Soviet occupation zone. The first prototype was tested in the University ENT Clinic, Jena since summer of 1950. On the Leipzig Trade Fair in autumn 1952 the VEB Optik Carl Zeiss Jena presented the first operating microscope nationally and internationally. Series production began in 1953. The first operating microscope of Zeiss Oberkochen was primarily developed by technical designers (H. Littmann) as a colposcope. But in the Carl Zeiss Archive no documents could be found related to the cooperation with gynecologists. 1953 the operating microscope (OPMI 1) came into public and its series production started. From this date on, it was adopted by the otologist Prof. Dr. Horst Ludwig Wullstein to the needs of Otorhinolaryngology. Conclusion: The first Zeiss operating microscope came from Jena. The operating microscope from Zeiss Oberkochen had some advantages for the surgeons and won the competition in the future. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Evaluation of Growing Season Milestones, Using Eddy Covariance Time-Series of Net Ecosystem Exchange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pastorello, G.; Faybishenko, B.; Poindexter, C.; Menzer, O.; Agarwal, D.; Papale, D.; Baldocchi, D. D.

2014-12-01

Common methods for determining timing of plants' developmental events, such as direct observation and remote sensing of NDVI, usually produce data of temporal resolution on the order of one week or more. This limitation can make observing subtle trends across years difficult. The goal of this presentation is to demonstrate a conceptual approach and a computational technique to quantify seasonal, annual and long-term phenological indices and patterns, based on continuous eddy covariance measurements of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) measured at eddy covariance towers in the AmeriFlux network. Using a comprehensive time series analysis of NEE fluxes in different climatic zones, we determined multiple characteristics (and their confidence intervals) of the growing season including: the initiation day—the day when canopy photosynthesis development starts, the photosynthesis stabilization day - the day when the development process of canopy photosynthesis starts to slow down and gradually moves toward stabilization, and the growing season effective termination day. We also determined the spring photosynthetic development velocity and the fall photosynthetic development velocity. The results of calculations using NEE were compared with those from temperature and precipitation data measured at the same AmeriFlux tower stations, as well as with the in-situ directly observed phenological records. The results of calculations of phenological indices from the NEE time-series collected at AmeriFlux sites can be used to constrain the application of other time- and labor-intensive sensing methods and to reduce the uncertainty in identifying trends in the timing of phenological indices.

Initial Navigation Alignment of Optical Instruments on GOES-R

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isaacson, P.; DeLuccia, F.; Reth, A. D.; Igli, D. A.; Carter, D.

2016-12-01

The GOES-R satellite is the first in NOAA's next-generation series of geostationary weather satellites. In addition to a number of space weather sensors, it will carry two principal optical earth-observing instruments, the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) and the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM). During launch, currently scheduled for November of 2016, the alignment of these optical instruments is anticipated to shift from that measured during pre-launch characterization. While both instruments have image navigation and registration (INR) processing algorithms to enable automated geolocation of the collected data, the launch-derived misalignment may be too large for these approaches to function without an initial adjustment to calibration parameters. The parameters that may require adjustment are for Line of Sight Motion Compensation (LMC), and the adjustments will be estimated on orbit during the post-launch test (PLT) phase. We have developed approaches to estimate the initial alignment errors for both ABI and GLM image products. Our approaches involve comparison of ABI and GLM images collected during PLT to a set of reference ("truth") images using custom image processing tools and other software (the INR Performance Assessment Tool Set, or "IPATS") being developed for other INR assessments of ABI and GLM data. IPATS is based on image correlation approaches to determine offsets between input and reference images, and these offsets are the fundamental input to our estimate of the initial alignment errors. Initial testing of our alignment algorithms on proxy datasets lends high confidence that their application will determine the initial alignment errors to within sufficient accuracy to enable the operational INR processing approaches to proceed in a nominal fashion. We will report on the algorithms, implementation approach, and status of these initial alignment tools being developed for the GOES-R ABI and GLM instruments.

College and Career Counseling Training Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), 2014

2014-01-01

The Southern Regional Education Board's (SREB) College and Career Counseling Training Initiative works to increase the knowledge and skills of counselors who advise students on their postsecondary aspirations. Membership in the initiative provides access to Strategies in College and Career Counseling, a series of online training modules that can…

The solution of the point kinetics equations via converged accelerated Taylor series (CATS)

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

Ganapol, B.; Picca, P.; Previti, A.

This paper deals with finding accurate solutions of the point kinetics equations including non-linear feedback, in a fast, efficient and straightforward way. A truncated Taylor series is coupled to continuous analytical continuation to provide the recurrence relations to solve the ordinary differential equations of point kinetics. Non-linear (Wynn-epsilon) and linear (Romberg) convergence accelerations are employed to provide highly accurate results for the evaluation of Taylor series expansions and extrapolated values of neutron and precursor densities at desired edits. The proposed Converged Accelerated Taylor Series, or CATS, algorithm automatically performs successive mesh refinements until the desired accuracy is obtained, making usemore » of the intermediate results for converged initial values at each interval. Numerical performance is evaluated using case studies available from the literature. Nearly perfect agreement is found with the literature results generally considered most accurate. Benchmark quality results are reported for several cases of interest including step, ramp, zigzag and sinusoidal prescribed insertions and insertions with adiabatic Doppler feedback. A larger than usual (9) number of digits is included to encourage honest benchmarking. The benchmark is then applied to the enhanced piecewise constant algorithm (EPCA) currently being developed by the second author. (authors)« less

Age model for a continuous, ca 250-ka Quaternary lacustrine record from Bear Lake, Utah-Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Colman, Steven M.; Kaufman, D.S.; Bright, Jordon; Heil, C.; King, J.W.; Dean, W.E.; Rosenbaum, J.G.; Forester, R.M.; Bischoff, J.L.; Perkins, Marie; McGeehin, J.P.

2006-01-01

The Quaternary sediments sampled by continuous 120-m-long drill cores from Bear Lake (Utah-Idaho) comprise one of the longest lacustrine sequences recovered from an extant lake. The cores serve as a good case study for the construction of an age model for sequences that extend beyond the range of radiocarbon dating. From a variety of potential age indicators, we selected a combination of radiocarbon ages, one magnetic excursion (correlated to a standard sequence), and a single Uranium-series age to develop an initial data set. The reliability of the excursion and U-series data require consideration of their position with respect to sediments of inferred interglacial character, but not direct correlation with other paleoclimate records. Data omitted from the age model include amino acid age estimates, which have a large amount of scatter, and tephrochronology correlations, which have relatively large uncertainties. Because the initial data set was restricted to the upper half of the BL00-1 core, we inferred additional ages by direct correlation to the independently dated paleoclimate record from Devils Hole. We developed an age model for the entire core using statistical methods that consider both the uncertainties of the original data and that of the curve-fitting process, with a combination of our initial data set and the climate correlations as control points. This age model represents our best estimate of the chronology of deposition in Bear Lake. Because the age model contains assumptions about the correlation of Bear Lake to other climate records, the model cannot be used to address some paleoclimate questions, such as phase relationships with other areas.

Thermodynamics of Terrestrial Evolution

PubMed Central

Kirkaldy, J. S.

1965-01-01

The causal element of biological evolution and development can be understood in terms of a potential function which is generalized from the variational principles of irreversible thermodynamics. This potential function is approximated by the rate of entropy production in a configuration space which admits of macroscopic excursions by fluctuation and regression as well as microscopic ones. Analogously to Onsager's dissipation function, the potential takes the form of a saddle surface in this configuration space. The path of evolution following from an initial high dissipation state within the fixed constraint provided by the invariant energy flux from the sun tends toward the stable saddle point by a series of spontaneous regressions which lower the entropy production rate and by an alternating series of spontaneous fluctuations which introduce new internal constraints and lead to a higher entropy production rate. The potential thus rationalizes the system's observed tendency toward “chemical imperialism” (high dissipation) while simultaneously accommodating the development of “dynamic efficiency” and complication (low dissipation). PMID:5884019

Interglacial vegetation succession: A view from southern Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tzedakis, P. C.; Bennett, K. D.

Factors influencing interglacial vegetation development in southern Europe are considered in a series of comparisons of the vegetation and climatic signatures of selected periods. Multivariate analysis provides a method for standardizing comparison of interglacial vegetation successions, and insolation values and geological evidence supply information on the climatic character of individual periods. Application of this comparative approach to a long pollen record from northwest Greece presents an opportunity to examine a series of interglacial successions under constant background site characteristics, secure chronostratigraphical positions and minimal differences in species' immigration rates. The record of four interglacial period equivalent to marine oxygen isotopic substages 5e, 7c, 9c and 11c is examined. The comparison shows that the two earliest periods are characterized by similar vegetation development despite differences in climatic regimes. Dependence on initial conditions is one of the emergent aspects of the comparisons, suggesting that the nature of surviving populations during a cold stage may be critical in determining the course of interglacial succession.

Systematic development of reduced reaction mechanisms for dynamic modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frenklach, M.; Kailasanath, K.; Oran, E. S.

1986-01-01

A method for systematically developing a reduced chemical reaction mechanism for dynamic modeling of chemically reactive flows is presented. The method is based on the postulate that if a reduced reaction mechanism faithfully describes the time evolution of both thermal and chain reaction processes characteristic of a more complete mechanism, then the reduced mechanism will describe the chemical processes in a chemically reacting flow with approximately the same degree of accuracy. Here this postulate is tested by producing a series of mechanisms of reduced accuracy, which are derived from a full detailed mechanism for methane-oxygen combustion. These mechanisms were then tested in a series of reactive flow calculations in which a large-amplitude sinusoidal perturbation is applied to a system that is initially quiescent and whose temperature is high enough to start ignition processes. Comparison of the results for systems with and without convective flow show that this approach produces reduced mechanisms that are useful for calculations of explosions and detonations. Extensions and applicability to flames are discussed.

Testing and analysis of flat and curved panels with multiple cracks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broek, David; Jeong, David Y.; Thomson, Douglas

1994-01-01

An experimental and analytical investigation of multiple cracking in various types of test specimens is described in this paper. The testing phase is comprised of a flat unstiffened panel series and curved stiffened and unstiffened panel series. The test specimens contained various configurations for initial damage. Static loading was applied to these specimens until ultimate failure, while loads and crack propagation were recorded. This data provides the basis for developing and validating methodologies for predicting linkup of multiple cracks, progression to failure, and overall residual strength. The results from twelve flat coupon and ten full scale curved panel tests are presented. In addition, an engineering analysis procedure was developed to predict multiple crack linkup. Reasonable agreement was found between predictions and actual test results for linkup and residual strength for both flat and curved panels. The results indicate that an engineering analysis approach has the potential to quantitatively assess the effect of multiple cracks in the arrest capability of an aircraft fuselage structure.

Minimizing complications of ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty: an initial experience with no related complications.

PubMed

Tebbetts, J B

1998-10-01

Numerous complications and increased operating times were reported with ultrasonically assisted lipoplasty in the first several months after introduction of the technology in the United States. The purpose of this study was to review early reported complications and management regimens, evaluate possible causes of problems, and apply indications and techniques to attempt to minimize complications during an initial experience with this technique beginning in January of 1997. Seven specific indications and modifications of existing techniques were developed and applied to an initial clinical series of 70 consecutive patients who underwent ultrasound-assisted suction lipoplasty between January 10, 1997, and August 1, 1997. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 7 months. No perioperative or postoperative complication occurred in any patient in this series. In this series of ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty cases, application of the following criteria resulted in a series of 70 patients with 1 to 7-month follow-up without complications: (1) selecting patients with well localized fat deposits who were no more than 20 percent above their ideal body weight; (2) infusing a solution of Ringer's Lactate containing 1 cc of 1:1000 epinephrine per 1000 cc into the area of fat removal, stopping infusion when the tissues first become firm, not infusing to marked tissue turgor or skin induration; (3) restricting the level of energy application to a minimum of 1 cm from the undersurface of the dermis; (4) limiting ultrasonic energy application in each area to approximately 1 minute per estimated 100 cc of total aspirate in a wet to superwet environment; (5) not performing ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty in the same area as another procedure that could potentially compromise tissue vascularity; (6) using a Lysonix 2000 generator and 5-mm golf tee tip probe at a power setting of 8 to apply ultrasonic energy to the area of fat removal, ceasing energy application when tissue resistance to the passage of the probe decreases and moving the cannula as rapidly as tissue resistance allows; and (7) using a standard elastic garment without adherent foam or other materials for 2 weeks postoperatively, encouraging all normal activity immediately, and restricting aerobic activities for 2 weeks.

Frequency domain system identification of helicopter rotor dynamics incorporating models with time periodic coefficients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Sunghwan

1997-08-01

One of the most prominent features of helicopter rotor dynamics in forward flight is the periodic coefficients in the equations of motion introduced by the rotor rotation. The frequency response characteristics of such a linear time periodic system exhibits sideband behavior, which is not the case for linear time invariant systems. Therefore, a frequency domain identification methodology for linear systems with time periodic coefficients was developed, because the linear time invariant theory cannot account for sideband behavior. The modulated complex Fourier series was introduced to eliminate the smearing effect of Fourier series expansions of exponentially modulated periodic signals. A system identification theory was then developed using modulated complex Fourier series expansion. Correlation and spectral density functions were derived using the modulated complex Fourier series expansion for linear time periodic systems. Expressions of the identified harmonic transfer function were then formulated using the spectral density functions both with and without additive noise processes at input and/or output. A procedure was developed to identify parameters of a model to match the frequency response characteristics between measured and estimated harmonic transfer functions by minimizing an objective function defined in terms of the trace of the squared frequency response error matrix. Feasibility was demonstrated by the identification of the harmonic transfer function and parameters for helicopter rigid blade flapping dynamics in forward flight. This technique is envisioned to satisfy the needs of system identification in the rotating frame, especially in the context of individual blade control. The technique was applied to the coupled flap-lag-inflow dynamics of a rigid blade excited by an active pitch link. The linear time periodic technique results were compared with the linear time invariant technique results. Also, the effect of noise processes and initial parameter guess on the identification procedure were investigated. To study the effect of elastic modes, a rigid blade with a trailing edge flap excited by a smart actuator was selected and system parameters were successfully identified, but with some expense of computational storage and time. Conclusively, the linear time periodic technique substantially improved the identified parameter accuracy compared to the linear time invariant technique. Also, the linear time periodic technique was robust to noises and initial guess of parameters. However, an elastic mode of higher frequency relative to the system pumping frequency tends to increase the computer storage requirement and computing time.

Implementation of a formulary management process.

PubMed

Karel, Lauren I; Delisle, Dennis R; Anagnostis, Ellena A; Wordell, Cindy J

2017-08-15

The application of lean methodology in an initiative to redesign the formulary maintenance process at an academic medical center is described. Maintaining a hospital formulary requires clear communication and coordination among multiple members of the pharmacy department. Using principles of lean methodology, pharmacy department personnel within a multihospital health system launched a multifaceted initiative to optimize formulary management systemwide. The ongoing initiative began with creation of a formulary maintenance redesign committee consisting of pharmacy department personnel with expertise in informatics, automation, purchasing, drug information, and clinical pharmacy services. The committee met regularly and used lean methodology to design a standardized process for management of formulary additions and deletions and changes to medications' formulary status. Through value stream analysis, opportunities for process and performance improvement were identified; staff suggestions on process streamlining were gathered during a series of departmental kaizen events. A standardized template for development and dissemination of monographs associated with formulary additions and status changes was created. In addition, a shared Web-based checklist was developed to facilitate information sharing and timely initiation and completion of tasks involved in formulary status changes, and a permanent formulary maintenance committee was established to monitor and refine the formulary management process. A clearly defined, standardized process within the pharmacy department was developed for tracking necessary steps in enacting formulary changes to encourage safe and efficient workflow. Copyright © 2017 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hydrocarbon polymeric binder for advanced solid propellant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Potts, J. E. (Editor)

1972-01-01

A series of DEAB initiated isoprene polymerizations were run in the 5-gallon stirred autoclave reactor. Polymerization run parameters such as initiator concentration and feed rate were correlated with the molecular weight to provide a basis for molecular weight control in future runs. Synthetic methods were developed for the preparation of n-1,3-alkadienes. By these methods, 1,3-nonadiene was polymerized using DEAB initiator to give an ester-telechelic polynonadiene. This was subsequently hydrogenated with copper chromite catalyst to give a hydroxyl terminated saturated liquid hydrocarbon prepolymer having greatly improved viscosity characteristics and a Tg 18 degrees lower than that of the hydrogenated polyisoprenes. The hydroxyl-telechelic saturated polymers prepared by the hydrogenolysis of ester-telechelic polyisoprene were reached with diisocyanates under conditions favoring linear chain extension gel permeation chromatography was used to monitor this condensation polymerization. Fractions having molecular weights above one million were produced.

ODM2 (Observation Data Model): The EarthChem Use Case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehnert, Kerstin; Song, Lulin; Hsu, Leslie; Horsburgh, Jeffrey S.; Aufdenkampe, Anthony K.; Mayorga, Emilio; Tarboton, David; Zaslavsky, Ilya

2014-05-01

PetDB is an online data system that was created in the late 1990's to serve online a synthesis of published geochemical and petrological data of igneous and metamorphic rocks. PetDB has today reached a volume of 2.5 million analytical values for nearly 70,000 rock samples. PetDB's data model (Lehnert et al., G-Cubed 2000) was designed to store sample-based observational data generated by the analysis of rocks, together with a wide range of metadata documenting provenance of the samples, analytical procedures, data quality, and data source. Attempts to store additional types of geochemical data such as time-series data of seafloor hydrothermal springs and volcanic gases, depth-series data for marine sediments and soils, and mineral or mineral inclusion data revealed the limitations of the schema: the inability to properly record sample hierarchies (for example, a garnet that is included in a diamond that is included in a xenolith that is included in a kimberlite rock sample), inability to properly store time-series data, inability to accommodate classification schemes other than rock lithologies, deficiencies of identifying and documenting datasets that are not part of publications. In order to overcome these deficiencies, PetDB has been developing a new data schema using the ODM2 information model (ODM=Observation Data Model). The development of ODM2 is a collaborative project that leverages the experience of several existing information representations, including PetDB and EarthChem, and the CUAHSI HIS Observations Data Model (ODM), as well as the general specification for encoding observational data called Observations and Measurements (O&M) to develop a uniform information model that seamlessly manages spatially discrete, feature-based earth observations from environmental samples and sample fractions as well as in-situ sensors, and to test its initial implementation in a variety of user scenarios. The O&M model, adopted as an international standard by the Open Geospatial Consortium, and later by ISO, is the foundation of several domain markup languages such as OGC WaterML 2, used for exchanging hydrologic time series. O&M profiles for samples and sample fractions have not been standardized yet, and there is a significant variety in sample data representations used across agencies and academic projects. The intent of the ODM2 project is to create a unified relational representation for different types of spatially discrete observational data, ensuring that the data can be efficiently stored, transferred, catalogued and queried within a variety of earth science applications. We will report on the initial design and implementation of the new model for PetDB, and results of testing the model against a set of common queries. We have explored several aspects of the model, including: semantic consistency, validation and integrity checking, portability and maintainability, query efficiency, and scalability. The sample datasets from PetDB have been loaded in the initial physical implementation for testing. The results of the experiments point to both benefits and challenges of the initial design, and illustrate the key trade-off between the generality of design, ease of interpretation, and query efficiency, especially as the system needs to scale to millions of records.

Standards-based publication and sharing of time series information in the DRIHM project: a EU-US collaboration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hooper, Richard; Zaslavsky, Ilya; Parodi, Antonio; Gochis, David; Jha, Shantenu; Whitenack, Thomas; Valentine, David; Caumont, Olivier; Dekic, Ljiljana; Ivkovic, Marija; Molini, Luca; Bedrina, Tatiana; Gijsbers, Peter J. A.; de Rooij, Erik; Rebora, Nicola

2013-04-01

To enable a plug-and-play infrastructure, the European DRIHM (Distributed Research Infrastructure for Hydro-Meteorology) project aims to develop a comprehensive data publication and sharing system presenting uniform standards-based data discovery and access interfaces for hydrometeorological data collected by DRIHM partners in several European countries. This is a challenging task due to heterogeneity in types of data being collected and organized for modeling, and different semantic and structural conventions adopted by different data publishers. To meet this goal, the DRIHM project, and its DRIHM2US extension, collaborates with the recently funded US SCIHM (Standards-based Cyberinfrastructure for HydroMeteorology) project to develop a data sharing infrastructure for time series information. We report initial results of the application of the data integrating technologies developed by the NSF-funded CUAHSI HIS (Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Data, Inc., Hydrologic Information System) project, to information collected within DRIHM. The CUAHSI HIS system has been widely used in the US; it provides access to about a hundred water data collections that can be queried via uniform web services. The DRIHM partners initially implementing the system, include the CIMA Research Foundation (Italy), the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), and the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia. The collected time series information was ingested into CUAHSI Observations Data Model databases, and water data services were created for each of the partners. At the time of writing, the water data services include SOAP and REST endpoints that provide access to the time series in WaterML 1 and WaterML 2.0 formats. The former encoding, developed by CUAHSI HIS, has been adopted by a number of federal agencies and research groups in the US, while the latter, created by an international group of experts under the aegis of the Hydrology Domain Working Group of the Open Geospatial Consortium and the World Meteorological Organization, has been recently adopted as an international standard for exchanging hydrologic data. The services are registered at the central catalog, which supports discovery of time series based on their spatio-temporal characteristics and on variable semantics. The semantics of the measurements is aligned , in the process of publication and service registration, with a set of centrally managed controlled vocabularies and a parameter vocabulary. Data from multiple collections can be discovered, accessed, visualized and analyzed using CUAHSI HydroDesktop software, or other clients that support water data service interfaces. While HydroDesktop relies on WaterML 1 format, the Delft FEWS system, maintained by a DRIHM partner Deltares, is already capable of ingesting WaterML 2.0 services, which enables interfacing WaterML 2.0-formatted streams with forecast models. Development of a consistent data sharing system is one of the first steps in realizing DRIHM objectives. Next steps include further integration of water data services with simulation models, WRF and WRF-Hydro in particular, and integrating point time series with gridded information to be used as model input. We discuss these additional steps and associated challenges, and demonstrate the complementarity and benefits of US-EU collaboration in the development of global standards-based infrastructure for hydrometeorological data.

The Nanomaterial Data Curation Initiative: A collaborative approach to assessing, evaluating, and advancing the state of the field

PubMed Central

Powers, Christina M; Hoover, Mark D; Harper, Stacey L

2015-01-01

Summary The Nanomaterial Data Curation Initiative (NDCI), a project of the National Cancer Informatics Program Nanotechnology Working Group (NCIP NanoWG), explores the critical aspect of data curation within the development of informatics approaches to understanding nanomaterial behavior. Data repositories and tools for integrating and interrogating complex nanomaterial datasets are gaining widespread interest, with multiple projects now appearing in the US and the EU. Even in these early stages of development, a single common aspect shared across all nanoinformatics resources is that data must be curated into them. Through exploration of sub-topics related to all activities necessary to enable, execute, and improve the curation process, the NDCI will provide a substantive analysis of nanomaterial data curation itself, as well as a platform for multiple other important discussions to advance the field of nanoinformatics. This article outlines the NDCI project and lays the foundation for a series of papers on nanomaterial data curation. The NDCI purpose is to: 1) present and evaluate the current state of nanomaterial data curation across the field on multiple specific data curation topics, 2) propose ways to leverage and advance progress for both individual efforts and the nanomaterial data community as a whole, and 3) provide opportunities for similar publication series on the details of the interactive needs and workflows of data customers, data creators, and data analysts. Initial responses from stakeholder liaisons throughout the nanoinformatics community reveal a shared view that it will be critical to focus on integration of datasets with specific orientation toward the purposes for which the individual resources were created, as well as the purpose for integrating multiple resources. Early acknowledgement and undertaking of complex topics such as uncertainty, reproducibility, and interoperability is proposed as an important path to addressing key challenges within the nanomaterial community, such as reducing collateral negative impacts and decreasing the time from development to market for this new class of technologies. PMID:26425427

Bayesian Analysis of Non-Gaussian Long-Range Dependent Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graves, T.; Franzke, C.; Gramacy, R. B.; Watkins, N. W.

2012-12-01

Recent studies have strongly suggested that surface temperatures exhibit long-range dependence (LRD). The presence of LRD would hamper the identification of deterministic trends and the quantification of their significance. It is well established that LRD processes exhibit stochastic trends over rather long periods of time. Thus, accurate methods for discriminating between physical processes that possess long memory and those that do not are an important adjunct to climate modeling. We have used Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms to perform a Bayesian analysis of Auto-Regressive Fractionally-Integrated Moving-Average (ARFIMA) processes, which are capable of modeling LRD. Our principal aim is to obtain inference about the long memory parameter, d,with secondary interest in the scale and location parameters. We have developed a reversible-jump method enabling us to integrate over different model forms for the short memory component. We initially assume Gaussianity, and have tested the method on both synthetic and physical time series such as the Central England Temperature. Many physical processes, for example the Faraday time series from Antarctica, are highly non-Gaussian. We have therefore extended this work by weakening the Gaussianity assumption. Specifically, we assume a symmetric α -stable distribution for the innovations. Such processes provide good, flexible, initial models for non-Gaussian processes with long memory. We will present a study of the dependence of the posterior variance σ d of the memory parameter d on the length of the time series considered. This will be compared with equivalent error diagnostics for other measures of d.

Digital map databases in support of avionic display systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trenchard, Michael E.; Lohrenz, Maura C.; Rosche, Henry, III; Wischow, Perry B.

1991-08-01

The emergence of computerized mission planning systems (MPS) and airborne digital moving map systems (DMS) has necessitated the development of a global database of raster aeronautical chart data specifically designed for input to these systems. The Naval Oceanographic and Atmospheric Research Laboratory''s (NOARL) Map Data Formatting Facility (MDFF) is presently dedicated to supporting these avionic display systems with the development of the Compressed Aeronautical Chart (CAC) database on Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CDROM) optical discs. The MDFF is also developing a series of aircraft-specific Write-Once Read Many (WORM) optical discs. NOARL has initiated a comprehensive research program aimed at improving the pilots'' moving map displays current research efforts include the development of an alternate image compression technique and generation of a standard set of color palettes. The CAC database will provide digital aeronautical chart data in six different scales. CAC is derived from the Defense Mapping Agency''s (DMA) Equal Arc-second (ARC) Digitized Raster Graphics (ADRG) a series of scanned aeronautical charts. NOARL processes ADRG to tailor the chart image resolution to that of the DMS display while reducing storage requirements through image compression techniques. CAC is being distributed by DMA as a library of CDROMs.

Worklife Improvement and Leadership Development study: a learning experience in leadership development and "planned" organizational change.

PubMed

Cummings, Greta G; Spiers, Judith A; Sharlow, Janice; Germann, Paula; Yurtseven, Ozden; Bhatti, Aslam

2013-01-01

In response to increasing recognition of the importance of quality health care work environments, the Alberta Cancer Board initiated a province-wide leadership development program to plan for organizational change through a series of stages. In 2004, the Leadership Development Initiative (LDI) was implemented to facilitate organizational learning using a cohort-based leadership intervention based on a communities of practice framework. The aim of the Worklife Improvement and Leadership Development study was to examine both the outcomes and experiences of participants of the LDI program to better understand leadership development, implementation, and its impact on worklife quality among 5 cohorts of health care managers and staff at the Alberta Cancer Board. This study used both structured survey and interview methods, using a pretest-intervention-posttest quasi-experiment without a control group design, to assess the effects of LDI on worklife of leaders and staff. Surveys included the Leadership Practices Inventory and Areas of Worklife Scale, which looked at meaningfulness of work and organizational engagement. Interviews and focus group data provided a more detailed description of the experience of leadership development and perceptions of organizational worklife. The study revealed layers of information about the complexity of individual and collective leadership in a cohort-based design, perceptions of leadership initiatives, organizational worklife, and planned organizational change. Our findings suggest that early changes in how leaders reflected on their own skills and practices (Leading Self) were positive; however, growing disengagement as the LDI continued was evident in the focus group data, particularly when change in behavior of others was not perceived to be evident. To support the effectiveness and success of a leadership initiative, managers and administrators need to implement strategies designed to help leaders grow and cope with ongoing flux of organizational change and stagnation.

Role of ribosomal protein mutations in tumor development (Review)

PubMed Central

GOUDARZI, KAVEH M.; LINDSTRÖM, MIKAEL S.

2016-01-01

Ribosomes are cellular machines essential for protein synthesis. The biogenesis of ribosomes is a highly complex and energy consuming process that initiates in the nucleolus. Recently, a series of studies applying whole-exome or whole-genome sequencing techniques have led to the discovery of ribosomal protein gene mutations in different cancer types. Mutations in ribosomal protein genes have for example been found in endometrial cancer (RPL22), T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (RPL10, RPL5 and RPL11), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (RPS15), colorectal cancer (RPS20), and glioma (RPL5). Moreover, patients suffering from Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a bone marrow failure syndrome caused by mutant ribosomal proteins are also at higher risk for developing leukemia, or solid tumors. Different experimental models indicate potential mechanisms whereby ribosomal proteins may initiate cancer development. In particular, deregulation of the p53 tumor suppressor network and altered mRNA translation are mechanisms likely to be involved. We envisage that changes in expression and the occurrence of ribosomal protein gene mutations play important roles in cancer development. Ribosome biology constitutes a re-emerging vital area of basic and translational cancer research. PMID:26892688

History of San Marco

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caporale, A. J.

1968-01-01

A brief history is reported of the first San Marco project, a joint program of the United States and Italy. The Project was a three phase effort to investigate upper air density and associated ionosphere phenomena. The initial phase included the design and development of the spacecraft, the experiments, the launch complex, and a series of suborbital flights, from Wallops Island. The second phase, consisting of designing, fabricating, and testing a spacecraft for the first orbital mission, culminated in an orbital launch also from Wallops Island. The third phase consisted of further refining the experiments and spacecraft instrumentation and of establishing a full-bore scout complex in Kenya. The launch of San Marco B, in April 1967, from this complex into an equatorial orbit, concluded the initial San Marco effort.

The dynamics of hydroponic crops for simulation studies of the CELSS initial reference configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Volk, Tyler

1992-01-01

The goal of this research is to develop a progressive series of mathematical models for the CELSS hydroponic crops. These models will systematize the experimental findings from the crop researchers in the CELSS Program into a form useful to investigate system-level considerations, for example, dynamic studies of the CELSS Initial Reference Configurations. The crop models will organize data from different crops into a common modeling framework. This is the fifth semiannual report for this project. The following topics are discussed: (1) use of field crop models to explore phasic control of CELSS crops for optimizing yield; (2) seminar presented at Purdue CELSS NSCORT; and (3) paper submitted on analysis of bioprocessing of inedible plant materials.

Improving processes of care: making changes that hit and miss.

PubMed

Stefancyk, Amanda L

2009-06-01

This is the 10th in a series of articles from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston describing one general medical unit's experiences with Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB). An initiative begun by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, TCAB was developed as a way to improve care on medical-surgical units, patients' and family members' experience of care, and teamwork among care team members and to increase nurse satisfaction and retention. Mass General is one of 68 hospitals participating in a two-year TCAB initiative led by the American Organization of Nurse Executives and funded with a grant from the RWJF. For more information on TCAB, go to www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=31512.

Pan-European stochastic flood event set

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadlec, Martin; Pinto, Joaquim G.; He, Yi; Punčochář, Petr; Kelemen, Fanni D.; Manful, Desmond; Palán, Ladislav

2017-04-01

Impact Forecasting (IF), the model development center of Aon Benfield, has been developing a large suite of catastrophe flood models on probabilistic bases for individual countries in Europe. Such natural catastrophes do not follow national boundaries: for example, the major flood in 2016 was responsible for the Europe's largest insured loss of USD3.4bn and affected Germany, France, Belgium, Austria and parts of several other countries. Reflecting such needs, IF initiated a pan-European flood event set development which combines cross-country exposures with country based loss distributions to provide more insightful data to re/insurers. Because the observed discharge data are not available across the whole Europe in sufficient quantity and quality to permit a detailed loss evaluation purposes, a top-down approach was chosen. This approach is based on simulating precipitation from a GCM/RCM model chain followed by a calculation of discharges using rainfall-runoff modelling. IF set up this project in a close collaboration with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) regarding the precipitation estimates and with University of East Anglia (UEA) in terms of the rainfall-runoff modelling. KIT's main objective is to provide high resolution daily historical and stochastic time series of key meteorological variables. A purely dynamical downscaling approach with the regional climate model COSMO-CLM (CCLM) is used to generate the historical time series, using re-analysis data as boundary conditions. The resulting time series are validated against the gridded observational dataset E-OBS, and different bias-correction methods are employed. The generation of the stochastic time series requires transfer functions between large-scale atmospheric variables and regional temperature and precipitation fields. These transfer functions are developed for the historical time series using reanalysis data as predictors and bias-corrected CCLM simulated precipitation and temperature as predictands. Finally, the transfer functions are applied to a large ensemble of GCM simulations with forcing corresponding to present day climate conditions to generate highly resolved stochastic time series of precipitation and temperature for several thousand years. These time series form the input for the rainfall-runoff model developed by the UEA team. It is a spatially distributed model adapted from the HBV model and will be calibrated for individual basins using historical discharge data. The calibrated model will be driven by the precipitation time series generated by the KIT team to simulate discharges at a daily time step. The uncertainties in the simulated discharges will be analysed using multiple model parameter sets. A number of statistical methods will be used to assess return periods, changes in the magnitudes, changes in the characteristics of floods such as time base and time to peak, and spatial correlations of large flood events. The Pan-European flood stochastic event set will permit a better view of flood risk for market applications.

Development of a Photo-Cross-Linkable Diaminoquinazoline Inhibitor for Target Identification in Plasmodium falciparum.

PubMed

Lubin, Alexandra S; Rueda-Zubiaurre, Ainoa; Matthews, Holly; Baumann, Hella; Fisher, Fabio R; Morales-Sanfrutos, Julia; Hadavizadeh, Kate S; Nardella, Flore; Tate, Edward W; Baum, Jake; Scherf, Artur; Fuchter, Matthew J

2018-04-13

Diaminoquinazolines represent a privileged scaffold for antimalarial discovery, including use as putative Plasmodium histone lysine methyltransferase inhibitors. Despite this, robust evidence for their molecular targets is lacking. Here we report the design and development of a small-molecule photo-cross-linkable probe to investigate the targets of our diaminoquinazoline series. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our designed probe for photoaffinity labeling of Plasmodium lysates and identify similarities between the target profiles of the probe and the representative diaminoquinazoline BIX-01294. Initial pull-down proteomics experiments identified 104 proteins from different classes, many of which are essential, highlighting the suitability of the developed probe as a valuable tool for target identification in Plasmodium falciparum.

Risk profile of patients developing nonunion of the clavicle and outcome of treatment--analysis of fifty five nonunions in seven hundred and twenty nine consecutive fractures.

PubMed

Ban, Ilija; Troelsen, Anders

2016-03-01

The most common complication following treatment of a clavicle fracture is nonunion. Most nonunions are symptomatic and treatment is mostly operative. The aim of this study was to describe risk profiles of patients developing nonunion and what outcome is observed following operative treatment of clavicle nonunions. In a consecutive series of 729 clavicle fractures we retrospectively identified 55 that developed nonunion (49 diaphysial and six lateral). All were treated operatively by reconstruction with (n = 28) or without (n = 27) autologous bone graft. Assessment of functionality and patient reported satisfaction and remission of symptoms was done a minimum of six months post-operatively by mail. Response rate was 60%. The overall nonunion rate was 7.5%. Nine nonunions were initially treated operatively. Risk factors associated with nonunion of our series was anatomic site, fracture complexity, female gender, smoking habits and initial treatment. A total of eight post-operative complications were found. Remission of symptoms was reported by 29 of the 33. Outright satisfaction with current shoulder condition was reported by 24. The overall median DASH was 8 (range 0-61). Following revision of the eight complications a total of 53 united successfully. Operative treatment of a clavicular nonunion seems to be effective as most patients unite and experience remission of symptoms. However, complications in close to 15% and lack of satisfaction of approximately 27% have to be acknowledged and thoroughly explained to the patient prior to treatment.

Development of dihydropyridone indazole amides as selective Rho-kinase inhibitors.

PubMed

Goodman, Krista B; Cui, Haifeng; Dowdell, Sarah E; Gaitanopoulos, Dimitri E; Ivy, Robert L; Sehon, Clark A; Stavenger, Robert A; Wang, Gren Z; Viet, Andrew Q; Xu, Weiwei; Ye, Guosen; Semus, Simon F; Evans, Christopher; Fries, Harvey E; Jolivette, Larry J; Kirkpatrick, Robert B; Dul, Edward; Khandekar, Sanjay S; Yi, Tracey; Jung, David K; Wright, Lois L; Smith, Gary K; Behm, David J; Bentley, Ross; Doe, Christopher P; Hu, Erding; Lee, Dennis

2007-01-11

Rho kinase (ROCK1) mediates vascular smooth muscle contraction and is a potential target for the treatment of hypertension and related disorders. Indazole amide 3 was identified as a potent and selective ROCK1 inhibitor but possessed poor oral bioavailability. Optimization of this lead resulted in the discovery of a series of dihydropyridones, exemplified by 13, with improved pharmacokinetic parameters relative to the initial lead. Indazole substitution played a critical role in decreasing clearance and improving oral bioavailability.

Delayed diagnosis of a pseudoaneurysm with recurrent hemarthrosis of the knee joint.

PubMed

Becher, Christoph; Burger, Ulrike L; Allenberg, Jens R; Kaufmann, Guenter W; Thermann, Hajo

2008-06-01

This is a case report of recurrent hemarthrosis of the knee joint over 3 months. The patient, a 47-year-old male had three arthroscopic procedures with multiple joint punctures over a 3-month-period prior to our initial consultation. The first procedure (arthroscopic synovectomy) was done for suspected infection following a series of hyaluronic acid injections. Recurrent hemarthrosis developed subsequent to this. Upon further evaluation, a pseudoaneurysm of the superior middle genicular artery was detected and successfully treated with selective angiographic embolization.

Pendulum Shifts, Context, Error, and Personal Accountability

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

Harold Blackman; Oren Hester

This paper describes a series of tools that were developed to achieve a balance in under-standing LOWs and the human component of events (including accountability) as the INL continues its shift to a learning culture where people report, are accountable and interested in making a positive difference - and want to report because information is handled correctly and the result benefits both the reporting individual and the organization. We present our model for understanding these interrelationships; the initiatives that were undertaken to improve overall performance.

NASA Langley Airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar Instrument Description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harper, David B.; Cook, Anthony; Hostetler, Chris; Hair, John W.; Mack, Terry L.

2006-01-01

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) recently developed the LaRC Airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) to make measurements of aerosol and cloud distribution and optical properties. The Airborne HSRL has undergone as series of test flights and was successfully deployed on the Megacity Initiative: Local and Global Research Observations (MILAGRO) field mission in March 2006 (see Hair et al. in these proceedings). This paper provides an overview of the design of the Airborne HSRL and descriptions of some key subsystems unique to this instrument.

Decreased Expression of the Early Mitotic Gene, CHFR, Contributes to the Acquisition of Breast Cancer Phenotypes

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

immortalization with the human papilloma virus (HPV) E6 and E7 proteins, which had decreased CHFR expression by RNAi did not have an altered apoptotic response...septation initiation network (SIN). Dev Cell 2002; 3:779–90. 40. Band V, Zajchowski D, Kulesa V, Sager R. Human papilloma virus DNAs immortalize normal... papilloma virus (HPV)–immortalized series of nontumorigenic mammary cell lines were developed and provided by S.P. Ethier, Karmanos Cancer Institute

Success in Science, Success in Collaboration

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

Johnston, Mariann R.

2016-08-25

This is a series of four different scientific problems which were resolved through collaborations. They are: "Better flow cytometry through novel focusing technology", "Take Off ®: Helping the Agriculture Industry Improve the Viability of Sustainable, Large-Production Crops", "The National Institutes of Health's Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS)", and "Expanding the capabilities of SOLVE/RESOLVE through the PHENIX Consortium." For each one, the problem is listed, the solution, advantages, bottom line, then information about the collaboration including: developing the technology, initial success, and continued success.

Tuning the redox potential of vitamin K3 derivatives by oxidative functionalization using a Ag(i)/GO catalyst.

PubMed

El-Hout, S I; Suzuki, H; El-Sheikh, S M; Hassan, H M A; Harraz, F A; Ibrahim, I A; El-Sharkawy, E A; Tsujimura, S; Holzinger, M; Nishina, Y

2017-08-03

We propose herein initial results to develop optimum redox mediators by the combination of computational simulation and catalytic functionalization of the core structure of vitamin K 3 . We aim to correlate the calculated energy value of the LUMO of different vitamin K 3 derivatives with their actual redox potential. For this, we optimized the catalytic alkylation of 1,4-naphthoquinones with a designed Ag(i)/GO catalyst and synthesized a series of molecules.

Leading change: 2--planning.

PubMed

Kerridge, Joanna

National initiatives have outlined the importance of involving frontline staff in service improvement, and the ability to influence and manage change has been identified as an essential skill for delivering new models of care. Nurses often have to take the lead in managing change in clinical practice. The second in a three-part series is designed to help nurses at all levels develop the knowledge and skills to function as change agents within their organisations. This article focuses on planning the change and dealing with resistance.

Mixing, Combustion, and Other Interface Dominated Flows; Paragraphs 3.2.1 A, B, C and 3.2.2 A

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-09

Condensed Matter Physics , (12 2010): 43401. doi: H. Lim, Y. Yu, J. Glimm, X. L. Li, D.H. Sharp. Subgrid Models for Mass and Thermal Diffusion in...zone and a series of radial cracks in solid plates hit by high velocity projectiles). • Only 2D dimensional models • Serial codes for running on single ...exter- nal parallel packages TAO and Global Arrays, developed within DOE high performance computing initiatives. A Schwartz-type overlapping domain

Error analysis of Dobson spectrophotometer measurements of the total ozone content

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holland, A. C.; Thomas, R. W. L.

1975-01-01

A study of techniques for measuring atmospheric ozone is reported. This study represents the second phase of a program designed to improve techniques for the measurement of atmospheric ozone. This phase of the program studied the sensitivity of Dobson direct sun measurements and the ozone amounts inferred from those measurements to variation in the atmospheric temperature profile. The study used the plane - parallel Monte-Carlo model developed and tested under the initial phase of this program, and a series of standard model atmospheres.

Transportation Energy Futures Series: Vehicle Technology Deployment Pathways: An Examination of Timing and Investment Constraints

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

Plotkin, S.; Stephens, T.; McManus, W.

2013-03-01

Scenarios of new vehicle technology deployment serve various purposes; some will seek to establish plausibility. This report proposes two reality checks for scenarios: (1) implications of manufacturing constraints on timing of vehicle deployment and (2) investment decisions required to bring new vehicle technologies to market. An estimated timeline of 12 to more than 22 years from initial market introduction to saturation is supported by historical examples and based on the product development process. Researchers also consider the series of investment decisions to develop and build the vehicles and their associated fueling infrastructure. A proposed decision tree analysis structure could bemore » used to systematically examine investors' decisions and the potential outcomes, including consideration of cash flow and return on investment. This method requires data or assumptions about capital cost, variable cost, revenue, timing, and probability of success/failure, and would result in a detailed consideration of the value proposition of large investments and long lead times. This is one of a series of reports produced as a result of the Transportation Energy Futures (TEF) project, a Department of Energy-sponsored multi-agency effort to pinpoint underexplored strategies for abating GHGs and reducing petroleum dependence related to transportation.« less

Transportation Energy Futures Series. Vehicle Technology Deployment Pathways. An Examination of Timing and Investment Constraints

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

Plotkin, Steve; Stephens, Thomas; McManus, Walter

2013-03-01

Scenarios of new vehicle technology deployment serve various purposes; some will seek to establish plausibility. This report proposes two reality checks for scenarios: (1) implications of manufacturing constraints on timing of vehicle deployment and (2) investment decisions required to bring new vehicle technologies to market. An estimated timeline of 12 to more than 22 years from initial market introduction to saturation is supported by historical examples and based on the product development process. Researchers also consider the series of investment decisions to develop and build the vehicles and their associated fueling infrastructure. A proposed decision tree analysis structure could bemore » used to systematically examine investors' decisions and the potential outcomes, including consideration of cash flow and return on investment. This method requires data or assumptions about capital cost, variable cost, revenue, timing, and probability of success/failure, and would result in a detailed consideration of the value proposition of large investments and long lead times. This is one of a series of reports produced as a result of the Transportation Energy Futures (TEF) project, a Department of Energy-sponsored multi-agency effort to pinpoint underexplored strategies for abating GHGs and reducing petroleum dependence related to transportation.« less

GEOSAT Follow-On (GFO) Altimeter Document Series, Volume 9. GFO and JASON Altimeter Engineering Assessment Report Update: GFO-Acceptance to December 18, 2006, JASON-Acceptance to December 24, 2006. Version 1: June 2007

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayne, G. S.; Hancock, D. W., III; Brooks, R. L.

2007-01-01

The initial GFO Altimeter Engineering Assessment Report, March 2001 (NASA/TM-2001-209984/Ver.1/Vol.1) covered the GFO performance from Launch to Acceptance (10 February 1998 to 29 November 2000). The second of the series covered the performance from Acceptance to the end of Cycle 20 (29 November 2000 to 21 November 2001). The third of the series covered the performance from Acceptance to the end of Cycle 42 (29 November 2000 to 30 November 2002). The fourth of the series covered the performance from Acceptance to the end of Cycle 64 (29 November 2000 to 17 December 2003). The fifth of the series covered performance from Acceptance to the end of Cycle 86 (29 November 2000 to 17 December 2004). The sixth of the series covered performance from Acceptance to the end of Cycle 109 (29 November 2000 to 26 December 2005). In this year's GFO report, we have begun the inclusion of analyses of the JASON altimeter. In past years, JASON and TOPEX were compared during our assessment of the TOPEX altimeter; however, with the end of the TOPEX mission, we have developed methods to report on JASON as it relates to GFO. We see no change trend between the three altimeters and conclude all three are stable based on our cross comparison analyses.

Post-traumatic syringomyelia refractory to surgical intervention: a series of cases on recurrent syringomyelia.

PubMed

Leahy, H P; Beckley, A A; Formal, C S; Fried, G W

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to analyze a series of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with a diagnosis of syrinx who had recurrence of symptomatic syrinx following surgical intervention. This is a patient series. The study was conducted in an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility. Participants included patients ( N =6) with post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) who had recurrent syrinx despite surgical repair. Not applicable. The main outcome measures were time period between injury and clinical manifestations of syringomyelia, time to recurrence and presenting symptoms. Among the six patients, there is great variability between time of the initial SCI and the development of syrinx. In terms of time periods between diagnosis of syrinx and recurrence of syrinx, there is also some variability (ranging from 6 to 936 weeks). The median length of time to recurrence was 104 weeks. In all cases, the presenting symptom was ultimately weakness, and in most cases it was associated with rising sensory deficits. Notably, all patients were male, aged 31-55 years, had suffered diffuse traumatic SCI and four of six patients lost the ability to ambulate because of syrinx formation. This series suggests that there may be risk factors for developing post-traumatic syringomyelia. We question whether there is a relationship between American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade and recurrence of PTS. We need to look closely at these patients to see whether there are modifiable risk factors that may minimize their chance of developing PTS. Once these are identified, there may be a role in routine screening of all patients and particularly those who may be at an increased risk for PTS to avoid loss of ambulatory function.

Mapping Impervious Surface Expansion using Medium-resolution Satellite Image Time Series: A Case Study in the Yangtze River Delta, China

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gao, Feng; DeColstoun, Eric Brown; Ma, Ronghua; Weng, Qihao; Masek, Jeffrey G.; Chen, Jin; Pan, Yaozhong; Song, Conghe

2012-01-01

Cities have been expanding rapidly worldwide, especially over the past few decades. Mapping the dynamic expansion of impervious surface in both space and time is essential for an improved understanding of the urbanization process, land-cover and land-use change, and their impacts on the environment. Landsat and other medium-resolution satellites provide the necessary spatial details and temporal frequency for mapping impervious surface expansion over the past four decades. Since the US Geological Survey opened the historical record of the Landsat image archive for free access in 2008, the decades-old bottleneck of data limitation has gone. Remote-sensing scientists are now rich with data, and the challenge is how to make best use of this precious resource. In this article, we develop an efficient algorithm to map the continuous expansion of impervious surface using a time series of four decades of medium-resolution satellite images. The algorithm is based on a supervised classification of the time-series image stack using a decision tree. Each imerpervious class represents urbanization starting in a different image. The algorithm also allows us to remove inconsistent training samples because impervious expansion is not reversible during the study period. The objective is to extract a time series of complete and consistent impervious surface maps from a corresponding times series of images collected from multiple sensors, and with a minimal amount of image preprocessing effort. The approach was tested in the lower Yangtze River Delta region, one of the fastest urban growth areas in China. Results from nearly four decades of medium-resolution satellite data from the Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS), Thematic Mapper (TM), Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) and China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) show a consistent urbanization process that is consistent with economic development plans and policies. The time-series impervious spatial extent maps derived from this study agree well with an existing urban extent polygon data set that was previously developed independently. The overall mapping accuracy was estimated at about 92.5% with 3% commission error and 12% omission error for the impervious type from all images regardless of image quality and initial spatial resolution.

Focusing on the Whole Student: An Evaluation of Massachusetts's Wraparound Zone Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gandhi, Allison Gruner; Slama, Rachel; Park, So Jung; Russo, Patrick; Winner, Kendra; Bzura, Robin; Jones, Wehmah; Williamson, Sandra

2018-01-01

We used a comparative interrupted time series design to examine the impact of the Massachusetts' Wraparound Zone Initiative on student achievement, attendance, retention, and suspension. This initiative was designed to create coordinated district systems that allow schools to proactively and systematically address students' nonacademic needs. The…

Strategic Defense Initiative: Splendid Defense or Pipe Dream? Headline Series No. 275.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Armstrong, Scott; Grier, Peter

This pamphlet presents a discussion of the various components of President Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) including the problem of pulling together various new technologies into an effective defensive system and the politics of the so-called "star wars" system. An important part of the defense initiative is the…

Promising Practices in Citywide Afterschool Initiatives. CityWorks: Focus on Infrastructure.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, Georgia

This brief is the first in a series featuring promising practices in city-wide after-school initiatives, with a focus at the infrastructure level, focusing on the infrastructure representing the underlying elements or framework that hold a system or initiative together. The brief identifies practices to support the public relations function and…

Predicting Flood in Perlis Using Ant Colony Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadia Sabri, Syaidatul; Saian, Rizauddin

2017-06-01

Flood forecasting is widely being studied in order to reduce the effect of flood such as loss of property, loss of life and contamination of water supply. Usually flood occurs due to continuous heavy rainfall. This study used a variant of Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm named the Ant-Miner to develop the classification prediction model to predict flood. However, since Ant-Miner only accept discrete data, while rainfall data is a time series data, a pre-processing steps is needed to discretize the rainfall data initially. This study used a technique called the Symbolic Aggregate Approximation (SAX) to convert the rainfall time series data into discrete data. As an addition, Simple K-Means algorithm was used to cluster the data produced by SAX. The findings show that the predictive accuracy of the classification prediction model is more than 80%.

Proposal for a United Nations Basic Space Technology Initiative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balogh, Werner

Putting space technology and its applications to work for sustainable economic and social development is the primary objective of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications, launched in 1971. A specific goal for achieving this objective is to establish a sustainable national space capacity. The traditional line of thinking has supported a logical progression from building capacity in basic space science, to using space applications and finally - possibly - to establishing indigenous space technology capabilities. The experience in some countries suggests that such a strict line of progression does not necessarily hold true and that priority given to the establishment of early indigenous space technology capabilities may contribute to promoting the operational use of space applications in support of sustainable economic and social development. Based on these findings and on the experiences with the United Nations Basic Space Science Initiative (UNBSSI) as well as on a series of United Nations/International Academy of Astronautics Workshops on Small Satellites in the Service of Developing Countries, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is considering the launch of a dedicated United Nations Basic Space Technology Initiative (UNBSTI). The initiative would aim to contribute to capacity building in basic space technology and could include, among other relevant fields, activities related to the space and ground segments of small satellites and their applications. It would also provide an international framework for enhancing cooperation between all interested actors, facilitate the exchange of information on best practices, and contribute to standardization efforts. It is expected that these activities would advance the operational use of space technology and its applications in an increasing number of space-using countries and emerging space nations. The paper reports on these initial considerations and on the potential value-adding role the United Nations could play with such an initiative.

Differential uptake of recent Papanicolaou testing by HPV vaccination status among young women in the United States, 2008-2013.

PubMed

Sauer, Ann Goding; Jemal, Ahmedin; Simard, Edgar P; Fedewa, Stacey A

2015-08-01

A positive association between recent Papanicolaou (Pap) test uptake and initiation of HPV vaccination among U.S. women has been reported. However, it is unknown whether recent Pap testing by HPV vaccination status varies by race/ethnicity. Discerning racial/ethnic variations is important given the higher prevalence of HPV types other than 16 and 18 in some racial/ethnic groups. We assessed whether uptake of recent Pap testing differed among women aged 21-30 years who had not initiated the HPV vaccination series versus those who had and whether this pattern differed by sociodemographic factors. 2008, 2010, and 2013 National Health Interview Survey data were used to generate weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (n=7095). Adjusted predicted marginal models were used to generate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) to assess the relationship between recent Pap test uptake and HPV vaccination series initiation by race/ethnicity. The uptake of recent Pap testing among those who had not initiated the HPV vaccination series was significantly lower (81.0%) compared to those who had initiated vaccination (90.5%) (aPR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.90-0.96). This finding was consistent across most sociodemographic factors, though not statistically significant for Blacks, Hispanics, those with lower levels of education, or those with higher levels of income. Young women who had not initiated HPV vaccination were less likely to have had a recent Pap test compared to women who had initiated vaccination. Concerted efforts are needed to increase uptake of recommended cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination among young women. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Promotora outreach, education and navigation support for HPV vaccination to Hispanic women with unvaccinated daughters

PubMed Central

Parra-Medina, Deborah; Morales-Campos, Daisy Y.; Mojica, Cynthia; Ramirez, Amelie G.

2015-01-01

Background Cervical cancer disparities persist in the predominantly Hispanic population of South Texas, and Hispanic girls are less likely to initiate and complete the three-dose HPV vaccine series. Culturally relevant interventions are needed to eliminate these disparities and improve HPV vaccine initiation and completion. Subjects We enrolled 372 Hispanic women from South Texas’ Cameron and Hidalgo counties with a daughter aged 11–17 who had not received HPV vaccine. Intervention All participants received an HPV vaccine educational brochure in their preferred language (English or Spanish) and were invited to participate in the Entre Madre e Hija (EMH) program, a culturally relevant cervical cancer prevention program. EMH participants (n= 257) received group health education, referral and navigation support from a promotora (a trained, culturally competent community health worker). Those who declined participation in EMH received the brochure only (n=115). Results Eighty-four percent of enrolled participants initiated the HPV vaccine, and no differences were observed between EMH program and brochure-only participants. Compared to brochure-only participants, EMH participants were more likely to complete the vaccine series [Adj. OR=2.24, 95% CI (1.25, 4.02)]. In addition, participants who were employed and insured had lower odds of completing the vaccine series [Adj. OR=.45, 95% CI (.21 – .96); Adj. OR=.36, 95% CI (.13 – .98), respectively]. Conclusion All enrolled participants had high vaccine initiation rates (>80%); however, EMH program participants were more likely to complete the vaccine series. HPV vaccine promotion efforts that include referral and navigation support in addition to education show promise. PMID:24898942

Divergent series and memory of the initial condition in the long-time solution of some anomalous diffusion problems.

PubMed

Yuste, S Bravo; Borrego, R; Abad, E

2010-02-01

We consider various anomalous d -dimensional diffusion problems in the presence of an absorbing boundary with radial symmetry. The motion of particles is described by a fractional diffusion equation. Their mean-square displacement is given by r(2) proportional, variant t(gamma)(00 , the emergence of such series in the long-time domain is a specific feature of subdiffusion problems. We present a method to regularize such series, and, in some cases, validate the procedure by using alternative techniques (Laplace transform method and numerical simulations). In the normal diffusion case, we find that the signature of the initial condition on the approach to the steady state rapidly fades away and the solution approaches a single (the main) decay mode in the long-time regime. In remarkable contrast, long-time memory of the initial condition is present in the subdiffusive case as the spatial part Psi1(r) describing the long-time decay of the solution to the steady state is determined by a weighted superposition of all spatial modes characteristic of the normal diffusion problem, the weight being dependent on the initial condition. Interestingly, Psi1(r) turns out to be independent of the anomalous diffusion exponent gamma .

Summary of CPAS Gen II Parachute Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, Aaron L.; Bledsoe, Kristin J.; Fraire, Usbaldo, Jr.; Moore, James W.; Olson, Leah M.; Ray, Eric

2011-01-01

The Orion spacecraft is currently under development by NASA and Lockheed Martin. Like Apollo, Orion will use a series of parachutes to slow its descent and splashdown safely. The Orion parachute system, known as the CEV Parachute Assembly System (CPAS), is being designed by NASA, the Engineering and Science Contract Group (ESCG), and Airborne Systems. The first generation (Gen I) of CPAS testing consisted of thirteen tests and was executed in the 2007-2008 timeframe. The Gen I tests provided an initial understanding of the CPAS parachutes. Knowledge gained from Gen I testing was used to plan the second generation of testing (Gen II). Gen II consisted of six tests: three singleparachute tests, designated as Main Development Tests, and three Cluster Development Tests. Gen II required a more thorough investigation into parachute performance than Gen I. Higher fidelity instrumentation, enhanced analysis methods and tools, and advanced test techniques were developed. The results of the Gen II test series are being incorporated into the CPAS design. Further testing and refinement of the design and model of parachute performance will occur during the upcoming third generation of testing (Gen III). This paper will provide an overview of the developments in CPAS analysis following the end of Gen I, including descriptions of new tools and techniques as well as overviews of the Gen II tests.

Documentation of a spreadsheet for time-series analysis and drawdown estimation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Halford, Keith J.

2006-01-01

Drawdowns during aquifer tests can be obscured by barometric pressure changes, earth tides, regional pumping, and recharge events in the water-level record. These stresses can create water-level fluctuations that should be removed from observed water levels prior to estimating drawdowns. Simple models have been developed for estimating unpumped water levels during aquifer tests that are referred to as synthetic water levels. These models sum multiple time series such as barometric pressure, tidal potential, and background water levels to simulate non-pumping water levels. The amplitude and phase of each time series are adjusted so that synthetic water levels match measured water levels during periods unaffected by an aquifer test. Differences between synthetic and measured water levels are minimized with a sum-of-squares objective function. Root-mean-square errors during fitting and prediction periods were compared multiple times at four geographically diverse sites. Prediction error equaled fitting error when fitting periods were greater than or equal to four times prediction periods. The proposed drawdown estimation approach has been implemented in a spreadsheet application. Measured time series are independent so that collection frequencies can differ and sampling times can be asynchronous. Time series can be viewed selectively and magnified easily. Fitting and prediction periods can be defined graphically or entered directly. Synthetic water levels for each observation well are created with earth tides, measured time series, moving averages of time series, and differences between measured and moving averages of time series. Selected series and fitting parameters for synthetic water levels are stored and drawdowns are estimated for prediction periods. Drawdowns can be viewed independently and adjusted visually if an anomaly skews initial drawdowns away from 0. The number of observations in a drawdown time series can be reduced by averaging across user-defined periods. Raw or reduced drawdown estimates can be copied from the spreadsheet application or written to tab-delimited ASCII files.

Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) Development for NASA RPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, Wayne A.; Wilson, Scott; Collins, Josh

2014-01-01

Sunpower's Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) initiated development under contract to the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) and after a series of successful demonstrations, the ASC began transitioning from a technology development project to flight development project. The ASC has very high power conversion efficiency making it attractive for future Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) in order to make best use of the low plutonium-238 fuel inventory in the U.S. In recent years, the ASC became part of the NASA-Department of Energy Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) Integrated Project. Sunpower held two parallel contracts to produce ASC convertors, one with the Department of Energy/Lockheed Martin to produce the ASC-F flight convertors, and one with NASA GRC for the production of ASC-E3 engineering units, the initial units of which served as production pathfinders. The integrated ASC technical team successfully overcame various technical challenges that led to the completion and delivery of the first two pairs of flight-like ASC-E3 by 2013. However, in late Fall 2013, the DOE initiated termination of the Lockheed Martin ASRG flight development contract driven primarily by budget constraints. NASA continues to recognize the importance of high efficiency ASC power conversion for RPS and continues investment in the technology including the continuation of ASC-E3 production at Sunpower and the assembly of the ASRG Engineering Unit #2. This paper provides a summary of ASC technical accomplishments, overview of tests at GRC, plans for continued ASC production at Sunpower, and status of Stirling technology development.

Extension of Ostwald Ripening Theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baird, J.; Naumann, R.

1985-01-01

The objective is to develop models based on the mean field approximation of Ostwald ripening to describe the growth of second phase droplets or crystallites. The models will include time variations in nucleation rate, control of saturation through addition of solute, precipitating agents, changes in temperature, and various surface kinetic effects. Numerical integration schemes have been developed and tested against the asymptotic solution of Liftshitz, Slyozov and Wagner (LSW). A second attractor (in addition to the LSW distribution) has been found and, contrary to the LSW theory, the final distribution is dependent on the initial distribution. A series of microgravity experiments is being planned to test this and other results from this work.

Screening strategies to identify new chemical diversity for drug development to treat kinetoplastid infections.

PubMed

Don, Rob; Ioset, Jean-Robert

2014-01-01

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) has defined and implemented an early discovery strategy over the last few years, in fitting with its virtual R&D business model. This strategy relies on a medium- to high-throughput phenotypic assay platform to expedite the screening of compound libraries accessed through its collaborations with partners from the pharmaceutical industry. We review the pragmatic approaches used to select compound libraries for screening against kinetoplastids, taking into account screening capacity. The advantages, limitations and current achievements in identifying new quality series for further development into preclinical candidates are critically discussed, together with attractive new approaches currently under investigation.

A Fundamental Breakdown. Part II: Manipulative Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Townsend, J. Scott; Mohr, Derek J.

2005-01-01

In the May, 2005, issue of "TEPE," the "Research to Practice" section initiated a two-part series focused on assessing fundamental locomotor and manipulative skills. The series was generated in response to research by Pappa, Evanggelinou, & Karabourniotis (2005), recommending that curricular programming in physical education at the elementary…

Science & Engineering Indicators--1989.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Science Foundation, Washington, DC. National Science Board.

This volume is the ninth in the biennial "Science Indicators" series initiated by the National Science Board. The series provides a broad base of quantitative information about the structure and function of United States science and technology and comparisons with other advanced industrial countries. An overview of science and technology…

Research Strategies for Nutritional and Physical Activity Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention

Cancer.gov

In response to a series of controversial articles about nutritional epidemiology and cancer published in 2014, staff from the Environmental Epidemiology Branch initiated a series of meetings to refine programmatic priorities for human nutrition/physical activity and cancer etiology research in the near term.

UNESCO’s New Earth Science Education Initiative for Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Missotten, R.; Gaines, S. M.; de Mulder, E. F.

2009-12-01

The United Nations Education Science Culture and Communication Organization (UNESCO) has recently launched a new Earth Science Education Initiative in Africa. The overall intention of this Initiative is to support the development of the next generation of earth scientists in Africa who are equipped with the necessary tools, networks and perspectives to apply sound science to solving and benefiting from the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development. The opportunities in the earth sciences are great, starting with traditional mineral extraction and extending into environmental management such as climate change adaptation, prevention of natural hazards, and ensuring access to drinking water. The Earth Science Education Initiative has received strong support from many different types of partners. Potential partners have indicated an interest to participate as organizational partners, content providers, relevant academic institutes, and funders. Organizational partners now include the Geological Society of Africa (GSAf), International Center for Training and Exchanges in the Geosciences (CIFEG), Association of African Women Geoscientists (AAWG), International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE), and International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). The activities and focus of the Initiative within the overall intention is being developed in a participatory manner through a series of five regional workshops in Africa. The objective of these workshops is to assess regional capacities and needs in earth science education, research and industry underlining existing centers of excellence through conversation with relevant regional and international experts and plotting the way ahead for earth science education. This talk will provide an update on the outcomes of the first three workshops which have taken place in Luanda, Angola; Assiut, Egypt; and Cape Town; South Africa.

Sexual Risk Behavior in Young Adulthood: Broadening the Scope Beyond Early Sexual Initiation

PubMed Central

Epstein, Marina; Bailey, Jennifer A.; Manhart, Lisa E.; Hill, Karl G.; Hawkins, J. David

2013-01-01

A robust link between early sexual initiation and sexual risk-taking behavior is reported in previous studies. The relationship may not be causal, however, as the effect of common risk factors is often not considered. The current study examined whether early initiation is a key predictor of risky sexual behavior in the 20s and 30s, over and above co-occurring individual and environmental factors. Data were drawn from the Seattle Social Development Project, a longitudinal panel of 808 youth. Early predictors (ages 10–15) and sexual risk-taking (ages 21–24 and 30–33) were assessed prospectively. Early sexual initiation (before age 15) was entered into a series of probit regressions that also included family, neighborhood, peer, and individual risk factors. Although a positive bivariate relation between early sexual initiation and sexual risk-taking was observed at both ages, the link did not persist when co-occurring risk factors were included. Behavioral disinhibition and antisocial peer influences emerged as the strongest predictors of sexual risk over and above early sexual initiation. These results suggest that early sexual initiation must be considered in the context of common antecedents; public health policy aimed at delaying sexual intercourse alone is unlikely to substantially reduce sexual risk behavior in young adulthood. PMID:24423058

DEM study of fabric features governing undrained post-liquefaction shear deformation of sand

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

Wang, Rui; Fu, Pengcheng; Zhang, Jian-Min

In an effort to study undrained post-liquefaction shear deformation of sand, the discrete element method (DEM) is adopted to conduct undrained cyclic biaxial compression simulations on granular assemblies consisting of 2D circular particles. The simulations are able to successfully reproduce the generation and eventual saturation of shear strain through the series of liquefaction states that the material experiences during cyclic loading after the initial liquefaction. Also, DEM simulations with different deviatoric stress amplitudes and initial mean effective stresses on samples with different void ratios and loading histories are carried out to investigate the relationship between various mechanics- or fabric-related variablesmore » and post-liquefaction shear strain development. It is found that well-known metrics such as deviatoric stress amplitude, initial mean effective stress, void ratio, contact normal fabric anisotropy intensity, and coordination number, are not adequately correlated to the observed shear strain development and, therefore, could not possibly be used for its prediction. A new fabric entity, namely the Mean Neighboring Particle Distance (MNPD), is introduced to reflect the space arrangement of particles. It is found that the MNPD has an extremely strong and definitive relationship with the post-liquefaction shear strain development, showing MNPD’s potential role as a parameter governing post-liquefaction behavior of sand.« less

DEM study of fabric features governing undrained post-liquefaction shear deformation of sand

DOE PAGES

Wang, Rui; Fu, Pengcheng; Zhang, Jian-Min; ...

2016-10-05

In an effort to study undrained post-liquefaction shear deformation of sand, the discrete element method (DEM) is adopted to conduct undrained cyclic biaxial compression simulations on granular assemblies consisting of 2D circular particles. The simulations are able to successfully reproduce the generation and eventual saturation of shear strain through the series of liquefaction states that the material experiences during cyclic loading after the initial liquefaction. Also, DEM simulations with different deviatoric stress amplitudes and initial mean effective stresses on samples with different void ratios and loading histories are carried out to investigate the relationship between various mechanics- or fabric-related variablesmore » and post-liquefaction shear strain development. It is found that well-known metrics such as deviatoric stress amplitude, initial mean effective stress, void ratio, contact normal fabric anisotropy intensity, and coordination number, are not adequately correlated to the observed shear strain development and, therefore, could not possibly be used for its prediction. A new fabric entity, namely the Mean Neighboring Particle Distance (MNPD), is introduced to reflect the space arrangement of particles. It is found that the MNPD has an extremely strong and definitive relationship with the post-liquefaction shear strain development, showing MNPD’s potential role as a parameter governing post-liquefaction behavior of sand.« less

Series: Clinical Epidemiology in South Africa. Paper 1: Evidence-based health care and policy in Africa: past, present, and future.

PubMed

Young, Taryn; Garner, Paul; Clarke, Mike; Volmink, Jimmy

2017-03-01

Africa has high disease burden and health system challenges but is making progress in recognizing, accepting, and adopting evidence-based health care (EBHC). In this article, we reflect on the developments of the past 2 decades and consider further steps that will help with the translation of reliable research results into the decision making process. There has been a rapid growth in various initiatives to promote EBHC in the African region. These include the conduct and reporting of primary and secondary research, research capacity development and supportive initiatives, access to information, and work with decision makers in getting research into clinical guidelines and health policies. Much, however, still needs to be done to improve the impact on health in the region. A multipronged approach consisting of regionally relevant well-conducted research addressing priority health problems, increased uptake of research in health care policy and practice, dedicated capacity development initiatives to support the conduct as well as use of research, facilitated by wider collaboration, and equitable partnerships will be important. Working together in mutually supporting partnerships is key to advancing both evidence-informed health care practices and better health. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

75 FR 38078 - Manufacturing and Services' Manufacture America Initiative and Events

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-01

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Manufacturing and Services' Manufacture America Initiative and Events ACTION: Notice of series of regional events and supportive resources to promote growth and retooling in manufacturing. SUMMARY: The International Trade Administration's...

GEOSAT Follow-On (GFO) Altimeter Document Series, Volume 8: GFO Altimeter Engineering Assessment Report Update:The First 109 Cycles Since Acceptance November 29, 2000 to December 26, 2005. Version 1, Volume 8

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conger, A. M.; Hancock, D. W., III; Hayne, G. S.; Brooks, R. L.

2006-01-01

The purpose of this document is to present and document GFO performance analyses and results. This is the fifth Assessment Report since the initial report. This report extends the performance assessment since acceptance to 26 December 2005. The initial GFO Altimeter Engineering Assessment Report, March 2001 (NASA/TM-2001-209984/Ver.1/Vol.1) covered the GFO performance from Launch to Acceptance (10 February 1998 to 29 November 2000). The second of the series covered the performance from Acceptance to the end of Cycle 20 (29 November 2000 to 21 November 2001). The third of the series covered the performance from Acceptance to the end of Cycle 42 (29 November 2000 to 30 November 2002). The fourth of the series covered the performance from Acceptance to the end of Cycle 64 (29 November 2000 to 17 December 2003). The fifth of the series covered performance from Acceptance to the end of Cycle 86 (29 November 2000 to 17 December 2004). Since launch, we have performed a variety of GFO performance studies; an accumulative index of those studies is provided in Appendix A.

Solving ODE Initial Value Problems With Implicit Taylor Series Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, James R.

2000-01-01

In this paper we introduce a new class of numerical methods for integrating ODE initial value problems. Specifically, we propose an extension of the Taylor series method which significantly improves its accuracy and stability while also increasing its range of applicability. To advance the solution from t (sub n) to t (sub n+1), we expand a series about the intermediate point t (sub n+mu):=t (sub n) + mu h, where h is the stepsize and mu is an arbitrary parameter called an expansion coefficient. We show that, in general, a Taylor series of degree k has exactly k expansion coefficients which raise its order of accuracy. The accuracy is raised by one order if k is odd, and by two orders if k is even. In addition, if k is three or greater, local extrapolation can be used to raise the accuracy two additional orders. We also examine stability for the problem y'= lambda y, Re (lambda) less than 0, and identify several A-stable schemes. Numerical results are presented for both fixed and variable stepsizes. It is shown that implicit Taylor series methods provide an effective integration tool for most problems, including stiff systems and ODE's with a singular point.

Partnerships for knowledge translation and exchange in the context of continuing professional development.

PubMed

Légaré, France; Borduas, Francine; MacLeod, Tanya; Sketris, Ingrid; Campbell, Barbara; Jacques, André

2011-01-01

Continuing professional development (CPD) is an important vehicle for knowledge translation (KT); however, selecting CPD strategies that will impact health professionals' behavior and improve patient outcomes is complex. In response, we, KT researchers and CPD knowledge users, have recently formed a partnership known as the National Network for Patient-Centered Evidence-Based Continuing Professional Development. The partnership was initiated in 2006 with a series of CIHR Knowledge Translation: Planning, Meetings and Dissemination grants. The objectives of these grants were to bring members of the CPD and KT communities together, determine their interest in working together, identify similarities and differences in the fields of CPD and KT, and develop working groups to inform larger collaborative initiatives to support knowledge translation and exchange. The vision for this partnership is to become a premiere knowledge translation collaboration and a cutting-edge implementation network that informs the provision of CPD across Canada and abroad. This paper reports on the development and outcomes of this network to date. Copyright © 2010 The Alliance for Continuing Medical Education, the Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education, and the Council on CME, Association for Hospital Medical Education.

The guanosine nucleotide (p)ppGpp initiates development and A-factor production in myxococcus xanthus.

PubMed

Harris, B Z; Kaiser, D; Singer, M

1998-04-01

Guanosine 3'-di-5'-(tri)di-phosphate nucleotides [(p)ppGpp], synthesized in response to amino acid limitation, induce early gene expression leading to multicellular fruiting body formation in Myxococcus xanthus. A mutant (DK527) that fails to accumulate (p)ppGpp in response to starvation was found to be blocked in development prior to aggregation. By use of a series of developmentally regulated Tn5lac transcriptional fusion reporters, the time of developmental arrest in DK527 was narrowed to within the few hours of development, the period of starvation recognition. The mutant is also defective in the production of A-factor, an early extracellular cell-density signal. The relA gene from Escherichia coli, which encodes a ribosome-dependent (p)ppGpp synthetase, rescues this mutant. We also demonstrate that inactivation of the M. xanthus relA homolog blocks development and the accumulation of (p)ppGpp. Moreover, the wild-type allele of Myxococcus relA rescues DK527. These observations support a model in which accumulation of (p)ppGpp, in response to starvation, initiates the program of fruiting body development, including the production of A-factor.

Developing community-driven quality improvement initiatives to enhance chronic disease care in Indigenous communities in Canada: the FORGE AHEAD program protocol.

PubMed

Naqshbandi Hayward, Mariam; Paquette-Warren, Jann; Harris, Stewart B

2016-07-26

Given the dramatic rise and impact of chronic diseases and gaps in care in Indigenous peoples in Canada, a shift from the dominant episodic and responsive healthcare model most common in First Nations communities to one that places emphasis on proactive prevention and chronic disease management is urgently needed. The Transformation of Indigenous Primary Healthcare Delivery (FORGE AHEAD) Program partners with 11 First Nations communities across six provinces in Canada to develop and evaluate community-driven quality improvement (QI) initiatives to enhance chronic disease care. FORGE AHEAD is a 5-year research program (2013-2017) that utilizes a pre-post mixed-methods observational design rooted in participatory research principles to work with communities in developing culturally relevant innovations and improved access to available services. This intensive program incorporates a series of 10 inter-related and progressive program activities designed to foster community-driven initiatives with type 2 diabetes mellitus as the action disease. Preparatory activities include a national community profile survey, best practice and policy literature review, and readiness tool development. Community-level intervention activities include community and clinical readiness consultations, development of a diabetes registry and surveillance system, and QI activities. With a focus on capacity building, all community-level activities are driven by trained community members who champion QI initiatives in their community. Program wrap-up activities include readiness tool validation, cost-analysis and process evaluation. In collaboration with Health Canada and the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, scale-up toolkits will be developed in order to build on lessons-learned, tools and methods, and to fuel sustainability and spread of successful innovations. The outcomes of this research program, its related cost and the subsequent policy recommendations, will have the potential to significantly affect future policy decisions pertaining to chronic disease care in First Nations communities in Canada. Current ClinicalTrial.gov protocol ID NCT02234973 . Date of Registration: July 30, 2014.

Coupling of Uranium and Thorium Series Isotope Systematics for Age Determination of Late Pleistocene Zircons using LA-ICP-MS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakata, S.; Hirakawa, S.; Iwano, H.; Danhara, T.; Hirata, T.

2014-12-01

Zircon U-Th-Pb dating method is one of the most important tools for estimating the duration of magmatism by means of coupling of uranium, actinium and thorium decay series. Using U-Pb dating method, its reliability is principally guaranteed by the concordance between 238U-206Pb and 235U-207Pb ages. In case of dating Quaternary zircons, however, the initial disequilibrium effect on 230Th and 231Pa should be considered. On the other hands, 232Th-208Pb dating method can be a simple but powerful approach for investigating the age of crystallization because of negligible influence from initial disequilibrium effect. We have developed a new correction model for accurate U-Pb dating of the young zircon samples by taking into consideration of initial disequilibrium and a U-Pb vs Th-Pb concordia diagram for reliable age calibration was successfully established. Hence, the U-Th-Pb dating method can be applied to various zircons ranging from Hadean (4,600 Ma) to Quaternary (~50 ka) ages, and this suggests that further detailed information concerning the thermal history of the geological sequences can be made by the coupling of U-Th-Pb, fission track and Ar-Ar ages. In this presentation, we will show an example of U-Th-Pb dating for zircon samples from Sambe Volcano (3 to 100 ka), southwest Japan and the present dating technique using LA-ICP-MS.

South-South cooperation as a mechanism to strengthen public health services in Africa: experiences, challenges and a call for concerted action.

PubMed

Olu, Olushayo; Petu, Amos; Ovberedjo, Martin; Muhongerwa, Diane

2017-01-01

Implementation of new models of development cooperation have been on the increase lately. Coupled with this are calls for use of horizontal development cooperation mechanisms such as South-South Cooperation (SSC) as a way to enhance aid effectiveness in the health sector of developing countries. In this case series, we review recent experiences in the application of SSC initiatives to two public health situations in Africa to demonstrate the veracity of this new paradigm. Our review highlight the immense benefits associated with the use of SSC for health and provide evidence for increasing use of horizontal development coordination mechanisms to strengthen public health services delivery and socioeconomic development among African countries. Opportunities for SSC among African countries include in the areas of disease prevention and control, production of medical products and essential medicines, harmonization of regulatory processes, and health workforce development among others. However, pitfalls such as poor coordination, inadequate political commitment, lack of conducive policy environments, language barrier and inadequate financing opportunities for SSC initiatives present major dilemma for the use of SSC mechanisms. We conclude that the need for a paradigm shift from vertical to horizontal development cooperation needs no further proof but a call to action. We call on the concerned stakeholders to support the establishment of a systematic approach for use of SSC mechanisms in the health sector of Africa, designation of an African Centre of Excellence for SSC in public health and development of a regional mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of SSC initiatives in Africa.

South-South cooperation as a mechanism to strengthen public health services in Africa: experiences, challenges and a call for concerted action

PubMed Central

Olu, Olushayo; Petu, Amos; Ovberedjo, Martin; Muhongerwa, Diane

2017-01-01

Implementation of new models of development cooperation have been on the increase lately. Coupled with this are calls for use of horizontal development cooperation mechanisms such as South-South Cooperation (SSC) as a way to enhance aid effectiveness in the health sector of developing countries. In this case series, we review recent experiences in the application of SSC initiatives to two public health situations in Africa to demonstrate the veracity of this new paradigm. Our review highlight the immense benefits associated with the use of SSC for health and provide evidence for increasing use of horizontal development coordination mechanisms to strengthen public health services delivery and socioeconomic development among African countries. Opportunities for SSC among African countries include in the areas of disease prevention and control, production of medical products and essential medicines, harmonization of regulatory processes, and health workforce development among others. However, pitfalls such as poor coordination, inadequate political commitment, lack of conducive policy environments, language barrier and inadequate financing opportunities for SSC initiatives present major dilemma for the use of SSC mechanisms. We conclude that the need for a paradigm shift from vertical to horizontal development cooperation needs no further proof but a call to action. We call on the concerned stakeholders to support the establishment of a systematic approach for use of SSC mechanisms in the health sector of Africa, designation of an African Centre of Excellence for SSC in public health and development of a regional mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of SSC initiatives in Africa. PMID:29158863

76 FR 64844 - Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-19

... Company Turbofan Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed... General Electric Company (GE) CF6-45 and CF6-50 series turbofan engines with certain low-pressure turbine... series turbofan engines with certain LPT rotor stage 3 disks installed. That AD requires initial and...

An Educational Evaluation of Web-Based Forestry Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allred, Shorna Broussard; Smallidge, Peter J.

2010-01-01

Online forestry education can serve large populations of woodland owners and managers. Cornell University's ForestConnect program initiated the nation's first woodlot management educational webinar series. We conducted an educational evaluation to determine: (1) the educational impact of the ForestConnect Webinar series, (2) the involvement of new…

Developing a comprehensive faculty development program to promote interprofessional education, practice and research at a free-standing academic health science center.

PubMed

Shrader, Sarah; Mauldin, Mary; Hammad, Sammar; Mitcham, Maralynee; Blue, Amy

2015-03-01

There is an on-going transformation in health professions education to prepare students to function as competent members of an interprofessional team in order to increase patient safety and improve patient care. Various methods of health education and practice directed toward students have been implemented, yet descriptions of faculty development initiatives designed to advance interprofessional education and practice are scarce. This article describes a faculty development program at the Medical University of South Carolina, USA, based on the conceptual framework of adult transformational learning theory. Three components comprise the faculty development program: an institute, fellowship and teaching series. Evaluations of the three components indicate that the faculty development program aided in the sustainability of the university's interprofessional program, and built capacity for improvement and growth in interprofessional endeavors.

A convergent series expansion for hyperbolic systems of conservation laws

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harabetian, E.

1985-01-01

The discontinuities piecewise analytic initial value problem for a wide class of conservation laws is considered which includes the full three-dimensional Euler equations. The initial interaction at an arbitrary curved surface is resolved in time by a convergent series. Among other features the solution exhibits shock, contact, and expansion waves as well as sound waves propagating on characteristic surfaces. The expansion waves correspond to he one-dimensional rarefactions but have a more complicated structure. The sound waves are generated in place of zero strength shocks, and they are caused by mismatches in derivatives.

Initial Results from Fitting Resolved Modes using HMI Intensity Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korzennik, Sylvain G.

2017-08-01

The HMI project recently started processing the continuum intensity images following global helioseismology procedures similar to those used to process the velocity images. The spatial decomposition of these images has produced time series of spherical harmonic coefficients for degrees up to l=300, using a different apodization than the one used for velocity observations. The first 360 days of observations were processed and made available. I present initial results from fitting these time series using my state of the art fitting methodology and compare the derived mode characteristics to those estimated using co-eval velocity observations.

Toward automatic time-series forecasting using neural networks.

PubMed

Yan, Weizhong

2012-07-01

Over the past few decades, application of artificial neural networks (ANN) to time-series forecasting (TSF) has been growing rapidly due to several unique features of ANN models. However, to date, a consistent ANN performance over different studies has not been achieved. Many factors contribute to the inconsistency in the performance of neural network models. One such factor is that ANN modeling involves determining a large number of design parameters, and the current design practice is essentially heuristic and ad hoc, this does not exploit the full potential of neural networks. Systematic ANN modeling processes and strategies for TSF are, therefore, greatly needed. Motivated by this need, this paper attempts to develop an automatic ANN modeling scheme. It is based on the generalized regression neural network (GRNN), a special type of neural network. By taking advantage of several GRNN properties (i.e., a single design parameter and fast learning) and by incorporating several design strategies (e.g., fusing multiple GRNNs), we have been able to make the proposed modeling scheme to be effective for modeling large-scale business time series. The initial model was entered into the NN3 time-series competition. It was awarded the best prediction on the reduced dataset among approximately 60 different models submitted by scholars worldwide.

Can we use Earth Observations to improve monthly water level forecasts?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slater, L. J.; Villarini, G.

2017-12-01

Dynamical-statistical hydrologic forecasting approaches benefit from different strengths in comparison with traditional hydrologic forecasting systems: they are computationally efficient, can integrate and `learn' from a broad selection of input data (e.g., General Circulation Model (GCM) forecasts, Earth Observation time series, teleconnection patterns), and can take advantage of recent progress in machine learning (e.g. multi-model blending, post-processing and ensembling techniques). Recent efforts to develop a dynamical-statistical ensemble approach for forecasting seasonal streamflow using both GCM forecasts and changing land cover have shown promising results over the U.S. Midwest. Here, we use climate forecasts from several GCMs of the North American Multi Model Ensemble (NMME) alongside 15-minute stage time series from the National River Flow Archive (NRFA) and land cover classes extracted from the European Space Agency's Climate Change Initiative 300 m annual Global Land Cover time series. With these data, we conduct systematic long-range probabilistic forecasting of monthly water levels in UK catchments over timescales ranging from one to twelve months ahead. We evaluate the improvement in model fit and model forecasting skill that comes from using land cover classes as predictors in the models. This work opens up new possibilities for combining Earth Observation time series with GCM forecasts to predict a variety of hazards from space using data science techniques.

Induced static asymmetry of the pelvis is associated with functional asymmetry of the lumbo-pelvo-hip complex.

PubMed

Gnat, Rafał; Saulicz, Edward

2008-03-01

This study evaluates the hypothesis that triggering and eliminating induced static pelvic asymmetry (SPA) may be followed by immediate change in functional asymmetry of the lumbo-pelvo-hip complex. Repeated measures experimental design with 2 levels of independent variable, that is, induced SPA triggered and induced SPA eliminated, was implemented. Three series of measurements were performed, that is, baseline, after triggering SPA, and after eliminating SPA. A group of 84 subjects with no initial symptoms of SPA was studied. Different forms of mechanical stimulation were applied aiming to induce SPA, and the 2 manual stretching-manipulating techniques were performed aiming to eliminate it. A hand inclinometer was used to measure SPA in standing posture. Selected ranges of motion of the hip joints and lumbar spine were used to depict functional asymmetry of the lumbo-pelvo-hip complex. The functional asymmetry indices for individual movements were calculated. Repeated measures design of analysis of variance, dependent data Student t test, and linear Pearson's correlation test were used. Assessment of the SPA showed its significant increase between baseline and series 2 measurements, with a subsequent significant decrease between series 2 and series 3 measurements. Values of the functional asymmetry indices changed accordingly, that is, they increased significantly between series 1 and series 2 and had returned to their initial level in series 3 measurements. Induced SPA shows considerable association with functional asymmetry of the lumbo-pelvo-hip complex.

Cold Helium Pressurization for Liquid Oxygen / Liquid Methane Propulsion Systems: Fully-Integrated Initial Hot-Fire Test Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morehead, R. L.; Atwell, M. J.; Melcher, J. C.; Hurlbert, E. A.

2016-01-01

A prototype cold helium active pressurization system was incorporated into an existing liquid oxygen (LOX) / liquid methane (LCH4) prototype planetary lander and hot-fire tested to collect vehicle-level performance data. Results from this hot-fire test series were used to validate integrated models of the vehicle helium and propulsion systems and demonstrate system effectiveness for a throttling lander. Pressurization systems vary greatly in complexity and efficiency between vehicles, so a pressurization performance metric was also developed as a means to compare different active pressurization schemes. This implementation of an active repress system is an initial sizing draft. Refined implementations will be tested in the future, improving the general knowledge base for a cryogenic lander-based cold helium system.

Influence of molybdenum on the creep properties of nickel-base superalloy single crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mackay, R. A.; Nathal, M. V.; Pearson, D. D.

1990-01-01

The Mo content of an alloy series based on Ni-6 wt pct Al-6 wt pct Ta was systematically varied from 9.8 to 14.6 wt pct, in order to ascertain the influence of Mo on the creep properties of single crystals. The optimum initial gamma-gamma prime microstructure for raft development and creep strength was established in each alloy before testing. It was found that, as the Mo content increased from 9.8 to 14.0 percent, the magnitude of the lattice mismatch increased; upon reaching 14.6 percent, a degradation of mechanical properties occurred due to the precipitation of a third phase. These results suggest that small refractory metal content and initial gamma-prime variations can profoundly affect mechanical properties.

The ACR BI-RADS® Experience: Learning From History

PubMed Central

Burnside, Elizabeth S.; Sickles, Edward A.; Bassett, Lawrence W.; Rubin, Daniel L.; Lee, Carol H.; Ikeda, Debra M.; Mendelson, Ellen B.; Wilcox, Pamela A.; Butler, Priscilla F.; D’Orsi, Carl J.

2011-01-01

The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System® (BI-RADS®) initiative, instituted by the ACR, was begun in the late 1980s to address a lack of standardization and uniformity in mammography practice reporting. An important component of the BI-RADS initiative is the lexicon, a dictionary of descriptors of specific imaging features. The BI-RADS lexicon has always been data driven, using descriptors that previously had been shown in the literature to be predictive of benign and malignant disease. Once established, the BI-RADS lexicon provided new opportunities for quality assurance, communication, research, and improved patient care. The history of this lexicon illustrates a series of challenges and instructive successes that provide a valuable guide for other groups that aspire to develop similar lexicons in the future. PMID:19945040

Extra-terrestrial construction processes - Advancements, opportunities and challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Sungwoo; Prabhu, Vibha Levin; Anand, Mahesh; Taylor, Lawrence A.

2017-10-01

Government space agencies, including NASA and ESA, are conducting preliminary studies on building alternative space-habitat systems for deep-space exploration. Such studies include development of advanced technologies for planetary surface exploration, including an in-depth understanding of the use of local resources. Currently, NASA plans to land humans on Mars in the 2030s. Similarly, other space agencies from Europe (ESA), Canada (CSA), Russia (Roscosmos), India (ISRO), Japan (JAXA) and China (CNSA) have already initiated or announced their plans for launching a series of lunar missions over the next decade, ranging from orbiters, landers and rovers for extended stays on the lunar surface. As the Space Odyssey is one of humanity's oldest dreams, there has been a series of research works for establishing temporary or permanent settlement on other planetary bodies, including the Moon and Mars. This paper reviews current projects developing extra-terrestrial construction, broadly categorised as: (i) ISRU-based construction materials; (ii) fabrication methods; and (iii) construction processes. It also discusses four categories of challenges to developing an appropriate construction process: (i) lunar simulants; (ii) material fabrication and curing; (iii) microwave-sintering based fabrication; and (iv) fully autonomous and scaled-up construction processes.

Geometry and Simulation Results for a Gas Turbine Representative of the Energy Efficient Engine (EEE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Claus, Russell W.; Beach, Tim; Turner, Mark; Hendricks, Eric S.

2015-01-01

This paper describes the geometry and simulation results of a gas-turbine engine based on the original EEE engine developed in the 1980s. While the EEE engine was never in production, the technology developed during the program underpins many of the current generation of gas turbine engines. This geometry is being explored as a potential multi-stage turbomachinery test case that may be used to develop technology for virtual full-engine simulation. Simulation results were used to test the validity of each component geometry representation. Results are compared to a zero-dimensional engine model developed from experimental data. The geometry is captured in a series of Initial Graphical Exchange Specification (IGES) files and is available on a supplemental DVD to this report.

Applications of nuclear power to lunar and Mars missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Friedlander, Alan; Cole, Kevin

1988-01-01

The initial elements of an ambitious program for human exploration beyond Earth have been developed and presented to NASA management for its consideration. The Outpost on the Moon and Humans to Mars are two key U.S. programs (Ride 1987). A major space goal of this magnitude can only be implemented by a series of program phases evolving from precursor robotic missions, to initial development of temporary surface stations and buildup of operational experience, through the eventual establishment of permanent and sustained surface bases. Each phase of the separate (or linked) lunar and Mars scenarios will require distinctly different levels and types of power sources to support both transportation and on-surface operations, i.e., the nuclear power reactor. Discussed are the respective types and specific amounts of power required for all major systems in a phased program of lunar and Mars exploration over the period 1990 to 2040. A comparative assessment of technology tradeoffs and special design problems is made to ascertain the most appropriate application for the different phases, as well as to identify synergistic developments across the programs.

Acceleration of Intended Pozzolanic Reaction under Initial Thermal Treatment for Developing Cementless Fly Ash Based Mortar.

PubMed

Kwon, Yang-Hee; Kang, Sung-Hoon; Hong, Sung-Gul; Moon, Juhyuk

2017-02-24

Without using strong alkaline solution or ordinary Portland cement, a new structural binder consisting of fly ash and hydrated lime was hardened through an intensified pozzolanic reaction. The main experimental variables are the addition of silica fume and initial thermal treatment (60 °C for 3 days). A series of experiments consisting of mechanical testing (compressive and flexural strength, modulus of elasticity), X-ray diffraction, and measurements of the heat of hydration, pore structure, and shrinkage were conducted. These tests show that this new fly ash-based mortar has a compressive strength of 15 MPa at 91 days without any silica fume addition or initial thermal treatment. The strength increased to over 50 MPa based on the acceleration of the intensified pozzolanic reaction from the silica fume addition and initial thermal treatment. This is explained by a significant synergistic effect induced by the silica fume. It intensifies the pozzolanic reaction under thermal treatment and provides a space filling effect. This improved material performance can open a new pathway to utilize the industrial by-product of fly ash in cementless construction materials.

Analysing the accuracy of machine learning techniques to develop an integrated influent time series model: case study of a sewage treatment plant, Malaysia.

PubMed

Ansari, Mozafar; Othman, Faridah; Abunama, Taher; El-Shafie, Ahmed

2018-04-01

The function of a sewage treatment plant is to treat the sewage to acceptable standards before being discharged into the receiving waters. To design and operate such plants, it is necessary to measure and predict the influent flow rate. In this research, the influent flow rate of a sewage treatment plant (STP) was modelled and predicted by autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), nonlinear autoregressive network (NAR) and support vector machine (SVM) regression time series algorithms. To evaluate the models' accuracy, the root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R 2 ) were calculated as initial assessment measures, while relative error (RE), peak flow criterion (PFC) and low flow criterion (LFC) were calculated as final evaluation measures to demonstrate the detailed accuracy of the selected models. An integrated model was developed based on the individual models' prediction ability for low, average and peak flow. An initial assessment of the results showed that the ARIMA model was the least accurate and the NAR model was the most accurate. The RE results also prove that the SVM model's frequency of errors above 10% or below - 10% was greater than the NAR model's. The influent was also forecasted up to 44 weeks ahead by both models. The graphical results indicate that the NAR model made better predictions than the SVM model. The final evaluation of NAR and SVM demonstrated that SVM made better predictions at peak flow and NAR fit well for low and average inflow ranges. The integrated model developed includes the NAR model for low and average influent and the SVM model for peak inflow.

Initial Back-to-Back Fission Chamber Testing in ATRC

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

Benjamin Chase; Troy Unruh; Joy Rempe

2014-06-01

Development and testing of in-pile, real-time neutron sensors for use in Materials Test Reactor experiments is an ongoing project at Idaho National Laboratory. The Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility has sponsored a series of projects to evaluate neutron detector options in the Advanced Test Reactor Critical Facility (ATRC). Special hardware was designed and fabricated to enable testing of the detectors in the ATRC. Initial testing of Self-Powered Neutron Detectors and miniature fission chambers produced promising results. Follow-on testing required more experiment hardware to be developed. The follow-on testing used a Back-to-Back fission chamber with the intent to providemore » calibration data, and a means of measuring spectral indices. As indicated within this document, this is the first time in decades that BTB fission chambers have been used in INL facilities. Results from these fission chamber measurements provide a baseline reference for future measurements with Back-to-Back fission chambers.« less

Clinical research in small genomically stratified patient populations.

PubMed

Martin-Liberal, J; Rodon, J

2017-07-01

The paradigm of early drug development in cancer is shifting from 'histology-oriented' to 'molecularly oriented' clinical trials. This change can be attributed to the vast amount of tumour biology knowledge generated by large international research initiatives such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the use of next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques developed in recent years. However, targeting infrequent molecular alterations entails a series of special challenges. The optimal molecular profiling method, the lack of standardised biological thresholds, inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity, availability of enough tumour material, correct clinical trials design, attrition rate, logistics or costs are only some of the issues that need to be taken into consideration in clinical research in small genomically stratified patient populations. This article examines the most relevant challenges inherent to clinical research in these populations. Moreover, perspectives from the Academia point of view are reviewed as well as initiatives to be taken in forthcoming years. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reduction of central line-associated bloodstream infections in a pediatric hematology/oncology population.

PubMed

Wilson, Matthew Z; Deeter, Deana; Rafferty, Colleen; Comito, Melanie M; Hollenbeak, Christopher S

2014-01-01

This study reports the results of an initiative to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) among pediatric hematology/oncology patients, a population at increased risk for CLABSI. The study design was a pre-post comparison of a series of specific interventions over 40 months. Logistic regression was used to determine if the risk of developing CLABSI decreased in the postintervention period, after controlling for covariates. The overall CLABSI rate fell from 9 infections per 1000 line days at the beginning of the study to zero in a cohort of 291 patients encompassing 2107 admissions. Admissions during the intervention period had an 86% reduction in odds of developing a CLABSI, controlling for other factors. At the study team's institution, an initiative that standardized blood culturing techniques, lab draw times, line care techniques, and provided physician and nurse education was able to eliminate CLABSI among pediatric hematology/oncology patients. © 2013 by the American College of Medical Quality.

Initial design and performance of the near surface unmanned aircraft system sensor suite in support of the GOES-R field campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearlman, Aaron J.; Padula, Francis; Shao, Xi; Cao, Changyong; Goodman, Steven J.

2016-09-01

One of the main objectives of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R-Series (GOES-R) field campaign is to validate the SI traceability of the Advanced Baseline Imager. The campaign plans include a feasibility demonstration study for new near surface unmanned aircraft system (UAS) measurement capability that is being developed to meet the challenges of validating geostationary sensors. We report our progress in developing our initial systems by presenting the design and preliminary characterization results of the sensor suite. The design takes advantage of off-the-shelf technologies and fiber-based optical components to make hemispheric directional measurements from a UAS. The characterization results - including laboratory measurements of temperature effects and polarization sensitivity - are used to refine the radiometric uncertainty budget towards meeting the validation objectives for the campaign. These systems will foster improved validation capabilities for the GOES-R field campaign and other next generation satellite systems.

Summary Report of Summer 2009 NGSI Human Capital Development Efforts at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

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

Dougan, A; Dreicer, M; Essner, J

2009-11-16

In 2009, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) engaged in several activities to support NA-24's Next Generation Safeguards Initiative (NGSI). This report outlines LLNL's efforts to support Human Capital Development (HCD), one of five key components of NGSI managed by Dunbar Lockwood in the Office of International Regimes and Agreements (NA-243). There were five main LLNL summer safeguards HCD efforts sponsored by NGSI: (1) A joint Monterey Institute of International Studies/Center for Nonproliferation Studies-LLNL International Safeguards Policy and Information Analysis Course; (2) A Summer Safeguards Policy Internship Program at LLNL; (3) A Training in Environmental Sample Analysis for IAEA Safeguards Internship;more » (4) Safeguards Technology Internships; and (5) A joint LLNL-INL Summer Safeguards Lecture Series. In this report, we provide an overview of these five initiatives, an analysis of lessons learned, an update on the NGSI FY09 post-doc, and an update on students who participated in previous NGSI-sponsored LLNL safeguards HCD efforts.« less

ACTS 118x: High Speed TCP Interoperability Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, David E.; Buffinton, Craig; Beering, Dave R.; Welch, Arun; Ivancic, William D.; Zernic, Mike; Hoder, Douglas J.

1999-01-01

With the recent explosion of the Internet and the enormous business opportunities available to communication system providers, great interest has developed in improving the efficiency of data transfer over satellite links using the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) of the Internet Protocol (IP) suite. The NASA's ACTS experiments program initiated a series of TCP experiments to demonstrate scalability of TCP/IP and determine to what extent the protocol can be optimized over a 622 Mbps satellite link. Through partnerships with the government technology oriented labs, computer, telecommunication, and satellite industries NASA Glenn was able to: (1) promote the development of interoperable, high-performance TCP/IP implementations across multiple computing / operating platforms; (2) work with the satellite industry to answer outstanding questions regarding the use of standard protocols (TCP/IP and ATM) for the delivery of advanced data services, and for use in spacecraft architectures; and (3) conduct a series of TCP/IP interoperability tests over OC12 ATM over a satellite network in a multi-vendor environment using ACTS. The experiments' various network configurations and the results are presented.

Curriculum Redesign in Veterinary Medicine: Part II.

PubMed

Macik, Maria L; Chaney, Kristin P; Turner, Jacqueline S; Rogers, Kenita S; Scallan, Elizabeth M; Korich, Jodi A; Fowler, Debra; Keefe, Lisa M

Curricular review is considered a necessary component for growth and enhancement of academic programs and requires time, energy, creativity, and persistence from both faculty and administration. On a larger scale, a comprehensive redesign effort involves forming a dedicated faculty redesign team, developing program learning outcomes, mapping the existing curriculum, and reviewing the curriculum in light of collected stakeholder data. The faculty of the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (TAMU) recently embarked on a comprehensive curriculum redesign effort through partnership with the university's Center for Teaching Excellence. Using a previously developed evidence-based model of program redesign, TAMU created a process for use in veterinary medical education, which is described in detail in the first part of this article series. An additional component of the redesign process that is understated, yet vital for success, is faculty buy-in and support. Without faculty engagement, implementation of data-driven curricular changes stemming from program evaluation may be challenging. This second part of the article series describes the methodology for encouraging faculty engagement through the final steps of the redesign initiative and the lessons learned by TAMU through the redesign process.

Advances in Strapdown Inertial Systems. Lecture Series Held in Athens, Greece on 14-15 May 1984, in Rome, Italy on 17-18 May 1984 and in Copenhagen, Denmark on 21-22 May 1984

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

software are required. Ported air cooling is provided in accordan-4 oith WKIM 600 Level 2 and Adequately supports the pow. dissipation (approxiimately 100... software multiplication with simple shifting operations in order to optimize operating speed. Finally, program development software for microprocessors...requiremuents and that the software was exhaustively verified and validated prior to initiation of flight testing will be describ- ed. A special flight

A user interface for a knowledge-based planning and scheduling system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulvehill, Alice M.

1988-01-01

The objective of EMPRESS (Expert Mission Planning and Replanning Scheduling System) is to support the planning and scheduling required to prepare science and application payloads for flight aboard the US Space Shuttle. EMPRESS was designed and implemented in Zetalisp on a 3600 series Symbolics Lisp machine. Initially, EMPRESS was built as a concept demonstration system. The system has since been modified and expanded to ensure that the data have integrity. Issues underlying the design and development of the EMPRESS-I interface, results from a system usability assessment, and consequent modifications are described.

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…

Acoustic Noise Test Report for the U.S. Department of Energy 1.5-Megawatt Wind Turbine

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

Roadman, Jason; Huskey, Arlinda

2015-07-01

A series of tests were conducted to characterize the baseline properties and performance of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 1.5-megawatt wind turbine (DOE 1.5) to enable research model development and quantify the effects of future turbine research modifications. The DOE 1.5 is built on the platform of GE's 1.5-MW SLE commercial wind turbine model. It was installed in a nonstandard configuration at the NWTC with the objective of supporting DOE Wind Program research initiatives such as A2e. Therefore, the test results may not represent the performance capabilities of other GE 1.5-MW SLE turbines. The acoustic noise test documented inmore » this report is one of a series of tests carried out to establish a performance baseline for the DOE 1.5 in the NWTC inflow environment.« less

California state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

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

None

This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the state of California. It contains: a description of themore » state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

Oregon state information handbook formerly utilized sites remedial action program

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

None

This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administater, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the State of Oregon. It contains: a description of themore » state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; and the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

Iowa state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

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

None

This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, By Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the state of Iowa. It contains: a description of themore » state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; the full test of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

Oregon state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

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

None

This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the State of Oregon. It contains a description of themore » state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; and the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

Pennsylvania state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

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

None

This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and State levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the State of Pennsylvania. It contains a description of themore » state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; and the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

Florida state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

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

None

This volume is one of a series produced under contract with DOE, Office of Nuclear Waste Management, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Remedial Action Program. This Information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the State of Florida. It contains a description ofmore » the state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; and the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

New Mexico state information handbook: formerly utilized sites remedial action program

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

None

This volume is one of a series produced under contract with the DOE, by Politech Corporation to develop a legislative and regulatory data base to assist the FUSRAP management in addressing the institutional and socioeconomic issues involved in carrying out the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. This information Handbook series contains information about all relevant government agencies at the Federal and state levels, the pertinent programs they administer, each affected state legislature, and current Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This volume is a compilation of information about the State of New Mexico. It contains a description ofmore » the state executive branch structure; a summary of relevant state statutes and regulations; a description of the structure of the state legislature, identification of the officers and committee chairmen, and a summary of recent relevant legislative action; and the full text of relevant statutes and regulations.« less

On future's doorstep: RNA interference and the pharmacopeia of tomorrow.

PubMed

Gewirtz, Alan M

2007-12-01

Small molecules and antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of malignant diseases and appear promising for the treatment of many others. Nonetheless, there are many candidate therapeutic targets that are not amenable to attack by the current generation of targeted therapies, and in a small but growing number of patients, resistance to initially successful treatments evolves. This Review Series on the medicinal promise of posttranscriptional gene silencing with small interfering RNA and other molecules capable of inducing RNA interference (RNAi) is motivated by the hypothesis that effectors of RNAi can be developed into effective drugs for treating malignancies as well as many other types of disease. As this Review Series points out, there is still much to do, but many in the field now hope that the time has finally arrived when "antisense" therapies will finally come of age and fulfill their promise as the magic bullets of the 21st century.

A Machine Learning Method for Power Prediction on the Mobile Devices.

PubMed

Chen, Da-Ren; Chen, You-Shyang; Chen, Lin-Chih; Hsu, Ming-Yang; Chiang, Kai-Feng

2015-10-01

Energy profiling and estimation have been popular areas of research in multicore mobile architectures. While short sequences of system calls have been recognized by machine learning as pattern descriptions for anomalous detection, power consumption of running processes with respect to system-call patterns are not well studied. In this paper, we propose a fuzzy neural network (FNN) for training and analyzing process execution behaviour with respect to series of system calls, parameters and their power consumptions. On the basis of the patterns of a series of system calls, we develop a power estimation daemon (PED) to analyze and predict the energy consumption of the running process. In the initial stage, PED categorizes sequences of system calls as functional groups and predicts their energy consumptions by FNN. In the operational stage, PED is applied to identify the predefined sequences of system calls invoked by running processes and estimates their energy consumption.

Crew Exploration Vehicle Launch Abort Controller Performance Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sparks, Dean W., Jr.; Raney, David L.

2007-01-01

This paper covers the simulation and evaluation of a controller design for the Crew Module (CM) Launch Abort System (LAS), to measure its ability to meet the abort performance requirements. The controller used in this study is a hybrid design, including features developed by the Government and the Contractor. Testing is done using two separate 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) computer simulation implementations of the LAS/CM throughout the ascent trajectory: 1) executing a series of abort simulations along a nominal trajectory for the nominal LAS/CM system; and 2) using a series of Monte Carlo runs with perturbed initial flight conditions and perturbed system parameters. The performance of the controller is evaluated against a set of criteria, which is based upon the current functional requirements of the LAS. Preliminary analysis indicates that the performance of the present controller meets (with the exception of a few cases) the evaluation criteria mentioned above.

Energy map of southwestern Wyoming, Part B: oil and gas, oil shale, uranium, and solar

USGS Publications Warehouse

Biewick, Laura R.H.; Wilson, Anna B.

2014-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has compiled Part B of the Energy Map of Southwestern Wyoming for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI). Part B consists of oil and gas, oil shale, uranium, and solar energy resource information in support of the WLCI. The WLCI represents the USGS partnership with other Department of the Interior Bureaus, State and local agencies, industry, academia, and private landowners, all of whom collaborate to maintain healthy landscapes, sustain wildlife, and preserve recreational and grazing uses while developing energy resources in southwestern Wyoming. This product is the second and final part of the Energy Map of Southwestern Wyoming series (also see USGS Data Series 683, http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/683/), and encompasses all of Carbon, Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, and Uinta Counties, as well as areas in Fremont County that are in the Great Divide and Green River Basins.

Results of the JIMO Follow-on Destinations Parametric Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noca, Muriel A.; Hack, Kurt J.

2005-01-01

NASA's proposed Jupiter Icy Moon Orbiter (JIMO) mission currently in conceptual development is to be the first one of a series of highly capable Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) science driven missions. To understand the implications of a multi-mission capability requirement on the JIMO vehicle and mission, the NASA Prometheus Program initiated a set of parametric high-level studies to be followed by a series of more in-depth studies. The JIMO potential follow-on destinations identified include a Saturn system tour, a Neptune system tour, a Kuiper Belt Objects rendezvous, an Interstellar Precursor mission, a Multiple Asteroid Sample Return and a Comet Sample Return. This paper shows that the baseline JIMO reactor and design envelop can satisfy five out of six of the follow-on destinations. Flight time to these destinations can significantly be reduced by increasing the launch energy or/and by inserting gravity assists to the heliocentric phase.

Longitudinal Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life following Adolescent Sports-Related Concussion.

PubMed

Russell, Kelly; Selci, Erin; Chu, Stephanie; Fineblit, Samuel; Ritchie, Lesley; Ellis, Michael J

2017-07-01

To examine initial and longitudinal health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescent sports-related concussion (SRC) patients, a prospective observational case-series study was conducted among adolescent SRC patients who were evaluated at a multi-disciplinary pediatric concussion program. Health-related quality of life was measured using the child self-report Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) generic score scale (age 13-18 version) and the PedsQL Cognitive Functioning scale. Initial and longitudinal HRQOL outcomes were compared between patients who did and did not develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS). A total of 63 patients met the inclusion criteria during the study period. The mean age of the cohort was 14.57 years (standard deviation, 1.17) and 61.9% were male. The median time from injury to initial consultation was 6.5 days (interquartile range, 5, 11). At initial consultation, impairments in physical and cognitive HRQOL but not social or emotional HRQOL were observed. Initial symptom burden and length of recovery were associated with greater impairment in physical and cognitive HRQOL. Patients who went on to develop PCS had significantly worse physical and cognitive HRQOL at initial consultation and demonstrated a slower rate of recovery in these domains, compared with those who recovered in less than 30 days. Adolescent SRC was associated with HRQOL impairments that correlated with clinical outcomes. No persistent impairments in HRQOL were detected among patients who achieved physician-documented clinical recovery. Future studies are needed to evaluate the clinical utility of HRQOL measurement in the longitudinal management of adolescent SRC and PCS patients.

Numerical integration of the N-body ring problem by recurrent power series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Navarro, Juan F.

2018-02-01

The aim of this article is to present a method for the integration of the equations of motion of the N-body ring problem by means of recurrent power series. We prove that the solution is convergent for any set of initial conditions, excluding those corresponding to binary collisions.

77 FR 5026 - Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Initial Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-01

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease... Series among Adolescent Females, IP12-004, and Intervention Study to Increase Use of Standing Orders... Series among Adolescent Females, FOA IP12-004; and Intervention Study to Increase Use of Standing Orders...

75 FR 57660 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 3007A Series Turbofan Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-22

... applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 3007A series turbofan engines with high-pressure turbine (HPT... eddy current inspection (ECI) or surface wave ultrasonic test (SWUT) inspection on each affected high-pressure turbine (HPT) wheel. This AD requires removing or performing initial and repetitive ECIs or SWUT...

Drycleaning and Laundering: A Suggested Program Guide. Fashion Industry Series No. 5.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fashion Inst. of Tech., New York, NY.

The drycleaning and laundering guide is the last of a series of five interrelated program resource guides encompassing the various dimensions of the fashion industry. The job-preparatory guide is intended to provide youth and adults with intensive preparation for initial entry employment and also with career advancement opportunities within…

Fashion Merchandising: A Suggested Program Guide. Fashion Industry Series No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fashion Inst. of Tech., New York, NY.

The fashion merchandising guide is the fourth of a series of five interrelated program resource guides encompassing the various dimensions of the fashion industry. The job-preparatory guide is intended to provide youths and adults with intensive preparation for initial entry employment and also with career advancement opportunities within the…

Teaching about Hazardous and Toxic Materials. Teaching Activities in Environmental Education Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Disinger, John F.; Lisowski, Marylin

Designed to assist practitioners of both formal and non-formal settings, this 18th volume of the ERIC Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education's Teaching Activities in Environmental Education series specifically focuses on the theme of hazardous and toxic materials. Initially, basic environmental concepts that deal with…

Time-series analysis of the transcriptome and proteome of Escherichia coli upon glucose repression.

PubMed

Borirak, Orawan; Rolfe, Matthew D; de Koning, Leo J; Hoefsloot, Huub C J; Bekker, Martijn; Dekker, Henk L; Roseboom, Winfried; Green, Jeffrey; de Koster, Chris G; Hellingwerf, Klaas J

2015-10-01

Time-series transcript- and protein-profiles were measured upon initiation of carbon catabolite repression in Escherichia coli, in order to investigate the extent of post-transcriptional control in this prototypical response. A glucose-limited chemostat culture was used as the CCR-free reference condition. Stopping the pump and simultaneously adding a pulse of glucose, that saturated the cells for at least 1h, was used to initiate the glucose response. Samples were collected and subjected to quantitative time-series analysis of both the transcriptome (using microarray analysis) and the proteome (through a combination of 15N-metabolic labeling and mass spectrometry). Changes in the transcriptome and corresponding proteome were analyzed using statistical procedures designed specifically for time-series data. By comparison of the two sets of data, a total of 96 genes were identified that are post-transcriptionally regulated. This gene list provides candidates for future in-depth investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in post-transcriptional regulation during carbon catabolite repression in E. coli, like the involvement of small RNAs. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Field Operations For The "Intelligent River" Observation System: A Basin-wide Water Quality Observation System In The Savannah River Basin And Platform Supporting Related Diverse Initiatives.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutton, A.; Koons, M.; O'Brien-Gayes, P.; Moorer, R.; Hallstrom, J.; Post, C.; Gayes, P. T.

2017-12-01

The Intelligent River (IR) initiative is an NSF sponsored study developing new data management technology for a range of basin-scale applications. The technology developed by Florida Atlantic and Clemson University established a network of real-time reporting water quality sondes; from the mountains to the estuary of the Savannah River basin. Coastal Carolina University led the field operations campaign. Ancillary studies, student projects and initiatives benefitted from the associated instrumentation, infrastructure and operational support of the IR program. This provided a vehicle for students to participate in fieldwork across the watershed and pursue individual interests. Student projects included: 1) a Multibeam sonar survey investigating channel morphology in the area of an IR sensor station and 2) field tests of developing techniques for acquiring and assimilating flood velocity data into model systems associated with a separate NSF Rapid award. The multibeam survey within the lower Savannah basin exhibited a range of complexity in bathymetry, bedforms and bottom habitat in the vicinity of one of the water quality stations. The complex morphology and bottom habitat reflect complex flow patterns, localized areas of depositional and erosive tendencies providing a valuable context for considering point-source water quality time series. Micro- Lagrangian drifters developed by ISENSE at Florida Atlantic University, a sled mounted ADCP, and particle tracking from imagery collected by a photogrammetric drone were tested and used to develop methodology for establishing velocity, direction and discharge levels to validate, initialize and assimilate data into advance models systems during future flood events. The prospect of expanding wide scale observing systems can serve as a platform to integrate small and large-scale cooperative studies across disciplines as well as basic and applied research interests. Such initiatives provide opportunities for embedded education and experience for students that add to the understanding of broad integrated complex systems.

The conceptual framework of evolutionary morphology in the studies of Ernst Haeckel and Fritz Müller.

PubMed

Breidbach, Olaf

2006-03-01

In his Gastraea studies Ernst Haeckel characterized the initial stages of the animal embryo, describing complete and incomplete cleavages in various groups, until the gastrula stage. Thereby, he was able to point out various degrees of developmental diversification in these initial stages of development. As the functional meaning of such cleavages was not clear however, it was difficult to argue about putative functional adaptations. Information about the consequences for tissue formation initiated in this primary phase of development was simply lacking. Haeckel could only provide a vague picture of a highly diversified but systematically inconsistent distribution of various types of early embryogenesis. Thereby he discusses phylogenetically preserved (palingenetic) stages of development and adaptations to certain specific situations of the embryo (cenogenesis). To decide whether such types, in the initial stages of embryogenesis, are ceno- or phaenogenetic is quite difficult. Reference to the highly diversified distribution of certain types within specific groups is an indication that there is no strict adaptive pressure on these early parts of embryonic development. This makes it possible to formulate - as Haeckel did it - the idea, that in these initial phases palingenetic attributes are dominant. Thus, he tried to use these early phases of development for the classification of larger systematic units. The result is a concept of an evolutionary morphology, that was, however, never elaborated in detail by Haeckel. Therefore, it remained without effect for evolutionary biology. On the contrary, following the Darwinian approach towards a comparative analysis of embryogenesis, Fritz Müller presented a series of examples for a comparative developmental biology that allowed one to interpret certain morphological characteristics as the outcome of common evolutionary histories within different species. For various crustacean species, he was able to demonstrate that certain attributes are not to be characterized as functionally relevant adaptations, but are evolutionarily inherited.

Using a neural network approach and time series data from an international monitoring station in the Yellow Sea for modeling marine ecosystems.

PubMed

Zhang, Yingying; Wang, Juncheng; Vorontsov, A M; Hou, Guangli; Nikanorova, M N; Wang, Hongliang

2014-01-01

The international marine ecological safety monitoring demonstration station in the Yellow Sea was developed as a collaborative project between China and Russia. It is a nonprofit technical workstation designed as a facility for marine scientific research for public welfare. By undertaking long-term monitoring of the marine environment and automatic data collection, this station will provide valuable information for marine ecological protection and disaster prevention and reduction. The results of some initial research by scientists at the research station into predictive modeling of marine ecological environments and early warning are described in this paper. Marine ecological processes are influenced by many factors including hydrological and meteorological conditions, biological factors, and human activities. Consequently, it is very difficult to incorporate all these influences and their interactions in a deterministic or analysis model. A prediction model integrating a time series prediction approach with neural network nonlinear modeling is proposed for marine ecological parameters. The model explores the natural fluctuations in marine ecological parameters by learning from the latest observed data automatically, and then predicting future values of the parameter. The model is updated in a "rolling" fashion with new observed data from the monitoring station. Prediction experiments results showed that the neural network prediction model based on time series data is effective for marine ecological prediction and can be used for the development of early warning systems.

OBSERVATIONS OF A SERIES OF FLARES AND ASSOCIATED JET-LIKE ERUPTIONS DRIVEN BY THE EMERGENCE OF TWISTED MAGNETIC FIELDS

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

Lim, Eun-Kyung; Yurchyshyn, Vasyl; Kim, Sujin

We studied temporal changes of morphological and magnetic properties of a succession of four confined flares followed by an eruptive flare using the high-resolution New Solar Telescope (NST) operating at the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) magnetograms and Atmospheric Image Assembly (AIA) EUV images provided by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). From the NST/Hα and the SDO/AIA 304 Å observations we found that each flare developed a jet structure that evolved in a manner similar to evolution of the blowout jet: (1) an inverted-Y-shaped jet appeared and drifted away from its initial position; (2) jets formed amore » curtain-like structure that consisted of many fine threads accompanied by subsequent brightenings near the footpoints of the fine threads; and finally, (3) the jet showed a twisted structure visible near the flare maximum. Analysis of the HMI data showed that both the negative magnetic flux and the magnetic helicity have been gradually increasing in the positive-polarity region, indicating the continuous injection of magnetic twist before and during the series of flares. Based on these results, we suggest that the continuous emergence of twisted magnetic flux played an important role in producing successive flares and developing a series of blowout jets.« less

Delayed auditory pathway maturation and prematurity.

PubMed

Koenighofer, Martin; Parzefall, Thomas; Ramsebner, Reinhard; Lucas, Trevor; Frei, Klemens

2015-06-01

Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder in developed countries and leads to a severe reduction in quality of life. In this uncontrolled case series, we evaluated the auditory development in patients suffering from congenital nonsyndromic hearing impairment related to preterm birth. Six patients delivered preterm (25th-35th gestational weeks) suffering from mild to profound congenital nonsyndromic hearing impairment, descending from healthy, nonconsanguineous parents and were evaluated by otoacoustic emissions, tympanometry, brainstem-evoked response audiometry, and genetic testing. All patients were treated with hearing aids, and one patient required cochlear implantation. One preterm infant (32nd gestational week) initially presented with a 70 dB hearing loss, accompanied by negative otoacoustic emissions and normal tympanometric findings. The patient was treated with hearing aids and displayed a gradual improvement in bilateral hearing that completely normalized by 14 months of age accompanied by the development of otoacoustic emission responses. Conclusions We present here for the first time a fully documented preterm patient with delayed auditory pathway maturation and normalization of hearing within 14 months of birth. Although rare, postpartum development of the auditory system should, therefore, be considered in the initial stages for treating preterm hearing impaired patients.

Deduction of initial strategy distributions of agents in mix-game models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gou, Chengling

2006-11-01

This paper reports the effort of deducing the initial strategy distributions (ISDs) of agents in mix-game models that is used to predict a real financial time series generated from a target financial market. Using mix-games to predict Shanghai Index, we find that the time series of prediction accurate rates is sensitive to the ISDs of agents in group 2 who play a minority game, but less sensitive to the ISDs of agents in group 1 who play a majority game. And agents in group 2 tend to cluster in full strategy space (FSS) if the real financial time series has obvious tendency (upward or downward), otherwise they tend to scatter in FSS. We also find that the ISDs and the number of agents in group 1 influence the level of prediction accurate rates. Finally, this paper gives suggestion about further research.

Rapid space trajectory generation using a Fourier series shape-based approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taheri, Ehsan

With the insatiable curiosity of human beings to explore the universe and our solar system, it is essential to benefit from larger propulsion capabilities to execute efficient transfers and carry more scientific equipments. In the field of space trajectory optimization the fundamental advances in using low-thrust propulsion and exploiting the multi-body dynamics has played pivotal role in designing efficient space mission trajectories. The former provides larger cumulative momentum change in comparison with the conventional chemical propulsion whereas the latter results in almost ballistic trajectories with negligible amount of propellant. However, the problem of space trajectory design translates into an optimal control problem which is, in general, time-consuming and very difficult to solve. Therefore, the goal of the thesis is to address the above problem by developing a methodology to simplify and facilitate the process of finding initial low-thrust trajectories in both two-body and multi-body environments. This initial solution will not only provide mission designers with a better understanding of the problem and solution but also serves as a good initial guess for high-fidelity optimal control solvers and increases their convergence rate. Almost all of the high-fidelity solvers enjoy the existence of an initial guess that already satisfies the equations of motion and some of the most important constraints. Despite the nonlinear nature of the problem, it is sought to find a robust technique for a wide range of typical low-thrust transfers with reduced computational intensity. Another important aspect of our developed methodology is the representation of low-thrust trajectories by Fourier series with which the number of design variables reduces significantly. Emphasis is given on simplifying the equations of motion to the possible extent and avoid approximating the controls. These facts contribute to speeding up the solution finding procedure. Several example applications of two and three-dimensional two-body low-thrust transfers are considered. In addition, in the multi-body dynamic, and in particular the restricted-three-body dynamic, several Earth-to-Moon low-thrust transfers are investigated.

Initial operation of the Lockheed Martin T4B experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garrett, M. L.; Blinzer, A.; Ebersohn, F.; Gucker, S.; Heinrich, J.; Lohff, C.; McGuire, T.; Montecalvo, N.; Raymond, A.; Rhoads, J.; Ross, P.; Sommers, B.; Strandberg, E.; Sullivan, R.; Walker, J.

2017-10-01

The T4B experiment is a linear, encapsulated ring cusp confinement device, designed to develop a physics and technology basis for a follow-on high beta (β 1) machine. The experiment consists of 13 magnetic field coils (11 external, 2 internal), to produce a series of on-axis field nulls surrounded by modest magnetic fields of up to 0.3 T. The primary plasma source used on T4B is a lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) cathode, capable of coupling over 100 kW into the plasma. Initial testing focused on commissioning of components and integration of diagnostics. Diagnostics include both long and short wavelength interferometry, bolometry, visible and X-ray spectroscopy, Langmuir and B-dot probes, Thomson scattering, flux loops, and fast camera imagery. Low energy discharges were used to begin validation of physics models and simulation efforts. Following the initial machine check-out, neutral beam injection (NBI) was integrated onto the device. Detailed results will be presented. 2017 Lockheed Martin Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

The impact of education on sexual behavior in sub-Saharan Africa: a review of the evidence.

PubMed

Zuilkowski, Stephanie Simmons; Jukes, Matthew C H

2012-01-01

Many studies have attempted to determine the relationship between education and HIV status. However, a complete and causal understanding of this relationship requires analysis of its mediating pathways, focusing on sexual behaviors. We developed a series of hypotheses based on the differential effect of educational attainment on three sexual behaviors. We tested our predictions in a systematic literature review including 65 articles reporting associations between three specific sexual behaviors -- sexual initiation, number of partners, and condom use -- and educational attainment or school enrollment in sub-Saharan Africa. The patterns of associations varied by behavior. The findings for condom use were particularly convergent; none of the 44 studies using educational attainment as a predictor reviewed found that more educated people were significantly less likely to use condoms. Findings for sexual initiation and number of partners were more complex. The contrast between findings for condom use on the one hand and sexual initiation and number of partners on the other supports predictions based on our theoretical framework.

Shock Initiation Characteristics of an Aluminized DNAN/RDX Melt-Cast Explosive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Tong-Tang; Zhou, Lin; Zhang, Xiang-Rong; Zhang, Wei; Miao, Fei-Chao

2017-10-01

Shock sensitivity is one of the key parameters for newly developed, 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN)-based, melt-cast explosives. For this paper, a series of shock initiation experiments were conducted using a one-dimensional Lagrangian system with a manganin piezoresistive pressure gauge technique to evaluate the shock sensitivity of an aluminized DNAN/cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) melt-cast explosive. This study fully investigated the effects of particle size distributions in both RDX and aluminum, as well as the RDX's crystal quality on the shock sensitivity of the aluminized DNAN/RDX melt-cast explosive. Ultimately, the shock sensitivity of the aluminized DNAN/RDX melt-cast explosives increases when the particle size decreases in both RDX and aluminum. Additionally, shock sensitivity increases when the RDX's crystal quality decreases. In order to simulate these effects, an Ignition and Growth (I&G) reactive flow model was calibrated. This calibrated I&G model was able to predict the shock initiation characteristics of the aluminized DNAN/RDX melt-cast explosive.

Regional Issue Identification and Assessment program (RIIA). Environmental impacts and issues of the EIA MID-MID scenario: Federal Region I (New England)

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

Brainard, J.; Munson, J.S.

1979-04-15

The impacts described here for 1985 and 1990 are based on a national energy projection which assumes medium energy demand and fuel supply through 1990 but does not incorporate the policies of the National Energy Act (NEA). This scenario, referred to as the Projection Series C or the TRENDLONG MID-MID scenario, is one of six possible energy futures developed by the DOE Energy Information Administration for the Department's 1977 Annual Report to Congress. It was chosen as representative of the official DOE national energy projections when this project was initiated, prior to the passage of the National Energy Act. Sincemore » the RIIA program is part of an ongoing review of the regional impact of energy policies, the next phase will examine the National Energy Act (NEA) and initiatives suggested by the President's second National Energy Plan. However, since coal utilization increases under the NEA, in general, impacts identified in the TRENDLONG Series C Scenario should provide a framework for the discussion of impacts by NEA. The environmental impacts discussed in this volume are for Federal Region I (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut). However, there are nine companion volumes, one for each of the other Federal Regions.« less

U-series ages of solitary corals from the California coast by mass spectrometry

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

Stein, M.; Wasserburg, G.J.; Chen, J.H.

1991-12-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of dating fossil solitary corals from Pleistocene marine strandlines outside tropical latitudes using the recently developed high sensitivity, high-precision U-series technique based on thermal-ionization mass-spectrometry (TIMS). The TIMS technique is much more efficient than conventional {alpha} spectrometry and, as a result, multiple samples of an individual coral skeleton, or different specimens from the same bed can be analyzed. Detached and well-rounded fossil specimens of the solitary coral Balanophyllia elegans were collected from relict littoral deposits on emergent marine terraces along the California coast at Cayucos terrace, Shell Beach terrace, Nestormore » terrace, San Diego, Bird Rock terrace, San Diego. Attached living specimens were collected from the intertidal zone on the modern terrace at Moss Beach. The calculated initial {sup 234}U activities in the fossil specimens of Balanophyllia elegans are higher than the {sup 234}U activity in modern seawater or in the modern specimen. The higher initial activities could possibly reflect the influx of {sup 234}U-enriched continental water into Pleistocene coastal waters, or it could reflect the influx of {sup 234}U-enriched continental water into Pleistocene coastal waters, or it could reflect minor diagenetic alteration, a persistent and fundamental problem in dating all corals.« less

A new local GPS water vapor tomography imaging technique using spectral functions w.r.t space and time: initial tests and results for the Tahiti Island case (French Polynesia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sichoix, L.; Barriot, J.; Fadil, A.; Ortega, P.

2009-12-01

In this study, we present the initial tests and validation results performed on a newly-developed GPS water vapor tomography inversion code based on a spectral approach tailored to coarse networks of GPS stations. Our work is mainly motivated by the lack of dense GPS coverage in Tahiti Island. Firstly, we use the GAMIT software to estimate the tropospheric slant wet delays (SWD) from a single GPS ground-based receiver to each visible satellite. SWD values are our model input. Secondly, the refractivity along ray paths is written as 3D Zernike radial and spherical harmonic series as well as sinusoidal time series and then inserted into the Radon transform linking slant delays and refractivity. This approach is in contrast with usual previous approaches where the atmosphere is divided into voxels (3D pixels). These approaches may exhibit instabilities as a voxel is crossed by more than one ray. Thirdly, we overcome the ill-posedness of the Radon transform by adding a priori constraints in the form of a full covariance matrix of the atmospheric refractivity taking into account the transport and mixing processes in the atmosphere.

Enhancing clinical evidence by proactively building quality into clinical trials.

PubMed

Meeker-O'Connell, Ann; Glessner, Coleen; Behm, Mark; Mulinde, Jean; Roach, Nancy; Sweeney, Fergus; Tenaerts, Pamela; Landray, Martin J

2016-08-01

Stakeholders across the clinical trial enterprise have expressed concern that the current clinical trial enterprise is unsustainable. The cost and complexity of trials have continued to increase, threatening our ability to generate reliable evidence essential for making appropriate decisions concerning the benefits and harms associated with clinical interventions. Overcoming this inefficiency rests on improving protocol design, trial planning, and quality oversight. The Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative convened a project to evaluate methods to prospectively build quality into the scientific and operational design of clinical trials ("quality-by-design"), such that trials are feasible to conduct and important errors are prevented rather than remediated. A working group evaluated aspects of trial design and oversight and developed the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative quality-by-design principles document, outlining a series of factors generally relevant to the reliability of trial conclusions and to patient safety. These principles were then applied and further refined during a series of hands-on workshops to evaluate their utility in facilitating proactive, cross-functional dialogue, and decision-making about trial design and planning. Following these workshops, independent qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 workshop attendees to explore the potential challenges for implementing a quality-by-design approach to clinical trials. The Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative project team subsequently developed recommendations and an online resource guide to support implementation of this approach. The Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative quality-by-design principles provide a framework for assuring that clinical trials adequately safeguard participants and provide reliable information on which to make decisions on the effects of treatments. The quality-by-design workshops highlighted the value of active discussions incorporating the different perspectives within and external to an organization (e.g. clinical investigators, research site staff, and trial participants) in improving trial design. Workshop participants also recognized the value of focusing oversight on those aspects of the trial where errors would have a major impact on participant safety and reliability of results. Applying the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative quality-by-design recommendations and principles should enable organizations to prioritize the most critical determinants of a trial's quality, identify non-essential activities that can be eliminated to streamline trial conduct and oversight, and formulate appropriate plans to define, avoid, mitigate, monitor, and address important errors. © The Author(s) 2016.

A series of spinel phase cathode materials prepared by a simple hydrothermal process for rechargeable lithium batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Yan-Yu; Bao, Shu-Juan; Li, Hu-Lin

2006-07-01

A series of spinel-structured materials have been prepared by a simple hydrothermal procedure in an aqueous medium. The new synthetic method is time and energy saving i.e., no further thermal treatment and extended grinding. The main experimental process involved the insertion of lithium into electrolytic manganese dioxide with glucose as a mild reductant in an autoclave. Both the hydrothermal temperature and the presence of glucose play the critical roles in determining the final spinel integrity. Particular electrochemical performance has also been systematically explored, and the results show that Al 3+, F - co-substituted spinels have the best combination of initial capacity and capacity retention among all these samples, exhibited the initial capacity of 115 mAh/g and maintained more than 90% of the initial value at the 50th cycle.

A Preliminary Study of Peer-to-Peer Human-Robot Interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fong, Terrence; Flueckiger, Lorenzo; Kunz, Clayton; Lees, David; Schreiner, John; Siegel, Michael; Hiatt, Laura M.; Nourbakhsh, Illah; Simmons, Reid; Ambrose, Robert

2006-01-01

The Peer-to-Peer Human-Robot Interaction (P2P-HRI) project is developing techniques to improve task coordination and collaboration between human and robot partners. Our work is motivated by the need to develop effective human-robot teams for space mission operations. A central element of our approach is creating dialogue and interaction tools that enable humans and robots to flexibly support one another. In order to understand how this approach can influence task performance, we recently conducted a series of tests simulating a lunar construction task with a human-robot team. In this paper, we describe the tests performed, discuss our initial results, and analyze the effect of intervention on task performance.

AFOMP Policy No 5: career progression for clinical medical physicists in AFOMP countries.

PubMed

Round, W H; Stefanoyiannis, A P; Ng, K H; Rodriguez, L V; Thayalan, K; Han, Y; Tang, F; Fukuda, S; Srivastava, R; Krisanachinda, A; Shiau, A C; Deng, X

2015-06-01

This policy statement, which is the fifth of a series of documents being prepared by the Asia-Oceania Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics Professional Development Committee, gives guidance on how clinical medical physicists' careers should progress from their initial training to career end. It is not intended to be prescriptive as in some AFOMP countries career structures are already essentially defined by employment awards and because such matters will vary considerably from country to country depending on local culture, employment practices and legislation. It is intended to be advisory and set out options for member countries and employers of clinical medical physicists to develop suitable career structures.

Mentoring Clinical Nurses to Write for Publication: Strategies for Success.

PubMed

Oman, Kathleen S; Mancuso, Mary P; Ceballos, Kirtley; Makic, MaryBeth Flynn; Fink, Regina M

2016-05-01

: Clinical nurses often find writing a challenge, but it's important to disseminate clinical practice initiatives that result in notable patient outcomes. Nurses have a responsibility to share what they do to improve patient care. The increased emphasis on the development and evaluation of evidence-based practice has made it necessary for nurses to share best practices that are associated with improved patient outcomes. We developed a six-month Writing for Publication workshop series designed to teach clinical nurses about the writing process and mentor them through the stages of preparing a manuscript to submit for publication. This successful program helped novice nurse authors become published professionals and had a great impact on our organization.

Advanced Stirling Convertor Development for NASA Radioisotope Power Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, Wayne A.; Wilson, Scott D.; Collins, Josh

2015-01-01

Sunpower Inc.'s Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) initiated development under contract to the NASA Glenn Research Center and after a series of successful demonstrations, the ASC began transitioning from a technology development project to a flight development project. The ASC has very high power conversion efficiency making it attractive for future Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) in order to make best use of the low plutonium-238 fuel inventory in the United States. In recent years, the ASC became part of the NASA and Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) Integrated Project. Sunpower held two parallel contracts to produce ASCs, one with the DOE and Lockheed Martin to produce the ASC-F flight convertors, and one with NASA Glenn for the production of ASC-E3 engineering units, the initial units of which served as production pathfinders. The integrated ASC technical team successfully overcame various technical challenges that led to the completion and delivery of the first two pairs of flightlike ASC-E3 by 2013. However, in late fall 2013, the DOE initiated termination of the Lockheed Martin ASRG flight development contract driven primarily by budget constraints. NASA continues to recognize the importance of high-efficiency ASC power conversion for RPS and continues investment in the technology including the continuation of ASC-E3 production at Sunpower and the assembly of the ASRG Engineering Unit #2. This paper provides a summary of ASC technical accomplishments, overview of tests at Glenn, plans for continued ASC production at Sunpower, and status of Stirling technology development.

Data book for 12.5-inch diameter SRB thermal model water flotation test: 14.7 psia, series P020

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allums, S. L.

1974-01-01

Data acquired from the initial series of tests conducted to determine how thermal conditions affect SRB (Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster) flotation are presented. Acceleration, pressure, and temperature data recorded from initial water impact to final flotation position using a 12.5-inch diameter thermal model of the SRB at ambient pressure are included. The model was 136.9 inches long and weighed 117.3 lbm. The tests indicated the following differences from ambient temperature tests: (1) significant negative static pressures can occur during penetration; (2) maximum penetration is increased; and (3) final flotation is in the spar buoy mode.

Introduction to the application of QbD principles for the development of monoclonal antibodies.

PubMed

Finkler, Christof; Krummen, Lynne

2016-09-01

Quality by Design (QbD) is a global regulatory initiative with the goal of enhancing pharmaceutical development through the proactive design of pharmaceutical manufacturing process and controls to consistently deliver the intended performance of the product. The principles of pharmaceutical development relevant to QbD are described in the ICH guidance documents (ICHQ8-11). An integrated set of risk assessments and their related elements developed at Roche/Genentech were designed to provide an overview of product and process knowledge for the production of a recombinant monoclonal antibody. This chapter introduces a publication series on the application of Quality by Design for biopharmaceuticals, with a focus on the development of recombinant monoclonal antibodies. The development of and overview on the QbD concept applied by Roche and Genentech is described and essential QbD elements are presented. Copyright © 2016 International Alliance for Biological Standardization. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of Time-Series Human Settlement Mapping System Using Historical Landsat Archive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyazaki, H.; Nagai, M.; Shibasaki, R.

2016-06-01

Methodology of automated human settlement mapping is highly needed for utilization of historical satellite data archives for urgent issues of urban growth in global scale, such as disaster risk management, public health, food security, and urban management. As development of global data with spatial resolution of 10-100 m was achieved by some initiatives using ASTER, Landsat, and TerraSAR-X, next goal has targeted to development of time-series data which can contribute to studies urban development with background context of socioeconomy, disaster risk management, public health, transport and other development issues. We developed an automated algorithm to detect human settlement by classification of built-up and non-built-up in time-series Landsat images. A machine learning algorithm, Local and Global Consistency (LLGC), was applied with improvements for remote sensing data. The algorithm enables to use MCD12Q1, a MODIS-based global land cover map with 500-m resolution, as training data so that any manual process is not required for preparation of training data. In addition, we designed the method to composite multiple results of LLGC into a single output to reduce uncertainty. The LLGC results has a confidence value ranging 0.0 to 1.0 representing probability of built-up and non-built-up. The median value of the confidence for a certain period around a target time was expected to be a robust output of confidence to identify built-up or non-built-up areas against uncertainties in satellite data quality, such as cloud and haze contamination. Four scenes of Landsat data for each target years, 1990, 2000, 2005, and 2010, were chosen among the Landsat archive data with cloud contamination less than 20%.We developed a system with the algorithms on the Data Integration and Analysis System (DIAS) in the University of Tokyo and processed 5200 scenes of Landsat data for cities with more than one million people worldwide.

Radical Education Reforms. The Series on Contemporary Educational Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finn, Chester E., Jr., Ed.; Walberg, Herbert J., Ed.

This book presents a diverse set of unusual and significant departures from customary educational policies and practices. These "radical" ideas range from calling for national standards, to enacting statewide legislative initiatives, to implementing decentralized local initiatives such as charter schools, local school councils, and privatization.…

Addressing Hate Crimes: Six Initiatives That Are Enhancing the Efforts of Criminal Justice Practitioners. Hate Crimes Series. Bureau of Justice Assistance Monograph.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wessler, Stephen

This publication focuses on initiatives that are designed to address hate crimes by enhancing efforts of the criminal justice system. After discussing the pivotal role of law enforcement in this effort, the paper describes six Bureau of Justice Assistance-funded initiatives, which include: the International Association of Chiefs of Police Summit:…

Modelling the initial phase of an epidemic using incidence and infection network data: 2009 H1N1 pandemic in Israel as a case study

PubMed Central

Katriel, G.; Yaari, R.; Huppert, A.; Roll, U.; Stone, L.

2011-01-01

This paper presents new computational and modelling tools for studying the dynamics of an epidemic in its initial stages that use both available incidence time series and data describing the population's infection network structure. The work is motivated by data collected at the beginning of the H1N1 pandemic outbreak in Israel in the summer of 2009. We formulated a new discrete-time stochastic epidemic SIR (susceptible-infected-recovered) model that explicitly takes into account the disease's specific generation-time distribution and the intrinsic demographic stochasticity inherent to the infection process. Moreover, in contrast with many other modelling approaches, the model allows direct analytical derivation of estimates for the effective reproductive number (Re) and of their credible intervals, by maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. The basic model can be extended to include age–class structure, and a maximum likelihood methodology allows us to estimate the model's next-generation matrix by combining two types of data: (i) the incidence series of each age group, and (ii) infection network data that provide partial information of ‘who-infected-who’. Unlike other approaches for estimating the next-generation matrix, the method developed here does not require making a priori assumptions about the structure of the next-generation matrix. We show, using a simulation study, that even a relatively small amount of information about the infection network greatly improves the accuracy of estimation of the next-generation matrix. The method is applied in practice to estimate the next-generation matrix from the Israeli H1N1 pandemic data. The tools developed here should be of practical importance for future investigations of epidemics during their initial stages. However, they require the availability of data which represent a random sample of the real epidemic process. We discuss the conditions under which reporting rates may or may not influence our estimated quantities and the effects of bias. PMID:21247949

Differences between Experts' and Students' Conceptual Images of the Mathematical Structure of Taylor Series Convergence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Jason

2013-01-01

Taylor series convergence is a complicated mathematical structure which incorporates multiple concepts. Therefore, it can be very difficult for students to initially comprehend. How might students make sense of this structure? How might experts make sense of this structure? To answer these questions, an exploratory study was conducted using…

International trends in health science librarianship part 20: Russia.

PubMed

Murphy, Jeannette; Jargin, Serge

2017-03-01

This is the last in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship in the 21st century. The focus of the present issue is Russia. The next feature column will initiate a new series entitled New Directions in Health Science Librarianship. The first contribution will be from Australia. JM. © 2017 Health Libraries Group.

27 CFR 24.260 - Serial numbers or filling date.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... filling date at the time of filling or when such containers or cases are prepared for removal. Serial numbers will commence with “1” and continue until the numeral “1,000,000” is reached, whereupon the series may recommence with the numeral “1.” However, the proprietor may initiate a new series after the...

Application of Taylor's series to trajectory propagation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stanford, R. H.; Berryman, K. W.; Breckheimer, P. J.

1986-01-01

This paper describes the propagation of trajectories by the application of the preprocessor ATOMCC which uses Taylor's series to solve initial value problems in ordinary differential equations. Comparison of the results obtained with those from other methods are presented. The current studies indicate that the ATOMCC preprocessor is an easy, yet fast and accurate method for generating trajectories.

Apparel Design and Production: A Suggested Program Guide. Fashion Industry Series No. 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fashion Inst. of Tech., New York, NY.

The apparel design and production guide is the second of a series of five interrelated program resource guides encompassing the various dimensions of the fashion industry. Designed to provide youths and adults with intensive preparation for initial entry employment and also with career advancement opportunities within specific categories of jobs,…

Lessons from the Corridors of College Success Initiative: An Introduction. Corridors of College Success Series. CCRC Research Brief. Number 59

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karp, Melinda Mechur; Lundy-Wagner, Valerie

2015-01-01

"Collective impact" is a new place-based model of educational and social intervention that aims to shift responsibility for improvement in outcomes from individual organizations to entire systems that affect the lives of people in a particular location. CCRC's "Corridors of College Success Series" provides insights into…

Constructing Weyl group multiple Dirichlet series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chinta, Gautam; Gunnells, Paul E.

2010-01-01

Let Phi be a reduced root system of rank r . A Weyl group multiple Dirichlet series for Phi is a Dirichlet series in r complex variables s_1,dots,s_r , initially converging for {Re}(s_i) sufficiently large, that has meromorphic continuation to {{C}}^r and satisfies functional equations under the transformations of {{C}}^r corresponding to the Weyl group of Phi . A heuristic definition of such a series was given by Brubaker, Bump, Chinta, Friedberg, and Hoffstein, and they have been investigated in certain special cases by others. In this paper we generalize results by Chinta and Gunnells to construct Weyl group multiple Dirichlet series by a uniform method and show in all cases that they have the expected properties.

Crossing the chasm: information technology to biomedical informatics.

PubMed

Fahy, Brenda G; Balke, C William; Umberger, Gloria H; Talbert, Jeffery; Canales, Denise Niles; Steltenkamp, Carol L; Conigliaro, Joseph

2011-06-01

Accelerating the translation of new scientific discoveries to improve human health and disease management is the overall goal of a series of initiatives integrated in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) "Roadmap for Medical Research." The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program is, arguably, the most visible component of the NIH Roadmap providing resources to institutions to transform their clinical and translational research enterprises along the goals of the Roadmap. The CTSA program emphasizes biomedical informatics as a critical component for the accomplishment of the NIH's translational objectives. To be optimally effective, emerging biomedical informatics programs must link with the information technology platforms of the enterprise clinical operations within academic health centers.This report details one academic health center's transdisciplinary initiative to create an integrated academic discipline of biomedical informatics through the development of its infrastructure for clinical and translational science infrastructure and response to the CTSA mechanism. This approach required a detailed informatics strategy to accomplish these goals. This transdisciplinary initiative was the impetus for creation of a specialized biomedical informatics core, the Center for Biomedical Informatics (CBI). Development of the CBI codified the need to incorporate medical informatics including quality and safety informatics and enterprise clinical information systems within the CBI. This article describes the steps taken to develop the biomedical informatics infrastructure, its integration with clinical systems at one academic health center, successes achieved, and barriers encountered during these efforts.

Hypothyroidism in Cancer Patients on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors with anti-PD1 Agents: Insights on Underlying Mechanisms.

PubMed

Alhusseini, M; Samantray, J

2017-04-01

Background: Immune therapy using monoclonal antibodies against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 receptor (PD-1) for various cancers have been reported to cause thyroid dysfunction. Little is known, however, about the underlying pathogenic mechanisms and the course of hypothyroidism that subsequently develops. In this report, we use the change in thyroglobulin and thyroid antibody levels in patients on immune therapy who develop hypothyroidism to better understand its pathogenesis as well as examine the status of hypothyroidism in the long term. Methods: We report a case series of 10 patients who developed hypothyroidism after initiation of immune therapy (either anti-PD-1 alone or in combination with anti-CTLA-4). Available thyroid antibodies including anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), and thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) were noted during the initial thyroiditis phase as well as the hypothyroid phase. Persistence or remission of hypothyroidism was noted at 6 months. Summary: During the thyroiditis phase, 50% of the patients had elevated Tg titers, 40% had elevated anti-Tg, and 40% had elevated TSI. All of these titers decreased during the hypothyroid phase. Permanent hypothyroidism was noted in 80% of the cases. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism following initiation of immune therapy has immunologic and non-immunologic mediated mechanisms and is likely to be persistent. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Analysis and Inverse Design of the HSR Arrow Wing Configuration with Fuselage, Wing, and Flow Through Nacelles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krist, Steven E.; Bauer, Steven X. S.

1999-01-01

The design process for developing the natural flow wing design on the HSR arrow wing configuration utilized several design tools and analysis methods. Initial fuselage/wing designs were generated with inviscid analysis and optimization methods in conjunction with the natural flow wing design philosophy. A number of designs were generated, satisfying different system constraints. Of the three natural flow wing designs developed, the NFWAc2 configuration is the design which satisfies the constraints utilized by McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA) in developing a series of optimized configurations; a wind tunnel model of the MDA designed OPT5 configuration was constructed and tested. The present paper is concerned with the viscous analysis and inverse design of the arrow wing configurations, including the effects of the installed diverters/nacelles. Analyses were conducted with OVERFLOW, a Navier-Stokes flow solver for overset grids. Inverse designs were conducted with OVERDISC, which couples OVERFLOW with the CDISC inverse design method. An initial system of overset grids was generated for the OPT5 configuration with installed diverters/nacelles. An automated regridding process was then developed to use the OPT5 component grids to create grids for the natural flow wing designs. The inverse design process was initiated using the NFWAc2 configuration as a starting point, eventually culminating in the NFWAc4 design-for which a wind tunnel model was constructed. Due to the time constraints on the design effort, initial analyses and designs were conducted with a fairly coarse grid; subsequent analyses have been conducted on a refined system of grids. Comparisons of the computational results to experiment are provided at the end of this paper.

NBER working paper series: oil and the dollar. Working Paper No. 554

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

Krugman, P.

1980-01-01

This paper develops a simple theoretical model of the effect of an oil price increase on exchange rates. The model shows that the direction of this effect depends on a comparison of the direct balance of payments burden of the higher oil price with the indirect balance of payments benefits of OPEC spending and investment. In the short run, what matters is whether the US share of world oil imports is more or less than its share of OPEC asset holdings; in the long run, whether its share of oil imports is more or less than its share of OPECmore » imports. Casual empiricism suggests that the initial effect and the long run effect will run in opposite directions; an oil price increase will initially lead to dollar appreciation, but eventually leads to dollar depreciation.« less

Minority Energy Technical Assistance Program (METAP): Phase 1. Final technical report

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

Merrill, K.

1997-04-06

The Phase 1 Triple E (Energy, Economic development, Environment) METAP series has been a success. Its broad acceptance and considerations of exceptional quality and substance by the man seminar participants who attended in the seven cities, have made the businesses of community empowerment, education, and awareness as they relate to energy, obviously important. Many community leaders and legislators have expressed their immense gratitude to the US Department of Energy, for initiating such an important agenda within their communities. There have been over 110 legislators and almost 1,200 participants collectively, who have participated in this very valuable initiative. The participants rangemore » from community leaders and legislators to members from the private and public sectors, universities, not for profits, civic and church leaders. Highlights and accomplishments of these seminars are summarized.« less

Midline signals regulate retinal neurogenesis in zebrafish.

PubMed

Masai, I; Stemple, D L; Okamoto, H; Wilson, S W

2000-08-01

In zebrafish, neuronal differentiation progresses across the retina in a pattern that is reminiscent of the neurogenic wave that sweeps across the developing eye in Drosophila. We show that expression of a zebrafish homolog of Drosophila atonal, ath5, sweeps across the eye predicting the wave of neuronal differentiation. By analyzing the regulation of ath5 expression, we have elucidated the mechanisms that regulate initiation and spread of neurogenesis in the retina. ath5 expression is lost in Nodal pathway mutant embryos lacking axial tissues that include the prechordal plate. A likely role for axial tissue is to induce optic stalk cells that subsequently regulate ath5 expression. Our results suggest that a series of inductive events, initiated from the prechordal plate and progressing from the optic stalks, regulates the spread of neuronal differentiation across the zebrafish retina.

High-use supplies at the bedside.

PubMed

Stefancyk, Amanda L

2009-02-01

This is the sixth in a series of articles from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston describing one general medical unit's experiences with Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB). An initiative begun by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, TCAB was developed as a way to improve care on medical-surgical units, patients' and family members' experience of care, and teamwork among care team members and to increase nurse satisfaction and retention. The TCAB philosophy engages all care leaders, but empowers bedside nurses to generate ideas and solutions for change. Mass General is one of 68 hospitals participating in a two-year TCAB initiative led by the American Organization of Nurse Executives and funded with a grant from the RWJF. For more information on TCAB, go to www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=31512.

Environmental control medical support team

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crump, William J.; Kilgore, Melvin V., Jr.

1988-01-01

The activities conducted in support of the Environmental Control and Life Support Team during December 7, 1987 through September 30, 1988 are summarized. The majority of the ongoing support has focused on the ECLSS area. Through a series of initial meetings with the ECLSS team and technical literature review, an initial list of critical topics was developed. Subtasks were then identified or additional related tasks received as action items from the ECLSS group meetings. Although most of the efforts focused on providing MSFC personnel with information regarding specific questions and problems related to ECLSS issues, other efforts regarding identifying an ECLSS Medical Support Team and constructing data bases of technical information were also initiated and completed. The specific tasks are as follows: (1) Provide support to the mechanical design and integration of test systems as related to microbiological concerns; (2) Assist with design of Human Subjects Test Protocols; (3) Interpretation and recommendations pertaining to air/water quality requirements; (4) Assist in determining the design specifications required as related to the Technical Demonstration Program; (5) Develop a data base of all microorganisms recovered from previous subsystem testing; (6) Estimates of health risk of individual microbes to test subjects; (7) Assist with setting limits for safety of test subjects; (8) Health monitoring of test subjects; (9) Assist in the preparation of test plans; (10) Assist in the development of a QA/QC program to assure the validity, accuracy and precision of the analyses; and (11) Assist in developing test plans required for future man in the loop testing.

Development of vendor evaluation criteria and post-implementation considerations for MSFC center-wide executive information system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moynihan, Gary P.

1992-01-01

In June 1991, the MITRE Corporation submitted a series of recommendations as part of a Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Management Information System Requirements Study, initiated by the Information Systems Office (ISO). A major recommendation of the study was to develop an Executive Information System (EIS) for MSFC executives. ISO was directed, by center management, to proceed with the development of a Center-Wide Executive Information System. Existing EIS prototypes, developed by the Space Shuttle Projects Office and the Payload Projects Office, were reviewed. These existing MSFC prototypes were considered not to encompass the required functionality needed on a center-wide basis. A follow-up study by MITRE provided top-level system requirements. These were later incorporated into a final requirements specification document by Boeing Computer Support Services.

Development of Ground Test System For RKX-200EB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yudhi Irwanto, Herma

2018-04-01

After being postponed for seven years, the development of RKX-200EB now restarts by initiating a ground test, preceding the real flight test. The series of the development starts from simulation test using the real vehicle and its components, focusing on a flight sequence test using hardware in the loop simulation. The result of the simulation shows that the autonomous control system in development is able to control the X tail fin vehicle, since take off using booster, separating booster-sustainer, making flight maneuver using sustainer with average cruise speed of 1000 km/h, and doing bank to maneuver up to ±40 deg heading to the target. The simulation result also shows that the presence of sustainer in vehicle control can expand the distance range by 162% (12.6 km) from its ballistic range using only a booster.

Development and Preliminary Feasibility Study of a Brief Behavioral Activation Mobile Application (Behavioral Apptivation) to Be Used in Conjunction With Ongoing Therapy.

PubMed

Dahne, Jennifer; Kustanowitz, Jacob; Lejuez, C W

2018-02-01

Depressive symptoms are the most frequently treated psychiatric condition in the United States. Brief behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD) is a popular, evidence-based psychotherapy with strong research support for the treatment of depression. In this paper, we describe the development and initial pilot feasibility testing of a BATD mobile application (Behavioral Apptivation) to be used by patients and therapists in conjunction with BATD therapy. We present information regarding the app development process as well as results from a small open-label feasibility trial of the app utilized in conjunction with individual BATD. We include a case series from the open-label trial highlighting how Behavioral Apptivation can be utilized in clinical practice.

Regional HIV knowledge hubs: a new approach by the health sector to transform knowledge into practice.

PubMed

Mostafavi, Ehsan; Haghdoost, Aliakbar; Mirzazadeh, Ali; Riedner, Gabriele; Weis, Peter; Kloss, Kristina; Zolala, Farzaneh

2014-03-01

This study aims to introduce the knowledge hub (KH) as an initiative to facilitate transformation of knowledge into practice and to highlight the activity and limitations with this new policy. The study was conducted through a review of articles; expert views in this field were sought for further information. Regional human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) KHs were developed by the World Health Organization and GTZ. A series of activities including capacity building, development of training models, technical assistance, and application of studies are provided through these hubs. However, financial limitations are the main obstacle in achieving these aims. This piece of work introduces these HIV hubs in order to help countries, particularly developing countries, provide the support needed to fight the progression of HIV.

Problems of humanization in cosmonautics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bul'Diaev, G. A.

1992-03-01

The paper discusses the ways of improving humanization of space-related science and technology projects, using the development of the space-rocket industry as an example. Consideration is given to ways of optimizing the military space-rocket programs with respect to minimizing environmental pollution and losses to arable and pasture land and maximizing benefits from rockets for scientific and agricultural programs. It is noted that the present economical crisis makes the continuation of the space project Buran not rational and that money saved would be better spent on the further development of the Energiia-series carriers. Attention is also given to work done on redirecting the research and technology for military projects toward civilian-type projects, on commercialization of these projects, and on further development of cooperation with foreign space programs and initiation of new cooperative projects.

William W. Lang's contributions to the development of the International Institute of Noise Control Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kihlman, Tor

2005-09-01

Bill Lang has been a member of the Board of I-INCE since its first meeting in 1975 in Sendai, Japan. From 1988 to 1999 he served as the President, and to this day remains a very active member of the Board. The INTER-NOISE congress series has been the core activity of I-INCE, and in every case Bill has contributed very actively to secure an excellent congress. He has also taken a number of initiatives both to improve the organization itself and to develop new activities, especially the Technical Study Groups that have prepared consensus reports on important issues such as noise barrier effectiveness and industrial noise hearing conservation policy. At present, he is very active in attempting to develop a global noise control policy.

Child Advocates Making a Difference, 2001.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goodman, Bryan, Ed.

This document is comprised of 9 issues of a newsletter providing information on current child advocacy initiatives and accomplishments. Each issue describes one local or state child advocacy program or initiative and its accomplishments. The issues of this publication represent a series of short information pieces to highlight the National…

Changes in Academic Entrepreneurship among Japanese University Bioscientists, 1980-2012

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kameo, Nahoko

2014-01-01

The dissertation examines how Japanese university scientists in the biosciences responded to legal and institutional changes in academic entrepreneurship. Beginning in the 1990s, the Japanese government initiated a series of policy initiatives that attempted to imitate the U.S. academic environment's approach to promoting entrepreneurship. Using…

Nurse Reinvestment Act. Public Law.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC.

This document contains the text of the Nurse Reinvestment Act, which amends the Public Health Service Act to address the increasing shortage of registered nurses by instituting a series of policies to improve nurse recruitment and nurse retention. Title I details two initiatives to boost recruitment of nurses. The first initiative includes the…

Regular Cycles of Forward and Backward Signal Propagation in Prefrontal Cortex and in Consciousness

PubMed Central

Werbos, Paul J.; Davis, Joshua J. J.

2016-01-01

This paper addresses two fundamental questions: (1) Is it possible to develop mathematical neural network models which can explain and replicate the way in which higher-order capabilities like intelligence, consciousness, optimization, and prediction emerge from the process of learning (Werbos, 1994, 2016a; National Science Foundation, 2008)? and (2) How can we use and test such models in a practical way, to track, to analyze and to model high-frequency (≥ 500 hz) many-channel data from recording the brain, just as econometrics sometimes uses models grounded in the theory of efficient markets to track real-world time-series data (Werbos, 1990)? This paper first reviews some of the prior work addressing question (1), and then reports new work performed in MATLAB analyzing spike-sorted and burst-sorted data on the prefrontal cortex from the Buzsaki lab (Fujisawa et al., 2008, 2015) which is consistent with a regular clock cycle of about 153.4 ms and with regular alternation between a forward pass of network calculations and a backwards pass, as in the general form of the backpropagation algorithm which one of us first developed in the period 1968–1974 (Werbos, 1994, 2006; Anderson and Rosenfeld, 1998). In business and finance, it is well known that adjustments for cycles of the year are essential to accurate prediction of time-series data (Box and Jenkins, 1970); in a similar way, methods for identifying and using regular clock cycles offer large new opportunities in neural time-series analysis. This paper demonstrates a few initial footprints on the large “continent” of this type of neural time-series analysis, and discusses a few of the many further possibilities opened up by this new approach to “decoding” the neural code (Heller et al., 1995). PMID:27965547

Regular Cycles of Forward and Backward Signal Propagation in Prefrontal Cortex and in Consciousness.

PubMed

Werbos, Paul J; Davis, Joshua J J

2016-01-01

This paper addresses two fundamental questions: (1) Is it possible to develop mathematical neural network models which can explain and replicate the way in which higher-order capabilities like intelligence, consciousness, optimization, and prediction emerge from the process of learning (Werbos, 1994, 2016a; National Science Foundation, 2008)? and (2) How can we use and test such models in a practical way, to track, to analyze and to model high-frequency (≥ 500 hz) many-channel data from recording the brain, just as econometrics sometimes uses models grounded in the theory of efficient markets to track real-world time-series data (Werbos, 1990)? This paper first reviews some of the prior work addressing question (1), and then reports new work performed in MATLAB analyzing spike-sorted and burst-sorted data on the prefrontal cortex from the Buzsaki lab (Fujisawa et al., 2008, 2015) which is consistent with a regular clock cycle of about 153.4 ms and with regular alternation between a forward pass of network calculations and a backwards pass, as in the general form of the backpropagation algorithm which one of us first developed in the period 1968-1974 (Werbos, 1994, 2006; Anderson and Rosenfeld, 1998). In business and finance, it is well known that adjustments for cycles of the year are essential to accurate prediction of time-series data (Box and Jenkins, 1970); in a similar way, methods for identifying and using regular clock cycles offer large new opportunities in neural time-series analysis. This paper demonstrates a few initial footprints on the large "continent" of this type of neural time-series analysis, and discusses a few of the many further possibilities opened up by this new approach to "decoding" the neural code (Heller et al., 1995).

Aerodynamic data banks for Clark-Y, NACA 4-digit and NACA 16-series airfoil families

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korkan, K. D.; Camba, J., III; Morris, P. M.

1986-01-01

With the renewed interest in propellers as means of obtaining thrust and fuel efficiency in addition to the increased utilization of the computer, a significant amount of progress was made in the development of theoretical models to predict the performance of propeller systems. Inherent in the majority of the theoretical performance models to date is the need for airfoil data banks which provide lift, drag, and moment coefficient values as a function of Mach number, angle-of-attack, maximum thickness to chord ratio, and Reynolds number. Realizing the need for such data, a study was initiated to provide airfoil data banks for three commonly used airfoil families in propeller design and analysis. The families chosen consisted of the Clark-Y, NACA 16 series, and NACA 4 digit series airfoils. The various component of each computer code, the source of the data used to create the airfoil data bank, the limitations of each data bank, program listing, and a sample case with its associated input-output are described. Each airfoil data bank computer code was written to be used on the Amdahl Computer system, which is IBM compatible and uses Fortran.

Technical and Economical Demands on 25K - 77K Refrigerators for Future HTS — Series Products in Power Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gromoll, B.

2004-06-01

For the future high temperature superconductivity, HTS, series products new refrigerators are essential. Demands are made on these which are only partly fulfilled by refrigerators available in the market today. This refers to cooling power, initial cost and in particular reliability. Without proper refrigeration techniques it will be almost impossible to bring HTS products to the market. Based on the experiences made by the construction and operation of HTS prototypes within our company, like the 400 kW motor, 1.2 MVA current limiter and 1 MVA traction-transformer provided with refrigerators which are available in the market today, criteria have been established to identify the future technical and economical requirements. These criteria apply to efficiency, maintainability, operation flexibility, feasibility of integration and performance/cost ratio. For the temperature range of 20 K to 77 K cooling with Gifford-McMahon, Pulse Tube, Stirling and Mixture-Cascade refrigerators are applicable. The development potential of these processes are compared for the different applications in future series products. Presented are the necessary steps towards reliable and economic refrigerators from the viewpoint of an equipment manufacturer. These are essential for a market entry in the year 2008.

Coordinated Analysis 101: A Joint Training Session Sponsored by LPI and ARES/JSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Draper, D. S.; Treiman, A. H.

2017-01-01

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) and the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division, part of the Exploration Integration and Science Directorate at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), co-sponsored a training session in November 2016 for four early-career scientists in the techniques of coordinated analysis. Coordinated analysis refers to the approach of systematically performing high-resolution and -precision analytical studies on astromaterials, particularly the very small particles typical of recent and near-future sample return missions such as Stardust, Hayabusa, Hayabusa2, and OSIRIS-REx. A series of successive analytical steps is chosen to be performed on the same particle, as opposed to separate subsections of a sample, in such a way that the initial steps do not compromise the results from later steps in the sequence. The data from the entire series can then be integrated for these individual specimens, revealing important in-sights obtainable no other way. ARES/JSC scientists have played a leading role in the development and application of this approach for many years. Because the coming years will bring new sample collections from these and other planned NASA and international exploration missions, it is timely to begin disseminating specialized techniques for the study of small and precious astromaterial samples. As part of the Cooperative Agreement between NASA and the LPI, this training workshop was intended as the first in a series of similar training exercises that the two organizations will jointly sponsor in the coming years. These workshops will span the range of analytical capabilities and sample types available at ARES/JSC in the Astromaterials Research and Astro-materials Acquisition and Curation Offices. Here we summarize the activities and participants in this initial training.

Earth Surface Monitoring with COSI-Corr, Techniques and Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leprince, S.; Ayoub, F.; Avouac, J.

2009-12-01

Co-registration of Optically Sensed Images and Correlation (COSI-Corr) is a software package developed at the California Institute of Technology (USA) for accurate geometrical processing of optical satellite and aerial imagery. Initially developed for the measurement of co-seismic ground deformation using optical imagery, COSI-Corr is now used for a wide range of applications in Earth Sciences, which take advantage of the software capability to co-register, with very high accuracy, images taken from different sensors and acquired at different times. As long as a sensor is supported in COSI-Corr, all images between the supported sensors can be accurately orthorectified and co-registered. For example, it is possible to co-register a series of SPOT images, a series of aerial photographs, as well as to register a series of aerial photographs with a series of SPOT images, etc... Currently supported sensors include the SPOT 1-5, Quickbird, Worldview 1 and Formosat 2 satellites, the ASTER instrument, and frame camera acquisitions from e.g., aerial survey or declassified satellite imagery. Potential applications include accurate change detection between multi-temporal and multi-spectral images, and the calibration of pushbroom cameras. In particular, COSI-Corr provides a powerful correlation tool, which allows for accurate estimation of surface displacement. The accuracy depends on many factors (e.g., cloud, snow, and vegetation cover, shadows, temporal changes in general, steadiness of the imaging platform, defects of the imaging system, etc...) but in practice, the standard deviation of the measurements obtained from the correlation of mutli-temporal images is typically around 1/20 to 1/10 of the pixel size. The software package also includes post-processing tools such as denoising, destriping, and stacking tools to facilitate data interpretation. Examples drawn from current research in, e.g., seismotectonics, glaciology, and geomorphology will be presented. COSI-Corr is developed in IDL (Interactive Data Language), integrated under the user friendly interface ENVI (Environment for Visualizing Images), and is distributed free of charge for academic research purposes.

OceanSITES: Sustained Ocean Time Series Observations in the Global Ocean.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weller, R. A.; Gallage, C.; Send, U.; Lampitt, R. S.; Lukas, R.

2016-02-01

Time series observations at critical or representative locations are an essential element of a global ocean observing system that is unique and complements other approaches to sustained observing. OceanSITES is an international group of oceanographers associated with such time series sites. OceanSITES exists to promote the continuation and extension of ocean time series sites around the globe. It also exists to plan and oversee the global array of sites in order to address the needs of research, climate change detection, operational applications, and policy makers. OceanSITES is a voluntary group that sits as an Action Group of the JCOMM-OPS Data Buoy Cooperation Panel, where JCOMM-OPS is the operational ocean observing oversight group of the Joint Commission on Oceanography and Marine Meteorology of the International Oceanographic Commission and the World Meteorological Organization. The way forward includes working to complete the global array, moving toward multidisciplinary instrumentation on a subset of the sites, and increasing utilization of the time series data, which are freely available from two Global Data Assembly Centers, one at the National Data Buoy Center and one at Coriolis at IFREMER. One recnet OceanSITES initiative and several results from OceanSITES time series sites are presented. The recent initiative was the assembly of a pool of temperature/conductivity recorders fro provision to OceanSITES sites in order to provide deep ocean temperature and salinity time series. Examples from specific sites include: a 15-year record of surface meteorology and air-sea fluxes from off northern Chile that shows evidence of long-term trends in surface forcing; change in upper ocean salinity and stratification in association with regional change in the hydrological cycle can be seen at the Hawaii time series site; results from monitoring Atlantic meridional transport; and results from a European multidisciplinary time series site.

U.S. Department of Energy's site screening, site selection, and initial characterization for storage of CO2 in deep geological formations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rodosta, T.D.; Litynski, J.T.; Plasynski, S.I.; Hickman, S.; Frailey, S.; Myer, L.

2011-01-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is the lead Federal agency for the development and deployment of carbon sequestration technologies. As part of its mission to facilitate technology transfer and develop guidelines from lessons learned, DOE is developing a series of best practice manuals (BPMs) for carbon capture and storage (CCS). The "Site Screening, Site Selection, and Initial Characterization for Storage of CO2 in Deep Geological Formations" BPM is a compilation of best practices and includes flowchart diagrams illustrating the general decision making process for Site Screening, Site Selection, and Initial Characterization. The BPM integrates the knowledge gained from various programmatic efforts, with particular emphasis on the Characterization Phase through pilot-scale CO2 injection testing of the Validation Phase of the Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (RCSP) Initiative. Key geologic and surface elements that suitable candidate storage sites should possess are identified, along with example Site Screening, Site Selection, and Initial Characterization protocols for large-scale geologic storage projects located across diverse geologic and regional settings. This manual has been written as a working document, establishing a framework and methodology for proper site selection for CO2 geologic storage. This will be useful for future CO2 emitters, transporters, and storage providers. It will also be of use in informing local, regional, state, and national governmental agencies of best practices in proper sequestration site selection. Furthermore, it will educate the inquisitive general public on options and processes for geologic CO2 storage. In addition to providing best practices, the manual presents a geologic storage resource and capacity classification system. The system provides a "standard" to communicate storage and capacity estimates, uncertainty and project development risk, data guidelines and analyses for adequate site characterization, and guidelines for reporting estimates within the classification based on each project's status. 

Evaluation of New Century High Schools: Profile of an Initiative to Create and Sustain Small, Successful High Schools. Final Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foley, Eileen M.; Klinge, Allan; Reisner, Elizabeth R.

2007-01-01

The evaluation of the New Century High Schools (NCHS) initiative examined operations and student outcomes in 75 schools from 2002-2003 through 2005-2006. This report, the final in a series of annual evaluation reports, presents data collected over those years, with a focus on school year 2005-2006. The NCHS initiative grew out of a program theory…

Rats' Anticipation of Current and Future Trial Outcomes in the Ordered RNR/RNN Serial Pattern Task

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cohen, Jerome; Mohamoud, Sirad; Szelest, Izabela; Kani, Tammy

2008-01-01

In the ordered RNR/RNN serial pattern task, rats often reduce their running speeds on trial 2 less within the RNR than within the RNN series. Initially, investigators (Capaldi, 1985; Capaldi et al., 1983) considered this trial 2 differential speed effect evidence for rats' anticipation of inter-trial outcomes within each series. Later findings,…

Lead optimization of a pyridine-carboxamide series as DGAT-1 inhibitors.

PubMed

Ting, Pauline C; Lee, Joe F; Zorn, Nicolas; Kim, Hyunjin M; Aslanian, Robert G; Lin, Mingxiang; Smith, Michelle; Walker, Scott S; Cook, John; Van Heek, Margaret; Lachowicz, Jean

2013-02-15

The structure-activity relationship studies of a novel series of carboxylic acid derivatives of pyridine-carboxamides as DGAT-1 inhibitors is described. The optimization of the initial lead compound 6 based on in vitro and in vivo activity led to the discovery of key compounds 10j and 17h. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Brave New (and Smaller) World of Higher Education: A Transatlantic View. The Changing Enterprise. First in a Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Madeleine; Eckel, Peter; Barblan, Andris

This document, the first in a series of occasional papers associated with a new American Council on Education (ACE) initiative, the Changing Enterprise Project, seeks to chart and understand the directions colleges and universities are pursuing to respond to increased competition and changing fiscal realities. This essay is based on the…

Monitoring the Future National Survey Results on Drug Use, 1975-2013. Volume 2, College Students & Adults Ages 19-55

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnston, Lloyd D.; O'Malley, Patrick M.; Bachman, Jerald G.; Schulenberg, John E.; Miech, Richard A.

2014-01-01

Monitoring the Future (MTF) is a research program conducted at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research under a series of investigator-initiated research grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse--one of the National Institutes of Health. The study comprises several ongoing series of annual surveys of nationally…

Rapid detection of Salmonella Typhimurium in chicken carcass using a SPR biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shizhou; Lan, Yubin; Yin, Yongguang; Dasari, Thirumala R.

2005-11-01

The SPR biosensor was sensitive to the presence of Salmonella Typhimurium in chicken carcass. The selectivity of the SPR biosensor was assayed using a series of antibody concentrations and dilution series of the organism. The SPR biosensor was specific to Salmonella Typhimurium at concentrations of 106 CFU/ml. Initial results show potential for its application for pathogenic bacteria monitoring.

Population Profiles; A Series of 14 Units, Plus Extras, for the Study of Demography. Numbers 8 and 9.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Everett S.; Bouvier, Leon F.

"Growth and Future of Cities" and "The Nation's Minorities" are units eight and nine, respectively from the fourteen-units series Population Profiles. The former initiates its consideration of our urban future with two divergent points of view on population distribution. Those views are brought into perspective by an historical investigation of…

Analysis and testing of numerical formulas for the initial value problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, R. L.; Kovach, K. R.; Popyack, J. L.

1980-01-01

Three computer programs for evaluating and testing numerical integration formulas used with fixed stepsize programs to solve initial value systems of ordinary differential equations are described. A program written in PASCAL SERIES, takes as input the differential equations and produces a FORTRAN subroutine for the derivatives of the system and for computing the actual solution through recursive power series techniques. Both of these are used by STAN, a FORTRAN program that interactively displays a discrete analog of the Liapunov stability region of any two dimensional subspace of the system. The derivatives may be used by CLMP, a FORTRAN program, to test the fixed stepsize formula against a good numerical result and interactively display the solutions.

Heating of food in modified atmospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sweat, V. E.

1973-01-01

Food heating tests were conducted with two model foods; a Carnation turkey salad sandwich spread and frankfurter chunks in a sauce of water and agar. For the first series of tests comparing heating in five different atmospheres, the atmospheres were: (1) air at atmospheric pressure, (2) air at 5 psia, (3) helium at 5 psia, (4) oxygen-nitrogen mixture at 5 psia, and (5) oxygen-helium mixture at 5 psia. No significant differences in heating rates were caused by varying the atmosphere. Initial food temperatures were varied in the next series of tests. Heating times were found to increase with decreasing initial temperatures. There were also differences in heating times between the two foods used.

Results of Two-Stage Light-Gas Gun Development Efforts and Hypervelocity Impact Tests of Advanced Thermal Protection Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cornelison, C. J.; Watts, Eric T.

1998-01-01

Gun development efforts to increase the launching capabilities of the NASA Ames 0.5-inch two-stage light-gas gun have been investigated. A gun performance simulation code was used to guide initial parametric variations and hardware modifications, in order to increase the projectile impact velocity capability to 8 km/s, while maintaining acceptable levels of gun barrel erosion and gun component stresses. Concurrent with this facility development effort, a hypervelocity impact testing series in support of the X-33/RLV program was performed in collaboration with Rockwell International. Specifically, advanced thermal protection system materials were impacted with aluminum spheres to simulate impacts with on-orbit space debris. Materials tested included AETB-8, AETB-12, AETB-20, and SIRCA-25 tiles, tailorable advanced blanket insulation (TABI), and high temperature AFRSI (HTA). The ballistic limit for several Thermal Protection System (TPS) configurations was investigated to determine particle sizes which cause threshold TPS/structure penetration. Crater depth in tiles was measured as a function of impact particle size. The relationship between coating type and crater morphology was also explored. Data obtained during this test series was used to perform a preliminary analysis of the risks to a typical orbital vehicle from the meteoroid and space debris environment.

Assessing needs and assets for building a regional network infrastructure to reduce cancer related health disparities.

PubMed

Wells, Kristen J; Lima, Diana S; Meade, Cathy D; Muñoz-Antonia, Teresita; Scarinci, Isabel; McGuire, Allison; Gwede, Clement K; Pledger, W Jack; Partridge, Edward; Lipscomb, Joseph; Matthews, Roland; Matta, Jaime; Flores, Idhaliz; Weiner, Roy; Turner, Timothy; Miele, Lucio; Wiese, Thomas E; Fouad, Mona; Moreno, Carlos S; Lacey, Michelle; Christie, Debra W; Price-Haywood, Eboni G; Quinn, Gwendolyn P; Coppola, Domenico; Sodeke, Stephen O; Green, B Lee; Lichtveld, Maureen Y

2014-06-01

Significant cancer health disparities exist in the United States and Puerto Rico. While numerous initiatives have been implemented to reduce cancer disparities, regional coordination of these efforts between institutions is often limited. To address cancer health disparities nation-wide, a series of regional transdisciplinary networks through the Geographic Management Program (GMaP) and the Minority Biospecimen/Biobanking Geographic Management Program (BMaP) were established in six regions across the country. This paper describes the development of the Region 3 GMaP/BMaP network composed of over 100 investigators from nine institutions in five Southeastern states and Puerto Rico to develop a state-of-the-art network for cancer health disparities research and training. We describe a series of partnership activities that led to the formation of the infrastructure for this network, recount the participatory processes utilized to develop and implement a needs and assets assessment and implementation plan, and describe our approach to data collection. Completion, by all nine institutions, of the needs and assets assessment resulted in several beneficial outcomes for Region 3 GMaP/BMaP. This network entails ongoing commitment from the institutions and institutional leaders, continuous participatory and engagement activities, and effective coordination and communication centered on team science goals. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessing Needs and Assets for Building a Regional Network Infrastructure to Reduce Cancer Related Health Disparities

PubMed Central

Wells, Kristen J.; Lima, Diana S.; Meade, Cathy D.; Muñoz-Antonia, Teresita; Scarinci, Isabel; McGuire, Allison; Gwede, Clement K.; Pledger, W. Jack; Partridge, Edward; Lipscomb, Joseph; Matthews, Roland; Matta, Jaime; Flores, Idhaliz; Weiner, Roy; Turner, Timothy; Miele, Lucio; Wiese, Thomas E.; Fouad, Mona; Moreno, Carlos S.; Lacey, Michelle; Christie, Debra W.; Price-Haywood, Eboni G.; Quinn, Gwendolyn P.; Coppola, Domenico; Sodeke, Stephen O.; Green, B. Lee; Lichtveld, Maureen Y.

2015-01-01

Significant cancer health disparities exist in the United States and Puerto Rico. While numerous initiatives have been implemented to reduce cancer disparities, regional coordination of these efforts between institutions is often limited. To address cancer health disparities nationwide, a series of regional transdisciplinary networks through the Geographic Management Program (GMaP) and the Minority Biospecimen/Biobanking Geographic Management Program (BMaP) were established in six regions across the country. This paper describes the development of the Region 3 GMaP/BMaP network composed of over 100 investigators from nine institutions in five Southeastern states and Puerto Rico to develop a state-of-the-art network for cancer health disparities research and training. We describe a series of partnership activities that led to the formation of the infrastructure for this network, recount the participatory processes utilized to develop and implement a needs and assets assessment and implementation plan, and describe our approach to data collection. Completion, by all nine institutions, of the needs and assets assessment resulted in several beneficial outcomes for Region 3 GMaP/BMaP. This network entails ongoing commitment from the institutions and institutional leaders, continuous participatory and engagement activities, and effective coordination and communication centered on team science goals. PMID:24486917

Computer Assisted Chronic Disease Management: Does It Work? A Pilot Study Using Mixed Methods

PubMed Central

Jones, Kay M.; Biezen, Ruby; Piterman, Leon

2013-01-01

Background. Key factors for the effective chronic disease management (CDM) include the availability of practical and effective computer tools and continuing professional development/education. This study tested the effectiveness of a computer assisted chronic disease management tool, a broadband-based service known as cdmNet in increasing the development of care plans for patients with chronic disease in general practice. Methodology. Mixed methods are the breakthrough series methodology (workshops and plan-do-study-act cycles) and semistructured interviews. Results. Throughout the intervention period a pattern emerged suggesting GPs use of cdmNet initially increased, then plateaued practice nurses' and practice managers' roles expanded as they became more involved in using cdmNet. Seven main messages emerged from the GP interviews. Discussion. The overall use of cdmNet by participating GPs varied from “no change” to “significant change and developing many the GPMPs (general practice management plans) using cdmNet.” The variation may be due to several factors, not the least, allowing GPs adequate time to familiarise themselves with the software and recognising the benefit of the team approach. Conclusion. The breakthrough series methodology facilitated upskilling GPs' management of patients diagnosed with a chronic disease and learning how to use the broadband-based service cdmNet. PMID:24959576

Generating synthetic wave climates for coastal modelling: a linear mixed modelling approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, C.; Lark, R. M.

2013-12-01

Numerical coastline morphological evolution models require wave climate properties to drive morphological change through time. Wave climate properties (typically wave height, period and direction) may be temporally fixed, culled from real wave buoy data, or allowed to vary in some way defined by a Gaussian or other pdf. However, to examine sensitivity of coastline morphologies to wave climate change, it seems desirable to be able to modify wave climate time series from a current to some new state along a trajectory, but in a way consistent with, or initially conditioned by, the properties of existing data, or to generate fully synthetic data sets with realistic time series properties. For example, mean or significant wave height time series may have underlying periodicities, as revealed in numerous analyses of wave data. Our motivation is to develop a simple methodology to generate synthetic wave climate time series that can change in some stochastic way through time. We wish to use such time series in a coastline evolution model to test sensitivities of coastal landforms to changes in wave climate over decadal and centennial scales. We have worked initially on time series of significant wave height, based on data from a Waverider III buoy located off the coast of Yorkshire, England. The statistical framework for the simulation is the linear mixed model. The target variable, perhaps after transformation (Box-Cox), is modelled as a multivariate Gaussian, the mean modelled as a function of a fixed effect, and two random components, one of which is independently and identically distributed (iid) and the second of which is temporally correlated. The model was fitted to the data by likelihood methods. We considered the option of a periodic mean, the period either fixed (e.g. at 12 months) or estimated from the data. We considered two possible correlation structures for the second random effect. In one the correlation decays exponentially with time. In the second (spherical) model, it cuts off at a temporal range. Having fitted the model, multiple realisations were generated; the random effects were simulated by specifying a covariance matrix for the simulated values, with the estimated parameters. The Cholesky factorisation of the covariance matrix was computed and realizations of the random component of the model generated by pre-multiplying a vector of iid standard Gaussian variables by the lower triangular factor. The resulting random variate was added to the mean value computed from the fixed effects, and the result back-transformed to the original scale of the measurement. Realistic simulations result from approach described above. Background exploratory data analysis was undertaken on 20-day sets of 30-minute buoy data, selected from days 5-24 of months January, April, July, October, 2011, to elucidate daily to weekly variations, and to keep numerical analysis tractable computationally. Work remains to be undertaken to develop suitable models for synthetic directional data. We suggest that the general principles of the method will have applications in other geomorphological modelling endeavours requiring time series of stochastically variable environmental parameters.

Sea change: Charting the course for biogeochemical ocean time-series research in a new millennium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Church, Matthew J.; Lomas, Michael W.; Muller-Karger, Frank

2013-09-01

Ocean time-series provide vital information needed for assessing ecosystem change. This paper summarizes the historical context, major program objectives, and future research priorities for three contemporary ocean time-series programs: The Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT), the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS), and the CARIACO Ocean Time-Series. These three programs operate in physically and biogeochemically distinct regions of the world's oceans, with HOT and BATS located in the open-ocean waters of the subtropical North Pacific and North Atlantic, respectively, and CARIACO situated in the anoxic Cariaco Basin of the tropical Atlantic. All three programs sustain near-monthly shipboard occupations of their field sampling sites, with HOT and BATS beginning in 1988, and CARIACO initiated in 1996. The resulting data provide some of the only multi-disciplinary, decadal-scale determinations of time-varying ecosystem change in the global ocean. Facilitated by a scoping workshop (September 2010) sponsored by the Ocean Carbon Biogeochemistry (OCB) program, leaders of these time-series programs sought community input on existing program strengths and for future research directions. Themes that emerged from these discussions included: 1. Shipboard time-series programs are key to informing our understanding of the connectivity between changes in ocean-climate and biogeochemistry 2. The scientific and logistical support provided by shipboard time-series programs forms the backbone for numerous research and education programs. Future studies should be encouraged that seek mechanistic understanding of ecological interactions underlying the biogeochemical dynamics at these sites. 3. Detecting time-varying trends in ocean properties and processes requires consistent, high-quality measurements. Time-series must carefully document analytical procedures and, where possible, trace the accuracy of analyses to certified standards and internal reference materials. 4. Leveraged implementation, testing, and validation of autonomous and remote observing technologies at time-series sites provide new insights into spatiotemporal variability underlying ecosystem changes. 5. The value of existing time-series data for formulating and validating ecosystem models should be promoted. In summary, the scientific underpinnings of ocean time-series programs remain as strong and important today as when these programs were initiated. The emerging data inform our knowledge of the ocean's biogeochemistry and ecology, and improve our predictive capacity about planetary change.

Promoting pre-conceptional use of folic acid to Hispanic women: a social marketing approach.

PubMed

Quinn, Gwendolyn P; Hauser, Kimberlea; Bell-Ellison, Bethany A; Rodriguez, Nydia Y; Frías, Jaime L

2006-09-01

To develop a culturally appropriate communication initiative in an effort to promote the use of pre-conceptional folic acid among Hispanic women of childbearing age. The materials were designed to communicate information about the risks of neural tube defects and the value of folic acid supplementation before conception. The initiative was developed using a social marketing approach. A series of focus groups were conducted with Hispanic women, particularly Mexican and Mexican-American women, to gain an understanding of their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding birth defects and folic acid. Additionally focus groups assessed women's preferences for existing folic acid education materials. Qualitative analysis of coded transcripts revealed key themes which were incorporated into a multi-media initiative. Critical themes of the research highlighted the need to include the role of partners and a sense of family in the promotions aimed at these groups. Another key component was the need to dispel myths which act as barriers to pre-conceptional folic acid use. Other important elements included in the media products were the need for Spanish and English versions, an explanation of neural tube defects, and a reference to the cost of the supplements. The final products of the initiative included Spanish and English versions of a brochure, photo-novella, and radio public service announcement. Pre-testing results showed women understood the message, thought the message was for women like them, and expected to begin taking a folic acid supplement. Results of the overall evaluation of the initiative are on-going.

Live imaging of developmental processes in a living meristem of Davidia involucrata (Nyssaceae)

PubMed Central

Jerominek, Markus; Bull-Hereñu, Kester; Arndt, Melanie; Claßen-Bockhoff, Regine

2014-01-01

Morphogenesis in plants is usually reconstructed by scanning electron microscopy and histology of meristematic structures. These techniques are destructive and require many samples to obtain a consecutive series of states. Unfortunately, using this methodology the absolute timing of growth and complete relative initiation of organs remain obscure. To overcome this limitation, an in vivo observational method based on Epi-Illumination Light Microscopy (ELM) was developed and tested with a male inflorescence meristem (floral unit) of the handkerchief tree Davidia involucrata Baill. (Nyssaceae). We asked whether the most basal flowers of this floral unit arise in a basipetal sequence or, alternatively, are delayed in their development. The growing meristem was observed for 30 days, the longest live observation of a meristem achieved to date. The sequence of primordium initiation indicates a later initiation of the most basal flowers and not earlier or simultaneously as SEM images could suggest. D. involucrata exemplarily shows that live-ELM gives new insights into developmental processes of plants. In addition to morphogenetic questions such as the transition from vegetative to reproductive meristems or the absolute timing of ontogenetic processes, this method may also help to quantify cellular growth processes in the context of molecular physiology and developmental genetics studies. PMID:25431576

Live imaging of developmental processes in a living meristem of Davidia involucrata (Nyssaceae).

PubMed

Jerominek, Markus; Bull-Hereñu, Kester; Arndt, Melanie; Claßen-Bockhoff, Regine

2014-01-01

Morphogenesis in plants is usually reconstructed by scanning electron microscopy and histology of meristematic structures. These techniques are destructive and require many samples to obtain a consecutive series of states. Unfortunately, using this methodology the absolute timing of growth and complete relative initiation of organs remain obscure. To overcome this limitation, an in vivo observational method based on Epi-Illumination Light Microscopy (ELM) was developed and tested with a male inflorescence meristem (floral unit) of the handkerchief tree Davidia involucrata Baill. (Nyssaceae). We asked whether the most basal flowers of this floral unit arise in a basipetal sequence or, alternatively, are delayed in their development. The growing meristem was observed for 30 days, the longest live observation of a meristem achieved to date. The sequence of primordium initiation indicates a later initiation of the most basal flowers and not earlier or simultaneously as SEM images could suggest. D. involucrata exemplarily shows that live-ELM gives new insights into developmental processes of plants. In addition to morphogenetic questions such as the transition from vegetative to reproductive meristems or the absolute timing of ontogenetic processes, this method may also help to quantify cellular growth processes in the context of molecular physiology and developmental genetics studies.

Initiation and propagation of mixed mode fractures in granite and sandstone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rück, Marc; Rahner, Roman; Sone, Hiroki; Dresen, Georg

2017-10-01

We investigate mixed mode fracture initiation and propagation in experimentally deformed granite and sandstone. We performed a series of asymmetric loading tests to induce fractures in cylindrical specimens at confining pressures up to 20 MPa. Loading was controlled using acoustic emission (AE) feedback control, which allows studying quasi-static fracture propagation for several hours. Location of acoustic emissions reveals distinct differences in spatial-temporal fracture evolution between granite and sandstone samples. Before reaching peak stress in experiments performed on granite, axial fractures initiate first at the edge of the indenter and then propagate through the entire sample. Secondary inclined fractures develop during softening of the sample. In sandstone, inclined shear fractures nucleate at peak stress and propagate through the specimen. AE source type analysis shows complex fracturing in both materials with pore collapse contributing significantly to fracture growth in sandstone samples. We compare the experimental results with numerical models to analyze stress distribution and energy release rate per unit crack surface area in the samples at different stages during fracture growth. We thereby show that for both rock types the energy release rate increases approximately linearly during fracture propagation. The study illuminates how different material properties modify fracture initiation direction under similar loading conditions.

Identification of upstream and intragenic regulatory elements that confer cell-type-restricted and differentiation-specific expression on the muscle creatine kinase gene

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

Sternberg, E.A.; Spizz, G.; Perry, W.M.

1988-07-01

Terminal differentiation of skeletal myobalsts is accompanied by induction of a series of tissue-specific gene products, which includes the muscle isoenzymte of creatine kinase (MCK). To begin to define the sequences and signals involved in MCK regulation in developing muscle cells, the mouse MCK gene has been isolated. Sequence analysis of 4,147 bases of DNA surrounding the transcription initiation site revealed several interesting structural features, some of which are common to other muscle-specific genes and to cellular and viral enhancers.

Problem-based learning biotechnology courses in chemical engineering.

PubMed

Glatz, Charles E; Gonzalez, Ramon; Huba, Mary E; Mallapragada, Surya K; Narasimhan, Balaji; Reilly, Peter J; Saunders, Kevin P; Shanks, Jacqueline V

2006-01-01

We have developed a series of upper undergraduate/graduate lecture and laboratory courses on biotechnological topics to supplement existing biochemical engineering, bioseparations, and biomedical engineering lecture courses. The laboratory courses are based on problem-based learning techniques, featuring two- and three-person teams, journaling, and performance rubrics for guidance and assessment. Participants initially have found them to be difficult, since they had little experience with problem-based learning. To increase enrollment, we are combining the laboratory courses into 2-credit groupings and allowing students to substitute one of them for the second of our 2-credit chemical engineering unit operations laboratory courses.

Evolution of an information literacy curriculum for third-year medical students.

PubMed

O'Dwyer, Linda; Kerns, Stephanie C

2011-01-01

Information literacy curriculum for third-year medical students at Northwestern University has evolved over several years under the guidance of librarians at the Galter Health Sciences Library. Starting as a series of rotation-specific information resource overviews, initial evaluation and feedback led to the curriculum being developed to include more focused and interactive clinical information sessions with a quiz-based assessment. Future enhancements will include web-based self-directed learning using online tutorials, additional search exercises that mimic the on-the-go clinical environment, and better assessment of the curriculum's impact on students' information literacy and clinical search skills.

The NASA supercritical-wing technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartlett, D. W.; Patterson, J. C., Jr.

1978-01-01

A number of high aspect ratio supercritical wings in combination with a representative wide body type fuselage were tested in the Langley 8 foot transonic pressure tunnel. The wing parameters investigated include aspect ratio, sweep, thickness to chord ratio, and camber. Subsequent to these initial series of tests, a particular wing configuration was selected for further study and development. Tests on the selected wing involved the incorporation of a larger inboard trailing edge extension, an inboard leading edge extension, and flow through nacelles. Range factors for the various supercritical wing configurations are compared with those for a reference wide body transport configuration.

Testing and Analytical Modeling for Purging Process of a Cryogenic Line

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hedayat, A.; Mazurkivich, P. V.; Nelson, M. A.; Majumdar, A. K.

2015-01-01

To gain confidence in developing analytical models of the purging process for the cryogenic main propulsion systems of upper stage, two test series were conducted. Test article, a 3.35m long with the diameter of 20 cm incline line, was filled with liquid (LH2)or gaseous hydrogen (GH2) and then purged with gaseous helium (GHe). Total of 10 tests were conducted. Influences of GHe flow rates and initial temperatures were evaluated. Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), an in-house general-purpose fluid system analyzer, was utilized to model and simulate selective tests.

Open Circuit Resonant Sensors for Composite Damage Detection and Diagnosis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mielnik, John J., Jr.

2011-01-01

Under the Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) program work was begun to investigate the feasibility of sensor systems for detecting and diagnosing damage to aircraft composite structures and materials. Specific interest for this study was in damage initiated by environmental storm hazards and the direct effect of lightning strikes on the material structures of a composite aircraft in flight. A series of open circuit resonant sensors was designed, fabricated, characterized, and determined to be a potentially viable means for damage detection and diagnosis of composite materials. The results of this research and development effort are documented in this report.

A whole body counting facility in a remote Enewetak Island setting.

PubMed

Bell, Thomas R; Hickman, David; Yamaguchi, Lance; Jackson, William; Hamilton, Terry

2002-08-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recently implemented a series of strategic initiatives to address long-term radiological surveillance needs at former U.S. test sites in the Marshall Islands. The plan is to engage local atoll communities in developing shared responsibilities for implementing radiation protection programs for resettled and resettling populations. As part of this new initiative, DOE agreed to design and construct a radiological laboratory on Enewetak Island, and help develop the necessary local resources to maintain and operate the facility. This cooperative effort was formalized in August 2000 between the DOE, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Enewetak/Ujelang Local Atoll Government (EULGOV). The laboratory facility was completed in May 2001. The laboratory incorporates both a permanent whole body counting system to assess internal exposures to 137Cs, and clean living space for people providing 24-h void urine samples. DOE continues to provide on-going technical assistance, training, and data quality review while EULGOV provides manpower and infrastructure development to sustain facility operations on a full-time basis. This paper will detail the special construction, transportation and installation issues in establishing a whole body counting facility in an isolated, harsh environmental setting.

HPV vaccination among lesbian and bisexual women: Findings from a national survey of young adults

PubMed Central

McRee, Annie-Laurie; Katz, Mira L.; Paskett, Electra D.; Reiter, Paul L.

2014-01-01

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and associated cervical disease are common among all women, regardless of sexual identity, yet limited research has examined HPV vaccination among lesbian and bisexual women. Methods A national sample of lesbian and bisexual women ages 18-26 (n=543) completed our online survey during Fall 2013. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify correlates of HPV vaccine initiation (receipt of at least 1 dose) and completion (receipt of all 3 recommended doses among initiators). Results Overall, 45% of respondents had initiated HPV vaccine, and 70% of initiators reported completing the series. HPV vaccine initiation was higher among respondents who: were students, had received a healthcare provider's recommendation, perceived greater positive social vaccination norms, or anticipated greater regret if they did not get vaccinated and later got HPV. Initiation was lower among those who perceived greater HPV vaccine harms or greater barriers to getting the vaccine (all p<.05). HPV vaccine completion was higher among initiators who had a college degree while it was lower among those who perceived a greater likelihood of acquiring HPV or who anticipated greater regret if they got the vaccine and fainted (all p<.05). Among HPV vaccine initiators who had not yet completed the series, about half (47%) intended to get the remaining doses. Conclusions Many lesbian and bisexual women are not getting vaccinated against HPV. Healthcare provider recommendations and women's health beliefs may be important leverage points for increasing vaccination among this population. PMID:25038312

A new generation T56 turboprop engine

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

McIntire, W.L.

1984-06-01

The focus of the T56 Series IV turboprop engine development program is to improve power and fuel consumption through incorporation of demonstrated technology improvements while retaining the long term durability and cost effective design of the T56 family. The T56-A-427, the Navy Series IV derivative of the 5000 shp (3728.5 kW) class T56 turboprop engine, resulted from over ten years of technology development via Advanced Turbine Engine Gas Generator (ATEGG), Joint Technology Demonstrator Engine (JTDE), and advanced component programs at Allison Gas Turbine Operations. An example of government and industry cooperation to transfer advanced gas turbine technology is the Airmore » Force Engine Model Derivative Program (EMDP). The initial full-scale demonstration in this program confirmed a 10-1/2% reduction in specific fuel consumption (sfc) and a power growth of 21% in the basic T56 frame. Continued early demonstrations and development by IR and D, Navy funds, and Allison discretionary funds showed a further sfc reduction to 13% and power increase of 28%. The full-scale development program is now underway to provide production engines in late 1986. Engines will be available for the Grumman E-2 and C-2 aircraft, with follow-on adaptions for Lockheed C-130/L100 and P-3 aircraft, and generator sets for DD 963, DDG 993, CG 47 and DDG 51 warships.« less

The conversion of CESR to operate as the Test Accelerator, CesrTA. Part 3: Electron cloud diagnostics

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

Billing, M. G.; Conway, J. V.; Crittenden, J. A.

Cornell's electron/positron storage ring (CESR) was modified over a series of accelerator shutdowns beginning in May 2008, which substantially improves its capability for research and development for particle accelerators. CESR's energy span from 1.8 to 5.6 GeV with both electrons and positrons makes it ideal for the study of a wide spectrum of accelerator physics issues and instrumentation related to present light sources and future lepton damping rings. Additionally a number of these are also relevant for the beam physics of proton accelerators. This paper is the third in a series of four describing the conversion of CESR to themore » test accelerator, CESRTA. The first two papers discuss the overall plan for the conversion of the storage ring to an instrument capable of studying advanced accelerator physics issues [1] and the details of the vacuum system upgrades [2]. This paper focuses on the necessary development of new instrumentation, situated in four dedicated experimental regions, capable of studying such phenomena as electron clouds (ECs) and methods to mitigate EC effects. The fourth paper in this series describes the vacuum system modifications of the superconducting wigglers to accommodate the diagnostic instrumentation for the study of EC behavior within wigglers. Lastly, while the initial studies of CESRTA focused on questions related to the International Linear Collider damping ring design, CESRTA is a very versatile storage ring, capable of studying a wide range of accelerator physics and instrumentation questions.« less

The U.S. Geological Survey mapping and cartographic database activities, 2006-2010

USGS Publications Warehouse

Craun, Kari J.; Donnelly, John P.; Allord, Gregory J.

2011-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began systematic topographic mapping of the United States in the 1880s, beginning with scales of 1:250,000 and 1:125,000 in support of geological mapping. Responding to the need for higher resolution and more detail, the 1:62,500-scale, 15-minute, topographic map series was begun in the beginning of the 20th century. Finally, in the 1950s the USGS adopted the 1:24,000-scale, 7.5-minute topographic map series to portray even more detail, completing the coverage of the conterminous 48 states of the United States with this series in 1992. In 2001, the USGS developed the vision and concept of The National Map, a topographic database for the 21st century and the source for a new generation of topographic maps (http://nationalmap.gov/). In 2008, the initial production of those maps began with a 1:24,000-scale digital product. In a separate, but related project, the USGS began scanning the existing inventory of historical topographic maps at all scales to accompany the new topographic maps. The USGS also had developed a digital database of The National Atlas of the United States. The digital version of Atlas is now Web-available and supports a mapping engine for small scale maps of the United States and North America. These three efforts define topographic mapping activities of the USGS during the last few years and are discussed below.

The conversion of CESR to operate as the Test Accelerator, CesrTA. Part 3: Electron cloud diagnostics

DOE PAGES

Billing, M. G.; Conway, J. V.; Crittenden, J. A.; ...

2016-04-28

Cornell's electron/positron storage ring (CESR) was modified over a series of accelerator shutdowns beginning in May 2008, which substantially improves its capability for research and development for particle accelerators. CESR's energy span from 1.8 to 5.6 GeV with both electrons and positrons makes it ideal for the study of a wide spectrum of accelerator physics issues and instrumentation related to present light sources and future lepton damping rings. Additionally a number of these are also relevant for the beam physics of proton accelerators. This paper is the third in a series of four describing the conversion of CESR to themore » test accelerator, CESRTA. The first two papers discuss the overall plan for the conversion of the storage ring to an instrument capable of studying advanced accelerator physics issues [1] and the details of the vacuum system upgrades [2]. This paper focuses on the necessary development of new instrumentation, situated in four dedicated experimental regions, capable of studying such phenomena as electron clouds (ECs) and methods to mitigate EC effects. The fourth paper in this series describes the vacuum system modifications of the superconducting wigglers to accommodate the diagnostic instrumentation for the study of EC behavior within wigglers. Lastly, while the initial studies of CESRTA focused on questions related to the International Linear Collider damping ring design, CESRTA is a very versatile storage ring, capable of studying a wide range of accelerator physics and instrumentation questions.« less

Major Management Challenges and Program Risks, Department of Education. Performance and Accountability Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Comptroller General of the U.S., Washington, DC.

This report addresses the major performance and management challenges that have limited the effectiveness of the Department of Education in carrying out its mission. The booklet addresses corrective actions that Education has taken or initiated on these challenges--including a number of management initiatives to improve controls over the…

Labour Migration in Moldova: Context and Controls

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaugas, Petru

2004-01-01

The Republic of Moldova proclaimed its independence in 1991. Like other republics of the former USSR, during the last decade of the Twentieth Century, Moldova initiated social and economic reforms aimed at the country's transition to a market economy. A series of relevant social changes were achieved in Moldova but, contrary to initial estimates,…